In 1996, the 50 greatest players in NBA history were named as part of the 50th Anniversary Team, following on from the 25th and 35th commemorations. Selected by a wide-ranging panel of media members, former players, coaches and general managers, the official list was announced by then-commissioner David Stern.
The group then came together at a rather special moment during half-time of the 1997 NBA All-Star Game, with Hall of Fame stars from different eras standing side-by-side in a remarkable show of the league's enduring legacy. The likes of Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain were both present, while, of course, Chicago Bulls icon Michael Jordan, stole the show with his appearance.
But as with any attempt that looks to put together the greatest NBA players of all-time, there are some big names that have to miss out. That was also the case in 1996, which saw some controversial choices be made - not least the decision to include Shaquille O'Neal despite him only being in the league for a few years at the time.
It was no surprise then that the 50th anniversary team raised some eyebrows, particularly among players. In fact, Jordan himself was later asked in an interview with SLAM about the team, and whether he felt there were any notable omissions. The Bulls legend ended up picking out four players who he felt should have made the NBA's 50th Anniversary Team, including one of his former teammates. Find out who they were below.
4 David Thompson
David Thompson-1
An athletic marvel, David Thompson was nicknamed 'Skywalker' for his eye-catching dunks and incredible leaping ability. The man Bill Walton described as being Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tracy McGrady and Kobe Bryant, all rolled into one, Thompson is among the group of ten players to have scored 70 points or more in an NBA game. The 6 foot 4 shooting guard was a star at college level, before turning into a quality NBA player - he would earn four All-Star selections and two All-NBA First Team selections too.
Such was Jordan's reverence for the man, that he asked Thompson to be the individual to present him at his Hall of Fame induction in 2009. And, in 2020, when he was asked about how Thompson would fare in the modern era, he said:
He would be a force to reckon with. His scoring abilities, his uniqueness, creativity I think, would give a totally different dimension to our team without a doubt. His scoring abilities...he would definitely be a treat. To be honest, a lot of my guys don’t remember David Thompson, but I do.
Despite Jordan's admiration and respect for Thompson's game, the latter did not make the 75th Anniversary Team either, but was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996.
3 Bob McAdoo
Bob McAdoo
Credit: © Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Standing at 6 foot 9, Bob McAdoo wasn't the tallest center in the world, but carved out an incredibly successful career in the league. A two-time NBA champion while with the Los Angeles Lakers, McAdoo was actually named as the league MVP in 1975, making him one of the rare players to miss out on the 50th anniversary team despite winning the top individual award.
McAdoo had a stretch of being named to the All-Star team five years in a row between 1974 and 1978, and in three of those seasons he would end up as the scoring champion. McAdoo would finish his career averaging well over 20 points per game, and close to 10 rebounds per game too. While he wasn't named to the 50th anniversary team, McAdoo was named to the 75th edition.
2 Dominique Wilkins
Dominique Wilkins
Credit: © USA TODAY Sports
One of the most athletic players to have ever played the game, Dominique Wilkins goes down as an Atlanta Hawks legend, and perhaps the greatest in franchise history. A phenomenal scorer, 'The Human Highlight Film' could use his explosiveness to great effect, and showed off all his physical capabilities by winning the Slam Dunk contest a couple of times too.
While Wilkins couldn't quite lead the Hawks to an NBA title, he did achieve great individual success, including leading the league in scoring in 1986 - that would also be the season in which he would earn his one and only All-NBA First Team selection. The Hawks' all-time leader in games played and points scored, Wilkins has understandably had his no.21 jersey retired in Atlanta.
1 Dennis Rodman
Dennis Rodman of the Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heat
While the Chicago Bulls enjoyed great success before Dennis Rodman got to the team, his addition to an already stacked line-up including Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen made them virtually unbeatable during the franchise's second three-peat in the 1990s. One of the greatest rebounders and defenders the game has ever seen, Rodman put aside all his off-the-court controversies to provide the Bulls with an injection of energy, hustle and a vastly underrated high IQ.
A two-time Defensive Player of the Year - both coming in back-to-back years while with the Detroit Pistons at the turn of the 1990s - Rodman would lead the league in rebounding for an astonishing seven seasons in a row from 1992-1998. This despite him being a power forward who stood at 6 foot 7 tall, far shorter than some of the Hall of Fame centers who played during his era. Rodman would also make the All-Defensive First Team seven times too, and his place in securing the Bulls' legacy during their second three-peat is secure.
Dennis was one of the smartest guys I played with. He understood defensive strategy with all the rotations. He had no limits in terms of what he does. … He was a new character, but I knew Dennis, and I knew what he could do basketball-wise.