Alonzo Mourning will join Gary Payton as former Miami Heat players inducted into the Hall of Fame, but star point guard Tim Hardaway once again did not make the cut.
They played together, built the franchise together and even won a gold medal together as part of USA Basketball. But, at least for now, former Miami Heat greats Alonzo Mourning and Tim Hardaway will not be enshrined together in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall-of-Fame.
Various sources report that Mourning's 11-year career was worthy of joining the Hall. As per Bleacher Report's Ethan Skolnick (via Twitter):
Multiple reports that Alonzo Mourning has made the Basketball Hall of Fame.
— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) April 3, 2014This was Mourning's first time on the selection ballot for eligible finalists. Zo retired in 2008 with over 14,000 points, 2,300 blocks and 7,100 total rebounds and still holds various records as part of the Heat organization.
Unfortunately, Hardaway - a two-time finalist - was not selected, as reported by Yahoo!Sports' Marc J. Spears:
Former NBA player Tim Hardaway tells Yahoo Sports that he didn't get inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) April 2, 2014Other finalists included sharpshooter Mitch Richmond (a former teammate of Hardaway's as members of the Golden State Warriors) and longtime Phoenix Suns point guard Kevin Johnson (now the Mayor of the City of Sacramento and a major factor in keeping the Kings basketball team in Sactown).
Richmond, who played at Boyd Anderson High School in Broward, will join Mourning in the Hall.
While it would have been fitting for both Heat teammates to be enshrined together, this ideal scenario will have to be put on hold for at least a year.
An official announcement from the Hall of Fame is expected on Saturday. Check back with Hot Hot Hoops for an in-depth look at Mourning's career and his contributions to the Miami Heat, both on and off the court.
