If you missed part one, here is the link:
http://sportsworldbliss.blogspot.com/2011/03/nba-redraft-odyssey-mb-vp-2011-part-i.html
Quick Recap of picks 1-10
1. Rose
2. Durant
3. Dwight
4. DWill
5. Melo
6. Lebron
7. Rondo
8. Amare
9. Pau
10. Westbrook
Let’s get right back into it.
11.
Bliss runs to the podium and selects: LaMarcus Aldridge
He might be the best PF right now. (For those screaming for Amare, DEFENSE COUNTS. And, Amare is at .500 in a system built for him and now with another superstar. LMA lost his superstar and his team is over .600). He is productive, can play fast or slow, and can play some center. His shot is awesome, and his assertiveness is great. LMA has consistently shown intelligence and a veteran hand.
VP Commentary: Aldridge is the 2nd best PF right now (Amare says hi). Still, he’s playing out of his mind this year and showing that promise that made the Blazers rush to sign him to an extension the first chance they got. I like him as the offensive centerpiece for this team, and although the slow down pace that Portland plays at makes his points allowed look better, he’s certainly capable of defensive success and leading the right squad to a ring.
That being said, I’d rather have this next guy.
12.
VP, giddy with excitement at finally having him on his team, selects: Eric Gordon
The Knicks may have passed on him in 2008, but I won’t be making the same mistake! I’ve been a fan of Gordon’s game since his Indy days, and his all-around ability is going to be an asset on any team. He’s got a sweet shooting stroke, can pass well, actually cares about defense, and is the reason why the next guy on this list is able to make the headlines that he does.
Bliss Commentary – I love him as well, and cannot argue. He will create for you, and is a good kid. Cannot to see him leave LA. Whoops……
13.
Bliss jumps over a car to run to the podium and select: Blake Griffin
Franchise star. Marketable. Developing. Top 5 athlete, top 15 production. Not sure he is a “winner” per se, but his team will win some games just by his presence. No more explanation required.
VP Commentary: Team 13 has just announced they have sold out all their tickets for the next season! I love this pick, I’m a Griffin fan (isn’t everyone), and any GM would kill to build around this kid, even if he does play with a reckless abandon that makes you cringe every time he jumps for one of those highlights. And don’t worry Mike, once he takes Chuck’s advice to heart and learns to play at multiple speeds (he only plays at top gear right now), he’ll prove he’s a winner.
14.
VP selects: Kevin Love
Love is a rebounding machine, has great fundamentals, and is one of the best passing big men in the league (just look at his outlet passes and you’ll see why Durant and Westbrook were recruiting him during the ASG this year). He's having a heck of a season this year, unlike any we've seen in our lifetimes. He’s the only good player on his team, which means defenses only have to worry about him, yet he still puts up 53 consecutive double-doubles. Easy pick for team 14.
Bliss Commentary – I love him, and he’s productive. I just don’t know what you do to build around him. Athletic center, scorer? But he is great and professional. And few work harder.
VP Response: Haha, you “love” him.
Bliss Commentary – Really?
15.
Bliss selects: Al Horford
He puts up 16-10 as a third banana. Without JJ shooting 20 times a game, he’d score 22 a game. He’s a winner. He won repeat championships in college and his arrival arguably pushed the Hawks into contention talk. And he plays out of position. He is extremely athletic, and has great %s and efficiency.
VP Commentary:
“Vishal: He disappears sometimes in key games.
Michael: Yeah, but so does Lebron.
Vishal: Zing!”
16.
VP selects: Joakim Noah
Just like Horford, Noah has a winning pedigree with the repeat at Florida and has been in the playoffs regularly with the Bulls. He’s always had that great motor and is a force to be reckoned with on defense, and he’s improved enough offensively that he’s not a liability there anymore. Plus, with his attitude, there’s still some room for growth. Positional scarcity pushes him to this spot for me; you need that defensive anchor when you’re trying to win a ring.
