NBA
What would be the greatest starting 5 in NBA history?
Comparing NBA players across different eras is no simple task, considering that positional requirements have evolved and playing styles have morphed into mega schemes. So, who are the greatest starting 5 in NBA history?
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The endless debate over the greatest NBA staring five has always stirred up emotions. Whether at workplaces, gymnasiums and barbershops, fans and experts showcase their player preferences with personal biasness always abound.
Fans continue to wonder and ponder questions like: Would Shaquille O’Neal dominate the 3-point era like he did in his era? Would LeBron James thrive in the physical 90’s era? Would Magic be able to hold on against Steph Curry? Only arcade games have tried to bring these matchups to life, but that remains in the virtual arcade world. The reality is that, the debate will always rage on.
There are players who have left an indelible mark on the game through their excellence and ability to elevate their teams to new heights. Their dominance transcends eras and accolades, records and influence on basketball have stood the test of time.
When determining the best starting five to have ever graced the NBA, the player’s basketball skill exhibited throughout their career is paramount, although accolades and championships accrued in the long run add to their case.
This is SportsBoom’s best NBA lineup ever.
Point Guard: Steph Curry
Honorable mentions: Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson, Isaiah Thomas, John Stockton, Chris Paul and Bob Cousy.
Steph Curry has revolutionized the game of basketball as evidenced by the rise of 3-point shooting by teams and players in the NBA. He is by far the greatest shooter to have ever played in the NBA. Curry is a marksman shooter capable of shooting off the dribble as well as knocking down baskets off catch shoot. Considered among the most skilled dribblers of the basketball, Curry’s versatility has allowed him to play the shooting guard position.
Steph Curry is a two-time league MVP, and the first unanimous MVP selection in league history. He is a four-time NBA champion, an NBA finals MVP, an NBA All-star MVP, an NBA Clutch Player of the Year, and the inaugural NBA Western Conference Finals MVP.
He is also a two-time NBA scoring champion, a ten-time NBA All-Star, and a ten-time All-NBA selection (including four on the First Team). Internationally, he has won two gold medals at the FIBA World Cup and a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics as part of the U.S. men's national team.
Curry would be the perfect fit for the point guard position on this team of superstars, as he showed he can operate off the ball while sharing the floor with Kevin Durant in Golden States Warriors. His brilliance is all-too-often taken for granted, but accolades, efficiency and three-point shooting do him justice.
Shooting Guard: Michael Jordan
Honorable Mentions: Kobe Bryant, Jerry West, Allen Iverson, Dwyane Wade, George Gervin and Clyde Drexler.
Michael Jordan was a one of a kind player, generational talent. Often considered the greatest player to have ever played the game, Jordan is credited for making the NBA a worldwide household name. Jordan’s cultural impact cannot be understated. His influence transcended basketball, making him a global icon.
Jordan’s work ethic and fierce competitiveness is the stuff of legend. He was capable of dominating both ends of the floor with unrivaled passion and tenacity. Jordan finished his career with a regular season average of 30.1 points, 2.3 steals, 5.3 assists and 6.2 rebounds. Not to mention that he averaged 33.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.7 assists during the playoffs.
Jordan nicknamed “Black Jesus” or “Air Jordan”, was a six-time NBA champion, five-time NBA MVP and a record six-time NBA Finals MVP. He won a record ten NBA scoring titles, had ten All-NBA First Team designations, nine All-Defensive First Team honors, 14 NBA All-Star Game selections, three NBA All-Star Game MVP awards, three NBA steals titles, and the 1988 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. Alongside the vulnerable Curry, Jordan’s defense would be invaluable, as he would guard the opposition’s best perimeter player, allowing Curry to preserve energy.
Small Forward: LeBron James
Honorable mentions: Larry Bird, Kevin Durant, Julius Erving, Elgin Baylor, Scottie Pippen and Rick Barry.
LeBron James is a once-in-a generation talent and the second of the two locks on this team. Not since Jordan have we seen a player with the kind of physical prowess that just dominates the game. Standing at 6'9" and close to 275 pounds, James is simply a nuclear weapon on the court boasting a unique blend of size, athleticism and intelligence.
LeBron James has won four NBA championships, four Most Valuable Player MVP Awards, four Finals MVP Awards, three All-Star Game MVP Awards, and the inaugural NBA Cup MVP award. He is the NBA's all-time leading scorer and has been named an All-Star a record 20 times. In addition to this, James won the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023 with the Lakers. He has been selected to the All-NBA Team 20 times (including 13 First Team selections) and the All-Defensive Team six times.
James nicknamed “King James”, has an unparalleled ability to orchestrate an offense and create opportunities for teammates. LeBron will be this team’s primary ball-handler. With the elite shooting on the wings and a stretch four opening up the lanes, James would be an ungradable freight train.
Power Forward: Tim Duncan
Honorable mentions: Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, Karl Malone, Charles Barkley, Bob Petit and Kevin McHale.
Tim Duncan is often considered as the greatest power forward in NBA history. Duncan was the leader of the San Antonio dynasty that stretched through three decades in his 19 seasons in the NBA. Duncan ripped defenses apart with his famous patented bank shot. He added a respectable three-point shot later in his career making him a dual threat both in the post and on the perimeter.
Duncan, nicknamed the Big Fundamental, won five NBA championships, three Finals MVPs, two regular-season MVPs and was named to 15 All-NBA teams and 15 All-Defensive teams. He is a 15-time NBA All-Star and the only player to be selected to both the All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams for 13 consecutive seasons. His impact on offense and defense is highlighted by his career averages of 19 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game.
Tim Duncan exemplified leadership, consistency and poise while dominating on the court and his selfless nature would bring balance to this team full of super egos.
Michael Jordan is the only player on this starting five team to have never tasted defeat in NBA finals match-ups. He has a perfect 6-0 win/loss record.
Center: Shaquille O'Neal
Honorable Mentions: Kareem Abdul-Jabber, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Hakeem Olajuwoh, Moses Malone and Bill Walton.
The NBA has witnessed its fair share of dominant big men that have wreaked havoc across different eras. However, Shaquille O’Neal is simply the most dominant and athletic center to have graced the NBA. O’Neal was a physical behemoth standing at 7'1" and weighing 325 pounds, capable of sprinting coast to coast and finishing with a dunk. His post ups were a nightmare for defender. His one dribble drop step dunks were some of the most athletic moves seen by centers. What makes Shaquille a starter on this team is he played in an era where big men reigned supreme.
During his career, Shaquille averaged 23.7 points and 10.9 rebounds per contest and during the playoffs, he averaged 24.3 points and 11.6 rebounds.
O’Neal has so many nicknames including, “The Big Aristotle”, “The Disel” and “Shaq”. Shaq won four championships, one regular season MVP, three Finals MVP and was nominated to 15 All-Star games. He also has three All-Star Game MVP awards, two NBA scoring titles, 14 All-NBA team selections and three NBA All-Defensive Team selections.
Shaq, who’s a true cultural icon, is not going to be shooting threes, but he’ll provide much-needed paint presence at both ends of the floor for this team and his pick and roll with LeBron would be a major problem.
Ian Mugo Wanyeki is based in Nairobi, Kenya. He is a sports enthusiast with vast knowledge of different sport disciplines. Ian is a graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Kenyatta University. He is a Kenyan journalist who’s worked as a sports analyst at Covenant Television Network, as a sports reporter at NTV and as a Sports Correspondent/contributor at Quartz Africa.