THE DEPARTURE OF 4BOSTON KEY PLAYERS MANY CAUSE DOWNFALL T….
Every year during the NBA Draft, 30 teams take a chance on unproven professional basketball players from all over the world. Over the course of NBA history, every NBA team has been able to draft great enough players to form their franchise’s greatest all-time drafted lineup.
Using players solely drafted by a specific NBA franchise, we have created 30 lineups that can only be considered their greatest assembly of their homegrown and drafted players. While some of these players went on to be legends for that franchise, some never even played a game and went on to have legendary careers in other places.
Below, we will discuss how well each lineup would perform on the court together and rank them accordingly. The team with the greatest assortment of legendary NBA talent will be declared the No. 1 team. Each of these teams presents a unique lineup to break down and analyze, full of NBA champions, MVPs, and some of the greatest offensive and defensive players in NBA history.
Here are every NBA team’s greatest all-time drafted lineups.
30. Brooklyn Nets
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Kenny Anderson, Sleepy Floyd, Bernard King, Buck Williams, Derrick Coleman
The Brooklyn/New Jersey Nets get things started off in our countdown with a lineup worthy of recognition but one that doesn’t stand up to the rest of the teams listed here. The backcourt of Kenny Anderson and Sleepy Floyd get their lineup started as 18.0 points and 9.0 assists per game player at his absolute peak. Floyd could score and make plays as well with over 18.0 points and 10.0 assists per game at his absolute best.
One of the greatest scorers in NBA history, Bernard Kings, is also a member of this sneakily talented group. King played just three seasons with the Nets but at his absolute best, he was a scoring champion averaging 32.9 points per game. With King as the focal point of the offense, this Nets lineup presents some interesting challenges.
The frontcourt of Buck Williams and Derrick Coleman are a tough duo to navigate as well. Williams’ defensive presence and rebounding perfectly complement Coleman’s finesse scoring ability around the rim. Williams can handle the dirty work with pride while Coleman is able to focus heavily on his offensive game. As talented as this Nets lineup is, there are 29 more to top them.
29. Memphis Grizzlies
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Ja Morant, Kyle Lowry, Mike Conley, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Pau Gasol
The Memphis Grizzlies are a younger and smaller team than most on this list which has a lot to do with their position in 29th on this list. Their lineup begins with three point guards, the first of which is Ja Morant who is in just his fourth season in the NBA in 2023-24. Still, his talent cannot be ignored as a rim-attacker and playmaker. Morant will be paired with All-Star and All-NBA Team selection Kyle Lowry. As the team’s leader and main ball-handler, Lowry will have his work cut out for him with this squad.
Joining those two is Mike Conley, another legendary Memphis point guard to rise to stardom during their Grit and Grind era. Conley’s defense and scoring ability will be welcomed to an otherwise underwhelming lineup so far compared to others.
The frontcourt will consist of Shareef Abdur-Rahim. Before injuries, Abdur-Rahim was one of the more talented forwards in the NBA and a relentless scorer. Joining him will be an all-time great big man for multiple franchises, Pau Gasol. With his work from the high or low post, Gasol will be able to use his smaller teammates as long as they remain in movement off the ball.
28. Indiana Pacers
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Reggie Miller, Paul George, Danny Granger, Kawhi Leonard, Rik Smits
The Indiana Pacers lineup comes in as one of the more talented squads on our list but are very undersized with many question marks facing their team. The backcourt of Reggie Miller and Paul George features one of the greatest three-point shooters in NBA history alongside one of the greatest two-way players of the last 25 years.
Paul George can handle the tougher defensive assignments as well as the primary playmaking duties any point guard would handle. Making his presence known at the small forward spot will be Danny Granger. Although his peak lasted just a few seasons, Granger will be good for 21.5 points per game on 43.0% shooting.
Many people may forget that Kawhi Leonard was drafted by the Indiana Pacers and traded to the Spurs on the night of the NBA Draft. Well, everyone except Pacers fans. Leonard adds yet another two-way dimension to this team that gives it a lot of promise when stacked up against the competition. Having to handle frontcourt duties could be an issue but center Rik Smits is also there for backup. Smits will be good for a double-double at his absolute best with physical and exhausting defense.
27. Los Angeles Clippers
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Randy Smith, Adrian Dantley, Blake Griffin, Spencer Haywood, Bob McAdoo
The Los Angeles Clippers’ greatest drafted lineup comes in at No. 28 on our list with an interesting group of players, to say the least. Their backcourt begins with Randy Smith, a two-time All-Star with the Clippers who put up 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. He will be paired with former scoring champion and offensive juggernaut Adrian Dantley. Although he played just one season for the Buffalo Braves, Dantley went on to become a six-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA Team selection.
