9. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic
This pair really had their coming out party in last year’s playoffs when they led the Denver Nuggets to the Western Conference second round where they ultimately lost in seven games to the Blazers.
Their games work perfectly together and they play off one another so well. A lot of it has to do with Jokic’s otherworldly passing ability and court vision. A lot of the time it’s like the roles are reversed since the Joker is basically the Nuggets’ point guard, but credit to Jamal Murray as he is already a very good cutter and off ballplayer.
They’re also a lethal pick and roll combo and as Murray continues to grow and mature, that play is only going to become more effective.
And that’s what’s probably most impressive about this big 2. They’re young.
And both have room to become even better. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Murray compete for his first all-star appearance next season and for Jokic – if he’s at 2019-playoff level – he could be a dark horse candidate for MVP even.
However you look at it, it’s safe to say that the Nuggets are in good hands for the foreseeable future.