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With most of the rosters set for the upcoming season, people have begun to discuss potential starting lineups for each NBA team. There has been a lot of shake up throughout the NBA, some rosters have been completely changed around and it will be interesting to see what the opening day lineups will be. For the sake of this article the lineups will be based off of who will be ready to play opening night. So players that are injured right now will not be included. Along with the starting lineups, key bench players will be listed.
Atlanta Hawks
Point Guard: Trae Young
Shooting Guard: Kevin Huerter
Small Forward: DeAndre’ Bembry
Power Forward: John Collins
Center: Damian Jones
Key Bench Players: Jabari Parker, De’Andre Hunter, Evan Turner, Allen Crabbe, Alex Len, Cam Reddish, Vince Carter and Chandler Parsons
The Hawks will look to improve on what was a solid building year for a young team. They have added some veteran presences this off-season, with bringing in Evan Turner and Allen Crabbe. The Hawks will still play most of their young players as the core continues to grow chemistry this season. The Hawks will be an exciting team this year who will try and win as much as possible. They will try their best to reach the playoffs this season.
Boston Celtics
Point Guard: Kemba Walker
Shooting Guard: Marcus Smart
Small Forward: Jaylen Brown
Power Forward: Jayson Tatum
Center: Enes Kanter
Key Bench Players: Gordon Hayward, Daniel Theis, Carsen Edwards, Romeo Langford, Semi Ojeleye and Grant Williams
A lot of change in Boston this off-season and lost a lot of depth. Boston will be relying a lot on younger players this season to maintain there status as one of the best teams in the east. They lost a lot of veterans in the off-season and believe that they can be replaced with a plethora of rookies that they drafted or signed.
Brooklyn Nets
Point Guard: Kyrie Irving
Shooting Guard: Joe Harris
Small Forward: Caris LaVert
Power Forward: Rodions Kurucs
Center: DeAndre Jordan
Key Players: Jarrett Allen, Spencer Dinwiddie, Taurean Prince, Wilson Chandler and Garrett Temple
Injured: Kevin Durant
One of the teams that made a huge splash this summer, but unfortunately will have to wait a year to see the finished team in action. Brooklyn will still be one of the top teams in the east with a very talented roster intact. Another team that will be a fun watch in the 2019-2020 season, even without Kevin Durant.
Charlotte Hornets
Point Guard: Terry Rozier III
Shooting Guard: Dwayne Bacon
Small Forward: Nicolas Batum
Power Forward: Miles Bridges
Center: Cody Zeller
Key Players: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marvin Williams, Malik Monk, Devonte’ Graham and PJ Washington
Possibly the worst team in the NBA, Charlotte will struggle mightily this season after losing the best player in franchise history. Charlotte will be looking forward to possibly getting the number one pick next year. There is going to be a lot of playing time coming for some of the younger players on the roster.
Chicago Bulls
Point Guard: Tomas Satoransky
Shooting Guard: Zach LaVine
Small Forward: Otto Porter Jr.
Power Forward: Lauri Markkanen
Center: Wendell Carter Jr.
Key Bench Players: Thaddeus Young, Kris Dunn, Coby White, Denzel Valentine, Chandler Hutchison and Daniel Gafford
The Bulls have a lot of young talent and will look to make the next step this season. Health will be a key for a young team that always seems to be hurt and improvement on the defensive end of the floor. Thaddeus Young will be huge factor in improving this team into becoming a serious playoff threat.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Point Guard: Colin Sexton
Shooting Guard: Jordan Clarkson
Small Forward: Cedi Osman
Power Forward: Kevin Love
Center: Tristan Thompson
Key Bench Players: Darius Garland, Larry Nance Jr., John Henson, Matthew Dellavedova, Dylan Windler, Kevin Porter Jr. and Brandon Knight
It’s going to be another rough year in Cleveland. They too will also have a young talent to look out throughout the season. At this moment I will give Sexton the edge at point guard over Garland based purely off seniority and health. There is still the possibility that Cleveland experiments with a two point guard lineup with Sexton and Garland.
Dallas Mavericks
Point Guard: Delon Wright
Shooting Guard: Luka Doncic
Small Forward: Tim Hardaway Jr.
Power Forward: Dwight Powell
Center: Kristaps Porzingis
Key Bench Players: Jalen Brunson, Seth Curry, Justin Jackson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber and Boban Marjanovic
It will be interesting to see how the point guard battle will go for Dallas as they have a lot of options to look at. I think Wright makes the most sense to start in the backcourt with Luka, as he is a tremendous defender and can make up for where Luka struggles. Hardaway Jr. will stretch the floor allowing Powell to be a rim runner along with room for both Porzingis and Doncic to operate.
