Yao Ming’s Excited! Fans May Get To Vote On NBA Hall-of-Famers

Mar 30, 2010, 7:36 PM UTC

This sounds worse than it really is: According to NBA.com, there’s a movement afoot to include fans in the Hall-of-Fame voting process. But before we balk, let’s think. It could wind up being a pretty savvy move:

â†µâ†µThe basketball Hall of Fame is close to announcing a major change to the election process and is working on a revolutionary alteration as chairman Jerry Colangelo pushes forward with his pledge to increase transparency and fan interest.
â†µFor the first time, vote totals are expected to be released when the Class of 2010 is revealed next Monday in Indianapolis in conjunction with the Final Four. ...
â†µFan involvement may begin as soon as next season with the groundbreaking move to include public balloting. That may spark an emotional connection that didn’t exist before, but it will come at the risk of turning off insiders worried that the Hall of Fame will turn into a popularity contest. Colangelo’s solution: The fan balloting will count, but with less value than the returns from past inductees, people within the game and media members that have traditionally made the decision.

â†µâ†µIn other words, the fan votes will be counted, but not as much as the others. Is that so bad?

â†µSure, it’s a pretty transparent attempt at courting public interest, but considering the Naismith Hall of Fame nearly went bankrupt last year, what’s the harm in experimenting? If, say, Vince Carter gets elected to the Hall of Fame, we can always go back and switch the rules. But if this creates more interest in the process while preserving the prestige, and simultaneously stimulates the Hall of Fame in a down economy, then it’d be a pretty huge success.

â†µThe biggest problem with the Naismith Hall of Fame has always been its anachronistic voting procedures, shrouded in mystery. And while these changes may create a few problems in addition to solving others, the creative spirit is a step in the right direction.

â†µ(And just the fact that we’re talking about the Hall means Colangelo’s plan is working.)

See More: