Mount Rushmore for Every NBA Team
Face it, bucketheads. When it comes to the NBA Mount Rushmore, Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James have taken hammer and chisel to just about every contrary opinion.
But why have one argument when we can have 30 of them, or one for each team? Who makes the cut on the loaded Celtics and Lakers franchises? What about the Hornets/Pelicans and Timberwolves? Um, can you name four Hornets/Pelicans and Timberwolves? See, this ain’t so easy.
Now, let's have some fun.
Note: The goal was to be fair regardless of era. The main criteria were personal and team achievements as well as NBA historical significance. All players were eligible, but no coaches, executives, broadcasters or mascots.
Tri-Cities Blackhawks/Milwaukee/St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks
CLIFF HAGAN, FORWARD
NBA career: 10 seasons, all with Hawks (1956-66)
NBA career statistics: 18.0 points/6.9 rebounds/3.0 assists per game
Win shares/82: 8.3
League championships: 1 (1958)
LOU HUDSON, FORWARD/GUARD
Career: 13 seasons (1966-79)
Years with Hawks: 11 seasons (1966-77)
Career statistics: 20.2/4.4/2.7
Statistics with Hawks: 22.0/4.9/2.9
Win shares/82: 8.3
League championships: None
BOB PETTIT, FORWARD/CENTER
Career: 11 seasons, all with Hawks (1954-65)
Career statistics: 26.4/16.2/3.0
Win shares/82: 14.1
League championships: 1 (1958)
DOMINIQUE WILKINS, FORWARD
Career: 15 seasons (1982-95, 1996-97, 1998-99)
Years with Hawks: 12 seasons (1982-94)
Career statistics: 24.8/6.7/2.5
Statistics with Hawks: 26.4/6.9/2.6
Win shares/82: 10.0
League championships: None
Bottom Line: Tri-Cities Blackhawks/Milwaukee/St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks
Bob Pettit is the best power forward in NBA history. Tim Duncan spent too much time in the middle.
Cliff Hagan and Pettit were cornerstones with the 1957-58 league champions, the only blemish on the Boston Celtics dynasty.
Wilkins remains the best Hawks player since the team moved to Atlanta five decades ago. Lou Hudson and his sweet stroke outlasted an overcrowded field for the last spot.
Also in the hunt: Zelmo Beaty, Mookie Blaylock, John Drew, Al Horford, Pete Maravich, Dikembe Mutombo.
Boston Celtics
LARRY BIRD, FORWARD
Career: 13 seasons, all with Celtics (1979-92)
Career statistics: 24.3/10.0/6.3
Win shares/82: 13.3
League championships: 3 (1981, 1984, 1986)
BOB COUSY, GUARD
Career: 14 seasons (1950-63, 1969-70)
Career with Celtics: 13 seasons (1950-63)
Career statistics: 18.4/5.2/7.5
Statistics with Celtics: 18.5/5.2/7.6
Win shares/82: 8.1
League championships: 6 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963)
JOHN HAVLICEK, FORWARD/GUARD
Career: 16 seasons, all with Celtics (1962-78)
Career statistics: 20.8/6.3/4.8
Win shares/82: 8.5
League championships: 8 (1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976)
BILL RUSSELL, CENTER
Career: 13 seasons, all with Celtics (1956-69)
Career statistics: 15.1/22.5/4.3
Win shares/82: 13.9
League championships: 11 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969)
Bottom Line: Boston Celtics
Stats-wise, Cooz and The Bearded Wonder didn’t blow anybody away. The only number that counted was 17 as in combined NBA titles.
The heart and soul of the greatest dynasty in pro basketball history were gimmes here.
So were Larry Legend and Hondo.
Boston Celtics 2.0
DAVE COWENS, CENTER
Career: 11 seasons (1970-80, 1982-83)
Years with Celtics: 10 seasons (1970-80)
Career statistics: 17.6/13.6/3.8
Statistics with Celtics: 18.2/14.0/3.9
Win shares/82: 9.5
League championships: 2 (1974, 1976)
SAM JONES, GUARD
Career: 12 seasons, all with Celtics (1957-69)
Career statistics: 17.7/4.9/2.5
Win shares/82: 8.7
League championships: 10 (1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969)
ROBERT PARISH, CENTER
Career: 21 seasons (1976-97)
Years with Celtics: 14 seasons (1980-94)
Career statistics: 14.5/9.1/1.4
Statistics with Celtics: 16.5/10.0/1.5
Win shares/82: 9.1
League championships: 4 (1981, 1984, 1986, 1997)
PAUL PIERCE, FORWARD/GUARD
Career: 19 seasons (1998-2017)
Years with Celtics: 15 seasons (1998-2013)
Career statistics: 19.7/5.6/3.5
Statistics with Celtics: 21.8/6.0/3.9
Win shares/82: 10.3
League championships: 1 (2008)
Bottom Line: Boston Celtics 2.0
Hey, wait! The Celtics have won 24 percent of all BAA-NBA Finals ever played, remember? Didn’t think four guys could do them justice, did you?
Even then, accomplished players such as Tommy Heinsohn, Ed Macauley, Kevin McHale and Bill Sharman were left off the mountain.
Heck, we’d take that quartet over many of the others.
New York/New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets
VINCE CARTER, GUARD/FORWARD
Career: 22 seasons (1998-present)
Years with Nets: five seasons (2004-09)
Career statistics: 16.7/4.3/3.1
Statistics with Nets: 23.6/5.8/4.7
Win shares/82: 9.6
League championships: None
RICHARD JEFFERSON, FORWARD
Career: 17 seasons (2001-18)
Years with Nets: 7 seasons (2001-08)
Career statistics: 12.6/4.0/2.0
Statistics with Nets: 17.4/5.4/3.0
Win shares/82: 8.5
League championships: 1 (2016)
JASON KIDD, GUARD
Career: 19 seasons (1994-2013)
Years with Nets: 8 seasons (2001-08)
Career statistics: 12.6/6.3/8.7
Statistics with Nets: 14.6/7.2/9.1
Win shares/82: 9.2
League championships: 1 (2011)
BUCK WILLIAMS, FORWARD
Career: 17 seasons (1981-98)
Years with Nets: 8 seasons (1981-89)
Career statistics: 12.8/10.0/1.3
Statistics with Nets: 16.4/11.9/1.5
Win shares/82: 8.1
League championships: None
Bottom Line: New York/New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets
The truth is, we prefer the ABA version of Rick Barry Julius Erving, Larry Kenon and Billy Paultz over this one.
Richard Jefferson and Jason Kidd starred for the 2002-03 NBA Finals teams that got toasted both times. Vince Carter and Buck Williams played their best ball in red, white and blue.
Sorry, that’s all we got.
