2021 Historical Draft: How Does My Team Look?

[Jvalin]

All I know is, Jokic is going to struggle MASSIVELY against a team with speed at the Center spot.

McGinnis and Hawkins will give up size offensively to Jokic but will run him into the ground offensively

Neither of these guys are Centers. It's as if saying that Siakam is more mobile than Jokic. Yeah sure, but Siakam is a PF.

Assuming you plan to use them at the 5 against Jokic:

Scoring
Jokic is way taller than both of them. He can shoot over them all day long. Btw, he shot 39.3% from 3 on 4 attempts per game during the 2018/19 playoffs.

Alternatively,



Defense
Nothing changes for me. I'll still run my drop scheme. Neither Hawk nor McGinnis are 3pt shooters. No reason for Jokic to follow them on the perimeter. If you plan to run a mid-range heavy offense, that's a recipe for disaster. The mid range shot is hands down the worst shot in basketball. Plus, I got 3 elite help defenders in my starting lineup: Kawhi, DJ and Siakam.

Rebounding
Jokic averaged 13 rebs/game during the 2018/19 playoffs. BBQ chicken vol. 2.

I haven't even talked about his passing skills yet. The guy averaged 8.4 assists and 2.6 t/o during the 2018/19 playoffs! Hawk and McGinnis would be all over the place! Should they focus on cutters? Should they focus on shooters? Should they focus on defending the perimeter? Should they focus on defending the post? Good luck trying to figure out the next move of the Joker!

I'm telling you man, Jokic is unplayable in this draft! Nobody can stop him!

McGinnis and Hawkins are shooters, So that drop coverage theory is already broken. And even if they werent shooters, Jokic cannot keep up with them on their attack. So he could in theory drop (assuming the boys cannot shoot) but they would still drive past and or into him

Jokic would have to guard them, and he will not keep up.

Denver has the 2nd slowest pace in the NBA, my team can ramp up the speed and tire out Jokic. You will not be setting up a half court defense as you will most likely face a 7 seconds or less offense.

And if for some reason the game does slow down I have the horses to defend Jokic (Ibaka, Capela (outrebounded Jokic in head to head matchups over career)) without too much trouble.

Nice plan for the regular season. Not so much for the playoffs when the tempo of the game slows down.

Who said I'm gonna let you run up and down the court at will? My first unit is built for a slow-paced game. This was hands down my #1 priority since I drafted Jokic.

Two things on how to slow down the tempo of the game:

1. Stop fighting aggressively for offensive rebounds in order to focus on transition defense.
2. Move the ball around on offense as much as possible. Don't take a shot early in the shot clock unless it's a wide open shot.

Obviously, you need defensive minded players to slow down the game. For instance, you need a hard-nosed PG who dictates the tempo on both ends of the court. I got the best defensive PG in the draft in Dennis Johnson and 3 terrific wing defenders in Kawhi-Siakam-Middleton. You also need elite shot creators in the half court (=skilled high BBIQ players). I got the best passing Center in the draft (given that Sabonis was past his prime in Portland). Jokic is nothing short of an offensive genius in the half court! I also got Kawhi, DJ and Middleton who are all great options in a half court offense.

McGinnis and Hawkins are shooters

Again, neither Hawk nor MaGinnis are 3pt shooters. You could argue that they may have developed a 3pt shot if they were playing in the modern era. They didn't have a 3pt shot in whichever seasons you plan to select for them. Fwiw, McGinnis was shooting a very weird one-handed jumper. I have a hard time believing that he'd be an efficient shooter in the modern era. Hawk had a massive wingspan. Rule of thumb is that players with a massive wingspan are below average shooters.

And if for some reason the game does slow down I have the horses to defend Jokic (Ibaka, Capela (outrebounded Jokic in head to head matchups over career)) without too much trouble.

Ibaka and Capela will ''defend Jokic without too much trouble''? Good luck with that!

[Roy H.]

A thought on pace:  one of the reasons teams don’t run more is because it’s physically exhausting to do so while playing good defense.  In the playoffs, the game slows down in part because starters are playing 40 minutes routinely.

For these leagues, might that be a lesser concern?  If you’ve got backups that can play at an extremely high level, could a team truly play “48 minutes of hell” on both ends?

