Stephen A. & JWill give their NBA Mount Rushmore | First Take

Stephen A. Smith and Jay Williams give their NBA Mount Rushmore.
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[@Kenandgrat]

MJ Lebron Kareem and the fourth spot can be chosen based on taste ( magic, Duncan, Kobe, Bird, Wilt)

[@Cbrunning849]

Bill Russel's gotta be in there to

[@michaeljoseph7917]

@@Cbrunning849 For sure

[@tumbleweed3774]

The fourth is really the only debate I think arguing against any of the top 3 is crazy

[@robX931]

@Green Lion Why do you think Kareem is overrated ? With all of his accolades in not only the NBA but college and high school as well, he can be argued as the greatest on all time.

[@phntmenacexd]

@@greenlion2890 yep, ur delusional

[@SomeThingsDontNeedCommentary]

I hear what J Will is saying and I appreciate him for acknowledging the late great Kobe bean Bryant but Kareem is an absolute winner. For accolades alone makes top 3 let alone personal records he holds

[@RetroNBA42]

Kobe Bryant isn’t in the top 10

[@salakerz324]

@@RetroNBA42 🤣🤣🤣 u don't love basketball

[@jaysav3632]

It’s all opinionated bro

[@salakerz324]

Kobe greatest laker of all time... Kareem was a laker, so..... Yeah Kobe is definitely in that mount Rushmore. Anyone in the world.

[@RetroNBA42]

@@salakerz324 He’s not better than Duncan.

[@xaviersanta3086]

You know sports news is dry when you have to have a Mount Rushmore segment 😂

[@youngwhitemale1366]

Bruh I was fr about to comment that 🤣🤣

[@theevilascotcompany9255]

"So who's your Mount Rushmore of Mount Rushmores?"

[@skate_or_dylen2176]

Again

[@alexanderbrown5676]

I love barbershop convos

[@meatshowstudio3159]

No football, all star break, and baseball might not exist so it’s slow😂

[@lancejacobsen8372]

Thank you for a good analysis of Kobe, Jay Williams.

[@taewiz863]

Thank you j will for keeping Kobe’s legacy alive man I’m tired of media acting like Kobe wasn’t that dude

[@jimyork7121]

I got him at 11. People feel a type of way cuz he dead now but all actuality, he’s not a too 10 player.

[@HunnedStack]

@@jimyork7121 the hate for kobe from all the media brain washing is REAL

[@taewiz863]

@@jimyork7121 I don’t feel no type of way because he’s dead now but I know he’s a top 10 player but you have your opinion. There isn’t 10 players better than Kobe all time and if you have wilt and Russell in your top 10 then I KNOW your lost ain’t valid. They deserve to be in their own category but no where near the top 10 because they played in an era with 8 teams. So tell me 10 players that are better than Kobe all time and don’t use Russell and wilt and let’s see.

[@MaineDinero114]

@@HunnedStack facts the media is suckered

[@MaineDinero114]

@@jimyork7121 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@dieselwiesel8893]

Good to see Kobe getting the love he deserves . . .

[@gillysosilly9285]

Dirks one leg fadeaway was unguardable to me too… 7 foot high release and fades away off one leg never seen anybody block that shot and he made it more times than not

[@justejsingh3597]

Its an absolute disgrace that JWill didn't put Kareem on this list! You can debate over who the fourth player is but top 3 all time has to Bron MJ Kareem, Kareem was the greatest big of all time, he did it with 2 different teams, he won 6 mvps, he had the most unstoppable move just like stephen a said, and it makes me mad that JWill just disrespected him like that

[@athirdwhy9734]

J Will thought he was being asked about who his favorite players are.

[@RetroNBA42]

Magic Johnson only played for 10 years. There’s no way Magic is higher than Wilt.

[@vashthestampede11]

I'll never take him seriously again, and I hardly did before this

[@xerospades]

I mean is it really wrong for him to have in his own opinion not to happen there? I mean they asked about JWills Mt.Rushmore's not anybody else's lol

[@barehands9614]

@@RetroNBA42 Wilt played all those years and still only has 2 chips... Bill Russell played during the same time and has 11, Magic is definitely higher than wilt.

[@dieselx506]

Don't you just love how JWill said he'll had Bron first yet the graphic down still has MJ first? Lol

[@robbnoble1509]

Lol i didnt even notice. Definitely done out of spite.

[@DaddeGamer]

Loved it that dude is annoying AF

[@bmill8780]

I was thinking the same thing like hmmm

[@timdoyle1638]

Because the graphic is smart.

[@Kush949]

Did yall really say Andrew Bynum helped Kobe 😂 dude was constantly hurt its was Odom who took that 3rd spot

[@nephhhhhh]

LMAOOO BYNUM IM ACREAMING

[@Bytesthedust]

Right he talkin bout the dude who would throw temper tantrums mid game???

[@marsalisbush1035]

Yea Stephen A trippin 😂😂😂

[@madballer101]

It was Odom it was Ron Artest. Why do people forget about Artest so often?

[@Terror832]

Wilt Abdul-Russell Magic Bird LeMichaBron Jordan Shaqobe O’Bryant There’s so many players to choose from so I decided to combine them

[@donali9020]

Id take Hakeem Duncan over shaqobe

[@doesntmatter6453]

I love "Wilt Abdul Russell" actually my favorite player growing up😂😂

[@madballer101]

@@donali9020 That's 9 titles to 7. Nope gotta stick with Shaqobe.

