Seeing Tim Duncan ensure the induction of Manu Ginobili into the Hall of Fame could not surprise anyone. The choices of his companion for the 2022 vintage, Tim Hardaway, were able to question more. Of the ten personalities inducted this year, the former leader is the one with the most “presenters”: Isiah Thomas, Mitch Richmond, Chris Mullin, Yolanda Griffith and Nate Archibald.
Not a single representative of the Heat therefore, such as Pat Riley or Alonzo Mourning, with whom he played from 1996 and 2001 and had the most playoff campaigns. Snubbed Floridians? Not really. The five-time All-Star explains that he favored those who had an impact in his early career. ” It takes an entire village to raise a child, Chicago South Side (note: where he grew up) raised a child. It’s Chicago’s South Side. It’s for them“, does he justify.
Isiah Thomas? “ I grew up watching him play, he’s my basketball idol, no doubt about it, from the city of Chicago. Nate Archibald? ” My assistant coach in college who came back to his native land and coached me (in Texas-El Paso) and helped to understand the game. Yolanda Griffith? ” We were in high school together. We graduated the same year. I wanted her to be recognized as the first, before me (to join the Hall of Fame), and people realize it.“
As for the choices of Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin, it will be understood that it was a question of highlighting his epic within the “Run TMC”, even if the former leader ignored their former coach, Don Nelson.
Not easy to remember them all…” Not everyone can be there and I’m sorry about that. In my speech, I can’t even mention all the people I want to mention, because so many of us are on stage this year. Tim Hardaway says he’ll at least make an effort to mention his Heat mates during today’s press session, shown on NBA TV.
Alonzo Mourning, Erik Spoelstra and other leaders are expected for the ceremony. Pat Riley, on the other hand, is expected to miss the event due to his schedule.
“ I had just arrived from New York and we had a tough team, known for their defense. I needed a playmaker, Tim was available. He could maintain a well-organized team. He was a badass, and we were lucky to have him “, had already paid tribute to him his former coach.
