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Committee Chairman

Committee Chairman

Kirk Buchner, "The Committee Chairman", is the owner and operator of the site.  Kirk can be contacted at [email protected] .

Tomas Plekanic

Tomas Plekanec played most of his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens, where he played 15 seasons and 984 of his 1,001 Games.  While he was not a superstar, he did have 608 career Points, with six seasons scoring at least 50.  Plekanec was a good two-way player and finished as high as seventh in Frank J. Selke in one year and received votes five other times. He played for the Habs until he was traded to Toronto in 2018, though he did come to Montreal for three Games in 2018-19.

After that brief return to Montreal, Plekanec returned to the Czech league until he retired in the 2022-23 Season. 

The Hockey Hall of Fame is not likely to call his name, but he has an outside shot for the IIHF Hall of Fame, as he represented the Czech Republic in two Olympics, one World Cup and eleven World Championships.

The saga of Chris Webber’s induction into the Hall of Fame reads like a script out of a sports drama - complete with incredible highs, challenging lows, and a career that, while celebrated, often sparked debate over its recognition at the highest level. In the world of nba selections, where talent abounds and competition is fierce, getting a nod to the Hall of Fame is a testament to a player's outstanding contributions to the game. Chris Webber's journey there is a tale worth telling, illustrating not just his on-court prowess but the intangible ways in which he left an indelible mark on the sport.

Understanding the puzzle of recognition

The Hall of Fame serves as the pinnacle of acknowledgement for basketball players, a symbol of their impact and legacy. For Chris Webber, whose career spanned 15 rollercoaster years, the road to recognition was fraught with anticipation. Despite being a five-time NBA All-Star and a pivotal member of the Sacramento Kings, where he propelled the team to new heights, his journey to the Hall of Fame recognition was a lengthy process, filled with debates among fans and analysts alike. His impact, undeniably significant, was measured against the backdrop of basketball’s ever-evolving landscape and the myriad of stars vying for this honor.

Webber’s undeniable mark on the game

Chris Webber's career was distinguished by more than just numbers, though his statistics are impressive. Beyond the points, rebounds, and assists, it was Webber's ability to redefine the power forward position that stood out. His versatility allowed him to be effective everywhere on the court, making him one of the first in a new breed of players who could do it all. This adaptability not only made him a formidable opponent but also shifted the paradigm for how players in his position would be viewed in the future. Webber's signature games, especially during the early 2000s with the Sacramento Kings, left fans in awe and solidified his place as one of the most talented players of his generation.

The ongoing debate over Hall of Fame worthiness

For years, the discussion around Chris Webber's Hall of Fame candidacy was a hot topic. Critics pointed to the absence of an NBA Championship ring as a significant gap in his resume. However, supporters argued that focusing purely on championships undermines the individual impact a player can have on the game. They highlighted Webber's leadership, both on and off the court, as well as his role in changing how the power forward position was played. Moreover, Webber’s contributions extended beyond the hardwood floors; his work as a broadcaster and analyst has enriched the game's narrative, providing insights that only a player of his caliber could offer.

A legacy beyond the statistics

When Chris Webber was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021, it was a moment of validation not just for him but for those who advocate for a more nuanced approach to evaluating legacy. Webber's journey emphasizes that contribution to the sport isn’t solely about accolades or championships. It's about influence, innovation, and the ability to inspire the next generation. These are the markers of true greatness, the components that, when woven together, create a Hall of Fame-worthy career. Chris Webber's story, from his early days in Michigan to his profound impact in the NBA, serves as a reminder that the path to recognition is varied and filled with lessons that transcend the game.

Chris Webber's induction is not just a personal triumph but a celebration of basketball's  rich and diverse history. It’s a testament to how players can shape the game in myriad ways, touching lives and inspiring countless individuals both on and off the court. As future generations look back on Webber’s career, they’ll find a player who embodied the spirit of the sport, who played with heart, and whose legacy extends far beyond the boundaries of a basketball court.

