Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2025 Finalists
On Friday, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame unveiled the 16 individual finalists (and one team) for the Class of 2025, culled from a long list of potential nominees. The final roster is a who’s who of basketball’s most influential figures, featuring names that have left an indelible mark on the NBA and WNBA, such as Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Sue Bird, Maya Moore, and the legendary 2008 U.S. men’s basketball team.
NBA Legends: Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard
Among the NBA players, Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard are particularly notable. Anthony, a 10-time All-Star, is best known for his incredible performances with the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks. He ended his illustrious career with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022. Howard, an eight-time All-Star, started his career with the Orlando Magic, where he spent eight seasons. He later played for several other teams and clinched an NBA championship with the Lakers in the 2020 bubble. Howard also concluded his career with the Lakers in 2022, leaving a legacy of defensive prowess and skills on the court.
WNBA Greats: Sue Bird and Maya Moore
On the WNBA side, the list is equally impressive. Sue Bird, often hailed as one of the greatest point guards in the league’s history, is a 13-time All-Star, four-time WNBA Champion, and five-time Olympic gold medalist. Bird’s entire career was spent with the Seattle Storm, and she retired in 2022 after a remarkable 18 years in the league. Maya Moore, despite a relatively short eight-season career, achieved an extraordinary amount. She led the Minnesota Lynx to four WNBA championships, earned six All-Star nods, and was named WNBA MVP in 2014. Her jersey was retired by the Lynx in an emotional ceremony in August 2022.
Team Honoree: The 2008 U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team
Another significant honoree is the 2008 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team, also known as the "Redeem Team." Coached by Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski, this team reclaimed American basketball’s dominance by winning the gold medal after a disappointing bronze at the 2004 Olympics. The team’s success was a testament to the skill, resilience, and unity of its players and coaches.
Coaches and Contributors
The list of finalists also includes several notable coaches and contributors. Mark Few and Billy Donovan, both still actively coaching, are among the finalists. Donovan has been the head coach of the Chicago Bulls since 2020, while Few has been leading Gonzaga since 1999. According to Naismith guidelines, coaches can be eligible for the Hall either after five years of retirement or after a minimum of 25 years of coaching. Micky Arison, the owner of the Miami Heat since 1995, is another finalist in the contributor category, recognized for his significant contributions to the game of basketball.
Notable Omissions and Next Steps
While the list of finalists is impressive, a few notable names, including NBA coach Doc Rivers and former Iowa coach Lisa Bluder, were not included. Additionally, former NBA stars and first-time nominees Amar’e Stoudemire and Marc Gasol were not named finalists. The full Class of 2025 will be announced during a ceremony at the NCAA Final Four on April 5.
Wojnarowski Receives Gowdy Award
In addition to the Hall of Fame finalists, longtime basketball reporter Adrian Wojnarowski was honored with the 2025 Curt Gowdy Insight Award. Wojnarowski, a veteran of ESPN and Yahoo Sports, is renowned for his groundbreaking reporting and "Woj Bombs"—his trademark breaking news alerts. After a decade at Yahoo, he joined ESPN in 2017. In December 2022, Wojnarowski announced his retirement from journalism to become the general manager of his alma mater, St. Bonaventure’s basketball team. His retirement was partly influenced by a prostate cancer diagnosis, but he received a positive prognosis and is currently symptom-free. The Gowdy awards, named for the late sports broadcaster Curt Gowdy, recognize media members who have made significant contributions to the game, and Wojnarowski’s legacy is a fitting recipient of this honor.
