HALL OF FAME 2012 Feature-IT'S MILLER TIME

The Greatest Villain Of All-Time.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Let us take you back to the golden era of the 90's. We're just shy of summer and the Big Apple hasn't fallen far from the playoff tree in the winter of the NBA season. We're in New York City at a time where you can see the Empire State clear and Central Park is growing in amazing abundance. We're in the heart of Manhattan, just a few blocks away from the earth's core of Times Square. Like shimmers of electric light there at night, a sea of orange and blue is heading towards Penn Station and the eden of basketball; Madison Square Garden. All those Knickerbocker jerseys running deep and ascending the escalators towards the nosebleeds, live and breathe and die for New York basketball. All the Knick 33's and 3's expect it all, they just didn't figure for the one kid wearing the Indiana Pacers jersey.

It's Miller time!

The number 31 to be specific. Sitting courtside Spike Lee see's it. Who Spike? Who's that bald headed guard owning New York and M.S.G. like it was his own? He sure doesn't look like Jordan but right now it looks like he could toe the out of bounds line with him. This time and tide has a familiar wash for nighties New York no matter the year, but our man isn't Basketball's hero Mike. It's the greatest villain the league has ever seen; Reggie Miller. More of a villain than Vince to Toronto, or Kobe to Shaq in their and the Lakers prime. The Joker of the NBA who played his cards right, going left from the usual poster boy culture of the NBA and therefore a hero in his own right.

It's Miller time!

You just have to love the man some hated. A man who sank daggers into the opposition. A man who stared down Spike Lee and shot down the Knicks. A man who would make choke gestures but would never even cough himself. A man who is only rivaled in clutch by the greatest of all time. A man-who as one of the best ever himself-is rivaled only by former coach Larry Bird, former Finals foe Robert Horry and record breaker Ray Allen in behind the arc last second heroics. A man who lived by the three as others died by his sweet stroke hand. Let the goose neck hang, "this Turkey's done" they would cry as Reggie let fly and put forks in teams and games in refrigerators just as Chick Hearn had the jello cooling.

It's Miller time!

Spike Lee himself (who deserves his own place one day) could almost introduce this Knick killer to the Naismith Hall Of Fame, as Reggie follows recent nighties superstars Karl Malone, Scottie Pippen, David Robinson, Chris Mullin and of course Jordan down the corridors of basketball greatness joining the smooth as silk Jaamal Wilkes, tough as nails Don Nelson and a class above the rest. Pound for pound (albeit a little scrawny) and 30 for 30 like a classic ESPN documentary, Reggie has earned and deserves his welcome place here. The team destroyer with one hell of a jacket now earns the heavenly feel of those million dollar arms going through the sleeve of the H.O.F. blazer. The man who turned the Market Square Arena into a cattle farm with his perfect precision has found victory once again. The basket was like a magnet to Miller and even though that repelled him from some his master stroke has now attracted him to the master class of basketball today in 2012.

It's Miller time!

The marked man was just that good on the clock, from 24 seconds to 48 minutes in 82 games until the final Finals buzzer rang out. Catching fire like 'The Hunger Games' sequel this 'dark knight' of the league owned this 'battle royale' with avengance and now it's his year. Now the it's time for the master of seconds and he can have all the time in the world to make his speech. Then again this man's said more in fewer, more precious moments before. Let's go back to nighties New York and turn the clock back to 18.7.

It's Miller time!

We're in the Mecca, it's '95 and Indiana are down 6. Reggie takes the inbounds pass off presenter Mark Jackson and drills the three, before then stealing the inbounds pass off Knick Anthony Mason and dribbling behind the arc for another three-ball drilling. Then after two clutch free-throws Reggie Miller won the game for Indiana, 107-105 in less than 10 seconds. 8 for 8, pound for pound this guy was just that epicly good and that's why he's one of the greatest of the greatest. The waning seconds was his time and that's what makes all of these 24 hours his day.

It's Miller time!

THE SHAPE OF THINGS

Tex book basketball.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

(Part of our special 'HALL OF FAME' week)

This Summer we will finally hear the Winter's tale Naismith and the NBA have been waiting so long to be told. As legendary coach Tex Winter has his picture added to the Hall of Fame. The frame of his profile may as well be shaped like a triangle as this man birthed and helped orchestrate one of the leagues most innovative, iconic, enigmatic and successful basketball offences ever conducted

Along with dear friend and head coach partner Phil Jackson (who has the honour of presenting Winter with his induction to the hall) Tex worked the legendary triangle offence to the tune of 11 championship rings in Chicago and Los Angeles, how's that sound for tried and tested? These two old men ran rings round the young men of the NBA with their triangle which rendered their opposition out of shape and lost to this mysterious allure like Bermuda. The offence helped legends become true winners, whether their names where Mike or Kobe, or Shaq or Scottie. It also denied some of the leagues legendary best the ultimate title, from failed deliveries from Karl Malone to no time for Miller or answers for Iverson.

