Candace Parker, Blake Griffin among Basketball HOF nominees

Determining the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026 isn't going to be easy, at least judging by the list of eligible candidates released by the organization Friday.

Among the more notable names included for the first time are Jamal Crawford, Mike D'Antoni, Elena Delle Donne, Blake Griffin, Joe Johnson, Candace Parker, Bruce Pearl and Kelvin Sampson, who join returning candidates Marv Albert, Mark Few, Doc Rivers, and Amar'e Stoudemire.

The list is much longer than that, however. Additional candidates include Rick Barnes, Anfernee Hardaway, Robert Horry, Kevin Johnson, Bill Laimbeer, Shawn Marion, Marian Washington, Mike Fratello, Curly Neal and Marc Gasol.

The entire 1996 USA Basketball Women's National Team is also up for consideration.

"The candidates for the Class of 2026 have each left an indelible impact on the game of basketball," president and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame John L. Doleva said. "Through defining performances, influential leadership, and achievements that helped elevate the sport on the national and international stage, this year's ballot recognizes those whose legacy continues to shape how the game is played, coached, and celebrated."

Finalists will be announced on Feb. 9, with the final 2026 class released on April 4. Enshrinement weekend begins Friday, Aug. 14.

All first-time nominees:

Jamal Crawford

Blake Griffin

Herman Harried

Joe Johnson

Paul Mihalak

Tom Murphy

Bruce Pearl

Brandon Roy

Kelvin Sampson

Scott Skiles

Shelden Williams

1996 United States Women's National Team

Lynn Norenberg Barry

Elena Delle Donne

Candace Parker

Tom Shirley

Michelle Snow

Mike D'Antoni

Elmo Mahoney

Ken Mahoney

Alex McKechnie

Ermer Robinson

Patsy Neal

Rosie Walker

Frank J. Basloe

Roger Kaiser

Larry Kenon

--Field Level Media