Ranking The NBA’s Best Big 3s For The 2023-24 Season

• The Phoenix Suns have the most star-studded Big 3 featuring Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal

• Each NBA Finalist from 2022-23 has a top 10 Big 3 for 2023-24

• Big 3’s can be traced all the way back to the 1960s in NBA history

The term “Big 3” is one that has been prevalent in NBA discussions for quite some time. It was made famous, or infamous depending on how you look at it, by the Miami Heat in 2011 when they brought together Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh. Of course, Big 3’s existed well before that South Beach trio and have continued to exist in the years since. In 2023-24, I would venture to say there are only a few legitimate Big 3’s in the NBA while many are just your average run-of-the-mill trios.

Regardless of their classification, we will be ranking all 30 teams for the 2023-24 season based on the assembly of their three best players. These rankings will be based on the potential of each Big 3 to become NBA champions this upcoming season and we will also be previewing what to expect from each of them moving forward. Again, we use the term Big 3 loosely with many of these NBA trios but for lack of argument’s sake, that is how they will be described below.

These are the best NBA Big 3’s for the 2023-24 season.

30. Washington Wizards – Jordan Poole, Kyle Kuzma, And Tyus Jones

To kick things off as far as the best trios for the 2023-24 season go, we have the Washington Wizards. Joining the Wizards this past offseason was shooting guard Jordan Poole who spent the previous four seasons with the Golden State Warriors and won an NBA championship in 2022. In 82 games last season, Poole averaged 20.4 points per game on 43.0% shooting overall. He joins Kyle Kuzma and a new-look Wizards team that traded away both Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis this offseason.

Along with Poole, Kyle Kuzma will have the spotlight on him this year which will be his third season in Washington. Kuzma was great for the Wizards last season with a career-high 21.2 points per game along with 7.2 rebounds per game. The duo of Kuzma and Poole have a chance to do good things together as dynamic scorers on the offensive end.

Where this Big 3 takes a bit of a hit in Washington is with their point guard Tyus Jones. Although a very smart point guard, Jones has averaged just 6.8 points and 3.9 assists per game so far in his NBA career heading into his first season with the Wizards. Jones will most likely serve as a setup man for both Poole and Kuzma, finding them as they gain position and get to their open spots. However, the strength of this Big 3 is not up to par with the rest of the league and the uncertainty of how they will mesh together ranks them dead last in the NBA.

29. Portland Trail Blazers – Anfernee Simons, Damian Lillard, And Jerami Grant

Speaking of uncertainty, the trade rumors around superstar point guard Damian Lillard and his impending trade out of Portland looms large over the team as they get closer to the 2023-24 season. Lillard requested a trade to the Heat this offseason after 11 years with the Trail Blazers, putting the franchise in a peculiar position before the season even begins. Lillard is coming off a season in which he averaged a career-high 32.2 points per game but Portland failed to make the playoffs with a 33-49 record.

Even with the mystery surrounding Lillard’s next move, Portland also offers a dynamic 1-2 punch next to him with Anfernee Simons and Jerami Grant. Simons missed 20 games last season but averaged a career-high 21.1 points per game and will only see more touches if and when Lillard departs. As a decent ball-handler, outside shooter, and athletic guard, Portland hopes Simons can step in and help replace Lillard almost right away.

As for Grant, he is also a very proficient three-level scorer who could have an impact on Portland this season if he is able to remain on the court. Grant averaged 20.5 points and 4.5 rebounds for Portland last season in 63 games last season and re-signed with the team this summer in hopes of helping them erase the last few seasons. With Lillard, this Big 3 is capable of making some noise in a loaded West in 2023-24. Without him, they may be in some serious trouble and find themselves back toward the top of the NBA Draft next summer.

28. Charlotte Hornets – Miles Bridges, LaMelo Ball, And Terry Rozier

For the Charlotte Hornets, the 2022-23 season was one they would like to forget. It started with star big man Miles Bridges being arrested and suspended by the NBA missing the entirety of the season. On top of that, owner Michael Jordan sold his majority stake in the team and moved on from his ownership duties. On the court was no better as LaMelo Ball would miss 46 games due to injury and they finished with a 27-55 record overall on the season.

