The "Talk Up Your Pick 2 Draft Team" Thread

[KCattheStripe]

I'll add to this, but for now I'd just like to say I added two 20/10 players next to the Rookie of the Year:



UPDATE:

The "New Look" Chicago Bulls  :
KCattheStripe - General Manager

Pos.	Starting Five	PPG	Salary	RB/G	APG	Efficiency
C   -	Chris Kaman	19.7	$10,400,000.00	8.9	1.8	+19.67
PF -	David Lee	20.3	$  7,000,000.00	11.4	3.6	+26.70
SF -	Danio Gallinari	14.4	$  3,516,960.00	5.2	1.7	+14.73
SG -	Nicolas Batum	9.3	$  1,118,760.00	4.3	1.3	+11.88
PG -	Derrick Rose	19.9	$  5,184,480.00	3.8	5.8	+17.29
C   -	Etan Thomas	3.8	$  7,354,500.00	3.4	0.0	+  5.35
SF -	Marco Belinelli	7.9	$  1,547,640.00	1.6	1.6	+  6.67
SG -	Brandon Rush	8.7	$  1,934,160.00	4.1	1.2	+  9.38
PG -	Jrue Holiday	5.6	$  1,514,280.00	2.1	2.7	+  6.33
C   -	Eddie Curry	3.7	$10,500,423.00	1.9	0.0	+  1.00
PF -	Jeff Pendergraph	2.7	$     457,588.00	3.0	0.0	+  5.29

            Total budget so far:                                    $50,528,791.00

[Roy Hobbs]

The "New Look" Toronto Raptors  :
Lucky 17 - General Manager

Pos.	Starting Five	PPG	Salary	RB/G	APG	Efficiency
C    -	Kendrick Perkins	11.1	$  4,750,000.00	8.1	1.0	+15.58
PF  -	Chris Bosh	24.5	$15,799,912.00	11.4	2.3	+27.91
SF  -	Martell Webster	11.1	$  4,344,000.00	3.9	0.8	+10.38
SG -	JR Smith	15.0	$  5,508,426.00	3.1	2.4	+10.94
PG -	Kirk Hinrich	10.3	$  9,500,000.00	3.7	4.4	+11.37
C    -	Jason Thompson	12.9	$  2,035,920.00	8.8	1.8	+16.02
PF  -	Jonas Jerebko	8.9	$     457,588.00	5.6	0.6	+10.59
SF  -	Damien Wilkins	5.8	$  3,300,000.00	3.6	1.9	+  8.06
SG -	Gilbert Arenas	22.6	$16,192,079.00	4.2	7.2	+18.78
PG -	Mario Chalmers	7.2	$     756,000.00	1.8	3.5	+  8.74
C   -	Nazr Mohammed	8.4	$  6,466,600.00	5.3	0.5	+11.00
C   -	JaVale McGee	2.6	$  1,496,640.00	1.6	0.1	+  3.93
PF -	Andres Nocioni	8.7	$  7,500,000.00	3.0	1.1	+  7.55
SF -	Bobby Simmons	5.3	$10,560,000.00	2.7	0.7	+  5.30

       

    Total budget so far:                                     $88,667,165.00

Starting five:
We love the overall team defense that our starting five presents. Kirk Hinrich will give opposing point guards fits, our wings are young and athletic, and our frontcourt tandem is mobile and aggressive. We’ve paired Bosh, one of the premiere big men in the league, with a workhorse banger in Perkins and deadly perimeter shooting in Smith and Webster. Bosh and Smith will carry the bulk of the offensive load, but Hinrich, Webster and Perkins will also provide scoring within the flow of the offense. Excellent team rebounding, speed, and perimeter defense will result in lots of easy fastbreak and transition baskets.

Bench:
Tremendous flexibility, athleticism, and depth.

Chalmers will be an excellent defensive guard and understudy to Hinrich. Arenas, once he returns from his suspension, will serve as instant offense off the bench, getting time at both guard spots.

Despite being a rookie, Jonas Jerebko is already demonstrating tremendous ability to contribute on both sides of the ball. His energy, length, and athleticism will allow him to back up both forward slots, depending on matchups. Nocioni brings grit and tenacity, and will match up against opposing power 3s and small PFs. Likewise, Jason Thompson brings energy off the bench at both frontcourt spots. Collectively, our forwards are energetic and tough, and should outhustle and outquick the opposition.

Nazr Mohammed and JaVale McGee will back up the C position. Mohammed’s veteran presence will help stabilize the center rotation, while we develop McGee, a gifted athlete and budding shot-blocker.

Damien Wilkins and Bobby Simmons are veterans who can contribute on both sides of the ball, and will help bolster our SG/SF rotation.

While we possess incredible depth, we anticipate a 9 or 10 man rotation, depending on our opposition. Until Arenas returns from suspension, Chalmers will be our main guard off the bench, while Jerebko, Nocioni, and Thompson will back up the SF/PF/C spots. In the event of needing size or foul trouble, Nazr or McGee will also spell Perkins at C.

Window of opportunity:
As constructed, we believe this team can compete now for a championship, but with our young core (only Mohammed is over the age of 30), we feel we’ll be a perennial contender for several years.

Payroll:
Yes, it's a big payroll. But Toronto represents an entire country of NBA fans, and we're prepared to spend whatever it takes to bring a championship to Canada. We’ve demonstrated to Chris Bosh that we are prepared to surround him with the help he needs, and we fully expect to resign/extend him after this year. After this season, we’ll look to extend or resign our other key rotational players. Simmons and Wilkins represent nearly $14 million in expiring salary that we will either let go, or use to improve our club should the right deal present itself.

