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richmo · 02-21-2013, 06:21 PM

Welcome to The Circuit! The Circuit is a league-wide culmination of everything that’s going on in the Association, all in one spot. I don’t use any particular team but instead control all 30, allowing the CPU to run its natural course and only step in when I feel necessary. This is an 82-game season and I aim to do a week every 1-2 days if life permits me.

I’ve already gotten a couple years deep into the association so a lot has transpired since then. So, to catch y’all up on what’s happened since the events of the real-life season, let me break it down for y’all:

PLAYER MOVEMENT

Jason Kidd was the first of the greats to let it go while KG and Steve Nash retired to the Hall of Fame in 2014, same for Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki the following season.

·In the 2013 offseason Iguodala signed with the Jazz. Josh Smith was traded to SAC for Marcus Thornton, James Johnson and (I believe) a future pick

·In the 2014 offseason, Monta Ellis and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute of the Bucks were involved in a trade which also featured Carlos Boozer and a future pick

·The same offseason, Melo left the Knicks for the Mavericks and Zach Randolph joined the Los Angeles Lakers (yes, with their big 3 still attached)

·In the 2015 offseason, Boston was headed a new direction and attempted to send Paul Pierce to division rival Philadelphia for Evan Turner and Dorrell Wright

·Amare signed with the Celtics

·2014 offseason, Heat signed Ginobili in his last year. 2015, they sign JR Smith, Carlos Boozer, and Nick Collison

·Despite putting up his best shooting numbers of his career, Chris Bosh left the shadows of Miami and joined the Knicks were he would be a bonafide #1 option.

Rudy Gay joined 2013 #3 overall selection and All-Star David Pierce in 2014

NBA Champions

·The Lakers won the 2013 ‘chip vs. the Chicago Bulls with Dwight Howard as playoff MVP. The Bulls then won the next two championships against the Thunder and again the Lakers respectively (this one with the help of Monta Ellis) D-Rose won both Finals MVPs.

·Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and Derrick Rose all won the MVP from 2013 to 2015.

COACHES

· Bobcats this season sporting a new 1^st year coach (B grade in O,D, and Teaching) Douglas McLeod: Defensive minded who on offense encourages his players to play at a fast tempo and take quick shots. Has a thing for fast, perimeter defensive players.

· Kelvin Benjamin becomes Bucks new head coach. He’s also one of the better defensive coaches in the league (A’s all around) who focuses primarily on posting the ball up, and if not that then getting to the basket through drives.

· Doc Rivers retires and is replaced by Lonny Sweetney, another A all-around coach. Offensively he focuses on the outside shot (mid and 3), though he does like to emphasize ball movement and a slow tempo first.

· Though offensively limited (C) Dell Cook of the Kings may be the best defensive coach in the league next to Tom Thibodeau, and is a great players’ coach as well. Offensive focus is primarily the close/mid range followed by dribble penetration, and defensively he makes it a staple not to get burned in transition. He prefers skilled defensive players and if you do not play D, you won’t play for him.

· NY Knicks coach Stan Wingate is another of the defensive-minded breed. He runs a run n’ gun offense with the post-up as a secondary option. He favors the drive the least, but harps his players about taking inside shots. On defense his players will sag off the ball, encouraging lower-percentage shots.

· Barney Flanders of the Nets is a pretty average coach. He tells his players to take the first shot opportunity they get, especially if it’s from 3.

· Raptors coach Greg Barker is one of the better offensive coaches in the league, in which his team moves the ball crisply and with purpose. However, they regularly look for easy opportunities in transition to score.

· And finally, Rudy Paxson of the Timberwolves is an offensive-minded coach who takes on the personality of his current best player, Kevin Love; He encourages all of his players to crash the boards and receive second chance points at any cost.

DRAFTEES

2013

Spoiler

SG David Pierce

(Orlando Magic): 3rd pick of the 2013 NBA draft…

2014 Rookie of the Year

2015 All-Star (Averaged 22.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.7 steals)

At 6’4” 216 lbs, he is a bit under-sized for his position but makes up for it with elite athleticism and intelligence. A super-explosive lefty with possibly the highest vertical in the league, Pierce is a threat to smash it on your head every time he attacks, and is also a crowd-pleaser (Posterizer/Highlight Film). That’s not all he can do, though, as he can finish layups through traffic at a high right (Finisher) and if he can’t get to the rim can use his deadly mid-range game (87 mid, Shot Creator) to create his own shot. Contains great speed/quickness for a 2-guard (92/93) with serviceable handles (86) which allows him to beat his man off the dribble consistently. He needs work defensively but if he can increase his level of play just a notch, will be a superstar in a matter of time.

PF/C Chuck Dash

(Minnesota Timberwolves): 11th pick of the 2013 NBA Draft

Averaged 20.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 blocks on 55% shooting in sophomore campaign

An athletic big out of Washington State, is more of a finesse dunker rather than a power dunker (Highlight Film). Is dangerous in the paint, can finish with contact (Finisher) and even has a nice faceup game. Has improved his footwork and the touch on his hook shot (Post Proficiency). Is an aggressive attacker of the basket and his speed and agility allows him to get around most bigs with ease (73 speed/67 quickness). Has average strength for a PF but shows lack of technique in the post defensively (68 DPost). Is a good rebounder though it doesn’t show due to playing beside Kevin Love. Has the potential to be a 1st Team All-NBA talent if he can rectify these issues

PF/C Andrew Hill

(Cleveland Cavaliers): 8th pick of the 2013 NBA Draft

An absolute athletic freak-of-nature: at 6’11” with 250 solid pounds of muscle, Hill might be the most athletic big in the league. Is on extremely elite levels of speed and quickness (81/80) for a big and also has major hops for someone his size (90 vert) and is strong enough to hold his own in the post. However, he has a sub-par post game with slightly above-average touch from 10-18 ft. out. Has a solid post defense (81) and can block shots at a good enough rate (81) but is not as good a help defender (68). He has all the athletic tools to become an all-time great, but his potential only reads that he’ll marginally improve his game.

C Dane Tyler

(Toronto Raptors): 14th pick of the 2013 NBA Draft

At 6’11” 288, hailing from Australia, Dane Tyler is a physically dominating force with a lot of skill sprinkled in. For someone that size, his footspeed is tremendous (70). He’s an effective post player, though not one of the league’s best (84 OPost) who can hit the post fade at a high rate (88). His inside finishing ability is top notch and his touch from close and mid-range is lethal, making his faceup game also a threat. He’s a scrappy player who has a nice sized motor. He rarely misses a streak of shots in a row (Anti-Freeze). Is a good enough shot blocker but his defensive intelligence leaves much to be desired (57), which will come with time seeing as he started playing ball at 17. It’s impressive how far he’s already come and with his work ethic he can reach the HoF.

SG/PG J.P. Elliott

(Detroit Pistons): 15th pick of the 2013 NBA Draft

A terrific athletic all-around 2-way player. Not a great shooter but is quick enough to get to the rim and when he does, has a knack for finishing layups, though he’s not too good with a defender or crowd of defenders around him. His above-average court vision (64 pass) allows him to spend some time at the Point, but his average handles (78) discourages full-time usage at the spot. Is a pass-lane thief (Interceptor) and a top-flight perimeter defender in the league (88 On-ball D/Lockdown Defender) and his ability to defend the post (72 DPost) allows him to guard positions 1-3. About average offensive and defensive IQ (72/76). Will at most be a fringe star because his offense will be limited but he will be a quality starter for any team.

