Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headline stars who are looking to build off of successful 2024-25 campaigns.
With less than one month until preseason action, the time has come to start looking at each team and its projected starting five. In this article, I’ll provide who I think will get the starting nod for each team, as well as some position battles, be it for opening night or later in the season.
Atlanta Hawks
Potential Starters: PG: Trae Young, SG: Dyson Daniels, SF: Zaccharie Risacher, PF: Jalen Johnson, C: Kristaps Porziņģis
Position Battles/Names to watch: Onyeka Okongwu, Luke Kennard, Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Despite potentially moving back to the bench, Okongwu should play close to starters’ minutes, even more if and when Porziņģis misses time. Both Kennard and Alexander-Walker provide the Hawks with some much-needed guard depth. They should play meaningful minutes, although the exact amount could depend on the individual matchup.
Brooklyn Nets
Potential Starters: PG: Egor Dёmin, SG: Cam Thomas, SF: Terance Mann, PF: Michael Porter Jr., C: Nic Claxton
Position Battles/Names to watch: Day’Ron Sharpe, Noah Clowney, Dariq Whitehead
A team that still looks to be in the middle of a rebuild, the Nets could continue to spread the load when it comes to playing time. Sharpe would be the obvious beneficiary, should Claxton either be traded or miss time. Clowney has flashed some upside, but he is yet to string together a strong run of performances. Perhaps this is the season we see him flourish? Whitehead is a relatively untapped resource, but is a name to watch as the season progresses.
Boston Celtics
Potential Starters: PG: Derrick White, SG: Payton Pritchard, SF: Jaylen Brown, PF: Sam Hauser, C: Luka Garza
Position Battles/Names to watch: Neemias Queta, Anfernee Simons, Chris Boucher
There is a chance that Simons may not be in Boston for long. However, he is a proven scorer who can handle the ball. Common sense dictates he should still play a sizeable role, even off the bench. Boston’s center rotation is the main area of weakness. Look for the coaching staff to chop and change the playing time on a consistent basis.
Charlotte Hornets
Potential Starters: PG: LaMelo Ball, SG: Kon Knueppel, SF: Brandon Miller, PF: Miles Bridges, C: Mason Plumlee
Position Battles/Names to watch: Ryan Kalkbrenner, Liam McNeeley, Collin Sexton
Kalkbrenner put together a strong Summer League and should, at some point, take on the starting role. McNeeley was also impressive before being sidelined due to a minor injury. If the Hornets struggle, look for McNeeley to also step into a larger role. Sexton is a proven scorer who should play heavy minutes if the Hornets want to compete. However, his role could reduce if and when the plans change.
Chicago Bulls
Potential Starters: PG: Josh Giddey, SG: Coby White, SF: Ayo Dosunmu, PF: Matas Buzelis, C: Nikola Vučević
Position Battles/Names to watch: Tre Jones, Zach Collins
Jones ended the 2024-25 season strongly before an injury struck him down. With no Lonzo Ball, look for Jones to play as the primary backup behind Giddey. Vučević is still in Chicago, although maybe this is the season we see him moved at some point. Collins had some nice games down the stretch last season and appears to have moved ahead of Jalen Smith in the pecking order.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Potential Starters: PG: Darius Garland, SG: Donovan Mitchell, SF: De’Andre Hunter, PF: Evan Mobley, C: Jarrett Allen
Position Battles/Names to watch: Lonzo Ball, Larry Nance
The Cavaliers’ rotation is set in stone, meaning it’s hard to see roles changing too much. Ball replaces Caris LeVert and should play consistent minutes. However, with Garland having a chance to miss the start of the season, look for Ball to take on a more significant short-term role. Nance was a sneaky addition and should allow Mobley to spend a bit more time at the center spot. While he will likely play sporadic minutes, he is someone to keep an eye on given his intriguing skillset.
Dallas Mavericks
Potential Starters: PG: D’Angelo Russell, SG: Klay Thompson, SF: Cooper Flagg, PF: Anthony Davis, C: Dereck Lively
Position Battles/Names to watch: PJ Washington, Max Christie, Brandon Williams
Washington proved himself to be a jack-of-all-trades last season and should once again be the first player off the bench. Christie started his career in Dallas well, but faded late. Look for him to try and build some momentum early in the season. Although Russell will likely assume the starting point guard role until Kyrie Irving returns, he is by no means a sure thing. Williams was fantastic down the stretch last season and should be in the discussion for a larger role, should Russell come up short.
