Search by the First Name of the HOFers
Bailey Howell
Inducted:
1997
Player Stats
6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
210 lb (95 kg)
Born
January 20, 1937
Middleton, Tennessee, U.S.
Position
Small forward
Power forward
College
Mississippi State (1956–1959)
Bailey "Buckshot" Howell was one of the most rugged and efficient forwards of the 1960s. Standing 6'7" with a relentless motor, Howell was a master of the "garbage goal," thriving on second-effort putbacks and a lethal hook shot. After a legendary collegiate career at Mississippi State, he was selected No. 2 overall in the 1959 NBA Draft. Howell began his career as a high-volume star for the Detroit Pistons, averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds for four consecutive seasons.
However, his greatest team success came later as a vital piece of the Boston Celtics dynasty. Joining the Celtics in 1966, Howell provided the veteran toughness and scoring punch needed to help Bill Russell and John Havlicek secure the 1968 and 1969 NBA championships. A six-time All-Star who retired as one of the top ten scorers in league history at the time, Howell was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.
Howell's Awards and Honors
- Consensus first-team All-American (1959)
- Consensus second-team All-American (1958)
- 3× First-team All-SEC (1957, 1958, 1959)
- Led Detroit in scoring and rebounding multiple seasons
- Key contributor to championship Celtics teams
- One of the most consistent forwards of the 1960s
NBA Records
- 2× NBA champion (1968, 1969)
- 6× NBA All-Star (1961–1964, 1966, 1967)
- All-NBA Second Team (1963)
NBA Teams
Detroit Pistons (1959–1964)
Baltimore Bullets (1964–1966)
Boston Celtics (1966–1970)
Philadelphia 76ers (1970–1971)
NBA Draft
1959: 1st round, 2nd overall pick
Detroit Pistons
Number Worn
52, 18, 15, 16
NBA Stats
Season:
12 (1959-1971)
Games Played:
950
Points:
17,770 (18.7 ppg)
Rebounds:
9,383 (9.9 rpg)
Assists:
1,853 (1.9 apg)
Field Goal %:
48.0%
Free Throw %:
76.2%
Point Per Game:
18.7
NBA Championships:
2 (1968, 1969)
All-Star Selections:
6 (1961–1964, 1966, 1967)
Barbara Stevens
Inducted:
2020
Player Stats
Born:
September 20, 1954
Southbridge, Massachusetts, U.S.
Position:
Coach
College:
NA
Barbara Stevens (born September 20, 1954) is one of the most successful coaches in women’s college basketball history. Across a 44-year career spanning Clark University, UMass, and Bentley, she amassed an astonishing 1,058–291 record in 1,349 games. She became the first NCAA women’s coach—at any level—to rapidly reach 500, 600, and 700 wins, and she is the only non-Division I coach among the six who have ever notched 1,000 victories . In 2014, Stevens guided Bentley to its first NCAA Division II national championship with a perfect 35–0 season.
A five‑time WBCA Division II National Coach of the Year and 16‑time Northeast‑10 Coach of the Year, she led her teams to 31 NCAA tournament appearances and 14 Elite Eight or Fab Four finishes. Inducted into both the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2006) and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2020), Stevens is revered for her meticulous coaching style and lasting impact on women’s basketball.
Stevens's Awards and Records
- 5× WBCA National Division II Coach of the Year (1992, 1999, 2001, 2013, 2014)
- 16× NE-10 Coach of the Year (1988, 1989, 1991–1993, 1996–2001, 2003, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2019)
- Carol Eckman Award (2002)
- NCAA Division II National (2014)
- 17 NE-10 regular season (1988–1994, 1996–2001, 2003, 2011–2013)
- 4 NE-10 Northeast division (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019)
- 17 NE-10 Tournament (1990, 1992–1994, 1996, 1998–2001, 2003, 2005, 2011–2014, 2016, 2018)
NCAA Teams
Clark (MA) (assistant) 1976–1977
Clark (MA) 1977–1983
UMass 1983–1986
Bentley 1986–2020
Becky Hammon
Inducted:
2023
Player Stats
Stats:
5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
136 lb (62 kg)
Born:
March 11, 1977
Rapid City, South Dakota, U.S.
Position:
Point guard
Head coach
College:
Colorado State (1995–1999)
Becky Hammon is a trailblazing basketball figure whose impact spans both the WNBA and NBA. After a standout 16-year WNBA career, she transitioned into coaching, making history in 2014 as the first full-time female assistant coach in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs.
