The NBA 75 list, officially known as the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, was unveiled in 2021 to commemorate the league's momentous milestone. This prestigious roster comprises 76 of the most impactful and skilled players throughout NBA history, selected by a distinguished panel of experts. The decision to include a 76th player was due to a tie in the voting, ensuring no deserving legend was overlooked.
This honor is the fourth such team to be named in NBA history, following similar celebrations for the 25th, 35th, and 50th anniversaries. The NBA 75th Anniversary Team represents a comprehensive look at the league's most dominant figures, combining for an astounding 158 NBA championships, 62 Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, 48 Finals MVP awards, and a staggering 730 All-Star selections at the time of its announcement.
The Selection Process and Criteria
The NBA 75th Anniversary Team was meticulously chosen by a blue-ribbon panel comprising current and former NBA players, coaches, general managers, team and league executives, WNBA legends, and members of the media. Voters were instructed to select the greatest players in NBA history without regard to their on-court position. To ensure fairness and objectivity, panelists were not allowed to rank their selections and, crucially, current and former players were prohibited from voting for themselves.
While the exact criteria were left to the judgment of the 88 voting panel members, it's understood that a combination of statistics, All-Star Game appearances, All-NBA selections, MVP awards, NBA championships, Finals appearances, and longevity likely played significant roles in the decision-making process.
The NBA 75 List: A Pantheon of Legends
The NBA 75 list is an alphabetical compilation of unparalleled talent, recognizing players who have shaped the game across different eras. All 50 players from the previous 50th Anniversary Team were included, with an additional 26 players making the cut, reflecting the evolution of the game and the emergence of new stars.
Here is the complete list of the 76 players honored on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team:
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Ray Allen
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Carmelo Anthony
- Nate Archibald
- Paul Arizin
- Charles Barkley
- Rick Barry
- Elgin Baylor
- Dave Bing
- Larry Bird
- Kobe Bryant
- Wilt Chamberlain
- Bob Cousy
- Dave Cowens
- Billy Cunningham
- Stephen Curry
- Anthony Davis
- Dave DeBusschere
- Clyde Drexler
- Tim Duncan
- Kevin Durant
- Julius Erving
- Patrick Ewing
- Walt Frazier
- Kevin Garnett
- George Gervin
- Hal Greer
- James Harden
- John Havlicek
- Elvin Hayes
- Allen Iverson
- LeBron James
- Magic Johnson
- Sam Jones
- Michael Jordan
- Jason Kidd
- Kawhi Leonard
- Damian Lillard
- Jerry Lucas
- Karl Malone
- Moses Malone
- Pete Maravich
- Bob McAdoo
- Kevin McHale
- George Mikan
- Reggie Miller
- Earl Monroe
- Steve Nash
- Dirk Nowitzki
- Hakeem Olajuwon
- Shaquille O'Neal
- Robert Parish
- Chris Paul
- Gary Payton
- Bob Pettit
- Paul Pierce
- Scottie Pippen
- Willis Reed
- Oscar Robertson
- David Robinson
- Dennis Rodman
- Bill Russell
- Dolph Schayes
- Bill Sharman
- John Stockton
- Isiah Thomas
- Nate Thurmond
- Wes Unseld
- Bill Walton
- Jerry West
- Lenny Wilkens
- Dominique Wilkins
- James Worthy
Notable Inclusions and Omissions
All 50 players from the previous NBA 50th Anniversary Team were honored again on the NBA 75 list, underscoring their enduring impact on the game. Notable newcomers who made the list include Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tim Duncan, Kevin Durant, Kevin Garnett, James Harden, Allen Iverson, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, and Chris Paul, among others.
Bob McAdoo and Dominique Wilkins, who were notably excluded from the 50th Anniversary Team, were recognized this time around, marking a significant correction for their omissions. Wilkins, in particular, was a nine-time All-Star and a six-time All-NBA selection who had expressed his disappointment about not making the previous list.
While the list is widely celebrated, some players who were active during the 2021-22 season, such as Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić, were highlighted as having strong cases for future inclusion on a potential 100th-anniversary team. Other players like Pau Gasol, Dwight Howard, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, Vince Carter, Klay Thompson, and Kyrie Irving were also mentioned as players who could have deserved a spot.
Active Players on the NBA 75 List
Eleven players were active in the league during the 2021-22 season when the NBA 75 list was announced. These stars continue to shape the game and have already cemented their legacies. They include: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Carmelo Anthony, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, James Harden, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Damian Lillard, Chris Paul, and Russell Westbrook.
The Ceremony and Legacy
Forty-five of the seventy-six players were honored during a special halftime ceremony at the 2022 NBA All-Star Game in Cleveland. This gathering brought together legends from different eras, celebrating their collective contributions to basketball. The NBA 75th Anniversary Team not only commemorates the league's rich history but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of players and fans, solidifying the enduring legacy of these basketball icons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many players are on the NBA 75 list? A: There are 76 players on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team due to a tie in the voting.
Q: Who selected the NBA 75 list? A: A panel of media members, current and former players, coaches, general managers, and team and league executives selected the players.
Q: Were any players from the NBA 50th Anniversary Team excluded from the NBA 75 list? A: No, all 50 players from the NBA 50th Anniversary Team were included on the NBA 75 list.
Q: Which active players were on the NBA 75 list? A: Eleven active players were on the list: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Carmelo Anthony, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, James Harden, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Damian Lillard, Chris Paul, and Russell Westbrook.
