Bench the Bench: Finding the NBA's Best Starting Five

What would happen if each team in the NBA could only play their starting five?

See where your team ranks on the list of the Best Starting Fives in the NBA.

Each unit is ranked according to how well they perform as a unit (based on highly effective analyses...and my opinions). This is not an analysis of the team as a whole or of the talent of the individual players, but of the ability and chemistry the players have with one another.

30. Miami Heat (11-51)

Heat fans had to deal with Dwyane Wade's departure soon after Shaq's, and Shawn Marion's numbers have dipped a bit since the trade.

29. Seattle Sonics (16-48)

Sonics depend on rookie Kevin Durant for offense and lack consistency in pretty much everything they do on the court.

28. Memphis Grizzlies (15-48) 

Mike Miller is the vet holding this team together, but he has been the focus of several trade talks for quite some time.

27. Minnesota Timberwolves (14-49)

Al Jefferson is becoming a proven threat down low, and he has some developing young talent supporting him.

26. New York Knicks (18-46)

Could easily be lower or higher. The chemistry is just awful here. It seems as though Jamal Crawford, Quentin Richardson and Zach Randolph could do more.

25. Indiana Pacers (25-39)

Defensively, this unit is lacking quite a bit. And the offense needs someone the run it.

24. L.A. Clippers (21-41)

Chris Kaman and Corey Maggette have been unsuccessful in stepping up their game in the absence of Elton Brand. However, multiple perimeter threats make them dangerous.

23. Milwuakee Bucks (23-41)

Michael Redd struggles every night to carry his team. Andrew Bogut and Charlie Villanueva have made little progress from their rookie seasons to enhance this team.

22. Charlotte Bobcats (24-39)

Jason Richardson should have stayed in Oakland, but he continues to play well alongside Gerald Wallace. Emeka Okafor is turning out to be a monster on the boards.

21. Chicago Bulls (26-38)

The Bulls have disappointed this year, and throwing Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden into the rotation this late has not helped their chemistry issues.

20. New Jersey Nets (26-38)

Rookie Sean Williams and Devin Harris are struggling to make adjustments after Jason Kidd's departure. Guard Vince Carter looks ready to move on. The Nets need to start thinking about rebuilding.

19. Sacramento Kings (28-35)

Kevin Martin has turned into a premier scorer in the league, and Ron Artest and Brad Miller make a decent core. Also, Beno Udrih has continued to improve throughout the season, boosting the Kings.

18. Atlanta Hawks (26-37)

Mike Bibby's addition has been greatly appreciated in Atlanta. The young talents, Josh Smith and Al Horford, not to mention Joe Johnson, are all feeling relief with a veteran at point guard.

17. Philadelphia 76ers (30-34)

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