Carmelo Anthony is the headliner for a 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame lineup that also includes Sue Bird, Dwight Howard, Doc Rivers, and Billy Donavan.
Three legends, three distinct legacies, and now one shared honor—the Hall of Fame beckons. Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, and Sue Bird headline the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s 2024 shortlist, a testament to careers that shaped the game and inspired generations.
Malika Andrews made the announcement on a special Thursday edition of NBA Today on ESPN. Stay up to date with news from around the league featuring some of the top NBA coverage in the game!
.@malika_andrews introduces the nominees for the Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025 featuring Carmelo Anthony, Sue Bird, Dwight Howard and more 👏 pic.twitter.com/eRYxfCtSXR
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 19, 2024
Melo, Howard, and Bird Nominated for Hoop Hall
Carmelo Anthony, the 10th-leading scorer in NBA history, dazzled fans for 19 seasons. His journey began in Denver, where he earned All-Rookie honors and became the fourth-highest scorer in Nuggets history. A midseason trade to New York in 2011 elevated his stardom, setting the Knicks’ single-game scoring record (62 points) and leading them to three consecutive playoff berths. A 10-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA selection, Anthony’s influence extended internationally, where he secured three Olympic gold medals and guided Syracuse to its only national championship.
Dwight Howard redefined dominance in the paint. Known for his defensive prowess and rebounding supremacy, Howard is the only player to win three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards. An eight-time All-Star and five-time rebounding leader, Howard led the Orlando Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals before capturing an elusive title with the Lakers in 2020. He ranks 10th all-time in rebounds and 13th in blocks, solidifying his place among the greats.
Blessed to be named among such incredible players. 🙏🏾
My love for basketball is forever. I will always be grateful for this game, and the communities that stood by me as I chased my dreams.
To my family, friends, fans, teammates, and coaches — THANK YOU. #STAYME7O https://t.co/ucgnmW7lG9
— Carmelo Anthony (@carmeloanthony) December 19, 2024
Sue Bird, the Seattle Storm’s heartbeat for two decades, defined excellence and longevity. The WNBA’s all-time assists leader with 3,234 dimes, Bird won four league titles across three decades, earned 13 All-Star nods, and was a five-time All-WNBA first-team selection. At UConn, she won two national championships and claimed the Nancy Lieberman Award three times as the nation’s best point guard.
’08 US National Team, Other Hoop Legends Nominated
Joining these icons are first-time nominees Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles, and Chamique Holdsclaw, alongside NBA coaching legends Doc Rivers and Billy Donovan, Miami Heat managing general partner Micky Arison, and collegiate coaching stalwarts Mark Few and Lisa Bluder. Notable repeat nominees include the 2008 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team—dubbed the “Redeem Team”—which featured Anthony, Howard, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Dwyane Wade.
The Class of 2025 Enshrinement Ceremony will take place on Sept. 6 in Springfield, Massachusetts. Additionally, the Hall has reduced the eligibility waiting period for candidates from three seasons to two, a change unanimously approved by its Board of Governors. Three careers, three paths, one shared destiny. The Hall awaits.
