New Orleans Pelicans: Ranking the Top-Ten Backcourts in the NBA

#2: Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday, New Orleans Pelicans

This will undoubtedly draw some argument.

After all, the combination of Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday is largely unproven, but remember, this list factors current skill with future potential and this duo has plenty of both.

Even though the New Orleans Pelicans are currently outside the playoffs looking in, the future is bright in New Orleans with this backcourt.

They form one of the most unique pairings, as both Ball and Holiday are essentially point guards with elite passing skills.

Ball is one of the best passers in the NBA, averaging seven assists for the New Orleans Pelicans, many of the spectacular fashion.

Check out these two beauties:

Holiday adds 6.9 assists himself, giving the New Orleans Pelicans two of the best playmaking guards in the NBA.

This is important when you have Zion Williamson to throw lobs to and Brandon Ingram to hit for open 3-point shots.

The New Orleans Pelicans have one of the top scoring offenses in the NBA, largely because of the playmaking ability of Ball and Holiday.

But that is not all they do.

Lonzo and Holiday are both elite defenders who can guard bigger guys. Lonzo gets 1.4 steals a game and Holiday 1.7, often while guarding the other team’s best player.

Ball has an emerging offensive game as well, shooting a career-best 38.3 percent from 3-point range on 6.5 attempts per game.

Holiday has always been good offensively and is averaging 19.6 points and has often been the best offensive player on the floor for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Did I mention rebounding? Ball pulls down 6.2 a game and Holiday adds another 4.9, making them the best rebounding backcourt in the NBA.

Their combination of offense, defense and rebounding make the New Orleans Pelicans’ backcourt one of the best in the NBA.

But there is still one duo they have to knock off if they want to take the crown.

#1: Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors

Both Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson missed most of this season with injuries, but until someone knocks them off, they are still the top backcourt in the NBA.

The Splash Brothers answered the question “What would happen if you put two of the best shooters of all time on the same team?”

Curry is the greatest 3-point shooter of all time and Thompson is not far behind.

Though they missed this season, they still have the resumes to back up this claim.

Curry and Thompson have been staples on the All-NBA team and their style of play has literally changed the NBA.

Both can shoot from pretty much anywhere on the floor, including regularly from near halfcourt for Curry.

If Thompson gets hot, there is no one like him and it won’t be surprising if he keeps setting records for most 3-pointers in a game, quarter or even by the minute.

Curry is a career 43.5 percent shooter from long-range on a staggering 8.2 attempts per game.

Thompson isn’t much worse, shooting 41.9 percent from 3-point land on seven attempts.

Thompson also plays elite defense and Curry has led the NBA in steals.

Most importantly, the duo have three rings, which is something no one else on this list can say.

It is tightening and there are certainly many arguments to be made for the young duo on the New Orleans Pelicans, the scorers in Houston or the old standards in Portland, but for now, the Splash Brothers still hold the top spot.

We at Pelican Debrief are committed to bringing you coverage of the New Orleans Pelicans during the hiatus.

Thank you for your continued support during these trying times. Stay safe out there!