NBA Poll: Ranking the Best Duos in the NBA 2014-15 Part 1

This list represents the top-6 duos in the NBA right now, therefore, you should expect it to change as the NBA season continues to progress through 2014-2015. We could have taken the easy route and listed LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and Russel Westbrook among the top duos, but the fact of the matter is, LeBron and Irving have not established themselves as a duo, while Durant and Westbrook continue to be sidelined due to injury. The raking is per writer and based on their analysis of top duos in the league right now, not later or in the future — this is not a prediction piece, we have to give credit where credit is due, as we believe our list represents the current best tag teams in the NBA. Sure, we know the season is only in its 3rd week, but we believe such a discussion is prevalent right now. Jared Cortes and Jr. Williams have joined forces once again to deliver their top-3 best duos in the league. Keep in mind this is a fan poll, meaning its up to you to cast your votes.

Stay tuned for Part 2 – “The Mid-season Series” where we will compile a new list of the top duos in the league.

Jared Cortes: Top-3 Duos in the NBA

#1. Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry: Golden State Warriors

Courtesy of sheridanhoops.com

The obvious best duo in the NBA this year has to be Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry, aka The Splash Brothers. The two perimeter players have been the best backcourt in the league for the past two seasons, with Stephen Curry being arguably the best shooter in the league and Thompson not too far behind. The two are already lighting up the box score this season and have led their team to a nearly undefeated record. Honestly, either one of them are a good call to take the final shot, but you have to give the edge to Steph for his quick release and deadly range.

#2. Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh: Miami Heat

(Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh remain one of the most dangerous duos in the NBA despite losing their third partner, LeBron James. Even as they age, the two continue to play great basketball, particularly Bosh this season. Bosh has returned to the Chris Bosh of Toronto and has absolutely lit up the box score to start the season. Wade has the ability to explode at any given moment in a game, making the duo one of the fiercest to deal with. I would give Bosh the opportunity to take the final shot for my team, as he’s come up pretty clutch in late game situations when the chances have been presented.

#3. DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry: Toronto Raptors:

Courtesy of raptorscage.ca

DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry are on of the most dangerous duos in basketball, collectively leading Toronto to the best record in the Eastern Conference while tearing it up in the statistics category. Both players can rebound, pass, score, and defend and it seems as if they have turned Toronto into a legitimate contender in just their second year together. It’s tough to pick one to take the last shot of the game, but Derozan has a greater ability to score from anywhere on the floor so of course you’d have to give the game winning shot to him.

Jr. Williams: Top-3 Duos in the NBA

#1. James Harden and Dwight Howard: Houston Rockets

Courtesy of the ( James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle )

Howard and Harden currently stand atop of the mountain comprised of the best duos in the league. Both players rank among the top in the NBA in scoring, Harden is one of the best players in the league when it comes to getting to the foul line, while Howard continues to be a dominant rebounder and shot blocker. The Rockets have one of the best records in a highly competitive Western Conference, and I think both players are on a mission to improve from a one-and-done playoffs team to a legitimate contender for the Western Conference title.

#2. LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard: Portland Trail Blazers

Courtesy of sportige.com

Aldridge and Lillard are like a new era Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. Sure, Aldridge isn’t as polished as Duncan, but you can’t deny the fact that he is one of the best one-on-one players in the NBA. Lillard is easily one of the top-5 point guards in the league and proven his ability to make clutch shots during crucial situations. Lillard and Aldridge would’ve been No.1 on my list, unfortunately, their lack of attacking the basket is one part of the their game I think they should look to improve. If both players adapted more of the Duncan-Parker style pick-and-roll to their game, they could be a more dangerous duo.

#3. Marc Gasol and Mike Conley, Jr. – Memphis Grizzlies

Courtesy of ESPN

How could you not have Conley and Gasol on your list? The Grizzlies duo flew under the radar of many for several seasons, even after a solid combined 2013-14 PER of 38.2 (Gasol 18.2, Conley 20.0). Surprisingly, Gasol has improved his scoring average by 3.4 points and is now leading the team in both scoring and blocks per game. Conley is a highly underrated player in my opinion, His 16 points and 6 assist per game should rank him among the top-12 in the league, but his defensive capability is what sets him apart from most point guards in the NBA. Unfortunately, offense is more attractive than defense, still, the Grizzlies are one of the top and toughest teams in the west; important factors as to why Gasol and Conley rank among the top duos in the league right now.

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