Denver Nuggets
Point Guard: Jamal Murray
Shooting Guard: Gary Harris
Small Forward: Torrey Craig
Power Forward: Paul Millsap
Center: Nikola Jokic
Key Bench Players: Jeremi Grant, Will Barton, Mason Plumlee, Monte Morris, Malik Beasley and Michael Porter Jr.
Not much is expected to change in the Nuggets starting lineup. They return almost the entire team that was 2nd in the western conference and should look to be one of the top teams again in the west. The only changes I could see possibly happening to this lineup is if Denver wants to go super defensive and slot Jeremi Grant in at the 4. Or if Michael Porter Jr. dazzles in camp.
Detroit Pistons
Point Guard: Reggie Jackson
Shooting Guard: Luke Kennard
Small Forward: Tony Snell
Power Forward: Blake Griffin
Center: Andre Drummond
Key Bench Players: Derrick Rose, Bruce Brown Jr., Sekou Doumbouya, Markieff Morris and Thon Maker
Detroit lineup is pretty much been set for most of the offseason. The only discussion has been at the shooting Guard and small Forward. Hopefully this year Detroit can make the lead into the top 4 in the east with playoffs spots up for grabs after Philly and Milwaukee.
Golden State Warriors
Point Guard: Stephen Curry
Shooting Guard: D’Angelo Russell
Small Forward: Alfonzo McKinnie
Power Forward: Draymond Green
Center: Kevon Looney
Key Bench Players: Willie Cauley-Stein, Glenn Robinson III, Alec Burks, Jordan Poole and Eric Paschall
Injured Players: Klay Thompson
A different look to opening night, then in years past. Warriors brought in some young talent this offseason and will experiment this season with different lineups until Klay Thompson returns from injury. With Steph healthy, the Warriors will still be a problem in the west but will take some time to adjust with the new additions.
Houston Rockets
Point Guard: Russell Westbrook
Shooting Guard: James Harden
Small Forward: Danuel House Jr.
Power Forward: PJ Tucker
Center: Clint Capela
Key Bench Players: Eric Gordon, Austin Rivers, Gerald Green, Anthony Bennett, and Tyson Chandler
Interesting to see the dynamic of Houston’s new backcourt this season. Houston brings back most of the core that has been there in the past and should be one of the best teams in the west. They will have some growing pains, as of the NBA will have this season, but should be in the discussion as a serious contender.
Indiana Pacers
Point Guard: Malcolm Brogdon
Shooting Guard: Jeremy Lamb
Small Forward: TJ Warren
Power Forward: Domantas Sabonis
Center: Myles Turner
Key Bench Players: Aaron Holiday, Justin Holiday, Doug McDermott, TJ McConnell, TJ Leaf and Goga Bitadze
Injured Players: Victor Oladipo
A team that always plays hard and should reach the playoffs again this season. Their competitive play will keep them afloat until they get their All-Star guard Victor Oladipo back from injury. It will be interesting to see how the Pacers navigate through the east without Oladipo. They made the appropriate moves in the summer to continue their high play even without their best player.
Los Angles Clippers
Point Guard: Patrick Beverly
Shooting Guard: Landry Shamet
Small Forward: Kawhi Lenord
Power Forward: JaMychal Green
Center: Ivica Zubac
Key Bench Players: Lou Williams, Moe Harkless, Jerome Robinson, Montrezl Harrell, and Rodney McGruder
Injured Players: Paul George
Perhaps the deepest team in the NBA, the Clippers are in many opinions the favorites in the 2019-2020 season. The Clippers are deep in every position, besides at center which many teams don’t utilize that much anyway these days. But the Clippers have around 4 to 6 players who could score 20 points any given night.
Los Angles Lakers
Point Guard: Avery Bradley
Shooting Guard: Danny Green
Small Forward: LeBron James
Power Forward: Anthony Davis
Center: DeMarcus Cousins
Key Bench Players: Rajon Rondo, Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, JaVale McGee, Quinn Cook, Troy Daniels, and Alex Caruso
The Lakers will go against the norm in today’s NBA and put out a huge lineup for opening night. This will cause a nightmare matchup for opponents trying to guard the size of Los Angles. Being that there were not many shooters in the starting lineup before the addition of Danny Green, it makes sense for him to start. The luxury of essential having LeBron run the show is that you don’t need to start a true point guard, this will allow Bradley to start and be able to pick up the elite point guards the NBA has to offer.
