NBA (Shadow) Hall of Fame

What would a Hall of Fame look like that’s specific to the NBA?

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. He passed away in 1939, seven years before the NBA formed.
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. Sharman joins his Celtics back court mate Cousy in the finalists pool but it’s Schayes who 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. While Pettit has the advantage in MVP awards (two to one) and scoring titles (two to zero), Cousy was a six time champion and set the career assists record that stood for a decade. The deciding factor seemingly comes down to Cousy’s brief, embarrassing 1970 comeback stint as player-coach of 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, establishing himself as the league’s all-time greatest defender, rebounder, and team captain, leading the Celtics to 11 championships in 13 seasons. At the time of his induction, he 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, while a fifth, Sam Jones, debuts as a nominee in his first year of eligibility.
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. He would have likely added more to his resume if not for a two-year break mid-career to serve in the U.S. Marines and an early retirement in 1962.

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. The first above-the-rim superstar, Baylor never managed to win a championship or an MVP award, but was still a defining player of his generation and remains one of the greatest pure scorers of all time. 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. A four-time league MVP and record book shatterer, Chamberlain most notably scored 100 points in one game, set the career scoring record (which he still held as of this induction; it was broken six years later by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), and the career rebounding record (which he holds to this day). The NBA’s first superstar, Joe Fulks, is dropped from the nominations.

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, his signature stat line of a full season triple-double, and his historical significance in pushing for free agency. This marks the first time that four players make the list of nominees in their first year of eligibility. Early legends Maurice Stokes, Vern Mikkelsen, Richie Guerin, and Ed Macauley are bumped from nomination as a result. This strengthens calls for a veteran’s committee.

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. West finished second in Rookie of the Year voting, second in league MVP voting multiple times, and was on the losing end eight times in the NBA Finals. He was also edged out by Oscar Robertson in the 1979 induction and subsequently opts not to attend his own ceremony. To West, the greatest honor he achieved in 1980 was his championship ring won 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 this ceremony, West was coming off his first year as general manager of the Lakers, a season that ended with a championship, and he would eventually be dual inducted as a contributor for his executive career. Meanwhile, 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

Responsible for one of the singular signature moments in NBA history, Reed had a brief but wildly successful career. He was league MVP in 1970, and Finals MVP in 1970 and 1973, leading the Knicks to their first and only titles. After the induction ceremony, he 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. In between his original nomination and his induction, Sharman added another championship ring to his collection, in 1972 as head coach of the Lakers.

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 is an easy choice for induction in his first year of eligibility. He won eight championships with the Celtics, including two in the post-Russell era, and was Finals MVP in 1974. As of his induction, Havlicek had also been the record holder for career NBA games played for seven years, though it would be broken in the subsequent ’83-’84 season by Elvin Hayes. Jack Twyman is bumped from nominations to make room for Dave Bing.

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). He then added an ABA title with the Oakland Oaks in 1969 for good measure.
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 and final member of the ’60s Celtics dynasty to be inducted, an apt fate for a player who was often overlooked during his stellar career. A key part of 10 Celtics title seasons, he was nicknamed “Mr. Clutch” for his late game heroics and trails only Bill Russell in total championship rings won as a player. With no one newly eligible making the cut, Jack Twyman returns to the nominations list after a one year absence while Tom Heinsohn returns to the finalists list after a six year absence.

Contributor: J. Walter Kennedy

Two decades after he succeeded 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, most notably his handling of landmark lawsuits filed by Oscar Robertson and Spencer Haywood. One other distinguished accomplishment for Kennedy was as 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. Barry also won an NBA scoring title in ’66-’67 and set the career free throw percentage record.

Contributor: Larry Fleisher

Just as Barry was battling with the NBA for player autonomy, Fleisher was taking them to court over the same concerns. 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. A perfect encapsulation of the dichotomy of ’70s New York City, he was maybe the coolest and most stylish player in NBA history but also a gritty, relentless defender.

Contributor: Wat Misaka

There wasn’t much fanfare about it 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. A prototypical sixth man who thrived at both forward positions, Cunningham set the bar high as part of the all-timer ’66-’67 76ers championship team. 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. A confounding player in both good and bad ways, Cowens was league MVP in ’72-’73 and led the Celtics to championships in 1974 and 1976. He also held out in ’76-’77 due to a contract dispute and ultimately retired early at age 31 in 1980. Cowens 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 bigger honors of 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. He was also the scoring champion as a rookie in ’68-’69 and the leading scorer and rebounder on the ’77-’78 Bullets championship team. Bob Lanier is controversially left off the nominations list in his first year of eligibility, while Neil Johnston is dropped after 17 years of nominations.

