NBA Greats Draft: Let the games begin!!!

[Larvell Blanks]

I'm out of work here at 4 and I'm on deck behind Bayou. I pm'd my pick 1 and 1A (should me and Bayou be on the same page) to FUDU. I'm hoping to get to my computer at home so I can post sooner but will be busy w/ niece's "production" at school this evening.

[FUDU]

While I am open to suggestions I think a time limit is to difficult, especially during a work day.

So all I ask if is you know you will be gone for long stretches pass your priority list on to me, Rich or somebody else or maybe if you are 2nd in the line up at the time post your pick and take your chances the guy in front of you doesn't want that guy.

Let's be honest about this, it is an NBA greats draft, there aren't any real sleepers or surprises b/c all the players available have established careers, it is not like we are drafting rookies based on potential and what not.

I should be available all day tomorrow so can facilitate many of your needs for this thing if you want.

[Bayou Tribe]

Damn Jordan, I had Dr J at he top of my list too. I'll go

Tim Duncan, The Big Fundamental, at PF




USBWA College Player of the Year (1997)
Naismith College Player of the Year (1997)
John Wooden Award (1997)
ACC Player of the Year (1996, 1997)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1998)
NBA MVP (2002, 2003)
NBA Finals MVP (1999, 2003, 2005)
NBA Champion (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007)
NBA All-Star Game co-MVP (with Shaquille O'Neal) (2000)
11-time NBA All-Star (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)

http://www.basketball-reference.com/pla ... ati01.html

[hermanfontenot]

Solid pick, Bayou. You really can't go wrong with Tim.

[FUDU]

Larvel selects Hakeem Olajuwon.

[hermanfontenot]

Larvel selects Hakeem Olajuwon.

And you REALLY can't go wrong with the Dream.

[Bayou Tribe]

Yeah Herm. It's not flashy but it's respectable. Dude's a beast, consistent, awards galore, titles, he's got it all.

Hakeem is a great pick too, the most underrated center in NBA history. I was hoping (foolishly hoping) that I'd catch him on the way back and start with Timmy at PF and Olajuwon at C. I've got some thinking to do now.

[FUDU]

Larvel selects Hakeem Olajuwon.

And you REALLY can't go wrong with the Dream.

I was hoping to snag him in rd two (like you are all that dumb) and put together the greatest front court on Earth.

[jfiling]

I just figured I'd move this to the third page, and I can maintain it or one of the mods can update it.


1. rebel: -- Michael Jordan
2. Pup: -- Bill Russel
3. Doc: -- LeBron James
4. booya: -- Kareem Abdul Jabaar
5. FUDU: -- Wilt Chamberlain
6. twdelaney: -- Earvin "Magic" Johnson
7. jfiling: -- Larry Bird
8. buckeye: -- Shaq O'neal
9. pharaoh: -- Oscar Robertson
10. herm: -- Moses Malone
11. jordankramer: -- Julius "Dr J" Erving
12. Bayou: -- Tim Duncan
13. Larvell: -- Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon
14. noles:
15. Swerb:
16. CP:

[hermanfontenot]

Looks like all the great big men are accounted for. Except for Jack Sikma, of course.

[Larvell Blanks]

thanks FUDU

at Center here is the Dream...

Olajuwon was highly skilled as both an offensive and defensive player. On defense, his rare combination of quickness and strength allowed him to guard a wide range of players effectively. He was noted for both his outstanding shot-blocking ability and his unique talent (for a frontcourt player) for stealing the ball. Hakeem averaged 3.09 blocks per game and 1.75 steals per game in his career.[30] He is the only center to rank among the top ten all time in steals.[30] Olajuwon was also an outstanding rebounder, with a career average of 11.1 rebounds per game.[30] He led the NBA in rebounding twice, during the 1989 and 1990 seasons. Hakeem was twice named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and was a five-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection.

On offense, Olajuwon was famous for his deft shooting touch around the basket and his nimble footwork in the low post. With the ball, Hakeem displayed a vast array of fakes and spin moves, highlighted in his signature "Dream Shake" (see below). He was a prolific scorer, averaging 21.8 points per game during his career,[4] and an above average offensive rebounder, averaging 3.3 offensive rebounds per game.[4] Additionally, Olajuwon became a skilled dribbler who developed an ability to score in "face-up" situations like a perimeter player.[31] He is one of only four players to have recorded a quadruple-double, an accomplishment that illustrated his overall skill and versatility.

