Amen to that. He definately deserves to be in the HOF whether he gets in or not. I have follow most of his career and feel that he deserves it.
Mutombo indubitably, undeniably, nay, incontrovertibly deserves to be in the HOF. --- no further discussion
I would lose all respect for the NBA hierarchy if Deke wasn't an automatic inductee of the HOF - no votes, no committees, just induct him... in about 10 years, when he has retired.
Deke has had a brilliant career. i see no reason why he shouldn't make it in the HOF. He's 2nd all-time in blocks, a four-time DPOY, a multiple time all atar, and he's had over ten thousand points and rebounds for his career.
I think his defensive presence through out his career is great enough to get him in on the first ballot. I think his work with the Rockets very late in his career may put him over the top.
I don't think there's any doubt he'll get in. Besides being #2 on the all time block list, lets not forget that he, pretty much single-handedly, led an 8 seed over the #1 seed twice in the playoffs when he was with the Nuggets. I don't think his reserve roll with Houston, however, will be what pushes him over the top. He's an awesome reserve player, but its not like how he's playing now is what made him an elite player in the past. You have to look at him in his prime and realize what a special player. Sure, he may never have been the top center in the leauge, but you're talking about an era of great centers...an era that is long gone. I mean, if we look at all centers ever, he's at least in the top 20 overall...just my opinion.
No rings is his only knock. He may be a specialist, but if Reggie Miller gets in, so should Deke. I say yes, and I don't think it's even borderline. #2 all-time in total blocks #20 all-time in total rebounds (should pass Dennis Rodman for #18 before the All-Star break) 4-time Defensive POY 6-time all-defense (3 first, 3 second) 3-time all NBA (1 second, 2 third) 8-time All-Star That's good for the Hall. I'd say his chances are better than the likes of Alonzo Mourning. Evan
He's also a humanitarian. The NBA shouldn't overlook the fact that he built a few hospitals in Africa.
