There have been three NBA Anniversary Teams, the 25th (1971) , the 35th (1980) and the 50th (1996). These were meant to select the best players up to that point. The 25th selected 10 players, the 35th selected 11 players, and the 50th selected 50 players. Only Bob Cousy, George Mikan, Bob Pettit, and Bill Russell are on all 3 Anniversary teams.