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NBA: Who is the best duo from each franchise’s history

By Christopher Jeter

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 6: Scottie Pippen #33 of the Chicago Bulls is seen talking to Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on May 6, 1997 at the United Center in Chicago, IL. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 6: Scottie Pippen #33 of the Chicago Bulls is seen talking to Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on May 6, 1997 at the United Center in Chicago, IL. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Best duo from Memphis Grizzlies history: Marc Gasol and Mike Conley

Come on, did you really think anyone else would end up here for the Memphis Grizzlies? Were you expecting a surprise appearance by Bryant Reeves or Sharif Abdur-Rahim? Do you even remember when this team played in Vancouver?

In their 10 full seasons as teammates — which included seven playoff appearances and a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2013 — Mike Conley and Marc Gasol embodied the blue-collar mentality that Memphis wore as a badge of honor.

Sure, there were players who were more athletic and who posted gaudier numbers — though Conley and Gasol’s numbers look a bit better when adjusted to per 100 possessions rates — but the two steered some great defenses and did enough on offense to propel the Grizzlies to the franchise’s most successful run.

Alongside lumbering-but-talented big man Zach Randolph and Bizarro James Harden a.k.a. Tony Allen, the Grizzlies ranked in the top ten in defensive rating in six of their seven playoff seasons. Again, these offenses weren’t exactly revolutionary, but Gasol’s prowess as a passer, spot-up shooter and as a post scorer paired well enough with Conley’s steady hand in the pick-and-roll to offset everyone else’s remedial skills on that side of the floor.

Gasol and Conley weren’t exactly a duo that people would rush to play with on NBA Jam, as their combined .141 WS/48 bear out (no pun intended). But they were the right fit for those Grizzlies teams, which is why both men will be beloved in that city until the sun dies out. Grizzlies fans can only hope that Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. live up to or exceed that standard.