[@andonimemuruh]

As long as MJ Bron and Kareem are top 3 the 4th spot will be interchangeable for a while until someone takes that spot, the 4th will need chips, Fmvps and mvps but also all defensive teams all nba teams and longevity stats. So it’s gonna be a while

[@madewavy]

I believe Giannis can fit this criteria

[@narcisobautista3520]

@@madewavy lay of the crack

[@kbjpj8249]

Kobe

[@fbi8364]

I'll take Shaq over Kareem.

[@kbjpj8249]

@@fbi8364 its tough I do 2 but Kareem got thar longevity resume

[@qcali221]

No one could stop the Sky Hook except Wilt Chamberlain but more importantly, no one ever duplicated the sky hook. Kareem was and is a truly special human being. Not to mention a Hall of Fame Basketball player.

[@kevinchavis2755]

It’s not duplicated because it’s an ugly shot, no disrespect

[@Shawn-qn6do]

I still remember when Kobe went back to back with Pua. I was like touche' Kobe touche' He became a all time top 3 to me at that moment.

[@blazer7731]

Nah winning 2 in a row isn’t that special. Kobe between top8-11 all time imo

[@kendrick2454]

Winning two in a row with Pauuuuuu Gasooool isn’t that special. Lmao stfu . Bron would be crying like a mf if all he had was Pauuuuuuuu Gasooooooollllll

[@eh697]

@@blazer7731 lmao he won 3 in a row and then 2 in row. You’re in denial

[@blazer7731]

@@eh697 he’s good but he’s not top 5. Most overrated nba player ever.

[@eh697]

@@blazer7731 he’s great . U just a hater

[@aaronhampton3141]

I have No Problem with both Mount Rushmore's!!! Kobe was 5th for me so it makes perfect sense for someone to have him on the list.

[@carladavis1473]

Dirk had 1 unstoppable move as well. The high knee fade away. Could not be stopped

[@carladavis1473]

@Michael Dillon Clements facts.

[@michaelkirk4097]

Jay Williams to Include Kobe in his Mt.Rushmore just shows that Former players know what they are talking about in terms of the game of basketball Now here is my Mt.Rushmore 1.Jordan 2.Kobe 3.Kareem 4.Russell

[@nicstone3141]

not really

[@prolific1518]

Sentimental

[@blazer7731]

Nah Kobe is a slightly worse version of MJ. There’s no reason to put him on mt Rushmore when there are other players that pioneered the game more than Kobe. If anything Steph curry is a more deserving player to be on the “mt Rushmore” as he made the game into what is today with his 3pt shooting

[@Flyhr]

@@blazer7731 It all depends on what the definition of Mount Rushmore even is. If it's by Pioneers then this entire list might look different. But usually the Mt Rushmore is the Top 4 Greatest Players to ever do it. So that just goes into the GOAT debate (career stats + peak + longevity + achievements). Curry isn't close to the top 4 in that case...

[@hardwoodthought1213]

It’s actually the complete opposite 😂 it’s for reasons outside of on court pkay

[@InvestBetter.]

Kareem is definitely in the Mt. Rushmore All-Time Scoring Leader 6X Champion, and 6 MVPs

[@andreward8268]

Without a doubt!!!!

[@sac1211]

Hes the true GOAT but MJ fans will try to convince you otherwise

[@paulmccarthy4277]

kareem won a mvp while winning 40games in a season . game was so different back then

[@PrinceCortezJones]

@@sac1211 mj fans are the literal worse. They act like he had no talent, his team was the underdog every year, he played against God tier teams and talent. Jordan is the most protected athlete of all time. Can't say anything about him objectively without receiving hate or being called a bronsexual lmao it's wild

[@dxshywxshy8916]

not the all time scoring leader anymore king james is plus jordan better ill argue that

[@yhochste4511]

So unfortunate Duncan never comes up along with Kobe. We forget about him because his game is far less flashy, but he has as many rings as Kobe and more finals MVP's.

[@kyleinggo]

no back to backs or 3peats tho.

[@DBlockKTV]

@@kyleinggo kobe doesn’t have back to back three peats

[@wolfxwarrior7240]

As great as Kobe was, he was literally a lower tier jordan. Kobe should be in conversations based on what he offered to change the game, not because he passed away. My 4 would be MJ and Lebron (Best two players ever dont care how you order) along with Magic and Wilt. Wilts dominance on a player to player match is unbeaten. Magic brought basketball into the main stream media. (Kareem doesnt make it due to only having some of his chips with magic and worthy. When lebron passes his scoring title he will drop on all time lists.)

[@kyleinggo]

@@DBlockKTV he doesn't have back to back 3peats but he has one. And a back to back championship. That shows dominance. Tim duncan has none

[@thetruth1024]

@@kyleinggo Ya it shows the Dominance of Shaq. He got all three of those MVPs. Not Kobe.

[@Centure120]

THANK YOU JAY

[@ArchieRaven]

Me too Jay. I got Kobe up there i couldnt not watch him. He changed the game for me. I watch him and AI 🤙💯

[@robertf1309]

MJ, Magic, Kareem, and Bill Russell are on my Mount Rushmore of basketball.

[@patricktaliauli1063]

Thank you soooo much Jay will!!!

[@Rich.as.in.spirit]

Perfect list no debate at all. This is what should be the standard and not just the goat talk

[@joseywales9726]

I always thought of Mt. Rushmore as the people that laid the foundations for a sport to be what it is today...players of today are the beneficiary of what they did in the beginning

[@spikespiegel323]

It’s just another way of saying top 4. That’s how I’m viewing it.

[@madballer101]

Yea otherwise the Mt. Rushmore would just be Russell, Wilt, Jerry West, and Oscar or Dr.J

[@392_RHINO]

I get what you're saying but the original presidents on Mt Rushmore never laid the foundation for nothing in America because America was built on the blood, sweat and tears of black people if we wanna be logical and white folks were the beneficiaries of our labor. Metaphorically the same thing

[@jihadclaimon8447]

Players today are laying the foundation for the next few decades as well though.

