Carmelo Anthony has the chance to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame twice in 2025, according to a recent announcement from the Hall of Fame. The list of nominees for the Class of 2025 was shared on Thursday, featuring Anthony alongside other retired NBA stars like Dwight Howard and Marc Gasol, all making their first appearance on the ballot.
In addition to these NBA legends, several prominent figures from the WNBA are also on the first-time nominee list. This includes renowned players such as Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles, and Chamique Holdsclaw, highlighting the talents and achievements of women in basketball. Furthermore, nominees from the coaching ranks include Doc Rivers and Billy Donovan, as well as notable figures like Micky Arison, the managing general partner of the Miami Heat, Gonzaga men’s basketball coach Mark Few, and former Iowa women’s coach Lisa Bluder.
Notably, the 2008 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team is among the repeat nominees, a team that included Anthony and achieved great success on the international stage.
As part of the announcement, the Hall of Fame also disclosed a revision to its eligibility criteria. The waiting period for former players to be considered for induction has been reduced from three full seasons to two. This modification was unanimously approved by the Hall of Fame’s Board of Governors, reflecting a dedication to recognizing the accomplishments of standout athletes more promptly. Jerry Colangelo, Hall of Fame chairman, expressed enthusiasm for the adjustment, emphasizing the importance of celebrating individuals while their legacies remain vivid for fans and historians alike.
The announcement marks the beginning of the selection process for the Class of 2025. The finalists will be announced on February 14 during the NBA All-Star weekend in San Francisco. The full enshrinement class will then be revealed on April 5 during the men’s NCAA Final Four in San Antonio. The actual enshrinement ceremonies are set to take place on September 5 at Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut and the following day at the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.
In total, 189 candidates are being evaluated for induction across various categories, showcasing the expansive talent and contributions to the sport of basketball.