On defense, he should be the same presence as he is on the offensive end except he is keeping the ball from going in the basket. A great PF would have great shot-blocking ability and would also be a great help defender. Never underestimate the value of a great help defender. Your perimeter players cannot guard their man on every possession, but when that player does get by your teammate, it is the job of the post players to be there to bail them out. And, there is no better help than having a post player who can block shots with reckless abandon. The very sight of a player you know can block your shot at any time can stop a slasher from coming in the lane. Not only does he block shots, but he alters them, and also stops shots from even going up.
Intangibles: rebounding, knowing how to stay out of foul trouble
Today's player that best meets the criteria: Dwight Howard
Center
At center, you would like to have someone who is just going to play off of the PF. He doesn't have to be a dominant presence on either end of the game. On offense, he just has to know where to be, and the guys around him will get him cheap baskets. Ondefense, he needs to stay with his man, box out, avoid fouls, and help defend when players are driving to the basket.
Intangibles: rebounding, shot-blocking
Today's player that best meets the criteria: Tyson Chandler/Marcus Camby (although I'll take Chandler, because of age)
The bench
On the bench, you wouldn't need much, considering the starting lineup you have. But, you would need a decent backup PG, who can run the offense when the starter needs a break, or gets in foul trouble. You would also need a good, spot-up, three-point specialist to come in when the team needs a boost from beyond the arc, another slashing guard coming off the bench to keep the opponents second team honest on defense, and, another two low-post presences, who don't have to be as dominant as the starters, but someone who can come in to spare their legs when they need a rest.
Some of today's players that might be best for the bench on this team: Jose Calderon, Jason Kapono, Kyle Korver, Monta Ellis, David Lee
Coaching
You would need a coach who knows how to trust his players. With a team this good, the coach is almost unnecessary, but he would need to be there to keep them motivated, and to make sure that they were staying on course. Distractions are an issue in today's game, and it is the coach's responsibility to keep his teams mind on the game. Knowing how to rotate players in and out is another key criteria. He has to know when a player needs to be in the game, and when a player needs to not be in the game. It would be easy to be the coach of a team like this.
Today's coach that best meets the criteria: Phil Jackson
Keep in mind that this is not a Dream Team compilation. Sure, the Dream Team would run the NBA, but a team of that massive amount of talent is impossible to assemble. I set out to just draw up a diagram of each position’s needs, and then followed it up with a player who best resembled that criteria. I am not saying that is the ONLY player that would meet that criteria, but I dare anyone to say a lineup of Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Tayshaun Prince, Dwight Howard, and Tyson Chandler wouldn't run the gauntlet.





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