The Class of 2016 also includes National Basketball Association referee Darell Garretson, ABA superstar Zelmo Beaty, Michigan University coach Tom Izzo, coach John McLendon, football Hall of Famer Cumberland Posey and Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf.
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“I walked out on the court and I looked at him, and for the first time in my life, a human being didn’t look real to me”, he said. In his eight seasons in the league, he became the sport’s ambassador and continued promoting the sport after being forced to retired five years ago due to foot injuries.
In his induction speech, A.I. pays tribute to many Hip Hop greats for inspiring him through his playing days for the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies. He said growing up he dreamed he would once be as good as the legendry Dr. J or Julius Erving. “Thank you for being such a big part of the league”.
All the 10 inductees were given new orange Hall of Fame jacket on Thursday and will receive their Hall of Fame rings on Saturday. Alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Yao Ming and Sheryl Swoopes, Iverson’s HOF speech probably made everyone in attendance locate their nearest Kleenex.
“I wanna thank Biggie Smalls, Redman, Jadakiss, Tupac and Michael Jackson for being my theme music throughout my career”, The Answer says to a cheering crowd, adding to those he already mentioned including Ma$e and Cam’ron.
HIs best joke of the night came at the expense of former teammate Kobe Bryant, who after he sent his honest thanks to, hit him with some great singers. A guy that would push me to help me win three titles in a row. I’m looking at his shoes, and I’m like, man, he’s got on the Jordans!
Reinsdorf spoke of the 1990s, which was the Bulls’ Michael Jordan era in which the team won six National Basketball Association titles during eight seasons. “It takes a whole organization”. “That’s Mike!” Iverson exclaimed.
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She told those attending that if you world hard, do not give up and believe, your dreams do come true.
