Every NBA franchise aims to put together three of their best players as the “big three” for the easiest path to winning the title. Some NBA champions and dynasty teams were led by three elite players, all performing at the highest level. By uniting together, they took the league to another level. The big three players provide the best conditions to achieve success. Let’s have a look at some of the best trios in the history of the NBA.
10. Elgin Baylor/Jerry West/Wilt Chamberlain
The trio of players on the Los Angeles Lakers between 1968 and 1972 managed to conquer the league with their amazing chemistry and their accomplishments. This trio included Elgin Baylor, Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain, who won the title in the 1971–72 season by easily defeating the New York Knicks 4-1. The average of all three combined for 70.3 points, 34 rebounds and 18 assists per game for a combined record of 257–134.
9. Kevin Garnett/Ray Allen/Paul Pierce
The NBA saw a major transformation in 2008 when the Boston Celtics went from a forgettable team to a standard in just one offseason. They traded for both Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to unite them with Paul Pierce. In that first season, the Celtics dominated the regular season and won the NBA title. Boston has never won another championship with this core, but they remained the biggest threats to Kobe Bryant and LeBron James each postseason.
8. Kobe Bryant/Shaquille O’Neal/Robert Horry
One of the most imposing players in the history of the league included Shaquille O’Neal and the extraordinary Kobe Bryant. The duo was dynamic and when Robert Horry was added to their game, the trio together won three championships in six years and compiled an overall record of 384–167.
7. Kobe Bryant/Pau Gasol/Lamar Odom
In the later years of his career, Kobe Bryant along with Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, led his team to three consecutive NBA Finals and won two rings. Gasol joined the Lakers as the ideal second star and became Bryant’s favorite teammate. While Odom was a great sixth man and brilliant all-around player, to be the third star. Them winning two championships together will always be remembered.
6. Larry Bird/Kevin McHale/Robert Parish
The Eastern Conference was won mostly by the Boston Celtics during the 1980s due to their strong core. Larry Bird was the best player in the league at the time and with stars like Kevin McHale and Robert Parish, they formed a formidable trio at the top of the roster. Boston won three NBA championships and was always seen as a contender to win it. Bird was the one who set the bar for success, but McHale and Parish brought toughness to the game.
5. Magic Johnson/Kareem Abdul-Jabbar/James Worthy
The Los Angeles Lakers were in their prime during the 1980s, when Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were on their roster. Both legends are still remembered as greats, along with Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Kareem and Magic won two championships together when another legend, James Worthy, joined them to form the fantastic trio. The Lakers won three championships with this core and were one of the most dominant NBA franchises of the decade.
4. Stephen Curry/Klay Thompson/Draymond Green
Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are already iconic players for the Golden State Warriors. This trio won one NBA championship and made three NBA Finals before and after Kevin Durant joined the team. This core has been incredible in the Western Conference for nearly a decade, with several teams becoming contenders and failing each season.
3. Tim Duncan/Tony Parker/Manu Ginobili
The San Antonio Spurs saw their top trio achieve strong success for over a decade. Tim Duncan had already won an NBA title with David Robinson when Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili joined the roster as late draft picks. Parker and Ginobili added another dynamic to win four NBA championships. Young Kawahi Leonard joined them for the final ring and the Spurs were arguably the best team at that time.
2. LeBron James/Dwyane Wade/Chris Bosh
When the Miami Heat won the 2010 offseason, the NBA saw a new rise of teams trying to create a big three. LeBron James and Chris Bosh signed with Dwyane Wade together, which created great hype and gave expectations to the fans. Although they announced that they would win 5-7 rings, the trio ended up with just two. The positive thing for the Heat was that they made every NBA Finals together and became phenomenal in the league.
1. Michael Jordan/Scottie Pippen/Dennis Rodman
Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen had two three-peats with the Chicago Bulls, with Horace Grant and Dennis Rodman being the third-best players at their respective positions for each run. Rodman’s time in the 1996–98 period was more impressive due to his defense and toughness, which kept them at the top. The Bulls had a 72-win season to start the three-peat by dominating the league each year. Jordan was arguably the best in the league, Pippen was among the best all-round players, and Rodman added the X-factor, making them nearly unbeatable.
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