Top 10 NBA Team Of All Time

             Top 10 NBA Teams Of All Time

eople are already anointing the Miami Heat as the greatest NBA team of all time. Even if they play their best with no injuries or chemistry issues, I doubt they could have beat the Top 3 Teams listed here.

Here are the Top 10 NBA Teams of All Time. sorry old folks but I don’t think any team before 1980 could cut it.

10. 1999 San Antonio Spurs

As much as I don’t like Tim Duncan, he’s a very effective player. In his rookie year, he and David Robinson became twin towers of power dominating the shortened NBA season and the playoffs, where they only lost two games.

9. 1994 Houston Rockets

Hakeem Olajuwan, Clyde Drexler, Kenny “The Jet” Smith and rookie Same Cassel combined for a deadly mix. They beat a very good New York Knicks team in an epic battle between centers, Patrick Ewing and Hakeem “The Dream” Olojuwan.

8. 1983 Philadelphia 76ers

Dr. J finally had the talent around him to win a championship. At the tail end of his career, Moses Malone proved that he deserves to be known as one the greatest centers of all time, while Mo Cheeks proved to be a solid leader at the point. The 76ers would sweep Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul Jabar in the NBA finals.

7. 2008 Boston Celtics

The Celtics managed to bring in future NBA Hall Of Famers, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to play with Paul Pierce. While the three of them might’ve been past their prime, together they played like a great team, unselfishly with excellent defense.

6. 1989 Detroit Pistons

The Pistons were one of the toughest teams in sports history. Nicknamed the “Bad Boys” for their attitudes and problems both off and on the courts, the team would combine excellent offense and teamwork with dedicated defense and rebounding to frustrate opponents. Guards Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars and Vinnie “The Microwave” Johnson would provide scoring, while Rick Marhorn, Dennis Rodman and Bill Lambeer would hold down the D.

5. 2002 Los Angeles Lakers

Kobe and Shaq at their best. Thunder and lighting. Kobe was finally coming into his own and Shaq was as dominant as ever. Veterans Derek Fischer, Robert Horry and Brian Shaw helped put the pieces to let the Lakers three-peat.

4. 1993 Chicago Bulls

Michael Jordan in his prime along with Scottie Pippen proved the centerpiece for this team. Sharp shooters, B.J. Armstrong and John Paxson helped keep teams honest while big men Horace Grant and Bill Cartwright held down the block. The Bulls would beat a very talented Phoenix Suns team with Charles Barkley in 6 games to win the Championship.

3. 1986 Boston Celtics

Larry Bird was the captain and heart of the team, but big men Kevin McHale, Robert Parish and Bill Walton held down the fort, while guards Danny Ainge and Dennis Johnson made the passes and jump shots necessary to be champions.

2. 1987 Los Angeles Lakers

Magic Johnson led a stacked Laker team over the Celtics in 1987. Magic would lead the uptempo style with flashy, accurate passing that would give the Lakers the name “Showtime.” Kareem Abdul Jabar would hold down the post with his skyhook, while James Worthy and Byron Scott would add extra scoring power.

1. 1998 Chicago Bulls

This team was stacked at every position and has the best record in NBA history. Michael Jordan, arguably the best player in NBA history, Scottie Pippen arguably the best all round basketball player of all time were joined by European star, Toni Kukoc, rebounding and defensive giant, Dennis Rodman and guard. Ron Harper to create the greatest basketball team of all time.

Top 10 NBA player of all time

TOP 10 NBA PLAYERS OF ALL-TIME

Do you have the NBA Lockout blues?  We feel your pain and have a cure for you.  The Hoops Manifesto has gathered together Bloguin's best basketball writers to rummage through the annals of NBA (and ABA) history (sounds dirty, but it's not - honest) to bring you rankings of the best players to have ever laced them up.  Next up: Top Ten NBA (or ABA) Players of All-Time.

Voting panel: Jeff Fox from The Hoops Manifesto, College Wolf from the TWolves Blog, Philip from Orlando Magic Daily, and Don & brumbygg from With Malice.
  
Honourable Mention: Jerry West, Hakeem Olajuwon.



