The Best of the Rest

Nowadays, it is apparent that the only way to win a championship is to make a super team. It seems like a continuous loop of teams like the 2017-18 Raptors, 2016-17 Jazz or 2014-15 Hawks that are very good, but lack the star power to take down the Lebron James and Steph Curry’s of the league and come up just short in the playoffs. Could it be that the superstars are just that much more dominant than other players?

There are so many good players in this league that go unnoticed, people often forget how talented the NBA is from top to bottom. Year after year role players go under the radar, and solid contributors never get the recognition they deserve. So it dawned on me: Would a team made up of the best players to never been named an “All-Star” beat the NBA’s current super-duper team and almost guaranteed champions; Golden State Warriors.

I have decided to make a team of 13 players who I believe could give the Warriors a serious run for their money. I have also decided to implement a 3-years of experience pre-requisite to qualify for this team since there are so many young stars in the making who I believe will eventually become All-Stars over the duration of their career (Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, Kyle Kuzma etc.). This means that the players selected have had 3 or more chances to crack the team and still fall just short of the prestigious honour. Here are the NBA’s best players to never make an All-Star team AKA, The Best of the Rest.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Eric Bledsoe, Eric Gordon, Deandre Jordan, Gary Harris.

These players are starters on almost every team in the NBA and they’re only the honourable mentions. Every one of these players can be key contributors to change the outcome of the game. Unfortunately, to my discretion, they came up just short for making “The Best of the Rest” team.

BENCH

Depth Center: Steven Adams (Pick N Roll Specialist, Rebounding Specialist, Toughness)

Steven Adams is a top 10 Center in the league and is the definition of consistency. Every night you are pretty much guaranteed 13 points, 10 rebounds, and either (or both) a steal and a block per game. Adams can be put in the game to execute a half-court pick and roll offense to perfection as well as provide some rebounding, defense and toughness in the interior. There are only a handful of teams who wouldn’t start Adams, he is a deep bench piece on The Best of the Rest.

Depth Forward: Robert Covington (Defensive Specialist, 3-Point Threat)

As you can tell from my last article, I’m very high on Robert Covington. He is an elite defender and can defend positions 1 through 4 making him extremely flexible in terms of matchups and team defensive schemes. On offense, he is a bit limited, but can run the break well and is currently shooting 36% from three. He would a fantastic asset to have coming off of the bench and locking down the other team’s top scorer on one end, and stretching the floor on the other.

Depth Guard: Zach Lavine (Primary Ball Handler, 3-Point Threat, Dynamic Scorer)

Lavine is currently in the midst of a breakout campaign, averaging 22.8 PPG on 45% shooting. He is one of the most athletic players in the entire league, he finishes above the rim, can hit the three and is an improved playmaker. On the Bulls, his usage rate hovers around 30.9, which is in the top 10 in the league, but on this team his role will be to provide a scoring spark off the bench. Lavine can score at will, but his defensive woes will leave him fighting for few minutes on this team.

Backup Center: Clint Capela (Lob City Specialist, Rim Protector)

Capela has erupted onto the scene since 2017, averaging a double-double and almost two blocks per game while shooting an average of 64% from the field! He is solid defending the high pick and roll because his length (7 foot 4 Wingspan) allows him to contest outside shots and recover quickly against faster guards. Capela is an impact player who is often limited because of foul trouble. He would have an even higher efficiency rating in a smaller role off the bench, making him an optimal backup Center.

Backup Power Forward: Aaron Gordon (High Flyer, Strong Defender, Solid Defender)

Gordon doesn’t really excel in anything, but is good at everything. It also helps when you have 40-inch vertical. Gordon’s numbers are slightly down from last year, but his percentages are up so it’s hard to determine whether or not he has grown as a player or if he has plateaued. Regardless, he’s an impact player who is averaging 16 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 3.5 APG, shooting 35% from 3, and 45% from the field. His athleticism gives him the ability to guard multiple positions, and become a force in transition. An added element to an already deep bench.

Backup Small Forward: Andrew Wiggins (Solid Defender, Dynamic Scorer)

Although Wiggins hasn’t lived up to his full potential, given the nickname ‘Maple Jordan’ after being drafted 1st overall, however he can still score the ball with the best of them. I believe that given a lesser role on a deeper team, Wiggins can focus on scoring and excel in a smaller role. This year, Wiggins’ scoring averages are under his career averages, and he is shooting a career worst 39.6% from the field; this is largely in part because of his role as a secondary scorer. Being a third or fourth scoring option may actually give Wiggins some motivation to capitalize on his limited opportunities and be more efficient from the field for the Best of the Rest team.

