The Common Superteam Oddity

by Konrad Gonzalez, Staff Reporter

THE RINGER/ Michael Weinstein

Although there have been super teams with at least three legitimate stars in past eras of the NBA, things are much different today with teams becoming instant title favorites because of the talent.

Starting in 2008 when the Boston Celtics formed a big three with Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen, it has become a common occurrence for players to team up with other stars to contend for a ring. A new team emerged soon after with the Miami Heat signing Chris Bosh and Lebron James to play alongside Dwayne Wade in 2010.

Celtics General Manager Danny Ainge was the architect behind Boston’s 2008 super team.

“I think (Garnett) was waffling between us and I think the (Los Angeles) Lakers might’ve been involved and tried to get KG,” Ainge said. “So it wasn’t until we made that draft-day trade (for Allen).... We went on and made a trade for Ray, and then we went back to Minnesota and back to KG, and we were able to work something out. And as they say, the rest is history.”

In 2012, the Lakers traded for Dwight Howard and Steve Nash to team up with the legendary shooting guard Kobe Bryant. However, drama between Bryant and Howard along with several injuries to key players ruined the season.

"It was an incredible experience and a disaster all at once,” Nash said.

A year prior, all-star guard Chris Paul was traded to the Lakers in a three-team trade including the Houston Rockets but the trade was vetoed by Commissioner Stern, leaving fans and owners angry.

There have only been two legitimate superteams that were homegrown: Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors.

The Thunder drafted three future MVPs in Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. They would end up competing in the finals and ultimately losing to the Miami Heat. The Warriors had a legendary 73-9 season but ended up losing in the finals. Kevin Durant signed with Golden State and ended up winning two championships.

"We have an opportunity to do something that has never been done before in history," Curry said. "So many great players have suited up since the NBA began, and for us 15 guys to say we've accomplished something as a group that's never been done before, that's remarkable. So, we earned the right to have a 48-minute game to eclipse that mark and we have to go out and finish the job and do it the right way."

In today's game, the Brooklyn Nets have managed to put together a super team of their own with Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and James Harden. They recently signed Blake Griffin and Lamarcus Aldridge. The Lakers have Lebron James, Anthony Davis, and Andre Drummond. The Los Angeles Clippers have Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Serge Ibaka.

It’s a common trend nowadays for stars to team up with other stars. Whether or not these super teams are successful is a different story leading many sports fans to wonder if these moves are worth all of the hype.