Post by Herby New Year! on Oct 18, 2021 10:02:34 GMT -5
Good morning GMs!
In an effort to stave off the dolldrums of the draft and free agency to start the work week, we bring you a second installment of the free agency fantasy draft.
Enjoy!
20s Patrick Ewing
Delap Nick Van Exel
Fason Joe Dumars
Tim Chris Mullin
Heebs Chris Webber
Heebs Andrew Bogut
Tim Jamal Mashburn
Fason Terry Porter
Delap T.J. Warren
20s Cenk Akyol
20s Dave Jamerson
Delap Joe Alexander
Fason Arvydas Sabonis
Tim Nathan Jawai
Heebs Xavier McDaniel
Heebs Anfernee Hardaway
Tim Felton Spencer
Fason Rodney McCray
Delap Clint Capela
20s Antonio Gates
20s Charles Oakley
Delap Shawn Kemp Jr.
Fason George Lynch
Tim Dante Exum
Heebs Amare Stoudamire
Heebs Mike Dunleavy Jr
Tim Benoit Benjamin
Fason Greg Oden
Delap Isaiah Rider
20s Brian Roberts
20s Mike Smrek
Delap Chris Paul
Fason Joakim Noah
Tim Nicolas Batum
Heebs JR Giddens
Heebs Kemba Walker
Tim Isaiah Thomas
Fason Joseph Fogarty
Delap Lloyd Sharrar
20s Marcus Smart
Fason
C: Arvydas Sabonis / Joakim Noah / Arvydas Sabonis
PF: Greg Oden / Joakim Noah / Greg Oden
SF: George Lynch / Rodney McCray / Rodney McCray
SG: Joe Dumars / Rodney McCray / Joe Dumars
PG: Terry Porter / Joseph Fogarty / Terry Porter
1. Joe Dumars
2. Terry Porter
3. Arvydas Sabonis
Very Fast
Often
Never
Outside
Tim on Fason: This is an intriguing team as Porter has been more efficient than I realized and probably has an opportunity to put up big points in an outside offense. We know Dumars is an absolute stud all-around which should help make up for some of Porter's defensive counting stat deficiencies. We know exactly what Lynch and Oden are and they're certainly best suited to play in an outside offense. I was this close to drafting Sabonis but was scared off when I saw he was averaging 4 TOs per 36 at the time. I worry about this team's scoring depth as once you get past Dumars and Porter (assuming Porter can be a top option), the only other guy who can score is Fogarty unless you're counting on Sabonis but he looks like an inside guy.
Heebs on Fason: This is a well constructed team with Dumars and Porter in an outside scoring offense running (I assume) pick and pops with Sabonis all day. I’m already having nightmares trying to defense this team in NBA 2k.
20s on Fason: This should be a very strong defensive team and that is the first thing that pops out to me. They are headlined by their guard combo of Dumars and Porter and that is where most of their scoring is going to need to come from. The biggest weakness on this team is probably lack of scoring options outside of Dumars and Porter and I worry that if both of those guys aren't hitting, this team could pick up a few losses. Overall, I think team Fason should be elite defensively but just doesn't have enough scoring punch to win the whole thing against their competition.
Delap on Fason: Where's the scoring? I like the individual parts of this team, but together I worry about the scoring heft. He's relying 100% on defense, which, to be fair, won my team this exercise last time. Fogarty and McCray are gonna need to score in bunches off the bench for them to have a chance. Dumars was the right pick... but after that I don't really like this team construction. My gut reaction is that this is the worst overall team of the bunch.
Fason on Fason: Unlike last time, I tried to pick a team that makes sense, I just had no plan for which type of team. I love Dumars, he and Wagner IMO are the only SGs worth a max. Porter seemed like the BPA for my second pick and from there I went outside focused. I like Sabonis, a couple years ago he looked on his way to being one of the better bigs in the league, then Fecta stopped setting a DC. I regret taking McCray rather than Rider. Rest of the team was picked to emulate what 20s does with the Cougars. I don’t think my team would have a shot to win unless Sabonis has a strong TC and becomes legit.
