In the realm of the NBA, Featuring LeBron James and Scottie Pippen honouring legendary players often involves jersey retirements and tribute videos, but the highest honour comes in the form of a statue outside the arena. These statues commemorate not just team legends but local icons whose influence transcends the sport itself.
Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas recently sparked discussion by suggesting LeBron James might not deserve a statue in Los Angeles. This raised the question: who truly merits this honour, and where should their statues be erected?
To qualify for a statue, two strict rules apply: winning a championship and being associated with one city. With these criteria in mind, a list of 16 deserving individuals emerges.
Already, 10 NBA legends have statues in their honour, including Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Jerry West. But who are the remaining 16 deserving candidates?
Among the notable additions are Bill Russell, Larry Bird, and Red Auerbach of the Boston Celtics, along with Scottie Pippen and Phil Jackson of the Chicago Bulls. LeBron James, despite his achievements in various cities, is argued to deserve a statue in Cleveland due to his profound connection with his hometown.
Others on the list include Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, Isiah Thomas of the Detroit Pistons, and Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, who might warrant two statues—one for each major phase of his career.
The tough cuts include notable figures like Moses Malone, David Robinson, and Alonzo Mourning, who, despite their contributions, didn’t meet the stringent criteria for statute eligibility.
Ultimately, the discussion underscores the profound impact these individuals have had on the NBA and their respective communities, immortalizing their legacies for generations to come.
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