Check out the greatest all-time Big Threes that can be created from every franchise in NBA history.
Over the last 20 years, the term “Big Three” has become more and more popular within the NBA community. With players having more power than ever and stars teaming up with other stars more often than ever, big threes have almost become a normal occurrence in the NBA today. This isn’t to say there haven’t been Big Threes before the modern-day game, either. Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy. Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman. Larry Bird, Robert Parish, and Kevin McHale. These are all examples of powerhouse trios that have taken the court at the same time and won NBA championships.
Most of us know how to identify a Big Three when we see it. A couple of All-Stars and a superior third option that would be a second or first option on any other team will do the trick. However, what if we could create our own historical Big Threes using the greatest players from every NBA franchise? How would they fit together on the court? Which three players would we select? Which three players would you, the reader, select?
Well, have no fear because your prayers have been answered, although you probably haven’t prayed for a 34-year-old dude to write an article about this, but regardless, it is here. Today, I will break down every all-time greatest Big Three based on their accomplishments with that specific franchise. You will see the greatest trios ever created from a hypothetical standpoint and undoubtedly ones that would win NBA championships if they had ever taken the court together.
These are the greatest Big Threes from every NBA franchise.
Atlanta Hawks – Bob Pettit, Dominique Wilkins, Trae Young
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The Atlanta Hawks get our list kicked off with the trio of Bob Pettit, Dominique Wilkins, and Trae Young. Let’s start with Pettit, who is easily the greatest player in the history of the franchise. Pettit was a two-time MVP with the Hawks during his career, who averaged 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds per game. Pettit was an All-Star every season of his 11-year career and a four-time All-Star Game MVP. In 1958, Pettit delivered the only championship in Hawks history, handing the Bill Russel-led Celtics their only loss on the NBA’s big stage.
Joining him will be one of the deadliest scorers in NBA history, Dominique Wilkins. From 1983 to 1994, Wilkins was the heartbeat of the Hawks, averaging 26.4 points and 6.9 rebounds during those 12 seasons. In 1986, Wilkins took home the scoring title with 30.6 points per game and would have another 30.0 points per game season in 1988. Although he had limited playoff success, Wilkins’ battles with rival NBA legends and his ability to light up the scoreboard make him one of the greatest players in Hawks history.
Trae Young is obviously a new-generation player, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t belong on the list of all-time greats for the franchise already. Young has been one of the best playmaking guards over the last few seasons, leading the NBA in total points and total assists in 2021-22 and again leading the NBA in total assists in 2022-23. Young put the Hawks on his back in 2021 and led them to an Eastern Conference Finals appearance, something even Wilkins never did in his time there. This trio could hold its own against any other on this list and would certainly give the Hawks at least their second NBA championship ever.
Boston Celtics – Bill Russell, Larry Bird, John Havlicek
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The Big Three coming from the Boston Celtics may just be the best one on this list. First, you have arguably the greatest rebounder, defender, and winner in NBA history in Bill Russell. He led the Celtics to 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons, sacrificing his offensive game and numbers in order to perfect his craft in other areas. Russell would be the anchor of the defense and the player who will have some tough assignments up against the other 29 teams.
Larry Bird is about as complete of a player as you can ask for. Bird led the Celtics to three NBA championships in the 80s while winning two Finals MVP awards in 1984 and 1986. From 1984 through 1986, Bird won three straight MVP awards and is the last player to accomplish that feat. Bird will be Boston’s go-to offensive weapon as a shooter, scorer, and playmaker, utilizing his complete s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set and making this team a more than formidable opponent.
John Havlicek is another Swiss Army knife-type player who will serve multiple roles with this team. Havlicek was a winner of eight NBA championships with the Celtics in his career and a former Finals MVP in 1974. Havlicek’s hustle and motor are what make him an easy selection to add to Bird and Russell to complete this trio. It is likely that while sharing the court with Russell and Bird, Havlicek will see more than his fair share of opportunities on offense, which bodes well for Boston, considering he was a 20.8 points per game scorer for his career and averaged 28.9 points per game at his peak.
Brooklyn Nets – Julius Erving, Jason Kidd, Vince Carter
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As far as athleticism and excitement go, the Brooklyn Nets’ Big Three would be at the top of the list out of all 30 teams. Running the show as the team’s leading playmaker and passer would be Jason Kidd, who might go on to break the all-time assists record with the talent of Vince Carter and Julius Erving around him. With the Nets, Kidd led the team to two NBA Finals appearances with lesser help than this, leaving us to wonder what would become of these three on the court.
