The NBA will pay tribute to 13 iconic figures from the basketball community this Saturday and Sunday (October 12-13), including Olympic medalists Vince Carter, Walter Davis, Michele Timms, and Jerry West.
The 2024 class also features Chauncey Billups, Michael Cooper, Bo Ryan, Charles Smith, Seimone Augustus, Dick Barnett, Harley Redin, Doug Collins, and Herb Simon.
John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, remarked, “The accomplishments of the 2024 class undeniably exemplify exceptional excellence. Their remarkable skills across high school, collegiate, and professional levels have shaped the sport on a continental scale, and we are honored to recognize these outstanding individuals alongside our esteemed award recipients.”
Carter, an eight-time All-Star during his 22-season NBA career, contributed to the U.S. team that won gold at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. Davis earned gold at the 1976 Games in Montreal, while West, now a prominent executive, was part of the gold-winning team at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Timms, a standout from Australia, holds both a bronze medal from the 1996 Atlanta Games and a silver from Sydney in 2000.
The Hall of Fame celebrations will take place in Springfield, Massachusetts—recognized as the birthplace of basketball—and at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.
13 Hall of Fame Awardees this year
1. Vince Carter
2. Walter Davis
3. Michele Timms
4. Jerry West
5. Chauncey Billups
6. Michael Cooper
7. Bo Ryan
8. Charles Smit
9. Seimone Augustus
10. Dick Barnett
11. Harley Redin
12. Doug Collins
13. Herb Simon.
Chauncey Billups
Hall of Fame Credentials: Billups ranks 24th in all-time 3-pointers made and 25th in attempts, while placing 51st in assists and 63rd in free throws during his 17-year career. He was selected to five All-Star teams over nine seasons and earned spots on the second or third All-NBA teams three times. A two-time All-Defensive Second Team member, he also finished in the top six for MVP voting twice. His playoff experience includes 146 games and two trips to the Finals.
Vince Carter
Hall of Fame Credentials: Carter is celebrated for his explosive start in the NBA, earning eight All-Star selections before turning 30, with an average of 24.1 points per game by that age. He won Rookie of the Year in 1999 and achieved All-NBA honors in his second and third seasons with Toronto. Over his last nine seasons, he contributed 8.5 points per game coming off various benches and was recognized in the top 15 for the Kia Sixth Man award three times.
Michael Cooper
Hall of Fame Credentials: Despite never being an All-Star, Cooper was known for his defensive prowess as a 6-foot-7 guard with quick reflexes and tenacity. He significantly impacted opponents' scoring, especially against greats like Larry Bird and Julius Erving. An eight-time All-Defensive team selection and the 1986-87 Defensive Player of the Year, Cooper consistently ranked in the top five for the award throughout his career.
Walter Davis
Hall of Fame Credentials: Davis had an impressive rookie season, averaging 24.2 points in 1977-78, one of the highest for a newcomer. His 27.23 points per 36 minutes rank second among rookies, only behind Wilt Chamberlain. He was named Rookie of the Year and earned All-NBA honors in his first two seasons, finishing in the top 10 for MVP voting both years. A six-time All-Star, Davis averaged over 20 points for six seasons and retired ranked 18th on the all-time scoring list.
