Retired NBA stars Tony Parker, Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade and Pau Gasol and legendary San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich had been amongst these inducted Saturday into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
The Class of 2023 paid tribute to international expertise with French guard Parker, German ahead Nowitzki, Spanish middle Gasol and US guard Wade joined by 74-year-old Popovich, coach of the Spurs since 1996.
“It’s a powerhouse class, really,” Gasol mentioned. “I’m humbled and very lucky to be a part of this class with all these amazing people.”
“I feel like I made it somewhere,” Wade mentioned. “I’m just enjoying the moment.”
Parker was a four-time NBA champion with San Antonio, a six-time NBA All-Star and the 2007 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player.
“It was an unbelievable journey,” Parker mentioned. “I never thought somebody like me can experience something like that. For all the kids who are watching, keep dreaming big.”
Parker choked up thanking his household and paid tribute to his US and French heritage, saying, “I felt like I had the best of both cultures and it helped me on my journey.”
“When I was in France, they would say, ‘You’re too small. You’re too skinny. You’ll never make it.’ Well, I’m the one who is laughing now.”
Parker was a star for Popovich’s Spurs from 2001-2018 and completed his NBA profession at Charlotte in 2019.
To Popovich, Parker mentioned, “You’re unbelievable. You threw me in the fire at 19 years old… You’ve always been a second dad to me, Pop. Everything you did for my family and me I appreciate it. Thank you. I love you.”
Popovich mentioned of Parker: “I was very tough on him and expected a lot out of him. I’m very proud of what he has accomplished.”
Popovich, the longest-tenured of all North American professional sports activities coaches, has guided the Spurs to 5 titles and was named the NBA Coach of the Year 3 times. He additionally coached the US gold medal group of NBA stars on the Tokyo Olympics.
Nowitzki performed his whole 21-year profession for the Dallas Mavericks, main them to the 2011 NBA title because the NBA Finals MVP. He was the 2007 NBA MVP and a 14-time All-Star earlier than retiring in 2019.
“I just want to say thank you my closest people,” Nowitzki mentioned. “I just want to make sure the people who were with me on this journey get their flowers and then I can ride off into the sunset.”
Gasol recollects Kobe
Gasol was a two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers and a six-time NBA All-Star who performed from 2001 to 2019 with Memphis, the Lakers, Chicago, San Antonio and Milwaukee.
“This moment is a testament to the support, guidance and inspiration I’ve received from so many on my basketball journey,” Gasol mentioned.
Gasol thanked European NBA pioneers who paved the best way for his arrival, saying, “I want to give a special mention to those first Europeans that came here, that crossed the ocean, that took a chance and opened doors for players like myself.”
Gasol choked up recalling the late Kobe Bryant, his former Lakers teammate with died in a 2020 helicopter crash alongside together with his daughter Gianna.
“I wouldn’t be here without you brother,” Gasol mentioned. “I wish more than anything that you and Gigi were here with us. We miss you and love you.”
Wade gained three NBA titles with the Miami Heat and likewise performed for Chicago and Cleveland. He was the 2006 NBA Finals MVP and a 13-time NBA All-Star.
“I believed in hard work, putting my head down, keeping my ears open and just going to work,” Wade mentioned. “I had a dream and I didn’t want nothing to get in the way of my dream. I made sure I put the work in and had every opportunity to be as great as I can be.”
Other inductees included six-time WNBA All-Star Becky Hammon, the 1976 US Women’s Olympic group and former coaches Gene Keady, Gary Blair, David Hixon, Gene Bess and Jim Valvano.
—AFP
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
