In a momentous event, ESPN has been unveiling their highly anticipated list of the top 100 pro athletes of the 21st century this week. Voters were instructed to only consider the achievements of athletes from 2000 onwards, making this list extremely exclusive. Each day brought the unveiling of 25 athletes, with the top 25 ultimately being named on Thursday. Among the elite athletes on this prestigious list, a total of 16 NBA players made their mark.
Kawhi Leonard, the six-foot-seven forward, was selected with the 15th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. Despite missing the entire 2021-2022 season due to a torn ACL, Leonard boasts an impressive 12-season career. He has captured championships with both the San Antonio Spurs and the Toronto Raptors, earning the coveted Finals MVP award in both instances. Notably, Leonard clinched back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2014-2015 and 2015-2016.
Jason Kidd, a dominant force in the NBA, was drafted second overall in 1994. While his first five seasons predate the 21st century, Kidd continued to shine over an additional 14 seasons from 1999-2000 to 2012-2013. The talented point guard led the league in assists on four occasions post-2000, securing four All-NBA First Team honors and finishing as MVP runner-up in 2001-2002. Kidd’s crowning achievement came as a member of the Dallas Mavericks, helping them clinch the championship in 2011.
James Harden, a six-foot-five guard, has thrived in the NBA since his selection as the third overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. Entering his 16th season, Harden has clinched three consecutive scoring titles from 2017-2018 to 2019-2020, along with capturing the MVP title in the inaugural season. Additionally, he has been a three-time MVP runner-up and twice led the league in assists, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top players.
Chris Paul, an influential figure in the NBA, claimed the 83rd spot on ESPN’s prestigious list. Steve Nash, another standout player, was selected with the 15th overall pick in the renowned 1996 NBA Draft. Although Nash’s initial three seasons predate 2000, his subsequent career achievements were nothing short of remarkable. The six-foot-three point guard secured consecutive MVP titles in 2004-2005 and 2005-2006, while leading the league in assists five times. Nash boasted impressive shooting percentages from 1999-2000 to 2013-2014, further solidifying his legacy in the game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, a rising star at just 29 years old (turning 30 on December 6), has already left an indelible mark on the NBA. In 2019-2020, he was named MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, adding to his MVP win in 2018-2019. Antetokounmpo’s crowning achievement came in 2021 when he secured the Finals MVP title to bring the Milwaukee Bucks their first championship in 50 years. As he continues to evolve and elevate his game, Antetokounmpo is poised to climb even higher on this prestigious list in the years to come.
