We here at Notinhalloffame.com thought it would be fun to take a look at the major awards in North American team sports and see how it translates into Hall of Fame potential.

Needless to say, different awards in different sports yield hall of fame potential.  In basketball, the team sport with the least amount of players on a roster, the dividend for greatness much higher.  In baseball, it is not as much as a great individual season does not have the same impact.

After completing the Gold Gloves (thank God!) we wanted to do something away from Baseball and we picked a relatively new award, The NBA Most Improved Player of the Year.

On the surface, it would seem like anyone who improved enough to get this award likely had less than auspicious beginnings, which may mean that not very many of these players are Hall of Famers, but this is why we do this process!

Let’s find out!

The following are the past players who have won the Most Improved Player in the NBA who are eligible for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and have been enshrined.

Tracy McGrady, Orlando Magic (2001)

26.8 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.5 BPG.  It took the award seventeen years of existence before we found our first Hall of Fame inductee (unless previous inductee Kevin Johnson gets in) but regardless if what happens with KJ, this is the first real NBA superstar we are talking about here.  McGrady was with the Toronto Raptors the season before where he started nearly half of his games but this year he was Orlando’s starting Shooting Guard and his Minutes per Game increased from 31.2 to 40.1 with a PPG rise from 15.4 to 26.8 and a PER increase from 20.0 to 24.9.  He would be named a Second Team All NBA member and would later win two scoring titles in his career.    Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.

The following are the players who have won the NBA Most Improved Player of the Year Award who are eligible for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and have not been selected:

Alvin Robertson, San Antonio Spurs (1986)

17.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 5.5 APG, 3.7 SPG, 0.5 BPG.  This was the sophomore season for Alvin Robertson whose minutes shot up from 21.3 to 35.1 per Game.  Increased time certainly led to the increased production as he increased his PPG from 9.2 to 17.0 and more notably would win the Steals Title with a career high of 3.7 per Game.  For his efforts this year, the San Antonio Spur would be chosen for his first All Star Game, would also win the Defensive Player of the Year and was a Second Team All NBA Selection.  This would be his best season as he had a career high 19.5 PER, 6.2 VORP and 8.6 Win Shares.  Robertson would go to three more All Star Games and make more All-Defensive Selections, but he never had a better regular season than this in the NBA.  Ranked #47 on Notinhalloffame.com.  

Dale Ellis, Seattle Supersonics (1987)

24.9 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG.  Dale Ellis played for the Dallas Mavericks for the first three seasons of his career where he came off of the bench but in his first season with the Supersonics he was a starter and he more than tripled his Points per Game from 7.1 to 24.9 and in the next three seasons he would equal his 20 PP and 19.0 plus PER.  However, he was only an All Star once.  Ranked #97 on Notinhalloffame.com.  

Kevin Duckworth, Portland Trail Blazers (1988)

15.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.4 BPG.  Kevin Duckworth would be later go to two All Star Games and in this season, which was his third in the NBA he was a starter for the first time doubling his minutes from 14.8 and 28.6.  Playing for Portland, the Center would increase his PPG from 6.0 to 15.8 and doubled his Rebounds per Game from 4.8 to 7.4 but his Blocks per Game remained at 4.0.  His PER was also only 14.9 but this was actually his career high and he had a VORP of -0.5.  Duckworth actually NEVER had a VORP that had a positive integer.  I guess we are saying that he really didn’t improve by much! Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Kevin Johnson, Phoenix Suns (1989)

20.4 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 12.2 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG.  Kevin Johnson was in his sophomore season and as a rookie he was traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Phoenix Suns where he would become the starting Point Guard.  K.J. now played nearly 40 Minutes per Game (up from 24.0) and this would be his first of four straight 10 Assist seasons, and the 12.2 he had this year would be his highest.  Johnson would be named a Second Team All NBA Selection this year, and he would earn that honor again three more times.  While the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame does not yet inducted him, he is a strong contender to enter in the future.  Ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Rony Seikaly, Miami Heat (1990)

16.6 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.7 BPG.  Rony Seikaly was in his second season and he had a modest increase in Minutes per Game from 25.2 to 32.6 and he increased his PPG from 10.9 to 16.6 and his boards per Game went from 7.0 to 10.4.  In the next four seasons he would average a double-double per season.  This would be the only individual accolade (other than two Player of the Weeks) that Seikaly would win.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Scott Skiles, Orlando Magic (1991)

17.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 8.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG.  This would be the only individual accolade for Scott Skiles who had his best season in almost every metric.  This was a significant jump from the previous season in regards to his stats but in what was his fifth season in the NBA was also his halfway point of his professional career.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Pervis Ellison, Washington Bullets (1992)

20.0 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 2.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.7 BPG.  There is no argument that in what was the third NBA season of Pervis Ellison’s career that it was not just a warranted Most Improved Player of the Year Award year but it was by far and away the best campaign of his career.  This was the only double-double season of the Center’s career but also the only 20 PPG season for Ellison who nearly doubled his Points from the year before.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, Denver Nuggets (1993)

19.2 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG.  Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf had his first of three 18.0 Points per Game Seasons, this one being a 19.2 PPG, which was a career high. This was his third season in the NBA and he had a significant increase in all stats, but as this was his highlight and it was not an All Star worthy one, we don’t have much of a Hall of Fame threat here.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Don MacLean, Washington Bullets (1994)

18.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG.  Hmmm.  This was the best season by far of Don MacLean’s career but if this was the best are we even close to a Hall of Fame career?  We are not!  After this season (he won his award in his second year) he never had a statistical campaign like this again and he would never come close to any award.   Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Dana Barros, Philadelphia 76ers (1995)

20.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 7.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.0 BPG.  This was the sixth season of Dana Barros’ career and by leaps and bounds the best.  The above stats destroyed anything else he did before or after and this was also his only All Star campaign.  Barros would never come close to another individual award again.   Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Gheorghe Muresan, Washington Bullets (1996)

14.5 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.3 BPG.  The star of Billy Crystal’s “My Giant” would win what would be his only individual award here and this was also his best season in the NBA. All of the above stat line would be career highs and he would finish first in Field Goal Percentage and was eighth in Blocks per Game.  He would only be in the NBA for four years after this, one of which he had to sit out due to injury.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Isaac Austin, Miami Heat (1997)

9.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG.  This was the sixth professional season of Isaac Austin’s career however it needs to be noted that the previous two seasons Austin played overseas and was in the Turkish League the year before.  Was anyone really aware of how he improved from the season before?  For what it is worth, he improved the next two years as an NBA player.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Alan Henderson, Atlanta Hawks (1998)

14.3 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG.  Henderson would start 33 Games this year as opposed to the zero from the year before and the Power Forward would see his minutes increase from 16.7 to 29.0 per Game.  His 14.3 PPG would be a career high and he would be a starter the next three years. This would be the only award he would win in the NBA.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Darrell Armstrong, Orlando Magic (1999)

13.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 6.7 APG, 2.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG.  In this season, Darrell Armstrong would also be named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year.  Armstrong only went from 25.8 to 30.0 Minutes per Game but it was a disproportional increase in terms of his Points per Game (13.8 from 9.2) Assists (6.7 from 4.9) and Steals (2.2 from 1.2).  His PER shot up from 15.7 to what would be a career high of 22.2.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jalen Rose, Indiana Pacers (2000)

18.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG.  This was the sixth season for Jalen Rose and his fourth in Indiana.  In his first two seasons, he was a starter in Denver, but wet to Indiana on a bench role. This season, Rose returned as a starter and he put up the best numbers (up until that point) this year.  The former member of Michigan’s “Fab Five” raised his PPG over 7 Points and doubled his Assists.  His PER went up from 14.4 to 16.7.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jermaine O’Neal, Indiana Pacers (2002)

19.0 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.6 SPG, 2.3 BPG.  For the second time in three years, our NBA Most Improved Player of the Year is an Indiana Pacer with Jermaine O’Neal winning this award. The Center/Power Forward only played five more Minutes per Game (32.6 to 37.6) but he increased his PPG from 12.9 to 19.0 and with a now 10.5 RPG, he was a double-double player.  He was named to the Al Star Team and would be the next five years after.  Ranked #69 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Gilbert Arenas, Golden State Warriors (2003)

18.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG.  “Agent Zero” was in his second season in the NBA where he improved his numbers from 24.6 Minutes per Game to 35.0, which resulted in an increase of Points per Game from 10.9 to 18.3.  Arenas would later go to three All Star Games after signing with the Washington Wizards.  Ranked #69 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Bobby Simmons, Los Angeles Clippers (2005)

16.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG.  For the first time Simmons was a regular starter and he went from 24.6 to 37.3 Minutes per Game.  This resulted in a 7.8 to 16.4 increase in Points per Game and he would have a career high 16.1 PER.  He would sign with the Milwaukee Bucks the year after and he would never win another individual award again.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

 

Let’s update our tally shall we?

