CB Historical Draft - Team Rosters/Panelists Comments

[Fan from VT]

On behalf of Redz, it's the Boston Celtics:



Starters:

PG: Chris Paul ’08-‘09
PPG: 22.8
RPG: 5.5
APG: 11.0
SPG: 2.8
BPG: .1
FG% .503
3P% .364
FT% .868
Notes: All-NBA 2, All-Defense 1

SG: Eddie Jones ’99-‘00
PPG: 20.1
RPG: 4.8
APG: 4.2
SPG: 2.7
BPG: .7
FG% .427
3P% .375
FT% .864
Notes: All-Defense 2nd Team, All-NBA 3rd

SF: Kevin Durant ‘09-‘10
PPG: 30.1
RPG: 7.6
APG: 2.8
SPG: 1.4
BPG: 1.0
FG% .476
3P% .365
FT% .900
Notes: All-NBA 1st Team

PF: Charles Barkley ’92-‘93
PPG: 25.6
RPG: 12.6
APG: 5.1
SPG: 1.6
BPG: 1.0
FG% .520
3P% .305
FT% .765
Notes: League MVP, All-NBA 1st

C: Brad Dougherty ’91-‘92
PPG: 21.5
RPG: 10.4
APG: 3.6
SPG: .9
BPG: 1.1
FG% .570
3P% ----
FT% .777
Notes: All-NBA 3rd


BENCH:
PG: Michael Adams ’90-‘91
PPG: 26.5
RPG: 3.9
APG: 10.5
SPG: 2.2
BPG: .1
FG% .394
3P% .296
FT% .879

SG: Joe Dumars ’89-‘90
PPG: 17.8
RPG: 2.8
APG: 4.9
SPG: .8
BPG: 0
FG% .480
3P% .400
FT% .900
Notes: All-Defense 1st, All NBA 3rd (went with the slightly down stats-wise year (stats were down due to mpg) because the percentages were the best and he was All-Defense 1st this year).

SF: Ricky Pierce ’90-‘91
PPG: 20.5
RPG: 2.2
APG: 2.8
SPG: .8
BPG: .2
FG% .485
3P% .397
FT% .913
Notes: One year removed from 6th man of the year.

PF: Vin Baker ’96-‘97
PPG: 21.0
RPG: 10.3
APG: 2.7
SPG: 1.0
BPG: 1.4
FG% .505
3P% .278
FT% .687
Notes: All-NBA 3

C: Rik Smits ’94-‘95
PPG: 17.9
RPG: 7.7
APG: 1.4
SPG: .5
BPG: 1.0
FG% .526
3P% ----
FT% .753
Notes: Went with the better rebounding, slightly down scoring year.

PG: Dennis Johnson ’89-‘90
PPG: 7.1
RPG: 2.7
APG: 6.5
SPG: 1.1
BPG: .2
FG% .430
3P% .042
FT% .843

SG: Drazen Petrovic ’92-‘93
PPG: 22.3
RPG: 2.7
APG: 3.5
SPG: 1.3
BPG: .2
FG% .518
3P% .449
FT% .870
Notes: All-NBA 3rd

SF/PF: Bo Outlaw ’97-‘98
PPG: 9.5
RPG: 7.8
APG: 2.6
SPG: 1.3
BPG: 2.2
FG% .554
3P% .250
FT% .575

PF/C: David Lee ’09-‘10
PPG: 20.2
RPG: 11.7
APG: 3.6
SPG: 1.0
BPG: .5
FG% .545
3P%  ---
FT% .812

[GreenFaith1819]

Historical Draft. New Jersey Nets  Coach: Rick Adelman
C – Olajuwon89-90/Perkins09-10/Radja94-95
PF – McHale89-90/Nance91-92/K. Martin03-04
SF – G. Robinson99-00/G. Wallace09-10/Turkoglu07-08
SG – R. Hamilton05-06/Iguodala07-08/J. Malone89-90
PG – Billups07-08/K. Anderson96-97/Ainge89-90

Coach Rick Adelman, from NBA.Com:

Adelman owns a career record of 860-537 (.616) in 18 NBA seasons as a head coach with the Portland Trail Blazers (1988-94), Golden State Warriors (1995-97), Sacramento Kings (1998-2006) and Houston Rockets (2007-09). He has recorded the sixth most wins among active NBA coaches behind Don Nelson (Golden State), Jerry Sloan (Utah), Larry Brown (Charlotte), Phil Jackson (L.A. Lakers) and George Karl (Denver). Adelman stands as one of only five head coaches in league history to win 60 or more games with two different teams. He also holds a career 79-78 (.503) mark in the postseason, including a 9-10 (.474) record with the Rockets. Adelman’s teams have qualified for the playoffs 16 times in his 18 seasons.

Known around the league as a basketball teacher with an ability to mold a team’s style of play around the strengths of his players, Adelman’s coaching highlights include a pair of NBA Finals appearances (1990 and 1992 with Portland), four trips to the Western Conference Finals (1990-92 with Portland and 2002 with Sacramento) and four division titles (1990-91 and 1991-92 with Portland; 2001-02 and 2002-03 with Sacramento). Adelman has been runner-up for NBA Coach of the Year honors four times (1990-91 with Portland; 2000-01 and 2001-02 with Sacramento; 2008-09 with Houston). He has also coached the West Team in the NBA All-Star Game on three separate occasions (1991 with Portland; 2001 and 2003 with Sacramento). Overall, Adelman has been named NBA Coach of the Month seven times over his career (three with Portland, two with Sacramento and two with Houston).

