MinutesMatch-upsGasol vs Hibbert - Hibbert is better defensively while Gasol is the better offensive player. With these teams and in this league in general though Hibbert is the more valuable player and his impact will exceed that of Gasol’s. Gasol’s role on offense will be reduced, while his defensive responsibilities will be greatly increased. With Pippen, Hardaway, Mitch, and Griffen all players that attack the rim hard, Gasol will be having a tough time staying out of foul trouble. So if in foul trouble Cali has to go with a young raw player in Sampson who wasn’t great defensively, while Hibbert’s back up is Nene who is a great veteran a solid post defender and a very unselfish player.
KG vs Duncan - What a match-up shame we never saw more playoff series with these 2 going at it, The Big Ticket vs The Big Fundamental. Both players will impact the game in a big way, both players were obviously our #1 picks because of what and how much they bring to the table. The difference here though is that I surrounded my #1 pick with better players that complement his game beautifully. Duncan is usually considered the better player but that doesn’t mean KG didn’t have his advantages. For one he was more mobile, a big part why he is probably the GOAT pick and role defender. He was also the better playmaker/passer and ball handler, he’s great at finding open teammates and does very well passing out of double teams. He also sets better screens which will help greatly to get teammates open. He will have Kidd and Pippen getting him open looks who are better playmakers than Payton and Moncrief. He will Have Miller spacing the floor who is clearly the best shooter in this series, and he will have Hibbert helping protect the paint who is better than Gasol. So KG’s job is made easier by his teammates while Duncan will have to shoulder a heavy load, he will be relied on to offer them points in the paint while creating for his teammates and being put under a lot of pressure defensively when Gasol is out of the game.
Pippen vs Moncrief - Pippen is stronger, bigger, and more athletic. To me he did almost everything better except maybe man defense. Pippen is the better shooter, passer, and help defender. Scottie shouldn’t have much trouble keeping Moncrief out the paint and forcing him into long jumpers. On the other end I’m not sure who my opponent will put Sidney on because Pippen has a huge size advantage and Reggie is also much taller. So Moncrief will a have a tough time doing what he does best in this series.
Miller vs Schrempf - Miller is the superior shooter without a doubt and that’s what these two players main role is. Reggie is also the superior off ball player and is on a team that will get him better shots with superior playmakers and screen setters. I will put Miller on Schrempf since I’m guessing he will be camped at the 3 point line and won’t be attempting many drives against my front court.
Payton vs Kidd - Another great head to head match-up, with the 2 best defensive point guards of all time. I think the difference here is that Kidd will bring more to the table on the offensive end while also out-rebounding his opponent. Kidd is the superior playmaker obviously, and while Payton is the better scorer it’s not such a great idea to have your pg take so many shots in this league. So Payton’s scoring will drop I would guess unless Calibulls gives him the green light to keep the same volume of shots. On the other hand Kidd gets to utilize his strengths to a T. So essentially Kidd’s playmaking will outshine Payton’s scoring.
DefenseMy opponent has some glaring weaknesses on offense that will be exploited easily. Lack of synergy, poor outside shooting, lack of great playmakers, and his reliance on points in the paint. I won’t be playing any zone, strictly man defense with the occasional double team. A double team will only occur on Duncan in the post, and that would be to force the ball out of his hands and to force his wing players (Glove,Sidney) to try and beat my team from the outside.
So I will force Payton and Moncrief into long jumpers, and congest the paint to try and stop any post ups or drives to the hoop. With his lack of great playmakers I will try and take the ball out of Paytons hands as much as possible and force others to create open shots. While Miller can just stay glued to Schrempf who will mostly be spotting up.
So the two main goals for my defense is to limit Duncan in the post by using KG’s mobility to first try and deny him the ball and when he gets the ball send the occasional double with Pippen or Kidd. The other goal is to get the ball out of Payton’s hand’s and force Moncrief and Schrempf to try and create for their team.
OffenseThis offense isn’t dependent on pick n rolls, or post ups, or 1 on 1 play. Its predicated on ball movement, and the team is properly equipped to handle that. I am expecting a lot of bricks from my opponent so Kidd and company will have plenty of opportunities to take advantage of the open court and wreak havoc. Then when in the half court my teams offense will have the advantage yet again with superior ball handling, passing, and shooting. So lots of screens for Miller, KG will get the ball in the high post frequently. Pippen and Kidd will handle the ball the most in the starting line-up, and Hibbert will set screens and box out mainly.
Although my opponent has a solid defense, there are still exploits. Payton won’t do much to stop Kidd’s playmaking and rebounding, I see moncrief having a tough time with whoever he guards since he will be giving up a significant height advantage. Schrempf will also help give up points to either Pippen or Miller whoever Cali decides to put him on. Also whenever Gasol or Duncan get a rest or if in foul trouble then Sampson and/or Horry will be a big downgrade for my opponents D.
benchMy bench will come in and be a huge spark plug for the offense. We already know how well Hardaway and Mitch play together and how they could put up points in bunches then you add in Blake Griffin and that alone gives you a deadly offense. 3 players that can absolutely wreak havoc in transition, all three can handle the ball, all three have exceptional range, and are also all great passers. That gives me another dynamic that my opponent can’t come close to matching. Run TMG? okay that sounds awful
, but I promise it will look beautiful on court
Prince might not see much time with Cali’s lack of great wings but Nene will definitely see some minutes against this big frontcourt. He is a strong post defender who is very mobile and that will fit greatly with my high octane bench or even my starters, and even though he won’t be a big part of the offense he did lead the league in FG% in one of the years selected shooting 61% so he gives me a duo that complement each other nicely at the center position.
ConclusionSo to wrap up my team has clear advantages in Rebounding, Ball-Movement, Shooting, Ball-Handling, Transition, and you can add the fact that my bench is significantly superior to his in basically every facet of the game. With better spacing and great scorers off the bench my offense will be significantly better. Also when the game is close I have another huge advantage their as well
