The NBA has not officially announced plans for an 80th Anniversary Team, though the league’s history of celebrating milestone anniversaries suggests a potential expansion of its previous honorary rosters. In 2021, the league commemorated its 75th anniversary by selecting a 75-player team, which included 76 individuals due to a tie in voting, as confirmed by the official NBA release.
The Precedent of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team
The NBA’s tradition of honoring its greatest players began with the 25th Anniversary Team in 1971, followed by the 35th, 50th, and 75th iterations. According to NBA archives, the 75th Anniversary Team was selected by a blue-ribbon panel consisting of current and former players, coaches, general managers, team executives, and media members.
The selection process for these lists is inherently subjective, balancing peak performance, longevity, and impact on the game. Because the 75th Anniversary Team was finalized just three years ago, any hypothetical 80th anniversary list would likely focus on players who have ascended to elite status since the 2021 voting process concluded.
Candidates for Future Consideration
If the league were to expand its list to include new selections for an 80th anniversary, the pool of candidates would naturally center on high-impact players who were either omitted from the 75th list or have since established Hall of Fame-caliber resumes.
Commonly cited names in basketball media discussions regarding players arguably deserving of inclusion—or those who have strengthened their cases since 2021—include:
- Nikola Jokić: The Denver Nuggets center has secured multiple additional MVP awards and an NBA championship since the 75th team was named.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: While he was named to the 75th team, his continued dominance and accumulation of accolades solidify his standing among the all-time greats.
- Luka Dončić: His rapid ascent and consistent All-NBA First Team selections make him a frequent subject of conversation regarding future all-time lists.
- Dwight Howard: Often cited in fan and media discourse as one of the most prominent omissions from the 75th Anniversary Team, given his three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards and multiple All-NBA selections.
How the NBA Selects Milestone Teams
The NBA does not use a strictly quantitative formula to determine its anniversary teams. Instead, as outlined in the league’s selection criteria, the panel is asked to consider overall career performance, impact on the game, and championship success.
Comparing the 75th team to the 50th Anniversary Team, which was selected in 1996, shows how the league adjusts for evolving eras. The 1996 list famously excluded players like Shaquille O’Neal, who was in the early stages of his career at the time, but who would be a lock for any modern list. This historical trend suggests that if an 80th anniversary list were commissioned, it would serve as an update to reflect the shifting landscape of modern basketball rather than a static ranking.
Key Considerations for Future Anniversary Lists
- Timing: The NBA’s 80th anniversary will occur in the 2026-27 season. The league has not confirmed any specific commemorative plans for this date.
- Panel Selection: The composition of the voting panel is the primary driver of the final list, often leading to debates between traditionalists who favor historical impact and those who prioritize modern efficiency metrics.
- Expansion vs. Revision: Previous anniversary teams have generally added new players to the existing group rather than removing members of previous iterations, maintaining the legacy of players from earlier decades.