Kevin E. McHale's Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Speech

Kevin E. McHale delivers his speech upon being enshrined to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the class of 1999. To learn more about Kevin E. McHale take a look at his official Hall of Fame bio at www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famer...

[@guittadabe5214]

He spent the whole speech thanking everybody in his life, including his teammates. That's humility and greatness personified.

[@carolynyoung-jenkins7263]

Kevin and Larry, they're the best duo in basketball.❤❤❤

[@yedjonasinvest.653]

Dude, I’m 45 yrs old. I’ve watched his speech many times. But every time I watch it again, I get emotional. Thank you Kevin.

[@Crunchysopa52]

Kevin Mchale most certainly has the gift of gab. A real good dude, one of my favorite Hall of Fame speeches right here.

[@empirestategas29]

Amen

[@dusk6159]

Absolutely yes, especially his stories, what an all-time great speech AND blast to hear!

[@floatsting20]

@@dusk6159 Didn't see Bird in attendence

[@thepamela050]

He's always so pleasant...

[@gretchendietz1599]

Yep - he's Irish. Got the blarney for sure.

[@conservativeinexile8474]

Bird playing with spinal problems, the late GREAT DJ hobbled with bone spurs, the Chief getting banged up undef the boards, Ainge shooting the 3s, and Kevin playing with a broken leg. Walton could barely walk. These guys had heart. They were a team. The only team I root for. I bleed green.

[@KasFromMass]

And still Celtics went to one Final and two Conference Championships.

[@Daz555Daz]

The fact that Sir Charles rates this guy as "unplayable" says it all. Legend.

[@izenngarddrayne6414]

***** unguardable

[@Agureghian]

+Daz555Daz the fact that Kevin McHale is basically the opposite player and build but playing the same position of course Barkley would have trouble.

[@Agureghian]

+Daz555Daz the fact that Kevin McHale is basically the opposite player and build but playing the same position of course Barkley would have trouble.

[@dramasphere388]

+asgure Charles was a beast, he just couldn't play defense for shit

[@shawnstanford5230]

Zach Haines and

[@jayoly6273]

I was a big Laker fan and hated McHale in the 80s. That only says...this man was an awesome basketball player. And he seems like a genuinely good man. Congrats Mr McHale and thanks for the excellent basketball.

[@a-ddaigrepont3375]

yea in the 80,s it was pretty much white vs black with celts vs lakers lol go celts !!

[@jeremyleveille1532]

@@a-ddaigrepont3375 why do you have to make it about race?

[@a-ddaigrepont3375]

@@jeremyleveille1532 cus I,m racist

[@larryjohnson8687]

I felt the same way about the Lakers, but now I respect and appreciate what both teams brought to the table, great memories and fierce competition. I loved all the effort these guys put out.

[@lakersRjstbettr]

thanks McHale for not getting that rebound in 87 so magic could hit that hook!!!!

[@jeremyleveille1532]

I've seen almost every hall of fame induction speech and this is by far my favorite. Love how goofy, likable and fun he comes across. Not taking himself too seriously. He made the whole audience laugh and in a genuine way. Plus it was also a heartfelt speech that was touching when he talked about his mom, wife and kids...and he also had kind words to say about his great teammates like Bird. Damn, a great speech. They should show this thing in public speaking classes.

[@dusk6159]

One of the all-time speeches for sure, the classic ones too.

[@thorgardhaugen2193]

Check out John Stocktons HoF Speech. For me it's the best ever, McHale is runner up

[@johhnny13]

Kevin Mchale one of the greatest of all time, one of the most humble hall of famers, I have nothing but respect for him as a player, but even more as a man

[@elroz1675]

McHale was awesome. His last game at the Garden, in 1993 playoffs, he drops 30 points on Alonzo Morning ... at the end of his career, injured, and with limited mobility, he drops 30 on Alonzo!

[@justinheat1]

Mchale limps because he kept playing in 87 with a broken foot. He gave it all to the BC.

[@ChenKhanwei]

That was the spirit of the Boston Celtics. My dad is a Celtics fan.

