Topic: All-time NBA Draft (1980 - 2023) - Discussion thread

[NICHOLLS]

Scott’s 4 hours is up… I’ll make my pick this evening.. just incase he’s been loaded down with work all day

[Sheer Magnetism]

Yeah, Gerry's up at 9.15 or so. It would be nice to get this done soon though.

[Max_powers]

Dammit missed sheer by a few minutes.

[Sheer Magnetism]

I'll pick when I get home tonight (second pick in the morning).

[NICHOLLS]

Half an hour left on the clock for Sheer

[NICHOLLS]

Moses Malone

Dennis Rodman

I think you'll be winning all the rebounds 

[RobbieRedman]

I think you'll be winning all the rebounds 

I think so too 

[NICHOLLS]

RobbieRedman - Michael Jordan 89-93 (SG), Charles Barkley 87-91 (PF), Dwayne Wade ? (SG), Moses Malone 81-85 (C), Dennis Rodman 90-94 (PF)

Fiasco - LeBron James ? (SF/PF), Isiah Thomas ? (PG), Patrick Ewing ? (C), Reggie Miller 96-00 (SG), +1,

ScottScott - Larry Bird 84-88 (SF), Kevin Garnett 02-06 (PF), +3,

NICHOLLS1986 - Shaquille O'Neal 99-03 (C), Scottie Pippen 92-96 (SF), Giannis Antetokounmpo 19-23 (PF/SF), Klay Thompson 15-19 (SG), Gary Payton 96-00 (PG)

Gerry Attrick - Magic Johnson 87-91 (PG), Dirk Nowitzki 06-10 (PF), Joel Embiid 19-23 (C), Allen Iverson 01-05 (PG/SG), Clyde Drexler 89-93 (SG/SF),

Gods_Left_Boot - Tim Duncan 03-07 (PF/C), Kevin Durant 15-19 (SF/PF), Steve Nash 04-08 (PG), Kawhi Leonard 15-19 (SF), Jason Kidd 00-04 (PG),

Max_powers - Hakeem Olajuwon 92-96 (C), Steph Curry 15-19 (PG), Karl Malone 94-98 (PF), John Stockton 92-96 (PG),

Sheer Magnetism - Kobe Bryant 05-09 (SG), Nikola Jokic 19-23 (C), Chris Paul 09-13 (PG), Anthony Davis 15-19 (PF/C),

[Crosby Nick]

Max Powers has my vote for reuniting Stockton and Malone!

[Gods_Left_Boot]

Got a bit confused. Whose turn is it now?

[NICHOLLS]

Max_powers. We're going down the draft order (picking our 5th player of 10).


Please can everyone PM the next person to draft, after you make your pick (couple people forgetting).

[RobbieRedman]

I did mention to Nicholls im new to NBA (basketball) this year really and as much as I have taken to it I've not really understood positions so much

Some questions..

Can Wade not be a PG alongside Jordan as a SG? My research said he could and did play both roles?

Similar question for Rodman & Barkley? Both played at SF in part of their career. Which one would be better suited to SF if I put one there? Or should I just throw both in starting line up and hope no one notices?

[Gods_Left_Boot]

I did mention to Nicholls im new to NBA (basketball) this year really and as much as I have taken to it I've not really understood positions so much

Some questions..

Can Wade not be a PG alongside Jordan as a SG? My research said he could and did play both roles?

Similar question for Rodman & Barkley? Both played at SF in part of their career. Which one would be better suited to SF if I put one there? Or should I just throw both in starting line up and hope no one notices?

I think we only have to select Guards - Forwards - Centers, don't think it should be too detailed, personally.

Particularly in the modern game, the difference between PG and SG or SG and SF can be negligible.

[RobbieRedman]

I think we only have to select Guards - Forwards - Centers, don't think it should be too detailed, personally.

Particularly in the modern game, the difference between PG and SG or SG and SF can be negligible.

Great, that's what I wanted to hear!

Thanks GLB

[Sheer Magnetism]

Sorry, was on a long work call!