Denver Nuggets
Potential Starters: PG: Jamal Murray, SG: Christian Braun, SF: Cam Johnson, PF: Aaron Gordon, C: Nikola Jokić
Position Battles/Names to watch: Bruce Brown, Jonas Valančiūnas, Peyton Watson
Brown returns to Denver and should immediately step into a sixth-man role. Any injury to the starting lineup would likely result in an uptick in playing time. Valančiūnas gives the Nuggets a viable backup behind Jokić. While he won’t play heavy minutes, Valančiūnas will step into the starting role whenever Jokić is sidelined. Watson has flashed some upside, but consistency has been an issue. Now is the time if he is going to establish himself as a worthwhile piece on a championship squad.
Detroit Pistons
Potential Starters: PG: Cade Cunningham, SG: Jaden Ivey, SF: Ausar Thompson, PF: Tobias Harris, C: Jalen Duren
Position Battles/Names to watch: Caris LeVert, Ron Holland
Despite a somewhat disappointing rookie season, Holland should play a larger role this season. He impressed during the recent Summer League and is a key piece of Detroit’s young core. LeVert will serve as the team’s sixth man and, as we know, has a chance to produce on a nightly basis.
Golden State Warriors
Potential Starters: PG: Steph Curry, SG: Brandin Podziemski, SF: Jimmy Butler III, PF: Draymond Green, C: Quinten Post
Position Battles/Names to watch: Jonathan Kuminga, De’Anthony Melton
Kuminga’s exact role and location remain a mystery, making him a tough player to project. If he sticks around in Golden State, he should play upwards of 25 minutes per game. Coming off a season lost to injury, Melton will be out to prove himself on the big stage. He brings a defensive backcourt presence, something the Warriors certainly need.
Houston Rockets
Potential Starters PG: Fred VanVleet, SG: Amen Thompson, SF: Kevin Durant, PF: Jabari Smith Jr., C: Alperen Sengun
Position Battles/Names to watch: Tari Eason, Reed Sheppard, Clint Capela
Houston is all in this season, acquiring Durant from the Suns. While this puts a bit of a damper on what Eason can do, he should still see decent minutes on a nightly basis. We didn’t see much from Sheppard during his rookie season, but could at least be a regular part of the rotation following a dominant performance at Summer League. Capela will battle Steven Adams for the backup center minutes. If Sengun misses time at all during the season, it would likely be Capela who steps into the starting role.
Indiana Pacers
Potential Starters: PG: Andrew Nembhard, SG: Bennedict Mathurin, SF: Aaron Nesmith, PF: Pascal Siakam, C: Jay Huff
Position Battles/Names to watch: Isaiah Jackson, Obi Toppin
With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined for the entire season, the Pacers are likely going to be in a holding pattern. The removal of Myles Turner opens up an opportunity for Huff and Jackson, with Huff likely to get first crack at the starting role. Toppin proved to be a valuable piece for the Pacers last season and should once again serve as a high-energy asset as required.
LA Clippers
Potential Starters: PG: James Harden, SG: Bradley Beal, SF: Kawhi Leonard, PF: John Collins, C: Ivica Zubac
Position Battles/Names to watch: Chris Paul, Brook Lopez
The Clippers roster is on the older side, a strategy that could certainly backfire. Both Paul and Lopez are in the twilight of their careers, but they should play key roles for a team whose championship window is potentially closing.
Los Angeles Lakers
Potential Starters: PG: Luka Dončić, SG: Austin Reaves, SF: Rui Hachimura, PF: LeBron James, C: Deandre Ayton
Position Battles/Names to watch: Marcus Smart, Jarred Vanderbilt
Smart lands in Los Angeles with a lot to prove after a season to forget in Washington. He will likely come off the bench, but as we have seen in the past, his defensive upside should be enough to keep him on the floor, even closing games from time to time. Vanderbilt is also no stranger to injury. Although the addition of Ayton does stifle Vanderbilt’s opportunities somewhat, he is a far better defender than Ayton and should feature in the nightly rotation.
Memphis Grizzlies
Potential Starters: PG: Ja Morant, SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SF: Jaylen Wells, PF: Jaren Jackson Jr., C: Zach Edey
Position Battles/Names to watch: Santi Aldama, Ty Jerome
Aldama was fantastic last season and will look to build off a career-best year. Jackson could miss some time to begin the season, likely resulting in a larger role for Aldama. Likewise, Jerome was a key piece for the Cavaliers last season and lands in Memphis, slated to come off the bench behind Morant. While last season may end up being his best season as a professional, Jerome is someone to keep an eye on.
