2018 BIG3 season preview: Analysis, projections and picks

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 12: Trilogy team co-captain Rashad McCants during the BIG3 2018 Player Draft at Fox Sports Studio on April 12, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rashad McCants
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 12: Trilogy team co-captain Rashad McCants during the BIG3 2018 Player Draft at Fox Sports Studio on April 12, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rashad McCants /
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SEATTLE, WA – AUGUST 20: Stephen Jackson #5 of the Killer 3s reacts on the court in the game against the Ball Hogs in week nine of the BIG3 three-on-three basketball league at KeyArena on August 20, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Christian Petersen/BIG3/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – AUGUST 20: Stephen Jackson #5 of the Killer 3s reacts on the court in the game against the Ball Hogs in week nine of the BIG3 three-on-three basketball league at KeyArena on August 20, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Christian Petersen/BIG3/Getty Images) /

5. Killer 3’s (2017 Record 2-6)

If any team underachieved in the first BIG3 season, it was Killer 3’s. They have a roster that is both talented and dangerous, with quality players like Chauncey Billups and Larry Hughes. Their 2-6 record was somewhat misleading, as they were in every game, but they found themselves lacking a true killer instinct. Luckily, they may have solved that this year with some crucial additions. First of all, this team just got a lot tougher, with Metta World Peace and Stephen Jackson now on board. Yes, that’s right, 14 years after the Malice at the Palace, they finally been reunited, and that alone should make the 3’s the most physically imposing team in the league.

A less-flashy-but-still-important addition is Alan Anderson, a solid 3-point shooter, who, at 35, will be one of the youngest players in the league. Finally, Charles Oakley is returning to coach the team, which means they are likely to fully embraced the hard-nosed style that one would expect from a team with MWP and Jackson in tow. It’s hard not to like what this team has; a solid combination of shooting touch (Billups, Anderson), and an unmatachable intimidation factor. Also enticing is new acquisition Ryan Hollins, who could easily end up leading the league in blocks. Look for this team to have some interesting rotations that flummox their opponents, and look for them to be the most improved team in the league by a wide margin.