The Clippers’ lineup continues with Blake Griffin, one of the biggest athletic specimens to hit the NBA in the last 25 seasons. Griffin was a great rebounder, facilitator, and scorer for a power forward who went on to earn six All-Star selections and five All-NBA Team selections. Griffin gets this solid and abundant frontcourt started with it being rounded out by Spencer Haywood and Bob McAdoo.
Spencer Haywood gives this Clippers lineup a serious physical presence in the paint. Although his peak was short-lived, Haywood has the potential to be a 25.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game player for this Clippers lineup. If this lineup sees the absolute best of Bob McAdoo, then they are getting a 30.0 points per game scorer and former MVP. McAdoo’s scoring and rebounding ability round out a very intriguing and abundantly big Clippers lineup.
26. Miami Heat
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Caron Butler, Dwyane Wade, Steve Smith, Glen Rice, Bam Adebayo
The Miami Heat are in the same boat as the other lineups we have introduced so far. Extremely talented group with many limitations, including size. Things get started off well for the Heat with Caron Butler taking point guard duties and sharing the backcourt with Dwyane Wade. As one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history, Wade’s two-way ability will be the center of attention in this lineup without question.
The rest of the lineup consists of Steve Smith, Glen Rice, and Bam Adebayo. Smith is a talented ball-handler and creator but has his limitations as an iso scorer. Glen Rice is an incredible shooter who will feed off of Wade and get plenty of opportunities from mid-range and three. As for Adebayo, although undersized, he is Miami’s most versatile and their best defender who will have to shoulder most of the load on that side of the ball. Hopefully, the other four are there to back him up on offense.
25. Charlotte Hornets
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Baron Davis, Kemba Walker, Kobe Bryant, Larry Johnson, Alonzo Mourning
As we move into the top 25 lineups on our list, we are met with our first really well-balanced one so far. First, the backcourt of Baron Davis and Kemba Walker complement each other perfectly. Davis’ ability as a perimeter defender, scorer, and playmaker will help hide some of Walker’s deficiencies. Walker is a talented shot-creator and playmaker and will likely serve as this lineup’s true point guard.
Kobe Bryant is the first megastar to enter any lineup so far on our list and will be the star of the show for the Hornets. Bryant brings relentless scoring ability, tough shot-making, and a defensive spirit that will be contagious to his teammates. Bryant will be the Hornets’ first option on offense and looked at as their leader defensively as well. If he can set the tone like he did for 20 years in the NBA, it will be hard to beat this lineup.
By the time their time ended on the Charlotte Hornets early in their careers, Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning hated each other. Well, we bring them back together one more time to recreate some of the 90s magic they created on the court. Johnson and Mourning’s athleticism and strength made them a nightmarish two-way duo when they played together. Mourning will be the defensive anchor for this Hornets squad while Johnson will be an attacker of the rime on offense. Both will thrive on fast breaks.
24. New Orleans Pelicans
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Chris Paul, Darren Collison, Zion Williamson, David West, Anthony Davis
The New Orleans Pelicans lineup is next at No. 24 on our list featuring some of the greatest players in history at their respective positions. One of those players is Chris Paul who will lead this team from the point guard spot. Paul’s leadership and two-way ability will be his most valuable assets to this lineup as well as his ability as a passer and playmaker.
Awaiting Paul’s incredible wisdom and ability to elevate his teammates are three players who are going to thrive with him on the court. A healthy and athletic Zion Williamson may find himself throwing down 10 lobs per game. David West is already a player who reached All-Star status with Paul as his point guard with New Orleans and the two undoubtedly have the chemistry to be successful.
Anthony Davis will be this team’s defensive anchor as well as a serious offensive threat playing alongside Chris Paul. The duo of Davis and Paul will carry this team but Collison, Williamson, and West are a tremendous supporting cast. With these five taking the court, anything is possible for this extremely tough Pelicans lineup.
23. Sacramento Kings
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Oscar Robertson, Tiny Archibald, De’Aaron Fox, Jerry Lucas, Maurice Stokes
Coming in at No. 23 on our list is the Sacramento Kings and their guard-heavy lineup ready to do some damage. The collection of three point guards on this team allows them to attack defenses in a number of different ways starting with Oscar Robertson. As a true do-it-all point guard, Robertson is the perfect guard to run the offense for the Kings. He can take over the game as a scorer, passer, or playmaker which leads to a host of problems for opposing defenses.
