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10 Recent NBA Dynasties That Never Were

By Jamal Williams

Basketball: Orlando Magic Shaquille O'Neal (C) happy and pointing with Anfernee Penny Hardaway (R) on bench during game vs Denver Nuggets at Orlando Arena. Orlando, FL 12/14/1994 CREDIT: Ben Van Hook (Photo by Ben Van Hook /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X47547 )
Basketball: Orlando Magic Shaquille O'Neal (C) happy and pointing with Anfernee Penny Hardaway (R) on bench during game vs Denver Nuggets at Orlando Arena. Orlando, FL 12/14/1994 CREDIT: Ben Van Hook (Photo by Ben Van Hook /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X47547 ) /
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8 Jun 1997: John Stockton #12, Karl Malone #32 and Bryon Russell #3 of the Utah Jazz during the Jazz 78-73 win over the Chicago Bulls in Game 4 of the NBA Finals at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr /Allsport
8 Jun 1997: John Stockton #12, Karl Malone #32 and Bryon Russell #3 of the Utah Jazz during the Jazz 78-73 win over the Chicago Bulls in Game 4 of the NBA Finals at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr /Allsport /

2. Utah Jazz  (1996-97, 1997-98)

The Utah Jazz were seemingly destined to live their title dreams with the way their organization ran the team. John Stockton provided the assist and shooting the team needed to succeed. His defense also carries the way as he is one of the all-time leader in steals.

The Mailman, Karl Malone, provided physical dominance mixed with elegant grace as he ran the court like a gazelle, not to mention his soft shooting touch that made his game almost unstoppable.

And with head coach Jerry Sloan controlling the huddle, the Jazz were destined to make a title run soon right? But just like almost every other team in the 90s, the Jazz came face to face with Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls and failed to push them off the mountain.

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