Before the 2021-22 NBA season, the league compiled its list of the 75 greatest players to honor its 75 years of existence. Due to a voting tie, the list ended up including 76 players, most of whom are Hall of Famers. Now, with the NBA completing 80 seasons, it feels fitting to add four new names to create a hypothetical Top 80 list. The original 76 players chosen in 2021 or previously for the NBA’s Top 50 list in 1996-97 remain unchanged; only four fresh players will be added.
This updated list isn’t restricted to recent retirees or new candidates—anyone who has played in the NBA and wasn’t on the 2021 list can be considered. Players are evaluated solely on their accomplishments through the 2025-26 season. Retired players tend to have an advantage since their careers are complete, but many active players on this updated list were too young or not as accomplished when the last list was created.
Starting with the obvious picks, Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are no-brainers for inclusion. Jokić entered the 2021 list after winning one MVP and six NBA seasons, but has since earned two more MVP awards and a championship, making his place undeniable. Gilgeous-Alexander wasn’t an All-Star back in 2021 but has since won two MVPs and a title, firmly cementing his status among the NBA’s all-time greats.
That brings the total to 78 players. For the last two spots, the focus is on players with MVP awards, multiple championships, or who have led a team to an NBA Finals appearance. The list rewards winning and individual accolades, noting that most players chosen previously had either championships or Finals experience, with only a handful without either.
Regarding MVP winners, Derrick Rose is excluded due to a shortened prime and lack of Finals appearances, but Joel Embiid presents a stronger case with multiple All-NBA and Defensive Team honors, plus solid career metrics. However, Embiid’s limited playoff success holds him back.
Among players who led a championship or Finals team, Jayson Tatum and Jalen Brunson stand out, with Tatum having a more substantial résumé including more All-Star and All-NBA selections, and a greater total points tally. While Brunson has a Finals MVP and strong clutch performance, Tatum’s overall contribution is superior.
Evaluating certain championship teams without a clear standout, like the 1978-79 Seattle Supersonics and 2003-04 Detroit Pistons, reveals no obvious candidates. Ben Wallace’s defensive accolades are impressive but fall short compared to similar players excluded previously, while the 1979 Sonics relied more on a balanced team effort.
Recent Finals runners-up such as Victor Wembanyama, Devin Booker, and Jimmy Butler face stiff competition for spots. Two clear candidates emerge: Dwight Howard and Luka Dončić. Howard boasts seven All-NBA selections, a championship ring, and three Defensive Player of the Year awards, making his omission in 2021 widely viewed as a snub. Dončić, despite lacking a championship, matches or exceeds Tatum statistically with six First Team All-NBA selections and dominant postseason performances.
The 1997 Top 50 list favored multiple key contributors from championship teams, a trend not reflected in the 2021 list which excluded players like Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Pau Gasol. Of these, Gasol has a strong case, but overcrowding and previous voting patterns likely keep them off this list. Dennis Johnson, with multiple titles and solid stats, is also edged out.
For the final two additions, Luka Dončić is a near certainty given his sustained excellence and accolades comparable to others on the list. The choice between Dwight Howard, Jayson Tatum, Jalen Brunson, and Pau Gasol is tougher. Brunson, beginning as a reserve, and Gasol, who didn’t reach Howard’s peak, seem less likely.
Ultimately, Howard and Tatum emerge as the best fits. Howard had a higher peak and longer impact, including a near-MVP season and multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards, despite some role-player years. Tatum’s versatility and championship-winning capability are impressive, but Howard’s dominance and longevity give him the edge. Although Tatum’s career may ultimately surpass Howard’s, this update corrects Howard’s 2021 snub.
Fan Take: This update highlights the evolving landscape of NBA greatness, recognizing both established legends and rising stars who have defined the game’s modern era. Adding players like Jokić, Gilgeous-Alexander, Dončić, and Howard not only reflects their individual brilliance but also signals a sport that continually redefines excellence through new achievements and shifting eras.
Source: www.cbssports.com
