Best NBA player to build a team around

If you could choose one player to build an NBA franchise around, who would it be? Would you go for size, speed or shooting prowess?

Sports Illustrated recently asked 137 NBA players who they would choose first if starting a team from scratch.

Many of the typical names popped up including LeBron, Kobe and Blake, but floor generals were the popular choice as six point guards were selected. One Canadian is on the list, as well as three Lakers, two Clippers and two members of the Heat.

Here are the results:

1. Miami Heat small forward LeBron James

2. Orlando Magic centre Dwight Howard

3. Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant

4. Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant

5. Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose

6. Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul

7. Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade

8. Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash

9. Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin

10. New Jersey Nets point guard Deron Williams

11. Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol

12. Boston Celtic point guard Rajon Rondo

13. New Orleans Hornets shooting guard Eric Gordon

14. Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio

15. Los Angeles Lakers centre Andrew Bynum

$(“#poll_9233”).v2Poll({poll_id: 9233});