[@DWEthiopia]

Imagine winning 11 titles and 5 MVPs and not making the Top 4.

[@Terror832]

“8-9 teams” “He played plumbers” “He’d be Clint Capela in todays era” “44% career shooter” Bill Russell might be the most disrespected all time great.

[@joeljohnson6137]

He would of won Finals MVPs but they wasn't around in the 50s an 60s

[@joeljohnson6137]

@@Terror832 😆 I wouldn't go that far he gave WILT competition sir one on one

[@blackpope8834]

@@joeljohnson6137 Wilt dominated Bill

[@4JaayTv]

Dude he played 100 years ago

[@ThePatman1980]

JJ Redick's character in the State Farm ad felt like a young Emmett Brown in Back To The Future. Great, Scott! He was only on-screen for 15 seconds but you can really tell he would be a helluva of an actor. He can do comedies.

[@knoda2603]

The fact that we hear this every season blows my mind

[@claypage1089]

I am not saying Wilt is a shoe-in, but check out his other sports achievements. The man was a BEAST. It would be he and the Greek Freak today. He popularized the game and basically passed it to Dr. J.

[@LB2TONE]

But yet got out play time after Time by bill

[@christopherstone2546]

The only knock on him was the lack of championships, everything else he dominated!

[@claypage1089]

@@LB2TONE Not really. Bill had better teams.

[@swaymade]

Any top 5 list without Wilt makes absolutely no since

[@LB2TONE]

@@swaymade wilt ain't putting those numbers up in 80s 90s sorry

[@Oldtimeleftie]

Kobe Bryant is my favorite player of all time. J Will is Tripping lol

[@daytrue6995]

Explain usually people who say that are lbj fans

[@DFlowetry]

J-will speaking facts goofball. Kobe ain’t your favorite player

[@skymccloud]

Na he not

[@scoutwithoutclout]

Here's a more fun question: who's your "favorite" starting 5? Not best, just favorite. I got: Jason Williams Pete Maravich Tracy McGrady Shawn Marion Dennis Rodman

[@FNxKris9758]

THANK YOU JAY WILL

[@FlyHumanBeyond]

Mount Rushmore honors those thought to represent the most important events in the history of the United States (at the time). Transfer that context to the NBA then the selection process becomes slightly different. For argument’s sake would have to list a starting 5 and 6th man plus coach for an NBA Mt Rushmore. Wilt Chamberlain - dominance Magic Johnson - Showman Michael Jordan - icon Allen Iverson - culture LeBron James - business Steph Curry - shooting Phil Jackson - 13 rings / 📐 offense

[@Artphiri23]

People also forget Tim Duncan guarded Shaq and beat him, Tim is amazing definitely 5th

[@terrancedicksonii5119]

Shaq and Duncan are 1-1 against each other in the playoffs

[@Artphiri23]

@@terrancedicksonii5119 he had Kobe 👀 I’m not diminishing anyone by the way, this list is extremely subjective so I’m not saying my top 5 is facts

[@JayTheChocobro]

Tim had Greg, Manu, and Tony for 14 years and got 5 titles Kobe had Shaq for 5 years and got 3 titles and then went and knocked out a prime Tim, Tony, and Manu with Pau Gasol who averaged 16PPG and a Andrew Bynum who averaged 14 PPG and won 2 titles with them. Also, Tim Duncan for 9 straight years struggled to avg 20 PPG and never averaged more than 25. Tim is a top 10 great, not top 5, we all know who the real King of the 2000s was and it was Kobe.

[@devaughnvirgil2238]

When I think of a Mt. Rushmore I think of legends who changed the game and left a mark. MJ Kareem Magic and Bird are those players. If my dude Larry Legend was black he would be getting more respect than he is today 💯

[@dantealoving]

Bird has only 3 championships and 2 Finals MVPs and 3 regular season MVPs. That puts him in the top 6 or 7 but not top 4.

[@dreg5845]

Good list

[@ThePatman1980]

I've never seen Michael Jordan so happy until last Sunday. The GOAT can also be a broken man, ya know? You think money and fame offers happiness? It didn't for Robin Williams, Kurt Cobain, Anthony Bourdain, and Chester Bennington.

[@andreward8268]

To be #1 over Jordan you must do the following: Win 7+ championships and never losing a championship, never going to a game 7 and being the Finals MVP each time you won the Championship.

[@NinjaSquirrel30]

Cocaine and hookers will try their best to make you happy

[@pikachureynolds1110]

@@andreward8268 or just be Bill russell

[@andreward8268]

@@pikachureynolds1110 Bill is on my top 4

[@trevorweinstock2691]

A proper Mount. Rushmore includes different generations of basketball stardom. Here is a list that exemplifies the greatness of the NBA through different eras: 1. Bill Russell 2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 3. Michael Jordan 4. Lebron James (This list is not in order of greatness, but rather in chronological order)

[@joeljohnson6137]

Fair respectable. At least you put a Celtics player up there most don't even have a Celtics player on there's. Celtics was the bigger Dynasty before Lakers

[@blackpope8834]

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

[@preciouswilliams22]

I would replace LeBron with Kobe😒☕

[@Co-nx9ww]

They don’t mention russel cause he hated the media

[@madballer101]

@@preciouswilliams22 Can't put a guy who won most of his chips as the second best player on his team over a guy who has won on three different teams and was always the best player on his team. Just can't...

[@aaronnyakaanablair]

I respect y’all honest opinion.

