Reggie Miller snubbed for HOF class of 2011

[Andrew]

Miller doesn’t make cut for Hall finalists

In a stunning result that likely will raise questions about the enshrinement process for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Indiana Pacers star guard Reggie Miller failed to make the list of finalists for the 2011 induction class, sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Miller was considered this year’s most heralded nominee, but apparently did not receive the necessary votes to become a finalist in his first year of eligibility. The list of finalists will be officially announced Friday.

Miller was a nominee in the Hall’s North American group, which requires him to appear on seven of nine ballots to become a finalist. Finalists then need to receive at least 18 of 24 votes from a different panel to be inducted. The inductees will be announced at the NCAA Final Four in April with enshrinement ceremonies likely scheduled for September.

That's appalling and really makes me wonder who made the cut. Maybe they're taking the opportunity to induct some players that have been overlooked in the past but Miller absolutely should have been in first ballot.

[Martti.]

A travesty.

[Lamrock]

Not sure if he's a first ballot hall of famer but he's got to be a finalist! Turrible.

[Rip32]

Yeah, I don't think he's a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but he's definitely a finalist.

The list of finalists will be announced today. Other candidates from the North American group included Mark Jackson, Bernard King, Chris Mullin, Don Nelson, Dennis Rodman, Maurice Lucas, Jamaal Wilkes, Rudy Tomjanovich, Cotton Fitzsimmons, Tex Winter, Spencer Haywood, Maurice Cheeks, Ralph Sampson, Bill Fitch, Dick Bavetta, Rick Pitino, Joe B. Hall, Jim Valvano, George Raveling and Marty Blake

I don't know how Chris Mullin is a finalist and Miller isn't? Neither won anything, but at least Reggie had some playoff success/appearances. Mullin played over half his playoff games (39) as Reggie's second (or third) fiddle on the Pacers. Statistically they're basically a push outside Reggie's superiority in 3-pointers made, and Reggie was a guy who got better once the playoffs rolled around.

The same can be argued with Mark Jackson being included I suppose, although his assist numbers are Hall-worthy for sure. I'm not sure how Bernard King, who had nice numbers but a knack for being hurt all the time, is a finalist over an eerily similar player statistically/impact wise as Reggie. With injuries in mind, I don't even want to talk about Ralph Sampson, who's body fell apart on him after five seasons.

I think the only for sure Finalists in terms of players should be Rodman, Mark Jackson, Reggie and Spencer Haywood, the greatest crack head the NBA has ever seen.

It really is a shame. I mean, being a finalist isn't being a Hall of Famer, but this is a relatively weak class, so I would have expected Reggie to make it. He'll be in some day though, that's for sure.

[hova-]

I was shocked when I saw he was only a 5 time All-Star. Goddam publicity event.

[The X]

Reggie Miller was overrated during his career. Main thing going for him was he was loyal & stayed with one team. This decision has improved my opinion of the HOF, considering I thought they were going to be stupid & have him as a first ballot member. I'm surprised he wasn't a finalist, but then again, if I was one of the 24 people voting, I wouldn't have nominated him either

I will say one thing for him though, he was no Mitch Richmond or Glen Rice, who both won't get a sniff for Hall of Fame.

[Andrew]

Reggie Miller was overrated during his career. Main thing going for him was he was loyal & stayed with one team. This decision has improved my opinion of the HOF, considering I thought they were going to be stupid & have him as a first ballot member. I'm surprised he wasn't a finalist, but then again, if I was one of the 24 people voting, I wouldn't have nominated him either

Seriously? If anything I think you're underrating him there. He was the league's career leader in three point shooting for over a decade and one of the great clutch performers of his generation, if not all-time. There's a lot more to his career than being loyal and staying with one team; how could you possibly not even nominate him, let alone leave him off the list of finalists the first time around? Especially given some of the players who have made the cut ahead of him.

[shadowgrin]

As long as Rodman makes it in the HOF, all will be fine.

[Andrew]

I've got a nagging feeling he's not going to make it first time, but hopefully I'm wrong.

[The X]

Reggie Miller was overrated during his career. Main thing going for him was he was loyal & stayed with one team. This decision has improved my opinion of the HOF, considering I thought they were going to be stupid & have him as a first ballot member. I'm surprised he wasn't a finalist, but then again, if I was one of the 24 people voting, I wouldn't have nominated him either

Seriously? If anything I think you're underrating him there. He was the league's career leader in three point shooting for over a decade and one of the great clutch performers of his generation, if not all-time. There's a lot more to his career than being loyal and staying with one team; how could you possibly not even nominate him, let alone leave him off the list of finalists the first time around? Especially given some of the players who have made the cut ahead of him.

I'm sorry, but I'm just not a fan of his. I thought a guy like Mitch Richmond was a much more complete & better player at both ends. Reggie had better longevity though. As I said, I'm surprised he's not a finalist, given the list, yeah, he should be ahead the likes of Mark Jackson (wtf?!?) & Chris Mullin.

[Andrew]

I'm not the biggest fan of him either but when it comes down to it, I think he's a significant enough player and as such worthy of the honour. At the very least, he belongs on the list of finalists ahead of some of the individuals that made the cut. He should be there ahead of Mark Jackson and Chris Mullin (though their inclusion isn't so bad) and certainly ahead of Ralph Sampson.

[Murat]

What. The. F**k.

He is the best 3pt shooter if we ignore Ray-Ray...

