Create your own team on a $50 Million payroll

[Indy]

Let's see how well all of you could put together a team if you were an owner of a small market club. What direction will you go? Will you try to get 2-3 stars and fill in the rest of the roster with guys that won't cost much? Would you rather put together a more balanced team that may lack a go-to scorer?

Only 3 teams have payrolls under 50 million, Chicago, Memphis and Charlotte. In recent years, Chicago has mastered the art of putting together a young team that produces the most from the least amount of money. Is it possible for you to put together a team that would be better then the Bulls with a similar payroll? Give it a shot.

Your team can have a minimum of 12 players, and a maximum of 15, same as the NBA.

Don't just list your guys and their salaries, explain why you think your team would work. If you put a bunch of young guys who outproduce their contracts at this point of their careers, that wouldn't work because you would have a serious problem when re-signing time comes. The Brandon Roy, Monta Ellis and Kevin Martins of the world are going to expect bigger contracts in the future, so try to put together a team that you could keep together and compete with for years.

http://www.hoopshype.com/salaries.htm
There are all the players salaries. This is based on the money they make in 2007-2008 only. But the length of a players contract can come in to play. Pretend the free-agent market exsists too. Expiring contracts have the same value here as they really would.

[grusom]

OMFGBBQWTFJFFC, Michael Finley is one lucky bench rider.

[Indy]

OMFGBBQWTFJFFC, Michael Finley is one lucky bench rider.

Well when he got that contract he was a top 15 player in the NBA. He still plays a pretty important role for the champs.

But yes, it is odd to see his name up there.

[Laxation]

He doesnt get paid that much by the Spurs... his true salary this season isnt much at all.

This is a great idea for a thread though! Rookie contracts FTW!

(God I really wanted Duncan, but hes way too expensive...)

C: Dwight Howard: 6
PF: Okur: 8.5
SF: Deng: 3.5
SG: Iguodala: 3
PG: Deron Williams: 4

6. Chris Paul: 3.5
7. Gordon: 5
8. David Lee: 1
9. Josh Smith: 2
10. Granger: 1.5
11. JR Smith: 1.5
12. Biedrins: 2.5
13. Krstic: 2
14. Felton: 3
15. Bynum: 2

Total ~ 49mil

[TheMC5]

He doesnt get paid that much by the Spurs... his true salary this season isnt much at all.

This is a great idea for a thread though! Rookie contracts FTW!

(God I really wanted Duncan, but hes way too expensive...)

C: Dwight Howard: 6
PF: Okur: 8.5
SF: Deng: 3.5
SG: Iguodala: 3
PG: Deron Williams: 4

6. Chris Paul: 3.5
7. Gordon: 5
8. David Lee: 1
9. Josh Smith: 2
10. Granger: 1.5
11. JR Smith: 1.5
12. Biedrins: 2.5
13. Krstic: 2
14. Felton: 3
15. Bynum: 2

Total ~ 49mil

You fail.

Did you not read Indy's first post? How in the hell are you gonna re-sign Dwight Howard, Luol Deng, Andre Igoudala, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Ben Gordon, David Lee, Josh Smith, Andris Biedrins...wait a second, it's your whole fucking team except Okur. So next year, you plan on playing Okur with 11 D-Leaguers, I guess?

You lose, my friend. Please play again.




Also, Indy, since you started the thread, you should post your team.

[Sauru]

nice looking team and would be fun to watch but i dont see any real leadership there. however seeing as its the only team you are clearly in first place right now


note: i wont make a team only crit the ones made lol

[Fitzy]

He doesnt get paid that much by the Spurs... his true salary this season isnt much at all.

This is a great idea for a thread though! Rookie contracts FTW!

(God I really wanted Duncan, but hes way too expensive...)

C: Dwight Howard: 6
PF: Okur: 8.5
SF: Deng: 3.5
SG: Iguodala: 3
PG: Deron Williams: 4

6. Chris Paul: 3.5
7. Gordon: 5
8. David Lee: 1
9. Josh Smith: 2
10. Granger: 1.5
11. JR Smith: 1.5
12. Biedrins: 2.5
13. Krstic: 2
14. Felton: 3
15. Bynum: 2

Total ~ 49mil

You fail.