Good ol' Tex will finally get his due this year as the sports most hard to get to grips with strategy finally comes to terms with the association. The triangle enters the hall with it's inventor. A professor of coaching and master of the dry-erase board and the X's and O's. It really is a good job the Zen master is presenting the honour, as good luck to anyone else trying to explain the triangle, it's even harder than soccer fans trying to explain the offside rule in a bar. Winter has passed all tests though, knowing the game like no other, inside and out with all it's trimmings and hidden gems. Plus with a resume and report card that reads like the most likely to succeed, he's aced every test given as he's swotted away all the competition. Some fly in and out of this league with the seasons but Tex has been in this sport for over a half century with decades of dominance.

Texan Tex is a titan amongst legends a man who ruled the Western world and rounded up the beasts of the East in a lasso like a true maverick without even spending any time with Dallas. This years champions may have ended his and Jackson's victory streak but as Tex leaves the saloon of contenders people will share their Winter stories over a glass long after the doors stop swinging. We really need to raise our glasses and toast this man as there is no one quite like him.

From a playing career at USC college to coaching spells at Marquette, Kansas State, Washington, Northwestern, Long Beach State and the Houston Rockets in the NBA before his two most successful and sensational stints as an assistant, Winter has been everywhere and done it all with a 486-235 head coaching record. That's .674 that most of the NBA's best coaches don't or won't ever see. The man is already in the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame and now he is set to walk the walk down of legends down Naismith's hall.

Also a recipient this year of the 'Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award', this mans life's work has been a deep dedication to his work and sport. Thanks to his legacy of the triangle offence Tex takes his innovation and influence to even more inspiring places this August. In a rush of talent in this class Tex is the most dynamic (and Dennis Rodman's here this year too) at the head as basketball's true teacher. As legendary as Red, Tex has coloured the league with his imagination and ideas. He literally wrote the book on this sport, back in '62 on the then termed 'Triple-Post Offence' and his writings, teachings and coachings have lasted through the decades and reissues. Winter started a basketball revolution and in the fall of his career we can only hope the next in line starts a basketball renaissance.

You see the plays Tex Winter designed where the blueprints of incredible ball playing. Basketball in it's purist, most fundamental form. If this art is lost with his career then it will be a real tragedy and injustice because even though Tex played and worked behind the scenes he's done as much good for this sport as anyone named Michael, Magic and Bird. He helped define the nighties with Jordan and Jackson and in the new millennium when everyone was 'crossing over' and looking for new ways to change and rule the game Tex and Jax still ruled the science of the game with their tried and tested formula that broke down the elements of the opposition, via pure basketball physics and team chemistry based on classic coaching.

Tex Winter's health problems have overshadowed his last few years in the league but he still stood by and consulted Phil Jackson after suffering a stroke. Now as he's set to receive his induction he will not be in his best health or state but that won't dampen his unconquerable spirit or the night of overdue celebration. His health may be failing him but his heart, soul, legend and legacy never will. So let's all stand up and give a round of applause as he proudly takes to the podium. Arguably the most underrated, under appreciated (by some), important and influential figures of the last century of basketball and for all time is finally getting his appreciation and just deserves. Let's hear it for him. Thanks Tex.

MULLIN' IT OVER

A real Golden State Warrior.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY.

(Part of our special 'HALL OF FAME' week)

The mid to late eighties may have been dominated by Larry and Magic, while the nighties may have been Michael's game but another fellow member of the 'dream team' and soon to be Naismith Hall Of Fame was another important icon. A rare figure that was dominant in two of the leagues most groundbreaking and popular decades. With a buzz cut, come high top fade, that would have been looked good on the Fresh Prince this guy looked more like a character out of a family sitcom, but check your old V.T.'s on television or your newspaper clippings because Chris Mullin was a star.

This 6, 7, number 17 came into the league 26 years ago as the 7th pick in the '85 draft to average 18.2 points and collect 1,530 steals during his tenure in the league. What a career this kid had coming out of Brooklyn, New York to be a hero in California, his country and around the world like Captain America. Shielding critical judgement, Mullin wore his star status proud as he ruled in Golden State, the '92 Olympics in Barcelona and as a veteran with the Indiana Pacers. Every time he ran down the corridor and on to the court, he went hard with his work. No wonder he's ready for the hall certification.

This shooting guard come small forward was so versatile that he saw five All-Star games, a couple of All-NBA teams, two pieces of gold and the legendary 'John R. Wooden Award' which he garnered in his college freshman/NBA rookie year. Before all that however he received the 'USBWA College Player of the Year' distinction after a stellar final year at St. Johns. He also collected the 'Big East Men's Basketball Player of the Year' for each of his three college years, even making the amateur USA team if that wasn't already enough.

Mullin was always going to be big as he idolised Larry Bird growing up and wore the number 17 in fellow Celtics legend John Havlicek's honour. Mullin was more than the next 'great white hype' b.s. religiously studying the games of legendary Knick guards Walt Frazier and Earl Monroe for his final pre-draft Basketball exam in the finals of the NCAA, all whilst playing with N.Y.'s finest in the Bronx and Harlem, where his game knowed no discrimination or dismissal. His game was part serious strength, part sublime shot with some sensational smarts. With that green-collar Celtic hard work and Boston Irish pride, mixed with the hometown New York mind and skill set mixed together for the perfect formula. Chris became a potent player of some power.

