Thee Jazz Fan
Well-Known Member
Who would win in a seven game playoff series?
team E
C-Victor Wembanyama // Derek Lively
Pf-Bam Adebayo // Jaden McDaniels
Sf-Frans Wagner // Ryan Dunn
Sg-Desmond Bane // Quentin Grimes
Pg-Tyrese Maxey // Peyton Pritchard
Vs.
Team F
PG Derrick White / Tre Jones
SG Norman Powell / VJ Edgecombe
SF Trey Murphy / Zaccharie Risacher
PF Giannis Antetokounmpo / Tari Eason
C Jaren Jackson Jr / Jarrett Allen
Team E writeup
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All of these teams are amazing with star power and elite talent.
In a competition like this it’s hard to find a team that truly stands out above the rest let me just say this… DEFENSE DOESNT WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS… TRULY ELITE DEFENSE FROM EVERY PLAYER ON YOUR TEAM WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS, and TRUMPS ALL!!
Tyrese Maxey
Defense:
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Tyrese Maxey's defense has improved significantly from a weakness to a strength, marked by increased focus, effort, and physical strength, allowing him to be a strong on-ball defender with quick hands and effective off-ball positioning
Offense:
——————
Tyrese Maxey's offense relies on elite speed, driving ability, and improving three-point shooting, making him a potent pick-and-roll threat and a capable scorer in the half-court. He excels at attacking the basket with drives and floaters, but can also pull up for jumpers or hit catch-and-shoot threes. Maxey's ability to create for himself and others, especially in the pick-and-roll with Joel Embiid, in this case, Victor Wembanyama, makes him a dangerous offensive weapon who can take over scoring when needed
Victor Wembanyama
Defense:
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Victor Wembanyama's defense is described as historic and generational, characterized by unmatched shot-blocking (4.0BLK PER), exceptional rim protection, and a unique ability to contest shots from various ranges. He anchors the Spurs' defense with his length, mobility, and timing, making him a significant defensive presence despite the team's overall defensive struggles. His individual defensive statistics, such as leading the league in blocks and significantly improving opponents' shooting percentages in the restricted area, showcase his impactful defensive abilities
Offense:
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Strengths
Defense:
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Wagner's defensive strengths include:
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Wagner's offensive strengths include:
Bam Adebayo
Defense:
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Defensive strengths
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Bam is switching roles in Miami this year. He’s moving to pf. He’s improved his 3pt shooting % and volume
Two years ago he shot 0.6 3’s a game (35%), last year he increased it to 2.6 attempts per game (35%). This year at the 4, I expect the 3pt volume to increase
Defense:
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Offense
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Strengths
Bench
Derek Lively
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Great rim, protector and defender on the perimeter
jaden McDaniels
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Disruptive presence: McDaniels alters and eliminates shots and makes passing difficult for opponents. Versatile defender, can guard, the 1 through 4 effectively
Ryan Dunn
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As elite athleticism allowing him to fly around the court, making plays defensively and gets a high number of blocks and steals. He’s an elite defender on the perimeter and in the paint and one of the best room protectors at the sf position.
Quentin Grimes
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Elite perimeter defender. Has active hands, Jenerette, lots of skills and disrupts passing lanes. three-level scoring, strong isolation play, and a combination of catch-and-shoot and off-the-dribble creation, averaging 21.9 points after being acquired from the Dallas Mavericks.
