The NBA announced Friday that Vince Carter and Chauncey Billups will be named finalists for induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024.
Michael Cooper, Walter Davis, Bo Ryan and Charles Smith also joined the North American Committee, along with Carter, an eight-time NBA All-Star, and Billups, the five-time NBA All-Star and Portland Trail Blazers coach. Named as a finalist.
The women’s committee’s final list includes eight-time WNBA All-Star Seimone Augustus and Marian Washington, who coached the University of Kansas women’s basketball team for 31 seasons. There is.
Other finalists include Dick Barnett and Harley Reddin (Veterans Committee). Michele Tims (International Committee); and Doug Collins, Herb Simon, and Jerry West (Contributor Committee).
“Being selected as a 2024 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame finalist is a testament to the highest level of achievement in our sport,” Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame President Jerry Colangelo said in a statement. “This is an honor that reflects not only the greatness of the individual, but also his long-lasting impact on the game itself.
“From the strategic talents of their coaches to the unparalleled abilities of their players to their influential roles as coach-broadcasters, respected owners, and dynasty-building executives, each finalist represents the pinnacle of basketball excellence. Their participation highlights the diverse contributions that have shaped and enriched the sport, making this recognition truly special.”
To join the Class of 2024, finalists must be voted on by the Honors Committee. The class will be announced at the NCAA Men’s Final Four in Phoenix on April 6 and will be enshrined in Springfield, Massachusetts, on August 16-17.
Who stands out?
Carter scored more points in one season with two different teams (Nets, Raptors), but I remember him as the best dunker in NBA history. He also aged well, playing 22 seasons and contributing to his demise.
Billups was the point guard on the defending champion team, which lacked a top-five player. He was an overwhelmingly consistent influence on the last great Pistons team. It was great when he made a 3-pointer and the Detroit PA announcer yelled, “Chaunceeeeey BBB-BILLUPS.”
Cooper wasn’t an All-Star, but he was a key part of the flashy Showtime Lakers’ defense.
Davis, who passed away in November, was the Suns’ all-time leading scorer, Team USA gold medalist in 1976 and Rookie of the Year in 1978. He was also at the center of the biggest drug scandal in NBA history. During the 1986-87 All-Star season for Davis, he testified before a Maricopa County (Arizona) grand jury against several Suns teammates who were ultimately censured. Cocaine related chargesDavis was therefore able to avoid prosecution.
Doug Collins was Michael Jordan’s first and last NBA coach and enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as an anchor for numerous networks, including leading several American gold medal wins at the Olympics. That last part is fitting, since he was the best player on the 1972 U.S. team that was stripped of its gold medal. Doug was a great player in his own right, but his nomination was in the coaching and broadcasting department.
Augustus is one of the greatest college, US and WNBA players of all time. During her illustrious career, she reached the Final Four three times, was named Women’s Athlete of the Year, won three Olympic gold medals and won four WNBA titles. — Joe Vardon, NBA Senior Writer
Not only is West one of the greatest players of all time, he is also one of the greatest executives. He helped create the Showtime Lakers in the 1980s, Shaquille in the 1990s, he brought O’Neal and Kobe Bryant to Los Angeles. West also enjoyed success with the Grizzlies and was a key advisor to the prestigious Golden State Warriors. — Mike Volkunov, NBA Staff Writer
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