The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is considering postponing the induction of the Class of 2020 for a later date. This year's class — which is headlined by NBA greats Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett — was set to be inducted on Aug. 29 in Springfield.
According to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, the Hall is considering delaying proceedings, though CEO John Doleva noted it will not combine the inductions for the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021.
“I do want to make it very clear we will have a separate event for the class of 2020 because of the notoriety of that class and, frankly, every class deserves its own recognition,” Doleva said. “There is a potential next calendar year that we could have two enshrinements.”
It would not be a surprise if proceedings were delayed.
The Baseball Hall of Fame canceled its own induction weekend for the Class of 2020 amid concerns with respect to the coronavirus pandemic.
While it does not appear Doleva and Co. will follow suit in cancellation, there is a chance the induction will be moved.
Doleva said the ceremony will be moved from Symphony Hall to the MassMutual Center to allow attending patrons to practice social distancing. He also listed this upcoming Columbus Day (Oct. 9-11) and spring of 2021 as possible dates for induction.
Regardless of the end result, the Hall is right to pursue a separate event for the Class of 2020. It is very likely the Hall will do something to memorialize the late NBA icon Kobe, who died in a helicopter crash in January.
Moreover, the likes of Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett were three of the most definitive NBA players of their era, and they certainly deserve their day in the sun.
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