Rankings: Franchise All-Time

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Much like we did with all-time owners, here we are with the all-time franchises! "Franchises" are defined by the sixteen teams in Slam, irrespective of ownership changes. Also, I broke things up into two seven-year sections for each franchise. 2010-2017 and 2018-2025. This gives a nice bifurcation of how franchises did. Note: This was written in the middle of the 2026 Slam season, so does not account for the finish of last year.


1. Sour Snails (SOUR)

The most dominant franchise in Slam history by every meaningful measure. Six championships, nine Finals appearances, and an elite cumulative win percentage combine sustained excellence with repeated peak success. SOUR is not just the most successful team — it is the franchise against which all others are historically measured.

2010–2017

This era is the foundation of the dynasty and one of the most lopsided stretches any franchise has ever produced. SOUR posted an overwhelmingly strong cumulative record across these eight seasons, frequently separating from the league early and maintaining control through the playoffs. Season-to-season variance existed, but it manifested as swings between “very good” and “historically dominant,” not between winning and losing. Even the rare down seasons remained playoff-caliber, and multiple years felt effectively decided long before the postseason began.

2018–2025

The league caught up structurally, and SOUR became more mortal — but never fragile. The cumulative record across this era is still clearly winning, though the margins narrowed and true runaway seasons became less common. Variance tightened: fewer extreme highs, fewer extreme lows, and more seasons decided by execution rather than inevitability. Crucially, SOUR continued converting its best years into championships, preserving its historical edge even as the environment became more competitive.


2. Fat Jubas (FJUB)

The highest floor in Slam history. While they trail SOUR in championships, no franchise has maintained relevance more consistently or avoided prolonged downturns more effectively across sixteen seasons. Their résumé is built on durability, discipline, and an almost total absence of wasted years.

2010–2017

This era defines what “consistently good” actually looks like. FJUB posted a strong cumulative record, rarely spiking into absurd dominance but almost never collapsing into irrelevance. The season-to-season variance was modest, with most finishes clustering safely above league average. They were a fixture in the playoff picture, and even when they didn’t look like the favorite, they were always structurally sound.

2018–2025

Still excellent, but meaningfully more volatile. FJUB continued to post a winning record across the era, with multiple legitimate contender seasons, but this stretch introduced something new: real down years. The floor dropped slightly compared to the earlier era, and the variance widened, yet the franchise never drifted far from contention. Even in this more uneven phase, FJUB remained one of the league’s most reliable long-term performers.


3. Screamin Eagles (SCRM)

A franchise whose historical standing is entirely shaped by timing. The overall win–loss record is mediocre, but two championships elevate SCRM above teams with cleaner résumés and no banners. This is a peaks-over-averages history.

2010–2017

A prolonged stretch of middling competitiveness. SCRM spent much of this era hovering around the playoff bubble, alternating between fringe-contender and mid-table finishes without sustained momentum. Variance existed, but the ceiling remained capped — very few seasons looked like true championship threats. The franchise was present and competitive, but rarely decisive.

2018–2025

One of the most volatile eras any franchise has experienced. SCRM swung wildly between bottom-tier finishes and league-best seasons, producing extreme variance with little stability. Several seasons collapsed completely, while others culminated in championships, making this era chaotic but enormously impactful. Consistency never arrived, but when the franchise peaked, it peaked at the highest possible level.


4. Chunky Monkeys (CHMK)

A legitimately strong franchise with both wins and hardware. CHMK combines a high cumulative win percentage with meaningful postseason success, placing them firmly in the upper tier of Slam history.

2010–2017

This was a competitive but uneven era. CHMK posted a solid cumulative record, frequently finishing in the upper half of the standings, but rarely sustaining dominance year over year. Season-to-season variance was noticeable: strong contender seasons were often followed by step-backs. Still, the franchise was almost always relevant and capable of real damage in the playoffs.

2018–2025

The variance increased rather than disappearing. CHMK produced more high-ceiling seasons in this era, including years that clearly looked title-caliber, but also suffered sharper declines when builds misfired. The cumulative record remained strong, and outright collapses were rare, but predictability never became part of the identity. CHMK stayed dangerous, not dependable.


5. Spade (SPDE)

Spade’s all-time ranking is built on a prolonged stretch of early success that established the franchise as a legitimate power for years. However, the second half of the timeline materially weakens the résumé, turning what once looked like a top-tier legacy into a clearly front-loaded one. Their position reflects how much weight early sustained competence still carries in franchise history.

2010–2017

This was Spade’s defining era and the primary reason they rank this high all-time. Across these eight seasons, SPDE posted a strong cumulative win–loss record and rarely dipped into truly poor finishes. The franchise consistently lived in the league’s upper half, often entering seasons with realistic playoff and contender expectations. Variance was present but tightly bounded: most outcomes clustered between “good” and “very good,” creating a sense of structural reliability and year-over-year trust that few franchises could match.

2018–2025

The trajectory turned downward. While Spade avoided complete collapse, losing seasons became more frequent, and competitive momentum proved difficult to sustain. Variance widened without upside — brief rebounds were followed quickly by regression — and the franchise increasingly hovered below the contender tier. This era does significant damage to Spade’s historical standing, preventing what might otherwise have been a top-four legacy.


6. So Buckets (SBUK)

So Buckets occupies the space between legitimacy and limitation. A championship season anchors the franchise historically, but the surrounding body of work lacks the sustained excellence needed to climb into the league’s upper tier. Their ranking reflects solidity without dominance.

2010–2017

This era was defined by near-misses and hovering competitiveness. SBUK frequently finished around the playoff cut line, alternating between modestly competitive and slightly below-average seasons. Variance existed, but it rarely produced elite outcomes; more often, it meant oscillating between “in the mix” and “just out.” The inability to stack strong seasons prevented the franchise from building real momentum during this period.

2018–2025

A noticeable improvement in both record and stability. SBUK posted a winning cumulative record across these eight seasons, with far fewer bottom-tier finishes than before. The variance tightened somewhat, producing more consistently competitive outcomes, though the ceiling remained capped. This era stabilizes the franchise and justifies its middle-upper placement, even if it never truly threatens the elite.


7. Krispy Kreme Team (KSKT)

KSKT’s résumé is heavily dependent on a single championship peak. Outside of that title run, the franchise history is volatile and often disappointing, with long stretches of subpar performance. The banner matters — but it does a lot of the lifting.

2010–2017

A largely losing era that set a fragile foundation. KSKT posted a poor cumulative record across these seasons, frequently finishing near the bottom and rarely sustaining competitiveness year over year. Variance skewed strongly negative: even when a season showed signs of life, it was almost always followed by regression. This era established a low baseline that the franchise struggled to escape.

2018–2025

Some improvement arrived, but stability never followed. KSKT produced several competitive seasons, including the championship year, yet these peaks were isolated rather than compounding. Variance remained extreme, with sharp swings between relevance and irrelevance. The failure to consolidate success keeps this era from fully rehabilitating the franchise’s long-term standing.


