Blake Griffin and Chris Harris Jr., two former top high school basketball players in Oklahoma in 2007, recently announced their retirements within a two-week span, with both having strong cases for entering their respective sports' Hall of Fame.

By the Numbers
  • Chris Harris Jr. had 32 points in a 5A state quarterfinal game in '07, the only boys state basketball tournament win for Bixby since 1956.
  • According to Pro-Football-Reference.com, Harris is ranked 51st all-time among NFL defensive backs on Hall-of-Fame worthiness.
Yes, But

The national media's tendency to overlook players from Denver may hinder both Harris and Louis Wright's chances of entering the Hall of Fame.

State of Play
  • Harris is noted for his valuable contributions in the NFL, particularly during his tenure with the Denver Broncos, but his entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is not guaranteed.
  • Griffin, known for his successful basketball career, faces obstacles in his Hall-of-Fame bid due to not reaching NBA conference finals or NCAA Final Fours.
What's Next

While Griffin stands a better chance due to his accolades, Harris, known for overcoming challenges, may need to surpass tough odds yet again to secure a spot in the Hall of Fame.

Bottom Line

Blake Griffin and Chris Harris Jr. have impressive careers that warrant Hall-of-Fame consideration, but the challenges they face, whether due to playing location or career milestones, may impact their paths to enshrinement.