Michael Jordan, el jugador de básquet más grande de todos los tiempos, entró al Salón de la Fama como cabeza principal de la Clase del 2009. Con la ex gran figura de los Bulls entraron David Robinson (pivote de los Spurs) y John Stockton (base de los Jazz), que compartieron una época gloriosa en la NBA. También ingresaron dos entrenadores: Jerry Sloan (Utah) y Vivian Stringer (Universidad de Rutgers).
Jordan, ganador de seis títulos en la mejor liga del mundo y dos medallas de oro olímpicas, recibió el último honor de su carrera. "Todo comenzó con un pequeño balón y estoy convencido de que si no hubiese existido esa realidad, seguro que muchos de nosotros hubiésemos tenido problemas en la vida. De ahí todo lo que significa el juego", declaró Su Majestad en la ceremonia en Springfield. El número 23, sin embargo, no se considera el mejor: "Que acepte ese calificativo es pedirme demasiado".
Entre los invitados especiales estuvieron Dean Smith (entrenador de MJ en la universidad de North Carolina), Pat Riley, Tim Duncan y Scottie Pippen. El Almirante Robinson, también ex compañero de Manu Ginóbili, fue el primero en recibir la distinción. "Dios me ha guiado siempre por el buen camino y por eso a todos les doy las gracias", explicó el pivote.
Le siguió Stockton, que estuvo apadrinado por el ex base Isiah Thomas, y al igual que Robinson, admitió que sólo gracias al apoyo recibido por su familia y compañeros como Karl Malone pudo estar 19 años en actividad. "El único que no quiso ayudarme fue Michael", bromeó en referencia a las dos finales perdidas por los Jazz ante Chicago.
Anecdotario: Russell to Jordan: Game on
After Jordan’s first retirement from the NBA, he was playing minor-league baseball and stopped by the Chicago Bulls’ practice facility, where the Utah Jazz were working out. Jordan said Russell, then a rookie with the Jazz, introduced himself and challenged him.
“…At this time I had no thoughts of coming back and playing the game of basketball,” Jordan said during his speech. “Bryon Russell came over to me and said, ‘Why’d you quit? You know I could guard you. If I ever see you in a pair of shorts…’
“When I did come back in 1995 and we played Utah in ’96, I’m at the center circle and Bryon Russell is standing next to me. I said, ‘You remember the [comments] you made in 1994 about, ‘I think I can guard you, I can shut you down, I would love to play against you? Well, you’re about to get your chance.’ ”
When the teams met in the ’98 Finals, Jordan hit his famous championship-clinching shot after knocking Russell backward. Jazz coach Jerry Sloan and point guard John Stockton, who also were being inducted, both shook their heads as Jordan told the story.
“From this day forward,” Jordan said, “if I ever see him in shorts, I’m coming at him.”
Russell said Jordan’s story was accurate and that he was honored, not offended, by his words.
“It was during my rookie year,” Russell said. “He turned to Karl [Malone] and said, ‘Hey Karl, is that your rookie?’ I really did say that to him. Karl was laughing and [Jordan] was laughing, too. …I guess I motivated him to come back. There had to be other reasons. You know he likes all challenges.
“Out of all the people he came across, he thought about me. I’m happy to be in his Hall of Fame speech.”
ENLACES:
http://www.ole.clarin.com/
Russell to Jordan: Game on
David Robinson enshrined in Hall of Fame
NBA assists king Stockton enters Hall of Fame
Longtime Jazz coach Sloan inducted to Hall of Fame
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