The Most Talented Duos Who Couldn’t Reach The NBA Finals In The Last 30 Years

When you think of the NBA’s greatest duos, you probably imagine teams like Jordan and Pippen or Shaq and Kobe, who dominated on their way to the Finals. But not every star-studded pair gets to experience that level of success. Over the last 30 years, we’ve seen plenty of dynamic duos that lit up the court but just couldn’t break through to the NBA Finals. Whether it was bad timing, injuries, or just running into better teams, these duos will always be remembered for what could’ve been. Let’s take a look at 20 of the most talented pairs who fell short of the ultimate stage.

1. James Harden And Joel Embiid

Years Together: 3 (2021-2024)

Best Result: Eastern Conference Semifinals (2021, 2022)

When James Harden joined Joel Embiid in Philadelphia, it seemed like the Sixers had finally assembled a duo capable of making a real run for the Finals. Harden, a former MVP and scoring machine, paired with the dominant force of Embiid, one of the most versatile big men in the game. On paper, it was a match made in heaven. But as we’ve seen before in the NBA, things don’t always go according to plan.

In their three seasons together, the closest they got was back-to-back appearances in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Embiid was unstoppable during the regular season, earning his first MVP award in 2023 after averaging 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. Harden, meanwhile, shifted into more of a playmaking role, leading the league in assists in 2023 with 10.7 per game, while still putting up solid scoring numbers.

Unfortunately, playoff success never came. Whether it was Embiid dealing with injuries or Harden’s inconsistency in big moments, the Sixers couldn’t get past the second round. They ran into the Boston Celtics in both 2022 and 2023, falling short both times. Despite having one of the most talented rosters in the league, the Harden-Embiid duo couldn’t deliver when it mattered most. By 2024, after another disappointing postseason, Harden was on the move again, leaving Philadelphia still searching for that elusive Finals appearance.

2. Kevin Durant And Kyrie Irving

Years Together: 4 (2019-2023)

Best Result: Eastern Conference Semifinals (2021)

The idea of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving joining forces in Brooklyn had NBA fans buzzing. With two of the league’s most unstoppable scorers on the same team, expectations were sky-high. Durant, fresh off recovering from an Achilles injury, was still in his prime, and Irving’s elite handles and shot-making ability made them a nightmare for opposing defenses. But despite the hype, their time together was anything but smooth.

Injuries were a constant roadblock. Durant missed his entire first season in Brooklyn, and when both were healthy, something always seemed to derail their momentum. Their best shot at a title came in 2021, when the Nets added James Harden to form a superteam. That year, Durant was dominant, averaging 34.3 points per game in the playoffs, while Irving chipped in with 22.7 points per game. However, a combination of injuries—particularly to Irving in the second round—led to a heartbreaking Game 7 overtime loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

After that, things started to unravel. Off-court drama, injuries, and roster changes kept them from ever reaching their full potential. By the time 2023 rolled around, Irving was traded to Dallas, and Durant found himself in Phoenix, leaving the Brooklyn Nets without a Finals appearance despite having two of the best players of their generation.

3. Kawhi Leonard And Paul George

Years Together: 4 (2019-2023)

Best Result: Western Conference Finals (2021)

The partnership between Kawhi Leonard and Paul George was supposed to usher in a new era for the Clippers. Two of the league’s most elite two-way players, joining forces in Los Angeles, had everyone predicting championship runs. However, from the very start, their tenure together was derailed by injuries and inconsistent performances in key playoff moments. Despite their immense talent, they never seemed to fully sync up when it mattered most.

In 2021, they had their most promising season. George stepped up in the playoffs, especially when Leonard went down with a knee injury during the Western Conference Semifinals. George carried the Clippers to their first-ever Western Conference Finals appearance, but they fell to the Phoenix Suns in six games. Without Leonard, the team simply lacked the firepower to compete at the highest level, leaving another season of “what ifs” for the Clippers.

