Build-A-Team 1.0 Team Analysis & Rate-the-Team

[ZarcMumoff]

Explain your team...

-Depth Chart
-How many minutes each player will play
-Strength of team
-What type of offense (Run 'N' Gun, PNR, Drive and Kick, etc)
-Future of team (Where will they beat 5 years from now?)

Whatever else you can think of, those are just some suggestions.

[tk76]

I'll start with the Bulls. Going to use grade scale and quick analysis. A secondary grade is for specialized line-ups utilizing bench players. Feel to use the quote feature if you want to use a similar metric for your team:

BULLS... Key 8 rotation players in bold
CP3/Bibby/Head/Wafer
Capt'n Jack/Will Bynum/Mo Evans
Thaddeus/Babbitt/D.Green
Odom/Biedrins
Emeka/Whiteside/E.Curry

Offense:
-Penetration: A+...CP3, Bynum and even Odom and Thad can beat you off the dribble
-Shooting: B+/A... Jackson, Bibby, Odom and Thad are solid shooters. Specialists Babbit, Head and Wafer available. Great penetrtators should create easy looks for the shooters.
-Post/Interior scoring: C-... Post scoring a real weakness, but Thad, Odom, Emeka and Biedrins all can finish efficiently inside. Definitely not part of the set offense. More based on creating open looks both inside and out off of drives.
-BB IQ: B+... CP3, Odom, Jackson and Bibby all high. While Thad, Emeka and Biedrins are all efficient on offense and the other players are scorers/shooters. Probably very few bad shots.
-Athleticism/Transition: A... Not only do they have the horses, but they have great rebounders to trigger the break.

Defense
-Interior: B/A... Starting Emeka/Odom/Thad will be fine most nights. But if needed Emeka/Biendrins/Odom can make for a top level rebounding/interior defense line-up at the price of less offensive firepower. A big advantage in that the team can beat you going big or small.
-Perimeter: B... CP3 is a ball hawk, Jackson is a good defender. Thad, Odom and Bibby below average. Mo Evans provides an upgraded perimeter defender who can still hit a 3 if needed.
-T/O creation: B+... CP3, Jackson steals. Biendrins and Okafor getting blocks. Great athletes available to press.

General
-Roster Versatility and depth: A-... Aside from post scoring this roster can be adapted to beat you big, small, 1/2 court and on the break. Versatile defenders and offensive players and lots of depth at every position.
-Readiness to win now: A... All of the key players are in their prime.Should have a 3+ year window given the Superstar (CP3) is young and the older players have replacements on the roster.
-Youth/future...B+: Although a vet laden team, still with lots of long term promise. 25 and Under: CP3, Biedrins,Thad, Babbit, Will Bynum, Whiteside and Wafer. Having a young superstar means long term success.
-Star Power: B: A top young superstar in CP3, but otherwise a bunch of quality but not truly star players. But CP3 should bring out the best in this group.

Final Grade and Rational
A-/B+

I really love this team. Very few trades made, other than moving back 15 from spots to #52 to get Odom + Biedrins. Guys like Okafor, Bibby, Stephen Jackson and Bynum kept falling into place. The team lacks quality post scoring and has only one true star. But otherwise is talented, deep, versatile and balanced. They should be a top 10 B.A.T. team now, and continue to be good for years to come as the young core steps up to replace the seasoned vets. And most importantly, IMO each of the players strengths are maximized and their weaknesses hidden through the strengths of their teammates. Really happy with how this team came together.

Needs/Trading Block: Although always open to moves, the roster feels complete.

[ZarcMumoff]

Really quickly, in your depth, put the minutes each player plays. I'm pretty I'll be able to adjust it on NBA 2K11. IF you don't out the minutes each will play, I'll make it 32 for the starter, 16 for the back up.

I like your team. CP3 and Jackson on the outside is a great combo that is going to be tough to handle. I would bring Odom off the bench. Start Biedrins. That way, Odom can come in and play at the 3-4-5. Points down low will be tough to come by, but at least you have 3 guys who will average at least 10/10 every night. Still think the lack of low post offense presence will hurt you, but this is a playoff team in the East. Where? Not sure because I need to see more of the teams.
Rating: 7/10

[76ciology]

THE NEW ORLEANS HORNETS.