[@aha3885]

And with the broken foot, he had 19/9/2 in that PO. The torture chamber was amazing.

[@missayawk]

Like he said, you played hurt for a great guy like KC Jones.

[@elroz1675]

yeah. He was All NBA 1st team that year, and All NBA 1st defensive team, 60% from the field, over 80% from FT line. 4th in MVP voting that year, 26.1 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 2.2 blocks. If he wasn't playing on a broken foot, they would have done better in the playoffs.

[@justinheat1]

@@elroz1675 yup and if Len Bias doesn't od on coke they win the title.

[@mikedye98]

I made a flight from Minnesota to Massachusetts on this day to watch my idol, Kevin McHale, give this speech. It was a great night. We named our son McHale.

[@MrAitraining]

u can't fake gratitude and being humble. Kevin was a great player and seems like a really awesome guy.

[@jilldye6943]

I made the trip from Minnesota to Springfield to see this in person. A great memory for me of my favorite athlete.

[@davidrivas305]

McHale seems such a nice guy. It must have been great to play along side him.

[@mikes3827]

He was/is a nice guy. I'm from Boston, and for good or bad, the Boston media is notoriously tough. But, Kevin almost always took things in stride, never blew up at anyone, and was always down-to-earth with fans. Never acted above anyone. Just so happened he has the best low post moves in NBA history.

[@arsonhakobyan]

davidrivas305 He looks exactly like a big-man version of John Stockton. Those 2 would've run the pick-&-roll together like a harmonious symphony.

[@break5033]

+Mike S i love mchale but saying he had the "best" low post moves in nba history is a bit stupid,ever heard of olajuwon?

[@arsonhakobyan]

Child in time Olajuwon's were more raw-talented, while McHale's were more technically sound.

[@break5033]

Arsen Akopyan i think if u ask anyone that watched basketball during their primes that most people will say olajuwon is better,sorry but judging by your comments u seem like a celtics fan because olajuwon was on another level in the post,u can make a case that kevin was 2nd but in general olajuwon is better+u have to take into consideration what kind of supporting crew did mchale how do develop his name and look at hakeems teammates

[@mauricehamilton159]

One of best Hall of Fame speeches of all time.

[@robertcalkins4979]

Still my favorite one of these HOF speeches. McHale just seems like such a down to earth guy. Seems like a fun time haha.

[@PlntPeace]

McHale, Parish and Bird... The First and best "Big 3".

[@MozTheBoz]

Best? debatable but first nah. Chamberlain, West, and Baylor were the first.

[@Amick44]

True. Too bad Elgin was a bit past his prime. They all were a bit, but Wilt and West had a lot left in the tank. And each was either the greatest or next best at their position of all time, at that point in their career and league history.

[@greysonG10]

@@MozTheBoz Baylor, West, and Chamberlain didn't even do shit.

[@TheMVPSteveNash]

Yep and they're all frontcourt players so it's more fitting than any other iterations of Big 3s.

[@anwjuice]

Meh Parish was not a star to me..similar to Bosh

[@ND12321]

I've been watching HoF speeches all day, this is definitely the most down to earth and yet the humorous one I've seen. New found respect for McHale after watching this.

[@jaalawhyte511]

True

[@salmonkill7]

It's so COOL that Kevin McHale had his HIGH SCHOOL basketball coach up with him, that is so awesome!! Loved to watch Bird, DJ, and Kevin McHale and let's don't forget the CHIEF and the great Danny Ainge!! Congrats to Kevin!!

[@jjs777fzr]

At 20:52 Sasha, his youngest daughter. She passed away in 2012. She had lupus. God bless.

[@lainiwakura4678]

So sad. She's adorable.

[@PInk77W1]

@Tom Platz Brian Song with Gail Sayers Reggie Lewis Petrovich with NJ Nets Pistol Pete at 40.

[@rberka555]

Vaccines

[@davidpadilla9468]

From a 50 years and more Lakers fan since 1966 . Hating the Celtics was not a real hatred but a sport thing. You respect others. Kevin deserves this as a NBA player a great great post up player.

