NBA Power Rankings for all 30 starting 5s: Where do the Miami Heat rank?
25. Minnesota Timberwolves: D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Karl-Anthony Towns
The Timberwolves have been super disappointing for the past few seasons. Karl-Anthony Towns is running out of time to figure things out in Minnesota.
24. Houston Rockets: John Wall, Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr, Christian Wood, Daniel Theis
Despite being one of the worst teams in the league last year, Houston’s projected starting five doesn’t look too bad. Christian Wood, Kevin Porter Je, and Jalen Green could surprise some people.
23. Toronto Raptors: Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr, OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, Khem Birch
The Raptors will be back in Toronto, but losing Kyle Lowry hurts them a lot. In addition, Pascal Siakam won’t be back for a few months, so their starting five is going to look even worse than this.
22. Sacramento Kings: De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Harrison Barnes, Marvin Bagley III, Richaun Holmes
Not starting Tyrese Haliburton seems like a crime, but Sacramento just has so many talented guards. Regardless, this starting unit is fairly middle-of-the-pack.
21. Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant, Dillon Brooks, Kyle Anderson, Jaren Jackson Jr, Steven Adams
Memphis earned some respect by making the playoffs last year. Ja Morant has an innate ability to make those around him better, which elevates this starting five just a bit.
20. Indiana Pacers: Malcolm Brogdon, Caris LeVert, TJ Warren, Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner
The Pacers have a ton of decent talent but don’t have a real superstar on the roster. This team should end up where they usually do – right smack dab in the middle of everything.
19. Washington Wizards: Spencer Dinwiddie, Bradley Beal, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Rui Hachimura, Daniel Gafford
Bradley Beal takes this team to another level, but the Wizards have a decent roster this year, regardless. Some projections have Thomas Bryant and Kyle Kuzma starting, but Caldwell-Pope and Gafford seem like the better fit.
18. Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, PJ Washington, Mason Plumlee
The Hornets are going to be a very fun team to watch next year. They have two fringe All-Stars in Rozier and Hayward, and Ball could end up leading this team to the playoffs.
17. Los Angeles Clippers: Eric Bledsoe, Paul George, Marcus Morris, Nicholas Batum, Ivica Zubac
Not having Kawhi Leonard on the floor hurts this team’s ranking significantly. Paul George is great and all, but it’s just not the same without Leonard.
16. Chicago Bulls: Lonzo Ball, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Patrick Williams, Nikola Vucevic
Chicago made a ton of moves this offseason, but their starting lineup still finds itself 17th overall. However, their depth should drag them to a spot in the play-in.