Olajuwon was one of the NBA's greatest all-time playoff performers, regularly elevating his play in crucial games. He was twice named NBA Finals MVP, and he excelled in playoff matchups against the best centers of his era.[21] During his 1994-95 back-to-back championship playoff run, Olajuwon led the Rockets to victory against teams featuring Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, and Shaquille O'Neal.


[edit] Dream Shake
"The best footwork I’ve ever seen from a big man"
—Pete Newell[6]
Olajuwon established himself as a great offensive player during his career, perfecting a set of fakes and spin moves that became known as his trademark Dream Shake. Executed with uncanny speed and power, they are still regarded as the pinnacle of "big man" footwork.[6] Shaquille O'Neal stated: "Hakeem has five moves then four countermoves, that gives him 20 moves."[4] The Dream Shake made Olajuwon near-unguardable for most of his career, because "big men" were too slow and guards too weak to stop him. Olajuwon himself traced the move back to the soccer playing days of his youth, "The Dream Shake was actually one of my soccer moves which I translated to basketball. It would accomplish one of three things: one, to misdirect the opponent and make him go the opposite way; two, to freeze the opponent and leave him devastated in his tracks; three, to shake off the opponent and giving him no chance to contest the shot."[6]

The Dream Shake was extremely difficult to defend, much like the sky hook of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.[6] The Dream Shake's closest modern equivalent comes from Kevin Garnett, whose moves have less variety and include some perimeter action.[32]

One particularly standout Dream Shake came at The Alamodome in Game 5 of the 1995 Western Conference playoff series against rival David Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs, who was voted the season MVP. With Robinson guarding him, Olajuwon crossed over from his right hand to his left, drove to the basket, and faked a layup.[33] Robinson, who was an excellent defender, kept up with Olajuwon and did not fall for the fake, remaining planted. However, Olajuwon spun counterclockwise and faked another layup. Robinson took the bait this time and jumped to block the shot. With Robinson caught in the air, Olajuwon performed an up-and-under move, scoring an easy baske

[Ziner]

Herm, you takin' Rashard Lewis in round 2?

[hermanfontenot]

Herm, you takin' Rashard Lewis in round 2?

Depends. Do I get to play the Cavaliers?

[Ziner]

Herm, you takin' Rashard Lewis in round 2?

Depends. Do I get to play the Cavaliers?

Touche

[CP]

Suspense is killing me. What if we did something where you knew when your picks took place? Like 1 per hour? If I am supposed to pick at, say, 11 pm and 12 am, at least I know when to be on. Or, I can check in just before hand and hand my picks to FUDU or Swerb?

I'm chomping at the bit here and noles hasn't been on since this morning.

[peeker643]

Looks like all the great big men are accounted for. Except for Jack Sikma, of course.

Waiting for someone to bust out the George Mikan selection.

[CP]

I am tempted to go with him:

[FUDU]

I think we all understand we all have busy lives, or at least more important things in life to tend to.

But we are still big time losers with the time we spend on this sites, right?

I think the suggestion of letting us know when a guy can make his pick is a good one.

Maybe we should try it. Maybe list the times you know for sure you can be online and make a pick, that way we can all kind of forecast when we should be ready with our own?

Me I am good 75% of the day tomorrow, shouldn't be more than an hour or hour.5 that I will not have access. Saturday should be decent as well.

[noles1]

Sorry had midterm tonight for grad school...


Got to go with value...

http://www.databasebasketball.com/playe ... =BRYANKO01

Kobe Bryant

[CP]

Sorry had midterm tonight for grad school...


Got to go with value...

http://www.databasebasketball.com/playe ... =BRYANKO01

Kobe Bryant

Bah! Good pick, I was surprised Kobe lasted as long as he did and had intended on selecting him at #16.

[CP]

I think we all understand we all have busy lives, or at least more important things in life to tend to.

But we are still big time losers with the time we spend on this sites, right?

I think the suggestion of letting us know when a guy can make his pick is a good one.

Maybe we should try it. Maybe list the times you know for sure you can be online and make a pick, that way we can all kind of forecast when we should be ready with our own?

Me I am good 75% of the day tomorrow, shouldn't be more than an hour or hour.5 that I will not have access. Saturday should be decent as well.

I subscribed to the thread and turned on the feature to allow people to email me, I have my email acct synced up to my iPhone so there *shouldn't* be much of a delay for my picks.

