NBA fans are debating whether Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are the greatest backcourt tandem in history following their impressive first full season together. They’ve just had one season together, so it might be too soon to say that, but their promise is clear. They have the makings of a really strong team with Doncic’s youthful brilliance at 25 and Irving’s seasoned leadership at 32. Doncic has already accomplished amazing milestones and stats in his first six seasons, and his potential appears to have no bounds.
Not merely based on personal preferences or the timeframe in which these couples played, the dispute over the best backcourt in the league can be quantified using statistics. The best duos are determined in large part by factors other than offence, including defence. For one of the two players to be ranked among the greatest, they must both play excellent defence. These are a few couples that may be the greatest duos in NBA history based on their numbers; they are listed in no particular order.
Curry Stephen and Thompson Klay: The “Splash Brothers” have played together for 11 seasons, during which time they have won four titles and set NBA records for both solo and pair three-pointers. Curry’s remarkable skill with the ball and his ability to create shots balance Thompson’s perimeter scoring, while Curry’s game is balanced by Thompson’s strong defence. Have we witnessed this pair’s final moment together? If so, their run has been nothing short of extraordinary. When combined, their numbers are around PPG 51.2 / APG 10.2 / RPG 8.0.
Magic Johnson and Byron Scott: The “Showtime” Lakers’ backcourt won three titles in eight seasons together, proving that excellence can result from on-court synergy. Scott’s ability to score from the outside was complemented by Johnson’s legendary playmaking and vision, and Johnson was perfectly balanced by Scott’s ability to score and defend. When combined, their stats are roughly PPG 33.6 / APG 16.7 / RPG 14.2.
Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars: The two won two NBA titles during their nine seasons together with the “Bad Boy” Pistons. Noted for formulating the “Jordan Rules” in an attempt to impede Michael Jordan’s progress. In addition to their leadership and tenacity, which allowed them to win big games in crunch time, the Pistons became known as a formidable and intimidating team in the 1980s and early 1990s. Dumars’ outside shooting and strong defence were enhanced by Thomas’s ability to penetrate and distribute the ball. When combined, their stats are roughly PPG 35.3 / APG 13.8 / RPG 6.0.
Derek Fisher and Kobe Bryant were teammates for 12 seasons after being drafted in the same year. Together, the two won five NBA championships. They are legendary in the Lakers and NBA because of their on-court chemistry and capacity to take charge in big situations. Bryant could score from any anywhere on the court, and Fisher’s leadership on the court and ability to score in clutch situations were a great combination. Bryant looked to Fisher to lead the team and make wise choices because he was renowned for his unwavering work ethic and ability to score in very challenging circumstances. When combined, their numbers are around PPG 33.3 / APG 7.7 / RPG 8.3.
The oldest pair on the list, Bob Cousy and Sam Jones, are among the most successful duos in NBA history having won EIGHT NBA titles in a row. Eight titles make up about half of the franchise’s total of seventeen. Jones’ versatility as a scorer allowed Cousy to create plays and handle the ball expertly while he was on the court. Jones, who is renowned for his offensive versatility and knack for scoring goals at crucial junctures, gave Cousy’s game the ideal counterbalance. When combined, their stats are around PPG 36.1 / APG 9.5 / RPG 10.1.
Even if Luka and Kyrie are enjoying a fantastic season, they still don’t have the most titles or greatest legacy in NBA history. We might see something truly unique if they play at this level, which is, in my opinion, the best of the other couples. You have to use your own discretion.
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