The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has inducted its newest members. Leading 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 contributor to the game.
Exciting prospects for future classes
The Class of 2025 will be announced in April at the NCAA Division I Final Four in San Antonio. Since there are no safe candidates to be elected next year, it is worth taking a look at the previous candidates who could make it. For the class of 2026, Carmelo Anthony will likely be the first freshman on the ballot. LaMarcus Aldridge and his former Brooklyn Nets teammate Blake Griffin are also interesting cases for future inclusion.
The challenge of prediction
Predicting Hall of Fame inductees isn’t easy because the process is opaque. The decisions are made behind closed doors by unknown committee members, as ESPN’s Baxter Holmes explains. Nevertheless, we are trying to identify the possible 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 probably not be eligible 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 college success at Duke.
The strength of 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 both a player and a contributor.
The chances of Carmelo Anthony and others
Carmelo Anthony, the ninth-leading scorer in NBA history, will join the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team once he becomes eligible. LaMarcus Aldridge could also be inducted into the Hall of Fame as he has impressed in both accolades and career points.
Blake Griffin and the challenge of injuries
Blake Griffin, the No. 1 pick in the 2009 draft, is an interesting case. Although his career was shortened by injuries, his college success and winning the 2011 Slam Dunk Contest could improve his chances.
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 a clear choice with his success with the Golden State Warriors. Iguodala’s role in four championship titles, including the 2015 Finals MVP, bolsters his chances.
John Wall and the uncertainties of career
John Wall, another No. 1 pick whose career has been marred by injuries, has a harder time. With just one All-NBA selection and 647 games, his inclusion is unlikely.
Kevin Johnson and the finalists from previous years
Kevin Johnson, the only NBA player in the last 15 years to reach the Finals without being selected, could get his chance in 2025. His career has been marred by injuries, but his successes at UCLA and in the NBA make him a strong prospect.
Amar’e Stoudemire and the limits of career
Amar’e Stoudemire, whose career was shortened 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 defense
If the Hall of Fame wanted to reward a defensive role player on championship teams, Horace Grant would be a better choice than Michael Cooper. His career might have been viewed differently if there had been more appreciation for efficient scoring at the time.
The Hall of Fame has recently expanded its ABA representation, but there are still more candidates waiting for their chance.
