NBA: Who Are the Best Players to Start a Franchise With?

“The Big Three,” “a core group to build around,” “a young nucleus,” etc.

There are countless ways to describe the foundation of a franchise with new go-to phrases being thought up every day. What never changes, however, is the need for a Big Three, a core group or a young nucleus.

The majority of successful teams have a few quality players with a lot of potential and high ceilings. Their franchises build the rest of the team around them, mixing and matching to find just the right pieces.

That core is the essential cog of success, the nucleus that gives a team their identity and in all likelihood, the majority of their wins. 

Every team needs building blocks.

For this article, I decided to have a little fun and look at intriguing possible cores composed of the league's best and youngest players. Each scenario is much more along the lines of Fantasy Basketball than reality. My next article will delve into which NBA teams currently have the best nucleus.

Nonetheless, these teams would be a dominating force and provide some compelling basketball for all fans. 

Derrick Rose, Dwight Howard, Monta Ellis

With all of the trade speculation surrounding Monta Ellis, rumors have begun circulating that Chicago will try and acquire the high-scoring shooting guard. This got me wondering, what other piece would be fun to add to this dynamic duo?

Dwight Howard is currently the best center in the league. But, he has never shown that killer instinct and is naturally a goofy, fun-loving guy. While his offensive repertoire greatly improved this season, he will never be the dominating scoring presence needed to be a consistent first option.

Howard’s usage rate during crunch time dwindles as he continually defers to Jameer Nelson. While the big man can dominate a game at any time, he also tends to disappear for stretches of games.

For these reasons, it would be very interesting to pair him with a high-scoring point guard who can handle the rock at any time and be an explosive 2-guard.

Howard can man the paint and continue his defensive excellence while not having the pressure of being a go-to scorer. Rose, who improved as a defender last season as well, can continue to score while also facilitating for his teammates. Ellis can continue what he’s always done: put the ball in the hoop.

This team would have the combination of a powerful inside presence with above-average perimeter ball handling and scoring. 

Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul

Stacked, loaded, Holy Sh*t.

All appropriate descriptions of this fantasy dream team.

Kevin Durant is the NBA’s two-time leading scorer and the youngest scoring champ the league has ever seen. He took his Oklahoma City Thunder within a few games of the NBA Finals.

Everyone knows by now about Blake Griffin. This high-flying, freakishly athletic Rookie of the Year did the impossible this season: he made the Clippers relevant. Griffin has a propensity for highlight dunks and is already on the verge of becoming a superstar.

Chris Paul is arguably the league’s best pure point guard. His court vision, decision-making and passing/scoring ability has put him in the top three in Player Efficiency Ranking year after year.

Now imagine all of them on the same team?

Griffin could be their dominant low post scorer (he also developed nicely as a passer out of the double-team in the second half of last season).

Durant would be their dynamic wing player who gets the ball in crunch time and pours in the points.

CP3 would be their floor general. Ensuring everyone gets involved in the action, feeding the hot-hand and controlling the pace of this sure to be one-sided game. Not to mention, the little dude can score when he needs to.

This team can attack you in multiple ways, all of which are impossible to defend.

LeBron James, Rajon Rondo, Andrew Bynum

When healthy, Bynum is the best center in the league not named “Dwight.” Bynum really came into his own this year as he accepted and understood his role. His biggest contributions were on the defensive end as he consistently contested shots and grabbed rebounds. The big man can also beat you on offense with dunks, put backs and improving mobility on the low block.

Rondo’s passing is just a work of art. It’s like he’s playing music when he’s got the ball in his hands. He anticipates teammates’ movements, sees the play develop before it does and constantly puts fellow Celtics in prime positions to score. With Shaq in the middle early last season, Rondo averaged over 15 assists per game. Imagine what he could do with a younger Bynum manning the paint.

LeBron is LeBron. Everyone knows what he can (and can’t) do. Without a doubt this man does have some shortcomings on a basketball court. But, his talent and physical gifts are unparalleled in this world. Whatever team he is on is instantly better because of it.

This squad would be scary to compete against. They can beat you inside by feeding it down low. They can run LBJ around the court and rest assured Rondo will find him open. Or, if everyone needs a breather they can simply give the rock to James and be like, “do something with it, I’m tired.”

Whatever strategy employed, this team would make it work and work well.