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LA Clippers: Ranking The Top Superstar Duos In The NBA

By Ryan Snellings

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 22: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors and Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare for play to resume during the second half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on March 22, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 22: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors and Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare for play to resume during the second half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on March 22, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 20: Joel Embiid #21 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrate the win over the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on April 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 112-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 20: Joel Embiid #21 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrate the win over the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on April 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 112-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Number Four

Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons – Philadelphia 76ers

Another duo hampered by one of the stars shortcomings, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons come in at fourth in the rankings.

Joel Embiid is an absolute monster on both ends of the court. He has the absolutely slowest pump fake in the league and yet, players somehow still fall for it. He is capable of hitting the outside shot and playing down low. Defensively, he’s an elite rim protector. If Embiid comes into this season in shape and healthy, he could easily be in the MVP conversation.

After the loss to the Toronto Raptors in the playoffs, Embiid seemingly had a come-to-Jesus moment. If he did in fact realize what he needs to do to take his game to the next level, the league will be in trouble.

My concern here is for Ben Simmons. The former Rookie of the Year is already a great player, but his inability to shoot is a real problem. He could put in the work this summer and come out shooting from deep. In reality, he doesn’t need to be a high volume guy. He just needs to hit them when left wide open so teams cannot sag off him.

Until he does that though, this superstar duo just won’t move any higher up in the rankings. It’s also worth noting that while these two are definitely the stars of the Sixers, they did sign Tobias Harris to the most expensive contract in team history. I don’t know what that means for these rankings, but it’s worth noting.

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