So if you've been following the NBA Showdown posts on the blog, you either saw (or should see) this amazing post by Matt announcing and explaining his revamped style of NBA Showdown. As you can see in the example below, it swaps out the nebulous/often nonsensical "Speed/Power" for the straightforward and objective "Offense/Defense" methodology.
Everything else about the game is the same, but now (i) player values/ratings make more sense; (ii) give defensive players their proper value and (iii) gameplay is a simple "offensive players offense - defender's defense + roll" instead of choosing speed or power.
So, now that the introduction is out of the way... with this new style coming in, my enjoyment of the game SKY ROCKETED and I knew what I had to do -- create championship teams of the last 30 years + some of the best teams of the 80s + other great teams from the last 30 years... and then have a tournament.
That's right, I'm going to use this new and improved version of NBA Showdown to answer the question we've seen debated on the talk show circuits for years: Who is the best NBA team?
From the onset, no stats before 1980 are available for full teams, so we're limited to the modern era, when Magic Johnson entered the league and brought the Showtime sizzle!! Ok, that's the premise -- get ready for 17 Warriors, 96 Bulls, 14 Spurs, 86 Celtics, etc etc to all square off and finally settle the message board banter once and for all!!! Without further ado, let's take a look at the NBA Champions that will be participating in the bracket!
2022 Golden State Warriors
Fresh off a championship, the 2022 Warriors really impressed me with their FIVE star players. As you'll see below, their "five star" starting five is extremely rare -- the first since the 2014 Spurs, something none of the other Warriors title winners accomplished. They may struggle with great centers, but they've got so much pure firepower with Steph-Poole-Klay-Wiggins while Payton II and Green provide ELITE defense.
Starting 5 points: 4050 points
2021 Milwaukee Bucks
My favorite team finally won it all in 2021 (and would've again in 2022 if not for injury ;)), and they're going to be a problem for opponents for one large reason: GIANNIS!!!! While Giannis stands out as a dominate force at either the wing or the four, he's got some fantastic help from the backcourt tandem of Holiday and Middleton, with some good defense down low to support him too. I like the Bucks running a big starting five to just bully the competition, even if that doesn't work as well without "power" on these cards ;)
In the end, I can't say I expect these Bucks to make a deep run, but I'm just thrilled I get to include a Giannis team into this tournament as a champion!
2020 Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron makes his first of four appearances in this post, and it'll be in a Lakers uniform. The Bubble Title team is obviously led by the LeBron/AD duo, the only stars on this team. However, they've got solid role players around them, particularly with Danny Green. Honestly, Green seems like my generation's Robert Horry with how often he pops up in this post too, and always with stellar defense to help out the stars.
2019 Toronto Raptors
My secondary favorite team (yes, it was brutal for me throughout the 90s-00s-early 10s) FINALLY broke through in 2019. While we can all recognize they only won the title because of injuries to the stacked 2019 Warriors, this team was legit -- and they've got four stars in the lineup to prove it... and their cost demonstrates how great these players melded together! Unsurprisingly, Kawhi is an absolute beast, but the ability of Lowry and Siakam to play hard on both ends is what makes this team a legit contender for this tournament of champions.
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2018 Golden State Warriors
2017 Golden State Warriors
My early pick to win it all, the 2017 Warriors team is just too monstrous. Durant and Curry are so lethal, with Thompson absolutely capable of lighting up the defense with the third-best defender on him. Green is an elite defender who can rack up assist too, which just compounds the team's ability to score in bunches. With solid defensive role players helping, it's hard to see this team going down in the early rounds, let alone losing to anyone (that's right -- in a bar discussion, I'm a "2017 Warriors are the best ever" guy).
Just comparing the 2018 squad with the 2017 Warriors, you can see that they put it on cruise control in 2018. And with Durant-Curry-Green-Thompson... why would you need more than that? A loaded team that seems to be the weakest of the Golden State champions, they were lucky to escape the 2018 Rockets (more on them in future posts ;)).
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2016 Cleveland Cavaliers
What's shocking is the 2016 Cavs seem markably weaker than the 2015 and 2017 versions, but here they are as LeBron's second title team in this post. Love and Irving aren't their best, but they've still got star cards with plenty of offensive pop. With JR Smith lacking on the defensive end too, a coach has a big decision to make re: the SG position. Honestly, one of the weaker title teams but you can never count out a LeBron squad!
