This article is part of our Fantasy Basketball Podcast series.
Nick Whalen is joined by Alex Barutha to draft their 12-player rosters with the goal of constructing the best team for the next five NBA seasons.
Player's ages and trajectories were the factors most heavily considered, but several current stars in or near their 30s received plenty of love. Though the first four picks were younger stars, Kawhi Leonard (28 years old) came off the board at No. 5, while 35-year-old LeBron James (7), 30-year-old James Harden, and 29-year-old Damian Lillard (10) were all top-10 selections.
Fit and team context were also considered, but the primary goal was to build the team with the most talent and the most longevity between the 2020-21 and 2024-25 seasons.
FULL RESULTS (pick number)
| TEAM BARUTHA | TEAM WHALEN |
|---|---|
| C: Nikola Jokic (3) | C: Anthony Davis (4) |
| F: Giannis Antetokounmpo (1) | F: Karl-Anthony Towns (6) |
| F: Kawhi Leonard (5) | F: Jayson Tatum (8) |
| G: James Harden (9) | G: Luka Doncic (2) |
| G: LeBron James/Bronny James (7) | G: Damian Lillard (10) |
| B: Joel Embiid (12) | B: Zion Williamson (11) |
| B: Kevin Durant (14) | B: Bam Adebayo (13) |
| B: Paul George (16) | B: Stephen Curry (15) |
| B: Trae Young (18) | B: Pascal Siakam (17) |
| B: Ben Simmons (20) | B: Kyrie Irving (19) |
| B: Devin Booker (22) | B: Brandon Ingram (21) |
| B: Kristaps Porzingis (24) | B: Bradley Beal (23) |
| Coach: Nick Nurse | Coach: Jeff Van Gundy |
