Basketball Hall of Fame Candidates: Who Are the Next Stars?
As the new and stellar class enters the Basketball Hall of Fame this weekend, it’s inevitable to look to the future and wonder which active players might receive this honor after 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 members of the Hall of Fame each season, with an average of 34 per year. Considering this precedent, we identified 50 players from the 2025-26 season with the highest probability of entering the Hall of Fame.
It is important to note that not everyone will make it, which is why we have expanded our search to highlight those with the best chances of being honored in the coming decades.
Group 1: NBA 75th Anniversary Team Members
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 in history, their induction into the Hall of Fame is practically a given. There is no need to argue why these living legends will be honored in Springfield.Description: ESPN Illustration
Group 2: Candidates Outside the Top 75
Nikola Jokic
Kyrie Irving
Draymond Green
Klay Thompson
Paul George
Jimmy Butler III
Joel Embiid
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Rudy Gobert
Nikola Jokic, now a three-time MVP and Finals MVP, is practically a lock for the Hall of Fame. Kyrie Irving, with nine All-Star appearances and on the verge of reaching 20,000 points, is also on his way. Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, Irving’s teammates in his glory years, are clear choices for their contributions to a dynasty and their individual achievements. Paul George and Jimmy Butler III, with multiple All-Star and All-NBA selections, also have a secure place.
Joel Embiid and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, due to their MVP awards, are on their way. Rudy Gobert, with four Defensive Player of the Year awards, also has a guaranteed spot. If players like Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace, also with four awards, are in the Hall of Fame, Gobert surely will be.
Group 3: Rising Young Stars
Luka Doncic
Jayson Tatum
Anthony Edwards
Victor Wembanyama
Doncic and Tatum, still in their twenties, could already have their place secured. Doncic has five selections on the All-NBA first team, while Tatum has four, plus one on the third team. Edwards, with two consecutive All-NBA selections, and Wembanyama, despite his short career, also have great potential for the Hall of Fame.
Group 4: Veterans at the Summit
DeMar DeRozan
Kyle Lowry
Jrue Holiday
Kevin Love
Al Horford
Karl-Anthony Towns
DeMar DeRozan, with over 25,000 career points, seems headed to the Hall of Fame. Lowry and Holiday, known for their all-around game and leadership, also have good chances. Love and Horford, with multiple All-Star appearances and NBA championships, could also be considered. Karl-Anthony Towns, despite his impressive statistical record, will need a few more solid seasons to secure his place.
Group 5: Players Aged 29 and Under
Jalen Brunson
Donovan Mitchell
Devin Booker
Domantas Sabonis
Jaylen Brown
This group of players, all with one or two All-NBA selections in their careers, has a good chance of making the Hall of Fame. Brunson, Mitchell, Booker, Sabonis, and Brown, with their recent successes and growth potential, could secure their place in the future.
Group 6: Promising Future
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 includes young talents with great potential. Players like Flagg, with a promising future, and others who have recently debuted, have the opportunity to become Hall of Fame stars in the future.
With a historical average of 34 active Hall of Fame members each season, the NBA is always in constant evolution, and these players have the potential to leave an indelible mark on basketball.
