TBT: Champion Washington Wizards

The highest of heights: the Wizards, and Joshua, forever immortalised as NSL Champions

In a blockbuster Finals matchup, the Washington Wizards defeated the San Antonio Spurs, capturing their first NSL championship behind the brilliance of LeBron James and a balanced team effort from a stacked starting 5. LeBron was the engine of the Wizards’ offense, controlling the tempo and punishing the Spurs with his combination of power drives and pinpoint passing. If Giannis defended him, he would get in foul trouble, but if he didn’t, the Spurs had no one else who could stop him. And perhaps no player in the league could have, as LeBron was 'Super-Saiyan' possessed to win and close it out.

Devin Booker provided the scoring spark, spreading out the floor and keeping San Antonio’s defense stretched out. Jrue Holiday was instrumental on both ends, locking down Jamal Murray and cutting the head off the snake (on offense). The X-factor, however, was Robert Williams, who thrived in his role as a power forward. Williams is a bit of a caricature, barely playing but remaining very impactful in the game. His defensive versatility, size, rim protection, and relentless ‘2k glitch big-ability’, helped neutralize some of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s interior dominance, forcing the Spurs into tough perimeter looks. Despite Giannis’s Godly performances, the Wizards’ depth, chemistry, and LeBron’s output matching Giannis’ proved too much. LeBron raised a Finals’ MVP trophy, cementing his legacy as an all-time NSL great, and the Wizards as worthy first-time champions.

Lowlight: N/A

I get that I am supposed to pick a lowlight here, but when you win a title, every high and low was part of getting to the top! WIZARDS WIN!

Best trade:

The big moves were made previous to last season, so this is the best of the rest:

The Toronto Raptors send Robert Williams to the Washington Wizards. The Washington Wizards send Aaron Wiggins and David Roddy to the Toronto Raptors.

Josh’s good mate Dylan absolutely hooks him up on the way to the eventual title with a highly sought after positional piece. Williams was the X-factor and even with the injuries, a C in a PF’s body is big time for a contender.

Worst trade:

-	The Philadelphia 76ers send Colby Jones to the Washington Wizards. The Washington Wizards send Ty Jerome to the Philadelphia 76ers. The Washington Wizards send a 2nd-Rounder (Was) to the Philadelphia 76ers. The Philadelphia 76ers trade -20 GM points.The Washington Wizards receive 20 GM points.

Ty Jerome would go on to dominate in the NBA and hit an 80 rating. Colby Jones remained a bench afterthought.

Free Agency:

Clint Capela (UFA, sign and trade IRL [*kissed on the d*ck])

The most fortunate FA turn of events, hands down. Wizards have a +18 bonus - which makes it possible others can steal - but gives them a huge leg up when for all intents and purposes, Capela left his team IRL.

Davion Mitchell (RFA)
Mitchell looked to be out of the league until he landed on his feet in Miami. Signing a new deal, he has proven he belongs and looks to be a steal for the Wizards.

Taurean Prince (UFA)

Prince will get the re-sign bonus, but will the Wizards be able to ward off any other teams who want his services? Prince is a great three-point shooter and physical defender.

Thomas Bryant (UFA)
Big man depth. I’m not sure where Bryant landed in real life. If he has a re-sign bonus on him, that is a great add for a backup big.

Caleb Houstan (UFA? RFA?)
I thought he might be an RFA, but maybe he isn't. Houstan is a tall shooter that I have always liked the build of. If he hasn’t been renounced, Josh might want him back. Wing depth.

(Mega-Ultra) Star: The King, Lebron James

LeBron James is one of the most dominant players in basketball history, combining an extraordinary blend of size, strength, skill, and intelligence that has allowed him to excel at every facet of the game. Standing 6’9” and weighing around 250 pounds, he possesses the physical power of a forward and the court vision of an elite point guard. And that is just in real life - and 2k Bron is an even bigger beast. This previous season, Lebron finally wore the Champion’s crown in the NSL, pushing the Wizards to the ultimate glory. His statistics, particularly in the playoffs, were a sight to behold and demonstrated his otherworldly talent. James is even more efficient and dangerous as a scorer in 2k compared to his real-life counterpart, and that counterpart has scored more points than any other player in history. In summary, his ability to control the pace of play, score efficiently from anywhere on the court, create foul trouble, and elevate the performance of his teammates, makes him nearly unstoppable. And it has made him a NSL champion.

Projected starting lineup:

PG: Holiday / Mitchell
SG: Booker / Williams Jr
SF: James / Prince*
PF: Williams /
C: Capela* / Bryant


Future outlook:

A short window, but a huge, gaping opportunity to win another title, for as long as LeBron doesn’t retire or leave the team. The team is coming back unchanged, which is incredibly rare to see. Capela choosing to stay in such a manner is the ultimate kiss on the d*ck. This starting five is as good as we have in the NSL, and they can definitely run it back - back to back, that is.