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The 2021-2022 NBA season marks the 75th anniversary of the league. Over the last 75 years, the league has seen thousands of players from all different backgrounds leave their mark on the game. Prior to the 1996-97 NBA season, the top 50 players were announced by commissioner David Stern. 25 years later, the league looks to announce a top 75 players list. It was also announced that this list would be a brand-new list. Because of this, it is likely that several players from the original list may not make the new list, with many players from the last 25 years making the list. The following 15 players are just some of the new players who are guaranteed or very likely to make the top 75 players list.
Reggie Miller
When the Top 50 Players list was released prior to the 1996-1997 season, Reggie Miller was halfway through his 18-year career. Miller would be one of the rare players who spent his entire career with one organization, playing for the Indiana Pacers. In almost 1,500 games (regular and postseason) under his belt, Miller left an impressive resume. He scored 25,279 points, grabbed 4,182 rebounds, dished out 4141 assists, and snatched 1505 steals. He finished with career splits of 18.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.0 APG, and 0.2 SPG. Unlike several on this list, Miller is a Hall of Famer, receiving the honors in 2012 spending his entire career in an Eastern Conference dominated by Boston and Detroit in the late 80s and Chicago in the 90s, Reggie only had one finals appearance in 2000. The five-time all-star and three-time All-NBA guard is currently top 25 in total career points scored as well as third all-time in career three-pointers made. While Miller was still young in his career at the time of the Top 50 Players List being released, the second half of his career helped to solidify him for the Top 75 Players List.
Dirk Nowitzki
This could change in a few years, but it is hard to argue that there is a better player to come out of Europe than Dirk Nowitzki. Being drafted in 1998, Dirk accomplished a lot over his 21-year career with the Dallas Mavericks. In over 1500 regular-season games, Dirk averaged splits of 20.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and 2.4 APG. In 2007, he won league MVP and four years later, was an NBA champion and Finals MVP. In the 21 seasons he played, Dirk was a 14-time All-Star and 12-time All-NBA. While some may doubt his accomplishments, one needs to remember the fact Dirk accomplished everything he did while facing some of the greatest competition in league history. He was able to be a multiple All-Star and All-NBA player while playing against players such as Tim Duncan, Shaquille O’Neal, Kevin Garnett, and more. Dirk is without a doubt one of the best power forwards in league history. He has left an impact on the entire league, with players like Mavericks guard Luka Doncic being influenced by his game.
Allen Iverson
In 14 seasons, The Answer left his mark on the game and the opponents he saw on the court. Over the course of his career, Iverson finished with splits of 26.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, and 6.2 APG, while playing under 1000 regular-season games. Scoring 24,368 points (currently 25th all-time), grabbing 3,394 rebounds, and dishing 5,624 assists, Iverson made an impact for being a small guard, inspiring many of the smaller guards seen in the league today. A.I. only had one finals appearance over the course of his career, facing the Los Angeles Lakers in 2001, the same season he was MVP. Everyone will always remember the crossover and step over current Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue. Following his time with the Philadelphia 76ers, Iverson spent time in Denver, Detroit, and Memphis, before returning to Philadelphia for his final season. After being Rookie of the Year in 1997, A.I. went on to be an 11-time All-Star and 12-time All-NBA. While it’s unfortunate that Iverson never won an NBA championship, his legacy will never be forgotten with his Hall of Fame induction and jersey retirement.
Dwayne Wade
Like Iverson, Dwayne Wade has left an impact on the league, those he played with, and those that followed in his footsteps. The crazy thing is, Wade has only been retired for a couple of seasons. Spending only 16 seasons in the league, Wade left an impressive resume that very few could duplicate. He finished with career splits of 22.0 PPG, 4.7RPG, and 5.4 APG in less than 1100 regular-season games. In 13 of his 16 seasons, Wade was an All-Star. He was six-time All-NBA and three-time All-Defense. He was also a one-time scoring champion. His finals appearances have not even been mentioned yet. When it comes to the Finals, Wade is a dominant force. Having five Finals appearances, Wade won a championship three times. He won his first championship alongside Shaq and won another two alongside LeBron James and Chris Bosh. Following his first stint as a member of the Miami Heat, Wade spent time in Chicago and Cleveland before returning to Miami to retire. Miami has already retired his jersey and it is guaranteed that Wade will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when he is eligible for the Hall of Fame.
