Griffin and Amare Spark Hall of Fame Buzz

Blake Griffin and Amar'e Stoudemire are among the first time candidates named by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The broader list also includes Jamal Crawford, Joe Johnson, Elena Delle Donne, Candace Parker, coaches Mike D'Antoni and Doc Rivers, college coaches Bruce Pearl and Kelvin Sampson, the 1996 USA womens national team, and broadcaster Marv Albert. The Hall said "Finalists chosen from the applicable Category Screening Committees for the Class of 2026 will be announced at a later date." Merlin notes both players left clear marks on their eras. Griffin brought star power and five All NBA nods as part of Lob City, while Stoudemire was a force in Phoenix and New York with six All Star appearances despite injuries that later dimmed his arc. Both have strong resumes, but a packed ballot and voting patterns will decide who makes the cut.