In 2015, she led the Spurs' Summer League team to a championship, becoming the first woman to serve as head coach in that setting.
On December 30, 2020, Hammon broke new ground again by becoming the first woman to act as head coach during an NBA regular-season game after Coach Gregg Popovich's ejection.
In 2021, she took the helm of the Las Vegas Aces, guiding them to back-to-back WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023.
Her contributions were recognized with her induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.
Hammon's Awards and Honors
- 25 retired by San Antonio Stars/Las Vegas Aces
- Spanish League champion (2010)
- Queen's Cup winner (2010)
- Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award (1996)
- First-team All-American – AP (1999)
- All-American – Kodak, USBWA (1999)
- 3x WAC Player of the Year (1997–1999)
- 4x First-team All-WAC (1996–1999)
- WAC Tournament MVP (1996)
- WAC Freshman of the Year (1996)
- WAC All-Freshman Team (1996)
WNBA Records
- 6× WNBA All-Star (2003, 2005–2007, 2009, 2011)
- 2× All-WNBA First Team (2007, 2009)
- 2× All-WNBA Second Team (2005, 2008)
- WNBA assists leader (2007)
- WNBA 15th Anniversary Team (2011)
- WNBA 20th Anniversary Team (2016)
- WNBA 25th Anniversary Team (2021)
- WNBA Three-Point Shootout champion (2009)
- WNBA Skills Challenge Champion (2007)
WNBA Teams
As Player
New York Liberty 1999–2006
San Antonio Stars 2007–2014
As Coach
San Antonio Spurs 2014–2021 (assistant)
Las Vegas Aces 2022–present
Numbers Worn:
25
WNBA Stats
Seasons:
16
Games Played:
450
Games Started:
329
Minutes Per Game:
27.9
Points Per Game:
13.9
Assists Per Game:
3.8
Rebounds Per Game:
2.5
Steals Per Game:
1.1
Field Goal Percentage:
43.8%
Three-Point Percentage:
37.8%
Free Throw Percentage:
89.7%
Ben Wallace
Inducted:
2021
Player Stats
6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
240 lb (109 kg)
Born:
September 10, 1974
White Hall, Alabama, U.S.
Position:
Center
Power forward
College:
Cuyahoga CC (1992–1994)
Virginia Union (1994–1996)
Ben Wallace went from being undrafted to becoming one of the most dominant defensive forces in NBA history.
A four-time Defensive Player of the Year, Wallace anchored the Detroit Pistons with relentless effort, physicality, and elite shot-blocking. Standing 6'9", he defied the odds as an undersized center, helping lead the Pistons to the 2004 NBA Championship and six straight Eastern Conference Finals appearances.
Wallace was the heart of Detroit’s defense-first identity, known for his rebounding, intensity, and ability to shut down elite big men. He finished his career with over 10,000 rebounds and 2,000 blocks. His path from small-college player to Hall of Famer is one of perseverance and grit.
Wallace was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
Wallace's Awards and Records
- First-team Division II All-American – NABC (1996)
- Undrafted to Hall of Fame journey – rare and historic
- 3 jersey retired by Detroit Pistons
NBA Records
- NBA champion (2004)
- 4× NBA All-Star (2003–2006)
- 3× All-NBA Second Team (2003, 2004, 2006)
- 2× All-NBA Third Team (2002, 2005)
- 4× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006)
- 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2002–2006)
- NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2007)
- 2× NBA rebounding leader (2002, 2003)
- NBA blocks leader (2002)
NBA Teams
Washington Bullets / Wizards 1996–1999
Orlando Magic 1999–2000
Detroit Pistons 2000–2006
Chicago Bulls 2006–2008
Cleveland Cavaliers 2008–2009
Detroit Pistons 2009–2012
NBA Draft:
1996: undrafted
Numbers Worn:
30, 4, 3, 6
Career Stats
NBA Seasons:
16 (1996–2012)
Games Played:
1,088
Points:
6,254 (5.7 PPG)
Rebounds:
10,482 (9.6 RPG)
Blocks:
2,137 (2.0 BPG)
Steals:
1,369 (1.3 SPG)
Assists:
1,369 (1.3 APG)
FG%:
47.4%
FT%
41.4%
Bernard King
Inducted:
2013
Player Stats:
6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
205 lb (93 kg)
Born:
December 4, 1956
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Position:
Small forward
College:
Tennessee (1974–1977)
Bernard King was among the NBA’s most feared scorers, combining strength, speed, and a lightning-quick release. A four-time All-Star and 1985 NBA scoring champion, he averaged 32.9 points per game that season, including a legendary 60-point performance on Christmas Day. King’s mid-range accuracy and ability to score in traffic made him nearly unstoppable.
