Bucks Coach Doc Rivers Named Hall of Fame Finalist for Class of 2026

Bucks legend Marques Johnson also named a Veterans Committee finalist

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers has been named a finalist for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026, while Bucks legend Marques Johnson is a Veterans Committee finalist. Rivers is a first-time coaching finalist and the winningest active NBA coach, while Johnson was a three-time All-NBA selection and five-time All-Star who played 11 seasons in the NBA, including seven with the Bucks.

Why it matters

This recognition highlights the Bucks' storied basketball history and the continued excellence of the franchise, with both a current coach and a legendary player being honored by the Hall of Fame. It also underscores the Bucks' commitment to developing top coaching talent and honoring their all-time greats.

The details

Rivers is a first-time finalist in the coaching category and the winningest active NBA head coach, compiling a 1,183-846 record and moving into sixth place on the league's all-time wins list. He was also voted in 2022 as one of the 15 greatest coaches in league history. Johnson, a Bucks legend, was named a finalist for the Veterans Committee. He was a three-time All-NBA selection and five-time All-Star who played 11 NBA seasons, including seven with Milwaukee from 1977-84.

  • On February 11, 2026, Rivers and Johnson were named Hall of Fame finalists.
  • The Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 will be unveiled on April 4, 2026 at the NCAA Final Four.

The players

Doc Rivers

The current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks and a first-time finalist for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026. He is the winningest active NBA head coach with a 1,183-846 record.

Marques Johnson

A Bucks legend and a finalist for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame's Veterans Committee. He was a three-time All-NBA selection, five-time All-Star, and played 11 NBA seasons, including seven with the Bucks from 1977-84.

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What’s next

The Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 will be unveiled on April 4, 2026 at the NCAA Final Four.

The takeaway

The Bucks' legacy continues to grow, with both a current coaching great and an all-time franchise legend being recognized by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. This honor underscores Milwaukee's commitment to developing top talent and honoring its basketball history.