NBA Fans Divided: Do You Agree With Dwight Howard’s Controversial Mount Rushmore of Greatest Big Men in Basketball History?

When it comes to ranking the greatest big men in NBA history, there’s no shortage of strong opinions—and former Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard has officially added his voice to the debate, igniting fierce discussions across the basketball world. Howard, known for his dominant run as one of the league’s most physically imposing big men during his prime, revealed his personal “Mount Rushmore of Big Men,” and unsurprisingly, the basketball community has exploded with passionate reactions.

Howard, who played eight seasons with the Orlando Magic and had two separate stints with the Los Angeles Lakers—including helping them secure the 2020 NBA championship—knows a thing or two about what it means to dominate the paint. With a résumé that includes three NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards, eight All-Star appearances, and five rebounding titles, Howard’s opinion carries weight, even if it sparks controversy.

During a recent podcast appearance, Howard was asked to name his Mount Rushmore—the four greatest big men in NBA history. Without hesitation, he offered his list: Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, and himself, Dwight Howard.

Predictably, Howard’s self-inclusion caused an uproar across social media platforms, talk shows, and fan forums. But perhaps even more interesting was the fact that Howard omitted names like Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Tim Duncan, and Moses Malone—legends many believe are automatic choices when it comes to the best of the best.

Let’s break down Howard’s list and the surrounding debate:

1. Shaquille O’Neal:
A dominant force unlike any other, Shaq’s combination of size, strength, and footwork made him a nightmare matchup throughout his career. A four-time NBA champion, three-time Finals MVP, and a 15-time All-Star, O’Neal is universally regarded as one of the most physically unstoppable players in league history. His inclusion on Howard’s Mount Rushmore is virtually uncontested—even the harshest critics of Howard’s list agree on this one.

2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar:
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer for nearly four decades (before LeBron James surpassed him), Kareem’s skyhook remains one of the most iconic and unguardable shots in basketball history. With six NBA championships, six MVP awards, and a staggering 19 All-Star selections, Kareem is often at the top of all-time big men conversations. No one batted an eye at his inclusion.

3. Hakeem Olajuwon:
Known as “The Dream,” Olajuwon revolutionized footwork for big men, blending finesse with defensive brilliance. His back-to-back championships with the Houston Rockets in the 1990s, two Finals MVPs, and his status as the NBA’s all-time leader in blocked shots cement his legacy. Many analysts and former players consistently place Olajuwon among the top five big men ever, making his spot on Howard’s list a logical choice.

4. Dwight Howard (Himself):
And here’s where the debate explodes. Howard’s self-nomination immediately drew criticism and praise in equal measure. Some fans, particularly younger audiences and those who vividly remember Howard’s peak years with the Magic and Lakers, argue that his impact on defense, rebounding, and rim protection make him worthy of such recognition.

On the other side, critics argue that Howard, while undeniably dominant in his prime, lacks the offensive versatility, longevity, and overall accolades to deserve placement ahead of historical titans like Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Tim Duncan, or even contemporary stars like Nikola Jokic.

Social media platforms like Twitter (now X), Instagram, and Reddit lit up with heated exchanges. Some users defended Howard by pointing to his defensive dominance during an era increasingly driven by perimeter play. Others highlighted his career averages—15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game—as evidence of elite production. Notably, Howard’s eight All-NBA selections, including five First-Team nods, underscore his prolonged impact during his peak years.

However, the omission of legends like Wilt Chamberlain, who still holds numerous unbreakable NBA records—including his mythical 100-point game—and Bill Russell, an 11-time NBA champion and the bedrock of Boston Celtics’ dynasty, left many fans and analysts stunned.

Tim Duncan, while often classified as a power forward, spent much of his career playing center and is widely regarded as one of the most fundamentally sound and successful big men in league history, boasting five championships and two MVP awards.

Additionally, modern centers like Nikola Jokic, fresh off consecutive MVPs and a dominant run with the Denver Nuggets, are increasingly being mentioned in “greatest big men” conversations, further complicating the debate.

Howard’s Justification:
Dwight Howard defended his list by emphasizing the evolution of the center position and the qualities he values most: defensive presence, rebounding, intimidation, and athleticism. He argued that while past greats like Russell and Chamberlain paved the way, the modern game demands a more versatile skill set, which he believes he embodies.

In particular, Howard pointed to his three Defensive Player of the Year awards, eight consecutive All-Star seasons, and leadership during the Magic’s 2009 run to the NBA Finals as proof of his standing among the game’s elite big men.

Fan Reactions:
Reactions among Lakers fans were particularly mixed. Some Lakers faithful, still appreciative of Howard’s role in the team’s 2020 championship “Bubble” run, praised his confidence and legacy. After all, Howard was instrumental in neutralizing Nikola Jokic during the Western Conference Finals that season, providing key minutes and defensive toughness alongside Anthony Davis and LeBron James.

Others, however, argued that placing himself alongside Kareem and Shaq—both Lakers legends with unmatched résumés—felt premature or disrespectful to other all-time greats. One fan posted, “Love Dwight for what he did in purple and gold, but he’s not in the same galaxy as Kareem or Shaq, let alone Wilt.”

The Bigger Picture:
Howard’s comments reflect a broader trend of players advocating for their own legacies in an era where player-driven media and podcasts give them unfiltered platforms. From LeBron James proclaiming himself the GOAT after the 2016 Finals to Draymond Green defending his dynasty’s legitimacy, the modern NBA is as much about legacy debates as it is about on-court performance.

Dwight Howard, now playing overseas and still contemplating an NBA return, remains one of the most polarizing figures from his generation. His bold self-inclusion on the Mount Rushmore of big men may spark criticism, but it undeniably cements his place in the conversation—love him or hate him.

So, where do you stand? Does Dwight Howard belong on the Mount Rushmore of NBA big men, or is his self-confidence overstepping reality? Are Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Tim Duncan, or even Jokic more deserving? One thing’s for sure—the debate rages on, and with Howard’s bold statement, it’s unlikely to settle anytime soon.