sappy: Kevin Garnett, Bob Pettit, Bill Russell
The intention to play Garnett at SF should generate some debate. KG did play the 3 spot very early in his career and certainly could defend at a high level all along the front line for years and years. He’s a great choice for this league, and I think it’s a defensible choice to put him at SF but maybe not the best move because of what he doesn’t bring to the position. sappy does have generally great defense and great rebounding. This slender bunch will get muscled by the big behemoths of the league, but they also have a shot at wearing them down with ridiculously active, smart D. Pettit will be a good rebounder and smart all-around player in this league, and can help space the floor with his outside shooter. Again, efficiency is a bit of an issue for this old-timer but perhaps less than with Baylor. I don’t really see a top-notch post-up game on this team. We’ll have to see who’s available to fill the backcourt before knowing what this team’s trajectory is.
ashamael: Walt Frazier, Dwayne Wade, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem and Wade were both great picks, and Frazier/Wade is a dynamic, highly skilled and unpredictable tandem in the backcourt although I might have expected ash to pick more of a shooter to pair with Wade. This team has lots of flexibility with the next couple picks, although I definitely have some opinions about what it needs. Like malone, ash is basically working in the margins now to address gaps. A strong core is in place, and this is one of my favorite squads so far.
longtallbrad: Clyde Drexler, Scottie Pippen Shaquille O'Neal
Shaq was an easy decision, and while I looked at lots of alternatives in the second and third rounds I’m very happy with how these three fit. Defense ranges from good to amazing, with Pippen providing huge flexibility on that end of the floor. Possibly only two players (Wilt and Artis) can afford to go directly at Shaq physically, and he’s mobile and athletic to run and slide with guys much smaller than him. I’m on a good course with scoring, rebounding and passing, but need more shooting and probably a blue collar banger to play alongside the big guy.