Shaq, Iverson, Yao among basketball Hall of Fame candidates

Allen Iverson spent his best years with the Philadelphia 76ers where he led the team to an NBA Finals appearance in 2001 before losing to Shaquille O’Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers. AP

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. —  Shaquille O’Neal, Allen Iverson and Yao Ming are among the first-time candidates on the ballot for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo and former women’s star Sheryl Swoopes are also among the candidates announced Monday for the class of 2016. The finalists will be announced on Feb. 12 during the NBA’s All-Star weekend, and those being enshrined will be unveiled April 4 in Houston before the NCAA championship game.

O’Neal and Yao became eligible last week when the Hall amended its eligibility procedures, making players eligible after four full seasons of retirement. It was previously five years, which meant they were six years removed from their playing careers when they were enshrined.

The full list of candidates is available at www.hoophall.com