LeBron James & Chris Paul Could Make Hall of Fame Even Before Retirement?

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced their annual HOF list. Vince Carter, Seimone Augustus, Bill Laimbeer, and Rick Barnes are some of the eligible candidates for the Class of 2024. The next step in the 2024 induction class will be the declaration of the finalists which will take place next year in February during the NBA All-Star weekend.

While some of the veterans of the game gear up for the biggest honor in basketball, fans often wonder about the eligibility criteria for the nomination and induction. Whether fan favorites like LeBron James and Chris Paul will make the cut, more importantly, when? So let’s take a look at the requirements and the eligibility criteria to understand when this honor will be bestowed upon these legends.

When will LeBron James and Chris Paul be inducted into the HOF?

The Hall of Fame induction is something that every hooper dreams of. However, not everyone can make the cut as it consists of an elite list of individuals who have left a mark on this game. Although there is no doubt that LeBron and Paul will be part of that esteemed list one day as first-ballot Hall of Famers, the primary requirement for the induction is what stops them from getting there.

The HoopHall official website states “A player must be fully retired for four full seasons before being eligible for Enshrinement. He/she may then be considered for Enshrinement in the fifth year of retirement.” As the two are still active athletes, they don’t meet that eligibility requirement. However, there is no doubt that we will see these two in the iconic Hall of Fame jacket in their first year of eligibility. As the two individuals have added so much to the game and have given happiness to millions across the globe, their achievements will be celebrated in the same fashion.

As of now, we have Vince Carter, Seimone Augustus, Bill Laimbeer, Rick Barnes, Mike Fratello, and Penny Taylor among others, putting their best foot forward as nominees for the Class of 2024. After the announcement of the finalists during the All-Star weekend, the entire Class of 2024 will be unveiled to the fans during the NCAA Final Four in Phoenix, Arizona.

Read More: Naismith Hall of Fame: Who is James Naismith?

We do have a few more steps to clear before we get to know the inductees of the next year, for now, the nominees list looks solid and whoever is chosen, will be a deserving candidate for the honor.

Tell us your thoughts on the nominees list given by the NBA. Who do you think will be seen in the orange jacket next year?

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