The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame just dropped its list of eligible candidates for the Class of 2026, and let’s just say - it’s loaded. From high-flying dunkers to game-changing coaches, this group brings serious basketball pedigree. Headlining the first-time nominees are Blake Griffin, Jamal Crawford, Joe Johnson, Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, Mike D’Antoni, and Kelvin Sampson.
These names aren’t just familiar - they’ve helped shape the modern game. And while the final class won’t be announced until April 4, with the list of finalists coming February 9, there’s already plenty to break down.
Blake Griffin might be best remembered for his jaw-dropping dunks and his role in turning the Los Angeles Clippers from league afterthought to must-see TV. The No. 1 overall pick in 2009, Griffin won Rookie of the Year in 2011 and became a six-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection.
He was the face of the "Lob City" era - a stretch that redefined the Clippers’ identity and brought real excitement to a franchise long starved for relevance. Now working as an analyst for Amazon Prime’s NBA coverage, Griffin’s post-playing career is off to a strong start, but his on-court legacy speaks loudly enough.
Jamal Crawford, one of the most electrifying scorers off the bench the league has ever seen, is also making his Hall of Fame debut on the ballot. A three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year, Crawford built a reputation as a walking bucket - someone who could heat up in an instant and change the flow of a game.
His handle was legendary, his footwork underrated, and his ability to get a shot off in tight spaces was second to none. He’s transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, now serving as an analyst for NBC Sports and its NBA coverage, but fans will never forget the way he could light up a scoreboard in his prime.
Joe Johnson, aka “Iso Joe,” carved out a 17-year NBA career by being one of the smoothest isolation scorers in the league. A seven-time All-Star, Johnson had a knack for coming through in clutch moments, and his game aged gracefully thanks to his size, skill, and calm demeanor. He was never the loudest star, but his consistency and ability to create his own shot made him one of the most respected players of his era.
On the women’s side, Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne headline a group of nominees whose impact goes far beyond the box score. Parker, a two-time WNBA MVP and two-time champion, has been a dominant force in women’s basketball for over a decade.
Her combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ made her a matchup nightmare, and her leadership helped elevate every team she played for. Delle Donne, a former MVP herself, brought a unique blend of finesse and power to the game.
Her shooting touch, especially for a player of her size, was elite, and her ability to take over games made her one of the most feared scorers in the WNBA.
Mike D’Antoni and Kelvin Sampson bring coaching excellence to the table. D’Antoni’s influence on the modern NBA can’t be overstated.
His “Seven Seconds or Less” offense with the Phoenix Suns helped usher in the pace-and-space era, and his time in Houston further solidified his reputation as an offensive innovator. Sampson, meanwhile, has had success at both the college and professional levels, known for his ability to develop talent and build winning cultures.
The list also includes returning candidates like Doc Rivers, Amar’e Stoudemire, and Shawn Marion, all of whom have strong cases in their own right. Rivers, a championship-winning coach and former player, remains one of the most respected voices in the league. Stoudemire was a dominant force during his peak years with the Suns and Knicks, while Marion was the ultimate do-it-all forward - a defensive stalwart who could guard four positions and still give you 20 points a night.
It’s a deep and diverse group, filled with players and coaches who left their fingerprints on the game in different ways. As the selection process unfolds, there’s bound to be debate - but one thing’s for sure: the Class of 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most compelling in recent memory.