CB Historical Draft - Team Rosters/Panelists Comments

[Roy Hobbs]

Who wins a potential Golden State/Utah matchup in the West? Why?  Justification.

Utah Jazz should win.

• Shaq and Dirk will outplay their counterparts (Zo always struggled against Shaq's size and length + Malone can't stop Dirk's face up game).
• The Jazz also have an advantage with Drexler versus Majerle + Mullin's cannot defend James Worthy.
• Utah have another advantage with their backup big man when they bring McDyess into the game and switch Dirk to the center position against Vlade Divac.
• The Warriors have a matchup advantage with their backup wing (Carmelo vs Marion). 

I don't think the power forward matchup is so one-sided in Dirk's favor at all.  In fact, I'd give it to Malone. 

I do think Shaq wins handily over Mourning, just like Shaq wins over just about every center.  Mourning always limited Shaq, but never really stopped him.

Is Golden State officially starting Mullin and Majerle?  I thought the plan was to start both Carmelo and Mullin.  In that case, I think it's a much tougher defensive matchup for Utah, but there are also some things they could exploit in the other direction. Overall, though, I like Drexler / Worthy over Carmelo / Mullin.

I think Golden State has a big advantage at PG, of course.  Isiah would just eat either Porter or Mark Price alive.

So, where does that leave us?  With a very, very even matchup among the starters.

The bench will decide the series, and I'm just not sure which team I like better in that regard.  I like Golden State better defensively, and Utah better offensively.  However, overall, it's a coin flip in my eyes.

[Fan from VT]

Should I give my take on a matchup vs. Utah now or wait until after my Friday write up?

[nickagneta]

I really think we are all splitting hairs with the 3-5 best teams in this endeavor. The differences are just so, so slight no matter how you look at it.

I chose Shaq because I thought he was one of those special players that would move the needle in the direction of his team because there really is no stopping him, he is that dominant.

I think there are probably 3-4 of those type players in this era. MJ, Shaq, LeBron and Duncan. The teams Roy wants to know how the Jazz match up with don't have LeBron, MJ or Tim Duncan on their teams. So if he feels those are the dominant teams, I guess my explanation of an earlier asked question about match ups is that having Shaq is the trump card I have over those teams.

Just my two cents there.

[Who]

Who wins a potential Golden State/Utah matchup in the West? Why?  Justification.

Utah Jazz should win.

• Shaq and Dirk will outplay their counterparts (Zo always struggled against Shaq's size and length + Malone can't stop Dirk's face up game).
• The Jazz also have an advantage with Drexler versus Majerle + Mullin's cannot defend James Worthy.
• Utah have another advantage with their backup big man when they bring McDyess into the game and switch Dirk to the center position against Vlade Divac.
• The Warriors have a matchup advantage with their backup wing (Carmelo vs Marion). 

I don't think the power forward matchup is so one-sided in Dirk's favor at all.  In fact, I'd give it to Malone. 

I do think Shaq wins handily over Mourning, just like Shaq wins over just about every center.  Mourning always limited Shaq, but never really stopped him.

Is Golden State officially starting Mullin and Majerle?  I thought the plan was to start both Carmelo and Mullin.  In that case, I think it's a much tougher defensive matchup for Utah, but there are also some things they could exploit in the other direction. Overall, though, I like Drexler / Worthy over Carmelo / Mullin.

I think Golden State has a big advantage at PG, of course.  Isiah would just eat either Porter or Mark Price alive.

So, where does that leave us?  With a very, very even matchup among the starters.

The bench will decide the series, and I'm just not sure which team I like better in that regard.  I like Golden State better defensively, and Utah better offensively.  However, overall, it's a coin flip in my eyes.

I don't think Isiah has a significant matchup advantage over Mark Price.

Not at that point in his career versus Price at his peak. Isiah was still a top fifteen/twenty player in the league in 1990 but he was a long way removed from being a top five talent, a near MVP level player. Price at his peak was in the same ball park. In overall ability, I don't see a substantial difference between the two of them.

Isiah scored more but was far less efficient (TS% of 50.9% + led the league in turnovers) and needed a lot more of the basketball to do his work. Whereas Price was a mega-efficient offensive player who posted TS% in the 60% range and made very good decisions offensively.

Isiah does have an advantage -- quickness + ability to break his man down off the dribble advantage -- but I think that advantage is fairly insignificant. I think Price's superior efficiency will negate a lot of that advantage.

I am concerned about Price + Dirk in the pick and roll but I think Utah's size defensively (big wings with Drexler and Worthy + two seven footers in Dirk and Shaq) will help minimize their vulnerability here ... and that Utah's overall offense will provide more than enough cover.

[nickagneta]

Should I give my take on a matchup vs. Utah now or wait until after my Friday write up?

Go ahead if your team is being discussed.

[Roy Hobbs]

I really think we are all splitting hairs with the 3-5 best teams in this endeavor. The differences are just so, so slight no matter how you look at it.

I chose Shaq because I thought he was one of those special players that would move the needle in the direction of his team because there really is no stopping him, he is that dominant.