In 1985, a devastating knee injury threatened to end his career, but he returned to elite form, averaging 28.4 points for Washington in 1990–91 at age 34. Over 16 seasons, King scored 19,655 points, cementing his place among the game’s greats. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013, he is remembered for his resilience, scoring artistry, and ability to dominate in big moments.
King's Awards and Records:
- 4× NBA All-Star
- 2× All-NBA First Team; 2× All-NBA Second Team
- NBA Scoring Champion (1985)
- NBA Comeback Player of the Year (1981)
- Hall of Fame Inductee (2013)
NBA Records:
- Scored 60 points in a single game on Christmas Day
- Nearly stopped by injury but returned to high-level scoring at age 34
- Consistently dominated with mid-range and inside scoring skills
NBA Teams:
New Jersey Nets (1977–1979)
Utah Jazz (1979–1980)
Golden State Warriors (1980–1982)
New York Knicks (1982–1987)
Washington Bullets (1987–1991)
New Jersey Nets (1993)
NBA Draft:
1977: 1st round, 7th overall pick
New Jersey Nets
Number Worn:
22, 30
Career Stats:
Season:
14
Games Played:
874
Game Started:
547
Points:
19,655 (22.5 ppg)
Rebounds:
5,060 (5.8 rpg)
Assists:
2,863 (3.3 apg)
Field Goal %:
47.4%
Free Throw %:
69.2%
Point Per Game:
11.3
Bertha Teague
Inducted:
1985
Stats
Born
September 17, 1906
Carthage, Missouri, USA
Died
June 13, 1991
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Position
Contributor
College
NA
Bertha Teague was one of the most successful high school basketball coaches in American history. Although she did not coach in the NBA, her impact on the sport earned national recognition. Teague spent her entire career at Byng High School in Oklahoma, where she built a powerhouse girls’ basketball program.
Over 42 seasons, she developed disciplined, team-oriented squads that consistently competed at the highest level. Her teams won eight state championships and compiled an extraordinary winning record. Teague finished her career with 1,157 victories, making her one of the winningest coaches in basketball history at any level.
She was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1985.
Teague's Awards & Honors
- 38 Conference Titles
- 27 District Championships
- Inaugural Inductee, Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (1999)
- Inducted into the National High School Sports Hall of Fame
- First woman inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame
- Coach of the Decade (1930s, 1940s, 1970s) by Jim Thorpe Athletic Awards
NBA Position
Coach/Pioneer
NBA Stats
Career Span:
1927–1969 (42 Years)
Wins:
1,157
Total Losses:
115
Winning Percentage:
.910
Undefeated Seasons:
5
State Championships:
8
Consecutive Wins:
98 (1936–1939)
Bill Bradley
Inducted:
1983
Player Stats
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
205 lb (93 kg)
Born
July 28, 1943
Crystal City, Missouri, U.S.
Position
Small forward
College
Princeton (1962–1965)
Bill Bradley was a smart and versatile forward who played his entire 10-year NBA career with the New York Knicks from 1967 to 1977. Known for his high basketball IQ, teamwork, and steady scoring, Bradley was an important part of the Knicks teams that won NBA championships in 1970 and 1973. He was a dependable performer who could score, rebound, and defend while fitting perfectly into a balanced lineup.
Bradley was selected to one NBA All-Star Game and scored more than 12,000 career points. Before his professional career, he was also an Olympic gold medalist, showing his impact on the game at multiple levels. Bill Bradley was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1983, honoring his strong contributions to championship basketball and the sport’s history.
Bradley's Awards & Honors
- EuroLeague champion (1966)
- 101 Greats of European Basketball (2018)
- NCAA Final Four MOP (1965)
- Basketball USA (1961)
- Olympic Gold Medalist (1964)
NBA Records
- 2× NBA champion (1970, 1973)
- NBA All-Star (1973)
NBA Position
New York Knicks (1967–1977)
NBA Draft
1965: territorial pick
New York Knicks
Number Worn
24
NBA Stats
Seasons:
10 (1967-1977)
Games Played:
742
Points:
9,217 (12.4 ppg)
Rebounds:
2,354 (3.2 rpg)
Assists:
2,533 (3.4 apg)
Field Goal %:
44.8%
Free Throw %:
84.0%
Playoff Game:
95
Bill Davidson
Inducted:
2008
Stats
BornDecember 5, 1922
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Died
March 13, 2009
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, U.S.
