The NBA has seen its fair share of superteams over the years, with some of the most dominant squads in league history coming together to chase championships. From the Boston Celtics’ Big Three to the Miami Heat’s Big Three to the Golden State Warriors’ Big Four, superteams have become a staple of the modern NBA.
In this article, we’ll take a look at every superteam that has emerged in the league from 2008 until 2023. We’ll examine the key players, the team’s strengths and weaknesses, and their ultimate success or failure. The immediate superteams that come to mind are the Boston Celtics’ Big Three of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen, who came together in 2008 to win a championship in their first season together.
There is also the Miami Heat’s Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, who famously came together in 2010 and went on to win two championships in four years, while the Golden State Warriors superteam with Kevin Durant was simply unavailable to watch. But it’s not just the successful superteams that we’ll be examining. We’ll also take a look at some of the less successful attempts at building a superteam, including ones that might slip the minds of many fans.
Without further ado, here is every NBA superteam that was formed from the 2007-08 season until the recently completed 2022-23 season.
Boston Celtics 2008-2013
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Big Four: Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo
The Boston Celtics’ superteam with Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo between 2008 and 2012 was a dominant force in the NBA. The team was built around a core of veteran players who had already established themselves as stars in the league. The addition of Garnett and Allen to the team before the 2007-08 season was a masterstroke by the Celtics’ management, as it gave them the firepower they needed to compete at the highest level.
The team’s success was built on a strong defense, with Garnett anchoring the frontcourt and Rondo leading the backcourt. Pierce and Allen provided the scoring punch, with both players capable of hitting clutch shots when it mattered most. The team’s chemistry was also a key factor in their success, with the players all buying into the team-first mentality that coach Doc Rivers instilled in them.
The Celtics’ superteam reached the NBA Finals twice during this period, winning the championship in 2008 and losing to the Lakers in 2010. The team’s success was not just limited to the playoffs, as they also had a dominant regular season record during this period. Boston’s regular-season records during that six-year span were 66-16, 62-20, 50-32, 56-26, 39-27, and 41-40, which shows how dominant the team was. The team’s success was a testament to the power of teamwork and the importance of having a strong core of players who can work together to achieve a common goal.
In conclusion, the Boston Celtics’ superteam with Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo between 2008 and 2012 was a dominant force in the NBA. The team’s success was built on a strong defense, a potent offense, and a team-first mentality that allowed them to achieve great things together. The team’s legacy will be remembered for years to come as one of the greatest superteams in NBA history.
Miami Heat 2011-2014
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Big Three: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh
The Miami Heat’s superteam with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh between 2011 and 2014 was a solid force in the NBA. The trio of superstars came together in the summer of 2010, and after a rocky start, they quickly found their groove. In their first season together, the Heat made it to the NBA Finals, but they lost to the Dallas Mavericks in six games in one of the biggest upsets in NBA history. The following year, they came back with a vengeance, winning the NBA championship in 2012. LeBron James was named the Finals MVP, and the Heat looked like they were just getting started.
Over the next two seasons, the Heat continued to dominate the Eastern Conference, making it to the NBA Finals in both 2013 and 2014. In 2013, they faced off against the San Antonio Spurs in a thrilling seven-game series that saw LeBron James put up one of the greatest performances in NBA Finals history. The Heat won their second championship in a row, and LeBron was once again named the Finals MVP. In 2014, the Heat faced off against the Spurs again, but this time they were unable to come out on top, losing in five games by a then record-margin.
Despite their success, the Heat’s superteam was not without its flaws. Dwyane Wade’s health was a constant concern, and Chris Bosh struggled to find his place in the offense at times. Additionally, LeBron James’ impending free agency loomed over the team, and in the summer of 2015, he decided to leave Miami and return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite their relatively short run, the Miami Heat’s superteam with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh will go down as one of the most dominant teams in NBA history and the second-greatest superteam over the past decade and a half.
Los Angeles Lakers 2012-2013
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Big Four: Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol
The Los Angeles Lakers superteam with Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Dwight Howard, and Pau Gasol in 2013 was highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike. However, the team ultimately fell short of expectations due to a variety of factors. Nash, who was brought in to provide veteran leadership and playmaking, struggled with injuries and was only able to play in 50 games that season. Despite averaging 12.7 PPG and 6.7 APG, the point guard was nowhere near All-Star status and was a sieve defensively.
