The smallest man to ever play in the NBA could be in the company of giants of the sport along with one of the fiercest scoring threats to ever lace them up and a four-time Defensive Player of the Year as Muggsy Bogues, Tracy McGrady, and Ben Wallace were announced as first-time nominees for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Standing at a dwarfish 5 feet 3 inches tall, Bogues was a Tasmanian devil on the court, wreaking havoc with his unique speed and court-vision. The Wake Forest product enjoyed a 14-year NBA career, most notably with the Charlotte Hornets whom he played for nine seasons.
McGrady was one of the most explosive scorers of his time; his career average of 19.6 points per game doesn't tell the full story of his dominance on the court. During his years as a member of the Orlando Magic and the Houston Rockets, he was one of the most feared shooting guards of that era with a long, but strong frame and his inimitable ability to create scoring situations off the dribble.
The seven-time All-Star won back-to-back scoring titles with Orlando, asserting himself as one of NBA's most dynamic scorers.
Wallace carved his way to a nomination the same way he cracked an NBA roster — through defense.
An NBA champion with the Detroit Pistons and a four-time DPOY winner, Big Ben came into the league as an undrafted rookie out of Virginia Union, making his living as one of the last few old school rim protectors — the kind to make you think twice before approaching his vicinity.
An undersized center at 6-foot-9, Wallace was widely known around the league for his work ethic and preparation, a trait he instilled on his team, propelling them to four-straight wins in the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Other notable players eligible for a seat in the Hall of Fame this year include Kevin Johnson, Maurice Cheeks, Tim Hardaway, Mark Price, Chris Webber and Paul Westphal. Coaches up for induction include Wisconsin's Bo Ryan, Charles “Lefty” Driesell and Oklahoma State's Eddie Sutton.
Women's player Rebecca Lobo and women's coaches Muffet McGraw and Kim Mulkey are also eligible inductees.
Follow Us
Subscribe