The NBA’s discussion for who’s going to be included in the prestigious Mt. Rushmore has always been a hot debate among fans, the media and the legends of the game. While everybody is fixated on who’s in or out, why don’t we expand it and make a list of who’s going to be included in each NBA team’s Mt. Rushmore?
That’s what exactly we are going to do at TPS today. We’ll just exclude the ABA from this list to make it fair. This will be a long but fun list that’s full of surprises. Let’s get into it.
Atlanta Hawks – Bob Pettit
Pettit was the Hawks’ first true star in the 1950s. He was named a two-time league MVP and was the main man of the team during their first and only championship run in 1958.
Atlanta Hawks – Dominique Wilkins
Dubbed “The Human Highlight Film”, Wilkins electrified not just Atlanta, but also the entire league in the 1980s. He was a famous participant in the NBA’s Slam Dunk contest, back when it was still “rad.” And who could forget his legendary battle with Celtics legend Larry Bird?
Atlanta Hawks – Lou Hudson
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A six-time All-Star, Hudson’s offensive skills solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players in Hawks history. Not many know him, but he popularized the number 23 even before MJ did it with the Bulls, albeit not globally.
Atlanta Hawks – Cliff Hagan
With five All-Star selections, Hagan’s impact extended beyond statistics as he was one of the best players on the team when they won a championship in 1958 as the St. Louis Hawks. He was also a member of two All-NBA Teams.
Boston Celtics – Bill Russell
Winning 11 NBA championships in 13 NBA seasons seems like an impossible feat to imagine but Russell definitely made that a reality. Perhaps the greatest Celtic to ever play, Russell’s contributions to the game will forever be glorified and appreciated.
Boston Celtics – Larry Bird
The “Larry Legend” moniker was appropriately awarded to Bird as he was indeed, a true legend for the proud franchise. He was a vicious trash talker too, we might add. Plus, he was the first player in history to win three straight at the NBA’s three-point shooting contest.
Boston Celtics – Bob Cousy
Cousy’s wizardry with the ball transformed Celtics basketball and the league as a whole. He was innovative with how he dribbled the ball up and down the court. He was a maestro with the ball and had eyes behind his back.
Boston Celtics – John Havlicek
Havlicek’s contributions were instrumental in securing multiple NBA championships for the Celtics in the 60s and 70s. He’s still the team’s all-time leading scorer to this day.
Brooklyn Nets – Jason Kidd
Kidd led the Nets to consecutive NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003. He also came second in the MVP voting in 2002 despite averaging just over 14 points per game.
Brooklyn Nets – Brook Lopez
Lopez was probably the lone bright spot for the Nets during their time as one of the worst teams in the league. While we all know that he’s a stretch big for Milwaukee nowadays, he was once a prolific scorer down the block.
Brooklyn Nets – Buck Williams
Williams was one of the most rugged power forwards in the 1980s. He was named a three-time all-star and a one-time member of the All-NBA Second Team.
Brooklyn Nets – Kenyon Martin
K-Mart was Jason Kidd’s running mate for over four years as a member of the Nets, which included a trip to the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003. The former number-one overall pick in the 2000 NBA draft was also one of the top dunkers in the league in the 2000s.
Charlotte Hornets – Kemba Walker
Kemba was the team’s best player for nearly a decade, racking up multiple all-star nominations in the process and was a one-time All-NBA Team member.
Charlotte Hornets – Larry Johnson
Although Johnson’s stay with the Hornets was brief, he arguably had his best years with the franchise. He was selected an all-star twice, won Rookie of the Year in 1992 and was named an All-NBA Team member in 1993.
Charlotte Hornets – Dell Curry
Dell was a very good player for the Hornets back in the day. He was a yearly candidate for the 6th Man of the Year award during his time with Charlotte, winning it once in 1994.
Charlotte Hornets – Gerald Wallace
Many may not remember Wallace’s time in Charlotte but he was the only bright spot of the franchise back when they were struggling in the late 2000s. With his relentless hustle, Wallace actually led the team to a surprise playoff appearance in 2010.
