Spike Lee has been inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for his renowned fandom of the sport and being an ambassador of the game.
On Friday (Oct. 4), it was announced that the famed New York Knicks fan will be enshrined into the hall alongside actor Billy Crystal, legendary actor Jack Nicholson, and real estate developer Alan Horwitz as part of the Jimmy Goldstein SuperFan Gallery.
Established in 2021, the SuperFan Gallery is named after American businessman and longtime NBA fan James F. Goldstein and was created to honor the league’s biggest and most tenured fans.
Film director Spike Lee looks on during the game between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 22, 2024 in New York City. The Knicks won 104-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
Sarah Stier/Getty Images
The Brooklyn rep basked in his reception of the honor while sharing the news of his induction with his followers on social media.
“I Knew The Naismith Basketball Hall Of Fame Inducted Players, Coaches, And Executives; However, I Never Knew That Could Happen For Fans To Be Celebrated In The Hall,” 67-year-old wrote. “It’s Been My Experience That The Best Gifts I Have Received In My Life Were Complete Surprises. No Inkling, No Nuthin’ , Then BOOM—I Got An Unexpected Phone Call Out Of Nowhere.”
Lee then expressed his gratitude for being acknowledged for his dedication to his hometown Knickerbockers while congratulating his fellow inductees.
American film director, producer, screenwriter, actor, and professor Spike Lee is seen at a NBA game between the New York Knicks and the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on October 30, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
Sean Gardner/Getty Images
“I Sincerely Thank The Basketball Hall Of Fame For This Totally Unexpected Blessing For My Love Of Basketball And My Crazy Love For The NEW YORK KNICKERBOCKERS! I Also Congratulate And Send Much Love To My Fellow Inductees Jack Nicholson, Billy Crystal And Alan Horwitz. And Dats Da Orange And Blue Skies Truth, Ruth. YA DIG? SHO-NUFF”
John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, marveled at Lee and the other enshrinees’ fandom, as well as their part in helping popularize the sport.
“These individuals have not only been passionate fans but have also significantly contributed to the rich culture of basketball. Their unwavering dedication to the game and their ability to connect with fans make them truly deserving of this recognition.”
Director Spike Lee sits in his seat prior to the game between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks during Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2013 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
Elsa/Getty Images
The members of this year’s Jimmy Goldstein SuperFan Gallery class will be enshrined on Sunday (Oct. 13) on the Jerry Colangelo Court of Dreams as part of the Hall of Fame’s SuperFan Celebration at 1:00 p.m. ET.
Later that evening, the 2024 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class will be inducted during a ceremony beginning at 6:00 p.m. ET at Springfield’s Symphony Hall.
See Spike Lee’s Instagram post below.