Those problems only get worse with Tiny Archibald and De’Aaron Fox playing alongside Robertson. Archibald is a scoring and playmaking savant himself as the only player in NBA history to win the scoring and assists title in the same season. De’Aaron Fox’s speed and clutch shot-making ability are the perfect additions to this three-headed monster that leads this Kings lineup.
Joining forces with Robertson, Archibald, and Fox are Jerry Lucas and DeMarcus Cousins. Lucas was a 20.0 points and 20.0 rebounds per game player during the 1960s and will be an incredible frontcourt addition to DeMarcus Cousins., a dominant center with the Kings during the early stages of his career. With Cousins’ video game-like production and Lucas’s work on the boards, this is hands down the best team we have introduced so far.
22. Toronto Raptors
Lineup: Damon Stoudamire, Tracy McGrady, DeMar DeRozan, Pascal Siakam, Chris Bosh
The introduction of the Toronto Raptors lineup is the first pick in the franchise’s history, Damon Stoudamire. Mighty Mouse, as Stoudamire was known, won the Rookie of the Year Award in 1995-96, averaging 19.0 points and 9.3 assists.
Stoudamire’s ball handling and slashing would perfectly set up Tracy McGrady, who entered the league as a 17-year-old in Toronto. McGrady’s time in Toronto was before he broke out as one of the best offensive players in the NBA.
DeMar DeRozan brings another great offensive asset to this lineup as one of the greatest mid-range shooters in NBA history. With a lot of the attention on Stoudamire and McGrady, DeRozan could thrive with the proper spacing to work with.
Things get even more versatile with a frontcourt of Pascal Siakam and Chris Bosh. Both of these forwards have shown their versatility over the years which makes them the perfect conclusion to this already electric lineup. Siakam is a point forward who can create his own shot as well as make things easier on others around him. Bosh is a stretch forward who can knock down shots from the outside as well as score in the post. While there are some worries defensively, this Raptors lineup is going to light up the scoreboard.
21. Phoenix Suns
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Steve Nash, George Gervin, Devin Booker, Shawn Marion, Amar’e Stoudemire
In typical Phoenix Suns fashion, they give us a high-octane and historically sound offensive lineup. The backcourt of Steve Nash and George Gervin is as versatile as any backcourt on this entire list. Nash will serve as Phoenix’s primary playmaker and the engine that makes this team go just as he did during his MVP seasons during the 2000s. Gervin will be one of Phoenix’s primary offensive options as a four-time scoring champion and one of the most prolific offensive players in NBA history.
He won’t be the only one as this lineup also features Devin Booker, a mid-range extraordinaire with the ability to pick apart defenses from all three levels. Booker’s abilities as a playmaker and passer will also alleviate some of the workload from Nash’s shoulders as well. Phoenix’s frontcourt will be a familiar duo that we saw lead them to their historic heights during the 2000s.
Shawn Marion is one of the most versatile players in NBA history. Offensively, he was a Swiss Army knife who was a great slasher and shooter despite his unorthodox form. Defensively, he will slow down any opponent’s best offensive threat. Stoudemire is the icing on the cake with this lineup, making them a fast-paced nightmare for all who oppose them. Amar’e’s chemistry with Nash is a huge plus for the Suns as well whose offense will be flowing like a well-oiled machine in no time.
20. Detroit Pistons
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Isiah Thomas, Dave Bing, Joe Dumars, Dennis Rodman, Bob Lanier
The Detroit Pistons live up to their rough and rugged reputation with a lineup that will be tough to beat in these rankings. Isaiah Thomas and Dave Bing are nearly the perfect backcourt with their scoring, passing, and defensive capabilities. As one of the greatest ball-handlers ever, Bing will likely slide to shooting guard and be able to pick apart defenses from the wing.
Joe Dumars gets the nod at small forward which will be an easy adaptation for him. Dumars will likely be tasked with taking on his opponents’ best perimeter scorer, which is okay considering the help he has around him. Dennis Rodman will be his usual dominant self on the defensive end and on the boards where he will give Detroit an edge over plenty of their opponents.
Bob Lanier is the final piece to this Pistons lineup that has a case for the top 20. Lanier is a former eight-time All-Star capable of 25.0 points and 14.0 rebounds per game at his very best. Lanier can also be a welcomed addition on defense, adding 2.0-3.0 blocks per game to his arsenal. The Pistons have an incredibly deep lineup but there are 20 others waiting to be revealed.
