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**** OFFICIAL FFA 2025-2026 Fake NBA Draft **** - Happy Ranks-Giving!! (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter Yo Mama
- Start date
Kev4029
Footballguy
15.06 Peyton Watson G/F Nuggets
I needed a Nugget and he is the most interesting one on the board for my team. Watson has some of the skills to be an honest to goodness difference maker in the NBA (3.2 blocks per 36 - that's elite rim defender #s from a SF) - In nearly everyway, he's like a smaller and healthy version (and 5 years younger) of Jonathan Issac, and like Issac he can't seem to put it all together. I don't suspect it's coming all the way together this year either, but he's got real playoff experience, a real role on a championship caliber team, and offers a defensive stud that could play real minutes with the shooters I would have around him if perimeter defense was needed.
@the moops
I needed a Nugget and he is the most interesting one on the board for my team. Watson has some of the skills to be an honest to goodness difference maker in the NBA (3.2 blocks per 36 - that's elite rim defender #s from a SF) - In nearly everyway, he's like a smaller and healthy version (and 5 years younger) of Jonathan Issac, and like Issac he can't seem to put it all together. I don't suspect it's coming all the way together this year either, but he's got real playoff experience, a real role on a championship caliber team, and offers a defensive stud that could play real minutes with the shooters I would have around him if perimeter defense was needed.
@the moops
Desert_Power
Footballguy
Moussa Diabate Hornets still out there? I need to get a token Hornet.
Kev4029
Footballguy
That was the other dude I was considering - fills a very similar role to Watson.
Yo Mama
Footballguy
I had Watson, LaRavia, and Jarace Walker at the top of my list
Juxtatarot
Footballguy
I think he should have gone multiple rounds ago but I might be a bit biased. Nice pick!
Kev4029
Footballguy
In the salary cap version of this in '22, he was taken at 4.06 because he was a rotation player at a cheap price.
Jayrod
Footballguy
Frostillicus
Footballguy
15.11 Gradey ****
Jayrod
Footballguy
JayrodSquad 2025-26:
PG - Derrick White, Immanuel Quickley, Tre Jones
SG - Lu Dort, Collin Sexton, Grayson Allen
SF - Jimmy Butler, Duncan Robinson, Julian Champagnie
PF - Giannis Antetokounmpo, Julius Randle, Cam Johnson
C - Kristaps Porzingis, Deandre Ayton, Zach Edey
I'm happy with it. Solid defense, lots of quality 3-pt shooters, rebounding and versatility with many switchable defenders ball handlers and guys that can play bigger or smaller than their typical position. Things came together nicely and everyone plays a legitimate role on their real-world team and everyone but Zach Edey has played at least 5 games and over 25 mpg so far.
PG - Derrick White, Immanuel Quickley, Tre Jones
SG - Lu Dort, Collin Sexton, Grayson Allen
SF - Jimmy Butler, Duncan Robinson, Julian Champagnie
PF - Giannis Antetokounmpo, Julius Randle, Cam Johnson
C - Kristaps Porzingis, Deandre Ayton, Zach Edey
I'm happy with it. Solid defense, lots of quality 3-pt shooters, rebounding and versatility with many switchable defenders ball handlers and guys that can play bigger or smaller than their typical position. Things came together nicely and everyone plays a legitimate role on their real-world team and everyone but Zach Edey has played at least 5 games and over 25 mpg so far.
Eephus
Footballguy
15.12 - Kevon Looney - New Orleans
Solid professional who is the best player to ever come out of my high school.
@Juxtatarot
Solid professional who is the best player to ever come out of my high school.
@Juxtatarot
Juxtatarot
Footballguy
Bob Loblaw
Footballguy
Master of Subservience
Footballguy
One of my favorite players and the hardest to see let go.
Him playing through a broken chest in the 2019 Finals was one of the gutsiest performances I've ever seen, alongside Razor Ruddock going 12 rounds with Mike Tyson with a broken jaw. Good luck Loon-dog, win one for the Euphusipper
Yo Mama
Footballguy
Great draft everyone! Thanks for participating.
