Ranking NBA Back-Courts 2014-2015

With the coming NBA season fast upon us and lots of trash-talking already taking place about who has the best back-court in the league, Complex magazine has timely released their ranking of all the starting back-court duos (PG-SG) in the NBA.

Shocked by any of the rankings? Enraged at how low or how high some back courts are rated?

Only time will truly tell us how accurate these rankings are. 

Nonetheless, there are definitely some sleepers on this list with candidates who are predicted to make that perennial leap into the All-Star status. While on the other hand, there are others who are seen by the writer as likely to drop off from their previous season.

My thoughts/shocks from this list:

Rank #21 - Charlotte Hornets (Kemba Walker & Lance Stephenson)

When the dust settles after all the theatrics, one who actually follows basketball knows deep down that Lance Stephenson can really ball (and rap too cause you already know he's obviously tryna make the next highlight on SportCentre). Ranking over Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, Lance Stephenson was in fact the leader of triple doubles in the entire league last season. With a change of scenery in Charlotte, the Hornets not only provide him with more opportunities than the Pacers to be the man to step up but will definitely have to look to him to repeat that feat this year in order to make the playoffs once more. Kemba Walker also had a fantastic season statistically as he recorded personal highs in 3P%, FT% and REBs. Again flying under the radar, I expect him to solidify his role on the team with another year of experience under his belt. 

I can't wait to see what the Hornets back-court has in store for the coming season when Stephenson stakes his claim by proclaiming: "When me and Kemba in the back-court, that's dead meat." 

Rank #17 - Brooklyn Nets (Deron Williams & Joe Johnson)

Okay, okay. Yes, Deron Williams has dropped off significantly these past couple seasons and maybe Joe Johnson shouldn't have been an All-Star last year (but was still given that honor). However, to give them a ranking below the Knicks (Jose Calderon & Iman Shumpert - trust me, I'm a huge fan of his hard-nose defensive playing style and athleticism) is just ridiculous in my opinion.

Rank #11 - Boston Celtics (Avery Bradley & Rajon Rondo)

First thing's first, I agree that Rajon Rondo has the qualities to become an All-Star this season, as he leads a very young and inexperienced team. Likely the go-to-guy for the Celtics, Rondo should be able to reach top-three in the league for the most assists per game. However, the biggest issue lies with whether or not he will be able to return to full health as he is coming off a series of injuries in the previous seasons. Even with his protege, Avery Bradley, strong at the helm (and potentially a valuable cornerstone for the franchise), I still don't see how they justify a ranking of #11..

As for the top 5 rankings, from bottom to top (Wizards, Suns, Bulls, Clippers, and top team - Warriors), I remain content. 

I'm glad the Suns are gaining more recognition for their hard work put in by their front office by securing a top-notch back court in the midst of transition. I am a huge fan of Jimmy Bulter and am bold enough to say that he may even outshine Rose this coming season. I see the Bulls pushing well into the playoffs and should be the team to beat out in the East (relax all you Lebron fans - notice how I didn't call out Cavalier fans cause I'm looking at you bandwagoners). In my books, the Clippers deserve such a ranking as Chris Paul remains the best point guard in the league and lights-out shooter, J.J. Redick complements so perfectly to the system Doc Rivers has them running down in LA.

And finally, if you have any doubt whether the Warriors have the best back-court (this means offensively AND defensively), you obviously haven't been watching enough Warriors ball. Put on display during the FIBA tournament this summer, the Splash Brothers, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, are definitely a force to be reckoned with as they both have the ability to shoot a team out the gymnasium. Klay Thompson is by far one of the best defensive two-guards in the league who also possesses a consistent enough offensive game to keep defenses backpedaling.

Even though lots of noise has been made already, the brewing of bad blood is likely not going to end here. Let the Twitter trash-talking battles continue...