19. Dallas Mavericks
Lineup: Jason Kidd, Rolando Blackman, Mark Aguirre, Detlef Schrempf, Jamal Mashburn
The Dallas Mavericks continue our top 20 at No. 19 with an offensively centric lineup that is sure to hang with any other team they come across in this alternate universe. Jason Kidd starts it all off as one of the best playmaking and rebounding guards in NBA history. Kidd dominated the Eastern Conference during the 2000s, leading the Nets to two NBA Finals appearances on the back of his playmaking and defensive abilities. There is no doubt he can do it again here.
This brings us to the two Mavericks who helped put the franchise on the map in the 1980s, Rolando Blackman and Mark Aguirre. Blackman was a four-time All-Star who was guaranteed to go off for at least 20.0 points per game in his prime. Aguirre is a former world champion with the Pistons who was capable of 25.0 points per game on any given night.
The frontcourt of Detlef Schrempf and Jamal Mashburn gives this Dallas lineup a ton of firepower offensively yet leaves much to be desired on the defensive side. Still, Schrempf’s shooting ability and Mashburn’s toughness will allow Dallas to score quickly on their opponents while giving Kidd the power to take total control of their offense, which is the best-case scenario for them.
18. New York Knicks
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Walt Frazier, Richie Guerin, Bill Bradley, Willis Reed, Patrick Ewing
The New York Knicks come in at No. 18 boasting a lineup that will be built off the success of their frontcourt. In their backcourt, one of the greatest and most clutch point guards in NBA history, Walt Frazier, will bring his two-way abilities that helped win New York two NBA championships. Frazier’s job is going to be incredibly easy with a frontcourt that consists of three centers.
Those centers are Bill Bradley, Willis Reed, and Patrick Ewing, three of the toughest interior defenders in NBA history armed with an offensive arsenal that is sure to have defenses’ heads spinning. Bradley, Reed, and Ewing are all defensive gurus who will rebound, alter shots, and leave their opponents bloody and bruised in their battles. Bradley and Ewing sported a consistent mid-range jumper as well, especially Ewing who perfected it in the 90s.
While this Knicks lineup isn’t the scariest on paper, it will definitely punch you in the mouth and games could get out of hand quickly if teams do not respect what they bring to the table.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Stephon Marbury, Anthony Edwards, Kevin Love, Kevin Garnett, Karl-Anthony Towns
The Minnesota Timberwolves have never won or even been to an NBA Finals in their organization’s history. Things might change if their all-time drafted lineup ever took the court together. Starting things off is their high-flying and dazzling backcourt. Stephon Marbury gets the nod as their starting point guard. Marbury’s unique handles, flashy passes, and speedy pace of play allow him to be both a scorer and playmaker in this star-studded lineup.
Anthony Edwards may be young but his addition to this lineup will be more than welcomed, especially with the supporting cast around him. That supporting cast starts with Kevin Love, a great shooter from the outside as well as someone who is going to crash the boards and defend as best as he can. Speaking of defense, Kevin Garnett will be Minnesota’s anchor on the interior as well as one of their primary offensive options. This lineup is concluded with a center who can spread the floor in Karl-Anthony Towns. As one of the greatest big-man shooters in NBA history, Towns’ scoring will be essential to the success of this team.
The only question, and it is a big one, is if Kevin Garnett and Karl-Anthony Towns can make things work being completely different players with completely different levels of intensity and passion.
16. Orlando Magic
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Jameer Nelson, Penny Hardaway, Paolo Banchero, Dwight Howard, Shaquille O’Neal
The Orlando Magic’s lineup nearly brings us to our halfway point with perhaps the best frontcourt of any team on our list. Before we get to that, the backcourt begins with Jameer Nelson and Penny Hardaway. These two point guards are essential to this lineup due to their abilities to play with each of their big men. Nelson helped take the Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009 with Dwight Howard in the mix and Hardaway led the Magic there back in 1995 with Shaq as well.
With Shaq and Howard, the Magic seem to have an unstoppable and impenetrable frontcourt wall. O’Neal is the most dominant force the game has ever seen and will dominate any opposing center that is on this list. Howard is a defensive and rebounding savant who won three Defensive Player of the Year awards in his career. I challenge you to present a better frontcourt than them out of the ones we have built here today.
The outlier here will be Paolo Banchero, who although very young, has already shown he is mature enough for a spot in this lineup. The 2022-23 Rookie of the Year gives Orlando yet another 20.0 points per game scorer who can also make plays for his teammates.