Team Captains: Chauncey Billups, Danny Ainge, Hakeem Olajuwon, Kevin McHale, Andre Iguodala

Hakeem:  In 89-90, he played all 82 games, averaging 24 pts, 14 rebs(nearly 4 offensive), nearly 3 assists, over 2 steals and almost 5 blocks, over 50% FG, over 70% FT.
For the Historical Draft, I would match him up against the more mobile opponent on the opposing frontline, (ex-Hakeem VS KG). In his prime, he matched up well with any other center or PF.

For Kevin McHale, he was a very elite player well into the early 90’s. For the season I picked, he played in all 82 games, starting 25.

My 2nd PF, Larry Nance, fills in quite nicely for me here, and provides more mobility at this position for my team, compensating for the lack of it from McHale due to his advancing age. Kevin played 33 minutes, shot 54% from the field, nearly 90% from the line, averaged over 8 rebs (over 2 offensive), nearly 2 blocks, and 21 pts.

Both McHale and Olajuwon had a dizzying array of offensive low post moves, enabling them to total over 45 pts between them for the purposes of the draft. Defensively? Nearly Seven Blocks between them.
 
For the purposes of the draft, McHale in most cases match up well with opposing team’s PFs or centers. In the case of a more mobile PF, Olajuwon would guard him, or I bring in Larry Nance. In the case of a Shaquille O’Neal or Dwight Howard, I bring in Kendrick Perkins. Perk would not be able to stop Shaq, but slow him down.

On offense – when both Hakeem and McHale in the game, I like either of them on the block..they can switch it out. At this stage in both of their careers, I’d place Dream on the block more, with McHale settling for his J at the top of the key. He had a dangerous J from that range. But McHale even at this stage in his career could still do damage down low. If they switched it up and had Dream outside and McHale on the block, Dream could work on any defender out there..from 12-15 feet he was still doing his Dream Moves – spinning and hitting that jumper of his.

For my starting SF I chose to go with Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson. I initially chose Gerald Wallace 1st, but after reviewing my lineup I chose some offensive variety from this position for the sake of defense. Glen Robinson’s stats from the year I chose for him (96-97):
Glen Robinson averaged over played 80 games, averaging nearly 39 min, 21 pts on nearly 47% shooting, 35% from 3-land, nearly 80% FT, over 6 boards from the SF spot, over 3 assists, and at 1.3 steals, and nearly 1 block per game.

Entire Starting Frontline Totals: 66 Pts, almost 30 rebs, over 7 blocks, almost 4 steals, nearly 6 assists, and over 51% FG percentage.

In cases where needed, we could bring in Gerald Wallace to slow down any prolific scorers at this position. Gerald Wallace’s stats from 09-10:

He played 76 games that year, starting all. Played 41 min per game, shot 48% FG, 37% 3-range, 77% FT, average 10 rebs (2.0 offensive), 2.1 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.1 blocks, and 18.2 pts per game. Gerald had his best 3 pt shooting range that year, and gave me a good number of blocks as well.

For my backcourt, I chose Chauncey Billups. He is very strong for a PG, able to post up smaller ones and defend bigger ones. He has range from all over the court. I chose Chauncey’s 07-08 season:
He played 78 games that year, averaging 32 min, 17 pts, nearly 45% FG, over 40% 3-range, over 90% FT, nearly 3 rebs, nearly 7 assists, and  1.3 steals.

For Richard Hamilton, I chose his 05-06 season, where he played 80 games, over 35 min, nearly 45% FG, and nearly 46% 3-pt accuracy. He also averaged 84% FT, over 3 rebs, 3.4 assists, 0.6 steals, and 20.1 pts.

With Rip, Chauncey, and Glen Robinson for starters, we really spread the floor, with 3 legitimate 3 pt threats. We could also bring in Gerald Wallace to spread the floor from 3-range.

Kendrick Perkins played 76 games in 09-10, averaging 32 min, over 60% accuracy, 7.6 rebs, 1.7 blocks, and 10.1 pts.

Larry Nance brings more Defensive options for me, as he would sub in for an aging McHale, and could guard more mobile PFs when needed. In 91-92 season, Larry played 81 games at 35.6 min a game, shot 53% FG, 82% FT, pulled in 8.3 rebs (2.6 offensive), added 2.9 assists, 1 steal, 3 blocks, and 17.6 pts per game.
 
Our Second String Frontline tandem of Perk, Nance and Gerald Wallace combines for nearly 6 blocks per game and nearly 3 steals between the three. They total  nearly 46 pts per game, with over 22 rebs and nearly 6 assists. They provide me with a variety of mobility, strength and toughness.

For Dino Radja I chose his 95-96 season, where he played 53 games and started 52, averaging 37 min per game, 50% FG, 69% FT, 9.8 rebs (2.1 offensive), 1.5 blocks, 1.9 assists and 19.2 pts per game.

Kenyon Martin provides another Big with mobility from the bench. For his 03-04 season, he played in 65 games, starting 62, played 34.6 min, shot nearly 49% FG, 68% FT, averaged 9.5 rebs (2.0 offensive), 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.3 blocks, and chipped in 16.7 pts per game.

Hedo Turkoglu plays the role of Floor Spacer, with 3-range,and  great ball-handling ability for a 6’10” SF. For his 07-08 season, he played in all 82 games, starting all, played 36.9 min per game, shot 45.6% FG, 40% 3-Range, 82.9% FT, 5.7 rebs, 0.9 steals, and 19.7 pts per game. His biggest contribution, I think, is that he allows me to go big with any lineup, especially on the offensive end. He also averaged a great amount of assists from the SF position and gives any lineup an added dimension with his abilities to distribute the ball.

