The Hall of Fame's classes of 2009 (Michael Jordan, David Robinson, John Stockton) and 2010 (Karl Malone, Scottie Pippen, the 1992 and 1960 Olympic teams) contained plenty of star power. But as Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com points out, this year's class has considerably less wattage. Reggie Miller probably the only layup in the group, which could create an opportunity for some others to sneak in. Here's a look at some of this year's nominees and their chances of making it all the way to Springfield.
1. Reggie Miller
One of the greatest shooters of his generation, Miller set NBA records for three-pointers made and attempted, was a five-time all-star and a gold medalist with the 1994 World Championship and 1996 Olympic teams. But he's best-known for his playoff heroics -- primarily against the New York Knicks. His performance in game one of the 1995 Eastern Conference semifinals -- scoring eight points in the final 8.9 seconds to give the Pacers a shocking win -- was recently featured in ESPN's "30 for 30" documentary series.
2. Chris Mullin
Mullin has been a finalist each of the last four seasons, but hasn't made the final cut. Without a Michael Jordan/David Robinson/John Stockton or Karl Malone/Scottie Pippen combo at the top of the class, this could be Mullin's best -- and last -- chance. Remember -- it's not the NBA Hall of Fame. College and international play counts too, and Mullin was truly outstanding at St. John's.
3. Bernard King
Looking at King's career inevitably leads to a series of "what ifs". What if he hadn't hurt his knee? What if doctors knew more about treating knee injuries during King's career? Unfortunately, we're forced to consider what King was able to accomplish despite the injuries that cost him two full seasons of his prime -- but his numbers are still pretty impressive.
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4. Don Nelson
Interesting timing on this... Nellie recently passed Lenny Wilkens on the all-time NBA coaching wins list. He was also fired by Golden State's new ownership group, after allowing his team to become something of a disaster.
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5. Dennis Rodman
One of best rebounders and defenders in league history, and a key part of the "Bad Boy" Pistons and Jordan's Bulls. He'll moon-walk into the Hall, right? Maybe not. "The Worm" didn't even make the first cut last year; it seems there's a decent chance that his off-court antics have already killed his chances.
6. Rick Pitino
Another case of unfortunate timing... Pitino's chances would seem much greater if we hadn't seen quite so much of his personal dirty laundry over the last 18 months.
7. Mark Jackson
Jackson didn't make the initial ballot last year -- his first of eligibility -- despite the fact that he ranks third on the all-time assists leaderboard. As a long-time Knicks and St. John's fan, it pains me to say this... but Jackson probably won't make the final cut. His lofty placement on the all-time lists is more a testament to his longevity than his greatness.
8. Maurice Lucas
Lucas could be a sentimental choice; Portland's "Enforcer" died recently after a long battle with cancer.
9. Other nominees
From the North American committee:
- Jamaal Wilkes
- Rudy Tomjanovich
- Cotton Fitzsimmons
- Tex Winter
- Spencer Haywood
- Maurice Cheeks
- Ralph Sampson
- Bill Fitch
- Dick Bavetta
- Joe B. Hall
- Jim Valvano
- George Raveling
- Marty Blake
Veteran's Committee:
International:
- Arvydas Sabonis
- Sarunas Marciulionis
Women's:
- Tara VanDerVeer
- Teresa Edwards