2014

Spoiler

Averaged 19.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.7 APG and 1.5 SPG on 47%/31%/80% in 33.3 MPG as a rookie

Hale may have the quickest first step of any swingman in the league (96 quickness). This coupled with his explosive hops (90 vert/85 dunk) and ability to either finish with contact or around contact (Finisher/Acrobat) makes him one of the deadliest inside threats from the perimeter the league has. He also sports a nice close-range pull up to catch the defense off-guard (88 close range). It is still sketchy but his post game has potential to grow significantly; he prefers to take his attempts closer to the basket and his fadeaway from the post is efficient enough to use every-so-often (70 PFade). In the 4th quarter his game rises to a new level (Closer), and that’s when he’s at his most aggressive attacking the rim. He hustles for every loose ball and is a crowd favorite (94 emotion). He has a high probability of becoming a perennial All-Star at his current rate.

SG Eric Osbourne

(Milwaukee Bucks): 2nd pick of the 2014 NBA Draft

2015 Rookie of the Year

Averaged 21.4 PPG, 4.2 RPG and 4.5 APG on 49%/37%/85% in 33.7 MPG

The league’s best performing freshman last year, Eric Osbourne certainly could hold the title for best scorer from the 2014 class as he played higher than expectations. An efficient shooter from all over, he has the talent to make shots off the dribble (78) or as a spot-up-shooter making him a valuable asset in any offense. That’s not all he is, though, as he attacks the rim as much as anyone (99 Drive) and can finish decently well (86 layup). Is an underrated passer (60). Even though he shot almost 50% from the field last year, he still has times where he goes frozen (69 consistency). Has perennial All-Star potential.

PG Qu’Raan Stone

(Orlando Magic): 6th pick of the 2014 NBA draft

Averaged 10.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, and 8.1 APG on 42%/32%/78% in 34 MPG

Stone’s athleticism is comparable to Derrick Rose’s but about a click below, and doesn’t attack as much as he does. He didn’t shoot well in his rookie campaign but is capable of much more, as he’s improved his shot creation. His handles are also a notch below the elite’s but not bad at all. He has a chance to become one of the elite passers at over 9+ a game in just a couple years. Defensively out the gate he is solid (80 OBD), has big, quick hands (92/Active Hands). Many times last year he hit a rookie wall which shows in his consistency, but he’s almost the perfect player you want next to a budding superstar like David Pierce as he can create his own shot as well as get others theirs.

richmo · 02-21-2013, 08:05 PM

2015-2016 NBA Pre-Season Power Rankings

1.

(63-19) – The reigning 2x champions, it’s no surprise that a team that kept a high majority of the team intact is #1. With their top players all still in their prime, there’s no reason they shouldn’t be favorites to 3-peat. | Projection: (60-22)

2.

(54-28) – Regardless of their inability to make the Finals last season, they still have two MVPs on the team and are possibly the best match for the Bulls, but they have to go through the Timberwolves first. | Projection: (55-27)

3. (40-42) –It’s been 11 years since the Wolves secured a playoff berth and while close last year, it didn’t quite cut it. However, they’ve built up some chemistry and with their 10-man deep roster headlined by the big-man duo of Kevin Love and Chuck Dash (as well as their 4^th overall 2015 selection PF Calvin Tate) they are expected to compete for a WCF title. | Projection: (53-29)

4. (58-24) – Miami’s “Big 3” is no longer a “Big 3” due to Chris Bosh’s departure this past offseason, but he was replaced with a little more depth in the form of JR Smith, Carlos Boozer, Chandler Parsons and Nick Collison, all 1^st time Heats. Norris Cole also has made great strides, working his way as the Heat’s new starting PG. With their added depth, LeBron and Wade should have no problem making this team a tough challenger for the east. Projection: (54-28)

5. (37-45) – Orlando has made great strides in just 3 years time. Going from a bottom-dweller to a fringe playoff team, this year the obvious next expected step is the playoffs. Whether through great drafting or free agent signings, the Magic’s front office is doing a fantastic job of rebuilding from the “Dwightmare” saga. They also have one of the better defensive benches in the league, featuring defensive anchor Omer Asik and lockdown defender Arron Afflalo. I’m thinking 4th seed, Orlando fans, and so should you. Projection: (52-30)

6.

(55-27) – At 55 and 27 last season the Pacers remained one of the East’s top teams and they expect to do the same this year. Their roster has barely changed in the last 3 years barring non-rotational players but there’s been no real need to when this group gets along as well as any team. The biggest concern for them is their depth past the 7^th man and whether Paul George can step up and burst out as the elite scorer we all know he is capable of being. Projection: (52-30)

7.

(41-41) – The Lakers put up a disappointing regular season considering the 41-split W/L record but redeemed themselves by, as an 8^th seed, making it to the Finals and going 7 games with the defending champions. With Pau Gasol now with the Hornets, they expect to start Zach Randolph over the 15^th overall selection in last years’ draft Grant Jones, a face-up big known in college for setting great screens and following his shots on the offensive glass. They may have improved depth but is it enough to give Kobe his 7^th title? Projection: (46-36)

8. (50-32) – With the lack of a true perimeter off-ball scorer, the 76ers gave up some youth and depth to the rebuilding Celtics in exchange for Paul Pierce. Now with an inside-outside threat, even if only for one last Pierce run, the win-now 76ers want to prove they’re more than just a good team. Projection: (51-31)

9. (46-36) – The Mavericks have added Center Enes Kanter to play in the middle which should help their rebounding numbers. With Carmelo as the lead scorer and OJ as the second option they should at least make the playoffs but their defense may hold them back. Projection: (47-35)

10. 45-37) – The Clippers seemed to not make many off-season moves with the exception of signing defensive specialist PJ Tucker who they named the Starter just a few days ago. Blake Griffin has finally showed a semblance of a post game and CP3 is nearing the end of his prime also, so will the surrounding pieces be enough to take them to the promised land? Projection: (46-36)

11. (51-31) – Much like the Pacers, the Nuggets core has barely changed (exception of Iguodala). And it’s bringing regular season success but the lack of having that true elite scorer is hurting them in the post-season. Unless they make a serious move, expect more of the same. Projection: (50-32)

12.

(51-31) – Thanks to the emergence of Andre Drummond as an All-Star, the Pistons have elevated themselves to a top Eastern Conference squad, with a top-6 ranked defense last year spearheaded by JP Elliott and Brandon Knight on the perimeter. No real changes, but expect them to be better versions of last year. In a conference with the defending champs and two other top-flight teams, it’ll be quite the challenge to make it out the east. Projection: (50-32)

13. (51-31) – Following Deron Williams career year at 21/5/10 on 49%/37%/82% shooting, Brooklyn hopes he repeats those numbers, hopefully with better playoff success. The Nets should be solid offensively and defensively should not have anything to worry about, neither in the starters nor bench. They generally have everything you could want in a championship team: inside presence, outside scorers, rebounders and defenders. The only thing holding them back may be their average coach. Projection: (48-34)

14.

(37-45) – Joining the 6^th Man of the Year, Jevon Erickson, is Abraham Grove, another scorer drafted by Portland in 2015. They were bottom 10 defensively last year and it looks to plague them again this year. Also, none of their big men are good enough rebounders to stop it from becoming a problem. Projection: (39-43)

15.

(40-42) – Pau Gasol should prove to be a nice piece around Anthony Davis so that he doesn’t have to carry the entire load down in the post. Allowing 107 PPG last year, Davis should have a much bigger impact than what he’s shown. Projection: (45-37)

16. (40-42) – The Cavs were once nothing but a young team, but now are aided with the veteran presence of Nene and Jason Terry to give them a good balance of new and old. With Kyrie Irving cementing his status as a solid All-Star surrounded by complimentary pieces, the Cavs will go as far as he takes them. Projection: (44-38)

17.