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15. Washington Wizards
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: John Wall, Bradley Beal, Earl Monroe, Walt Bellamy, Wes Unseld
At our midway point, we have the Washington Wizards with one of the most complete and well-rounded lineups so far. In the backcourt, we get a familiar sight of John Wall and Bradley Beal together again in this alternate universe. Wall is back at his peak two-way powers and speed as an elite playmaker, passer, and scorer. Beal is also back to his 30.0 points per game days as an elite three-level scorer and one of Washington’s primary go-to guys.
Earl Monrow joins the lineup as well looking to add the 25.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game he averaged at his best with the Baltimore Bullets. This brings us to the frontcourt of Walt Bellamy and Wes Unseld. Bellamy was a walking double-double averaging over 30.0 points and 19.0 rebounds as a rookie in 1962. Unseld was a defensive guru during his days in the 1970s, shutting down the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Nate Thurmond, and more in his prime.
With Unseld and Bellamy handling the interior on both sides of the ball, Wall, Beal, and Monroe are going to be in heaven with the way they are going to run opponents off the court. This Wizards lineup is the perfect way to kick off the top 15.
14. Utah Jazz
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: John Stockton, Deron Williams, Karl Malone, Mark Eaton, Rudy Gobert
The Utah Jazz have quite possibly the biggest and most intimidating lineup on this entire list. The frontcourt gets things started off in a good direction for Utah with their greatest franchise point guard, John Stockton. With him leading the offense as its primary playmaker and an elite perimeter defender, Utah’s chances look better and better. Then, of course, you add Deron Williams who was one of the best point guards in the NBA for a time during the 2000s and 2010s, giving the Jazz another playmaking and scoring option from the perimeter.
Then, we make our way into the frontcourt with Karl Malone, Mark Eaton, and Rudy Gobert. Malone will be the most offensive-minded of the three as the third all-time leading scorer and a consistent 25.0 point-per-game threat. The wall of Mark Eaton and Rudy Gobert is something no offense wants to go up against. Eaton is one of the game’s greatest shot-blockers ever as was Gobert when he was winning Defensive Player of the Year awards in Utah.
With defense, rebounding, playmaking, and scoring all covered in this lineup, it is hard to imagine 13 lineups that are better constructed than this one.
13. Atlanta Hawks
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Luka Doncic, Pete Maravich, Dominique Wilkins, Bob Pettit, Bill Russell
At lucky No. 13, the Atlanta Hawks come in with one of the most dynamic and versatile lineups on this entire list. The skill level is off the charts from top to bottom with Atlanta’s greatest drafted lineup and they could easily knock down the door of the top 10.
Luka Doncic and Pistol Pete Maravich sharing the same backcourt is something dreams are made of for basketball fans. With their combined creativity, ball-handling skills, court vision, and scoring ability, this duo would cause opposing coaches to have a heart attack just thinking about trying to slow their place down.
Speaking of superhuman athletes who can score a ton, Dominique Wilkins gets the frontcourt nod for the Hawks. Wilkins will thrive under the guidance of Maravich and Doncic in the frontcourt, and I can see a ton of fastbreak buckets headed his way. Taking care of business in the paint will be the only man to take down Bill Russell in the NBA Finals, Bob Pettit. As a two-time MVP, scoring champion, and NBA champion, Pettit gives the Hawks a nice piece on top of this prolific lineup. Bill Russell will enjoy seeing Pettit as a teammate this time and with his elite rebounding and defense, this lineup has a chance to leapfrog this whole list
12. Houston Rockets
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Sam Cassell, Calvin Murphy, Elvin Hayes, Hakeem Olajuwon, Yao Ming
The lineup for the Houston Rockets coming in at No. 12 has to be the best frontcourt assembled on this entire list. Let’s start with the backcourt though which is a bit lackluster but will be more than good enough to accommodate the other three in this lineup. Sam Cassell and Calvin Murphy are smaller guards who will look to get their three stars involved as much as possible. Having guards who can and want to create for this lineup is key to advancing in this alternate universe.
That is because the Rockets’ frontcourt gets started with two highly-skilled post players, Elvin Hayes and Hakeem Olajuwon. Probably the greatest two-way center ever, Olajuwon is going to be the focal point of the offense while Hayes and Yao Ming reap the benefits of him drawing so much attention. Hayes will be a dominant post scorer and rebounder while Olajuwon will embarrass any big man who wishes to try and guard him in isolation. Olajuwon will also hold down Houston’s defense as the greatest defender in NBA history.
