March is an interesting month in basketball. Of course, there’s March Madness. But for the last time until November, there is a full month of all 30 NBA teams rolling the ball out and competing.
Some teams are focused on the draft lottery. Some already know they’re relatively safe for a top-six seed in the playoffs and will be fine-tuning for what they hope are extended playoff runs. And then, there are the teams that could be in the Play-In Tournament, playing today as if the postseason has already begun.
With all that said, for the most part, teams are locked in. Four months ago, we examined how teams had changed their primary lineups from the previous season. Now, it’s a good time to examine how teams have changed their rotations — if they have at all — since the end of October, and what to watch for over the final month of the regular season:
Atlantic Division
Boston Celtics
• New players added after Week 1: C Xavier Tillman, SG Jaden Springer, SF Drew Peterson (two-way)
• Departed players from Week 1: SG Dalano Banton, SF Lamar Stevens, C Nathan Knight (two-way)
There have been no changes in the starting five and rotation of the Boston Celtics. It’s been starters Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porziņģis, with Payton Pritchard, Al Horford and Sam Hauser rounding out the top eight as Boston runs away with the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
Brooklyn Nets
• New players added after Week 1: PG Dennis Schröder, SF Keita Bates-Diop, SG Keon Johnson (two-way), SG Jaylen Martin (two-way), PG Jacob Gilyard (two-way)
• Departed players from Week 1: SG Spencer Dinwiddie, SF Royce O’Neale, C Harry Giles III, SG Armoni Brooks (two-way)
Arguably the biggest change the Nets made this season was the firing of head coach Jacque Vaughn, who was replaced by assistant Kevin Ollie during the All-Star break. The injuries to Ben Simmons negatively impacted Brooklyn this season, and his failure to return to his 76ers form conveyed a lack of direction on the court. The most impactful transaction the team made on the court saw Brooklyn replace Dinwiddie with Schröder after Dinwiddie appeared to become disconnected as the season wore on.
New York Knicks
• New players added after Week 1: SF OG Anunoby, SF Bojan Bogdanović, PF Precious Achiuwa, SG Alec Burks, SG Shake Milton
• Departed players from Week 1: SF RJ Barrett, SG Quentin Grimes, PG Immanuel Quickley, SG Evan Fournier, SF DaQuan Jeffries, SG Dylan Windler, PG Ryan Arcidiacono
The Knicks made two trades to bolster their ceiling, but they also have had injuries to every starter disrupt the rotation. New York upgraded from Barrett to Anunoby, though Anunoby’s elbow injury has thrust Josh Hart into the starting lineup. Achiuwa came over with Anunoby to upgrade New York’s frontcourt size and depth at the expense of talented guard Quickley, but Achiuwa has had to start due to All-Star Julius Randle’s shoulder injury. Before Grimes was traded in a deal that brought back reserves Bogdanović and Burks, he was replaced in the starting lineup for Donte DiVincenzo. Isaiah Hartenstein has had to start at center while Mitchell Robinson recovers from ankle surgery. Fortunately for the Knicks, All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson appears to have avoided a serious knee injury this month.
Philadelphia 76ers
• New players added after Week 1: SF Buddy Hield, SG Kyle Lowry, SF KJ Martin, PF Nicolas Batum, PG Cameron Payne, PF Robert Covington, PG Jeff Dowtin Jr. (two-way)
• Departed players from Week 1: PG James Harden, PF P.J. Tucker, PG Patrick Beverley, SF Danuel House Jr., SG Danny Green, SG Jaden Springer, SF Furkan Korkmaz, C Filip Petrusev, PG Javonte Smart (two-way)
The Harden trade opened up a starting spot, though not at point guard, where the 76ers established All-Star Tyrese Maxey. Tucker started for a week, then the 76ers brought in four forwards from the Clippers who have all had rotation stints. Morris’ contract allowed the 76ers to acquire Hield at the trade deadline, and a back injury to Melton has put buyout signing Lowry into a starting role. But the most important development with Philadelphia’s rotation down the stretch is whether reigning MVP center Joel Embiid can return to form after a knee injury.
