PHOENIX – The 21-name list of finalists for the 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame has been released and has heavy Phoenix Suns representation. For the North American Committee finalists, Amar’e Stoudemire and Kevin Johnson got the bid, alongside nine other names in their category, including coaches like Doc Rivers and players like Blake Griffin.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The last name representing Phoenix is former head coach Mike D’Antoni under contributor committee finalists. The trio will find out if they are a part of the class on Saturday, April 4th, during Final Four Weekend for NCAA.
Mar. 26 2010; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash (13) and forward Amare Stoudemire (1) talk with New York Knicks head coach Mike D’Anoni prior to the first half at the US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Three former Suns players/coaches finalists for Hall of Fame:
Stoudemire was a five-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA member with the Suns during his eight-year career in the Valley. The pick-and-roll with running partner Steve Nash make team one of the most exciting to watch in the NBA. The 43-year-old made it to the Western Conference Finals twice with the franchise, but lost to the eventual champions twice in 2005 and 2010.
His departure from the team is a widely famous breakup that spawn from the beef with then owner Robert Sarver over his next contract. Stoudemire left in the 2010 offseason, but still remained a beloved member of the Suns and was inducted to the team’s Ring of Honor last season.
May 25, 2010; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom (7) and Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire (1) battle for positioning during the second quarter in game four of the western conference finals in the 2010 NBA Playoffs at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Johnson was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1987, but was traded to Phoenix after 52 games, which he would remain for the rest of his career. In 683 games as a member of the Suns, the 59-year-old averaged 18.7 points, 9.5 assists and helped the team make the playoffs 11 times in 12 seasons.
He was a part of the 1993 Finals team that lost to prime Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in six games. Despite the loss, Johnson was a playoff riser, recording over 20 points per game in five postseason runs.
D’Antoni has coached 1,199 games in the NBA, for a record of 672-527. He spent five seasons in the Valley, the most of any team in his career. The two-time coach of the year winner changed the game of basketball with the “Seven seconds or less” offense with Nash and Stoudemire at the helm. The 74-year-old did it again with the Houston Rockets in the late 2010’s by focusing heavily on 3-point attempts.
Each of the three former Suns have a case to make it to Springfield, but the voting process will be tough. Of the 17 finalists last year, only seven made it into the Hall of Fame. Johnson was a finalists from 2014-2016, and will have a chance with two other former franchise legends.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