I'm going to be taking the kids to see Thomas the Tank Engine tomorrow though so I may be unavailable mid-day.

[FUDU]

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=rA0CsYZ8l5BXD12WA_bWOHA

This is a test to see if this actually works.

I set up a Google spreadsheet for each roster as we go pick by pick.

IIRC only viewing is allowed, no editing except for me.

Just figured it would be easier than scrolling through this thread as this progresses.

[Bayou Tribe]

That spreadsheet should do the trick. If you can post it in the first post on the first page it will help out tremendously.

[FUDU]

Done, see first post, everyone.

Tell me what you think.

[pup]

Done, see first post, everyone.

Tell me what you think.

Nice

[swerb]

Gotta get in the office and get caffeinated before I make my pick. By 9 AM.

[jordan kramer]

i'm playing 18 holes with some friends this afternoon, and when we get back its opening day for Riotball (this game my friends and i created, kinda like cornhole only with golf balls and dress clothes) season. which means i will be: a) drinking lots of Arnold Palmers b) drinking heavy amounts of beer and c) making fun of my friends mom most of the day. hopefully it doesn't come back to me for awhile. oh and those spreadsheets where a great idea. props

[pup]

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=rA0CsYZ8l5BXD12WA_bWOHA

This is a test to see if this actually works.

I set up a Google spreadsheet for each roster as we go pick by pick.

IIRC only viewing is allowed, no editing except for me.

Just figured it would be easier than scrolling through this thread as this progresses.

Not to be a pain in the a$$, but will the picks still be updated in this thread as well? Google spreadsheets are considered to be personal storage and backup by work's internet mob and blocked.

[pup]

i'm playing 18 holes with some friends this afternoon, and when we get back its opening day for Riotball (this game my friends and i created, kinda like cornhole only with golf balls and dress clothes) season. which means i will be: a) drinking lots of Arnold Palmers b) drinking heavy amounts of beer and c) making fun of my friends mom most of the day. hopefully it doesn't come back to me for awhile. oh and those spreadsheets where a great idea. props

Jordan - any chance you can send in a list to someone? PM me if you want since I do not have a pick before you. The guys that are going to be on the clock could very easily fire these off in a hurry.

[Larvell Blanks]

The spreadsheet works great!


Is this only for NBA players because I'd like to get this guy as my point guard. Dude can handle the ball...



And you just know he railed both Ginger and Maryann (maybe even Mrs Howell) when they were here...

[swerb]

Wow. Fortune has smiled upon me in this draft. Despite drawing the 15th overall selection, one of the 10 greatest players in NBA history has slipped to me.

The effin logo.

Jerry West



15 seasons. 14 All-Star games. 12 1st team All-NBA nods. Nicknamed "Mr. Clutch". Was the MVP of the 1969 NBA Finals, IN A LOSING EFFORT. Co-captain of the gold medal winning 1960 USA Olympic basketball team.

27.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 6.7 apg, and 2.6 spg. One of only three retired players to average 27 or more points per game over their career.

But forget the offense. The effin logo was one of the greatest defensive wing players in NBA history. The NBA All-Defensive team wasn't even created till he turned 32. He then proceeded to make first team All-Defense at age 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36.

Who better to start a team with than the ultimate combo guard. The playmaking skills of a point guard and the ability to run an offense. Two guard scoring skills as great as any player in history, and the bigger and more important the moment, the better he was. And one of the greatest wing defenders ever.

[Bayou Tribe]

If we can get CP up and rolling, I should be able to get my 2nd rounder in today (crosses fingers).

[Larvell Blanks]

I know we have it in a spreadsheet but still thought I'd throw out the updated list
1. rebel: -- Michael Jordan
2. Pup: -- Bill Russel
3. Doc: -- LeBron James
4. booya: -- Kareem Abdul Jabaar
5. FUDU: -- Wilt Chamberlain
6. twdelaney: -- Earvin "Magic" Johnson
7. jfiling: -- Larry Bird
8. buckeye: -- Shaq O'neal
9. pharaoh: -- Oscar Robertson
10. herm: -- Moses Malone
11. jordankramer: -- Julius "Dr J" Erving
12. Bayou: -- Tim Duncan
13. Larvell: -- Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon
14. noles: Kobe Bryant
15. Swerb: Jerry West
16. CP:

[CP]

I waited all this time for Swerb to steal my guy. I can't believe The Logo lasted this long. Have to alter my strategy a bit... I'm confident in my pick here, but following up The Logo is a tough act.

