What if the modern NBA went back to just 8 teams like they had in the 1960s? Only 16% of the current players would still have a roster spot in a reduced league. Everyone else would have to play in the G-league, Europe, Australia, or just get a regular job. We took the top 80 players from the 2024-2025 NBA and placed them on 8 teams. Here is what those teams would look like:

Team 1 - San Francisco Warriors

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
• Kyrie Irving
• Zion Williamson
• Brandon Ingram
• DeMar DeRozen
• Miles Bridges
• Pascal Siakam
• Evan Mobley
• Nikola Vucevic
• Keynote George

Team 2 - Boston Celtics

• Giannis Antetokounmpo
• Anthony Davis
• Steph Curry
• James Harden
• Jaylen Brown
• Coby White
• Austin Reaves
• Sharron Sharpe
• Collin Sexton
• Deni Avdija

Team 3 - New York Knicks

• Nikola Jokic
• Damian Lillard
• Karl-Anthony Towns
• Ja Morant
• Jaren Jackson Jr.
• Jordan Poole
• Kristaps Porzingis
• Tyrese Haliburton
• Michael Porter Jr.
• De’Andre Hunter

Team 4 - Los Angeles Lakers

• Luka Doncic
• Lámelo Ball
• LeBron James
• Zach Lavine
• Normal Powell
• Darius Garland
• Scottie Barnes
• Julius Randle
• Bam Adebayo
• Bradley Beal

Team 5 - St. Louis Hawks

• Anthony Edwards
• Devin Booker
• Victor Wembanyama
• De’Aaron Fox
• Jalen Williams
• Jalen Green
• Anfernee Simons
• Cameron Johnson
• OG Anonuby
• Immanuel Quickley

Team 6 - Detroit Pistons

• Jayson Tatum
• Paolo Banchero
• Trae Young
• Joel Embiid
• Kawhi Leonard
• Brandon Miller
• Desmond Bane
• Jalen Johnson
• Andrew Wiggins
• Malik Monk

Team 7 - Philadelphia 76ers

• Kevin Durant
• Jalen Brunson
• Franz Wagner
• Tyler Herro
• Jamal Murray
• RJ Barrett
• Domantas Sabonis
• John Collins
• Mikal Bridges
• Dejaunte Murray

Team 8 - Cincinnati Royals

• Tyrese Maxey
• Cade Cunningham
• Cam Thomas
• Donovan Mitchell
• Trey Murphy III
• CJ McCollum
• Alperen Sengun
• Lauri Markkanen
• Jaden Ivey
• Jimmy Butler

CREDITS

Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice

Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher

MUSIC

"Horizons" by Roa

SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK

sportshistorynetwork.com

sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/

FACEBOOK

m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/

BUSINESS CONTACT

[email protected]