Howard, who was expected to be a dominant force in the paint, also struggled with injuries and clashed with Bryant over his role on the team. There was no secret that Bryant and Howard did not get along, especially because the big man lacked the competitive streak that the 5-time NBA champion had. Howard did make the All-Star Team, posting 17.1 PPG and 12.4 RPG despite dealing with back issues.
Gasol, who had been a key player for the Lakers in previous seasons, also struggled to find his place in the new lineup and looked old and slow. The Spaniard averaged a career-low 13.7 PPG on only 46.6% shooting from the field. In fact, the entire team looked old and slow as the Lakers finished 20th in defensive rating due to their inability to switch on defense.
Despite these challenges, Bryant continued to play at a high level and was named to the All-NBA First Team that season by averaging 27.3 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 6.0 APG. Ultimately, the Lakers finished with a disappointing record of 45-37 and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, with Bryant missing the entire round with the Achilles injury that ultimately 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed his career. While the team had the potential to be a dominant force in the league, injuries and chemistry issues ultimately prevented them from reaching their full potential.
Cleveland Cavaliers 2015-2017
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Big Three: LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ superteam with LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love between 2015 and 2017 was a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. LeBron left the Miami Heat to return back to Cleveland for a chance to deliver the elusive NBA championship. It didn’t happen in the first year, but it happened eventually.
With James leading the charge as the team’s primary playmaker and Irving and Love providing scoring and rebounding support, the Cavaliers were a dominant force in the Eastern Conference. In the 2014-15 season, the Cavaliers won 53 games and made it to the NBA Finals. However, the Warriors defeated the Cavaliers in six games because both Irving and Love were not healthy enough in the series, and James’ averages of 35.8 PPG, 13.3 RPG, and 8.8 APG were not enough.
In the 2015-16 season, the team won 57 games and made it to the NBA Finals again, where they faced off against the 73-9 Golden State Warriors. Despite being down 3-1, James and Irving had historically great performances to come back and win the franchise’s first-ever championship. James was named Finals MVP, and Irving hit the game-winning shot in Game 7 to seal the victory.
Cleveland ran it back the following year, but Kevin Durant’s decision to join the 73-9 Golden State Warriors in free agency made it clear that the Cavaliers had no chance and they were defeated in five games in the Finals. Kyrie Irving would depart in the summer, and that would put an end to a historically great superteam. Regardless of how it ended, the Cavaliers’ superteam was a testament to the power of star players coming together to achieve a common goal, and their success will be remembered for years to come.
Golden State Warriors 2017-2019
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Big Four: Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green
The Golden State Warriors superteam with Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green between 2017 and 2019 might be the greatest collection of players in NBA history. With four All-Stars on the roster, the Warriors were able to play a fast-paced, high-scoring style of basketball that was nearly impossible for opponents to keep up with. Durant, Curry, and Thompson were all elite scorers, capable of putting up 30 points on any given night, while Green was a versatile player who could contribute in a variety of ways, from rebounding to playmaking and defense.
The Warriors won two NBA championships during this time period, in 2017 and 2018, and were on track to win a third in 2019 before Durant suffered a devastating injury in the NBA Finals. Despite this setback, the Warriors were still able to make it to the Finals, where they ultimately lost to the Toronto Raptors.
One of the key factors in the Warriors’ success was their ability to play unselfishly and share the ball. All four players were willing to make the extra pass and find the open man, which made them nearly impossible to defend. The stars also put up major numbers during this span despite sharing their wealth with each other. Durant posted 25.8 PPG over three seasons, Curry averaged 26.3 PPG, Thompson averaged 21.3 PPG, and Green 9.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG, and 7.1 APG. Additionally, the Warriors had a deep bench that could contribute when needed, with players like Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston providing valuable minutes off the bench.
Overall, the Golden State Warriors superteam with Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green was a dominant force in the NBA during the 2017-2019 seasons and will be remembered as arguably the greatest superteam in NBA history.
Oklahoma City Thunder 2017-2018
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Big Three: Russell Westbrook, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s superteam with Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Carmelo Anthony in 2018 was a highly anticipated and exciting team to watch. The team was formed with the intention of competing for a championship, and many fans and analysts believed that they had the potential to do so.
Russell Westbrook, the former MVP at the time, was the driving force behind the team. He was known for his explosive athleticism and his ability to dominate games with his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. Paul George, a perennial All-Star, was brought in to provide additional scoring and defensive prowess. Carmelo Anthony, a former scoring champion, was added to the mix to provide even more offensive firepower.
Despite the hype surrounding the team, however, they ultimately fell short of expectations. They finished the regular season with a record of 48-34, which was good enough for the fourth seed in the Western Conference. In the playoffs, they were eliminated in the first round by the Utah Jazz in six games.
