KAT EDIT: I didn't even look closely at this numbers until after posting, but he's averaging 28.3/13.3/2.1 on over 60% shooting since LaVine went down. Please don't grind him into dust, Thibs.
Hop on a Time machine - go forward 10 years and see who is best, get back.... Trade for that guy and bet on him. Also bet on horses, Marty McFly. Spoiler
Am I a homer for saying James Harden? We are building around him with role players and are the 3rd best record in the League. Nobody else has sniffed that this year.
If you want to win now, the answer is Lebron James. He can play every position which means he can fit with any roster. Even when he's older and slower, he would still be a top frontcourt player.
LeBron or Harden. Both guys are great at improving their teammates. Maybe Anthony Davis for long term purposes. All time I pick Bird for his versatility.
since @samtaylor took my first choice, I'm gonna say Jerry Lin . . . don't laugh, it's working for the Nets.
On a serious note: Depends if you are in Win mode now! or in rebuilding mode. For Win mode: Curry, Harden, Durant, Maybe old Lebron, Kawhi.... For later you know: AD, KTowns, Antetokounmpo......future picks
LeBron James Kevin Durant James Harden Kawhi Leonard Stephen Curry ------------------------------- Giannis Antetokounmpo Karl-Anthony Towns Anthony Davis Nikola Jokic
The OP says "to BUILD your team around" ...to me, indicating young player...just clarifying my Greek Freak pick.
I'm with you on this. If I'm building a team, I'd guess I'd be starting with scrap parts and one good player. Giannis by himself means I'm getting a few lottery seasons to add talent. By the time I've gotten three or four lottery picks, Giannis is just entering his prime. Would be sort of similar to what OKC had with Durant.
