Blake Griffin, Amar’e Stoudemire, Candace Parker headline list of finalists for Hall of Fame
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has officially unveiled its finalists for the Class of 2026, and the announcement signals a potential enshrinement for some of the most electrifying figures in modern basketball history. Leading the prestigious list of candidates are Blake Griffin and Amar’e Stoudemire, two legendary power forwards who fundamentally reshaped the geometry of the NBA game with their verticality and offensive dominance.
Blake Griffin, a first-time finalist, enters the Hall of Fame conversation with a resume defined by spectacular athleticism and comprehensive skill. Bursting onto the scene as the first overall pick, Griffin captured the 2011 Rookie of the Year award and instantly revitalized the Los Angeles Clippers franchise. A six-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection, he was the centerpiece of the "Lob City" era, a period that turned the Clippers into a perennial playoff contender and a global brand. While his highlight-reel dunks over cars and defenders captured headlines, it was Griffin’s evolution into a primary playmaker and perimeter threat that solidified his status as one of the most versatile forwards of his generation.
Joining him on the ballot is Amar’e Stoudemire, whose explosive partnership with Steve Nash in Phoenix created the blueprint for the high-octane offenses seen in the league today. As the finishing force of the "Seven Seconds or Less" Suns, Stoudemire was a six-time All-Star who terrorized defenses with his ability to finish through contact. The 2003 Rookie of the Year remains the gold standard for the modern rim-running big man, and his candidacy is bolstered by the inclusion of his former coach, Mike D’Antoni, who was named a finalist by the North American Committee.
The Class of 2026 finalists also feature championship coach Doc Rivers, creating a unique narrative thread on this year's ballot. Rivers, who coached Griffin during the Clippers' most successful regular-season campaigns, sits among the NBA's all-time leaders in coaching wins and guided the Boston Celtics to the 2008 title. While WNBA icon Candace Parker also headlines the group, the potential induction of Griffin, Stoudemire, and Rivers marks a massive moment for NBA history. The final class will be announced on April 4 during the Final Four weekend.
Blake Griffin, a first-time finalist, enters the Hall of Fame conversation with a resume defined by spectacular athleticism and comprehensive skill. Bursting onto the scene as the first overall pick, Griffin captured the 2011 Rookie of the Year award and instantly revitalized the Los Angeles Clippers franchise. A six-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection, he was the centerpiece of the "Lob City" era, a period that turned the Clippers into a perennial playoff contender and a global brand. While his highlight-reel dunks over cars and defenders captured headlines, it was Griffin’s evolution into a primary playmaker and perimeter threat that solidified his status as one of the most versatile forwards of his generation.
Joining him on the ballot is Amar’e Stoudemire, whose explosive partnership with Steve Nash in Phoenix created the blueprint for the high-octane offenses seen in the league today. As the finishing force of the "Seven Seconds or Less" Suns, Stoudemire was a six-time All-Star who terrorized defenses with his ability to finish through contact. The 2003 Rookie of the Year remains the gold standard for the modern rim-running big man, and his candidacy is bolstered by the inclusion of his former coach, Mike D’Antoni, who was named a finalist by the North American Committee.
The Class of 2026 finalists also feature championship coach Doc Rivers, creating a unique narrative thread on this year's ballot. Rivers, who coached Griffin during the Clippers' most successful regular-season campaigns, sits among the NBA's all-time leaders in coaching wins and guided the Boston Celtics to the 2008 title. While WNBA icon Candace Parker also headlines the group, the potential induction of Griffin, Stoudemire, and Rivers marks a massive moment for NBA history. The final class will be announced on April 4 during the Final Four weekend.