Chicago Bulls – Michael Jordan
Need we say more? With six championships, two three-peats and a plethora of accolades that’s enough to fill up the wall of a huge mansion, Jordan has it all and done it all.
Chicago Bulls – Scottie Pippen
Together with his former teammate and now former friend, Michael Jordan, all of Chicago’s accomplishments in the 1990s wouldn’t be possible without Pippen. There’s no doubt in our minds that Pippen is one of the best small forwards to ever pick up a basketball.
Chicago Bulls – Dennis Rodman
Chicago’s second three-peat would not be possible without Rodman’s hustle and determination to scour every rebound available. Amid his antics off the court, Rodman perhaps had his best years in the league as a member of the Bulls.
Chicago Bulls – Horace Grant
Some will say Derrick Rose is deserving of this spot, but we are entirely forgetting how Grant contributed to getting MJ off the hump in the early 1990s. He was instrumental in Chicago’s first three-peat from 1991 to 1993. Before Rodman came and did all the dirty work, Grant was the first one to do it for Chicago.
Cleveland Cavaliers – LeBron James
This one was a no-brainer. LeBron is the best player to ever play for the Cavaliers. Despite his shortcomings, he did come back home and delivered a long overdue championship for them in 2016.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Brad Daugherty
Before LeBron became Cleveland’s self-proclaimed “King”, Daugherty was first appointed as the team’s savior in the 1980s. Sadly, his career was cut short at just 28 due to a lingering back injury.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Kyrie Irving
Kyrie is included in this list due to the sole fact that he hit that clutch three-pointer against the Warriors in game seven of the 2016 NBA Finals. That is the most important shot in Cleveland’s history.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Mark Price
Price was the Cavs’ trusted floor general from 1986 to 1995. Despite standing a shade under six feet, Price was an effective player due to his high basketball IQ and lethal jump shot.
Dallas Mavericks – Dirk Nowitzki
After all the heartaches and shortcomings in a Mavs uniform, Nowitzki finally delivered a championship for the city of Dallas in 2011. That year’s title run was truly magical as he had to go through LA’s Kobe Bryant, Thunder’s Durant, Westbrook and Harden, and Miami’s LeBron, Wade and Bosh.
Dallas Mavericks – Luka Doncic
Even though Luka only entered the league in 2018, we can’t deny all the legendary stuff he’s currently doing since donning a Mavs uniform. There’s no doubt in our minds that he’ll someday bring another championship to Dallas.
Dallas Mavericks – Rolando Blackman
Blackman was a reliable scorer and a four-time all-star during this time. While he did not bring any titles to Dallas, he did lead them to the playoffs multiple times, which brought excitement to the then-young franchise.
Dallas Mavericks – Jason Terry
Terry stuck it out with the Mavs despite years of disappointment. He wasn’t a star but was very good at his job with the team – being a reliable sixth man in each and every game he suited up.
Denver Nuggets – Nikola Jokic
The greatest second-round pick of ever, Jokic is perhaps the greatest Nuggets player of all time. The fun part is that nobody expected him to become one of the best players in the league today. And oh, let’s not forget that he did deliver the team’s first-ever title in 2023.
Denver Nuggets – Alex English
Did you know that Alex English scored the most points in the league during the 1980s? That’s quite a baffling fact because, in the 80s, players like Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Dominque Wilkins, Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson ruled the NBA. Yet, English has outscored them all.
Denver Nuggets – Carmelo Anthony
While Anthony’s time with the Nuggets was full of drama, we can’t deny that he was still an All-NBA caliber player throughout his time at the Mile High City. He brought excitement back to the team and steered them to multiple playoff appearances in the 2000s.
Denver Nuggets – Jamal Murray
Let’s face it, without Jamal Murray’s contributions, the Nuggets would not have won their title in 2023. It’s certainly proven that when Murray is out, Jokic struggles to keep this team afloat on his own. Just look at the two in the same manner as Stockton and Malone but with a title to their names.
