Il Nuovo Postiglione - Anthony, Bird to enter basketball Hall of Fame

Anthony, who retired from basketball in 2023, 20 years after being drafted by the Denver Nuggets is one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, averaging 22.5 points per game during his career and ranking 10th all-time in NBA scoring with 28,289 points

Howard -- the 2004 No.1 draft pick who helped the Los Angeles Lakers win their most recent NBA championship in 2020 -- was renowned as a dominant force on both ends of the court, earning the nickname "Superman" for his all-round offensive and defensive game.

Five-time Olympic gold medallist Bird meanwhile will enter the Hall of Fame widely recognised as one of the greatest players in the history of women's basketball after playing 21 seasons with the Seattle Storm before retiring in 2022.

"This year's class embodies excellence, innovation, and an enduring passion for basketball — whether through game-changing performances, leadership on the sidelines, or shaping the sport's global reach," Naismith Hall of Fame chief executive John Doleva said in a statement on Saturday.

Other Hall of Fame entrants named on Saturday included the United States' gold medal-winning 2008 Olympic men's basketball squad, nicknamed "the Redeem Team" following their shock failure to land gold in 2004.

Anthony and Howard were both members of that squad alongside Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Chris Bosh, Deron Williams, Tayshaun Prince, Carlos Boozer and Michael Redd.

The 2008 team won gold in Beijing with a perfect 8-0 record, romping to victory with an average winning margin of just under 28 points per game.

This year's entrants to the basketball pantheon will be enshrined at on September 5-6.

T.Cusumano--INP