Which team is the greatest in each decade? Since 1947 (BAA), the NBA has been in existence, and we have seen a host of elite superstar players compete for multiple different franchises. Over the past several decades, the NBA has seen some of the most dominant teams in sports history. Whether it's the result of star-studded rosters, brilliant coaching, or simply a combination of talented players coming together at the right time, certain teams have emerged as true dynasties.
With this in mind, we decided to take a look back at the greatest NBA teams of every decade, beginning with the 1950s and leading up to the present-day 2020s decade so far. Including Magic Johnson's Showtime Lakers to Michael Jordan's Bulls, and from the unbeatable Celtics of the 1960s to the dominant Warriors of recent years, we'll examine the key factors that made each team great and explore the legendary players who led them to victory. As we reflect on the past, we'll also include the best team over the four seasons of the 2020s decade.
It is important to note that the BAA was started in the 1946-47 season until the 1948-49 season, with three different teams winning the NBA championship over that span: Philadelphia Warriors, Baltimore Bullets, and Minneapolis Lakers. Since the NBA was not officially formed until the 1949-50 season, the 1950s decade is where this article will start. Without further ado, here is the best NBA team per decade from the 1950s until the 2020s.
1950s - Minneapolis Lakers
Credit: Fadeaway World
NBA Finals - 5 (1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1959)
NBA Championships - 4 (1950, 1952, 1953, 1954)
Best Players: George Mikan, Jim Pollard, Slater Martin, Vern Mikkelsen, Clyde Lovellette
The Minneapolis Lakers are regarded by many as the best team of the 1950s, and for good reason. Led by the great George Mikan, the Lakers won four championship titles during the decade, more than any other team. Their domination of the era helped to establish the NBA as a legitimate and respected professional basketball league. One of the key reasons why the Lakers were so successful was George Mikan. Mikan was a dominant force on the court, standing at 6'10" and weighing around 245 lbs, he was one of the largest players of his time. Mikan was also an incredibly skilled player, with a soft touch around the rim and a deadly hook shot that was nearly impossible to block.
Mikan's combination of size and skill made him practically unguardable, and he led the Lakers to four titles during the 1950s. But Mikan was not the only great player on the team. The Lakers of the 1950s also featured other stars such as Jim Pollard, Slater Martin, Vern Mikkelsen, and Clyde Lovellette. These players were all key contributors to the team's success and helped to create a well-rounded powerhouse that was tough to beat. Team chemistry was an important part of the early 1950s dynasty. This strong team dynamic helped the Lakers to consistently perform at the highest level and to overcome any challenges they faced.
Perhaps most importantly, the early Minneapolis Lakers of the 1950s were also known for their innovative and forward-thinking approach to the game. The team incorporated new strategies, such as the zone defense and the fast break, which helped to give them an edge over their opponents. These new tactics helped to revolutionize the game of basketball and laid the groundwork for future generations of players and coaches.
Overall, the Minneapolis Lakers were the best team of the 1950s due to their incredible talent, deep team chemistry, and innovative approach to the game. Led by George Mikan and a host of other stars, the Lakers became a dominant force in the NBA and helped to establish the league as the premier professional basketball organization in the world. Their legacy, both on and off the court, continues to be felt to this day, and they remain a beloved and iconic team in the history of the sport.
1960s - Boston Celtics
Credit: Fadeaway World
NBA Finals - 9 (1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969)
NBA Championships - 9 (1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969)
Best Players: Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, Sam Jones, Tom Heinsohn
The Boston Celtics were undoubtedly the best team of the 1960s. They won a total of nine NBA championships during that period, dominating the league like no other team before or since. The reason for their success was a combination of various factors, which all contributed to making the Celtics one of the greatest basketball teams ever assembled. One of the primary reasons for the Celtics' success was their team philosophy and style of play. They were a fast-paced team that emphasized teamwork, ball movement, and unselfish play. Led by Bill Russell, the team employed an aggressive brand of basketball with an emphasis on defensive intensity and non-stop tenacity.
The late and great coach Red Auerbach instilled discipline, work ethic, and a winning mentality that permeated throughout the team. Red Auerbach was a legendary coach who knew how to motivate his players and get the most out of them through his fiery personality and innovative coaching strategies. Auerbach was a master of psychology and game strategy, and his knowledge and experience helped guide the team to numerous championships. Before Phil Jackson and Gregg Popovich came around, Red Auerbach was known as the greatest coach of all time, and his title success proved why.