Toronto Raptors
• New players added after Week 1: SF RJ Barrett, PG Immanuel Quickley, SG Bruce Brown, C Kelly Olynyk, SF Ochai Agbaji, PF Jordan Nwora, C Jontay Porter (two-way), PF Mouhamadou Gueye (two-way), PG DJ Carton (two-way), SG Jah’mius Ramsey (10-day)
• Departed players from Week 1: PF Pascal Siakam, SF OG Anunoby, PG Dennis Schröder, PF Precious Achiuwa, PG Malachi Flynn, C Thaddeus Young, PF Otto Porter Jr., C Christian Koloko, SF Ron Harper Jr. (two-way), PG Markquis Nowell (two-way)
Toronto broke up its team this winter, then watched All-Star power forward Scottie Barnes (hand) and center Jakob Poeltl (finger) undergo surgeries this month. Brown replaced Siakam, which opened up a starting role for Gary Trent Jr; Nwora also came to Toronto from Indiana in the Siakam trade. Barnes’ injury opened up a spot for Agbaji, while Poeltl’s injury opened up a spot for Olynyk; both Agbaji and Olynyk came from Utah in exchange for a first-round pick. Trading Anunoby and Achiuwa to New York returned two starters in Barrett and Quickley. Finally, Jalen McDaniels fell out of the rotation while lottery rookie Gradey Dick emerging to end the season.
Central Division
Chicago Bulls
• New players added after Week 1: PF Henri Drell (two-way), SG Andrew Funk (two-way)
• Departed players from Week 1: PF Justin Lewis (two-way)
There’s been minimal movement on the Bulls’ roster, though it is notable that small forward Onuralp Bitim went from a two-way contract to a standard contract and a rotation spot. Starters Zach LaVine and Patrick Williams underwent season-ending surgeries, while power forward Torrey Craig has missed time due to injury as well. Shooting guard Ayo Dosunmu has stepped up as a starter, while center Andre Drummond is playing more than he did a season ago.
Cleveland Cavaliers
• New players added after Week 1: PF Pete Nance (two-way)
• Departed players from Week 1: PG Ricky Rubio
The Cavaliers are another team with minimal roster movement, but injuries have opened up rotation spots throughout the season. All-Star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell has only played in 22 games with all three of point guard Darius Garland, power forward Evan Mobley and center Jarrett Allen.
Detroit Pistons
• New players added after Week 1: SG Quentin Grimes, PF Simone Fontecchio, SF Evan Fournier, C Taj Gibson (10-day), PG Malachi Flynn, SF Troy Brown Jr., PF Tosan Evbuomwan (two-way), SG Buddy Boeheim (two-way)
• Departed players from Week 1: SG Killian Hayes, SF Alec Burks, C Marvin Bagley III, PF Joe Harris, SF Bojan Bogdanović, PG Monté Morris, PF Isaiah Livers, SG Malcolm Cazalon (two-way)
The most notable change for the Pistons was waiving 31-game starter and 2020 lottery pick Hayes; second-year shooting guard Jaden Ivey starts now, while rookie point guard Marcus Sasser is in the rotation. Burks and Bogdanović were both sent to New York in a trade that brought Grimes to Detroit. Fontecchio was acquired from Utah and has been a fixture in Detroit’s rotation.
Simone Fontecchio elevates for a jumper above Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton. (Trevor Ruszkowski / USA Today)
Indiana Pacers
• New players added after Week 1: PF Pascal Siakam, SF Doug McDermott, PF James Johnson, SG Quenton Jackson (two-way)
• Departed players from Week 1: SG Bruce Brown, SF Buddy Hield, SF Jordan Nwora, C Daniel Theis
The Pacers swapped out Brown for Siakam, addressing the team’s weakest position overall. Coach Rick Carlisle went back to last season’s starters (SG Andrew Nembhard, SF Aaron Nesmith), while Siakam’s addition allowed Indiana to bring Obi Toppin off the bench. Hield was traded for McDermott, but that has led to more minutes in the rotation for backup point guard T.J. McConnell. McDermott has been out all month with a calf strain, and now Bennedict Mathurin is out for the season because of a labral tear. Mathurin was a starter to begin the season before settling back into a top reserve role, but his injury opens the door for rookies Ben Sheppard and lottery pick Jarace Walker.
Milwaukee Bucks
• New players added after Week 1: PG Patrick Beverley, PF Danilo Gallinari, SG Ryan Rollins (two-way), SF Jaylin Galloway (two-way)
• Departed players from Week 1: PG Cameron Payne, C Robin Lopez, PG Lindell Wigginton (two-way), C Marques Bolden (two-way)
Like the Nets, the biggest change for the Bucks was on the coaching staff. Rookie head coach Adrian Griffin was fired after a 30-13 start and replaced by Doc Rivers, who was broadcasting to start the season. Both new veterans who were added to the team, Beverley and Gallinari, played for Rivers with the Clippers. Small forward Khris Middleton has been injured often, but it’s led to more minutes for veterans Jae Crowder and Bobby Portis, while second-year small forward MarJon Beauchamp lost his rotation spot for good once Griffin was replaced.
