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For NBA players, receiving a statue outside an arena is perhaps the greatest honor possible after winning the Finals.
It is a sign that a franchise and it’s fans truly value someone and consider them not just great but downright legendary.
Only a select few NBA players have earned statues but more will surely be coming in the future.
On ESPN Tuesday, Stephen A. Smith listed six stars who deserve statues.
According to NBACentral, Smith said that Giannis Antetokounmpo, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, LeBron James (with the Miami Heat), LeBron James (with the Cleveland Cavaliers), and Stephen Curry have all earned the right to get a statute in their honor.
Stephen A. Smith names 6 players who deserve statues pic.twitter.com/ogjGfNiNcg
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 5, 2024
This list makes a lot of sense for most NBA fans.
Curry will certainly get a statue after his retirement as he is easily the most important and impactful Golden State Warriors player ever.
And many people, including Curry himself, have argued that his four championships wouldn’t have been possible without Thompson and Green.
Together, those three players transformed the team and, ultimately, the entire league.
As for James, he will also definitely get a statue for his time with the Heat and the Cavaliers – but will he also earn one with the Los Angeles Lakers?
Antetokounmpo is another player who will likely get a statue dedicated to him for all he has done with the Milwaukee Bucks.
But there are many questions about him remaining with that team or moving on in the next few seasons.
If he does leave Milwaukee, will a statue still be erected in his honor?
These are a few of the biggest and most important basketball players of all time so they have definitely earned the right for statues.
Which player will get theirs first?
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