with rip and tayshaun (the youngest members of their core) going out in that scenario, that theoretical team would've needed some serious luck with young guys, like popovich-buford type hits on late 1sts and 2nds, to put together a real run.

i think the big 3 celts would've been a better team. dwight's magic and bron's cavs. later, thibs's bulls and bron's heat. that kobe pistons team would be in the mix, sure, but not even favored in a series against any of those teams imo.