STARTING FIVE:

PG: Louis Williams
14ppg 4apg 47% FG% 34% 3Pt%


SG: Mike Miller
10ppg 6rpg 4apg 50% FG% 48% 3PT%


SF: Gerald Wallace
18ppg 10rpg 48% FG% 37% 3pt% 1.5spg 1.1bpg



PF: Troy Murphy
14ppg 10rpg 47% FG% 38% 3pt%



C: Andrew Bogut
16ppg 10rpg 2.5bpg 52% FG%

BENCH:
PG: CJ Watson(10ppg)/Lance Stephenson
SG: Marcus Thornton(14ppg)/Mike Miller
SF: Nick Young(8ppg)/Gerald Wallace
PF: Earl Barron(11.7ppg 11rpg)/Leon Powe
C: Ben Wallace(8.7rpg 1.3spg 1.2bpg) /Andrew Bogut

DEFENSE:
Defense starts and ends with it's interior defense. The team have it's interior defense anchored by Gerald Wallace (DPOY candidate) and Andrew Bogut (DPOY candidate). Then you have Ben Wallace and Earl Barron, playing off the bench. Two guys who can give you double digit rebounds and good interior defense.

REBOUNDING:
Four of the league's top 15 rebounders are on the team. (G-Wall, Barron, Troy Murphy and Bogut)

OFFENSE:
PERIMETER SCORING
Looking at their shooting percentages, you got four guys who are good three point shooters that would space out their halfcourt defense.

PG: Louis Williams
34% 3Pt%
SG: Mike Miller
48% 3PT%
SF: Gerald Wallace
37% 3pt%
PF: Troy Murphy
38% 3pt%

SCORERS
Anyone on the staring unit that can drop 20 points on any given night. The starting unit's scoring average ALONE, averages 72ppg while the next five guys (off the bench) averages 52ppg.

POST OFFENSE
Andrew Bogut showed us last season that he was one of the league's best post player by averaging 16ppg in 52% FG%.

Gerald Wallace and Troy Murphy are also pretty good post scorers down low.

OVERALL:
Team work and being built around hard-nosed players, that is the character of this team.

Offensively, there shouldn't be any problem with four guys being able to hit 34% to 48% from 3pt area. Then you have five guys who are capable to score 20ppg.

Defensively, it has A LOT of good rebounders on the team (G-Wall, Murphy, Bogut, Ben Wallace and Earl Barron). And has two of the league's top defenders in G-Wall and Bogut to anchor it's team's defense.

This team is pretty much comparable to the 2003-2004 Detroit Pistons team that won the championship.

In this day and age, it seems that this model is obsolete since the top teams in the league are being modeled by having atleast three LEGIT all-star caliber players. But this team offers a different kind of way of being a top team in the league.

[tk76]

Really quickly, in your depth, put the minutes each player plays. I'm pretty I'll be able to adjust it on NBA 2K11. IF you don't out the minutes each will play, I'll make it 32 for the starter, 16 for the back up.

I like your team. CP3 and Jackson on the outside is a great combo that is going to be tough to handle. I would bring Odom off the bench. Start Biedrins. That way, Odom can come in and play at the 3-4-5. Points down low will be tough to come by, but at least you have 3 guys who will average at least 10/10 every night. Still think the lack of low post offense presence will hurt you, but this is a playoff team in the East. Where? Not sure because I need to see more of the teams.
Rating: 7/10

PK5, I'm confused. Are you saying in NBA2k starters can't be rotated back in at a different position? That really messes my team up, because I want Jackson and Odom to start, but play multiple positions over the course of the game. That means I definitely do not want to start Biedrins at PF, because I need him to play center when Okafor is on the bench.