Miami Heat
Potential Starters: PG: Tyler Herro, SG: Norman Powell, SF: Andrew Wiggins, PF: Bam Adebayo, C: Kel’el Ware
Position Battles/Names to watch: Nikola Jović, Dru Smith
Jović has the ability to serve several purposes on a Heat team trying to find an identity. While he is unlikely to start, Jović could very well earn himself a sizeable role. Smith was building momentum last season until his campaign was derailed by injury. He is arguably the best wing defender on this squad and will be looking to prove himself, yet again.
Milwaukee Bucks
Potential Starters: PG: Kevin Porter Jr., SG: Gary Trent, SF: Kyle Kuzma, PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo, C: Myles Turner
Position Battles/Names to watch: Cole Anthony, Ryan Rollins, Bobby Portis
After parting ways with Damian Lillard, the starting point guard spot is seemingly up for grabs in Milwaukee. While Porter Jr. is likely the preferred choice at this point, both Anthony and Rollins are arguably more intriguing. Poor results early in the season could see one or both players step into larger roles. As is always the case when it comes to Portis, he will do his thing, but he is obviously a more appealing asset when Antetokounmpo misses time.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Potential Starters: PG: Donte DiVincenzo, SG: Anthony Edwards, SF: Jaden McDaniels, PF: Julius Randle, C: Rudy Gobert
Position Battles/Names to watch: Naz Reid, Terrence Shannon
Reid provides the Timberwolves with a reliable scoring threat off the bench, but would need Gobert to miss time to have any chance at taking his game to the next level. Shannon is another player who impressed during Summer League and looks set for a larger role right out of the gate.
New Orleans Pelicans
Potential Starters: PG: Jordan Poole, SG: Herb Jones, SF: Trey Murphy III, PF: Zion Williamson, C: Yves Missi
Position Battles/Names to watch: Derik Queen, Saddiq Bey
Missi is likely penciled in as the starting center, but it’s fair to say he wasn’t overly impressive during his rookie season. Look for Queen to at least challenge for center minutes right out of the gate. Coming off a forgotten season as a result of injury, Bey is looking to remind everyone what he can do when healthy. Where he fits is unclear, although he almost certainly slots in as the first or second player off the bench.
New York Knicks
Potential Starters: PG: Jalen Brunson, SG: Mikal Bridges, SF: Josh Hart, PF: OG Anunoby, C: Karl-Anthony Towns
Position Battles/Names to watch: Mitchell Robinson, Jordan Clarkson
With Tom Thibodeau now out of the picture, the playing time should subside for the starters in New York. This could result in an uptick for guys like Robinson, who certainly provides the team with a much-needed rim protector. Clarkson should slot in as the sixth man.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Potential Starters: PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, SG: Lu Dort, SF: Jalen Williams, PF: Chet Holmgren, C: Isaiah Hartenstein
Position Battles/Names to watch: Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, Nikola Topić
Life is good in Oklahoma City, and it’s hard to see anything changing when it comes to the rotation. Wallace proved to be a key bench piece last season and should once again anchor the second unit. Likewise, Wiggins emerged as a secondary scoring piece and has potentially earned himself a more consistent role. Topić is the wildcard. While he probably won’t’ have much of a role to begin with, he is by far the most intriguing piece on the roster.
Orlando Magic
Potential Starters: PG: Jalen Suggs, SG: Desmond Bane, SF: Franz Wagner, PF: Paolo Banchero, C: Wendell Carter Jr.
Position Battles/Names to watch: Goga Bitadze, Jase Richardson, Orlando Robinson
As we saw last season, Carter by no means has the starting center spot locked down. Bitadze will once again challenge for minutes, while Robinson should also at least be in the discussion. Both players could have periods of productivity during the season. Players like Anthony Black and Jett Howard have, to this point, failed to impress. Richardson should get a chance at some point during the season.
Philadelphia 76ers
Potential Starters: PG: Tyrese Maxey, SG: VJ Edgecombe, SF: Paul George, PF: Kelly Oubre Jr., C: Joel Embiid
Position Battles/Names to watch: Adem Bona, Jared McCain, Quentin Grimes
It all comes down to health for the 76ers. Embiid’s knees are an ongoing issue, and the chances of him playing more than about 40 games are in the air. Bona impressed down the stretch last season and should get first crack at the starting role, if and when Embiid shifts to the injured list. McCain was one of the more impressive rookies before his season was brought to a premature end as a result of a knee injury. Look for him to pick up where he left off. Grimes was arguably the most impressive player to close last season and will also be looking to pick up where he left off.