[Max_powers]

Max Powers has my vote for reuniting Stockton and Malone!

Was surprised they both last as long. Malone is a top 3 Power Forward of all time and Stockton a top 3 point guard of all time.

In general, I am going for players that are versatile in their game and can excel in offence or defense.

If you are putting together a dream team, not everyone is going to be scoring 25 or 30 points. You want players that can pass the ball and have elite defensive attributes.

Stockton is one of the best perimeter defenders with an untouchable record of most steals over his career, he is also the all-time assists leader. Only Tim Duncan has more rebounds than Karl Malone amongst the power forwards post-1980. Hakeem is top 15 in points, rebounds, blocks and steals.

[Max_powers]

Feels dirty picking Kareem as a back-up big man. He was at his peak in the 70s but even in 80s, he was the top 2 center in the league for the most part and a star player in a Lakers team that made the finals almost every year. 

[Fiasco]

Am I pick short? A bit confused as I didn't get a heads up early on about a pick so not sure if I'm behind. That's my excuse for not going far in the draft

[Max_powers]

Am I pick short? A bit confused as I didn't get a heads up early on about a pick so not sure if I'm behind. That's my excuse for not going far in the draft

I have 6 players. That mean you should have 5 right now. If you don't have that, then you are short.

[Fiasco]

I have 6 players. That mean you should have 5 right now. If you don't have that, then you are short.
[/quote

I only have 4 players, so I think I'm short. What is the deal there, just wait until the end or add it on my next pick?

[Max_powers]

I have 6 players. That mean you should have 5 right now. If you don't have that, then you are short.

I only have 4 players, so I think I'm short. What is the deal there, just wait until the end or add it on my next pick?

Just pick now. Thats always been the draft norm. If you miss your pick you pick it whenever you next can.

[Fiasco]

I only have 4 players, so I think I'm short. What is the deal there, just wait until the end or add it on my next pick?


Just pick now. Thats always been the draft norm. If you miss your pick you pick it whenever you next can.

Ah, cheers mate. I've missed out on a few good ones in the meantime

[NICHOLLS]

I believe ScottScott has one more catch-up pick... (his 6th player)



RobbieRedman - Michael Jordan 89-93 (SG), Charles Barkley 87-91 (PF), Dwayne Wade ? (SG), Moses Malone 81-85 (C), Dennis Rodman 90-94 (PF)

Fiasco - LeBron James ? (SF/PF), Isiah Thomas ? (PG), Patrick Ewing ? (C), Reggie Miller 96-00 (SG), Kevin McHale 84-88 (PF),

ScottScott - Larry Bird 84-88 (SF), Kevin Garnett 02-06 (PF), James Harden 16-20 (SG/PG), Russell Westbrook 15-19 (PG), Dominique Wilkins 85-89 (SF), +1

NICHOLLS1986 - Shaquille O'Neal 99-03 (C), Scottie Pippen 92-96 (SF), Giannis Antetokounmpo 19-23 (PF/SF), Klay Thompson 15-19 (SG), Gary Payton 96-00 (PG), Ray Allen 05-09 (SG),

Gerry Attrick - Magic Johnson 87-91 (PG), Dirk Nowitzki 06-10 (PF), Joel Embiid 19-23 (C), Allen Iverson 01-05 (PG/SG), Clyde Drexler 89-93 (SG/SF), Paul George 15-19 (SG/SF),

Gods_Left_Boot - Tim Duncan 03-07 (PF/C), Kevin Durant 15-19 (SF/PF), Steve Nash 04-08 (PG), Kawhi Leonard 15-19 (SF), Jason Kidd 00-04 (PG), David Robinson 92-96 (C),

Max_powers - Hakeem Olajuwon 92-96 (C), Steph Curry 15-19 (PG), Karl Malone 94-98 (PF), John Stockton 92-96 (PG), Julius Erving 80-84 (SF), Kareem Abdul Jabbar 80-84 (C)