By 2024, the duo’s time together came to an end. Paul George signed a four-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, leaving Leonard as the lone superstar in Los Angeles. For all the hype and potential, Leonard and George couldn’t deliver the franchise’s first Finals appearance. Their stint together will always be remembered as a period of unfulfilled expectations and unfortunate injuries.

4. Donovan Mitchell And Rudy Gobert

Years Together: 5 (2017-2022)

Best Result: Western Conference Semifinals (2021)

Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert were the pillars of the Utah Jazz for five seasons, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances. Mitchell was the explosive scorer, while Gobert anchored the defense with his three Defensive Player of the Year awards. Together, they formed one of the most balanced duos in the league. However, despite consistently being a top seed in the Western Conference, they couldn’t get over the playoff hump.

Their best shot at success came in the 2020-21 season when the Jazz finished with the best record in the league. Mitchell averaged 26.4 points per game that season, while Gobert continued to dominate defensively, averaging 2.7 blocks per game. But even with home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, they were eliminated in the Western Conference Semifinals by the Los Angeles Clippers, a series where injuries and inconsistencies hurt their chances.

By 2022, it became clear that the Mitchell-Gobert partnership had run its course. Gobert was traded to Minnesota, and Mitchell headed to Cleveland, ending their time together without a Finals appearance. While both players found individual success, their inability to make a deep playoff run will always leave Jazz fans wondering what could have been.

5. Damian Lillard And CJ McCollum

Years Together: 8 (2013-2021)

Best Result: Western Conference Finals (2019)

Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum were the heart and soul of the Portland Trail Blazers for nearly a decade, leading the team to the playoffs consistently. Lillard’s long-range shooting paired perfectly with McCollum’s smooth offensive game, making them one of the best backcourts in the league. However, even with their consistency, the Trail Blazers couldn’t overcome the tough competition in the Western Conference.

Their best shot came in 2019 when they carried the Trail Blazers to the Western Conference Finals. After a hard-fought seven-game series win against Denver, they were swept by the Warriors. It became clear that even with their talent, Portland needed more firepower to compete with the top teams.

Without the expected results, the Trail Blazers decided to shake things up and traded McCollum to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2021. Although they never reached the Finals, their partnership left a lasting legacy in Portland, providing years of competitive basketball and unforgettable moments.

6. Jimmy Butler And Joel Embiid

Years Together: 1 (2018-2019)

Best Result: Eastern Conference Semifinals (2019)

Jimmy Butler’s time with Joel Embiid on the Philadelphia 76ers was brief but impactful. Butler joined the Sixers in 2018 and quickly established himself as the closer for a team that needed one. Paired with Embiid’s dominance in the paint, they became a formidable duo capable of challenging the best in the East. However, their chemistry, while strong on the court, didn’t last long enough to push them to the Finals.

In their postseason run the 76ers pushed the eventual champions, the Toronto Raptors, to seven games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Embiid averaged 20.2 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, while Butler stepped up in the playoffs, averaging 19.4 points and providing clutch performances. But it all ended in heartbreak with Kawhi Leonard’s iconic Game 7 buzzer-beater, eliminating the Sixers in one of the most memorable shots in NBA history.

After that playoff run, Butler left Philadelphia to join the Miami Heat in free agency, marking the end of a duo that, while short-lived, showed flashes of greatness. The “what ifs” remain for 76ers fans who wonder what could have happened had Butler stayed alongside Embiid for a longer run.

7. James Harden And Chris Paul

Years Together: 2 (2017-2019)

Best Result: Western Conference Finals (2018)

James Harden and Chris Paul teamed up on the Houston Rockets with one goal: to take down the Golden State Warriors and win a championship. In their first season together, the duo was incredibly successful, leading the Rockets to a league-best 65-17 record. Harden, playing his usual MVP-level basketball, and Paul, orchestrating the offense, made Houston a legitimate title contender. Their combination of elite scoring and playmaking was a nightmare for defenses.

Their best shot at a title came in 2018 when they pushed the Warriors to seven games in the Western Conference Finals. Harden averaged 28.6 points per game in the playoffs, while Paul’s leadership and timely shot-making were crucial. Unfortunately, Paul’s hamstring injury in Game 5 changed everything, and the Rockets couldn’t close out the series, losing to Golden State in seven games.