This is basic rotation I want:

Starters:
PG: CP3 (39 min)
SG: Jackson(SG/SF)(36 min)
SF: Thad (25 min)
PF: Odom (PF/SF)(36 min)
C: Okafor (36 mins)

Reserve:
Bibby: 25 min (PG/SG)
Biedrins(PF/C) (27 min)
Bynum: 16 min (SG)

Further depth chart, using normal minutes (to help if there is injuries- not sure how 2k11 does this):
PG: CP3(39), Bibby(9), Bynum, Head
SG: Jackson(16)/Bibby(16)/Bynum(16)/Evans
SF: Thad(25)/Jackson(20)/Odom(3)/(Evans/D.Green
PF: Odom(33)/Biedrins(15)/Thad/Okafor/D.Greem
C: Okafor(36)/Biedrins(12)/Whiteside/Curry

I guess if starters truly can't play multiple positions I'd have to go with:

PG: CP3 (39)
SG: Bynum (16)
SF: Thad (25)
PF: Odom (36)
C: Okafor (36)

Bench:
Bibby: 25 (PG/SG)
Jackson: 36 (SG/SF)
Evans: 3 (SG/SF)
Biedrins: 24 (PF/C)

That's a really crap starting line-up given my roster- so I would always be playing catch-up. But it would allow the people I want to switch positions. Is that what I have to do?

------

As for offense, are there settings for style (like running, 1/2 court, post?) If so, set my "post offense" to 0. I do not plan on running any traditional post or inside/outside game. I am going to have CP3 penetrating every play and then passing off of the penetration to create offense. With good passers like CP3, Bibbly, Jackson and Odom I feel this will work much better then dumping it into lousy post scorers. But again, I don't know if this translates into 2k11. I do know that in 2k10 CP3 cannot ever be contained from driving (nor in the real NBA.).

[tk76]

NBD23, Do you have Bynum/Oden/Pryz?

If so, and interest in a blockbuster deal where I send Odom + Biedrins for Bynum or Oden + second player?

[ExplosionsInDaSky]

You can switch player positions on 2K. For example.... Louis Williams can be a shooting guard or a point guard or a center if youre high on crack. You can change any player to any position if needed.
Thaddeus Young is another example. I generally have him at sf/pf but in the game they have him as a power forward which I don't think he is.

[tk76]

Yeah, I don't want Thad to play any PF on my team.

So my question is- if I start Stephen Jackson at Sf, and have him set as a SG/SF, will the game switch him to SF during the course of the game like I would like with my rotation?

As for Thad(SF) and Odom(PF)- I'm fine with them exclusively playing one position, as long as they don't have Odom trying to make post moves

No big deal. I'm sure 2k11 won't utilize my roster exactly as I would. But maye there is some offensive play-book seeting that helps?

[ExplosionsInDaSky]

"tk76"
So my question is- if I start Stephen Jackson at Sf, and have him set as a SG/SF, will the game switch him to SF during the course of the game like I would like with my rotation?

Yeah the game will auto sub players throughout the game depending on what their minutes are set at. If Jackson is playing 40 minutes a game then he will likely see time at the small forward spot as well. The game is pretty damn realistic if you ask me unless you jack the sliders up to 100 then it's a
"video game" again.

As for Thad(SF) and Odom(PF)- I'm fine with them exclusively playing one position, as long as they don't have Odom trying to make post moves

They shouldn't. Like I said the game is pretty impressive. Even the players form on their shot is accurate to how they shoot in real life. I've used Thaddeus Young a bunch and his low post offense is awful but like in real life he has a decent mid range game and can take just about anyone off the dribble and score on them. Same for Odom.

No big deal. I'm sure 2k11 won't utilize my roster exactly as I would. But maye there is some offensive play-book seeting that helps?

The play-book doesn't make too much of a difference but you can pick what system you want your team to play under. For example I always use the Sixers but never Eddie Jordans style. I'll switch it to
the Bobcats most of the time because they are under Larry Brown. Other times I use Utah because they are under Jerry Sloan. Depending on what system you run different players will be more or less effective when the game is in simulation mode. Obviously when you are playing it you controll the outcome. I'm assuming that PK will simulate everything so the "system" matters in my opinion.

[BringBackKorver]

Usually in 2k you just have to worry about the minutes they play. The game should optimize the lineups the best it can while following your MPG as close as it can. Though occasionally if you're playing a game they'll throw 3 centers and 2 SFs out there for a minute just to make sure they follow your rotation minutes wise.

[tk76]

Cool. Thanks for the info. I have 2k10 on my PC, but have hardly played it because I am lousy at it.

So I wonder which coach's "system" would best work to maximize CP3/Jackson/Odom and de-emphasize the post? Any ideas?