That said, I will end the first round with the greatest power forward to set foot on the NBA's hardwood... Karl Malone.

The Mailman is a two-time NBA MVP and NBA's 2nd all-time leading scorer. Most people know that. But, the Mailman is also #1 in NBA history in defensive rebounds, free throws made, free throws attempted, and is a two-time NBA All-Star game MVP.

Malone was also selected to the All-NBA 1st team defensive team three times and the most complete four to ever play.

[CP]

To start off the 2nd round, I will select one of the last complete centers available, David Robinson.

The Admiral is a former MVP and Defensive Player of the Year (only one of four players to accomplish both, I believe). He is also a four-time selection on the NBA's 1st team defense. The Admiral also led the NBA in single-season statistics for at least one season in points scored, free throws made, rebounds and blocks.

He's also #4 all time in Hollinger's PER rating at 26.2.

The Admiral and the Mailman may not be the sexiest picks I could have made, but I'm set in the paint and I believe I will matchup with anyone up front.

[swerb]

Need about 45 min to make my pick

[Bayou Tribe]

CP is Johnny on the Freakin Spot. That's how you draft.

[jordan kramer]

Dammit CP! i was really hoping to get either the Mailman or the Admiral in round 2!

pup, i'll pm u my picks before noon ok

[Doc]

Wow, I'm all sorts of excited right now. I really just started sitting down and thinking about it today, and I think I have my next couple rounds planned out. Lot of different ways to approach this, which makes it all the more fun. Although, seeing Malone go at 16 is rough...not sure why I thought he might last back to my 2nd pick. Oh well, I'll figure it out. I have a sleeper I'm really stoked about later on.

Oh, how much of a reach was LBJ at 3? I'm curious as to where people would expect him to go...Top 10? Top 5? Just hoping my Wine-colored glasses don't hurt me too much...though I suppose a Cleveland fan vote might help my chances with Cleveland's best NBA player on my team.

[Bayou Tribe]

Oh, how much of a reach was LBJ at 3? I'm curious as to where people would expect him to go...Top 10? Top 5? Just hoping my Wine-colored glasses don't hurt me too much...though I suppose a Cleveland fan vote might help my chances with Cleveland's best NBA player on my team.

As a Hornets fan, completely unbiased to the situation, I thought 3 was about right. I had him in the top 5 for sure, and if I was picking 3rd I can't say I would have passed on him. We all know how his future looks, and we all know where he'll end up on these lists when it's all said and done.

[rebelwithoutaclue]

Wow, I'm all sorts of excited right now. I really just started sitting down and thinking about it today, and I think I have my next couple rounds planned out. Lot of different ways to approach this, which makes it all the more fun. Although, seeing Malone go at 16 is rough...not sure why I thought he might last back to my 2nd pick. Oh well, I'll figure it out. I have a sleeper I'm really stoked about later on.

Oh, how much of a reach was LBJ at 3? I'm curious as to where people would expect him to go...Top 10? Top 5? Just hoping my Wine-colored glasses don't hurt me too much...though I suppose a Cleveland fan vote might help my chances with Cleveland's best NBA player on my team.

Even with the 1st pick I considerend LBJ so take that for what it's worth.

[swerb]

At this point in the draft for me, there is just one guy, so superior to all other options on the board, I have no choice to pick him.

Elgin Baylor



At small forward, there are three names well above and beyond all the rest when it comes to assessing the greatest players in NBA history. LeBron James, Larry Bird, and Elgin Baylor.

Not only did Baylor play with my first selection, Jerry West, but along with West and Michael Jordan .. Baylor is the only other retired player in league history to finish his career averaging 27 points per game or more. And oh year ... Elgin also averaged 13.4 rebounds per game over his career as well. As a 6'5 small forward!

Strong and graceful at 6-5 and 225 pounds, Baylor averaged 27.4 points and 13.5 rebounds during his 14-year career with the Minneapolis and Los Angeles Lakers. In 134 playoff games, he averaged 27.0 points and 12.9 rebounds. From 1960-61 through 1962-63 he averaged 34.8, 38.3, and 34.0 points, respectively. He led the Lakers to the NBA Finals eight times, was a 10-time All-NBA First Team selection, and played in 11 NBA All-Star Games. In 1962-63, he became the first NBA player to finish in the top five in four different statistical categories -- scoring, rebounding, assists, and free-throw percentage.

