NBA: Ranking Every Team’s Starting Backcourt Heading Into 2016-17

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Oct 28, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) and guard Mike Conley (11) on the bench during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at FedExForum. Cleveland Cavaliers beat Memphis Grizzlies 106-76. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) and guard Mike Conley (11) on the bench during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at FedExForum. Cleveland Cavaliers beat Memphis Grizzlies 106-76. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

20. Memphis Grizzlies

Starting Backcourt: Mike Conley and Tony Allen

Speaking of elite defenders, even at 34, The Grindfather (Tony Allen) is still grinding. Meanwhile, Mike Conley is cashing in.

Conley will earn an insane $153 million over the next five seasons, making him the highest paid player in NBA history. Until next summer, of course.

Obviously, Conley isn’t one of the greatest players in NBA history but with the rising cap, Memphis did all it could to keep its All-Star caliber point guard. It was a move that needed to be made.

The duo of Conley and Allen has never been sexy or exciting, but it has always helped carry the Grizzlies to the postseason. Injuries and age, however, will help determine how good this duo can be in 2016-17.

Next: No. 19