While I agree that KC Jones does not belong in the HOF, I would argue that he has a significantly better case than Horry, as Jones was the premier defensive player at his position during his era (it was unfortunate for his legacy that the NBA did not starts keeping defensive statistics and giving defensive awards until after he retire) and was the starting pg on three of those championship teams, a period during which he finish in the top 3 in assists in the NBA for 3 consecutive years.

60

Horry was an inconsistent performer who stopped playing hard in the regular season years ago. Occasional big plays at important moments, yes. Ultimate team player, see John Stockton.

There’s a Q & A with Robert Horry, where he says he’s probably done, barring an unlikely last-minute call-up from some team.

And a note that Utah effectively owns New York’s first-round pick in 2010, so there’s one less pick/one more space for an aging ring-seeker.

Where would you rank him among the power forwards of the last 15-20 years?

I think one thing everybody could agree on is that Andrew needs to bust out the sky hook soon. If he could do that he’d be a beast!

Now if they wanted to change the Finals MVP to Playoff MVP, I would be all for that. I think Kobe’s accomplishments in the Three-peat years have been diminished because of Shaq’s thorough dominance in the Finals. But Kobe’s thrashing of opponents in the earlier rounds were just as key to the Lakers’ successes.

My two cents on Nash: he was good for those two seasons he won the MVP. The first one he won was when they were without Amare, I think, and weren’t predicted to do as well as they did. I don’t think he deserved either one, but please don’t diminish his accomplishments and talent.

As for Horry for the HOF, I love Horry and think he played significant roles on three different teams winning championships. Should that merit the HOF? Maybe. But my gut tells me that you can’t have a player who played the regular season with less than half his heart in the Hall of Fame. But I wouldn’t complain if he got it. I love the guy.

Everyone please re-Reed (homage to Reed’s excellent postings. Love Darius’ insight as well) #38 from Chris J.

I absolutely agree with what Chris is saying about Kareem being constantly overlooked. Granted he did not have the flash or marketing that Jordan had/created but the numbers don’t lie (although, Chris you forgot about Blocks….I’m sure Kareem had more blocks than Jordan). In EVERY statistical category Kareem was better than Jordan. Plus, Kareem had to go through other fellow HOF who played his position: Wilt, Russell, Walton, Parish, etc. Did Jordan even have 1 rival in the NBA at his position? Like Chris said, he never played the same team twice (except at the end vs. Utah) nor did he ever have to guard the other team’s best player. In fact who really guarded him? Payton/Xavier, Cliff Robinson, Byron Russell, and whoever Houston had. Now I’m not saying he’s not one of the greatest players to ever play the game and I do think he’s better than Kobe, but if I had to start a team based on their career output, I would pick a young Kareem over Jordan anyday.

Rob had a truly extraordinary career … unique and utterly without parallel …. and I, for one, think that deserves recognition.

It would also be nice if the Basketball HoF did something like this from time to time if for no other reason than distinguish itself from its stodgier baseball equivalent. That Hall is all about individual achievement, which is fine, but since basketball is (arguably) the greatest team game it should probably honor the ultimate team player.

Plus, it would be a fun moment! I bet Horry’s speech would be hilarous, they could play “Parent’s Just Don’t Understand” as he walked up to the podium, etc.

I agree, that counts for something. Just not (IMHO) the HoF.

@56 (Bill Bridges),

If you argue that Nash’s achievements were inflated by a “perfect storm,” why wouldn’t that logic apply to Horry as well? He was lucky enough to be on the Rockets with a primetime Olajuwon (and Jordan playing baseball), he was lucky enough to be on the three-peat Lakers with Shaq and Kobe, and he was lucky enough to be on the Spurs with Duncan, Parker, et al. This isn’t to say that he wasn’t a good and useful player, because he absolutely did contribute, but a big part of those 7 rings was luck. If you evaluate HoF-worthiness by rings alone, Luc Longley is more deserving than Karl Malone. Horry did indeed hit some big shots, but many other players could say the same. Still doesn’t make him a Hall-of-Famer. Any more than Kirk Gibson should be in Cooperstown for hitting that homer in 1988 against the A’s.

As for the KC Jones example, one questionable choice (if you consider it that) doesn’t justify another. One might as well argue that if you lost $500 playing blackjack in Vegas, you might as well lose another $500.:-)

Of course this is all opinion, and all in good fun among fans. The actual votes of whoever decides these things will trump us all in the end anyway….