{"id":22331,"date":"2021-09-11T22:33:13","date_gmt":"2021-09-12T03:33:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/?p=22331"},"modified":"2021-09-11T22:33:13","modified_gmt":"2021-09-12T03:33:13","slug":"the-naismith-memorial-basketball-hall-of-fame-welcomes-the-class-of-2021-a-group-headlined-by-chris-bosh-paul-pierce-and-chris-webber","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/?p=22331","title":{"rendered":"The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame welcomes the Class of 2021, a group headlined by Chris Bosh, Paul Pierce, and Chris Webber"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame the Class of 2021, a group headlined by Chris Bosh, Toni Kukoc, Paul Pierce, Ben Wallace, Chris Webber, Yolanda Griffith and Lauren Jackson. Follow below for updates throughout the ceremony.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\"Chris<\/strong>
Chris Webber and Paul Pierce<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is set to welcome 15 new members as part of the Class of 2021.<\/strong>Headlined by seven players in Chris Bosh, Yolanda Griffith, Lauren Jackson, Toni Kukoc, Paul Pierce, Ben Wallace and Chris Webber, the class features a number of champions and all-time greats from the last 25 years.<\/strong>Joining those seven are Rick Adelman, Bill Russell, Jay Wright, Val Ackerman, Howard Garfinkel, Cotton Fitzsimmons, Bob Dandridge, Pearl Moore and Clarence “Fats” Jenkins.<\/strong>Below, we’ve got you covered with updates and highlights from a special night in the basketball world.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Toni Kukoc On Michael Jordan’s Influence: “Michael Impacted My Life In Every Way Possible. He Wasn\u2019t The Nicest Of Teammates. But In A Way, He Was Pushing Everybody To Practice Good.\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Toni Kukoc and Michael Jordan spent four years together in Chicago, winning three titles with the Bulls. MJ and Scottie Pippen weren’t so fond of Kukoc when then Bulls GM Jerry Krause praised the Croatian big man, Kukoc became a target for the team’s dynamic duo.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Eventually, the Croatian would play with Michael Jordan when the latter returned to the NBA in 1995, although they couldn’t succeed in that year’s playoff. After that, their relationship improved, with MJ pushing Kukoc to be the best version of himself.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It’s well known that MJ could be harsh on teammates, but that was his way to push them, make them reach the next level, and not settle for the bare minimum. Toni really appreciated that, and now Jordan will be in charge of inducting him into the Hall of Fame alongside Jerry Reinsdorf.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2021: Live updates from enshrinement ceremony<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The enshrinement ceremony is underway!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chris Webber<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

#21HoopClass<\/a> enshrinee, Chris Webber. pic.twitter.com\/hmuQAtXlka<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– NBA (@NBA) September 11, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The first overall pick in the 1993 draft, Webber would win the Rookie of the Year in his first season, before spending 15 years in the league and claiming five All-Star nods and five All-NBA selections.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Webber discusses the impact Isiah Thomas has had on his life.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

“He was my guardian angel.” Chris Webber talks about the profound impact Isiah Thomas made on his life at a young age. pic.twitter.com\/b6yReJb8Dd<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– NBA (@NBA) September 11, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

We’ve seen Webber work with Charles Barkley in recent times on the mic, though Barkley’s influence has been far reaching.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Chris Webber thanks Charles Barkley for paving the way for him as a player and broadcaster. pic.twitter.com\/EoOTqu0Cw3<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– NBA (@NBA) September 11, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Val Ackerman<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

#21HoopClass<\/a> enshrinee, Val Ackerman. pic.twitter.com\/1UgEBqZg33<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– NBA (@NBA) September 11, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Bill Russell<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

#21HoopClass<\/a> enshrinee, Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com\/Vv3ibAe13Q<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– NBA (@NBA) September 11, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Bill Russell has become the fifth person to enter the Hall of Fame as both a player and coach.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Bill Russell thanks Red Auerbach, David Stern, Kobe Bryant and his wife Jeannine as he becomes the fifth Hall of Famer to be inducted as both a player and a coach. pic.twitter.com\/1UY21uutei<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– NBA (@NBA) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Russell received a message from former president Barrack Obama. Russell was the first African-American head coach to win an NBA title with the Celtics<\/a> in 1968.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Former President @BarackObama<\/a> congratulates Bill Russell on his induction into the @HoopHall<\/a> as a head coach. As a player-coach, Russell led the @Celtics<\/a> to the 1968 NBA championship, becoming the first African-American head coach to win an @NBA<\/a> title. pic.twitter.com\/uRdSPsrDYG<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– NBA (@NBA) September 11, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Toni Kukoc<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

