The Worst Starter On Every NBA Team In 2024-25

Every NBA team aims to put its best five players on the court, but even among starters, there’s always one player who doesn’t measure up to the rest. Whether it’s due to underwhelming stats, defensive liabilities, or simply being outclassed by the talent around them, each team has a weak link in its starting lineup. As we head into the 2024-25 season, here’s a breakdown of the worst starter for each NBA team.

Atlanta Hawks – Zaccharie Risacher

Zaccharie Risacher, the Hawks' highly-touted rookie, has the raw talent and potential, but in terms of NBA readiness, he's still developing. His 2023-24 numbers from the EuroCup were solid, with averages of 13.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, but those stats don’t always translate immediately to the NBA.

His outside shooting, a critical skill for a forward in today’s game, will need to translate well in the fast-paced NBA game. His defensive awareness has also been questioned, especially when guarding quicker wings. Atlanta is counting on him to be a solid rotational piece, but growing pains could make him their weakest starter for the time being. His lack of experience may stand out against a deep Eastern Conference.

Boston Celtics – Derrick White

Derrick White is a capable defender and savvy playmaker, but he stands out as the Boston Celtics' weakest starter purely due to the high talent level around him. With Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jrue Holiday as his teammates, White simply doesn’t bring the same offensive punch or the prestige of his All-Star teammates.

In 2023-24, he averaged 15.2 points and 5.2 assists, respectable numbers, and he could hover around those numbers again next season. White is one of the best starting guards in the NBA so don’t let his name fool you when it comes to this ranking because the Celtics have the best team in the league.

Brooklyn Nets – Dorian Finney-Smith

Dorian Finney-Smith’s value lies almost entirely on the defensive side of the ball, but even there, he struggled at times during the 2023-24 season. His defensive metrics dipped slightly from his Dallas days, with his defensive rating sitting at 114.5. Offensively, he’s never been a consistent contributor, finishing last season with just 8.5 points per game on 42.1% shooting. His three-point shooting was particularly concerning, dropping to 34.8%, well below the league average.

Considering the Nets’ rebuilding attempts, Finney-Smith feels out of place as a starter. His inability to consistently knock down open looks has made him a liability in key situations, forcing the Nets to rely on other offensive options. While his defense still holds some value, his overall impact doesn’t justify a starting role on a playoff-hopeful team.

Charlotte Hornets – Grant Williams

Grant Williams joined the Hornets to bring toughness and defense, but his offensive contributions in 2023-24 were underwhelming. While his three-point shooting improved to a solid 37.5%, he struggled to create his own shot and was a limited offensive option, posting just 10.3 points per game on 45.6% from the field.

On defense, Williams lacks the foot speed to guard quicker forwards, which was exposed in multiple matchups last season. His overall impact on the game has been limited, especially when tasked with playing extended minutes.

Chicago Bulls – Patrick Williams

Patrick Williams has long been seen as a player with untapped potential, but after three seasons, the 2023-24 campaign showed little progress. Averaging just 10.0 points and 3.9 rebounds, Williams didn’t make the leap the Chicago Bulls were hoping for, especially offensively. Not to mention, he struggles to stay healthy after only appearing in 43 games last year.

Williams' defense, while solid, doesn’t fully compensate for his offensive passivity. On a team with ball-dominant players like Zach LaVine and Coby White, Williams’ inability to create for himself or others relegates him to the margins of the offense, making him the weakest starter in an underperforming lineup.

Cleveland Cavaliers – Max Strus

Max Strus was brought in to provide spacing for Cleveland , but his 2023-24 season showed his limitations as a starter. Strus averaged 12.2 points on 41.8% shooting, but his three-point percentage dropped to 35.1%, a far cry from the elite shooting Cleveland was hoping for. On the defensive end, Strus struggled to stay in front of quicker guards, and his 6'5" frame often left him mismatched against bigger wings.

