Hall of Fame Discussion: Does First Ballot matter?

[JNR]

Part of these discussions is to get a handle on what different GMs think about the Hall of Fame: what it takes to be inducted, what prestige that induction possesses, and whether some HOFers shine brighter than others.

There have been 3 members of the HOF who needed two attempts to get inducted: Latrell Sprewell, Steve Smith, and Reggie Miller. And of course there is still the Gary Payton debacle.

So for this discussion, consider these questions:

1. If you voted against these players in the first year, was it with the intention of eventually voting them in next year?
2. Do you think first ballot HOF means more than second, third, so on ballot HOF?

[ballsohard]

I think it does matter..

We have 3 tiers for our great players:

1. OP
2. Great players you cant tell the story of the league without
3. Feared players for many years
4. Hall of very good

I think 3 and 4 hve the chance of being second/third ballot guys or not get in.

[Inner_GI]

Usually I vote the same way every time. Unless another nomination convinces me otherwise. So, I guess first ballot doesn't sway my vote.

[TheSyndicate]

I'm kind of the same - but I can definitely be swayed by a compelling nomination write-up.

[IamQuailman]

McDyess was a prime example of #4 but the post swayed me to voting yes for him.

[JNR]

Great discussion guys. I appreciate the input.