LEGO NBA: 2024 Edition
Back in the early 2000s, LEGO dabbled with sports-themed toy sets. The NBA edition of these sets included 24 players from the 2003 season. These weren’t just simple reskins of a typical LEGO figures though, they could shoot and pass! The special spring-loaded legs allowed for the figure to bend a a near 45 degree angle, and once released, the ball would launch toward the hoop. This creative function of the minifigures combined with LEGO’s basketball stadium allowed for 5-on-5 full court basketball which played somewhat like Foosball.
Sure, all of that’s neat, but what is more interesting to us is how they decided which players would make the cut as they only created a total of 24. I’m not a math expert, but that means at least six teams are absent. Plus, there are certainly more than 24 players than NBA fans would have wanted to own back in ‘03.
Well, here are the players included in the set of 24:
Guards: Ray Allen, Tony Parker, Gary Payton, Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd, Allen Iverson, Steve Francis, Steve Nash, Jerry Stackhouse, Jalen Rose, Allen Houston
Wings: Antoine Walker, Vince Carter, Toni Kukoc, Paul Pierce, Peja Stojakovic, Tracy McGrady,
Bigs: Shaq, Tim Duncan, Pau Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki, Karl Malone, Kevin Garnett, Chris Webber
Awesome list, but some key players are missing! Stephon Marbury, Yao Ming, Carmelo Anthony, Baron Davis, and Amar’e Stoudemire all did NOT make the cut. Oh, and most importantly, LeBron James. For such important and influential players not to be included here, it makes us question how the heck LEGO decided on these 24.
Were they just looking to add household names that they think would sell the best? Were they looking to give the most popular teams representation? Did they want a balance of player positions? Was it Jersey sales? Also, why only 24 players, why not 30? Why Toni Kukoc?!
Regardless of their criteria, we here at PP would have done things a bit differently.
Philbin's Phinds
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Philbin's Phinds -
These questions got us thinking…
What would it look like if they released a new set of 24 players for the 2024-25 season. Yes, that means many great players would not make the cut, and many teams would not get any representation. In order for us to figure out which players would make the cut, here were some of the discussion points in our conversations, which quickly turned to debate.
Are they a top 24 level player?
Are they a a household name?
Do they play for a team with worldwide appeal?
Are they the best player on their team?
Will this player positively impact sales
Check out our vision for a 2024-2025 series of 24 LEGO NBA players after a intense debate.
Guards: LaMelo Ball, Luka Doncic, Steph Curry, Devin Booker, Tyrese Haliburton, Ja Morant, Trae Young, Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Brunson
Wings: Paolo Banchero, LeBron James, Jason Tatum, Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, Jimmy Butler
Bigs: Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetekounmpo, Victor Wembanyama, Joel Embiid, Domantas Sabonis, Nikola Jokic
Trust me, breaking this down to 24 is not as easy as it looks! Here are some players who did not make the cut, but were super close.
Karl-Anthony Towns: While the Knicks are one of the most popular teams in the country, we felt the Brunson pick was adequate enough representation for the squad. Plus this is Town’s first season with the team and Brunson completely won over the hearts of Knicks fans with his play during the 2022-2023 season.
Damian Lillard: The 24th spot was a battle between Dame and Kyrie, but Irving ultimately got the not. Matt’s case for Lillard was that he’s a top 75 player, one of the greatest Blazers of all time, and still is productive today. My (Luke) case for Kyrie was that he’s a fan favorite and would sell more units. So what happened, why did he ultimately not make it? Well, I’m writing this thing so I made an executive decision!
Zion Williamson: If this were a list from two years ago, he would have made it. He just has not been able to stay healthy or in shape. That one video of him getting the back tattoo made me feel a bit better about my man boobs.
Paul George: While he may be your favorite player’s favorite player, PG13 is at the tail end of his career and does not have the same impact he once had when he enters the game. Plus a case could be made that if there were to be a second 76ers player, Maxey would get the nod over PG. Oh, check out our phun phact about him here.
De’Aaron Fox: We couldn’t see the NBA giving LEGO the okay to have two of 24 figures be Sacramento Kings players. Sorry, Kings fans.
Zach LaVine: Chicago has a history of iconic players like Michael Jordan, Derrick Rose, and Denzel Valentine, which has made them a favorite team for hoops fans around the world. This mini-figure set desperately needs some Chicago representation; however, we just don’t think LaVine is a big enough household name.
Cade Cunningham: Cade is an extremely poised young player. He has all the right tools to become an All-Star. He is just a couple of years away from having enough star power to earn a spot in the top 24.
Jordan Poole: Poole Party! He’s had a much better second season for the Wizards. Did he just barely miss this list? No. But for the Wizards fans out there, I think they deserve a Poole LEGO figure.
Jaylen Brown: Matt and I could not come to an agreement on this one, kind of like how we can’t agree on the artist Frank Black (I think he stinks). Boston is one of the league’s best teams, and Brown won Finals MVP the season prior. I should have made another executive decision here…
Philbin's Phinds
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Philbin's Phinds -
Our list may have some major flaws, but the discussion was sparked for our appreciation of the LEGO NBA sets. Hopefully one day they’ll bring this back, and if they need help consulting on who should make the cut, PP has them covered!
Written by Luke
