41) Hall of Fame: Dirk

This weekend I taught my class at Eastfield College on the art of persuasion. I chose to structure the class as if we were going to build an argument on a controversial topic of today. By doing this, the students could see what sort of questions they need to ask when researching their topic, as well as figuring out how they want to devise a strategy to make their point. I wanted so badly to execute this exercise using the hot and imminent topic of healthcare reform. Basically I wanted to stand in front of the class and tell my students how their beloved Republican leaders prey on their fear and prejudices, and prove to them that with a little thought and research we would learn together that our healthcare reform is not the reincarnation of Stalin's communist Russia.

Instead, I chose a more important topic. As the moderator I divided the class into 2 groups and asked this question: Should Dirk be in the Hall of Fame?

As a class we discussed the criteria needed to get into the Hall of Fame and compared Dirk's career to this criteria. The exercise engaged most of the class and at the end we were able to address the both sides of the argument. I built a spread sheet so we could see how stats combined with championships and league MVPs affect a players ability to get into the Hall. Here is a taste of that spreadsheet:








As you can see, stats alone do not guarantee a spot in the Hall. Rolando Blackman has numbers equivalent with such inductees as James Worthy and Kevin McHale, but he lacks the championships. Mark Aguirre and Joe Dumars have the numbers and a championship, but they are not in the Hall. Horry and Kerr have many championships, but they do not have the numbers, and they are not in the hall. This is a heated controversy, a seemingly rationale situation riddled with the emotion and perception of fans all over the country.

Dirk's career is not over, and his numbers have the ability to grow to an indisputable level, but if he were to retire at the end of this year, would he make it into the coveted Hall of Fame?

I will say this concerning my class: A woman in my class has no idea who Dirk is. She has lived in Dallas the last 20 years but has been able to turn the channel before any talk of Mavericks basketball could be broadcasted into her living room. She says she hates athletes because they are spoiled and they are given free passes to be drug addicts. I respect her opinion though I completely disagree, however, I am sure Stern will find a way to get this woman on the voting committee when Dirk becomes eligible for the Hall of Fame.