The Official B/R NBA Re-Draft: 1st Round Results

How does LeBron James end up back on the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kobe Bryant on the Atlanta Hawks and Blake Griffin on the Boston Celtics?

That can only happen when a select group of 30 NBA writers and super-fans get together and participate in the first official NBA Re-Draft.

Completely redistributing all of the league’s talent across the 30 current teams, these basketball minds built 12-man rosters geared to compete with each other during the 2012-2013 season in a magical world where injuries are suddenly healed before the first game. 

Was Chris Paul or Derrick Rose considered the best point guard to build around? How much did age hurt Kobe, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen?

Where will Jeremy Lin end up? How good will Anthony Davis and the rest of the 2012 rookie class be?

Is Brian Scalabrine even worth drafting?

For the answers to all these questions and far more, this is the 2012 Re-Draft, a unique preview of the upcoming 2012-13 season.

This article will contain the first-round results of the 12-round selection process, complete with a description of each pick, as written by the team's make-believe general manager.  

The Process

If you're wondering how the Re-Draft worked, wonder no longer. 

Once all 30 participants had selected which teams they would control, a random number generator determined the order of the draft (although I guarantee you that Jesse Dorsey will think it was rigged). 

The 12 rounds proceeded in a snake format. For those of you unfamiliar with the fantasy lingo, that means that the 30th team in the first round picked first in the second round. Essentially, the draft order snakes back and forth to allow for a more even playing field. 

The 30 of us selected 12-man rosters, keeping quite a few things in mind: 

1. We were only concerned with the 2012-13 season, so how these players develop in the future is completely and utterly irrelevant. A player is only as good as he'll be during the next campaign. 

2. Team fit does matter. The players selected should be able to work well together, and playing styles should not clash.

3. Injuries—like Derrick Rose's ACL—are automatically healed for the start of the season. However, injury-prone players do remain injury-prone. 

4. We can form whatever type of team we wanted. If someone wanted five centers in his starting lineup, well then, that was his prerogative.

5. Players are only eligible if they're going to play in the NBA next season. Foreign players, collegiate athletes and retired stars are not available to be selected.  

These are the results of the first round, from pick No. 1 to pick No. 30.

You can check back soon for the results of the entire draft, team-by-team breakdowns and the official projected standings.  

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron James

Actual Team: Miami Heat

Position: SF

Age: 27

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 0.8 blocks, 1.9 steals

While I'm convinced that the lottery was rigged so that I would have to swallow my pride and draft LeBron James with the top overall pick, I decided not to argue and take the best player in the game.

LeBron is back in a Cleveland Cavaliers jersey whether he likes it or not.

Needless to say, he'll be the key of the offense and the defense, but with Byron Scott running the offense rather than Mike Brown, there'll actually be some semblance of a plan.

The diehards might not like seeing him back so soon, but it was the only pick to make in this instance, and I can't imagine anyone arguing otherwise.

-Jesse Dorsey, B/R FC/Cavaliers Re-Draft GM

2. Los Angeles Lakers: Kevin Durant

Actual Team: Oklahoma City Thunder

Position: SF

Age: 23

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 28.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 blocks, 1.3 steals

There just aren't enough good things to say about Kevin Durant.

He is smart, hard-working, humble and an extraordinary basketball player.

What really drew us to Kevin is his demeanor both on and off the floor, and we really liked how he approaches every game. He takes nothing for granted and understands that he is very fortunate to be in this position.

We are looking forward to building a winning team around Kevin for years to come, and we have nothing but the greatest expectations for Kevin as he continues to develop as a basketball player.

-Ethan Norof, B/R FC/Lakers Re-Draft GM

3. Washington Wizards: Derrick Rose

Actual Team: Chicago Bulls

Position: PG

Age: 23

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 21.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 7.9 assists, 0.7 blocks, 0.9 steals

Say what you want about him being injured most of last season, being a one-trick pony, etc.

Derrick Rose is the best young point guard in the NBA, and his Chicago Bulls are going places with him running the offense.

He is a born leader, and if I were the GM of the Washington Wizards and this draft was for real, he would be the man I’d want to lead my team to victory night after night.

-Josh Benjamin, B/R FC/Wizards Re-Draft GM

4. Oklahoma City Thunder: Chris Paul

Actual Team: Los Angeles Clippers

Position: PG

Age: 27

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 19.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 9.1 assist, 0.1 blocks, 2.5 steals

I wanted to draft someone who would perpetuate the values of versatility and unselfishness, and there was no one better to select than Chris Paul.

