Stephen A. Smith picks his best starting 5 in the NBA: “Boston has been sensational over last few games”

Stephen A. Smith was asked about the NBA's best starting five. While that's a tough question to answer, Smith thinks that the Philadelphia 76ers are the best.

In a recent episode of "ESPN Countdown," Smith said:

"Joel Embiid in Philly, with Tobias Harris, with (Tyrese) Maxey back, with (James) Harden? I can't ignore that," Smith said. "I gotta say Philly because of Embiid, Harden and Maxey."

This doesn't necessarily add up to what Smith has said in the past, considering less than a month ago he said the Celtics were the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.

"I think the Boston Celtics might win it all, and I think Jayson Tatum is clearly my MVP," Smith said. "Right now, the Boston Celtics should be the favorites to win it all. No. 1 offense, and they're 12th defensively. ... And it's without Robert Williams. He ain't even back yet!!!"

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics

Are the 76ers the best starting five in NBA?

The Philadelphia 76ers certainly have an impressive starting five. However, this team has had way too many years of underperforming in the playoffs. It's tough to say that they're better than the Milwaukee Bucks or Celtics.

Smith noted that he believed in Boston last year and will believe in them in the future nearly a month ago.

"To answer this question directly, I believe in Boston,” Smith said. “I picked Boston last year. Before you make your face, remember I picked Boston last year in the playoffs. You picked Milwaukee. You understand? We were going back and forth throughout that series, and Boston took them out in that seventh game.

I’m looking at Tatum having an MVP-caliber year. I’m looking at Jaylen Brown being that dude. I’m looking at the adjustments that they’ve got to make, but Robert Williams is now back in the lineup. He’s been back for three games."

Smith even said that the Celtics are better than the Bucks, despite some of Boston's recent struggles:

“I’m going to go with Boston until I see otherwise. I’m not snipping at Milwaukee. I understand they’re very formidable. I see what they bring. But I still believe in the Boston Celtics because I believe their offense will be there. But I think their defense will be elevated as time goes on.”

Smith has praised Joel Embiid and the 76ers in the past. He even noted that he's a better big man than Nikola Jokic:

"As a talent, (Joel Embiid) is the best big man in the game," Smith said. "In terms of his talent, I'd even put him over Jokic. The brother is sensational. The problem is, his durability is a question mark, and I think he's been less than awe-inspiring.

"The Philadelphia 76ers are a .500 team at 7-7. Let me tell you, they have to do something better than this when you have a talent like Embiid."

The best starting five in the NBA is Philadelphia according to Smith, but there are many teams in contention.