Third string frontline tandem of Radja, Kenyon, and Hedo combines for nearly 60 pts per game, 25 rebs, 3 blocks, 9.4 assists, and nearly 3 steals per game.
For Danny, I chose the 89-90 season, where he played 75 games, starting 68, played 36.4 min, shot 43.8% FG, 37.4% from 3 land, 83% FT, 4.3 rebs, 6 assists, 1.5 steals, and 17.5 pts per game.

For Jeff Malone, I chose his 89-90 season, where he averaged 34 min per game, played in 75 games, starting 74, shot 49.1% FG, 87.7% FT, averaged 2.7 rebs, 3.2 assists, 0.6 steals, and over 24 pts per game.

Third string backcourt combines for over 41 pts, over 2 steals, over 9 assists, 7 rebs per game.
 
Andre Iguodala provides another proven defender and slasher for me who can play either SG or SF positions. For his 07-08 season, he played and started all 82 games, played 39.5 min, shot 45.6% FG, 32.9% 3-range, 72.1% FT, 5.4 rebs, 4.8 assists, 2.1 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 19.9 pts per game.

Kenny Anderson provides a good backup PG for 1st string and a sound starter for my 22nd unit. His 96-97 stats are 82 games played, with 81 started, 37.6 min played, 42.7% FG, 36.1 3-Range, 76.8% FT, 4.4 rebs, 7.1 assists, 2.0 steals, and 17.5 pts per game.

I started out with an overall Defensive Flair with my team, and ended up with some versatility offensively.
 
Total Hall of Famers: 2 currently (Olajuwon and McHale
Total Championships: 11 (Ainge - 2, Hakeem – 2, McHale – 3, Perkins – 1, Chauncey – 1, Hamilton – 1, Glen Robinson – 1.)
Total All-Star Appearances: 39
MVP(s) – Olajuwon(1)
Finals MVP(s) – Billups(1)
1st Team All NBA – Olajuwon (7) McHale(1)
NBA Defensive Player of the Year: Olajuwon (2) 92-94
2nd Team All NBA – Billups (1)
3rd Team All NBA – Billups (2)
1st Team All Defense – Olajuwon (2)
2nd Team All Defense: Billups (2), McHale(1), Olajuwon(3), Nance(2)
Gerald Wallace received 2 first team votes for NBA Defensive Team in 2006-07.
Hedo Turkoglu won the NBA Most Improved Player Award in 2007-2008.
ALL NBA Rookie 1st Team: Iguodala, Kenyon Martin

[StartOrien]

New Orleans Hornets

I like this team, SO ... love the balance of offensive and defensive strength, and the bench is deep. Looks like you really put a lot of thought into being strong at both ends of the floor ... would love to see this team in action.

Thankyou for the kind words Bahku. I've always been a pretty big on-floor chemistry guy, glad to see that you noticed!

[Drucci]

Chicago Bulls

Jason Kidd 00-01/Mike Bibby 01-02/Aaron Brooks 08-09
Ray Allen 03-04/Jason Richardson 07-08/Kevin Martin 07-08
Peja Stojakovic 01-02/Stephen Jackson 07-08
Carlos Boozer 07-08/Boris Diaw 08-09/Tim Thomas 00-01/Antawn Jamison 07-08
David Robinson 98-99/Brad Miller 04-05/Naz Mohammed 04-05

[nickagneta]

PLAYERS

Shaquille O'Neal - Center - 1999-2000

7'1" 325 Pounds

79G...40.0 MPG...29.7 PPG...13.6 RPG...3.8 APG...0.5 STPG...3.0 BPG...57.4% FG%...30.6 PER

Lead league in: FGs made, FG%, FTA, total points, points per game, PER, offensive wins shares, defensive wins shares, wins shares, win shares per 48 minutes, playoff games plaed, playoff minutes played, plaoff FGs attempted, playoff FGs made, playoff FTs attempted, playoff FTs made, playoff offensive rebounds, playoff defensive rebounds, playoff rebounds, playoff blocks, playoff points, playoff points per game, playoff rebounds per game, playoff PER, playoff defensive win shares, playoff defensive win shares, playoff win shares and playoff win shares per 48 minutes

Named: NBA MVP, Finals MVP, All-Star Game MVP, All-Star, 1st Team All-NBA, 2nd Team All-Defense

Career Accomplishments: 4-time NBA Champion, 15 time All-Star, NBA Top 50 at 50 Player, NBA MVP, 3-Time Finals MVP, 3-Time All-Star MVP, NBA Rookie of the Year, 8-Time 1st Team All-NBA, 2-Time 2nd Team All-NBA, 3-Time 3rd Team All-NBA, 3-Time 2nd Team All-Defense, 8-Time top 5 finish in MVP balloting

Dirk Nowitzki - Power Forward/Center - 2005-2006

7'0" 237 Pounds

78G...36.2 MPG...24.6 PPG...8.9 RPG...3.4 SPG...0.7 STPG...0.8 BPG...50.2% FG%...41.6% 3PT%...90.4 FT%...60.5 TS%...27.6 PER

Lead league in: PER, offensive win shares, win share, win shares per 48 minutes

Named: NBA MVP, All-Star, 1st Team All-NBA

Career Accomplishments: NBA MVP, 9-Time All-Star, 4-Time 1st Team All-NBA, 4-Time 2nd Team All-NBA, 2-Time 3rd Team All-NBA, 3-time Top 3 balloting NBA MVP

James Worthy - Small Forward - 1989-90

6'9" 225 Pounds

80G...37.0 MPG...21.1 PPG...6.0 RPG...3.6 APG...1.2 STPG...0.6 BPG...19.8 PER

Named: All-Star, 3rd Team All-NBA

Career Accomplishments: Inducted into Hall of Fame, 3-Time NBA Champion, 7-Time All-Star, NBA Top 50 at 50 Player, Finals MVP, 2-Time 3rd Team All-NBA