[kibaxx7]

Terrible. Just terrible

[NovU]

Reggie Miller was overrated during his career. Main thing going for him was he was loyal & stayed with one team. This decision has improved my opinion of the HOF, considering I thought they were going to be stupid & have him as a first ballot member. I'm surprised he wasn't a finalist, but then again, if I was one of the 24 people voting, I wouldn't have nominated him either

Seriously? If anything I think you're underrating him there. He was the league's career leader in three point shooting for over a decade and one of the great clutch performers of his generation, if not all-time. There's a lot more to his career than being loyal and staying with one team; how could you possibly not even nominate him, let alone leave him off the list of finalists the first time around? Especially given some of the players who have made the cut ahead of him.

I'm sorry, but I'm just not a fan of his. I thought a guy like Mitch Richmond was a much more complete & better player at both ends. Reggie had better longevity though. As I said, I'm surprised he's not a finalist, given the list, yeah, he should be ahead the likes of Mark Jackson (wtf?!?) & Chris Mullin.

I have to disgaree with everything you said about Reggie. The guy carried his team to the finals and was one of the rare ones that actually played better in the playoffs when it mattered the most. This guy in prime was absolutely amazing and people seem to forget that just by looking at his stats. Even though Ray looks like a better shooter or even a better player on stat sheet, the scoring wasn't easy back in Reggie's days and players actually played D physically back then. Reggie was quick, clutch, and an underrated defender as well.

As for Mitch(who used to be my all time fav player), he was a complete player no doubt, but never made an impact players like Reggie or Payton did.

[The X]

I have to disgaree with everything you said about Reggie. The guy carried his team to the finals and was one of the rare ones that actually played better in the playoffs when it mattered the most. This guy in prime was absolutely amazing and people seem to forget that just by looking at his stats. Even though Ray looks like a better shooter or even a better player on stat sheet, the scoring wasn't easy back in Reggie's days and players actually played D physically back then. Reggie was quick, clutch, and an underrated defender as well.

As for Mitch(who used to be my all time fav player), he was a complete player no doubt, but never made an impact players like Reggie or Payton did.

I actually thought Jalen Rose was the best player on that Pacers' team that year they made the Finals. The truth is that Pacers team was very deep and a very good team. No great individual players but very good team. Yes, Reggie was the heart & soul of the team.

Reggie was also the king of the kick off to get free throws (which he shot at like 90% so it's easy points). This is one of my most hated things about the NBA game & Reggie pioneered it. To me kicking off to initiate contact is no different to flopping on D.

I think you underestimate Ray Allen. Allen is a lot more complete offensive player, just as clutch, if not more so. Don't get me wrong, Reggie had some memorable playoff moments that we all enjoyed, he was just who he was, Mr Kick Off.

Btw, I don't know why you mentioned Payton, I never put Mitch in the same class as Payton. I also wouldn't mention Reggie alongside Payton.

[Sauru]

i dont think its a big deal miller is not a finalist, i for sure know he does not deserve to be a first timer. i think making the hall is a little too easy specially if people think miller should be there. i always thought the hall was for the greatest of players, not just long term players who were great for the team. i am pretty sure most will disagree but my standards for the hall would be set higher than what reggie did in the nba

[Rip32]

I think everyone is on the same page here when it comes to recognizing that Reggie isn't a first ballot hall of famer (for whatever that's worth), but for him to get snubbed by two teammates in Mullin and Jackson isn't necessarily the most well-agreed upon decision.

[koberulz]

Do we actually have the list of finalists yet? The names listed upthread are just candidates...

[Andrew]

Yes, the finalists were announced: Dennis Rodman, Jamaal Wilkes, Tex Winter, Maurice Cheeks, Chris Mullin, Ralph Sampson, Teresa Edwards, Tara VanDerveer, Dick Motta, Herb Magee, Hank Nichols and Al Attles.

i always thought the hall was for the greatest of players, not just long term players who were great for the team.

So would you say that Robert Parish shouldn't be there?

[Murat]

What The F**k. Again. JAMAAL WILKES???

[The X]

Yes, the finalists were announced: Dennis Rodman, Jamaal Wilkes, Tex Winter, Maurice Cheeks, Chris Mullin, Ralph Sampson, Teresa Edwards, Tara VanDerveer, Dick Motta, Herb Magee, Hank Nichols and Al Attles.

i always thought the hall was for the greatest of players, not just long term players who were great for the team.

So would you say that Robert Parish shouldn't be there?

I'll answer that for Sauru. Of course Parish shouldn't be in the Hall

[Andrew]

I still want to hear it from someone who bleeds Celtic green.

[The X]

If Parish is allowed in then Reggie definitely is too

I do agree with Sauru that it should be a bit more select. I just don't understand why the NBA doesn't have there own Hall of Fame

[Andrew]

Still, how many inductees could we possibly say absolutely have no business being there? I doubt they'd outnumber the people who were noteworthy enough to be inducted, there are no Greg Ostertags in the Hall of Fame.

[NovU]

Agreed with Sauru. I wouldn't mind as a fan to see Reggie making it, but then HOF truly should be awarded to the greatests only imo.

Btw, I don't know why you mentioned Payton, I never put Mitch in the same class as Payton. I also wouldn't mention Reggie alongside Payton.

I only mentioned Gary cuz both made their own footprint in their era and in the history book in terms of making impact and noise while Mitch had done little in those. Wasn't saying he was Payton caliber player but don't overlook the fact that he was one of the best clutch and 3 pointer shooter in the history of NBA.