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After a successful first full season together, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving have sparked debate among NBA fans about whether they are the best backcourt duo in history. It may be premature to make such a claim based on just one season together, but their potential is undeniable. With Irving's veteran leadership at 32 and Doncic's youthful skill at 25, they have the makings of a formidable partnership. Doncic, in his first six seasons, has already achieved incredible records and numbers, and his potential seems limitless.
The debate over the best backcourt in the league can be measured in numbers, not just personal preferences or the era in which these pairs played. Besides offense, defense plays a crucial role in determining the best duos. At least one of the two players should excel defensively to be considered among the best. Here are some pairs, in no particular order, whose numbers suggest they could be the best duos in NBA history.
Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson: Playing together for 11 seasons, the "Splash Brothers" have won four titles, set individual and duo records for three-pointers in the NBA. Curry's exceptional ball-handling and shot-creating ability complement Thompson's perimeter scoring, while Thompson's solid defense balances Curry's game. Have we seen the last moment together for this duo, is so the run has been more than incredible. Their stats together are approximately PPG 51.2 / APG 10.2 / RPG 8.0.
Magic Johnson and Byron Scott: In eight seasons together, the "Showtime" Lakers' backcourt won three titles, showcasing how on-court chemistry can lead to greatness. Johnson's all-time great vision and playmaking complemented Scott's perimeter scoring ability, while Scott's scoring and defense provided a perfect balance for Johnson. Their stats together are approximately PPG 33.6 / APG 16.7 / RPG 14.2.
Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars: In nine seasons together with the "Bad Boy" Pistons, the duo won two NBA titles. Known for creating the "Jordan Rules" to try to slow-down Michael Jordan. Also their toughness and clutch-time ability to close important games, their leadership helped establish the Pistons as a dominant and feared team in the 1980s and early 1990s. Thomas' penetrating and distributing skills complemented Dumars' perimeter scoring and solid defense. Their stats together are approximately PPG 35.3 / APG 13.8 / RPG 6.0.
Derek Fisher and Kobe Bryant: Drafted in the same year and playing together for 12 seasons. The duo won five NBA titles together. Their on-court chemistry and ability to lead in critical moments made them legends of the Lakers and the NBA. Fisher's on-court leadership and ability to score in critical moments complemented Bryant's scoring ability from any position on the court. Bryant, known for his relentless work ethic and ability to score in extremely difficult situations, relied on Fisher to direct the game and make smart decisions. Their stats together are approximately PPG 33.3 / APG 7.7 / RPG 8.3.
Bob Cousy and Sam Jones: The oldest duo on the list won EIGHT NBA titles, seven consecutively, making them one of the most successful duos in NBA history. The 8 tittles are almost half of the franchise total (17). Cousy's masterful ball-handling and playmaking complemented Jones' scoring ability from different positions on the court. Jones, known for his versatility in attack and ability to score in critical moments, provided a perfect balance for Cousy's game. Their stats together are approximately PPG 36.1 / APG 9.5 / RPG 10.1.
Luka and Kyrie are having an excellent year, but they are still far from being the best in NBA history in terms of titles and legacy. If they continue to play at this level, which I believe is the best in terms of the other pairs, we could witness something incredibly special. I leave it to you to make your own judgment.