I'd like some advice on my OU team. [RMT]

[Crystal]

Hello, I'm Crystal. I play on Shoddy under the name MissHawthorne, so some of you may know me from there. I lurk here on these forums quite a lot despite my low post count. This is the team that I've most recently built, and the one I'm using as my 'regular' team. As such, I'd like to have the opinions of a few of you expert Smogonites, incase I've got any major flaws that have slipped under the radar. Ok...

At a glance...

The Team Building Process:

Alakazam is one of the lesser used psychics, but one cannot ignore the allure of those gigantic 135 SpA and 120 Spe stats. I have a nostalgic relationship with ol' Ala, stretching back into the days of RBY. I wouldn't call the set I theorymoned 'original', since it's largely a copy of a Gengar set, but I haven't really seen the idea for it anywhere else (I'll get to that in 'a closer look').

Magnezone compliments Alakazam very well by being one of the most reliable answers to Scizor available. Combine this with the lovely resistances to Ghost, Dark and Bug (with Ala resisting fighting) - among the other 10 or so types it resists -, and we've got a solid Pokemon. The ability to stop the antics of other steels in general (Skarmory, for example) is a nice feature.

With Scizor and friends being effectively taken care of, I can be liberal with the psychics. Starmie is not completely hopeless against Tyranitar either, thanks to the STAB water. Starmie provides rapid spin support, which is always a lovely thing to have unless your team is Flygon/Claydol/Bronzong/Toxicroak. I typically like to include a water type on my team simply because it's such a great type defensively. Starmie helps to protect my team's already apparent weakness to Scarf Heatran, and Infernape to a lesser extent (which Alakazam obviously cannot switch into). Being able to stop a Gyarados from running me through is great as well. Starmie also seems to be my main status-absorber.

Well, I need a lead. Smeargle doesn't have any particular defensive synergy with its teammates considering its Dugtrio-esque (if that) defenses and lack of resistances. However Starmie can deal with Azelf and Aerodactyl leads somewhat well thanks to Rapid Spin, its typing and its good defenses, so I'm not hopeless against the fast suicide leads. My team likes entry hazards on the opponent's field (excuse the obviousness of that statement) and Smeargle is good at providing them.

Starmie? Magnezone? Alakazam? You are Latias weak! Yes I am. Metagross is a lovely way to stop Latias from doing too much damage. I chose it over Scizor for the extra special bulk. Metagross also provides that much needed physical powerhouse that stops Blissey from being too much of a fat whore.

How can you not fit Salamence into your team? Again a Pokemon which is ordinarily in trouble in the face of Scizor can be used to its fullest potential thanks to Magnezone. Starmie's rapid spin also allows me to overlook the stealth rock weakness, and I really should utilise a Pokemon which makes rapid spin relevant... Salamence serves as my main cleaner lategame, and it is very good at just that. It's also my primary revenge killer against faster (373+) threats.

And there we have it!

A closer look...

Name: Leonardo - Smeargle
Item: Focus Sash
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Spe / 6 Def
Nature: Jolly
Trait: Own Tempo
Move1: Spore
Move2: Stealth Rock
Move3: Spikes
Move4: Endeavour

And here is Smeargle. A set which I'm sure you're somewhat familiar with. This bebe throws a Spore at Swampert, Metagross, Bronzong, Machamp (non Lum), Heatran, Mamoswine, Hippowdon, Tyranitar, Forretress and Empoleon leads, outspeeding every one of them but Heatran and Mamoswine (which are outsped if they lack a speed boosting nature). Smeargle then proceeds to set up Stealth Rock, and spikes if it has time. Usually if I can prevent opposing hazards I'll try and save Smeargle and its sash for later on, so it can return in the face of a wall and throw out some more spikes. Endeavour is standard stuff, even if Smeargle is not at 1 HP, walls such as Blissey lose a huge amount (around 350 points minimum) of their HP regardless.