Bliss Commentary – I like him and no argument. But here is a statement I want to make. It is just the first time I thought in this draft “we require this type of player to complement this guy to make the team work”. To me that represents a cut off. Everyone else, even Love, has been pretty self sufficient. Thought that was an important comment to make.
VP Response: I can’t argue with you that Noah limits your options in terms of team-building. But you can find scoring in this league pretty easily, and there’ll be plenty of options in round 2 to find a good match for Noah. It’s the same argument you gave for Dwight last year.
17.
Bliss selects: John Wall
A leader and a winner. He is exciting, and his natural skills are awesome. He is averaging 9 assists passing to Javale McGee and some French dude. And speed is key. A jump shot would round out the repertoire. And I love the dougie.
VP Commentary: I love this pick. Wall has way too much upside, if there is such a thing, and that's saying something since he's already having a great rookie campaign. Just imagine what he would do if he had a better cast around him than the scrubs he plays with in Washington. Once the Blake euphoria subsides, everybody will be doing the John Wall. My favorite line at this pick:
Bliss: “people in the stands are screaming that he is still available”
18.
VP selects: Rudy Gay
Gotta love the UConn product. He’s athletic, can score from anywhere on the court, uses his long wingspan well on defense, one of the best in-game dunkers in the league (read: exciting to watch), and took the next step to becoming “the guy” on his team.
Bliss Commentary – Love it, no worries. 3 positions. Not sure he is a winner though.
19.
Bliss selects: Dwyane Wade
I couldn’t let him go any further. Yes, he may break down in 2 years, and probably will within 4. But he will produce at an elite level and put you deep in the playoffs. He gives you everything he has, and has a ring. And right now, he is the best two way guard talent wise in the NBA. At 19, this is a steal. And I still cannot remember how to spell his name.
VP Commentary: I say three years tops for Wade before he breaks down. I hope he improves his shooting, because that would definitely allow him to extend his prime. Regardless, this was the right pick by Mike. Just build a win-now team and use Wade’s championship experience to propel you to the top.
20. Heads up: it’s about to get testy.
VP selects: Monta Ellis
Monta is awesome, plain and simple. He’s grown up over the last few years, and now he’s assumed the mantle of leadership for the Warriors and is doing all the right things as the Warriors’ #1 after getting everything in his life settled. He’s gone on the record saying he doesn’t want a trade multiple times and cited the faith his team showed in him and how he always wants to maintain his loyalty to them. Golden State fans love him, even with all the missteps he’s taken over the years, and that tells me everything I need to know about Ellis.
Oh, and if you need proof of his being a legit #1 option for a team, here are his stats for the last 3 seasons, including this one: 40+ minutes/game (he’s a warrior, pardon the pun), 25ppg, 5+ assists per game, and 2+stls/game.
Bliss Commentary: “NO. What. Wait. What.” Let me breath for a second. Okay, so 20ish is a proper time for Ellis. He is there talent wise. I just freak out over this pick because Curry should be over Ellis. And it isn’t even close. Curry is younger. He is a better shooter, from three, from the field, and from the line. He has better pure point guard skills. He is a team player. Curry has been called an offensive savant by Bill Simmons among others, and it is true. Curry understands how to score and produce points. Monta only knows one way, shoot when he has the ball. And there is a place for that. But it isn’t before Stephen.
VP Response: Curry is younger, but Monta’s still only 25! Curry can shoot better, but Monta has an uncanny ability to get to and finish around the rim. Curry definitely does not have better PG skills- there’s a reason he can’t top 6 apg even in an offense-oriented system like GS. He’s a scorer, and a pretty good one at that. Simmons may call him an offensive savant, but he also jumped ship from Durant to Blake. Call me in a couple years to tell me how much he regrets that move when OKC is having their championship parade. Back on point however, Curry’s a HUGE defensive liability; when the Dubs call you out for your defense, there's a problem. Ellis is not great defensively - I grant you that - but he is at least decent.
21. If this next one is a surprise, you haven’t been paying attention.
Bliss selects: Stephen Curry
See my previous paragraph. 95% free throw percentage. OFFENSIVE SAVANT. I’m okay, I really am. But seriously. I cannot even believe he has done as well as he has considering he has had to deal with “chuck it at the hoop” Ellis. He will still grow, and I think he is already as good if not better than Ellis. To me, this is a no brainer.
