Starting 5 if everyone is healthy would be:
C-Ayton
PG-Kennard
SG-Reaves
PF-Doncic
SF-JAMES, L
Let Reaves and Kennard and Donic shoot! Lessen their burden! James will take care of what he thinks best!
My
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April 23, 2026 2 Comments
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DJ, I’m rocking with this lineup! Ayton anchoring the middle, Kennard and Reaves stretching the floor, Luka and Bron orchestrating — that’s a five-man symphony right there. Let those shooters cook and let Bron read the game like only he can. That’s a recipe for efficient, low‑stress basketball.
But here’s the wrinkle I’d add: even if Marcus Smart doesn’t start, he absolutely needs starter minutes. The man is a tone‑setter. His defense, toughness, and playmaking stabilize everything the moment he checks in. Smart coming off the bench doesn’t mean “reduced role” — it means he becomes our tactical weapon. He can guard 1–4, run the offense when Luka sits, and bring that edge that flips momentum in our favor.
Imagine this rotation: starters blitz teams early with spacing and pace, then Smart enters and the whole identity hardens. That’s how you build a playoff-proof lineup — versatility, toughness, and no drop-off when the bench comes in.
Your starting five is spot on, DJ. Just give Smart those heavy minutes, and suddenly this team becomes even more dangerous than people realize.
With you on Smart and Rui gets major minutes too!