NBA Jam 2015: B/R's Modern Rosters for All 30 Teams
Is it the shoes?
Nah, it's just time to configure NBA Jam lineups for every NBA team.
It's also the shoes.
First released in 1993, NBA Jam is a video game icon that continues to stand the test of time. The initial arcade game was amazing, and every updated version since has been similarly awesome in its continued emphasis on impractical basketball.
Gravity-defying slams. Flame-throwing three-pointers. Illegal-turned-legal defense. It all was and remains wonderfully unreasonable, and it's only right we commemorate its nostalgic swag with a present-day spin.
Three active players will be selected from every squad as we journey deeper down our NBA Jam rabbit hole. The process behind their inclusion is super scientific and crazy complicated.
In other words, these combinations are based exclusively on the Fun Factor.
We're not after the three best players from every organization. Sometimes, we'll end up picking the top-three talents. But the objective at hand demands we come up with the most entertaining aggregates possible. Those don't always include the biggest names.
We've provided cheat codes and their effects for every team, because why not? They'll range from historical cameos to outrageous advantages to obscure happenings.
Above all else, we'll be embracing the absurdity of NBA Jam—the video game not bound by the shackles of real-life logic.
Atlanta Hawks
1 of 30
The Alpha: Kyle Korver
Paul Millsap and Jeff Teague are the better, more well-rounded players, but Kyle Korver's wrist is an incendiary device, and he soaks his uniform in kerosene before each opening tip.
The Complementary Crew: Paul Millsap and Jeff Teague
Explosion, sweet shooting and versatility are the mainsprings of any successful NBA Jam outfit. Korver brings the sweet shooting, while his two comrades are oozing the other two virtues. Millsap is among the most irreplaceable forwards in the game thanks to his passing and outside range, and Teague cuts through defenses en route to the rim like a hot knife through I Can't Believe It's Not Butter sticks.
Cheat Code: KYL3KORV3R
Korver won't miss a corner catch-and-shoot three—no matter the distance—for the entire next period. He shot 50.3 percent on those looks last season; so as far as cheat tricks go, this is pretty believable. Better run him off that line!
Boston Celtics
2 of 30
The Alpha: Isaiah Thomas
Rule of thumb in NBA Jam: When in offensive doubt, hand off the ball to the electric playmaker who slips through defenses like a water wiggly with feet. Isaiah Thomas is that squirrely human for the Boston Celtics.
The Complementary Crew: Jae Crowder and Kelly Olynyk
Jae Crowder will one day, like DeMarre Carroll, boast the three D's: dunks, defense and distance shooting, albeit the latter is a work in progress. At any rate, he's the near-perfect addition to any NBA Jam faction. Kelly Olynyk, meanwhile, is just here to hit threes and put Kevin Love random opponents in armbars.
Cheat Code: BOSTONHEARTSTHE1980s
Larry Bird spells Crowder and Robert Parish relieves Olynyk for an entire quarter. Boston's opponent holds on for dear life.
Brooklyn Nets
3 of 30
The Alpha: Thaddeus Young
Yes, this three-man combination is sad. No, there isn't any way to make it better. Yes, Thaddeus Young will play point guard. No, you shouldn't cross your fingers for any Young transition dunks...praying aloud is more effective.
The Complementary Crew: Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez
Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez aren't quality NBA Jam hangers-on under ideal circumstances. But these aren't ideal circumstances. Johnson can hit spot-up threes and Lopez can hit baby jumpers and block shots.
Cheat Code: LETTHEDOCTOROPERATE
Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov, dressed in lab coat and black goggles, rushes into the stands at halftime and gives present-day Julius Erving a beaker full of purple-ish elixir. Present-day Erving chugs it, reverts back to ABA Dr. J and replaces Johnson for the second half.
Charlotte Hornets
4 of 30
The Alpha: Kemba Walker
Over-dribbling, sometimes in concentric circles until a lane opens up, is encouraged in NBA Jam. Thus, we give you Kemba Walker, a potentially far better digital player than real one.
