Build a Team around Steph, Lebron or Duncan?

[HoopsNY]

This is actually a harder question than I thought. For one, LeBron is clearly the best player out of all 3. However, Steph's defensive attention and ability to play off the ball is such an immense intangible that simply can't be ignored.

But then, there's Tim Duncan, who was an elite player immediately in the NBA, had one of the most impressive runs in 1999, beating Kevin Garnett, and then sweeping the Lakers (who had peak Shaq, Rice, and Kobe), and then thumping the Knicks who had Marcus Camby on him for most of the series.

Then in 2003, he has the GOAT ring, and this is before another 3 titles in 4 appearances. What makes Duncan so impressive is that he reduced his role in order to facilitate the Pop system, both for Parker/Ginobili, and for Pop's version of load management, which seemingly helped their team.

You can't ignore Tim Duncan's selflessness and the Spurs ability to win titles with guys like Parker and Ginobili, who no one considers to be elite players.

Compare that with LeBron who seems to need a much more varied mix of stars, superstars, and or shooters in order to develop a winning combination. I think that's a lot harder than what Duncan was able to do.

[HoopsNY]

so klay and dray were able to develop and grow as stars and role players along side curry, while duncan was able to anchor a system where ginobli and parker could flourish. why couldn't lebron do the same with hughes and mo williams, both talented players on their own? if anything this post is an argument AGAINST building a team around lebron :

I think a better example is that of Ingram/Ball/Kuzma. You're not wrong in bringing up those guys in his early Cleveland days, and that is why I feel Duncan is more suitable to build around. LeBron seems to need a more mixed batch of guys before it can produce a championship (let alone a dynasty) franchise.

[HoopsNY]

I watched cavs games from 2004...


they were all washed up scrubs by the time they got to the cavs...


never say jamison ben wallace or shaq again...

Jamison was a 21/9 player with Washington before joining LeBron. Given his jump shooting ability, intuition would tell you that he would be a great fit. That didn't really happen. Shaq and Wallace are kinda irrelevant though.

[HoopsNY]

What self respecting owner would take a guy who team hops all around the league in his prime? Not only on principle, but functionally... You re only getting on average 5 years out of this guy. Where as Curry and Duncan can give you ~15+ years.

Not even considering Curry and Duncan are cornerstones who can fit anywhere and provide ultimate chemistry ~ dynasty potential without superstar talent...

This question shouldve been Duncan or Curry.

Mods can you amend the title?

This is true.

[Axe]

What self respecting owner would take a guy who team hops all around the league in his prime? Not only on principle, but functionally... You re only getting on average 5 years out of this guy. Where as Curry and Duncan can give you ~15+ years.

Not even considering Curry and Duncan are cornerstones who can fit anywhere and provide ultimate chemistry ~ dynasty potential without superstar talent...

This question shouldve been Duncan or Curry.

Mods can you amend the title?

How many rings did kobe get without phil jackson and the triangle?

[HoopsNY]

How do you both explain Lebron leaving Miami Heat with Wade and Bosh?

Or telling Magic Johnson that he'd be a part of growing the young core, and then throwing them under the bus. I have yet to see an explanation there.

[FKAri]

Jordan Poole, Moody, Kuminga and Wiseman are all traded for an allstar last summer if he played with the Warriors and they missed the playoffs. Or he would threaten to leave if they don't follow LeGM's orders. All of that would happen after Kerr gets fired as well.

Kerr wouldn't get fired. Lebron isn't letting a shooter of that calibre simply walk. He'd be suiting up to spot up from the corner.

Or telling Magic Johnson that he'd be a part of growing the young core, and then throwing them under the bus. I have yet to see an explanation there.

Crazy. Who woulda known Magic would be a bigger cancer than Lebron? Bird > Magic. On the court and in the FO.

[LeGoat4Life]

Can’t go wrong with either Duncan or steph

Lol it’s already proven Lebron isn’t an alpha. You can’t build around this kid

He is a supporting cast you add to your team. Aka wade Miami and Ad’s Lakers

[Johnny32]

hurrr, dUh GuY wHo WeNt To 10 FiNaLs WiTh 5 DiFfErEnT sEcOnD oPtIoNs/RoLe PlAyErS iS hArD tO bUiLd ArOuNd, durrr.

[Nike D'Antoni]

BY Order

1 - Lebron
2 - Duncan
3 - Curry

[Axe]

It seems kelly '> klay' oubre jr. didn't like being reduced to a screensetting role bt.

[kawhileonard2]

Duncan
Curry
Lebron

No way I'd ever build around Lebron. Dude would always have a suitcase around to move to next destination despite playing with stars and hall of famers.