Julius Erving was on the Nets when they were in the ABA. In the three seasons he spent with the team, Erving won two scoring titles and three straight MVP awards. Erving was one of the first players to show what elite athleticism looked like on a basketball court and was an elite defender as well. Erving would lead the Nets to two ABA championships as well, averaging 30.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.7 blocks in his three years there.
Speaking of athleticism, Vince Carter rounds out our Brooklyn trio, adding another weapon for Jason Kidd to pick apart defenses with. The transition offense would be incredible with these three sharing the court, and the amount of highlights coming from their games would be endless. Carter played with the Nets from 2005 through 2009 and averaged 23.6 points per game during that stretch of his career. More than just a dunker, Carter also added a lethal three-point shot to his arsenal at this time, making the Nets one of the most versatile trios on our entire list.
Charlotte Hornets – Alonzo Mourning, Kemba Walker, Larry Johnson
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From one of the most exciting trios on this entire list to one of the more underwhelming ones, in my opinion. The Charlotte Hornets are an underwhelming franchise as a whole as one of the teams in NBA history to never even make a Finals appearance. Nevertheless, Alonzo Mourning will be the big man of the group as a member of the Hornets from 1993 through 1995. Mourning is a physical and smothering presence who averaged over 20.0 points and 10.0 rebounds all three years with the Hornets.
Kemba Walker is the greatest player in Hornets history, so naturally, he would be here without any hesitation. Walker is the franchise’s all-time leader in points, shots made, and three-pointers made, as well as a three-time All-Star and one-time All-NBA Team selection while with the team from 2012 through 2019. Walker will be our scoring guard and a nifty shot-creator who will get others involved consistently.
Wrapping up the Big Three for Charlotte, Larry Johnson will round out the frontcourt next to Mourning. Although, we may need to keep them away from each other. Johnson was at his physical and professional peak with the Hornets, where he became Rookie of the Year and a two-time All-Star as well as an All-NBA Team selection. Even as an undersized power forward, Johnson’s raw power and athleticism are enough to include him on our list of the Big Three for Charlotte.
Chicago Bulls – Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Derrick Rose
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With the GOAT in tow, it will be hard to count out the Chicago Bulls with their Big Three. Of course, Michael Jordan will be the star and offensive juggernaut in which the offense is run through him as it should be. Jordan’s elite scoring ability at 30.1 points per game for his career as the greatest scorer ever will make Chicago an unstoppable offensive team at the very least. Let’s not forget about his defensive abilities, either. A Defensive Player of the Year, three steals titles, and nine All-Defensive Teams tell me I am right.
The other two players, alongside Jordan, will be what completes this trio as one of the best on here. Scottie Pippen’s experience alongside Jordan for six NBA championships will make them automatically one of the most formidable teams on here. Next to him will be Derrick Rose, the youngest MVP in NBA history, who was at the peak of his powers with the Bulls. As a scorer and playmaker, Rose’s addition to the great duo of Jordan and Pippen makes this a well-rounded powerhouse up against the other 29 Big Threes on this list.
Jordan, Rose, and Pippen offer a three-headed monster on both sides of the ball. They will be one of the most difficult offensive trios to stop and perhaps the peskiest on defense as well.
Cleveland Cavaliers – LeBron James, Mark Price, Kyrie Irving
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With the Cleveland Cavaliers, we start off with another duo that delivered an NBA championship to Cleveland for the only time in franchise history. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving’s relationship is one I am more than confused about, but what I do know is that they made magic on the court together.
James and Irving were the lifeblood of their 2016 championship run as they both took their games to another level during the comeback against the Golden State Warriors. They will clearly be the leaders and offensive playmakers when it comes to this Big Three. James will take the reins as the former Finals MVP and MVP, while Irving will undoubtedly back him up as a shot-creator and playmaker.
Joining them will be a sharpshooter in his own right, Mark Price. Surrounded by James and Irving, Price will utilize off-ball movement to maximize his role on the team. Price can move around and wait for James or Irving to penetrate the lane, waiting for a perfect pass from either to knock down his open outside shots. As underrated as he is, Price will be one of the most important pieces of this entire Big Three.
