Podcast Summary: The Ringer NBA Show – "Top Five Best NBA Duos and Trae Young’s Frustration" (Released August 7, 2025)

Hosts: Howard Beck and Michael Pena, Senior Writers at The Ringer

1. Introduction: Embracing a Quiet NBA Summer

As the NBA offseason settles into the typically subdued "dog days" of August, Howard Beck and Michael Pena kick off the episode by acknowledging the lull in significant news. With contract extensions like those of Luka Dončić, De'Aaron Fox, and Giannis Antetokounmpo dominating discussions without groundbreaking developments, the hosts decide to pivot to a more engaging topic: the best duos in the NBA.

Howard Beck (00:27): "...in this nice, quiet space of the summer, we'll just have some fun. We'll do our top duos. Favorite duos..."

2. Trae Young’s Contract Frustration and the Max Contract Era

Before delving into the duos, Michael brings up Trae Young's disappointment regarding the Atlanta Hawks' delay in offering him a contract extension. This segues into a broader conversation about the evolving landscape of NBA contracts, particularly the challenges teams face in the "second apron era."

Michael Pena (02:10): "Trey Young is apparently disappointed that the Atlanta Hawks have not offered him a contract extension..."

Howard Beck (02:49): "We're now having to figure out where the line is. When do you automatically give it to the guy, the max, even if you're not entirely sure that this is the franchise star..."

The discussion highlights the dilemma teams face: whether to commit hefty max contracts to players who are undeniably talented but may not fit the long-term vision of the franchise.

3. Establishing Criteria for Evaluating NBA Duos

Howard and Michael outline their methodology for selecting the top five duos, emphasizing factors like combined talent, self-sufficiency, durability, offensive and defensive compatibility, and the ability to carry the load independently.

Michael Pena (10:43): "...I looked at the teams, I know who plays for what teams. Just kind of refresh my memory and I feel like I have a good grasp on things..."

4. The Top Five NBA Duos

5. Number Five: Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns

Howard Beck (11:43): "Jalen Brunson can just get a shot almost like anywhere, anytime at impossible angles..."

Michael Pena (13:39): "They make each other better. Despite their first season together, Defense is just such a red flag..."

Brunson and Towns are praised for their offensive prowess and potential synergy in their second year together. However, their defensive weaknesses hold them back from ranking higher.

4. Number Four: Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley

Michael Pena (26:53): "Donovan Mitchell took a back seat last season, intentionally sacrificed his individual numbers for the greater good..."

Howard Beck (29:31): "Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley are really good together and when they were on the court together, they torched the NBA..."

The duo is lauded for their complementary skills and on-court chemistry, especially in pick-and-roll scenarios. Their growth and improved performance last season earn them a spot in the top five.

3. Number Three: Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox

Michael Pena (41:59): "Victor Wembanyama will be a, like, universally seen as a top five player in the league..."

Howard Beck (44:38): "We have to project what Victor and De'Aaron Fox can do together, and it's just immense..."

Wembanyama, a rising star, paired with Fox, creates a dynamic duo for the San Antonio Spurs. Their combined defensive prowess and offensive versatility are expected to make the Spurs a formidable force.

2. Number Two: Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler

Howard Beck (38:44): "Steph and Jimmy... They are going to be incredible. Their intelligences and how they play off each other is phenomenal..."

Michael Pena (40:55): "Jimmy Butler is one of the smartest players in the league, ranking alongside Nikola Jokić..."

Despite not making Michael's initial list, Howard champions the pairing of Curry and Butler for their basketball IQ and complementary play styles, acknowledging their potential to dominate when healthy.

1. Number One: Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray

Michael Pena (58:18): "There were 199 two-man combinations that played at least 1,000 minutes together last season and none had a higher offensive rating than Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić..."

Howard Beck (59:10): "They are, like, this unstoppable duo. Their telepathy on the court is just beautiful..."

Capping the list, Jokić and Murray are celebrated for their unparalleled synergy and offensive efficiency. Their ability to dominate games independently of their teammates places them at the pinnacle of NBA duos.

5. Honorable Mentions

Both hosts acknowledge additional duos that showcase immense talent and potential but didn't make the top five due to various factors like defensive concerns or team dynamics. These include:

• Luka Dončić and LeBron James
• Paul George and Jalen Williams
• Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
• Kawhi Leonard and James Harden

Michael Pena (66:29): "Paolo and Franz, Steph and Jimmy, Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. You know, showing them some love..."

6. Conclusion: Expectations for the Upcoming Season

The hosts wrap up by discussing the implications of these top duos on the forthcoming NBA season, highlighting the pressures on teams with high payrolls like the Denver Nuggets and Cleveland Cavaliers. They express optimism for the Nuggets, predicting them as championship contenders, while also acknowledging the dynamic and unpredictable nature of NBA team performances.

Michael Pena (60:16): "They’re the single biggest threat to the Thunder's reign."

Howard Beck (61:52): "If you were to ask me this if we were to redo this exercise in, like, November. Yeah, good chance that these two are going to be on the list..."

The episode concludes with a mutual acknowledgment of the excitement and uncertainty that the new season brings, emphasizing the transformative potential of standout duos in shaping team success.

Notable Quotes:

• Howard Beck (02:49): "Maybe that's what's happening in Atlanta. And so, no, I am not prepared to give him the four year, $229 million extension tomorrow."

• Michael Pena (41:59): "Victor Wembanyama will be a, like, universally seen as a top five player in the league."

• Michael Pena (58:18): "There were 199 two-man combinations that played at least 1,000 minutes together last season and none had a higher offensive rating than Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić."

This episode of The Ringer NBA Show offers an in-depth analysis of the most impactful duos in the NBA, blending statistical insights with personal observations. Howard Beck and Michael Pena provide listeners with a comprehensive overview of how these partnerships influence team dynamics and their prospects for the upcoming season.