Basketball Hall of Fame 2023: Ceremony Recap, Speech Highlights and Reaction | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
Daniel Foster The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, served as the hub of basketball on Saturday with the class of 2023's induction ceremony.
This year's class features some of the sport's most notable game-changers both on the court and behind the bench with five players and six coaches being enshrined, in addition to the 1976 U.S. Olympic women's team.
The class of 2023 is highlighted by the long-time face of the Miami Heat, the big man that delivered the Dallas Mavericks their first-ever NBA title in 2011, the winningest head coach in NBA history and a six-time WNBA All-Star.
Here's a recap of the ceremony, along with speeches, highlights and reaction.
Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
While Dwyane Wade is most known for his time with the Heat, he also spent time with the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers during his 16-year career that spanned 2003-19 after being selected fifth overall by Miami in the 2003 draft.
Wade is widely considered one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history after averaging 22.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.4 assists during his career while shooting 48.0 percent from the floor and 29.3 percent from deep.
The 41-year-old is a three-time NBA champion, 2006 NBA Finals MVP, 2008-08 scoring champion, 13-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA selection and an Olympic gold medalist with Team USA.
Wade was inducted into the Hall of Fame by four-time scoring champion Allen Iverson.
NBA @NBACongrats to <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> inductee, Dwyane Wade! <a href="">
NBA @NBAHeat Nation showed UP for DWade's <a href="">@Hoophall</a> induction 🔊🔥<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
Basketball HOF @Hoophall"My love of competition came from seeing my dad and uncles go at it." -Dwyane Wade <a href="">#23HoopClass</a>
NBA @NBA"For Dirk and me, it's been therapy."<br><br>DWade on this journey with his fellow <a href="">@Hoophall</a> inductees 😂<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
Basketball HOF @Hoophall"I am on this stage because my beliefs have always been bigger than my doubts" - Dwyane Wade <a href="">#23HoopClass</a>
NBA @NBAHoop dreams to reality.<br><br>DWade talks growing up with his family, Chicago, and the game of basketball.<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
NBA @NBA"Basketball was my blank canvas. I used it to reimagine my life."<br><br>DWade's love for the game 🧡<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
NBA @NBA"I'm on this stage because my beliefs have always been stronger than anyone's doubts."<br><br>DWade speaks on overcoming setbacks and battling through adversity 🗣️<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
NBA @NBA"You showed us that success and greatness are attainable even in the face of adversity."<br><br>This moment between DWade and AI is special 🧡<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
NBA @NBADWade thanks his teammates from throughout the years 🧡<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
NBA @NBADWade invited his dad on stage during his <a href="">@Hoophall</a> induction speech.<br><br>"We in the Hall of Fame, dawg" 🧡<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
Wade's full Hall of Fame speech is available to watch below:
Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
Dirk Nowitzki spent his entire 21-year career with the Mavericks after being selected by the franchise ninth overall in the 1998 draft.
Nowitzki, who is sixth on the NBA's all-time scoring list, is perhaps the greatest Maverick of all time after delivering the franchise its first—and only—NBA title in 2011 alongside fellow Hall of Famer Jason Kidd.
The 45-year-old finished his legendary career averaging 20.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting 47.1 percent from the floor and 38.0 percent from deep.
In addition to being an NBA champion, he is a 2010-11 finals MVP, 14-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA selection and 2006-07 MVP.
Nowitzki was presented by Kidd and Steve Nash.
