2026 Hall of Fame Finalists Announced
The prestigious James Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is gearing up to welcome new legends as it announces its finalists for 2026. Among the distinguished candidates are renowned figures like Candace Parker, a three-time WNBA champion, the celebrated 1996 Team USA women’s basketball team, along with fellow players Elena Delle Donne and Chamique Holdsclaw. Adding to the excitement, former NBA standout Blake Griffin and coach Doc Rivers are also in contention for induction.
Candace Parker’s Legacy
Candace Parker has made a lasting impact on women’s basketball and is a two-time WNBA MVP. She burst onto the professional scene after an illustrious college career at the University of Tennessee, where she became the only player in league history to win both the MVP and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season. Her remarkable 16-year career, which concluded in 2023, saw her earning numerous accolades, including becoming a vital component of both the Los Angeles Sparks and Chicago Sky teams, leading the latter to its inaugural WNBA title in 2021. Parker ranks impressively in WNBA history, holding the tenth spot for total points and third for rebounds, showcasing her all-around excellence on the court.
The 1996 Team USA Women’s National Basketball Team
The 1996 Team USA women’s national basketball team, known as the Women’s Dream Team, is another key finalist. This legendary squad, consisting of icons like Dawn Staley, Lisa Leslie, and Sheryl Swoopes—who are already Hall of Fame members—was instrumental in popularizing women’s basketball and significantly contributed to the establishment of the WNBA. They achieved a staggering average victory margin of 28.6 points on their way to winning the gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics.
Elena Delle Donne and Chamique Holdsclaw
Elena Delle Donne, whose career concluded in 2023, stands out as the first player in WNBA history to win MVP for two different teams. Recognized for her exceptional shooting skills, she is also a member of the exclusive 50-40-90 club, accomplished by maintaining shooting percentages of at least 50% overall, 40% from the three-point line, and 90% on free throws within a season. Delle Donne’s scoring average positions her among the elite in WNBA history, reinforcing the significant contributions she made during her career.
Chamique Holdsclaw, another finalist, was the 1999 WNBA Rookie of the Year and maintained a prominent career, consistently finishing in the top ten for MVP voting over her eleven seasons. Holdsclaw’s contributions included an average of 20.5 points and 10.9 rebounds in her peak year, showcasing her prowess on the court while playing for the Washington Mystics.
Male Candidates: Doc Rivers and Blake Griffin
From the male candidates, Doc Rivers garners attention as a Hall of Fame finalist. He is recognized as one of only seven coaches in NBA history to earn Coach of the Year honors during his inaugural season with the Orlando Magic. His coaching record boasts a remarkable legacy with over 1,180 career wins, including a historic turnaround with the Boston Celtics that finally ended a championship drought.
Blake Griffin, now a retired player, was known for his standout skills and athleticism. He was a critical player during his tenure with the LA Clippers, being the face of the team’s successful Lob City era. During his career, he was a prolific scorer, peaking in the 2013-14 season with significant MVP contention.
Other Notable Finalists
Amar’e Stoudemire, famous for his explosive playing style and offensive efficiency, is also among this year’s finalists. He played a key role in revitalizing the Phoenix Suns and was a standout performer, earning multiple All-Star selections and high scoring averages throughout his career.
In total, there are 21 finalists for this year’s class. Others in contention include notable names such as Marques Johnson, Mark Few, and Kelvin Sampson. The announcement of the inductees is set for April, with the enshrinement weekend planned for later in the year at Mohegan Sun Arena, marking an exciting event in the basketball calendar.
