Though there are endless accomplishments one can rack up in their professional basketball career, no honor sits higher than earning an induction into the Naismith Hall of Fame.
Every year we see a group of highly talented and legendary basketball figures enter the Hall of Fame and 2018 will bring no different. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2018 was announced on Saturday and will include NBA legends Steve Nash, Grant Hill, Jason Kidd, Ray Allen and Maurice Cheeks.
Steve Nash, one of the greatest playmakers and shooters of the 2000’s, was a two-time MVP with the Phoenix Suns. He was an eight-time All-Star and also earned three All-NBA first team selections. Nash is currently third on the NBA’s all-time assists leaders.
Grant Hill became known as a young star with the Detroit Pistons, where he showed top-tier scoring prowess and playmaking. Hill was a seven-time All-Star and shared Rookie of the Year Honors in 1995 with fellow inductee Jason Kidd.
Kidd, who was one of the game’s best point guards with the New Jersey Nets, was a 10-time All-Star and trails just John Stockton in both steals and assists. Kidd was also the starting point guard for the 2011 NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks.
Ray Allen is known as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. Allen was a 10-time All-Star and is currently the NBA’s all-time leader in 3-pointers made. He also played key roles in the Boston Celtics’ title in 2008 and the Miami Heat’s title in 2013.
Out of the five, Cheeks is by far the oldest as he was drafted in the second round by the 76ers in 1978. Many may say Cheeks’ induction is long overdue, especially because he also dabbled in the coaching world during the late 2000’s. Cheeks is one of the greatest defensive guards in league history, earning five All-Defensive Team nods. He also started at point guard for the 1983 champion Philadelphia 76ers.
