Overview
- Candace Parker and Blake Griffin headline the finalist pool, with Doc Rivers advancing again alongside Amar'e Stoudemire and Marques Johnson.
- Women’s recognition is prominent, including the unbeaten 1996 U.S. Olympic team and individual finalists Jennifer Azzi, Elena Delle Donne and Chamique Holdsclaw.
- Committees span North American, women’s, veterans, international and contributors categories, reflecting the Hall’s multi-track selection process.
- Other notable names include coaches Mike D’Antoni, Mark Few, Kelvin Sampson and Dick Motta; referee Joey Crawford; and players Kevin Johnson and Buck Williams.
- The Hall said the class will be revealed April 4, with the enshrinement ceremony scheduled for Aug. 15 at Symphony Hall in Springfield, and the announcement prompted immediate online skepticism of Rivers’ candidacy.