James A. Worthy's Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Speech

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  • čas přidán 19. 03. 2012
  • Dean Smith introduces James A. Worthy as he delivers his speech upon being enshrined to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2003. To learn more about James A. Worthy take a look at his official Hall of Fame bio at www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famer...
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Komentáře • 159

  • @nunyabusiness7927
    @nunyabusiness7927 Před 4 lety +76

    When Dean Smith passed away, James Worthy said that he was the finest person he's ever known. Respect.

  • @dave474c
    @dave474c Před 11 lety +85

    James Worthy is all class. On and off the court.

    • @markparrish6283
      @markparrish6283 Před 4 lety +2

      He sure is! 👏

    • @Butter-gz4kb
      @Butter-gz4kb Před 4 lety +2

      Mark Parrish I like Worthy too. Didn’t he get caught with a hooker? He was charged.

    • @markparrish6283
      @markparrish6283 Před 4 lety +1

      Butter 2926 I do recall there was a news that he did but it was proven false.

    • @Butter-gz4kb
      @Butter-gz4kb Před 4 lety +3

      Mark Parrish I didn’t know that. I met Worthy after game years ago. He took time to sign and answer a few questions

    • @markparrish6283
      @markparrish6283 Před 4 lety +1

      You were 1 of the lucky ones. 👌 I regret not going to some "Showtime" games. But I watched the Lakers all throughout the 80s.

  • @gtbikes69
    @gtbikes69 Před 12 lety +49

    My absolute favorite player ever. James was a devastating player. There was no answer for him. Beautiful to watch, one of a kind.

    • @dusk6159
      @dusk6159 Před 3 lety +1

      Pretty insane how Wilt and Big Game James' voices are similar too. Fitting for all-around and one of a kind phenomenons (especially in the NCAA) like them to have this kind of connection.
      Big Game James to another James, in Lebron, and with a nice coincidence like this too with the great Chamberlain? All fitting.

    • @adamdorgant9454
      @adamdorgant9454 Před 4 měsíci

      Agreed!!!

  • @DavidHolcomb1776
    @DavidHolcomb1776 Před 7 lety +54

    He is a true champion and a great player and MJ can thank him for bringing the Heels that '82 Title.13 of 17 from the floor on 28 pts.

    • @dusk6159
      @dusk6159 Před 3 lety

      Nailed it, Big Game James AND in the NCAA as well, carrying.
      And it's a monstrous feat to surpass Worthy's value in the NBA (especially in the Playoffs and Finals) already.

    • @JamesSmith-qr7be
      @JamesSmith-qr7be Před 3 lety +2

      They can thank each other Jordan had the most rebounds and obviously nailed the shot that mattered. I watched that game last night both players were exceptional they won it as a team. But yes Worthy was a standout 28 points . . .

    • @aarondigby9859
      @aarondigby9859 Před rokem +1

      @@JamesSmith-qr7be that team was James Worthy at times he was unstoppable.

    • @temjin44
      @temjin44 Před rokem +1

      Big gamesJames before the nickname. Jordan should thank Worthy for that championship

  • @johnliaban2876
    @johnliaban2876 Před 5 lety +41

    One of the best to play at small forward.. quickest first step n statue of liberty dunk..

    • @omarrsullivan4516
      @omarrsullivan4516 Před 4 lety +2

      I was so blessed to witness that night in, night out on Prime Ticket

    • @tommylove9270
      @tommylove9270 Před 4 lety

      ...Yes you're right, he scored on meny opponents with that back!
      Them down quick turn to the basket "DUNK"...

  • @elevatedmind5365
    @elevatedmind5365 Před 8 lety +51

    I start tearing up whenever these inductees talk about the struggle and sacrifice their parents went through to help them get to where they are. Always genuine...

  • @2dasimmons
    @2dasimmons Před 4 lety +22

    God bless iconic James Worthy, his DAD, and Dean Smith. These are phenomenal folk😍

  • @chucpresley-clubb303
    @chucpresley-clubb303 Před 10 lety +27

    I'm so very PROUD of my fellow hometown guy from Gastonia, North Carolina, USA---and Ashbrook High School *Green Wave* grad---Mr. James Worthy!
    GO ACC & North Carolina *Tar Heels*!

  • @davidpadilla9468
    @davidpadilla9468 Před 5 lety +17

    Big game james had the best one step move of any basketball player that I have ever seen in watching the game since 1965 wow beautiful move unstoppBle.

  • @CoachDarren
    @CoachDarren Před 4 lety +10

    RIP Coach Smith you were one of the best and coached many greats!

