Class of 2024, The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame honored its Class of 2024 this weekend, moving the originally scheduled event to October to accommodate the Paris Olympics. Thirteen inductees was enshrined, showcasing an illustrious mix of NBA, WNBA, and coaching legends. Here’s a breakdown of the most notable figures in this class:

Vince Carter

A true NBA icon, and former Atlanta Hawks player Carter played for 22 seasons and was known for his electrifying dunks and all-around scoring ability. He earned eight NBA All-Star selections and was pivotal for the Toronto Raptors and the New Jersey Nets. Carter’s legacy includes the 1999 NBA Rookie of the Year award and a memorable 2000 Slam Dunk Contest victory.

Chauncey Billups

Nicknamed “Mr. Big Shot,” Billups’ clutch performances defined his career. The No. 3 overall pick in the 1997 draft, he became the 2004 NBA Finals MVP, leading the Detroit Pistons to a championship. A five-time All-Star, Billups is renowned for his leadership and currently coaches the Portland Trail Blazers.

Michael Cooper

A five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, Cooper was a defensive stalwart, earning NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1987. After four seasons with the Atlanta Dream as head coach, he parted ways in 2017. He later achieved success leading the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks to two titles.

Walter Davis

Known as “The Greyhound” for his smooth play, Davis was a six-time NBA All-Star and the Phoenix Suns’ all-time leading scorer. He was the 1978 Rookie of the Year and an Olympic gold medalist in 1976.

Dick Barnett

Barnett was a vital part of two New York Knicks championship teams (1970, 1973) and won three NAIA national titles with Tennessee A&I University. A key figure in basketball history, he is being recognized for both his college and professional achievements.

Seimone Augustus

A WNBA legend, Augustus helped the Minnesota Lynx capture four championships and was the 2011 WNBA Finals MVP. She was an eight-time All-Star and a two-time college player of the year at LSU, leading her team to three straight Final Fours.

Michele Timms

One of Australia’s greatest basketball players, Timms was a key figure in the WNBA’s early years, helping the Phoenix Mercury reach the 1998 Finals. A two-time Olympic medalist, she’s already a member of multiple halls of fame and continues to represent Australian basketball excellence.

Bo Ryan

A coaching icon, Ryan led the Wisconsin Badgers to back-to-back Final Four appearances and won four Division III national titles before his success at the Division I level. Known for his tactical prowess and leadership, Ryan’s legacy in college basketball is cemented by his exceptional record.

Charles Smith

A coaching legend in Louisiana high school basketball, Smith holds the record for career wins and led Peabody Magnet High School to nine state championships. His extraordinary success earned him national recognition, including ESPN’s National Coach of the Year award.

Harley Redin

A pioneer in women’s basketball, Redin’s coaching career at Wayland Baptist is legendary, boasting six AAU national titles. He played a major role in establishing the U.S. women’s national basketball program as a powerhouse in the sport.

Jerry West

West becomes the first individual to be inducted into the Hall of Fame three times. Already enshrined as a player and a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic team, this honor recognizes his success as an executive. West’s eye for talent helped the Lakers, Warriors, and Grizzlies achieve multiple championships.

Doug Collins

Collins’ influence spans multiple areas of the game. A four-time NBA All-Star, he became a highly successful coach and TV analyst. Notably, he coached Michael Jordan in both Chicago and Washington and has called games at multiple Olympic Games.

Herb Simon

As the longest-tenured NBA owner, Simon’s leadership of the Indiana Pacers since 1983 has been instrumental in turning the franchise into a consistent Eastern Conference contender. Under his ownership, the Pacers reached the 2000 NBA Finals.

This Hall of Fame class reflects a diversity of contributions to basketball, from championship-winning players and coaches to impactful executives, solidifying their legacies as game-changing figures in the sport.