Award in Question	Percentage of recipients who have entered the HOF	Percentage of recipients by year who have entered the HOF.
NBA MVP	100%	100%
NHL Norris	90.5%	96.4%
NBA All Star Game MVP	89.5%	91.7%
NHL Conn Smythe	74.2%	85.4%
NHL Lady Byng	63.8%	76.0%
NFL Super Bowl MVP	60.6%	64.9%
NBA Defensive Player of the Year	58.3%	56.5%
NBA Rookie of the Year	56.5%	56.5%
MLB/NL/AL Cy Young Award	44.4%	55.4%
NHL Frank J. Selke Trophy	33.3%	36.7%
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year	28.6%	28.6%
MLB Edgar Martinez Award	26.7%	17.2%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Designated Hitter)	25.0%	30.8%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Shortstop)	23.5%	52.6%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove	21.7%	36.8%
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year	20.6%	20.6%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Catcher)	20.0%	22.5%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Second Base)	18.8%	39.8%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Shortstop)	18.2%	35.1%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Pitcher)	18.2%	20.1%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Second Base)	16.7%	32.7%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Outfield)	16.7%	30.1%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Outfield)	15.7%	25.2%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Third Base)	14.3%	14.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Third Base)	13.6%	14.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (First Base)	13.6%	13.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Rookie of the Year	13.3%	13.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Catcher)	10.3%	15.2%
NBA Most Improved Player of the Year	5.3%	3.2%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (First Base)	3.8%	3.2%

So who is up next?

The following are the players who have won the Most Improved Player in the NBA who have retired but have not met the mandatory years out of the game to qualify for the Basketball Hall of Fame:

Boris Diaw, Phoenix Suns (2006)

13.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 6.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.0 BPG.  In his third year in the NBA, Boris Diaw would nearly double his minutes but he would see his Points per Game almost triple from 4.8 to 12.3 and it was the same for Rebounds (2.6 to 6.9), Assists (2.3 to 6.2) and Blocks (0.3 to 1.0).  His PER shot up from 10.0 to 17.3 with a VORP of -0.5 to 3.7.   Diaw will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Monte Ellis, Golden State Warriors (2007)

16.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG.  This was Ellis’ second season in the NBA and his Minutes per Game nearly doubled from 18.1 to 34.3.  He responded well with his shooting with the increased minutes going from 6.8 to 16.5 in Points per Game and his PER increased from 11.1 to 15.0. Ellis will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Hedo Turkoglu, Orlando Magic (2008)

19.5 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 5.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG.  At age 28, Hedo Turkoglu only increased his Minutes per Game from 31.1 to 36.9 but his Points per Game shot up to 19.5 from 13.3.  This would be the native of Turkey’s best season in the NBA as this season would be career highs in PPG and PER (17.8).  Turkoglu will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2019.

Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers (2009)

25.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.4 BPG.  While Granger only played .2 minutes from the season before he increased an already good 19.6 Points per Game to an excellent 25.8. That PPG would be a career high as would his PER of 21.8 and this would see Granger go to his first and only All Star Game.  He would have two more 20 PPG seasons after.  Granger will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2019.

Aaron Brooks, Houston Rockets (2010)

19.6 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 5.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG.  This was the third season of Aaron Brooks’ career and it would be by far his best.  With an increase of 10.6 Minutes per Game, Brooks went from 11.2 Points per Game to 19.6 and had a PER of 16.0, which again was a career high.  Brooks will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2022.

 

 

The following are the players who have won the NBA Most Improved Player who are still active.

Zach Randolph, Portland Trail Blazers (2004)

20.1 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG.  Zach Randolph had a monstrous statistical increase from the season before.  Randolph became a starter and more than doubled his minutes from 16.9 to 37.9 and he was now a double-double player with 20.1 Points and 10.5 Rebounds per Game. His PER actually was a little lower from the season before going from 19.9 to 19.6 essentially indicating he could have produced this in 2003.   37 Years Old, Playing for the Sacramento Kings.

Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves (2011)

20.2 PPG, 15.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG.  Love shot up in both Points and Rebounds in what was his third season improving 6.2 and 4.2 respectively in those categories per Game, with a 7.2 Minutes per Game increase.  Love would be chosen for his first of five All Star Games and his 15.2 Rebounds per Game would be a career high and would give him the Rebounding title. The Power Forward also saw a decent rise in his PER from 20.7 to 24.3 and more than doubled his Win Shares going from 4.9 to 11.4.  30 Years Old, Playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Ryan Anderson, Orlando Magic (2012)

16.1 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG.  Ryan Anderson was in his fourth season in the NBA and what would be his last in Orlando as he would be traded to New Orleans the year after. With a 10 Minutes per Game gain, he went from 10.6 to 16.1 in Points per Game and had a career high 7.7 Rebounds per Game.  He would have a career high PER of 21.2 this season.  30 Years Old, Playing for the Phoenix Suns.

Paul George, Indiana Pacers (2013)

17.4 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG.  George’s Minutes per Game went up from 29.7 to 37.6 and he responded with increase of 2.0 Rebounds, 1.7 Assists and 5.3 Points per Game. He arguably had a bigger improvement the next season when he went up to a PPG and PER over 20.  This would be the first of many All Star Game seasons for George. 28 Years Old, Playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Goran Dragic, Phoenix Suns (2014)

20.3 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG.  In his seventh season in the National Basketball Association, Goran Dragic did not play much more than the season before (only 1.6 Minutes per Game) but his Points per Game went up from 14.7 to 20.3 and he had sizable increase Field Goal Percentage going from .443 to .505.  The Slovenian would also raise his PER from 17.5 to 21.4.  32 Years Old, Playing for the Miami Heat.

Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls (2015)

20.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG.  Jimmy Butler played 38.7 Minutes per Game this year, the exact amount he played the season before but he increased his effectiveness as a shooter going to .462 from .397, which resulted into a rise from 13.1 to 20.0 Points per Game.  29 Years Old, Playing for the Philadelphia 76ers.

C.J. McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers (2016)

20.8 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG.  Statistically speaking, this might be the most deserving winner of this award.  McCollum more than doubled his minutes (15.7 to 34.8) and more than triples his Points per Game going from 6.8 to 20.8.  His PER also went from 13.1 to 17.7.  27 Years Old, Playing for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Giannis Antetokounmpko, Milwaukee Bucks (2017)

22.9 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.9 BPG.  With only a .3 Minute per Game increase look what the “Greek Freak” did per Game.  He raised his Points by 6.0, his Rebounds by 1.1, his Assists by 0.9, his Steals by 0.4 and his blocks by 0.5.  Even more his PER went from 18.8 to 26.1!  This would be the first of many All Star Games for Antetokounmpko.  24 Years Old, Playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers (2018)

23.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.3 APG, 2.4 SPG, 0.8 BPG.  How frustrated must Orlando Magic fans have been when they saw Oladipo break out like this?  This was the season they always thought he was capable of and it happened in his first season in Indiana.  With only a Minutes per Game increase from 33.2 to 34.0 he shot up from 15.9 Points to 23.1 Points per Game and doubled his Steals from 1.2 to 2.4 per Game, which was enough to earn him the Steals Title.  Oladipo was a Third Team All-NBA Selection and he went to his first All Star Game.  His PER also had a massive increase from 13.6 to 23.1.  26 Years Old, Playing for the Indiana Pacers.

As you can see the current result with only one player (Tracy McGrady) who has made the Hall of Fame but with the recent winners who are still active we could easily see this percentage rise.  We initially thought that we would see a higher number as if you are the winner of this award you must be pretty good but there were a few winners here that we openly question and with the recent winners there seems to be an overall improvement, which we think will result in a higher percentage of Hall of Famers.

Up next we are going to back to the National Hockey League and the Calder Trophy, which is presented annually to the league’s top rookie.

As always, we thank you for that support and look for that soon!

If we are to believe Tristan Thompson of the Cleveland Cavaliers, then Kyrie Irving is already a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer.

In an interview with Yahoo Sports’ “Posted Up” Podcast, Thompson had the following to say in regards to Irving:

“There’s nothing to argue.  The man (Irving) has a gold medal, he’s an NBA champion, he’s an All-Star Game MVP and he’s made multiple big shots in his career.  First of all, you know when you’re looking for a house on the apps, you do a filter? How about you do Kyrie’s résumé and then put the filter to see how many guys show up that have it. You’d be surprised how many of those guys aren’t.”

While we are not exactly sure which filters Thompson was referring to, there is some merit to what he said regarding Irving.  In the seven full seasons that he has played in the NBA, the Point Guard has been an All Star five times, a Third Team All-NBA selection (2015), a Rookie of the Year (2012) and an NBA Champion (2016). 

Basketball Reference has Kyrie listed as a 36.4% chance to enter the Hall, though that should shoot up quickly.  At age 26, Kyrie Irving still has many great years left in him but with all due respect to the Boston Celtic he has a couple of years before he can legitimately considered for the Hall of Fame, which is not that far away. 

We have another major update here at Notinhalloffame.com as our Basketball list of those who should be considered for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has gone through a significant revision.

Last April during the Final Four, 4 of our top 10 were selected (Steve Nash #1, Jason Kidd #2, Ray Allen #3 and Grant Hill #5), as was another former player in our top 15 (Maurice Cheeks #15). With four leaving our top five, the peak of our list is being overhauled but it will feature three new entries in the top three who we think will make the 2019 Basketball Hall of Fame Class the most loaded ever as we think they are all a lock to get in.

Before we get to our revised Notinhalloffame.com Basketball list please note that we only rank male players at this time.