Also considered: Derrick Coleman and Bubbles Hawkins. Bubbles Hawkins? Yeah, Bubbles Hawkins. It's fun to write Bubbles Hawkins, OK?
Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets
MUGGSY BOGUES, GUARD
Career: 14 seasons (1987-2001)
Years with Hornets: 10 seasons (1988-98)
Career statistics: 7.7/2.6/7.6
Statistics with Hornets: 8.8/2.9/8.8
Win shares/82: 5.8
League championships: None
LARRY JOHNSON, FORWARD
Career: 10 seasons (1991-2001)
Years with Hornets: 5 seasons (1991-96)
Career statistics: 16.2/7.5/3.3
Statistics with Hornets: 19.6/9.2/4.1
Win shares/82: 8.9
League championships: None
GLEN RICE, FORWARD
Career: 15 seasons (1989-2004)
Years with Hornets: 3 seasons (1995-98)
Career statistics: 18.3/4.4/2.1
Statistics with Hornets: 23.5/4.4/2.4
Win shares/82: 9.7
League championships: 2000
KEMBA WALKER, GUARD
Career: eight seasons, all with Bobcats (2011-present)
Career statistics: 20.0/3.8/5.4
Win shares/82: 6.6
League championships: None
Bottom Line: Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets
After three stellar seasons, Alonzo Mourning bolted to Miami before he could carve his niche.
Glen Rice spent a like number of years with the team, which posted its best two regular-season win totals with him in the role of top gun.
Muggsy and L.J. were fixtures in the 1990s, the most successful decade in franchise history.
Also considered: Gerald Wallace.
Chicago Bulls
MICHAEL JORDAN, GUARD
Career: 15 seasons (1984-93, 1994-98, 2001-03)
Years with Bulls: 13 seasons (1984-93)
Career statistics: 30.1/6.2/5.3
Statistics with Bulls: 31.5/6.3/5.4
Win shares/82: 18.0
League championships: 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
SCOTTIE PIPPEN, FORWARD
Career: 17 seasons (1987-2004)
Years with Bulls: 12 seasons (1987-98, 2003-04)
Career statistics: 16.1/6.4/5.2
Statistics with Bulls: 17.7/6.7/5.3
Win shares/82: 9.6
League championships: 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
DERRICK ROSE, GUARD
Career: 11 seasons (2008-present)
Years with Bulls: 8 seasons (2008-12, 2013-16)
Career statistics: 18.8/3.4/5.6
Statistics with Bulls: 19.7/3.7/6.2
Win Shares/82: 6.3
League championships: None
JERRY SLOAN, GUARD/FORWARD
Career: 11 seasons (1965-76)
Years with Bulls: 10 seasons (1966-76)
Career statistics: 14.0/7.4/2.5
Statistics with Bulls: 14.7/7.7/2.6
Win shares/82: 5.7
League championships: None
Bottom Line: Chicago Bulls
Let’s put Michael Jordan on Mount Kilimanjaro, shall we? We'll also reserve a small space for Scottie Pippen, Robin to his Batman.
Local die-hards have always had a soft spot for Jerry Sloan, the heart of the blood-and-guts Bulls teams of old.
D-Rose was a somewhat tragic figure — health problems hastened a messy divorce — but his MVP season and Chicago roots earned him a place here.
Honorable mention: Artis Gilmore, Joakim Noah, Chet Walker.
Cleveland Cavaliers
BRAD DAUGHERTY, CENTER
Career: 8 seasons, all with Cavaliers (1986-94)
Career statistics: 19.0/9.5/3.7
Wins shares/82: 9.8
League championships: None
KYRIE IRVING, GUARD
Career: 8 seasons (2011-present)
Years with Cavaliers: 6 seasons (2011-17)
Career statistics: 22.4/3.7/5.7
Statistics with Cavaliers: 21.6/3.4/5.5
Win shares/82: 8.7
League championships: 1 (2016)
LEBRON JAMES, FORWARD/GUARD
Career: 16 seasons (2003-present)
Years with Cavaliers: 11 seasons (2003-10, 2014-18)
Career statistics: 27.1/7.4/7.4
Statistics with Cavaliers: 27.2/7.3/7.3
Win shares/82: 14.9
League championships: 3 (2012, 2013, 2016)
MARK PRICE, GUARD
Career: 12 seasons (1986-98)
Years with Cavaliers: 9 seasons (1986-95)
Career statistics: 15.2/2.6/6.7
Statistics with Cavaliers: 16.4/2.6/7.2
Win shares/82: 9.2
League championships: None
Bottom Line: Cleveland Cavaliers
We would have liked to include a member of the Miracle of Richfield team, which was all the rage in the mid-1970s, but this foursome accomplished too much to break up.
Uncle Drew and King James did the unthinkable — brought a league championship to The Land.
If not for that Jordan guy, Mark Price and Brad Daugherty might have done it sooner.
Honorable mention: Austin Carr, Jim Chones, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Kevin Love, Larry Nance.
Dallas Mavericks
MARK AGUIRRE, FORWARD
Career: 13 seasons (1981-94)
Years with Mavericks: 8 seasons (1981-89)
Career statistics: 20.0/5.0/3.1
Statistics with Mavericks: 24.6/5.7/3.8
Win shares/82: 7.1
League championships: 2 (1989, 1990)
ROLANDO BLACKMAN, GUARD
Career: 13 seasons (1981-1994)
Years with Mavericks: 11 seasons (1981-92)
Career statistics: 18.0/3.3/3.0
Statistics with Mavericks: 19.2/3.6/3.2
Win shares/82: 6.7
League championships: None
DIRK NOWITZKI, FORWARD
Career: 21 seasons, all with Mavericks (1998-19)
Career statistics: 20.7/7.5/2.4
Win shares/82: 11.2
League championships: 1 (2011)
JASON TERRY, GUARD
Career: 19 seasons (1999-2018)
Years with Mavericks: eight seasons (2004-12)
Career statistics: 13.4/2.3/3.8
Statistics with Mavericks: 16.1/2.3/4.1
League championships: 1 (2011)
Bottom Line: Dallas Mavericks
We like the synergy here.
Ziggy and Ro from the near-miss Mavs of the '80s, Dirk and The Jet from the teen champs.
Perfect.
In the mix: Michael Finley, Steve Nash.