Clyde Drexler - Shooting Guard - 1991-1992

6'7" 210 Pounds

76G...36.2 MPG...25.0 PPG...6.6 RPG...6.7 APG...1.8 STPG...0.8 BPG...56% TS%...23.6 PER

Named: All-Star, 1st Team All-NBA, NBA MVP Runner-up

Career Accomplishments: Inducted into Hall of Fame, NBA Champion, 10-Time All-Star, 1st Team All-NBA, 2-Time 2nd Team All-NBA, 2-time 3rd Team All-NBA, 2-Time Top 5 balloting NBA MVP

Mark Price - Point Guard - 1992-1993

6'0" 170 Pounds

75G...31.7 MPG...18.2...PPG...2.7 RPG...8.0 APG...1.2 STPG...0.1 BPG...48.4% FG%...41.6% 3PT%...94.8% FT%...22.1 PER

Lead league in: Free throw percentage

NBA All-Time Leader: Career free throw percentage

Named: All-Star, 1st Team All-NBA

Career Accomplishments: 4-Time All-Star, 1st Team All-NBA, 3-Time 3rd Team All-NBA

Moses Malone - Center - 1989-1990

6'10" 220 Pounds

81G...33.8 MPG...18.9 PPG...10.0 RPG...1.6 APG...0.6 STPG...1.0BPG...20.2 PER

Lead league in: Offensive rebounds

NBA All-Time Leader: Offensive rebounds

Career Accomplishments: Inducted into Hall of Fame, NBA Champion, 13-Time All-Star, NBA Top 50 at 50 Player, 3-Time NBA MVP, Finals MVP, 4-Time 1st Team All-NBA, 4-Time 2nd Team All-NBA, 1st Team All-Defense, 2nd Team All-Defense, 5-Time Top 5 Balloting NBA MVP

Shawn Marion - SmallForward/Power Forward - 2005-2006

6'7" 220 Pounds

81G...40.3 MPG...21.8PPG...11.8 RPG...1.8 APG...2.0 STPG...1.7 BPG...59.1% TS%...23.6 PER

Named: All-Star, 3rd Team All-NBA

Career Accomplishments: 4-Time All-Star, 2-Time 3rd Team All-NBA

Antonio McDyess - Power Forward - 2000-2001

6'9" 220 Pounds

70G...36.5 MPG...20.8 PPB...12.1 RPG...2.1 APG...0.6 STPG...1.5 BPG...22.0 PER

Named: All-Star

Career Accomplishments: All-Star, 3rd Team All-NBA

Jerry Stackhouse - Shooting Guard - 2000-2001

6'6" 218 Pounds

80G...40.2 MPG...29.8 PPG...3.9 RPG...5.1 APG...1.2 STPG...0.7 BPG...21.8 PER

Lead league in: FG Attempted, FT Made, Points scored

Named: All-Star

Career Accomplishments: 2-Time All-Star

Terry Porter - Point Guard - 1990-1991

6'3" 195 Pounds

81G...17.0 PPG...3.5 RPG...8.0 APG...2.0 STPG...0.1 BPG...51.5% FG%...41.5% 3PT%...85.6% FT%...63.2% TS%...21.7 PER

Named: All-Star

Career Accomplishments: 2-Time All-Star

Jayson Williams - Power Forward/Center - 1997-1998

6'10" 240 Pounds

65G...36.0 MPG...12.9 PPG...13.6 RPG...1.0 APG...0.7 STPG...0.8 BPG...18.7 PER

Lead league in: Offensive rebounds, offensive rebound percentage

NBA All-Time Leader: Offensive rebound percentage

Named: All-Star

Career Accomplishments: All-Star

Sean Elliott - Small Forward - 1995-1996

6'8" 205Pounds

77G...37.7 MPG...20.0 PPG...5.1 RPG...2.7 APG...0.9 STPG...0.4 BPG...58.5% TS% ...16.3 PER

Named: All-Star

Career Accomplishments: NBA Champion, 2-Time All-Star

B.J. Armstrong - Point Guard - 1992-1993

6'2" 175 Pounds

82G...30.4 MPG...12.3 PPG...1.8 RPG...4.0 APG...0.8 STPG...0.1 BPG...49.9% FG%...45.3% 3PT%...86.1% FT%...57.0% TS%...14.7 PER

Lead league in: 3 point field goal percentage

Career Accomplishments: 3-Time NBA Champion, All-Star

John Starks - Shooting Guard - 1992-1993

6'4" 180 Pounds

80G...31.0 MPG...17.5 PPG...2.6 RPG...5.1 APG...1.1 STPG...0.2 BPG...16.3 PER

Named: 2nd-Team All-Defense

Career Accomplishments: Sixth Man of the Year, All-Star, 2nd-Team All-Defense

Shareef Abdur-Rahim - Power Forward - 1999-2000

6'9" 225 Pounds

82G...39.3 MPG...20.3 PPG...10.1 RPG...3.3 APG...1.1 STPG...1.1 BPG...20.2 PER

Career Accomplishments: All-Star

COACH

Doc Rivers

A former 10 year veteran of the NBA and former All-Star point guard, Doc started his coaching career in the 1999-2000 season with the Orlando Magic. Doc preceeded to take a horrible Magic team to a .500 record and earn NBA Coach of the year. Since that time Doc has coached for 11 more years and has compiled a 451-380 regular season record, 42-35 playoff record, has won an NBA championship with the Boston celtics and is currently one win away from returning to the NBA Finals and a chance at his second NBA title. Doc is considered a great manager of players and personalities and always gets the most out of teams regardless of the talent level. He has been praised for his being able to take the superstars known as the Big Three(kevin garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen) and get them to sacrifice their alpha dog type ways and blend their talents for the good of the team. He is considered a tremendous motivator and has outstanding respect and loyalty from his players. Over the last three years, in my opinion, there has been no better coach in the NBA.