Southeast Division
Atlanta Hawks
• New players added after Week 1: SF Vít Krejčí (two-way), SG Dylan Windler (two-way)
• Departed players from Week 1: PG Patty Mills, PF Miles Norris (two-way)
The Hawks haven’t made any roster changes that affect the rotation. Trae Young’s hand injury opened up more rotation minutes for players like Garrison Mathews, while rookie Kobe Bufkin is getting extended run lately. Last year’s rookie, AJ Griffin, has fallen out of the rotation. De’Andre Hunter has been moved to a key reserve role after being the starting small forward since he was drafted, allowing training camp competitors Saddiq Bey and Jalen Johnson to start together at forward.
Charlotte Hornets
• New players added after Week 1: SG Tre Mann, PG Vasilije Micić, C Grant Williams, SG Seth Curry, PF Davis Bertans, C Aleksej Pokusevski, C Marques Bolden (two-way)
• Departed players from Week 1: SG Terry Rozier, SF Gordon Hayward, PF P.J. Washington, PG Ish Smith, PG Frank Ntilikina, SG James Bouknight, PG Theo Maledon (two-way)
Charlotte has been a mess, and its opening week starting lineup has all been either traded or injured. Point guard LaMelo Ball has played in seven games since Nov. 26 due to an ankle injury. Center Mark Williams hasn’t played since Dec. 8 because of a back injury. Washington lost his starting job after power forward Miles Bridges returned from suspension then was traded for Grant Williams, who has had to play up a position often. Curry also came from Dallas with Grant Williams. Trading Rozier and Hayward opened up rotation spots that were filled by Mann and Micić, while Ball and Mark Williams’ injuries have led to starting roles for Cody Martin and Nick Richards. Most importantly, rookie Brandon Miller took over as a starter in November and has shot the ball well all season.
Miami Heat
• New players added after Week 1: PG Terry Rozier, PG Delon Wright, PG Patty Mills, SG Alondes Williams (two-way)
• Departed players from Week 1: PG Kyle Lowry, PG Dru Smith, SG RJ Hampton (two-way)
All of the moves the Heat have made have been guard-related after striking out on Damian Lillard last summer. Rozier replaced Lowry, so he’s the consolation prize. Kevin Love has settled into a backup role, allowing younger players like Nikola Jović and rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. to nail down rotation spots. Tyler Herro’s injury has led to Duncan Robinson starting more, while Josh Richardson’s season-ending shoulder surgery likely keeps Haywood Highsmith in the rotation for the rest of the season.
Orlando Magic
• New players added after Week 1: None
• Departed players from Week 1: None
The Magic haven’t made a single change to the roster since training camp. The only rotation change is that shooting guard Gary Harris is starting now, moving Jalen Suggs to point guard and Markelle Fultz to the second unit.
Washington Wizards
• New players added after Week 1: C Marvin Bagley III, C Richaun Holmes, PF Isaiah Livers, SG RJ Hampton (10-day), SG Jules Bernard (two-way), SF Justin Champagnie (two-way)
• Departed players from Week 1: C Daniel Gafford, PF Danilo Gallinari, C Mike Muscala, PG Delon Wright, SG Ryan Rollins, PF John Butler Jr. (two-way)
Washington replaced head coach Wes Unseld Jr. with assistant Brian Keefe. Since then, Gafford was traded for Holmes, opening up a starting spot for Bagley, who was acquired with the injured Livers for Gallinari and Muscala. While rookie Bilal Coulibaly has emerged as a starter, it came at the expense of top offseason acquisition Jordan Poole’s spot in the starting five.
Northwest Division
Denver Nuggets
• New players added after Week 1: None
• Departed players from Week 1: None
The defending champions have not made any changes to the roster, starting lineup or primary rotation.
Minnesota Timberwolves
• New players added after Week 1: SG Monté Morris, PF T.J. Warren (10-day)
• Departed players from Week 1: PG Shake Milton, SF Troy Brown Jr.
Minnesota traded for Morris in a deal that also allowed them to move underwhelming offseason acquisitions Milton and Brown. Entering Friday, Morris had played 40 minutes next to starting point guard Mike Conley Jr., but those lineups have been awful offensively. All-Star power forward Karl-Anthony Towns is out indefinitely due to knee surgery, which means Kyle Anderson will start and Naz Reid will play even more.
