Former 76ers Coach Doc Rivers Headed to Basketball Hall of Fame

Rivers to be inducted in 2026 class alongside Stoudemire, Parker, Delle Donne and Few

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:46am

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Former Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Rivers will be joined by other notable inductees including Amar'e Stoudemire, Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, and Gonzaga head coach Mark Few.

Why it matters

Rivers' induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes his distinguished coaching career, which includes leading the 76ers to the playoffs in multiple seasons and being named NBA Coach of the Year in 2020. His inclusion alongside other basketball luminaries further cements his legacy as one of the game's great minds and leaders.

The details

Rivers served as the head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers from 2020 to 2024, leading the team to the playoffs in three of his four seasons. Prior to joining the 76ers, he had a successful 13-year stint as head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, where he won an NBA championship in 2020. Rivers is known for his ability to connect with players and implement effective game plans.

  • Rivers will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2026.

The players

Doc Rivers

A former NBA head coach who led the Philadelphia 76ers from 2020 to 2024 and was named NBA Coach of the Year in 2020.

Amar'e Stoudemire

A six-time NBA All-Star who played for the Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks during his 15-year NBA career.

Candace Parker

A two-time WNBA champion and two-time WNBA MVP who has played for the Los Angeles Sparks and Chicago Sky.

Elena Delle Donne

A five-time WNBA All-Star and two-time WNBA champion who has played for the Chicago Sky and Washington Mystics.

Mark Few

The head coach of the Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball team, leading them to multiple NCAA tournament appearances and a national championship game.

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What they’re saying

“Doc Rivers is one of the most respected coaches in NBA history, and his induction into the Hall of Fame is a well-deserved honor.”

— Shams Charania, ESPN Insider

The takeaway

Rivers' Hall of Fame induction is a testament to his coaching acumen and ability to lead teams to success at the highest level of basketball. His inclusion alongside other all-time greats further solidifies his legacy as one of the game's great minds.