Former Seattle Supersonic guard Gary Payton headlines the list of candidates to enter the basketball Hall of Fame with the 2013 class, according to NBA.com. Also on the North American list of candidates are longtime Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf, former NBA deputy commissioner Russ Granik and referee Dick Bavetta.
2013 NBA Hall of Fame candidates announced
Gary Payton and Jerry Reinsdorf lead the list of NBA connections that could be inducted into the basketball Hall of Fame.
David Banks-US PRESSWIRE
The Glove’s nine All-Defense teams made and nine All-Star appearances make him one of the favorites. He is joined by notable NBA players Mitch Richmond, Tim Hardaway and Kevin Johnson. The international committee picked former NBA players Vlade Divac and Sarunas Marciulionis as well.
The NBA’s third-best career assists leader, Mark Jackson, was left off the list because he did not receive a vote in three prior years.
Coaches on the list of nominees include Paul Silas, Cotton Fitzsimmons, Rudy Tomjanovich and Paul Westphal. Former ABA members nominated include Ron Boone, Roger Brown, Zelmo Beatty, Mack Calvin, Bob (Slick) Leonard, Louie Dampier and George McGinnis.
The North American committee chose Payton and others to move onto the next stage in the induction process, where a panel of nine members will vote upon finalists -- seven votes are needed for a candidate to become a finalist. The finalists will be announced during All-Star weekend in Houston, and a separate committee of 24 members will decide upon the induction class of 2013.
See More:
