Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant & Michael Jordan Make NBA’s Greatest Players List

To commemorate its 75th anniversary, the NBA released a list of the 75 greatest players in the league’s history, but not everyone was pleased with the list.

Current and former NBA coaches, general managers, players, league executives, WNBA stars, sportswriters, and broadcasters comprised the list. Honorees included the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Harden, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Charles Barkley, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Magic Johnson, and Allen Iverson.

The complete NBA 75th Anniversary Team ⬇️ #NBA75 pic.twitter.com/v8Tz5ixaab

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) October 21, 2021

However, fans were shocked when they didn’t see Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson‘s names amongst the greats. 

Thompson addressed the snub in an Instagram post that read, “Maybe I’m naive in my ability to play basketball, but in my head I’m TOP 75 all time.”

Meanwhile, those classified as the NBA’s best celebrated with heartfelt social media posts.

“This is a tribute to the @NBA, my family, friends, teammates, coaches, trainers, medical staff, front office and to the greatest AI fans all around the world. I couldn’t have done it without each and every one of yall!!! Thank YOU!!!” wrote retired 76er Allen Iverson on Instagram.

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A post shared by Allen Iverson (@theofficialai3)

Michael Jordan celebrated the 75th anniversary of the league by debuting a short film honoring basketball stars like himself titled “Welcome to NBA Lane.” The 2:48 clip features cameos from actor Michael B. Jordan, Magic Johnson, Russell Westbrook, and more.