While Strus is a serviceable role player, he is clearly overmatched as a starter on a Cavaliers team with playoff ambitions. If his three-point shooting doesn’t return to elite levels, Cleveland may have to rethink his role in their starting lineup, making him their weakest starter entering the 2024-25 season.

Dallas Mavericks – Daniel Gafford

Despite being the best post defender, Daniel Gafford ranks as the worst starter on the Dallas Mavericks roster, largely due to his limitations on the offensive end and also the talent on the starting lineup. Doncic, Irving, Thompson, and Washington can be considered more consistent performers which makes Gafford the “worst starter” of the bunch.

While Gafford is highly effective as a shot-blocker and rebounder, his offensive game remains underdeveloped. Most of his points come from lobs, putbacks, and dunks, which makes him a limited scoring option outside of the restricted area. Still, the center plays his role and that is what the Mavericks will need from him next season.

Denver Nuggets – Christian Braun

Christian Braun is a promising young player, but on a championship-caliber team like the Denver Nuggets, he finds himself as the weakest starter. In 2023-24, Braun averaged 7.3 points and 3.7 rebounds in a reserve role. While his energy and hustle on defense earned him significant minutes, his offensive game is still developing.

The Nuggets rely heavily on Nikola Jokić’s playmaking and Jamal Murray’s scoring, and Braun's limited offensive repertoire can sometimes clog the team's fluid ball movement. Braun’s future is bright, but for a team looking to repeat as champions, his presence in the starting lineup highlights Denver's depth concerns with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope no longer on the squad.

Detroit Pistons – Malik Beasley

After a brief stint with the Milwaukee Bucks, Malik Beasley joins the Detroit Pistons , where he’ll start out of necessity rather than merit. Beasley’s 2023-24 campaign was erratic at best, averaging 11.3 points but shooting just 44.3% from the field. Known primarily as a shooter, those numbers are concerning for someone tasked with spacing the floor for Detroit’s young core of Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey.

Defensively, Beasley remains a major liability. His lack of size and defensive awareness makes him an easy target for opposing offenses. The Pistons are a team on the rise, but Beasley’s inability to provide consistent two-way play may be a glaring issue for a squad with aspirations to improve.

Golden State Warriors – Brandin Podziemski

Brandin Podziemski enters the Warriors' starting lineup as the weakest link, despite his growing potential. While he showed flashes of potential in college and during Summer League play, Podziemski’s inexperience at the NBA level makes him an uncertainty in Golden State's complex system. In his rookie campaign, he averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in limited minutes.

Defensively, Podziemski is undersized at the guard position and could struggle to keep up with quicker, more athletic guards in the league. With veterans like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green around him, the Warriors will likely cover for his deficiencies, but he remains the weakest link in a starting lineup otherwise filled with proven talent. Podziemski’s development will be crucial, but as of now, he’s a work in progress.

Houston Rockets – Dillon Brooks

Dillon Brooks may bring defensive intensity, but his offensive inefficiency makes him the worst starter on a young Rockets team. Last season, Brooks averaged 12.7 points but did so on 42.8% shooting from the field and 35.9% from beyond the arc. His shot selection has been widely criticized, with Brooks often forcing ill-advised attempts that kill offensive momentum.

On defense, Brooks remains a menace, and his ability to guard multiple positions is what keeps him in starting lineups. However, Houston’s offense will be built around Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Jabari Smith Jr., and Brooks’ offensive limitations could stifle the team’s potential although he is still a contender for an All-NBA Defensive Team selection.

Indiana Pacers – Andrew Nembhard

Andrew Nembhard had a respectable sophomore campaign in 2023-24, averaging 9.2 points and 4.1 assists, but in a talented Pacers lineup, he stands out as the weakest starter. Nembhard is a steady offensive player, but his lack of explosiveness and inconsistent scoring ability limit his overall impact.

His three-point shooting is average in the modern NBA (35.3%), making him less of a threat from the perimeter compared to Indiana's other guards. On defense, Nembhard’s lack of size at 6'3" often leaves him vulnerable against bigger, more physical guards. The up-and-coming third-year player will likely show growth but we can’t put him over the rest of the Pacers starters right now.