20s
C: Patrick Ewing / Mike Smrek / Charles Oakley
PF: Charles Oakley / Mike Smrek / Patrick Ewing
SF: Dave Jamerson / Antonio Gates / Cenk Akyol
SG: Cenk Akyol / Antonio Gates / Dave Jamerson
PG: Brian Roberts / Marcus Smart / Brian Roberts
1. Patrick Ewing
2. Dave Jamerson
3. Cenk Akyol
Very Fast
Often
Never
Balanced
Delap on 20s: Ewing over NVE was probably a mistake, but we'll see how it goes. The team is well-balanced, but at least the Smrek pick feels like a reach when there were likely better bigs on the board. This team should be neck and neck with mine for the championship, assuming that Ewing and Oakley's FT shooting doesn't tank them down the stretch of a big game in the playoffs. Gates was a real steal/smart pick. The overall wing rotation for 20s is probably the strongest of the group. Marcus Smart was maligned last go 'round, but he's a defensive whiz... and as a backup to another gritty glue-type he can't do too much damaged with his subpar offense.
Fason on 20s: 20s had the misfortune of picking first this time. I know he regretted taking Ewing over NVE, but I’d probably have taken Ewing too even though his stats have dropped this year. The only pick I didn’t like was Cenky. I’d rather have seen 20s take Joe Alexander, but he was able to grab Gates in the later rounds. I still like Oakley no matter what Trofie says, Oak is one of the better rebounders in the league. I’d like this team more with Gates at SF & Jamerson at SG then using inside focus.
Heebs on 20s: The best defensive team drafted, which you know I love. Ewing is a stud and will be the focal point of this offense, but Jamerson and Cenk can help round out the scoring. I was really hoping to snag Akyol with Xavier for my wings, so kudos to 20s for drafting him before I had a chance.
20s on 20s: I only looked at the expiring rookies when making pick 1.1 so I missed out on NVE, but Ewing is still a great piece to build around. I also think my team should be very strong defensively with a ton of guys who get a lot of steals and blocks. Everyone on the team scores pretty efficiently and I don't see any major holes. Rebounding could be an issue starting both Chenky Baby and Jamerson, but I tried to mitigate that by surrounding them with elite rebounders in Ewing, Oakley, and Gates. I went with Gates as backup wing in order to provide some more rebounding help. Overall, I really like how my team turned out.
Tim on 20s: Aside from Dumars, Ewing is probably the best two-way player in this class and I think it makes more sense for this team to run a balanced offense with him and Jamerson. I'm surprised 20s started Cenk, who has become a bit of a forgotten man, over Gates who is still getting it done in his late 30s. Roberts is a good fit as a game manager point guard and I like Smrek coming off the bench for his two-way play quite a bit. Perhaps putting Gates on the second unit would be to make up for some of Smrek's lack of rebounding. Oakley has been a disappointment in Milwaukee, but with nearly 13 rebounds per 36, he will be helpful to offset the lack of boards that Jamerson and Cenk provide. This team is probably my pick to win this "tournament".
Delap
C Clint Capela / Lloyd Sharrar / Clint Capela
PF Shawn Kemp Jr. / Lloyd Sharrar / Shawn Kemp Jr.
SF Joe Alexander / Isaiah Rider / T.J. Warren
SG T.J. Warren / Isaiah Rider / Joe Alexander
PG Nick Van Exel / Chris Paul / Nick Van Exel
1. NVE
2. Kemp Jr.
3. Rider
Very Fast
Often
Never
Balanced
Heebs on Delap: The only great PG in this FA class gets scooped up early and could be a game changer for Team Delap. The rest of the squad is more than solid and I think this team may be my favorite despite Van Exel being the only legitimate stud. There is just more than enough at the rest of the positions to compete every day.
20s on Delap: The defending champ is back with another solid group. I loved the NVE pick at 2, but am not sure how how he built the team around Nick. I feel like you kind of have to go with an Outside team after taking NVE at 2 in order to take full advantage of his skillset, but delap instead chose to surround him with Inside scoring focused wings in TJ Warren and Joe Alexander. This team is a case where I really like all of the individual players, but I am not sure about their fit together as a unit. Isaiah Rider may have been the value pick of the draft with how late he went. I really liked him and considered him over Gates, but ended up going with Gates because I was trying to focus on rebounding at that point. I would actually start Rider over Warren, he had a monster year for the Spurs.
Fason on Delap: I think Delap’s team has the most overall talent but not sure how well they fit together. NVE is obviously great and an MVP candidate, the wings are efficient and the bigs block shots and rebound. I love the Rider pick and regret not grabbing him for my team. I think I’d like this team better with Rider starting for Warren and with outside focus.