Final words:
We may not have the PR department that Orlando has, but we think we’d give the Magic a run for their money in a seven game series. In fact, we think we’ll see them there in the conference finals, and we like our chances.

I'm not as high on your team as you are.  Transporting your team into the "real" NBA, I think your owner would be throwing fits about your payroll.  I think you only have one star player in your starting lineup, and I think in today's NBA, that's a recipe for disaster.  I really like some of your role players, but I don't think Bosh is enough to carry the team on its own.

Of course, Arenas is the X-factor here.  If he buys into a team concept, he could be the alpha dog that your team needs.

[Roy Hobbs]

I'll add to this, but for now I'd just like to say I added two 20/10 players next to the Rookie of the Year:



UPDATE:

The "New Look" Chicago Bulls  :
KCattheStripe - General Manager

Pos.	Starting Five	PPG	Salary	RB/G	APG	Efficiency
C   -	Chris Kaman	19.7	$10,400,000.00	8.9	1.8	+19.67
PF -	David Lee	20.3	$  7,000,000.00	11.4	3.6	+26.70
SF -	Danio Gallinari	14.4	$  3,516,960.00	5.2	1.7	+14.73
SG -	Nicolas Batum	9.3	$  1,118,760.00	4.3	1.3	+11.88
PG -	Derrick Rose	19.9	$  5,184,480.00	3.8	5.8	+17.29
C   -	Etan Thomas	3.8	$  7,354,500.00	3.4	0.0	+  5.35
SF -	Marco Belinelli	7.9	$  1,547,640.00	1.6	1.6	+  6.67
SG -	Brandon Rush	8.7	$  1,934,160.00	4.1	1.2	+  9.38
PG -	Jrue Holiday	5.6	$  1,514,280.00	2.1	2.7	+  6.33
C   -	Eddie Curry	3.7	$10,500,423.00	1.9	0.0	+  1.00
PF -	Jeff Pendergraph	2.7	$     457,588.00	3.0	0.0	+  5.29

            Total budget so far:                                    $50,528,791.00

I love the big men (although they could commit more to defense), and the PG.  I think you could use an upgrade at the 2/3, though.

[Edgar]

I'll add to this, but for now I'd just like to say I added two 20/10 players next to the Rookie of the Year:



UPDATE:

The "New Look" Chicago Bulls  :
KCattheStripe - General Manager

Pos.	Starting Five	PPG	Salary	RB/G	APG	Efficiency
C   -	Chris Kaman	19.7	$10,400,000.00	8.9	1.8	+19.67
PF -	David Lee	20.3	$  7,000,000.00	11.4	3.6	+26.70
SF -	Danio Gallinari	14.4	$  3,516,960.00	5.2	1.7	+14.73
SG -	Nicolas Batum	9.3	$  1,118,760.00	4.3	1.3	+11.88
PG -	Derrick Rose	19.9	$  5,184,480.00	3.8	5.8	+17.29
C   -	Etan Thomas	3.8	$  7,354,500.00	3.4	0.0	+  5.35
SF -	Marco Belinelli	7.9	$  1,547,640.00	1.6	1.6	+  6.67
SG -	Brandon Rush	8.7	$  1,934,160.00	4.1	1.2	+  9.38
PG -	Jrue Holiday	5.6	$  1,514,280.00	2.1	2.7	+  6.33
C   -	Eddie Curry	3.7	$10,500,423.00	1.9	0.0	+  1.00
PF -	Jeff Pendergraph	2.7	$     457,588.00	3.0	0.0	+  5.29

            Total budget so far:                                    $50,528,791.00

I love the big men (although they could commit more to defense), and the PG.  I think you could use an upgrade at the 2/3, though.

well I love the courage to pick 11 million dollars of salary and burger eating as 12th man.

U know I never say never to eddie..lol

[Edgar]

Final words:
We may not have the PR department that Orlando has, but we think we’d give the Magic a run for their money in a seven game series. In fact, we think we’ll see them there in the conference finals, and we like our chances.

I cant beleive you manage your team to be 100,000 dollars more expensive than mine
well at least you will win that.. 

Is bobby simons contract right? 10 mills...worst contract in the league next to ocionis..

For all your talking about having the best team since, even before the first round started, you have yet to address the fact that you have no front line other than Howard and Lewis

Kurt Thomas is a shadow of his former self and it's probably his last year, if you get 2-3 quality minutes out of him a game you are lucky

Jeff Foster is out for the year and lord knows if he will be back

Eduardo Najera is so bad New Jersey didn't want him and he couldn't get time in Dallas because he isn't good

Toronto's depth and quality up front would kill the Orlando bigs in a seven game series

I would say Toronto, Boston, Cleveland, and New York could all possibly beat Orlando in a seven game series though admittedly it wouldn't be easy for Boston, Cleveland or New York

In the West I think the strength resides in LA, Memphis, Denver, New Orleans(though more next year than this year because of injury) and Utah

So my top 5 teams in each in no particular order

East: Toronto, New York, Orlando, Boston, Cleveland

West: Pigs, Utah, Memphis, Denver, San Antonio(this year), New Orleans(next year)

Howard will play 40 a game during playoff like he always does , hes young
Gomes can be perfectly servicable at the 4 from time to time, that leaves 10 minutes for Kurt and he can take care of that, may too. Jeff foster is only my upgrade for next year so I am pretty much confident that this guys can take the job done, who am i going to fear, softie Bosh..nahhh

[PLamb]

I'll add to this, but for now I'd just like to say I added two 20/10 players next to the Rookie of the Year:



UPDATE:

