After news came out that Yao Ming being elected into this year’s Hall of Fame class, we awaited news of who else would be voted in, and now we have our Answer. After Both Allen Iverson and Shaquille O’neal were elected into the 2016 Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame along with Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf, former St. Louis/Atlanta Hawk Center Zelmo Beaty, WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes, Michigan State Coach Tom Izzo, Cumberland Posey and John McClendon.
It should surprise no one that the 7-foot-1 Diesel was elected, in his era he was unstoppable, there wasn’t a single Center in the league that could handle his size or gracefulness in the paint. The Big Aristotle was a powerhouse that would literally bulldoze all those in his way and do it wit an exclamation point. He was great in his time with the Magic but took his game to the next level when joining the Lakers. The tandem of a young Kobe Bryant and Shaq struck fear in the opposition and they shredded their way through the league on route to 3 straight championship titles. O’Neal enters the Hall of Fame with a career average of 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game.
Allen Iverson was a little guy that played with a huge heart, he did not care who guarded him, no matter if they were bigger or stronger than him, AI attacked them relentlessly. No one can doubt his selection to the Hall of Fame, not even his naysayers, he solidified himself when he brought an improbable 76ers team to the NBA finals in 2001 against the Lakers. Iverson will always be remembered for the infamous crossover, pull up jumper, and step over that he did over Tyrone Lue in the Finals that year and the epic “Practice” rant, both seen below. The Answer no doubt deserve to be in the Hall, he enters with a career average of 26.7 points, 6.2 assists, and 2.2 steals per game.
Congratulations to the class of 2016 Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame inductees.
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