Alright, so LeBron James came out recently claiming a spot on the "Mt. Rushmore" of basketball. Now I think a player has to retire before they can bid for such a contention, but it begs the question: who DOES belong on the Mt. Rushmore of Basketball?

Michael Jordan - duh
Bill Russell - Leader of by far the greatest dynasty ever
Kareem - scoring record, most MVPs, 6 titles
Magic Johnson/Larry Bird conjoined twins face - won the 80s and along with Jordan helped blow up the game's popularity

For me:

1. Yeah Michael Jordan is undisputed.

2. Bill Russell - it is hard to not include him. LeBron's team had Johnson, Jordan, Bird, and Robertson, which I disagree with especially as Russell (as you mentioned) led perhaps the greatest dynasty of all time.

3. Wilt Chamberlain - He only won a few titles, but he changed the sport as we know. No other player has had such an impact on the game. He was a giant AND athletic. He caused a shot clock to be introduced. Brought forth penalties against slam dunking free throws. And much more. This game is not the same without him despite the fact that he wasn't one of the very best team players.

4. Now this was a tough one. This is where the 80s class comes into play, and who would be its ambassador. At the end of the day I picked Kareem Abdul-Jabbar because be got more records than Larry Bird or Magic Johnson who just barely miss the cut for me.

1. Jordan

2. Russell

3. Chamberlain

4. Dr. J

1. Jordan
2. Wilt
3. Kareem
4. Bird

1. Jordan
2. Russell
3. Kareem
4. Chamberlain

1. Russell
2. Jordan
3. Chamberlain
4. Bird/Johnson

The fourth spot is the fun one. I like Shack's idea of splitting Bird and Johnson into one face because they were pretty much the entire league in the 80s. I also wouldn't have a problem with Kareem, but I don't like the idea of having three bigs in there. If you want small you could throw a name like Bob Cousy, Pete Maravich or John Havlicek in there.

I went with Jordan/Bird/Magic/Kareem

Jordan/Wilt/Russel/Oscar

Only 4 is really difficult. LeBron is ... top 10 still. He may get there but he has a long way to go.

Strong focus on the 60s there Floyd. Very interesting, especially when it seems like most focus on the 80s legends.

Jordan - no brainer. would someone honestly not put him in the top 4?

Wilt - As a physical specimen I don't think we will ever see something like this. He would easily dominate most big men today, let alone in his era. He was 7'1" and had a 50" vertical! That's insane! Best quote about him: when 6 ft 11 in 250-pound (in his early years) Hall-of-Fame center Bob Lanier was asked about the most memorable moment of his career, Lanier answered: “When Wilt Chamberlain lifted me up and moved me like a coffee cup so he could get a favorable position."

Russel - And we definitely won't see a winner like that again.

The Big O - The LeBron of the 60s who could do it all. Yes the game was faster-paced, but with hand checking and other rules it favored the defensive side of the ball.

I think the reason that I included more players from the 60s is that basketball is a game that is hard to compare across eras and generations and most of us didn’t see the greats of the 1960s or 1970s play. The other issue is obviously nutrition, dieting, exercise, modern medical technology, etc., allows today's players to be stronger, faster, and jump higher (in many cases). But if Wilt, Russel and the Big O had access to everything the players today have I think they would be by far the best players in the league. And Jordan would still talk trash to them all.

My mom/grandfather sat next to Wilt on an airplane once when he was playing (back when NBA players road coach). Said it was a great experience.

Dr. J getting no love.

He won one title.

He revolutionized dunking.

He helped make the ABA/NBA merger happen.


He deserved to be on the 50th anniversary team, he's a top 25 player (and even that might be generous) but he's nowhere near the top four. If he won a couple of more titles, then you might have an argument.

You're stupid.

Jordan
Magic
Russell
Kareem

Magnus, I thought we were bros. We go far back.

Then give your top 5.

I personally don't see how this is any more idiotic than saying your top three or top 5...

Larry Bird
Wilt Chamberlain
Magic Johnson
Michael Jordan

1.Jordan
2.Magic
3.Kareem
4.Oscar Robertson