In 2025, 71-year-old former NBA referee Danny Crawford was officially inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, becoming one of the few referees to receive this honor.

Crawford made his NBA debut in 1985 and has officiated more than 2,000 regular season games, 300 playoff games, and 30 finals games in his 32-year refereeing career. He has appeared in the finals for 23 consecutive years since 1997.

When Crawford was interviewed, he recalled: "Those close games were the hardest. You just hope the right team wins, and then you've accomplished your mission."

He always maintains the player's perspective, emphasizing communication rather than authority: "I will listen and let them vent. Then tell them, you're done, let's move on. These are professional players. They are used to hearing yes, and if you suddenly say no, problems will arise."

Before becoming a full-time referee, Crawford worked as a substitute teacher and briefly worked at a record company, but was fired for spending too much time as a sideline referee. Eventually, he worked his way into the NBA training program and rose through the ranks to become a top referee.

The most touching moment for Crawford regarding his Hall of Fame induction was when he learned his children had submitted a nomination for him. Crawford admitted: "I cried at that time. I always feel that I don't deserve it, but my children remind me that I do."

Eight years into his retirement, he still lives a rich life: golf, travel, and hanging out with friends, but basketball and his officiating career remain an inseparable part of his life. Crawford says he has the best family and the best job in the world. If he were rich, he'd even do it for free.