[@555mainesmonsters]

What an engaging speech. Funny and so interesting.All the people mentioned,giving everyone else the credit.His family and friends meaning more to him than his job. What a class guy

[@ContrarianCorner]

Great speech by McHale. I didn't even realize he lost his sweet daughter until I read some of the other comments. My sincere condolences to Kevin and the McHale family. As a kid who grew up in LA, I was a huge Lakers fan during the 80s. Those Lakers/Celtics games were just unbelievable, and I still believe that era was the NBA's zenith. Bird was in a class by himself but Kevin McHale made me more nervous than any other Celtic player. Anytime he got the ball down low he was pretty much unstoppable. Just an incredible talent and well deserving of the HOF.

[@billyriendeau4856]

Best speech ever. He has the audience captivated and engaged the whole time.

[@thedefinitionisthis]

Late to the game on this speech. Won't lie, McHale seems like the kinda guy you just wanna kick back, and have a beer with.

[@Fakename70]

+Rob C Familiar with his Kevin Costner/Dances With Wolves story?

[@scottipippen6554]

Ok.. i am not familiar with the story! Wont you mind telling it?

[@Fakename70]

+scotti pippen Costner somehow was invited into the Celtics dressing room, but I can't recall if it was post-game or post-practice. He makes the rounds and is introduced to the players, though I'm not sure how many. He gets to McHale - this was either while or after Dances With Wolves had its successful cinema run - who shakes his hand warmly, and congratulates him on the film. "I saw 'Dances', man", McHale says, while complimenting Costner for a job well done. Finally, after Costner leaves, someone else in the dressing room who heard the exchange mentions to McHale how impressed he seemed with the film. To which he replied, "oh, I never saw it."

[@scottipippen6554]

Fakename70 Great story, thanks a lot! Kevin McHale is a class act, no doubt;-)!

[@mrsbrdvd]

great great story :D

[@Antbeast23]

Kevin mchale has great sense of humour and well spoken

[@littlebeartoe]

Oh, my gosh. I watched Kevin in his prime and never knew he had such a beautiful and basketball-talented daughter. R.I.P.

[@ice_man81]

So sad

[@jacksonzheng4288]

The best skilled low post player!!

[@Amick44]

Yeah, Kevin and Hakeem.

[@lloydkline7245]

Afflictionzv1 Hakeem whip David Robertson and Shaquille O'Neal and Patrick Ewing

[@lloydkline6946]

@@brandonprice3566 was unstoppable in the pant area around the basket

[@Ryan-mx2kr]

Kevin is definitely #1

[@usnate1]

Hakeem and Mchale; the two greatest post players of all time.

[@gabrielking1247]

and Kareem lol

[@hlf_coder6272]

You hit the nail on the head there. The two best low post players of all time.

[@jerrysmooth24]

and cleathony early

[@mrHoppedupford]

You better and Duncan to that list.

[@Amick44]

For those who mention Kareem, just gotta add Kevin and Hakeem had variety, not just ONE great shot or move. Effectiveness, fine.

[@doomgloom8414]

I'm from the same area as McHale and back in 1987 I was a 10 year old kid flying from MPLS to Hibbing, MN on a plane and McHale was on the air craft. This was when the Laker/Celtic rivalry was on and McHale was legendary. I was a shy kid, but wanted to get his autograph, so it took me a while to get the courage up to go and ask him for his signature and finally did and he was just as nice as he seems here. A real stand up guy. Thanks Kevin.✌

[@blacksam70]

This is one of the funniest HOF speeches, I was crying from laughter :)

[@angrymobsters1599]

I could Listen to Black Hole all freaking day man He seems like a chill ass dude

[@Jondsmusic]

Wow what a class act! Was a privilege to watch him play alongside Larry Legend all those years!

[@Stgfre]

Kevin Mc Hale was a great Basketball player. Larry Bird is my favorite player, and Kevin is my second favorite player. As I Boston Celtics fan, it was great to watch him play. He deserves to be inducted in the Basketball Hall Of Fame.

[@jaalawhyte511]

You just got to have respect for a team that got 17 Championships. My #1 Team - Celtics. Then Pistons, Suns and Warriors.

