With the intensely climactic (and assuredly bloody) Battle of Winterfell looming and the NBA Playoffs in full swing, it got us wondering: who would be in the Ultimate Starting 5 of Westerosi Warriors?
Would you opt for size to bang it down low in the post with the likes of Tormund, The Hound, and The Mountain?
Or are you a run-and-gun type looking for quickness provided by the likes of Arya, Grey Worm, and Daario Naharis?
Maybe you just want a team of A-Listers like Jon Snow, Jaime Lannister, and Daenerys?
Whatever your personal preference may be, it’s unfortunately irrelevant, as we believe we’ve nailed the ultimate Game of Thrones All-Star lineup.
Editor’s Note: this list was compiled of characters who are *ALIVE* heading into the Battle of Winterfell.
Point Guard: Grey Worm
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While part of me obviously wanted to slot in Arya at the point guard position, it’s important to remember that the point guard is supposed to be a field general, an extension of the coach, and a leader … and that is not what Arya is, as she’s essentially the definition of a loner.
Greyworm, however, is both a renowned leader (of the Unsullied) and a loyal servant, which means he is as qualified as anyone in the realm to execute the gameplan that’s given to him.
Combined with his undeniable skills on the battlefield, although ball-less, Greyworm is an obvious choice for the Westerosi starting five.
Shooting Guard: Jon Snow (Captain)
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You didn’t think Jon Snow wasn’t going to make this list, did you?
Not only is he both the Captain and the MVP, but most importantly, he’s the grit, heart, and soul of the team.
Small Forward: Beric Dondarrion
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I know what you’re thinking … Beric Dondarrion, really? With the likes of Arya, Bronn, and Jorah still on the board? And trust me, no one loves Bronn more than your boy, but I feel as though Beric has gone largely underrated throughout the entirety of the show.
People forget this (as it was all the way back in Season One & the character has since been recast), but it was Beric himself who was actually tasked by Ned Stark to capture the Mountain, who was off raising hell by doing evil Mountain things.
And if you’ve got the trust of Ned Stark to go fight arguably the most terrifying person in the world, you’ve gotta be doing something right.
Oh, and he’s also effectively immortal (although, now that Thoros of Myr is dead, that’s yet to be confirmed) and wields a flaming sword.
So, yeah, I’m going to go out on a limb and say the immortal flaming-sword-wielding man who earned the trust of Ned Stark to go apprehend one of the realm’s most notorious murderers definitely deserves a spot in my Starting 5.
Plus, the small forward is usually tasked with guarding the opponent’s best player, so if there is anyone I trust to temporarily hold off the Night King, it’s Beric, his Lord of Light magic, and his flaming sword.
Power Forward: The Hound
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Speaking of The Mountain, his younger and kinder brother The Hound is an obvious selection for the Westerosi Starting 5.
Yes, his whole “fear of fire” thing is certainly a weakness, but as far as pure combat skills and power goes, there are few men in the realm as skilled, powerful, and as frightening as The Hound.
Center: Ser Brienne of Tarth
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There are very smart people who argue that Brienne of Tarth is the most complete warrior in Westeros, and I, for one, will not be the one foolish enough to disagree.
The Giannis Antetokounmpo of Westeros, Brienne of Tarth has the ultimate combination of size, speed, and skill that simply cannot be matched by anyone else, alive or dead.
6th Man: Ser Bronn of the Blackwater
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Yes, I retroactively added a sixth-man category to this article so I could figure out a way to squeeze Bronn in, so what? People forget that Bronn has been lowkey one of the deadliest men in all of Westeros since the series began.
One of my favorite moments from the early seasons — probably season two because Tyrion is back in King’s Landing — is during this scene in the Throne Room when Joffrey is abusing Sansa.
As Tyrion storms in to put an end to Joffrey’s sociopathic behavior, he tells Bronn “the next time Ser Meryn [Trant] speaks, kill him.”
Trant — an esteemed member of the Kingsguard, mind you — doesn’t say another god damn word.
And who can forget that pre-Battle of the Blackwater faceoff with the Hound? Not only is my man fearless, but he’s cocky and he’s got the tools to back up his talk. That’s everything you need in a sixth man.
Coach: Ser Davos Seaworth
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Kind, just, fair, cunning, intelligent, and empathetic, it took Jon Snow about 6 seconds to appoint Davos as his main advisor. That should tell you everything you need to know.
