Why a Superteam of Curry, LeBron, AD, Draymond, and Porzingis Would Still Struggle With Spacing

A lineup featuring Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Draymond Green, and Kristaps Porziņģis looks, at first glance, like an unstoppable basketball machine. It combines generational shooting, elite defense, multiple MVP-caliber playmakers, and frontcourt versatility. On paper, it should dominate any era.

But basketball isn’t played on paper—and even this superteam would run into a very real problem: spacing in the half court.

The Core Problem: Too Many Non-Shooters in Key Roles

The biggest issue isn’t a lack of talent—it’s how the talent overlaps. In this lineup, three of the five players are either non-shooters or inconsistent floor spacers:

• LeBron James is at his best attacking downhill and creating for others, not camping on the perimeter.
• Anthony Davis thrives in the paint and midrange, not as a high-volume three-point spacer.
• Draymond Green is an offensive connector but historically a low-threat shooter.

That means defenses could consistently load up near the paint, especially when these three share the floor.

Curry and Porzingis Carry the Spacing Load

The only true elite spacing forces in this lineup are Stephen Curry and Kristaps Porziņģis.

Curry is the system-breaking variable. His off-ball movement and shooting gravity force defenses to chase him relentlessly, often distorting coverages across the entire floor. Porziņģis, as a true stretch big, also helps pull rim protectors away from the basket.

However, even two elite spacers can be overwhelmed when the remaining three players are best operating inside the arc.

How Defenses Would Attack This Lineup

Opposing teams would likely adopt a “pack the paint” strategy:

• Go under screens when Draymond or Davis is involved
• Send extra help on LeBron drives
• Force non-Curry possessions into midrange isolation
• Live with open looks from the weaker shooters

This would significantly reduce driving lanes for LeBron and limit Davis’ interior dominance in half-court sets.

What Would Still Make This Team Dangerous

Despite spacing concerns, the upside remains enormous:

• Elite defense with switchability across all five positions
• Multiple elite passers (Curry, LeBron, Draymond)
• Unmatched basketball IQ and decision-making
• Devastating transition offense

In fast-break situations, this group would be nearly impossible to contain. In the half court, however, structure and shot quality would become more contested.

Final Verdict

This lineup is a rare case of overlapping greatness creating tactical friction. The talent is undeniable, but the fit is imperfect. Even with generational players, basketball still demands balance—and spacing is the cost of stacking too many paint-dominant stars in one unit.