There are great pairs… of guards in the NBA. Young and dynamic duos, others a little more experienced, who propel their team to the heights. Today, most stars are those who can score on dribbling and pick-and-roll. In other words, point guards and wingers for the most part. League leaders realized that it was better to have as many playmakers as possible on the field simultaneously.
They therefore no longer hesitate to align them together. Elite backcourts are sprouting up more and more across the country and it’s not easy to decide between them. We tried to stick to it as best we could.
NB : Tandems with a single mega star like the Dallas Mavericks (Luka Doncic) or the Golden State Warriors (Stephen Curry – while waiting for Klay Thompon to find his rhythm) were not retained.
Bonus (because we had unfairly forgotten them): Tyrese Maxey and James Harden (Philadelphia Sixers)
Offensively, it’s really strong, especially with James Harden’s return to form and Tyrese Maxey’s rise. The duo had their place in the top, probably in fifth or fourth place. On the other hand, paradoxically, they are also the weak points of the Sixers. Because it’s catastrophic defensively. Too small. Not involved enough. This tandem collects a whopping 112 points out of 100 possessions and they will both be targeted by opposing attacks in the playoffs.
5. Chris Paul et Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
Quietly, the Suns returned to the roof of his Conference. Like last season. The Arizona franchise is leading ahead of the Jazz, having won 7 of its first 9 games. She is currently the one making the best impression among the title candidates in the West.
As usual, Phoenix revolves around its duo formed by Chris Paul and Devin Booker – although it’s mostly more and more thanks to the last named. This is Book’s team. He is one of the favorites for the MVP because there is no longer any question of dividing the votes between him and his eldest.
CP3 is the player of the five major who scores the fewest points with 10.3 (36% on shots, 27% on three-pointers…) but he still distributes 10.2 assists. It’s the third season together for the two All-Stars and they’ve developed a whole host of reflexes that work in their favor every night. The Suns lead their opponents by nearly 20 points on 100 possessions when both men are on the floor. Nevertheless, it would take a sharper and simply “fresher” Chris Paul for the tandem to be unplayable.
4. Trae Young and Dejounte Murray (Atlanta Hawks)
Finding these guys in fourth place says a lot about the level of the three podium-placed duos. The Hawks made the bet to associate two leaders on the ground. One very offensive and skilful from a distance, the other more complete and athletic. Both being very good passers without being so many real managers. And so far, it’s working really well!
Both players complement each other in the backcourt. Murray is more effective in defense and rebounds. Young learns to play without the bloat. They are both at over 28 points per game – 22 and 28 respectively – while dropping over 8 assists. The Hawks must now find the best plays around to sublimate their qualities and compensate for their shortcomings. But this duo has a lot of potential on paper.
3. Darius Garland et Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
The record of the Cavaliers, launched on an 8-game winning streak, could have pushed us to rank the two stars of the franchise even higher. But Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland have not played together much, the fault of an eye injury of the younger of the two. Their joint stints on the court aren’t perfect yet, despite Cleveland’s stellar start to the season.
In 39 minutes, the pair posted a differential of -2.8 on 100 possessions. The attack doesn’t really work full throttle when they’re paired together with the other members of the major five. Because even if they obviously get along very well, they have not yet developed a real synergy on the ground. They mainly attack in turn.
Moreover, JB Bickerstaff takes advantage of being able to count on two elite creators to separate them throughout the game in order to keep a star at all times on the field. Mitchell and Garland can then operate as a single organizer surrounded by very good substitutes like Kevin Love, etc. In the playoffs, the teams tend to rotate less and the two players will have to find a solution to shine together.
Let us remember all the same that the sample is very small, too small to really serve as an indicator. This duo still has time to learn how to play together and lift each other up. The season promises to be exciting in Ohio.
2. Ja Morant and Desmond Bane (Memphis Grizzlies)
The two young players continue to progress. It’s not just Ja Morant anymore. Clearly not. Yes, the whimsical leader is a superstar. But his backcourt partner also tends to become a major player in the NBA. He remains on 38, 31, 32, 29, 19 and 28 points in the last 6 matches. With 5 Grizzlies wins in the lot.
Memphis holds its second star and it evolves in the backcourt. Bane is shooting 24 points and 46 percent from three-pointers. A real assurance alongside a Morant who is also full of confidence. The Tennessee team suddenly seems much more dangerous.
1. Jrue Holiday vs. Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks)
But yes ! Respect to the elders! It’s a bit inflated to put Khris Middleton in the rankings when he hasn’t played a game yet. But it was a reminder that the Bucks are above the rest. Already because their backs will put out the backs of the other teams. Jrue Holiday is the best outside defender in the league. His teammate is also a stopper on his position.
In addition to having experience and a championship ring, his two players complement each other wonderfully. They are both capable of shooting, driving or creating play. The presence of Giannis Antetokounmpo undoubtedly makes them more beautiful than they really are, but they also support the Greek. It’s hard not to bet on them.
