Piecing It Together: What Makes an NBA Champion?

On every championship-winning NBA team, there are usually superstars and extraordinary role players that help to put together that trophy-hoisting, ring-bearing run.

It must be said that not all champions consist of a once-in-a-lifetime talent (such as both MJs) who can seemingly carry their team to victory by the sheer force of their will. But with the right pieces in places, teams can gear up for a victory parade—a la the 2004 Pistons.

Though not all of the following pieces may be in place in a champion, three or four usually are, with the notable exception of the blip in 2006 that was the Miami Heat. Without further preamble, here they are:

1) The interior beast

Either a PF or a C, this guy is a beast on the boards and is good for a couple of blocks any given night. When the shooters are frigid, they will look for him in the paint for high-percentage, morale-boosting dunks or grabbing the offensive boards off their misses.

Mostly, he is there to deny the opponent's big man from doing the same. Usually a seven-footer, although spectacular athleticism could negate the lack of size (Dennis Rodman or Ben Wallace).

2) The floor general

The point guard is measured by how much better he makes the players around him. Whether dishing out dimes or running the break, the offense begins—although not necessarily ends—with him.

In unique circumstances, the point forward (Scottie Pippen) runs this role as well, causing match-up problems with the combination of height, speed, and ball-handling skills. He is capable of scoring at will, although the good general will always look to find an open teammate first.

3) The pest

The lockdown defender who is assigned to guard (terrorize) the best opposing player and loves the job. He may not be the focal point of the offense and get on many highlight reels, but he is secure in his role. 

He knows that his team can score 100 points, but if the opponent's Kobe scores 81 all by himself, his team is still in trouble. He may not make anyone's fantasy team but GMs love him on a REAL team. Once in a while, he scores the odd open jumper because everyone forgets him on offense—but think of it as a bonus.

4) The sniper

A champion can have a Jordan attacking the rim or a Shaq clogging up the paint, but these guys wisely stay out of the way to cash in when the ball gets thrown out to them,  coolly burying the rock from downtown.

They are usually not the top go-to scorers, but they make it count when their number is called, forcing opponents to rethink their double- or triple-teams.

5) The utility man

They are usually SGs or SFs, and the team's most talented and athletic player. Whether it's perimeter jumpers or going above the rim, these are the guys who can create their own shots and draw the best defenders.

The main provider of highlight reels and jaw dropping moments, they seemingly can do it all, sometimes all by themselves. Count on them to be clutch players as down the stretch, they may be called upon to perform Jordan-esque miracles.

6) Another one of the above

No one is immune from injuries, nor can anyone do it 48 minutes a night for the entire season. If your bench does not go eight or nine deep during playoff time, you are living on a prayer.

History

From the past 25 years—that is how long I have been watching basketball, apologies if I left out the Jerry Wests and Wilt Chamberlains of this world—the most complete champs from this perspective would have to be the Showtime Lakers.

With Kareem, Magic, Coop, Scott, Big Game James, AC Green, and Mychal Thompson filling in the above categories nicely, the Lakeers are the most well-rounded and talented champs in the past two decades and a half.

Although a case could be made that the Jordan double three-peats champions were more dominant, having the GOAT in your team does negate the need for balance.

2008-2009

Which of the current rosters have the most pieces in place?

Obviously, the  former champs Celtics and Spurs have something going, although age may lead to a regression for their cornerstones.

Here are the top contenders in this light (in no particular order of merit)

1) New Orleans Hornets

By adding James Posey, they got their solid defender, although their lack of an athletic, quick SG/SF could be their achilles heel—as well as a bench that doesn't exactly send shivers down anyone's spine.

2) Utah Jazz

A very well-balanced team, although Boozer and Okur do not provide an intimidating interior presence. Adding Kyle Korver last season does give them a nice sniper to space the team.

3) Houston Rockets

They got everything except a floor general (Rafer Alston really doesn't make the cut). In fact, on paper they have one of the best and deepest rotations. If only health, chemistry and Artest's behaviour clicks for them as well.

4) L.A. Lakers

Like the Rockets, they lack only a floor general now that Bynum and Ariza are back healthy. Unlike the Rockets, the triangle offense de-emphasizes the importance of the point guard.

5) Boston Celtics

Yes, it is all about the Big Three (interior beast, utility man, and sniper).  Rajon Rondo is a nice floor general in making. Lack of depth and a top-notch individual defender (Posey and Posey) could hurt them, though.

6) San Antonio Spurs

If their big three are healthy—I am looking at you, Manu—they are up there. The fact that Tim and Mr Eva could score 30 points each and still lose does allude to the fact they don't have anyone else.

7) Detroit Pistons

Adding AI does give them a nice utility man, in addition to their other parts. Their bench is deep as well. The only thing missing is an interior presence and maybe just that bit of hunger—although AI could be the Answer to the latter.