Basketball Hall of Fame alters eligibility rule

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is expected to shorten its eligibility timeline, allowing some players to be inducted earlier than expected.

As it currently stands, a player must wait five full NBA seasons after retirement to become eligible, but the new rule change would require a player to wait five calendar years instead.

The change is expected to have an immediate impact, making new players eligible for the 2016 Hall of Fame class. Under the new rule, Shaquille O'Neal, Yao Ming, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Peja Stojakovic would all become candidates for the 2016 class.

Prior to the rule change, the only shoe-in for the 2016 class was former Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson. Former Kings power forward Chris Webber is another possible Hall of Fame entry.

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is expected to make an official announcement later this week on this subtle change.