Not even the greatest names in NBA history have won championships without the help of great sidekicks. From Michael Jordan to LeBron James, they have needed the help of the likes of Scottie Pippen, Dwyane Wade, Anthony Davis, and more. While Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar altered roles between them during their time together, the same can’t be said about Jordan and Pippen and Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. But Shaq later took the second fiddle after he left the Los Angeles Lakers while Kobe became the main man. But who is the best #2 ever?

While some players consider it an honor to be the #2 in a successful team, others might not. So this list is not a knock on the legendary athletes mentioned, but a compliment. A player’s stats, duration as the #2 of the team, and the team’s success in the league are all considered for the list.

#3 Klay Thompson- His impact on the Warriors dynasty

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are arguably the best duo in the last decade winning four championships for the Golden State Warriors. The Splash Bros torched their opponents with their unreal shooting capabilities. Despite their successful stint together, Thompson only gets the third spot because of Kevin Durant’s time on the team. During Durant’s three years for the Warriors, the team made three Finals appearances while winning two. At the time, Curry and Durant both contributed equally. Even though KD won the Finals MVP award on both occasions, there was very little between them.

Other than this, Thompson has always been the second-best player on the team in terms of scoring as the Dubs started their dominance. However, he is not restricted to just scoring. Klay is not just a great shooter, but also a very good perimeter defender and rebounder. In his prime, he was one of the best two-way players in the league who would often be tasked to defend the opposition’s best guards.

Thompson is averaging over 19 points in both the regular season and post-season as per ESPN with great efficiency. With his ability to come up big in the clutch, Thompson could have been the best player on most other teams. However, he has been very loyal to the Warriors, and the team has rewarded him back with trust during his injury struggles. After his return from injury, he once again took the #2 spot and helped the Dubs win another title.

#2 Kobe Bryant – Before he took over

When superstar Shaquille O’Neal signed for the Lakers in 1996, Kobe Bryant joined the team as a rookie. The Lakers’ front office was sure Bryant would be a superstar in the league and Kobe had bigger aspirations as well. The Black Mamba always wanted to be the best player ever. However, he knew he had to bide his time and hone his skills. Especially while playing alongside one of the most dominant centers like O’Neal who had led the Orlando Magic to the Finals at a very young age.

Kobe barely started in his first two seasons in the league. However, he started every game in his third season. He averaged 19.9 points per game and established himself as the #2 of the team. He played a crucial role in the team’s incredible success in the years that followed. In the 1999-00 season, Bryant helped Shaq and the Lakers win their first of three straight titles.

During their pursuit of the second straight ring, Kobe and Shaq were very close in terms of scoring. While O’Neal averaged 28.7 points, Bryant averaged 28.5 in the regular season. The trend continued in the playoffs as well. While the former center averaged 30.4 points, the former guard averaged 29.4. However, it has to be noted that Shaq’s rebound and block numbers were better than Kobe’s. But Bryant was on the rise and it was evident. In the Finals, Kobe averaged 24.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, which was a huge jump from the first title.

As the Lakers went for the elusive third straight title, the duo continued their roles as #1 and #2. And it worked wonders. The duo once again dominated their opponents in the postseason and delivered the three-peat. O’Neal won the Finals MVP award during all three championships.

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However, it would not have been possible without a great #2 like Kobe, who was much closer to being the best player on the team than many realize. Bryant once again improved his numbers from the last Finals and averaged 26.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. Later on, Bryant became the #1 of the team like he always wanted and led the Lakers to two rings.

#1 Scottie Pippen – The ultimate second-in-command

Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan are the best duo ever. Pippen’s consistency on both ends of the court was a major factor behind the success of the Chicago Bulls dynasty. There is no one else like Pippen. Notably, Jordan and the Bulls advanced to the second round of the playoffs only after the arrival of Pippen and legendary head coach Phil Jackson. Even though Jordan was torching the league with his unstoppable scoring and defense, he did not have enough help and he struggled.

While Scottie did not start any regular season game in his rookie season, his impact was clear. This earned him a starting role in 6 of 10 games in the postseason when he helped the team win the first round in 13 long years. However, he was not yet the #2 at the time and was still adjusting to the league’s standards. But it did not take him much time.

In just his sophomore year in the NBA, Pippen established himself as the second-best player on the Bulls roster despite competition from Horace Grant. Scottie continued his ascension and averaged over 20 points in the playoffs for the first time in his career during his fourth season. With this, he helped MJ and the Bulls win their first-ever championship. In the Finals against the Lakers, he almost averaged a double-double with 20.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 3 steals per game.

The forward soon became one of the best players in the league. As Pippen grew in stature, the Bulls dominated, as MJ could do his thing while his second in command did his part to perfection. This helped the Bulls win three straight titles without ever needing a Game 7.

When Jordan announced his retirement after the third title, the Bulls struggled. However, Pippen held the fort and helped the team clinch a playoff berth. Furthermore, he helped the Bulls win the first round as well before being eliminated in the second. After another season of disappointment in the playoffs after MJ’s return, the Bulls clicked again in the 1995-96 season. Pippen continued his immense support as the #2 of the team and helped the Bulls to another three-peat. During all three playoffs and Finals, Scottie made some clutch plays on both ends of the court to lead his team. Furthermore, he continued his consistency in every series as well and cemented himself as the best #2 ever.

Editorial Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of EssentiallySports.

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