Ranking the NBA’s best backcourt duos after Timberwolves pair LaMelo Ball with Anthony Edwards

Having already traded Julius Randle before the NBA Draft, the Timberwolves will enter next season with a very different team.

NBA Analysis Network ranks the top five backcourts in the league, from fifth to first, including Edwards and Ball.

5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell (Thunder)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander almost single-handedly means the Oklahoma City Thunder have one of the top five backcourts.

The back-to-back regular season MVP just averaged 33.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.6 assists, as the Thunder won 64 games.

Although many take issue with his flopping, nobody can dispute Gilgeous-Alexander’s effectiveness—a top-three guard in the NBA.

The only reason SGA is not higher on the list is that he plays alongside Ajay Mitchell, a role player and not an All-Star.

4. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden (Cavaliers)

Donovan Mitchell and James Harden may have ranked higher than fourth if it were not for the latter’s postseason woes.

Mitchell remains one of the most underrated players in the league, consistently averaging 25+ PPG in the regular season and playoffs.

However, Harden has struggled in the playoffs throughout his career, including in the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals.

He averaged 16 PPG against the New York Knicks on less than 20 percent three-point shooting efficiency.

3. Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball (Timberwolves)

Despite not playing together, Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball should immediately be a top-three NBA backcourt.

Ball’s playmaking and Edwards’ scoring will complement each other perfectly on the offensive side of the ball.

However, Timberwolves fans should be slightly concerned about Ball’s injury history, defense, and winning mentality.

It will be fascinating to watch them try to figure out how to get the best out of each other throughout the 2026/27 season.

2. Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges (Knicks)

Jalen Brunson has risen several lists following the Knicks’ Finals victory, including the NBA’s best backcourts.

The point guard was never expected to develop into a superstar, let alone a Finals MVP, when he left the Dallas Mavericks.

Brunson will arguably enter next season as the best player on the planet, not only because of his ability but also his intangibles.

Meanwhile, Mikal Bridges is also a valuable two-way player, shooting more than 42% from three against the San Antonio Spurs.

1. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves (Lakers)

The Los Angeles Lakers were one of the leading Western Conference contenders before Luka Doncic’s hamstring injury.

Doncic has been an offensive machine ever since he was drafted, and he had Austin Reaves and LeBron James for support.

Doncic (33.5) and Reaves (23.3) were even the highest-scoring duo in the NBA last season, averaging a combined 56.8 PPG.

If general manager Rob Pelinka can build a team of solid defenders around them, they should lead the Lakers on a deep playoff run.