Pelicans: Ranking the top-10 duos in the Western Conference

New Orleans Pelicans: Best duos in the Western Conference #7-10

#7: Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram

Finally, the New Orleans Pelicans’ duo of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram show up on the list! The fact that these two are so low shows you exactly how good the West is, as they might have been the top duo in the conference in certain years.

Even though these two could be the top scoring duo in the NBA this season, I can’t rank them any higher until they show improvement on the defensive end. Both played sub-par defense last season even though they were elite scorers.

I think Zion and B.I. can definitely supplant some of the duos on this list if the Pelicans improve, but if it’s just them scoring a ton again and not playing any defense, it’s hard to justify them any higher as of now.

#8: Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis

This is another duo that could be higher on the list if not for health and defense. Luka Doncic is one of the favorites to win MVP this season, but he doesn’t have a reliable running mate.

Porzingis only played 43 games last season and has yet to put together a full season in his young career. If he ever did, these two would shoot up towards the top of this list, as are both “unicorns” who are difficult to stop.

#9: Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum

Damian Lillard is still an elite guard and one of the best players in the NBA, but like Luka, it’s hard to say who the Robin is to his Batman. It’s been McCollum for what seems like 20 years, a duo whose ceiling is pretty much first round of the playoffs with the exception of their unlikely run to the Western Conference Finals.

You could argue that Norman Powell has taken this spot, but either way, it still doesn’t look like the Blazers have done enough around Lillard, which is why there are rumblings that he wants to leave.

#10: Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.

This is an exciting young duo, who like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, could find themselves near the top of this list in a few seasons.

Ja is an electric point guard and JJJ  is one of the best young bigs in the league, though he did take a step back as a shooter last season.