Knicks · The Wishlist Team Around Brunson (page 1)

Just for giggles, I wanted to put together a fantasy team around Brunson. I have no "supermax" players that would demand to be the focal point of the offense. Just solid guys that play two-ways. We've seen all the names come up over and over in one off trades, but if I were building a team solely around Brunson and using all our other assets - this is what my team looks like.

5: Center: Deandre Ayton. Sure he wants more touches, but I am looking at a young player that can be effective out to about 12 feet. Locked up on a long term contract that likely has to move to cover more roster spots for Phoenix. I am thinking the expiring Fournier goes up in value as the season goes on and Mitch Robinson's contract is a gem now. Fournier & Robinson for Ayton. Don't talk to me about picks, but if I have to throw in a McBride or something, we can chat.

4: PF: Jaren Jackson, Jr. Fresh of the DPOY, I need the Knicks network to do a little magic here. I like what they are doing in Memphis, but with Ja Morant being a gunslinger, hoping that they reload at some point or bring in a strong personality. They now have Ja on a max, Bane on a Max and JJJ on a Max. I think they may need to move something soon. Yeah, maybe its Ja. But I would put Randle up for JJJ and work out any difference with picks and other players. Premier defensive PF in the league.

3) SF: OG Anunoby. OK. This is beaten to death. I know. But Archtype 3&D + slasher that guards 1 to 5. Hartenstein + IQ. Gives them depth at C behind Poetl and a guy that probably starts at PG over Schroeder. Might need to add some filler to make the numbers work. I can toss in weaker picks to make this work. Plug and play in any team as the ultimate role player.

2) SG: Mikal Bridges. Ok. Probably a slim chance that Brooklyn moves Bridges. Brooklyn Bridges is just too good of a marketing device. But, I am offering Barrett and picks to make this work. Premier 3&D wing and Nova product. Perfect running mate for this squad. But maybe he struggles a little as defenses key to him and his value drops to where we can afford him.

1) PG: Jalen Brunson. Guys got heart. Can lead a championship team. And has.

I'd start at the 2 and work towards 5, stopping wherever we run out of assets. Would have some holes to fill in the bench when we are done, but I don't think that is a big deal. This is a dream squad that could hang together for a decade, much like GSW did. Basically run a 4-1 offense set but Ayton should keep the defense more honest. Good ball movement, passers and 3 DPOY candidates. I mean, if I had this squad, Hart and Divincenzo, I don't think i need draft picks. Use all 7+ picks and swaps to go all in.

Ah, to dream!

Thoughts? Would you replace anyone on this dream squad around Brunson? What costs do you think it would take?

Well done. The weak link is ayton who disappears in pressure situations

Caseloads wrote:Well done. The weak link is ayton who disappears in pressure situations

I kind of agree. I don't really have a replacement big man in mind though. I think a passing big man that can hit a shot out to 12 feet and anchor the defense is the ideal player.

EwingsGlass wrote:

Caseloads wrote:Well done. The weak link is ayton who disappears in pressure situations

I kind of agree. I don't really have a replacement big man in mind though. I think a passing big man that can hit a shot out to 12 feet and anchor the defense is the ideal player.

Super juiced, 3point shooting iHart!

Knicks will be a top defensive team next year. We are young, put points on the board, dominate the glass and should be getting to crunch time in pretty good fashion next year when Brunson does his thing in crunch time.

I get its the offseason but Im pretty pumped with the program we are building.

fishmike wrote:Knicks will be a top defensive team next year. We are young, put points on the board, dominate the glass and should be getting to crunch time in pretty good fashion next year when Brunson does his thing in crunch time.

I get its the offseason but Im pretty pumped with the program we are building.

Me too. Just playing with the “perfect” lineup.

fishmike wrote:Knicks will be a top defensive team next year. We are young, put points on the board, dominate the glass and should be getting to crunch time in pretty good fashion next year when Brunson does his thing in crunch time.

I get its the offseason but Im pretty pumped with the program we are building.

Very exciting. The key is - how much do our guys improve? Does the small ball line up work? Can Julius stay healthy the entire season? Can Julius ball out in the playoffs? Do we swing a trade? Sometimes the best trades are the one you don’t do.

Caseloads wrote:

fishmike wrote:Knicks will be a top defensive team next year. We are young, put points on the board, dominate the glass and should be getting to crunch time in pretty good fashion next year when Brunson does his thing in crunch time.

I get its the offseason but Im pretty pumped with the program we are building.

