There's more to a basketball team that its starting lineup, as evidenced by the Los Angeles Clippers' depth carrying them to the fourth seed in the postseason and the best record throughout much of the first half. However, that same depth became a problem as Vinny Del Negro was unable to figure out his lineup combinations in the playoffs, ultimately falling to the Memphis Grizzles in six games. The same surplus in the first 82 games can undo a contender in the postseason but it also works in reverse; as the Indiana Pacers fell victim to a bench that lacked offensive firepower.
With that being said, here are the top starting lineups in the National Basketball Association. The sixth, seventh and eighth men do not count and barring injuries, it's a projection of the top five players on the team, as I won't be able to guess how coaches will tinker with their rotations.
6) Chicago Bulls
Projected starting lineup: Derrick Rose, Luol Deng, Jimmy Butler, Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah
According to 82games.com, Rose was a +5.5 on offense and +3.1 on defense in 2011-12 season. Though one doesn't need the numbers to bear out what Rose means to the team, his ability to attack the basket and handle the ball are critical in Chicago's grinding approach to basketball games. Breakout candidate Butler paired with Deng and Noah represent one of the stiffest wing and interior combinations on defense. However, it all comes back to injuries as Deng has struggled with several in the past two seasons, Noah's foot is a problem and we have hashed over Rose's knee ad nauseam.
If they are able to stay healthy, meaning that Coach Tom Thibodeau can limit their minutes, they are a force in the Eastern Conference. The team often struggled to score last season but a healthy Rose remedies that while picking up the slack from the defense of Nate Robinson and Marco Belinelli. Simply put, it'll take an MVP-Rose performance to get this team into the upper echelon of teams in the league.
5) Brooklyn Nets
Projected starting lineup: Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Brook Lopez
This is a very old team, but also an experienced and talented one that meshes together quite well. Lopez doesn't play much defense or rebound at an average clip but Garnett should pick up the slack. Williams is a rather inconsistent shooter but the creative wings of Pierce and Johnson should keep the offense humming along. Garnett, Johnson and Pierce are excellent defenders and Lopez and Williams are above-average offensive creators. What the Nets may lack in athleticism they make up in familiarity and know-how. The Boston Celtics got KG to pair with Pierce in hopes they have a couple years left in their legs and the Nets are hoping they'll have a couple months left.
If Jason Kidd can get an offense together that maximizes their abilities, instead of isolations, this is a dangerous team that can win on guile and talent alone. The window is closing but it's just large enough for this oddly-built superteam to squeeze through.
4) Indiana Pacers
Projected starting lineup: George Hill, Danny Granger, Paul George, David West, Roy Hibbert
Likely the longest lineup in the NBA in terms of wingspan, the addition of Granger shifts defensive stalwart Lance Stephenson to the bench while infusing an offensive jolt in a middling offense. West can space the floor but Hibbert clogs the middle and the Pacers needed an extra shooter on the floor. Granger fixes that, and with George's gradual progression as an All-Star, this is a lineup that could knock out the Miami Heat.
3) Los Angeles Clippers
Projected starting lineup: Chris Paul, J.J. Redick, Jared Dudley, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan
The addition of Doc Rivers means as much to the team as the infusion of Dudley and Redick. Last year's edition of the Clippers were a high-octane, defense-free team but the trade of Eric Bledsoe and Caron Butler freed up shooting spots for the two newcomers. Neither Dudley and Redick are defensive stoppers but they are high-IQ players that won't become a sieve on defense the way Jamal Crawford is.
Throw in the improving post game of Griffin and the great CP3, there's a contender here. The last remaining factor is the addition of Coach Rivers. Though he isn't the greatest offensive coach, he's a couple notches above Del Negro, at least proving he is capable of making adjustments midseason or midgame.
2) Oklahoma City Thunder
Projected starting lineup: Russell Westbrook, Reggie Jackson, Kevin Durant, Thabo Sefolosha, Serge Ibaka
I chose not to include Kendrick Perkins because this is about the best lineup and the combination of a slashing Westbrook and the similarly explosive Jackson will become a nightmare for opposing defenses. Lest we not forget Durant's scoring and playmaking ability and this should be another elite offensive team with enough defense to become the Western Conference favorites.
A team borne of potential fulfilled and realized, if there's a team that's on the cusp of greatness, it's this one.
1) Miami Heat
Projected starting lineup: Mario Chalmers, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Ray Allen
The defending champions should top all lists in the offseason and it remains the same as we look at the shooters they can put out there to complement the driving abilities of James and Wade. Bosh, Allen and Chalmers help stretch the floor enough to make this team the favorites again.
Though they are undersized, the attacking ability and blinding quickness of the defense helps James and Bosh overcome the lack of height down low. It doesn't hurt that the Heat own the greatest two-way player of our generation.