NEXT STEPS
If you want to, in the next couple days post your rosters and talk and give a writeup about stuff like fit, rotations, etc to sell your team.
After that, please PM me your rankings of the teams (don’t rank your own team) by the end of the day Friday. I’ll consolidate and roll out the consensus rankings next week. I’m also going to have ChatGPT do rankings for the teams.
You can rank however you want, but I plan on making assumptions for how many games injured players will play (especially the major ones like Kyrie and Tatum) and adjusting accordingly.
After that I’ll dump everything into a fantasy site to track stats.
Lastly, I’m going to try to do a ChatGPT tournament - more to come on that once I flesh out a few of the parameters for that.
NEXT STEPS
If you want to, in the next couple days post your rosters and talk and give a writeup about stuff like fit, rotations, etc to sell your team.
After that, please PM me your rankings of the teams (don’t rank your own team) by the end of the day Friday. I’ll consolidate and roll out the consensus rankings next week. I’m also going to have ChatGPT do rankings for the teams.
You can rank however you want, but I plan on making assumptions for how many games injured players will play (especially the major ones like Kyrie and Tatum) and adjusting accordingly.
After that I’ll dump everything into a fantasy site to track stats.
Lastly, I’m going to try to do a ChatGPT tournament - more to come on that once I flesh out a few of the parameters for that.
msudaisy26
Footballguy
I always liked him. Gave me 6th man of the year vibes. Now I think he needs a change of scenery.
the moops
Footballguy
Almost ****ed up the draft again near the end and took my second 76'er with McCain. Thought Smart was taken or would have for nostalgic reasons. The rest of the guys are about as draftable as any others and these teams are so stacked anyway that we aren't going more than 8 or 9 deep
Juxtatarot
Footballguy
No drop adds?
Yo Mama
Footballguy
Nope, all sales are final. Fantasy site is just to track stats for the original rosters.
Kev4029
Footballguy
Some others (going off the top of my head so I might be wrong on who was drafted) -
Ty Jerome - Mem - per minute/advanced stat darling last year
Beal - LAC - probably the right call
Hield - GSW - just as a 3 point specialist
Grant Williams - he should be back soon and he's a legit player
msudaisy26
Footballguy
I wanted to draft Bub, but I couldn't live with myself for drafting a Wizard.
Yo Mama
Footballguy
Final draft stats for number of players drafted:
Western Conference - 108
Eastern Conference - 102
Southwest - 39
Southeast - 38
Pacific - 35
Central - 34
Northwest - 34
Atlantic - 30
9 players - OKC, Mia, SA
8 players - Atl, Bos, Det, Hou, LAC, Mem
7 players - Cha, Chi, Dal, GS, Ind, NO, Orl, Pho, Por, Sac, Tor, Was
6 players - Cle, Den, LAL, Mil, Min, NY, Phi, Uta
3 players - Bkn, LOL
Western Conference - 108
Eastern Conference - 102
Southwest - 39
Southeast - 38
Pacific - 35
Central - 34
Northwest - 34
Atlantic - 30
9 players - OKC, Mia, SA
8 players - Atl, Bos, Det, Hou, LAC, Mem
7 players - Cha, Chi, Dal, GS, Ind, NO, Orl, Pho, Por, Sac, Tor, Was
6 players - Cle, Den, LAL, Mil, Min, NY, Phi, Uta
3 players - Bkn, LOL
Juxtatarot
Footballguy
No worries, I was joking.
Yo Mama
Footballguy
I broke my rules with my last pick, taking a fourth Central division player.
Chemical X
Footballguy
when does the waiver wire open up?
Yo Mama
Footballguy
Yo Mama’s Team
Starters
PG - James Harden
SG - Desmond Bane
SF - Jaylen Brown
PF/C - Victor Wembanyama
PF/C - Myles Turner
Reserves
Guards - Lonzo Ball, Cason Wallace, Jaden Ivey, Ayo Dosunmu
Wings - Josh Hart, DeMar DeRozan, Shaedon Sharpe, KCP
Bigs - Draymond Green, Ryan Kalkbrenner
There are a bunch of stacked teams here with drafting only 14 teams, but I think this one has the best overall fit and most cohesive roster. Wemby is fairly easy to build around, but I think the guys I got around him are about as good as you can get in this format (especially my starters).