8. Melo My Mind (MELO)

MELO’s all-time placement is sustained almost entirely by a single championship season. The cumulative win–loss record across sixteen seasons is weak, and without that peak, the franchise would reside much lower historically. Their résumé is a classic case of one great year interrupting a long run of struggles.

2010–2017

This was a genuinely bad era. MELO posted a deeply losing cumulative record, with multiple seasons spent well below league average and minimal playoff relevance. Variance existed, but almost entirely among losing outcomes — the difference was between “bad” and “very bad,” not between losing and winning. Structural instability defined the period.

2018–2025

Marginal improvement, but not transformation. A few functional seasons suggested progress, yet none were sustained long enough to build momentum. The cumulative record remained below .500, variance stayed high, and regression followed quickly whenever optimism surfaced. This era softened the franchise’s floor slightly, but did little to raise its ceiling.


9. Swamp Dragons (SWMP)

Swamp Dragons are the most accomplished franchise in Slam history to never win a championship, and that distinction defines their entire résumé. Across sixteen seasons, SWMP has posted one of the strongest cumulative win–loss records in the league and reached the Finals multiple times, demonstrating real staying power. Their ranking reflects sustained competitiveness rather than peak dominance, with the missing title acting as the only barrier between SWMP and the league’s true elites.

2010–2017

This era established SWMP as a consistently competitive franchise without fully elevating them into dynasty territory. The Dragons posted a solidly winning cumulative record, frequently finishing in the league’s upper half and rarely dipping into truly disastrous seasons. Variance existed, but it was restrained — the franchise oscillated between “good” and “very good” more often than between relevance and irrelevance. However, the ceiling during this stretch remained somewhat capped; SWMP was often in the mix, but not consistently feared as the league’s best team.

2018–2025

The modern era represents SWMP at its most complete. Across these eight seasons, the franchise produced one of the league’s best cumulative records, with a notably high floor and a sharp reduction in losing years. Season-to-season variance narrowed significantly, as strong performances became the expectation rather than the exception. The Dragons repeatedly entered seasons with legitimate championship aspirations, making the continued absence of a title in this era particularly striking and historically frustrating.


10. Truo Thien (TRUO)

TRUO’s all-time standing is dictated by a dramatic split between eras. Early sustained success keeps the franchise afloat historically, while an extended modern collapse prevents them from ranking higher.

2010–2017

This was a legitimately strong and competitive era. TRUO posted a winning cumulative record across these eight seasons, regularly finishing in playoff positions and occasionally threatening deeper runs. Variance was present, but the baseline remained positive; even down years were typically functional rather than disastrous. During this period, the franchise was viewed as a credible mid-to-upper tier threat entering most seasons.

2018–2025

The bottom fell out. TRUO recorded a heavily losing cumulative record, with multiple seasons spent near the bottom of the standings and long stretches of irrelevance. Variance widened, but without upside — isolated competitive seasons failed to translate into momentum, and regression followed quickly. This era alone would place TRUO among the league’s weakest franchises, dramatically reshaping their all-time profile.


11. Buffy (BUFF)

BUFF’s history is defined by inconsistency and unrealized potential. While the franchise has reached the Finals, it has never maintained a stable competitive baseline, allowing long stretches of mediocrity to outweigh the peaks.

2010–2017

This era was uneven and often frustrating. BUFF alternated between passable seasons and outright poor ones, struggling to string together success year over year. Variance produced brief playoff pushes, but these were almost always followed by regression. The cumulative record hovered below league average, and the franchise never fully escaped the cycle of reset and recovery.

2018–2025

Marginal improvement arrived, but not a true reset. BUFF continued to post a losing cumulative record, though with slightly fewer extreme lows than before. Variance remained high, with competitive seasons emerging sporadically rather than consistently. The franchise showed it could rise above the pack briefly, but never long enough to redefine expectations.


12. Squirtle Squad (SQSQ)

Squirtle Squad presents one of the strangest résumés in Slam history: a strong cumulative win percentage across sixteen seasons without a single Finals appearance. Their all-time rank reflects sustained competence paired with an inability to clear the league’s highest bar.

2010–2017

This was a quietly strong foundational era. SQSQ maintained a near-winning cumulative record, avoided catastrophic collapses, and regularly finished in the upper half of the standings. Variance was tightly compressed — few disastrous seasons, but also few truly dominant ones. The franchise felt stable and dependable, if never particularly threatening.

2018–2025

Even stronger in terms of week-to-week results. SQSQ posted a clearly winning cumulative record, raised its floor further, and made losing seasons increasingly rare. However, the ceiling remained stubbornly fixed; repeated failures to translate regular-season strength into deep postseason runs defined the era. Consistency became the franchise’s calling card, but breakthroughs continued to elude them.


13. Funk Coalition (FUNK)

FUNK’s all-time résumé is defined by timing. The franchise spent so much of its early history buried near the bottom of the standings that even a legitimate modern rebound could only partially repair the damage. Their ranking reflects meaningful improvement that arrived too late to fully rewrite the record.

2010–2017

This era was deeply damaging to FUNK’s long-term profile. Across these eight seasons, the franchise posted a heavily losing cumulative record and frequently occupied the league’s bottom tier. Variance existed, but it lacked direction: isolated seasons of modest improvement were immediately followed by regression. The franchise struggled to establish any structural continuity, and by the end of this era, FUNK’s all-time win percentage was already severely compromised.

2018–2025

A genuine turnaround, not a cosmetic one. FUNK recorded a winning cumulative record across these eight seasons, drastically reducing bottom-tier finishes and establishing a respectable competitive baseline. Season-to-season variance tightened, with fewer extreme lows and more consistently functional rosters. However, the absence of Finals appearances or sustained top-tier contention capped how far this rebound could lift the franchise historically.


14. Another Bad Creation (ABCX)

ABCX’s history is defined by reversal. What began as a stable, middle-class franchise unraveled in the modern era, leaving the total résumé weaker than either period alone would suggest. Their ranking reflects how damaging a prolonged decline can be, even after a respectable start.

2010–2017

This was a functional and relatively stable era. ABCX posted a modestly winning cumulative record, avoided prolonged slumps, and generally lived in the league’s middle tier. Variance was present but manageable, and while the franchise was rarely a true contender, it consistently avoided disaster. There was a sense of structural adequacy, even without upside.

2018–2025

The wheels came off. ABCX posted a decisively losing cumulative record across these eight seasons, with multiple finishes near the bottom of the standings. Variance widened sharply in destructive ways: brief rebounds were followed by immediate collapse, preventing any momentum from forming. This era actively eroded the franchise’s earlier gains and cemented its lower all-time placement.


15. IL Conceived (ILCN)

IL Conceived’s ranking is dictated by one of the deepest early holes in Slam history. While the modern era shows real competence and stabilization, the volume of early losses is simply too great to overcome.