Heading into 2023-24, Bridges has returned and Ball seems to be healthy heading into the season. When healthy, this trio presents a well-balanced combination of playmaking, scoring, and athleticism. Unfortunately, we have only seen them fail to advance past the NBA play-in tournament which is going to be an uphill climb in 2023-24.

While the Hornets go through major changes, the Eastern Conference has only gotten better making things tougher on a team desperate for some kind of improvement in 2023-24. They possess all of the talent in the world but it has failed to produce any form of postseason success for the last three seasons. This makes them one of the less intriguing trios heading into 2023-24.

27. Detroit Pistons – Bojan Bogdanovic, Cade Cunningham, And Jaden Ivey

The Big 3 from the Detroit Pistons is perhaps one of the biggest mysteries in the NBA heading into 2023-24. This is because since Cade Cunningham was injured last season, these three players have had less than 15 games on the court together. In Cunningham’s absence, Bojan Bogdanovic took over for Detroit as their leading scorer with 21.6 points per game while Jaden Ivey had a decent rookie season with 16.3 points and 5.2 assists per game.

Adding Cunningham back into the mix will only help the Pistons in the long run as he is a certified weapon on offense with ultimate playmaking and scoring ability. However, how do you properly rank a trio who has yet to share enough time together on the court to make it a fair evaluation? Well, I am a believer in the fact that Detroit will be better than their 17 wins in 2023 indicate they are. Bogdanovic will serve as the second, and sometimes first option as a scorer while Ivey and Cunningham serve as supporting pieces.

Will it be enough to improve from 2022-23? I think so, absolutely. Will it be enough to make Detroit a playoff team? Most likely that is still a few seasons away.

26. Houston Rockets – Jalen Green, Fred VanVleet, And Alperen Sengun

The Houston Rockets made a ton of moves this past offseason after finishing in the basement of the NBA in 2022-23. They hired coach Ime Udoka to lead their team for the foreseeable future while adding such complimentary pieces as Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet using the exorbitant funds they had available to them this offseason.

The Rockets have a young talent pool to go along with their additions which include Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun. Green is still questioned due to his wild shot selection at times but has begun to tap into his playmaking and passing skills to go along with his already established three-level scoring. As for Sengun, he has already earned the nickname “Baby Jokic” due to his innate ability to both score and pass at a high level from the center position.

With the addition of a veteran such as VanVleet to the fray, the Rockets should improve not just slightly, but greatly from last season. VanVleet knows what it takes to be an NBA champion and that kind of experience is just what a young team like the Rockets needs to get themselves into a better position to compete moving forward.

25. Utah Jazz – Jordan Clarkson, Lauri Markkanen, And John Collins

The Utah Jazz surprised a lot of people in 2022-23 after seemingly heading toward a rebuild after trading away stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell last summer. They were much more competitive led by Most Improved Player Lauri Markkanen who emerged as a true number-one option averaging 25.6 points per game on 49.9% shooting overall and 39.1% from three.

Jordan Clarkson was the other offensive juggernaut for Utah averaging 20.8 points per game and emerging as a legitimate option in the starting lineup rather than off the bench as he had been in years past. Clarkson and Markkanen proved to be a formidable duo last season and look to build on the chemistry they built heading into 2023-24.

Utah also added athletic power forward John Collins who is looking for a fresh start after coming off his worst season as a pro with the Atlanta Hawks. Collins brings an athletic element to Utah on both sides of the ball they desperately need so they can take the next step as a unit but does come with concerns with his health and regressing production. Utah will be competitive once again in 2023-24 behind this trio but they might not hold up over the course of an 82-game schedule.

24. Brooklyn Nets – Ben Simmons, Mikal Bridges, And Nic Claxton

The beauty of this new Big 3 in Brooklyn with the Nets is that each player provides excellence in different aspects of the game of basketball. Coming off an unhealthy campaign during 2022-23, Ben Simmons returns to the lineup in a point-forward position. Simmons does not need to be a scorer in this lineup but rather he needs to focus on his playmaking and perimeter defense in order to help his team win games.

Mikal Bridges was the offensive star for the Nets after coming over in the Kevin Durant deal last season averaging 26.1 points per game in 27 games played with the Nets last year. Bridges showed his talent from all three levels of offense and helped the Nets maintain just enough to advance to the NBA playoffs.