Our Notinhalloffame.com Basketball Top Ten is:

Tim Duncan makes his first and what we expect his last appearance on our list at the top spot. Duncan did it all in the NBA winning the MVP twice and the NBA Championship five times in a career spent entirely with the San Antonio Spurs. Duncan would go to 15 All Star Games, was chosen for 10 First Team All-NBA and 8 First Team All-Defensive rosters. He is also in the top ten in Rebounds, Defensive Rebounds, Blocks, Win Shares, VORP and Games Played not to mention being a consensus All-American from Wake Forest.

It takes a player like Tim Duncan to have a megastar like Kobe Bryant debut at #2. Bryant played his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers and he is a five time NBA Champion and one time MVP. Bryant retired third all-time in Points. While we feel Duncan was the better player than Bryant there is no doubt that both are first ballot inductees. We would take Tim over Kobe but the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame won’t see it that way. Kobe is the bona fide headliner.

Kevin Garnett arrives in at #3. Amazingly despite being a former MVP himself, a Defensive Player of the Year, and a 15 time All Star he is still behind Duncan and Bryant. Garnett was a legend with the Minnesota Timberwolves but late in his career he led a group of veterans to a NBA Championship with the Boston Celtics. He is currently 2nd overall in Defensive Rebounds and 4th in VORP. This is quite the “big three” for the Class of 2019 right?

Chris Webber returns at #4. C-Webb was a Finalist last year but will face the same stiff competition in 2019. The former Rookie of the Year is a five time All Star.

Sidney Moncrief comes in at #5. The former two time NBA Defensive Player of the Year was named an All Star five times and was also a former SWC Player of the Year.

The #6 spot also holds the same as Jack Sikma returns to that slot. The big man from Illinois Wesleyan was a seven time All Star and a former NBA Champion with the Seattle Super Sonics.

Ben Wallace moved up from #8 to #7. Wallace was a four time All Star and a four time Defensive Player of the Year and was part of the shocking Detroit Pistons team that won the 2004 NBA Championship.

Shawn Kemp also moved up one spot to #8. Kemp was a six time All Star and three Second Team All-NBA Selection.

We go way back for our #9 selection, Max Zaslofsky who also went up one rank. Zaslofsky was an All Star in 1952 and was a First Team All BAA selection three times in the late 1940’s.

For the first time, Mark Aguirre is in our top ten. He moved up one spot from #11. The longtime Detroit Piston is a two time NBA Champion and three time All Star.

There is one more entry to our Notinhalloffame.com Basketball list as Elton Brand debuts at #50. Brand is a former ACC Player of the Year and two time All Star.

You know what we want you to do!

Take a look at our new list cast your votes, and offers us your opinions as they help us in future lists.

As always, we here at Notinhalloffame.com thank you for your support and we will be bringing to you more lists and content in the future.

While the majority of the inductees was leaked two days ago the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has officially announced the Class of 2018.

The Class is:

Jason Kidd, a ten time All Star and former NBA Champion with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011 and two time U.S. Olympic Champion. Kidd retired second all-time in Assists and Steals and is a five time Assists Champion. He is also a five time First Team All-NBA and four time First Team All-Defensive Selection. He is likely to be the headliner for the class.

Another Point Guard, Steve Nash was also chosen. Born in South Africa and raised in Canada Nash is a two time NBA MVP. He also boasts eight All Star Game appearances, five Assists titles and a three time First Team All-NBA Selection.

Ten time All Star Ray Allen also enters the Hall. From UConn where he was a former National Player of the Year, Allen would win two NBA Titles and is the all-time leader in three pointers.

Coincidentally, Jason Kidd’s Co-Rookie of the Year winner, Grant Hill also was chosen. Hill was a two time NCAA Champion at Duke and was a seven time All Star in the NBA. He is also a one time First Team and four time Second Team All-NBA Selection.

In what could be pegged as a mild surprise, four time All Star Maurice Cheeks will also be inducted. The former Point Guard was a four time First Team All-Defensive Selection and was a champion with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1973.

Katie Smith is the all-time leading scorer in Women’s Professional Basketball through her career in the ABL and the WNBA. She is also a three time U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist and a two time WNBA Champion with the Detroit Shock.

Four time WNBA Champion with the Houston Comets and two time U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Tina Thompson was also chosen. Thomson was a nine time WNBA All Star and is one of the most dominating female players of all-time.

Retired College Coach Lefty Driesell will be entering the Hall as well. Currently 11th all-time in Wins, Driesell has a 786-394 record and coached at Maryland, Davidson, James Madison and Georgia State. He would take the Terrapins to a NIT Championship in 1972.

Rod Thorn enters as a Direct Elect Contributor. A decent player in his own right, Thorn was the General Manager for the Chicago Bulls for six years and was the man responsible for drafting Michael Jordan. He would later serve as the NBA’s Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations and would later win the Executive of the Year while with the New Jersey Nets in 2002.

Rick Welts also enters as a Direct Elect Contributor. Welts is the current President and Chief of Operations for the Golden State Warriors. Previously he worked for the NBA and is credited for the creation of the NBA All Star Weekend and the marketing of the 1992 U.S. Dream Team.

Charlie Scott is this year’s Direct Elect Veteran. Scott was the 1971 ABA Rookie of the Year and was a two time ABA All Star and three time NBA All Star. He also won an NBA Title with the Boston Celtics in 1976.

Entering the Hall as the Direct Elect International inductee is Dino Radja. Radja played three and a half years for the Celtics, but in Europe he was a two time EuroLeague Champion and a EuroLeague Final Four MVP (1989). He also won two Silver Medals in the Olympics for Yugoslavia as well as a Gold Medal in the 1990 World Cup.

Ora Mae Washington was also chosen. More known for her tennis she played Basketball throughout the 1930’s and early 40’s where she was considered one of the greatest female athletes of her day.

Of the Finalists, Chris Webber was the most notable name not chosen.

With this announcement we will begin work on the revised Notinhalloffame Basketball List, which will reflect the subtraction of the new inductees and the addition of those who will now be eligible next year.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2018.

Prior to the NCAA Final Four, this Sunday the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame will be announcing the Class of 2018.

With the mandatory waiting period reduced to three from five years a loaded ballot emerged with promises to see a very talented group of inductees, four of which could be first ballot entries. The anticipation certainly makes us want to speculate as to just who will be chosen this Sunday, which we most certainly do because that is what Notinhalloffame.com was built for.

Of the thirteen Finalists, six of which are former NBA stars all of which have a case for enshrinement, with two Point Guards that according to MyTopSportsBooks.com consider a lock.

Steve Nash is a former two time NBA MVP, worth mentioning as there has never been a MVP who did not receive the call from Springfield. With eight All Star appearances, eight post season All-NBA selections and five assists titles the Canadian likely has his Hall of Fame speech ready.

Amazingly, fellow Point Guard Jason Kidd who has never been named a league MVP actually brings forth a better resume than Nash. Kidd is also a five time Assists leader but went to more All Star Games (10) was an All-Defensive member four times and is a former NBA Champion with the Dallas Mavericks (2011). They are both going to get in this year with the only question being who will be named the headliner.

Ray Allen is being pegged by many as a sure thing, although we aren’t so sure. With Allen being a ten time All Star and two time NBA Champion, he will leapfrog Chris Webber who while has a stronger case as a more dominant NBA player suffers from his University of Michigan career being declared vacated following the scandal where he accepted money from a booster. Essentially, his Naismith College Player of the Year Award does not exist to the voters. Coincidentally, his college rival, Grant Hill from Duke makes his first appearance as a Finalist. If anyone can upset the Allen applecart it is Hill whom despite serious injuries carved out a 20 year NBA career. It will be interesting to see if both can get in.

Maurice Cheeks is definitely on the outside looking in for this class.

In terms of the rest of the Finalists we think former four time WNBA and nine time WNBA All-Star Tina Thompson should be getting in as will referee Hugh Evans and coach Kim Mulkey.

Unlikely to get in this year are Rudy Tomjanovich, Katie Smith, Charles “Lefty” Drissell and the Wayland Baptist University team.

As is tradition during NBA All Star Weekend, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has announced the Finalists for this year’s class:

The Finalists are:

Ray Allen: Allen is a two time NBA Champion (Boston 2008 & Miami 2013) and was a ten-time All Star. Allen is still the all-time leader in three pointers. An All-American at the University of Connecticut (1996), Allen also was a member of Team USA’s Gold Medal win in 2000.

Maurice Cheeks: Cheeks was a four time NBA All Star and four time selection for the All-Defensive Team. At the time of his retirement, Cheeks was fifth all-time in both Steals and Assists.

Lefty Driesell (Coach): Driesell is to date the only coach to win 100 Games at four different schools. Inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007, Driesell has a coaching record of 786-394.

Hugh Evans (Referee): Evans was an NBA referee from 1972 to 2001 and officiated nearly 2,000 Games.

Grant Hill: Hill was a 19 year veteran who was a First Team All-NBA Selection once and Second Team All-NBA Selection four times. He is also a two time NCAA Champion at Duke and was an Olympic Gold Medalist for Team U.S.A. in 1996.

Jason Kidd: Kidd was a ten time NBA All Star and was five times chosen for the First Team All-NBA roster. Kidd also was a four time First Team All-Defensive Selection and is second all-time in the NBA in Steals. He was a two time Olympic Gold Medalist with Team U.S.A. (2000 & 2008) and also is a NBA Champion with the Dallas Mavericks (2011).