Very exciting. The key is - how much do our guys improve? Does the small ball line up work? Can Julius stay healthy the entire season? Can Julius ball out in the playoffs? Do we swing a trade? Sometimes the best trades are the one you don’t do.

its a young squad and we are on the Brunson timeline much more than a Randle time line. I do think this FO thinks the true 3rd guy will rise from within. If they dont they go into next season with 2 lower tier but all star caliber guys in Brunnson/Randle but they are really surrounded by a high end cast of role players who are pretty diverse on both sides of the ball and ascending.

RJ Barrett9	SG	23	6' 6"	214 lbs	$10,900,635
Jalen Brunson11	PG	26	6' 1"	190 lbs	$27,733,332
Donte DiVince	SG	26	6' 4"	203 lbs	$4,500,000
Quentin Grimes6	SG	23	6' 4"	210 lbs	$2,277,000
Josh Hart3	SG	28	6' 4"	215 lbs	$12,960,000
Isaiah Hartens	C	25	7' 0"	250 lbs	$7,804,879
Miles McBride2	PG	22	6' 2"	195 lbs	$1,563,518
Immanuel Quick	SG	24	6' 3"	190 lbs	$2,316,240
Julius Randle30	PF	28	6' 8"	250 lbs	$23,760,000
Mitchell Robins	C	25	7' 0"	240 lbs	$17,045,454
Jericho Sims45	C	24	6' 9"	250 lbs	$1,639,842

In a league with guys making $40-$50mm and demanding trades that guy teams I am pretty pumped over the current state of things.

fishmike wrote:

Caseloads wrote:

fishmike wrote:Knicks will be a top defensive team next year. We are young, put points on the board, dominate the glass and should be getting to crunch time in pretty good fashion next year when Brunson does his thing in crunch time.

I get its the offseason but Im pretty pumped with the program we are building.

Very exciting. The key is - how much do our guys improve? Does the small ball line up work? Can Julius stay healthy the entire season? Can Julius ball out in the playoffs? Do we swing a trade? Sometimes the best trades are the one you don’t do.

its a young squad and we are on the Brunson timeline much more than a Randle time line. I do think this FO thinks the true 3rd guy will rise from within. If they dont they go into next season with 2 lower tier but all star caliber guys in Brunnson/Randle but they are really surrounded by a high end cast of role players who are pretty diverse on both sides of the ball and ascending.

RJ Barrett9	SG	23	6' 6"	214 lbs	$10,900,635
Jalen Brunson11	PG	26	6' 1"	190 lbs	$27,733,332
Donte DiVince	SG	26	6' 4"	203 lbs	$4,500,000
Quentin Grimes6	SG	23	6' 4"	210 lbs	$2,277,000
Josh Hart3	SG	28	6' 4"	215 lbs	$12,960,000
Isaiah Hartens	C	25	7' 0"	250 lbs	$7,804,879
Miles McBride2	PG	22	6' 2"	195 lbs	$1,563,518
Immanuel Quick	SG	24	6' 3"	190 lbs	$2,316,240
Julius Randle30	PF	28	6' 8"	250 lbs	$23,760,000
Mitchell Robins	C	25	7' 0"	240 lbs	$17,045,454
Jericho Sims45	C	24	6' 9"	250 lbs	$1,639,842

In a league with guys making $40-$50mm and demanding trades that guy teams I am pretty pumped over the current state of things.

I think we have very good young players. Problem is - none of them likely have a higher ceiling than Randle or Brunson. Superstars win championships. I’m hopeful for a championship. We are trending in the right direction. I think our best young guys are iq, RJ and grimes - in that order. I really want to see grimes expand his game with drives and dunks.

I also think we need more offensive creativity from our coaching staff and positional size. A little more offense from Mitch could be helpful.

fishmike wrote:

Caseloads wrote:

fishmike wrote:Knicks will be a top defensive team next year. We are young, put points on the board, dominate the glass and should be getting to crunch time in pretty good fashion next year when Brunson does his thing in crunch time.

I get its the offseason but Im pretty pumped with the program we are building.

Very exciting. The key is - how much do our guys improve? Does the small ball line up work? Can Julius stay healthy the entire season? Can Julius ball out in the playoffs? Do we swing a trade? Sometimes the best trades are the one you don’t do.

its a young squad and we are on the Brunson timeline much more than a Randle time line. I do think this FO thinks the true 3rd guy will rise from within. If they dont they go into next season with 2 lower tier but all star caliber guys in Brunnson/Randle but they are really surrounded by a high end cast of role players who are pretty diverse on both sides of the ball and ascending.