The Complementary Crew: Nicolas Batum and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
Why Nicolas Batum? Someone on this team needs to shoot 30 percent from deep. Why Michael Kidd-Gilchrist? Someone needs to defend their man as well as Walker's. Plus, Kidd-Gilchrist is sneaky explosive and has a not-god-awful mid-range game now.
Cheat Code: OLDMJISOLD
Charlotte gets early-1990s Michael Jordan for the fourth quarter. Here's the thing: Unstoppable MJ is accompanied by—pauses to laugh maniacally—Sean May and Adam Morrison.
Chicago Bulls
5 of 30
The Alpha: Jimmy Butler
If this were 2011, and if Derrick Rose could shoot threes, Jimmy Butler wouldn't be the headliner. But it's 2015, and Butler is the Chicago Bulls' do-everything franchise cornerstone. And he actually does everything: shooting, passing, defense, dunks, Taylor Swift sing-alongs, etc.
The Complementary Crew: Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose
Rose is still acrobatic and scary off the dribble. He'll shatter ankles and throw in some nifty layups. Joakim Noah will pass, defend every possession as if it's his last and take ill-advised, ugly-looking jumpers that sometimes find nylon.
Cheat Code: COMINGUPROSES
Rose is gifted with two bionic knees that let him party like it's 2011 for an entire half.
Cleveland Cavaliers
6 of 30
The Alpha: LeBron James
If LeBron James is good enough to be photoshopped into pictures for the rumored-but-not-really-rumored Space Jam 2, he's good enough to pilot the Cleveland Cavaliers' NBA Jam task force.
The Complementary Crew: Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love
Kyrie Irving's handles—specifically his crossovers—are video game-ready. And while Kevin Love may not dig the catch-and-shoot specialist role, opposing defenses will need to have fire extinguishers handy if they're to combat his streaks of made threes off Irving and James kick-outs.
Cheat Code: ALLLEBRONEVERYTHING
Input between any quarter and your team will consist solely of three LeBrons for the following period: LeBron during his rookie campaign, LeBron during his first season with the Miami Heat, and LeBron during his first year back in Cleveland.
Dallas Mavericks
7 of 30
The Alpha: Dirk Nowitzki
It says a lot about the Dallas Mavericks' current roster that Dirk Nowitzki is still their best NBA Jam talent. But that's cool. He'll drop one-legged fadeaways, spot-up three-pointers and random, totally unexpected above-the-rim finishes all game.
The Complementary Crew: Wesley Matthews and Deron Williams
Three-and-D aficionados work really well in NBA Jam. Ergo, a healthy Wesley Matthews who launches deep missiles will be fun. Deron Williams' drive-and-kicks should be enough for Matthews and Nowitzki to occasionally catch fire.
Cheat Code: WHATIF?
The Mavericks get to handpick a different three-man rotation for the second half consisting solely of free agents they've whiffed on since winning a title in 2011. My favorite trio: Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and DeAndre Jordan.
Denver Nuggets
8 of 30
The Alpha: Emmanuel Mudiay
The 6'5" Emmanuel Mudiay is like a taller John Wall (listed at 6"4"). He's fast, he finishes around the rim well, and his many missed three-pointers will give Kenneth Faried plenty of putback opportunities.
The Complementary Crew: Kenneth Faried and Danilo Gallinari
Despite the absence of a consistent jumper and any semblance of shot-blocking abilities, Faried gets the nod for his Energizer Bunny motor, rim-rattling dunks, volume rebounding and Whoopi Goldberg hair. Danilo Gallinari gets our vote because transition three-pointers are fun.
Cheat Code: SUPERALTITUDE
One-minute prop simulation of severe altitude conditions: Nuggets players get to play on Marty McFly's hoverboard from Back to the Future Part II. Opponents' sneakers turn into cinder blocks.
Detroit Pistons
9 of 30
The Alpha: Andre Drummond
Shot-blocking bigs who dabble in alley-oop domination are lethal NBA Jam weapons. Andre Drummond cannot shoot worth a lick, but this is the basketball equivalent of a no-holds-barred cage match. He'll do some serious damage.
