Yahoo Sports: Ranking the best 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th options in the NBA (Starting Lineup Power Rankings)

[Archx]

Brown only 3rd as second option? Finals MVP? Oh well... don't agree with that.

Kyrie was also a spectacular 2nd option up until finals where he somehow blacked out. I would probably still rank him a bit higher though.

[durden_tyler]

Jokic as the best first option? I don't think hes top 5. He's a pass first big. He's arguably the best player in the NBA, but I'd consider him an elite second option, not a first. When someone says first option they usually mean who do you want to taking a shot in a close game? Jokic isn't a guy you'd be comfortable doing that. He's not a big game scorer, although he can occasionally put up points. I think this is:

1. Luka
2. Shai
3. Embiid
4. Curry
5. Brunson

I could see 3-5 being switched in any order although 1-2 is inarguable.

LOL, this is such a bad take.

[AleksandarN]

Jokic as the best first option? I don't think hes top 5. He's a pass first big. He's arguably the best player in the NBA, but I'd consider him an elite second option, not a first. When someone says first option they usually mean who do you want to taking a shot in a close game? Jokic isn't a guy you'd be comfortable doing that. He's not a big game scorer, although he can occasionally put up points. I think this is:

1. Luka
2. Shai
3. Embiid
4. Curry
5. Brunson

I could see 3-5 being switched in any order although 1-2 is inarguable.

[Lalouie]

gobert is not an option. he has more thumbs than fingers

[The Servant]

giannis isn't a #1 option. he's probably the best 2nd tho

2023-2024: 30 ppg on 61% isn't the worst first option. It was enough to win a chip against the Suns.

[Scalabrine]

I don't understand why Siakam is continually ranked so high on these things. He's one of the most overrated players in the NBA.

[Jadoogar]

Brown only 3rd as second option? Finals MVP? Oh well... don't agree with that.

Kyrie was also a spectacular 2nd option up until finals where he somehow blacked out. I would probably still rank him a bit higher though.

i think Brown should be #2 considering his success but AD is maybe the best 2 way big man in the league and a perennial DPOY contender.

[cupcakesnake]

gobert is not an option. he has more thumbs than fingers

People love to bag on him, but he's really never had a hard time being a functional piece in an NBA offense. He gets you 14ppg, is a huge lob threat, and really good screener. Whenever he's near the rim, he poses a threat that defenses have to account for. You can definitely do better than Gobert for offense, but he brings way more offensive impact than his haters like to pretend he does.

Also this article is using the word "option" to rank a team's best players. He puts Towns over Rudy, but Rudy could easily be called our second option in this article.

Offensively, he's can't be better than a 4th or 5th option in a good lineup

[cupcakesnake]

I don't understand why Siakam is continually ranked so high on these things. He's one of the most overrated players in the NBA.

He looked awesome for Indiana last year. Multi-dimensional finishing big who can handle and playmake. He's a weak outside shooter, but is crazy good inside the 3-point line. Freed from the bad spacing and lack of playmaking in Toronto, Siakam shot 55%fg for Indiana and kept that up in the playoffs.

Add to that he's a very versatile defender who can guard multiple positions and give you a secondary rim protector.

Does it have something to do with Randle hate that has you resenting Siakam? They're similar players, so I can kind of get being mad seeing one elevated over the other if you root for one of them.

[Chanel Bomber]

Jokic as the best first option? I don't think hes top 5. He's a pass first big. He's arguably the best player in the NBA, but I'd consider him an elite second option, not a first. When someone says first option they usually mean who do you want to taking a shot in a close game? Jokic isn't a guy you'd be comfortable doing that. He's not a big game scorer, although he can occasionally put up points. I think this is:

1. Luka
2. Shai
3. Embiid
4. Curry
5. Brunson

I could see 3-5 being switched in any order although 1-2 is inarguable.

Jokic is arguably the best scorer in the NBA with Embiid and SGA.

His efficiency is insane for a 25+ ppg scorer.

He's also the lead shot-taker on his team.

There's no argument for saying he's a second option.

[Scalabrine]

I don't understand why Siakam is continually ranked so high on these things. He's one of the most overrated players in the NBA.

He looked awesome for Indiana last year. Multi-dimensional finishing big who can handle and playmake. He's a weak outside shooter, but is crazy good inside the 3-point line. Freed from the bad spacing and lack of playmaking in Toronto, Siakam shot 55%fg for Indiana and kept that up in the playoffs.

Add to that he's a very versatile defender who can guard multiple positions and give you a secondary rim protector.

Does it have something to do with Randle hate that has you resenting Siakam? They're similar players, so I can kind of get being mad seeing one elevated over the other if you root for one of them.

Thats exactly it!

They are extremely similar. Randle has been better over the past 4 years, yet you read mock trades about Randle for backups and 2nd rounders and you have Siakam getting put in conversations as a Top 30 player and he just got traded for 3 firsts and Bruce Brown. I do think that Siakam is really good, but you're exactly right, I don't get why one is so valued and the other is looked at as a salary filler.

https://stathead.com/basketball/versus-finder.cgi?request=1&seasons_type=perchoice&player_id1=siakapa01&p1yrfrom=2021&p1yrto=2024&player_id2=randlju01&p2yrfrom=2021&p2yrto=2024

Theyre pretty much the same player!

