Posts tagged as:

Hall of Fame

Dikembe Mutombo Hall of Famer?

by The Boss on April 28, 2009

in Editorials, Hall Of Fame

A LayupDrill.com Exclusive

Last Tuesday, I saw one of the all-time great basketball competitors, Dikembe Mutombo, have his career ended in a horrific knee injury against the Portland Trailblazers. After 18 years in the NBA, and many memorable moments in big spots, Mutombo will remembered by most for his classic finger waving after a blocked shot. Others will remember the sheer emotion displayed by Mutombo after the Denver Nuggets shocked the basketball world, and defeated the Seattle Supersonics in the first round of the 1994 NBA Playoffs.

Mutombo’s career was one where he saw his role change, and he adapted to each and every one. He entered the NBA as the face of a franchise for the Denver Nuggets, and led a young Nuggets team to playoff heights that many did not expect. Later, Mutombo would head to Atlanta, Philadelphia, Toronto, New Jersey, New York, and Houston. There were two times that the four time Defensive Player of the Year made an appearance in the NBA Finals, with the Sixers and Nets. Both times, however, his team came up short.

His career stats are not overwhelming(9.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.8 blocks), yet his presence on the court altered an opponent’s offensive gameplan. One tell-tale sign of any Hall of Famer during their pro career though is if they were ever among the top three best players at their position at any point. Mutombo played at a time when centers were great and plentiful. You had Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Hakeem Olajuwon, Alonzo Mourning and Shaquille O Neal who one can argue would be ahead of Mutombo on a list of best players during his time. While his work on the floor may not blow someone away, the NBA will miss what Mutombo did off the court representing their company. Dikembe is one of the most giving celebrities of any industry, offering up millions of dollars to his native country to help his people have a better way of life. Those stories often don’t get the headlines, compared to if someone gets arrested, or has a contract dispute, and Mutombo never wanted to do anything for headlines. While I admire him for his giving heart and philanthropic nature, I believe Mutombo’s career comes up just short when stacking himself up for a Hall of Fame entry.
Video:
ESPN highlights Mutombo’s career:
YouTube Preview Image
Other Links:
Basketball-Reference.com argues the Mutombo for Hall of Fame vote

{ 0 comments }

Could Michael Jordan still play today?

by The Boss on April 7, 2009

in Blog

Hall of Fame 2009 Class
The 2009 NBA Hall of Fame Class was announced yesterday, and to no surprise, the greatest player of all time, Michael Jordan, was inducted on the first ballot. I believe Jordan should’ve been inducted after he pushed off Byron Scott in the 1998 NBA Finals. But here it is, 11 years later, and Jordan joined John Stockton, David Robinson, Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan and Rutgers womens head coach C.Vivan Stringer. During the press conference, Jordan joked with the press that he was dreading this day in a way.

“This is not fun for me,” he said. “I don’t like being up here for the Hall of Fame because at that time your basketball career is completely over, the way I look at it. I would hope this day was three more years (away) or actually when I’m dead and gone.

I am not one to think that Jordan could dominate today, but could he make any team’s 12 man roster?

{ 0 comments }

Alonzo Mourning Hall of Famer?

January 7, 2009

Alonzo Mourning was one of the most spirited competitors I ever had the pleasure of watching. I remember 20 years ago watching a young Zo team up with Dikembe Mutombo terrorize the paint at Georgetown. Mourning would go on to team up with Larry Johnson in Charlotte, as the young expansion franchise quickly made a [...]

Read the Full Story →

Hall of Fame Debate – Paul Pierce

November 1, 2008

Fresh off his career defining playoff performance and Finals MVP honors for the world champion
Boston Celtics, Paul Pierce crossed over into new company. Spending his entire 10 year career
with the Celtics, Pierce has seen the best and worst of times in Boston. A 6 time all star, Pierce had experienced mild success in the playoffs [...]

Read the Full Story →
LayupDrill.com on Facebook


Copyright © 2008 · Exit 9 Lifestyle Group| Advertise| Terms of Use MySpace·