Name: Glimmer - Starmie
Item: Leftovers
EVs: 136 HP / 156 Def / 216 Spe
Nature: Timid
Trait: Natural Cure
Move1: Thunderbolt
Move2: Recover
Move3:Rapid Spin
Move4: Surf

Nothing awfully exciting here, the standard Starmie with that convenient anti-Gyarados EV spread. Starmie checks some huge threats like Infernape, Heatran and Gyarados while providing some great support with Rapid Spin. Primary status absorber.

Name: Avada - Alakazam
Item: Expert Belt / Life Orb
EVs: 6 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Nature: Timid
Trait: Inner Focus
Move1: Hidden Power [Fire]
Move2: Protect
Move3:Focus Blast
Move4: Psychic

"MysticZam", a moveset which I've been successfully using. This guy is basically a carbon copy of the concept of "MysticGar". This thing is Choice Band Scizor-proof. Protect scouts the move - HP Fire to OHKO if it uses U-Turn or Pursuit, switch out (to Magnezone...) if it uses Bullet Punch. 'Why not use Gengar?!', well, I really like the surprise value of this guy. When people see Alakazam they usually think 'SubEncore' or 'Choice'. If they switch their Tyranitar into Psychic, the lack of leftovers recovery with Expert Belt suggests that Alakazam is a specs user, allowing me to fire off a quick Focus Blast to OHKO all but the most specially defensive variants 70% of the time (stupid accuracy...).

Name: Kedavra - Magnezone
Item: Leftovers
EVs: Need help! Right now I'm using 40 HP / 252 SpA / 216 Spe
Nature: Modest
Trait: Magnet Pull
Move1: Hidden Power [Ice]
Move2: Substitute
Move3: Toxic
Move4: Thunderbolt

The second half of that anti-Scizor combination. In the (really quite likely) event that Alakazam scouts a Bullet Punch from Scizor, I switch straight to this guy. In the (also likely) case that Scizor is a Choice Band variant, I've got it trapped and locked into a x4 resisted attack. From here I set up a Sub and KO it with Thunderbolt. The sub is handy, as after Scizor is KOed I get a free move on the next switch in. In the case of bulky ground types such as Gliscor and Swampert, Hidden Power Ice and Toxic can really mess them up, respectively. Toxic is here because the combination of Toxic/STAB Electric (demonstrated by the annoying SubRoost Zapdos) can be quite threatening. I need help on the EV spread for this guy!

Name: Dia - Metagross
Item: Choice Band
EVs: 252 HP / 244 Atk / 8 Def / 8 Spe
Nature: Adamant
Trait: Clear Body
Move1: Pursuit
Move2: Earthquake
Move3: Explosion / ThunderPunch / Bullet Punch
Move4: Meteor Mash

This Metagross is here primarily to help out against those psychics that wall Alakazam, Latias in particular. Pursuit is a must, and not a lot of people expect a non-uber Metagross to be packing pursuit, which increases my chances of catching a Latias switch. I'm not entirely certain on the third slot, but I'm running Explosion right now since it really is a great emergency move against a Cresselia or Suicune with too many calm minds (for example).

Name: Riddle - Salamence
Item: Choice Scarf
EVs: 252 Atk / 80 SpA / 176 Spe
Nature: Naughty
Trait: Intimidate
Move1: Fire Blast
Move2: Earthquake
Move3: Draco Meteor
Move4: Outrage

The lategame cleaner, revenge killer, and much needed ground immunity. Salamence has excellent defensive and offensive synergy with Metagross and Magnezone. This Pokemon picks up the scraps with its fast, 405 attack Outrage easily smashing through a team left with Pokemon of <50% health. Magnezone's ability to remove steels enhances Outrage's cleaning ability even more, as the only Pokemon that resist the move can be trapped and removed before Salamence's appearance. Earthquake and Fire Blast are obviously still required moves for any steels that DO end up in the way, and as such, this Mence is my team's best answer to Lucario. Draco Meteor is a good 'revenge move' that doesn't lock me in, and allows me to defeat the likes of Gliscor and Hippowdon more easily.

So that's the team. It's win/lose ratio is about 2:1 or 3:1 so far. Thanks for rating! (if you do...).

From Crystal.

 

[Crystal]

Reserved for threat list.