Denver Nuggets
CARMELO ANTHONY, FORWARD
Career: 17 seasons (2003-present)
Years with Nuggets: 8 seasons (2003-11)
Career statistics: 23.6/6.5/2.9
Statistics with Nuggets: 24.8/6.3/3.1
Win Shares/82: 7.8
League championships: None
ALEX ENGLISH, FORWARD
Career: 15 seasons (1976-1991)
Years with Nuggets: 11 seasons (1979-90)
Career statistics: 21.5/5.5/3.6
Statistics with Nuggets: 25.9/5.6/4.4
Win shares/82: 8.2
League championships: None
DAN ISSEL, CENTER/FORWARD
Career: 9 seasons, all with Nuggets (1976-85)
Career statistics: 20.4/7.9/2.5
Win shares/82: 9.7
League championships: None
DAVID THOMPSON, GUARD/FORWARD
Career: 8 seasons (1976-84)
Years with Nuggets: 6 seasons (1976-82)
Career statistics: 22.1/3.8/3.2
Statistics with Nuggets: 23.7/3.9/3.4
Win shares/82:
League championships: None
Bottom Line: Denver Nuggets
Carmelo Anthony, Alex English and Dan Issel were givens. That left David Thompson versus Dikembe Mutombo in a duel of three-time All-Star selections.
Known as "Skywalker" for his outrageous physical talents, Thompson packed the wow factor before personal demons took him down. Mutombo was the finger-wagging fly swatter and co-instigator of one of the greatest upsets in postseason history.
Thompson got the promotion for two reasons: 1) his ABA roots with the franchise, and 2) his insane 73-point game, the fourth-most points in a game in league history.
Fort Wayne/Detroit Pistons
CHAUNCEY BILLUPS, GUARD
Career: 17 seasons (1997-2014)
Years with Pistons: 8 seasons (2002-09, 2013-14)
Career statistics: 15.2/2.9/5.4
Statistics with Pistons: 16.5/3.2/6.2
Win shares/82: 12.5
League championships: 1 (2004)
JOE DUMARS, GUARD
Career: 14 seasons, all with Pistons (1985-99)
Career statistics: 16.1/2.2/4.5
Win shares/82: 6.9
League championships: 2 (1989, 1990)
BOB LANIER, CENTER
Career: 14 seasons (1970-84)
Years with Pistons: 10 seasons (1970-80)
Career statistics: 20.1/10.1/3.1
Statistics with Pistons: 22.7/11.8/3.3
Win shares/82: 11.0
League championships: None
ISIAH THOMAS, GUARD
Career: 13 seasons, all with Pistons (1981-94)
Career statistics: 19.2/3.6/9.3
Win shares/82: 6.8
League championships: 2 (1989, 1990)
Bottom Line: Fort Wayne/Detroit Pistons
Where’s Bill Laimbeer, the franchise win shares leader? Sorry, we didn’t want some crazed fan to chisel off his nose or worse.
Fellow Bad Boy Isiah Thomas did make the grade along with good guy Joe Dumars, his longtime backcourt partner.
We also gave some love to Chauncey Billups, a four-time All-Star and one-time NBA Finals MVP.
The luckless Bob Lanier was a seven-time All-Star as well as one of the best players without championship bling.
Deserved better: Dave Bing, Grant Hill, Ben Wallace, George Yardley
Philadelphia/San Francisco/Golden State Warriors
RICK BARRY, FORWARD
Career: 10 seasons (1965-67, 1972-80)
Years with Warriors: 8 seasons (1965-67, 1972-78)
Career statistics: 23.2/6.5/5.1
Statistics with Warriors: 25.6/7.3/5.1
Win shares/82: 11.0
League championships: 1 (1975)
WILT CHAMBERLAIN, CENTER
Career: 14 seasons (1959-73)
Years with Warriors: 6 seasons (1959-65)
Career statistics: 30.1/22.9/4.4
Statistics with Warriors: 41.5/25.1/3.0
Win shares/82: 22.1
League championships: 2 (1967, 1972)
STEPHEN CURRY, GUARD
Career: 11 seasons, all with Warriors (2009-present)
Career statistics: 23.5/4.5/6.6
Win shares/82: 12.2
League championships: 2 (2015, 2017, 2018)
NEIL JOHNSTON, CENTER
Career: 8 seasons, all with Warriors (1951-59)
Career statistics: 19.3/11.3/2.5
Win shares/82: 14.6
League championship: 1 (1956)
Bottom Line: Philadelphia/San Francisco/Golden State Warriors
Rick Barry and Stephen Curry claimed spots as league MVPs and champions.
Beyond those crazy numbers of his, Wilt Chamberlain sold the team and league as the first marquee attraction in the Bay Area.
So who the heck is Neil Johnston, new-timers may ask? The best center not named George Mikan in the 1950s, a six-time All-Star, three-time league scoring leader and one-time league champion. He also coached the team to a pair of second-place finishes.
Better not etch these faces in granite yet, though. Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson aren’t done yet.
Also considered: Paul Arizin, Chris Mullin, Nate Thurmond.
San Diego/Houston Rockets
JAMES HARDEN, GUARD
Career: 11 seasons (2009-present)
Years with Rockets: 7 seasons (2012-present)
Career statistics: 25.1/5.3/6.3
Statistics with Rockets: 29.6/6.0/7.7
Win shares/82: 15.1
League championships: None
MOSES MALONE, CENTER/FORWARD
Career: 19 seasons (1976-1995)
Years with Rockets: 6 seasons (1976-82)
Career statistics: 20.6/12.2/1.4
Statistics with Rockets: 24.0/15.0/1.5
Win shares/82: 12.4
League championships: 1 (1983)
HAKEEM OLAJUWON, CENTER
Career: 18 seasons (1984-2002)
Years with Rockets: 17 seasons (1984-2001)
Career statistics: 21.8/11.1/2.5
Statistics with Rockets: 22.5/11.4/2.5
Win shares/82: 11.2
League championships: 2 (1994, 1995)
RUDY TOMJANOVICH, FORWARD
Career: 11 seasons, all with Rockets (1970-81)
Career statistics: 17.4/8.1./2.0
Win shares/82: 7.5
League championships: None
Bottom Line: San Diego/Houston Rockets
We would have liked to include Calvin Murphy on the mountain, but a Roto-Rooter couldn’t move Moses Malone out of the lane. After all, Malone did carry the franchise to its first NBA Finals appearance.
After All-Star selections as a player, Rudy T. coached Clutch City to consecutive league titles with Hakeem Olajuwon in the middle.
As for James Harden, his image will include the famous beard, natch. And, yes, kids will be allowed to hoist themselves up at no charge.
Also considered: Steve Francis, Yao Ming.
