Carmelo Anthony and Billy Donovan have been inducted into the 2025 class of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, marking a significant milestone for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Anthony's single season with the Thunder in 2017-18 was notable, even if it ended with a first-round playoff exit. His scoring prowess and ten-time All-Star status solidified his legacy as one of the game’s greats. Donovan, who coached the Thunder from 2015 to 2020, is recognized as a top-tier coach with two NCAA championships to his name. His tenure with OKC saw multiple playoff appearances, including a run to the Western Conference Finals.

This induction highlights the Thunder's impact in the league since relocating nearly two decades ago, with many more former players and coaches likely to follow in their footsteps as future Hall of Famers. Under the management of Sam Presti, who became GM in 2007, the Thunder have established a winning tradition, despite not yet securing an NBA championship.

The 2008 U.S. Men's Basketball Team, famously known as the 'Redeem Team,' has been enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, marking a significant moment in USA Basketball history. This team was assembled after the disappointing bronze medal finish in the 2004 Olympics, a failure that catalyzed a major overhaul of the program. Kobe Bryant, who had never previously competed in the Olympics, joined forces with superstars like LeBron James, Dwight Howard, and Carmelo Anthony to restore national pride.

In the 2008 Olympics held in Beijing, the Redeem Team dominated the competition, culminating in a thrilling gold medal match against Spain, which featured Bryant's Lakers teammate, Pau Gasol. The final score was 118-107, with Bryant contributing 20 points and six assists. LeBron and Carmelo added 14 and 13 points, respectively, showcasing a balanced offensive attack that proved too much for Spain. This victory not only secured gold but also reestablished the U.S. as a powerhouse in basketball.

Former OKC Thunder head coach Billy Donovan has been selected for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame's 2025 class, a well-deserved honor acknowledging his impactful coaching career. Donovan, who led the Thunder from 2015 to 2020, achieved a remarkable record of 243 wins against 157 losses, guiding the team to the playoffs every season, including a run to the Western Conference Finals in 2016.

Mark Daigneault, the current Thunder head coach and a former assistant under Donovan, expressed his admiration for Donovan’s leadership, stating that he is not just a great coach but also a wonderful person to work with. This induction not only highlights Donovan's success at the NBA level but also reflects his prior success at Florida, where he won two national championships. Joining him in the Hall of Fame class is former Thunder player Carmelo Anthony, further solidifying the Thunder’s legacy in the league.

Dwight Howard and Carmelo Anthony have been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2025, highlighting their significant contributions to the NBA. Howard, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and 8-time All-Star, had a turbulent yet impactful career, most notably with the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Lakers. After being the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, he made waves with his defensive prowess and rebounding skills, earning five rebounding titles along the way.

Howard's journey with the Lakers included a rocky start in 2012, where his relationship with Kobe Bryant was strained, leading to his departure after just one season. However, he returned for the successful 2019-20 championship run, showcasing his ability to adapt to a bench role. Despite his impressive legacy, Howard has expressed a desire to return to the Lakers, though the organization currently lacks interest in bringing him back.