Then, there is the interior defense of Nic Claxton who was a nice addition to what the team is trying to accomplish heading into the future. Claxton was one of the best interior defenders in the entire NBA last season with 2.5 blocks per game last season, adding an element to their team they had been missing for quite some time. While this trio should provide some strong effort for Brooklyn, the uncertainty surrounding Simmons’ health and the continuance of great play from Bridges and Claxton are causes for concern which is why they rank so low heading into 2023-24.

23. Orlando Magic – Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, And Markelle Fultz

The Orlando Magic are one of the teams that I truly believe could be headed toward an NBA championship in the near future if they play their cards right. Clearly, the team needs to continue to build around the 2023 Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero who averaged 20.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game last season for an Orlando team that went 34-48. Banchero’s best weapon is his versatility and the way he uses his large frame to overpower opponents.

Along with him, Franz Wagner is one of the most talented small forwards in basketball on the offensive end as both a scorer and playmaker. Wagner averaged 18.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game for the Magic last season and only continued to impress more and more as the year went on.

While this team is headed toward great things, they still have some growing pains they will need to endure before they get to that point. It is going to take more than one season together in order to become a championship or even playoff contender but they are trending in the right direction as they head towards 2023-24.

22. Indiana Pacers – Myles Turner, Tyrese Haliburton, And Buddy Hield

The Indiana Pacers have caught the attention of many NBA fans and experts heading into 2023-24 after a solid offseason that saw them add many pieces that should help them compete. Their core, however, is the trio that will help them the most moving forward. Tyrese Haliburton showed why many believe he is one of the top point guards heading into the new season as he became one of the premier passers and three-point shooters in the game. He earned his first All-Star appearance averaging 20.7 points and 10.4 assists per game.

Buddy Hield also remained one of the NBA’s best three-point shooters but added new dimensions to his offense that make him a formidable part of Indiana’s plans for the future. The key to this trio will be the play and health of center Myles Turner. As an interior defender, Turner is one of the best in the game as far as shot blocking and altering go but he must remain healthy for them to even have a chance at turning their fortunes around.

The Pacers are expected to be a borderline playoff team in 2023-24 but it will all depend on their continued development as a team and not as individuals. The whole team seems to have bought into coach Rick Carlisle’s style which will aid in their pursuit of a playoff spot for the first time in a few seasons.

21. Atlanta Hawks – Dejounte Murray, Trae Young, And Clint Capela

After a disappointing end to their 2022-23 season, the Atlanta Hawks head into 2023-24 with newfound hope for their franchise just three years removed from an appearance in the Conference Finals. At the center of it all will be point guard Trae Young who has quietly become one of the best passers and playmakers in the game. Armed with an exceptionally high basketball IQ and a deadly jump shot and floater, Young will be looked at to lead this team both on and off the court.

Dejounte Murray and Clint Capela are the perfect support for Young thanks to the different things they provide on the court. Murray is another scorer who can take the pressure off of Young as well as a perimeter defender who can hide Young’s shortcomings on that side of the ball. Capela is a physical center who fights for rebounds and finishes extremely well around the rim. If these three can finally work together and get on the same page, the Hawks can get back to a level that makes them a threat once again in the East.

20. Dallas Mavericks – Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, And Grant Williams

Of all 30 teams in the NBA, there wasn’t one who had a more disappointing season in 2022-23 than the Dallas Mavericks. After acquiring Kyrie Irving around the trade deadline, the Mavericks fell off a cliff and wound up missing the NBA playoffs altogether down the stretch. Led by superstar Luka Doncic, Dallas looks to get back to their winning ways in 2023-24 where I expect Doncic to have another MVP-like season after averaging 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists in 2022-23.

Kyrie Irving was brought in to take some of the pressure off of Doncic as both a scorer and playmaker. Irving is one of the best ball-handlers in the game which allows him to create easy shots for himself and his teammates. The only issues for this top 10 backcourt will be their play on the defensive side of the ball. Grant Williams comes over from the Celtics as a remedy for those shortcomings as a physical and big defender who can take on most assignments from forwards and guards alike.

