Basketball Hall of Fame Eligible Players in 2023
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Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame recently announced the nominees for the Class of 2023. The list is brimming with stars easily recognizable by any basketball fan and Betway bettor from anywhere in the world. And while promising candidates like Larry Foust, Shawn Kemp, and Amar’e Stoudemire did not make the cut, 2023 promises to be an exciting year for the Hall of Fame. Here is a look at the basketball players that could earn this coveted mark of greatness.
- Dwyane Wade
Any sports betting South Africa fan worth their salt knows Dwayne Wade. Making his debut in 2003, Wade is part of the famous Miami “Big Three,” alongside star players Bosh and James. The trio led the team to four Finals between 2011 and 2014, taking home rings in 2012 and 2013. As an individual player, Wade’s achievements include an 8-time All-NBA and 13-time All-Star selection. The Chicago-born 6-foot-4 player also has one of the best size-swat combinations in basketball history, stemming from his 885 career blocks. Wade won three titles with Miami Heat and was the MVP in the 2006 NBA Finals.
- Dirk Nowitzki
Nowitzki, widely considered the greatest international basketball player in the history of the NBA, is a well-deserved entry on this list. The 44-foot German native was crowned the NBA MVP in 2007 following a 67-17 record win for Dallas. He has been an All-Star selection 12 times and won 14 times. However, his most impressive feat occurred in 2011 when he led his team to an NBA title and won the Finals MVP award despite being Betway underdogs to favorites Miami Heat. Nowitzki is currently ranked 26th and 6th for his career rebounds (11,489) and points (31,560).
- Pau Gasol
After joining the Memphis Grizzlies, the 7-foot Gasol got his start in 2002 when he was named that year’s NBA Rookie of the Year. However, his golden years came when he joined the LA Lakers. Alongside teammate Kobe Bryant, the Barcelonan brought home two NBA titles in 2009 and 2010 and was an All-Star 6 times. Gasol also played for Spain, recording a remarkable international career that saw him join 3 All-Star teams, grab 11,305 rebounds, and score 20,894 points.
- Tony Parker
Like Wade, Tony Parker was part of a famous basketball trio – The Big Three. Alongside teammates Ginóbili and Duncan, he won four NBA titles with San Antonio, clinching the NBA Finals MVP in 2007. Parker averaged 5.6 assists and 15.5 points and is currently ranked 19th and 56th on the NBA all-time lists
- Chauncey Billups
Billups had a rocky start to his basketball career. Joining Minnesota as a free agent, he was cut from the team following payroll considerations. This cut saw him join the Detroit Pistons as a guard, a position he held for 482 games over the next seven seasons of his career. While playing for the Pistons, Billups was dubbed “Mr. Big Shot.” His achievements include the 2004 Finals MVP award, 5 All-Star selections, and a 5.4-assist and 15-2-point average. The 6-foot-three legend is currently the Portland head coach.
Conclusion
The recently announced Hall of Fame nominees will undergo an election process consisting of three steps. The process will see the list cut down to several finalists who will be announced at All-Star Weekend on February 17. After that, the Class of 2023 will be announced at NCAA Final Four Weekend on April 1, followed by the enshrinement in Springfield on August 12. While nothing is set in stone yet, the odds say these five players are eligible for the Class of 2023 Hall of Fame induction.