NBA's 75th Anniversary Team's Biggest Snubs
I wanted to take some time after the NBA released their 75th Anniversary team just so I didn't make any snap decisions with these mentions. There’s always going to be snubs on any list of this nature, and naturally, it will lead to some debate. With that said I think it’s time I swoop in and say my piece on those I think should have their place on this sacred list.
Source: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Dwight Howard
I'm starting with the most obvious one on this list. I guess many pundits forget just how good Howard was in his prime. At one point in his career, Howard was named an all-star in eight consecutive seasons. During that run, he led the NBA in rebounds for 5 of those seasons, twice averaging over 14 boards. He was as dominant as they came and even led the Magic to their first finals appearance since 1995 in 2009.
For a four-year stretch, Howard was in the top 5 for MVP voting. Hell, he was even drawing comparisons to Shaquille O'Neal with how dominant he’d become. Here's a little tidbit: Howard is the only player with 13,000 rebounds and 2000 blocks not to make the list. Massive oversight.
Source: NBA.com
Dikembe Mutombo
The 90s were littered with big men who deserve recognition. Shaq, David Robinson and Hakeem are just worthy of note. Another centre that put his stamp on the NBA in that decade is big man Dikembe Mutombo. Offensively he wasn't producing like a Dwight Howard, but the man on the defensive end was elite! The Hall of Famer would make you think twice before driving to the basket and is one of the more iconic figure the game has ever seen.
An eight-time All-Star during his playing days, and a three-time All-NBA team member. The big man is just one of two players to grab four Defensive Player of the Year honours. How in earth is that not enough?
Source: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Tracy McGrady
In the 2000s, McGrady was one, if not the most elite scorer of the decade. Between 2000-2008 he averaged over 26 points and was a seven-time All-Star. He was on the NBA’s third all-decade team. He won two scoring titles, which was highlighted by an insane 32.1 points per game in 2002-03. Only Kobe Bryant averaged more in a season that decade. At times, T-Mac was as unstoppable scoring the ball as we've ever seen.
Source: Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY Sports
Chris Bosh
Bosh getting left off the list isn’t surprising, but when you take a look at his resume you soon realize he’s worthy of a spot. In his prime, he carried Toronto’s lifeless corpse to the playoffs on multiple occasions and then went to Miami to form a three-headed monster alongside Bron and DWade. That move probably hindered him from a stats standpoint, however he did collect two championships for his troubles. 11 All-Star appearances is pretty nice too.
Source: Getty Images
Vince Carter
I had to think long and hard if Carter should have gotten the nod or not. Despite switching to numerous teams in the last decade and being mostly relegated to the bench later on in his career. I still had to look back at Carter in his prime. He was at one point the face of the league and the man that helped grow the sport exponentially in Canada. He may not stack up statistically to some others on the list, but the fact remains he was must watch television.
Honourable Mentions
Alex English
Pau Gasol
Yao Ming
Klay Thompson
