The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame gave basketball fans their first glimpse of what the Class of 2026 could look like when it announced its list of eligible candidates on Friday during “NBA Today.”
The new candidates include the 1996 USA Basketball Women’s National Team, Mike D’Antoni, Jamal Crawford, Elena Delle Donne, Blake Griffin, Joe Johnson, Candace Parker, Bruce Pearl and Kelvin Sampson. Returning eligible candidates include Marv Albert, Mark Few, Doc Rivers and Amar’e Stoudemire. The entire list of eligible candidates can be found on Hoop Hall’s website.
“The candidates for the Class of 2026 have each left an indelible impact on the game of basketball,” said John L. Doleva, president and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “Through defining performances, influential leadership, and achievements that helped elevate the sport on the national and international stage, this year’s ballot recognizes those whose legacy continues to shape how the game is played, coached, and celebrated.”
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Last year’s class featured NBA players Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard and WNBA legends Sue Bird, Sylvia Fowles and Maya Moore, along with coach Billy Donovan, referee Danny Crawford, Miami Heat owner Micky Arison and the entire 2008 U.S. Olympic “Redeem Team.”
Finalists for this year’s class will be selected at a later date. The full Class of 2026 will be unveiled during a nationally televised broadcast on Saturday, April 4, during Final Four Weekend. Enshrinement Weekend is scheduled to begin Aug. 14.
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