Clyde Drexler was a household name during the 80s and the 90s. He battled against the likes of Michael Jordan, George Gervin, and Reggie Miller, to name a few. Despite being one of the best players of his generation, he often doesn’t get the credit he deserves.

While speaking to the A-Team on their podcast, he stood up for other players who didn’t get the recognition they merited. He was annoyed when asked to choose between Michael Jordan and LeBron James as the GOAT. “I really have a problem with that. Because out of all the guys that played the game, you’re only having a conversation with these two guys as the GOAT. When you got Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, two of the greatest players who ever lived, I think you should start with those two.”

A lot of people engaging in these constant GOAT arguments are youngsters. Unfortunately, they haven’t had a first-hand experience to watch Wilt and Kareem play.

Who are the most under-appreciated guys in basketball?

Drexler says he loves both Jordan and LeBron but there are many more people who deserve to be in that conversation. “You got guys like Larry Bird, Dr. J, George Gervin, Elgin Baylor, Oscar Robertson, Jerry West all of those guys are in the conversation. I love both Michael and LeBron, but let’s not take something away from the other guys who played.”

Despite being the highest scorer in NBA history, Kareem doesn’t get the appreciation he should. 6-time MVP, 6-time NBA Champion, 19-time All-Star, his CV is one of the best, if not the best, in the league. From 1980 to 1989, Larry Bird finished in the top 4 of MVP voting every year while also winning it thrice. He remains the only non-center to win the trophy for three consecutive years. His all-round ability helped the Celtics build a dynasty and dominate in the 80s.

Jerry West was not only an excellent player but also a successful executive. Despite winning just one ring, he leads the all-time points scored in NBA Finals. Oscar Robertson was the original triple-double king. The Big-O just seemed miles ahead of the other guards in the league. Whether it was shooting, rebounding, athleticism, he had it all in his arsenal.

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There are many other players who haven’t hit the limelight much. In this time of arguing about the GOAT, we should learn from Clyde Drexler. Let’s not “take something away from the other guys who played”  and instead appreciate all these legends we have witnessed.