The Shift in NBA Dynamics
The landscape of the NBA is witnessing a significant shift as the era dominated by the conception of the ‘Big Three’ fades into the past. Teams are increasingly turning to elite duos, complemented by strong supporting casts, which has been attributed to the restrictive nature of the second apron of the league’s luxury tax. This new dynamic makes it challenging to maintain three max-contract players effectively alongside adequate role players needed for championship contention over time.
Recent Champions and Trends
Recent champions have exemplified this trend. For instance, the Boston Celtics secured a championship two years ago thanks to the powerful pairing of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, while last season saw Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder emerge victoriously.
Top NBA Duos to Watch
As the upcoming season approaches, the spotlight is on the league’s top duos. Here’s an evaluation of the best pairs to keep an eye on, along with some additional noteworthy combinations:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams (Thunder): Describing their unique bond, Gilgeous-Alexander expressed,
“We share trust and a winning mentality, always prioritizing each other’s success”
. Their synergy was instrumental for the Thunder, who dominated last season with a stellar +13.1 net rating when the duo was on the court together. With a championship ring from last season, they are poised to take Oklahoma City to new heights this year.
- Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray (Nuggets): Regarded as the league’s most formidable pick-and-roll duo, they continue to prove essential for Denver. Last season, when on the court together, they boasted a +11.1 net rating across 58 games. With added depth in their roster this year, they remain a significant threat within the West.
- Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley (Cavaliers): The Cavaliers include a trio of impressive talents, but their chances for success might hinge on the duo of Mitchell and Mobley. Mobley, a Defensive Player of the Year, contributes solid offensive numbers, while Mitchell is a dependable All-NBA performer. Together, their past collaboration had the Cavaliers sitting at a +11.1 net rating, potentially setting them up for playoff success.
- Stephen Curry and Draymond Green (Warriors): The backbone of Golden State’s success remains the partnership between Curry and Green. Last season, they maintained a +7.3 net rating when on the court together. Their unmatched synergy is pivotal for the Warriors as they seek to make significant playoff advancements again.
- Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks): Despite their surprising arrival together just before last season, this pairing took the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals after decades of absence. With possible improvements in their defensive coordination, they are set to create stronger chemistry this year.
- LeBron James and Luka Doncic (Lakers): Two of basketball’s most cerebral players, James and Doncic present a lethal offensive tandem. Facing challenges in their initial stint sharing the court, they hope a full training camp together will yield better results on both ends of the court this season.
- James Harden and Ivica Zubac (Clippers): Often overlooked yet highly effective, this dynamic duo produced a commendable +10.3 net rating together last season. With Coach Tyronn Lue aiming to emphasize their two-man game, both players are expected to play a pivotal role throughout this season.
Honorable Mentions
Honorable mentions include pairs like Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox (Spurs), whose potential is promising despite limited previous playtime together, and Paul George and Joel Embiid (76ers), who possess the skills of top-tier duos if health permits. As the season unfolds, these dynamic pairs will shape the fate of their respective teams and the league itself.