RealGM

Let me know if I have starters or positions wrong (PG,SG,SG,PF,C) then when you finish your draft; write up your teams and post them here

1. CLE (AJ)

Just a sidenote, though it may be obvious: it's possible that not all out of first 5 guys taken will be your starters, especially as you'll be also likely to change your lineup depending on the specific opponent.

esp when, as two players did, 2 of your first 5 are pure centers. That's why I am hoping people will post changes here once they have their top 8 or so . . . rather than talking about people's teams which we already have a thread for.

penbeast0 wrote:esp when, as two players did, 2 of your first 5 are pure centers. That's why I am hoping people will post changes here once they have their top 8 or so . . . rather than talking about people's teams which we already have a thread for.

hint hint?

parish is coming off the bench. Drob/Cowens are starting.

my starters as its planned right now:
shaq-chuckster-worthy-mullin-pistol
bench:
saba-manu

Phoenix Suns

Walton/Lanier
Haywood/Gus Johnson/M. Lucas
Baylor/Pressey
Bryant/Westphal/McMillan
Cousy/Bing

Rotation: Walton, Haywood, Baylor, Bryant, Cousy, Bing, Lanier, Johnson, Westphal, Pressey.

Bench: McMillan and Lucas.



Bill Walton: Was a force in his prime, he could do it all, score in the post, defend the post, pass the ball, shoot from mid-range, rebound, block shots. Walton gave you everything you wanted from your prototypical center. He was truly elite his Blazer days.

Spencer Haywood: An offensive machine, one of the greatest scoring PF's in the history of basketball when he was at his best. Also a great rebounder, adequate shot blocker and defender. He was a dominate player and there's no denying that.

Kobe Bryant: Best two way player in basketball right now, the absolute complete package of offense, defense, intangibles and clutch play. The combination of his athleticism, strength, vision, ball handling, shooting, ability to finish in the lane after contact and high I.Q make him a lethal force at both ends of the floor. His determination and winning attitude is infectious to his ball club and in return makes everyone else around him better. Probably the toughest competitor since M.J. Kobe Bryant is the M.J of this era.

Elgin Baglor: Could possibly be the most complete offensive player of all time at the forward spot. Unlimited number of moves and ways to put the ball in the basket, whether on the perimeter, in the paint, driving into the lane and drawing fouls, Elgin scored points as skilfully and easily as any other player in basketball history. He was a also a spectacular rebounder for his size, without a doubt the best rebounding 3 of all time. He averaged 20 and 19 boards consecutively in the '60-'61 seasons. Never got to win a chip but helped lead his Lakers teams to multiple finals appearances.


Bob Cousy:As a playmaker there was no other outside of Magic. Coz was the Houdini of the Hardwood, and contrary to what skeptics say, he was considered a good shooter and defender in his era. 20/6/9 in his prime with over 50% eFG, he shot a low percentage from the field, but he got to the line mercilessly making up for it.

Gus Johnson: Some compare his game Barkley. Gus was a bit undersized but he made up for it with his heart, passion, strength and incredible athleticism. He was a force to reckon with back in his day and was one of the more dominate players of his era. A pretty good scorer in his prime at around 19 points, he used his strength to bully around guys in the post and was a capable shooter, in transition he was deadly. He was a great rebounder, 14 per in his prime and was considered a very good defender, winning a couple of 1st All NBA defensive selections in '69 and '70. He was strong enough to guard big bruising centers and quick enough to guard smaller forwards. Gus was really a complete player.

Bob Lanier: The "Dobber" was dominate in the low post, but he could also make you pay from the outside, he did most of his damage inside with his patent hook shot. Dobber was a great rebounder as well, averaging 13.2 boards per in his prime. He was also a solid shot blocker and held his own defending the paint. He never won a chip, but was well respected around the league for his solid all around game and hard work on the court.

Dave Bing: He was a great scoring guard over his career, but he was also a very good playmaker averaging near 6 assists over his career. He wasn't known to be a great defender, but he was a decent defender in his day. The captain and leader of his Pistons in the late '60's and early '70 and gained much respect around the league. He made two 1st all NBA teams in the same era that Jerry West and Oscar Robertson were dominating.


Paul Westphal: Westphal had a tremendous 5 year peak, his best 5 seasons all came between '75-80 for the Phoenix Suns, the rest of his career stats don't come close. Westphal put up 23 with 6 assists and an eFG of over 56% in that span, he made 3 All NBA 1st teams during that run. Efficient scorer, good playmaker.

Paul Pressey:Pressey was an efficient scorer. He was a good playmaker and defender, his 2 All NBA 1st team selection in '84 and '85 attest how highly he was regarded defensively in his prime.

Maurice Lucas: A true enforcer, but also with great skills put together a couple of 20/10 seasons. Was an All-NBA defender in his prime and helped lead the Blazers to a championship in '77.

Nate McMillan: Great all around player, his strong suits were playmaking and defense, not much of a scorer. He average near 8 dimes in his prime and was a tenacious perimeter defender, winning a few All-NBA defensive selections in his day.

Chemistry/Bench:

I believe I've built a fairly deep team, a lot of great players on my bench, but character, quality players who want to win and have proven that over their respective careers. Even in reduced roles they will perform to their best capabilities. Lanier will spell Walton when needed and he'll need it with Chamberlain on the other team. Dave Bing is a great combo guard who will come in and provide scoring and intangibles to my second unit. Gus Johnson is an "do it all" type player and will bring his great spark, energy and athleticism off my bench. Guys like Pressey and McMillan don't need major playing time to be effective as they bring in their all around games and great defense to the forefront.


This was just a small breakdown of my players overall games, as well as stats. You can find a ton more information in my head to head match-up vs the Nuggets in the playoff thread. I go over position by positions match-ups, also my offensive and defensive breakdowns along with my players prime stats.

You can find that here:

http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=791550

Rotation:

Willis Reed/Bill Laimbeer
Karl Malone
Grant Hill/Billy Cunningham
Dale Ellis/Bill Sharman
Oscar Robertson

Spot minutes: Sam Jones, George McGinnis

Here is a sample writeup (will add the stats):

Team roster
Player stats, include the 5 years you are using
Offensive Scheme(s)
Defensive Scheme(s)
How everyone's skills fit together/Intangibles

It's not just about having stars, it's about having stars that know their roles.

