The 2015 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class may not feature any true superstars, but most of the names should be very familiar to those that follow the sport. Headlined by famed shot-blocker Dikembe Mutombo, successful college coach John Calipari and former star WNBA player Lisa Leslie, a full rookie card guide to the class can be seen below.
The complete 2015 Hall of Fame class will be formally inducted on September 11, 2015. In addition to the names below, former NBA player John Issacs, long-time NBA referee Dick Bavetta, former college coach George Raveling and former Australian coach Lindsay Gaze are also part of the 2015 HOF group.
Notable names that did not make the final vote include former NBA players Tim Hardaway and Kevin Johnson as well as former coach Bill Fitch.
The following guide features a full rookie card checklist for all the new Hall of Fame members. For inductees that do not have an official rookie card, the earliest known card is noted.
2015 Basketball Hall of Fame Rookie Card Guide
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Dikembe Mutombo
Famous for his finger wag following a block, Dikembe Mutombo is best remembered as a staunch defender during his 18-year career. The eight-time NBA All-Star was named the Defensive Player of the Year four times and spent most of his years with the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets. His earliest cards are from his time at Georgetown University and collectors can find four Dikembe Mutombo rookie cards in 1991-92 products.
- 1991-92 Fleer Dikembe Mutombo RC #277
- 1991-92 Hoops Dikembe Mutombo RC #549
- 1991-92 Skybox Dikembe Mutombo RC #516
- 1991-92 Upper Deck Dikembe Mutombo RC #3
Jo Jo White
Most associated with the Boston Celtics, Jo Jo White was a seven-time NBA All-Star and won two titles in Boston. He was also the named the NBA Finals MVP in 1976. Jo Jo White's tall boy rookie card is found in 1970-71 Topps.
John Calipari
John Calipari is a very successful college coach who also had a short stint in the NBA. Notable head coaching jobs at UMass, Memphis and Kentucky have made Calipari one of the top current coaches in basketball and he won his first title with UK in 2012. His earliest card is from his time as the head coach of the New Jersey Nets.
Lisa Leslie
One of the best female basketball players of all-time. Lisa Leslie won four Olympic Gold Medals, two WNBA titles and three WNBA MVP Awards. The eight-time WNBA All-Star was also the first player to dunk during a WNBA game. The earliest Lisa Leslie cards are associated with her USA Basketball career and her official WNBA rookie card was released in 1997.
Louis "Louie" Dampier
An accomplished college and ABA player, Louis Dampier was a seven-time ABA All-Star and won the ABA title with the Kentucky Colonels in 1975. His rookie is found in 1971-72 Topps, a colorful set that featured both ABA and NBA players.
Spencer Haywood
Spencer Haywood was a well-traveled player during his pro career, earning four All-Star nods and winning the 1980 NBA title. His rookie is also found in 1971-72 Topps.
Tom Heinsohn
The final name in the 2015 Hall of Fame class, Tom Heinsohn was already part of the HOF as a player and will now enter as a coach. Heinsohn is one of only four members to be inducted as both a player and coach. He led the Boston Celtics to two NBA titles and his official rookie is available in 1957-58 Topps.
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