10) Oscar Robertson - Cincinnati Royals, Milwaukee Bucks - 1960 - 1974




Career accomplishments:

- basketball Hall of Fame
- member of one NBA championship team
- third all-time in free throws made in NBA history
- sixth all-time in free throws attempted in NBA history
- fifth all-time in assists in NBA history
- third all-time in minutes per game in NBA history
- eighth all-time in points per game in NBA history
- fourth all-time in assists per game in NBA history
- 12-time NBA All-Star 
- 11-time All-NBA selection
- NBA Rookie of the Year
- one-time NBA MVP

"The original Magic Johnson, back when the only "magic" Earvin was making was in his diaper." - Jeff Fox

"Like Chamberlain, Robertson's numbers precede him. His triple double season is legendary and probably has more myth around it than actual fact at this point. One thing we know is that Oscar was one of the great distributors and passers in league history.  However, he never found success with the Cincinnati Royals and his teams did not start really winning until Kareem Abdul-Jabbar arrived in Milwaukee." - Philip


9) Tim Duncan - San Antonio Spurs - 1997 - present

Career accomplishments:

- member of four NBA championship teams
- three-time NBA Finals MVP
- two-time NBA MVP
- 13-time All-NBA selection
- 13-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection
- 13-time NBA All-Star
- NBA Rookie of the Year
- NBA All-Rookie Team
- ninth all-time in defensive rebounds in NBA history
- ninth all-time in blocks in NBA history

"In the future, when human basketball players have been replaced by robots, they all will be programmed to play like Tim Duncan.  Same for facial expressions." - Jeff fox

"Few players in NBA history have combined the ability to pass the ball and the brute force to be one of the best post players in the league. Duncan had that deft touch. His game was complete and if he was not 6-foot-10, I am sure he would have found a way to be a great point guard. Duncan had that kind of drive and ability. Not to mention versatility. His quiet leadership is overlooked even in his own time period, but there is no denying his greatness." - Philip

"No one has ever made the game look so easy. Duncan never seems hurried, never seems like he is struggling, always has it in hand. Will probably be even more appreciated once he has retired." - brumbygg



8) Kobe Bryant- Los Angeles Lakers - 1996 - present
 

Career accomplishments:

- member of five NBA championship teams
- sixth all-time in free throws made in NBA history
- eight all-time in points in NBA history
- tenth all-time in points per game in NBA history
- 13-time NBA All-Star
- two-time NBA Finals MVP
- one-time NBA MVP
- NBA All-Rookie Team
- 13-time All-NBA selection
- 11-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection

"How good a career has Kobe Bryant had?  So good he's forced haters (like myself) to recognize his greatness." - Jeff Fox

"Probably the closest we have come to seeing another Jordan. Watching Kobe adapt and change his game as he has aged has been nothing short of miraculous. Has won titles with Shaq, has won titles without Shaq. Basically, a winner." - brumbygg

"It's a pity so many people find him so polarizing, because they are missing out on being able to appreciate a talent the like of which has almost never been seen in the game of basketball.  Forget if you like him or not: just watch, and enjoy." - Don


7) Shaquille O'Neal- Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics - 1992 - 2011 

Career accomplishments:

- member of four NBA championship teams
- fifth all-time in field goals made in NBA history
- second all-time in field goal % in NBA history
- third all-time in free throws attempted in NBA history
- sixth all-time in offensive rebounds in NBA history
- seventh all-time in defensive rebounds in NBA history
- seventh all-time in blocks in NBA history
- fifth all-time in points in NBA history
- 15-time NBA All-Star
- three-time NBA Finals MVP
- one-time NBA MVP
- 14-time All-NBA selection
- three-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection
- NBA Rookie of the Year
- NBA All-Rookie Team

"There will always be a special place for him on any list like this." - College Wolf

"When you get the league to change its rules, you know you have made a big impact on the game. The NBA brought back zone defenses because teams simply could not handle O'Neal's massive size and agility. When motivated, Shaq was as good as any center the league has ever seen. He was so big, defenders almost had to gravitate toward him to challenge him. And that likely would not work. O'Neal was one of the big matchup nightmares in league history." - Philip

"The man of steel; an unstoppable force; scared of only one thing – the free throw line. If Shaq had cared enough to work on that part of his game and was able to park his ego at the door he would have been much higher up this list." - brumbygg

"Shaq... I can never think of his place within history without indulging in a bit of "what if...?"  What if he tried harder during the off-seasons?  What if he had the drive of Kobe or MJ?  Well... quite simply he wouldn't be Shaq any more I guess.  The Big Fella, biggest on this list, both literally and figuratively speaking." - Don 