RJ Barrett9	SG	23	6' 6"	214 lbs	$10,900,635
Jalen Brunson11	PG	26	6' 1"	190 lbs	$27,733,332
Donte DiVince	SG	26	6' 4"	203 lbs	$4,500,000
Quentin Grimes6	SG	23	6' 4"	210 lbs	$2,277,000
Josh Hart3	SG	28	6' 4"	215 lbs	$12,960,000
Isaiah Hartens	C	25	7' 0"	250 lbs	$7,804,879
Miles McBride2	PG	22	6' 2"	195 lbs	$1,563,518
Immanuel Quick	SG	24	6' 3"	190 lbs	$2,316,240
Julius Randle30	PF	28	6' 8"	250 lbs	$23,760,000
Mitchell Robins	C	25	7' 0"	240 lbs	$17,045,454
Jericho Sims45	C	24	6' 9"	250 lbs	$1,639,842

In a league with guys making $40-$50mm and demanding trades that guy teams I am pretty pumped over the current state of things.

You have to start to think how many of the players are going to start their get away from the Knicks. The young players are going to want to get to their money. Pretty soon they are going to want out like Obi.

Brunson
Grimes
Bridges
JJ
Towns

TPercy wrote:Brunson
Grimes
Bridges
JJ
Towns

Being back Jared Jeffries!

Vmart wrote:

fishmike wrote:

Caseloads wrote:

fishmike wrote:Knicks will be a top defensive team next year. We are young, put points on the board, dominate the glass and should be getting to crunch time in pretty good fashion next year when Brunson does his thing in crunch time.

I get its the offseason but Im pretty pumped with the program we are building.

Very exciting. The key is - how much do our guys improve? Does the small ball line up work? Can Julius stay healthy the entire season? Can Julius ball out in the playoffs? Do we swing a trade? Sometimes the best trades are the one you don’t do.

its a young squad and we are on the Brunson timeline much more than a Randle time line. I do think this FO thinks the true 3rd guy will rise from within. If they dont they go into next season with 2 lower tier but all star caliber guys in Brunnson/Randle but they are really surrounded by a high end cast of role players who are pretty diverse on both sides of the ball and ascending.

RJ Barrett9	SG	23	6' 6"	214 lbs	$10,900,635
Jalen Brunson11	PG	26	6' 1"	190 lbs	$27,733,332
Donte DiVince	SG	26	6' 4"	203 lbs	$4,500,000
Quentin Grimes6	SG	23	6' 4"	210 lbs	$2,277,000
Josh Hart3	SG	28	6' 4"	215 lbs	$12,960,000
Isaiah Hartens	C	25	7' 0"	250 lbs	$7,804,879
Miles McBride2	PG	22	6' 2"	195 lbs	$1,563,518
Immanuel Quick	SG	24	6' 3"	190 lbs	$2,316,240
Julius Randle30	PF	28	6' 8"	250 lbs	$23,760,000
Mitchell Robins	C	25	7' 0"	240 lbs	$17,045,454
Jericho Sims45	C	24	6' 9"	250 lbs	$1,639,842

In a league with guys making $40-$50mm and demanding trades that guy teams I am pretty pumped over the current state of things.

You have to start to think how many of the players are going to start their get away from the Knicks. The young players are going to want to get to their money. Pretty soon they are going to want out like Obi.

oh? What do they have in common with Obi?

Caseloads wrote:

fishmike wrote:

Caseloads wrote:

fishmike wrote:Knicks will be a top defensive team next year. We are young, put points on the board, dominate the glass and should be getting to crunch time in pretty good fashion next year when Brunson does his thing in crunch time.

I get its the offseason but Im pretty pumped with the program we are building.

Very exciting. The key is - how much do our guys improve? Does the small ball line up work? Can Julius stay healthy the entire season? Can Julius ball out in the playoffs? Do we swing a trade? Sometimes the best trades are the one you don’t do.

its a young squad and we are on the Brunson timeline much more than a Randle time line. I do think this FO thinks the true 3rd guy will rise from within. If they dont they go into next season with 2 lower tier but all star caliber guys in Brunnson/Randle but they are really surrounded by a high end cast of role players who are pretty diverse on both sides of the ball and ascending.

