Modern sports Media currently saturates its viewing public with the “Mount Rushmore” argument: pundits will toss together the “four best” and declare these players as the “Mount Rushmore” without much thought of the monument’s significance. The four faces on the monument in Nevada were carefully selected for the characteristics and resemblance they have to various periods in American history. The presidents on Mount Rushmore weren’t just great, they were emblematic of various stages of the United States of America, they were pillars of different stages of our history. Therefore to get a fuller analysis of the “Mount Rushmore argument” let’s apply those same criteria to the NBA Mount Rushmore. For this discussion, we will have three potential names, and one winner for each category along with the relation between the player and face that era represented.
Washington: America’s Genesis
Washington is the first face of Mount Rushmore. The founding father and first president of the United States. A man who put America on the map, for this we will need to select players that represent the birth and creation of the NBA itself. This brings us back to the beginning.
Bill Russell (drafted in 1956), Wilt Chamberlain (drafted in 1959), and Jerry West (drafted in 1960) are the faces that match this category. When first created the NBA was not a popular watch, until these names brought entertainment to the table.
Russell is well known today for his NBA record 11 Championships with the Celtics. He dominated winning in this era, setting the standard for a winning player and its importance. He averaged 22.5 rebounds/game, and has an infamous 10-0 record in game 7. The best winner the game has ever seen.
Chamberlain was the freak of nature that changed the game forever. A 7’1 275 lb unicorn of pure muscle, while still being the most athletic on the court. His dominance changed rules. For example, players were banned from crossing the free throw line on foul shots, the paint was widened, goaltending was implemented, and players were banned from lobbing inbound passes over the backboard. He is known for holding many records, including his 100 point game, 50.4 points per game in 1961-62, and 22.9 rebounds per game. His dominance changed the game forever.
West is the logo of the NBA for good reason: he was the only pure scorer the “old heads “got to watch. 14 all-stars, 12 all-NBAs, and the only finals MVP on a losing team. His 40.6 points/game in the 1965 playoffs also add to his case.
George Washington’s category seems to comes down to Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, which makes it difficult to decide. On one hand, is the most winning player in NBA history, to this day. The other is arguably the most dominant force the game has ever seen, having the league change the league’s rules just for him. For this reason: Wilt is the first face on Mt. Rushmore for his dominance, and establishing rules for the NBA similar to Washington in America. Plus Washington and Chamberlain rhyme.
Jefferson: America’s Growth
Thomas Jefferson represents the growth and structure of the United States. Jefferson signed the Declaration of Independence, and orchestrated the Louisiana Purchase. He is known for being “for the people” and helping forge what would become our nation today.
The post-Chamberlain era in the NBA needed new faces: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was selected in 1969 by the Milwaukee Bucks, starting a new era of developing the league. Kareem was a 6x NBA MVP, 6x NBA finals champion, who held the record for all time points at 38,387 at the time of his retirement. His post-game changed the way big men were playing, evolving the game.
Unfortunately for Kareem, he will not be a face on Mt. Rushmore because his era will; be forever marked by the Larry Bird and Magic Johnson rivalry which began when Bird was selected in the 1978 NBA draft and then 1 year later, Magic Johnson entered the league.
Their big achievements are similar. Bird has 3 finals awards, 3 MVPs, 2 finals MVPs and a rookie of the year award. He built off Bill Russell’s Celtics legacy, and was a big part in the NBA becoming more popular with his Magic Johnson rivalry. His accolades are sure to make him the Thomas Jefferson of Mt. Rushmore. That is, if Magic Johnson didn’t exist.
Johnson was the first unicorn in the NBA. He stood at 6 ‘9, but was a point guard. His rebounding ability due to his height matched with his passing ability made him a superstar. Magic was also the flashy player that brought the NBA more fans. 5 championships, 3 MVPs, and 3 finals MVPs with one of them being his rookie year. Magic takes Jefferson’s spot on Mt. Rushmore. Jefferson and Johnson rhyme? Give me a break.
Roosevelt: America’s Might
Theodore Roosevelt was a protector of America and the people. He dominated the world and kept the country strong during his presidency. Roosevelt made many decisions to keep his country strong like creating and saving national preserves/wildlife, and bringing peace to wars. He was a well-respected and educated man.
The respectable dominance that rose in the 90s-00s era solidified the NBA not only as a national sport, but worldwide. Michael Jordan started the love for basketball internationally. Jordan was drafted in 1984, and his work-ethic brought him to the top. Jordan won 3 NBA titles in a row with the Bulls in ‘91, ‘92, and ‘93. No other player has led their team to that feat except for Jordan, twice. He never lost in the finals, created a signature shoe that took the world by storm, and set a new standard for hard work and effort paying off.
Shaquille O’Neal’s dominance began right when he entered the league out of the 1992 draft. Today, he is mostly known for his on screen personality. Back in the day, he dominated the league. Nobody could stop him, including some backboards. There was not an answer to the dominance he had. He had 4 championships with 3 finals MVP awards on top of averaging 23 points/game and 11 rebounds/game. The league changed again with modern big men being main pieces on teams.
The 13th pick in the 1996 draft was a cocky high school kid who seemed to be over his head with his goals. What people did not know about Kobe Bryant is that his mentality set another standard for what greatness looks like. Bryant had 5 NBA championships, all with the Lakers. A loyalty that is rare to find. He was an 18-time all-star and 15-time all-NBA member. The definition of a legend, caring about nothing but basketball.
Ultimately, Theodore Roosevelt’s vacancy is only open to Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. Shaq just does not match up against the two. With that being said, it is virtually impossible to build a legacy of Michael Jordan’s level. Two three-peats (3 championships in a row) spread out by years of him playing professional baseball. His two-way game was so good, and his mindset made him even stronger. The Teddy Roosevelt spot goes to Michael Jordan.
Lincoln: America’s Preservation
Abraham Lincoln’s old soul is beloved by many Americans to this day. The steps that he helped the nation make during his presidency are still evident. Lincoln established democracies, the 13th amendment abolishing slavery, created a strong national bank, and led the country through civil war. His resume is the ideal presidency as a well loved true leader.
Tim Duncan was the first overall pick to the San Antonio Spurs in the 1997 draft. Duncan is most remembered for his fundamental style of play. Nothing is better than a good Timmy-D post move. He tallied 5 championships being the finals MVP in 3 of them, and won 2 MVP awards. The first power forward to ever be the main piece in a dynasty, and he was a very good one.
The first pick in the 2003 draft was LeBron James straight out of high school. The Cavaliers selected James, and he has not left the league to this day. James is the NBA’s all time leading scorer. He has four championships and four finals MVP’s with three different franchises. On top of that, he has 20+ all star and all NBA nods. There are not many resumes that can be compared to who some call, “The King.”
Stephen Curry was drafted with the 7th pick in 2009, and worldwide basketball has never been the same. His three-point-shooting changed the way everyone plays, and arguably makes him the most influential player ever. He has the only unanimous MVP in the 2016 season where his team set the all time record for wins with 73. Most importantly, he holds the all time 3 pointer record with over 4,000 and counting.
LeBron James is the only answer. There is a big part of me that sees Stephen Curry representing this feat. Establishing the NBA as a 3 point based league, and dominating the era all around. However, LeBron is the arguable G.O.A.T. His dominance on both offense and defense, along with some of the most memorable playoff moments of all time make him Abraham Lincoln. 20+ years of domination and leading teams on his back. LeAbraham James.
