The 2020 NBA Hall of Fame inductions were announced this weekend, and it just might be the most talented induction class ever! Names like Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, and Tim Duncan will join other iconic players who are immortalized forever. This news made me think of who might be on my Mt. Rushmore of basketball. So, in my opinion, here are the four most iconic players in basketball history.
MICHAEL JORDAN
Widely regarded as the best basketball player of all time, Jordan delighted Chicago fans over his thirteen years with the Bulls. Spectacular dunks, game-winning shots, and legendary performances were commonplace for this star who took the NBA by storm, finishing third in scoring during his rookie year!
Whether it's hitting a game winning shot in the NCAA championship in his freshman year, being the centerpiece of the Dream Team, or hitting the game winning shot in the 1998 finals, Jordan always thrived on doing the incredible. I haven't even gotten to his life outside of basketball yet. He starred in Space Jam and created his Air Jordan Nike brand, which transformed how an athlete can market themselves, opening a huge financial door for future athletes in all sports.
Also, Jordan was (and still is) a Hall of Fame trash talker, as evidenced by this interview that fellow Hall of Famer Reggie Miller gave:
Jordan's stats and accomplishments are staggering, but I'll do my best...
- 14x All Star
- 10x Scoring Champ
- 11x All NBA
- 3x Steals Champ
- 9x All Defensive Team
- 5x MVP
- 6x NBA Champion
- 6x Finals MVP
- 1987-1988 Defensive Player of the Year
- 5th in total points and 3rd in total steals
Yeah, he was pretty good. Keep in mind he missed four (almost five) full years from retirement. He missed one year (almost two) in his prime and then missed three years before eventually joining the Wizards. Those accomplishments would be even more outstanding had he actually played.
BILL RUSSELL
The ultimate winner. Period. Russell won eleven championships in his thirteen year career!
While winning these championships, he was charged with defending the most statistically dominant player in NBA history, Wilt Chamberlain. Russell was one of the best defensive players ever, and was committed to doing whatever the team needed to get the win.
Russell serves as an inspirational hero to many current NBA players, always willing to offer advice and support. Though he wasn't the first African-American basketball player, he still endured many hardships while playing in Boston during the 1950s and 1960s. Here is a brief video of Kobe Bryant talking about his mentor:
As you read these stats, remember that steals and blocks were not official until after Russell had finished playing. Some anecdotal estimates had Russell having possibly as many as six to eight blocks per game!
- 11x NBA Champion
- 12x All Star
- 11x All NBA
- 5x MVP
- 4x Total Rebound Champion
- 1968-1969 All Defensive Team
- 2nd in total rebounds
KAREEN ABDUL-JABBAR
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, or Lew Alcindor, is one of the most decorated NBA legends. Known for his unstoppable "skyhook" shot, he soared to number one all time on the scoring list. Kareem was a force even before he arrived in the NBA. Alcindor, his birth name, went 88-2 (yes, 88 wins to only 2 losses) at UCLA, winning three national titles and three Most Outstanding Player awards. Abdul-Jabbar, his Muslim name that he adopted, continued winning in the NBA, capturing six NBA titles.
Kareem truly took the game to the next level during his time in the NBA, teaming up with Magic Johnson to form the Showtime Lakers and dominate the league with impressive displays of scoring. Blocks became an official stat after his fourth year in the league, meaning these numbers should also be a touch higher.
- 19x All Star
- 11x All Defensive
- 15x All NBA
- 6x MVP
- 6x NBA Champion
- 4x Block Champion
- 2x Scoring Champion
- 1st in total points, 4th in total rebounds, and 3rd in total blocks
LEBRON JAMES
LeBron came into the league as the "Chosen One." Straight from high school, James was ready to carry the city of Cleveland (his home town) on his shoulders and bring them the long-awaited title they'd been unable to grasp. It took him a few years and a detour to Miami, but he eventually brought them their championship.
Through his career, LeBron has asserted his dominance, becoming unquestionably the best player of his generation. His overwhelming athleticism and hybrid style of basketball as a point-forward continues to push the league forward into a new era. James's legacy is often measured against Jordan's. Obviously, their basketball abilities are the focus, but LeBron has also followed in Michael's footsteps regarding marketing and self-promotion.
LeBron is still currently playing and building his resume. Even though he is in his seventeenth year at age thirty-five, James is still in the MVP conversation, carrying the Lakers to the number one overall seed in the Western Conference before having the season coming to a sudden halt. Here is what he has done so far:
- 16x All Star
- 15x All NBA
- 6x All Defensive4x MVP
- 3x NBA Champion
- 3x Finals MVP
- 3rd in total points, 8th in total assists, and 14th in total steals
HONORABLE MENTIONS
I wanted to briefly run through a few other basketball legends who deserved to be mentioned.
LARRY BIRD AND EARVIN "MAGIC" JOHNSON
I put these two together because, ever since they played against each other in the 1979 NCAA Championship, they've been linked. Their rivalry propelled the NBA into a new era. Some say this rivalry saved basketball and brought new excitement to the game. Both have had exceptional careers. They've each won championships, they were each on the Dream Team, they've each won multiple championships, and on, and on, and on...
Magic has had more of an impact on life outside of basketball following his HIV diagnosis, thrusting it into the spotlight and bringing much deserved attention to the affliction.
Here are the quick stats and accomplishments of these great players:
BIRD
- 12x All Star
- 10x All NBA
- 3x All Defensive
- 3x MVP
- 3x NBA Champion
MAGIC
- 12x All Star
- 10x All NBA
- 3x MVP
- 3x Finals MVP
- 5x NBA Champion
- 2x Steals Champion
- 4x Assists Champion
- 5th in total assists and 23rd in steals
WILT CHAMBERLAIN
Wilt was a statistical marvel, putting up numbers that would boggle the mind of anyone who bothers to actually look them up. Luckily for you, I've compiled a few right here:
- 13x All Star
- 11x Rebounding Champion
- 7x Scoring Champion
- 10x All NBA
- 2x NBA Champion
- 2x All Defensive
- 4x MVP
- 1967-1968 Assist Champion
- Averaged 50.4 points per game in 1961-1962
- Averaged 48.5 minutes per game in 1961-1962 (games only have 48min)
- Only 100 point game in NBA history
- 7th in total points and 1st in total rebounds
- Blocks were not an official stat while he played
Hope you enjoyed my breakdown of the four NBA players who are on my Mt. Rushmore of basketball. Who's in your Mt. Rushmore of basketball? Comment and let me know!
Also, check out the baseball Mt. Rushmore I put together here!
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