The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced its star-studded list of finalists for the Class of 2025, headlined by NBA legends Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard. The accomplished duo is joined by several other basketball luminaries, including the gold medal-winning 2008 U.S. Olympic Team.
Anthony and Howard: Generational Talents
Carmelo Anthony, a 10-time NBA All-Star, ranks 10th all-time in league history with 28,289 points scored. The prolific scorer also led Syracuse University to an NCAA championship in 2003 as a freshman phenom. His unique blend of skill, strength, and signature jab step made him one of the most gifted offensive players of his era.
Dwight Howard was the most dominant defensive force in the NBA during his prime, capturing three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards from 2009 to 2011. An eight-time All-NBA selection, Howard guided the Orlando Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals before later winning a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.
The Redeem Team Makes Its Case
In addition to Anthony and Howard’s individual accolades, the nomination of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team—nicknamed “The Redeem Team”—recognizes their collective accomplishments. That legendary squad, featuring the late Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and several other stars, recaptured the gold medal for the United States after disappointing finishes in previous international competitions.
The Redeem Team was a powerhouse, man. To have all that talent on one roster, and to go out there and dominate the way they did, it was special to watch. They really put USA Basketball back on top.
– NBA analyst Kenny Smith
More Iconic Nominees
Other notable finalists for the Hall of Fame Class of 2025 include:
- Maya Moore – The four-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist was a revolutionary talent who stepped away from basketball in her prime to fight for criminal justice reform.
- Sylvia Fowles – Fowles was a force in the paint, winning WNBA Defensive Player of the Year three times and earning Finals MVP honors in 2015.
- Sue Bird – One of the greatest floor generals of all time, Bird won four WNBA titles with the Seattle Storm and five Olympic gold medals with Team USA.
Accomplished coaches Billy Donovan and Mark Few are also finalists, with Donovan leading the University of Florida to back-to-back NCAA titles in 2006 and 2007, while Few has made Gonzaga University one of the top teams in college basketball for over twenty years.
The Moment of Truth Approaches
The Hall of Fame finalists will now be considered by a panel of 24 anonymous voters. To gain election into the hallowed halls of Springfield, a finalist must receive at least 18 out of the 24 votes. The Class of 2025 will be revealed on April 5 in San Antonio at the NCAA Men’s Final Four.
As basketball fans around the world eagerly await the announcement, one thing is certain—the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is poised to be one of the most illustrious ever, with generational superstars Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard leading an incredible cast of hardwood heroes.
