NSS One On One: Top Five Teams Of All Time

This Feature can also be seen at North Station Sports

Arguments provided by Nick Gelso and Matt Golden.

Rating the best teams of all time is often scrutinized, sometimes criticized,  most times bias and always over discussed. Yet, NSS has decided to take a journey down history lane one more time. Why? because the coverage, the stories, the quotes and the order of the list, is rarely duplicated. Everyone, regardless of age, comes up with a different list. Sometimes the same teams appear on lists, however, the order in which they appear rarely coincide.

Nick's Fav 5:

In the age old debate of which team is the best of all time, several names are usually mentioned. The 1996 Bulls, The 1969 Lakers, to name a few...

One team that is rarely mentioned but makes my "fav 5" list at number 5 is the 1983 Philadelphia 76ers.

#5 - 1983 Philadelphia 76ers (65-17)

The most under-appreciated and underrated team of it's era, the Philadelphia 76ers dominated the Eastern Conference in the late 70's and early 80's. Stacked with All-Stars such as Bobby Jones, Mo Cheeks, Andrew Toney and, of course, Julius Erving, the 76ers were the Eastern Conference champions in 1977, 1980, 1982, and 1983.

In 1982, one year prior to winning the title, Boston Garden was home to one of the more poignant moments in NBA history as, when it was evident the Sixers were going to beat the Celtics and advance to play the Lakers in the NBA Finals, the Celtics fans chanted "Beat LA, Beat LA", a rallying call previously reserved for the Celtics when facing the Lakers. Either the Celtics fans REALLY   hated LA or they were paying respect to this great 76ers squad.

Though after making the EC Finals three out of the previous five seasons, it was not until one year later, when Moses Malone joined the team, that the 76ers destiny seemed to be fulfilled. That year, the 76ers won 65 games and Moses was named league MVP. An undersized center, Malone gave the 76ers the toughness to defend Abdul-Jabbar and the consistency to offer Julius an offensive player that would ease the scoring burden often put upon him.

Speaking of scoring, let's not forget Andrew Toney. Toney regularly torched the Boston Celtics in the early 1980's and prompted Red Auerbach to pursue a defensive minded backcourt player to combat the scoring exploits of Toney. Eventually, Andrew Toney was the driving force behind Auerbach replacing Tiny Archibald with Dennis Johnson.

You cannot discuss the 1983 76ers without mentioning Moses Malone's prediction of "Fo, Fo, Fo" or "Four, Four, Four" , a reference to the 76ers sweeping their way through the NBA playoffs. Nearly correct in his prediction, the Sixers would only lose one game en-route to the championship and Malone winning the Finals MVP against the Los Angeles Lakers.

#4 - 1972 Los Angeles Lakers (69-11)

One of the winning-est team in NBA history, the Los Angeles Lakers of 1972 held the record for most wins in a single season for 23 years. This team won 32 consecutive games, a record that still stands, and was the home to the top two league scorer's Gail Goodrich and Jerry West.

Wilt Chamberlain, clearly passed his prime, managed to lead the league in field goal percentage and rebounds. The Lakers steamrolled through the regular season and routed the Bucks in the Western Conference finals. Chamberlain at 35 years old, showed his old form as he dominated Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the Lakers beat the Bucks in six games. LA went on to face the New York Knicks in the Finals. As Willis Reed sat out with injuries, the Knicks had no answer for the Lakers explosive offense. After a decade of losing to the Celtics and two seasons of heartbreaking playoff losses, this Lakers squad finally found their Mo-Jo and were able to drop Jack Kent Cooke's balloons that were sitting in the Forum's rafters since 1969.

The Lakers time to celebrate didn't last very long, as they waited another eight seasons before competing in the Finals again.

This team's inability to win a title the previous 12 seasons made the 1972 championship bitter sweet. However, the talent level, athletic ability, depth and recognizable names on this team, combined with their inability to win championships, drops this teams standing in my fav 5. Being unable to win a championship with Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West is a mystery to me.

