Bulls: Rose.
Heat: Lebron.
Celtics: Pierce. Garnett
Magic: Howard.
Hawks: Johnson.
Knicks: Stoudemire. Melo
76ers: Iguodala.
Pacers: Granger.
Bucks: Bogut.
Bobcats: Augustin. Tyrus Thomas
Pistons: Prince. Ben Gordon
Nets: Williams.
Wizards: Wall.
Raptors: Derozan. Calderon
Cavaliers: Varejao.
WEST.
Spurs: Ginobili
Lakers: Kobe
Mavericks: Nowitzki
Thunder: Durant
Nuggets: Nene
Blazers: Aldridge
Hornets: Paul
Grizzles: Randolph
Rockets: Martin Scola
Suns: Nash
Jazz: Millsap
Warriors: Ellis Steph Curry
Clippers: Griffin
Kings: Evans
T-Wolves: Love
I could have gone with a couple of different people with the Detroit Pistons. A lot of similar level talent at the top of their roster. Since I had a lot of players at small forward, I decided to go with a guard and since that player wasn't going to start I decided to roll with Ben Gordon.
EastPG - Deron, Rose, Calderon and Wall
OG - Joe Johnson, Iggy and Ben Gordon
SF - LeBron, Melo, Granger
PF - Garnett, Varejao and Tyrus
C - Dwight, Bogut
WestPG - Nash, Paul and Steph Curry
OG - Kobe, Ginobili and Tyreke
SF - Durant
PF - Nowitzki, Blake Griffin, Z-Bo, Millsap, Scola and K-Love
C - Aldridge, Nene
ConclusionThe East has far more balance in terms of defense, rebounding and depth per position.
The Garnett + Dwight connection defensively gives them one heck of a backbone defensively and then they have Bogut and Varejao backing them up. That defensive spine is far greater than anything the West can offer. They also have more size and depth at both the wing positions.
You also look at the rebounding difference between Dwight and Garnett vs Aldridge and Dirk plus Bogut vs Nene. Big advantage for the East in terms of possession creation (turnovers + rebounding).
The West, though, has incredible offensive cohesion.
Having LaMarcus Aldridge at center gives them the most skilled offensive center in the league. His ability to post up, step away from the basket and hit midrange + long range jumpers, play the pick and pop/roll game ... gives the West an enviable weapon. Someone to keep Dwight Howard occupied and will help create space for everyone else on the West's roster.
Especially alongside such dynamic offensive threats as Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Durant and Steve Nash ... and to a lesser degree, your Manu Ginobilis, Steph Currys and Kobe Bryants ... The playmaking of Nash alongside those shooters (big men = Dirk, Aldridge, wings = Durant, Manu and Kobe) will be incredibly difficult to defend effectively.
In comparison, the East's offense will be a lot easier to stymie. Unfortunately though, the West doesn't really have the defense or rebounding to take full advantage of this.
In conclusion, I think the East will grind it out.
Winner = East
Topic: NBA's Elite: Who's The Best? Which Players? Which Conference? (Read 2890 times)