He's an outstanding passer, phenomenal scorer and is incredibly quick and calculated on the defensive end.

He carried the New Orleans Hornets on his back for the better part of a decade and transformed the Los Angeles Clippers into a relevant squad, all because he can make a significant impact in every aspect of the game.

Every team needs at least one star, and I wanted to ensure mine was a perennial All-Star in his prime, with plenty of accolades left in him.

-Dan Favale, B/R FC/Thunder Re-Draft GM

5. Phoenix Suns: Dwight Howard

Actual Team: Los Angeles Lakers

Position: C

Age: 26

2011-2012 Per-Game Stats: 20.6 points, 14.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 2.1 blocks, 1.5 steals

The theory behind picking Dwight Howard fifth overall is simple: Truly great centers win championships. From Bill Russell, to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, to Wilt Chamberlain, to Moses Malone, to Shaquille O'Neal, elite centers have proven to be the ideal building block for a team.

Given that track record, this was an extremely easy decision.

With Howard just now entering his prime as the most dominant big man since Shaq, he affects the way teams play more than any player in the league.

He is fully capable of putting a team on his back and carrying it to a title, and I was absolutely thrilled that he was still available when my pick came around.

-Conor Naughton, Suns Re-Draft GM

6. New Orleans Hornets: Kevin Love

Actual Team: Minnesota Timberwolves 

Position: PF

Age: 23

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 26.0 points, 13.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.5 blocks, 0.9 steals

Kevin Love's 2011-12 season was one of the best we've seen from a power forward in ages. He has become one of the most unstoppable offensive big men in the league with his ability to score from anywhere on the court.

With my first pick, I wanted a franchise-caliber big man who could lock down the glass and score the basketball.

Over the last two seasons, Love has proven that he can be a leader out on the court and has all the skills necessary to be the centerpiece of a great team.

-Grant Rindner, B/R FC/Hornets Re-Draft GM

7. Houston Rockets: Russell Westbrook

Actual Team: Oklahoma City Thunder 

Position: PG

Age: 23

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 23.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 0.3 blocks, 1.7 steals

My first-round pick was a tough decision between Russell Westbrook and Kobe Bryant, but when it came down to it—even in a one-season setting—Westbrook’s youth and upside won out.

Already a star by any measure, Westbrook’s contributions to the Oklahoma City Thunder often get overlooked by media critical of his inconsistent play, but when he has the ball in his hands with room to operate, he can be as dangerous as any player in the league.

Thus, at least offensively, I’ve built my team around generating these opportunities for Westbrook.

-Shashank Bharadwaj, Rockets Re-Draft GM

8. Atlanta Hawks: Kobe Bryant

Actual Team: Los Angeles Lakers

Position: SG

Age: 33

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 27.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 0.3 blocks, 1.2 steals

I was fully prepared to take one of the UCLA products at No. 8 and was shocked—in a positive way, of course—when Kobe Bryant was left for me.

The first pick in the re-draft should be reserved for a player who can help lead a squad to a championship. The Black Mamba has proven that he can do so multiple times.

Even at his advanced age, Kobe is still a sensational scorer and a plus defender when he puts his mind to it. 

Given the relative dearth of quality shooting guards in the league—Kobe, Dwyane Wade, Joe Johnson, Eric Gordon, James Harden, Kevin Martin and Monta Ellis are the only ones that come to mind—and the fact that Kobe is still playing at an All-Star level with the weight of the Los Angeles Lakers universe on his shoulders, this was an easy choice. 

-Adam Fromal, B/R FC/Hawks Re-Draft GM

9. Chicago Bulls: Deron Williams

Actual Team: Brooklyn Nets

Position: PG

Age: 28

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 21.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 0.4 blocks, 1.2 steals

Deron Williams is one of the premier point guards in the league, and he'll have a chance to prove it again this year now that he has a quality supporting cast in Brooklyn.

Williams has the ability to shred teams with either his passing or his scoring. He's also one of the best defensive point guards in the game. 

-Kelly Scaletta, B/R FC/Bulls Re-Draft GM

10. Utah Jazz: Rajon Rondo

Actual Team: Boston Celtics

Position: PG

Age: 26

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 11.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 11.7 assists, 0.1 blocks, 1.8 steals

After some of the marquee names were off the board, I felt that the easy choice here was Rajon Rondo, who is only 26 years old and already has a championship ring and several playoff triple-doubles.

He's the rare example of the "do-it-all" guard in today's NBA game, with an improving jump shot and focus on making more free throws.

