5 surprising starting lineups we've seen so far in the 2021-22 NBA pre-season

#3 - Sacramento Kings

Primary improvements for the Sacramento Kings this past offseason revolve around depth. Last year, the addition of Tyrese Haliburton at pick 12 was substantial and there was talk of him deserving to start over sharpshooter Buddy Hield.

Head coach Luke Walton specifically mentioned that the media should not read too much into his preseason rotations, but his willingness to start Haliburton over Hield is notable.

De'Aaron Fox, Harrison Barnes and Richaun Holmes were all expected starters this season, but after that were two question marks. Haliburton filled one of those and the other wing position was occupied by Marvin Bagley III.

Maurice Harkless could have been considered, but Bagley was on the floor for tipoff in the Sacramento Kings' preseason opener.

#2 - Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies v Utah Jazz - Game Five

Sidelined potential starters for the Memphis Grizzlies on opening night of the preseason include Dillon Brooks and potentially Jarrett Culver, although the latter seems unlikely.

No player on this Memphis roster has started more games than the 69 Kyle Anderson appeared in last season. Yet, for some reason, he came off the bench in their first preseason appearance.

The Grizzlies' willingness to embrace youth and growth has been apparent the last few seasons, and their starting lineup in game one may be continued signs of that thought process. The five on the floor at tipoff were Ja Morant, De'Anthony Melton, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Steven Adams.

Bane and Melton are impactful defensive players with specific offensive skillsets, but we will see if they remain the favorites to start over Anderson and others throughout the 2021-22 NBA season.

#1 - Orlando Magic

In my mind, Jalen Suggs has a limited chance to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award in the upcoming season. This is due to the fact that the Orlando Magic have already rostered two upcoming sophomore guards in R.J. Hampton and Cole Anthony.

Neither of the two aforementioned names started for the Magic in preseason game one, but Suggs and Gary Harris did. The entire five were Jalen Suggs, Gary Harris, Terrence Ross, Franz Wagner, and Wendell Carter Jr..

Suggs being preferred over other young perimeter talents in Orlando could prove to be beneficial for his future development as a leader in the NBA. While his upside is undeniable, I was surprised to see the Gonzaga rookie gifted a starting role in his first NBA opportunity.