As we continue our NBA preview series, we rank every team’s starting 5 heading into 2017-18
An NBA team’s starting lineup is not always its five best players together. However, the starting unit is considered a main component of the team. Some starters play less than bench players many games.
The 12-man roster and playing rotation is ultimately most important in the big picture. All in all, the starting lineup is worth discussing because it consists of five players with the demanding responsibility of being a regular starter.
NOTE: These lineups are only projected and subject to change of opinion by the coaching staff. Some key starters will not be available to start the season. Therefore, the healthy backup will factor into his team’s starting lineup strength.
30. Chicago Bulls
Projected Starters: Kris Dunn, Justin Holiday, Paul Zipser, Lauri Markkanen, Robin Lopez
Possible Starters: Zach LaVine (ACL), Denzel Valentine, Nikola Mirotic (Free Agent), Bobby Portis
Chicago recently made a blockbuster trade, sending away highly regarded star Jimmy Butler and receiving a package of young players with promising upside. Dunn struggled in his 17 minutes per game with the Timberwolves last year.
LaVine is supposedly healing well from a torn ACL. Justin Holiday figures to be the starting shooting guard until LaVine returns. The Bulls could unleash rookie big man Lauri Markkanen, who they received in the Butler deal, as the other starting forward.
Consensus: Too much inexperience and too many question marks. Expect the Bulls to settle near the bottom of the Eastern Conference this season.
29. Atlanta Hawks
Projected Starters: Dennis Schroder, Kent Bazemore, Taurean Prince, Ersan Ilyasova, Dewayne Dedmon
Possible Starters: N/A
Atlanta’s makeup has completely changed over the past few years. As recent as the 2014-15 season, Jeff Teague, Paul Millsap and Al Horford headlined this surprisingly terrific starting unit. That trio has moved on, as have the other two starters from the 2014-15 season, Kyle Korver and DeMarre Carroll.
Schroder assumed the point guard responsibility last season. He fared well but his reaction with less talent this year remains to be seen. Bazemore (40.9% FG, 34.6% 3P) has the potential to be a solid two-way wing if he becomes a more consistent shooter.
Consensus: The Hawks are unlikely extend their 10-year postseason streak. The front office decided to hit the switch and start rebuilding this offseason.
28. Sacramento Kings
Projected Starters: George Hill, Buddy Hield, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Skal Labissiere, Willie Cauley-Stein
Possible Starters: De’Aaron Fox, Garrett Temple, Vince Carter, Zach Randolph, Kosta Koufos
The Kings have won less than 35 percent of their games since the beginning of the 2006-07 season. Their roster has constantly been changing over the span. They cut ties with former franchise player DeMarcus Cousins last season and were criticized for receiving an underwhelming package of players (Hield, Tyreke Evans and Langston Galloway) along with a valuable first-round pick in return.
Although it could have possibly fared better, the organization appears content with the decision to start anew. Hield, who the ownership apparently thinks prominently of, was acquired as a building block for the future and should be a primary scoring option this season.
Consensus: Although a new era of Kings basketball has arrived, this year’s results may not be much different as there are simply too many heavy-hitters in the Western Conference.
27. Brooklyn Nets
Projected Starters: D’Angelo Russell, Jeremy Lin, DeMarre Carroll, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Timofey Mozgov
Possible Starters: Allen Crabbe, Trevor Booker
Brooklyn has proceeded cautiously since the disastrous trade in 2013 that stripped the franchise of multiple prized lottery picks. However, fans have a reason to be somewhat optimistic from here on out. The Nets conceded their pick for next offseason in the 2013 trade.
Despite all the suffering, they did manage to assemble a more respectable roster this season. Russell did not exactly turn heads in his two years with the Lakers but has an excellent opportunity to prove otherwise in this new phase of his career.
Consensus: The Nets should be more competitive with their much improved roster. However, the infamous trade will continue to haunt them for the time being.
26. New York Knicks
Projected Starters: Ramon Sessions, Courtney Lee, Tim Hardaway Jr., Kristaps Porzingis, Enes Kanter
Possible Starters: Frank Ntikilina, Doug McDermott, Michael Beasley, Willy Hernangomez
Carmelo Anthony’s time in the big apple seemed overdue. He acknowledged and and expressed thankfulness to the Knicks’ organization. Now, Kristaps Porzingis likely gets the keys and leads the franchise going forward with Melo taking his talents to the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise.
It’s going to be interesting to see how this lineup progresses throughout the season, especially Frank Ntilikina.
Consensus: Porzingis will be a great fantasy player. However, I do not foresee too many wins in store this upcoming season.