The Mavericks better hope they are able to turn this trio and squad into a playoff team or we may be looking at Doncic asking out along with a complete teardown of their team in heading toward a rebuild. I expect this trio to be the ones who get Dallas back on track as a playoff team and championship contender.

19. New Orleans Pelicans – Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, And CJ McCollum

It has become very clear that the New Orleans Pelicans can only go as far as this trio’s health will take them. The elephant in the room is Zion Williamson and whether we will see him on the court for more than half a season in 2023-24. When healthy, Williamson is the focal point of the Pelicans who is capable of averaging over 27.0 points per game on over 60.0% shooting. When he isn’t healthy, the Pelicans stumble and look like a team without a true number-one option.

Brandon Ingram is also in that same category as a backup to Williamson as their go-to guy on offense. When healthy, Ingram is a Kevin Durant-like scorer capable of putting New Orleans on his back with near All-Star-level play. With CJ McCollum taking on most point guard duties, this team looks like world-beaters, especially with the help of their young pieces like Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III. The Pelicans are going to be one of the most intriguing storylines in 2023-24 but let’s just hope they can get more than 60 games with their core together which they will need to be a playoff team once again.

18. Chicago Bulls – Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, And Nikola Vucevic

The Chicago Bulls have made it abundantly clear that they are content moving ahead with this trio at the forefront of their efforts. DeMar DeRozan has looked like an MVP candidate ever since coming over in free agency in 2021-22. He has improved as both a passer and defender while remaining a diligent scorer who attacks the rim and picks opponents apart from the mid-range.

Zach LaVine, although rumors continue to swirl around his time in Chicago coming to an end, is the most important part of their success. LaVine needs to step up as both a leader and with his play on the court if the Bulls are going to have a chance at getting back to the playoffs as they did in 2021-22. LaVine isn’t the only player under intense pressure to step up their game for the Bulls in 2023-24 though.

Nikola Vucevic, although a walking double-double, gave up far too many easy baskets in big moments last season for Chicago which led to meltdowns by their defense as a whole. Vucevic can either be the reason the Bulls take a massive step forward or he can be the reason they remain stagnant and don’t improve. This trio has all the talent to make the Bulls a playoff team once again. Now, it is time to put up or shut up.

17. Toronto Raptors – Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, And OG Anunoby

After surprising everyone and making a playoff run in 2021-22, the Raptors fell back down to Earth a bit and nearly fell apart in 2022-23. Led by All-NBA standout Pascal Siakam, the Raptors had flashes of both great and horrible play in 2022-23 resulting in yet another season of having to watch the playoffs from home. Siakam has been their leader as a Swiss Army knife who can score, pass, and make plays among the best power forwards in the NBA right now. This is his team, and they will only go as far as he can take them.

With that being said, all eyes will be on Scottie Barnes as he heads into his third year with the team. Barnes’ 2023 season was disappointing as he failed to build off his Rookie of the Year campaign in 2022. Barnes remained stagnant in his second year, showing little to no improvement across the board. If Toronto hopes to be a formidable opponent for Eastern Conference teams in 2023-24, it is Barnes who will be most important to their status.

Also having a major role with the departure of Fred VanVleet is OG Anunoby. We already know that Anunoby is a tremendous two-way talent who had an argument to be called the NBA’s best defender in 2022-23. If he can continue to keep that level of defensive prowess along with improved offense, it will be a tough decision to count them out before seeing how they mesh under new management, coaching, and with new personnel on the court.

16. San Antonio Spurs – Keldon Johnson, Victor Wembanyama, And Devin Vassell

All eyes will be on the San Antonio Spurs in 2023-24 with the arrival of the NBA’s most hyped prospect in 20 years, Victor Wembanyama. The entire world seems to believe that Wembanayma has true potential to be one of the greatest players that ever lived and watching him play for just five minutes will tell you why. Wembanyama displays elite handles, touch, and defensive instincts on the court that we usually see from NBA veterans, and watching him develop at the professional level is a top storyline for 2023-24.

Wembanyama’s presence, in my opinion, can only elevate the play of both Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell. Both players had career years in 2022-23 and will only keep getting more opportunities as Wembanyama draws more and more attention on the court. Under the tutelage of the great Gregg Popovich, the Spurs should be successful in their first year with Wembanyama at the forefront of their schemes. Whether that results in a competitive basketball remains to be seen but it will be entertaining whether it is or not.