RJ Barrett9	SG	23	6' 6"	214 lbs	$10,900,635
Jalen Brunson11	PG	26	6' 1"	190 lbs	$27,733,332
Donte DiVince	SG	26	6' 4"	203 lbs	$4,500,000
Quentin Grimes6	SG	23	6' 4"	210 lbs	$2,277,000
Josh Hart3	SG	28	6' 4"	215 lbs	$12,960,000
Isaiah Hartens	C	25	7' 0"	250 lbs	$7,804,879
Miles McBride2	PG	22	6' 2"	195 lbs	$1,563,518
Immanuel Quick	SG	24	6' 3"	190 lbs	$2,316,240
Julius Randle30	PF	28	6' 8"	250 lbs	$23,760,000
Mitchell Robins	C	25	7' 0"	240 lbs	$17,045,454
Jericho Sims45	C	24	6' 9"	250 lbs	$1,639,842

In a league with guys making $40-$50mm and demanding trades that guy teams I am pretty pumped over the current state of things.

I think we have very good young players. Problem is - none of them likely have a higher ceiling than Randle or Brunson. Superstars win championships. I’m hopeful for a championship. We are trending in the right direction. I think our best young guys are iq, RJ and grimes - in that order. I really want to see grimes expand his game with drives and dunks.

I also think we need more offensive creativity from our coaching staff and positional size. A little more offense from Mitch could be helpful.

Billup's Pistons have entered the chat. Until an MVP wants to sign here for fun that's the blueprint

I still think, Obi, McBride, IHart and Fournier could have got a deal done for Ayton. They were willing to accept an awful package from Dallas.

Bridges is costing you Barrett, Grimes, 3 first round picks. Nets can't make a fair trade with the Knicks especially with what a shit show has went down.

Quickley has shown in extended PT that he can thrive as an SG. Brunson and IQ can take turns playing point. Brunson wont have to take as many charges. Trade Grimes for a quality veteran backup PG.

That would justify paying IQ starter money. Do not see the point of looking for a legit starting SG when we have one ready to go, and on the roster.

We still need another closer. Or a center who can get buckets in crunch time. Someone to go to when the defense is very stout.

Panos wrote:

TPercy wrote:Brunson
Grimes
Bridges
JJ
Towns

Being back Jared Jeffries!

Dude is living the dream.

MS wrote:I still think, Obi, McBride, IHart and Fournier could have got a deal done for Ayton. They were willing to accept an awful package from Dallas.

Bridges is costing you Barrett, Grimes, 3 first round picks. Nets can't make a fair trade with the Knicks especially with what a shit show has went down.

I think MRob works instead of iHart and obi. I might pull the trigger on both deals, though Grimes makes me think and it depends on which picks.

Brunson/IQ
Hart/DDV
Bridges
Randle
Ayton/iHart

I like it better if we hold onto Grimes, but I’m good with that. Add some veteran depth and I think that team is a contender.

EwingsGlass wrote:Just for giggles, I wanted to put together a fantasy team around Brunson. I have no "supermax" players that would demand to be the focal point of the offense. Just solid guys that play two-ways. We've seen all the names come up over and over in one off trades, but if I were building a team solely around Brunson and using all our other assets - this is what my team looks like.

5: Center: Deandre Ayton. Sure he wants more touches, but I am looking at a young player that can be effective out to about 12 feet. Locked up on a long term contract that likely has to move to cover more roster spots for Phoenix. I am thinking the expiring Fournier goes up in value as the season goes on and Mitch Robinson's contract is a gem now. Fournier & Robinson for Ayton. Don't talk to me about picks, but if I have to throw in a McBride or something, we can chat.

4: PF: Jaren Jackson, Jr. Fresh of the DPOY, I need the Knicks network to do a little magic here. I like what they are doing in Memphis, but with Ja Morant being a gunslinger, hoping that they reload at some point or bring in a strong personality. They now have Ja on a max, Bane on a Max and JJJ on a Max. I think they may need to move something soon. Yeah, maybe its Ja. But I would put Randle up for JJJ and work out any difference with picks and other players. Premier defensive PF in the league.

3) SF: OG Anunoby. OK. This is beaten to death. I know. But Archtype 3&D + slasher that guards 1 to 5. Hartenstein + IQ. Gives them depth at C behind Poetl and a guy that probably starts at PG over Schroeder. Might need to add some filler to make the numbers work. I can toss in weaker picks to make this work. Plug and play in any team as the ultimate role player.

2) SG: Mikal Bridges. Ok. Probably a slim chance that Brooklyn moves Bridges. Brooklyn Bridges is just too good of a marketing device. But, I am offering Barrett and picks to make this work. Premier 3&D wing and Nova product. Perfect running mate for this squad. But maybe he struggles a little as defenses key to him and his value drops to where we can afford him.