 

[Karrious]

Hello there, Crystal. There are a few structural problems that I want to address and some minor things that I think may make a significant difference. While I plan to only make a few changes to your team, please keep in mind that these things will help better your overall strategy in using Alakazam as your "surprise" factor. There is no point in making a team around Alakazam if you aren't going to use its main selling points.

To start, I see that you have endeavor within your move-set for Smeargle. While it may seem enticing to get your opponent at one percent health, it doesn't even come close to how useful Taunt is. I myself have used both moves, and Taunt beats it by a landslide. The main reason why I say Taunt is more effective is because it has become a well known phenomena that priority moves are becoming more and more popular - with the advent of the suicide Azelf. Also, if you happen to Spore the opponent's lead, you're then able to Taunt any Pokemon that comes in attempting to setup. Therefore, you're able to setup a few layers of entry hazards.

Normally when a person uses Metagross, it is mainly for the added bulk and sweeping abilities through use of Agility. However, in the case of your team, I really see Scizor fitting a better role than Metagross currently is. So instead of immediately being locked into an attack, you can either Pursuit or U-Turn out of a situation. While you may be losing Explosion, the latter mentioned move will almost always take a large majority of the opponent's bulky wall out. Additionally, you wouldn't have another Ground weakness that your Salamence would have to endure, as you don't really have a way to keep Stealth Rock from immediately remaining off the field.

On your team, I'd much rather see Magnezone with a Choice Scarf. The reason why I say this is because Salamence won't be taking many switch-ins from Lucario. After Salamence is down, however, you won't be able to successfully take it out. So why not take out two birds with one stone? If you make this change you'll have ways to trap both Scizor and Lucario. Unfortunately with this change, you won't have as much flexability with error, and you'll find yourself having to predict much more often. This change is completely up to you, just weigh your options.

Finally, the last change that I'm going to suggest is probably the biggest of this whole rate. When originally reading your thread, I assumed that Alakazam would lure certain Pokemon out, along with Starmie. So since you're already luring in Scizor and Tyranitar, why not switch Starmie for Latias. The variant I would suggest is the Life Orb variant because you'll essentially have the same coverage, but much more power behind you. This is the set I suggest:

Latias (F) @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP/252 Spd/252 SAtk
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Thunderbolt
- Recover
- Surf
- Draco Meteor

The set happens to take advantage of your Alakazam's luring, and should provide much more use than Starmie. The only downside to this would be that you're unable to use Rapid Spin anymore, but I didn't really see the need as you've got an offensive team that doesn't really have time to spin and only one Stealth Rock weakness. Overall, I think this change will benefit you the most.

Enjoy the team!

 

[BurtonEarny]

Have you tried this smeargle?

Smeargle @ choice scarf
252 Spe/ 252 Hp/ 4 Def
Switcheroo
Spikes
Stealth Rock
Spore
-faster than any of the suicide leads and can cripple things like swampert. Jirachi is about the only common lead that reliably kills it before it gets to do anything. But luckily for you the same move that they will use to ko smeargle will turn him into Magnezone bait. Just a thought... Also beware metagross w/ lum.

 

[Crystal]

Hello there, Crystal. There are a few structural problems that I want to address and some minor things that I think may make a significant difference. While I plan to only make a few changes to your team, please keep in mind that these things will help better your overall strategy in using Alakazam as your "surprise" factor. There is no point in making a team around Alakazam if you aren't going to use its main selling points.

Alakazam's selling points being...? Other than the specially offensive stats, which are in fact being used.

To start, I see that you have endeavor within your move-set for Smeargle. While it may seem enticing to get your opponent at one percent health, it doesn't even come close to how useful Taunt is. I myself have used both moves, and Taunt beats it by a landslide. The main reason why I say Taunt is more effective is because it has become a well known phenomena that priority moves are becoming more and more popular - with the advent of the suicide Azelf. Also, if you happen to Spore the opponent's lead, you're then able to Taunt any Pokemon that comes in attempting to setup. Therefore, you're able to setup a few layers of entry hazards.