Indiana Pacers
PAUL GEORGE, FORWARD/GUARD
Career: 9 seasons (2010-present)
Years with Pacers: 7 seasons (2010-17)
Career statistics: 19.9/6.4/3.3
Statistics with Pacers: 18.1/6.3/3.2
Win shares/82: 8.1
League championships: None
BILLY KNIGHT, FORWARD/GUARD
Career: 9 seasons (1976-85)
Years with Pacers: 6 seasons (1976-83)
Career statistics: 15.7/4.5/2.1
Statistics with Pacers: 17.1/4.8/2.2
Win shares/82: 7.2
League championships: None
REGGIE MILLER, GUARD
Career: 18 seasons, all with Pacers (1987-2005)
Career statistics: 18.2/3.0/3.0
Win shares/82: 10.3
League championships: None
JERMAINE O'NEAL, CENTER/FORWARD
Career: 18 seasons (1996-2014)
Years with Pacers: 8 seasons (2000-08)
Career statistics: 13.2/7.2/1.4
Statistics with Pacers: 18.6/9.6/2.0
Win shares/82: 7.4
League championships: None
Bottom Line: Indiana Pacers
Roger Brown, Mel Daniels, Freddie Lewis and George McGinnis, anyone? OK, then you’ll have to settle for the NBA version that has one fewer league championship than their ABA counterparts of decades past.
Paul George, Jermaine O’Neal and Reggie Miller were set in stone. We wanted a taste of red, white and blue to round out the foursome. As a lethal scorer in both leagues, Billy Knight fit the description better than anyone.
Best of the rest: Dale Davis, Danny Granger, Rik Smits.
Buffalo Braves/San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers
ELTON BRAND, FORWARD
Career: 17 seasons (1999-2016)
Years with Clippers: 7 seasons (2001-08)
Career statistics: 15.9/8.5/2.1
Statistics with Clippers: 20.3/10.3/2.7
Win shares/82: 12.2
League championships: None
BLAKE GRIFFIN, FORWARD
Career: 9 seasons (2010-present)
Years with Clippers: 8 seasons (2010-18)
Career statistics: 21.7/8.8/4.4
Statistics with Clippers: 21.6/9.3/4.2
Win shares/82: 10.6
League championships: None
BOB MCADOO, CENTER/FORWARD
Career: 14 seasons (1972-1986)
Years with Braves: 5 seasons (1972-77)
Career statistics: 22.1/9.4/2.3
Statistics with Braves: 28.2/12.7/2.6
Win shares/82: 12.5
League championships: 2 (1982, 1985)
CHRIS PAUL, GUARD
Career: 15 seasons (2005-present)
Years with Clippers: 6 seasons (2011-17)
Career statistics: 18.5/4.5/9.7
Statistics with Clippers: 18.8/4.2/9.8
Wins shares/82: 15.7
League championships: None
Bottom Line: Buffalo Braves/San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers
Bob McAdoo played less than five seasons in Buffalo, but what a time it was — three scoring titles, three All-Star Game appearances, one league MVP selection.
Blake Griffin and Chris Paul were the heart and soul of the Lob City teams that raised hopes if not banners.
It’s easy to forget how quietly effective Elton Brand was with mostly crummy teams. Stats-wise, he was the runaway winner for the final spot.
Honorable mention: Danny Manning, Randy Smith.
Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers
KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR, CENTER
Career: 20 seasons (1969-1989)
Years with Lakers: 14 seasons (1975-89)
Career statistics: 24.6/11.2/3.6
Statistics with Lakers: 22.1/9.4/3.3
Wins shares/82: 11.9
League championships: 6 (1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
KOBE BRYANT, GUARD
Career: 20 seasons, all with Lakers (1996-2016)
Career statistics: 25.0/5.2/4.7
Wins shares/82: 10.5
League championships: 5 (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010)
MAGIC JOHNSON, GUARD
Career: 13 seasons, all with Lakers (1979-1991, 1995-96)
Career statistics: 19.5/7.2/11.2
Wins shares/82: 14.1
League championship: 5 (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
SHAQUILLE O'NEAL, CENTER
Career: 19 seasons (1992-2011)
Years with Lakers: 8 seasons (1996-2004)
Career statistics: 23.7/10.9/2.5
Statistics with Lakers: 27.0/11.8/3.1
Wins shares/82: 15.5
League championships: 4 (2000, 2001, 2002, 2006)
Bottom Line: Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers
Best Lakers ever? Heck, this Fab Four is on the short list of greatest NBA players of all time — Cap (No. 3), Magic (No. 5), Mamba (No. 6) and Shaq Diesel (No. 7).
There are no fewer than 20 league titles between them, 18 with the Lake Show.
Call this the Mount Rushmore of Mount Rushmores.
Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers 2.0
ELGIN BAYLOR, FORWARD
Career: 14 seasons, all with Lakers (1958-72)
Career statistics: 27.4/13.5/4.3
Wins shares/82: 10.1
League championships: None
WILT CHAMBERLAIN, CENTER
Career: 14 seasons (1959-73)
Years with Lakers: five seasons (1968-73)
Career statistics: 30.1/22.9/4.4
Statistics with Lakers: 17.7/19.2/4.3
Wins shares/82: 15.4
League championships: 2 (1967, 1972)
GEORGE MIKAN, CENTER
Career: 7 seasons, all with Lakers (1948-54, 1955-56)
Career statistics: 23.1/13.4/2.8
Wins shares/82: 20.3
League championships: 5 (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954)
JERRY WEST, GUARD
Career: 14 seasons, all with Lakers (1960-74)
Career statistics: 27.0/5.8/6.7
Wins shares/82: 14.3
League championships: 1 (1972)
Bottom Line: Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers 2.0
Wait — there’s more. A lot more. The Lakers have won 16 NBA titles, you know.
To understand the depth of their history, consider that every one of these B-Teamers-in-name-only would be on the Mount Rushmore of any other franchise in the league, the Boston Celtics included.
By the way, if anyone wanted to flip-flop Shaq and The Logo here, we wouldn’t arm-wrestle for it.
Vancouver/Memphis Grizzlies
MIKE CONLEY, GUARD
Career: 13 seasons (2007-present)
Years with Grizzlies: 12 seasons (2007-19)
Career statistics: 14.8/3.0/5.7
Statistics with Grizzlies: 14.9/3.0/5.7
Wins shares/82: 7.4
League championships: None
MARC GASOL, CENTER
Career: 12 seasons (2008-present)
Years with Grizzlies: 11 seasons (2008-19)
Career statistics: 14.7/7.6/3.7
Statistics with Grizzlies: 15.2/7.7/3.4
Wins shares/82: 8.3
League championships: None
PAU GASOL, FORWARD/CENTER
Career: 18 seasons (2001-19)
Years with Grizzlies: 7 seasons (2001-08)
Career statistics: 17.0/9.2/3.2
Statistics with Grizzlies: 18.8/8.6/3.1
Wins shares/82: 9.3
League championships: 2 (2009, 2010)
ZACH RANDOLPH, FORWARD/CENTER
Career: 17 seasons (2001-18)
Years with Grizzlies: 8 seasons (2009-17)
Career statistics: 16.6/9.1/1.8
Statistics with Grizzlies: 16.8/10.2/2.0
Wins shares/82: 7.6
League championships: None
Bottom Line: Vancouver/Memphis Grizzlies
Marc Gasol, Mike Conley, Pau Gasol and Zach Randolph ranked as the win shares leaders in the rather brief history of the franchise.