25. Indiana Pacers
Projected Starters: Darren Collison, Victor Oladipo, Bojan Bogdanovic, Thaddeus Young, Myles Turner
Possible Starters: Cory Joseph, Lance Stephenson, Domantas Sabonis
The Indiana Pacers were always a team to watch with Paul George in the lineup. However, his team had been getting notably weaker by the year. His departure means a new beginning for the Pacers.
Turner fared well his second season and is unquestionably the team’s number one prized asset. Young’s 11.1 points per game last season mark his lowest output since his rookie year in 2007-08.
Consensus: The loss of Paul George is likely to take a major toll on this team as he was responsible for much of its past success. The Pacers do not have a particularly high ceiling this year.
24. Orlando Magic
Projected Starters: Elfrid Payton, Terrence Ross, Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon, Nikola Vucevic
Possible Starters: DJ Augustin, Arron Afflalo, Bismack Biyombo
Coach Frank Vogel tweaked the starting lineup quite a bit last season in a painful 29-win experience. Payton and Vucevic are often mentioned in trade rumors. Payton is a decent point guard with some upside.
Vucevic is supremely talented on offense but not considered one of the league’s top big men. He averages nearly 20 points and over 11 rebounds (per 36 minutes) with 52 percent shooting in 74, 60 and 55 games started in the last three years.
Consensus: Orlando has yet to prove it can make much noise in the East since trading Dwight Howard in 2012. The Magic’s starting lineup has potential to be much better as soon as this year, though.
23. Phoenix Suns
Projected Starters: Eric Bledsoe, Devin Booker, TJ Warren, Marquese Chriss, Tyson Chandler
Potential Starters: Josh Jackson
There is no denying the strength of the Bledsoe-Booker backcourt (when healthy). Bledsoe, who health is a slight concern for, is a commendable two-way point guard. Pairing him with Booker (who became the youngest player to score 70 points in a game), makes this a guard tandem that needs to be heavily accounted for.
And we haven’t even mentioned highly touted rookie Josh Jackson, who might actually have the highest ceiling of all the Suns young talent.
Consensus: There is too much uncertainty in Phoenix’s frontcourt. There is a decent likelihood of the Suns finishing toward the bottom of the West again. Regardless of how the season plays out, they are focused on their long-term future.
22. Miami Heat
Projected Starters: Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters, Justise Winslow, James Johnson, Hassan Whiteside
Possible Starters: Josh Richardson, Rodney McGruder, Kelly Olynyk
Miami is tough to predict because its surprising performance (finishing 30-11 in second half of season) caught everyone’s attention last year. Dragic and Whiteside provide it with a solid foundation.
One could argue the Heat (1st in opponent 3PM and 2nd in defensive effective FG%) overachieved last year and was dependent on its forceful defense. Johnson, who received a four-year, 60 million dollar deal over the offseason, averaged a career-best 16.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.3 steals in the 2016-17 campaign. Waiters also had a career year and held a competitive edge with per 36-minute averages of 19 points and 5.2 assists.
Consensus: Coach Spoelstra can realistically secure a lower-seeded playoff spot assuming his team continues its reliable defense. The Heat’s efficient bench also gave it a boost last year.
21. Los Angeles Lakers
Projected Starters: Lonzo Ball, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle, Brook Lopez
Possible Starters: Jordan Clarkson, Luol Deng, Larry Nance
All eyes will be on “Big Baller” Ball this season. He may be the most highly anticipated Laker since Kobe Bryant. Fans will be utterly disappointed in the unlikely scenario he becomes an average pro. I mean, his shoes sell for 450 dollars! Both, he and Caldwell-Pope, are in a fresh situation. KCP usually plays comfortably at a fast pace and could benefit from Ball’s pure point guard skills. Magic Johnson gave sophomore wing player Brandon Ingram the term, “untouchable”.
He also made a comment on Ingram’s chances of leading the club in scoring this season. His minutes played (just under 29 per game) and scoring average (9.4 points) should both increase.
Consensus: The name LeBron James has been heavily associated with the Lakers for the 2018-19 season. Not to downplay the Lakers this season because they could be an entertaining team to watch. However, the believable LBJ rumors could mean the organization remains patient while preparing for years ahead.
20. Dallas Mavericks
Projected Starters: Dennis Smith Jr., Wesley Matthews, Harrison Barnes, Dirk Nowitzki, Nerlens Noel
Possible Starters: Seth Curry, Dorian Finney-Smith
Rookie sensation Smith Jr. balled out in the NBA Summer League. He averaged 17.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.2 steals and attacked the basket well in those few games. Mavericks Legend Nowitzki publicly praised Smith but also set the standards.