On defense, good luck getting to the rim with Wemby/Myles back there. My starters can switch 1-4, and I can switch 1-5 with Draymond or Hart in there for Turner. Harden’s weak D can be covered by my other starters or replaced with solid point of attack defenders on my bench.
On offense, the Harden/Wemby pick and roll with shooting all around them will be unstoppable. Brown and Bane will have plenty of space to shoot or attack the basket. Turner helps with spacing and doesn’t need the ball in his hands. On my bench I’ve got scoring at all levels as well as a nice mix of veterans and young athleticism. I also don’t have a bunch of high usage guys that all need the ball in their hands so the vibes will be incredible.
Starters
PG - James Harden
SG - Desmond Bane
SF - Jaylen Brown
PF/C - Victor Wembanyama
PF/C - Myles Turner
Reserves
Guards - Lonzo Ball, Cason Wallace, Jaden Ivey, Ayo Dosunmu
Wings - Josh Hart, DeMar DeRozan, Shaedon Sharpe, KCP
Bigs - Draymond Green, Ryan Kalkbrenner
There are a bunch of stacked teams here with drafting only 14 teams, but I think this one has the best overall fit and most cohesive roster. Wemby is fairly easy to build around, but I think the guys I got around him are about as good as you can get in this format (especially my starters).
On defense, good luck getting to the rim with Wemby/Myles back there. My starters can switch 1-4, and I can switch 1-5 with Draymond or Hart in there for Turner. Harden’s weak D can be covered by my other starters or replaced with solid point of attack defenders on my bench.
On offense, the Harden/Wemby pick and roll with shooting all around them will be unstoppable. Brown and Bane will have plenty of space to shoot or attack the basket. Turner helps with spacing and doesn’t need the ball in his hands. On my bench I’ve got scoring at all levels as well as a nice mix of veterans and young athleticism. I also don’t have a bunch of high usage guys that all need the ball in their hands so the vibes will be incredible.
Kev4029
Footballguy
Sooooo I got on Cameo to see what current NBA players I could pay to talk **** about one of you guys. Jaylen Wells was picked by @Frostillicus so I paid $65 (extra to do it sooner) to say how Frosty is an idiot and meat raffles are ******** and the Wolves suck and Frosty's team is trash. He cancelled it this morning. I was so excited but not excited enough to pay over $100 to try with somebody better that could talk **** about whoever drafted him.
I don't think the Grizz need my bad energy to suck this year, but I'm sending Jaylen Wells and the Grizzlies bad vibes for ruining my fun. In fact, screw Memphis and Justin Timberlake.
I don't think the Grizz need my bad energy to suck this year, but I'm sending Jaylen Wells and the Grizzlies bad vibes for ruining my fun. In fact, screw Memphis and Justin Timberlake.
Desert_Power
Footballguy
Likely starting 5:
Ja
Mitchell
Lebron
McDaniels
Zubac
Guards: Donovan Mitchell, Ja Morant, Andrew Nembhard, Dylan Harper, Aaron Wiggins, and Luke Kennard
Forwards: Jaden McDaniels, Herb Jones, Jabari Smith Jr, Collin Murray-Boyles, and Moussa Diabate
Bigs: Ivica Zubac, Alex Sarr, and Mitchell Robinson
Who knows: Lebron
Donovan Mitchell will anchor this offense while our two big offensive weapons of Lebron and Ja Morant decide how much basketball they feel like playing this year. Around them, I prioritized switchable defenders that do not hurt spacing. Really think this team would work well together and be tough to score against.
A few bench players with upside as well. May need some elevated minutes if Lebron cannot defy father time again. He was still excellent last year though.
Ja
Mitchell
Lebron
McDaniels
Zubac
Guards: Donovan Mitchell, Ja Morant, Andrew Nembhard, Dylan Harper, Aaron Wiggins, and Luke Kennard
Forwards: Jaden McDaniels, Herb Jones, Jabari Smith Jr, Collin Murray-Boyles, and Moussa Diabate
Bigs: Ivica Zubac, Alex Sarr, and Mitchell Robinson
Who knows: Lebron
Donovan Mitchell will anchor this offense while our two big offensive weapons of Lebron and Ja Morant decide how much basketball they feel like playing this year. Around them, I prioritized switchable defenders that do not hurt spacing. Really think this team would work well together and be tough to score against.
