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Candace Parker, Amar’e Stoudemire and Doc Rivers headline a nine-member class that has been selected for induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame next August. The threesome will be joined by Elena Delle Donne, Mark Few, Joey Crawford, Chamique Holdsclaw, Mike D’Antoni and the 1996 United States Women’s National Team in the Class of 2026, the Hall of Fame announced Saturday. Some were dominant forces on the court and pioneers of their sport, while the coaches maintained remarkable levels of sustained success for over two decades each.
Dave McMenamin: The Naismith Hall of Fame finalists have been announced: North American Committee Finalists (in alphabetical order): ⚫ Joey Crawford [Referee] • Mark Few [Coach] Blake Griffin [Player] ⚫ Kevin Johnson [Player] • Gary McKnight [Coach] • Dick Motta [Coach] • Doc Rivers [Coach] Kelvin Sampson [Coach] Amar'e Stoudemire [Player] ⚫ Jerry Welsh [Coach] • Buck Williams [Player] Women's Committee Finalists: 1996 United States Women's National Team ⚫ Jennifer Azzi [Player] ⚫ Elena Delle Donne [Player] • Chamique Holdsclaw [Player] ⚫ Candace Parker [Player] Women's Veterans Committee Finalist: • Molly Bolin-Kazmer [Player] International Committee Finalist: • Dušan Ivković [Coach] Contributors Committee Finalists: • Tal Brody • Mike D'Antoni Veterans Committee Finalists: • Marques Johnson
The Naismith Hall of Fame finalists have been announced: pic.twitter.com/JWzn2R4KmC
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 12, 2026
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced the list of eligible candidates for the Class of 2026, featuring several high-profile first-time nominees. Notable new candidates for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026 include the 1996 USA Basketball Women's National Team, Mike D’Antoni, Jamal Crawford, Elena Delle Donne, Blake Griffin, Joe Johnson, Candace Parker, Bruce Pearl, and Kelvin Sampson. Marv Albert, Mark Few, Doc Rivers, and Amar’e Stoudemire are among returning eligible candidates.
“The candidates for the Class of 2026 have each left an indelible impact on the game of basketball,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “Through defining performances, influential leadership, and achievements that helped elevate the sport on the national and international stage, this year’s ballot recognizes those whose legacy continues to shape how the game is played, coached, and celebrated.”
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Chase Hughes: WNBA legend Elena Delle Donne announced her retirement today and will now serve as a special advisor to Monumental Basketball. From Michael Winger via team release:
Julia Poe: Angel Reese is a WNBA All-Star. Reese is the first Chicago Sky rookie to be named an All-Star since Elena Delle Donne in 2013. She joins Caitlin Clark as the only rookies on this year’s All-Star roster.
Thompson will join a list of several NBA/WNBA players who are also Global Ambassadors for the Special Olympics ... including Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker and Elena Delle Donne of the Washington Mystics.
Nick DePaula: Elena Delle Donne is in the “Be True” Air Deldon today 🔥 pic.twitter.com/VUvUYnKU7U
Elena Delle Donne is in the “Be True” Air Deldon today 🔥 pic.twitter.com/VUvUYnKU7U
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) June 18, 2023
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The White House has long relied on the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition to help spread its message. President Biden's council is led by renowned Chef José Andrés and professional basketball player for the Washington Mystics Elena Delle Donne. On Friday Biden added a star-studded list of people, including basketball player Steph Curry and his wife, cookbook author Ayesha Curry, and Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim. Andrés applauded the Currys for their work supporting restaurants and feeding people in need during the pandemic, "in the middle of a very dark hour for America." "They are powerful because they are boots on the ground," Andrés said.
Elena Delle Donne says Russell Westbrook was “one of her biggest helps” during her rehab from injury: “Russ would come in, way too early on a game day even, and he would come in and rebound for me”
An offshoot of the longstanding voter registration organization Rock The Vote, Hoopers Vote took part in this week’s National Voter Registration Week by having ambassadors from the NBA and WNBA communities, including media that cover the league, publicly push people to make sure they’re registered to vote on multiple social media sites beginning on Thursday. A new website, hoopersvote.org, links to Rock The Vote and its various initiatives. Emmy Award-winning actress and producer Kerry Washington is taking part in the campaign. Current NBA players including Jackson, Duncan Robinson, Collin Sexton and Langston Galloway are taking part; WNBA stars Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart, Nneka Ogwumike, Elena Delle Donne and Renee Montgomery are on board, along with Hall of Famers Lisa Leslie and Rebecca Lobo. NBA Hall of Famers taking part include James Worthy and Alex English, along with media members such as Kenny Smith and Steve Smith of Turner Sports and Jalen Rose of ESPN. Warriors assistant coach Jarron Collins and his twin brother Jason, the former NBA big man, are also ambassadors.