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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) /
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OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 13: Klay Thompson #11 high-fives Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Six of the NBA Finals on June 13, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 13: Klay Thompson #11 high-fives Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Six of the NBA Finals on June 13, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

#5- Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum

There is no need to introduce these two. The two franchise players of the Portland Trail Blazers have been constants for the franchise for the past five plus years. First, you have Lillard, not only one of the best point guards in the league, but also one of the best NBA players in the world, period. While McCollum has often been in trade rumors, his place in the organization is likely to stay the same for a while. He has not made an All-Star team yet, but that is more indicative of the plethora of talent in the West than his skill.

#4- Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson

The league’s premier backcourt faces a bit of uncertainty for the next season. While two time MVP Stephen Curry will be looking to showcase his individual skill, running mate Klay Thompson has to unfortunately recover from his torn ACL. Nevertheless, the “Splash Brothers” are still among the league’s elite, hitting three pointers galore and driving opposing defenses crazy.

#3- Brooklyn Nets: Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant

While this is a bit of a controversial inclusion, it is hard to deny the potential talent that the new Nets’ stars can offer. Kyrie Irving has one of the best handle and tough shot making packages in the league, and has shown a propensity for the big moment. While Kevin Durant suffered a torn Achilles in the 2019 NBA Finals and has questions about the future of his career, as of know he is one of the NBA’s best players.

#2- Los Angeles Clippers: Paul George and Kawhi Leonard

The top two star combinations are very close to each other. In second place are the Clippers and their newly acquired forwards. Almost breaking NBA Twitter with the announcement of Los Angeles signing as well as trading Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the team now has the best wing tandem in the league. As many of you are well aware, Leonard powered his way to a Finals MVP and NBA championship. Additionally, George had his best NBA season to date, finishing third in MVP voting.

dark. Next. Free agency candidates remaining for the Portland Trail Blazers

#1- Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James and Anthony Davis

Many will not agree with this pick, and I understand why. But I cannot get over the talent of this duo. Anthony Davis is the NBA’s most talented big, and when locked in, arguably the best in the league and threatening to be a top 5 player. And LeBron James speaks for himself, as one of the best players in NBA history and maybe even greatest player ever.