Three Questionable Future Hall of Famers

by Jeff Clark on Aug 12, 2011 2:24 PM EDT in NBA Articles

No, I'm not talking about our trio of Springfield bound stars. I'm talking about three names that Chris Tomasson of Hoopshype brought up in his look at current players that could be future hall of famers (Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett were all listed as slam dunks).

HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Chris Tomasson " The future Hall of Famers

Vince Carter: For those who think Carter, an eight-time All-Star not exactly known for winning and a work ethic, could get snubbed, consider the case of Larry Foust. With eight, he's the eligible player with the most career All-Star selections not enshrined. But you've got to figure Carter will get the call.

Grant Hill: How good was Hill once in the NBA? In his first six seasons with Detroit before getting hurt, he often was LeBron-like, having seasons in which he averaged as much as 25.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists. Throw that in with a great college career and with just being a great guy and that will push Hill over the top.

Carmelo Anthony: Winning some playoff games would help considering Anthony is now 2-8 in series. But it's hard to ignore his 24.8 NBA career scoring average. And he does have a NCAA title ring (remember that college counts).

I find it hard to get behind Vince Carter based on his lack of playoff success, but I'm sure he's one of those super-stats kinds of guys. Hill makes some sense and would actually be a sentimental pick for many considering his hard luck injuries but we'll never know just how good he could have been. Melo had better start finding some playoff success or he's going to end up being another Vince Carter without the dunks (if he isn't already).

Thoughts?

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Comments

Thought I’d see TMac on the list, he’s pretty much in the same boat as Vince. Melo still has a lot of his career left, anything can happen with him.

Grant Hill was as good as Vince and Tracy before his injury, AND he actually plays defense. Injuries play a factor though, and the other 2 were better longer. No clue what will happen with any of them.

by markgent on Aug 12, 2011 2:38 PM EDT reply actions

Vince, no. Grant hill no, but if he never got hurt maybe. Too early to tell with Melo, but I'd guess no

by MattyFree on Aug 12, 2011 2:51 PM EDT reply actions

I haven't seen a lot of Carmello...

but I thought he was clutch down the stretch. I was under the impression he didn’t wilt under pressure, let his team down and rely on the deep three for his offense (are you listening Vince) These are more questions than statements, please feel free to inform me. Plus he’s still young and playing with Amare in NY so I say when he’s all done, he get’s in.

Grant Hill, pretty impressive numbers for the first six years , I bet he gets in.

by Little D on Aug 12, 2011 2:52 PM EDT reply actions

also consider grant hill’s college resume which is the most impressive of the three in questioning. carter was a freak athlete who won the dunk contest he also averaged just below 26 points per game in the playoffs soo i think even though he has had questionable ethic in his career he should be enshrined in springfield

by pippenainteasy33 on Aug 12, 2011 3:28 PM EDT reply actions

I think people over-penalize Grant Hill for his injured years

Pre-injury, Hill had an incredible peak of five years as first or second team All-NBA. A five-year stretch where he was considered more or less one of the top ten players in the league is phenomenal. Sometimes, people talk as if Hill had a couple of good years, was injured forever, then had a few more good seasons at an advanced age. He had a much more significant NBA career than Bill Walton.

If Scottie Pippen minus the Portland years would be a hall of famer, then Grant Hill should be a hall of famer.

by LooseCannon on Aug 12, 2011 4:49 PM EDT reply actions

I think Hill gets in. Vince no. Carmelo, maybe, if he ever wins some playoff games.

Keeping in mind that it is the “Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame” and not the “NBA Hall of Fame”, Hill gets in easily based on the combination of his stellar NCAA run as well as his early years of elite performance in the NBA.

NBA Officiating - Corrupt? Incompetent? Which is worse? Does it matter? It sucks.

by mmmmm on Aug 12, 2011 5:21 PM EDT reply actions

My Thoughts

1. Of the above named, I would say no to each at this time. I’d love to see Grant Hill there because he’s such a good guy, but injuries destroy his chance. Carter and Melo haven’t done anything to deserve it and I don’t think they will.

2. Now some real possibilities: KG, Ray, Paul Pierce.

3. He may be there, but if not——-Johnny Most

"I don't come to play, I come to WIN"--Larry Bird
"Criminally Negligent Officiating"--Tommy Heinsohn

by TrueGreen on Aug 12, 2011 5:24 PM EDT reply actions