Dallas Mavericks – Dirk Nowitzki, Mark Aguirre, Luka Doncic
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What we have created with the Dallas Mavericks and their Big Three is about as easy as any other franchise on our list. The GOAT of the Mavericks for now is easily Dirk Nowitzki, who led the Mavericks to their only NBA title in 2011. With his ability to spread the floor as a shooter but also back any defender down for his patented one-legged fadeaway that was unguardable, Nowitzki will thrive next to a distributor like Luka Doncic.
Doncic will have the ball in his hands 90.0% of the time when taking the court with these three. With his ability to slow the game down and read defenses as elite as he does, Nowitzki and Aguirre will get more than their fair share of easy opportunities at buckets. Doncic will switch to the scorer’s role when defenses ultimately try to slow down the pick-and-roll he can run with Nowitzki. Doncic makes this trio as dangerous as any other trio on this list.
Joining these two Mavericks legends will be a third in his own right. Mark Aguirre was there through the early years, from 1982 through 1989. Aguirre was a consistent 25.0 points per game player for years with Dallas and made three- All-Star teams, and peaked at 29.5 points per game as a scorer in 1984. Next to Doncic and Nowitzki, Aguirre could end up being the most dangerous man on the floor, with the attention all on his teammates.
Denver Nuggets – Nikola Jokic, Alex English, Carmelo Anthony
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Do you want to talk about an elite offensive team? Look no further than this ridiculously loaded Denver Nuggets Big Three. Nikola Jokic, a two-time MVP and Finals MVP, is the only choice to have the offense run through him. Jokic can spread the floor as a shooter and destroy opponents on the glass with his rebounding. We all know that his best attribute is his s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s as a playmaker with elite court vision, ball control, and pinpoint accuracy of his passes from anywhere on the court.
Joining him will be one of the most underrated scorers and players in NBA history. Alex English had eight straight 2,000-point seasons with Denver during the 1980s and outscored everybody in the NBA during the decade. Yes, even Jordan, Magic, and Bird. English sharing the court with Jokic is likely to get him even more opportunities to bring his scoring to an even more elite level which is going to frustrate opponents, considering the other two they have to deal with.
Carmelo Anthony was a different breed with the Nuggets on offense. He was an accurate shooter from all over the floor, but what made him elite was the work he did in the post. Anthony was a bully in the low block, able to back down opponents fairly easily with his underrated strength. Anthony will be an incredible third-scoring option for Denver, making this one of the most unstoppable offensive Big Threes here today.
Detroit Pistons – Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Bob Lanier
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The rough and rugged history of the Detroit Pistons makes this Big Three selection tougher than most. For our backcourt, we decided to go with the Pistons’ GOAT, Isiah Thomas, and Joe Dumars. Together, they delivered two NBA championships to Detroit as well as each winning a Finals MVP award. As one of the greatest ball-handlers ever and a scoring machine, Thomas will steal the show from the others around him.
Joe Dumars will serve multiple purposes in this lineup. First, as a defender taking on the opponent’s best perimeter players, where he excelled for most of his career against the likes of Michael Jordan. Dumars will also be able to provide some scoring as a 20.0 points per-game scorer at his peak. Dumars may not be the most offensively gifted, but what he provides overall makes Detroit a tough team to beat.
In the paint, the selection has to be Bob Lanier for his ability to rebound, score, and defend. Lanier was a walking double-double with multiple seasons averaging 2.0 blocks per game or more as a defender. Lanier’s stop-and-pop mid-range jumper was something special as well, giving our backcourt one of the most talented bigs they ever played with. Look out for Detroit against the 29 other teams on our list.
Golden State Warriors – Stephen Curry, Wilt Chamberlain, Kevin Durant
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Sheesh, who on Earth is going to be able to stop this Golden State Big Three? First, you have the greatest three-point shooter in NBA history, who must be accounted for at all times. Stephen Curry’s the most dangerous without the ball in his hands and will have more than ample opportunity to get his shot off, considering he will not see all of the attention on the court. Curry’s shot will be raining down from all over the court.
Then, we have Wilt Chamberlain at the most dominant level of his career. This is the 50.4 points per game Wilt. The one who led the NBA in scoring and rebounds pretty much every season for the first six seasons of his career. He may not have won an NBA title, but he did make NBA history time and time again when he took the floor. Next to Curry and Durant, the possibilities are endless for Wilt to take over.
Finally, there is arguably the game’s greatest scorer, who helped the Warriors win two NBA championships in 2018 and 2018 while claiming both Finals MVP awards. As one of the most efficient scorers ever, Durant will command the offenses, especially from the mid-range, where he is virtually automatic. Having Curry, Durant, and Chamberlain all at their peaks will make this trio absolutely unbeatable on the court.