Memphis Grizzlies
Point Guard: Ja Morant
Shooting Guard: Dillion Brooks
Small Forward: Kyle Anderson
Power Forward: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Center: Jonas Valanciunas
Key Bench Players: Andre Iguodala, Tyus Jones, Josh Jackson, Jae Crowder, Brandon Clarke, and Bruno Caboclo
A young Memphis team that will have some exciting players this season as they begin the post-Grind City era. They throw in a mixture of vets to help this young team grow although it is uncertain if some of these veterans are on different teams by opening night. They might not get a lot of wins but Memphis will definitely have exciting plays throughout the season.
Miami Heat
Point Guard: Goran Dragic
Shooting Guard: Jimmy Butler
Small Forward: Derrick Jones Jr.
Power Forward: Justise Winslow
Center: Bam Adebayo
Key Bench Players: Dion Waiter, Tyler Herro, Meyers Leonard, Kelly Olynyk, and James Johnson
No one really knows what to expect from Miami this season, all we do know is that they are still probably going to be competing for a playoff spot like they always do every year. This lineup will provide Miami with quickness and speed. This lineup brings a lot of players who can guard multiple positions.
Milwaukee Bucks
Point Guard: Eric Bledsoe
Shooting Guard: Wesley Matthews
Small Forward: Khris Middleton
Power Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Center: Brook Lopez
Key Bench Players: George Hill, Robin Lopez, Pat Connaughton, Sterling Brown, Kyle Korver, and Ersan Ilyasova
Milwaukee returns most of their 60 win team from last year. The starting lineup is virtually the same minus the loss of Malcom Brogdon in the offseason. But they bring in veterans Wesley Matthews and Kyle Korver to try and fill his role. Also more time for Sterling Brown an Pat Connaughton will provide additional help in the backcourt.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Point Guard: Jeff Teague
Shooting Guard: Josh Okogie
Small Forward: Andrew Wiggins
Power Forward: Robert Covington
Center: Karl-Anthony Towns
Key Bench Players: Shabazz Napier, Jarrett Culver, Jake Layman, Jordan Bell, Noah Vonleh, and Gorgui Dieng
A Timberwolves team that is stuck in the middle of the western conference right now. A team trying to make the playoffs this year I expect them to go very defensive and start Okogie at the two and elite wing defender Covington at the 4 to handle to new age big man.
New Orleans Pelcians
Point Guard: Lonzo Ball
Shooting Guard: Jrue Holiday
Small Forward: Brandon Ingram
Power Forward: Zion Williamson
Center: Derrick Favors
Key Bench Players: JJ Redick, E’Twaun Moore, Josh Hart, Darius Miller, Jahlil Okafor, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Jaxson Hayes
Perhaps the most exciting team coming into the 2019-2020 season. The Pelicans will be high flying and exciting. They will start a lineup that is fast paced and will feature their young talent early on in the season. The Pelicans will be must watch TV this season.
New York Knicks
Point Guard: Dennis Smith Jr.
Shooting Guard: Damyean Dotson
Small Forward: Marcus Morris
Power Forward: Julius Randle
Center: Mitchell Robinson
Key Bench Players: Elfrid Payton, Reggie Bullock, Wayne Ellington, Allonzo Trier, RJ Barrett, Kevin Knox, Bobby Portis, and Taj Gibson
Many anticipate that the Knicks would start Barrett and Knox. But I think they will want to win early and put out the most ready to win lineup. Dotson provides an offensive punch and a solid guard defender and Morris gives the Knicks a scoring option and another player who could go out and defend multiple positions.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Point Guard: Chris Paul
Shooting Guard: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Small Forward: Terrance Ferguson
Power Forward: Danilo Gallinari
Center: Steven Adams
Key Bench Players: Dennis Schroder, Andre Roberson, Mike Muscala, Nerlens Noel, and Hamidou Diallo
The Thunder have a new look team this year, where at this point it looks like they will try to compete for a playoff spot this season with Paul still on the team. They have some interesting young pieces that will start early. Then Adams will man thee middle for the foreseeable future.
Orlando Magic
Point Guard: DJ Augustin
Shooting Guard: Evan Fournier
Small Forward: Jonathan Issac
Power Forward: Aaron Gordon
Center: Nikola Vucevic
Key Bench Players: Mohamed Bamba, Terrance Ross,Michael Carter-Williams, Markelle Fultz, Al-Farouq Aminu, and Wes Iwundu
The Magic return and will start the same lineup that was the most improved the in the NBA last year. Orlando has the possibility of competing for a top spot in the east with so much turnover in the east. Orlando’s continuity will be a key into an early start to their season.
