Artis Gilmore eventually makes it into the Hall of Fame – NBA Update
National Basketball Association’s all-time field-goal percentage leader and the Chicago Bulls’ career leader in blocked shots, Artis Gilmore has finally made it into the Hall of Fame after two decades of his retirement from the
game.
In July this year, it was announced that Gilmore and nine other players’ names will be inducted in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame this August.
On Friday, the day finally arrived and the former Bulls centre was a very happy man to see his name in the record during a ceremony in Springfield, Mass.
The 61 year old said with a laugh, “Make sure you tell everybody that this is the full-circle stamp; this is not my final destination. I don’t want the Man upstairs to call me just yet because I still have a lot to do, and I’m
working hard every day as a special assistant to the president of Jacksonville University, and I work for a mechanical-engineering company in project development.”
Gilmore was a hardworking person since his childhood and it was because of his amazing work ethic, he was able to do well at all level whether it’s school or basketball court.
He said, “I played for the joy and, of course, for the salary to support my wife of 39 years, Enola g*y, and our five kids and twin grandkids. I never thought of any additional accolades.”
He recollected that the biggest and joyful moment of his life was still winning the ABA championship with the Old Kentucky Colonels, back in 1975. Later in 1976 ABA was abolished as it merged with NBA. The four teams of ABA San
Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets and New York Nets fell under NBA, while the rest of the squads were folded including Gilmore’s Kentucky Colonel.
After the folding of his team, Gilmore declared himself for the special ABA dispersal draft in 1976, where Chicago Bulls selected him as the first overall. Gilmore spent six seasons with the Bulls and had a terrific time with the
franchise. Later, he also played for the Spurs and Boston Celtics.
During his tenure in NBA, Gilmore participated in six NBA All-Star Games. Remarkably Artis led the league in field goal percentage continuously for four seasons. This also includes Gilmore’s career best shooting from the field
67.0 percent that came in 1980-81 season. With this Gilmore attained the third best field goal percentage in NBA history.
After retiring, Gilmore got active in the Jacksonville community and still is on the go. Four years back Gilmore accepted the post of special assistant to the President at alma mater and is now dealing with several public relation
matters.
This was indeed a well-deserved honour, considering Gilmores efforts.
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