Sam-I-Am for the HOF?

[soap07]

This was linked to on TrueHoop.

http://dimesofwisdom.blogspot.com/2008/12/sam-i-am-for-hall-of-fame.html

Some interesting thoughts there if you believe in NBA sabermetrics and what not...Sam also has the 3 rings. Thoughts on Cassell for the HOF?

[BballTim]

  He's a one time all-star who's been named to one all-nba 2nd team. He wasn't a starter on any of the title teams he was on. IMO to be in the hall of fame you should have to be among the best at your position and one of the best players in the league for an extended period of time.

[Hoops]

Interesting numbers. (On a side note, the numbers support what I already believed that Nash will go down in history as a "better" PG than Kidd).

I love numbers as much as anyone. But the HOF isn't objective - its gates of entry aren't controlled by a computer. The numbers say Sam is competitive with other HOF-caliber PGs. But his impact on the game - subjectively speaking - just hasn't been on that HOF level, IMO. I love Sam. I'm glad he came to Boston last year. But in all fairness, I just don't think his career sparkles enough to put him in the HOF. Just my opinion.

[soap07]

  He's a one time all-star who's been named to one all-nba 2nd team. He wasn't a starter on any of the title teams he was on.

There has to be something said for the longevity of Sam's career which is a testament to him. He may not have the sparkling individual seasons, he was one of the best at his position in his prime...just not THE best.

[JBcat]

DJ deserves to get in before Sam in my opinion and if DJ is not in the HOF then Sam shouldn't be. 

[wdleehi]

Not a chance. 

[Redz]

No!

Is Steve Smith a Hall of Famer?

[Schupac]

I don't think there is even a discussion on this.  No.  He's a good player and he's been on some winning teams, but he was never the focal point of any of them.

He should always be remembered, but even if he were to (avoiding jynx) at some point in his career get a 4th ring, he just isn't the #1 or #2 player.  You can't put those types of guys in the HoF.

[dark_lord]

hell to the no

[Roy Hobbs]

Agreed with the consensus.  Sam was a very good player, but rarely a great one.  He just isn't at the elite level that is worthy of induction.

[blueygreen]

You guys are crazy. He's basically a lock. Every team Sam has been on has been much better for his presence. He's drafted by the Rockets and BAM! two rings. He gets traded a few times before his magical presence could be felt by those teams stupid enough to trade him until he finally lands in Milwaukee. He really helped out Jesus and the Big Dog and got to game 7 of the ECF with him, an amazing achievement. Then of course he ends up in Minny and once again? They miss out on the Finals. Why? Because Sam I Am was injured during that series against the Lakers. He was the difference maker.

But wait, this obvious hall of fame caliber reference list doesn't end now. There's still more!
He brought the low low clippers to the semi-finals with an Elton Brand I'm sure we'll all agree seems to have been proven to be basically useless now. Finally, when even Sammy can't change the Clippers he goes to Boston. A playoffs later and we have #17. Sam is what makes championships go around, people. Hopefully no other team sees this obvious talent and tries to take him away from us this season.

[Truck Lewis]

nope...cant rely on rings (horry anyone?)

or longevity, kevin willis, tree rollins....

[Who]

No, I don't think he's worthy of being in the Hall.

[Dybdal]

Not right now but if Sam-I-Am has a productive coaching carrer then he will be inducted into the Hall 10-15ish years from now. (by productive i mean more rings)

As a player i have Sam in the same catagory as Robert Horry' and if Robert gets in, then Sam should aswell.

[hardlyyardley]

ygtbsm