The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inducts players based on their contributions to the NBA but also other professional leagues, college basketball, amateur basketball, and international tournaments. This creates a comprehensive gathering of people important to basketball history but also dulls players’ specific NBA impact, and overcrowds the induction pool.
Rules:
- Inductions start in 1971 in honor of the league’s 25th anniversary
- One NBA players inducted from five finalists, narrowed down from 15 nominees
- Players are eligible for induction five years after their retirement
- One “contributor” inducted yearly: coaches, owners, general managers, referees, commissioners, broadcasters who contributed to the league’s growth and success; could also include players with historical significance but lacking the resume to be inducted as a player
- Contributors are eligible 20 years after their initial “contribution”
+ indicates first time nominee
++ indicates first time finalist
* indicates nominee/finalist in their first year of eligibility
1971
Nominees: Paul Arizin, Bob Cousy, Bob Davies, Joe Fulks, Tom Heinsohn, Neil Johnston, Ed Macauley, George Mikan, Vern Mikkelsen, Bob Pettit, Bill Sharman, Dolph Schayes, Maurice Stokes, Jack Twyman, George Yardley
Finalists
Paul Arizin
Bob Cousy
George Mikan
Bob Pettit
Dolph Schayes
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: George Mikan
Mikan was the league’s first superstar, a five-time champion who dominated so thoroughly that the rules had to be changed just to slow him down. He is inducted by his longtime coach John Kundla in a ceremony overseen by NBA commissioner J. Walter Kennedy.
Contributor: James Naismith
The first ever induction class of the NBA Hall of Fame honors a man who didn’t live to see the league created but left an indelible impact all the same. Naismith invented basketball in 1891, coached one of the first collegiate programs at Kansas in 1898, and was on hand for the sport’s Olympics debut in 1936.
1972
Nominees: Paul Arizin, Bob Cousy, Bob Davies, Joe Fulks, Harry Gallatin+, Tom Heinsohn, Neil Johnston, Ed Macauley, Vern Mikkelsen, Bob Pettit, Bill Sharman, Dolph Schayes, Maurice Stokes, Jack Twyman, George Yardley
Finalists
Paul Arizin
Bob Cousy
Bob Pettit
Dolph Schayes
Bill Sharman++
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Dolph Schayes
With five nominees reaching the list of finalists in 1971, five new nominees are added for 1972. Schayes garners induction. Another nascent star, Schayes rivaled George Mikan early in his career and eventually overtook him as the league’s best player, setting the all-time scoring record in the process.
Contributor: Maurice Podoloff
Podoloff was the league’s inaugural commissioner, who shepherded the BAA-NBL merger, introduced the college draft, and negotiated the league’s first television contract.
1973
Nominees: Paul Arizin, Bob Cousy, Bob Davies, Joe Fulks, Harry Gallatin, Tom Heinsohn, Neil Johnston, Clyde Lovellette+, Ed Macauley, Vern Mikkelsen, Bob Pettit, Bill Sharman, Maurice Stokes, Jack Twyman, George Yardley
Finalists
Paul Arizin
Bob Cousy
Tom Heinsohn++
Bob Pettit
Bill Sharman
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Bob Pettit
There’s a strong debate amongst the voters this year in deciding between the two Bobs, Pettit and Cousy. Pettit has the advantage in MVP awards (two to one) and scoring titles (two to zero), and the deciding factor seemingly comes down to Cousy’s brief, embarrassing 1970 comeback stint with the Cincinnati Royals.
Contributor: Walter A. Brown
Brown was the original owner of the Celtics and a crucial leader in the founding of the NBA. In his 19 years of ownership, up until his 1964 death, Brown’s Celtics won six championships.
1974
Nominees: Paul Arizin, Bob Cousy, Bob Davies, Joe Fulks, Harry Gallatin, Tom Heinsohn, Neil Johnston, Sam Jones*, Ed Macauley, Vern Mikkelsen, Bill Russell*, Bill Sharman, Maurice Stokes, Jack Twyman, George Yardley
Finalists
Paul Arizin
Bob Cousy
Sam Jones*
Bill Russell*
Bill Sharman
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Bill Russell*
It doesn’t get much easier than this, as Russell becomes the first player inducted in his first year of eligibility. He redefined the NBA, and led the Celtics to 11 championships in 13 seasons. At the time of his induction, Russell is head coach of the SuperSonics and as is his want, does not attend this ceremony.
Contributor: Red Auerbach
Russell’s long time coach, friend, and confidant Auerbach is a fitting pairing for induction. Auerbach was coach for the first nine Celtics championships, building the roster in his dual role as team general manager. It’s a testament to Russell and Auerbach that four of the five finalists this year are part of the Celtics dynasty.
1975
Nominees: Paul Arizin, Bob Cousy, Bob Davies, Joe Fulks, Richie Guerin*, Cliff Hagan*, Tom Heinsohn, Neil Johnston, Sam Jones, Ed Macauley, Vern Mikkelsen, Bill Sharman, Maurice Stokes, Jack Twyman, George Yardley
Finalists
Paul Arizin
Bob Cousy
Tom Heinsohn
Sam Jones
Bill Sharman
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Bob Cousy
After a lengthy wait, arguably too long, Cousy gets into the Hall in his fifth year of eligibility. The six-time champion and former career assists leader finally gets to see his name and likeness commemorated alongside Celtics teammate Bill Russell and coach Red Auerbach.
Contributor: Earl Lloyd
Lloyd becomes the first player to be inducted as a contributor, in recognition of his important status as the first Black player in league history. Lloyd made his debut for the Washington Capitols in October 1950, effectively breaking the color barrier.
1976
Nominees: Paul Arizin, Bob Davies, Joe Fulks, Richie Guerin, Cliff Hagan, Tom Heinsohn, Bailey Howell*, Neil Johnston, Sam Jones, Ed Macauley, Vern Mikkelsen, Bill Sharman, Maurice Stokes, Jack Twyman, George Yardley
Finalists
Paul Arizin
Cliff Hagan++
Tom Heinsohn
Sam Jones
Bill Sharman
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Paul Arizin
Arizin gets inducted just ahead of the deluge of ’60s superstars who would otherwise thwart the first generation of NBA greats. Maybe the best pure scorer of the NBA’s first decade, Arizin won two scoring titles and one NBA championship with the Warriors.
Contributor: Danny Biasone
While Biasone cannot take credit as the inventor of the shot clock, he is the main reason it became standard in the NBA. In his capacity as founding owner of the Syracuse Nationals, Biasone pushed for the shot clock adoption and changed the game forever.
1977
Nominees: Elgin Baylor*, Bob Davies, Joe Fulks, Richie Guerin, Cliff Hagan, Tom Heinsohn, Bailey Howell, Neil Johnston, Sam Jones, Ed Macauley, Vern Mikkelsen, Bill Sharman, Maurice Stokes, Jack Twyman, George Yardley
Finalists
Elgin Baylor*
Cliff Hagan
Tom Heinsohn
Sam Jones
Bill Sharman
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Elgin Baylor*
Just as he shifted the landscape of the NBA right out of the gate, Baylor similarly jumps the line and immediately gains induction in his first year of eligibility. He is also notable as the first player inducted who was not part of the NBA 25th Anniversary Team in 1971.