1) PG: Jalen Brunson. Guys got heart. Can lead a championship team. And has.

I'd start at the 2 and work towards 5, stopping wherever we run out of assets. Would have some holes to fill in the bench when we are done, but I don't think that is a big deal. This is a dream squad that could hang together for a decade, much like GSW did. Basically run a 4-1 offense set but Ayton should keep the defense more honest. Good ball movement, passers and 3 DPOY candidates. I mean, if I had this squad, Hart and Divincenzo, I don't think i need draft picks. Use all 7+ picks and swaps to go all in.

Ah, to dream!

Thoughts? Would you replace anyone on this dream squad around Brunson? What costs do you think it would take?

Don't like any of the guys you picked except for maybe Bridges. For the main reason that they are to mild mannered and don't have that dog mentality. (Needed in NYC) Think Knicks brass has done well adding guys that do. Devinny and JHart. Like Randle for that reason as well. Would like Bridges paired up with what we have and maybe a more offensive versatile Center. (Turner?) Although he would have to not be a big drop defensively from MR.

HofstraBBall wrote:

EwingsGlass wrote:Just for giggles, I wanted to put together a fantasy team around Brunson. I have no "supermax" players that would demand to be the focal point of the offense. Just solid guys that play two-ways. We've seen all the names come up over and over in one off trades, but if I were building a team solely around Brunson and using all our other assets - this is what my team looks like.

5: Center: Deandre Ayton. Sure he wants more touches, but I am looking at a young player that can be effective out to about 12 feet. Locked up on a long term contract that likely has to move to cover more roster spots for Phoenix. I am thinking the expiring Fournier goes up in value as the season goes on and Mitch Robinson's contract is a gem now. Fournier & Robinson for Ayton. Don't talk to me about picks, but if I have to throw in a McBride or something, we can chat.

4: PF: Jaren Jackson, Jr. Fresh of the DPOY, I need the Knicks network to do a little magic here. I like what they are doing in Memphis, but with Ja Morant being a gunslinger, hoping that they reload at some point or bring in a strong personality. They now have Ja on a max, Bane on a Max and JJJ on a Max. I think they may need to move something soon. Yeah, maybe its Ja. But I would put Randle up for JJJ and work out any difference with picks and other players. Premier defensive PF in the league.

3) SF: OG Anunoby. OK. This is beaten to death. I know. But Archtype 3&D + slasher that guards 1 to 5. Hartenstein + IQ. Gives them depth at C behind Poetl and a guy that probably starts at PG over Schroeder. Might need to add some filler to make the numbers work. I can toss in weaker picks to make this work. Plug and play in any team as the ultimate role player.

2) SG: Mikal Bridges. Ok. Probably a slim chance that Brooklyn moves Bridges. Brooklyn Bridges is just too good of a marketing device. But, I am offering Barrett and picks to make this work. Premier 3&D wing and Nova product. Perfect running mate for this squad. But maybe he struggles a little as defenses key to him and his value drops to where we can afford him.

1) PG: Jalen Brunson. Guys got heart. Can lead a championship team. And has.

I'd start at the 2 and work towards 5, stopping wherever we run out of assets. Would have some holes to fill in the bench when we are done, but I don't think that is a big deal. This is a dream squad that could hang together for a decade, much like GSW did. Basically run a 4-1 offense set but Ayton should keep the defense more honest. Good ball movement, passers and 3 DPOY candidates. I mean, if I had this squad, Hart and Divincenzo, I don't think i need draft picks. Use all 7+ picks and swaps to go all in.

Ah, to dream!

Thoughts? Would you replace anyone on this dream squad around Brunson? What costs do you think it would take?

Don't like any of the guys you picked except for maybe Bridges. For the main reason that they are to mild mannered and don't have that dog mentality. Think Knicks brass did well by adding guys that do. Devinny and JHart. Like Randle for that reason as well. Would like Bridges paired up with what we have and maybe a more offensive versatile Center. Although he would have to not be a big drop defensively from MR.

I mean, JJJ was DPOY, Mikal is Top 5 in DPOY voting and OG was the odds on favorite for DPOY in the early season. I like your dog mentality and you have McBride, Hart, DDV, and Sims that all play hard nosed ball hawk defense with their feet. Meaning they have elite footwork on their defense that takes options from the ball handler. IQ plays lane defense off the ball at an elite level. His long arms disrupts passing lanes.

BUT - all of our guys are slightly undersized to their positions and so, while they play hard nosed defense, at the elite matchups they are giving up size.

