NBA 75th Anniversary Team

The NBA 75th Anniversary Team, also referred to as the NBA 75,[1][2] was chosen in 2021 to honor the 75th anniversary of the founding of the National Basketball Association (NBA). It was the fourth and most recent anniversary team in the league.[3] Similar to the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History named in 1996, a panel of reporters, current and former players, coaches, general managers, and team executives selected the greatest players in league history.[4] Tasked with compiling a list of 75 players, the committee named an additional 76th member due to a tie in voting.[5][6] It was built as part of the league's anniversary celebration during the 2021–22 NBA season.[4] Forty-five of the seventy-six players were later assembled in Cleveland, during the halftime ceremony of the 2022 All-Star Game.[note 1]

Members of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during the halftime ceremony of the 2022 NBA All-Star Game.

Players selected

List

At the time of selection, the players selected combined for 158 NBA championships, 62 Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, 48 Finals MVP awards, and 730 All-Star selections. Of the 76 players, all 50 members of the 50th anniversary team were selected.[7] The other 26 included players from the 1970s to the current era.[8] Two notable omissions from the earlier top 50 selections, Bob McAdoo and Dominique Wilkins, were named to the 75th anniversary list.[9][10] When the previous 50 players were chosen in 1996–97, Wilkins was the only nine-time All-Star to be excluded, as well as the only six-time All-NBA selection to miss the cut. A two-time NBA champion, McAdoo was the only former league MVP omitted.[10][11] Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, George Mikan and Bob Pettit are the only players who have been named to all four NBA anniversary teams.[note 2][12] Derrick Rose (2011) was the only former league MVP (as of 2020) to not be included on the team.[13]

Eleven players (Giannis Antetokounmpo, Carmelo Anthony, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, James Harden, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Damian Lillard, Chris Paul, and Russell Westbrook) were active in the 2021–22 season, when the list was announced.[7] Four of them (Anthony, Davis, James, and Westbrook) were playing for the Los Angeles Lakers on their 2021–22 squad. The Brooklyn Nets, with Durant and Harden on their roster, were the only other team with multiple active players.[14] The Boston Celtics had the most overall players, past and present, on the list with 20. The Lakers were next with 15.[15]

Key
ItalicsDenotes player who was active in the NBA at the time of induction
BoldDenotes player who was not previously on the 50th Anniversary Team
All-StarDenotes number of All-Star appearances
All-NBADenotes number of All-NBA selections
HoF YearDenotes year of Basketball Hall of Fame induction
GGuardFForwardCCenter
PosPositionPtsPointsRebRebounds
AstAssistsMVPMost Valuable Player

Note: Statistics are correct through the end of the 2020–21 season, the season last completed before the list was announced.[discuss]

