NBA 2021 Lineup Analysis: Which Teams Have the Best Starting Rosters This Season?

As I sit down to analyze the 2021 NBA starting lineups, I can't help but reflect on how much roster construction has evolved over my years covering the league. This season presents a particularly fascinating case study in team building philosophies, with franchises taking dramatically different approaches to assembling their starting fives. The reference material about the Beermen's journey - switching coaches, making key trades to get younger, and dealing with import instability - perfectly mirrors what we're seeing across the NBA landscape this year. Teams are constantly balancing between immediate contention and long-term development, and nowhere is this tension more apparent than in their starting lineup decisions.

When I look at the Brooklyn Nets, their starting roster reads like an All-Star ballot. Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving form what I believe might be the most offensively gifted trio in modern NBA history. Last season, these three superstars averaged a combined 78.4 points per game when sharing the court, which is just absurd production. The challenge, of course, has been getting them all healthy and available simultaneously. I've watched enough basketball to know that paper talent doesn't always translate to court success, but when these three are clicking, they're virtually unguardable. The supporting pieces around them - Joe Harris spacing the floor and Blake Griffin providing veteran presence - create what I'd argue is the most balanced offensive starting unit in the league.

Out West, the Lakers made what I consider one of the most intriguing gambles of the offseason. Adding Russell Westbrook to LeBron James and Anthony Davis creates another superteam, but one that raises legitimate spacing concerns. Westbrook's career 30.5% three-point shooting doesn't exactly complement LeBron's need for driving lanes. Still, I'm fascinated to see how Frank Vogel manages this experiment. The Lakers' starting lineup has the potential to be dominant defensively, with Davis anchoring the paint and LeBron still capable of elite defensive moments when engaged. What worries me is their half-court offense against disciplined playoff defenses - we saw last season how the Suns exposed their limited shooting.

The Golden State Warriors present what I find to be the most compelling case study in roster construction. Stephen Curry remains an offensive system unto himself, and Draymond Green's defensive IQ is something I've always admired. The real question mark has been their second scoring option. While Klay Thompson's eventual return will help, his recovery from two major injuries makes his timeline uncertain. What's impressed me most about the Warriors' starting unit is how they've integrated Andrew Wiggins more effectively this season. His defensive improvement has been noticeable, and he's providing that secondary scoring punch they desperately need. Jordan Poole's emergence gives them additional firepower, though I'm still skeptical about their frontcourt depth against elite big men.

What surprises me most this season is how the Phoenix Suns have maintained their elite status. Chris Paul, even at 36, continues to defy Father Time with his brilliant floor generalship. Devin Booker has developed into a legitimate MVP candidate in my assessment, averaging 26.8 points while improving his playmaking. The continuity of their starting five - Paul, Booker, Bridges, Crowder, and Ayton - gives them a chemistry advantage that's evident in their seamless offensive execution. I've always valued roster continuity, and the Suns exemplify why keeping a core together pays dividends.

The Milwaukee Bucks deserve special mention as defending champions. Giannis Antetokounmpo has somehow elevated his game further, which I didn't think was possible after his Finals performance. What makes their starting lineup so effective, in my view, is how perfectly the pieces fit around him. Jrue Holiday provides elite perimeter defense and secondary creation, Khris Middleton offers reliable shot-making, and Brook Lopez spaces the floor while protecting the rim. This balanced approach creates what I consider the most complete starting unit in the Eastern Conference.

Looking at younger teams, the Memphis Grizzlies have assembled what I believe is the most exciting young core. Ja Morant has taken that superstar leap we all hoped for, averaging over 27 points and 7 assists. What's impressed me most isn't just his scoring but his improved decision-making and leadership. The Grizzlies start five players all under 26 years old, yet they play with a maturity beyond their years. Their athleticism and defensive intensity make them a nightmare matchup for more established teams.

The Utah Jazz continue to rely on their system-driven approach, with Rudy Gobert anchoring the league's best defense. Donovan Mitchell's offensive explosion gives them a dynamic scorer who can create his own shot in crunch time. While some critics question their playoff viability, I appreciate how consistently dominant their regular season starting lineup has been. They've posted a +12.3 net rating with their starting unit on the court, which is just remarkable consistency.

As I assess these various approaches to roster construction, I keep coming back to the balance between star power and fit. The superteams in Brooklyn and Los Angeles have higher ceilings but also greater injury risks and chemistry questions. Teams like Phoenix and Utah may lack the same individual star wattage but benefit from superior continuity and systematic execution. The younger teams like Memphis offer exciting potential but lack playoff experience. If I had to choose the most complete starting lineup, I'd lean toward Milwaukee because of their perfect balance of superstar talent, defensive versatility, and proven championship pedigree. However, when fully healthy, Brooklyn's offensive firepower might simply overwhelm everyone else. This season's championship race will ultimately come down to which team can keep their starting five healthy and cohesive through the grueling playoff schedule.