What happens when 30 NBA aficionados are tasked with building full rosters (along with a coach to lead the charge) and have the entire wealth of the league’s history at their disposal? You’ll find out as we dive into the #TimeMachine Draft, as presented by NBA Math.

After each of our 30 general managers, who you can find listed at the bottom, signed up for one of the real-life franchises, a random-number generator determined the order of the first-round selections. From there, the draft would proceed in snake fashion until each owner had 15 players and a coach.

Teams can go small. They can refuse to draft a traditional point guard. They can focus on offense, defense or physicality. Anything goes, so long as they take NBA players (yes, that means no one from the ABA) and specify the seasons from which they’re culling their contributors, bringing them into 2018 via our imaginary time machine and asking them to operate under the league’s current rules. After a player has come off the board once, all of his other seasons are then deemed ineligible.

You can check out the full round-by-round selections here or the voting results and final standings here. Now, follow along as we run through the rosters and (optional) justifications for many of the picks:

Atlanta Hawks

General Manager: Marvin Barge

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 1971-72 John Havlicek, 1979-80 Micheal Ray Richardson, 1967-68 Lenny Wilkens, 1990-91 Spud Webb
• Shooting Guards: 2002-03 Kobe Bryant, 1993-94 Latrell Sprewell, 1971-72 Gail Goodrich
• Small Forwards: 2003-04 Ron Artest, 2007-08 Corey Maggette
• Power Forwards: 1994-95 Clifford Robinson, 2003-04 Donyell Marshall, 2012-13 David West
• Centers: 2013-14 Joakim Noah, 1984-85 Ralph Sampson, 1977-78 Marvin Barnes
• Coach: 1965-66 Red Auerbach

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 2002-03 Kobe Bryant

Magic Johnson believes Kobe Bryant is the greatest Laker of all time. The 2002-03 season saw Bryant put up his second-highest win-share total of his career. Furthermore, he set the NBA record for threes in a game at that point (12), finishing the season shooting 38 percent from deep while averaging 30/7/6/2 and almost a block per game. You also probably remember that February when he had nine straight games with 40 points or more (more than anyone except Wilt Chamberlain). He was First Team All-NBA, First Team All-Defense and first  in my heart.

Kobe is going to be the No. 1 option in offensive sets initiated by Hondo and Noah. His athleticism is going to set him apart even against top-tier defenders. Bryant was a fierce cutter in the triangle offense and a force going to the hoop. Also, with so many game-changing defenders and a breakneck pace, you are going to see one of the most athletic players to ever play dominating in the transition game as the Hawks look to push the pace on every opportunity. There will be more than a few games where the Hawks win just because of Kobe’s greatness.

Round 2: 1971-72 John Havlicek

John “Hondo” Havlicek was a three-sport athlete playing basketball, footbal, and baseball in high school. He was even drafted by the Cleveland Browns to play wide receiver.  I would say that he is consistently underrated as an athlete. Hondo was a hounding defender willing to take on an army of screens without experiencing fatigue. He led the league in minutes per game twice (one of those times being 1972). He averged 28/8/8 while shooting 46 percent from the field and 83 percent from the stripe this year while wrapping up First Team All-NBA and All-Defensive honors.

Extrapolating impact across this many eras is an interesting thought experiment. Today’s advancements in science and sports medicine have players light years ahead of those from earlier eras in virtually all metrics. However, I believe dropping players into the present day should mitigate the gap. We see players transform their bodies over the summer every offseason. I project that Hondo can play point guard to give my backcourt a fierce, tough mindset that’s not backing down against anyone. Hondo was one of the pioneers of the point-forward “position.” His free-throw percentage and anecdotal evidence suggest that he should at least be an averag three-point shooter…and great distributer…and basically Bruce Bowen on defense.

Round 3: 2003-04 Ron Artest

Perimeter players rarely receive Defensive Player of the Year honors, but this was one year in which Ron Artest would not be denied. A 96 defensive rating and 5.2 defensive win shares helped him finally garner an award years in the making. Artest was known as the best perimeter stopper in the league for several years and thrived on the Lakers at the end of his prime, when he could focus most of his energy on defense. This is the best situation for Artest, as this is a team full of guys with laser-focused intensity.

Artest adds some offensive capability (18.3 points per game as a second option in 2004) as an athletic wing who will thrive in transition and work the boards. He’s also going to get under the skin of the opposing team’s best perimeter player, drawing charges, nabbing steals and doing everything possible to win.

Round 4: 2013-14 Joakim Noah

Joakim Noah averaged 5.4 assists per game while starting at center in 2014 (fourth-highest ever by a center). He also led the Bulls to the best defense in the NBA and pitched in 6.6 defensive win shares. Noah is going to be the spiritual and vocal leader of this team.

Noah is among the most tragic of heros. Dragging that often Derrick Rose-less Bulls team to 48 wins and into the playoffs to engage in what can only be described as feudalistic warfare, he was the leader of a contender-turned-underdog year after year. Noah led those scrappy Bulls to more wins than the talent on paper would suggest, and while his shooting ability never manifested, he was a very effective distributor on offense, particularly from the elbows. He would go on to receive Defensive Player of the Year and finish fourth in Mvp voting. Now, he rounds out a starting 5fiveknown for its intensity, defensive ability and intangibles.

Round 5: 1994-95 Clifford Robinson

Clifford Robinson was born two decades too early. A perfect fit in today’s small-ball lineups, he offers athleticism, shooting acumen and defense. Robinson is on the short list of players who have averaged at least one steal, block and three per game for a season. He shot 37 percent from the shortened three-point line in 1995, he can more than manage the gluttony of corner threes that will be coming his way. Robinson was a renowned and fearless dunker who should be able to get some easy baskets in transition and off of cuts. (This team is going to be cutting a ton.)

Cliff will get to feast on rotating defense sand late close-outs as a third/fourth option on this team. He can also add defensive versatility as a small-ball 5 in an ultra-fast lineup. I see him as the X-factor on my team, capable of providing impact in all facets of the game.

Round 6: 1984-85 Ralph Sampson

Many forget that Ralph Sampson was starting All-Star games before injuries derailed his career. He was one of the first unicorns—a skilled big with dribbling and passing skills who could run like a deer. Ralph is a great backup for Noah, as he can provide a similar skill set.

Round 7: 1993-94 Latrell Sprewell

Spree is going to be the first guy off the bench and is going to give even more athleticism and tenacity. Sprewell actually landed on the All-NBA First Team this year (Jordan was playing baseball), as well as earning an All-Defensive Second Team appearance. This young version of Spree will spice up my small-ball lineups perfectly.

Round 8: 1979-80 Micheal Ray Richardson

Micheal Ray Richardson led the league in assists and steals this season and profiles as a bigger, more offensively consistent Marcus Smart. He also brought home All-Defensive First Team honors for the Knicks in 1980.

Round 9: 2003-04 Donyell Marshall

Marshall had, by far, his best season in 2004, racked up 10.4 win shares. Combined with actually caring on defense and shooting 40 percent from three on four attempts per game, he serves as a stretch 4 who averaged more than a steal and a block per game.

Round 10: 1971-72 Gail Goodrich

Gail was a great shooter, but unfortunately, he played before the three-point line was instituted. He did hit 85 percent of his free throws during the 1972 season, and we have little doubt his shooting will translate to the current era. He should fit in nicely as a more traditional backup point guard when the situation arises.

Round 11: 1967-68 Lenny Wilkens

Wilkens can provide coaching and mentorship from the bench. He was also a nine-time All-Star, so he can easily fill in in a pinch.

Round 12: 2007-08 Corey Maggette

He’s here to provide buckets, plain and simple.

Round 13: 2012-13 David West

West is here to provide veteran leadership and steady minutes when foul trouble arises. He’s the locker room glue guy. Also he was still good this late in his career, putting up his career high for win shares (9.1).

Round 14: 1965-66 Red Auerbach

Red’s stifling defense and blistering fast break were calling cards of the ’60s-dynasty Celtics. The Hawks will be incorporating Joakim Noah’s knowledge of the Thibodeau defense, one that was among the best of the 2010s, into their gameplan. They have arguably the best collection of defensive wings in this league, making it easy for them to have multiple small-ball lineups that feature the right mix of defensive and offensive acumen. I firmly believe in Auerbach’s ability to steal some modern sets, and that the team’s exceptional passing ability will be able to cobble together an offense that should exceed the sum of its parts. Worst comes to worst, we have the version of Kobe who had 40 in nine consecutive games, so he can just go off if needed.

Round 15: 1977-78 Marvin Barnes

Marvin “Bad News” Barnes is one of the all-time-great basketball names. Having the same first name as the GM certainly helps.

Round 16: 1990-91 Spud Webb

The entertainment value is off the charts. Spud is doing dunk contests pre-game and post-game to get the crowd pumped up.

Boston Celtics

General Manager: Adam Spinella

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 1959-60 Bob Cousy, 1987-88 Danny Ainge, 1997-98 Charlie Ward
• Shooting Guards: 1992-93 Drazen Petrovic, 2007-08 Richard Hamilton, 1989-90 Rolando Blackman
• Small Forwards: 2001-02 Paul Pierce, 1991-92 Reggie Lewis
• Power Forwards: 1985-86 Larry Bird, 1971-72 Paul Silas, 1999-00 George Lynch, 2010-11 Matt Bonner
• Centers: 1972-73 Dave Cowens, 1976-77 Elvin Hayes, 2016-17 Brook Lopez
• Coach: 2007-08 Doc Rivers

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 1985-86 Larry Bird

Bird is a Celtics legend who checks all the boxes we were looking for as an organization. A fluid 6’9″ that can play the modern 3 or 4, he produced offensive metrics that pop off the page. In the 1985-86 season, he averaged 25.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 6.8 assists. Averaging 25, nine and eight over a full season is a statistical feat that’s only been done by four players in NBA history; Larry Legend did it four times. In addition, Bird tallied 190 offensive boards and 166 steals during that campaign—the most in each category during a season in which someone hit those averages. Bird helped lead the Celtics to the 1986 NBA title, and his championship experience is something our team will lean on moving forward.

Crazy enough, Bird was also the league leader in three-point makes that season, knocking down 82 on 42.3 percent shooting. While his volume of treys is low—only 7.4 percent of his attempts were three-pointers—he fits the mold of a player who could see his efficiency explode within the framework of today’s NBA. Going up against other top-notch athletes and franchise-caliber stars within this league, Bird’s versatility, offensive upside, winning pedigree and gritty competitiveness make him the perfect piece to build around.

Round 2: 2001-02 Paul Pierce

The wing combo of Pierce and Larry Bird, two versatile wings who play effectively on both ends, gives our Celtics a ton of offensive and defensive versatility. Pierce put up averages of 26.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.9 steals during the 2001-02 campaign while shooting above 40 percent from three. He finished the season third in three-point makes, as well, with more than Reggie Miller, Steve Nash or Dirk Nowitzki. A 57.0 true shooting percentage, turnover rate of a fantastic 11.4 percent, 33 30-point games and 10 games of 30 points and 10 boards or more…sign me up! Combine his offensive ability with 5.6 defensive win shares in the ’02 season (more than Dikembe Mutombo, Alonzo Mourning or Kevin Garnett) and we’ve got a fantastic and versatile frontcourt in Boston. With his young 24-year-old legs, Pierce helped propel those ’02 Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals, and he’ll take us even further.

Round 3: 1972-73 Dave Cowens

Cowens is one of the most underrated and unheralded star players forgotten by NBA history. A 6’9″ lefty, Cowens spent the majority of his career guarding bigger centers like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wes Unseld and Moses Malone. Defensively, his insane toughness helped propel the Celtics frontcourt to greatness, and his grit on the glass cleaned up on most possessions. Cowens was able to win the 1973 MVP award after some insane statistical feats to go with his blue-collar work ethic: 20.5 points, 16.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists. Cowens was an effective and efficient free-throw shooter, a great passer and in possession of a motor that would allow him to brutalize opposing bigs in up-tempo or perimeter-based systems. Of all the centers to come through the league before the Michael Jordan era, Cowens might have the most versatility and translate to today’s game the best. His passing and motor combined with rebounding ability made him the original Draymond Green.

Round 4: 1959-60 Bob Cousy

With the way we’ve built our Boston Celtics to play small and with great spacing, we also need to have a great deal of speed and tempo to go with it…

Known as the Houdini of the Hardwood, Bob Cousy, the first flashy point guard in NBA history, helped orchestrate Boston’s success. Pushing the pace and dazzling crowds with never-before-seen passes, Cousy was far from just a showman. During the 1960 season, in which the Celtics won the NBA Title, Cousy put up per-36-minute averages of 20 points, 10 assists and five rebounds. Cooz also hit 80 percent of his free throws and had one of the best individual defensive seasons of his career, according to NBA Math’s defensive points saved metric. He may be undersized and lack the athleticism of other point guards, but his offensive ability was far too great to pass up here.

Round 5: 1992-93 Drazen Petrovic

Ask Reggie Miller who the best shooter ever is, and it won’t be himself, Ray Allen or even Stephen Curry. Miller denotes Petrovic as the greatest shooter and a guy who gets under his skin, and the stats can certainly back that up. Petrovic’s 1992-93 season in New Jersey was one for the record books, featuring 45 percent from three on more than two attempts per game. He could flat-out score, racking up 22.3 points per game and hitting a crisply efficient 55 percent from inside the arc, as well. His 60.5 true shooting percentage helped land him on the All-NBA Third Team—an absurd number for someone who scored at such a high volume. We’re surrounding Cousy and Cowens with great spacing here in Boston!

Round 6: 1976-77 Elvin Hayes

It’s hard to believe a player of this caliber is still on the board, and we’re going to take him simply because he’s the best player available. A first-ballot Hall of Famer and one of the top 50 basketball players of all time, Hayes averaged 23.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.7 blocks while shooting 50 percent from the field in 1976-77. He took an outstanding 7.5 free throws per game, as well. Hayes can play the 4 or the 5 for our Celtics, and his patented turnaround jumper gives us a place to go on the interior when we need a quick, easy basket.

Round 7: 1987-88 Danny Ainge

At 6’4″, Ainge has the size to be a combo guard for us—tough and feisty enough to serve as a good defender at either perimeter spot without sacrificing outside shooting (41.5 percent from deep on the year). Ainge was an All-Star that season, averaging 15.7 points, 6.2 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals while narrowly missing on a 50/40/90 campaign. He’s a proven winner, an elite three-sport athlete and has shown during his days as President of Basketball Operations that he knows what it takes to win in the modern NBA. His versatility is key in our backcourt.

Round 8: 1991-92 Reggie Lewis

Lewis was one of only eight players who, from 1988-89 through 192-993, put up at least 7,500 points, 1,000 assists and 500 steals. The other seven: Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Clyde Drexler, Karl Malone, Reggie Miller, Hersey Hawkins and Chris Mullin. Our selection also put up great numbers on the defensive end during his 1991-92 campaign: 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks with 3.5 defensive win shares. Combine that with 46 games scoring 20 points or more, and we’re getting the ultimate two-way threat on the wing—perfect for today’s versatile game and with our robust shooting arsenal.

Round 9: 2007-08 Richard Hamilton

Hamilton put up averages of 17.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists while shooting 44 percent from deep and posting a career-high 51.5 effective field-goal percentage. He’s widely regarded as a tireless player who never stopped moving, as well as a sturdy defender.  At 6’6″ and playing on some of the best defensive teams in NBA history, his pedigree speaks for itself. Rip was also a fantastic transition player in an era where pace was drastically truncated. He’ll fit right in with our team.

Round 10: 2007-08 Doc Rivers

Landing an experienced coach who can quickly turn a group of insanely talented guys into a championship-caliber team is vital. Rivers also did so with a pass-first, non-shooting point guard at the helm this season, one in which he masterfully put team first and helped the Celtics win the NBA championship.

Round 11: 2016-17 Brook Lopez

Lopez shot 34.6 percent from three, averaged 25 points per 36 minutes and was able to protect the rim at a high rate. Two blocks per 36 minutes and above 80 percent shooting from the free-throw line are exactly what we’re looking for out of a backup role player. He spaces the floor and guards other big men. Just the role we need in this spot.

Round 12: 1997-98 Charlie Ward

We need a defensive-minded guard; Ward logged an impressive 4.5 defensive win shares, averaged 7.2 assists per 36 minutes and shot 38 percent from three—with a true shooting percentage of 56.7 to boot. He’ll slide in nicely as our third point guard and a guy who can get some decent run.

Round 13: 1971-72 Paul Silas

Toughness personified, and another long, rebounding 4 who has the quicks to keep in front of the smaller 4s drafted during this project. We like to have unselfish future coaches, as well. His 17.5 points, 12.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 77 percent shooting from the charity stripe are great numbers for an injury fill-in this far back on our roster.

Round 14: 1989-90 Rolando Blackman

Seriously, how is this guy still available? A microwave scorer with length and good defensive chops this far back? Steal of the draft.

Blackman averaged 19.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists on 50 percent shooting and was named to the All-Star team that season. We have a great deal of switchy wings who can play the 2 through the 4, and you can now add Blackman to that list.

Round 15: 1999-00 George Lynch

More length, defense, rebounding and efficient offense. A long 6’7″ and an incredibly tenacious rebounder, he’d be a fantastic undersized 4 who can switch and guard multiple positions. What he lacks in spacing he makes up for with grit and defense. A nice end-of-bench option.

Round 16: 2010-11 Matt Bonner

A nostalgia pick from me, Bonner is a hometown hero and one of the best teammates to ever lace them up. He’s also a winner and a frontcourt shooter at the end of the bench. He led the league this season by shooting 45.7 percent from three with an effective field goal percentage over 60.

Brooklyn Nets

General Manager: Tim Stubbs

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 1991-92 John Stockton, 1993-94 Nate McMillan
• Shooting Guards: 1994-95 Rod Strickland, 1978-79 Walter Davis, 1976-77 Earl Monroe, 2001-02 Eric Piatkowski
• Small Forwards: 2006-07 Tayshaun Prince, 2013-14 Trevor Ariza, 2007-08 Mike Dunleavy, 1995-96 Keith Askins
• Power Forwards: 2006-07 Dirk Nowitzki, 1996-97 Tom Gugliotta
• Centers: 1995-96 Shawn Kemp, 1993-94 Dikembe Mutombo, 2017-18 Myles Turner

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 2006-07 Dirk Nowitzki

The Brooklyn Nets have been perhaps the most misfortunate franchise in the NBA this decade. And after we found out they would pick 27th in the NBA Math Time Machine Draft, fate once again seemed to be heading down the trodden path. However, the stars finally aligned for Brooklyn, and they arrived in the form of a seven-foot-tall, sweet-shooting German named Dirk Nowitzki (circa 2006-07).

Fresh off of a painful NBA Finals campaign that saw the Miami Heat rattle off four straight wins after falling behind 0-2 to the Dallas Mavericks, Dirk lit the league on fire. He averaged 24.6/8.9/3.4 and became just the fifth player in NBA history to join the 50/40/90 club, earning the honors of league MVP and leading his team to best record in the league. Dirk had his second straight season shooting above 40 percent from beyond the arc (first player seven feet or taller to do so), and was the focal point of the league’s second-best offense, averaging 111.3 points per 100 possessions despite Dallas owning the third-slowest pace in the NBA (89.5).

Nowitzki set several career highs during his MVP campaign, most notably in TPA (352.28), win shares per 48 minutes (0.278) and true shooting percentage (60.5 percent), and put his playmaking ability on display with a 17.8 assist percentage (well above league average). Dirk can operate from the low post and beyond the arc but is absolutely devastating from the elbow, as he connected on more than 50 percent of his field-goal attempts from 10 feet to inside the three-point line. It’s a shame that the 67-15 Mavericks didn’t advance further (Baron Davis made sure of that), but this season solidified Dirk’s status among the NBA’s elite—and that was without his infamous one-legged stepback. The Brooklyn Nets are more than happy to land him at this position and look forward to the resurgence of frosted tips all across the Five Boroughs.

Round 2: 1991-92 John Stockton

What better way to help your gifted big man flourish than to pair him with the (arguably) best passing point guard the NBA has ever seen? Insert 1991-92 John Stockton.

The reason why I chose this season over others is that Stockton solidified himself as a threat from deep. Though it was his second season shooting over 40 percent from three, he had nearly doubled his attempts from two seasons prior (113 became 204). Scoring was never his forte, as he averaged 15.8 points per game but shot an efficient (for the early ’90s) 52.7 effective field-goal percentage and had 20 games where he scored 20 or more points. Stockton is one of two players to average more than 10 assists per game for his entire career, and he led the league in assist percentage for 15 of his 19 seasons in the NBA. In 1992, he had an absurd 53.7 assist percentage (12.5 points higher than second-place Mark Jackson), which translated to 13.7 assists per game and a 3.91 assist-to-turnover ratio. Stockton also perfected the two-man game with teammate Karl Malone, creating a sideline pick-and-roll so effective, defenses were forced to leave men open in opposite corners to prevent an easy bucket inside. Now imagine the pick-and-pops that would rain fire from Dirk’s range and Stockton’s superior passing.

This all fails to mention his tenacity as a defender. Stockton led the league in steals (244) and steal per game (3.0) during the 1992 season, despite only being 6’1″ and 170 pounds. It helped him earn Second Team All-Defense honors and an appearance on the All-NBA Third Team roster. The Brooklyn Nets may not be very athletic after the first two rounds, but good luck trying to defend this offensive duo.

Round 3: 1995-96 Shawn Kemp

For the team most severely lacking athleticism, the Brooklyn Nets look to shore that up in the third round. With the 87th pick, the Nets select 1995-96 Shawn Kemp.

Kemp, perhaps the best in-game dunker the NBA has ever seen—earning him the nickname “Reign Man”—will provide some much-needed help on the defensive end. In 1996, he was a key cog in a defense that was second in the league, allowing 102.1 points per 100 possessions. That same season Kemp was a monster, averaging 19.6 points, 11.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game, as well as a top-25 finish in effective field goal percentage (56.4 percent). 

With many modern offenses relying on small lineups and athletic wings, it’s necessary to have defenders who can guard multiple positions. Kemp should have little issue with that, as his athleticism allows him to be able to switch and contain most smaller opponents. He also managed a solid 159.37 defensive points saved (DPS) in 1996, slotting him ninth in the whole league. Kemp will make for a mean pairing with Stockton in the pick-and-roll, help clean up on the offensive glass and cover for Dirk’s deficiencies on the back-end. The Nets are very happy to have him.

Round 4: 2006-07 Tayshaun Prince

With the 94th pick, the Nets are going a little unconventional (by our current standards) and selecting 2006-07 Tayshaun Prince. Prince is most certainly not the 94th-best player to grace our wonderful league, but he is essential to the modern-game fit. Prince possesses incredible length; standing at 6’9” with a 7’2″ wingspan, he will draw the toughest perimeter assignments and has the ability to contest nearly every shot opponents will throw at him. Remember when Kobe Bryant shot 38 percent overall and 17.4 percent from three in the 2004 Finals? Prince played a large role in keeping Bryant at bay. 2007 was also the third of Prince’s four consecutive All-Defensive Second team awards, and the third straight season in which he didn’t miss a single game.

Prince will also help open things up on the offensive end. He shot 38.6 percent from distance, and his 12.9 assist percentage cracked the top 30 among forwards in the 2007 season. He’ll seamlessly slot into a small-ball 4, or can play the 2 if the Nets want to play a large lineup instead. Prince’s contributions won’t always show up in the box score, but he was an integral part of the Detroit Pistons’ six consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearances.

Round 5: 1993-94 Dikembe Mutombo

Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo was a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, three-time All-Defensive First Team member, three-time All-Defensive Second Team member and one of the greatest humanitarians to ever come from the NBA. However, I chose a season where he did not win one of those prestigious awards.

In his third season, Mutombo burst onto the scene as a defensive stalwart, carrying a less-than-stellar Denver Nuggets team to a 42-40 record. He had a per-game stat line of 12.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.5 blocks and 1.5 assists. His 4.5 blocks per game translated to 336 total and a block percentage of 7.4 percent (both of which were league-leading figures). He also added a defensive box plus/minus of 5.2 and had the sixth-best defensive rating in the NBA with 96 points allowed per 100 possessions.

On the other end of the floor, Mutombo contributed some underrated offensive play. Nimble for a 7’2″ player, he had a soft touch around the rim and could clean up missed shots. That same season, he had top-15 finishes in both effective field-goal percentage (56.9 percent) and offensive rebounds per game (3.5).

Whether or not the Nets start him is irrelevant, as one of the best rim protectors of all time will factor heavily into our team’s plans moving forward. Small lineups may be able to run him off the floor, but they have to account for his massive presence on the offensive end. Mutombo adds some much-needed lineup versatility to our team, and Brooklyn is thrilled to get him this late in the process.

Round 6: 2013-14 Trevor Ariza

After a great deal of internal deliberation amongst the Nets front office, we have come to a decision. With the 154th pick in the time machine draft, the Brooklyn Nets select 2013-14 Trevor Ariza.

In 2014, Ariza averaged a per-game stat line of 14.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals, and he shot 40.7 percent from deep. Nicknamed “Switchblade,” Ariza is an incredible athlete with a 7’2” wingspan and has the ability to lock down most opposing players on any given night. Lineup flexibility is key, and he can play positions 2 through 4 without having to sacrifice outside shooting. Brooklyn is very excited to land him this late in the process.

Round 7: 1994-95 Rod Strickland

The Nets are in need of some secondary playmaking ability, and thus will draft 1994-95 Rod Strickland. Ignoring his very colorful past, Strickland was one of the more prolific passers of the ’90s and earned Second Team All-NBA honors in 1997-98. However, Hot Rod had perhaps his best season in 1995, averaging 18.9 points, 8.8 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game. 1995 was also by far his best season from deep, connecting on 37.4 percent of his 1.9 attempts per contest. He only played in 64 games that season due to mounting troubles with the league office, but he still set career highs in win shares per 48 minutes, BPM and VORP. Strickland’s ability to find open teammates and finish around the rim will help open up our team’s second unit.

Round 8: 2007-08 Mike Dunleavy

Thank you Arjun and Adam for taking my next two options, which leaves me with 2007-08 Mike Dunleavy. That season, he became one of 21 players ever to shoot 40 percent from three, have an assist percentage of 16 or higher, and possess a true shooting percentage above 60 percent (minimum of four three-point attempts per game). Dunleavy averaged 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game that year. And while he isn’t a great defender, Dunleavy is disciplined enough to be useful on that end. At worst, he is another plus shooter with size and can move the ball well. The Nets will take several of those in a heartbeat.

Round 9: 1978-79 Walter Davis

Davis earned Second Team All-NBA honors in his second season in the league, averaging 23.6 points, 4.3 assists and 1.9 steals per game. He shot 56 percent from the floor and was a great finisher inside with a deadly mid-range game to boot. Though he was never a consistent shooter from deep, he demonstrated the ability to stretch out to the three-point line and was a dangerous cutter off the ball. Davis adds some additional playmaking from the wing and will bolster our transition offense (that’s almost nonexistent at this point in the draft).

Round 10: 1993-94 Nate McMillan

We can never have enough perimeter players. Therefore the Nets are selecting 1993-94 Nate McMillan.

McMillan led the league in steals with 3.0 per game, had the highest DBPM (non-big man edition) with 4.4 and landed on the All-Defense Second Team. He also shot 39.1 percent from deep and added 5.3 assists per game despite being a near full-time bench player.

Round 11: 2017-18 Myles Turner

He averaged 35.7 percent from three on nearly 2.5 attempts per game and added 2.3 blocks per 36 minutes, as well. He’s essentially the only big man left who is a solid rim protector and can consistently stretch the floor. And if you haven’t been on Twitter today, he is also now ripped.

Round 12: 1995-96 Keith Askins

The Nets will select 1995-96 Keith Askins. Askins shot 41.8 percent from deep on 3.2 attempts per game and became known as a  lockdown defender on the perimeter for Miami’s sixth-ranked defense in the ‘96 season.

Round 13: 1996-97 Tom Gugliotta

There have been 15 big men in NBA history who averaged a per-game stat line of 20 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Fourteen of those players have been drafted. The 15th, and the 387th pick in this draft, is 1996-97 Tom Gugliotta. The Nets could certainly do worse for a fifth big.

Round 14: 1976-77 Earl Monroe

With the 394th pick, the Brooklyn Nets select 1976-77 Earl “The Pearl” Monroe. That season he averaged 20.8 points and 5.0 assists per 36 minutes with a 56.9 true shooting percentage (21st in the league), earning Monroe his fourth and final All-star appearance. His flashy scoring ability both inside and outside the paint, as well as his ability to get to the free-throw line, will provide a scoring spark off the bench.

Round 15: 2001-02 Eric Piatkowski

With the 508th pick in the Time Machine draft, the Brooklyn Nets select 2001-02 Eric Piatkowski. The Polish Rifle became of 10 players ever to shoot 46 percent from deep, 89 percent from the charity stripe and own a true shooting percentage of 60 percent. Considering how deep the Nets roster is, Piatkowski will essentially serve as a three-point specialist off the bench but will fit in perfectly in five-out lineups. Pike also dunked on Shawn Kemp one time—something many of his contemporaries failed to do.

