Former Nets Blake Griffin, Buck Williams Finalists for Naismith Hall of Fame

Two ex-Brooklyn forwards among 2026 Hall of Fame class nominees

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has announced the finalists for its 2026 induction class, and two former Brooklyn Nets players - forwards Blake Griffin and Buck Williams - are among the nominees. Griffin played for the Nets in 2021-22, while Williams spent the first half of his career with the then-New Jersey Nets after being drafted 3rd overall in 1981.

Why it matters

The Nets franchise has had its share of star players over the years, and having two former Nets potentially inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame would be a significant honor for the organization. Griffin and Williams both made meaningful contributions during their time with the team.

The details

Griffin averaged 7.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in 82 games with the Nets in 2021-22, while Williams put up 16.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per contest in 635 games for the then-New Jersey Nets from 1981-1988. Both players will need to be approved by the Honors Committee before officially being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

  • The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced the finalists for the 2026 induction class on February 15, 2026.
  • The final 2026 Hall of Fame class will be announced in April 2026 during the NCAA Final Four.

The players

Blake Griffin

A former All-Star forward who played for the Brooklyn Nets in the 2021-22 season.

Buck Williams

A former All-Star forward who was drafted 3rd overall by the then-New Jersey Nets in 1981 and played for the team for the first half of his career.

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What’s next

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame will announce the final 2026 induction class in April 2026 during the NCAA Final Four.

The takeaway

Having two former Nets players - Blake Griffin and Buck Williams - named as finalists for the 2026 Naismith Hall of Fame class is a testament to the franchise's history of producing top-tier talent. If inducted, Griffin and Williams would join an elite group of Nets legends enshrined in basketball's highest honor.