The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame released its list of first-time nominees for the 2026 class on December 19, adding former NBA All-Stars Blake Griffin and Joe Johnson to the ballot.
On the women’s side, two-time WNBA Most Valuable Players Elena Delle Donne and Candace Parker became eligible for the first time and are widely expected to be inducted during the August 14 ceremony.
College coaches Kelvin Sampson and Bruce Pearl, along with longtime NBA head coach Mike D’Antoni (listed in the contributor category), also received their first nominations.
Returning candidates include Gonzaga head coach Mark Few, former NBA coach Doc Rivers, and ex-players Amar’e Stoudemire and Shawn Marion.
The Hall will narrow the field to finalists on February 9. The full class of 2026 is scheduled to be announced on April 4.
Griffin, 36, entered the league as the first overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. After missing his rookie season with a left knee injury that required surgery, he captured Rookie of the Year honors in 2010-11 and went on to earn six All-Star selections and five All-NBA nods over 13 active seasons.
Johnson, 44, was the 10th overall pick in 2001. The versatile guard/forward played parts of 18 NBA seasons, making seven All-Star appearances and earning an All-NBA honor in the 2009-10 campaign.
Source: Hoops Rumors