NBA @NBACongrats to <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> inductee, Dirk Nowitzki! <a href="">
Basketball HOF @Hoophall"For the few months two words have been going through my head. Thank you!" - Dirk Nowitzki <a href="">#23HoopClass</a>
Basketball HOF @Hoophall"Creativity is worth nothing without leadership. To Steve, we came a long way from those two brutal haircuts we both had." - Dirk Nowitzki on Steve Nash <a href="">#23HoopClass</a>
NBA TV @NBATV"I think we came a long way from those two brutal haircuts" 😂<br><br>A full circle moment for <a href="">@swish41</a> & <a href="">@SteveNash</a> 🤝<a href="">@HoopHall</a> | <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> <a href="">
Basketball HOF @Hoophall"There is one quality that holds a team tougher and that is respect." - Dirk Nowitzki <a href="">#23HoopClass</a>
NBA TV @NBATVDirk had no mercy for Mark Cuban when he came to practice 🤣<a href="">@Hoophall</a> | <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> <a href="">
NBA @NBADirk shows love to teammate, friend, and <a href="">@Hoophall</a> presenter Jason Kidd 🧡<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
NBA @NBA"Pau, Tony, DWade, I didn't always like you guys... but there was always some appreciation of your guys' greatness."<br><br>Dirk on the <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> 🗣️<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
Nowitzki's full Hall of Fame speech is available to watch below:
Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs
Tony Parker spent 17 of his 18 NBA seasons with the San Antonio Spurs before ending his career with the Charlotte Hornets in 2018-19.
The 41-year-old was a part of the Spurs organization to claim four NBA titles under head coach Gregg Popovich between 1999-2007. He was also the 2006-07 finals MVP, a six-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA selection and led France to four Eurobasket medals, including one gold.
Parker ended his career averaging 15.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists while shooting 49.1 percent from the floor and 32.4 percent from deep.
The Spurs legend was presented by former teammates and Hall of Famers Manu Ginóbili and Tim Duncan.
NBA @NBACongrats to <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> inductee, Tony Parker! <a href="">
NBA @NBATim. Tony. Manu.<br><br>Legends of the game. <a href="">@Hoophall</a> inductees.<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
NBA @NBATony Parker on the connections he holds with his fellow <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> inductees 🧡<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
San Antonio Spurs @spurs.<a href="">@tonyparker</a> on always dreaming big 🫶<a href="">#23HoopClass</a> | <a href="">@HEB</a> <a href="">
San Antonio Spurs @spurs"I have a lot of French people in town" -<a href="">@tonyparker</a> 😂🇫🇷<a href="">#23HoopClass</a> | <a href="">@HEB</a> <a href="">
NBA @NBATony Parker and Tim Duncan's relationship is special 😂🧡<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
Basketball HOF @Hoophall"I wanted to dream big. When you say your dream to somebody and they aren't laughing your dream isn't big enough." - Tony Parker <a href="">#23HoopClass</a>
Rachel Nichols @Rachel__NicholsTony Parker on Tim Duncan calling for the ball with his eyes - "He would just look at me, and I would go to Pop. And Pop said, did he give you the look? And I said yeah. If you want to still have a point guard tomorrow, we better call a play for him."
Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlinTony Parker opened his HOF speech roasting Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Pop. He went on to choke back tears while thanking his family.
Basketball HOF @Hoophall"It starts with him. At the end of the day you through me in the fire. You have always been a second dad to me" - Tony Parker to Gregg Popovich <a href="">#23HoopClass</a>
NBA @NBATony Parker speaks on his relationship with teammate, friend, and fellow <a href="">@Hoophall</a> inductee, Manu Ginobili 🧡<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
NBA @NBADream big. Achieve bigger.<br><br>Congratulations to 2023 <a href="">@Hoophall</a> inductee, Tony Parker.<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
Parker's full Hall of Fame speech is available to watch below:
Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers
Pau Gasol only spent seven of his 18 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, but he is most remembered for his time with the Purple and Gold.
The 43-year-old won two NBA titles with the Lakers in 2009 and 2010 alongside Kobe Bryant, and he was a six-time All-Star and four-time All-NBA selection. He also led Spain to three Olympic medals—two silver and one bronze.
In addition to playing for the Lakers, Gasol also suited up for the Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks. He finished his career averaging 17.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.6 blocks while shooting 50.7 percent from the floor and 36.8 percent from deep.
Gasol was inducted into the Hall of Fame by Toni Kukoč.
