Analyzing the “Big Three's” Left in the NBA – CrownHoops
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 29: Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers is seen during a game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Tampa Bay won 55-40. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
The NBA landscape went through a makeover this past summer. The Golden State Warriors no longer rule with their super team of five stars and Kawhi Leonard added parity back into the league. Now, the league seems to be transitioning back into an age of dynamic duos, at least for this season at the very least. However, there are still some stacked teams that are still lurking in the league who seem to have been forgotten. Without further adieu, let’s take a look at which teams in the NBA possess three stars that are being overlooked.
The “Big Three’s,” Left in the NBA
NBA Big Three #1
The Golden State Warriors may have lost a ton of firepower. However, they are still a force to be reckoned with in the league. The addition of All-Star, D’Angelo Russell, should provide some extra offensive firepower to pair with Stephen Curry in the Warriors’ backcourt. Not to mention, with the departures of DeMarcus Cousins and Kevin Durant, this should open up more offensive opportunities for Draymond Green as well. Especially since Klay Thompson will most likely miss the whole year recovering from an ACL tear he suffered in the NBA Finals.
Before Durant came to Golden State, Green was averaging double figures in scoring (14 points per game one season, followed by 10.2 and 11 points per game the following years.) We know Green is a defensive guru. However, when he is the third option on the team, he can do a lot of damage offensively as well. Also, we will see glimpses of “MVP Steph,” with Durant out of the picture. Regardless of how the departure of Durant and Cousins affects them, it would be foolish to sleep on this Warriors team with Russell, Curry, and Green leading the way.
NBA Big Three #2
We already knew to come into this year that the Los Angeles Clippers were going to be championship contenders. The additions of Kawhi and Paul George severely bolstered the team. However, what if I told you that the Clippers already had what would be their third star this season. May I present to you, Lou Williams. Williams is now the reigning Sixth Man of the Year for two straight seasons. For the past two seasons, Williams has averaged 20 or more points per game. Williams will continue to lead the Clippers’ deadly second unit. All while the Klaw and PG13 will lead the high powered starting unit. While the NBA world focuses on the two superstars, do not underestimate the high powered scoring ability of Lou Williams.
Big Three #3
Last, but not least. We have the Philadelphia 76ers. This team is certainly a contender in the Eastern Conference led by Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and Tobias Harris. We already know of the skill sets that Simmons and Embiid possess. However, Harris is one of the more underrated wings in the NBA. Last year, Harris tallied 18.2 points per game. This season, he is continuing his high level of play. He is averaging 22 points per game so far along with 11 total rebounds per game. Not to mention, Harris also has an effective field goal percentage of 73.1 percent.
If Harris continues this solid play, then the 76ers are definitely going to give the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics a run for their money. These big threes may not be as exciting on paper like the past big threes that we have seen with the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics. However, it would be foolish to sleep on these current teams.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
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