After last June’s superstar-packed free agency class, the Miami Heat came out the clear winners, re-signing Dwayne Wade and signing both LeBron James and Chris Bosh. Although they have been the biggest news of the young season, are they really that good? Are they even the best “Big Three” in the league?
Miami Heat (LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh):
These three superstar players are definitely talented. With 17 All-Star appearances between them, Miami’s Big Three have definitely established themselves as great individual players, but the challenge will be finding the on-court chemistry required to win games against tough Eastern Conference teams. The bar has definitely been set high for the Heat, but with LeBron James coming off back-to-back MVP seasons, Dwayne Wade having Finals experience, and having a young big man in Chris Bosh, they seem more than capable.
2009-2010 Stats:
LeBron James:
29.7 PPG
7.3 RPG
8.6 APG
Dwayne Wade:
26.6 PPG
4.8 RPG
6.5 APG
Chris Bosh:
24 PPG
10.8 RPG
2.4 APG
Boston Celtics (Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen):
After trading for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen after the 2007 season, the Celtics’ goal was to become automatic perennial title contenders, and after being in the NBA finals two of the three past years – including one win in 2008 – the goal seems to have been achieved. Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen are three future Hall-of-Famers, and have the experience to lead any team in the playoffs. Yet it can be argued that with the rapid progression of point guard Rajon Rondo, instead of “The Big Three” it should be “The Big One”. Either way you look at it, it is rather clear that Rajon Rondo would not be the player he is today without the afore mentioned names. With that being said, Boston’s Big Three may not have the flashy numbers some of the other teams on this list have, but they do have the experience and the gritty determination required to survive in the playoffs. Look for another fantastic season from one of the NBA’s most prolific franchises.
2009-2010 Stats:
Paul Pierce:
18.3 PPG
4.4 RPG
3.1 APG
Kevin Garnett:
14.3 PPG
7.3 RPG
2.7 APG
Ray Allen:
16.3 PPG
3.2 RPG
2.6 APG
San Antonio Spurs (Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker):
One of the original “Big Threes”, the San Antonio Spurs are anchored by Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker. With three championships between them, San Antonio’s Big Three have established the Spurs as a legitimate title contender every year and as one of the most successful sports franchises this decade. Similar to the Boston Celtics, the Spurs trio have a lot of miles on them, but also have the resilience to make it through the toughest games. With young players like George Hill, DeJuan Blair, and rookie James Anderson, taking a big share of the minutes this year, the aging Big Three should be able to save most of their strength for June, where they are sure to have another great Playoff run.
2009-2010 Stats:
Tim Duncan:
17.9 PPG
10.1 RPG
3.2 APG
Manu Ginobili:
16.5 PPG
3.8 RPG
4.9 APG
Tony Parker:
16 PPG
2.4 RPG
5.7 APG
Now it’s time for you to decide; which “Big Three” is truly the best? Is it the Miami Heat’s all-star cast, the Boston Celtic’s tough and durable veterans, the San Antonio Spurs’ fundamentally sound trio. Or maybe there is another team you think should have been on this list. Dispute it in the comments below!