After teaming up with the magnificent Mario Elie in high school, Mullin locked it down for Power Memorial Academy before furthering his impact and legacy at Catholic Xaverian High School of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn where he showed the all boys school who the man was. As Chris Mullin joined St John's he became the freshest man averaging 16.6 per and setting scoring records for the alumni. Before his final year in college and draft declaration Mullin handled even more pressure like a pro as he won his first gold medal with the USA Olympic team in Los Angeles, a year after he won gold in the 1983 Pan American Games in Caracas. He really was that good. Then in his freshman year he led his college campus to the formidable Final Four and sure the bic haired warrior didn't cut down any nets but it sure was a close shave, plus the young man had breezed through so many worlwide achievements before he even hit the draft.

Then as the big leagues called Mullin was well received as ge remained connected with his renowned all-round game as he continued to humbly engage himself with his machine like, crazy awesome work ethic. Mullin fitted into any role given to him like a Gary Payton as he showed he was the consummate, selfless team-player. Even when he was picked as a spot up shooter next to Eric "Sleepy" Floyd he just hit everything he was asked of before the team and the world woke up to his talent. Then after some years of struggle (if you can call 20.2 points per game a struggle), alcoholism, injury and losses to eventual champions like the Lakers something special happened. Don Nelson happened, time in rehab and the weight room happened, and Mitch Richmond and Tim Hardaway happened. Before 'the rock' and Timmy became stars of their own in Sacramento and Miami respectively they sounded so good with Mullin as Run-TMC, the freshest classic thing seen since bowler hats, leather jackets and Adidas with no laces. It was just like that.

Plus even with a crossing over point revolution and the most underrated star of the nighties Chris still held his own cementing his own legend as a league Warrior. As he came out to play in his fifth campaign he averaged 25 plus points a game for five straight seasons, being the first man to do that in the NBA since Wilt Chamberlain. Now how's that for a legacy? Mullin was standing on the stilts of legends.

Then after some powerful playoff runs and that second gold overseas with 'the dream' Mullin and the Warriors again saw change approaching the mid-decade. They lost the 'M' of their 'TMC' trio and gained another 'C' and Chris as Mitch Richmond was traded and Chris Webber was brought in on draft day after his own legendary ensemble ('the fab five') at college as a Spartan in Michigan. Billy Owens was what Golden State received in return for Mitch 'The Rock' Richmond as his strength supplemented the wear and tear that begun to take it's toll on Mullin.

Chris paid the price with time on the pine, but he still ensured to cash in on his time on the floor as he always afforded his best effort. You could always take that to the bank. Still as Richmond was traded it signalled the end of an era which also featured Nelson's resignation after he couldn't work with Webber and Mullin's part replacement by slashing, choking swingman Latrell Sprewell.

After all Mullin did for his franchise he was traded in the 96/97 season for a journeyman and a sophomore (OK the sophomore was impressive centre Erik Dampier but still). Keeping up pace in Indiana Mullin was still a sensational star player before becoming a valuable veteran on the East Coast. Mullin was also coached by his idol Larry Bird and even after all the time and experience, Coach Legend still proved to be a memorable mentor. After a 11.3 point of a season Bird and Mullin lost again to Jordan and the eventual champion Chicago, but just like every other year against Mike, they picked themselves up and carried on together in a wonderful new alliance.

As Mullin's playing career began to wilt (and we're not talking about another Chamberlain comparison) he was replaced by the blooming Jalen Rose but now his mentoring and locker room presence was crucial. Indiana even reached the NBA Finals in the dawn of the new millennium but Chris and his three appearances with his team lost again to the Lakers.

Still as Chris Mullin retired he left the game with more then the legacy of being another top star of the nighties who didn't shine as bright as Mike because of the lack of bling from no rings. He still left as a winner who achieved so much on many different levels on the court. This before his time player was world-wide before his prime and had so much potential throughout his career that made good on all his promise. This is why he's guaranteed a walk down the Hall. This John Wooden award winner helped reinvent the sport with his all round play. He's worthy of accreditation and that's Naismith's word.

THE (REAL) LAST SHOT

(Originally Published on SLAMonline (09/11/09))

The part of MJ’s career most would like to forget… but shouldn’t.

By Tim David Harvey

(Part of our special 'HALL OF FAME' week)

June 14, 1998

Its Game 6 of the 1998, NBA Finals. The Chicago Bulls are down one point to the Utah Jazz; the score is 86-85. Its Utah’s possession and Karl Malone is facing off with Dennis Rodman (they have been physical all series long). Michael Jordan catches an opening and swats the ball away, this time the mailman failed to deliver.

The Greatest Player of All-Time takes the ball up court for what might be one of the greatest plays of all-time. Jordan has less than 10 seconds to claim victory — this is almost cinematic. He takes the ball to his right against poster-child Byron Russell, he crosses over, Byron stumbles to the ground, Jordan finds his spot, plants his feet, cocks, aims and POPS! Nothing but net and rich NBA history.

These are the moment’s basketball fans fiend for. Michael Jordan wins the 1998 NBA Championship for his Chicago Bulls with the last shot he will take before he retires from the game. The commentators were right: This is fitting.

September 25, 2001 | Three years, three months, 11 days later.