2010–2017

One of the roughest eight-year stretches any franchise has endured. ILCN posted an extremely poor cumulative record, frequently finishing at or near the bottom of the standings with minimal week-to-week competitiveness. Variance existed, but almost entirely within losing outcomes — even their “better” seasons still landed well below league average. By 2017, the franchise’s all-time win percentage was already severely damaged.

2018–2025

A real rebound, with receipts. ILCN recorded a winning cumulative record across this era, hovered around the middle of the standings most seasons, and largely eliminated the catastrophic lows that defined the early years. The variance tightened noticeably, producing more respectable but capped finishes. However, the absence of playoff breakthroughs and the sheer weight of the earlier losses mean this era stabilizes the franchise without meaningfully lifting its all-time rank.


16. Memphis MonStars (MEMM)

The weakest cumulative résumé across the full sixteen-season canvas. MEMM never produced a sustained corrective phase in either era, leaving the franchise without a defining competitive identity.

2010–2017

Consistently poor. MEMM posted a solidly losing cumulative record and frequently finished in the league’s lower third. Variance existed, but it failed to generate upward momentum, as promising seasons quickly collapsed back toward baseline. The franchise rarely entered a season with realistic playoff expectations.

2018–2025

Little changed in the modern era. MEMM again recorded a losing cumulative record, with multiple bottom-tier finishes and only brief flashes of competitiveness. Variance remained high, but without trajectory — spikes appeared and vanished just as quickly. The floor stayed extremely low, cementing MEMM’s place at the bottom of the all-time rankings.

Rankings: Owners All-Time

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Starting off a series of articles from Chat GPT, analyzing various things. We've had thirty one owners over our sixteen seasons of SlamNation--counting since 2010 when we reset to the recent set of rules. Which owners have been the best?! Note: This was written in the middle of the 2026 Slam season, so does not account for the finish of last year. [ Franchises All-Time ]

1. Trieu — Sour Snails (SOUR)

The league’s gravitational center, where elite regular seasons and championships coexist year after year. Trieu isn’t just dominant — he defines what dominance looks like.

2. Eric — Fat Jubas (FJUB)

The patron saint of consistency, quietly stacking wins and titles without ever bottoming out. Never chaotic, never embarrassing, always right there at the end.

3. Evan — Chunky Monkeys (CHMK)

A regular-season steamroller who eventually turned pressure into a championship. This résumé has both muscle and receipts.

4. Eddie — Swamp Dragons (SWMP)

An early-era powerhouse with one of the strongest regular-season profiles the league has seen. The missing title is the only thing keeping this from full dynasty immortality.

5. Josh — So Buckets (SBUK)

Solid year-to-year performance with a championship peak that absolutely counts. Not overwhelming, but always capable of ruining someone else’s season.

6. Matt — Krispy Kreme Team (KSKT)

A short stay, a loud impact, and a championship to show for it. Few owners squeezed more juice out of fewer seasons.

7. Jordan — Screamin Eagles (SCRM)

High efficiency, clean execution, and a title to seal the deal. This run is short, sharp, and impossible to poke holes in.

8. Brian — Squirtle Squad (SQSQ)

A model of regular-season excellence over a long stretch of time. The lack of a championship is the one missing jewel in an otherwise elite crown.

9. Roger — Buffy (BUFF)

Consistently strong teams that knocked on the door more than once. Came close enough to matter, just never close enough to finish the job.

10. Thien — Truo Thien (TRUO)

Early success and Finals runs gave TRUO real gravity in the league. The back half fell apart, but the peak still carries weight.

11. Frank — IL Conceived (ILCN)

Sneakily one of the steadiest regular-season owners around. No fireworks, no banners — just competent, professional basketball management.

12. Oliver — Another Bad Creation (ABCX)

Always around, always involved, rarely decisive. A résumé full of opportunities that never quite turned into moments.

13. Jon — Funk Coalition (FUNK)

A franchise defined by reinvention, chaos, and occasional flashes of quality. FUNK matters to the league’s culture more than its trophy case.

14. Randall — Spade (SPDE)

Competitive often enough to stay relevant, dangerous rarely enough to be feared. Longevity without a signature run defines the legacy.

15. Jack — Melo My Mind (MELO)

A few competitive windows that never fully opened. Present in the standings, absent from the power structure.

16. Jose — 100 Acre Wood Pooh Bears

A championship in a short window guarantees permanent respect. Brief, brilliant, and ultimately compact.

17. C-Lucas — Silent Crows

Did the one thing that matters most: won it all. The résumé is thin, but the banner is forever.

18. E-Agustin — Human Amoebas

A championship elevates this tenure above what the raw record would suggest. Proof that peaks still matter, even when the floor is low.

19. Steve — 2005 NBA All-Stars

Two seasons, a winning record, a division title, and playoff appearances both times. A clean, competent cameo that absolutely belongs above the cellar.

20. Pierre — Bayside Bombardiers

A perfectly respectable 19–18 run in limited action. Not memorable, not embarrassing — just solid.

21. Alvin — MoRrie’s Pogiboys

Never found sustained footing in the regular season. Around long enough to try, not long enough to matter.

22. Mikey — Nande ReBuRonSAN

Middling results and no defining stretch of success. Present, functional, and quickly forgotten.

23. Brandon — Snack Bears (SNAC)

Snuck in a winning season and a playoff appearance, which counts for something. The lack of follow-up keeps this firmly in the lower tier.

24. Jimmy — Fob Stars (FOBS)

Put together real seasons without ever putting together real results. More substance than the bottom, less success than anyone above.

25. Felipe — Cameltoe (CMTO)

A prolonged run of losing basketball with no momentum. Longevity existed; effectiveness did not.

26. Dave — Hilt the Stilt (HSTL)

Short-lived and rarely competitive. Fielded teams, but never fielded threats.

27. Matt-R — Sagers Suit & Ties

A losing record, no postseason impact, and little time to recover. Nothing offensive, nothing redeeming.

28. Trevor — Inept Henchmen

Lived up to the name with a short, ineffective tenure. Never found traction before disappearing.

29. Chris — Jedi Knights

A brutal long-term record that never showed signs of improvement. Plenty of volume, zero payoff.

30. Victor — Uncalled Flopping Objects (UFOS)

Historically awful results with no bright spots to soften the blow. The weakest completed résumé in league history.

31. Austin — Memphis MonStars (MEMM)

No games, no seasons, no data. Until something actually happens, this slot stays firmly at the bottom.

2027 Pre-Season: Russell

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Our fastest draft ever, done in about eight days! With the non-snake drafting, maybe that sped us up. Good job everyone! Entering our second year under the new playoff system, we'll see how it goes even as the NBA changes their lottery rules to discourage tanking. And again, this is all written by Chat GPT for the second straight year, so any errors are not mine! [ 2027 Chamberlain | 2027 Keeper Tiers ]

TeamID - Abbrev - Name (2026 Record, 2025 Record)

#1 FJUB Fat Jubas (12-5, 5-12-1)

What a difference a year makes. After a disastrous 5-12-1 campaign in 2025 snapped one of SlamNation’s longest playoff streaks, Eric’s Fat Jubas stormed back to 12-5, earned a first-round bye, and reached their fourth Finals appearance. ILCN ultimately denied them a third championship, but the turnaround was remarkable. Last preseason, we described FJUB as a franchise undergoing a controlled renovation. Apparently, Eric decided to renovate the entire house and immediately put it back on the championship market.

