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The modern NBA era demands a lot from the guards. You need the perfect pairing with the perfect chemistry for the team to move like a well-oiled machine. The pressure to create as well as score is irrepressible. The backcourt tandem needs to be complimentary.
The perfect combination of guards must be dynamic as opposed to one dimensional. They orchestrate the offense, create easy looks in transition, make big shots, create and facilitate mismatches, defend, and improve the quality of basketball on the team with their various intangibles. With experience comes the understanding and better execution of these tasks.
The NBA used to be a point guard’s league. Currently, both guards are essential to picking after each other. The league has seen the demand for elite backcourt tandems increases every season especially with the success of the Splash Brothers becoming a reference point.
We look at the different backcourt combos from different teams, ranking the top 5 elite in the league right now.
Honorable mention:
Kemba Walker and Nicholas Batum, Charlotte Hornets
Kemba had a breakout season last year, where he averaged 20.9 points on 44.4 percent shooting from the field and a career-best 39.9 percent from beyond the arc. Add a reliable and perpetually underrated 3-and-D guy and suddenly they demand respect and recognition.
Walker is a huge reason the Charlotte Hornets started the season 5-3, among the best records in the East. The 2017 All-Star has a career-high PER this season at 22.8. While we wait for Batum to get healthy, Kemba is already holding his own so far.
#5 James Harden and Chris Paul, Houston Rockets
The two pillars of Houston basketball demonstrated what happens when two great playmakers become teammates. Based on talent alone, they should be number one on this list. This is a tandem of seasoned players, hungry for wins, and a willingness to work with people. It’s a deadly combo of left and right-handed ball handlers with a great offensive coach on the sidelines.
On opening night, they both had double digits in assists against the reigning champions, Golden State Warriors, despite Paul playing with a bruised knee. James Harden had an offensive rating of 122 and a defensive rating of 117, but that’s a plus-five per 100 possessions thanks to that filthy offense. They are on course to have the best record in the league if Paul can get his body right.
We’ve never really seen a pair of playmakers be thrown together quite like this in the modern NBA era.
#4 Demar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
This might be the most cohesive duo in the league. Their friendship off the court has resulted in better communication and chemistry on the court. The Raptors organization’s championship hopes lie with the success of these two.
With DeRozan’s ability limited to the perimeter, Lowry complements him with better shooting from distance and better defending. They’ll look to pick up from where they left last season with a combined average of 49.7 points, 10.0 rebounds and 10.9 assists per game.
They’ll need to carry their unequivocally tremendous regular season production into the Playoffs if they want to overcome their recent postseason struggles and have a long season.
#3 John Wall and Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
The young pair dazzle crowds with the explosive plays from John Wall and natural scoring ability from Bradley Beal. With Beal’s current consistent run, this is not just another case of one superstar guard carrying the tandem.
While Wall is a phenomenal two-way point guard, he still isn’t a reliable threat from the outside, and this is where Beal helps relieve some of that pressure.
With maturity and good health, Beal will soon reach the heights that his career was projected to. They averaged over 50 points, 13 assists and three steals per game playing nearly 40 minutes per game in last season’s playoffs. This shows improvement on Beal’s play-making ability.
Even though Wall will still bear the team’s responsibility given his seven years of experience, Beal seems ready to help them get past the second round in the Eastern Conference. They just need to get past their differences and occasional dislike for each other.
#2 Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers
Lillard and McCollum would rank higher on this list if it wasn’t for their lack of two-way play. What seemed like a streak, in the beginning, has developed into consistent performances. They are an elite offensive backcourt tandem that would cause damage to any team. Their offensive prowess allows them to fit in each other’s role seamlessly thereby allowing a free-flowing production from them.
Despite their lacking in size, these two might be the most frightening duo to defenders with their soaring ability to knock down big shots beyond reproach.
If they make positive defensive strides, there will be no limit to their abilities. With season averages of 50 points per game and the addition of Jusuf Nurkic, the only way is up for the Trailblazers in the unforgiving Western Conference.
#1 Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
You can never underestimate the heart of a champion.
Their resume precedes them. The dynamic duo doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. They are prototypical floor spacers who heat up fast and can shoot from anywhere in the gym. One might argue that Klay took a backseat since Kevin Durant-this is disrespectfully wrong. He has evolved into the ideal partner for Steph Curry.
Despite being lights out beyond the arc, Thompson sneaky cutting game is unmatched enabling him to work perfectly off the ball and punish opponents with every chance. His defensive game has evolved, and he can guard multiple positions.
He picks up what Steph lacks in size and defensive ability allowing Steph to roam with much more freedom. They have raised their team to previously unimaginable heights and continue to dwell there with their historic shooting.
Guess the Lakers players!