6) Wilt Chamberlain - Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers - 1959 - 1973

Career accomplishments:

- basketball Hall of Fame
- member of two NBA championship teams
- fourth all-time in minutes played in NBA history
- third all-time in field goals made in NBA history
- second all-time in free throws attempted in NBA history
- first all-time in total rebounds in NBA history
- fourth all-time in points in NBA history
- first all-time in minutes per game in NBA history
- second all-time in points per game in NBA history
- first all-time in rebounds per game in NBA history
- 13-time NBA All-Star
- one-time NBA Finals MVP
- four-time NBA MVP
- 10-time All-NBA selection
- two-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection
- NBA Rookie of the Year

"Chamberlain's statistics are simply legendary. He knew how to do one thing -- score. Using his height to his advantage he did that as much as he could. And never really stopped. It held back his teams because he was so consumed with his own line in the box score." - Philip

"The most dominant individual to play the game." - brumbygg

"Statistically, on an individual basis, the number one guy on this list.  On what an individual player can achieve, set the bar so high that it will never be reached.  Never." - Don


5) Larry Bird - Boston Celtics - 1979 - 1992
Career accomplishments:

- basketball Hall of Fame
- member of three NBA championship teams
- tenth all-time in free throw % in NBA history
- three-time NBA MVP
- NBA Rookie of the Year
- two-time NBA Finals MVP
- 10-time All-NBA selection
- 12-time NBA All-Star
- NBA All-Rookie Team
- three-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection

"Perhaps the most unique package of size, skills and average athletic ability (compared to other NBA players - not compared to mere mortals like ourselves) we will ever see on a NBA court." - Jeff Fox

"The Legend.  Just imagine how much BETTER he could have been if he was athletic." - College Wolf

"You can't talk about Magic Johnson without talking about Larry Bird. Bird was a supreme competitor and master scorer. He seemed able to do just about whatever he wanted on the floor with a basketball and he always had the hunger to do more. Few players in league history had the same passion for the game that Bird had." - Philip

"Blessed with natural ability; fierce determination and the desire to make you earn everything you got on the court. A great three-point shooter, Bird could hit a game winner from the bleachers and possessed an icy calm demeanour. Bird’s Celtics were the antithesis of Showtime." - brumbygg

"People talk of MJ's determination, Kobe's passion... but Bird was on a par with them.  The only difference was that whilst they ran hot, Bird's fury burnt cold.  Guy wouldn't give an inch.  Bird took each game on a personal level, and played every play as if opposition were an affront - he was a ferocious competitor." - Don



4) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers - 1969 - 1989

Career accomplishments:

- basketball Hall of Fame
- member of six NBA championship teams
- second all-time in games played in NBA history
- first all-time in minutes played in NBA history
- first all-time in field goals made in NBA history
- eighth all-time in free throws made in NBA history
- fifth all-time in free throws attempted in the NBA
- sixth all-time in defensive rebounds in NBA history
- third all-time in total rebounds in NBA history
- third all-time in blocks in NBA history
- first all-time in points in NBA history
- eighth all-time in blocks per game in NBA history
- 19-time NBA All-Star
- six-time NBA MVP
- two-time NBA Finals MVP
- 15-time All-NBA selection
- 11-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection
- NBA Rookie of the Year
- NBA All-Rookie Team

"His longevity and durability helps his cause here, but he was pretty damn good in his own right." - College Wolf

"Kareem is the league's all-time leading scorer, rewriting the book on post moves in the process. Abdul-Jabbar simply dominated all centers he came across with his long arms and court savvy. There were shortcomings to his game for sure, he was not the most physical player and not an incredible defender, but Kareem was instrumental in several championships throughout the 1970s and 1980s." - Philip

"20 years in the NBA - no mean feat for a big guy. But Kareem wasn’t all about longevity. The skyhook was a thing of beauty, Magic’s go-to guy in the Lakers’ glory years and still the all-time highest point scorer in the history of the league." - brumbygg

"His skyhook was the surest shot in NBA history.  And even in his autumnal years as a 40+ year old center, he remained one of the best players in the league.  Sure, everyone remembers Magic's amazing, series-clinching game 6 (45/15/7) playing out of position (at CENTER) of the 80 Finals.  But it was Kareem who won the first three games for the Lakers, and averaged 33/14 with better than four blocks a game for the five games he played... and Magic took home the Finals MVP." - Don

