I've always loved discussing the legendary duos in the NBA, particularly when it comes to the pick-and-roll offense. Some partnerships have truly become masters at this, and I can't help but get excited when analyzing the stats and stories behind them. Take Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan back in their Lob City days, for instance. Their chemistry on the court was undeniable. Paul’s basketball IQ and precise passing combined with Jordan’s athleticism and ability to finish at the rim made them a nightmare for any defense. During their peak in the 2013-2014 season, these two ran the pick-and-roll to perfection, with Paul averaging over 10 assists per game and Jordan averaging a double-double.
Moving forward to recent times, one duo that can't go without mention is LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the Lakers. LeBron, even at age 36, continues to defy the typical decline seen in NBA players. His vision and passing ability remain unparalleled, and Davis' versatility, whether it’s rolling to the basket or popping out for a mid-range jumper, adds a layer of complexity to their pick-and-roll game. Statistically, they led the Lakers to an NBA championship in the 2019-20 season while maintaining impressive individual stats, with LeBron averaging 25.3 points and 10.2 assists per game, and Davis contributing 26.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.
An intriguing pair to watch out for in the future is Luka Dončić and Kristaps Porzingis of the Dallas Mavericks. Luka’s court vision and crafty ball-handling paired with Porzingis’ 7'3" frame and shooting ability create a dynamic variation of the traditional pick-and-roll offense. Luka, in just his third year, averaged 27.7 points and 8.6 assists in the 2020-2021 season. Meanwhile, Porzingis, despite injury struggles, added 20.1 points and 8.9 rebounds. Their potential is off the charts if they can stay healthy and continue developing their chemistry.
Stephen Curry and Draymond Green also deserve a nod, even though their pick-and-roll isn't as traditional as others. Curry’s shooting gravity — the concept where his mere presence opens up the floor for others — combined with Green’s ability to make split-second decisions and passes make them one of the most efficient duos in the league. Curry’s MVP-caliber performance in the 2020-2021 season with averages of 32 points and 5.8 assists per game was a testament to how this duo operates.
And let's not forget about James Harden and Clint Capela when they were playing together for the Houston Rockets. Harden's iso-heavy style balanced with Capela's athletic ability to defend and finish lobs made them particularly devastating in the pick-and-roll scenario. Harden's usage rate was one of the highest in the league at 36%, while Capela finished many of those plays, giving him an efficient 65% field goal percentage during their time together.
Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant also bring their own unique flair to pick-and-roll situations. Playing for the Brooklyn Nets, Durant’s scoring prowess and Irving’s ball-handling wizardry offer defenses no tactical respite. Although their time on the court together has been limited due to injuries, their brief stint has shown incredible potential. With Irving averaging 26.9 points and Durant contributing 27 points per contest in 2021, it's exciting to think about what full seasons might bring.
Considering young talents, Trae Young and John Collins from the Atlanta Hawks have developed a promising partnership. Young's ability to shoot from deep and create for others keeps defenses honest, while Collins' athleticism lets him finish strong at the rim. Trae averaged 9.4 assists per game in the 2020-2021 season, demonstrating his playmaking skills, while Collins put up 17.6 points and grabbed 7.4 rebounds.
Speaking of dynamic, you can't overlook Damian Lillard and Jusuf Nurkić of the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard’s Dame Time heroics often feature his capability to pull up from anywhere on the court, and Nurkić’s solid screens and rolling ability make him the perfect pick-and-roll partner. Lillard’s performance in the 2019-2020 season, with averages of 30 points and 8 assists, showcased how lethal this combo can be.
If I'm honest, mentioning these partnerships without discussing the defensive aspect would be incomplete. For instance, Rudy Gobert’s shot-blocking proficiency paired with Donovan Mitchell’s explosive scoring for the Utah Jazz offers a great balance of offense and defense. Gobert's impact on the pick-and-roll leaves opponents second-guessing their drives, evidenced by his multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards and a towering presence with an average of 2.7 blocks per game.
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In the end, the magic of these duos lies in their ability to read each other’s minds almost telepathically. These unforgettable connections, whether rooted in their unique skill sets or forged through seasons of shared hardship and triumph, truly elevate the sport to a whole new level.