In what has become a fun tradition, the orange jackets and rings were handed out on the eve of the 2021 Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony.
As this year's inductees converge on Springfield, the anticipation continues to build for Saturday night's main event.
Presented to the media to answer questions on a special weekend, the inductees were all smiles as they first put on their Hall of Fame jackets.
Looking fresh in that Naismith Orange. 🔥 #21HoopClass pic.twitter.com/YtAVDoQBsE
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) September 11, 2021
Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce took the responsibility as the chief selfie taker of the night.
Group photo!@Hoophall x #21HoopClass pic.twitter.com/mpzfETgJV7
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) September 11, 2021
“This is a prestigious club right here…”@paulpierce34 on joining the @Hoophall! #21HoopClass pic.twitter.com/MIzeg8Xbky
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) September 10, 2021
One of the highlights of the night's proceedings was the legendary Bill Russell being presented with his second orange jacket. Already in the Hall as a player, Russell will now be honoured as a coach.
Bill Russell is presented with his second @Hoophall jacket 👏🏾#NBAHOF pic.twitter.com/UVLIfWTBhp
— NBA TV (@NBATV) September 11, 2021
Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat star Chris Bosh was happy with the fit of his jacket!
What a night. And the orange jacket fits just right.
— Chris Bosh (@chrisbosh) September 11, 2021
Honored to receive my @hoophall ring and jacket tonight beside some legends of the game. Big speech tomorrow. Can’t wait. #BoshHoF #21HoopClass pic.twitter.com/JIA0p7WvwD
Other acknowledgements on the night included.
Mel Greenberg - Curt Gowdy Print Media Award
Congratulations to Mel Greenberg for receiving the Curt Gowdy Print Media Award. #GowdyAward pic.twitter.com/LO7pciHoSb
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) September 11, 2021
Mike Gorman - Curt Gowdy Electronic Media Award
Congratulations to Mike Gorman for receiving the Curt Gowdy Electronic Media Award. #GowdyAward pic.twitter.com/qJevpgR4dN
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) September 11, 2021
Carol Stiff - John Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award
Congratulations to Carol Stiff for receiving the John Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award. #BunnAward pic.twitter.com/xoyhAbCO2U
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) September 11, 2021
Ray Allen, Vinny Del Negro and Renee Montgomery - Mannie Jackson, Basketball's Human Spirit Award
Congratulations to Ray Allen, Vinny Del Negro and Renee Montgomery for receiving the Mannie Jackson - Basketball’s Human Spirit Award. #MannieJacksonAward pic.twitter.com/EAihThRYsV
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) September 11, 2021
The event served as a fitting warm up to what is sure to be an emotional enshrinement ceremony with some of the greats of the game.
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