The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced on Friday in New Orleans that recently retired NBA commissioner David Stern has been elected to its 2014 class.
Stern, who officially retired as NBA commissioner on Feb. 1 after 30 years in that position, was elected by the contributors committee. He will be enshrined along with the rest of the 2014 lass on Aug. 8 in Springfield, Mass.
The Hall of Fame also selected five former players as finalists, including Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, Kevin Johnson and Spencer Haywood. The full class is scheduled to be announced on April 7 during the NCAA men's basketball tournament Final Four.
College coaches Eddie Sutton, Gary Williams, Nolan Richardson and Harley Redin were also announced as finalists.
Four others were elected directly by committees.
The international committee elected Lithuania's Sarunas Marciulionis, former Pacers coach Bob "Slick" Leonard by the ABA committee, former Knicks player Nat Clifton by the early African-American pioneers committee and former Temple University player Guy Rodgers by the veterans committee.
Basketball Hot News
All-Star players pay tribute to Bill Russell, wish him happy 80th birthday
NEW ORLEANS — That was maybe the best moment from the All-Star Game — legendary former players such as Dr. J and Magic Johnson honored Celtics legend Bill Russell, who turned 80 this week. The crowd sang happy birthday to the 11-time NBA champion and then the players took time to shake his hand and honor him.
It was a touching moment.
“I thought that was one of the more special moments in All Star history,” West coach Scott Brooks said. “You’re talking about one of the greatest winners of all sports. What he exemplified is just what you want your team to be: Teamwork, about the team, about the city. Just an amazing player. That was a great moment to watch that all of our guys really honored him, and rightfully so.”
Carmelo Anthony agreed.
“First of all, this was by far one of the most memorable All Star Weekends, All Star Games honoring Bill Russell, Magic and them guys, getting the whole arena to sing happy birthday to him, and then the game. All of that played into tonight’s game,” Anthony said after the East win. “It was a great atmosphere. It was good for us to be a part of that celebration. Bill Russell was one of them guys who paved the way for guys like myself and the guys that was out there. So it was just great to be a part of tonight.”
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