"[via Dallas News] “Hopefully he’ll have a great impact right away for us. We’re all here to help him succeed and be a great player for this franchise for a long time, Nowitzki said of Smith Jr.”"
Consensus: With the Nowitzki era wrapping up in the next year or so, the Mavericks are probably best off accepting their mediocrity and developing young players for the future.
19. Philadelphia 76ers
Projected Starters: Markelle Fultz, JJ Redick, Robert Covington, Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid
Possible Starters: TJ McConnell, Dario Saric, Jahlil Okafor
Everything starts with the health of Embiid (28.7 points, 11.1 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per 36 minutes). He has proven to be a game-changing center in his 31 career games. Simmons unfortunately sat out his rookie season due to injury.
He is known as a unique (point) forward with admirable ball handling and playmaking skills. Seeing he and Embiid finally play together may be considered a blessing for a Philly fan. The Sixers technically have two rookies, since Simmons does not have any playing experience. The other would be Fultz, who Philly recently drafted with the top overall pick. The 18-year-old point guard looks to join the likes of Kyrie Irving and John Wall as another superstar point guard in the Eastern Conference.
Consensus: This could be the year we witness a new level of competitiveness from the Sixers. However, another below average finish would also be reasonable.
18. Detroit Pistons
Projected Starters: Reggie Jackson, Avery Bradley, Stanley Johnson, Tobias Harris, Andre Drummond
Potential Starters: Ish Smith, Jon Leuer
Jackson (owed 51.1 million dollars over next three years) and Drummond (averages 25.4 million over three years) played a fairly sizable part of Detroit’s respectable 2015-16 season. The Pistons have made noise at times the past few years.
Bradley, a quality two-way shooting guard, should help continue that but also add to Detroit’s consistency. Harris generated 18.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per 36 minutes with 48.1 percent shooting from the field in 2016-17. There is almost no doubt combo forward Harris can be utilized more by the coaching staff.
Consensus: What Reggie Jackson are we going to get this year? If he does regain his swagger from two seasons ago, the Pistons can at least claim a playoff spot.
17. LA Clippers
Projected Starters: Patrick Beverley, Austin Rivers, Danilo Gallinari, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan
Possible Starters: Lou Williams, Sam Dekker
We now enter the post-Chris Paul era, after the blockbuster trade that saw the Clippers receive a noteworthy package of players and draft picks in return. Because of their history, the Lakers always seem to be LA’s more attractive team. The Clippers have been the superior team in the city for over five years.
They could still hold the advantage with Griffin and the addition of perimeter threats in Dekker and Williams. Jordan (averaged 14.4 points and 15.6 rebounds and just under two blocks per 36 minutes) was a beneficiary of Paul. Regardless, he makes for a terrific interior defender and top-quality big man when at his best.
Consensus: LAC does not have a point guard half as valuable as Paul. Griffin will do his best to keep this Clippers team up to standards. However, it will be far from simple.
16. Charlotte Hornets
Projected Starters: Kemba Walker, Nicolas Batum, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marvin Williams, Dwight Howard
Possible Starters: Malik Monk, Frank Kaminsky
Walker and Howard potentially form a compelling duo. However, Howard would have to perform up to his former All-Star status. DH-12 is confident on his future with the Hornets. Batum’s playing style is similar to that of a point forward.
He and Williams have provided satisfactory play the past couple seasons.
Consensus: This roster is improved enough to advance past the regular season. Its bench may include: Malik Monk, Jeremy Lamb, Frank Kaminsky and Cody Zeller.
15. Utah Jazz
Projected Starters: Ricky Rubio, Rodney Hood, Joe Ingles, Derrick Favors, Rudy Gobert
Possible Starters: Joe Johnson
Utah clearly takes a hit without Gordon Hayward. On the other hand, defensive anchor Gobert (14 points, 12.8 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game) is still present. Hood sounds prepared to carry a heavier scoring load and be a more productive offensive player. Rubio provides the team with a new look at point guard.
His strong defensive mindset should help the Jazz sustain success in that area this year.
Consensus: The Jazz still may be equipped to serve as a competitive playoff opponent in the Western Conference despite Hayward’s impactful departure.
14. Memphis Grizzlies
Projected Starters: Mike Conley, Tyreke Evans, Chandler Parsons, JaMychal Green, Marc Gasol
Possible Starters: Andrew Harrison, James Ennis
Conley and Gasol’s consistent force on a year-to-year basis seems understated. The two players have played an enormous role in Memphis’ active seven-year playoff streak.
The veteran Gasol averaged 19.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists last season. He has, however, made a strong impact well before then. The Grizzlies inked Green for two years at approximately $17 million.
