Building the perfect starting lineup is like creating a dream team for every NBA franchise. These players highlight championship moments and unforgettable performances, representing the best talent in the league’s history. Explore the NBA’s ten ultimate starting five teams and relive their iconic achievements and accolades.
1987–88 Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers’ starting five included Magic Johnson, Byron Scott, James Worthy, A.C. Green, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who secured consecutive NBA titles, accentuating their exceptional performance and team cohesion. This marked the end of the Showtime era and the final championship at The Forum before the 2000 win at Staples Center.
1954–1961 Boston Celtics
Dominating the NBA with four championships, this Celtics roster featured Hall of Famers Bob Cousy, Bill Sharman, Frank Ramsey, Tom Heinsohn, and Bill Russell. Despite Ramsey not being an All-Star, he played a vital role as a sixth man under Red Auerbach, and their playmaking marked them as an exceptional team in NBA history.
1995–96 Chicago Bulls
The 1996 Bulls set an NBA record with 72 wins and captured the championship, anchored by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Ron Harper, and Luc Longley. They started 37-0 at home, went 41-3 by midseason, and solidified their legacy as one of the most incredible teams in the NBA’s history.
2016–17 Golden State Warriors
In this season, the Warriors dominated with a 67-15 record and a historic 16-1 postseason run. Their squad, featuring Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Zaza Pachulia, combined scoring and sharpshooting to revolutionize modern basketball. This “superteam” set a new standard with their offensive firepower and defensive prowess.
1985–86 Boston Celtics
Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Dennis Johnson, and Danny Ainge led the Celtics to a 67-15 record and an NBA title. Bird’s leadership, McHale’s scoring, Parish’s defense, and Johnson’s clutch play created unmatched chemistry. Their 40 home wins and playoff sweeps underscored their dominance as a true dynasty.
2000–01 Los Angeles Lakers
The 2000-01 Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, dominated. O’Neal averaged 28.7 points and 12.7 rebounds per game, while Bryant added 28.5 points and 5.9 rebounds. Derek Fisher, Rick Fox, and Horace Grant provided crucial support. They swept through the playoffs, showcasing their unmatched power and cohesion.
2012–13 Miami Heat
Unstoppable on the court, the Heat lineup featured LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. Adding Mario Chalmers and Shane Battier to the mix formed a high-octane team under head coach Erik Spoelstra. Their playoff run included a dramatic Finals victory, a 66-16 record, and a 27-game winning streak.
1971–74 New York Knicks
This Knicks squad was a powerhouse, securing the 1973 championship by toppling the Celtics and Lakers. They had Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe, Bill Bradley, Dave DeBusschere, and Willis Reed working as a unit to clinch New York’s only title post-1970. All five starters are Hall of Famers.
2004–05 San Antonio Spurs
Mastering the combination of strategic defense and precise offense, the 2004-05 Spurs dominated the season. Their roster—Tim Duncan, Manu Ginóbili, Tony Parker, Bruce Bowen, and Rasho Nesterović—overcame top teams like the Suns and Pistons in a thrilling playoff run to secure their third NBA title.
1999–2000 Indiana Pacers
The formidable alliance of Reggie Miller, Mark Jackson, Jalen Rose, Chris Mullin, and Rik Smits was groundbreaking. Miller’s clutch shooting and Rose’s scoring prowess drove the Pacers to a franchise-best 56-26 record and a historic 25-game home winning streak. Though they fell short in the Finals, their potential was undeniable.