First-time nominees Shaquille O’Neal, Allen Iverson and Yao Ming head the list of finalists for induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced Friday.
The announcement, made during NBA All-Star Weekend festivities in Toronto, named 14 individuals and one team as finalists for the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. Yet the larger-than-life figures of Shaq, A.I. and Yao dominate the ballot given their achievements in the game and the fact this is their first year of eligibility.
O'Neal is widely regarded as a lock to make the Hall in his first year. A 14-time All-NBA player, he won four NBA championships, two scoring titles and one Most Valuable Player award.