VP Commentary: Sorry bud, I didn’t realize picking Ellis would lead to this kind of grief for you. I’m fine with this pick. Besides, I think we’ve both debated Curry vs Ellis well enough to make a decent case for each side.
22.
VP selects: Al Jefferson
I hate this part of the draft, because now I start valuing age way more than I’d like to. Still, Jefferson’s one of the best low-post scorers in the league, and I’m happy giving Big Al 5 years and seeing 21-11 every night in return
Bliss Commentary – Really? He’s good and all, but something is off. Couldn’t work with Pierce, never meshed with Love, didn’t work out with DWill. I just wonder if there isn’t a pattern. Nice player, great post game, sieve defensively.
VP Response: I see where you’re coming from, and I grant you that he’s not great defensively (calling him a sieve is a bit harsh though) and that he couldn’t play with Love and Pierce. But Deron had issues with Sloan, not Jefferson.
Bliss Commentary – I don’t mean “arguments” but instead just he never gelled. It never looked right. In any of those places. Heck, it doesn’t look right now.
23.
Bliss selects: Dirk Nowitzki
Will stay like this for years to come. Never won a title but goes deep each year. Game will age gracefully. Prettiest jumper over 6’5 in the league. 90% FT, over 30, 7 footer? Wow. Also, he has 12 game winners. Just saying. Him and Melo are the best crunch time scorers.
VP Commentary: I’m a big Dirk fan, and honestly, he could’ve gone right after Wade and I would have been fine with it. He’s consistently one of the best in the league, his game will age gracefully just as you said, and you can rely on him to win you games. Can’t go wrong with a guy like that.
24.
VP selects: Josh Smith
He’s one heck of an athlete, a dynamic (help) defender -as evidenced by his ridiculous combination of steals and blocks - and can pass quite well for someone who plays SF/PF. Add in some good rebounding and you have an impactful SF that gives you a lot of flexibility to build around.
Bliss Commentary: I’m good. Not sure he can carry a team, but he’s a top 5 athlete.
25.
Bliss selects: Joe Johnson
A great scorer, shooter, good leader, with Horford and Josh Smith made Atlanta into contention. Still, I find it interesting he is the third Hawk taken. I think he gets a bad rap because of his contract, but if we are putting these guys on a scale, he deserves it.
VP Commentary: MB: “not getting him under his current contract”
That’s all I needed to hear to support this pick.
26.
VP bites the bullet and selects: Chris Paul
Paul’s been hovering over my shoulder for the last few picks, and some readers may be surprised to see C-P30 fall this far. For you, we have one question: do you realize they had to remove his meniscus in that last knee operation? Nevertheless, Paul is still an unbelievable point guard with great vision, an innate ability to play the passing lanes, and an all-around game that is hyper-efficient. Too bad he only has two or so years until that bone-on-bone action Bliss mentions later (I may be grasping at straws here, but his ditching of that massive knee brace and regained confidence in the injured knee makes me think we can give him more than just one year MB). This team’s definitely screwed after that window, but hey, at least they have a legitimate chance to win right now.
Bliss Commentary – “Michael: Have fun with that bone on bone knee we are going to hear about this time next year.” One or two years at this level, but look at that knee. And, he is too small.
27.
Bliss selects: Danny Granger
I like him, and think the criticism is unfair. He can play three positions, is an elite level defender (that’s right, I said it), shoots a beautiful 3 ball, and has dragged that team to more wins than they should have had for years now. And he played on Team USA, which I respect. I don’t know that in another town with some money and energy behind the team he wouldn’t have already blossomed.
VP Commentary: I love Granger’s game, but he has to smarten up and not fall in love with the 3 if he wants to win. I always find it funny when I say that because Granger’s a brainy dude; he had a 30 on his ACT and a partial scholarship to Yale (now that’s quality research reader, you know we bring you the good stuff). By the way, he’s also not an elite level defender – Iguodala played that role on Team USA this past summer and Granger played 13, 0, 1, and 1 minutes the last 4 games of the tournament (i.e. the playoffs) because he was stuck behind Durant, Iggy, and Gay.