According to the league rules, we are playing by 2007 rules. Only one team exceeded 90 shots per game this year. It's unrealistic to expect that any team will get much, if any, more than that. The Clippers will average 89.5 shots per game. The big question for my team, as it will be for all teams, is how to you divvy up those shots so that everyone is happy and productive? Fortunately, it's not an issue for the Clips.

Kareem will shoot about 1% less
Most players will shoot 1.5% less
Tayshaun Prince will reduce his 2 pt. FGA by 5%
Michael Cooper will reduce his 2 pt. FGA by 6%
Gary Payton will reduce his 2 pt. FGA by 7% and his 3 pt. FG% by 6%

That's it. Ballhandling will be the same. Bench players will be playing less than they did...percentage of total minutes compared to their peak period being used looks like this

Kareem (1972-4, 76-7) 100%
Williams (1982-84, 87, 90) 100%
Jones (1975-79) 100%
Payton (1995-8, 2000-1) 100%
Dumars (1989-94) 100%

Cooper (1983-87) 82%
Prince (2004-08) 52%
Grant (1992-96) 40%
Daugherty (1989-1993) 25%

...but when my players are on the court, they'll do what they've always done. There is no conflict between first options or passers. Players will perform their roles at the high level they did when they played. We don't need to force players into unfamiliar roles or say/hoipe that they'll "just do it." We're a team from a top to bottom.

The Clippers will run but, when a good quick shot doesn't present itself, will settle into a motion halfcourt offense based around the best halfcourt move in Basketball history--the Skyhook. We'll play a UCLA version of the Princeton similar to what the Larry Costello Bucks did in the early 1970s. We are borderline elite in efficiency with a team fg% of .515%, and a ts% of around .571. Our team assist/turnover ratio is 1.69:1. Dumars, Cooper, Prince, and Payton can hit threes. Kareem's range is out to 15 feet; so is Daugherty's, Grant's and Jones's. We spread the court well to go with our shooting and passing efficiency. Our big men have enough range to pull opposing Ds out of their comfort zone and disrupt defensive rebounding and help plans. And since everybody is working in the roles they are used...there will be no trouble with someone who is used to being a second option demoted to fourth option, and the subsequent usage and chemistry issues.

On defense, we are simply the best team in the league, top to bottom. 8 of our 9 rotation players have at least 3 All-D team selections. (And the ninth, Brad Daugherty, is a very good defender.) Our starting defensive anchors--Kareem, Jones, and Payton--are among the greatest defenders in NBA history. The other two starters, Dumars and Williams, are known for their tough D. Cooper comes off the bench as he did when he won his DPOY. Tayshaun's length means there will be little relief when Jones is sitting. Grant and Daugherty give us two big men who can and will hold their own against anyone. My starters have 40 All-D team selections among them; the other rotation players add 15 more. We are a defensive juggernaut.

Other teams and players will look better on paper based on what the players did as primary options. But how will they function with reduced shots? Less usage? How will their egos mesh when a player used to being the start is asked to be a number three option? The Clippers are a team. We'll be productive on offense, stifling on defense, and a high quality team in chemistry from top to bnottom, 48 minutes a game. Player totals based on averages from seasons listed. Rebounds computed using rebound rates in a 84 rebound per game league:

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar--3304 min, 991-1761 FG, 421-603 FT, 0-0 3P, 2403 pts, 1069 reb, 367 ast, 114 stl, 309 blk, 321 TO
Gary Payton--3201 min, 630-1342 FG, 247-335 FT, 110-329 3P, 1617 pts, 379 reb, 606 ast, 183 stl, 18 blk, 212 TO
Joe Dumars--2818 min, 551-1171 FG, 327-376 FT, 56-145 3P, 1485 pts, 178 reb, 356 ast, 71 stl, 6 blk, 167 TO
Buck Williams--2869 min, 485-850 FG, 299-461 FT, 0-2 3P, 1269 pts, 943 reb, 118 ast, 78 stl, 91 blk, 227 TO
Bobby Jones--2543 min, 465-812 FG, 307-470 FT, 0-2 3P, 1141 pts, 623 reb, 270 ast, 153 stl, 144 blk, 204 TO

Michael Cooper--1853 min, 216-455 FG, 99-117 FT, 38-108 3P, 569 pts, 212 reb, 339 ast, 90 stl, 41 blk, 112 TO
Tayshaun Prince--1393 min, 196-421 FG, 84-99 FT, 29-813P, 505 pts, 200 reb, 109 ast, 27 stl, 26 blk, 52 TO
Horace Grant--1067 min, 165-307 FG, 68-100 FT, 0-5 3P, 398 pts, 293 reb, 81 ast, 32 stl, 38 blk, 37 TO
Brad Daugherty--632 min, 123-228 FG, 92-121 FT, 0-2 3P, 338 pts, 167 reb, 63 ast, 14 stl, 12 blk, 45 TO



Team Totals:
.520 fg%, .738 ft%, .347 3p%

Starting Lineup:

C - Artis Gilmore (Prime years stats from 1971-76)

Sample stats from 1971-72: 23.8 PPG, 17.8 RPG, 5.0 BPG, .598 FG%

Artis Gilmore, the NBA's all-time Field Goal Percentage leader, will be my center. He is known to the be the second coming of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and this is very much so the case because of his arsenal of post moves and domination in the paint. Gilmore is also often known to be the man playing next to Dan Issel, a legendary player in his own right but was not your average center as he liked to take a lot of jump shots. Gilmore, playing beside Issel, became one of the best centers purely on the basis that he was a complimentary player. He covered up for the weaknesses Issel had which was rebounding, blocking, etc. Gilmore was fantastic at rebounding as well as blocking due to his frame and wingspan. In short, Artis Gilmore didnt become "the man" by being the #1 option, but rather, he became a legend as a second option, proving how great he was. Just picture the great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with an gigantic afro, thats all you need to do.


