- Small-ball was started by the Golden State Warriors and every team has followed suit
- The best teams in the NBA can play games without a true starting center
- There are 10 sides that can field elite players who can shoot and run without dominating the paint
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, teams have consistently sought innovative strategies to gain a competitive edge. One such strategy that has gained prominence in recent years is the utilization of “small-ball” lineups, a tactical approach that prioritizes speed, agility, and versatility over traditional size and power. Small-ball lineups typically feature smaller, more agile players and can lead to breathtaking plays and dynamic basketball, as seen from the dominant Golden State Warriors “Death Lineups” that won four NBA titles featuring Draymond Green at center.
As the NBA continues to evolve, we take a closer look at the 10 Best Small-Ball NBA Teams right now, exploring how these teams have harnessed the power of small-ball to make a significant impact on the league. From three-point barrages to suffocating defense, these teams are proving that size isn’t the only path to success in today’s fast-paced NBA.
Only teams that can field a talented side without a traditional center which means the Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat won’t be included since their lineups feature listed centers. Without further ado, here are the 10 best small-ball lineups in the league right now.
Honorable Mentions
Indiana Pacers
Lineup: Tyrese Haliburton, Bruce Brown, Benedict Mathurin, Jarace Walker, Obi Toppin
The Indiana Pacers have crafted a small-ball lineup in the 2023-24 NBA season that showcases a blend of youthful talent and versatile playmaking. This unique lineup features Tyrese Haliburton as the primary ball-handler and floor general. Haliburton’s basketball IQ, exceptional passing ability, and outside shooting make him a vital piece in orchestrating the offense as an All-Star in 2023 posting 20.7 points and 10.4 assists per game.
In the backcourt, new addition Bruce Brown brings a defensive tenacity that complements Haliburton’s finesse. Brown’s ability to guard multiple positions and his knack for timely steals create turnovers and ignite fast-break opportunities. Benedict Mathurin, a rising star, offers a scoring punch from the wing. His combination of athleticism and a developing three-point shot adds a dynamic scoring threat to the lineup.
In the frontcourt, Jarace Walker and Obi Toppin provide athleticism and versatility. Walker, despite his youth, is an exciting prospect known for his defensive prowess and rebounding. Toppin, on the other hand, brings an above-the-rim presence and a stretch-four element to the lineup.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Lineup: Josh Giddey, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Luguentz Dort, Chet Holmgren
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s small-ball lineup is a fascinating combination of youth, talent, and potential. Josh Giddey, a young sensation who averaged 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, acts as the orchestrator, showcasing incredible court vision and playmaking ability for his age. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the primary scoring threat and superstar player, provides the Thunder with a dynamic backcourt presence.
He posted 31.4 points per game last year and made the All-NBA First Team. Defensively, Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort bring an essential dimension to this small-ball lineup. Williams’ athleticism and Dort’s tenacity make them formidable perimeter defenders, disrupting opponents and creating turnovers.
Chet Holmgren, the highly-touted rookie center who has yet to make his debut, adds an exciting dynamic to this small-ball unit. His shot-blocking and rim-protecting abilities are crucial for a team lacking traditional size.
10. Memphis Grizzlies
Lineup: Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, Desmond Bane, David Roddy, Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Memphis Grizzlies have engineered a compelling small-ball lineup even with Ja Morant missing 25 games to start the season featuring Marcus Smart as the starting point guard. Memphis’ small-ball lineup epitomizes the evolving nature of NBA basketball. Marcus Smart’s relentless defensive energy serves as the linchpin, allowing the Grizzlies to generate turnovers and ignite their transition game. Meanwhile, his improved three-point shooting adds an offensive dimension, underscoring the versatility of this lineup.
Luke Kennard’s sharpshooting prowess further stretches defenses, providing ample spacing for drives and kicks. Desmond Bane, a rising star, not only contributes to his scoring ability but also showcases his basketball IQ in clutch situations. David Roddy’s presence in the paint, despite his relatively smaller stature for a forward, solidifies their interior defense and rebounding.
Jaren Jackson Jr., the lineup’s cornerstone, brings a unique blend of shot-blocking, rim protection, and perimeter shooting. This small-ball unit thrives on the principles of modern basketball: perimeter shooting, defensive versatility, and an up-tempo pace.
9. Toronto Raptors
Lineup: Dennis Schroder, Gary Trent Jr., OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam
The Toronto Raptors can embrace a dynamic small-ball lineup featuring newcomer Dennis Schroder, Gary Trent Jr., OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes, and Pascal Siakam, signaling a shift toward a modern and versatile brand of basketball. Dennis Schroder’s presence as a playmaker and scorer facilitates offensive creativity, while his defensive tenacity sets the tone for the Raptors’ disruptive defensive schemes. Gary Trent Jr.’s three-point shooting (career 38.4%) prowess provides essential floor spacing, creating opportunities for his teammates, and he complements this with his tenacious defense.
