NBA All-Star weekend officially kicked off Thursday with a star-studded tip-off party at the plaza just outside the Indiana Pacers’ home arena.
Friday’s All-Star festivities included the long-awaited announcement of the 2024 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame finalists. This year’s list of finalists features 14 outstanding individuals who have contributed to the game of basketball in a variety of ways. Former NBA players Vince Carter and Chauncey Billups and former WNBA standout Seimone Augustus highlight the 2024 group of candidates.
The list of finalists will now be reviewed by the Honors Committee. The committee will decide who will be enshrined in Springfield, Massachusetts.
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Vince Carter #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies and NBA legend Chauncey Billups participate in a panel discussion at the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee on January 18, 2015. . (Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
The official announcement of the 2024 class is expected to take place in April during the Final Four. Arizona’s State Farm Stadium will host the semifinals and championship game of this year’s NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament.
Zaire Wade teams up with Hall of Fame father Dwyane Wade on business about playing professional basketball in Africa
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame President Jerry Colangelo said the finalists had a huge impact on the game.
“Being selected as a 2024 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame finalist is a testament to the highest level of achievement in our sport,” Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame President Jerry Colangelo said in a news release. “This is an honor that reflects not only the greatness of the individual, but also his long-lasting impact on the game itself.”
Carter, who played an NBA-record 22 seasons before leaving the court at the end of the 2019-20 season, reacted to his selection and said he loved playing.
“More than anything, it wasn’t about the numbers,” Carter said at a news conference Friday. “Maybe five years before I retired, I was asked, ‘Why are you still playing? You’re above average.’ I said, ‘But I still love to play.’ Ta. And that’s what mattered. ”
The complete list of this year’s nominees is below.
north america committee
- Chauncey Billups (NBA player)
- Vince Carter (NBA player)
- Michael Cooper (NBA player)
- Walter Davis (NBA player)
- Bo Ryan (NCAA coach)
- Charles Smith (high school coach)
Los Angeles Sparks assistant coach Seimone Augustus warms up with his team before a game against the Phoenix Mercury at Crypto.com Arena on July 4, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
In addition to NBA players and college and high school basketball coaches, the Naismith Hall of Fame also recognizes former WNBA players, former women’s college basketball players, international athletes and others who have contributed to the sport.
women’s committee
- Seimone Augustus (WNBA player)
- Marian Washington (NCAA coach)
veteran committee
- Dick Barnett (NBA player)
- Harley Reddin (coach)
international committee
- Michele Timms (WNBA player)
Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doug Collins at American Airlines Center on December 18, 2012 in Dallas, Texas. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Contributor Committee
- Doug Collins (NBA coach, broadcaster)
- Herb Simon (NBA owner)
- Jerry West (NBA Executive)
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JA Adande, a longtime sports columnist, NBA reporter, and current educator, is the recipient of the Kurt Gowdy Media Award. Dennis Page, founder of SLAM Magazine, and former NBA Inside Stuff and play-by-play broadcaster Debbie Antonelli also received awards for their contributions.
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