Phoenix Suns superstar Devin Booker recently shared his all-time starting five, and there was one particular omission that caught the eye of basketball fans around the world.
Booker’s lineup features Stephen Curry, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Shaquille O’Neal. This group includes some of the greatest players in NBA history, but perhaps the biggest surprise was who didn’t make the cut: Michael Jordan.
Devin Booker lists his All-Time NBA Starting 5:
Steph Curry
Kobe Bryant
LeBron James
Kevin Durant
Shaquille O’Neal
(h/t @CGBBURNER)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) August 3, 2026
Leaving Jordan off any all-time list will certainly generate massive discussions, especially considering the Chicago Bulls legend is widely regarded as the greatest player of all time. Magic Johnson, Tim Duncan, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were also absent from Booker’s lineup, despite each having a case as a top-five player of all time.
But Booker instead has leaned toward a more modern group.
Stephen Curry is the greatest shooter the game has seen, and he has completely changed how basketball is played. Kobe Bryant has been one of Booker’s biggest idols, and his inclusion was almost guaranteed. Booker has repeatedly spoken about how he studied Kobe for his work ethic, mid-range game, and mentality throughout his own career.
LeBron James’ selection is almost guaranteed as well. Entering his 24th season, LeBron is the league’s all-time leading scorer, a four-time NBA champion, a four-time MVP, and the most versatile player the game has ever seen.
Kevin Durant’s inclusion might be due to the fact that they were teammates in Phoenix before. The two spent two seasons together with the Phoenix Suns, and Booker has raved about Durant, saying that he is one of the most gifted scorers ever. Durant’s combination of seven-foot size, guard-like skills, and shooting has perhaps made him the most unguardable player the NBA has ever seen. And Booker has clearly seen this skill set firsthand.
At center, Booker selected Shaquille O’Neal, the most dominant center the NBA has ever seen. Prime Shaq is the most physically dominant player ever, winning four championships, three consecutive Finals MVPs, and an MVP during his Hall of Fame career.
But he was still chosen ahead of legendary big men such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, Wilt Chamberlain, and Tim Duncan.
What stands out about Booker’s list is its offensive capacity. Curry stretches defenses from virtually anywhere on the floor. Kobe, LeBron, and Durant can create their own offense at an elite level, and Shaq dominates the paint. It’s a lineup built around players who can score from almost every area of the floor and possess nearly unstoppable offensive games.
These kinds of lists are always subjective. Many fans think that Jordan is untouchable when discussing any all-time starting five, while many pencil in Magic Johnson as the greatest point guard ever. Duncan’s five championships and Kareem’s six MVP awards make them tough to leave out as well.
Booker’s choices clearly highlight a generational shift. Rather than filling the lineup with players from earlier eras, he has favored players whom he either watched growing up, played against, or played with.
Kobe Bryant was his basketball hero, Durant was his teammate with the Phoenix Suns, and LeBron and Curry have been part of the NBA long before Booker made his debut.
There isn’t a right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing an all-time starting five. Every fan values different qualities differently, whether it comes to championships, peak dominance, longevity, or individual skill.
Booker’s selection shows his own choices, shaped by players who inspired him and whom he has faced throughout his NBA career. Still, when Michael Jordan is left off any all-time team, the conversation is bound to be as interesting as the lineup itself.
