Carmelo Anthony, Sue Bird, and Maya Moore Lead the Charge for 2025 Hall of Fame Nominees
Hall of Fame Greatness? The Class of 2025 Is Here
by: D’Joumbarey A. Moreau
Carmelo Anthony, Sue Bird, and Maya Moore Lead the Charge for 2025 Hall of Fame Nominees
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has revealed its nominees for the Class of 2025, and it’s a star-studded lineup that’s impossible to ignore. Leading the pack are first-time nominees Carmelo Anthony, Sue Bird, and Dwight Howard. These basketball icons have all left indelible marks on their respective leagues, and now they’re on the verge of cementing their legacies with a Hall of Fame induction. The finalists will be announced during NBA All-Star Weekend on February 14, with the final enshrinement taking place at the NCAA Men’s Final Four on April 5.
Notable Nominees to Watch
This year’s ballot is stacked with both legendary names and rising stars from across North America, women’s basketball, and international play. Here are the key names to keep an eye on:
North America Nominees
•Carmelo Anthony (First-time nominee): A force on the court, Melo’s career was built on his scoring prowess, Olympic gold medals, and his unforgettable contributions to Team USA’s basketball dynasty.
•Dwight Howard (First-time nominee): The man who dominated the paint in his prime, Dwight Howard was a force on both ends of the floor with an NBA Championship, multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards, and several All-Star appearances.
•Doc Rivers (Coach, First-time nominee): Rivers made his mark as one of the top coaches in the league, including an NBA Championship with the Celtics. His influence on the game transcends the X’s and O’s—his leadership in the locker room is just as legendary.
Women’s Nominees
•Sue Bird (First-time nominee): A WNBA legend, Sue Bird’s leadership on the court—coupled with her unmatched career accomplishments—has made her a symbol of excellence in women’s basketball. Championships, All-Star nods, Olympic golds—she’s done it all.
•Maya Moore (First-time nominee): A player who changed the game on and off the court, Maya Moore’s impact was felt not only in her WNBA victories but also in her trailblazing social justice work. An all-around legend.
•Sylvia Fowles (First-time nominee): The towering center who redefined the paint in the WNBA, Fowles brought multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards and championships to her name, establishing herself as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
International Nominees
•Marc Gasol (First-time nominee): Marc Gasol’s basketball IQ and leadership took both the NBA and Spain to new heights. With an NBA Championship and a slew of international accolades, his legacy is undeniable.
•Penny Taylor: The Australian star whose skill set helped push the Phoenix Mercury to new heights and led her national team to major international success. Penny’s name is synonymous with greatness both abroad and in the WNBA.
A Historic Shift in Eligibility Requirements
In a game-changing move, the Hall of Fame has reduced the waiting period for eligibility from three full seasons to just two. This new rule means that athletes like Carmelo Anthony and Sue Bird can be honored for their monumental careers while their legacies are still fresh.
Jerry Colangelo, Chairman of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, spoke on the change, stating, “To better honor the incredible careers of these athletes in a timely manner, we’ve shortened the waiting period. This change ensures we celebrate their impact on the game when it resonates most.”
What’s Next?
The Class of 2025 enshrinement ceremony will take place on September 6, 2025, at Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts, following a weekend of festivities at Mohegan Sun starting September 5.
With basketball’s global influence growing by the year, the excitement around this year’s nominees is palpable. These athletes, coaches, and international stars have helped shape the game, and it’s about time their contributions are immortalized in Springfield.