Steve Nash
While Steve Nash may have never won a ring, he had a tremendous impact on the league. As a member of the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers, Nash finished his career with 17,387 points, 3,642 rebounds, and 10,335 assists, leading to splits of 14.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 8.5 APG. By the time it was all said and done, Nash was an eight-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA. He was also a five-time assists champ. Like several on this list, Nash was a back-to-back MVP in 2005 and 2006. Nash could’ve been a three-time MVP, being a runner up to Dirk Nowitzki in 2007. While Nash never reached the NBA Finals, the closest he got was the Western Conference Finals. As a member of the Phoenix Suns, the Hall of Famer will be remembered for his flashy passing as well as being a member of head coach Mike D’Antoni’s seven seconds or less offense. Easily one of the most memorable guards of the last 25 years, Steve Nash should be highly considered for the top 75 players list.
Tim Duncan
His game may not have been the flashiest, but The Big Fundamental has one of the best resumes over the last two decades. Spending his entire career with the San Antonio Spurs, Tim Duncan averaged a double-double per game, finishing with splits of 19.0 PPG, 10.8 RPG, and 3.0 APG. Following his Rookie of the Year win in 1998, Duncan saw nothing but great accomplishments during his time in the league. He finished with 15 All-Star appearances, 15 All-NBA appearances, and eight All-Defense appearances. Duncan also saw himself as league MVP twice. When looking at his accomplishments in the NBA Finals, he has been one of the most dominant players of the last 20 years. Between 1999 and 2014, Duncan and the Spurs made the NBA finals six times, winning the championship five times. Three of those championships saw Duncan take home the Finals MVP award as well. To top off his legendary career, Duncan saw his jersey retired with the Spurs and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. If Duncan does not make the top 75 players list, it would be an absolute shame.
Steph Curry
Steph Curry is a once-in-a-generation point guard. The league is starting to see Steph’s influence on the game with the young guards coming into the league and the increased amount of three-pointers seen from players and teams year after year. In less than 800 regular-season games so far, Curry has 18,434 points, 3,503 rebounds, and 4,984 assists, leading to career splits of 24.2 PPG, 6.5 APG, and 4.6 RPG. As of right now, Steph is second in all-time three-pointers made with 2,832 three-pointers. With Ray Allen having only 141 more three-pointers, Steph will most likely become the all-time three-point leader by the 2022 All-Star Break. In the twelve seasons he has played so far (all with the Golden State Warriors), Curry has many accomplishments to his name. A seven-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA player, Steph has been a one-time steals leader and two-time scoring champ. A two-time and back-to-back MVP, Curry is the only player in NBA history to be voted a unanimous MVP. When it comes to the NBA Finals, Steph has been a force over the last decade. Steph made five straight finals with the Golden State Warriors, winning the championship three times. With the Warriors looking to be a force in the Western Conference again, one can expect his stats to rise, with the possibility of winning another championship or two before calling it quits. There is no question that when the time comes, Curry will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Kevin Durant
In the last 15 seasons, Kevin Durant has been one best and most impactful players in the league. In less than 900 regular-season games, KD has scored 23,883 points (currently 26th all-time), grabbed 6,239 rebounds, and dished 3,681 assists, leading to averages of 27.0 PPG, 7.1 RPG, and 4.2 APG. Unless he were to get injured, it is guaranteed that Durant will pass Allen Iverson and move into the top 25 scorers of all time. In the 13 seasons he has played so far, KD has been an 11-time All-Star, as well as a nine-time All-NBA player. As of right now, he is also a four-time scoring champ and one-time MVP, with the possibility of those accolades increasing. When it comes to the NBA Finals, Durant has made four appearances, one being with the Oklahoma City Thunder and the other three being with the Golden State Warriors. He won both of his championships with the Warriors and was Finals MVP both times. Being a part of the Brooklyn Nets, the possibility of more finals appearances and championship wins could be high. Like his former teammate Stephen Curry, Durant will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when the time comes. With the accomplishments he has now, there is no doubt Durant will be a key addition to the top 75 players list.
