As it is looking increasingly unlikely that basketball resumes anytime in the near future, the connection to games and players of the past will likely be even more on the minds of basketball fans who are still looking to feed their love of the game. Saturday brought one of those connections to the forefront, but it was also a bittersweet reminder for many. Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant was posthumously selected as a first-ballot Hall of Famer alongside fellow NBA legends of the era, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett. It’s arguably the best class to ever be inducted in the same year.
He was one of the greatest competitors who stepped on the court and made sure his impact was felt on both sides of the ball. He is ranked 4th on the NBA’s career points list (33,643). We congratulate posthumously 5x NBA Champion Kobe Bryant. #20HoopClass pic.twitter.com/dw9WOlt1Gj
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) April 4, 2020
This man knew what it took to win games. He is the only player in NBA History with 1,000 or more wins with one team. He is ranked in the top 10 for NBA all-time rebounds and block leaders. We congratulate 5x NBA Champion Tim Duncan. #20HoopClass pic.twitter.com/G4hRAuLsxs
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) April 4, 2020
A 21-year NBA veteran and 15x NBA All-Star, he was widely regarded for his passion and intensity on the court. He is ranked 4th in all-time minutes played (50,418). We congratulate NBA Champion Kevin Garnett. #20HoopClass pic.twitter.com/oplbzNdDNR
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) April 4, 2020
Bryant had many battles against both Duncan and Garnett in the postseason over the years. Although LeBron met Duncan and Garnett several times in the playoffs as well, Bryant and James never crossed paths at the game’s highest stage, remaining one of the greatest what-ifs in NBA history. It was even on LeBron’s mind not that long ago.
With the status of the country, let alone the status of live events, extremely uncertain right now, it’s hard to imagine a ceremony happening in 2020. But whenever it does happen, it will be one of the best classes ever, even though it will be missing a major presence.
In addition to the three first-ballot NBA stars, legendary college coach Eddie Sutton, two-time NBA Champion coach of the Houston Rockets Rudy Tomjanovich, 10-time WNBA All-Star and four-time Olympic gold medalist Tamika Catchings, three-time NCAA National Championship Coach of Baylor Kim Mulkey, five-time Division II National Coach of the Year Barbara Stevens and longtime FIBA executive Patrick Baumann. Baumann, like Bryant, is also a posthumous addition to the Hall.
[lawrence-related id=27069,26930]