Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, and Kevin Garnett top 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame class

Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, and Kevin Garnett top 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame class

Enshrinement happens when someone leaves a legacy. It’s inextricably linked to the treasure chest of ‘inspiration’ that influences others. When the 2020 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame nominees were announced, Kobe Bryant’s name was called.

That announcement was legendary in itself. After a tragic helicopter accident, Bryant and his daughter lost their lives. It caused a tremendous amount of pain worldwide. We can now begin to replace that pain, or at least attempt to, with eternal royalty.

Bryant, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, along with six others, were tabbed as the nine new members of the 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame class. That induction will take place in Springfield, Massachusetts this coming August. The names were unveiled on April 4th.

Let’s meet the distinguished Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame Class for 2020.

(North American Committee)

Kobe Bryant – An 18-time NBA All-Star, and arguably deemed as one of the best players in NBA history. Bryant was an 11-time All-NBA selection in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2006-13. Additionally, he was a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010), while also attaining NBA Finals MVP honors twice in 2009 and 2010.

Incidentally, Bryant scored the second-highest point total in NBA history with 81 points in a single game. That’s right behind former NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain who scored 100 plus points.  Bryant also led the NBA in total points in 2003, 2006, 2007, and 2008. He also won Olympic gold in 2008 and 2012. The extensity of the resume doesn’t matter. Bryant’s place in Hall of Fame glory was inevitable.

Tim Duncan – As most would agree, Duncan has to be the most fundamentally sound big man in NBA history. A 15-time NBA All-Star with the San Antonio Spurs and an eight-time member of the All-NBA Defensive Team. In San Antonio, Duncan was an integral part of five NBA championships in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014. He was a three-time Finals MVP, and also named league MVP in 2002 and 2003. Historically, Duncan is the only player to surpass 1,000 wins with one franchise (San Antonio Spurs) in 19 seasons.

Kevin Garnett – ‘KG’ was a man among boys. It was apparent when he initially stepped foot in the NBA straight out of high school. Garnett exemplified a demeanor on the court that equates to a great NBA career leading him to enshrinement. Garnett is a 15-time NBA All-Star winning an NBA title with the Boston Celtics in 2008. He was selected to the NBA’s All-Defensive team nine times and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2008. Garnett also earned Olympic gold in 2000.

Eddie Sutton (coach) – More of a coach, as opposed to being a player. Sutton is a four-time National Coach of the Year (1977, 1978, 1986, 1995). In addition, he’s also an eight-time conference Coach of the Year  (1975, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1986, 1993, 1998, 2004). That correlates with being the first coach in NCAA history to lead four different schools to the big dance (NCAA Tournament). In Division I, Sutton ranks top-ten among coaches for all-time victories.

Rudy Tomjanovich (coach) – Tomjanovich is no stranger to success when it comes to X’s and O’s. He spent 34 seasons with the Houston Rockets as a player, assistant coach, and head coach (1970-2003). There hasn’t been anyone in NBA history who scored 10,000 points as a player while winning 500 games and two championships as a coach.

(Women’s Committee)

Tamika Catchings (player) 

– 10-time WNBA All-Star (2002, 2003, 2005-2007, 2009, 2011, 2013-2015)

– Four-time Olympic Gold medalist 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016)

– 2012 WNBA Champion ( Indiana Fever)

– Played entire 14-year career with Indiana Fever

– WNBA all-time leader in steals

Kim Mulkey (coach) 

– Led the Baylor Bears Women’s Basketball team to three national championships ( 2005, 2012, 2019).

– Ranks third all-time among head coaches in winning percentage.

– 2012 Consensus National Coach of the Year

– 17 NCAA Tournament appearances, 13 Sweet Sixteens, eight Elite Eights, and four Final Four appearances.

– Won 10 Big 12 conference championships

Barbara Stevens (coach) 

– A 40-year veteran in the collegiate ranks

– Fifth coach in NCAA women’s history to reach 1,000 wins

– 5-time WBCA Division II National Coach of the Year

– 15-time Northeast Coach of the Year

Out of all the legends listed above, Kobe Bryant’s name is the most pivotal. If there’s anyone who deserves the prestigious honor it’s Kobe. Enshrinement happens when someone leaves a legacy. Legends never die. Legacies never die.