Did you not read Indy's first post? How in the hell are you gonna re-sign Dwight Howard, Luol Deng, Andre Igoudala, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Ben Gordon, David Lee, Josh Smith, Andris Biedrins...wait a second, it's your whole fucking team except Okur. So next year, you plan on playing Okur with 11 D-Leaguers, I guess?

You lose, my friend. Please play again.

take it easy heezy, you make a team instead of hatin'

[Laxation]

Did you not read Indy's first post? How in the hell are you gonna re-sign Dwight Howard, Luol Deng, Andre Igoudala, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Ben Gordon, David Lee, Josh Smith, Andris Biedrins...wait a second, it's your whole fucking team except Okur. So next year, you plan on playing Okur with 11 D-Leaguers, I guess?

You're right, I didnt read it all.
Want me to get a ruler? Its an easier way to measure your penis...

On that note, I was going to add down the bottom "Good luck signing any of them in the next 2-3 years", but I didnt.

Ill do one later, when I have more time. I might consider reading all of Indy's post as well

[The X]

Damn, this was tough....Nash is only locked in at that money for next 2 seasons, so half of his money gets added to LaMarcus Aldridge on extension....the rest of starting lineup is set....the rest of Nash's excess money will be to either re-up Marcus Williams as starting PG, or find a new one....the team is a bit young, but some talent up front, good passing side....probably doesn't get it done in the playoffs, but as I said, it's tough with 50....

STARTERS:
C- Dwight Howard 13.0 (he is currently at 6.0, but I'll run with his new contract from next season)
PF- LaMarcus Aldridge 4.3 (re-up him in a few years using some of Nash's spare money)
SF- Luke Walton 4.0 (locked in contract, solid starter/glue guy/6th man)
SG- Leandrinho Barbosa 5.6 (locked in contract, he becomes very important to my team's success)
PG- Steve Nash 11.0 (the heart & soul, with him goes the team)

BENCH:
SG- JJ Redick 2.0 (shooter off the bench, potential to become a starter at SG)
PF/SF- David Lee 1.0 (keep him around for 2 years at low money & see how he develops, or he's good trade bait)
PG- Marcus Williams 1.2 (in the fold for at least the next 3 years at this or similar rate....if he develops, he can eventually become starting PG, get more money, or be used as trade bait....if not, good backup at very least)
SF- Jared Dudley 1.1 (I love this guy & think he'll be a bargain but very important to my team)
C/PF- Hilton Armstrong 1.9 (potential to improve)
SG/SF- DJ Strawberry 0.4 (versatile player who can play 3 positions)
PF/C- Brian Skinner 1.1 (another solid body inside)

IR:
SF/SG- Alando Tucker 0.9 (Worth a punt at good value)
PG/SG- Gabe Pruitt 0.7 (Nice 2nd Round PG prospect to develop)
PF/C- Sean Marks 1.1 (Good token locker room guy, great for chemistry)

TOTAL COST = 49.3 MILLION

I've already accounted for the increased pay in Dwight Howard, Steve Nash's retirement in a few years & Aldridge's extension....you might argue that I'll go over re-signing bench players....a lot of them are either trade assets or replaceable with new young guys coming through....but yeah, hopefully you guys can tweak my lineup & suggest replacements to turn my team from a 1st Round playoff loser to a Conference Championship contender

[Raps13]

C: Marcus Camby 8M
PF: Chris Bosh 13M
SF: Kevin Durant 4M
SG: Anthony Parker 4M
PG: Deron Williams 4M

6: Jose Calderon 2M
7: Eddie Jones 2M
8: Bonzi Wells 2M
9: Andrew Bogut 5M
10: Ike Diogu 2M
11: Luke Walton 4M
12: Josh McRoberts 0.5M

Total: 50.5

Similar to the Bulls in the sense that they have a mix of young talented players still on rookie contracts as well as many vets signed to lucrative deals. Very deep too.

Probably a little too unrealistic because Calderon, Bogut, Diogu, Williams, Durant will all want extensions in the next year to four years. Though the like of Jones, Parker, and Bowen will all be gone by then

[Doobie]

Here goes nothing....

