Frequently-snubbed Nets legend finally announced as Hall of Fame Class of 2025 finalist

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced its 2025 finalists Friday evening, which included Nets legend and three-time NBA All-Star Buck Williams, who has been eligible for over two decades.

Williams spent eight seasons of his 17-year NBA tenure as a member of the New Jersey Nets, with his No. 52 jersey retired by the franchise in 1999 as its all-time leading rebounder, No. 3 in NBA history in offensive rebounds (4,526) and No. 16 in total rebounds (13,017). The No. 3 overall pick in the 1981 draft went on to earn Rookie of the Year honors and four All-Defensive Team selections following an All-American stint at Maryland.

The iron man forward started all 82 games in eight seasons (five with the Nets), according to Basketball Reference, and led the league in offensive rebounds (355) during the 1983-84 campaign.

Beyond his time in New Jersey, Williams helped catapult the Trail Blazers into NBA Finals appearances in 1990 and 1992. He’s also one of the only players in league history that bent the rim on a championship series dunk, for what that's worth.

This rebounding machine, among the greatest to ever crash the boards, gets his well-deserved call up alongside the 2008 US Olympic Men’s Basketball Team, Carmelo Anthony (Player), Danny Crawford (Referee), Billy Donovan (Coach), Mark Few (Coach), Dwight Howard (Player), Marques Johnson (Player) and Jerry Welsh (Coach) as North American Committee Finalists.

When you say, "Carmelo Anthony: Hall of Famer" and "Dwight Howard: Hall of Famer" (which has been the focus of most conversations) don't be so quick to leave out "Buck" before it's all said and done. The Nets all-time great deserves as much respect as anyone listed in this 2025 class.

Enshrinement Weekend is set to start Friday, September 5 at the Mohegan Sun with a Tip-Off Celebration and Awards Gala. On Saturday, Springfield’s iconic Symphony Hall will host the career-defining Enshrinement Ceremony. 

Women’s Committee Finalists

• Jennifer Azzi (Player)

• Sue Bird (Player)

• Sylvia Fowles (Player)

• Maya Moore (Player)

Women’s Veteran Committee Finalist

• Molly Bolin (Player)

International Committee Finalist

• Dusan Ivkovic (Coach)

Contributors Committee Finalists

• Micky Arison

• Tal Brody

"Selection as a Finalist for the Class of 2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is a remarkable achievement, signifying a career of excellence and lasting influence on the game. This recognition goes beyond statistics and accolades — it honors those who have defined eras, inspired generations and elevated basketball through their talent, leadership and dedication. Whether as players, coaches, teams or contributors, each Finalist has left an indelible mark on the sport, and we are proud to celebrate their extraordinary impact."

Jerry Colangelo

Nets who became Hall of Famers

• Dikembe Mutombo (Player)

• Drazen Petrovic (Player)

• Paul Pierce (Player)

• Tiny Archibald (Player)

• Vince Carter (Player)

• Mel Daniels (Player)

• Kevin Garnett (Player)

• Jason Kidd (Player)

• Bernard King (Player)

• Bob McAdoo (Player)

• Alonzo Mourning (Player)

• Maurice Cheeks (Player)

• Larry Brown (Coach)

• John Calipari (Coach)

• Lou Carnesecca (Coach)

• Chuck Daly (Coach)

• Bill Fitch (Coach)

• Del Harris (Contributor)

• Phil Jackson (Coach)