Detroit Pistons – Isiah Thomas
Thomas is the greatest player in Pistons history. Despite all the controversies surrounding him throughout his playing career and retirement, we can’t simply ignore that he was the best player on the team during their back-to-back titles in 1989 and 1990.
Detroit Pistons – Joe Dumars
Dumars’ talents were just as important as Thomas’s contributions to this team during their run at the top of the league from 1989 to 1990. Dumars was severely underrated as a player but his play is well-celebrated by the people of Detroit.
Detroit Pistons – Chauncey Billups
Billups was Detroit’s best player during their unprecedented championship run in 2004. As a result, he won the FMVP award and will forever be remembered as one of the greatest ever to wear a Pistons jersey.
Detroit Pistons – Ben Wallace
Perhaps the greatest undrafted player in the league’s history, Ben Wallace was the defensive lynchpin for the Pistons for six seasons, including their championship run in 2004. He won four Defensive Player of the Year awards as a member of the Motor City.
Golden State Warriors – Stephen Curry
Curry has won four championships for the franchise while single-handedly revolutionizing how the game is played nowadays. Not only that but Curry is the best shooter the league has ever seen.
Golden State Warriors – Wilt Chamberlain
Truth be told, Wilt’s best statistical years as a professional happened in a Warriors jersey, not with the Sixers and the Lakers. Remember his 50-point, 25-rebound season from 1961 to 1962? Yep, he was with the Warriors when that happened.
Golden State Warriors – Rick Barry
People nowadays mostly remember Barry due to his underhanded free-throw technique from old clips of the NBA in the 1970s. But as a matter of fact, he was the main gunner and Finals MVP during the Warriors’ championship run in 1975.
Golden State Warriors – Draymond Green
Before you call us out on this one, it’s important to note that the Warriors’ current dynasty will never have happened if Green was out of the picture. With Curry suffering multiple ankle injuries while running the point early in his career, Warriors coach Steve Kerr made a bold decision to let Draymond run the offense to get Curry and Thompson open looks throughout each game.
Houston Rockets – Hakeem Olajuwon
With Jordan out, Olajuwon pounced at the chance to steer the Rockets into a championship in 1994 and 1995. That’s not necessarily a knock on Olajuwon’s game as he’s arguably one of the best big men to ever play the game. He’s won a league MVP in 1994, after all.
Houston Rockets – James Harden
Love him or hate him, Harden deserves his spot as one of the top four Rockets players in history. In all honesty, nobody predicted that he would win an MVP award when he first played with OKC but after he was reluctantly shipped to the Rockets, Harden’s game catapulted to another level.
Houston Rockets – Moses Malone
Malone may not have won a championship with the Rockets but he certainly put them on the map from 1976 to 1982. He was named an all-star multiple times and won the league’s MVP award in 1982.
Houston Rockets – Yao Ming
Yao Ming’s inclusion is probably debatable but his contributions to this franchise were truly global, in a very literal way. He was China’s first superstar in the NBA and the league benefitted immensely during Yao’s tenure with the Rockets.
Indiana Pacers – Reggie Miller
Miller is arguably the best Indiana Pacer of all time. Plus, he’s a clutch shooter too. Despite failing to bring home a title for the city, he willed this team to the playoffs despite facing glaring odds each year.
Indiana Pacers – Rik Smits
Before Wemby, Porzingis and Holmgren, there was the Dutch big man Rik Smits. At 7’4”, he has the touch of a guard and could easily sink splash a 15-footer any given night. Smits was pretty mobile at his size.
Indiana Pacers – Paul George
George did put Indiana back on the map for a couple of seasons. He was famous for taking the “Heatles” to the edge in the Eastern Conference Finals over a decade ago. However, a devastating injury inevitably altered his trajectory with the team.