Michael Jordan announces his second comeback to the National Basketball Association. He joins the Washington Wizards. It turns out June 14 wouldn’t be the day of his last shot after all. This storybook career was about to add one more chapter.

The hype was out of this world. The Greatest Player of All-Time was back. The Babe Ruth of his time, like Muhammad Ali in the ’70s. Basketball purists and casual fans alike could not contain their excitement. This was it. Newspapers, television networks and radio stations couldn’t cover this story enough. This was Jordan’s moment. Suddenly the Kobe Bryants, Allen Iversons, Vince Carters and Latrell Sprewells had to take a back seat. The most talked about, watched, photographed basketball player of all-time was about to have all the talk, eyes and lenses focused back his way. It felt like ’95 all over again. The good, old days.

Then, like the morning after, reality set in. It wasn’t just the jersey that MJ wore that felt unfamiliar. The game changed even if the name remained the same. An uninspiring debut, turmoil within his team, failed playoff runs and bad press. The once unstoppable Jordan was now being schooled by the same players who hung his posters on their walls when they were watching him growing up. Air Jordan was no longer throwing down facials on the regular, ‘his floorness’ was blowing open opportunities. Fans wanted new posters and new hops to imitate. They wanted a guy coming out of retirement and not missing a step. They didn’t want ‘Kingdom Come’; they wanted ‘American Gangster.’

Today, Michael Jordan enters the Hall of Fame for all the amazing things he did and all his classic moments with the Bulls. With all these great moments in Michael’s basketball library, there was no need for his two years in Washington. In fact they shouldn’t even be mentioned anymore… right?

Wrong.

Someone who’s given the world of basketball so much should be given a break. The man was pushing his 40s and victim of many niggling injuries. Michael Jordan may not have being breaking records, ankles and opponent’s hearts but one thing is for sure: He could still play. Basketball was his dance and he could still get down. It may be best that Jordan sticks to challenging the likes of Bill Murray and Justin Timberlake in golf these days but there was nothing wrong with his last comeback.

Understand if you don’t already know, Mike really is the most competitive basketball player ever. He refused to lose… period. All the losses he accumulated, which he never truly experienced this way before and all the times he showed rust or limitation he was humiliated. For Michael Jordan giving his best didn’t matter, anything short of being the best was shameful to him. Despite suddenly adopting a negative tag which he couldn’t cut off MJ endured the criticism and the humiliation and soldiered on. He carried on because he was that competitive; he always wanted to prove his worth and prove he could play.

By some modern standards you’re only as good as your last game, shot or possession. Michael knew this and set this as his yardstick. Anybody who puts that much unattainable pressure on themselves deserves credit. This drive, this passion and this hunger (even after everything he already achieved) were the makeup of Michael Jordan. The characteristics still made him a potent threat as a player, even in his final two, struggle-filled seasons and may have made him a legend. His drive made him work from 7 a.m. in the morning ’til 11 p.m. at night; it’s this work that made him The Best of All-Time.

Michael still averaged around 20 ppg in his two years in the nation’s capital. He still put fans in seats and wowed them sometimes too. Jordan gave the players who idolized him the chance to play with or against him and all the fans that championed his legend the chance to see him play again. Michael’s return was necessary to scratch a basketball addict’s itch, but it was also a very selfless run. He risked his credibility and his legacy but also to gave the world a chance to see him one last time. This was MJ’s goodbye. To anyone who looks at this man’s comeback with cynicism, they should remember Michael donated all his salary to the relief fund for the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. All his salary. It doesn’t matter how rich he already is. How many professional sportsmen would really do that?

Forget about the groundwork ‘Floor Jordan’ put in, because even with the air knocked out of him, he still had nice hops. Forget about him being crossed over by the likes of Allen Iverson again, because sometimes when the floor general rallied his troops together they could beat the likes of the Lakers. Forget about Dikeme Mutombo’s laughter at MJ’s blown, open dunk at the All-Star Game. Instead remember his sick, two-handed block. Forget the numerous times he couldn’t hit 10 points and remember the time where he recorded 51 points at 38 years of age. Forget about the drama with Kwame Brown and remember the influence he has had on generations of players. Forget about not getting voted on as an All-Star starter and the unnecessary pressure everyone else put on Vince Carter. Instead reminisce Mike’s fade away, buzzer-beater in the 4th quarter (Come on now Kobe).

Nobody’s perfect and even superstars and superheroes have weak spots. Superman has kryptonite and Michael Jordan had fluid in his knees. Rock stars die and movie stars get old. The things you cherished in childhood in time belong only to nostalgia. Time catches up with everyone eventually and sometimes it takes the best of them.

Michael’s Wizards days may not have a patch on the rich tapestry of his time with the Bulls but his tenure in DC was still an important and noteworthy part of his basketball legacy. Despite his exposed weaknesses and the bad press he still gave new memories to old and new fans alike. The slam dunking, three-peat, tongue out, and fade away days may have past but MJ still had something to give. He still showed how on some nights he could recapture the magic of the ‘90s. Jordan found new ways to score the basketball and win games when his body and his age wouldn’t allow him to do it the way he used to. Michael showed even when his back was against the wall and everyone was against him he could still hold his own.

