We’ve put together an elite starting five featuring active NBA players whose last names start with ‘B,’ and it’s an impressive lineup.
This group is definitely formidable enough to challenge the ‘A’-team squad, which included Jose Alvarado, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, OG Anunoby, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Bam Adebayo.
With a former Finals MVP and two current NBA champions among its ranks, this ‘B’ group boasts top-tier talent, including a player who recently earned both honors in the same season.
The NBA’s B-Team
Point Guard – Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
Brunson delivered in spectacular fashion to end the Knicks’ 53-year championship drought.
He averaged 32.6 points during the Finals against the Spurs, highlighted by 36 points in a historic Game 4 comeback and a Knicks Finals record 45 points in Game 5, which clinched the title.
During the regular season, Brunson posted averages of 26 points and 6.8 assists, earning his third consecutive All-Star nod along with a spot on the All-NBA Second Team. He also claimed the NBA Cup MVP as New York defeated San Antonio in the tournament final.
Shooting Guard – Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
Booker’s numbers closely matched Brunson’s last year, averaging 26.1 points per game.
He also contributed 6.0 assists across 64 games and surpassed 17,000 career points in December. His season-best was 43 points in a March game versus Indiana, yet despite this effort, the Suns finished 45-37, earned a play-in spot, but were swept by the Thunder in the opening round.
Booker’s impressive credentials include two Olympic gold medals, an All-NBA First Team selection, and a remarkable 70-point game at just 20 years old.
Small Forward – Jaylen Brown, Philadelphia 76ers
Brunson isn’t the only Finals MVP here.
Brown captured the Finals MVP honor with Boston in 2024. With limited games from teammate Jayson Tatum last season, Brown shouldered the Celtics’ scoring lead, helping them reach a 56-26 record while recording career highs—28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.
He notched a 50-point outing against the Clippers, earned his first All-Star start, made the All-NBA Second Team, and finished sixth in MVP voting.
Following the 76ers’ first-round sweep of Boston, Brown was traded in July to Philadelphia in exchange for Paul George and four draft picks, joining the team that ended his Celtics run.
Power Forward – Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors
Kawhi Leonard recently returned to Toronto and made it clear who leads the team. On Bell’s Open Gym, Leonard stated: “I’m not here to take over anything. I want to help your vision, help Scottie. I just want to win. If it’s Scottie’s team, it’s his team.”
Barnes has certainly earned that trust. Last season, he averaged 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, earned his second All-Star selection, and was named to the All-Defensive Second Team. Only one player had more combined steals and blocks than him.
His versatility allows him to defend nearly any position and operate independently of structured plays, making him an ideal complement to three natural scorers.
Center – Goga Bitadze, Orlando Magic
Centers with last names starting with ‘B’ are scarce, so this lineup makes a practical choice.
Bitadze earns the spot as a true big man who understands his role perfectly. He shot an efficient 67.6% from the floor last season for Orlando, averaging 5.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and one block in just 15.2 minutes per game.
He also showcased his skills internationally, playing a key role for Georgia during EuroBasket 2025, including an upset win over France in the round of 16.
Surrounded by playmakers who create their own shot, Bitadze’s primary tasks are rim protection, rebounding, and finishing off scoring opportunities.
While this B-Team might lack the size of the A-Team, it’s stacked with athletic and efficient scorers. Brunson, Booker, and Brown each averaged 26 or more points last season, while Barnes brings all-around versatility.
Defenses will have a tough challenge containing this group.
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Fan Take: This B-team lineup highlights the incredible depth of talent currently in the NBA, proving excellence stretches far beyond just the biggest stars. For basketball lovers, it’s exciting to see such skilled and versatile players making significant impacts, pushing the sport’s competitive level even higher.
Source: nbaanalysis.net