The "New Look" Chicago Bulls  :
KCattheStripe - General Manager

Pos.	Starting Five	PPG	Salary	RB/G	APG	Efficiency
C   -	Chris Kaman	19.7	$10,400,000.00	8.9	1.8	+19.67
PF -	David Lee	20.3	$  7,000,000.00	11.4	3.6	+26.70
SF -	Danio Gallinari	14.4	$  3,516,960.00	5.2	1.7	+14.73
SG -	Nicolas Batum	9.3	$  1,118,760.00	4.3	1.3	+11.88
PG -	Derrick Rose	19.9	$  5,184,480.00	3.8	5.8	+17.29
C   -	Etan Thomas	3.8	$  7,354,500.00	3.4	0.0	+  5.35
SF -	Marco Belinelli	7.9	$  1,547,640.00	1.6	1.6	+  6.67
SG -	Brandon Rush	8.7	$  1,934,160.00	4.1	1.2	+  9.38
PG -	Jrue Holiday	5.6	$  1,514,280.00	2.1	2.7	+  6.33
C   -	Eddie Curry	3.7	$10,500,423.00	1.9	0.0	+  1.00
PF -	Jeff Pendergraph	2.7	$     457,588.00	3.0	0.0	+  5.29

            Total budget so far:                                    $50,528,791.00

This team goes as far as Rose wills it to go which given how good Rose is could be far

I do not however think this team would play enough defense or have enough talent on the bench to be a serious EC contender, though playoffs, I could definitely see

They will definitely win a bunch of regular season games I just don't think they are built for the playoffs

As Roy said, a better wing player should be a priority

[PLamb]

My Pacers, FWIW.

Pos.   Starting Five                      PPG              Salary                    RB/G      APG      Efficiency
C    - Nenad Krstic                       8.0              $  5,160,832           4.8        0.8        + 9.80
SF  - Thaddeus Young               14.0             $  2,105,400           5.2        1.5        + 12.7
PF  - Lamar Odom                      10.2              $  7,500,000          10.1       3.5        + 18.12     
SG - Courtney Lee                     11.7             $  1,264,440           3.5        1.9        + 11.30
PG - Stephen Curry                    14.9             $  2,710,560           4.0        5.2        + 16.41
             
 
C    - Zaza Pachulia                    4.5              $  4,750,000           3.5       0.4        +  5.94
PF  - Craig Smith                         7.9              $  2,762,500           3.7       1.1        +  8.94
SF  - Chuck Hayes                     4.7               $  2,117,500           6.0       1.6        +  9.85
SG - Shannon Brown                 8.2              $  1,990,000           2.2       1.4        +  7.84
PG - Jose' Barea                        8.3               $  1,620,000           2.0       3.3        +  8.36
PG - AJ Price                              7.4               $    457,588            1.6       1.8        +  6.25
PG - Patrick Mills                         1.2               $    736,420            0.2       0.5        +  0.50


           Total budget so far:                             $33,175,240


Yeah, i dont think i'm going anywhere in the near future, but i dont mind them as a whole.  Obviously i need to trade some guys, so if we are still trading before final comments are in, i am looking at Trading any guys not named Stephen Curry.

My backcourt is where my future lies.  Curry is one of the leagues better PG's.  Can do it all.  Lee is a really solid 2 guard.  top notch defender and slasher.

My Frountcourt is weakish in the middle with Krstic - who is a decent back-up C (just a shame Rebus wont trade Serge Ibaka for him!).  Odom is one of the more versatile players in the league.  He can initiate the offense up high, or Can get down in the post against smaller guys.  So good, and so underrated.  Thad Young is an up -n-comer.  He has great length at the 3, and is a solid defender. 

My bench comprises of too many PG's - so i need to move Barea and perhaps Brown.  I think AJ Price is a player - just needs PT.  My bigs off the bench i love.  Zaza is a banger, and gives you real hustle.  Chuck Hayes is a bulldog.  He would almost be a sixth man of year candidate.

Bottom line - due to my weakness in the middle, and my glut of PG's on the bench, i'd currently rate my team as a 25-30 win team.

Considering where this team could have been it's disappointing seeing where they are

Too many point guards and 15-20 MPG role players

Your Curry, Lee, Young combo is a great start for a team 3-4 years from now, unfortunately those 3-4 years will be in the lottery where hopefully you can find some big man starting help

[PLamb]

The "New Look" Toronto Raptors  :
Lucky 17 - General Manager

Pos.	Starting Five	PPG	Salary	RB/G	APG	Efficiency
C    -	Kendrick Perkins	11.1	$  4,750,000.00	8.1	1.0	+15.58
PF  -	Chris Bosh	24.5	$15,799,912.00	11.4	2.3	+27.91
SF  -	Martell Webster	11.1	$  4,344,000.00	3.9	0.8	+10.38
SG -	JR Smith	15.0	$  5,508,426.00	3.1	2.4	+10.94
PG -	Kirk Hinrich	10.3	$  9,500,000.00	3.7	4.4	+11.37
C    -	Jason Thompson	12.9	$  2,035,920.00	8.8	1.8	+16.02
PF  -	Jonas Jerebko	8.9	$     457,588.00	5.6	0.6	+10.59
SF  -	Damien Wilkins	5.8	$  3,300,000.00	3.6	1.9	+  8.06
SG -	Gilbert Arenas	22.6	$16,192,079.00	4.2	7.2	+18.78
PG -	Mario Chalmers	7.2	$     756,000.00	1.8	3.5	+  8.74
C   -	Nazr Mohammed	8.4	$  6,466,600.00	5.3	0.5	+11.00
C   -	JaVale McGee	2.6	$  1,496,640.00	1.6	0.1	+  3.93
PF -	Andres Nocioni	8.7	$  7,500,000.00	3.0	1.1	+  7.55
SF -	Bobby Simmons	5.3	$10,560,000.00	2.7	0.7	+  5.30

