Top 10 Best NBA Trios in History
Greatest Trios in NBA History: Number 4
San Antonio Spurs: Duncan, Parker, and Ginobli (2003, ’05, ’07, ’14 NBA Champions)
NBA fans anticipated the beginning of a new dynasty after 2nd-year phenom Tim Duncan led the 1999 San Antonio Spurs to their first NBA Championship in franchise history. However, those plans were interrupted by Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and the Los Angeles Lakers. Finally gelling to become one of the greatest tandems in NBA history, the purple and gold won three consecutive championships and put San Antonio’s dynastic plans on hold.
However, in 2003, the Spurs were finally able to overcome the Western Conference rivals. Dispatching the Lakers in six games in the Conference semi-finals, they went on to face Jason Kidd and the New Jersey Nets in the Finals that year. While Tim Duncan was still the centerpiece of the team, the world’s attention suddenly turned to a young French point guard by the name of Tony Parker and a young Argentinean forward by the name of Manu Ginobli. Each of these foreign-born players would become key component of Coach Gregg Popovich’s strategies for years to come.
Unlike other great franchise runs in NBA history, the Spurs were never able to win consecutive championships. However, they were a yearly contender and would break through to win three more titles after their 2003 victory. In 2005, they defeated the Detroit Pistons in seven games. In 2007 they defeated LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in a sweep, and in 2014, an aging Duncan, Parker, and Ginobli were able to overcome the defending champion Miami Heat in a surprising five-game victory.
Tim Duncan is the ultimate model of consistency in NBA history. He is widely considered one of the top ten players to play the game regardless of position. However, it cannot be overstated that the Spurs’ organization was the perfect fit for “The Big Fundamental.” David Robinson was the perfect mentor, West Point graduate Gregg Popovich was the perfect coach, and Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli were the perfect compliments. Their run was the ultimate model of teamwork and discipline, leading to a display of excellence and achievement.