Steve Nash: Nash was a two time NBA MVP (2005 & 2006) and was a three time First Team All-NBA Selection. Nash was a five time Assists leader and he still is the all-time leader in Free Throw Percentage.

Rudy Tomjanivich (Coach): While “Rudy T” has a case to be a Hall of Fame inductee as a player, this nomination is as a coach. Tomjanavich took the Rockets to back-to-back titles (1994 & 1995) and also was the Head Coach for Team U.S.A. at the 2000 Olympics.

Chris Webber: Webber was the 1994 NBA Rookie of the Year and was a five time All Star. The former of Michigan’s “Fab Five” was also a one time First Team NBA and three time Second Team NBA Selection.

Women’s Committee Finalists:

Kim Mulkey (Coach):   Mulkey took Baylor to two NCAA Titles (2005 & 2012) and was the consensus Coach of the Year in 2012. Historically speaking, Mulkey is the only woman to win a NCAA Title as a Player, an Assistant Coach and a Head Coach.

Katie Smith: Smith is a former seven time WNBA All Star and is also a time WNBA Champion with the Detroit Shock. She is also a three time Olympic Gold Medalist (2000, 2004 & 2008) with Team U.S.A.

Tina Thompson: A four time WNBA Champion with the Houston Comets (1997-00), Thompson holds the distinction of being the first ever draft pick of the WNBA. Thompson is also a two Olympic Champion with Team U.S.A. (2004 & 2008).

Wayland Baptist University: WBU won 131 straight games from 1953 to 1958 and would win 10 AAU National Championships.

The Class of 2018 will be announced on March 31 during The Final Four.

We mentioned that due to the abrupt alteration of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s changing of eligibility rules from five years to three years after retirement would necessitate a rapid change in our basketball list. We have done just that!

Normally when we do a significant revision we take into account your votes and comments. We are not doing that this time, as we will hold off until the change after the announcement of the next class, which will be announced during the Final Four. Rather, we are just inputting those who are now eligible into the slots where we feel they belong.

Here are the new entries to our Notinhalloffame.com Basketball List:


1. Steve Nash. The Canadian two-time NBA MVP supplants Jason Kidd at #1 on our list. The former Point Guard went to eight All Star Games, was a three time First Team All Pro and was also a five time Assists Leader.

3. Ray Allen. Allen is the all-time NBA leader in three point field goals and was a ten time All Star. Allen is also a two time NBA Champion winning a title with Boston (2008) and Miami (2013).

19. Chauncey Billups. Billups was the NBA Finals MVP for the Detroit Pistons and their shocking Championship win. He was also five-time NBA All Star.

42. Shawn Marion. “The Matrix” helped the Dallas Mavericks win the NBA Title in 2011 and he is also a four time All Star.

54. Rashard Lewis. Lewis was a two time All Star who late in his career helped the Miami Heat win the NBA Championship.

Andrei Kirilenko. From Russia, Kirilenko is a one time All Star who was once the league leader in Blocks.

Jermaine O’Neal. O’Neal went to six All Star Games and was one time Second Team All-NBA Selection. He was also chosen for a pair of Third Team All-NBA squads.

Antawn Jamison. Jamison is a two time All Star who also won the 6th Man of the Year.

Hedo Turkoglu. From Turkey, Turkoglu was named the Most Improved Player of the Year in the 2007-08 Season.

The entire list can be found here.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com encourage you to take a look at these revisions and give us your feedback!

The Basketball Hall of Fame shocked us yesterday with their announcement that former players are now eligible three years after retirement. As such, it rendered our Notinhalloffame.com Basketball list invalid and has also created a loaded list of nominees.

Let’s get right to the nominees for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2018:

Oh…and be patient…It is quite the long list

Players (North American Committee):

Mark Aguirre: Aguirre is a two time NBA Champion with the Pistons and was also a three time NBA All Star. In 1980 at DePaul he was named the Naismith College Player of the Year.

 

Ray Allen: The king of the three point shot is a two time NBA Champion

(Boston 2008 & Miami 2013) and is 24th all-time in scoring. Allen was also a ten time All Star and was the 1996 Big East Player of the Year.

Chauncey Billups: The motor of the surprise Detroit Pistons 2004 NBA Title team and a seven time All Star. He was the Finals MVP in ’04.

Muggsy Bogues: Bogues was a fifteen year NBA veteran most notably with the Charlotte Hornets.

Maurice Cheeks: Cheeks won the NBA Title with the Sixers in 1983 and was a four time All Star. He was also a four time First Team All-Defensive Selection.

Richard Hamilton: “Rip” was another member of the 2004 Detroit Pistons team and was a NCAA Champion and Most Outstanding Player of the 1999 Tournament.

Tim Hardaway: A five time NBA All Star, Tim Hardaway was also a five time All-NBA Selection.

Grant Hill: A two time champion at Duke, Hill was a seven time NBA All Star. Considering his rash of injuries the fact that he played eighteen years professionally is a testament to his dedication to the game of Basketball.

Kevin Johnson: K.J. is a three time NBA All Star and a four time Second Team All NBA Selection.

Marques Johnson: Johnson was a NCAA Champion at UCLA in 1975 and was named the National College Player of the Year in 1977. He was also a five time NBA All Star.

Bobby Jones: Jones was an NBA Champion with the Sixers in 1983 and was an eight time First Team NBA All Defensive Selection. He also was a four time All Star and a Sixth Man of the Year.

Steve Nash: Easily the biggest beneficiary from the new rule change, Nash should be a first ballot inductee. The Canadian Point Guard is a former two-time MVP and an eight time All Star. He is also third all-time in Assists.

Jason Kidd: Kidd, who is now coaching the Milwaukee Bucks, was also an elite Point Guard who was a ten time All Star. Second all-time in Assists, Kidd won a title with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.

Sidney Moncrief: Moncrief is a two time NBA Defensive Player of the Year who also was chosen for five All Star Games. The former Milwaukee Buck was also a one time All-NBA First Team and four time All-NBA Second Team Selection.

Jack Sikma: Sikma helped Seattle win the NBA Championship in 1979 and was a seven time All Star.

Ben Wallace: Wallace was an NBA Champion with the Detroit Pistons in 2004. Wallace was a four time All Star and a four time Defensive Player of the Year. He was also a two time Rebounding Champion.

Chris Webber: A legend from the University of Michigan “Fab Five”, Chris Webber also was the NBA Rookie of the Year (1994) and a five time All-NBA Selection.

Paul Westphal: Westphal won the NBA Title in 1974 with the Boston Celtics and was also a five time All Star. He also was chosen for the First Team All-NBA three times.

Quite the group of players right?

That isn’t all.

Below are the following nominees in other categories:

Coaches:

Lefty Driesell: Driesell had a coaching record of 786 and 394 and is a two time ACC Coach of the Year.

Steve Fisher: Fisher is the current Head Coach at San Diego State and won the NCAA Title in 1989 with Michigan State. He was also named the NCAA Coach of the Year in 2011.

Bill Fitch: Fitch was a two time NBA Coach of the Year and win the NBA Title with the Boston Celtics in 1981.

Cotton Fitzsimmons: A legendary figure with the Phoenix Suns, Fitzsimmons was a two time NBA Coach of the Year, one with Phoenix the other with the Kansas City Kings.

Bob Huggins: Huggins is the current Head Coach at West Virginia an has a record of 832 – 332.

Jerry “Tiger” Jones: A long time Coach in Girl’s High School Basketball. He coached in the Seattle area.

Gene Keady: A seven time Big Ten Coach of the Year and five time National Coach of the Year, Gene Keady has a career record of 550 – 289.

Ken Kern: A former Head Coach at Fort Hamilton High in Brooklyn.

Rollie Massimo: Massimo is already a member of the College Basketball Hall of Fame (2013) and is still coaching at Keiser. He led Villanova to the Division I Title in 1985 and has a NCAA record of 816 – 462.

Gary McKnight: The longtime and current Head Coach at Mater Dei Varsity in Santa Ana, California.

Danny Miles: Miles was the Head Coach at Oregon Tech from 1971 to 2016 and had a record of 1,040 – 437. He won three NAIA Division II Titles.

Dick Motta: Motta coached the Washington Bullets to the 1978 Title and was also a former Coach of the Year (1971).

Jim Phelan: Phelan was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008 and took St. Mary’s to a title in 1962.

Lee Rose: Rose has an overall NCAA record of 228 – 105 and took the UNC Charlotte 49ers to a Final Four Appearance in 1977.

Bo Ryan: Ryan was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017 and took Wisconsin-Platteville to four Division III Titles. He would later take Wisconsin to two Final Four Appearances. His overall record is 747 – 233.

Bob Saulsbury: Saulsbury was a longtime Head Coach at Wilbur Cross.

Steve Smith: From the famed Oak Hill Academy, Steve Smith has been named the USA Today National Coach of the Year four times and nine times have been declared the National High School Champions.

Harry Statham: Statham has been the Head Coach of McKendree since 1966 and has an overall record of 1,147 – 499.

Eddie Sutton: Sutton was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame and is a two time AP Coach of the Year. He has reached three Final Fours.

Rudy Tomjanovich: A five time All Star as a player, “Rudy T” took the Houston Rockets to back-to-back titles in 1994 to 1995.