COACHING STRATEGIES

STARTERS: The starters will always include Shaquille O'Neal, Dirk Nowitzki, James Worthy and Clyde Drexler. Where Doc will change things up is depending on the type of point guard we will face, he will change the starting point guard. For most nights it will be Mark Price that will start and lead the team but on occassion, against bigger PGs where the matchup defensively for Price isn't good, Doc will start Terry Porter and bring Price off the bench. Both players are excellent floor generals that can shoot lights out from any range but Porter is a bigger stronger player with better defensive skills that would provide a much better match up for the Jazz against the leagues larger starting PG's. On most nights I would expect Shaq to be playing 38-40 MPG, Dirk 32-34 MPG, Worthy 28-30 MPG, and Clyde 38-40 MPG. Depnding on the PG matchup the starter would probably get about 28-30 MPG and the other platoon PG 18-20 MPG.

ROTATIONAL BENCH: As I have already discussed Price and Porter will be platooning the PG position dependent on matchups. In tight, playoff caliber type game the bench will only go 4 players deep, those being Porter/Price(whoever isn't starting), Marion(20-22MPG), McDyess(22-24MPG), Stackshouse/Starks(8-10 mpg depending whether the Jazz need offense or defense in their SG match up).

OFFENSIVE STRATEGY: When Shaq is on the floor, which will be most of the time, the plan is to spread the offense and work the offense from the inside out, much like the Orlando Magic offense is run now. The difference being is that it will be the best low post offensive player of the era in the low post and not the low post moves deficient Dwight Howard playing center. With Dirk Nowitzki as the PF there's just little a team is going to be able to do in doubling Shaq with their second big man as as soon as they do, Dirk, a 7 foot tall, over 60% TS% PF will bomb from the outsideover anyone. ball movement around the edge will be key as the offense will have Dirk and Price/Porter in the corners and Worthy and Clyde at the top of the key giving them the option to drive the lane and create or continue to move the ball around the edge to the corner man, all of whom are deadly three point shooters.

When Shaq is off the floor the plan is to go to a running unit with Dirk at center, McDyess at PF, Worthy/Marion at SF, Clyde at SG and Price/Porter at PG. The pace will be pushed during times when Shaq is off the floor to as an extreme a level as it can be. The startegy being to wear down the defense with speed and running when Shaq is out of the game and strength and power when he is in.

Moses is the emergency center in case Shaq gets into foul trouble. At only 33 and still capable of throwing up 20/10 on every night, Moses will bring a much needed touch of veteran experience to the team. For those times when rebounding is at a premium especially on the offensive glass or during free throws misses, Jayson Williams will be brought in as he is one of the greatest offensive rebounders in the history of the NBA. As I already said, Starks and Stacks will platoon the backup SG position based on whether the matchup needed is for more defense or offense and lastly, BJ Armstrong will be used as a three point specialist for end of quarter, half and game situations when spreading the floor with shooters is so necessary. Armstrong has one of the best career three point shooting averages ever and will compliment a lineup of Dirk, Price, Porter and Drexler tremendouly when a three pointer is necessary. Abdur Rahim will probably never dress for this team.

DEFENSIVE STRATEGY: The Jazz will employ Doc's rotational help defensive sets. We are very long and lots of tipped balls, steals and weak side help defense will be the key to stopping the opponent and it will start down low with team's being aware of Shaq's last line of defense and clogging of the lane to prevent driving of the basketball.

[Who]

Chicago Bulls

Jason Kidd 00-01/Mike Bibby 01-02/Aaron Brooks 08-09
Ray Allen 03-04/Jason Richardson 07-08/Kevin Martin 07-08
Peja Stojakovic 01-02/Stephen Jackson 07-08
Carlos Boozer 07-08/Boris Diaw 08-09/Tim Thomas 00-01/Antawn Jamison 07-08
David Robinson 98-99/Brad Miller 04-05/Naz Mohammed 04-05

Why are you taking the old David Robinson?

That would kill your team's chances.

[nickagneta]

Portland Trailblazers

Coached by Jerry Sloan.  During the 21 year period, Jerry coached all 21 seasons compiling a 1056-634 record (62.49 win % for ave. record of 51.24 wins and 30.76 losses) and a 96-97 playoff record.  Jerry's teams made the playoffs 18 of the 21 years and advanced to NBA Finals twice (losing to Chicago both times).  

John Stockton   1994-1995
Terrell Brandon   1999-2000
Raja Bell   2006-2007
Joe Johnson   2004-2005
Jim Jackson   1995-1996
Lebron James   2009-2010
Tayshaun Prince   2006-2007
Shane Battier   2007-2008
Dennis Rodman   1991-1992
Al Jefferson   2007-2008
Zach Randolph   2009-2010
Juwan Howard   1995-1996
Chris Bosh   2009-2010
Kevin Willis   1991-1992
Andrew Bogut   2009-2010

Of those 15 years, I have the following breakdown of awards/honors

MVP - 1
1st Team All NBA - 2
3rd Team All NBA - 4
1st Team All Defense - 3
2nd Team All Defense - 3
All Star - 7

Having the second pick I thought long and hard about if I wanted Lebron or Hakeem, but ultimately chose the most versatile and diverse SF perhaps ever.  Once I had Lebron, I wanted to put together a team that would compliment his strengths and play well off him.  I envisioned this to be tough gritty defenders, great rebounders, and excellent shooters.  In order to appease chemistry concerns, I also wanted to put together a team that had very few top dogs.  That is why for my next couple of picks John Stockton and Dennis Rodman were selected.  It also is why I chose perhaps lesser statistical years for more complimentary years, Terrell Brandon and Joe Johnson being prime examples of that logic.  In fact, Chris Bosh and late round draft pick Zach Randolph are really the only other players on this team that were the primary offensive weapon for their teams, aside from Lebron.

