With most of the starting backcourts seemingly set for the 2022-23 season (save for a will-they or won’t-they Donovan Mitchell trade), it’s time to take a look at which teams have the best point guard and shooting guard combinations in the NBA.
There was really only one seismic shift in the backcourt this offseason and that was Atlanta creating a trade package to acquire Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs this offseason.
Which NBA team has the best backcourt heading into the 2022-23 season?
When compiling these power rankings, a lot was considered, including combined points per game from 2021-22, injury history, whether or not they have a proven record of winning and how they project to perform in 2022-23.
Some teams missed the cut because we aren’t sure of their status for next season. Will Damian Lillard be the same player he was before his injury? Will Kyrie Irving play in every game or will he have to sit out due to his vaccination status? How does Kevin Huerter impact what De’Aaron Fox and the rest of the Kings are building in Sacramento?
Some duos are too young and too unproven to crack my top-10 (i.e. the Houston Rockets, OKC Thunder, Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs.
Then there are the teams who are stuck in the middle. Maybe they have one really good point guard, but a shooting guard who just hasn’t shown he can elevate his game (or vice versa for a point guard).
With that being said, let’s dive in to my rankings and we start with the Chicago Bulls.
Lonzo Ball, coming off an injury-riddled season, looks to continue his slow growth into one a really well-rounded player. He’s an elite passer and his three-point shot has improved dramatically since entering the league in 2017-18.
Zach Lavine had a career-best year last season and was re-signed to a huge contract extension. Now, armed with a $215 million contract, he’s paid commensurately with his talent. Once known primarily for his athleticism and dunking ability, he’s worked extremely hard to become one of the premiere shooting guards in the NBA.
If Ball continues his growth and can stay healthy, this may be closer to a top-5 duo than a top-10.