Phoenix Suns
Potential Starters: PG: Devin Booker, SG: Jalen Green, SF: Dillon Brooks, PF: Ryan Dunn, C: Mark Williams
Position Battles/Names to watch: Jordan Goodwin, Khaman Maluach
The Suns will likely run without a true point guard to begin the season, a decision that could allow Goodwin to play an important role, albeit off the bench. Williams will likely slot in as the starting center following a trade from Charlotte. However, Maluach was highly sought after in the draft and should play decent minutes. His ability to protect the rim is something that shouldn’t be lost on the coaching staff, and could earn him a handful of extra playing time.
Portland Trail Blazers
Potential Starters: PG: Scoot Henderson, SG: Shaedon Sharpe, SF: Toumani Camara, PF: Deni Avdija, C: Donovan Clingan
Position Battles/Names to watch: Jerami Grant, Yang Hansen, Jrue Holiday
Grant could very well remain in the starting lineup at the expense of either Deni Avdija or Shaedon Sharpe. Look for Grant to soak up a bunch of minutes, be it off the bench or as a starter. The Trail Blazers have a number of center options, although Hansen is by far the most intriguing when it comes to the modern game. If Holiday actually plays well, his presence will likely hurt Henderson.
Sacramento Kings
Potential Starters: PG: Dennis Schröder, SG: Zach LaVine, SF: DeMar DeRozan, PF: Keegan Murray, C: Domantas Sabonis
Position Battles/Names to watch: Malik Monk, Keon Ellis, Nique Clifford
Despite a likely shift to the bench, it could be argued that Monk deserves a chance at larger minutes. Ellis has proven himself to be an elite wing defender, and yet his minutes are inconsistent. Clifford could also be called upon to do a lot more than first expected.
San Antonio Spurs
Potential Starters: PG: De’Aaron Fox, SG: Stephon Castle, SF: Devin Vassell, PF: Harrison Barnes, C: Victor Wembanyama
Position Battles/Names to watch: Dylan Harper, Jeremy Sochan
Harper should play upwards of 25 minutes per game from night one, allowing him to be a producer right away. Although Castle has likely earned himself a starting role alongside Fox, I doubt it is set in stone. There is a world where Harper supplants Castle at some point throughout the season. Sochan will likely settle into a bench role, but given Barnes’ struggles defensively, Sochan could find himself in the closing lineup from time to time.
Toronto Raptors
Potential Starters: PG: Immanuel Quickley, SG: RJ Barrett, SF: Brandon Ingram, PF: Scottie Barnes, C: Jakob Poeltl
Position Battles/Names to watch: Collin Murray-Boyles, Gradey Dick
It’s hard to know what to expect from the Raptors this season. Murray-Boyles profiles a little like Barnes, possibly limiting his opportunities. However, if things go south for Toronto, look for the rookie to move up in the rotation. Dick turned himself into a somewhat reliable scorer last season. While his playing time is likely to come down a little, he could find himself back in the starting lineup if Ingram misses time due to injury.
Utah Jazz
Potential Starters: PG: Isaiah Collier, SG: Keyonte George, SF: Ace Bailey, PF: Lauri Markkanen, C: Walker Kessler
Position Battles/Names to watch: Taylor Hendricks, Walter Clayton, Kyle Filipowski
The Jazz have some of the most intriguing young pieces in the league. A leg injury caused Hendricks to miss basically the entire 2024-25 season, meaning he will be returning with a chip on his shoulder. The addition of Bailey hurts his overall upside, but it makes sense for the Jazz to give him ample opportunity. With Sexton and Clarkson both gone, Clayton could be the primary beneficiary. George was a little up and down to close last season, while Collier’s deficiencies on the offensive end are well-documented. Keep an eye on Clayton’s playing time as the season moves forward. Filipowski is another young piece who could see his playing time ramp up. Fresh off an MVP performance in Summer League, he will be keen to prove to everyone that he is here to stay.
Washington Wizards
Potential Starters: PG: CJ McCollum, SG: Khris Middleton, SF: Bilal Coulibaly, PF: Kyshawn George, C: Alex Sarr
Position Battles/Names to watch: Cam Whitmore, Tre Johnson
The Wizards brought in Whitmore, who’s coming in from Houston last season. On a team with an uphill battle for a postseason run, we could see Whitmore given more freedom than we have to this point in his young career. If McCollum or Middleton miss time, Johnson could be featured, but could quickly ascend the playing ranks if his game translates well from college.
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