Taunt is a good move, but it just seems a little redundant in the sense that Spore stops opposing set up just as well, and Smeargle isn't really fast enough to be trying to stop suicide setups. Honestly Endeavour is nice because I like the ability to actually deal damage. With Smeargle I'm honestly more worried about direct attacks ruining its setup than opposing setup.

Normally when a person uses Metagross, it is mainly for the added bulk and sweeping abilities through use of Agility. However, in the case of your team, I really see Scizor fitting a better role than Metagross currently is. So instead of immediately being locked into an attack, you can either Pursuit or U-Turn out of a situation. While you may be losing Explosion, the latter mentioned move will almost always take a large majority of the opponent's bulky wall out. Additionally, you wouldn't have another Ground weakness that your Salamence would have to endure, as you don't really have a way to keep Stealth Rock from immediately remaining off the field.

I am using Metagross for the added bulk. Metagross is also more reliable than Scizor against Latias because it's not OHKOed by the increasingly common LO HP Fire. Scizor was considered for this role, but I ultimately decided that I use Scizor too much in other teams and I want something a little different...

On your team, I'd much rather see Magnezone with a Choice Scarf. The reason why I say this is because Salamence won't be taking many switch-ins from Lucario. After Salamence is down, however, you won't be able to successfully take it out. So why not take out two birds with one stone? If you make this change you'll have ways to trap both Scizor and Lucario. Unfortunately with this change, you won't have as much flexability with error, and you'll find yourself having to predict much more often. This change is completely up to you, just weigh your options.

I will admit that my Lucario weakness is a little worrying, but the main reason for using Sub/Toxic Magnezone was to allow Scizor Bullet Punches lured by Alakazam to provide a setup oppurtunity, keeping the momentum in my favour with the revenge-protection of the sub. However, if Lucario proves to be a persistent threat, I will definitely consider making the change.

Finally, the last change that I'm going to suggest is probably the biggest of this whole rate. When originally reading your thread, I assumed that Alakazam would lure certain Pokemon out, along with Starmie. So since you're already luring in Scizor and Tyranitar, why not switch Starmie for Latias. The variant I would suggest is the Life Orb variant because you'll essentially have the same coverage, but much more power behind you. This is the set I suggest:

Latias (F) @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP/252 Spd/252 SAtk
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Thunderbolt
- Recover
- Surf
- Draco Meteor

The set happens to take advantage of your Alakazam's luring, and should provide much more use than Starmie. The only downside to this would be that you're unable to use Rapid Spin anymore, but I didn't really see the need as you've got an offensive team that doesn't really have time to spin and only one Stealth Rock weakness. Overall, I think this change will benefit you the most.

Starmie's being used mainly for rapid spin, but I will admit that my team isn't terribly troubled by entry hazards. Latias honestly does seem like a good choice. This is the most likely change I'd make, but I'm wondering if I should use a bulkier variant such as the special sponging set? Heatran and some Infernape can prove troublesome to my team. The main downside of using Latias is that it's slightly more vulnerable to Tyranitar than Starmie is (if only for the fact that Tar seems to be less reluctant to switch into Latias than Starmie). Hmm.

Enjoy the team!

Comments made inside the quoting.

 

[Vapor Trails]

Name: Glimmer - Starmie
Item: Leftovers
EVs: 136 HP / 156 Def / 216 Spe
Nature: Timid
Trait: Natural Cure
Move1: Thunderbolt
Move2: Recover
Move3: Rapid Spin
Move4: Surf

When I first saw this, I was thinking, "Hmm.... I see a weakness..."
That weakness is Rotom-C.(or really any Rotom form.)
First off, Rapid Spin is blocked really by any Rotom form.
That, to me, is their main purpose.
Secondly, all of them will Thunderbolt or Discharge it, then if they have Shadow Ball, they will use that.
Thirdly, Rotom-C blasts this to oblivion with Leaf Storm.
Even if you Surf, no EV's added into SpA will not OHKO one.
The Speed EV's will be wasted, even if you are faster than the Rotom at first. If the Rotom is carrying Will-O-Wisp or Thunderwave, which drops your speed, you probably will be forced to switch out.
I use Rotom-H or C, but the effect is still the same. Here's it's set:

