On Saturday, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2024 was announced. Let’s take a look at the five former players who were inducted due to their play on the court in the NBA.
Also a part of this year’s induction class are Jerry West (contributor), Doug Collins (coach/broadcaster), Herb Simon (NBA owner), Bo Ryan (men’s college basketball coach), Seimone Augustus (WNBA), Michele Timms (WNBA), Harley Redin (men’s and women’s college basketball coach), and Charles Smith (men’s high school basketball coach).
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Announced
Dick Barnett
Barnett played 14 seasons in the NBA with the last nine coming as a member of the New York Knicks. He was a member of the only two championship teams in Knicks history, 1970 and 1973. The 6-4 guard was a starter for that first title team, and he was named an All-Star in 1967-68.
Altogether in 971 career regular season games, Barnett posted averages of 15.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. His #12 hangs in the rafters at Madison Square Garden.
Chauncey Billups
Given the nickname ‘Mr. Big Shot’, Billups was the 2004 NBA Finals MVP for the Detroit Pistons most recent championship team. The third overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft, Billups went on to play 17 seasons in the league. He is a five-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA member.
In 1,043 career regular season games, Billups averaged 15.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. He is currently the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Vince Carter
Arguably the best dunker in league history, Carter played an NBA record 22 seasons. The fifth overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft did much more than slam the ball though. Carter was an eight-time All-Star while finding his way on two All-NBA teams.
Overall in 1,541 career regular season games, Carter finished with averages of 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. He is third in league history in games played, ninth in three-pointers made, and 21st in total points.
Michael Cooper
Cooper was known as a defensive stopper throughout his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was a part of the Lakers dynasty of the 1980s winning five titles. Cooper was named the 1986-87 Defensive Player of the Year and made eight All-Defensive teams.
Altogether in 873 career regular season games, Cooper averaged 8.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists.
Walter Davis
Named the 1977-78 Rookie of the Year, Davis played 15 seasons with the first 11 coming with the Phoenix Suns. The fifth overall selection in the 1977 NBA Draft was a six-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA member.
Appearing in 1,033 career regular season games, Davis averaged 18.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. His 15,666 points with Phoenix are the most in franchise history.
