Sixers: Ranking Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris and every NBA frontcourt

3. Jayson Tatum & Al Horford & Robert Williams III, Celtics

The Celtics had the most bulletproof starting five in the NBA last season. There’s no weak link, no readily exploitable weakness. Jayson Tatum has made the leap to superstardom, while Al Horford and Robert Williams are two elite, complementary defenders. Boston has the capacity to switch all five positions on defense. Horford is one of the league’s best communicators and organizers, Williams might lead the NBA in blocks, and Tatum can shut down elite wings when he wants to. The connectivity and fit is just as important as the talent here.

2. Michael Porter Jr. & Aaron Gordon & Nikola Jokic, Nuggets

Nikola Jokic has deservingly won back-to-back MVPs, placing him in very prestigious company. We will look back on him as possibly the greatest offensive player of his generation — a hyper-efficient three-level scorer who can make every pass known (and unknown) to mankind. He’s also an elite rebounder and a much better defender than he gets credit for. Add in the prolific perimeter shooting touch of Michael Porter Jr. and the high-level wing defense of Aaron Gordon, and it’s hard to poke holes.

1. Khris Middleton & Giannis Antetokounmpo & Brook Lopez, Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo is probably the best player in the world right now. Were it not for injuries, the Bucks probably would have come out of the Eastern Conference. Antetokounmpo contorts both sides of the floor, while Khris Middleton’s efficient three-level scoring and Brook Lopez’s thundering presence at the rim provide perfect complements. Milwaukee has the foundation of a perennially elite defense, as well as one of the most potent offensive duos the game has to offer. Giannis and Middleton both play off of one another well, while Lopez can spread the floor and give them room to operate.