Top Five: NBA Duos That Should Have Stayed Together

[12thManzAlive]

Top Five: NBA Duos That Should Have Stayed Together

5. Tracy McGrady & Vince Carter- These two players could have done great things in Toronto. As far as chemistry goes, it couldn’t have gotten any better, due to the fact that they were cousins. Many people thought that they could have been a Jordan-Scottie type duo. Vince was the high flyer and McGrady was the big man that could handle the ball like a point. Fans never got to see the final product however, as McGrady eventually left for Orlando and would become one of the elite players in the NBA, overshadowing his cousin Vince.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=WGbWl5cjlDw



4. Shawn Kemp & Gary Payton- This duo was probably the most exciting to watch and had amazing chemistry on the floor. Shawn Kemp was the high flyer that posterized defenders nightly and Payton was the loud mouth point guard that played lock down defense. Payton seemed to know where Kemp was at all times and would throw alley oop passes from half court and off the back board for Kemp. They made it to the NBA finals in 1996 only to be defeated by the Bulls. Kemp went on to have problems with drugs and his weight, later playing with the Cleveland Caviliers for a couple of seasons. Payton continued to play for Seattle, but would never again reach the finals as a Sonic.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=CZE-tGAB4uI



3. Shaquille O’Neal & Penny Hardaway-This was by far the most devasting split of a duo. In the mid 90’s, these two players were the faces of the future, and they were great together. Shaquille O’Neal was tearing down rims and dunking on everybody and Penny Hardaway was an athletic 6′8” point guard with great vision. They made it to the 1995 NBA finals, but were defeated by the Houston Rockets. But, the basketball gods just wouldn’t allow this duo to stay together. Hardaway soon became plagued by injuries, and Shaq left for L.A., leaving fans wondering what could have been.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=bAo0FJrDbDc


2. Kevin Garnett & Stephon Marbury- If they had stayed together, there is no doubt that they would have won a championship for the Timberwolves. They played so well together at such a young age and they played with intensity each and everytime they stepped on the floor. Fans were shocked when Marbury was traded to the New Jersey Nets, leaving Garnett to do everything for the Minnesota franchise. Marbury really hasn’t given a straightforward answer as to why he was traded and some speculate that Marbury was jealous of Garnett. This was definately a duo that fans thought would be together for years.




1. Shaquille O’neal & Kobe Bryant- They won three championships and had if they stayed together, they probably would have won at least two more. Although they may have not liked each other, they played extremely well together. They flourished in the triangle offense under Phil Jackson and at times were unstoppable. Opposing teams just had no answer for O’Neal and Bryant. Shaq was dominant on both ends of the floor and Kobe was a force offensively. They were a dominate duo and if they had gotten along, they would have made history.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=QPsYD5-pDKc

[garnett_21]

#2 - Garnett and Marbury....imagine if the Wolves kept Ray Allen, instead of trading him for Marbury on draft day....I think a championship would've come with them for sure!

[RenegadeLonghorn]

#1 duo could have six NBA titles by now.

[angel0430]

#1 duo could have six NBA titles by now.

I don't think so. They don't get along with each other. And now ( I hate to say it) but Kobe is playing the best basketball of his life. He is absolutely amazing this year. He started playing better ever since they split