15. Sacramento Kings – Domantas Sabonis, De’Aaron Fox, Keegan Murray

The Sacramento Kings team of 2022-23 accomplished something no other Kings team has in 17 seasons. They made the NBA playoffs behind the star duo of Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox in their first full season on the court together. Fox was undoubtedly their leader, winning the NBA’s inaugural Clutch Player of the Year award, often taking over games in the fourth quarter when the team needed him most with his lightning-fast speed and extraordinary shot-making skills.

As for Sabonis, he was able to do a bit of everything on the court. He won the NBA’s rebounding title with 12.3 rebounds per game to go with 19.1 points and 7.3 assists per game. Although Sabonis and Fox were their lone All-Stars and clear catalysts for their success, rookie Keegan Murray also shined and impressed during his first year in the league. Murray averaged 12.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in year one but really proved to be a primetime player during their playoff series against Golden State.

If the Kings are to build on their 2023 success and beyond, it will be this trio that leads them toward those goals. Fox and Sabonis have to be equally as good, if not better, for them to sustain those levels of success but Murray’s continued development holds the key to them taking the next steps. This Kings team is young and exciting to watch and I am looking forward to the excitement they bring to the NBA once again in 2023-24.

14. Philadelphia 76ers – James Harden, Joel Embiid, And Tyrese Maxey

Once again, drama surrounds the Philadelphia 76ers as they head into the 2023-24 season. Star point guard James Harden and Sixers General Manager Daryl Morey are seemingly at odds, and Harden has made it clear he would not play for him again. Despite that, I must operate under the impression that he will until he is actually traded.

Joining Harden is reigning MVP and back-to-back Scoring champion Joel Embiid who averaged over 30.0 points per game for the second straight season. Along with his elite offense came elite defensive play that allowed the Sixers to earn the third seed in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough for them to get past the second round of the playoffs which is something they have never done with Embiid on the court.

The x-factor in the Sixers’ trio will be Tyrese Maxey who is in a contract season. Maxey has proven he can step in and take on the starting guard duties for Philadelphia in the past and has proven to be a streaky scorer with quite the stroke from three-point range. A lot remains on the line for this team in 2023-24 if they fail to reach the Conference Finals yet again. I believe this trio has what it takes to get there but it will take maximum effort from all three to do so.

13. Oklahoma City Thunder – Josh Giddey, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, And Chet Holmgren

The Oklahoma City Thunder have one of the most exciting and most intriguing lineups heading into the 2023-24 season. Budding superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander takes center stage once again as the primary option in this lineup. In 2022-23, he had an All-NBA First Team season that saw him average 31.4 points, 5.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game to help Oklahoma City reach the play-in tournament.

Josh Giddey continues to show that he will be the Thunder’s primary playmaker moving forward as he had a great second season with 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game in 76 games played. The real step up for the team will be the addition of Chet Holmgren to their lineup after missing his rookie season due to injury. Holmgren brings a new aspect to Oklahoma City’s offense as a 7-footer who can create on his own as well as provide an interior presence on defense they haven’t had in a long time.

The Thunder could possibly be a playoff team and then some in 2023-24 with the lineup they are presenting in 2023-24. If these three remain on the court, I expect them to be among the top-tier teams in the West for this season and beyond.

12. Minnesota Timberwolves – Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, And Rudy Gobert

For the second straight season in 2022-23, the Minnesota Timberwolves advanced to the NBA playoffs and were eliminated in the first round. Led by Anthony Edwards’s best season as a pro with 24.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, Minnesota looks set for the future building around him as their franchise player.

Their other franchise star, Karl-Anthony Towns missed most of the season due to injury while center Rudy Gobert remained stagnant on the offensive side of the ball. This Minnesota trio has some pressure on them to get past the first round of the playoffs this season with all of the talent they have at each position. The Timberwolves will need Edwards to continue to be their leader on the court and take another leap into superstar status in 2023-24. They will also need both Towns and Gobert to accept their supporting roles and buy into the things that make them successful to reach their goals.