PF - Tim Duncan (Prime years stats from 1999-04)

Sample stats from 2001-02: 25.5 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 2.5 BPG, .508 FG%

Tim Duncan, aka The Big Fundamental, is the power forward for my Trail Blazers team. Saying Duncan knows his fundamentals is clearly an understatement, as he provides just about every intangible there is in the game. His knowledge of the low and high post, his knowledge about work on the angles of the backboard, and his ability to knock down shots in clutch situations makes him my go-to scorer and defensive anchor. Folks, what you see here is indeed the total package, Duncan is arguably the best power forward to ever play the game, and with that, there will not be someone that can stop my team's two-pronged assault of Gilmore and Duncan.


SF - Ron Artest (Prime years stats from 2002-04, 2005-08 )

Sample stats from 2007-08: 20.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.3 SPG, .453 FG%, .380 3PT%

Ron Artest, the notorious palace brawl sparker, is my cog at the small forward position. Artest brings the type of intensity only the greats have, while possessing a linebacker-type body to out-muscle the player he's guarding, or attacking on. Bruce Bowen who? Ron Artest is also no slouch on the offensive end, his skill cutting to the basket combined with dizzying twist moves makes him into a mini-hakeem, except, Ron also combines that with a deadly 3pt shot, which other teams surprisingly dont play him for. Therefore, Ron will become even better of a player on my team.


SG - George Gervin (Prime years stats from 1977-82)

Sample stats from 1979-80: 33.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 1.0 BPG, .528 FG%, .852 FT%

The Iceman, nicknamed because he was so calm and cool on the court he never seemed to break a sweat. Gervin was the first ever guard to win three consecutive scoring titles. At that time, he beat out prime-time players in scoring such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Julius Erving, Moses Malone, and Elvin Hayes. Gervin was the master of the midrange shot and finger-roll, shooting at a high percentage while getting to the line. He always had that cool demeanor on the court and never lost his focus. He's also no slouch on the defensive end, racking up over 1000 blocks and steals during his career. In essence, you'll always have a hard time finding a more classier athlete than George "The Iceman" Gervin.


PG - Maurice Cheeks (Prime years stats from 1983-88 )

Sample stats from 1985-86: 15.4 PPG, 9.2 APG, 2.5 SPG, .537 FG%, .842 FT%

Mo Cheeks was one of the most efficient and top defensive players to ever play the point guard position. His court vision and leadership was among the best among the early 80s with Magic Johnson only better, Cheeks helped the Sixers to a championship while guarding Magic, sweeping them 4-0 in the finals. Cheeks had the quickness and strength to stop opposing point guards as well as the blocking ability to stop shooting guards when given the assignment. On my team, his job will be mainly to make entry feeds to Duncan or Gilmore, or the pick and roll/back door cuts to the basket.



Rotation:

SG - Paul Pierce (Prime years stats from 2000-02, 2004-06, 2007-2008 )

Sample stats from 2005-06: 26.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.4 SPG, .471 FG%, 10.7 FTAs

Paul Pierce is one of the most unappreciated players in the game. He's good at everything, but hardly gets any credit for it because he played on teams that did not do so well. Pierce's ability really shown this year when KG and Ray Allen arrived on the scene. Instead of chucking shots like used to, he now knows how to play a systematic offence, lowering his shot total to almost 66% of what he usually takes, but scoring around the same, and still making a huge impact. Pierce's main role for my team is to score and slash to the basket, because if theres anything Pierce is the best at, its drawing fouls while finishing after contact. He will take on generally about a dozen minutes a game depending on my opponnent. If he's on the 2nd unit, he will likely guard the best wing player on the opposing team if Artest is not on the floor.


SF - Peja Stojakovic (Prime years stats from 2000-05)

Sample stats from 2003-04: 24.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 240 3pts made (league leader), 433 3PT%, .927 FT%

Peja Stojakovic is one the game's best known 3pt shooters in the 21st century. He commands such a sweet stroke and quick release that hardly anyone can guard properly. For any team looking to make an impact, Peja is that perfect substance off the bench with his dead-eye shooting and decision making. Since my team's starting lineup lacks that range specialty, Peja makes up for it perfectly by coming off the bench for either Gervin or Artest, and he'll likely just park himself on the 3pt line looking for kickout passes by either Cheeks or Duncan, solidifying his role for my already-intimidating team.


PG - Tim Hardaway (Prime years stats from 1990-95, 1996-97)

Sample stats from 1991-92: 23.4 PPG, 10.0 APG, 2.0 SPG, .461 FG%, .338 3PT%

Tim Hardaway, often remembered as the man who innovated the crossover dribble, is a key ingredient for my 2nd unit. He'll be the motor that keeps my team running and gunning because he's infamously remembered from the "Run DMC" with Mullin and Ritchmond. Hardaway plays a mean fast break and has a streaky 3pt shot. His main role on my team is to wear down players like Payton or Dumars off the dribble and look for the 3pt shooter on the wing to dish to, as Hardaway's court vision was nothing short of amazing.


PF - Charles Oakley (Prime years stats from 1986-90, 1993-94)

Sample stats from 1989-90: 14.6 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 1.0 SPG, .524 FG%, 3.6 Off. Rebounds per Game

Charles Oakley was one of the game's premier post defenders and rebounders. He brings a kind of edge with him every game and intimidates the hell out of his counterpart on the floor. Oak is also widely known as a leader that make sures no one gets out of line on his team. His main role on my team will be an enforcer to play next to either Duncan or Gilmore and provide toughness as well as offensive rebounds to frustrate the opposing team's defence. Generally I'll look to him getting around 12-20 minutes per game depending which big man my opponent sends out on the floor.


PF - Carlos Boozer (Prime years stats from 2003-08 )

Sample stats from 2006-07: 21.8 PPG, 12.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, .561 FG%, 3.2 Off. Rebounds per game

Carlos Boozer may be well-known for his late-bloom status as well as the ability to excel with a great point guard. This is good news for me especially since I have two premier point guards that know how to run a team efficiently and carefully. Carlos Boozer's lack of help defence is made up by his toughness and rebounding ability, since he is paired up with either Duncan or Gilmore, the main role he'll be asked to do is dazzle the opposing team's defence with a ferocious arsenal of post moves, pick-and-rolls, and offensive rebounding, which he seems to have knack of knowing where the ball goes to. Generally he'll play around a half-dozen minutes a game at the start of the 2nd and 4th quarters to give my team a small lift against opposing backup bigs which will lack the footspeed and power to keep up with Boozer.



