MOUNT RUSHMORE: The Most Significant Players in NBA History

[nykballa2k4]

Well there are two absolute locks: Mikan and Jordan. Mikan kept the NBA afloat when it first started, and established the big man paradigm. Jordan was arguably the GOAT, and he was the first basketball player to be the world's most iconic athlete (sorry Wilt, you weren't above Ali and Pele).

After that, I think I'd have to debate between: Russell, Wilt, Kareem, Bird, and Magic. I'm inclined to give the last two spots to players from the two Golden NBA eras (60s & 80s) rather than the star of sad 70s, so there goes Kareem.

Russell vs Wilt? I'd have to go with Russell. The story of the 60s is the less physically talented Russell beating Wilt again and again. I'd rather go with a positive story on my Rushmore than the negative.

Bird vs Magic? I'd side with Magic. First off, I rank Magic > Bird on GOAT lists so that helps. Second, there's the much more prominent place Magic has had in public consciousness since they retired. Variety of factors: Far more charismatic, far more visible, and then there's the impact of his HIV.

So:

Mikan
Russell
Magic
Jordan

That makes a lot of sense. I think you win the thread.

[vincecarter4pres]

I feel Jordan, Magic and Bird have to be absolute locks.

The 4th I think you can legitimately argue 9 different players:
KAJ
Wilt
Russell
Dr. J
Mikan
Jerry West
Shaq
Duncan
Dirk

[kasino]

Jordan(Washington)/Doc(Jefferson)/Bird(Roosevelt)/Magic(Lincoln)

How would Jordan be Washington? That would mean when the league was first starting or something.

Also IMO the wrong Roosevelt is on Mount Rushmore anyway, it should be FDR.

best for Washington
blueprint for Jefferson
steward of the people for Teddy
underratted Hick who respected people different then him for Lincoln

switch Magic/Bird as well
hmm I don't agree but a great president

[ReaLiez]

Jordan
KAJ
Magic
Dr James Naismith

The guy got it right, KAJ best at doing what Centers do, Magic best PG, Jordan GOAT, Dr. James Naismith created the game, if it counts. If not, Russel for the being the greatest winner.

[Doctor MJ]

Jordan(Washington)/Doc(Jefferson)/Bird(Roosevelt)/Magic(Lincoln)

How would Jordan be Washington? That would mean when the league was first starting or something.

Also IMO the wrong Roosevelt is on Mount Rushmore anyway, it should be FDR.

best for Washington
blueprint for Jefferson
steward of the people for Teddy
underratted Hick who respected people different then him for Lincoln

Love the analogy strategy, but really?

Swap Washington with Eisenhauer and I doubt you lose anything. Washington's just first, a clear Mikan.

Jefferson's on there for the Louisiana Purchase, big new swath of land. Someone like racial integration, so Russell.

Lincoln unified the nation - gotta be Erving.

Teddy turned America into an empire, well that's Jordan.

[bigboi]

Give me:
Russell
Jordan
Shaq
Magic

[JordansBulls]

Bird and Magic are generally linked together for the era for saving basketball in general. You can say one was greater than the other but for the league both had equal impacts for helping save it.