Toronto Raptors: Where do Pascal Siakam and Kyle Lowry rank as a duo?

5. Ben Simmons & Joel Embiid

Like Murray and Jokic, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are one of the most talented young duos in the league. Embiid is still only 25 years old while Simmons has just turned 23 during the offseason.

While at times, the fit of Simmons and Embiid doesn’t feel authentic or remotely capable of working – due to both’s tendencies to dominate in the paint. Simmons is a point guard in a power forward’s body, while Embiid is a 7-foot wrecking machine who – when healthy – can be the most dominant force in the NBA.

The ceiling of their capabilities might depend on Simmons’ ability to build a competent jumper, as spacing the court not only adds another trait to his list of growing attributes, but it gives Embiid more room to work in the paint.

Both are budding superstars, though, and the sky is the limit for the Philadelphia 76ers this season. The additions of Josh Richardson and Al Horford – who had a real chance to be included in the duo alongside Embiid – have propelled the Sixers to the strongest starting line-up in the NBA, and a potentially historic defense in the process.

Led by Simmons and Embiid, the Sixers might have a real chance to win their first title since the 1982-83 NBA season.