A constellation of basketball greats, headlined by former NBA stars Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard and former WNBA star Sue Bird, was enshrined into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday night in Springfield, Massachusetts. The illustrious class also included women’s stars Maya Moore and Sylvia Fowles, head coach Billy Donovan, Miami Heat owner Micky Arison, referee Danny Crawford, and the iconic 2008 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team, of which Anthony and Howard were members.
The inductions celebrated legendary careers defined by championships and individual excellence. An emotional Carmelo Anthony, a 10-time All-Star who ranks 10th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, reflected on his journey, stating, “Tonight, I just don’t step into the Hall of Fame, I carry the echoes of every voice that ever told me I couldn’t.” First-ballot electee Dwight Howard, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, dedicated the honor to his mother, saying, “He allowed me to bring sunshine into her life.” Sue Bird, a five-time Olympic gold medalist and the WNBA’s all-time assists leader, was honored for a career that included four WNBA titles.
The class was further distinguished by its profound impact on every level of the game. Billy Donovan was recognized for his success, which includes leading the University of Florida to back-to-back NCAA titles and over 400 NBA wins. The 2008 U.S. Olympic “Redeem Team,” featuring legends like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, was inducted for its dominant gold medal run. Maya Moore and Sylvia Fowles were celebrated as two of the most decorated players in women’s basketball history, with multiple WNBA championships and Olympic gold medals each.
The ceremony also honored contributors who shaped the sport from the front office and the court. Miami Heat owner Micky Arison was enshrined after presiding over three NBA championships during his tenure. Veteran referee Danny Crawford, who officiated over 2,000 regular-season games and 23 consecutive NBA Finals, was recognized for his decades of service. Together, the class of 2024 represents a diverse and profound legacy of excellence across the entire basketball world.
