Top 10 Iconic NBA Players Statues Around the world

There are athletes in every sports league who have given up all they hold dear to elevate themselves to the top of their respective sports. Only the greatest players are granted the distinction of having their sculpture sculpted.

These players are legends, and honouring them with sculptures is a tiny way for us to thank them for their contributions to the team and for everything they have done in the basketball world. The top ten NBA players who have each been given a sculpture are as follows:

Here are the Top 10 NBA Statues

10. Shaquille O'Neal

Shaquille O'Neal, a 19-year veteran of the NBA, has played for six teams: the Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Three of Shaq's four NBA championships were won with the Lakers (2000–02); the fourth came in 2006 with the Miami Heat.  The 9-foot-tall, 1000-pound monument of Shaquille O'Neil was unveiled inside the Staples Center.

9. Bill Russell

In the NBA, Bill Russell was a centre for the Boston Celtics. He played in the NBA for 13 years, and he now owns the record for the most titles (11). His final two championships were earned both as the team's player and head coach. His team won titles because of his potent offensive and defensive tactics. The bronze statue of one of the all-time great NBA players, Bill Russell, is located in Boston's Hall Plaza. In 2013, it was on exhibit.

8. Julius Erving

The Philadelphia 76ers are honouring Julius Erving, a member of the Hall of Fame. On Tuesday, the NBA club will hold a ceremony at its practice facility in Camden, New Jersey, to unveil a sculpture of Erving. Erving, sometimes referred to as "Dr. J," was an 11-time All-Star and two-time NBA MVP who captained the 76ers to the 1983 NBA championship. In total, he spent 16 seasons playing in the NBA and ABA. In 1988, the 76ers retired his No. 6 jersey. In 1996, he received recognition as one of the 50 best players in NBA history.

7. Jerry West

During 15 years in NBA Jerry West was a Los Angeles Lakers. Jerry West was an NBA legend.  During his time he scored 25,192 and was a big player during that time. Jerry West's statue is located at Staples Center, Los Angeles. The statute is 14 feet tall.

6. Larry Bird 

Larry Bird is one the best shooters in basketball. In 13 years of his playing career with Boston Celtics, Larry Bird won 3 NBA titles as well as 3 NBA MVP awards. Larry Bird statue was unveiled in 2013 and is 15 feet at Hulman Center, Indiana. Indiana State University paid tribute by giving him a statue.

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5. Wilt Chamberlain 

Wilt Chamberlain was in the NBA for 15 years and he spent most of the time of his career with the Philadelphia 76ers. During his time he won 2 NBA titles and 4 NBA MVPs. During his time he scored 100 points in a single game. Wilt Chamberlain statute is built outside the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. 

4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Another top player of the Los Angeles Lakers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was honoured with a statue. During his time in NBA Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won 6 times NBA MVP award and won 6 NBA titles. Over 20 years, he played for the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar statue is made up of bronze and is 16 feet tall. The statue was unveiled on 16th November 2012. 

3. Magic Johnson

Magic  Johnson Jr. spent 13 years in the NBA as a player with the Los Angeles Lakers. In 1980, Magic was a rookie and went on to win three NBA MVP awards, five NBA championships, and one MVP award during his rookie season. Magic, the Point-Guard, was the only player to average 12 assists in the NBA Finals during that era and was one of the best passers in the league. In 2004 Magic Johnson's sculpture was unveiled by the Los Angeles Lakers and the height of the statue was 17 feet. 

2. Michael Jordan 

Among the all-time great athletes is Michael Jordan. We all understand how intense he is, how hard he worked, and how far his career has come. Michael Jordan was an NBA All-Star for 14 years, a 6-time NBA Champion, and the five-time MVP of the league. Jordan established a fervent following among fans over his 15 NBA seasons. The 12-foot-tall figure in the artwork was first seen on November 1, 1994. Being the pinnacle of a basketball player, Michael will go down in history as the best player to ever touch the ball.

1. Kobe Bryant 

The newest memorial to the legendary Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant honours the unique relationship he shared with his daughter Gianna. The second of three intended monuments outside Crypto.com Arena was unveiled by the Lakers and the Bryant family. With angel wings trailing behind them and Kobe cuddling his daughter, this statue shows Kobe and Gianna enjoying a Lakers game. 

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