A New Class of Basketball Legends
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is set to welcome a distinguished group of figures in 2026. Reports emerging Tuesday indicate that the upcoming class includes a currently active NBA head coach, two iconic WNBA superstars, and a celebrated Phoenix Suns standout.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the inductees are Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, WNBA greats Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne, as well as former NBA star Amar’e Stoudemire. While these names have surfaced via reporting, the official announcement is scheduled for this coming Saturday at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The formal induction ceremony is slated to take place between August 14 and August 15.
Doc Rivers: A Career on the Sidelines
After a 13-year tenure as a professional player, Rivers transitioned into a highly influential coaching career. Following his initial experience with the Orlando Magic, he gained significant prominence with the Boston Celtics. During his nine-year stint in Boston, he led the franchise to seven playoff appearances and two NBA Finals, securing a championship in the 2007-08 season.
Rivers continued his coaching path with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers before taking over the Milwaukee Bucks prior to the 2023-24 season. Over 27 years as a head coach, Rivers has achieved a winning percentage of .580 and ranks sixth on the all-time wins list with 1,191 victories.
WNBA Icons: Parker and Delle Donne
Candace Parker is widely recognized as one of the most talented players in WNBA history. From the moment she was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Sparks, she demonstrated elite performance, winning both MVP and Rookie of the Year honors in her debut season. Across her 16-year career, she secured a second MVP trophy, earned seven All-WNBA first-team selections, and claimed two league championships.
Elena Delle Donne also enjoyed an exceptional start to her career, characterized by two MVP awards and a title with the Washington Mystics. Despite facing significant health challenges, including Lyme disease and a persistent back injury that required surgery, she persevered to return to the court. Delle Donne concluded her decorated career in 2025.
Amar’e Stoudemire: Impact and Legacy
Amar’e Stoudemire rounds out the group as another former Rookie of the Year winner. His time with the Phoenix Suns was defined by explosive athleticism and consistent production, earning him multiple All-NBA honors. His 2004-05 campaign stands out as a high point, where he averaged 26 points and nearly 9 rebounds per game for a dominant Suns squad.
Following his time in Phoenix, Stoudemire played for the New York Knicks, where he continued to contribute as an All-Star and key rotation player despite dealing with various injuries. His contributions to the game were formally honored in 2024 when the Suns retired his No. 32 jersey.