Sheer Magnetism - Kobe Bryant 05-09 (SG), Nikola Jokic 19-23 (C), Chris Paul 09-13 (PG), Anthony Davis 15-19 (PF/C), Chris Mullin 89-93 (SF/SG), Luka Doncic 19-23 (PG/SG),

[NICHOLLS]

RobbieRedman - Michael Jordan 89-93 (SG), Charles Barkley 87-91 (PF), Dwayne Wade ? (SG), Moses Malone 81-85 (C), Dennis Rodman 90-94 (PF), Carmelo Anthony 09-13 (SF), Draymond Green 14-18 (PF),

Fiasco - LeBron James ? (SF/PF), Isiah Thomas ? (PG), Patrick Ewing ? (C), Reggie Miller 96-00 (SG), Kevin McHale 84-88 (PF), Paul Pierce (SF), Tony Parker 04-08 (PG), James Worthy 87-91 (SF),

ScottScott - Larry Bird 84-88 (SF), Kevin Garnett 02-06 (PF), James Harden 16-20 (SG/PG), Russell Westbrook 15-19 (PG), Dominique Wilkins 85-89 (SF), Robert Parish 80-84 (C), Vince Carter 04-08 (SG/SF), Bob McAdoo 81-85 (C),

NICHOLLS1986 - Shaquille O'Neal 99-03 (C), Scottie Pippen 92-96 (SF), Giannis Antetokounmpo 19-23 (PF/SF), Klay Thompson 15-19 (SG), Gary Payton 96-00 (PG), Ray Allen 05-09 (SG), Tracy McGrady 01-05 (SG/SF), Kevin Love 13-17 (PF/C),

Gerry Attrick - Magic Johnson 87-91 (PG), Dirk Nowitzki 06-10 (PF), Joel Embiid 19-23 (C), Allen Iverson 01-05 (PG/SG), Clyde Drexler 89-93 (SG/SF), Paul George 15-19 (SG/SF), Dwight Howard 08-12 (C), Pau Gasol 08-12 (PF/C),

Gods_Left_Boot - Tim Duncan 03-07 (PF/C), Kevin Durant 15-19 (SF/PF), Steve Nash 04-08 (PG), Kawhi Leonard 15-19 (SF), Jason Kidd 00-04 (PG), David Robinson 92-96 (C), Grant Hill 96-00 (SF), George Gervin 80-84 (SG),

Max_powers - Hakeem Olajuwon 92-96 (C), Steph Curry 15-19 (PG), Karl Malone 94-98 (PF), John Stockton 92-96 (PG), Julius Erving 80-84 (SF), Kareem Abdul Jabbar 80-84 (C), Chris Bosh 09-13 (PF/C), Jimmy Butler 19-23 (SF),

Sheer Magnetism - Kobe Bryant 05-09 (SG), Nikola Jokic 19-23 (C), Chris Paul 09-13 (PG), Anthony Davis 15-19 (PF/C), Chris Mullin 89-93 (SF/SG), Luka Doncic 19-23 (PG/SG), Chris Webber 99-03 (PF), Jayson Tatum 19-23 (SF/PF),

[NICHOLLS]

RobbieRedman's double pick now.

[Gerry Attrick]

Delighted with what I’ve got here. My roster is very well rounded.

[Sheer Magnetism]

Look at it like this: Nikola Jokic has just won the NBA title as the focal point of a team with a 16-4 record and a strategy that seemingly no one has been able to counter.

Now imagine that instead of Jamal Murray as his more explosive sidekick, you have MVP-level Kobe Bryant averaging over 30 points per game. Instead of Aaron Gordon you have a technically accomplished monster like Anthony Davis who can dominate at both ends. Instead of Michael Porter Jr you’ve got a reliable shooter from anywhere in Chris Mullin and instead of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope you have a rapid-pace assist machine like Chris Paul who’s one of the top guard defenders of all time. All top clutch players, two multiple all-NBA first defensive guards. And the likes of Doncic, Webber and Tatum as options off the bench who can take over a game.

