Live Music Head
Darryl Tahirali
NHLKiDD
Rudy Tomjanovich has a very unique case for Hall of Fame selection. His accumulative stats suggest that he is not worthy, as he scored just over 13,000 points and grabbed just over 6,000 rebounds in a 12 year career. However, there are extenuating circumstances with Rudy T. First Tomjanovich was a great college player at Michigan who still holds the career record there for rebounds and that turned him into 2nd overall pick by the San Diego Rockets. He became a standout with them and was hugely popular with the fans when they moved to Houston. He was not just popular, but very good; making 5 All-Star teams. Of course this all changed on December 9, 1977 when Tomjanovich received the most famous right cross in sports history from Kermit Washington. The blow left Tomjanovich with life threatening injuries and the melee caused the NBA to restructure their rules around altercations. Rudy T did come back and made the fifth of his final All-Star game appearances. He retired soon after and that is the question we must ponder as what might have been. There is also the fact that Tomjanovich became one of the most successful coaches of the 90’s leading the Rockets to back to back championships and the U.S. to Gold in the 2000 Olympics. We are not sure if Rudy T’s career is enough to get him in but if there ever was a case for special consideration he would be the one.
The Bullet Points:
Country of Origin:
Hamtramck, Michigan, U.S.A.
Eligible Since:
1987
Position:
Small Forward
Played for:
San Diego/Houston Rockets
College:
Michigan
Drafted:
1st Round, 2nd Overall in 1970
Major Accolades and Awards:
NBA All Star (5) (1974, 1975, 1976, 1977 & 1979)
Championship Rings: None
Other Points of Note:
Top Ten Finishes: Minutes Played (3) (1973-74, 1974-75 & 1976-77)
Top Ten Finishes: Field Goals (3) (1973-74, 1974-75 & 1976-77)
Top Ten Finishes: Field Goal Percentage: (3) (1973-74, 1974-75 & 1975-76)
Top Ten Finishes: Free Throws (1) (1973-74)
Top Ten Finishes: Points (1) (1973-74)
Top Ten Finishes: Points Per Game (1) (1973-74)
Notable All Time Rankings:
None
Should they be in the Hall of Fame?
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Definitely put them in! - 50%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 50%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 0%
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