The Road to Immortality: Breaking Down the 2026 Hall of Fame Finalists
This year’s cohort of Finalists truly represents the global impact and evolution of basketball. From the high-flying dunks of the NBA to the strategic genius of collegiate coaches and the pioneering spirit of women’s basketball, every facet of the game is honored. As Jerry Colangelo, Chairman of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, stated, “Their achievements span championships, historic milestones, and a lasting influence on how the game is played, taught, and experienced around the world.”
Who Made the Cut? North American Committee's Elite
The High-Fliers and Floor Generals
The North American Committee features an exciting mix of players who redefined their positions. Blake Griffin, known for his thunderous dunks and athleticism, transformed the LA Clippers into a must-watch franchise. Joining him is Amar’e Stoudemire, a dominant force for the Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks, whose explosive power changed the game's offensive landscape. These two represent a golden era of dynamic frontcourt play.
Also among the player elite are Kevin Johnson, the electrifying point guard who made the Phoenix Suns a perennial contender, and Buck Williams, a rebounding machine for the New Jersey Nets and Portland Trail Blazers who consistently delivered on both ends of the floor. Their consistent excellence and impactful careers speak volumes.
Coaching Masterminds and Whistleblowers
The coaching nominations are equally impressive. Doc Rivers, a proven NBA Finals champion with the Boston Celtics and a respected voice, continues to shape teams, currently with the Milwaukee Bucks. Mark Few has built Gonzaga into a perennial national powerhouse, while Kelvin Sampson has elevated programs at Oklahoma and Houston to Final Four heights. High school coaching legend Gary McKnight of Mater Dei High School and Division III icon Jerry Welsh of SUNY Potsdam highlight the impact at all levels.
Rounding out this diverse group are Dick Motta, an NBA Coach of the Year and Washington Bullets champion, and Joey Crawford, arguably the most recognizable and impactful referee in NBA history, whose career spanned nearly four decades.
Women's Basketball Legends: A Class Apart
Icons of the Hardwood
Women's basketball is powerfully represented with several titans of the game. Candace Parker, a three-time WNBA champion and two-time MVP, redefined versatility for a generation. Elena Delle Donne, another two-time WNBA MVP and champion with the Washington Mystics, showcases incredible skill and leadership. Joining them are Chamique Holdsclaw, a Tennessee Lady Vols legend and WNBA scoring champion, and Jennifer Azzi, a Stanford star and Olympic gold medalist.
Perhaps the most influential nomination is the 1996 United States Women’s National Team. This undefeated, Olympic gold medal-winning squad was a pivotal force, directly leading to the launch of the WNBA and forever changing the landscape of women's professional basketball.
Veteran Excellence
The Women’s Veterans Committee put forward Molly Bolin-Kazmer, a true pioneer. Dubbed “Machine Gun” Molly, she was a prolific scorer and a foundational figure in the early days of women’s professional basketball.
International Influence and Behind-the-Scenes Greats
Global Game Changers
The International Committee shines a light on **Dušan Ivković**, a Serbian coaching maestro whose career spanned six decades. His EuroLeague championships and leadership of national teams to Olympic and World Championship medals underscore his profound global impact.
Architects of the Game
From the Contributors Committee, we see individuals whose vision reshaped basketball. Tal Brody, an American-Israeli basketball icon, transcended the court to become a cultural ambassador, famously leading Maccabi Tel Aviv to its first European title. His influence extended far beyond stat sheets.
Alongside Brody is Mike D’Antoni, the architect of the
