The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame enshrined its newest members on Sunday, but the excitement doesn’t stop there. With each passing year, the anticipation of who will be inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame only grows stronger. This year’s class included former NBA stars Vince Carter and Chauncey Billups, but who will be next to join them in the years to come?
The eligibility rules for the Basketball Hall of Fame are strict. Players must be fully retired for four full seasons before being eligible, while coaches must have worked as either a full-time assistant or head coach for at least 25 years. With these guidelines in mind, let’s take a look at who could potentially be inducted in the next few years.
2025 Class:
One of the top candidates for the 2025 class is Marc Gasol. Although he officially retired from the NBA in 2021, he continued to play in Spain until January 2024. This raises some questions about his eligibility, and according to ESPN’s Kevin Pelton, Gasol may not be on the ballot until 2028. Other potential first-time candidates for the 2025 class include current Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick and former All-Star guard Jeff Teague. While Redick’s impressive college career at Duke could warrant some consideration, his NBA run without an All-Star appearance may weaken his chances. Teague, on the other hand, was a 2016 All-Star and won a title with the Milwaukee Bucks in his final season, which could give him an edge.
2026 Class:
The 2026 class boasts some star power with the likes of Carmelo Anthony, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Joe Johnson. Anthony, who recently joined the Los Angeles Lakers, has the credentials to make it to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot. With 10 All-Star appearances, six All-NBA selections, and a scoring title under his belt, Anthony is also 10th on the all-time scoring list. His inclusion in the 75th-anniversary team further solidifies his case, despite his lack of postseason success. Aldridge, who made seven All-Star appearances and five All-NBA teams, may have a tougher time getting in without any championship wins. As for Johnson, his one All-Star appearance and lack of individual accolades may not be enough to secure him a spot in the Hall of Fame.
2027 Class:
In 2027, three notable names stand out as potential candidates: Blake Griffin, Andre Iguodala, and John Wall. Griffin made a name for himself with his high-flying dunks during the “Lob City” era with the Los Angeles Clippers. He went on to make six All-Star teams and five All-NBA teams. Despite his decline in athleticism, Griffin successfully adapted his game to become a reliable 3-point shooter and charge-taker. Iguodala’s Hall of Fame candidacy will be defined by his contributions to winning teams. While he only made one All-Star appearance, he was a vital part of four championship-winning teams with the Golden State Warriors, including winning Finals MVP in 2015. Injuries may hinder Wall’s chances, as he played just 647 games over 11 seasons, but his five All-Star appearances and one All-NBA selection could still make him a strong candidate.
Other Potential Candidates:
Aside from the first-time candidates for each year, there are several players who have yet to be selected but have a strong case for the Hall of Fame. These include retired players like Shawn Marion, Buck Williams, Horace Grant, Terry Porter, Elton Brand, Larry Nance, Shawn Kemp, Antawn Jamison, Rasheed Wallace, Tyson Chandler, Jason Terry, Kevin Johnson, Amar’e Stoudemire, Zach Randolph, and Marcus Camby. These players may not have the most eye-catching resumes, but their consistent contributions to their teams and the league as a whole make them worthy of consideration.
As the years go by, the competition for a spot in the Basketball Hall of Fame only gets tougher. Each year, new names are added to the ballot, and the debate over who deserves to be enshrined only intensifies. Regardless of who makes it in the future, one thing is for sure: the Hall of Fame will continue to honor and celebrate the incredible achievements of those who have left their mark on the game of basketball.