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 Unseld, who makes his debut as a finalist. A paragon of consistency, Greer played 15 seasons in the NBA, all of them with the 76ers (originally the Syracuse Nationals). His shining moment was on the ’66-’67 76ers, one of the greatest squads in league history. Greer was the leading playoff scorer on that team (yes, ahead of Wilt Chamberlain) and second in assists as they rolled to a championship.

Contributor: Jack Ramsay

One of the great personalities in NBA history, “Dr. Jack” Ramsay (and yes, he did actually earn a doctorate, in education from Penn) spent 20 successful years as a head coach and then subsequent decades as a beloved broadcaster and analyst. His biggest highlight came as head coach of the ’76-’77 Trail Blazers championship team.
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. A preternatural rebounder and also arguably the best passing big man in NBA history, 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 or founding a franchise. But his influence on the league is indelible, mainly in his primary role eliminating segregation in pro basketball, and his innovation 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. An innovator in above-the-rim play, Erving was NBA MVP once, ABA MVP three times, and is appropriately the first Hall of Fame inductee whose career began in the ABA. 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 successful and influential coaching career. 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. Also notable was Sharman’s invention of the now ubiquitous morning shoot-around on game days. He later served as Lakers general manager and president during the “Showtime” era, earning five title rings in those capacities.
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. The reputation of the “Ice Man” was hampered by his inability to lead the Spurs to the NBA Finals, falling just short in Conference Finals losses in 1979, 1982, and 1983.

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 Bill Russell dynasty.

Contributor: Lenny Wilkens

Wilkens made his coaching debut with the Sonics in 1969, becoming just the second Black head coach after Bill Russell, 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

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, then became one of just four players to average 20+ points and 20+ rebounds in a season in his second year. He got a second wind later on as a sixth man on the Knicks, dovetailing his career with a championship in 1973.

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

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 in ’72-’73 became the first, and still only, player to lead the league in scoring and assists. He was later the starting point guard and a key component of the early years of the Larry Bird Celtics era, winning a career capping championship in 1981.

Contributor: Chick Hearn

Though his NBA broadcasting career was spent entirely with one franchise, the Lakers, Francis “Chick” Hearn still established himself as a holistic voice of the NBA. 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 “count 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

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. It’s no surprise that Bird is in unanimously, as his time with the Celtics in the ’80s redefined the league. He won three league MVP awards and two Finals MVP trophies in a career cut tragically short by back troubles. 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. Motta’s teams seemingly always overachieved and 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

Player: Bill Walton

His career was brief due to numerous major injuries, but it was spectacular. Walton took the NBA by storm, earning both league MVP and Finals MVP by the time he turned 25, but would ultimately play in only 259 games over the final decade of his career. His 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. Winter developed the triangle offense while coaching at Kansas State in the ’50s and ’60s, but its ultimate application came in Chicago. 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

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. Considered the quintessential point guard, Thomas guided the Pistons to back-to-back championships, earning Finals MVP in the latter, and retired in fourth place in career assists. 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. Daly coached four NBA teams over an 18-year career, most notably guiding the “Bad Boys” Pistons to back-to-back titles, so it’s fitting that he’s inducted with Thomas. Daly was also head coach of the 1992 U.S. Olympic “Dream Team.”
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

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. His memorable “fo’, fo’, fo’” declaration proved nearly prophetic in the 1983 playoffs, as he led the 76ers to the title and earned a Finals MVP trophy to display alongside his three league MVPs.

Contributor: Marv Albert

Just as the NBA Hall of Fame readies a special ceremony for its 30th anniversary, a controversy arises for the first time with a contributor induction. There was no doubting Albert’s significant contributions to the league, starting as a Knicks broadcaster in the ’60s up through his time as the voice of the NBA in the ’90s, calling eight consecutive Finals for NBC. But Albert had been out of the spotlight for the prior two years after pleading guilty to sexual assault charges. In addition to his induction, he was slated to return to NBC play-by-play in the upcoming ’00-’01 season, and both of those honors received widespread condemnation.
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

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 the NBA Hall of Fame alongside his “Showtime” coach Pat Riley.

