Young teams?

C: Hibbert

PF: Randle, Bass

SF: Kobe, Young

SG: Clarkson, William

PG: Russell

Lakers have a good squad too IMO. Hibbert is tall and strong (7’2" 290lbs); and will be surrounded by 4 legit scorers in Randle, Kobe, Clarkson, Russell and Williams and 3 good passers in Kobe, Clarkson, Russell. It would make them tough to be stopped. Randle, Clarkson and Russell are young and could provide the energy they needed. Kobe can post up. He and Russell both can hit nice mid range jumpers. Clarkson and Williams are quick and can cut and finish.

Off the bench, they still have Black, Nance, Antonio Brown, Jabari Brown under development.

C: Hibbert

PF: Randle, Bass

SF: Kobe, Young

SG: Clarkson, William

PG: Russell

Lakers have a good squad too IMO. Hibbert is tall and strong (7’2" 290lbs); and will be surrounded by 4 legit scorers in Randle, Kobe, Clarkson, Russell and Williams and 3 good passers in Kobe, Clarkson, Russell. It would make them tough to be stopped. Randle, Clarkson and Russell are young and could provide the energy they needed. Kobe can post up. He and Russell both can hit nice mid range jumpers. Clarkson and Williams are quick and can cut and finish.

Off the bench, they still have Black, Nance, Antonio Brown, Jabari Brown under development.

 It would be better if they can resign Hill as backup C

 It would be better if they can resign Hill as backup C

 I think we’ve see this method time and time again, and I think having a few vets in their to mix it up is the best way to go. That’s why you usually see teams like the Celtics keep a guy like Gerald Wallace around, or why the Wolves wanted KG back so badly. Having an older player who the young guys look up to can really help out, as that player knows what it’s like to win, and probably knows what it’s like to lose. Sharing their experience, what works and what doesn’t, how they stayed in the league so long (Not everyone can get by on athleticism), and just being a professional can really help the maturation process for a young team. 

The best example I can think of for this would be Kendrik Perkins and Nick Collison to the Thunder. Just go reread/watch KD’s MVP speech, and you’ll know what I’m talking about. 

I also think it’s better to have vets their as the gatebearers, because it gives the young guys a way to evaluate where they stand. Having to beat out a guy who’s been in the league for 5-6 years would mean that you finally belong, and you know what your doing. Your hard work paid off. I don’t know if that part is true, but I know that’s how I would feel. Kind of like when you finally beat you dad at ball, or when you finally got promoted to varsity for your school (Neither of which happened for me btw 🙁 )

On the topic of rebuilding, and especially with these two teams, I think it’s interesting that one team has drafted for need, while the other has drafted for potential regardless of fit. Minny has really gone with fit, and even if it’s kind of Taboo, I think this is the best way to go if you have THAT MUCH young talent. I think in the next year or two you’re going to see some trades in ORL because of all the overlap in their young core. I also think they have drafted certain players who require certain teams. Vucevic needs a defensive sidekick, while Payton needs shooters around him. If they can get those things or develope them, then great, but if not, than idk how the pieces will fall together. 

I also have to say that I think the Magic have plenty of potential. Olidipo and Vucevic have proven that they are at least perenial all-star players, and wouldn’t be shocked to see either on the all-star roster in the next 2-3 years. I also like Payton and Gordon’s potential, and think that with more time and maturation (really, this team just needs to gel more), they can bother become good starting caliber players. Add in Hezonja and Tobias who are awesome offensive prospects and they are set. I’m excited to see where ORL goes.

 I think we’ve see this method time and time again, and I think having a few vets in their to mix it up is the best way to go. That’s why you usually see teams like the Celtics keep a guy like Gerald Wallace around, or why the Wolves wanted KG back so badly. Having an older player who the young guys look up to can really help out, as that player knows what it’s like to win, and probably knows what it’s like to lose. Sharing their experience, what works and what doesn’t, how they stayed in the league so long (Not everyone can get by on athleticism), and just being a professional can really help the maturation process for a young team. 

The best example I can think of for this would be Kendrik Perkins and Nick Collison to the Thunder. Just go reread/watch KD’s MVP speech, and you’ll know what I’m talking about. 

I also think it’s better to have vets their as the gatebearers, because it gives the young guys a way to evaluate where they stand. Having to beat out a guy who’s been in the league for 5-6 years would mean that you finally belong, and you know what your doing. Your hard work paid off. I don’t know if that part is true, but I know that’s how I would feel. Kind of like when you finally beat you dad at ball, or when you finally got promoted to varsity for your school (Neither of which happened for me btw 🙁 )

On the topic of rebuilding, and especially with these two teams, I think it’s interesting that one team has drafted for need, while the other has drafted for potential regardless of fit. Minny has really gone with fit, and even if it’s kind of Taboo, I think this is the best way to go if you have THAT MUCH young talent. I think in the next year or two you’re going to see some trades in ORL because of all the overlap in their young core. I also think they have drafted certain players who require certain teams. Vucevic needs a defensive sidekick, while Payton needs shooters around him. If they can get those things or develope them, then great, but if not, than idk how the pieces will fall together. 