#21HoopClass<\/a> enshrinee, Toni Kukoc. pic.twitter.com\/lIIkCMqX9C<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– NBA (@NBA) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

One of the best international players to have success in the NBA, Kukoc was an integral part of the Chicago Bulls<\/a> titles in 1996,97 and 98.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“I would like to thank Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen for kicking my butt during the Olympics in Barcelona and motivating me to work even harder to become an important part of the Chicago Bulls.”<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

#21HoopClass<\/a> enshrinee Toni Kukoc: – 3x NBA Champion – 1995-96 6th Man of the Year – 1993-94 All-Rookie – 3x EuroLeague MVP – FIBA World Championships MVP<\/strong><\/p>\n

– NBA History (@NBAHistory) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Yolanda Griffith<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

#21HoopClass<\/a> enshrinee, Yolanda Griffith. pic.twitter.com\/EvPIb8d6KC<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– NBA (@NBA) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

“I was unknown. I came out of nowhere. I never gave up on my dreams and here I am at the pinnacle, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.”<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yolanda Griffith’s Hall of Fame resume stacks up with the absolute best. A WNBA MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and Finals MVP, Griffith did it all.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Yolanda Griffith is now officially an enshrined member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. #21HoopClass<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/HdrcM80zbP<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Rick Adelman<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

#21HoopClass<\/a> enshrinee, Rick Adelman. pic.twitter.com\/m9dxjIyj1o<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– NBA (@NBA) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

With 23 seasons as an NBA head coach, Rick Adelman took his sqauds to the postseason in 16 of those seasons.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

#21HoopClass<\/a> enshrinee Rick Adelman: – Ninth-winningest coach in @NBA<\/a> history – Two-time NBA Finals coach – Three-time NBA All-Star Game Head Coach<\/strong><\/p>\n

– NBA History (@NBAHistory) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adelman spent many seasons on the sidelines with the Sacramento Kings<\/a>, working alongside another inductee of the Class of 2021, Chris Webber.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

“My greatest accomplishment is my family.” – Rick Adelman pic.twitter.com\/B6fK9YcwhU<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– NBA (@NBA) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Ben Wallace<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

#21HoopClass<\/a> enshrinee, Ben Wallace. pic.twitter.com\/cGNYiPsTng<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– NBA (@NBA) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Undrafted, Ben Wallace forged a career that leaves him as one of the most dominant defensive big men to play the game.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“No was not an option. I kept marching. I kept fighting, I kept winning, I kept succeeding. Be strong, be motivated, stand tall.”<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Ben Wallace is now officially an enshrined member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. #21HoopClass<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/IaHFWzYTYM<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Pearl Moore<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The All-Time leading scorer in women’s college basketball, Moore averaged 32.0 points per game across four seasons at Francis Marion College.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“I’m thankful for the game of basketball. Basketball made it possible for me to travel the country and overseas, to earn a college degree. From shooting on a makeshift hoop in the yard in South Carolina to playing in the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden.”<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Pearl Moore is now officially an enshrined member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. #21HoopClass<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/tR3HRjYGFx<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Cotton Fitzsimmons<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

#21HoopClass<\/a> enshrinee, Cotton Fitzsimmons. pic.twitter.com\/p5AfdXQTUf<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– NBA (@NBA) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Jay Wright<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

Jay Wright is now officially an enshrined member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. #21HoopClass<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/PV1SEkOKb7<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

“My Dad is the best coach I ever played for. he coached me in football and baseball, never basketball. He once told me basketball is not a tough guy sport. After I told him basketball was my fabourite sport he fell in love with the game and did everything he could to help me succeed.”<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Congrats to new @Hoophall<\/a> member, Jay Wright! #NBAHOF<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/4IGuRP6iAs<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– NBA TV (@NBATV) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Bob Dandridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

#21HoopClass<\/a> enshrinee, Bob Dandridge. pic.twitter.com\/gBAjtA8gEx<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– NBA (@NBA) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

