NBA Super Teams: Luck or Strategy?

The term “super team” is a relatively new phrase in the NBA that describes the concept of adding superstar players to one roster in an attempt to dominate the league. Though this may be every team’s overall goal year after year, it is rarely achieved.

The phrase itself can be considered somewhat belittling due to the fact that many fans today consider it a cheap strategy in order to claim an NBA title as quickly as possible. However, there are countless behind-the-scenes factors that occur in order to build that team over time. General Managers and teams’ front offices work tirelessly to obtain the best players possible, and give their respective organizations the best chance of success.

One of the first instances of a super team breaking out into the league was the 2010 Miami Heat. With an enormous cap space of $48 million, the Heat were able to create the “Big Three.” It all began when Miami drafted Dwyane Wade in 2003. The team saw immediate success with the young player, eventually winning the franchise’s first ever championship in 2006. Following that success however, the Heat were plagued with consecutive losing seasons. Enter LeBron James and Chris Bosh.

In 2010, the first year with James and Bosh playing alongside Wade, the Heat finished with an impressive record of 58-24, clinching the number 2 seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Though they would go on to lose to the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals that year, the trio eventually won the championship title the next year in 2012, and again in 2013. Their reign came to an end after losing to the Spurs in the Finals in 2014, though their legacy remained well intact.

The Big Three sparked a movement across the NBA. Front offices around the league have always understood the value of having such immense talent, but few were gifted it. The idea of developing a “super team” then became even more alluring. Combining star players on a single roster seems like the perfect way to immediately become a championship contender, but GM’s understand that this is much easier said than done.

The Golden State Warriors, for example, have been what many consider to be the greatest super team of all time for a few years now. The combined talents of Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, to name a few, were enough to claim two NBA titles in 2015 and 2017. The addition of Durant however, sparked controversy around the league. Critics and fans accused him of joining the Warriors due to the almost guaranteed chance of winning a championship, leaving behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. But, General Manager Bob Myers would disagree, saying that this dynasty was created over time, which is true.

As if NBA teams understood the threat that Golden State posed, it seemed as though a few scrambled to compete. The new-era Cleveland Cavaliers (LeBron James’ homecoming) were able to defeat them in the 2016 Finals, but were stopped abruptly in 2017 after the addition of Durant.

Today, the concept of super teams is prominent throughout the league. Here are a few of those teams (excluding the Warriors) with star players and notable additions to their rosters in recent years:

Oklahoma City Thunder

Russell Westbrook
Paul George
Carmelo Anthony

Boston Celtics

Kyrie Irving
Gordon Hayward
Al Horford

Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron James
Isaiah Thomas
Derrick Rose
Dwyane Wade
Kevin Love

Houston Rockets

James Harden
Chris Paul
Nenê

All of these teams have added another star player quite recently in the wake of the Warriors’ dominance, though to say they’ve done so because of that specifically would be unfair. Dynasties often come from years of building. While flashes of success do occur in super teams, the most successful seem to be from devotion on the front offices’ parts (see San Antonio Spurs).

It is exciting to imagine that a super team is currently in the works that has yet to manifest. Should one come about in the coming years, it would further prove the notion that these super teams are built through dedication, intelligence, and most importantly, patience.

Summer is right around the corner and the temperatures are slowly rising. This time of year poses heat on the court, especially for pickup games on the court. When playing basketball you and your friends will need to make sure you’re staying cool in the heat while you’re outside on the basketball court. As you and your buddies plan, or even spontaneously, partake in pickup games, here’s how you can beat the heat on the court all summer long.

Hydrate

Your body loses a large portion of water and sodium on hot summer days. Sweat is a natural bodily function that occurs when you play in a pickup game. Because of this, your body needs to hydrate and rehydrate. As an athlete, personally or professionally, you need to ensure you’re staying hydrated. Drink water before, during and after any game you play.

Footwear

Hard courts, especially asphalt, retain heat and release it through your shoes and into your feet. This can cause your body temperature to be higher than necessary. You want the best basketball kicks for outdoors. Be sure you have good traction, durability and most importantly make sure they’re affordable. Having the right type of footwear for the summer can help you stay cool on the court.

Clothing

You definitely don’t need a sweatshirt for the court in the summer. Make sure you’re wearing appropriate apparel for the temperature as you play. Try to find activewear that’s lightweight and is made from fabric that dries fast to reduce the amount of sweat. Stretchy or loose material are also good as you’re active on the court. Wearing the right clothing can help reduce the heat.

Shade

Although most courts aren’t covered by shade, look around for a place to get out of the sun that’s near your court. If there’s a tree nearby, stand in the shade for a few minutes whenever you’re not playing the game. Give your body a break from the sun whenever you get the chance.

Break

Don’t forget to break between each quarter of the game. Use this time to relax and allow your body to rest. Drink water and go to the shaded area if it exists. A break will give your body the time to get ready for the next quarter, as you allow for a cool-down time.

Summer can be a fun time with a few friends and pickup games. Beat the heat this summer as you play hoops!