TDL Archived: The 2nd Rnd Pick Yankee Swap

[mvossman]

The Bucks have 3 DPOY candidates in their starting lineup in Giannis, Brooks, and Jrue.  Middleton *when healthy* isn't far behind.  Not only that, their superstar MVP has won a couple of DPOY awards.  I'm hard pressed to think of a combination of defensive starters in the history of the NBA.  So, you get the captain obvious award.

Point is how to build around a single superstar with B+ players (cusp of Allstar players).  There have only been a few successful teams in doing this since the 80s:
2021 Bucks
2011 Mavs
And only one team without a superstar:
2004 Pistons

Taking the 2011 Mavs out of the equation given that was catching lightning in a bottle, we only have the Bucks as a successful example.

Wood and Din are currently performing at the B+ level.  IMO, one more B+ player, correct for our core, in the starting lineup and we have a puncher's chance at a championship.

The only question is who is that player without giving up Din or Wood?  Collins?  OG?  Lavine?  Pascal?

I'm not sure what "B+" players mean, but Jrue and Middleton are in different league than Wood or Din (especially if you are looking at the 2021 versions).  They are at least as good offensively, but wildly better defensively (as you just stated above).  I don't know why you are trying to put them in same category.