RASHEED WALLACE (13th year, Pistons/Hawks/Blazers/Bullets)
15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 1.0 steals per game
Why: One of the more versatile and efficiently effective forwards on his era, ‘Sheed is a standout defender and inside-outside scoring threat on offense; he could be grouped with Kevin Garnett, Chris Webber and Dirk Nowitzki as a player who helped change the perception of the power forward position. The three-time NBA All-Star was an invaluable part of the ‘04 championship Pistons, and has helped make them the defining Eastern Conference team of this decade. Similar to Garnett, Rasheed’s fans love him for his passion and leadership, even if his detractors can’t stand his apparently abrasive attitude and moodiness. A national high school Player of the Year at Simon Gratz H.S. in Philly, Rasheed’s college career was short but highly decorated — he is the ACC’s all-time leader in field-goal percentage and helped lead North Carolina to the Final Four as a sophomore.
Why not: Rasheed’s on-court (and loading dock) temper tantrums and controversial comments in the media (most recently comparing the NBA to pro wrestling) have always gotten more attention than his game. While his individual abilities are respected throughout the League, he doesn’t have much hardware to show for it; zero All-Defensive Team selections and not even an All-NBA third team nod. Before coming to the Pistons, ‘Sheed made a couple of deep playoff runs in Portland, playing in two Western Conference Finals, but rarely in his career has he been the best or second-best player on a legit contender. Some have argued that he’s been the best player on the 2000s-era Pistons, but many would also say the same about Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Ben Wallace. And due to the fact that Rasheed typically plays on teams balanced in talent, his numbers have always been solid but not spectacular; he’s never finished in the NBA’s top 10 in any major statistical category.
Our call: OUT
15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 1.0 steals per game
Why: One of the more versatile and efficiently effective forwards on his era, ‘Sheed is a standout defender and inside-outside scoring threat on offense; he could be grouped with Kevin Garnett, Chris Webber and Dirk Nowitzki as a player who helped change the perception of the power forward position. The three-time NBA All-Star was an invaluable part of the ‘04 championship Pistons, and has helped make them the defining Eastern Conference team of this decade. Similar to Garnett, Rasheed’s fans love him for his passion and leadership, even if his detractors can’t stand his apparently abrasive attitude and moodiness. A national high school Player of the Year at Simon Gratz H.S. in Philly, Rasheed’s college career was short but highly decorated — he is the ACC’s all-time leader in field-goal percentage and helped lead North Carolina to the Final Four as a sophomore.
Why not: Rasheed’s on-court (and loading dock) temper tantrums and controversial comments in the media (most recently comparing the NBA to pro wrestling) have always gotten more attention than his game. While his individual abilities are respected throughout the League, he doesn’t have much hardware to show for it; zero All-Defensive Team selections and not even an All-NBA third team nod. Before coming to the Pistons, ‘Sheed made a couple of deep playoff runs in Portland, playing in two Western Conference Finals, but rarely in his career has he been the best or second-best player on a legit contender. Some have argued that he’s been the best player on the 2000s-era Pistons, but many would also say the same about Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Ben Wallace. And due to the fact that Rasheed typically plays on teams balanced in talent, his numbers have always been solid but not spectacular; he’s never finished in the NBA’s top 10 in any major statistical category.
Our call: OUT
admittedly, he has a very long way to go. However, his career is off to an amazing start and he's still a baby. I think he can only get better.
Rondo and the HOF - jury no doubt still out but he has a shot IF.
Rondo who turned 24 last Feb. probably breaks all of Bob Cousy's assist record for a Celtic, add that to (if he does it) having a long productive career as a starter in Boston which should allow him an opportunity to end his career with numbers that will give him a shot at the HOF. He will never be a big time scorer playing the 1 spot but his assists, rebounds, steals, a low double digit PPG career number and a couple of more NBA titles will be enough for him to get consideration. I give him 3 chances in 10 of ending up a viable candidate.
Things he needs to avoid - serious career shortening injuries, off the court personal problems of a serious nature (drug use, wife beating, DUIs etc), or signing a big contract and getting fat knowing he is set for life, instead of maintaining his strong off the court work ethic. These IMO are hazards that will keep him out. Jumping when the time comes to a team like The Clippers for example for big bucks wont kill his chances but it will definitely not help.
Should Rondo maintain the kind of play he has shown this year for a decade in Boston then watch as up goes #9 into the new Boston Garden rafters and then comes the wait to see if the Hall takes him. That is a big if but the kid seems to have the talent at this stage of his career to give it a shot..
Time will tell.
Rasheed is a the biggest of big longshots to get there. At 36 years old come September he only has a few years left to add to his around 16,000 career point total (15 PPG for his career). With just 4 All Star game appearances and 1 NBA title with no big trophies like an MVP to his name he is in the Lamar Odom/Jermaine Oneal category when it comes to making it to the HOF.