Tim on Delap: NVE got things off on the right foot, but I'm usually skeptical of a team that's running a Balanced offense that doesn't have an inside/outside combo combining Embiid and Kyrie, for example. NVE is great and was certainly a candidate to go 1.1, but the rest of this team is pretty lacking IMO. Kemp is past his prime at this point and was signed to an MLE, so having him as your second scoring option doesn't seem ideal. Alexander is efficient but doesn't offer anything by way of defense and only average rebounding. Clint Capela and T.J. Warren are also players who were signed to exceptions. So that's 60% of the starting lineup made up of exception level players. I really like the Isaiah Rider pick, however, and think he'd be a solid starter for this team. I like an outside offense featuring NVE and Rider with Kemp snagging offensive boards and Capela providing defense.
Delap on Delap: I was happy to snag NVE at #2, though I briefly considered Dumars. NVE is well above any other PG in the class and should prove to be the edge I need in the playoffs. I grabbed wings that could score since I absolutely couldn't go to an Inside offense with NVE at the helm. I was surprised Rider fell to the bench picks, but I was happy to grab him with my first backup pick. Kemp Jr. and Sharrar are no spring chickens... but as long as this exercise is completed before they retire/TC kills them, I am happy with where they are for 3014. I don't see any holes in my squad and think I'm in strong contention for a Top 2 squad.
Tim
C: Nathan Jawai / Felton Spencer / Nathan Jawai
PF: Benoit Benjamin / Felton Spencer / Benoit Benjamin
SF: Jamal Mashburn / Nicolas Batum / Jamal Mashburn
SG: Chris Mullin / Nicolas Batum / Chris Mullin
PG: Dante Exum / Isaiah Thomas / Dante Exum
1. Chris Mullin
2. Nathan Jawai
3. Jamal Mashburn
Fast
Always
Never
Inside
Fason on Tim: Oh Tim, things started so well with picking Mullen, but then went downhill after Mashburn. I’m not a big fan of the the Jawal/Spencer type bigs that only score. Benjamin hasn’t played really at all the last two years so not entirely sure what he is, he could be a good D/R big but this team is running inside. Having said all that I’m fully expecting this team to lead in scoring and win the tournament if Eric runs it again.
Delap on Tim: I don't love the PG spot or Benjamin (big unknown given his lack of recent PT)... but the wings are a fantastic pairing and Jawai has been underrated and utilized for years. I don't really like any of the bench pieces, though. If his starters play big big minutes, I like the team. However, I don't see that happening. He'll end up bottom 2 with Fason. Ultimately his bench just leaves me wanting a lot more. Batum and Thomas are just guys... Spencer can score at a great rate but is a ghastly bad defender/rebounder.
Heebs on Tim: I don’t like the Mullin pick this early, but feel like it might make sense with the rest of the roster. This team may get beat on the boards, or it just may not need to rebound given how well they all shoot the ball.
20s on Tim: I feel like this is a very well constructed Inside focus team. It's almost the reverse of Team Delap where I like the sum of this team's parts more than the individual players themselves. Mullin and Mashburn form a fantastic scoring win duo and Jawai is an underappreciated scorer down low. I do wonder if this team would struggle rebounding against the competition and feel like if they have a weakness, it would be getting beat on the glass by the other squads. Overall, I feel like this is a very competitive team, but not my favorite to win it all.
Tim on Tim: This roster is asking a lot of Mullin, a guy who hasn't proven he can be the #1 guy on a competitive team. Jawai and Spencer are hyper-efficient bigs but their rebounding is lacking a bit, as is Mullin's, which is where a guy like Mashburn would be very important. Benjamin and Exum are decent defenders but I'm not sure this team gets very far without some additional rebounding help and a true defensive stopper. With four efficient inside scorers, I think this team would be able to score with any of the other squads in this exercise, but there isn't a true all-around player on this roster and too many holes on the glass and defensively.
Heebs
C: Andrew Bogut / Amar'e Stoudamire / Andrew Bogut
PF: Chris Webber / Amar'e Stoudamire / Chris Webber
SF: Mike Dunleavy Jr / JR Giddens / Mike Dunleavy Jr
SG: Xavier McDaniels / JR Giddens / Xavier McDaniels
PG: Anfernee Hardaway / Kemba Walker / Anfernee Hardaway
Fast
Always
Never
Inside
1. Webber
2. Bogut
3. McDaniel
Tim on Heebs: I love the bigs in Bogut and Webber, who both contribute offensively and defensively, but past that I think this team would struggle. Penny has been a disappointment, though he may be OK as this team's third scoring option. McDaniel and Dunleavy are providing nothing scoring-wise, but like Bogut, they should help on defense even if the counting numbers don't reflect that. Amar'e had a nice little come-up offensively this year, which I hadn't noticed as he withers away in Houston. That'll be huge for this inside-oriented team and makes them the biggest competitor to Carolina, IMO.