Peyton Pritchard
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Last year’s 6th man of the year
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Tenacious, competitiveness, and the ability to hound opposing guards full-court. exceptional three-point shooting, ability to create his own shot, and craftiness in getting points at the rim, making him a versatile three-level scorer for the Celtics
Team F team Writeup
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PG Derrick White / Tre Jones
SG Norman Powell / VJ Edgecombe
SF Trey Murphy / Zaccharie Risacher
PF Giannis Antetokounmpo / Tari Eason
C Jaren Jackson Jr / Jarrett Allen
Minute Distribution
PG Derrick White (34) / Tre Jones (14)
SG Norman Powell (30) / VJ Edgecombe (10) / Zaccharie Risacher (8)
SF Trey Murphy (34) / Zaccharie Risacher (10) / Tari Eason (4)
PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (38) / Tari Eason (6) / Jaren Jackson Jr (4)
C Jaren Jackson Jr (30) / Jarrett Allen (18)
Gameplan
Offense: This team has a highly Giannis-focused, 5-out offense. He is involved in almost all actions, and the players around him in the starting lineup are all dangerous 3 point shooters. The opposing defense will frequently be forced into lose-lose situations where helping on Giannis (pretty much a requirement) means leaving one of the good shooters open. The offensive weak spot will be that focus on Giannis. However, whenever Giannis is out, Powell will always be in. The offense becomes much more traditional, spreading the ball around, and relies on the high energy athleticism of the bench to create fast break opportunities.
Defense: This team is tough to compete with defensively. Giannis is probably one of the most consistent two-way superstars, and with this team he has plenty of help on the defensive end. The only defensive negatives are Powell and probably Edgecombe because of youth. The other starters are largely known for great defense: White, Murphy, JJJ. The bench is especially dangerous on defense with Eason and Allen leading the D and young guys like Risacher and Edgecombe bringing high energy and athleticism. The defensive weak spot will be attacking Powell, but there are a lot of helping shot blockers to back him up, from JJJ and Giannis and even to White who is an oddly great blocker at PG.
team E
C-Victor Wembanyama // Derek Lively
Pf-Bam Adebayo // Jaden McDaniels
Sf-Frans Wagner // Ryan Dunn
Sg-Desmond Bane // Quentin Grimes
Pg-Tyrese Maxey // Peyton Pritchard
Vs.
Team F
PG Derrick White / Tre Jones
SG Norman Powell / VJ Edgecombe
SF Trey Murphy / Zaccharie Risacher
PF Giannis Antetokounmpo / Tari Eason
C Jaren Jackson Jr / Jarrett Allen
Team E writeup
—————————
All of these teams are amazing with star power and elite talent.
In a competition like this it’s hard to find a team that truly stands out above the rest let me just say this… DEFENSE DOESNT WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS… TRULY ELITE DEFENSE FROM EVERY PLAYER ON YOUR TEAM WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS, and TRUMPS ALL!!
Tyrese Maxey
Defense:
————————
Tyrese Maxey's defense has improved significantly from a weakness to a strength, marked by increased focus, effort, and physical strength, allowing him to be a strong on-ball defender with quick hands and effective off-ball positioning
Offense:
——————
Tyrese Maxey's offense relies on elite speed, driving ability, and improving three-point shooting, making him a potent pick-and-roll threat and a capable scorer in the half-court. He excels at attacking the basket with drives and floaters, but can also pull up for jumpers or hit catch-and-shoot threes. Maxey's ability to create for himself and others, especially in the pick-and-roll with Joel Embiid, in this case, Victor Wembanyama, makes him a dangerous offensive weapon who can take over scoring when needed
Victor Wembanyama
Defense:
————————————
Victor Wembanyama's defense is described as historic and generational, characterized by unmatched shot-blocking (4.0BLK PER), exceptional rim protection, and a unique ability to contest shots from various ranges. He anchors the Spurs' defense with his length, mobility, and timing, making him a significant defensive presence despite the team's overall defensive struggles. His individual defensive statistics, such as leading the league in blocks and significantly improving opponents' shooting percentages in the restricted area, showcase his impactful defensive abilities
Offense:
—————-
Strengths
- Scoring Usage: Wembanyama's scoring usage (when he attempts a shot) of 24.7% places him in the 90th percentile, similar to players like Damian Lillard and Paul George.
- Post-Up Efficiency: He demonstrates effectiveness in post-ups, converting 65% of his shots in such situations.
- Three-Point Shooting: He's shown improvement in his three-point shooting, averaging over 35% on nearly 9 attempts per game in the 2024-2025 season. In the preseason, he displayed even better accuracy, shooting over 40% from deep in a small sample size.
- Unique Skills for Size: Wembanyama possesses exceptional ball-handling and passing abilities for his 7'4" height, allowing him to operate in various offensive roles.