  • @Madawg65
    @Madawg65 Před 11 lety +14

    Best spin to the hoop ever

  • @Mykford1
    @Mykford1 Před 8 lety +30

    Worthy was the most quiet scorer of all time. He'd always have like 15 more points than you thought he had.

    • @uncletony6210
      @uncletony6210 Před 8 lety +3

      +Myk Ford he averaged about 20, seems like it was always about 12 in the first quarter, then about 8 in the last 5 minutes.

    • @Mykford1
      @Mykford1 Před 8 lety +1

      +Uncle Tony .....yeah seems like I would remember him going on scoring droughts then wake up when it mattered.

    • @cubswin3838
      @cubswin3838 Před rokem

      He was the Lakers' barometer. I think Tommy Heinson said that. When JW had a game, the Lakers did, too!

  • @troyyes6927
    @troyyes6927 Před 9 lety +23

    To me he was the best ever play this game. He has touch like Magic, shot like Bird and move like Michael. Pat Riley said it the best " If you ask a computer to design a perfect small forward, it would produce James Worthy ". I couldn't agree more.

    • @jasonburdette7879
      @jasonburdette7879 Před 7 lety +1

      Great player

    • @increasinginfaithmarcella.208
      @increasinginfaithmarcella.208 Před 5 lety +2

      Troy Yes yeah he’s big game James alright I remember when he call two Escorts and got caught. Isn’t one enough? This guy wanted two. He a great player alright!! I love him. Great player in both ways.

    • @maniacmasturbator2411
      @maniacmasturbator2411 Před 4 lety +2

      Increasing In Faith Marcell A.J magic did 5 at one time.
      And they say Jordan was one who liked to go 1 on 5

    • @markrichardson1657
      @markrichardson1657 Před 3 lety +1

      never a truer word spoken

    • @adamdorgant9454
      @adamdorgant9454 Před 2 lety

      Great Player!!!!

  • @gwenmarie7311
    @gwenmarie7311 Před 5 lety +17

    Honey Thats when Showtime Was Showtime❤❤❤

  • @eligahmurrayjr1541
    @eligahmurrayjr1541 Před 4 lety +6

    "BIG Game"James Worthy...what a great guy...his quick step is unmatched with that Statue of Liberty DUNK....One of the best to ever do it! Class personified!

  • @fungidungie
    @fungidungie Před 5 lety +13

    I rooted against most of the Lakers back then but not him, he just got it done. So happy to see him get his recognition. Good job James.

  • @stuartperry8141
    @stuartperry8141 Před 4 lety +5

    People forget how good James Worthy was at North Carolina, he was the star of the team that won the championship by far. Although Michael Jordan was on that team Worthy was the best player in 1982.

  • @andre7250
    @andre7250 Před 4 lety +8

    CLASS PERSONIFIED!!!

  • @CoachDarren
    @CoachDarren Před 4 lety +18

    Michael Jordan hit the big shot in 82 that jumped started his career but North Carolina does not win that championship without James Whorty. For sure without a doubt one of the best Lakers of all time and one of the NBA's great players of all time.

    • @aureliusconley4165
      @aureliusconley4165 Před 2 lety +1

      My boy big game James.

    • @aarondigby9859
      @aarondigby9859 Před rokem +1

      @@aureliusconley4165 definitely one of the type five Tarheels of all time.

    • @smokeyjoe795
      @smokeyjoe795 Před 10 měsíci +1

      Michael was wide open for that shot because Georgetown was trying to keep Worthy from getting the ball. James was dominant.

    • @CoachDarren
      @CoachDarren Před 10 měsíci

      @@smokeyjoe795 exactly 💯 percent facts

  • @marcuscrowley6496
    @marcuscrowley6496 Před 4 lety +8

    I’m really shocked that he didn’t mention Magic or Pat Reilly. Other than that, James spoke well and is obviously a classy guy.

  • @johnliaban2876
    @johnliaban2876 Před 6 lety +14

    James 'Express Worthy...statue of liberty dunks..best ever small forward.

  • @cianreyes8820
    @cianreyes8820 Před 7 lety +25

    one of my favorite players of all time. Big Game James!!! Go Lakers!

  • @ShunyamNiketana
    @ShunyamNiketana Před 4 lety +4

    Gratitude, humility, sincerity, all with a dash of subtle humor. I'm guessing he was a great teammate.

  • @terrypeden6792
    @terrypeden6792 Před 4 lety +5

    Great speech! As parents, we give all!

  • @dhui777
    @dhui777 Před 11 lety +7

    Great player. Great family.

