This
is a question that has been asked many times in the most recent decades. So let’s
take a look at a couple of recent dynasties and how they have been rated. The Lakers
of the early 2000’s that was lead by a young Kobe Bryant and a veteran
Shaquille O’Neal in 2000-02 this team won three championships and was about as
dominant as any team I have seen in a long time. Both Shaq and Kobe were
brought in via trade or free agency (Bryant: Draft day trade, O’Neal: free
agency). This was not as much of a issue back then because doing what it takes
to win a championship was the Lakers way. The Bulls are another dynasty that
was pieced together with draft and free agency. They did draft the player that
would become one of the best of all time (Jordan) and one of their best bench
players (Grant). But one of the biggest acquisitions came on a draft day trade
as they got forward Scottie Pippin for center Olden Polynice. This would
trigger a run of at least 10 years of dominance with a 2 year break they won 6
NBA titles during that time and were consistently in competition for Eastern
Conference Championships year in and year out. Even though the Bulls have seen
success and have made the playoffs many times in the years since they still
have never experienced that level of success again. The next two teams that I am
taking a look at are the 2 teams that are both playing for another NBA
Championship to add to their team’s current dynasty…
San Antonio Spurs (1st
title: 1999, Last Title: 2007, Last Finals appearance: 2014): This Spurs
team was built they were drafted and brought in thru free agency. The core of
the team Ganobili, Parker, Duncan and Leonard all came in through the draft.
But they have brought in sharp shooters like Jackson and Belonelli (SP?) to
support these guys and complete the team in that way and it has lead to
continued success over the past almost decade. To me that is a dynasty!!...
Miami Heat (1st
title: 2006, Last Title: 2013, Last Finals appearance: 2014): The Heat are
a team that is widely despised and I really don’t know why?? Yes the core of
the team LeBron, Wade and Bosh all came together because of a wishful plan that
played out just perfectly enough to make it happen. Despite their want to make
it happen; Pat Riley is the real master mind that made this all possible. He is
the one that gutted the Miami roster to allow for the cap room to get the Big 3
on the same team. The result has been 2 titles and now 4 finals trips and a
possible third title on the way. I think I could live with all the hate for
those results….
Now most people compare these two teams
and say it is Build vs. Bought. I agree with the initial statement but not the
implication that is gives. The thought process behind this thought is that one
is better than the other; in my personal opinion both ways are just methods of obtaining
the ultimate goal… a NBA Title. I could see the point against the Miami Heat if
they had done anything illegal or wrong. The fact of the matter is they didn’t,
many players over the years have dreamed of playing together on an all star
team and some have seen that dream come true like Wade and Shaq did in their
one title run. But not all the time dose it result in championships. A great
example of that is the Lakers squad that consisted of for future hall of famer’s
in O’Neal, Bryant, Malone and Payton. They reached the NBA Finals in their 1st
year together and almost won a title but lost to a better TEAM in the Detroit
Pistons. The same way that the Miami Heat reached the finals in their 1st
season together and lost to a better TEAM in the Dallas Mavericks. The only
difference is the fact that the Heat were able to bounce back and win the next
2 NBA Finals whereas that Lakers team flamed out after that one Finals appearance.
Like I said before Weather you came together like the Spurs over time or you
came together in one spectacular offseason of free agency. As long as you are
winning titles that’s all that counts…right??
If you want to listen
to the Double K’s Classrrom show on the 4ACES network…
Friday nights at 8pm
PST/ 11pm EST
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