A Team For the Next 10 Years: Which Young Players to Pick

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PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 15: (L-R) Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, members of the gold medal winning USA Olympic basketball team, admire their rings during half time of the 58th NBA All-Star Game, part of 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend at US Airways Center on Februar

If I were a franchise owner, who would I want to be on my team if I wanted to compete for next 10 years?

Couple Points

1. Two superstars on the same team NEVER work. The second that Kobe went up a level, Kobe-Shaq was gone. Wade and Shaq worked but that was for two years. I want a team for 10 years. And the Shaq examples are only one scenario. I will NOT put two superstars on the same team. Who will I build my team around, Wade or Lebron?

This is my team

1 Superstar (Ex: Michael Jordan except not as good)
1 Sub-Superstar (Ex: Scottie Pippen)
2 All-Stars (Ex: Ray Allen)
1 Average-Above Average Player (Ex: Mo Williams)

Those are just examples of guys who would fit these roles.

PG - Jameer Nelson

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 07: Jameer Nelson #14 of the Orlando Magic reacts before losing 101-96 to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Two of the 2009 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowle

Nelson is a good shooter and passer who cannot be left open. If he was at full strength against LA, I would have favored Orlando in the series. He still has many years left in his body, but he's not a superstar or anywhere near it. That's important.

Status: All-Star

SG - Dwayne Wade

MIAMI - MAY 01: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat pumps his fist after the heat get a stop in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at American Airlines Arena on May 1, 2009 in Miami, Florida.

Why Wade and not Lebron? I think Wade's a better closer. He shoots better and while I'm not sure who's a better defender, there are more SG threats in the league than SFs. Plus Wade knows what it is to win and put a team on his back when it MATTERS.

Status: Superstar

SF - Wilson Chandler

NEW YORK - MARCH 07: Wilson Chandler #21 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Charlotte Bobcats on March 7, 2009 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or usi

Chandler isn't dazzling on offense but he can score if left wide open. I'm taking him because he plays hard defense and he's going to be guarding Lebron James in some very very important moments. On top of this though he's not an offensive liability like many other players.

Status: Above Average Player

PF - Kevin Durant

OKLAHOMA CITY - OCTOBER 29: Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder walks up court during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Ford Center on October 29, 2008 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Bucks won 98-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ack

I know he's not technically a PF but I do believe with his height, he can easily become one. Plus, how many power forwards can shoot the 3 like he can? Not very many. This kid's got everything, and with more effort he can be a key part of this team.

Status: Sub-Superstar

C - Andrew Bynum

ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 11: Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after getting his fourth foul in the third quarter against the Orlando Magic in Game Four of the 2009 NBA Finals on June 11, 2009 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER:

Bynum has emerged as a real talent and if he didn't get injured every year, he'd already be an all-star. If he can stay healthy, he's going to become a great player.

Status: All-Star

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