We’re at the dead period in the offseason where not much is happening around the NBA.
For the past few days, Jonathan Kuminga’s looming decision was the biggest talking point, and now he has signed a $13 million two-year deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
That move rounds out the Wolves’ starting five as a solid unit, amongst the best in the league.
There’s still time for more player movement between now and NBA opening night, but as of right now, these are the best starting units in the association.
The NBA’s Top Five Starting Fives 2026-27
Of course, some people might disagree with the five names chosen for this exercise, especially considering the quality of depth some of these teams possess.
This is, however, who we think should play the biggest moments and eventually, the playoffs.
5. Oklahoma City Thunder
- PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- SG: Cason Wallace
- SF: Jalen Williams
- PF: Chet Holmgren
- C: Isaiah Hartenstein
Fifth may feel quite low for the Thunder, who have had the best record in the NBA for the past two years. But the strength of OKC comes from the seemingly endless stream of talent that comes off the bench, as much as on the players who start the game.
Looking at their five, it contains two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and All-Star-level talents, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. A daunting proposition, for sure, but there are units ahead of them that just feel more dangerous this year.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
- PG: LaMelo Ball
- SG: Anthony Edwards
- SF: Jonathan Kuminga
- PF: Jaden McDaniels
- C: Rudy Gobert
The Timberwolves have had quite the offseason, shipping off Julius Randle and bringing in LaMelo Ball and Kuminga.
You know what you’re getting from Gobert. Ant is a near-certainty to put up MVP-calibre numbers.
And Jalen McDaniels could really be the next player to take that superstar leap. He led the Wolves against the Nuggets in the absence of Edwards, looking like a menacing two-way wing who has found his offensive flow.
LaMelo and Ant together. I just have a good feeling about the Wolves.
3. New York Knicks
- PG: Jalen Brunson
- SG: Josh Hart
- SF: OG Anunoby
- PF: Mikal Bridges
- C: Karl-Anthony Towns
Putting the champions in third might feel harsh, but it’s as high as I could take them. We know what we’re going to get from the Knicks — well-rounded, high chemistry, good basketball. They have every chance of making the Finals again.
The reason for this position is simply that there are two starting fives ahead of them that just look plain scary.
2. San Antonio Spurs
- PG: De’Aaron Fox
- SG: Stephon Castle
- SF: Devin Vassell
- PF: Tobias Harris
- C: Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama enters year 4 of his NBA career as arguably the best player in the league. Another offseason sharpening his offensive tools should have defenders across the league dreading a matchup with the San Antonio Spurs.
And he’s got the same talented guard pairing, with Stephon Castle a year older, as well as new arrival Tobias Harris joining him in the frontcourt.
They made the Finals last year, and they’re only going to be better this season. The best starting five in the West.
1. Philadelphia 76ers
- PG: Tyrese Maxey
- SG: VJ Edgecombe
- SF: Jaylen Brown
- PF: LeBron James
- C: Joel Embiid
You might have seen this coming. The 76ers have been very busy this summer, adding Jaylen Brown and LeBron James to the young, exciting backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
The question is whether Joel Embiid can stay healthy long enough for us to see this starting lineup at its best, but on paper, it clears any team in the league.
These are five stars — yes, I’m including VJ — who can drop 20 on your head on any given night. Defense might not be up there with the other starting fives on this list, but that amount of star power has to secure the No.1 spot.
Let’s see if it can all come together in practice.
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