Top 10 NBA Backcourts of the Last 25 Years
Let's take a look at the most dominating guard tandems since the turn of the century. Here are the top ten backcourts of the last 25 years!
MADRID, SPAIN - September 14th 2014 : STEPHEN CURRY of USA during the Final game of FIBA BASKETBALL WORLD CUP 2014 at Palacio de los Deportes Arena
Credit: Marcos Mesa Sam Wordley
By: Joshua Martin
Lately, anytime the Dallas Mavericks are on television, it feels as though there’s a national conversation about the best backcourts in NBA history. And rightfully so! The Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving pairing is one of the most explosive offensive backcourts the game has ever seen. But are they the best?
We can't forget the Splash Bros. who shattered shooting records during the 2010’s, or the massively successful duo of Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher. What about Tony Parker and Manu Ginoboli or the Grindhouse Grizzlies with Mike Conley and Tony Allen. Billups and Hamilton, Teague and Korver, CP3 and Harden? There are so many great duos to choose from.
Nothing incites sports fans more than a good ole top ten list. Let's take a look at the most dominating guard tandems since the turn of the century. While there may be an obvious number one, the criteria for this list was simple. Sustained on-court success, whether or not the duo won championships and also the lasting impact the two had on the court were taken into account.
Don't like our list? Let us know!
Honorable Mentions:
Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver: This All star duo led the Hawks to its franchise's only 60 win season before losing in the playoffs to Lebron and the Cavs.
Jason Kidd and Vince Carter: These two were deadly in the open court. VInce’s high flying style blended perfectly with Kidd’s pinpoint passing. Injuries and new blood in the Eastern conference stymied this duo's ascension.
Tony Allen and Mike Conley: Conley is a steady scorer and passesr while Allen became known as one of the scariest defenders in the league. Consistent duo that lacked nationwide exposure.
10.) Chris Paul and James Harden
Their time was short-lived but quite successful. The MVP version of the Beard and the Point God pushed the Golden State Warriors to Game 7 in the 2018 conference finals. If it wasn’t for a CP3 injury this team would’ve advanced to the Finals.
9.) Bradley Beal and John Wall
Oh what could’ve been. Wall’s athleticism and smooth passing skills made him an instant star in Washington. Beal, a sturdy scoring guard with range from deep, made him the perfect complement to Wall’s attacking, downhill style. The injury bug may be the biggest culprit behind why this duo didn't see more success on the court.
8.) Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum
Another duo that garnered success smack dab in the middle of the Warriors historic run. This duo routinely posted incredible counting stats during the regular season but lacked the critical support to compete with the better teams in the West. A conference finals appearance and the longevity of the run gives them the spot here.
7.) Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving
Luka is a walking 30 point triple double nuclear time bomb. Kyrie has the smoothest handles in the game and can easily pour in 50 on any given night. These two have enjoyed a stellar playoff run so far. A championship will boost them up this list but until then these other backcourts have won more and played together longer.
MADRID, SPAIN - September 14th 2014 : KYRIE IRVING of USA celebrates scoring during the Final game of FIBA BASKETBALL WORLD CUP 2014 at Palacio de los Deportes Arena
Credit: Marcos Mesa Sam Wordley
6.) Demar Derozan and Kyle Lowry
These two brought sustained success to a once moribund franchise. Their run unfortunately coincided with Lebron’s historic playoff reign over the Eastern Conference. Lowry, a feisty diminutive point, and Derozan, a mid range dynamo who also excelled at attacking the rim, accrued multiple all star appearances and the led Raptors to the playoffs 5 consecutive times during the 2010’s.
5.) Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo
Rondo was a do-it-all versatile threat while Allen, before Curry, was known as the greatest shooter in league history. Rondo’s strengths and weaknesses made him a perfect fit with Ray. The two went on to win a title with the C’s and carve out impressive Hall of Fame careers.
4.) Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton
These two pulled off one the biggest upsets in NBA Finals history. Mr. Big Shot’s clutch play and Rip’s smoothe shooting stroke spearheaded the Bad Boys 2.0 offensive attack during their improbable ‘04 title run. These two led the Pistons to six consecutive conference finals, winning 1 title while in Detroit.
3.) Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher
These two complementend each other's game perfectly. Kobe was a ball dominant scorer and Fish was more of a spot up shooter. The third ranked duo on the list propelled the Lakers to 5 NBA Titles. Fisher was also a deadly clutch shooter just as much as Kobe. With the game on the line either one could burn you.
