Parker, Delle Donne Headline 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Finalists

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Earlier this week, on Wednesday, February 11, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame officially announced the 21 finalists for the Class of 2026. This prestigious group spans the NBA, WNBA, and international ranks, representing the pinnacle of the sport.

The official Class of 2026 will be revealed on April 4, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Final Four weekend in Indianapolis. The formal enshrinement ceremonies will take place from August 14–15 at the Mohegan Sun and the historic Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Candace Parker

Having retired in 2024, “Ace” enters the ballot as one of the most decorated players in history. Before her legendary professional turn, Parker was a force at the University of Tennessee, averaging 19.4 PPG and 8.8 RPG. She led the Lady Vols to back-to-back NCAA Championships (2007, 2008), earning Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors both years.

In the WNBA, Parker’s 16-year career was defined by historic versatility:

The Pioneer: The only player to win WNBA championships with three different franchises (Sparks, Sky, and Aces).
The Resumé: A two-time league MVP, 10-time All-WNBA selection, and the only player to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season (2008).
International Titan: A two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and a EuroLeague Champion (2013).

Elena Delle Donne

A first-time finalist, Delle Donne’s career was marked by unprecedented efficiency. After a stellar collegiate run at Delaware, where she averaged 26.7 PPG, she became a scoring machine in the WNBA.

The 50/40/90 Club: She remains the first and only WNBA player to join this elite shooting club (2019).
Accolades: A two-time WNBA MVP and 2019 Champion with the Washington Mystics. Delle Donne finished her career as a seven-time All-Star and an Olympic Gold Medalist (2016).

Blake Griffin

The face of the “Lob City” era, Griffin redefined the power forward position with his explosive athleticism. Following a National Player of the Year season at Oklahoma, he was the No. 1 overall pick in 2009.

Rookie Sensation: After missing his initial season due to injury, he won the 2011 Rookie of the Year and the Slam Dunk Contest spectacularly.
The Numbers: A six-time NBA All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection, Griffin finished his 14-season career with averages of 19.0 PPG and 8.0 RPG, evolving from a high-flyer into a sophisticated playmaker.

📋 Doc Rivers

Doc Rivers stands as a pillar of NBA coaching longevity, having coached every single season of the 21st century.

The Record: Rivers currently ranks 6th on the NBA’s all-time wins list with over 1,180 victories.
Champion Status: He famously led the 2008 Boston Celtics to their first title in 22 years.
Current Role: He continues his pursuit of a second ring as the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, recently guiding them to a victory in the Emirates NBA Cup.

Additional 2026 Finalists

The ballot is rounded out by iconic figures from every corner of the game:

Category	Finalists
North American Players	Amar’e Stoudemire, Kevin Johnson, Buck Williams
Women’s Committee	Jennifer Azzi, Chamique Holdsclaw, 1996 U.S. Women’s Olympic Team
Coaches	Mark Few, Kelvin Sampson, Dick Motta, Gary McKnight, Jerry Welsh
International/Veterans	Dušan Ivković, Marques Johnson, Molly Bolin-Kazmer
Contributors/Referees	Mike D’Antoni, Tal Brody, Joey Crawford (Referee)