My Two Cents for Basketball Junkies Only. Does LeBron James Qualify For the NBAs Version of Mt. Rushmore? LeBron James can only be on Mt. Rushmore if he wins at least 5 rings..., that is the minimum requirement for discussion. He has to be in the conversation with Kobe Bryant (5 rings), Magic Johnson (5 Rings), Michael Jordan (6 Rings). Kareem Abdul Jabbar (6 rings), Bill Russell (11 rings) and possibly John Havlicek (8 rings) in order to be mentioned amongst such an elite class of individuals. In my opinion, the process is very simple: Winning championships + personal performance = Mt. Rushmore Qualification. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is automatic because he is the leagues all time leading scorer (total points) and has the rings to back it up. Bill Russell is automatic with the most rings ever won (11). The greatest player, Michael Jordan is automatic (and only a Jordan hater would argue that). Wilt Chamberlain is looking in from the outside because he has only 2 championships despite dominating the league and the only player to score 100 points in a game. Havlicek is not a fan favorite amongst these greats and unfortunately has never been in the conversation. So thats 3 solid picks for the top 4 on Mt. Rushmore: Abdul Jabbar, Russell and Jordan. Who gets the 4 spot? Who currently has the 4 spot? That 4th spot will always be a temporary one. The aforementioned 3 have solidified themselves forever, despite what many feel about Bill Russell being just a defensive player in a supporting role. Currently, Magic Johnson gets the nod over Kobe Bryant and for this reason: Magic has 5 rings with an interrupted and shorten career. Just imagine if he would have continued to play during his early diagnosis with AIDS? Could we be looking at 6 or 7 rings for the Magic Man? That places Kobe, who although my favorite all time player, has played his entire career, unlike Magic and Michael. Still, that 4th spot on Mt. Rushmore will always be up for grabs. Kobe Bryant actually stands in the way of King James if he wants to be considered for the 4th and final spot. If Kobe can squeeze..., and I mean squeeze another ring in the next two years (and there would have to be a major facelift in Lakerland, although possible), Mr. Bryant would then solidify himself with the 4th spot, at least until LeBron James approaches retirement or if he matches the ring qualification..., with at least 5 rings. Until then, LeBron is not a conversation..., not just yet. Hes just the best player on the planet right now!!! We will cross that bridge when we come to it. Word to the wise though: LeBron! Get it done quickly! A guy name Kevin Durant could change all that you desire right now. Thats my commentary. - Ocean Man
Posted on: Fri, 21 Feb 2014 19:17:06 +0000