I, of course, believe that my team would win more championships in the next seven years than my opponent’s team. For starters, I had four top-25 scorers last season, which does not include Karl-Anthony Towns, who would have been top ten if not for limited playing time. I have two top fifteen rebounders in Julius Randle and Tristan Thompson. Aaron Gordon is also top 25 in RPG. De’Aaron Fox is top 15 in terms of assisting, and will be much higher with a competent shooting team like mine.
De’Aaron Fox is going to be a top five point guard in a couple of years. He can blow by just about anyone, and he has improved his defense mightily since his years at UK. Admittingly, Fox is not the best long-range shooter, but with guys like LaVine, Galinari, etc, he does not have to shoot many threes on my team.
Zach Lavine is only 24 years old, yet he is already a renowned scorer. LaVine is versatile, quick, and an excellent playmaker. He can easily generate his own shot, or benefit from good assists from the likes of Fox and others. LaVine has a decent three point shot, and would receive more open looks from deep on my team with a top-15 3-point shooter in Middleton also on the floor.
There are times where Khris Middleton, not Giannis, has looked like the Bucks best player, especially when the pressure is on during the playoffs. Khris has steadily improved throughout his career, and has been recognized with back-to-back all star selections. Middleton is probably the league’s most versatile small forward not named LeBron, which will help him get open in my offense. Middleton is a plus rebounder, a dangerous shooter, and a solid defender.
Julius Randle is one of the league’s best rebounders, and will be for the duration of this seven year stretch. As he showed at Kentucky, Randle can often drop double-doubles. If needed, Randle can shift to the center position, which he has played well at in the past. With a good team built around him (not the Knicks), he is capable of being a true star.
Karl-Anthony Towns is the best player on my team. The former Kentucky Wildcat is perhaps the league’s best offensive center. Very few big men can shoot like Towns, especially from behind the arc. Towns’ PPG numbers have improved almost every year during his career, and at only 24, he could easily be a 30-35 point scorer for the next seven years. Towns’ rebounding ability pairs well with Randle, as KAT frequently put up double-digit rebounds last season.
Collin Sexton is essentially a lesser De’Aaron Fox, meaning my team’s setup would not have to change much with Sexton in the game. Sexton is speedy and an effective finisher. Much like with Fox, Sexton would likely benefit from having a good team built around him. Sexton is likely to improve over the next few seasons, and he’s already a 20 point scorer. Sexton’s shooting ability could use some work, but it is certainly not bad. He has also shown the ability to be a serviceable defender.
You would be hard-pressed to find a better 6th man than Danilo Gallinari. Similar to Middleton, Gallinari is one of the most versatile players in the league, and there are few forwards that can shoot the three like Gallinari. He is also a sufficient rebounder, further bolstering my already impressive core of rebounders. Gallinari limits turnovers and forces quite a few on the defensive end, which is a good aspect to have in your game.
Aaron Gordon is a similar player to Julius Randle. Gordon is a phenomenal rebounder and a solid scorer. Aaron Gordon is capable of hitting threes if needed. Gordon can generate his own shot. Gordon has shown signs of improvement in the last couple of seasons, and it is likely that the best of him has yet to come. Gordon is a lockdown defefender who has helped contain some of the league’s best offensive players. Gordon’s outstanding dunking ability is a major boost for my team’s momentum.
Brook Lopez is a fantastic glue guy. He contributes double-digits in most games, and does not shy away from contact, which adds a level of toughness to my squad. Lopez’s best attribute is his defense. He has been a prime DPOY candidate in the last couple of years, losing only to studs like Giannis and Gobert. Lopez is an exceptional shot blocker, which gives my team needed defensive support under the basket.
Gary Harris is another great glue guy. His Nuggets teammates, including star Nikola Jokic, have complimented him as the guy that holds their team together. On my team, Gary Harris will bring a spark, and a decent amount of statistical production. Harris consistently averages double-digit points, and has shown flashes of averaging 15-20 PPG. Harris is a competent shooter, and would benefit from having a good passer in Fox. Harris plays elite defense as well.
Tristan Thompson is about the 11th option on my team, but he is far from insignificant. Thompson averaged a double-double last season. Thompson is versatile, as he can play both the power forward and center positions. Thompson is tremendously athletic, as he can shoot well with both his left and right hands. Thompson is a plus defender, and has had past success in guarding the NBA’s best scoring big man, such as Jokic and Giannis.
Kira Lewis Jr. has the potential to be a superstar, but my team does not need him to do that. Lewis has earned high marks from scouts for his quickness and ball-handling skills, and he is a phenomenal playmaker. Lewis improved his shooting during his sophomore year at Alabama, and he is now an efficient shooter from three. Lewis is no stranger to performing under pressure, as he played well against our Kentucky Wildcats.
