Amar’e Stoudemire, Doc Rivers, Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne headline the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026, according to multiple reports. The news, first shared by ESPN’s Shams Charania, marks a significant early reveal ahead of the full announcement.
Stoudemire, a former NBA All-Star and Rookie of the Year, built his legacy primarily with the Phoenix Suns. Selected ninth overall in the 2002 draft straight out of high school, he earned six All-Star nods and four All-NBA First Team honors during his 14-year career. His pick-and-roll partnership with Steve Nash powered high-octane Suns offenses in the mid-2000s, though injuries later curtailed his prime. Stints with the Knicks, Mavericks and Heat followed, adding depth to a resume now cemented by Hall induction.
Parker stands out as a WNBA trailblazer, the only player to capture championships with three different teams: the Los Angeles Sparks in 2016, Chicago Sky in 2021 and Las Vegas Aces in 2023. She claimed Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in her debut 2008 season, a unique feat, and added a second MVP in 2013 plus Finals MVP in 2016. Parker’s versatility redefined the power forward role, blending scoring, rebounding and playmaking while earning two Olympic golds with Team USA.
Delle Donne, another WNBA MVP and champion, joins Parker as a player inductee, recognizing her scoring prowess and leadership with the Washington Mystics and Chicago Sky. Rivers enters as a coach, honored for guiding the Boston Celtics to the 2008 NBA title among other playoff successes. Now in his third season leading the Milwaukee Bucks, his career spans decades of influence across multiple franchises.
Gonzaga’s Mark Few rounds out the early reported headliners as a coach, per additional sources. From a pool of 21 finalists that included Blake Griffin, Kevin Johnson and others, these selections highlight a blend of on-court dominance and coaching excellence.
The complete class will be unveiled April 4 at the Final Four, with enshrinement set for August 14-15. This group elevates the Hall’s prestige, honoring contributors who shaped NBA and WNBA eras while inspiring ongoing stars in both leagues.
