I was duped. Amongst all the NBA hype on tv this weekend, one that I was especially excited for was TNT’s ‘all-decade team’. Clearly any chance to see the best of the best in my favorite league judged, and classified into an elite group, gets my juices flowing. My boy Adam even suggested last week that I put my own all-decade team together to see how it compares with the TNT version. Ends up, the TNT show was an award show type of deal, with the best of the decade in certain categories, like playoff performance, playoff series, best dunk, etc. Don’t get me wrong, it was a great hour of television, but not exactly what I signed up for. Nonetheless, I’m doing it anyway. My own ‘all-decade NBA team’.

I’m not just picking the best players of the past 10 years. Any dick can do that, and I’m a very specific, special kind of dick. I’m putting together a team, in the truest definition of the word.

I need a floor general. An alpha dog. Guys who can pass. Guys who ‘get it’. I need interior defense and rebounding. They need to be clutch. I want energy off the bench. Most of all I need guys who know how to win.

Starters

Steve Nash
The 2 time MVP is the obvious choice to lead the all-decade squad. He makes the right decisions, can play up-tempo or half-court, knows how to get everyone involved, and is one of the best shooters of this generation. His only liability is on the defensive end, but with these teammates and the bench, we can get by.

Kobe Bryant
The greatest perimeter scorer of all-time clearly slides into the starting shooting guard spot. He plays the role as the #1 offensive option and the alpha-dog, always getting the ball in pressure situations.

LeBron James
Too much of a force to leave off the team, and too good to come off the bench. Bron will play a point forward role, a la Pippen to Kobe’s MJ. He has no problem deferring to Kobe as seen on the Olympic squad. His job is to facilitate, create havoc on the defensive end, and run the floor finishing a majority of Nash’s fast breaks.

Kevin Garnett
The enforcer and emotional leader of the crew. KG’s job is to play defense, rebound, and intimidate. Just bring the energy as he always does. The rest of the team will feed off of it.

Tim Duncan
Yes, he’s my center. Always considered Timmy a center, he just happen to play alongside other centers. The #1 offensive option in the paint when the team wants to play half-court.

Bench

Manu Ginobili
In my mind, the most underrated player of the decade. Fearless. Clutch. The perfect sixth man for this team.

Ben Wallace
The anchor of the great Piston teams of the decade. All about defense and rebounding, which on this team is all I need from him. Can play behind KG or Duncan (no homo).

Chauncey Billups
The perfect compliment to Nash. Although the ‘Mr. Big Shot’ moniker is a little much, there’s no doubt he is clutch. Can play defense if Nash is getting burned. Will hit free throws and lead the second unit.

Robert Horry
‘Big Shot Rob’. 5 titles this decade. Enough said.

Bruce Bowen
Defensive specialist. Can come in to annoy the oppositions best perimeter guy when Kobe or LeBron need some rest. Also can hit open 3s, which will be abundant playing with these guys.

Lindsey Hunter
Quick little guard who can hit shots and play defense. Has multiple rings. Can give a solid 10mpg when needed.

Mark Madsen
A great cheerleader and an even better celebration dancer.