Round 16: 2017-18 Kenny Atkinson

No coach has had to do more with less in the NBA over the last couple of years, and though this may be an unpopular pick given Atkinson’s lack of a coaching resume and team success, there is a great deal to be excited about. The Nets ran the sixth-fastest offense in the NBA in 2017-18 and had the third-highest three-point-attempt rate ever in the NBA. Brooklyn’s #timemachinedraft roster is filled with plus outside shooters and great cutters who will leave defenses spinning in their attempt to keep up with Atkinson’s blend of pace-and-space/motion offense. This pick will look like an absolute steal when we revisit this draft in 2025.

Charlotte Hornets

General Manager: Alex West

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 1991-92 Joe Dumars
• Shooting Guards: 2014-15 Klay Thompson, 2014-15 Danny Green, 2010-11 Eric Gordon, 1997-98 Kerry Kittles, 2013-14 Shaun Livingston
• Small Forwards: 1994-95 Scottie Pippen, 2017-18 Otto Porter, 1996-97 Rick Fox, 2017-18 Jaylen Brown
• Power Forwards: 2015-16 Draymond Green, 1994-95 Robert Horry
• Centers: 2017-18 Al Horford, 2017-18 Steven Adams, 1960-61 Cliff Hagan
• Coach: 1976-77 Jack Ramsay

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 1994-95 Scottie Pippen

When the draft order came down and I had the 22nd selection, I knew that drafting a team with a real identity as opposed to a “best player available” strategy would be the best way to make an impact. I am a zealot disciple of the church of positionless basketball (Hail, St. Stevens, patron saint of those who play without regard to named roles), and I knew I wanted to achieve three things: (listed in order of importance): switchable team defense, equal opportunity playmaking and floor spacing. Each pick serves one of those areas. Drafting bigs like Al Horford and Draymond Green (both of whom have showcased impressive switchability and passing) and adding perimeter freaks like Scottie Pippen and Klay Thompson gave us a well-rounded offensive attack and a devastating defense. I will tell you I am proud of my team; I think my defense is the best one in the draft in a modern context. But it isn’t just up to me.

While Pippen might be best known as Michael Jordan’s Robin, he was a stout wing who could defend, knock down threes and lead the break. In ’94-95, the year of MJ’s return to the NBA, Pippen led the Bulls to a 47-35 record while leading the team in points, assists, rebounds, blocks and steals. This five-tool player would be the perfect fit in a small-ball league, and since I am a huge advocate of small ball, I can’t let one of the game’s all-time three-and-D stars go. We are proud to have Scottie represent the great city of Charlotte and the proud Hornets tradition.

Round 2: 2015-16 Draymond Green

Green is the picture-perfect stretch 4. He can protect the rim, switch on defense, facilitate offense and (in this particular season) knock down open shots. The emphasis on team defense and switchability makes Green absolutely irreplaceable. He is the oft-overlooked part of the Warriors dynasty because his contributions are the hardest to truly quantify. The Hornets will thrive on hustle plays, crisp passing and team defense, and we expect Green to be a leader on all three fronts

Round 3: 2014-15 Klay Thompson

With the 81st pick in the draft, The Charlotte Hornets select 2014-15 Klay Thompson. We have decided that the modern game is based on two things: spacing and switchability. With Klay Thompson, in addition to our previous picks of Scottie Pippen and Draymond Green, we believe we have the basis for one of the best modern defenses in the game, adaptable to nearly any offensive threat,  as well as a competent offense propelled by efficient passing and intelligent off-ball movement. Thompson provides a strong body, length and dynamic three-point shooting, which will contribute to both of our pillars of team building. While some may feel Thompson is a reach at this stage of the game, we believe that fit is a much more integral part of team building than raw talent.

Round 4: 2017-18 Al Horford

In the fourth round, the Charlotte Hornets select 2017-18 Al Horford. Horford is a DPOY candidate who has shown switchability and versatility guarding everyone from Kristaps Porzingis (one-point performance in November) to Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons (in the semis) to LeBron James (as well as anyone can guard him, I suppose).

On offense, Horford is a stretchy big who knocked down 42.9 percent from three, recorded 7.4 rebound and earned 4.7 assists, making him a natural fit with the versatile, high-IQ roster of Scottie Pippen, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson.

Round 5: 1991-92 Joe Dumars

With the 141st pick of the draft, the Charlotte Hornets select 1991-92 Joe Dumars. Dumars was a blue-collar player who perfectly encapsulated the spirit of Detroit. He packed his lunch pail, went to work and did his job. He was a great defender with polished footwork, quick hands and a high basketball IQ who helped the Bad Boy Pistons capture two titles. Dumars also fits in with the gritty nature of our team and will be able to switch and help, flying around the court to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. His three-point shot was surprisingly developed for an ’80s and ’90s guard, even pushing north of 5.5 attempts late in his career while shooting over 40 percent in seven of his 14 seasons. Joe D will make an excellent addition, both mentally and physically, and will help to further advance our championship pedigree.

Round 6: 2017-18 Otto Porter

The Charlotte Hornets select 2017-18 Otto Porter. Despite the stink surrounding the Wizards this season, Porter was a solid defender and knocked down 44 percent of his threes on 4.1 attempts. He is switchable, a good rebounder and can help space the floor.

Round 7: 2014-15 Danny Green

With the 201st pick, the Charlotte Hornets are staying on the theme of three-and-D by selecting 2014-15 Danny Green.

Round 8: 1994-95 Robert Horry

BIG SHOT BOB. Horry is one of the all-time-great role players, and we will be glad to have his winning pedigree, toughness and shooting ability on our bench.

Round 9: 2017-18 Steven Adams

Adams is a smart roller, a brick wall as a screener and a bruising interior defender. Every team needs a gritty big man who isn’t afraid to get chippy, should the need arise.

Round 10: 2010-11 Eric Gordon

Gordon is a spark plug off the bench who can provide valuable floor spacing and handle the ball on offense. The key to being a Hornet is interchangeability, and Gordon’s multifaceted offensive game and underrated defense will make him an impactful bench player.

Round 11: 1996-97 Rick Fox

Fox is another switchable defender with outside range. Noticing a theme yet?

Round 12: 1997-98 Kerry Kittles

Kittles is a ballhandler and another defender who can harass opposing guards. He also showed promise as an outside shooter on a decent sample size. While he won’t play a lot as a primary ball-handler (duties which will fall to Pippen, Dumars and Gordon), he and Shaun Livingston are players who can guard 1-3 and help spread playmaking duties around to further tax defenses.

Round 13: 2017-18 Jaylen Brown

I wanted to take 2019-20 Jaylen Brown. But Adam told me no, so I settled for the latest iteration allowable. Brown is another switchable perimeter player who is a solid catch-and-shoot threat and a gazelle in the open floor. With all the ball-handling and smart passing on this team, a runner like Brown will become a favorite wide-receiver target early in the season and will help keep the offense moving in the open floor.

Round 14: 2013-14 Shaun Livingston

Livingston is one of the NBA’s greatest “what if” stories. A heady player with explosive athleticism, he was robbed of his apex by knee injuries but smartly reinvented himself as a slasher and defender who could serve as a secondary playmaker in an equal-opportunity offense playing with Golden State. Valuable role players shouldn’t be overlooked, and Livingston has acquitted himself as one of the best.

Round 15: 1976-77 Jack Ramsay

Dr. Jack Ramsay embraced an up-tempo style of basketball that unconventionally centered around a passing big man which led the 1977 Blazers to an NBA championship. He is also the central focus in the greatest basketball book of all time, “Breaks of the Game.” What else need be said?

Round 16: 1960-61 Cliff Hagan

I forgot to draft a player, okay?

Chicago Bulls

General Manager: Arjun Baradwaj

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 2010-11 Derrick Rose, 2000-01 Steve Francis, 2006-07 Kirk Hinrich
• Shooting Guards: 1965-66 Jerry West, 2006-07 Jason Terry, 2013-14 Corey Brewer
• Small Forwards: 2005-06 Bruce Bowen, 1971-72 Chet Walker, 1996-97 Walt Williams
• Power Forwards: 2013-14 Kevin Love, 1988-89 Tom Chambers, 1984-85 Terry Cummings
• Centers: 1976-77 Bill Walton, 2001-02 Joe Smith, 2008-09 Kendrick Perkins
• Coach: 2002-03 Don Nelson

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 1965-66 Jerry West

Do you know what the Association logo looked before 1969? I don’t, and I don’t really care, either. It takes a damn special player to become the rebrand of an entire professional sports league. With the 28th pick in the #TimeMachineDraft, the Chicago Bulls select the 1965-66 form of Mr. Jerry Alan West.

With his 31.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, the 27-year-old NBA legend could do it all. If the NBA tracked steals back then, I’m sure he would’ve averaged a few of those, as well. Known for his quickness and stalwart defense, West had the work ethic of Michael Jordan, before Jordan. Affectionately known as Mr. Outside, the 6’2″, 175-pound combo-guard could shoot from anywhere on the floor (lack of three-point line, be damned) and had a knack for getting to the charity stripe. Hell, James Harden should try watching some tape to see how it’s really done. In his 1965-66 season, West shot NINE-HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-SEVEN free throws, making them at an 86 percent rate. That season cemented Mr. Clutch as the holder of the sixth best single-season free-throw record, and first by guys not named Wilt Chamberlain.

His 477.88 TPA, .256 win shares per 48 minutes, 57.3 true shooting percentage and 24.6 PER in 1965-66 has Zeke from Cabin Creek cemented as one of the greatest of all time, even though the full extent of his powers is lost to history and the NBA’s lack of foresight in statistical tracking. The Chicago Bulls have a history of greatness, and although the regime has failed miserably in recent years, there’s a new boss at the top. With his hustle, work ethic, intelligence and athleticism, The Logo will make Chicago great again.

Round 2: 1976-77 Bill Walton

Will all the real deadheads please stand up? There’s nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile because he’s gone. With the 33rd pick of the #TimeMachineDraft, the Chicago Bulls select the 1976-77 Mr. William Theodore Walton III, more commonly known as Bill.

Bill will be bringing his trippiness (not the Grayson Allen kind) and talents to the Windy City. The 6’11” center averaged 18.6 points, 14.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 3.2 blocks per game in his third year in the league. His 356.58 TPA has almost even contributions on both sides of the court as the 25-year-old took his Portland Trail Blazers to the NBA Championship (over Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).

Does the current-day NBA test for LSD?

Round 3: 2010-11 Derrick Rose

Only four former league MVPs still stand on the board. Only one of those men has played in the three-point era. Only one of those men has the physical measurements to compete at his position in today’s NBA. Only one of those men is from the city of Chicago. And only one of those men is coming home. With the 88th pick in the #TimeMachineDraft, the Chicago Bulls select MVP-winning 2010-11 Derrick Rose.

In the words of the legendary Bulls player turned commentator, Stacey King, Derrick Rose is “TOO BIG, TOO STRONG, TOO FAST, TOO GOOD.” With a knack for parting lanes like the Red Sea, the youngest MVP in NBA history averaged 25.0 points, 7.7 assists, 4.1 boards, and 1.0 steals per game. His 48.5 effective field-goal percentage didn’t even include his 85.8 free-throw percentage on almost seven attempts a game.

In a fictional world where knees are indestructible, the high-flying point guard is an absolute steal in the late third round. He’ll have another chance to carry the hope of a city on his back. And this time, it’ll be different.  

Round 4: 2013-14 Kevin Love

Passing is an art, and big men make it sexy. With 26.1 points, 12.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists, Kevin Love (and his 2013-14 season) is joining the Chicago Bulls with the 93rd pick in the #TimeMachineDraft.

His 6.6 three-point attempts a game at a 38 percent clip are going to be essential in the spacing of today’s NBA. The 7.3 VORP and 14.3 win shares make the 6’10” power forward a perfect pick in the fourth round.

He’ll slot nicely next to Bill Walton on an entirely cohesive team without any subtweeting. This time, Love will fit in, not out.

Round 5: 2000-01 Steve Francis

I’m from Maryland. I’m a Terp. I’m drafting 2000-01 Steve Francis for the Chicago Bulls with the 149th pick in the #TimeMachineDraft.

The fact that you all have let almost five full rounds go without The Franchise is TURRIBLE. Stevie is going to be my sixth man, providing some portion of his 19.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Let’s not forget his 40 percent clip from behind the arc.

If you haven’t read this great piece by him in The Players’ Tribune, I would highly recommend.

Round 6: 2005-06 Bruce Bowen

I believe the common saying is “defense wins championships.” With the 153rd pick in the #TimeMachineDraft, the Chicago Bulls are taking one of the best defenders in history: 2005-06 Bruce Bowen.

Bowen, with his impressive thievery and 42 percent rate from behind the arc would be one of the most elite three-and-D players in the league today (emphasis on the D). His 132.08 defensive points saved and 4.5 defensive win shares as a perimeter defender will definitely play.

Round 7: 2006-07 Jason Terry

With the 237th pick in the #TimeMachineDraft, the Chicago Bulls are taking 2006-07 Jason Terry. That year he averaged 16.7 points, 5.2 assists and 2.9 rebounds a game while enjoying a 43.8 shooting percentage from behind the arc.

Round 8: 1971-72 Chet Walker

Before Michael Jordan, only one man put up 50 points for the Chicago Bulls. I just took a guy whose nickname is The Jet, so I’ll continue the trend with another one. With the 213th pick in the #TimeMachineDraft, the Chicago Bulls are bringing home 1971-72 Chet “The Jet” Walker. Known as one of the most athletic players of his time, the Hall of Fame wing put up 22 points per game on 50.5 percent shooting.

Round 9: 2002-03 Don Nelson

Innovation is good, and it’s time for us to add an innovator to the team. We have the pieces to play a run-and-gun style offense, with Rose and Francis leading the way and West and Terry shooting from outside. The Chicago Bulls are going to play Nellieball by taking 2002-03 Don Nelson with the 268th draft pick. He led the Mavericks to 60 wins that year, and I like his chances to repeat that.

Round 10: 1988-89 Tom Chambers

25.7 points and 8.4 boards a game on 32.6 percent three-point shooting. We’re taking a stretchy power forward to fit our Nellieball offense. With the 273rd pick in the #TimeMachineDraft, the Chicago Bulls are taking 1988-89 Tom Chambers.

Round 11: 2001-02 Joe Smith

I’m a Terp, and so is he. I’ve spent way too long watching and re-watching Joe Smith highlight reels from his time at Maryland, so with the 328th pick in the #TimeMachineDraft, the Chicago Bulls are taking 2001-02 Joe Smith. We’re adding another athletic forward (and small-ball center) to the mix, and while his per game stats weren’t great, his 14.4 points, 8.5 boards and 1.1 blocks per 36 minutes, to go along with a 57.1 true shooting percentage, will be an asset off the bench.

I can’t wait to see the Stevie Franchise and Joe Smith Terrapin hook-up in action.

Round 12: 1996-97 Walt Williams

Might as well call us the Chicago Terps because we’re adding another University of Maryland alum. With the 333rd pick in the #TimeMachineDraft, the Chicago Bulls are adding 1996-97 Walt “The Wizard” Williams. The Wizard averaged 16.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 40 percent from behind the arc. He’ll join an already athletic front court full of stretch bigs.

Yes, this was the last year that the line was shortened, but Williams went on to average 39. percent from three for the rest of his career, so I do believe that fits the definition of a sustainable clip.

Round 13: 2006-07 Kirk Hinrich

The Chicago Bulls are bringing back a fan-favorite combo guard. This guy somehow made sure GarPax kept their jobs during the dark years between Jordan and Rose. With the 388th of the #TimeMachineDraft, the Chicago Bulls are taking 2006-07 Kirk Hinrich. Captain Kirk’s 16.6 points, 6.3 assists, 3.4 boards and 1.3 steals per game on 41.5 percent three-point shooting will be a great assist for a floor general off the bench.

Round 14: 1984-85 Terry Cummings

The Chicago Bulls are taking 1984-85 Terry Cummings with the 393rd pick in the #TimeMachineDraft. His 23.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.5 steals per game will add some more strong wing play off the bench.

Round 15: 2008-09 Kendrick Perkins

The Chicago Bulls are taking 2008-09 Kendrick Perkins in the #TimeMachineDraft. Everyone needs an enforcer, and Perk will be ours; his 2.0 blocks and 8.1 boards per game are just afterthoughts.

Round 16: 2013-14 Corey Brewer

With our final pick, the Chicago Bulls are taking 2013-14 Corey Brewer. Brewer will ideally never play, but if he does, we can count on him dropping a 50-burger while his quick hands are picking the pocket of everyone on the court.

The Chicago Bulls will now accept the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Cleveland Cavaliers

General Manager: Krishna Narsu

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 2004-05 Manu Ginobili, 2017-18 Ricky Rubio, 2004-05 Damon Jones
• Shooting Guards: 1986-87 Michael Cooper, 2004-05 Larry Hughes
• Small Forwards: 1999-00 Eddie Jones, 2017-18 Joe Ingles, 1986-87 Rodney McCray
• Power Forwards: 2016-17 Kawhi Leonard, 2010-11 Luol Deng, 2009-10 Jared Dudley
• Centers: 2017-18 Karl-Anthony Towns, 2015-16 DeAndre Jordan, 2009-10 Channing Frye, 1979-80 Tree Rollins
• Coach: 2017-18 Mike D’Antoni

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 2016-17 Kawhi Leonard

Two-time DPOY Kawhi Leonard had his best year in 2016-17, and while his advanced defensive numbers weren’t as good (1.25 DRPM and a 0.3 DRAPM), he suffered some unusually bad luck on defense. Still, in spite of the bad luck, he finished with a 7.9 BPM (top 100 season all-time) and a 6.08 PIPM (top-50 season in the PIPM database). And by the end of the playoffs, he finished the year top five in both RPM and RAPM (again, in spite of the bad luck on defense).

However, what truly distinguishes this season was his playoff run. He finished with an 11.3 BPM during the playoffs, which is one of the top 20 single-season playoff runs. And in terms of raising his game from his regular-season performance, he finished in the top 10 percentile in BPM difference (playoffs minus regular season) for high-usage stars (minimum 25 percent usage and 100-plus mins played) and the top 5 percentile in true shooting percentage difference for high-usage stars. I wanted to draft a star who I know I can count on in the playoffs, and Kawhi brought it in that playoff run.

But more than anything, Kawhi’s skills are portable. He can play with any superstar teammate or in any system. Per NBA Math, he added positive offensive value on nearly every play type during the 2016-17 season. And on top of that, he is the best wing defender in the NBA—maybe in history, given the harder rules in today’s era—capable of just ripping the ball away from NBA players. In this era of three-and-D, I want the ultimate three-and-D player.

Round 2: 2004-05 Manu Ginobili

Manu will be playing the point for us. I want to be able to switch across all five positions while getting the requisite playmaking needed for the point guard position. Manu can do both.

Manu had a surprisingly underrated 2004-05 season: it ranks among the top 130 seasons in BPM (he’s had some better seasons via BPM but lacks in other areas) and he surprisingly led the 2005 Spurs in both BPM and VORP for the season. His season was also the 26th-best season in the PIPM database. He shot 37.6 percent from three and also finished the season No. 1 in RAPM. Additionally, he was clutch throughout the season, finishing second in points per 100 possessions in clutch time with a 34.9 percent usage rate in the clutch and an extremely efficient 62.5 true shooting percentage.

However, Manu really made his mark in the playoffs: His 8.68 BPM during the 2005 playoff run ranks among the top 65 single-season postseason runs (and also led the team). He was second on the team in scoring while shooting a blistering 43.8 percent from three during that playoff run. He finished that postseason run with a 65.2 true shooting percentage on a 26.3 percent usage rate. Simply put, he was phenomenal, and there’s an argument he was the best Spur; he finished with the top RAPM during the playoffs.

From a team-building standpoint, I like the fact that like Kawhi, Manu’s skills are portable. He’s a great shooter, playmaker and an underrated defender but can also play within any system or with any teammate due to his high IQ and shooting abilities. Plus, there’s the added benefit of knowing he can play with Kawhi. And for Kawhi, imagine getting to play with a younger peak version of Manu.

Finally, I thought I’d finish with this small anecdote from a New York Times profile on Shane Battier:

People often say that Kobe Bryant has no weaknesses to his game, but that’s not really true. Before the game, Battier was given his special package of information. “He’s the only player we give it to,” Morey says. “We can give him this fire hose of data and let him sift. Most players are like golfers. You don’t want them swinging while they’re thinking.” The data essentially broke down the floor into many discrete zones and calculated the odds of Bryant making shots from different places on the court, under different degrees of defensive pressure, in different relationships to other players — how well he scored off screens, off pick-and-rolls, off catch-and-shoots and so on. Battier learns a lot from studying the data on the superstars he is usually assigned to guard. For instance, the numbers show him that Allen Iverson is one of the most efficient scorers in the N.B.A. when he goes to his right; when he goes to his left he kills his team. The Golden State Warriors forward Stephen Jackson is an even stranger case. “Steve Jackson,” Battier says, “is statistically better going to his right, but he loves to go to his left — and goes to his left almost twice as often.” The San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginóbili is a statistical freak: he has no imbalance whatsoever in his game — there is no one way to play him that is better than another. He is equally efficient both off the dribble and off the pass, going left and right and from any spot on the floor.

Round 3: 1999-00 Eddie Jones

Round 4: 2017-18 Karl-Anthony Towns

The Cavs will be selecting 2017-18 Karl-Anthony Towns, whose 42.1 percent three-point shooting will give us the best floor-spacing big.

Round 5: 1986-87 Michael Cooper

The Cavs will select 1986-87 Michael Cooper, who won DPOY while finishing second on the title-winning Lakers team in assists. He was also one of the first three-and-D players, shooting over 38 percent from three in the ’87 season.

Round 6: 2017-18 Joe Ingles

The Cavs will take 2017-18 Joe Ingles, who is one of only four players 6’8″ or taller to average over 40 percent from three, four assists per game and a steal per game. When the other three players in that list are Larry Bird, Kevin Durant and LeBron James, you’re in great company. Ingles also has the versatility to play small-ball power forward next to Towns, which will give us two “bigs” who are excellent three-point shooters.

Round 7: 2015-16 DeAndre Jordan

Round 8: 2010-11 Luol Deng

The Cavs will take 2010-11 Luol Deng. This was the year before Deng finished on the All-Defense team, but he was still very good on defense (finishing 10th in DPOY voting). His 4.8 RAPM ranked in the top 10 that year, showing his contributions extended beyond the box score. While Deng’s three-point shooting was above average the following year, his 34.5 percent three-point shooting in 2011 is more than adequate. Deng will give us another switchy wing with size (6’9″ with a 7-foot wingspan) who can play some small-ball 4.

Round 9: 2017-18 Mike D’Antoni

Since some of the coaches are starting to come off the board and we want a coach who understands the modern NBA, we’ll take 2017-18 Mike D’Antoni. Mike’s Rockets team played the most switch-heavy scheme in the NBA, and we hope to replicate that with our versatile defenders. Also, we’ll be shooting a ton of threes.

Round 10: 1986-87 Rodney McCray

The Cavs will take 1986-87 Rodney McCray, who is one of only eight players to have averaged seven rebounds per game, five assists per game and one steal per game with a true shooting percentage greater than 60 percent. The other seven are Michael Jordan, LeBron James, JamesHarden, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Kevin Durant and Nikola Jokic. McCray also made Second Team All-Defense in that season, giving us another defensive wing.

Round 11: 2009-10 Jared Dudley

The Cavs will take 2009-10 Jared Dudley to give us some more three-pt shooting and defense. In ’09-10, Dudley had one of the best three-point-shooting seasons ever: 45.8 percent during the regular season and then 42.4 percent in the playoffs. He posted a 3.7 BPM during the regular season with a 61.2 true shooting percentage. In the playoffs, he was even better: a mind-boggling 7.4 BPM with a 62.0 true shooting percentage.

Dudley will give us another versatile wing who was absolutely deadly from three-point range. Continuing in the trend of pointing out arbitrary stats: The Cavs now have two different players who shot over 44 percent from three with Dudley and Ingles.

Round 12: 2017-18 Ricky Rubio

The Cavs will go with 2017-18 Ricky Rubio. We could go with earlier years when his assist rates were higher, but we’re confident his passing didn’t decline just because his assists went down. Ricky shot a career best 35.2 percent from three, which while not great, combined with his amazing passing and great defense provides the Cavs with another player who can pass, shoot and defend. With all of the shooters the Cavs have, including teammate Joe Ingles and the rim-running DeAndre Jordan, Ricky should have plenty of space to utilize his amazing passing skills to find open shooters and/or lobs to DJ.

Round 13: 2009-10 Channing Frye

Frye, who shot 43.9 percent from three during that season, had one of the best three-point shooting seasons for a big man (one of seven guys who is 6’10” or taller to average over 40 percent from three on over two makes per game). He also finished the season with a 3.7 BPM while averaging over one steal and one block per 36 minutes.

Round 14: 1979-80 Tree Rollins

The Cavs will select 1979-80 Tree Rollins, who would go on to make two All-Defensive teams in ’83 and ’84 (including First Team All-Defense in ’84). However, his best season on a per-minute basis was in ’79-80, where he had his best scoring season (over 12 points per game on 59.8 true shooting percentage) and best rebounding season while still averaging over four blocks per 36 minutes. He finished the season with a 5.3 BPM, and his 5.22 PIPM ranks as the best season available, per Jacob Goldstein’s PIPM database. He continued his solid play in the postseason, where he posted a 4.1 BPM.

Round 15: 2004-05 Larry Hughes

Round 16: 2004-05 Damon Jones

The Cavs will take 2004-05 Damon Jones. Jones led the league in both effective field-goal percentage and true shooting percentage that season and shot 43.2 percent from deep while attempting almost 6.5 threes a game. He finished the year making 225 threes, which would crack the top 35 seasons in terms of three-point field goals made. Jones continued to make his three in the playoffs (42.9 percent), which led to a solid playoff BPM of 4.0. Jones also rated well in PIPM (2.18), xRAPM (1.2) and plain RAPM (1.71) during the season. He will give us some excellent three-point shooting from the point guard spot.

Dallas Mavericks

General Manager: Ryan Blackburn

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 2016-17 Russell Westbrook, 2017-18 Jrue Holiday, 2016-17 Jeff Teague
• Shooting Guards: 1991-92 Jeff Hornacek, 1996-97 Hersey Hawkins, 2000-01 Derek Anderson
• Small Forwards: 1996-97 Glen Rice, 2012-13 Chandler Parons, 2013-14 Gerald Green
• Power Forwards: 2005-06 Shawn Marion, 2014-15 Blake Griffin, 2011-12 Ryan Anderson
• Centers: 2016-17 Rudy Gobert, 2017-18 Clint Capela, 2012-13 JaVale McGee
• Coach: 1987-88 Doug Moe

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 2016-17 Russell Westbrook

When setting out to create my team, I knew I wanted the foundational player to be someone who could comfortably take the last shot and make good decisions with the basketball. While he’s of course a flawed player, I decided to go with the 2016-17 MVP, Russell Westbrook. Russ averaged 31.6 points, 10.4 assists, and 10.7 rebounds per game, but more importantly, he did whatever he could to help the team win.

The difference between that version of Russ and the hypothetical version on my roster is the talent with which he’s surrounded. My hope is to pair him with elite shooters, a secondary playmaker and elite team defense in order to bring out his best qualities. As can be seen in my subsequent picks, I believe I accomplished that.

Overall, Westbrook showed what he could be during 2016-17, and by surrounding him with the right pieces, I hope to help him become the best version of himself on my roster.

Round 2: 2005-06 Shawn Marion

Identifying undervalued players in previous eras is extremely important in a draft like this one, and the first player I thought of that would accompany Russell Westbrook well is Shawn Marion. The 2005-06 campaign was Marion’s best season, and it’s also the one where he complemented Steve Nash extremely well. I expect Westbrook to operate much in the same way on this team.

What Marion really has going for him is his defensive versatility. On a team with Nash, Joe Johnson, Amar’e Stoudemire and Boris Diaw, that Suns team managed to finish 16th in defensive rating. The entire reason was Marion and Raja Bell. Not only did Marion contribute 21.8 efficient points and 11.8 rebounds per game, he was also one of the best defenders of his generation. He averaged 2.0 steals and 1.7 blocks. Overall, he was the 2000s-era Draymond Green with better scoring and less playmaking, and I believe he will fit even better in today’s NBA.

Round 3: 1996-97 Glen Rice

During the 1996-97 season, Glen Rice was the third leading scorer in the NBA behind Michael Jordan and Karl Malone. Both players were long gone at this point, but it showed just how underrated Rice was during his career. Scoring 26.8 points with a 47.0 percent mark from behind the arc on 5.6 attempts per game (albeit with a closer arc) is not a joke. He was the best shooter in the NBA that year without a doubt, and his offensive game was versatile enough as a post player and coming off screens to be a great fit in the modern NBA as a wing.