I get that you think the rap on his durability has been blown out of proportion, but he’s missed a minimum of 15 games the last three seasons. Hopefully his performance this season changes things and shows people that he is a warrior and plays even when he’s hurt (which probably led to all those missed games in the first place). Anyways, I think Granger belongs in this general area, but I’d rather have the guy below.
Bliss Commentary: Being stuck behind Durant, Iggy, and Gay is not a bad place to be stuck, and just because he was does not mean he is not an elite defender. I believe he is. I think he has not gotten the exposure he deserves. Hopefully he will.
28.
VP selects: Andre Iguodala
Chief Blocka is my selection here. The man is a nightly triple-double threat, has improved across the board since entering the league, and finally looks comfortable as a #1 option this year. You gotta love getting Iggy for five years at the 28th spot.
Bliss Commentary: No issues, love him. University of Arizona man. Best point forward in the game. However, where do you get some of these nicknames from?
VP Response: Don’t criticize, hyperize.
29.
Bliss selects: Kobe Bryant
I know about his age, which is advanced. Hell, for a guard he is ancient. But, I believe his next 5 years can be 23 points, 4 rebound, and 4 assists. And, he still is clutch. And at pick 29, I know he would have malice toward the previous 28 teams enough to wreck them for at least two years. We just have to give this team a young guy to build with the next round.
VP Commentary: I agree wholeheartedly Bliss. We couldn’t let him slip any further. Remember, he’s on the record this year saying, “I’m still trying to kill people (on the court).”
30.
VP selects: Tyreke Evans
This one’s going to be controversial. I'm not a huge fan personally, but the game speaks for itself: 20/5/5 is pretty amazing for a rookie, and he’s maintained that line this year in his sophomore season. He worked on his three ball last offseason and will continue to do so this summer, so look for that element to show up more next year. The knock on Tyreke is that he doesn’t make his teammates better, but I’d argue that it’s hard to get 5 assists per game in the NBA – there are plenty of PGs in the league who don’t even sniff that level of production. Plus, he makes games into layup lines, which I find hilarious.
Bliss Commentary: I hate this guy. No position, doesn’t make anyone better, bad shooter, too many shots, and is a diva to play with. Good luck. Also, it is not a good thing when you turn games into layup lines DEFENSIVELY as well.
Second round, now we are working on creating teams:
31.
VP selects: Manu Ginobili (with Evans)
This one is a strange pairing, but Manu is one of the only guys left that can operate on his own and help balance Tyreke’s slashing with his shooting. Plus Manu has championship experience and is a fantastic playmaking 2 guard; he can help distribute the ball and help Evans transition to becoming a more team-oriented player.
Bliss Commentary: I’m sorry, I just don’t see this. I don’t know how this team competes now OR in a few years. Plus two guys that play essentially the same position and need the ball. Is Derek Fisher the PG? They need like a Blake/Jason Thompson/Biedrins basis just to share the ball properly.
32.
Bliss selects: Andrew Bynum (with Kobe)
I know Vishal doesn’t like this. Here is my reasoning. He might be an elite center (which is a loose term, but hey) and he’s 23. I mean, that should be enough. But, he already works with Kobe. And here is the plan. In five years if Bynum is healthy, the team firmly transitions to being about him with all the winning imparted by Kobe. If Bynum breaks down, they are done with both players and start over with great cap space. There are worse positions to be in.
VP Commentary: When you put it like that, I guess I can live with this pairing. They do work well on the Lakers in real life, so why not roll the dice here? Still, with his lengthy injury history (the collective Lakers fan base holds their breath around this time every year, waiting for the inevitable Bynum injury), I’m betting that this team has to go through the latter of the scenarios you mentioned Bliss and start from scratch.
33.