Here's a more descriptive guide. I went with two in each position, though Kobe and Mullin can move between SG and SF, Davis can alternate as a small-ball centre and Luka can go to point guard alongside Kobe in the back court.

CENTRES

Nikola Jokic (2019-23): Potentially the greatest passer ever, an insanely efficient shooter, a rebounding machine and consistent scorer who is breaking records every week as we speak. The presence of a centre who can control the pace of a game also reduces the necessity to get a strategy-first point guard in the next round.

Alonzo Mourning (1996-2000): A huge defensive presence with a decent scoring rate who led the league in blocks twice during this time, the perfect alternative to the Joker at the centre position.

SHOOTING GUARDS

Kobe Bryant (2005-09): One of the most dominant point scorers of all time and one of the fiercest winners and most reliable clutch players to boot. Consistently one of the best defensive guards in the league too.

Luka Doncic (2019-23): A spectacular offensive force with elite ball handling skills and a huge clutch mentality. If you're behind in the fourth quarter this is who you want on the court, someone who can produce magic and doesn't shrink.

POINT GUARDS

Chris Paul (2008-13): One of only two players to be in the top 10 all-time averages for assists and steals in this period, and he's faster, a far better scorer and defender than the other one (seven all-defensive first team appearances), and a top clutch player. Sure, he was injury prone later on in his career but that doesn't apply here.

Mark Price (1989-93): The proto-Steph Curry, a speedster who combined a great passing range with a terrific shooting ability both on the move and standing still - he led the league in free throw percentage three times and was near a 50-40-90 average with nine assists during this period.

SMALL FORWARDS

Chris Mullin (1989-93): A great shooter with a top three-point percentage and a huge basketball IQ who also averaged around two steals a game at this point. When Jokic is being double teamed, Mullin is the perimeter outlet to shoot the three.

Jayson Tatum (2019-23): A sharpshooter who just set the record for game seven points to add to his All-Star game points record, Tatum probably isn't consistent enough to be a starter here but he's a fantastic offensive option off the bench.

POWER FORWARDS

Anthony Davis (2015-19): A power forward with the size (7.5 foot wingspan) to play centre, Davis was/is dominant offensively and defensively, not to mention great in the clutch. Plus his free throw percentage is a lot higher than a lot of elite bigs. Adds that huge defensive presence who can make up for Jokic lack of explosiveness, and his drive to the rim fills out the range of offence it offers.

Chris Webber (1999-2003): A 6'10 dunk machine and rebounder of the year who led the most fluid passing team of their era in addition to the coolest college team ever. Would probably be an NBA champion had it not been for corrupt refereeing.

[Gerry Attrick]

Point Guards

Magic Johnson

The best point guard of all-time. Bar none. 3 MVP titles in the 4 year stretch selected. All NBA first team in all 4 years. 2 time champion. Averaged over 20 points, 12 assists and 6 rebounds a game from the point.

Shooting Guards

Clyde Drexler

4 time All-Star. 3 time all NBA team.  Averaged over 25 points a game in this stretch, took the Blazers to the finals and also chipped in with 6 assists and 6 rebounds a game. A terrific scorer, rebounder, playmaker and defender on the wing.

Manu Ginobili

The best Latin player in history. The godfather of the Euro step. Not the most athletic shooting guard ever, but without doubt one of the canniest and his skill set perfectly rounds out my collection of guards. An All Star, NBA champion, 2x NBA third teamer and 6th Man of the Year. A great weapon to bring off the bench.

Combo guard

Allen Iverson

A phenomenal scorer and elite on the ball defender. He won an MVP, was a 2x NBA first teamer, 2x NBA second teamer, 3x scoring champion and oh yeah, he led the league in steals for 3 years on the bounce. In a 4 year period. A fearless competitor and an amazing player to watch when he brought it. 