Contributor: Fred Zollner
A founder and longtime owner of the Pistons, which started as an independent team in 1937, Zollner was so crucial to the NBA’s development that he gained the nickname “Mr. Pro Basketball.”
1978
Nominees: Wilt Chamberlain*, Hal Greer*, Richie Guerin, Cliff Hagan, Tom Heinsohn, Bailey Howell, Gus Johnson*, Neil Johnston, Sam Jones, Ed Macauley, Vern Mikkelsen, Bill Sharman, Maurice Stokes, Jack Twyman, George Yardley
Finalists
Wilt Chamberlain*
Hal Greer*
Tom Heinsohn
Sam Jones
Bill Sharman
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Wilt Chamberlain*
No doubts here, as Chamberlain was arguably still the face of the NBA five years after his retirement. He set the career scoring record (he still held it as of this induction; it was broken six years later by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), and the career rebounding record.
Contributor: John Kundla
Kundla was the league’s first great coach, guiding the Lakers to five titles as the league’s first dynasty. He bridged the gap from George Mikan to Elgin Baylor, finally retiring in 1960 as the team was relocating from his lifelong home of Minneapolis to Los Angeles.
1979
Nominees: Dave DeBusschere*, Hal Greer, Cliff Hagan, Tom Heinsohn, Bailey Howell, Gus Johnson, Neil Johnston, Sam Jones, Jerry Lucas*, Willis Reed*, Oscar Robertson*, Bill Sharman, Jack Twyman, Jerry West*, George Yardley
Finalists
Hal Greer
Sam Jones
Willis Reed*
Oscar Robertson*
Jerry West*
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Oscar Robertson*
One of the greatest retirement classes in NBA history sparks one of the biggest induction debates to date. Just as he edged him out for Rookie of the Year in 1961, Robertson gets the nod over West here. The differentiations are his 1964 MVP award and his signature stat line of a full season triple-double.
Contributor: Eddie Gottlieb
Gottlieb was owner, coach, and general manager of the Warriors in their early Philadelphia days, and presided over the league rules committee for 25 years.
1980
Nominees: Dave DeBusschere, Hal Greer, Cliff Hagan, Tom Heinsohn, Bailey Howell, Gus Johnson, Neil Johnston, Sam Jones, Jerry Lucas, Willis Reed, Bill Sharman, Jack Twyman, Jerry West, Lenny Wilkens*, George Yardley
Finalists
Hal Greer
Sam Jones
Jerry Lucas++
Willis Reed
Jerry West
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Jerry West
Always a bridesmaid, this one. After being edged out by Oscar Robertson in the 1979 induction, West subsequently opts not to attend his own ceremony. To West, the greatest honor he achieved in 1980 was his championship ring earned as a first year general manager of the Lakers.
Contributor: Red Holzman
After spending a decade as a scout for the Knicks, Holzman took over as head coach in 1967 and led the franchise to its first two championships. At the time of his induction, Holzman was in his second stint coaching the Knicks, finally retiring for good in 1982.
1981
Nominees: Billy Cunningham*, Dave DeBusschere, Hal Greer, Cliff Hagan, Connie Hawkins*, Tom Heinsohn, Gus Johnson, Neil Johnston, Sam Jones, Jerry Lucas, Willis Reed, Bill Sharman, Jack Twyman, Lenny Wilkens, George Yardley
Finalists
Billy Cunningham*
Hal Greer
Sam Jones
Jerry Lucas
Willis Reed
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Willis Reed
After the induction ceremony, Reed returns to Omaha, Nebraska to prepare for his new role as head coach of Creighton University. Bailey Howell is bumped from the nominations list due to the additions of Billy Cunningham and Connie Hawkins.
Contributor: Edward “Ned” Irish
As a lead promoter of Madison Square Garden, Irish was instrumental in the NBA’s founding in 1946 and served as president of the Knicks for nearly three decades, including during Reed’s two title seasons. Irish attended the induction ceremony alongside Reed, then passed away just a few months later at age 74.
1982
Nominees: Billy Cunningham, Dave DeBusschere, Hal Greer, Cliff Hagan, Connie Hawkins, Tom Heinsohn, Gus Johnson, Neil Johnston, Sam Jones, Jerry Lucas, Bill Sharman, Nate Thurmond*, Jack Twyman, Lenny Wilkens, George Yardley
Finalists
Billy Cunningham
Hal Greer
Sam Jones
Jerry Lucas
Bill Sharman
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Bill Sharman
One of the inaugural nominees in 1971 and a finalist every year since 1972, the four-time Celtics champion and prototypical shooting guard Sharman finally makes it into the NBA Hall of Fame. He narrowly edges out Billy Cunningham and former Celtics teammate Sam Jones in voting.
Contributor: Lester Harrison
In 1945, Harrison founded the Rochester Royals, a team that would eventually become the Sacramento Kings. He served as owner of the franchise up until its 1957 move to Cincinnati, and was coach of the ’50-’51 Royals that won the NBA title.
1983
Nominees: Dave Bing*, Billy Cunningham, Dave DeBusschere, Hal Greer, Cliff Hagan, John Havlicek*, Connie Hawkins, Tom Heinsohn, Gus Johnson, Neil Johnston, Sam Jones, Jerry Lucas, Nate Thurmond, Lenny Wilkens, George Yardley
Finalists
Billy Cunningham
Hal Greer
John Havlicek*
Sam Jones
Jerry Lucas
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: John Havlicek*
Once called the “greatest all-around player” in the NBA by none other than Bill Russell, Havlicek won eight championships with the Celtics and was Finals MVP in 1974. As of his induction, Havlicek was also the record holder for career NBA games, though it would be broken in the subsequent ’83-’84 season by Elvin Hayes.
Contributor: Alex Hannum
Hannum played eight seasons in the early days of the NBA but made his real mark as coach of the Hawks, Warriors, and 76ers during the ’50s and ’60s. He was the first coach to reach the NBA Finals with three different franchises and the first to win a title with two (the Hawks in 1958 and the 76ers in 1967).
1984
Nominees: Dave Bing, Billy Cunningham, Dave DeBusschere, Hal Greer, Cliff Hagan, Connie Hawkins, Tom Heinsohn, Gus Johnson, Neil Johnston, Sam Jones, Jerry Lucas, Nate Thurmond, Jack Twyman, Lenny Wilkens, George Yardley
Finalists
Billy Cunningham
Hal Greer
Tom Heinsohn
Sam Jones
Jerry Lucas
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Sam Jones
Jones becomes the fifth member of the ’60s Celtics dynasty to be inducted, an apt fate for a player who was often overlooked during his stellar career that included 10 Celtics title seasons. With no one newly eligible making the cut, Jack Twyman returns to the nominations list after a one year absence.
