Hall of Fame announces 2026 candidate list: Griffin and two other stars selected for the first time, Coach Popovich also included

On December 20th Beijing time, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame officially announced that ex-NBA stars Blake Griffin, Joe Johnson, and Jamal Crawford appear on the initial list of candidates for the 2026 Hall of Fame class, with their eligibility highly anticipated.

In the women's basketball category, former WNBA icons Elena Delle Donne and Candace Parker are also first-time nominees. These two players, each holding two regular-season MVP awards, are nearly assured of a spot. Coaches Kevin Sampson, Bruce Pearl, and Mike D'Antoni are also on the first-time nominee list, with D'Antoni classified strictly under the “contributors” category.

Returning candidates who had previously been nominated and remain eligible this year include Mark Foye, Doc Rivers, Amar’e Stoudemire, and Shawn Marion.

The final candidate list will be confirmed on February 10th, while the complete 2026 Hall of Fame inductee roster will be officially announced on April 5th.

Griffin, the number one pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, missed his rookie season due to a left knee injury and eventually underwent surgery. He made a strong comeback in the 2010-11 season, winning the Rookie of the Year award and earning his first All-Star selection — he was selected to the All-Star game six times throughout his career.

At 36 years old, Griffin played 13 NBA seasons and was named to the All-NBA team five times. However, injuries consistently plagued him, especially in the later stages of his career.

Joe Johnson, now 44, was the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 2001 draft. He played 18 seasons in the NBA, made seven All-Star appearances, and earned an All-NBA team nomination in the 2009-10 season.

Jamal Crawford, aged 45, was honored three times as the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year.