VP selects: Chris Bosh (with Iggy)
I think Bosh meshes well with Iguodala to give this team a potent offensive duo. He’s not great on defense, and he’s proven in both Miami and Toronto that he’s better as a second banana than a leader. Unfortunately, that’s the ideal role for Iggy (although like he’s showing this year, he’s capable of being a #1 guy) and so the championship potential for this team is limited. They will be a fun team to watch though.
Bliss Commentary: Fine, but like you said, two second bananas. But, this is a fluid offensive team. They will need shooting though.
34.
Bliss selects: Brook Lopez (with Granger)
A team with good shooters, and you can do some good matchups with this. This team gets two guys who can play great defense when properly motivated.
VP Commentary: I was hoping to pair him with CP3 on the next pick, but Lopez is a great pickup at this spot. He and Granger form an odd combo, but their games are definitely compatible as long as they fill out their roster with the right guys.
35.
VP selects: David West (with CP3)
With Bro-Lo off the board, I went with the sentimental pick and chose West. Hey, if Paul has an expiration date, then it stands to reason that pairing him with the big man he knows best gives him a good chance at winning. The Hornets team this year has been pretty strong defensively and are pretty reliant on these two, so keeping this duo alive a little bit longer may pay dividends. Emphasis on may (sorry CP3 fans).
Bliss Commentary: Yup, makes sense. Of course, this combo has never gone anywhere, but hey. Maybe something will change now that they are getting older and slower. Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
36.
Bliss selects: Carlos Boozer (with Joe Johnson)
Great pick and roll, two decent two way players. Joe Johnson will help create for any type of point guard and Boozer will help rebound for a center, making up for not taking a key position yet. It also just feels right. Boozer will even age well, as I think Joe Johnson will. Add a couple of energy guys, and this team will work well.
VP Commentary: I really like this pairing; I’m in full agreement with you on both of your points.
37.
VP selects: Zach Randolph (with Josh Smith)
ZBo has really come around in Memphis. The 20-11 production is still there, except now he actually plays with some heart. He’s the best below-the-rim player in the league, and with Josh Smith to cover him on the defensive end, this team could really do some damage.
Bliss Commentary: Interesting, but I am not sure what point guard runs this team though. Also, do they run or not? I get where you are going, but I feel like this will be a schizophrenic team in multiple ways.
38.
Bliss selects: Marc Gasol (with Dirk)
All Euro frontline. Good shooters, decent rebounders. Great interior passing and multiple pick and roll options. Also, both can clear out for the other and still be able to hit the open shot to be involved. Also, Dirk has great leadership and is a closer. Gasol doesn’t really have either but passes well and has a great steal rate for a big man. I just trust the pacing and shooting of this team, and they understand the game so well.
VP Commentary: I love this pairing. They complement each other really well, and you can have a lot of flexibility with who you want to put around them on the wings.
39.
VP selects: Tony Parker (with Al Jefferson)
(First, read Bliss’s commentary on this pick. Okay, now read on.)
I couldn’t have put it better myself. Parker is 28 years old; he’s still got a bunch of good years left and he’s going to love having Big Al around to clean up any misses from his drives to the hoop (of which there won’t be many because his high number of shots in the paint and FG% are some of his biggest assets).
Bliss Commentary: “Michael: Good. Perfect actually. Tony Parker is not a pick and roll PG but all Big Al needs is a feed and speed PG”.
40.
Bliss selects: Kevin Martin (with Stephen Curry)
“Michael: The most EFFICIENT backcourt in the NBA”. Seriously, these guys would score in a ridiculous fashion and not need many shots to do so. Imagine this with an athletic defensive front court? Sam Young, Darrell Arthur, and Darko maybe?
VP Commentary: This is perfect. I have zero complaints, and if they did get a nice athletic defensive frontcourt, I would be in absolute fear if I was facing this team.
41.
VP selects: Andrew Bogut (with Monta Ellis)
Sorry David Lee, but Bogut’s too good to pass on him here. He’s a legit NBA center with solid offense and good defensive presence, and he’s a really underrated passer out of the post. With Monta shouldering the offensive burden, this team would be really fun to watch.
