In the depths of the NBA offseason, it felt like a good time to reflect on the first 25 years of the 21st century.
Since the end of Michael Jordan’s Bulls in 1998, we’ve seen dominance from the Lakers, the rise of LeBron James, the continuation of the Spurs dynasty, the “Heatles” era, and the 73-win Golden State Warriors.
We’ve also witnessed all-time great peaks from a long list of MVPs. Some of those stars made this 10-man roster. Others had to settle for an honorable mention.
Starters
Stephen Curry
A four-time champion and the greatest shooter in basketball history, Curry is the clear choice at point guard. He fits perfectly with other superstars thanks to his ability to play off the ball just as well as he runs the offense.
A two-time MVP and the 2022 Finals MVP, he redefined how the game is played.
Kobe Bryant
Kobe entered the league in the 1990s, but his best years came in the 2000s. He won five titles, two Finals MVPs, and earned 11 First Team All-NBA selections.
His defense, competitiveness, and ability to create offense in any situation make him a perfect partner for Curry in the backcourt.
Kevin Durant
The only real debate here was whether Durant or Tim Duncan should start. Ultimately, Durant’s combination of elite shooting and one-on-one scoring makes him an ideal fit.
He is a two-time Finals MVP, former league MVP, and one of the most unguardable players in history.
LeBron James
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer and the face of the league for two decades. LeBron has four MVPs, four championships, and the ability to guard and play all five positions.
He’s the glue that makes everything work. Any team he’s on is a contender.
Nikola Jokić
This was the toughest decision, but Jokić gets the nod over Shaquille O’Neal for how well his passing, shooting, and versatility complement the rest of the starting five.
A three-time MVP and Finals MVP, Jokić is building one of the best peaks in league history.
Bench
Chris Paul
No one better to run the second unit than the Point God. Paul brings elite playmaking, smart defense, and leadership. He would thrive playing alongside any of the other stars on this team.
Dwyane Wade
Wade fits this roster better than James Harden or Allen Iverson. He defended, slashed, and played well next to other stars during Miami’s title runs.
Three rings, a Finals MVP, and eight All-NBA selections speak for themselves.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Two MVPs, one title, a Finals MVP, and a Defensive Player of the Year award. Giannis brings unmatched athleticism and effort.
He can guard every position and wreak havoc in transition, while also playing small-ball center if needed.
Tim Duncan
A quiet superstar who just got it done. Duncan won four of his five titles in this century and was a 13-time All-NBA and All-Defense selection during that span.
He may be coming off the bench in this lineup, but few players ever matched his consistency and impact.
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaq’s best seasons straddled the century line, but his early-2000s peak was pure dominance. Three straight Finals MVPs and one of the most unstoppable forces ever.
Jokić starts because of fit, but Shaq is still an easy inclusion.
Honorable Mentions
James Harden, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, Steve Nash, and Kawhi Leonard just missed the cut. A case could be made for all of them, especially Harden and Nowitzki.
But when weighing individual accomplishments, team success, and how well they would fit with this group, the 10 players above edged them out.
Parting Shot
There’s no perfect list, and fans will always have their own favorites. But this roster blends peak performance, sustained excellence, and basketball chemistry.
If you were building a team to win it all using only players from the past 25 years, this might be the squad to trust.
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