The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2016 lived up to its lofty billing with an epic three-hour induction ceremony Friday night at Springfield’s Symphony Hall, with Iverson and O’Neal stealing the show. I had to overcome all that to be wearing this (Hall of Fame) jacket right now.
Advertisement
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”.
At the podium, the sixth of the nine men and women honored in the Class of 2016, Iverson stopped often during his free-wheeling, 25-minute speech to compose himself.
Fighting tears throughout his extended speech, Iverson thanked former Georgetown coach John Thompson “for saving my life”.
And now he takes his place in the Basketball Hall of Fame, alongside the all-time greats.
Four-time WNBA champion Sheryl Swoopes, Michigan State University coach Tom Izzo, longtime Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf were also enshrined.
“He had a lot of heart”, O’Neal said of Iverson.
“And obviously Shaq, dominant, big man, controlled the paint, which really emphasised the importance of having a big man”, Mourning said.
Yao said his playing days with Houston were some of the best days of his life. “I know greatness when it comes to basketball”. I want so much for the people that stuck with me through everything, I want them to feel good about it/ I want them to feel like they’re Hall of Famers. He also singled his former National Basketball Association coaches, including Rudy Tomjonavich and Jeff Van Gundy.
As sportswriter Michael Lee put it, Iverson was “the embodiment of Philadelphia’s defiant, independent spirit” – the sort of man who might, oh, say, spurn a king and start a revolution. He credited Brown for helping him take constructive criticism, and acknowledged him as a “great, great coach” who helped him become an MVP with the Sixers. I’m not sure there is a better ambassador. “I’ve got to make sure I thank them all”. So many people supported me and believed in me. 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”.
Chinese basketball sensation Yao Ming began his career on the court with the Shanghai Sharks. Drawing laughter, O’Neal added, “Hey, they paid me $3 million. I think he is famous”.
Advertisement
“Kobe Bryant: a guy that would push me and help me win three titles in a row”, said O’Neal. “Then one game he hit me with a Hakeem Olajuwon bang-bang fadeaway”.
