The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has announced its newest inductees, with former NBA stars Vince Carter and Chauncey Billups leading a class of 13 members.
This 2024 class also features legends from the Los Angeles Lakers, including Jerry West and Michael Cooper. Notably, West will make history as the first individual to be inducted three times, with his latest recognition being for his contributions to the game.
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The 2025 inductees will be revealed in April during the NCAA Division I Final Four in San Antonio. As there are no certain Hall of Famers becoming eligible next year, we should also revisit the past candidates on the ballot who could potentially enter the Hall.
Looking ahead to the 2026 class, at least one notable first-time candidate, Carmelo Anthony, is expected to appear on the ballot. Additionally, LaMarcus Aldridge presents an intriguing case for 2026, just as his former Brooklyn Nets teammate Blake Griffin does for the 2027 class.
Predicting Hall of Fame inductees can be challenging due to the opacity of the process, which takes place behind closed doors with committees and members who remain anonymous, as previously outlined by ESPN’s Baxter Holmes. Nevertheless, we will endeavor to identify those who may soon receive the esteemed call.
As we look towards next year and beyond, let’s examine which former NBA players will appear on the ballot four years following their retirement while we forecast the classes for 2025, 2026, and 2027.
Newly Eligible in 2025
None
The most prominent player who retired from the NBA after the 2020-21 season is Marc Gasol, although he continued his career in Spain with his club, Basquet Girona, until this past January. The Hall of Fame’s approach to handling such instances regarding eligibility timelines has varied, but it appears Gasol will not be on the ballot until 2028. His brother, Pau Gasol, was inducted in 2023.
Next in line is new Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who could be considered. Without an All-Star appearance or a championship title, Redick’s chances would largely depend on his impressive collegiate achievements at Duke.
Carmelo Anthony will be nominated for the Hall of Fame as soon as he becomes eligible in 2026. AP Photo/Mary Altaffer
Newly Eligible in 2026
1. Carmelo Anthony
Leading the class are former NBA stars Vince Carter and Chauncey Billups, joined by Lakers icons Michael Cooper and Jerry West. West stands out as the first person to gain induction into the Hall of Fame both as a player and a contributor.
• Minnesota was a turning point for Billups
• Vince Carter’s Hall of Fame moments
• Cooper earns nod as defensive legend
• Jerry West’s 20-year feud with Lakers
Anthony is the sole retired member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team who has not yet been inducted into the Hall of Fame, but will be included once eligible. With a career total of 28,289 points, he ranks ninth in all-time NBA scoring and is a ten-time All-Star, having also earned six All-NBA selections.
2. LaMarcus Aldridge
Will Aldridge’s career warrant a first-ballot selection? Be it in 2026 or sometime later, his chances are strong owing to his impressive awards (seven All-Star appearances and five All-NBA selections) and career scoring totals (20,558 points). Although reaching 20,000 points no longer guarantees induction, every eligible player with a tally higher than Aldridge is already in the Hall.
Newly eligible in 2027
1. Blake Griffin
The first overall pick in the 2009 draft presents an intriguing case for Hall of Fame consideration. His accolades include six All-Star selections and five All-NBA honors (three as second-team and two as third-team), which typically suggest a worthy candidacy. However, Griffin’s prime was significantly impacted by injuries, resulting in just 765 games played and fewer than 15,000 career points. Considering his influence as a college star at Oklahoma and his win in the 2011 slam dunk contest, I believe these factors could elevate his candidacy.
2. Andre Iguodala
If Michael Cooper achieved Hall of Fame status based on five NBA championships and eight All-Defensive team selections without ever being named an All-Star, Iguodala should logically be a strong candidate for ballot inclusion. Despite only one All-Star appearance and two All-Defensive selections, advanced statistics reveal that Iguodala was among the top perimeter defenders in the league and often underrated. His contributions to the Golden State Warriors’ four championships, alongside winning Finals MVP in 2015, strengthen his chances.
