In the world of basketball, the debate over the greatest players of all time is never-ending. This week, ESPN stirred up the conversation even more by revealing their top 100 pro athletes of the 21st century. Voters were instructed to only consider what the athlete has accomplished from the year 2000 onwards. The list was unveiled gradually, with 25 athletes being showcased each day leading up to the top 25 being announced on Thursday. Surprisingly, 16 NBA players managed to secure a spot on this prestigious list.
However, as with any ranking system, there were bound to be some notable omissions. Here, we take a closer look at 10 NBA players who could be considered as having been snubbed from ESPN’s top 100 athletes of the 21st century. While not all of these players may necessarily deserve a spot on the list, they certainly warranted consideration based on their contributions to the game.
One such player is Carmelo Anthony, a prolific scorer known for his offensive prowess. Despite the criticisms he has faced throughout his career, there is no denying Anthony’s impact on the court. With a scoring title to his name in the 2012-13 season and a career total of 28,289 points, he ranks 10th on the all-time scoring list.
Another standout performer who failed to make the cut is Joel Embiid, a dominant big man who continues to impress with his skills. The reigning MVP for the 2022-23 season, Embiid has showcased his scoring abilities by winning back-to-back scoring titles in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. However, his inability to lead the Philadelphia 76ers past the second round of the playoffs may have worked against him in the eyes of the voters.
Dwight Howard is yet another player who may have been overlooked in ESPN’s rankings. A former first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, Howard made a name for himself as a force to be reckoned with in the paint. Leading the league in rebounding five times and blocks twice, he was a defensive stalwart during his prime years. Furthermore, his three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards from 2008-09 to 2010-11 solidified his reputation as one of the premier defenders in the league.
Moving on, Anthony Davis is another notable absentee from the list, despite his impressive resume. Selected as the first overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, Davis has been a consistent performer on both ends of the floor. Known for his versatility and shot-blocking prowess, he has established himself as a perennial All-Star and a key contributor to any team he plays for.
One player who many fans believe should have been included in ESPN’s rankings is Kyrie Irving, a dynamic point guard with a knack for scoring. Irving played a pivotal role in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ championship run in 2016 and recently helped lead the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals. With eight All-Star appearances and career averages of 23.6 points and 5.7 assists, Irving’s impact on the game cannot be understated.
Lastly, Allen Iverson, also known as ‘The Answer’, is a player whose absence from the list may come as a surprise to many. The first overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, Iverson was a scoring machine known for his fearless playing style. Despite facing his fair share of criticisms, he was named MVP in the 2000-01 season and led the 76ers to the NBA Finals. With three scoring titles to his name over an 11-year span, Iverson left an indelible mark on the game of basketball.
In conclusion, while ESPN’s top 100 athletes of the 21st century list may have showcased some of the greatest talents across various sports, there were undoubtedly some notable NBA players who were overlooked. Whether it be due to their playing style, team success, or individual accolades, these players have made significant contributions to the game of basketball and deserve to be recognized for their talents. Despite not making the final cut, their impact on the sport will not be forgotten.