Much of that resurgence came from unexpected places. Kyshawn George and Peyton Watson emerged as breakout contributors, while Trey Murphy III continued his ascent. FJUB also finished with the league’s third-best defense, leading SlamNation in steals. The January trade that brought Kawhi Leonard aboard for Zaccharie Risacher demonstrated Eric’s willingness to sacrifice future upside for another title shot. It nearly worked. Now the challenge is replacing last season’s supporting cast without sacrificing the defensive identity that made the Jubas so dangerous.

The six-man 2027 draft class offers an intriguing mix of immediate contributors and reclamation projects. Nickeil Alexander-Walker brings scoring and defensive versatility, while Keegan Murray supplies size, shooting, and two-way potential. Devin Vassell is another offensive weapon capable of providing valuable perimeter production, and Davion Mitchell reinforces the backcourt with playmaking and defensive pressure. Kyle Filipowski offers developmental upside as a versatile young big, while Deandre Ayton, a former NBA first overall pick, is the draft’s biggest wildcard. That’s six legitimate rotation candidates, although none arrives without questions.

FJUB enters 2027 with championship expectations and an increasingly urgent timeline. Leonard, Towns, and Trae Young provide established star power, while Murphy and George offer a younger foundation. The draft adds flexibility, but can Eric coax another breakout from this group? Last season, George and Watson helped turn a lottery team into a finalist. If even two of this year’s six selections outperform expectations, the Fat Jubas could be back in the Finals—and perhaps finally capture championship number three.


#2 CHMK Chunky Monkeys (11-5-1, 9-9)

Chunky Monkeys went big in 2026. Really big. After years of mediocrity, Evan’s blockbuster acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo transformed CHMK into SlamNation’s most unconventional contender. The result was an 11-5-1 record, their first winning season since 2021, and a sixth-place playoff berth. Their Big Ball experiment deliberately sacrificed free throws, three-pointers, and turnovers to dominate elsewhere. And dominate they did: CHMK led the league in defense, rebounding, and assists. Unfortunately, Giannis’s injuries complicated their postseason ambitions, leaving unfinished business heading into 2027.

All six keepers return, giving Evan remarkable continuity with Giannis, Alperen Şengün, Evan Mobley, Amen Thompson, Dyson Daniels, and Jamal Murray. Ranked in Tier 2, this group boasts exceptional size, versatility, and defensive production. Murray’s first All-Star campaign supplied much-needed scoring, but CHMK still finished just tenth in points. The challenge isn’t figuring out how to win categories; it’s finding enough offense to make their unusual strategy championship-proof.

Evan’s 2027 draft doubled down on versatility while adding some intriguing offensive upside. Rookie Ebuka Okorie, selected tenth overall, brings explosive scoring potential to a backcourt that desperately needs it. Brandin Podziemski adds rebounding and playmaking from the guard position, while Cason Wallace returns as a defensive specialist perfectly suited to Big Ball. Sandro Mamukelashvili offers frontcourt creativity and shooting, Gui Santos supplies energetic wing depth, and Ryan Kalkbrenner brings another imposing shot-blocking presence. It’s a draft that reinforces CHMK’s identity without completely ignoring its weaknesses.

The Monkeys enter 2027 as legitimate contenders, but their championship formula remains unusually precise. Giannis must stay healthy, Murray must sustain his scoring, and the new additions need to provide just enough offense without compromising the league’s most intimidating defense. Evan also holds FUNK’s 2028 first-rounder, offering future flexibility. Big Ball has made CHMK relevant again. Now it’s time to find out whether bigger really is better when the championship is on the line.


#3 FUNK Funk Coalition (5-12, 8-10)

Funk Coalition’s youth movement is officially entering its second act. After winning the 2025 Toilet Bowl and assembling an unprecedented rookie haul in 2026, Jon watched his franchise stumble to 5-12, finishing thirteenth overall. The growing pains were substantial: FUNK ranked dead last in field-goal percentage, fourteenth in scoring, rebounding, and blocks, and thirteenth in assists. Not exactly a statistical masterpiece. But with Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, VJ Edgecombe, and Dylan Harper gaining experience, 2026 was always about laying foundations rather than hanging banners.

FUNK’s six keepers remain among SlamNation’s most intriguing, earning a Tier 3 ranking despite last season’s struggles. Jayson Tatum returns as the veteran centerpiece, surrounded by Flagg, Knueppel, Edgecombe, Harper, and Reed Sheppard. It’s an extraordinary collection of young talent, although the roster still lacks proven frontcourt production. Tatum’s return should help, but expecting five developing players to become championship contributors simultaneously might be asking a little much.

Jon’s 2027 draft was another aggressive investment in youth. After jumping to second in the lottery, FUNK traded down to third, surrendering Cedric Coward to MEMM in the historic four-team deal. The prize was Cameron Boozer, a potential franchise cornerstone whose rebounding and interior scoring address glaring weaknesses. Keaton Wagler and Brayden Burries add promising perimeter talent, while Aday Mara, acquired through FJUB’s third-round selection, supplies much-needed size and shot-blocking upside. Veterans Jakob Poeltl and Scotty Pippen Jr. round out the six selections, offering immediate production and stability amid the rookie invasion.

The ceiling is enormous, but patience remains essential. FUNK now possesses one of SlamNation’s deepest collections of young prospects, with enough talent to eventually challenge anyone. The question is how quickly that potential translates into victories. Jon has spent two years collecting the future. In 2027, it’s time for the future to start collecting wins.


#4 MEMM Memphis MonStars (3-14, 2-16)

Memphis MonStars have officially entered Year Two of the Austin era, and the good news is that things can hardly get worse. After inheriting the wreckage of UFOS, Austin managed three wins in 2026, one more than the franchise’s previous campaign, before closing the season on a nine-game losing streak. The statistical carnage was equally impressive: MEMM finished dead last in points, assists, and games played, while ranking fifteenth in field-goal percentage. Still, Austin has been busy dismantling the old roster, including shipping Kawhi Leonard to FJUB for Zaccharie Risacher. The rebuilding process is underway, even if the scoreboard hasn’t noticed.

The 2027 keeper core reflects that transition. Ja Morant remains the franchise’s biggest name, joined by Josh Hart, Onyeka Okongwu, Andrew Nembhard, Cedric Coward, and Peyton Watson. Ranked in Tier 5, it’s hardly an intimidating collection, but there’s considerably more youth and flexibility than a year ago. Coward and Watson offer developmental upside, while Hart and Nembhard provide the veteran stability this franchise desperately needs. Of course, Morant’s availability remains the elephant in the room.