[@jjs777fzr]

MCHale is one cool guy, great outlook and sense of humor. One thing I always take away from listening to those that new KC, Is that he's a remarkable person with praise that comes from so many players that knew him.

[@fungidungie]

KC's eyes say, I get it, regardless what "it" is.

[@gretchendietz1599]

I remember when another coach (I don't remember who) was named Coach of the Year and Kevin and his teammates felt that KC was dissed and when that Coach was being honored at halftime, the Celtics players surrounded KC and basically turned their backs. They loved him. I got to meet him at Kevin's golf tournament on the cape and I got to meet and sit with Kevin's parents as well. They were proud of him but very humble.

[@LordofDublin4]

Great player, humble , and has the gratitude attitude. He was a workhorse ! And one thing about the Celts and their amazing history. The players from the Russell era to the Cowens era to the Bird era never led the league statistically. They played the game the way Naismith designed it. It was always team first. Congratulations Kevin! And WOW, K.C. Jones what a great man he is too.

[@Jefff72]

You can tell that Kevin still has his Minnesota accent. He never forgot his roots in the Iron Range. Side note; Hibbing is also the hometown of Bob Dillon.

[@theresemorfas3390]

Bob Dylan, not Matt Dillon. Oh, what the hell, neither of those names are real.

[@johnlothrop6680]

Bob Dylan's real name Robert Zimmerman.

[@waynemarvin5661]

You don't know Bob Dylan?

[@jerometrio2603]

I thought Bob was from Duluth, same as Rick Rickert.

[@Jefff72]

@@jerometrio2603 I just looked it up. He was born in Duluth but raised in Hibbing.

[@cam_DA_Hawkdriver]

He was so instrumental in their success and deservedly a member of the hall of fame.

[@DrSooner1]

Great speech. Much respect for Kevin McHale.

[@gregd630]

Best low post moves in basketball history! Made it look easy.

[@dusk6159]

Made it look easy, simple and hellish! Always a great legend.

[@skippy3136]

Sorry but Hakeem was slightly better.

[@FirashAdryan]

@@skippy3136 agree. McHale is second best, but he’s pretty close behind Hakeem. If Hakeem is only man above him in terms of post moves, I’d say that’s pretty damn good.

[@mayankrathi7333]

@@skippy3136 Didn't they face off in 86. Kev was way better, Hakeem I think got better way later.

[@thorgardhaugen2193]

@@skippy3136 according to Charles Barkley he said McHale gave him nightmares day in, day out. He was unguardable

[@omari44]

what an amazing personality. Hope he has a great Coaching Career

[@patbackus7668]

That was cool bringing the kids up , they’ll never forget it ! 🙏🏻

[@dariusdina9186]

When he talked about Bill Walton! 😂😂

[@CS-np2oo]

Darius Dina I was dyin' 😂😂😂😂

[@pallen49]

You gotta love Kevin, he seems so down to earth. I like his personality and how truly sincere he comes across. Also seems like such a fun guy too. Thank you Kevin for 13 fun years you'be given us as a basketball player.

[@steeveaddkins3755]

What a professional, love how he gave props to his trainer!

[@petepolites2923]

The most underated NBA player

[@kingeliii9011]

That may have been the greatest Hall of Fame speech of all time. McHale is legendary. The NBA needs him just for credibility purposes, he gives the game everything it needs.

[@themasudi]

R.I.P Sasha McHale

[@juliofuentes7955]

Kevin was one third of the greatest Big 3 in NBA history. He got a raw deal in Houston because of the Ego Maniacal idiots Howard and Harden and their inability to accept a true concept of team play like it was in the 80's. There will never be another Player of Kevin's Physical and Mental ability in the NBA for years to come.

[@toddsands6000]

I still scratch my head on how the Houston Rockets players would not virtually run through a wall for an all time great such as Kevin McHale being your head coach? Kevin McHale was one of the greatest post up players to ever play the game, a champion who knew how to get to the next level. I can't understand how Dwight Howard, a player that has been tutored and mentored by the likes of Tree Rollins, Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Olajuwon, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kevin McHale can't figure out how to reach the next level on maintaining consistent greatness? He's had some of the best players training him to be great at the number 4 and 5 spot. James Harden, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt although the one main flaw he had while McHale was coaching the Rockets was that he would consistently rest on defense.