Los Angeles Clippers – Terance Mann

Terance Mann brings energy and hustle to the Los Angeles Clippers , but his skill set pales in comparison to the stars surrounding him. In 2023-24, Mann averaged 8.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, numbers that are respectable but underwhelming for a starter on a contending team. His shooting from beyond the arc stood at 34.5% and that’s not enough to make defenses fear him as a consistent scoring threat.

Defensively, Mann is versatile and can guard multiple positions, but his offensive limitations stand out in a lineup featuring Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Norman Powell. Mann often plays off the ball, and his lack of shot creation hurts the Clippers in late-game situations when they need another scorer. While he’s a serviceable starter, Mann is clearly the least impactful in a star-heavy Clippers rotation.

Los Angeles Lakers – Rui Hachimura

Rui Hachimura showed flashes of brilliance during the Lakers’ season last year, but his consistency remains a question. In the 2023-24 regular season, Hachimura averaged 13.6 points and 4.3 rebounds on 53.7% shooting, but his inconsistent three-point shooting remains subpar for a forward expected to space the floor around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

While Hachimura can score in spurts, his offensive game lacks variety, often relying on mid-range shots that aren't as efficient in today’s game. The Lakers will need Hachimura to step up in 2024-25, but as of now, he remains the weakest starter in a lineup that’s trying to contend for another championship. His inconsistency and lack of elite skills in any one area stand out.

Related: Realistic Mock Trade Sees The Knicks Send Mitchell Robinson To The Lakers

Memphis Grizzlies – Santi Aldama

Santi Aldama has shown promise, but on a competitive Memphis Grizzlies roster, he enters the 2024-25 season as the weakest starter as the expected starting power forward. In 2023-24, Aldama averaged 10.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while shooting 34.9% from three-point range.

While those numbers are respectable for a young forward, they pale in comparison to the production the Grizzlies get from stars like Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. Aldama's offensive game remains raw, relying more on spot-up shooting than creating his own opportunities and we have to name him the “worst starter” on the team.

Miami Heat – Nikola Jovic

Nikola Jovic is a young player with upside, but he finds himself as the weakest starter on the Miami Heat due to his inexperience and inconsistent production. In 2023-24, Jovic averaged just 7.7 points and 4.2 rebounds in limited minutes, shooting 45.2% from the field and 39.9% from three. His role expanded during stretches when Miami dealt with injuries, but he struggled to carve out a consistent spot in the rotation, especially on offense where the Heat already have more established scorers.

Defensively, Jović’s size (6'10") offers some versatility, but his foot speed and awareness are still developing, which makes him vulnerable against quicker forwards. As a result, he enters 2024-25 as the team's most uncertain starter although we expect him to show significant growth.

Milwaukee Bucks – Pat Connaughton

Pat Connaughton’s energy and hustle have long endeared him to Bucks fans, but on a team with championship aspirations, he enters the season as the weakest starter. In 2023-24, Connaughton averaged 5.6 points and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 34.5% from beyond the arc. While he offers spacing, his three-point accuracy has regressed over the years, making him a less reliable option compared to Milwaukee's other shooters.

On defense, Connaughton is a scrappy player but can be overmatched by taller or more skilled wing players. With Khris Middleton handling the bulk of the perimeter defense, Connaughton’s limitations become more pronounced. His overall contributions are solid for a role player, but when compared to Milwaukee's elite-level talent, he clearly stands out as the most replaceable piece in the Bucks' starting lineup.

Minnesota Timberwolves – Mike Conley

Mike Conley is a seasoned veteran, but at nearly 37 years old, he is the clear weak link in Minnesota's starting five. In 2023-24, Conley averaged 11.4 points, 5.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 45.7% from the field and 44.2% from deep. Although still a capable facilitator and a calming presence for the Timberwolves, Conley’s age has limited his speed and explosiveness, making it difficult for him to consistently keep up with younger, faster guards.

