Pistons: Ranking Hayes and Cunningham vs. other young NBA backcourts

No. 7 young backcourt in the NBA-RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, New York Knicks

I’m breaking my own rule here since Quickley didn’t start with Barrett, but since he made the All-Rookie team I’ll make an exception. Barrett took a huge leap on both ends and looks like he’ll be one of the top shooting guards in the league at some point. He can defend and knock down long range shots and has plus size for the position.

Quickley is already a knock-down 3-point shooter off the bench and will probably assume a larger role next season depending on what the Knicks do with their roster, which is loaded with potential veteran free agents.

No. 6 young backcourt in the NBA-Ben Simmons and Matisse Thybulle, Philadelphia 76ers

If this list were only based on defense, these two would easily be number one.

Simmons has been one of the most polarizing players in recent history but you can’t deny the dude can defend, rebound and makes plays. In fact, he does everything well but shoot, which it turns out is pretty important.

Thybulle is also an elite defender who can’t shoot. The 76ers had three elite defenders when you add Embiid, which shows how the game has changed, as they still couldn’t make the Eastern Conference Finals largely because of injuries and their inability to score against the Hawks.

The NBA is an offensive league now, which is why this duo ranks so low even though they are very talented.