(45-37) – No major changes to the Utah roster with the exception of the departure of Enes Kanter and the addition of Tiago Splitter, a slight downgrade. One of the Jazz’ biggest problems is their perimeter scoring – they have Kemba Walker, who can score but not efficiently. And you have 31-year-old Iguodala, who averaged 9 points last season. Projection: (40-42)

18. (35-47) – The Suns’ biggest weakness (of many) was their overall defense from all over. They’ve failed to improve on that front, but have added some offensive firepower with Jeremy Lamb who is expected to break out in his fourth year. Projection: (38-44)

19. (35-47) – Tim Hale’s rookie efforts didn’t wow enough to win the RoY but the way he dominated games last season shows he has the potential to be a superstar. The Grizzlies suffer from a severe lack of rebounding and defenders in the paint, though they are at least exceptional on the perimeter. I can’t see them being much better than last year. Projection: (39-43)

20

(36-46) – Sacramento featured two All-Stars in Josh Smith and Demarcus Cousins in 2015, but it only translated into a losing effort. It was widely believed that Keith Smart was the reason for the underachievement and he was let go in the summer. So they hired Dell Cook, a D-first coach who is just the right coach for the type of players on the roster: He’s going to make them hustle and scrap for all 48 minutes and sparks commitment out of all 12 players on the defensive side of the ball. Projection: (44-38)

21.

(31-51) – The Hawks need a shake-up, and bad. It seems like they’ve been stuck in the same “average – below average” hole for a decade with no positive signs of ever competing. Even with a solid frontcourt of Horford and Millsap, it’s not been enough to do anything. They need to shoot for the stars, throw a firesale and rebuild because at this current rate, they won’t be good enough to make the playoffs and probably won’t luck out on a franchise player in the draft…But with $17 million in cap room, and with Horford and Teague’s contracts expiring, something tells me they’re trying to make a big push for free agency. Projection: (33-49)

22. (42-40) – Tony is still going strong, averaging 23 and 7 the previous season. And unlike last year where Kawhi Leonard was relied upon to be the second option, they’ve brought in Lou Williams and Terrence Jones to help lift some weight off Tony’s shoulders. Projection: (45-37)

23. (44-38) – The Rockets made the playoffs last year and played above expectations, but can the Harden-led Rockets make it a streak? Projection: (40-42)

24. (27-55) – Led by their budding star Dane Tyler (who I think will make the Eastern All-Star squad), Toronto hopes to turn around a pathetic season…a pathetic season which netted them the 2^nd overall selection Mark Tamas, and although small in size for a PF at 6’8” 219 lbs., the 19 from Hungary is a terrific finisher at the basket, is heartless in the 4^th quarter and has loads of potential. These two help to dominate the frontcourt offensively, but neither of the two are anything close to great on the other side (though Tamas is serviceable in the post). They’ve regained Kyle Lowry and received the previously unhappy-in-his-situation, lockdown defender Travis Weaver so their defense will be better than last year, but won’t be near as good as it needs to be to make the playoffs. Projection: (40-42)

25. (35-47) – The Celtics seem to struggle from a strong case of “identity crisis”: In 2014 (last season) KG retired and forced the Celtics to make a move for Andrea Bargnani – a big difference; in the past offseason, the Celtics decided to part ways with Paul Pierce as they were declining rapidly, so they traded him for some younger pieces, so it would seem they are rebuilding, but then turn around and sign Amare Stoudemire, who averaged 26 points for the Knicks. Celtics coach Lonny Sweetney declared as the process of “rebuilding while contending”. But what he failed to realize is when you attain 5 new players and all of them are regular rotation players, they need time to gel, and I personally think, though talented, the Celtics won’t connect enough in time to compete. With Rondo nearing the end of his prime at 29 years old, will he stand to be part of a losing situation? Projection: (33-49)

26. (30-52) – 5^th pick of the 2015 draft Bradford Hughes joins the club and should immediately help their defense, albeit minor. When backup PG Troy Coles is on the floor, the team immediately plays better, so Brandon Jennings may be involved in trade rumors for the next few months. Projection: (31-51)

27. (34-48) – The Bobcats received the #1 pick two consecutive years in 2014 and 2015, as well as the 5^th pick in 2014. That year, they went with the Chinese PG Genwei Yang #1 and SF/PF Gerard Bryan #5, and in 2015 hit the jackpot with SG Stephen Lawrence, who may end up the best player in the draft and has “superstar” written all over him. All three players just have the “it” factor which shows they can produce effectively. In a couple years’ time, they will no doubt be one of the best teams in the league, but they still need time to grow and build chemistry. What they desperately need NOW is shooters, but Steve Novak is the only player to show above 30% from 3. Projection: (36-46)

28.

(19-63) – Easily the worst team in the league last year, the Knicks landed Jamie Bryan with the third pick, an electrifying shooter/scorer. He will make the difference for this team, as well as Chris Bosh, but they still have work to do. Projection: (26-56)

29. (30-52) – Sporting a league-high 108.9 points given up per game, the Warriors have yet to rectify the problem. The only roster moves made were the additions of #6 pick Brandon Fox (a good shooter from 3) and their 2^nd round selection. Projection: (26-56)

30. (29-52) – Alongside John Wall is Derrick Williams and now Tyreke Evans, all hopeful future stars. But for some reason, their games don’t connect but maybe they just need a little more time. I mean, that could be the excuse, but then again…they’re just not that good. Projection: (24-58)

richmo · 02-21-2013, 08:33 PM

...WHAT 2 WATCH...

ESPN “Halloween Special” Double-Header
Saturday, October 31^st

Game 1:

@

– Tip 7:30 EST

The 2-peat Bulls receive their second set of rings in a row.

Game 2:

@

– Tip 10 EST

The journey for Kobe's 7th ring is yet again ready to begin as he faces James Harden and the Houston Rockets in LA.

NBA TV Double-Header
Monday, November 2^nd

Game 1:

@

– Tip 7 EST

Two of the Eastern conference’s biggest foes, featuring two of the East's best Shooting Guards, clash for the first time this season.

Game 2:

@

– Tip 9:30 EST

Much like the East, two Western juggernauts and division rivals meet for the first time of 4 this season.

TNT
Thursday, November 5^th

@

– Tip 8:00

Carmelo and Durant battle for best SF in the West.

richmo · 02-23-2013, 11:13 PM

Bulls come back after sluggish start to clip Pelicans, 109-107

Saturday, October 31st, 2015 - CHICAGO, IL

As what happens with many championship teams on ring night, emotions fly high and focus on the actual game at hand is secondary. That held true tonight, even in a win for the Bulls.

The Pelicans dropped 64 points in the first half on one of the league's best defenses and at one point midway through the second quarter held a 16-point lead. Tom Thibodeau dug into his guys at halftime and by the fourth quarter tied the game up. As well as 9 4th quarter points, Monta Ellis earned player of the game honors as he sealed a go-ahead basket off a mid-range pull-up jumper with 9.4 seconds left to grant the Bulls their first victory of the season.

*Denotes Player of the Game

New Orleans Pelicans at Chicago Bulls
Oct 31, 2015	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
New Orleans (0-1)	33	31	22	21	107
Chicago (1-0)	28	25	33	23	109

New Orleans Pelicans
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Anthony Davis	31	11-17	1-2	5-6	6	2		3	3	28
Eric Gordon	33	6-15	1-4	13-13	3	5	1		1	26
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Austin Rivers	25	4-11	1-3	11-11	2	4			1	20

Chicago Bulls
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Luol Deng	36	9-15	3-4	7-10	5	1	2	1	2	28
Monta Ellis	32	9-14	1-3	5-7		4			2	24
**Derrick Rose	40	10-22	2-6	2-3	4	8	3		5	24
Joakim Noah	36	5-8		4-4	7	7				14

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LA frontcourt dominates, Houston no answer

Saturday, October 31st, 2015 - LOS ANGELES, CA

Possibly LA's best strength, post offense, took on one of the Rockets' biggest shortcomings - post defense. It was clear what the advantage was and Los Angeles realized this. The frontcourt combined for 22-of-34 shooting, 65%, and 62 points.