We gave Shareef Abdur-Rahim a lovely parting gift as the GVGOAT — Greatest Vancouver Grizzly of All Time.
Also considered: Bryant "Big Country" Reeves. Just because.
Miami Heat
CHRIS BOSH, CENTER/FORWARD
Career: 13 seasons (2003-16)
Years with Heat: 6 seasons (2010-16)
Career statistics: 19.2/8.5/2.0
Statistics with Heat: 18.0/7.3/1.8
Wins shares/82: 9.4
League championships: 2 (2012, 2013)
LEBRON JAMES, FORWARD/GUARD
Career: 16 seasons (2003-19)
Years with Heat: 4 seasons (2010-14)
Career statistics: 27.1/7.4/7.4
Statistics with Heat: 26.9/7.6/6.7
Wins shares/82: 18.2
League championships: 3 (2012, 2013, 2016)
ALONZO MOURNING, CENTER
Career: 15 seasons (1992-2008)
Years with Heat: 11 seasons (1995-02, 2004-08)
Career statistics: 17.1/8.5/1.1
Statistics with Heat: 16.0/8.1/1.1
Wins shares/82: 9.0
League championships: 1 (2006)
DWYANE WADE, GUARD
Career: 16 seasons (2003-19)
Years with Heat: 16 seasons (2003-present)
Career statistics: 22.0/4.7/5.4
Statistics with Heat: 22.7/4.7/5.6
Wins shares/82: 10.1
League championships: 3 (2006, 2012, 2013)
Bottom Line: Miami Heat
Chris Bosh and Tim Hardaway had similar win shares in Miami. But if Hardaway joined Alonzo Mourning on this Mount Rushmore, the late-1990’s teams would have two representatives. Or as many as the back-to-back champs (D-Wade and The King) who would come later.
Sorry, "Tim Bug," couldn’t do it. CB4 tipped the scales in favor of the most successful era of Heat hoops.
Also considered: Glen Rice.
Milwaukee Bucks
LEW ALCINDOR/KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR, CENTER
Career: 20 seasons (1969-89)
Years with Bucks: 6 seasons (1969-75)
Career statistics: 24.6/11.2/3.6
Statistics with Bucks: 30.4/15.3/4.3
Wins shares/82: 20.1
League championships: 6 (1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO, FORWARD/GUARD
Career: 7 seasons (2013-present)
Career statistics: 20.0/8.9/4.3
Wins shares/82: 7.4
League championships: None
SIDNEY MONCRIEF, GUARD
Career: 11 seasons (1979-89, 1990-91)
Years with Bucks: 10 seasons (1979-89)
Career statistics: 15.6/4.7/3.6
Statistics with Bucks: 16.7/5.0/3.9
Wins shares/82: 10.4
League championships: None
OSCAR ROBERTSON, GUARD
Career: 14 seasons (1960-74)
Years with Bucks: 4 seasons (1970-74)
Career statistics: 25.7/7.5/9.5
Statistics with Bucks: 16.3/4.9/7.5
Wins shares/82: 10.0
League championships: 1 (1971)
Bottom Line: Milwaukee Bucks
Big Lew remains the greatest Buck ever all these decades later, but if Giannis Antetokounmpo somehow brings the Larry O’Brien Trophy to Milwaukee, "The Greek Freak" will put himself in the conversation.
Sidney Moncrief was an under-appreciated star whose biggest failure was that he played at the height of the 76ers-Celtics wars.
The Big O was in the twilight of his Hall of Fame career when he arrived here, but without him, the franchise wouldn’t have its one and only league title.
Honorable mention: Bob Dandridge, Marques Johnson.
Minnesota Timberwolves
KEVIN GARNETT, FORWARD/CENTER
Career: 21 seasons (1995-2016)
Years with Timberwolves: 14 seasons (1995-2007, 2014-16)
Career statistics: 17.8/10.0/3.7
Statistics with Timberwolves: 19.8/11.0/4.3
Wins shares/82: 11.8
League championships: 1 (2008)
KEVIN LOVE, FORWARD/CENTER
Career: 12 seasons (2008-present)
Years with Timberwolves: 6 seasons (2008-14)
Career statistics: 18.2/11.1/2.4
Statistics with Timberwolves: 19.2/12.2/2.5
Wins shares/82: 10.6
League championships: 1 (2016)
WALLY SZCZERBIAK, FORWARD
Career: 10 seasons (1999-2009)
Years with Timberwolves: 7 seasons (1999-2006)
Career statistics: 14.1/4.0/2.4
Statistics with Timberwolves: 15.5/4.4/2.7
Wins shares/82: 7.7
League championships: None
KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS, CENTER
Career: 5 seasons, all with Timberwolves (2015-present)
Career statistics: 22.7/11.8/2.8
Wins shares/82: 11.7
League championships: None
Bottom Line: Minnesota Timberwolves
Welcome to Mount Molehill. Other than Kevin Garnett, "The Big Ticket" and the unanimous greatest Timberwolve of all time, there’s not much here.
Karl-Anthony Towns made the grade after only four-plus seasons in the league. Seems that, when the Lakers headed west six decades ago, they took pro basketball with them.
Honorable mention: Tom Gugliotta.
New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets/New Orleans Pelicans
ANTHONY DAVIS, CENTER/FORWARD
Career: 8 seasons
Years with Hornets/Pelicans: 7 seasons (2012-present)
Career statistics: 24.0/10.4/2.2
Statistics with Hornets/Pelicans: 23.7/10.5/2.1
Wins shares/82: 12.7
League championships: None
P.J. BROWN, FORWARD
Career: 15 seasons (1993-2008)
Years with Hornets: 6 seasons (2002-06)
Career statistics: 9.1/7.7/1.5
Statistics with Hornets: 10.3/8.5/1.8
Wins shares/82: 7.7
League championships: 1 (2008)
CHRIS PAUL, GUARD
Career: 15 seasons (2005-19)
Years with Hornets: 6 seasons (2005-11)
Career statistics: 18.5/4.5/9.5
Statistics with Hornets: 18.7/4.6/9.9
Wins shares/82: 14.7
League championships: None
DAVID WEST, FORWARD/CENTER
Career: 15 seasons (2003-18)
Years with Hornets: 8 seasons (2003-11)
Career statistics: 13.6/6.4/2.2
Statistics with Hornets: 16.4/7.3/2.0
Wins shares/82: 7.3
League championships: 1 (2017, 2018)
Bottom Line: New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets/New Orleans Pelicans
When the Hornets packed up for New Orlean s after the 2001-02 season, they agreed to leave their heritage in Charlotte as part of a rather bizarre agreement.
