NBA 2011-12: Evaluating What Makes an NBA Legend

With the list of 45 legends being revealed for the "Legends Showcase" downloadable content for NBA: 2k12, there are some questions that should be answered. First, what should make a legend, and second, who is truly a legend? The following questions are helpful in determining a legend, but are not the only way. There are more factors than can be addressed by one article, but understandably, star players will often end up being remembered as legends more than role players.

Question 1: Was or is said player immediately associated with a team or a city?

This question is really in terms of opinions, but is still important nonetheless for determining a legend. For example, Michael Jordan is immediately associated with the Bulls, Larry Bird is immediately associated with the Celtics, and Magic Johnson is immediately associated with the Lakers.

Question 2: If said player never existed, would we have missed something meaningful? 

Again, this question relies on opinion, but it is still important. If Michael Jordan never existed, we would have missed one of the most athletic, talented, and competitive players of all time.

Question 3: Did said player in some way affect the way the game is played today?

This question really applies to the pioneers of the game, who cannot be accurately compared to the legends of today. Instead, their case for being a legend is through their contributions to the game today. Bob Cousy changed how dribbling was viewed, George Mikan began a trend of dominant big men, and Elgin Baylor introduced the vertical aspect of the game today.

Question 4: Would seeing said player in person affect you in some way?

I'm far too young to have seen some of the greatest players ever in person, but players like Jordan have a certain air around them. They seem to be larger than life, and that's what makes them endearing. 

Question 5: Does said player hold any records?

This question is based purely on the statistical portion of basketball. Given that stats are not everything, this question is not the most important, but it does help. John Stockton is still remembered for his records in assists and steal, while Bill Russell is remembered for his 11 rings. 

Question 6: Did said player have memorable moments?

This question really relies on what one considers "memorable." Michael Jordan had an entire mode built around his memorable moments in NBA 2k11. Enough said.

Question 7: Did they have a memorable nickname?

This is the least important, but still has an effect. Nicknames can help cement a players legacy, for example, His Airness perfectly describes Michael Jordan as the greatest player of all time, The Human Highlight Film describes Dominique Wilkin's athleticism perfectly, and Mr. Clutch definitely describes Jerry West. 

Using these questions, the only players that should be considered legendary are: George Mikan, Bob Cousy, Bob Pettit, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, John Havlicek, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Bill Walton, Magic Johnson, Doctor J, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Moses Malone, Isiah Thomas, Dominique Wilkins, Scottie Pippen, Charles Barkley, Reggie Miller, Karl Malone, Run TMC as a whole, Dennis Rodman, Dan Majerle, Tim Duncan, Robert Horry (His success in the clutch actually passes enough questions for him to be a legend), Allen Iverson, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant.

I feel good about these 32 (technically 34) being considered legends. 

Guys who passed some of the questions, but not enough to be legends are: Manute Bol, Robert Parish, James Worthy, Yao Ming, Shawn Bradley(I'm guessing he holds a record for getting dunked on), Shawn Kemp, Gary Payton, Dikembe Mutumbo, Ben Wallace, Tom Chambers(although the Mark Jackson Dunk might just make him a borderline legend), Gheorge Muresan, Popeye Jones(unfortunately, this is based on his legendary ugliness), Paul Mokeski(Ditto), Clyde Drexler, and David Robinson.

Aside from Kobe, most active players today are not considered legends, but may one day become ones. 

Guys who may someday be considered legends: Jason Kidd (Who is a borderline legend, but only 37 steals away from being a solid legend), Steve Nash(Who needs to be in the top 5 all-time in assists to be a legend), LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Manu Ginobilli, Kevin Durant, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Dwight Howard, Derrick Rose, and John Wall.