The Rockets' James Harden had a game-high in a losing effort but in a team with virtually no other offense options, he was expected to carry the load and did so efficiently. Patrick Patterson also pitched in with a 18-10 double-double in a game-high 39 minutes.

Kobe Bryant took a backseat this game , shooting 50% on 10 shots and dishing 7 assists. Though it's only one win, this may prove to be a formula for success...if Kobe allows it to.

Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers
Oct 31, 2015	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Houston (0-1)	30	18	28	29	100
Los Angeles (1-0)	36	26	20	28	110

Houston Rockets
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
James Harden	36	11-15	5-6	3-5	5	2	2		2	30
Patrick Patterson	39	8-18		2-4	10	2	1			18
Jeremy Lin	31	5-13	0-1	8-12	1	7	2		1	18

Los Angeles Lakers
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
**Zach Randolph	35	10-14		6-6	8				2	26
Dwight Howard	34	7-12		7-10	8			1	3	21
Tornike Shengelia	30	5-8	1-2	4-4	4	1	1			15
Kobe Bryant	37	5-10	1-1	4-4	6	7	1		1	15

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Magic blow lead, hang on to win high-scoring affair

Monday, November 1st - ORLANDO, FL

For those saying the SG position is dead, look again...It's alive and well. Paul George and David Pierce created an epic showdown similar to those old western movies, with both going tit-for-tat near the end of the game. Orlando carried a lead as big as 21 but squandered it once the Pacers went on their third quarter run. Orlando would hold on to the lead and make some crucial David Pierce free throws to win.

Indiana Pacers at Orlando Magic
Nov 1, 2015	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Indiana (1-1)	21	33	38	27	119
Orlando (1-0)	33	38	23	26	120

Indiana Pacers
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Paul George	41	12-21	6-12	3-4	8	2	2		4	33
David West	29	7-13		2-2	4		1	1	1	16
Roy Hibbert	35	6-16			10	6	1	1	2	12
Danny Granger	37	4-11	2-7	2-4	6	5	1		1	12
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Ben Hansbrough	13	4-5		6-7	3	1			1	14

Orlando Magic
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
**David Pierce	35	11-15	2-4	10-12	4	2	2		1	34
Rudy Gay	36	9-21	2-4	2-2	6	8			5	22
Glen Davis	31	6-15	0-3	4-4	6	2	1		1	16
Nikola Vucevic	32	6-9	1-2	0-3	10		1	3	2	13

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Wolves start season 0-2, fall to the Thunder

Monday, November 1st - MINNEAPOLIS, MN

As expected, the Thunder move to a 2-0 start to their season while the Timberwolves, who were blown out 94-110 by the Grizzlies a night before, drop to 0-2 on a back-to-back. The game was fairly close for most of the game until the Thunder decided to blow it open with around 4 minutes left.

Dash played his part, going 66% for the game with 11 rebounds. Kevin Love also had a double-double, but with an interesting efficiency-line: 4-17 from the field, 0-7 from three but 9-10 from the line, so he was drawing fouls at a high rate but still choose some poor shots. If the 'wolves want to win more games, both Dash and Love have to contribute, establishing a bit of an inside-outside game.

Oklahoma City Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves
Nov 1, 2015	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Oklahoma City (2-0)	31	20	21	31	103
Minnesota (0-2)	31	22	23	21	97

Oklahoma City Thunder
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
**Kevin Durant	36	12-20	3-6	3-4	8	5	1			30
Russell Westbrook	34	8-13	1-1	1-2	5	8	1		3	18
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Kevin Martin	26	2-13	1-5	6-6	2	3				11

Minnesota Timberwolves
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Chuck Dash	41	12-18		5-8	11			3	2	29
Kevin Love	33	4-17	0-7	9-10	14	4			2	17
Deon Dudley	35	6-13	1-3	1-2	4	3	1	1	1	14
Ricky Rubio	35	1-4	0-2	1-2	4	8	2		2	3
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Alexey Shved	20	5-11	1-4	4-4	4	3			3	15

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Melo's buzzer-beater sends OKC 1st loss

Oklahoma City Thunder at Dallas Mavericks
Nov 5, 2013	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Oklahoma City (3-1)	22	24	25	34	105
Dallas (1-3)	31	21	20	35	107

Oklahoma City Thunder
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Perry Jones	32	10-21	1-3	6-6	7	5	2	1		27
Russell Westbrook	40	8-15	0-2	6-7	9	8	2		4	22
Kevin Durant	36	7-12	1-4	6-6	4	1	1	1	3	21
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Kevin Martin	25	2-4	1-1	9-9	3	3	1			14

Dallas Mavericks
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
**Carmelo Anthony	39	13-18	3-3	5-6	3	6		2	5	34
O.J. Mayo	35	8-15	3-7		8	8	1	1	2	19
Darren Collison	34	4-11	1-1	4-4	1	4	1	1	2	13
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Dorrell Wilkins	18	4-7	1-2	2-2	1	3	1		1	11
Chris McKinney	15	4-6	1-3	0-1		4	1		1	9

richmo · 02-25-2013, 08:54 PM

Bucks go retro with "new" uniforms
Drummond, Durant named Players of the Week
Deron Williams sidelined 6-8 weeks w/ torn hamstring, Brook Lopez done for season w/ torn MCL
Blazers off to hot 5-0 start: Surprise team of the year?
Jason Thompson to miss rest of season w/ torn MCL
Timberwolves' Dash drops career and NBA season high 48 vs. ailing Nets
Miami's shooting woes: cause for concern, or temporary?

-----------------------------------------

Drummond, Durant named Players of the Week

The Pistons' Andre Drummond has been selected as the Eastern Conference Player of the Week, averaging 22.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.4 blocks per game off 64% shooting. He led the Pistons to a 4-1 record, going for 42 points versus Cleveland. Their only loss was to the Suns, but every win was a blowout.

OKC's Kevin Durant earned Western honors as the Thunder went 3-1. Durant put up 29.5 points and 6.5 rebounds on 55% shooting with 36% from three and 92% from the line.

-----------------------------------------

Deron, Brook both out for extended time

In the second quarter of the Sixers-Nets game, Deron Williams went down with a torn hamstring and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks. And if that wasn't bad enough, the Nets suffered an even bigger loss as Brook Lopez tore his MCL just 3 days later and will be out for the rest of the season.

Brooklyn signed Jameer Nelson to fill the backup point while CJ Watson will be the starter. Niko Plenko (2014 8th pick), the Nets' bruiser and hot shooter who recently took Gerald Wallace's starting SF spot will continue to play at the 3 while Wallace will play the 4 and Humphries the 5. Dell Pena (2013 8th pick, Charge Card, Scrapper and Defensive Anchor) will continue to anchor the bench's defense with increased minutes and Marshon Brooks will lead the scoring.

The biggest concern for the Nets is the future and what may happen for next season: All three of Johnson, Williams and Lopez' contracts are expiring and with the injury of Lopez possibly affecting his play over the rest of his career, many rumors have circulated mentioning Johnson nor Williams coming back, as they may not want to play with a broke-down Lopez. Lopez has stated he wants to return to Brooklyn but the feeling may not be mutual.

