Top NBA Franchises from the 1990's

Only one team, one player defined the NBA during the 1990's. After Larry Bird and Magic Johnson exited their prime and retired from the NBA, the proverbial torch was passed to perhaps the greatest basketball player to ever grace the hardwood. Michael Jordan would lead his team to six championships over the course of the decade, and he spent the better part of two years retired chasing the dream of playing baseball. Below are the top NBA franchises from the 1990's.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls ended the decade of the 1980's with two heartbreaking losses to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Eastern Conference Championship. In 1990-91, the Bulls finally bested the rough and tough Pistons. They met the experienced and multitalented Los Angeles Lakers squad. The Bulls eased past the Lakers four games to one en route to the first title, and the commencement of the greatest dynasty since the Boston Celtics of the late 1950's and 1960's. The Bulls defeated the Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns on their way to the coveted three-peat. Jordan retired following 1992-93 season, and the Bulls faltered in the playoffs in both seasons. He returned in 1995. In 1995-96, the Bulls set the NBA record with 72 wins and only 10 losses. They dropped the Seattle Super Sonics in the finals. They earned their fifth and sixth championships by defeating the Utah Jazz in 1996-97 and 1997-98. The Bulls won six titles throughout the 1990's. They were led by coach Phil Jackson, as well as shooting guard Jordan, and forwards Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant.

Houston Rockets

The Rockets were the team the squeezed in two championships while Jordan was taking a break from basketball. However, they were much more than just a stand-in for Jordan and the Bulls. The Rockets were genuinely a well-rounded team, and earned the two titles in 1993-94, and 1994-95. In 1993-94, they won 58 games en route to the NBA finals defeat over the New York Knicks. A year later, the Rockets' regular season was less consistent, but they were able to labor their way to the NBA finals. They swept the favored Orlando Magic four games to zero, winning a second consecutive championship. They won 50 or more games in four seasons, clinching playoff berths in eight seasons. The Rockets were led by coach Rudy Tomjanovich, center Hakeem Olajuwon, guards Clyde Drexler and Kenny Smith, and forward Mario Elie.

San Antonio Spurs

Other than the 1996-97 season, the Spurs were perennial winners in the NBA. The pitiable 1996-97 season was a blessing in disguise, as it allowed the Spurs to draft Tim Duncan, who became the final piece of the puzzle for the Spurs. They earned their first NBA championship in 1998-99 when they overhauled the New York Knicks four games to one. The Spurs won 50 or more games in six seasons throughout the 1990's. That is not including the lockout out-shortened season of 1998-99 when they won 37 games and lost only 13 en route to the NBA championship. The Spurs were led by coach Greg Popovich, centers Tim Duncan and David Robinson, forwards Mario Elie and Sean Elliott, and point guard Avery Johnson.

Honorable mentions include Los Angeles Lakers; Utah Jazz, New York Knicks

Resource: Basketball Reference