Bench Warmers:

PG - Derek Fisher (Prime years stats from 2001-02, 2004-08 )

Sample stats from 2007-08: 11.7 PPG, 1.0 SPG, .407 3PT% .883 FT%

The spiritual leader and Zen presence of this team, Derek Fisher provides immediate relief in case there is a need for a point guard or shooting guard in case there is foul trouble. Fisher also possesses a lethal 3pt shot that opposing teams must respect. All in all, Fisher will be the player that helps out in key situations in case Tim Hardaway has problems scoring or defending.

SF/PF - Sam Mitchell (Prime years stats from 1989-92, 1995-96, 1997-98 )

Sample stats from 1990-91: 14.6 PPG, 6.3 SPG, .441 FG% 0.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG

An underrated sparkplug of the early 90s, Sam Mitchell was known as a perennial journeyman until the Minnesota Timberwolves finally took him in. Sam Mitchell provided that fiery intensity and hustle for the Timberwolves and was a key factor in the development of Kevin Garnett. Mitchell was known as a chatterbox in the locker room, lifting the morale of his teammates when the team isn't performing well. That is exactly what I will look for in Sam Mitchell, to provide that hustle and energy off the bench as a 12th man while being a catalyst for the team's great chemistry. Although there are limitations to what chemistry and teamwork can do for a team, Mitchell provides exactly the material that my team wants: a locker room leader.




Offensive Strategy:

1) The Two-Pronged Front-court Assault:
Tim Duncan and Artis Gilmore are both phenomenal players in the low and high post, each possessing a dazzling array of post moves and shots. Most likely, both Duncan or Gilmore will get doubled or triple-teamed when they receive the ball, and thats where they can pass to the wing for an easy open shot, because both of these guys are great at passing to the open man. Since my offense relies on these two dominating big men, one has to be always on the court, meaning unless the game is out of hand, only one of them can be on the bench, so the front-court rotations will be Gilmore-Duncan, Gilmore-Oakley, Gilmore-Boozer, Duncan-Oakley, Duncan-Boozer, etc etc...


2) The Truth, Iceman, Artest, and Peja:
A jack-of-all-trades player, the master of the midrange game and slashing, mini-hakeem, and the best 3pt specialist in the 21st century so far makes up a tandem of a perfect balance. Pierce will likely command the most shots for the 2nd unit as he's good at drawing fouls, the Iceman will look to come off screens and nail easy 10-20 ft jumpshots, Artest can cut to the basket easily and pound his defender with his 245 pound body, combined with a 3pt shot that cant be left open. Peja, 'nuff said, can shoot the lights out when he's hot and will likely command around half a dozen 3pt attempts for my team, generally from kickouts from Duncan and Gilmore since the latter and former will be doubled/tripled.


3) Tempo:
So far, I plan to make my team into a slow-tempo, half-court team that slowly breaks down the opposing team's defence. Since Cheeks is so efficient at running the team and scoring, that will indeed be the case for the starting lineup. However, depending on the situation with my opposing team's 2nd unit, I'll generally look to Hardaway to run a more uptempo 2nd unit with Peja and Pierce, a more slicker version of the old Mullin-Ritchmond-Hardaway system.



Defensive Strategy:

My team posesses: 1) The most underrated post defender of all time in Tim Duncan, and 2) The best on-the-ball defender in the 21st century of the evolved game of basketball, with more strength and speed, Artest and Duncan makes up a mean defensive front court, along with the dominating presence of Artis Gilmore who averaged around 4 blocks in his prime, and the ever-intimidating presence of Charles Oakley. Although Gervin was more known for his offense, his defence was all about athletcism and help defense, he can get up to block a shot when needed or alter a shot, but most likely I'll put him on the opposing team's 2nd or 3rd option since I'll need his energy on offence more than on defence. In the backcourt, Maurice Cheeks will likely guard the oppsing team's point guard unless they're more bigger like the Magic Johnsons and Gary Paytons, where either Pierce or Artest will guard them. For fast and short SGs like Wade, Iverson, and West, I'll likely look for Cheeks to guard those guys since Cheeks also possess some pretty good athleticism to block/alter shots.

Team Recap

Kevin Johnson

--Johnson is one only three players in NBA history (Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson are the others) to average at least 20.0 points and 12.0 assists in a season.
--Johnson is one of only three players in NBA history (Oscar Robertson and Isiah Thomas are the others) to have averaged at least 20.0 points and 10.0 assists in three consecutive seasons.
Johnson is one of only four players in NBA history to have averaged at least 20.0 points and 10.0 assists per game in three different seasons.
--Johnson is one of four players to have averaged at least 15.0 points and 10.0 assists per game over the course of a season while shooting at least .500 from the field.
--Johnson is one of only two players (the other is Magic Johnson) to have averaged at least 20.0 points and 10.0 assists per game over the course of a season while shooting at least .500 from the field.
--Johnson is the only player in NBA history to have averaged at least 20.0 points, 10.0 assists, a .500 field goal percentage, and 2.0 steals in a season (in '90-'91)

One of the most underrated PG's to have ever played the game. Will be primary facilitator and a fantastic drive and dish PG. Constant pressure on the defense and a big game performer. Very efficient offensively and a terrific finisher around the basket. The three point shot isn't part of the game, but he's shown in the past he can knock it down when open (In one season made nearly 90 threes on OVER 44% from distance.)