I expect Rice to fit in nicely as the second scorer on the roster, with Westbrook as the primary option and Marion becoming a tertiary option. With Rice spacing the floor for Westbrook in the pick-and-roll and moving off the ball to gain mismatches, this trio is tailor-made to feed off Westbrook’s creation, Marion’s versatility and Rice’s inside-outside game.

Round 4: 2016-17 Rudy Gobert

In order to reach the full potential of a Russell Westbrook-led roster, the team desperately needs a pick-and-roll center who can captain the defense. The 2016-17 version of Rudy Gobert is that exact player. The French center led the NBA in blocks, and he was near the top in several advanced metrics, including rebound rate, block rate, defensive rating, defensive win shares and defensive box plus/minus. He’s one of the best defensive players of the current generation.

The most important factor is his fit on the roster. Westbrook needs a pick-and-roll partner, something Gobert will provide for sure. His ability to protect the rim will pair nicely with Marion’s range as a defender. Pairing Gobert, a top-five defensive player of the 2010s, with Shawn Marion, a top-five defensive player of the 2000s, is my formula to help make up for deficiencies from Westbrook and Rice on the defensive end. Gobert is criminally underrated as a game-changer, but he does it every single night on the preventing side.

Round 5: 1991-92 Jeff Hornacek

To round out the starting five, I decided to take an elite secondary playmaker at shooting guard with some defensive chops who could space the floor if need be. The 1991-92 version of Jeff Hornacek was one of just 15 players all time to accumulate 20 points, five assists and five rebounds per game on more than a 59.0 true shooting percentage. The other 14 have already been selected. Hornacek nearly reached the 50/40/90 threshold with a 51.2 field-goal percentage, 43.9 three-point percentage and 88.6 free-throw percentage—an excellent balance to Westbrook’s average efficiency.

Hornacek slots in next to Westbrook, Glen Rice, Shawn Marion and Rudy Gobert. Only Gobert averaged fewer than 20 points per game in his designated season, and the starting lineup comes together as a unit that will bring out Westbrook’s best strengths in slashing and playmaking. He won’t need to “take over” in this unit, though he will be the first option. Hornacek will also be a playmaker in an era where multiple playmakers are necessary, and he can help run the second unit when lineups are staggered. He simply fits in the modern NBA, and his pairing with Westbrook will be sublime.

Round 6: 2014-15 Blake Griffin

Though his fit with the roster isn’t perfect, it’s hard to pass up on a playmaking big man with the athleticism to thrive in the modern NBA. While it wasn’t Griffin’s best regular season, he was amazing in the playoffs, averaging 25.5 points, 12.7 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game on a 55.7 true shooting percentage. He completely took over when he was needed, and only LeBron James and Anthony Davis (drafted Nos. 2 and 29 overall, respectively), were better players in the playoffs that year.

Griffin will run the bench unit on this team, and his playmaking will fit well with the shooters and defenders he will play alongside in the second unit.

Round 7: 1996-97 Hersey Hawkins

1996-97 Hersey Hawkins was his best self on the Seattle SuperSonics as a complement to Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp and Detlef Schrempf. The team won 57 games, was the third-best offense and sixth-best defense in the NBA, and Hawkins was a big reason why. He was excellent as a role player, averaging 13.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game on a 61.2 true shooting percentage. When the team needs extra shooting, he will be the first player called upon.

Round 8: 2011-12 Ryan Anderson

2011-12 Ryan Anderson was the prototypical stretch power forward during the early 2010s with the Orlando Magic. He had a 39.3 three-point percentage on 6.9 attempts per game, marks only two players listed 6’9″ or taller—Paul George and Rashard Lewis, both of whom were taken prior to the fifth round—have ever matched. Anderson’s skill set is special, and he can change the game in the pick-and-pop with Russell Westbrook or as a floor-spacer next to Rudy Gobert, Blake Griffin or Shawn Marion at center. Defensive boards will be few and far between with him, but he will be surrounded by competent defensive players.

Round 9: 2017-18 Jrue Holiday

2017-18 Jrue Holiday was a versatile, two-way guard who proved his mettle in the playoffs. He was First Team All-Defense, averaged 19.0 points and 6.0 assists on a 57.0 true shooting percentage during the regular season, and he upped those marks to 23.7, 6.3 and 58.1, respectively, while facing Damian Lillard and Stephen Curry in the postseason. Holiday is the secret weapon of this team, easily deployed at any time as a point guard, shooting guard or even small forward in three-guard lineups. He will defend the opposition’s best player while playing smart offensive basketball when he’s involved.

Round 10: 2017-18 Clint Capela

We’re in need of a traditional backup center behind Rudy Gobert, and 2017-18 Clint Capela replicates his skill set well. As a facsimile of the Gobert-DeAndre Jordan player type, Capela will fit well on the bench next to Blake Griffin. He averaged 13.9 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game playing with Chris Paul and James Harden. Playing with Russell Westbrook in spurts and Griffin more often will afford him many opportunities to catch lob dunks, corral offensive rebounds and be an efficient member of the team’s offense. Defensively, he will provide a degree of rim protection and switchability that Blake Griffin (who will spend some minutes at center) doesn’t have.

Round 11: 2013-14 Gerald Green

If you need of an efficient spark plug off the bench, there are few options available, if any, better than 2013-14 Gerald Green. His 15.8 points per game came on 6.0 three-point attempts, of which he converted 40 percent—a combination only 26 other players in history have achieved. Oh, and he could dunk like a madman. Looking at the 11th player on the roster, the most important factor was to provide efficient spacing and add to the team’s threats in transition. Mission accomplished.

Round 12: 2012-13 Chandler Parsons

The roster needed another wing with size, and 2012-13 Chandler Parsons fit the bill. Not only was he an efficient scorer (15.5 points on a 56.7 effective field-goal percentage), but he also added some playmaking, averaging 3.5 assists per game as the tertiary playmaker behind James Harden and Jeremy Lin. On a bench unit with Jrue Holiday, Hersey Hawkins, Blake Griffin and Clint Capela, with Gerald Green and Ryan Anderson as extra floor spacers, Parsons should fit right into a team that shares the responsibility of scoring.

Round 13: 2016-17 Jeff Teague

With quality point-guard options fading fast, grabbing 2016-17 Jeff Teague as the emergency point guard made a lot of sense. With the playmaking to create offense in case an injury occurs, as well as the scoring to take advantage of mismatches, Teague, who averaged an efficient 15.3 points and 7.8 assists per game, made a lot of sense. He can play next to most of the guards on the roster, and the offense should stay humming while he’s out there.

Round 14: 1987-88 Doug Moe

The new Dallas Mavericks roster is almost complete, but in order to maximize its potential, it needs an innovative coach with a penchant for offense and defense. 1987-88 Doug Moe is the perfect candidate. He led the Denver Nuggets to a 54-28 record, and he did so at the fastest pace in the NBA that season. Generating the second-highest turnover rate defensively, that Nuggets roster played fast in transition around Fat Lever and Alex English. Russell Westbrook and Glen Rice are great lookalikes here, and Moe would have a field day using Marion, Griffin, Holiday and Green in a transition-heavy scheme. Moe provides the roster with a major advantage, and he truly ties everything together.

Round 15: 2000-01 Derek Anderson

2000-01 Derek Anderson was the third-most-important player for the 58-win San Antonio Spurs, behind Tim Duncan and David Robinson. He shot 39.9 percent from the three-point line and shared the basketball well with 3.7 assists per game. At 6’5″, he has the size to match up with most guards and smaller wings defensively. He likely won’t get off the bench for this squad, but he has an important skill set for a reserve guard.

Round 16: 2012-13 JaVale McGee

This may be seen as a joke pick, but 2012-13 JaVale McGee slots into this roster as an emergency center. He scored efficiently, blocked a ton of shots and fits the profile behind Rudy Gobert and Clint Capela in case of injury. Plus, this was the only year of his career in which he hit a three-pointer, so…unicorn anyone?

Denver Nuggets

General Manager: Adam Fromal

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 1984-85 Isiah Thomas, 2016-17 Isaiah Thomas, 1989-90 Derek Harper
• Shooting Guards: 1982-83 Sidney Moncrief, 2005-06 Michael Redd, 2017-18 Lou Williams
• Small Forwards: 2009-10 Josh Smith, 2008-09 Kevin Martin, 1983-84 Mark Aguirre
• Power Forwards: 1986-87 Charles Barkley, 2008-09 Troy Murphy, 2010-11 Zach Randolph
• Centers: 1981-82 Moses Malone, 2006-07 Mehmet Okur, 2006-07 Emeka Okafor
• Coach: 2008-09 Stan Van Gundy

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 1986-87 Charles Barkley

Charles Barkley profiles as one of those late-’80s, early-’90s studs who would somehow be even better in today’s NBA. He showed enough hints of shooting ability early in his career—and was consistent enough at the stripe—that the right coach should be able to tease some floor-spacing work out of his beefy frame. He should also thrive as a positionless point-forward capable of bowling his way to the basket while keeping his eyes up in search of open teammates on the perimeter at all times.

And seriously, just imagine the damage he could do as a one-man wrecking ball in the more spaced-out current era. Despite operating in an NBA featuring fearsome rim-protectors and big bodies rarely straying far from the paint, he was already one of the most efficient volume scorers in league history, seemingly impossible to slow down around the basket.

Maybe this is foolish optimism, but I also think we tend to forget how athletic early-career Chuck was. Though he’s not known as a defensive stalwart, I have little concern about him fitting into a switch-happy stopping scheme against the small-ball lineups sure to populate this league.

Round 2: 1981-82 Moses Malone

Though I went into this selection process thinking I’d build an all-defense lineup the likes of which the NBA has never seen, I quickly deviated toward picking up the best values in the opening rounds. Charles Barkley was too good to pass up with my first choice, and the prospect of pairing him and Moses Malone to create a dynamic rebounding duo proved too tantalizing. How could opponents be expected to create second-chance opportunities or prevent us from grabbing offensive boards when the two combined for 29.3 rebounds per game (12.6 of the offensive variety) during their respective seasons?

Of course, that’s not the only reason for picking up Malone.

The 1981-82 version was a menacing interior scorer who logged a career-best 31.1 points per game, and it’s not like he was some slouch on the defensive end. Some metrics may not love him, but he was only three years beyond an All-Defensive Second Team appearance in 1979 and one season away from upgrading to the First Team in 1983. The man could protect the basket with aplomb, quite literally never fouled out and boasted the ferocious combination of quickness and sticktoitiveness to ensure that he and Barkley could form an underrated, switchable frontcourt tandem with the requisite athleticism to corral smaller players in the modern pick-and-roll game.

Round 3: 1984-85 Isiah Thomas

It’s time to lean into that lack of spacing.

Sure, this team can’t shoot to save its hypothetical life, but the rest of the strengths ensure competitiveness and the brute force necessary to create convertible second-chance opportunities. Plus, Isiah Thomas is a master with the basketball, whether setting up his teammates or creating his own scoring chances. That type of value—seriously, you all let him slip into the third freaking round?—was impossible to overlook in this team-building process, even if it required further divergence from the original plan to pick up a shooter who could complement the frontcourt behemoths.

This is the easiest possible justification. I could wax poetic about Thomas’ two-way abilities and remarkable distributing acumen, but I’d rather just say the following:  How could I not take the Detroit Pistons floor general after 82 other players were already off the board?

Round 4: 1982-83 Sidney Moncrief

Let’s play a fun game called “Identify All the Players in NBA History Who Won Defensive Player of the Year and Averaged at Least 22 Points Per Game.” (Yes, that’s an admittedly arbitrary number and the game precludes the early portion of league history, since DPOY only dates back to 1983. Let’s play anyway.)

Michael Jordan is perhaps the most notable member of the group, and he came off the board with the first overall pick. Hakeem Olajuwon, who joined the Washington Wizards at No. 8, is also in the club. Then we have the No. 14 pick of the #TimeMachineDraft: David Robinson. Fourth is Dwight Howard, who I consider a pretty substantial steal at No. 71. But the final member of the club was still on the board…until now, because I’m taking 1982-83 Sidney Moncrief with the 98th pick of this exercise.

I seriously considered Moncrief’s awe-inspiring perimeter defense in the last round, but Isiah Thomas was still on the board. Now, he’ll get to join forces with Thomas, Charles Barkley and Moses Malone to create an impenetrable crew of preventers while also taking over scoring possessions with his driving prowess. Have fun trying to score against these Nuggets!

Round 5: 2009-10 Josh Smith

Please don’t think of 2009-10 Josh Smith as the late-career version who fancied himself a perimeter marksman and became a distinct negative. He showed far more restraint during his peak years with the Atlanta Hawks and only fired away seven times during the 2009-10 campaign—that’s a season-long stat, not a per-game one. Instead, he focused his powers on channeling his remarkable athleticism into havoc-wreaking defense and rim-rattling cuts toward the painted area when he wasn’t serving as a quality secondary distributor.

This iteration of Smith is one of only 10 players in NBA history to average at least four assists, one steal and two blocks, and he did so while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and boosting the Hawks’ net rating by an impressive 7.3 points per 100 possessions. He has the speed, verticality and skill necessary to line up at the 3 in an oversized starting lineup, but he also gives these #TimeMachineDraft Nuggets positional flexibility—flexibility we’ll need with a plug-and-play set of bench snipers.

Round 6: 2005-06 Michael Redd

Was this selection partially motivated by Michael Redd’s status as one of my favorite players to watch in the early 2000s? Yep. What about by the fact that I have an autographed jersey hanging up in my house? See the previous answer.

However, this pick wasn’t made on sentiment alone. Redd was also a remarkably dangerous offensive talent who finally gives my team the spacing it so desperately needs. This might not have been his All-Star season, but he averaged 25.4 points and 4.3 assists while shooting 45.0 percent from the field, 39.5 percent from three-point territory (on 5.2 attempts per game) and 87.7 percent from the stripe (on 7.1 freebies per contest). Whether functioning in an on- or off-ball scenario, he can tickle twine in efficient fashion.

Round 7: 2008-09 Kevin Martin

Given the defenders already populating my roster, I don’t have to worry about finding more stoppers right now. The focus can rest solely on the offensive end, which makes 2008-09 Kevin Martin the easy pick. Yes, he got injured that year. No, I’m not concerned because he’ll be coming off my bench as a sixth/seventh man and won’t be tasked with playing 38.2 minutes per game. But those 23.2 points and 2.6 assists per 36 minutes sure seem nice, especially while he slashed 42.0/41.5/86.7 and took 5.1 and 9.7 three-point and free-throw attempts per 36 minutes, respectively.

Round 8: 2016-17 Isaiah Thomas

I still don’t need defense. I still need offense.

Who better than an explosive scoring point guard who averaged 28.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and only 2.8 turnovers per game while shooting 46.3 percent from the field, 37.9 percent from deep and 90.9 percent from the stripe? Better yet, he did so while lofting a whopping 8.5 shots per contest from both the free-throw line and beyond the arc. And best of all, these Nuggets are going to confuse the hell out of people when 1984-85 Isiah Thomas heads to the pine so that 2016-17 Isaiah Thomas can take the reins.

Round 9: 2006-07 Mehmet Okur

The goal for this Denver Nuggets bench is to overcome the starting five’s dearth of shooting ability with perimeter prowess from all five spots, enabling our eventual selection at head coach to plug-and-play whichever shooters he deems worthy of capitalizing upon a mismatch. Who better for that second-string core than one of the NBA’s original stretch 5s, who now doubles as one of those players who’d morph into a flat-out monster if he were born a decade later and blessed with the ability to perform in 2017-18?

Knocking down 38.4 percent of his deep looks while taking 4.2 per game for the Utah Jazz, 2006-07 Mehmet Okur remains one of just six players listed 6’11” or taller to match those arbitrary volume/efficiency benchmarks during a qualified season. Only Dirk Nowitzki gained entry to the club prior to Okur’s All-Star efforts in Salt Lake City, and we feel confident this big man will be even better in an NBA more suited to perimeter-dwelling 5s.

Round 10: 2008-09 Troy Murphy

And so the theme continues. If the opponent is weak at corralling power forwards, we can now insert a version of Troy Murphy who averaged 14.3 points per game while slashing 47.5/45.0/82.6. Throughout the entirety of NBA annals, he’s literally the only player 6’11” or taller who’s knocked down his triples at a 45 percent clip while taking at least four per contest—a club populated by only himself, Ray Allen, Dana Barros, Brent Barry, Stephen Curry, Dale Ellis, Joe Johnson, Kyle Korver, Anthony Morrow, Steve Nash, Jameer Nelson, Steve Novak, JJ Redick and Glen Rice if we remove the height restrictions.

Murphy—for this season, at least—deserves to be considered a legendary shooter.

Round 11: 1983-84 Mark Aguirre

How can you pass up a scoring talent like peak Mark Aguirre when looking for a bench sparkplug who doesn’t necessarily provide spacing but can put the ball in the basket often enough to demand constant scheme-altering defensive attention? With his high-release mid-range jumpers and basket-attacking prowess, this small forward averaged 29.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists while knocking down 52.4 percent of his field-goal attempts.

Round 12: 1989-90 Derek Harper

At this point in the draft, we have a defense-first starting five with plenty of positional flexibility and go-to scorers, a bench overloaded with shooting talent at each and every spot in a traditional lineup and a pure scorer coming off the pine. Now, it’s time to go with the best-player-available strategy. In this case, that would be Derek Harper, who averaged 18.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 2.3 steals for the Dallas Mavericks while slashing 48.8/37.1/79.4 and earning a spot on the All-Defensive Second Team.

Round 13: 2010-11 Zach Randolph

Maybe Zach Randolph isn’t a perfect fit for the modern NBA game, but every team should have a player who can terrorize opponents with his back-to-the-basket skills. Even though he can’t jump over a folded piece of paper and often plods around on the defensive end, his touch from the blocks should allow him to be used when an advantageous situation emerges. And should Randolph never function as a go-to scorer on this squad, his turnover-averse play, passing from the interior and rebounding chops still allow him to retain value.

Round 14: 2017-18 Lou Williams

Were it not for the historically loaded nature of the current Western Conference, Lou Williams would’ve been an All-Star for his 2017-18 efforts with the Los Angeles Clippers. Averaging 22.6 points and 5.3 assists is nothing to sniff at, particularly when it comes while enjoying a parade to the charity stripe and carrying a heavy load for a mediocre squad without too many players capable of drawing away defensive attention. Not only is our team more adept at lightening that burden, but we have the interior and perimeter stoppers necessary to counteract Williams’ glaring weaknesses on the preventing side.

Round 15: 2006-07 Emeka Okafor

Though Emeka Okafor’s career was largely disappointing, he looked like a deserving No. 1 pick during the 2006-07 campaign. More active than ever on the defensive end, he anchored the Charlotte Bobcats’ lackluster unit while holding his own offensively and thriving on the glass. We don’t expect Okafor to play much, but he’s far from a liability when he does get on the floor.

Round 16: 2008-09 Stan Van Gundy

Our starting lineup doesn’t mesh with Stan Van Gundy’s four-out, one-in stylings, but he can employ his pet system whenever calling upon bench units to supplement the efforts of the opening quintet. Plus, we trust the adaptability SVG displayed while helping a Dwight Howard-led squad advance to the NBA Finals and an unwinnable matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers—a berth earned on the back of the league’s best defense and an offense that could score from the perimeter and the interior.

Detroit Pistons

General Manager: Matt Way

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 1996-97 Mookie Blaylock, 2016-17 Kemba Walker, 1994-95 Dana Barros
• Shooting Guards: 1991-92 Clyde Drexler, 1994-95 Nick Anderson, 2007-08 Ronnie Brewer
• Small Forwards: 2009-10 Gerald Wallace, 2003-04 James Posey, 2012-13 Matt Barnes
• Power Forwards: 1996-97 Karl Malone, 2008-09 Rashard Lewis, 2016-17 Thaddeus Young
• Centers: 1995-96 Arvydas Sabonis, 1991-92 Horace Grant, 2009-10 Anderson Varejao
• Coach: 2014-15 Mike Budenholzer

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 1996-97 Karl Malone

Had he not run into the guy that the Arjuns of the NBA world are desperately clinging to as the GOAT, the Mailman’s legacy would be dramatically different.  Winning two MVPs but missing out on multiple championships because of MJ, Karl Malone was one of the absolute best players of the ’90s.

His dominant pick-and-roll play translates well to today’s game, and his incredible strength and ability to finish at the rim makes him effective against all lineups.  Malone added a strong mid-range game and was efficient despite that being one of his favorite shots. Defensively, he was more than athletic enough to be effective in switches against modern offenses.  He’s certainly not much of a rim protector, but the Pistons will address that need in future rounds.

In the 1996-97 season, Malone was at his best according to virtually every metric.  He won his first MVP award by having one of the most efficient seasons of his career, despite a career-high usage, along the way to leading a loaded league in BPM.

Round 2: 1991-92 Clyde Drexler

At a relatively scarce position, Clyde Drexler produced a great combination of scoring, passing and rebounding.  His 6’7″ frame provided unique advantages, but he earned his nickname as a great leaper whose athleticism made maneuvering around and above defenders look effortless.

In the 1991-92 season, Drexler put it all together thanks to knocking down shots from deep at a respectable 33.7 percent clip.  With the deep ball as a legitimate threat, Drexler was incredibly difficult to defend. He was the type of guy who put constant pressure on a defense.  Paired with Karl Malone, defenses will never rest easy.

With Malone and Drexler, the Pistons have a strong core that can generate offense and rebounds and distribute the ball regardless of who plays point guard.

Round 3: 1996-97 Mookie Blaylock

Mookie Blaylock is one of the more underrated players in league history, and he was at his absolute best during the 1996-97 season.  

Always strong on the defensive end, Blaylock led the league in steals this year.  He also put it together on the offensive end, shooting 37 percent from three on seven-plus attempts per game while dropping six dimes and grabbing five rebounds per game.  Alongside Karl Malone and Clyde Drexler, Mookie can focus more on facilitating, providing spacing and locking down defensively rather than having to create offense.

Blaylock rates exceptionally well during the 1996-97 campaign by advanced metrics (primarily BPM and VORP), and his value will be maximized on this roster.

Round 4: 1995-96 Arvydas Sabonis

My second back-to-back pick is 1995-96 Arvydas Sabonis. He will play next to Malone against bigger opponents. It’s not prime Sabonis, but it’s the fourth round, and he still brings elite passing, plays great interior defense and can space the floor a bit.

Round 5: 2009-10 Gerald Wallace

Wallace was always a terrific defender, but he really put things together this year offensively and dragged his Bobcats team to a playoff berth by virtue of being the best defense in the league. He shot 37 percent from three and can play both the 3 and 4 in today’s game.

Round 6: 2008-09 Rashard Lewis

He led the league in threes attempted and made while having maybe the best defensive season of his career. Against smaller lineups, Lewis will probably start as the stretch 4 with Sabonis coming off the bench. Lewis and Wallace give me a lot of frontcourt flexibility which my team really needs.

Round 7: 1991-92 Horace Grant

Horace Grant was one of the truly underappreciated big men of the 1990s and an underrated factor in the Bulls first three-peat. Grant was a good rebounder and great defender who was mobile enough to switch in today’s schemes. Offensively, he was a nice complementary piece who could face up, back down and stretch the floor a bit with a solid mid-range game. Grant serves as a good backup to Sabonis who can step in against more mobile opponents.

Round 8: 2016-17 Kemba Walker

Kemba Walker gets buckets. He shot nearly 40 percent from three in 2016-17 and he’s a perfect change-of-pace scoring point guard to Blaylock when we need a bit more offense on the floor. Walker will likely see the floor late in games, as he and Drexler will provide a nice one-two punch of guys who aren’t afraid to take big shots.

Round 9: 1994-95 Nick Anderson

Unfortunately, Nick Anderson is known best for his free-throw shooting meltdown in Game 1 of the 1995 NBA Finals. Anderson, however, also serves as a terrific floor spacer who was also a solid facilitator from the 2-spot.

Round 10: 2003-04 James Posey

James Posey is one of those guys who never jumps off the screen but always contributes to winning basketball games. In 2003-04, Posey shot 38 percent from deep while playing terrific defense. We can put him on the best opposing wing in almost any situation, and he will hold his own. Playing mostly alongside Kemba Walker and Nick Anderson, Posey will have plenty of open looks, which is where he thrives.

Round 11: 1994-95 Dana Barros

1994-95 Dana Barros gives us a true sharpshooter at 46 percent from three that season.

Round 12: 2014-15 Mike Budenholzer

With a bunch of great passers but lacking a truly dominant ball-handler, Bud’s offense will be perfect to promote ball movement and maximize the abilities of the team.

Round 13: 2009-10 Anderson Varejao

Before injuries led to his decline, Anderson Varejao was one of the more underrated players in the league. His good defense was always well-known—he had the ability to protect the rim as well as switch onto smaller opponents and make things difficult. But his ability to find cutting lanes at a level that others couldn’t really opened up the offense for his teams throughout his prime.

Round 14: 2012-13 Matt Barnes

Matt Barnes was always one of those guys you hated unless he was on your team. He was annoyingly impactful defensively while being a solid shooter at times, including during the 2012-13 season. Barnes won’t be a big part of this team, but he can jump in and serve a similar role to James Posey when called upon.

Round 15: 2016-17 Thaddeus Young

Thad Young was the prototypical stretch 4 during the 2016-17 season. Knocking down shots from behind the arc at a 38 percent clip, he stabilized the only part of his offensive game that was inconsistent throughout his career. Young will be a solid option at power forward on the end of the bench.

Round 16: 2007-08 Ronnie Brewer

Ronnie Brewer was never able to find a long-term spot in the league, which was especially frustrating considering how good he was in the 2007-08 season. Never a great shooter, Brewer was a guy who wreaked havoc defensively and served as a cutter/slasher offensively. He won’t see the floor much at all on this team, but he can hold his own when needed.

Golden State Warriors

General Manager: Jacob Bourne

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 1999-00 Gary Payton, 2015-16 Kyle Lowry
• Shooting Guards: 2017-18 Damian Lillard, 2017-18 DeMar DeRozan, 1992-93 John Starks, 1996-97 Kendall Gill
• Small Forwards: 1996-97 Grant Hill, 1999-00 Allan Houston, 2010-11 Rudy Gay
• Power Forwards: 2005-06 Antawn Jamison, 1992-93 Derrick Coleman, 1994-95 Sam Perkins
• Centers: 2016-17 Marc Gasol, 2009-10 Nene, 2003-04 Kenyon Martin
• Head Coach: 2001-02 Rick Adelman

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 1996-97 Grant Hill

Call me crazy, but I’m happy to take 1997 Grant Hill at pick No. 26. A 24-year-old Hill damn near averaged a triple-double (21.4 points/9.0 rebounds/7.4 assists), led the league in VORP and was starting to learn to shoot. Pre-injury Hill in the modern NBA, with his stellar, switch-on-anyone defense and upward-trending shooting would be among the top five most versatile players in the league, if not top three. The thing is…he was exactly that 20 years ago, too.

Hill had 29 triple-doubles in his career, and 13 came in 1996-97. Only nine other players in history have topped that single-season mark. Only five other players have ever matched his 21.9/9.0./7.4 mark in a season (Oscar Robertson, Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, John Havlicek and Russell Westbrook), and Hill was the youngest other than the Big O, who faced but a fraction of the competition Hill did. Also, four of those guys have already been picked, and sorry, but I’m not taking Havlicek here.

And that rangy defense isn’t just hypothetical. Hill’s 204.98 defensive points, 5.9 defensive win shares and 3.7 defensive box plus/minus in 1997 are all career highs, and they were also second, third and 13th in the entire NBA that year, respectively.

This wasn’t his best scoring season (that came in 2000), but this was his all-around peak, when no one could stop him on either side of the floor. And don’t even get me started on his perfect goatee.

Round 2: 1999-00 Gary Payton

With the 35th pick, the Warriors select 1999-00 Gary Payton, who averaged career highs in points (24.2), assists (8.9) rebounds (6.5) and PER (23.6) while leading the league in offensive box plus/minus.

Payton is more remembered for his hounding defense than dynamic offense, but Payton in 2000 was the only point guard from 1991-92 through 2012-13 to average 24 points and eight assists in a season. That’s right, “The Glove” stealthily set the two-decade standard for point guard offense at 31 years old. From December through February that year, he shot 38.6 percent from three on 7.1 attempts per game, and he led the league at 17 games with at least four made triples. Those are good 2018 numbers decades ahead of time.

And, of course, his defense wasn’t too shabby, either. This was not his best season as a defender, but he still grabbed 1.9 steals per game, earned 3.5 defensive win shares (No. 5 among point guards that year) and helped his Sonics hold opponents to a bottom-10 three-point percentage.

Pairing ’00 Payton with first-round pick ’97 Grant Hill is the foundation of an unstoppable offense and impenetrable defense. And a nice balance of relentless trash talk and nice-guy charm.

