The 2023 list of nominees is filled with names who are Hall of Fame locks
Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol and Tony Parker are among the legendary names included in the Class of 2023 nominees for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. No need to examine the track records of these all-time greats because they are, well, all-time greats. Best of the best.
Plus, the BHOF has a three-step election process to ensure that the would-be inductees truly deserve the honor. In essence, to be a certified Hall of Famer, one needs to pass through the watchful eyes of the Screening Committees, the Board of Trustees and lastly, the Honors Committee.
Given the strength of this year’s class, this becomes yet another year for some former NBA stars to miss the cut. Well actually, recent years has had solid classes entering the HOF. There was the powerful Kobe-Duncan-Garnett trio that headlined batch 2020. Chris Bosh, Paul Pierce, and Ben Wallace bannered the 2021 class. 2022 may have fewer superstars, but Manu Ginobili took one spot for himself in that list.
Maybe next year? Or the year after that? For now, let’s give these Hall of Fame hopefuls a proper send off with a quick look back at their colorful careers.
Shawn Kemp
The Reign Man was a power forward often described as a freak of nature. Back in the 90s, he was doing dunks that were just as amazing as some of Ja Morant's slams today. He was a six-time All-Star, an NBA finalist, and simply, one of the most entertaining players to watch during his heyday playing alongside Gary Payton for the Seattle Supersonics.
Kemp’s career, however, was marred by troubles off the court. Drugs also played a factor in his decline. Perhaps, these issues had something to do with his exclusion from the Class of 2023.
Detlef Schrempf
Picked eighth overall in the 1985 NBA Draft, Schrempf rose to become one of the best forwards in the league in the 90s. He won the Sixth Man of the Year award twice and he was an All-Star thrice. Oh, and did we forget he was from Germany. Yep, he is Dirk Nowitzki’s OG.
Amar’e Stoudemire
The man they called STAT was basically the second coming of Shawn Kemp. He was an athletic freak who punished the defense with a good midrange jumper and thunderous rim attacks. Barring one injury plagued season, Stoudemire was right there from 2004 to 2011, competing neck and neck with the Tim Duncans and Kevin Garnetts of the world.
Getting into the Hall may have become harder for this six-time All-Star as he’s been charged with battery for allegedly hitting his daughter.
Larry Foust
Foust was an eight-time All-Star who had a prolific career in the 1950s. We’re not going to pretend like we actually saw him play, but given his accomplishments that include, two All-NBA Team selections and a rebounding title, he must’ve been a really great basketball player.
The list of finalists will be revealed on February 17 at the NBA All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City. After that, the Hall’s Class of 2023 will be named on April 1 at NCAA Final Four Weekend in Houston.
The Naismith Hall’s enshrinement will take place on August 12 in Springfield.