Monté Morris celebrates after forcing a turnover by the Kings. (Bruce Kluckhohn / USA Today)
Oklahoma City Thunder
• New players added after Week 1: PF Gordon Hayward, PF Mike Muscala, C Bismack Biyombo, PG Adam Flagler (two-way)
• Departed players from Week 1: PF Dāvis Bertāns, C Aleksej Pokuševski, PG Vasilije Micić, SG Tre Mann
The Thunder haven’t made a long-term starting lineup change, and the only new player in the rotation is Hayward, who is adjusting to a power forward role with so much perimeter talent already on Oklahoma City’s roster. All four players who are no longer with Oklahoma City are in Charlotte now.
Portland Trail Blazers
• New players added after Week 1: SF Dalano Banton, PG Ashton Hagans (two-way), C Ibou Badji (two-way)
• Departed players from Week 1: PF Ish Wainright, PG Skylar Mays (two-way)
Injuries have ruined any continuity Portland was looking to build, but there have been rotation changes made without injuries being the primary factor. Lottery rookie point guard Scoot Henderson began the season as a starter, but he has been behind Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe and Malcolm Brogdon since November. Matisse Thybulle was eventually replaced as a starter by rookie Toumani Camara. Sharpe, Brogdon, Henderson and center Robert Williams have all missed significant time due to injury, opening up rotation spots for rookie Kris Murray, second-year power forward Jabari Walker and midseason trade acquisition Banton.
Utah Jazz
• New players added after Week 1: PG Kira Lewis Jr., PF Otto Porter Jr., PG Jason Preston (two-way), SG Taevion Kinsey (10-day)
• Departed players from Week 1: C Kelly Olynyk, SF Ochai Agbaji, SG Josh Christopher (two-way)
The Jazz made some trades that affected the rotation, but all of their primary players have been with the team since training camp. Several roles have changed, though. Rookies Keyonte George and lottery pick Taylor Hendricks are starting now, though Hendricks is out with a toe injury. The Jazz broke up the John Collins-Walker Kessler tandem up front, so now Collins starts at center while Kessler comes off the bench. Collin Sexton starts now at shooting guard, while 2021 Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson is back in a bench role. Talen Horton-Tucker began the year as the starting point guard, but he fell out of the rotation while Kris Dunn has played more.
Pacific Division
Golden State Warriors
• New players added after Week 1: PF Gui Santos, PG Pat Spencer (two-way)
• Departed players from Week 1: PG Cory Joseph
The transactions haven’t reflected it, but this has been a season of change in Golden State. Before his recent ankle sprain, All-Star point guard Stephen Curry was the only player on the team who started every game in which he has appeared. Rookie Brandin Podziemski replaced Klay Thompson as the starting shooting guard. Power forward Jonathan Kuminga starts, while Draymond Green shifted to center to replace Kevon Looney.
LA Clippers
• New players added after Week 1: PG James Harden, C Daniel Theis, PF P.J. Tucker, PG Xavier Moon (two-way)
• Departed players from Week 1: PF Robert Covington, PF Nicolas Batum, SF Kenyon Martin Jr., PF Marcus Morris Sr.
The Harden trade allowed the Clippers to consolidate the power forward position, though they now lack size there. Terance Mann eventually replaced Russell Westbrook as a starter next to Harden, allowing the team to balance touches better between the first and second units. Westbrook’s hand surgery reopened a rotation spot for Bones Hyland. Amir Coffey emerged with a rotation spot after the Clippers tried out Tucker and rookie Kobe Brown following the departure of Covington, Batum, Martin and Morris.
Los Angeles Lakers
• New players added after Week 1: PG Spencer Dinwiddie, C Harry Giles III (two-way), PG Skylar Mays (two-way)
• Departed players from Week 1: SG D’Moi Hodge (two-way), PF Alex Fudge (two-way)
Dinwiddie joined the Lakers after a post-trade buyout; he was needed, with top offseason acquisition Gabe Vincent missing all but five games through February. Taurean Prince was eventually replaced by Rui Hachimura as the starting small forward, though Prince and Cam Reddish are still in the rotation with Jarred Vanderbilt struggling all season with injuries.
Phoenix Suns
• New players added after Week 1: SF Royce O’Neale, PF David Roddy, C Thaddeus Young, PF Ish Wainright (two-way)
• Departed players from Week 1: PG Jordan Goodwin, PF Yuta Watanabe, SF Keita Bates-Diop, PF Chimezie Metu
Top offseason acquisition Bradley Beal has only played 23 games with All-Stars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. O’Neale is the only new player with a rotation spot, though he is an upgrade on Bates-Diop. Power forward Bol Bol has been in the rotation since February over players such as Roddy and Young.
