MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 16: Paul Pierce #34 of the LA Clippers reacts to a play during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on December 16, 2016 in Miami, Florida. (Photo: Getty)
On Tuesday, the finalists for the 2021 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class were revealed. Amongst the finalists are Paul Pierce, Chris Bosh, Chris Webber, Michael Cooper, Lauren Jackson, Ben Wallace, and Yolanda Griffith.
Pierce is a first-time nominee for the coveted Hall of Fame. He spent 15 of his 19 NBA seasons with the Boston Celtics. A 10-time All-Star, the forward was the face of Boston during his tenure with the team. In 2008, he won the NBA Championship and was named the Finals MVP.
Bosh was nominated for the Hall of Fame last year but did not make it as a finalist. Bosh played 13 seasons before his playing career ended in 2016 because of a blood clot. In 2019, Bosh officially retired with the Miami Heat. Bosh is an 11-time All-Star, two-time NBA champion, and an Olympic gold medalist.
Webber was the number one pick in the 1993 NBA Draft. He is a five-time All-Star and was the focal point of a competitive Sacramento Kings squad in the early 2000s. Additionally, he reshaped college basketball as part of Michigans iconic “Fab Five.”
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Cooper spent 12 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers during the “Showtime” era. Cooper won five NBA championships with the team and earned the NBA Defensive Player of The Year award in 1987. Additionally, Cooper was named to the All-Defensive team five times. The shooting guard then coached the Los Angeles Sparks, winning two championships and the 2000 WNBA Coach of the Year award.
Jackson is one of the most decorated women’s basketball players. She is a four-time WNBL MVP and a three-time WNBA MVP. Not only that, but she is a three-time WNBA scoring champion and seven-time WNBA All-Star. Jackson was awarded the Defensive Player of the Year in 2007 and was named WNBA Finals MVP in 2010.
Wallace, better known as “Big Ben,” is regarded as one of the greatest defenders in league history. The big man was a four-time All-Star and an NBA champion. Wallace was named to the All-Defense team six times and is one of two players to win four Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Griffith is an eight-time WNBA All-Star, a former champion, and a finals MVP.
The entire class of 2021 will be announced on May 16.
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