Another key ingredient to the Celtics' success was their talented roster. They had some of the best players in NBA history during the 1960s, including Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, Sam Jones, Tom Heinsohn, and K.C. Jones. Russell, in particular, was one of the greatest players of all time, a 12-time All-Star and five-time league MVP who anchored the team's defense with his shot-blocking, rebounding, and on-court leadership. Russell is also the greatest winner ever with 11 total NBA titles, with nine of them coming over the 1960s decade.
Credit should also go to Bob Cousy, who was the team's playmaker, a gifted ball handler and passer who set up his teammates for easy baskets. Meanwhile, John Havlicek and Sam Jones were two of the best clutch players in NBA history, capable of scoring in bunches and making big plays at critical moments. It is easy to see why the Celtics were so successful, as they were led by some of the game's greatest players, who contributed in different ways to the team's success.
1970s - New York Knicks
Credit: Fadeaway World
NBA Finals - 3 (1970, 1972, 1973)
NBA Championships - 2 (1970, 1973)
Best Players: Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Dave Debusschere, Bill Bradley, Earl Monroe
The 1970s New York Knicks were one of the most talented and dominant teams in the NBA during that decade, and many basketball fans and experts believe they were the best team of that era. They won two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973, made it to the NBA Finals three times, and amassed an impressive overall record of 540-282 over the course of the decade. The amount of star power the Knicks had was also very impressive, as both Willis Reed and Walt Frazier headline.
Willis Reed, who was a strong rebounder and scorer, helped the Knicks win their first championship in 1970. Reed's leadership and toughness were instrumental during the Knicks' championship runs. Walt Frazier, who played point guard for the Knicks and was regarded as one of the best guards in the league during the 1970s. His quickness, ball-handling skills, and ability to read defenses helped lead the Knicks to their two NBA championships. Another key player on the Knicks roster was Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, who joined the team in 1971. His scoring ability and flashy style of play made him a fan favorite and helped the Knicks make it to the NBA Finals that season.
Dave DeBusschere also should receive considerable credit for being a talented power forward and a vital member of the team's defense. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team six times during his career. In addition to the talented roster, the Knicks were known for their disciplined and team-oriented approach to the game, which was a hallmark of their success. Their coach, Red Holzman, was a master strategist who was able to bring together talented individual players into a cohesive and successful team.
It is difficult to pick one team as the most dominant of the 1970s decade because there were eight different champions. The Boston Celtics led by John Havlicek during the 1970s won two titles, and are a major contender for the title as the best team, but the Knicks were simply dominant and they had two major stars who captivated fans in Reed and Frazier which is why they have to take the nod in the 1970s.
1980s - Los Angeles Lakers
Credit: Fadeaway World
NBA Finals - 8 (1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989)
NBA Championships - 5 (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
Best Players: Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Byron Scott, Michael Cooper
The Los Angeles Lakers were undoubtedly the best team of the 1980s, taking into account championships won and Finals appearances. They won a total of five NBA championships during that decade, making them the team to beat in the league. The Lakers' success during the 1980s was nothing short of phenomenal, thanks to the efforts of several outstanding players and their legendary coach, Pat Riley. One of the key reasons behind the Lakers' success during the 1980s was their high-octane offense. They were known for their fast-paced style of play, which was led by their star players, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Magic Johnson, in particular, became the greatest point guard of all time during the 1980s. He was known for his spectacular passing skills, his scoring ability, and his ability to take over games when it mattered the most. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, on the other hand, was a dominant force in the low post. He was one of the top scorers in the league during the 1980s, and his skyhook was virtually unstoppable. Beyond their star players, the Lakers also had a deep bench that allowed them to maintain their high level of play throughout the game.
Players such as James Worthy, Byron Scott, and Michael Cooper were all key contributors to the Lakers' success during this period. Their defensive styles of play were critical, and they also had massive performances during their playoff runs. Without these three players competing as role players behind Magic and Kareem, the Lakers probably don’t accomplish the amount of success they had. Sure, Magic and Kareem were one of the greatest duos ever, but the other players competed alongside them perfectly well.