Round 3: 2017-18 Damian Lillard

Round 5: 2005-06 Antawn Jamison

Round 6: 2015-16 Kyle Lowry

Round 7: 1999-00 Allan Houston 

Round 8: 2017-18 DeMar DeRozan

Round 9: 1992-93 Derrick Coleman

Round 10: 2009-10 Nene

Round 11: 2010-11 Rudy Gay

Round 12: 1992-93 John Starks

Round 13: 1994-95 Sam Perkins

Round 14: 1996-97 Kendall Gill

Round 15: 2001-02 Rick Adelman

Round 16: 2003-04 Kenyon Martin

Houston Rockets

General Manager: Nekias Duncan

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 2017-18 Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2015-16 Kyrie Irving
• Shooting Guards: 1995-96 Dennis Scott, 2017-18 Devin Booker, 2017-18 Josh Richardson, 1957-58 Frank Ramsay
• Small Forwards: 2003-04 Peja Stojakovic, 2012-13 Thabo Sefolosha, 1951-52 Paul Arizin
• Power Forwards: 1973-74 Bob Lanier, 2016-17 James Johnson
• Centers: 1989-90 Patrick Ewing, 1953-54 Dolph Schayes, 1951-52 Ed Macauley, 1973-74 Sam Lacey
• Coach: 2012-13 Erik Spoelstra

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 2017-18 Giannis Antetokounmpo

Round 2: 1989-90 Patrick Ewing

Round 3: 2003-04 Peja Stojakovic 

Round 4: 2015-16 Kyrie Irving

We, the Rockets, are aiming to build a team based on size, versatility, shooting and defense. But there are two players (now one player) that I plan on taking who don’t meet those criteria but fill a specific role. Kyrie is one of them.

After struggling (by his standards) during an injury-riddled regular season (20, three and five; 45/32/89), Irving found his groove when it mattered most. He exploded during the postseason, averaging 25.2 points with a 48/44/88 shooting split. He lit it up from all three areas of the floor, and especially thrived in isolation situations. He famously went toe-to-toe with Stephen Curry in arguably the most exciting Finals series finale of all time.

Irving won’t start—I’m going with Giannis at point—but he’ll likely finish as the team’s “hired gun.” It’ll be a similar dynamic to that ’15-16 Cavs team, where Bron (Giannis in this case) carried most of the load, but Kyrie was there to finish the job when needed.

Round 5: 1973-74 Bob Lanier

Round 6: 1995-96 Dennis Scott

Round 7: 2016-17 James Johnson

Round 8: 2017-18 Devin Booker

As just a mere pup, Booker barely missed out on a 25/5/5 season while shooting over 38 percent from three. The Suns sucked, but he didn’t.

Aside from his three-level scoring chops, Booker made considerable improvements as a passer. The career high in assists (4.7) and assist percentage (24.4) tell some of the story, but he showcased an ability to manipulate defenders instead of making easy reasons. On a team that doesn’t, well, suck, Booker should be able to thrive off ball or as a secondary playmaker.

Round 9: 2012-13 Erik Spoelstra

My roster is built on size, positional versatility and shooting. It’s headlined by one of the most freakish forwards in NBA history, a guy who somehow hasn’t scratched the surface of how good he can be.  How many coaches are better equipped to handle that dynamic than 2012-13 Erik Spoelstra?

The Heat, fresh off their first title of the Big Three era, had the league’s best offense (110.3 offensive rating) and were 0.2 points per 100 possessions off a top-five finish on defense. Miami wasn’t as blitz-heavy as it was the year before, but employed it when it felt like breaking things open.

Spo’s brilliance was on full display during the 2013 Finals, where he went blow for blow with Gregg Popovich in one of the best coaching duels in league history. The Heat eventually came out on top in seven games, and we hope that Spo can work that same magic with the Houston Rockets.

Round 10: 2012-13 Thabo Sefolosha

Round 11: 1953-54 Dolph Schayes

Round 12: 2017-18 Josh Richardson

I’ll be taking 2017-18 Josh Richardson.

He’ll operate as our off-ball 1 since Giannis will be the primary ball-handler. Richardson showed improved pick-and-roll craft and grew as a finisher, though he’ll be utilized as a spot-up threat more often than not. He’s coming off a career year from deep (37.8 percent on 4.1 attempts), so that shouldn’t be an issue.

Richardson’s overall calling card will be defense. Despite his snubbing from an All-Defensive team this past season, he was an elite defender who could credibly switch between three positions and hold his own at a fourth in spurts. His range, anticipation in the passing lanes and ability to block shots will make this defense a terrifying one.

Round 13: 1951-52 Paul Arizin

Round 14: 1951-52 Ed Macauley

Round 15: 1957-58 Frank Ramsey

Round 16: 1973-74 Sam Lacey

Indiana Pacers

General Manager: Tony East

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 2005-06 Gilbert Arenas, 2000-01 Stephon Marbury, 1988-89 Mark Jackson
• Shooting Guards: 1981-82 Adrian Dantley, 1988-89 Ron Harper, 1995-96 Isaiah Rider
• Small Forwards: 1966-67 Rick Barry, 2013-14 Lance Stephenson, 2016-17 Jae Crowder
• Power Forwards: 2000-01 Antoine Walker, 1968-69 Jerry Lucas, 1951-52 Vern Mikkelsen
• Centers: 1963-64 Wilt Chamberlain, 1989-90 Bill Laimbeer, 2011-12 Roy Hibbert
• Coach: 1985-86 KC Jones

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 1963-64 Wilt Chamberlain

Outside of averaging a cool 36.9/22.3/5.0, Chamberlain posted the second-highest win shares in a season that year (behind the already selected Kareem) and played arguably the best defense of his career, statistically. He also played an insane 3,689 minutes and led his San Fransisco Warriors team to the finals. Wilt is worthy of this selection.

Round 2: 1966-67 Rick Barry

The Indiana Pacers are devastated to not be able to select Reggie Miller. Instead, we will select 1966-67 Rick Barry because I am enjoying picking San Franciso Warriors players.

Barry played in a time before the three-point line (it was introduced in the final year of his career, and he finished second in the league in made threes that season), but he made 33 percent in 1980 and could be much more effective as a shooter now. He might have a unique free-throw form, but it goes in the basket and thus he can be effective. In 1966-67, Barry racked up a tidy 14.4 wins shares while leading the league in scoring. He is the jolt on the wing that this Pacers team needs.

Round 3: 2005-06 Gilbert Arenas

With the nicest pick in the Time Machine Draft, the Indiana Pacers will select 2005-06 Gilbert Arenas.

’06 Arenas was a beast, pouring in 36.1 points per 100 possessions on 45/37/82 splits (career-high 58.1 true shooting percentage). Hibachi led the league in total minutes played, showcasing his durability and toughness, and he posted a solid advanced-stats season too; he had career highs in both offensive and defensive win shares. That accumulated to 13.6 total win shares and a 6.4 VORP. The Agent Zero-Wilt pick-and-roll is ready for action.

Round 4: 1981-82 Adrian Dantley

Here is a list of guards to lead the league in scoring more than once:

• Michael Jordan
• George Gervin
• Allen Iverson
• Kobe Bryant
• Adrian Dantley
• Tracy McGrady
• Russell Westbrook

Conveniently, only one of those guys is available, and he will be my selection. 1981-82 Adrian Dantley will be brought to Indiana to play the 2-guard. Dantley played with athleticism and finesse, something the Pacers would love to have. He shot 7.1 percent above league average from three that year as well, so we believe in his perimeter play. He led the league in free throws, which allowed him to grab a 63.1 percent true shooting percentage before it was cool to have a true shooting percentage above 60. We love the athletic combo of Arenas and Dantley, and we are sold on this pick.

Round 5: 2000-01 Antoine Walker

The Pacers need a stretchy and athletic 4 to round out the starting lineup. We are looking no further than 2000-01 Antoine Walker.

His 23.4 points per contest to go with 36.7 percent three-point shooting were what really drew me to ’01 Walker. He led the league in made threes that season while posting a 102 defensive rating and snagging nine rebounds per game. He also posted the second-best defensive box plus/minus of his career. HIs 5.0 VORP rounds out his nice statistical resume, and his fit is seamless.

Round 6: 2000-01 Stephon Marbury

I chose Stephon Marbury because in 2000-01, he was simply a beast. This was his most efficient scoring season by true shooting percentage while simultaneously being his highest usage percentage of any season and lowest turnover rate. He could create his own offense extremely well and could skate by any matchup, and with an assist percentage over 40, I feel as if he could easily create for himself and others on my second unit.

Round 7: 1989-90 Bill Laimbeer

We need some toughness in the post when Wilt is on the bench, and Laimbeer is as tough as they come. ’89-90 was Laimbeer’s best defensive season, posting a career-high 5.4 defensive win shares and a 3.2 DBPM. He also shot over 36 percent from deep that season, so he could space out the floor enough on offense. He helped the Pistons win the title. We are happy with his championship pedigree and tough nature of play.

Round 8: 1988-89 Ron Harper

Here is a list of players to score at least 18.5 points per game on  at least 51 percent shooting while also being effective on defense and nabbing no fewer than 2.2 steals per night:

• Michael Jordan
• David Robinson
• Magic Johnson
• ML Carr
• Ron Harper

I need that kind of scoring and defense off my bench at the 2-guard spot, so I’m taking 1988-89 Ron Harper. Despite shooting 29-of-116 from three-point range that season, Harper still had a true shooting percentage of 57 percent, a solid enough efficiency figure. While doing that, he brought tenacity on both ends of the floor and led the Cavs to nearly upsetting Jordan’s Bulls in the playoffs.

Round 9: 2013-14 Lance Stephenson

Well, it’s time. I’m the Pacers. My locker room is outrageous. And I really could use a LeBron stopper. There is only one man capable of hitting all my requirements for this pick.

2013-14 Lance Stephenson was a borderline All-Star. He was an absolute behemoth on defense, posting career-high scores in defensive win shares and DBPM. And overall, it was rather substantially his best season in VORP.

On the physical stat sheet, he poured in nearly 14 points per game, grabbed over seven boards and dished out 4.6 assists. He had a three-point percentage around league average and a true shooting percentage of 56.4 percent—more than solid enough for a guy that I am drafting for defense

Round 10: 1995-96 Isaiah Rider

He averaged 19.6 points, 4.1 rebound and 2.8 assists on 46/37/84 shooting splits. With solid efficiency and crazy good athleticism, he’s the perfect jolt of energy and talent we need off the bench. Plus, I get full rights to his rap album and the East Bay Funk Dunk.

Round 11: 1968-69 Jerry Lucas

A Hall of Famer, Jerry Lucas led the league with a 59 true shooting percentage (LOL) while averaging 18 points and 18 rebounds. Also, his nickname was “The Computer,” so we here in Indiana think he would fit in great during the era of spreadsheet basketball.

Round 12: 1951-52 Vern Mikkelsen

I selected Vern Mikkelsen for his incredible post defense. At only 6’7″, he might be weak against taller bigs down low, but as my sixth big in the rotation, I could use him in matchup-dependent situations where he could thrive. Additionally, he was a solid free-throw shooter, something many of my bigs lack, and he could be useful in a hypothetical end-of-game situations where my team is being fouled.

Round 13: 2016-17 Jae Crowder

Jae Crowder was a bit better defensively the season prior, but he had a 61.3 true shooting percentage in ’16-17 while still being a plus wing defender.

Round 14: 2011-12 Roy Hibbert

My team doesn’t want your team to have fun, which is why my current two centers are Wilt and Laimbeer. Continuing that trend, I am selecting 2011-12 Roy Hibbert. This wasn’t his best defensive season (that came two years later when he made Second Team All-Defense), but he was still an incredible defender, and this was one of his best offensive seasons. We need someone to soak up minutes and be a nuisance when Laimbeer fouls out, and I trust Hibbert to do that without issue.

Round 15: 1988-89 Mark Jackson

I’m interested in my third point being a difference-maker. Coincidentally, there is a guy who is still available who was such a difference-maker that the league had to alter the rules just to stop his style of play: 1988-89 Mark Jackson.

He handed out dimes like candy, and this was his only All-Star season. He penchant for backing smaller guards down for 10-15 seconds at a time ultimately led to the five-second back-to-the-basket rule being created. His high IQ rounds out my team nicely, and he could easily plug and play at any time with anyone.

Round 16: 1985-86 KC Jones

1985-86 KC Jones for my head coach, who led the Lakers to the longest winning streak of all time (still stands at 33 games) when he was an assistant in LA in ’72, then got the Celtics two titles when he was their head coach in the ’80s, including 1986.

Los Angeles Clippers

General Manager: Whitney Medworth

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 1961-62 Oscar Robertson, 1997-98 Nick Van Exel, 1995-96 Damon Stoudamire, 1993-94 BJ Armstrong
• Shooting Guards: 1992-93 Mark Price, 2005-06 Jason Richardson, 2000-01 Jalen Rose, 1994-95 Jim Jackson
• Small Forwards: 1962-63 Elgin Baylor, 1999-00 Glenn Robinson, 1994-95 Cedric Ceballos
• Power Forwards: 2004-05 Amar’e Stoudemire, 1992-93 Larry Johnson
• Centers: 1986-87 Kevin McHale, 2011-12 Andrew Bynum
• Coach: 2003-04 Flip Saunders

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 1961-62 Oscar Robertson

Round 2: 1962-63 Elgin Baylor

Round 3: 1986-87 Kevin McHale 

Round 4: 1992-93 Mark Price

Price and Oscar Robertson will be interchangeable at the point and shooting guard position as Price adds some much needed three-point shooting to our team. In 1993, Price was First Team All-NBA with Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone and Hakeem Olajuwon. He was also a member of the 50/40/90 club that year.

He also averaged eight assists that year, so he will have no problem setting up Robertson and Elgin Baylor, as they both are dynamic scorers. And, despite being a bit shorter at 6’0″, he still averaged two steals a game.

Round 5: 2004-05 Amar’e Stoudemire

Round 6: 1992-93 Larry Johnson

Alright! Time to get my bench mob formed. For the 162nd pick in the draft, the Clippers are taking 1992-93 Larry Johnson. Grandmama is going to bring much-needed flair and personality to this team.

Round 7: 1997-98 Nick Van Exel

Round 8: 2005-06 Jason Richardson

Round 9: 1999-00 Glenn Robinson

Round 10: 1994-95 Cedric Ceballos

Round 11: 2000-01 Jalen Rose

Round 12: 2003-04 Flip Saunders

Round 13: 2011-12 Andrew Bynum

Round 14: 1994-95 Jim Jackson

Round 15: 1995-96 Damon Stoudamire

Round 16: 1993-94 BJ Armstrong

Los Angeles Lakers

General Manager: Adi Joseph

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 2015-16 Stephen Curry, 2003-04 Sam Cassell, 1970-71 Dave Bing
• Shooting Guards: 2016-17 Jimmy Butler, 1997-98 Steve Smith, 1995-96 Bobby Phills
• Small Forwards: 1985-86 Paul Pressey, 1999-00 Bryon Russell, 1999-00 Malik Sealy
• Power Forwards: 2003-04 Andrei Kirilenko, 1996-97 Anthony Mason, 1975-76 John Drew
• Centers: 2017-18 LaMarcus Aldridge, 1978-79 Artis Gilmore, 1981-82 Jack Sikma
• Coach: 1996-97 Jerry Sloan

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 2015-16 Stephen Curry

First of all, disrespectful to take Magic Johnson one pick ahead of the freaking Lakers, Bryan. Sure, there are other Lakers legends available, but they’re not Magic. I knew I needed someone to run my offense and set the table for the dynamic, modern offense that I want my team to run. Even better if that person has familiarity with the world of California. And still better if that guy is the only unanimous MVP in league history for the highest-rated offensive season ever.

Round 2: 2003-04 Andrei Kirilenko

First, my first-round pick wants me to pass along that he gets a good laugh out of Alex calling Ray Allen “arguably the greatest shooter ever.”

Second, as offense-first as I went in Round 1, I felt the need to counter that with a straight defensive-minded pick in the second round. Draymond Green would have been the natural fit, but he got selected way too early for that. So I’ll go with a player who was his defensive equal—or better—and functioned better in half-court offense to boot: 2003-04 Andrei Kirilenko.

AK47 doesn’t belong in the Hall of Fame, but he was very much on that track before his 2005 broken wrist (which also led to his subjugation in the Jazz offense). He’ll play power forward and shore up my defense against any threat.

Round 3: 2016-17 Jimmy Butler

The best individual season that no one was paying attention to in recent years was …2016-17 Jimmy Butler

He’s my pick because he’s an elite defender who can play either wing position, but more so because he’s an insanely efficient offensive player. His numbers speak for themselves if you dive into them thoroughly enough. He never turns the ball over despite doing everything anyone could ask with it. He’s no specialist, but he’d make a great one if that’s what my team needs.

Round 4: 1996-97 Anthony Mason

I didn’t get Draymond Green, so I’m taking his forebearer, 1996-97 Anthony Mason. I’m going to bring Mase off the bench sometimes, start him at one of his three positions in others. But I mostly am going to use him and his incredible defense and playmaking and strength as my small-ball center next to the longer and more rim-protection-oriented Andrei Kirilenko. Together they’ll be even more devastating on defense than Green and Kevin Durant.

Round 5: 1985-86 Paul Pressey

In my quest to recreate the Warriors’ best schemes using players from the past, I’m going to go grab myself another low Twitter grade and take one of the most underrated players of all time: 1985-86 Paul Pressey. Pressey was the glue that held together those Bucks teams with Sidney Moncrief and Marques Johnson. He was their best wing defender—one of the best ever—and ran point from the small forward role. He’s a better passer and playmaker than Andre Iguodala, a similarly elite defender and a leader.

Round 6: 2017-18 LaMarcus Aldridge

I can’t believe I am getting an All-NBA second-teamer from this very season this late in the draft. But 2017-18 LaMarcus Aldridge definitely deserved those honors and fits well with my team. This was Aldridge at his very best: a better defender and efficient scorer who has learned the Spurs way. He gives me even more lineup versatility, with enough size to respectably start at center—his primary position for the first time this year—but an easy transition to power forward if I need to play big.

Round 7: 2003-04 Sam Cassell

I’m lucky enough to take my favorite player of all time, Sam Cassell. He’s one of the most popular teammates in NBA history, and he plays an offensive style similar to a more skilled Shaun Livingston, which will allow him to play next to Stephen Curry. But the specific season I’m picking him for, 2003-04, was superb in every way. He put up 12.1 win shares and a 5.3 OBPM, not super far from his normal numbers but clearly career highs, as he helped Kevin Garnett have the best season of his Timberwolves career.

Round 8: 1978-79 Artis Gilmore

While I love LaMarcus Aldridge as my starting center because he fits “what we do,” it was still essential for me to find a player good enough to bang with all of your ridiculously talented big men. How, exactly, one of the 20 greatest centers ever is still on the board for me to grab, I don’t know, but then again, one of his nicknames is “Late Sleeper.”  I’m taking Artis Gilmore, and I’m going with the 1978-79 version of The A-Train because he was better adjusted to the NBA but it still was before his knee injury.

Round 9: 1999-00 Bryon Russell

Michael Jordan pushed off because he needed to. Bryon Russell was one of the best three-and-D players ever, and he was at his best in 1999-00, shooting 39.6 percent on threes (from the real line, not the shortened one) and still playing excellent defense for the Jazz.

Round 10: 1997-98 Steve Smith

At 6’8″, playing shooting guard and leading a 50-win Hawks team in scoring—no, not Joe Johnson—1997-98 Steve Smith has all the versatility and playmaking ability my team needs. I could have taken the 1999-00 version, when he shot 40 percent on threes and put up a similar 10 WAR and 3.0 BPM, but I think Smith was always an excellent shooter who simply had better passers with Portland than Atlanta. I’d rather have the version that put up a cool 20/4/4 in his prime.

Round 11: 1975-76 John Drew

It’s 2018. Pro athletes’ drug problems have, thankfully, changed to be focused on PEDs. John Drew was a truly special player whose flame burned out way too early. But in 1975-76, he led the NBA in OBPM (7.1) and had 10.6 win shares. He was a 6’7″ power forward with incredible athleticism who would fit beautifully in the small-ball era. Not enough people know about John Drew. But they will when they watch my “Steph & Press” Lakers’ bench unit.

Round 12: 1981-82 Jack Sikma

When I picked LaMarcus Aldridge a couple hundred picks ago, then Artis Gilmore 100 picks later, I was torn because I really wanted Jack Sikma, too. Sikma was a prototype for the stretch-5, and he was an elite defender. In 1981-82, the year I am taking him, he not only topped 12 win shares, but he also concluded the season by shutting down MVP Moses Malone in the first round of the playoffs. Look up the numbers: Sikma genuinely outplayed Moses. Getting him will allow me to start any of three centers depending on matchups, plus have a small-ball lineup in store.

Round 13: 1970-71 Dave Bing

This is the first time so far that the guy I was about to pick was taken right out from under me. But since I can’t get Lou Hudson, who is the most underrated guard of the 1970s, I’ll take someone who got a bit more recognition during that same span: The Mayor, Dave Bing. In 1970-71, Bing averaged 27.0 points, 5.0 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game. He’s a versatile playmaker who can play on or off the ball and will be a nice scorer off the bench for a lot of different lineup configurations.

Round 14: 1996-97 Jerry Sloan

There are quite a few really great coaches still available, so I hesitated to rush this pick. But there’s only one Jerry Sloan. For my money, he’s the best coach without a ring —admittedly, there are quite a few championship-winning coaches still available—but moreover, his pick-and-roll(pop)-all-the-time system is exactly what I want my offense to look like. The 1996-97 Jazz were an elite-tier offense and a top-10 defense, and Sloan’s ability to build an offense around the fully functional defense that Frank Layden had provided him was phenomenal. My team is loaded on D—including three former Sloan players in Andrei Kirilenko, Artis Gilmore and Bryon Russell—so the Bulls and Jazz legend is a perfect head coach.

Round 15: 1995-96 Bobby Phills

When you get the chance to grab one more three-and-D guy, a player who regularly hung around 40 percent on three-pointers and made an All-Defensive team, this late in the draft, you have to do it. When that player also had his prime cut short and you can help remind people of how special he was, you have to do it. I’m welcoming 1995-96 Bobby Phills to my roster and to our hearts.

Round 16: 1999-00 Malik Sealy

For those who grew up in Queens in the 1990s, St. John’s was the only college basketball anyone really cared about. Chris Mullin, Walter Berry and Mark Jackson were before my time. Felipe Lopez and Ron Artest were favorites. But the college player who shaped my youth was Malik Sealy. Like his now-Lakers teammate Bobby Phills, Sealy died in an auto accident in 2000, far, far too young. Like Phills, he was a versatile swingman who could defend a lot of different players thanks to his 6’8″ frame. I’ll be taking Sealy in his final season, 1999-00, when he was a key cog for a playoff-bound Timberwolves team, his best season at the age of 29, and also his last.

This also rounds out my Lakers roster without, somehow, more than a single player (Byron Russell in 2003-04) who ever in his career played for the Lakers

Memphis Grizzlies

General Manager: Ben Leibowitz

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 1990-91 Kevin Johnson, 2016-17 Patrick Beverley, 1979-80 Paul Westphal
• Shooting Guards: 1964-65 Sam Jones, 2005-06 Raja Bell, 1996-97 Voshon Lenard
• Small Forwards: 1969-70 Connie Hawkins, 2007-08 Caron Butler, 2016-17 Andre Roberson
• Power Forwards: 1974-75 Bob McAdoo, 2009-10 Carlos Boozer, 1982-83 Buck Williams
• Centers: 1963-64 Bill Russell, 1961-62 Walt Bellamy, 2005-06 Brad Miller
• Coach: 1988-89 Cotton Fitzsimmons

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 1963-64 Bill Russell

With a first-round pick in any sort of NBA re-draft, the goal should be adding a player who can lead a team to championships as its alpha dog. The Memphis Grizzlies got that and more by drafting Bill Russell.

Russell is arguably the best defensive player in league history. He guided the Boston Celtics to 11 championships in his 13 seasons as the defensive anchor. He also won five MVP awards throughout an NBA tenure in which he averaged 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game (blocks weren’t a recorded statistic during Russell’s playing days, but it’s safe to assume those averages would be eye-popping as well). And while there will always be detractors who say guys from previous eras wouldn’t translate to a more modern style, Russell’s delightfully abundant confidence into his 80s hints otherwise.

Russell was, quite simply, a winner. He went 10-0 in his career in Game 7s and 16-2 in elimination games. Additionally, in his career against the legendary Wilt Chamberlain—viewed as perhaps the most dominant force in basketball history and the No. 9 overall selection in this draft—Russell sported an 84-58 win-loss record. Don’t believe for a second that he’d fail to acclimate himself against modern greats.

Round 2: 1974-75 Bob McAdoo

In Round 2 of the draft, the Grizz added another MVP in the form of 1974-75 Bob McAdoo. A three-time NBA scoring champ, McAdoo was adept at pouring in points (and doing so efficiently). He shot 51.2 percent from the field this season while boasting an absolutely lethal mid-range jumper. With his offense and Russell’s defense, this frontcourt duo projects to be a force on both ends.

Consider, too, that McAdoo didn’t have the best of supporting casts in his early years. During his MVP season, “Mac” racked up a ridiculous 17.8 win shares. That accounted for more than 36 percent of the Buffalo Braves’ win total of 49. He won two championships later in his career as a prominent role player for the Los Angeles Lakers, so it stands to reason that the younger McAdoo can help put this team in title contention with an elite supporting crew around him.

Round 3: 1964-65 Sam Jones

In re-draft scenarios, arguing in favor of your squad’s team chemistry often consists of a fair amount of subjectivity and conjecture. That’s not the case here. Bringing in Sam Jones as our starting shooting guard to pair with a longtime Celtics teammate (Russell) ensures a considerable amount of cohesion in the starting five. Like Russell, Jones was pure winner. Teams he was on went 9-0 in Game 7s, giving this roster arguably the two best Game 7 performers in the history of basketball. Jones is simultaneously one of the most clutch players in league history and one of the most unsung as a scorer who could always be relied upon to deliver in big moments.

“Whenever the pressure was greatest, Sam was eager for the ball. To me, that’s one sign of a champion,” Russell wrote in his memoir “Second Wind.”

“In Los Angeles, Jerry West was called ‘Mr. Clutch,’ and he was, but in the seventh game of a championship series, I’ll take Sam over any player who’s ever walked on a court,” Russell wrote.

Who am I to argue with Russell? We’ll link those former teammates back up in Memphis.

Round 4: 1969-70 Connie Hawkins

Sticking with the “old school” vibe, Memphis opted to pick up the hyper-athletic (and criminally underrated) Connie Hawkins as the team’s starting small forward. “The Hawk,” who could palm the basketball like a grapefruit, was wrongly blackballed from the NBA for much of his prime, and thus isn’t often remembered among the league’s all-time greats despite his abundance of talent.

For reference, here’s a statistical per-36-minute comparison between Hawkins and Julius “Dr. J” Erving during their respective age-27 seasons in the NBA:

• Erving: 22.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 50.2 percent shooting
• Hawkins: 21.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 49 percent shooting

As legendary basketball coach Larry Brown said of Hawkins, “He was Julius before Julius. He was Elgin before Elgin. He was Michael before Michael. He was simply the greatest individual player I have ever seen.”

Not bad for a fourth-round pick.

Round 5: 1990-91 Kevin Johnson

In need of a point guard to round out the starting five, the Grizzlies selected All-NBA Second Team guard Kevin Johnson (the First Team featured Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan). Though K.J. didn’t feature the typical three-point prowess we see from point guards today, his relentless ability to slash through defenses, score efficiently, distribute for others and pick the pockets of opponents reached a level rarely matched in NBA lore.

In fact, here’s the full list of players who’ve notched a true shooting percentage of at least 60 percent, an assist percentage of at least 40 percent and a steal percentage of at least 2.5 percent in a season:

• John Stockton (11 times)
• Chris Paul (twice)
• Magic Johnson
• Kevin Johnson

If you sort those seasons by win shares, K.J.’s 12.7 trail only seasons put together by Stockton.

Speaking of Stockton, in a game against his Jazz during Johnson’s 1990-91 campaign, Johnson put together his best performance of the season by game score with 37 points (on 61.9 percent shooting) and 20 assists. In his prime, Johnson could go toe-to-toe with the best floor generals in the game.

Round 6: 2007-08 Caron Butler

During his prime with the Washington Wizards, Caron Butler (AKA “Tuff Juice”) brought a little bit of everything to the table. Aside from his defensive grit, toughness and hustle, Butler averaged 20.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 2.2 steals while draining 35.7 percent of his three-pointers and converting 90.1 percent of his free throws. He fits the “Grit ‘N Grind” mentality made famous in Memphis and can play either at shooting guard or small forward.

