Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Honors Legendary Figures

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne highlighted the Basketball Hall of Fame induction with heartfelt tributes to the sport. Both athletes celebrated their careers and enshrinement into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a culmination of their love for basketball.

Candace Parker’s Tribute

Parker, noted for bringing a basketball to the stage, spoke during the ceremony for the 2026 class. This class also included members like the 1996 U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team, Chamique Holdsclaw, Amar’e Stoudemire, Joey Crawford, and coaches Doc Rivers, Mike D’Antoni, and Mark Few.

“It felt weird to walk on the stage without the reason I’m here today,” Parker said, addressing the basketball. “We did a lot together: dunk on UConn, shimmied over our right shoulder, had our own signature shoe, and were first on the NBA2K cover. We stand here as first-ballot Hall of Famers.”

Parker, from Naperville Central, achieved three WNBA titles with different teams, including the Chicago Sky, two MVP awards, and two Olympic gold medals. She concluded her speech emotionally, sharing, “we were meant to be a love story that began 27 years ago.”

Elena Delle Donne’s Journey

Delle Donne’s speech reflected on her career ups and downs. Her older sister Lizzie, who is blind and deaf, kept her perspective grounded.

“She never played in front of thousands, never got standing ovations, or was interviewed after wins. Yet, I’ve never met anyone stronger,” Delle Donne expressed, holding back tears. “Thank you all for keeping me going.”

During her career, Delle Donne won two league MVP awards: in 2015 with the Sky and in 2019 with the Washington Mystics, helping them secure a WNBA championship. Notably, she became the first player to achieve over 50% field goal shooting, 40% from the three-point line, and 90% from the free-throw line. Her speech began with a nod to actor Larry David in the audience, referencing his catchphrase: “pretty, pretty, pretty good.”

Doc Rivers’ Emotional Thanks

Doc Rivers, known as a Chicago native and successful NBA coach with 1,194 wins, ranked sixth in league history, celebrated family bonds at the event. Rivers credited his brother Grady for inspiring him to improve as a player.

Chamique Holdsclaw’s Legacy

Holdsclaw, renowned for leading Tennessee to three consecutive titles from 1996 to 1998, used her speech to thank teammates and coaches. She fondly remembered Coach Pat Summitt, who passed in 2016, noting Summitt’s crucial role in her development.

“Coach Summitt allowed me to grow as a player and person. I miss her dearly,” Holdsclaw shared. Holdsclaw’s 1998 Tennessee team was the first to finish undefeated and set an NCAA record with 39 wins.

Acknowledging the 1996 U.S. Olympic Team

Holdsclaw also commended the 1996 Olympic team, which inspired her as a young athlete. Their victory initiated the U.S. women’s basketball dominance over the next decades.

Celebrating Other Inductees

Gonzaga coach Mark Few, leading the team since 1999, has consistently guided them to NCAA tournaments, winning numerous conference championships. Few expressed amazement at his journey from a small town to the Hall of Fame.

Joey Crawford officiated over 2,500 NBA games, including nearly 400 postseason games, in his career. He shared how officiating in the NBA was a dream from his teenage years.

Mike D’Antoni, a known figure in Italy before coaching in the NBA, emphasized his fast-paced style, exemplified during his time with the Phoenix Suns alongside Stoudemire.

Contributions by AP’s Doug Feinberg.