NBA: Each team’s best starting five of all-time

PG. When the Sonics were at their height in the 90s, Gary Payton was leading the charge. He’s still an icon in Seattle even though there’s no team there anymore, which goes to show the power he has beyond basketball — there’s no Sonics but Payton will live on in Seattle forever.. Point Guard. Seattle Sonics. GARY PAYTON

SG. When the Sonics brought in Ray Allen, they were getting one of the best three point shooters of all-time in his prime. They never won a title with Allen, which is still a regret for a lot of NBA fans, but that didn’t mean his year in Seattle weren’t some of the best of his career. He’ll be known as a journeyman but Ray Allen might have to be a Sonic before all else.. Shooting Guard. Seattle Sonics. RAY ALLEN

SF. He only played briefly for the Sonics before becoming the MVP face of the Thunder franchise, but one of the biggest regrets of basketball fans is not seeing Durant come into his current role while still in Seattle. Imagine this lineup with Durant being the cherry on top — that’s probably one of the top-three best lineups of all-time.. Small Forward. Oklahoma City Thunder. KEVIN DURANT

SHAWN KEMP. PF. Shawn Kemp was a spark plug for the Sonics when he came to town, and watching him play with Gary Payton was some of the most entertaining basketball of the 1990s. You can still go back and watch highlights of Kemp flying to the basket and get chills, and his years in Seattle were hands down the very finest years of his career.. Power Forward. Seattle Sonics

C. One of the most underrated members of the Sonics franchise is Spencer Haywood. Plugging him into a lineup that is already headed by Kevin Durant, Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp and Ray Allen, Haywood becomes sort of an afterthought. That’s until you see him play below the rim, and you’re suddenly reminded that he’s a vicious big man not to be messed with.. Center. Seattle Sonics. SPENCER HAYWOOD