Hoops Habit
Fansided

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 ) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 11
Next
SACRAMENTO, CA – MAY 04: Point guard Mike Bibby #10 of the Sacramento Kings huddles with his teammates in game 1 of the 2002 NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Dallas Mavericks at ARCO arena in Sacramento, California on May 04, 2002. The Kings defeated the Mavericks 108-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice : Copyright 2001 NBAE. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn /Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – MAY 04: Point guard Mike Bibby #10 of the Sacramento Kings huddles with his teammates in game 1 of the 2002 NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Dallas Mavericks at ARCO arena in Sacramento, California on May 04, 2002. The Kings defeated the Mavericks 108-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice : Copyright 2001 NBAE. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn /Getty Images) /

3. Sacramento Kings  (2000-01)

The Lion Ling was my all-time favorite Disney movie. Young Simba couldn’t wait to be king of Pride Rock. Mufasa told Simba, “Everything the light touches will be your kingdom.” But first he had to earn the title of becoming the king of the jungle. Which was not going to be easy.

Insert the Sacramento Kings, a fairly young group of players who vied for respect and a championship to solidify their greatness. And they had the parts to do it. The smoothness of White Chocolate, Jason Williams. After him was Mike Bibby, a young guard making a name for himself at an early start to his career. The long ball shooting gift of Peja Stojakovic. And the behemoth tenacity of Chris Webber who was like a hybrid version of Shawn Kemp and Larry Johnson.

They had everything they needed to cement themselves as great. But just like Mufasa stood tall on Pride Rock, it was the Lakers who were the real kings of the NBA and were standing in their way. They had their battles and a tough seven-game series, including big shots taken and made by both teams.

Elements of blood, sweat and tears were left on the hardwood floor. However, it wouldn’t be enough to dethrone the Lakers and their greatness that ensued. In this story, Simba was never be able to earn the throne from Mufasa and become king.

Next: The Jordan Effect Part 2