1) Michael Jordan - Scottie Pippen

#1 Michael Jordan - Scottie Pippen

CAREER STATS

Michael Jordan)  PPG- 30.1  RPG- 6.2  APG- 5.3

Scottie Pippen)  PPG- 16.1  RPG- 6.4  APG- 5.2

The Greatest of all time for most people, Michael Jordan and his sidekick Scottie Pippen.  The Bulls definitely owned the 90s era.  Jordan can score any way and was just an athletic monster that nobody can hold.  Scottie would pick up the pieces and would be great around the rim and just as aggressive as Jordan. Six championships, both three-peats and in the span of ten years.  This is an incredible feat and more could have came to the Bulls if Jordan did not play in the MLB for two years.  this hypothetical along with the six rings puts this duo as the best.  Jordan also received all Finals MVP in the six Finals won.  Jordan came in the league on a quick start prizing the Rookie of the Year honors.  After Jordan's career he became the NBA's all time leading playoff scorer and Chicago's all time leading scorer.  Both Pippen and Jordan played for the 1992 Dream Team as well helping them set a dynasty in Chicago Bulls history.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chOsRrvpnGc

2) Earvin "Magic" Johnson - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

#2 Earvin "Magic" Johnson - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

CAREER STATS

Magic Johnson)  PPG- 19.5  RPG- 7.2  APG- 11.2

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar)  PPG- 24.6  RPG- 11.2  BPG- 2.5

The "Showtime" Era is a revolutionary time for Lakers fans.  Earvin "Magic" Johnson who was magical for his never seen passes and always pushed the tempo making the Lakers always running.  You would always have to be looking at Magic in case he'd pass the ball.  If you weren't looking it could still  get to you.  Magic could get the ball anywhere he wanted and with Kareem's perfected post presence the Lakers were the team to beat.  In 1979 Magic was drafted by the Lakers making an immediate impact in the league.  Kareem and Magic would make eight Finals appearances in ten years.  the first championship won was done without Kareem in game six.  With Kareem hurt, one of Magic's most defining moments was in Game six when he had to play center for the big man.  Magic would play all the positions of the floor in the game and defeated the 76ers.  Another championship moment for Magic was in Game four in the 1987 matchup versus the Celtics.  In the waning seconds Magic did a "baby hook" to decide the game as time expired.  the long rival Celtics were defeated in six games.  With Magic being the all around player and Kareem's unstoppable "Sky Hook", this duo was labeled Showtime for a reason.  Magic received Finals MVP honors in 1980, 1982, amd 1987.  Kareem also got Finals MVP in 1985.  Magic ended his NBA tenure early playing 13 years and having five rings while also a part of the 1992 Dream Team.  Kareem played in the NBA past his 40s winning six championships and is the NBA's all time leading scorer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOkLTFc1ReA

3) Bob Cousy - Bill Russell

#3 Bob Cousy - Bill Russell

CAREER STATS

Bob Cousy)  PPG- 18.4  RPG- 5.2  APG- 7.5

Bill Russell)  PPG- 15.1  RPG- 22.5  APG- 4.3

This Celtics duo started it all.  Multiple championships dominated by Bob Cousy and Bill Russell.  The all around play from both players on both sides of the floor was second to none.  Bill Russell was a giant among men and would always let it be known.  Bob Cousy was very smooth in his passes and would get it to anywhere he wanted on the floor.  Bob Cousy was drafted by the Celtics in 1950 along with Bill Russell in 1956.  In the span of seven years the Celtics won six championships.  Bob Cousy finished his career with those six rings and Bill Russell went on to complete his basketball days with eleven rings.  Bill Russell has the most rings of any NBA player.  Bob Cousy won regular season MVP in 1957.  Bill Russell continued on to  win five MVP's as well in 58', 61'-63', and 65'.  these two started off the Celtics era then came Larry Bird and company in the 80s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVwA3VOKV4U