Credit should also go to Hall of Fame coach Pat Riley. Riley was known for his ability to motivate his players and get the best out of them. He was a master of strategy and was always looking for ways to exploit the weaknesses of his opponents. His ability to coach a group of highly talented players and turn them into a cohesive unit was a major factor behind the Lakers' success during this period. With five NBA titles won, the Los Angeles Lakers were by far the greatest team of the 1980s because they had everything from coaching to superstars.
1990s - Chicago Bulls
Credit: Fadeaway World
NBA Finals - 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
NBA Championships - 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
Best Players: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Toni Kukoc, Steve Kerr
Which other team would appear over the 1990s decade? The 1990s Chicago Bulls were undoubtedly one of the greatest NBA teams of all time. They won a total of six championships during that decade, cementing their place in basketball history as a dominant force. The reason why the Bulls were the best team of the 1990s can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, the Bulls had the greatest player of all time in Michael Jordan. Jordan was the most talented player in the league during the 1990s and was the driving force behind the Bulls' success. His incredible scoring ability, leadership, and clutch performances in important games were instrumental in the team's six championships. Jordan also won all Finals MVP awards between 1991 and 1993 and 1996-1998.
The 1990s Chicago Bulls also had an outstanding supporting cast. Players like Scottie Pippen, Toni Kukoc, Dennis Rodman, and Steve Kerr were crucial in helping the Bulls win games and championships. Pippen, in particular, was a key player who complemented Jordan's skills perfectly. He was an elite defender and could score at a high level, making him a versatile and valuable player. No doubt, Pippen became known as one of the greatest sidekicks ever, but he was a true superstar player with the Bulls. Without Scottie playing at his level, the Bulls do not have the amount of success since Jordan would have had no All-Star help.
Rodman was also a Chicago Bulls star during the second 3-peat and is recognized as the game’s greatest rebounder. The Worm was a menace on and off the court and was exactly the player that Jordan and Pippen needed to do the dirty work. Toni Kukoc was one of the game’s greatest 6th men and made the Hall of Fame as a result. Steve Kerr, the NBA’s greatest three-point shooter in terms of career percentage (45.4%), was a consistent marksman. Horace Grant and Luc Longley also had their moments, thanks to their size and defense.
Finally, another major reason the Bulls were the greatest team of the 1990s was Phil Jackson. Jackson's coaching style emphasized teamwork, selflessness, and a commitment to defense. He built a culture of winning that was critical to the team's success. The Chicago Bulls had everything to be dominant, which is why they are regarded as the greatest team ever. The Chicago Bulls in the 1996 season was specifically the greatest side ever because they went 72-10 and had the best player of all time in Michael Jordan, leading the way.
2000s - Los Angeles Lakers
Credit: Fadeaway World
NBA Finals - 6 (2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2009)
NBA Championships - 4 (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009)
Best Players: Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher
The 2000s Los Angeles Lakers were one of the most dominant teams in NBA history, cementing their place as one of the best teams of that decade. They won four NBA championships during that period, including three consecutive titles from 2000 to 2002. The Lakers' success during this decade was due to several factors, including the talent of their roster, the leadership of their coaching staff, and the team's ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
One of the biggest reasons for the Lakers' success in the 2000s was their roster, starting with Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, who were both in their prime during this period. They were joined by several other talented players, including Derek Fisher, Rick Fox, and Robert Horry, who were all important contributors to the team's success. Shaq and Kobe were the two best players in the world, and they happened to be on the same team, capturing three straight titles in 2000, 2001, and 2002. Shaq won each Finals MVP award, and this collection of talent challenges the 1990s Chicago Bulls as the best team ever.
Of course, Phil Jackson, who had won six NBA championships as head coach of the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s, was hired as the Lakers' head coach in 1999, and the rest was history. Jackson's Zen-like approach to coaching helped to keep the team grounded during the pressure of the playoffs, and he was able to get the best out of his players. Finally, the Lakers' ability to adapt to changing circumstances was another reason for their success in the 2000s. After winning three consecutive championships, the team went through a period of transition when O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat in 2004.