The Suns are built around their big three, and Royce O’Neale is the only new player acquired during this season with a consistent rotation spot. (Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today)
Sacramento Kings
• New players added after Week 1: SG Mason Jones (two-way)
• Departed players from Week 1: None
Other than backup power forwards Trey Lyles and Sasha Vezenkov missing time this season due to injury, there have been few rotation changes for the Kings. They have the same starting lineup as the season before, along with top reserve Malik Monk.
Southwest Division
Dallas Mavericks
• New players added after Week 1: PF P.J. Washington, C Daniel Gafford, PG Brandon Williams (two-way), PF Alex Fudge (two-way)
• Departed players from Week 1: PF Grant Williams, PG Seth Curry, C Richaun Holmes, SF Dexter Dennis (two-way)
Dallas attempted to make up for the Grant Williams acquisition by acquiring Washington from Charlotte. Gafford replaced Holmes. Josh Green has emerged as the starting small forward over Derrick Jones Jr.
Houston Rockets
• New players added after Week 1: C Steven Adams, SF Nate Hinton (two-way)
• Departed players from Week 1: SG Victor Oladipo
The Rockets have used the same starting lineup all season: Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Şengün. The only rotation breakthrough came from rookie Cam Whitmore, at the expense of forward Jae’Sean Tate. But Tate may be needed, along with center Jock Landale and veteran Jeff Green, if Şengün’s leg injury is as serious as it looked.
Memphis Grizzlies
• New players added after Week 1: PF Yuta Watanabe, SF Lamar Stevens, C Wenyen Gabriel (10-day), SG Jordan Goodwin (two-way), C Trey Jemison (two-way), PG Scotty Pippen Jr. (two-way), PG DeJon Jarreau (10-day)
• Departed players from Week 1: C Xavier Tillman Sr., PF David Roddy, C Kenneth Lofton Jr., C Steven Adams, PG Jacob Gilyard (two-way)
Injuries made a mess of Memphis’ rotations. Point guard Ja Morant was suspended and played onlt nine games before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. Shooting guard Desmond Bane has been out since January due to an ankle injury. Marcus Smart has been out for weeks due to an injury to his shooting hand. Backup center Brandon Clarke hasn’t played in a year due to a torn Achilles tendon. Adams underwent season-ending knee surgery after training camp before being traded. Tillman was traded, making Jaren Jackson Jr. the starting center next to power forward Santi Aldama. Vince Williams Jr. was promoted from a two-way contract, as was rookie power forward GG Jackson II. Ziaire Williams was starting, but now he’s out with a multi-week injury. Luke Kennard, often injured himself, has had to fill in as a starting point guard; Derrick Rose hasn’t been able to play 20 minutes in a game since December. John Konchar is starting until Bane can return, while small forward Jake LaRavia has been in the rotation since the All-Star break. Two-way contracts like Goodwin and Jemison are key rotation pieces for the rest of the season as well.
New Orleans Pelicans
• New players added after Week 1: PF Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, SG Izaiah Brockington (10-day), SF Malcolm Hill (two-way)
• Departed players from Week 1: PG Kira Lewis Jr., SF Kaiser Gates (two-way)
The Pelicans have kept their starting lineup intact: CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, Jonas Valančiūnas. Trey Murphy III, Naji Marshall and Jose Alvarado had injuries to begin the season, but they are now healthy and the top three reserves. Dyson Daniels underwent knee surgery, which opens more time for lottery rookie shooting guard Jordan Hawkins.
San Antonio Spurs
• New players added after Week 1: SG David Duke Jr. (two-way), PG Jamaree Bouyea (two-way), PF RaiQuan Gray (two-way)
• Departed players from Week 1: SF Doug McDermott, C Charles Bediako (two-way), SG Sir’Jabari Rice (two-way)
San Antonio hasn’t had many roster changes this season, but the rotation tweaks have conveyed how the Spurs view positions. Victor Wembanyama began the season as a power forward, but he is a center now. Jeremy Sochan began the season as a point guard, but he is back to his more natural power forward spot, as center Zach Collins moved to the second unit. Point guard Tre Jones is back as a starter, while small forward Keldon Johnson also moved to the second unit in favor of the less ball dominant Julian Champagnie. Cedi Osman’s minutes have been slashed as the season has gone on.
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(Top photos of Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski and Gordon Hayward: Eric Hartline, Darren Yamashita, Alonzo Adams: USA Today)