Any team would be lucky to build around him because there are so many different ways and speeds he can play. 

-Ethan Grant, B/R FC/Jazz Re-Draft GM

11. Miami Heat: LaMarcus Aldridge

Actual Team: Portland Trail Blazers

Position: PF

Age: 27

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 21.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.8 blocks, 0.9 steals

LaMarcus Aldridge's offensive capabilities have him near the top among big men. 

With his ability to shoot from as far out as the perimeter, as well as the ability to drive, Aldridge is a dual threat who can be incredibly difficult to stop when in a fluid offensive groove. 

-John Friel, B/R FC/Heat Re-Draft GM

12. Charlotte Bobcats: Dwyane Wade

Actual Team: Miami Heat

Position: SG

Age: 30

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 22.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.3 blocks, 1.7 steals

With my first-round draft pick at No. 12 overall, I selected a guy who has already proven that he can be the alpha dog on a championship team. 

Also, Dwyane Wade is arguably the best shooting guard in the NBA right now (sorry, Kobe Bryant fans...actually, I'm not. I hate the Lakers). 

The "alpha dog on a championship team" label can only be applied to two of the 11 picks prior to mine at No. 12—only Kobe and the newly-crowned LeBron James can say they have that designation. 

Overall, I'm thrilled that Wade fell to me at No. 12 because he has proven in the past that he can lead a championship squad. 

-Ben Leibowitz, B/R FC/Bobcats Re-Draft GM

13. Boston Celtics: Blake Griffin

Actual Team: Los Angeles Clippers

Position: PF

Age: 23

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 20.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.7 blocks, 0.8 steals

If the last couple of years of Blake Griffin's career have taught us anything, it's that he's a fast and willing learner.

He took less shots in his second season than his first to help the Clippers mesh. As a result, his raw statistics went down, but his efficiency improved.

He's playing a much smarter game and is taking better shots. He's learning and advancing extremely quickly, and when he establishes the threat of a jump shot and improves his footwork in the post, he'll be one of the most difficult players to defend in the game.

He's already the most athletic forward by far.

-Michael Dunlap, B/R FC/Celtics Re-Draft GM

14. Toronto Raptors: Andrew Bynum

Actual Team: Philadelphia 76ers

Position: C

Age: 24

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 18.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.9 blocks, 0.5 steals

Finally free from the restraints of playing with Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum will flourish in an offense built around his skills.

His maturity issues may have been a hang-up for other teams, but those will vanish under the responsibility of carrying his own team.

He will have career numbers for the Toronto Raptors on both sides of the ball. The mentorship of my second-round pick will be crucial in Bynum’s development into the best center in the league.

-Brad Ross, B/R FC/Raptors Re-Draft GM

15. Golden State Warriors: Tony Parker

Actual Team: San Antonio Spurs

Position: PG

Age: 30

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 18.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 0. blocks, 1.0 steals

Considering both the season that the San Antonio Spurs put together last year and the way that Tony Parker carried that team, you could have given him the MVP trophy.

Because he plays at this level basically every game, he's the perfect middle-of-the-first-round pick in this NBA re-draft. With the other "superstar" point guards off the board, I felt like he was the perfect guy to build a team around.

His offensive game is unorthodox and difficult to guard, and he works hard on the defensive end as well.

The way he gets into the lane frees up the other players on my team to shoot or dive to the basket.

TP is a true quarterback of a basketball team.

-Bretton McIlrath, Warriors Re-Draft GM

16. San Antonio Spurs: Carmelo Anthony

Actual Team: New York Knicks

Position: SF

Age: 28

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 22.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 0.4 blocks, 1.1 steals

Frankly, I was surprised to see Carmelo Anthony still on the board at No. 16.

Say what you will about his shortcomings, but he remains one of the best scorers in the game and a good rebounder too.

The trick is to surround the guy with the right kind of pieces and allow him to make full use of his ability to score in the paint and on the wing.

In a close fourth quarter, there aren't many guys you'd rather taking the final shots.

This is the kind of franchise player you want with you in the postseason.

-Stephen Babb, B/R FC/Spurs Re-Draft GM

17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Dirk Nowitzki

Actual Team: Dallas Mavericks

Position: PF

Age: 34

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 21.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.5 blocks, 0.7 steals

One of the reasons I chose Dirk Nowitzki at No. 17 is his leadership.

Some of the picks before me might have been better players, but Dirk was the right selection due to his experience, ability to perform in the clutch and the fact that the goal of the team was to perform well over one season.