Contributor: J. Walter Kennedy
Two decades after succeeding Maurice Podoloff as commissioner of the NBA, Kennedy is honored for his contributions. His 12 years of commissionership, from 1963 to 1975, were eventful and controversial. Kennedy was a driving force and board member of the NBA Hall of Fame, up until his 1977 death.
1985
Nominees: Rick Barry*, Dave Bing, Billy Cunningham, Dave DeBusschere, Walt Frazier*, Hal Greer, Cliff Hagan, Connie Hawkins, Tom Heinsohn, Neil Johnston, Jerry Lucas, Pete Maravich*, Earl Monroe*, Nate Thurmond, Lenny Wilkens
Finalists
Rick Barry*
Billy Cunningham
Walt Frazier*
Hal Greer
Jerry Lucas
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Rick Barry*
The first ever inductee who spent time in the ABA, Barry bookended his NBA career by winning Rookie of the Year in 1966 and then Finals MVP in 1975. Along the way, he made history by leveraging the emergence of the ABA, fleeing for the nascent league in protest of his NBA contract.
Contributor: Larry Fleisher
As general counsel for the Players Association, Fleisher advised on the lawsuit filed by Oscar Robertson to stop the proposed NBA-ABA merger and allow players continued leverage in contract negotiations between the two leagues. Once that suit was settled, Fleisher later helped broker the merger in 1976.
1986
Nominees: Dave Bing, Billy Cunningham, Dave DeBusschere, Walt Frazier, Hal Greer, Cliff Hagan, Connie Hawkins, Tom Heinsohn, Neil Johnston, Jerry Lucas, Pete Maravich, Earl Monroe, Nate Thurmond, Wes Unseld*, Lenny Wilkens
Finalists
Billy Cunningham
Walt Frazier
Hal Greer
Jerry Lucas
Wes Unseld*
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Walt Frazier
Five years after his Knicks teammate Willis Reed, Frazier reaches the Hall of Fame in his second year of eligibility. While Reed was the face of those two Knicks ’70s championships, Frazier was arguably the true catalyst and the heart of the team.
Contributor: Wat Misaka
There wasn’t much fanfare at the time, but Misaka made history in 1947, breaking the NBA color barrier just a few months after Jackie Robinson first took the field for the Dodgers. The Japanese-American Misaka played just three games with the Knicks, then returned home to Utah to pursue a career in electrical engineering.
1987
Nominees: Dave Bing, Billy Cunningham, Bob Dandridge*, Dave DeBusschere, Hal Greer, Cliff Hagan, Connie Hawkins, Tom Heinsohn, Neil Johnston, Jerry Lucas, Pete Maravich, Earl Monroe, Nate Thurmond, Wes Unseld, Lenny Wilkens
Finalists
Billy Cunningham
Hal Greer
Tom Heinsohn
Jerry Lucas
Wes Unseld
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Billy Cunningham
With no first year eligibles of note, Monroe slips into the nominees list for the first time, Greer transitions to the finalists, and Cunningham is inducted after six years of waiting. In between his initial nomination and his induction, Cunningham won another championship with the Sixers in 1983, this time as head coach.
Contributor: Al Cervi
Cervi is honored both for his legendary playing career, which lasted 16 years in the NBL, ABL, and NBA, and his coaching stint. In 10 years as head coach of the Syracuse Nationals, Cervi guided the team to three NBA Finals and a championship in 1955.
1988
Nominees: Dave Bing, Dave Cowens*, Bob Dandridge, Dave DeBusschere, Hal Greer, Cliff Hagan, Connie Hawkins, Tom Heinsohn, Neil Johnston, Jerry Lucas, Pete Maravich, Earl Monroe, Nate Thurmond, Wes Unseld, Lenny Wilkens
Finalists
Dave Cowens*
Hal Greer
Tom Heinsohn
Jerry Lucas
Wes Unseld
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Dave Cowens*
First year nominee Cowens edges out Greer and Lucas in voting to get inducted. The ’72-’73 league MVP is the 17th player to be inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame and is the sixth who spent essentially their entire career with the Celtics, a testament to the franchise’s early dominance.
Contributor: Earl Strom
Strom becomes the first referee to be inducted. Over 29 years in the NBA and ABA, he garnered a reputation as the sport’s premier and most memorable official, with a tough-but-fair approach and a flair for the dramatic. Strom is still active at the time of his induction, eventually retiring after officiating the 1990 NBA Finals.
1989
Nominees: Tiny Archibald*, Dave Bing, Bob Dandridge, Dave DeBusschere, Hal Greer, Cliff Hagan, Connie Hawkins, Elvin Hayes*, Tom Heinsohn, Jerry Lucas, Pete Maravich, Earl Monroe, Nate Thurmond, Wes Unseld, Lenny Wilkens
Finalists
Hal Greer
Elvin Hayes*
Tom Heinsohn
Jerry Lucas
Wes Unseld
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Elvin Hayes*
Voters are faced with a difficult choice between Bullets teammates Hayes and Unseld. Though Unseld has the MVP and Finals MVP, Hayes’ statistical output was undeniable. At the time of his induction, Hayes was third in league history in career scoring, fourth in rebounds, fourth in blocks, and second in games played.
Contributor: Harold Olsen
Though better known for his contributions to the NCAA, Olsen was one of the NBA’s inaugural coaches with the Chicago Stags and invented the back court 10-second rule.
1990
Nominees: Tiny Archibald, Dave Bing, Bob Dandridge, Dave DeBusschere, Hal Greer, Cliff Hagan, Connie Hawkins, Tom Heinsohn, Bob Lanier+, Jerry Lucas, Pete Maravich, Earl Monroe, Nate Thurmond, Wes Unseld, Lenny Wilkens
Finalists
Tiny Archibald++
Hal Greer
Tom Heinsohn
Jerry Lucas
Wes Unseld
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Hal Greer
For a fourth straight year, the voting is close and controversial, as Greer just barely edges out finalist debutante Unseld. A paragon of consistency, Greer played 15 seasons in the NBA, all of them with the 76ers. That includes being the leading scorer on the legendary ’66-’67 championship team.
Contributor: Jack Ramsay
One of the great personalities in NBA history, “Dr. Jack” Ramsay (yes, he did actually earn a doctorate in education from Penn) spent 20 successful years as a head coach, which included leading the ’76-’77 Trail Blazers to a title. He then spent subsequent decades as a beloved broadcaster and analyst.
1991
Nominees: Tiny Archibald, Dave Bing, Dave DeBusschere, George Gervin*, Cliff Hagan, Connie Hawkins, Tom Heinsohn, Bob Lanier, Jerry Lucas, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo*, Earl Monroe, Nate Thurmond, Wes Unseld, Lenny Wilkens
Finalists
Tiny Archibald
George Gervin*
Tom Heinsohn
Jerry Lucas
Wes Unseld
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Wes Unseld
A contingent goes to bat for first time finalist Gervin but Unseld finally gets his honors. Unseld won Rookie of the Year and MVP in ’68-’69, played in four NBA Finals, and earned Finals MVP in 1978. Perhaps his five year wait was influenced by a disastrous post-playing stint as head coach of the Bullets.