Willie West: West was a longtime coach at Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles.

Referees:

Irv Brown: Brown officiated six Final Fours.

Jim Burch: Burch broke the color barrier for referees in the ACC.

Hugh Evans: Evans was a referee in the NBA from 1972 to 2001. He refereed 35 NBA Finals Games.

Ed Hightower: Hightower refereed 12 Final Fours.

Jake O’Donnell: O’Donnell was an NBA ref for twenty-eight years from 1967 to 1995.

Women’s Nominees:

Leta Andrews: Andrews is the winningest United States High School Women’s Coach.

Jennifer Azzi: Azzi played for Stanford and was a member of the 1996 U.S. Women’s Gold Medal Team. She would later play in the WNBA and was a coach at the University of San Francisco.

Becky Hammon: A former six time WNBA All Star and a two time WNBA First Team Selection, Hammon made history as the first female coach of an NBA Team (San Antonio) three years ago.

Suzie McConnell-Serio: A former player at Penn State, McConnell-Serio is a former WNBA Coach of the Year and is the current Head Coach at the University of Pittsburgh.

Pearl Moore: Moore was a star in the former Women’s Professional Basketball League.

Kim Mulkey: Mulkey was a former player at Louisiana Tech and has been the Head Coach at Baylor since 2000. She has won the NCAA title twice (2005 & 2012).

Harley Redin: Redin coached Wayland Baptist University to six AAU National Titles. He compiled a 431 – 66 record over eighteen years.

Theresa Shank: Shank won back-to-back-to-back titles with Immaculata (1972-74) and has a Head Coaching record of 671 – 309.

Katie Smith: Smith was a two time WNBA Champion and a two time All-WNBA First Team Selection. She was also the scoring champion in 2001. Currently, Katie Smith is the Head Coach of the New York Liberty.

Marianne Stanley: Stanley was the 2002 WNBA Coach of the Year, though she has been mostly a valued Assistant Coach throughout her career.

Barbara Stevens: Stevens has been the Head Coach for Bentley University since 1986 after previously coaching Clark University and UMass. She has an overall record of 928 – 262 and is a five time Division II Coach of the Year.

Valerie Still: Still was a former star at the University of Kentucky.

Tina Thompson: From USC, Tina Thompson made history as the first ever WNBA Draft Pick. Thompson was a nine time WNBA All Star and four time WNBA Champion. She is also a two time Gold Medalist at the Olympics (2004 & 2008).

Wayland Baptist Women’s Team: (1953-58) This team won 131 Games in a row.

Teresa Weatherspoon: Weatherspoon won the NCAA Title in 1988 for Louisiana Tech and in the WNBA would be a four time WNBA All Star and two time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. She also won a Gold Medal at the 1988 Olympics.

Direct-Elect Category: Early African-American Pioneers Nominees:

Clarence “Puggy” Bell: Bell played for the New York Rens and was the 1939 MVP in the World Professional Basketball Tournament.

Sonny Boswell: Boswell was a former Harlem Globetrotter from 1939 to 1942 and was the MVP of the 1940 World Professional Basketball Tournament.

Chuck Cooper: Cooper was a star at Duquesne and was one of the first African-American players in the NBA. He was with the Celtics from 1950 to 1954.

Bill Garrett: Garrett made history as the first African-American player in the Big Ten when he started for the University of Indiana. He was the third black player to be drafted in the NBA and was a former Harlem Globetrotter.

Inman Jackson: Jackson was a Harlem Globetrotter from 1930 to 1945.

Clarence “Fats” Jenkins: Jenkins played for the New York Rens and also the Chicago Crusaders.

Bucky Lew: Lew started playing professionally in 1902.

Dave Minor: Minor played at UCLA and was in the NBA for three seasons in the early 1950’s.

Hudson Oliver: Oliver was a great African-American player in the early 1900’s.

Al “Runt” Pullins: Historically speaking Al “Runt” Pullins was an integral part of the growth of the Harlem Globetrotters and pound for pound was on the best players of his day.

James “Pappy” Ricks: Ricks was an original member of the New York Rens and played for them from 1932 to 1936.

Paul Robeson: A true renaissance man (Robeson was more famous for his singing), Paul Robeson was actually athletically more known for Football. In terms of hoops, Robeson played for the first all-black professional basketball team, the Commonwealth Big Five of Harlem.

Eyre Saitch: Saitch was a member of the New York Rens and was part of the first black team to win a World Championship.

Wee Willie Smith: Smith was a member of the New York Rens from 1932 to 1936 and was one of the few black players to compete in the NBL.

Direct-Elect Category: International Nominees:

 

Tal Brody: Brody was the 12th overall pick in the NBA but he elected to play for Maccabi Tel Aviv over his career, which lasted from 1966 to 1980. He is already a member of the Israeli Basketball Hall of Fame.

Jackie Chazalon: Chazalon played for the French National Women’s Team from 1963 to 1976. She entered the FIBA HOF in 2009.

Vlade Divac: Divac was an NBA All Star who internationally represented Yugoslavia. He won a Silver Medal in the 1988 Olympics and the FIBA World Cup in 1990 and 2002.

Alphonso Ford. An American who played at Mississippi Valley State, Ford found success in Europe and was a two time EuroLeague top scorer and Greek League MVP.

Semen Khalipski: Khalipski is a National Coach in Belarus.

Vladimir Kondrashin: Kondrashin coached the Soviet Union to a Gold Medal in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal.

Toni Kukoc: Known mostly for being a three time NBA Champion with the Chicago Bulls, Kukoc is also a three time EuroLeague Champion, FIBA World Cup MVP and EuroBasket MVP. He also won the Silver Medal with Yugoslavia in the 1988 Olympics and the Gold in the 1990 World Cup.

Marcos Leite: Leite represented Brazil in the 1980 & 1984 Olympics and helped his country win the Pan American Games in 1971.

Aldo Ossola: From Italy, Aldo Ossola played on seven Italian League Champions and five FIBA European Champions Cup teams.

Amaury Pasos: From Brazil, Amaury Pasos was a two time Brazilian League Champion and was a FIBA World Cup MVP in 1959.

Dan Peterson: Peterson might be an American, but it was in Italy where he made his mark in Coaching. He is a five time Italian League Champion, three time Italian Cup Champion and one time EuroLeague Champion.

Dino Radja: Radja played three and a half years for the Celtics, but in Europe he was a two time EuroLeague Champion and a EuroLeague Final Four MVP (1989). He also won two Silver Medals in the Olympics for Yugoslavia as well as a Gold in the 1990 World Cup.

Manuel Sainz: Sainz is a legendary figure in Spanish Basketball, specifically Real Madrid. Sainz was a player for the team from 1961 to 1969 and following his playing career he would work his way to become the teams Head Coach. He would also coach the Spanish National Team.

Togo Soares: Soares coached the Brazilian National Team from 1951 to 1971 and took them to a Gold Medal win in 1959 and 1963 at the FIBA World Cup. He also won a Bronze Medal in the 1960 Olympics.

Ranko Zeravica: Zeravica was the Head Coach for the Yugoslavian Men’s Team for years. He took Yugoslavia to a Gold Medal in the 1980 Olympics and to a Gold in the 1970 World Cup. He also took his country to a Silver Medal in the 1968 Olympics.

Direct-Elect Category: Contributor Nominees:

 

Marv Albert: Albert has been the voice of the New York Knicks for the past thirty-seven years and has worked for NBC and TNT.

Al Attles: After a successful playing career, Attles was a Coach for the Philadelphia/Golden State Warriors for thirteen years.

Dick Baumgartner: Baumgartner has been a Coach in Indiana for over 50 years.

Henry Bibby: Bibby was a two-time CBA Coach of the Year and was a former Head Coach at Stamford.

Marty Blake: Blake was the former General Manager of the Atlanta Hawks and was also the Director of Scouting for the NBA for many years.

Vic Bubas: Bubas had a career coaching record at Duke of 213-67 and was a three time ACC Coach of the Year.

Wayne Duke: Duke was the Commissioner of the Big Eight Conference (1963 to 1971) and later the Big Ten Conference (1971-88).

Harry Glickman: Glickman was a co-founder of the Portland Trail Blazers and was the team President from 1987 to 1994.

Marty Glickman: Glickman was a broadcaster for the New York Knicks and later New Jersey Nets.

Simon Gourdine: The former Deputy Commissioner of the NBA and highest ranking black official in major sports in the 1970’s.

Curt Gowdy: Gowdy broadcast many games for NBC both in pro games and college.

Tim Grgurich: Grgurich was a former Head Coach at the University of Pittsburgh and was also a long time Assistant in the NBA.

Del Harris: Harris was named the NBA Coach of the Year with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1995.

Greg Heineman: Heineman is the owner of the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

Robert Indiana: Indiana painted the court that the Milwaukee Bucks had at the MECCA Arena.

Johnny “Red” Kerr: A three time NBA All Star, Kerr would be the Coach of the Year in 1967 with the Bulls. He would broadcast for the Bulls for twenty-two years.

Bill King: Along with being the voice of the Oakland Raiders and the Oakland Athletics, Bill King was also the play by play announcer for the Golden State Warriors in the 60’s and 70’s.

John Kline: A former Harlem Globetrotter John Kline founded the Black Legends of Professional Basketball in 1966.