Houston Rockets – Hakeem Olajuwon, James Harden, Moses Malone
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The next team on our list comes with a Big Three that is one of the most complete that we have listed thus far. The Houston Rockets bring an electric combination of interior defense, rebounding, perimeter offense, and overall scoring. In the paint, the Rockets give us a frontcourt of two of the greatest centers to ever play the game, Hakeem Olajuwon and Moses Malone. As arguably the greatest defender and most s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed center in NBA history, the Rockets already get off to a brilliant start with Olajuwon.
Moses Malone will be the other big man in our frontcourt. With two MVPs and a Finals appearance with the Rockets, Malone was a rebounding and scoring machine. He is the NBA’s all-time leader in offensive rebounds, and who wouldn’t want to give extra shots to James Harden and Hakeem Olajuwon? Malone’s interior defense is highly underrated as well, which makes this frontcourt a giant wall that is virtually impenetrable.
Then, we get James Harden at his offensive peak. We are talking about vintage Harden here. The player who won three consecutive scoring titles with his Euro step, stepback three, and manipulation of the defense to get to the foul line. It is also important to remember that Harden’s playmaking abilities will benefit Olajuwon and Malone as well. With a well-balanced Big Three coming from Houston, it seems like it will be the rest of the NBA who has a problem.
Indiana Pacers – Reggie Miller, Mel Daniels, George McGinnis
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As far as underwhelming Big Threes, the Indiana Pacers come in with another one on our list. This isn’t a surprise considering the Pacers have never won an NBA championship and haven’t appeared in the Finals since 2000. Reggie Miller will be the brightest star for Indiana with his elite three-point shooting and annoying defense/antics against his opponents. Next to him will be Mel Daniels, who played six seasons with the Pacers in the ABA. Daniels was a consistent 20.0 points per game player who would also give you 15.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game.
George McGinnis is the final member of the Pacers’ all-time Big Three and is another ABA legend for the team. McGinnis averaged 19.6 points and 10.7 rebounds per game in seven seasons with the Pacers, but those numbers get weighed down by the final seasons of his career. In the ABA days, McGinnis was a scoring champion and 25.0 to 29.0 points per game scorer who would also grab anywhere from 12.0 to 15.0 rebounds per game. These three could surprise a lot of people, but as far as competing against the other trios on this list, it will be an uphill battle.
Los Angeles Clippers – Chris Paul, Bob McAdoo, Blake Griffin
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Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming. The Los Angeles Clippers have also never been to an NBA Finals, but they do pack one heck of a punch when it comes to their legends. As one of the smartest layers to ever play the game, Chris Paul will lead the pack with his incredible two-way play. As a passer and playmaker, there haven’t been many able to match Paul’s output as a point guard. As a defender, his on-ball s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s make him an elite two-way threat to this day.
We round out our Clippers Big Three with a frontcourt I would pay big bucks to see share the court in real life. Blake Griffin brings an innate ability to score in the post with freak athleticism and a premier s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set from the power forward position. Next to him will be Bob McAdoo, a former MVP and scoring champion with the Clippers who, at his peak, was a 30.0 points and 15.1 rebounds per game player. With Paul running the offense and this frontcourt at his command, this Clippers team will be a sleeper to go all the way.
Los Angeles Lakers – Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
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Do you know how much it hurts to leave Shaq off a Big Three for the Lakers? Regardless of the pain, we believe this is the best trio we can create when selecting from the pool of legends provided to us by the Lakers. Of course, we start with Magic Johnson, who will push the pace as our primary playmaker and floor general. Magic’s basketball IQ and court vision will allow him to run this offense like a well-oiled machine.
Of course, next to him will be the man he won five championships with during the 1980s, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The chemistry between these two players is enough to have included them in the Lakers’ Big Three. Kareem’s unstoppable skyhook and elite defense on top of it make him a tough but correct selection for this squad.
A Lakers Big Three would not be complete without the greatest player in franchise history, Kobe Bryant. His mentality, scoring ability, defensive ability, and championship DNA are just too much to pass up for this team. Bryant is an elite scorer, but it is much more than that. He is one of the most clutch players in NBA history as well as one of the game’s greatest tough shot-makers the game has ever seen. This team will undoubtedly be voted as one of the top trios out of all 30 teams listed today.
