The annual Naismith Hall of Fame induction this weekend will highlight some of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
It also reminds us that the cast is always growing with new players added every year.
The current generation of players is a strong one. Without doubt, we’ll see some of the active NBA players ending up in the Hall after they retire.
Some players are more obvious than others. But there’s a good chance that the Spurs will have multiple additions from the current roster.
Tim Duncan is a certifiable lock as the greatest power forward in NBA history. He’s a certifiable first-ballot addition.
Manu Ginobili’s raw career statistics aren’t as good as most Hall of Famers. But he’s been a member of three NBA champions and is the only player in history to win an NBA title, a Euroleague title and an Olympic gold medal. If Drazen Petrovic and Arvydas Sabonis can make the Hall for their limited NBA contributions, Ginobili is more than willing.
Parker’s case isn’t quite as strong as Duncan or Ginobili, but he’s only 29 and still has several years ahead in his career if he can remain healthy. He also made history as the first foreign-born NBA Finals MVP. If he has a couple of more strong seasons, he’ll have a legitimate shot.
Here is my unofficial list of players who were active last season who should be locks to join the Hall of Fame one day.
- Kobe Bryant
- Tim Duncan
- Kevin Durant
- Kevin Garnett
- Manu Ginobili
- Dwight Howard
- LeBron James
- Jason Kidd
- Yao Ming (since retired)
- Steve Nash
- Dirk Nowitzki
- Shaquille O’Neal (since retired)
- Derrick Rose
- Dwyane Wade
These players have good shots at the Hall of Fame if they can finish their careers with a flourish.
- Ray Allen
- Carmelo Anthony
- Chauncey Billups
- Pau Gasol
- Blake Griffin
- Grant Hill
- Kevin Love
- Tracy McGrady
- Tony Parker
- Chris Paul
- Paul Pierce
- Rajon Rondo
- Amar’e Stoudemire
- Ben Wallace
- Russell Westbrook
How about it Spurs Nation? What are the chances that Parker, Ginobili and Duncan will be reunited after their careers in Springfield, Mass.
If they get there, they likely will run into at least one familar face. They will be greeted by their coach, Gregg Popovich, a certifiable lock for the Hall when he retires.
As always, I’m curious about your comments.
