NBA JAM Preview: Hawks and Celtics

This is the first entry in my team-by-team breakdown of the new version of NBA Jam (coming out on October 5th). Since the Eastern Conference roster is the only one released as of today, we’ll start there.

For reference, here’s information about the game, if you’re not up to speed.

Let’s take the plunge and give a closer look to a couple of hot teams in the East, the Atlanta Hawks and the Boston Celtics.

Atlanta Hawks

Current players: Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Mike Bibby

Legendary: Dominique Wilkins and Spud Webb

The Hawks can court quite the formidable two person squad here. Both Joe Johnson and Josh Smith would be a top team amongst themselves. Mike Bibby seems to be your weakest option here, giving you essentially the same play (with slightly better passing) as Spud Webb, sans leaping ability. Then, of course, there is Wilkins. He is as perfect of an NBA Jam player as you will find.

Best Twosome: Josh Johnson and Dominique Wilkins, but you have a great 4-man option here.

Boston Celtics

Current Players: Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo and  Ray Allen

Legendary: Larry Bird and Kevin McHale

Good luck picking two players out of this roster. Even the weakest Jam roster you can muster will still be unreal. Jesus Shuttlesworth will be lethal from beyond the arc. All five players are shooters. Dunking won’t be this teams emphasis, but being awesome at basketball will.

Best Twosome: Ray Allen and KG, though Larry Legend and KG would be just as good.

What do you think? Let’s get a little discussion going on the Celts and Hawks. Best choices?