Consensus: This Western Conference is challenging enough to imagine a first-round playoff exit at best for the Grizzlies this season.
13. Portland Trail Blazers
Projected Starters: Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, Maurice Harkless, Al-Farouq Aminu, Jusuf Nurkic
Possible Starters: Evan Turner, Ed Davis, Meyers Leonard
The Lillard-McCollum duo has established itself as an elite backcourt as both players are capable of scoring 30 points points on any given night. According to NBAMiner.com, Lillard and McCollum ranked third and eighth, respectively, in clutch time points last season.
The addition of Nurkic bolstered the Blazers’ attack. Portland’s downfall came on the defensive end, where it was simply unreliable. The Blazers are an exciting team to watch when at their best.
Consensus: Similar to last year, expect the Blazers to battle for a playoff spot the majority of the season. They have been desperate for production outside of its star guards and, therefore, will be eagerly calling on others to step up.
12. Milwaukee Bucks
Projected Starters: Malcolm Brogdon, Tony Snell, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Thon Maker
Possible Starters: Matthew Dellavedova, Jabari Parker (ACL), Greg Monroe
You might be questioning why the Bucks’ starting lineup is ranked this highly. First of all, Antetokounmpo makes his teammates better on a consistent basis. The Greek Freak led the team in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks last season.
With a healthy Middleton and promising young guns in Brogdon and Maker, finishing fourth or fifth in the East is a realistic goal.
Consensus: The Bucks were able to perform fairly well through all their major injuries last season. We will have to wait even longer to discover their full potential as Parker is expected out until around February.
11. New Orleans Pelicans
Projected Starters: Rajon Rondo, Jrue Holiday, Tony Allen, Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins
Possible Starters: E’Twaun Moore, Dante Cunningham
New Orleans heads into the year with a glaring need at the starting small forward spot with Solomon Hill’s recent injury. Not that Hill was anything special, but the Pelicans do not have another true small forward to lean on.
All that aside, this starting unit is sneaky talented. There is no need to mention what Davis and Cousins are capable of. Rondo and Holiday is a small backcourt, but has a fair chance to excel so long as the two stay in peak shape.
Consensus: 11th best may or may not be too high for this team. The quality of its starting lineup will not automatically cause a turnaround this season.
10. Denver Nuggets
Projected Starters: Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, Wilson Chandler, Paul Millsap, Nikola Jokic
Possible Starters: Emmanuel Mudiay, Jameer Nelson
The Nuggets evidently had the most productive offense for much of last season. Millsap’s addition can add another element to their already potent offense.
Jokic emerged as the center of attention with his outstanding play last season (16.7 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game). Murray and Harris have each showed significant promise as young guards.
Consensus: Millsap should definitely increase its win total (40) from last season. This is not a team to underestimate.
9. Washington Wizards
Projected Starters: John Wall, Bradley Beal, Otto Porter, Kelly Oubre, Marcin Gortat
Possible Starters: Markieff Morris (Hernia), Jason Smith
The Wizards have a higher ceiling than ninth best offense in the league since Morris is expected back at some point in the foreseeable future. The backcourt of Wall and Beal has separated itself from many others.
Wall generates offense and constantly gets teammates involved. Beal raised his average (by nearly seven points last year) to over 23 points per game. Porter, who led the league in 3-point percentage for a large majority of the season, signed a maximum contract and is expected to deliver on the court.
Consensus: The Wizards should be in the mix for home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs again. There is a definite opportunity to build upon last season’s success.
8. Toronto Raptors
Projected Starters: Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, Norman Powell, Serge Ibaka, Jonas Valanciunas
Possible Starters: CJ Miles, Pascal Siakam
DeRozan (27.3 points per game) had a career year and emerged as a premier scorer early in the season. That was right after signing an incredibly generous multi-year contract. Lowry has been a fairly productive point guard during his prime.
He averaged 22.4 points, 7.0 assists and 4.8 rebounds during a career best year. Let’s not forget to mention Toronto lost some valuable role players in Cory Joseph, PJ Tucker and DeMarre Carroll. That certainly will not help the Raptors challenge Cleveland (or Boston) any more.
Ibaka is also a vital piece to the team as his talent makes him potentially capable of taking Toronto to the next level.
Consensus: The Raptors may be a safe bet to finish well over .500 and remain a competitive team in the East like they have been the past few years.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves
Projected Starters: Jeff Teague, Jimmy Butler, Andrew Wiggins, Taj Gibson, Karl-Anthony Towns
Possible Starters: Gorgui Dieng
Coach Tom Thibodeau gets back two former players (Butler and Gibson) from their time together with Chicago. Those same players should improve an organization that has not qualified for the postseason in 13 years.