“To me, being a Hall of Famer isn’t about basketball. You know I’ve had to wait a little while but there’s been so much growth inside me that I’m grateful for the wait. I’ve had a chance to be a better father, a better person, some of the grudges I had against some of the guys I played against, all of them are gone.”<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

“90% of the guys that I guarded are in the Hall of Fame… there was no such thing as time management.” pic.twitter.com\/hqSNDUNzrG<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– Milwaukee Bucks<\/a> (@Bucks) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n

Bob Dandridge is now officially an enshrined member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. #21HoopClass<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/vJEkwTUX5h<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Paul Pierce<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

#21HoopClass<\/a> enshrinee, Paul Pierce. pic.twitter.com\/jPZXqlxQgT<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– NBA (@NBA) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be a Hall of Famer. The initial dream as a kid is to make it to the league. Now to be enshrined is baketball lore is more than I could ever imagine.”<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

“Thank you for passing on me and adding fuel to my fire.” Paul Pierce called out the 9 teams that passed on drafting him in his @Hoophall<\/a> enshrinement speech. #NBAHOF<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/3OMpUDDkan<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– NBA TV (@NBATV) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

“We didn’t start off on the best foot. I know you wanted to trade me. I was accustomed to doing things my way, I didn’t like someone coming and telling me what to do. When I started listening to you, that’s when I became great.” – Paul Pierce on Doc Rivers.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lauren Jackson<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

#21HoopClass<\/a> enshrinee, Lauren Jackson. pic.twitter.com\/vn5anUdlYO<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– NBA (@NBA) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Australian basketball legend Lauren Jackson enters the Hall of Fame as the first player from the country to do so.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“This is an absolute dream come true. It’s one of the greatest honours of my entire life, it’s something I’m going to cherish for the rest of my life. It’s so special to be enshrined as the first of many Australian basketball players.”<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

It’s \ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc05\ud835\udc05\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0b! Welcome to the Hall of Fame, @laurenej15<\/a>! @hoophall<\/a> x #21HoopClass<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/bDIBSl2WSB<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Chris Bosh<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

#21HoopClass<\/a> enshrinee, Chris Bosh. pic.twitter.com\/20iV5EHi64<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– NBA (@NBA) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

“While I’m here I got to say it. Chris Webber, we’re going into the Hall of Fame with Bill Russell, bro. That’s crazy. To me, players like you guys were superheroes and I spent every moment trying to follow in your footsteps.”<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

“Legends aren’t defined by their successes they are defined by how they bounce back from their failures.” – @chrisbosh<\/a> #21HoopClass<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

“Basketball wasn’t what I did, it’s who I was.”<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

.@KingJames<\/a> and @DwyaneWade<\/a> in the building showing support for @chrisbosh<\/a> as he enters the #NBAHOF<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/GuYdbTnWGk<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– NBA TV (@NBATV) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Bosh finishes his speech with some powerful words.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Chris Bosh closes out his @Hoophall<\/a> enshrinement speech with a powerful message about turning setbacks into strengths. pic.twitter.com\/kLwBDUHqsd<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

– NBA (@NBA) September 12, 2021<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Paul Pierce adds own Hall of Fame chapter to Celtics lore<\/strong><\/h1>\n

In crafting his Hall of Fame path, Paul Pierce led Boston to an NBA title and became one of the greatest players ever in Celtics history.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Paul Pierce spent 15 seasons in Boston and led the Celtics their 17th NBA championship in 2008.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

As the road to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame played out for Paul Pierce over the past nine or 10 months \u2014 from nominee, to finalist to actual, first-ballot inductee \u2014 he repeatedly referred to it as the ultimate honor for an NBA player. \u201cThat\u2019s the end of your book right there,\u201d Pierce would say. \u201cThat\u2019s the final chapter.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

And that\u2019s fine, since it\u2019s his enshrinement and he\u2019s allowed to catalog it however he chooses.<\/strong><\/p>\n

