Forum Game Can you make a team of current free agents that could have a better season than the Blazers?

There are a lot of talented players left unsigned. You could put together a pretty strong team.

Who would you go with?










https://www.nba.com/players/free-agent-tracker/2025?dir=D&sort=PPG

 

Google AI went with this.

Assuming we're looking to build a team from the
currently unsigned NBA free agents as of September 2, 2025, here's a potential lineup focusing on a mix of scoring, playmaking, and defensive versatility:

Starting five

• Point Guard: Josh Giddey
• Shooting Guard: Cam Thomas
• Small Forward: Jonathan Kuminga
• Power Forward: Precious Achiuwa
• Center: Al Horford

Bench

• Guard: Malcolm Brogdon
• Guard: Russell Westbrook
• Wing: Brandon Boston Jr.
• Wing: Amir Coffey
• Big: Chris Boucher

Analysis
This team offers a fascinating blend of youth and experience, with several restricted free agents (Kuminga, Giddey, Thomas) who possess significant upside and potential for growth. Josh Giddey and Cam Thomas provide playmaking and explosive scoring, respectively. Jonathan Kuminga brings athleticism and defensive potential to the wing.
The veteran presence of Al Horford provides crucial leadership, defensive anchoring, and timely scoring. His rumored move to the Golden State Warriors, however, could impact this dream lineup. The bench features a mix of steady playmaking in Malcolm Brogdon and the high-energy, potentially volatile spark provided by Russell Westbrook. The remaining depth offers additional scoring, particularly from Brandon Boston Jr., and defensive flexibility with players like Chris Boucher and Precious Achiuwa.
The biggest challenge facing this theoretical team is the uncertainty surrounding the restricted free agents, whose availability and future contracts are still in flux. However, based on their individual talents and collective potential, these unsigned players could form a surprisingly competitive unit.

 

ChatGPT:

Dream Roster from Available Talent
Here’s a proposed starting five and bench derived exclusively from currently unsigned UFAs:

Starters (~5 players)

• PG: Chris Paul — elite court vision, leadership, and clutch decision-making. Ideal for mentoring and tempo control.
  
  
• SG: De’Anthony Melton — solid perimeter defender, spacing threat, and youth to complement CP3.
  
  
• SF: Gary Payton II — defensive energy, veteran familiarity, and hustle in all three phases.
  
  
• PF: Al Horford — reliable, versatile, high basketball IQ, and championship experience.
  
  
• C: Brook Lopez — floor-spacing rim protector, complements Horford’s old-school presence.
  

Bench Additions (5–7)

• Malcolm Brogdon — seasoned scorer and facilitator off the bench.
  
  
• Russell Westbrook (if still pursuing) — energy scoring punch in bursts.
  
  
• Malik Beasley — elite shooter, albeit with risk factors.
  
  
• Amir Coffey — underrated wing depth with versatility and perimeter game.
  
  
• Precious Achiuwa — athletic frontcourt spark and defensive rotation piece.
  

Summary of Why They Fit
Player Role & Strengths
Chris Paul Orchestrator, leadership, postseason savvy
Melton Defense, spacing, youth
Payton II Defense-first, energizer
Horford Two-way veteran, IQ, spacing
Lopez Stretch big, rim protector
Brogdon Experience, bench scoring/playmaking
Westbrook Explosive scoring and energy (role-specific)
Beasley Three-specialist lift, spacing
Coffey Versatile wing, unexpected free agent value
Achiuwa Athletic forward/center depth
This squad balances shooting, defense, experience, and spacing—while staying entirely within the pool of players who are currently free agents. Remember: restricted free agents like Grimes, Thomas, Giddey are likely re-signing, so we’ve left them out but could be game-changers if somehow available.

Final Thoughts
This team isn't about blockbuster names—it's about constructing a competitive, well-rounded roster using only players truly available right now. It blends experience, floor spacing, defense, and versatility. Depending on fit, you could shift roles—for example, inserting Westbrook in small-ball lineups or giving Melton starting run.

Curious about constructing a salary cap estimate or exploring other potential moves if some restricted FAs fall through? Or maybe you'd like a version tailored to a specific playing style (fast-paced, defensive juggernaut, etc.)? Let me know—I’d be happy to fine-tune further!

 

Wow, ChatGPT did a much better and more accurate job than Google AI.

 

You don't think TeamGPT could at least come close?

 

I'm looking forward to @Rastapopoulos' team of all non-USA players.