It’s a rare feat to remain unperturbed when the spotlight shines brightest, yet OG Anunoby, fresh off delivering the New York Knicks their first NBA title in over half a century, embodies a calm that few in professional sports can match. According to a comprehensive sportsamo.com report, the NBA landscape for the upcoming 2026-27 season promises unprecedented competition, particularly within its elite starting units. Even when prompted to evaluate the Philadelphia 76ers’ radically revamped roster, Anunoby’s response was characteristically understated: "Philadelphia? Oh, I think they’ll be good. I think a lot of teams will be good." This quiet confidence, perhaps a byproduct of an epic postseason run, hints at a league teeming with talent and championship aspirations.
Anunoby’s stoicism has become a hallmark of his persona, a trait that belies his immense impact on the court. His critical play in the NBA Finals—a defensive stop, a timely bucket, a hustle rebound—often went unsung in the immediate aftermath, yet it was integral to the Knicks’ triumph. His trade to New York fundamentally shifted the team’s identity, providing the defensive backbone and two-way efficiency that propelled them to glory. The Knicks’ championship parade, a sea of orange and blue celebrating the end of a 53-year drought, was a testament to a journey defined by grit, resilience, and the unwavering leadership of players like Anunoby and Finals MVP Jalen Brunson. The last time the Knicks lifted the Larry O’Brien trophy was in 1973, a team legendary for its defensive tenacity and star power in Willis Reed and Walt Frazier. This modern iteration, under Coach Tom Thibodeau, mirrored that defensive identity, albeit with a new generation of heroes.
Anunoby’s seemingly bland assessment of the league’s strength is, in fact, a prescient observation. The 2026-27 NBA season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. The Western Conference, a perennial powerhouse, remains stacked with contenders, while the Eastern Conference has achieved a depth and balance not seen in decades. As the regular season rapidly approaches, the focus shifts to the foundational units of these teams – their starting fives. While perennial contenders like the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Toronto Raptors boast formidable rosters that deserve honorable mention, the following five teams are projected to field the most potent starting units, poised to dictate the league’s narrative.
5. Denver Nuggets
Projected starting five: Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokić
The Denver Nuggets, a team just two seasons removed from their own championship glory, endured a challenging 2025-26 campaign plagued by injuries. Christian Braun missed 38 games, seeing a dip in his efficiency and production. Cam Johnson, acquired in the Michael Porter Jr. deal, struggled to find his rhythm, missing 28 games. Aaron Gordon, a crucial two-way forward, was limited to just 36 games despite shooting an impressive 39% from deep. Even the seemingly indestructible Nikola Jokić played a career-low 65 games, barely qualifying for end-of-season awards, though he still finished as an MVP runner-up for the second consecutive season, nearly averaging a 27.7-point triple-double on remarkable .569/.380/.831 shooting splits. Jamal Murray, meanwhile, enjoyed a career year, earning his first All-Star and All-NBA selections, cementing his status as one of the league’s elite clutch performers.
When healthy, this starting unit demonstrated its immense potential, boasting an eye-popping plus-13.5 net rating last season. For Denver to reassert its dominance in the competitive Western Conference, particularly against rising threats like the Thunder and Spurs, sustained health will be paramount. Johnson will need to elevate his production to justify his role, and Braun must demonstrate why the Nuggets invested a five-year, $125 million contract in him – a deal that currently looks questionable. However, with the unparalleled brilliance of Jokić, a two-time MVP and arguably the greatest passing big man in history, paired with Murray’s dynamic scoring and playmaking, the Nuggets’ starting five possesses a championship pedigree and an offensive synergy that few can replicate. While their bench remains a concern, the top-end talent of their starters is undeniable.
4. Philadelphia 76ers
Projected starting five: Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, Joel Embiid
On paper, the Philadelphia 76ers’ projected starting lineup for 2026-27 is nothing short of breathtaking, a testament to audacious offseason maneuvering. Unlike other teams on this list, whose cores are largely established, the Sixers are a product of bold, speculative moves by new president of basketball operations Mike Gansey. His masterstrokes included flipping Paul George and his onerous contract for Jaylen Brown, a reigning Finals MVP who is seven years younger and coming off the best regular season of his career. Then, in a move that sent shockwaves across the league, Gansey convinced arguably the greatest player of all time, LeBron James, to sign for the veteran minimum. James, set to turn 42 in December and embark on his record-extending 24th NBA season, joins a team that hasn’t advanced past the second round since 2001.
While the sheer talent is undeniable, significant questions loom. Health and availability are primary concerns; James’s unprecedented durability will be tested at 42, while Joel Embiid’s extensive injury history remains a red flag. Embiid played only 38 games last season, 19 the season prior, and 39 the season before that, having never surpassed 68 games in a single campaign. Beyond health, the defensive cohesion of this star-studded unit, the pecking order for crunch-time shots, and how Head Coach Nick Nurse manages such an immense collection of talent and egos will be critical. However, the vision is clear: a "newly svelte" Embiid, combined with the blur of Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe in the backcourt, plus the two-way prowess of Brown and the timeless brilliance of James, gives the Sixers their most formidable starting five since Julius Erving and Moses Malone delivered their last championship in 1983.
