Tyronn Lue has played with and against some of the greatest names the NBA has ever seen, but when asked to put together his ultimate starting five of former teammates, the Los Angeles Clippers head coach didn’t hold back. On a recent appearance on Club Shay Shay, Lue revealed his picks: Tracy McGrady, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Shaquille O’Neal.
It’s a lineup that reads like pure basketball fantasy, one that blends scoring, defense, and star power in ways few teams in history could rival.
Lue began his career with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1998, where he quickly earned the respect of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. Playing alongside those two icons gave him firsthand experience of what a dominant duo looked like. Shaq, the most unstoppable force of his generation, and Kobe, one of the fiercest competitors in NBA history, formed the backbone of the Lakers’ three-peat dynasty from 2000 to 2002.
For Lue, leaving either off his dream lineup was never an option. Kobe brought relentless shot-making and perimeter defense, while Shaq anchored the paint with sheer physical dominance.
Michael Jordan also makes the cut, thanks to Lue’s brief stint with the Washington Wizards in the early 2000s. Though it was at the tail end of Jordan’s legendary career, the six-time champion still had flashes of his greatness, averaging over 20 points per game at age 40.
For Lue, just sharing the floor with Jordan was an experience that shaped his perspective on the game. In his starting five, Jordan slides naturally into the backcourt next to Kobe, forming what might be the most fearsome wing duo ever imagined.
Tracy McGrady adds a different flavor to the group. Lue played with T-Mac during his time with the Orlando Magic in the early 2000s. McGrady was in his prime then, a scoring machine who could light up defenses with his smooth jumper, elite athleticism, and underrated playmaking.
At 6-foot-8, McGrady could play multiple positions, making him a perfect fit in this all-time lineup. His versatility would allow him to complement Kobe and Jordan without sacrificing his own offensive firepower.
Rounding out the group is Dirk Nowitzki, Lue’s teammate during his time with the Dallas Mavericks. Dirk’s inclusion highlights just how revolutionary he was as a seven-footer who could stretch the floor with his jump shot.
His ability to space defenses with his signature one-legged fadeaway would balance out the lineup perfectly, preventing opposing defenses from collapsing on Shaq in the paint. Dirk’s shooting touch, paired with Shaq’s inside dominance and the scoring wings, would create a virtually unguardable offense.
When Lue apologized for leaving others off the list, it was understandable. He shared locker rooms with other stars throughout his 11-year career, including Allen Iverson, Paul Pierce, Yao Ming, and Grant Hill. But even with those names, it’s hard to argue against his chosen five. McGrady, Kobe, Jordan, Dirk, and Shaq would overwhelm any opponent, not just with talent but with their ability to mesh their unique skill sets.
Ultimately, Lue’s lineup is less about who was left off and more about the sheer privilege of having played alongside so many legends. Few role players in NBA history can say they shared the court with that many icons, and Lue’s career serves as a reminder that sometimes, the best perspective comes not from the stars themselves, but from the teammates who witnessed their greatness up close.
