Ranking the NBA's Top 10 starting lineups: Timberwolves among best in the league
By Austin McGee
9. Cleveland Cavaliers
Projected starters: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
The first team to retain its core five, the Cleveland Cavaliers' starting lineup will spend a second consecutive season together despite the potential breakup rumors. Last season, the quintet surprisingly only spent 368 minutes playing alongside one another. Injuries took a toll on the Cavs, as three of the five starters played less than 60 games.
The Cleveland opening unit is strong Despite the unforeseen lack of playing time. The Cavs will trot out two great playmakers, a 3-and-D wing, and two dominant interior bigs. Of course, the lineup may be better if Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen could space the floor. But the sheer talent of the opening five combined with continuity should guarantee the Cavs homecourt advantage come playoff time.
8. Indiana Pacers
Projected starters: Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner
Another squad with continuity, the Indiana Pacers will now get a full season's worth of Pascal Siakam in the core group. The trio of Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner, and Siakam will assuredly start, but the remaining two starters are also quality contributors.
Whether it be Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard (or one of those two paired with Bennedict Mathurin or Ben Sheppard), Indiana has multiple options to suit up next to their star trio. It may be a stretch having the Pacers over some of the aforementioned teams. But this squad did just make the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers have the resume and star talent to succeed.
7. Orlando Magic
Projected starters: Jalen Suggs, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr.
Here comes Orlando. Following several below-average seasons, the Magic are finally on the right path. Orlando has hit on multiple recent draft picks, including Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs.
While the Magic have drafted well, they've also made savvy trades and one of the best additions of the offseason in Caldwell-Pope. Now, a team that made the least amount of threes per game is adding one of the best 3-and-D players to an already phenomenal defense.