       

    Total budget so far:                                     $88,667,165.00

Starting five:
We love the overall team defense that our starting five presents. Kirk Hinrich will give opposing point guards fits, our wings are young and athletic, and our frontcourt tandem is mobile and aggressive. We’ve paired Bosh, one of the premiere big men in the league, with a workhorse banger in Perkins and deadly perimeter shooting in Smith and Webster. Bosh and Smith will carry the bulk of the offensive load, but Hinrich, Webster and Perkins will also provide scoring within the flow of the offense. Excellent team rebounding, speed, and perimeter defense will result in lots of easy fastbreak and transition baskets.

Bench:
Tremendous flexibility, athleticism, and depth.

Chalmers will be an excellent defensive guard and understudy to Hinrich. Arenas, once he returns from his suspension, will serve as instant offense off the bench, getting time at both guard spots.

Despite being a rookie, Jonas Jerebko is already demonstrating tremendous ability to contribute on both sides of the ball. His energy, length, and athleticism will allow him to back up both forward slots, depending on matchups. Nocioni brings grit and tenacity, and will match up against opposing power 3s and small PFs. Likewise, Jason Thompson brings energy off the bench at both frontcourt spots. Collectively, our forwards are energetic and tough, and should outhustle and outquick the opposition.

Nazr Mohammed and JaVale McGee will back up the C position. Mohammed’s veteran presence will help stabilize the center rotation, while we develop McGee, a gifted athlete and budding shot-blocker.

Damien Wilkins and Bobby Simmons are veterans who can contribute on both sides of the ball, and will help bolster our SG/SF rotation.

While we possess incredible depth, we anticipate a 9 or 10 man rotation, depending on our opposition. Until Arenas returns from suspension, Chalmers will be our main guard off the bench, while Jerebko, Nocioni, and Thompson will back up the SF/PF/C spots. In the event of needing size or foul trouble, Nazr or McGee will also spell Perkins at C.

Window of opportunity:
As constructed, we believe this team can compete now for a championship, but with our young core (only Mohammed is over the age of 30), we feel we’ll be a perennial contender for several years.

Payroll:
Yes, it's a big payroll. But Toronto represents an entire country of NBA fans, and we're prepared to spend whatever it takes to bring a championship to Canada. We’ve demonstrated to Chris Bosh that we are prepared to surround him with the help he needs, and we fully expect to resign/extend him after this year. After this season, we’ll look to extend or resign our other key rotational players. Simmons and Wilkins represent nearly $14 million in expiring salary that we will either let go, or use to improve our club should the right deal present itself.

Final words:
We may not have the PR department that Orlando has, but we think we’d give the Magic a run for their money in a seven game series. In fact, we think we’ll see them there in the conference finals, and we like our chances.

Don't listen to Roy and Edgar, they are ganging up on you

Your Bosh/Perkins/Thompson/Mohammed/Jerebko front line is deep and high in quality, definitely one of the best front courts in the game

Though Gilbert is gone for this year which hampers your overall chances this year, if next year he buys into the team PG position, this is a dangerous team

As for this year I like the Hinrich/Smith combo because where one lacks offensively the other thrives defensively

Your big problem is your SF position which is mediocre at best

Overall, definitely a strong EC team with ECFs a definite possibility

[celticsclay]

The Spurs Have really come alive!

Although many san antontio fans where initially upset to see the long tenured tony parker leave town, many have come around in recent weeks on Jarret Jack as his play has continued to improve. In the month of February he averaged 11.5 points and 7.5 assists while shooting 47% from the field and a mind boggling 50% from downtown. He is joined in the backcourt by the season turning stephen jackson, a re-energized shawn marion, the pereniall all nba team member tim duncan and the underrated Samuel Dalembert (a rich mans perk cause he is paid more!)

My roster is as follows, but I will be playing  a larger lineup starting marion at the sf and stephen jackson at the sg. Barbosa will be the sixth man. Love it

UPDATE:

The "New Look" SAN ANTONIO SPURS  :
Celtics Clay - General Manager

Pos.	Starting Five	PPG	Salary	RB/G	APG	Efficiency
C    -	Samuel Dalembert	7.4	$ 12,025,694.00	9.8	1.0	+16.32
PF  -	Tim Duncan	19.4	$ 22,183,220.00	10.8	3.1	+25.68
SF -	Stephen Jackson	20.9	$   7,650,000.00	4.3	3.9	+17.53
SG -	Leandro Barbosa	10.6	$   6,600,000.00	1.6	1.7	+  8.03
PG -	Jarrett Jack	10.5	$   5,000,000.00	2.7	4.8	+12.41
C    -	Tony Battie	2.4	$   6,292,000.00	1.5	0.2	+  2.40
PF  -	Darrell Arthur	2.8	$   1,050,480.00	3.3	0.3	+  2.75
SF  -	Larry Hughes	9.6	$ 13,655,268.00	3.5	3.5	+10.32
SG -	Shawn Marion	11.7	$   6,635,068.00	6.5	1.5	+14.75
PG -	Chris Duhon	7.5	$   6,031,800.00	2.7	6.1	+ 10.31
C   -	Joel Anthony	2.6	$      825,497.00	2.8	0.2	+  5.11
SG -	Roger Mason	7.2	$   3,780,000.00	2.2	1.8	+  7.00

 





           Total budget so far:                                     $69,905,782.00





** This update should be complete, (with what info I have) ... let me know if I've mixed anything up. Thanks for your patience!