4) Kobe Bryant - Shaquille O'Neal

No. 4 Kobe Bryant - Shaquille O'Neal

CAREER STATS

Kobe Bryant)  PPG- 25.0  RPG- 5.2  APG- 4.7

Shaquille O'Neal)  PPG- 23.7  RPG- 10.9  BPG- 2.3

Without a doubt this duo is my favorite of all time.  Shaq being the most dominant to ever play the game with Kobe who is the greatest scorer of all time next to Jordan.  Both would be the top of their game pretty much in a prime form but not quite.  They were both young and learned how to adapt in the NBA.  The Lakers performed a three peat with three Finals won consecutively.  In 2000 the Lakers beat the Reggie Miller led Pacers in six games.  This was Kobe and Shaq's first title with more to come.  In 2001, the Lakers played the 76er's led by Allen Iverson.  The Lakers would decide the series in five games.  The next year was the easiest for the Lakers when they swept the New Jersey Nets.  Shaq got Finals MVP for each of the series.  Kobe finished his career with LA as its all time leading scorer and number three on the NBA's all time scoring list.  Shaq had finished with four rings and Kobe with five.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMqDBxzL_Ew

5) Larry Bird - Kevin McHale

#5 Larry Bird - Kevin McHale

CAREER STATS

Larry Bird)  PPG- 24.3  RPG- 10.0  APG- 6.3

Kevin McHale)  PPG- 17.9  RPG- 7.3  BPG- 1.7

Larry Legend and Kevin McHale were Celtic pride.  Larry Bird is so phenomenal, an all around player with great passing ability while Kevin McHale had a defensive presence and would pick up the pieces from Bird.  Larry Bird was a pure shooter and amazing behind the arc.  In 1978 Larry Bird was drafted by the Celtics and McHale as well in 1980.  Bird became Rookie of the Year and would start contending with the addition of Kevin McHale.  In 1981 and 1986 the Celtics beat the Rockets both in six games.  the best Finals matchup in this era was the 84' Finals versus their all time rival, the Los Angeles Lakers.  This matchup is in my opinion one of the most physical personal battles in NBA history.  Flagrant fouls and dirty plays were constant in the series and the Celtics would win in seven games.  Larry Bird gained regular season MVP for three staright seasons (84'-86').  Bird also received Finals MVP for 1984 and 1986.  Larry Bird was also a member of the 1992 USA Dream Team which was a team of majority Hall of Famers.  This Celtics duo is considered one of the best Celtic duos ever to play.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYMJfNsQFPY

6) Lebron James - Dwayne Wade

#6 Lebron James - Dwayne Wade

CAREER STATS

Lebron James)  PPG- 27.2  RPG- 7.2  APG- 6.9

Dwayne Wade)  PPG- 23.7  RPG- 4.8  APG- 5.8

This heat dynasty was so exciting to watch.  From alley-oops to great blocks with run and gun basketball, what's not to like.  Dwayne Wade and Lebron were both at the top of their game although at times injuries would hinder Wade.  The first Finals appearance was in 2011 when the Heat played the Dallas Mavericks.  Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks prevailed showing the NBA's most talked about duo can't have it that easy.  In 2012 the Heat faced the Thunder.  Game 1 was won by the Thunder and the Heat then won four in a row winning Miami's first title since 2006.  In 2013, the Heat played the Western powerhouse, the San Antonio Spurs.  The series went seven games and the Heat beat the Tim Duncan led Spurs.  Lebron was prized with Finals MVP in both 2012 and 2013.  Both Players still play today but not for the Heat.  Lebron is seeking his second championship in Cleveland while Dwayne Wade now plays for his hometown, the Chicago Bulls.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjYzL6Dw2LA

