The 2009 NBA Hall of Fame... Starring Michael Jordan

Okay, the title really isn't meant to slight anyone else as anyone who makes it to the hall of fame is definitely worthy of the honor that comes with it, but this year's story is the induction of one Michael Jordan. I won't even get into the statistics here, but you can read a previous article I did that encapsulates his basketball legacy if you click here.

This year's hall of fame includes the likes of John Stockton who is the all-time leader in assists in the NBA... David Robinson, two-time champion with the San Antonio Spurs... and coach Jerry Sloan, former Chicago Bull, and legendary coach of the Utah Jazz. These are great headliners by themselves, but unfortunately they will all be shadowed by the one and only Michael Jordan.

Am I idolizing him? No, but I read in a book where it says give honor to whom honor is due. It's a great book, you should check it out... a best seller indeed. Anyway, this is the crowning moment of #23's legacy... the Hall of Fame. Many people strive to get here and don't make it. There are some who we didn't know would even be good enough to get here, and there they are... included in the list of the all-time greats. Even from the North Carolina days, people sensed Michael Jordan would be good... but some didn't know he would be THAT good, let alone great.

He was basketball's shining star for a decade and some change. His athleticism, professionalism, and ability to read the game night in and night out for years packed out the old Chicago Stadium, the United Center, and every other basketball arena within the US and then in Olympic events abroad. This man gave people a reason to watch basketball. And although he gave us a reason to watch basketball, let's not forget his teammates who gave him a reason to be great. Without a Scottie Pippen, without a Horace Grant, without a Dennis Rodman, without a Steve Kerr, without a Craig Hodges (yeah, I went back), without a Phil Jackson... I don't think Michael Jordan would have been great. I think he would have just been good, maybe even a little better than good, but the people around him helped him to be great.

So Michael, when you get your recognition, when you get you accolades... when the presenter talks about all that you've done and all the titles you've achieved... don't forget the other people who wore the red, white and black with you. Don't forget those who wore the blue and brown of your Wizards days. Don't forget the coaches, and the children, shucks even mention the ex-wife if you'd like... but without all of these people, there wouldn't be a Michael Jordan.

In closing, congratulations to you, Michael Jordan, on a stellar career, and for creating a legacy that won't be forgotten... and congratulations to all of those who made this year's list of hall-of-famers. I hope that the presenter will close the way that Bulls announcer Ray Clay used to call him out... for those that don't know, it sounded a little like this... "from North... Carolina... head guard... 6'6"... Michael... Jordan!"