NEW YORK — The National Basketball Hall of Fame announced 12 finalists for enshrinement to its 2015 class on Saturday morning at Madison Square Garden.
The list consists of legends at all levels of game and spans all categories, with Spencer Haywood, Kevin Johnson and John Calipari leading the esteemed candidates.
Just got word that I was nominated as a finalist for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. I’m at a loss for words.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) February 14, 2015
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Made up of referees, coaches and players, the remainder of the finalists are Dick Bavetta, John Calipari, Bill Fitch, Leta Andrews, Robert Hughes, Dikembe Mutombo, Jo Jo White, Tim Hardaway and Lisa Leslie.
Five direct-elects to the Class of 2015 were named on the day, as well. Early African-American pioneer John Isaacs, Lindsay Gaze, Tom Heinsohn, Louie Dampier and George Raveling round out the list.
Johnson, Mutombo and Haywood were on hand for the event. Each answered questions on stage, starting with Mutombo, who called the day "a dream come true."
Haywood, who challenged the four-year rule and won, had a huge impact on today's NBA, which features so many young stars. He said guys like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant or Kevin Garnett, who made the jump from high school, are sure to show their respects when he sees them.
Johnson played out an impressive NBA career as a member of the Phoenix Suns, but he added to his legacy by keeping the Sacramento Kings in town.
"I'm just really humbled, looking at all these legends on the stage and Mutombo and the other finalists, and those who have been directly elected," Johnson said. "It's just unbelievable."