Ranking The NBA's Best Fifth Starters For Next Season: Is VJ Edgecombe Already No. 1?

The NBA’s starting fives get interesting when the “fifth-best” player is still a problem for opponents—able to score, defend, and fit naturally around four stars. One ranking looks at each team’s projected No. 5 starter using last season’s production, role fit, defense, shooting, and how the surrounding players already operate. The 76ers’ example is VJ Edgecombe, who averaged 16.0 points as a rookie but remains behind Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid. The list’s No. 10 is Wendell Carter Jr. (Magic), who started 78 games and averaged 11.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists on 51.2% shooting.