by Nick Wershing

As soon as LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwayne Wade in Miami, the trio was given the name “The Big 3”. Anyone who follows sports knows what is meant by this title. The three were supposed to dominate the NBA and win “not five, not six, not seven”… well they were at least supposed to win a title or two. But in their second year together, now playing without Chris Bosh, Miami looks like it will come up short again. So I raise the question: Are they the REAL Big 3? I rank who I think are the top contenders for the true title of “Big 3” in the NBA.

4 – Boston Celtics (Big 4): Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo. What originally began as the Big 3 in the summer of 2007 has now evolved into the big 4 with the emergence of superstar point guard Rajon Rondo. Funny thing is, Rondo is arguably the best of the four now and by far the youngest. Despite proven winning and the fact that the Celtics look to be headed back to the Eastern Conference finals, I have them at four since three of the players will most likely be out of the league within the next three years. Still, look out for this quartet to do some damage while they are still around.

3 – Oklahoma City Thunder: Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden. Probably the NBA’s most exciting, youthful group, this high-scoring trio looks to cement themselves as a force to reckon with for the next decade. Despite the fact that this is the only of the four triads on the list that does not have a ring, I believe they are considered favorites this year, as well as the next few years, to win a championship. Durant and Westbrook have the ability to go off on some of the most ridiculous shooting sprees we have seen in our time. Durant, arguably the best player in the game, can pull up from 5 feet behind the 3-pt arc like no one else in the league. He also has an edge on Lebron since he has hit a clutch game-winning shot multiple times. If only Scott Brooks could learn how to draw up a good play every time instead of the last minute 30 foot shots they Thunder became accustomed to this year.

2 – Miami Heat: LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh. The trio that has sparked the nickname The Big 3, despite being considered just the big 2 by many sports writers, falls in at number two on the list. The Heat are constantly described as LeBron and Wade, Bosh, and the rest of the Heat. Bosh isn’t even considered close to LeBron and Wade’s level. He is to the Heat what Hawkeye is to the Avengers. Iron Man, Hulk, and Captain America steal the show. I like Bosh, and think he is extremely important to the Heat’s success. But this is not how America views him. Wait. I thought this was “The Big 3”? How can someone steal someone else’s nickname (also directed at you, Dwight)? Well, let me explain. The Big 3 of Miami has proven nothing. They were upset by the Dallas Mavericks in last year’s Finals; a Finals in which Dirk played better than any of the three Heat players. The Heat also are the most questioned trio (duo) in sports. No one can deny that this is probably the most skilled group in the NBA, but this does not make them the best three. Until they can prove they can win a championship together, (and have the third member accepted as part of the Big 3) they cannot be the best trio.

1 – San Antonio Spurs: Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli. Yes, folks, the real Big 3 comprise the most consistent and methodical attack in the NBA. While they do not command the media attention or prestige of the Heat, they have skills and track record to top the South Beach squad. While other groups dominate them in hype, the Spurs have quietly been a borderline dynasty over the past decade or so. They have four of the past thirteen championships, and are well on their way to another one. They have not lost a game in these playoffs and have won sixteen straight overall. They clinched the top seed over the favored Thunder and Kobe’s Lakers. Duncan remains Duncan, simply dominating the boards and putting up points without displaying any showboating. You never see Duncan slam one home and star down the defender (like Blake) or run to the crowd and pound his chest (everyone else). He gets his job done and moves on to the next play. Tony Parker had an MVP-caliber season. In fact, he came in fourth in voting behind only James, Durant, and Chris Paul. Ginobli remains Ginobli, allowing the offense to run through Duncan and Parker, while still adding his sure part. The Spurs also have the ability to lose a player. When one goes down, the other two step up, not to mention their whole bench. The final deciding factor is the coach. No one is better than Pop in today’s game. The trio of Duncan, Parker, and Ginobli, headed by Gregg Popovich is my vote for best group in today’s game. Obviously when Duncan retires, the Heat will claim this spot. But for the time being, the Spurs are my choice for both best trio and NBA Champs.

Follow Nick Wershing on Twitter: @n_shing