Round 7: 2005-06 Raja Bell

Sticking with our defensive mentality but needing to add three-point shooting, Raja Bell is the perfect fit to add to the second unit alongside Butler. Bell converted a remarkably impressive 44.2 percent of his threes this season while playing lockdown defense on the perimeter. Though he didn’t make his All-Defense teams until after this season, he was at his best defensively by the numbers in 2006.

Round 8: 2016-17 Patrick Beverley

You’re probably sensing a theme with what type of second unit we’re building. Defense, shooting and grit defines our bench thus far, and All-Defensive First Team point guard Patrick Beverley fits perfectly by all three measures. In addition to the All-Defense nod following a season in which Pat-Bev had to defend the likes of Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul in the Western Conference, he cashed 38.2 percent of his treys.

Round 9: 1982-83 Buck Williams

Building a successful basketball team is as much about talent and numbers as it is about having high-character guys who buy into a given role. Buck Williams finished seventh in MVP voting en route to All-NBA Second Team honors in 1983 by averaging 17 points on 58.8 percent shooting to go along with 12.5 rebounds and 5.9 defensive win shares. In addition, Williams was a humble locker-room presence. In a 1986 broadcast feature Williams described himself as “a blue-collar worker” and a role model for young kids during a time when drug scandals were rocking the NBA. He can lead by example on and off the court in our second unit.

Round 10: 1961-62 Walt Bellamy

After being selected first overall in the 1961 NBA draft, Walt Bellamy averaged 31.6 points, 19.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists en route to a Rookie of the Year award. As his career progressed, Bellamy was followed by questions about his motor, but we’re comfortable taking “Bells” at his rookie peak. After all, Bill Russell “often said Bellamy was one of his toughest opponents,” according to SLAM’s Michael Bradley. Now, Russell will get to compete against Bellamy only in practices and can mentor him as his primary backup following the re-draft.

Round 11: 2005-06 Brad Miller

Though the “old school” NBA will no doubt be prevalent following this re-draft just due to the personnel at our disposal, it’s still important to have big men who can pass and shoot threes to fit a more modern style. Brad Miller isn’t the most mobile of guys, but he was still a solidly underrated defender who shot 38.6 percent from deep while dishing out 4.7 assists per contest.

Round 12: 2009-10 Carlos Boozer

When fans think of Carlos Boozer today, they might imagine the plodding, tail-end-of-his-career, shoe-polished-hair version of him. But during his prime years with the Utah Jazz, Boozer was an elite power forward who excelled in the pick-and-roll game on offense while playing great defense — 4.6 defensive win shares, 2.0 defensive box plus/minus. The power forward trio of McAdoo, Williams and Boozer can all fill the role of scoring and rebounding out of the 4 spot, ensuring that none of the three breaks down during this fictional season.

Round 13: 2016-17 Andre Roberson

Can he shoot threes? No. Can he shoot free throws? Also, no. But boy can Andre Roberson defend, and in a league flush with stars, teams need guys who can match up defensively against the league’s best scorers. The Thunder were not the same team when Roberson went down with injury, and we plan to lean on his defensive versatility to frustrate opposing stars into bad shots and inefficient performances.

Round 14: 1988-89 Cotton Fitzsimmons

Still in need of a coach who can complement the player/coach role Bill Russell will inevitably embrace as the star and leader of this team, we opted to select 1989 Coach of the Year Cotton Fitzsimmons. Cotton led a Phoenix Suns team featuring one All-Star (Tom Chambers), four second-year players and five rookies to 55 wins that year. That squad, despite youth and inexperience, finished second in offensive rating and fifth in defensive rating. Giving Cotton a roster with a massive talent and experience upgrade gives us the utmost confidence this team will win with regularity. Oh, and he’s linked back up with K.J., who was his floor general in 1988-89.

Round 15: 1979-80 Paul Westphal

With the 436th pick in the Time Machine Draft, the Grizzlies landed an All-NBA First Team combo guard who notched a career-best 59.3 percent true shooting mark and 10.5 win shares as the leading scorer and assist man on a 55-win team. Again, an All-NBA First Teamer was picked at No. 436. If we need him to, Westphal can start at either guard position. The depth he provides this team is astounding, and we almost feel guilty taking him after guys like Shawn Bradley, Devin Harris and Anthony Parker in Round 15.

Round 16: 1996-97 Voshon Lenard

Guards Kevin Johnson, Sam Jones and Paul Westphal all provide ample scoring and leadership qualities, but none of the three are accomplished outside shooters. We had a few three-point snipers at this point in Raja Bell, Caron Butler and Patrick Beverley, but it can’t hurt to add another in Voshon Lenard to round out the end of the bench. Lenard cashed 41.4 percent of his triples this season and shot 6.1 of them per game. I’ll point out that Lenard did this with a shortened three-point line, but he shot 40.5 percent from deep the following season with the “normal”three3-point stripe and went on to win a three-point shootout in 2004, so it’s safe to say range wasn’t much of a deterrent.

Miami Heat

General Manager: Frank Urbina

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 2002-03 Jason Kidd, 2008-09 Tony Parker, 1985-86 Maurice Cheeks
• Shooting Guards: 2008-09 Dwyane Wade, 2009-10 Jamal Crawford, 2016-17 CJ Miles
• Small Forwards: 1991-92 Chris Mullin, 2007-08 Hedo Turkoglu, 2009-10 Quentin Richardson, 2014-15 DeMarre Carroll
• Power Forwards: 2009-10 Pau Gasol, 1993-94 Charles Oakley
• Centers: 2017-18 Joel Embiid, 1994-95 Vlade Divac, 1992-93 Brad Daugherty
• Coach: 1988-89 Chuck Daly

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 2008-09 Dwyane Wade

A pick made with a tinge of hometown bias but mostly without devious intentions, Wade fell into the Miami Heat’s laps at selection No. 20. In 2008-09, Wade put up an astounding 30.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.3 blocks per contest, led a rather talent-barren Heat team to 43 wins and finished the campaign third in MVP voting, trailing just LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

According to both VORP and BPM, 2008-09 Wade posted the 16th-best season ever (min: 1500 minutes), and we were able to land him at No. 20.

When you further consider the positional scarcity of the 2-guard spot, especially with Bryant, Michael Jordan and James Harden already off the board, it becomes even clearer why Wade—the high-flying, shot-blocking, clutch-shot-making version of himself—was not just the best possible pick here, but an absolute coup at this point in the first round.

Round 2: 2002-03 Jason Kidd

With an all-timer at the 2-guard spot already in the fold and still early enough in the draft to go best player available, we decided to nab Jason Kidd with the 41st selection. In 2002-03, Kidd put up an insane 18.7/6.3/8.9 line to go with 2.2 nightly steals and 1.6 nightly three-pointers. His 6.7 VORP that season was the 25th-highest mark ever for a guard, and he also posted a personal-best 6.9 BPM that year, to boot.

Kidd led his New Jersey Nets all the way to the Finals in 2002-03 before his team finally succumbed to the San Antonio Spurs.

As far as fit with our elite shooting guard, Kidd will help form a downright fearsome defensive tandem with Dwyane Wade, and when running the break on offense, the duo will be absolutely unstoppable. The fact Kidd shot a respectable 34.1 percent from three that season should help quell any worries about how our team will perform in a half-court setting. Plus, with Wade’s otherworldly prowess as an off-ball cutter (which he flaunted brilliantly during his time with LeBron James), we have zero concerns about how not having a three-point expert in our backcourt will affect our point-producing chances.

Round 3: 2009-10 Pau Gasol

With Wade and Kidd in the backcourt, we felt Miami needed a big man who could space the floor, and we’re elated we were able to find one in Pau Gasol.

The 7-foot Spaniard boasts championship experience (twice over), was a big-time threat from the mid-range thanks to his feathery jumper and is one of the best passing bigs ever, who is going to feast on finding Wade as a cutter and Kidd/Chris Mullin in situations where they find themselves spotting up for open threes.

In 2009-10, Gasol averaged 18.3 points, 11.3 boards, 4.3 helpers and 1.7 rejections per contest, and he posted a higher VORP and BPM than Bryant—the supposed best player on those title-winning Los Angeles Lakers squads.

Gasol is a legitimately immaculate fit with the rest of our roster, and the Heat are excited he’ll be able to team up with the best shooting guard he’s ever played with as a member of our organization.

Round 4: 1991-92 Chris Mullin

With the first hundred picks in the books, the Heat were still able to land the perfect wing to place alongside two relative non-shooters in the backcourt. And that’s Chris Mullin. In 1991-92, the St. John’s legend put up an unholy 25.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.1 steals nightly while slashing healthy 52.4/36.6/83.3 shooting splits.

That season, Mullin also led his Golden State Warriors to 55 wins, earned a No. 2 seed in the West and capped the year by finishing sixth in MVP voting, as well as with an invite to join the 1992 Dream Team in his inbox. (Or mailbox. Actually not sure how people communicated that long ago.)

Mullin’s aptitude as a floor-spacer will be an absolute necessity for our starting unit, and his play-making could be a useful weapon when heading second units. We’re thrilled to have the Flat Top, one of the most underrated wings ever (at least before injuries took their toll on him), as our starting small forward.

Round 5: 2017-18 Joel Embiid

If there’s one knock against either our starting small or power forward, it’s that they may have been a bit soft on the less glamorous side of the ball. Well, by drafting Joel Embiid, that problem is essentially erased. One of the biggest trash talkers—both on and off the court—the Association has ever seen, as well as a ferocious shot-blocker and overall rim deterrent, Embiid gives our frontcourt an element of toughness it may have been lacking. (No toughness concerns with our backcourt, as Kidd/Wade were two certifiable, unflappable badasses.)

In 2017-18, the Cameroonian big man enjoyed his first (nearly) completely healthy campaign and rewarded the Philadelphia 76ers’ patience by blossoming into one of the best centers in basketball. Embiid led the Sixers to the No. 3 seed in the East and the second round of the playoffs for the first time in forever thanks to pristine averages of 22.9 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.8 blocks per game.

Embiid is a monster, makes us sturdier inside and rounds out our starting five with a bang.

Round 6: 2007-08 Hedo Turkoglu

We wanted more size and another playmaker off the bench, and we landed one in 6’10” Turkish small forward Hedo Turkoglu. A near-20-point-per-game scorer who also rebounded well, distributed creatively and converted from the free-throw line while shooting 40 percent from three, Turkoglu is the perfect addition to our reserve unit.

Round 7: 2008-09 Tony Parker

We didn’t anticipate going point guard with this selection, but once we realized a former Finals MVP and six-time All-Star was still available, we had to swoop. Prime Parker was an extremely efficient scorer who could attack the smallest crevices and find openings to get near the basket for easy finishes. As our sixth man, the French floor general will have the freedom to attack defenses as often as he wishes, as we’re confident Parker will make the right decision more often than not. All in all, a steal to land a player of his caliber this late in the draft.

Round 8: 1994-95 Vlade Divac

Vlade Divac is known for his escapades with the Kings, but it was with the Lakers that he had by far his best season, and the numbers here sort of speak for themselves. We’re adding yet another fantastic playmaker to a roster chock full of them in the big Serbian, and his rebounding and rim protection will be welcome additions. With so many modern teams choosing to go small, we plan to attack opponents with a group of big men who can dominate on the glass and create easy opportunities for their teammates.

Round 9: 1993-94 Charles Oakley

Granting more toughness off the bench and an overall unmatched level of badassery, Charles Oakley is going to absolutely batter opposing teams—especially those who choose to go small—on the offensive glass. For those who question how Oak would fare against modern pick-and-roll offenses, just remember this menacing tweet from the all-time enforcer. The Knicks legend and Embiid are going to bully teams into oblivion.

Round 10: 2009-10 Jamal Crawford

Full disclosure: We admit this pick was a bit of a reach.

After landing Parker as our sixth man and a couple of decent backup bigs afterward, we should have gone elsewhere with this selection but were intoxicated by the idea of having a strong reserve 2-guard to play behind Wade. Truth be told, we envision some of the other players we drafted later on to have a bigger role than Crawford, though on nights the Seattle pickup-game legend has it cooking, he’ll certainly get his fair share of playing time.

Round 11: 1992-93 Brad Daugherty

Best player available at that point in the draft, and someone who is going to be fantastic insurance on nights any of our other bigs get into foul trouble or are injured. On most nights, however, he’ll be wearing a suit on the end of the bench. Regardless, not a bad fifth big considering he was a 20/10/4 machine.

Round 12: 1985-86 Maurice Cheeks

In Shea Serrano’s Basketball and Other Things, he had a chapter in which he asked various basketball journalists to talk about who their hardwood heroes were. When it was her turn, the incomparable Doris Burke talked about Philadelphia 76ers legend Maurice Cheeks, saying that in her opinion, despite all the talent on the 1982-83 Sixers championship team, including Julius Erving, Moses Malone and Andrew Toney, it was Cheeks who was the engine that made the team go. Well, that was good enough for the Heat.

Having a third point guard with that type of pedigree, who is going to play 15 minutes per night and distribute so aptly and defend his ass off, is almost unfair; this pick may have been an even bigger steal than Parker at No. 200.

Round 13: 1988-89 Chuck Daly

He’s not a modern coach, but whoever thinks Chuck Freaking Daly wouldn’t be able to adapt to the modern game should remember the guy was Michael Jordan’s main tormentor early in his career, toppled Magic Johnson’s Lakers dynasty, won back-to-back championships and has experience coaching a bunch of huge personalities from his time with the Dream Team, making him perfectly suited for our squad. Frankly, it’s downright laughable to think he wouldn’t be an elite head coach in any era, including today.

Round 14: 2014-15 DeMarre Carroll

Another late-round wing exemplifying our draft strategy to close things out, DeMarre Carroll helps modernize our roster a bit thanks to his size for a forward, as well as his point-stopping prowess, finishing as a cutter, ability to knock down triples at an above-average rate and defend some of the best players opposing teams have to offer. (Also, unfortunately for Jamal, he’s another player we plan to play a lot despite his draft position.)

Round 15: 2009-10 Quentin Richardson

Our strategy going into the draft was to go best player available for as long as possible, and wrap up the selection process by taking three-and-D types to fill out our wing rotation. That took a bit of a hit with players like PJ Tucker, Luc Mbah a Moute, Josh Richardson, Otto Porter, etc. all being taken way earlier than anticipated. Even so, Quentin Richardson was still on the board in the 15th round, so our strategy didn’t end up being totally fruitless.

Richardson had the fifth-most-accurate high-volume three-point shooting season in Heat history, has experience playing with our most important player (Wade) and posted monstrous defensive metrics in 2009-10, especially for a small forward who didn’t rack up steals or blocks. When we decide to go small or play with an ultra-defensive lineup, it’s a certainty Q-Rich will be on the floor. (Just think about the following five-man unit: Cheeks/Kidd/Richardson/Oakley/Embiid. That’s a straight-up nasty defensive quintet.)

Round 16: 2016-17 CJ Miles

Remember when we said earlier that Crawford may be more of a situational player who could lose minutes to guys we landed later in the draft? Well, CJ Miles is one of the players we envision filling a big role for us. An elite shooter from the outside for whom we can draw up plays and who demands full-time attention from defenses, Miles, despite serving as our last pick, is someone for whom we have big plans.

Milwaukee Bucks

General Manager: Bryan Kalbrosky

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 1986-87 Magic Johnson, 2003-04 Baron Davis, 2011-12 Jeremy Lin
• Shooting Guards: 2016-17 Bradley Beal, 2016-17 CJ McCollum, 1993-94 Dell Curry
• Small Forwards: 1987-88 Dominique Wilkins, 2001-02 Wally Szczerbiak, 1969-70 Lou Hudson
• Power Forwards: 2016-17 Kristaps Porzingis, 2017-18 Ben Simmons
• Centers: 1969-70 Willis Reed, 1985-86 Manute Bol, 2002-03 Shawn Bradley
• Coach: 1995-96 Phil Jackson

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 1986-87 Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson’s amazing blend of size, athleticism and leadership had me salivating at the thought of him taking over my squad. He was the NBA MVP in the regular season and the NBA Finals MVP, as well. Johnson defeated the Celtics 4-2 in the championship, once totaling 20 assists in a game. He led the league with 12.2 assists per game while scoring 23.9 points per game. His offensive win shares and win shares per 48 minutes both led the league, but the most impressive aspect of his game was the way he was able to create for his team.

Johnson was one of four players on the Lakers to average at least 17 points that season, and he had 40 percent of the total assists for Los Angeles. We are excited to surround him with top-caliber players, and I’m just sort of giggling about the way they would thrive with such an amazing distributor and playmaker. Johnson will serve as the President of Basketball Operations for our team, too.  

Round 2: 1987-88 Dominique Wilkins

Dominique Wilkins had a career-high 30.7 points per game during the 1987-88 season and nearly led the Hawks past the Celtics during a season in which his second-best player was Doc Rivers. Wilkins had the highest usage rate in the NBA (35.2 percent) that season, which may have been a concern for other teams trying to build a perfect roster. Johnson, however, played with other high-volume teammates, and they were all able to succeed at a high level. Michael Jordan, meanwhile, was the only player who had more total field goals that year.

So when our team needs a shot, we have someone who is absolutely able to get a bucket in a pinch. Nique was truly The Human Highlight Film, and when facilitated by Johnson, these two would break Twitter on a nightly basis. We’re excited to send him to All-Star Weekend, too, because Wilkins was a force to be reckoned with in the dunk contest and also scored 29 points in the All-Star Game. Wilkins, like he does with the Hawks, will serve as the VP of Basketball Operations for our organization.

Round 3: 1969-70 Willis Reed

“You exemplify the very best that the human spirit can offer.”

That’s how Howard Cosell described Willis Reed, who played Game 6 of the NBA Finals despite a torn muscle in his thigh. Who wouldn’t want a guy with the very best that the human spirit can offer?! That sounds so amazing. Sign me up!

Reed was also the first player to win NBA All-Star Game MVP, NBA MVP and NBA Finals MVP. He was also named to the All-Defensive First-Team, which means he can be a tremendous defensive anchor for our squad.  The Knicks had the best defense in the league that season, too, which helps me quantify what the lack of statistical evidence (blocks, steals per game) could not. He also led the league in defensive win shares, and his overall win shares that season trailed just Jerry West and teammate Walt Frazier. I love that he was able to play alongside Frazier well, because it leads me to believe he could do the same with Magic and Nique. Reed had success in the front office for the Nets (they won two consecutive Eastern Conference Finals when he was VP of Basketball Operations), and he had NBA and collegiate coaching experience, too.

Most important: Kurtis Blow mentioned Reed on the best song of all-time: “Basketball”

Round 4: 2016-17 Kristaps Porzingis

Even if his game is not fully developed, his pure frame and intangibles make him a perfect fit for this roster we’re building. When coupled next to former New York superstar Willis Reed, he wouldn’t be as tasked with the entire defensive load in the frontcourt. But as an extraordinary shot blocker who ranked No. 5 overall in blocks per game as a sophomore, especially with his size, this would be a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end of the glass.

One of the main reasons we picked up the Latvian-born big man, however, is his prowess on shots beyond the three-point line. While the rest of our starting lineup can attack the basket with absurd strength and finishing ability, it seems that Porzingis would be able to stretch the floor and pick his shots more carefully when dished out by Magic Johnson rather than Derrick Rose. There is a lot to like about Zinger, and even though we selected him a bit earlier than others may have targeted, we needed another big and a shooter.

Round 5: 2017-18 Ben Simmons

We didn’t pick Simmons for him to play in our starting lineup, even though he was one of the top five picks we targeted in the draft. It doesn’t make sense to have him on the floor at the same time as starting point guard Magic Johnson. But the thought of having a ball-handler with his size and court vision ready when we do not have Johnson is startlingly amazing.

He ranked No. 3 overall in assists and No. 2 in defensive win shares in his first professional season, and the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year nearly had a nightly triple-double on average, so his production will be a lovely addition to our roster. As a rookie, Simmons led the league in total passes made—the ball will be in constant movement when he is on the court. He is also phenomenal at cutting to the basket on offense and offers a better rebound rate than most traditional big men. We view him as a generational talent, and even if he is not in our starting five, we consider ourselves lucky to have him as a part of our core as a point forward.

Round 6: 2003-04 Baron Davis

If he’s good enough to date Academy Award-nominated actress Laura Dern, who was low-key amazing in the new Star Wars film, he’s good enough for our bench. This was a personal pick selected by general manager Bryan Kalbrosky, who grew up a UCLA fan and absolutely adored B-Diddy, AKA “The Beard” when he was a kid. While he may be most remembered for his success with the Warriors, this was one of two times he made the All-Star team.

Davis averaged a career-high 22.9 points per game for the Hornets, adding a career-high 2.8 three-pointers as well. He led the league with 2.4 steals per game, showcasing his defensive prowess. As a distributor, he averaged 7.5 assists per game. He finished top 10 in points per game, assists per game, steals per game and was No. 6 overall in VORP. He will serve as the primary backup scoring guard.

Round 7: 2016-17 Bradley Beal

When we were looking to add a primary shooter to our starting five, we didn’t want to overthink it and look too deep into the history books. Beal is a phenomenal player to join our starters because the guard made 2.9 three-pointers per game while shooting a career-high 40.4 percent from beyond the arc. That’s a truly sensational percentage for someone who was tasked with such a high shot volume.

Beal also ranked in the 90th percentile for efficiency as a spot-up shooter and ranked in the top 10 among all NBA players with 2.1 catch-and-shoot three-pointers per game. Considering we were lacking a modern shooter to fit our starting lineup, we were thrilled to land Beal in Round 7.

Round 8: 1995-96 Phil Jackson

This is less about running the Triangle Offense and more about his experience as a coach who led teams to championships. He won the NBA Coach of the Year Award in 1996 and has 11 championships as a head coach in the league. Jackson had a winning record every year he was a head coach and even won a title for a team in three different decades, spanning nearly 20 years. We hired him as a Zen guru, not as a member of our front office, so don’t expect any poor opinions of Porzingis to impact the way the Latvian is handled. For what it’s worth: The Bulls were 72-10 with a championship ring in 1995-96, the only team to ever have 70-plus wins and a title in the same season.

Round 9: 2016-17 CJ McCollum

When we drafted Magic Johnson with our first-round selection, we knew ball-handling and playmaking would be an integral part of our identity. We kept that tradition alive by adding Ben Simmons, Baron Davis and Bradley Beal. McCollum fits this mold, as well, and much like when he plays alongside Damian Lillard with the Portland Trail Blazers, he can act as a secondary ball-handler and playmaker while also adding a sharp-shooting touch from beyond the arc. He made 2.3 three-pointers per game, shooting 42.1 percent from downtown, which was top 10 in the NBA that season.

Also, he’s got a great personality.

Round 10: 2001-02 Wally Szczerbiak

If you’re going to talk about the steal of the draft, look no further than our 10th-round selection: Wally Szczerbiak.

He was an All-Star who averaged 18.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while shooting absurdly well from three-point range (45.5 percent), as well. His two-point field goal percentage was also top 10 in the league that year. Our bench unit has Simmons running the offense with Baron Davis as the primary scorer, McCollum as a secondary playmaker/shooter and Szczerbiak also able to shoot out the lights. We’ll take that any day of the week.

Round 11: 1993-94 Dell Curry

Well aware of the fact that our starting lineup lacks outside shooting beyond Beal and Porzingis, we were able to add quite a few marksmen to come off the bench for a strong three-point lineup. But no one made us as excited as Dell Curry, who averaged 16.3 points without starting a single game in 1993-94. How’s it even possible? He shot over 40.0 percent from downtown (our fourth player who has this trait; not bad for a team whose biggest weakness may be a lack of shooting) that season. He was voted the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year while finishing third overall in three-pointers made.

Round 12: 1985-86 Manute Bol

The boys needed a rim protector, and there is no one who has walked the planet who fits this trait quite like this guy. Bol stood at 7’7″ with a simply unbelievable 8’6″ reported wingspan, which is eight inches longer than Mo Bamba’s. Let’s remember that Bamba just set the record for longest wingspan ever recorded at the NBA Combine. Bol averaged 5.0 blocks per game, and his block percentage (10.0) led the league. His defensive box plus-minus (6.0) was the best in the NBA, too. We’re not asking him to score, but it will be important for defenders to account for him on offense considering his massive standing reach. And it’s not like he’s a threat to lose the ball, averaging just 0.8 turnovers per game.

Round 13: 1969-70 Lou Hudson

Super Lou averaged 25.4 points per game while shooting a career-best 53.1 percent from the floor. His similarity scores on Basketball-Reference compare him to players like James Worthy, Chris Webber, Peja Stojakovic, Ben Wallace and Lamar Odom. All of these guys were targets for our squad, and they were all selected much earlier in the draft, so we could not be more pleased with the value in Round 13. He was All-NBA Second-Team and ranked top five in points scored. He was No. 2 overall in offensive win shares and No. 3 overall in field-goal percentage.

Round 14: 2011-12 Jeremy Lin

We’re obviously ridiculously excited about adding one of the most electrifying stretches in NBA history with Linsanity now in the fold. But let’s not forget that he was an above-average playmaker with a dynamic mid-range shot, and defenders had no idea how to account for him. Even for just the moments like when he scored 38 points with seven assists against Kobe Bryant’s Lakers, we knew this was someone we wanted in our locker room. He’s a high-character individual with a ton of upside, as well as a player who can come into the game and light it up for a few minutes.

Round 15: 2002-03 Shawn Bradley

We didn’t just pick him because he is 7’6″,  but that certainly didn’t hurt, either. He averaged 2.1 blocks per game on defense but was no longer considered an option on offense, where he was inefficient. This was actually his best season on offense, shooting a career-best 53.6 percent. But on defense, Bradley is a player perfect to clog the paint as the opposition tries to attack the basket. He ranked No. 2 overall in block percentage and No. 2 overall in defensive box plus-minus. Overall, he ranked top 10 in win shares per 48 minutes. This is not just because he was a big man—he added legitimate value to the Mavericks.

Round 16: 2010-11 Michael Beasley

Beasley averaged 19.2 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 36.6 percent from beyond the arc, which will help get us a serviceable option and a spark plug off the bench. His nickname (“Walking Bucket”) helps make this pick make more sense as our final option off the bench to round up our squad. Similarly, let’s not forget that his confidence is nearly unparalleled, and stars like Kevin Durant believe he is as talented as anyone in the league.

Minnesota Timberwolves 

General Manager: Adam Mares

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 2006-07 Steve Nash, 2008-09 Rajon Rondo, 2017-18 Lonzo Ball
• Shooting Guards: 2004-05 Joe Johnson, 2005-06 Stephen Jackson
• Small Forwards: 2014-15 Kyle Korver, 2006-07 Mike Miller, 2011-12 Steve Novak
• Power Forwards: 1991-92 Dennis Rodman, 2012-13 Danilo Gallinari, 2017-18 Dario Saric, 1991-92 Danny Manning
• Centers: 2017-18 Anthony Davis, 2010-11 Tyson Chandler, 2000-01 Theo Ratliff
• Coach: 2012-13 George Karl

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1:  2017-18 Anthony Davis

I feel like I had to take a big either here or with the 32nd pick. If I waited until the third round to select a big, I’m not sure what I’d be left with, so I’m going with 2017-18 Anthony Davis. There are better players on the board, and probably even better “bigs,” but Davis is the best inside player left for both a superteam and for a team playing NBA basketball in 2018. First off, he’ll be able to switch 1 through 5, one of the few players who can actually offer that level of defensive versatility. He’ll struggle against some of the bulkier low post bigs like 2000 Shaq (who won’t?) but he’s also as good as anyone at dragging those players out onto the perimeter to guard spot-ups and pick-and-rolls.

I’m also not sure Davis’s 2018 advanced stats matched his actual ability since he spent more than half of the season playing alongside another superstar big. The Davis we saw after DeMarcus Cousins’ injury was an absolute beast. In those 33 games, Davis averaged 30 points, 12 rebounds, two steals, and three blocks. The Brow can be the most dominant player on the court or a perfect complementary piece alongside four other superstars, capable of stepping into or out of the spotlight as needed—something I’m not sure all of the other players on this list are capable of (*cough Westbrook cough*). 2018 Anthony Davis might not be a top 30 all-time player (although 2021 Anthony Davis will be), but he is one of the 30 most versatile players, and he is one of the last bigs I see on the board that I’d feel confident building around in a league of “modern era” superteam basketball.

Round 2: 2006-07 Steve Nash

With the 32nd pick, I am taking 2006-07 Steve Nash and creating the best PnR duo imaginable. Nash’s defense will be an issue that I will likely spend the next three rounds covering for, but there aren’t many two-man combinations better than Steve Nash and Anthony Davis. That will be the foundation of my offense, and I feel very good about that. For starters, Nash shot 45.5 percent from behind the arc that season on 4.5 attempts per game, and nearly half of those were unassisted. He also quarterbacked the league’s No. 1 offense for the fifth straight season behind 50/40/90 efficiency and 11.6 assists per game.

