24 replies to this topic

[LakerGeezer]

If you were a GM looking to build/ rebuild a franchise, what one player would you select and why?

My main criteria (great skills goes without saying) are:
-Youth. Need a 10+ year horizon to make it work, I want continuity and multiple deep PO runs. That means, almost by necessity, that it wont be a currently proven successful player.
-Durability. Can't build around someone who is on the injured list all the time.
-Character. He needs to be a good leader and locker room guy, someone that will set the tone and the other guys will follow and shows maturity.
-Will to win: He needs to have that "it" factor that just wills the ball into the hole sometimes.


So, who makes that list today? Hwere are my top 5, in order.
-Harden. Fits all of my criteria.
-Durant. Same
-Irving. Probably
-Anthony Davis. Maybe, issues about durability though
-Griffin. Maybe
-Lillard. Maybe

Who else?

[djcovi]

For me it would definitely be Durant. He has already won 3 consecutive scoring titles and he's gonna win another this season, been through playoff runs as "the man" on the team. 6'10-6'11 guy who can shoot 40-50-90, gets to the line, gets to the rim, can handle the ball, facilitate.

Other than the guys you mentioned, I would add a former MVP and a guy who led the league in rebounding who are currently sidelined. Still, these guys have to be toward the top of the list.
D-Rose
Kevin Love

And if it weren't for his total lack of immaturity I would add Boogie Cousins, I think he has the potential to be a phenomenal center.

[-Wade-]

1. Durant
2. James
3. Paul
4. Rose / Rondo
5. Irving

I think James > Durant right now.

However, I think Durant is still going to get better.
I think Lebron is about at his peak.

That's why I'd go with Durant for my first pick.

Edited by -Wade-, February 09, 2013 - 10:02 AM.

[djcovi]

I left out Lebron, Paul, and Rondo because of their age. 28, 27, and 26. Doesn't really fit the 10+ years category in my opinion. Maybe Rondo.

[West Coast]

Durant or Irving

[LakeShow805]

lol....Harden before Durant.

[lakers1o1]

Durant or Irving.
Irving is just way to money, way to clutch, and is really the only guy in the league who seems to have a killer instinct.

[Cj2008nw]

what's the point of this thread when everybody is naming all star/superstars that teams are already building around

[idontevenknow]

It has to be Durant all the way...

[MrKnowItAll]

what's the point of this thread when everybody is naming all star/superstars that teams are already building around

Dude it's just something to debate about. If you do t like it, then gtfo. Btw I would go Durant then Irving.

[Cj2008nw]

Dude it's just something to debate about. If you do t like it, then gtfo. Btw I would go Durant then Irving.

What are we really debating?!? players that are already franchise players and teams are building around already!??! why don't we debate about players that are upcoming or maybe players most likely to turn the corner next season... that would be a more interesting debate than to debate the obvious

[LakerGeezer]

lol....Harden before Durant.

^ I wuz hoping you'd see that!

[LakeShow805]

^ I wuz hoping you'd see that!

Yea...I don't get why you would pick a choker to start your franchise.

[LakerGeezer]

^We must agree to disagree on that one. He did disappear in the finals, no question, but I think he otherwise had a pretty good playoff run last year? Cant recall exaclty, so I could be wrong on that one. However, my recollection is that Kobe's first trip to the finals was a challenge for him as well. Shaq carried that team, getting double teamed alot giving Kobe alot of open looks, but Kobe shot badly, probbaly well under 40%.

Harden has a ways to go yet, but the upside potential is pretty good. Time will tell.

[Lakerace24]

Irving. I'm splitting hairs with Durant on that one though.

[LakeShow805]

^We must agree to disagree on that one. He did disappear in the finals, no question, but I think he otherwise had a pretty good playoff run last year? Cant recall exaclty, so I could be wrong on that one. However, my recollection is that Kobe's first trip to the finals was a challenge for him as well. Shaq carried that team, getting double teamed alot giving Kobe alot of open looks, but Kobe shot badly, probbaly well under 40%.

Harden has a ways to go yet, but the upside potential is pretty good. Time will tell.

Kobe: 19/5/4 1 stl 1.5 blocks on 38% shooting
Harden: 12/5/3 1 stl 0 blcosk on 37 % shooting

Kobe had a better finals appearance than Harden and Kobe was younger and had a bigger role so more defensive attention. Kobe was also younger.


Harden also never took over the game like this


Kobe> Harden yet again

[24allday]

Durant.. he's a ridiculous scorer and can get his teammates involved too. The next few would have to include Kyrie, Harden, Davis

[Chad]

Lillard=OR
I'm still taking LeBron even though you didn't list him. His skill set will last as long as he plays.

[LakerGeezer]

LakeShow, you appear to accept/ agree with my criteria. Take another look at the one I labeled "character". Do you think Kobe fits that one in his prime? Now?

I had forgotten about that great game he had against the Pacers, congrats for digging that up. Maybe I should go find a few links to issues about his character, or should we just forget those untidy incidents because he is such an incredible scorer?

[LakersGAFan]

trade anyone to the Pistons for Center Andre Drummond. Thats the guy I build a team around for a future dynasty. The dude was muder at UConn. Even this year w/ Detroit hes doing well aside from a minor back injury thats correctable.
19 mins 7 pts, 7 rebs 2 blocks.
And in 4-5 years when hes kicking ass and taking names remember I called it.