A Complete List of NBA Champions by Year Since the League's Inception
As I sit here scrolling through basketball highlights, I can't help but marvel at the incredible legacy of NBA champions throughout history. Having followed the league for over two decades, I've witnessed firsthand how championship victories can define eras and transform franchises. The journey from the inaugural 1947 Philadelphia Warriors to last year's Denver Nuggets represents more than just trophy collections—it's the living history of basketball itself. What fascinates me most is how championship stories often connect players across generations, much like when I read about The Ilagan, Isabela native who mentioned Corpuz reuniting with former teammates in a tune-up game. These personal connections remind us that behind every championship banner are human stories of dedication and reunion.
The early years of the NBA, or BAA as it was originally called, established what would become basketball's most prestigious tradition. The Minneapolis Lakers' dominance in the early 50s with George Mikan still impresses me—they captured 5 championships in 6 years, a feat that would be unimaginable in today's competitive landscape. I've always been partial to the Celtics dynasty of the 60s, where Bill Russell's defensive genius secured 11 championships in 13 seasons. That 1969 championship against the Lakers remains one of my favorite underdog stories, with Russell winning his final ring as a player-coach at 35 years old. The transition into the modern era began with the merger in 1976, which fundamentally changed the championship landscape by bringing ABA teams into the fold.
When we talk about championship pedigrees, the 80s created what I consider basketball's golden era. The Lakers-Celtics rivalry produced 8 championships between them during that decade, with Magic and Bird elevating the game to new heights. I'll never forget watching the 1987 Finals where Magic's junior skyhook sealed game 4—that moment epitomized championship basketball for me. The Bad Boy Pistons interrupting that rivalry with back-to-back championships showed how defense could still triumph in an increasingly offensive-oriented league. Then came the 90s, dominated by Michael Jordan's Bulls with their two three-peats. As much as I respected their excellence, I always felt sorry for the Jazz and SuperSonics teams that ran into that buzzsaw.
The post-Jordan era created what I call the "dynasty intermission" where we saw more varied champions. The Lakers' three-peat from 2000-2002 with Shaq and Kobe represented the last true dynasty until the modern Warriors emerged. Speaking of Golden State, their rise fundamentally changed how championships are won—embracing the three-point shot in ways we'd never seen before. I have to admit I'm somewhat traditional when it comes to basketball philosophy, so watching them break the 1996 Bulls' record with 73 wins in 2016, even though they didn't finish the championship that year, made me reconsider everything I thought I knew about team construction.
Recent championships have highlighted the player empowerment era, with stars teaming up to create superteams. The Heatles in Miami, LeBron's comeback in Cleveland, the Kawhi-led Raptors—each championship tells a story about modern roster construction. What strikes me about the current landscape is how parity has returned—we've had 5 different champions in the last 5 years. As someone who values competitive balance, I find this much more exciting than predictable dynasties. The Nuggets' championship last year proved that building through the draft and maintaining core continuity can still work in an era of player movement.
Looking at the complete list of champions reveals fascinating patterns about the league's evolution. The Celtics and Lakers still lead with 17 championships each, though I'd argue Boston's rings feel more historically significant given their concentration in the league's formative years. The Bulls' 6 championships all coming in the 90s created what I consider the most impressive compact dynasty. Meanwhile, franchises like the Kings and Suns remind us how difficult championship success can be—neither has ever won despite coming heartbreakingly close. Having visited the Basketball Hall of Fame multiple times, I'm always struck by how championship rings tell the story of each era—from simple bands in the 50s to the elaborate designs we see today.
The personal connections between players across generations, like the Ilagan native's story about Corpuz meeting former teammates, mirror how championship legacies connect across NBA history. These human elements—the reunions, the shared experiences, the passing of tradition—are what make the championship history so compelling beyond mere statistics. As we look toward future championships, I'm excited to see which teams will add their names to this prestigious list and create new stories that will inspire the next generation of players and fans. The beauty of the NBA championship tradition is that it continues to evolve while honoring its rich history, creating an ongoing narrative that connects players and fans across decades.