Asked if this would affect his decision to stay next year, Johnson replied, "We'll see where it goes. Obviously if we can make a deep playoff run then I wouldn't be opposed but losing maybe our best player hurts us."

The Nets front office must also make a decision of whether they want to receive value for Williams or Johnson in a plan to rebuild or hold on to what they have. The next upcoming months should get very interesting.

-----------------------------------------

Miami's shooting woes: cause for concern, or temporary?

Miami is shooting a total 41% from the field in four games and 17% from 3, which helped them start the season 0-4. Chandler Parsons, Nick Collison and LeBron James have been their lone bright spots. Dwyane Wade admittedly has been playing with a bruised knee since just before the start of the season, but no excuse for JR Smith, Boozer, Cole and Chalmers to all shoot 42%. Usually one-two players go through a shooting slump, but 5? Unreal.

Their defense is still top-5 at 95.3 allowed, it's just the offense which is struggling, which isn't all that bad considering how many changes they've made.

And with Chris Bosh starting his season with 27.7 PPG off 53% for New York, one could only imagine how much they miss him. A team shooting this poorly, though, is rare and I fully believe they will come back to their senses near the end of November.

(These are the more important injuries. Not every injury will be noted)


Pos	Player	Injury Note
C	Dwight Howard	Dislocated finger (1-2 weeks)
G	Dwyane Wade	Bruised Knee (1-2 weeks)
G	Deron Williams	Torn Hamstring (Out 6-8 weeks)
C	Andrew Bynum	Seperated Shoulder (Out 1-2 weeks)
C	Dane Tyler	Back Spasms (d2d)
G/F	Kim English	Strained Abdomen (Out 1-2 weeks)
G	Monta Ellis	Dislocated Finger (1-2 weeks)
F	Luol Deng	Strained MCL (d2d)
F	Gerard Bryan	Bruised Hip (d2d)
C	Brook Lopez	Torn MCL (Out for season)

----------------------------------------------------------

League Leaders

NBA League Leaders - Updated: Nov 8, 2015
POINTS per game		PPG	Rebounds per game		RPG
	1. A. Stoudemire	31.3		1. T. Chandler	12
	2. K. Irving	30		2. P. Patterson	11.8
	3. K. Durant	29.5		3. N. Vucevic	11
	4. C. Dash	29		4. C. Boozer	11
	5. T. Parker	28.8		5. T. Thompson	11
Assists per game		APG	Steals per game		SPG
	1. R. Rondo	10		1. J. Lin	4
	2. G. Yang	9		2. C. Brewer	2.8
	3. Q. Stone	8.7		3. C. Paul	2.8
	4. T. Lawson	8.4		4. A. Iguodala	2.8
	5. J. Holiday	8.2		5. R. Rondo	2.8
Blocks Per Game		BPG	Field Goal Percentage		FG%
	1. T. Chandler	3		1. C. Brewer	.743
	2. T. Thomas	2.8		2. J. McGee	.714
	3. T. Zeller	2.7		3. D. Jordan	.714
	4. N. Vucevic	2.7		4. M. Wayns	.684
	5. R. Benton	2.5		5. B. Beal	.674
Three-Point Percentage		3P%	Minutes Per Game		MPG
	1. Kris Joseph	.778		1. L. James	41.3
	2. T. Evans	.75		2. P. George	39.8
	3. O.J. Williamson	.75		3. P. Patterson	39..8
	4. J. Meeks	.75		4. J. Holiday	39.5
	5. B. Beal	.733		5. D. Rose	38.8

----------------------------------------------------------

Standings

NBA Standings - Updated: Nov 8, 2015
ATLANTIC	W	L	GB
76ers	4	0	--
Knicks	3	1	1
Celtics	2	2	2
Raptors	2	2	2
Nets	0	5	4.5
CENTRAL	W	L	GB
Pistons	4	1	--
Pacers	3	2	1
Bucks	2	2	1.5
Bulls	2	3	2
Cavaliers	1	2	2
SOUTHEAST	W	L	GB
Magic	3	1	--
Wizards	2	1	1
Hawks	0	3	3
Heat	0	4	3.5
Bobcats	0	5	4
NORTHWEST	W	L	GB
Nuggets	5	0	--
Trailblazers	5	0	--
Thunder	3	1	1.5
Timberwolves	2	2	2.5
Jazz	2	2	2.5
PACIFIC	W	L	GB
Clippers	3	2	--
Kings	3	2	--
Lakers	3	2	--
Suns	2	3	1
Warriors	2	3	1
SOUTHWEST	W	L	GB
Rockets	2	2	--
Mavericks	2	3	0.5
Grizzlies	2	3	0.5
Spurs	1	3	1
Pelicans	0	4	2

richmo · 02-28-2013, 12:12 PM

...WHAT 2 WATCH...
Week 2: November 8th thru November 14th

NBA TV Monday
Monday, November 9th

@

Tip 8 EST

The fight for Northwestern Division, and Western Conference, supremacy begins Monday as one of these two teams will fall 5-1 and the other will be the only undefeated team left still standing in the West. Much like the Nuggets, the Blazers are a terrific road team, playing most of their games so far, but can Denver protect their turf?

Matchup Preview | November 9, 2015
@
Portland Trailblazers
(5-0, 3-0 Away)
Denver Nuggets
(5-0, 1-0 Home)
Notable Stats
109.4 (3) Points Per Game 108.8 (6)
91.8 (1) PPG Allowed 99.8 (14)
46.8 (8) Rebounds 48.8 (2)
.750 (17) Free Throw % .654 (30)
.506 (6) Field Goal % .534 (1)
.412 (7) 3-Point % .369 (15)
Projected Starters
Damian Lillard Point Guard Ty Lawson
Jevon Erickson Shooting Guard Corey Brewer
Nicolas Batum Small Forward Danilo Gallinari
JJ Hickson Power Forward Kenneth Faried
Lamarcus Aldridge Center Javale McGee

ESPN Wednesday
Wednesday, November 11th

@

Tip 9 EST

Two up-and-coming squads from their respective conferences battle in Minnesota.
Matchup to Watch: Andre Drummond/Greg Monroe vs. Chuck Dash/Kevin Love

Matchup Preview | November 11, 2015

@

Detroit Pistons
(4-1, 2-0 Away)

Minnesota Timberwolves
(2-2, 2-1 Home)

Notable Stats
109.4 (3)	Points Per Game	99.5 (19)
94.6 (3)	PPG Allowed	102.5 (18)
48.0 (5)	Rebounds	43.5 (18)
.526 (2)	Field Goal %	.492 (12)
.400 (8)	3-Point %	.292 (28)

Projected Starters
Brandon Knight	Point Guard	Ricky Rubio
JP Elliott	Shooting Guard	Deon Dudley
Kyle Singler	Small Forward	Chase Budinger
Greg Monroe	Power Forward	Kevin Love
Andre Drummond	Center	Chuck Dash

NBA on TNT
Thursday, November 12^th

(2-2) @ (2-3)

Tip 8:00 PM

The Timberwolves face their second back-to-back vs. the banged-up Bulls this week and hope to squeeze a win to better kickstart their season.

NBA TV Saturday
Saturday, November 14th

@

Tip 7 EST

Lamarcus Aldridge and Chris Bosh compete as both teams are off to great starts, exceeding their early expectations. The top two defensive teams in the league, at least for now, both also top-ten in scoring, this should be an exciting one.