Starting 5
C- Channing Frye - 2.5 (He's a solid Center who will be good for years and never demand top dollar)

PF-Chris Bosh - 13 (Future of the team, a young PF and great for a player, not making an exagerated amount of money.

SF- Bruce bowen - 4 ( A great defender and a good 3 point shooter, the defensive stopper out of the starting 5)

SG- Mike Miller - 8 ( Great shooter and one of the underrated players of the NBA, makes some money but not overpayed)

PG- Mo Williams - 7.5 ( A pretty good starting PG and will do his best to help your team win.

Bench...

David Lee- (1) ( a good option off the bench, also will not demand top dollar and his services can be appreciated in any team)

Mardy Collins - (1) ( Weakest spot of the team but I do believe Mardy Collins has alot to show in this league and will come up as a solid PG)

Desegana Diop- ???(3) ( Don't know how much he's making but this team needs a big bodied defender comming off the bench, and he fills that void)

Ryan Gomes- ??? (2) ( I would say is a pretty good rebounder and hustle player coming off the bench)

Eddie House- ???(2) ( Another shooter this team could use off the bench, would work wonders on second unit)

Daniel Gibson - ??? (1) Another solid shooting and hustle player coming of the bench, a really good fit with this team

Paul Milsap - ??? (1) A great rebounding presence and a pretty solid inside scorer from what I've seen.

Willie Green - (2) A really solid scorer off the bench and can really step it up when given the minutes due to injuries or foul troubles.



I think this team would work well together because of the fact that the bench is full of hustle players who can run a fast break offense, and the starting line-up has two really good shooters to go along with Chris Bosh, who is not only a mid-range shooter, but has a really tough post game. Channing Frye and Bruce Bowen should play smaller roles in the starting line-up but I don't think chemistry will be an issue, since the only real chemistry killer my team has might be Mo Williams, but I doubt it.

[The X]

I'd like to see everyone use the full 15 man rosters

looks like Doobie is going the Raptors route....ride Bosh as far as he'll take you....

[TheMC5]

take it easy heezy, you make a team instead of hatin'

That's precisely what I did. A real team, following Indy's criteria. It's no championship contender, but could be in a few years with some shrwed signings and beneficial trades. Check it:

Note: All dollars expressed in millions

CENTERS
Andrea Bargnani ($4.84/3yrs) - Bargnani could be the next Dirk Nowitzki (hopefully minus the choke factor), and he's on his rookie contract for long enough the make room to re-sign if that proves to be true.

Adonal Foyle ($1.22/2yrs) - Foyle is mostly a space filler, but his strength and shot-blocking could come in handy on a team that's relatively small up front.

POWER FORWARDS
Chris Bosh ($13.04/5yrs) - Bosh is one of the best young players in the league, and a true leader even at this early stage in his career. He is the centerpiece of the team.

Francisco Elson ($3.00/1yr) - Elson is a solid big man, not spectacular, but serviceable, and with championship experience. His expiring contract makes it easier to trade him or bench him if he doesn't produce.

SMALL FORWARDS
Shane Battier ($5.88/4yrs) - Battier is one of the league's premier defenders, as well as a great 3pt shooter. He is still in his prime, and will be for the duration of his contract.

Hakim Warrick ($1.38/2yrs) - Another guy on his rookie contract, Warrick gives the team a some needed athleticism. The ability to play both forward positions is a bonus.

SHOOTING GUARDS
Raja Bell ($4.75/3yrs) - Another lock-down perimeter defender who's lights out from behind the arc, he and Battier should help space the floor to allow Bosh room to operate.

Ricky Davis ($6.82/1yr) - Davis would ideally be instant offense off the bench. His expiring contract would be nice trade bait, or he could just be let go to make room to re-sign Calderon.

Derek Anderson ($1.22/1yr) - Anderson would likely be an injury replacement player, but his ability to play 3 positions in a pinch makes him useful.

POINT GUARDS
Jose Calderon ($2.41/1yr) - Though unproven as a starter, Calderon is possibly the league's best back up PG. Whether he can run an offense full-time remains to be seen, but if not he simply won't get paid the big bucks in the off-season when his contract expires.