NBA @NBACongrats to <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> inductee, Pau Gasol! <a href="">
Basketball HOF @Hoophall"So many people have contributed to me being here but no one like my family." - Pau Gasol <a href="">#23HoopClass</a>
NBA @NBAPau Gasol on his 2023 <a href="">@Hoophall</a> presenter, Toni Kukoč.<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
Basketball HOF @Hoophall"I was 12 when the Dream Team showed us how basketball could be played. That changed the game and the 2023 class is a testament to that." - Pau Gasol <a href="">#23HoopClass</a>
NBA @NBAThe Gasol brothers 🧡<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
Basketball HOF @Hoophall"You cannot understand my career without understanding my relationship with my National Team. For me representing my country was a big deal." 🇪🇸 - Pau Gasol <a href="">#23HoopClass</a>
A significant portion of Gasol's hall of fame speech honored Bryant and his daughter Gianna, who were killed in a helicopter crash in January 2020.
Basketball HOF @Hoophall"Welcome to the team, glad you are here now let's go win a championship together" - Pau Gasol on first message from Kobe Bryant <a href="">#23HoopClass</a>
Basketball HOF @Hoophall"Wouldn't be here without you brother. Miss you and love you. Would give anything for you and Gigi to be here with us tonight." - Pau Gasol to Kobe Bryant <a href="">#23HoopClass</a>
NBA TV @NBATV"I wouldn't be here without you, brother. I miss you and love you."<br><br>Pau's message to Kobe 🙏<a href="">@Hoophall</a> | <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> <a href="">
NBA @NBATeammates. Friends. Brothers.<br><br>Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant. <a href="">@Hoophall</a> inductees.<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
Gasol's full Hall of Fame speech is available to watch below:
Becky Hammon, WNBA
Becky Hammon spent 16 seasons in the WNBA from 1999-2014, playing for the New York Liberty and San Antonio Stars after going undrafted out of Colorado State, where she was a three-time All-American.
The 46-year-old never won a WNBA title as a player, but she was a six-time All-Star and an Olympic medalist. She averaged 13.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists during her career while shooting 43.8 percent from the floor and 37.8 percent from deep.
After retiring from the WNBA after the 2014 season, she became a trailblazer in the NBA as an assistant coach before taking on a head coaching job with the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces, which she led to a championship in her first season at the helm in 2022.
Hammon was presented by WNBA legends Sheryl Swoopes and Teresa Weatherspoon.
NBA @NBACongrats to <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> inductee, Becky Hammon! <a href="">
Basketball HOF @Hoophall"For me it has always been bigger than the basketball." - Becky Hammon <a href="">#23HoopClass</a>
Basketball HOF @Hoophall"I dedicated my life to the game of basketball. I grew up knowing two things. I love Jesus and Basketball." - Becky Hammon <a href="">#23HoopClass</a>
Las Vegas Aces @LVAces"I'm not going to give you the traditional basketball speech because quite frankly there's nothing traditional about me." — <a href="">@BeckyHammon</a> <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> <a href="">
NBA @NBABecky Hammon shows love to her <a href="">@Hoophall</a> presenters, Sheryl Swoopes and Teresa Weatherspoon 🧡<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
NBA @NBASouth Dakota ➡️ Springfield<br><br>2023 <a href="">@Hoophall</a> inductee, Becky Hammon.<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
NBA @NBACoach Hammon and Coach Pop 🧡<br><br>Two <a href="">@Hoophall</a> inductees.<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
NBA @NBABecky Hammon on continuing to invest in women 🗣️<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
Hammon's full Hall of Fame speech is available to watch below:
Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs
Gregg Popovich's Hall of Fame resumé speaks for itself.
The 74-year-old began his NBA coaching career as an assistant for the Spurs from 1988-1992 before serving as an assistant for the Golden State Warriors from 1992-94. He returned as head coach of the Spurs in 1995 and has been at the helm ever since.
Popovich has led the Spurs franchise to five NBA titles in part thanks to a legendary roster that included Parker and Ginóbili, who won four titles in San Antonio, and Duncan, who was a member of all five title-winning squads.
Popovich is the winningest coach in NBA history, having posted a 1,366-761 record in his 28 seasons as head coach of the Spurs and is a three-time NBA Coach of the Year. He has also won a gold medal as head coach of Team USA.
Additionally, the longtime Spurs coach has a legendary coaching tree that includes Hammon, Mike Budenholzer, Ime Udoka, Taylor Jenkins, Monty Williams, Steve Kerr, Doc Rivers and Mike Brown.
