ABA legend Mel Daniels was enshrined in the NBA Hall of Fame on Friday night, but was not well enough to attend the ceremonies. He did, though, pre-record a speech that was shown at the ceremony.
Mel Daniels is on his couch at home watching tonight's ceremony alone because he has to stay stress free.
— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNBA) September 8, 2012
Daniels was drafted in 1967 by the ABA Minnesota Muskies, where he was named the league's Rookie of the Year. But he only played one season there before being traded to the Indiana Pacers (then of the ABA), where he spent the next six seasons. Daniels played in seven ABA All-Star games and was the league's MVP in both 1969 and 1971.
In his speech, Daniels expressed hope that the Hall of Fame will begin to recognize more ABA players.
"I hope this will be the start of recognition of others from the ABA." - Mel Daniels #PacersHOF
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) September 8, 2012
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