We start this off with Steve Nash. Nash played 19 years in the NBA, having played for Phoenix (1996-98 and 2004-12), Dallas (1998-2004), and Los Angeles (2012-14), playing in 1,217 games and scoring 17,387 points, pulling down 3,642 rebounds and registering 10,335 assists. His assists totals ranked 3rd all time in league history, and holds the NBA record for highest career free-throw percentage (90.4). Nash could do a little bit of everything, he could handle the ball, shot and be a noted playmaker. Nash is one of just four players in NBA history to shoot 50% or better from the field, 40% from three-point range (43.9), and 90% from the line, joining Larry Bird, Reggie Miller, and Mark Price in the 50–40–90 club. He was a two time Most Valuable Player, an eight time All-Star, a three time All-NBA First Team, a two time All-NBA Second Team and a two time All-NBA Third Team. The numbers don't lie.
Next is Jason Kidd. Kidd played for Dallas (1994-97, 2008-12), Phoenix (1996-2001), New Jersey (2001-2008) and New York (2012-13). Kidd played in 1,391 games scoring 17,529 points, pulling in 8,725 rebounds and recording 12,091 assists. Kidd won an NBA title in 2011 with Dallas, was a ten time all star, a five time All-NBA First Team, an All-NBA Second Team, a four time All-Defensive First Team, a five time All-Defensive Second Team, and the NBA Co-Rookie of the Year in 1995. Kidd retired second all-time in NBA history in both assists and steals behind John Stockton and when his playing career started, he wasn't considered a great outside shooter. By the time he retired, he ranked third all-time in the NBA in three-point field goals made. He made himself into a legend in this game.
Ray Allen was one of the smoothest shooters in the history of basketball. Allen played in 1,300 games for Milwaukee (1996-2003), Seattle (2003-07), Boston (2007-12) and Miami (2012-14). He finished his career with 24,505 points, 5,272 rebounds and 4,361 assists. Allen won two NBA titles in 2008 and 2013, was a ten time All-Star, was a one time All-NBA Second Team, a one time All-NBA Third Team, was an NBA All-Rookie Second Team, and an NBA Sportsmanship Award winner. Allen has the NBA record for 3-point field goals made with 2,973 in his career as well as 3-point field goal attempts with 7,429 in his career. One thing that will always stand out about Allen's career was when he was playing with the Heat, he nailed the clutch 3-pointer in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals against the Spurs that forced overtime.That allowed the Heat to win that game and emerge with the Heat's third championship in Game 7.
Grant Hill is considered one of the NBA's best playmakers in his prime. Hill Played 1,026 career games, playing for Detroit (1994-2000), Orlando (2000-07), Phoenix (2007-12) and Los Angeles (2012-13). He finished his career with 17,137 points, 6,169 rebounds and 4,252 assists. He was a seven time All-Star, an All-NBA First Team, a four time All-NBA Second Team, an NBA Co-Rookie of the Year and an NBA All-Rookie First Team. Hill was just as successful at the College level as he was at the NBA level. He was a great all around player who could do a little bit of everything.
Finally, there's Maurice Cheeks. Mo played in 1,101 games, playing for Philadelphia (1978-89), San Antonio (1989-90), New York (1990-91), Atlanta (1991-92) and New Jersey (1993). Cheeks finished his career with 12,195 points, 7,392 rebounds and 2,310 assists. He won and NBA title in 1983, a four time NBA All-Star, a four time NBA All-Defensive First Team, and an NBA All-Defensive Second Team.Cheeks was a key piece of those great 76ers teams of the early 80s. Cheeks was the NBA's all-time leader in steals with 2,310 and ranked fifth all-time in assists with 7,392.
The Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony will take place on Sept. 7 at 7:30 in Springfield, Massachusetts.
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