(†) - Player deceased when selected for the team

NBA 75th Anniversary Team members
Name[5]Team(s) played for (years)[note 3]PosPtsRebAstChampionships wonMVP wonFinals MVP wonAll StarAll-NBAHoF YearRef.
Kareem Abdul-JabbarMilwaukee Bucks (19691975)
Los Angeles Lakers (19751989)
C38,38717,4405,660 6 (1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) 6 (1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1980) 2 (1971, 1985)19151995[16]
Ray AllenMilwaukee Bucks (19962003)
Seattle SuperSonics (20032007)
Boston Celtics (20072012)
Miami Heat (20122014)
G24,5055,2724,361 2 (2008, 2013) None None1022018[17]
Giannis AntetokounmpoMilwaukee Bucks (20132021)F12,3195,3712,632 1 (2021) 2 (2019, 2020) 1 (2021)55TBD[18]
Carmelo AnthonyDenver Nuggets (20032011)
New York Knicks (20112017)
Oklahoma City Thunder (2017–2018)
Houston Rockets (2018–2019)
Portland Trail Blazers (20192021)
F27,3707,5203,354 None None None106TBD[19]
Nate ArchibaldCincinnati Royals / Kansas City-Omaha / Kansas City Kings (19701976)
New York Nets (1976–1977)
Boston Celtics (19781983)
Milwaukee Bucks (1983–1984)
G16,4812,0466,476 1 (1981) None None651991[20]
Paul ArizinPhiladelphia Warriors (19501952, 19541962)F16,2666,1291,665 1 (1956) None None1041978[21]
Charles BarkleyPhiladelphia 76ers (19841992)
Phoenix Suns (19921996)
Houston Rockets (19962000)
F23,75712,5464,215 None 1 (1993) None11112006[22]
Rick BarrySan Francisco / Golden State Warriors (19651967, 19721978)
Houston Rockets (19781980)
F18,3955,1684,017 1 (1975) None 1 (1975)861987[23]
Elgin BaylorMinneapolis / Los Angeles Lakers (19581971)F23,14911,4633,650 None None None11101977[24]
Dave BingDetroit Pistons (19661975)
Washington Bullets (19751977)
Boston Celtics (1977–1978)
G18,3273,4205,397 None None None731990[25]
Larry BirdBoston Celtics (19791992)F21,7918,9745,695 3 (1981, 1984, 1986) 3 (1984, 1985, 1986) 2 (1984, 1986)12101998[26]
Kobe BryantLos Angeles Lakers (19962016)G33,6437,0476,306 5 (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010) 1 (2008) 2 (2009, 2010)18152020[27]
Wilt ChamberlainPhiladelphia / San Francisco Warriors (19591965)
Philadelphia 76ers (19651968)
Los Angeles Lakers (19681973)
C31,41923,9244,643 2 (1967, 1972) 4 (1960, 1966, 1967, 1968) 1 (1972)13101979[28]
Bob CousyBoston Celtics (19501963)
Cincinnati Royals (1969–1970)
G16,9604,7866,955 6 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963) 1 (1957) None13121971[29]
Dave CowensBoston Celtics (19701980)
Milwaukee Bucks (1982–1983)
C13,51610,4442,910 2 (1974, 1976) 1 (1973) None731991[30]
Billy CunninghamPhiladelphia 76ers (19651972, 19741976)F13,6266,6382,625 1 (1967) None None541986[31]
Stephen CurryGolden State Warriors (20092021)G22,8414,3555,945 4 (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022) 2 (2015, 2016) 1 (2022)109TBD[32]
Anthony DavisNew Orleans Hornets / Pelicans (20122019)
Los Angeles Lakers (20192021)
F/C16,9887,4201,732 1 (2020) None None94TBD[33]
Dave DeBusschereDetroit Pistons (19621968)
New York Knicks (19681974)
F14,0539,6182,497 2 (1970, 1973) None None811983[34]
Clyde DrexlerPortland Trail Blazers (19831995)
Houston Rockets (19951998)
G22,1956,6776,125 1 (1995) None None1052004[35]
Tim DuncanSan Antonio Spurs (19972016)F/C26,49615,0914,225 5 (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014) 2 (2002, 2003) 3 (1999, 2003, 2005)15152020[36]
Kevin DurantSeattle SuperSonics / Oklahoma City Thunder (20072016)
Golden State Warriors (20162019)
Brooklyn Nets (20192021)
F23,8836,2393,681 2 (2017, 2018) 1 (2014) 2 (2017, 2018)119TBD[37]
Julius ErvingPhiladelphia 76ers (19761987)F18,3645,6013,224 1 (1983) 1 (1981) None1171993[38]
Patrick EwingNew York Knicks (19852000)
Seattle SuperSonics (2000–2001)
Orlando Magic (2001–2002)
C24,81511,6072,215 None None None1172008[39]
Walt FrazierNew York Knicks (19671977)
Cleveland Cavaliers (19771979)
G15,5814,8305,040 2 (1970, 1973) None None761987[40]
Kevin GarnettMinnesota Timberwolves (19952007, 20152016)
