PG:
SG: Eric Gordon
SF: Nic Batum
PF: Zach Randolph
C: Emeka Okafor
Third pick in every round.
Thoughts on what I've put together so far?
In my mind, a playoff lock next year and a tough out, the sort of team nobody would want to play. Solid defensively on the perimeter, with Randolph and Okafor eating a lot of space inside. And one of the most well balanced offenses we've seen - point guard pending. How many teams this side of Miami have the luxury of a pair of knock down shooters on the wings, who'll also get to - and finish at - the rim. That AND a high post, low post game.
I can only add that the TrailBlazers obviously miss Batum, who was going to be impossible to replace in this format. He needs a steady diet of Royal Jelly, but he's able to do so many things on the court, he's already his team's best long range shooter and will make momentum shifting defensive plays, even if he isn't yet a great defender.
This year? If you want to chase a playoff spot, you need an emergency starter at the 2 and a capable third big yesterday (maybe someone fleeter of foot), and that's without skimping on a starting point guard, preferably a true player maker (versus a Stuckey-esque combo guard).
But you wanted the degree of difficulty points when you passed over the San Antonio Spurs.