All-NSL Legacy team

If we were to analyze the NSL legacy of every player in the league today, in the league’s young years, who would be the select few?

When I dove in to try and gather the info for a comprehensive analysis, I noticed that there is a very important nuance about our league that might tilt some decisions, the fact that some players are so good that they can pretty much work, sometimes, even better outside of their assigned positions, so instead of agonizing over assigned positions vs. positions they actually played in the league, I went with the following criteria:

- The idea is to assemble the best playable NSL teams, which means they would have to actually work in 2k;

- All awards will be taken into account;

- On-court performance and contributions to winning teams will be a factor, as that is a part of legacy;

1^st TEAM

C: Anthony Davis

Centerpiece of the team that went deep into the playoffs in the two full seasons of the leagues existence, a top 10 player in most categories, on average and a DPOY award.

PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo

The life blood of the Los Angeles Clippers, a scoring champion, an MVP award and consistently leads his team to the postseason. #1 overall pick of the NSL inaugural draft and in the apex of his powers.

SF: Lebron James

Has been pretty much the 1 true star in most teams he was a part of and led them both to the playoffs, pretty much single-handedly, a true definition of the MVP award, though he doesn’t have one. Top finishes in most categories and favorite to win the title this year.

SG: James Harden

NBA Champion, led the most successful team in the league’s early existence, probably the legacy MVP here. Despite being at the height of his powers when the league started, James was able to learn to share, has led his team to a historic record and does not know life outside of the Conference Championships.

PG: Steph Curry

A league MVP award, the most individual statistical season in the history of the league, almost 48 points of average, scoring champ! He is at the height his powers and on his way to another scoring title. There’s no way he doesn’t lead the point for this team.

2^nd TEAM

C: Joel Embiid

Statistically, he is up there with most guys, what is lacking here is the postseason success. Tried it in Atlanta, Indiana and now Washington is the next stop. Can he win there with Booker as his running mate? Hopefully Biid can go over the hump this time.

PF: Kevin Durant

A scoring machine, one of the most feared players of the postseason. Got 2 games out of a Portland team that nearly had a perfect run. #2 in scoring for about 1,5 seasons. Would’ve been higher on this list if it weren’t for him missing a season

SF: Kawhi Leonard

NBA champ, 2-way player and a matchup nobody wants in the playoffs. He is up there in most categories, hovering around the top 10-ish, but the real kicker is his contribution to winning. Would have been higher up on this list if it weren’t for the injury this year.

SG: Russell Westbrook

A statistical monster with a real, legit shot at NSL #1 all legacy team, if it weren’t for Curry or Harden. Has been a godsend since arriving from the Lakers and his 2k self has no clue of how his game has deteriorated in real life, just like his real-life self. All hail Westy!  

PG: Damian Lillard

A BUCKET! NBA Champ that would have gone for the scoring title and single season record last year if he didn’t play for stacked teams and was worried about getting that ring. Almost 40 ppg last year.

3^rd TEAM

C: Nikola Jokic

The most talented player born inside the body of a tall Serbian accountant. He is a genius in real life and highly productive in the NSL, consistently up with the top Centers and players in our league. Best passing big man, maybe ever? Sad thing is I don’t think his true genius and impact will never translate fully to NSL.

PF: Luka Doncic

Luka has the numbers, he has the talent and might have a legitimate case for #1 inaugural draft pick, in hindsight (not really, maybe #2/3), but the catch here is that he went from being in a team prepared for a rebuild to a competing team in less than a year. Luka is still trying to be great when it matters.

SF: Paul George

Another underrated star who has been great since the inception of the league, with top 5-0 finishes across the board. The playoffs success is the key to him being so down on this list and this year will be a testament to his continued legacy.

SG: Kyrie Irving
2k loves this guy, he is good in every single engine and sometimes he’s filthy. Outplaying his NBA self by a mile! He is a ball-handling genious but doesn’t apply that to vaccine research. He’s almost a top 5 player every single year and has made it to the NBA Finals!

PG: Trey Young

One of those stat chasers that can hit it from anywhere on the court. He deceptively finished top 10-15 in the categories for PGs and made a big impact whenever he went. Post season success still alluding him.

Honorable mentions: Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum, Bam Adebayo, Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert

Hope you enjoyed it, see you next time!