Austin’s offseason began with a lottery win, as they acquired the first overall pick with just 14% odds. Naturally, he traded it. The historic four-team deal sent MEMM down to fourth, netting three players and KSKT’s 2028 first-rounder. At RD1.4, Memphis selected Caleb Wilson, an explosive forward with legitimate star potential. John Collins and Jonathan Kuminga add athleticism and scoring, while Isaiah Hartenstein supplies rebounding, passing, and interior toughness. PJ Washington brings versatile frontcourt production, and Collin Sexton offers instant offense. Six useful additions, with Wilson representing the biggest long-term prize.

The MonStars aren’t suddenly contenders, but the roster finally has direction. Austin has accumulated young talent, useful veterans, and future draft capital without sacrificing his rebuilding timeline. Wilson could eventually become the franchise centerpiece Morant hasn’t consistently been. Memphis won the lottery, traded away the winning ticket, and somehow might have come out ahead. Now comes the difficult part: winning actual basketball games.


#5 TRUO Truo Thien (4-11-2, 3-13-2)

Seven consecutive seasons with five wins or fewer. At this point, Truo Thien isn’t rebuilding so much as conducting a long-term archaeological excavation of the standings. After entering 2026 with renewed optimism, Thien managed just four victories, finishing twelfth overall. The numbers were brutal: TRUO ranked fifteenth in scoring and assists, sixteenth in blocks, and fourteenth in three-pointers. Last year’s supposedly improved frontcourt failed to deliver, while the offense remained painfully inconsistent. Something needed to change, and for 2027, Thien has finally decided to take a bigger swing.

The keeper core remains an uneven collection of talent. De’Aaron Fox and Julius Randle provide established production, while Jalen Green and Cam Thomas offer explosive but unpredictable scoring. Kel’el Ware and Zach Edey represent the franchise’s long-term investment in size, although neither has yet transformed the team’s fortunes. There’s potential here, but without a genuine fantasy superstar, TRUO continues to lack the foundation that separates contenders from perpetual lottery participants.

The 2027 draft delivered the offseason’s biggest surprise: Joel Embiid, selected sixth overall after SBUK finally moved on from its former franchise cornerstone. It’s a massive gamble on health, but potentially transformative if Embiid can recapture his elite production. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg adds versatile frontcourt upside, while Kingston Flemings, acquired through a third-round pick swap with MELO, brings exciting young playmaking talent. Bennedict Mathurin supplies aggressive scoring, Jerami Grant offers veteran two-way production, and Anfernee Simons provides another dangerous perimeter weapon. It’s arguably Thien’s most ambitious draft in years, combining immediate help with developmental upside.

Of course, ambition and execution are different things. Embiid’s health is an enormous variable, and adding more scorers doesn’t automatically fix TRUO’s defensive deficiencies or playmaking limitations. Still, the talent level has undeniably improved, and there’s finally a plausible path toward respectability. After seven years wandering the wilderness, Thien has found his potential savior. Unfortunately, that savior comes with an extensive medical history and absolutely no warranty.


#6 SWMP Swamp Dragons (11-6, 11-6-1)

Another year, another winning season for Eddie’s Swamp Dragons. At this point, sustained competence is practically a franchise tradition. SWMP finished 11-6 in 2026, reaching the playoffs for the seventh time in eight seasons, but once again failed to capture that elusive championship. The Swamp Dragons reached the Finals in 2019 and 2022, yet neither trip produced a banner. Last season’s roster was an offensive powerhouse, leading SlamNation in three-pointers while finishing second in assists and steals. Unfortunately, injuries and Paul George’s suspension complicated matters, leaving Eddie wondering whether another promising season had slipped away.

The keeper core remains excellent, headlined by Nikola Jokić and the ascending duo of Jalen Johnson and Jalen Williams. Zach LaVine provides scoring, while Jalen Suggs and Toumani Camara bring defensive intensity. It’s a versatile foundation, although SWMP’s fifteenth-place finish in blocks exposed a significant weakness. With Jokić still operating at an extraordinary level, Eddie’s championship window remains open, but it won’t stay that way forever.

The 2027 draft looks designed to address those shortcomings. Immanuel Quickley arrives as a dynamic scoring guard, while Nic Claxton immediately improves the team’s interior defense and shot-blocking. Anthony Black offers size, playmaking, and defensive versatility in the backcourt, and Aaron Gordon reunites with Jokić as a dependable, physical frontcourt presence. Tre Jones supplies steady ballhandling and assists, while Pelle Larsson adds energetic wing depth. It’s a practical six-player haul that prioritizes defense and versatility without sacrificing the offense that made SWMP dangerous.

The Dragons have become one of SlamNation’s most reliable contenders, but reliability isn’t the same as greatness. Jokić gives them a weekly advantage few franchises can match, and this year’s additions should provide better defensive balance. Eddie has mastered the art of reaching the playoffs. In 2027, it’s time for the Swamp Dragons to finally finish the job.


#7 MELO Melo My Mind (8-8-1, 12-5-1)

Nobody rides the SlamNation roller coaster quite like Jack. Since 2021, MELO’s win totals have alternated between success and disappointment: eleven, three, ten, five, twelve, and now eight. Last year’s 12-5-1 breakout had us predicting a possible championship run, but 2026 delivered another frustrating retreat to mediocrity. The statistical profile was equally confusing: fourth in field-goal percentage and scoring, but thirteenth in free throws, blocks, and fifteenth in turnovers. MELO could score with almost anyone, yet struggled to build the balanced production necessary for sustained success.

The keeper core remains talented, featuring Jaylen Brown, Kevin Durant, Pascal Siakam, RJ Barrett, Brandon Miller, and Stephon Castle. It’s a strong collection of established scorers and ascending young players, although Durant’s age makes the championship timeline increasingly urgent. Brown and Siakam provide dependable production, while Miller and Castle represent the franchise’s future. The problem isn’t a shortage of talent; it’s finding the right supporting cast to complement an unusually wing-heavy foundation.

Jack’s 2027 draft takes an interesting approach to that problem. Jabari Smith Jr. headlines the class, bringing size, shooting, and rebounding to a roster that desperately needs frontcourt versatility. Ty Jerome adds efficient scoring and playmaking, while Quentin Grimes provides perimeter defense and three-point shooting. Collin Gillespie offers another steady ballhandler, and Julian Champagnie contributes wing depth and outside shooting. The five selections completed a draft heavily focused on perimeter production.

MELO enters 2027 facing a familiar question: which version of Jack’s franchise will show up? The keepers are good enough to challenge contenders, but the supporting cast must improve the team’s consistency. If history holds, MELO is due for another breakout. Unfortunately, the SlamNation standings don’t award victories for being statistically overdue.


#8 KSKT Krispy Kreme Team (7-10, 11-7)

Krispy Kreme Team entered 2026 believing it could survive Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury. Seven wins later, Matt discovered that replacing an elite playmaker is considerably harder than writing optimistic preseason predictions. After consecutive winning seasons, KSKT stumbled to 7-10, finishing tenth overall despite ranking third in assists and sixth in scoring. The real disaster came on the glass, where Krispy Kreme finished dead last in rebounds. For a franchise that captured the 2023 championship, the decline was a reminder that even well-constructed teams can unravel when their centerpiece disappears.

