Basketball Legends Honored at Hall of Fame Ceremony

Springfield, Mass. — Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne turned their Hall of Fame speeches into heartfelt tributes to basketball. Both athletes, now enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, expressed gratitude for what the sport has given them.

Parker, part of the 2026 class, included notable figures like the 1996 U.S. Olympic women’s team, Chamique Holdsclaw, NBA player Amar’e Stoudemire, seasoned NBA official Joey Crawford, NBA coaches Doc Rivers and Mike D’Antoni, and Gonzaga’s coach Mark Few. Carrying a basketball to the podium, Parker reflected, “It felt strange stepping onto this stage without what brought me here.” She reminisced about dunking on UConn, her signature shoe, and being the first female on the NBA2K cover. Parker, from Naperville Central, won three WNBA titles, two MVP awards, two Tennessee championships, and Olympic gold. Emotional as she concluded, she noted, “We were meant to be a love story that began 27 years ago.”

Delle Donne similarly framed her speech as a love letter to basketball, acknowledging career ups and downs but maintaining perspective, often drawing strength from her sister Lizzie, who is blind and deaf. “She never experienced the thrill of a standing ovation or post-game interview, yet I’ve never known anyone stronger,” Delle Donne shared, her voice breaking. Delle Donne achieved two league MVP awards and made history with her shooting percentages. Her speech opening acknowledged actor Larry David in attendance, using his catchphrase, “pretty, pretty, pretty good.” Introduced to David by Rivers before the ceremony, she added a personal touch.

Doc Rivers, a Chicago native and NBA coach with 1,194 regular-season game wins, spoke emotionally about his brother Grady, who inspired his career. He addressed the audience during the ceremony at Symphony Hall on Aug. 15, 2026.

Chamique Holdsclaw thanked her teammates and coaches for her successes, particularly with Tennessee’s three-peat titles under Coach Pat Summitt. Summitt, who passed in 2016, was dearly missed by Holdsclaw, who cherished her growth under Summitt’s guidance. Holdsclaw’s 1998 Lady Vols team set a then-record for most wins in a season. She also paid homage to the 1996 Olympic team, which began the U.S.’s ongoing Olympic gold streak.

Gonzaga’s coach Mark Few, leading since 1999, led his team to the NCAA Tournament annually and reached the title game twice. Reflecting on his journey, Few said, “Growing up in a town of 1,500 with a single stoplight, standing here feels surreal.”

NBA referee Joey Crawford, with 2,500 regular-season games and 50 NBA Finals officiated in his 39-year career, shared his teenage dream of officiating at the NBA level, a dream he fervently pursued.

Mike D’Antoni, initially developing his coaching in Italy, made his mark in the NBA with a fast-paced style, notably with the Phoenix Suns and inductee Stoudemire. His journey reflects a broad and impactful career in basketball.

AP’s Doug Feinberg contributed to the report.