I also have to say that I think the Magic have plenty of potential. Olidipo and Vucevic have proven that they are at least perenial all-star players, and wouldn’t be shocked to see either on the all-star roster in the next 2-3 years. I also like Payton and Gordon’s potential, and think that with more time and maturation (really, this team just needs to gel more), they can bother become good starting caliber players. Add in Hezonja and Tobias who are awesome offensive prospects and they are set. I’m excited to see where ORL goes.

This is another young team that you shouldn’t sleep on. They I believe have the youngest team in the NBA (correct me if I’m wrong). They have a team full of guys 25 or under with a great amount of talent. Dante Exum and Rodney Hood are both young players who should improve on their rookie year. Alec Burks will be coming back and they have a guy who could contend for Defensive Player of the Year Honors in Rudy Gobert. Gordon Hayward showed that he could be the clutch scorer from the perimeter on the team. Derrick Favors is showing 2-way potential as a very good offensive and defensive big man. (Fun Fact: Derrick Favors seems like he’s been in the NBA forever yet he’s still only 23 years old.)

This is another young team that you shouldn’t sleep on. They I believe have the youngest team in the NBA (correct me if I’m wrong). They have a team full of guys 25 or under with a great amount of talent. Dante Exum and Rodney Hood are both young players who should improve on their rookie year. Alec Burks will be coming back and they have a guy who could contend for Defensive Player of the Year Honors in Rudy Gobert. Gordon Hayward showed that he could be the clutch scorer from the perimeter on the team. Derrick Favors is showing 2-way potential as a very good offensive and defensive big man. (Fun Fact: Derrick Favors seems like he’s been in the NBA forever yet he’s still only 23 years old.)

A really solid group of young guys. I like them all but don’t love any of them. This is one team I really don’t know what Ainge will do with everyone. It keeps me up at nights, being a Celtics fan. Seems like anyone on the team can be dealt. 

 Smart can play that all around game. Intangibiles with great D. Not a great shooter but he can contribute all over the place.

  Isaha Thomas is a scorer.

 Olinyk can stretch the 4 and is a decent player in other aspects. He did start at Center as well. Versatile

 Sullinger plays a good rebounding game as well as a good scorer. He could average 17pts and 9rebs.

Evan Turner is severly underrated and the heart of the team. He was throwing up Triple Doubles and that is not to be taken lightly.

Crowder is that athletic player on the wing.

Then this years draft pics have potential to blossom. To be determined this year for those guys.

Trader Danny could have an intierly different looking team in 2 years though. If its true that Smart was on the block and he is willing to trade him. I don’t think the Celts think to highly of Sullinger becuase he let his weight slip. Sully might be tradable when his value is at his highest. They have so many trade assets they eventually will look for that blockbuster. 

Exciting up and coming team non the less with a great Coach.

A really solid group of young guys. I like them all but don’t love any of them. This is one team I really don’t know what Ainge will do with everyone. It keeps me up at nights, being a Celtics fan. Seems like anyone on the team can be dealt. 

 Smart can play that all around game. Intangibiles with great D. Not a great shooter but he can contribute all over the place.

  Isaha Thomas is a scorer.

 Olinyk can stretch the 4 and is a decent player in other aspects. He did start at Center as well. Versatile

 Sullinger plays a good rebounding game as well as a good scorer. He could average 17pts and 9rebs.

Evan Turner is severly underrated and the heart of the team. He was throwing up Triple Doubles and that is not to be taken lightly.

Crowder is that athletic player on the wing.

Then this years draft pics have potential to blossom. To be determined this year for those guys.

Trader Danny could have an intierly different looking team in 2 years though. If its true that Smart was on the block and he is willing to trade him. I don’t think the Celts think to highly of Sullinger becuase he let his weight slip. Sully might be tradable when his value is at his highest. They have so many trade assets they eventually will look for that blockbuster. 

Exciting up and coming team non the less with a great Coach.

 Rubio>Payton (Slight edge Rubio)

Lavine<Oladipo

Wiggins>Harris 

Dieng=Gordon 

KAT=Vucevic (Potential meets proven)

Muhammed<Hezonja (hezonja will be a stud)

Overall I like these two teams a lot but I give an overall edge to the Wolves, they got the future superstar in the mix with Wiggins! But lets not forget the Milwaukee Bucks! Midwest basketball is up and coming!

Jabari Parker

Antetokounmpo?

MCW

Middleton

Monroe

Rashad Vaughn

hooftah! Love these teams that have excellent young cores!

 Rubio>Payton (Slight edge Rubio)

Lavine<Oladipo

Wiggins>Harris 

Dieng=Gordon 

KAT=Vucevic (Potential meets proven)

Muhammed<Hezonja (hezonja will be a stud)

Overall I like these two teams a lot but I give an overall edge to the Wolves, they got the future superstar in the mix with Wiggins! But lets not forget the Milwaukee Bucks! Midwest basketball is up and coming!