[nickagneta]

A thought on pace:  one of the reasons teams don’t run more is because it’s physically exhausting to do so while playing good defense.  In the playoffs, the game slows down in part because starters are playing 40 minutes routinely.

For these leagues, might that be a lesser concern?  If you’ve got backups that can play at an extremely high level, could a team truly play “48 minutes of hell” on both ends?

The Suns can.

[Roy H.]

The interesting thing about the league this year is that in my opinion each of the “best” teams has vulnerabilities that some of the “lesser” teams could really exploit.  I think if this league was realistically simulated, we’d be looking at a lot of upsets in the playoffs just due to matchup problems trumping talent.

[RPGenerate]

The interesting thing about the league this year is that in my opinion each of the “best” teams has vulnerabilities that some of the “lesser” teams could really exploit.  I think if this league was realistically simulated, we’d be looking at a lot of upsets in the playoffs just due to matchup problems trumping talent.

Any examples? I'm curious.

[Darth_Yoda]

All I know is, Jokic is going to struggle MASSIVELY against a team with speed at the Center spot.

McGinnis and Hawkins will give up size offensively to Jokic but will run him into the ground offensively

Neither of these guys are Centers. It's as if saying that Siakam is more mobile than Jokic. Yeah sure, but Siakam is a PF.

Assuming you plan to use them at the 5 against Jokic:

Scoring
Jokic is way taller than both of them. He can shoot over them all day long. Btw, he shot 39.3% from 3 on 4 attempts per game during the 2018/19 playoffs.

Alternatively,



Defense
Nothing changes for me. I'll still run my drop scheme. Neither Hawk nor McGinnis are 3pt shooters. No reason for Jokic to follow them on the perimeter. If you plan to run a mid-range heavy offense, that's a recipe for disaster. The mid range shot is hands down the worst shot in basketball. Plus, I got 3 elite help defenders in my starting lineup: Kawhi, DJ and Siakam.

Rebounding
Jokic averaged 13 rebs/game during the 2018/19 playoffs. BBQ chicken vol. 2.

I haven't even talked about his passing skills yet. The guy averaged 8.4 assists and 2.6 t/o during the 2018/19 playoffs! Hawk and McGinnis would be all over the place! Should they focus on cutters? Should they focus on shooters? Should they focus on defending the perimeter? Should they focus on defending the post? Good luck trying to figure out the next move of the Joker!

I'm telling you man, Jokic is unplayable in this draft! Nobody can stop him!

McGinnis and Hawkins are shooters, So that drop coverage theory is already broken. And even if they werent shooters, Jokic cannot keep up with them on their attack. So he could in theory drop (assuming the boys cannot shoot) but they would still drive past and or into him

Jokic would have to guard them, and he will not keep up.

Denver has the 2nd slowest pace in the NBA, my team can ramp up the speed and tire out Jokic. You will not be setting up a half court defense as you will most likely face a 7 seconds or less offense.

And if for some reason the game does slow down I have the horses to defend Jokic (Ibaka, Capela (outrebounded Jokic in head to head matchups over career)) without too much trouble.

Nice plan for the regular season. Not so much for the playoffs when the tempo of the game slows down.

Who said I'm gonna let you run up and down the court at will? My first unit is built for a slow-paced game. This was hands down my #1 priority since I drafted Jokic.

Two things on how to slow down the tempo of the game:

1. Stop fighting aggressively for offensive rebounds in order to focus on transition defense.
2. Move the ball around on offense as much as possible. Don't take a shot early in the shot clock unless it's a wide open shot.

Obviously, you need defensive minded players to slow down the game. For instance, you need a hard-nosed PG who dictates the tempo on both ends of the court. I got the best defensive PG in the draft in Dennis Johnson and 3 terrific wing defenders in Kawhi-Siakam-Middleton. You also need elite shot creators in the half court (=skilled high BBIQ players). I got the best passing Center in the draft (given that Sabonis was past his prime in Portland). Jokic is nothing short of an offensive genius in the half court! I also got Kawhi, DJ and Middleton who are all great options in a half court offense.