The Complementary Crew: Reggie Jackson and Stanley Johnson
Reggie Jackson's jumper is a liability in any setting, and Stanley Johnson is years away from being the next Jimmy Butler. But together, with Drummond, they give the Detroit Pistons an athletic outfit that can own the fast break.
Cheat Code: BADBOYSBADBOYSWHATCHAGONNADO?
Twenty-eight-year-old Isiah Thomas replaces Jackson. Twenty-six-year-old Joe Dumars subs in for Johnson. Twenty-one-year-old Drummond wears the shorts of a 28-year-old Dennis Rodman.
Golden State Warriors
10 of 30
The Alpha: Stephen Curry
Need a reason why Stephen Curry leads the charge? Here are 17 of them. In sum, though, he's a reigning MVP with an unprecedented shooting stroke and the handles and court vision of a slightly more down-to-earth Jason Williams.
The Complementary Crew: Draymond Green and Klay Thompson
Draymond Green will have a field day in an NBA Jam setting. Imagine him only having to defend two different players as opposed to five. Klay Thompson is just here to ensure that the Golden State Warriors never need to shoot from inside the arc.
Cheat Code: SPLASHBROS
Curry and Thompson catch fire after one made three. Then the rim explodes with water every time they drill another one. This lasts for a quarter.
Houston Rockets
11 of 30
The Alpha: James Harden
James Harden is built for lawless basketball. Step-back jumpers, head-down drives, powerful slams, next-level court vision and Eurostep travels are all perfect fits for the loosely enforced rules of NBA Jam. He need only get used to the no-free-throws thing. That could prove problematic.
The Complementary Crew: Dwight Howard and Ty Lawson
Dwight Howard is the token behemoth. He'll power his way to dunks after zapping 20 seconds off the shot clock, and he'll convert alley-oops after impossible leaps that measure higher than the backboard. He'll also block a ton of shots and commit a boatload of goaltending violations. Ty Lawson will function as Speedy Claxton with a jump shot.
Cheat Code: ANTIMOREYBALL
Mid-range jump shots—field goals outside the paint but inside the arc—will be worth four points in the fourth quarter for the Rockets and Rockets alone.
Indiana Pacers
12 of 30
The Alpha: Paul George
A healthy Paul George is basically the closest thing to a LeBron James clone the NBA touts. He's a point shooting forward who can stroke the three, throw down dunks like whoa and serve as a primary playmaker. In NBA Jam world, he'll also force something like 10 steals per game.
The Complementary Crew: Monta Ellis and Myles Turner
Monta Ellis has yet to suit up for the Indiana Pacers, and already we know he'll be a nice complement to George. He doesn't shoot threes efficiently, but wily ball-handlers track well in virtual reality. And Myles Turner makes a rare rookie cameo, if only because he could end up being a lankier Serge Ibaka—someone who traffics in above-the-break threes and volume shot-blocking.
Cheat Code: MILLERTIME
In-his-prime Reggie Miller checks in for nine seconds of the fourth quarter and scores eight points, all while Spike Lee and Charles Oakley provide commentary as acting Pacers homers.
Los Angeles Clippers
13 of 30
The Alpha: Blake Griffin
Sorry, Chris Paul. You matter more in real life, but not in NBA Jam land. Blake Griffin is a video gamer's dream. From dunks and jumpers to dunks and crafty dimes to dunks and crazy defensive verticals, he has quadruple-double potential.
The Complementary Crew: DeAndre Jordan and Chris Paul
DeAndre Jordan has only three jobs: blocks shots, catch lobs and block more shots. Look for Paul to over-dribble before dropping off perfectly placed passes to a midair Griffin or Jordan. Also keep an eye out for those stuck-under-the-basket, flying-backward, mid-shooting-motion baby jumpers. Those have Paul's name on them.