Small Forwards

Paul George

A truly elite 2 way player. He can do it all. A perennial all star. A great playmaker from the SF position, gifted scorer, tremendous 3 point shooter and an elite on ball defender. He led the NBA in steals in 2019 which shooting 38% from 3, putting up 28 a night and 8.2 RPG.

Andre Iguodala

A perfect role player. Won’t do anything flashy but a supreme athlete who was integral in the Warriors challenging year in year out for a long stretch. He was a finals MVP and locked down LeBron James and Kevin Durant amongst others.

Power Forwards

Dirk Nowitzki

The instigator of the stretch 4 style of basketball. 7 footers didn’t dribble and shoot like him. In 2010/11 he became the 4th player ever to put up a 50/40/90 stat line. No surprise he was the MVP and first teamer. 7 footers don’t do that. Even in the jumper heavy modern NBA only 9 members are in the club. He was a matchup nightmare.

Pau Gasol

Very good at everything, without being outstanding at anything. He won 2 championships, made 3 all star teams and a 3x NBA all teamer in this stretch. He was a solid post player, face up jumper, passer and shot blocker. Traditionally a PF he was also capable of playing the 5. As Kobe said “You’d be hard pressed to find a big man with his skill set in the history of the game”

Centres

Joel Embiid

Insanely skilled big man when he’s at full tilt. An MVP, 2x scoring champion, 4x all teamer; in 2022 he became the first centre to lead the scoring since Shaq in 2000 and the first since Malone in 1982 to average over 30 a game from centre. In the last 4 years he averages over 28, 11 boards and 4 assists. A block and a half a game too. He’s absolutely dominant.

Dwight Howard

His reputation has fallen off but make no mistake, in Orlando he was as dominant as any 5 for the last few decades. He was a constant first teamer, 3x defensive player of the year, constant defensive first teamer, 3x rebound leader and 2x block leader. 20 points a game, 14 boards and 2.5 BPG will get it done. An otherworldly athlete and presence in the paint.



A roster without weakness and capable of thriving in all styles of basketball. Great playmakers, scorers, shooters, positional flexibility, athleticism and defensive prowess.

[Gods_Left_Boot]

Really happy with my team. Great mix of scoring, passing, defence, size and skill. Fantastic versatility and basketball IQ.

By the way, I changed some of the years for a couple of players, so the first post in the Selections thread is a bit inaccurate.


GUARDS:

Jason Kidd 2000-2004

One of the most creative and effective passers in the history of the league. Fantastic defender, bigger and stronger than 99% of the point guards of his generation. Underrated scorer when his team needed it. As soon as he landed on the Nets, a team that had been comically hopeless for the past 20 years, he led them almost single-handedly to back to back final appearances.

Accomplishments during this period
4× All-NBA First Team (2000, 2001, 2002, 2004)
1x All-NBA Second Team (2003)
4× NBA assists leader (2000, 2001, 2003, 2004)
2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2001, 2002)
3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2000, 2003, 2004)
5× All Star (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)
1x 2nd in MVP voting (2002)


Steve Nash 2005-2009

Unbelievably efficient passer and shooter, one of the most creative passers in the history of the league. Had everything to be Curry before Curry, if only he wanted to shoot more often. His Suns teams were the basketball version of the 70s Dutch national team, and he was their Cruyff. Revolutionary team in terms of style of play, for bad luck and controversial decisions against them they could never quite win it all. In this team he will actually play shooting guard as well to lean into his underrated scoring prowess.

Accomplishments during this period
2x  MVP (2005, 2006)
3× All-NBA First Team (2005, 2006, 2007)
1x All-NBA Second Team (2008)
3× NBA assists leader (2005, 2006, 2007)
4× All Star (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)
1x 2nd in MVP voting in 2007


George Gervin 1980-1984

The best scorer of the pre-Jordan decade. One of three players in NBA history (along with Jordan and Curry) to average 30 PPG and shoot 50% from the field in a season as a guard. Although at a very low shooting volume, as was the case in the early 80s, he was also an excellent 3 point shooter (42% in the 1984 season). He was already at his peak at the end of the 70s, unfortunately just before the cutoff point of the draft.

