Induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is a symbol of greatness, but what about those who have been inducted more than once? Surprisingly, the number of such entities is not as rare as you’d believe them to be. And considering that people once involved with the league often take more than one role in their career path, the situation is understandable.

In fact, there are multiple names of just the NBA players who have been inducted more than once into the Hall of Fame. And today we will have a closer look at 5 such names from the league who earned this apex honor more than once.

Michael Jordan’s name on the list should not even be a surprise

When you think of basketball greatness, His Airness probably comes to mind first, right? And with good reason! Jordan wasn’t just a superstar—he was the superstar who redefined the game in ways that still echo through the NBA today. You’ve probably heard the accolades: Rookie of the Year, five-time MVP, six championships, ten scoring titles—the list goes on. But did you know he’s been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame twice?

Yep, twice! The first time was in 2009 for his legendary individual career. But then, just a year later, Jordan found himself back in the Hall of Fame—this time as part of the 1992 U.S. Olympic Basketball Team, better known as The Dream Team.

If you were lucky enough to watch them, you know just how special that team was. Magic, Bird, Barkley—they all shared the court, and it was the first time NBA players competed in the Olympics. They didn’t just win gold; they changed the face of international basketball forever. And of 12 of these players, all but just one (Christian Laettner) were inducted into the Hall of Fame. So you can consider all of these players were inducted twice in HOF with the induction of the 1992 Dream Team.

Jerry West has been into the Hall of Fame 3 times

What does it take to make it into the Basketball Hall of Fame not once, but three times? Just ask Jerry West, a man whose impact on the game goes beyond simply playing it. West first earned his place in the Hall of Fame in 1980 for his incredible achievements as a player.

Averaging over 30 points a game four times and in 1969, he led the NBA with 31.2 points per game. This scoring efficiency paired with multiple accolades, including 5 All-Defensive appearances, speaks volumes about his legacy as a HOF player. But that was only the beginning. In 2010, West was inducted again—this time as a member of the legendary 1960 U.S. Olympic team.

This squad didn’t just win—they dominated. Led by West, Oscar Robertson, and Jerry Lucas, the team went 8-0, often scoring over 100 points while keeping their opponents under 60. Then, as if his playing career wasn’t enough, West became a Hall of Famer for a third time as a contributor, shaping the future of the game from the front office. He helped build the Lakers’ “Showtime” era and even brought in Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. However, his influence didn’t stop with the Lakers—he also made a mark with the Warriors, Grizzlies, and Clippers.

Bill Russell was an efficient player and an efficient coach

Bill Russell wasn’t just a basketball player, he was a game-changer. Before he stepped onto the court, basketball was mostly about offense. But with Russell’s incredible shot-blocking and defensive skills, he flipped the script. Think about that — one player changed how an entire sport was played.

He was quick, agile, and nearly unbeatable under the basket, helping the University of San Francisco dominate with two NCAA championships. And when he took his talents to the Boston Celtics, the team became a powerhouse. Thus, winning 11 NBA championships, including an incredible eight in a row. Imagine being that dominant.

Now, let’s talk about Russell off the court. In 1966, when Red Auerbach stepped down, the Celtics needed a new coach. How do you replace a legend? Well, they didn’t have to look far. Bill Russell, already the heart of the team, became the first head coach of color in NBA history.

Imagine the pressure of leading a team while still playing! But Russell did what he always did — he thrived. Under his leadership, the Celtics won two more titles, proving that Russell wasn’t just efficient as a player, but as a coach too. No wonder he earned his second HOF inclusion as a coach in 2021.

The two Hall of Fame inductions for Lenny Wilkens

Lenny Wilkens is one of those rare figures in sports who mastered the game in more ways than one, earning not one but two spots in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. If you’re a fan of basketball history, his story is a must-know.

If you’ve heard the NBA stories of the late 1960s and early ‘70s—you’d know Wilkens was a fiery, determined guard who could shoot the lights out while dishing out assists like a magician. Standing at 6-foot-1, he wasn’t the tallest or the flashiest. But that didn’t stop him from becoming a star. He earned All-American honors at Providence College, then launched a 15-season NBA career.

He went on to become one of the best playmakers, racking up over 7,000 assists. And here’s something rare—he was a player-coach for a few seasons, seamlessly switching between calling the plays and making them himself. But his influence didn’t stop on the court.

And he earned recognition for both stints as his second Hall of Fame induction, in 1998, was for coaching. In 1995, he passed the legendary Red Auerbach to become the winningest coach in NBA history. And by 1996, he was the first coach to hit the 1,000-win milestone. And if this is all not enough, he led the Seattle Supersonics to their first NBA title in 1979.

Yet another NBA Hall of Famer who shined as a player as well as a coach

Tommy Heinsohn — a man whose love for the game and the Boston Celtics fueled him to greatness as both a player and a coach. Think about it—in nine seasons as a Celtics player, Heinsohn walked away with eight NBA titles. However, his journey started long before those championship banners.

At Holy Cross, Heinsohn wasn’t just a star—he was a force. A consensus All-American in 1956, he poured in 1,789 points and led his team to the NIT championship in 1954. And his unorthodox hook shot became the stuff of legends.

Drafted by the Celtics in 1957, Heinsohn immediately made an impact, grabbing Rookie of the Year honor. Thus, proving he wasn’t just another player in the mix. No wonder that even in a star-studded Celtics team, from 1960 to 1962, it was Heinsohn who led the team in scoring. Apart from this, he also managed 6 NBA All-Star appearances and showed up on the All-NBA Second Team for 4 straight years.

Then, as if being a champion player wasn’t enough, Heinsohn took on coaching. Subsequently, he led the Celtics to two more titles in 1974 and 1976, with a fast-break style that echoed his mentor, Red Auerbach.

While the list includes many such names, these were some of the prominent names who earned the Hall of Fame honor twice.

Stay tuned for more updates. Join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host, BG12, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.