Congrats to Dikembe!

[Dnice]

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/04/06/dikembe-mutombo-spencer-haywood-jo-jo-white-elected-to-hall-of-fame/

 

 

The Basketball Hall of Fame, after announcing its finalists during NBA All-Star Weekend, unveiled the final results for this class:

Inducted:

• Dikembe Mutombo
• Spencer Haywood
• Jo Jo White
• d*ck Bavetta
• John Calipari
• Lisa Leslie

Not inducted:

• Kevin Johnson
• Tim Hardaway Sr.
• Bill Fitch
• Bo Ryan
• Robert Hughes
• Leta Andrews

I’ve stopped getting too worked up about who gets in and who doesn’t. The Basketball Hall of Fame – with all its committees – has inconsistent guidelines and procedures for election, and the results have been predictably sketchy.

That said, Mutombo was a lock among the former NBA players on the ballot. Haywood had a strong case. White’s inclusion was probably overdue.

The two NBA-playing finalists who didn’t make it – Johnson and Hardaway – fall short of the bar I’d set, but they’re probably more deserving of players already in the Hall.

Bavetta was a well-known ref for a long time, and he seemed to be generally respected. He’s at least more highly regarded now that he’s retired.

Calipari is obviously getting in for his time in college – at Massachusetts, Memphis and Kentucky. He also coached the Nets, which is part of his record. In theory, the Hall considers someone’s contributions at all levels.

Fitch, the last of the finalists with NBA ties, coached the Celtics to a championship and won a couple Coach of the Year awards. But he also had a losing career record. I’m OK with him falling short.

Tom Heinsohn was already directly inducted as a coach. Other direct inductees were Louie Dampier, Lindsey Gaze, John Isaacs and George Raveling.

 

 

 

 

Edited April 6, 2015 by Dnice

[Guest]

Is he going in as a Hawk, Nugget or Rocket. He stated earlier that he considers himself a Rocket but he can't possibly go in as a Rocket imo. He had his best years with the Hawks and Nuggets. Oh he had a couple years in Philly too and made the finals with Iverson.

[ATLHawks3]

Hope he goes in as a Hawk.

[pimp]

He's still the biggest Free agent to ever sign with the Hawks.
Congratulations Dikembe

[AHF]

Dikembe was a stud in the NBA and is an international darling.  That is a great combination for the HOF.  Congrats, Deke!

[Guest]

He's still the biggest Free agent to ever sign with the Hawks.

Congratulations Dikembe

You are forgetting Ken Norman...

[benhillboy]

I knew Deke was a lock. I agree with Hardaway and Johnson not getting in. The best referrees to me are nameless so electing them to the Hall is weird to me. Count me in the camp who doesn't like or respect Calipari regardless of his stellar results and track record.

[Dnice]

[hazer]

My 3rd favorite Hawk!

[benhillboy]

I think it was Steve Smith or Dennis Scott who said he was known for walking into a party full of groupies and shouting "who want to sex Mutumbo!?!"

Edited April 6, 2015 by benhillboy

[NJHAWK]

The criteria to get into the Naismith H.O.F has almost been laughable over the years. Thats why it still boggles my mind that Nique was not a 1st ballot hall of famer

[DrReality]

He's done more off the court than he did on the court.  Truly a great man. 

[PSSSHHHRRR87]