This Saturday, season seven of the BIG3 kicks off on CBS with last year’s championship game rematch between the Enemies and Triplets at 4 PM Eastern Time. There is a lot of buzz heading into the season with notable names like Jeff Teague, Paul Millsap, and Greg Monroe joining the league and great talent returning from an extraordinary 2023. Interest for the league has never been more big as record viewership continues to be set. Along with their great partnership with CBS, some games will also be featured on X (formerly known as Twitter). As rosters are locked in and the season draws near, let’s take a look at who has a real shot to win the 2024 BIG3 Championship.
*Odds via DraftKings
2024 BIG3 Championship Odds
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Triplets (+600)
One of the main reasons why the Triplets are the favorites to win their second BIG3 Championship is because of none other than Joe Johnson. He’s been nothing but unstoppable since entering the league in 2019. Johnson won back-to-back MVP awards in his first two seasons (2019, 2021) and just came off winning his third in 2023, accumulating the second most total points in the league (152) and second in total rebounds (70). He also finished fifth in both total assists (22) and made three-pointers (16).
While Iso Joe is THE guy on the Triplets, there are multiple pieces that help get the job done. One of those is Jeremy Pargo, who’s become the go-to guy behind Johnson. He put up 140 points last season while being top-ten in assists, total field goals, and three-pointers made. He also tied the BIG3 record for the most four-pointers in a season with six. Jeremy is joined by his brother Jennero Pargo, who was the second option behind Johnson in 2021 as a part of the Triplets when he was second in the league in three-pointers made. Jamario Moon returns along with drafting some versatility on defense with Jeff Ayres. The Triplets have the guys and formula to win it all in 2024 behind the highly successful and legendary player/coach Lisa Leslie.
Enemies (+700)
Right behind the Triplets as the favorites to win the 2024 BIG3 Championship are the Enemies, who are looking to repeat this season. They won the championship last year behind the great performances of Jordan Crawford and Elijah Stewart. In 2023, Crawford led the BIG3 in total points with 154. He also finished first in total three-pointers made and second in total field goals. He had a historic playoff run last year that saw him score 27 points in the semifinals and 23 points to clinch the title. Stewart was just as dangerous as he finished top-ten in three-pointers made and had 19 points in the championship game. These two are the most lethal shooting duo in the league but that’s just the start of the team.
Isaiah Austin, who played a pivotal part in the Enemies run last year, comes back as the co-captain. He can do a variety of things on the court that make him an anchor for his team. Austin has the size to bring the physicality and block shots while also grabbing rebounds and can score when he wants. Also returning is Quincy Miller, who put together great performances last season and on top of all of that, they added dynamic playmaker Chris Allen. Nick Young, who once played for the Enemies, is now the man at the helm. The Enemies have talent and depth all around the court to make a legit run at back-to-back championships.
Trilogy (+750)
In the inaugural season of the BIG3, Trilogy won the championship. Fast forward to 2021, they won their second and then their third the following season in 2022 as they went back to back. The common denominator for all those teams was James White. He’s played with Trilogy since its inception and returns for yet another season with the team. He’s the only player to win three titles in the league. White has had a handful of teammates pass through but maybe none like the duo of Earl Clark and Isaiah Briscoe, who return to action with the team this season.
A healthy Briscoe is a potent scorer who is a shot-maker and has amazing handles. Clark can do it all on the court. He can score and rebound while playing lockdown defense with his blocks and steals. In fact, his 14 steals in 2022 broke the BIG3 record or most in a season. Joining them this season are the electric Cady Lalanne and Roscoe Smith, who is athletic and can play both sides of the ball. Trilogy’s roster is one of the most talented and with Steven Jackson back as coach, you can bet they will be gunning for their fourth title in team history.
Ghost Ballers (+800)
Last season, the Ghost Ballers made the playoffs for the first time since 2017 after finishing with a record of 5-3. They will enter 2024 with some bad news as co-captain Jonathon Simmons was injured playing overseas and there is no timetable for his return, if he does at all this season. That’s a huge blow to a team with championship aspirations. He was one half of the amazing duo with Mike Taylor, who can do it all on both ends of the floor as he finished 2023 top ten in points scored and top five in three-pointers. He was also top-five in both steals and blocks. Before Simmons came aboard, the duo that ran things around the league was made up of Mike Taylor and Chris Johnson. Under unfortunate circumstances, they will have the opportunity to shine together once again.
They still won’t be the only two around as replacing Simmons on the roster is the “Hezi God” and 2023 Rookie of the Year Ryan Carter. Last year with Trilogy, Carter averaged 21.8 points per game. In his seven games, he scored 19 points or more in each, including a historic 35-point performance. Just like last season, the Hezi God will join a roster due to injury after somehow not getting selected in the 2024 BIG3 Draft. The defensive mentality of Mo Charlo and the experience of Darnell Jackson will certainly help this team get ready to try and get even further than last season.
Next Best Odds:
3’s Company (+800)
Killer 3’s (+900)
Power (+1000)
Bivouac (+1000)
Aliens (+1000)
3 Headed Monsters (+1000)
Ball Hogs (+1400)
Tri-State (+1500)
Week 1 Matchups:
Enemies vs Triplets
Aliens vs 3 Headed Monsters
Tri-State vs Ball Hogs
Killer 3’s vs Ghost Ballers
Trilogy vs Bivouac
3’s Company vs Power
Main Image: Aric Becker-USA TODAY Sports