Memphis Grizzlies – Marc Gasol, Ja Morant, Zach Randolph
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As one of the newer franchises in the NBA, the Memphis Grizzlies do not have a ton to offer as far as their Big Three goes. That doesn’t mean this team will go down without a fight, though. Ja Morant is easily the most s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed point guard the Grizzlies have ever had, with athleticism and instincts that go beyond what he is asked to do on the court. As great as he is as a scorer, Morant also knows how to get his teammates involved on a consistent basis.
The frontcourt for this team is the epitome of what we call “bully-ball”. On the defensive side of the ball, we get Marc Gasol, who could impose his physical will on opponents and consistently frustrate his rivals on the court. The 2013 Defensive Player of the Year is a welcomed addition to this Big Three. On offense, we get the original post bully Zach Randolph who, although unathletic, was too strong and too s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed to be stopped in the paint. With elite footwork and shooting touch on his attempts, Randolph is the only choice here and the perfect counterpart to Gasol in the frontcourt.
Miami Heat – Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Jimmy Butler
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Man, this Miami Heat Big Three is loaded. Despite there being three wing players in this Big Three, it will be one of the most iconic trios on our list today. Together again, the duo of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade lead this squad with their elite two-way abilities. I always say that Miami LeBron is the best LeBron we have seen on both sides of the ball. With two MVPs, two championships, and two Finals MVPs to show for it in a Miami uniform, starting with this version of James gives Miami a clear advantage.
Adding Dwyane Wade to the mix only makes that statement more true. Wade and James together were like watching poetry in motion, even as Wade’s knees began to betray him toward the end of their run together. Imagine if we gave LeBron 2006 Wade, though? Wade showed that he could be an elite scorer from all three levels during that time as well as one of the best defensive shooting guards in NBA history. His instincts, clutch abilities, and willingness to take a backseat in certain situations make this tandem even scarier than when they actually played together.
Joining Wade and James is the player who took the torch from Wade when it comes to leading the Miami Heat into the next era. Jimmy Butler has shown time and time again that he is a different beast during the NBA playoffs. Butler has willed the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances in 2020 and 2023, and even though they fell short both times, they would have never gotten there without him. Butler’s two-way abilities with the Heat have made him a folk hero of sorts in South Beach, along with leaving everything he has in him out on the court every night. With this trio, anything is possible, including multiple NBA championships.
Milwaukee Bucks – Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson
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As far as the Milwaukee Bucks trio, we are definitely looking at one that can be voted as one of the best Big Threes on this entire list. Let’s start with the guard position before we get to the frontcourt. Oscar Robertson was only in Milwaukee for four seasons, but his addition resulted in immediate success. Once Robertson got some support around him, he would help lead the Bucks to an NBA title with his all-around offensive play. Robertson’s size, speed, and ability as an all-around point guard make him an easy selection to run the offense around our star-studded frontcourt.
That frontcourt will consist of both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Both players hit their offensive and defensive peaks with the Bucks in their careers, with Giannis’ still going today. Both Kareem and Giannis are high-scoring threats at all times, with Giannis being an even more powerful weapon for Robertson to utilize with his ability to run the floor. Giannis also brings superior interior defense to this Milwaukee Big Three, but that is far from the end of the story.
That is because sharing the frontcourt with him is, in my opinion, the best version of Kareem we ever saw. At this time, Kareem was a 30.0 points per game scorer who could also provide 16.0 rebounds and over 3.0 blocks per game nightly. Karem and Giannis together may make Milwaukee a favorite in any tournament between these Big Threes listed today due to the intimidating presence of them sharing the court on both sides of the ball. Defenses will have to pick their poison, while offenses will have to figure out how to attack the paint, which will be no easy task whatsoever.
Minnesota Timberwolves – Kevin Garnett, Karl-Anthony Towns, Kevin Love
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The Minnesota Timberwolves are another NBA franchise that has never appeared in the NBA Finals but does have a strong Big Three to offer. Of course, the star of the show will be Kevin Garnett. He is the only MVP in Timberwolves history, winning the award in 2004. Garnett was a menace on both sides of the floor during his peak with Minnesota. As a defender, he was elite and versatile, able to step out and take on matchups with smaller and quicker players. As an offensive player, he was a great scorer and playmaker for a power forward, as well as one of the NBA’s most underrated fast-break threats.
