Jordan and Pippen. Playing second fiddle was a problem . . . until Jordan left and Pippen learned he didn't like being The Man. O'Neal and Bryant. Two very intelligent players. Two guys who want to win.
Basketball is one thing, chemistry another.
Johnson and Abdul-Jabbar. They were just as complementary off the floor. Nevertheless, it took five years for them to go from associates to friends. Bird and McHale. Bird was the most complete offensive forward who played, transcending the position as Johnson, his archrival, transcended guard.