Andre Iguodala"s recent remarks on JJ Redick"s podcast, “The Old Man & The Three," have ignited a discussion about the criteria for induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame. While many acknowledge Iguodala"s remarkable 19-year NBA career, marked by four championships and a Finals MVP accolade, as deserving of Hall of Fame recognition, Iguodala himself modestly holds a different view.
Iguodala has articulated his belief that the Hall of Fame should adopt a tiered approach to better acknowledge and honor the diverse levels of greatness achieved by NBA players. Specifically, he has singled out basketball icons like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, suggesting that they merit their own distinct tier due to their unparalleled contributions to the sport.
“I"m not a Hall of Famer, if you ask me," Iguodala said. “No, no, no. Those guys [Hall of Famers] had no flaws. And I think I was good, but like Kobe [Bryant] … LeBron [James] … Come on man, I can"t do that. And a lot of us can"t do that. They have to be in their own different world. And Michael Jordan should be in his own different world. That"s how good MJ was," : Iguodala added.
Andre Iguodala:
"I’m not a Hall of Famer, if you ask me. Those Hall of Fame guys had no flaws."
(via @OldManAndThree, https://t.co/mRJyO62OwL) pic.twitter.com/xNjOOwrLBN
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 22, 2023
His perspective underscores a profound reverence for the basketball legends who have left an indelible mark on the game, including figures like Michael Jordan, whom Iguodala contends should similarly occupy a tier unto himself. This tiered approach, according to Iguodala, would acknowledge the extraordinary impact these players had on the game, setting them apart from those, like himself, who were undoubtedly talented but may not have reached quite the same heights.
Iguodala"s humility in acknowledging his perceived limitations compared to the likes of Kobe and LeBron is refreshing in an era where self-promotion often takes precedence. Iguodala"s words emphasize the need to preserve the Hall of Fame"s credibility, making sure it genuinely honors the absolute elite in basketball.
The concept of having different tiers in the Hall of Fame has its merits. It could offer a more detailed view of players" legacies, taking into account not just their on-court achievements but also how they influenced the culture of the game and its worldwide appeal.