Accomplishments during this period
2x Scoring champion (1980, 1982)
3× All-NBA First Team (1980, 1981, 1982)
1x All-NBA Second Team (1983)
5× All Star (1980, 81, 82, 83, 84)


Joe Dumars 1989-1993

The perfect second fiddle to Isiah Thomas in the "Bad Boys" Pistons that dominated the Eastern Conference in the late 80s-early 90s, before finally giving way to the Bulls dynasty. Excellent shooter (3 times above 40% from three during this period), underrated all-around scorer, fantastic perimeter defender. The ultimate 3&D player, before the definition existed.

Accomplishments during this period
2x NBA titles (1989, 1990)
1x NBA Finals MVP (1989)
1x All-NBA Second Team (1993)
2x All-NBA Third Team (1990, 1991)
4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1989, 1990, 1992,1993)
1× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1991)
4× All Star (1990, 1991, 1992,1993)



FORWARDS

Kevin Durant 2015-2019

Arguably the most skilled and complete scoring forward in the history of the sport. Capable of scoring from anywhere on the court, very underrated passer and defender, both on the ball and as a rim protector. Some injuries have somewhat slowed him down lately, but at his peak he was absolutely unstoppable. He took the Warriors from great team and deserved champions to arguably the greatest team in the history of the league.

Accomplishments during this period
2× NBA title (2017, 2018)
2× NBA Finals MVP (2017, 2018)
1x All-NBA First Team (2018)
4x All-NBA Second Team (2015, 2016, 2019)
5× All Star (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)


Kawhi Leonard 2015-2019

Probably the best wing defender of all time after Scottie Pippen, on top of being an unbelievable scoring force. Limited by injuries (even during this peak unfortunately), but a fantastic player at both ends of the floor. Obviously his crowning achievement is the 2019 title with Toronto, having previously beaten Philadelphia at the last second of Game 7 with the most iconic shot of the last decade.

Accomplishments during this period
1× NBA Finals MVP (2019)
2× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2015, 2016)
2x All-NBA First Team (2016, 2017)
1x All-NBA Second Team (2019)
3× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2015, 2016, 2017)
3× All Star (2016, 2017, 2019)
1x 2nd in MVP voting (2016)
1x 3rd in MVP voting (2017)


Grant Hill 96-2000

One of the greatest injury what ifs in modern NBA history. One of the best all around players in the league in his prime, playing as a point forward and leading his team in points, rebounds and assists in the same season on three separate occasions. Right after the end of the 2000 season, his chronic ankle injuries took over and he was never the same player again, despite being in the league, mostly as a role player, until the 2012 season.

Accomplishments during this period
1× All-NBA First Team (1997)
4x All-NBA Second Team (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000)
4× All Star (1996, 1997, 1998, 2000)
1x 3rd in MVP voting in 1997


Blake Griffin 2011-2015

One of the most athletic players in the history of the league, but also an excellent scorer and rebounder, and underrated passer. Teaming up with Chris Paul as the leaders of the Clippers he could never quite make it all the way in the playoffs, often because of nagging late season injuries either to him or to Paul (or both). Still, an unbelievably entertaining and versatile player.

Accomplishments during this period
3× All-NBA Second Team (2012, 2013, 2014)
1x All-NBA Third Team (2015)
Rookie of the Year (2011)
5× All Star (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
1x 3rd in MVP voting in 2014


CENTRES

Tim Duncan 2001-2005

The most accomplished two-way player of his generation, indisputably a top 10 player in the history of the league. Textbook big man scorer and defender, leader of one of the most impressive dynasties in the history of basketball

Accomplishments during this period
2x MVP titles (2002, 2003)
2x NBA titles (2003, 2005)
2x NBA Finals MVP (2003, 2005)
5x All-NBA First Team (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005)
4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2001, 2002, 2003, 2005)
1× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2004)
5× All Star (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005)
2x 2nd in MVP voting (2001, 2004)


David Robinson 1992-1996

Fantastic centre at both ends of the court, capable of winning the MVP title, the scoring title and Defensive Player of the Year within a 3 year span. In the golden era of the centre of the 1990s only Olajuwon could rival him. During the latest stages of his career, after the Spurs drafted Duncan, he also found the team success that he deserved.