Other than Chris Paul and Anthony Davis, that didn’t leave much here. After P.J. Brown and David West, it's Ryan Anderson and Jrue Holiday.
They're reliable players, but not exactly legendary highlight machines.
New York Knickerbockers
DAVE DEBUSSCHERE, FORWARD
Career: 12 seasons (1962-74)
Years with Knicks: 6 seasons (1968-74)
Career statistics: 16.1/11.0/2.9
Statistics with Knicks: 16.0/10.7/3.1
Win shares/82: 6.6
League championships: 2 (1970, 1973)
PATRICK EWING, CENTER
Career: 17 seasons (1985-2002)
Years with Knicks: 15 seasons (1985-2000)
Career statistics: 21.0/9.8/1.9
Statistics with Knicks: 22.8/10.4/2.0
Win shares/82: 9.7
League championships: None
WALT FRAZIER, GUARD
Career: 13 seasons (1967-80)
Years with Knicks: 10 seasons (1967-77)
Career statistics: 18.9/5.9/6.1
Statistics with Knicks: 19.3/6.1/6.3
Win shares/82: 11.8
League championships: 2 (1970, 1973)
WILLIS REED, CENTER/FORWARD
Career: 10 seasons, all with Knicks (1964-74)
Career statistics: 18.7/12.9/1.8
Win shares/82: 9.4
League championships: 2 (1970, 1973)
Bottom Line: New York Knickerbockers
New York likes to think of itself as a basketball mecca. Fine. Swell. Now tell us, where are all those Knicks legends? You know, the Currys, Duncans and Jordans?
We had to think long and hard to find a partner for Patrick Ewing and two-time championship cornerstones Walt Frazier and Willis Reed in the foursome. If Bernard King had spent more time in Gotham, he would have gotten the call. Carmelo Anthony was in the mix, but seven playoff wins in seven seasons is not enough. Richie Guerin? Allan Houston?
Finally, we harkened back to the glory days and the reliable Dave DeBusschere, a five-time All-Star in five full seasons with the team.
Almost considered: Spike Lee, Brandy Norwood, Chris Rock, Howard Stern, Kate Upton. Definitely Kate Upton.
Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder
KEVIN DURANT, FORWARD/GUARD
Career: 12 seasons (2007-present)
Years with SuperSonics/Thunder: 9 seasons (2007-16)
Career statistics: 27.0/7.1/4.1
Statistics with SuperSonics/Thunder: 27.4/7.0/3.7
Win shares/82: 10.2
League championships: 2 (2017-18)
GARY PAYTON, GUARD
Career: 17 seasons (1990-2007)
Years with SuperSonics: 13 seasons (1990-2003)
Career statistics: 16.3/3.9/6.7
Statistics with SuperSonics: 18.2/4.2/7.4
Win shares/82: 10.2
League championships: 1 (2006)
JACK SIKMA, CENTER
Career: 14 seasons (1977-91)
Years with SuperSonics: 9 seasons (1977-86)
Career statistics: 15.6/9.8/3.2
Statistics with SuperSonics: 16.8/10.8/3.3
Win shares/82: 9.1
League championships: 1 (1979)
LENNY WILKENS, GUARD
Career: 15 seasons (1960-75)
Years with SuperSonics: 4 seasons (1968-72)
Career statistics: 16.5/4.7/6.7
Statistics with SuperSonics: 19.5/5.0/9.0
Win shares/82: 7.8
League championships: 1 (1979)
Bottom Line: Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder
Kevin Durant was a four-time scoring champion and one of two active players (the other: Jeff Green) to log time with the SuperSonics and Thunder teams.
We're not alone when we call Gary Payton the best point guard in franchise history. Jack Sikma was a seven-time All-Star and centerpiece of the only league championship team in franchise history. And before Lenny Wilkens coached that team, he was its first legit star player. Our only regret is that we couldn’t find a place for "Downtown" Freddie Brown, one of my favorite players as a kid.
What about Russell Westbrook? Sorry, Beastbrook doesn’t belong on a mountain. The guy belongs on his own island, where he can put up triple-doubles against himself.
Also in the conversation: Ray Allen, Shawn Kemp, Gus Williams.
Orlando Magic
ANFERNEE HARDAWAY, GUARD/FORWARD
Career: 14 seasons (1993-2006, 2007-08)
Years with Magic: 6 seasons (1993-99)
Career statistics: 15.2/4.5/5.0
Statistics with Magic: 19.0/4.7/6.3
Win shares/82: 10.3
League championships: None
DWIGHT HOWARD, CENTER
Career: 15 seasons (2004-present)
Years with Magic: 8 seasons (2004-12)
Career statistics: 16.8/12.3/1.4
Statistics with Magic: 18.4/13.0/1.5
Win shares/82: 11.6
League championships: None
TRACY MCGRADY, FORWARD/GUARD
Career: 15 seasons (1997-2012)
Years with Magic: 4 seasons (2000-04)
Career statistics: 19.6/5.6/4.4
Statistics with Magic: 28.1/7.0/5.2
Win shares/82: 13.4
League championships: None
SHAQUILLE O'NEAL, CENTER
Career: 19 seasons (1992-2011)
Years with Magic: 4 seasons (1992-96)
Career statistics: 23.7/10.9/2.5
Statistics with Magic: 27.2/12.5/2.4
Wins shares/82: 13.4
League championships: 4 (2000, 2001, 2002, 2006)
Bottom Line: Orlando Magic
Not much debate here. At the top of the franchise win shares list are Dwight Howard (first), Shaquille O'Neal (third), Tracy McGrady (fourth) and Penny Hardaway (fifth).
Nick Anderson is No. 2 but never played in an All-Star Game.
Too bad T-Mac and Shaq had short shelf lives in Orlando.
Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers
WILT CHAMBERLAIN, CENTER
Career: 14 seasons (1959-73)
Years with 76ers: 4 seasons (1964-68)
Career statistics: 30.1/22.9/4.4
Statistics with 76ers: 27.6/23.9/6.8
Wins shares/82: 21.1
League championships: 1 (1967)
JULIUS ERVING, FORWARD
Career: 11 seasons, all with 76ers (1976-87)
Career statistics: 22.0/6.7/3.9
Wins shares/82: 10.4
League championships: 1 (1983)
ALLEN IVERSON, GUARD
Career: 14 seasons (1996-2010)
Years with 76ers: 10 seasons (1996-2006)
Career statistics: 26.7/3.7/6.2
Statistics with 76ers: 27.6/3.9/6.1
Wins shares/82: 9.1
League championships: None
DOLPH SCHAYES, FORWARD/CENTER
Career: 15 seasons, all with Nationals/76ers (1949-64)
Career statistics: 18.5/12.1/3.1
Wins shares/82: 11.7
League championship: 1 (1955)
Bottom Line: Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers
From variety to uniqueness to greatness, this Fab Four may be the funnest of them all.