Yao Ming gives this massive lineup even more size and skill in the paint. Yao can step out a bit and knock down short jumpers but will tower over others and get most of his work done at the rim. The two-man game between him and Olajuwon may be the highlight of this entire list and could be what gives the Rockets the edge over the remaining 11 teams.
11. Portland Trail Blazers
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Damian Lillard, Clyde Drexler, Jermaine O’Neal, LaMarcus Aldridge, Bill Walton
The Portland Trail Blazers have won just one championship in their NBA history but have a pretty good track record of drafting premier talent. Well, at least enough to put together one of the best all-time drafted lineups we could. Damian Lillard and Clyde Drexler provide all of the offense this team will need from the perimeter. Lillard is one of the greatest three-point shooting point guards in NBA history while Drexler was unstoppable in transition and off the dribble.
The defensive side of things will be covered by a peak version of Jermaine O’Neal. Although he wasn’t appreciated by Portland after they drafted him, he returns to the lineup to bring his elite defensive instincts to the lineup. LaMarcus Aldridge gives Portland a power forward they can run through on offense should opposing teams shut down the perimeter. With an automatic short jumper and an array of post moves, Aldridge could end up being this team’s saving grace.
Bill Walton is the only Finals MVP in the history of the Trail Blazers franchise which he earned before injuries began to derail his career. Walton’s abilities as a defender and rebounder will take center stage with this lineup as he will be looked to aid O’Neal in their defense of the interior. Don’t be mistaken either, Walton can get things done on offense as well but his defense will outshine it on this occasion.
10. Oklahoma City Thunder
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Gary Payton, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Scottie Pippen, Kevin Durant
The top 10 of all-drafted lineups gets underway with the combined Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder lineup. The amount of talent alone in this lineup makes it top-10 worthy, especially when talking about their guards and forwards. Gary Payton and Russell Westbrook are two of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Payton for his ability to defend any perimeter matchup while consistently averaging 19.0 points and 7.0 assists at minimum. Westbrook for his propensity to do a bit of everything and shatter records with his elite offensive play.
Speaking of elite offensive play, James Harden and Kevin Durant also reunite for Oklahoma City. Prime Harden as a shot-creator and overall scorer was nearly unguardable, consistently averaging over 30.0 points per game while near the top of the NBA in assists. Kevin Durant is one of the greatest scorers in NBA history and as good as it gets from all three levels of offense. The final piece to the puzzle for the Thunder is Scottie Pippen. As a six-time NBA champion playing alongside Michael Jordan, Pippen brings the perfect blend of defense and playmaking to a roster that although small, will cause many issues for opponents with their fast-paced offense and versatile defense.
9. Denver Nuggets
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Jamal Murray, Jalen Rose, Carmelo Anthony, Nikola Jokic, Dikembe Mutombo
At first glance, the Denver Nuggets’ all-time drafted lineup doesn’t seem so special. As you dive in a bit more, you realize just how dangerous they are going to be. While Jamal Murray and Jalen Rose begin things as Denver’s frontcourt, we all know that the offense is going to run through two-time MVP and Finals MVP Nikola Jokic.
Jokic will take over each game just like he does in reality during the 2020s which has led the Nuggets to their most successful seasons in franchise history. Jokic’s leadership will be essential to a team that has as much talent as this one does. Jamal Murray and Carmelo Anthony are the other primary scoring options here. The chemistry between Murray and Jokic is clear while Anthony is sure to enjoy playing with such an unselfish and talented center.
Defensively, they are a bit lacking. That is until you realize that four-time Defensive Player of the Year Dikembe Mutombo is looming in the shadows. Mutombo is the perfect cherry on top of this lineup who will be relied on solely to protect the basket at all costs and win the battle on the boards. Easier said than done I know but a job that Mutombo did consistently for most of his career.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Kyrie Irving, Kevin Johnson, LeBron James, Bill Laimbeer, Brad Daugherty
Our countdown rages on with the Cleveland Cavaliers arriving on the scene with a loaded all-time drafted lineup. With some of the greatest and most skilled players in their position, the Cavaliers will be one of the toughest lineups to beat. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Johnson make up Cleveland’s backcourt, making it one of the most talented we have broken down so far.
Kyrie Irving is one of the most skilled players in NBA history and with his perfect blend of handles, playmaking, and efficient scoring, he is perfect next to Johnson. Using his elite athleticism and scoring prowess, Johnson can take over as a playmaker as well when Kyrie is either struggling or on the bench.