Position:
Contributor (Team Owner)
College:
NA
Bill Davidson was one of the most influential owners in NBA history, best known for transforming the Detroit Pistons into a model franchise. Purchasing the team in 1974, Davidson brought stability, patience, and a long-term vision that paid off with sustained success. Under his ownership, the Pistons captured three NBA championships, including the iconic “Bad Boys” titles in 1989 and 1990 and a return to the top in 2004.
Davidson believed in strong leadership, smart management, and allowing basketball decisions to be made by trusted professionals. His calm approach and commitment to excellence helped the Pistons become one of the league’s most respected organizations. Beyond championships, he set a standard for ownership rooted in integrity and competitive balance.
In recognition of his lasting impact on the NBA, Bill Davidson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
Davidson's Awards and Honors
- 1x Stanley Cup Champion Owner
- First owner in history to win championships in three different professional leagues.
- Oversaw two historic Pistons eras
- Regarded as one of the NBA’s most respected owners
NBA Records
- 3x NBA Champion Owner
- 3x WNBA Champion Owner
- Only owner in history to win NBA and NHL titles in the same season (2004).
- NBA Board of Governors Chairman (Two Terms)
NBA Team
Detroit Pistons
Tampa Bay Lightning
NBA Stats
Team ownership tenure:
1974–2009
NBA Finals appearances:
5
NBA Championships:
3 (1989, 1990, 2004)
WNBA Championships:
3 (Detroit Shock - 2003, 2006, 2008)
NHL Championships:
1 (Tampa Bay Lightning - 2004)
Bill Fitch
Inducted:
2019
Player Stats
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
205 lb (93 kg)
Born:
May 19, 1932
Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
Died:
February 2, 2022
Lake Conroe, Texas, U.S.
Position:
Coach
College:
Coe (1950–1954)
Bill Fitch was a no-nonsense coach who brought structure, discipline, and lasting success to every NBA franchise he led. Known as a master rebuilder, Fitch took over struggling teams and turned them into contenders. He began his NBA coaching career with the expansion Cleveland Cavaliers in 1970 and led them to the playoffs by 1976, winning Coach of the Year.
Fitch later took over the Boston Celtics in 1979, where he coached a young Larry Bird and guided the team to an NBA title in 1981. Over 25 seasons, Fitch racked up 944 wins—once the second-highest total in league history. He also led the Houston Rockets to the 1986 NBA Finals and coached the New Jersey Nets and LA Clippers.
Known for his intense practices, dry humor, and player development, Fitch shaped multiple generations of stars. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019 for his lasting contributions to the game.
Fitch's Awards & Honors:
- NBA champion (1981)
- 2× NBA Coach of the Year Award (1976, 1980)
- NBA All-Star Game head coach (1982)
- Top 10 Coaches in NBA History
- Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award (2013)
NBA Records:
- One of the first coaches to win NBA Coach of the Year with two different franchises
- One of only a few head coaches to reach the NBA Finals with two different teams
- Coached in 2,050 regular season games and 109 playoff games
NBA Teams:
As a coach:
Cleveland Cavaliers (1970–1979)
Boston Celtics (1979–1983)
Houston Rockets (1983–1988)
New Jersey Nets (1989–1992)
Los Angeles Clippers (1994–1998)
NBA Stats:
Seasons Coached:
25 (1970–1998)
Career Record:
944–1,106
Win (%):
.460
Playoff Record:
55–54
NBA Championships:
1 (1981, Boston Celtics)
Coach of the Year:
2× (1976, 1980)
Bill Russell
Inducted:
2021
Player Stats
6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
215 lb (98 kg)
Born:
February 12, 1934
Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.
Died:
July 31, 2022
Mercer Island, Washington, U.S.
Position:
Center (As Player)
Coach
College:
San Francisco (1953–1956)
Bill Russell is one of the greatest champions in sports history and the ultimate symbol of winning in the NBA.
As the cornerstone of the Boston Celtics dynasty, he led the team to 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons—a record that still stands. Drafted in 1956, Russell revolutionized the game with his shot-blocking, rebounding, and leadership.
