The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has officially unveiled its highly anticipated list of finalists for the 2026 induction class, bringing together a remarkable collection of basketball luminaries who have left indelible marks on the sport across multiple levels and generations. This year's announcement features several household names whose contributions have fundamentally shaped modern basketball, from aerial artistry on the court to strategic mastery on the sidelines.
Leading the prestigious group of candidates are three figures whose impact resonates throughout contemporary basketball culture: Blake Griffin, the dynamic forward who redefined athleticism during the Los Angeles Clippers' electrifying "Lob City" era; Candace Parker, a transcendent talent who has dominated women's basketball at every level; and Doc Rivers, the championship-winning strategist currently guiding the Milwaukee Bucks. Their presence among the finalists underscores the Hall of Fame's commitment to recognizing excellence across all facets of the game.
The Hall of Fame's selection committee has curated finalists across multiple categories, including North American, women's, men's veterans, women's veterans, international, and contributors divisions. This comprehensive approach ensures that every dimension of basketball achievement receives proper consideration, from grassroots development to global competition.
According to Jerry Colangelo, the esteemed chairman of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, this year's finalists embody "the full scope of basketball's impact, from the professional and collegiate ranks to high school, international play, officiating, and innovation." Colangelo emphasized that their achievements "span championships, historic milestones, and a lasting influence on how the game is played, taught, and experienced around the world," highlighting that each candidate has made "a notable contribution to basketball's growth and excellence."
The basketball community will learn the final results on Saturday, April 4th, at 12 p.m. Eastern Time, when the official induction class will be announced live on ESPN2. This timing strategically coincides with Final Four weekend, maximizing visibility during one of the sport's most-watched periods. The actual enshrinement ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, August 15th, at the historic Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts—a venue that holds special significance as the birthplace of basketball and home to the Hall of Fame.
Among the North American Committee finalists, the diversity of roles and achievements is particularly striking. Joey Crawford stands as a towering figure in NBA officiating, having served the league with distinction for 39 years. His resume includes an unprecedented 374 playoff games and 50 NBA Finals assignments, with the remarkable distinction of working every championship series from 1986 through 2015—a testament to his consistency and excellence in one of sports' most pressure-filled roles.
Mark Few has transformed Gonzaga University into a national powerhouse, earning two Naismith Coach of the Year awards while leading the Bulldogs to two NCAA championship game appearances and an astounding 25 consecutive NCAA Tournament berths. His influence extended to the international stage as an assistant coach for the gold medal-winning 2024 U.S. Olympic men's basketball team, demonstrating his ability to excel at the highest levels of competition.
Blake Griffin revolutionized the power forward position with his rare combination of brute strength and breathtaking athleticism. As a six-time NBA All-Star, he anchored the Clippers' "Lob City" era alongside Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan, creating must-watch television with his thunderous dunks and versatile skill set. Griffin's individual accolades include the 2011 NBA Rookie of the Year award and a memorable Slam Dunk Contest victory that same year, cementing his status as one of his generation's most exciting players.
Kevin Johnson enjoyed a distinguished 12-year NBA career, primarily with the Phoenix Suns, where he emerged as a cornerstone of their 1993 Western Conference championship team. During the 1990-91 season, Johnson achieved a statistical milestone that underscored his all-around excellence, becoming the first player in league history to average at least 20 points, 10 assists, shoot 50 percent from the field, and record two steals per game—a feat that highlighted his unique blend of scoring prowess and defensive tenacity.
On the high school level, Gary McKnight has built an unparalleled legacy at Mater Dei High School, where he has amassed over 13,000 victories since taking the helm in 1982—the second-most in high school basketball history. His contributions were formally recognized with the Naismith Boys' High School Coach of the Year Award in 2014, though his impact extends far beyond any single accolade through the countless players he has mentored and the winning culture he has established.
Dick Motta achieved the rare trifecta of winning championships at the high school, college, and professional levels. His most notable accomplishment came in 1978 when he guided the Washington Bullets to an NBA championship, adding to his 1971 NBA Coach of the Year award. Motta's career statistics place him among the coaching elite, with the ninth-most victories and 14th-most regular-season games coached in NBA history.
Doc Rivers continues to add to his impressive coaching resume, currently leading the Milwaukee Bucks while awaiting potential enshrinement. His crowning achievement came in 2008 when he guided the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship, with an Eastern Conference title following in 2010. Rivers previously earned NBA Coach of the Year honors with the Orlando Magic, demonstrating his ability to transform franchises and maximize talent throughout his career.
While the North American finalists represent remarkable achievement, the Hall of Fame's recognition extends across multiple categories. The women's committee finalists include Candace Parker, whose dominance in the WNBA and collegiate ranks has made her one of the most influential figures in women's sports history. The veterans committees honor those whose careers preceded modern-era consideration, while international finalists celebrate the game's global growth. Contributors recognize individuals whose innovations and leadership have advanced basketball off the court.
The selection process represents the culmination of years of evaluation and deliberation by the Hall of Fame's various committees. Each finalist has undergone rigorous scrutiny of their statistical achievements, championship contributions, cultural impact, and character considerations. The final vote determines which individuals will join the immortal ranks of basketball's greatest figures.
This year's class of finalists demonstrates basketball's remarkable evolution and the diverse paths to greatness within the sport. From Crawford's authoritative presence on the court to Few's program-building mastery, from Griffin's aerial artistry to Johnson's statistical brilliance, from McKnight's developmental impact to Motta's championship pedigree, and from Rivers' ongoing excellence to Parker's transformative influence, these candidates represent the highest standards of achievement.
Their collective legacy extends beyond individual statistics and awards, encompassing the countless fans they have inspired, the teammates they have elevated, and the generations of players who have followed in their footsteps. As the basketball world awaits the final announcement on April 4th, one certainty remains: the 2026 induction ceremony will celebrate individuals who have fundamentally enriched the sport and secured their places in its eternal narrative.