Post#25 » by Devin 1L » Wed Apr 16, 2014 2:42 am
I don't know how every big-three doesn't start out with LeBron and Durant.
There's an argument to be made that Durant is the best player in the league. I'm not making that argument, but pointing out that it's there and that any gap isn't particularly significant. I think most would agree with this.
But, beyond that is the fact that Durant would actually fit well with LeBron. It's not two guys who have to have the ball in their hands. We've seen how Durant has been able to play with Westbrook as another ball-dominant player, but here we have an even bigger and better and more willing passer version in LeBron, and while LeBron has been able to share the rock with another ball-dominant guard, not only is Durant better, but a better shooter/floor spacer with an ability to act as a catch-and-shoot player in various sets, which Wade was not necessarily much of a threat in that regard.
Those two together would be absolutely incredible. So much so, that it's really more of a big-two. From there where you go is where it gets interesting -- you've already got the two best players in the world, not what kind of identity/style do you want to create? You don't even have to go BPA at this point and just add an average starter type based on a certain role adding someone like Calderon to serve as your point guard/deadly outside shooter in catch-and-shoot, or add Asik to to give you a strong defense and rebounding backbone, or add another long defensive minded wing like Leonard or Iguodala where every opposing wing in the NBA dreads playing you (on both ends.)
But, if the idea is the "perfect roster" for an "NBA dynasty," then I think you have to go for another guy who is or will be in the conversation for best player in the game. I think this begins to significantly limit the list.
Chris Paul seems like a natural fit. He's close in that conversation to best in game and he plays a different position.
Love/Griffin would seem to come up as they're very good PFs, but I don't think either can be the best player on a Championship team -- not that they would need to be in this hypothetical scenario, but that I think it takes them out of the "is or will be in the conversation for best player in the game" requirement that I made up.
I think Steph Curry would be a good grab. He's a great offensive player, and, more specifically, he's a great shooter, so he can fit well with the other two. And it's not a duplication of positions. But, you do sort of give up one end of the floor. And he's in between Durant and LeBron in terms of age, so you're peak is more inline.
There are two options left in my opinion.
George and Davis.
Adding George puts you with basically three wings, but they are so talented and versatile, I don't think it matters, and they would shut down every other team's wing players.
But my ultimate pick is Davis. I won't go on too much about it, but I think Davis has the best chance of anyone in the league now (who hasn't already been there,) of carrying the best player in league label. Further, he's has the opportunity to be a regular DPOY candidate. Lastly, he's 21. As I mentioned early in the post, I don't think you necessarily need that third guy to be a stud --that LeBron and Durant alone will give you most everything you need and an otherwise solidly built team will get you championships-- but if we're talking about a dynasty, I think Davis is the best best. Two of the three players of their caliber will get you Championships, I think, so it makes sense if you can add a third player to the mix, for that player to off-set players' peaks. LeBron is in his peak, when Durant hits his peak LeBron will be slowing down some, and likely while Durant is in his peak, Davis will look to join him.
This hypothetical venture, to me, is less about fit, and more about getting the best players in the world on the same team for the greatest length of time. The rest is all secondary.