But what makes me even more confident about this pick is that I think Nash had more to offer than what he showed in 2007. Nash himself has said that he views Stephen Curry as “an evolution of my game.” This makes me wonder what an in-his-prime Nash would steal from having watched Curry. 4.5 threes per game was a lot in 2007; it’s not in 2018. What would Nash look like if he had a quicker trigger on pull-up threes? And like Davis, Nash will fit nicely offensively alongside other superstars, capable of becoming one of the all-time best floor spacers off the ball. With Nash and Davis, I’m confident I will have as dynamic an offense as any team on this list and one capable of dragging most teams way out of their comfort zone.

Round 3: 1991-92 Dennis Rodman

Little needs to be said about Rodman’s defense. He was a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, was selected First Team All-Defense seven times and won seven straight rebounding titles—including his 1992 season, in which he grabbed 18.7 rebounds per game, a modern-day record. In high-profile playoff series, he defended Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal and Hakeem Olajuwon. Is there any player in history who has drawn primary assignments against such a wide range of top-10 talent? In a modern NBA system, he’d thrive switching 1 through 5, especially with Anthony Davis protecting the rim behind him and sliding over to provide help-side rim protection.

Offensively, he provides excellent spacing. That’s right, Rodman isn’t a “stretch 4” by any measure, even if he did make nearly 32% of his 101 three-pointers in 1992, but he does provide another, very important kind of spacing that will work perfectly alongside a Steve Nash-Anthony Davis PnR: dunker spot gravity. Rodman has to be boxed out on every possession. His 6.4 offensive rebounds per game in 1992 were the third-highest per-game mark since the merger. More importantly, Rodman understands, accepts and even embraces his role on a superteam, something that will become especially important as starting lineups start to come into focus. Rodman will set screens and clear the paint on offense, grabbing every loose rebound along the way. Defensively he has the ability to eliminate almost any player in the league in a one-on-one matchup.

Round 4: 2004-05 Joe Johnson

This pick is certain to get a D- grade from the peanut gallery on Twitter, and maybe rightfully so. But I’m drafting 100 percent on fit around my Nash-Davis PnR, and there aren’t many more reliable 6’7″ catch-and-shoot shooters in history than Joe Johnson.

The Armadillo Cowboy shot 48 percent from behind the arc that season. Only Kyle Korver shot better for a season on that volume, and unlike some of the shooters taken before him (*cough* Glen Rice), Iso Joe was shooting from the real three-point line. He also made 51 percent of his corner threes, a spot he will occupy a lot playing alongside Nash and Davis. Lastly, he adds some length and isolation scoring, which will add a nice third or fourth option.

Round 5: 2014-15 Kyle Korver

Kyle Korver shot over 49 percent on six three-point attempts per game that season, the best percentage of any player to attempt at least 250 three-pointers in a season. Joe Johnson ranks second under that same criteria. Both will be spacing the floor for the Nash-Davis pick-and-roll. Korver and Johnson are two of the best catch-and-shoot three-point shooters of all time, and both have a high release point on their shot, providing as much spacing as possible for a spread PnR. Korver is also a high IQ, low-mistake player and solid team defender. Like Rodman, Kover knows and accepts his narrowly defined role, something that will prove crucial on a superteam.

Round 6: 2008-09 Rajon Rondo

Rondo has had a resurgence in New Orleans, and I’m glad that he’s been able to remind people of just how great he can be. There were games in the 2010 NBA playoffs where he was the best player on the floor, even when he was sharing the court with LeBron James, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. His 29 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists in Game 4 of the BOS-CLE series sparked the first of three straight wins for the Celtics and sent LeBron into an existential crisis. He always had an extra gear defensively, but 2009 was the year he was most engaged on that end.

Most important of all, Rondo is a true basketball genius. On a superteam, some traits will be more rare and valuable than others, and Rondo’s mind for the game is as rare as anyone’s on these lists. He’ll play backup point guard most of the time but will also share the court with Nash, Johnson, Korver and Davis in lineups with as good of spacing as a team can create.

Round 7: 2010-11 Tyson Chandler

I’m taking 2011 Tyson Chandler. Tyson’s offensive numbers were ridiculous when he played with Chris Paul in New Orleans and for D’Antoni in New York. I suspect he’ll be equally as productive with Nash in this spread PnR system. Defensively, he is an ideal backup center, capable of protecting the rim, defending the post and grabbing rebounds.

Round 8: 2006-07 Mike Miller

A 40 percent three-point shooter on high volume, he can rebound a little bit, drive a bit, and pass a bit. He has the length to defend multiple positions and the IQ to fit into multiple roles. He’s also one of the best teammates of all time.

Round 9: 2012-13 Danilo Gallinari

I’ll take 2012-13 Danilo Gallinari. Gallo was/is really good when he’s healthy, and never was he better (or healthier) than in 2013 when he led the Denver Nuggets to a FRANCHISE RECORD 57 wins. He’s also a capable defender and sneaky tall (6’10”) with a fast release, which provides that little bit of extra spacing.

Round 10: 2005-06 Stephen Jackson

Round 11: 2017-18 Dario Saric

I’m taking 2017-18 Dario Saric, a. 6’10”, 39 percent three-point shooter who can also facilitate and keep the ball poppin’.

Round 12: 1991-92 Danny Manning

I’m taking 1991-92 Danny Manning. He played 82 games that season and filled up the entire stat sheet. Blocks, steals, assists, rebounds, points.

Round 13: 2012-13 George Karl

I’m taking 2013 George Karl. This season, Coach Karl trusted his team enough to let them play. He understood spacing, embraced small ball and wasn’t someone who felt the need to micro-manage.

Round 14: 2000-01 Theo Ratliff

Round 15: 2017-18 Lonzo Ball

Round 16: 2011-12 Steve Novak

I’m taking 2011-12 Steve Novak. It’d take a half-dozen injuries before the 15th man on a super roster like these would ever step on the court…except for in last-second situations. Novak shot 47 percent from three this season on over five attempts per game. He’s a nice ATO weapon for possessions where you don’t need to worry about defense.

New Orleans Pelicans

General Manager: Tom Rende

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 1990-91 Terry Porter, 1995-96 Terrell Brandon, 2008-09 Jameer Nelson
• Shooting Guards: 1990-91 Reggie Miller, 1992-93 Dan Majerle, 2010-11 Arron Afflalo
• Small Forwards: 2011-12 Andre Iguodala, 2006-07 Josh Howard, 1999-00 Rodney Rogers
• Power Forwards: 1983-84 Bernard King, 2015-16 Marvin Williams, 2017-18 Al-Farouq Aminu
• Centers: 2003-04 Kevin Garnett, 1980-81 Robert Parish, 1997-98 Antonio McDyess
• Coach: 1972-73 Red Holzman

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 2003-04 Kevin Garnett

With the 11th pick in the draft, the New Orleans Pelicans have decided to select 2003-04 Kevin Garnett. This version of Garnett didn’t include a primal scream, but it did carry the hardware of the Most Valuable Player. In today’s game, the need for two-way players is emphasized, and nobody embodies that more than Garnett. He posted the 29th-best season by win shares (18.3) and 21st by BPM (9.9) in NBA history.

Haralabos Voulgaris once said that his own model placed this season as the greatest ever recorded by a player in the 21st century (better than seasons by LeBron James and Stephen Curry). His positional versatility in being able to defend the rim and run the point showcased the limitless ceiling of this version of Garnett.

Round 2: 1990-91 Reggie Miller

He may be the worst commentator in sports, but Reggie Miller’s ability to shoot makes him one of the best values in the second round. His style fits the game today with his ability to hit shots coming off screens, which helps create more space on the floor for others with defenders staying close to him. He led the league in true shooting percentage during this season and hit his 7.3 free-throw attempts per game at a 91.8 percent clip. He clocked the highest win share figure of his career (12.5) while posting his highest offensive box plus/minus. He can be the main cog of a great offense and can be even more effective playing second fiddle to Kevin Garnett. Trying to double-team KG in the post becomes nearly impossible when you have a shooter as lethal as Miller lurking beyond the three-point line.

Round 3: 2011-12 Andre Iguodala

I am very happy to announce that with our third-round selection, the New Orleans Pelicans will be taking 2011-12 Andre Iguodala. Wings are incredibly valuable in today’s game, and to get one who can do it all while shooting 39.4 percent from three in his athletic prime is a steal. Being able to handle the ball, provide switchability on defense, rebound and pass the ball is the all-in-one package a coach dreams about. He encapsulates everything that you look for in a player in the modern game while complementing stars perfectly.  He’ll slot in perfectly next to Miller and KG on both offense and defense.

This may seem like a reach at this pick, but I think this is clearly an indication that this is a decision on fit. Iguodala is one of the brighter minds in the game and can bring fit in on any team. The Warriors showed how important he was as a starter at the age of 34, so just imagine him at 28.

Round 4: 1983-84 Bernard King

At selection No. 109, the New Orleans Pelicans will go with 1983-84 Bernard King. He adds another scoring dimension to the team on the wing, and his jumper suggests he’d easily be willing to stretch out to the three-point line. Him being able to hit that shot on a consistent level is going to be very important to the ideology of the offense. As great of an individual scorer as he can be, he won’t be the No. 1 option on the starting unit. Luckily, the team is constructed in a manner in which he can most often be used as the second-best scorer on the team, and that is essential to have at the wing position.

We envision King anchoring second units with his scoring while surrounding him with talented shooters and defense. That type of lineup configuration is excellent for a second unit that is just trying to get its best players back on the floor. And when he’s on the starting unit? He’s an excellent player to get a bucket late in the game and create his own shot.

Round 5: 1980-81 Robert Parish

The New Orleans Pelicans are pleased to announce 1980-81 Robert Parish to the squad. We plan on utilizing KG at center, so this is just taking the best available player. He’s an athletic freak who would be able to punish players in the post and dive to the rim on pick-and-rolls. He should pair perfectly with a point guard who gets into the lane and can toss alley-oop lobs. He is an excellent defensive presence who should be a strong option to back Garnett and play with him during bigger lineups.

Round 6: 1990-91 Terry Porter

The Pelicans will be taking 1990-91 Terry Porter. This name might not spark much of a reaction, but you can’t have high-usage All-Stars all throughout your starting lineup. It’s important to have a balance. Having smart players who are excellent passers and can shoot are essential in any lineup configuring around stars. In this season, Porter had one of the 50 best seasons by a point guard ever, according to BPM.  He had the fourth-best three-point percentage, fifth-best true shooting percentage, 14th-best steal percentage and was 13th in both PER and assist percentage.

He was solid on defense and has enough size where he should be strong enough to switch. During this year, he showed he is more than willing to play with other stars, which is important with players like Garnett, Miller and King in the lineup.

Round 7: 1992-93 Dan Majerle

The Pelicans are pumped to add 1992-93 Dan Majerle to the team. This is the season in which he made Second Team All-Defense while making the All-Star team. Majerle was a quality three-point shooter (38.1 percent on 5.3 attempts per game) and could defend well on the perimeter. You can never have too much depth on the wing, and Majerle does that perfectly.

Round 8: 2006-07 Josh Howard

The Pelicans will be rolling with 2006-07 Josh Howard. He is another player we can add to the wing who can create his own shot and score efficiently. He showed during this season that he could be a versatile defender while scoring all over the court. His 38.5 three-point percentage gives enough gravity to the offense that he can be used as an off-ball threat who can attack closeouts.

Round 9: 1995-96 Terrell Brandon

I’ll be rolling with 1995-96 Terrell Brandon, who was declared the “Best Point Guard in the NBA” on the cover of a 1997 issue of Sports Illustrated. This is the year he clocked in with the 38th-best season by a point guard, according to win shares.

Round 10: 2010-11 Arron Afflalo

I’ll take 2010-11 Arron Afflalo. Don’t let the current iteration of Afflalo fool you into thinking he was a poor player. During this season, he hit a blistering 42 percent of his looks from three while clocking in a 62 true shooting percentage. The advanced statistics don’t love his defense, but he always played well when locking onto a specific matchup.

Round 11: 2015-16 Marvin Williams

The Pelicans will be going with 2015-16 Marvin Williams. When looking for depth pieces, you need players who can defend, shoot and play selfless team basketball. Williams highlights all of these attributes and fits in perfectly as a stretch forward who can defend multiple positions. There’s a good chance he plays major minutes in matchups where King’s defense serves as more of a liability.

Round 12: 1972-73 Red Holzman

Red Holzman will be the coach of the Pelicans. He coached some of the most unselfish, championship-level teams in NBA history. Actually, his ability to coax balanced shooting out of his lineups is unprecedented in NBA history. Talent leads to championships, but you need brazen innovators like Holzman to help reach historic levels.

Round 13: 1997-98 Antonio McDyess

Antonio McDyess for the Pelicans. Active, big men on your roster are always appreciated. McDyess was an athletic marvel who had the pedigree of a No. 2 overall pick. This wasn’t the season in which he scored the most points, grabbed the most rebounds or made the All-Star team. But what we need from McDyess is a hyperactive beast who can defend at a high level, score efficiently and play a high number of games. This was the season to grab him for those attributes.

Round 14: 2008-09 Jameer Nelson

We’re going to roll with 2008-09 Jameer Nelson. He is not the ideal point guard for switchable defenses, but his offensive output during this season was too much to pass up as a third point guard. He lit up the net by canning 45.4 percent of his three-pointers while averaging nearly 17 points per game. He should carry plenty of gravity to give his rim-runners enough space to smash down easy looks at the basket.

Round 15: 2017-18 Al-Farouq Aminu

The Pelicans are going with 2017-18 Al-Farouq Aminu. You need depth at the wing, so we took a flier on Aminu. He had a 1.9 DBPM this season and hit 36.9 percent of his looks from three. We have so many talented scorers that I’m not concerned with much else other than those two elements.

Round 16: 1999-00 Rodney Rogers

The Pelicans’ last pick of the draft will be 1999-00 Rodney Rogers. You can never have too many wings! Rogers posted a 1.1 DBPM this season and hit 43.9 percent of his three-pointers on 3.2 attempts per game. You never know how far a coach will have to reach into his bench come playoff time, so might as well stock up on players who can play both ends of the floor.

New York Knicks

General Manager: Dan Favale

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 2008-09 Chris Paul, 2016-17 Goran Dragic, 2017-18 Will Barton
• Shooting Guards: 2000-01 Vince Carter, 2015-16 JJ Redick, 1996-97 Mario Elie
• Small Forwards: 2013-14 Paul George, 2017-18 Robert Covington, 1994-95 Scott Burrell, 1975-76 Bob Dandridge
• Power Forwards: 2016-17 Gordon Hayward, 1999-00 Bo Outlaw
• Centers: 1969-70 Wes Unseld, 2017-18 Andre Drummond, 2014-15 Derrick Favors
• Coach: 2015-16 Steve Clifford

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 2008-09 Chris Paul

One thing has become painstakingly clear, given how the Twitter twerps graded this pick: 2008-09 Chris Paul is among the most underappreciated players ever.

This was one of the greatest individual efforts in league history, bar absolutely none. CP3’s BPM for this season (11.2) ranks ninth on the all-time leaderboard. The only other players with a top-10 score: LeBron James (five times), Michael Jordan (twice), Stephen Curry and Russell Westbrook. This version of Paul is also one of just six players to clear 20 points, 10 assists and two steals in the same season. New York will happily take one of the three best point guards to ever walk this earth as its offensive pilot.

Round 2: 2000-01 Vince Carter

Oh, 2000-01 Vince Carter is still on the board? With the 48th pick, the Knicks take him, if only to remind themselves and everyone else how good the pre-injury-infested version of Vinsanity was. His age-24 season remains a master class in Ohmygodics, and people forget that, even in his heyday, he was so much more than just an anti-gravity advocate with nitrous-powered lift. Michael Jordan is the only other player standing 6’6″ or shorter to match Carter’s per-minute counting stats from that season, and the latter comes with the invaluable benefit of being more familiar with efficient three-point artistry.

Naturally, then, the non-dysfunctional iteration of the Knicks is ecstatic to have him join Chris Paul in The Big Apple. Think of us as the more compact Lob City, only with better spacing, and shared ball-handling, and watchable face-ups, and a mutual respect for one another.

Round 3: 2013-14 Paul George

Paul George has turned in better offensive seasons than this one. We don’t care. He still provided the Indiana Pacers with dependable spacing, both with his three-point clip and pretty-accurate touch on long twos, while eclipsing the 20-points-per-game plateau. And he went absolutely bonkers in the playoffs, drilling 40.3 percent of his threebies on nearly six attempts per 36 minutes.

Imagine getting this offensive production from someone you didn’t draft for said offensive production. George made First-Team All-Defense in 2013-14—and deservedly so. He spent time pestering 2s, 3s and even some 4s that year. This iteration of PG13 is suffocating switchability at its apex.

Round 4: 1969-70 Wes Unseld

With the 108th pick, the Knicks are going with the 6’7″ center who came along before it was ever really cool to have 6’7″ centers. Come on down, 1969-70 Wes Unseld. He’s not exceptionally quick. Nor is he a spectacular leaper. But we will take his effort on the glass and envision him pancaking players on screens and rolls to the basket—all while maintaining some flexibility to switch among the perimeter corps.

Round 5: 2016-17 Gordon Hayward

The New York Knicks are beyond overjoyed to roll with 2016-17 Gordon Hayward at No. 133. Our starting five is now sufficiently stocked with playmakers who can effectively work off the ball. Hayward’s experience under Quin Snyder makes him a no-brainer fit next to fellow studs like ’08-09 Chris Paul, ’00-01 Vince Carter and ’13-14 Paul George. He canned almost 40 percent of his catch-and-shoot triples in 2016-17 while hitting pull-up jumpers at a respectable clip.

This specific Hayward crusade also includes an underrated defensive effort—punctuated by him holding opponents to sub-16-percent shooting on isolations during the Utah Jazz’s postseason trek. He will play the 4, because he can, but also because we recognize PG13 has too much of that Carmelo Anthony “My position matters even though it really doesn’t!” gene in him.

Round 6: 2015-16 JJ Redick

Holy floor spacing. JJ Redick led the NBA this season in three-point percentage (47.5) while launching around seven treys per 36 minutes. He also rated in the 100th percentile of spot-up efficiency, averaging 1.52 points per possession and posting an effective field-goal rate of 77.0.

Redick has never been Mr. Lockdown Yo Starting Shooting Guard at the less glamorous end, but he doesn’t need to be. He is plug-and-play shooting on steroids. Plus, it should be noted he splashed in 38.2 percent of his pull-up threes during the 2015-16 campaign. He is going to wreck lives when playing beside our jillion-and-one playmakers.

Round 7: 2017-18 Robert Covington

The Knicks would like another sure thing on the perimeter to perpetuate their switchy, small-ball motif, so they’re going with ancillary-device extraordinaire 2017-18 Robert Covington. He shined, for the most part, playing on an actual basketball team. He’s not your typical quick-fire option coming around screens, but almost two-thirds of his shot attempts came as spot-up threes—of which he hit a more-than-good-enough 37.9 percent. He’s shown he can finish around the rim a tick better when afforded real space, even if his hand-eye coordination off cuts isn’t the greatest.

Oh, and by the way, defense anyone? Covington can pester positions 2 through 4, plus some point gawds. He co-opted the league lead in deflections per game, along with Paul George, whose former 2013-14 self is already on this team. Covington regressed into a non-factor, verging on damning liability, during the playoffs. That matters. But his All-Defensive First Team selection and off-ball-friendly shot profile are enticing enough for us not to care.

Round 8: 2016-17 Goran Dragic

A could-have-been All-Star point guard who shot 61 percent at the rim and better than 40 percent from long range on a resurgent Miami Heat squad that lacked fundamental off-the-bounce playmaking around him? Yes, please.

Goran Dragic has always ideally blurred that line between star and accessory. He will pummel second units as the primary ball-handler, but there will be minutes when his 6’3″ frame lines up in the backcourt alongside Chris Paul. Just think of the resulting devastation.

Round 9: 2017-18 Andre Drummond

To preserve the post-modern makeup of their roster without entirely punting on size, the Knicks are rolling with 2017-18 Andre Drummond. His defensive rebounding rate in this season is the fourth highest on record, and he will have a field day catching lobs from roughly one zillion ball-handlers who are better than Reggie Jackson. Though he’s had sturdier performances as a rim protector, his latest crusade saw him trade in some of those dumpster-diving post-up looks for rolls to the basket and, more critically, passes. His 3.3 assists per 36 minutes ranked seventh among every center to clear the 1,000-minute pole. We cannot reasonably pass that up. We’ll instead bet on his rotations around the rim returning to 2014-15ish form when surrounded by our mishmash of feisty perimeter pests.

Round 10: 1999-00 Bo Outlaw

Only eight players in recorded NBA history have cleared per-36-minute averages of 8.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.0 blocks: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, David Robinson, Josh Smith, Bobby Jones, Tracy McGrady, Rich Kelley (twice), David West (twice) and the New York Knicks’ 10th-round pick—1999-2000 Bo Outlaw. His free-throw shooting is whack, but we don’t care. He logged time at the 3, 4 and 5 that year, and his then-league-leading 5.6 DBPM remains one of the 25 highest on record. Our rich assortment of nifty playmakers will render him serviceable around the basket at the offensive end, and any range he costs us while primarily shimmying between the 4 and 5 will be made up for in spades on the less glamorous side.

Round 11: 1994-95 Scott Burrell

In their continued quest for switchy three-and-D types, the Knicks will take the ever-underrated 1994-95 Scott Burrell. Among every player to post a DBPM of 1.5 or better while drilling at least 95 triples before their 25th birthday, Burrell places fourth in overall three-point accuracy (40.9 percent). This might sound like cherry-picking, and it sort of is. But the only company in front of him tracks: 2015-16 Kawhi Leonard (44.3 percent), 2017-18 Jayson Tatum (43.4 percent) and 2003-04 Hedo Turkoglu (41.9 percent). People will kill this pick. Let them. New York is happy.

Round 12: 1975-76 Bob Dandridge

Keeping in theme with my team getting all the wings, we have 1975-76 Bob Dandridge.

Most microwave scorers—he averaged more than 20 points per game—are noted defensive liabilities. He was always a stout rebounding presence at the 2/3 and, for the most part, a net-neutral defender. Deploying him as our end-of-the-bench secret weapon ensures the offense will never want for points-pilers and our defense will never long for matchup pliability.

Round 13: 1996-97 Mario Elie

In 1996-97, at the spry age of 33, Mario Elie led the NBA in true shooting percentage (66.2) while canning 120 three-pointers. The only other players to match those marks are Brent Barry, Stephen Curry, Steve Kerr, Kyle Korver, Tim Legler and, most obvious of all, 2017-18 Anthony Tolliver. The Knicks will happily pounce on Elie’s dead-eye flame-throwing and undersold quick-fire passing, and they trust both his 6’5″ frame and encouraging defensive metrics to help them pester enemy scorers around the perimeter. Especially in the playoffs, which we will clearly be making.

Round 14: 2017-18 Will Barton

Will Barton, of the 2017-18 variety, is headed to the Knicks as a backcourtsmith. For effect, along with some scattered giggles, here is every guard who has matched his 2017-18 assist, steal, block and deep-ball percentages during the three-point era: Kent Bazemore, Eric Bledsoe, Vince Carter (three times), James Harden, Victor Oladipo and Jeff Teague. Barton is more of a consistent force than people give him credit for, and the Nuggets’ numbers with him at the 1 this year (plus-6.3 points per 100 possessions) make for some exciting mix-and-match possibilities in the backcourt.

Round 15: 2014-15 Derrick Favors

The Knicks are going with 2014-15 Derrick Favors, because they need a big who can create his own offense, and because he’s a decent rebounder, and because that little 10-to-16-foot jumper he boasted said year qualifies for pick-and-pop duty, and because his midseason marriage to Rudy Gobert proved he can operate in defensive tandem with another big. Mostly, Favors just typifies being solid.

Round 16: 2015-16 Steve Clifford

With their final pick of the draft, and at 468th overall, the Knicks are taking 2015-16 Clifford. His Hornets won 48 games that year, which matters, but isn’t everything. Their offensive evolution, and by extension his own, really sold us. The Hornets increased their three-point-attempt rate, and Kemba Walker flaunted his stuff as a shooter both on and off the ball. That iteration of Charlotte was the most flexible and balanced in recent memory, having finished in the top 10 of both offensive and defensive efficiency, a body of work that rendered Clifford and his staff top-seven clipboard-wielders at the time. Under him, New York is henceforth ready to grit and grind but also rock and roll.

Oklahoma City Thunder

General Manager: Patrick Oxford

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 2017-18 James Harden, 2017-18 Marcus Smart, 2012-13 George Hill, 2012-13 Nate Robinson
• Shooting Guards: 2017-18 Victor Oladipo, 2013-14 Nicolas Batum
• Small Forwards: 2006-07 Shane Battier, 2016-17 Luc Mbah a Moute, 2017-18 Jayson Tatum, 2017-18 OG Anunoby
• Power Forwards: 2001-02 Rasheed Wallace, 2017-18 PJ Tucker
• Centers: 2002-03 Ben Wallace, 2017-18 Aron Baynes, 2017-18 Kelly Olynyk
• Coach: 2017-18 Jeff Bzdelik

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 2017-18 James Harden

With the 17th pick, the Oklahoma City Thunder will once again select James Harden. Harden has the scoring and playmaking to give the team a solid foundation to begin with at that end of the court. Harden is able to play at a variety of paces that should allow a fit with many different players. His ability to score in the pick-and-roll and isolation while keeping his eyes up and finding open teammates will be pivotal to maximizing the talent of his eventual teammates in this draft.

Defensively, Harden has his issues, but he also has strengths that allow him to remain passable given a scheme that puts him in positions to succeed with intelligent teammates who can pick up slack when needed. Assuming less of a burden is on him at the offensive end, that should give him more energy on defense, as well.

The Thunder are also putting in an application to move the team back to Seattle.

Round 2: 2002-03 Ben Wallace

With our second pick, the Oklahoma City Thunder will be adding 2002-03 Ben Wallace to join James Harden and provide the foundation for the defense. Wallace is one of the most impactful defenders in NBA history and was able to clean the glass at an eye-popping rate, particularly this season at a 34.9 defensive rebounding percentage. He doesn’t need touches on offense at all and will be perfectly content with the lob opportunities Harden will create for him in the PnR.

Round 3: 2017-18 Victor Oladipo

Oladipo will serve as the secondary ball-handler next to Harden and the primary ball-handler when he is on the court without Harden. Their minutes will be separated enough that we almost always have at least one of them on the court, but they will still have plenty of time together, as well. Oladipo was sixth in RPM this season with offense being where he was closer to average (but still great as a secondary) at 2.74 ORPM. He was able to run the pick-and-roll for 37.7 percent of his offensive possessions, finishing in the 81st percentile, and spent 10.3 percent of his possessions in isolation, finishing in the 84th percentile. He isn’t Chris Paul, but he is a very good-fitting backcourt partner to James Harden in an offense that we just saw work to the tune of being up 3-2 versus the Warriors before a Paul injury ultimately ended the Rockets’ chances.  

Defensively, Oladipo will take the stronger of the opponent’s backcourt players, but he has the ability to slide as far as the 3 without much problem most of the time, and his intelligence and communication should allow him to excel in a switch-heavy defense should that be the way we decide to play in any given game.

Round 4: 2001-02 Rasheed Wallace

With our fourth selection, the Thunder will be reuniting the Wallace (not actually) brothers. He knocked down 36 percent of his 317 threes this season along with pulling down over 20 percent of available defensive rebounds. Once the playoffs hit, he stepped his game up, shooting 41.2 percent on 5.7 attempts per game while collecting over 25 percent of defensive boards. Wallace never played with a playmaker like Harden (until arguably late in his career with Rondo), and knowing that he will be rewarded for running will have him playing with a high motor.

Round 5: 2006-07 Shane Battier

The Oklahoma City Thunder will be adding 2006-07 Shane Battier to fill out our starting five. Battier adds the three-and-D necessary to maximize the value of Harden by bringing value without the ball in his hands. This season he knocked down 42 percent of his threes in the regular season at 4.5 attempts per game, and then in the playoffs, he bumped that up to 44 percent on six attempts per game. Battier will occasionally play the 4—probably in small-ball lineups, but it will be situational.

Round 6: 2013-14 Nicolas Batum

The Thunder will be adding 2013-14 Batum to the roster. We needed a secondary playmaker with the size to execute our defensive scheme consistently with the bench, while his shooting provides value off-ball.

Round 7: 2017-18 Jayson Tatum

Well, it’s entirely possible this is too early for him, but the Thunder will be bringing 2017-18 Jayson Tatum on board. He shot over 43 percent from deep and has amazing defensive instincts for a rookie. He didn’t get to play with a playmaker of Harden’s skill last season and should be able to find a role in this offense rather easily.

Round 8: 2017-18 PJ Tucker

With our next pick, the Oklahoma City Thunder will be bringing one of the players I probably relate to most with my own playing style, PJ Tucker. Tucker has the defensive versatility to cover multiple positions. His small-ball 5 minutes will be restricted to appropriate situations, of course, and his rebounding on the defensive side of the floor should be adequate at the 4. He was an above-average shooter in the regular season from outside, knocking down 37 percent of his attempts, and then in the playoffs, he stepped his play up a notch by hitting 47 percent of his attempts from outside. PJ is the epitome of a sexy blogger pick.

