Vince Carter and Chauncey Billups lead the new members of the Basketball Hall of Fame. Jerry West is the first person to be inducted three times. Attention is focused on future candidates such as Carmelo Anthony and Marc Gasol.
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has inducted its newest members. Headlining the 13-member class are former NBA stars Vince Carter and Chauncey Billups. Also inducted into the Hall of Fame were Los Angeles Lakers legends Jerry West and Michael Cooper. Jerry West makes history by becoming the first person to be inducted into the Hall of Fame three times, this time as a player in the game.
Exciting prospects for future classes
The Class of 2025 will be announced in April at the NCAA Division I Finals in San Antonio. As there are no safe candidates to be elected next year, it is worth looking at the possible candidates before. As for the class of 2026, Carmelo Anthony will likely be the first freshman on the ballot. LaMarcus Aldridge and former Brooklyn Nets teammate Blake Griffin are also interesting cases to consider in the future.
The challenge of prediction
Hall of Fame inductees are not easy to predict because the process is opaque. The decisions are made behind closed doors by the anonymous members of the committee, as ESPN’s Baxter Holmes explains. However, we are trying to identify potential future members.
Marc Gasol and other potential candidates
Marc Gasol, who retired from the NBA after the 2020-21 season, played in Spain until January for the club he founded, Basquet Girona. Due to the inconsistent handling of such cases, Gasol will likely be ineligible until 2028. His brother Pau Gasol was inducted in 2023. Another interesting candidate is new Lakers coach JJ Redick, whose chances depend heavily on his success in college at Duke.
Strength Vince Carter and Chauncey Billups
Vince Carter and Chauncey Billups lead the class, which also includes Lakers legends like Michael Cooper and Jerry West. West will be the first inductee into the Hall of Fame as a player and contributor.
A chance for Carmelo Anthony and others
Carmelo Anthony, the ninth leading scorer in NBA history, will join the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team when he becomes eligible. LaMarcus Aldridge could also be inducted into the Hall of Fame as he has made an impact in career awards and points.
Blake Griffin and the challenge of injuries
Blake Griffin, the No. 1 pick, is an interesting case. 1 in the 2009 draft. Although his career was shortened due to injuries, his chances for collegiate success could improve and he won the 2011 Slam Dunk Contest.
Michael Cooper and the defense
If Michael Cooper makes it to the Hall of Fame without ever being an All-Star, Andre Iguodala should be an obvious choice as he makes it to the Golden State Warriors. Iguodala’s role in four championship titles, including the 2015 Finals MVP, bolsters his chances.
John Wall and career uncertainties
John Wall, the No. 1 pick, is having a tougher time. 1 more whose career has been marred by injuries. With one All-NBA selection and 647 games, he’s unlikely to be considered.
Kevin Johnson and the contestants in previous years
Kevin Johnson, the only NBA player in the last 15 years to reach the Finals without being drafted, could get his chance in 2025. His career has been marred by injuries, but his success at UCLA and in the NBA a strong prospect of it.
Amar’e Stoudemire and the career limits
Amar’e Stoudemire, whose career was cut short by knee surgery, still has a good chance of being included. With six All-Star appearances and five All-NBA selections, he could do it.
The importance of protection
If the Hall of Fame wanted to reward the role of a defensive player on championship teams, Horace Grant would be a better choice than Michael Cooper. His career could be viewed differently if there was more understanding of effective scoring at the time.
The Hall of Fame has recently expanded its ABA representation, but more candidates are still waiting for their chance.