Oklahoma City Thunder
Point Guard: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shooting Guard: Josh Giddey
Small Forward: Lu Dort
Power Forward: Darius Bazley
Center: Derrick Favors
Sixth Man: Aleksej Pokuševski
Due to his foot surgery, the Thunder will play this year’s championship with their power forward, Chet Holmgren. Moreover, Bazley is under scrutiny, as he has one year to prove himself, and if he doesn’t, Pokuevski might replace him, and he will turn into a restricted free agent next season. Meanwhile, Favors is a top trade possibility because his contract is about to expire, but he’ll likely open the season as the starting center. However, Giddey and Gilgeous-Alexander will once again lead this lineup.
Orlando Magic
Point Guard: Cole Anthony
Shooting Guard: Jalen Suggs
Small Forward: Franz Wagner
Power Forward: Paolo Banchero
Center: Wendell Carter Jr.
Sixth Man: Mo Bamba
Banchero will be in the spotlight for the Magic as a scorer and playmaker and has a chance to win the Rookie of the Year award. Although Suggs and Anthony severely collapsed the previous season, they will be better after another off-season. Moreover, Carter appears to be at least an above-average starting NBA center. However, Bamba coming off the bench could offer some rim protection and outside shooting. Meanwhile, Wagner gives this group lots of promise with his height and broad skill set.
Philadelphia 76ers
Point Guard: James Harden
Shooting Guard: Tyrese Maxey
Small Forward: Tobias Harris
Power Forward: P.J. Tucker
Center: Joel Embiid
Sixth Man: De’Anthony Melton
This starting group could have the most satisfactory overall balance of offensive and defense with the inclusion of Tucker. Meanwhile, Maxey is a dynamic offensive player who has improved from being a below-average three-point shooter to an outstanding one. Moreover, Embiid will again be a top MVP candidate while dominating on both ends. In addition, Harden is still one of the league’s finest playmakers. All in all, this starting five has all the ingredients of a crown team.
Phoenix Suns
Point Guard: Chris Paul
Shooting Guard: Devin Booker
Small Forward: Mikal Bridges
Power Forward: Jae Crowder
Center: Deandre Ayton
Sixth Man: Cam Johnson
Crowder is reportedly available in trade negotiations right now, and Johnson is more than capable of taking control if he gets traded and no power comes in response. Meanwhile, Paul’s shot attempts are declining. However, Booker may be in danger of overtaking him as the league’s leading scorer. Moreover, Ayton has improved defensively, while Bridges is one of the league’s best wing defenders. Nevertheless, this starting five is still deserving of a title.
Portland Trail Blazers
Point Guard: Damian Lillard
Shooting Guard: Anfernee Simons
Small Forward: Josh Hart
Power Forward: Jerami Grant
Center: Jusuf Nurkić
Sixth Man: Nassir Little
Only Lillard and Nurki were in the starting lineup on the opening night of the previous season. Meanwhile, if CJ McCollum and Norman Powell got traded, Lillard would have a chance to win his first career-scoring championship. Moreover, Hart functions well as a versatile forward who can score, rebound, pass, and guard many spots. In addition, Grant will do wonders for the team’s defense.
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