Ranking the Top 5 Starting Lineups in the NBA

3. San Antonio Spurs

Tony Parker (PG)-Danny Green (SG)-Kawhi Leonard (SF)-Tim Duncan (PF)-Tiago Splitter (C)

Jun 20, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich talks with San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan (21), point guard Tony Parker (9), and shooting guard Manu Ginobili (left) during the fourth quarter of game seven in the 2013 NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Danny Green made it rain in the playoffs, showing his potential as a sharpshooter, as well as being a more than solid defensive guard, long and quick.

Kawhi Leonard made the later parts of the playoffs his coming out party, showing an insane amount of athleticism. Add that to a legitimate wing threat from three-point range and a great driving game that results in at least one embarrassed defender, and you’ve got a fantastic young forward.  Stick him next to the best power forward to ever play and arguably the best player of his generation (that’s right Lakers, I said it–I put Tim Duncan over Kobe.). Add in a solid center who works very well in pick-and-rolls, the heart and soul of the San Antonio offense.

Did I forget anyone?  Hmm…Oh yeah, Tony Parker. That dude that made a serious case for himself as the best point guard in the league this year, and cemented his top three status for the time being. This guy can shoot. He can hit floaters. He can hit crazy contact shots. He’s an okay defender. And he’s so quick that by the time his defender realizes he’s scored, he’s on the other end of the court. You know, that little French kid who went 28th in his draft class.

P.S. If Rose doesn’t return in the aforementioned form, swap No. 2 and No. 3 on this list.