[PLamb]

Sorry for the lack of activity / follow up in the Pick 2 draft; unfortunately, the end of it coincided with me moving from New Jersey to Maine and setting up a new place with my fiancee.  Busy stuff.

So anyway, I figured this is a good thread to talk up our Pick 2 teams, and have some good natured debated about them.

Here's mine (final roster courtesy of Bahku, who deserves lots of TPs):



UPDATE:

The "New Look" Oklahoma City Robber Barons  :
Roy Hobbs - General Manager

Pos.	Starting Five	PPG	Salary	RB/G	APG	Efficiency
C   -	Greg Oden	11.1	$  5,361,240.00	8.5	0.9	+17.71
PF -	Elton Brand	14.3	$14,858,472.00	6.5	1.3	+15.78
SF -	Kevin Durant	29.7	$  4,796,880.00	7.3	3.0	+26.88
SG -	Anthony Morrow	11.4	$     736,420.00	3.5	1.3	+11.54
PG -	Russell Westbrook	16.2	$  3,755,640.00	5.0	7.5	+17.28
C   -	Andray Blatche	8.8	$  3,000,000.00	5.0	1.2	+10.58
PF -	Brandan Wright	0.0	$  2,671,440.00	0.0	0.0	+  0.00
SF -	Charles Villanueva	13.8	$  6,500,000.00	5.3	0.7	+12.65
SG -	Francisco Garcia	0.0	$  5,800,000.00	0.0	0.0	+  0.00
PG -	Rodrigue Beaubois	5.2	$  1,075,440.00	1.1	1.2	+  4.79
F   -	Earl Clark	2.8	$  1,766,280.00	1.1	0.5	+  2.08
G  -	Sergio Llull	0.0	$  2,250,000.00	0.0	0.0	+  0.00

           Total budget so far:                                    $52,571,812.00


Based upon roster construction, I'm thinking about going with the following lineup:

Oden / Brand
Charlie V. / Blatche / Wright
Durant / (Garcia) / Clark
Morrow / Garcia
Westbrook / Beaubois

Sergio Llull is a guy for the future, obviously.

In the short term, I think my team would be competitive, but would ultimately miss the playoffs.  I think it would have a chance in the "real" NBA, but I think with some of the stacked teams here, next year is probably a more realistic time to shoot for the playoffs, especially with the Oden, Wright, and Garcia injuries.

As a team of the future, though, I love this team's potential.  Durant is the elite superstar scorer, and Oden and Westbrook are both amazing defenders.  Morrow is a superb shooter who can put up 20+ points, and Brand -- while overpaid -- is a supremely talented post player.

If my team is lacking anything, it's veteran leaders outside of Brand.  However, I think I'd be able to add "glue" guys in free agency.

So, where do I see this team?  I think it's probably, in my mind, the clear cut "team of the future".  Of course, I can't take much credit for that, as it's easy to build a young team with Durant, Westbrook, and the 4th pick in the draft as building blocks.

I absolutely love parts of this team yet hate other parts

In Westbrook, Morrow and Durant you might have the most promise and talent in the PG/SG/SF combo area of any team in the league, I like that part of the team that much

I also love Beaubois and Wright off the bench(Nellie should be put in jail for how poorly he has developed Wright who I think has huge untapped potential in this league)

I really don't like the rest of the team as Oden hasn't been healthy since he was a sophomore in high school, Brand's injuries have rendered him helpless at the PF position, and Villanueva, Garcia and Clark are all soft in my book

I will say though that if Oden does get healthy and Brand can regain some mobility, the future could look bright with that starting five

Big if though

[celticsclay]

Sorry for the lack of activity / follow up in the Pick 2 draft; unfortunately, the end of it coincided with me moving from New Jersey to Maine and setting up a new place with my fiancee.  Busy stuff.

So anyway, I figured this is a good thread to talk up our Pick 2 teams, and have some good natured debated about them.

Here's mine (final roster courtesy of Bahku, who deserves lots of TPs):



UPDATE:

The "New Look" Oklahoma City Robber Barons  :
Roy Hobbs - General Manager

Pos.	Starting Five	PPG	Salary	RB/G	APG	Efficiency
C   -	Greg Oden	11.1	$  5,361,240.00	8.5	0.9	+17.71
PF -	Elton Brand	14.3	$14,858,472.00	6.5	1.3	+15.78
SF -	Kevin Durant	29.7	$  4,796,880.00	7.3	3.0	+26.88
SG -	Anthony Morrow	11.4	$     736,420.00	3.5	1.3	+11.54
PG -	Russell Westbrook	16.2	$  3,755,640.00	5.0	7.5	+17.28
C   -	Andray Blatche	8.8	$  3,000,000.00	5.0	1.2	+10.58
PF -	Brandan Wright	0.0	$  2,671,440.00	0.0	0.0	+  0.00
SF -	Charles Villanueva	13.8	$  6,500,000.00	5.3	0.7	+12.65
SG -	Francisco Garcia	0.0	$  5,800,000.00	0.0	0.0	+  0.00
PG -	Rodrigue Beaubois	5.2	$  1,075,440.00	1.1	1.2	+  4.79
F   -	Earl Clark	2.8	$  1,766,280.00	1.1	0.5	+  2.08
G  -	Sergio Llull	0.0	$  2,250,000.00	0.0	0.0	+  0.00

           Total budget so far:                                    $52,571,812.00


Based upon roster construction, I'm thinking about going with the following lineup:

Oden / Brand
Charlie V. / Blatche / Wright
Durant / (Garcia) / Clark
Morrow / Garcia
Westbrook / Beaubois

Sergio Llull is a guy for the future, obviously.