  • @alexmanuel9604
    @alexmanuel9604 Před 6 lety +10

    That Brilliant. Big. Games. James. appreciated and RESPECT to you. And. Your family. AM. Big time. Lakers. For life. REAL TALKED

  • @jimmiesumner8923
    @jimmiesumner8923 Před 4 lety +3

    James changed my path, I watched he an Floyd play where I played 5 to 6 days a week, Phillips center, after that I knew I was to work for my dad in heating and cooling business, thanks James

  • @wadesaleeby2172
    @wadesaleeby2172 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Man...what a Man ☺️ Thank you Mr. Worthy...you are definitely worthy! ❤️👏🌞

  • @edwardhuang8837
    @edwardhuang8837 Před 6 lety +11

    Always a class act

  • @jstinson7072
    @jstinson7072 Před 5 lety +5

    Big Game James is #25 all-time of my list of all-time greats! If you havent had a chance go watch some of his old highlights...he was simply amazing!

  • @2dasimmons
    @2dasimmons Před 4 lety +6

    Ooh love Kareem Abdul Jabbar and see Chuck Daley in the audience.

  • @clementomoregie9093
    @clementomoregie9093 Před 10 lety +8

    BIG GAME JAMES!!!!

  • @atlaslion5128
    @atlaslion5128 Před 6 lety +5

    Well deserved Mr. Worthy.

  • @stephenkennedy8767
    @stephenkennedy8767 Před 4 lety +1

    What a sincere and classy individual Mr Worthy is!!!!!

  • @martinhanley9524
    @martinhanley9524 Před 2 lety +2

    Class

  • @addycorp2
    @addycorp2 Před 12 lety +15

    james speech starts at 11.50

    • @drummajor
      @drummajor Před 4 lety

      Coach Smith is a God to both James and MJ. You don't want to miss his speech. A glimpse into why he's so revered.

  • @alekesam
    @alekesam Před 10 lety +5

    Total truth. I met him briefly at an art store in Santa Monica. He was getting supplies for her.

  • @barroningram7286
    @barroningram7286 Před 4 lety +1

    geez this choked me up , seeing a man so humble and thankful and all the love he showed to others

  • @roanokebrooks
    @roanokebrooks Před 4 lety +3

    I like the ACC basketball legend, Big Game James.

  • @trevmo
    @trevmo Před 11 lety +7

    Best drop step on the box ever........

  • @capitanfuturo594
    @capitanfuturo594 Před 2 lety +1

    James Worthy was an amazing player.

  • @kentinatl
    @kentinatl Před 5 lety +3

    3 OF MY FAVORITE NBA PLAYERS EVER ARE KAREEM,MAGIC AND THIS MAN:JAMES WORTHY..OH THE MEMORIES OF WATCHING HIM..YOU YOUNG KIDS OUT THERE NEVER REALLY GOT TO SEE HIS GAME AFTER GAME BRILLIANCE BUT BELIEVE ME AND CZcams...HE WAS AWESOME!!!!

  • @juandavidson9111
    @juandavidson9111 Před 3 měsíci

    that was one beautiful speech by James Worthy!

  • @philipatoz
    @philipatoz Před 5 lety +2

    Oh what a finisher he was on the fast break! Total class!

  • @thinkcivil1627
    @thinkcivil1627 Před 2 lety +1

    Worthy always seemed to be a peace maker on the floor and you had to respect his smooth game. He could close on a drive inside with another gear that you would miss if you blinked your eyes. That team was flat out loaded with talent.

  • @BNM0826
    @BNM0826 Před 4 lety +1

    Inspiring and humble...Do we as a society need more than that? Yes, and for someone who put himself out there for the world to see and give us excitement, definitely yes. We need to learn from it and keep pushing for positive people like James to maintain. As for the speech. for a special night, James said everything that needed to be said in a way it needed to be said. Hoping the message reaches all.....God bless you brother and Thank you for your contribution to society.

  • @vdLeo-je6os
    @vdLeo-je6os Před 6 lety +10

    ONE OF THE BEST CHARACTERS EVER PLAYED IN NBA !!!

  • @SixFoHopper
    @SixFoHopper Před 11 lety +5

    Big Game James. Class act.

  • @ebenesfan2011
    @ebenesfan2011 Před 12 lety +9

    class act

  • @AJWYUN
    @AJWYUN Před 4 lety +2

    Loved watching “Show Time”. Magic, Kareem, McAdoo, Cooper and Worthy it was fun basketball.

  • @shamadam1
    @shamadam1 Před 4 lety +2

    He held his own alongside Kareem and Magic and that says it all

  • @vinceviselli3805
    @vinceviselli3805 Před 2 lety +1

    James Worthy is one of the best forward...