Rotom-(H or C) @ Leftovers
Nature: Bold
EV's: 252 HP/ 168 (Def Or SpD) / 88 Speed
Thunderbolt (Rotom-H) / Discharge (Rotom-C)
Shadow Ball (Rotom-H) / Aura Sphere( Rotom-C)
Overheat(Rotom-H) /Leaf Storm (Rotom-C)
Will-O-Wisp

[QUOTE-Crystal;2246354] Nothing awfully exciting here, the standard Starmie with that convenient anti-Gyarados EV spread. Starmie checks some huge threats like Infernape, Heatran and Gyarados while providing some great support with Rapid Spin. Primary status absorber. [/QUOTE]

That depends on the set. The set I run is:
Heatran (M) @ Leftovers
Nature: Timid (-Atk, + Speed)
EV's: 252 HP / 252 Speed/ 4 SpA
Magma Storm
Torment
Protect
Substitute

The unholy stall Heatran.
The main idea behind this Heatran is this:
Torment (so that you can't use the same move twice in a row). then
Substitute (To provide what the name is), then
Protect,, then finally Magma Storm.
The way it works is to first Torment. This prevents the best super effective move from being used twice in a row..
Then Protect, thereby preventing the super effective move from hitting that time.
Substitute is next.
It's used to set a substitute up when the opponent uses the next attacking move they have (if they have one.)
Next turn, you use Protect again, doing what I said earlier.
Next, if the substitute is still up, Magma Storm.
Otherwise, another Substitute is in order.
Repeat as needed.



Suicide Lead Azelf can utterly set up your demise.
Look at this set:
Azelf @ Focus Sash
Nature: Naive
EV's: 4 Atk/ 252 SpA /252 Speed
Stealth Rock
Psychic/Flamethrower/Fire Blast
Explosion
Taunt

First off, Taunt prevents Smeargle from using Spore, thereby stopping you from getting any sort of entry hazard in.
If the opponent goes with Stealth Rock, you probably need to switch in Starmie, right?
If you do that, it probably will explode, therefore taking Starmie out. (I think)
If you choose not to switch out, Azelf will explode, therefore killing Smeargle.
If you switch in Starmie next, to get rid of the SR, the Rotom sets I mentioned above willl stop that from happening.
If Starmie dies, there is a weakness to DDGyarados.
Either way, you may have soeme problems with a team like that (especially mine.)

 

[Crystal]

When I first saw this, I was thinking, "Hmm.... I see a weakness..."
That weakness is Rotom-C.(or really any Rotom form.)
First off, Rapid Spin is blocked really by any Rotom form.
That, to me, is their main purpose.
Secondly, all of them will Thunderbolt or Discharge it, then if they have Shadow Ball, they will use that.
Thirdly, Rotom-C blasts this to oblivion with Leaf Storm.
Even if you Surf, no EV's added into SpA will not OHKO one.
The Speed EV's will be wasted, even if you are faster than the Rotom at first. If the Rotom is carrying Will-O-Wisp or Thunderwave, which drops your speed, you probably will be forced to switch out.
I use Rotom-H or C, but the effect is still the same. Here's it's set:

Rotom-(H or C) @ Leftovers
Nature: Bold
EV's: 252 HP/ 168 (Def Or SpD) / 88 Speed
Thunderbolt (Rotom-H) / Discharge (Rotom-C)
Shadow Ball (Rotom-H) / Aura Sphere( Rotom-C)
Overheat(Rotom-H) /Leaf Storm (Rotom-C)
Will-O-Wisp

Nothing awfully exciting here, the standard Starmie with that convenient anti-Gyarados EV spread. Starmie checks some huge threats like Infernape, Heatran and Gyarados while providing some great support with Rapid Spin. Primary status absorber.

