The Pride of London
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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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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 26: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after a basket and a foul call during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals at Chase Center on May 26, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 26: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after a basket and a foul call during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals at Chase Center on May 26, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Goalkeeper: Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies)

The leader in the NBA in blocks during the 2021/22 season, and the heart and soul of one of the toughest teams in the entire league, Jaren Jackson Jr. makes for a perfect goalkeeper. Jackson Jr. has the same wingspan and is the same exact height as Mobley, but the upside of Mobley and his potential to grow into more of a force gives him an edge in the race for starting goalkeeper. Both have been criticized for their lack of physicality heading into the pro game, but as a goalkeeper, strength is not the most essential trait. Jackson Jr. knows how to prevent the opposition from its ultimate goal, and as the player between the sticks, he possesses an important tool to succeed.

Fullback: Jaden McDaniels (Timberwolves)

Jaden McDaniels is arguably the most underrated players in the entire league after his breakout rookie season and a sophomore year to follow it up. Looking down the list of players on this roster, a lot of them jump out as superstars or players that a normal fan may know off the top of their head—McDaniels is not one of those individuals. He is not the most well known, but his ceiling is higher than many people think.

Offensively, he is inconsistent at times, but on the defensive side of things, he brings it every single night. This makes him perfect for one of the fullback roles. As the 28th pick out of the University of Washington, not many people expected a lot out of him. There is now no doubt he has exceeded all of the expectations set for him. The beginning of the season for McDaniels was not exactly how many thought his sophomore season would go, but he rebounded and left his season-high for the last game of the Wolves’ playoff run. By far the most questionable pick on this roster, but with his upside and already solid defensive skills, McDaniels would make for a solid wide defender that nobody would see coming.

Centerback: Draymond Green (Warriors)

Draymond Green is one of the most polarizing players in the NBA today given his play style. He takes pride in his defense and possesses all of the extracurriculars—outside of what he brings between the lines—that make for an ideal footballer. There are no words to describe how Green plays, but his style and personality match former Chelsea player Antonio Rudiger. Green is a quality back-up centerback due to his inability to keep himself together at times. He provides a spark off the bench that if placed alongside Bridges and Smart in the back four. His inclusion and a prompt switch to a back five could make for an almost impenetrable defense if necessary. However, Green’s skills with the ball at his feet may not be the greatest.

Defensive midfielder: Scottie Barnes (Raptors)

The solid and sturdy presence of Barnes makes him the perfect footballer. Plenty of players on this team are some of the youngest in the NBA, and that is not by accident. Barnes was crowned the Rookie of the Year last season with his talents at both ends of the floor. He can contribute in the attack. He also has a knack for making the right decisions at the right time, which bodes well on a football pitch. Barnes could slot in as one of the two central defensive midfielders for this reason. His strength, build and youth give him an upper hand on almost any opponent.

Defensive midfielder: Reggie Jackson (Clippers)

Toughness and grit define what Reggie Jackson is all about. He led his team in scoring and assists during the Clippers injury-riddled season. Jackson was Mr. Reliable for Head Coach Tyronn Lou and his coaching staff, starting 75 out of the 82 games in the regular season. The doubt thrown upon him by others fuels Jackson forward. His ability to play hard, no matter the time on the clock, makes him a fit for one of the central defensive midfield roles. Jackson could be a future All-Star with the way he played last season. Given some of the creativity he showed to the world this past season, he could have the potential to have some of the best foot skills of anyone on the pitch.

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