Michael Cooper's Hall of Fame induction could open Pandora's box

Between the five NBA championships, Defensive Player of the Year Award and eight-time All-Defensive selections, Michael Cooper has an airtight Hall of Fame case. When Larry Bird calls you the best defender he ever faced, where's the argument?

But the Showtime Lakers legend is set to become only the 14th NBA player to go to Springfield without an All-Star nod. 

The "Minister of Defense" joins Arvydas Sabonis, Toni Kukoc, Dino Radja, Sarunas Marciulionis, Drazen Petrovic, Louie Dampier, Mel Daniels, Bob Houbregs, Chuck Cooper, Al Cervi and Buddy Jeannette, several of whom were either stars in other leagues or earned their laurels at international events. 

Only two of the 13 — Celtics legends K.C. Jones and Frank Ramsey — played even 500 games in the NBA, and five appeared in less than 250.

Most NBA players who go into the Hall have All-Star nods. Cooper, like the other 13, is an exception. 

A valid argument is that since the All-Star Game celebrates scoring and razzle-dazzle, Cooper's career averages of 8.9 points and 4.2 assists denied him a nod.

Yet, Cooper's induction sets a precedent and opens the door for other non-All-Star players — defensive aces — with similar resumes to make the cut.

Players who were previously never truly in consideration.

For example, Bruce Bowen (3x NBA Champion, 8x All-Defense), Norman Van Lier (3x All-Star, 8x All-Defense), Tony Allen (1x NBA Champion, 6x All-Defense) and Alvin Robertson (1x DPOY, 4x All-Star, 6x All-Defense).   

There's also Andre Iguodala, who made one All-Star team and two All-Defensive squads besides winning the 2015 Finals MVP. Immediately after the announcement of Cooper's induction, The Athletic's Tim Kawakami made a case for Iguodala as a shoo-in.