In 1972, the NBA was undergoing a transitional era. Sam Jones and Bill Russell's retirement contributed to the Celtics demise. The Knicks, a team that devastated the Lakers with an emotional game 7 victory two seasons earlier, were plagued with injuries. Not to take anything away from this team, as I respect their accomplishments greatly, I must say that the league was being absorbed by developing stars and as those stars were developing, the league was generally dilluted. This fact also contributed to my placement of this team at the #4 spot and not higher.

Noteworthy:

In a twist of irony, Lakers owner, Jack Kent Cooke brought in former Celtics nemisis Bill Sharmen as coach to manage this team's superstar ego's and develop them into a champion. Imagine a Laker attempting to adopt the Celtics philosophy in order to win a championship.

Great Quote:

Jerry West , the league's greatest martyr, supplied one of the greatest quotes I've heard in reference to basketball. After dominating games for a decade and his Lakers losing, West played some of the worst basketball in the 1972 Finals, ironically, a series the Lakers won. West had this to say in reference to his sub-par play in the Lakers victory,

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"I played terrible in the Finals and we won. That didn't seem to be justice for me, personally, because I had contributed so much other years when we lost. Now, when we won, I was just another piece of the machinery. It was particularly frustrating because I was playing so poorly that the team over came me."

"But maybe that's what a team is all about"...

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#3 - 1996 Chicago Bulls (72-10)

I always take a beating in NSS One on One and I know I am going to earn the most criticism for the placement of the '96 Bulls team at #3 on my list. I can handle it.

Without a doubt, this Bulls team was the most statistically dominant team in NBA history. Winning a league best, 72 games, this team's achievements have been a measuring stick for all championship contending team's since. The '96 Bulls, dominated every statistical category, as a team. This team was feared by opponents as they would devastate opposing team's from the opening tip. I can remember several games when teams struggled to score double digits in the first quarter against the Bulls. Certainly one of the most intimidating team's in NBA history.

There is a valid argument that if Michael Jordan had not retired in 1993, the Bulls could have challenged the Celtics dynasty of the 60's record of eight consecutive titles. Jordan did retire, however, and when he returned, in 1995, it seemed the pent up basketball from 16 months of retirement had collided with the frustration of the Bulls team's inability to win without Jordan to create a time bomb that blew up the entire league. The stars had collided and the Bulls were unstoppable in 1996. 

In an era that saw the retirement of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson and the demise of the great Detroit Pistons teams of the late 80's/early 90's, the Bulls decimated a league depleted of formidable opponents. The Bulls were the first NBA team to win multiple titles without a dominant center. Impressively, the Bulls of the 90's consisted of Jordan and Pippen, surrounded by well rounded role players.

When put into the context of today's champions, no team can compete nor compare with this Bulls team. Absolutely the best team in the post 1987 era.

Noteworthy:

In defense of my '96 Bulls #3 placement on my fav 5 list, I look back at the Bulls opponents in the playoffs as a piece of evidence that backs up my claim that the league was depleted of formidable opponents.

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Round One: The Miami Heat (42-40) - Bulls, 3-0

Semi Finals: New York Knicks (47-35) - Bulls,  4-1

EC Finals: Orlando Magic (60-22) - Bulls, 4-1

NBA Finals: Seattle Supersonics (64-18) - Bulls, 4-2

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In looking at the Bulls eastern opponents, they faced one team (en-route to the finals) that won over 47 games. As a matter of fact, out of the 15 Eastern Conference teams in 1996, only two other teams, The Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers won over 48 games. The Magic dominated the Atlantic Division where they faced no opponent with over 47 wins.

In comparison to the two teams ahead of them on this list. The 1986 Boston Celtics faced only one team with under 50 wins.

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Round One: The Chicago Bulls (30-52) - Celtics, 3-0

Semi Finals: The Atlanta Hawks (50-32) - Celtics, 4-1

EC Finals: The Milwaukee Bucks (57-25) - Celtics, 4-0

NBA Finals: The Houston Rockets (51-30) - Celtics, 4-2

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In reference to the 1987 Los Angeles Lakers, player for player, there is no contest at any position, excluding shooting guard.