3) Bill Russell - Boston Celtics - 1956-1969




Career accomplishments:

- basketball Hall of Fame
- member of 11 NBA championship teams
- second in rebounds in NBA history
- second in rebounds per game in NBA history
- second in minutes per game in NBA history
- 12-time NBA All-Star
- five-time NBA MVP
- 11-time All-NBA Team
- one-time All-Defensive Team

"If I'm picking sides in a dream game of pickup hoops, I'm taking Bill Russell with my first pick.  He'll do the dirty work, defend and won't be a ball hog.  Oh, and he'll ensure that we win, too." - Jeff Fox

"I am going to be "that guy" and go against the grain here (editor's note: Philip voted Russell #1 on his list). Michael Jordan is great, but the same things we revere Jordan for, Russell arguably did better. Jordan won six rings... Russell won 11. Jordan had two three-peats. Russell won nine in 10 years including eight in a row. Jordan dominated the game on the offensive end. Russell completely dominated the game defensively. Why don't we give Russell his due? He was not an offensive player, he left that to his teammates like hall of famers Bob Cousy and Bill Sharman. We also don't have the vibrant color videos and marketing packages Jordan had. But when you think of winning and sacrifice for the team, Russell's name should be first in line." - Philip

"The best team player to play the game. Russell made everyone around him a better player." - brumbygg

2) Magic Johnson - Los Angeles Lakers - 1979 - 1991, 1996

Career accomplishments:

- basketball Hall of Fame
- member of five NBA championship teams
- fourth all-time in assists in NBA history
- first all-time in assists per game in NBA history
- 12-time NBA All-Star
- three-time NBA Finals MVP
- three-time NBA MVP
- NBA All-Rookie Team
- 10-time All-NBA selection

"Magic Johnson was supposed to be a trailblazer, pointing the way to the future of the NBA where players his size would run the point.  Until we all realized that there never will be another Magic Johnson - he was a one-off." - Jeff Fox

"There aren't many players that displayed the versatility and skill that Johnson had. And he did it all with a childish enthusiasm and excitement that endeared him to fans everywhere (yes, even Boston... maybe). Johnson had the ability to play every position and had an incredible grasp on how to manage his team and keep his teammates involved. He embodied Showtime and was what made the Lakers truly great in the 1980s." - Philip

"The best passer of the ball I have ever seen. A 6-foot 10-inch PG.... almost impossible to guard. Magic even played at center when the Lakers needed him there. No NBA conversation in the 80s was complete without comparing Magic and Larry Bird. Alex Schulz on the Bleacher Report wrote this about Magic in 2010 - “He’s LeBron James plus four inches and a whole bunch of championships, which is why James has lots of work to do if he wants to be included in a top 10 conversation."" - brumbygg

"Amazing, amazing player.  No-one made the game look more effortless than Magic, no-one enjoyed the game more than he did.  And as a Laker fan, it's tough.  I think that Kareem's been grossly underrated as a player, and a large part of that is Magic.  Both should be appreciated - Magic is, Kareem is not (it's kinda weird - being a Laker fan in this position, but I'm not ripping on Magic, just bemoaning the lack of appreciation for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).  The war he waged with Larry Bird was incredible, and their battles lifted the Laker/Celtics rivalry to new levels.  Do yourself a favour and read When the Game Was Ours."- Don


1) Michael Jordan - Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards - 1984 - 1993, 1995 - 1998, 2001 - 2003


Career accomplishments:

- basketball Hall of Fame
- member of six NBA championship teams
- fourth all-time in field goals made in NBA history
- fourth all-time in free throws made in NBA history
- eighth all-time in free throws attempted in NBA history
- second all-time in steals in NBA history
- third all-time in points in NBA history
- first all-time in points per game in NBA history
- third all-time in steals per game in NBA history
- 14-time NBA All-Star
- Rookie of the Year
- Defensive Player of the Year
- five-time NBA MVP
- six-time NBA Finals MVP
- All-Rookie Team
- 11-time All-NBA selection
- nine-time All-Defensive Team selection

"Mentally and physically the greatest player to ever lace them up.  Period." - Jeff Fox

