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

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...

[@dave474c]

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

[@markparrish6283]

He sure is! 👏

[@Butter-gz4kb]

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

[@markparrish6283]

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

[@Butter-gz4kb]

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]

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

[@nunyabusiness7927]

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

[@charleshendrick8657]

Ukoo

[@adamdorgant9454]

Agreed on that!!!!

[@Amick44]

Jordan holds him (coach Dean) in high regards as well. Many do. Charlie Scott, to name another.

[@aarondigby9859]

I know Dean Smith was a great coach.

[@gtbikes69]

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

[@dusk6159]

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]

Agreed!!!

[@elevatedmind5365]

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...

[@adamdorgant9454]

True!!!!

[@2dasimmons]

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

[@chucpresley-clubb303]

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*!

[@DavidHolcomb1776]

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]

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]

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]

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

[@temjin44]

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

[@davidpadilla9468]

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.

[@johnliaban2876]

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

[@omarrsullivan4516]

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

[@tommylove9270]

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

[@Madawg65]

Best spin to the hoop ever

[@eligahmurrayjr1541]

"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]

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.

[@CoachDarren]

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

[@adamdorgant9454]

Yes indeed!!!!🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀

[@stuartperry8141]

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]

CLASS PERSONIFIED!!!

[@Mykford1]

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

[@uncletony6210]

+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]

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

[@cubswin3838]

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

[@gwenmarie7311]

Honey Thats when Showtime Was Showtime❤❤❤

[@omarrsullivan4516]

Amen

[@troyyes6927]

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]

Great player

[@increasinginfaithmarcella.208]

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]

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]

never a truer word spoken

[@adamdorgant9454]

Great Player!!!!

[@CoachDarren]

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]

My boy big game James.

[@aarondigby9859]

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

[@smokeyjoe795]

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

[@CoachDarren]

@@smokeyjoe795 exactly 💯 percent facts

[@cianreyes8820]

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

[@ShunyamNiketana]

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

[@marcuscrowley6496]

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.

[@terrypeden6792]

Great speech! As parents, we give all!

[@dhui777]

Great player. Great family.

[@atlaslion5128]

Well deserved Mr. Worthy.

[@johnliaban2876]

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

[@markrichardson1657]

big game james

[@jimmiesumner8923]

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

[@jstinson7072]

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!

[@alekesam]

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

[@wadesaleeby2172]

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

[@stephenkennedy8767]

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

[@alexmanuel9604]

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

[@2dasimmons]

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

[@barroningram7286]

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

[@edwardhuang8837]

Always a class act

[@adamdorgant9454]

Yes he is!!!!

[@philipatoz]

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

[@clementomoregie9093]

BIG GAME JAMES!!!!

[@kentinatl]

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 KZbin...HE WAS AWESOME!!!!

[@martinhanley9524]

Class

[@trevmo]

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

[@BNM0826]

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.

[@AJWYUN]

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

[@vdLeo-je6os]

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

[@addycorp2]

james speech starts at 11.50

[@drummajor]

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.

[@johnb4467]

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.

[@ebenesfan2011]

class act

[@capitanfuturo594]

James Worthy was an amazing player.

[@SixFoHopper]

Big Game James. Class act.

[@juandavidson9111]

that was one beautiful speech by James Worthy!

[@thinkcivil1627]

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.

[@shamadam1]

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

[@tomswill9189]

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

[@roanokebrooks]

I like the ACC basketball legend, Big Game James.

[@cubswin3838]

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

[@rogercollington3076]

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!!😘😊😊

[@vinceviselli3805]

James Worthy is one of the best forward...

[@cheetahlip]

Wow. Great speech. So we’ll spoken.

[@reimannx33]

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

[@DoubleVisionandco]

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.

[@jamesfarmerii7166]

Big Game James one of my favorites!

[@shanenolan85]

Big Game James 🏀🏆🏆🏆♓

[@grahamjoseph00]

Most underrated and unappreciated Laker ever period

[@wonderfulwatsoncpa]

Big Game James!!! Much respect!

[@phild8095]

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]

He and M.J. got the same voice

[@sgthjennings]

One of a kind.. Dope!!!!

[@MikeEagleIII]

Class act all the way

[@bluegregory6239]

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.

[@NolaWarrior]

Wow. What a class act.

[@HeavySixer]

#42 - pure CLASS!

[@frusionnn]

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

[@stevencoffman34]

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

[@STONESGAM]

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.

[@darrylnelson05]

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.

[@jameslising2890]

Beautiful

[@mcentepede]

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

[@themoneytree622]

BIG GAME JAMES!! SHOW TIME LAKERS!!

[@c.san.8751]

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

[@JCGErvin]

2 heroes

[@bigh9884]

Big game James!

[@tppwttiger2244]

James Worthy and his spin move. 14/50

[@adamdorgant9454]

Big Game James!!!!🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀

[@aarondigby9859]

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

[@lamefart8831]

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.

[@jimperez2217]

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

[@alexatanasie3302]

💜💛

[@cubswin3838]

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

[@user-wv4xc1us6u]

Big game JAMES 👊🏽

[@bennyzabala1426]

Statue of liberty if you know what i mean

[@jordenvereker1792]

I'm related to james

[@ProdSangreNueva]

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]

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

[@glennshufford5815]

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

[@almooremoore4077]

big game james

[@an152771]

He was integral to Showtime

[@adamdorgant9454]

Agreed!!!!!

[@ivicasuman7486]

TAR HEEL!!

[@Yankeesfanforlife5]

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

[@heidernheinreich4827]

Yea Jordan is a dick

[@MrDasilva8383]

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

[@shamadam1]

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]

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

[@vanishing_girl]

did he thank Magic?

[@davedropd1]

In lieu of Phil... absolutley!!