A few bench players with upside as well. May need some elevated minutes if Lebron cannot defy father time again. He was still excellent last year though.
Bob Loblaw
Footballguy
Probable Loblaw starters
J Giddey
D Daniels
N Powell
D Sabonis
N Jokic
Reserves
Guards: D DiVincenzo, J Poole, T Jones, D Melton
Wings: B Ingram, T Eason, A Bailey
Bigs: M Williams, N Queta
IR: K Irving
I like the multi-positional aspect of most of my players. Two possible triple-doubles in my starting lineup. Great perimeter D from Daniels, DiVicenzo, and D Melton. We won’t block a ton of shots, but you won’t grab a rebound. Lots of good ball control. Good off-the-bench scoring from Poole and Ingram. And, if, and when, Kyrie comes back, it’s hard to argue that he wouldn’t vault this team to another stratosphere.
J Giddey
D Daniels
N Powell
D Sabonis
N Jokic
Reserves
Guards: D DiVincenzo, J Poole, T Jones, D Melton
Wings: B Ingram, T Eason, A Bailey
Bigs: M Williams, N Queta
IR: K Irving
I like the multi-positional aspect of most of my players. Two possible triple-doubles in my starting lineup. Great perimeter D from Daniels, DiVicenzo, and D Melton. We won’t block a ton of shots, but you won’t grab a rebound. Lots of good ball control. Good off-the-bench scoring from Poole and Ingram. And, if, and when, Kyrie comes back, it’s hard to argue that he wouldn’t vault this team to another stratosphere.
the moops
Footballguy
GUARDS: Jamal Murray, Nickeil Alexander Walker, Quentin Grimes, Kris Dunn, Reed Sheppard
WINGS: Ausar Thompson, Trey Murphy III, Aaron Nesmith, Sam Hauser, Keldon Johnson
BIGS: Evan Mobley, Chet Holmgren, Al Horford, Wendell Carter Jr, Nikola Jovic
Best defensive front court in this league with Mobley and Holmgren. Pair those 2 with Ausar taking the top guard/wing on the other team and this team will be a nightmare to play against. Have defense off the bench with NAW and Dunn and Nesmith and Horford.
Offensively the floor is magnificently spaced with Murphy and Chet and Jamal and Mobley. Bench scoring and shooting with Grimes and Nesmith and Hauser and Johnson and upside in Sheppard. Bench bigs offer leadership in Horford, solid yet unexciting in Carter, and upside with Jovic.
WINGS: Ausar Thompson, Trey Murphy III, Aaron Nesmith, Sam Hauser, Keldon Johnson
BIGS: Evan Mobley, Chet Holmgren, Al Horford, Wendell Carter Jr, Nikola Jovic
Best defensive front court in this league with Mobley and Holmgren. Pair those 2 with Ausar taking the top guard/wing on the other team and this team will be a nightmare to play against. Have defense off the bench with NAW and Dunn and Nesmith and Horford.
Offensively the floor is magnificently spaced with Murphy and Chet and Jamal and Mobley. Bench scoring and shooting with Grimes and Nesmith and Hauser and Johnson and upside in Sheppard. Bench bigs offer leadership in Horford, solid yet unexciting in Carter, and upside with Jovic.
Bob Loblaw
Footballguy
Who's gonna bring the ball up the court when the opposing team is applying pressure?
the moops
Footballguy
msudaisy26
Footballguy
I think I am missing something. I drafted now what.
Yo Mama
Footballguy
We do a consensus rankings, so whoever wants to sends me a pm ranking the other 13 teams (don’t rank yourself). I’ll compile and roll out the results.
Chemical X
Footballguy
i’m lazy:
Let’s break down why a team built around Zach LaVine, Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Donovan Clingan could realistically contend for (and possibly win) an NBA title — assuming they have decent coaching and role players around them.