Bliss Commentary: Yeah, I guess. You can watch this team. I’m not interested. Write it down, worst FT% team. But, it kind of works. The roles will be well delineated. A Calderon type point guard is needed.
42.
Bliss selects: Nene (with Wade)
I know you don’t like this VP, but Nene will work well with Wade because he can run, is efficient, can play inside, and is a great shooter. This team will be league leaders in steals, FG%, FTs, and offensive efficiency. Nene can lead or be a great second banana. He is also really loyal. There is a reason Denver is succeeding without Melo. Nene is a good leader, and someone you can move pieces around.
VP Commentary: Nene is a good player, but I think you need someone who can hold their own to pair with Wade. In two years, you have to have someone to turn the reins over to if and when Wade’s body starts deteriorating. Nene’s efficient and a reliable complementary piece, but I don’t think he’s ever going to be “the guy” on a championship team. But if you’re going to build around Wade and are going with a “win-now” philosophy, then I suppose my argument doesn’t hold water since Nene would be a fantastic complementary piece to pretty much any superstar.
43.
VP selects: Jrue Holiday (with Rudy Gay)
Didn’t see this one coming, did you? Holiday is already showing his potential in his second season in the NBA: 14 pts, 6 asts, 1.5 stls, and 1 three per game are some pretty impressive numbers when you have Iggy, Brand, and a bunch of trigger-happy bench guys like Lou and Thaddeus playing with you. He’s got great size for a PG and can keep improving defensively like his predecessor at UCLA, Russell Westbrook. With a lot of the good big men gone, a player like Gay stands to gain the most from playing alongside a great PG like Holiday.
Bliss Commentary: Awesome. Good immediately and can grow for a year or two to get even better. I also love his blocking ability, strange as that sounds. Run young fellas!
44.
Bliss selects: DeMarcus Cousins (with John Wall)
I am not going to lie, but the Kentucky connection makes sense. It worked there and Wall is a good personality mix with Cousins to keep him sane. And the athleticism will work. Can we put Grant Hill and Tayshaun Prince here though? I feel like that will work out and we won’t find Wall and Cousins in a club somewhere at 4am every night.
VP Commentary: Ahh, reunion time- I like it. Cousins was the guy I thought Bliss would pair with Wade to give that team a combo for the present and the future, but this just worked out perfectly. As long as Cousins keeps his head, everything’s going to come up roses for this squad.
45.
VP selects: Andrea Bargnani (with Noah) –
This was a really fun pick. Bargs at the 4 puts him at his natural position, where he can run with Noah and pop 3s on the fast break or pretty much whenever. Two 7-footers are always a fun luxury to have, and any point guard walking on to this team is going to be smiling all the way to the bank.
Bliss Commentary: Perfect. No other comment necessary. This team can run too.
46.
Bliss selects: Devin Harris (with Al Horford)
All run and gun. I am not the biggest Devin Harris fan, but this works. He can score and is fast, and I like the athleticism match. However, I will say other than Tyreke-Manu this is the match that makes the least common sense even to me.
VP Commentary: I like the concept behind this pairing, especially if Horford plays PF and they pick up a mobile C. And ditto on that last comment Bliss. Like the Tyreke/Manu pairing, I think this one may suffer from one of us being overly optimistic- but it all makes sense on paper, okay? Deal with it reader.
47.
VP selects: Paul Pierce (with Kevin Love)
I know Bliss is going to love this pick. There’s not much you can say about Pierce that isn’t common knowledge. 20ppg, 5 rebs, 5ish asts, super efficient, great three point shooter, buys into the defensive philosophy, and the best flopper in the league. Pierce is actually healthier than in years past (hard to believe, but it’s true), and this sets up a perfect situation for this team to contend now and down the road with a young guy and a battle-tested veteran wing who can do it all.
Bliss Commentary: Can we please put this team in Boston? I like it, but am worried about both forwards being not very athletic. And Pierce is not a flopper. Manu is definitively worse.
