Today we're going to list out the top 5 teams in NBA history. Teams will be judged on the number of championships and the level of success they've had in the past years.
Top 5 Teams with most NBA Championships:
Teams | Finals Played | Championships won |
Boston Celtics | 21 | 17 |
Los Angeles Lakers | 32 | 17 |
Chicago Bulls | 6 | 6 |
Golden State Warriors | 10 | 6 |
San Antonio Spurs | 6 | 5 |
Note: List is updated till NBA 2020.
1. Boston Celtics:
Boston Celtics have 17 championships to their name being the most in NBA history and a number of hall of famers who've played for the team and contributed so much more than rings. Some of the highly decorated players of the franchise are Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Dave Cowens, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to throw in a few recent names.
Celtics have always been one of the better teams in the eastern conference and currently have a young core of star studded rookies in Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown and a veteran all-star in Kemba to bring the most out of their potential.
2. Los Angeles Lakers:
There's only the Lakers who've had a much better history and a more star studded lineup of players over the time in history. Some recognisable names are James Worthy, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. And these are only the top best of their team at the time. Some other notable names are Gail Goodrich along with Gary Payton and Karl Malone who chose to end their careers in LA.
Los Angeles Lakers have 16 championships to their name and have always been an attraction for celebrities and star players to be a part of the Lakers franchise. The Lakers are in contention for the title this year and may tie the Celtics for most championships in the NBA at 17.
3. Chicago Bulls:
The Bulls were the first team to be recognised around the world, credit to Micheal Jordan and his ability to do greatness on the court. Bulls have 6 championships to their name and were divided into 2 three-peats over the span of 8 years. And the Bulls got those championships in style by Micheal doing Micheal things on the court. Notable names of players are the 'GOAT' Micheal Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Artis Gilmore and a few recent players were Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose. Currently the Bulls are led by Zach Lavine who was traded from Minnesota in exchange for Jimmy Butler. Though the Bulls haven't had much success over the years, they still are one of the top 5 teams in NBA history.
4. Golden State Warriors:
The most recent team to join the top 5 list are the Warriors. Led by the deadly duo of the splash brothers, the Warriors have recently won 3 championships in the last 5 years. The Warriors front office has done well keeping the core of Curry, Thompson and Green together over the years and adding additional and talent around them which in turn compliments
their game. Some notable players that played for the Warriors are Wilt Chamberlain, Mitch Richmond, Chris Mullin, Penny Hardaway and Stephen Curry. Wilt also scored his 100 point game while playing for the Warriors. Currently the Warriors sit in a comfortable position for the future with resting
their star players and focusing on the next season.
5. San Antonio Spurs:
Now, many would argue putting the Spurs in the top 5 list but it is not the number of championships that puts them here but their overall winning percentage and consistency over the years that makes me put the Spurs in the list of the best teams in history. Spurs have had the longest tenured coach in sports history in Gregg Popovich and Pop excels in pushing his players to their maximum potential. It is the same Popovich who dug deep and saw the talent Kawhi Leonard is today. Spurs have had the longest tenured big three in Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker.
Tim, the greatest power forward of all time, Manu a versatile two guard who brought the eurostep to the NBA and Tony, the fastest point you could find in the league then were a nightmare to deal with. Some Spurs legends were David Robinson, Bruce Bowen, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker.
Sean Elliot and Avery Johnson are some other names to throw in the hat as well. Spurs have made the playoffs every year for the past 15 plus years, making the Spurs fan base accustomed to playoff fever but that streak may come to an end soon with a depleting core and the end of Popovich's tenure.