Ray Allen

* All-NBA Second Team: 2005
* All-NBA Third Team: 2001
* 8-time NBA All-Star: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
* NBA All-Rookie Second Team: 1997
* NBA Joe Dumars NBA Sportsmanship Award: 2003
* NBA All-Star Weekend Three-point Shootout champion: 2001
* Holds NBA record for most three-point field goals made in a regular season with 269 in 2005-06[11]
--NBA regular season leader, three-point field goals attempted: 2006 (653)
--NBA all-time career three-point field goals made: 2nd with 2,032 (as of February 13, 2008)
--Holds NBA record for most seasons leading the league in three-point field goals made with 3 (2001-02 with 229, 2002-03 with 201, 2005-06 with 269)
--Shares NBA record for most three-point field goals made in one half with 8 with Tracy Mcgrady (April 14, 2002 vs. the Charlotte Hornets).
-- Holds Milwaukee Bucks franchise records for most consecutive games played (400), most career three-point field goals made (1,051), and most career three-point field goals attempted (2,587).
--Ranks 69th all time on the NBA's scoring leader list trailing Bob Cousy (as of June 13, 2007).
--Member of the 2000 United States men's basketball team, which won gold at the Sydney Olympics.

One of the greatest shooters to have ever played the game. A team player and can just flat out dominate a game when needed in his prime. 4 seasons of over 200 threes and over 41% from distance.

Scottie Pippen

Holds NBA Records for:

* Assists by a forward, career (6,135) [13]
* Steals by a forward, career (2,307) [14]
* Steals, Playoffs, career (395) [15]
* Three point field goals made, NBA Finals, game (7, shared with Kenny Smith)
* One of three players in NBA history to record 200 steals and 100 blocks, season (1989-90 season)

* Michael Jordan performed the feat back-to-back in 1987-88 and 1988-89 seasons
* Hakeem Olajuwon in 1988-89 season

* Half of only the 10th tandem in NBA history to score 40 points in the same game

* Pippen scored 40 points and Michael Jordan scored 44 points against the Indiana Pacers on February 18, 1996

* Half of only the 9th tandem in NBA history to record triple doubles in the same game

* with Michael Jordan

Achievements:

* Pippen recorded 17 career triple-doubles in the regular season.
* Led NBA in Steals (232) and Steals Per Game (2.94) in 1994-95 season.
* Chicago Bulls Career Leader in Three-Point Field Goals Made (664), Three-Point Field Goals Attempted (2,031) and Personal Fouls (2,534).
* His 10 NBA All-Defensive honors and 8 NBA All-Defensive First Team honors are each one shy of the NBA record.

One of the best all around players to have ever played. Arguably GOAT defense at the SF position, a terrific scorer that could score from anywhere, tremendous passer and rebounder. There was nothing on the court he couldn't do. His versatility, defense and all around game can be used in many different situations.

Shawn Kemp

The Seattle SuperSonics drafted Kemp in the first round of the 1989 NBA Draft and he quickly became a force to be reckoned with. Kemp was one of the NBA's premier high flyers with outstanding leaping abilities. At the time, he was the youngest player in the NBA. Half-court lob passes from Gary Payton to Kemp became a regular sight to see. Together with Payton, Detlef Schrempf, Sam Perkins, Hersey Hawkins, and other stars, they became a highly successful squad. After Kemp's second NBA season, he picked up the nickname "Reign Man" after Sonics announcer Kevin Callabro saw a poster with the name and found it fitting to add to his radio broadcasts. Conflicting accounts attribute this to his love of the Seattle weather as a rookie, as well as his appreciation of the Dustin Hoffman movie "Rain Man."[1]

He played for the US national team in the 1994 FIBA World Championship in Toronto, winning the gold medal.[2]

Kemp's career peaked in 1995-96, when he led the Sonics to a franchise-record 64 wins and their first NBA Finals appearance since 1979. They faced Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, who were coming off an NBA record 72 wins. The Sonics, however, managed to push the heavily-favored Bulls to six games before losing.

Great rebounder, very aggressive defender, and just an absolutely amazing athlete. He was virtually unstoppable at times with his length, athleticism and finishing ability. Next to Hakeem gives me what I feel one of the more athletic though fundamentally sound front-courts in the league

Hakeem Olajuwon

# 2x NBA champion (1994, '95)
# 2x NBA Finals MVP (1994, '95)
# 1x NBA MVP (1994)
# 2x Defensive Player of Year (1993, '94)
# 6x All-NBA First Team (1987, '88, '89, '93, '94, '97)
# 3x All-NBA Second Team ('86, '90, '96)
# 3x All-NBA Third Team (1991, '95, '99)
# 5x All-Defensive First Team ('87, '88, '90, '93, '94)
# 12x All-Star
# Olympic gold medalist (1996)
# Named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).
# Only player in NBA history to have won MVP, Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season (1994).[22]
# One of the 4 players in NBA history to have ever recorded a quadruple-double.[4]
# Olajuwon also won the rebounding and blocked shots titles in 1989-90, becoming the third player ever (after Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton) to lead the league in both categories during the same season.[30]
# All-time leader in blocked shots. (note: the NBA did not keep statistics for blocked shots until the 1973-74 season)
# Olajuwon is also in the top ten in blocks, scoring, rebounding, and steals. He is the only player in NBA history placed in the top ten for all four categories.
# All-time NBA Playoffs leader in total blocks with 472 and blocks per game with 3.3 per game.[48][49]
# Olajuwon ranks 7th all-time in steals and is by far the highest ranked center. (note that steals were not recorded until the 1973-74 season)[50]
# In 1989, Olajuwon had 282 blocks and 218 steals, becoming the only NBA player to record over 200 blocks and 200 steals in a season.[19]
# Olajuwon is one of few players to record more than 200 blocks and 100 steals in a season. As the all-time leader in this feat, he did it for 11 seasons (consecutively from the 1985-86 season to the 1995-96 season). The next closest is David Robinson, who did it for 7 seasons.[51][52]
# Olajuwon has recorded an NBA record six five by fives in his career.[53]
# Olajuwon was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 2008

A top 5 big man to have ever played the game. Very few players dominated both ends of the floor the way he did. One of the clutchest big in league history, great rebounder, NBA's all time leading shot-blocker, great passer, and WIDE array of offensive moves to choose from. His footwork and touch around the basket is amazing. Really can't talk enough about him, one of the best two way anchors to have ever played the game. Not to mention he was a BIG TIME playoff performer.