Cheat Code: THETRUTHHURTS
Inside 20 seconds to play of the second and fourth quarters, one of your players—you don't know which one—turns into an already-on-fire, ready-to-come-through-in-the-clutch Paul Pierce. Fire at will wisely.
Los Angeles Lakers
14 of 30
The Alpha: Kobe Bryant
Look, Kobe Bryant made me put him here, OK?
The Complementary Crew: Julius Randle and D'Angelo Russell
When Kobe isn't busy chucking up one-legged fallaway two-pointers, D'Angelo Russell can be that point guard who does nothing but dunk and shoot pretty-much-half-court threes. Julius Randle figures to be that supercharged forward who never blocks shots but wows you with his speed and does a really nice job force-feeding Kobe.
Cheat Code: SHOWTIME
At any point over the course of the game, you can swap out this team for a completely different three-man roster headlined by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and...Nick Young.
Memphis Grizzlies
15 of 30
The Alpha: Marc Gasol
Successful NBA Jam dynasties aren't typically assembled around a plodding big man. But Marc Gasol can pass, hit jumpers and, in the video game world, most likely jump higher than Tony Allen in moon boots.
The Complementary Crew: Vince Carter and Mike Conley
Nostalgia gets the best of us here. NBA Jam isn't known for taking things such as age or the rules of physics into account. Expect Vince Carter, 38, to effortlessly convert 360-degree, between-the-legs windmills from the three-point line. Mike Conley will play the part of loyal ball-feeder and semiregular hitter of spot-up threes.
Cheat Code: ABIGCOUNTRY
You get to play with Bryant Reeves and both Marc and Pau Gasol, each of whom will be in their period-specific Memphis Grizzlies uniforms for an entire quarter.
Miami Heat
16 of 30
The Alpha: Dwyane Wade
Health is a wonderful thing, and a healthy Dwyane Wade would light up any NBA Jam sparring session. He remains one of the most underrated dunkers of his generation and is still athletic enough to exhaust the announcer's use of "Is it the shoes?"
The Complementary Crew: Chris Bosh and Goran Dragic
Chris Bosh is here because he deserves an opportunity to play with Goran Dragic, and because NBA Jam needs to come up with a postgame photobombing mode. Dragic is fast, passes well on the move (alley-oops!) and will undoubtedly be the only player to eschew dunks for finger rolls.
Cheat Code: GODFATHERMODE
Once per half, Pat Riley will sign the 2016 free agent of your choosing to a 30-second contract—which, in NBA Jam-speak, equates to a 20-possession agreement.
Milwaukee Bucks
17 of 30
The Alpha: Khris Middleton
Few Milwaukee Bucks players can deliver highlight reels and shoot the ball without laying enough bricks to build an amusement park. Khris Middleton's combination of offense and pesky, in-your face, pick-your-pocket defense earn him this spot in NBA Jam lore.
The Complementary Crew: Giannis Antetokounmpo and John Henson
If there's any human with the length necessary to replicate Michael Jordan's half-court cartoon dunk from Space Jam, it's Giannis Antetokounmpo. If there's anyone who can block shots with the flamboyance of JaVale McGee without committing 94 turnovers per game on the offensive end, it's John Henson.
Cheat Code: JESUSGOTGAME
The 2000-01 version of Ray Allen ambles onto the court mid-game, his purple Bucks jersey already ablaze, taps Antetokounmpo on the shoulder and politely tells him to take a hike. He is yours to have and to shoot/dunk/run with until the final buzzer.
Minnesota Timberwolves
18 of 30
The Alpha: Andrew Wiggins
A 6'8" wing who, at his peak, can run point, pull up off the dribble and contort his body to the detriment of the defense after rising up for a dunk? Yes, please. That Andrew Wiggins has Danny Green's shot-blocking chops only means he's more NBA Jam-ready.
The Complementary Crew: Zach LaVine and Karl-Anthony Towns
Karl-Anthony Towns and Wiggins make up one of the most interchangeable alley-oop dyads of this project. And, defensively, Towns is a protein-addicted Gumby—long enough to catch jump-shot attempts, yet buff enough to knock any high-flyers on their derriere. As for Zach LaVine, there isn't an NBA Jam trio that couldn't use human Flubber.
