Even though Pippen & Jordan beat Stockton & Malone twice?
haha. just messing with you. I know it's all a matter of opinion.
The best duos ever, in my opinion (excluding Auerbach & Russell - that's the greatest ever)
1. Jordan & Pippen - 6-0 in Finals appearances speaks for itself, best defensive duo ever, both could do anything on offense, most well-rounded duo ever.
2. Bill Russell & Sam Jones - 10 championships in 11 seasons. Let that sink in for a moment....that's insane! Jones was a great defender, and was the go to, clutch scorer on those Celtics teams. Russell was the greatest defensive big man ever, and had a hand in several of Jones' baskets, as his outlet passes and blocks led to countless Boston fastbreaks. The only reason I put Jordan & Pippen ahead of these guys? Jordan & Pippen could do it all on offense & defense. Jones was great at both ends, but Russell was an average offensive player.
3. Magic Johnson & Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - 5 championships in 8 tries. The two were such a well-rounded duo. Magic was up & down, fast paced frenzy on offense, while Kareem was a slow down, post up, half court type of player. Kareem was a solid shot blocker & rebounder, which fed right into Magic's fast breaks. And, it's hard to argue with the results.
4. Bird & McHale - The best passing duo on this list, and two of the most well-rounded offensive forwards ever. Bird & McHale played off of each other so well, and created so many opportunities for the other with their incredible passing and court awareness. In games where McHale demanded a double team, Bird was left open to operate on the outside. In games where Bird required a double team, McHale was free to post up and embarrass whoever had the misfortune of guarding him. Both were exceptional rebounders, and McHale was a great defensive player. The only reason I can't put them ahead of Magic & Kareem - they won less titles (3 titles in 5 tries), and Magic & Kareem's Lakers went 2-1 against Bird & McHale's Celtics.
5. Shaquille O'Neal & Kobe Bryant - the most perfect duo on this list (from a basketball standpoint). Shaquille O'Neal was the most dominant center, by far, of the era. Kobe Bryant was coming into his own as the best perimeter player we had seen since Michael Jordan. Put the two together, and it was a defense's nightmare. You couldn't DARE help off of Shaq when Kobe beat his man off the dribble, because if you did, Shaq would abuse anyone inside. If you doubled Shaq, he was a great passer, and would hit Kobe streaking through or would kick it out to Kobe, who could then isolate and get inside. Both were solid defenders and passers. The duo won 3 titles in 4 tries, and had egos not gotten in the way, they should've won 6 or 7 titles.