Red Klotz: A champion with the Baltimore Bullets in 1948, Red Klotz formed and played for the Washington Generals.

Jack McCloskey: A Head Coach at Penn (1956-66), Wake Forest (1966-72) and the Portland Trail Blazers (1972-74), “Trader” Jack McCloskey was far more known for his role as a General Manager for Portland and the Detroit Pistons. McCloskey Would build the team in Detroit that was a mini-dynasty.

Jerry McHale: A noted orthotic doctor who has worked a lot with NBA players.

Johnny Most: Most was the radio voice of the Boston Celtics from 1953 to 1990.

Dennis Murphy: Murphy co-founded the American Basketball Association.

Joe O’Toole: O’Toole is considered to be the catalyst for the creation of the National Basketball Trainers Association.

Billy Packer: Packer has been one of the most known College Basketball Analysts over the past thirty years.

Jack Powers: Powers played for the Manhattan Jaspers, and would later become their Coach and then their Athletic Director.

Dee Rowe: Rowe used to be the Head Coach at the University of Connecticut from 1969 to 1977 and following that he remained a part of the institution for decades.

Zelda Spoelstra: Spoelstra had worked for the NBA for decades serving in multiple duties.

Rod Thorn: Thorn was an NBA Player for eight years and an NBA Coach for another eight. Afterwards he was the NBA’s Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations but would leave to GM the Nets where he would become the Executive of the Year in 2002. He is currently the NBA President of Basketball of Operations.

Jim Valvano: “Jimmy V” famously coached NC State to the 1983 Division I Championship. His overall coaching record was 346 – 210.

Donnie Walsh: Walsh is currently the President of Basketball Operations for the Indiana Pacers and had that role with the New York Knicks previously.

Rick Welts: Welts is the current President and Chief of Operations for the Golden State Warriors. Previously he worked for the NBA and is credited for the creation of the NBA All Star Weekend and the marketing of the 1992 U.S. Dream Team.

Direct-Elect Category: Veterans Nominees:

 

1936 United States Olympic Team: The ’36 team won Gold at the Berlin Olympics.

1964 State Department Basketball Ambassadors.

Ron Boone: Boone was a four time ABA All Star and ABA Champion in 1971.

Sid Borgia: Borgia was a referee in the NBA from 1946 to 1964. He would later serve as the Chief of Officials the next two years.

Carl Braun: Braun was a five time NBA All Star.

Frank Brian: Brian was a star at LSU and would later be a two time NBA All Star.

Joe Caldwell: Caldwell was a two time NBA All Star and also a two time ABA All Star.

Mack Calvin: Calvin was a five time ABA All Star who was also a member of the ABA All Time Team.

Jack Coleman: A one time NBA All Star, Coleman was a two time NBA Champion, one with Rochester and one with St. Louis.

Bob Dandridge: A two time NBA Champion (one with Milwaukee and one with Washington) Bob Dandridge also was a four time All Star.

Charles Eckman: Eckman was the Head Coach for the Fort Wayne/Detroit Pistons from 1954 to 1957.

Leroy Edwards: Edwards was a three time NBL Scoring Champion and two time NBL Champion.

Leo Ferris: Credited with creating the 24 second shot clock, Ferris also was the founder of the Buffalo Bisons, which evolved into the Atlanta Hawks.

Clarence “Bevo” Francis: Francis was an elite scorer at Rio Grande in the early 50’s.

Buck Freeman: Freeman was the longtime coach of St. John’s University.

Donnie Freeman: Freeman was an ABA Champion with the Indiana Pacers in 1973 and was also a five time ABA All Star.

Travis Grant: Grant was at one time the highest scorer in NCAA history during his career at Kentucky State. He is already in the College Basketball Hall of Fame.

Bob Grody: Grody played in various leagues in the 1920’s and 30’s.

Robert Harrison: Harrison was a three time NBA Champion with the Minneapolis Lakers and was also an All Star in 1956.

Flo Harvey: Harvey played for multiple teams in the Rhode Island area in the 1900’s to 20’s.

Dick Hemric: Hemric was an NBA Champion with the Boston Celtics in 1957 and was also a two-time ACC Player of the Year.

Cam Henderson: Hendeson (who was also a Football Coach) coached college hoops from 1919 to 1955 and would win the NAIA Men’s Basketball Championship in 1947.

Robert Hopkins: Hopkins was a major star at Grambling State in the mid 1950’s.

Lou Hudson: Hudson was a six time All Star who spent the bulk of his career with the St.Louis/Atlanta Hawks.

Warren Jabali: Jabali was an ABA Champion and Playoff MVP with the Oakland Oaks in 1969. He was also a four time ABA All Star.

Jimmy Jones: Jones was a six time ABA All Star and three time First Team All-ABA Selection.

Charles Keinath: Kenaith was a four time All-American at Penn and was the Helms National Player of the Year in 2008.

Freddie Lewis: Lewis was a three time ABA Champion with the Indiana Pacers and a four time ABA All Star. He was also the 1972 ABA Playoff MVP.

Jim Loscutoff: Loscutoff played for the Boston Celtics from 1955 to 1964 and won seven NBA Titles.

Loyola of Chicago:

Billy Markward: Markward played professionally in the 1900’s and would coach the Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia for forty years after. He would win twenty championships as a Coach.

Ed McCluskey: McCluskey was the very successful Head Coach at Farrell High School in Pennsylvania.

Ray Mears: Mears had a career coaching record of 399 – 135 in a combined career with Wittenberg and the University of Tennessee.

Francis Meehan: Francis “Stretch” Meehan was a pro from the mid-10’s to the late 20’s and at 6’ 7’’ was one of the first tall men in the game.

Dudley Moore: Moore was the Head Coach at Duquesne from 1948 to 1958 and would take the team to the NIT Title in 1955. Also coaching at LaSalle from ’58 to 1963, Moore had an overall record of 270 – 107.

Willie Naulls: Naulls was a star at UCLA and would become a three time NBA Champion with the Boston Celtics. Naulls would also be a four time All Star.

Philadelphia Sphas: The team existed from 1917 to 1955 and would win 10 Championships.

Mel Riebe: Riebe was the 1944 NBL Rookie of the Year and was also a two time NBL Scoring Champion (1944 & 1945).

Glenn Roberts: Roberts was one of the first players to utilize the jump shot and was also a Champion in the NBL in 1939.

Holcombe Rucker: Rucker founded the New York City pro-am basketball tournament in Harlem.

Kenny Sailors: An NCAA Champion and Tournament Outstanding Player from 1943 Kenny Sailors was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.

Fred Schaus: Schaus was an All Star as a Fort Wayne Piston in 1954 and would have a long career in College and the Pros where he led Purdue to a NIT Title and had a seven year run helming the Lakers. He was also a four time Southern Conference Coach of the Year at West Virginia. In addition, he has an NBA Championship ring as an executive from the Lakers Title win in 1972.

Charlie Scott: Charlie Scott was chosen for five All Star Games; two in the ABA and three in the NBA. Scott was also the ABA Rookie of the Year (1971) and was a champion in the NBA with the Boston Celtics (1976).

Kenny Sears: Sears was a two time All Star and holds the distinction of being the first basketball player to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Frank Selvy: A two time NBA All Star, Frank Selvy holds the record for the most points in a NCAA Division I Game with 100. Naturally, he is a two time NCAA Division I Scoring Champion.

George Senesky: Senesky was Division I Scoring Champion at St. Joseph’s (1943) and was a BAA Champion with the Philadelphia Warriors in 1947. He would later be the team’s Head Coach and won the NBA Title in 1956.

Charles Siler: Siler was part of the origin of the game contributing with the developing the rules of the game.

Talvin Skinner: Skinner was a rebounding machine at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Professional he played three years with the Seattle SuperSonics.  

Ken Suesens: Suesens played for Sheboygan in the NBL for eleven years and was a champion in 1943.

Tennessee A&I:

Dick Van Arsdale: Van Arsdale was a three time NBA All Star with the Phoenix Suns.

Tom Van Arsdale: The twin of Dick Van Arsdale, Tom was also a three time All Star. His was with Cincinnati Royals/Kansas City Kings.

Willie Wise: Wise was an ABA Champion 1971 with the Utah Stars and was a three time ABA All Star.

Max Zaslofsky: Zaslofsky was a four time All-NBA First Team Selection (1947-50) and was the Scoring Champion in 1948.

The Finalists will be announced during NBA All Star Weekend and during the Final Four the Class of 2018 will be announced.

With all of these changes, we look to revise our Notinhalloffame.com Basketball List by the end of this year.

We did not see this coming.

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame dropped what is for us a bombshell and frankly we here at Notinhalloffame.com wished we had a bit of a heads up!

On Thursday, The Basketball Hall of Fame will announce the finalists for their institution but there will likely be candidates that we did not expect to see as they have now announced that former players need only to have retired for three years to be eligible. This will mean that former MVP Steve Nash is now HOF eligible.

We apologize as since we just learned of this change, our Notinhalloffame Basketball list will not be up to date, and we will work on changes as soon as we can.

We thank you in advance for your understanding.

In four years Kobe Bryant will be eligible for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, and there is little doubt as to whether he is going in on the first ballot. He is. There is also no question that despite what should be a loaded class with Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett also likely going in, that he will be the headliner.

