Maya Moore, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, and Sue Bird were celebrated as they were inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday. The five blue-chip players were honored for their exceptional influence on the game. Each one spent a few minutes reflecting on their career and imparting priceless wisdom for the up-and-coming generation.
Maya Moore’s journey has been unique. She had retired prior to the 2019 WNBA season. Today, she works on behalf of social justice causes and for the release of her husband, Jonathan Irons, who was wrongfully convicted. Her Hall of Fame induction marked a poignant moment in her life, as she dedicated her speech to encouraging young players to leverage their platforms for community change.
“Figure out what motivates you every day you get out of bed,” Moore stated passionately, urging the audience to find their purpose and make a difference. She expressed her belief that her basketball career was merely a stepping stone towards what she calls “championship communities,” where people can unite for positive change. “I want to challenge you up and comers, every day to seek out joy and connection,” she added.
Carmelo Anthony, one of the illustrious class, mused on his difficult upbringing. He opened up about the struggles he had growing up in Brooklyn and Baltimore. Looking out into the audience, his emotional speech touched all as he contemplated his improbable journey in the game of basketball. With tears in his eyes, Anthony said, “Pardon my language, but damn,” acknowledging the struggles he overcame to reach this pinnacle in his career. He seemed genuinely proud of his impact on the game. He said, “I’m aware of what I brought to the game.”
Dwight Howard got his enshrinement presented to him by basketball greats Dominique Wilkins, Shaquille O’Neal, Patrick Ewing, and Robert Parish. Howard’s speech was emotional as he invoked poignant memories that molded him, not just as a player but as a man. “My mother lost seven children, and he allowed me to bring sunshine into her life,” he remarked about the impact basketball has had on his family. He emphasized the importance of living fully every day: “You only die once but you live every day.” In his closing remarks Howard, perhaps more humbly than he should have, acknowledged that he now stands among them. “I’m just honored to stand in front of you as one of the greatest basketball players ever.”
Sue Bird, another 2022 inductee, has left an indelible mark on women’s basketball. Through her triumphs and her leadership off the court, she has empowered generations of players and supporters. We omitted Bird’s specific remarks, since they were not the focus of the ceremony. Her legacy as a trailblazer in the sport is, without question, magnificent.
During the ceremony, LeBron James was able to think back on how these players inspired him as he built his own early career. He remembered being 23 years old in 2008 and knowing that he wanted to raise his game to be on their level. “We just wanted to get to his level and make him proud,” James shared, highlighting the respect that current players have for these legends.
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