Indiana Pacers and Fever owner Herb Simon's Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame speech | Watch and read full transcript

Herb Simon was the second individual (of 13) to deliver his speech Sunday in Springfield, Mass. at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Herb Simon is officially a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

The longest-tenured owner in the history of the NBA, Simon was part of a 13-member class officially enshrined on Sunday at Symphony Hall in Springfield, Mass.

Due to the Paris Olympic Games, enshrinement weekend was pushed back two months from mid-August.

Simon, 89, purchased the Indiana Pacers with his late brother, Mel, in 1983 and has owned them ever since. And he’s remained committed to keeping the franchise in Indianapolis.

Simon selected Indiana basketball royalty to present him on stage: Larry Bird, Reggie Miller, and Tamika Catchings.

You can watch his entire speech below. He went second, after Chauncey Billups.

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Full Transcript

This is quite an honor. I want to say thank you to the Hall of Fame for this incredible honor. This is not a recognition that I ever expected, but I'm so honored and humbled to receive it.