Nearly two weeks ago, the NBA released it’s 75th Anniversary Team, which can be looked as the Top 75 (in this case 76) players in the last 75 years. Having had some time to mull over the list, let’s take a look at all the details.
The List
Obviously this list is full of notable names, most (all, unless you’re a casual fan) of which should be recognized by current NBA fans.
Interesting facts:
- Eleven of the players on the list are currently active in the NBA; Giannis Antetokounmpo, Carmelo Anthony, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, James Harden, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Damian Lillard, Chris Paul, and Russell Westbrook.
- Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, George Mikan, and Bob Pettit are the only players to have been announced on all four NBA Anniversary Teams.
- Six international players, each from different countries, were selected for the 75th Anniversary Team; Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece), Tim Duncan (U.S. Virgin Islands), Steve Nash (Canada), Patrick Ewing (Jamaica), Dirk Nowitzki (Germany), and Hakeem Olajuwon (Nigeria).
- Between all the players on the team there are a combined; 158 NBA championships, 730 All-Star Selections, and 110 combined NBA MVP awards and Finals MVP Awards.
- The Lakers have the most players (former or current) to have played for their franchise on the list with 17. The Celtics have 15 and the Knicks are 3rd with 9.
- The list contains 17 point guards, 16 shooting guards, 9 small forwards, 17 power forwards, and 16 centers. This is based solely on the players primary position, or the position they played at the majority of seasons during their career.
Snubs
Now, the part I know you wanted to read. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if you haven’t read of the article and skipped to this section. I will give my three biggest snubs from this list, in no particular order.
Klay Thompson
The Golden State Warriors had some fun with Klay Thompson after he was left off the list, leaving a #77 jersey in his locker prior to one of their games. Insinuating that he is only the 77th best player and not inside the Top 76. Klay laughed it off but also expressed that he was frustrated with being left out. I think he has a reasonable case as a three-time NBA champion, arguably the second best shooter of all time behind teammate Stephen Curry, and multiple All-Star appearances.
Dwight Howard
I said in no particular order but this should have been first. In my opinion, it is absolutely criminal that Dwight Howard is not on this list. I’ll let his resumé speak for itself:
- 2020 NBA Champion
- 3x Defensive Player of the Year
- 8x All-Star
- 8 All-NBA Selections
- 5 All-NBA Defensive Selections
- 5x League rebound leader
Just take a look at that and tell me he doesn’t deserve to be on the list.
Tony Parker or Manu Ginobli
It is hard to believe that the great San Antonio Spurs teams of the 2000’s only have only player, Tim Duncan, on the list. I don’t know how you could pick between two of Duncan’s greatest cohorts, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli, but I believe that at least one (probably both), should be on the list. Both are 4 time NBA champions with the Spurs, which is more than quite a few players that made the list.
All stats taken from NBA.com, ESPN.com, or Basketball Reference unless otherwise stated.