Defensively, Conley’s IQ and positioning help mitigate some of the physical limitations, but his ability to stay in front of elite guards is waning. In a lineup featuring stars like Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, Conley’s drop-off in performance makes him the weakest starter.

New Orleans Pelicans – Daniel Theis

Daniel Theis is a capable veteran, but his role as a starting center for the Pelicans (replacing the departed Jonas Valanciunas) highlights his limitations. In 2023-24, Theis averaged 6.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game with Indiana, numbers that suggest a solid backup but not necessarily a starting-caliber player for a team with playoff ambitions. Theis is known for his defense and hustle, but offensively, he offers little beyond finishing at the rim and setting screens.

With the Pelicans built around stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, Theis doesn’t provide the floor-spacing needed to complement their playstyles. His defense, while strong in certain matchups, is not enough to cover for his lack of offensive versatility.

New York Knicks – Josh Hart

Josh Hart is an excellent role player so having him as your worst starter is not the worst thing in the world. Hart is not on the level of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, or Karl-Anthony Towns so he will have to accept a role whereby he defends, hustles for loose balls, and hits open shots. It is also very likely Hart will start over Precious Achiuwa, the only natural center on the team.

The Knicks have a stacked starting lineup heading into the 2024-25 NBA season and Hart will be a critical player in what they do on both ends of the court, including going for rebounds. The former No. 30 overall pick averaged 9.4 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in the regular season but boosted those numbers to 14.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game in the playoffs, resulting in some high expectations for him.

Oklahoma City Thunder – Isaiah Hartenstein

Isaiah Hartenstein’s inclusion in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s starting lineup signals their improved depth at the center position. In 2023-24 with the Knicks, Hartenstein averaged 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. While his energy and rebounding are positives, his offensive game is limited to putbacks and short jump hooks, which doesn’t offer much versatility for a team with young playmakers like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.

Defensively, Hartenstein is a decent rim protector but can be slow-footed in pick-and-roll situations, making him a target for opposing guards. However, we expect Hartenstein to be a capable starting center in the NBA and will do the dirty work, but he is named the worst starter because we can’t give that title to Luguentz Dort Dort who is an All-NBA Defensive Team talent.

Orlando Magic – Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s veteran presence and three-point shooting have been valuable for every team he’s played on, but in Orlando , he enters the 2024-25 season as the weakest starter. In 2023-24, Caldwell-Pope averaged 10.1 points per game while shooting 40.6% from deep, making him one of the better natural shooters on the Magic roster.

However, at this stage of his career, Caldwell-Pope’s offensive game is mostly limited to spot-up shooting and fast-break opportunities, leaving him less dynamic compared to his younger teammates. The Magic wanted shooting and perimeter defense around Paolo Banchero and that is why they signed the shooting guard to a $66 million contract.

Philadelphia 76ers – Caleb Martin

Caleb Martin earned a reputation for his hustle and energy in Miami, but as a starter for the Philadelphia 76ers , he finds himself in a more demanding role. In 2023-24, Martin averaged 10.0 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, primarily coming off the bench for the Heat. While his three-point shooting improved, his offensive skill set remains limited to spot-up shooting and transition baskets.

On a team with elite scorers like Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, Martin’s offensive contributions are secondary but that is what the 76ers expect from him. We can’t give the title of worst best starter to the Big Three or the athletic Kelly Oubre Jr, making Martin the easy choice here.

Phoenix Suns – Grayson Allen

Grayson Allen brings toughness and shooting to the Phoenix Suns , but he stands out as the weakest starter on a loaded team because we can’t grant that title to Bradley Beal or Jusuf Nurkic. In 2023-24, Allen averaged 13.5 points per game, shooting 46.1% from three-point range, which helped space the floor for stars like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.

While Allen’s role as a shooter is valuable, the Suns’ starting lineup is filled with elite offensive talent, and Allen’s inability to contribute at the same level in other areas—especially defense—makes him the weakest starter. With Phoenix chasing a title, Allen’s role could become more important than Beal’s but until then, he will be named the weakest starter.