Maybe the 2009/10 Celtics style where Okafor fills Perkins role and Odom is more of a KG style player on offense (KG tends to get more touches at 15-18 feet than in the low post.) CP3 in Rondo's role and Jackson in Pierce's role.

Can you think of another system that de-emphasizes post play and utilized a ball dominant PG? Maybe OKC but with more PG play?

[BringBackKorver]

Hawks ran like that the past few years ^^

Not sure though if a coach's real life system works that way in 2k though. I always thought it was just based off the coach's stats.

Furthermore, if the settings are on right I believe the game will try to optimize the style of the team's play based on the players you have.

[Court_visioN]

Let's start with the Blazers

Depth Chart and Minutes Distribution
PG: Jrue Holiday (32)/ Leandro Barbosa (16)
SG: Evan Turner (28)/ Ronnie Brewer (10)/ Leandro Barbosa (4)/ Avery Bradley (8)/ Jermaine Taylor
SF: Andre Iguodala (36)/ Ronnie Brewer (12)/ Devin Ebanks
PF: Paul Millsap (28)/ Larry Sanders (16)/ Matt Bonner (4)/ Luke Harangody
C: Derrick Favors (28)/ Marcin Gortat (20)/ Kurt Thomas

Total Minutes:
Andre Iguodala - 36
Jrue Holiday - 32
Paul Millsap - 28
Derrick Favors - 28
Evan Turner - 28
Ronnie Brewer - 22
Leandro Barbosa - 20
Marcin Gortat - 20
Larry Sanders - 16
Avery Bradley - 8
Matt Bonner - 4
*Obviously if we made the playoffs the rotation would be tightened.
**Kurt Thomas, Devin Ebanks, Luke Harangody, Jermaine Taylor would not have any minutes other than emergency situations. Ebanks, Harangody, and Taylor would be placed on the inactive list on most games assuming everyone is game fit.

Strength of Team
Defense, depth, and youth. Every player in the main rotation is a plus defender other than Barbosa, who may have simply been in the wrong system for his entire career (D'Antoni's) There is also significant depth on the roster, as there isn't a huge dropoff when the team goes to its bench (that could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how you look at it. Lastly, this is a young team, and the roster has time to grow and mature, and can incorporate pressure defenses without fearing for the stamina of the players.

Offense
This team looks to force turnovers defensively and get out and run, utlilizing its athleticism and depth to wear down opponents. In the half court, the team can use pick and roll sets, as there are several players on the team adept at running the pick and roll (Holiday, Barbosa, Iguodala, Turner(?)) and big men who either have rolled aggressively to the hoop in the past (Gortat, Millsap) or can be taught to do so (Sanders, Favors). This team's approach is definitely get to the basket first, settle for jumpshots later. Also crash the glass to create second chance opportunities.

Defense
The first core concept of this team's defense is reducing help defense and rotation as much as possible. There should be very little double-teaming as every player should be able to stay in front of his man. Screens should be hedged. This team has the versatility to throw out a lot of different looks defensively so they could go into a zone for a few possessions a game, and screens can be trapped aggressively.

Future of Team
This team has six rookies on the roster. So the Blazers are giving themselves a good chance to strike gold on a couple of them and are able to use this flexibility to deal these young players for high-level pieces or just develop these young guys until this team is ready to compete. This is a very young team with a lot of cap space and a lot of flexibility and this team has a chance to grow together, add a couple more pieces and contend in a big way in the near future.

Overall Grade: Incomplete. It's too difficult to tell with so many young guys on the roster that we really know nothing about. But I do believe this team can defend well enough to make the playoffs THIS YEAR, although I don't feel they are legitimate contenders... yet.

[ZarcMumoff]

tk76...this is my understanding on how I can fudge around with the depth chart. If you want Jackson to start at SG, but play 42 minutes, he'll more than likely be playing some of those minutes elsewhere. Don't quote me on this, but I'm pretty sure I can fudge around with the minutes and where they play. For example

Jackson (30)/Bynum (18)
Young (30)/Jackson (12)/Babbit (6)

So Jackson should see 30 minutes at SG, and see 12 minutes at SF.

