#10- Denver Nuggets: Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic
Portland should be familiar with the young duo of Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic. After facing them for seven games in the Western Conference semi-finals, Blazer fans got to see first hand the excitement that this tandem brings.
First you have Jokic, the most offensively skilled big in the NBA with his scoring chops from anywhere on the court, fluidity, and of course, his passing. While Murray has not yet fully established himself in the league yet, his scoring ability rivals that of the league’s elite.
#9- Utah Jazz: Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert
One of the more underrated duos in the NBA, Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert are hoping to lead the revamped Jazz into NBA title contention. Mitchell exploded onto the scene as one of the league’s best scorers. Meanwhile, Gobert is one of the premier rim protectors in the league, winning back to back Defensive Players of the Year in 2018 and 2019.
#8- Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton
Everyone should know of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the recently crowned 2019 NBA MVP and one of the game’s most dominant players. While he does not have a big name running mate, the Bucks have the uber versatile and somehow still underrated Khris Middleton. A first time All-Star in 2019, Middleton is one of the more well rounded scorers in the NBA, and can also heavily impact the game without the ball in his hands.
#7- Philadelphia 76ers: Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid
While there could arguably be a couple of candidates at the second spot (Josh Richardson, Tobias Harris, or Al Horford), Ben Simmons ultimately takes the spot. With his freakishly insane build for a point guard, Simmons can do almost anything expect shoot the basketball. Then of course there’s Joel Embiid. He is one of the most dominant players in the NBA at only 25 years old, and could still improve.
#6- Houston Rockets: Chris Paul and James Harden
If this list was being made a year or two ago, Chris Paul and James Harden would likely be threatening the top three of the list. However, Paul has since suffered a plethora of injuries. Harden is still one of the NBA’s best players, finishing top two in MVP the past three years, but Paul’s drop off in production hurts this backcourt a little.