That depends on the set. The set I run is:
Heatran (M) @ Leftovers
Nature: Timid (-Atk, + Speed)
EV's: 252 HP / 252 Speed/ 4 SpA
Magma Storm
Torment
Protect
Substitute

The unholy stall Heatran.
The main idea behind this Heatran is this:
Torment (so that you can't use the same move twice in a row). then
Substitute (To provide what the name is), then
Protect,, then finally Magma Storm.
The way it works is to first Torment. This prevents the best super effective move from being used twice in a row..
Then Protect, thereby preventing the super effective move from hitting that time.
Substitute is next.
It's used to set a substitute up when the opponent uses the next attacking move they have (if they have one.)
Next turn, you use Protect again, doing what I said earlier.
Next, if the substitute is still up, Magma Storm.
Otherwise, another Substitute is in order.
Repeat as needed.



Suicide Lead Azelf can utterly set up your demise.
Look at this set:
Azelf @ Focus Sash
Nature: Naive
EV's: 4 Atk/ 252 SpA /252 Speed
Stealth Rock
Psychic/Flamethrower/Fire Blast
Explosion
Taunt

First off, Taunt prevents Smeargle from using Spore, thereby stopping you from getting any sort of entry hazard in.
If the opponent goes with Stealth Rock, you probably need to switch in Starmie, right?
If you do that, it probably will explode, therefore taking Starmie out. (I think)
If you choose not to switch out, Azelf will explode, therefore killing Smeargle.
If you switch in Starmie next, to get rid of the SR, the Rotom sets I mentioned above willl stop that from happening.
If Starmie dies, there is a weakness to DDGyarados.
Either way, you may have soeme problems with a team like that (especially mine.)

First; Rotom beats my Starmie indeed. Other members of my team such as Salamence, and to a lesser extent Alakazam can KO Rotom. Magnezone also resists choice Rotom's STAB combo (only fearing Overheat) and can set a sub up, or toxic it. Rotom is annoying to most teams, but I don't think my team is extra scared of it.

Second, Torment Heatran will be effectively unable to actually hurt Starmie without toxic spikes, which I can just spin away anyway. I can alternate between Thunderbolt and Surf, recovering off Lava Plume and switching out of burns. Torment Heatran may be tough to get through, but it's definitely not getting past Starmie either. I was also refering to Choice and Life Orb Heatran variants which are more common than Torment.

Third. I'm quite familiar with lead Azelf, it would be patronizing to assume that I'm not. If lead Azelf was crucial to deciding a lead, Smeargle, Roserade, and friends wouldn't be used at all. Starmie, Metagross and Salamence can all deal with it to some extent.

 

[franky]

Nice team here, really unique. Don't wanna change much, but I feel like Metagross is the weakest link here. Scizor fills in the cake when you want to find a replacement. Its practically the same role they are done except the fact Scizor can check a wide array of threats, as well as check Blissey through the course of the entire match. Scizor is usually the best switch in to Blissey because you get a free U-turn. Other things Scizor does is strip HP off typical "u-turn absorbers" like Gyarados, Zapdos, Rotom, which helps Alakazam OHKO them late game, as well as Salamence. The EVs are 248 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spe at an Adamant nature and item Choice Band with the movesets U-turn / Bullet Punch / Pursuit / Superpower. The standard set, the face of OU, and pretty much self explanitory here. Bullet Punch covers Salamence mostly, and faster folks. Pursuit deals with Latias and Gengar while Superpower completes the coverage up. I'd advise you to strictly spam U-turn and use Bullet Punch when needed.

As for other options, Choice Scarf Magnezone is great with Hidden Power Fire / Thunderbolt / Explosion / Flash Cannon. Scarf is needed to check Lucario, otherwise it can take the team pretty well. With Spikes and SR, it shouldnt be hard to place Lucario at OHKO range with Thundebolt. Fire for Scizor, Explosion to attract Blissey while Flash Cannon is a filler STAB move. There is no reason to run Scarf on mence now, go for standard DD Mence with Life Orb to actually soften up lots of walls and enough for Alakzam to sweep shit. With Rapid Spin support, Salamence with DD is incredibley hard to revenge now as CB Bullet Punch will fail to OHKO you now even with Life Orb factored in. overall gl.

 

[Vapor Trails]

Second, Torment Heatran will be effectively unable to actually hurt Starmie without toxic spikes, which I can just spin away anyway. I can alternate between Thunderbolt and Surf, recovering off Lava Plume and switching out of burns. Torment Heatran may be tough to get through, but it's definitely not getting past Starmie either. I was also refering to Choice and Life Orb Heatran variants which are more common than Torment.