11. New York Knicks – Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, And RJ Barrett

The New York Knicks surprised the entire NBA community in 2022-23 when they advanced to the second round of the NBA playoffs on the backs of their star duo, Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson. Randle had an All-Star season in which he averaged 25.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. Brunson, in his first season with the team, would average 24.0 points and 6.2 assists per game.

The real player to watch for New York is going to be RJ Barrett who many have been hoping will take a monumental next step in order to take this team to the next level. Barrett has fallen short of those expectations but has shown the talent and potential to reach that level. If the Knicks wish to build on their 2022-23 success, this trio will be the reason they do so but more so Barrett than any other player on the roster.

The Knicks have a unique opportunity to have their most successful seasons since 1999 if these three have All-Star-caliber seasons once again. The NBA is much more exciting when the Knicks have a team capable of competing in the NBA playoffs and beyond so I, for one, am looking forward to seeing what they do in 2023-24.

10. Cleveland Cavaliers – Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, And Evan Mobley

Despite a disappointing first-round playoff loss to the team ranked one spot below them, the Cleveland Cavaliers Big 3 of Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley kick off our top ten for 2023-24. In his first season with the Cavaliers after being traded from Utah, Mitchell had a career season in 2022-23 with 28.3 points per game on 48.4% shooting. Mitchell gave the Cavaliers their most explosive offensive weapon since LeBron James left in 2018-19.

Darius Garland continues to be the perfect compliment to him as well as he thrived in their first season together with 21.6 points and 7.8 assists per game. Evan Mobley was a two-way machine for the Cavaliers as well which gave Cleveland bragging rights as one of the top Big 3’s in all of basketball heading into the season. For Cleveland, it will be Mobley who is looked to as the star that must take the next step into All-Star status in order to eliminate their first-round woes from last season.

I will say this about the 2023-24 Cavaliers. If they all even slightly improve, the rest of the league should be worried about what they could accomplish in unison.

9. Memphis Grizzlies – Jaren Jackson Jr., Ja Morant, And Desmond Bane

The Memphis Grizzlies are another team to watch in 2023-24 not only for the product they will be putting on the court but also for what is occurring behind the scenes on a daily basis. Star point guard Ja Morant will miss the first 25 games of the season due to another violation of the NBA’s personal conduct policy after flashing another firearm on social media. Despite his absence, there is no denying what he will give his team once he is able to return to the court.

Morant will be backed up by reigning Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. Despite his issues with getting into foul trouble, Jackson is one of the league’s best interior defenders with his ability to anticipate offenses and alter or block shots at a regular rate. Desmond Bane also stepped up his game in 2022-23 with 21.5 points per game on 40.8% shooting from three. As one of the NBA’s best three-point shooters, Bane is clearly Memphis’ best weapon from the outside.

In order for the Grizzlies to build on their trend upward the last two seasons, the distractions off the court must stop. Morant must stay diligent and smart throughout the season because any punishment to him ultimately punishes his team in the worst way. If they all remain healthy and out of trouble, the Grizzlies led by their Big 3 should finish toward the top of the West once again.

8. Los Angeles Clippers – Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, And Russell Westbrook

The primary concern for the Los Angeles Clippers heading into 2023-24 remains the same as it has been for two seasons now. The health of both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard has prevented this team from reaching their goal of bringing a championship to a franchise that has never even earned a berth in the NBA Finals. With star Kawhi Leonard coming off yet another knee surgery, this is no easy task.

When healthy, the duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George is top-five in the NBA easily and the Clippers look like serious championship threats. When either one misses significant time, they look lost and unable to fulfill their goals. Adding Russell Westbrook brings a different dimension to the Clippers as was shown during his 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists against the Suns in the playoffs last season.

For the Clippers, the sky’s the limit when all three of these players are healthy and on the court together. All three are explosive players who can affect the game on both sides of the ball with elite offense and defensive play. I understand this is a big if but if they can be healthy come playoff time, this team is a team to watch out for as 2023-24 NBA champions.

7. Milwaukee Bucks – Jrue Holiday, Giannis Antetokounmpo, And Khris Middleton

The Milwaukee Bucks suffered one of the most disappointing first-round playoff losses in recent memory as they fell to the Miami Heat on their run to the NBA Finals. This team’s success hinges on Giannis Antetokounmpo and what he provides as a leader but also what he provides with his elite two-way ability as a perennial MVP candidate.

