Top Five Most Storied NBA Franchises

The National Basketball Association is currently having its 2010 Finals between two bitter rivals, so I thought now would be a great time to take a look at which NBA franchises have the most impressive records over the years. Quite obviously, in order to be on this list a team will have to have their name in the record books as winning some NBA titles. The top two teams are no-brainers, but after that the list becomes slightly more difficult.

Top Five NBA Franchises

5. San Antonio Spurs- Tim Duncan and the Spurs made their mark on the NBA between 1999 and 2007 by winning the NBA Finals four times. The team hasn't appeared in the Finals at any other point, but by going 4-0 in NBA Finals they deserve a spot on this list. A team of fundamental players with a vastly underrated coach, the Spurs of this decade have been a true team, rather than a bunch of individuals.

4. Detroit Pistons- The Pistons have played some high-quality basketball for quite a few years in Auburn Hills. Joe Dumars and Isiah Thomas led the bad boys of the late 1980's to two straight easy NBA Finals wins over the Lakers and Blazers. In 2004 the Pistons stunned the Lakers who were led by Kobe Bryant and Shaq. Their victory led to the breakup of these superstars.

3. Chicago Bulls- As a whole the Chicago Bulls haven't had a great track record, but you simply can't overlook the amazing run they had from 1990 to 1998. With Michael Jordan leading the team, the Bulls won six titles in eight years and never lost in the NBA Finals. If Jordan hadn't retired to play baseball this team truly had a solid chance of winning eight straight titles. One could argue the 1995-1996 Bulls, who went 87-13 for the overall year, is the best team ever assembled.

2. Los Angeles Lakers- The Lakers have been good just about every single year, which isn't something many teams can say. Through the years some amazing stars have played here. Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Shaq, Kareem Abdul-Jabaar, and many others have starred in a Lakers uniform. The Lakers 31 NBA Finals appearances are the most of any team.

1. Boston Celtics- The Boston Celtics are best known for their unbelievable run under Red Auerbach and Bill Russell in the 1960's. The Celtics won eight straight titles and made history in a huge way. John Havlicek, Larry Bird, and others carried the torch in the 70's and 80's. In the 90's the Celtics were down, but a title in 2008 and another appearance this year have the Celtics back at the top. Their 17 NBA Finals victories in 20 tries is quite a feat.

Sources:

NBA.com History of the Chicago Bulls

NBA.com Celtics History