Winning Olympic men's basketball gold in Beijing 2008 and London 2012, Kobe completed the 'national team glory' page with international defense and cold-bloodedness.
Wade won the steals title three times in his career (2008/2009/2010 consecutive), proving he was not just an offensive killer but a backcourt troublemaker.
The 2010 title was revenge on Boston—Kobe closed the 2008 loop without a word, only defense.
Acquired in 2008, Pau Gasol became Kobe Bryant’s most compatible big-man partner. The skilled Spaniard helped the Lakers reach two Finals and win two titles.
Pau Gasol, acquired in 2008, became Kobe's most intuitive interior partner. The 2009 and 2010 titles were a dynasty sequel written by Kobe and Gasol together.
From 2008 to 2016 in Oklahoma City, Durant and Westbrook formed the 'Big and Little Kings' duo, turning the Thunder into a Western Conference powerhouse.
Paul won two Olympic golds (Beijing 2008, London 2012), among the steadiest guards of the Dream Team, elite even on the world stage.
In 2008-09 the Lakers beat Orlando 4-1 in the Finals. Kobe Bryant averaged 32.4 points and won his first Finals MVP, proving he could lead without Shaq.
In 2007-08, Kobe won his only regular-season MVP with 28.3 points per game, answering all doubts of 'can't win without O'Neal.'
At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Wade won gold with the "Redeem Team" — a key two-way spark and defensive piece of that resurrection squad.
After Shaq left in 2004, Kobe Bryant struggled alone until the roster was rebuilt around him; he reached the 2008 Finals and won the 2009 FMVP.
From 2008 to 2019, Westbrook spent 11 seasons with the Thunder — in an era of superteam hopping, the stubbornest footnote of "one man, one city".