[bisme37]

Hey they added a new article for 5th best options (or 5th best players on a team might be more accurate).

Best 5th options:
1. Derrick White, Boston Celtics
2. Isaiah Hartenstein, Oklahoma City Thunder
3. Trey Murphy III, New Orleans Pelicans
4. Mike Conley Jr., Minnesota Timberwolves
5. Dereck Lively II, Dallas Mavericks

Honorable mentions:
6. Chris Paul, San Antonio Spurs
7. Wendell Carter Jr., Orlando Magic
8. Max Strus, Cleveland Cavaliers
9. Dillon Brooks, Houston Rockets

The rest:
10. Mark Williams, Charlotte Hornets; 11. Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors; 12. Deandre Ayton, Portland Trail Blazers; 13. Terance Mann, Los Angeles Clippers; 14. Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets; 15. Jusuf Nurkić, Phoenix Suns; 16. Kevin Huerter, Sacramento Kings; 17. Nikola Jović, Miami Heat; 18. Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons; 19. Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies; 20. Rui Hachimura, Los Angeles Lakers; 21. Kelly Oubre Jr., Philadelphia 76ers; 22. Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks; 23. Taurean Prince, Milwaukee Bucks; 24. Christian Braun, Denver Nuggets; 25. Aaron Nesmith, Indiana Pacers; 26. Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks; 27. Patrick Williams, Chicago Bulls; 28. Taylor Hendricks, Utah Jazz; 29. Gradey Dick, Toronto Raptors; 30. Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards.
https://sports.yahoo.com/ranking-the-nbas-no-5-options-the-best-fifth-starters-in-the-league-featuring-a-former-no-2-134912065.html

[bisme37]

Sorry the formatting is wack but here's their final Starting Lineup Power Ranking...

So maybe The Starting Lineup Power Rankings are pretty dependable power rankings in general ...

Can you quibble with the placement of some teams here? Sure, but can you not quibble with any power ranking? At least this one came with five explainers. The more you look at this chart, the clearer the NBA's landscape becomes. You can draw swift conclusions about each team at quick glance, so we did.

Boston Celtics: They should be heavy favorites to repeat. And they are.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Beware the further ascendence of Anthony Edwards.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Jalen Williams' development as a co-star is everything.
Dallas Mavericks: If Klay Thompson turns back the clock ...
Denver Nuggets: The loss of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was a bigger deal than I thought.
Milwaukee Bucks: How Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton have fallen.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Darius Garland's development could unlock a misfit starting five.
New Orleans Pelicans: Solid across the board. Incredible if Zion Williamson is incredible.
Phoenix Suns: Tyus Jones makes a world of difference.
Golden State Warriors: If they can ever reinvigorate 2022 NBA Finals Andrew Wiggins.
Memphis Grizzlies: A simple solution: Jaren Jackson Jr. at the 5 and lots of it.
New York Knicks: The center position is holding them back.
Philadelphia 76ers: If Joel Embiid is healthy. If Caleb Martin and Kelly Oubre Jr. are consistent. If.
Sacramento Kings: De'Aaron Fox is an All-Star. They need him to be a superstar.
Orlando Magic: Everyone in their lineup could rank higher by season's end. Orlando is on the rise.
Indiana Pacers: They are one trade — and another leap from Tyrese Haliburton — away.
Miami Heat: Small roster losses added up to a big one.
Los Angeles Lakers: That decline after LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
San Antonio Spurs: Small roster gains added up to a big one.
Houston Rockets: Waiting on Jalen Green's come-up.
Los Angeles Clippers: Swapping one big piece for a few smaller ones lowered their ceiling.
Charlotte Hornets: A little bit of love for Mark Williams.
Portland Trail Blazers: At least they are young.
Chicago Bulls: Coby White went from their one shaky slot to their lone bright spot real quick.
Atlanta Hawks: How good can you be when Trae Young is your No. 1 option?
Brooklyn Nets: Cam Thomas and Dennis Schröder are driving a bus. God help us.
Toronto Raptors: Everyone needs to be better. Everyone.
Detroit Pistons: Why pay Tobias Harris $52 million to be a No. 2 on a terrible team?
Utah Jazz: What did they accomplish by not trading Lauri Markkanen?
Washington Wizards: Woof. (Would they deal Jonas Valančiūnas to the Knicks?)

https://sports.yahoo.com/the-nba-starting-lineup-power-rankings-can-any-team-top-the-celtics-first-five-135110370.html

[UglyBugBall]

Jokic as the best first option? I don't think hes top 5. He's a pass first big. He's arguably the best player in the NBA, but I'd consider him an elite second option, not a first. When someone says first option they usually mean who do you want to taking a shot in a close game? Jokic isn't a guy you'd be comfortable doing that. He's not a big game scorer, although he can occasionally put up points. I think this is:

1. Luka
2. Shai
3. Embiid
4. Curry
5. Brunson

I could see 3-5 being switched in any order although 1-2 is inarguable.