Indiana Pacers – Jermaine O’Neal
O’Neal was named an all-star while playing for the Pacers multiple times. He was one of the best power forwards in the league from the early to the mid-2000s.
Los Angeles Clippers – Blake Griffin
Griffin certainly made it cool for casuals to hop on the Clippers bandwagon. He electrified the crowd anywhere he went due to his high-flying act and rim-shaking dunks.
Los Angeles Clippers – Chris Paul
There’s no doubt that Chris Paul was the best floor general throughout the Clippers’ history. His addition to the team made them contenders for a few years. Who could forget “Lob City?”
Los Angeles Clippers – Bob McAdoo
Back when they were still called the Buffalo Braves, McAdoo was doing it all for the team. He was their main man on offense and was selected to a couple of all-star games during his brief stint with the Braves.
Los Angeles Clippers – DeAndre Jordan
Before becoming a role player, there was once a time when DeAndre Jordan was considered one of the best big men in the league. He was catching lobs and rebounding at a high rate back then for the Clippers.
Los Angeles Lakers – Magic Johnson
Magic won FMVP during his rookie season with the Lakers. Who does that? Then he went on to win four more championships with the Lakers throughout the 80s. He’s widely considered the greatest Laker of all time.
Los Angeles Lakers – Kobe Bryant
If Magic Johnson is the greatest Laker of all time, then no one would argue that Kobe is the most beloved Laker throughout the team’s colorful history. His legacy will be forever remembered by millions of people.
Los Angeles Lakers – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
If we’re being honest about it, Kareem’s name should be mentioned more when we talk about all-time greats in league history. He was very consistent with his scoring(especially his sky hook) in his 20-year career in the NBA.
Los Angeles Lakers – Shaquille O’Neal
Many people forget that Shaq once won three straight FMVPs for the Lakers from 2000 to 2002. A 300-pound beast, everybody feared the “Diesel” during his heyday in the league.
Memphis Grizzlies – Marc Gasol
The unheralded Spaniard big man unexpectedly became the face of the Grizzlies franchise from 2008 to 2019. They were a great playoff performer during Gasol’s reign as the franchise player of this team.
Memphis Grizzlies – Zach Randolph
After years of being labeled as a troublemaker, Randolph settled in perfectly for the Grizzlies and had his past reputation extinguished for good. He was a beloved warrior for the franchise.
Memphis Grizzlies – Pau Gasol
Before the “Grit N’ Grind” era of the Grizzlies, Pau Gasol was the first franchise star in Memphis. The older brother of Marc steered this team to three playoff appearances in the mid-2000s.
Memphis Grizzlies – Tony Allen
The undisputed father of the “Grit N’ Grind” era of the Grizzlies, it’s quite unique how a role player like Allen captured the hearts and imagination of the people of Memphis. While his scoring skills are non-existent, his defense was always phenomenal.
Miami Heat – Dwyane Wade
Nothing much to argue here. Even with LeBron’s time wearing a Miami Heat jersey, Wade still takes the crown as the number one player in the franchise’s history.
Miami Heat – LeBron James
Let’s not forget LBJ’s time with the Heat as he’s won two Finals MVP awards with the team. He also was the catalyst behind the team’s four straight Finals appearances from 2011 to 2014.
Miami Heat – Alonzo Mourning
Mourning is one of the best big men the franchise has ever had. He had two stints with Miami and his last one resulted in a championship in 2006.
Miami Heat – Udonis Haslem
As a role player, Haslem was instrumental in Miami’s three championship titles during his heyday. He’s the real-life embodiment of the so-called “Heat Culture.”
Milwaukee Bucks – Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis is still currently writing his legacy with the Bucks but the accolades he already gathered are more than enough for him to be considered as the best player in franchise history. He’s a two-time league MVP and won the Finals MVP in 2021.
Milwaukee Bucks – Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul Jabbar)
Back when he was still called Lew Alcindor, Kareem was Milwaukee’s first true franchise superstar. He racked up multiple accolades with the franchise and won them their first championship in the league.