By 2019, tension had built between the two stars, and Paul was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Although they fell short of their championship goal, their run together left many wondering what could have happened had Paul stayed healthy in that fateful 2018 series.

8. Russell Westbrook And Paul George

Years Together: 2 (2017-2019)

Best Result: First Round (2018, 2019)

The combination of Russell Westbrook and Paul George brought star power to the Oklahoma City Thunder after the heartbreaking departure of Kevin Durant to the Warriors. Westbrook had just completed an MVP season, and George added elite scoring and defensive skills. George quickly found his rhythm, posting 28.0 points per game in his second season, while Westbrook maintained his triple-double dominance, leading the team’s offense with incredible energy.

In the playoffs, their efforts weren’t enough to break through. Both seasons ended in first-round exits, with losses to the Utah Jazz in 2018 and the Portland Trail Blazers in 2019. The latter series ended with Damian Lillard’s iconic deep game-winner over George, a moment that defined their brief run together.

Following the 2019 season, George requested a trade to join the Clippers, and Westbrook was dealt to Houston. Their partnership, although exciting, didn’t deliver the postseason success the Thunder had hoped for, marking the end of an era for Oklahoma City. Although both found themselves as teammates again with the Clippers for the last two seasons, George’s departure to the 76ers closed their window to thrive together this past offseason.

9. Anthony Davis And DeMarcus Cousins

Years Together: 1 (2017-2018)

Best Result: Western Conference Semifinals (2018)

The New Orleans Pelicans brought together two of the most dominant big men in the league when they paired Anthony Davis with DeMarcus Cousins. Davis, already an All-Star and elite scorer, was complemented by Cousins’ power and versatility. The two quickly developed chemistry, forming a lethal frontcourt duo that gave the Pelicans a unique edge over most teams.

Their partnership was cut short when Cousins tore his Achilles in January 2018, right as the Pelicans were finding their stride. Before the injury, Cousins was averaging 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, while Davis put up 28.1 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. The duo led the Pelicans to the playoffs, where they advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals, but without Cousins, they fell to the Golden State Warriors.

The injury ended what could have been a long-term pairing in New Orleans. Cousins left in free agency that summer, and Davis eventually requested a trade, leaving Pelicans fans to wonder what the two could have accomplished together had they stayed healthy.

10. DeMar DeRozan And Kyle Lowry

Years Together: 6 (2012-2018)

Best Result: Eastern Conference Finals (2016)

DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry became the faces of the Toronto Raptors during their time together, helping transform the team into a perennial playoff contender. Lowry’s leadership and playmaking combined with DeRozan’s mid-range scoring made them one of the most reliable duos in the Eastern Conference. They regularly led the Raptors to deep playoff runs but often fell short against stronger competition, particularly LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Their deepest run came in 2016, when they reached the Eastern Conference Finals, only to lose to LeBron’s Cavs in six games. DeRozan averaged 23.5 points per game that postseason, while Lowry chipped in with 19.1 points and 6.0 assists per game. Despite their regular-season success, the duo’s inability to push through to the Finals eventually led to change.

In 2018, DeRozan was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Kawhi Leonard, ending one of the Raptors’ most memorable eras. While they couldn’t capture a title together, DeRozan and Lowry are remembered for building the foundation that eventually led Toronto to its first NBA championship in 2019.

11. Chris Paul And Blake Griffin

Years Together: 6 (2011-2017)

Best Result: Western Conference Semifinals (2014, 2015)

Chris Paul and Blake Griffin put the Los Angeles Clippers on the map in the early 2010s. Paul, known for his insane basketball IQ and court vision, turned Griffin into a human highlight reel. “Lob City” became the nickname, thanks to the endless alley-oops and dunks these two delivered. Paul’s pinpoint passing set up Griffin’s high-flying finishes, and the duo made the Clippers not only relevant but dangerous in a loaded Western Conference.