Philadelphia 76ers
Point Guard: Ben Simmons
Shooting Guard: Josh Richardson
Small Forward: Tobias Harris
Power Forward: Al Horford
Center: Joel Embiid
Key Bench Players: Mike Scott, Kyle O’Quinn, Trey Burke, Matisse Thybulle, Zhaire Smith, and Furkan Korkmaz
Philly is going to go against the norm with an absolute huge lineup and try to over power teams with their size. Shooting will still be a problem for Philly but they should be able to dominant the paint every night. Not sure how long this lineup will last but it will be the lineup opening night.
Phoenix Suns
Point Guard: Ricky Rubio
Shooting Guard: Devin Booker
Small Forward: Kelly Oubre Jr.
Power Forward: Dario Saric
Center: DeAndre Ayton
Key Bench Players: Mikal Bridges, Tyler Johnson, Ty Jerome, Cameron Johnson, Aaron Baynes, and Frank Kaminsky
The Suns will be one of those teams who will try and win early in order to try and be a playoff team this season. So they will start the best lineup to win right now. The Suns will play with an up tempo playing style and Phoenix should have an improved win total from last year just based on trying.
Portland Trial Blazers
Point Guard: Damian Lillard
Shooting Guard: CJ McCollum
Small Forward: Rodney Hood
Power Forward: Zach Collins
Center: Hassan Whiteside
Key Bench Players: Anfernee Simons, Kent Bazemore, Nassir Little, Pau Gasol, Gary Trent Jr., and Mario Hezonja
Injured Players: Jusuf Nurkic
A team looking to build off of a very successful 2019 postseason. They lose some key role players and two key starters. They will look to some of there younger players from the past couple of drafts to take the next step in there development and be able to contribute.
Sacramento Kings
Point Guard: De’Aaron Fox
Shooting Guard: Buddy Hield
Small Forward: Harrison Barnes
Power Forward: Marvin Bagley II
Center: Dewayne Dedmon
Key Bench Players: Trevor Ariza, Harry Giles, Nemanja Bjelica, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Cory Joseph
Sacramento added veteran help this offseason to try and make a playoff push, after an improved 2018-2019 season. In which they only missed the playoffs by a couple of games. Hopefully with this group Sacramento can reach the playoffs which is something they have not done since the 2005-2006 season.
San Antonio Spurs
Point Guard: Dejounte Murray
Shooting Guard: Derrick White
Small Forward: DeMar DeRozan
Power Forward: LaMarcus Aldridge
Center: Jakob Poeltl
Key Bench Players: Patty Mills, Marco Belinelli, DeMarre Carroll, Lonnie Walker IV, Rudy Gay, and Trey Lyles
Something San Antonio has not had in a while is a lot of young promising talent. Well that have that this season as they look to continue there impressive playoff streak. The Spurs will hope that some of these younger players are able to make a huge leap in their development this season. Which usually happens for the Spurs.
Toronto Raptors
Point Guard: Kyle Lowry
Shooting Guard: Norman Powell
Small Forward: OG Anunoby
Power Forward: Pascal Siakam
Center: Marc Gasol
Key Bench Players: Serge Ibaka, Fred Van Vleet, Stanley Johnson, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Patrick McCaw, and Chris Boucher
Usually when you are coming off a championship season you retain your best player, well that didn’t go as planned. But the Raptors will still be one of the better teams in the eastern conference, after retaining much of there core from last year. Hopefully Siakam will be able to make the leap to an All-Star player.
Utah Jazz
Point Guard: Mike Conley
Shooting Guard: Donovan Mitchell
Small Forward: Bojan Bogdanovic
Power Forward: Joe Ingles
Center: Rudy Gobert
Key Bench Players: Jeff Green, Emmaunel Mudiay, Royce O’Neal, Ed Davis, and Dante Exum
The Jazz will hope to be a championship contender this year, with an improved roster that comes with more depth. Conley and Mitchell make for one of the best backcourts in the NBA, along with possibly the best defensive player in the NBA in Rudy Gobert.
Washington Wizards
Point Guard: Isaiah Thomas
Shooting Guard: Bradley Beal
Small Forward: CJ Miles
Power Forward: Rui Hachimura
Center: Thomas Bryant
Key Bench Players: Ish Smith, Davis Bertans, Troy Brown, Admiral Schofield, Jordan McCrae, and Mo Wagner
Washington will have a strange mix of players who should be on playoff teams and young players who need time to develop. The team is based around star Bradley Beal, with the hopes of Isaiah Thomas to return to All-Star form along with the continued improvement of Thomas Bryant. Also interesting to see the development of lottery pick Rui Hachimura.