Defense:
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Wagner's defensive strengths include:
- Versatility: He is capable of guarding multiple positions (1 through 5) due to his size (6'10") and lateral quickness.
- Defensive IQ and Instincts: He demonstrates a high basketball IQ, excellent awareness, and anticipation, allowing him to be in the right place to make plays.
- Pick-and-Roll Defense: He excels at defending the pick-and-roll, whether guarding the ball handler or the roll man.
- Active Hands: He utilizes quick hands to disrupt ball handlers and deflect passes, leading to steals.
- Off-Ball Defense: He is a strong off-ball defender, capable of rotating from the perimeter and the block.
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Wagner's offensive strengths include:
- Driving and Finishing: He excels at attacking the basket using footwork and changes of direction to get near the rim, and is adept at finishing with both hands and off-foot floaters. He was top 20 in the NBA in drives per game and elite in finishing at the rim during the 2024-2025 season.
- Off-ball Movement and Cutting: Wagner is known for his cutting ability and timing his runs to the basket effectively. He ranked fourth best in the league in finishing cuts during the 2023-2024 season.
- Playmaking: Wagner demonstrates a high basketball IQ and makes quick decisions with the ball, whether to score or pass. He leverages his gravity as a scorer to create opportunities for teammates, and averages a career-high 4.7 assists per game.
- Shooting Versatility: Wagner can shoot off the dribble, on the catch-and-shoot, and on the move. He has shown flashes of good shooting decision-making. His shooting form is consistent and smooth, with a quick release.
- Scalable Offensive Usage: Wagner is comfortable playing both on and off the ball, making him a valuable and versatile offensive player for the Magic.
Bam Adebayo
Defense:
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Defensive strengths
- Versatility: Adebayo can guard all five positions, making him a valuable asset defensively.
- Switchability: He excels at switching onto various offensive players, including quicker guards on the perimeter and bigger players in the paint.
- Help Defense: Adebayo is an excellent help defender with great instincts, timing, and awareness.
- Rim Protection & Deterrence: Although not a traditional elite rim protector with high block numbers, he effectively deters opponents from attacking the rim and alters shots through strong contests and positioning.
- Active Hands & Forcing Turnovers: He utilizes his active hands to disrupt passes and force turnovers.
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Bam is switching roles in Miami this year. He’s moving to pf. He’s improved his 3pt shooting % and volume
Two years ago he shot 0.6 3’s a game (35%), last year he increased it to 2.6 attempts per game (35%). This year at the 4, I expect the 3pt volume to increase
- Passing and Playmaking:
Adebayo is a top-tier passing center who creates opportunities for teammates. He often initiates offense with dribble handoffs and short roll passes, leading to open shots for others.
Rim-Running and Finishing:
He is a strong finisher around the basket, using his athleticism to attack closeouts and roll to the hoop in pick-and-rolls. His ability to catch lobs makes him a vertical threat in the paint.
Transition Offense:
Adebayo is effective at pushing the ball in transition, either by finding open teammates or initiating dribble handoff actions.
Mid-Range and Driving:
He is adept at driving to the basket from the elbows against close-in defenders, though he can also take contested mid-range shots.
Offensive Role:
His role isn't to be a dominant, high-volume scorer but rather to be an offensive catalyst and efficient finisher around the rim.
Defense:
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- Strengths:
- Strength: His sturdy build allows him to absorb contact and defend effectively against bigger opponents.
- Defensive IQ and Positioning: Bane demonstrates excellent awareness and positioning on the court, making correct rotations and showing good play recognition. He is considered a strong team defender and communicator.
- Effort: He consistently plays with high effort on the defensive end.
- Ball Screen Defense: He generally exhibits sound instincts when defending ball screens.
- Defensive Rebounding: Bane has improved his defensive rebounding, ranking in the 96th percentile for wings last season.
- Switchability: His strength and understanding of the game allow him to guard multiple positions, including point guards, wings, and even some perimeter-oriented power forwards, making him valuable in switch-heavy schemes.