Matchup Preview | November 14, 2015
@
Portland Trailblazers
(5-0, 3-0 Away)
New York Knicks
(3-1, 1-1 Home)
Notable Stats
109.4 (3) Points Per Game 106.5 (9)
91.8 (1) PPG Allowed 94.0 (2)
46.8 (8) Rebounds 52.8 (1)
4.0 (19) Blocks 7.2 (2)
.506 (6) Field Goal % .494 (8)
.412 (7) 3-Point % .455 (2)
Projected Starters
Damian Lillard Point Guard Jose Calderon
Jevon Erickson Shooting Guard Iman Shumpert
Nicolas Batum Small Forward Alonzo Gee
JJ Hickson Power Forward Chris Bosh
Lamarcus Aldridge Center Tyson Chandler

richmo · 03-07-2013, 02:03 PM

The Circuit: Week 2 Game Recaps|||

Nuggets give Blazers first loss of season

Kristian Gray with one of his four steals on the unsuspecting Myers Leonard

Portland Trailblazers at Denver Nuggets

Nov 8, 2015 1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH SCORE
Portland (6-3) 19 29 17 19 84
Denver (7-1) 26 19 30 20 95
Portland Trailblazers
STARTERS MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
Nicolas Batum 35 6-17 3-8 2-2 5 3 2
4 17
Lamarcus Aldridge 35 5-11

13 3
1 1 10
BENCH MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
Doron Lamb 24 5-12 5-9
1 3
1 1 15
Denver Nuggets

STARTERS MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
**Ty Lawson 31 8-19 1-3 3-3 2 4 1
5 20
Javale McGee 34 5-14
4-6 10 1
1
14
BENCH MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
Wilson Chandler 24 5-10 2-6 2-2 3 1

1 14

------------------------------------------------

Down Dash, 'Wolves defeat Pistons 102-96

Detroit Pistons at Minnesota Timberwolves
Nov 11, 2015	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Detroit (4-4)	23	15	29	29	96
Minnesota (4-5)	30	27	22	23	102

Detroit Pistons
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Kyle Singler	35	12-17	4-4		7	2	3		1	28
Greg Monroe	31	8-17		2-2	9	5	2		2	18
J.P. Elliottt	37	7-13	0-1	1-1	4	7		3	1	15
Andre Drummond	30	4-13		2-2	3			3	2	10

Minnesota Timberwolves
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
**Kevin Love	34	7-10	2-2	13-15	10	3		1	1	29
Calvin Tate	35	5-16	0-1	3-4	6			1	4	13
Chase Budinger	29	4-6	2-3	6-6	8	2		1	1	16
Deon Dudley	34	1-7	0-3		4	2	5	2	2	2
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Alexey Shved	21	10-14	3-6		2	2		2		23

------------------------------------------------

Bulls beat 'Wolves second time in 4 days to sweep season series

Minnesota Timberwolves at Chicago Bulls
Nov 12, 2015	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Minnesota (4-5)	17	12	20	28	77
Chicago (4-5)	34	22	20	16	92

Minnesota Timberwolves
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Kevin Love	35	5-15	0-1	7-8	13	1	1	1	7	17
Calvin Tate	32	4-8		5-8	3	2	2		5	13

Chicago Bulls
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
**Monta Ellis	40	9-17	0-3		3	6	1		4	18
Derrick Rose	36	7-14	1-2		8	7	3		2	15
Joakim Noah	35	5-12		1-2	14	5	1	2	2	11
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Jimmy Butler	12	4-5	1-1	3-4			1		1	12

------------------------------------------------

New York continues surprising start to season, defeat Portland by 16

Portland Trailblazers at New York Knicks
Nov 14, 2015	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Portland (6-3)	20	26	23	24	93
New York (5-3)	24	23	25	37	109

Portland Trailblazers
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Lamarcus Aldridge	33	10-18		5-6	9		1	1	5	25
Jevon Erickson	31	5-15	2-6	2-2	3	3	2	1	2	14
J.J. Hickson	37	3-6		3-4	11		1	1	2	9

New York Knicks
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
**Chris Bosh	35	12-22		4-6	9	2			1	28
Jamie Bryan	25	7-11	1-1	2-2	2	5	2			17
Alonzo Gee	31	7-12	0-3	1-2	9	4	3		4	15

richmo · 03-07-2013, 05:46 PM

The Circuit Central: Week 2 |||

Irving, Paul named Players of the Week
Chuck Dash out 1-2 weeks with sore back
Broussard: Millsap on the verge of a trade
Love, Timerwolves not seeing eye-to-eye on extension
Abraham Grove (POR) out 6-8 weeks with broken arm
Durant, Griffin and Harden all locked-up for the future

Irving, Paul named Players of the Week

The Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving became week 2's Eastern Conference PotW, averaging 32.2 PPG, 6.6 RPG, and 7.6 APG on 57% shooting form the field, including a 40- point game in a win on Monday vs. ATL. Kyrie led the Cavs to a 3-1 record over the week, topped only by the Pacers' Paul George who led them to a 4-0 record.

Chris Paul of the Clippers earned West honors, going for 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 11 assists, 3 steals and 1.5 turnovers as the Clippers went 3-0 on the week which included a 108-102 victory vs. the also 6-2 Thunder. Paul, who suffered a sore knee earlier in the week and is day-to-day, recorded his first triple-double of the season that game with 24-10-10.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Broussard: Millsap on the verge of a trade

The Hawks this season are off to a dismal 0-7 start, not dissimilar to their 2013-14 start, where they started the season off 2-9. The Hawks up to this point have had one of the toughest strength-of-schedules, playing 6 of their 7 vs. +.500 teams. That's second only to the Bobcats who have played, and lost, 7 of their 9 total games vs. winning teams.

Al Horford, though injured for a fraction of the season, has not been playing up to par and with two years under their belt, Larry Drew isn't so sure it'll work. The team's chemistry is slowly deteriorating, but Paul Millsap has remained loyal through it all. However, the Hawks have been rumored to make a move to deal Paul Millsap for assets in the upcoming drafts.

Millsap, 30, is in the pinnacle of his career. He was a first-time All-Star last year, going for 23.9 points and 7.7 rebounds with 1.2 steals per game. If the rumors hold true, the Hawks chose the best time to move him.

Love, Timberwolves not seeing eye-to-eye on extension

According to Ric Bucher of ESPN, Kevin Love has recently came out and told Timberwolves management that he is ready for to sign on for the long haul...However, with the emergence of Chuck Dash and backup PF Calvin Tate, it has made 27-year old Kevin Love more expendable moving forward. There are 29 other teams he could start on, so he will be wanted by someone.

Said David Kahn, 'wolves GM, "If in two months we're not where we want to be as a team, a trade is a very high possibility. But if we can with him, he also might stay, so we'll see."

Durant, Griffin and Harden all locked up for the future

Kevin Durant recently signed a 4-year, $85.86 million deal with the Thunder, with a player option on the final year. This was a no-brainer to most, as Kevin Durant's loyalty was never in question, "Oklahoma City is where I want to be. I feel we are the best team, with the best fans, best staff, best training facility in the entire league. I just thank God for everything he's blessed me with."

