As the NBA season draws near I can’t help but get excited and fantasize about just what may happen. What team will be crowned champion? Who will win the rookie of the year? Which players will become house hold names? The league is loaded with talent and personalities who offer such a vast opportunity for color and spark. In all my thinking I can’t help but piece together the team I would most likely field if I was a GM and had my choice of any players in the league. So here it is. My Dream Team.
NBA Dream Team 2014
I know he is not at the height of popularity now after leaving Orlando and failing to win a championship with a star studded group in L.A., but my starting center would have to be:
Dwight Howard
It seems like the league is looking for more versatile big men who can shoot from the perimeter, but I like to keep it old school. Howard is the most pure center in the league and is craving a title. He has the size and athleticism to rebound and defend the post and isn’t afraid to score. The scariest part is he is just entering his prime and is about to redefine his career, in his second year in Houston. I believe he is primed to explode and return to top form not only as a player but also as a leader.
At the four I want a player who is tall athletic, can help out on the boards, and isn’t afraid to dish the ball, so my candidate for power forward would be:
Blake Griffin
We all love his dunks, but this kid is turning into a complete player who is working on his toughness, and should once again be one of the most exciting players in the league to watch. It would be nice to see him get a few more blocks inside, but I would trade that any day for the excitement and spunk he would bring to my team.
I don’t think there should be any discussion as to who is the best all-around player in the league. He may not have a ring to prove it yet, but I think one could be on the horizon for the reigning MVP. My choice at small forward is:
Kevin Durant
He is still very young and probably a few years away from entering his prime, so I don’t think even an injury can stop Durant from having another mind blowing season. He has the length and heart to defend his position well, and can hurt you offensively from anywhere on the court. He’s just getting better and has the perfect attitude to be the leader of any team.
The talent in the league at the two seems to be getting fairly thin, but there is still one guy who appears to play it brilliantly and that makes my choice for shooting guard very easy:
James Harden
Coming off his second consecutive all-star season Harden is primed for another big year, and the sky is the limit for this prolific scorer. He may need to sharpen up his defensive skills if he hopes to make the next step but you have to love the spark he brings to any offense.
To bring out the best in the other players, there is no position more important than point guard, and that is why I choose:
Chris Paul
A lot of teams struggle to find a field general that is talented at, and has as much desire to distribute the rock as to shoot it. Paul can do both. Last year he nearly averaged a double-double, in points and assist and isn’t afraid to work hard on defense where he averaged 2.5 steals a game. Plus, you just have to love his attitude and passion for the game.
Coming off the bench I want a guy who can spread the defense by shooting at will from the perimeter, so the choice for my sixth man is almost a no-brainer:
Stephen Curry
He is the purest shooter in the game today, shooting over 42% from behind the arc, and is becoming one of the best all-around guards in the game.
There is no way of telling how the season will unfold, but for now I left to watch hope and dream of what is yet to come.
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