[@Bojonni]

Magic really brought creativity the league and that made it so entertaining to watch he has to be a top 5

[@lloyddobler1310]

Finally Magic getting some love. He’s my #2 behind Jordan and he had a short career with full college and retiring early. 5 rings still. Magic and Bird created the NBA. Jordan made it a global product. The end.

[@iuhgfmnbert1744]

Exactly these people are crazy magic had 9 finals appearances, 5 time champion, 3 time finals MVP and stayed on one team. Tbh Lebron should be behind Magic.

[@iuhgfmnbert1744]

1.Jordan 2. Kareem 3. Magic 4. Kobe.

[@finessewrld23]

@@iuhgfmnbert1744 no I’m a big bron hater but come on now bron is doing things no NBA has done playing elite at his age and the fact he is close to breaking Kareem all time points record not to mention the 10 times he’s made the NBA finals yea he might have a bad ratio but that alone I’ll choose bron over magic any time anywhere cuz bron is just better overall 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@iuhgfmnbert1744]

@@finessewrld23 Magic is ahead of Lebron. Was in the finals the same amount of times as Lebron in lesser time. Positive finals record. 1 more championship. And like I said 3 time finals mvp.

[@iuhgfmnbert1744]

@@finessewrld23 Magic and Kareem are ahead of him I'll take kobe off. But not taking Magic and Kareem off.

[@DomSr]

Jordan, Kareem, and Lebron will ALWAYS be on the Mt. Rushmore no matter what. The fourth person will change over time as players retire. Right now you could put Magic, Russell, Shaq, Kobe, or even Bird on there. But once players like Curry, Durant, and Yannis retire, at least one of them will be on that mountain. Then in 30-35 years from now, some 4 year old now will replace one of them.

[@StayTru101]

Facts but all those players would have to win at least one more ring/final mvp to raise themselves to that 4-5 last spot

[@nephhhhhh]

the thing that separates the first 3 to the next is the amount of points, finals appearances, all star appearances, everything, someone needs to win 4 rings and make 6 finals to make that mt rushmore

[@edfa3706]

Durant will Never be top4 list. Dude joined a hall of fame squad in the warriors with 3 hall of famers. Weakest move in the history of sports. Dude was up 3-1 against the same team.

[@nephhhhhh]

@@edfa3706 exsctly, yes kd is great as a player, but as in his legacy he was very weak joining the best team of all time 73-9, he would have 0 rings at this moment.

[@Hawkeyes319]

Tim Duncan could arguably be in that 4th spot too imo.

[@fagueable]

In no particular order: Bill & Wilt Kareem Magic & Bird MJ & Hakeem Shaq, Kobe & Duncan Lebron Steph

[@wolfgangpaco6690]

Not only can anyone stop the sky hook, no one can even make the sky hook with Kareem’s level of consistency.

[@zacqueeentertainment7336]

NBA Mt Rushmore Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain 1960s Kareem Abdul Jabbar 1970s-80s Michael Jordan 1990s Total Championships: 25 1/4th of 100 championships. Insane. Everyone above has the resume, stats and arguments to be named as the greatest ever. They’re all interchangeable #1-4 #5-6 Gotta go with either LeBron or Kobe two of the best players of the last several years. Total championships: 9 #7-8 gotta go with Magic and Shaq. Greatest Point guard ever and The Diesel has too much dominance to be ignored. Total championships: 9 #9-10 Larry Bird and Tim Duncan for leadership and fundamentals. Total championships: 8 Top 10 altogether: 51 championships. Over 2/4ths of 100 championships 🤯🤯 🤯

[@seanhennsey2605]

U got magic at 7 cut the b.s magic is the 🐐 period

[@kaine17th]

Let's go J Will! Finally somebody on TV put some respect on Kobe's name!!!! Thank you!

[@mperformance3502]

You honestly think Kobe is better than Kareem? I don’t even think Kobe is better than Shaq and Duncan

[@StarWarNerd]

@@mperformance3502 he better than Lebron

[@JohnDavidRivera]

Better than Magic, Bird, Lebron, Wilt, Russell.... MJ and Bean are in a class of their own.

[@jordanross8561]

Exactly

[@noneck2549]

@@JohnDavidRivera lmaoo These Kobe fans are getting out hand

[@OGMillyMillz_]

They always talk about this every year!

[@tagamial]

And I was fortunate enough to watch the showtime Lakers on local TV as a kid !

[@dasninjastix]

Just, for me, it'd be impossible to leave Wilt Chamberlain off the Mount Rushmore of NBA players. 4 is too short a list when you consider all Russell did for the game, Wilt and Kareem, Oscar Robinson and Dr. J, Magic and Bird, Jordan, Bryant, and LeBron. At a certain point these comparisons and rankings just stop making sense the more you think about them because of who gets left off. Wilt Chamberlain may be the most dominant player to ever play basketball in its history.

[@christopherstone2546]

Exactly! The man averaged 50 points for a season!!!

[@stebypeters8188]

Imagine prime shaq playing in wilts era

[@mightymochi6320]

Yea but he excelled during a time when the competition was incredibly lackluster. The skills and talent of those players back in Wilt’s time pale in comparison to the talent of the 80s / 90s to today.

[@WestAucklandRhymes]

@@mightymochi6320 wilt literally schooling a prime kareem as a late 30s old man, if wilt aint on that list take kareem off too

[@lovyng]

@@WestAucklandRhymes NO, KOBE AND OR MAGIC HAS TO GO WILT MUST BE ON

[@ESLO7054]

😂 Jays list still included MJ on the top! Even the producers know who is on top!

[@Dburrna21]

Thank you Jwill! I have new found respect for you

[@BigRelly1]

The skyhook, greatest individual move in sports history. Nothing else in all of sports is as unstoppable as that move.