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Norm Van Lier

Nicknamed "Stormin' Norman" for his tenacity and aggression, Van Lier was one of the most popular Bulls players of the 1970s. During his ten year career, Van Lier was named to three NBA All-Defense First Teams and five NBA All-Defense Second Teams. He was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 1974. Van Lier retired in January 1979 with career totals of 8,770 points and 5,217 assists.

His team first attitude and the defensive intensity he brings is a perfect compliment to my team off the bench to back up KJ. Can run a team and an efficient scorer. Just all around fundamentally sound and will be used off the bench as a primarily defensive stopper at the PG position.

Rip Hamilton

On February 9, 2006, Hamilton earned his first selection to the 2006 NBA All-Star Game as a reserve guard for the Eastern Conference.

On December 27, 2006, Hamilton scored a career-high 51 points with a personal best 19-for-37 field goal shooting in a 151-145 triple-overtime Pistons loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.[2]

On January 9, 2007, Hamilton surpassed 10,000 career points with 22 points in a victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

He represented the Eastern Conference for the second time at the 2007 NBA All-Star Game.

On February 17, 2008, Hamilton represented the Eastern Conference for the third consecutive season at the 2008 NBA All-Star Game.

On February 6, 2008, Hamilton was selected to be a part of the Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout, to be held on February 16, 2008 during All Star Weekend in New Orleans. He was defeated, however, by defending champion Jason Kapono.

On May 13, 2008, Hamilton surpassed Isiah Thomas as the all-time Piston leading scorer in the playoffs.

What I love the best about him is he's in constant movement. Constantly coming off of screens and tiring out the opponent defender. A terrific jump-shooter especially from the mid-range. A team first player that does anything to win. Not to mention he's also a very good defender and a key part of the Pistons recent success.

Eddie Jones

--Known for his pesky defense, Jones was named to the 1997-98 and 1998-99 NBA All-Defensive Second Team, in a competitive late 90s field.
--Eddie's following campaign with the Hornets, 1999-2000 was his finest statistically, when he averaged 20.1 points, 2.7 steals (1st that season), 4.2 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. Jones was also voted to start at guard for the East All-Stars, took the Hornets to the Playoffs, and was 3rd Team All-NBA. Jones became a free agent after the season, and talked with the Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic, but wanted to play for his hometown of Miami.

Great two way player. Top 5 all time in three point made, and an All-NBA defender. Just all class and one of those guys off the bench makes an immediate impact on both ends of the floor.

Elton Brand

After two successful seasons with the Bulls, during which he received the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in 2000, Brand was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2001 for Brian Skinner and the draft rights to Tyson Chandler. In Los Angeles, Brand became the first Clipper since Danny Manning (in 1994) to be selected to the All-Star team.

In the 2006 NBA season, Brand experienced a personal renaissance. He posted career-highs in points per game (24.7) and field-goal percentage (52.7), while leading the Clippers to a 47-35 record, good enough for the sixth seed in the Western Conference. In February 2006, Brand was selected to the 2006 NBA All-Star Game as a reserve forward for the West. As a result of his individual prowess and the Clippers' recent success, many analysts believed that he was a strong candidate for Most Valuable Player for the 2006 season. Steve Nash went on to win the award. On April 22, 2006, Brand made his playoff debut scoring 21 points against the Denver Nuggets. On May 1, Brand helped lead the team to its first playoff series win since 1976, when the team was known as the Buffalo Braves. Although the Clippers eventually lost in game 7 of the second round (Western Conference Semifinals) against the Phoenix Suns, the Clippers had the best season that their franchise had ever seen. Brand received the Joe Dumars Trophy after being named the 2005-06 NBA Sportsmanship Award winner.

* 2-time NBA All-Star: 2002, 2006
* All-NBA:

* Second Team: 2006

* NBA All-Rookie First Team: 2000
* NBA co-Rookie of the Year: 2000 (with Steve Francis)
* 2-time NBA regular-season leader, offensive rebounds: 2000 (348), 2002 (396)
* Clippers' Career Leader in Offensive Rebounds (1,480)

Again, tried to make my bench around 2 way players that's strengths were on the defensive end. Brand is one of the elite shot blockers in the league with his supreme length, a terrific offensive player with a mid-range jumper and post game. A great offensive rebounder to boot.

Elmore Smith

In his first season, Smith averaged 17.3 points per game and 15.2 rebounds per game and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team. His rebounding average of 15.2 is still the eighth highest ever by an NBA rookie.

Smith is best remembered for his shot-blocking. He led the league in total blocked shots twice (in 1974 and 1975), and holds the NBA record for most blocked shots in a game, with 17 [1]. He achieved this mark against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 28, 1973, while playing for the Lakers. Smith's 4.85 blocks per game from the 1973-74 season (the first season blocked shots were officially recorded in the NBA) is the third highest ever. He was also a skilled rebounder, and he averaged a double-double (13.4 points, 10.6 rebounds) over the course of his career.

Smith was one of four players the Lakers traded to Milwaukee (the other three are Brian Winters and draft picks Junior Bridgeman and Dave Meyers) for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after the 1974-75 NBA season. He holds the Clippers franchise record for rebounds per game (13..

Comes off the bench, provides excellent rebounding absolutely elite shot-blocking ability, nearly 5 a game in one season and a better offensive game than one would think.

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Paul Silas- A terrific defender, 5 time all NBA defense, a great rebounder and had a good touch around the basket. Will be used in scenarios against dominant PF's (in this case Barkley).

Toni Kukoc- Great versatility, could play anywhere from point to PF. All around game, clutch and could space the floor. Another one of those type of players that does anything to win.

More to come a little later, will do my writeup and then maybe edit this later.

