This is a special season for the NBA. The NBA is celebrating its 75th season, and they’re doing it in style. The league has decided to do something special and highlight some of the game’s greatest players with the 75th anniversary team.
The 75th anniversary team features 76 players (due to a tie). It has all 50 members of the NBA 50th Anniversary Team of 1996, 11 active players, and more.
The current players on the team include the following: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Carmelo Anthony, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, James Harden, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Damian Lillard, Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook.
The 75th anniversary team is elite, and it’s interesting to see a decent number of current players make it.
But of course, there are snubs.
With so many talented players coming in and out of the league, it’s nearly impossible to include everyone. And one of the league’s best shooters (of today) believes he was snubbed.
“I’m Top 75 All Time”
Klay Thompson shared his feelings on Instagram and stated he believes he is top 75 of all time.
“Maybe I’m just naive in my ability to play basketball, but in my head I’m top 75 all time,” Thompson wrote.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr shared his opinion on the 75th team and whether he believed Thompson and Draymond Green were snubbed.
“How do you differentiate? Seems like there are 50-60 guys who are automatic, then you’re just — pick one,” he said, “I think those guys are top 75 based on winning, two-way basketball, everything that matters more than stats.”
Klay Thompson has an impressive resume. He’s a three-time NBA champion, a five-time NBA All-Star, an All-Defensive Second team and more. He has the record for most points scored in a quarter with 37 and most three-pointers in a game with 14. Thompson has accomplished quite a bit, and along with his fellow Splash Brother, he’s one of the game’s best shooters.
Snubs All Around
Thompson has a case when it comes to being left off of the team, but there were others. Recently retired Pau Gasol could have been on the list. Gasol’s a two-time champion and has other accolades under his belt. Tony Parker of the Spurs was a four-time champion, a Finals MVP and a six-time All-Star. Some people are even making cases for Dwight Howard, as he is a one-time champion, eight-time NBA All-Star, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and more.
Those players (plus a few others) and Thompson are 75th anniversary team material. And it makes you wonder, what kept them off the team?
For Thompson, it could be his past injury. Thompson suffered an ACL injury in Game 6 of the 2019 Finals and missed two consecutive seasons. Could that be what hurt his chances?
While it is something to consider, I don’t believe it should have impacted him to where he’s left off the team. But as we see, something kept him off.
Klay Thompson is a good player, and he deserves some recognition. He’s a critical player in the Warriors’ success, and as his career continues, he’ll have more accolades under his belt. And regardless of whether he made the team or not, he’ll be recognized for his talent when all is said and done. But he still should have made it.
