NBA’s top 10 greatest basketball clubs has always been a source of enthusiasm and admiration around the world. With names like Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs at the forefront leading teams with rich histories, there is no question why these franchises have remained relevant throughout decades. Below we feature an inside look into each one of these iconic NBA teams.
10. Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most well-known franchises in all of sports. With 16 championships and 30 conference titles, they have had an illustrious history that dates back to 1947 when they began as the Minneapolis Lakers. Led by Kobe Bryant for many years, the Lakers have continued to be a force to reckon with in the NBA despite their recent struggles.
9. Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are an upstart organization that has quickly become a powerhouse within the last decade. After relocating from Philadelphia to San Francisco in 1962, the team found success after drafting superstar Stephen Curry during the 2008-09 season. As a result, they were able to win three championships between 2015 and 2019 while playing at Oracle Arena.
8. Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls have been around since 1966 and have been a mainstay in the NBA ever since. With six championships, nine conference titles and 14 division titles, they are one of the most successful teams in NBA history. Led by legendary players such as Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Derrick Rose, they have made their mark on the league.
7. Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics might be the most storied franchise in all of sports. Established in 1946, they have won 17 championships which is more than any other team in North American professional sports. With iconic players like Larry Bird and Bill Russell, who led them to eight consecutive championships between 1959-1966, they have remained a popular team in the league.
6. San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are yet another powerhouse within the NBA. After joining the league in 1976, they have won five championships and 22 division titles. Led by legendary coach Gregg Popovich, they have become one of the top teams in the Western Conference throughout their run as an organization.
5. Miami Heat
The Miami Heat joined the NBA as an expansion franchise in 1988 and quickly found success under Pat Riley who coached them to four championships between 2006-2014. With names like Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, who led them to those titles, it is no wonder why this organization has been able to remain relevant for so long within the league.
4. Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are an up-and-coming franchise that found success in 2011 when they won the NBA Finals under coach Rick Carlisle. Led by superstar Dirk Nowitzki, they were able to make five consecutive playoff appearances between 2010 and 2015 and have remained a popular team within the league since then.
3. Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons joined the NBA in 1948 as the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons before relocating to Detroit in 1957. Since then, they have become one of the most successful teams in all of sports with three championships and six conference titles under their belt. They have also been led by legendary players such as Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars who helped them achieve those successes.
2. Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers joined the NBA in 1949 and have been a powerhouse ever since. With three championships, nine conference titles and 24 division titles, they are one of the most decorated franchises in the league. Led by iconic players such as Julius Erving, Moses Malone and Allen Iverson, they remain a force to reckon with even today.
1. New York Knicks
The New York Knicks are arguably the most popular franchise in all of sports due to their rich history and passionate fan base at Madison Square Garden. Established in 1946, they have won two championships while maintaining relevance within the league for many years through iconic players such as Willis Reed, Walt Frazier and Patrick Ewing. With this being said, it is no wonder why they top the list of greatest NBA teams of all time.
The NBA has seen many great teams come and go, but these 10 franchises have cemented their legacy within the league for years to come. Each organization has its own unique story that has allowed them to remain relevant in today’s competitive landscape. Whether it be due to championship success, iconic players or passionate fan bases, these teams will forever be remembered as some of the greatest in NBA history.