April 16, 2003

The final curtain is about to be drawn for the finest basketball player to ever grace this stage. The Washington Wizards are playing the Philadelphia 76ers but their playoff hopes have already disappeared in the rear-view. It just didn’t feel right to see a legend in his farewell, riding the pine in the 3rd quarter with just 13 points. Chants from the home fans of Philadelphia overshadow the game itself.

The veteran, shooting guard’s number is called. ‘Into the game Number 23, Michael Jordan’. With less than two minutes to go MJ is fouled intentionally, let’s end this right. To the charity stripe he goes, sinking the first free throw. The home fans aren’t distracting the opposing teams player this time. All 21,257 eyes rest on Mike. He bounces the ball once, twice, follows the same, old routine, spinning the ball threw his fingers. Mike sets it up, aims and follows through, it’s all twine. He backpedals down the court, with a smile one last time.

There is a break in play and he walks to the bench to a three-minute standing ovation. MJ hugs his coaches and his teammates, he acknowledges the crowd and sits down. He drinks it all in because this is his moment. He nods repeatedly with satisfaction, turns around, stands up and acknowledges the crowd one last time. Now he’s saying thank you.

… and that was the last shot.

IN ROD WE TRUST

Through a wormhole to the hall.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

(Part of our special 'HALL OF FAME' week)

If you ever make it to Springfield and walk down the infamous hall of NBA fame your senses will become overloaded as you hear a young man full of charisma tell you, "never fear, E.J.'s here", taste the victory champagne of champions, smell the scent of Red's cigar and feel the 'Heat' of things to come. Then however as you hear the footsteps of smart shoes and pan up the debonair but dynamic suit you see something unusual. Is that man's hair green with dots of orange?

It sure is ladies and gentleman as this year we welcome Dennis Rodman to the NBA Hall of Fame's class of 2012 and to boot this chameleon coloured, dyed eccentric may not sport the strangest haircut of the class either...step forward Chris Mullin! No wait, he's next (stay tuned) right now let's take a look at one of the most enigmatic, entertaining and best players to ever grace the National Basketball Association, a man that made Shaq's personality and Allen Iverson's appearance seem merely, normal.

Dennis Rodman is no stranger to causing a scene on the mainstream, catching headlines, superstar girlfriends, movie roles and everything short of a rap album all whilst grabbing every rebound in site. The man could even reduce Charles Barkley's mound to dirt and again even make that personality just seem ordinary. Throughout his career almost everything Dennis did was in some way classic. From humbled, no tattoo beginnings in Detroit before he was a 'bad boy', to striking gold in San Antonio before the championship years in Chicago where next to Scottie Pippen and the greatest of all time he still stood out (in a good way) like the (then named) Sears Tower (what you talking about Willis?), all the way to trying to choose between the number '69' (if you want that jersey you may have to ask Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder) or '007' in the Laker days before they refused him a new jersey like his hometown of Trenton (you can bet they love him though) and he left the association as a true Maverick. Trust that even with all the strange occurrences and 'what the hell' goings on Rod's playing career spoke louder than any outfit, make up or spray can he wore.

Forget talking about the tattoo's and earrings, speak on how he inked and pierced his legend and legacy of being the greatest rebounder in league history. The shyest kid in school graduated to the big-leagues and became one of the most extroverted men in the world as he truly lived this life. Thank God for what he gave us and even with all this charisma 'the worm' is still as humble and down to earth as thy come. Thanking all his teams on Twitter for the opportunity, now that's a hell of a lot of character.

Sure Rodman may have starred in the questionable, but box office smash 'Double Impact' (say what you say it sure is a fun movie) with Jean Claude Van Damme but his impact on the league was much more powerful and potent. His double, double, explosive play drew the top crowds in as Chicago, championship basketball became cinematic. With no special effects or stunt doubles, Dennis was the real action hero saving the day for the Bulls, scene after scene, team after team. He may have spent some time in a WWF ring with Hulk Hogan, but when he entered any NBA court he wrestled with anyone, no matter how tough as he even took the NBA's strongest man, Karl Malone from the canvas to the hardwood.

Sure he may have dated Madonna and claimed she "broke his (close your ears)" but this man still broke down his opposition night after night with his skills that changed the tone of the game more than his hair. Sure he may have been married to Carmen Elektra for only as long as most reality shows last and he may have wore a wedding dress to promote his autobiography (how else? Well how about promoting his second 'I Should Be Dead By Now' in a coffin?) but he enjoyed a matrimony with Larry O'Brien in the chapters of his career, never being engaged with his outside world when in the game like EA. Playing as consistently as a video game Rodman left it all on the floor as he left all the crazy things that happened in his life away from basketball exactly that, off the court. Now that's the measure of a true professional. So what if he came to work looking different. Normal people don't become winners, they just stay the same. Dennis changed the game. While wearing black and red the only thing he was a menace to was those without 'Bulls' embroided across their chests.

