Knicks · The Wishlist Team Around Brunson (page 2)

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.