The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has announced its 2025 finalists. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s 17 finalists include New York Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony, Houston Rockets legend Dwight Howard, and the 2008 United States men’s basketball team. Please read on for the complete list, courtesy of the staff members at Total Apex Media.
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Finalists
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, located in Springfield, Massachusetts, where professional basketball was born, is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, and celebrating the game of basketball at every level. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame recently released its 17 finalists for 2025 to the general public, a great time just days before the 2025 NBA All-Star Game at the Chase Center on Sunday.
Yahoo Sports posted on X, formerly Twitter, “The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Finalists: Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Micky Arison, Jerry Welsh, Tal Brody, Sylvia Fowles, Billy Donovan, Mark Few, Jennifer Azzi, Buck Williams, Molly Bolin, Marques Johnson, Danny Crawford, Dusan Ivkovic, and the 2008 USA Basketball men’s Olympic team.”
Finalists’ Next Steps
So, what’s next for the finalists? The 17 finalists belonged to the following committees: North American, Women’s, Men’s Veterans, Women’s Veterans, International, and Contributors. The 17 finalists were selected and will be put forward to the Honors Committee to be considered for election as official members of the Class of 2025. The Class of 2025 will be announced on Saturday, April 5 in San Antonio, Texas.
Finalists’ Achievements
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s 17 finalists’ achievements extend past bragging rights. Jerry Colangelo, Chairman of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, told NBA.com, “Selection as a Finalist for the Class of 2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is a remarkable achievement, signifying a career of excellence and lasting influence on the game.”
Colangelo continued to NBA.com, “This recognition goes beyond statistics and accolades — it honors those who have defined eras, inspired generations, and elevated basketball through their talent, leadership, and dedication. Whether as players, coaches, teams, or contributors, each Finalist has left an indelible mark on the sport, and we are proud to celebrate their extraordinary impact.”
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s Enshrinement Weekend will begin at Mohegan Sun on Friday, September 5, with the Tip-Off Celebration and Awards Gala the first day and then the Enshrinement Ceremony the following day at Springfield’s historic Symphony Hall.
