Carmelo Anthony, Sue Bird, Dwight Howard and Maya Moore among picks for National Basketball Hall of Fame
Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard have been selected for induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame not just once, but twice. The announcement came on Saturday, with the duo being recognized for their individual accomplishments as well as their contributions to the 2008 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team. This means that LeBron James and Chris Paul will also be headed to the Hall for their roles on the so-called “Redeem Team,” which kickstarted a streak of five consecutive Olympic gold medals for the United States.
“It’s crazy,” Howard expressed, reflecting on the honor. The Class of 2025 also includes WNBA legends Sue Bird, Maya Moore, and Sylvia Fowles, along with Chicago Cubs coach Billy Donovan, Miami Heat managing general partner Micky Arison, and longtime NBA referee Danny Crawford.
The selection process was a moment of relief for Anthony, who described receiving the call as a burden lifted off his shoulders. Collectively, the five individual inductees have an impressive resume, boasting a total of 11 WNBA/NBA championships, 15 Olympic gold medals, 37 All-NBA/All-WNBA appearances, and 45 All-Star selections.
“It’s surreal,” Bird remarked, while Fowles added, “You just do your job, and when it’s all said and done, the job is complete and here we are.” Donovan, Arison, and Crawford round out the diverse class, each bringing their own unique contributions to the game.
The Redeem Team, which featured Anthony, Howard, James, and Paul, as well as Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Jason Kidd, and Kobe Bryant, was tasked with restoring USA Basketball’s dominance following a disappointing bronze finish at the 2004 Athens Olympics. The team delivered, going undefeated in Beijing and winning by an average margin of 27.9 points.
USA Basketball CEO Jim Tooley praised the Redeem Team’s impact, stating, “The Redeem Team’s celebrated run in Beijing marks a pivotal moment in U.S. men’s Olympic basketball history and has propelled us to five straight gold medals.” The enshrinement weekend is set for September 5-6 at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, and the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Overall, the Class of 2025 represents a diverse group of individuals who have left an indelible mark on the basketball world, both on and off the court. Their induction serves as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and lasting impact on the sport.