Offense
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Strengths
- Elite 3-Point Shooting: Bane is a highly proficient 3-point shooter, particularly from the top of the key where he has the highest percentage among qualified players since 2020 (44.3%). He's effective both in catch-and-shoot situations (42% career) and off the dribble (37% career). He ranked second in the NBA in 3-point percentage in the 2021-2022 season. Bane has also set a Grizzlies franchise record for 3-pointers made in a single season (228 in 2021-22).
- Versatile Scoring: Bane's scoring goes beyond just 3-pointers. He's able to attack the rim, using speed, spin moves, and pump fakes to create scoring opportunities and draw fouls. He's also proficient in transition, utilizing pull-up jumpers and drives. He utilizes ball screens effectively to create space and score.
- Playmaking: While initially known primarily for his shooting, Bane has steadily developed his playmaking, particularly in pick-and-roll situations. His assist numbers have increased each season, and he demonstrates good court vision, making accurate passes to cutters and kick-outs to open shooters. He averaged 5.3 assists per game in the 2024-25 season.
- Efficiency: Bane is known for his efficiency as a scorer. In the 2024-25 season, he was the only player in the NBA to average at least 19.2 points on 48.4% overall shooting, 39.2% 3-point shooting and 89.4% free throw shooting among qualified players. His true shooting percentage has remained consistently high throughout his career (between 58.9% and 60.6%).
Bench
Derek Lively
———————
Great rim, protector and defender on the perimeter
jaden McDaniels
—————————
Disruptive presence: McDaniels alters and eliminates shots and makes passing difficult for opponents. Versatile defender, can guard, the 1 through 4 effectively
Ryan Dunn
——————-
As elite athleticism allowing him to fly around the court, making plays defensively and gets a high number of blocks and steals. He’s an elite defender on the perimeter and in the paint and one of the best room protectors at the sf position.
Quentin Grimes
—————————
Elite perimeter defender. Has active hands, Jenerette, lots of skills and disrupts passing lanes. three-level scoring, strong isolation play, and a combination of catch-and-shoot and off-the-dribble creation, averaging 21.9 points after being acquired from the Dallas Mavericks.
Peyton Pritchard
—————————-
Last year’s 6th man of the year
—————————————
Tenacious, competitiveness, and the ability to hound opposing guards full-court. exceptional three-point shooting, ability to create his own shot, and craftiness in getting points at the rim, making him a versatile three-level scorer for the Celtics
Team F team Writeup
———————————-
PG Derrick White / Tre Jones
SG Norman Powell / VJ Edgecombe
SF Trey Murphy / Zaccharie Risacher
PF Giannis Antetokounmpo / Tari Eason
C Jaren Jackson Jr / Jarrett Allen
Minute Distribution
PG Derrick White (34) / Tre Jones (14)
SG Norman Powell (30) / VJ Edgecombe (10) / Zaccharie Risacher (8)
SF Trey Murphy (34) / Zaccharie Risacher (10) / Tari Eason (4)
PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (38) / Tari Eason (6) / Jaren Jackson Jr (4)
C Jaren Jackson Jr (30) / Jarrett Allen (18)
Gameplan
Offense: This team has a highly Giannis-focused, 5-out offense. He is involved in almost all actions, and the players around him in the starting lineup are all dangerous 3 point shooters. The opposing defense will frequently be forced into lose-lose situations where helping on Giannis (pretty much a requirement) means leaving one of the good shooters open. The offensive weak spot will be that focus on Giannis. However, whenever Giannis is out, Powell will always be in. The offense becomes much more traditional, spreading the ball around, and relies on the high energy athleticism of the bench to create fast break opportunities.
Defense: This team is tough to compete with defensively. Giannis is probably one of the most consistent two-way superstars, and with this team he has plenty of help on the defensive end. The only defensive negatives are Powell and probably Edgecombe because of youth. The other starters are largely known for great defense: White, Murphy, JJJ. The bench is especially dangerous on defense with Eason and Allen leading the D and young guys like Risacher and Edgecombe bringing high energy and athleticism. The defensive weak spot will be attacking Powell, but there are a lot of helping shot blockers to back him up, from JJJ and Giannis and even to White who is an oddly great blocker at PG.
