If you ask one of the people who covered him on the biggest of stages in that era, the answer is an unequivocal yes.

Cooper joins a crowded 2024 Hall of Fame class that also includes Lakers legend Jerry West, who was inducted for a record third time. West's latest election comes as a contributor to the game.

Michael Cooper was the exception. His path to Springfield is littered with broken jumpers, dented rims, frazzled nerves and countless 0-fers, basketball’s version of roadkill.