I didn't just mean Starmie when I said that, I meant almost anything.
The original way this was supposed to work was as a Scizor wall, but it can be used for a number of things.
It can and will almost always force a switch if anything gets burned (due to the 50% burn chance and the loss of Speed.)
Starmie is lucky that it has Natural Cure, otherwise Heatran would switch out to probably a Rotom form.
To at least deal with a Rotom form, halve the Def EV's and put one half into SpD and the other half leave in Def.
It gives you coverage on both Gyarados and Rotom, which somewhat helps the problems I posted earlier.

 

[Crystal]

I didn't just mean Starmie when I said that, I meant almost anything.
The original way this was supposed to work was as a Scizor wall, but it can be used for a number of things.
It can and will almost always force a switch if anything gets burned (due to the 50% burn chance and the loss of Speed.)
Starmie is lucky that it has Natural Cure, otherwise Heatran would switch out to probably a Rotom form.
To at least deal with a Rotom form, halve the Def EV's and put one half into SpD and the other half leave in Def.
It gives you coverage on both Gyarados and Rotom, which somewhat helps the problems I posted earlier.

The EV spread on Starmie guarantees survival from a +1 LO Adamant Gyarados' Earthquake or Stone Edge after Stealth rock damage, so splitting the EVs would lose this. Also, Heatran's unboosted fire attacks won't be easily beating Starmie without special defense EVs, and with special defense EVs Rotom still easily beats Starmie with its STAB attacks.. so...

Nice team here, really unique. Don't wanna change much, but I feel like Metagross is the weakest link here. Scizor fills in the cake when you want to find a replacement. Its practically the same role they are done except the fact Scizor can check a wide array of threats, as well as check Blissey through the course of the entire match. Scizor is usually the best switch in to Blissey because you get a free U-turn. Other things Scizor does is strip HP off typical "u-turn absorbers" like Gyarados, Zapdos, Rotom, which helps Alakazam OHKO them late game, as well as Salamence. The EVs are 248 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spe at an Adamant nature and item Choice Band with the movesets U-turn / Bullet Punch / Pursuit / Superpower. The standard set, the face of OU, and pretty much self explanitory here. Bullet Punch covers Salamence mostly, and faster folks. Pursuit deals with Latias and Gengar while Superpower completes the coverage up. I'd advise you to strictly spam U-turn and use Bullet Punch when needed.

As for other options, Choice Scarf Magnezone is great with Hidden Power Fire / Thunderbolt / Explosion / Flash Cannon. Scarf is needed to check Lucario, otherwise it can take the team pretty well. With Spikes and SR, it shouldnt be hard to place Lucario at OHKO range with Thundebolt. Fire for Scizor, Explosion to attract Blissey while Flash Cannon is a filler STAB move. There is no reason to run Scarf on mence now, go for standard DD Mence with Life Orb to actually soften up lots of walls and enough for Alakzam to sweep shit. With Rapid Spin support, Salamence with DD is incredibley hard to revenge now as CB Bullet Punch will fail to OHKO you now even with Life Orb factored in. overall gl.

Thanks for the advice. When building the team I really imagined the Alakazam / Magnezone combination softening everything up and then cleaning up with Salamence's scarf Outrage, but I do see that it is possible to switch the roles. The extra Lucario safety is nice, but from all the matches I've played so far, Salamence (and even Starmie) have been checking it just fine. The second I get swept by Lucario I'll make the change though. Scizor is another good idea, the main reason I'm keeping Metagross for now is when I switch into Latias' Dragon moves and take about 45% from its HP Fire, it's a situation in which Scizor would be a goner (unless Latias was low health and it stayed in for a BP). Metagross is just seeming more reliable as a Latias check. Metagross isn't a terrible answer to Blissey either thanks to Pursuit, and the fact that Pokemon like Skarmory and Foretress trying to absorb Meteor Mash can be easily met with Magnezone. I'll take your ideas into consideration. :)