I think there are probably 3-4 of those type players in this era. MJ, Shaq, LeBron and Duncan. The teams Roy wants to know how the Jazz match up with don't have LeBron, MJ or Tim Duncan on their teams. So if he feels those are the dominant teams, I guess my explanation of an earlier asked question about match ups is that having Shaq is the trump card I have over those teams.

Just my two cents there.

Two points:

1) We're voting for best team.  Isn't this entire exercise about splitting hairs?

2) Regarding dominant players, you're absolutely right that that's the model to win in the real NBA.  However, every one of these teams is made up of 4 or 5 dominant players.  Is having the absolutely best guy enough to overcome another team having the advantage at multiple other positions?  I don't think so; if it was, everyone could simply vote Indiana #1 and be done with it.

Also, of course, I'd put Magic in the "dominant player" category, as well as a few others (Kobe is probably there, Hakeem certainly is, Malone and KG are knocking on the door).

[Who]

Should I give my take on a matchup vs. Utah now or wait until after my Friday write up?

Go ahead if your team is being discussed.

Definitely -- it'll be very interesting to hear how each owner feels their team matches up against others in their conference.

[nickagneta]

I really think we are all splitting hairs with the 3-5 best teams in this endeavor. The differences are just so, so slight no matter how you look at it.

I chose Shaq because I thought he was one of those special players that would move the needle in the direction of his team because there really is no stopping him, he is that dominant.

I think there are probably 3-4 of those type players in this era. MJ, Shaq, LeBron and Duncan. The teams Roy wants to know how the Jazz match up with don't have LeBron, MJ or Tim Duncan on their teams. So if he feels those are the dominant teams, I guess my explanation of an earlier asked question about match ups is that having Shaq is the trump card I have over those teams.

Just my two cents there.

Two points:

1) We're voting for best team.  Isn't this entire exercise about splitting hairs?

2) Regarding dominant players, you're absolutely right that that's the model to win in the real NBA.  However, every one of these teams is made up of 4 or 5 dominant players.  Is having the absolutely best guy enough to overcome another team having the advantage at multiple other positions?  I don't think so; if it was, everyone could simply vote Indiana #1 and be done with it.

Also, of course, I'd put Magic in the "dominant player" category, as well as a few others (Kobe is probably there, Hakeem certainly is, Malone and KG are knocking on the door).

1.) I was just making a comment that it's going to be real difficult. My hats off to someone trying to objectively pick out a best team. It's going to be tough.

2.)I'm not saying that having the best player is the determining factor. But if all the match ups come out fairly equal, then the most dominant player might be the way to go. I really don't see that the teams you mention would have multiple advantages in matchups at other positions over the Jazz. I think all three teams match up fairly evenly actually. And in those circumstances, I would say that someone like Shaq could be the deciding factor. Of course, Milwaukee could feel the same way with Magic and Golden State the same way with Karl Malone.

[GreenFaith1819]

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.

Hello Roy - I apologize for the delay..I just woken up from a much-needed nap!

As for my Gerald Wallace and Andre Iguodala selections - no regrets about either. Gerald Wallace is an up-and-coming defender, very strong and can slash to the basket. IMO, he can defend ANY 3 out here right now - to me he is an up-and-coming modern day Pippen(Light).

Gerald Wallace has certainly thrived under Larry Brown - even adding 3-range to his game this yr.

As for Andre - under-rated defender. I combed the stats of players that were available, and he had what I was looking for in regards to defensive stats for a SG/SF.

My New Jersey Team can defend Any Team in the Historical Draft, IMO.

Even Shaq .

With Shaq, I would use Perk and Hakeem twin towers - Perk behind the big fella, and Hakeem fronting him. Hakeem is certainly quick enough to recover, and play PF spot in that situation.

[nickagneta]

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.

Hello Roy - I apologize for the delay..I just woken up from a much-needed nap!

As for my Gerald Wallace and Andre Iguodala selections - no regrets about either. Gerald Wallace is an up-and-coming defender, very strong and can slash to the basket. IMO, he can defend ANY 3 out here right now - to me he is an up-and-coming modern day Pippen(Light).

Gerald Wallace has certainly thrived under Larry Brown - even adding 3-range to his game this yr.

As for Andre - under-rated defender. I combed the stats of players that were available, and he had what I was looking for in regards to defensive stats for a SG/SF.

My New Jersey Team can defend Any Team in the Historical Draft, IMO.

Even Shaq .

With Shaq, I would use Perk and Hakeem twin towers - Perk behind the big fella, and Hakeem fronting him. Hakeem is certainly quick enough to recover, and play PF spot in that situation.

Double team on Shaq? So who guards Dirk on the perimeter?

[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.

Hello Roy - I apologize for the delay..I just woken up from a much-needed nap!

As for my Gerald Wallace and Andre Iguodala selections - no regrets about either. Gerald Wallace is an up-and-coming defender, very strong and can slash to the basket. IMO, he can defend ANY 3 out here right now - to me he is an up-and-coming modern day Pippen(Light).

Gerald Wallace has certainly thrived under Larry Brown - even adding 3-range to his game this yr.

