Delle Donne and Parker inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in the 2026 class
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne both used their Hall of Fame speeches to serve as a love…
Veteran NBA referee Joey Crawford joined a list of notable figures in the 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame induction class, which included players, coaches and officials, on Saturday night in Springfield, Mass.
The class featured the 1996 U.S. Olympic women's basketball team, Chamique Holdsclaw, Amar’e Stoudemire, NBA official Joey Crawford, coaches Doc Rivers and Mike D’Antoni, and Gonzaga coach Mark Few.
Candace Parker delivered her Hall of Fame speech, using her platform to express her gratitude to basketball for all it has given her. She carried a ball up to the podium for the occasion.
Parker acknowledged the journey that led her to this moment, reflecting on memorable moments such as dunking on UConn at UConn and becoming the first woman to grace the cover of NBA2K.
She closed her speech by breaking down in emotion, sharing that she and her teammates were meant to be a love story that began 27 years ago. Parker, a three-time WNBA champion, two-time MVP, and Olympic gold medalist, was recognized as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Elena Delle Donne also shared her love for the sport through her speech, crediting her late sister Lizzie, who is blind and deaf, for providing strength throughout her career.
Delle Donne's speech was filled with gratitude and admiration for those who have supported her throughout her journey. She became the first player in WNBA history to achieve a remarkable feat by shooting more than 50% from the field, 40% from beyond the three-point line, and 90% from the free-throw line.
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