The greatest player that basketball has ever had is now going to be a Hall of Famer. Michael Jordan, "His Airness" is going to get that day in Springfield, Massachusetts that to us fans is just a formality since we all know how great he is. This is nonetheless great news for not just the greatest basketball player to ever live, but perhaps the greatest player in sports. Jordan, who is now the managing partner of the Charlotte Bobcats, was taken aback at the announcement.
"I don't like being up here for the Hall of Fame because at that time your basketball career is completely over," Jordan said. "I was hoping this day would be 20 more years, or actually go in when I'm dead and gone."
We could go up and down his list of accomplishments, but that would probably another story in its entirety. However, let's highlight the 5 MVP Awards, the 6 NBA Finals MVP trophies, one to go with the 6 titles he won with the Chicago Bulls, 14 All-Star appearances, the Gold Medal he won in Barcelona as part of the Olympic Dream Team, and of course, let's not forget the Jordan brand that turned he and the NBA into perhaps the biggest global sport outside of soccer. You might be wearing a pair of Jordan sneakers right now or a Jordan jersey or a shirt from his popular clothing line. When you think of greatness, think of Michael Jordan.
Other inductees this year will be Utah Jazz great point guard John Stockton, San Antonio Spurs center David Robinson, Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan, and in the college ranks, Rutgers women's basketball coach C. Vivian Stringer. The induction ceremony will officially take place during the weekend of September 10-12. While they have all been legendary at what they have done, even they pale in comparison to Michael Jordan.
The NBA is absolutely trying to make strides in developing the game in India in its quest to become the preeminent global sport. While they've made much progress in Europe and the Far East due to stars such as Tony Parker, Dirk Nowitzki, and Yao Ming. They recently just completed their first basketball court refurbishment in Mumbai through the world famous NBA Cares program.
"Social responsibility is core to the NBA's mission and is a key pillar in the League's development in India," said Heidi Ueberroth, the NBA's president of global marketing partnerships.
While India may be cricket-crazy, there is a want for more basketball in their sports scene. There is yet to be an Indian player in the NBA. For most Indians, all they know about basketball is the man that will be inducted this September in Michael Jordan. India Basketball Federation secretary general Harish Sharma believes the sport will grow exponentially in India in due time.
"There is a great appetite for basketball across India and specifically in the Nagpada neighborhood," Harish Sharma said. "Partnering with the NBA to develop more places for children to play basketball is a critical component in the growth of the sport."
Congratulations, Michael Jordan. Like everything else you have accomplished in your glorious career, you have earned this.
What do you guys think about Michael Jordan elected to the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame? Do you think the ceremony should just be about him? Do you think Michael Jordan is the greatest player sports has ever seen? Let us know what you think below.
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