Again, neither Hawk nor MaGinnis are 3pt shooters. You could argue that they may have developed a 3pt shot if they were playing in the modern era. They didn't have a 3pt shot in whichever seasons you plan to select for them. Fwiw, McGinnis was shooting a very weird one-handed jumper. I have a hard time believing that he'd be an efficient shooter in the modern era.

[/quote]

McGinnis hit 35% of his 3pointers in the ABA 92 per game) prior coming into the NBA. The NBA had no 3pt line. McGinnis' shot was ugly, but highly effective.

Hawkins was a decent outside shooter who was very effective in what would be the current baseline 3pt. Excellent form on his jumper. He absolutely would be an effective 3pt shooter in todays game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp3UXNVqR9E

Ibaka and Capela will ''defend Jokic without too much trouble''? Good luck with that!
[/quote]

Capela against Yokic last year, 14ppg, 14rpg, 1.5apg, 1spg, 2bpg
Jokic against capela last year 20ppg, 9.5rpg, 7apg, 1spg, 0.5bpg on reduced shooting averages than his norm

No arguing that Jokic is a superior passer, but keep him off the boards, make him run, and you slow him down.

[Darth_Yoda]

A thought on pace:  one of the reasons teams don’t run more is because it’s physically exhausting to do so while playing good defense.  In the playoffs, the game slows down in part because starters are playing 40 minutes routinely.

For these leagues, might that be a lesser concern?  If you’ve got backups that can play at an extremely high level, could a team truly play “48 minutes of hell” on both ends?

If you trust in your horses off the bench then absolutely.

I for one, have Mookie, Hornacek, Mcginnis, Josh Smith, Anderson, Jackson, Ibaka and Laimbeer. All guys who have logged heavy minuted seasons at a high level of play on both sides of the court.

[Darth_Yoda]

The interesting thing about the league this year is that in my opinion each of the “best” teams has vulnerabilities that some of the “lesser” teams could really exploit.  I think if this league was realistically simulated, we’d be looking at a lot of upsets in the playoffs just due to matchup problems trumping talent.

Any examples? I'm curious.

I have to assume that I am one of the "lesser teams" whether or not I can exploit is another thing. Lol.

[Jvalin]

A thought on pace:  one of the reasons teams don’t run more is because it’s physically exhausting to do so while playing good defense.  In the playoffs, the game slows down in part because starters are playing 40 minutes routinely.

For these leagues, might that be a lesser concern?  If you’ve got backups that can play at an extremely high level, could a team truly play “48 minutes of hell” on both ends?

Fatigue is part of the reason, that's for sure. Imo, the #1 reason is that playoff games are way more important than regular season games. All playoff games matter. Teams do extensive scouting of their opponents. They focus on details a lot more than they do during the regular season. No way they'll let their opponents score easy baskets on transition. That's irrespective of the fact that star players are playing 40 minutes/game.

[gouki88]

Memphis Grizzlies

Here's my in-depth, over the top run-down of my team. Enjoy (if you can be bothered reading it!)

Rotation:
PG: Mo Cheeks 82-83 / Isaiah Thomas 16-17 / Rod Strickland 94-95
SG: Charlie Scott 72-73 / Manu Ginobili 07-08 / Phil Smith 75-76
SF: Kobe Bryant 02-03 / Paul Pressey 85-86 / Ron Artest 03-04
PF: Andrei Kirilenko 03-04 / Brad Miller 03-04 / David Lee 12-13
C: Artis Gilmore 77-78 / Dan Issel 77-78 / Wayne Embry 61-62

Analysis of individual seasons:
Kobe Bryant - 2002-2003: 30.0PPG, 6.9APG, 5.9RPG, 2.2SPG, 0.8BPG, 45% FG, 38% 3PT, 84% FT, 48% EFG, 55% TS, 7.1BPM. All-NBA First Team, All-Defensive First Team, All-Star, 3rd in MVP voting.
This rendition of Kobe is my favourite one. He was playing elite defence still, was a Michael Jordan clone on offence, was shooting the 3 at a really solid clip (as good as 19-20 Jaylen Brown), he was passing a lot and he was still sharing the floor with Shaq, except by this stage Kobe had become the better player. I think this all lends to the idea that Kobe can, in fact, be the best player on a team with a superstar #2, and he will defer if it's what is needed to win. Kobe knew he couldn't win on his own - he was thrilled to share success with those he needed to win. I feel as if this Kobe in addition to the supporting cast around him lends itself to winning.