7) John Stockton - Karl Malone

#7 John Stockon - Karl Malone

CAREER STATS

John Stockton)  PPG- 13.1  APG- 10.5  SPG- 2.2

Karl Malone)  PPG- 25.0  RPG- 10.1  APG- 3.5

The best duo to never win a title.  They both are Hall of Famers and players that were on the 1992 Dream Team.  Stockton and Malone played 18 years together and have only been to the Finals twice.  Their pick and roll game was perfection and great to watch.  John Stockton was drafted in 1984 by the Jazz as was Karl Malone in 1985.  In all the years Stockton played he rarely missed an exhibition.  The two times the Jazz went to the Finals they played the Bulls in 97' and 98'.  Jordan was well in his prime and won back to back championships for the Bulls.  Karl Malone is the all time leading scorer to this day for the Jazz and won MVP for the 97' and 99' years.  John Stockton is also the NBA all time assists and steals leader which is a high feat of accomplishment.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYOf4hYa5A0

8) Isaiah Thomas - Joe Dumars

#8 Isiah Thomas - Joe Dumars

CAREER STATS

Isiah Thomas)  PPG- 19.2  RPG- 3.6  APG- 9.3

Joe Dumars)  PPG- 16.1  APG- 4.5  SPG- 1.0

Isiah and Joe were labeled as the "Bad Boys" for the new Detroit dynasty.  Joe Dumars was a scrappy defender and has great shooting ability when at the point there's Isiah and his ball handling skills.  These two are Hall of Fame players who excelled on and off the court.  In 1981 Detroit Pistons drafted Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars as well in 1985.  Both were known as point guards but Joe eventually transitioned to shooting guard.  Detroit was in the depth of the playoffs making the Finals within a few consecutive years.  In 1988 the Pistons had reached the Finals facing the Lakers.  Isiah's iconic moment was in Game 6 when he severely twisted his ankle and was in deep pain.  He still played and mounted a comeback but the Lakers won on deciding free throws.  The Lakers won the series in Game 7.  Next year came and the Pistons had reached the Finals again with the Lakers.  This time Detroit swept the Lakers getting Isiah and Joe their first titles.  Joe Dumars was given Finals MVP.  Next season was up and the Pistons waltzed their way to the Finals against the Clyde Drexler led Portland Trailblazers.  The Pistons had gained their second title going back to back seasons.  Isiah Thomas had earned Finals MVP that year.  Detroit's best times was the Bad Boys Era.  Isiah Thomas is the Pistons all time leading scorer to this day.  Joe Dumars had been given a lot of credit for his defense that I think speaks volumes.  To many the greatest of all time Michael Jordan said Joe Dumars was, "the best defender I ever faced."  It's in the name, "Bad Boys."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L99CblbLqQ

9) Tim Duncan - Tony Parker

#9 Tim Duncan - Tony Parker

CAREER STATS

Tim Duncan)  PPG- 19.0  RPG- 10.8  APG- 3.0

Tony Parker)  PPG- 16.6  RPG- 2.9  APG- 5.9


Tony Parker and Tim Duncan will forever be a prominent image for the Spurs organization.  These two have seen it all together.  Tony Parker with his crafty ways and Tim's fundamental perfection are an ideal pair for the best pick and roll offense.  Tim Duncan is considered top ten players of all time and with good reason.  Duncan was drafted in 1997 starting the Spurs campaign on a fast track.  Tony Parker was drafted by the Spurs as well in 2001.  When the two played with each other they had both never missed the playoffs and would be in the late rounds always considered for a Finals match-up.  Tony Parker is still playing today and has four rings to his name.  Tim Duncan retired quietly this year having five rings after retirement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whv93pAa8rI#action=share

10) Julius Erving - Moses Malone

#10 Julius Erving - Moses Malone

CAREER STATS

Julius Erving)  PPG- 24.2  RPG- 8.5  APG- 4.2

Moses Malone)  PPG- 20.6  RPG- 12.2  APG- 1.4

Julius Erving and Moses Malone were the only positive tandem in the Philadelphia Era.  Moses Malone was a post presence that dominated down low while Julius was the stretch forward who did it all.  They each led their team to the Finals in 1983 where they swept the Lakers.  Moses Malone had the honors of Finals MVP.  Julius Erving and Malone were such a duo with Erving being versatile and Malone being the brute force in the paint.  Since this time the 76ers have no more championships to this date.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYVjltXc5F8

