Enshrinement of Basketball Icons: A Celebration of Achievements and Inspirations

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Legendary figures in basketball were honored during the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction, featuring heartfelt speeches from Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne. Both athletes expressed their profound gratitude to the sport that shaped their lives, marking the peak of their careers with their enshrinement on Saturday evening.

Candace Parker, a prominent figure in women’s basketball, carried a ball to the podium as a symbol of her journey. The 2026 induction class included the 1996 U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team, Chamique Holdsclaw, NBA player Amar’e Stoudemire, longtime NBA official Joey Crawford, NBA coaches Doc Rivers and Mike D’Antoni, and Gonzaga coach Mark Few. Parker recalled significant milestones in her career, such as her signature shoe and being the first woman on the NBA2K cover, and emphasized her achievement as a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Emotional, she reflected on her enduring connection to basketball, a journey lasting 27 years since her days at Naperville Central and her triumphs with three WNBA titles, two MVP awards, and Olympic victories.

Similarly, Elena Delle Donne delivered an emotional address, recounting the challenges and triumphs throughout her career. Despite the ups and downs, she sustained her perspective, largely due to her older sister Lizzie, who is blind and deaf. Without the public accolades, Lizzie remained Delle Donne’s pillar of strength. In her career, Delle Donne garnered two league MVP awards, leading the Washington Mystics to their sole WNBA championship in 2019. She also achieved an impressive shooting record, consistently hitting over 50% from the field, 40% from beyond the arc, and 90% from the free-throw line. Introducing herself to actor Larry David using his signature phrase, she aimed for a speech worth remembering in front of the audience, introduced by Doc Rivers.

Doc Rivers, an accomplished NBA coach with 1,194 regular-season victories, recounted his motivational connection with his brother Grady. Rivers, originating from Chicago, found emotional depth in his brother’s inspiration during his career.

Chamique Holdsclaw, celebrated for leading Tennessee to three consecutive titles under the guidance of coach Pat Summitt, paid tribute to her teams and her cherished college coach. In her speech, Holdsclaw highlighted Summitt’s influence in her growth as both a player and individual, and mourned her absence due to her passing in 2016.

Gonzaga coach Mark Few shared his surreal experience, rising from a small town to achieve incredible success, including numerous conference titles and two NCAA finals appearances. His journey from modest beginnings to national prominence showcased the improbable path to the Hall of Fame.

Joey Crawford, with a remarkable career officiating over 2,500 regular-season games and numerous postseason matches, reflected on his ambition from his teenage years to make his dream a reality.

Mike D’Antoni was recognized for his contributions to basketball both as a player and coach in Italy and the NBA. His innovative fast-paced style with the Phoenix Suns, in collaboration with Stoudemire, marked his significant impact on the game.

AP’s Doug Feinberg provided additional contributions.