Boston Celtics (20072013)
Brooklyn Nets (20132015)
F/C26,07114,6625,445 1 (2008) 1 (2004) None1592020[41]
George GervinSan Antonio Spurs (19761985)
Chicago Bulls (1985–1986)
G20,7083,6072,214 None None None971996[42]
Hal GreerSyracuse Nationals / Philadelphia 76ers (19581973)G21,5865,6654,540 1 (1967) None None1071982[43]
James HardenOklahoma City Thunder (20092012)
Houston Rockets (20122021)
Brooklyn Nets (2021)
G22,0454,7945,730 None 1 (2018) None97TBD[44]
John HavlicekBoston Celtics (19621978)F/G26,3958,0076,114 8 (1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976) None 1 (1974)13111984[45]
Elvin HayesSan Diego / Houston Rockets (19681972, 19811984)
Baltimore / Capital / Washington Bullets (19721981)
F/C27,31316,2792,398 1 (1978) None None1261990[46]
Allen IversonPhiladelphia 76ers (19962006, 2009–2010)
Denver Nuggets (20062008)
Detroit Pistons (2008–2009)
Memphis Grizzlies (2009)
G24,3683,3945,624 None 1 (2001) None1182016[47]
LeBron JamesCleveland Cavaliers (20032010, 20142018)
Miami Heat (20102014)
Los Angeles Lakers (20182021)
F40,01710,84711,046 4 (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020) 4 (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013) 4 (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020)1717TBD[48]
Magic JohnsonLos Angeles Lakers (19791991, 1996)G17,7076,55910,141 5 (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) 3 (1987, 1989, 1990) 3 (1980, 1982, 1987)12102002[49]
Sam JonesBoston Celtics (19571969)G15,4114,3052,209 10 (1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969) None None531984[50]
Michael JordanChicago Bulls (19841993, 19951998)
Washington Wizards (20012003)
G32,2926,6725,633 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998) 5 (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998) 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)14112009[51]
Jason KiddDallas Mavericks (19941996, 20082012)
Phoenix Suns (19962001)
New Jersey Nets (20012008)
New York Knicks (2012–2013)
G17,5298,72512,091 1 (2011) None None1062018[52]
Kawhi LeonardSan Antonio Spurs (20112018)
Toronto Raptors (2018–2019)
Los Angeles Clippers (20192021)
F11,0853,6891,672 2 (2014, 2019) None 2 (2014, 2019)55TBD[53]
Damian LillardPortland Trail Blazers (20122021)G16,8152,8564,514 None None None66TBD[54]
Jerry LucasCincinnati Royals (19631969)
San Francisco Warriors (19691971)
New York Knicks (19711974)
F14,05312,9422,732 1 (1973) None None751980[55]
Karl MaloneUtah Jazz (19852003)
Los Angeles Lakers (2003–2004)
F36,92814,9685,248 None 2 (1997, 1999) None14142010[56]
Moses MaloneBuffalo Braves (1976)
Houston Rockets (19761982)
Philadelphia 76ers (19821986, 1993–1994)
Washington Bullets (19861988)
Atlanta Hawks (19881991)
Milwaukee Bucks (19911993)
San Antonio Spurs (1994–1995)
C27,40916,2121,796 1 (1983) 3 (1979, 1982, 1983) 1 (1983)1282001[57]
Pete MaravichAtlanta Hawks (19701974)
New Orleans / Utah Jazz (19741980)
Boston Celtics (1980)
G15,9482,7473,563 None None None541987[58]
Bob McAdooBuffalo Braves (19721976)
New York Knicks (19761979)
Boston Celtics (1979)
Detroit Pistons (19791981)
New Jersey Nets (1981)
Los Angeles Lakers (19811985)
Philadelphia 76ers (1986)
F/C18,7878,0481,951 2 (1982, 1985) 1 (1975) None522000[59]
Kevin McHaleBoston Celtics (19801993)F17,3357,1221,670 3 (1981, 1984, 1986) None None711999[60]
George MikanMinneapolis Lakers (19481954, 1956)C10,1564,1671,245 5 (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954) None None461959[61]
Reggie MillerIndiana Pacers (19872005)G25,2794,1824,141 None None None532012[62]
Earl MonroeBaltimore Bullets (19671971)
New York Knicks (19711980)
G17,4542,7963,594 1 (1973) None None411990[63]
Steve NashPhoenix Suns (19961998, 20042012)
Dallas Mavericks (19982004)
Los Angeles Lakers (20122015)
G17,3873,64210,335 None 2 (2005, 2006) None872018[64]
Dirk NowitzkiDallas Mavericks (19982019)F31,56011,4893,651 1 (2011) 1 (2007) 1 (2011)14122023[65]
Hakeem OlajuwonHouston Rockets (19842001)
