Building A NBA Team

Today I am going to build the best NBA team money can buy. I will be using the NBA salary cap which is $136,021,000. I will not exceed the luxury tax threshold of $165,294,000.

Some rules for constructing this team:

1: I can only take one top-five pick, one top-ten pick, two in the teens(11-19), and two in the twenties over the last four drafts.

2: I can’t take anyone who was picked No. 1 in the draft. Unlike the Spurs, I don’t have that kind of lottery luck. 

3: I can only take one undrafted player on his rookie contract 

4: I will take two players per position plus five utility players 

Point Guards

Tyreese Haliburton ($5,808,435) (pick 12)

Cole Anthony ($5,539,771) (pick 15)

Shooting Guards

Tyrese Maxey($4,343,920)(pick 21)

Seth Curry ($4,000,000)

Small forwards

Jimmy Butler ($45,183,960)

Franz Wagner ($5,508,720) (pick 8)

Power Forwards

Lauri Markkanen ($17,259,999)

Chet Holmgren($10,386,000) (pick 2) 

Centers 

Nikola Jokic($47,607,350)

Walker Kessler ($2,831,160) (pick 22)

Utility players 

Boban Marjanović ($2,019,706)

Jose Alverado ($1,836,096) (undrafted)

Eric Gordon ($3,196,448)

Thanasis Antetokounmpo($2,019,706) 

Bol Bol ($2,019,706)

The total spent is $159,560,997

The captain of this team is Boban Marjanovic. Sure, he never plays. So what? This is a man who has appeared in the movie John Wick Chapter 3. He’s a stone-cold killer and the leader that this team needs to win an NBA championship. We’ll just have to make sure to always have the extra-large packages of goldfish crackers in the locker room.

My starting center is Nikola Jokic. Jokic is the best player in the NBA right now. His size, athleticism, and shooting ability make him the number-one option on this team (at least when Boban isn’t on the court). Backing up Jokic is Walker Kessler. Kessler's unique skill set, including shot-blocking and defensive prowess, would be a valuable addition to Nikola Jokic's offensive game, ensuring team intensity. 

Right next to Jokic in the front court, I decided to go with Lauri Markkanen at power forward. Markkanen and Jokic complement each other's skills, creating a versatile frontcourt that maximizes offensive efficiency and can stretch defenses. The second power forward on this team is Chet Holgrem. Holgrem, with his size, shooting, and shot-blocking abilities, could provide depth and flexibility to Markkanen's frontcourt rotation, complementing his offensive skills and maintaining defensive stability. Plus, when Markkanen is off the court, Holgrem would be able to provide this team with an offensive and defensive spark with his set of skills.

At small forward I went with Jimmy Butler. Butler's leadership, tenacity, competitiveness, and defensive prowess make him a valuable asset to my team. His scoring and playmaking skills create opportunities for teammates. Plus Butler is a different man in the playoffs and having “Playoff Jimmy” on my team would be better than having him as my opponent.  Backing up Butler is Franz Wagner. His shooting and playmaking abilities ensure a seamless transition and maintain the team's overall performance when Butler is off the court. 

At shooting guard, I decided to go with Tyrese Maxey. Maxey's explosive scoring ability and versatility on the court make him an essential addition to the team's lineup. Seth Curry will be the backup to Maxey. Curry is  known for his elite shooting and floor-spacing abilities, and  is a reliable option to support  Maxey in the team's offense, providing valuable spacing and driving lanes while off the bench.      

At point guard, I went with Tyrese Haliburton to finish out the starters.  Haliburton’s exceptional playmaking skills and basketball IQ make him the perfect point guard for this team. His smart decision-making and versatility in scoring, passing, and defense make him a valuable player for the team. To back up Haliburton and to be the team's sixth man, I went with Cole Anthony. Anthony is known for his scoring ability and offensive firepower. His competitiveness and energy would add a unique dynamic. Plus Anthony would 100% be in the Sixth Man of the Year award conversation(much like real life).

Now the rest of the utility players.  First up is Thanasis Antetokounmpo. Look I know Giannis just signed an extension, but you never know. He may want to play with his brothers and if he does…  I will probably sign Kostas Antetokounmpo to make the appeal stronger. Next up is Eric Gordon. Gordon is a versatile utility player who excels in multiple positions, including guard, scoring, facilitating, and defending, making him a valuable asset in various lineups. Next up is Bol Bol. Bol is a versatile utility player at 7-2, and is a valuable asset in various lineups due to his size, skill, and versatility, enabling him to play multiple positions and block shots. The final utility player is Jose Alverado. Alverado is liked by almost everyone (not Chris Paul). Alverado is on this team because of the effort he brings to every practice and every game. 

That is my team. Comment down below how you think this team will do? See you next time.