The only question really is who will induct him, so it was not a surprise when he was asked by Complex as to who he would have as the inductor:

"In terms of who might present, for me it’s two people: Michael Jordan or Phil Jackson. They’ve been the greatest mentors, not only in my career as an athlete, but also as a person. And what I might say is just a lot of thank yous. ‘Cause I’ve had a lotta help along the way. A lotta lotta help."

Jordan is widely considered to be the greatest player of all-time and while Kobe has entered that discussion for some, the two only have greatness in common as they never played with each other nor has Bryant played for Jordan. Phil Jackson however is another story.

Jackson coached Bryant in Los Angeles where the duo would win five NBA Titles. The coach/player was not always a pleasant one as Jackson ripped Bryant in his book, which was released during his hiatus calling him “uncoachable”. Still, when thinking of who would be the best person to induct Kobe it is hard to think of a better choice.

The countdown is on!

We have been putting this one of for a while but we have to ask the question now that the Miami Heat has officially waived Chris Bosh, do we put him on our 2021 Futures or do we wait to see if he officially retires?

Bosh thanked the fans of Miami in an open letter on his website but did not indicate whether he intends to retire from professional basketball or not.  The former alumni of Georgia Tech was forced off of the court due to blood clots at the 2014-15 All Star break and it would happen again the year after.  Bosh was not medically cleared to play last season.

Should Bosh never return to the NBA he ends a career with two NBA Championships and eleven All Star Game appearances.  The odds are strong that he will be entering the Basketball Hall of Fame, though if this is the end, is he a first ballot entry?

Bosh would become eligible in 2021, the same year as Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett, which already was the most loaded class in the last twenty years.  Throw Bosh in there and we may have four first ballot entries with well over ten titles between them.

So, do we wait to put CB4 on our 2021 Futures list or do we assume that his playing career is over? 

We need a week to think about this one, but we would love to hear your thoughts. 

As always with us at Notinhalloffame.com it is always a continuing process!

When one Hall of Fame Class gets in, we need to look at updating our respective lists.  As such, we are proud to announce that we have updated our Notinhalloffame.com Basketball List.

The recent class only claimed two former players off of the ranking, Tracy McGrady (#2) and George McGinnis (#12) but there are quite a few former players who we feel are deserving of a rank and much like the other lists, we have plans to increase the number from the even 100 to 200.  For now, we now have a less than perfect number of 106, but that will only be a temporary number.

Let’s get to the new rankings shall we?

Although our #1 was not chosen, we have a new star at the top of our perch.  Five time First Team All NBA Selection Jason Kidd debuts at #1.  The current coach of the Milwaukee Bucks is a ten time All Star and is currently #2 all-time in Steals and Assists. 

Chris Webber was ranked #1 last year, and he drops to #2.  We have been long since championing Webber for the Hall, and while he did not get selected last year, he finally was named a Finalist for the first time, which at least gives us reason to be optimistic. 

At #3, we have another new entrant, Grant Hill.  A two time NCAA Champion at Duke, Hill was a major star in the NBA, tallying seven trips to the All Star Game, until severe injuries took him off of that level, though this is still a man who played 18 years in the NBA.

While there are many new entrants, only Jason Kidd and Grant Hill crack the top ten.

Seven Time Al-Star Jack Sikma remains in the #4 spot.  Sikma helped the Seattle SuperSonics win the NBA Championship.

Sidney Moncrief dropped two spots to #5.  While he dropped here (mostly due to the eligibility of Kidd and Hill) he is coming off being named a Finalist.

Former multi-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Ben Wallace swapped places with former Seattle star, Shawn Kemp at #6 and #7 respectively. 

Max Zaslofsky remains at number 8.  Zaslofsky was a First Team All BAA/NBA Selection from the 1946-47 season to the 1949-50 season.

Two time NBA Champion with the Detroit Pistons, Mark Aguire tumbled from #5 to #9.  Aguire was also a three time All Star.

Tim Hardaway completes the top 10.  Hardaway, a five time All Star was a Finalist last year.

There are additional new entries to discuss.

The master of the technical foul, Rasheed Wallace enters at #22.  Wallace was a star for both Portland and Detroit, the latter of with he helped take to an NBA Championship.

Two time All Star Jerry Stackhouse debuts at #49 and bookending the #50 rank is new entry Marcus Camby.  Camby’s rank is a little interesting considering he was never an All Star, but he is a former two-time Defensive Player of the Year and also won the Naismith College Player of the Year when he was at UMass.

The other new entries are Richard Hamilton (#75) and Lamar Odom (#104).

You know what we want you to do!



The updated list can be found here and we encourage all of you to vote and state your opinions!

Not only is this the Final Four Weekend, it is another milestone day for us at Notinhalloffame.com as the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has announced their Class of 2017.

For us, the headliner is Tracy McGrady, the seven time All Star who had had prolific runs with the Orlando Magic and the Houston Rockets.  McGrady was a two time scoring champion and would score more than 20 Points per Game eight years in a row.  Notably, T-Mac would be named an All NBA player seven times.  This was his first year of eligibility.

Collegiately speaking, the big name is Bill Self, the Head Coach of Kansas, who has an overall record of 623 and 192.  He would take the Jayhawks to the National Championship in 2012.

Rebecca Lobo headlines the women’s side of the ledger.  Lobo was a star of the University of Connecticut team that won the NCAA Title in 1995 and went 35 and 0.  She would go on to the WNBA and was an All Star in 1999.

Lobo is joined by Muffet McGraw, the Head Coach for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish’ women’s team since 1987.  She would take her team to the NCAA Title in 2001.

The recently deceased Jerry Krause was also chosen.  Krause was the owner of the Chicago Bulls team that ran roughshod through the NBA in the 1990’s winning six titles.

Representing the ABA is two time ABA Champion, George McGinnis.  The former Indiana Hoosier was the ABA MVP in 1975 and after the merge with the NBA would make three All Star Games there.

The class is rounded out by High School Coach Bob Hughes, former NCAA Vice President Tom Jernstedt, European player, Nikos Galis and Zach Clayton and Mannie Jackson of the Harlem Globetrotters.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate this latest class and we will again begin work on our Notinhalloffame.com Basketball list.

Dwight Howard, the Atlanta Hawks’ Center was asked recently by ESPN as to whether he is a Basketball Hall of Famer.  He was pretty confident in his answer:

“No doubt. It’s kind of got swept under the rug because the perception of all the things that happened in Orlando. All of the media stuff. If you look at basketball itself, and I don’t ever talk about myself, but winning three Defensive Player of the Year trophies has never been done. Leading the league in rebounding six straight years. All that kind of stuff, I think that deserves it.”

Howard isn’t wrong.  Based on who is already in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, the big man should be able to get in.  This isn’t a knock against Howard, but the bar is a little lower for Springfield than it is for Cooperstown. 

Howard’s star has certainly fallen since the wishy-washy way he left Orlando and his ineffective runs in both Los Angeles and Houston.  He is certainly not the player he once was, but at one point Howard was without question the dominant Center in the NBA and was named to First Team All-NBA Selection five times.  That alone makes him a Hall of Famer whether he wins a ring or not…which he still has time to do!

Again, can we say how much we love “Hall of Fame Season”?

As is tradition, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced their finalists on NBA Hall of Fame weekend, and for us the biggest news is that Chris Webber is finally a Finalist. 

Let’s take a look at this year’s Finalists:

Hugh Evans.  Evans was a referee in the NBA from 1972 to 2001.

Tim Hardaway.  A return Finalist, Hardaway is a five time All Star and is ranked #9 by us on Notinhalloffame.com.

Robert Hughes.  Hughes is one of the most successful High School Coaches in history.

Rebecca Lobo.  The star of the 1995 University of Connecticut Women’s NCAA Team, Lobo would also win an Olympic Gold Medal with Team USA in 1996 and was a one time WNBA All Star.

Rollie Massimino.  The longtime coach of Keiser University.

Tracy McGrady.  A two time NBA Scoring Champion and seven time All Star, McGrady is ranked #2 on our Notinhalloffame.com Basketball list.  McGrady is also a two time First Team All-NBA Selection.

Muffet McGraw.  The long time and still head coach of Notre Dame, McGraw took the Fighting Irish to a title in 2001.

Sidney Moncrief.  Ranked #3 on our Notinhalloffame.com list, Moncrief was a two time Defensive Player of the Year and was a five time All Star.

Kim Mulkey.  The only woman to win a NCAA Women’s Title as a player, Assistant Coach and Head Coach, Mulkey has been the Head Coach at Baylor since 2000.

Bo Ryan.  Ryan is a previous Finalist and had over 700 NCAA coaching wins.  He won four titles in Division III.

Bill Self.  Self won the NCAA Championship at Kansas in 2008 and has a record of 613-190 at this time. 

Rudy Tomjanovich.  Ranked #32 on our Notinhalloffame.com list, Rudy T, coached the Houston Rockets to back to back titles and was a five time All Star as a player. 

Wayland Baptist University.  Another return nominee, Wayland Baptist University are ten time AAU Champions.

Chris Webber.  Ranked #1 by us on Notinhalloffame.com, the former star of Michigan’s “Fab Five”, Webber averaged over 20 Points per Game in the NBA and was a former Rookie of the Year.  Webber also is a five time post season All-NBA selection.

