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All-NBA starting XI using Chelsea’s 4-2-2-2 system

By Caden Charpentier

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 02: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dribbles past Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in Game One of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center on June 02, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 02: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dribbles past Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in Game One of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center on June 02, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 13: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center on March 13, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Lakers 140-111. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 13: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center on March 13, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Lakers 140-111. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /

Fullbacks: Mikal Bridges (Suns) & Marcus Smart (Celtics)

What more can be said about arguably the best perimeter defenders in the entire NBA? The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year and the runner-up slot in as the wingbacks in this 4-2-2-2 formation. The tandem of Mikal Bridges and Marcus Smart on the flanks is a combination of an elite defense, speed and a willingness to get involved in the forward play.

Smart plays with a chip on his shoulder and loves to exaggerate a foul, along with taking some jabs at the opposing players. Both of them love the physicality and taking on the best offensive player on the opposing team, putting them in the perfect position to stop an attack from developing on the wings through one of the most creative wingers. Neither shies away from competition, and as threats on both ends, these two players could find themselves getting on the end of crosses or even finding the back of the net on their own quite frequently.

Centerbacks: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) & LeBron James (Lakers)

Being a centerback requires some physical strength and intelligence, along with an ability to lead and communicate with the rest of the team. Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James are winners and leaders in their own right. These two know how to control games and keep their teams together—no matter the circumstances.

Offensively, there is no doubt that, with the leaping abilities of these two athletes, they will be getting on the end of plenty of corner kicks. In set piece situations, this is where Antetokounmpo and James are going to be at their most dangerous. Both have the strength to push even the biggest and best opponents out of possession and push the counterattack the other way. With the luxury of having Bridges and Smart on the wings, Antetokounmpo and James will have the job of clearing the ball away from danger. Their leadership on and off the pitch will also be huge additions to any all-NBA starting XI. There is no doubt that one of these two will be the captain of this team given what the both have done helping those around them succeed over the years.

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