OG Anunoby’s two-way excellence adds a layer of versatility, guarding multiple positions with ease and contributing offensively with his shooting. Former Rookie of the Year sensation Scottie Barnes brings a fresh perspective, offering ball-handling skills, defensive prowess, and unselfish playmaking.
Pascal Siakam, a seasoned star, completes the lineup with his scoring, rebounding, and rim protection as he posted 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. This Raptors’ small-ball unit embodies the contemporary style of NBA basketball, prioritizing speed, defense, and versatility. Since Siakam is an All-Star, this lineup might actually be very effective.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves
Lineup: Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Kyle Anderson, Karl-Anthony Towns
The Minnesota Timberwolves have assembled an intriguing small-ball lineup, blending seasoned veterans with emerging young talents. Conley’s experience at the point guard position brings leadership, playmaking, and outside shooting to the equation, vital for orchestrating the offense as a nearly 36-year-old veteran. He’s flanked by the explosive Anthony Edwards, whose scoring ability and athleticism make him a dynamic offensive threat, and his development on the defensive end will be crucial for the team’s growth.
Edwards has made a name for himself after his showing with Team USA in the FIBA Tournament and is coming off the 2023 camping averaging 24.6 points per game while making the All-Star Team. Jaden McDaniels adds a layer of defensive versatility and rim protection, while Kyle Anderson’s basketball IQ and all-around contributions make him a Swiss Army knife for the Timberwolves.
At the center of it all stands Karl-Anthony Towns, a power forward who can play center with Rudy Gobert absent. Towns shot 36.6% from deep last season and the player believes he is the best-shooting big man of all time. Together, this small-ball lineup aims to capitalize on their collective skill set, move the ball effectively, and push the pace to compete in the fast-evolving NBA landscape with three-point shooting.
7. New York Knicks
Lineup: Jalen Brunson, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Josh Hart, Julius Randle
The New York Knicks have embraced a small-ball lineup that showcases their adaptability and commitment to a dynamic brand of basketball. Comprising Jalen Brunson, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Josh Hart, and Julius Randle, this lineup emphasizes ball movement, perimeter shooting, and defensive intensity.
Jalen Brunson’s steady playmaking at point guard and Immanuel Quickley’s explosive scoring from the backcourt create a potent offensive combination. RJ Barrett’s versatile scoring and improved three-point shooting add another dimension, while Josh Hart’s tenacious defense on the wing disrupts opponents.
The centerpiece of this lineup stands Julius Randle, whose scoring, rebounding, and outside shooting prowess give the Knicks a multifaceted offensive weapon. Acting as a center but preferring to be a natural power forward, Randle can be effective enough at 6’8” to protect the paint while also pushing the pace and being a primary playmaker. The two-time All-Star averaged 25.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game last year and is the best all-around player on the team.
6. New Orleans Pelicans
Lineup: Jose Alvarado, CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson
As long as Zion Williamson is healthy, the New Orleans Pelicans can create an innovative, fast-paced style of play that leverages the strengths of their dynamic core. Jose Alvarado’s tenacious point guard play injects energy and tempo into the team, while CJ McCollum’s scoring prowess (20.9 points per game in 2023) and three-point shooting make him a reliable offensive weapon.
Herb Jones’ defensive versatility and Brandon Ingram’s multifaceted offensive game add a unique dimension to this lineup, complemented by the force of nature that is Zion Williamson. Williamson brings an explosive combination of power and agility to the team. His ability to dominate in the paint, create scoring opportunities, and secure rebounds is a game-changer.
The Pelicans’ small-ball philosophy hinges on their speed, transition offense, and defensive adaptability, aiming to disrupt opponents and exploit mismatches. It will be very interesting to see Zion at center and if he can’t stay healthy, we might never see it in New Orleans.
5. Los Angeles Clippers
Lineup: Russell Westbrook, Norman Powell, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Robert Covington
The Los Angeles Clippers normally start Ivica Zubac at center but in a small-ball lineup, the traditional center won’t be of much use. Instead, Swiss Army Knife forward Robert Covington can step into the center role as he did with the Houston Rockets in the 2019-20 season. Russell Westbrook’s explosive playmaking abilities (7.5 APG in 2023) add a dynamic element to the team’s offense, while Norman Powell’s scoring prowess creates headaches for opponents. This duo can bring consistent offense which is what drives the NBA these days, especially since Powell posted 17.0 points per game last year.
Paul George’s scoring, playmaking, and defensive acumen provide stability and star power, while Kawhi Leonard’s proven championship experience and lockdown defense add an invaluable layer of leadership. This All-Star duo must stay healthy because they have no weaknesses on both ends of the court and complement each other perfectly well.
Robert Covington’s three-point shooting (39.7% 3-PT FG) and defensive capabilities complete this well-rounded lineup and at 32 years old, he can still handle a heavy workload for the team. The frontcourt are all elite shooters and that will open up the floor more than expected if the Clippers’ stars can stay healthy.