20s on Heebs: This team should absolutely own on the glass. Bogut, Webber, Xman, and Penny are all elite rebounders for their positions. Dunleavy might be the worst starting player on any of the teams, however. He can chip in on the glass, but they were already covered there and not sure he is brining much else to the table. I think this team might struggle to score outside of the big men, but maybe the hope is the wings just funnel all the shots to the bigs. Overall, I really like this team and might make it my non-homer favorite to win the tourney.
Delap on Heebs: The best team, quite easily, if we are just looking at the IRL careers of the players involved. However... This team will ride or die with it's inside trio, which I think ended up being the strongest of the bunch. Bogut/Webber/Amar'e can be a real scoring force and get other teams into major foul trouble. X-Man offers additional rebounding heft and Dunleavy will be asked to score as well. Penny has been underwhelming in 6.0, but is solid. His final picks, Giddens and Walker are just kinda dudes. Walker especially doesn't inspire much hope in me. This team feels like a solid step above Tim/Fason, but a step below 20s/myself.
Fason on Heebs: Heebs did the best job picking a team that makes sense. Savvy move to give himself the fifth pick, I love the two picks he made committing to inside focused. Other than vs 20s’ bigs, Webber and Bogut should dominate. They then have an SF/SG/PG trio that can all rebound well for their position. My only knock on this team would be I don’t think any of the three bench players are anything other than LLE candidates unless Stoudamire has a randomly great TC.
Heebs on Heebs: This time I didn’t chase a wing at the start of the draft and instead built an inside offense around Bogut and Webber. I didn’t love drafting Bogut because he doesn’t have the defensive counting stats, but the A- shown defense means he’s going to be denying other bigs post position for sure. With the draft being run via google sheets (h/t Tim) things went faster and I felt a little rushed picking backups. I feel like the second unit will ride or die with how Kemba and Amar’e play.
In an effort to stave off the dolldrums of the draft and free agency to start the work week, we bring you a second installment of the free agency fantasy draft.
Enjoy!
20s Patrick Ewing
Delap Nick Van Exel
Fason Joe Dumars
Tim Chris Mullin
Heebs Chris Webber
Heebs Andrew Bogut
Tim Jamal Mashburn
Fason Terry Porter
Delap T.J. Warren
20s Cenk Akyol
20s Dave Jamerson
Delap Joe Alexander
Fason Arvydas Sabonis
Tim Nathan Jawai
Heebs Xavier McDaniel
Heebs Anfernee Hardaway
Tim Felton Spencer
Fason Rodney McCray
Delap Clint Capela
20s Antonio Gates
20s Charles Oakley
Delap Shawn Kemp Jr.
Fason George Lynch
Tim Dante Exum
Heebs Amare Stoudamire
Heebs Mike Dunleavy Jr
Tim Benoit Benjamin
Fason Greg Oden
Delap Isaiah Rider
20s Brian Roberts
20s Mike Smrek
Delap Chris Paul
Fason Joakim Noah
Tim Nicolas Batum
Heebs JR Giddens
Heebs Kemba Walker
Tim Isaiah Thomas
Fason Joseph Fogarty
Delap Lloyd Sharrar
20s Marcus Smart
Fason
C: Arvydas Sabonis / Joakim Noah / Arvydas Sabonis
PF: Greg Oden / Joakim Noah / Greg Oden
SF: George Lynch / Rodney McCray / Rodney McCray
SG: Joe Dumars / Rodney McCray / Joe Dumars
PG: Terry Porter / Joseph Fogarty / Terry Porter
1. Joe Dumars
2. Terry Porter
3. Arvydas Sabonis
Very Fast
Often
Never
Outside
Tim on Fason: This is an intriguing team as Porter has been more efficient than I realized and probably has an opportunity to put up big points in an outside offense. We know Dumars is an absolute stud all-around which should help make up for some of Porter's defensive counting stat deficiencies. We know exactly what Lynch and Oden are and they're certainly best suited to play in an outside offense. I was this close to drafting Sabonis but was scared off when I saw he was averaging 4 TOs per 36 at the time. I worry about this team's scoring depth as once you get past Dumars and Porter (assuming Porter can be a top option), the only other guy who can score is Fogarty unless you're counting on Sabonis but he looks like an inside guy.