2015 Golden State Warriors
I still remember how much doubt the NBA community had towards this team throughout their 67-win regular season... and then throughout their playoff run... and then whether they could win another one after they destroyed the severely-injured Cavs in the finals. As we can see below, they're absolutely a valid title winner, as GSW's first of four title teams was LOADED thanks to the splash brothers and Draymond. The fourth star is Bogut, who's an anchor down low for this team. Definitely a sneaky squad to keep an eye on!
2014 San Antonio Spurs
Clearly another favorite to win it all, as the Spurs are rocking a ton of star players... and none of them are Tony Parker! Instead, we're rocking with Mills, Green, Ginobili, Leonard, Duncan, Splitter as "star" players, showing the incredible depth that the Spurs had that year! Definitely one of the best teams ever, and Pop/Duncan's last title team is one of the main favorites for the bracket.
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2013 Miami Heat
2012 Miami Heat
While the Heatles did not live up to the promises made at their pep rally, they did take home a pair of championships, including this very solid 2013 team. Yes, they needed Ray Allen to make one of the most clutch shots in basketball history to make it happen, but this is almost certainly the best Miami team thanks to a "star" card from Mario Chalmers. With Battier bringing good defense alongside Allen's pop off the bench, I think this is the LeBron title team most likely to make a deep run in the tournament.
Meanwhile, 2012 - aka the first LeBron championship - features quite possibly my favorite card art with this LeBron/Wade duo. Similar to the 2018 Warriors, this team just feels like the lesser version of a superior squad made of the same players. However, with the superstar LeBron/Wade combo, they'll always have a shot!
2011 Dallas Mavericks
One of the greatest Cinderella stories of all time, the Mavs swept the two-time defending champion Lakers, cruised over the upstart Thunder in 5 in the Western finals, and then pulled a massive upset over the Heatles. The key to their success was undoubtedly Dirk going God-mode on the competition, but their cards demonstrate that this was a gritty team with great defense and some fun sparkplug players, particularly Jason Terry. It's nice seeing Jason Kidd get a ring too, and he's still a "star" player here! I don't expect them to make a lot of noise, but I know better than to bet against 2011 Dirk!
2010 Los Angeles Lakers
2009 Los Angeles Lakers
The two Lakers teams from the end of the 10s are low-key sneaky suspects to make a deep run at the best team of all-time. Kobe is at his zenith, and these are definitely his teams. Gasol is even better in 2010, with Lamar Odom adding an awesome/versatile third "star" to the team. Bynum is an excellent Center, and Metta World Peace/Fisher are wonderful role players. Essentially the 2009 version is the same, just swapping out World Peace for Ariza... and that Kobe card is in my top five favorite cards from an aesthetic perspective.
2008 Boston Celtics
The only Boston title winner since 1986, but a definite contender for the "best team" crown in this tournament with four legit stars in the "Big Three" and rookie Rondo. They're supported by two defensive studs in Perkins and Allen. Of course, their success is going to ride behind the fortunes of Garnett-Pierce-Allen.... and judging by their cards, they've got a chance for A LOT of success!
2007 San Antonio Spurs
Seven years before the 2014 title, we're onto the second SA title and, once again, they're led by Duncan-Ginobili-Parker. This will be a familiar squad in the next few years, as the Spurs were absolutely fantastic in the 00s. The 2007 team is special because it's the best trio of Duncan/Ginobili/Parker, with two over 1000 pts and a 770 pt Parker.
2006 Miami Heat
Breaking up the Spurs/Lakers domination of the 00s, the Heat snagged a title behind their Wade/Shaq star power. The Heat also relied on aging stars who successfully chased down a ring -- Gary Payton (after failing with the Lakers in 2004), Walker, Mourning, Jason Williams... honestly, this team was so fun and I remember their epic Eastern Conference Finals matchup with the powerful Pistons more than the four-straight wins over Dirk in the finals. Overall, one of the less likely champions to go deep in this bracket.
