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 analysis...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.

10. Golden State (40-23) 

The Warriors have somehow managed to play through adversity.

Last year they upset Dallas in the playoffs and looked great doing it. Baron Davis has MVP-level talent, and his physicality is matched by the toughness in Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington.

The perimeter is always stretched with this team, not to mention the intensity with which they play. This bunch thrives off the emotion and energy of their teammates and are capable of more "upsets" this year.

9. Utah (43-23) 

The Jazz have matured very quickly over the past two seasons to become a top-tier NBA team.

Carlos Boozer has turned into a capable big man that can post up, but only because of the arrival of Deron Williams.

Williams' heightened play has enabled everyone on this squad to achieve at a higher level.

They have defense, they have offense, they can even play up-tempo or slow the game down. Mehmet Okur's shooting touch stretches opposing defenses enough to allow Ronnie Brewer and Andrei Kirilenko to operate where they are comfortable.

This team is making strides, but still has some room to grow. 

8. Phoenix (42-22) 

If the Shaq trade had not happened, it would have been easy to place the Suns higher. But the whole Shaq thing has seemed to drag them the past few weeks.

Steve Nash is an amazing talent and will somehow manage to lead his team no matter the problems. More important is the competitiveness of Shaq.

The Big Diesel will not accept anything less than the championship, and won't stop working until he "fits in" with the Suns.

Right now is not that time, but the other pieces work to perfection with Nash.

Amare Stoudamire was dominating when played out of position, and every starter can run a textbook pick and roll with Nash.

Grant Hill has somehow been rejuvenated in the Arizona sun, and even Raja Bell seems to be having fun out in the desert. 

7. Dallas (42-23) 

Perhaps Dallas has the same problem as the Suns, just not to the same degree.

Jason Kidd has sped up the offense in Dallas, but somehow compromised Avery Johnson's heavy focus on defense.

The Mavs have struggled to beat the best in the NBA since the trade, but every starter has seen their production go up since the deal.

Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry have seen increased scoring, whereas Erick Dampier has come off the bench and back to life. He has managed to achieve some double-doubles thanks to Kidd.

The Mavs played extremely well this last week, blowing out opponents. But until they can beat a top team, with Kidd playing and not on the bench, they will remain below the top five.

6. New Orleans (43-20) 

What a surprise, right?

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