Doc Rivers, Marques Johnson Named Basketball Hall of Fame Finalists

Rivers up for Naismith Hall, Johnson for Veterans Committee

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Bucks head coach Doc Rivers has been named a finalist for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame's Class of 2026, while Bucks legend Marques Johnson has been selected as a finalist for the Hall's Veterans Committee. Rivers is the winningest active NBA head coach, while Johnson was a three-time All-NBA player and five-time All-Star who helped lead the Bucks to the playoffs six times.

Why it matters

This recognition highlights the enduring impact and legacy of both Rivers and Johnson within the NBA and the Bucks franchise. Rivers' potential induction would cement his status as one of the greatest coaches in league history, while Johnson's selection would honor his standout playing career and contributions to the Bucks.

The details

Rivers, in his first year as a Hall of Fame finalist, has a 1,183-846 (.583) coaching record, ranking sixth in all-time wins among NBA head coaches. He was named the 1999-2000 NBA Coach of the Year and was recently recognized as one of the 15 Greatest Coaches in NBA history. Johnson, a three-time All-NBA honoree and five-time All-Star, played 11 seasons in the NBA, including seven with the Bucks. He holds career averages of 20.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game.

  • The Class of 2026 will be unveiled on April 4 at the NCAA Final Four.

The players

Doc Rivers

Bucks head coach and a first-time finalist for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Marques Johnson

Bucks legend and a finalist for the Basketball Hall of Fame's Veterans Committee.

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What’s next

The Class of 2026 will be unveiled on April 4 at the NCAA Final Four.

The takeaway

The potential inductions of Doc Rivers and Marques Johnson into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame would further cement the Bucks' storied history and recognize the significant contributions of two of the franchise's most iconic figures.