The NBA celebrated its diamond anniversary with a glittering tribute to honor 75 years at the parquet. During halftime of Sunday’s All-Star Game, 45 members of the 75th Anniversary Team (including Michael Jordan, magic johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) stood next to each other on a circular stage in the center of the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. It was an opportunity to pay tribute to the greatest figures in the sport, who paved the way for today’s players.
Each of them carried a 75th anniversary chest logo jacket. The best of the NBA was presented in the midst of great ovations, the most scandalous being for Jordanwho he was the last to take the podium at center court.
The eaves were the first to appear with charles barkley leading the way. Giannis Antetokounmpoone of six current players on the 75th anniversary team roster, changed out of his Team LeBron uniform for the on-court tribute.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and his recognition.
Julius ‘Dr. J’ Erving thanked the fans and the always entertaining Dennis Rodman he stood out on the burgundy carpet, wearing a baseball cap and a tank top under his jacket.
Dennis Rodman’s look!
Lebron James it was the last wing of the group to be welcomed. The former Cleveland star player turned a circle to acknowledge the tokens of love that poured in from every corner of the stadium.
When it was the pivots’ turn to be cheered, Shaquille O’Neal he stuck his tongue out at the camera and posed as Abdul-Jabbar, the league’s leading scorer, mimicked his mark of his traditional ‘sky hook.’
Shaquille O’Neal and his show outside the park.
Allen Iverson, who once scored 54 points, led the shooting guards and was followed by George ‘Iceman’ Gervin, who made sure people remembered his trademark style.
Before Jordan’s entrance, a huge photo of Kobe Bryant on the board for the most emotional moment of the ceremony, amid chants of “Ko-be, Ko-be” for the Lakers superstar, who tragically passed away in 2020 in a helicopter crash along with his daughter Gianna. Even Steph Curry, who was booed during the first half of the All-Star Game, received a standing ovation.
Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, at the tribute ceremony for the best players in NBA history.
Jordan’s appearance came as a surprise as the league kept the details of the celebration under wraps. The surviving members of the 75th anniversary team who did not attend were shown on video, each waving to fans. It’s the second time the league has recognized its biggest names in Cleveland, after the 50th anniversary team was honored in 1997.
The best videos of the All-Star Game
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Michael Jordan, the cherry on the dessert tribute to the best NBA of all time