10. Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets’ success by stats: 2 NBA championships, 4 conference titles, 5 division titles, and 6 retired numbers.
Notable players: Hakeem Olajuwon, Moses Malone, James Harden, Tracy McGrady, and Yao Ming
The Houston Rockets can thank Hakeem Olajuwon and the rest of mid 1990’s Houston Rockets teams for their legacy. Hakeem Olajuwon won one MVP award and 2 NBA Finals MVP awards during the Rockets back-to-back NBA Championships and his legacy as one of the greatest defenders in NBA history gives the Houston Rockets undeniable respect.
9. New York Knicks
New York Knicks success by stats: 2 NBA championships, 8 conference titles, 5 division titles, and 9 retired numbers.
Notable players: Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier, Carmelo Anthony, and Earl Monroe.
The New York Knicks are one of the most watched teams in the NBA, and rightfully so. They have a history of great players like Walt Frazier, Patrick Ewing, and Carmelo Anthony and they play in the greatest arena in the NBA, Madison Square Garden.
8. Miami Heat
Miami Heat’s success by stats: 3 NBA championships, 5 conference titles, 12 division titles, and 3 retired numbers.
Notable players: Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Shaquille O’Neal.
The late 2000’s and early 2010’s was the defining point of the Miami Heat. Dwyane Wade helped them win all three championships and was accompanied by great unstoppable players like Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James. Their recent history undoubtedly defines them.
7. Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons’ success by stats: 3 NBA championships, 7 conference titles, 9 division titles, and 10 retired numbers.
Notable players: Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Ben Wallace, and Grant Hill.
Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars, one of the greatest backcourts in NBA history, are the main reason the Detroit Pistons have 3 NBA championships. They defeated Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls several times in the NBA playoffs and truly are one of the most underrated teams in NBA history.
6. Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers’ success by stats: 3 NBA championships, 9 conference titles, 5 division titles, and 10 retired numbers.
Notable players: Allen Iverson, Julius Erving, and Charles Barkley.
The Philadelphia 76ers have had great players who changed the game including Julius Erving and Allen Iverson. But more importantly they have had a history of consistently good teams who have won them their NBA championships.
5. Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors’ success by stats: 4 NBA championships, 8 conference titles, 4 division titles, and 6 retired numbers.
Notable players: Wilt Chamberlain, Stephen Curry, Rick Barry, Chris Mullin, Nate Thurmond, Tim Hardaway, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.
The Golden State Warriors have had a good NBA past, but they are currently making themselves a historically better NBA franchise. With Stephen Curry winning back-to-back NBA MVPs, the Warriors making 2 NBA Finals in a row, and them recently acquiring Kevin Durant they are in a perfect position to become an even better all-time NBA team.
4. Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls success by stats: 6 NBA championships, 6 conference titles, 9 division titles, and 4 retired numbers.
Notable players: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Derrick Rose
The Chicago Bulls were a below average successful franchise over NBA history. But thanks to Michael Jordan and the Bulls during the 1980’s and 1990’s they won a perfect 6 NBA championships. The Chicago Bulls’ can thank Michael Jordan, usually considered the greatest player in NBA history, for their championships and profound respect throughout NBA fans.
3. San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs success by stats: 5 NBA championships, 6 conference titles, 21 division titles, and 6 retired numbers.
Notable players: Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili.
Over the past 20 years the San Antonio Spurs have easily been the most successful and dominate team in the NBA. Tim Duncan helped bring them a level of success and sophistication that we have never seen before. And now after his retirement the Spurs are still an extremely talented team with the goal of winning another championship. They have defined and set a model for the current ideal NBA franchise.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers success by stats: 16 NBA championships, 31 conference titles, 23 division titles, and 9 retired numbers.
Notable players: Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, James Worthy, and George Mikan.
The Los Angeles Lakers have always been a team prepared to make an impact in the NBA, except today. This is because they have a history of fantastic NBA players unlike any other team. Their many NBA star players have fueled their success and popularity and may continue to do so. They may not be the number one most successful team of all-time, but they definitely have the most amazing roster history.
1. Boston Celtics
Boston Celtic’s success by stats: 17 NBA championships, 21 conference titles, 21 division titles, and 21 retired numbers.
Notable players: Bill Russell, Larry Bird, John Havlicek, Bob Cousy, Sam Jones, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen.
The Boston Celtics are the greatest and most successful franchise in NBA history. The rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson was a thrilling rivalry that everyone enjoyed, and the big three of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen was an unmatchable big three during the late 2000’s. But what makes the Boston Celtics so great is their early success lead by Bill Russell who helped win eleven NBA championships. Bill Russell is the greatest winning player in NBA history and he belongs to the greatest winning team.