Cheat Code: PASSGENIE
This must be entered before the opening tip. It activates a smiling Ricky Rubio hologram that randomly materializes out of thin air once a quarter to toss behind-the-back alley-oop passes before disappearing in a puff of smoke.
New Orleans Pelicans
19 of 30
The Alpha: Anthony Davis
"I want you to continue to work and expand your range," New Orleans Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry told Anthony Davis, per Jim Eichenhofer of Pelicans.com. "You should be a good corner three-point shooter."
OK, cool. So a 22-year-old science experiment who already does everything else—block shots, rebound, face up, score in the post, nail mid-range jumpers—will soon develop three-point range. Even in the hyper-unrealistic NBA Jam, that's unfair.
The Complementary Crew: Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday
Three players averaged 25 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists and two steals per 100 possessions last season. Tyreke Evans was one of them. Russell Westbrook and LeBron James were the other two. Those numbers imply versatility worthy of NBA Jam. Jrue Holiday can shoot and pass and is just an all-around better third wheel than Omer Asik.
Cheat Code: BROWPOWER
Davis turns into a one-eyebrowed pterodactyl for 45 seconds. He can fly from one end to the other and dunks with his beak.
New York Knicks
20 of 30
The Alpha: Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony isn't the pinnacle of NBA Jam No. 1 options by any means. But he's turned into a deadly three-point shooter off the catch and, contrary to popular belief, he dunked more than once last season.
The Complementary Crew: Arron Afflalo and Kristaps Porzingis
Failure to deploy a proven playmaker will hurt the New York Knicks, but Arron Afflalo and Kristaps Porzingis mitigate the damage with their extensive offensive range. Afflalo, unlike Anthony, has been known to play defense more than once every leap year. Porzingis, at least in NBA Jam, will dunk and block shots like DeAndre Jordan and rain threes like Dirk Nowitzki.
Cheat Code: OLDMEETSOLDERMEETSNEW
Patrick Ewing (old) and Walt "Clyde" Frazier (older) permanently join the ranks. But Porzingis (new) must remain on the court with one of them at all times.
Oklahoma City Thunder
21 of 30
The Alpha: Kevin Durant
Anthony Davis is the business and all, but some of us—myself included—forget that Kevin Durant is still a top-two player until proven otherwise. He's essentially an almost-7-foot point guard with an unguardable jump shot and rim-ruining athleticism. The powers that be in our NBA Jam society approve.
The Complementary Crew: Serge Ibaka and Russell Westbrook
Ibaka is the future of NBA big men: He blocks shots, swishes threes and dunks like he has a license to make posters. Russell "NBA Jam Dream Boy" Westbrook is a high-flying freakazoid who will probably attempt a full-court dunk. Shot selection in mind, just like in the actual Association, you want him on your team.
Cheat Code: SOONERSONIC
Play as the Oklahoma City Thunder, but in Seattle SuperSonics uniforms and on their floor. Durant will suddenly morph into Shawn Kemp while in midair on certain solo dunks throughout the game. Gary Payton's head also gets plastered onto Westbrook's body for 30 seconds in the third and fourth quarters.
Orlando Magic
22 of 30
The Alpha: Victor Oladipo
Sick-nasty 360-degree reverse dunks are permitted in NBA Jam. So, Victor Oladipo is the Orlando Magic's foremost authority. Meteoric guards with a dash of playmaking and a pinch of shooting are qualified for such a responsibility.
The Complementary Crew: Aaron Gordon and Tobias Harris
Aaron Gordon started hoisting threes at the NBA's Orlando Summer League, and he can already soar through the air irresponsibly. And rare is the stretch 4—even if still evolving—who can block shots. Tobias Harris will indubitably destroy some rims of his own, essentially giving the Magic a dunks-only offense.