We have built a big wall with Minnesota’s Big Three by adding both Karl-Anthony Towns and Kevin Love. During his career with Minnesota, Love was a double-double machine and among the best rebounders in the league. His ability to rule the paint and step out and knock down perimeter shots was phenomenal as well. As for Towns, he can spread the floor as well as one of the best big-man shooters ever.
With these three together, it opens up a world of possibilities for Minnesota on offense. Towns and Love can spread the floor while Garnett can continue to take over in the post. Beware of this Minnesota team is one of the sleepers on this list.
New Orleans Pelicans – Chris Paul, Anthony Davis, David West
We move on to the New Orleans Pelicans, who hit us with one of the more probable teams that could have actually played together. With the New Orleans Hornets, Chris Paul was a serious MVP candidate annually, with multiple assists titles and steals titles to his name. More than just a facilitator and playmaker, though, Paul could score in bunches as well, averaging 18.7 points per game over six seasons with the teams.
I would have given anything to see Chris Paul and Anthony Davis play together in New Orleans at one point. Paul has been one of the best in NBA history at maximizing the talent of his bigs, and I definitely think they could have competed for an NBA title together. Davis was a two-way God with New Orleans, averaging 23.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 2.4 blocks per game over the course of seven seasons.
If you need any evidence as to Paul’s effect on big men, look no further than the other member of this Big Three, David West. The best seasons in his career would come when sharing the court with Paul in the late 2000s. West was an All-Star in 2008 and 2009, thanks to Paul getting him involved with the offense more. West averaged 16.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game during eight seasons with New Orleans. This Big Three is another one that many fans will count out but don’t sleep on their ability to play at an elite level on both ends.
New York Knicks – Walt Frazier, Patrick Ewing, Willis Reed
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The New York Knicks have been somewhat of a laughingstock in the NBA ever since their last Finals appearance in 1999. However, when it comes to the Big Three that we have created, it is one of the best on paper, hands down. Walt Frazier is New York’s greatest point guard and easily a top 10 point guard that ever played the game. On offense, he could score, facilitate, and dismantle defenses in various ways. He is also one of the greatest on-ball defensive point guards in history, making him the only choice for the Knicks’ Big Three.
Then, we selected the greatest centers in team history, Patrick Ewing and Willis Reed. Ewing and Reed present a perfect dynamic to feed off one another and have the Knicks battling for championship contention. Reed’s defensive abilities and physical style of play will be a crucial part of his success when it comes to the Knicks. As for Ewing, he can be the more offensive-minded player, taking advantage of his ability to knock down mid-range jumpers at a high rate. Don’t forget that Ewing was no slush on defense, either.
With this Big Three, I firmly believe that the Knicks are a top-five Big Three on this list.
Oklahoma City Thunder – Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, Gary Payton
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With the Oklahoma City Thunder Big Three, we have combined the play of two MVPs and a Defensive Player of the Year. Gary Payton and Russell Westbrook will make up their frontcourt as a dynamic duo that can do a little bit of everything. While Payton is regarded highly for his defensive play, he was also a 19.0 points and 7.0 assists per game player at minimum for a decade straight with the Seattle SuperSonics. He will have a field day playing next to Westbrook and Durant.
Westbrook can take a ton of pressure off Payton by controlling the tempo of the game and taking over the role of playmaker. On opposite sides of the coin, he can also sit back and allow Payton to handle those duties while he remains in constant attack mode. As for Kevin Durant, this was his peak as a scorer, although he hasn’t declined much since his time in Oklahoma City came to an end. Durant will thrive in an offense next to these two elite playmakers and be able to focus on his scoring more than anything else. This makes the Thunder/SuperSonics another sleeper team on our list.
Orlando Magic – Dwight Howard, Shaquille O’Neal, Penny Hardaway
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Who would have thought that the Orlando Magic would have one of the most talented Big Threes on this entire list? If we are using prime Penny Hardaway before the injuries begin to pile up, which we are, we are getting a big and supremely s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed point guard who will cut up defenses around him, considering who he has to work within the paint. Hardaway’s all-around offensive ability is going to make for some highlights from all over once he gets O’Neal and Howard involved.
Can we just appreciate that last sentence? Shaquille O’Neal and prime Dwight Howard in the same frontcourt together may be one of the scariest tandems I have ever thought of. In O’Neal, they are getting the offensive firepower they need as a former scoring champion and 29.0 points per game on any given night. His defense was elite as well, but he won’t have to focus on that as much with his frontcourt partner having his back.