2005 San Antonio Spurs
Another year, a third Spurs team, this one also featuring three "stars" via Duncan/Ginobili/Parker. I love this Manu card, with him giving the team a second 1000 pt card alongside, obviously, Timmy D!
Because I have nothing really to say about this team, watch them go on a DEEP run.
2004 Detroit Pistons
Now THIS is another great underdog story... but seeing their cards, this team was actually pretty stacked! Four star cards, including one of the best defensive Center cards that I've made, period. The "Wall of Wallace" will stand firm to anyone, with Rip and Billups poised to deliver offensively. With candor, I think the 2006 Pistons are superior, but this title team still has a chance to grind their way deep in this tournament.
2003 San Antonio Spurs
Only two "star" cards for this Spurs title squad, but Tim Duncan is an absolute monster. Ginobili is still excellent, while Duncan gets to slide into the 4 slot with 14-defense David Robinson still manning the middle. Hand up, I did NOT think that David Robinson was still in the league in 2003, let alone a starter for the Spurs, but you learn something every day! I'm glad he got two rings, even if this seems like the weakest Spurs team yet... although every player is at least 500 pts, so they've got a balanced attack that may help them surprise!
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2002 Los Angeles Lakers
2001 Los Angeles Lakers
2000 Los Angeles Lakers
I'm cheating a little with the catch-all, but I should've done this sooner -- it's hard to talk about these squads individually! Obviously, this is the Kobe/Shaq dynasty of the early 00s. While the refs may have handed them the 2000 and 2001 Western Conference Finals, credit where it's due: these teams are stellar. However, with "only" two stars on the teams, I'm skeptical any of the three make a deep run. However, if one was going to do it, my money is on the 67 win 2000 squad, in large part because Glen Rice adds another dynamic piece to the puzzle.
1999 San Antonio Spurs
The first Duncan championship came over the 8-seeded Knicks in the post-strike season. If they'd had a full year, I have to wonder if the Jazz would've finally broken through after the 97/98 Finals failures. Instead, the big men combo of Duncan and Robinson flatted the competition, bullying their way to a championship. Honestly, the weakest winner overall and I expect a first round exit, even if the turquoise coloring makes this my favorite Spurs team from a card perspective!
1998 Chicago Bulls
1997 Chicago Bulls
1996 Chicago Bulls
"Repeat the Threepeat" was the slogan on the pennant hanging on my childhood bedroom wall, and that's exactly what MJ's Bulls did at the end of the 90s. These teams, particularly '96 and '97, absolutely have a shot at winning it all in this bracket. They've got four "star" cards, including three dynamic scorers in MJ-Pippen-Kukoc. Rodman may lack defensive rating like Draymond, but he's a monster on the glass, and Harper is a strong enough defender. It's going to be wonderful seeing these powerhouse teams matchup with the 80s Lakers/Celtics and 10s Spurs/Warriors, as they seem to be the cream-of-the-crop, just as your parents remember them in the late 90s!
1995 Houston Rockets
1994 Houston Rockets
Hakeem the Dream and his back-to-back titles seem to slip through the public consciousness... and for good reason when you look at the teams. The big addition to the '95 squad is Clyde Drexler, who was definitely instrumental in that team getting over the (on paper superior) Shaq/Penny-led Magic in 1995. Robert Horry pops up AGAIN on these teams, but here he's in full star mode, which is cool to see. I'm also appreciative of Sam Cassell and Kenny the Jet getting play for Houston.
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1993 Chicago Bulls
1992 Chicago Bulls
1991 Chicago Bulls
The "meh" feeling I get towards these Bulls teams was my greatest shock making these cards. Their big three is as good as anyone, with Jordan-Pippen-Grant all surpassing 1000 points. However, the supporting cast is even weaker than the 12/13 Heat, and I have a hard time seeing them hanging with.... well, with the second three peat team!
1989 Detroit Pistons
Now we move into the 80s champions, and we start with a bonafide, top 5 contender to win the whole thing, the Bad Boy Pistons of 1989. This team is SIX STARS deep and has no glaring weakness. Sure, there's no one on Jordan or LeBron's level, but they've got dude after dude after dude, and they're capable of strong defense. I also love the rebounding combo of Rodman/Lambeer. I think they'll be a popular pick!