Toronto Raptors (2001–2002)
C26,94613,7483,058 2 (1994, 1995) 1 (1994) 2 (1994, 1995)12122008[66]
Shaquille O'NealOrlando Magic (19921996)
Los Angeles Lakers (19962004)
Miami Heat (20042008)
Phoenix Suns (20082009)
Cleveland Cavaliers (2009–2010)
Boston Celtics (2010–2011)
C28,59613,0993,026 4 (2000, 2001, 2002, 2006) 1 (2000) 3 (2000, 2001, 2002)15142016[67]
Robert ParishGolden State Warriors (19761980)
Boston Celtics (19801994)
Charlotte Hornets (19941996)
Chicago Bulls (1996–1997)
C23,33414,7152,180 4 (1981, 1984, 1986, 1997) None None922003[68]
Chris PaulNew Orleans Hornets (20052011)
Los Angeles Clippers (20112017)
Houston Rockets (20172019)
Oklahoma City Thunder (2019–2020)
Phoenix Suns (2020–2021)
G19,9784,92310,275 None None None1110TBD[69]
Gary PaytonSeattle SuperSonics (19902003)
Milwaukee Bucks (2003)
Los Angeles Lakers (2003–2004)
Boston Celtics (2004–2005)
Miami Heat (20052007)
G21,8135,2698,966 1 (2006) None None992013[70]
Bob PettitMilwaukee / St. Louis Hawks (19541965)F20,88012,8492,369 1 (1958) 2 (1956, 1959) None11111971[71]
Paul PierceBoston Celtics (19982013)
Brooklyn Nets (2013–2014)
Washington Wizards (2014–2015)
Los Angeles Clippers (20152017)
F26,3977,5274,708 1 (2008) None 1 (2008)1042021[72]
Scottie PippenChicago Bulls (19871998, 2003–2004)
Houston Rockets (1999)
Portland Trail Blazers (19992003)
F18,9407,4946,135 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998) None None772010[73]
Willis ReedNew York Knicks (19641974)C/F12,1838,4141,186 2 (1970, 1973) 1 (1970) 2 (1970, 1973)751982[74]
Oscar RobertsonCincinnati Royals (19601970)
Milwaukee Bucks (19701974)
G26,7107,8049,887 1 (1971) 1 (1964) None12111980[75]
David RobinsonSan Antonio Spurs (19892003)C20,79010,4972,441 2 (1999, 2003) 1 (1995) None10102009[76]
Dennis RodmanDetroit Pistons (19861993)
San Antonio Spurs (19931995)
Chicago Bulls (19951998)
Los Angeles Lakers (1999)
Dallas Mavericks (2000)
F6,68311,9541,600 5 (1989, 1990, 1996, 1997, 1998) None None222011[77]
Bill RussellBoston Celtics (19561969)C14,52221,6204,100 11 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969) 5 (1958, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1965) None12111975[78]
Dolph SchayesSyracuse Nationals / Philadelphia 76ers (19491964)F18,43811,2563,072 1 (1955) None None12121973[79]
Bill SharmanWashington Capitols (1950–1951)
Boston Celtics (19511961)
G12,6652,7792,101 4 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961) None None871976[80]
John StocktonUtah Jazz (19842003)G19,7114,05115,806 None None None10112009[81]
Isiah ThomasDetroit Pistons (19811994)G18,8223,4789,061 2 (1989, 1990) None 1 (1990)1252000[82]
Nate ThurmondSan Francisco / Golden State Warriors (19631974)
Chicago Bulls (19741975)
Cleveland Cavaliers (19751977)
C14,43714,4642,575 None None None701985[83]
Wes UnseldBaltimore / Capital / Washington Bullets (19681981)C10,62413,7693,822 1 (1978) 1 (1969) 1 (1978)511988[84]
Dwyane WadeMiami Heat (20032016, 20182019)
Chicago Bulls (2016–2017)
Cleveland Cavaliers (2017–2018)
G23,1654,9335,701 3 (2006, 2012, 2013) None 1 (2006)1382023[85]
Bill WaltonPortland Trail Blazers (19741979)
San Diego / Los Angeles Clippers (19791985)
Boston Celtics (19851988)
C6,2154,9231,590 2 (1977, 1986) 1 (1978) 1 (1977)221993[86]
Jerry WestLos Angeles Lakers (19601974)G25,1925,3666,238 1 (1972) None 1 (1969)14121980[87]
Russell WestbrookOklahoma City Thunder (20082019)
Houston Rockets (2019–2020)
Washington Wizards (2020–2021)
G21,8576,9618,061 None 1 (2017) None99TBD[88]
Lenny WilkensSt. Louis Hawks (19601968)
Seattle SuperSonics (19681972)
Cleveland Cavaliers (19721974)
Portland Trail Blazers (1974–1975)
G17,7725,0307,211 None None None901989[89]
Dominique WilkinsAtlanta Hawks (19821994)
Los Angeles Clippers (1994)
Boston Celtics (1994–1995)
San Antonio Spurs (1996–1997)
Orlando Magic (1999)
F26,6687,1692,677 None None None972006[88]
James WorthyLos Angeles Lakers (19821994)F16,3204,7082,791 3 (1985, 1987, 1988) None 1 (1988)722003[90]