4. Los Angeles Lakers
Lineup: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt, Anthony Davis
The Los Angeles Lakers can unveil an intriguing small-ball lineup, showcasing their adaptability and commitment to a fast-paced, star-studded style of play. Anthony Davis is not a natural center and when he plays, the Lakers often have to go smaller because the big man is not physically tough and is more finesse in style of play. In the backcourt, D’Angelo Russell’s return to the Lakers brings scoring and playmaking to the backcourt, while Austin Reaves’ emergence as a promising talent adds a youthful spark.
At the core of this lineup stands LeBron James, the embodiment of versatility and basketball IQ. His leadership and unparalleled skill set serve as the team’s anchor. Jarred Vanderbilt’s defensive prowess and relentless rebounding bring grit to the unit, and Anthony Davis’s ability to dominate both ends of the floor makes him the linchpin of this small-ball approach.
The Lakers’ strategy hinges on exploiting mismatches, creating turnovers, and utilizing their star power to challenge opponents and the best way to achieve this is by going small as much as possible even if Davis prefers to play power forward. The key is for Davis to stay healthy or else the small-ball strategy goes out the window.
3. Golden State Warriors
Lineup: Chris Paul, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green
The Golden State Warriors have revolutionized the NBA with their “Death Lineups” focused on two important aspects of offense: elite shooting and playmaking. While Kevin Durant and Andre Iguodala are no longer key components, the Warriors have regrouped extraordinarily well. Chris Paul’s arrival adds a touch of maestro-like playmaking, providing a steadying presence in crunch time. Coupled with the incomparable Stephen Curry, whose three-point prowess and gravity pull defenses apart, the Warriors boast a backcourt that’s virtually unstoppable.
Klay Thompson’s presence promises to bring an additional barrage of three-pointers, while Andrew Wiggins’ scoring and defensive versatility on the wing add a dynamic dimension to the lineup. And then there’s Draymond Green, the heartbeat of the Warriors, whose defensive brilliance, court vision, and ability to make the right plays make him the glue that holds it all together.
The Warriors’ small-ball philosophy, built on ball movement, sharpshooting, and stifling defense, showcases their ability to adapt to the ever-evolving NBA landscape. Wiggins and Green are considered elite defenders and at the stage of their careers, Thompson and Paul can still play solid defense. The key is to keep everyone healthy because this is a core of championship experience, basketball IQ, shooting, and unselfishness.
2. Phoenix Suns
Lineup: Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Eric Gordon, Josh Okogie, Kevin Durant
The Phoenix Suns can unleash a small-ball lineup that could set the league on fire with its incredible scoring potential. Comprising a Big Three of Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant, this lineup represents the epitome of offensive firepower and versatility. Bradley Beal’s scoring prowess adds an electrifying dynamic at the point guard spot, while Devin Booker’s blend of scoring and playmaking is a force to be reckoned with. Eric Gordon’s three-point shooting and Josh Okogie’s defensive tenacity provide balance, and at the heart of it all stands Kevin Durant, an offensive juggernaut and a generational talent.
The Suns’ small-ball philosophy is built on high-scoring, up-tempo basketball that aims to overwhelm opponents with its offensive firepower. With a combination of elite shooters, dynamic scorers, and a defensive stopper in Okogie, this lineup has the potential to redefine the boundaries of offensive prowess in the NBA.
If they can maintain their chemistry, stay healthy, and commit to defensive efforts, the Suns could emerge as a championship contender, demonstrating that small-ball basketball, fueled by star power, is an enduring winning formula in today’s rapidly evolving NBA landscape.
1. Milwaukee Bucks
Lineup: Damian Lillard, Malik Beasley, Pat Connaughton, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo
Phoenix might have unstoppable firepower, but their lineup needs to have legitimate defensive stoppers outside of Josh Okogie. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks have two elite defenders in Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo. In fact, the latter is the best player when looking at both sides. Firstly, Damian Lillard’s arrival injects a massive dose of elite scoring and playmaking into the equation, while Malik Beasley’s sharpshooting adds a dimension of floor spacing that perfectly complements Lillard’s scoring prowess. Both players are shooting over 37% from deep over their careers and that will prove useful in a small-ball lineup.
Pat Connaughton’s hustle and defensive dedication provide critical energy, and Khris Middleton’s well-rounded game, from mid-range shooting to lockdown defense, solidifies his role as a primary offensive option. Connaughton isn’t the best shooter but Middleton is a career 38.8% shooter from three and that is another weapon for the Bucks.
The superstar in the small-ball lineup is the natural power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time NBA MVP and 2021 Finals MVP. Giannis’s combination of athleticism, versatility, and sheer dominance in transition play and rim protection make him a one-of-a-kind force in the league. With a blend of scoring prowess, three-point shooting, and the incomparable Giannis Antetokounmpo anchoring the team, this lineup has all the ingredients to contend for an NBA championship.
