NBA: The 30 best trios in league history

Best trios in NBA history: 7. Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish

• Bird: 24.6 ppg, 10 rpg, 6.5 apg
• McHale: 18.4 ppg, 7.5 rpg
• Parish: 17.2 ppg, 10.2 rpg
• Finals record: 3-2
• Time together: 1981-1992

The words dominant feels like an understatement when we take a close hard look at the former Boston Celtics trio of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish.

In 12 full seasons with one another, the Celtics never missed the playoffs and were considered a title threat each and every year. The accolades they stacked up while playing alongside each other were almost unthinkable. Bird was a 12-time All-Star, Parish was selected nine times and McHale was given seven nods of his own.

Each player had their moment in the sun as well. McHale was a Sixth Man of the Year winner, Bird was a multiple-time MVP winner and Parish was considered one of the best big men in the league during his prime.

Parish dominated on the inside, averaging 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds to go along with 1.6 blocks in those 12 seasons. When he needed a blow, McHale would come in and provide similar production. McHale dropped 18.4 points per game, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks while playing fewer minutes than his other co-stars. Bird, of course, could do it all. He poured in 24.6 points, 10 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game.

All of their numbers weren’t for nothing as they captured three NBA titles in five tries. Chances are, if you played against this version of the Celtics, your team was blown off the floor.