Artis Gilmore - 1977-1978: 22.9PPG, 13.1RPG, 3.2APG, 2.2BPG, 0.5SPG, 56% FG, 70% FT, 56% EFG, 60% TS, 4.1BPM. All-Defensive Second Team, All-Star.
Young Artis, to me, is the kind of force Embiid could be if he locked in. Huge and athletic, imposing defensive presence, mobile and strong enough to handle all kinds of opposition big-men, a reliable passer, efficient, and had a number of moves to get his own points when he needs to. In this team Artis' main strengths on show will be the way he anchors our defence and his elite rebounding. I think the dream running-mate for Kobe at the C position is a 7'2" athlete who is one of the strongest players ever - just ask Hubie Brown, Bob McAdoo, 'Nique, Bill Walton, and Ralph Sampson. Nobody is bullying Artis.

Charlie Scott - 1972-1973: 25.3PPG, 6.1APG, 4.2RPG, 45% FG, 78% FT, 45% EFG, 50% TS. All-Star.
Charlie Scott, while not being as big a name as many of the other guys in this draft, has the offensive tools to go with any of them. He could score from anywhere, was a great jumpshooter (especially unorthodox off-balance jumpers), ran the fast-break, made good passes and was a blend of PG, SG and SF. He played pretty solid defence too, especially when he locked in. Great Scott also showed in his time as a Celtic that, when needed to for the sake of winning, he was more than happy to defer to others. He deferred to Hondo, Cowens and Jo Jo to make a 4-headed monster in 1975-76. I love the offensive dynamism he and Kobe would play with together. Both unstoppable scorers and willing passers.

Andrei Kirilenko - 2003-2004: 16.5PPG, 8.1RPG, 3.1APG, 2.8BPG, 1.9SPG, 44% FG, 34% 3PT, 79% FT, 48% EFG, 56% TS, 7.9BPM. All-Defensive Second Team, All-Star.
AK47 is one of the all-time greatest defensive forwards of all time. He was a block champion in one season, had a 7'4" wingspan, was athletic, mobile, smart, and he was eager to defend 1-5. Everyone knows he was an elite defender, but I think his all-round greatness is often overlooked. 3 people in the entire history of the NBA have multiple 5x5 games - Hakeem Olajuwon (6), Julius Erving (2), and Andrei Kirilenko (3). Elite all-round players like Anthony Davis & Draymond have only managed 1 each! AK could do it all, and alongside Artis provides one of the most imposing duos in terms of defence and athleticism. I also believe in today's game AK47 would be a nasty shooter.

Maurice Cheeks - 1982-1983: 12.5PPG, 6.9APG, 2.6RPG, 2.3SPG, 54% FG, 75% FT, 54% EFG, 58% TS, 4.7 BPM. NBA Champion, All-Defensive First Team, All-Star.
Mo Cheeks was an elite defensive guard who picked his shots well (not many 6'1" guys shoot 54% from the field) and set his teammates up with class. He was the starting PG on a 65 win team that hung up a banner, and in that team he showed a real ability to feed guys better than him on offence (Malone, Erving, Toney) while making life hell for a number of guards he faced (Magic, Nixon, Moncrief, Westphal and Sparrow). Ideal guy to defer to Kobe, Artis and Scott while tormenting opposition guards.

Manu Ginobili - 2007-2008: 19.5PPG, 4.8RPG, 4.5APG, 1.5SPG, 46% FG, 40% 3PT, 86% FT, 54% EFG, 61% TS, 8.3BPM. All-NBA Third Team, Sixth Man of the Year.
Manu in this season was one of the most talented players on the globe. His box score doesn't blow you out of the water, but he was invaluable to that Spurs team, and advanced metrics really back up what you saw on the court - a guy who was a top 5 guard in the competition at the time. He could do it all on the court - dribble, shoot, pass, finish inside with magician finishes, draw fouls - you name it. He was also quite an elite gambler on defence. He thrived when playing next to elite defenders, which he will be doing on this team at all times. He's playing his natural role as the 6th man.

