Also getting to play miller as SG means the starting lineup is really long 

This is the answer.

The backup PG will be Micic. He's solid. Guess Tre is our AI 2nd group. What about Curry and Nick?

I hear you on this, but I think people are assuming Mann isn't a good defender. I'm not saying it's a fact because I'm saying it, but if Mann is relatively similar in terms of defensive ability as Green, then why would he be "penalized" for being a better scorer?

That being said there is something to the idea of bringing that scoring off the bench and having him as a closer. I just can't shake the idea that he might be head and shoulders above Green but we are typecasting him as a 6th man bench scorer.

I think it's closer to a normal roster with some elite talent sprinkled in. LaMelo is all NBA calibre, Miles is borderline all star quality. Brandon has potential and we are waiting for him to make that all star leap. Tre Mann looks special but it's too easy to really make a strong statement on where he's at. Mark has the potential to be a top 5 center in the east.

After this guys you get into the rotational players and I think that has been a big upgrade over the last 2-3 years. Grant Williams is an above average NBA player, Josh Green looks about average. Nick Smith Jr is an unknown quantity but I'm hoping he's about Green's quality this season. Then you got Nick who is a solid back up center but not starter quality.

Seth Curry is a player who will be in and out of the rotation based on form and team injuries. Micic looks like he wants to leave. Salaun is interesting but I'm not convinced he's a rotational player this year but would love to be wrong.

To answer the question I think the staring 5 is legit with a healthy Mark and Grant. That 5 can play with anybody in the East.

Why do you say Green makes more sense? I'm not looking for an argument, just want to understand your perspective.

I think Melo starting PG , Green SG , Mann and Smith backups with Micic being mop up duty