Spike Lee, Jack Nicholson Among NBA ‘SuperFans’ Being Enshrined Into Basketball Hall of Fame

Film director Spike Lee (2nd R) watches the action during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Knicks, in New York, on Nov. 30, 2021. Mary Altaffer/AP Photo

When many people think of a sports Hall of Fame, they think of the players and coaches who made indelible marks in their respective domains to warrant inclusion into the hallowed halls. But most Halls of Fame also have wings for executives, contributors, teams, and even fans.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame created an exhibit for fans, or SuperFans, in 2021 to honor the most passionate, and famous, fans of several franchises. This year’s inductees include New York Knicks SuperFan Spike Lee and Los Angeles Lakers SuperFan Jack Nicholson. Billy Crystal, a longtime supporter of the Los Angeles Clippers, and Alan Horwitz, a fanatic of the Philadelphia 76ers, will also be a part of the 2024 Hall of Fame gallery.

“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,” said John Doleva, president and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Lee, an Academy Award- and Emmy-winning producer and director, grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and has been associated with the Knicks, perhaps, more so than any other singular fan with any other NBA franchise. He is often seen sitting courtside and has had numerous interactions with both Knicks players and adversaries, including starring in Nike commercials alongside Michael Jordan, and engaging in on-court feuds with Reggie Miller.

Nicholson, a three-time Oscar-winning actor, grew up in the New York City metro as well but is known for his allegiance to the Lakers, becoming a season-ticket holder in 1970. Unlike Lee, Nicholson’s courtside seats are opposite the play-by-play camera so those viewing on TV could see him and his reactions every time the ball was at his end of the court. Nicholson frequently sits next to producer Lou Adler, but the former stopped attending Lakers games in 2021, before reappearing during a 2023 playoff contest.

Crystal, another New York native, is an Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor, comedian, and filmmaker, who originally had Lakers tickets before hopping aboard the Clippers bandwagon. As for what drew him to the Clippers, who didn’t win a playoff series in their first 21 years in Los Angeles, Crystal said: “We just sort of liked the minor-league feeling of it, in the best way. We weren’t good, but they played hard, and the fans were very loyal. And I somehow liked that.”

Horwitz, a businessman, is not from New York City as he was born and raised in Philadelphia, even attending the famed Overbrook High School in the western part of the city. That school has sent a dozen players to the NBA, including Wilt Chamberlain. Horwitz has courtside seats next to the 76ers’ bench and can frequently be spotted wearing a custom Sixers jersey with Chamberlain’s No. 13 on the front and No. 76 on the back, below the name plate of “SIXTH MAN.”

These four SuperFans join the gallery of the three inaugural SuperFan inductees from 2021. Those included actress Penny Marshall of the Lakers, businessman Nav Bhatia of the Toronto Raptors, and entrepreneur Jimmy Goldstein, who frequents many Lakers and Clippers games but has been seen in just about every NBA arena sitting courtside. The SuperFan exhibit is named after Goldstein and is officially called the James F. Goldstein SuperFan Gallery.

The 2024 Basketball Hall of Fame SuperFan Gallery will be recognized at the same time that the players, coaches, and contributors receive their honors as well. This year’s class includes 13 inductees, highlighted by former NBA stars Vince Carter, Chauncey Billups, Michael Cooper, and Walter Davis. Additional enshrines include former WNBA star Seimone Augustus, coach Bo Ryan, and contributor Doug Collins. Jerry West, who passed away in June 2024, will also get inducted for the third time—this time as a contributor—as he previously went in as both a player and as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic team.

The SuperFans will get their honors on Sunday, Oct. 13, at 1 p.m. ET at the Jerry Colangelo Court of Dreams in Springfield, Mass. Then at 6 p.m. ET, the main ceremony will take place in which the players, coaches, and contributors get enshrined at the Symphony Hall.

Crystal said he would have preferred being part of the latter ceremony instead of the former, but he’ll take what he can get. Upon receiving his honor to be a part of the SuperFan Gallery, he said: “Well, I guess this means I’m not getting in as a player. Very grateful to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for this honor. I merely represent all devoted fans of the game we love.”