Contributor: Abe Saperstein
A longtime leader of the Harlem Globetrotters, Saperstein never had any official connection to the NBA, as he was rebuffed multiple times from owning a franchise. But his influence on the league is indelible, mainly in his primary role eliminating segregation in pro basketball and his championing of the three-point line.
1992
Nominees: Tiny Archibald, Dave Bing, Dave DeBusschere, Julius Erving*, George Gervin, Cliff Hagan, Connie Hawkins, Tom Heinsohn, Jerry Lucas, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Earl Monroe, Nate Thurmond, Bill Walton*, Lenny Wilkens
Finalists
Tiny Archibald
Julius Erving*
George Gervin
Tom Heinsohn
Jerry Lucas
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Julius Erving*
In the most lopsided voting result since John Havlicek nine years prior, Erving is almost unanimously inducted in his first year of eligibility. At the time of his enshrinement, Erving was taking a protracted leave of absence from basketball, eventually returning in 1997 with a role in the Orlando Magic front office.
Contributor: Bill Sharman
Sharman makes history as the first person inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame as both a player and a contributor. Sharman’s contributor role is mainly for his coaching career, in which he led the Warriors to the 1967 NBA Finals, the Utah Stars to the 1971 ABA title, and the Lakers to the 1972 NBA title.
1993
Nominees: Tiny Archibald, Dave Bing, Dave DeBusschere, George Gervin, Artis Gilmore*, Cliff Hagan, Connie Hawkins, Tom Heinsohn, Jerry Lucas, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Earl Monroe, Nate Thurmond, Bill Walton, Lenny Wilkens
Finalists
Tiny Archibald
George Gervin
Tom Heinsohn
Jerry Lucas
Bob McAdoo++
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: George Gervin
Gervin becomes the second player inducted whose career started in the ABA, joining his former Virginia Squires teammate Julius Erving. With his patented finger roll floating jumper, Gervin won four NBA scoring titles, though the reputation of the “Ice Man” was hampered by his inability to lead the Spurs to the NBA Finals.
Contributor: William Davidson
Davidson purchased the Pistons from Fred Zollner in 1974 by his 1994 induction, had overseen two championships, was responsible for the Palace of Auburn Hills, the first NBA arena ever constructed entirely with private funding, and was the first owner to purchase a private jet for his players and staff to travel during the season.
1994
Nominees: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar*, Tiny Archibald, Dave Bing, Dave DeBusschere, Artis Gilmore, Cliff Hagan, Connie Hawkins, Tom Heinsohn, Jerry Lucas, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Earl Monroe, Nate Thurmond, Bill Walton, Lenny Wilkens
Finalists
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar*
Tiny Archibald
Tom Heinsohn
Jerry Lucas
Bob McAdoo
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar*
For the first time since 1980, a player is unanimously inducted. It was just a matter of waiting out the interregnum period for Abdul-Jabbar. At the time of his induction, Abdul-Jabbar was the all-time NBA leader in scoring and blocks, and his six titles stood alone as the record for any player who wasn’t part of the Celtics dynasty.
Contributor: Lenny Wilkens
Wilkens made his coaching debut with the Sonics in 1969, becoming just the second Black head coach, then a decade later led Seattle to a title. At the time of his induction, Wilkens was about to enter his second season with the Hawks and was on the brink of breaking Red Auerbach’s all-time coaching wins record.
1995
Nominees: Tiny Archibald, Dave Bing, Dave DeBusschere, Artis Gilmore, Cliff Hagan, Connie Hawkins, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson*, Jerry Lucas, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Earl Monroe, Nate Thurmond, Bill Walton, Lenny Wilkens
Finalists
Tiny Archibald
Tom Heinsohn
Jerry Lucas
Bob McAdoo
Nate Thurmond++
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Jerry Lucas
It took 16 years of waiting, five as a nominee and 11 as a finalist, but Lucas finally gets his induction into the Hall of Fame, narrowly defeating the popular Walton in voting. Lucas won Rookie of the Year in 1964, and was one of just four players to average 20+ points and 20+ rebounds in a season
Contributor: Larry O’Brien
As the third commissioner of the NBA, O’Brien oversaw the ABA merger, instituted a groundbreaking (and controversial) substance abuse policy, opened up free agency to players, introduced the salary cap, and negotiated the league’s first cable broadcasting deal, with USA.
1996
Nominees: Tiny Archibald, Dave Bing, Adrian Dantley*, Dave DeBusschere, Alex English*, Artis Gilmore, Connie Hawkins, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Earl Monroe, Nate Thurmond, Bill Walton, Lenny Wilkens
Finalists
Tiny Archibald
Tom Heinsohn
Bob McAdoo
Nate Thurmond
Bill Walton++
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Tiny Archibald
His nickname was “Tiny” but Archibald’s game was huge. The dynamic 6’1″ point guard was one of the biggest NBA stars of the ’70s, and the first, and still only, player to lead the league in scoring and assists. He capped his career with a championship with the Celtics in ’80-’81.
Contributor: Chick Hearn
At the time of his induction, Hearn was on a 31-year streak of providing his signature play-by-play for Lakers games. The first broadcaster to be inducted, Hearn coined numerous now ubiquitous terms, including “counts it if it goes,” “charity stripe,” “shooting a brick,” and “garbage time.”
1997
Nominees: Dave Bing, Larry Bird*, Adrian Dantley, Dave DeBusschere, Alex English, Artis Gilmore, Connie Hawkins, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Earl Monroe, Nate Thurmond, Bill Walton, Lenny Wilkens
Finalists
Larry Bird*
Tom Heinsohn
Bob McAdoo
Nate Thurmond
Bill Walton
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Larry Bird*
As part of his induction speech, the ever wry Bird makes light of his enshrinement before longtime rival Magic Johnson, who formally inducts Bird as his presenter. Just a few months before his enshrinement ceremony, Bird had accepted a head coaching job with the Pacers.
Contributor: Dick Motta
An NBA head coach for nearly three decades, Motta’s career peaked with a 1978 title with the Bullets, and he also spent significant time with the Bulls and Mavericks. As of his induction, he was sixth on the all-time coaching wins list. To this day, Motta has not yet been inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame.
1998
Nominees: Dave Bing, Adrian Dantley, Dave DeBusschere, Alex English, Artis Gilmore, Connie Hawkins, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Kevin McHale*, Earl Monroe, Nate Thurmond, Bill Walton, Lenny Wilkens
Finalists
Tom Heinsohn
Bob McAdoo
Kevin McHale*
Nate Thurmond
Bill Walton
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Bill Walton
His career was brief due to injuries, but it was spectacular. A league MVP and Finals MVP honoree, Walton’s status amongst NBA legends is thus always a debatable one, as is the case here, where he ekes out a split decision voting over Thurmond and first time finalist Monroe.
Contributor: Tex Winter
Just as the Bulls dynasty captures a sixth and final championship, their offensive architect reaches the Hall of Fame. A year after this induction, Winter would join his longtime boss Phil Jackson as an assistant on the Lakers, bringing the triangle offense to Kobe and Shaq, and earning three more championship rings.
