Yao, Shaq, Iverson in Hall of Fame

Pound for pound, the best player of his era has been elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame. Allen Iverson also got in as well.

Shaquille O’Neal joined Yao Ming and Iverson in being named to the Hall of Fame on Monday. Iverson worked in stark contrast to both Shaq and Yao, a 6-foot (maybe) waterbug taking on all comers in the last NBA era to feature low post behemoths.

O’Neal won three titles while manning the paint as a Los Angeles Laker. Starting his career in Orlando, the center made it to the Finals in just his third year as a pro before moving on to California. He paired with Kobe Bryant to take Los Angeles to four Finals overall prior to being traded to Miami. Teaming with Dwyane Wade, O’Neal won a title in 2006. His time in Phoenix, Cleveland and Boston was less successful, but he did work on teams that made it deep into the playoffs before hanging things up in 2011.

Iverson’s career was a little more complicated.