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#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.
Guess the Lakers players!