[@bhill005]

A lot to say here. When we talk about an NBA Mt. Rushmore, I think it's deeper than what we simply see on one's basketball resume. Because if it were that simple, why don't we just put the top 4 on the official listing there and call it a day? It's not that simple. What I feel is most important in this debate are the players who had the biggest transcending impact on the game. No such set of players have done that more than Jordan, Bird, and Magic. Jordan has established himself as The GOAT. Yet, the way Bird and Magic are etched in history together, they have to share such a mantle. You can't tell the story of those two without speaking of the other. Especially, when you regard what they did during the Golden Era of the NBA. For the fourth slot, it feels criminal leaving Bill Russell off of that list. We're talking about the greatest champion in the NBA's history. Some may discredit by saying he did that in a league with only 8-10 existing franchises. It's still a feat that may never be touched, let alone surpassed. Yet, Bill Russell is also one of the most important figures in the game's history due to his involvement within the Civil Rights Movement. We wouldn't be talking about the likes of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, or a Shaquille O'Neal if it wasn't for the likes of Bill Russell opening up those doors of opportunity. An accomplishment like that is bigger than the game of basketball itself. You have to honor that to every degree possible. So, regarding what we're talking about here, what better way to do so than to put that man's face on the NBA Mt. Rushmore? This is such a tough list because several players are very deserving of this kind of honor. Yet, again, in my eyes, one's iconic transcendence is most important here. The one's who set the greatest impact on not only how the game is played, but the diversity within basketball culture itself. No names have done that more than Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Bill Russell.

[@Tolandruth]

That’s my list but as much as I dislike Lebron he needs to be on there.

[@user-iv9ei2ft1i]

If we’re talking about influence and impact then the Rushmore list is mj, bron, Kobe and Steph.

[@bhill005]

@@Tolandruth If we’re breaking it down to a basketball resume standpoint, then LeBron absolutely belongs there. But, my problem is the honor of a Mt. Rushmore sounds too unique to be that simple of a rewarding. I think about the actual Mt. Rushmore. Why Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln were chosen as the faces of that monument. It’s because they all represent some of the most pivotal moments that shaped American history. And, if we’re going to do that for the NBA, we need to think of such a crop of players that influenced the league in the same way. As great as LBJ is, he’s not one of those players to have done such to the level of the four I’ve listed.

[@Tolandruth]

@@bhill005 if using the Mount Rushmore defense American history stopped after 1919 Roosevelt’s last year in office it was started building in 1927 so that’s why you got those presidents. You can’t tell the history of nba last 20 years without Lebron and what he did about creating super teams and dictating where he can go.

[@bhill005]

@@user-iv9ei2ft1i I wholeheartedly disagree. Remember, I stated that it’s criminal to leave a guy like Bill Russell off of an NBA Mt. Rushmore. The guys you listed would have probably never been spoken of in the way we all see them today if it wasn’t for the transcendence Bill had placed. That’s how important he is to the NBA as a landscape. As far as Bron and my Philly brother, Kobe, God rest his soul, they simply carry the torch that MJ beared. It was passed down to Kobe, then down to LeBron. Their careers have been predicated around chasing MJ’s greatness, living up to the gold standard that HE set. So how can we place them on the same plane of influence? I’m sorry, but we simply can’t. As far as Steph Curry, I don’t think he’s there yet to receive such an honor. When it’s all said and done for him, maybe. We don’t even regard him currently as a top 10 player, he’s never even truly been the face of the NBA, despite him being the “Golden Boy.” There are plenty others above that have placed greater importance on the shaping of the league. And, to be honest, I don’t think any modern day player belongs on the NBA Mt. Rushmore.

[@T.H.E.O.R.Y.]

Jordan, James, Jabbar, Russell. That's my Mt. Rushmore.

[@dantealoving]

I'd replace James with Magic but i have them at 4 and 5 so cant argue too much about your list.

[@JuanMedina-ml1qx]

Both are great My Rushmore MJ LeBron Kareem Wilt

[@andreward8268]

Acceptable

[@Aj4youtube]

Once every 25 years, the NBA Gods gather in Cleveland. Man that was special.

[@aperson5770]

Two players who I believe should be in any NBA Mount Rushmore are Steph Curry and Bill Russell. Steph Curry changed the way that the game is played, from the 1 to 5 position, everyone shoots more and more threes because of Curry. When he came into the league, teams were averaging 18.1 3-point attemtps a game. In 2022, it has nearly doubled to 35.3 3-point attempts per game. All because of him I sadly did not get to watch him play, but I did not need to in order to understand that Bill Russell is the greatest winner of all time. 11 championships in 13 years with 5 MVPs should be enough for any Mount Rushmore. I wholeheartedly understand the argument of Kareem, but you can not leave the greatest winner of all time out of the Mount Rushmore. That being said, my Mount Rushmore would be: - Curry (changed the way game is played in the term of 3-pointers) - Lebron (historic career, doing what has never been done before with his pure longevity and dominance) - Jordan (6 of 6 in finals. At worst top 2 all time. Has given athletes a blueprint of what to do in order to keep a legacy and never die out, with the Jordan brand, his ownership of the Hornets, 'The Last Dance' docu-series along with his pure dominance on the floor) - Bill Russell (The greatest winner in NBA history, and maybe in any sport. Unarguably the most decorated NBA player of all time with accolades with winning combined: 12 All Star, 11 All-NBA, 5 MVPs, and 11 Championships (his last season was the first season Finals MVP was introduced, and it was literally named after him.)

