Building the Best Team with Active NBA Players

The Golden State Warriors are the best team in basketball and they’ve built an incredible team of five All-Stars. But I was wondering, what if there was a true super team, one similar to the Dream Team and made up of only the very best players in the NBA. I decided to build my own and this is what I came up with.

Starters

Point Guard – Stephen Curry Golden State Warriors

He’s the ultimate three-point weapon with a near unlimited range. When he gets going he’s unstoppable and his range, quick release, and handles make him basically unguardable.

Shooting Guard – James Harden Houston Rockets

There’s a reason he won the MVP this year. Harden has shown he’s a great three-point shooter who can also step back and distribute the ball when needed.

Small Forward – LeBron James Los Angeles Lakers

James is the best player on the planet right now and is the definition of an all-around player who excels at most facets of the game.

Power Forward – Kevin Durant Golden State Warriors

Durant is the best player behind James and has shown he can compete with the King. Besides being a lengthy athletic monster, he’s a deadeye shooter, especially from midrange.

Center – Anthony Davis New Orleans Pelicans

He was a Defensive Player of the Year candidate this past season and is a monster on the inside. He provides the team with volume rebounding and a player capable of matching any other inside.

Bench

Backup Point Guard – Russell Westbrook Oklahoma City Thunder

He led the league in assists last year and is a great slashing guard who can finish at the rim through traffic.

Backup Shooting Guard – Jimmy Butler Minnesota Timberwolves

Butler is an efficient two-point shooter who can step out beyond the arc, play multiple positions, and lockdown opponents on defense.

Backup Small Forward – Kawhi Leonard Toronto Raptors

Despite his injury and issues this past year, Leonard is the only player other than Durant who can play to the level of James. That says a lot.

Backup Power Forward – Giannis Antetokounmpo Milwaukee Bucks

Passing on the 6-11 guy who can play any position on the court would be a mistake. Hello instant mismatches.

Backup Center – Karl-Anthony Towns Minnesota Timberwolves

Towns is a good comparison to Davis, just with less defense and more three-point shooting.

Wild Card – Klay Thompson Golden State Warriors

The second splash brother is one of the best three-point shooters on the planet and also offers solid defense.

Wild Card – Chris Paul Houston Rockets

It’s always good to have a backup ball distributor, and Paul brings that along with terrific handling and defense.

Reserve

Victor Oladipo Indiana Pacers

Oladipo is the definition of raw athletic power. He flies around the court on offense and defense.

Paul George Oklahoma City Thunder

George offers similar upside to Butler, just with a better outside shot.

Notable Omissions

Damian Lillard Portland Trail Blazers

He got left out because he’s a terrific high volume scorer, but I wasn’t sure how his style would mesh with the team.

Joel Embiid Philadelphia 76ers

I didn’t see the need to have three centers on the team when other players offered the height and greater versatility.

Kyrie Irving Boston Celtics

Similar to Lillard, I went with Paul instead because he’s a better support player.