Lack of chemistry was the issue, as Westbrook, George, and Anthony were all used to being the primary option on their respective teams, and it took time for them to figure out how to play together. Additionally, the team struggled with consistency throughout the season, often following up impressive wins with disappointing losses.
Brooklyn Nets 2021-2022
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Big Three: Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, James Harden
The Brooklyn Nets’ superteam with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden during 2021 and 2022 has been one of the most talked-about teams in recent NBA history. With three of the league’s most talented and dynamic players on the same roster, the Nets should have been a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. Durant, Irving, and Harden have all proven themselves to be elite scorers, with each player capable of taking over a game at any moment. Durant and Harden were also former league MVPs with incredible basketball IQs, so much was expected from them.
However, the team has faced some challenges in terms of chemistry and injuries. Irving missed significant time due to personal reasons, and Harden dealt with a hamstring injury that has kept him out of the lineup for extended periods. Despite these setbacks, the Nets have remained a top contender in the Eastern Conference and even took the 2021 Milwaukee Bucks to Game 7 of the second round of the playoffs. However, both Irving and Harden were hurt during the series, which means Durant had to handle Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday alone.
The following year, in 2022, chemistry was a major problem as Kyrie Irving refused to take the COVID-19 vaccine and Kevin Durant was forced to try to stay healthy, although he only appeared in 55 games for the season. Not to mention, James Harden once again forced his way out of his team following the Houston Rockets’ ugly departure. Harden had great games with the Nets, but he always wanted to be in Philadelphia, and he was traded mid-season, which ended yet another disappointing superteam.
Los Angeles Lakers 2022-2023
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Big Three: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook
The Los Angeles Lakers superteam with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook in 2022 and half of 2023 was one of the most highly anticipated teams in recent NBA history. With three of the league’s biggest stars on one team, expectations were sky-high for the Lakers to dominate the competition in the Western Conference.
LeBron James, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, brought his unparalleled leadership and playmaking abilities to the team as a four-time Finals MVP. Anthony Davis, a dominant force on both ends of the court, provided the Lakers with a versatile big man who could score from anywhere on the court and defend at an elite level. Of course, Russell Westbrook, a former MVP and triple-double machine, added a new dimension to the Lakers’ offense with his explosive scoring and playmaking abilities.
Despite the hype surrounding the Lakers’ superteam, the team struggled to find its rhythm early on in the 2021-2022 season. Injuries to key players, including LeBron James and Anthony Davis, hampered the team’s performance and prevented them from reaching their full potential. James played 56 games, and Davis played only 40 games. However, as the season progressed, it was obvious that the team was not working, especially with Westbrook shooting only 44.4% FG, 29.8% 3-PT FG, and 66.7% FT while averaging 3.8 turnovers per game. The Lakers missed the playoffs completely, a surprising end to a highly anticipated season.
In the following year in 2023, the Lakers continued their underwhelming season as they sat under .500 before Rob Pelinka of the Lakers management traded Russell Westbrook, which ended what should have been an iconic superteam in the modern era.
Phoenix Suns 2023-24
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Big Four: Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Deandre Ayton
The Phoenix Suns have acquired All-Star shooting guard Bradley Beal, a player who has averaged at least 22 PPG for seven straight seasons. Alongside Beal is superstar offensive players Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, two players who can drop 40 points in their sleep. Despite the criticism he faces, Deandre Ayton is another consistent presence in the paint and is of fringe All-Star status.
That means that Kevin Durant has yet another superteam to compete with. The Suns tried to make a late push in the 2022-23 playoffs with Durant and Booker, but they were beaten down in six games by the eventual champion Denver Nuggets. After a disappointing exit, the Suns have made a blockbuster deal to trade 38-year-old Chris Paul for 29-year-old Bradley Beal.
No matter what critics have to say about the fact that three score-first players have to share a single basketball, the three stars are in their prime and have enough firepower to dominate the opposition as long as the rest of the roster is built with two-way players and big men who compete hard in the paint.
As a result, the Suns have very high expectations for next season. Durant is regarded as a top-five player in the world when healthy, and Devin Booker is among the 10 or 15 most impactful players in the league. Beal is more than capable of making the All-Star Team as a third option and Deandre Ayton, if kept by the team, will be a solid presence as a rebounding center. It remains to be seen what the Suns can do to fill out the roster, and if they can add defenders and bigs, they will be among the favorites to win the 2023-24 NBA championship.