  • @tomswill9189
    @tomswill9189 Před 4 lety +2

    The great James Worthy. And Dean Smith. Worthy was a bad man.

  • @reimannx33
    @reimannx33 Před 3 měsíci

    Unstoppable below the post, and the quickest first step. Decent man.

  • @jamesfarmerii7166
    @jamesfarmerii7166 Před 2 lety +1

    Big Game James one of my favorites!

  • @grahamjoseph00
    @grahamjoseph00 Před 3 lety +1

    Most underrated and unappreciated Laker ever period

  • @johnb4467
    @johnb4467 Před rokem

    What a well-spoken gentleman. I had honestly never really heard him speak much over the years he played, and hearing him here was a real pleasure.

  • @cubswin3838
    @cubswin3838 Před rokem

    The presentation by Coach Smith was great. Big Game was UNC through-and- through! Classy!

  • @rogercollington3076
    @rogercollington3076 Před 3 lety +2

    When Magic Johnson held a press conference to announce he was retiring from the NBA because of the aids virus, my female, best friend called me from Florida to console me. I'm watching the announcement in New Jersey, and i tell her ... 'You're so sweet to call, but James Worthy is my favorite player on the Lakers team'. She stopped crying, and called me an ass! 🤣🤣🤣 Love you Napolitano! Always!!😘😊😊

  • @cheetahlip
    @cheetahlip Před 4 lety +2

    Wow. Great speech. So we’ll spoken.

  • @DoubleVisionandco
    @DoubleVisionandco Před 11 lety +4

    Big Game James was lightning fast. He would be at the goal and slamming it in before the opposite teams players even realized he'd taken a step. Worthy and Magic were deadly force together.

  • @sgthjennings
    @sgthjennings Před 7 lety +3

    One of a kind.. Dope!!!!

  • @wonderfulwatsoncpa
    @wonderfulwatsoncpa Před 5 lety +3

    Big Game James!!! Much respect!

  • @shanenolan85
    @shanenolan85 Před 4 lety +4

    Big Game James 🏀🏆🏆🏆♓

  • @phild8095
    @phild8095 Před rokem +1

    As a Celtics fan from back then, Mr. Worthy was a man who was respected for is professionalism in basketball. He played the game as a samurai, graceful speed, respect for the game, respect for opponents, and an ultimate warrior's intensity. He also played an impressive Klingon on a TV episode. Larry could not have carried that off as well as James Worthy did. Neither could have Kareem or Magic. That was a role meant to be played, just as he would do on court.

  • @Jahseph021
    @Jahseph021 Před 5 lety +5

    He and M.J. got the same voice

  • @MikeEagleIII
    @MikeEagleIII Před 3 lety +2

    Class act all the way

  • @bluegregory6239
    @bluegregory6239 Před rokem

    I love Big Game James! Just saw his interview on 'Knuckleheads'. Growing up in Minnesota, I became a Lakers fan in the early 80s. (At that time, you kinda had to choose between Philly, Boston, or the Lakers). Mr. Worthy is one of my 4 favorite players in NBA history, along with Magic, Kobe, and MJ. I still believe that the 1987 Lakers were the best team to ever play in the NBA. That team was loaded.

  • @HeavySixer
    @HeavySixer Před 10 měsíci

    #42 - pure CLASS!

  • @STONESGAM
    @STONESGAM Před 3 lety +1

    Worthy had good stats and is definitely a HOF''R. He was great in College as well and was actually thought to be better than teammate Michael Jordan for one of their years there.
    He was a big game player and his efficiency and shooting percentage was always amongst the best in the league. His career is sometimes hard to judge because he played alongside two of the all time greats in Kareem and Magic.
    I think if he played on a different team where he was the main man he would have averaged 25 pts and 7-8 boards rather than the 20pts and 5 -6 he averaged with L.A. He had to share his points with the other stars on the team. Class guy too.

  • @NolaWarrior
    @NolaWarrior Před 4 lety +1

    Wow. What a class act.

  • @frusionnn
    @frusionnn Před 11 lety +1

    Class act by Big Game James. He reminds me a lot of John Salley by his looks & the way he speaks.

  • @darrylnelson05
    @darrylnelson05 Před 4 lety +3

    North Carolina went further in the NCAA tournament while James Worthy was on the team, than they did after he left and Jordan was still at Carolina. Worthy was better than Jordan at Carolina.

