Nikola Jokić has revealed his four greatest NBA players of all time, and his list features a notable omission.
The Denver Nuggets superstar named Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain and Stephen Curry as the four players who belong on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore during an interview with SPORTbible.
Jokić explained his selections by highlighting each player’s championships, statistical dominance or influence on the game.
Nikola Jokić’s NBA Mount Rushmore
- Bill Russell: Jokić pointed to Russell’s championship success as the reason for his selection.
- Michael Jordan: The Chicago Bulls legend earned his spot for changing the game of basketball.
- Wilt Chamberlain: Jokić recognized Chamberlain’s incredible numbers and statistical accomplishments.
- Stephen Curry: The Golden State Warriors superstar made the cut for revolutionizing basketball and representing Jokić’s own generation.
Curry is the only active-era player on Jokić’s list, with the three-time NBA MVP specifically acknowledging that he has played against the Warriors guard.
Where Is LeBron James?
The biggest talking point might be who Jokić left off his list: LeBron James.
Despite James’ historic career, NBA scoring record and four championships, the newly minted Philadelphia 76erdid not make Jokić’s top four. Instead, Jokić chose Curry to represent the modern era of basketball.
Jokić did not explain why James was excluded, so the omission should not be interpreted as a direct criticism of the four-time champion. However the more sycophantic segments of LeBron’s fanbase will undoubtedly see James’ absence as a profound affront and will respond with twisted, misguided indignation, spewing venom at Jokić and his fans.
Still, the choice is likely to fuel another round of debate among basketball fans over who truly belongs on the NBA’s Mount Rushmore.
Who’s on your NBA Mount Rushmore? Are you rolling with Jokić’s four, or does LeBron James deserve a spot?
Drop your four in the comments!