Kobe Bryant & Derek Fisher - All We Do Is Win
2.) Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili
Parker and Ginobili were the driving force behind some historic Spurs teams. TP was a tad more consistent but the Spurs were unbeatable when Ginobili went off. This dynamic duo won 4 titles and combined with Duncan made one of the greatest teams of all-time.
1.) Steph Curry and Klay Thompson
The Splash Brothers are widely regarded as the greatest shooting backcourt of all time. There’s no debating that but what makes them greatest period is all the accolades between the two. Steph Curry is a two time MVP, multiple time scoring champion and single handley revolitonzied the game of basketball. Klay is the epitome of a quintessential ‘3 & D wing’ with the range and shooting touch that rivals his backcourt mate. 5 championships and a 73-9 season earns them this spot without question.
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Kyrie Irving Signs Shoe Deal with Chinese Sportswear Company ANTA
Kyrie Irving secures lucrative deals, including a $126 million contract extension and a groundbreaking five-year shoe endorsement, showcasing his expertise in basketball and business. We discuss it here!
Kyrie Irving lacing up his shoes before the 2023 NBA All Star Game in Salt Lake City, Utah. (credit: Jim Ice)
By: Adonis Armstrong
Earlier today July 12th, Kyrie Irving made an announcement on his Instagram Stories, revealing a new collaboration with Chinese sportswear company ANTA. Renowned journalist Shams Charania reported that the shoe endorsement agreement with the global brand will extend for five years and encompasses the special role of chief creative officer. The terms of the deal were reportedly negotiated through Irving's management entity A11Even.
Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving has signed a five-year endorsement deal with Chinese sportswear brand ANTA, plus the unique position of Chief Creative Officer at the company, industry sources told @TheAthletic @Stadium. Irving’s management company, A11Even, negotiated the deal. pic.twitter.com/HpJej7HU5X
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 12, 2023
In December 2022, Nike ended its partnership with Irving after he faced allegations of antisemitism due to sharing a controversial book on social media. This incident caused a rift between Irving and the Brooklyn Nets, ultimately resulting in his transfer to the Dallas Mavericks in February. Since then, Irving has issued an apology to the Jewish community for his actions. “To all Jewish families and communities that are hurt and affected from my post, I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize,” In his Instagram statement, he expressed at that moment. “I initially reacted out of emotion to being unjustly labeled antisemitic, instead of focusing on the healing process of my Jewish brothers and sisters that were hurt from the hateful remarks made in the documentary.”
The announcement coincides with Irving's recent contract extension with the Mavericks, a confirmed three-year deal worth $126 million according to the NBA. In an interview with The Dallas Morning News, team owner Mark Cuban elaborated on the organization's rationale behind retaining the NBA champion.
“I think Kyrie’s just misunderstood, you know,” Cuban said. “Everybody sees all the noise and everything around him, but when you actually talk to him, I like him. You know, he’s just, he’s open, he’s smart. You know, he’s always looking to learn things and to me, you know, he’s an interesting guy that’s just misunderstood… Kidd and I made the effort to really get to know him.”
Say what you want about Kyrie Irving, but he is making major moves in his career, securing a $126 million, three-year contract extension with the Dallas Mavericks and a groundbreaking five-year shoe endorsement deal with ANTA. Which he negotiated the deals himself and now holds a position of creative control within the company, allowing him to recruit future athletes to the brand. Irving's accomplishments highlight his expertise in both basketball and the business world.
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NBA Players Stand Up For Themselves Against Taking The Covid Vaccine
Several high profile NBA players are catching major media attention after speaking out against taking the vaccine. Their decision could cost them millions, but they are standing tall on their beliefs.
Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac addressed the media September 27, about his personal beliefs on refusing the vaccine.
By: Omar Cook
As the world adjusts to new societal norms, and covid vaccine mandates across different work industries, we are seeing people rebel and risk their careers to stand up for what they believe in. The pandemic is something never before seen in our lifetime and everyone is doing what they feel is necessary to protect themselves. With a history of medical malpractice, lies, and injustice towards Black Americans in this country, it is not uncommon to see people reject the vaccine due to their fears of potential long term side effects.
The NBA has caught major attention after several high profile players have decided to speak out against taking the vaccine. The league currently cannot require players to be vaccinated after the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) rejected the NBA’s proposal for a mandate.