Andre Iguodala was part of the Warriors dynasty that won four NBA titles. Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports
3. John Wall
During an ESPN broadcast at the NBA summer league, Wall expressed his desire to return to the NBA after playing only 34 games for the LA Clippers in the 2022-23 season. If his comeback does not materialize, he will follow the path of another No. 1 pick with a brief peak (five All-Star appearances) that was hindered by injuries. Wall participated in just 647 games, which is 118 fewer than Griffin, and was named to the All-NBA team only once. Therefore, his Hall of Fame prospects seem dim.
Holdover candidates
Considering how the Hall of Fame operates, it makes sense to focus on the finalists who have missed induction in recent years as potential candidates for future classes. Notably, only one NBA player has reached this stage in the last 15 years without eventual selection: Kevin Johnson, who last appeared as a finalist in 2016.
1. Marques Johnson
Johnson has been a finalist three times in the last six years, and with no anticipated first-time selections, 2025 appears to be a promising year for him. Although his career totals were diminished by injury, he is a five-time All-Star and a legend at UCLA, where he contributed to John Wooden’s last championship in 1975, later earning national player of the year honors as a senior in 1977.
2. Amar’e Stoudemire
Similar to Griffin, whose career closely mirrors his, Stoudemire finds himself on the edge of Hall of Fame consideration. He also boasts six All-Star appearances and five All-NBA selections.
However, the long-term impact of microfracture knee surgery also curtailed Stoudemire’s prime. He concluded his career with 15,994 points, placing him 128th in league history. While I would place my bets on Stoudemire eventually making it, he was unfortunately not listed among the nominees for this class, marking what appears to be his first year of eligibility.
3. Joe Johnson
Although Johnson has yet to receive a nomination, as I mentioned during his playing days, his resume is more Hall of Fame-worthy than one might expect. Every player from the modern era with a minimum of seven All-Star appearances has been inducted, as have nearly all players who have scored at least 20,000 career points (the exceptions being Tom Chambers and Antawn Jamison, both of whom scored fewer points than Johnson). As scoring continues to rise, we might need to reconsider the 20,000-point benchmark as a Hall of Fame criterion; however, given Johnson’s career parallels with Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond (who had six All-Star appearances and scored 90 fewer career points), I believe he will eventually gain entrance.
Who Else Should The Hall Consider?
1. Shawn Marion
So far, Steve Nash is the only member from the “Seven Seconds or Less” era of the Phoenix Suns—alongside Marion and Stoudemire—who has made it to the Hall. I personally favor Marion, who enjoyed a longer career and performed better than Stoudemire according to advanced statistics during their time together in Phoenix, though a stronger focus on awards would benefit Stoudemire. Including Joe Johnson as well, it’s interesting to note that three of the six players I’ve mentioned were teammates on the 2004-05 Suns.
2. Horace Grant
If the Hall aims to recognize a defense-oriented role player who contributed to championship teams, I believe Grant is a stronger candidate than newly inducted Michael Cooper. He was selected as an All-Star once, in 1993-94, and his career might be perceived differently if there had been a greater emphasis on efficient scoring during his prime. According to Basketball-Reference.com, Grant’s 118 career win shares rank second among eligible players not in the Hall, just behind Buck Williams (120).
Horace Grant boasts four NBA championship rings, including three earned with the Chicago Bulls. AP Photo/Jim Mone
3. Jimmy Jones
The Hall has made commendable strides in recently expanding its representation from the ABA with the inductions of Indiana Pacers teammates Roger Brown (2013), Mel Daniels (2012), and George McGinnis (2017). This leaves Jones as the most deserving remaining ABA candidate. A six-time All-Star and three-time All-ABA first-team selection, he was also honored with a place on the ABA All-Time team. However, Jones’ brief post-ABA career with the Washington Bullets and his teams’ failure to secure an ABA title (losing in the finals of 1968 and 1974) have made it hard to overlook.
Class of 2024: Vince Carter and Chauncey Billups Lead Naismith Hall of Fame Inductees
Introduction to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is one of the most prestigious honors in the sport of basketball. Established in 1959, this Hall of Fame recognizes the contributions of players, coaches, referees, and other major contributors to the game. Each year, a selection committee reviews candidates based on their achievements and impact on the sport.
Meet the Inductees: Vince Carter and Chauncey Billups
The Class of 2024 features some remarkable talent, with Vince Carter and Chauncey Billups leading the charge. Both players have left an indelible mark on the NBA and basketball as a whole.