11) Willis Reed - Walt Frazier

#11 Walt Frazier - Willis Reed

CAREER STATS

Walt Frazier)  PPG- 18.9  RPG- 5.9  APG- 6.1

Willis Reed)  PPG- 18.7  RPG- 12.9  APG- 1.8

This New York duo so far is the most positive imprint on the Knicks dynasty.  Willis Reed was drafted by the Knicks in 1964 becoming Rookie of the Year after the first season.  Reed played Center even though he was 6 foot 9 inches.  It was his physicality that separated him from the rest.  Walt Frazier played point guard for the Knicks and was drafted in 1967.  Both Willis and Walt would only start really competing in 1970.  The Knicks had faced the Lakers in three straight Finals winning two out of three. (1970 & 1973)  Willis Reed won Finals MVP, regular season MVP, and All-Star MVP in 1970 becoming the first and only player ever to accomplish this feat.  Both Frazier and Reed were tenacious and smooth in their ways on the court.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYVjltXc5F8

12) Wilt Chamberlain - Jerry West

#12 Wilt Chamberlain - Jerry West

CAREER STATS

Wilt Chamberlain)  PPG- 30.1  RPG- 22.9  APG- 4.4

Jerry West)  PPG- 27.0  RPG- 5.8  APG- 6.7

Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry Wet were a powerful force together.  Wilt was considered the strongest athlete of his time and you have Jerry West who is a great fundamental example of guard play in the game.  In 1960 Jerry West was drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers who eventually relocated to Los Angeles.  Chamberlain was drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors in 1958 setting ridiculous records including the first and only player to score 100 points in a single game. Chamberlain was then traded to the Lakers in 1968 where Jerry West and him would make noise in the playoffs.  In 1969 the Lakers faced the Boston Celtics which was considered one of the greatest Finals series ever.  Jerry West had a pulled hamstring and was not supposed to play at all in the series.  West would be limping on the court and sparked many great comebacks later in the games.  The Lakers lost in seven games and West won Finals MVP making him the first and only player to win a Finals MVP on the losing team.  The Lakers a few years later had met the Knicks in the Finals winning in five games giving Jerry West the one ring he has ever received.  Wilt won the 72' Finals MVP and finished his career with two championships.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbIiPuieFGo

13) Oscar Robertson - Lew Alcindor

#13 Oscar Robertson - Lew Alcindor

CAREER STATS

Oscar Robertson)  PPG- 25.7  RPG- 7.5  APG- 9.5

Lew Alcindor)  PPG- 24.6  RPG- 11.2  APG- 3.6

These two players are legendary and nothing less of that.  The "Big O" was drafted by the Cincinnati Royals in 1960 where he became Rookie of the Year and was the only player in NBA history to average a triple double for a season.  In 1970 the Royals had traded Oscar Robertson to the Milwaukee Bucks eventually partnering with Lew Alcindor who was drafted to the Bucks in 1969.  Lew became a dominant force in the NBA and the clear winner to receive Rookie of the Year honors as well.  Oscar and Lew both led the Bucks to the Finals having an incredible record of 66-16.  The Bucks swept the Baltimore Bullets and Lew Alcindor had Finals MVP.  Oscar Robertson had earned his first and only ring in his career while Lew Alcindor eventually joined the Lakers capping up six rings after he hung it up.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duhLtIE3pqM

