Ranking The 10 Best Scoring Duos Heading Into 2015-16 NBA Season

Ranking The 10 Best Scoring Duos Heading Into 2015-16 NBA Season

By Nick Sciria

July 31, 2015

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Ranking The Best Scoring Duos Heading Into 2015-16 NBA Season

Klay Thompson Stephen Curry Golden State Warriors — Although depth is certainly a quality of most championship teams, possessing two go-to scoring options is a huge advantage to have. With that being said, let's take a look at the top 10 scoring duos in the league heading into next season.

Although depth is certainly a quality of most championship teams, possessing two go-to scoring options is a huge advantage to have. With that being said, let's take a look at the top 10 scoring duos in the league heading into next season.

10. Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge

Kawhi Leonard LaMarcus Aldridge

10. Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge

Kawhi Leonard LaMarcus Aldridge — With LaMarcus Aldridge on the roster for the next three years minimally, he is certain to provide a spark to the San Antonio Spurs offensively. On the perimeter, Kawhi Leonard has displayed flashes of brilliance in the scoring column, averaging 17.8 points per game on 61.2 percent shooting in the 2014 NBA Finals. With defenses now unable to key in on Leonard, this could be the season he breaks out in a big way.

With LaMarcus Aldridge on the roster for the next three years minimally, he is certain to provide a spark to the San Antonio Spurs offensively. On the perimeter, Kawhi Leonard has displayed flashes of brilliance in the scoring column, averaging 17.8 points per game on 61.2 percent shooting in the 2014 NBA Finals. With defenses now unable to key in on Leonard, this could be the season he breaks out in a big way.

9. Blake Griffin and Chris Paul

Blake Griffin Chris Paul Los Angeles Clippers

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9. Blake Griffin and Chris Paul

Blake Griffin Chris Paul Los Angeles Clippers — In five seasons since entering the league, Blake Griffin has averaged at least 20.0 points per 36 minutes every year, and he has never shot below 50.0 percent from the field. His teammate, Chris Paul, can score whenever called upon as well, but his numbers do not reflect just how sound of a scorer he can be. Still, Paul managed to post 22.1 points per game while shooting 50.3 percent from the field in the NBA playoffs last season.

In five seasons since entering the league, Blake Griffin has averaged at least 20.0 points per 36 minutes every year, and he has never shot below 50.0 percent from the field. His teammate, Chris Paul, can score whenever called upon as well, but his numbers do not reflect just how sound of a scorer he can be. Still, Paul managed to post 22.1 points per game while shooting 50.3 percent from the field in the NBA playoffs last season.

8. Tyreke Evans and Anthony Davis

Tyreke Evans Anthony Davis New Orleans Pelicans

8. Tyreke Evans and Anthony Davis

Tyreke Evans Anthony Davis New Orleans Pelicans — Anthony Davis burst onto the scene last season in a big way, scoring 24.4 points per game. Alongside Davis, Tyreke Evans provided a competent scoring punch, notching 16.6 points per game. The New Orleans Pelicans are set to improve offensively under newly employed head coach Alvin Gentry, and his addition will only work to strengthen this scoring duo.

Anthony Davis burst onto the scene last season in a big way, scoring 24.4 points per game. Alongside Davis, Tyreke Evans provided a competent scoring punch, notching 16.6 points per game. The New Orleans Pelicans are set to improve offensively under newly employed head coach Alvin Gentry, and his addition will only work to strengthen this scoring duo.

7. Monta Ellis and Paul George

Monta Ellis Paul George

7. Monta Ellis and Paul George

Monta Ellis Paul George — In a key move this summer, the Indiana Pacers signed Monta Ellis. Ellis is one of the most consistent scorers year in and year out in the NBA, and he will surely benefit next to a healthy Paul George. George has never had such a potent perimeter threat next to him, something that will open up opportunities for him on offense. Also, this tandem will benefit from the Pacers embracing a faster pace, facilitated by smaller lineups.

In a key move this summer, the Indiana Pacers signed Monta Ellis. Ellis is one of the most consistent scorers year in and year out in the NBA, and he will surely benefit next to a healthy Paul George. George has never had such a potent perimeter threat next to him, something that will open up opportunities for him on offense. Also, this tandem will benefit from the Pacers embracing a faster pace, facilitated by smaller lineups.