[@dma67111]

I will not have Steph on it until I see his full career play out. In 6 years we’ll revisit this comment

[@barehands9614]

He changed the game... so what. He's still SERIOUSLY lacking in accolades compared to kareem, magic and a few others. What he earned for changing the game is fair and that was his 2 MVPs, Which doesn't eclipse magic's 3 mvps or kareem's 6, Not even mentioning FMVPs which curry has none of.

[@tb4151]

He doesn’t have those accolades yet, not saying he can’t get there but let’s wait a bit on that he’s not there yet

[@johnave4084]

Curry and the warriors are the reasons why nba became soft and less exciting 😂

[@jarviswilliams2465]

Michael, Magic, Kareem, Wilt, Russell that's it

[@ithper]

😂 what a joke without Bron.

[@lottasmoke7331]

Big ups to jwill for showing respect to the all time great legend Kobe Bryant which a lot media refuses to do

[@ericksantos4555]

Kobe is respected, he's just not in the top 5 for most people. That's not disrespect.

[@HunnedStack]

the hate for kobe from all the media brain washing is REAL

[@pky6869]

Kobe belongs on the NBA Mount Rushmore. Period!

[@-.TS.-]

I may receive a lot of flame for this, but I put Wilt over Magic. I’ve never seen Wilt play, but the numbers are out of a video game. The fact that he showed the league he can lead in assists just shows how much greater her was compared to his competition.

[@poppasmurf3670]

Yeah you're absolutely crazy. All those numbers and he won 2 rings. And he lost to Bill Russel all those years. Plus his competition was short white dudes. He was 7 feet tall

[@p4t21ck]

Wilt gets so much disrespect it's infuriating. The league changed the rules because he was TOO GOOD. The rule changes of the Jordan Era and since have benefited offensive players, and they still will never catch Wilts numbers.

[@blackcapone187]

The same wilt who won 2 championships while going up against mechanics?

[@Rich.as.in.spirit]

Yeah I saw a interview where he said people complained about him always dunking so he only took mid range shots. He’s definitely a mythical player

[@Rich.as.in.spirit]

@@poppasmurf3670 bill Russell had like 3-4 hall of fame players on his team the same Situation bron was in vs the kd warriors and spurs

[@hugoprospero9941]

My top 10. 1.MJ 2.Lebron 3.Kareem 4.Magic 5.Bill Russel 6.Wilt 7.Bird 8.Shaq 9.Duncan 10.Kobe

[@umlilo637]

Good list

[@user-yj1qn9bq3r]

Good list, although not even Shaq would put himself over Duncan

[@TheOne0816]

No complaints!

[@lionelsheja6381]

Good List. I would put Wilt lower.

[@andreward8268]

Respectful List....

[@traybryant4722]

Thank you j will.!!!!!!

[@mikelo142]

Mike, Kobe, Larry Legend, Magic

[@killerproadidasthekillersq5230]

any person ever realize Bill Russell was the first person to win 6-7 rings straight from 1959 to 1965

[@michaelsevilla3226]

that was the weakest era in nba history no salary cap or free agency russell had at least 7 all stars on his team and only 10 teams in the league at that time alot less competitive

[@dantealoving]

@@michaelsevilla3226 Todays Euro Soft no defense era is the Weakest. Oscar Robertson, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Willis Reed, Bob Petit, and a lot of other great players were in the Russell Era.

[@ChristiaanHartNibbrig]

Bravo, Stephen A.! ... An eloquent, reasoned argument for Magic's inclusion on the NBA's Rushmore. MJ is number one. (don't forget MJ's great defense; he was an all-NBA defensive player; won defensive player of the year, one of only two guards in NBA history to do that.)

[@TiTixWhite]

One of only two guards? The award was practically given only to guards for its first few years until the 90s when it became a Center award

[@ChristiaanHartNibbrig]

@@TiTixWhite I was mistaken; there have been five, not two, guards who have won defensive player of the year in the last forty years. I stand corrected.

[@Youngmoneycashmoney]

@@ChristiaanHartNibbrig yeah just stop meat eating mj

[@justint1217]

😂😂😂💯

[@solosmith6023]

My NBA Mt Rushmore is The late,great Wilt Chamberlain,Kareem,Michael and The late Kobe B.

[@alia4682]

Mine is Jordan, Lebron, Kobe , and curry (in no particular order). Just feel like those people changed the game the most and are the most iconic to me

[@CDoinWork]

Mj, Lebron, Kareem and Magic/Bird that’s the real Mount Rushmore 👈🏼

[@skymccloud]

Lebron shouldn’t be on it

[@madballer101]

@@skymccloud Give me your basketball Card right now. LeBron absolutely belongs in the Mt. Rushmore. The only debate is if he is one, two or three.

[@ghfdt368]

Im pretty tired of Bird not getting the respect he deserves. People acting like because he was white he doesn't belong in the top 10. You realise he is only one of 3 players to have 3 MVP's in a row next to Wilt and Russell? has 2 finals MVP's and 3 rings which very very few players have ever achieved. He averaged 10 rebounds for a career in an era with Moses Malone, Patrick Ewing, Bill Lambeer,Kareem and Hakeem. Not to mention that Jordan never won a SINGLE GAME against him in the playoffs. I dont care what Stephen A says about Magic and his smile, Bird was just as influential and one couldnt have been as great as the other due to their rivalry and very close friendship making them better players,For me if Magic is 5 Bird has to be 6.They approached the game differently but Bird approached basketball as a assassin mentality which Jordan and Kobe later adopted. He was called Larry Legend for a reason.