Jabari Parker

Antetokounmpo?

MCW

Middleton

Monroe

Rashad Vaughn

hooftah! Love these teams that have excellent young cores!

 Both the Wolves and the Magic have some really good young talent.

The Wolves guys, obviously have more HYPE: 

Ricky Rubio has been the Spanish Hype Machine from day one.  

Wiggins was the number one pick and an elite athlete who can score.  Tons of hype from him since high school.

Lavine has the dunk title.  FANTASTIC dunker.

Towns is the number one pick coming off a good year on a loaded Kentucky team that went 38-1.

On the other side, Oladipo, Elfrid Payton, and Aaron Gordon have had less hype.  Mario Hezonja might change that, he is a guy you can market.

The key for the Wolves is KAT.  What’s his upside?  Is he a ALPHA first option aka Derrick Coleman with a winner’s mentality/intangibles or is he more of a really nice 3rd/4th option with 3 point range like Sam Perkins?  

I think we know what Wiggins’ upside is.  We know what we have in Rubio.  Lavine can also be special.

Is Big KAT the guy who can put the T Wolves over the top?

On the other side, you look at Oladipo.  That guy has an edge.  Mario plays with an edge. AG, whatever position he fits in best at, is a very good athlete who can ATTACK.  Perhaps those guys have more ALPHA genes than Wiggins/KAT.  Who knows?

If I am the Magic I try to figure out how to play Payton, Dipo. Mario, Tobias Harris, AND Aaron Gordon all at the same time.  Maybe start Mario at the 3 and make Tobias Harris as the 6th man…  I think their core is pretty much there.  

One thing: I think Okafor would have given the T Wolves that ELITE first option inside.  A guy who can score on the blocks, command a double team, and kick the ball out.  Then they still have Dieng as the secondary big who can score some, shoot some, rebound, and block shots.  I think that would have been a good complement.  The T Wolves hope KAT can become a LEGIT first option type guy — a 20-10 guy who can go inside AND out.  Can KAT demand the double teams?  

Either way, both teams have a bright future and will be REALLY fun to watch.

I think they should win more games than they did last year.  That being said, neither team would turn down a chance to draft Skal Labissiere in next year’s draft.  I am sure they could also find a way to fit Ben Simmons onto those teams, too.

Not sure that either one NEEDS another piece, but it sure would help.

 Both the Wolves and the Magic have some really good young talent.

The Wolves guys, obviously have more HYPE: 

Ricky Rubio has been the Spanish Hype Machine from day one.  

Wiggins was the number one pick and an elite athlete who can score.  Tons of hype from him since high school.

Lavine has the dunk title.  FANTASTIC dunker.

Towns is the number one pick coming off a good year on a loaded Kentucky team that went 38-1.

On the other side, Oladipo, Elfrid Payton, and Aaron Gordon have had less hype.  Mario Hezonja might change that, he is a guy you can market.

The key for the Wolves is KAT.  What’s his upside?  Is he a ALPHA first option aka Derrick Coleman with a winner’s mentality/intangibles or is he more of a really nice 3rd/4th option with 3 point range like Sam Perkins?  

I think we know what Wiggins’ upside is.  We know what we have in Rubio.  Lavine can also be special.

Is Big KAT the guy who can put the T Wolves over the top?

On the other side, you look at Oladipo.  That guy has an edge.  Mario plays with an edge. AG, whatever position he fits in best at, is a very good athlete who can ATTACK.  Perhaps those guys have more ALPHA genes than Wiggins/KAT.  Who knows?

If I am the Magic I try to figure out how to play Payton, Dipo. Mario, Tobias Harris, AND Aaron Gordon all at the same time.  Maybe start Mario at the 3 and make Tobias Harris as the 6th man…  I think their core is pretty much there.  

One thing: I think Okafor would have given the T Wolves that ELITE first option inside.  A guy who can score on the blocks, command a double team, and kick the ball out.  Then they still have Dieng as the secondary big who can score some, shoot some, rebound, and block shots.  I think that would have been a good complement.  The T Wolves hope KAT can become a LEGIT first option type guy — a 20-10 guy who can go inside AND out.  Can KAT demand the double teams?  

Either way, both teams have a bright future and will be REALLY fun to watch.

I think they should win more games than they did last year.  That being said, neither team would turn down a chance to draft Skal Labissiere in next year’s draft.  I am sure they could also find a way to fit Ben Simmons onto those teams, too.

Not sure that either one NEEDS another piece, but it sure would help.

 Don’t forget Tyus Jones on the T-wolves. He’s a local legend and will be a fan favorite with lots of potential.

 Don’t forget Tyus Jones on the T-wolves. He’s a local legend and will be a fan favorite with lots of potential.