NBA
Ranking The NBA’s Top Five Duos
Dynamic duos are everywhere in the league as many superstars are headed elsewhere to team up with top-notch players to be in championship contention this upcoming season. In order to determine these top duos in the league, we have to take into consideration of the overall fit of these two players, how much time they have spent together, and the combined amount of talent they have.
5. James Harden & Russell Westbrook, Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets made a surprising transaction this summer by essentially trading Chris Paul for Russell Westbrook. Many believe that this was the right move to make, however, we’re not completely sure whether or not this will end up working out.
To have two former MVP’s teamed up in their prime is extremely rare. The last time we saw Harden and Westbrook on the same roster was back in 2012. That time, they fell short in the NBA Finals against LeBron’s Heat squad.
Harden averaged 36.1 points per game while adding 17.8 points through assists. Westbrook gave 22.9 and 25.5 points per game as both players combine about 102.3 points per game. Things are not as simple as just plugging in numbers together. Chemistry and fit are two major factors that will determine how much success this duo will have. Time will only tell.
4. Damian Lillard & CJ McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum have both been in Portland for their entire careers. Lillard was drafted in 2012, and McCollum was drafted in 2013.
Both Lillard and McCollum have won hardware as Lillard took home the NBA’s Rookie of the Year Award, while McCollum took home the NBA’s Most Improved Player of the Year Award in the 2015-16 season. Lillard and McCollum have carried this Portland squad to multiple playoff appearances and have truly become one of the best duos in the league.
The duo combined for 46.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per game last year. Many expected this Blazer squad to take a step down ever since their disappointing postseason performance in 2018, however, they proved many wrong as they were able to advance all the way to the Western Conference Finals last season.
Portland’s offensive rating was sky-high at 116.4 with both Lillard and McCollum on the floor as opposed to being at 102.9 without them. Their time spent together, along with their improvement and success has them ranked as one of the best duos in this league.
3. Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
Just based on the amount of time and success that both Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have had together, we could easily rank this duo as the best duo in the league. Unfortunately, Thompson suffered a torn ACL in the NBA Finals this past year as we’re uncertain of how well he will play once he returns.
Thompson is expected to miss at least half of the NBA season. With Curry winning two MVP’s, it’s easy to rank this duo in the top three. From what occurred last season, many are expecting Golden State to take a step down due to injuries and lack of depth. With Durant’s departure, it’s time for both Curry and Klay to prove to the world that they can still content for a championship. Without Durant, the duo managed to win just one championship.
The 2016 NBA Finals wasn’t a bright-spot either for this duo as they lost the series against LeBron, despite being up 3-1. Curry and Klay compliment each other well, but it’s time they prove to us once again that they can remain as title contenders with them leading the way.
2. Kawhi Leonard & Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers
Despite the fact that these two have never played with each other on the same team, both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard have proven themselves as two-way superstars in this league.
Last season was arguably George’s best year in his career as he averaged 28.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. George was an MVP-candidate this season, as well as being a defensive player of the year candidate.
Leonard, winner of the finals MVP award, was easily the best postseason player this season. Both can score consistently. They both can defend every position. Both are lengthy and can cut off passing lanes. Both can defend in the post. The Clippers just obtained two elite players and by doing so, they may win it all.
1. LeBron James & Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
The duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis is definitely interesting to say the least. James probably had his worst year in his career last season as he suffered a groin injury that kept him out 27 games.
But let’s not get this twisted. When James is healthy, he is the best player in the world. What many people tend to do is to live in the moment. It’s just laughable that many tend to forget the damage that LeBron can do in the postseason.
Despite having Dwyane Wade and Kyrie Irving throughout his career, James’ best teammate will easily be Anthony Davis. Davis is a generational type of player. Throughout his time in New Orleans, he was able to become an MVP-candidate, as well as giving Golden State a challenge in the postseason. He averaged 25.9 points and 12.0 rebounds per game on 51.7% shooting last season.
Just a few years back, many people were making the case that Davis was the second best player in the league, behind LeBron. With LeBron being the facilitator, the defenses will have a tough time defending these two, especially on the pick-and-roll.
Written by Shreyas Kar
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Photo credit to harry callum and lovable vibes via Flickr