Contemporaries way ahead of him for the HOF are Shaq, Kobe, Tim D., A.I. KG, Paul Pierce, Dirk, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Ray Allen, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, Elton Brand, Amaurie Staudamire, even Shawn Marion, Grant Hill, Pau Gasol, Chauncey Billups, Antwain Jamison, Manu Ginobli and a few more veterans with a better shot than Rasheed. The top group in bold face are the real cinches.
I didn't mention the younger set led by LaBron, DWade, Dwight Howard, Carmello, Chris Bosh, and Tony Parker etc. as they are in competition more with Rondo than Rasheed.
25 to 1 for Rasheed unless he pulls off a Kareem and plays productively until he is 43 or 44. Highly unlikely..
wil.
Rondo who turned 24 last Feb. probably breaks all of Bob Cousy's assist record for a Celtic, add that to (if he does it) having a long productive career as a starter in Boston which should allow him an opportunity to end his career with numbers that will give him a shot at the HOF. He will never be a big time scorer playing the 1 spot but his assists, rebounds, steals, a low double digit PPG career number and a couple of more NBA titles will be enough for him to get consideration. I give him 3 chances in 10 of ending up a viable candidate.
Things he needs to avoid - serious career shortening injuries, off the court personal problems of a serious nature (drug use, wife beating, DUIs etc), or signing a big contract and getting fat knowing he is set for life, instead of maintaining his strong off the court work ethic. These IMO are hazards that will keep him out. Jumping when the time comes to a team like The Clippers for example for big bucks wont kill his chances but it will definitely not help.
Should Rondo maintain the kind of play he has shown this year for a decade in Boston then watch as up goes #9 into the new Boston Garden rafters and then comes the wait to see if the Hall takes him. That is a big if but the kid seems to have the talent at this stage of his career to give it a shot..
Time will tell.
Rasheed is a the biggest of big longshots to get there. At 36 years old come September he only has a few years left to add to his around 16,000 career point total (15 PPG for his career). With just 4 All Star game appearances and 1 NBA title with no big trophies like an MVP to his name he is in the Lamar Odom/Jermaine Oneal category when it comes to making it to the HOF.
Contemporaries way ahead of him for the HOF are Shaq, Kobe, Tim D., A.I. KG, Paul Pierce, Dirk, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Ray Allen, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, Elton Brand, Amaurie Staudamire, even Shawn Marion, Grant Hill, Pau Gasol, Chauncey Billups, Antwain Jamison, Manu Ginobli and a few more veterans with a better shot than Rasheed. The top group in bold face are the real cinches.
I didn't mention the younger set led by LaBron, DWade, Dwight Howard, Carmello, Chris Bosh, and Tony Parker etc. as they are in competition more with Rondo than Rasheed.
25 to 1 for Rasheed unless he pulls off a Kareem and plays productively until he is 43 or 44. Highly unlikely..
wil.
Last edited:
Those who always hate on Rondo must not have watched game one or the bulls series last year. Rondo can take over games. His FTS is much improved and he starting to nail the foul line jumper. Right now he is the third or best pg in the league.
1. D Williams
2. Chris Pail
3 Derick Rose or Rondo
He needs to continue to play but if continues to average a double double he should get there
1. D Williams
2. Chris Pail
3 Derick Rose or Rondo
He needs to continue to play but if continues to average a double double he should get there
Rondo, 4 years in, is ahead of where Steve Nash was in points (3300 to 1700), assists (2143 to 900), steals (595 to 160), his FG% is higher, and he has a world championship. Now, obviously, Rondo has a LONG way to go to make the HOF - but if anyone scoffs at the idea that he COULD do it (or that he WOULD do it if he kept his numbers up) is nuts.
Just my 2 cents for what it's worth...
"how close are Billups and Parker"
Chauncey Billups although well traveled (not that uncommon anymore) had some great years in Detroit and stands a chance if he can do a little more like get The Nuggets into the NBA Finals next year.
Chauncey turns 34 in September and could have a couple of good years left in him in which he could solidify his chances to make it someday into the HOF. Certainly no cinch, he stands an outside chance already IMHO. Should he top off his career with something big like an NBA Title in Denver he will get in.
Through his six years with Detroit, Billups made six straight conference championship series, two NBA finals, and won an NBA Championship and an NBA Finals MVP. He was an All-Star three times, made the all-NBA team at different levels 3 times (once in Denver), and All-Defensive second team twice.
Now in Denver for the last two seasons along with All Star Carmelo Anthony, the Nuggets have dramatically improved. Their 54-28 record matched the most wins the franchise has gotten since their induction in the NBA, their 27-14 start was also a record for wins in the first half of a season.
This season and last also marked the first time in the franchise's history the team has gotten back-to-back 50-win seasons. They led the Northwest division for much of the season, eventually winning the division securing the #2 playoff seed in the Western Conference, matching the highest the team has ever been seeded for the playoffs in their NBA history.