[@rudy2861]

Bird use to destroy MJ it’s really wild he doesn’t get the respect he deserves

[@jamarcusjenkins4282]

He played on a super team though that’s what hurts him

[@dthreezy]

His teams beat Jordans teams because they were stacked with hall of famers, The only time Bird was ever better than MJ as an individual player was MJs rookie year and even that’s debatable

[@rudy2861]

@@jamarcusjenkins4282 so did MJ

[@dantealoving]

Bird is in everyones top 10! Just not top 4

[@brocky]

I didn't see it that way but J Will brings up a great point about Kobe. Not that I needed his approval to have Kobe up there. I have: Jordan, Kobe, LeBron, Steph Curry

[@PaulLutzky-he6zf]

One episode Stephen a smith has bill russell in his Rushmore and another has magic. Cmon man he consistent

[@brandosantana5160]

I agree with J Williams 100%

[@kabagemayannick5097]

STOP 🛑

[@michaelbarrett8379]

Respect to J Will for saying what everybody else dont WANT to say

[@otrnam1]

Kobe’s not in the first 4 sorry. Kobe belongs between 5-10.

[@khoado123]

sorry Kobe is not top 5. He may not even be top 10

[@gzk13kc28]

For real i dont know what is the media's problem

[@mattblock6616]

@@khoado123 kobe is top 10. Stop the hate

[@khoado123]

@@mattblock6616 since when speaking facts and truth is hate ?

[@theritebowl9972]

Shoutout jwill for respecting the bean!!

[@deezyloaded6137]

steph should be on the mount rushmore bc of how hes revolutionized the 3pt line and how huge hes made jumpshots in the nba today

[@mikemills8568]

He has no defensive skills

[@everdash]

WHY DO PEOPLE always bring up Shaq when they want to diminish Kobe, but they always have Magic and Kareem in their Top 5 together, yet say nothing? Tired of the hypocrisy.

[@DFlowetry]

Right you speaking facts

[@josephcampbell3718]

Facts!! Kareem won his first ring without magic and magic never won without him but nobody downplays him but Kobe wins his first 3 with Shaq and he gets criticized!! These haters need to be consistent with they arguments

[@pikachureynolds1110]

@@josephcampbell3718 especially when the say who you do you want to build your teams around, they always say LeBron or shaq blah blah blah corny stuff, but yet bird and magic brought titles in their first and 2nd seasons, respectively.

[@miguelalicea9412]

My top 10 1. Michael Jordan 2. Lebron Jame 3. Kareem 4. Magic 5. Wilt 6. Bill 7. Shaq 8. Kobe 9. Tim 10. Hakeem

[@josephzarrell4456]

this is an extremely fair list

[@liltoon6215]

I can agree

[@cain2k]

I like this list 👍

[@sammyvarma6743]

no bird?

[@PeanutButterAndJellyBros]

replace hakeem with kobe's spot.

[@strongbone9471]

Jordan James Bill Russell And either bird or Johnson. Jordan shot NBA's popularity to the global level. The guy hasn't played in years and his shoes are still being weared. Inspired players like kobe, Wade, Iverson, and kyrie. James helped form the modern day superteams. He. Broke the 4th wall by going to the heat during free agency and helped open the doors for other superstars to be more incentive to use free agency and form super teams. Bill Russell was a great player who helped out during the Civil rights movement. Helping to inspire further players generations later to become activist. And either bird or magic honestly. Both helped save the NBA when it was on the brink of collapse and bankruptcy.

[@mako4874]

magic is so underrated - he should be a lock top 3 all time. 9 times in finals in 12 years- five of them chips. thats a winner.

[@thatguyjoe3649]

Tim Duncan should be number 3 if that's Jay-wills argument. Talk about who had less help Kobe or Duncan lol. I don't wanna hear about Duncan having a great coach either, because both Kobe and MJ had Phil Jackson. While Duncan got his 5 rings with less star help than Kobe, while having arguably better accolades than Kobe.

[@thetruth1024]

I know I love how they ignore that Kobe had freaking Shaq and Shaq got all three MVPs for their wins not Kobe. How can Kobe be on Rushmore when he wasn’t even the best player on his team…

[@chrisflo24]

@@thetruth1024 fair point but Shaq was the most dominant force at that time. Had Jordan, Lebron or any other superstar played with this Shaq. Shaq would had still walked away with a finals mvp so it's not a knock on Kobe. He did close it though when Shaq was a liability in the 4th.

[@thetruth1024]

@@chrisflo24 Alright. Say I give you that. Any great all-star swing man from that era like PP, VC, TMac, Ray Allen, etc. probably gets those first three championships playing with Shaq, so how much do they really mean towards Kobe’s goat status? Also, Kobe playing hero ball and trying so hard to get a finals MVP was the main reason they lost to Detroit. He shot 38% and 17% from three. So that is why in the goat conversation, I give edge to the guy who also has the finals (and League) MVP to go with the rings. I have both Shaq and TD ahead of Kobe for example.

[@bignut3348]

A Mount Rushmore is made of founding fathers of the sport. The real mt Rushmore should be bill Russell, Kareem, wilt, Jerry west.

[@joeljohnson6137]

Hmmmmmm Take West out more like NBA face Rushmore

[@bignut3348]

@@DeeRG Notice how I added the word sport Dee. You wouldn’t put Brady on a football Rushmore, you wouldn’t put Messi on a soccer Rushmore, you wouldn’t put Lewis Hamilton on a F1 Rushmore, you wouldn’t put Mike Trout on a baseball Rushmore. It’s for the generations who set the foundations. Go be condescending elsewhere.

[@alonzobarraza426]

100% agree with JWill

[@jezreeldelatina3765]

Nice!!! Kobeeee!!

[@steplaland]

Russell-60s, Magic-80s, Jordan-90s, 00s-Kobe, 10s- Lebron. The 70s should have been owned by Kareem. He didn’t so not on my Rushmore.

