The Milwaukee Bucks are making headlines once again, but this time, it’s not just for their on-court exploits. On February 12, 2026, the basketball world learned that Bucks head coach Doc Rivers and franchise legend Marques Johnson have both been named finalists for election to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s 2026 class. The announcement, which has Bucks fans buzzing, comes as a testament to the enduring impact both men have had on the game—each in their own remarkable way.
For Doc Rivers, this recognition is yet another milestone in a storied coaching career that has spanned nearly three decades and several NBA franchises. Rivers, 64, is the winningest active head coach in the league and currently sits at sixth all-time in coaching victories. His résumé is as decorated as they come: he’s led the Orlando Magic (1999-2003), Boston Celtics (2004-2013), LA Clippers (2013-2020), and Philadelphia 76ers (2020-2023) before taking the helm in Milwaukee during the 2023-24 season. Along the way, Rivers was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1999-2000 while with Orlando and famously guided the Celtics to the 2008 NBA championship.
Rivers’ impact in Milwaukee has been immediate. In the 2024 season, he guided the Bucks to victory in the Emirates NBA Cup—making him the first coach ever to win that trophy. Heading into the Bucks’ matchup against Orlando on February 11, Rivers boasted a career regular season record of 1,183 wins against 846 losses, a winning percentage of 58.3%. His tenure with the Bucks stands at 86-83, and he ranks fourth all-time in playoff victories with 114. Add to that his status as one of the 15 greatest coaches in NBA history, as selected by a panel of 43 current and former NBA coaches in 2022, and it’s clear why Rivers’ candidacy for the Hall is so compelling.
But Rivers isn’t the only Bucks representative up for basketball’s highest honor. Marques Johnson, a name synonymous with Milwaukee basketball excellence, was also named a finalist—this time by the Veterans Committee. Johnson, now 70 years old, was a three-time All-NBA selection and five-time All-Star during his playing days. Selected third overall by the Bucks in the 1977 NBA Draft, Johnson played seven seasons with the team, logging 691 career games over an 11-year NBA career that saw him average a stellar 20.1 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. He twice finished in the top-10 of MVP voting, and under the guidance of then-coach Don Nelson, Johnson helped pioneer the “point forward” role that would become a staple in modern basketball.
Johnson’s legacy in Milwaukee is cemented not only by his statistics but by his leadership and versatility. He led the Bucks to six playoff appearances, including two trips to the Eastern Conference Finals, and ranks among the franchise’s all-time leaders in several categories. Johnson’s No. 8 jersey hangs in the rafters at Fiserv Forum, making him just the ninth player in team history to receive that honor. As if that weren’t enough, Johnson is already enshrined in the College Basketball Hall of Fame and currently serves as the Bucks’ television analyst—a role that keeps him closely connected to the organization and its fans.
Rivers, who played against Johnson during his own NBA career, had high praise for his fellow finalist. "I'm so happy for Marques," Rivers said. "I played against Marques. I know a Hall of Famer when I see one and I played against Marques Johnson and Sidney Moncrief. They both deserve to be in. Sidney's in and now it's Marques' turn. It would be fantastic if he gets in." Johnson, for his part, has had a winding road to Hall of Fame consideration. He was a finalist from 2018 to 2022, did not reach the finalist stage in 2022-23, but returned as a finalist in 2025 and now again in 2026. His candidacy has sparked renewed debate about the impact of players who helped shape the NBA during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
For Rivers, the Hall of Fame nod is a humbling experience. "It'll be great if it happens," Rivers remarked. "I don't have a lot to say about it. It's an amazing thing. I don't do well with awards and accomplishments. It's never been anything about me. I've had so many coaches and players that helped me get here. Front-office people who trusted me. It is a cool thing. My kids all called today and they told me, could you at least smile and be happy about something for once in your life, one of my kids said. And I told them I would be." His humility belies the tremendous influence he’s had on every franchise he’s touched, from his early days in Orlando to his championship run in Boston and now his leadership in Milwaukee.
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will be unveiled on April 4 at the NCAA Final Four, fueling anticipation for Bucks supporters and basketball aficionados alike. Should Rivers and Johnson both be inducted, they would join a prestigious group of Milwaukee basketball icons. In recent years, former Bucks coaches Larry Costello, Del Harris, and George Karl were inducted into the Hall in 2022, while Don Nelson was enshrined in 2012. The Bucks’ rich legacy is further highlighted by the likes of Jon McGlocklin, known as the “original Buck,” who was nominated for the Hall in the contributor category this year. McGlocklin, now 82, played a key role in the franchise’s early years, was an All-Star in the team’s inaugural season, helped secure the 1971 NBA title, and served as a color analyst for 35 years. He also co-founded the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer (MACC) Fund, which has raised over $57 million since 1976.
As for Johnson, his unique place in NBA history as one of the first “point forwards” and his consistent excellence on the court make his Hall of Fame case particularly compelling. His influence is still felt in today’s game, as versatile forwards continue to redefine traditional basketball roles. Johnson’s presence in the broadcast booth ensures that new generations of fans remain connected to the Bucks’ storied past.
With the Hall of Fame class set to be announced in just a few short months, all eyes will be on Rivers and Johnson as they await word on their possible induction. Whether or not their names are ultimately called, their legacies in Milwaukee—and in the wider basketball world—are already secure. For Bucks fans, it’s a time to celebrate two figures who have helped define the franchise across generations, bridging the gap from past glories to present ambitions. The anticipation is palpable, and the recognition well deserved. April 4 can’t come soon enough for those eager to see if these Milwaukee legends will finally take their rightful place among basketball’s immortals.