Portland Trail Blazers – Deni Avdija

Deni Avdija was brought to the Portland Trail Blazers for his versatility, but he enters the 2024-25 season as the least impactful starter. In 2023-24 with the Washington Wizards, Avdija averaged 14.7 points and 6.1 rebounds per game while shooting a career-best 37.4% from beyond the arc.

While he is capable of playing multiple positions, Avdija has yet to develop a reliable offensive game beyond spot-up threes and attacking closeouts, limiting his impact in Portland’s offense. We can’t put Avdija over Deandre Ayton, Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons, or Scoot Henderson so he will be named the worst starter on the team.

Sacramento Kings – Kevin Huerter

Kevin Huerter provides outside shooting and spacing for the Sacramento Kings , but in the team’s starting lineup, he’s the weakest link. In 2023-24, Huerter averaged 10.2 points while shooting 36.1% from three-point range, solidifying his role as the Kings' best shooter. However, outside of his shooting, Huerter’s game is fairly limited. He’s not a strong ball-handler or shot-creator, and when his three-point shot isn’t falling, his offensive contributions drop off significantly.

On defense, Huerter’s lack of athleticism and lateral quickness make him a target for opposing guards. While he’s not a defensive liability, his overall impact is far less than what Sacramento gets from players like De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and newcomer DeMar DeRozan.

San Antonio Spurs – Stephon Castle

Stephon Castle, the rookie guard for the San Antonio Spurs , enters the 2024-25 season with immense potential but is currently the weakest starter on a rebuilding team. Drafted for his size and defensive versatility, Castle’s offensive game is still developing.

In his final college season, he averaged 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, showing flashes of playmaking ability, but he struggled with his efficiency, shooting just 26.7% from three-point range. The Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama, are in the midst of a rebuild, and Castle is expected to grow alongside their young core.

Toronto Raptors – Kelly Olynyk

Kelly Olynyk is a savvy veteran with a diverse skill set, but at 33 years old, he is the weakest starter on the Toronto Raptors . In 2023-24, Olynyk averaged 9.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 0.4 blocks per game, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor and facilitate from the frontcourt.

However, Olynyk’s lack of athleticism and declining defensive mobility make him a liability in certain matchups, particularly against younger, more athletic big men. Offensively, Olynyk can hit threes (38.7% in 2023-24) and provide some playmaking, but he’s not a consistent scorer or a strong finisher at the rim. As the Raptors transition into a new era with Scottie Barnes and other young talent, Olynyk’s limited upside and declining defense make him the least impactful starter.

Utah Jazz – John Collins

John Collins’ decline over the past few seasons has made him the weakest starter for the Utah Jazz in 2024-25. In 2023-24 with the Jazz, Collins averaged 15.1 points and 8.5 rebounds, which marked his lowest scoring output since his rookie season. His three-point shooting also dropped to 35.8% for his career, a concerning regression for a player once known for his ability to stretch the floor. Collins has struggled to find his role on offense, as his mid-range game and outside shooting have become increasingly inconsistent.

Defensively, Collins has always been a mediocre player, often struggling against stronger or more skilled forwards. His defensive limitations, combined with his offensive regression, make him the weakest starter in Utah’s lineup. Despite his athleticism and past success, Collins has yet to regain the form that made him a rising star, and his fit with the Jazz is still a major question mark.

Washington Wizards – Corey Kispert

Corey Kispert’s shooting ability is valuable, but his overall game leaves him as the weakest starter on the Washington Wizards . In 2023-24, Kispert averaged 13.4 points per game, shooting 38.3% from three-point range, but his contributions largely end there. Kispert struggles to create his own shot, and his offensive game is limited to catch-and-shoot opportunities.

While his shooting helps space the floor, it also makes him a one-dimensional player in Washington’s lineup. Defensively, Kispert lacks athleticism for a wing (6'7") and often struggles against more physical or athletic opponents. His lack of lateral quickness makes him a defensive liability in certain matchups.

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