With my strategy in mind I went about selecting superb defenders and rebounders and shot blockers on the interior.  Thus, Dennis Rodman was a no brainer selection. Rodman had the 6 highest rpg numbers during this period (the year I selected was his highest).  Although, the year I chose Rodman did not win the defensive player of the year, it was the season that followed his back-to-back winning of the award.  My strategy also made Kevin Willis an easy selection given he had the highest season after Rodman at 15.5 rpg.  So I have the two best rebounders available from this period.  In addition, Randolph was 3rd, Jefferson 5th, and Bosh 6th in rpg for the years I selected (bogut was also above 10 rpg though didn't crack the top ten).  In total, the team averaged 123.5 rpg for the years I selected, which I would imagine will be the highest total given just how good Rodman and company were.  Bogut was 2nd in the league in blocks per game adding a nice solid help defender in the paint, though on the whole the team averaged just 11.9 bpg.

I suspect my teams overall scoring of 268.4 ppg will be one of the lesser figures for this league, but that played into my strategy of pairing players to fit Lebron's skill set.  On the paint I wanted defender/rebounder type players and on the perimeter I wanted excellent long range shooters who were unselfish with the ball.  This often led to players that just didn't score the ball at the same sort of rate that other teams will surely have.  

So with that in mind, this is what I envision my team looking like.

As a starting point, I think it should be mentioned that anticipate my three suit dwellars to be Jim Jackson, Zach Randolph, and Juwan Howard.

Now on to the 12 man team.

I envision Stockton, Lebron, and Bosh starting against every team in the league, but plan on rotating the other two starters between Raja Bell and Joe Johnson and Dennis Rodman and Kevin Willis depending on matchups.  Against teams with stellar SG's like Kobe, I will start Raja Bell who was a 1st Team All Defensive player in the year I chose.  Against teams that have lesser SG's, I will start dead eye three point shooter Joe Johnson (47.8% from three) to provide an additional kick out option for Lebron on his drives.  Against teams with twin towers, I will start Willis and Bosh together to provide some much needed beef up front, but against those teams with smaller, more athletic, or perimeter PF's I will start Dennis Rodman, who was by far the best defender and rebounder available in the entire draft.  I also will utilize Rodman's defensive versatility and have him guard superb wings, which he did as well as anyone in history.  

Backups to Lebron are two superb defenders in Tayshaun Prince and Shane Battier (each 2nd team all defense) and both with enough versatility that each could play with Lebron against certain teams.  Both of which are also efficient scorers.  

I only elected to go with 1 back-up PG as I figured the PG would be as much about defense as initiating the offense with Lebron on the team.  I chose Brandon's Minnesota year for a couple of reasons.  First, he was second fiddle to KG so there should be less concern about that.  Second, he was improved defensively later in his career.  Third, while his TS% numbers were down due to lesser overall three point attempts, he was actually a better shooter.  I felt this was important given his much reduced role (sometimes actual numbers are more important then effective percentages, especially when you are looking at vastly different roles).

At the big man spots, aside from the three pseudo starters, Al Jefferson and Andrew Bogut would be the bench players.  I like their efficient scoring, big bodies, and solid shot blocking and rebounding.

I envision the playing time to be something like this
PG - Stockton 35, Brandon 13
SG - Johnson 25, Bell 23
SF - Lebron 38, Prince 10
PF - Rodman 25, Bosh 15, Jefferson 8
C - Willis 20, Bosh 20, Bogut 8
with Battier as mop-up.

Let me know if you have any questions, or need any stats, I have them all compiled for the years I selected.

_____________________________________________________________________

Indiana Pacers

C: Marcus Camby: 2006-2007 (11.7 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 3.3 BPG, 11.2 PPG)
   NBA Def. POY, 1st Team All-Defensive, Led NBA in Blocks and BPG.

PF: Josh Smith: 2009-2010 (8.7 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.6 SPG, 2.1 BPG, 15.7 PPG)
   2nd Team All-Defensive, 3rd in NBA in Blocks and BPG, 8th in Steals, 4th in Def. Win Shares.

SF: Reggie Lewis: 1991-1992 (4.6 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 20, PPG)
   All Star, Member of exclusive 100-100-100 Club for Blocks/Steals/Assists

SG: Michael Jordan: 1991-1992 (6.4 RPG, 6.1 APG, 2.3 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 30.1 PPG)
   MVP, Finals MVP, All Star, 1st Team All-Defensive, 1st Team All-NBA, NBA Champion

PG: Deron Williams: 2009-2010 (4.0 RPG, 10.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 18.7 PPG)
   All Star, 2nd Team All-NBA, 2nd in NBA for Assists and APG.

6th man: Allen Iverson: 2001-2002 (4.5 RPG, 5.5 APG, 2.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 31.4 PPG)
   All Star, 2nd Team All-NBA, Led NBA in SPG and PPG, Tasted Finals in 2000-2001 and gladly accepts reduced role under MJ’s watchful eye.

C: Chris Kaman: 2009-2010 (9.3 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 18.5 PPG)
   All Star

C: Emeka Okafor: 2006-2008 (11.3 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.6 BPG, 14.4 PPG)
   Top 10 in OREBS, DREBS & Blocks, 4th in RPG & BPG.

