Recently, the American media selected the best NBA team of the era, honoring players who have had a profound impact on the game of basketball. These lineups are an affirmation of the skill, dedication and impact of these athletes. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the top three best lineups of the 21st century.
Best lineup
First team: Curry, Kobe, James, Duncan, O'Neal
Curry: Known as the greatest shooter in NBA history, Curry revolutionized the game with his excellent three-point shooting. He can score from almost anywhere on the court, making him a perennial MVP candidate and a key figure for the Golden State Warriors dynasty.
Curry
Kobe: The late Kobe, known as the "Black Mamba," was known for his scoring ability, work ethic, and performance in key moments. A five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant's legacy lies not only in his impressive stats, but also in the fact that he has inspired countless fans and players.
James: LeBron James is often compared to the greatest players in history for his perfect combination of size, athleticism and basketball IQ. With multiple MVP awards and championship titles, James has been dominant in the league and remains a key player late in his career.
James
Duncan: Known as the "Stone Buddha," Tim Duncan is the cornerstone of the San Antonio Spurs' success. His low-key attitude belies his dominance on both ends of the court. As a five-time NBA champion, Duncan's consistency and leadership have been key to the Spurs' continued success.
O'Neal: Shaquille O'Neal is one of the most dominant centers in NBA history, combining great physicality with amazing flexibility. During his time with the Lakers, who won three straight championships with Kobe Bryant, O'Neal cemented his place among the great players.
O'neill
Second lineup: Nash, Wade, Durant, Antetokounmpo, Jokic
Steve Nash: A two-time MVP winner, Nash is known for his excellent vision and passing ability on the court. His leadership and ability to organize offense were key to the success of the Phoenix Suns and later the Dallas Mavericks.
Dwyane Wade: Wade is a three-time NBA champion for the Miami Heat and is known for his explosiveness and performance in key moments. Wade's ability to take over the game in crunch time has made him one of the most feared defenders in the league.
Wade
Durant: Durant is one of the best scorers in NBA history with his unique height and shooting ability. As a multiple-time scoring champion and MVP, Durant's versatility and skill set him a key player for every team.
Antetokounmpo: The rise of Giannis, known as the "Greek monster", is quite amazing. With his incredible athleticism and versatility, Giannis won multiple MVP awards and led the Milwaukee Bucks to the NBA championship.
Jokic: Jokic from Serbia has redefined the center position with his excellent passing and playmaking abilities. As the current MVP, Jokic has had a profound impact on the Denver Nuggets, showcasing his unique skill set and basketball IQ.
Jokic
Third team: Paul, Harden, Garnett, Nowitzki, Howard
Paul: As one of the best point guards of his generation, Paul has been a model of consistency and leadership. His ability to control the tempo of the game and elevate the performance of his teammates is evident in the many teams he plays for.
Harden: Harden is a perennial MVP candidate for his scoring ability and unique style of play. During his time with the Houston Rockets, he became one of the most unstoppable offensive forces in the league.
Garnett: Garnett is a defensive expert and fierce contender who was at the heart of the Boston Celtics' 2008 championship team. His versatility and passion for the game have made him one of the most respected players in NBA history.
Garnett
Nowitzki: Nowitzki is one of the greatest power forwards in history, and he revolutionized the position with his shooting prowess. As the 2011 NBA champion and Finals MVP, Nowitzki's loyalty to the Dallas Mavericks and his trademark step-back jumper left a lasting legacy.
Howard: At his peak, Howard was the most dominant defensive player in the league. An eight-time All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Howard's impact on the game was huge, especially during his time with the Orlando Magic.