The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has unveiled its 17 finalists for the Class of 2025, which includes some of the biggest names in basketball history. This year’s list has Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, and Sue Bird, among other notable players, coaches, and game contributors. The final selection will be announced on April 5, 2025, at the NCAA Final Four in San Antonio, Texas, with the induction ceremony slated for September 6, 2025, in Springfield, Massachusetts, the birthplace of basketball. This year’s class is expected to be one of the most competitive and well-known in recent memory, with several former NBA and WNBA superstars, foreign luminaries, and notable coaches making the cut.
Key Finalists for the Naismith Hall of Fame Class of 2025
The 17 finalists include some of basketball’s most well-known and accomplished figures. Here’s a deeper look at some of the most prominent nominees:
Carmelo Anthony, NBA legend and Olympic champion
NBA career: Anthony, a 10-time NBA All-Star, spent 19 seasons in the league, making big contributions to the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, and Portland Trail Blazers.
Scoring Prowess: His outstanding mid-range shooting and scoring abilities have propelled him to ninth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, with 28,289 points.
Olympic Greatness: Anthony is one of the most decorated Olympians in basketball history, having won three gold medals (2008, 2012, and 2016) and one bronze (2004) with Team USA.
Anthony: Was known for his great scoring and offensive versatility, making him one of the most formidable forwards of his time.
Dwight Howard – Defensive Dominance & Championship Pedigree
Howard, an eight-time NBA All-Star, was a formidable force in the league for more than 18 seasons, most notably with the Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Howard: A three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, was an excellent shot-blocker and re-bounder who led some of the league’s top defenses.
Championship Win: In 2020, he won an NBA Championship with the Lakers, demonstrating his durability and versatility even in the latter stages of his career. Howard was one of the most physically powerful centers in recent NBA history, playing well on both ends of the court.
Sue Bird – WNBA Icon & 5-Time Olympic Gold Medalist
WNBA Career: Bird, a 12-time WNBA All-Star, spent 21 seasons with the Seattle Storm.
Bird won: four WNBA titles (2004, 2010, 2018, and 2020), solidifying her legacy as one of the league’s best point guards.
Olympic Greatness: She has five Olympic gold medals, Won with Team USA in 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020.
Bird’s legacy extends beyond numbers: She was a pioneer in women’s basketball, encouraging future players.
Other Notable Finalists
Aside from Anthony, Howard, and Bird, the 17 finalists include several other notable players and coaches:
Chauncey Bill-ups: a 2004 NBA Champion and Finals MVP for the Detroit Pistons, is recognized for his clutch plays and leadership.
Vince Carter: is one of the most electrifying dunkers and scorers in NBA history, an 8-time All-Star, and a 22-year NBA veteran.
Becky Hammon: is a WNBA legend and San Antonio Spurs assistant coach who has made history as one of the most successful female coaches in professional basketball.
Michael Cooper: was a defensive stalwart who won five NBA championships with the Showtime Lakers in the 1980s.
Gene Keady: was the long-time head coach at Purdue University, recognized for his defensive strategies and strong leadership.
Harley Redin: was a pivotal figure in women’s college basketball, influencing the game’s development and competition.
Selection & Induction Process
The selection process for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame consists of several stages:
Announcement of Finalists: The 17 finalists were announced in February 2025, showcasing their accomplishments and contributions to the game.
Final selection: will take place on April 5, 2025. The official Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will be announced at the NCAA Final Four in San Antonio, Texas.
Induction Ceremony on September 6, 2025: The ceremonial enshrinement event will take place in Springfield, Massachusetts, where the inductees will receive their famous Hall of Fame orange jackets and give statements.
A Highly Anticipated Hall of Fame Class
The Class of 2025 is expected to be one of the most star-studded in recent memory, containing some of the greatest names in NBA, WNBA, college basketball, and international basketball. With Carmelo Anthony’s scoring prowess, Dwight Howard’s defensive supremacy, and Sue Bird’s renowned leadership, the 2025 Hall of Fame induction will be a watershed moment for basketball fans all around the world. As we approach April 5, all eyes will be on the NCAA Ultimate Four, which will determine the ultimate selections. Until then, fans and commentators will discuss which of these basketball legends will be inducted into the sport’s Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.
“Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, and Sue Bird head the 17 finalists for the 2025 Naismith Hall of Fame. The final selections will be announced on April 5”.