If it had been a “would you build your team around him in the future," Dirk likely wouldn’t have been selected until a later round.

That being said, I believe he’s got a few more great seasons in him, therefore justifying this selection.

-Joseph Fafinski, B/R FC/Timberwolves Re-Draft GM

18. Portland Trail Blazers: Pau Gasol

Actual Team: Los Angeles Lakers

Position: PF

Age: 32

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 17.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.4 blocks, 0.6 steals

I picked 18th overall, so I knew that I would be picking from a tough spot.

In this snake draft, I would never really have two picks remotely close to each other.

Pau Gasol was the simply the best overall player on the board at No. 18. He was also a player who filled a need that is somewhat tough to fill in the NBA.

There aren't too many top big men in the league, and Gasol qualifies. 

-Ben Shapiro, B/R FC/Trail Blazers Re-Draft GM

19. Dallas Mavericks: Kyrie Irving

Actual Team: Cleveland Cavaliers

Position: PG

Age: 20

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 18.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 0.4 blocks, 1.1 steals

Kyrie Irving has all the makings of a superstar in this league.

He essentially has no weaknesses, and at the age of 19, became a team leader with averages of 21.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists per 36 minutes of play.

Irving was the most impressive player on the USA Olympic Select Team, and his shooting line of 47/40/87 from the field, three-pointers and free throws is higher than Olympic guard Deron Williams for his career.

-Greg Swartz, B/R FC/Mavericks Re-Draft GM

20. Memphis Grizzlies: David Lee

Actual Team: Golden State Warriors

Position: PF

Age: 29

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 20.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.4 blocks, 0.9 steals

David Lee is an outstanding offensive centerpiece. He can usually be counted upon to post 20 points.

Lee picked up his scoring after Monta Ellis was traded, scoring 20 points in 14 of his last 19 games after scoring 20 in 19 of his first 38.

He’s a solid rebounder, averaging at least 9.6 rebounds per game the last four seasons.

Also, Lee can do a little damage on the defensive end, averaging just under a steal per game.

-Tom Firme, B/R FC/Grizzlies Re-Draft GM

21. Indiana Pacers: Greg Monroe

Actual Team: Detroit Pistons

Position: C

Age: 22

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 15.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.7 blocks, 1.3 steals

I wanted to build from the inside out, but wasn't sure that my guy would still be around by the time I picked at No. 21. 

There are plenty of great point guards out there, and wing scorers are the easiest commodity to find, but superstar big men are truly rare. 

So I was absolutely ecstatic to get Greg Monroe. I can't fathom how he was still on the board with guys like Tony Parker, David Lee and Kyrie Irving having already been chosen. Those are all fine players, but they're replaceable. 

Monroe is the definition of a building block. His footwork, athleticism, size, mobility, toughness and ability to play either the 4 or 5 are exactly what I wanted. By comparison, Monroe offered 90 percent of Andrew Bynum's production at 20 percent of the price last season. 

He's only 22, and I would have even taken him five to seven picks earlier...

-Joel C. Cordes, B/R FC/Pacers Re-Draft GM

22. Los Angeles Clippers: Rudy Gay

Actual Team: Memphis Grizzlies

Position: SF

Age: 25

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 19.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 blocks, 1.5 steals

Rudy Gay is more than capable of leading a team to an NBA championship since he can thrive in both fast-break and half-court offenses.

He is a very consistent scorer, averaging between 18.9 and 20.1 points per game over the past five seasons, and always comes through for his team in clutch situations.

He has also become an excellent rebounder for a small forward, increasing his rebounding average each season over the past four years. Last season, he was fifth in the NBA for small forwards with 6.4 rebounds per game.

Besides his offense, Gay is an excellent defender, finishing fourth in the NBA for small forwards in both steals and blocked shots.

-Adam Friedgood, B/R FC/Clippers Re-Draft GM

23. New York Knicks: Marc Gasol

Actual Team: Memphis Grizzlies

Position: C

Age: 27

2011-2012 Per-Game Stats: 14.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.9 blocks, 1.0 steals

Talented big men are scarce in the league, and Marc Gasol has become one of the premier centers in the NBA.

Still getting better, he will anchor the New York Knicks in the paint and provide a steady head to my later picks if and when they get a little overconfident.

-Michael Tumey, Knicks Re-Draft GM

24. Brooklyn Nets: Steve Nash

Actual Team: Los Angeles Lakers

Position: PG

Age: 38

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 12.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 10.7 assists, 0.1 blocks, 0.6 steals

As the first round was going by, I have to admit I was getting pretty nervous. Then, Steve Nash fell from the heavens as a major steal with the No. 24 pick.