3. San Antonio Spurs
Projected starting five: De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Tobias Harris, Victor Wembanyama
The San Antonio Spurs enter the 2026-27 season as legitimate title contenders, largely due to the generational talent of Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama’s rookie season was historic, culminating in him becoming the first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year in NBA history and the youngest player ever to make both All-NBA and reach the NBA Finals in the same season. He is deservedly an MVP favorite this season, representing the foundation of a new Spurs dynasty.
However, the backcourt presents a fascinating dilemma for Head Coach Mitch Johnson. De’Aaron Fox, despite being the presumptive starter, struggled mightily in the Finals, shooting a ghastly 34.3% from the field and 25% from deep, making critical errors that cost the Spurs dearly against the Knicks. Rookie Dylan Harper, a 20-year-old with superior physicality and two-way impact, arguably outplayed Fox in that series and publicly stated he was "too good to come off the bench" (though he later walked back the comment). The financial reality of Fox’s new four-year, $221 million contract, with $49.4 million due this season, makes benching him an unlikely scenario, as it would further deflate his trade value. The safe bet is that San Antonio will try to rehabilitate Fox’s value by giving him the starting nod, at least initially, though Harper is expected to see significant minutes. Stephon Castle, a plus defender, showed improved shooting during the playoffs, while Devin Vassell continues to be one of the league’s most underrated two-way role players. Tobias Harris, signed as a free agent from the Pistons, provides a steady, if unspectacular, fifth option, with Julian Champagnie offering a viable alternative. Ultimately, the Spurs’ destiny rests on Wembanyama’s rapidly expanding shoulders.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
Projected starting five: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein
The Oklahoma City Thunder, boasting the reigning back-to-back MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, possess a starting five that blends elite scoring, versatile defense, and youthful athleticism. SGA is not only a dangerous scorer, masterfully navigating defenses to get to his spots and draw contact, but also a quality perimeter defender. His ability to consistently get to the free-throw line and convert at a high clip is a skill few possess.
Jalen Williams, a pivotal piece of the Thunder’s young core, reported to training camp vowing to remind people of his capabilities after missing a significant portion of last season due to injury. Two seasons ago, "JDub" earned All-Star, All-NBA, and All-Defense honors, showcasing his all-around impact. A fully healthy and functional Williams elevates OKC’s starting unit to another level. Cason Wallace is projected to step into the starting lineup, replacing the departed Lu Dort (now in Atlanta), providing a similar lockdown defensive presence. Coach Mark Daigneault, ever spoiled for options, could also opt for more offensive firepower with Ajay Mitchell at times. The Thunder’s strategic deployment of a "double big" lineup, featuring Isaiah Hartenstein alongside Chet Holmgren, proved effective last season. Holmgren, who finished second to Wembanyama in the Defensive Player of the Year race, reportedly bulked up significantly this offseason, aiming to further solidify his presence. Despite being "embarrassed by Wemby in the postseason," the 24-year-old Holmgren remains one of the league’s premier frontcourt talents, offering elite rim protection and an evolving offensive game. Whatever combinations Daigneault chooses, few teams can match the sheer talent and defensive versatility of the Thunder’s opening five.
1. New York Knicks
Projected starting five: Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns
The New York Knicks, having ended a 53-year championship drought, stand atop this list with a starting five forged in the crucible of an epic postseason run. They didn’t just win; they mostly demolished and humiliated their competition. After dispatching the Atlanta Hawks in six games in the first round, the Knicks swept both the Philadelphia 76ers and the Cleveland Cavaliers, before triumphing over the San Antonio Spurs in five games in the Finals, showcasing a remarkable ability to mount dramatic, belief-defying come-from-behind victories.
Jalen Brunson, the Finals MVP, silenced every lingering doubt about his ability to lead a championship contender. From being overlooked in the draft out of Villanova despite two collegiate titles, to the Mavericks letting him walk in free agency, Brunson’s journey to becoming an undisputed superstar and clutch performer is a testament to his relentless drive. OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges form arguably the league’s premier two-way wing tandem, providing elite defense, timely scoring, and invaluable versatility. Josh Hart, the team’s emotional engine, is a streaky shooter but a Swiss Army Knife player whose hustle, rebounding, and infectious energy are indispensable. Karl-Anthony Towns, after being dangled as trade bait for Giannis Antetokounmpo at the deadline, found a new lease on life in New York. He embraced his role, played some of the best basketball of his career, and notably outplayed Victor Wembanyama early in the Finals, proving his value as a stretch big and secondary scorer. Under Tom Thibodeau’s demanding system, this starting five maximized their collective talent, playing with a defensive intensity and cohesive identity that overwhelmed opponents. When a team delivers a city its first championship in over half a century with such a dominant playoff display, they rightfully earn the top spot until someone proves capable of knocking them off their perch.
