NBA Rumors - Woj confirms Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki and Gregg Popovich are among finalists for Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2023
ESPN analyst Adrian Wojnarowski has confirmed rumors that Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki and Gregg Popovich are among the finalists for the Hall of Fame class of 2023. With a few other noteworthy players mentioned alongside them, we take a look at the finalists for the Hall of Fame class.
Woj confirmed the rumors regarding the finalists for the Hall of Fame class of 2023 earlier on Tuesday (March 28). He also mentioned the likes of Becky Hammon, Tony Parker and Pau Gasol alongside the trio of Wade, Nowitzki and Popovich.
The formal announcement for the same is expected to be at the Final Four of the NCAA tournament in Houston this weekend.
ESPN Sources: Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, Tony Parker, Becky Hammon and Gregg Popovich are among the finalists who’ve been elected into Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2023. Formal announcement will come at Final Four in Houston this weekend.
The aforementioned group includes some immensely relevant figures in the NBA.
Among the players, Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki have certainly done enough to establish themselves as Hall of Famers. Pau Gasol also saw himself immortalized in the rafters of the LA Lakers' facility as the organization retired his jersey this year.
Becky Hammon has done some tremendous work as both coach and player. As the WNBA's leader in assists and a champion as the coach of the Las Vegas Aces, Hammon is truly getting it done on both fronts.
Meanwhile, enshrining Gregg Popovich is an absolute no-brainer. Pop is one of the greatest coaches of all time. With the most wins by a coach in NBA history over the course of a 27 year career, Popovich has more than earned his place in the Hall of Fame.
Dwyane Wade's historic NBA career
During his 16-year career, Dwyane Wade established himself as one of the greatest guards to play in the NBA, boasting an impressive resume. Let's take a look at Wade's historic NBA career.
Wade was drafted by the Miami Heat in 2003. As part of a legendary draft class featuring LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and several other prominent figures, Wade established himself as a frontrunner.
After an impressive rookie season, Wade exploded into stardom with his first All-Star selection in his sophomore year before emerging as a perennial All-Star for Miami.
Wade was an essential element in securing the title for the Miami Heat in 2006. Playing alongside Shaquille O'Neal, the duo gave Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks everything they could handle in the Finals.
Wade enjoyed championship success once again when LeBron James and Chris Bosh came over to South Beach. Forming one of the greatest trios of all time, "The Heatles" secured two titles before disbanding.
Although Dwyane Wade spent a small portion of his career playing for Chicago and Cleveland, he will always be known as a Heat legend. He was also a member of the NBA's 75th anniversary team. Post-retirement, Wade is currently a part-owner of the Utah Jazz.