The Paul Pierce Celtics are the last team to built around a small forward to win the NBA title, but can you name me the last before that?
The Larry Bird Celtics, in 1986, 26 years ago. And they had a Hall of Fame center and power forward. And it took a Hall of Fame shooting guard and power forward to get Pierce that title.
Besides Pierce's Celtics, since Bird the champs have been built around centers, shooting guards, power forwards and point guards. And while the Bulls had amazing success with Pippen as a 2nd option, no other teams in this time-frame had a small forward as their second option and won.
87-88, Magic's Lakers, with Worthy
89-90, Isiah's Pistons, with Dumars
91-93, MJs Bulls, with Pippen
94-95, Olajuwon's Rocket, with Kenny Smith
96-98, MJs Bulls, with Pippen
99, Robinson's Spurs, with Duncan
00-02, Shaq's Lakers, with Kobe
03, Duncan's Spurs, with Parker
04, Billups Pistons, with Hamilton
05, Duncan's Spurs with Parker
06, Shaq's Heat with Wade
07, Duncan's Spurs with Parker
08, Pierce's Celtics with Garnett
09-10, Kobe's Lakers with Pau
11, Dirk's Mavs with Jason Terry
But the Knicks aren't following the Celtics model, with amazing defense and Hall of Famers. James at least has a chance with his great defense.