Cheat Code: PENNYSHAQ
Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway join forces for an entire quarter. Shaq will make his first three-pointer and shatter the glass on every successful alley-oop. Both he and Hardaway will be sporting Horace Grant goggles.
Philadelphia 76ers
23 of 30
The Alpha: Nerlens Noel
Your eyes are supposed to burn when looking at this roster. NBA Jam convoys shouldn't be founded upon defense, but the Philadelphia 76ers have no choice. They need Nerlens Noel to block shots, throw rival players on their backs and imitate Kevin Garnett's offensive game to the best of his abilities.
The Complementary Crew: Robert Covington and Tony Wroten Jr.
Jahlil Okafor has our apologies, but his 1990s offensive game and no-defense arsenal have no place here. This isn't to say Robert Covington and Tony Wroten are NBA Jam pietists. They're just more apt to play above the rim, which is the Sixers' only hope on offense.
Cheat Code: THINKLIKEHINK
The opposing general manager will inexplicably trade one of his players midway through every quarter. While his team scrambles for a substitution, your squad plays 18 seconds (in honor of Philly's 18 wins last season) of two-on-one basketball.
Phoenix Suns
24 of 30
The Alpha: Eric Bledsoe
Eric Bledsoe has the NBA Jam goods. He'll circle defenders like a wind-up toy loaded with nitrous, and his totally possible, not-at-all-implausible somersault dunks will make it seem like you're listening to audio of "boom shakalaka" on a loop.
The Complementary Crew: Tyson Chandler and Brandon Knight
Tyson Chandler should have no trouble putting in lobs, along with providing elite-level NBA Jam rim protection. (And, just to clarify, that means he'll allow only a 99.7 percent success rate at the iron.) Brandon Knight zigs. He zags. He and Bledsoe will hold in-game foot races, attempting to neutralize their opponents with speed.
Cheat Code: MAGICMIKE
The 2004-05 versions of Shawn Marion, Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire will join the party for the third quarter. Every shot they make in under seven seconds of NBA Jam time will be worth double the points, and they'll each be wearing a Mike D'Antoni prop mustache.
Portland Trail Blazers
25 of 30
The Alpha: Damian Lillard
Duh, with a side of obviously. Damian Lillard has handles and hops, and his (porous) defense will fit right in with the NBA Jam motif. With Meyers Leonard and C.J. McCollum still new to actually playing, the Portland Trail Blazers will give him the ultimate green light.
The Complementary Crew: Meyers Leonard and C.J. McCollum
Writing on Leonard's forthcoming extension for Grantland, Zach Lowe simultaneously nailed down why the 23-year-old makes our cut: "Any 7-foot-1 dude who rips 42 percent from deep is going to draw interest, and Leonard hit that mark last season while jacking nearly five triples per 36 minutes—and upgrading his defense from 'completely clueless' to 'apparently aware that a game is happening.'"
McCollum slips through defenses like he's coated in a layer of turpentine, and he buries threes as a hobby.
Cheat Code: MILITANTMASCOT
Blaze the Trail Cat becomes a roving rim protector for a full minute, allowing Portland to play three-on-two defense. Rival offenses will be unable to score from inside the paint against him, and a remix of Lillard's best "#4BarFriday" hits will play after every blocked shot.
Sacramento Kings
26 of 30
The Alpha: DeMarcus Cousins
If there's anyone who could make posting up cool—or even a thing—in NBA Jam, it's DeMarcus Cousins. He has sweet footwork around the basket, and while he's no 2007 Dwight Howard, it's easy to envision him putting down some classic, two-handed stuffs as he sends a defender or two to the floor.
The Complementary Crew: Darren Collison and Rudy Gay
Darren Collison, not Rajon Rondo, is absolutely the pick here. Unlike Rondo, he can score outside three feet away from the basket. And, unlike Rondo, he can dunk, which is safer than layup-ing. And, unlike Rondo, he won't stare menacingly at George Karl in the huddle. Rudy Gay isn't Rondo, either. He is tall, can shoot and is a nice transition running mate for Collison.
