Kobe Bryant is again entering the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, this time as part of the 2008 U.S. men’s Olympic squad, also known as the “Redeem Team.” He is one of two Catholics from the roster, along with Jason Kidd.
The hoop hall’s class of 2025 was revealed on April 5, including individual inductees Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard (also both of Redeem Team fame), Sylvia Fowles, and Maya Moore, among others.
“The Hall of Fame is thrilled to celebrate the Class of 2025, a group that has left a profound mark on the sport at every level,” said Naismith Hall President John Doleva.
“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.”
A roster of @NBA All-Stars led by Hall of Fame Coach Mike Krzyzewski restored USA Basketball dominance in Beijing. 8-0 and a gold-medal win over Spain. #25HoopClass inductee the 2008 US Men’s Olympic team. pic.twitter.com/QIVQ3CpBQ3
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) April 5, 2025
The 2025 class is headlined by the Redeem Team, which won Olympic gold in Beijing following a 2004 disappointment that saw the U.S. miss out on the top spot for the first time since 1988.
Coached by Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski and led by Bryant as team captain, the Americans dominated the field in 2008, finishing 8-0 and defeating Spain by 11 points for gold—the closest margin for the U.S. in the tournament.
The roster included six Hall of Famers: Bryant, Kidd, Anthony, Howard, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. Kidd was inducted in 2018, while Bryant was honored in 2020, just months after his tragic death in a Los Angeles-area helicopter crash.
A five-time NBA champion and the 2008 league MVP with the Lakers, Bryant is the first player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame twice after their death. Kidd, who won a title in 2011 as a player with the Dallas Mavericks, is this year’s only two-time inductee still active in the NBA, though now as the head coach of his former team.
“It’s a great honor to go to the Hall of Fame on [the Redeem Team],” said Kidd after his second enshrinement was announced.
“When you talk about those names—Kobe, LeBron, Wade, Melo… and also Coach K, being able to play for him. It’s an honor.”
This year’s ceremonies will take place September 5-6 at the Mohegan Sun resort in Uncasville, Connecticut, and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. Tickets to the weekend’s events are available online, and the ceremony will air on NBA TV.
Nate Tinner-Williams is co-founder and editor of Black Catholic Messenger.