Heebs on Fason: This is a well constructed team with Dumars and Porter in an outside scoring offense running (I assume) pick and pops with Sabonis all day. I’m already having nightmares trying to defense this team in NBA 2k.
20s on Fason: This should be a very strong defensive team and that is the first thing that pops out to me. They are headlined by their guard combo of Dumars and Porter and that is where most of their scoring is going to need to come from. The biggest weakness on this team is probably lack of scoring options outside of Dumars and Porter and I worry that if both of those guys aren't hitting, this team could pick up a few losses. Overall, I think team Fason should be elite defensively but just doesn't have enough scoring punch to win the whole thing against their competition.
Delap on Fason: Where's the scoring? I like the individual parts of this team, but together I worry about the scoring heft. He's relying 100% on defense, which, to be fair, won my team this exercise last time. Fogarty and McCray are gonna need to score in bunches off the bench for them to have a chance. Dumars was the right pick... but after that I don't really like this team construction. My gut reaction is that this is the worst overall team of the bunch.
Fason on Fason: Unlike last time, I tried to pick a team that makes sense, I just had no plan for which type of team. I love Dumars, he and Wagner IMO are the only SGs worth a max. Porter seemed like the BPA for my second pick and from there I went outside focused. I like Sabonis, a couple years ago he looked on his way to being one of the better bigs in the league, then Fecta stopped setting a DC. I regret taking McCray rather than Rider. Rest of the team was picked to emulate what 20s does with the Cougars. I don’t think my team would have a shot to win unless Sabonis has a strong TC and becomes legit.
20s
C: Patrick Ewing / Mike Smrek / Charles Oakley
PF: Charles Oakley / Mike Smrek / Patrick Ewing
SF: Dave Jamerson / Antonio Gates / Cenk Akyol
SG: Cenk Akyol / Antonio Gates / Dave Jamerson
PG: Brian Roberts / Marcus Smart / Brian Roberts
1. Patrick Ewing
2. Dave Jamerson
3. Cenk Akyol
Very Fast
Often
Never
Balanced
Delap on 20s: Ewing over NVE was probably a mistake, but we'll see how it goes. The team is well-balanced, but at least the Smrek pick feels like a reach when there were likely better bigs on the board. This team should be neck and neck with mine for the championship, assuming that Ewing and Oakley's FT shooting doesn't tank them down the stretch of a big game in the playoffs. Gates was a real steal/smart pick. The overall wing rotation for 20s is probably the strongest of the group. Marcus Smart was maligned last go 'round, but he's a defensive whiz... and as a backup to another gritty glue-type he can't do too much damaged with his subpar offense.
Fason on 20s: 20s had the misfortune of picking first this time. I know he regretted taking Ewing over NVE, but I’d probably have taken Ewing too even though his stats have dropped this year. The only pick I didn’t like was Cenky. I’d rather have seen 20s take Joe Alexander, but he was able to grab Gates in the later rounds. I still like Oakley no matter what Trofie says, Oak is one of the better rebounders in the league. I’d like this team more with Gates at SF & Jamerson at SG then using inside focus.
Heebs on 20s: The best defensive team drafted, which you know I love. Ewing is a stud and will be the focal point of this offense, but Jamerson and Cenk can help round out the scoring. I was really hoping to snag Akyol with Xavier for my wings, so kudos to 20s for drafting him before I had a chance.
20s on 20s: I only looked at the expiring rookies when making pick 1.1 so I missed out on NVE, but Ewing is still a great piece to build around. I also think my team should be very strong defensively with a ton of guys who get a lot of steals and blocks. Everyone on the team scores pretty efficiently and I don't see any major holes. Rebounding could be an issue starting both Chenky Baby and Jamerson, but I tried to mitigate that by surrounding them with elite rebounders in Ewing, Oakley, and Gates. I went with Gates as backup wing in order to provide some more rebounding help. Overall, I really like how my team turned out.
