A few years ago, this guy began being talked about as a sure-fire first ballot Hal of Famer. They still describe him this way but I have noticed that his rep has taken a hit partially because of Game 6 and the Miami series overall.
Is it fair that if you die mid career aka Drazen Petrovic at age 31 and about to decline, the basketball analysts project you forward as "god knows what he would have done had he not died. Legend". Yet if for the love of the game you hang around for a few years, you can play your way out of the Hall of Fame?
I think voting for the hall of fame should happen every year you are active and you get to ac ulate points. Once you are a "Hall of Famer" you shouldn't be able to play your way out of being one just for loving to play the game.
Manu not getting respect this year as 6moy is a travesty. His career averages will decline to 13, 4, and 4 with 2 All Star Appearances. As a compromise, voters will put the 2004 Argentina Basketball Team into the Hall of Fame and that sets the stage for leaving Manu out of it since voting won't take place until 2020 at the earliest.
Will he be remembered as a great? Thoughts?