Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Sue Bird, Maya Moore, and Sylvia Fowles Enter Hall of Fame
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame welcomed its 2025 class this weekend, and it was truly one of the most star-studded inductions in recent memory. Fans were treated not just to speeches, but to a celebration of legacies that have shaped basketball at every level — from college dominance, to professional excellence, to Olympic glory.
Headlining the night was Carmelo Anthony, one of the most prolific scorers of his generation. His career started with a bang at Syracuse, where his freshman season ended in a national championship, and from there he carried that dominance into the NBA. Drafted third overall in 2003, Anthony became a 10-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA selection, and a vital member of Team USA’s Olympic runs. In fact, he’s one of only three players with four Olympic medals in men’s basketball, standing alongside LeBron James and Kevin Durant. During his speech, he delivered an emotional tribute to his late father, saying the Hall of Fame honor was worn “for the both of us.”
Dwight Howard’s induction was another moment of recognition for an era of basketball defined by his power and defense. Drafted first overall out of high school by the Orlando Magic in 2004, Howard quickly became a force in the paint. He’s the only player in NBA history to win Defensive Player of the Year three times in a row, and his resume includes eight All-Star selections, five rebounding titles, and, finally, a championship with the Lakers in 2020. Fans still remember him soaring in the dunk contest as “Superman,” but his speech reminded everyone that his success was built on a foundation of family, faith, and persistence.
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On the women’s side, Maya Moore, Sue Bird, and Sylvia Fowles were honored, cementing a class that represents not only greatness, but longevity and leadership.
Moore’s career may have been shorter than most — only eight seasons in the WNBA — but it was packed with accomplishments. Four championships, a league MVP, two Finals MVPs, and two Olympic gold medals are only part of her story. Moore stepped away from the game at her peak to dedicate herself to criminal justice reform, eventually helping free Jonathan Irons, who later became her husband. Her speech carried a message for young athletes: embrace joy and connection over fear.
Sue Bird, who spent 21 seasons with the Seattle Storm, is widely recognized as the face of consistency and leadership in women’s basketball. With four WNBA championships, five Olympic gold medals, and the all-time WNBA assist record, Bird’s career stretched across three decades. Known for her wit and competitive fire, she brought both to her induction speech, even sneaking in a playful jab at her college coach, Geno Auriemma.
Sylvia Fowles rounded out the trio. Known as one of the most dominant centers in league history, Fowles collected two WNBA championships, two Finals MVPs, four Defensive Player of the Year awards, and five Olympic gold medals. Her strength and defensive presence left a lasting mark on the WNBA, and her jersey now hangs retired both by the Minnesota Lynx and LSU.
The ceremony also honored the famed 2008 “Redeem Team,” which included legends like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade, as well as coach Billy Donovan, Miami Heat owner Micky Arison, and longtime referee Danny Crawford.
It was a night that reminded everyone just how global and diverse basketball has become. Players who dominated at every position, in both men’s and women’s basketball, were celebrated for not just their trophies, but their influence and inspiration. And now, their names are forever etched into the Hall of Fame.
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