Ranking the NBA's Top 10 starting lineups: Timberwolves among best in the league
By Austin McGee
The offseason drastically alters the NBA landscape year in and year out. For one, a minor change in the 2023 NBA Champion's starting five has led to a shift in the Western Conference pecking order. After two consecutive 50-win seasons, losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to Orlando without a worthy replacement will likely lead to a worse record for the Denver Nuggets.
Conversely, the Oklahoma City Thunder added two potential starters—Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein—to an already impressive opening unit. The Thunder swapped Josh Giddey for the defensive-minded Caruso after the Australian guard failed to make a difference in the postseason. And, at the beginning of free agency, Oklahoma City lured the 7-foot former Knick to add bulk to a small lineup.
On the Eastern front, Caldwell-Pope's addition brings shooting and stellar defense to an up-and-coming Magic squad. Furthermore, the Philadelphia 76ers totally revamped their roster by signing one of the best free agents—Paul George.
Many teams throughout the association made big changes to their last season's roster. However, several teams such as the Minnesota Timberwolves believed continuity, although not entirely up to the franchise due to a lack of salary cap space, was the best way forward. Minnesota's starting quintet will give it another go after sharing the court for the fifth most minutes amongst all lineups.
After assessing each squad's additions through the draft and free agency, we've ranked the top 10 best starting lineups. Several teams were omitted, such as Denver, the New Orleans Pelicans, and the Phoenix Suns. All the soon-to-be-mentioned squads are flush with talent from starting point guard to center, as the bench units are not accounted for in this hypothetical.
10. Philadelphia 76ers
Projected starters: Tyrese Maxey, Eric Gordon, Paul George, Caleb Martin, Joel Embiid
By far away and the newest lineup on the list, the Philadelphia 76ers return only 40 percent of their starting unit. Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid are the returnees while Paul George and Caleb Martin will flank the star duo at the forward spots.
Here, veteran guard Eric Gordon is slotted in as shooting guard. However, Philadelphia may give rookie Jared McCain, 38-year-old Kyle Lowry, or even Kelly Oubre Jr. the start at the two. Nevertheless, the 76ers are propped up by one of the best big threes in the association. Embiid, George, and Maxey are a match made in heaven as each player may make an All-Star appearance in 2025.