The Best Trios in the NBA

Ever since the inception of the NBA, it has been proven time and time again, that no, one player, mo matter how gifted, can win an NBA championship all by himself. From Wilt Chamberlain to Michael Jordan, basketball has proven itself to be a sport, where at least two genuine superstars are needed to win an NBA title, and many times, three.

Having said that, here are the best trios in the NBA today.

Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili
Only two years removed from winning an NBA championship, these three players form the best trio in the entire league. Tim Duncan is the best low post player in all of basketball and both, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker are dangerous all-star caliber players who are in the midst of their athletic primes. Other trios may come close, but there is none better.

Shaq, D-Wade and Udonis Haslem
Shaq is fading fast, but he is still unstoppable in the low post when he wants to be. Dwayne Wade is one of the top five players in the entire league, and simply put, Udonis Haslem is an underrated beast on the boards and defensive stopper in the lane. Say what you want, but these three just won an NBA title. Enough said.

Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry and Josh Howard
This trio is making a strong push to become the top trio in the entire league, and truth be told, had they finished off the Miami Heat in last season's NBA finals, I would probably have them in the top spot. Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry have seemingly raised the levels of their respective games and Josh Howard is still growing into his role as a go-to player and the third option out of these three.

Steve Nash, Shawn Marion and Boris Diaw
Led by the reigning two-time MVP, this trio is as dangerous as any in the league right now. Marion is an all-star player who is capable of dominating at both ends of the floor on occasion and Diaw is quickly approaching all-star status. If Amare Stoudemire ever returns to the level of play he displayed two years ago, the Suns trio could become the league's best quartet.

Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace
Although the Pistons have been one of the best teams in the league for the past few seasons, I'm not necessarily sure that this trio is the sole cause of that fact, as it seems as though it was the total starting five, including former center Ben Wallace and small forward, Tayshaun Prince, who also helped the pistons reach the upper echelon of the league's elite teams. However, these three guys are legitimately some of the best players in the league at their respective positions and do already a championship ring for their efforts. If Wallace can keep his head on straight (which is always questionable) the Pistons could find themselves back in the finals.

Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson and Jason Kidd
This trio is almost as good as any in the entire league and are the sole reason the Nets qualified for the playoffs last season. No, I'm not a Vince Carter and I think he's overrated, but the truth is, that, with Jason Kidd orchestrating this trio and two high-flying wing players like Carter and Jefferson, the Nets will continue to make the playoffs in the weak Atlantic division. However, if they want to really make an impact in the east, they're going to need more than the one competent frontcourt player on the roster (Nenad Kristic).

Sam Cassell, Elton Brand and Cuttino Mobley
Let's see, Brand is a MVP caliber player and Cassell is still lethal when he wants to be. However, I think it is the underrated Mobley who really helps both of the other two players in this trio reach their full potential with his excellent outside shooting ability. Say what you want about the Clippers, but these three players have the led the way for the Clippers recent resurgence.

Gilbert Arenas, Antwan Jamison and Caron Butler
The Wizards' talented trio is an explosive bunch that is still improving - especially in the case of Arenas and Butler. The only problem I have with any of these guys - and the Wizards in general - is that they don't play a lick of defense, which usually comes back to bite you in the butt come playoff time.

Future trios
Okay, now that I've reviewed the best current trios in the league, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at the groups of trios that could be at or near the top of this list in a few seasons.

Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon and Andres Nocioni
All three of these 'Baby Bulls' can flat out play the game. The interesting thing for Chicago is that they could possibly substitute the names of Thabo Sefalosha, Luol Deng or Tyrus Thomas onto this list in a couple of years. One thing's for sure, it's going to be fun to watch the young Bulls grow.

Mike Bibby, Ron Artest and Brad Miller
Combining Artest with Bibby and Miller should at least make the Kings an entertaining team for the next few seasons, although all three of these guys know how to play the game and could surprise a lot of teams in the west this season and beyond.

LeBron James, Larry Hughes and Zydrunas Ilgauskas
If Hughes hadn't gotten hurt last season, this trio could already be one of the league's best. Hopefully, Ilgauskas can stay healthy enough to keep this trio together.

T.J. Ford, Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani
I can just see the lightning quick Ford setting up both of these guys for years to come. Bosh is a bonafide all-star and who knows how good Bargnani can be, although I suspect very good at some point. Either way, this trio will bear watching.
Michael Redd, Andrew Bogut and Charlie Villanueva
Interestingly enough, the guy who was traded for Ford (Villanueva) has a chance to be part of a pretty good trio himself. Redd is absolutely lethal and both Bogut and Villanueva look like the real deal.

Raymond Felton, Adam Morrison and Emeka Okafor
This trio could be as good as any in the league in a few years. Felton is a first rate passer and Morrison is going to be one of the league's best scorers at some point. Let's not forget that Okafor can also get the job done - without much fanfare - in the low post.

Jameer Nelson, J.J. Redick and Dwight Howard
I already love the combination of Nelson and Howard, who already form one of the best young duos in the league. If Redick can shoot the lights out like he did in college, this duo could become an outstanding trio.