This team cannot rely solely on him to be successful however as the other members of this Big 3 need to be much better than they were in 2022-23. Now, Jrue Holiday was an All-Star in 2023 but his inability to slow down Jimmy Butler in the playoffs ultimately hurt the Bucks’ chances of winning another NBA title. The same could be said about Khris Middleton. Without being biased, Middleton was objectively awful last season upon returning from injury and was not the same clutch player who could take over late in games that we are used to seeing.

Milwaukee must look to their championship Big 3 to return to form for 2023-24. Giannis has made it clear that if this team cannot compete for an NBA title, he is as good as gone. Milwaukee cannot afford to lose a play of his caliber or they might as well go into full rebuild mode at that point. This Milwaukee Big 3 is good. I would even venture to say they are great. That needs to translate to results on the court for them to be considered any further up this list.

6. Miami Heat – Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, And Tyler Herro

Coming off their second Finals appearance since 2020, the Miami Heat fall just outside the top five as far as their Big 3 goes heading into 2023-24. Of course, Jimmy Butler is the main component of this trio as he once again showed us why he is among the best small forwards in the league when playoff time rolled around. Butler’s run to the NBA Finals consisted of 26.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. With his undeniable performances in the biggest of moments, Butler alone can be the guy in Miami for the rest of his career.

Bam Adebayo also had a ton to do with their postseason success. His elite defensive ability was finally joined by outstanding offensive play that resulted in their berth in the NBA Finals. Missing for the entirety of that run was Tyler Herro, who with the Damian Lillard trade looming, may not even be in South Beach by the time that 2023-24 begins. Regardless, his continued improvement on offense as a scorer and playmaker will be essential to his team’s success whether that is in Miami or elsewhere.

I would give a prediction on where they may end up in 2023-24 but this team has shocked the world so many times now. If I say anything less than the Conference Finals, it would be an injustice to what they have already accomplished.

5. Golden State Warriors – Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry, And Draymond Green

Any time the Warriors can trot out their championship Big 3 of Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green, they are automatically in the running for another crack at the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Now, that sentiment may make you laugh, but as we saw in 2022, they are not far off from that type of run yet again.

This championship core has overcome the odds on numerous occasions and worked tirelessly this offseason to eliminate their distractions while adding experienced veterans who will only impact their team in a positive manner. Led by the greatest shooter of all time, Stephen Curry, the Warriors offense will always live and die by the three-pointer. It just so happens that both Curry and Thompson share spots in the starting lineup that could take them to that level.

Draymond Green is the lifeblood of Golden State’s offensive and defensive play and could be the x-factor for another championship run in 2023-24. Green is an elite playmaker whose patience and precision are essential to team success. On the other end, he controls and directs the defense like the conductor of a symphony making beautiful art with every passing possession. We would be crazy not to think this team cannot and will not be there in the end competing for a championship when it is all said and done.

4. Los Angeles Lakers – Anthony Davis, LeBron James, And Austin Reaves

The 2022-23 season was a tale of two halves for the Los Angeles Lakers. In the first half, they looked as if they were headed for another season without playoff basketball as they started 2-13 and were defeated in every sense of the word. After a flurry of moves at the trade deadline, they rallied to earn not only a playoff spot but a run to the Western Conference Finals.

The duo of Anthony Davis and LeBron James led the charge as Davis turned back the clock with all-time defensive play and scoring stretches that reminded us why he is a top 10 player in the game. LeBron James remained the floor general he has always been and even when he struggled with his own shot, was still able to create for his teammates in a way that could win them close games.

The real star of the show was Austin Reaves who came out of his shell as a shot creator and shooter to become the Lakers’ legitimate third leg of their Big 3. It is going to take a complete effort from all three of them in order for the Lakers to return to glory as NBA champions. We have seen what they can do when one or two of them are clicking but when all three did, they were unstoppable.

In 2023-24, all eyes will be on James’ and Davis’ health as it has been for three seasons since their 2020 championship run. With the emergence of Reaves and healthy James and Davis, this Lakers team is a legitimate championship threat combined with their offseason moves that brought in the likes of Jaxson Hayes, Cam Reddish, and Gabe Vincent.