VP Response: It’s hard to imagine Pierce in anything else but Celtic green- so yes, this team definitely gets placed in Boston. Yes, Manu was the one who spearheaded the flopping movement in the NBA, but you’re not impartial about Pierce and his flopping since you’re a BOS guy, so I still stand by my initial statement.
48.
Bliss selects: Luol Deng (with Blake Griffin)
Good complement to any star. He has a good midrange game, can create his own shot, plays good defense, has shown he can be a leader or a good second banana, plays multiple positions, and has a great attitude. They could reasonably do Deng-Blake at the 2-3 for a few minutes and then 4-5 for a few minutes. That messes with you.
VP Commentary: Deng’s a steady complement for Griffin, which is exactly what he needs. Let’s not forget Deng’s 3pt development as well, he’ll be able to play the outside-inside game with Blake pretty easily. Also, this:
Bliss: he (Deng) also makes bank but we don't mention him as insanely overpaid
Bliss: there is a reason for that
49.
VP selects: Tim Duncan (with Eric Gordon) –
Admittedly, my admiration for The Big Fundamental played a big part in this pick, but hear me out. Duncan is obviously good in the paint and gives Gordon a classic big man to play off of. He’s more than happy to let Gordon shoulder the offensive burden while Popovich (I’m putting this squad in San Antonio) works with EG to turn him into the best 2-sided SG in the league within 2 years. Pop is wisely playing Duncan less than 30 minutes per game this season, and he will definitely unleash him in the playoffs when the games actually matter. Look for that pattern to continue as Duncan will provide a steady 15 and 9 in limited minutes during the season and a championship pedigree that will help eliminate any residual “Clipper-ness” from Gordon’s game. Once the playoffs roll around, this team is going to be a true blue contender. There is a certain 2006 Shaq and Wade flavor to this squad, and I like this team’s chances to add a ring or two to Pop and Timmy’s collection.
Bliss Commentary: I’m sorry, I want a longer future with Eric Gordon. I feel like this will work for a year, and then this will be Kobe and the Lakers from 2004-2007 for the next three. Duncan is just too close to the end. I think you get a 12-7, 11-6, 11-5, 10-5, 9-4 from him the next 5 years. And he might retire with any injury, lockout, or championship. Remember the Admiral.
50.
Bliss selects: OJ Mayo (with LMA)
I just like they could work the pick and roll or play the Kobe-Pau double offensive leaders thing. I also think this team could work well going super slow and grinding it out producing points each.
VP Commentary: I’d lean towards the Kobe-Pau paradigm since they’re both great isolation players, but they’re both talented enough to develop a good pick and roll. I like Grocery List (OJ, Mayo, you see the joke?) to play the Roy to Aldridge’s, well, Aldridge.
51.
VP selects: Paul Millsap (with Russell Westbrook) –
Millsap is a proven commodity who can score on power drives and soft jumpers alike. He’s got great rebounding DNA (he won multiple rebounding titles in his NCAA career), and he’s going to be great running the floor with Westbrook to form a young and exciting tandem.
Bliss Commentary: Makes sense, but I am curious how alpha dog Westbrook would become. Also, what is rebounding DNA? I clean up the boards in the games I play. Do I have rebounding DNA? Are we just making up terms now?
52.
Bliss selects: Brandon Jennings (with Pau Gasol)
I don’t love this, but Pau needs a guy that is willing to chuck up shots and run around setting up the offense. I also think Pau would work well with him. Jennings should develop, I hope. Add a Morrow type at some point, this team should work well.
VP Commentary: This one surprised me since Bliss wasn’t big on Jennings initially, but I like him, so I was happy to see this pairing. Maybe you’d feel better about his basketball IQ if his first name was Ken. Jennings will definitely shoot the ball, and he’ll continue to improve his game over the next few years.
53.
This one requires set up. Vishal Patel and I have had a love for Phoenix and a particular Canadian Point Guard for some time now. I saw this coming. We must put up the quotes to set this up:
Vishal: For Amare
Bliss: do it
C’mon
you know you want to
Vishal: I know!!!!
Bliss: do it
Vishal: just got to take the plunge
Bliss: I’m going to yell
Vishal: VP runs to the mic to yell: 53- STEVE NASH!!!