The Houston Rockets:
Lineup:
Lenny Wilkens
Clyde Drexlar
Larry Bird
Elvin Hayes
Alonzo Mourning

Bench:
Terry Porter
Michael Finley
Rodney McCray/Lamar Odom
Chris Webber
Vlade Divac/Theo Ratliff

Lenny Wilkens:
Stat line:
18pts, 9.6 ast, 4.2reb, FG 46%, 33MPG
9 time all star, 2nd in MVP voting in 1968 where the era was ruled by big men like Bill Russell and Wilt, twice he led the league and assist, and was a very good defender, he also was voted onto the 50 greatest players of all time team. He is a scoring threat, but that will not be Wilkens primary job, he will distribute the ball, run the offense, and play tough defense. Wilkens knew how to attack and get to the line as well has have a very slick jumper, which will be very important when players like Clyde Drexlar, Larry Bird, and Elvin Hayes get doubled.
Clyde Drexlar
Stat line:
27.2ppg, 5.8ast, 7.9reb, 2.7stl, FG 50%, 42MPG
10 time all-star, 3 time top 10 MVP voting, including 2nd in

Your DALLAS MAVERICKS:

Starters:

Cc: Willis Reed
PF: Karl Malone
SF: Grant Hill
SG: Dale Ellis
PG: Oscar Robertson

Rotation:

Cc: Bill Laimbeer
PF: George McGinnis
SF: Billy Cunningham
SG: Bill Sharman
PG: Sam Jones

Deep bench:

FC: Dan Issel
SF: Josh Howard

Minute splits [assuming no foul trouble or other issues]:

Willis Reed [28]/Bill Laimbeer [12]/Dan Issel [8]
Karl Malone [35]/George McGinnis [13]
Grant Hill [25]/Billy Cunningham [20]/Josh Howard [3]
Dale Ellis [20]/Bill Sharman [20]/Billy Cunningham [8]
Oscar Robertson [40]/Sam Jones [8]

Roles:

Superstar - Oscar Robertson
Stars - Karl Malone, Willis Reed
Supporting players - Rest

Positional guidelines:

Center:

Willis Reed/Bill Laimbeer/Dan Issel

Willis Reed

Sample Statline [69-70]: 21.7 ppg 13.9rpg 2.0 apg

Willis Reed was a very very physical player, dominating the glass and scoring at will in his time. He played in an era with tons of amazing Centers, and yet he is known as one of the best of them all. To quote nba.com:

"The lefthanded Reed presented a problem for opposing defenders. He had the bulk and the touch to play inside, but he was also deadly with his soft jump shot from up to 15 feet away. "

As my starting Center, Reed will play off the pick and roll with Oscar Robertson whose otherworldly court vision will no doubt help Reed's low post game when he is doubled.

Bill Laimbeer

Sample statsline [84-85]: 17.5 ppg 12.4 rpg 1.9 apg

THE dirtiest player ever, Laimbeer had a very physical style of basketball and a beautiful perimeter touch for a big man. Very much a role player, he accepted all roles asked of him and that's why I chose him. He will be the team's enforcer off the bench, guard the opponent's best big man when he's on [which may be a lot due to foul trouble] and basically be as cheap as he can be.

Dan Issel

Sample Statline: 23 ppg, 11 rpg, 2.4 apg

Not flashy at all, a work horse is what he was. Off the bench, Issel will be mostly an insurance big man and with his pump fake followed by flawless outside shot he will be a big time scoring threat when he's on, even in this league. He will provide floor spacing when he's on.

Power Forward

Karl Malone/George McGinnis

Karl Malone

Sample Statline [96-97]: 27.4 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 4.5 apg

Karl Malone was a damn beast, a damn consistent beast at that. The second highest scorer in NBA history was absolutely unstoppable down on the block and off the pick and roll with Stockton. I have a PG even better at the PnR than Stockton in Oscar, so Karl should be completely amazing. Another highly underrated aspect of his game was his defense, he was a terrific man to man defender which no one seems to give him credit for.

George McGinnis

Sample Statline [74-75]: 29.8 ppg, 14.3 rpg, 6.3 apg

McGinnis was the face of the ABA, an excellent scorer and rebounder, he will provide difficulty to defenses league-wide. Also a good passer from the PF position. Pretty much no one could stop him.

Small Forward

Grant Hill/Billy Cunningham/Josh Howard

Grant Hill

Sample Statline [96-97]: 21.4 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 7.3 apg

Grant Hill was your stereotypical all round menace. For the early part of his career he could do whatever he wanted pretty much and he was just freaking amazing. He could score and rebound with the best SFs and his court vision was excellent for a SF. Also played very good defense. Basically a poor man's Larry Bird. On my team Grant will be the secondary ball handler.

Billy Cunningham

Sample Statline: 26.1 ppg, 12.3 rpg, 4.3 apg

The perfect 6th man, Cunningham has even got experience in this role from his Philly team which won the 'chip. Amazing athelete, good defense [altho a tad slow] with very good scoring at high efficiency as well as amazing rebounding for a small forward. Cunningham will bring energy and hustle off the bench for my team.

Josh Howard

Sample Statline [07-08]: 19.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.1 apg

My favourite player, I have always loved his hustle and his continuous will to get better. Surprisingly good iso player and was a very good defensive player prior to this season. Will mostly warm the bench, only coming on in case of foul trouble.

Shooting Guard

Dale Ellis/Bill Sharman/Billy Cunningham

Dale Ellis

Sample Statline [88-89]: 27.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.0 apg

Dale Ellis is very possibly the best 3 point shooter in the history of the league. The reason he makes my starting line-up is his ridiculous efficiency. In '88-'89, he shot 48% from 3 and 50% from the field and I feel that this will go up even further as a catch and shoot player in my system. Ellis wasn't a guy that needed a lot of touches, he just caught the ball and shot and thus he fits perfectly in my system.

Bill Sharman

Sample statline [57-58]: 22.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.1 apg

Another terrific shooter, even in an era where the 3 didn't exist. One of the first guards to shoot above 40% from the field, Sharman was amazingly efficient for his time and this coupled with his range made him an ideal backup SG for my team.

Point Guard

Oscar Robertson/Sam Jones

Oscar Robertson

Sample statline [61-62]: 30.8 ppg, 12.5 rpg, 11.4 apg

The most versatile player of all time imo. Only player to have averaged a triple double over a season. At 6'5" was the NBA's first "big" point guard. I think that Oscar's accomplishments and accolades speak for themselves really, and his dominance can be summed up through the following quote from the game's greatest coach ever:

"He [Oscar] is so great - he scares me" - Red Auerbach

One of the greatest court visions ever, amazing rebounder for a PG, very gifted scorer, good defender... the list just goes on and on. Oscar could and did do it all. He will be the heart and soul of my team, the primary ball handler, the main scoring option, the main playmaking option.