3. Boston Celtics – Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, And Kristaps Porzingis

The Boston Celtics have been on the cusp of an NBA championship for what seems like forever as they built around the star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. In 2022-23, the duo led the Celtics to their fourth appearance in the Conference Finals since 2018. Although they fell short, Brown and Tatum had seasons they could be proud of that saw Tatum have an MVP-caliber season becoming the first Celtics player to average over 30.0 points per game in a season.

Many saw Brown as a liability in the Conference Finals loss to the Heat but they did not get as far as they did without his scoring and defensive ability. Now, the Celtics have added a legitimate offensive and defensive threat at center in Porzingis who, if healthy, is capable of averaging 23.0 points and 8.4 rebounds just as he did last season. With his ability to stretch the floor and be a defensive presence in the paint, the Celtics have gotten far more dynamic on both sides of the ball on the heels of that trip deep into the playoffs.

The Celtics are one of the heavy favorites to bring home the NBA title in 2023-24 and it is their Big 3 they have to thank for that. They certainly improved their shooting and interior offense with the addition of Porzingis, something they missed desperately last year. He must remain healthy and even with the plantar fasciitis concerns heading into the year, it would be moronic to rank them outside the top three for 2023-24.

2. Denver Nuggets – Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic, And Aaron Gordon

The 2022-23 season was a historic one for the Denver Nuggets and their Big 3 as we saw them capture their first NBA title in franchise history. Of course, Nikola Jokic was the focal point of their offense and the NBA playoffs showed us why he is already a two-time MVP of the league. Jokic has clearly taken the title of the best big man in the NBA due to his otherworldly skills as a passer, scorer, shooter, and playmaker. With him on the court, the Nuggets already have what it takes to repeat as NBA champions.

Somehow, the contributions and return of Jamal Murray to this lineup have been undervalued on their way to the NBA championship. Night after night, especially during the playoffs, Murray delivered when it mattered most, and sometimes put the team on his back to elevate them to that status. However, the real unsung hero of this team was Aaron Gordon.

Not only was Gordon the recipient of plenty of Jokic finds from the high post but his defensive efforts had a lot to do with their championship run. In every series, Gordon was tasked with defending their opponent’s most lethal offensive player. He answered that challenge with the best stretch of defensive play he has ever had which in turn won them that title.

With these three plus the rest of their supporting cast, the Denver Nuggets are favorites to repeat as NBA champions. Jokic’s leadership and elite offensive game along with Murray’s clutch ability and Gordon’s defensive emergence have made the Nuggets much more than a one-hit wonder. I expect the Nuggets to be right back in the NBA Finals in 2023-24 and beyond if they are able to keep this core together for the long haul.

1. Phoenix Suns – Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, And Bradley Beal

There is no team with more or better offensive firepower from their Big 3 in 2023-24 than the Phoenix Suns. First, let’s start with the fact that this will be Devin Booker’s team just as it has been the last few years. As both a playmaker and a true three-level scoring threat, Booker is going to be an issue to cover for 48 minutes on any given night. To put a long story short, he is going to get his by any means necessary regardless of how many touches he sacrifices to the other two.

The other two just so happen to be two of the best scorers in the NBA as well. Kevin Durant is coming off the only 55/40/90 shooting season in NBA history and is one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. The attention he draws from the defense will be pivotal to Phoenix’s success as opponents try and keep up with an offensive attack the likes of which we have never seen. Durant is a serious three-level threat who can go for 30 almost with his eyes closed on any given night.

This leads to their newest acquisition, Bradley Beal. While Beal has missed at least 30 games in each of the last two seasons, things get much easier for him as he is injected into this offense. Beal is going to reap the benefits of switching over to point guard with Booker and Durant drawing most of the attention from defenses. Beal is still an elite scorer who can create on his own even if he sees defensive packages catered to his abilities on that side of the ball.

In 2023-24, I would be disappointed if the Suns weren’t the number-one offense in the entire NBA with the level of explosive firepower coming from their Big 3. I would also be beyond disappointed if they aren’t at least competing in the Conference Finals when the playoffs come around. Sure, there are worries about their depth and defensive ability but with Booker, Durant, and Beal, they should be able to outscore any team on any night. After all, this game has been and always will be about buckets. 

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