There’s small (Allen Iverson) and tall (Wilt Chamberlain). There are killer crossovers (A.I.) and finger rolls (Wilt), two-handed set shots (Dolph Schayes) and one-handed dunks (Julius Erving). There are MVPs (A.I., Dr. J, Wilt), league champions (Dolph, Dr. J, Wilt) and scoring champions (A.I., Wilt). And there are lifers from two prideful franchises (Dolph and Dr. J). It's all very cool, indeed.
Charles Barkley was close but no pizza.
Honorable mention: Maurice Cheeks, Hal Greer.
Phoenix Suns
KEVIN JOHNSON, GUARD
Career: 12 seasons (1987-98, 1999-2000)
Years with Suns: 12 seasons (1987-98, 1999-2000)
Career statistics: 17.9/3.3/9.1
Statistics with Suns: 18.7/3.4/9.5
Wins shares/82: 10.9
League championships: None
STEVE NASH, GUARD
Career: 18 seasons (1996-2014)
Years with Suns: 10 seasons (1996-98, 2004-12)
Career statistics: 14.3/3.0/8.5
Statistics with Suns: 14.4/3.1/9.4
Wins shares/82: 9.6
League championships: None
SHAWN MARION, FORWARD
Career: 16 seasons (1999-2015)
Years with Suns: 9 seasons (1999-2008)
Career statistics: 15.2/8.7/1.9
Statistics with Suns: 18.4/10.0/2.0
Wins shares/82: 11.6
League championships: 1 (2011)
DICK VAN ARSDALE, GUARD/FORWARD
Career: 12 seasons (1965-77)
Years with Suns: 9 seasons (1968-77)
Career statistics: 16.4/4.1/3.3
Statistics with Suns: 17.6/3.6/3.5
Wins shares/82: 7.6
League championships: None
Bottom Line: Phoenix Suns
Kevin Johnson and Steve Nash were layups, while Shawn Marion, aka "The Matrix," was a floater in the lane, of course.
The final berth was a contested buzzer-beater. Amar’e Stoudemire was the top scorer for two conference finalists, but with Nash and Marion already in place, they didn’t deserve three reps. If Charles Barkley had won it all or even played a bit longer in the desert, he would have belly-bumped Marion off the mountain.
In the end, we couldn’t punk the 1975-76 Sunderella Suns, the first NBA Finals team in franchise history. We considered Alvan Adams and Paul Westphal before choosing Van Arsdale, an original Sun, three-time All-Star and immense fan favorite.
Honorable mention: Walter Davis, Dan Majerle.
Portland Trail Blazers
CLYDE DREXLER, GUARD/FORWARD
Career: 15 seasons (1983-98)
Years with Trail Blazers: 12 seasons (1983-95)
Career statistics: 20.4/6.1/5.6
Statistics with Trail Blazers: 20.8/6.2/5.7
Wins shares/82: 10.3
League championships: 1 (1995)
DAMIAN LILLARD, GUARD
Career: seven seasons, all with Trail Blazers (2012-present)
Career statistics: 24.0/4.2/6.5
Wins shares/82: 10.5
League championships: None
TERRY PORTER, GUARD
Career: 17 seasons (1985-2002)
Years with Trail Blazers: 10 seasons (1985-95)
Career statistics: 12.2/3.0/5.6
Statistics with Trail Blazers: 14.9/3.5/7.0
Wins shares/82: 8.6
League championships: None
BILL WALTON, CENTER
Career: 10 seasons (1974-78, 1979-80, 1982-87)
Years with Trail Blazers: 4 seasons (1974-78)
Career statistics: 13.3/10.5/3.4
Statistics with Trail Blazers: 17.1/13.5/4.4
Win shares/82: 10.2
League championships: 2 (1977, 1986)
Bottom Line: Portland Trail Blazers
Wanna have some fun over a beer? Debate who the greatest Trail Blazer of all time is.
s it Bill Walton, a real mountain man and NBA Finals MVP who played barely 200 games with the team? Or Clyde Drexler, the high flyer who reached the NBA Finals but never got his team past the finish line? If Damian Lillard brings the big trophy to Rip City, then we like his chances.
In a perfect Trail Blazers world, Maurice Lucas would be here. Similar to Walton, his sidekick with the 1977 champs, Mo spent less than four seasons with the team. That wasn’t quite enough for a lofty honor such as this one.
Also on the radar: LaMarcus Aldridge, Rasheed Wallace.
Rochester/Cincinnati Royals/Kansas City-Omaha/Kansas City/Sacramento Kings
NATE ARCHIBALD, GUARD
Career: 13 seasons (1970-84)
Years with Kings: 6 seasons (1970-76)
Career statistics: 18.8/2.3/7.4
Statistics with Kings: 25.2/2.8/8.1
Win shares/82: 10.2
League championships: 1 (1981)
OSCAR ROBERTSON, GUARD
Career: 14 seasons (1960-74)
Years with Royals: 10 seasons (1960-70)
Career statistics: 25.7/7.5/9.5
Statistics with Royals: 29.3/8.5/10.3
Wins shares/82: 16.8
League championships: 1 (1971)
BOBBY WANZER, GUARD
Career: 9 seasons, all with Royals (1948-57)
Career statistics: 12.2/4.5/3.2
Win shares/82: 9.2
League championships: 1 (1951)
CHRIS WEBBER, FORWARD/CENTER
Career: 18 seasons (1993-2008)
Years with Kings: 7 seasons (1998-2005)
Career statistics: 20.7/9.8/4.2
Statistics with Kings: 23.5/10.6/4.8
Win shares/82: 9.9
League championships: None
Bottom Line: Rochester/Cincinnati Royals/Kansas City-Omaha/Kansas City/Sacramento Kings
Didn’t know this woebegone franchise had an NBA championship banner, did you? Back in the Plasticine Age of pro hoops, i.e., before the shot clock was born, the Rochester Royals were a perennial contender. As their Hall of Fame floor leader, Bobby Wanzer warranted a spot on the mountainside.
Tiny Archibald and The Big O were breakaway dunks. C-Webb edged out Jerry Lucas and Mitch Richmond for the final berth, largely because of his role on five 50-plus-win teams.
Too good to be forgotten: Bob Davies, Peja Stojakovic, Jack Twyman.