In the short term, I think my team would be competitive, but would ultimately miss the playoffs.  I think it would have a chance in the "real" NBA, but I think with some of the stacked teams here, next year is probably a more realistic time to shoot for the playoffs, especially with the Oden, Wright, and Garcia injuries.

As a team of the future, though, I love this team's potential.  Durant is the elite superstar scorer, and Oden and Westbrook are both amazing defenders.  Morrow is a superb shooter who can put up 20+ points, and Brand -- while overpaid -- is a supremely talented post player.

If my team is lacking anything, it's veteran leaders outside of Brand.  However, I think I'd be able to add "glue" guys in free agency.

So, where do I see this team?  I think it's probably, in my mind, the clear cut "team of the future".  Of course, I can't take much credit for that, as it's easy to build a young team with Durant, Westbrook, and the 4th pick in the draft as building blocks.

I absolutely love parts of this team yet hate other parts

In Westbrook, Morrow and Durant you might have the most promise and talent in the PG/SG/SF combo area of any team in the league, I like that part of the team that much

I also love Beaubois and Wright off the bench(Nellie should be put in jail for how poorly he has developed Wright who I think has huge untapped potential in this league)

I really don't like the rest of the team as Oden hasn't been healthy since he was a sophomore in high school, Brand's injuries have rendered him helpless at the PF position, and Villanueva, Garcia and Clark are all soft in my book

I will say though that if Oden does get healthy and Brand can regain some mobility, the future could look bright with that starting five

Big if though

Go easy on the spurs!

[Roy Hobbs]

Sorry for the lack of activity / follow up in the Pick 2 draft; unfortunately, the end of it coincided with me moving from New Jersey to Maine and setting up a new place with my fiancee.  Busy stuff.

So anyway, I figured this is a good thread to talk up our Pick 2 teams, and have some good natured debated about them.

Here's mine (final roster courtesy of Bahku, who deserves lots of TPs):



UPDATE:

The "New Look" Oklahoma City Robber Barons  :
Roy Hobbs - General Manager

Pos.	Starting Five	PPG	Salary	RB/G	APG	Efficiency
C   -	Greg Oden	11.1	$  5,361,240.00	8.5	0.9	+17.71
PF -	Elton Brand	14.3	$14,858,472.00	6.5	1.3	+15.78
SF -	Kevin Durant	29.7	$  4,796,880.00	7.3	3.0	+26.88
SG -	Anthony Morrow	11.4	$     736,420.00	3.5	1.3	+11.54
PG -	Russell Westbrook	16.2	$  3,755,640.00	5.0	7.5	+17.28
C   -	Andray Blatche	8.8	$  3,000,000.00	5.0	1.2	+10.58
PF -	Brandan Wright	0.0	$  2,671,440.00	0.0	0.0	+  0.00
SF -	Charles Villanueva	13.8	$  6,500,000.00	5.3	0.7	+12.65
SG -	Francisco Garcia	0.0	$  5,800,000.00	0.0	0.0	+  0.00
PG -	Rodrigue Beaubois	5.2	$  1,075,440.00	1.1	1.2	+  4.79
F   -	Earl Clark	2.8	$  1,766,280.00	1.1	0.5	+  2.08
G  -	Sergio Llull	0.0	$  2,250,000.00	0.0	0.0	+  0.00

           Total budget so far:                                    $52,571,812.00


Based upon roster construction, I'm thinking about going with the following lineup:

Oden / Brand
Charlie V. / Blatche / Wright
Durant / (Garcia) / Clark
Morrow / Garcia
Westbrook / Beaubois

Sergio Llull is a guy for the future, obviously.

In the short term, I think my team would be competitive, but would ultimately miss the playoffs.  I think it would have a chance in the "real" NBA, but I think with some of the stacked teams here, next year is probably a more realistic time to shoot for the playoffs, especially with the Oden, Wright, and Garcia injuries.

As a team of the future, though, I love this team's potential.  Durant is the elite superstar scorer, and Oden and Westbrook are both amazing defenders.  Morrow is a superb shooter who can put up 20+ points, and Brand -- while overpaid -- is a supremely talented post player.

If my team is lacking anything, it's veteran leaders outside of Brand.  However, I think I'd be able to add "glue" guys in free agency.

So, where do I see this team?  I think it's probably, in my mind, the clear cut "team of the future".  Of course, I can't take much credit for that, as it's easy to build a young team with Durant, Westbrook, and the 4th pick in the draft as building blocks.

I absolutely love parts of this team yet hate other parts

In Westbrook, Morrow and Durant you might have the most promise and talent in the PG/SG/SF combo area of any team in the league, I like that part of the team that much

I also love Beaubois and Wright off the bench(Nellie should be put in jail for how poorly he has developed Wright who I think has huge untapped potential in this league)

I really don't like the rest of the team as Oden hasn't been healthy since he was a sophomore in high school, Brand's injuries have rendered him helpless at the PF position, and Villanueva, Garcia and Clark are all soft in my book

I will say though that if Oden does get healthy and Brand can regain some mobility, the future could look bright with that starting five

Big if though

Obviously, we fundamentally disagree on Oden; I still think he's going to be a franchise player.  Also, Brand is probably going to play backup center.  I also disagree that Garcia is soft, and have never heard that characterization before.

I do agree that ultimately, Charlie V probably isn't the answer, but I think Blatche is a guy who is starting to harness some of his potential, and could eventually be a strong PF/C.