"A vaccine mandate for NBA players would need an agreement with the Players Association," league spokesperson Mike Bass said. "The NBA has made these proposals but the players' union has rejected any vaccination requirement."
Players such as Kyrie Irving, Bradley Beal, Andrew Wiggins, and Jonathan Isaac have been vocal about their beliefs to refuse the vaccine and are standing ten toes down on their decision despite heavy criticism from mainstream media and fans. At a September 27 press conference, Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac articulately stated his reasons for not taking the vaccine.
"I'm not anti-Vax. I'm not anti-medicine. I'm not anti-science," Issac said. "I have nothing but the utmost respect for every health care worker in person in Orlando, and all across the world that has worked tirelessly to keep us safe. My mom has worked in healthcare for a really long time. I thank God I'm grateful that I live in a society where vaccines are possible, and we can protect ourselves and have the means to protect ourselves for the first in the first place."
"I'm not ashamed to say that I'm uncomfortable with taking the vaccine at this time. I think that we're all different. We all come from different places, we've all had different experiences, and hold dear to different beliefs," he said. "What it is that you do with your body when it comes to putting medicine in there should be your choice, free of the ridicule and the opinion of others."
Golden State Warriors star Andrew Wiggins faces the possibility of losing more than $350,000 per game if he is unable to play home games due to San Francisco’s indoor vaccine mandate. It could result in him missing half of the season.
“Back is definitely against the wall, but I’m just going to keep fighting for what I believe,” Wiggins said at media day. “I’m going to keep fighting for what I believe is right. What’s right to one person isn’t right to the other and vice versa.”
His teammate Draymond Green showed support at a press conference stating:
"It's not my place or my business on whether he gets vaccinated or not — it's your own personal choice at the end of the day what you do with your body. It's not my place to tell him what he should or shouldn't do with his. Because he's not going to come tell me what I should do with my body."
Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving was not able to attend the team's media day at Barclays Center on Monday due to New York City's COVID-19 protocols, and he repeatedly declined to address his vaccination status or what his plans were for it in the future. Kyrie has been heavily ridiculed in the media in the past few years for his personal thoughts and beliefs but he has always remained adamant about his thoughts.
Kyrie also faces the possibility of losing half of his expected $36.6 million as will not be able to play in home games in New York due to vaccine mandates.
This is only the beginning of what will be a media frenzy and the ultimate villainization of players who refuse to take the vaccine. The push and pull between being unvaccinated and vaccinated has become extremely political and the freedom of choice is rapidly being taken away, especially for those who would like to keep a job.
At the end of the day, every individual should have the right to choose what to put into their body, and every individual should be responsible for properly doing what is necessary to protect themselves, which includes working out, eating properly, and building up your natural immune system. We have become reliant on medical experts to come save the day with a magical vaccine instead of preaching daily health tips and living a healthier lifestyle. This country has a history of segregation and it is slowly moving from racial to medical segregation as media outlets further push the agenda to get vaccinated. Time will tell what is to come…stand tall on your beliefs.
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Sensationalism Sucks: Why Kyrie Irving is a Punching Bag for Mainstream Media
Kyrie Irving has been at the center of media sensationalism throughout his entire career, but mainstream media rarely covers his positive contributions to humanity, like most recently purchasing a home for George Floyd’s family. Why? We discuss it here!
Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
By: Baigen Seawell
While one can say that some sports talk narratives are old, tired and ridiculous, it’s what gets clicks. We’ve seen it many a times in situations that just make you scratch your head. From Kaepernick to James Harden, once the most impressionable narrative hits mainstream waves, it’s hard to change it.
Kyrie Irving is, and has pretty much always been an agent of change. His most recent contribution brought to the forefront has been his buying of a home for the family of George Floyd. While this act was pretty much unheard of until Stephen Jackson brought this to the forefront, people still find reasons to hate Kyrie.
See here with Jackie McMullan calling him “property” of his owners due to them granting him the million dollar salary he generates:
Here’s the audio of Jackie MacMullan’s story about her telling Kyrie that he’s an NBA owner’s property because they pay him millions pic.twitter.com/p1U5Euiz1n https://t.co/2JRfzrKKAy
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) January 14, 2021
Or here where he was thought to be the reason for the Celtics demise.
