I had really planned on leaving this one alone. After all, choosing the four best players to have ever played a sport is entirely subjective. I might include Player A on my mountainside and justify that argument until I’m blue in the face only to hear you make a legitimate case for Player B. That’s what happened all last week after some reporter asked LeBron James who he felt belonged on the NBA’s hypothetical Mount Rushmore. I suppose it was a worthwhile question considering it inspired a week’s worth of debate. The only problem is, LeBron got the answer wrong, or at least Bill Russell thinks he did. LeBron’s point, while accidentally offending the sport’s most decorated champion, was that by the time his career was over, sculptors would have to break out their chisels to redesign the mountain with King James’ mug alongside it. I know I’m in the minority here but personally, I don’t have a problem with James’ bravado. It’s not like either Tim Hardaway or Boris Diaw was saying they belong there, both of which would have been laughable suggestions. No, these rather lofty aspirations came from an athlete with a legitimate point and the talent to get him there. LeBron might be on that mountainside when it’s all said and done. Besides, find me a superstar athlete that doesn’t have an ego and I’ll find you a guy who couldn’t cut it in the league. Since we’re on the topic of Mount Rushmores, I’m going to go ahead and give you mine. Take it for what it’s worth. I’m not saying this should be your NBA Mount Rushmore or even the NBA Mount Rushmore. I’m merely saying that if I had to choose four players that best represented the NBA and who meant the most to the game over the years, these would be my four. http://sportschump.net/2014/02/19/h...ess-of-the-nba-mount-rushmore-argument/13334/
There should only be two name on the Mt. Rushmore of the NBA: Lloyd B. Free (World B. Free) and Ron Artest (Metta World Peace.) for the two most insane name changes in the history of the NBA. Makes as much, if not more sense, than the pissing match on who's stats are worthiest. Or how about the Mt. Rushmor of best nicknames": Chocolate Thunder, The Answer, Dr. J and The Worm.
Good idea, Markaz. I'd have to think about that one for a while but Magic might make that list as well.