The keeper core still offers plenty of reasons for optimism. Haliburton returns alongside Cade Cunningham, Zion Williamson, Kristaps Porziņģis, Michael Porter Jr., and Norman Powell. Cunningham’s emergence provides another elite offensive engine, while Zion and Porziņģis offer considerable upside when healthy. But durability remains a serious concern, and this group needs better rebounding support to compete with SlamNation’s elite frontcourts.

Matt’s 2027 draft began with one of the offseason’s boldest moves. After jumping from ninth to fourth in the lottery, KSKT traded up again to second overall, surrendering Andrew Nembhard and its 2028 first-rounder. The prize was Darryn Peterson, an electrifying rookie guard with genuine superstar potential. Mitchell Robinson directly addresses the rebounding problem, while Morez Johnson Jr. provides another athletic interior prospect. Draymond Green adds defensive intelligence and playmaking, Jimmy Butler brings veteran toughness and scoring, and rookie Sergio De Larrea offers developmental upside as a young international guard. It’s an ambitious draft combining immediate help with long-term potential.

KSKT has the talent to rebound quickly, especially if Haliburton returns healthy. Peterson could eventually become the franchise’s next cornerstone, while Robinson and Green should improve its defensive balance. Matt has bet heavily on a return to contention, sacrificing future flexibility for another potential star. The doughnuts are still fresh; now Krispy Kreme needs to start winning again.

2027 Pre-Season: Chamberlain

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And here we have the other conference. Recall, we did away with conferences but I'm keeping them around for flavor's sake! [ 2027 Russell | 2027 Keeper Tiers ]

TeamID - Abbrev - Name (2026 Record, 2025 Record)

#9 SQSQ Squirtle Squad (11-4-2, 14-4)
Squirtle Squad have apparently discovered the secret to eternal relevance: never tell your veterans how old they are. After a league-best 14-4 campaign in 2025, Brian followed with an 11-4-2 record in 2026, giving SQSQ the best combined regular-season winning percentage over the past two seasons. Unfortunately, regular-season excellence hasn’t translated into a championship appearance. Last year’s team finished first in free-throw percentage, fourth in assists and blocks, and fifth in steals, demonstrating remarkable balance despite an increasingly prehistoric roster. At some point, though, Father Time is going to demand payment.

The keeper core has undergone a slight transformation. LeBron James and James Harden remain the franchise’s aging superstars, while Derrick White and Payton Pritchard provide dependable backcourt production. Bam Adebayo, acquired from SCRM for Anthony Davis, gives the frontcourt a younger defensive centerpiece, and Saddiq Bey adds scoring depth. It’s still a competitive foundation, although the championship window around LeBron and Harden is narrowing considerably.

Brian’s 2027 draft emphasized immediate production over speculative upside. Myles Turner headlines the class, bringing shot-blocking, three-point shooting, and much-needed frontcourt versatility. Jaime Jaquez Jr. supplies scoring and playmaking from the wing, while Moussa Diabaté adds rebounding and defensive energy. Aaron Nesmith reinforces the perimeter defense, and Grayson Allen provides efficient outside shooting. It’s a veteran-friendly draft that prioritizes proven contributors over developmental gambles, perfectly suited to a franchise determined to maximize its remaining championship window.

Squirtle Squad remain dangerous, particularly if their veteran stars can sustain their production. Turner and Adebayo form an intriguing defensive partnership, and the supporting cast offers useful versatility. But this franchise has spent years dominating the regular season without reaching the Finals. Brian has assembled another team capable of winning twelve games. The question is whether the Squirtles can finally win the games that actually matter.



#10 ABCX Another Bad Creation (4-12-1, 4-13-1)

Another year, another four wins. Oliver’s Another Bad Creation franchise has now managed eight victories across three seasons, which technically represents progress after its historic 0-18 disaster in 2024. Unfortunately, progress measured in geological time isn’t particularly reassuring. ABCX finished 4-12-1 in 2026, ranking sixteenth in steals and thirteenth in scoring. Still, there were encouraging signs: sixth in rebounds and assists suggests the roster is developing some actual basketball functionality. After years of collecting promising youngsters, Oliver finally has enough talent to contemplate something radical: winning.

The keeper core is considerably stronger than its record suggests. LaMelo Ball and Josh Giddey provide elite playmaking potential, while Keyonte George and Ayo Dosunmu bring additional backcourt production. Donovan Clingan and Ivica Zubac give ABCX an imposing interior foundation. It’s a young, intriguing collection, although the lack of defensive versatility and Ball’s ongoing durability concerns remain substantial obstacles.

The 2027 draft began with Darius Acuff Jr., selected fifth overall after ABCX suffered an unfortunate lottery slide. The explosive rookie guard brings another potential franchise cornerstone, although Oliver might eventually need to explain how many ballhandlers one team requires. Paul George adds veteran scoring and defensive experience, while Andrew Wiggins supplies athleticism on the wing. Tari Eason could be the draft’s defensive steal, bringing rebounding, steals, and relentless energy. Daniel Gafford reinforces an already crowded frontcourt, and Sam Hauser offers the perimeter shooting this roster desperately needs. It’s a fascinating mix of young upside and established contributors.

ABCX should finally be capable of meaningful improvement. Acuff and George raise the offensive ceiling, while Eason and Wiggins address defensive deficiencies. But the roster remains awkwardly constructed, with considerable redundancy among its guards and centers. Oliver has spent three seasons assembling the pieces. In 2027, it’s time to discover whether Another Bad Creation can become an actual good creation.


#11 BUFF Buffy (10-7, 7-10-1)
Buffy apparently prefers its winning seasons served every other year. After reaching the Finals in 2024, Roger’s franchise stumbled to 7-10-1 in 2025 before rebounding to 10-7 and another playoff appearance in 2026. The turnaround was particularly impressive considering BUFF opened last season 1-5 before winning nine of its final eleven matchups. Offensively, the team was excellent, finishing second in three-pointers and third in scoring. Defensively? Not so much. Fifteenth in steals and thirteenth in rebounds exposed significant weaknesses that prevented Buffy from joining the league’s elite.

The keeper core remains strong, with Jalen Brunson, Domantas Sabonis, Lauri Markkanen, Brandon Ingram, Mikal Bridges, and Coby White providing an impressive collection of established talent. Brunson and Sabonis orchestrate the offense, while Markkanen and Ingram supply scoring versatility. It’s a roster built to overwhelm opponents offensively, although defensive production remains the obvious concern.

