Just Hoop, No Excuse
Volume 6, Season 1 Draft Recap
The “Big Three” Heavyweights
These owners clearly prioritized a balanced top-end core that can compete from Day 1.
Toronto Raptors (Tcagle1)
- Nikola Jokic (98)
- Jimmy Butler (88)
- Darius Garland (85)
Analysis: High-IQ squad. Pairing the MVP Jokic with a playoff riser like Butler and a facilitator like Garland makes them the team to beat.
Cleveland Cavaliers (Coop Horsed Yew)
- Luka Dončić (97)
- Jalen Duren (89)
- Desmond Bane (86)
Analysis: Built a “Pick & Roll” nightmare. Luka and Duren will be a lob machine, while Bane provides elite spacing.
Chicago Bulls (Tay Baited)
- Anthony Edwards (96)
- Trae Young (89)
- Alexandre Sarr (84)
Analysis: Most explosive backcourt in the league. Ant’s pressure and Trae’s shooting will lead the league in scoring.
San Antonio Spurs (WIC_Feeq)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (98)
- N. Alexander-Walker (87)
- Donovan Clingan (84)
Analysis: Lockdown perimeter. SGA and NAW will make life miserable for guards, and Clingan anchors the paint.
Draft Masterclasses
Drafting Cooper Flagg (88) at 18 alongside Alperen Şengün (88) and Zion Williamson (85) is a long-term play. Young, athletic, and built to dominate for seasons.
Built a rock-solid trio of Jalen Brunson (93), Jalen Johnson (90), and Lauri Markkanen (87). Size, shooting, and no clear weaknesses.
Securing Donovan Mitchell (95) and a frontcourt of Towns (90) and Siakam (87) gives them incredible versatility. Can play small or big without losing talent.
Commish & Admin Check-In
Atlanta Hawks (bhayes21)
Strategy: Let Steph cook. Surrounded Steph Curry (95) with Brandon Miller (87) and defensive grinders like Okongwu and Claxton.
Philadelphia 76ers (Deion n0sanders)
Strategy: Tall, switchable wing core with Cade Cunningham (95), Deni Avdija (88), and Franz Wagner (87). A matchup nightmare.
Boston Celtics (Suppresor37)
Strategy: Classic wing-heavy build with Jaylen Brown (95) and Brandon Ingram (88). High scoring punch.
The “Keep an Eye On” Tier
Denver Nuggets (Chim91Chim)
They have Victor Wembanyama (97). If Edgecombe and Dybantsa develop quickly, this is the sleeper team of the season.
Memphis Grizzlies (jmoneysnipa)
The duo of AD (92) and Ja Morant (87) is championship-caliber. If healthy, they are a Top 4 lock.
Summary Rankings
| Tier | Teams |
|---|---|
| Championship Favorites | Raptors, Cavaliers, Spurs, Bulls |
| Dark Horses | Warriors, Pistons, Grizzlies, 76ers |
| High Ceiling (Youth) | Jazz, Nuggets, Magic |
| Needs a Trade? | Clippers, Lakers, Thunder |