The 2024 NFL offseason is far from over, and it’s already given us plenty of fireworks. There have undoubtedly been some massive free-agent signings, and the upcoming NFL draft looms large with tons of top-end talent. In the meantime, sports fans can look forward to betting opportunities with welcome no-deposit bonus offers explained at Overtime Heroics to stay engaged for the upcoming season.


And now, let’s take a look at 3 of the biggest NFL offseason trades so far as well as their potential impact on the 2024 season and beyond.

1. Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears

Bears Receive: WR Keenan Allen

Charger Receive: 2024 4th Round Pick (no. 110 overall)


Not wanting to make the same mistake that the Panthers did with Bryce Young last season, the Bears made a wise move to acquire 6x Pro-Bowler Keenan Allen for just a 4th-round pick. 


Allen dealt with some injury problems in 2022 but bounced back hugely with arguably a career-best season in 2023, putting up 108 receptions, 1243 yards, and 7 touchdowns as Charges QB Justin Herbet's #1 option. He might be on the wrong side of 30, but the former California Golden Bear has been one of the most reliable high-volume pass catchers in football since 2017 and should benefit from the decreased workload playing next to DJ Moore in Chicago. 


Moore and Allen will immediately give the Bears one of the best-receiving pairs in the league and should make life a whole lot easier for presumptive #1 pick Caleb Williams. 

2. Brian Burns to the New York Giants

Giants Receive: EDGE Brian Burns

Panthers Receive: 2024 2nd Round Pick (No. 39), 2024 5th Round Pick Swap, 2025 5th Round Pick


The New York Giants might not have Super Bowl ambitions, but this is a great move to not just shore up the front of their defense, but mold it into an elite unit. Burns is one of the most underrated pass rushers around, making the Pro Bowl 2 of the last 3 seasons on a Panthers front line that didn’t give him a whole lot of help. 


In the Big Apple, Burns will be getting a ton of extra 1-on-1 matchups as teams will be forced to double All-Pro Dexter Lawerence in the middle. Alongside 2022 7th overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux, the Giants should be fine getting to the quarterback next season and beyond, freeing up more resources to fix their dysfunctional offense. 

3. Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans 

Texans Receive: RB Joe Mixon

Bengals Receive: 2024 7th Round Pick (244th Overall)

Although Mixon was already out the door in Cincy, the Texans paid a 7th-round pick to guarantee his services. The veteran running back has tons of playoff experience with the Bengals, including a run to Super Bowl LVI, and is a reliable pass catcher who can make plays out of the backfield. 


Mixon will turn 28 next season which is pretty old in RB years, but he shows no sign of slowing down, breaking the 1400 yards from scrimmage mark for the 4th time last season. The 1x Pro Bowler should be a reliable backfield option and a great security blanket for budding star QB CJ Stroud as the Texans try to cement themselves as a consistent playoff team. 

Paul Stastny

The son of Hockey Hall of Famer player Peter Stastny, Paul Stastny had a damned good career in his own right. 

Paul was born in Quebec City but spent most of his childhood in the United States, where he led the University of Denver to an NCAA Championship. Stastny was fortunate to stay in the city, as the Colorado Avalanche used a Second-Round Pick to take the Center.  Over the first four seasons, it looked like he could be one of the greats.

Blessed with great ice vision, Statsny scored 78 Points as a rookie and finished second to Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin for the Calder.  It was followed by a 71-point year, and two years later after he missed a lot of time in 2008-09 from an arm injury, he had his best season in 2009-10, with 79 Points while finishing 23rd in Hart Trophy voting.  Stastny played in the 2011 All-Star Game, his only, but he never broke 60 Points again.

Stastny was still a good player and a solid playmaker, but he was not going to be a megastar.  He signed with St. Louis in 2014 and later played for Winnipeg (twice), Vegas and Carolina.  Over 1,145 Games, Stastny accumulated 822 Points, a number that showed that the apple did not fall too far from the tree.