Landon Buford
After playing her entire Hall of Fame career in a Seattle Storm uniform, Lauren Jackson will enter the Basketball Hall of Fame. The former three-time WNBA MVP, only played 12 seasons in the league due to injury, which cause her to retire.
She is second on the all-time Storm’s scoring list after her former running mate passed her on July 8, 2018. Jackson will be going into the Hall with a star-studded class, including 10-time All-Star Paul Pierce, 11-time All-Star Chris Bosh, 2004 NBA Champion Ben Wallace.
Other notable names are WNBA legend Yolanda Griffith, Coach Bill Russell, and Chris Webber.
When I spoke to Jackson about the Hall of Fame nomination recently, she shared with me that being inducted would a dream come true.
“I think it is a dream come true. Anyone that plays basketball at this level, dreams of being consider for the Naismith Hall of Fame,” said Jackson.
“So, it means a lot to me. There is only one other Australian in the Hall, which is Lindsay Gaze. To be the first female athlete in there will be incredible.”
A couple of years ago, Jackson revealed a list of people that would consider to induct her into the Hall.
“I have such a special relationship with Sue our friendship and then my Mother and Father they have been the ones who have been through everything with me, and they would probably get the most joy doing it. As far as a coach, I would have to say, Brian Agler, my parents, Tom Maher, and Sue.”
Sue Bird recently stated that she would not mind speaking on Jackson’s behalf for ten minutes.
When Jackson was made aware of what her former teammate said, she replied,
“Sue is very good at speaking. So, I think if I was inducted she would definitely be on my list to speak. In fact, I much prefer her to do it even if I able to be there,” said Jackson.
Jackson and Bird played ten seasons in Seattle and credited Jackson for revolutionizing the center position and women’s basketball.
“Tina Thompson is arguably the first stretch four, and I think Lauren is really the first stretch five,” said Bird on Saturday afternoon. “Just a player who totally changed how to play that position. A player who could hurt you from the outside. A player that demanded double teams on the block every single night. You don’t really see that often a player who demands that and has the outside game to complement it. And, of course, what she did defensively. “I can’t imagine a world in which she doesn’t get into the hall of fame. Just super proud of her and happy for her.”
