The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame welcomed a new class of legends on Sunday night in Springfield, Massachusetts, with Chauncey Billups and Vince Carter headlining the 2024 inductees. The ceremony saw 13 individuals enshrined, including seven who made their mark as players.
Billups and Carter, two of the most celebrated players in the class, were joined by Michael Cooper, Walter Davis, Seimone Augustus, Dick Barnett, and Michele Timms. Bo Ryan and Charles Smith were inducted as coaches, while Doug Collins, Herb Simon, and Jerry West received recognition for their contributions to the sport.
West, who sadly passed away in June at the age of 86, achieved the unprecedented honor of being a three-time inductee, having already been enshrined as a player and Olympian.
Billups, a 48-year-old veteran, spent 17 seasons in the NBA, showcasing his talent with numerous teams including the Detroit Pistons, Denver Nuggets, and Boston Celtics. A five-time All-Star and MVP of the 2004 Finals, Billups left an indelible mark on the game, averaging 15.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists during his career. He currently coaches the Portland Trail Blazers, a role he’s held since the 2021-22 season.
Carter, 47, played for eight different teams over his 22-year NBA career, leaving an impressive mark with his dynamic play and scoring ability. He averaged 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 1,541 games. Notably, Carter earned Rookie of the Year honors in the 1998-99 season while playing for the Toronto Raptors, and was an eight-time All-Star.
Cooper, a 68-year-old defensive maestro, earned his place in history as a member of the legendary “Showtime” Los Angeles Lakers. He spent all 12 of his NBA seasons with the team, contributing to five championship victories. Cooper was recognized for his defensive prowess, earning eight All-Defensive selections and Defensive Player of the Year in the 1986-87 season.
Davis, the 1978 Rookie of the Year, tragically passed away in November 2023 at the age of 69. He played 11 of his 15 NBA seasons with the Phoenix Suns and left a legacy of skill and dedication, averaging 18.9 points in 1,033 games. He was a six-time All-Star.
Barnett, 88, enjoyed a successful 14-year career, playing for the New York Knicks, Lakers, and Syracuse Nationals. He won two NBA championships and averaged 15.8 points per game throughout his career.
Augustus, 40, made a significant impact on the WNBA, playing 15 seasons with the Minnesota Lynx and Los Angeles Sparks. She averaged 15.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2006 and helping her team win four championships, including the 2011 Finals MVP award.
Timms, 59, excelled in both the WNBA and on the international stage. She was an All-Star during her time with the Phoenix Mercury and became a trailblazer for Australian basketball, making history as the first Australian professional basketball player to compete internationally. Her contributions helped Australia win a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics and a silver medal at the 2000 Games.
Ryan, a veteran college coach, spent 32 seasons leading teams at Wisconsin-Platteville, Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Wisconsin. At 76, he boasts an impressive record of 747-233, including four Big Ten Coach of the Year awards and two Final Four appearances with the Badgers.
Smith, 75, achieved remarkable success as a high school coach in Louisiana, accumulating nine state championships and holding the title of the state’s winningest coach at that level.
Redin, a dedicated coach, led both men’s and women’s teams at Wayland Baptist University, winning six Amateur Athletic Union tournament titles. He was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999 and passed away in 2020 at the age of 100.
Collins, 73, enjoyed a distinguished career as a player, coach, and broadcaster. He was a four-time All-Star, a successful coach with the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, Philadelphia 76ers, and Pistons, and a respected voice in the world of sports broadcasting.
Simon, 89, is the owner of the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever. He purchased the Pacers with his brother in 1983 and has been a major force in the NBA ever since.
West, a legendary figure in basketball, left an indelible mark on the game as a player, executive, and Olympian. He was a 14-time All-Star, a 12-time All-NBA selection, and the league’s scoring champion in 1970. His impact on the Lakers was immense, playing a part in nine of their championships, including one as a player and eight as an executive.
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame continues to honor those who have made significant contributions to the sport, ensuring their legacies are remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