[ZarcMumoff]

Hornets
It is tough when you are drafting at the end of the 1st round because you have to draft a lot smartly, and just focus on the type of team you want. I loved getting Bogut...if you aren't going to have that great player, get a 16/10 C. Then you went with Wallace, another superb re bounder/defender. Then you add Murphy and Miller...two more great rebounders. The only problem is that you don't have a guy who can score with the ball in his hands. Now, I know Lou Will can but note at the rate of a playoff team. Wallace somewhat, and Miller somewhat. You'll have a great defensive team no doubt, but I just don't see that #1 guy on the perimeter that can get it done. Right now, a borderline playoff team. Still, a smart draft.
Rating: 6/10

[tk76]

tk76...this is my understanding on how I can fudge around with the depth chart. If you want Jackson to start at SG, but play 42 minutes, he'll more than likely be playing some of those minutes elsewhere. Don't quote me on this, but I'm pretty sure I can fudge around with the minutes and where they play. For example

Jackson (30)/Bynum (18)
Young (30)/Jackson (12)/Babbit (6)

So Jackson should see 30 minutes at SG, and see 12 minutes at SF.

Thanks. So like I posted before, put my team down as:

Depth chart, using normal minutes (full depth chart with extra players to help if there is injuries):

PG: CP3(39), Bibby(9), Bynum, Head
SG: Jackson(16)/Bibby(16)/Bynum(16)/Evans
SF: Thad(25)/Jackson(20)/Odom(3)/Evans/D.Green
PF: Odom(33)/Biedrins(15)/Okafor/Thad/D.Greem
C: Okafor(36)/Biedrins(12)/Whiteside/Curry

Or more simply:
Starters:
PG: CP3 (39 min)
SG: Jackson(SG/SF)(36 min)
SF: Thad (25 min)
PF: Odom (PF/SF)(36 min)
C: Okafor (36 mins)

Reserve:
Bibby: 25 min (PG/SG)
Biedrins(PF/C) (27 min)
Bynum: 16 min (SG)

[ExplosionsInDaSky]

LA CLIPPERS AT A GLANCE….
It’s hard to really grade myself so I wont….but you guys can…

This is the roster

LA Clippers
Aaron Brooks/Jason Terry/Roger Mason jr/Andy Rautins
Tracy Mcgrady/Rudy Fernandez
Rasual Butler/Demarre Carroll/Darington Hobson
Andrea Bargnani/Greg Monroe
Tim Duncan/Jermaine Oneal/Kyle Fesenko

My backcourt has got a ton of depth led by Aaron Brooks and veterans Tracy McGrady and Jason Terry. Rudy Fernandez will get a fair chance at well at delivering but in my opinion Fernandez is still only a role player that can come off the bench and hit shots. If Fernandez opts for Spain then I have Roger Mason JR as an ace in the hole. However if it stays as is those four will see the floor mostly in the backcourt with Mason and Andy Rautins on call.
There are 96 minutes between the guard positions…

Brooks 34
McGrady 22
Terry 25
Fernandez 15

Brooks and TMAC will start while Terry and Fernandez lead the second unit that usually comes in around the second quarter. Offensively if everyone can hold up that backcourt should be a nightmare to stop. All four can shoot and stretch the floor and if McGrady is even a shell of his former self he still should be able to go one on one every now and then. I’m not ruling out TMACS ability to take over a game if needed although he wont be asked to do so on this team. Injuries are a concern but I have some nice depth so it wont be a problem if TMAC just can’t do it. He was a gamble of a draft pick but not a bad one considering where and when I got him.

The small forward position will be played by both Rasual Butler and Demarre Carroll. Butler is a big physical forward that has really become an underrated player in the game the last couple of years. He’s a smart player and while not a great defender the former Lasalle prospect can more than hold his own offensively and defensively. Backing up Butler is
Demarre Carroll. Carroll is a goon of a defender and plays more like a football player than a basketball player. The guy is as physical as it gets for his position and he wont be asked to score at all for me. Carroll is out there strictly for defense and intimidation. He can also stick my guards in the game so I’ll be playing him quite a bit. Darington Hobson rounds out the small forward unit but wont see too much time his rookie season. Rudy Fernandez will get some time at small forward as well when I can put my best defender on the floor around him and turn him loose.

48 minutes will be divided up by the small forwards so this is pretty basic..

