Buck Williams Stunned to Be Named Hall of Fame Finalist Nearly Three Decades After Last Game | NBA News

For most NBA players, the dream of making it into the Basketball Hall of Fame fades as the years go by. But for Portland Trail Blazers legend Buck Williams, that hope was unexpectedly reignited. Nearly three decades after playing his last NBA game, Williams was caught off guard when he learned he had been named a finalist for the 2025 Hall of Fame class.
After stepping away from professional basketball, Williams never imagined he would be in this position. Now, as he awaits the final decision, he’s taking a rare moment to look back on his relentless work ethic, defensive dominance, and the impact he left on the game.

Buck Williams’ unexpected Hall of Fame recognition shakes up the NBA community

The Portland Trail Blazers have seen some true icons suit up for their franchise—Bill Walton, Clyde Drexler and Damian Lillard. Buck Williams might not always be the first name that comes to mind but ask anyone who watched him play, and they’ll tell you he left everything on the floor. Spending seven of his 17 NBA seasons in Portland, Williams built his legacy on pure grit, defensive toughness, and relentless hustle.
For Williams, the Hall of Fame was never something he obsessed over. He wasn’t chasing accolades—just wins. “Being in the Hall of Fame never was something I had time to sit down and really think about,” Williams admitted. “Because my whole world revolved around my work ethic. It’s about keeping your head down. It’s about just working hard and staying in the moment. So, this really been the first time that I had an opportunity to really sit down, reflect on my career like this.”
Williams last played an NBA game in 1998 with the New York Knicks. With each passing year, the thought of receiving this kind of recognition faded further into the background. But now, decades later, his name is suddenly back in the conversation as one of 17 finalists for the 2025 Hall of Fame class. It’s a moment he never saw coming.
Over the course of his career, Williams averaged 12.8 points, 10 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. More than just the numbers, though, he was the kind of player teammates loved and opponents hated. He played hard, fought for every rebound, and never backed down from a challenge. That kind of dedication made him a fan favorite in Portland, and now, the franchise is hoping to celebrate his induction when the final announcement is made.
Also Read: NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley Shares How His Childhood Story Ties to NFL star Travis Kelce In A Hilarious Way
There are no guarantees, and Williams knows that. But now, for the first time in a long time, he’s taking a step back and appreciating just how much he gave to the game. And for the Trail Blazers and their fans, seeing one of their own finally get his due would be something special.