6. James Harden and Dwight Howard

James Harden Dwight Howard Houston Rockets

6. James Harden and Dwight Howard

James Harden Dwight Howard Houston Rockets — Dwight Howard missed 41 games last season due to a knee injury. It was clear that Howard's inside scoring presence was sorely missed, and the Houston Rockets' offense struggled as a result of his extended absence. Despite the Rockets having very few options on the perimeter, James Harden still logged big scoring numbers, finishing second in the league in points per game.

Dwight Howard missed 41 games last season due to a knee injury. It was clear that Howard's inside scoring presence was sorely missed, and the Houston Rockets' offense struggled as a result of his extended absence. Despite the Rockets having very few options on the perimeter, James Harden still logged big scoring numbers, finishing second in the league in points per game.

5. Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade

Chris Bosh Dwyane Wade Miami Heat

5. Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade

Chris Bosh Dwyane Wade Miami Heat — Chris Bosh was another scoring threat who missed serious time with an injury last season. Before going down with a season-ending heart complication, Bosh dominated the offensively. Together, Dwyane Wade and Bosh combined for 42.6 points per game, one of the highest marks in the league.

Chris Bosh was another scoring threat who missed serious time with an injury last season. Before going down with a season-ending heart complication, Bosh dominated the offensively. Together, Dwyane Wade and Bosh combined for 42.6 points per game, one of the highest marks in the league.

4. DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay

DeMarcus Cousins Rudy Gay Sacramento Kings

4. DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay

DeMarcus Cousins Rudy Gay Sacramento Kings — DeMarcus Cousins averaged the fifth-most points last season at 24.1 points per game. Additionally, Rudy Gay had one of his most efficient seasons next to Cousins, tallying 21.1 points per game. Now, with Rajon Rondo on board with the Sacramento Kings, Cousins and Gay will almost assuredly have even more scoring chances next season.

DeMarcus Cousins averaged the fifth-most points last season at 24.1 points per game. Additionally, Rudy Gay had one of his most efficient seasons next to Cousins, tallying 21.1 points per game. Now, with Rajon Rondo on board with the Sacramento Kings, Cousins and Gay will almost assuredly have even more scoring chances next season.

3. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson

Stephen Curry Klay Thompson Golden State Warriors

3. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson

Stephen Curry Klay Thompson Golden State Warriors — Last season, Klay Thompson upped his scoring average by 5.8 points per 36 minutes from the season prior, an improvement that propelled the Golden State Warriors to the second-best offensive team in the NBA. Thompson's running mate Stephen Curry was one of the most dominant scorers in the league, earning him the MVP award.

Last season, Klay Thompson upped his scoring average by 5.8 points per 36 minutes from the season prior, an improvement that propelled the Golden State Warriors to the second-best offensive team in the NBA. Thompson's running mate Stephen Curry was one of the most dominant scorers in the league, earning him the MVP award.

2. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving

LeBron James Kyrie Irving Cleveland Cavaliers

2. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving

LeBron James Kyrie Irving Cleveland Cavaliers — In their first season together, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving did not disappoint, combining for 47.0 points per game in the regular season. Irving is one of the league's top scoring point guards, and at 23 years of age, he is set to only get better. With a complete season under their belt, this scoring duo will most likely improve upon their numbers next year.

In their first season together, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving did not disappoint, combining for 47.0 points per game in the regular season. Irving is one of the league's top scoring point guards, and at 23 years of age, he is set to only get better. With a complete season under their belt, this scoring duo will most likely improve upon their numbers next year.

1. Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant

Russell Westbrook Kevin Durant Oklahoma City Thunder

1. Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant

Russell Westbrook Kevin Durant Oklahoma City Thunder — In March, the Oklahoma City Thunder lost their scoring superstar in Kevin Durant, who recently became the second-youngest player in NBA history to reach the 10,000-point scoring mark. In his absence, Russell Westbrook put up absurd scoring numbers night in and night out, with few perimeter options alongside him. With Durant now returning, there is no doubt that the Thunder boast the best scoring duo in the league today.

In March, the Oklahoma City Thunder lost their scoring superstar in Kevin Durant, who recently became the second-youngest player in NBA history to reach the 10,000-point scoring mark. In his absence, Russell Westbrook put up absurd scoring numbers night in and night out, with few perimeter options alongside him. With Durant now returning, there is no doubt that the Thunder boast the best scoring duo in the league today.

Nicholas Sciria is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Nick_Sciria, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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