Rasual Butler 25 minutes
Demarre Carroll 15 minutes
Rudy Fernandez 8 minutes

The power forward/ Center position is my strength on this team and it’s led by Tim Duncan who needs no further introduction. I think Duncan has a few good years left in the tank so age is not a concern as I have built a team to win now.
Former number 1 pick Andrea Bargnani will play power forward mostly and should be primed for a breakout year. Attention will be focused on so many other players that Bargs will have a chance to show what he can really do.
A seven foot power forward and an all world big in Tim Duncan has my frontcourt already looking pretty scary.
My backups are very impressive as well in my opinion. I nabbed Jermaine Oneal who was probably one of the best low post defenders last season in the NBA. When Duncan steps out I wont lose a bit of defensive prowess with Oneal subbing in for him. It’s a fundamentally very sound unit in my opinion. I have shooters from outside and a low post bangers as well. Rebounding and length will be a strength that most teams will have a problem with as well.
The fourth and final piece to the frontcourt is rookie Greg Monroe. Monroe is a great passer for his size and seems to be a willing defender. Not a great rebounder like Duncan or Oneal but he should be able to get a few. This is a learning time for Monroe but I still would have him contribute a little.
If things get bad and I need another big body I also have Kyle Fesenko lurking on the bench who proved to be a little worth during the playoffs with Utah last season.

96 minutes will be divided up between the PF/C positions

Tim Duncan 32 minutes
Bargnani 34 minutes
Oneal 22 minutes
Monroe 8 minutes

ThoughtS?

[BringBackKorver]

^^ I like your big man rotations there. You have a lot of options down low, and Bargnani having a guy who can play in the post will be a big benefit to you.

I can't imagine your team playing all that well defensively though. Of the starting 5 only 1 is a good defender (Duncan), and if you're starting him at center it will nullify a lot of the advantages he brings to the table when he's playing PF. T-mac is old but if you can keep him fresh he's a great guy to have. I'd like to see you play Monroe more, but he can't play with Bargnani which will be tough to work around.

On a much more positive note though, Duncan is the perfect guy to mentor Monroe. So although it may not factor into the simulations, that's the guy Monroe needs to model his game after. And your bench can definitely score in bunches as well. Jermaine is a great guy to be on that team. He can play well with either Bargnani or Duncan.

I really do like the team though, I just think after this year you'll need an athletic, physical 2 or 3 that can defend and create for the rest of the team.

[Koponen]

STARTING FIVE (projected stats)


STEVE NASH - 14.4ppg, 12.3 apg, 50 FG%, 39 3FG%



KEVIN MARTIN - 19.7ppg, 2.4 apg, 2.9 rpg, 47 FG%, 41 3FG%, 1.1 spg



RUDY GAY - 23.1 ppg, 1.6 apg, 6.6 rpg, 48 FG%, 31 3FG%, 1.6 spg, 1.1 bpg



LAMARCUS ALDRIDGE - 19.8 ppg, 2.3 apg, 8.7 rpg, 53 FG%, 1.1 spg, 1.0bpg



CHANNING FRYE - 12.2 ppg, 1.5 apg, 5.8 rpg, 46 FG%, 42 3FG%, 1.3 spg, 1.5 bpg

MINUTES:
PG: Steve Nash(34) - Luke Ridnour(14) - Anthony Carter
SG: Kevin Martin(38) - Chase Budinger(10) - Daequan Cook
SF: Rudy Gay(28) - Chase Budinger(7) - Dorell Wright (9) - Jason Kapono (6)
PF: LaMarcus Aldridge(30) - Rudy Gay(13) - Shavlik Randolph (5) - Craig Brackins
C: Channing Frye(30) - LaMarcus Aldridge(9) Ryan Hollins(9) - Josh Boone


TOTAL MINUTES:
41 - Rudy Gay
39 - LaMarcus Aldridge
38 - Kevin Martin
34 - Steve Nash
30 - Channing Frye
17 - Chase Budinger
14 - Luke Ridnour
9 - Ryan Hollins
9 - Dorell Wright
6 - Jason Kapono
5 - Shavlik Randolph


OFFENSE: (A+)
Penetration: (A+)
With Steve Nash at the helm, this Nuggets team will look to create open shots and easy opportunities around the basket off of penetration. K-Mart, Rudy Gay, and LaMarcus Aldridge can all beat their men off the dribble and finish at the rim.