[PLamb]

The Spurs Have really come alive!

Although many san antontio fans where initially upset to see the long tenured tony parker leave town, many have come around in recent weeks on Jarret Jack as his play has continued to improve. In the month of February he averaged 11.5 points and 7.5 assists while shooting 47% from the field and a mind boggling 50% from downtown. He is joined in the backcourt by the season turning stephen jackson, a re-energized shawn marion, the pereniall all nba team member tim duncan and the underrated Samuel Dalembert (a rich mans perk cause he is paid more!)

My roster is as follows, but I will be playing  a larger lineup starting marion at the sf and stephen jackson at the sg. Barbosa will be the sixth man. Love it

UPDATE:

The "New Look" SAN ANTONIO SPURS  :
Celtics Clay - General Manager

Pos.	Starting Five	PPG	Salary	RB/G	APG	Efficiency
C    -	Samuel Dalembert	7.4	$ 12,025,694.00	9.8	1.0	+16.32
PF  -	Tim Duncan	19.4	$ 22,183,220.00	10.8	3.1	+25.68
SF -	Stephen Jackson	20.9	$   7,650,000.00	4.3	3.9	+17.53
SG -	Leandro Barbosa	10.6	$   6,600,000.00	1.6	1.7	+  8.03
PG -	Jarrett Jack	10.5	$   5,000,000.00	2.7	4.8	+12.41
C    -	Tony Battie	2.4	$   6,292,000.00	1.5	0.2	+  2.40
PF  -	Darrell Arthur	2.8	$   1,050,480.00	3.3	0.3	+  2.75
SF  -	Larry Hughes	9.6	$ 13,655,268.00	3.5	3.5	+10.32
SG -	Shawn Marion	11.7	$   6,635,068.00	6.5	1.5	+14.75
PG -	Chris Duhon	7.5	$   6,031,800.00	2.7	6.1	+ 10.31
C   -	Joel Anthony	2.6	$      825,497.00	2.8	0.2	+  5.11
SG -	Roger Mason	7.2	$   3,780,000.00	2.2	1.8	+  7.00

 





           Total budget so far:                                     $69,905,782.00





** This update should be complete, (with what info I have) ... let me know if I've mixed anything up. Thanks for your patience!

I think this would be a much better team with a starting lineup of Jack/Mason/Jackson/Marion/Duncan and bringing in Dalembert, Duhon and Barbosa off the bench for a tight 8 man rotation

Unfortunately the bench falls off pretty quickly at that point

I think I liked the team better before the Tony Parker trade

A PF off the bench with energy and defense is a must addition

A 6 through 8 playoff team though with a first round loss in it's future

[Roy Hobbs]

The "New Look" Toronto Raptors  :
Lucky 17 - General Manager

Pos.	Starting Five	PPG	Salary	RB/G	APG	Efficiency
C    -	Kendrick Perkins	11.1	$  4,750,000.00	8.1	1.0	+15.58
PF  -	Chris Bosh	24.5	$15,799,912.00	11.4	2.3	+27.91
SF  -	Martell Webster	11.1	$  4,344,000.00	3.9	0.8	+10.38
SG -	JR Smith	15.0	$  5,508,426.00	3.1	2.4	+10.94
PG -	Kirk Hinrich	10.3	$  9,500,000.00	3.7	4.4	+11.37
C    -	Jason Thompson	12.9	$  2,035,920.00	8.8	1.8	+16.02
PF  -	Jonas Jerebko	8.9	$     457,588.00	5.6	0.6	+10.59
SF  -	Damien Wilkins	5.8	$  3,300,000.00	3.6	1.9	+  8.06
SG -	Gilbert Arenas	22.6	$16,192,079.00	4.2	7.2	+18.78
PG -	Mario Chalmers	7.2	$     756,000.00	1.8	3.5	+  8.74
C   -	Nazr Mohammed	8.4	$  6,466,600.00	5.3	0.5	+11.00
C   -	JaVale McGee	2.6	$  1,496,640.00	1.6	0.1	+  3.93
PF -	Andres Nocioni	8.7	$  7,500,000.00	3.0	1.1	+  7.55
SF -	Bobby Simmons	5.3	$10,560,000.00	2.7	0.7	+  5.30

       

    Total budget so far:                                     $88,667,165.00

Starting five:
We love the overall team defense that our starting five presents. Kirk Hinrich will give opposing point guards fits, our wings are young and athletic, and our frontcourt tandem is mobile and aggressive. We’ve paired Bosh, one of the premiere big men in the league, with a workhorse banger in Perkins and deadly perimeter shooting in Smith and Webster. Bosh and Smith will carry the bulk of the offensive load, but Hinrich, Webster and Perkins will also provide scoring within the flow of the offense. Excellent team rebounding, speed, and perimeter defense will result in lots of easy fastbreak and transition baskets.

Bench:
Tremendous flexibility, athleticism, and depth.

Chalmers will be an excellent defensive guard and understudy to Hinrich. Arenas, once he returns from his suspension, will serve as instant offense off the bench, getting time at both guard spots.

Despite being a rookie, Jonas Jerebko is already demonstrating tremendous ability to contribute on both sides of the ball. His energy, length, and athleticism will allow him to back up both forward slots, depending on matchups. Nocioni brings grit and tenacity, and will match up against opposing power 3s and small PFs. Likewise, Jason Thompson brings energy off the bench at both frontcourt spots. Collectively, our forwards are energetic and tough, and should outhustle and outquick the opposition.

Nazr Mohammed and JaVale McGee will back up the C position. Mohammed’s veteran presence will help stabilize the center rotation, while we develop McGee, a gifted athlete and budding shot-blocker.

