Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Jordan gets place in Hall of Fame

Last updated on: September 12, 2009 
Michael Jordan talks to coach Smith during the induction ceremony on Friday

Michael Jordan, considered by many as the greatest basketball player of all time, was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame on Friday.

Jordan joined former San Antonio Spurs center David Robinson, ex-Utah Jazz guard John Stockton, long-time Jazz coach Jerry Sloan and Rutgers University women's coach C Vivian Stringer in the new class of inductees.

Jordan pays tribute to fellow inductees

Last updated on: September 12, 2009 
Jordan gets emotional during the Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony

Just as he was during his playing days, Jordan was again the centre of attention, but was quick to pay tribute to his fellow inductees.

"Contrary to what you guys believe, it's not just me going into the Hall of Fame," said Jordan, who led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships then finished his career with two seasons at the Washington Wizards.

"It's a group of us and I'm proud to be a part of them and, believe me, I'm going to remember them as much as they remember me."

'Hard to pick one great accomplishment'

Last updated on: September 12, 2009 
'Air Jordan' in action during an NBA match between the Chicago Bulls and LA Clippers

Jordan's game-winning shot against Utah to win his last championship in 1998 was a major highlight in a career filled with too many outstanding achievements to count.

When asked about his favourite basketball accomplishment, Jordan said: "It's so hard. It's like asking 'which one of your kids is your best kid?'

"I've had so many great accomplishments, so many spectacular plays, big plays, game-winning shots. It's hard for me to pick out one."

'There is not going to be another Michael Jordan'

Last updated on: September 12, 2009 
Michael Jordan played for Washington Wizards on his return to the NBA championships at the age of 38 in 2001

Jordan was also coy about his status as the greatest player of all time, saying he did want to compare himself with players from the past, and warned against judging contemporary and future players against him.

"People say that I was the greatest who ever played the game, I cringe a little bit. I never played against Jerry West, I never played against Elgin Baylor, I never played against Wilt Chamberlain," Jordan said.

"Yeah, I would have loved to but to say that I'm better than those people is not for me to decide.

"Don't be in a rush to try to find the next Michael Jordan there's not going to be another Michael Jordan."

'You might see me playing at 50'

Last updated on: September 12, 2009 
Jordan is a co-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats

Jordan is currently the managing member of basketball operations of the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats and said his love affair with the game remains as strong as ever.

"I don't look at this moment as a defining end to my relationship with the game of basketball," he said.

"It's simply a continuation of something that I started a long time ago. One day, you might look up and see me playing at 50. Oh, don't laugh.

"The game of basketball has meant everything to me it's my refuge, my peace; it's been the place of the most intense pain and joy that anyone can imagine.

"I hope that it's given the millions of people who I have touched the motivation to follow their dreams.

"Never say never; because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion."

Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.