Shooting: (A+)
Midrange: (A+)
Martin, Nash, and Frye are all effective midrange shooters. Gay and Aldridge shouldn’t be overlooked, either.

Long-range: (A)
Again, Martin, Nash, and Frye can all drain it from deep, as all have converted +40% in the past two years. Chase Budinger and Jason Kapono offer shooting off the bench.

Interior scoring: (B-)
Most of this squad’s interior scoring is going to come off the pick and roll, and off of cuts. LaMarcus Aldridge is the team’s only traditional low-post threat. Expect Rudy Gay, K-Mart, Dorell Wright, LaMarcus Aldridge, and even Channing Frye to get easy looks inside from Nash.

Off-Ball: (A-)
Steve Nash is one of the best creators in the history of the game, and makes everyone around him better. LaMarcus Aldridge and Rudy Gay will work to get backdoor looks, and K-Mart and Frye will create spacing.

Athleticism/Transition: (A+)
This team is one of the most athletic in the league. Rudy Gay and LaMarcus Aldridge are athletic freaks, and K-Mart and Steve Nash have great quickness. Nash is the best in the league at running the fast break. Look for Rudy Gay to get up court quickly in transition for easy slams. On the bench, Hollins, Wright, Budinger, Brackins, and Cook are all great athletes.

DEFENSE: (C+)
Interior: (C+)
LaMarcus Aldridge has the athleticism and length to defend most bigs, but Channing Frye is a liability down low.

Perimeter: (B-)
Rudy Gay has all the tools to be a top-flight defender in the NBA. I think he will put it all together in his 5th season. Kevin Martin has great size and good quickness at the 2-spot. Steve Nash is Steve Nash.

Rebounding: (B-)
LaMarcus Aldridge and Channing Frye are an average/below-average rebounding tandem, but I think Rudy Gay and Kevin Martin can help in that regard. Those two average a combined 9-10 rebounds a game.


STRENGTH OF TEAM:
This team is built with the ’04 Suns in mind. This team won’t beat you in a defensive struggle, but can put up 120 on you any night. To quote Kevin Harlin via NBA2K8, “Steve Nash is like a fine wine, he keeps improving with age.” Kevin Martin is our Joe Johnson. He can shoot lights out, and take you to the rack. Rudy Gay is our Shawn Marion. He’s super-long and athletic. Look for him to benefit big-time offensively with the addition of Steve Nash. He’s not quite the rebounder that The Matrix was, however. LaMarcus Aldridge is our Amar’e. He will run the pick and roll with Nash, and offer athleticism and length down low. Rudy and LaMarcus will score a lot of points off the fast break, a la Marion and Stoudemire. Frye will create space in the paint and can light it up from beyond the arc.

WEAKNESS OF TEAM:
Defense. This team has the potential to play pretty solid D, but for whatever reason have yet to do so consistently. This team is especially susceptible to being beaten by size/strength. Dwight Howard could rip this team apart on a good night. Depth is also a concern, but because of the fact that our starters are all great athletes, we should be able to rely upon them for a lot of minutes every night.

FUTURE OF TEAM:
This team is built to win now, but is largely made up of young pieces. Other than Nash (36), Gay (24), Martin (27), Aldridge (25), and Frye (27) will all be in their primes for a number of years. Our bench is also very young. If this team can find a replacement for Nash (or if he can continue to play at a high level into his 50s), and improve depth, expect the Nuggets to contend for a long, long time.

FINAL GRADE: (A-)

*Let me know what you think*

[ExplosionsInDaSky]

Koponen it's a nice starting five and it would be a fun team to watch all day. I like the wing players off the bench and do agree that the team is similar to the 04 Suns. I see no reason why that team as built couldn't win 50+ games in the west, and make the playoffs. I wont spend too much time being critical of what I see because any team with Steve Nash on it has a chance on any night. In fact your starting five is as solid as it gets and the bench is nice. The only thing I would have changed is the amount of finesse players you have. I would have thrown a thug or two in there in case things got physical which they will if you are matched up against my Golden State Warriors.