Even with all that talent, playoff success never came. Injuries to key players always seemed to pop up at the worst time, and when everyone was healthy, the Clippers struggled to get past the second round. In 2015, they were on the verge of reaching the Western Conference Finals, holding a 3-1 lead over the Houston Rockets, only to collapse in the final three games. That moment became symbolic of the missed opportunities for the Paul-Griffin pairing.

After six seasons, Paul left for the Houston Rockets, marking the end of “Lob City.” While they didn’t get the championships many thought they were capable of, Paul and Griffin redefined the Clippers’ image. What had been a struggling franchise for years became one of the most exciting teams in the league, thanks to this dynamic duo.

12. Derrick Rose And Joakim Noah

Years Together: 7 (2008-2016)

Best Result: Eastern Conference Finals (2011)

Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah were the backbone of the Chicago Bulls’ resurgence in the early 2010s. Rose, with his explosive drives to the basket, became the youngest MVP in NBA history in 2011, averaging 25 points and 7.7 assists per game. Noah, a relentless defender and vocal leader, anchored the defense, winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2014. Together, they brought Chicago back into championship conversations, consistently keeping the Bulls among the top teams in the East.

In 2011, the Bulls reached the Eastern Conference Finals, where Rose and Noah led the team against LeBron James’ Miami Heat. The Bulls finished the regular season with the best record in the league, but Rose’s shooting struggles and Miami’s superior firepower ended their run. That year, Rose put up 27.1 points per game in the playoffs, while Noah averaged 10.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks, proving their worth as a fierce duo on both ends of the floor.

Injuries eventually derailed the partnership. Rose’s torn ACL in 2012 changed the course of his career, and Noah also dealt with knee and foot injuries that slowed him down. After years of battling through injuries, trades ended the duo’s time together. While they never reached the Finals, their impact on the Bulls and their bond with the Chicago fanbase remains strong.

13. John Wall And Bradley Beal

Years Together: 7 (2012-2019)

Best Result: Eastern Conference Semifinals (2014, 2015, 2017)

John Wall and Bradley Beal were the heart of the Washington Wizards for nearly a decade. Wall’s lightning-quick drives and playmaking ability paired perfectly with Beal’s smooth shooting from beyond the arc. Their chemistry made them one of the league’s most dangerous backcourts, and together, they helped turn Washington into a playoff regular. Beal quickly became an elite scorer, while Wall dished out assists at an All-Star level.

The duo’s peak came in 2017, when they led the Wizards to a 49-win season and pushed the Boston Celtics to seven games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Beal averaged 24.8 points per game in the playoffs that year, while Wall contributed 27.2 points and 10.3 assists per game, putting on some memorable performances, including a Game 6 buzzer-beater to keep the Wizards’ season alive.

Injuries eventually took a toll, particularly on Wall, who missed large portions of the following seasons with knee and Achilles problems. After Wall’s injuries, the Wizards struggled to regain their form, and in 2020, Wall was traded to the Houston Rockets, ending an era. Though they never reached the Finals, Wall and Beal gave the Wizards one of their most competitive stretches in recent history.

14. Steve Nash And Amar’e Stoudemire

Years Together: 6 (2004-2010)

Best Result: Western Conference Finals (2005, 2006, 2010)

The Phoenix Suns in the mid-2000s revolutionized basketball with their up-tempo “Seven Seconds or Less” offense. At the heart of that system was the perfect combination of Nash’s elite playmaking and Stoudemire’s explosiveness at the rim. The duo’s chemistry was undeniable, and their fast-paced attack overwhelmed defenses throughout the regular season, turning the Suns into perennial contenders.

Their deep playoff runs always ended before the Finals, often due to powerhouse teams like the Spurs or Lakers. Even with Nash’s back-to-back MVPs and Stoudemire averaging over 20 points per game, the ultimate prize eluded them.

When Stoudemire left for the New York Knicks in 2010, it marked the end of their partnership. Despite falling short of a championship, Nash and Stoudemire’s impact on modern NBA offenses still resonates today.