Though not a prolific scorer, his impact on defense and team success was unmatched. A five-time MVP, Russell was known for his fierce competitiveness, intelligence, and unselfish play.
He later became the first Black head coach in NBA history, winning two titles as a player-coach. Off the court, he was a vocal civil rights advocate and a symbol of integrity.
Inducted into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1975 and as a coach in 2021, Russell’s legacy extends far beyond basketball—he changed the game and helped shape the league's values and culture.
Russell's Awards and Records
As Player
- 11× NBA champion (1957, 1959–1966, 1968, 1969)[a]
- 5× NBA Most Valuable Player (1958, 1961–1963, 1965)
- 12× NBA All-Star (1958–1969)
- NBA All-Star Game MVP (1963)
- 3× All-NBA First Team (1959, 1963, 1965)
- 8× All-NBA Second Team (1958, 1960–1962, 1964, 1966–1968)
- NBA All-Defensive First Team (1969)
- 4× NBA rebounding champion (1958, 1959, 1964, 1965)
- NBA anniversary team (25th, 35th, 50th, 75th)
- 6 retired by Boston Celtics
- 6 retired by NBA leaguewide
- SI Sportsman of the Year (1968)
As Coach
- 2× NBA Champion as player-coach (1968, 1969 – Boston Celtics)
- First Black head coach in NBA (and major U.S. pro sports) history (1966)
- Only person in NBA history to win multiple championships as a player-coach
- Playoff coaching record: 18–8 (.692 winning percentage)
- Led Celtics to back-to-back championships in first two seasons as coach
- Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach (2021)
- Coached three NBA teams: Celtics, SuperSonics, Kings
- One of the few individuals inducted into the Hall of Fame as both player and coach
Teams
As Player
Boston Celtics 1956–1969
As Coach
Boston Celtics 1966–1969
Seattle Super Sonics 1973–1977
Sacramento Kings 1987–1988
NBA Draft:
1956: 1st round, 2nd overall pick
St. Louis Hawks
Numbers Worn:
6
Career Stats
As Player
Games Played:
963
Points:
14,522 (15.1 PPG)
Rebounds:
21,620 (22.5 RPG)
Assists:
4,100 (4.3 APG)
FG%:
44.0%
FT%:
56.1%
As Coach
Games Coached:
654
Wins:
341
Losses:
290
Winning Percentage:
.540
Playoff Record:
18–8
Playoff Winning %:
.692
NBA Championships as Coach:
2
Bill Russell
Inducted:
1975
Player Stats
6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
215 lb (98 kg)
Born
February 12, 1934
Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.
Died
July 31, 2022
Mercer Island, Washington, U.S.
Position
Center
College
San Francisco (1953–1956)
Bill Russell was the ultimate winner in the history of North American professional sports and the defensive anchor of the greatest dynasty in NBA history. A 6'10" center with peerless shot-blocking instincts and a genius-level basketball IQ, Russell transformed the game by proving that a team could be built entirely around defense and rebounding. In his 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics, he led the team to an astronomical 11 NBA Championships, including a record eight in a row.
His rivalry with Wilt Chamberlain defined the era, a classic battle of Russell’s team-first winning philosophy against Chamberlain’s individual statistical dominance. Off the court, Russell was a towering figure in the Civil Rights Movement and became the first Black head coach in the history of major U.S. professional sports. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1975 and again as a coach in 2021.
Russell's Awards & Honors
- 2× NCAA champion (1955, 1956)
- NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (1955)
- UPI College Player of the Year (1956)
- 2× Helms Player of the Year (1955, 1956)
- 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1955, 1956)
- WCC Player of the Year (1956)
- 3× First-team All-WCC (1954–1956)
NBA Records
- 11× NBA champion (1957, 1959–1966, 1968, 1969)[a]
- 5× NBA Most Valuable Player (1958, 1961–1963, 1965)
- 12× NBA All-Star (1958–1969)
- NBA All-Star Game MVP (1963)
- 3× All-NBA First Team (1959, 1963, 1965)
- 8× All-NBA Second Team (1958, 1960–1962, 1964, 1966–1968)
- NBA All-Defensive First Team (1969)
- 4× NBA rebounding champion (1958, 1959, 1964, 1965)
NBA Teams
Boston Celtics (1956–1969)
NBA Draft
1956: 1st round, 2nd overall pick
St. Louis Hawks
Number Worn
6
NBA Stats
Seasons
13 (1956–1969)
Games Played
963
Points:
14,522 (15.1 ppg)
Rebounds:
21,620 (22.5 rpg)
Assists:
4,100 (4.3 apg)
FG(%):
44.0
FT(%):
56.1
PPG:
15.1
Playoff Games:
165
Bill Self
Inducted:
2017
Player Stats:
5 ft 11 in ; 180 cm
198 lb ; 90 kg
Born:
December 27, 1962
Okmulgee, Oklahoma, U.S.
