Big Three. It is now a term that has become synonymous with winning in the NBA. It used to not be that way. Two was all you used to need. The Jordan era Bulls were mainly Michael and Scottie Pippen, although you could argue a Big Three was formed when Dennis Rodman joined the party. Still, Rodman was only there for the second three peat, never went to an All-Star game while playing for the Bulls, and also had less rebounds per game all three years than when he was with the Spurs and Pistons previously. Shaq and Kobe did it together early in the 2000s, as Shaq won another title when he teamed up with Dwayne Wade in Miami. The Spurs found their "Big Two" in Tim Duncan and David Robinson, who was at the end of his career.
This isn't to say that this is the only way to win a title. The Mavs a couple years ago really only had Dirk, supporting players, and a lot of heart. The Pistons back in 2004 had a Big Zero, because at the time, they had no superstar. Now the starting five from that team are well known names (Chauncey Billups, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace, Ben Wallace, and Rip Hamilton), but back then it was a shock that they were able to win the title. It just seems like nowadays, NBA teams are leaning more towards stacking their roster and going all in on three or four superstars, rather than having one or two superstars and investing in real role players (Ron Harper, Robert Horry, Jason Terry come to mind).
This whole Big Three phenomenon happened back in 2007 when Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett decided to come over from Seattle and Minnesota, respectively, to join Paul Pierce in Boston. They were all playing at a very high level when they decided to team up and won an NBA Title in 2008, and were a constant threat in the playoffs. The next big splash when it came to creating a "Super Team" was the Miami Heat. It all started during the summer of 2010 in one of the most sought after free agent classes in history.
The big prize to land was LeBron James, with multiple teams vying for his services. To this day, not even being a homer here, I still think Chicago would have been the better place to go. I know the Heat have now won back to back titles, but I believe that had he gone to Chicago, his dream of winning "not five, not six, not seven..." could have come true. Here's how I wish it would have gone down. Dwayne Wade was also a free agent that summer and has a home, family, and roots in Chicago. He would have been enticed enough to come to an up and coming Bulls squad. LeBron would follow the talent and join Wade in Chicago. Now you would have Wade, James, Derrick Rose, and Noah all on the court, and all under 30 years old. It would have given LeBron two things that he has never had in his career; a true point guard in Rose and a productive big man in Noah. Oh, what could have been.
Instead, LeBron, Wade, and Chris Bosh decided to take their talents to South Beach. The Bulls had to "settle" for Carlos Boozer (that's how good that free agent class was) and the rest is history. After being upset by the Mavs in their first attempt to win a title, the Heat scorched the Thunder last year and won by the hairs on LeBron's goatee this year over the Spurs. Coincidentally, this Heat team and LeBron James could be the key piece in potentially the Biggest Three of them all. Also, for LeBron, this would start where it all began.
The big free agent news in the NBA recently was the Cleveland Cavaliers signing Andrew Bynum. It's a two year deal, but the second year is a team option to pick up. Remember, this is a potential Big Three. I understand that there is a good chance Bynum either won't be productive or won't even play. Still, if he can stay healthy and go back to his 2011-2012 playing days when he was an All-Star and averaged a double double, this Cavs team has the potential to be something special. They already have two excellent draft picks in Kyrie Irving (One time All-Star and Rookie of the Year) and Dion Waiters (NBA All-Rookie First Team this past year). Add on this year's number one pick Anthony Bennett (although I disagreed with the selection) and you have an abundance of young talent. For this mega-team to take place, however, two things must happen.
The first thing is that Bynum must be productive. The Cavs were smart in structuring his contract as they offered little guaranteed money and the option to terminate the contract if the first year does not work out. He missed all of last year and has struggled with injury problems his entire career, playing the full 82 games only once. Still, he's a true seven footer and takes up space in the post. We've seen flashes of his great play in the past and, when healthy, I believe he can be one of the top five big men in the game. I think, at least for the first year, the Cavs are looking for solid production. He doesn't need to put up All-Star numbers, but if he can play in the majority of their games, and maybe get the Cavs into the playoffs as an eight seed, the I think they will keep him around. His performance this year might also influence the next thing that must happen, LeBron James coming back to Cleveland.
Let's face it, this is a bit of a long shot. Along with Bynum doing well, I think the Heat must not win a title this upcoming season, and Dwayne Wade's health needs to decline in order for James to leave. James becomes a free agent in 2014 and it seems that time has healed some wounds. This fan had no problem letting LeBron know how he felt in a game between the Heat and Cavs earlier this year in Cleveland. That was a picture of a fan who had come on the court, rushed LeBron, and essentially asked him to return to his home. Obviously feelings changed after The Decision, but prior to that there was nothing but love for LeBron in Cleveland. Given the heartbreak and losing that the city has endured with the Indians, Browns, and Cavs, I still argue that one title in Cleveland would be worth more than 10 in Miami. That's one reason I was a bit surprised he left in the first place.
LeBron seems to be about not only winning, but building a legacy. And rightfully so. He's the best player in the game and has been often compared to the greats who have played this game. Bringing a title to Cleveland would have greatly strengthened, if not cemented his legacy. It would be like a star pitcher winning a World Series for the Cubs or a star quarterback winning a Super Bowl for the Bills. All titles are not the same, and a title for the Cavs would have done wonders for LeBron's status and legacy. He had already led them to the Finals before with just him, so I still don't understand why it was so hard for him to attract another superstar to come play with him to win a title (Shaq doesn't count, he was past his prime). Regardless, imagine the possibilities if he comes back.
You would have Irving running the point, who would only be 22 by next summer with three years of NBA experience under his belt. There would be Dion Waiters on the wing who would also only be 22 with two years experience. Then, if Bynum is still around, you would have a former All-Star center who would only be 26 years old with seven seasons of NBA experience (not counting last year). Then, you would throw in James who would still be south of 30 by this time next year (29) with 11 years of NBA experience, two titles, and multiple playoff runs. Now that's a squad right there. Just imagine if Anthony Bennett develops into anything by the time next season rolls around. While I labelled this a Big Three with Irving, Bynum, and James, this could certainly be the first Big Five depending on what happens (although it seems the Nets are trying to do that this year).
Lots of dominoes have to fall into place for this dream scenario to happen. Bynum's health, Wade's health, and the Heat's performance are the main issues here. All I know is that if the Cavs super team is formed, given their ages, we could truly be talking not five, not six, not seven, not eight...
Matty O
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