[Bmore_DCParticipant]

 Ive been reading a lot of people’s basketball "Mt.Rushmore" and it really makes me mad that Wilt and Kareem dont get mentioned more. Kareem’s numbers are astronomical. Im not going to google all the stats for you, but you can if you want to and tell me Wilt and Kareem arent 2 of the top 5 all-time. 

[ChewyParticipant]

 You can’t have a Mount Rushmore without ATLEAST one of the 7 footers: Wilt, Kareem, Hakeem. (That’s not even counting Russell who played as a C)

[ChewyParticipant]

 You can’t have a Mount Rushmore without ATLEAST one of the 7 footers: Wilt, Kareem, Hakeem. (That’s not even counting Russell who played as a C)

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

 I’d take Kareem over Wilt.  All time leader in points, 6 time NBA champion, 6 time MVP, 19 time all-star with one of the most unstoppable shots of all-time…

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

 I’d take Kareem over Wilt.  All time leader in points, 6 time NBA champion, 6 time MVP, 19 time all-star with one of the most unstoppable shots of all-time…

[Pack AttackParticipant]

 To me, the concept of an NBA Mount Rushmore doesn’t necessarily dictate the ‘best’ or ‘most accomplished’ players in terms of career achievement should be up there. I would factor in historical and cultural significance and off-court accomplishments as well as pure basketball excellence on the court. For instance, I think Bill Russell is an absolute lock for the first spot, representing the first major African-American NBA star and one whose struggles against the racism of the 1950s/60s Civil rights era became an enduring part of his modern legacy.  Just watch the recent All-star game half-time celebration of Russell’s 80th birthday to see how much respect the players of today still have for him. Elgin Baylor should also be a strong candidate in this regard, not to mention his revolutionary stylistic impact on the game, as well as Oscar Robertson.

Other worthy candidates who should at least be included in the discussion:

George Mikan – League’s first true superstar and part of the first dynasty. Representative of the pre-shot clock/pre-African-American era. Overwhleming size and skill brought about changes to the rules of the game.

Bob Cousy – Pioneering influence on the way the game is played today. Made the game entertaining for fans while still playing to win. Incredibly popular player and one that helped resuscitate the league from the effects of the pre-shot clock era.

Dr J – Arguably, single-handedly held the ABA together, took the game to new heights and angles with style and grace in the air. Brought fans to the game during an era when the league was suffering from waning popularity and lingering issues of racism.

Moses Malone – first high school player to skip college and play professionally. 3x MVP, one of the greatest rebounders ever, opened the door for later prep-to-pro prodigies (for better or worse).

Kareem – As stated: stats, rings, peak production, longevity – indisputable. Master of the sky-hook, perhaps the most iconic shot in NBA history. But aside from the immense career accomplishments, a very well respected leader, scholar and activist in the African-American community and at large. Cultural ambassador. For me, he belongs on Mt Rushmore for his important cultural impact on the NBA during the 1970s and 1980s as well as his great on-court career.

Hakeem – Immense talent and accomplishments, obviously. But more significantly, the first international superstar and an early driving force behind the rapid international growth of the NBA in popularity during the Stern era. 

Of course, MJ, Magic, Bird, Wilt, Kobe, Lebron etc. all have had tremendous impact on the game as well and should be up there. Just don’t forget to consider some of the game’s cultural and historical pioneers and iconoclasts.

 

 

 

[Pack AttackParticipant]

 To me, the concept of an NBA Mount Rushmore doesn’t necessarily dictate the ‘best’ or ‘most accomplished’ players in terms of career achievement should be up there. I would factor in historical and cultural significance and off-court accomplishments as well as pure basketball excellence on the court. For instance, I think Bill Russell is an absolute lock for the first spot, representing the first major African-American NBA star and one whose struggles against the racism of the 1950s/60s Civil rights era became an enduring part of his modern legacy.  Just watch the recent All-star game half-time celebration of Russell’s 80th birthday to see how much respect the players of today still have for him. Elgin Baylor should also be a strong candidate in this regard, not to mention his revolutionary stylistic impact on the game, as well as Oscar Robertson.

Other worthy candidates who should at least be included in the discussion:

George Mikan – League’s first true superstar and part of the first dynasty. Representative of the pre-shot clock/pre-African-American era. Overwhleming size and skill brought about changes to the rules of the game.

Bob Cousy – Pioneering influence on the way the game is played today. Made the game entertaining for fans while still playing to win. Incredibly popular player and one that helped resuscitate the league from the effects of the pre-shot clock era.