As for Andre - under-rated defender. I combed the stats of players that were available, and he had what I was looking for in regards to defensive stats for a SG/SF.

My New Jersey Team can defend Any Team in the Historical Draft, IMO.

Even Shaq .

With Shaq, I would use Perk and Hakeem twin towers - Perk behind the big fella, and Hakeem fronting him. Hakeem is certainly quick enough to recover, and play PF spot in that situation.

Double team on Shaq? So who guards Dirk on the perimeter?

And thus, why I'm a big fan of that Utah team.

I do think that New Jersey would be one of the few teams that could guard Shaq straight up and contain him.  However, I'm not sure that they have the scoring to keep up.

[Roy Hobbs]

I really think we are all splitting hairs with the 3-5 best teams in this endeavor. The differences are just so, so slight no matter how you look at it.

I chose Shaq because I thought he was one of those special players that would move the needle in the direction of his team because there really is no stopping him, he is that dominant.

I think there are probably 3-4 of those type players in this era. MJ, Shaq, LeBron and Duncan. The teams Roy wants to know how the Jazz match up with don't have LeBron, MJ or Tim Duncan on their teams. So if he feels those are the dominant teams, I guess my explanation of an earlier asked question about match ups is that having Shaq is the trump card I have over those teams.

Just my two cents there.

Two points:

1) We're voting for best team.  Isn't this entire exercise about splitting hairs?

2) Regarding dominant players, you're absolutely right that that's the model to win in the real NBA.  However, every one of these teams is made up of 4 or 5 dominant players.  Is having the absolutely best guy enough to overcome another team having the advantage at multiple other positions?  I don't think so; if it was, everyone could simply vote Indiana #1 and be done with it.

Also, of course, I'd put Magic in the "dominant player" category, as well as a few others (Kobe is probably there, Hakeem certainly is, Malone and KG are knocking on the door).

1.) I was just making a comment that it's going to be real difficult. My hats off to someone trying to objectively pick out a best team. It's going to be tough.

2.)I'm not saying that having the best player is the determining factor. But if all the match ups come out fairly equal, then the most dominant player might be the way to go. I really don't see that the teams you mention would have multiple advantages in matchups at other positions over the Jazz. I think all three teams match up fairly evenly actually. And in those circumstances, I would say that someone like Shaq could be the deciding factor. Of course, Milwaukee could feel the same way with Magic and Golden State the same way with Karl Malone.

Yeah, your point is well-taken.  It's basically impossible to give a concrete, rock-solid answer on which team is "best".  At the end of the day, I think it comes down to a gut feeling, and maybe which players you remember the most fondly.

[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.

Hello Roy - I apologize for the delay..I just woken up from a much-needed nap!

As for my Gerald Wallace and Andre Iguodala selections - no regrets about either. Gerald Wallace is an up-and-coming defender, very strong and can slash to the basket. IMO, he can defend ANY 3 out here right now - to me he is an up-and-coming modern day Pippen(Light).

Gerald Wallace has certainly thrived under Larry Brown - even adding 3-range to his game this yr.

As for Andre - under-rated defender. I combed the stats of players that were available, and he had what I was looking for in regards to defensive stats for a SG/SF.

My New Jersey Team can defend Any Team in the Historical Draft, IMO.

Even Shaq .

With Shaq, I would use Perk and Hakeem twin towers - Perk behind the big fella, and Hakeem fronting him. Hakeem is certainly quick enough to recover, and play PF spot in that situation.

By the way, GF, you're my early favorite for best defensive team.  It's just a question of whether your team has the offensive firepower compared to the other great teams, as even a great defense won't complete shut down teams in this league.

Feel free to address why your offense is better than I give it credit for.

[GreenFaith1819]

If Dirk is hot, then we bring in Gerald Wallace for him

Mostly, I'd go with Gerald. He can guard bigger players (See his work on Lebron this year).

And Perk could slow down even a Prime Shaq, IMO.

[Moranis]

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?

I believe trading up was the right move.  I got clearly the best PG left by doing that and I don't really believe I lost much in the later rounds, as I believe Kevin Willis, might very well be the best player on the board (given the one season snapshot) from my original draft position until I took him.

Bosh is obviously smaller then those guys, but I believe I have enough bodies to handle the bigger centers like Shaq and I actually think Bosh's athleticism will help with guys like Hakeem, who were a bit smaller but far more athletic.  I also believe in certain situations putting the smaller, but annoying as all heck Dennis Rodman in there can frustrate the bigger players.  He certainly got under Shaq and Hakeem's skin at times during the mid-90's and by then he had lost a step and gotten a little more crazy.

Raja Bell is absolutely a lockdown defender (or was in the year I selected).  He wasn't 1st team All Defense because he wasn't a good defender.  In fact when he is described, he is described as a defensive stopper.  The fact that he could make the 1st team all defense on an offensive (and notoriously poor defensive) team like the Suns, says volumes about how his defense is viewed across the game.  That year he also took 6.4 three point attempts a game and made 41.3%, which makes him a great compliment offensively as well.  Here is an ESPN article on his importance to the Suns http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2006/columns/story?id=2461262