Backup Point Guard: Jamal Murray (3-Point Specialist, Primary Ball Handler)

Murray is having his best season of his career averaging 18.5 PPG on 43% shooting on a 1st place Nuggets squad. His mamba mentality as a combo guard has been on display this year and he has easily been the second option on a deep Nuggets team despite having all-star Paul Millsap and rising star Gary Harris making impactful contributions. Murray’s ability to facilitate offense, handle the ball, and stretch the floor makes him a very effective offensive piece. Not to mention a 6 foot 4, 205 lbs frame which makes him versatile on the defensive end (he can guard either guard position). Murray has shown that he can ball with the best of them, he’ll have a big role on this team. Not to mention he’s a Canadian!

Backup Shooting Guard: Lou Williams (Dynamic Scorer)

The 15-year veteran and 2x Sixth Man of the Year definitely knows how to excel in a bench role. Last year he averaged a career high 22.6 PPG and 5.3 APG (also a career best) which earned him his second Sixth Man of the Year award. This year, his numbers have slightly declined, however they are still impressive. In fact, his 19.4 PPG and 5.3 APG this season marks his second best statistical season aside from last year! Like a fine wine, Lou Will continues to get better with age. With Murray and Lou Will coming off the bench, the Best of the Rest team would most likely have the most lethal scoring backcourt in history.

STARTERS

Starting Center: Rudy Gobert (Elite Rim Protector)

All 3 Center’s on this roster are virtually interchangeable on the Best of the Rest team, I just wanted to start Rudy so he wouldn’t start crying after reading my article. All jokes aside though, Gobert has been named on an All-NBA team, an All-Defensive Team, and has even won Defensive Player of the Year, but oddly enough has never been an All-Star. Gobert is one of the best in the game on the defensive side of the ball. He has averaged over 2 BPG or higher every year since 2014, and is currently averaging a career high 9.1 Defensive RPG this year. His defensive Rating hasn’t eclipsed 100 since his rookie campaign. Over this same period, the NBA’s most elite defender Kawhi Leonard has eclipsed it twice. Gobert is also putting up career best offensive numbers this year with 15 PPG, on 65% shooting. He will be the defensive anchor for the Best of the Rest, despite his emotional outbursts.

Starting Small Forward: Buddy Hield (3-Point Specialist, Solid Ball Handler)

Hield is one of the top candidates for Most Improved Player this year and his numbers show why. He is averaging 20.5 PPG and 5 RPG while shooting a stifling 48% from the field and an NBA best, 46% from 3! The fifth year veteran has really developed into a talented scorer and his outside shooting will be extremely valuable to this team. Hield will benefit from Mike Conley’s playmaking, and defensive focuses on other offensive threats on the team. Hield’s ability to stretch the floor will cause all sorts of defensive confusion for opposing team. If they decide to leave him open, he’ll knock it down about 46% of the time, and I’ll take those odds any day of the week.

Starting Point Guard: Mike Conley (Primary Ball Handler, Lockdown Defender, Excellent Distributor)

Mike Conley is one of those players who plays at an elite level, but always goes under the radar because of his style of play and the sheer star power elsewhere in the Western Conference. Over his 11-year career, Conley has averaged between 12-20 PPG 9 times, and has averaged 5 APG or more 8 times. You know exactly what you’re going to get out of Mike Conley, and the consistency is what makes him the starter on the Best of the Rest team. That, in combination with his defensive abilities, of course. Conley, who made the All-Defensive team in 2012-13, has averaged at least 1 SPG in every season but his rookie year. His lateral quickness and defensive IQ elevates him as a player, so even though his offensive numbers seem average, his ability to impact that game on both ends earns him the starting role.

Starting Power Forward: Tobias Harris (Second Scoring Option, Perimeter Threat, Versatile Scorer)

In my opinion Tobias Harris was the biggest All-Star snub this year, but to be fair I didn’t mind too much because I got to put him on my Best of the Rest team. Tobias Harris has been the most overlooked scorer in the NBA for the last 2 seasons, averaging 18.6 and 20.9 PPG in his last two seasons, shooting an average of 48% from the field and around 42% from three. He may actually be the 8th player to join the 50-40-90 club this year (49.6%-43.4%-87.7%). Other than Mark Price, all of them are either in the Hall of Fame, or are 1st ballot Hall-of-Famer’s. That’s pretty good company to be in. At 6 foot 9, 235 lbs Harris has the size to play the four, but is more of a natural three. The more flexible the better, especially on a team that is so deep with good players. Not to mention that his size gives him the ability to guard multiple positions on the defensive end. Tobias will be this team’s second scoring option; a role where can truly excel.