So, which ones will get in?

We will find in early April during the Final Four.

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is continuing in on the fun in this “Hall of Fame” Season.

The following have been named as Finalists for the Class of 2017.


Mark Aguire.  A three time All Star and two time NBA Champion with the Detroit Pistons.  He is a former #1 Pick out of DePaul.  Ranked #4 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Gesse Ausbie.  A former Harlem Globetrotter for twenty-five years (1961-1985). 

Bill Bertha.  A former Assistant Coach for the Los Angeles Lakers and Executive for the New Orleans Jazz.

Muggsy Bogues.  A former pint sized Point Guard who may have been the smallest on the court but was a popular player and excellent one at that.

Junior Bridgeman.  A two-time MVC Player of the Year and twelve year NBA veteran, predominantly with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Irv Brown, a longtime referee and broadcaster.

Maurice Cheeks.  A Champion with the Philadelphia 76ers and 4 time All Star known for his defensive acumen.  Cheeks also had success as a coach in the NBA.  Ranked #14 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Terry Cummings.  A former NBA Rookie of the Year who was chosen for two post season All-NBA Teams.   Ranked #18 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Lefty Drissell.  A former NCAA Coach with a record of 786 and 394.  He is most known for his 18 seasons as the head coach of Maryland. 

Hugh Evans.  A former NBA Referee from 1972 to 2001.

Bill Fitch.  A long time NBA Coach who won the NBA Title with the Boston Celtics in 1981 and was named the NBA Coach of the Year twice.

Cotton Fitzsimmons.  A two time NBA Coach of the Year who helmed the Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks, Kansas City Kings and the San Antonio Spurs.

Tim Hardaway.  A former Point Guard who went to five All Star Games and was named to five All-NBA Teams.  Ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Del Harris.  A former NBA Head Coach who was named Coach of the Year in 1995.  He had the coaching duties of the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Robert Hughes.  A former High School Head Coach who has the most wins in High School Basketball history.

Kevin Johnson.  A former five time post season All-NBA Selection and three time All Star.  Ranked #11 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Marques Johnson.  A former star at UCLA and former five time All Star.  Ranked #26 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Bobby Jones.  A former four time All-Star and NBA Champion with the Philadelphia 76ers.  Ranked #24 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jerry Jones.  A long time women’s basketball coach.

Gene Keady.  A former college coach mostly known for his twenty-five year run with Purdue.  Keady is a seven time Big Ten Coach of the Year.

Rollie Massimino.  A college coach who won the NCAA Title with Villanova in 1985.

Tracy McGrady.  A former Shooting Guard who went to seven All Star Games and was named to seven post season All-NBA teams.  Ranked #2 on Notinhalloffame.com. 

Gary McKnight.  Another successful High School Basketball Coach.

Danny Miles.  The Coach of Oregon Tech from 1971 to 2016.  Miles has over 1,000 Wins and three Division II Championships.

Sidney Moncreif.  A former two time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and five time NBA All Star.  Ranked #3 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Dick Motta.  A successful Head Coach who was a former NBA Coach of the Year and NBA Champion with the Washington Bullets.

Swen Nater.  The only player to have led both the ABA and NBA in Rebounds.  Nater is a former ABA Rookie of the Year and two time NCAA Champion with UCLA.

Jake O’Donnell.  A former NBA referee for twenty-eight seasons.

Jim Phelan.  The Head Coach for Mount St. Mary’s from 1954 to 2003.  He took them to a NCAA Division II Title in 1962.

Mark Price.  A four time All Star and four time post season All-NBA Selection.  Ranked #27 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jere Quinn.  A Head Coach for thirty-eight years at St. Thomas More Prep.

Glenn Robinson.  The current Head Coach at Franklin & Marshall since 1971 and the all-time leader in wins in Division III.

Lee Rose.  A former Head Coach in College (UNC Charlotte, Purdue and South Florida) and an Assistant Coach in the NBA.

Bo Ryan.  A four time NCAA Division III Champion at Wisconsin-Platteville who also took The University of Wisconsin to two Final Fours.

Bob Saulsbury.  A former Head Coach at Wilbur Cross Prep.

Bill Self.  The current Head Coach of the Kansas Jayhawks and NCAA winner in 2008.

Jack Sikma.  A seven time All Star who won the NBA Championship with the Seattle SuperSonics.  Ranked #4 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Steve Smith.  The Head Coach at Oak Hill Academy and four time USA Today Coach of the Year. 

Fred Snowden.  The first African American Head Coach at a major University (Arizona) and a former WAC Coach of the Year.

Harry Statham.  The Head Coach for McKendrie University since 1966.  He has over 1,100 Wins.

Eddie Sutton.  A former NCAA College Coach with over 800 Wins.  Sutton most notably coached for Creighton, Arkansas, Kentucky and Oklahoma State and is a two time NCAA Coach of the Year.

Rudy Tomjanovich.  A two time NBA Championship Coach with the Houston Rockets and nominated as a Coach.  As a player (where he is ranked by us) he is a five time NBA All Star.  Ranked #32 on Notinhalloffame.com. 

Ben Wallace.  A four time All Star and four time NBA Defensive Player of the Year who also helped the Detroit Pistons win the NBA Title in 2004.  Ranked #7 on Notinhalloffame.com. 

Chris Webber.  A former star at the University of Michigan who would win the NBA Rookie of the Year and go to five All Star Games and earn five post season All-NBA Teams.  Ranked #1 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Paul Westphal.  A former five time All Star who won a NBA Title with the Boston Celtics.  Ranked #15 on Notinhalloffame.com.  


Note that the Notinhalloffame.com Basketball list only ranks players.

This list will be paired down to a much smaller number of Finalists, which will be announced early next year. 

As always, we here at Notinhalloffame.com have been diligently working on expanding our website, and we have a small addition to our Basketball section, the 2021 Basketball Futures.

As many of you know, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has reduced the eligibility wait by one year, thus making everyone eligible five years after their career ends in the National Basketball Association. 

We know this much.  Once you take a look at the group that is eligible and see the three certain first ballot Hall of Famers, perhaps you will wish to join us on our pilgrimage to Springfield, Massachusetts in 2021!

The 2021 Future Eligible Basketball Players are: 

Tim Duncan, a Center from St. Croix who would play his entire career with the San Antonio Spurs.  Duncan was a ten time First Team All NBA Selection, a five time NBA Champion and a two time MVP.

Mo Williams, a one time All Star with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Kobe Bryant, a ferocious scorer who took the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA Championships.  He is also a one time NBA MVP and eleven time First Team All Pro Selection. 

Kevin Garnett, a prep to star player who helped the Boston Celtics win the NBA Championship and WAS the Minnesota Timberwolves.  Garnett is a former NBA MVP and four time First Team All NBA Selection.

Elton Brand, a two time All Star.

Amar’e Stoudemire, a six time All Star who would be named to an All-NBA team five times.

Duncan, Bryant and Garnett?  All three of them will (and better) enter the Basketball Hall of Fame on their first go and if they don’t the entire institution should be blown up.

Realistically, we are not worried about that not happening and are assuming that this will be one of the greatest trios to enter the Hall of Fame together. 

It is official.

Ray Allen, via the Player’s Tribune has officially announced his retirement from the National Basketball Association after flirtations of a comeback with top title contenders, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors.  Allen last played in 2014, where he played with the Miami Heat.

Allen is a ten time NBA All Star who has two NBA Championships, with the Boston Celtics in 2008 and with Miami in 2013.  He currently holds the all time NBA record for successful Three Pointers made. He also had successful runs with the Milwaukee Bucks and Seattle SuperSonics.

Allen will be eligible for the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019 and is a strong contender to enter on the first ballot.

We have been expecting this day all week.

Kevin Garnett of the Minnesota Timberwolves announced his retirement over his Instagram page.  This will conclude a productive 21 Year Career in which the big man Farragut Academy would cement a legacy as one of the most intense and defensive minded players of all time.

Garnett came into the NBA as the first high school player in twenty years and while many were concerned that a player out of high school could not make the jump to the NBA, though Garnett quickly silenced those critics and opened the door for high schoolers (for better or for worse) to enter the elite professional rank without having to go to college.

Drafted 5th overall in 1995 by the Minnesota Timberwolves, the 7’ 1” Garnett would make Minnesota a credible team and for many a must watch in the league.  KG would become an All Star 15 times, capture First Team All-Defensive honors 9 times and make the First Team All-NBA squad four times.  He would also win the Rebounding title four times. 

Seemingly on his shoulders, Garnett would take the T-Wolves to the playoffs multiple times but lacked the help to take them deep into the playoffs.  A shocking trade to the Boston Celtics would put together a team good enough to win the NBA Championship in 2008.  Garnett would later be traded to the New Jersey Nets and would come back to Minnesota to finish out his professional career.

Kevin Garnett will be eligible for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021, the same year that Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan become eligible. 

Can you imagine that Hall of Fame Class?

We can, and are planning our trip to Springfield already!

We here at Notinhalloffame.com thought it would be fun to take a look at the major awards in North American team sports and see how it translates into Hall of Fame potential.

Needless to say, different awards in different sports yield hall of fame potential.  In basketball, the team sport with the least amount of players on a roster, the dividend for greatness much higher.  In baseball, it is not as much as a great individual season does not have the same impact.