Ranking the NBA’s 12 Best Duos

We’re just a little over a month away from the NBA season kicking off, and with some big-name players changing teams, it’s an excellent time to rank the top dozen duos in the league. From new-look pairs to familiar names, we’ll explore the top 12 duos that will dominate the court this season.

12. Steph Curry and Draymond Green

Steph Curry and Draymond Green are the epitome of a classic duo. With over 15 years of experience playing together, they’ve won four NBA titles and have a deep understanding of each other’s tendencies on the court. Curry and Green are coming up on their 15th season as running mates, and despite some injuries last season, they remain one of the most dominant duos in the league.

However, with Curry playing just 43 games last season and Green playing 68, their age is starting to catch up with them. Curry will be 39 in March, and Green will turn 37 that same month. With Curry in the final year of his contract and Green re-signing on a one-year deal, it’s possible that this might be their last season together.

11. Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren

Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren are a young and promising duo, but their contract situation remains unresolved. Duren reportedly wanted a new contract last offseason with an average annual value in the $30 million range, but the Pistons balked. This has created obvious questions about how much money the Pistons are willing to commit to the 22-year-old.

Cunningham made First Team All-NBA and finished fifth in the MVP voting last season, while Duren made Third Team All-NBA. However, Duren’s performance in the playoffs was a major concern, averaging just 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds. The longer the financial battle of wills continues, it’s fair to wonder if the Pistons might change their mind on a sign-and-trade offer for Duren.

10. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley

Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley are a dynamic duo that could take the league by storm this season. Mitchell had a phenomenal season last year, making Second Team All-NBA, and the Cavs seem to have found proof of concept that he and James Harden work together in the backcourt. However, Mitchell will be 30 in September, and he has a player option that will allow him to become a free agent next summer if he so chooses.

Mobley, on the other hand, shot just 29.7% from 3 but had identical counting stats to the previous season. He’ll be 25 this season and has four years left on his contract with the Cavs.

9. Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball

Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball are an exciting young duo, but their partnership is still a work in progress. Edwards finished third in the league in scoring last season, while Ball is undeniably one of the most exciting offensive players in the league. However, Ball’s freelancing tendencies and lack of teamwork have raised concerns about how much he can contribute to the team’s success.

Tim Connelly, the smartest executive in the league, built the Nuggets championship roster and transformed the Wolves into a team that reached back-to-back conference finals. However, Chris Finch will need to harness Ball’s considerable talent for the greater good.

8. Jayson Tatum and Derrick White

Jayson Tatum and Derrick White are a familiar duo that has been reimagined with the departure of Jaylen Brown. Tatum has made five All-NBA teams and was one of the most consistent stars in the league before getting hurt. However, he was limited to just 16 regular-season games after returning from the injury last season.

White was asked to do more in Boston and had his highest usage rate as a Celtic, but he struggled at times at the offensive end. A full offseason to work his way back into form should help the duo achieve success without Brown around.

7. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo are a dominant duo that will take the league by storm this season. Antetokounmpo is one of the most versatile players in the league, and Adebayo is a force to be reckoned with on the court. Together, they’ll be a nightmare for opponents to face.

Pat Riley, the Heat’s president, has a knack for acquiring top talent, and he’s done it again with Antetokounmpo. With Adebayo under contract for the next four years, this duo is set to dominate the league for years to come.