But for a lot of fans, most notably those at the former Fleet Center (now TD Garden) who variously screamed at and for Pierce during his 15 seasons with the Boston Celtics, his big night in Springfield probably will not outrank what happened during all those years 90 miles to the northeast. That<\/em> road culminated when Pierce\u2019s jersey number 34 was raised to the rafters<\/a> in February, 2018.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI was thinking about the last time I pulled ropes up there, I was tearing up crying and I was trying not to cry,\u201d Pierce said after the ceremony. \u201cWhen we raised the [2008] championship banner, that\u2019s when it all came out. It came out bad that day.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI was just trying to hold it together [this time], and I just knew that when I first saw the banner lift and I saw it straight and I saw my number. There it was, like, man, all the years I walked into the gym everyday, I looked up and I saw empty spots and I saw all the other jersey numbers. Now I\u2019m on there and that\u2019s forever. It\u2019s just like, \u2018Wow, I\u2019m there,\u2019 and now I can say that\u2019s the finish. I left a legacy.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pierce will have Celtics company on enshrinement night, starting with Kevin Garnett, who will stand by his side as Pierce\u2019s chosen Hall of Fame presenter. Ray Allen, the third and still estranged of their Big Three, will fill that role alongside Chris Bosh.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Legendary Bill Russell, a Hall member since 1975, will be inducted this time as a coach<\/a> in recognition of his role as the NBA\u2019s first Black coach and Boston\u2019s two rings under him in 1968 and 1969. And longtime play-by-play announcer Mike Gorman will be honored with the 2021 Curt Gowdy Media Award.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Other teams have alumni; the Celtics have a pantheon. More importantly, reaching the Hall of Fame does not compare to the significance of gaining admittance to that special fraternity representing the NBA\u2019s most storied franchise.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cIn basketball, I don\u2019t think there\u2019s any other place you could choose where you would want your number retired,\u201d former Celtics coach Doc Rivers said on Pierce\u2019s jersey retirement day. \u201cIt would be with Boston.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you\u2019re in the practice facility, you see the numbers every day. It means something. Before I got here, I didn\u2019t realize it. You always hear about the Celtics lore, but you didn\u2019t get it if you weren\u2019t in it.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pierce is just one of 22 Boston players whose uniform number has been retired.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Within that, there\u2019s a tiny subset behind the ultimate red-velvet rope: Greatest Celtic players ever. That list, if defined by an all-time starting five, arguably has Pierce on it too.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Relive the top 34 plays from Paul Pierce’s 19-season NBA career.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

No better authority than Bob Ryan, the Boston Globe\u2019s<\/em> longtime NBA writer and columnist, makes that assessment. If you start with Russell at center, add Bob Cousy at point guard and go with Larry Bird and John Havlicek on the wing, Ryan maintains, Pierce is most deserving of that fifth spot.<\/strong><\/p>\n

There even is one category in which Pierce vaults above the rest.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve never had a guy in this town who was such a consummate all-around scorer,\u201d Ryan said in a 2013 interview. \u201cThey say, \u2018What about Havlicek? What about Bird?\u2019 Well, John was a run-around-without-the-ball guy, he wasn\u2019t a 1-on-1 guy. And Larry, there were circumstances when he could be guarded or instances when he wasn\u2019t able to get his own shot and needed help.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe great thing about Pierce is, he could always get his own shot. And \u2018his own shot\u2019 meant that he could pull up and take a three, he had that great mid-range jumper, had that beautiful step-back when he cleared space. He could post up. Tremendous driver, ambidextrous driver, great finisher. And he gets to the line and he\u2019s a pretty good free throw shooter. We\u2019ve never had a more consummate all-around scorer.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Statistically, Pierce ranks among his team\u2019s best. He is the Celtics\u2019 all-time leader in 3-point field goals, free throws and steals. He ranks second in points and shot attempts, third in overall buckets made, games and minutes played. Fourth in blocks (a post-1973 stat that neglects Russell), fifth in assists.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 6-foot-7 native of Oakland, Calif. who grew up in the Inglewood section of Los Angeles was a 10-time All-Star and a four-time All-NBA pick with Boston. He methodically, eventually, pulled many of the league\u2019s individual chips to his side of the table.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you come into the game, you work as hard as you can and at the end of your career, you see what the results are,\u201d Pierce said. \u201cClearly I worked hard enough to be in this position.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

All the above underplays Pierce\u2019s greatest achievement, though. His long, arduous climb up that Celtics ladder came not by racking up numbers, but by shouldering the expectations that fall on any Boston star. Dave Cowens took the baton after Russell left and the 1960s dynasty ended. Bird followed suit, and after he and McHale were done, it would eventually fall to Pierce to carry the torch.<\/strong><\/p>\n

That\u2019s why his journey is so much more than this weekend\u2019s destination.<\/strong><\/p>\n