Bridges/OG/JJJ are all elite size and skilled defenders at their position without huge offensive weaknesses.

Ayton is a question mark, I know. I might agree, but can't really name another top 10 center that is remotely available without tanking the team. So, I was looking at his upside instead of his current value.

EwingsGlass wrote:

HofstraBBall wrote:

EwingsGlass wrote:Just for giggles, I wanted to put together a fantasy team around Brunson. I have no "supermax" players that would demand to be the focal point of the offense. Just solid guys that play two-ways. We've seen all the names come up over and over in one off trades, but if I were building a team solely around Brunson and using all our other assets - this is what my team looks like.

5: Center: Deandre Ayton. Sure he wants more touches, but I am looking at a young player that can be effective out to about 12 feet. Locked up on a long term contract that likely has to move to cover more roster spots for Phoenix. I am thinking the expiring Fournier goes up in value as the season goes on and Mitch Robinson's contract is a gem now. Fournier & Robinson for Ayton. Don't talk to me about picks, but if I have to throw in a McBride or something, we can chat.

4: PF: Jaren Jackson, Jr. Fresh of the DPOY, I need the Knicks network to do a little magic here. I like what they are doing in Memphis, but with Ja Morant being a gunslinger, hoping that they reload at some point or bring in a strong personality. They now have Ja on a max, Bane on a Max and JJJ on a Max. I think they may need to move something soon. Yeah, maybe its Ja. But I would put Randle up for JJJ and work out any difference with picks and other players. Premier defensive PF in the league.

3) SF: OG Anunoby. OK. This is beaten to death. I know. But Archtype 3&D + slasher that guards 1 to 5. Hartenstein + IQ. Gives them depth at C behind Poetl and a guy that probably starts at PG over Schroeder. Might need to add some filler to make the numbers work. I can toss in weaker picks to make this work. Plug and play in any team as the ultimate role player.

2) SG: Mikal Bridges. Ok. Probably a slim chance that Brooklyn moves Bridges. Brooklyn Bridges is just too good of a marketing device. But, I am offering Barrett and picks to make this work. Premier 3&D wing and Nova product. Perfect running mate for this squad. But maybe he struggles a little as defenses key to him and his value drops to where we can afford him.

1) PG: Jalen Brunson. Guys got heart. Can lead a championship team. And has.

I'd start at the 2 and work towards 5, stopping wherever we run out of assets. Would have some holes to fill in the bench when we are done, but I don't think that is a big deal. This is a dream squad that could hang together for a decade, much like GSW did. Basically run a 4-1 offense set but Ayton should keep the defense more honest. Good ball movement, passers and 3 DPOY candidates. I mean, if I had this squad, Hart and Divincenzo, I don't think i need draft picks. Use all 7+ picks and swaps to go all in.

Ah, to dream!

Thoughts? Would you replace anyone on this dream squad around Brunson? What costs do you think it would take?

Don't like any of the guys you picked except for maybe Bridges. For the main reason that they are to mild mannered and don't have that dog mentality. Think Knicks brass did well by adding guys that do. Devinny and JHart. Like Randle for that reason as well. Would like Bridges paired up with what we have and maybe a more offensive versatile Center. Although he would have to not be a big drop defensively from MR.

I mean, JJJ was DPOY, Mikal is Top 5 in DPOY voting and OG was the odds on favorite for DPOY in the early season. I like your dog mentality and you have McBride, Hart, DDV, and Sims that all play hard nosed ball hawk defense with their feet. Meaning they have elite footwork on their defense that takes options from the ball handler. IQ plays lane defense off the ball at an elite level. His long arms disrupts passing lanes.

BUT - all of our guys are slightly undersized to their positions and so, while they play hard nosed defense, at the elite matchups they are giving up size.

Bridges/OG/JJJ are all elite size and skilled defenders at their position without huge offensive weaknesses.

Ayton is a question mark, I know. I might agree, but can't really name another top 10 center that is remotely available without tanking the team. So, I was looking at his upside instead of his current value.

Not knocking the players. Just stating that sometimes the dog mentality has more affect on others and winning. As well as it tends to do better in the NYC arena.

The other issue would be cost. To get those would not be cheap. And once again, do they affect winning. Those players have played along side some really good players. And have yet to be part of an elite team.

I like OG but he has Van and Siakam as well as a couple of good youngins. And that team underachieved.
Mikal is good and broke out when asked to be the main threat but he won't be that here.
JJJ, think has the most potential but needs a little dirt and mean streak on him.