Dr J – Arguably, single-handedly held the ABA together, took the game to new heights and angles with style and grace in the air. Brought fans to the game during an era when the league was suffering from waning popularity and lingering issues of racism.

Moses Malone – first high school player to skip college and play professionally. 3x MVP, one of the greatest rebounders ever, opened the door for later prep-to-pro prodigies (for better or worse).

Kareem – As stated: stats, rings, peak production, longevity – indisputable. Master of the sky-hook, perhaps the most iconic shot in NBA history. But aside from the immense career accomplishments, a very well respected leader, scholar and activist in the African-American community and at large. Cultural ambassador. For me, he belongs on Mt Rushmore for his important cultural impact on the NBA during the 1970s and 1980s as well as his great on-court career.

Hakeem – Immense talent and accomplishments, obviously. But more significantly, the first international superstar and an early driving force behind the rapid international growth of the NBA in popularity during the Stern era. 

Of course, MJ, Magic, Bird, Wilt, Kobe, Lebron etc. all have had tremendous impact on the game as well and should be up there. Just don’t forget to consider some of the game’s cultural and historical pioneers and iconoclasts.

 

 

 

[PurpleMonkeyDishwasherParticipant]

 There is already a basketball hall of fame… do they really need to further honor them?

 

 

[ProudGrandpaParticipant]

 Man, dude, why are you always the one who feels the need to come in and be a contrarian parade-rainer-onner?

[ProudGrandpaParticipant]

 Man, dude, why are you always the one who feels the need to come in and be a contrarian parade-rainer-onner?

[PurpleMonkeyDishwasherParticipant]

 There is already a basketball hall of fame… do they really need to further honor them?

 

 

[PurpleMonkeyDishwasherParticipant]

 There is already a basketball hall of fame… do they really need to further honor them?

 

 

[PurpleMonkeyDishwasherParticipant]

 There is already a basketball hall of fame… do they really need to further honor them?

 

 

[mjfan83Participant]

 i would argue mj and Russell are the only unanimous mount rushmore figures. atleast 20 other solid candidates. 

[mjfan83Participant]

 i would argue mj and Russell are the only unanimous mount rushmore figures. atleast 20 other solid candidates. 

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

I don’t think Bill Russell is unanimous.  Larry Bird is constantly seen as the best Celtic of all time.  

Ergo facto, Russell is not unanimous.

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

I don’t think Bill Russell is unanimous.  Larry Bird is constantly seen as the best Celtic of all time.  

Ergo facto, Russell is not unanimous.

[3 No Biases 3Participant]

I agree…Russell isn’t unanimous at all.  Wilt played in roughly the same era and dominated way more than Russell. Not to disrespect Russell who was amazing, but Wilt was a freak of nature and the better player.  

To me MJ and Wilt are the unanimous selections, then its a debate over the others.  I don’t understand why so many people are leaving out Wilt and including Russell instead.  Look at their numbers, its not even close.  Wilt averaged 50 pts, then 44 pts in seasons in which Russell played not to mention countless 30+ seasons…Yes he didn’t have the teammates Russell did but he also bettered him in rebounds as well…

[3 No Biases 3Participant]

I agree…Russell isn’t unanimous at all.  Wilt played in roughly the same era and dominated way more than Russell. Not to disrespect Russell who was amazing, but Wilt was a freak of nature and the better player.  

To me MJ and Wilt are the unanimous selections, then its a debate over the others.  I don’t understand why so many people are leaving out Wilt and including Russell instead.  Look at their numbers, its not even close.  Wilt averaged 50 pts, then 44 pts in seasons in which Russell played not to mention countless 30+ seasons…Yes he didn’t have the teammates Russell did but he also bettered him in rebounds as well…

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

I almost look at Basketball Mount Rushmore as a list of the best of the best.  Guys don’t get taken off, they just get added to it. 

My Mount Rushmore would be Jordan, Magic, Larry Bird, Wilt, Russell, and Kareem.

LeBron will soon be on Basketball Mount Rushmore but he needs a couple of more years.  Another title would get him in (giving him more than Wilt tying him with Bird).  BUT, you don’t take Bird off Mount Rushmore just because another great one came along.

You could even say that you need at least two titles to get onto Mount Rushmore.  Yeah, this is arbitrary but it would get Wilt in over other greats like Big O, Jerry West, and Dr. J. 

Or, you can grandfather Wilt in, and say that he is the only guy who can get in with only two titles.  Which would mean someone like LeBron would need another ring. 

