Rip City Project
Fansided

Where does the Portland Trail Blazers’ backcourt rank in the NBA’s duos?

By Aneesh Namburi

PORTLAND, OR - MAY 20: Damian Lillard #0 and CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers look on before the game against the Golden State Warriors in Game Four of the Western Conference Finals on May 20, 2019 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - MAY 20: Damian Lillard #0 and CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers look on before the game against the Golden State Warriors in Game Four of the Western Conference Finals on May 20, 2019 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – FEBRUARY 23: Rudy Gobert #27 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on February 23, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – FEBRUARY 23: Rudy Gobert #27 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on February 23, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /

#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.