Minnesota’s major issue has been its inconsistent defensive effort. The Wolves certainly have the necessary firepower on offense with Teague and Butler added to the mix.
Consensus: It is easy to understand why one may be curious to witness what the Wolves have to offer this season. This was one of their most exciting summers in a long time.
6. Houston Rockets
Projected Starters: Chris Paul, James Harden, Trevor Ariza, Ryan Anderson, Clint Capela
Possible Starters: Nene Hilario
“Will Paul and Harden be able to coexist on the floor?” That is a widely popular question heading into the 2017-18 season, a time in which stars are teaming up often. Harden (29.1 points, 11.2 assists and 8.1 rebounds per game) is coming off a career year and the fact that Coach D’Antoni handed him point guard duties most certainly contributed to that.
Paul must also have the opportunity to generate offense, despite Harden being the league leader in points created per possession.
Consensus: This is a dangerous lineup on paper. Aside from the issue concerning the two superstar guards, Houston’s supporting cast (Ariza, Anderson, etc.) must continue to provide.
5. Boston Celtics
Projected Starters: Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Morris, Al Horford
Possible Starters: Marcus Smart, Jayson Tatum, Aron Baynes
Although the Celtics have a top-tier starting unit, their depth has been known as an x-factor the past couple years. However, Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder, their two strongest defenders in recent years, are no longer part of the team.
The main focus is the blockbuster trade that resulted in Irving starting a new chapter of his career. Now that he and Hayward are in the mean green, Irving’s former Cavaliers team could finally see a legitimate challenge.
Consensus: Irving got his wish and now serves as the leader and primary option. We must also note that the vast majority of this roster is changed. Therefore, it could take some time before the team starts firing on all cylinders.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
Projected Starters: Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Jae Crowder, Kevin Love
Possible Starters: Isaiah Thomas (Hip), JR Smith, Tristan Thompson
Irving has departed Cleveland but James remains (at least for now). LeBron insisted he has accomplished so much in his storied career that he ultimately has nothing left to prove. On the other side of things, the organization has to prove to him that finishing his career there is to his benefit.
The Cavs took a chance on an injured Thomas. However, him being in a contract year made them more willing to utilize his services. Wade, a familiar teammate of James from their Miami days, is well past his prime but we’ll see if the two pals can work some magic.
Consensus: LeBron and the Cavs give us good reason to believe clinching first overall seed in the East is not too meaningful. Now, more than ever, this team needs to save its best for the postseason.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
Projected Starters: Russell Westbrook, Paul George, Andre Roberson, Carmelo Anthony, Steven Adams
Possible Starters: Patrick Patterson
The ‘big three’ term is being used often these days and there is valid reasoning behind that. High expectations come with the popularity of celebrity status players like Anthony. This is Anthony’s 15th season but first time he will not be running the show as the team’s most talented player.
George is there to carry a greater defensive workload. That is not to say George will not remain a superior offensive weapon. Westbrook may not have to average a triple-double this year since he has a more complete team and more sufficient support.
Consensus: Every newly constructed team has something to prove. We all anticipate OKC rising near the top of the West. Then again, nothing is a given in a profusely difficult Western Conference.
2. San Antonio Spurs
Projected Starters: Dejounte Murray, Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge, Pau Gasol
Possible Starters: Tony Parker (Quad), Patrick Mills, Rudy Gay
The fact that Parker could be out less than a month factors into this ranking. Even with second-year point guard Murray possibly starting on opening night, this team always seems capable of challenging elite competition.
Green has established himself as a solid ‘3-and-D’ presence on the perimeter. Aldridge has been a popular name in trade rumors. However, he will be forced to play an integral role per usual. Pau Gasol (37 years old) is slowly but surely on the decline. That leaves Leonard most responsible for leading yet another 50-plus win effort this season.
Consensus: I am sold on San Antonio being a terrific team as far as the regular season goes. However, the playoffs can always be a different story.
1. Golden State Warriors
Projected Starters: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, Zaza Pachulia
Possible Starters: Andre Iguodala, JaVale McGee
Everyone knows the deal. Three NBA Finals appearances and two championships. This is the team to beat without question.
Durant, the league’s most unstoppable scorer, has three All-Star caliber players (who are regularly useful) beside him. Teams, such as Houston and Oklahoma City, are doing what they can to attempt to give the bay area any type of problem.
Must Read: NBA Hope Index: How far is each team from a ring heading into 2017-18?
Consensus: This historically star-studded team should not show any signs of slowing down in 2018.