F: Tom Chambers: 1989-1990 (7.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, .861 FT %, 27.2 PPG)
   All Star, 2nd Team All-NBA, 4th in PPG and Points.

F: Rashard Lewis: 2004-2005 (5.5 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 20.5 PPG)
   All Star, .400 3PT %.

F: Derrick Coleman: 1993-1994 (11.3 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.8 BPG, 20.2 PPG)
   All Star, 3rd Team All-NBA, Top 10 in DREBs, RPG, and FTs.

F: Chuck Person: 1919-1992 (5.3 RPG, 4.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 18.5 PPG)
   4th in 3Pts

G:  Alvin Robertson: 1990-1991 (5.7 RPG, 5.5 APG, 3.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 13.6 PPG)
   All Star, 1st Team All-Defensive, Led NBA in SPG and Steals.

G: Ben Gordon: 2006-2007 (3.1 RPG, 3.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, .413 3PT %, 21.4 PPG)
  
G: Dee Brown: 1993-1994 (3.9 RPG, 4.5 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 15.5 PPG)
   Top 10 in Steals and SPG.
        
Head Coach: Larry Bird: 147 W, 67 L, .687 W%, 32 PW, 20 PL, .615 PLW%
   1997-1998 NBA Coach of the Year, 2000 Eastern Conference Champions

___________________________________________________________________________

Starters:

PG: Chris Paul ’08-‘09
PPG: 22.8
RPG: 5.5
APG: 11.0
SPG: 2.8
BPG: .1
FG% .503
3P% .364
FT% .868
Notes: All-NBA 2, All-Defense 1

SG: Eddie Jones ’99-‘00
PPG: 20.1
RPG: 4.8
APG: 4.2
SPG: 2.7
BPG: .7
FG% .427
3P% .375
FT% .864
Notes: All-Defense 2nd Team, All-NBA 3rd

SF: Kevin Durant ‘09-‘10
PPG: 30.1
RPG: 7.6
APG: 2.8
SPG: 1.4
BPG: 1.0
FG% .476
3P% .365
FT% .900
Notes: All-NBA 1st Team

PF: Charles Barkley ’92-‘93
PPG: 25.6
RPG: 12.6
APG: 5.1
SPG: 1.6
BPG: 1.0
FG% .520
3P% .305
FT% .765
Notes: League MVP, All-NBA 1st

C: Brad Dougherty ’91-‘92
PPG: 21.5
RPG: 10.4
APG: 3.6
SPG: .9
BPG: 1.1
FG% .570
3P% ----
FT% .777
Notes: All-NBA 3rd


BENCH:
PG: Michael Adams ’90-‘91
PPG: 26.5
RPG: 3.9
APG: 10.5
SPG: 2.2
BPG: .1
FG% .394
3P% .296
FT% .879

SG: Joe Dumars ’89-‘90
PPG: 17.8
RPG: 2.8
APG: 4.9
SPG: .8
BPG: 0
FG% .480
3P% .400
FT% .900
Notes: All-Defense 1st, All NBA 3rd (went with the slightly down stats-wise year (stats were down due to mpg) because the percentages were the best and he was All-Defense 1st this year).

SF: Ricky Pierce ’90-‘91
PPG: 20.5
RPG: 2.2
APG: 2.8
SPG: .8
BPG: .2
FG% .485
3P% .397
FT% .913
Notes: One year removed from 6th man of the year.

PF: Vin Baker ’96-‘97
PPG: 21.0
RPG: 10.3
APG: 2.7
SPG: 1.0
BPG: 1.4
FG% .505
3P% .278
FT% .687
Notes: All-NBA 3

C: Rik Smits ’94-‘95
PPG: 17.9
RPG: 7.7
APG: 1.4
SPG: .5
BPG: 1.0
FG% .526
3P% ----
FT% .753
Notes: Went with the better rebounding, slightly down scoring year.

PG: Dennis Johnson ’89-‘90
PPG: 7.1
RPG: 2.7
APG: 6.5
SPG: 1.1
BPG: .2
FG% .430
3P% .042
FT% .843

SG: Drazen Petrovic ’92-‘93
PPG: 22.3
RPG: 2.7
APG: 3.5
SPG: 1.3
BPG: .2
FG% .518
3P% .449
FT% .870
Notes: All-NBA 3rd

SF/PF: Bo Outlaw ’97-‘98
PPG: 9.5
RPG: 7.8
APG: 2.6
SPG: 1.3
BPG: 2.2
FG% .554
3P% .250
FT% .575

PF/C: David Lee ’09-‘10
PPG: 20.2
RPG: 11.7
APG: 3.6
SPG: 1.0
BPG: .5
FG% .545
3P%  ---
FT% .812


I think that Boston's overall strategy is simple: Space the floor and allow CP/Barkley to initiate everything from the pick and roll.

[nickagneta]

Starting at the top of this page the first five teams have their writeups. Please review and comment.

[KCattheStripe]

There's been a lot of talk in these summaries about switching players out at key positions, depending on match-ups. Are their any concerns among these GMs that this could damage the chemistry of their teams?

[Who]

There's been a lot of talk in these summaries about switching players out at key positions, depending on match-ups. Are their any concerns among these GMs that this could damage the chemistry of their teams?

My preference is towards teams who's first choice rotation players are flexible enough to handle different types of matchups.

Rather than teams who have to chop and change their rotation based on their opponent.

[nickagneta]

The only match up switch that I will do is with Terry Porter and Mark Price. Both are consummate professionals, have exceptional basketball minds as both have gone on to coach and, by all accounts are good guys and easy to work with. I believe there would be absolutely minimal chemistry issues involved with these two individuals and with how they interact with the team as Doc would be using them as equals at the PG position anyway and both would be getting extensive time working with the starting and rotational units.

