The official 2023 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class was revealed on Saturday at the Final Four with a number of recent NBA stars getting their well-deserved seat in the hall.
Among the former NBA players that were inducted were former Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol, former Miami Heat guard Dwayne Wade, Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki, and former San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker.
Former WNBA star and current Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon also received the honor for her lengthy playing career with the New York Liberty and the San Antonio Silver Stars.
LEGENDS FOREVER 🙌
The 2023 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class has been announced 👏 pic.twitter.com/XE77sDrpvC
— ESPN (@espn) April 1, 2023
Six coaches were also inducted on Saturday. That list was perhaps headlined by San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. Notable former college basketball coaches also inducted into the Hall include Gene Keady, Gary Blair, David Hixon, Jim Valvano, and Gene Bess.
The 1976 U.S. Women’s Olympic team, which was the first women’s Olympic team fielded by the country was also inducted on Saturday.
Many took to social media to offer all of these new inductees praise for this great accomplishment.
Legendary. pic.twitter.com/1zi2KciWtD
— Purdue Men's Basketball (@BoilerBall) April 1, 2023
An impressive class will be enshrined into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame this year:
Gene Bess
Gary Blair
Pau Gasol
Becky Hammon
David Hixon
Gene Keady
Dirk Nowitzki
Tony Parker
Gregg Popovich
Jim Valvano
Dwyane Wade
1976 Women’s Olympic Basketball Team— Alicia Jessop (@RulingSports) April 1, 2023
Luka Doncic said he called Dirk Nowitzki yesterday to congratulate him, although he said they spent most of their time talking about tennis.
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) April 1, 2023
.@paugasol got the call! Welcome to the Hall of Fame! #23HoopClass | #PorVida pic.twitter.com/t70qTaOYMm
— Bally Sports San Antonio (@BallySportsSA) April 1, 2023
#23HoopClass inductee… Gregg Popovich!pic.twitter.com/ZBCqLlF9kC
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) April 1, 2023
A press conference was held on Saturday for the former players inducted, with many opening up on how much this honor means to them.
“It’s an honor to be a part of this group,” Pau Gasol told reporters. “We have guys here that I have had a lot of battles with on the court. We have always been a part of the same family. Now we are part of a different family that presents us with an opportunity to do some special things moving forward. I’m thankful for being here and want to acknowledge everyone who has helped me throughout my career.”
Pau Gasol on being a part of the 2023 @Hoophall class. #Lakeshow #nba pic.twitter.com/hbQepx0rCg
— Josh Moser (@TheMozKnowz) April 1, 2023
These new inductees of the 2023 class will officially be enshrined on Aug. 11 and 12 at ceremonies in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
[ESPN]
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.