[@Amick44]

OMG, you nailed (on Dwight). If you CAN'T (and so far he hasn't) learn from Kevin, Kareem, Hakeem, Ewing, I don't know. Can you? Makes me beyond sick to think he may make the Hall (Dwight).

[@marykuettner752]

@Kevin Merkel What the hell are you talking about Willis? Do you even know that the Bulls lost all their playoff games against the Celtics until Larry retired?

[@jlobiafra]

​@@marykuettner752the celtics never beat the bulls with the big three he was talking about MJ, Pippen, and Rodman. Try to keep up.

[@rayvictorgimenez8472]

Not only one of my favorite players but also one of my favorite people. Thank you, Kevin for your game and for being who you are. God bless you.

[@johnnyscarecrow3363]

What an era an era of Legends.

[@mitchlancaster566]

I love Kevin, what a player, may God continue to bless Kevin and his family

[@dennisking1445]

I miss these days because this guy loved basketball more than Twitter Instagram or Facebook this speech gave me the impression that Mchale is a nice man very humble person

[@robertcalkins4979]

I love watching these speeches and this i think is one of my favorites. mchale just seems like a great guy

[@AP-ik2tl]

One of the best. Power forwards ever to play

[@kikearevalo8024]

What a Good Hearted person He went in there and gave his speech with zero pressure So far the best NBA HOF speech I have seen May God keep Blessing You and your Beautiful family Mr.McHale .From someone in El Salvador who admires people like You.

[@ariasirz2134]

This was the best hall of fame speech 💯🔥😂

[@FavreianVengeance]

Couldn't help but think about that KG/McHale moment after his daughter died as I watched the end of this.

[@2dasimmons]

This was SWEET. Kevin McHale is a good family man as well as great basketball player.

[@cranberrysack2139]

This man will most definitely be mentioned in KG's hall of fame speech. What's more to say?

[@yaokomedja5246]

This is the first HOF speech I have watched more than once. I just love hearing Kevin McHale tell stories. I just can’t get enough of his stories.

[@CH-nl3oo]

Really good dude, their teams must have been a hell of a lot of fun.

[@russelljdj]

They don't have players like this in the NBA Anymore! Greatest Low Post Player ever and a real deal on defense!

[@staxmantim]

Always liked this guy & respected his skills. Cool to bring his kids on stage, & I'm glad Red was alive & was there.

[@falcao1904]

My favourite all time nba player. LEGENDARY

[@SpaceGhost67]

👍

[@michaelgreen1495]

Awesome class act. One of the players on the greatest team ever....85-86 Celtics.

[@beetlejuice4357]

McHale, Bird, Bill, and Parrish all have the best sense of humor. I bet they had so much fun together.

[@tarnopol]

Holy shit, McHale is funny, too. That Celtics team locker room must have been a riot between him and Bird.

[@fungidungie]

From laughter to tears, great speech Kevin McHale.

[@ThePinoyMamba]

One of the best point up players of all time! Well deserved! That is a great speech!

[@ratso4443]

Just about the most likeable man in the NBA. Bravo!

[@nicoledaniels817]

This makes me see him in a new light he’s laid back and silly 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾A great story teller!

[@4444pro]

Great Player Great Speech

[@danimalplanimal]

what a class act

[@pbasswil]

This is how to live a successful life with grace and humour. How can you go thru a hard-fought career and turn all your adversaries into friends? Kevin showed us how.

[@newerafrican]

What a great guy. His kids are lucky!!

[@markcarey67]

Kevin is a class act

[@yaokomedja5246]

Great player, great story teller!

[@tomtalley2192]

One of my favorite McHale stories was when Ainge complained Kevin wouldn’t pass back out to him when he was double teamed down low. Mac Hale said to him “why should I pass to you when you shoot less than 50% when you’re wide open, and I shoot 60% when double teamed?”