1999
Nominees: Dave Bing, Adrian Dantley, Dave DeBusschere, Alex English, Artis Gilmore, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Kevin McHale, Earl Monroe, Isiah Thomas*, Nate Thurmond, Lenny Wilkens, James Worthy*
Finalists
Tom Heinsohn
Bob McAdoo
Kevin McHale
Isiah Thomas*
Nate Thurmond
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Isiah Thomas*
Two rival NBA Finals MVPs make their nomination debut in 1999, with Thomas getting the nod over Worthy as a first year finalist and inductee. Thomas’ enshrinement takes place right after he purchased the CBA, a move that would ultimately prove disastrous for the league.
Contributor: Chuck Daly
The NBA honored 10 coaches as the all-time “greatest” during the 1996 50th anniversary celebration, and Daly is the eighth to be inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame, leaving only the not yet eligible Pat Riley and Phil Jackson. He’s fittingly inducted alongside Thomas, his biggest star on the “Bad Boys” Pistons.
2000
Nominees: Dave Bing, Adrian Dantley, Dave DeBusschere, Alex English, Artis Gilmore, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Moses Malone*, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Kevin McHale, Earl Monroe, Nate Thurmond, Lenny Wilkens, James Worthy
Finalists
Tom Heinsohn
Bob McAdoo
Moses Malone*
Kevin McHale
Nate Thurmond
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Moses Malone*
In his first year of eligibility, Malone is a near unanimous selection for induction. The stalwart center spent 20 years in the ABA and NBA, retiring in third place on the all-time scoring list, fifth in rebounds, and 10th in blocks. He was league MVP three times and Finals MVP once, in 1983.
Contributor: Marv Albert
Controversy arises for the first time with an induction. There was no doubting Albert’s impact on the league but he had been out of the spotlight for the prior two years after pleading guilty to sexual assault charges. In addition to this induction, he was slated to return to NBC play-by-play in the upcoming ’00-’01 season.
2001
Nominees: Dave Bing, Adrian Dantley, Dave DeBusschere, Alex English, Artis Gilmore, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Magic Johnson*, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Kevin McHale, Earl Monroe, Nate Thurmond, Lenny Wilkens, James Worthy
Finalists
Tom Heinsohn
Bob McAdoo
Magic Johnson*
Kevin McHale
Nate Thurmond
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Magic Johnson*
Why did Johnson’s induction take place almost 10 years to the day that he announced his retirement after contracting HIV? Because of an ill-fated comeback with the Lakers in ’95-’96, delaying his eligibility right as it was set to ensue. Still, Johnson’s delayed induction is a joyous affair, entering alongside his coach Pat Riley.
Contributor: Pat Riley
With his Italian suits, slicked back hair, and stoic demeanor, Riley came to exemplify “Showtime” basketball almost as much as his star players. At the time of this induction, he was head coach and president of the Heat, a gig that would eventually yield three more championship rings.
2002
Nominees: Dave Bing, Adrian Dantley, Dave DeBusschere, Alex English, Artis Gilmore, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Kevin McHale, Earl Monroe, Robert Parish*, Nate Thurmond, Lenny Wilkens, James Worthy
Finalists
Tom Heinsohn
Bob McAdoo
Kevin McHale
Robert Parish*
Nate Thurmond
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Kevin McHale
While the newly eligible Parish makes his debut on the nominees list, the other two-thirds of the vaunted ’80s Celtics front line are officially inducted. At the time of his enshrinement, McHale was embattled as general manager of the Timberwolves, dealing with the fallout of the Joe Smith contract violation.
Contributor: Jerry Buss
Just as his second career dynasty won its third straight title, Buss is honored. After purchasing the Lakers in 1979, the brash Buss was unafraid to make bold moves, constructing a powerhouse franchise not just in its five ’80s championships of the “Showtime” era, but in its innovative and glamorous approach to basketball.
2003
Nominees: Dave Bing, Adrian Dantley, Dave DeBusschere, Clyde Drexler*, Alex English, Artis Gilmore, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Earl Monroe, Robert Parish, Nate Thurmond, Lenny Wilkens, James Worthy
Finalists
Clyde Drexler*
Tom Heinsohn
Bob McAdoo
Robert Parish
Nate Thurmond
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Clyde Drexler*
Often overlooked during his playing days, Drexler takes some solace in being inducted in his first year of eligibility. Still considered the second greatest shooting guard of all time at this point, Drexler was one of the premier all-around players of his generation and won a championship with the Rockets in 1995.
Contributor: David Stern
He had not been the fourth commissioner of the NBA for 20 years yet, but Stern is eligible due to his prior work under Larry O’Brien. Arguably the most crucial figure in NBA history who never played or coached, Stern’s stint as commissioner was as eventful as it was controversial. He lasted another decade as commissioner after this honor.
2004
Nominees: Dave Bing, Adrian Dantley, Dave DeBusschere, Alex English, Artis Gilmore, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Earl Monroe, Robert Parish, Nate Thurmond, Lenny Wilkens, Dominique Wilkins*, James Worthy
Finalists
Tom Heinsohn
Bob McAdoo
Robert Parish
Nate Thurmond
James Worthy++
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Robert Parish
The NBA record holder at the time for games played, the ageless Parish joins his Celtics front court mates Kevin McHale and Larry Bird in enshrinement. With a career that spanned over two decades, Parish was also seventh in NBA history in rebounds and in blocks, and won four championships.
Contributor: Russ Granik
A year after his longtime boss David Stern was enshrined, Granik joins him in the NBA Hall of Fame. The first ever deputy commissioner of the league, Granik was instrumental in many of the biggest successes of Stern’s tenure. That included his lead role in the decision to allow NBA players to participate in the Olympics.
2005
Nominees: Charles Barkley*, Dave Bing, Dave DeBusschere, Alex English, Artis Gilmore, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Earl Monroe, Dennis Rodman*, Nate Thurmond, Lenny Wilkens, Dominique Wilkins, James Worthy
Finalists
Charles Barkley*
Tom Heinsohn
Bob McAdoo
Nate Thurmond
James Worthy
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Charles Barkley*
His induction is unanimous and his ceremony speech is highly anticipated. By the time of this induction, Barkley had already smoothly transitioned from on court menace to beloved television personality.
Contributor: Phil Knight
Nearly every superstar since the early ’90s had a partnership or signature shoe with Knight in his role as founder and CEO of Nike. That includes Knight’s fellow inductee Barkley, whose loyalty to the company led him to cover up an Adidas logo during the 1992 Olympic medal ceremony.
2006
Nominees: Dave Bing, Adrian Dantley, Dave DeBusschere, Alex English, Artis Gilmore, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Earl Monroe, Dennis Rodman, Nate Thurmond, Lenny Wilkens, Dominique Wilkins, James Worthy
Finalists
Tom Heinsohn
Bob McAdoo
Nate Thurmond
Dominique Wilkins++
James Worthy
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Nate Thurmond
A one-year lull in ’80s/’90s superstars reaching eligibility leads to a wide-open three-man race between Thurmond, Worthy, and Wilkins. The perennially underrated Thurmond finally gets the honor after 24 years of eligibility and a decade as a finalist, joining longtime rivals Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain in the Hall.