Contributor: Pat Riley

Originally a color commentator for Lakers broadcasts, Riley found himself shooting up the franchise’s coaching ranks due to unique and unforeseen circumstances. In just his first year at the helm, Riley led the Lakers to their first of four titles under him. 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

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. In his fifth year as a nominee and first as a finalist, McHale joins Larry Bird in the Hall of Fame. The power forward extraordinaire won three championships with the Celtics and twice earned Sixth Man of the Year honors. 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, built around Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, 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 fan experience.
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

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 yet been the fourth commissioner of the NBA for 20 years quite yet, but Stern is eligible for induction 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. In his first two decades in charge, the NBA had developed into the second biggest pro league in America, thanks largely to shrewd Stern decisions on television contracts, global growth, and marketing opportunities. 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

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, three with the Celtics and one with the Bulls.

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 broadcasting deals, lockout negotiations, and the decision to allow NBA players to participate in the Olympics and FIBA competitions.
2004

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

Player: Charles Barkley*

His induction is unanimous and his ceremony speech is highly anticipated. Barkley never did get that title but he was consistently one of the league’s best players for nearly a decade, including winning league MVP in 1993. By the time of this induction, Barkley had already smoothly transitioned from on court menace to beloved television personality.

Contributor: Phil Knight

His partnership with Michael Jordan was arguably the most successful in the history of athletic sneakers and from there, Knight only increased his influence on the NBA. 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

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. Adrian Dantley returns to the nominations list after a one year absence, just edging out newly eligible Chris Mullin for the spot.

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

Player: Hakeem Olajuwon*

Olajuwon and Ewing always had linked careers, starting as back-to-back #1 overall picks in the NBA Draft in 1984 and 1985, battling in the 1994 NBA Finals, and then both retiring in 2001 as certified legends. Just as he did in that 1994 showdown, Olajuwon gets the edge here as a first year inductee, thanks to his league MVP, his two Finals MVPs, his two Defensive Player of the Year trophies, and his all-time career blocks record. After 19 consecutive seasons as a finalist, Tom Heinsohn is bumped back into the nominees list due to Ewing.

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, holding the position for a decade that included the 1976 “Miracle at Richfield” playoff run, and 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

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 GOAT is enshrined, the NBA Hall of Fame also honors the league’s first superstar. One of the first players to master the jump shot, Fulks dominated the league’s first two seasons, winning back-to-back scoring titles and leading the Warriors to the inaugural championship. He is the first player to be inducted through the Contributor lane, setting a potential precedent for future honorees.
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

Player: Karl Malone*

In his first year of eligibility, Malone leaps over several of his peers, including longtime Jazz teammate Stockton. A two-time league MVP, Malone finished his career second on the all-time scoring list, sixth in rebounds, and third in All-Star appearances. But 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 Jackson. The “Zen Master” had just earned his 10th NBA title a couple months prior, breaking his tie with Red Auerbach to stand alone atop the coaching leaderboard. He would lead the Lakers to an 11th title in the subsequent season.
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

Player: David Robinson

After a couple years of waiting due to impressive company, Robinson enters the NBA Hall of Fame. The “Admiral” had retired as a champion 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 offensive approach that redefined the NBA, Nelson had just surpassed Lenny Wilkens during the ’09-’10 season 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

Player: John Stockton

The all-time assists leader, Stockton enters the NBA Hall of Fame in his fourth year of eligibility. He joins his predecessor on that assists leaderboard, Magic Johnson, as well as his signature teammate, Karl Malone. Stockton and 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, including five All-Star appearances and a championship with the Celtics in 1968, 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

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. He held the job for almost three decades, building two NBA Finals teams and winning four NBA Executive of the Year awards. He was also a team owner starting in 1987 and in that capacity was crucial to the rebuild around Steve Nash in the ’00s.
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

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 with the Kentucky Colonels in 1975. But Brown’s biggest legacy was his unique and informed color commentary. His television turn started with USA in the ’80s, developed at CBS, and then turned him into an encyclopedic elder statesman of the game at TNT and ABC in the ’90s and ’00s.
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

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. Non-coincidentally, the legendary point guard is also the first player inducted whose career started in the ’90s. One more superlative for Payton: the first and maybe only player inducted as a member of the SuperSonics.

Contributor: Jerry West

Speaking of superlatives, West joins his longtime Lakers co-worker Bill Sharman as the second person ever inducted as a player and as a contributor. Already considered one of the greatest players of all time, West added a legendary executive career on top. He was general manager of the Lakers for 21 seasons, architecting both the “Showtime” and Kobe/Shaq eras and earning six championship rings in addition to his one as a player. Soon after this induction, West would add to his collection as a board member and 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

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. New commissioner Adam Silver presides over the proceedings for the first time.