Popovich was presented by some of the best players he has ever coached in Ginóbili, Parker, Duncan and David Robinson.
NBA @NBACongrats to <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> inductee, Gregg Popovich! <a href="">
Basketball HOF @Hoophall"I tried to think of a word that would describe what this feels like. For me it is unimaginable." - Coach Gregg Popovich <a href="">#23HoopClass</a>
NBA @NBA"This is unimaginable."<br><br>Coach Pop on his induction into the <a href="">@Hoophall</a><br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
NBA @NBACoach Pop shows love to the city of San Antonio 🧡<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
NBA @NBACoach Pop on his dream of coaching USA Basketball 🇺🇸<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
NBA @NBACoach Pop on his family 🧡<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
NBA @NBA"I've been waiting for a long time, I'm not done."<br><br>A classic Coach Pop moment 😂<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
Basketball HOF @Hoophall"With Tony I just asked him to be perfect. If I coached him now like I did back them I would be in handcuffs." - Coach Gregg Popovich <a href="">#23HoopClass</a>
Basketball HOF @Hoophall"Once in a while I just wanted Tim to acknowledge me." - Coach Gregg Popovich <a href="">#23HoopClass</a>
NBA @NBA"Pop, I am Manu, this is what I do."<br><br>This Coach Pop and Manu Ginobili story 😂<br><br>📺: The <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> Enshrinement is live on NBA TV <a href="">
NBA TV @NBATV"All those wins or losses, they fade away, but those relationships stick with you forever."<br><br>Coach Pop's final message in his <a href="">@Hoophall</a> speech 🙌 <a href="">
Popovich's full Hall of Fame speech is available to watch below:
College Basketball Inductees
Five college basketball head coaches were also enshrined into the Hall of Fame, including Gene Bass (Three Rivers Community College), Gary Blair (Stephen F. Austin, Arkansas, Texas A&M), David Hixon (Amherst College), Gene Keady (Hutchinson JC, Western Kentucky, Purdue) and Jim Valvano (Johns Hopkins, Bucknell, Iona, NC State).
NBA @NBACongrats to <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> inductee, Gary Blair! <a href="">
isaac @isaacappelt"we need more recognition of women in the Hall of Fame" - Gary Blair in his HOF speech.<br><br>Blair coached women's basketball for nearly 50 years, starting at South Oak Cliff high school in 1973 and finishing at Texas A&M in 2022. <a href="">
NBA @NBACongrats to <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> inductee, Gene Bess! <a href="">
NBA @NBACongrats to <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> inductee, David Hixon! <a href="">
NBA @NBACongrats to <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> inductee, Gene Keady! <a href="">
Valvano is perhaps the most notable on the list, winning an NCAA championship with NC State in 1983 and leading the team to a pair of Elite Eight appearances in 1985 and 1986. He was also named the ACC Coach of the Year in 1988-89 after leading the Wolfpack to a 22-9 record.
NBA @NBACongrats to <a href="">#23HoopClass</a> inductee, Jim Valvano! <a href="">
1976 U.S. Women's Olympic Team
The 1976 U.S. women's Olympic team was one of just six teams to participate in the Olympics' first-ever offering of women's basketball. They were joined by Bulgaria, Canada, Czechoslovakia, Japan and the Soviet Union.
The 1976 roster includes:
- Cindy Brogdon, Forward
- Nancy Dunkle, Forward
- Lusia Harris, Center
- Patricia Head Summitt, Forward
- Charlotte Lewis, Center
- Nancy Lieberman, Guard
- Gail Marquis, Forward
- Ann Meyers, Guard
- Mary Anne O'Connor, Forward
- Patricia Roberts, Forward
- Susan Rojcewicz, Guard
- Juliene Simpson, Guard
- Billie Moore, Coach
Basketball HOF @Hoophall"We are honored to be the first Women's basketball team inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame." - Juliene Brazinski Simpson <a href="">#23HoopClass</a>
Basketball HOF @Hoophall"We played for future generations that might see themselves in one of us." - Juliene Brazinski Simpson (1976 Olympic Team) <a href="">#23HoopClass</a>
The U.S. women claimed the silver medal with a win over Czechoslovakia at the Montreal Summer Games.
