There have been several NBA teams that have achieved success by building a roster with depth, meaning they had a strong supporting cast in addition to their star players. Here are a few examples of teams that won championships with depth:
2003-2004 Detroit Pistons
The Pistons won the NBA Championship with a balanced roster that had multiple contributors. While they didn’t have a traditional superstar, they had a deep rotation of talented players such as Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, and Tayshaun Prince. Their team-oriented approach, suffocating defense, and strong chemistry led them to victory.
2010-2011 Dallas Mavericks
Led by Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavericks won the championship with a well-rounded roster that had several key contributors. Alongside Nowitzki, they had players like Jason Terry, Tyson Chandler, Shawn Marion, and Jason Kidd. The team’s depth and ability to spread the scoring and defensive responsibilities allowed them to defeat the star-studded Miami Heat in the Finals.
2013-2014 San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs won the NBA Championship with a deep roster and a team-first mentality. Led by Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili, they also had key contributors such as Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green, Boris Diaw, and Patty Mills. The Spurs’ ball movement, unselfishness, and depth played a significant role in their triumph over the Miami Heat in the Finals.
2015-2016 Cleveland Cavaliers
Although the Cavaliers had LeBron James, they also had a roster with valuable role players. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love were key contributors, but players like Tristan Thompson, J.R. Smith, and Iman Shumpert played critical roles in the team’s championship run. Their depth and ability to step up in crucial moments helped the Cavaliers overcome a 3-1 series deficit against the Golden State Warriors in the Finals.
2018-2019 Toronto Raptors
While Kawhi Leonard was the primary star for the Raptors, they had a deep and well-rounded roster. Players like Pascal Siakam, Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka, and Fred VanVleet provided significant contributions throughout the championship run. The team’s depth, defensive prowess, and collective effort propelled them to their first NBA title.
These teams demonstrate that building depth and having a strong supporting cast can be instrumental in achieving success in the NBA. While star players often receive the most attention, the contribution of role players and a deep roster cannot be understated in championship runs.