Who is most likely to be inducted into the Hall of Fame? ESPN reveals a list of 50 players for the new season: 19 have already secured their honors.

On September 6th Beijing time, this weekend, another star-studded group will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. ESPN published an article looking ahead, analyzing which current players are likely to earn this honor after retirement.

Historical data indicates that from 1955 to 2005, each season had between 26 and 44 players ultimately enshrined in the Hall of Fame, averaging 34 annually. Based on this precedent, ESPN selected 50 players from the 2025-26 season most likely to be inducted. Not all will succeed—hence the broader selection beyond the strict 34—but these players are the prime candidates to feature prominently in Hall of Fame classes during the 2030s and 2040s.

According to different criteria, ESPN divided these 50 players into six groups, with the first two groups containing 19 players considered already guaranteed Hall of Fame honors.

Group One: NBA 75 Greatest Stars Guaranteed (10 players)

Giannis, Curry, Davis, Durant, Harden, James, Leonard, Lillard, Paul, Westbrook

All members of this future Hall of Fame group were named among the NBA’s 75 Greatest Players in 2021. Since they are already recognized as some of the top 75 players in league history, they are expected to be inducted the first time they become eligible. No further explanation is needed—these current legends will surely earn their place in Springfield.

Group Two: Non-75 But Guaranteed (9 players)

Jokic, Irving, Draymond, Klay, George, Butler, Embiid, Alexander, Gobert

Jokic may already belong on this historic list. With three regular-season MVPs, two runner-ups, and one Finals MVP, his induction is unquestionable like the other guaranteed players.

Irving, a nine-time All-Star, is on track to surpass 20,000 career points within two seasons and has made some of the most iconic clutch shots in NBA history—achievements that secure his Hall of Fame case. His Finals rivals Draymond and Klay are also strong candidates: both played crucial roles in building the Warriors dynasty; individually, Draymond is regarded as one of the best defenders ever, and Klay ranks as the second-best three-point shooter in history, each with solid induction credentials.

George, a nine-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA team member, is likewise locked in for the Hall of Fame—historically, all retired players with at least six All-NBA selections have been inducted. Butler currently has five All-NBA selections, just shy of the threshold, but as a key player on two Finals teams, this strengthens his case significantly.

Next are Embiid and Alexander, whose regular-season MVP awards make their induction certain. Historically, only Derrick Rose, a retired former MVP, has yet to enter the Hall of Fame; unlike Embiid and SGA, Rose never made another All-NBA team after his MVP season. Clearly, maintaining peak performance over time is a reliable path to induction.

Lastly, Gobert has won Defensive Player of the Year four times, tying the all-time record. Since Mutombo and Ben Wallace, who also won four times, have been inducted, Gobert’s Hall of Fame entry is naturally expected.

Group Three: Young Stars Progressing Steadily (4 players)

Doncic, Tatum, Edwards, Wembanyama

Group Four: Veterans on the Fringe (6 players)

DeRozan, Lowry, Jrue Holiday, Love, Horford, Towns

Group Five: Fringe Candidates at Age 29 (5 players)

Brunson, Mitchell, Booker, Sabonis Jr., Jalen Brown

Group Six: To Watch in Coming Years (16 players)

Haliburton, Jalen Williams, Holmgren, Mobley, Cunningham, Banchero, Zion, Morant, Trae Young, Lonzo Ball, Scottie Barnes, Sengun, Maxey, Castle, Amen Thompson, Flagler

What do you think of ESPN’s list of 50 players? Who else do you believe has a chance to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in the future? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.