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PG - Magic Johnson (23 ppg, 12 apg) vs Steve Kerr (8.4, 2.3 apg) - Lakers win

SG - Byron Scott (17 ppg, 2 apg) vs Michael Jordan (30 ppg, 4 spg) - Bulls win

SF - James Worthy (19.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.8 apg) vs Scottie Pippen (19.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 5.9 apg) - Draw

PF - AC Green (10.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 53% fgp, 79 gms) vs Dennis Rodman (5 ppg, 15 rpg, 48% fgp, 64 gms) - Lakers win - due to Rodman's scoring, missed games and behavioral difficiancies

C - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (17.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg. 56% fgp) vs Luc Longley (9.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 50% fgp) -Lakers Win

6th - Michael Cooper (10.5 ppg, 3 rpg, 4 apg) vs Toni Kukoc (13 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg) - Lakers win

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Great Quote:

The following quote, from Michael Jordan , is one of my favorite quotes of all time.

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"I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot, and I missed. And I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is precisely why I succeed."

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#2 - 1986 Boston Celtics (67-15)

Larry Bird's last championship was his most dominant campaign. In 1986, Bird had won his last of three consecutive league MVP awards. Many of the familiar faces from the 1984 Celtics championship team had stuck around. Dennis Johnson, a former Finals MVP, had developed into the league's best back court defender and a clutch scorer. Two time Sixth Man award recipient, Kevin McHale had taken his position in the starting line up, and developed into the league's most unstoppable low post players. Robert Parish continued his consistent play and earned his sixth consecutive all-star appearance. The team's all-stars (Bird, Parish and McHale), were surrounded by talented role players (Danny Ainge, Scott Wedman, Jerry Sichting) and now joined by Sixth man of the year award winner, Bill Walton took the NBA hostage with several extended game win streaks and never losing more then two consecutive games. The Celtics bull dozed opponents in the playoffs and ultimately destroyed the Houston Rockets in the NBA Finals.

#1 - 1987 Los Angeles Lakers (65-17)

The Lakers of 1987 are, in my opinion, the best team in NBA history because of the record they posted in a year that displayed some of the greatest opponents in league history. 60% of NBA teams finished over 500.

The Boston Celtics, nearly a mirror image of this Lakers unit, were still atop the East, defending their title. The Detroit Pistons had come of age, Michael Jordan was fully healthy, averaging 37 points per game, the Dallas Mavericks had won 55 games and Houston Rockets (1986 WC champs) still had the twin towers. What was more impressive was the offensive role that Magic Johnson (23 ppg, 12 apg) took on while Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's career winded down.

Abdul-Jabbar, admirably took a position as a role player on a Lakers team dominated by James Worthy, Magic, Byron Scott, AC Green, Michael Cooper and Mychal Thompson. This was Showtime basketball with a cool edge. Gone were the days of LA only being able to run the fast break. The bump and grind Celtics of years past now had an opponent that can run you into the ground or set up a beautiful half court set.

This team personified versatility unmatched. The Lakers beat up on the west opponents with an 11-1 playoff record entering the grand finale of the Celtics/Lakers rivalry of the 1980's. The Lakers faced a Celtics squad decimated by injuries and ultimately beat them after six, hard fought games.

Honorable Mention - 1970 New York Knicks (60-22)

This team would not be given an honorable mention on my list based solely on stats.

The 1970 Knicks did not win 70 games, they barely won 60. Though the Knicks had dominant streaks, such as starting the season 9-1 and not losing a game from October 24th thru November 28th, they were more recognized for the things that can only be seen by watching them play and can never be fully appreciated in print.

Recognized as one the more talented team's in NBA history with notable names such as Walt Frazier, Dave DeBusschere, Bill Bradley, Dick Barnett and the legendary Willis Reed. Though the team was recognized for it's noteworthy names, it was not the players who conquered the NBA individually, it was the players as a team that eventually won the NBA title.

