The 5 best 'Big Threes' of the 2024/25 NBA season

Juan López | Mon, 11/25/2024 - 09:04

Tatum, White, and Brown, Big Three of the Boston Celtics.

The 2024/25 NBA season has highlighted the weight that Big Threes carry in the success of franchises. These combinations of three players, mixing talent, chemistry, and potential, are crucial in aspiring to the championship. Here, we review the five best trios in the league this season, emphasizing their impact on their teams and the stories surrounding them.

Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White
Average core age: 28.4 years
The current NBA champions remain strong contenders, thanks to a core led by wing stars Tatum and Brown, alongside White, who has emerged as a long-term solution at the point guard position. Despite the presence of heavyweights like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis, this trio is the heart of Boston. With their stability and experience, the Celtics seem poised to extend their reign, although the upcoming offseason could bring financial challenges.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren
Average core age: 24.2 years
The future looks bright in Oklahoma. This young trio, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, accompanied by Williams on the perimeter and Holmgren as a defensive anchor, has revitalized the franchise. Over a decade after the iconic Durant-Westbrook-Harden trio era ended, the Thunder holds one of the league's best young talent cores, with the potential to dominate the NBA for years to come.
Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon
Average core age: 28.9 years
Nikola Jokić continues to prove why he is considered one of the planet's best players, being the absolute centerpiece of Denver's success. While Aaron Gordon remains a standout role player and Murray aims to reclaim the elite form he displayed during the 2023 championship, this trio ensures that the Nuggets stay in the title conversation. Their maturity and experience are their greatest strengths.
Dallas Mavericks: Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II
Average core age: 26.4 years
Irving's arrival in 2023 raised questions about the Mavericks' future, but the emergence of rookie Dereck Lively II has brought a new balance to the team. With Lively shining as a key defensive piece and Dončić in prime form, Dallas reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011. However, Irving's future, with a player option for the upcoming season, raises long-term uncertainties.
Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Brook López
Average core age: 33.7 years
Despite the impressive performances by Antetokounmpo and Lillard, the team has not shown the expected dominance. Milwaukee faces on-court cohesion issues, highlighted by López's inconsistent play and Khris Middleton's prolonged absence due to injury. Nevertheless, this trio remains a formidable force, with Giannis as the central piece and Lillard as an elite offensive complement.