Contributor: Dick Bavetta
Just a few months after setting the record for most NBA games officiated, Bavetta becomes the second referee ever inducted. Nicknamed the “Cal Ripken” of referees for his longevity, Bavetta would work another eight years before finally retiring in 2014 at age 73.
2007
Nominees: Dave Bing, Dave DeBusschere, Alex English, Patrick Ewing*, Artis Gilmore, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Earl Monroe, Hakeem Olajuwon*, Dennis Rodman, Lenny Wilkens, Dominique Wilkins, James Worthy
Finalists
Patrick Ewing*
Bob McAdoo
Hakeem Olajuwon*
Dominique Wilkins
James Worthy
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Hakeem Olajuwon*
Olajuwon and Ewing always had linked careers, starting as back-to-back #1 overall picks, battling in the ’94 Finals, and then retiring in 2001. Just as he did in that 1994 showdown, Olajuwon gets the edge here. After 19 seasons as a finalist, Tom Heinsohn is bumped back into the nominees list.
Contributor: Bill Fitch
A two-time Coach of the Year winner, Fitch’s most notable stint came with the Larry Bird era Celtics, guiding that dynasty to its first championship in 1981. He was also the original coach of the Cavaliers, and coach of the Rockets for the beginning of Olajuwon’s career, including the 1986 NBA Finals appearance.
2008
Nominees: Dave Bing, Dave DeBusschere, Patrick Ewing, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Michael Jordan*, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Earl Monroe, David Robinson*, Dennis Rodman, John Stockton*, Lenny Wilkens, Dominique Wilkins, James Worthy
Finalists
Patrick Ewing
Michael Jordan*
David Robinson*
John Stockton*
James Worthy
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Michael Jordan*
He’s part of arguably the greatest class ever of first year eligibles, but Jordan is still maybe the easiest induction selection the NBA Hall of Fame ever faces. The consensus greatest player of all time enters the Hall with a resume that only Bill Russell and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar could even be considered close to touching.
Contributor: Joe Fulks
Just as the G.O.A.T. is enshrined, the NBA Hall of Fame also honors the league’s first superstar. Fulks dominated the league’s first two seasons, winning back-to-back scoring titles and leading the Warriors to the 1947 championship. He is the first player to be inducted through the Contributor lane.
2009
Nominees: Dave Bing, Patrick Ewing, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Karl Malone*, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Earl Monroe, Scottie Pippen*, David Robinson, Dennis Rodman, John Stockton, Lenny Wilkens, Dominique Wilkins, James Worthy
Finalists
Patrick Ewing
Karl Malone*
Scottie Pippen*
David Robinson
John Stockton
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Karl Malone*
In his first year of eligibility, Malone leaps over several of his peers, including longtime Jazz teammate Stockton. Due to his lack of championships and prickly relationship with the media, he just barely beats out Pippen and Robinson to become a finalist and subsequent inductee.
Contributor: Phil Jackson
He had to wait this long only due to the 20-year buffer period for contributor eligibility, but it’s appropriate timing for the “Zen Master,” having just earned his 10th NBA title a couple months prior, breaking his tie with Red Auerbach to stand alone atop the coaching leaderboard.
2010
Nominees: Dave Bing, Patrick Ewing, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Reggie Miller*, Earl Monroe, Scottie Pippen, David Robinson, Dennis Rodman, John Stockton, Lenny Wilkens, Dominique Wilkins, James Worthy
Finalists
Patrick Ewing
Scottie Pippen
David Robinson
John Stockton
James Worthy
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: David Robinson
The “Admiral” had retired in 2003 and was first eligible in 2008, but was forced to wait his turn behind Michael Jordan and Karl Malone. No shame in that. Having spent all 13 seasons of his career with the Spurs, Robinson becomes the first inductee to play for only one franchise since Kevin McHale in 2002.
Contributor: Don Nelson
The architect of “Nellie Ball,” a run-and-gun approach that redefined the NBA, Nelson had just surpassed Lenny Wilkens as the all-time winningest coach in league history. During the media tour surrounding his induction ceremony, Nelson announces his retirement, after 1,335 wins over 32 seasons.
2011
Nominees: Dave Bing, Dave DeBusschere, Patrick Ewing, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Reggie Miller, Earl Monroe, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, John Stockton, Lenny Wilkens, Dominique Wilkins, James Worthy
Finalists
Patrick Ewing
Scottie Pippen
John Stockton
Dominique Wilkins
James Worthy
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: John Stockton
The all-time assists leader enters the NBA Hall of Fame in his fourth year of eligibility. Stockton and longtime teammate Karl Malone are the first two players inducted who spent any time (let alone their entire career) with the Jazz, getting in ahead of prior franchise legend Pete Maravich.
Contributor: Wayne Embry
His playing career was impressive but it’s Embry’s front office endeavors that get him inducted. He made history in 1972 as the first Black general manager in any major American sport, then held executive roles for the next three decades with the Bucks, Cavaliers, Pacers, and Raptors.
2012
Nominees: Dave Bing, Dave DeBusschere, Patrick Ewing, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Reggie Miller, Earl Monroe, Gary Payton*, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Lenny Wilkens, Dominique Wilkins, James Worthy
Finalists
Patrick Ewing
Gary Payton*
Scottie Pippen
Dominique Wilkins
James Worthy
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Scottie Pippen
We continue clearing out the ’90s legends, with Pippen getting inducted. The ultimate sidekick, Pippen was the second best player on six Bulls title teams alongside Michael Jordan. He was also MVP of the 1994 All-Star Game, a steals leader, and All-Defensive 10 times.
Contributor: Jerry Colangelo
At age 28, he became the youngest general manager in pro sports history, joining the expansion Suns in 1968. Over the next three decades, Colangelo won four Executive of the Year awards and built two NBA Finals rosters.
2013
Nominees: Dave Bing, Dave DeBusschere, Patrick Ewing, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Reggie Miller, Earl Monroe, Gary Payton, Dennis Rodman, Chris Webber*, Lenny Wilkens, Dominique Wilkins, James Worthy
Finalists
Patrick Ewing
Bob McAdoo
Gary Payton
Dominique Wilkins
James Worthy
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Patrick Ewing
Similar to how his peers snatched up available titles and trophies during the ’90s, Ewing was also passed over five times before getting inducted. One of the greatest two-way centers in league history, Ewing was All-NBA seven times and finished his career 10th in league history in points and third in blocks.
Contributor: Hubie Brown
His coaching career was undeniably great, with two NBA Coach of the Year awards and an ABA title. But Brown’s biggest legacy was his unique and informed color commentary, starting with USA in the ’80s, and eventually developing into an encyclopedic elder statesman of the game.
