Celebrating Basketball Excellence: The Naismith Hall of Fame Class of 2024
This weekend, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame will honor the Class of 2024, a group of 13 remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions to the game of basketball. Originally slated for mid-August, the ceremony has been rescheduled to October 12-13 to accommodate the upcoming Paris Olympics. The enshrinement ceremony will take place on Sunday night, October 13, at 6 p.m. ET in Springfield, Massachusetts, and will be broadcast live on NBATV.
Viewing Information
- Time: 6 p.m. ET
- Date: Sunday, October 13
- Location: Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield, MA
- TV Channel: NBATV
As we gear up for this momentous occasion, let’s take a closer look at the illustrious inductees who will be celebrated for their achievements and contributions to the sport.
The Inductees
Vince Carter
Vince Carter, an eight-time NBA All-Star, is renowned for his electrifying style of play and longevity in the league. Over a record-breaking 22-year career, he played for eight different teams, most notably the Toronto Raptors, where he became a household name. Carter was the 1999 NBA Rookie of the Year and captured the Slam Dunk Contest title in 2000, leaving an indelible mark on the game.
Chauncey Billups
Chauncey Billups, the No. 3 overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft, is celebrated for his leadership and clutch performances. He played a pivotal role in leading the Detroit Pistons to the 2004 NBA Championship, earning Finals MVP honors. With five All-Star appearances under his belt, Billups is now the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, continuing to influence the game from the sidelines.
Michael Cooper
A cornerstone of the "Showtime" Los Angeles Lakers dynasty in the 1980s, Michael Cooper was a defensive stalwart who earned eight All-Defensive Team selections during his 12-year career. Known for his versatility and tenacity, Cooper won five championships with the Lakers and later coached the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks to two titles.
Walter Davis
Walter Davis, a six-time NBA All-Star, is remembered for his scoring prowess, particularly during his time with the Phoenix Suns. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 1978 and holds the record for the most points scored in a game without missing a shot, achieving 34 points by making his first 15 attempts. Davis also represented the U.S. at the 1976 Olympics, earning a gold medal.
Dick Barnett
A two-time NBA champion with the New York Knicks, Dick Barnett was a standout player at Tennessee State, leading his college team to three consecutive NAIA championships. His legacy includes being one of the first players to popularize the jump shot, and he remains a celebrated figure in basketball history.
Seimone Augustus
Seimone Augustus is one of the most decorated players in women’s basketball history. A two-time NCAA Player of the Year at LSU, she was drafted first overall by the Minnesota Lynx and went on to win four WNBA championships and earn three Olympic gold medals with Team USA. Augustus’s impact on the game extends beyond her accolades, as she has been a role model for aspiring athletes.
Michele Timms
Michele Timms made her mark in the WNBL, where she was a seven-time All-Star and twice named Women’s International Player of the Year. She played a crucial role in leading Australia to its first Olympic medal in women’s basketball, a bronze in 1996. Timms’s jersey was retired by the Phoenix Mercury, making her only the second WNBA player to receive such an honor.
Herb Simon
Herb Simon, the owner of the Indiana Pacers since 1983, has overseen a franchise that has consistently remained competitive in the NBA. Under his stewardship, the Pacers have made the playoffs in all but nine seasons since 1990, showcasing Simon’s commitment to building a successful organization.
Doug Collins
Doug Collins is a multifaceted figure in basketball, having excelled as a player, coach, and broadcaster. Drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1973, Collins transitioned into coaching, leading teams like the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards. His extensive experience in the sport has made him a respected voice in basketball commentary.
Bo Ryan
Bo Ryan’s coaching career spans three decades, primarily in Wisconsin, where he built a reputation for developing talent and winning. His tenure at Wisconsin-Madison culminated in a national championship game appearance, and his impressive record of 747-233 speaks to his effectiveness as a coach.
Harley Redin
Harley Redin’s contributions to women’s basketball are significant, having coached both men’s and women’s teams at Wayland Baptist University. His success includes leading the women’s team to a remarkable 429-63 record and earning medals with Team USA at the Pan American Games.
Charles Smith
Charles Smith is celebrated as the winningest coach in Louisiana high school basketball history, with nine state championships to his name. His legacy includes two perfect seasons, and his induction into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2021 cements his status as a coaching legend.
Jerry West
Jerry West, a two-time Hall of Fame inductee as a player and member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic Team, makes history as the first individual to be inducted for a third time, this time as a contributor. West played a crucial role in shaping the Los Angeles Lakers’ success, serving as an architect behind five championships in the 1980s and another five in the 2000s.
As the basketball community gathers to celebrate these extraordinary individuals, the Class of 2024 stands as a testament to the rich history and ongoing evolution of the sport. Each inductee has left an indelible mark on basketball, inspiring future generations to pursue excellence on and off the court.