Cellardoor:
note** All years selected are subject to change.
Gary Payton (97/98): All NBA 1st, All Defensive 1st 19.2ppg, 8.3apg, 4.6rpg
Payton is one of the two greatest defensive PGs of all time, and he's one of only 2 or 3 who are equipped to guard every point guard in this league. His on-ball defense disrupts your offense and his ball theft ends the possession altogether. Offensively he's more than a capable scorer with the ability to shoot, abuse smaller guards in the post and penetrate and kick.
Vince Carter (00/01): All NBA 2nd, 27.6ppg, 3.9apg, 5.5rpg
Lost on many at this stage is Vince's incredible years with the Raptors. On a team featuring Antonio Davis as it's second option (past prime, mind you), Vince was able to not only get them in the playoffs, but knock off the Knicks and take the 76ers to 7 games. He went for over 27 a game including shooting over 40% from 3 on five attempts a game. He has the ability to get past any defender in this league and finishes stronger than anyone. Additionally, we feel that the younger version of VC with all of his physical tools will be an even better defender when he's not the only source of offense on the floor.
Larry Bird (83/84) NBA MVP, Finals MVP, All NBA First, All Defensive 2nd 24.2ppg, 6.6apg, 10.1rpg
The greatest small forward ever. It's hard to pick a "best" season for someone who won three straight MVPs, but we went with his last All Defensive selection season. Yes, it was 2nd team. The guys on the first team: The Secretary of Defense Bobby Jones and Michael Cooper. It's arguable whether or not Ron Artest's DPOY would even have netted him a 1st team selection that year. He's one of the only three guys in the discussion for the top clutch player ever. Went for 27, 11 and 6 in the playoffs and showed off his 3pt shot at a 41% clip. Add his skill in the post and off ball along with his high IQ and great team defense and you have a monster in this league and the leader of the team.
Connie Hawins (67/68) ABA League MVP, ABA Playoffs MVP, 26.8ppg, 4.6apg, 13.5rpg
Shunned from the league due to a college point shaving scandal he was never even implicated in, Hawkins didn't make it to the ABA until 25 and the NBA until 27. He still made a hell of an impression. For comparison's sake, here's Dr. J's stats at 25 v. Hawkins, who was just entering the league: 29.3 -- 26.8, 5.0 -- 4.6, 11.0 -- 13.5. Hawkins shot better from the field with more FT attempts, higher TS%, Reb%, and Ast%. He was that good. On our team, he will be attacking the basket for both rebounds and scoring. His motivation won't be an issue since we're getting him in his first year in a professional league...he's still hungry. And a hungry Hawkins is a pretty scary thought.
Bob Lanier (73/74) 22.5ppg, 4.2apg, 13.3rpg
Lanier finished 3rd in MVP shares this season and, if you listen to True LA Fan, if not for racism may have not only garnered some All NBA teams over the years, but also an MVP. He was an efficient volume scorer with a ridiculously reliable jumper to go along with elite big man passing skills and rebounding skills and very good defense (including leading the league in DRTG in the selected year). Additionally, he was another playoff performer: with not much of a team behind him beyond Dave Bing, he managed to bring his team tot he 2nd round averagine 26, 15 and 3 on 50% shooting and great defense. On our team the defense won't have the ability to collapse on him and the big man will either have to stay at home on him or give him his jumper, pulling them away from the defense boards.\\
Buck Williams (82/83) All NBA 2nd, 17.0ppg, 1.5apg, 12.5rpg
Buck was one of the great rebounders in the league for many years. In his early years his all defensive selections were blocked by the likes of Bobby Jones (and his young age..traditionally new NBA players haven't won the award), but make no mistake, he's a fantastic defender recording DRTGs under 100 and posting ridiculous DWS. Where he excels though is efficient offense on missed shots. He was top 10 in offensive rebound percentage and TS% pretty much every year before he exited his prime. He'll serve as the first big off the bench and likely see the majority of the PF minutes.
Bruce Bowen (02/03) All Defensive 1st, 7.1ppg, 1.4apg, 2.9rpg
Everyone knows what Bowen's about. 3pt shooting, defense, karate. Low usage player who won't demand touches, but you can't leave open the 44% 3pt shooter either. He'll guard the elite wings we run into.
Arvydas Sabonis (98/99) 12.1ppg, 2.4apg, 7.9rpg
Sabonis is widely considered to have been the equivalent to a top talent all time in his prime. Problem is, his prime wasn't in the NBA. Still he was one of the more skilled big men ever, a very good passer, and just flat out big, which helps against the Wilts and Shaq's of the world. He's also known for, in addition to his post skills, a very smooth jumper that forces Cs out of the paint to contest the shot.
Kirk Hinrich (06/07) All Defensive 2nd, 16.6ppg, 6.3apg, 3.4rpg
Kirk is probably the player on my team I've seen play the most. In 06/07, he was very, very good. He's a floor general, a top flight defender, a deadeye from 3 with good dribble penetration, a great leader, and had the ability to guard all positions on the floor. His versatility will be much appreciated off my bench.
Mark Aguirre (83/84)
