Two of the most influential stars of the modern basketball era are now officially on the path to Springfield.
Blake Griffin and two-time WNBA MVP Candace Parker are eligible for enshrinement into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, highlighting a loaded list of first-time nominees announced Friday. Their names headline a ballot that blends NBA and WNBA excellence, international dominance, coaching impact, and historic team success.
Griffin, Parker, Jamal Crawford, the iconic 1996 U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team, and coaches Bruce Pearl and Kelvin Sampson were all revealed as first-time nominees who will be considered for the Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Also appearing on the ballot for the first time are Elena Delle Donne and Joe Johnson as players, along with Mike D’Antoni as a contributor to the game.
Blake Griffin: A Transformational NBA Star
At his peak, Blake Griffin was one of the most electrifying forces the NBA had seen in decades. The former No. 1 overall pick changed the identity of the Los Angeles Clippers, turning a long-struggling franchise into a must-watch contender during the “Lob City” era.
Griffin’s résumé includes Rookie of the Year honors, multiple All-Star selections, and All-NBA recognition, but his impact went beyond box scores. His athleticism, versatility, and evolving skill set helped redefine what was expected from power forwards in the modern NBA. Later in his career, Griffin reinvented himself as a skilled playmaker and shooter, extending his effectiveness well beyond his early explosive years.
Hall of Fame discussions often center on legacy, and Griffin’s influence on the game — both stylistically and culturally — makes his eligibility especially notable.
Candace Parker: One of the Greatest Ever
Candace Parker’s Hall of Fame case is as strong as any in basketball history.
A two-time WNBA MVP, multiple-time champion, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP, Parker dominated at every level she played. She entered the league as a generational talent and delivered immediately, becoming one of the most complete players the women’s game has ever seen.
Parker’s versatility — her ability to score, rebound, defend, and facilitate — set her apart. She also became a central figure in elevating the visibility and respect of the WNBA, both through her on-court excellence and her leadership off it. Her eligibility for enshrinement feels less like a question of “if” and more like “when.”
A Deep and Diverse Ballot
Beyond Griffin and Parker, the list of first-time nominees reflects the global and multi-dimensional nature of basketball history.
Jamal Crawford, celebrated for his scoring artistry and longevity, earned recognition as one of the most creative offensive guards of his era. Elena Delle Donne, one of the most efficient and dominant scorers in women’s basketball history, and Joe Johnson, a seven-time NBA All-Star known for clutch performances, also appear on the ballot.
As a contributor, Mike D’Antoni’s nomination recognizes his revolutionary offensive philosophies, which helped shape today’s pace-and-space NBA. His influence on modern basketball strategy is undeniable.
The ballot also includes the legendary 1996 U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team, whose gold medal run in Atlanta helped usher in a new era for women’s basketball on the world stage. That team played a foundational role in the launch and success of the WNBA.
Nearly 200 players, teams, and contributors were named on the overall list, including several finalists who fell short of induction in the Class of 2025. Among them is Jennifer Azzi, a member of the 1996 Olympic team, who returns to the ballot again this year as an individual nominee.
What Comes Next
“The candidates for the Class of 2026 have each left an indelible impact on the game of basketball,” said Hall of Fame President and CEO John L. Doleva, emphasizing the breadth of influence represented on this year’s ballot.
The Hall of Fame selection process will continue over the coming months. Finalists are typically announced during NBA All-Star Weekend in February. The official Class of 2026 will be revealed on April 4 at the NCAA Final Four, with enshrinement weekend scheduled for August 14–15 at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, and Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts.
For now, the conversation begins — and with names like Blake Griffin and Candace Parker leading the way, the Class of 2026 has the potential to be one of the most impactful in recent memory.
