The Next NBA Hall of Fame Stars: 11 Players Who Could Get the Orange Jacket

Welcome to the Hall of Fame Watch! Think of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame like the ultimate "basketball yearbook" — only the very best players, coaches, and contributors get their picture on the wall and a shiny orange jacket. This year’s ceremony (August 2026) was extra special because three WNBA legends — Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, and Chamique Holdsclaw — were inducted alongside just one NBA player: Amar’e Stoudemire.

But don’t worry, NBA fans! The next few years are going to be packed with basketball superstars becoming eligible. Let’s break down 11 players who could be wearing that orange jacket very soon.

The Golden Rule: You Must Wait 3 Years

IMPORTANT RULE ALERT!

Before any NBA player can even be considered for the Hall of Fame, they must be completely retired for three full NBA seasons. No comebacks, no "one last game" — fully done for three years. This is why some recently retired stars (like Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook) have to wait until 2029 to be eligible.

The "Ready Right Now" Crew (Eligible Immediately)

These players have been retired long enough and are waiting for the call.

1. LaMarcus Aldridge — The Quiet Scoring Machine

Think of him like: That kid in class who never brags but always gets straight A’s.

• Career: 16 seasons (Trail Blazers, Spurs, Nets)
• The Numbers: 20,000+ points • 8,000+ rebounds • 7 All-Star games
• Why he’s special: Only Antawn Jamison has those numbers and isn’t in the Hall. Current players in this exclusive club? LeBron, KD, Russ, and Giannis — all future Hall of Famers.
• Compared to Stoudemire: Nearly identical stats (19.1 PPG vs 18.9 PPG), but Aldridge played 10,000 more minutes and has way more career win shares (115.6).
• Verdict: Very Strong Case — Stoudemire’s induction practically guarantees Aldridge gets in.

2. Marc Gasol — The International Superstar

Think of him like: The exchange student who dominates every sport and gets straight A’s.

• Career: NBA champion (2019 Raptors) + Spain’s "Golden Generation" legend
• NBA Hardware: Defensive Player of the Year (2013) • 3× All-Star
• International Gold: 2× Olympic silver • 2× FIBA World Cup gold • 5× EuroBasket medals
• Fun Fact: He’s one of the greatest 2nd-round picks ever — right up there with Nikola Jokić, Manu Ginóbili, and Draymond Green.
• Verdict: Lock — His combined NBA + international résumé is too good to ignore.

3. Blake Griffin — The Human Highlight Reel

Think of him like: The kid who could dunk over the teacher’s desk in 5th grade.

• Career: 1st overall pick (2009) • "Lob City" Clippers icon • 2026 Hall finalist (just missed)
• The Numbers: 19.0 PPG • 8.0 RPG • 21.0 PER • 6× All-Star • 5× All-NBA
• Twin Connection: His career mirrors Amar’e Stoudemire almost perfectly — both won Rookie of the Year, made 6 All-Star teams, earned 5 All-NBA nods, then had knee issues.
• Missing Piece: No championship, no Olympic gold, no MVP — that’s why he wasn’t first-ballot.
• Verdict: Near Lock — Stoudemire’s entry opens the door wide for Griffin.

4. Andre Iguodala — The Ultimate Glue Guy

Think of him like: The group project member who does the boring work so everyone else gets A’s.

• The "Weak" Stats: 11.3 PPG • 4.9 RPG • 4.2 APG (don’t let these fool you!)
• The Real Resume:
  • 4× NBA Champion (Warriors)
  • 2016 Finals MVP (stopped LeBron!)
  • 2× All-Defensive Team
  • Olympic Gold (2012)
  • NBPA Executive Director (players’ union boss)
• The Precedent: Michael Cooper (2024 inductee) proved role players on dynasties get in.
• Verdict: Strong Case — Warriors retired his #9 jersey in 2025. That matters.

5. Joe Johnson — "Iso Joe" the Bucket Getter

Think of him like: The player everyone picks first at the park because he will score on you.

• Career: 7× All-Star • 5 straight 20+ PPG seasons (Hawks) • 20,000+ pts / 5,000+ reb / 5,000+ ast
• Exclusive Club: Only 18 players ever have those numbers. DeMar DeRozan is the only other "maybe" — the rest are in or locks.
• The "But": Only reached Conference Finals twice (early with Suns, late as Rockets reserve). Prime overlapped with LeBron’s East dominance.
• Verdict: Borderline — Classic "great vs. very good" debate.

6. Shawn Marion — "The Matrix" (Do-Everything Forward)

Think of him like: The Swiss Army knife — has a tool for every situation.

• Career: 16 seasons • 4× All-Star • 2× All-NBA • 2011 Mavs Champion
• Historic Company: Only Hakeem Olajuwon and Kevin Garnett have more career points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks combined.
• Style Impact: Key piece of "Seven Seconds or Less" Suns (coach Mike D’Antoni just inducted).
• Verdict: Strong Case — Complete, productive, winning player. Deserves recognition.

7. Rajon Rondo — The Playoff Rondo Mystery

Think of him like: The quiet genius who aces the final exam but forgets homework.

• The Rings: 2 championships (2008 Celtics, 2020 Lakers)
• Prime Years: 4× All-Star • 3× Assists Leader • Elite playoff performer
• The Problem: Ho-hum career averages (9.8 PPG, 7.9 APG) • Clashed with coaches/teammates later • Peaked early
• Comparison: Mark Jackson, Andre Miller, Rod Strickland all have more career assists and aren’t in the Hall.
• Verdict: Tough Case — Rings help, but regular season resume is thin.

The "Waiting Room" Crew (Eligible 2028-2029)

These stars just retired or are still playing. Mark your calendars!

