McGrady headlines 2017 NBA Hall of Fame induction
The 2017 NBA Hall of Fame festivities are set with the induction ceremony highlighting this weekend.
The 2017 NBA Hall of Fame class is set for induction this weekend along with numerous activities. Existing inductees, former players and the who’s who of the business will all congregate in Springfield Massachusetts.
The following offers all the information you need on the festivities:
2017 NBA Hall of Fame Class:
Tracy McGrady:
Unquestionably the marquee player being inducted this season is Tracy McGrady.
Drafted by the Toronto Raptors straight out of high school. McGrady spent time both at shooting guard and on the wing. When paired with his cousin Vince Carter many assumed the Raptors would be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. Unfortunately, TMac wanted his own team and to be recognized as the top dog. It was a disappointment for the franchise as McGrady’s departure to Orlando came with nothing in return. This move led to the changes in the Association rules surrounding rookie contracts and restricted free agents.
McGrady played 15 seasons in the NBA marked by several high points. Specifically, he was noted as a top scoring talent, but suffered repeated disappointment trying to get his teams to win playoff series. While with the Magic he won two scoring titles and made two All-NBA teams (2003, 2004). Additionally, he was a 7-time All-Star.
Recalling the historic Vince Carter slam dunk contest, it was McGrady who gave the half-man – half-amazing hopper his greatest challenge. In fact, one of TMac’s patented moves came in several All-Star games when he threw the ball off the back board (assisting to himself) prior to dunking the ball.
Rebecca Lobo:
Lobo played in the WNBA for 6 seasons and was an Olympic Gold Medalist (1996). As for personal honors Lobo was the 1995 NCAA Final 4 Most Outstanding Player and AP Female Athlete of the Year. Following her UConn college career Lobo moved onto the WNBA starting for two seasons with the New York Liberty. Then she suffered an ACL and meniscus tear (in her first game of the season) with the Houston Comets. Lobo finished her career with the Connecticut Sun.
After retirement Rebecca Lobo moved on to become a top ESPN color analyst for ESPN.
Bill Self
The Kansas Jayhawks coach is a 2-0time AP College Coach of the Year (2009, 2016). He’s mentored players such as Andrew Wiggins, Joel Embiid and the Morris Brothers.
Self’s Jayhawks won the NCAA championship in 2008 and have made 14-consecutive tournament appearances.
One odd factor which separates players from coaches is the former have to wait 5-years after retirement to be inducted while coaches can get the nod while actively in their role.
Other inductees:
Zack Clayton – Player
Nikos Galis – Player for Greece with much success. named one of FIBA’s 50 Greatest
Robert Hughes – Coach: All-time winningest high school coach
Mannie Jackson – Owner/Player/Star – former player for Harlem Globetrotters
Tom Jernstedt -Administrator: former President, V.P. of USA Basketball
Jerry Krause – General Manager, VP Operations for Chicago Bulls 1985-2003 (sadly Krause recently passed this summer)
George McGinnis – Player: 2-time ABA Champion with Pacers
Muffet McGraw – Coach: 3-time College Coach of Year
Schedule of Events:
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The main event occurs tonight on NBA TV when the class of 2017 takes to the stage to deliver their thank you speeches. While Tracy McGrady is the biggest name entering the Hall the timing of his induction offers an unusual platform. This because McGrady who lives in Houston has been dealing with the ravages of Hurricane Harvey. The double whammy comes as McGrady’s thoughts are with his native Florida who are prepping for Hurrican Irma. As per NBA.com Scott Howard Cooper spoke with McGrady as he reflected on the two locations and trials they are currently experiencing.
"There is no way, really, for Tracy McGrady to comprehend this so soon, no way to process his adopted hometown taking the fury of Hurricane Harvey and then later watching as his home state braces for the projected mayhem of Hurricane Irma, one historical storm turned personal followed by another hellacious weather event that will be personal, both wrapped around his celebration of enshrinement into the Hall of Fame.So he won’t try. McGrady will not attempt to separate the ricocheting emotions when he takes the stage inside stately Symphony Hall on Friday night as the biggest NBA name among the Class of 2017. He will talk about the sadness of destruction and the joy of induction, together."
Press Conference – Jacket Ceremony: Thursday September 7, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EST
Family Reunion Awards Dinner: Thursday September 7, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. EST
Enshrinement Gala VIP Reception: Friday September 8, 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. EST
Enshrinement Ceremony: Friday September 8, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. EST: This portion of the weekend offers the biggest spectacle with a red carpet entrance. The event takes place at Springfield Symphony Hall where the inductees speeches are televised on NBA TV and live streamed. Nike sponsors this segment.
Induction Celebration Party: Saturday September 9: 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. EST