Of course, I am talking about three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Dwight Howard. With the Magic from 2005 through 2012, Howard was a defensive machine who won two blocks titles and four rebounding titles. Howard’s athleticism and shot-blocking abilities will be the biggest things he contributes to this team, but just in case Shaq and Penny are having off nights, Howard can step in with 20 points per game if need be.
Philadelphia 76ers – Julius Erving, Wilt Chamberlain, Allen Iverson
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There is no slowing down as we inch closer to the end of our list. In Philadelphia, we present another contender for the best Big Three on the list. We start with one of the most talented scorers ever, Allen Iverson. Standing a mere 6’0’’, Iverson would win four scoring titles and an MVP with the 76ers during his career there. Despite his size, Iverson’s relentless attack on the basket and rim made him one of the best offensive weapons of his generation and an easy selection for Philly’s Big Three.
Joining him will be two of the greatest players at their particular positions as well. Julius Erving revolutionized the game of basketball with his athletic ability and masterful two-way play. Erving led the Sixers to numerous NBA Finals and an NBA championship in 1983. He was also the 1981 MVP and a career 22.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game player with the Sixers in his career.
Wrapping up this Big Three is one of the most dominant players ever. Wilt Chamberlain completely revamped his game with the 76ers during his career there. He was still a dominant scorer and rebounder, but he began to utilize his playmaking abilities on another level as well. Wilt would help lead the 76ers to an NBA championship in 1967 and won three MVP awards in his time with the team. This trio could easily compete for the title of the best trio on today’s list as well.
Phoenix Suns – Steve Nash, Charles Barkley, Walter Davis
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In my opinion, these are the three best players in Phoenix Suns’ history. Starting Things off, we have one of the greatest playmakers ever and two-time MVP, Steve Nash. While his defense may be a bit suspect, his offensive abilities are so elite, we are willing to sacrifice some possessions in exchange for what Nash can provide offensively. Nash also brings extremely efficient shooting to this Big Three as well, making him a threat in more ways than one on that side of the ball.
The other MVP in team history would be the legendary Charles Barkley. As a member of the Suns, Barkley was still an elite scorer, rebounder, and defender, especially away from the ball. Barkley will give Phoenix an edge in their frontcourt, earning his team extra possessions with his ability to rebound the ball on both sides of the court. As a scorer, Barkley gives the Suns a dynamic player who can get it going from every spot on the floor.
The final spot will belong to Walter Davis. This could have easily gone to Devin Booker as well, but for now, Davis remains the team’s all-time leading scorer and one of the most underrated players in NBA history. Davis completes this trio as a perfect complement to Nash and Barkley and will be an underrated offensive weapon to utilize while the other two draw all the attention.
Portland Trail Blazers – Damian Lillard, Clyde Drexler, Bill Walton
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With just a few teams left in our countdown, the Portland Trail Blazers enter an extremely well-rounded Big Three into the conversation. First, Damian Lillard, one of the greatest point guard shooters ever, takes the point guard position to start off this trio. Lillard will be a vital member of this team not only because of his elite scoring s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s and shooting range but as a distraction allowing Drexler and Walton to go to work as well.
Bill Walton would be considered one of the greatest centers ever if he didn’t get injured early in his career. He is still the only MVP and Finals MVP in the history of the franchise and a big part of this trio as the two-way enforcer in the paint. Rounding Out the Portland Big Three is Clyde Drexler. On both sides of the ball, Drexler was an athletically gifted and intelligent basketball player. As a scorer especially, Drexler will use that athletic ability and his scoring to be in constant attack mode, giving Portland a real three-headed monster to work with.
Sacramento Kings – Oscar Robertson, Mitch Richmond, Chris Webber
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The Sacramento Kings’ all-time Big Three is not a bad one by any means, but when compared to the others, it may slip down the list a bit. It gets started off strong with one of the greatest point guards ever, Oscar Robertson. With the Cincinnati Royals, Robertson showed he could do everything, and I mean everything, on the court. In 1962, he averaged a triple-double for an entire season, and in 1964, won their only MVP in franchise history.
He will be teamed up with the versatile tandem of Chris Webber and Mitch Richmond. Before a man named Nikola Jokic came around, Webber was one of the best big-man passers to ever play the game. He ran the floor extremely well for his size and was a serious transition threat because of it. He was definitely a playmaker, but his game was incredible all the way around, especially when he got his mid-range jumper going.
