DJ: HOF?

Word comes down today that the Basketball Hall of Fame has narrowed its candidates to 16 for this year's induction. And while Michael Jordan, John Stockton, and David Robinson are all shoo-ins, one name in particular has to jump out at any self-respecting Sonic fan:

Dennis Johnson.

It's a bittersweet feeling, knowing that only in death would DJ be able to enter the Hall, if indeed he is selected. Considering his competition this year, it will be tough. But consider:

- Nine times either first- or second-team All Defense
- Five-time all star
- Finals MVP
- Three-time NBA Champion

And, finally, this: In Johnson's first season in the NBA, 1976-77 with Seattle, his team finished 40-42 and out of the playoffs. That would be the only time in his 14 years in the league that he failed to play in the post-season.

Hey, I get it, DJ was on some great teams, and it's not as if the Suns and Celtics were bottom-feeders before he got there. Still, Johnson offered the abilities winning teams always needed: exceptional defense, good free throw shooting, good ball-handling, and (and I hate to say this) leadership.

Other candidates include: Al Attles, Bob Hurley Sr., Vladimir Kondrashin (coached USSR in the controversional '72 Olympics), Pereira "Ubiratan" Maciel (Brazil), Richie Guerin, Johnny "Red" Kerr, Chris Mullin, Don Nelson, Jerry Sloan, Bernard King, Cynthia Cooper, and Rutgers coach Vivian Stringer.

Nominees will need to receive 18 out of 24 votes from the committe to be selected for the Hall. The selected members will be announced on April 6 in Detroit.

Oh, and Artis Gilmore is still waiting, guys.