LeBron James is the star of this lineup of course and the player that impacts winning more than any other maybe in NBA history. He will be the Cavaliers’ leader, scorer, passer, and playmaker primarily while in peak physical condition to handle the defensive side of the ball. He will also have some help from Bill Laimbeer, the face of the Pistons’ Bad Boy era as well as Brad Daugherty who was an All-Star and All-NBA player before his back gave out. This lineup led by James will be among the toughest ones to beat on this entire list.
7. Chicago Bulls
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Derrick Rose, Michael Jordan, Jimmy Butler, Joakim Noah, Artis Gilmore
Led by the greatest player in NBA history, the Chicago Bulls show up at No. 7 on our list thanks to his presence and the supporting cast around him. Michael Jordan will be the focal point of everything Chicago does on the court but this supporting cast is arguably his greatest ever when it comes to the holes they fill in on the court.
Derrick Rose is an athletic and speedy point guard who can alleviate a lot of the scoring pressure from Jordan as the games wear on. Jimmy Butler is an elite two-way talent whose game is strikingly similar to that of Jordan when speaking of getting to the basket and hitting mid-range shots. As the perimeter looks great, things get even better for Chicago in the paint.
Joakim Noah is a former Defensive Player of the Year and the perfect mix of energy, passion, and physicality that Jordan would love playing next to. Although somewhat limited offensively, Noah will be bailed out by the presence of Artis Gilmore. As a defender, Gilmore’s size and instincts gave him an advantage over his opponents as did his soft touch around the rim on offense. Jordan allows this lineup to rest comfortably in the top 10 though they have a case to be much higher.
6. San Antonio Spurs
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Tony Parker, Alvin Robertson, Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan, David Robinson
As one of the winningest franchises in NBA history, the San Antonio Spurs come in at No. 6 on our list with their historically good track record of drafting players. Things get started with the perfect blend in their backcourt with Tony Parker and Alvin Robertson. Parker helped the Spurs win four NBA championships in his career with his innate ability to penetrate the lane for a nearly automatic finish from him or for his teammates patiently awaiting the pass on their cuts.
Alvin Robertson was one of the best perimeter defenders for the Spurs during the 1980s and 1990s with three steals titles, six All-Defensive Team selections, and a Defensive Player of the Year award in 1986. Manu Ginobili also gets the start and will provide moderate scoring with well-above-average defense on the perimeter.
Then, there is the best frontcourt duo in NBA history. Tim Duncan and David Robinson won two NBA championships together which came at the beginning of Duncan’s career and the end of Robinson’s. Now, both in their primes, the two MVP and Defensive Player of the Year candidates would be unstoppable leading to more success in San Antonio and furthering each of their legacies.
5. Philadelphia 76ers
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Allen Iverson, Hal Greer, World B. Free, Charles Barkley, Joel Embiid
Every lineup from here on out features an elite number of NBA champions, MVPs, and Finals MVPs as well as All-Stars and All-NBA talent. The Philadelphia 76ers kick off the top five with a backcourt consisting of two top 75 players in NBA history. Allen Iverson is one of the game’s most talented scorers with four career scoring titles and an MVP in 2001. Sharing the backcourt with him will be Hal Greer, a 10-time All-Star who averaged 22.0 points per game for a decade straight.
Charles Barkley makes the move to small forward in this lineup, a move that will benefit him greatly by playing next to Joel Embiid. Barkley, a former MVP and one of the greatest power forwards ever, brings his physicality to a lineup that needs it in the worst way. Barkley and Embiid will complement each other perfectly. Embiid is a two-way force, earning All-NBA and All-Defensive First Team selections during his MVP season in 2023.
The Sixers’ group of elite stars from every era is a group that stands near the top of this list and will certainly be one of the more dominant lineups to be built from this list.
4. Boston Celtics
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: JoJo White, Paul Pierce, John Havlicek, Larry Bird, Dave Cowens
In this lineup for the Boston Celtics coming in at No. 4, there are four different players who were named Finals MVP in their careers. The only one who didn’t win one was Dave Cowens who made up for it with an MVP award in 1973. Jojo White and Paul Pierce start as the backcourt for the Celtics’ all-time drafted team, combining their scoring and clutch performances for nothing but greatness on the perimeter for this lineup.
John Havlicek is one of the winningest players in NBA history with five NBA championships. Hondo’s non-stop motor and championship DNA are the perfect combination to fill in at small forward for this powerhouse Boston lineup. Larry Bird makes the move to power forward in this lineup, a move that was all too familiar for him in his career. Bird will cash in on the amount of playmakers he has around him and as the team’s best shooting threat.