Accomplishments during this period
1x MVP title (1995)
1x Scoring champion (1994)
1x Defensive Player of the Year (1992)
3x All-NBA First Team (1992, 1995, 1996)
1x All-NBA Second Team (1994)
1x All-NBA Third Team (1993)
3× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1992, 1995, 1996)
2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1993, 1994)
5× All Star (1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996)
2x 2nd in MVP voting (1994, 1996)
1x 3rd in MVP voting (1992)

[NICHOLLS]

All the rosters are now complete! 

Note: PLEASE CONFIRM YOUR PLAYER PEAKS in your write up.

Please post your team write-ups in this thread (summary posts like above, no essay required).


We will then begin the play-in... followed by the play-offs to find our winner! (everyone is guaranteed at least two games) 



A few notes on the following key areas would be recommended too:

Inside scoring
Outside scoring
Interior defending
Perimeter defending
Rebounding
Playmaking
Athleticism

[Max_powers]

Game Plan

OFFENCE

My team will make use of the size and offensive ability of the big men at my disposal. We will use Hakeem and Kareem's footwork and size to create close and mid-range shooting opportunities. No team can stop the skyhook or the dream shake. Malone and Erving are two of the best at driving to the basket and absolutely unstoppable on transitions. If the opposition tries to defend the big men with numbers we can cyle the ball to the 3 point line for Steph to shoot some easy 3's. Stockton or Rondo will run the floor and get the ball in the right hands and they are both efficient shooters if given an opportunity.

DEFENCE

On the perimeter the team will use pressure and try to get steals and turnovers, Stockton and Curry are both some of the best to ever do this. I have five players that have averaged over 10 rebounds a season at some point in their career. So not many teams will out-rebound this team. My team will use the size and agility of Kareem and Hakeem to defend the opposing bigs 1 on 1. Depending on the matchup Bosh can add even more size to the team. Butler can also be used against teams that are more reliant on perimeter scoring as his stealing ability is second to none.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Players

CENTRES

Hakeem Olajuwon (1992-96): The best big man of all time IMO. Top 15 all time in Points, FG%, Steals, Blocks and Rebounds. His size, footwork and agility make him impossible to stop offensively in the paint or from mid range. 

Kareem Abdul Jabbar (1980-84):  Skyhook is the most undefendable move of all time. Having him come off the bench or occasionally double up with Hakeem will make any other team tremble between Hakeem and Kareem my team has the best big-man offence in this draft.

GUARDS

Steph Curry (2015-19): When you have two of the greatest centers of all time. You need to strech the play to give them space. Enter the greatest shooter of all time. Teams won't know wether to double up on the bigs or let Steph have easy threes or try to defend the perimeter. Also with the size in my team there is going to plenty of pick and roll oppurtunties for Steph.

John Stockton (1992-96): You also need a guard to run the floor for the team and who better to do it than John Stockton? The greatest passer of all time and a tenacious perimeter defender with the most steals and assists in NBA history. His chemistry with my #1 PF Malone is gonna cause a lot of teams some big problems.

Rajon Rondo (2008-12): Rondo at his peak was a visionary and had elite basketball IQ. Seeing and executing passes that not many others could. A great defensive player when it counted the most too. He is a perfect backup for Stockton.

Devin Booker (2019-23): One of the best shooting guards in the game today. He adds offence off the bench when Curry needs a rest.

SMALL FORWARDS

Julius Erving (1980-84): The most skillful and stylish player of his generation. His ability to dunk and pull off ridiculous moves was second to none. He is a player capable of taking over a game at both ends of the court. Although he was more known for his scoring, he was perfectly capable of getting 10-15 rebounds or 5 steals in a game too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pqbv1bzddFE&ab_channel=NBATop10

Jimmy Butler (2019-23): Not the most skilled player in the game today but his grit, defensive play and strong fundamentals can't be matched. Perfect player to come off the bench and play lockdown defence.

