Most athletes will tell you that they don’t play for individual accolades, but the Hall of Fame is different. Being recognized as the best of the best in your given sport validates all the hard work and sacrifices they made along the way. On Sunday, 13 such legends were honored with induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.
Led by superstars such as Vince Carter, Seimone Augustus, and Chauncey Billups, the evening featured multiple speeches, some laughs, and a whole lot of tears.
Let’s take a look at a few highlights from Sunday’s ceremony.
Vince Carter goes in as a Raptor
Carter’s career spanned 22 seasons, four decades, and eight teams, so he had plenty of choices — but he confirmed on Sunday that he will enter the Hall of Fame as a Toronto Raptor, the franchise that drafted him and where he played his first six-and-a-half seasons.
“It all started there. I had some memorable moments with that organization that created ‘Vinsanity,'” Carter said during his speech. “Which is why, without a doubt, I’m going into the Hall of Fame as a Raptor.”
There was also a funny moment when Carter’s cousin and former Raptors teammate Tracy McGrady interrupted his speech.
Carter was clearly the headliner of the night, and he will go down as one of the most prolific players — and arguably the best dunker — in basketball history.
Augustus steals the show
Being elected to the Hall of Fame is the most prestigious honor any athlete can achieve, but let’s be honest — a lot of the speeches sound pretty … similar. Not Seimone Augustus’.
The LSU and Minnesota Lynx legend started off her speech in remarkable fashion, singing an Erykah Badu song about her native Baton Rouge.
It only got better from there, as she proceeded to deliver a rhythmic spoken word poem about her basketball journey. It was truly a sight to behold and was a breath of fresh air. She concluded the speech with a teaser about her the next stage of her basketball life.
Billups shouts out Detroit
Billups was the first honoree to take the stage, highlighting his unconventional path to the Hall of Fame which included four NBA teams in his first five seasons. He eventually found a home in Detroit, however, and he paid homage to the city by donning a cool pair of shades.
“Then the NBA franchise that loves me like family finally found me — Detroit,” Billups said before putting on his sunglasses. “What up doe. If you know, you know.”
Billups then pointed to former Pistons teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Ben Wallace, also wearing sunglasses on the stage. Finally, Billups concluded by thanking his late grandmother.
“I’m gonna leave my last thank you to my grandmother, who is not here in attendance,” Billups said. “But thank you for your prayer. God answered it. We did it, grandma. We did it.”
Lakers legends honor Jerry West
An inductee for the third time — first as a player, then as a member of the 1960 gold medal-winning Olympic men’s basketball team and now as a contributor based on his work as an executive — the late Jerry West was honored by his son, Jonnie, currently the senior director of pro personnel with the Golden State Warriors.
“Role model. Mentor. Confidant. Father figure. You were all those things to so many,” Jonnie West said of his father. “Contributor to the game of basketball. That is you in every single sense and that will live on forever.”
Several Laker legends, including Magic Johnson, Pat Riley, Michael Cooper, and Vlade Divac, were also on stage to honor West.
And here is the full list of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2024 honorees:
- Vince Carter — An eight-time NBA All-Star, Carter played for eight teams across a record-breaking 22-year NBA career. He made his name as a member of the Toronto Raptors before experiencing more success with the New Jersey Nets. Carter was the 1999 NBA Rookie of the Year and 2000 Slam Dunk Contest champion.
- Chauncey Billups — The No. 3 overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft, Billups eventually joined the Detroit Pistons after bouncing around on several teams. He led the Pistons to the 2004 NBA championship, earning Finals MVP honors in the process. He earned five All-Star appearances and is currently the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers.
- Michael Cooper — A key part of the “Showtime” Lakers dynasty of the 1980s, Cooper was a third-round pick in 1978 that went on to be selected to eight All-Defensive Teams in 12 NBA seasons. He is one of only six guards ever to win Defensive Player of the Year, and he won five championships as a member of the Lakers. After retirement, Cooper coached the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks to two WNBA championships.
- Walter Davis — A six-time NBA All-Star, Davis spent the majority of his career with the Phoenix Suns. He won Rookie of the Year in 1978 and holds the league record for most points scored in a game before missing a shot, as he made his first 15 shots for 34 total points in a 1983 game. Davis earned a gold medal at the 1976 Olympics playing for his college coach, Dean Smith. Davis died last November.
- Dick Barnett — A two-time NBA champion with the New York Knicks in the 1980s, Barnett was also a legendary collegiate player at Tennessee State.
During his time at the school, his Tigers achieved a remarkable feat by winning three consecutive NAIA championships from 1957-1959. Furthermore, he left a lasting legacy as he graduated as the school’s all-time leading scorer.
Seimone Augustus is hailed as one of the most distinguished college players in history. She dominated the court while playing for the LSU Tigers, securing all major Player of the Year awards in both 2005 and 2006. Augustus continued her success in the WNBA after being drafted first overall by the Minnesota Lynx, where she clinched four championships and made eight All-Star appearances. Additionally, she proudly represented Team USA, earning three Olympic gold medals.
Michele Timms made a name for herself in Australia’s WNBL with a stellar career. She garnered numerous accolades, including seven selections to the WNBL All team and two Women’s International Player of the Year titles in 1994 and 1996. Timms played a pivotal role in Australia’s first Olympic medal win, leading the team to bronze in 1996. Despite a brief stint with the Phoenix Mercury from 1997-2001, her impact was profound, leading to the retirement of her No. 7 jersey, a rare honor in the WNBA.
Herb Simon’s ownership of the Indiana Pacers since 1983 has been marked by consistency and competitiveness. The Pacers, under his stewardship, have been a formidable force in the NBA, with a track record of consistent playoff appearances. While a championship has eluded them, the team’s resilience and competitive spirit have been a hallmark of Simon’s tenure.
Doug Collins’ illustrious career spans playing, coaching, and broadcasting in the basketball world. As a No. 1 overall draft pick in 1973, Collins excelled both on and off the court. Transitioning to coaching, he made his mark with various teams, including the Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, and Philadelphia 76ers. Collins’ expertise extended to broadcasting, where he lent his insights to the game for multiple networks.
Bo Ryan’s three-decade coaching career in Wisconsin left an indelible mark on college basketball. From his early days at Wisconsin-Platteville to his tenure at Wisconsin-Madison, Ryan amassed an impressive coaching record of 747-233. His crowning achievement came in leading the Badgers to the national championship game, showcasing his leadership and coaching prowess on the big stage.
Harley Redin’s coaching legacy at Wayland Baptist University is a testament to his success on both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. With a notable 429-63 record leading the women’s team, Redin’s coaching acumen earned him medals coaching Team USA at the 1959 and 1971 Pan American Games. His contributions to women’s basketball were recognized with an induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999.
Charles Smith’s dominance as a high school coach in Louisiana is unparalleled, with nine state championships to his name. His coaching prowess shone brightest at Peabody Magnet High School, where he achieved two perfect 41-0 seasons. Smith’s remarkable coaching career culminated in his induction into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2021.
Jerry West’s legacy in basketball as both a player and contributor is unmatched. As a two-time Hall of Famer, West played a pivotal role in the success of the Los Angeles Lakers across different eras. His contributions extended beyond the court, with his architectural influence evident in the team’s championship victories. West’s unprecedented triple induction into the Hall of Fame underscores his unparalleled impact on the sport. message in a formal tone:
Please be advised that the deadline for submitting your quarterly reports is approaching. Kindly ensure that all necessary documents are completed and submitted by the specified due date. Thank you for your attention to this matter.