Kobe Bryant
The legacy of the late Black Mamba can be seen with several players in the league now and will continue to be seen as time goes on. In his 19 years, all with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant was a force from all angles. With over 1,300 regular-season games, Kobe finished with 33,643 points (currently 4th all-time), 7,047 rebounds, and 6,306 assists, averaging 25.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and 4.7 APG. Bryant was an 18-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA, 12-time All-Defense, two-time scoring champ, and one-time league MVP. Along with Tim Duncan and the Spurs, Kobe and the Lakers dominated the Western Conference, leading to seven NBA Finals appearances. The Lakers would win five out of seven championships, with three of those being back-to-back-to-back from the 2000 Finals to the 2002 Finals. He would be Finals MVP back-to-back years, winning championships in 2009 and 2010. Over the course of his 19-year career, Kobe faced some of the most dominant competitors in the league. In the late 90’s and early 2000s, Kobe faced greats such as Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson, before facing younger talent such as Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, and more. Kobe has both of his Lakers’ jerseys retired, showing that he dominated as both a young man and veteran in the league. While we lost Kobe way too soon, his accomplishments were recognized as he was a first-ballot Hall of Famer, being inducted as a part of the 2020 class. When the top 75 players list is announced, it is a guarantee that Kobe will on that list.
LeBron James
Over the last 20 years, LeBron James has become one of the best and most influential basketball players of all time. He has also been one of the most divisive players of all time. Regardless of what fans think about him, LeBron James lists of accomplishments would be extremely hard to duplicate. In the 18 seasons he has played so far, LeBron has scored 35,367 points (3rd all-time), grabbed 9751 rebounds, and dished 9696 assists, leading to splits of 27.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, and 7.4 APG. Following his Rookie of the Year win in 2004, the list of LBJ’s accomplishments has only continued to grow. As of right now, he is a 17-time All-Star, 17-time All-NBA, six-time All-Defense, as well as a four-time league MVP, with two being back-to-back in 2009 and 2010, and another two back-to-back in 2012 and 2013. He is also a one-time scoring champion and assists leader. When it comes to the NBA Finals, LeBron has accomplished what very few have. LeBron has reached the NBA Finals 10 times, eight of those appearances in a row from the 2011 Finals to the 2018 Finals. Of his 10 appearances, LeBron has won an NBA Championship four times, twice with the Miami Heat, and once with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron is already in the conversation as one of the best of all time. There is no doubt that LeBron will add to his already impressive list of accolades over the rest of his career. When he retires, there is no doubt that his jersey will be retired in Cleveland, Miami, and Los Angeles. There is also no doubt that he will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when that time comes.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
While it may be hard to argue for Giannis Antetokounmpo being a part of the list simply because of how long he has been in the league, one must remember that Shaquille O’Neal was a member of the top 50 players list after only being in the league for four seasons. In his eight seasons in the league (all with Milwaukee), The Greek Freak has an impressive resume in a short amount of time. In less than 600 regular-season games, Giannis has splits of 20.9 PPG, 9.1 RPG, and 4.5 APG. So far, Giannis has been a five-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA, and four-time All-Defensive player. In addition to being Defensive Player of the Year in 2020, Giannis was also back-to-back MVP in 2019 and 2020. To top off all of Giannis’ accomplishments so far, he won the 2021 NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks and was the Finals MVP. It might be hard to make the case for Giannis simply based on time. It is likely that several players from the original top 50 players list will not make the top 75, so it is likely that a lot of spots could be open. In addition, if a player like Carmelo Anthony or Allen Iverson could make the list without a championship, Giannis should be a guarantee for the top 75 players list.
Kawhi Leonard
In his 10 seasons in the league, The Claw has proven to be a force and worthy foe on the court. Spending time as a member of the Spurs, Raptors, and Clippers, Leonard’s list of accolades is quite impressive when you remember all the competition Leonard has seen during his time in the league. Over the course of his career, Leonard has had splits of 19.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG, and 2.9 APG. As of right now, The Claw is a five-time All-Star, as well as a five-time All-NBA player. He is also a one-time steals champ and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, leading to the accomplishment of being a seven-time All-Defense player. With this list of accomplishments, it is shocking to realize that Leonard has never won league MVP. What is even more shocking is that Leonard has accomplished everything he has in less than 600 regular-season games. When looking at Leonard’s finals record and accomplishments, he has been a dominant force. Leonard has had three NBA Finals appearances so far, two being back-to-back in 2013 and 2014 as a member of the Spurs and in 2019 as a member of the Toronto Raptors. He would win a championship with both teams, being the Finals MVP both times. While Leonard is currently out recovering from an injury, there is no doubt that he will continue to dominate and be a threat in the Western Conference. If Kawhi were to retire today, the only thing that might prevent him from being a first-ballot Hall of Famer would be the lower number of games he has played in comparison to those who are already in the hall. There should be no doubt that Leonard will be a part of the top 75 players list.