Blake Griffin's decision hindered all on Chris Paul and his current contract, which has three years left. Blake signed on for 5 more years for $85.45 million. James Harden of the Rockets would sign his extension for 5 years with $76.34 million.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Top Injuries
Pos	Player	Injury Note
C	Dwight Howard	Dislocated finger (d2d)
PG	Chris Paul	Sore Knee (d2d)
SG	Dwyane Wade	Bruised Knee (d2d)
PG	Deron Williams	Torn Hamstring (Out 4-6 weeks)
C	Andrew Bynum	Seperated Shoulder (Out d2d)
PF	Chuck Dash	Sore Back (Out 1-2 weeks)
PF	Kenneth Faried	Sprained Wrist (1-2 weeks)
PF	Al Horford	Sprained Wrist (1-2 weeks)
SG	Tyreke Evans	Twisted Ankle (d2d)
SF	Abraham Grove	Broken Arm (Out 6-8 weeks)

Pos	Player	Injury Note
C	Marcin Gortat	Strained Hamstring (1-2 weeks)
C	Brook Lopez	Torn MCL (Season)
C	Jared Sullinger	Broken Nose (1-2 weeks)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

|||League Leaders|||

NBA League Leaders - Updated: Nov 15, 2015
Points per game		PPG	Rebounds per game		RPG
	1. K. Irving	31.3		1. T. Chandler	11.6
	2. K. Durant	29		2. E. Kanter	11.4
	3. A. Stoudemire	28.8		3. J. Noah	11.4
	4. P. George	28.6		4. N. Vucevic	11.3
	5. T. Parker	27.7		5. S. Hawes	11.3
Assists per game		APG	Steals per game		SPG
	1. R. Rondo	9.4		1. J. Lin	3.1
	2. G. Yang	9.2		2. C. Paul	2.6
	3. J. Holiday	8.4		3. K. Lowry	2.5
	4. R. Westbrook	8.4		4. R. Rondo	2.5
	5. T. Lawson	8.4		5. P. George	2.4
Blocks Per Game		BPG	Field Goal Percentage		FG%
	1. T. Thomas	2.4		1. D. Jordan	.714
	2. T. Thompson	2.3		2. G. Jones	.674
	3. T. Chandler	2.3		3. J. McGee	.664
	4. R. Benton	2.2		4. C. Brewer	.654
	5. D. Tyler	2.2		5. T. Young	.639
Three-Point Percentage		3P%	Minutes Per Game		MPG
	1. D. Green	.714		1. L. James	41.4
	2. O.J. Williamson	.700		2. P. George	40
	3. J. Meeks	.700		3. J. Holiday	40
	4. B. Keefe	.637		4. J. Wall	38.9
	5. J. Forth	.615		5. P. Patterson	38.9

-----------------------------------------------------------------

|||Standings|||

NBA Standings - Updated: Nov 15, 2015
Eastern Conference	W	L	GB	DIV	CONF
Pacers	7	2	--		4-2
Magic	5	2	1		2-0
76ers	5	2	1		4-2
Bucks	5	3	1.5		2-1
Knicks	5	3	1.5		4-3
Cavaliers	4	3	2		4-2
Celtics	4	4	2.5		3-3
Pistons	4	4	2.5		3-1
Raptors	3	3	2.5		3-2
Bulls	4	5	3		0-1
Wizards	3	4	3		2-0
Heat	2	5	4		2-2
Nets	1	7	5.5		0-4
Bobcats	1	8	6		0-4
Hawks	0	7	6		0-6
Western Conference	W	L	GB	DIV	CONF
Nuggets	7	1	--		3-1
Clippers	6	2	1		4-1
Thunder	6	2	1		5-2
Kings	6	3	1.5		2-1
Trail Blazers	6	3	1.5		6-1
Lakers	5	3	2		3-2
Jazz	4	4	3		1-1
Spurs	3	3	3		2-1
Warriors	4	4	3		3-4
Mavericks	4	5	3.5		1-3
Timberwolves	4	5	2.5		1-2
Pelicans	3	5	4		1-3
Suns	3	5	4		1-5
Rockets	2	5	4.5		1-4
Grizzlies	2	6	5		2-5

