In the high-stakes world of the NBA, a “big three” isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for championship glory. Since LeBron James’ infamous “taking my talents to South Beach” announcement in 2010, the league has revolved around superteams. James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh redefined the game, but the concept predates them. In the ’80s, the Lakers and Celtics built dynasties via drafts and trades, while the Boston Celtics’ 2008 championship trio of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce revived the notion of stacking stars. Yet today, as history continues to spotlight the NBA’s flashiest lineups, the Memphis Grizzlies quietly emerge as NBA’s Most Underrated Trio, challenging the league’s elite with their homegrown talent.
The NBA’s Most Underrated Trio
Now, let’s shift focus to the Memphis Grizzlies—a team quietly rewriting the big-three narrative. Unlike the glitzy alliances forged in free agency, Memphis crafted its trio organically. Between 2018 and 2020, they struck gold in the NBA draft, landing Jaren Jackson Jr., Ja Morant, and Desmond Bane. Two were top-five picks with sky-high expectations, while Bane, a late first-rounder, blossomed into a star against all odds. It’s a story of grit, grind, and guts.
ESPN’s recent NBA Big Three Rankings slotted the Grizzlies in the “Prime-Age Talent” tier, rubbing shoulders with teams like the Knicks, Cavaliers, and Timberwolves. Yet, there’s a catch. Injuries have kept their trio from firing on all cylinders. Over the last two seasons, Jackson, Morant, and Bane have shared the court in just 11 of 98 possible games—a jaw-dropping statistic. Last season’s turmoil, capped by Morant’s 25-game suspension and Bane’s torn labrum, left fans wondering: Can this trio truly contend?
The Celtics and Thunder, boasting “championship-ready” cores, are the gold standard. Memphis, once in that conversation, now seems like the underdog. But don’t count them out yet. Despite setbacks, this trio has the tools to rewrite their destiny. At just 26, Bane is the elder statesman of the group. Morant is nearing his return, and the clock is ticking for the Grizzlies to prove their mettle.
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