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    • List of NBA Players who have been Honored with Statues

    by admin in NBA | Comments Off on List of NBA Players who have been Honored with Statues

    Planting a permanent statue outside the arena is probably the biggest honor a franchise can give to its player. It’s an homage not every player gets indeed. It is meant for those players who have done really special for their franchise, a really commendable job that urges franchises to honor their player in such a way.

    Following is a list of those players whose contributions were acknowledged by their respective NBA franchise and they were honored with statues.

    Michael Jordan

    Michael Jordan has a bronze statue outside the United Center. The statue was placed in 1994, more or less one year after when he announced his first retirement from basketball. It was crafted by two renowned artists named Omri and Julie Rotblatt Amrany. It’s needless to say what he did for Bulls and why they have paid him such a special tribute.

    Scottie Pippen

    On April 7, 2011, the statue of Scottie Pippen was unveiled by the Bulls franchise but unlike Michael Jordan’s statue, they kept the statue inside the United Center building. This statue does not have any significant pose or signature move, its a simple sculpture resting on a black base.

    Magic Johnson

    Magic Johnson was honored with a statue on November 2, 2004. His 17 foot monument is erected outside the Staples Center, signifying his dribble and  fast break.

    Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

    Kareem Abdul Jabbar was not considered for this honor until he himself showed bit of frustration and complained about not having a monument for his services. On November 16, 2012, Lakers unveiled the statue of him. It’s about 16 feet tall, weighs 1500 pounds and replicates his trademark sky hook.

    Jerry West

    On February 17, 2011, Jerry West statue was revealed in a ceremony at Staples Center. His bronze bust stands 14 foot, 1500 pounds and depicts him dribbling down the court.

    Julius Erving

    The iconic statue of Julius Eving is located in The Spectrum, the previous home arena of Philadelphia 76ers. The statue is created by an artist from Kentucky named Barney Bright.

    George Mikan

    In April 2001, a life-size statue of George Mikan was permanently installed in the entrance of Target Center. The statue, posing the glorious hook shot of George Mikan, will always reminds everyone about the first superstar of National Basketball Association.

    Hakeem Olajuwon

    On April 11, 2008, Houston Rockets honored Hakeem Olajuwon with a magnificent monument. It’s basically an image of 34 number jersey which he wore during his stint with Houston Rockets. The monument was sculpted by artist Eric Kaposta and erected in the entrance of Toyota Center.

    John Stockton

    John Stockton was immortalized in a bronze on  March 30, 2006. His statue is placed outside the EnergySolutions Arena and depicts as he is making a pass.

    Karl Malone

    Karl Malone statue also stands outside the EnergySolutions Arena, close to John Stockton Statue. The statue of him was unveiled on March 23, 2006 and his signature dunk was recreated on the art piece.




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