My Mount Rushmore

The talks of who belongs on the NBA's "Mount Rushmore" have escalated recently with Kobe Bryant and LeBron James choosing to voice their opinions on who they believe belongs in the top four players to ever grace the hardwood. Bryant's Rushmore consisted of Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and Bill Russell. LeBron on the other hand chose to place Oscar Robertson on his list instead of Bill Russell. With these stories littering the headlines lately it got me thinking of who I would put on my Mount Rushmore.

MJ's career was one big highlight reel

Michael Jordan: Isn't it obvious? The greatest to ever do it should be on everyone's Mount Rushmore without doubt or question. Six rings, ten scoring titles, five MVP awards, and was a first team All-Defensive member nine times. But awards aside, the performances and plays that Jordan had or made are those that will never be beat nor will they ever go away. The shot over Craig Ehlo, his final shot in a Bulls uniform, and the switch-hands layup against the Lakers are all images that are etched into NBA history. Not to mention His Airness averaged 30.1 points per game in the regular season while averaging 33.4 points per game in the playoffs. His ability to be the most clutch player to play the game and his willingness to step up in big situations solidify him as the best ever. And while LeBron believes that he's going to knock someone off of the NBA's Mount Rushmore, there will never be a worry that MJ will be the one to lose his spot. He's the greatest of all time, and always will be.

At 6'10 Magic was as dynamic as anyone

Magic Johnson: It's hard to argue against Magic Johnson when it comes to the three empty spots on the Mount. Magic was a larger-than-life figure both on and off the court and to this day is still positively affecting the sports world. Throughout his career with the Los Angeles Lakers he averaged 19.5 points per game to coincide with 11.2 assists and 7.2 rebounds. Not bad for a guy who was listed as a point guard. However, even though he was listed as a point guard, the special thing about Magic Johnson is that at 6'10 he played all five positions and played them unbelievably well. Behind Magic's dynamic playing style the Los Angeles Lakers captured five NBA titles during his career, three of which Magic was named Finals MVP. He was also named to the first team All-NBA nine times and shot over 50% for his career. And while Magic has continually said that Kobe Bryant is now the greatest Laker of all time, the stats prove that Magic still reigns supreme when it comes to discussing who is the best to ever don the purple and gold despite missing four complete seasons due to his battle with the HIV virus.

The Big O's ability to rebound set him apart from other guards

Oscar Robertson: The Big O is arguably the best point guard ever with Magic Johnson being his closest competition. At 6'5 Oscar Robertson was over-sized for his position which, at the time he played, was a greater advantage than you will ever see in today's game. And while The Big O was a player unlike any other, his stats in a few of his seasons will most likely never be matched. In the 1961-1962 season Robertson averaged a triple double. Let me say that again: he AVERAGED a triple double. Nowadays ESPN blows up whenever a guy does it in one game while Oscar Robertson did it on a nightly basis for a whole season. Averaging 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game in, Robertson played arguably the best season of any player ever. Though he only won one NBA title (Milwaukee 1971) he was a member of the first team All-NBA nine times in his 13 year career. While it may surprise people to see three guards on my Mount Rushmore, the stats and accolades cannot be disputed.

11 rings later, Russell remains the best center

Bill Russell: Not quite sure how Russell get left off of LeBron's top four. Russell will go down as the winningest athlete of all time, winning 15 championships between high school, college, and the NBA. He won 11 NBA titles throughout his 13 year career. That in itself is as impressive as anything you'll ever hear when it comes to sports. On top of that the Celtics center averaged 22.5 rebounds for his career as well as racking up 15.1 points per game. Russell's numbers also increased when it came to the playoffs as he averaged 24.9 rebounds per game and 16.2 points per game. Bill Russell earned himself MVP honors five times while appearing in the All-Star game twelve times. Though other centers may have better statistics, the individual awards that Bill Russell earned prove that he belongs on the Mount Rushmore of the NBA.

These four players are on my Mount Rushmore because of the way they helped reshape and revolutionize the game of basketball. Obviously players like Larry Bird and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are deserving as well and I'm in no way saying that those I left out are not good enough. I just believe that what these four did for the game while putting up unbelievable numbers and enjoying individual success as well as team success along the way is what earns them the top four spots. With this in mind, Zach and I would like to hear your Mount Rushmore! Comment your top four players below!