Selection process

The list was made through voting compiled by a panel of 88 media, current and former players, coaches, general managers, and team executives.[91][92] The NBA stated the players were "selected for being pioneers that have helped shape, define, and redefine the game."[93] The NBA revealed 25 members of the list the first two days, and 26 the last day from October 19 through October 21, 2021.[4]

Criticisms

Former NBA coach and television commentator Stan Van Gundy said that it was "absolutely ridiculous" that Dwight Howard was not included on the team.[94] Howard later said, "I knew I wasn't going to be on it".[95][96] In an Instagram post, Klay Thompson said, "Maybe I’m just naive in my ability to play basketball, but in my head, I’m top 75 all-time."[97] NBA coach and former commentator Steve Kerr said that he had hoped Thompson and Draymond Green "would be on there".[98]

15 Greatest Coaches in NBA History

Phil Jackson (left) and Red Auerbach (right) both made the 2022 list of the 15 greatest coaches in NBA history.

Alongside the selection of the NBA's 75th anniversary team was the selection of the 15 Greatest Coaches in NBA History. The list was compiled based upon unranked selection undertaken exclusively by a panel of 43 current and former NBA coaches in collaboration with the National Basketball Coaches Association. Of the 15 coaches, eight members of the Top 10 Coaches in NBA History in 1996 were selected; original Top 10 coaches Bill Fitch and John Kundla were excluded from the updated list. Nine of the 15 coaches named were alive at the time of the list's announcement, and four of them—Steve Kerr, Gregg Popovich, Doc Rivers, and Erik Spoelstra—were active.[note 4] Six have died: Red Holzman in 1998,[99] Red Auerbach in 2006,[100] Chuck Daly in 2009,[101] Jack Ramsay in 2014,[102] and K. C. Jones and Jerry Sloan in 2020.[103][104] Nelson and Sloan were the only members to have never won a championship as a coach; Nelson won five as a player. Wilkens was the only member of the coaches list to have been selected as a member of the players list. Ten of the 15 coaches are also members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, with Nelson the most recent inductee in 2012.[105]