1987 Los Angeles Lakers
Bouncing back from the Celtics having maybe the best team of all-time in 1986, the Lakers took arguably their best shot at the crown in 1987... and now they can settle that in this tournament! Magic is transcendent, and he's supported by "star" cards from James Worthy, an aging but still stellar Kareem, and Byron Scott. AC Green provides strong defense while Cooper gives a bouncy offensive attack off the bench. This is where my head goes when I hear "Showtime Lakers" and I think they're going to make the dynasty proud in this simulation.
1986 Boston Celtics
Alongside the 2017 Warriors and 1996 Bulls, I think this is the team that's most frequently cited as the #1 team of all-time. They certainly look the part, providing an all "star" card starting five, with Bill Walton coming off the bench. Larry Legend is a BEAST, while McHale and Parrish are big bodies down low that'll bang around with any other tandem. Ainge and Johnson were surprisingly good to me, I was not expecting the backcourt to be this good... but they are, leaving the Celtics poised to make a run at the all-time crown!
1983 Philadelphia 76ers
They've trusted the process, but it'll be 40 years since Philly's last title after next year. What an impressive squad they had too -- bouncing back from Finals losses to Magic/Kareem in 1980 and 1982, the Sixers were awesome in 1983 on their way to finally overcoming the Lakers and winning a title for Dr. J and Moses Malone. While they "only" have three "star" cards, I love their core and think they can really shock people... a sneaky reminder that Malone and Dr. J are two of the greatest, most under-appreciated stars in NBA history.
Starting Five: 3910 points
1980 Los Angeles Lakers
As a fan of the HBO show Winning Time, I couldn't make these teams without including the original Showtime Lakers. Although the 60-22 season was less dramatic than HBO made it seem, the dominance of Kareem/Magic was not, and Norm Nixon definitely earned his reputation as a "star" on the show. I don't think it mentioned Jamaal Wilkes, but he gives this team a fourth "star" too, with Michael Cooper definitely providing some needed bounce to the squad too! I really, really like this team and with prime Kareem, the sky's the limit for Rookie Magic and Co.!
Starting Five Points Rankings
So you don't have to rank them yourself, here's how these 37 champions stack up in comparison of starting five point values.... it's about what you'd expect, especially the top two, but there's some shocks in there too:
- 2017 Warriors 4630 pts
- 1996 Bulls 4530 pts
- 1997 Bulls 4410 pts
- 2019 Raptors 4300 pts
- 1986 Celtics 4290 pts
- 2015 Warriors 4260 pts
- 2018 Warriors 4220 pts
- 1998 Bulls 4090 pts
- 2022 Warriors 4050 pts
- 2014 Spurs 4040 pts
- 1980 Lakers 4040 pts
- 2009 Lakers 4000 pts
- 2008 Celtics 3990 pts
- 1983 Sixers 3910 pts
- 1989 Pistons 3900 pts
- 1993 Bulls 3890 pts
- 2013 Heat 3850 pts
- 1987 Lakers 3820 pts
- 1992 Bulls 3830 pts
- 2021 Bucks 3810 pts
- 1995 Rockets 3760 pts
- 2005 Spurs 3740 pts
- 2010 Lakers 3690 pts
- 2016 Cavs 3690 pts
- 1991 Bulls 3680 pts
- 2000 Lakers 3660 pts
- 2007 Spurs 3660 pts
- 2004 Pistons 3630 pts
- 2002 Lakers 3620 pts
- 2012 Heat 3610 pts
- 1994 Rockets 3570 pts
- 2001 Lakers 3560 pts
- 2020 Lakers 3500 pts
- 2011 Mavs 3470 pts
- 2003 Spurs 3410 pts
- 1999 Spurs 3280 pts
- 2006 Heat 3010 pts
SEND OFF FOR PART I
Well that's Part I of the teams that will be participating in this tournament -- check back soon for some of the non-champion teams that I'm including in the bracket! Let me know if there are any non-title teams you want to see participate, what you think of these teams, or who you think the best team of all-time is! Thanks for reading, enjoy another favorite card of mine as a treat for reading all this!
Do you guys have a printable file for these cards?
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