Damien Wilkins and Bobby Simmons are veterans who can contribute on both sides of the ball, and will help bolster our SG/SF rotation.

While we possess incredible depth, we anticipate a 9 or 10 man rotation, depending on our opposition. Until Arenas returns from suspension, Chalmers will be our main guard off the bench, while Jerebko, Nocioni, and Thompson will back up the SF/PF/C spots. In the event of needing size or foul trouble, Nazr or McGee will also spell Perkins at C.

Window of opportunity:
As constructed, we believe this team can compete now for a championship, but with our young core (only Mohammed is over the age of 30), we feel we’ll be a perennial contender for several years.

Payroll:
Yes, it's a big payroll. But Toronto represents an entire country of NBA fans, and we're prepared to spend whatever it takes to bring a championship to Canada. We’ve demonstrated to Chris Bosh that we are prepared to surround him with the help he needs, and we fully expect to resign/extend him after this year. After this season, we’ll look to extend or resign our other key rotational players. Simmons and Wilkins represent nearly $14 million in expiring salary that we will either let go, or use to improve our club should the right deal present itself.

Final words:
We may not have the PR department that Orlando has, but we think we’d give the Magic a run for their money in a seven game series. In fact, we think we’ll see them there in the conference finals, and we like our chances.

Don't listen to Roy and Edgar, they are ganging up on you

Your Bosh/Perkins/Thompson/Mohammed/Jerebko front line is deep and high in quality, definitely one of the best front courts in the game

Though Gilbert is gone for this year which hampers your overall chances this year, if next year he buys into the team PG position, this is a dangerous team

As for this year I like the Hinrich/Smith combo because where one lacks offensively the other thrives defensively

Your big problem is your SF position which is mediocre at best

Overall, definitely a strong EC team with ECFs a definite possibility

I'm not ganging up on Lucky at all; I think that outside of Bosh and Arenas, he has a team full of average-to-below-average players.  Again, there are a ton of good role players, but really not many guys I'd count on to take a big shot.

That leaves you with the question of whether Bosh + Arenas is a championship duo.  I don't think they are.  Bosh is the "Ru Paul of big men" (although he'll be better beside Perk), and strikes me as a guy who would be better as a second banana.  Arenas struggles playing within a team concept, despite having a ton of talent.

I just don't like the construction very much, especially for the payroll.  I mean, only two teams in the "real" NBA have payrolls over $88 million; one is the defending champion, and the other is owned by Mark Cuban.  I just don't think Toronto is getting its money's worth.

[Atzar]

UPDATE:

The "New Look" Los Angeles Clippers  :
Atzar - General Manager

Pos.	Starting Five	PPG	Salary	RB/G	APG	Efficiency
C    -	Joakim Noah	11.2	$   2,455,680.00	12.0	2.1	+20.37
PF  -	Blake Griffin	0.0	$   4,983,480.00	0.0	0.0	0.00
SF  -	Rudy Gay	19.9	$   3,280,997.00	5.9	2.0	+17.90
SG -	James Harden	9.7	$   4,004,160.00	3.2	2.0	+ 9.40
PG -	Ricky Rubio	0.0	$   1,400,000.00	0.0	0.0	+ 0.00
C    -	Joe Smith	2.6	$      825,497.00	2.8	0.4	+ 3.92
PF  -	Marreese Speights	8.7	$   1,658,280.00	4.2	0.6	+ 9.84
SF  -	Jarvis Hayes	7.8	$   2,062,800.00	2.5	0.8	+ 6.55
SG -	Marquis Daniels	6.2	$   1,990,000.00	2.0	2.0	+ 6.90
PG -	Rafer Alston	8.6	$      475,875.00	2.6	3.4	+ 7.62
G   -	Daniel Gibson	7.0	$   4,088,500.00	1.3	1.4	+ 6.45
C   -	Theo Ratliff	1.6	$   1,306,455.00	2.0	0.4	+ 3.17

           Total budget so far:                                     $28,531,724.00


In the short term, this team may be the worst in the league.  Ricky Rubio is still in Spain and Blake Griffin is out for the season.  That means that for this season, I'll likely be starting Rafer at the point and Speights at PF.  Harden is also a year or two away from being ready to start.  Alston/Harden/Gay/Speights/Noah isn't winning much of anything, except maybe the lottery.  My payroll is one of the lowest in the league at the moment, and what you pay for is what you get.

With that said, going forward this team has boundless potential.  I'll have some high picks to work with over the next two or three years, and I could potentially bring in some quality pieces such as John Wall, Evan Turner and DeMarcus Cousins - all three of which would be fantastic fits on my team.  Also, a very low payroll means that I'll have the option to be a factor in free agency going forward. 

As soon as Rubio comes in and gets settled, my team will start to become relevant.  In particular, teams will have nightmares trying to deal with Rubio, Gay and Griffin on the break.  I love Alston, Daniels and Speights as quality bench pieces going forward, and Gibson is a nice option when I need to space the floor. 

Ultimately, the team could go in any of a few different directions as it matures.  It's an extremely young team, and many different things could go wrong.  Gay and Noah have both shown signs of being hard to get along with in the locker room over the past couple of years, and Griffin and Daniels are fragile.  I don't really have a bona fide leader to bring everybody together and get them on the same page.  Ultimately, if I can keep this core together, this team can contend in four years or so, and their potential is as high as anybody in the league.  If things go wrong, however, I could be sitting in my office in 2016, trying to salvage all I can from the wreckage and wondering what might have been.  This is the Clippers, after all.