Round 9: 2016-17 Luc Mbah a Moute

This was one of my more difficult picks to make. Feels like the two other guys I was debating on have more of a chance to be available at my next pick. The Thunder will be selecting 2016-17 Luc Mbah a Moute. He hit 39 percent of his threes in the regular season and is one of the most versatile defenders in the NBA right now.

Round 10: 2017-18 Marcus Smart

I’m gonna add another versatile defender to the lineup. He isn’t quite the shooter that some of the other players on the roster are, but with the shooting we have throughout the rest of the roster, I’m not too worried about it wrecking our spacing.

Round 11: 2017-18 Jeff Bzdelik

The Thunder will be hiring 2017-18 Jeff Bzdelik to coach the team. He was the architect behind the Rockets’ switching defense IRL this past season, and we need that same defensive game plan at our disposal here. It won’t be the plan all the time, but having the ability to do it at such a high level will be huge for this roster.

“I can’t think of a man in the NBA that has more experience, more knowledge, more wisdom about how to defend in the contemporary game today, than Jeff,” – Pat Riley.

Round 12: 2017-18 Aron Baynes

I’m taking 2017-18 Aron Baynes. I’m not sure he will play in every single game, but there’s definitely a need for a player with his size on the roster.

Round 13: 2012-13 George Hill

The Thunder will be taking 2012-13 George Hill. We need another player comfortable guarding lead ball-handlers, and Hill fits the bill.

Round 14: 2017-18 Kelly Olynyk

The Thunder are going with 2017-18 Kelly Olynyk. We need a 7’0″ floor-spacer for some occasion, I’m sure. He was 28th in RAPM this season and adds another option for our offense. We just saw him outplay Hassan Whiteside defensively, and while he doesn’t ideally fit our switching scheme when we choose to go with that, he is more than capable hedging.

Round 15: 2012-13 Nate Robinson

Robinson will be here for comedic relief, essentially. Him seeing playing time is either really good or really bad for my team in any given game.

Round 16: 2017-18 OG Anunoby

It feels like a steal to get a guy who can play great defense and knock down open threes this late. He probably won’t play, but if extreme foul trouble happens, it’s good to have a guy like him to bring in.

Orlando Magic

General Manager: Alex Kennedy

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 1976-77 Pete Maravich, 2000-01 Andre Miller, 1996-97 Kenny Anderson
• Shooting Guards: 2000-01 Ray Allen, 1978-79 World B. Free, 2017-18 Donovan Mitchell
• Small Forwards: 1976-77 Bobby Jones, 2005-06 Richard Jefferson, 1989-90 Jerome Kersey
• Power Forwards: 2015-16 Paul Millsap, 2002-03 Jamal Mashburn, 1996-97 Vin Baker
• Centers: 1993-94 David Robinson, 2002-03 Jermaine O’Neal, 2004-05 Zydrunas Ilgauskas
• Coach: 2017-18 Terry Stotts

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 1993-94 David Robinson

With the No. 14 pick, the Orlando Magic select 1993-94 David Robinson. He’s the perfect centerpiece for our franchise, on the court and in the locker room, and we love his loyalty and willingness to stay in a small market. He had many dominant seasons, but this one stands out since he averaged 29.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 3.3 blocks and 1.7 steals. He also had a career-high PER (30.7), win shares (20), BPM (10.9) and VORP (10.6). That year, he posted the 14th-best PER of all time, along with the 18th-best win shares of all time.

Round 2: 2000-01 Ray Allen

With our second pick, the Orlando Magic will select 2000-01 Ray Allen. In today’s NBA, we’re excited to welcome arguably the best shooter of all time to our squad. In the 2000-01 season, Ray averaged 22.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.5 threes per game while shooting 43.3 percent from long distance. He also had athleticism that many younger fans don’t know about. We feel that Ray and David Robinson will form an excellent one-two punch on offense that will do well in the modern NBA.

Round 3: 1976-77 Pete Maravich

The Orlando Magic select 1976-77 “Pistol” Pete Maravich, who will be playing point guard for our team. My first two picks, 1993-94 David Robinson and 2000-01 Ray Allen, are thrilled to play alongside such an exciting player who was decades ahead of his time. Pistol Pete is a perfect fit in today’s pace-and-space game, as he often pushed the ball up the court, made spectacular plays in transition and pulled up from long range. We also believe he’ll cause matchup problems as a quick 6’6″ floor general.

The three-point line was introduced during Maravich’s last year in the NBA (he shot 10-of-15 from three), but it’s documented that he was a great shooter who would often let it fly from long distance anyway throughout his career. He could create his own shot and shoot off the dribble, too. Prime Pistol Pete with a three-point line, especially alongside Ray Allen in our backcourt, will be a lot of fun. Even without threes, 1976-77 Pistol Pete averaged 31.1 points along with 5.4 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals. He was also great at getting to the free-throw line—attempting 8.2 free throws per game—where he shot 83.5 percent. Finally, he was a terrific passer, so we’re confident he’ll elevate the play of our entire team. Injuries slowed him down significantly in 1977-78, but that doesn’t matter in this exercise. Here are a few quotes about Pistol Pete from people much smarter than me:

• “Oh my. He did things with the basketball that players—still today—can’t do. If Maravich was playing today, he’d be a GOD.” — Isiah Thomas
• “Pete was the man. I’d just sit there, shake my head and say to myself, ‘How’d he do that?’ … He was a great scorer and a great passer at the same time. The passes he made were unbelievable. He was so ahead of his time.”– Magic Johnson
• “Pistol was so head-and-shoulders above the rest of us. I still do TV for the Rockets, and anytime they talk about today’s players and how good they are, I say, ‘You haven’t seen the best.’ People really don’t understand how good Pistol was. Let’s be real here: We’re talking about a man kind of like Jordan. You try to figure out all week how to stop him, and it doesn’t happen… They talk about how Magic and Bird saved the NBA. They’ve got to put Pistol’s name in there.” – Calvin Murphy
• “I wish I played with him. I could run the floor and Pete would know how to get me the ball. He played on teams that didn’t complement him; he had to score on those teams, but he was actually a very unselfish player… He was the greatest ball handler I’ve ever seen in my life. He could do things with the basketball that were unbelievable.”– Rick Barry
• “Today’s game is about spacing, drawing double teams, and shooting off the pass. No one in the history of the game was better at that than Pete. He could do more things with the ball than anyone who’s ever played – and do them all well.”– Alvin Gentry
• “Oscar Robertson was the best guard I ever played against, Jerry West was the best I ever played with, [but] Pete Maravich is the best I’ve ever seen.”– Elgin Baylor
• “Pistol Pete is a legend to all who understand the history of basketball.”– Jason Kidd
• “I learned all my tricks from Pete Maravich.”– Kobe Bryant
• “When you talk about ‘Showtime,’ you talk about creativity and bringing a whole different concept to the game of basketball… Pete was the original. What he could do with the basketball at full speed was incredible. He was the best ball-handler I ever saw. Ever.”– Pat Riley

Round 4: 2015-16 Paul Millsap

The Orlando Magic have selected 2015-16 Paul Millsap. We wanted a strong defensive power forward who also had shooting range that extended to the three-point line. This season, Millsap averaged 17.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.7 blocks while hitting 77 three-pointers. He led the NBA in defensive win shares (6), while also ranking third in defensive box plus/minus, fourth in defensive rating (96), fifth in blocks and ninth in steals. He was selected to the All-Star Team and All-Defensive Second Team. That postseason, Millsap continued to play extremely well, averaging 16.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and (most importantly for our team) 2.3 blocks and 1.3 steals. We also love Millsap’s defensive versatility and ability to switch onto mobile players.

We feel Millsap complements defensive beast 1993-94 David Robinson in our frontcourt, while also being able to help space the floor just like 2000-01 Ray Allen and 1976-77 Pistol Pete Maravich. We also believe some older, less-mobile bigs will have trouble guarding Millsap due to his modern game. We also feel Millsap is perfect for a superteam like this, as he’s unselfish, has a high basketball IQ and elevates his teammates’ play.

Round 5: 1976-77 Bobby Jones

Round 6: 2002-03 Jamal Mashburn

Round 7: 2002-03 Jermaine O’Neal

The Magic will take 2002-03 Jermaine O’Neal. He averaged 20.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, 2.1 assists and 0.9 steals during the regular season and then put up 22.8 points, 17.5 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game in the playoffs. We’re happy to have this All-NBA selection coming off our bench at center.

Round 8: 2005-06 Richard Jefferson

The Orlando Magic will take 2005-06 Richard Jefferson. We’re excited to add yet another terrific leader and team-first player with an insanely high basketball IQ (to go along with David Robinson, Ray Allen and Paul Millsap, among others). During this season, Jefferson averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and nearly a steal per game. Among all players during the 2005-06 season, Jefferson had the fourth-best true shooting percentage (60.4) and ranked 12th in win hares (11.7); every other player ranked in the top 20 in win shares this season has already been drafted.

Young fans may not know this, but young RJ was an athletic freak who posterized many opponents. We’ll never have to worry about Jefferson’s effort since he was constantly hustling and making winning plays. Because of his athleticism and effort (plus the fact that he’s 6’8″ with a 7-foot wingspan), he was a terrific defender who gave opposing wings nightmares. His size, wingspan and athleticism will also allow him to constantly switch on defense, which is important in today’s NBA. We now have two athletic, versatile forwards coming off our bench in Jefferson (our 3) and Jamal Mashburn (our 4). Jefferson was excellent at getting buckets in transition, so he’ll fit in well on our up-tempo team. He was also able to stretch the floor out to three-point range, and he consistently hit above 40 percent from long distance as the NBA evolved. We’re confident he’ll be a great three-and-D player on our team since this is the set in today’s NBA. We also know he’d have no problem accepting a bench role or sharing the ball on our superteam, considering he’s such a team-first player and he posted these impressive numbers while sharing the ball and spotlight with Jason Kidd and Vince Carter.

Round 9: 1978-79 World B. Free

The Orlando Magic will take 1978-79 World B. Free, who averaged 28.8 points, 4.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals while shooting 48.1 percent from the field. This season, he was an All-NBA Second Team selection and finished sixth in MVP voting. Once the NBA added the three-point line the following year, he hit 36 percent of his attempts from long range. Several years later, he even had a season in which he shot 42 percent from three-point range. Just as we can assume that “Pistol” Pete Maravich would be a great shooter in today’s NBA, we have evidence suggesting the same can be said for 1978-79 World B. Free.

He was also terrific at getting to the free-throw line, averaging 11.1 free throws per game (and making 8.4). That’s more attempts per game than the career-highs of James Harden, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and pretty much every non-big in NBA history. If he was getting to the line that frequently in the late ‘70s, imagine how often he’d be at the charity stripe today! We’re confident that if he played now, he’d still be a star who could score from anywhere on the court, and we’re excited to bring him off our bench behind Maravich and Ray Allen.

Round 10: 2017-18 Donovan Mitchell

The Orlando Magic will select 2017-18 Donovan Mitchell. We want guys who get up and down the court and shoot threes.

Round 11: 2000-01 Andre Miller

My team is full of players who can shoot the lights out and thrive in an up-tempo offense. Who better to serve as a backup floor general than 2000-01 Andre Miller? In 2000-01, he had one of the best passing seasons of all time, so he will be in charge of getting all our stars their touches. This season, Miller averaged 16.5 points, 10.9 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals. He easily led the NBA in assists per game, total assists and assist percentage (49.82 percent). In fact, only six players in NBA history have posted a higher assist percentage than 2000-01 Miller. Oh, and he posted these amazing passing numbers despite the fact that Cleveland’s offensive weapons were Lamond Murray (16.6 points per game), 30-year-old Wesley Person (15.1) and Ricky Davis (11.7). On our team, Miller might just average 20 assists per game.

Round 12: 1996-97 Vin Baker

Round 13: 1996-97 Kenny Anderson

Round 14: 1989-90 Jerome Kersey

Round 15: 2004-05 Zydrunas Ilgauskas

Round 16: 2017-18 Terry Stotts

With our final pick, the Orlando Magic will select 2017-18 Terry Stotts as our head coach. Coach Stotts excellent at adapting to his roster, and we want a modern coach who can help our players thrive in today’s NBA. While in Dallas, Stotts served as Rick Carlisle’s offensive coordinator and played a huge role in the team winning the 2011 championship. He emphasizes three-point shooting, plays up-tempo basketball and lets his players freestyle and create, which is perfect for our roster. He’s no stranger to a star backcourt tandem, so we feel he’ll get the most out of “Pistol” Pete Maravich and Ray Allen. He’s also had success with stretch-4s, and here he’ll have Paul Millsap (who can knock down threes and dominate defensively). Stotts is also excellent at forming relationships with his players, as his players have raved about. With Stotts and professional, veteran leaders, we feel our team will have terrific culture, and our chemistry will be off the charts.

Philadelphia 76ers

General Manager: Tyler Conway

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 2000-01 Allen Iverson, 2009-10 Deron Williams, 2004-05 Mike Bibby, 2016-17 Eric Bledsoe
• Shooting Guards: 1995-96 Mitch Richmond, 2006-07 Leandro Barbosa
• Small Forwards: 2013-14 Kevin Durant, 1994-95 Toni Kukoc
• Power Forwards: 2010-11 Lamar Odom, 2005-06 Elton Brand, 2009-10 David Lee, 2004-05 Udonis Haslem
• Centers: 2009-10 Dwight Howard, 2015-16 Hassan Whiteside, 1996-97 Christian Laettner
• Coach: 2003-04 Larry Brown

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 2013-14 Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant was already viewed as the second-best basketball player on the planet heading into 2013-14. Thanks to a Russell Westbrook injury, Durant and the world got to see the full scope of his capabilities.

Mr. Twitter Fingers himself turned in one of the most efficient high-usage seasons in NBA history, averaging a career-high 32.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists—all while putting up a 63.5 true shooting percentage on a career-high 20.8 shots a night. Durant and Stephen Curry are the only players to have a true shooting percentage of at least 63 on 20 shots per game in league history.

His 19.2 win shares are the seventh-highest since the ABA-NBA merger; only LeBron, MJ and David Robinson have had better seasons. At age 25, Durant was also in his athletic peak and rounding his body into shape to become a quietly good defender, as well.

For the start of a modern roster, there may be no better season to build around than this.

Round 2: 2000-01 Allen Iverson

The Philadelphia 76ers are taking 2000-01 Allen Iverson. For my reasoning, we’re going full listicle.

1. I have many friends who live in Philly. I am representing the Sixers. If I don’t take Iverson at pick No. 50, I’m unsure if I’ll be allowed entry into the city again.
2. Two picks, two MVP seasons. CHAAAAAAAAMPIONSHIP!
3. I kinda like the idea of pairing KD, the man who left OKC to stop playing with his generation’s Allen Iverson, with the actual Allen Iverson. Because I am a sinister person who enjoys a healthy sense of drama in my team-building.
4. Oh, right, basketball. Iverson, for all the rightful criticism of his shot selection and gunner mentality, was incredible this season. He threw a supporting cast that makes LeBron’s current Cavs look like the Monstars to the NBA Finals—and actually won a game against the peak-power Shaqobe Lakers. Iverson led the NBA in scoring (31.1 points per game) and steals (2.5 per game), while posting a generally fine (for him) 51.8 true shooting percentage. The Sixers posted a 106 offensive rating and a 99 defensive rating when he was on the floor, which is kind of remarkable considering the second-best offensive player on the roster was Aaron McKie. Iverson also set a career high in defensive win shares (4.5)—dude was literally untouchable on both ends of the floor. We can begrudge much of Iverson’s career from an efficiency perspective, but this is the year that made A.I. an icon.

Round 3: 2009-10 Dwight Howard

Although it just feels like I swallowed a ball of earwax, the Philadelphia 76ers are selecting 2009-10 Dwight Howard. We need a defensive anchor in the middle of our defense after selecting lilliputian Allen Iverson in the last round, and apparently, it’s my goal to get as many unpredictable personalities on this roster as humanly possible. Howard was in the middle of one of the best defensive runs for a center in NBA history during this stretch; I went back and forth a bit between 2010-11 Dwight and this one, but I already have two of the greatest scorers of all time. I don’t need the extra four points per game that came a year later.

The 2009-10 version of Dwight was almost his platonic ideal. He embraced being a pick-and-roll beast more than ever, trusted his coaching staff after making a Finals run the year prior and even crept up to 1.8 assists per game. This was the Dwight we all still kind of liked before the world turned on him. We’re probably going to look back on him as one of the 50 or so greatest players in NBA history with some perspective, so getting him at No. 71 at the peak of his powers feels like a relatively easy choice.

Plus, again—I’m really enjoying creating this chaotic ass roster.

Round 4: 1995-96 Mitch Richmond

The Philadelphia 76ers will take 1995-96 Mitch Richmond.

With Dwight and AI in my starting lineup, I need some spacing, and Richmond is one of the more underrated scorers ever. In 1995-96, he averaged 25.9 points on a 57.8 true shooting percentage on his way to setting a career high with 10.8 win shares.

He’s also a good passer and solid secondary ball-handler, which could help him lead some bench units. KD and Richmond is a lethal wing combination from a shooting standpoint—depending on what direction I go with my next pick. Defense isn’t a plus with Richmond but, like, I don’t care. Peak Dwight is in the middle, and we’re gonna have some fun here before things inevitably implode.

Unfortunately, a quick check into his background shows him to be a…mostly normal human being. I guess someone has to check for concrete in the gloves when AI and Dwight finally go for 12 rounds after a mid-season losing streak.

Round 5: 2010-11 Lamar Odom

Round 6: 2005-06 Elton Brand

The 76ers will take 2005-06 Elton Brand, mostly because I’m not real sure why he’s still out there. Brand averaged 24.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.5 blocks and a steal per game. He was a solid defender at that point in his career, stretches the floor out to mid-range and was a good enough passer I wouldn’t even hate starting him over Lamar Odom. As a leader of a second unit, though, it’s hard to pass up a dude who would’ve been a five-to-seven-time All-Star if it weren’t for injuries striking at his absolute peak.

Round 7: 2009-10 Deron Williams

The 76ers are adding 2009-10 Deron Williams. There was a brief period in history where people thought Williams was as good—if not better—than Chris Paul. It was never true, mind you, but people thought it! And that was mostly because Williams was pretty awesome at his peak. I’m choosing 2009-10 as the season because he hit 37.1 percent of his threes and started grabbing more boards. There are a handful of years that really would’ve been fine, though.

Round 8: 1994-95 Toni Kukoc

The 76ers are taking 1994-95 Toni Kukoc, who I think we can all agree would fit much better in the modern game than he did in the mid-’90s—when he fit pretty damn well. He continues the trend of drafting wings who can move the ball (4.6 assists per game), and he could play some stretch 4 in a more modern role at times off the bench. It’s kind of a shame we never got to see what he could really become, and we won’t on this roster, either. But dude could ball and feels like a steal here.

Round 9: 2006-07 Leandro Barbosa

The Sixers will be taking 2006-07 Leandro Barbosa. We need a super sixth man off the bench to add some scoring punch, and Barbosa had one of the best sixth-man years in NBA history during that season. Taking that version of Barbosa 10 years into the future would almost certainly increase his three rate from six per 36 minutes to eight or nine, depending on how free-wheeling we decide to be when we finally grab a coach.

Plus, he’s super fun. And I like fun.

Round 10: 2004-05 Mike Bibby

The 76ers will take 2004-05 Mike Bibby, who basically would have been Damian Lillard had he come along 10 years later. He’s also from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, which is right outside of Philly. Someone on this roster needs to bring the correct cheesesteaks back to the locker room.

Round 11: 2009-10 David Lee

David Lee never added the three-ball to his game, but we love his ability to stretch the floor out to at least the mid range and his passing capability. Keeping the ball moving is the key to any modern offense, and having a big like Lee will keep things humming—especially in small-ball lineups where he can play center.

Lee averaged 20.2 points, 11.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists playing that role in 2009-10. People forget because he’s the forgotten man of the Warriors dynasty, but this was the season good enough to make decision-makers in Golden State believe Lee could be a franchise player.

Round 12: 2015-16 Hassan Whiteside

We’ve been building this roster with small-ball and rim-running in mind, but Whiteside is just too good of a value to pass up here. He was his platonic ideal of himself during that season, leading the NBA in blocks while scooping up boards at a ridiculous rate. Plus, dude hadn’t gotten paid yet so he was actually still attempting to look like a good basketball player in the playoffs. The Heat outscored opponents by 35 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor during the playoffs.

No one seems to especially like playing basketball with him, but we already have Dwight Howard. Our goal just appears to be creating the most unlikable center duo in NBA history.

Round 13: 2003-04 Larry Brown

There’s only one coach who’s ever reached Allen Iverson: Larry Brown.

There’s only one season Brown won a championship: 2003-04.

We’re gonna grab one of the winningest coaches of all time here, all with the knowledge he’ll probably get bored and annoy our players to death within two or three years.

Round 14: 2016-17 Eric Bledsoe

Bledsoe averaged 21/6/5 and played 66 games, giving us perhaps the best look at an apex season we’ll ever get from Mini Bron. It was for a bad team and there are questions about whether Bledsoe can ever stay healthy enough to reach his full potential, but there are a lot worse choices for a fourth point guard who won’t play much.

Round 15: 1996-97 Christian Laettner

One of the most punchable college players of all time, Christian Laettner quietly had a decent NBA career. The Sixers will add the 1996-97 version of Laettner, who made the All-Star team and posted 11.6 win shares.

His numbers spike wasn’t even the result of some massive uptick in threes. Dude just had a great year and is a good enough passer I think he’d fit fine as a modern center.

Round 16: 2004-05 Udonis Haslem

The Sixers will close out their roster with 2004-05 Udonis Haslem. We started out looking for the best locker-room guys available this late because of our…uhh…questionable personality types on the roster and nearly pulled the trigger on White Mamba. Then I remembered that there was a time when Udonis Haslem was actually pretty damn good at basketball, including a peak in 2004-05 when he set a career-high with 9.2 win shares as a solid two-way player who stretches defenses out at least to mid-range.

Phoenix Suns

General Manager: Sean Highkin

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 1981-82 Dennis Johnson, 2002-03 Jason Williams, 1998-99 Master P
• Shooting Guards: 2008-09 Brandon Roy, 2012-13 Tony Allen, 2007-08 Monta Ellis
• Small Forwards: 1982-83 Alex English, 1980-81 Jamaal Wilkes, 1993-94 Stacey Augmon
• Power Forwards: 1985-86 James Worthy, 1972-73 Sidney Wicks, 1981-82 Mychal Thompson
• Centers: 1971-72 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 2006-07 Yao Ming, 2009-10 Chris Andersen
• Coach: 1986-87 Pat Riley

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 1971-72 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

I’m taking 1971-72 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He holds the all-time single-season record for win shares, put up his highest career single-season PER and led the league in scoring.

Round 2: 2008-09 Brandon Roy

Round 3: 1985-86 James Worthy

Round 4: 2006-07 Yao Ming

So I already have a franchise center in Kareem, but this late in the draft, I have to take 2006-07 Yao Ming. That was his best statistical season, even if he only played 48 games, and his combination of size and shooting ability would be a huge threat in the modern NBA. It’s a shame he wasn’t able to stay healthy enough to experience the current big-man revolution.

Round 5: 1982-83 Alex English

I need another wing, so I’m taking 1982-83 Alex English, who led the league in scoring while shooting over 50 percent from the field and put up career highs in basically every advanced category.

Round 6: 1981-82 Dennis Johnson

Round 7: 2012-13 Tony Allen

FIRST TEAM ALL-DEFENSE!

Round 8: 1980-81 Jamaal Wilkes

Round 9: 1986-87 Pat Riley

I still need a coach, so I’m going with 1986-87 Pat Riley. That year, the Lakers won 65 games and the title, and I have three guys from the ’80s Lakers (Kareem, Worthy and Wilkes) on my team, so this is a natural fit. Pat can also be my GM and face of the franchise and attract free agents.

Round 10: 2002-03 Jason Williams

I want some passing wizardry on my second unit. Give me White Chocolate.

Round 11: 2007-08 Monta Ellis

Round 12: 2009-10 Chris Andersen

Round 13: 1972-73 Sidney Wicks

Round 14: 1981-82 Mychal Thompson

Round 15: 1993-94 Stacey Augmon

Round 16: 1998-99 Master P

Portland Trail Blazers

General Manager: Bryant Knox

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 1994-95 Tim Hardaway, 1995-96 Avery Johnson, 1995-96 Greg Anthony
• Shooting Guards: 1988-89 Michael Jordan, 1995-96 Sean Elliott, 2001-02 Bonzi Wells
• Small Forwards: 2000-01 Jerry Stackhouse, 2000-01 Keith Van Horn, 1969-70 Billy Cunningham
• Power Forwards: 1986-87 Kiki Vandeweghe, 1976-77 Maurice Lucas, 1962-63 Bailey Howell
• Centers: 1998-99 Alonzo Mourning, 1983-84 Darryl Dawkins, 1954-55 Larry Foust
• Coach: 2016-17 Steve Kerr

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 1988-89 Michael Jordan

The beautiful thing about the No. 1 pick is that you really can’t go wrong. (Take notes, real Portland Trail Blazers.) But there was an internal debate between a handful of peak Jordan years—not to mention a few select prime LeBron years.

What this pick really came down to is this: In 1988-89, Jordan’s points-per-game average dropped from 35.0 to 32.5. Such a shame. His usage percentage also dipped to its lowest number since his rookie campaign. But with his scoring and usage decreasing ever so slightly, a transition started to take place.

At 25 years old, Jordan recorded the fourth-highest TPA, third-highest box plus/minus and second-highest VORP among all-time individual seasons. He also posted career highs in assist percentage, total rebound percentage and true shooting percentage. On top of all that, Jordan had the best offensive, defensive and overall win shares of his 15 years in the league during the 1988-89 campaign.

No, MJ wasn’t yet a champion in his age-25 season, and no, he hadn’t yet figured out how to rip the hearts out of those Bad Boys in Motown. But his game—one that started to include a reliable three-point shot by the end of the year—began its evolution as he became the player we grew to love or loathe depending on whether or not he was playing our favorite teams.

Round 2: 1998-99 Alonzo Mourning

We’re going to have plenty of scorers on this roster, so finding a center who puts the ball through the basket seven times a game for 20.1 points per night was never the objective—just an added bonus of taking Alonzo Mourning.

The real goal here was to guard the heck out of the rim. Zo averaged nearly four blocks per contest in 1998-99 en route to a fifth-place finish in defensive rating, fourth in defensive win shares and second in block percentage. He had the fifth-most win shares per 48 minutes of any player that season, as well as the fourth-highest PER.

Finding a two-way player at the 5 was never the goal, but we won’t shy away from it just because we’re going to load up on scorers at other positions.

Round 3: 1994-95 Tim Hardaway

In 1994-95, Tim Hardaway was just ninth on his own squad in defensive win shares and a team-worst 18th in DBPM. And we couldn’t care less.

With MJ on the wing and Zo on the block, we don’t need a defense-first point guard. We need skillz. Hardaway brings his 20.1 points, 37.8 three-point percentage and killer crossover to a Blazers team that isn’t the least bit worried about a point guard getting burned now and again.

Round 4: 2000-01 Jerry Stackhouse

Jerry Stackhouse and his Detroit Pistons were only able to muster a 4-1 series loss in the second round during the 2001 playoffs, but the shooting guard/small forward balled out during a campaign that saw him post a career-best 29.8 points per game while collecting 5.1 assists along the way. Nobody’s going to mistake him for Michael Jordan on this roster, but he and Hardaway will swap second-option duties depending on matchups, and we’re very down with having a “too many scorers problem” with our first four picks averaging a collective 103.6 points per contest.

Round 5: 1986-87 Kiki Vandeweghe

Kiki. Do you love me? Are you riding? Say you’ll never ever leave from beside me.

Kiki Vandeweghe may be known these days for being the NBA’s Executive Vice President of Basketball Interactions, but the former No. 11 pick had himself a heck of a career. In 1987-88, he lost his starting job because of a back injury, but the year prior saw him post a solid 26.9 points per contest while adding a new wrinkle to his game—a three-point shot that he completed at an unreal 48.1 percent.

Okay, okay…yes, it’s true he only took one deep shot per game that season. But the potential was there, which is why if we play him at the starting power forward spot, we won’t be afraid to stretch the floor and see just what we can get out of him from behind the arc.

Round 6: 1976-77 Maurice Lucas

Every team needs an enforcer. Whether that comes in the form of a bully on the block or a pest on the perimeter, you have to have at least one player whose sole purpose is making life hell for his opponent.

In this case, we’re going with The Enforcer himself.

