Ten More Enshrined In Springfield
Posted on 14. Aug, 2011 by JC Azevedo in In the Paint
From left to right: Artis Gilmore, Dennis Rodman, Chris Mullin.
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame added ten new members this week. Among them were the controversial Dennis Rodman, Chris Mullin, Arvydas Sabonis, legendary coach Tex Winter and the seldom mentioned ABA/NBA great Artis Gilmore.
Rodman made an emotional speech about his journey, mainly focusing on his regrets and disappointments as a person, while thanking those in his life that have made a positive influence on him. His off-court issues aside, Rodman found his way to Springfield by being one of the most versatile defenders and effective rebounders this league has ever seen. Despite being only 6’7″, he holds a career rebounding average of 13 rebounds per game, while having seven seasons leading the league in that category. His efforts helped his teams win a combined five titles, two with the Detroit Pistons, and three with the Chicago Bulls, as well as being chosen as the Defensive Player of the Year twice.
Chris Mullin, the gritty no-nonsense forward from Brooklyn, spent 16 seasons in the league, mostly with the Golden State Warriors, garnering five All-Star nominations, as well as being selected four times to the All-NBA Team. He was part of the famous “Run TMC” warrior trio that made up an exciting offensive powerhouse with teammates Mitch Richmond and Tim Hardaway. Aside from being a versatile scorer and play-maker, Mullin was one of the best shooters of his era. His talents helped him earn a spot as a part of the 1992 Dream Team.
While most of the names on the list are recognizable, many modern NBA fans might not be so familiar with Artis Gilmore. After the 7’2″ center set a NCAA rebounding record of 22.7 per game and lead the Jacksonville Dolphins to the NCAA title game, both the NBA and ABA were licking their chops at the prospect of getting the “A Train”. Gilmore decided to join the ABA, and helped establish himself as one of the premiere ABA stars by leading the Kentucky Colonels to the ABA title in 1975. During his five seasons in the ABA, he played every game, completing a streak of 420 consecutive outings. During his time in the ABA, Gilmore lead the league in rebounding four times, lead the league in FG% twice, garnered ABA All-Star and All-ABA team honors every season, was a four-time All-Defensive player, and won the ABA’s Rookie of the Year award, all while posting averages of 22.3 PPG 17 RPG 3.4 BPG 3 APG FG% .556.
After the ABA folded, Gilmore was the first selection of the dispersal draft, being chosen by the Chicago Bulls. Gilmore played 12 seasons of NBA basketball with the Bulls, Spurs, and a short stint with the Celtics before retiring. The A-Train added 6 NBA All-Star selections and a NBA All-Defensive team award to his resume, and left the NBA with the league’s highest career field goal % of .599.
Tex Winter, the long-time college and NBA coach who helped revolutionize the triangle offense and bring it to success in the NBA, was long overdue for this honor. Coaching for over 50 years, Tex joined the NBA’s ranks after a successful college career with Kansas State. Assisting Phil Jackson with both the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, Tex has been a staple of the game and success has followed him everywhere he goes.
If you would like to see the awards speeches, as well as learn more about the other members of the class of 2011, head on over to http://www.nba.com/halloffame/2011
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