This year's Hall of Fame class has recently just been announced, and with Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, and Kevin Garnett all in the fold, this is easily one of the best classes we've seen thus far. It's not going to be easy to top the 2020 class, but next year's batch should include a formidable list of players as well.
What we have for you today is a quick rundown of the potential members of the 2021 Hall of Fame class. We have classified them into two separate groups, with the first being the “shoo-in's,” or those that are fully expected to highlight the class. The second group are the “could-be's,” or the players that have a shot of being included, but are by no means a guarantee. Let's begin.
Shoo-in #1: Paul Pierce
Many believe that Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce is going to headline the 2021 Hall of Fame class — and for good reason. For starters, the 6-foot-7 swingman is a 10-time All-Star, a four-time All-NBA team member, and a one-time Finals MVP.
Pierce, an Inglewood, California native, was selected 10th overall by the Celtics in 1998. At that time, Boston was in an extended slump, and as a matter of fact, the team posted a horrid 19-31 record in Pierce's rookie campaign. He would continue to improve year after year, and would establish himself as Boston's cornerstone superstar. The former Kansas standout would then lead the Celtics to four consecutive playoff appearances between 2002 and 2005, including a memorable Eastern Conference Finals berth in 2002.
Pierce's most memorable contribution to the game has got to be the pivotal role he played in Boston's historic 2008 NBA championship — Pierce's one and only title. He was a bona fide superstar at this point, but with Kevin Garnett and Rey Allen also in the mix, this powerhouse Boston side would go all the way and win the franchise's first championship in over two decades.
Pierce holds career averages of 19.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 1.6 triples per game, prior to his retirement in 2017.
Shoo-in #2: Chris Bosh
Another candidate that must be included in the 2021 class is none other than Chris Bosh. As a matter of fact, many believe that the 6-foot-11 big man should have been included in this year's class.
Bosh is perhaps most remembered for his stint with the Miami Heat, who won back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013. He was the third star in Miami's famed Big 3, playing alongside LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. However, what is often overlooked is how dominant Bosh was as the cornerstone superstar of the Toronto Raptors. He made five straight All-Star appearances with the Raptors, and in his final year, the Georgia Tech alum averaged 24.0 points (on 51.8 percent shooting), 10.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game.
Unfortunately, Bosh's career was cut short by a life-threatening blood issue, which forced him to hang it up in 2016 at just 31 years of age. In 13 seasons in the NBA, the former fourth overall pick was an 11-time All-Star, a one-time All-NBA team member, and a two-time NBA champ.
Could-be #1: Chris Webber
We have 6-foot-9 forward/center Chris Webber as a borderline shoo-in, but at this point, we're more comfortable placing him in our could-be bracket.
Even before his illustrious NBA career, Webber had already made his mark in the sport by being part of that famous Michigan side. Notwithstanding his unforgettable momentary lapse of judgment when he called a timeout that cost his team the championship, Webber is still widely considered as a Michigan legend.
In the NBA, Webber played for five different teams, but he is most remembered for his time with the Sacramento Kings. In arguably his best season with the team (2000-01 season), he averaged 27.1 points (on 48.1 percent shooting), 11.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.7 blocks.
Webber is a former Rookie of the Year winner, a five-time All-Star, and a five-time All-NBA team member. He retired in 2008 following a memorable 14-year career.
Could-be #2: Chauncey Billups
Finally, we have 6-foot-3 guard Chauncey Billups, who also has a shot of being enshrined next year. Selected third overall by the Boston Celtics in 1997, the former Colorado standout would immediately be shipped off to the Toronto Raptors that same season. He would then play for the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves before finding his home with the Detroit Pistons in 2002.
In just his second season in Detroit, Billups would play a huge role in the Pistons' unforgettable title run in 2004. Nobody thought that Detroit could upset the powerhouse Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals, but somehow, the Pistons did just that. Billups would lead his side in that memorable series, and would be rewarded with a Finals MVP trophy along with his one and only championship.
Billups is a five-time All-Star, a three-time All-NBA team member, and a two-time All-Defensive team member. It would not be a complete surprise if he ends up being named as a finalist in next year's Hall of Fame class.
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