Isaiah Thomas - 2016-2017: 28.9PPG, 5.9APG, 2.7RPG, 46% FG, 38% 3PT, 91% FT, 55% EFG, 63% TS, 6.7BPM. All-NBA Second Team, All-Star, 5th in MVP voting.
Not sure I need to say too much about IT. He was an all-time offensive force in this season when he was healthy. How many teams have MVP candidates off the bench? People always bring up his defence - I don't think he was any worse than Nash was at his prime on defence. We also saw first hand how well IT can do when he plays alongside good defenders. How about playing defensive monsters like alongside Artest, Kirilenko, Pressey and Kobe? He is a total game-changer off the pine.

Dan Issel - 1977-1978 21.3PPG, 10.1RPG, 3.7APG, 1.2SPG, 51% FG, 78% FT, 51% EFG, 57% TS, 3.0BPM.
Issel was a true offensive force. I really liked the idea of reuniting him with Artis Gilmore. I don't know if there's a stronger pairing in the game than those two together. He is the prototypical small-ball 5 on offence, and he could play the 4 in pinches when needed. He was also one of the most durable and reliable players of all-time, missing 24 games in his 15 year career. He won't be asked to carry the same load he did in Denver, but the Horse won't complain. He just wants to win, and bully some people in the process.

Paul Pressey - 1985-1986: 14.3PPG, 7.8APG, 5.0RPG, 2.1SPG, 0.9BPG, 49% FG, 81% FT, 49% EFG, 56% TS, 5.7BPM. All-Defensive First Team.
Pressey was arguably the original point-forward. He selflessly took on lesser scoring roles in order to run the offence as a passer, as that was what was asked of him. He didn't care about his own numbers if the wins came. He was also a genuinely elite defensive player who could cover multiple positions, and he thrived in the playoffs. His ability to play 1-3 on both ends gives me a heap of flexibility, especially next to more scoring-inclined players like Kobe, Manu, IT and Scott.

Brad Miller - 2003-2004: 14.1PPG, 10.3RPG, 4.3APG, 1.2BPG, 51% FG, 32% 3PT, 78% FT, 52% EFG, 58% TS, 3.1BPM. All-Star.
Brad Miller was truly ahead of his time. 6'11", could shoot the ball from 16' out to the 3 point line even in the mid-2000s, was a double-digit rebounder, a great passing big and was a solidly reliable defender. Besides a few truly horrible hairstyles, Brad Miller was a great well-rounded player and could play both the 4 and the 5. I think he'd be a perennial All-Star in the modern league.

Ron Artest - 2003-2004: 18.3PPG, 5.3RPG, 3.7APG, 2.1SPG, 42% FG, 31% 3PT, 73% FT, 46% EFG, 51% TS, 3.5BPM. Defensive Player of the Year, All-NBA Third Team, All-Defensive First Team.
It's a shame Artest got suspended when he did - he really looked like he'd gone from All-NBA to MVP-calibre. But alas, we didn't get to see it and his career derailed. In spite of that, he was still a DPOY on the wing who could score and pass. He definitely had efficiency concerns, but I think alongside strong leaders like Kobe and Cheeks he would have been reined in, and utilised to a devastating effect.

Phil Smith 1975-1976: 20.0PPG, 4.4APG, 4.6RPG, 1.3SPG, 48% FG, 79% FT, 48% EFG, 53% TS. All-NBA Second Team, All-Defensive Second Team, All-Star.
Phil Smith was an elite defender, capable of playing both guard positions, was a more than capable scorer, and most important of all, sacrificed for his team day-in day-out. He had an elite playoff run in 75-76, alongside a generally elite season. While not being better than my other back-court members, his ability to defend both guard spots at an elite level while being a 20PPG threat makes him a valuable third stringer.

Rod Strickland - 1994-1995: 18.9PPG, 8.8APG, 5.0RPG, 1.9SPG, 47% FG, 37% 3PT, 75% FT, 49% EFG, 54% TS, 5.3BPM.
Rod Strickland is one of the more underrated guards of all-time. He was an elite passer and ball-handler, could finish inside, and was capable of good defence. I chose his best Portland year because he was super efficient shooting and it was IMO his best defensive year. I like that Strickland being a still elite PG would allow me to, if Cheeks got hurt, start Strickland and keep IT as a bench flamethrower.