  • @stevencoffman34
    @stevencoffman34 Před 3 lety +1

    So many lakers in the hall of fame many more will follow we rule the hall

  • @lamefart8831
    @lamefart8831 Před 4 lety +2

    The younger generation said zone isn't played in the old school bb but here coach Smith just confirmed this existed way back.. The full contact sliding 2-3, 3-2 zone of old was famous and illegal defense wasn't always called... It's seldom called. There's a gaping loophole in the rules.. The no-touch zone of today is laughable.

  • @bigh9884
    @bigh9884 Před 4 lety +2

    Big game James!

  • @c.san.8751
    @c.san.8751 Před rokem

    James worthy is right up there with Dr. J, Larry, MJ, Kareem, Bill Russell and Wilt in my opinion.

  • @jimperez2217
    @jimperez2217 Před rokem +1

    You have to be Worthy enough to help lead this "LAKER" NATION through them championships
    Big Game James!!

  • @tppwttiger2244
    @tppwttiger2244 Před 2 lety

    James Worthy and his spin move. 14/50

  • @jameslising2890
    @jameslising2890 Před 9 lety +2

    Beautiful

    • @mcentepede
      @mcentepede Před 8 lety +1

      This is one hell of an interview, class act all the way....he even gave credit to his brothers and parents, saying they're the reason he is even in the HOF. Also commented on the great Boston/Lakers rivalry of the 80's by saying he owes Robert Parish (another class speech BTW) some elbows from their physicality games

  • @bennyzabala1426
    @bennyzabala1426 Před 6 lety +7

    Statue of liberty if you know what i mean

  • @user-wv4xc1us6u
    @user-wv4xc1us6u Před měsícem

    Big game JAMES 👊🏽

  • @themoneytree622
    @themoneytree622 Před 5 lety +4

    BIG GAME JAMES!! SHOW TIME LAKERS!!

  • @JCGErvin
    @JCGErvin Před 6 lety +1

    2 heroes

  • @adamdorgant9454
    @adamdorgant9454 Před 2 lety

    Big Game James!!!!🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀

  • @aarondigby9859
    @aarondigby9859 Před rokem

    Dean Smith, Frank Maguire, Lefty Dreisell, the ACC and it's legendary coaches.

  • @jordenvereker1792
    @jordenvereker1792 Před 8 lety +4

    I'm related to james

  • @cubswin3838
    @cubswin3838 Před 2 lety

    MacaDoo, Dean Smith, how not love of UNC! James Worthy loved UNC and the Lakers. Loved Kareem and Jerry West.

  • @glennshufford5815
    @glennshufford5815 Před rokem

    Night train James worthly was a awesome player high school with long arms and big hands was quick for his size nice jump shot moves in piant and can run the floor and passinball and good on defense then with to north Carolina basketball team played with many stars on that team and he had skills and then Los Angeles lakes show time with super stars on that and legend greatest players championships mvp trophy and dunk on you

  • @alexatanasie3302
    @alexatanasie3302 Před rokem +1

    💜💛

  • @ProdSangreNueva
    @ProdSangreNueva Před 2 lety

    I guess that many kids take sports to help themselves go to college, It’s just not so common that you find out that such an electrifying player didn’t even care about basketball that much before having the need. Amazing.

  • @Dusterbugless
    @Dusterbugless Před 2 lety +1

    You don’t get the name like big game James for nothing. Play offs and finals. The only player in nba history to have a triple double in game 7 of the finals

  • @almooremoore4077
    @almooremoore4077 Před 5 lety +2

    big game james

  • @an152771
    @an152771 Před rokem +1

    He was integral to Showtime

  • @Yankeesfanforlife5
    @Yankeesfanforlife5 Před 10 lety +3

    Very Humble.
    Seem like just great guy.
    I hear Jordan is jerk.

  • @vanishing_girl
    @vanishing_girl Před 11 lety +5

    did he thank Magic?

  • @ivicasuman7486
    @ivicasuman7486 Před 5 lety +1

    TAR HEEL!!

  • @davedropd1
    @davedropd1 Před 10 lety +2

    In lieu of Phil... absolutley!!

  • @MrDasilva8383
    @MrDasilva8383 Před 4 lety +2

    Guess he didn't thank magic I guess Kareem was the mentor

    • @shamadam1
      @shamadam1 Před 4 lety +2

      Kareem was the mentor to a whole generation... Stats wise, demeanour, intelligence , professionalism... Yes MJ is the 🐐 but heck kareems got a strong case

  • @TheRealNinjaRoach
    @TheRealNinjaRoach Před 10 lety +1

    Dude I wish I could like this comment as many times as I want like, 1000000000000000000000000 times.