The Golden State Warriors have unquestionably been the top dog in the NBA over the last decade, winning four championships in that time.
Key to all this success has been the Big Three of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, which has earned them a place among the greatest trios in NBA history. As far as Gilbert Arenas is concerned, they are the greatest Big Three ever.
“This is a Big Three,” Arenas said on his No Chill podcast. “And this Big Three can really challenge any other Big Three and say, ‘We are the best Big Three ever,’ and it’s going to be hard for another Big Three to say, ‘Nah, y’all not as dominant as us.’ Because even though we’re looking at Draymond’s production, how he produces does not factor into points and rebounds, it doesn’t. You can’t calculate what Draymond does. So when you add this three and say alright who’s going to compete in the best Big Three ever? I mean now you’re going all the way back to a Boston Big Three… No one said it, but I’m going to say it, this is probably the best Big Three that has ever been put together.”
Arenas says the only real competition would be the trio of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman, who three-peated from 1996 to 1998. He would take the Warriors’ Big 3 ahead of the Miami Heat Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh as well, as they only won two championships.
Even the great Celtics Big Three of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish only won three titles, which puts into perspective just how great these three have been, although we have to acknowledge Kevin Durant played a big part in their success as well. There is one trio that did win four titles just like the Warriors and that was the Spurs’ trio of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker, but it did take them longer to get to four titles. So, is the Warriors Big 3 the best? You can certainly make the case.
The Warriors’ Big Three Won’t Be Together For Much Longer
All good things must come to an end, though, and the end isn’t too far away for the Warriors’ Big 3. Curry will finish his career as a Warrior, but Draymond has a player option for next season, while Thompson’s contract expires after next season. It is unlikely that both of them will be on the team in a couple of years, as Draymond and Klay are reportedly seeking max contracts.
The Warriors believe that their Big 3 can still compete for titles, and the way things are going, it seems like next season would be their last shot at a fifth title. Considering their history, you wouldn’t bet against them, but some changes are needed around their Big Three if they are to mount a serious title challenge.