"At this point Jordan really needs no description or introduction. He is the one guy that seems to be ubiquitously known in NBA history. His greatness is almost unquestioned and he is revered unlike any other player." - Philip

"Nothing I can write here that comes close to doing MJ justice. No one else comes close." - brumbygg

"If you need it explained, why are you here?" - Don

How to Play Basketball

he game of basketball was invented over a hundred and twenty years ago by Dr. James Naismith, who was a physical trainer at a YMCA center in the United States. It was raining outside, and he did not want his gym class to sit idle. So after a few thoughts and ideas, he came up with the game of basketball. Although the game has undergone a lot of changes over time, the fundamentals of how to play basketball still remain the same. Before we talk some more about this game, let us have a look at some images, which will tell us more about the equipment used and the type of shots that are played.

(click on images to enlarge)

court

Equipment

Kit

Basketball & Hoop

Grip

Shooting

Jump Shot

Layup

Dunk

Dribble

Block

Basketball Equipment
To start playing the game, we need to first gather the equipment. This should be very easy as the game only requires a ball and two hoops perched at a height of ten feet at the opposite ends of a court. It is also a good idea to wear proper basketball shoes, and not any jogging pair while playing. A nice team jersey can be worn when you get better at playing and are part of your school or college team.

Basketball Court
Basketball can be played outdoors too, but the norm is to play on an indoor court on a maple-wooded highly polished floor. The size of the court varies according to the level of competition. For school games, the court size is usually 74' × 42'. High school games are mostly played on a court size of 84' × 50'. Games played according to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rules are played on a court that measures 91' 10.4" × 49' 2.6". As far as the NBA is concerned, the court size is 94' × 50'. The height of the rim of the basket is 10'.

Basketball Rules
Next, we need to set the teams. There are two teams with 5 players per team. The object of the game, very obviously, is to score baskets. As for the length of the game, the famous National Basketball Association (NBA) teams play a 48-minute game with four 12-minute sessions. The length can vary based on the type of tournament and organization.

The game starts with a jump ball. A jump is when one person from each team goes in the center of the court and jumps to tip the ball to their teammates after the referee throws the ball straight up. The goal here is to direct the ball towards your team. Each goal or 'basket' is worth 2 points. However, if a basket is scored from outside the 3-point line, that is the arc-shaped line outside the free throw line, then the basket is worth 3 points. The 3-pointer distance from the basket is 23.75' in the middle of the court, and it gradually decreases to 22' at the sides. 4' around the basket is the restricted area arc where a defending player cannot force an offensive foul. The free throw line is at a distance of 15' from the backboard. A free throw that results in a basket is worth 1 point.

The game of basketball consists of offense and defense. When the ball is present with a player of your team, then all the team members of your team are on the offense. The goal here is to score points by shooting the ball into the defending team's basket. Similarly, when the ball is present with the opponent team, then all the team members of your team are on the defense. The goal here is to stop the other team from shooting the ball into your team's basket, and also to steal the ball from them so you can again attack and score.

While on the offense, you can pass on the ball either via dribble or passing. Bouncing the ball continuously and moving forward simultaneously is known as dribbling. It is important to remember here that once you have dribbled the ball past the mid court, you cannot go back into your own half. A pass can be used to advance your offense. Most passes are accompanied by a step forward to increase power and are followed through with the hands to ensure accuracy.

A dribble ends when you stop and hold the ball. If you hold the ball for more than five seconds, then you incur a penalty as well as lose possession of the ball. An attempt to unfairly disadvantage an opponent through physical contact is illegal and is called a foul. You are allowed five personal fouls per game. On committing a 6th personal foul, you have to sit out and be substituted by another player. On offense, you cannot remain in the "key" (area designated underneath and directly in front of basket) for more than 3 seconds. If there is a 3-second violation, there will be a subsequent change of possession.

Now that we know about the basketball court, equipment, scoring details, the game and the fouls, here are some basketball tips to end the article. Always shoot with both the hands. Using a single hand may look very fancy, but it is best to use both the hands for better control. It is very important to learn to dribble the ball without actually looking at the ball. Repetition is the key to improve your shooting. Lastly, quality training equipment will make the difference in your game. Well, the game is simple and the equipment is easy to procure. Now that you know how to play basketball, it is time to go out there and shoot some baskets!