NBA Big Three comparisons

Rick Bonnell’s favorite “Big Three” combos currently in the NBA:

1. San Antonio Spurs: Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard

Comment: Can’t argue with the champions. Duncan and Parker provide experience and wide skill sets. Leonard added much-needed youth and athleticism to the Spurs.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Andrew Wiggins (or potentially Kevin Love)

James and two anybodies are a pretty good combination. Irving has explosiveness and a jump shot at the point. Rookie Wiggins is either a third piece or a trade chip in pursuit of Love.

3. Chicago Bulls: Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol

Comment: Rose, a former league most valuable player, is returning from injury. Noah is the league’s best all-around center. Gasol fits into any situation.

4. Washington Wizards: John Wall, Bradley Beal and Marcin Gortat

Comment: Wall and Beal form one of the league’s best backcourts. Trading for Gortat boosted the Wizards into the playoffs; he’s among the best NBA big men both offensively and defensively.

5. Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and David Lee

Comment: Curry is among the league’s most dangerous scorers. Thompson’s a great defender and long-range shooter. Lee isn’t much of a defender, but he offers low-post scoring.

This story was originally published July 17, 2014 at 11:56 PM with the headline "NBA Big Three comparisons."