Key
ItalicsDenotes coach who was active in the NBA at the time of induction
BoldDenotes coach who was not previously selected among the Top 10 Coaches in NBA History

Note: Statistics are correct through the end of the 2020–21 season, the season last completed before the list was announced.[discuss]

CoachTeam(s) coached (years)Coaching recordChampionships won as coachCoach of the Year award(s) wonYear of Basketball Hall of Fame inductionRef.
Red AuerbachWashington Capitols (19461949)
Tri-Cities Blackhawks (1949–1950)
Boston Celtics (19501966)
938–479 (.662) 9 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966) 1 (1965)1969[106]
Larry BrownDenver Nuggets (19761979)
New Jersey Nets (19811983)
San Antonio Spurs (19881992)
Los Angeles Clippers (19921993)
Indiana Pacers (19931997)
Philadelphia 76ers (19972003)
Detroit Pistons (20032005)
New York Knicks (2005–2006)
Charlotte Bobcats (20082010)
1,098–904 (.548) 1 (2004) 1 (2001)2002[107]
Chuck DalyCleveland Cavaliers (1982)
Detroit Pistons (19831992)
New Jersey Nets (19921994)
Orlando Magic (19971999)
638–437 (.593) 2 (1989, 1990) None1994[108]
Red HolzmanMilwaukee / St. Louis Hawks (19541956)
New York Knicks (19671977), (19781982)
696–604 (.535) 2 (1970, 1973) 1 (1970)1986[109]
Phil JacksonChicago Bulls (19891998)
Los Angeles Lakers (19992004, 20052011)
1,155–485 (.704) 11 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010) 1 (1996)2007[110]
K. C. JonesCapital / Washington Bullets (19731976)
Boston Celtics (19831988)
Seattle SuperSonics (19901992)
522–252 (.674) 2 (1984, 1986) None[111]
Steve KerrGolden State Warriors (20142021) 376–171 (.687) 4 (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022) 1 (2016)[112]
Don NelsonMilwaukee Bucks (19761987)
Golden State Warriors (19881995, 20062010)
New York Knicks (1995–1996)
Dallas Mavericks (19972005)
1,335–1,063 (.557) None 3 (1983, 1985, 1992)2012[113][114]
Gregg PopovichSan Antonio Spurs (19962021) 1,310–653 (.667) 5 (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014) 3 (2003, 2012, 2014)2023[115]
Jack RamsayPhiladelphia 76ers (19681972)
Buffalo Braves (19721976)
Portland Trail Blazers (19761986)
Indiana Pacers (19861988)
864–783 (.525) 1 (1977) None1992[116]
Pat RileyLos Angeles Lakers (19811990)
New York Knicks (19911995)
Miami Heat (19952003, 20052008)
1,210–694 (.636) 5 (1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2006) 3 (1990, 1993, 1997)2008[117]
Doc RiversOrlando Magic (19992003)
Boston Celtics (20042013)
Los Angeles Clippers (20132020)
Philadelphia 76ers (20202021)
992–704 (.585) 1 (2008) 1 (2000)[118]
Jerry SloanChicago Bulls (19791982)
Utah Jazz (19882011)
1,221–803 (.603) None None2009[119]
Erik SpoelstraMiami Heat (20082021) 607–424 (.589) 2 (2012, 2013) None[120]
Lenny WilkensSeattle SuperSonics (19691972, 19771985)
Portland Trail Blazers (19741976)
Cleveland Cavaliers (19861993)
Atlanta Hawks (19932000)
Toronto Raptors (20002003)
New York Knicks (20042005)
1,332–1,155 (.536) 1 (1979) 1 (1994)1998[121]

See also

Notes

References

External links