How do you build around KAT/Embiid/Porzingis type bigs?

[Doctor MJ]

Ideal sidekicks? What kind of frontcourt help do they need?

I do think they benefit from playing alongside a guy like Tristan Thompson whether as a backup or as a sidekick - Someone who can play physical and also defend those pick and rolls to help them save energy.

I don't know if I agree with the Pelicans route of sticking Anthony Davis with DeMarcus Cousins.

A savvy point guard or a playmaker is going to be super important - someone who can understand and utilize a big man's skillset. Think about how Chris Paul maximized David West's career.

I don't see them as the same type at all so I have to break it down further...

In KAT you've got a guy who has the body of a defensive anchor, but doesn't seem to have the brain for it so far despite not being unintelligent. The hundred million dollar question with him is how much he's going to be able to figure out. If he becomes a star defensive anchor then he'll be someone who could very easily lead a team to a title. Presuming you have a 2-way star like you hope, what would be the #1 priority to pair next to him? A great floor general who can shoot and score.

Embiid actually just seems legit right from the start, and that should be what scares KAT fans. The reality is that top tier basketball brains don't tend to need years to figure things out so long as they are given opportunity. Embiid seemed great from day one as a 2-way star, so #1 priority would be adding a great floor general who can shoot and score.

Porizingis I don't feel I really have a sense of. The Knicks are a total mess. If he turns out to be solid defensively it would be great to give him a teammate who is a great floor general who can shoot and score.

For any of these guys who never figure out defense, trade him before others catch on, I'd suggest either trying to get a big man who can actually play defense or great floor general who can shoot and score.

So you see, totally different situations.

[JB2]

Towns + Lonzo

[Lalouie]

there's no trick to it. the game has gotten away from the big man so he's become sort of a luxury. so basically you still build as you would any team. in other words unless he's a modern day millenial wilt chamberlain, you don't go out of your way to build a team around him. if you think you can build a team wherein you feed cousins or davis or kat all game,,, forget it. that's a loser team.

the wolves? they have wiggins, they got butler, teague, crawford. just general all around building.
the pelicans?...wrong direction, just you watch.
sixers?....you think there'd be a light at the end of the tunnel without simmons or fultz or both

[MGB8]

First, you are talking about 3 different kinds of bigs. Embiid and KAT are kind of similar, but Embiid is a true 5 (albeit with range on offense) while KAT is a 4 with 5 size. Porzingis is in between the two - he's along the line of old-school 4's like Duncan and Aldridge - who aren't really "modern" 4's. All 3 have range.

Porzingis doesn't have nearly the offensive talent / ceiling of Embiid or KAT - so I wouldn't "build around" KP - he's more a complimentary player.

As for the other two, I think that today's game is actually ideal for them as 5s to exploit opposing teams going small. I think both would be best off with a new-age small 4s (really, big 3s) next to them and lots of spacing / passing to exploit the matchup advantage they create.

Imagine the Warriors, sans Durant but instead having a lesser, but overall quality player at the 3 (a Batum or even an Ariza), but swapping Pauchila for KAT or Embiid.