Those six right there (Jordan, Bird, Magic, Wilt, Russell, and Kareem) are the best six ever.  Not many arguments there.  And, they will ALWAYS be there.  You just add new guys if they are deserving.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

I almost look at Basketball Mount Rushmore as a list of the best of the best.  Guys don’t get taken off, they just get added to it. 

My Mount Rushmore would be Jordan, Magic, Larry Bird, Wilt, Russell, and Kareem.

LeBron will soon be on Basketball Mount Rushmore but he needs a couple of more years.  Another title would get him in (giving him more than Wilt tying him with Bird).  BUT, you don’t take Bird off Mount Rushmore just because another great one came along.

You could even say that you need at least two titles to get onto Mount Rushmore.  Yeah, this is arbitrary but it would get Wilt in over other greats like Big O, Jerry West, and Dr. J. 

Or, you can grandfather Wilt in, and say that he is the only guy who can get in with only two titles.  Which would mean someone like LeBron would need another ring. 

Those six right there (Jordan, Bird, Magic, Wilt, Russell, and Kareem) are the best six ever.  Not many arguments there.  And, they will ALWAYS be there.  You just add new guys if they are deserving.

[tuck243Participant]

the best from that era, that is if you have to narrow them down to 5. Obviously, Wilt has to be on there, I think Kareem is the second greatest player of all-time so there’s that. Bill Russell had so many HOF on his team, with one of the best coaches of all-time… Also, Bill wasn’t a go-to scorer (back then at that), it’s hard for me to give him the nod strictly on rings because this is strictly individual accomplishments right? Wilt dominated Russell when they played heads up, but Wilt just didn’t win games.

My 5 just on Era’s, Wilt, Kareem, Bird, MJ, and Duncan. If I include this era LeBron will be on there.

I also think Mt. Rushmore is more than just stats and hardware. Obviously there are a lot of players that stack up with that. I think their impact on the game itself should be the reason you say them…

Wilt, Russell, Big O, Jerry West, Dr. J, Kareem, Magic, Bird, Jordan, Shaq, Iverson, Kobe, LeBron

These players are who I think changed the game (for better or worse) and was the most polarizing figures of their era.

Clearly its more than 5, lol…but hopefully you guys get what I’m saying.

[tuck243Participant]

the best from that era, that is if you have to narrow them down to 5. Obviously, Wilt has to be on there, I think Kareem is the second greatest player of all-time so there’s that. Bill Russell had so many HOF on his team, with one of the best coaches of all-time… Also, Bill wasn’t a go-to scorer (back then at that), it’s hard for me to give him the nod strictly on rings because this is strictly individual accomplishments right? Wilt dominated Russell when they played heads up, but Wilt just didn’t win games.

My 5 just on Era’s, Wilt, Kareem, Bird, MJ, and Duncan. If I include this era LeBron will be on there.

I also think Mt. Rushmore is more than just stats and hardware. Obviously there are a lot of players that stack up with that. I think their impact on the game itself should be the reason you say them…

Wilt, Russell, Big O, Jerry West, Dr. J, Kareem, Magic, Bird, Jordan, Shaq, Iverson, Kobe, LeBron

These players are who I think changed the game (for better or worse) and was the most polarizing figures of their era.

Clearly its more than 5, lol…but hopefully you guys get what I’m saying.

[ProudGrandpaParticipant]

 My Rushmore:

Jordan

Chamberlain (I would argue that he’s the best player of all time, based on his dominance and ridiculous numbers.  Him and JOrdan are in their own class, imo.)

Kareem

Robertson (incredibly well-rounded, plus I can’t choose between Bird and Magic)

[ProudGrandpaParticipant]

 My Rushmore:

Jordan

Chamberlain (I would argue that he’s the best player of all time, based on his dominance and ridiculous numbers.  Him and JOrdan are in their own class, imo.)

Kareem

Robertson (incredibly well-rounded, plus I can’t choose between Bird and Magic)

[tuck243Participant]

Don’t be indecisive… LOL

[tuck243Participant]

Don’t be indecisive… LOL

[ProudGrandpaParticipant]

 

What part of "Mount Rushmore" implies that I have to choose 5???

[tuck243Participant]

And he had to choose 5… That’s why I said that.

[tuck243Participant]

And he had to choose 5… That’s why I said that.

[ProudGrandpaParticipant]

 

What part of "Mount Rushmore" implies that I have to choose 5???

[Author]

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