On Wednesday evening, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced the finalists for it’s 2026 induction class. And it has a strong Chicago vibe.
Naperville native Candace Parker is the headliner on the Women’s Committee ballot. She is joined by former Chicago Sky star Elena Delle Donne, Chamique Holdsclaw, Jennifer Azzi and the 1996 United States Women’s National Team.
congrats on being named a Naismith Hall of Fame finalist, Candace! #skytown #26HoopsClass pic.twitter.com/l0Q8Np6MRM
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) February 11, 2026There are also strong Chicago ties on the North American Committee ballot.
Dick Motta, who was the head coach of the Chicago Bulls from 1968 to 1976 and was named the NBA Coach of the Year Award in 1971. He is the only not-active head coach in the top 15 in wins in NBA history who is not already in the Hall of Fame. Motta also served as the Bulls’ general manager from 1973 to 1976.
Doc Rivers and Rick Carlisle are the two active coaches in the all-time top-15 in wins. And, this year, Rivers is also a finalist as a coach.
Rivers, who is currently the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, attended suburban Proviso East High School in Maywood before playing at Marquette. While at Proviso East, Rivers was named Mr. Basketball USA and appeared in the 1980 McDonald’s All-American Game.
Also on the North American Committee ballot:
Players: Blake Griffin, Kevin Johnson, Amar’e Stoudemire and Buck Williams Coaches: Mark Few, Gary McKnight, Kelvin Sampson, Jerry Welsh Referee: Joey Crawford(I will also note that KJ and Buck lost to Michael Jordan’s Bulls in the NBA Finals.)
Coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, a Class of 2026 Finalist, Doc Rivers. #26HoopClass pic.twitter.com/KmgCzD7lpq
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) February 11, 2026Also named finalists on other ballots:
Veteran’s Committee: Marques Johnson Women’s Veterans Committee: Molly Bolin-Kazmer International Committee: Dušan Ivković Contributors Committee: Mike D’Antoni, Tal BrodyThe Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame will announced its new induction class on Saturday, April 4 during Final Four Weekend.
Hence then, the article about candace parker headlines basketball hall of fame finalists roster with strong chicago vibes was published today ( ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Candace Parker Headlines Basketball Hall of Fame Finalists Roster With Strong Chicago Vibes )
Also on site :