It’s nothing new for Kyrie to be the scapegoat of everyone’s problems when he’s on your favorite team. Since his days in Cleveland, he’s been catching flack for his contributions (or lack thereof) to his team and the teammates around him.
“He’s not likable.”
“He’s not a team player.”
“He’s not a leader.” And those words are thought to come right out of his mouth according to some sources.
And while this could be arguably true… is it all on Kyrie? While in Boston, he can’t be the sole reason for the team falling apart. Former Celtic, Cedric Maxwell says that Irving wasn’t the sole reason for the Celtics falling apart. “This group was the most dysfunctional team I've seen since 1983, when we had four Hall of Famers on our roster and got swept by the Milwaukee Bucks. These guys never found a way to be on the same page.” He told ESPN.
In Cleveland, it was only inevitable that he would be traded. He called it himself.
But this go round. Boy, oh boy. This go round has been the biggest sensationalist dumpster fire of them all. While NBA media outlets are great for pushing a narrative that will gain traction for the most minuscule things, they have just been rolling with some of the most outrageous things to hit the airwaves.
Kyrie Irving is the most hated player in the NBA. I rest my case ... pic.twitter.com/4lkn2jevzg
— MJs GOAT (@MjsGoat) January 12, 2021
How the Dumpster Caught Fire
Sensationalism stems from the desire to gain as many clicks as possible with little to no research in the process of creating a narrative for those to follow. As the times change, more and more media outlets have gravitated to this mode of media because of the quick attention spans we have today.
Sports in particular are not interesting to everyone. The performance of an athlete after his or her game may not interest everyone. But throw something in like someone kneeling during the national anthem or losing 50 pounds in 48 hours after leaving a team they absolutely hate, and you’ve got impressions from sports fans and non sports fans of the like.
In the midst of social injustice and one of the most polarizing moments in United States history, Irving, one of few athletes, chose to sit out for the 2020 NBA Bubble Season. His reasoning was fair, being as though the country was in ruins. Irving, who sits on the NBAPA Executive Committee as the Vice President, has more than enough jurisdiction to start this dialogue. While he was the outlier, he did receive support, but not without scrutiny.
Sports fans would argue that once again, Kyrie is not thinking about the collective, only thinking about himself. But rather, he has shown time and time again that he is thinking about the collective. His M.O. was on the biggest picture there is while showing that athletes are indeed... more than athletes. This would not be the main mode of discussion by NBA enthusiasts and “casual fans” though, it would rather be again highlighting his selfishness.
Fast forward a few months, we begin the abbreviated NBA 2020-21 Season. Kyrie would choose to not only sit out in the beginning, but not discuss any matters with media outlets or points of contact. He would even choose to skip out on media day for the Nets. And for what it’s worth, he had every right to do this!
However he eventually came back and when playing against the Celtics, he was seen smudging. or burning sage during pregame warm-ups. No one cared to take five seconds to see that he has ties to the Standing Rock Sioux, they’d rather label it witchcraft instead.
Again the masses took it and ran with it, causing an uproar of additional commentary to the Nets Guard.
This goes on over and over like a constant cycle of commentary that seems to never end by anyone who feels compelled to pick it up. However, most people will find it easier to gravitate to the main outlets and outrageous stories because it seems more appealing to consume than say...
His contributions by paying for Lincoln University students tuition.
Or him donating to the WNBA players who opted out for the Bubble season...
Or maybe him helping provide free meals valued at around $250,000 for New York City Residents.
All the while he was burned at the stake for avoiding the yellow journalism and those who feed the narratives, helping them grow into the dumpster fires they are today.
One thing about narratives in sports and sports media is that athletes are able to easily create one... about as easy as mainstream outlets can formulate their own while letting consumers catalyze it for their own corporate gains.
Kyrie plays the game and plays it well. He creates his narrative and letting his actions speak for itself. While you can’t control the masses as to how they interpret his actions, he can control what and how he chooses to interact with it.
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Kyrie Irving Covers Tuition Costs for 9 Lincoln University Students
NBA stars across the board did not disappoint this holiday season when it came to paying it forward. The latest act of service comes from NBA veteran Kyrie Irving, who paid off the tuition of nine Lincoln University students.
By: Tialena Evans
NBA stars across the board did not disappoint this holiday season when it came to paying it forward. The latest act of service comes from NBA veteran Kyrie Irving, who paid off the tuition of nine Lincoln University students.
The Athletics Shams Charnia broke the news on Twitter Thursday (December 31).
“Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving paid off the college tuition of nine students from an HBCU (Lincoln University) on Dec. 10 as part of his foundation's 11 days of giving in December”. Charnia tweeted.
Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving paid off the college tuition of nine students from an HBCU (Lincoln University) on Dec. 10 as part of his foundation’s 11 days of giving in December.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 31, 2020
"I'm walking the steps now and I want the same for others."@KyrieIrving and the KAI Family Foundation donated to HBCU student tuition relief for graduating seniors at Lincoln University 🙏 pic.twitter.com/NH6aF71FWT
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 2, 2021
In the fog of an unprecedented time and a crumbling economy, this generous contribution came in perfect time to help provide college seniors with a bit of financial relief this school year and prepare themselves for their bright futures.
“I’m grateful for all you young leaders,” he said during a virtual call with the students. “I wouldn’t be sitting in my position and embracing who I am without knowing where I come from and people helping me along the way, so just paying it forward. I’ve committed to my service a long time ago and I’m walking the steps now and I want the same for others.”
The Brooklyn Nets guard has maintained this positive energy throughout all of 2020. Amidst the fight against racial inequality and a growing pandemic earlier in the year, Irving continuously finds ways to contribute his resources to others the best way he knows possible.
In March 2020, he announced his pledge to donate $323,000 to Feeding America, with Lineage Logistics matching up to $200,000 in donations as well. He also announced his partnership with City Harvest to donate 250,000 meals across the greater New York Area.
Kyrie Irving says on Instagram that he is partnering with Feeding America and other organizations to help families who are struggling to put meals on the table amid the COVID-19 pandemic. pic.twitter.com/VgRVBvy8kp
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) March 23, 2020
The NBA star also contributed $1.5 million to assist with the salaries of WNBA players who made the tough decision to sit out of the 2020 season due to their concerns regarding the coronavirus or the heightened racial tension looming around the country.
Irving is just one of many big names who continue to do great things on and off the court. It’s a type of refreshing story that will never go out of style.
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NBA Stars Express Concerns Over Finishing The Season In The Midst Of Racial Tensions
With the NBA set to resume play in July, players express concerns about playing while the focus of the country is on solving racial tensions.
By: Omar Cook
The NBA season is set to resume on July 30 in Orlando featuring an 8 game schedule and 22 teams, but players are concerned over wether or not this is the right time to play. In the midst of major racial tensions in our country and unified efforts to address police brutality, bringing sports into the mix seems to be a distraction from what’s truly important. With covid-19 shutting down all sports and quarantining most of the country for the past couple months, this is really the first time that racial issues have held the main stage.
Nets guard and vice president of the NBPA Kyrie Irving led a conference call featuring 80 plus players from around the league where players were able to voice their opinions about how they felt.
“I don’t support going into Orlando — I’m not with the systematic racism and the bullshit. Something smells a little fishy.”
Kyrie reportedly said he is “willing to give up everything” for social reform. His comments came as a surprise to many fans but we have seen athletes take a stand and give up their careers for social justice just as former WNBA star Maya Moore did when she decided to devote her time fully to social activism.
Kyrie was met with mixed reviews with some fans showing support and understanding where he was coming from while others were upset at him speaking against the NBA. I can understand both view points, about why continuing the season could be beneficial but also how it can be a distraction. Everyday we turn the news on, it is draining to see negative portrayals of Black men and to force athletes who may not be in the right mental state at this time to compete, could definitely be a lot to ask for.
Austin Rivers shared a difference of opinion, stating that “with this money you could help out even more people and continue to give more importantly your time and energy towards the BLM movement.”
Austin Rivers on the Kyrie/NBA situation pic.twitter.com/L0dwoD7c6h
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) June 13, 2020
Clippers guard Lou Williams also shared his thoughts, saying a return to the NBA would be a a distraction.
I think we all would love to see sports come back and enjoy games, but it is also a pivotal time in history when the world is in full focus on racial issues. Stephen Jackson posted a video to say “now ain’t the time to be playing basketball.”
Stephen Jackson speaks on the return of the NBA. 👀
— Da Kid Gowie (@DaKidGowie) June 13, 2020
“Playing basketball’s going to do one thing. Take all the attention off the task at hand.” pic.twitter.com/JEG5C68a7Q
There are immediate changes that need to made to our society and while we all love sports, they can definitely take a backseat at the moment