By Joiner Martínez
05 Oct 2024, 20:37 PM EDT
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced it will honor film director Spike Lee, actors Jack Nicholson and Billy Crystal, and real estate developer Alan Horwitz by welcoming its Class of 2024.
The group will be recognized during a SuperFan Gallery ceremony on Oct. 13, just hours before the Hall welcomes its newest class of legendary former players and coaches. The SuperFan Gallery, which was established in 2018, is located on the second floor of the Basketball Hall of Fame museum.
Spike Lee has been a season ticket holder for the New York Knicks since 1985, signing the morning after New York won the 1985 NBA draft lottery to earn the right to draft then-Georgetown Hoyas star Patrick Ewing.
Lee, an Oscar-winning filmmaker who is also one of the league’s most visible fans on the court, became famous for his argument with Indiana Pacers star Reggie Miller at Madison Square Garden when the point guard He scored 25 points in the fourth quarter during Game 5 of the 1994 Eastern Conference finals.
Jack Nicholson is one of the most recognizable members of the star-studded Los Angeles Lakers fan base. He’s had a season ticket since the ’70s, before the team’s hallowed Showtime era.
The three-time Oscar winner enjoys sitting near the visiting club’s bench wearing his trademark sunglasses and is known for adjusting his movie shooting schedule to ensure he can attend as many Lakers games as possible.
Billy Crystal grew up in New York, but his unconditional love for the LA Clippers dates back to their days as a San Diego franchise in the late ’70s. The “When Harry Met Sally” and “City Slickers” star even announced a duel Clippers-Lakers 2018 along with long-time commentator Ralph Lawler. He has been a mainstay as the team continues to compete for its first conference or league crown.
Horwitz has been a Philadelphia 76ers season ticket holder for more than 60 years, dating back to the 1960s, when the club played its games at the Philadelphia Convention Hall and Civic Center.
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