Now Michael Jordan may have led the Bull's charge with his second to none game and competitiveness, while Scottie Pippen may have been next in line as the leagues best second string and fiddle legend, but Rodman kept the heart of Chicago beating with his spark, enthusiasm and passion as this big three where united in the centre and the core of Windy City basketball. These characteristics, coupled with his completely horizontal loose ball dives and his glass polishing window cleaning where examples of true selfless sacrifice and the most truest types of hard-work and honest hustle. These elements where as criminally underrated and as equally important as Steve Kerr's threes, Horace Grant's googled eyed 'D' and Toni Kukoc's revolution of the sixth man position. All these moods resulted in a championship mindset. No wonder the zen of Phil Jackson recognised when no one else did. No wonder Dennis wants no one else but him to present him with his induction into the NBA's most elite and prestigious class.

It's easy to forget that the man that grabbed so many boards was only 6 foot 6 and also played the more natural position of small forward, but his emphatic, power driven play helped him stand next to the big boys on his way to five gold rings, two defensive player of the year awards and seven rebound titles. It's easy to forget this guy spent the last decade mixing it up in the ABA like his name was Julius Erving and spelling time in Britain like his name was Ron Artest (yet another man he makes look tame, now that's crazy), but this is how much this man loves the game that at times unfairly showed him hate. Sure he starred on England's popular but overdone 'Celebrity Big Brother' and America's 'Celebrity Apprentice', but the reality is what he's done on screens and youtube highlights with his basketball legacy trumps one-week, throwaway television. It's also easy to forget that despite his iconic, irreplaceable time for the Bulls he also had a massive impact on the eighties era, 'bad boy' Detroit basketball. A crucial cog in the otor of the Pistons just like Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Bill Laimbeer, Adrian Dantleym, Vinnie Johnson or John Salley. An influence so huge that the team retired his number 10 jersey, maybe its time the Bulls followed suit with his number 91 vest.

Still with this years Hall of Fame honor the NBA finally honor all he's done, giving him his just deserves. It's about time we all really saw what this man is about. Surreal not strange, enigmatic not eccentric, iconic not idiotic. Besides in a current lockout starved and uninspired NBA, what more could entertain us then Dennis, one of the leagues most inspirational figures in a sport designed for expressive characters. Believe beyond the walls of the hall we'll never forget this man. In Rod we trust.

THE OTHER GUYS

Even the greatest has to acknowledge sometimes.

(Part of our special 'HALL OF FAME' week)

BY TIM DAVID HARVEY

You can almost picture the scene right now. It's almost one year ago and two legend’s of Basketball are about to enter the NBA's Naismith Hall of Fame. Two of the biggest players of the nighties. It doesn’t get much better than this. Then, Michael Jordan walks in…and the attention shifts for a moment.

This is the story of both Scottie Pippen and Karl Malone’s careers. Two unique, incredible talents, Olympic 'dream' makers. Two guys who where blessed to play in a league for a long time, but at the same time shared that spotlight with the G.O.A.T, Number 23, Michael Jordan. M.J. defined ‘his’ decade in the nighties but it wasn’t just him that made it one of the best the amazing NBA has ever witnessed.

Karl and Scottie are far from the Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg to their Samuel L. Jackson and ‘The Rock’ of other NBA legends. These ‘other guys’ along with legacy setters like MJ, Shaq, Hakeem, Ewing and others are the reason that the 90’s was not just one of the best, but one of the most memorable decades in basketball…ever.

When Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six amazing Championships he didn’t just do this on his own. Batman needed his Robin but let’s get this straight, Pippen was more than just a sidekick, this can’t be stressed enough. If you need any more proof check Pippen’s seasons in Houston and Portland to show how well this guy can lead a team. If Pip had spent his whole career in Portland, he could have been a bigger Oregon legend than Clyde Drexler. Scottie spent the bulk of his career in Chi-town however and this was nowhere near a bad thing.

Scottie was ‘big game’ like James Worthy. His playoff contributions where so worthwhile and Pippen is also third all time in postseason games played. He trails only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (who seems to have played more games and scored more points than anybody in the history of basketball) and playoff hero Robert Horry. Scottie may have been a little bit out of the spotlight at times but not only did he share the biggest stage in Basketball with M.J. he also helped make Basketball popular around the world. Michael and Scottie carried along the torch that Magic and Larry passed.

Pippen always had Jordan’s back, always had his teams back, now that’s the perfect teammate. Scottie carried his team when Michael went to play some rounders. Pippen did it all at the Small Forward position before Kevin Garnett did, before Lamar Odom did and before the King did it.

Pip was so versatile and he was one of the best defenders the league has ever seen and for that fact as well he was underrated. His former coach Phil Jackson offers the best testament though, calling him a "one man wrecking crew, capable of guarding anyone from the point guard to the five position." He robbed the steals leading accolade many seasons over and he could block too. He’s one of only three players to reach 200 steals and 100 blocks in a season. Pippen could give it to you so many ways on offence and defense, telling opponents; 'how do you want it'?

The Bulls number 33 was a prototype for the way that 21st century Basketball would be played and Scott redefined the small forward position and swingman role. Numbers speak for themselves, as do career averages of 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 2 steals. To put it simply, he did it all. Sure M.J. was the greatest and nobody could touch that but every Dynasty has a duo, two guys that compliment each other, just like Shaq and Kobe or Magic and Kareem.

