Jo Jo Whites Hall of Fame Status.

[Green_Giant]

Hello board members.

I would like to take a moment of your time to write my support for Jo Jo White as a finalist in the Hall of Fame. I sincerely hope that he is elected this time around, as his record and qualifications clearly showcase that he is a deserving member and is well past time that he was inducted.
A brief rundown of his career highlights include:

2 time NBA Champion
1976 NBA Finals MVP
7 time All Star
His number has been retired by the Celtics
He averaged over 18 a game for his career

It begs the question; why isn't he already in the HOF? In last nights game after a tribute to Tom Heinsohn in recognition of his achievement for going in as a head coach and player, Heinsohn made it a point to state that one of the 70's Knicks players, which one escapes me, already thought White was in the Hall as I'm sure many players mistakenly do.
Simply put he should have long been put into the Hall by now. No matter what your system for basing induction into the Hall is, including the morons who keep snubbing him, he fits every single relevant criteria.
Personally use a worst player method. I think of who is in the Hall already and think is X guy better than him. Currently I use Ralph Sampson. So is Jo Jo White better than Sampson - hell yes, and he should be in.
I don't know if any of the people who vote will ever read this, I don't know if it will matter, but correct a mistake 20 years in the making and put Jo Jo White where he belongs!

[Alleyoopster]

I think one reason Jo Jo isn't in the hall is that he made most everything he did look effortless.  Guards like Walk Frazier and Earl Monroe made all sorts of crazy shots or drove to the hoop more making their skill set look much more dramatic and important.

This sounds crazy, but maybe Jo Jo would be in the Hall if he wasn't so good.  In other words if he had to make trick shots or drive to the hoop more often or scramble on the floor, etc. 

(Here's an example of what I mean.) I was at the Phoenix game where the Celtics won in triple overtime.  One the most thrilling games ever played in just about any sport.  Years later I ran into Jo Jo and asked him about the game and if had ever heard from Glenn McDonald.  He told me they stayed in touch and knew what he was up to.  Then, I went on and on about what a finish Glenn had in the 3rd overtime.  After hearing me rant about Glenn for a number of minutes Jo Jo revealed to me that many people forget that he (Jo Jo) had 33 points in that game.  I was floored.  How could I have not known this? 
 
Almost all the press attention in that aftermath of that game centered on Gar Heard and McDonald.  Never gave much thought to Jo Jo's performance.  I guess that is how many sports writers perceive Jo Jo.  He scored a lot of points during his career....he just didn't do it with enough flair to make them understand his importance in winning those Championships during the 70's. 

He definitely belongs in the Hall Of Fame.  He is a class act and was one the best players of his era.