It’s no secret that the Miami Heat will have an elite starting five this season. Pat Riley ensured that when he signed Kyle Lowry and PJ Tucker this summer.
Those two, along with Jimmy Butler, Duncan Robinson, and Bam Adebayo, will make up one of the best starting units in the league. Obviously, the defense will be their strong suit, but having Robinson and Lowry makes their offense lethal, too.
All that being said, there are a ton of great starting units around the league. From big threes to great all-around lineups, Miami will have a ton of competition.
Where does Miami’s starting unit rank among the best starting fives in the NBA? Which teams will occupy the top spots on that list?
30. Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Aleksej Pokusevski, Darius Bazley, Isaiah Roby
The Thunder have entered full rebuild mode, and because of it, their starting lineup is super young. It’s all a part of the plan, but this team won’t win many games this year.
29. San Antonio Spurs: Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, Doug McDermott, Keldon Johnson, Jakob Poeltl
Losing DeMar Derozan might be what’s best in the long run, but right now San Antonio’s starting lineup isn’t looking too hot. It’s going to be a tough season for Spurs fans.
28. Orlando Magic: Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs, Gary Harris, Jonathan Isaac, Wendell Carter Jr
This Magic starting five has a ton of potential on both sides of the floor. However, if Isaac and Fultz aren’t back, they might be below the Spurs on this list.
27. Cleveland Cavaliers: Darius Garland, Collin Sexton, Isaac Okoro, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
As long as Collin Sexton stays with the team, this starting lineup will be this high on the list. If he leaves, they could fall into the bottom three.
26. Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes, Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey, Jerami Grant, Isaiah Stewart
Cade Cunningham has all the tools to be a star in the NBA, but right now he’s still a rookie. Jerami Grant being there does raise their stock a bit, though.