The NBA hasn’t been shy with awards, accolades, and their importance. But one that remains a staple of the league is the Ring of Honor. It is usually a testament to one’s contribution to a particular team. This season has seen a host of legends join the illustrious club for their teams. For some, like Michael Jordan, it is a small trinket in a career full of accolades. For others, it is a unique validation of their time and performance in the league.

That is the situation that former Phoenix Suns wing and legend, Shawn Marion, found himself in. With multiple legends making their way into the Ring of Honors for their team, the Suns chose Marion as one of the men worthy of that stature. Earlier in the year, even Charles Barkley would make his way onto the list despite past differences.

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During his tenure with the team, Marion would rack up the fifth most points in franchise history, while being an overall solid contributor on both ends. The honor is wholly earned for him. Speaking in an interview afterward, the 9th pick from the 1999 NBA Draft was overcome with emotion.

Twitter user Gerald Bourguet would capture the moment. “Special. Surreal right now.” Shawn Marion said people have asked whether he’s cried or gotten emotional about being inducted into the Ring of Honor, he said he’ll have to wait and see. “Definitely sending chills through my body.”

But, in the case of Shawn, it also serves as a unique form of validation.

Before the Ring of Honor, Shawn Marion’s search for validation

Last year, in an infamous Twitter rant, The Matrix would channel his inner Kevin Durant. Taking to Twitter, the 2011 NBA Champion would challenge the dialogue around him. Due to an unorthodox jump shot, Marion has been perpetually known for it. But, to Shawn, the conversation stopping at the unusual jumper is unfair to him and his career.

As a result, it led to infamous comments from the 4-time All-Star. “I’m shooting 35-40 percent from the f–king 3-point line at one point in my career. I was a very consistent jump shooter. So you’re sitting there and telling me you’re gonna talk about my motherf–king shot but not talk about everything else I do on the floor?”

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In a vacuum, Marion does have a point. Due to the fixation with the jumper, the rest of his contributions have been diluted. This Ring Of Honor should serve as a welcome reminder of his enormous contribution to the team and the league.