Fansided

Ranking every NBA Champion from No. 72 to No. 1 — The Definitive List

By Staff

TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 30: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors and Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors defend their positions during Game One of the NBA Finals on May 30, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 30: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors and Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors defend their positions during Game One of the NBA Finals on May 30, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON – JUNE 22: Patrick Ewing #33 of the New York Knicks shoots against Hakeem Olajuwon #34 of the Houston Rockets during Game Seven of the NBA Finals played on June 22, 1994 at The Summit in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1994 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON – JUNE 22: Patrick Ewing #33 of the New York Knicks shoots against Hakeem Olajuwon #34 of the Houston Rockets during Game Seven of the NBA Finals played on June 22, 1994 at The Summit in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1994 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

36. 1993-94 Houston Rockets

The Rockets were one of the first teams in the NBA to seriously embrace the three-point shot as a regular weapon, not just a form of desperation or occasional interest. Houston averaged more than 15 attempts per game, nearly five more per game than its opponents. That said, the focus of the team was center Hakeem Olajuwon, who emerged as the best big man in the game by this stage of his career. Hakeem became a great scorer, averaging 27.3 per game to go with 11.9 rebounds and 3.7 blocks. He was named the NBA Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year.

The Rockets ran their offense through Hakeem, who played primarily along the low block on the left side. With his patented “Dream Shake” baseline fade as a go-to shot, he became unguardable one-on-one. When combined with perimeter shooters Vernon “Mad Max” Maxwell, Kenny Smith and Mario Elie, the Houston offense was extremely efficient. The fact that Michael Jordan was retired at the time didn’t hurt, either.

35. 1989-90 Detroit Pistons

The second part of Detroit’s back-to-back championship teams was a carbon copy of the first. There was a slight dropoff in victories (from 63 to 59) in the second season, but not much of a drop in intensity. The team was still led by Isiah Thomas, featured deep and balanced scoring and then manhandled opponents.

The only thing that nearly upended the Pistons was the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan. Jordan had no fear of the Pistons and forced Detroit to a seventh game in the Eastern Conference Finals. While other players were afraid to attack the Pistons defense (which held teams to only 98 points a game during the regular season), Jordan kept coming and coming.

It was one of the biggest indicators Jordan was about to take control of the NBA over the next decade.

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