Milwaukee Bucks – Oscar Robertson
The one and only Mr. Triple Double himself, Robertson formed a dangerous due with Kareem with the Bucks and steered them to a championship in 1971. He was the first guy to average a triple-double for an entire season.
Milwaukee Bucks – Sidney Moncrief
Moncrief spent ten seasons with the Bucks. Although he wasn’t able to lead the Bucks to the promised land, he did get five all-star nods and won two Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Minnesota Timberwolves – Kevin Garnett
Garnett led Minnesota to their best years as a franchise for 12 years. “The Big Ticket” certainly put the team on the map and even in the consciousness of casual fans. He was their first true star.
Minnesota Timberwolves – Karl-Anthony Towns
Even though Towns has not had the same impact as KG, we can’t deny the fact of his loyalty and contributions to the franchise. Fans are often divided in their opinions of him but he’s still grinding it for them since 2015.
Minnesota Timberwolves – Kevin Love
While Kevin Love never made the playoffs with the Wolves, he was still one of the best power forwards in the entire league during his heyday. He was a double-double machine on a nightly basis.
Minnesota Timberwolves – Anthony Edwards
Edwards is still in the early stages of his NBA career but there is no doubt that he has the best chance to someday deliver a title in Minnesota. He’ll also have a chance to become the face of the league in the future.
New Orleans Pelicans – Chris Paul
CP3 definitely made New Orleans a respectable franchise during his tenure with the team. He is one of the best point guards to ever play in the game.
New Orleans Pelicans – David West
Before everybody knew West as Golden State’s rugged backup big man during their title run, he was first a multiple-time all-star with the Pelicans. He was Chris Paul’s scoring buddy with New Orleans.
New Orleans Pelicans – Anthony Davis
While Davis’s time with the Pelicans was not entirely fruitful given his caliber as a player, he was still able to rack up multiple accolades while donning the Pels jersey across his chest.
New Orleans Pelicans – Brandon Ingram
Zion may have a case here, but let’s give it to Ingram due to his consistency on the court. There’s no denying that Ingram has become a better player with the team in recent years.
New York Knicks – Willis Reed
Reed is arguably the best player in Knicks history. He was the league’s MVP in 1970 and also won two Finals MVP in 1970 and 1973.
New York Knicks – Patrick Ewing
Even though Ewing failed to deliver a title during his tenure with the Knicks, he made the team a title contender for nearly a decade. He was close to winning it all twice but ultimately fell short of his goal.
New York Knicks – Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier
Frazier, the Knicks’ colorful commentator for decades, was once one of the best point guards in league history. Together with Reed, Frazier helped the Knicks win a championship in 1970 and 1973. Plus, his suits are legendary in their own right.
New York Knicks – Earl ‘The Pearl’ Monroe
Forming one of the best backcourts in the NBA in the 70s alongside Frazier, Monroe helped the team tremendously during their title run in 1973. He was also named a three-time all-star with the franchise.
Oklahoma City Thunder – Russell Westbrook
Let’s make things clear: while the Sonics do share the team’s history with the Thunder, let’s just keep this list with players who donned OKC’s jersey. Sonics fans are still bitter about what happened. They deserve their own list someday.
With that said, Russell Westbrook is probably the most beloved player in franchise history. Was he the best? Perhaps not but he stuck it out and won an MVP award despite Durant deciding to skip town to join the Warriors in 2016.
Oklahoma City Thunder – Kevin Durant
Had KD stuck it out with Russell Westbrook, perhaps they could have won a title or two in OKC and his legacy would have been written differently. Nonetheless, he is arguably the best player in the franchise’s history.
Oklahoma City Thunder – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Nobody ever thought that SGA would become this good. He clearly jumped over OKC’s timeline from being a rebuilding team into a contender in just a few years. And oh…he already has become a legitimate MVP candidate despite being so young.
