Get ready for a legendary class! The finalists for the 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame are in, and it’s a lineup packed with modern-day icons. If you were placing a bet, you’d put all your chips on Blake Griffin, Candace Parker, and Amar’e Stoudemire getting their golden jackets.

Let’s start with Blake Griffin. The man who made the Clippers the most exciting show in basketball with “Lob City” is a certified lock. A six-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year, Griffin didn’t just dunk; he redefined the power forward position with a blend of raw power and surprising finesse. Fans who watched him leap over cars and dominate the paint know his enshrinement isn’t a question of if, but when.

Then you have the one and only Candace Parker, a true trailblazer. She’s the only player in WNBA history to snag both Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in the same season. With three championships and two Olympic gold medals, her resume is bulletproof. Parker’s versatility and basketball IQ changed the game, making her another sure bet for Springfield.

And don’t forget Amar’e Stoudemire! Alongside coach Mike D’Antoni (also a finalist), “STAT” was the explosive force behind the “Seven Seconds or Less” Phoenix Suns. His pick-and-roll partnership with Steve Nash was the stuff of legend, and his powerful dunks and consistent scoring made him one of the most feared big men of his era.

The list doesn’t stop there. Coaches like Doc Rivers and innovators like Mike D’Antoni are also in the running, making this one of the most anticipated classes in recent memory. The official announcement comes on April 4th, but for these superstars, the celebration has already begun.