Cheat Code: MORECOWBELL
When the Kings play at home, their opponents are 25 percent less likely to catch fire. And you hear the cowbell in the background an annoyingly often amount.
San Antonio Spurs
27 of 30
The Alpha: Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard has an MVP ceiling in NBA Jam. He's subtly athletic and ripe for poster-making, and his outside shot is good enough that he'll be able to catch fire on well-timed threes. Some shot-blocking should even occur.
The Complementary Crew: LaMarcus Aldridge and Tony Parker
Every team needs a big man for roster balance, otherwise Manu Ginobili would be smiling right about now. LaMarcus Aldridge won't swat away a bunch of shots, but he has three-point range and will, like Leonard, dunk without ever smiling. Tony Parker will provide the San Antonio Spurs' fill of inside weaves and 10-foot, 20-foot and 30-foot floaters.
Cheat Code: POPGETSNASTY
To be used only if trailing. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich delivers belligerent, between-quarter "back in my day" speech. Aldridge cries a little bit, as Tim Duncan passes out juice boxes and David Robinson whispers "good job, good effort." Suddenly inspired, the Spurs catch fire on their first made shot of the next quarter and remain aflame for a whole minute.
Toronto Raptors
28 of 30
The Alpha: DeMar DeRozan
Shooting guards who cannot shoot threes and are always a heartbeat away from an athletic eruption gain value when we're talking in NBA Jam terms. DeMar DeRozan will move (fly?) off the ball well, and his mid-range trigger is quick enough that his jumper won't get snatched out of the air.
The Complementary Crew: Kyle Lowry and Terrence Ross
Kyle Lowry is to the Toronto Raptors what Mike Conley is to the Memphis Grizzlies. Sometimes, even in NBA Jam, you need that steadying offensive presence to mix up ball-handling duties and rip threes. Terrence Ross' vertical will be immeasurable here, and his stellar three-point stroke will come in handy on the break.
Cheat Code: STARTEDFROMTHEBOTTOM
Drake songs blare in the background all game. Any Raptor who scores during the chorus is immediately on fire.
Utah Jazz
29 of 30
The Alpha: Rudy Gobert
Rudy Gobert isn't going to hit a lot of jump shots. But he's the alley-oop partner who doesn't need to jump—though he will anyway—and there's a chance he swats away 25 shots in any given NBA Jam tilt.
The Complementary Crew: Gordon Hayward and Rodney Hood
Playmaking forwards have a place in NBA Jam. Gordon Hayward is incisive and athletic enough to be a self-sufficient dunker—especially here, in a world where gravity is an option and hardwood courts double as trampolines. Rodney Hood probably surprises you, as he should. But the kid has range, and he will almost assuredly dunk over the opposing big man at some point. That alone is worth a roster spot.
Cheat Code No. 2: GOBSTOPPER
One quarter. No goaltending. Gobert unleashed.
Washington Wizards
30 of 30
The Alpha: John Wall
John Wall will need to curb his passing a bit. Deferring is good, but, in NBA Jam, incessantly attacking the rim and lifting off from behind the free-throw line just because you can is better.
The Complementary Crew: Bradley Beal and Marcin Gortat
Think of Bradley Beal as James Harden in this environment—provided the Rockets haven't enacted ANTIMOREYBALL. Beal will shoot threes and finish at the rim. That's it. Marcin Gortat will be the resident "the Washington Wizards need a big man, so let's go with him" participant. He'll add size (6'11"), rebounding and post-bucket lion roars.
Cheat Code: POLISHSMASHBROTHER
Gortat gets outfitted with a Super Smash Bros. hammer for 90 seconds. Every time he blocks a shot with said hammer, the ball breaks into two separate ones that Wall can dunk with on the offensive end.
Stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com and NBA.com unless otherwise cited. Special thanks to Bleacher Report Associate NBA Editor Joel Cordes for periodic cheat-code collaboration.
Dan Favale covers the NBA for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter, @danfavale.