Plus he can't be all bad as good friend Kevin Garnett, is the godfather to Billups's second daughter Ciara.
Career highlights and awards
NBA Champion (2004)
NBA Finals MVP (2004)
5× NBA All-Star (2006–2010)
All-NBA Second Team (2006)
2× All-NBA Third Team (2007, 2009)
2× All-Defensive Second Team (2005, 2006)
J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (2008)
NBA Sportsmanship Award (2009)
A tad short right now, but not something a big finale in Denver couldn't make up for. Classy guy, I hope he gets in someday..
-------------
Tony Parker is tougher sell, a lightning quick point guard with 3 NBA Championship rings in his pocket all won with his only team The Spurs plus the 2007 NBA Finals MVP trophy he IMO still remains a long shot.
His early career was marked by an inconsistent jump and free throw shot (I was surprised when I read he has been in the league as long as he has - since 2001). However with the help of Spurs HC Paul Popovich, Parker before the 2006/07 season changed his shooting routine which led to excellent results from the floor and the FT line.
His new mechanics made him a much more dangerous scorer from inside the 3PT line to go with his lightning like slashes to the hole. The new Tony Parker made it to three NBA All Star games since the makeover.
His has turned into a top tier NBA point guard who still has plenty of play left in him.
Tony will be 28 in two weeks so he has a substantial amount of time to polish his credentials as far as the HOF goes. If he retired after this season he would have no shot.
Achievements:
NBA Champion: 2003, 2005, 2007
French League Rookie of the Year: 2001
Individual honors for club
NBA Championship Finals MVP: 2007
NBA All-Star: 2006, 2007, 2009
All-NBA Third Team: 2009
Outside chance to get there if he finishes his career on top with several strong years...
That is the way I see it as far as Billups and Parker go. Like I said FWIW...
wil.
"how close are Billups and Parker"
Chauncey Billups although well traveled (not that uncommon anymore) had some great years in Detroit and stands a chance if he can do a little more like get The Nuggets into the NBA Finals next year.
Chauncey turns 34 in September and could have a couple of good years left in him in which he could solidify his chances to make it someday into the HOF. Certainly no cinch, he stands an outside chance already IMHO. Should he top off his career with something big like an NBA Title in Denver he will get in.
Through his six years with Detroit, Billups made six straight conference championship series, two NBA finals, and won an NBA Championship and an NBA Finals MVP. He was an All-Star three times, made the all-NBA team at different levels 3 times (once in Denver), and All-Defensive second team twice.
Now in Denver for the last two seasons along with All Star Carmelo Anthony, the Nuggets have dramatically improved. Their 54-28 record matched the most wins the franchise has gotten since their induction in the NBA, their 27-14 start was also a record for wins in the first half of a season.
This season and last also marked the first time in the franchise's history the team has gotten back-to-back 50-win seasons. They led the Northwest division for much of the season, eventually winning the division securing the #2 playoff seed in the Western Conference, matching the highest the team has ever been seeded for the playoffs in their NBA history.
Plus he can't be all bad as good friend Kevin Garnett, is the godfather to Billups's second daughter Ciara.
Career highlights and awards
NBA Champion (2004)
NBA Finals MVP (2004)
5× NBA All-Star (2006–2010)
All-NBA Second Team (2006)
2× All-NBA Third Team (2007, 2009)
2× All-Defensive Second Team (2005, 2006)
J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (2008)
NBA Sportsmanship Award (2009)
A tad short right now, but not something a big finale in Denver couldn't make up for. Classy guy, I hope he gets in someday..
-------------
Tony Parker is tougher sell, a lightning quick point guard with 3 NBA Championship rings in his pocket all won with his only team The Spurs plus the 2007 NBA Finals MVP trophy he IMO still remains a long shot.
His early career was marked by an inconsistent jump and free throw shot (I was surprised when I read he has been in the league as long as he has - since 2001). However with the help of Spurs HC Paul Popovich, Parker before the 2006/07 season changed his shooting routine which led to excellent results from the floor and the FT line.
His new mechanics made him a much more dangerous scorer from inside the 3PT line to go with his lightning like slashes to the hole. The new Tony Parker made it to three NBA All Star games since the makeover.
His has turned into a top tier NBA point guard who still has plenty of play left in him.
Tony will be 28 in two weeks so he has a substantial amount of time to polish his credentials as far as the HOF goes. If he retired after this season he would have no shot.
Achievements:
NBA Champion: 2003, 2005, 2007
French League Rookie of the Year: 2001
Individual honors for club
NBA Championship Finals MVP: 2007
NBA All-Star: 2006, 2007, 2009
All-NBA Third Team: 2009
Outside chance to get there if he finishes his career on top with several strong years...
That is the way I see it as far as Billups and Parker go. Like I said FWIW...
wil.