14) Kobe Bryant - Pau Gasol

#14 Kobe Bryant - Pau Gasol

CAREER STATS

Kobe Bryant)  PPG- 25.6  RPG- 5.2  APG- 4.7

Pau Gasol)  PPG- 18.2  RPG- 9.5  APG- 3.3

Kobe and Pau were quite the pair on the court.  They both knew each other's game like the back of their hand.  Both of which are very smart players that can do just about everything.  After 2007, Kobe and the Lakers were about to exit the dark tunnel they had suffered since 2004 after Shaq had been traded.  Pau Gasol was traded form the Grizzlies to the Lakers helping Kobe with having the go to big man who is smart and can play the game.  Breaking into the 2008 season the Lakers were the clear dominant force in the West while on the other side was the Boston Celtics.  Both opponents reached the NBA Finals and the Lakers had fallen in six games.  In 2009 it was redemption year for Los Angeles.  By the end of the regular season, both the Orlando Magic and Lakers were in the Finals.  This time the Lakers had prevailed in five games bringing Kobe his fourth ring.  The Lakers were back on top.  Next year had came along and the Lakers were still the powerhouse eventually meeting the Boston Celtics in the Finals for a rematch.  The Lakers won in seven games making Kobe have a tally of five rings.  This year in 2016 was Bryant's final season while Pau Gasol still plays today for the San Antonio Spurs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PuX5V9B7jE

15) Shaquille O'Neal - Dwayne Wade

#15 Shaquille O'Neal - Dwayne Wade

CAREER STATS

Shaquille O'Neal)  PPG- 24.3  RPG- 11.6  APG- 2.7

Dwayne Wade)  PPG- 23.7  RPG- 4.8  APG- 5.8 (Still Playing)

Shaq will be on the list at least one more time and no doubt the other sidekick of his later in the years became Dwayne Wade.  Shaq was with the Lakers until 2004 when he and Kobe came to a clash.  They were both big personalities that eventually created an ultimatum for the Lakers organization having to choose between Shaq or Kobe. Shaq was then traded to the Miami Heat in 04' joining forces with Dwayne "The Flash" Wade.  Dwayne Wade was drafted by the Heat in 2003.  The Heat's breakthrough happened when Shaq arrived in Miami.  In 2005 the Heat had reached the Eastern Conference Finals facing the Pistons.  The Heat lost in seven games and looked for redemption in 2006.  When playoffs came around the Heat had reached the Finals and beat the Dallas Mavericks claiming the 06' championship.  When Shaq and Wade played with each other they had each won a ring.  By the end of Shaq's career he had finished with four rings and Wade has three rings currently playing to this day.  Wade is now a Chicago Bull where he signed in 2016.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppp8Fy1a2Uw

16) Hakeem Olajuwon - Clyde Drexler

#16 Hakeem Olajuwon - Clyde Drexler

CAREER STATS


Hakeem Olajuwon)  PPG- 21.8  RPG- 11.2  APG- 3.2

Clyde Drexler)  PPG- 20.4  RPG- 6.8  APG- 6.1


Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler were two veterans who were at the top of their game since joining forces in 1995.  Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon is a known Hall of Famer as is Clyde "The Glide" Drexler.  Olajuwon was drafted by the Rockets in 1983 being the next great frontcourt player to impact the game.  Olajuwon's mid range game and post presence with moves like the "Dream Shake" had left an imprint on the NBA for years to come.  Olajuwon is recognized for him being the all-time blocks leader in the NBA.  Clyde Drexler was a very efficient shooter who had the ability to score at will.  Clyde Drexler was originally drafted by the Portland Trailblazers in 1983.  When the Blazers were not competing for years, Clyde demanded a trade.  In 1995 he was then traded to the Rockets where he would then join Hakeem as his partner in crime.  Hakeem ended his career with two rings for Houston in 94' and 95'.  Clyde was able to get one ring before he hung it up.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeDe810yZls#action=share

17) Kevin Garnett - Paul Pierce

#17 Kevin Garnett - Paul Pierce

CAREER STATS

Kevin Garnett)  PPG- 17.8  RPG- 10.0  APG- 3.7

Paul Pierce)  PPG- 20.0  RPG- 5.7  APG- 3.6

Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce gave the Celtics new hope when a new team was established in 2008.  Garnett was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1995 where he was known to have his most prominent years of his career.  In 2008 he was then traded to the Celtics on a big blockbuster deal.  Garnett brought a real intensity to the game and was a true leader speaking his voice on and off the court.  Paul Pierce aka "The Truth" was drafted by the Celtics in 1998 and only then began contention talk when Garnett arrived in Boston.  Paul Pierce was a very poised player who made many clutch shots to decide a game.  The Celtics with a star packed team reached the Finals in 2008 facing a rival known to them since the beginning of basketball, the Los Angeles Lakers.  Garnett and Pierce led the Celtics to win the championship in a six game stretch.  A year later the two teams met again for a Finals rematch and the result was different.  The Lakers defeated the Celtics in seven games leaving Pierce and Garnett with one ring each to complete their career.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upnbGiIg-8Q