PG -
SG - Jerry West
SF - Elgin Baylor
PF -
C -

bench -
bench -

coach -

[rebelwithoutaclue]

At this point in the draft for me, there is just one guy, so superior to all other options on the board, I have no choice to pick him.

Elgin Baylor



At small forward, there are three names well above and beyond all the rest when it comes to assessing the greatest players in NBA history. LeBron James, Larry Bird, and Elgin Baylor.

Not only did Baylor play with my first selection, Jerry West, but along with West and Michael Jordan .. Baylor is the only other retired player in league history to finish his career averaging 27 points per game or more. And oh year ... Elgin also averaged 13.4 rebounds per game over his career as well. As a 6'5 small forward!

Strong and graceful at 6-5 and 225 pounds, Baylor averaged 27.4 points and 13.5 rebounds during his 14-year career with the Minneapolis and Los Angeles Lakers. In 134 playoff games, he averaged 27.0 points and 12.9 rebounds. From 1960-61 through 1962-63 he averaged 34.8, 38.3, and 34.0 points, respectively. He led the Lakers to the NBA Finals eight times, was a 10-time All-NBA First Team selection, and played in 11 NBA All-Star Games. In 1962-63, he became the first NBA player to finish in the top five in four different statistical categories -- scoring, rebounding, assists, and free-throw percentage.

PG -
SG - Jerry West
SF - Elgin Baylor
PF -
C -

bench -
bench -

coach -

Swerb going with Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside. Can't do much better than that.

[FUDU]

Yeah Pup I will try to keep the rosters updated in this thread as well as the spreadsheet, looks like somebody else is helping with the thread so that is great.

Damn not that I thought he would last to me at the second rd but Karl Malone would have looked nice next to Wilt.

Is there a stratomatic version of this b/c I could see this being fun as hell with simulating a complete NBA Season of all time greats.

[British_Pharaoh]

i was gonna get Jerry west as my SF damn!!

oh well plan B is just as good

[rebelwithoutaclue]

Yeah Pup I will try to keep the rosters updated in this thread as well as the spreadsheet, looks like somebody else is helping with the thread so that is great.

Damn not that I thought he would last to me at the second rd but Karl Malone would have looked nice next to Wilt.

Is there a stratomatic version of this b/c I could see this being fun as hell with simulating a complete NBA Season of all time greats.

Someone said something about using whatifsports.com. At first glance it appears to be free to use. \

http://www.whatifsports.com/locker/

[hermanfontenot]

At this point in the draft for me, there is just one guy, so superior to all other options on the board, I have no choice to pick him.

Elgin Baylor



At small forward, there are three names well above and beyond all the rest when it comes to assessing the greatest players in NBA history. LeBron James, Larry Bird, and Elgin Baylor.

Not only did Baylor play with my first selection, Jerry West, but along with West and Michael Jordan .. Baylor is the only other retired player in league history to finish his career averaging 27 points per game or more. And oh year ... Elgin also averaged 13.4 rebounds per game over his career as well. As a 6'5 small forward!

Strong and graceful at 6-5 and 225 pounds, Baylor averaged 27.4 points and 13.5 rebounds during his 14-year career with the Minneapolis and Los Angeles Lakers. In 134 playoff games, he averaged 27.0 points and 12.9 rebounds. From 1960-61 through 1962-63 he averaged 34.8, 38.3, and 34.0 points, respectively. He led the Lakers to the NBA Finals eight times, was a 10-time All-NBA First Team selection, and played in 11 NBA All-Star Games. In 1962-63, he became the first NBA player to finish in the top five in four different statistical categories -- scoring, rebounding, assists, and free-throw percentage.

PG -
SG - Jerry West
SF - Elgin Baylor
PF -
C -

bench -
bench -

coach -

Well, we know whose team is going to lose in the Finals.

[swerb]

Well, we know whose team is going to lose in the Finals.

Difference is, I am going to surround these two legends with the right supporting cast.

[CP]

Well, we know whose team is going to lose in the Finals.

Difference is, I am going to surround these two legends with the right supporting cast.

Except they couldn't beat the teams in their own era let alone the best teams ever.

[British_Pharaoh]

Well, we know whose team is going to lose in the Finals.

Difference is, I am going to surround these two legends with the right supporting cast.

Except they couldn't beat the teams in their own era let alone the best teams ever.

I'll have you know jerry West can run with the best of them