Tim on 20s: Aside from Dumars, Ewing is probably the best two-way player in this class and I think it makes more sense for this team to run a balanced offense with him and Jamerson. I'm surprised 20s started Cenk, who has become a bit of a forgotten man, over Gates who is still getting it done in his late 30s. Roberts is a good fit as a game manager point guard and I like Smrek coming off the bench for his two-way play quite a bit. Perhaps putting Gates on the second unit would be to make up for some of Smrek's lack of rebounding. Oakley has been a disappointment in Milwaukee, but with nearly 13 rebounds per 36, he will be helpful to offset the lack of boards that Jamerson and Cenk provide. This team is probably my pick to win this "tournament".
Delap
C Clint Capela / Lloyd Sharrar / Clint Capela
PF Shawn Kemp Jr. / Lloyd Sharrar / Shawn Kemp Jr.
SF Joe Alexander / Isaiah Rider / T.J. Warren
SG T.J. Warren / Isaiah Rider / Joe Alexander
PG Nick Van Exel / Chris Paul / Nick Van Exel
1. NVE
2. Kemp Jr.
3. Rider
Very Fast
Often
Never
Balanced
Heebs on Delap: The only great PG in this FA class gets scooped up early and could be a game changer for Team Delap. The rest of the squad is more than solid and I think this team may be my favorite despite Van Exel being the only legitimate stud. There is just more than enough at the rest of the positions to compete every day.
20s on Delap: The defending champ is back with another solid group. I loved the NVE pick at 2, but am not sure how how he built the team around Nick. I feel like you kind of have to go with an Outside team after taking NVE at 2 in order to take full advantage of his skillset, but delap instead chose to surround him with Inside scoring focused wings in TJ Warren and Joe Alexander. This team is a case where I really like all of the individual players, but I am not sure about their fit together as a unit. Isaiah Rider may have been the value pick of the draft with how late he went. I really liked him and considered him over Gates, but ended up going with Gates because I was trying to focus on rebounding at that point. I would actually start Rider over Warren, he had a monster year for the Spurs.
Fason on Delap: I think Delap’s team has the most overall talent but not sure how well they fit together. NVE is obviously great and an MVP candidate, the wings are efficient and the bigs block shots and rebound. I love the Rider pick and regret not grabbing him for my team. I think I’d like this team better with Rider starting for Warren and with outside focus.
Tim on Delap: NVE got things off on the right foot, but I'm usually skeptical of a team that's running a Balanced offense that doesn't have an inside/outside combo combining Embiid and Kyrie, for example. NVE is great and was certainly a candidate to go 1.1, but the rest of this team is pretty lacking IMO. Kemp is past his prime at this point and was signed to an MLE, so having him as your second scoring option doesn't seem ideal. Alexander is efficient but doesn't offer anything by way of defense and only average rebounding. Clint Capela and T.J. Warren are also players who were signed to exceptions. So that's 60% of the starting lineup made up of exception level players. I really like the Isaiah Rider pick, however, and think he'd be a solid starter for this team. I like an outside offense featuring NVE and Rider with Kemp snagging offensive boards and Capela providing defense.
Delap on Delap: I was happy to snag NVE at #2, though I briefly considered Dumars. NVE is well above any other PG in the class and should prove to be the edge I need in the playoffs. I grabbed wings that could score since I absolutely couldn't go to an Inside offense with NVE at the helm. I was surprised Rider fell to the bench picks, but I was happy to grab him with my first backup pick. Kemp Jr. and Sharrar are no spring chickens... but as long as this exercise is completed before they retire/TC kills them, I am happy with where they are for 3014. I don't see any holes in my squad and think I'm in strong contention for a Top 2 squad.
Tim
C: Nathan Jawai / Felton Spencer / Nathan Jawai
PF: Benoit Benjamin / Felton Spencer / Benoit Benjamin
SF: Jamal Mashburn / Nicolas Batum / Jamal Mashburn
SG: Chris Mullin / Nicolas Batum / Chris Mullin
PG: Dante Exum / Isaiah Thomas / Dante Exum
1. Chris Mullin
2. Nathan Jawai
3. Jamal Mashburn
Fast
Always
Never
Inside
Fason on Tim: Oh Tim, things started so well with picking Mullen, but then went downhill after Mashburn. I’m not a big fan of the the Jawal/Spencer type bigs that only score. Benjamin hasn’t played really at all the last two years so not entirely sure what he is, he could be a good D/R big but this team is running inside. Having said all that I’m fully expecting this team to lead in scoring and win the tournament if Eric runs it again.
