Larry Miller deserves a shot at Hall of Fame

Only a select group of players, coaches and contributors to the game will get that glorious call from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, which is certainly the crowning achievement of any hoops career.

And Utah Jazz fans have definitely had plenty to shout about over the past couple of years. Adrian Dantley, who spent seven seasons in a Jazz uniform and won two NBA scoring titles, was inducted into the Hall in 2008. Point guard John Stockton, the tough little guy who's most beloved of all Jazz players, entered the shrine in 2009 along with one of the game's all-time winningest and most intensely competitive coaches, Jerry Sloan.

On Friday night, the greatest player in the history of the Jazz franchise, Karl Malone, joined his longtime running mate, Stockton, and coach, Sloan, in receiving the sport's highest honor. The Mailman delivered a short, sweet induction speech filled with sincere humility, gratitude and emotion. And if Malone's words didn't touch your heart, especially when he talked about his mom — his loving "hero" and greatest fan who died seven years ago to the day of his Hall of Fame induction — then you may need to go see the doctor and have yours checked, just to make sure it hasn't gone completely cold.

While the last couple of HOF ceremonies have been extremely gratifying for Jazz fans, I couldn't help but wonder: Will this franchise ever have anybody else who earns such tremendous accolades? Among all the other Jazz players, past and present, who might have a shot at such a career-capping moment, it would seem that current point guard Deron Williams looks like the best bet to get his name on a coveted plaque someday in hoops heaven at Springfield, Mass.

Here's hoping that he chooses to continue playing the rest of what could be his own Hall of Fame career in a Jazz uniform. It's doubtful, however, that any of the other guys whose jerseys are currently hanging from the EnergySolutions Arena rafters will ever get there.

Sure, if they had a Hall set aside for guys who made the utmost of their ability, were unselfish fellas and tremendous role players, Jeff Hornacek would certainly be on that list.

Or if they had a Hall for guys who were a game-changing presence on the defensive end of the floor, they'd have to make a spot for big Mark Eaton. If they had a special wing for guys who could dunk and shoot 3-pointers with the best of 'em, Darrell Griffith would be there. And if they had a Hall for colorful coaches who've done so many great things in their community, then you'd better make room for Frank Layden.