I watched the Hall of Fame ceremony last night and I have to say; Ralph Sampson and Jamal Wilkes have no business being inducted. Not trying to take away from a great day in their lives, but to me, the Hall of Fame should be reserved for players who are from another planet and, or, great winners. Guys like Wilt, Big O, Magic, MJ, Dr. J. Kareem, Bird, West, Russell, Barry, Barkley, Hakeem, Moses, etc...
I'm old enough to remember Sampson when he played at Virginia and the incredible Hype that surrounded him. He was billed as the next great big man. He's certainly deserving of the College Hall of fame, but he never lived up to the promise when he entered the NBA.
Sampsons first 3 years in the league, his numbers were as follows:
21pts, 11 rbs 2blks
22pts 10 rbs 2blks
19pts 11rbs 2blks
He never averaged more than 15 pts per for the rest of his injury riddled career and topped 10 rbs 1 more time. His career averages are 15pts 8 rbs and 1.6 blks. Yes he messed up his knees pretty bad but injuries are apart of the game. Cant project what a player might have been if he wasn't injured because if thats the case, Bernard King should be in right now and Mattingly should be in the baseball hall of fame.
Wilkes, was a good player but not a Hall Of Famer, either. But over the years, they have been letting in a bunch of boarder line players so that has opened up the debate to let others in. Bill Walton is another player who I dont think should be in the NBA Hall of Fame. College Hall of Fame, absolutely. NBA Hall of Fame, no. Injuries, I believe should have robbed him of his spot.