The 30 Best Duos in the NBA

This article looks at the best duos in the NBA. I've ranked them 1-30, deciding based on arbitrary opinion as to which are the best.

I expect this to generate a good debate, as everyone has different opinions, and homers try to support their local team.

From LeBron and Wade, the obvious No. 1, to Minnesota's less than stellar duo, you'll notice the entire range of talents and the utter inferiority of some teams.

30. Kevin Love and Wesley Johnson

Duo No. 1 has yet to play together.

Wesley Johnson should be a solid pro and Kevin Love became the cornerstone of their franchise after trading Al Jefferson (which I think was a horrible move and a huge mistake).

Neither of these players are the kind of core you want on a winning team.

29. Baron Davis and Chris Kaman

You know you're nearing the bottom of the barrel when you reach these two.

They are both decent players, but Baron Davis is always injured or out of shape, and Kaman is solid, but he's never going to be elite.

28. Tyreke Evans and Carl Landry

I actually really like both of these players, but they won't help Sacramento win many games.

Landry has one of the highest PERs, year in and year out, and Tyreke Evans put up 20-5-5 as a rookie, but I don't think this duo can do what actually counts—win games.

27. Barbosa and Bargnani

On any other team, Barbosa is coming off the bench, but the Raptors are awful.

Bargnani is as soft as feathers, and doesn't board like a 7'0" center should.

26. Rodney Stuckey and Rip Hamilton

This duo just isn't very good. Dumars may have seriously erred in turning the reigns over to Stuckey.

Meanwhile, Rip Hamilton is in his twilight years.

25. Mo Williams and Antawn Jamison

Antawn Jamison used to be a monster, 20-10 with some threes every night.

Mo Williams, too, in Milwaukee, had some great years. The thing is, I think those years are behind both of them, respectively.

24. Danny Granger and Troy Murphy

Granger is the best player that you barely hear about.

He's been one of the best players in the league for quite a few years, but no one really notices. Troy Murphy brings the rebounding and threes.

23. Zach Randolph and Rudy Gay

Again, if I am seriously down on one member, it affects the duo dramatically.

Zach Randolph, despite gaudy stats, disorientates the other players on the court and causes the ball movement to stagnate.

22. Kevin Martin and Yao

I only put this duo so low because I am not high on Yao bouncing back and being the same player.

Kevin Martin is a good scorer with an awkward looking but effective shot.

21 Devin Harris and Brook Lopez

Devin Harris had an offseason, but it was still good. And Lopez is being compared to Tim Duncan.

That may be lofty, but with some help in New Jersey, he could definitely win a lot of games.

20. Brandon Jennings and Andrew Bogut

FEAR THE DEER!

Jennings and Bogut made Milwaukee relevant for the first time since the Glenn Robinson/Sam Cassell days.

Bogut actually learned that he could block shots, and blocked twice as many as any previous season. Meanwhile, Jennings had a 55-point game that drew the attention of the entire league.

19. Amar'e Stoudemire and Danilo Galinari

Duo No. 2 that haven't yet played together. It should be fun to see these two together in D'Antoni's offense.

McGrady even noticed that Galinari was coming into his own last year and wanted to take over games. Team that up with Amar'e Stoudemire's complete offensive game, and the Knicks finally have a duo that can compete.

18. Evan Turner and Andre Iguodala

This is the third duo that have yet to take the court together. Evan Turner is being compared to Brandon Roy, and Iguodala is already an all star.

These two should form a nice combo out on the perimeter and be able to make plays for other teammates.

17 . Steve Nash and Hedo Turkoglu

Two excellent playmakers, with Nash probably being among the best of all time.

Hedo should bounce back from a disaster season in Toronto, and Nash ages like fine wine.

16 . Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace

Underrated duo here. Stephen Jackson is one of the best point forwards in the game, and Gerald Wallace is a lock down defender and excellent rebounder.

These two will shock people sooner or later.

15. Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry

This is one of the best backcourts in the NBA. While their stats may be inflated, their skills are not.

Both players are adept on offense, and Curry actually plays great defense, which is ironic on a team like Golden State.

Though this backcourt is a bit undersized, they bring it every night in a fast paced assault on defense.

14. Gilbert Arenas and John Wall

Yet another duo that has yet to take the court. John Wall was No. 1 for a reason; the kid can flat out play.

He looks to be at least as good as Derrick Rose. Gilbert Arenas is always a happy chucker, but he does score.

13. Joe Johnson and Josh Smith

Joe Johnson may be overpaid, but he is still a dominant player. He consistently averages about 21-5-5, and can make key shots late in games.

Josh Smith is the best shotblocker not named Dwight Howard, and is a factor on the defensive end of the floor every night.

12. Derrick Rose and Carlos Boozer

Another pairing that have yet to take the court. Boozer is so steady, with 20 and 10 every night.

Derrick Rose is still getting better and has already shown the ability to take over games, as he did in the Boston Celtics series (that they lost in seven) two playoff seasons ago.

11. Chris Paul and David West

Chris Paul is the league's best point guard, so this duo could only fall so low.

David West is a solid fringe all-star, but Paul makes him so much better.

10. Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups

Chauncey Billups has quietly put together an awesome career, and it shows in his stats. Last year, his 15th season in the league, he averaged a career high 19.6 ppg.

Carmelo is a proven scorer and he showed it with the Olympic team. He often led them in scoring.

9. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook

This duo combines the best scorer in the game with an athletic point guard.

Durant will lead the league in scoring far and away now that LeBron is in Miami. Westbrook proves to be a nightmare for opposing point guards.

I watched him a lot, and I would compare him to a mini, hyperactive version of Dwyane Wade.

8. Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge

Roy's play making and Aldridge's deadly offensive game make for some great inside-outside play.

Roy often penetrates and dishes to Aldridge, who spots up along the baseline. Roy will be a perennial all star, and Aldridge is a fringe all-star.

7. Deron Williams and Al Jefferson

Another duo that have yet to actually take the court, but I like what these two could do together.

Al Jefferson is great in the post and has excellent footwork. Deron Williams is actually considered to be tied with Chris Paul for the best point guard in the league.

6. Jason Kidd and Dirk Nowitzki

One of the best point guards and THE best International player to ever team up for a team that is always in contention.

5. Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce

Rondo really came into his own in the playoffs, averaging near a triple double.

Pierce is as clutch as they come and should remain effective for a few more years, since he doesn't rely on athleticism.

4. Tony Parker and Tim Duncan

I had to rank this duo here even though they have declined considerably. I did it because of the rings they won.

Tim Duncan is arguably the best power forward ever (although I'm not sure why he isn't considered a center when he is 7'0").

3. Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson

Dwight Howard's all-around dominance drives this duo. Nelson has his shortcomings, but Dwight's total dominance actually covers them.

How many times have we seen someone beat a Magic perimeter player off the dribble only to either a) throw up a shot that has no chance of going in, or b) get their shot thrown out to the half court line where a fast break ensues.

2 Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol

Again, the other the greatest in the game, teamed up with an able Spaniard whose footwork makes him among the best big men in the game, especially at the offensive end and on the boards.

1. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade

It's hard to go against a duo like this.

LeBron James is considered either the first or second best in the league, depending on whom you ask, and Wade is probably top five. There hasn't been as top-heavy a duo since Kobe & Shaq.