Rocio Robles
Earlier this season, the NBA released its list of the 75 greatest players in history as part of the League’s 75th anniversary, which has created repercussions throughout the 2021-2022 campaign. The latest reaction comes from Brooklyn Nets star guard Kyrie Irving, who spoke out about his absence from the list after his team’s 110-98 win over the New York Knicks on Wednesday
“I guess I’ll leave it to the conspiracy theorists,” stated #11 of the Nets. “I thought I was on the list, but I guess I’m not” Kyrie Irving remarked, continuing the trend of controversy that has surrounded him over the last few seasons. The most recent example is his inability to play games at Barclays Center after refusing to receive a Covid-19 immunization, which is required by New York law. However, he was recently able to play home games again.
Many contend, however, that Kyrie Irving possesses the skills and has made the journey necessary to join the ranks of the NBA’s greatest players. The Australian, who joined the NBA in 2011 with the Cleveland Cavaliers, has been picked as one of the best players at his position three times and has been called to the All-Star Game seven times. In addition, along with other big-name players such as Kevin Love and Lebron James, he helped the Cleveland Cavaliers to get the franchise’s first NBA title in 2016.
It wasn’t just Kyrie Irving who felt left out
It was clear that with the amount of important players that have passed through the league, a roster of 75 was not going to be enough to encompass the entire amount of talent that has been in the NBA since its inception. In fact, of the 75 players, only 11 are active (Giannis Antetokounmpo, Carmelo Anthony, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, James Harden, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Damian Lillard, Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook).
Veteran Dwight Howard, who has won the title of “Best Defensive Player” three times and has a championship ring, claimed it was “disrespectful” not to be included in the list, while Klay Thompson, who has been selected to the All-Star Game five times, believes he belongs among the top 75. However, he was also left out, so Kyrie Irving isn’t the only one who has been excluded.
However, the NBA makes this list from time to time based on opinions from journalists, former players, active players, coaches and executives, with the last one being published 25 years ago. Therefore, while some players did not make it onto this list, they still have a chance to continue playing and prove that they have what it takes to be considered once the next list is published, although we will have to wait a few years for that.
