He thanked the Rockets’ owners and coaches, as well as his teammates, in particular, guards Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley.
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“[Yao’s] career was cut short, and I think he didn’t achieve everything he wanted to on the floor”, National Basketball Association commissioner Adam Silver said at last year’s All-Star Weekend.
Iverson said Larry Brown, the 76ers coach with whom he had an often contentious relationship, was responsible for him becoming a Hall of Famer.
“You’re just the best to me”, he said. This other is you, the fans.
Iverson also paid tribute to “the ones that stuck by me throughout my journey”.
As expected, Iverson became emotional talking about his gratitude and love for his family.
“Now you can say: ‘Well, look, my man is solidified'”.
Iverson isn’t sure how his speech will go tomorrow.
As he was introduced to the crowd before his speech, NBATV host Ahmad Rashad said – with the crowd interrupting him with cheers – “Consider the willingness, the tenacity, the toughness to compete at the highest level, the mesmerizing handle, the breathtaking speed…and you will find The Answer”. “I would love to see the next generation of Chinese players surpass the accomplishments of my generation”. “So if I make any more new friends, I know the signs”, he said in conclusion.?
Shaquille O’Neal has always packed a big presence, and Friday he’ll find himself joining some other giants of his sport. “Finally, when I reached here, it’s (fulfilling)”, Yao added.
“It’s pretty special. I always remember Coach Smith saying his proudest moments were when his players got honored in some way shape or form, so now I understand what he means”.
He thanked former Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant for helping him win three National Basketball Association titles, “but also for getting me pushed off the team and traded to Miami”. “But also help me get pushed off the team and traded to Miami”.
O’Neal said being in the same class with a guy like Iverson was appropriate for two players who brought their own unique styles to the NBA – Shaq as an imposing force in the middle and Iverson as a small player whose skill and personal bravado still resonate today.
“For years, I never spoke to Yao”.
“It’s well-deserved”, Thomas said of Iverson’s induction while volunteering at a Celtics service day event at McKay School in East Boston. “Then one game he hit me with a Hakeem Olajuwon bang-bang fadeaway”.
O’Neal played in the National Basketball Association from 1992 to 2011, 19 seasons.
“It’s not just about playing so hard”.
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“You stood by me through good and bad times, you gave me strength to move forward”. I had to overcome all that to be wearing this (Hall of Fame) jacket right now. “I think a lot of kids need that discipline these days”. Listing former Philadelphia stars like Julius Erving, Moses Malone, Billy Cunningham and Bobby Jones, Iverson lamented having to come in there and fill all those shoes when I was only a size 10 and those guys are greats..