Wayne Embry - 1961-1962: 19.8PPG, 13.0 RPG, 2.4APG, 47% FG, 69% FT, 52% TS. All-Star.
Embry was a very strong guy for his time, aptly nicknamed 'The Wall'. He was more than willing to go in to bat for his teammates and never gave up. He was a great rebounder and a solid scorer, and he gives my bench some more of that meanness. Him and Artest are two dudes you don't want to mess with!

David Lee - 2012-2013: 18.5PPG, 11.2RPG, 3.5APG, 52% FG, 80% FT, 52% EFG, 56% TS. All-NBA Third Team, All-Star.
David Lee was a strong skilled PF with a soft lefty touch inside. He had a solid mid-range shot, was a good passer, was an adequate defender and was a great rebounder. He's essentially a back-up to Miller and Issel in case either of those can't perform, but he is an All-NBA player in his own right.

Team Philosophy:
There's no two ways to put this - this team is built around Kobe Bryant. The triangle offence will be running with him at its focal point. It won Kobe 5 rings and MJ 6, so I think it would work pretty decently in this team. Gilmore and Scott are both incredibly suited to playing the 2nd and 3rd roles, as is Manu and Issel. We have a blend of elite offensive players, elite defensive players, and guys who are in-between. Our best players are elite at both ends in Kobe and Artis. We have offensive specialists off the bench like IT, and defensive specialists like Pressey and Artest. We also have the lineup flexibility to go with anyone. A team wants to try and play bully-ball? We go with Pressey-Kobe-Artest-Issel-Gilmore. A team wants to play small? We go Cheeks-Manu-Kobe-Kirilenko-Issel. A team wants to try and out-score us? We send out IT-Scott-Kobe-Issel-Gilmore. The lineup combinations are endless, and all feature blends of scoring, defence, passing and rebounding. I quite genuinely believe this team would be near unstoppable

[Who]

Memphis Grizzlies

Here's my in-depth, over the top run-down of my team. Enjoy (if you can be bothered reading it!)

Rotation:
PG: Mo Cheeks 82-83 / Isaiah Thomas 16-17 / Rod Strickland 94-95
SG: Charlie Scott 72-73 / Manu Ginobili 07-08 / Randy Smith 75-76
SF: Kobe Bryant 02-03 / Paul Pressey 85-86 / Ron Artest 03-04
PF: Andrei Kirilenko 03-04 / Brad Miller 03-04 / David Lee 12-13
C: Artis Gilmore 77-78 / Dan Issel 77-78 / Wayne Embry 61-62

Randy Smith 1975-1976: 21.8PPG, 5.9APG, 5.1RPG, 1.9SPG, 49% FG, 82% FT, 49% EFG, 55% TS. All-NBA Second Team, All-Star.
Randy Smith is one of the more underrated guys in league history for me. For 6 years he averaged 20/5/4 without missing a single game. He was one of the first above the rim kind of guys, was athletic enough to play SF in his first year despite standing at 6'3", was lightning fast and a good jump-shooter. He won't be relied upon to do much of anything in this team, but he offers many similar skills to the other back-court players on the team in case of injury or foul trouble.

Thanks for the run down on my draft pick

Phil Smith. You drafted Phil Smith. Not Randy Smith.

[gouki88]

Memphis Grizzlies

Here's my in-depth, over the top run-down of my team. Enjoy (if you can be bothered reading it!)

Rotation:
PG: Mo Cheeks 82-83 / Isaiah Thomas 16-17 / Rod Strickland 94-95
SG: Charlie Scott 72-73 / Manu Ginobili 07-08 / Randy Smith 75-76
SF: Kobe Bryant 02-03 / Paul Pressey 85-86 / Ron Artest 03-04
PF: Andrei Kirilenko 03-04 / Brad Miller 03-04 / David Lee 12-13
C: Artis Gilmore 77-78 / Dan Issel 77-78 / Wayne Embry 61-62

Randy Smith 1975-1976: 21.8PPG, 5.9APG, 5.1RPG, 1.9SPG, 49% FG, 82% FT, 49% EFG, 55% TS. All-NBA Second Team, All-Star.
Randy Smith is one of the more underrated guys in league history for me. For 6 years he averaged 20/5/4 without missing a single game. He was one of the first above the rim kind of guys, was athletic enough to play SF in his first year despite standing at 6'3", was lightning fast and a good jump-shooter. He won't be relied upon to do much of anything in this team, but he offers many similar skills to the other back-court players on the team in case of injury or foul trouble.

