What is each division’s best-combined roster? Part 2–6:Central.
Usually, divisions clash for their division title and bragging rights in local areas. However, what if the best of the best from the five teams in each division combined to compete with the others (excluding players with no minutes this season). Here is my best 14 man roster from the Central division:
PG-Jrue Holiday
One of the best defensive guards in the league, Jrue Holiday has become notorious for locking up the opposition's best player. Holiday has famously stopped Westbrook, Lillard, and Harden.
SG-Zach Lavine
In the last 4 seasons, Lavine has been averaging 25.4 points. This is a testament to his improvement from just a ‘dunker’. Lavine re-invented himself and is now one of the best in his position in the league.
SF-DeMar DeRozan
DeRozan has been one of the most underrated, consistent players of the last 10 years. However, this season, he has taken his game from another level. DeRozan was dumped by the Raptors in San Antonio for Kawhi and never had the help he has had this season, unlocking his full potential.
PF-Giannis Antetokounmpo
Arguably the best player in the league for the last 3 years, Giannis is a no-brainer in this team. In my opinion, Giannis is one of the youngest players to guarantee their place in the Hall of Fame this early on in their career.
C-Domantas Sabonis
Very close between Vučević and Sabonis. Vučević is playing winning basketball but Sabonis has been the most dominant force on a struggling Pacers team. He is deserved of an All-Star but it might be in the best interest of the Pacers that he stays at home and rests.
BENCH:
6-Khris Middleton
Every once in a while, Middleton heats up and becomes the best scorer in the league for a few games straight. Living in the UK, it is very difficult to watch NBA games, but when I do happen to watch the Bucks, I am astounded by Middleton’s uncanny ability to hit any shot down the stretch, especially in the bubble when Giannis was out vs. the Heat.
7-Jerami Grant
Jerami Grant’s time at the Pistons is slowly coming to an end but the impact he has left in just 2 years will be felt for a long time. He was forced to tank last year for Cade Cunningham and this season hasn't been any better, but if Grant gets on a team that is playing winning basketball, I believe he will flourish into an All-Star.
8-Darius Garland
Garland recently became the first Cavs player to record a triple-double other than Kyrie and LeBron since 2003. He also became the 2nd Cavs player to record a triple-double in 3 quarters since the start of the century (you can probably guess who the other player was). Since his recent run of form, Garland has had All-Star shouts, and Cavs fans believe they have their next franchise player.
9-Malcolm Brogdon
One of the most underrated point guards in the league, Brogdon is an elite playmaker, solid rebounder, and an easy 20 points a night. He has been an important piece in the Pacers’ success in the last few years but they have struggled this year.
10-Nikola Vučević
Vučević’s versatility and ability to stretch the floor has taken his value to another level, catching the eye of the Bulls. His rim protection has improved and he is averaging a double-double (16ppg and 11.3rpg).
11-Colin Sexton
Sexton has been a very consistent scorer for the last few years with a career average of 20 points on a struggling Cavs team. This year things have turned around for Cleveland before Sexton had his season halted in November with a torn meniscus.
12-Caris LeVert
Since Caris returned to the league, he has averaged 19.4 points on the Pacers. LeVert had left a situation that was difficult for him, as he was practically carrying the Nets with Kyrie and KD out. With Harden’s arrival, it was obvious that Caris would have to go somewhere with Kyrie, Harden, Mills, and Harris in the guard rotation.
12-Jarrett Allen
Allen has been in a very similar situation to Caris, since he was traded to the Cavs in the Harden trade, he has shown great improvement. He is now one of the most consistent, young bigs in the league, averaging a double-double.
13-Myles Turner
Another young center taking the league by storm, Turner has already been the most prolific rim protector in the league twice and is on track to do it again this year. However, Turner isn't the classic big, he also stretches the floor and crashes the boards.
14-Bobby Portis
Portis has improved on the court and statistically this season. He has been forced into the starting role, due to Brook Lopez being out indefinitely since December. He has become stronger on both sides of the floor, only 0.8 rebounds per game away from averaging a double-double.