The "Team First" mentality was made famous and personified by this great championship squad. It was often said that, though Willis Reed was the league and finals MVP that season, this Knicks team had no player that was more valuable then the other. Often recognized as the most inspiring unit's in NBA history, this team was more known for it's defensive grit and unselfish nature then it's players that made the buckets. Any NBA fan can recall the highlights of Willis Reed, injured, walking out of the tunnel to play game seven against the Lakers while unable to run. His entrance electrified the audience at Madison Square Garden and adrenalized the Knicks team. Reed, challenged with the daunting task of guarding Wilt Chamberlain, hit his first two buckets and only played a few minutes into the first quarter. That's all the Knicks needed and they went on to beat LA. Again, statistically, there have been better teams but this team is possibly the most unselfish and chemistry driven team's in NBA history.

 Matt's Fav 5:

#5 -  1999 San Antonio Spurs (37-13)
 
This Spurs team was the second best defensive team of all time, holding opponents to 40.2% shooting and just under 85 points per game. Timmy and the Admiral were a fierce twin towers. Mario Elie was a pit bull. Sean Elliot was a clutch, athletic swing man. Avery Johnson was a great team leader, a cagey defender, and underrated on offense. This is the best team of the last decade.

To be honest, I could have put any number of teams in this spot. The '65 Celts, The '83 Sixers (Fo Fo Fo), the '71 Lakers, even the '08 Celts. But I decided to go with a team often overlooked. This Spurs team is underrated historically because of the strike shortened season and deserves to be remembered. Tim Duncan is probably the best all around 4 ever. He was the linchpin of 4 championship teams and because he isn't flashy he is denied his rightful spot. The guy has the last remaining bank shot in basketball. He is living proof that footwork, fundamentals, and basketball IQ beat raw athleticism. 

 To me there are four teams of my lifetime that stand out among all the others. Ranking them among each other is so difficult because a great team gels and you get that feeling that nothing could derail them from their rings. But when you look at it subjectively, not objectively, there is an order.

#4  - 1989 Detroit Pistons (63-19)

The meanest, nastiest, and toughest team ever. Bullies. They were the best defensive team in the history of the NBA and it was due in no small part to their intimidating and physically beating opponents. They were the Bad Boys. Blue collar and proud. But make no mistake, they were extremely talented, deep, clutch, and well coached.

Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars are one of the best back courts ever. They could score in bunches, were as clutch as any players ever, distributed the ball effectively, and played killer D. Dumars shot better than 48% from 3. This team traded a Hall of Famer in Adrian Dantley midway through the season for another slasher scorer in Mark Aguirre.

All of that aside, to me the true strength of this team was the depth on the front line. Lambeer, Rodman, Mahorn, Sally, and Edwards. An unbelievable group of skilled, strong, and mean defenders. You were not getting to the rim on this team. Add to that the Microwave, the best 80's nickname...Vinnie Johnson. Instant offense.

On offense, the scoring was very balanced, with five players averaging between 10 and 18 per game on their playoff run. The Bad Boys went through the Celtics, the Bulls, and the Lakers on their way to the title. Three dynasties at very different points in their respective timelines, but a very impressive lineup of foes. The Pistons went 15-2 in the playoffs. This team beat the best and deserves to be included in the best teams of all time. Side note: The '89 Pistons and the '83 Sixers are the only non-Bird or Magic teams to win titles in the '80s.

For the final three, I am going to lay them all out at once so as to compare and contrast them.

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Team A  .478 FG%; 6892 FGA; .403 3P%; 1349 3PA; 105.2 PPG
Team B  .516 FG%; 7245 FGA; .367 3P%; 447 3PA; 117.8 PPG
Team C  .508 FG%; 7312 FGA; .351 3P%; 393 3PA; 114.1 PPG

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Team A was more of a walk it up the floor, drive and dish, jump shooting team. The best jump shooting team of all time. Granted it was a lot of wide open threes, but I digress. Looking at these numbers there is no way you could rank Team A over B or C. They shot 10-12 more threes a game, took 5-8 less shots a game, was much worse from the field, and scored a dozen points less a game. From a pure style point of view, two of these teams played a wide open, extremely skilled, beautiful and exciting game. The other featured one extremely talented player, and 3 to 4 guys standing around doing nothing. Standing still.

