Top 10 Duos in the NBA Today

Sean Fearon by Correspondent Written on August 19, 2009

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ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 11:  Pau Gasol #16 and Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate in overtime before defeating the Orlando Magic 99-91 in Game Four of the 2009 NBA Finals on June 11, 2009 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida.  NOTE TO USER:  Use
Elsa/Getty Images

I recently wrote an article entitled The Top Duos in NBA History

I was then asked to write one that documented and listed the Top 10 Duos in the NBA Today.

Considering the busy NBA offseason, selection will have changed from last year, even if we haven't seen these duos together.

So here they are...

10. Chris Paul and Omeka Okafor

DENVER - APRIL 29:  Chris Paul #3 of the New Orleans Hornets awaits action against the Denver Nuggets in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Pepsi Center on April 29, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defe

These two guys will be new to each other at the seasons beginning, so an adjustment period is to be expected.

Okafor is an upgrade from Chandler offensively and defensively. Paul will enjoy hurling those arching alley oops he loves to the athletic center and together they should make quite a team.

9. Hedo Turkoglu and Chris Bosh

ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 11:  Hedo Turkoglu #15 of the Orlando Magic heads toward the sideline during Game Four of the 2009 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers on June 11, 2009 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. The Lakers won in overtime 99-91. NOTE TO

Turkoglu chose money over success when he joined a Raptors franchise that will struggle making the playoffs next year. And it's future is not bright either, with Bosh potentially departing via next summers free agency.

But the forward, 3 and 4 combo should work well together next season. Hedo already possesses a deft shooting touch and combine that with Bosh's developing outside stroke and you have a dynamite offensive duo anytime would love.

8. Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce

BOSTON - FEBRUARY 08:  Paul Pierce #34 and Kevin Garnett #5 of the Boston Celtics react after losing to the San Antonio Spurs on February 8, 2009 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Spurs defeated the Celtics 105-99. NOTE TO USER: User ex

With Garnett benched for the playoffs these two did not get a chance to work well together. But finishing second in the Eastern Conference off of a 62-20 regular season record, was reward enough.

Fresh off two consecutive 60+ win seasons, and an NBA Championship in 2008 these guys definitely know how to win together.

7. Andre Miller and Brandon Roy

HOUSTON - APRIL 30:  Guard Brandon Roy #7 of the Portland Trail Blazers in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 30, 2009 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and ag

With Brandon Roy quickly developing into a top 3 shooting guard in the league, and Miller still one of the best passing point guards around, these guys should light up the scoreboard in the Western Conference next season.

And with Greg Oden back to full health and LaMarcus Aldrige maturing into an All-Star, a NBA title may be pending for Portland.

6. Dirk Nowitzki and Shawn Marion

DALLAS - MAY 11:  Forward Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after making a shot against the Denver Nuggets in Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center on May 11, 2009 in Dallas,

The sweet shooting German should flourish in the company of the Matrix, next season.

Each bring their own unique offensive and defensive dimension into the game of basketball, as Marion is still considered one of the best weak side shot blockers in the league.

Hoping to renew his once glittering career, Marion will look to bring Dirk and the Mavericks back into contention next season, as they team up as the 6th best duo in the league.

5. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker

DALLAS - APRIL 25:  Forward Tim Duncan #21 and Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs during a 99-90 loss against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center on April

Three NBA Titles, and constant contention throughout the decade...

Nuff said.

With Antonio McDyess and Richard Jefferson added to the roster a fourth title for the dynamic duo doesn't seem so preposterous after all.

4. Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups

DENVER - DECEMBER 19: Chauncey Billups (L) #7 and Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets sit on the bench late in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Pepsi Center on December 19, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expres

In one season together they reached the Western Conference Finals, more than Melo did with Iverson.

Probably the best guard/forward combo in the league, these guys have a bright future together.

3. LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal

DENVER - FEBRUARY 20:   (L-R) LeBron James #23 and Shaquille O'Neal #32 of the Eastern Conference All-Stars smile on the bench in the final moments of the East's win over the Western Conference All-Stars the 54th All-Star Game, part of 2005 NBA All-Star W

The best player in the game, and formerly the most dominant, may win a title together next season, maybe.

Honestly I don't think Shaq and LeBron will work as well together as people say they will, but with LeBron on the team that made the Eastern Conference Finals last year, they may have made the Finals without Shaq.

2. Vince Carter and Dwight Howard

ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 11:  Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic dunks over Lamar Odom #7 and Derek Fisher #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Four of the 2009 NBA Finals on June 11, 2009 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida.  The Lakers won 99-91 in overtim

Possibly the best move of this NBA offseason, the clutch Mr. Carter primes the Magic for another trip to the finals and maybe their last shot at a title.

Realising that it is now or never, the Magic front office recruited the abilities of dynamite outside scorer Vince Carter to compliment Dwight Howard's physical inside game.

Next season, they could easily average over 20 points per game each, and Carter will flourish playing on a contending panel for the first time in his career.

1. Kobe Bryant and Pao Gasol

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 15:  Pau Gasol #16 and Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers react while taking on the Boston Celtics in Game Five of the 2008 NBA Finals on June 15, 2008 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressl

In the two years they have been matched together Kobe and Gasol have garnered two NBA Finals appearances, one of which was successful.

There is no doubt the Phil Jackson was trying to replace that inside gap created when Shaq departed, by acquiring Gasol. And its working, well.

Kobe is finally happy playing on a contender again, and as a staunch Rockets fan it is hard for me to say, but they are the greatest duo in the NBA today.

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written on August 19, 2009 Rankings/List

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