Oklahoma City Thunder – Nick Collison
Before we hear any complaints, Collison was like the Udonis Haslem of OKC. He was with the team for 18 seasons as either the starting power forward or in a backup role. He did his job day in and day out without question.
Orlando Magic – Shaquille O’Neal
This was clear as day as Shaq remains the best player who ever donned a Magic jersey. Despite his short time there, he was already awarded as one of the league’s 50 best players in just his fourth season with Orlando.
Orlando Magic – Dwight Howard
Behind Shaq, there’s Dwight. The former slam dunk champion was so good at both ends of the floor that teams around the league made it a point to fill their bench with bruisers just to stop Howard at the playoffs.
Orlando Magic – Tracy McGrady
T-Mac did not get much help during his time with Orlando but he was sure as hell one of the best players in the entire league during that time. Even the late Kobe Bryant once acknowledged that McGrady was the toughest player he had to guard.
Orlando Magic – Penny Hardaway
While we remember Hardaway’s time with the Magic as ‘what could have been’ due to the plethora of injuries he suffered, he was undoubtedly the best point guard in the team’s history.
Philadelphia 76ers – Julius Erving
Erving was Philadelphia’s first true superstar. Before Michael Jordan ever played a single NBA, everybody wanted to be like Dr. J. It’s also sweet that he finally won that ever-elusive ring in 1983.
Philadelphia 76ers – Moses Malone
Without Malone in the middle, the Sixers probably came up short in 1983 despite Dr. J’s brilliance. He was the missing piece that the Sixers needed to get over the hump.
Philadelphia 76ers – Allen Iverson
Iverson single-handedly changed the culture in the entire NBA during his time with the Sixers. Not only he was good on the court but he also brought the hip-hop culture wherever he went. He truly stood tall among the trees despite standing a shade below 6 feet.
Philadelphia 76ers – Wilt Chamberlain
1967 was a big year for Wilt as not only he had won a regular season MVP, but he also steered the Sixers to a championship – his first – in a hard-fought series against the San Francisco Warriors.
Phoenix Suns – Steve Nash
When Nash left Dallas to play for the Suns, nobody on earth ever thought that he’d become a two-time league MVP during his stay in the desert. Not only he was great, but he also helped modernize how the game is played today.
Phoenix Suns – Charles Barkley
While he all loved Barkley’s friendly banter with Shaq on TV, there was a time when he was one of the best power forwards in the league. Severely undersized at the four spot, Chuck managed to win the MVP in 1993.
Phoenix Suns – Kevin Johnson
Prior to Nash, Johnson was the best floor general of the Suns. Standing at 6 foot 1, Johnson was not intimated at attacking the paint and finishing above the rim.
Phoenix Suns – Amar’e Stoudemire
Everybody was skeptical when Stoudemire skipped college and went directly to the NBA in 2002. However, Amar’e quickly squashed everybody’s worries when he went on to become one of the most talented players for nearly a decade.
Portland Trail Blazers – Clyde Drexler
It sucks that Clyde wasn’t able to steer the Blazers into a championship, but two Finals appearances were no small feat. He was the best shooting guard in the league back then, excluding Jordan, of course.
Portland Trail Blazers – Bill Walton
If it weren’t for injuries, Walton would have been the greatest player in Rip City. He steered them to a championship in 1977.
Portland Trail Blazers – Damian Lillard
Even without delivering a championship in Portland, Lillard’s contributions to the team on and off the court cannot be overlooked. He certainly had a ton of memorable highlights for the franchise.
Portland Trail Blazers – LaMarcus Aldridge
We may not think highly of Aldridge due to the fact that he wasn’t the main character throughout his stint with Portland but make no mistake: he was their second-best player during Brandon Roy’s era and Damian Lillard’s era.
Sacramento Kings – Mitch Richmond
The Kings weren’t great during Richmond’s era but he was their go-to scorer in the 90s. He was named an all-star multiple times and had huge scoring games during his heyday.
