So, with the draft portion of this game complete, here are my favorite picks from each round, with a little explanation as to why.
1st Round - Kevin Durant (7)
I had KD as a clear top 3 pick in this draft, along with LeBron and Shaq. These three players are on a tier of their own, with the greatest singular ability to impact wins and losses. Being able to snag one of these three at pick 7 was a fortuitous break for a team picking in the middle (quite possibly the worst place to be in a snake draft).
2nd Round - Gary Payton (11)
The Glove was a great selection because it really set the identity of the Nuggets. Adding the best defensive PG, with an insanely competitive streak, was the perfect complement to the stoic, yet solidly consistent, Duncan anchoring the middle.
3rd Round - Karl Malone ( 8 )
Getting legit MVP talent in the 3rd round is how you build a winner. I didn't love the fit, and probably still don't love how all of the Bucks' pieces fit, but having too much talent isn't a bad problem.
4th Round - Marc Gasol ( 8 )
This seemed to be the round when lesser players starting getting drafted for 'fit' when there were clearly way more talented players still available. Gasol, though, seemed to be someone where a clearly definable 'fit' existed, and was also a talent worthy of the round he was chosen in.
Side Note: Carmelo Anthony was the only other player in this round I felt the same about, but I gave a slight advantage to Gasol for the familial 'boost'.
5th Round - Blake Griffin (14)
Before injuries robbed him he was one of the best players of his era. His value was at times muted next to CP3, as we never really got to see much of his facilitating skills be put to use often, but there were always glimmers. It wasn't like he just all of a sudden developed those skills. His versatility also makes him such valuable piece, as it allows a greater variety of roster compositions around him to work well.
6th Round - Allen Iverson (1)
I don't care about how some might view his fit. He's a legit MVP caliber player who could lead a team against any team in this format. I guess the one downside to this pick, is that it's clear to me the consensus here is different than my take, so if you're trying to win, it may be a more difficult pick to defend. Winning requires a certain ability to read the room, so to speak, and I think the temperature of the room is rather cold towards AI.
7th Round - Allan Houston (7)
Boston seemed to make a habit of getting some of the absolute best value out of each round often. Houston could fit on any team and his complementary scoring and tertiary play-making would boost any lineup. Solid all-around player who filled a very needed role.
8th Round - Michael Finley (9)
Basically for all the same reasons Houston as a great pick in the previous round. Finley at his peak was probably a bit better than Houston, so I love this pick even a bit more.
9th Round - Baron Davis (9)
For your viewing pleasure.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfVxMYsKwlg10th Round - Shane Battier (1)
In a round with 3 Duke players selected, Shane is my favorite. He'll do anything you ask and do it well. He's just a great guy.
11th Round - Arvydas Sabonis (10)
Yeah, he was pretty washed up in the 2000's. But for a pick this late, he's not just a great 'binkie', his 99-00 season was still actually pretty good (7 win shares) that you could easily put him out there to annoy Shaq and bulldoze lesser men. Which says a lot, that even at this stage of his career he was as good as he was.
12th Round - Eddie House (1)
I view this point of the draft as mere excess. Eddie Money made his contributions to a Celtics title. Simple.
13th Round - Brian Scalabrine (12)
I view this point of the draft as mere excess. White Mamba made his contributions to a Celtics title. Simple.
14th Round - James Posey (1)
I view this point of the draft as mere excess. Posey made his contributions to a Celtics title. Simple. Odd, though, that the player with the biggest impact of these last three choices was selected last.
Honorable Mention: PJ BROWN!
Topic: 2020 Historical Draft Thread: Draft over. Playoffs coming soon! (Read 201777 times)