6. Milwaukee Bucks
Projected starters: Damian Lillard, Gary Trent Jr., Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez
The Milwaukee Bucks recently made one of the better, lowkey moves to replace veteran sharpshooter Malik Beasley in free agency. The Bucks, a team always in need of floor spacers, added former Toronto Raptor and career 38.6 percent three-point marksman Gary Trent Jr. to a one-year, vet minimum contract.
Flanking the newly acquired Trent Jr. will be returnees Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Brook Lopez. Milwaukee will trot out one of the best-starting fives in the league. While last year was nothing short of a disappointment, a full offseason of Rivers, Lillard, and Antetokounmpo will better prepare Milwaukee for next season.
5. New York Knicks
Projected starters: Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson
The Villanova Knicks are now in full swing. Following the massive pick swap for former Brooklyn Net Mikal Bridges, four rotation players are Wildcat alum. Further increasing chemistry, the other two potential starters have suited up for the Knicks since 2019.
This starting lineup truly has it all. Perhaps what's most intriguing is New York's newfound defensive versatility. In the postseason, the Knicks were decimated by injuries—forcing them to use smaller lineups. Now, the Knicks are flush with depth and most importantly length to make up for the two offensive playmakers' (Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle) mediocre defense.
4. Dallas Mavericks
Projected starters: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively II
An already stout starting five just got better. While it's always been best to surround Luka Doncic with rangy defenders, substituting elite defense for premier sharpshooting will be fun to watch. Instead of Doncic kicking it out to a 34.3 percent marksman, Doncic will have one of the best three-point shooters in NBA history lining up attempts from deep.
Losing Derrick Jones Jr. will hurt the Mavs defensively, but the frontline consisting of PJ Washington and Dereck Lively II is staunch. This Dallas lineup will be the best of Doncic's six-year career. Although Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson are over 30, the other three starters are 25 or younger furthering this team's potential.