Rajon Rondo ($1.37/3yrs) - Rondo gives the team a completely different look at PG from Calderon, and would probably split time with Jose depending on the matchups.

Anthony Johnson ($2.86/1yr) - Another expiring contract, Johnson is insurance more so than anything. If either Rondo or Calderon proves incapable of handling PG duties, Johnson provides a serviceable replacement.

TOTAL SALARY: $48.79 million

Projected Rotation:
C - Bargnani, Elson, Foyle
PF - Bosh, Warrick
SF - Battier, Davis, Warrick
SG - Bell, Davis
PG - Calderon, Rondo

Strengths: Shooting, athleticism, perimeter defense

Weaknesses: Post defense, inexperience

I think this team would win anywhere from 40-50 games depending on which conference they're in, and more importantly how well the PGs play. But if they suck, I've got the pieces and depth to be able to make a trade.

[The X]

Another Raptors-like lineup....looks like a lot of people like their direction....I really liked that you're giving the starting PG reins to Jose Calderon....definitely a nice choice

[TheMC5]

Another Raptors-like lineup....looks like a lot of people like their direction....I really liked that you're giving the starting PG reins to Jose Calderon....definitely a nice choice

Yeah, definitely pretty Raps heavy, but really I think they're the most well-constructed young team in the league, which is why I took Bosh and Bargs. I give up a bit on the Raptors in terms of point guard play, but Rondo could potentially be TJ Ford with better defense in a few years, and I'm considerably stronger at the wing positions. I think Jose will be a really solid starter if he ever gets the chance to show it.

I would have liked to put 14 guys on the roster (I'd never keep a full 15, just for flexibility), but the last 2 are pretty much inconsequential. I've got the money two add to minimum contract guys, doesn't really matter who they are. I could have added someone like Paul Millsap or Ryan Gomes, I guess, but I figured I already had enough guys on their rookie contracts. Really I'm looking at players like Matt Freije or Kareem Rush, so it doesn't really matter who they are, cause they'd never play.

[The X]

I probably wouldn't start both Battier & Bell though....you lack perimeter scoring with that starting lineup....perhaps Ricky Davis should start....

[Indy]

I think The X has the best one so far, not bad, but I think you lack depth in big men off the bench. Jeff Foster is definitley getting a spot on my team, and Shane Battier will to. Those are 2 guys that can play huge roles in winning teams.

Laxation, money would be the least of your worries with that team. A lot of starting quality guys on the bench that would create some serious chemistry problems.

I'm in the process of making mine, but I'll finish it tomorrow. I think the key is finding players who will contribute, and then have their contracts expire at the same time you'll need to re-sign your younger players.

[Sauru]

to be honest i really want to see the teams from indy and benji

[The X]

I think The X has the best one so far, not bad, but I think you lack depth in big men off the bench. Jeff Foster is definitley getting a spot on my team, and Shane Battier will to. Those are 2 guys that can play huge roles in winning teams.

Laxation, money would be the least of your worries with that team. A lot of starting quality guys on the bench that would create some serious chemistry problems.

I'm in the process of making mine, but I'll finish it tomorrow. I think the key is finding players who will contribute, and then have their contracts expire at the same time you'll need to re-sign your younger players.

yeah, I thought I didn't do bad for a quick 5 minute job....I just thought I'd want Nash as he makes everyone else better....future cornerstone would be Dwight Howard & to a lesser extent LaMarcus Aldridge....Barbosa is going to be a good NBA-level starter at SG for a while....opportunity for growth & starting spots, especially at PG & SF....

but you are right, I would need extra big man depth....I'd drop Alando Tucker (0.9) & add Josh McRoberts (0.4) which would bring me down to around $48.8 million....although I'm guessing you were talking more experienced big men than rookies....I figure Howard & Aldridge play about 80% of C & PF minutes, & between Lee, Skinner & Armstrong, they fill up the rest of the minutes....Lee would also play some at SF....

[Laxation]

Laxation, money would be the least of your worries with that team. A lot of starting quality guys on the bench that would create some serious chemistry problems.

