Predicting 5 Hall of Fame candidates in 2025

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2024 will be inducted later this year. Unlike in 2023 – when the class was headlined by first-ballot Hall of Famers Pau Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker and Dwyane Wade – Vince Carter is the only first-time nominee to earn induction this year.

While next year’s class likely won’t be announced until the Final Four in April 2025, it is never too early to take a look at some of the deserving candidates. As was the case in 2024, there aren’t many deserving first-time nominees. That should open the door for several players who have spent some time on the ballot to earn induction. Take a look at five candidates who could earn induction below.

Who could emerge in the 2025 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class?

#1: Marc Gasol

While JJ Redick had a lengthy NBA career preceded by an elite college career, Marc Gasol is the only first-time nominee who will garner serious Hall of Fame consideration. The Spanish star spent 13 seasons in the NBA, mostly with the Memphis Grizzlies.

He was named to the All-Star Team three times and the All-NBA Team twice. Gasol won the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year award while also making the All-Defensive Team. He helped lead the Toronto Raptors to their first title in franchise history in 2019.

Prior to joining the NBA, Gasol won both a Liga ACB title and FIBA EuroCup. He was named the ACB Most Valuable Player in 2008. In international play, he helped older brother – and first-ballot Hall of Famer – Pau Gasol lead Spain to silver medals in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

He also won FIBA World Cup gold medals in both 2006 and 2019. His NBA and international success – both of which are weighed – will likely lead him to be enshrined in his first year on the ballot.

#2: Shawn Marion

Shawn Marion, who spent most of his 16 year career with the Phoenix Suns, is among the most underrated players in recent NBA history. ‘The Matrix’ was ahead of his time as he was able to defend every position.

While he was considered one of the best defenders of his generation, he somehow was never selected to an All-Defensive Team. He was, however, named to four All-Star Teams and two All-NBA Teams. Marion also helped lead the Dallas Mavericks to their first title in 2011 as he played a key role in limiting LeBron James. Internationally, he won a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics.

Marion’s 124.91 win shares are good for 43rd in NBA history as each player above him is either in the Hall of Fame or not yet eligible. He accounted for 63.6 offensive win shares and 61.3 defensive win shares, showing his two-way excellence. Now in his seventh year on the ballot, his induction seems overdue.

#3: Amar’e Stoudemire

Amar’e Stoudemire spent the prime of his 14-year career playing alongside Shawn Marion on the Phoenix Suns. While his prime was cut short due to injury, Stoudemire’s peak placed him among the best players in the league. Over an eight-season stretch – one of which he missed all but three games due to injury – he was named to six All-Star Teams and five All-NBA Teams.

Stoudemire was named the 2003 NBA Rookie of the Year. He also won a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics. While he did not have the longevity of other Hall of Famers, his peak should warrant him induction.

#4: Tyson Chandler

Tyson Chandler could benefit from Marc Gasol getting inducted into the Hall of Fame as their resumes are similar. In his 19-year career, he was named to one All-Star Team, one All-NBA Team and three All-Defensive Teams. He also took home Defensive Player of the Year honors once.

Chandler helped lead the Dallas Mavericks to the 2011 title and was arguably the second most important piece on the team. He trailed only Dirk Nowitzki in win shares in both the regular season and postseason. He was also able to capture gold medals at the 2012 Olympics and 2010 FIBA World Championships.

#5: Robert Horry

Robert Horry has one of the most interesting Hall of Fame cases. On one hand, he was a role player without any individual accolades. On the other hand, he won seven championships in 16 seasons. His seven rings are the most of any player who didn’t play for Bill Russell’s Boston Celtics. Additionally, he won at least two titles with each team – the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs – that he played on for a full season.

Furthermore, he played a pivotal role on each team, hitting clutch shots time and time again. Several Hall of Famers have made the case for Horry’s induction. The most notable occurrence came when former coach Rudy Tomjanovich took time during his own Hall of Fame speech to plead with voters for his induction.

Furthermore, there are players who never won a title with worse stats in the Hall of Fame. Winning is the ultimate goal in sports, and no player in modern NBA history has won more than Horry.

Honorable Mention: Stephon Marbury

Stephon Marbury made two All-Star Teams and two All-NBA Teams during his 13-year career. He also took home a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics. After a tumultuous end to his NBA career, the Hall of Fame seemed to be out of the question.

His resurgence in the Chinese Basketball Association, however, makes him worthy of being honored. Marbury won 3 CBA Championships, 1 CBA Finals MVP Award, 1 CBA International MVP Award and made three All-Star Teams. Perhaps more importantly, he has helped the growth of the game in China.

His international contributions should warrant induction, however, voters seem content on making him wait. Perhaps the lack of first-time candidates on the ballot will lead Marbury to finally break through in 2025.

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