[Fan from VT]

Nick, one error:

I was trying to do a favor by posting Redz' Boston Roster. You posted my Golden State write up under the boston write up; my Golden State writeup is coming on Friday. Redz' Boston Celtics roster should be this:

On behalf of Redz, it's the Boston Celtics:



Starters:

PG: Chris Paul ’08-‘09
PPG: 22.8
RPG: 5.5
APG: 11.0
SPG: 2.8
BPG: .1
FG% .503
3P% .364
FT% .868
Notes: All-NBA 2, All-Defense 1

SG: Eddie Jones ’99-‘00
PPG: 20.1
RPG: 4.8
APG: 4.2
SPG: 2.7
BPG: .7
FG% .427
3P% .375
FT% .864
Notes: All-Defense 2nd Team, All-NBA 3rd

SF: Kevin Durant ‘09-‘10
PPG: 30.1
RPG: 7.6
APG: 2.8
SPG: 1.4
BPG: 1.0
FG% .476
3P% .365
FT% .900
Notes: All-NBA 1st Team

PF: Charles Barkley ’92-‘93
PPG: 25.6
RPG: 12.6
APG: 5.1
SPG: 1.6
BPG: 1.0
FG% .520
3P% .305
FT% .765
Notes: League MVP, All-NBA 1st

C: Brad Dougherty ’91-‘92
PPG: 21.5
RPG: 10.4
APG: 3.6
SPG: .9
BPG: 1.1
FG% .570
3P% ----
FT% .777
Notes: All-NBA 3rd


BENCH:
PG: Michael Adams ’90-‘91
PPG: 26.5
RPG: 3.9
APG: 10.5
SPG: 2.2
BPG: .1
FG% .394
3P% .296
FT% .879

SG: Joe Dumars ’89-‘90
PPG: 17.8
RPG: 2.8
APG: 4.9
SPG: .8
BPG: 0
FG% .480
3P% .400
FT% .900
Notes: All-Defense 1st, All NBA 3rd (went with the slightly down stats-wise year (stats were down due to mpg) because the percentages were the best and he was All-Defense 1st this year).

SF: Ricky Pierce ’90-‘91
PPG: 20.5
RPG: 2.2
APG: 2.8
SPG: .8
BPG: .2
FG% .485
3P% .397
FT% .913
Notes: One year removed from 6th man of the year.

PF: Vin Baker ’96-‘97
PPG: 21.0
RPG: 10.3
APG: 2.7
SPG: 1.0
BPG: 1.4
FG% .505
3P% .278
FT% .687
Notes: All-NBA 3

C: Rik Smits ’94-‘95
PPG: 17.9
RPG: 7.7
APG: 1.4
SPG: .5
BPG: 1.0
FG% .526
3P% ----
FT% .753
Notes: Went with the better rebounding, slightly down scoring year.

PG: Dennis Johnson ’89-‘90
PPG: 7.1
RPG: 2.7
APG: 6.5
SPG: 1.1
BPG: .2
FG% .430
3P% .042
FT% .843

SG: Drazen Petrovic ’92-‘93
PPG: 22.3
RPG: 2.7
APG: 3.5
SPG: 1.3
BPG: .2
FG% .518
3P% .449
FT% .870
Notes: All-NBA 3rd

SF/PF: Bo Outlaw ’97-‘98
PPG: 9.5
RPG: 7.8
APG: 2.6
SPG: 1.3
BPG: 2.2
FG% .554
3P% .250
FT% .575

PF/C: David Lee ’09-‘10
PPG: 20.2
RPG: 11.7
APG: 3.6
SPG: 1.0
BPG: .5
FG% .545
3P%  ---
FT% .812


I think that Boston's overall strategy is simple: Space the floor and allow CP/Barkley to initiate everything from the pick and roll.

[riah32]

Here is my roster...summary will be later this week.

Kevin Johnson- 93-94 pho
Jalen Rose: 00-01 indiana
Sam Cassell: 03-04 Minny
Derrick Rose: 09-10 Bulls
Reggie Miller:9 4-95 pacers
Kendall Gill: 96-97 Nets
Larry Bird: 89-90 Celtics
Jamal Mashburn: 00-01 Hornets
Rudy Gay: 07-08 memphis
Danny Manning: 93-94 Clippers
Horace Grant: 93-94 Bulls
LaMarcus Aldridge: 09-10 trailblazers
Dwight Howard:07-08 Magic
Robert Parish:90-91 Celtics
Andrew Bynum:09-10 Lakers

Coach - Pat Riley

[nickagneta]

I fixed that FFV..Thanks for pointing that out. TP4U

[Roy Hobbs]

Question for New Jersey:

Can you explain your reasoning in selecting Gerald Wallace and Andre Iguodala in the fourth and fifth round?  Do you have any regrets about these selections in hindsight, based upon other players on the board?

Indiana:

Why should we believe that AI will take a subservient role, simply because he's playing on a team with MJ? 

In a league with so many all-time greats as big men, why did you go with Josh Smith as your power foward, and Rashard Lewis as a backup?  Can your team rebound enough to win?

Boston:

I love Charles Barkley, but if you could have made your own selection at #3, who would you have taken? 

Are you happy with your Joe Dumars trade?

Portland:

Was trading up the right move?

How does Bosh matchup at center with the all-time greats, like Shaq, Hakeem, Robinson, Ewing, etc.? 

Aren't you overrating Raja Bell?  Do you see him as a lockdown defender?

Utah:

Please explain your motivation in your trades, and whether you still would have made them in hindsight.

How do you match up, specifically, with Milwaukee and Golden State? 

Question for all owners:

Please rate the top five teams other than your own team.