Bliss: We welcome the next 2.4 years of success and health in NY
VP selects: Steve Nash
Steve Nash is my favorite player. He is a consummate professional and a two-time MVP who makes everyone around him much, much better (did you even know who Diaw and Frye were before they got to PHO?). And he and Amare have the most dangerous pick-and-roll the league has seen in recent history. With the time limit on Amare’s window of opportunity (along with Nash’s advancing age), I had to make this pick and get the dynamic duo another chance at a ring.
Bliss Commentary: I love it. The rise of this team would be monumental. And yes, it should go in NY now, not PHX. Thus, the fall would be monumental as well.
54.
Bliss selects: Kevin Garnett (with Rajon Rondo)
Perfect. They can contend right now as long as this team adds one shooter/scorer and a decent defensive center. I’d love to see Garnett-Rondo vs. Duncan-Gordon
VP Commentary: Awesome, I like you raising my Duncan/Gordon with KG/Rondo. You have the makings of a great defensive team here that can contend now – I would love to see these two pairings match up.
55.
VP selects: Ray Allen (with Lebron James)
I hate this pick, mainly because I don’t want to give LeBron any chance to win. But I have to stay honest here, and so Ray Ray is the pick here. His jumpshot and his game are aging gracefully, and he complements James’ game perfectly. I expect a minimum of three 3-pointers per game for Jesus Shuttlesworth.
Bliss Commentary: Reminds me of the time that Joe Johnson or Michael Redd should have joined Lebron in Cleveland. Oh, so glad that didn’t happen. Glad he finally got a spot up shooting guard to play with. Oh wait….
56.
Bliss selects: David Lee (with Carmelo Anthony)
They can play off each other and you can move them around in the lineup based on matchup. Plus, Lee is okay cleaning up plays (he does so for all the Ellis misses. That’s right, I got an extra dig in).
VP Commentary: Finally, we managed to find David Lee a home. I like the flexibility between the two to play 3-4 or 4-5 as well as the pick and pop potential.
57.
VP selects: Roy Hibbert (with Deron Williams)
Hibbert’s a great young center who will prosper with a great PG like Deron alongside him. He works hard, is a presence in the paint (and blocks shots the right way- to his teammates!), and has developed a great offensive game. He won’t have the offense run through him like in Indy this year, but that’s a minor adjustment for him to make, especially with Deron feeding him the ball.
Bliss Commentary: I don’t like it because I don’t like Roy. But yeah, this could work. Deron makes everyone else better. I’d pick Gortat or someone like that. Roy has not shown toughness or true development. In fact, he has shown regression. Deron passes well in all cases, but has shown true greatness in the pick and roll. Can Roy do that?
58.
Bliss selects: Danilo Gallinari (with Dwight Howard)
“Vishal: PERFECT.
Michael: like Rashard and Hedo on steroids combined.”
59.
VP selects: Greg Monroe (with Durant)
He’s a top 10 passing big man already, very skilled in the post and on the perimeter, and a DC kid (he went to Georgetown) like Durant. They both can play off each other and can grow together to form a powerhouse team in 2-3 years.
Bliss Commentary: I love the DC connection, and the passing big man will be wonderful for Durant. Plus, this team can go 2-3, 3-4, or 4-5. Awesome.
60.
Bliss selects: Gerald Wallace (with Rose)
I love the athleticism and how hard Wallace plays. This will be a good defensive team. For the sake of full disclosure, my next pick would be Marcin Gortat for this team, and I love that base.
VP Commentary: I like this tandem too. Crash’s attitude meshes well with Rose’s, and they can indeed form an exciting team that can contend now and in the future, especially with Polish Hammer on board.
There it is, 60 picks and 30 teams. I want to take the time to thank my co-writer Vishal for his work and insights, and for how nice he was on some of my more idiotic picks. I hope to continue this tradition next year. Like PTI always says, “We’ll try and do better the next time”. Have a good weekend everyone.
-Michael Bliss and Vishal Patel