Sam Jones

Sample Statline: 25.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.9 apg

Sam Jones was known as "Mr. Clutch" for a reason. Pretty obvious reason really. His pin point accuracy on his bank shots and his willingness to fill any role made him a perfect fit for my team.

Orlando Magic

Team Roster
C - Bill Russell (61' - 65')
PF - Dirk Nowitzki (03' - 07')
SF - Tracy McGrady (01' - 05')
SG - Adrian Dantley (81' - 85')
PG - Jason Kidd (99' - 03')
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BN - Dennis Johnson (79' - 83')
BN - Dan Roundfield (80' - 84')
BN - Tree Rollins (80' - 84')
BN - Shane Battier (04' - 08')
BN - Mookie Blaylock (94' - 98')
BN - K.C. Jones (62' - 66')
BN - Rick Mahorn (82' - 86')

Player Stats

Offensive Scheme

Defensive Scheme

Team Chemistry

The Detroit Pistons


The Pistons are the most talented team in the ATL with 6 of the top 50 of all time. They sport a Hofer at every position and the best 1-2 C combo in the ATL. The Pistons have the best rebounding front court and the highest scoring backcourt in the ATL. The Pistons also shoot more FTs than any team in the ATL.

PGs:

The Logo Jerry West is the starting PG. Form 68-73 Jerry West put up

26.52ppg 8.53asts 4.38rebpg He shot 8.76 FTA at 82%.

With todays rules and with 25% more fouls called West is a 12-13FTA player. He is drawing fouls at a higher rate than Kobe, LBJ, Wade and even MJ.

Mark Price the 2 time 3pt champ with avgs of 18.2ppg 8.1apg and Price is the GOAT FT shooter.

SGs:
David Thompson 25.72ppg 3.8 apg 4.5rpg 1spg and 1bpg 51%FG
Hal Greer 22.8ppg 4.6apg 5.3rpg 45%FG

Thompson is the GOAT ACC player and an awsome finisher at the rim. His shotblocking is legendary as well as his ability to finish at the rim. Greer is one of the greatest midrange shooters of all time. His coach said that he shot 75% from the top of the key. Maybe the most consistant player of all time giving you about 22ppg every game for over a decade. He played on the 67 philly team scoring 40 on the Cs and destroying them with the one man break.

SF:
DrJ 28.7PPG 12.1RPG 4.7APG 2.4SPG 2BPG 50%FG
L Johnson 19.4PPG 9.1RPG 4.1APG 49%FG
R Lewis 19.6PPG 4.4RPG 2.8APG 48%FG

DrJ is an MVP candidate in the ATL. He is one of the 5-8 best players in the league and has other worldly ability. His defense is very underrated but he steals as many balls as Stockton and blocks as many shots Ewing.
Johnson and Lewis are great, great players that are used depending on matchups. LJ for when power is needed and Lewis for when quickness is called for. Both have very good range and both can get to the rim.
PF:
J Lucas 20.1ppg 19.5RPG 3.1APG 49%FG
Dyes 18.9PPG 9.3RPG 1.8APG 1.1BPG 49%FG
Cummings 22.1PPG 9.2RPG 2.4APG 50%FG

Lucas is the forgotten player in the GOAT PF discussion. Hes simply the GOAT Rbing PF and with 3pt range on his jumpshot. Hes a very smart, fundementaly sound player. Imagine Pau Gasol and Dennis Rodman in one player and thats Jerry Lucas. Antonio Mc Dyse before his knee injury was one of the quickest, fastest and most explosive players in the NBA. Terry Cummings provides the PF/C combo and is IMHO on eof the most underrated players I have ever seen. He has a great dribble and combines power, quickness and intelligence. Hes also the GOAT musician in the NBA.

Center:
Nate Thurmand 18.7PPG 19.8RPG 2.8 APG 41%FG
Walt Bellamy 26.8PPG 16.5RPG 2.5APG 51%FG

Thurmond and Bellamy are basicly the sides of Wilt Chamberlain or KAJ. Thurmonds defense puts him top 5 and Bells offense is right there with the best of the best. This combo is always fresh and is always useing there huge frames to wear down the frontcourts. Nate slows then down and Bells gets them in foul trouble. Both are used to the fast pace of the 60s and fit well in a running team.


The Pistons in the halfcourt offense use these plays

1. low post with DrJ
2. Pick and pop with West and Lucas
3. Bench with Bells down low, Price and Greer for the spot up

The Pistons on defense use a 3/4 court trap to disrupt the PG and then attempt to steal from the SG with West/DrJ. With the 8sec rule the Pistons believe they can force TOs with the long arms of West and leaping of Thompson. They will use full court pressure to speed the game up when playing a lower tempo team.

The Pistons greatest strength and what they use to demoralise there opponets is the combined def rebing of Lucas and Thurmond (40rpg) to outlet the break and watch the greatest airshow you have ever seen.
DEATH FROM ABOVE

when you say micheal thompson do u mean david thompson? b/c he was the arguable GOAT in the ACC

PG: John Stockton (35 min)/Baron Davis (7)
SG: Earl Monroe (30 min)/Penny Hardaway (12)
SF: Chet Walker (25 min)/Jerry Sloan (17)
PF: Marcus Camby (23 min)/Dave DeBussure (19)
C: Moses Malone (38 min)/Pau Gasol (4)

PJ Brown in only when we are doin a "hack a shaq" type thing, or when we need a defensive stop late in the game.

Gilbert Arenas is in only when we need points asap. But this is also only when Monroe is in foul trouble.

Guys,

Sorry I've been very busy lately with work and extended family being in for a wedding. No excuses though.

Here is a part of my write-up. I will try finish the rest as soon as I can.

Once again I apologize for the delay. GL to all those who have put the effort in to make this thing work.


Steve Nash