Top 5 teams of the decade

Looking back through the decade, from Y2K through 2005 and into the latter portion of 2009, there have been many great teams that have dominated the sporting world. Some stand out for that one perfect, triumphant season. While others show ultimate dominance - a decade worth of consistency.

To crack a list of "top 5 best teams", one must meet certain criteria. Most importantly, a championship trophy/ring/banner shall of been hoisted in some fashion during the decade. Multiples are even better. Secondly, there should be a clear pattern of consistent success every year. Consistency within an organization's management team down through the coaching staff and on to the field of play. These are the characteristics that generally make up successful franchises.

With these points in mind, here are my top five professional sports franchises for the decade that just was ...counting down ...

5. Indianapolis Colts - no team in the history of the National Football League has won more games (115) in a 10 year span than the Colts. They feature, some would argue, the games best quarterback who may someday break every passing record known to man. The Colts are the epitome of consistency - winning at least 12 games every year for the past seven and winning their division every year except 2008. Several years they have flirted with a perfect season, most recently 2009. To secure their place on this list, the Colts needed a Super Bowl title. In 2006, they got just that - beating the Chicago Bears.

4. New York Yankees - you want consistency? It's downright scary how consistent the team from the Bronx has been this decade. They won the American League's Eastern division in 8 of the 10 years, while making the playoffs every year except 2008. The Yankees have made 4 World Series, winning 2 of them - most recently in 2009 when they defeated the Philadelphia Phillies. They were a few outs away from winning their 3rd in 2001, but lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks in heart breaking fashion. In 10 years, New York has compiled a .597 winning percentage - winning almost 1000 games during the span.

3. Los Angeles Lakers - despite 2 lean years in the middle of the decade, the Lakers still added three more championships to their trophy case, positioning them right behind the Boston Celtics for most in NBA history. Over the 10 years, the Lakers have averaged over 50 wins per year (that includes a year when they won 34 games). The Lakers are always in the middle of a best team of the decade discussion. They were led by Shaquille O'Neill during the earlier years, and now by Kobe Bryant who most recently in 2008-2009 led the Lakers to their 15th title.

2. New England Patriots - the quintissential definition of consistency. During the last 10 years, the Patriots have won 113 games, 7 AFC East titles and 3 super bowl championships. A fourth title was within their grasp in 2007, however 1 Eli Manning prayer pass completion to David Tyree's helmet later the Pats had lost. In the same season, the Patriots set multiple records. Featured among the list included a perfect 16-0 regular season, 50 touchdown passes by Tom Brady, 23 touchdown receptions by Randy Moss, and the highest single season point total. Many would argue that the Patriots are led by the games best quarterback and head coach. Both of which are guaranteed Hall of Famers someday.

1. San Antonio Spurs - they are the New England Patriots of the NBA. All the Spurs have done this decade is win, including 3 championships over a 5 year span from 2003 to 2007. They have averaged a mind boggling 58 wins per season and feature a 2-time league MVP, Tim Duncan. However, some would argue they are boring - they feature a bunch of guys who epitomize the team aspect. In a league full of chest bumping, self-promoting dominant superstars looking for their next highlight on ESPN, the Spurs throw out selfless, team players such as Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker. Together, the San Antonio Spurs have dominated the NBA on a consistent basis unlike any other team in professional sports.