Ray Allen
Before Stephen Curry came into the league, there was no better sharpshooter than Ray Allen. In his 18 seasons in the league, Allen had an impact on several teams, as well as being a key member of two championship teams. In 1300 regular-season games, Allen finished his career with splits of 18.9 PPG, 4.1 RPG, and 3.4 APG. As previously mentioned, Allen is currently the all-time leader in regular-season three-pointers made with 2,973. He finished his career as a 10-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA player. When looking at the NBA Finals, Allen was a key piece of two championship teams. Allen was a key part of the 2008 Boston Celtics championship team alongside Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce and made one of the biggest shots in NBA Finals history as a part of the 2013 Miami Heat championship team. If Allen missed his final three-point shot, Allen may not be a two-time champion. Years later, Allen would retire and be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. He may not get the credit he deserves at times, but when the top 75 players list is announced, it would be shocking if Allen was not present.
Kevin Garnett
The Big Ticket left an impact on the league during one of the most dominant periods of the big man era. One of the few on this list to play over 20 seasons in the league, Garnett spent 22 years playing for three teams. He spent 14 seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, six with the Boston Celtics, and two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets. In over 1,450 regular-season games, KG finished with 26,071 points (currently 18th all-time), 14,662 rebounds, and 5,445 assists, leading to splits of 17.8 PPG, 10.0 RPG, and 3.7 APG. Looking at his accolades, the nickname “The Big Ticket” is one that was well earned. He was a 15-time All-Star, as well as 12-time All-Defense and nine-time All-NBA. In addition, Garnett was a four-time rebound champion, as well as a one-time Defensive Player of the Year. While he was a one-time league MVP as a member of the Timberwolves, he was never able to win a championship with the team facing conference competition such as the Lakers and Spurs. He was able to win a championship as a member of the Boston Celtics alongside Ray Allen. To top his career off, Garnett retired and found himself a member alongside his former teammate and foes he saw on the court during his time in the league. When predicting members of the top 75 players list, Garnett is an easy choice.
Dwight Howard
While he has not appeared as a true dominant force during the second half of the career as he did during the first half, Dwight Howard has had an impact on the court during his 17 years in the league so far. In less than 1,200 regular-season games (as of right now), Howard has had career splits of 16.2 PPG, 12.1 RPG, and 1.4 APG. An eight-time All-Star and eight-time All-NBA player, Howard’s list of accolades are full accomplishments other big men could only dream of. A five-time rebound champion and two-time blocking champion, Howard’s defensive presence led to him being a five-time All-Defensive player and three-time Defensive Player of the Year. Looking at the NBA Finals and championships, Howard has been to the finals twice, once with the Orlando Magic and once with the Los Angeles Lakers. He would be a part of the Lakers championship team in 2020. Spending seasons in Orlando, Houston, Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington, and Philadelphia, Howard returned to the Lakers for his third stint with the team. As the 2021-22 season grows near, Howard hopes to win another championship with the Lakers. When the top 75 players list is released, Howard should be a guaranteed name on the list as he has been one of the most impactful big men of the last two decades.
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The NBA’s upcoming top 75 player’s list will likely be missing Connie Hawkins, although if the future Hall of Famers who were playing when the league wouldn’t allow Connie to play, every one of them would say that The Hawk should absolutely have been included in the original top 50. The Hawk passed away about 4 years ago and when the original list came out he would have been living and could have enjoyed seeing his name had it been on it (which it should have been), so now isn’t it time already that Connie be put on the new list where he has truly belonged from the day he first stepped onto a basketball court?! Even though a horrible injustice had been inflicted on Connie for so many years until the NBA finally lifted their asinine ban and let him play once Connie was already 27 years old when knowing their position would never hold up after David Wolf’s 1969 Life Magazine article and Hawkin’s anti-trust lawsuit, and yet he was the 6th highest scorer with nearly 25 points per game in his 1st year and named to the All-NBA First Team on an injured knee plus Connie was selected to the All Star team in his first 4 years in the league. There are many deserving players that will be included in the upcoming top 75 list, although between 60 to 65 of them truly follow Connie’s ranking… it’s time that Connie is finally given his due! As an example, Bob Dandridge, in his very recent Hall of Fame speech, said Connie Hawkins before mentioning Elgin Baylor and Rick Barry, when it came to having to deal with guarding the great Hall of Fame forwards.
I think they should add 25 to the original 50. My list would be Bron, Kobe, Duncan, KG, Dirk, Wade, AI, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Nique, Bob McAdoo, Alex English, Giannis, Tony Parker, J-Kidd, Steve Nash, Gary Payton, Rodman, Pau Gasol, Reggie Miller, KD, Steph, Russ, Harden & CP3