⸻
1. Perfect Modern Balance of Skills
This lineup checks nearly every modern NBA box:
• Shot creation – LaVine and Cunningham can both create their own looks and run pick-and-rolls.
• Playmaking – Cunningham and Barnes both average high assist numbers for their positions, giving you multiple play initiators.
• Spacing – Towns is one of the best 3-point shooting bigs in NBA history, and LaVine’s a career ~38% shooter from deep.
• Defense – Barnes’ length and Clingan’s rim protection form a solid defensive backbone.
You’d have no glaring weak link on either end if they buy in.
⸻
2. Offensive Versatility
You could attack in several ways:
• Pick-and-pop with Cunningham + Towns → unguardable spacing.
• Drive-and-kick with Barnes → creates open corner threes for LaVine or Towns.
• Post play and high-low action with Towns and Clingan → punishes smaller lineups.
• Transition → Barnes and LaVine both thrive in open court situations.
They could toggle between a fast-paced, perimeter-oriented game or slow it down and use Towns’ size advantage.
⸻
3. Defensive Synergy
While LaVine and Towns aren’t elite defenders, pairing them with:
• Barnes (switchable 1–4)
• Clingan (elite rim protector / drop coverage anchor)
• Cunningham (strong positional defender at guard)
…creates a solid scheme foundation. Barnes can clean up perimeter breakdowns, and Clingan can erase mistakes at the rim.
⸻
4. Age and Growth Curve
• Cunningham (23), Barnes (23), Clingan (21) → all on an upward trajectory.
• Towns (29) → entering his prime years.
• LaVine (30) → still in his athletic window.
You’d get a blend of youth, experience, and prime talent, meaning this core could compete for multiple years, not just one.
⸻
5. Championship Blueprint Comparison
This group mirrors successful title builds:
• Playmaking wings + elite shooting big (like Jokic + Murray + MPJ)
• Versatile defense anchored by a rim protector (like Boston’s core with Horford + Porzingis + Tatum + White)
• Multiple shot creators (like Golden State’s Curry + Thompson + Durant era)
They’d fit the mold of the modern multi-creator, high-spacing, switchable-defense contender.
⸻
6. X-Factor: Donovan Clingan
If Clingan’s defense and rebounding translate as projected — think a young Brook Lopez or prime Gobert with better touch — he unlocks the lineup’s ceiling. Towns can stretch the floor while Clingan protects the rim, giving you the rare offense-defense combo that’s hard to counter.
⸻
In short:
This team could win an NBA title because it has:
• Multiple elite creators (Cade + LaVine)
• A versatile defensive engine (Barnes + Clingan)
• A floor-spacing big who keeps defenses honest (Towns)
• Balance, versatility, and scalability — the three pillars of a championship team.
Let’s break down why a team built around Zach LaVine, Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Donovan Clingan could realistically contend for (and possibly win) an NBA title — assuming they have decent coaching and role players around them.
⸻
1. Perfect Modern Balance of SkillsThis lineup checks nearly every modern NBA box:
• Shot creation – LaVine and Cunningham can both create their own looks and run pick-and-rolls.
• Playmaking – Cunningham and Barnes both average high assist numbers for their positions, giving you multiple play initiators.
• Spacing – Towns is one of the best 3-point shooting bigs in NBA history, and LaVine’s a career ~38% shooter from deep.
• Defense – Barnes’ length and Clingan’s rim protection form a solid defensive backbone.
You’d have no glaring weak link on either end if they buy in.
⸻
2. Offensive VersatilityYou could attack in several ways:
• Pick-and-pop with Cunningham + Towns → unguardable spacing.
• Drive-and-kick with Barnes → creates open corner threes for LaVine or Towns.
• Post play and high-low action with Towns and Clingan → punishes smaller lineups.
• Transition → Barnes and LaVine both thrive in open court situations.
They could toggle between a fast-paced, perimeter-oriented game or slow it down and use Towns’ size advantage.
⸻
3. Defensive SynergyWhile LaVine and Towns aren’t elite defenders, pairing them with:
• Barnes (switchable 1–4)
• Clingan (elite rim protector / drop coverage anchor)
• Cunningham (strong positional defender at guard)
…creates a solid scheme foundation. Barnes can clean up perimeter breakdowns, and Clingan can erase mistakes at the rim.