Position:
Coach
College:
Oklahoma State University
Bill Self has established himself as one of the most successful college basketball coaches in history. As the head coach of the University of Kansas since 2003, Self has consistently built elite teams known for their defensive toughness and disciplined offense. He led Kansas to national championships in 2008 and 2022, and his teams have made multiple Final Four appearances.
Known for his adaptability and leadership, Self has developed dozens of NBA-caliber players and maintained Kansas as a perennial powerhouse in college basketball. With over 800 career wins and a staggering number of conference titles, he ranks among the all-time greats in NCAA history.
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017, Bill Self’s legacy is marked by sustained excellence, player development, and championship pedigree. His impact on the college game is profound, and his record speaks to a coaching career built on success and integrity.
Bill's Awards & Records:
- 2 NCAA Division I tournament (2008, 2022)
- 4 NCAA Division I regional – Final Four (2008, 2012, 2018*, 2022)[A]
- 2 WAC regular season (1999, 2000)
- Big Ten tournament (2003)
- 2 Big Ten regular season (2001, 2002)
- NABC Coach of the Year (2016)
- Naismith College Coach of the Year (2012)
- USBWA District Coach of the Year 2022
Coaching Career Teams:
Kansas (assistant) 1985–1986
Oklahoma State (assistant) 1986–1993
Oral Roberts 1993–1997
Tulsa 1997–2000
Illinois 2000–2003
Kansas 2003–present
Career Stats:
Wins-Lose:
836–256
NCAA Championships:
2 (2008, 2022)
Final Four Appearances:
4
Conference Championships:
17+ (Big 12)
Win Percentage:
.766
Bill Sharman
Inducted:
2004
Player Stats
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
175 lb (79 kg)
Born
May 25, 1926
Abilene, Texas, U.S.
Died
October 25, 2013
Redondo Beach, California, U.S.
Position
Coach
College
USC (1946–1950)
Bill Sharman is a rare dual-inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, honored first as a player (1976) and later as a coach (2004). While his playing career with the Celtics was legendary, his coaching career was revolutionary. Sharman is the only coach in history to win championships and Coach of the Year honors in three different professional leagues: the ABL (Cleveland Pipers), the ABA (Utah Stars), and the NBA (Los Angeles Lakers).
His coaching masterpiece came in the 1971–72 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Inheriting a team of aging superstars like Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West, Sharman implemented a rigorous fast-break system and defensive discipline that led to an NBA-record 33-game winning streak—a mark that still stands across all four major American sports.
Sharman's Awards and Honors
- ABA champion (1971)
- ABL champion (1962)
- ABA Coach of the Year (1970)
- ABA All-Star Game head coach (1971)
NBA Records
- NBA champion (1972)
- NBA Coach of the Year (1972)
- 3× NBA All-Star Game head coach (1968, 1972, 1973)
- Set NBA record for wins in a season (at the time)
NBA Team
San Francisco Warriors (1966–1968)
Los Angeles / Utah Stars (1968–1971)
Los Angeles Lakers (1971–1976)
NBA Stats
Head coaching career:
1962–1976
Game Coached:
819
Win:
466
Lose:
353
W/L(%):
.569
NBA championships as head coach:
1
NBA Finals appearances:
2
Best season record:
69–13 (1971–72)
Bill Sharman
Inducted:
1976
Player Stats
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
175 lb (79 kg)
Born
May 25, 1926
Abilene, Texas, U.S.
Died
October 25, 2013
Redondo Beach, California, U.S.
Position
Shooting guard
College
USC (1946–1950)
Bill Sharman was a cornerstone of the Boston Celtics dynasty and arguably the greatest shooting guard of the 1950s. Known for his meticulous preparation—including the invention of the "morning shootaround"—Sharman formed one half of the "Gold Standard" backcourt alongside Bob Cousy.