[@dennissmith9294]

Kevin McHale was one of the tuffest big man in game. He played well with Larry,Dj,Angie,Parrish, Maxwell

[@TheDeMIlz]

'i have fun walking down the street, at least i try to!' Lmfao theres not a better way to live your life, love this guy

[@chrisryan8863]

What a class act Kevin is. He seems like one of the most fun people teammates could be around. The Big 3 were the best!

[@danalawton2986]

Wow.... what a speech!

[@brandonadams1783]

Kevin McHale is better than Everybody at the center position and He's of the goats. He is one of the best Celtics of all time. 1. Bill Russel 2. Larry Bird 3. Kevin McHale. Kevin is one of the best centers of all time .

[@zackm4132]

He’s actually a PF

[@innosanto]

Bird is best or top2 bball player of all time.

[@stillsmokntrees]

Parish was the center

[@jhgosnell]

McHale is one of the few guys who seemed unstoppable....

[@henryguzman707]

the most underrated PF of all time. doesn't get discussed enough in the conversation of greatest PF's. don't understand why some players wont go to him to learn post moves, not everyone can do the "Hakeem Shake". (Howard, Amare)

[@michaelgarrity1085]

What a sincere, nice gentleman. Loved watching him play with Chief, DJ, Bird and Danny Ainge.

[@NeuMasterful]

Pure class!

[@TheQuietGeneration]

It's such a beautiful thing when someone gives their heart, soul, and body to one thing. And still have a sense of humor about it. Long live the Big 3.

[@carolynyoung-jenkins7263]

Yes they were. And they played for the best owner. Don't make them like these guys any more❤❤❤❤❤

[@plainsimple244]

I could watch Kevin McHale play basketball all day, it's a pure joy just watching him go about his business and hold his own while making sure without him, that Boston team cannot compete. If you want to look at a guy with a complete game at both ends for a big man, it's Kevin McHale; there's not a guy that's more honest about his limitations, greatness, and overall praise of his opponents like Kevin McHale.

[@Who_You]

Love Kevin McHale. Great player...even for a Celtic. Humble guy

[@PhilBurr100]

This HOF speech was the funniest, Kevin literally low-ball roasted everybody 😂😂

[@michaelgarrity1085]

He encapsulates the 80’s Celtics beautifully.

[@MrGiantkiller33]

It was nice to hear Kevin mention Larry Bird several times.He was so humble even though, kevin was an awesome player. Larry did make those guys great, yet Robert Parish, never mentioned Larry in his speech, even though Bird gave chief, thousand's of points worth of assists!

[@33Dakes]

Triple MVP legend doesn’t mean Parrish think of Larry. Watch clips or interviews. They love one another.

[@dkcocopun]

never saw or heard Parish's speech. if he didn't mention Bird, that's kind of weird! Larry assisted in many easy buckets for Robert in his playing days. Oh, well! took Bird for granted, I guess.

[@robertcurran3273]

McHale never mentioned dj

[@Now_lets_get_this_straight]

If you recall, Parrish talked more about the people that helped him get started, not while things were going good.

[@joeyguy1952]

So enjoy to watch that team with Larry, Kevin and Robert .

[@abelhansen]

Kevin such a humble man When he spoke about the peole help him you can feel the love. He is he will always be a super star in the game. 🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇.

[@4444pro]

Mchale has a good personality with work ethic and his game had its own personality. He doesnt seem like the serious angry type and i lobe those moves no one has those moves today

[@peterrodby2786]

I met Kevin when he was a senior at the University of Minnesota playing in a college all-Star tournament in Hawaii. His family and my dads were both from Hibbing. (Ninety days of freezing temperatures and the rest of the year its just cold) A really big heart and passion for the game i remarked that for whomever he played for they would be my favorite team. Celtics fan since 1980.

[@duquettebeats6312]

That was awesome. What a chill dude man. I laughed the whole way thru. 👍

[@Anthony-bx5yk]

This dude seems like just an all-round amazing and likable person. Been watching MJ / Dennis / Bird HoF videos but I am welcome to this because I'm learning more-so beyond the norms. Great video.