Dynamic Duos: The NBA's Deadliest Scoring Tandems

A few weeks ago, I composed a list of the NFL's Deadliest Tandems.

Now I'll do the same thing here with the NBA.

The Big Threes in Boston and San Antonio will have to be disqualified from this one, due to the fact that they're trios and not duos.

Without further ado, here's a list of 10 hardwood tandems not to sleep on...

1. Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets)

Melo and AI are the highest-scoring tandem in the NBA at a combined 52.6 PPG. What's more, they're two of the top five leading scorers in the league.

Despite the scoring load these two bear, the Nuggets still have two other players on the roster who average double figures.

With these guys running the show, the Nuggets are first in their division, and fourth in the Western Conference.

2. Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison (Washington Wizards)

Who needs Gilbert Arenas the way these two are leading the way in Washington?

With a combined 42.8 PPG, Butler and Jamison have the Wizards fourth in the Eastern Conference despite the absence of "Agent Zero."

3. Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard (Dallas Mavericks)

Maybe it's just me, but these guys have been kind of quiet this season.

That said, they've still been one of the best offensive partnerships in the league.

With Nowitzki averaging 22.1 and Howard averaging 20.8, the Mavs sit third in the West—and are looking to make it back the Finals after an embarrassing playoff exit last year.

The reigning MVP's numbers are down this year—but with Howard by his side, it really doesn't matter to Dirk.

4. Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson (New Jersey Nets)

Despite their averaging a combined 44.7 this season, these two clearly haven't shown how deadly they could be.

The Nets have been one the most disappointing teams in the Eastern Conference this year. New Jersey stands at 18-25—including eight straight losses.

5. Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady (Houston Rockets)

Averaging a combined 44.1 PPG, T-Mac and Yao have the ability to be the best scoring tag-team in the league.

They got off to a slow start—but after four straight wins, including a victory against Portland Friday, it looks like they're finally buying into Rick Adleman's system.

6. Gerald Wallace and Jason Richardson (Charlotte Bobcats)

The hometown heroes here in the Queen City both average at least 20 PPG, with a combined 41.6.

Despite the Bobcats' being one of my preseason flops, J-Rich and G-Force are one of the league's most exciting tandems to watch.

7. Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson (Golden State Warriors)

Last season's playoff Cinderellas were led by these two guys, who are averaging a combined 42.4 PPG this season.

After last season's success, Golden State came in this season with high expectations. BD and Jack have led the Warriors to a 26-18 record, good enough for the seventh seed in the West.

8. Chris Paul and David West (New Orleans Hornets)

These guys have been a sleeper tandem this season.

They average a combined 40.3 PPG, and have their team on top of the Western Conference with the league's second-best record.

Paul has blossomed into one of the best point guards in the game, and is averaging double-digits in assist.

West is quietly having a breakout year, averaging 19.4 PPG. If he can stay healthy the entire season, the Hornets could be this year's Utah Jazz.

9. Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer (Utah Jazz)

Speaking of the Utah Jazz, these guys got off to a fast start and then fell to third place in their division.

Still, D-Will and Booze average 42 PPG combined, and have Utah back in the playoff race.

Like Chris Paul, Williams is becoming one of the league's best points guards. 

This dynamic duo has some comparing them to another great tandem who used to run the show in Utah—Stockton and Malone.

10. Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton (Detroit Pistons)

They may only average 37.1 PPG combined, but they're the best backcourt in the league hands down.

Mr. Big Shot and Rip have the Pistons second in their conference—and not that far from catching Boston for the top spot.

Michael Whittenberg is a senior writer for BleacherReport.com.  To view his entire archive click here.