15. Tracy McGrady And Yao Ming

Years Together: 6 (2004-2010)

Best Result: Western Conference Semifinals (2009)

Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming formed one of the most talented duos in the NBA during their time with the Houston Rockets. McGrady was an elite scorer, known for his ability to create shots from anywhere, while Yao brought a unique mix of size, skill, and footwork that made him a dominant force in the paint. Both were perennial All-Stars, and their combination gave the Rockets a dangerous inside-outside game.

The 2008-09 season marked their most successful campaign. Yao was in peak form, averaging 19.7 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, while McGrady contributed 15.6 points despite battling injuries. They pushed the Rockets to the Western Conference Semifinals for the first time in over a decade. Unfortunately, Yao suffered a foot injury during the series against the Lakers, and McGrady was sidelined with knee issues, cutting their playoff run short.

Injuries became the defining challenge for this duo. McGrady’s back problems and Yao’s recurring foot injuries constantly disrupted their chemistry, preventing them from achieving what many believed was their true potential. Although they never reached the Finals, McGrady and Yao left a lasting legacy in Houston, showing glimpses of greatness whenever they managed to stay on the court together.

16. Allen Iverson And Carmelo Anthony

Years Together: 2 (2006-2008)

Best Result: Western Conference First Round (2007, 2008)

When the Denver Nuggets paired Allen Iverson with Carmelo Anthony, there was hope they could become a dynamic offensive duo. Iverson, still one of the league’s premier scorers, joined forces with the rising star Anthony, who was coming off multiple All-Star appearances. Together, they made the Nuggets one of the highest-scoring teams in the NBA, with Iverson averaging 24.8 points and 7.2 assists, while Anthony contributed 25.7 points per game in their time together.

Despite their individual brilliance, team success was hard to come by. In both 2007 and 2008, the Nuggets were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs, losing to tough opponents like the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers. Their defense couldn’t match their offensive firepower, and they lacked the depth to compete with the West’s top teams.

The duo’s run came to an end when Iverson was traded to the Detroit Pistons in 2008, leaving many to wonder what might have been if the pairing had more time to develop. While they never advanced past the first round, their time together provided some explosive offensive moments that remain memorable in Denver.

17. Vince Carter And Tracy McGrady

Years Together: 2 (1998-2000)

Best Result: Eastern Conference First Round (2000)

Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady gave the Toronto Raptors hope for a bright future in the late 90s. Both players were cousins and young athletic phenoms who electrified the league with their high-flying dunks and explosive scoring ability. Carter, the older of the two, quickly became the face of the franchise, while McGrady showcased his all-around game as he grew into his role.

In their second season together, the Raptors made their first-ever playoff appearance in 2000, but they were swept in the first round by the New York Knicks. McGrady averaged 15.4 points during the regular season, while Carter dominated with 25.7 points per game, but they couldn’t turn their individual talents into postseason success.

Their partnership ended sooner than many expected, with McGrady leaving for the Orlando Magic in 2000 to become a star on his own. The duo’s brief time together left Raptors fans wondering how far they could have gone had they stayed together longer.

18. Kevin Garnett And Stephon Marbury

Years Together: 2 (1996-1999)

Best Result: Western Conference First Round (1997, 1998)

In the mid-90s, the Minnesota Timberwolves thought they had found their future in the pairing of Kevin Garnett and Stephon Marbury. Garnett, already emerging as one of the most versatile forwards in the league, complemented Marbury’s dynamic playmaking and fearless scoring. The duo gave the Timberwolves a competitive edge, with Garnett’s defensive prowess and Marbury’s ability to run the offense creating a lot of excitement for fans.

Their partnership led the Timberwolves to their first-ever playoff appearance in 1997, but playoff success was elusive, as they were knocked out in the first round two years in a row. Despite the potential, Marbury became disillusioned with his role in Minnesota and pushed for a trade, landing in New Jersey in 1999, which abruptly ended their time together.

The short-lived partnership left fans wondering how far the Timberwolves could have gone with this duo intact. Garnett would later find success elsewhere, but the Marbury-Garnett combo remains one of the league’s biggest “what ifs.”