Bulls’ Reinsdorf ‘humbled’ by Hall nomination
Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf is on a long list of nominees for induction in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, according to nba.com.
Reinsdorf bought the team in 1985 as part of an investment group and has overseen six NBA championships, as well as construction of the United Center.
“I am both surprised and humbled by the nomination,” Reinsdorf said in a statement on the team’s website. “To be even mentioned in the company of current members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is an honor.”
A list of finalists will be announced during all-star weekend in February and the Class of 2013 will be revealed at the Final Four in April.
“He probably deserves to be in two Hall of Fames,” Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said of Reinsdorf, who also owns the White Sox. “He’s a great owner. From a leadership standpoint, he sets the tone for our franchise. He’s fair, he’s honest, and you can’t ask for anything more than that. I think he understands what it takes to win and he has a great will to win. Those things are critical.”
Several people with ties to the Bulls are on the list of nominees, including longtime general manager Jerry Krause, former head coach Dick Motta, along with former assistant coaches John Bach and Del Harris. Chicago natives Maurice Cheeks and Tim Hardaway are also nominated.
The player with the best chance at induction figures to be guard Gary Payton, who faced the Bulls in the 1996 Finals as a member of the Seattle SuperSonics.
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