As the new Hall of Fame class enters the Basketball Hall of Fame this weekend, we can’t help but look to the future and wonder which active players might receive this honor upon their retirement. History suggests that many current stars will receive a plaque in Springfield someday.
Between 1955 and 2005, between 26 and 44 players became Hall of Fame members each season, with an average of 34 per year. Considering this precedent, we identify the 50 players from the 2025-26 season with the greatest chances of entering the Hall of Fame.
Although not everyone will achieve it, these selections have the best chance of starring in induction weekends during the 2030s and 2040s.
Group 1: Safe Bets for the NBA 75th Anniversary Team
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Stephen Curry
Anthony Davis
Kevin Durant
James Harden
LeBron James
Kawhi Leonard
Damian Lillard
Chris Paul
Russell Westbrook
This first group of future Hall of Fame members was part of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Being recognized as some of the 75 best players of all time, their induction is almost a given. There is no need to explain why these legends will be honored in Springfield.
Illustration by ESPN
Group 2: Serious Candidates, Not Included in the Top 75
Nikola Jokic
Kyrie Irving
Draymond Green
Klay Thompson
Paul George
Jimmy Butler III
Joel Embiid
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Rudy Gobert
Jokic, three-time MVP and two-time runner-up, as well as Finals MVP, is almost a guarantee. Irving, with nine All-Star appearances and about to reach 20,000 points, is also a strong candidate. Green and Thompson, rivals in the Finals for a long time, are easy options for their contributions to a dynasty and their individual achievements.
George, with nine All-Star appearances and six All-NBA selections, is also almost a lock. Embiid and Gilgeous-Alexander, with their MVP awards, also have a guaranteed spot. Gobert, with four Defensive Player of the Year awards, is also shaping up to be a future Hall of Famer.
Group 3: Rising Young Stars
Luka Doncic
Jayson Tatum
Anthony Edwards
Victor Wembanyama
Doncic and Tatum, still in their twenties, could be sure candidates. Edwards and Wembanyama, although less established, also deserve attention. Edwards is among the top five scorers in history at 23 years old. Wembanyama, with his wide range of skills, is also envisioned as a future Hall of Famer.
Group 4: Veterans at the Summit
DeMar DeRozan
Kyle Lowry
Jrue Holiday
Kevin Love
Al Horford
Karl-Anthony Towns
DeRozan, with over 25,000 points, could secure his place. Lowry and Holiday, known for their all-around game and leadership, also have chances. Love and Horford, with multiple All-Star selections and championships, could also be considered. Towns, with an impressive statistical record, needs a few more seasons to consolidate his position.
Group 5: Players Aged 29 and Under
Jalen Brunson
Donovan Mitchell
Devin Booker
Domantas Sabonis
Jaylen Brown
Brunson, Mitchell, and Booker, with one or two All-NBA selections, have a good chance. Sabonis, with many triple-doubles, could reach a historic mark. Brown, with the Finals MVP award, is almost guaranteed induction.
Group 6: To Follow in the Coming Years
Tyrese Haliburton
Jalen Williams
Chet Holmgren
Evan Mobley
Cade Cunningham
Paolo Banchero
Zion Williamson
Ja Morant
Trae Young
LaMelo Ball
Scottie Barnes
Alperen Sengun
Tyrese Maxey
Stephon Castle
Amen Thompson
Cooper Flagg
This group of young talents has great potential to enter the Hall of Fame. Flagg, even without debuting, already has almost a 50% chance of making it. Williamson, with two All-Star selections, is also a long-term candidate. Cunningham, Banchero, Williams, and Holmgren, with a lot of growth ahead, could become legends.
With a historical average of 34 active Hall of Fame members per season, the NBA is full of talent. Teams like the Mavericks could have four Hall of Fame members playing together. The Thunder, with three young prospects, have the potential to become a dynasty.
