It has been a lot of talk about LeBron James’ “Mount Rushmore” of basketball, and after great discussion it is obviously a difficult task or basically impossible to name only four greats. Since they say that everyone is entitled to their opinion, I have decided to give it a shot! I am basing my Mt. Rushmore off of players that simply changed the game and has made an impact on and off the court.
1. Michael Jordan-It is well known in basketball that Michael Jordan is the best basketball player off all time just for the simple fact that he was a winner and his off the court marketability still impacts us today. MJ was the type of player that would turn his weaknesses into strengths. I was not even born when Michael Jordan and the Bulls could not get past the Detroit Pistons in the playoffs, but as a huge fan of the sport, I did my own personal research on great basketball events. For those who do not know, Michael Jordan was getting beat up the “Bad Boy” Detroit Pistons due to a scheme called the “Jordan Rules”. This meant that multiple players would be responsible to know where Michael was at all times, and if and when he drove to the basket, give him a hard foul. So Michael Jordan being the competitor that he is, started lifting weights in the off-season to add a little bulk to his frame in order to take the punishment that the Pistons were dishing out. As we all know he defeated the “Bad Boys” and six NBA Championships later, the rest is history. Off the court, according to Forbes Michael Jordan makes an estimated $80 million a year! Just look around you, I can almost guarantee that you see someone wearing the Jordan brand just about everyday. It has transcended into pop culture which is why re-releases of his shoes can sell out in hours of the stores opening. Michael Jordan belongs on the Mount Rushmore of basketball.
2.) Erving “Magic” Johnson– The 6’9 all purpose player who was apart of the famous “Show Time Lakers” back in the 80’s. He is predominantly known for his magician like passes that he dished out to his team mates running the open floor. In today’s game it is very common to see a taller player who can shoot, pass, and have point guard ball handling ability but back then as crazy as it sounds; big men played in the post. “Magic” Johnson was one of the first superstar players who could score, rebound, and of course get everyone involved by putting up high assists totals. As a rookie in the 1980 NBA Finals, Johnson started the game at the Center position in Game 6 of the finals due to Kareem Abdul-Jabar not making the trip due to an ankle injury. It is considered one of his most outstanding games as he poured in 42 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists. Needless to say, “Magic” changed the outlook of how big men approach the game by making it “cool” to be a finesse player. In today’s game you can see the results in a Kevin Durant, or LeBron James who are taller players or big men who has an outside game. “Magic” Johnson deserves a place on the Mt. Rushmore of basketball.
3. Shaquille O’neal-Where do I begin with Shaq?! I believe that he was one of the the most dominating basketball players of all time. Coming out of college Shaq was a tall lanky kid who had high potential but I am not sure if people knew he would be the dominant figure that he turned out to be. Throughout his career he made a living in the post by backing down defenders and dunking over the top of them. O’neal had really good footwork for a man his size and could give you a quick shake of the shoulders and blow by you with one dribble for the flush. One of my favorite movies from my childhood would have to be “Kazaam” which starred up and coming superstar Shaquille O’neal as a genie who is comes from a boom box to grant a young kid three wishes. Off the court O’neal was solidifying his status, but on the court it was not until he joined forces with Kobe Bryant on the Los Angeles Lakers as would he win three consecutive the NBA titles and cement his place in basketball history. He would later win his fourth title when he joined Dwayne Wade on the Miami Heat and quieted the talks of him not being able to win without his sidekick Kobe Bryant. Shaquille O’neal will definitely be a Hall of Fame in the near future and of course Mt. Rushmore.
4. Julius “Dr. J” Erving– Many people forget about the impact of “Dr. J” because he ended his career many years ago, but it was him who pretty much saved the NBA. At the time the NBA was a league that was a predominately white league and tit was not as popular as it is today. There was also another basketball league that was going on called the American Basketball Association (ABA) where Julius Erving first got his start. His style of play was based on athleticism, power and finesse which was very uncommon to those watching the sport. Basketball was played “by the book” with lay ups and jump shots. What Dr. J brought to the game was paramount and uncommon during that era. The dunk was one of his signatures because he could palm the ball and do whatever he wanted to in the air. He is most remembered for his dunk from the free throw line in the dunk contest. It is now a common finisher for those who are looking to impress the judges for the perfect score. With his smooth and mythical persona, “Dr. J” was named by Sports Illustrated as one of the most important athletes of all time. When the “Doctor” was in the building you knew you were going to see something that you haven’t before, making him eligible for basketball’s Mount Rushmore.
I understand that there are many players that are left out on this list but it is my opinion. I am curious to see what lists you all come up with. Comment and let me know who you would have on your “Mount Rushmore”.
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