If you are too young to have watched the Celts or Lakers of the '80s, then I don't want to hear about it. The "triangle" of the '96 Bulls consisted of Jordan at the top of the key, two spot up threes, Rodman in the corner ready to crash (he played no role in the offense. None.), and Longley setting a pick or trying to get out of Jordan's way. It was a drive and dish team. The best one ever. But that is like saying they are the best grunge band ever and then saying they are better than the Beatles or the Stones. It is a lesser brand of ball. Period.

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3. Team A 1996 Bulls
2. Team B 1987 Lakers
1. Team C 1986 Celtics

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I have to admit that I am biased in putting the Celts number one, Sue me. I watched the games and the teams and when both teams were healthy, the Celtics were a better team. They just weren't ever healthy enough .

Back to the Bulls for a minute. Let's compare the starting 5's.

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PG
1. Lakers - Magic
2. Celtics - DJ
3. Bulls - Ron Harper

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Magic is the best player in the history of the game. He played four positions at an all star level, was the best passer ever, and could score on anyone in any situation. And he had that smile. I hated that smile. DJ should be in the HoF. He was as clutch as they come and one of the best defenders at his position in the history of the game. Ron Harper was an aging journeyman who couldn't shine a candle to the other two.

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SG
1. Bulls - Michael Jordan
2t. Celtics - Danny Ainge
2t. Lakers - Byron Scott

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As you will recall from a previous post I made, I believe MJ is overrated. But I am not crazy. He is on the short list for best player ever. Ainge is underrated. He was a key member of the '91 and '92 Blazers that went to the Western Conf. finals and the Finals, respectively. He then was a key member of the '93 Suns that went to the Finals. The guy was a winner. Byron Scott is also an underrated guard. He was extremely athletic and a deadly shooter.

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SF
1. Celtics - Larry Bird
2t. Bulls - Scottie Pippen
2t. Lakers - James Worthy

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What a group of swing men! The cheese stands alone as Bird is clearly the tops here. There will never be a better player at the position of 3 1/2. Bird was every bit the equal to Jordan and Magic. Pippen and Worthy were great second fiddle guys. Neither could carry a team to a ring alone but were in the perfect position in history. They were both long, athletic forwards who could do it all. Shoot, defend, slash and score, and really run the floor. Pippen gets the slight edge for being able to guard most team's best player even though that spoke as much about the Bulls guards as it did for Pippen's D.

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PF
1. Celtics - Kevin McHale
2. Lakers - AC Green
2. Bulls - Dennis Rodman

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Kevin McHale is the best offensive post player in the history of the game. Period. Rodman in 1996 was probably the worst (with Ben Wallace) offensive post player in the history of the game. AC Green was a great role player. I don't care if Rodman got 100 rebounds a game, if you ever played basketball, you know that Kevin McHale is an infinitely superior player.

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C
1. Lakers - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
2. Celts - Robert Parish
3. Bulls - Luc Longley

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The all time leading scorer and one of the most unstoppable players ever. An all time great center with an vastly underrated offensive game. Two all time greats and hall of famers. And Luc Longley. Longley scored 4090 points and grabbed 2794 rebounds. Kareem has 38,387 points and 17,440 rebounds. Chief had 23,334 points and 14,715 rebounds. And in 1986-87 these players were not washed up. They were all star caliber players.

The Bulls were a one man show. In the playoffs, the Bulls had 3 players average more than 10 points. The Lakers had 6 average more than 10! The Celts had 5 average more than 15! It is actually not even close.

I am gonna quit now before I move the Bad Boys ahead of the Bulls.