Delap on Tim: I don't love the PG spot or Benjamin (big unknown given his lack of recent PT)... but the wings are a fantastic pairing and Jawai has been underrated and utilized for years. I don't really like any of the bench pieces, though. If his starters play big big minutes, I like the team. However, I don't see that happening. He'll end up bottom 2 with Fason. Ultimately his bench just leaves me wanting a lot more. Batum and Thomas are just guys... Spencer can score at a great rate but is a ghastly bad defender/rebounder.
Heebs on Tim: I don’t like the Mullin pick this early, but feel like it might make sense with the rest of the roster. This team may get beat on the boards, or it just may not need to rebound given how well they all shoot the ball.
20s on Tim: I feel like this is a very well constructed Inside focus team. It's almost the reverse of Team Delap where I like the sum of this team's parts more than the individual players themselves. Mullin and Mashburn form a fantastic scoring win duo and Jawai is an underappreciated scorer down low. I do wonder if this team would struggle rebounding against the competition and feel like if they have a weakness, it would be getting beat on the glass by the other squads. Overall, I feel like this is a very competitive team, but not my favorite to win it all.
Tim on Tim: This roster is asking a lot of Mullin, a guy who hasn't proven he can be the #1 guy on a competitive team. Jawai and Spencer are hyper-efficient bigs but their rebounding is lacking a bit, as is Mullin's, which is where a guy like Mashburn would be very important. Benjamin and Exum are decent defenders but I'm not sure this team gets very far without some additional rebounding help and a true defensive stopper. With four efficient inside scorers, I think this team would be able to score with any of the other squads in this exercise, but there isn't a true all-around player on this roster and too many holes on the glass and defensively.
Heebs
C: Andrew Bogut / Amar'e Stoudamire / Andrew Bogut
PF: Chris Webber / Amar'e Stoudamire / Chris Webber
SF: Mike Dunleavy Jr / JR Giddens / Mike Dunleavy Jr
SG: Xavier McDaniels / JR Giddens / Xavier McDaniels
PG: Anfernee Hardaway / Kemba Walker / Anfernee Hardaway
Fast
Always
Never
Inside
1. Webber
2. Bogut
3. McDaniel
Tim on Heebs: I love the bigs in Bogut and Webber, who both contribute offensively and defensively, but past that I think this team would struggle. Penny has been a disappointment, though he may be OK as this team's third scoring option. McDaniel and Dunleavy are providing nothing scoring-wise, but like Bogut, they should help on defense even if the counting numbers don't reflect that. Amar'e had a nice little come-up offensively this year, which I hadn't noticed as he withers away in Houston. That'll be huge for this inside-oriented team and makes them the biggest competitor to Carolina, IMO.
20s on Heebs: This team should absolutely own on the glass. Bogut, Webber, Xman, and Penny are all elite rebounders for their positions. Dunleavy might be the worst starting player on any of the teams, however. He can chip in on the glass, but they were already covered there and not sure he is brining much else to the table. I think this team might struggle to score outside of the big men, but maybe the hope is the wings just funnel all the shots to the bigs. Overall, I really like this team and might make it my non-homer favorite to win the tourney.
Delap on Heebs: The best team, quite easily, if we are just looking at the IRL careers of the players involved. However... This team will ride or die with it's inside trio, which I think ended up being the strongest of the bunch. Bogut/Webber/Amar'e can be a real scoring force and get other teams into major foul trouble. X-Man offers additional rebounding heft and Dunleavy will be asked to score as well. Penny has been underwhelming in 6.0, but is solid. His final picks, Giddens and Walker are just kinda dudes. Walker especially doesn't inspire much hope in me. This team feels like a solid step above Tim/Fason, but a step below 20s/myself.
Fason on Heebs: Heebs did the best job picking a team that makes sense. Savvy move to give himself the fifth pick, I love the two picks he made committing to inside focused. Other than vs 20s’ bigs, Webber and Bogut should dominate. They then have an SF/SG/PG trio that can all rebound well for their position. My only knock on this team would be I don’t think any of the three bench players are anything other than LLE candidates unless Stoudamire has a randomly great TC.
Heebs on Heebs: This time I didn’t chase a wing at the start of the draft and instead built an inside offense around Bogut and Webber. I didn’t love drafting Bogut because he doesn’t have the defensive counting stats, but the A- shown defense means he’s going to be denying other bigs post position for sure. With the draft being run via google sheets (h/t Tim) things went faster and I felt a little rushed picking backups. I feel like the second unit will ride or die with how Kemba and Amar’e play.