John Stockton formed another great duo for the ages with Karl Malone. Stock and ‘The Mailman’ delivered some of the greatest NBA memories of the 90’s, pick and rolling their way to legendary status. Just like how Pippen changed the game for small forwards, Malone did for the power position. Karl was one of those forwards who fit the description of your typical premier power forwards. He was a 20 and 10 guy, but he could shoot and he could pass. He spotted up and set up all the way to a career total tune of 36, 928 points, 5,238 assists and 14, 968 rebounds.

Malone also spent a season crafting a Dream Team with the Los Angeles Lakers. Although this team was all just a dream, missing out on the Championship Malone proved that before retiring he could still deliver pushing 40 like the Los Angeles Clippers.

Malone also belongs to another prestigious group along with guys like Patrick Ewing and Charles Barkley. This being a group of NBA legends that never copped a ring. It was a shame for a guy like Malone, who gave so much that his career ended that way. He got so close, but the bad boys and a bad knee got in the way. Still legends should be defined by all the things they do, not just by winning ‘chips. After all, even guys like Travis Knight and Luc Longley have rings (no offence guys but c’mon). Just like nothing should be taken away from Pippen for being a number two, nothing should be taken away from Malone by not achieving every player’s number one goal.

If you where to create the greatest NBA team of all time, you’d have Magic running the Point, MJ joining him at the backcourt, Wilt in the middle and Larry Legend at the 3. At the other forward position however it would be a toss up between Malone and Tim Duncan. Duncan is a like a robot, never stopping his incredible production but the Mailman comes every day too. Karl crafted his physique in such a way that not only could he rule the paint, he also held his own in a charity WCW match. Malone was a body builder, built like a truck transporting bricks. His Hall of Fame blazer last year didn’t even fit him, that’s how cut up this guy is (still his son ended up happy). He probably could still play, he was one of the strongest players the league has ever seen, even though at 6 foot 9, he was a little undersized for a power forward.

For all the people that seemed to miss the post let the awards speak for themselves. Two MVP awards, most free throws taken and made (why did people put this guy on the line?), second all time leading scorer, first all time rebounder, 11 NBA All First team selections, part of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players of all time and now part of this years Hall of Fame with Scottie Pippen.

Malone had tears at his acceptance into the hall, Scottie had thanks for his running mate. After all these two players have given the league, they appreciate more what they have been given. This is a measure of true friends, true teammates, true loyalty and true legend. These two players where unselfish and dominant, imagine what they would have done if they where selfish?

That however needn’t be looked at because the people that Scottie Pippen and Karl Malone are made them the players that they where, two of Basketballs greatest players, not just of the 1990’s, but of all time. A unique pair who helped the leagues popularity and help mould it into what it its today. It’s about the time the Hall paved way for them. Scottie and Karl, welcome to Basketball immortality, you’ve earned it.

ADMIRABLE

(Originally Published on SLAMonline (09/12/09))

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

(Part of our special 'HALL OF FAME' week)

Sometimes nice guys really do finish last. Overshadowed by other legendary centers of the 90s and, later in his career, his frontcourt partner Tim Duncan, David Robinson is about to claim his hard and well-earned place in the NBA’s Hall of Fame. Just his luck he’s about to enter it with a class that includes Michael Jordan. So with all eyes on MJ, let’s take a minute to propose a toast to the admiral.

admirable — worthy of admiration; excellent.

Ladies and gentleman let’s take a trip down memory lane to the golden 90s era of the NBA. An era belonging to the greatest player to ever lace them up. Redefining the game and bringing it to the world’s stage. That player is not being talked about here. Mike’s getting his due on SLAMonline, but the Golden Age wasn’t great just because of Air.

The 90s was also bought (for now at least) the era of the last great, true centers of the National Basketball Association. There was Shaquille O’Neal coming into his prime, larger than life on and off the court and the most dominant a center the League has seen since Wilt Chamberlain. There was also Hakeem Olajuwon who shook defenders and crowds wherever he went on the way to two championships with the Houston Rockets. Who could forget Patrick Ewing playing on basketball’s biggest stage at Madison Square Garden? Carrying the city of New York on his back. With all his blood, plenty of sweat and tears. How about Alonzo Mourning? One of the toughest, resilient players to ever do battle in the paint. Not to mention Dikembe Mutombo, finger-wagging his way to being one of the leading defensive players of all-time. These players are not being talked about either, however; the player being talked about right now is someone who deserves the spotlight as much as the aforementioned, Mr. David Robinson.

Shaq may have four championship rings to his name but he had to go through Robinson’s San Antonio Spurs after many years of frustration for his first. Hakeem may have dominated David in the 1995 Western Conference Finals but the ‘Admiral’ retired with as many championships as the ‘Dream.’ Patrick Ewing may have been at the center of New York’s metropolis for many seasons, but DRob made San Antonio his permanent home. As for Deke and Zo they’ve worked hard on and off the court in the same vein as David Robinson, going those extra million miles for people in need. They may not have been as dominate as David on the court but they knew how to be the consummate professional athlete, like Robinson. So these other high-profile, imposing centers may have overshadowed the gentleman sportsman in David Robinson, but how many of these centers bettered David’s career high 71 points? That’s right — none of them. Now that’s dominant.

