Brandon Roy Named First-Time Candidate for Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Brandon Roy’s basketball journey has always been rooted in Seattle - from the hardwood of Garfield High to the rafters at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Now, the former Washington Huskies star could be taking his next step onto the sport’s most hallowed stage: the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Roy, one of the most beloved players in Husky history, has been named a candidate for the 2026 Hall of Fame class. It’s his first time on the ballot, and for anyone who watched his career - from college stardom to NBA brilliance and back to the high school sidelines - the nomination feels like a long-overdue recognition of his impact on the game.
A Husky Legend
Before he was an NBA All-Star or a high school coaching phenom, Roy was a local kid making good. A Seattle native and Garfield High School standout, he stayed home to play for the University of Washington from 2002 to 2006. By the time he left, he had cemented his place among the all-time greats in program history.
His senior season in 2005-06 was nothing short of spectacular. Roy averaged 20.2 points per game, powered the Huskies to a 26-7 record, and led them to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Tournament. That year, he was named a consensus All-American and earned Pac-10 Player of the Year honors - a fitting cap to a career that helped elevate Washington basketball onto the national stage.
The Huskies honored Roy by retiring his No. 3 jersey in 2009, a rare nod that speaks volumes about his legacy in Seattle and the program’s history.
NBA Brilliance, Brief but Bright
Roy’s college success translated quickly to the pro level. Selected sixth overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2006 NBA Draft, he wasted no time making an impact. He was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2007 and followed that up with three straight All-Star appearances from 2008 to 2010.
At his peak, Roy was one of the most dynamic guards in the league - a smooth scorer with a high basketball IQ and the ability to take over games in crunch time. In 2009, he earned All-NBA Second Team honors, followed by a Third Team selection in 2010. For a five-year stretch, he was the face of the Blazers and one of the league’s most respected players.
But as electric as Roy was on the court, his career was ultimately cut short by chronic knee issues. After playing five seasons in Portland, he retired following the 2010-11 campaign. He attempted a comeback with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2012-13, but injuries limited him to just five games before he was sidelined for good.
In 326 career games, Roy averaged 18.8 points, 4.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and a steal per game - shooting 45.9% from the field and 34.8% from three. Those numbers, while impressive, only tell part of the story. Roy’s poise, leadership, and clutch gene made him one of the most respected guards of his era.
A New Chapter on the Sidelines
Roy didn’t walk away from basketball when his playing days ended - he simply changed roles. He returned to Seattle and quickly made a name for himself as a high school coach, bringing the same passion and basketball mind to the sidelines that he once displayed on the court.
In 2016, he took over at Nathan Hale High School and led the team to a perfect 29-0 season and a Washington 3A state championship. That undefeated run earned him the Naismith National High School Coach of the Year award in 2017 - a rare honor for a first-year coach.
He then returned to his alma mater, Garfield High, in 2017, where he continued to build a powerhouse program. Under his leadership, Garfield won two more 3A state titles, in 2018 and 2023. Though his coaching tenure at Garfield ended earlier this year, Roy’s impact on Seattle basketball - both as a player and coach - is undeniable.
Why the Hall of Fame Is in Play
Unlike some other major sports halls, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame casts a wide net. It recognizes not just NBA legends, but also college greats, international stars, and high school contributors who’ve left a lasting mark on the game.
That’s where Roy’s case becomes compelling. His career may not have the longevity of some Hall of Famers, but his peak was elite, and his legacy stretches far beyond the NBA. From leading the Huskies to national relevance, to becoming one of the league’s best young stars, to mentoring the next generation of Seattle hoopers - Roy’s basketball résumé is rich with impact.
Now, with his name officially on the Hall of Fame ballot, Roy’s story could take one more step - this time into Springfield. And for those who’ve followed his journey from Garfield to the NBA and back, it’s a moment that feels both fitting and well-earned.