The NBA is shaking things up, giving us all an update to its list of the greatest players ever, and honestly, it’s about time. Five years ago, the league celebrated its 75th season by naming 75 GOATs, but a tie in the voting meant we actually got 76. Now that we’ve hit the big 8-0 in seasons, the league is looking to balance the scales and add four more legends to what will be a truly epic Top 80 list. Every single player from that 2021 list, and the original Top 50 from 1996-97, is staying put. This isn’t about re-litigating old choices, it’s about adding new, absolutely undeniable talent. The clock stopped for judging these careers at the end of the 2025-26 season, so everyone’s current accomplishments are locked in.
The “No-Brainer” Picks Who Make It Obvious
Let’s be real, there are two names here that should have been etched in stone years ago, and now, finally, the league has a chance to correct past oversights. We’re talking about **Nikola Jokić** and **Shai Gilgeous-Alexander**. Remember back when the Top 75 list dropped? Jokić had just snagged his first MVP, but with only six NBA seasons under his belt and no Finals appearance, some folks were still hesitant. Shaquille O’Neal, for instance, made the Top 50 with fewer MVPs but had already led a team to the Finals. Even 2011 MVP Derrick Rose got left off the 2021 list, showing that experience played a role. But oh, how times have changed! Jokić has gone on to win *two more* MVP trophies and clinch a championship ring. His resume now is just silly.
From Unranked to Undeniable, That’s SGA’s Story
And then there’s **Shai Gilgeous-Alexander**. If you followed the game closely, you know SGA wasn’t even an All-Star by 2021. He was still finding his superstar stride with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Fast forward a few seasons, and what do we have? Two MVP awards and a championship title sitting pretty on his mantel. While he hasn’t piled up quite as many accolades as Jokić just yet, there isn’t a shadow of a doubt left. You simply cannot talk about the 80 greatest players in NBA history without mentioning SGA. He’s an automatic, easy, no-questions-asked selection. Anyone arguing against him at this point is just being stubborn.
With Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander rightfully slotted in, that leaves two more spots to fill for this hypothetical NBA Top 80 list. Those final two choices are going to be agonizing, believe me. The debate is just starting on who will snag those last coveted spots among the league’s all-time elite.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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