[@dreamcage1801]

Dr. J owns the 70s

[@ThePatman1980]

Jay Williams' real Top 5 GOATs LeBron, Kobe, KD, Steph, Giannis Jay's disrespect for Jordan or anybody before 2000 is sickening. Former Bull too.

[@retrosoul8770]

I agree.

[@markozbunjol625]

i mean, he has Curry and KD above Hakeem lol also Stephen also has it lol

[@madballer101]

@@markozbunjol625 I don't have a huge problem with putting Curry and KD over Hakeem. Hakeem was super nice. But given the era and conference he played in, he should absolutely have had more than two finals appearances. We should have gotten to see Hakeem vs Jordan. Now obviously that isn't all on Hakeem. One year Jordan was retired and the other Jordan lost to the Magic. But Jordan was there 6 other times.

[@bobbydigital3421]

@@madballer101 You do know the West when Hakeem played was a juggernaut right?

[@madballer101]

@@bobbydigital3421 Lol what Juggernaut? Hakeem was the only top 15 all-time great player in the conference and there were zero other all time great teams. I don’t want to hear that garbage

[@pky6869]

Agree with Jwill!

[@Nohopesify]

Extremely tough, MJ, kareem, Lebron, Magic, Bill Russell (even though there were only so few teams but he dominated wilt everytime they went head to head), tim duncan

[@jaimejaimes3773]

If Luka keeps putting numbers up at this rate and wins at least 3/4 NBA titles in the next 10 years we could make a case he belongs on that Mount Rushmore. This dude put the cherry on top for European/International players PROVING that they can ball in the best league in the world. Greatness awaits 🔥

[@lorenzoascevero1286]

Yes sirr 🔥 Luka magic

[@Mark-xl1ze]

This

[@secondchance5080]

Could say that about every other player in the league

[@andreward8268]

Luka??????? He will need to change his game to include others.

[@jaimejaimes3773]

@@andreward8268 wym? His game is unmatched NO ONE CAN GUARD HIM 100% of the time

[@ThePatman1980]

Since the death of his younger bro and padawan, Kobe, it's nice that MJ is changing. He's finally climbing out of his shell. He was Bruce Wayne in between The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. Now you're seeing the pre-1993 MJ again.

[@lionelsheja6381]

Jay Williams I love you 😌😂😘😘😘😘

[@intergalacticmuffin7071]

Hey Guys and Girls can i ask a serious question as i am sure there are a lot of basketball heads here far more knowledgeable about the game then me. Why is wilt chamberlain always ignored not mentioned or put so low on any ones list i get the dude only won 2 chips but he was an alien athlete and he did play against bill russell and his 5 other hof team mates and the 2 times wilt had a good team around him he won . is it just because of chips or something else because from an athletic stand point you could argue he is the goat.

[@Sherdwood38]

Bill Russell Wilt chamberlain Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant Stephen curry That's my opinion

[@madballer101]

What is this your favorite players to watch list? Where is Allen Iverson at?

[@Sherdwood38]

Love ai but I like Stephen curry a little more just my opinion

[@madballer101]

@@Sherdwood38 Can't say I disagree with you. I would say Curry over AI too. AI put on a show. But the sharp shooting of Curry is like playing a video game on rookie with all the sliders turned up.

[@Sherdwood38]

I'm tell you something I use to be a Huge shawn Kemp fan growing up

[@GOD_DARRYL]

When Stephen a smith says “ Russell “ , he’s talking about Bill Russell not Russell Westbrook for the younger generation

[@gee-ohh5586]

Are we acknowledging championships? If so Bill Russell should be on there, also Jerry West did make about 10 NBA finals appearances 🤷‍♂️

[@gamingbuddhadxb142]

Slow news day! How many times we going to hear this topic?!?!

[@donjuandemarco4529]

The fact that JWill removed KAJ in favor of KBB is a testament of his flaws in evaluating greatness, no wonder he put up LBJ above MJJ...he needs to learn more....MJJ all day...

[@YouReallyDontKnow]

You can make a case for lebron being better than mj. Whether you like it or not the fact remains that nobody is wrong if they say lebron is the best all time and nobody is wrong if they say mj is the best all time. They are just 2 great players with 2 great resumes. You can’t make a case for Kobe being better than Kareem. Kobe is an all time great for sure, but there’s no case to be made for him.

[@donjuandemarco4529]

@@YouReallyDontKnow maybe you're right that I can't say that someone is wrong telling Bron is better than MJ (though I disagree) cause it's their opinion...but what I can say is that they are delusional...

[@ThePatman1980]

MJ's last 20 years is like Johnny Lawrence's last 30+ years where he's still stuck in the 80s... MJ stuck in neutral. Good to see Zabka go from hated 80s villain to a Cobra Kai icon. MJ ready to do the same? Willing to embrace people again?

[@kingpinstatus916]

WTH are you talking about?!?!! Michael Jordan has NEVER left the game of Basketball during that time. Do you see how many athletes wear Jordan Brand gym shoes since then, not to mention he's been at least the co owner of the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets for over a decade now. Do you think all that time he had NO interaction with any players or media personalities?!!? 🤦🏽‍♂️Where have you been?!?!?🤷🏽‍♂️

[@neworleans018]

MJ > 24 LeBron > Magic Steph > Bird 🐦 Giannis - To be decided > Dream is the best big man. -Giannis is Kd height 6'11 -Westbrooks Athletism -Shaqs Strength 💪 -Lebrons Dominance -Kobes Work Ethic - Westbrooks Ballhandle, Motor , Body , Aggression , Energy , Toughness -Rodmans Defense and Rebounding -D Rose Humility

[@albertburrola9042]

Do not forget Manu Gnobli! This a bad dude right there