Introduction to the 2023 inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Introduction

On Saturday, August 12, 2023, the newest inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame will receive their honors in Springfield, Massachusetts. Traditionally, these festivities occur during the week following Labor Day , but this year’s summer scheduling aims to make the enshrinement more convenient for attendees and fans alike.

The celebration weekend will kick off at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut on Friday, August 11, 2023, featuring a prelude event complete with an awards ceremony that includes the presentation of jackets and rings for the Class of 2023, along with the renowned Hall of Fame Awards . The main enshrinement event will be held the following day, Saturday, August 12, in the historic Symphony Hall of Springfield, Massachusetts.

Class of 2023: North American Committee

Gene Bess (Coach)

Bess stands out as the most successful head coach in college basketball history, amassing a remarkable 1,300 wins over his fifty seasons at Three Rivers Community College .

Gary Blair (Coach)

Blair achieved an impressive coaching record of 852 wins against 348 losses during his 37 years at the helm of teams like Stephen F. Austin, Arkansas, and Texas A & M . Notably, he led Texas A & M to victory in the 2011 women's NCAA tournament.

Pau Gasol (Player)

During his illustrious 18-season career in the NBA, Gasol maintained impressive average statistics of 17.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while playing for teams such as the Vancouver/Memphis Grizzlies, the Los Angeles Lakers, the San Antonio Spurs, the Chicago Bulls, and the Milwaukee Bucks. He was selected as an All-Star six times and earned the All-NBA First Team honors four times. Gasol celebrated two championship victories alongside Kobe Bryant with the Lakers in 2009 and 2010. NBA Becky showcased her skills on the court with averages of 13.9 points and 3.8 assists per game throughout her 16-year career with the New York Liberty and the San Antonio Stars . She was honored as a WNBA All-Star six times and made it onto the WNBA's 15th, 20th, and 25th-anniversary teams.

Becky Hammon (Player)

David Hixon accomplished an impressive total of 826 wins over his 42-year tenure as head coach at Amherst College . His excellence was recognized when he received the Division III College Basketball Coach of the Year award on two occasions (2007 and 2013).

David Hixon (Coach)

Keady secured a total of 550 victories during his 27 seasons as a head coach at both Western Kentucky and Purdue . He was honored multiple times as the National Coach of the Year on six different occasions (1984, 1988, 1994, 1995, 1996, & 2000).

Gene Keady (Coach)

Over 21 remarkable seasons in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks , Dirk achieved impressive averages of 20.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. He was selected as an NBA All-Star 14 times and named to the All-NBA team 12 times, also winning the MVP Award in 2007. Dirk was a key player in the Mavericks' 2011 championship victory.

Dirk Nowitzki (Player)

During his 18-year tenure in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs and the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets, Parker recorded averages of 15.5 points and 5.6 assists per game. His accolades include six NBA All-Star selections and four All-NBA honors, and he was pivotal in helping the Spurs secure championship titles in 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014. Dallas Mavericks .

Tony Parker (Player)

Currently, Gregg holds the record as the winningest coach in NBA history, having achieved over 1,360 career victories with the San Antonio Spurs. He has led the team to championship triumphs in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014, with four of those wins being in collaboration with fellow Hall of Famer Tony Parker .

Gregg Popovich (Coach)

"To be honest, I always thought the Hall of Fame was meant for legends like Red Holzman, Red Auerbach, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson ... I've never really felt that I belonged here,\" said Gregg Popovich. "I’m not trying to downplay my achievements; I'm simply a Division III guy, not a Hall of Fame persona.\"

"It's remarkable,\" Popovich continued. "This is a tremendous honor for me. I find myself here among individuals I've always admired. Being in this place feels surreal, and I can only express gratitude to those who have supported me along the way.\"

Wade had a stellar career, averaging 22.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game over 16 thrilling seasons with the Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls. He was selected as an NBA All-Star 13 times and earned All-NBA honors eight times. Dwyane celebrated championship wins in 2006, 2012, and 2013, competing alongside other NBA greats like Shaq .

Dwyane Wade (Player)

"For me, it's clear that all of these individuals deserve to be first-ballot inductees,\" said Miami Heat president Pat Riley. "Examine their records and the tremendous length of their careers. Look at the impact they’ve had on the league. They genuinely represent this sport and have a powerful voice and message. Dwyane being a first-ballot inductee was unmistakable.\" Cleveland Cavaliers Enshrinee from the Women’s Veterans Committee LeBron James .

Finalists from the International Committee

Class of 2023: Direct Elect Committees

North Catholic High School Junior Varsity Team - Philadelphia, PA

• 1976 U.S. Olympic Team (Team)

Contributor Committee Enshrinee

• Jim Valvano

Announcement of Gregg Popovich, Dirk Nowitzki, and Dwyane Wade entering the Hall of Fame.

• Jackie Chazalon
• Mirza Delibasic
• Dusan Ivkovic
• Semen Khalipski
• Vladimir Kondrashin
• Eduardo Lamas
• Marcos Leite
• Shimon Mirrahi
• Amaury Pasos
• Manuel Sainz
• Togo Soares
• Ranko Zeravica
• Veterans Committee Finalists
• 1936 U.S. Olympic Team (Team)
• 1972 U.S. Olympic Team (Team)
• Dick Barnett (Player)
• Tom Blackburn (Coach)
• Sid Borgia (Referee)
• Charles Brown (Player)
• Freddie Brown (Player)
• Jack Coleman (Player)
• Charles Eckman (Referee)
• Leroy Edwards (Player)
• Leo Ferris (Contributor)
• Hy Gotkin (Player)
• Travis Grant (Player)
• Jack Hartman (Coach)
• Cam Henderson (Coach)
• Robert Hopkins (Player)
• Charles Keinath (Player)
• Greg Kelser (Player)
• Kentucky Wesleyan 1966, 1968, 1969 (Team)
• Bob Love (Player)
• Loyola of Chicago (Team)
• Billy Markward (Contributor)
• Ed McCluskey (Coach)
• Jack McKinney (Contributor)
• Bill Melchionni (Player)
• Francis Meehan (Player)
• Lucias Mitchell (Coach)
• Donald \"Dudey\" Moore (Coach)
• Joe Mullaney (Coach)
• Willie Naulls (Player)
• Accurate mathematical strategies and insights for casino games including blackjack, craps, roulette, and many others.
• Don Otten (Player)
• Philadelphia SPHAS (Team)
• Kevin Porter (Player)
• Glenn Roberts (Player)
• Lennie Rosenbluth (Player)
• Kenny Sailors (Player)
• Fred Schaus (Contributor)
• Sam Schulman (Contributor)
• Paul Silas (Player)
• Dick Van Arsdale (Player)
• Tom Van Arsdale (Player)
• Lambert Will (Contributor)
• Max Zaslofsky (Player)

Sources:

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Written by: David Green