The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame named its finalists for the class of 2025 on Friday. As a reminder, the Hall is not limited to figures from the NBA, but rather, encompasses the entire sport of basketball. This year’s finalists includes several legends from both the NBA and WNBA, coaches, contributors, and even one entire team. Below are the 17 finalists announced on Friday:
- Carmelo Anthony, a 10-time NBA All-Star who most prominently played for the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks.
- Dwight Howard, an eight-time NBA All-Star who won three Defensive Player of the Year awards and a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Marques Johnson, a five-time NBA All-Star who spent most of his career with the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1970s and 80s.
- Buck Williams, a three-time NBA All-Star who split his prime between the New Jersey Nets and Portland Trail Blazers.
- Sue Bird, one of the most accomplished WNBA players of all time with four championships, 13 All-Star selections and eight All-WNBA selections under her belt.
- Maya Moore, the 2014 WNBA MVP and a two-time Naismith College Player of the Year.
- Sylvia Fowles, a two-time WNBA champion and eight-time All-Star.
- Jennifer Azzi, the 1990…