The best teams in the NBA have the best playmakers, and Steve Nash is one of the best playmakers in league history.

He virtually guarantees that my team will average 100 points with his infectious passing and unselfish play. Teams that can score efficiently win in the playoffs, and a team with Steve Nash should have no problem scoring.

His defense worries me, but I figured I could make up for it with later draft picks.

-Marvin Barge, Nets Re-Draft GM

25. Philadelphia 76ers: Eric Gordon

Actual Team: New Orleans Hornets

Position: SG

Age: 23

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 20.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 0.4 blocks, 1.4 steals

Eric Gordon was a no-brainer with the 25th pick of the first round.

He’s capable of being an elite franchise player, and he gives the Philadelphia 76ers a very versatile leader in the backcourt.

If needed, Gordon can run the point, but he’s also capable of solidifying the backcourt in transition, which is a major focus of this team.

Gordon will be the 76ers’ leader on both sides of the ball. He's more than capable of being the focal point of an offense making a deep run in the playoffs.

-Peter Emerick, B/R FC/76ers Re-Draft GM

26. Milwaukee Bucks: Tyson Chandler

Actual Team: New York Knicks

Position: C

Age: 29

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 11.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 1.4 blocks, 0.9 steals

The 2012 NBA Defensive Player of the Year is a proven winner who brings intangibles to both ends of the court. 

In addition to Tyson Chandler's physical post defense, he's an agile 7-footer who can run the floor and put pressure on opposing bigs. 

While alley-oops are his primary offensive weapon, he makes up for it on the other end, where he'll save Milwaukee by locking down the paint. His energy and leadership will turn this franchise into a contender. 

-Daniel O'Brien, B/R FC/Bucks Re-Draft GM

27. Detroit Pistons: DeMarcus Cousins

Actual Team: Sacramento Kings

Position: PF

Age: 21

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 18.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 blocks, 1.5 steals

DeMarcus Cousins has the raw ability to be the best big man in the NBA. He's 6'11" and 270 pounds with the power to back down and dominate any low-post defender. 

He also has the quickness to beat an athletic 4 off the dribble, as well as the shooting range to hit a jump shot as far as the three-point line. 

DMC is a franchise player whose greatest flaw is his maturity. With a slew of experienced and quality players to be selected around him, the Detroit Pistons will see Cousins reach his superstar potential. 

-Maxwell Ogden, B/R FC/Pistons Re-Draft GM

28. Sacramento Kings: Chris Bosh

Actual Team: Miami Heat

Position: PF

Age: 28

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 18.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.8 blocks, 0.9 steals

Drafting at No. 28 in the first round, I knew I wasn’t going to get a superstar and had my eye on other guys, but I was thrilled to land Chris Bosh this late.

Looking at some of the picks before we selected, I feel fortunate to add a seven-time All-Star who is only 28 years old. Bosh has nearly averaged a double-double (19.8 points and 9.1 rebounds) throughout his career and has a ton of good basketball left in him.

He will have to play the 5 on this team, but Bosh showed he could do that at a high level in Miami and has a ring to show for it.

After two years of being the forgotten superstar in South Beach, Bosh can get back to being a true superstar on this team. He’s not LeBron James or Kevin Durant, but he’s a star you can build around.

-Matt Shetler, B/R FC/Kings Re-Draft GM

29. Orlando Magic: Paul Pierce

Actual Team: Boston Celtics

Position: SF

Age: 34

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 0.4 blocks, 1.1 steals

The NBA is a superstar-driven league, and without one, the chances of winning a title are basically nil.

While some may disagree about whether Paul Pierce is a superstar, he was arguably the best player on the 2008 Boston Celtics championship team.

Most importantly, his veteran leadership and savvy make him the type of star that NBA general managers would love to build a team around, making him a virtual steal with the No. 29 overall pick.

-Roy Burton, B/R FC/Magic Re-Draft GM

30. Denver Nuggets: James Harden

Actual Team: Oklahoma City Thunder

Position: SG

Age: 22

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.2 blocks, 1.0 steals

Folks, get used to James Harden running down the court holding up three fingers after each made three-point field goal. 

He is well on his way to becoming one of the best scorers in the NBA. 

Harden possesses the size, athleticism and shooting ability to hurt you in almost any way on the offensive end.  

An infamous fourth-quarter killer, Harden is almost unstoppable when he wants to be.

-Jacob Newcomer, Nuggets Re-Draft GM