So how come is it that when the legends of the game are discussed this man is more of an afterthought? An afterthought in the sense that although he is always considered, he’s never championed in the way he should be. Sometimes fans casually forget this man. How is a player like this forgotten? A dominant, yet different type of center. A big man, built but slender. A guy strong enough to push around opponents in the paint before his trademark two-handed flushes all while looking like he could play the forward or even run track.

A player who despite playing in a decade full of legendary centers still claimed his place and then made it his home. How can a guy who even had a Sega game named after him be forgotten? The same player who featured in many bizarre Nike Air commercials, promoting his popular, classic sneakers. It could be because nice guys really do finish last and guys who are a bit rough around the edges are more interesting. Players, who had a love-hate relationship with their fans like Patrick Ewing and the play hard or go home faithful of Madison Square Garden are to some much more captivating. It could even be simply because that high top fade was so 80s (we see you Carlton Banks!).

How can one half of the ‘Twin Towers’ be forgotten? A duo that caused so many problems for Shaq and Kobe’s Lakers before the Lake Show obtained that elusive first ring? It could be due to Tim Duncan being the difference maker between San An’s contender and championship status. In the NBA, however, it takes two like Marvin and Tammi said. The pair of big men couldn’t do it on their own. They needed each other to win a ring. Even in the post-Admiral days, Tim at his most stoic and dominant needed Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and a great team to get championships every other year. These towers had more than one foundation. If Tim Duncan is a top 10 player of all-time, then David isn’t far behind.

With that being said, how come No. 50 San Antonio jerseys are not seen everywhere outside of Texas? It could be because Shaq and Kobe were a more intriguing partnership than Timmy and Dave. This could be because of the exciting way the most dominant ever and the potential heir to the G.O.A.T throne played the game. It could even be because of their personalities for better or worse. Shaq’s candid interviews or Kobe’s Miles Davis cool or their high-profile, headline-producing, attention-grabbing feud. Now the twin peaks never had any problems with each other. The nothing but business approach of two perfect role models didn’t get much press but it produced W’s.

Look at how well David and Tim played off each other from day one. Recovering each others mistakes, looking out for each other, being an unstoppable force on the offensive end and an immovable force on the defensive end. Two dominant big men in the same frontcourt, scary right? Taking nothing away from Shaq and Kobe, Tim and David didn’t need much time to claim their first ring, lockout or no lockout, asterisk or no asterisk. Even if that championship is discredited just do the research on the Spurs second championship. No more questions.

Basketball is one of those sports. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from or what your circumstances are because once someone’s on the court they better show and prove. A lot of star players in the NBA had their problems on the court and a lot of players had their fair share of problems off the court too. To some fans, though, as long as a player’s playing great — throwing down dunks and breaking ankles — it doesn’t matter if he’s throwing elbows and breaking laws off the court. Is the League not tiring of this? A true athlete should work hard to be a role model both on and off the court. Take a look at David Robinson’s career. He has done exactly that. His name comes with many accolades for his on court efforts and many philanthropic efforts. Now that’s a true legend.

From the very start of his basketball career David treated the game and everything outside the game with the dignity and respect of a true gentleman. Right from the beginning, DRob was All-American in more ways then one. Even selecting his No. 50 after his idol Ralph Sampson showed respect for a similar player that came before him. After being honorably discharged by the Navy after a prestigious college basketball and military career (which included the Naismith and Wooden basketball awards and the Naval Academies Senior First Class men merit) DRob began his 14-year duty in San Antonio.

Take a look through his storied career and the list of achievements on court stretch as wide as his generosity off it. Rookie of the Year in the first year of the 90s, scoring champion in 1993, countless First Team All-NBAs, First Team All-Defensive teams and All-Star honors. Defensive Player of the Year in ’92, a league MVP in ’95, and two-time NBA Champion. Should David’s worth still be doubted? DRob recorded a quadruple-double, which only three other players have ever done. A leader in scoring, rebounding and blocks and five-time winner of the IBM Award, which measures overall contributions to a team’s overall success. A three-time Olympian, including being part of ‘that’ 1992 Dream Team that woke the world up to basketball in Barcelona. Need more be said?

There is a reason Robinson is about to be elected into the Hall of Fame and why he’s already in the elite company of the NBA’s greatest all-time players. So what’s the reason the Admiral isn’t in the forefront of everybody’s mind when they look back at the legends of the game? David Robinson is one of the best role models off the court that the NBA has ever been lucky enough to have. This dignity, generosity and professionalism extend more than the sportsmanship award he received in 2001. It even extends further than the exclusive honor of having the NBA’s Community Assist Award renamed after him. The recipients receiving a plaque created in Robinson’s honor and the great standards he’s set in the community. Is there anyone better the award could be named after? A guy who founded a school, funded scholarships and has been in as many ads promoting the right path as sneaker ads. So the next time someone jumps around idolizing their favorite player, walking his walk, talking is talk, they should think of the admiral. He really is the man.

Nothing can be taken from the other legendary centers of the 90s or the center piece of this year’s Hall of Fame, Michael Jordan. They are all well deserving of their achievements and accolades. But you can not take away anything from the legend and the gentleman, David Robinson. So ladies and gentleman, raise your glasses one time and give a hand for the Admiral.