During the 1976-77 season, Maurice Lucas was arguably the most dominant power forward in the game. His 20.2 points and 11.4 rebounds took pressure off Bill Walton in the frontcourt, but his physicality and unwillingness to back down from anyone are what we’re looking for as an early sub for Kiki and late-game paint presence.

Round 7: 2016-17 Steve Kerr

Is this a reach? You bet. But sometimes you just need to go get your guy. And this guy knows Michael Jordan, played under both Phil Jackson and Gregg Popovich, can manage egos and, yes, will continue his championship-winning ways with this version of the Trail Blazers.

Round 8: 1995-96 Sean Elliot

Does this team really need another 20-plus-points-per-game scorer? Nope. But we desperately need floor-spacing shooters, so why not do that in the form of someone who dropped 20 points per contest while shooting better than 41 percent on more than five three-pointers a night?

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Round 9: 1983-84 Darryl Dawkins

When a player single-handedly forces the league to change the structure of its rims because he keeps shattering backboards, you can find a place for him on your team. Darryl Dawkins’ breakout season came in 1983-84 during a 16.8-point, 1.7-block year—a year in which he played 81 games and shot nearly 60 percent on 10.6 shots per game.

Round 10: 1995-96 Avery Johnson

In order to add a scoring punch to the bench without relegating a great scorer to the reserve duties, we’re going to bring Avery Johnson—a guy who averaged a career-best 9.6 assists in 1995-96—into the lineup early for Hardaway. Johnson will create for Jordan, Mourning and Stack, then when two of those three hit the pine in the second quarter, Hardaway will be rested and ready to take either 1A or 1B status on the offensive end.

Round 11: 2000-01 Keith Van Horn

Keith Van Horn is often forgotten due to the simple fact that Tim Duncan—arguably the greatest PF in NBA history—was drafted No. 1 in 1997, while Van Horn himself went second overall and never made an All-Star Game. But while KVH was never going to live up to Duncan-esque expectations, it was his inability to stay on the court that stunted his career growth early. The 2000-01 season was no exception, as he only saw action in 49 games. He did, however, boost his three-point shooting to 38.2 percent, which is the main thing we’re looking for from this 6’10” forward.

Round 12: 1962-63 Bailey Howell

Few NBA rotations will go beyond 10 players, so the fact that we’re relying on our 11th man to space the floor is already a unique situation. With that in mind, we’re taking a player in Bailey Howell in the 12th round who won’t be expected to contribute but can step in with his 22.7 points and 11.5 rebounds as needed.

Round 13: 1954-55 Larry Foust

Seventeen points per game. Ten rebounds. A career-best 48.7 percent field-goal percentage, an NBA All-Star Game and a spot on the All-NBA First Team. Meet 1954-55 Larry Foust.

Round 14: 1969-70 Billy Cunningham

The Kangaroo Kid became a beast when the Philadelphia 76ers needed a new franchise player following the departure of Wilt Chamberlain. If anything happens to our current rotation players, this All-NBA First Teamer should be able to step in and contribute as needed.

Round 15: 1995-96 Greg Anthony

As a kid, I respected John Stockton because his head was always up and he was constantly looking forward. Or in other words, he wasn’t worried one bit about who was defending him.

In 1996, I remember watching Stockton—a master ball-handler and legendary point guard—spend an entire game looking back and around to see where Greg Anthony was. Anthony forced Stockton into 3-of-11 shooting and four turnovers. He earns a spot in Rip City for that game alone.

Round 16: 2001-02 Bonzi Wells

LeBron did it. Kevin Garnett did it. Back in 2003, Scottie Pippen did it.

Now, it’s Bonzi Wells’ turn.

Welcome to your Skylar Gray moment, Bonzi. You’re coming home.

Sacramento Kings

General Manager: T.J. McBride

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 1988-89 Fat Lever, 2015-16 Patty Mills, 2017-18 Jamal Murray
• Shooting Guards: 1977-78 David Thompson, 2017-18 Gary Harris, 2008-09 Devin Harris
• Small Forwards: 2015-16 Khris Middleton, 2013-14 Wesley Matthews, 2010-11 Wilson Chandler
• Power Forwards: 2009-10 Chris Bosh, 1960-61 Bob Pettit, 1958-59 Kenny Sears
• Centers: 1999-00 Shaquille O’Neal, 1951-52 George Mikan, 1953-54 Neil Johnston
• Coach: 2010-11 Rick Carlisle

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 1999-00 Shaquille O’Neal

Round 2: 1988-89 Fat Lever

Round 3: 2009-10 Chris Bosh

Round 4: 2015-16 Khris Middleton

Round 5: 1977-78 David Thompson

Round 6: 1960-61 Bob Pettit

Round 7: 2013-14 Wesley Matthews

Round 8: 1951-52 George Mikan

Round 9: 2010-11 Rick Carlisle

Round 10: 2017-18 Gary Harris

Round 11: 1953-54 Neil Johnston

Round 12: 1958-59 Kenny Sears

Round 13: 2010-11 Wilson Chandler

Round 14: 2015-16 Patty Mills

Round 15: 2008-09 Devin Harris

Round 16: 2017-18 Jamal Murray

San Antonio Spurs

General Manager: Josh Eberley

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 2002-03 Tracy McGrady, 1972-73 Nate Archibald, 2012-13 Jose Calderon
• Shooting Guards: 1988-89 Dale Ellis, 2006-07 DeShawn Stevenson, 2008-09 Ben Gordon
• Small Forwards: 1980-81 Julius Erving, 1986-87 Xavier McDaniel, 2006-07 Al Harrington, 1988-89 Eddie Johnson
• Power Forwards: 2008-09 Danny Granger, 2005-06 Boris Diaw
• Centers: 1996-97 Chris Webber, 1984-85 Mark Eaton, 1971-72 Nate Thurmond
• Coach: 2002-03 Gregg Popovich

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 2002-03 Tracy McGrady

After heavy consideration, the San Antonio Spurs are going to take 2002-03 Tracy McGrady.

In today’s pace-and-space game, we wanted a wing who could switch on defense, facilitate the offense and space the floor. ’03 McGrady checks all those boxes with ease and won himself a scoring title to boot. How many other guys are taking Darrell Armstrong, Pat Garrity, Mike Miller and Jacque Vaughn to seven games against a conference finals squad?

Round 2: 1980-81 Julius Erving

It’s tough to stray too far away from the modern game with the premise of our competition, but the San Antonio Spurs couldn’t let this kind of talent slide any further. We will take Julius Erving with the 36th overall pick.

If the name of the game is going to be wing versatility and insane-level athleticism, it’s hard to do better than the Doctor. Alongside Tracy McGrady, we now have two big wings who are jump-out-of-the-gym athletes and can both facilitate an offense. We believe Dr. J keeps us on track to be extremely versatile on offense and defense and will try not to fall asleep until we pick again way down at 85.

Round 3: 1996-97 Chris Webber

Round 4: 1988-89 Dale Ellis

After a good deal of gut-wrenching debate, the San Antonio Spurs are going to take Dale Ellis. We strongly considered another guy who would bring more defense, but we’re taking who we believe to be the best shooter and floor spacer left on the board.

At 6′ 7″, Dale Ellis cedes no size or ground in our “switch everything” system, and his 1988-89 campaign was special. 48 percent from three on just over four attempts a night ain’t too shabby. We’re envisioning Webber post-passes, Erving cuts, McGrady drives and Ellis spot-ups, and we can’t help but be excited.

Round 5: 2002-03 Gregg Popovich

The San Antonio Spurs are initiating a reunion. We’re going to take head coach Gregg Popovich, and though there are so many wonderful seasons to choose from, we will take 2002-03 Pop. In 2003, Tony Parker was a sophomore, Manu Ginobili was rookie, David Robinson was in his very last year and they still won the title! Sending home notable names like Amar’e Stoudemire, Stephon Marbury, Shawn Marion, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal and Jason Kidd along the way. Pop found a way to maximize a group of players at greatly differing stages in their careers and ended the Lakers’ chances at a fourpeat in memorable fashion.

We wanted a coach equally likely to have our offense and defense at the top of the league, and Pop was the natural choice. We’re excited to see what he can scheme up around Chris Webber, Tracy McGrady, Julius Erving and Dale Ellis.

Round 6: 2008-09 Danny Granger

Length? Check.

Height? Check.

Shooting? Check.

Round 7: 1972-73 Nate Archibald

In a game based on one-year peaks, Tiny Archibald is still out there? The only man to lead the league in points and assists is mine in Round 7?!? Gotta pull that trigger.

’72-73 Tiny, please.

Round 8: 1984-85 Mark Eaton

If we’re going to play a big who has no chance in space for 10-15 minutes a night, it might as well be the best shot-blocker ever.

Round 9: 2005-06 Boris Diaw

Round 10: 1986-87 Xavier McDaniel

Round 11: 2006-07 DeShawn Stevenson

Round 12: 1971-72 Nate Thurmond

Round 13: 2006-07 Al Harrington

43 percent shooting from three from a forward who can play multiple positions. I dig it.

Round 14: 2008-09 Ben Gordon

2008-09 Ben Gordon gives us exactly the hitter we want for 2.8 minutes per game in garbage time.

Round 15: 2012-13 Jose Calderon

Round 16: 1988-89 Eddie Johnson

Toronto Raptors

General Manager: Christopher Walder

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 1995-96 Anfernee Hardaway, 2016-17 John Wall, 2017-18 Tyreke Evans
• Shooting Guards: 1999-00 Michael Finley, 2001-02 Cuttino Mobley, 2016-17 Avery Bradley
• Small Forwards: 2013-14 Carmelo Anthony, 2017-18 Tobias Harris, 2006-07 Anthony Parker
• Power Forwards: 2002-03 Tim Duncan, 1994-95 Detlef Schrempf, 1991-92 Otis Thorpe
• Centers: 2016-17 DeMarcus Cousins, 2007-08 Marcus Camby, 2009-10 Andrew Bogut
• Coach: 2017-18 Dwane Casey

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 2002-03 Tim Duncan

LeBron James has single-handedly dragged the (LeBronto) Raptors name through the mud for three years in a row, so I’m here to bring respect and prestige back the organization. Selecting ’02-03 Tim Duncan begins that process.

Duncan’s playoff run to his second NBA championship is the stuff of legends. “The Big Fundamental” putting up 24.7 points on 52.9 percent shooting, 15.4 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 3.3 rejections is one thing, but his 5.94 win shares across those 24 outings remains a playoff record to this day, better than the likes of Jordan, LeBron and Kareem. The same goes for his 3.52 VORP, which tops four years of King James.

And sure, he’s had better regular seasons, but a double-double of 23.3 points and 12.9 rebounds to go along with nearly four assists and three blocks is nothing to scoff at.  Duncan just wins, and lord knows the 6ix could use more of that these days. He’s a no bulls— level of star who is without question the greatest of all time at his position, and I snagged him 10th overall.

Round 2: 1995-96 Anfernee Hardaway

The best regular season in franchise history for the Magic came in 1995-96 with “Penny” running the point for a 60-win team. He played 36.8 minutes across a full 82-game slate and was one of six players to average two or more steals, to go along with his career-best 21.7 points on 51.3 percent shooting. I want my starting point guard to be large (6’7″) and take charge of my offense (7.1 assists), and while Hardaway isn’t much of an outside shooter (31.4 percent from deep), I trust him to create scoring opportunities for himself and his fellow starters.

Round 3: 2013-14 Carmelo Anthony

Remember the days when housing Carmelo Anthony on an NBA roster was a blessing and not an inconvenience? His 2013-14 campaign remains his only season converting above 40 percent from three-point range (40.2), and lord knows I won’t be getting much range from my first two selections. Melo’s 4.2 VORP is also over a full point better than any other year, which is also the case with his win shares (10.7). The New York Knicks were a mess, but he sure as heck wasn’t. The Oklahoma City Thunder certainly wish they had this version of Carmelo, who was at his most efficient offensively, scoring 30 or more points on 25 occasions with high percentages.

Round 4: 1994-95 Detlef Schrempf

Round 5: 2016-17 DeMarcus Cousins

I don’t need two big men clogging up the painted area commanding touches. With Boogie Cousins, I know he’s at least capable of stepping outside and knocking down a three-pointer or two, which he did 131 times in 2016-17 at a 36.1 percent clip with both the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans. I can live with his 3.7 turnovers per game if he continues to contribute across the board like he did this season, putting forth 27 points, 11 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 rejections in 34.2 minutes

Round 6: 2016-17 John Wall

Round 7: 1999-00 Michael Finley

Round 8: 2007-08 Marcus Camby

Round 9: 2001-02 Cuttino Mobley

Round 10: 2017-18 Tobias Harris

Round 11: 2016-17 Avery Bradley

Round 12: 2009-10 Andrew Bogut

My two other centers (Cousins and Camby) provide plenty of mobility at the 4 spot. With my emergency backup in Bogut, I’m ensured double-double numbers (15.9 points and 10.2 rebounds) and rim protection (2.5 rejections) against bigs who choose to test him down low. He was named a member of the All-NBA Third Team this year for a Bucks squad which won 46 games—a total they have yet to match since.

Round 13: 2017-18 Tyreke Evans

There were eight players in the NBA this past season who averaged at least 19 points, five rebounds and five assists. I’m taking the last one available to be my third-string point guard: 2017-18 Tyreke Evans.

Round 14: 1991-92 Otis Thorpe

I’m getting tremendous value here with Thorpe, who was one of just four players in 1991-92 to average over 17 points, 10 rebounds and three assists per game. Regardless of who was around the basket, Thorpe never shied away from going up strong to try and throw it down. His fearless nature and ferocious tenacity will make an excellent addition to my bench.

Round 15: 2006-07 Anthony Parker

A former Raptor. Fantastic defender. Even better shooter. Good locker-room presence. I can do a lot worse with my last roster slot. I’m selecting 2006-07 Anthony Parker.

Round 16: 2017-18 Dwane Casey

LeBron James is in the West with Utah, eh?? Then I’m giving my head coach another chance. I provided him with a roster devoid of DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, and he wouldn’t have to deal with The King until the Finals, so he may actually have a shot to really succeed here.

Utah Jazz

General Manager: Andy Bailey

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 2005-06 Chauncey Billups, 1985-86 Alvin Robertson, 2013-14 Jimmer Fredette
• Shooting Guards: 2001-02 Brent Barry, 1997-98 Wesley Person, 1987-88 Byron Scott
• Small Forwards: 1980-81 Marques Johnson, 1979-80 Cedric Maxwell, 1985-86 Reggie Theus
• Power Forwards: 2012-13 LeBron James, 1991-92 Larry Nance, 1993-94 Oliver Miller
• Centers: 2016-17 Nikola Jokic, 1975-76 Alvan Adams, 1970-71 Tom Boerwinkle
• Coach: 2017-18 Quin Snyder

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 2012-13 LeBron James

With thanks to Bryant Knox and the Portland Trail Blazers for taking the Michael Jordan/LeBron James decision off my hands, I’m spending the No. 2 overall pick on the No. 1A player in my personal all-time rankings: LeBron. More specifically, 2012-13 LeBron.

That season, James averaged 26.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.7 blocks. He posted career highs in three-point percentage (40.6) and win shares per 48 minutes (0.322, which also ranks fifth all time). He also posted his second-highest PER (31.6, which ranks seventh all time).

There’s an argument for other seasons (so many to choose from with this guy), but this is the year LeBron rattled off a 27-game winning streak and won the second of his three titles. Chris Bosh, about as close an observer as you can get, told Bill Simmons he thought LeBron reached the peak of his powers during the streak.

Give me that guy. The one who does everything on a basketball court and has as strong an argument for GOAT status as anyone. Oh, and give me that guy in the season that he hit threes at 40-plus percent.

Round 2: 2016-17 Nikola Jokic

With the No. 59 pick, the Utah Jazz are ready to set NBA Twitter ablaze by taking 2016-17 Nikola Jokic. It’s the second-best box plus/minus season left on the board, and Jokic has the highest career BPM of anyone still available.

Good luck finding a better passing frontcourt. LeBron and Jokic will be wildly unpredictable as they run 4-5 pick-and-rolls. Either can finish the play as scorer or distributor. Both see the entire floor. Both have pinpoint accuracy and timing with their dimes.

More specific to Jokic, he had a ridiculous 64.0 true shooting percentage that season, thanks in large part to absurd mid-range efficiency. Not only did his 57.3 percent on two-pointers from five-plus feet out lead the NBA, but it led by over 6 percent. And his combination of assist percentage and rebounding percentage from that season has never been matched. Drop the qualifiers a bit, and you add names like Kevin Garnett, Russell Westbrook and DeMarcus Cousins.

Round 3: 2005-06 Chauncey Billups

With the No. 62 pick, the Utah Jazz select 2005-06 Chauncey Billups to complement the remarkable LeBron/Jokic frontcourt.

Billups posted career-highs in offensive box plus/minus (6.9), assist percentage (39.3) and three-point percentage (43.3) that season. He was also Second Team All-Defense and fifth in MVP voting.

He’s a perfect kick-out target around the three-point line for the passing bigs. And his defense at the point of attack should alleviate some of the pressure on our interior defense.

Round 4: 1980-81 Marques Johnson

I have shooting at every position right now, thanks to LeBron James, Nikola Jokic and Chauncey Billups. That opens things up to go for more of a slasher at the 3.

Marques Johnson is exactly that: someone who gets buckets inside the three-point line. He averaged 20.3 points on 55.2 percent shooting, made the All-Star game and finished second only to Julius Erving in box plus/minus during the season in question. Oh, and Johnson fits my pass-heavy culture. In 1980-81, he averaged a career-high 4.6 assists.

Round 5: 2001-02 Brent Barry

Some people may think this is a reach. I assure you: It’s not.

Brent Barry is 87th in NBA history in career box plus/minus. He’s 76th in career offensive box plus/minus. In 2001-02, the season tapped in this exercise, he posted a league-best true shooting percentage of 65.2. Even his effective field-goal percentage was over 60.

This is a remarkably efficient, well-rounded season. Barry averaged 14.4 points (on 9.8 shots), 5.4 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.8 steals. And that bit on his field-goal attempts isn’t just a throw-in. Barry doesn’t demand a ton of touches to be happy, though he can destroy a sloppy closeout in a pinch. This is the perfect complementary fifth starter.

Round 6: 1985-86 Alvin Robertson

Alvin Robertson averaged 17.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 1985-86. And his 3.7 steals is the best single-season average of all time.

Round 7: 1975-76 Alvan Adams

The theme for my team may well be the league’s most underrated players. People don’t talk a lot about Alvan Adams, but they probably should.

In 1975-76, Rookie of the Year Adams averaged an absurd 19.0 points, 9.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks. He was, in many ways, the precursor to Jokic. It’s only fitting Adams backs him up here.

Round 8: 1979-80 Cedric Maxwell

Getting a Finals MVP at No. 239 feels like a steal. And the season I’ll pinpoint for this team is 1979-80, the year before he snagged the hardware.

That season, Maxwell led the NBA in field-goal percentage (60.9) and true shooting percentage (67.9!) as a small forward. He averaged 16.9 points on a whopping 9.4 attempts. He also hauled in 8.8 rebounds and handed out 2.5 assists.

Round 9: 1991-92 Larry Nance

There aren’t many true power forwards on the roster at this point. And that’s fine. James, Johnson and Maxwell can all play up in today’s game. But at Pick 242, I can’t pass up the original Larry Nance.

In 1991-92, he averaged 17 points, 8.3 rebounds, a career-high 3.0 blocks and 2.9 assists.

Round 10: 1997-98 Wesley Person

You can almost never have too many wings in today’s game—especially wings who can shoot.

In the first season after the NBA put the three-point line back where it belongs, Wesley Person averaged 14.7 points and 2.3 threes and shot 43 percent from three. He was also 13th in the league in box plus/minus that season.

Round 11: 2017-18 Quin Snyder

A few things have been obvious during Quin Snyder’s run as head coach of the Utah Jazz. He understands the modern game (threes, ball movement, player movement, etc.), demands defense and helps individual players hit their ceilings.

Round 12: 1985-86 Reggie Theus

A 6’7″ playmaker (9.6 assists) who can score (18.3 points) and log time at multiple positions? Reggie Theus sounds almost perfect for the modern game. He didn’t really shoot threes, but he’ll be on the floor with deadeyes at all times.

Round 13: 1970-71 Tom Boerwinkle

If Adams was the precursor to Jokic, Tom Boerwinkle may be the precursor to Adams.

In 1970-71, Boerwinkle averaged 13.8 rebounds, 10.8 points and 4.8 assists, as the Chicago Bulls ran much of their offense through the big man. Now, regardless of which of my three centers are in, we can initiate from anywhere on the floor.

Round 14: 1987-88 Byron Scott

Combo guard Byron Scott averaged 21.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.9 steals during the season in question. He even hit the three at an okay clip (34.6 percent).

Round 15: 1993-94 Oliver Miller

Oliver Miller had a stat-stuffing second season in the NBA: 9.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.2 steals in just 25.9 minutes per game. Yes, that’s over three blocks per 36 minutes for The Big O.

Round 16: 2013-14 Jimmer Fredette

While we await the return of Jimmer “The Lonely Master” Fredette, allow me to regale you with tales of his 2013-14 season.

He averaged 18.9 points, 4.4 assists and 2.8 threes per 36 minutes. Here’s the entire list of players who hit all three marks in a season (minimum 500 minutes): Stephen Curry (six times); Damian Lillard (three times); James Harden and Kemba Walker (two times); Devin Booker, Kyrie Irving, Kyle Lowry, Chris Paul and Isaiah Thomas.

Washington Wizards

General Manager: Justin Carter

Depth Chart: 

• Point Guards: 1969-70 Walt Frazier, 2016-17 Mike Conley, 1995-96 Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf
• Shooting Guards: 1979-80 George Gervin, 1980-81 Otis Birdsong, 2002-03 David Wesley
• Small Forwards: 2002-03 Doug Christie, 1997-98 Shareef Abdur-Rahim, 2014-15 Harrison Barnes
• Power Forwards: 1975-76 George McGinnis, 2016-17 Serge Ibaka, 1967-68 Dave DeBusschere
• Centers: 1993-94 Hakeem Olajuwon, 2001-02 Raef LaFrentz, 2012-13 Larry Sanders
• Coach: 2017-18 Brad Stevens

Round-by-Round Justifications: 

Round 1: 1993-94 Hakeem Olajuwon

I grew up a Rockets fan, so that influenced the choice of Hakeem Olajuwon, but it was difficult to pass on a center with the playmaking and shot-blocking ability of The Dream. There have been 18 five-by-fives in NBA history; two of those came in this season for Hakeem, making him one of just two players to record two in one season. He can score inside and showed some ability from the outside that season, as well. He’ll be able to help create plenty of spacing for the Wizards.

Round 2: 1969-70 Walt Frazier

One of the best defensive point guards of all time, and we’re taking him during the year he averaged his highest assist numbers and shot the best from the field: 1969-1970 Walt “Clyde” Frazier. He can pass. He can rebound. He can get steals, even though that wasn’t an officially recorded stat at the time. He went on the record as saying that he would have been able to stop Stephen Curry, so here’s his chance.

Round 3: 1979-80 George Gervin

After focusing on defense with our first two picks, the Washington Wizards are selecting someone who can put the ball into the bucket: 1979-80 George Gervin. The Iceman led the league with 33.1 points per game and took the highest threes per game of his career. Yes, he made just 31.4 percent of them, but I’m willing to bet he’d up that number with some more dedication to the skill. Gervin was a scoring machine and will help make up for some of the worries about having Frazier in the backcourt.

Defensively, he is…not so great. The 1979-80 season represented a fairly sharp drop off in steal percentage and defensive box plus/minus. I’m hoping the rest of the team can cover for his issues on that end and that maybe…maybe…he can be serviceable there. Whatever! I need the scoring!

Round 4: 2002-03 Doug Christie

The Washington Wizards are a little worried about their outside shooting but want to keep up the defensive intensity, so they’re bringing in 2002-2003 Doug Christie, who made the All-Defense First Team while shooting 39.5 percent from three. Early-2000s Christie is an underrated role player who would benefit from playing with other top defensive payers like…I don’t know, like Hakeem Olajuwon and Walt Frazier?

Round 5: 1975-76 George McGinnis

The Washington Wizards have realized that it might be too early to just take three-and-D role players, so they’re going to grab a stretch 4 who won the MVP in the ABA in 1975 and can bring a little star power while still doing plenty of three and plenty of D. Sadly, we don’t get to take that season, but we will take the first NBA season (1975-76) of George McGinnis.

McGinnis averaged 23.0 points, 12.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists to go along with 2.6 steals. The NBA didn’t have a three-point line that season, but McGinnis did shoot 35.4 percent from deep on 2.2 attempts per game a year earlier, so it feels safe to assume that he could have shot fine if the NBA had had a three-point line that year.

Round 6: 2016-17 Mike Conley

The Wizards are taking 2016017 Mike Conley as our backup point guard. He shot 40 percent from deep and scored a career-high 20.5 points per game. He’ll help bring some of that grit-and-grind Grizzlies mentality to the Wizards but can also provide offense if our starting point guard, Walt Frazier, isn’t making shots. It wasn’t Conley’s best defensive season, but I trust him to play hard.

Round 7: 2016-17 Serge Ibaka

Ibaka’s defensive numbers were down this season, but his improved three-point shooting is a good trade-off for this team. He can still block enough shots to rotate down to the 5 when we go small, plus he can stretch the floor enough to help some of the worse shooters on this team get better lanes into the paint.

Round 8: 1997-98 Shareef Abdur-Rahim

The Washington Wizards are going to bring in some more offense, choosing the 1997-98 version of Shareef Abdur-Rahim. In his second professional season, Abdur-Rahim scored 22.3 points per game and shot 48.5 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from deep. He can be the big scoring threat off our bench.

Round 9: 2017-18 Brad Stevens

The Celtics might not need a coach, but the Wizards’ragtagg crew with too many pre-’90s dudes needs someone who can get them playing modern NBA-level basketball. We need a coach who is intimately familiar with where the league is at right now and has proven that he can get a team a top-two seed in back-to-back seasons despite injuries and a ton of young players. Maybe this coach doesn’t have an NBA title, but in 2018 you need someone who knows the ins and outs of the modern game, not someone who was a great coach 30 years ago.

Round 10: 2001-02 Raef LaFrentz

Only four players have ever shot 35 percent or better from three on two or more attempts per game AND also averaged at least a pair of blocks per game. The Wizards are excited to welcome the only one of those players still on the board: 2001-02 Raef LaFrentz, who shot 38.8 percent from deep while blocking 2.7 shots per game. He can protect the rim for us, and he can also draw the defense out of the paint on the other end.

Round 11: 1995-96 Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf

The Wizards are taking Steph Curry…I mean, we’re taking 1995-96 Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf. He led the league in free-throw percentage, shot 39.2 percent from deep and…well, we have the defensive talent to hide him on that end.

Round 12: 1980-81 Otis Birdsong

Birdsong had one of the best field-goal percentages in the three-point era by a shooting guard, but he didn’t actually do that well on actual three-point field goals. Still, his efficiency will bring a different dimension to the Washington offense.

Round 13: 1967-68 Dave DeBusschere

DeBusschere played before there was a three-point line, but anecdotes and the visual evidence we have suggests he was shooting threes before they were threes. Getting one of the first stretch 4 in Round 13 feels like a steal; if he ends up unable to keep up with the modern game, there are enough other guys on the team who can play the 4 anyway.

Round 14: 2012-13 Larry Sanders

The Wizards need some more interior defense, so we’re grabbing 2012-13 Larry Sanders. He had 2.8 blocks per game, and it was also his best defensive season.

Round 15: 2014-15 Harrison Barnes

Barnes was effective as the Warriors’ fourth option, so maybe he’ll be effective here as the 14th option. He can play the 3 or the 4, shoot the ball, and…well, that’s really all I’ll ask of him.

Round 16: 2002-03 David Wesley

George Gervin and Otis Birdsong can both do a lot of cool things offensively—Gervin is, well, Gervin, and Birdsong had one of the most efficient seasons ever for a shooting guard—but neither guy is reliable as a three-point shooter, so the Wizards’ final pick will be to get another 2, but one who can hit from deep: 2002-03 David Wesley. (Also, he was very good in NBA Live that year, and at this point I am letting that color my decision-making.)

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Major thanks to Bryant Knox, Andy Bailey, Sean Highkin, Bryan Kalbrosky, Adi Joseph, T.J. McBride, Adam Spinella, Justin Carter, Tony East, Christopher Walder, Tyler Conway, Tom Rende, Dan Favale, Alex Kennedy, Krishna Narsu, Ben Leibowitz, Patrick Oxford, Marvin Barge, Whitney Medworth, Frank Urbina, Alex West, Nekias Duncan, Adam Fromal, Ryan Blackburn, Josh Eberley, Jacob Bourne, Tim Stubbs, Arjun Baradwaj, Adam Mares and Matt Way for their participation in this project. 

All stats, unless otherwise indicated, come from NBA Math, ESPN, NBA.com or Basketball-Reference.com.