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, eight of which he led to a playoff appearance, which is a record. When his Pistons won the title in 2004, Brown became the only coach ever with an NBA title and an NCAA title (in 1988 with Kansas).
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

Player: Shaquille O’Neal*

Another unsurprising first year induction, O’Neal is a unanimous choice amongst voters. The dominant center earned three Finals MVPs, one league MVP, and won four championships while racking up one of the most impressive stat lines in league history.

Contributor: Rod Thorn

His eight seasons playing in the NBA were solid but Thorn’s true contributions to the game came after his retirement. He won an ABA title as an assistant coach on the Nets, drafted Michael Jordan as the general manager of the Bulls, built the Nets teams that made back-to-back NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003, 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

On the 20th anniversary of the league’s founding, a WNBA category is added to the NBA Hall of Fame inductions. There are three yearly nominees and one induction. In alignment with the NBA rules, WNBA players are eligible five years after their retirement.

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

WNBA nominees: Cynthia Cooper, Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes

Finalists

Tom Heinsohn
Bob McAdoo
Earl Monroe++
Dominique Wilkins
James Worthy

Inductees

NBA player: Dominique Wilkins

After 13 years of eligibility and 11 years as a finalist, the “Human Highlight Film” joins the NBA Hall of Fame. A nine-time All-Star, one-time scoring champ, and two-time Slam Dunk Contest winner, Wilkins narrowly defeats first time finalist McAdoo in voting. He is the first player inducted who spent the majority of their career with the Atlanta Hawks.

WNBA player: Cynthia Cooper

An easy pick as the first WNBA induction, Cooper was by far the league’s biggest star in its early days. She led the Houston Comets to the first four WNBA titles, while earning four Finals MVPs (still the record high), two league MVPs, and three scoring championships.

Contributor: Jerry Reinsdorf and Jerry Krause

In another unprecedented move, the Hall of Fame inducts two contributors for the first time, as the voting committee opts to honor Reinsdorf and Krause as a pair. The respective owner and general manager of the Bulls, both starting in 1985, they architected six championship teams together. They also controversially oversaw the dynasty’s 1998 dissolution and subsequent struggles. Krause is inducted 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

WNBA nominees: Yolanda Griffith+, Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes

Finalists

Tom Heinsohn
Jason Kidd*
Bob McAdoo
Earl Monroe
James Worthy

Inductees

NBA 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. In addition to quarterbacking teams to three NBA Finals and winning one title, Kidd retired in second place all-time in career assists and career steals. 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.

WNBA player: Lisa Leslie

Undeniably one of the greatest players in women’s basketball history, Leslie was already 25 when the WNBA started but fashioned a dominant 12-year career. She was league MVP three times, Defensive Player of the Year twice, and Finals MVP twice, leading the Los Angeles Sparks to championships in 2001 and 2002.

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

WNBA nominees: Yolanda Griffith, Lauren Jackson+, Sheryl Swoopes

Finalists

Tom Heinsohn
Bob McAdoo
Earl Monroe
Steve Nash*
James Worthy

Inductees

NBA 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. Nash was league MVP twice, finished his career third in total assists, and set the record for career free throw percentage. He also enduringly changed the game with his breakneck style of play. South African born and a Canadian citizen, Nash becomes the first inductee who represented a country other than the U.S. in international competition.

WNBA player: Sheryl Swoopes

The first pick of the league’s allocation draft, Swoopes sat out much of her rookie year due to pregnancy but immediately thereafter developed into a superstar. She was a four-time champion (with the Houston Comets), three-time league MVP, and retired top 10 in WNBA history in points, assists, and steals.

Contributor: Alan Siegel

A basketball player at Long Beach High School in New York, Siegel could have continued as a scholarship athlete in college but instead opted to focus on communications. He would still leave an indelible impact on the game however, 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, Grant Hill, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, Tracy McGrady, Earl Monroe, Alonzo Mourning, Dennis Rodman, Chris Webber, Lenny Wilkens, James Worthy

WNBA nominees: Yolanda Griffith, Lauren Jackson, Tina Thompson+

Finalists

Tom Heinsohn
Bob McAdoo
Tracy McGrady++
Earl Monroe
James Worthy

Inductees

NBA 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. He then extended his career through the ’80s, taking a sixth man role on the Lakers and winning two titles. However, his wait breaks the record for longest in Hall of Fame history, 29 years after he was first eligible and first nominated.

