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Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466
A ceremony for Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame's Class of 2023 in Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S., August 12, 2023, /CFP
He was Toronto's first-ever basketball megastar, catapulting the Raptors into the postseason in just his second NBA season. With eight NBA All-Star selections and a reputation as one of the greatest dunkers in history, his legacy is firmly established.
Over his impressive 22-season career, spanning nearly 1,600 games and eight different teams, he embodied longevity in a sport known for its cutthroat nature and lack of appreciation for it.
Now, as the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame unveiled its list of first-time nominees for the Class of 2024 on Thursday night, the 46-year-old Vince Carter found his name among them, adding yet another accolade to his illustrious CV.
The Hall of Fame has recently implemented changes to its election process, aiming to provide more thorough consideration to candidates from the veterans, contributors, and international committees.
Vince Carter of the Atlanta Hawks dunks and scores his 25,000th NBA point in the final seconds of their 124-108 loss to the Toronto Raptors in Atlanta, U.S., November 21, 2018. /CFP
Alongside Carter, the spotlight also shines on the 2008 U.S. Olympic men's basketball team, which boasted remarkable big names such as five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade.
This renowned squad, known as the "Redeem Team," symbolized the U.S. men's team's resurgence following their disappointing performance in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, where they failed to secure a gold medal for the first time since 1988.
Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in 2020, played a pivotal role in their qualification for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing by leading the American men to victory in the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship.
Joined by the likes of LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, this star-studded team triumphed over Spain in the Olympic finals, redeeming the American men's basketball team and restoring their dominance on the international stage.
Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Carmelo Anthony (L-R) present their basketball gold medals at the Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing, China, August 24, 2008. /CFP
Other notable first-time nominees include Seimone Augustus, Bill Laimbeer, Rick Barnes, Mike Fratello and Penny Taylor. Augustus, a standout player, earned the coveted title of MVP in the 2011 WNBA Finals, leading the Minnesota Lynx to their first championship in what would become a sensational four-title run over seven seasons.
Laimbeer, known for his physicality and skills on the court, made four All-Star appearances and claimed the rebounding championship during his notable 14-year NBA career. Fratello, a distinguished coach, received the prestigious NBA Coach of the Year award in 1986 and boasts an impressive winning percentage of 54.9 as a head coach.
Taylor, a prominent figure in women's basketball, steered the Phoenix Mercury to three WNBA championships and achieved great success as a member of the Australian women's team, winning two Olympic medals.
These nominees will now undergo the deliberation of the Hall of Fame Honors Committees. In order to secure enshrinement, they must receive a minimum of 18 out of 24 votes. The final list of inductees will be revealed during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis on April 6, adding an extra touch of excitement to the already highly anticipated event.