Starting Shooting Guard: Devin Booker (Team Focal Point, First Scoring Option, Dynamic Scorer)

The Kentucky product is recognized as one of the leagues deadliest shooters, and many believe that his talent is being wasted in Phoenix. Lucky for him, this team is filled with talent. Since his rookie year, Booker has averaged 22 PPG on some terrible Suns teams. His shooting percentages haven’t been great, but there is noticeable progression in his game every year. Comparing last year’s numbers to this years, Booker is averaging the exact same 24.9 PPG except on 46% shooting as opposed to 43%. He has also made a more conscious effort to get his teammates involved and it shows; his assists numbers have increased from 4.7 APG to 6.7 APG. Oh and don’t forget, Booker is only 22 years old. He is so good at such a young age, Booker will surely be an All-Star in coming years. For now, he’s the centrepiece of the Best of the Rest.

 HOW DO WE FAIR?

Now it’s time to see how the Best of the Rest would fair against the NBA Powerhouses. Here are my predictions.

AGAINST THE CELTICS

The Celtics are very good and very deep. They are one of the few teams that can virtually match the Best of the Rest in terms of depth. The Celtics have an All-NBA player in Kyrie Irving who can take over games, and with a supporting cast as strong as the Celtics, it would be tough to compete.

Ultimately though, the Best of the Rest is stacked with starting caliber players from top to bottom. It would be tough for the C’s starters to keep up with the Best of the Rest’s 13-man rotation.

RESULT: Best of the Rest Wins the 7-game series, 4-3.

AGAINST THE RAPTORS

The Raptors are an interesting team. With one more big piece, the Raptors could be the favourites in the East. They have perimeter threats, a bonafide superstar, a strong defense, and a good young, versatile core, yet they are only 4-5 against the other top teams in the East (Philadelphia, Boston, Milwaukee). Whenever the stakes are high, it seems as though the Raptors disappear, and that hurts to say.

RESULT: Best of the Rest Wins 7-game series, 4-2

AGAINST THE 76ERS

With the acquisition of Tobias Harris and Jimmy Butler this year, the 76ers are now legitimate contenders to make the NBA Finals. Four All-Star Caliber player’s makes this team elite. They have a superb playmaker, outside shooters, a 2-way wing, and the best big in basketball. The one thing they do lack however, is depth. The 76ers bench is highlighted by players like TJ Mcconnell, Corey Brewer and Mike Muscala. The strength of the Best of the Rest lies in their depth; that will give them an edge in this series.

RESULT: Best of the Rest Wins 7-game series, 4-2

AGAINST THE NUGGETS

The Nuggets are legit this year. They have an All-NBA Center a lethal shooting backcourt, and a defensively sound front court. They are extremely well-coached, and have potential to do some damage in the Western Conference this year. However, aside from the Joker they really don’t have another superstar good enough to combat the Best of the Rest.

RESULT: Best of the Rest Wins 7-game series, 4-1

AGAINST THE WARRIORS

The real test. Can a team made of players who have never made an All-Star Game beat a team with 5 All-Stars in their starting lineup? To start assessing, let’s think of matchups. Conley is a very strong defensive player and may give Curry some trouble scoring the ball. Booker and Hield will do what they can against Klay and KD, but Boogie and Draymond can be contained by Harris and Gobert. On offense, the Best of the Rest will have some trouble getting clean looks. Focal point Devin Booker is going to have Klay draped all over him, and 2nd option Tobias Harris will be locked down by former DPOY Draymond Green.

The second units aren’t even comparable. The Best of the Rest’s bench will blow the Warriors’ out of the water. But how often will the bench be in the game in a seven game series? I’m guessing not very much. This would be a dog fight, and will go down to the wire.

RESULT: Best of the Rest Loses 7-game series, 4-3

OVERALL

All in all, this team would be one of the NBA’s best teams. There isn’t really a weak spot on the roster, and would be very difficult to game plan against. The Warriors are just too loaded with Hall-of-Fame level talent to lose to players who have never made the ASG.

Maybe if the young guys like Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, De’Aaron Fox, Pascal Siakam were on the roster things would be different. Give them a couple more years and maybe they’ll make the Best of the Rest team. As for right now, the Warriors are still untouchable.

Comment what you think of the team! Did I miss anyone? Do you think they’d beat the Warriors? Let me know!

Thanks for reading.

Dave Monaco