The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame welcomed a handful of household names and familiar faces in their annual enshrinement ceremony over the weekend, including four former Spurs that left an indisputable impact on the game. The entire hoops community gave Gregg Popovich, Tony Parker, Becky Hammon, and Pau Gasol their flowers for their incredible careers, and there wasn't a dry eye in the building after their touching induction speeches.
Though it is unusual for one franchise to have multiple players and coaches honored in one class, the Silver and Black are used to seeing their all-time greats immortalized in hoops lore. Numerous storied superstars and iconic playcallers have represented this remarkable organization. And while most fans can recall defining moments from Tim Duncan, David Robinson, and Manu Ginobili, they might be less acquainted with other legends who suited up in the 2-1-0.
San Antonio Spurs Players in the Hall of Fame
• Maurice Cheeks
• Louie Dampier
• Tim Duncan
• Pau Gasol
• George Gervin
• Artis Gilmore
• Manu Ginobili
• Moses Malone
• Tony Parker
• David Robinson
• Dennis Rodman
• Dominique Wilkins
Envisioning Dominique Wilkins, Moses Malone, and Dennis Rodman donning a Spurs jersey might feel strange since their legacies are connected to other teams, but they each spent at least one season in San Antonio. Though none of them secured championships during their short stints with the ball club, Wilkins and Rodman served as sidekicks for David Robinson in the mid-90s.
San Antonio Spurs Coaches in the Hall of Fame
• Larry Brown
• Cotton Fitzsimmons
• Becky Hammon
• George Karl
• Gregg Popovich
• Jerry Tarkanian
Gregg Popovich is synoymous with the Spurs, but several historic head coaches sat on the sidelines before he cemented his status as one of the sharpest minds the sport has ever seen. In fact, there is a chance Popovich never reaches the NBA without Larry Brown bringing him along for the ride as his lead assistant when he took over clipboard duties for San Antonio in 1988.