2014
Nominees: Dave Bing, Dave DeBusschere, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Reggie Miller, Earl Monroe, Alonzo Mourning, Gary Payton, Dennis Rodman, Chris Webber, Lenny Wilkens, Dominique Wilkins, James Worthy
Finalists
Tom Heinsohn
Bob McAdoo
Gary Payton
Dominique Wilkins
James Worthy
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Gary Payton
We have a changing of the guard moment this year, as Payton becomes the first player ever inducted who was not part of the 1996 “50 Greatest Players” list. One more superlative for Payton: the first and maybe only player inducted as a member of the SuperSonics.
Contributor: Jerry West
West joins his Lakers co-worker Bill Sharman as the second person ever inducted as a player and as a contributor. He was general manager of the Lakers for 21 seasons, earning six championship rings in addition to his one as a player. Soon after this induction, West would add to his collection as a partial owner of the Warriors.
2015
Nominees: Dave Bing, Dave DeBusschere, Tom Heinsohn, Allen Iverson*, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Reggie Miller, Earl Monroe, Alonzo Mourning, Dennis Rodman, Chris Webber, Lenny Wilkens, Dominique Wilkins, James Worthy
Finalists
Tom Heinsohn
Allen Iverson*
Bob McAdoo
Dominique Wilkins
James Worthy
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Allen Iverson*
One of the most dynamic guards in NBA history, Iverson is an easy choice for first year induction. Any controversy that dogged his playing days had faded away at this point and Iverson’s induction ceremony is a celebration of his incredible career, presided over by new commissioner Adam Silver.
Contributor: Larry Brown
Knowing that Iverson would be a shoo-in for induction, Hall of Fame contributor voters opt for symmetry, inducting his best NBA coach in Brown. In a career spanning 34 years, Brown coached nine different NBA franchises, including the 2001 76ers that reached the NBA Finals and the 2004 title winning Pistons.
2016
Nominees: Dave Bing, Dave DeBusschere, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Reggie Miller, Earl Monroe, Alonzo Mourning, Shaquille O’Neal*, Dennis Rodman, Chris Webber, Lenny Wilkens, Dominique Wilkins, James Worthy
Finalists
Tom Heinsohn
Bob McAdoo
Shaquille O’Neal*
Dominique Wilkins
James Worthy
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Shaquille O’Neal*
Another unsurprising first year induction, O’Neal is a unanimous choice amongst voters. The dominant center earned three Finals MVPs and one league MVP. His speech includes a heartfelt thank you to his recently retired former teammate and adversary, Kobe Bryant.
Contributor: Rod Thorn
He drafted Michael Jordan as the general manager of the Bulls, built the Nets teams that made back-to-back NBA Finals, served as the league’s Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for 14 years, and chaired the committee that selected the 1992 U.S. Olympic “Dream Team.”
2017
Nominees: Dave Bing, Dave DeBusschere, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Tracy McGrady*, Reggie Miller, Earl Monroe, Alonzo Mourning, Dennis Rodman, Chris Webber, Lenny Wilkens, Dominique Wilkins, James Worthy
Finalists
Tom Heinsohn
Bob McAdoo
Earl Monroe++
Dominique Wilkins
James Worthy
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Dominique Wilkins
After 13 years of eligibility and 11 years as a finalist, the “Human Highlight Film” joins the NBA Hall of Fame, narrowly defeating first time finalist McAdoo in voting. Wilkins is the first player inducted who spent the majority of their career with the Atlanta Hawks.
Contributor: Jerry Reinsdorf and Jerry Krause
In an unprecedented move, the voting committee opts to honor Reinsdorf and Krause as a pair. The respective owner and general manager of the Bulls, they architected six championship teams together. Krause is inducted posthumously, just a few months after passing away at age 77.
2018
Nominees: Dave Bing, Dave DeBusschere, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Jason Kidd*, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Tracy McGrady, Reggie Miller, Earl Monroe, Alonzo Mourning, Dennis Rodman, Chris Webber, Lenny Wilkens, James Worthy
Finalists
Tom Heinsohn
Jason Kidd*
Bob McAdoo
Earl Monroe
James Worthy
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Jason Kidd*
One of the greatest point guards in league history, Kidd dominates the voting to get inducted in his first year of eligibility. At the time of his induction, Kidd was on hiatus from coaching, having been fired earlier in the year by the Bucks, but would return soon after as an assistant for the Lakers, earning a second championship ring.
Contributor: Gregg Popovich
Just as he was about to surpass Lenny Wilkens as the all-time winningest coach in NBA history (regular season and playoffs combined), Popovich is inducted into the Hall of Fame. The five-time champion was still going strong at the time, eventually also breaking Don Nelson’s regular season wins record in 2022.
2019
Nominees: Ray Allen*, Dave Bing, Dave DeBusschere, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Tracy McGrady, Earl Monroe, Alonzo Mourning, Steve Nash*, Dennis Rodman, Chris Webber, Lenny Wilkens, James Worthy
Finalists
Tom Heinsohn
Bob McAdoo
Earl Monroe
Steve Nash*
James Worthy
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Steve Nash*
For the second straight year, a legendary point guard in their first year of eligibility is an easy induction choice for the voting committee. The Canadian citizen becomes the first inductee who represented a country other than the U.S. in international competition.
Contributor: Alan Siegel
He left an indelible impact on the game, as the designer of the iconic NBA logo. Based unofficially on a photo of Jerry West, Siegel’s work has represented the league since 1969, marking its 50th anniversary in 2019.
2020
Nominees: Ray Allen*, Dave Bing, Dave DeBusschere, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Tracy McGrady, Earl Monroe, Alonzo Mourning, Steve Nash*, Dennis Rodman, Chris Webber, Lenny Wilkens, James Worthy
Finalists
Tom Heinsohn
Bob McAdoo
Earl Monroe
Steve Nash*
James Worthy
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Bob McAdoo
A league MVP, Rookie of the Year winner, and three-time scoring champion, McAdoo was one of the NBA’s biggest stars of the ’70s, then won two titles with the “Showtime” Lakers. However, his wait breaks the record for longest in Hall of Fame history, 29 years after he was first eligible and first nominated.
Contributor: Val Ackerman
One of the most influential women in pro basketball’s history, Ackerman spent eight years in the NBA league office before becoming the first commissioner of the WNBA. Considered the first woman to ever successfully launch a woman’s pro sports league, Ackerman remained commissioner for eight years before stepping down to concentrate on USA Basketball.
As the league turns 75 and the NBA Hall of Fame turns 50, the organizing committee announces a new structure for inductees. All 50 prior inducted players are organized into four “tiers,” as suggested by Bill Simmons and voted on by committee members. All future inductees will also be placed into a tier as part of their enshrinement. The tier system applies to NBA players only and breaks down as follows:
Tier 1: The best of the best; players who, at some point, were considered possibly the greatest of all time. Minimum requirements of multiple league MVPs, multiple Finals MVPs (if applicable), near the top of one or more career leaderboards, and led the league multiple times in a major category.