Sacramento Kings – Chris Webber
We can’t help but look at dismay how close the Kings were to winning a championship in 2002. Chris Webber was undoubtedly their biggest star during that time and rightfully so.
Sacramento Kings – Oscar Robertson
Back when they were still called the Cincinnati Royals, Robertson arguably had his best statistical years for the team before getting traded to the Bucks in 1970.
Sacramento Kings – Nate Archibald
Before becoming a champion with the Celtics in 1981, Archibald used to torch defenders during his days with the Kings from 1970 to 1976. He was named a three-time all-star and one of the best floor generals of the era.
San Antonio Spurs – Tim Duncan
The severely underrated Tim Duncan is the best power forward to ever play the game and it’s not even close. He was a five-time NBA champion and has won three Finals MVP during his time in San Antonio.
San Antonio Spurs – Tony Parker
Without Tony Parker, the Spurs would never have had a dynasty. The French floor general was the perfect compliment to Duncan’s prime years in the league. He was lightning-fast and skilled at getting into the paint.
San Antonio Spurs – David Robinson
Robinson is arguably one of the best big men to ever play the game of basketball. He was extremely athletic and fast for his size. He won the league MVP award in 1995.
San Antonio Spurs – Manu Ginobili
I was tempted to put Kawhi here, but ultimately, Manu Ginobili deserves this spot more. Ginobili is one of the best sixth man to ever play the game of basketball. He goes in to do his job each and every night without question.
Toronto Raptors – Kyle Lowry
Not much was expected from Lowry when he was traded to Toronto due to the fact that he had an attitude problem early in his career. But as time went by, it was clear as day that Toronto was a perfect fit for him, even winning a championship for them in 2019.
Toronto Raptors – Vince Carter
Vince Carter is the greatest dunker in league history and there’s not a single debate on that. Additionally, Carter put the Raptors on the map due to his electrifying dunks and exciting brand of basketball.
Toronto Raptors – Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi’s stint with the Raptors was super short but fruitful nonetheless. The one-year rental Leonard steered Toronto to an unprecedented championship in 2019 and was named Finals MVP along the process.
Toronto Raptors – DeMar DeRozan
Chris Bosh might have been a good choice here but the unassuming DeRozan takes the last spot at Toronto’s Mt. Rushmore. DeRozan’s mid-range game was truly exceptional. Plus, he’s a clutch performer too.
Utah Jazz – Karl Malone
The league’s third all-time leading scorer, it just sucks that Malone was never able to bring home a championship to Salt Lake City. Had he won just one, he’d be in the conversation among the top 10 players in NBA history.
Utah Jazz – John Stockton
Like Malone, it’s hard to compare Stockton’s overall impact on the game due to missing out on a championship ring. However, Stockton still owns two records in NBA history which will probably stand forever.
Utah Jazz – Adrian Dantley
Dantley spent much of his prime years with the Jazz and he got busy in the scoring department. He was a five-time all-star while playing in Salt Lake City.
Utah Jazz – Pete Maravich
Pistol Pete arguably had his best years in the NBA as a member of the Jazz. He was a lethal scorer and a skilled passer which led to him being named as a multiple all-star in his career with the franchise.
Washington Wizards – Wes Unseld
Wes Unseld was the only player in league history to be named Rookie of the Year and the Most Valuable Player of the Year at the same time. Let that sink in.
Washington Wizards – Elvin Hayes
Hayes is arguably one of the best power forwards to ever play the game. He was known for his longevity and consistency on the court, only missing 16 games throughout his entire 16-year career. Plus, he’s won a championship in 1978.
Washington Wizards – Bradley Beal
Beal was Washington’s lone bright spot from 2012 to 2023. He was a three-level scorer and was once a member of an All-NBA Team in 2021.
Washington Wizards – Gilbert Arenas
Hate him or not, even though Agent Zero’s prime only lasted three years, he was as dynamic as it gets. Back when the league relied on point guards to facilitate the offense, Arenas neglected the norm and proceeded to score a bunch.