He was a pioneer of the one-handed set shot and a relentless competitor who led the Celtics in scoring during their first two championship seasons. Sharman was famously one of the first guards to shoot over 40% from the floor and was the league’s most feared free-throw shooter, leading the NBA in FT% seven times.
He is one of the few individuals to be inducted into the Hall of Fame as both a player (1976) and a coach (2004), and his legacy spans 15 total NBA championships as a player, coach, and executive.
Sharman's Awards & Honors
- Consensus first-team All-America (1950)
- 2× First-team All-PCC (1949, 1950)
- 21 retired by Boston Celtics
- 11 retired by USC Trojans
NBA Records
- 4× NBA champion (1957, 1959–1961)
- 8× NBA All-Star (1953–1960)
- NBA All-Star Game MVP (1955)
- 4× All-NBA First Team (1956–1959)
- 3× All-NBA Second Team (1953, 1955, 1960)
- NBA anniversary team (25th, 50th, 75th)
- 7× NBA Free Throw Percentage Leader (1953–1957, 1959, 1961)
NBA Teams
Washington Capitols (1950–1951)
Boston Celtics (1951–1961)
NBA Draft
1950: 2nd round, 17th overall pick
Washington Capitols
Number Worn
10, 21
NBA Stats
Seasons Played:
11 (1950-1961)
Game Played:
711
Points:
12,665 (17.8 ppg)
Rebounds:
2,779 (3.9 rpg)
Assists:
2,101 (3.0 apg)
Field Goal(%):
42.6
Free Throw(%):
88.3
Playoff Game:
78
Bill Walton
Inducted:
1993
Player Stats
6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
210 lb (95 kg)
Born
November 5, 1952
La Mesa, California, U.S.
Died
May 27, 2024
San Diego, California, U.S.
Position
Center
College
UCLA (1971–1974)
Bill Walton was a generational talent whose intelligence and unselfishness redefined the center position. As the first overall pick in 1974, he quickly transformed the Portland Trail Blazers into contenders, leading them to their first NBA championship in 1977.
Despite a career frequently interrupted by severe foot injuries, Walton’s peak was nearly peerless. He remains one of the few players to win both the NBA MVP and the Sixth Man of the Year award, the latter achieved during a successful late-career resurgence with the Boston Celtics. Known for his elite passing and defensive timing, he anchored two championship rosters and was named to the league's 75th Anniversary Team.
His impact on the game extended into a legendary second career as a vibrant broadcaster, where his passion for the sport continued to inspire fans worldwide. Walton was rightfully honored for his on-court dominance with induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.
Walton's Awards and Honors
- 2× NCAA champion (1972, 1973)
- 2× NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1972, 1973)
- 3× National college player of the year (1972–1974)
- 3× Consensus first-team All-American (1972–1974)
- 32 retired by Portland Trail Blazers
NBA Records
- 2× NBA champion (1977, 1986)
- NBA Finals MVP (1977)
- NBA Most Valuable Player (1978)
- 2× NBA All-Star (1977, 1978)
- All-NBA First Team (1978)
- NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1986)
- NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th)
NBA Teams
Portland Trail Blazers (1974–1979)
San Diego / Los Angeles Clippers (1979–1985)
Boston Celtics (1985–1988)
NBA Draft
1974: 1st round, 1st overall pick
Portland Trail Blazers
Number Worn
32, 5
NBA Stats
Seasons:
10 (1974-1987)
Games Played:
468
Game Started:
117
Points:
6,215 (13.3 ppg)
Rebounds:
4,923 (10.5 rpg)
Assists:
1,590 (3.4 apg)
Blocks:
1,034 total (2.2 bpg)
Steals:
380 (0.8 spg)
Field Goal Percentage:
52.1%
Free Throw Percentage:
66.0%
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NBA Hall of Fame
The NBA Hall of Fame, officially known as the Basketball Hall of Fame, is a prestigious institution that honors the greatest figures in the sport of basketball. Each year, the Induction ceremony celebrates legendary players who have made significant impacts on the game. The Hall of Fame class features basketball legends whose remarkable career achievements and iconic moments have defined the sport.
Inductees are recognized for their substantial player contributions, earning various awards and honors throughout their careers. The Hall also pays tribute to retired jerseys and acknowledges the profound impact on the game by highlighting the historic contributions of its members. With a focus on the legacy in basketball, the NBA Hall of Fame continues to celebrate excellence and inspire future generations of players through memorable speeches and recognition in sports.