WNBA player: Lauren Jackson

After starting her career in her native Australia, Jackson took the WNBA by storm in 2001, pun intended. She spent her entire WNBA career with the Seattle Storm, leading them to two titles and earning Finals MVP in 2010. Jackson was also league MVP three times, Defensive Player of the Year once, and a three-time scoring champion. She is the first Australian ever inducted into the Hall of Fame in any category.

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.
2021

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 voting 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

The results of the standard yearly voting are as follows:

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

WNBA nominees: Tamika Catchings*, Yolanda Griffith, Tina Thompson

Finalists

Kobe Bryant*
Tim Duncan*
Kevin Garnett*
Earl Monroe
James Worthy

Inductees

NBA 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. He is placed in Tier 1, notably above his longtime teammate and later adversary Shaquille O’Neal.

WNBA player: Tamika Catchings*

A first year nominee, Catchings was arguably the greatest defender in WNBA history, earning the Defensive Player of the Year a record five times despite playing as an undersized power forward. Over 14 seasons with the Indiana Fever, she was also league MVP in 2011, Finals MVP in 2012, and led the league in steals a record eight times (no one else has done it more than twice). Catchings serves as an appropriate parallel inductee to Bryant, both having spent their entire career with one team.

Contributor: Doug Collins

When a series of devastating injuries cut his promising playing career short, Collins turned to coaching and broadcasting, finding a second basketball life. 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

WNBA nominees: Yolanda Griffith, Katie Smith+, Tina Thompson

Finalists

Tim Duncan
Kevin Garnett
Tracy McGrady
Earl Monroe
James Worthy

Inductees

NBA player: Tim Duncan (Tier 1)

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.

WNBA player: Tina Thompson

The third inductee from the early Houston Comets dynasty, Thompson teamed up with Sheryl Swoopes and Cynthia Cooper to win four consecutive titles. The #1 overall pick in the inaugural WNBA Draft, Thompson was an All-Star nine times, All-WNBA eight times, and retired in second place on the league’s all-time scoring list.

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

WNBA nominees: Yolanda Griffith, Maya Moore*, Katie Smith

Finalists

Kevin Garnett
Tracy McGrady
Earl Monroe
Paul Pierce++
James Worthy

Inductees

NBA 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. A league MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and 2008 champ with the Celtics, Garnett follows his longtime rival Tim Duncan into the Hall of Fame.

WNBA player: Maya Moore*

She had announced her official retirement earlier in the year but Moore last played in the WNBA in 2018 and is thus eligible. League MVP and scoring leader in 2014, Finals MVP in 2013, and a four-time champion with the Minnesota Lynx, Moore is one of the greatest power forwards in WNBA history. She was also notably the first woman to sign a sponsorship deal with Air Jordan.

Contributor: Yao Ming

Only the second player to be inducted on the contributor track, Yao’s
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

WNBA nominees: Yolanda Griffith, Deanna Nolan+, Katie Smith

Finalists

Tracy McGrady
Earl Monroe
Dirk Nowitzki*
Dwyane Wade*
James Worthy

Inductees

NBA player: Dirk Nowitzki* (Tier 2)

WNBA player: Yolanda Griffith

Contributor: Peter Holt
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

WNBA nominees: Deanna Nolan, Katie Smith, Lindsey Whalen+

Finalists

Tracy McGrady
Earl Monroe
Paul Pierce
Dwyane Wade
James Worthy

Inductees

NBA player: Dwyane Wade (Tier 4)

WNBA player: Deanna Nolan

Contributor: Charles Barkley
2026

Nominees: Ray Allen, Carmelo Anthony*, Tom Heinsohn, Grant Hill, Dwight Howard*, Dennis Johnson, Pete Maravich, Tracy McGrady, Earl Monroe, Tony Parker, Paul Pierce, Dennis Rodman, Chris Webber, Lenny Wilkens, James Worthy

WNBA nominees: Cappie Pondexter+, Katie Smith, Lindsey Whalen

Finalists

Carmelo Anthony*
Tracy McGrady
Earl Monroe
Paul Pierce
James Worthy

Inductees

NBA player:

WNBA player:

Contributor:
Cappie Pondexter

Lindsey Whalen

Katie Douglas

Becky Hammon

2025

Seimone Augustus

2027

Sylvia Fowles

Sue Bird

Liz Cambage

2028

Elena Delle Donne