Vince Carter: A Dunking Legend
Vince Carter, also known as “Vinsanity,” is renowned for his electrifying style of play, particularly his dunking ability. His career spanned over 22 seasons in the NBA, making him one of the longest-tenured players in league history. Here are some key highlights from Vince Carter’s illustrious career:
- NBA Teams: Toronto Raptors, New Jersey Nets, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings.
- All-Star Appearances: 8-time NBA All-Star.
- Scoring Titles: 1-time NBA scoring champion (2001).
- Olympic Gold: Member of the USA Basketball team that won gold in 2000.
Chauncey Billups: The Ultimate Floor General
Chauncey Billups, often referred to as “Mr. Big Shot,” earned his nickname for his clutch performances in pivotal moments. His career was marked by his leadership on the floor and his ability to make plays when it mattered most. Here are some significant milestones from Chauncey Billups’ career:
- NBA Teams: Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Clippers.
- All-Star Appearances: 5-time NBA All-Star.
- NBA Finals MVP: Finals MVP in 2004.
- Championships: 1-time NBA champion with the Detroit Pistons (2004).
The Selection Process for the Hall of Fame
The process of selecting Hall of Fame inductees is rigorous and thorough. It involves the following steps:
- Nominations: Candidates are nominated based on their accomplishments in basketball.
- Review Committee: A selection committee reviews nominations and assesses player statistics, awards, and overall contributions to the sport.
- Voting: Members of the committee cast their votes, and a candidate needs at least 18 of 24 votes to be inducted.
- Announcement: The results are announced, and the inductees are celebrated during the annual Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony.
Impact and Legacy of Vince Carter and Chauncey Billups
Both Vince Carter and Chauncey Billups have made significant contributions to the NBA, influencing generations of players and fans alike. Their legacies extend beyond their individual statistics and accolades.
Vince Carter’s Cultural Impact
Vince Carter’s impact on basketball extends into popular culture:
- Dunk Contest Fame: His performance in the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest is often regarded as one of the greatest in history.
- Global Basketball Promotion: Carter played a crucial role in popularizing basketball internationally, especially in Canada.
- Longevity and Adaptability: His ability to adapt his game over two decades serves as an inspiration to young athletes.
Chauncey Billups’ Leadership and Influence
Chauncey Billups is known for his leadership qualities and basketball IQ:
- Clutch Performer: He had a remarkable ability to step up during crucial moments, earning the respect of teammates and opponents alike.
- Coaching Career: Billups has transitioned into coaching, where he applies his knowledge of the game to mentor the next generation.
- Community Involvement: He has remained active in community service, using his platform to support youth basketball initiatives.
Statistics and Achievements
| Player | Years Active | Points Per Game | Assists Per Game | Rebounds Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vince Carter | 1998 – 2020 | 16.7 | 4.3 | 4.5 |
| Chauncey Billups | 1997 – 2014 | 15.2 | 5.0 | 3.0 |
Benefits of Induction into the Hall of Fame
Being inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame carries numerous benefits for athletes:
- Recognition: It provides athletes with recognition for their exceptional contributions to the sport.
- Legacy: Induction solidifies their legacy and immortalizes their achievements in basketball history.
- Inspiration: It serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes and fans alike.
- Networking Opportunities: Inductees gain access to a network of past legends that can enhance their post-playing careers.
First-Hand Experiences from Players and Coaches
Many players and coaches share their experiences regarding the impact of Vince Carter and Chauncey Billups on their careers.
Vince Carter’s Influence
“Vince was always a player I looked up to. His dunks were a highlight of my childhood, and they inspired me to push my limits,” said current NBA player, who wished to remain anonymous.
Chauncey Billups’ Leadership
“Playing against Chauncey was always a challenge. He had a knack for getting into your head and making you second-guess your decisions on the court,” said a fellow NBA player.
Conclusion
The Class of 2024, led by Vince Carter and Chauncey Billups, represents a significant moment in basketball history. Both athletes have made invaluable contributions to the sport and have inspired countless individuals with their talent, work ethic, and leadership. Their induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is not just a recognition of their past performances but a celebration of their lasting impact on the game.