POWER FORWARDS

Karl Malone (1994-98): The Mailman. One of the best power forwards if not the best power forward of all time. Great at running to the basket. Had good a mid-range jump shot. Built like a Tank. One of the most athletic players to play the game ever. Averaged over 10 rebounds a game over a 20-year career.

Chris Bosh (2009-13): The most underrated superstar of modern times IMO. A great defensive player. Could get you 10+ rebounds and 20+ points on a consistent basis every night. Sacrificed his scoring when he moved to heat but still was an integral player defensively. Could play as Power forward or a Center. One of the best shooting big men of all time. Gives me a lot of options off the bench.

[NICHOLLS]

RobbieRedman
Fiasco  (write up pending)
ScottScott  (write up pending)
NICHOLLS1986 
Gerry Attrick
Gods_Left_Boot
Max_powers
Sheer Magnetism


Will get the fixtures posted this evening.

[ScottScott]

Will sort my write up tomorrow when I'm in work

[RobbieRedman]

will get my done today - sorry for delay

[NICHOLLS]

I have tried to build the most unguardable team of all time, while also being defensively immense too. A formidable and dominant front court combined with an elite shooting back court. Our roster has a great balance of team-players, two-way ability and facilitators:

LIGHTS OUT SHOOTING
Ray Allen and Klay Thompson are elite shooters (off-ball movers, who will generate so much spacing and don't need the ball in their hands). Supporting cast T-Mac, Billups, Love and Marc Gasol add yet more clutch shooting and spacing. It will be impossible to guard Shaq/Giannis and my splash brothers at the same time.

LOCKDOWN D
Pippen and Payton are elite perimeter defenders (the all-time best defensive wing and point guard). Billups and Klay are solid defenders too. Both Pippen and Giannis are versatile defenders, able to defend multiple positions. Elite rim protection: Shaq + Giannis are paintbeasts, while Gasol, Love and Pippen will help me grab even more boards.

POSTERIZING & FINISHING
Shaq (the most dominant player of all time) and Giannis is a frontcourt that will bully any defense in the paint. If we need more finesse, Love and Gasol are a dynamic duo: efficient mid-range shooting and post moves. Speed and athleticism from the wings in T-Mac, Greek Freak, Ray Allen and Pippen, driving to the rim.

PLAYMAKING & PASSING IQ
Floor generals (Payton/Billups) and point forwards (Pippen/Giannis) can distribute the ball to our offense that can score from anywhere. Marc Gasol's vision gives me an extra dimension too.


Shaquille O'Neal 99-03 (C)
Marc Gasol 13-17 (C)
Kevin Love 13-17 (PF/C)
Giannis Antetokounmpo 19-23 (PF/SF)
-------------------------------------------
Scottie Pippen 92-96 (SF)
Tracy McGrady 01-05 (SG/SF)
Klay Thompson 15-19 (SG/SF)
Ray Allen 05-09 (SG/PG)
-------------------------------------------
Chauncey Billups 03-07 (PG)
Gary Payton 96-00 (PG)

[NICHOLLS]

First round of fixtures:

1 Max_powers vs Fiasco (write up pending)

2 Gods_Left_Boot vs Sheer Magnetism

3 NICHOLLS vs Gerry Attrick

4 ScottScott (write up pending) vs RobbieRedman


Will get games 2 and 3 set up this afternoon.

Games now LIVE.

[Fiasco]

Been a bit busy so I'll hopefully get a little write up going today at some point. Or is it too late?!

[RobbieRedman]

half way through mine, will finish by end of day

[Samie]

I think posting the draft matches in the NBA thread will hopefully get you more votes mate.   

[NICHOLLS]

I think posting the draft matches in the NBA thread will hopefully get you more votes mate.   

Thanks for posting those links bud