By Pieter van Tol, PSO Director of Research & Development
Oct 21, 2021



The release of the Association’s 75 all-time greatest players has sent shockwaves through the NBA community with many fans and players voicing their opinions on potential snubs. The list includes a variety of players from many different eras, from obvious inclusions like LeBron James, Michael Jordan or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to less expected choices such as Earl Monroe or Dave DeBusschere. As a result, it comes as no surprise that some tough decisions had to be made.

With as much talent as ever enter the league every single year, it makes absolute sense that not every great player of a certain era will be reflected in a list of the 75 greatest of all time. Nevertheless, the exclusion of some players, who shaped the league for decades, comes not only as a surprise but should instead be considered a mistake. Here are the three biggest snubs from the list.  

  • Vince Carter is the only player in NBA history to play 22 seasons and ranks third in games played all-time in the NBA
  • T-Mac’s Magic records: Career PPG (28.1) & MPG (39.4) – PTS during 1 GP (62) & 1 season (2,407) – PPG (32.1) in 1 season
  • Ben Wallace is the only undrafted player in modern NBA history to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame
  • Only Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace have received the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award four times

1. VINCE CARTER

Vince Carter is undoubtedly a legend of the game. The former Tar Heel is the only player to play 22 seasons in NBA history and ranks third in games played all-time in the NBA. Aside from that, the 8x All-Star dazzled fans for two decades with his play style and impressive athleticism. To exclude him in favor of the likes of Dave DeBusschere, Earl Monroe, Bill Walton, or Nate Archibald was questionable, to say the least.

2. TRACY McGRADY

T-Mac is a 2x scoring champion, 7x All-Star, and already a member of the Basketball Hall Of Fame. His creativity, ruthless scoring ability, and insane bounce on both sides of the ball inspired an entire generation of playmakers. Despite never winning a championship, his resume and exhilarating highlights definitely provides a strong case for him to be on the list.

3. BEN WALLACE

Ben Wallace’s career is characterized by an immense amount of success against all odds. The 2004 NBA Champion and 4x All-Star won NBA Defensive Player of the Year a record-tying four times after going undrafted. He is also the only undrafted player in modern NBA history to be inducted into the Basketball HOF, as an inspiration for generations to come. Considering he’s arguably the greatest defender ever, not mentioning him in the discussion of the 75 greatest players ever would be a huge oversight.

T-Mac was an elite scorer

 

Big Ben highlights

 

Prime Carter was different

 

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