18) Patrick Ewing - John Starks

#18 Patrick Ewing - John Starks

CAREER STATS

Patrick Ewing)  PPG- 21.0  RPG- 9.8  APG- 1.9

John Starks)  PPG- 12.9  RPG- 2.5  APG- 3.6

Patrick Ewing and John Starks brought spark to New York when they'd work together.  John Starks was a crafty point guard that showed flashes of brilliance and would excel out of nowhere while Ewing was the solid fundamental rock of the team.  Starks was drafted by the Warriors in 1988 then played overseas for near two seasons.  In 1990, Starks tried out for the Knicks and landed a spot on the roster.  Patrick Ewing was the prolific reason the duo would succeed.  Ewing was drafted by the Knicks in 1985 to become Rookie of the Year and set an awareness throughout the NBA.  Ewing was one of the players to be a part of the 1992 US National "Dream Team" winning a gold medal while embellishing it with Hall of Fame players.  Starks and Ewing would compete sufficiently in the playoffs and make noise.  The closest the two have been to winning at all was in 1994 when they faced the Bulls.  Jordan and company were the Knicks' most despised rival.  Ewing and Starks both ended up ringless at the end of their careers.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-P1xx-AbXo4#action=share

19) Gary Payton - Shawn Kemp

#19 Gary Payton - Shawn Kemp

CAREER STATS

Gary Payton)  PPG- 16.3  RPG- 3.9  APG- 6.7

Shawn Kemp)  PPG- 14.6  RPG- 8.4  APG) 1.6

The phrase defense turns into offense is a prime example in Gary Payton with Shawn Kemp.  With Gary's intensity and gritty defense with Shawn Kemp's freakish athletic ability the Sonics were booming in Seattle.  Gary Payton was drafted by the Supersonics in 1990 along with Kemp being drafted a year before.  Gary Payton also known as "The Glove", became NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1996 leading the league in steals.  Payton also for nine straight seasons (94' - 02') landed on the NBA's 1st All Defensive Team.  Shawn Kemp became a presence in the league for his athleticism and versatility.  Shawn Kemp is a great watch for being arguably the best in game dunkers.  Kemp was third in rebounding after the 95' and 96' seasons.  The only time Gary and Shawn made the big stage was in 1996 losing to the Bulls in six games.  Michael Jordan took many titles from prominent teams.  Gary and Shawn were not alone having zero titles after retiring.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfM1GrwPACk#action=share

20) Shaquille O'Neal - Penny Hardaway

#20 Shaquille O'Neal - Penny Hardaway

CAREER STATS

Shaquille O'Neal)  PPG- 23.7  RPG- 10.9  APG- 2.5

Penny Hardaway)  PPG- 15.2  RPG- 4.5  APG- 5.0

Shaq and Penny brought great energy and they made the game fun to watch every given night.  With Penny and Shaq pushing the tempo of games, you are bound for memorable moments.  From finesseful passes to alley oops, this pair would soon create a championship worthy team.   Shaquille O'Neal was drafted by the Orlando Magic in 92' and a year later Penny landed on the team.  Penny Hardaway was drafted by the Golden State Warriors then eventually traded to the Magic.  In 1994, the Magic went to the NBA Finals to get swept by the Houston Rockets.  Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler had spoiled the teams hopes of a ring.  Shaq and Penny in the 95' season led the team to reach the Eastern Conference facing the Bulls.  However Jordan and the Bulls came on top leaving the "Magical Duo" ringless during the Orlando Era.  This showtime scoring duo came to a close when Shaq became a free agent after the 95' season and joined the Lakers on a max contract.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh7v3_cVt-A#action=share