After a few years of frustrating seasons, the Lakers were able to rebuild around Bryant, who became the team's undisputed leader, and they won another championship in 2009 with a new supporting cast that included Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, and the ever-present Derek Fisher. The 2000s Lakers are the greatest team over that decade as Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson, and Derek Fisher were the lone constants, with Shaquille O’Neal and Pau Gasol the two different bigs during the stints.
2010s - Golden State Warriors
Credit: Fadeaway World
NBA Finals - 6 (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022)
NBA Championships - 4 (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022)
Best Players: Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala
The Golden State Warriors were dominant in the 2010s, making them the top team of the decade. During that period, they won four NBA championships and compiled the best regular-season record in league history with a record of 73-9 in the 2015-16 season. The Warriors were known for their dynamic offense and unselfish play, which allowed them to be successful over multiple seasons. Of course, the team was built around their "Splash Brothers" backcourt of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
Both players were among the best shooters in NBA history and played off each other perfectly. Their ability to stretch the floor and hit three-pointers from any angle made them almost impossible to defend. Meanwhile, Draymond Green provided the team with a versatile frontcourt player who was a threat to score, play defense, and rebound the ball. His presence allowed the Warriors to play small ball without sacrificing size or toughness. The Warriors were also well-coached, with Steve Kerr leading them to most of their success during this period. Kerr utilized his team's strengths and developed a winning culture that emphasized teamwork and selflessness.
Golden State also had an outstanding supporting cast that included players such as Andre Iguodala (who won Finals MVP in 2015), Harrison Barnes, Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole, and Shaun Livingston, who all played vital roles in the team's championship runs through two different stints. The Warriors won the 2015 championship with their core of Curry, Thompson, and Green leading the way as Iguodala won Finals MVP. The Warriors then acquired Kevin Durant and formed one of the best teams ever as they went back-to-back in 2017 and 2018, with Durant capturing both Finals MVPs.
It took a few years until the Warriors would go on to win the 2022 NBA title, with Stephen Curry leading the way and capturing Finals MVP. Overall, the Golden State Warriors have changed the game through their shooting and versatility and the constants have been Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr, with the likes of Kevin Durant and Andrew Wiggins proving to be game-changers at the wing spots as well.
2020s - Milwaukee Bucks
Credit: Fadeaway World
NBA Finals - 1 (2021)
NBA Championships - 1 (2021)
Best Players: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis
As we are currently in the first year of the 2020s decade, it's not yet possible to determine the best NBA team of the decade. However, several teams look promising and have already shown strong performances in the few seasons played so far. The best way to determine the best team of the 2020s decade so far, we will take the total games won in both the regular season and playoffs and combine them for the result. Some contenders for this title will include the Los Angeles Lakers, who won the 2019-2020 NBA championship, and have LeBron James, who is still playing at an elite level even at the age of 38. Additionally, the team features another All-Star player in Anthony Davis, who complements James' playing style and has proven to be a strong force on the court.
Another team that shows promise is the Milwaukee Bucks, who have one of the league's top players in Giannis Antetokounmpo. He won back-to-back NBA MVP awards in 2019 and 2020, and with coach Mike Budenholzer leading the team until the playoffs of this season, the Bucks have been a dominant force in the Eastern Conference. Let’s see if either team ends up with the most wins in both the regular season and playoffs. When taking into account the total regular season and playoff wins, the Milwaukee Bucks have been the best team of the 2020s decade so far and they beat out the Los Angeles Lakers, who missed the playoffs twice, the Golden State Warriors, that missed the playoffs twice, and both the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat who haven’t won a championship yet.
Led by reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and supported by a solid roster of role players, the Bucks had the best record in the NBA in the 2019-2020 season. They had maintained their position as one of the top teams in the league and are considered one of the favorites to contend for the championship in the 2020-2021 season as they won it all. Since then, the Bucks have won 51 and 58 games, respectively. The Bucks' success can be attributed to their strong offensive and defensive abilities, led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Giannis is by far the best two-way player in the world and has been since the 2019-20 season, while Khris Middleton has been one of the best shooters in the NBA alongside him. Jrue Holiday was acquired by the Bucks before the 2020-21 season and proved to be the missing piece for a championship run. The Bucks have moved on from championship coach Mike Budenholzer in surprising fashion, so time will tell if Milwaukee will be able to get back to being the top team in the world again going forward.
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