Hoopshype.com has compiled its list of the greatest NBA players of all time for the fifth year in a row. The HoopsHype79 began in 2020 with 75 players and has added one each year until its gets to No. 80 next year.
Artis Gilmore still isn’t on it.
Snub? After all, the former Jacksonville University star is in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the 7-foot-2 center had a long, productive NBA and ABA career, spanning 17 seasons with four teams. He averaged 18.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.4 blocked shots and 2.3 assists per game and was an 11-time All-Star, in all five of his ABA seasons and six times in the NBA.
When Gilmore retired in 1988, he was the NBA’s career field-goal percentage leader (59.9 percent).
That’s after he led the Dolphins to the NCAA National Championship game in 1970. He went on to average 24.3 points, 22.7 rebounds and 10.3 blocks for JU.
Consider this: Joel Embiid, who has played nine years, is on the list. So is Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard.
Fine post players, but ahead of Gilmore?
Certainly, it’s a topic for debate.
HoopsHype sparks the LeBron vs. MJ debate
Consider other players on the list: Dennis Rodman, a role player if there ever was one; Chris Bosh, who was the third wheel to LeBron James and Dwayne Wade at Miami; and Tracy McGrady, whose greatest claim to fame is that he was once voted the NBA’s Most Improved Player.
The list also rates other players pretty low. Robert Parish at No. 60? Willis Reed at No. 61? Julius Irving (20) and Elgin Baylor (21) below Dirk Nowitzki (19)?
Of course, some basketball fans may not get past Nos. 1 and 2 before the sports bar arguing begins: LeBron James tops the list, followed by Michael Jordan.
And for all the stats King James has put up, he still trails Jordan in championships, 6-4, and likely will stay that way, since he’s now 40 years old.
It’s the only argument we need, Sean.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Artis Gilmore still doesn’t make the HoopsHype list of 79 of the greatest NBA players
Reporting by Garry Smits, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
