In the ever-controversial debate over the greatest players in NBA history, some names are obvious. If LeBron James, Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant aren’t mentioned, it’s probably because we’re talking about a sport other than basketball.
Of course, not everyone’s list is the same. So when Bryce James, LeBron’s son, included Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony in his all-time top 5 on a recent episode of First class hoopshe showed a unique list compared to most you will come across.
Including Westbrook and Anthony is certainly a bold choice. While they are both considered all-time greats and ranked in the top 50, putting them in the top 10 is a huge leap from where most people would place them.
The fact that Bryce’s father plays alongside Westbrook and Anthony likely plays a role in his ranking, but regardless, featuring both former Oklahoma City Thunder players alongside those three players is high praise.
Westbrook’s case is a little more legitimate than Anthony’s. He won the MVP award in 2017, the year he broke the all-time record for triple-doubles. Not only did he average a triple-double that season, he’s done it three more times in his career. No other player can claim that, only he can do it.
The point guard is still active in the league as a member of the Denver Nuggets, which allows him to continue working to set records and individual feats that can increase his record. Anthony no longer has that luxury.
If we’re talking about Westbrook and Anthony being top five players at their respective positions, it’s a little more believable. But in the scale of NBA history, Bryce could reach too many positions and be placed above too many legends.
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