Thanks for the run down on my draft pick

Phil Smith. You drafted Phil Smith. Not Randy Smith.

D'oh! I definitely got lazy towards the end of that...

Oopsies

Upon further reflection, the similarities between Phil and Randy Smith are more than just surname. Both peaked in the mid-late 70s, played the same position and were the same size, nearly played together in San Diego, and both sadly died earlier than they should have. Both also forgotten underrated guys of the 70s. Weird stuff.

[Celtic Fan Forever]

Sorry I’ve been MIA, works been crazy at the end of the year.

Here are the years of my selections.

Klay Thompson 15-16
John Stockton 94-95
Gerald Wallace 09-10
Dennis Rodman 91-92
Arvydas Sabonis97-98
Bam Adebayo 19-20
Michael Redd 05-06
Zach Randolph 10-11
Alan Houston 99-00
Rajon Rondo 09-10
Latrell Sprewell 96-97
Ryan Anderson 11-12
Trevor Ariza 13-14
PJ Brown 00-01
John Starks 93-94

Will try to get a write up tonight

[Who]

Memphis Grizzlies

Here's my in-depth, over the top run-down of my team. Enjoy (if you can be bothered reading it!)

Rotation:
PG: Mo Cheeks 82-83 / Isaiah Thomas 16-17 / Rod Strickland 94-95
SG: Charlie Scott 72-73 / Manu Ginobili 07-08 / Phil Smith 75-76
SF: Kobe Bryant 02-03 / Paul Pressey 85-86 / Ron Artest 03-04
PF: Andrei Kirilenko 03-04 / Brad Miller 03-04 / David Lee 12-13
C: Artis Gilmore 77-78 / Dan Issel 77-78 / Wayne Embry 61-62

Analysis of individual seasons:
Charlie Scott - 1972-1973: 25.3PPG, 6.1APG, 4.2RPG, 45% FG, 78% FT, 45% EFG, 50% TS. All-Star.
Charlie Scott, while not being as big a name as many of the other guys in this draft, has the offensive tools to go with any of them. He could score from anywhere, was a great jumpshooter (especially unorthodox off-balance jumpers), ran the fast-break, made good passes and was a blend of PG, SG and SF. He played pretty solid defence too, especially when he locked in. Great Scott also showed in his time as a Celtic that, when needed to for the sake of winning, he was more than happy to defer to others. He deferred to Hondo, Cowens and Jo Jo to make a 4-headed monster in 1975-76. I love the offensive dynamism he and Kobe would play with together. Both unstoppable scorers and willing passers.

I was surprised to see you giving Charlie Scott such a big role. Why are you so high on him? Or think he is the best option to start for your team?

I have more down on him. My view of him is more a great talent but not a great player. That he had wonderful ability but only got so much out of it ... largely due to questionable decision making and selfish tendencies.

Despite having prolific scoring ability, a pretty jump-shot, size, athleticism, ball-handling. He had a package. An impressive package of skills. But despite that he failed to elevate his team's offenses the way you would expect a player with that talent to be able to do so.

Sort of a gunslinger who thought he could score in every situation and tried to score in every situation instead of looking for the best shot for the team. Looking out for himself over the team. Head down, I'm shooting sort of plays.

[Who]

Owner, Jerry Colangelo, justified the trade saying, “It takes a team concept of play to win in this league. Although Charlie Scott is a talent, our decision was made on the basis that Scott’s talents were of an individual nature and did not fit into a team style of play.”

Context = talking about trading the 5 time (ABA/NBA) All-Star Scott (25ppg 5apg 4rpg in 3 years with Suns) for the semi-proven bench player Paul Westphal (20mpg 10ppg 3apg 2rpg).

The reasoning above in the quote is what I was trying to get at with Scott in my previous post.