At the turn of the 20th century writers jumped into action to create lists determining what was the best and worst of the previous hundred years. By contrast, the end of the first decade of the 2000s has come without much fuss, but time remains to pose the questions that will lead to great argument and debate. One such question is: which teams were the best of the decade?
Winning a single championship is one thing, but to be the best for a decade is far more impressive and is worthy of acknowledgment.
Criteria for Choosing the Best of the Best
In determining the best of the “Double Oughts” in sports concerning teams, only the four major North American pro sports were considered. Those leagues are: Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the National Basketball Association, and the National Hockey League.
For sports purposes, the 2000s will be held to have begun in January 2000. The St. Louis Rams, who won Super Bowl XXXIV in January of 2000, are figured to be the last champion of the 1990s.
Winning in Bunches
The NBA presents the easiest answer for “Team of 2000s,” with the Los Angeles Lakers standing above the rest. The Lakers won four championships and made six finals appearances in the decade. Their dynasty featured a three-peat from 2000-2002, and was led by head coach Phil Jackson and super star players Shaquille O’Neal (who won three of the championships with L.A.) and Kobe Bryant.
For the NFL the New England Patriots have the inside track towards being the team of the decade. The Patriots won the Super Bowl in 2001, 2003, and 2004. They also went 16-0 in 2007 for the first time in NFL history and won their first two playoff games to push it to 18-0 before losing Super Bowl XLII to the New York Giants.
The Pittsburgh Steelers present a challenge to the Pats, as if they win the Super Bowl this year it would be their third of the decade (after having won in 2005 and 2008). Of course, the Steelers need to win the Super Bowl this year just to make it a contest, and that is far from assured; the Patriots themselves could win it, making the point moot.
Who Shall Drink from the Cup?
The most difficult league in which to determine the best team of the last ten years is unquestionably the NHL. The Detroit Red Wings (who may also have been the team of the 1990s) seem at first glance to be the team of the 2000s, but a closer look shows that the New Jersey Devils also have a claim. Both teams have won the Stanley Cup twice this decade (2002 and 2008 for the Wings; 2000 and 2003 for the Devils), and both have lost a third Cup Finals in seven games.
The Wings and Devils have made the playoffs every season this decade, and each has been led by a future Hall of Famer and all time great: the Wings by defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom, and the Devils by goaltender Martin Brodeur. The two franchises have been models of consistency and success.
In the end the Red Wings are team of the decade by the slimmest of margins because (amazingly) the Red Wings have not earned less than 100 points in a season a single time in the entire ten-year span, while the Devils have twice wound up in the 90s. The Wings have just been slightly better.
Always Boston vs. New York
MLB’s team of the decade will be decided this upcoming postseason. The Boston Red Sox are currently the only team to win more than one championship (having won in 2004 and 2007), but the other likely playoff teams include four (the Yankees, Angels, Cardinals, and defending champion Phillies) that have won a World Series Championship of their own.
The Red Sox would have the title assured if they win their third championship this year, but until then the Yankees are their biggest threat. The Yanks have won three AL Pennants, including their championship of 2000, and have won more games than any team in baseball throughout the Double Oughts. A Championship in 2009 would give the Yankees (also the team of the 1990s) two titles and four pennants in the decade.
Right now however, the Red Sox have the upper hand and all they need for the title of team of the decade is for a team outside of the four named above to win the World Series. Any other team needs to win a second championship before they can even get into the conversation.
Team of the Decade, Team of the Century
At the end of the first decade of the 21st century it seems that the Lakers, Patriots, Red Wings, and Red Sox have a head start in the selection of the team of the century that will surely take place in 2099. However, it may be premature to consider such a thing, as the Yankees (regarded by most as the team of the 20th century for their 25 World Championships won during the period) did not win the World Series until 1923, and the NFL, NBA, and NHL did not even exist in the first decade of the 1900s.
It could very well be that the future team of the 2000s does not exist yet, nor even does the league in which it will play. That won’t stop people from making lists though, and musing on greatness yet to come.
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