Who is someone like Curry or Brunson going to guard with both Luka and Donovan on the floor (heck can they even guard someone the size and strength of Brown?). Even Jrue, while an elite defender, isn't all that big (same with Victor). He will struggle guarding all of the elite SG's in this and Hedo is not a good defender. That is what I was saying about your point of attack defense. It isn't good. It a clear weak point on your team. I think you needed to pick a defending PG not Brunson given Curry is your starter.
That is why I wanted Daniels. I wanted someone that could provide a different skill set than Luka. I think that is important. It provides way more lineup options and flexibility. I mean if Curry isn't defending well, it isn't like Brunson is going to come in and play lock down defense. That is why I liked JV picking up White to backup Lillard. I also liked the inverse that Tim did with Rondo starting he went with an offensive juggernaut in Westbrook to back him up (not that I really like Russ in this, but I like the different style approach), similar to his AK and Peja forward duo. If your starter has a weakness, his backup should have that weakness be his strength. At least that is my philosophy to team building.
This is part of my mindset too. Not an absolute but always a consideration.
* When I drafted Iggy, he is a bad outside shooter so I wanted a backup SF who was a strong outside shooter. That led to Khris Middleton. Iggy had an outside weakness that needed a reserve who could address the issue.
* I picked Jaren Jackson Jr because I wanted a more perimeter orientated big to go along with KG and Embiid. A stretch big. I also wanted a strong defensive PF alongside Embiid while KG rests. And a small ball option with KG going to C alongside a quicker PF than Embiid. Variety of attack / style of play.
* I picked Joe Johnson as reserve for Manu because Manu has good height at 6-6 but lacks girth and can be outmuscled by bigger SGs like Kobe Bryant. Joe Johnson is a big SG. He also gives more defensive matchup options against a team like Moranis' Cleveland team that has 3 huge perimeter wings and no guards. Joe Johnson can defend those guys whereas Manu would have a tougher time.
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Where I did not follow this idea is at PG. The reasons being
(1) I am never subbing out someone as valuable as Nash to put in a defensive guard instead of him. Nash is too talented. I live with his weaknesses.
(2) Nash is the system. The whole dynamic of the team changes without Nash. That is one reason I liked Haliburton as a reserve because while not the same as Nash he can provide something close enough to what Nash does as a pass-first PG and keep the team idenity / style of play going while Nash sits.
I also didn't go with a different player as my 4th big. That was more circumstances. I was planning on going with an athletic rim runner / high level defensive C like a Tyson Chandler. That did not pan out. I went with Aldridge instead. BPA.
Plus, I liked having a 4th big who can shoot the J well enough to stop other team's shot-blocking centers from being able to camp out in the paint. Aldridge will keep the paint open for all to attack it.
Topic: 2025 CelticsBlog Fantasy Draft: '05-'25 Edition (Read 110580 times)