Monday (teams of the decade) edition: Wha’ Happened?
Posted on June 8th, 2009 – 8:43 AMBy Michael Rand
We heard former Stribber and current SI.com football writer Don Banks talking about his rankings of all 32 NFL teams for this decade the other day on KFAN. Naturally, it got us thinking about candidates for team of the decade across the four major pro sports (3.5 if you want to take a cheap shot at the NHL). There are some contingencies in play here, seeing as how the decade is not quite over. But this is how it stands right now, in our eyes, in terms of a top 10:
1) Los Angeles Lakers: Assuming they finish off this year’s NBA title, that would give them four titles and two runner-up finishes this decade. That’s more championships and more championship appearances than any other team would have. True, they had a little lull and missed the playoffs once (2005), but if your main definition is championships and title appearances, this is your team.
2) New England Patriots: One could argue that three Super Bowl wins, one Super Bowl loss, an undefeated season and other such things are more impressive in the NFL than in the NBA. But let’s not forget: the Patriots have missed the playoffs three times this decade — strange, but true (2000, 2002 and 2008). If you want to argue that most of the Lakers’ damage was done in the early part of the decade, remember that the Patriots haven’t won a Super Bowl since after the 2004 season.
3) San Antonio Spurs: The very definition of consistency. Three NBA titles, a playoff berth every season and no fewer than 53 wins every year this decade.
4) Detroit Red Wings: They’ve had their share of playoff flops, but they’ve been the NHL’s model franchise this decade. If they win one of the next two games, that will be three Stanley Cup titles this decade.
5) Boston Red Sox: Hate them if you will, but two WS titles, including what happened in 2004, puts the Sox up in this spot in our book.
6) Pittsburgh Steelers: Two Super Bowl titles; working on a dynasty if they can win it all again this year.
7) New Jersey Devils: Two Stanley Cup titles, one Stanley Cup loss, a playoff berth every year there were playoffs.
8 ) Detroit Pistons: One title, one runner-up finish and overall six consecutive trips to at least the conference finals.
9) Indianapolis Colts: Great in the regular season, so-so in the playoffs, but still remarkably consistent and they do have one Super Bowl win to their credit.
10) New York Yankees. Even with all their struggles, they still have three WS appearances (1 win, two losses) and a gaudy regular-season record.
Let’s get the debate going in the comments.
Fasola-link! Tom Swifties.
(Photo of RandBall softball legend Randall in his jersey).
14 Responses to "Monday (teams of the decade) edition: Wha’ Happened?"
the four major pro sports (3.5 if you want to take a cheap shot at the NHL)
I do, as it just so happens.
The best of the decade is all fun and whatnot, but what about the worst teams of the decade. (no AV commentators the Vikes aren’t on this list). My take, in reverse order of sucktitude (less sucky to Lions).
10. Minnesota T’Wolves
9. TB Rays (only because of last year)
8. Columbus Blue Jackets (only bcuz of this year)
7. Cleveland Browns
6. LA Clippers
5. Charlotte Bobcats
4. Expos/Nats
3. KC Royals
2. Pittsburgh Pirates
1. Detroit Lions
As for your best of the decade, I’d like to see the USC Trojan Football on there. I figure if you are paying your players, then you are a professional team.
I would go with the Patriots, the NFL is the premeire league in this country and they were the the premeire team. If the Steelers win the Super Bowl this year then the debating can begin.
As for the worst team I would go with the Timberpuppies, this franchise makes the Detroit Lions look like a well oiled machine.
1. Detroit Shock
Three titles, and they are the only dynasty that can preserve their legacy through natural childbearing methods(presumably).
The Anti-Dynasty? The Lions deserve consideration, as do the Royals.
Rotoblinders: your list inexplicably is missing the Baltimore Orioles. I’d dump the Rays in favor of them. Otherwise, my quibbles are minor.
“I’m from Saint Cloud” Stu said stearnly.
Rotoblinders, your list is very logical.
“This place, against all odds, is Party Central,” said Stu platonically.
Good call on Baltimore. As they are in the East, they were forgotten in my mind. I’ll seamlessly replace Tampa with them.
“Having daughters is wonderful!” Stu pipered up.
“Sweaters on dogs is not unnatural,” said Micheal pugnaciously.
Pretty solid list. I don’t know if I’d replace any of those teams, but some close calls would include the Angels, St Louis Cardinals, NY Giants, and Heat.
“With seven straight division titles and eight straight playoff appearances from 2000-2007, the Yankees were wiping their feet with the competition,” said Don Mattingly.
BOSTON CELTICS!