Tier 2: Legendary players who were arguably the best in the NBA for an extended period, but not the greatest of all time. Minimum requirement of at least one league MVP or Finals MVP, near the top of one or more career leaderboards, and led the league at least once in a major category.
Tier 3: Players who meet the criteria for tier 2 but were considered the best player in the league for only a short period, or players who were never the best in the NBA but sustained an MVP level pace for a sustained period.
Tier 4: Players who reached the heights of MVP or at least MVP level play but not for a lengthy period, or players who never reached that level but were consistently just below for a sustained period.
Tier 5: Players who don’t meet the criteria for the tiers above, or players who do but had their career capped by injuries or other factors .
The results of the committee tier voting is as follows:
Tier 1: Kareem-Abdul Jabbar, Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell
Tier 2: Bob Cousy, Julius Erving, Moses Malone, George Mikan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O’Neal, Bob Pettit, Oscar Robertson, Jerry West
Tier 3: Charles Barkley, Rick Barry, Elgin Baylor, John Havlicek, Karl Malone, David Robinson, Isiah Thomas
Tier 4: Walt Frazier, Allen Iverson, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Scottie Pippen, Dolph Schayes, John Stockton, Willis Reed
Tier 5: Tiny Archibald, Paul Arizin, Dave Cowens, Billy Cunningham, Clyde Drexler, Patrick Ewing, George Gervin, Hal Greer, Elvin Hayes, Sam Jones, Jerry Lucas, Bob McAdoo, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Gary Payton, Bill Sharman, Nate Thurmond, Wes Unseld, Bill Walton, Dominique Wilkins
2021
Nominees: Ray Allen, Kobe Bryant*, Tim Duncan*, Kevin Garnett*, Tom Heinsohn, Grant Hill, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Tracy McGrady, Earl Monroe, Alonzo Mourning, Dennis Rodman, Chris Webber, Lenny Wilkens, James Worthy
Finalists
Kobe Bryant*
Tim Duncan*
Kevin Garnett*
Earl Monroe
James Worthy
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Kobe Bryant (Tier 1)
This was already by far the most controversial Hall of Fame voting to date due to the tiered system, but the Bryant vs. Duncan debate pushes it even further. It was likely Bryant’s recent untimely death in a helicopter crash that puts him over the top.
Contributor: Doug Collins
His coaching career was most notable for his stint with the Bulls in the ’80s, leading Michael Jordan to his first Conference Finals. As a broadcaster, he’s recognized as one of the greatest color commentators in television history, working extensively for CBS, NBC, TNT, and ABC/ESPN.
2022
Nominees: Ray Allen, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Tom Heinsohn, Grant Hill, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Tracy McGrady, Earl Monroe, Alonzo Mourning, Paul Pierce*, Dennis Rodman, Chris Webber, Lenny Wilkens, James Worthy
Finalists
Tim Duncan
Kevin Garnett
Tracy McGrady
Earl Monroe
James Worthy
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Tim Duncan (Tier 1)
He goes down as the greatest inductee who had to wait, due to the timing, and the only Tier 1 inductee who wasn’t enshrined in his first year of eligibility. The two-time league MVP and three-time Finals MVP is voted in unanimously and is inducted by his longtime coach and fellow Hall of Famer Gregg Popovich.
Contributor: Danny Crawford
Officiating was initially a moonlighting gig to Crawford’s teaching job, but he eventually dedicated himself fully to the craft and went down as one of the greatest referees in NBA history. A player favorite throughout his career, Crawford worked the NBA Finals for 23 consecutive years, from 1995 to his 2017 retirement.
2023
Nominees: Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Tom Heinsohn, Grant Hill, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Tracy McGrady, Earl Monroe, Alonzo Mourning, Paul Pierce, Dennis Rodman, Ben Wallace+, Chris Webber, Lenny Wilkens, James Worthy
Finalists
Kevin Garnett
Tracy McGrady
Earl Monroe
Paul Pierce++
James Worthy
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Kevin Garnett (Tier 3)
Garnett is an easy choice for the enshrinement committee, comfortably beating out voting campaigns for his Boston teammates Pierce and Allen. But for the first time, debate sparks about a tier placement. Many argue for Tier 4 and a couple even for Tier 2, but Garnett ultimately falls into Tier 3.
Contributor: Yao Ming
Only the second player to be inducted on the Contributor track, Yao is honored for his centrality to NBA expansion into China, as well as his ongoing role as a global ambassador of the league and of the sport itself.
2024
Nominees: Ray Allen, Dirk Nowitzki*, Tom Heinsohn, Grant Hill, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Tracy McGrady, Earl Monroe, Tony Parker*, Paul Pierce, Dennis Rodman, Dwyane Wade*, Chris Webber, Lenny Wilkens, James Worthy
Finalists
Tracy McGrady
Earl Monroe
Dirk Nowitzki*
Dwyane Wade*
James Worthy
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Dirk Nowitzki* (Tier 2)
Just as he did with the Mavericks in the 2011 NBA Finals, Nowitzki defeats Wade in voting here. Nowitzki enters the Hall as the seventh all-time leading scorer in NBA history and makes history as the first enshrined foreign born player without a college basketball career.
Contributor: Peter Holt
Immediately after purchasing the franchise in 1993, Holt began implementing the “Spurs Way,” which not only yielded five NBA titles but also contributed vastly to the San Antonio community with service projects. At the time he’s inducted, Holt’s son Peter J. had supplanted him as franchise chairman.
2025
Nominees: Ray Allen, Tom Heinsohn, Grant Hill, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Tracy McGrady, Earl Monroe, Alonzo Mourning, Tony Parker, Paul Pierce, Dennis Rodman, Dwyane Wade, Chris Webber, Lenny Wilkens, James Worthy
Finalists
Tracy McGrady
Earl Monroe
Paul Pierce
Dwyane Wade
James Worthy
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Dwyane Wade (Tier 4)
Wade makes it after one year of waiting his turn behind Dirk Nowitzki. The 2006 Finals MVP was also All-NBA 11 times, an All-Star 13 times, and finished his career top 50 in points, assists, and steals.
Contributor: Charles Barkley
“Sir Charles” becomes the first person inducted as a player and as a contributor specifically for their media career. In over a quarter century on Inside the NBA, Barkley has become an insightful and hilarious ambassador of the league.
2026
Nominees: Ray Allen, Tom Heinsohn, Grant Hill, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Tracy McGrady, Earl Monroe, Tony Parker, Paul Pierce, Dennis Rodman, Chris Webber, Lenny Wilkens, James Worthy
Finalists
Pete Maravich
Tracy McGrady
Earl Monroe
Paul Pierce
James Worthy
Inductees
Click here for induction details
Player: Earl Monroe (Tier 5)
In the summer after the Knicks win their first title in 53 years, a key member of that last championship squad gets his honors. Monroe’s NBA career was muted by injuries but still spectacular. He is inducted by his “Rolls Royce Back Court” Knicks teammate Walt Frazier.
Contributor: Marty Glickman
Knicks championship fever carries over to the Contributor category, Glickman is inducted for his 21 years as the voice of the franchise in his role as radio announcer for WNEW.
2027