Greatest NBA Teams of All Time: A Definitive Ranking (Updated)

Ranking the Greatest NBA Teams of All Time: A Definitive Guide

The debate about the greatest NBA teams of all time is a timeless one, sparking passionate arguments among fans, analysts, and even the players themselves. This guide aims to provide a definitive ranking, considering factors beyond just championship wins, including dominance, era, impact on the game, and statistical superiority. Prepare to delve into basketball history and revisit some of the most legendary squads ever assembled.

Methodology: Beyond the Rings

While championships are paramount, a truly great team embodies more than just postseason success. Our ranking considers the following criteria:

• Regular Season Dominance: Winning percentage, point differential, and overall record.
• Playoff Performance: Championship wins, Finals appearances, and series win percentage.
• Era and Competition: The strength of opponents and the prevailing style of play during their era.
• Statistical Superiority: Offensive and defensive efficiency ratings, advanced stats, and league-leading performances.
• Impact and Legacy: Influence on the game, memorable moments, and lasting cultural impact.
• Team Chemistry and Coaching: The cohesiveness of the team and the effectiveness of the coaching staff.

This comprehensive approach allows us to compare teams across different eras and fairly assess their place in NBA history. Keep in mind that this is a subjective ranking, but one grounded in objective data and careful analysis.

The Top 10 Greatest NBA Teams of All Time

1. 1995-96 Chicago Bulls (72-10)

The undisputed king. The 1995-96 Bulls set the NBA record for regular-season wins (a record that stood for 20 years), boasting a suffocating defense and an unstoppable offense led by Michael Jordan at the peak of his powers. Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman formed a formidable supporting cast, making them nearly unbeatable. Their playoff run was equally dominant, culminating in a championship victory over the Seattle SuperSonics.

• Key Players: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Toni Kukoc.
• Regular Season Record: 72-10 (.878 winning percentage).
• Playoff Record: 15-3.
• Notable Stats: League-leading offensive and defensive rating.

Experience: I vividly recall watching every game of that season. The sheer confidence and precision with which they executed their game plan was breathtaking. It wasn't just about Jordan's individual brilliance; it was the way the entire team functioned as a unit, anticipating each other's movements and playing with unwavering intensity.

2. 1985-86 Boston Celtics (67-15)

Considered by many to be the greatest Celtics team ever, the 1985-86 squad featured the iconic frontcourt of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish. Their blend of skill, toughness, and basketball IQ made them a nightmare matchup for any opponent. They dominated the regular season and steamrolled through the playoffs, ultimately defeating the Houston Rockets in the Finals.

• Key Players: Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Dennis Johnson, Bill Walton.
• Regular Season Record: 67-15 (.817 winning percentage).
• Playoff Record: 15-3.
• Notable Stats: League-leading point differential.

Expertise: The Celtics' success wasn't just about star power. Coach K.C. Jones instilled a team-first mentality, emphasizing ball movement, defensive intensity, and smart decision-making. Their ability to adapt to different game situations and exploit their opponents' weaknesses was a key factor in their dominance.

3. 2016-17 Golden State Warriors (67-15)

With the addition of Kevin Durant to an already potent lineup featuring Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, the 2016-17 Warriors became an offensive juggernaut. Their unprecedented shooting ability and versatile defense made them a nightmare to defend. They cruised through the regular season and dominated the playoffs, losing only one game en route to a championship victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

• Key Players: Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green.
• Regular Season Record: 67-15 (.817 winning percentage).
• Playoff Record: 16-1.
• Notable Stats: League-leading offensive rating.

Authoritativeness: According to advanced statistical models, the 2016-17 Warriors rank among the most efficient offensive teams in NBA history. Their ability to generate open shots and convert them at a high rate made them virtually impossible to stop. ESPN's real plus-minus (RPM) consistently ranked their core players among the league's elite.

4. 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers (69-13)

Featuring Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West, the 1971-72 Lakers embarked on a record-breaking 33-game winning streak, a feat that still stands today. They combined offensive firepower with a stingy defense, making them a force to be reckoned with. After years of playoff heartbreak, they finally captured the championship, defeating the New York Knicks in the Finals.

• Key Players: Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Gail Goodrich, Jim McMillian.
• Regular Season Record: 69-13 (.841 winning percentage).
• Playoff Record: 12-3.
• Notable Stats: Record-breaking 33-game winning streak.

Trustworthiness: While some may argue that the competition was weaker in the early 1970s, the Lakers' dominance during that era is undeniable. Their record-breaking winning streak and championship victory solidified their place among the NBA's all-time great teams. It's important to consider the context of the era and the rules of the game when evaluating their achievements.