Center Dave Cowens is incredibly underrated for a former two-time champion and MVP but he gets the starting nod in this lineup. Cowens was a decent scorer, ferocious rebounder, and stout defender during his days with the Celtics, making him the perfect piece to plug in at center. Although he stood just 6’9’’, Cowens played well above his height and will need to do so again as the center in this lineup.
3. Golden State Warriors
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Rick Barry, Draymond Green, Wilt Chamberlain
The Golden State Warriors’ all-time lineup features a core that has won four NBA championships together as well as two former Finals MVPs and the most dominant big man the NBA has ever seen. Their backcourt features two players from that championship core, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. This electric backcourt features the greatest three-point shooter in NBA history as well as another that ranks top five.
Thompson and Curry are only the start of this incredibly talented lineup. Rick Barry brings his incredible scoring ability to a lineup that may end up averaging 200.0 points per game. Barry is also a premier perimeter defender with good size able to take on most small forward challenges he sees.
The frontcourt of Draymond Green and Wilt Chamberlain is incredibly versatile in their own way as well. Green is undoubtedly going to be their defensive leader and conductor on that end. He is also the playmaker that makes the Warriors offense tick, meaning their offense will run through him to find open shots for his shooters. The thought of Stephen Curry being able to share the floor with Wilt Chamberlain is a scary one. Chamberlain with space is going to dominate the paint. As soon as defenses collapse, Chamberlain is crafty and smart enough to get the ball to his shooters. It is quite literally an unstoppable offense.
2. Milwaukee Bucks
Lineup: Sidney Moncrief, Julius Erving, Dirk Nowitzki, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
With the second-best lineup consisting of only players their franchise drafted, the Milwaukee Bucks come in with a well-balanced and big lineup. Sidney Moncrief, the NBA’s inaugural Defensive Player of the Year in 1983, would add another in 1984 as well. Along with his elite defense, Moncrief could provide 20.0 points per game or better, a two-way threat the Bucks will need from the perimeter.
Joining Moncrief are Dirk Nowitzki and Julius Erving. Nowitzki played 21 seasons in the NBA and was a 14-time All-Star and 12-time All-NBA Team selection. As a former Finals MVP winner, Nowitzki’s addition to this lineup is almost overkill. Julius Erving is one of the greatest small forwards in NBA history who used his athleticism and overall ability to dominate the game on both sides of the ball.
This is a perfect transition into the incredibly dominant frontcourt of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. This would easily be the greatest frontcourt duo to ever hit the court if they were able to with overbearing play on both sides of the ball. Opposing teams may never even get a shot off within five feet of the rim with Giannis and Kareem protecting it, let alone grabbing a rebound or stopping them on offense. There is only one team that tops the Milwaukee Bucks as far as their drafted lineups go in NBA history.
1. Los Angeles Lakers
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lineup: Magic Johnson, Jerry West, James Worthy, Elgin Baylor, George Mikan
It should come as no surprise that the team that has won 17 NBA championships has drafted well enough to be the top team on our list of greatest all-time drafted lineups today. The Lakers have been winning in almost every decade since the 1950s and the presence of so many legends in this lineup shows their propensity for spotting elite talent.
Magic Johnson and Jerry West form the greatest backcourt on this entire list. Magic is the greatest playmaker and passer in NBA history who will push the pace and be the Lakers’ engine 99.9% of the time. West is an underrated scorer, and especially a shooter, who thrives in any offense that would earn him open shots. With Johnson at point guard, West would certainly see his fair share of transition shots.
James Worthy and Elgin Baylor are two elite two-way forwards added to this lineup to back up Magic and West. Worthy is a former Finals MVP who can score at will off the dribble and Baylor holds many playoff and Finals scoring records although he never won a championship. George Mikan completes this lineup as one of the greatest centers in NBA history. Mikan was a walking 28.0 points and 15.0 rebounds per game who would be essential to the Lakers’ success in this lineup. With plenty of scoring taken care of, Mikan might as well focus on his rebounding and defensive matchups to give the Lakers their best chances.
Who Is The GOAT Of The Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, or Shaquille O’Neal? (Complete Breakdown)
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BY NICK MAC
Nick Mac is a seasoned sports journalist at Fadeaway World, based in New York. Specializing in the golden eras of the NBA from the 1990s to 2000s, Nick’s articles offer a deep dive into the transformative moments of basketball history. His work is enhanced by his experience in sports radio and extensive interviews with key figures in the basketball community, lending authenticity and a unique perspective to his narratives. Nick’s commitment to in-depth, accurate reporting makes his contributions a must-read for basketball fans seeking to relive and understand the evolution of the game.
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