SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts, (Reuters) – Power forward Karl Malone and small forward Scottie Pippen were among 10 inductees into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Friday.

Malone, who is considered one of the greatest power forwards to play in the NBA, is the league’s second highest scorer with 36,928 points.

Malone, who was a two-time league MVP, honoured his mother who died seven years ago, in his induction speech.

“I’m here because of her,” an emotional Malone said.

“For me to be here tonight, everything had to be perfect. I had to get drafted by Utah, had to play with a point guard like John Stockton, and had to be coached by Jerry Sloan and Frank Layden.”

Pippen, who won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls, also played with the Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers. He was an NBA All-Star three times, and like Malone won two Olympic gold medals in 1992 and 1996.

Pippen opened his speech by acknowledging his presenter, and former Chicago team mate, Michael Jordan.

“What an honour it is for me as a basketball player to have the all-time great presenting me here,” said Pippen.

“MJ, you have touched so many people’s lives, but none quite like mine.

“Thank you for being the best team mate. I will always cherish that experience and I will cherish our relationship forever.”

The 1992 U.S. Olympic ‘Dream Team’, which included Malone  and Pippen, were also inducted, as were the 1960 U.S. Olympic  team.

The other inductees were Cynthia Cooper, the first WNBA  player enshrined into the Hall, New Jersey high school coach  Bob Hurley, and Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss.

Dennis Johnson, Gus Johnson and Brazilian Maciel Pereira were enshrined posthumously.