"Their weakest player is All-Defensive" - Former Warriors guard believes Knicks & Mavericks' starters fall short of Celtics’ powerhouse

Fresh off winning an NBA championship, the Boston Celtics are primed to contend again this season. As they continue their strong start to the year, one former All-Star reflected on where their lineup stacks up to the rest of the league.

Following their victory over the Detroit Pistons Wednesday, Boston sits with the second-most wins in the NBA at 18-4. Only the Cleveland Cavaliers (19-3) are ahead of them.

While on his "Gil's Arena" podcast, Gilbert Arenas was asked if any teams have a starting five that can compare to the Celtics. The former Warriors guard feels the defending champs are in a tier of their own when it comes to opening units.

"They got a big three all averaging 20 and then your two role players," Arenas said. "Yeah, they got the best starting five. Their weakest player is All-Defense. There's no close second."

Fans and other co-hosts on the pod tried to make the case for teams like the New York Knicks and OKC Thunder, but Arenas didn't budge. He feels Boston has the most impactful lineup across all five positions.

The reigning champs have compiled a starting unit that consists of four former All-Stars. Derrick White was dubbed the weakest link of the five and he is averaging 18.1 points while defending at an elite level.

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Stephen A. Smith feels the New York Knicks aren't far behind the Boston Celtics

Gilbert Arenas made his stance clear regarding the Boston Celtics. However, one longtime analyst feels there's a team in the Eastern Conference that isn't far behind them.

Over the past 12 months, the New York Knicks have made numerous upgrades to their roster. First, they pulled off a mid-season trade to acquire OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors. Then, in the summer, they made a pair of blockbuster deals to bring in Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns.

As expected, there were some growing pains with all these new moving parts. That said, the Knicks have found a groove as of late. They are 8-2 over their last 10 games and sit in fourth place in the Eastern Conference at 13-8.

During Wednesday's episode of First Take, Stephen A. Smith opened up on the Knicks amid their recent hot streak. He gave credit to the Celtics but feels New York isn't far behind in terms of contending.

"I understand that Boston is the champion," Stephen A. said. "But I look at everybody else in basketball and I'm like I don't see anybody the Knicks can't beat."

With a duo like Jalen Brunson and KAT, the Knicks have the firepower to compete against anyone. Not to mention their abundance of forwards makes them an interesting threat to Boston

These teams have already faced off once, with Boston dominating on opening night. The two contenders aren't slated to cross paths again until February.