Blake Griffin and Candace Parker Among New Hall of Fame Candidates

Blake Griffin, Candace Parker, Jamal Crawford, the 1996 U.S. Olympic women's basketball team, Bruce Pearl, and Kelvin Sampson are among the first-time nominees announced for consideration for enshrinement into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame next year.

Other notable first-time nominees include Elena Delle Donne, Joe Johnson, and Mike D'Antoni as a contributor. Nearly 200 players and teams are included in the list unveiled on ESPN's 'NBA Today,' with some finalists from the previous year, such as Jennifer Azzi, returning as nominees.

John L. Doleva, president and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, stated that the candidates for the class of 2026 have left an indelible impact on the game of basketball through defining performances and influential leadership.

The finalists will typically be announced during NBA All-Star Weekend in February, with the 2026 class set to be unveiled on April 4 at the NCAA Final Four, and enshrinement weekend scheduled for August 14 and 15 at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, and at Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Other returning nominees include Gonzaga coach Mark Few, NBA legends Marques Johnson and Buck Williams, and Doc Rivers, the only NBA coach with over 1,000 wins not currently in the Hall of Fame.