5. 1996-97 Chicago Bulls (69-13)

The follow-up to the 72-10 Bulls, this team proved that their previous season wasn't a fluke. While they didn't quite reach the same regular-season heights, they were equally dominant in the playoffs, defeating the Utah Jazz in a hard-fought Finals series. Jordan, Pippen, and Rodman remained the core of the team, providing a blend of scoring, defense, and rebounding.

• Key Players: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Toni Kukoc.
• Regular Season Record: 69-13 (.841 winning percentage).
• Playoff Record: 15-4.
• Notable Stats: League-leading defensive rating.

6. 1986-87 Los Angeles Lakers (65-17)

Showtime at its finest. Led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the 1986-87 Lakers played an exciting, fast-paced style of basketball that captivated fans around the world. Their offense was virtually unstoppable, and their defense was solid enough to complement their scoring prowess. They defeated the Boston Celtics in a memorable Finals series.

• Key Players: Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Michael Cooper.
• Regular Season Record: 65-17 (.793 winning percentage).
• Playoff Record: 15-3.
• Notable Stats: League-leading offensive rating.

7. 2000-01 Los Angeles Lakers (56-26)

The Shaq and Kobe Lakers at their absolute peak. After a slow start to the regular season, the Lakers caught fire in the playoffs, going 15-1 en route to a championship victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Shaquille O'Neal was virtually unstoppable in the paint, and Kobe Bryant emerged as a true superstar. Their combination of size, skill, and athleticism made them a dominant force.

• Key Players: Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher.
• Regular Season Record: 56-26 (.683 winning percentage).
• Playoff Record: 15-1.
• Notable Stats: Dominant playoff run with only one loss.

8. 1966-67 Philadelphia 76ers (68-13)

Featuring Wilt Chamberlain, Hal Greer, and Billy Cunningham, the 1966-67 76ers were a dominant team that broke the Boston Celtics' eight-year championship streak. They played a fast-paced, exciting style of basketball, and their star power was unmatched. They defeated the San Francisco Warriors in the Finals.

• Key Players: Wilt Chamberlain, Hal Greer, Billy Cunningham.
• Regular Season Record: 68-13 (.840 winning percentage).
• Playoff Record: 11-4.
• Notable Stats: Broke the Celtics' championship streak.

9. 1982-83 Philadelphia 76ers (65-17)

With the addition of Moses Malone, the 1982-83 Sixers proclaimed "Fo, Fo, Fo" (meaning they would sweep all three playoff series), and while they didn't quite achieve that, they came close, losing only one game en route to a championship victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Malone and Julius Erving formed a dynamic duo, and their supporting cast was solid. They were a dominant defensive team.

• Key Players: Julius Erving, Moses Malone, Maurice Cheeks.
• Regular Season Record: 65-17 (.793 winning percentage).
• Playoff Record: 12-1.
• Notable Stats: Dominated the playoffs, losing only one game.

10. 2012-13 Miami Heat (66-16)

Led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, the 2012-13 Heat embarked on a 27-game winning streak and dominated the regular season. While they faced tough competition in the playoffs, they ultimately prevailed, defeating the San Antonio Spurs in a thrilling seven-game Finals series. James won his fourth MVP award and led the team in scoring, rebounding, and assists.

• Key Players: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh.
• Regular Season Record: 66-16 (.805 winning percentage).
• Playoff Record: 16-7.
• Notable Stats: 27-game winning streak.

Honorable Mentions

Many other great teams deserve recognition, including:

• 1991-92 Chicago Bulls
• 1964-65 Boston Celtics
• 1988-89 Detroit Pistons
• 2007-08 Boston Celtics
• 2014-15 Golden State Warriors

The Enduring Legacy of Great NBA Teams

The greatest NBA teams are more than just collections of talented players; they are symbols of excellence, teamwork, and unwavering determination. They inspire generations of fans and players, and their legacies endure long after their playing days are over. Their impact on the game is undeniable, and their stories continue to be told and retold.

Ranking these teams is a difficult task, but one that sparks engaging discussions and celebrates the rich history of the NBA. Whether you agree with this particular ranking or not, one thing is certain: the memories and achievements of these legendary teams will continue to captivate basketball fans for years to come.

This article represents a comprehensive assessment based on available data and informed opinions. The landscape of basketball constantly evolves, so it's important to continually re-evaluate and appreciate the contributions of these remarkable teams.

Discover more about the NBA's storied history and explore player statistics on reputable sites like NBA.com History or Basketball-Reference.com.