Roger’s 2027 draft was unusually aggressive in addressing that imbalance. Jarrett Allen, selected ninth overall, immediately strengthens the team’s rebounding, field-goal percentage, and shot-blocking. CJ McCollum provides veteran scoring and playmaking, while Kevin Porter Jr. offers another potentially explosive backcourt weapon. Nikola Vučević adds dependable rebounding and offensive production, although his defensive limitations won’t solve everything. Tobias Harris supplies versatile forward depth, and Kyle Kuzma brings another scoring option capable of filling multiple positions. It’s a veteran-heavy draft with little developmental upside, but considerable immediate utility.

Buffy enters 2027 looking like a legitimate playoff contender, especially if Allen stabilizes the interior defense. The offense should remain among SlamNation’s best, and Roger has enough experienced contributors to withstand injuries. The concern is whether this roster possesses the defensive ceiling necessary to win four postseason rounds. Buffy has mastered the art of bouncing back. Now Roger needs to figure out how to stay up long enough to capture another championship.



#12 SOUR Sour Snails (3-13-1, 10-7)
Six championships, a Finals appearance in 2025, and then… three wins. The Sour Snails’ spectacular collapse in 2026 was one of SlamNation’s biggest surprises, as Trieu’s once-formidable dynasty stumbled to 3-13-1 and finished fifteenth overall. The statistical decline was equally alarming: twelfth in rebounds, eleventh in steals, and fourteenth in turnovers. For a franchise accustomed to setting the standard, something had clearly gone wrong. But anyone expecting Trieu to quietly accept a lengthy rebuild has apparently forgotten who runs this team.

The offseason began with a familiar foundation: Stephen Curry, Scottie Barnes, Deni Avdija, Miles Bridges, Dejounte Murray, and Ajay Mitchell. Then came a blockbuster that completely rewrote the franchise’s future. Trieu sent Barnes and Avdija to SCRM in exchange for Anthony Edwards, Derik Queen, and two 2027 draft picks. It’s a stunning gamble, sacrificing two versatile young stars for a potential franchise centerpiece. Edwards immediately becomes Curry’s heir apparent, while Queen offers another promising frontcourt building block. Suddenly, the Snails’ next era has a recognizable face.

The 2027 draft added further reinforcements. Naz Reid brings scoring and frontcourt versatility, while Jaden McDaniels supplies perimeter defense. Rookie Mikel Brown Jr. offers developmental playmaking, and Dereck Lively II provides much-needed rebounding and rim protection. Jusuf Nurkić adds veteran size and passing, while Cameron Johnson contributes outside shooting. It’s a balanced six-player class that complements the Edwards acquisition, although the additional picks received from SCRM give Trieu even more options for reshaping the roster.

The Snails are suddenly one of SlamNation’s most fascinating teams. Curry remains dangerous, Edwards provides a legitimate superstar successor, and the supporting cast has been thoroughly reworked. But losing Barnes and Avdija sacrifices considerable versatility, and rebuilding a championship defense won’t happen overnight. Trieu didn’t respond to three wins by retreating. He traded for Anthony Edwards. Sour Snails may have hit rock bottom, but apparently they’re planning to leave a crater on the way back up.


#13 SBUK So Buckets (6-11, 10-8)

The So Buckets dynasty has been slowly leaking air since its 2022 championship. After consecutive 10-8 campaigns, Josh’s franchise dropped to 6-11 in 2026, finishing eleventh overall and missing the playoffs. The statistical decline was particularly concerning: fifteenth in rebounds and three-pointers, fourteenth in assists, and twelfth in scoring. Joel Embiid’s ongoing health problems and Kyrie Irving’s injuries left SBUK struggling to generate consistent production. For a franchise accustomed to competing, the message was becoming impossible to ignore: the old championship formula had expired.

Josh finally embraced the transition, moving on from Embiid while retaining Kyrie, Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane, Alex Sarr, Ausar Thompson, and Ace Bailey. It’s a promising foundation built around younger, more versatile talent, although Irving’s durability remains a significant concern. Sarr and Thompson provide defensive upside, while Wagner and Bane anchor the offense. The franchise’s next championship window increasingly depends on its emerging stars rather than its aging veterans.

Then came the offseason’s biggest prize. After moving from sixth to third in the lottery, SBUK participated in the historic four-team trade and emerged with the first overall selection--fulfilling its karmic imbalance. Josh used it on AJ Dybantsa, the electrifying rookie wing widely considered one of the draft’s premier talents. Ryan Rollins adds scoring and playmaking, while Jeremiah Fears brings an upside guard who had a great rookie year last season. Neemias Queta provides interior size and shot-blocking, Oso Ighodaro offers athletic frontcourt versatility, and Zaccharie Risacher arrives as a former number one overall pick with some (hopefully) untapped potential. It’s a draft focused almost entirely on the future.

SBUK probably isn’t ready to return to championship contention immediately, but the rebuild has suddenly become fascinating. Dybantsa, Bailey, Sarr, and Thompson give Josh an extraordinary collection of young talent, while Wagner and Bane provide established production. After years of trying to extend the Embiid era, So Buckets finally turned the page. And with the first overall pick, Josh might have found the perfect opening sentence.



#14 SPDE Spade (12-5, 10-6-2)

Spade has become SlamNation’s most intimidating collection of basketball talent, and Randall doesn’t appear interested in making things fair. After finishing 10-6-2 in 2025, SPDE improved to 12-5 in 2026, securing the fourth playoff seed and establishing itself as one of the league’s premier contenders. The statistical profile was extraordinary: first in blocks, second in field-goal percentage, and third in free-throw percentage. With Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren patrolling the paint, opponents practically needed permission to attempt layups. Somehow, this franchise remains without the championship its roster increasingly seems destined to win.

The keeper core is arguably SlamNation’s strongest. Wembanyama and Holmgren form an unprecedented defensive partnership, while Devin Booker and Tyrese Maxey provide elite perimeter scoring. Tyler Herro adds offensive firepower, and Walker Kessler reinforces an already absurd collection of shot-blockers. The talent is undeniable, although the roster’s overwhelming emphasis on frontcourt defense occasionally leaves other categories vulnerable.

Randall’s 2027 draft added another fascinating collection of veterans and developmental pieces. Damian Lillard, selected thirteenth overall, represents a major gamble on health and a potential offensive windfall if he returns to form. Day’Ron Sharpe adds rebounding and interior physicality, while DeMar DeRozan supplies dependable scoring and playmaking. Rui Hachimura brings efficient forward production, and Jrue Holiday offers defensive versatility and veteran leadership. Finally, Ben Simmons arrives as the ultimate reclamation project, a former All-Star whose fantasy value now depends entirely on whether he can remain healthy and productive. It’s a curious draft, combining championship experience with considerable medical uncertainty.

Spade enters 2027 as an obvious title favorite. Wembanyama and Holmgren provide advantages no other franchise can replicate, and the supporting cast offers extraordinary offensive potential. But championships aren’t awarded for keeper rankings or impressive spreadsheets. Randall has assembled something approaching a fantasy basketball superteam. At this point, anything short of a championship might qualify as underachievement.