⸻
4. Age and Growth Curve• Cunningham (23), Barnes (23), Clingan (21) → all on an upward trajectory.
• Towns (29) → entering his prime years.
• LaVine (30) → still in his athletic window.
You’d get a blend of youth, experience, and prime talent, meaning this core could compete for multiple years, not just one.
⸻
5. Championship Blueprint ComparisonThis group mirrors successful title builds:
• Playmaking wings + elite shooting big (like Jokic + Murray + MPJ)
• Versatile defense anchored by a rim protector (like Boston’s core with Horford + Porzingis + Tatum + White)
• Multiple shot creators (like Golden State’s Curry + Thompson + Durant era)
They’d fit the mold of the modern multi-creator, high-spacing, switchable-defense contender.
⸻
6. X-Factor: Donovan ClinganIf Clingan’s defense and rebounding translate as projected — think a young Brook Lopez or prime Gobert with better touch — he unlocks the lineup’s ceiling. Towns can stretch the floor while Clingan protects the rim, giving you the rare offense-defense combo that’s hard to counter.
⸻
In short:This team could win an NBA title because it has:
• Multiple elite creators (Cade + LaVine)
• A versatile defensive engine (Barnes + Clingan)
• A floor-spacing big who keeps defenses honest (Towns)
• Balance, versatility, and scalability — the three pillars of a championship team.
Frostillicus
Footballguy
PG - Jrue Holiday, Peyton Pritchard, Keon Ellis
SG - Anthony Edwards, Tyler Herro, Tre Johnson
SF - Jalen Johnson, Bennedict Mathurin, Jaylen Wells, Gradey ****
PF - Paolo Banchero, PJ Washington
C - Isaiah Hartenstein, Brook Lopez, Jusuf Nurkic
Uber-athletic team with a very good starting defense and a lot of pop off the bench. These guys will run and run, and have guys who can penetrate and score or find one of the many shooters on the perimeter.
There's enough depth in terms of play-making, defense, and shooting that we can easily cover for any weak areas. Would try to stagger Herro and Pritchard as much as possible so only one weak defender would be on the court at a time. Can close with the lockdown group of Jrue, Ant, Jalen, PJ, and Lopez or get crazy a bit with Hartenstein and Lopez together, or small with Banchero and PJ as our bigs. The only negative we have is we don't have a truly elite floor general type, but Holiday, Ant, Jalen, Paolo, and Herro are all capable of running an offense.
Chat GPT says: If this were a real NBA team, it could win 50+ games with Ant and Paolo leading the way — especially with that defensive depth. You’ve built a two-way team with star upside, defensive backbone, and scoring depth. This could be a legit title-caliber roster.
SG - Anthony Edwards, Tyler Herro, Tre Johnson
SF - Jalen Johnson, Bennedict Mathurin, Jaylen Wells, Gradey ****
PF - Paolo Banchero, PJ Washington
C - Isaiah Hartenstein, Brook Lopez, Jusuf Nurkic
Uber-athletic team with a very good starting defense and a lot of pop off the bench. These guys will run and run, and have guys who can penetrate and score or find one of the many shooters on the perimeter.
There's enough depth in terms of play-making, defense, and shooting that we can easily cover for any weak areas. Would try to stagger Herro and Pritchard as much as possible so only one weak defender would be on the court at a time. Can close with the lockdown group of Jrue, Ant, Jalen, PJ, and Lopez or get crazy a bit with Hartenstein and Lopez together, or small with Banchero and PJ as our bigs. The only negative we have is we don't have a truly elite floor general type, but Holiday, Ant, Jalen, Paolo, and Herro are all capable of running an offense.
Chat GPT says: If this were a real NBA team, it could win 50+ games with Ant and Paolo leading the way — especially with that defensive depth. You’ve built a two-way team with star upside, defensive backbone, and scoring depth. This could be a legit title-caliber roster.
the moops
Footballguy
9 teams won 50 or more games last year. Talk about a low bar. Geez
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