Hall of Fame: Legends entered the pantheon – Popovich and Gasol moved

In an impressive ceremony, with moving and inspiring speeches, the class of 2023 inducted into the Hall of Famewith the forms of Gregg Popovich, Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, Tony Parker, Dwyane Wade but also her Becky Hammon to stand out.

The 74-year-old “Pop” became emotional when he spoke about his family, with the recent loss of his wife. “I have a family too. People think I only have basketball. But basketball does not offer us love“, he said while referring to the golden Spurs team he built. “I had a short Frenchman (s.b. Parker), an Argentinian (s.b. Ginobili) and a swimmer (s.b. Duncan). Look where we all are now! Who would have believed it! This trip was incredible!“, he said.

“I want to make a special mention of the first Europeans who came here and risked it. I fell in love with basketball in 1992, at the Barcelona Olympics. I was 12 years old and my life changed. The Dream Team showed us how the sport should be played“, said Pau Gasol, which made a special mention of the late Kobe Bryant. “I wouldn’t be here without you, my brother. I wish more than anything that you were here with Gigi today. I miss you and I love you“, he emphasized.

THE Tony Parker praised Popovich, emphasizing that “… in my career everything started with him. You threw me in the deep end at 19, you are my second father. They used to tell me you were too short, too thin, but now I’m the one laughing. I never expected such a journey, so dream big». He also joked about Pau Gasol and mighty Spain denying him so many medals in national team events. “Sometimes I wish he hadn’t been born“, he said, causing laughter in the audience.

THE Dirk Nowitzki called his induction into the Hall of Fame the highest honor and ideal closing of his basketball career, while he teared up when he mentioned his parents. “I will never forget what you did for me. If I can be half the good parent you were to me, I’ll be happy“, he said.

THE Dwyane Wade in turn he emphasized: “I’ve always believed in hard work, keeping my head down and keeping my ears open. I had a dream and I didn’t want anything to get in the way. I wanted to work as hard as it took to have a chance to be as great as I could be».

THE Becky Hammon she talked about the struggles she faced getting accepted as a coach and thanked Gregg Popovich. “I know you didn’t just want to look brave when you hired me. You changed the course of my life and so many other girls and women. As many times in my life I heard ‘no’ or a door was closed, as many times I tried to get in through the chimney or the window».