San Antonio Spurs
TIM DUNCAN, CENTER/FORWARD
Career: 19 seasons, all with Spurs (1997-2016)
Career statistics: 19.0/10.8/3.0
Win shares/82: 12.2
League championships: 5 (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014)
GEORGE GERVIN, GUARD/FORWARD
Career: 10 seasons (1976-86)
Years with Spurs: 9 seasons (1976-85)
Career statistics: 26.2/4.6/2.8
Statistics with Spurs: 26.3/5.4/2.8
Win shares/82: 9.9
League championships: None
TONY PARKER, GUARD
Career: 18 seasons (2001-19)
Years with Spurs: 17 seasons (2001-18)
Career statistics: 15.5/2.7/5.6
Statistics with Spurs: 15.8/2.8/5.7
Win shares/82: 7.6
League championships: 4 (2003, 2005, 2007, 2014)
DAVID ROBINSON, CENTER
Career: 14 seasons, all with Spurs (1989-2003)
Career statistics: 21.1/10.6/2.5
Win shares/82: 14.8
League championships: 2 (1999, 2003)
Bottom Line: San Antonio Spurs
This franchise had four alpha dogs at its peak powers — Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, David Robinson and Manu Ginoboli. But that's one too many for here. Gino, grab some bench.
George Gervin was the superior talent, a nine-time All-Star, four-time league top scorer and all-time great shotmaker.
Plus, The Iceman wasn’t a flopper, either.
Honorable mention: Kawhi Leonard.
Toronto Raptors
CHRIS BOSH, CENTER/FORWARD
Career: 13 seasons (2003-16)
Years with Raptors: 7 seasons (2003-10)
Career statistics: 19.2/8.5/2.0
Statistics with Raptors: 20.2/9.4/2.2
Win shares/82: 10.0
League championships: 2 (2012, 2013)
VINCE CARTER, GUARD/FORWARD
Career: 22 seasons (1998-present)
Years with Raptors: 7 seasons (1998-2005)
Career statistics: 16.7/4.3/3.1
Statistics with Raptors: 23.4/5.2/3.9
Win shares/82: 9.7
League championships: None
KYLE LOWRY, GUARD
Career: 14 seasons (2006-present)
Years with Raptors: 8 seasons (2012-present)
Career statistics: 14.7/4.3/6.2
Statistics with Raptors: 17.6/4.9/7.1
Win shares/82: 10.5
League championships: none
DEMAR DEROZAN, GUARD
Career: 11 seasons (2009-present)
Years with Raptors: 9 seasons (2009-18)
Career statistics: 20.0/4.4/3.6
Statistics with Raptors: 19.7/4.1/3.1
Win shares/82: 6.6
League championships: None
Bottom Line: Toronto Raptors
Vince Carter and Chris Bosh were the first stars north of the border. For what it’s worth, Kyle Lowry might be the greatest winner in club history.
DeMar DeRozan gets the nod over Jose Calderon because, OK, he had the better hockey name.
Got a problem with that, Gump?
Also considered: Davey Keon, Auston Matthews, Darryl Sittler.
New Orleans/Utah Jazz
ADRIAN DANTLEY, FORWARD
Career: 15 seasons (1976-91)
Years with Jazz: 7 seasons (1979-86)
Career statistics: 24.3/5.7/3.0
Statistics with Jazz: 29.6/6.2/3.7
Wins shares/82: 13.6
League championships: None
KARL MALONE, FORWARD
Career: 19 seasons (1985-2004)
Years with Jazz: 18 seasons (1985-2003)
Career statistics: 25.0/10.1/3.6
Statistics with Jazz: 25.4/10.2/3.5
Wins shares/82: 13.2
League championships: None
PETE MARAVICH, GUARD
Career: 10 seasons (1970-80)
Years with Jazz: 6 seasons (1974-80)
Career statistics: 24.2/4.2/5.4
Statistics with Jazz: 25.2/4.3/5.6
Win shares/82: 5.0
League championships: None
JOHN STOCKTON, GUARD
Career: 19 seasons, all with Jazz (1984-2003)
Career statistics: 13.1/2.7/10.5
Win shares/82: 11.3
League championships: None
Waiting in the wings: Rudy Gobert
Bottom Line: New Orleans/Utah Jazz
Hey, anyone got a spare championship ring? That’s about all this Jazz band lacked.
The Mailman ranked on the short list of best power forwards of all time — with an assist from John Stockton, of course.
Never saw "Pistol" Pete Maravich play, kids? YouTube him then. You’ll be amazed by what you see.
Adrian Dantley was an undersized points machine and two-time league scoring champ who was at his best with the Salt Lakers.
In the chase: Jeff Hornacek, Andrei Kirilenko, Deron Williams.
Chicago Packers-Zephyrs/Baltimore-Capital-Washington Bullets/Washington Wizards
WALT BELLAMY, CENTER
Career: 14 seasons (1961-1975)
Years with Packers/ Zephyrs/Bullets: 5 seasons (1961-66)
Career statistics: 20.1/13.7/2.4
Statistics with Zephyrs-Packers-Bullets: 27.6/16.6/2.4
Win shares/82: 11.3
League championships: None
ELVIN HAYES, FORWARD/CENTER
Career: 16 seasons (1968-84)
Years with Bullets: 9 seasons (1972-81)
Career statistics: 21.0/12.5/1.8
Statistics with Bullets: 21.3/12.7/1.8
Win shares/82: 9.0
League championships: 1 (1978)
EARL MONROE, GUARD
Career: 13 seasons (1967-80)
Years with Bullets: 5 seasons (1967-72)
Career statistics: 18.8/3.0/3.9
Statistics with Bullets: 23.7/3.7/4.6
Win shares/82: 8.4
League championships: 1 (1973)
WES UNSELD, CENTER
Career: 13 seasons, all with Bullets (1968-81)
Career statistics: 10.8/14.0/3.9
Win Shares/82: 9.2
League championship: 1978
Special mention: Gus "Honeycomb" Johnson
Bottom Line: Chicago Packers-Zephyrs/Baltimore-Capital-Washington Bullets/Washington Wizards
Some combination of The Big E, The Pearl and Big Wes comprised the core of four NBA Finals teams in the 1970s, the golden age of Packers/Zephyrs/Bullets/Wizards basketball. Not much to discuss there.
We went back and forth on Walt Bellamy, an original Packer and one of the greatest enigmas in league history. The rap against Bells was that he was lazy and played to the level of the competition. There was at least a sliver of truth to that criticism, no doubt.
Yet the fact remains that Bellamy was one of only seven players to have as many as 20,000 points and 14,000 rebounds in a career. We simply couldn’t snub a Hall of Famer who produced a 28/17/2 slashline with the team.
Last men out: Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison, John Wall.
Related: Greatest NBA Players of All Time