As for Richmond, he was one of the game’s best scorers during the 1990s. Despite being stuck on some bad teams, which makes him one of the most underrated players of that era. Richmond’s explosive scoring ability and shooting will be emphasized with a player like Robertson setting him up. This trio will go under the radar but could make some noise in competition with the other 29 Big Threes listed.
San Antonio Spurs – Tim Duncan, David Robinson, George Gervin
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The San Antonio Spurs will also enter a late submission for the best Big Three on our list, with a trio of Hall of Famers representing their team. First, there is a frontcourt made up of the two best players in team history who won two NBA championships together in 199 and 2003. David Robinson and Tim Duncan are two unbelievable two-way bigs who are the easiest choice for a frontcourt selection on this list. Teams will be hard-pressed to get any easy baskets going up against these two in their prime or have much luck being able to stop them on the other side of the court, either.
With the interior handled entirely, George Gervin will provide all the perimeter offense that the Spurs will need. Gervin was a four-time scoring champion with the Spurs and an elite athletic guard whose length, speed, and offensive acumen were unmatched at the time other than Dr. J. Gervin is the perfect player to add to the frontcourt of Duncan and Robinson and can take a lot of pressure off of them while providing plenty of offensive firepower.
Toronto Raptors – Kawhi Leonard, DeMar DeRozan, Vince Carter
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I am having issues coming up with reasons why the Toronto Raptors’ all-time Big Three won’t be ranked toward the bottom of these teams if they were ranked in order. One thing they have going for them is the 2019 version of Kawhi Leonard, who could not be stopped while leading the Raptors to their only NBA championship. Leonard was on a different level offensively than we have ever seen him in the playoffs that season while still being the best defender in the game.
However, that sort of takes a hit with Vince Carter and DeMar DeRozan. This isn’t to say these players aren’t good. When compared to the rest of the Big Threes listed above and below, they don’t impress me nearly as much as the others. Carter and DeRozan will help provide great offensive help to Leonard as scorers with the ability to take over games whenever they want, but would it be enough? My guess is likely not. The Raptors could surprise a lot of people with these three on the court, but head-to-head, they will have a long battle ahead of them.
Utah Jazz – Karl Malone, John Stockton, Donovan Mitchell
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If this Big Three from the Utah Jazz was the one they put on the court during their runs to the Finals in 1997 and 1998, I tend to believe the outcomes could be different. The issue with those Jazz teams is outside of John Stockton and Karl Malone, their offensive options were quite limited.
In this scenario, we have one of the greatest two-way point guards to ever play the game and an elite playmaker in John Stockton. With his incredible IQ and the way he ran the pick-and-roll offense with Malone, the addition of Donovan Mitchell makes it even more deadly. Instead of teams being able to cheat and swarm Malone or Stockton, they will be unable to do so, with Mitchell lying in wait.
This trio is a championship trio that the Utah Jazz have needed in their entire franchise history. Defenses will be straining their necks left and right, trying to figure out where the next offensive attack will generate from. As far as our entire list, I would say this Utah Jazz Big Three would rank anywhere from 8-15.
Washington Wizards – Wes Unseld, Elvin Hayes, Bradley Beal
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The final team that we have to present is the Washington Wizards. This team will be anchored by their frontcourt, which consists of two NBA champion teammates from the 1978 Washington Bullets and one of the best scorers in team history. Bradley Beal may not be as versatile as, let’s say, John Wall, however, he is exactly what this team needs next to their two big men in the middle. Beals can score at will, creating his own shot efficiently at three levels on offense. In 2020 and 2021, Beal would average over 30.0 points per game each season. It’s safe to say we will be using that version of him in this Big Three.
The frontcourt I was alluding to earlier was the championship tandem of Elvin Hayes and Wes Unseld. In 1978, Hayes led the team in scoring with 19.7 points per game, while Unseld was their defensive anchor and leading rebounder. The pair came together to deliver an NBA championship that season, with Unseld claiming Finals MVP honors for his play in their decisive Game 7 win. For his career, Hayes averaged 21.3 points, 12.7 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 2.4 blocks per game in nine seasons. Unseld would play all 13 years of his career, with the franchise averaging 10.8 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game.
As far as how good they would be on the court, This trio will be ranked toward the middle of the pack, around 15-18 out of 30. I definitely believe they could be championship contenders when it is all said and done, but the level of competition will be fierce when looking around at the rest of the 29 teams we have listed today.