8. Derrick Rose — The "What If?" MVP (Eligible 2028)

The Rule: Every eligible NBA MVP has made the Hall of Fame. Every single one.

• The Peak: 2011 MVP at age 22 (youngest ever) • 3× All-Star in first 4 years • Carried Chicago’s hopes
• The Tragedy: Devastating knee injuries derailed everything • Became role player • 6 teams in 15 years
• The Stats Say No: Basketball Reference gives him 10.5% chance (below Kemba Walker!)
• The Heart Says Yes: Teammates remember the heights he reached • HS legend • NCAA title game • 2× FIBA gold by 25
• Verdict: Wildcard — MVP precedent vs. short peak. Peer support could push him in.

9. Kyle Lowry — The Late-Blooming Champion (Eligible 2029)

Think of him like: The late bloomer who becomes class president senior year.

• Journey: Benchwarmer (Grizzlies) → Traded (Rockets) → Raptors Legend (6× All-Star, 2019 Champ)
• The Chauncey Billups Path: Billups (2024 inductee) also bloomed late and won a ring as a floor general.
• Exclusive Stats Club: 16,000+ pts • 7,000+ ast — Only 15 players ever. 9 are in Hall, 4 are future locks (CP3, Russ, LeBron, Harden).
• Better Than: Andre Miller (only other non-Hall member in this club) — Lowry has 6 All-Star games + a ring. Miller has 0 All-Star games + 0 rings.
• Verdict: Very Strong — Championship + longevity + elite company.

10. Chris Paul — The Point God (Eligible 2029)

Think of him like: The valedictorian who also captained three sports teams.

• Hall of Fame Already Teasing Him: They posted him in an orange jacket on Instagram!
• The Mountain of Achievements:
  • 12× All-Star • 11× All-NBA • 9× All-Defensive
  • #2 All-Time in assists & steals
  • #5 All-Time in win shares • #9 in wins
  • NBA 75th Anniversary Team
  • 2× Olympic Gold
  • Top-10 MVP voting with 4 different teams
  • Led Suns to 2021 Finals
• The Only "Knock": No championship (best player never to win one)
• Verdict: First-Ballot Lock — One of the greatest PGs ever. Period.

11. Russell Westbrook — Mr. Triple-Double (Eligible 2029, Just Retired Aug 2026!)

Think of him like: The energizer bunny with a rocket booster.

• Historic Feat: First player since NBA/ABA merger to average a triple-double for a full season (2017) — did it 4 times total!
• Hardware: 2017 MVP • 9× All-Star • 9× All-NBA • NBA 75th Team
• Longevity Stats: 18 years • 14 playoff appearances • Top 15 all-time in points, rebounds, AND assists (only LeBron has more in all three!)
• Olympic Gold: 2010 FIBA World Cup • 2012 London Olympics
• The Narrative: OKC icon → took reins after KD left → journeyman later years → but never stopped producing
• Verdict: First-Ballot Lock — Unique, historic, statistically massive career.

Quick Comparison Cheat Sheet

Summary: Who’s Getting That Orange Jacket?

Near Locks (5-6 players):

1. Chris Paul — All-time great PG, stats off the charts
2. Russell Westbrook — Historic triple-double machine, longevity king
3. Marc Gasol — NBA champ + international legend
4. LaMarcus Aldridge — Stoudemire’s statistical twin with more longevity
5. Kyle Lowry — Championship floor general in exclusive stats club
6. Blake Griffin — Stoudemire’s career mirror (once stigma fades)

Strong Cases (3-4 players):

1. Andre Iguodala — Finals MVP on dynasty, Cooper precedent
2. Shawn Marion — Only Hakeem & KG beat his all-around totals
3. Joe Johnson — Exclusive 20K/5K/5K club member
4. Derrick Rose — MVP precedent vs. short peak (wildcard)

Uphill Battle (1 player):

1. Rajon Rondo — Rings help, but regular season resume thin vs. other PGs

FAQ: Your Hall of Fame Questions Answered

Q: Why do players have to wait 3 years after retiring?
A: It’s like a "cooling off" period. The Hall wants to make sure a player is truly done — no Michael Jordan baseball comebacks! It also gives voters time to look at the full career with perspective.

Q: What’s the difference between "first-ballot" and regular induction?
A: "First-ballot" means you get in the very first year you’re eligible. It’s like graduating summa cum laude — extra prestige. Chris Paul, Russ, and eventually LeBron/Steph/KD will be first-ballot. Others might wait a few years.

Q: Do international achievements count for NBA players?
A: Absolutely! Marc Gasol is the perfect example. His Olympic medals, World Cup golds, and EuroBasket medals with Spain count huge. The Hall of Fame is global — not just NBA.

Q: Can a player get in without winning a championship?
A: Yes! Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, John Stockton, Steve Nash, Allen Iverson — none won rings, all are in the Hall. But championships help borderline cases (like Iguodala or Marion).

Q: Who decides who gets in?
A: A voting committee of media, Hall of Famers, and basketball experts. They meet every year, debate each candidate, and you need 75% of votes to get in. It’s not just stats — they consider "impact on the game" too.

Final Thought

The next three Hall of Fame classes (2027, 2028, 2029) are shaping up to be absolutely stacked. We’re talking about the generation that defined 2010s basketball — the point god (CP3), the triple-double king (Russ), the quiet assassins (Aldridge, Gasol), the high-flyers (Griffin), the glue guys (Iguodala, Lowry), and the "what if" legend (Rose).

Grab your popcorn. The orange jacket ceremony is about to get very exciting.

Article based on ESPN analysis by Ben Golliver (August 14, 2026). All stats and eligibility dates reflect information available at time of publication.