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The 2021-22 NBA season is just over a month away from tip-off and the build-up to it has been nothing short of intense. With various teams making all kinds of moves to bolster lineups, we've seen an extremely active NBA offseason.
As franchises continue to make final adjustments to their lineup, we have already seen a few contenders emerge. The Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns are coming off a short offseason with the Bucks entering as reigning champions. But the odds for who wins the 2022 NBA Championship lie elsewhere.
While bench depth is important and provides the necessary boost and support, the starters in any team carry the entire flow of the game and traditionally play the most minutes. A successful starting five is key in setting the tempo and mood for the game.
With many teams boasting superstar caliber players in their starting lineup, we take a look at the top five starting lineups in the NBA ahead of the 2021-22 season.
#5 Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns boast one of the most cohesive starting units in the NBA. Led by the likes of Chris Paul and Devin Booker, the Suns made their first playoff appearances since the 2009-10 season during the 2020-21 campaign.
The young team went on a rampage in the playoffs. With Devin Booker playing like a man possessed and Deandre Ayton supporting the team with his efficient scoring and rebounding, the Suns went all the way to the NBA Finals.
However, they endured a disappointing loss to the Bucks in six games after leading the series 2-0. The Suns will now look to return and make good on their run to the 2021 NBA Finals when the new campaign begins.
Having re-signed key players like Chris Paul and Cameron Payne to their lineup, the Suns have all the keys in place to make another successful run for the title. The franchise has also made some moves to add depth to their lineup.
The Suns' potential starting lineup for the 2021-22 NBA season is:
PG - Chris Paul | SG - Devin Booker | SF - Mikal Bridges | PF - Jae Crowder | C - Deandre Ayton.
The Suns have the same lineup as last season heading into the new one. Their chemistry and desire to win will make the Suns legitimate contenders for the title.
#4 Miami Heat
The Miami Heat made a big splash in the 2020 NBA Playoffs when they reached the Finals against the LA Lakers in the NBA Bubble. But the Heat failed to build on that momentum in the 2020-21 season as they experienced an early playoff exit against the Bucks.
Although their core remains very solid, consisting of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo leading the team, the Heat made some improvements in the 2021 NBA offseason as well.
The team had to cut loose key players such as Goran Dragic, Kendrick Nunn and Andre Iguodala. However, the Heat have signed some great players in the process. By signing six-time All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry and tough veteran defender PJ Tucker, the Heat have one of the best defensive lineups in the league.
The Miami Heat's potential starting five could be:
PG - Kyle Lowry | SG - Duncan Robinson | SF - Jimmy Butler | PF - PJ Tucker | C - Bam Adebayo.
The team has all the necessary components in place. There is also enough championship pedigree and experience on the Miami Heat roster to take them to the Finals.
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#3 LA Lakers
The LA Lakers arguably made the most noise among all the NBA sides in the 2021 offseason. After clearing house with most of the players from last season, the Lakers have a brand new identity and are served by completely new veteran faces.
After acquiring Russell Westbrook in a trade with the Washington Wizards, the Lakers' odds at winning the championship rose, placing them as the second favorites to win it all. The franchise also went on to make other key additions to their overall roster.
With a trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook, the team looks to be an offensive menace. Paired with the signing of familiar faces such as Rajon Rondo and Dwight Howard, their new squad seems to have the same chemistry that led them to the championship in 2020.
The potential LA Lakers starting five is extremely versatile. With so many veterans in place, it's hard to really discern who will start. However, a likely starting five will be:
PG - Russell Westbrook | SG - Talen Horton-Tucker | SF - LeBron James | PF - Anthony Davis | C - Dwight Howard/DeAndre Jordan.
The Lakers' squad depth means there is still a lot of room for adjustment within the starting five. Kendrick Nunn and Wayne Ellington could easily start in the guard spot while Carmelo Anthony could start at 4, pushing Davis to the 5. The kind of quality in the squad can create some matchup nightmares.
#2 Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks came off a great 2020-21 season. They became NBA Champions and their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was named Finals MVP. Post a largely successful campaign, the Bucks will now look to repeat their postseason success going into the 2021-22 season.
The Bucks have a great roster going into the season. Donte DiVincenzo, who missed most of the playoffs due to injury, is expected to return. They also re-signed Bobby Portis, who played such a key role in the playoffs. Additionally, the Bucks also made some other interesting changes to their squad.
The Milwaukee Bucks will have a potential starting five of:
PG - Jrue Holiday | SG - Donte DiVincenzo | SF - Khris Middleton | PF - Giannis Antetokounmpo | C - Brook Lopez.
Although the Bucks saw the departure of PJ Tucker, DiVincenzo's return to the lineup will be great for their overall offensive integrity and floor spacing. Coming off of a fresh championship run, the Bucks have all the momentum on their side going into the 2021-22 season.
#1 Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets will enter the 2021-22 season with the best odds of winning the NBA title. Due to unforeseen circumstances such as recurring injuries to players among other off-court drama, the Nets were largely unable to scale the peaks they are capable of last season.
Served by a trio of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden, the Brooklyn Nets are an offensive clinic night in and night out. With some great moves in the 2021 offseason, the Nets look set to make another title run in the 2021-22 season.
The Brooklyn Nets' starting five for the 2021-22 season is likely to be:
PG - Kyrie Irving | SG - James Harden | SF - Joe Harris | PF - Kevin Durant | C - LaMarcus Aldridge.
Although Nicolas Claxton has shown great promise at the center spot, Aldridge's availability could see Claxton come off the bench. There is also a possibility Durant may switch to 3 and allow Blake Griffin to play 4 or 5 depending upon matchups.
The Nets lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season. Kevin Durant carried the team to Game Seven, but came up short because of his toe being on the three-point line. This sent the game to overtime instead of ending in a Nets win.
Regardless of that minor mistake, we can expect the Nets to come out firing in the 2021-22 NBA season.
