3 takeaways from The Step Back's NBA expansion draft

3 takeaways from The Step Back’s NBA expansion draft (and why KCP??)

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 28: Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics celebrates with Gordon Hayward #20 against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena on January 28, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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Embracing chaos

My main goal was to remove the perceived ceiling on my team full of fourth-best-and-worse players. To do this, I wanted a mix of players who could shoot the lights out (Lou Williams, Kemba Walker, Kevin Love), score from a variety of places (DeMar DeRozan), a host of guards and wings who could make your life miserable on defense (Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Donte DiVincenzo, Malcolm Brogdon, Norman Powell), and a young core who could potentially stick with the team and develop as team goes on (Michael Porter Jr., Jarrett Allen, DiVincenzo).

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I ended up with a small team full of versatile wings, which quickly became my objective. Multi-positionality was a priority, as was bucket-getters. I think the finished product speaks to some level of success with this.

In a head-to-head matchup with Gerald’s Sea Lions, he’ll have a massive edge in size and rebounding. As I mentioned in my excerpt in the piece, the Burnt Ends will be watching the Houston Rockets’ small-ball experiment in the NBA’s Orlando restart closely, because KC is barely any bigger than that roster.

With guys like Steven Adams, Clint Capela and Lauri Markkanen, his team towers over mine, but I think the Burnt Ends can keep up with shooting and matchup versatility.