I was under the impression people were now aware I didnt actually read the whole post... or anything except the heading...



Here is a new one, taking everything into consideration



C: Okur (8)
PF: Al Jefferson (2.5)
SF: Battier (6)
SG: Maggette (8)
PG: Nash (11)

6. Deron Williams (4)
7. David Lee (1)
8. Grant Hill (2)
9. Sefolosha (2)
10. Stuckey (1.5)
11. Afflalo (1)
12. Foyle (1)
13. Fesenko (1)
14. Brandon Bass (1)
15. Ronald Dupree (1)

Total ~ 50m

Maggette provides a different angle, being more of a slasher rather than a shooter like Battier. I imagine the two of them would work well together. (Battier's defence offsetting Maggette's lack of it?) Okur compliments Jefferson. One has range, the other not so much…

Rotating Battier, Maggette, Nash and Williams through the 1-3 spots will give them 36min a game, so there is plenty of time for them all to play. Just will have to suffer with a short backcourt when Williams/Nash are on.

Sefolosha adds some height in the backcourt, and I just love Stuckey... Dupree is good in the locker room from everything Ive heard. A funny guy, apparently. Brandon Bass has been great so far in pre-season, so it’s worth giving him a shot. Afflalo gives some more nice defence and 3point to throw in, and a bit of size. Foyle gives a bit of leadership for the tall guys, everyone else is pretty young. None of them are great at blocking, either.
Fesenko is purely for the comedic aspect. “Put the ball on the floor? Umm ok…” His height is a bonus…

When Williams and Jefferson's contracts are up, the payroll will get higher, but the loss of Nash would offset it, and it still wouldn't be a ridiculous payroll considering the age/quality of the two young guys.

[benji]

to be honest i really want to see the teams from ... benji

*kiss*

I think this challenge is faulty. The Bulls acquired the bulk of their players through the draft, an option we do not have. The Bobcats were until this season restricted by the expansion rules, and also built the bulk of their team through the draft. The Jazz and their $55 million would be a more reasonable payroll.

That said.

I assumed a few things. Since we were only using 07-08 salaries, then I would have no penalties for assumed long term costs, thus resigning players is hardly my concern. My directive was to assemble a team with 07-08 salaries and any resignings would not be a big deal ignoring situations where a rookie would get a near max pay-day. I also assumed everyone would be healthy and play as they did in 06-07 for my one season.

Frontcourt
Starters: Yao Ming ($13,762,775)
David Lee ($990,600)
Reserves: DeSagana Diop ($2,146,000)
Jamal Sampson ($964,636)
Walter Herrmann ($1,944,000)

Wing
Starters: Shane Battier ($5,883,600)
Brent Barry ($5,554,370)
Reserves: Josh Childress ($3,631,450)
Leandro Barbosa* ($5,600,000)
Dijon Thompson ($770,910)

Backcourt
Starters: Devin Harris ($3,995,003)
Reserves: Leandro Barbosa*
Jose Calderon ($2,471,604)

Total: $47,714,948

Assumed Rotation
C- Yao (75%), Diop (25%)
F- Lee (50%), Herrmann (30%), Sampson (10%), Diop (10%)
F- Battier (75%), Childress (25%)
G- Barry (40%), Barbosa (40%), Childress (20%)
G- Harris (50%), Calderon (30%), Barbosa (20%)
(Harris and Calderon are most likely to flip. Nothing set in stone. This would be the initial rotation.)

Analysis, plz, kthx
Yao Ming (key 06-07 stats: 29.6 p/40, 11.1 r/40, 2.3 a/40, 60% TS, 3.53% blk, 15% foul draw rate, 86% ft%)
Big man of epic domination. The revenue from jersey sales will pay for when I give everyone else on the team maximum contracts for being awesome.

DeSagana Diop (key 06-07 stats: 12.0 r/40, 4.83% blk, 13.8% off rebound, 9.2% possession usage)
Dominates the offensive glass, swats jerks who drive the lane, doesn't take possessions from guys who are good. Epic winner for cheap.

