I'll go ahead and make the case for my squad.
With today's NBA, and with the multiple approaches taken by owners in this draft, I wanted to be prepared for anything.
Obviously, the focal point of any franchise is its best player, and with Anthony Davis, I feel like I have one of the league's top 2-3 players for the next decade-plus. He finished the year averaging 24 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks and 1.5 steals with great percentages and one of the highest PER's of all-time, all at age 22. He's the best two-way player in the league, and only getting better, and gives me incredible flexibility.
Next up, Damian Lillard. At 24, he's one of the most clutch players in the league, and is a dynamic scorer from the PG spot. He scored 21 points, dished an impressive 6 assists per game, grabbed 4.6 rebounds from the 1 position, and added 1.4 steals while making two and a half threes per game. He also has extensive experience thriving with a versatile pick-and-pop big, helping LaMarcus Aldridge have his best seasons as a pro since he showed up in Portland. He's the perfect compliment to Davis.
Third, Draymond Green. The league's best and most versatile defender finished second in the most improved player voting this year, and his emergence is one of the primary factors that pushed Golden State over the top to a title. He's the only guy in the league who can match up with elite guards and bigs on defense, and he can play the 2-5 positions, as he finished top-20 in rebounding while also knocking down 1.5 threes a game in addition to his 1.3 blocks and 1.6 steals. Additionally, he's one of the best teammates, role players, glue guys, instigators, competitors and all-around players in the NBA.
Next, DeMar DeRozan. At just 25, he's already a lock to score 20+ per night and has for multiple seasons. He's one of the league's best athletes and always finishes among the top 10 players in FT attempts per year. At 6'7, and with his length and athleticism, he can play either wing spot, and despite already being an all-star caliber player, his upside is as high as any SG in the league. As a third scoring option next to Davis and Lillard, his slashing will be a nightmare.
Rounding out my starting lineup is Joakim Noah. The best passing big man in the game, Noah carried the Bulls for two seasons while Rose was injured, finishing third in last year's MVP voting. He's consistently been one of the game's elite defenders, and his impressive shooting and FT percentages as a big man means I can leave the lane completely open on offense if I need to. Similar to Green, he's one of the NBA's best teammates, biggest instigators and fiercest competitors.
This gives me 5 guys capable of grabbing the rebound (all good rebounders) and leading the break, and give guys who can score inside, outside and off the dribble, while also touting three of the NBA's best defenders in Davis, Green and Noah.
Off the bench, I have options to play any way I need to play. Lawson (18 points, 9 assists) can play alongside Lillard in a small ball lineup or run my second unit as a transition and shooting based squad. I can sub in Beverley (another of the league's best defenders and toughest competitors) for defense, or play any two of the three together.
On the wing I have KCP (one of the league's best young shooters and most promising scorers) and the ultimate game changer, big game/big shot maker and wildcard JR Smith, who I can only use for his bright spots and don't need consistency from. Either can come in as a shooting specialist (we saw how effective Smith was in that role in Cleveland, and how Korver and others have thrived there on good teams) off the bench, or even alongside Lillard for even more outside punch.
Added to them is Robert Covington, a 24 year old, 6'9 athlete who flourished for the Sixers this year (which is why no one has heard of him) making 2 threes a contest and who can guard multiple positions.
Down low, I have a guy who would start for virtually every other team in this contest, Derrick Favors, who had a massive breakout season this year averaging 16 points, 8 boards, 1.7 blocks while shooting 53-percent from the field and finishing with a PER of 22. At 6'10, 250, he can play either post spot, and he's one of the best (and longest) athletes in the NBA. Oh, and he's barely 23 and was recently given the playing time he deserved in Utah.
Rounding out the roster is another of the league's best rim protectors, Roy Hibbert. Opponents simply cant score inside with him in the game, and with athletes like Davis, Favors, Noah and Green alongside him, his one weakness (defending the pick and roll) will be nullified. What's left is an air craft carrier of a human who scores efficiently, owns the paint, and can be used to bang down low with anyone "too big" for Davis and company, all while being surrounded by floor spacers.
In short, I can go small, I can go huge, I can go finesse, I can go physical, and I have the best collection of defenders and size in the competition. Alongside a stable of freak athletes and proven young scorers, there's no style I can't match up with, and in nearly all cases, it will be my team imposing its style on others.
