The NBA has gone through a lot of changes over the last decade. The league has seen dynasties rise and fall, changes in the way the game is played and several stars retiring from the game. All of these factors have impacted the league and now we’re about to see something that hadn’t been seen in 25 years.
This will be the first time since 1995 that the NBA Finals won’t have at least one of Steve Kerr, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan or Dwyane Wade. That is a hell of a streak but now it’s over since Kerr’s Warriors weren’t invited to the bubble, Duncan didn’t travel to Orlando and his Spurs failed to make the postseason, Dwyane Wade is retired since last season and Kobe was retired since 2016. Still, they had a great run.
2019: Steve Kerr (as coach)
2018: Steve Kerr (as coach)
2017: Steve Kerr (as coach)
2016: Steve Kerr (as coach)
2015: Steve Kerr (as coach)
2014: Tim Duncan & Dwyane Wade
2013: Dwyane Wade & Tim Duncan
2012: Dwyane Wade
2011: Dwyane Wade
2010: Kobe Bryant
2009: Kobe Bryant
2008: Kobe Bryant
2007: Tim Duncan
2006: Dwyane Wade
2005: Tim Duncan
2004: Kobe Bryant
2003: Tim Duncan & Steve Kerr
2002: Kobe Bryant
2001: Kobe Bryant
2000: Kobe Bryant
1999: Tim Duncan & Steve Kerr
1998: Steve Kerr
1997: Steve Kerr
1996: Steve Kerr
Even after retirement, Kerr made the Finals in fight consecutive years as the Golden State Warriors head coach after making it to the Finals five times as a player. Tim Duncan had six trips to the Finals, winning five titles; Wade went 5 times to the big series, claiming three titles and Kobe had seven trips, winning five championships.
Everything comes to an end, regardless of how great it was. This streak was remarkable but it’s time to start a new one. This season has seen several streaks coming to an end. JJ Redick’s playoffs streak, Spurs’ playoffs streak and now this one goes down, as well.