David Lee (key 06-07 stats: 14.3 p/40, 13.9 r/40, 65% TS, 82% FT, 20.7% rebound, 13.6% off rebound, 14.4% foul draw rate, 17.9% possession usage)
Three of the four factors domination. Makes baskets, gets to the line and makes them, lots of offensive rebounds plz. Below average usage, meaning more possessions for my ballhogs.

Shane Battier (key 06-07 stats: 59% TS, 57% eFG, 42% 3P, 8.6% turnover rate, 14.5% possession usage)
Epic no mistakes on offense. Shuts down your silly wing players. Majored in religion.

Jamal Sampson (key 06-07 stats: 14.3 r/40, 64% eFG, 60% TS, 21.6% rebound, 13.7% off rebound, 3.13% blk, 12.3% usage)
Rebounds, blocks, makes baskets fine enough when he does shoot. (Mostly dunks.) I've wanted to give him consistant minutes for a long while. Consistant on the rebounding over career, the rest is not as important to me.

Josh Childress (key 06-07 stats: 14.2 p/40, 6.8 r/40, 2.5 a/40, 59% TS)
All over game. Solid rebounding, fairly low turnovers, high shooting percentage. Blocks and steals with other good defense. Gets to the line well, solid percentage there. Low mistake player.

Brent Barry (key 06-07 stats: 15.7 p/40, 63% eFG, 67% TS, 48% 3P)
Ultimate shooting. Nearly no mistakes on offense. Can handle the ball, better defender than people think. Epic three point bombing off Yao kicks.

Devin Harris (key 06-07 stats: 15.8 p/40, 57% TS, 2.41% steal, 12.6% foul draw rate, 82% FT)
Winner. Efficient offense, with dominant defense. Likely one of the three best defensive point guards last season. Starts for defense, but like everyone but Yao, starting spot not set in stone.

Leandro Barbosa (key 06-07 stats: 21.0 p/40, 60% TS, 43% 3P)
Epic point production. Good defense too.

Jose Calderon (key 06-07 stats: 16.2 p/40, 9.4 a/40, 59% TS, 1.97% steal)
Handle ball and pass to teammates plz. Make a few shots and play a little defense too. Possible starter. kthxbai.

Walter Hermann (key 06-07 stats: 18.6 p/40, 63% TS, 46% 3P, 8.1% turnover)
Makes lots of shots. Foreign. Two-time Argentine League slam dunk contest winnar.

Dijon Thompson (career stts: 19.4 p/40, 52% TS, 6.1 turnover rate)
I don't expect much, but he was hottness in NBDL and I would rather take a chance on a cheap young NBDL player instead of signing some bum I already know sucks. Can score pretty well, no turnovers, NBA stats not bad, NBDL stats awesome.

After looking at my team I decided I would consider splurging the rest of my money on Chuck Hayes for some more hott rebounding and defense. It would be more likely I would troll the NBDL for more hott no-mistake three point bombers and rebounders/defenders however.

Also of note, I would consider building a team of NBDL players on minimum and then take something like Dirk, Nash and KG just to mortally wound those teams and improve my chances that way.

EDIT: I think I would start Calderon after further thinking. Bring Harris off with Barbosa. Nothing is stopping me from playing things like Lee-Herrmann-Barry-Barbosa-Calderon/Harris easily though. Depends on matchups. Harris starts if I need a point guard defended very well.

[shadowgrin]

The revenue from jersey sales will pay for when I give everyone else on the team maximum contracts for being awesome.

meaning more possessions for my ballhogs

I don't see a ballhog in your lineup.

benji, could you kindly give an epic elaboration about these..

The Bobcats were until this season restricted by the expansion rules

Majored in religion.

To put it simply, the epic idiot known as shadowgrin would want to learn what are those quoted above.

[Laxation]

I updated mine.

I don't know that your team has a scorer that can be relied up, Benji. I guess Yao could be, but can he create for himself? I dont know... havnt seen him play enough... I guess someone who scores 25ppg on nearly 50% shooting can be relied upon. Fair point...

[shadowgrin]

Barbosa and Harris are good scorers.

[Martti.]

Will update this post later tomorrow..

I have one name :

PG - Raymond Felton - $3,274,440