All-Time NBA Starting Lineups: Northwest Division
Scoring, Defending and Size - This Team has it All
With mostly storied franchises comprising the NBA’s Northwest Division, there was no shortage of legends to make NBA picks for the all-time lineup. In fact, we can argue that this starting five will kick the butts of any other – even if some have a more accomplished roster. Regardless of what era this team plays in, count on it to dominate on the court.
The All-Time Northwest Division Starters
- G Gary Payton (SEA)
- G Clyde Drexler (POR)
- F Kevin Durant (SEA/OKC)
- F Karl Malone (UTA)
- C Nikola Jokic (DEN)
Point Guard: Gary Payton
This was the toughest spot to fill with John Stockton, Russell Westbrook and Damian Lillard all deserving of it. But Gary Payton was the closest thing to a complete player during his best seasons. The nine-time All-Star began as a fierce playmaker and defender. He garnered nine All-NBA Defensive First Team selections on top of a Defensive Player of the Year award.
As he aged, he developed a jump shot and became a scoring threat. At his peak, he averaged 19.9 points, 7.3 assists and 2.2 steals with shooting splits of 473/326/724. Payton was also an accomplished leader and consistently made NBA news: He reached the playoffs in 15 of his 17 seasons, culminating in an NBA title with Miami in his penultimate years.
Shooting Guard: Clyde Drexler
Overshadowed by Michael Jordan, Drexler isn’t respected enough given his accolades. He was a 10-time All-Star, a five-time All-NBA selection and a member of the original Dream Team. The “Glide” averaged over 22 points a game with over six rebounds and nearly six assists during his All-Star seasons.
And prior to winning a title with his hometown Houston, he led the Trail Blazers to two NBA Finals appearances – the furthest the franchise has gone in the last 30-plus years. Drexler had it all when considering his position. He could score, rebound and was an underrated defender. Portland was a shrewd NBA bet online during his heydays.
Small Forward: Kevin Durant
Durant’s legacy may forever be tied to his decision to join the budding dynasty of Golden State in 2016. But prior to joining, Durant had done everything short of an NBA title. He was named MVP in 2013-14 and was a four-time scoring champion. Dubbed by many as the greatest scorer ever, Durant averages 27.3 points with shooting splits of 499/385/886.
The 13-time All-Star is also just the third player to record multiple “50-40-90” seasons. And while most of his props comes from his extraordinary offensive talents, “KD” is also a solid defender and clutch scorer. There’s a reason why every team he’s on gets short Las Vegas NBA odds to win the NBA title.
Power Forward: Karl Malone
It may be a distinction of mixed feelings, but Karl Malone will go down as the greatest NBA player to never win a title. He can thank Jordan and the Bulls for that. But the “Mailman” earned his moniker because he “always delivered.” A two-time MVP, Malone did everything for Utah minus an NBA championship.
Malone was the prototypical power forward and scored nearly 37,000 points and collected nearly 15,000 rebounds in a 19-year NBA career. While he’s a bit limited offensively, by today’s standards, Malone’s interior presence on both ends of the floor adds backbone to any team. Those who bet on basketball can’t emphasize enough the importance of a PF like Malone.
NBA ALL-TIME leaders in Efficiency (per Basketball Reference):
1. Michael Jordan
2. NIKOLA JOKIC
3. LeBron James
4. Anthony Davis
5. Shaquille O’Neal
🤡🤡 Jokic Haters take note. pic.twitter.com/fobo6q0WUn
— John Frascella (Football) (@LegendSports7) July 14, 2023
Center: Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic is the greatest player on this team, the division and the Denver Nuggets. After all, he not only led Denver to its first NBA title but also dominated the NBA. To think the Serbian was a second-round pick (and infamously picked during a Taco Bell commercial), he’s already won a title, a Finals MVP and two regular-season MVPs.
And at 28 years old, Jokic could just be getting started. While most all-time great centers did their damage inside the arc, Jokic has done it by playing like a guard. He led the playoffs in total points, rebounds and assists – the first time it’s been done. Hence, bank on most NBA predictions picking Denver to win more titles for as long as Jokic is in peak form.
