Three years ago, the NBA released its list of the top 75 players on the occasion of the league’s diamond jubilee. As expected, not everyone was happy with the names on the list. With several legendary players and former champions being snubbed, many specifically questioned why Damian Lillard made the cut when he had no individual accolades to back his claim. And Dame’s honor was disrespected once again as veteran analyst Rob Parker disregarded his legitimacy amid Kyrie Irving’s “renaissance” season and Klay Thompson’s stacked resume.

Addressing Kyrie’s performance this season on The Odd Couple Podcast, analysts Chris Broussard and Rob Parker spoke of the Mavs superstar in very high regard. “This dude is a legitimate first ballot Hall of Famer.” Broussard claimed. However, Parker wondered whether Kyrie would make it to the Hall of Fame or get snubbed once again as he did in the Top 75 list because of his controversial reputation. “He should be in the Top 75, but they kept him out of it.” Parker added.

While Broussard seemed to agree with Parker, he believed that there might be another star that could have made the list before Kyrie: “Klay Thompson has to be in before him, and Klay didn’t make it.” Unfortunately, amid this discussion, Lillard caught strays from Parker as he reminded everyone, “They put on Dame D.O.L.L.A who hadn’t won anything.” Although one of the most elite and clutch shooters in league history, Lillard does not have a resume anywhere close to Kyrie or Klay’s. In his twelve-year career, he has made it past the first round of the playoffs only three times, let alone winning a title. Meanwhile, both Kyrie and Klay are former champions with proven playoff success.

Would Kyrie Irving have been a better choice than Damian Lillard in the Top 75?

Leading the Mavs to the finals after just one season of joining the team, Kyrie is having somewhat of a “reputation renaissance”. While many teams were hesitant to sign him before this season, Mark Cuban had faith in him and offered him a long-term deal. Ky proved why he is still one of the best guards in the league. Even Broussard acknowledged the impact he has had on Dallas’ success: “He is viewed as the leader of the team.” With his championship experience, Kyrie has helped the Mavs get out of every challenging situation.

And that makes you wonder if Kyrie would have made the Top 75 list had he salvaged his reputation three years ago. Well, Parker certainly seems to think so, “If Kyrie’s slate was clean, I think he would have been in there.” While the talent level is arguable, on paper, Kyrie is definitely a far more accomplished player than Dame. Hitting one of the biggest shots in league history with his 2016 finals game-winner over Steph Curry, Kyrie Irving solidified his legacy as an NBA great a long time ago. But it might have been his uncertain path after leaving Cleveland that put his stardom in question.

Given a choice between Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard right now to lead a team, who would you pick? Let us know in the comments below, and to check out how Caitlin Clark’s humility despite the negativity surrounding her is impressing Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, watch this video.