Jokic is arguably the best scorer in the NBA with Embiid and SGA.

His efficiency is insane for a 25+ ppg scorer.

He's also the lead shot-taker on his team.

There's no argument for saying he's a second option.

Luka is the best scorer in the NBA, followed by Embiid and then a very large gap between them and everyone else. Jokic is efficient, but he's not a good scorer. He picks his shots carefully to increase his efficiency rather than focusing on volume and dominance.

[BelgradeNugget]

Jokic as the best first option? I don't think hes top 5. He's a pass first big. He's arguably the best player in the NBA, but I'd consider him an elite second option, not a first. When someone says first option they usually mean who do you want to taking a shot in a close game? Jokic isn't a guy you'd be comfortable doing that. He's not a big game scorer, although he can occasionally put up points. I think this is:

1. Luka
2. Shai
3. Embiid
4. Curry
5. Brunson

I could see 3-5 being switched in any order although 1-2 is inarguable.

Jokic is arguably the best scorer in the NBA with Embiid and SGA.

His efficiency is insane for a 25+ ppg scorer.

He's also the lead shot-taker on his team.

There's no argument for saying he's a second option.

Luka is the best scorer in the NBA, followed by Embiid and then a very large gap between them and everyone else. Jokic is efficient, but he's not a good scorer. He picks his shots carefully to increase his efficiency rather than focusing on volume and dominance.

No, wrong

[Bank Shot]

So did people just not pay any attention to what SGA did last year? Behind Tatum? No argument for the top 3? He was the second-best player in the regular season and probably the playoffs as well. He clearly outplayed Doncic in the second round.

[bisme37]

So did people just not pay any attention to what SGA did last year? Behind Tatum? No argument for the top 3? He was the second-best player in the regular season and probably the playoffs as well. He clearly outplayed Doncic in the second round.

Honestly I expected a bunch of people to complain about Tatum over SGA when I posted this thread. In other recent threads and polls on RGM it seems like SGA has been ranked higher.

That said, they are 4 months apart in age and Tatum is so much more tested and accomplished...

Spoiler:

[Hatrick Ewing]

In a way it doesn't feel like a lot of the 14 guys in front of Julius Randle are massively egregious, but he's pretty much been an All NBA player for the last 5 years, so in a way it doesn't make any sense that he's the 15th best 2nd option when he's been declared a top 15 performer overall in some years.

[Chanel Bomber]

Jokic as the best first option? I don't think hes top 5. He's a pass first big. He's arguably the best player in the NBA, but I'd consider him an elite second option, not a first. When someone says first option they usually mean who do you want to taking a shot in a close game? Jokic isn't a guy you'd be comfortable doing that. He's not a big game scorer, although he can occasionally put up points. I think this is:

1. Luka
2. Shai
3. Embiid
4. Curry
5. Brunson

I could see 3-5 being switched in any order although 1-2 is inarguable.

Jokic is arguably the best scorer in the NBA with Embiid and SGA.

His efficiency is insane for a 25+ ppg scorer.

He's also the lead shot-taker on his team.

There's no argument for saying he's a second option.

Luka is the best scorer in the NBA, followed by Embiid and then a very large gap between them and everyone else. Jokic is efficient, but he's not a good scorer. He picks his shots carefully to increase his efficiency rather than focusing on volume and dominance.

Jokic is probably a better scorer than Doncic and his passing gets largely unlocked by his ability to draw double teams from the post i.e., from the threat he poses as a scorer.

Jokic averaged only 0.2 fewer points than Doncic in the 2024 playoffs (28.7 vs 28.9) (ranked 8th). His TS% was 62.5 vs Doncic's 55.6.

He averaged 30 ppg in the 2023 playoffs (ranked 5th).

31 ppg in the 2022 playoffs (ranked 3rd).

These are prime Kobe numbers, but on elite efficiency.

Your argument is pretty baseless, I'm sorry.

[UglyBugBall]

Jokic is arguably the best scorer in the NBA with Embiid and SGA.

His efficiency is insane for a 25+ ppg scorer.

He's also the lead shot-taker on his team.

There's no argument for saying he's a second option.

Luka is the best scorer in the NBA, followed by Embiid and then a very large gap between them and everyone else. Jokic is efficient, but he's not a good scorer. He picks his shots carefully to increase his efficiency rather than focusing on volume and dominance.

Jokic is probably a better scorer than Doncic and his passing gets largely unlocked by his ability to draw double teams from the post i.e., from the threat he poses as a scorer.

Jokic averaged only 0.2 fewer points than Doncic in the 2024 playoffs (28.7 vs 28.9) (ranked 8th). His TS% was 62.5 vs Doncic's 55.6.

He averaged 30 ppg in the 2023 playoffs (ranked 5th).

31 ppg in the 2022 playoffs (ranked 3rd).

These are prime Kobe numbers, but on elite efficiency.

Your argument is pretty baseless, I'm sorry.

If we're comparing playoffs, we should note that Doncic averaged 0.2 more points per game with a injured knee than healthy Jokic. Thats very important context. We see the real difference in the regular season when they're healthy.