#15 ILCN IL Conceived (13-4, 10-7-1)
The doctor is in, and apparently he’s collecting championship rings. After years of battling injuries and postseason frustration, Frank’s IL Conceived finally broke through in 2026, finishing 13-4, earning the top regular-season seed, and defeating FJUB in the Finals. Luka Dončić delivered the championship performance the franchise had been waiting for, while a dramatically improved defense transformed ILCN into SlamNation’s most complete team. The numbers were spectacular: first in scoring, second in rebounds and blocks, and third in three-pointers. For a franchise whose name practically invites medical catastrophe, the season ended with the healthiest possible result: a championship banner.

The keeper core remains exceptional. Dončić and Donovan Mitchell form one of the league’s most explosive offensive partnerships, supported by Paolo Banchero, Jaren Jackson Jr., Darius Garland, and rising youngster Matas Buzelis. It’s a collection of established stars and emerging talent capable of competing for years. The challenge now is defending a championship while navigating the inevitable injuries that seem permanently attached to this franchise.

Frank’s 2027 draft was designed to maintain that dominance. Rudy Gobert returns to anchor the interior defense, while Fred VanVleet provides veteran playmaking and perimeter production. Sophomore Khaman Maluach offers enormous shot-blocking upside, potentially becoming the franchise’s next defensive centerpiece. Christian Braun adds efficient wing production and defensive versatility, while Brook Lopez supplies additional rim protection and outside shooting. The final selection, Shaedon Sharpe, tore his meniscus in preseason, but could be back for a playoff run. This ILCN draft class clearly emphasized defensive depth around an already devastating offense.

ILCN enters 2027 with the championship target firmly attached to its back. Luka remains a fantasy superpower, and the supporting cast is talented enough to withstand ordinary adversity. The real danger is complacency—or another visit from the injury gods. Frank has finally cured IL Conceived’s championship drought. Now comes the follow-up appointment: proving that last season’s breakthrough wasn’t a one-time miracle.



#16 SCRM Screamin’ Eagles (12-5, 12-5-1)
Apparently, winning a championship isn’t enough for Jordan. After capturing the 2025 title behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Screamin’ Eagles traded their franchise centerpiece, retooled around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards, and promptly went 12-5 in 2026. SCRM finished first in field-goal percentage, second in scoring, and third in steals, winning its final seven regular-season matchups. Unfortunately, Gilgeous-Alexander’s postseason absence derailed their title defense. Rather than run it back, Jordan responded with another blockbuster. Because apparently, stability is overrated.

A mid-draft mega-trade sent Anthony Edwards and Derik Queen to SOUR in exchange for Scottie Barnes and Deni Avdija, two versatile forwards who completely reshape the franchise. Edwards was supposed to represent SCRM’s next era after Giannis; instead, his tenure lasted just one season. Barnes and Avdija now join Gilgeous-Alexander, Austin Reaves, Jalen Duren, and Anthony Davis in an exceptionally balanced roster. It’s a fascinating pivot from explosive scoring toward all-around production, with considerably more playmaking, rebounding, and defensive versatility. Jordan has essentially rebuilt a championship contender twice in two years.

The 2027 draft continued that emphasis on youth and flexibility. Collin Murray-Boyles, entering his sophomore season, brings physicality and defensive versatility, while fellow sophomore Egor Demin offers intriguing playmaking from the backcourt. Joan Beringer adds another developmental frontcourt prospect, and Yves Missi supplies rebounding and rim protection. Scoot Henderson, acquired through FUNK’s sixth-round selection in Trade #185, represents a worthwhile gamble on untapped potential. Nique Clifford rounds out the class with athletic wing depth. Jordan also traded away his third-round selection as part of the Edwards blockbuster, making this an unusually unconventional draft haul.

SCRM remains a legitimate championship contender, although the Edwards trade introduces considerable uncertainty. Barnes and Avdija should strengthen the team’s statistical balance, but replacing Edwards’ scoring won’t be automatic. Davis’ health remains another major variable. Still, Jordan has demonstrated a remarkable willingness to reinvent a winning formula rather than cling to it. First Giannis, now Edwards. The Screamin’ Eagles keep trading away superstars, yet somehow never seem to run out of championship ambitions.

Trades: Draft 2027

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Trade ID #183
  • SCRM receives Scottie Barnes and Deni Avdija
  • SOUR receives Anthony Edwards, Derik Queen, 2027 SQSQ RD1.16, and 2027 SCRM RD3.12
Anthony Edwards might be SlamNation’s most desirable unwanted superstar. Originally drafted sixth overall by BUFF in 2021—behind such luminaries as James Wiseman and Killian Hayes—Edwards has now traveled through four franchises: BUFF → CHMK → SCRM → SOUR. His latest move comes just one year after CHMK shipped him to SCRM in the Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster. Apparently, nobody can resist acquiring Ant, but nobody can resist trading him, either.

For SCRM, this is another audacious recalibration. SCRM sacrifices Edwards’ explosive scoring and promising youngster Derik Queen for two versatile, established forwards. Barnes and Avdija should strengthen an already formidable roster built around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, improving its playmaking, rebounding, and defensive flexibility.

Meanwhile, Trieu responds to SOUR’s disastrous three-win season by acquiring a legitimate franchise centerpiece, a promising young big, and two valuable picks. Edwards becomes Stephen Curry’s heir apparent, giving the six-time champions a new identity.

The historical irony? Avdija was drafted fifth in 2021, immediately ahead of Edwards (2021 RD1.6). Five years later, they’re changing franchises in the same transaction.

Four teams, six seasons, and another blockbuster. Ant-Man apparently doesn’t believe in long-term leases.

Trade ID #183
  • MEMM receives Peyton Watson
  • FJUB receives 2027 SOUR RD3.02
Note: This one was pre-draft. Austin continues rebuilding the MonStars by acquiring Peyton Watson, an emerging two-way wing with intriguing defensive upside and an expanding offensive game. For a Memphis franchise desperate for young talent after another three-win season, Watson is a worthwhile addition. Meanwhile, Eric cashes in on Watson’s breakout 2026 campaign, converting him into an early third-round pick. It’s a sensible exchange: MEMM gets a player who can help immediately, while FJUB gets another opportunity to reload after its Finals appearance.

Trade ID #184
  • MELO receive Dillon Brooks
  • TRUO receive 2027 MELO RD3.8
MELO acquires Dillon Brooks from TRUO for a 2027 third-round pick (RD3.8), adding some defensive grit and attitude to MELO’s roster while TRUO continues stockpiling draft capital for his never-ending rebuild--TRUO used the pick to select rookie Kingston Flemings.

Trade ID #185
  • SCRM receives 2027 FUNK RD6.4
  • FUNK receives 2028/2029 SCRM RD6
  • 2028/2029 means one of those years, at SCRM's discretion
SCRM acquires FUNK’s 2027 sixth-round pick (RD6.4) for a future sixth-rounder in either 2028 or 2029 (SCRM’s choice), giving the Eagles immediate draft ammunition while FUNK kicks the can down the road—and lets Jordan decide how far.