02-21-2013, 08:05 PM	#2
richmo Almighty 2k Paper Champ OVR: 15 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 701	Re: NBA: The Circuit 2015-2016 NBA Pre-Season Power Rankings 1. (63-19) – The reigning 2x champions, it’s no surprise that a team that kept a high majority of the team intact is #1. With their top players all still in their prime, there’s no reason they shouldn’t be favorites to 3-peat. \| Projection: (60-22) 2. (54-28) – Regardless of their inability to make the Finals last season, they still have two MVPs on the team and are possibly the best match for the Bulls, but they have to go through the Timberwolves first. \| Projection: (55-27) 3. (40-42) –It’s been 11 years since the Wolves secured a playoff berth and while close last year, it didn’t quite cut it. However, they’ve built up some chemistry and with their 10-man deep roster headlined by the big-man duo of Kevin Love and Chuck Dash (as well as their 4^th overall 2015 selection PF Calvin Tate) they are expected to compete for a WCF title. \| Projection: (53-29) 4. (58-24) – Miami’s “Big 3” is no longer a “Big 3” due to Chris Bosh’s departure this past offseason, but he was replaced with a little more depth in the form of JR Smith, Carlos Boozer, Chandler Parsons and Nick Collison, all 1^st time Heats. Norris Cole also has made great strides, working his way as the Heat’s new starting PG. With their added depth, LeBron and Wade should have no problem making this team a tough challenger for the east. Projection: (54-28) 5. (37-45) – Orlando has made great strides in just 3 years time. Going from a bottom-dweller to a fringe playoff team, this year the obvious next expected step is the playoffs. Whether through great drafting or free agent signings, the Magic’s front office is doing a fantastic job of rebuilding from the “Dwightmare” saga. They also have one of the better defensive benches in the league, featuring defensive anchor Omer Asik and lockdown defender Arron Afflalo. I’m thinking 4th seed, Orlando fans, and so should you. Projection: (52-30) 6. (55-27) – At 55 and 27 last season the Pacers remained one of the East’s top teams and they expect to do the same this year. Their roster has barely changed in the last 3 years barring non-rotational players but there’s been no real need to when this group gets along as well as any team. The biggest concern for them is their depth past the 7^th man and whether Paul George can step up and burst out as the elite scorer we all know he is capable of being. Projection: (52-30) 7. (41-41) – The Lakers put up a disappointing regular season considering the 41-split W/L record but redeemed themselves by, as an 8^th seed, making it to the Finals and going 7 games with the defending champions. With Pau Gasol now with the Hornets, they expect to start Zach Randolph over the 15^th overall selection in last years’ draft Grant Jones, a face-up big known in college for setting great screens and following his shots on the offensive glass. They may have improved depth but is it enough to give Kobe his 7^th title? Projection: (46-36) 8. (50-32) – With the lack of a true perimeter off-ball scorer, the 76ers gave up some youth and depth to the rebuilding Celtics in exchange for Paul Pierce. Now with an inside-outside threat, even if only for one last Pierce run, the win-now 76ers want to prove they’re more than just a good team. Projection: (51-31) 9. (46-36) – The Mavericks have added Center Enes Kanter to play in the middle which should help their rebounding numbers. With Carmelo as the lead scorer and OJ as the second option they should at least make the playoffs but their defense may hold them back. Projection: (47-35) 10. 45-37) – The Clippers seemed to not make many off-season moves with the exception of signing defensive specialist PJ Tucker who they named the Starter just a few days ago. Blake Griffin has finally showed a semblance of a post game and CP3 is nearing the end of his prime also, so will the surrounding pieces be enough to take them to the promised land? Projection: (46-36) 11. (51-31) – Much like the Pacers, the Nuggets core has barely changed (exception of Iguodala). And it’s bringing regular season success but the lack of having that true elite scorer is hurting them in the post-season. Unless they make a serious move, expect more of the same. Projection: (50-32) 12. (51-31) – Thanks to the emergence of Andre Drummond as an All-Star, the Pistons have elevated themselves to a top Eastern Conference squad, with a top-6 ranked defense last year spearheaded by JP Elliott and Brandon Knight on the perimeter. No real changes, but expect them to be better versions of last year. In a conference with the defending champs and two other top-flight teams, it’ll be quite the challenge to make it out the east. Projection: (50-32) 13. (51-31) – Following Deron Williams career year at 21/5/10 on 49%/37%/82% shooting, Brooklyn hopes he repeats those numbers, hopefully with better playoff success. The Nets should be solid offensively and defensively should not have anything to worry about, neither in the starters nor bench. They generally have everything you could want in a championship team: inside presence, outside scorers, rebounders and defenders. The only thing holding them back may be their average coach. Projection: (48-34) 14. (37-45) – Joining the 6^th Man of the Year, Jevon Erickson, is Abraham Grove, another scorer drafted by Portland in 2015. They were bottom 10 defensively last year and it looks to plague them again this year. Also, none of their big men are good enough rebounders to stop it from becoming a problem. Projection: (39-43) 15. (40-42) – Pau Gasol should prove to be a nice piece around Anthony Davis so that he doesn’t have to carry the entire load down in the post. Allowing 107 PPG last year, Davis should have a much bigger impact than what he’s shown. Projection: (45-37) 16. (40-42) – The Cavs were once nothing but a young team, but now are aided with the veteran presence of Nene and Jason Terry to give them a good balance of new and old. With Kyrie Irving cementing his status as a solid All-Star surrounded by complimentary pieces, the Cavs will go as far as he takes them. Projection: (44-38) 17. (45-37) – No major changes to the Utah roster with the exception of the departure of Enes Kanter and the addition of Tiago Splitter, a slight downgrade. One of the Jazz’ biggest problems is their perimeter scoring – they have Kemba Walker, who can score but not efficiently. And you have 31-year-old Iguodala, who averaged 9 points last season. Projection: (40-42) 18. (35-47) – The Suns’ biggest weakness (of many) was their overall defense from all over. They’ve failed to improve on that front, but have added some offensive firepower with Jeremy Lamb who is expected to break out in his fourth year. Projection: (38-44) 19. (35-47) – Tim Hale’s rookie efforts didn’t wow enough to win the RoY but the way he dominated games last season shows he has the potential to be a superstar. The Grizzlies suffer from a severe lack of rebounding and defenders in the paint, though they are at least exceptional on the perimeter. I can’t see them being much better than last year. Projection: (39-43) 20 (36-46) – Sacramento featured two All-Stars in Josh Smith and Demarcus Cousins in 2015, but it only translated into a losing effort. It was widely believed that Keith Smart was the reason for the underachievement and he was let go in the summer. So they hired Dell Cook, a D-first coach who is just the right coach for the type of players on the roster: He’s going to make them hustle and scrap for all 48 minutes and sparks commitment out of all 12 players on the defensive side of the ball. Projection: (44-38) 21. (31-51) – The Hawks need a shake-up, and bad. It seems like they’ve been stuck in the same “average – below average” hole for a decade with no positive signs of ever competing. Even with a solid frontcourt of Horford and Millsap, it’s not been enough to do anything. They need to shoot for the stars, throw a firesale and rebuild because at this current rate, they won’t be good enough to make the playoffs and probably won’t luck out on a franchise player in the draft…But with $17 million in cap room, and with Horford and Teague’s contracts expiring, something tells me they’re trying to make a big push for free agency. Projection: (33-49) 22. (42-40) – Tony is still going strong, averaging 23 and 7 the previous season. And unlike last year where Kawhi Leonard was relied upon to be the second option, they’ve brought in Lou Williams and Terrence Jones to help lift some weight off Tony’s shoulders. Projection: (45-37) 23. (44-38) – The Rockets made the playoffs last year and played above expectations, but can the Harden-led Rockets make it a streak? Projection: (40-42) 24. (27-55) – Led by their budding star Dane Tyler (who I think will make the Eastern All-Star squad), Toronto hopes to turn around a pathetic season…a pathetic season which netted them the 2^nd overall selection Mark Tamas, and although small in size for a PF at 6’8” 219 lbs., the 19 from Hungary is a terrific finisher at the basket, is heartless in the 4^th quarter and has loads of potential. These two help to dominate the frontcourt offensively, but neither of the two are anything close to great on the other side (though Tamas is serviceable in the post). They’ve regained Kyle Lowry and received the previously unhappy-in-his-situation, lockdown defender Travis Weaver so their defense will be better than last year, but won’t be near as good as it needs to be to make the playoffs. Projection: (40-42) 25. (35-47) – The Celtics seem to struggle from a strong case of “identity crisis”: In 2014 (last season) KG retired and forced the Celtics to make a move for Andrea Bargnani – a big difference; in the past offseason, the Celtics decided to part ways with Paul Pierce as they were declining rapidly, so they traded him for some younger pieces, so it would seem they are rebuilding, but then turn around and sign Amare Stoudemire, who averaged 26 points for the Knicks. Celtics coach Lonny Sweetney declared as the process of “rebuilding while contending”. But what he failed to realize is when you attain 5 new players and all of them are regular rotation players, they need time to gel, and I personally think, though talented, the Celtics won’t connect enough in time to compete. With Rondo nearing the end of his prime at 29 years old, will he stand to be part of a losing situation? Projection: (33-49) 26. (30-52) – 5^th pick of the 2015 draft Bradford Hughes joins the club and should immediately help their defense, albeit minor. When backup PG Troy Coles is on the floor, the team immediately plays better, so Brandon Jennings may be involved in trade rumors for the next few months. Projection: (31-51) 27. (34-48) – The Bobcats received the #1 pick two consecutive years in 2014 and 2015, as well as the 5^th pick in 2014. That year, they went with the Chinese PG Genwei Yang #1 and SF/PF Gerard Bryan #5, and in 2015 hit the jackpot with SG Stephen Lawrence, who may end up the best player in the draft and has “superstar” written all over him. All three players just have the “it” factor which shows they can produce effectively. In a couple years’ time, they will no doubt be one of the best teams in the league, but they still need time to grow and build chemistry. What they desperately need NOW is shooters, but Steve Novak is the only player to show above 30% from 3. Projection: (36-46) 28. (19-63) – Easily the worst team in the league last year, the Knicks landed Jamie Bryan with the third pick, an electrifying shooter/scorer. He will make the difference for this team, as well as Chris Bosh, but they still have work to do. Projection: (26-56) 29. (30-52) – Sporting a league-high 108.9 points given up per game, the Warriors have yet to rectify the problem. The only roster moves made were the additions of #6 pick Brandon Fox (a good shooter from 3) and their 2^nd round selection. Projection: (26-56) 30. (29-52) – Alongside John Wall is Derrick Williams and now Tyreke Evans, all hopeful future stars. But for some reason, their games don’t connect but maybe they just need a little more time. I mean, that could be the excuse, but then again…they’re just not that good. Projection: (24-58) Last edited by richmo; 02-21-2013 at 11:01 PM.

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02-21-2013, 06:21 PM	#1
richmo Almighty 2k Paper Champ OVR: 15 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 701	NBA: The Circuit Welcome to The Circuit! The Circuit is a league-wide culmination of everything that’s going on in the Association, all in one spot. I don’t use any particular team but instead control all 30, allowing the CPU to run its natural course and only step in when I feel necessary. This is an 82-game season and I aim to do a week every 1-2 days if life permits me. I’ve already gotten a couple years deep into the association so a lot has transpired since then. So, to catch y’all up on what’s happened since the events of the real-life season, let me break it down for y’all: PLAYER MOVEMENT Jason Kidd was the first of the greats to let it go while KG and Steve Nash retired to the Hall of Fame in 2014, same for Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki the following season. ·In the 2013 offseason Iguodala signed with the Jazz. Josh Smith was traded to SAC for Marcus Thornton, James Johnson and (I believe) a future pick ·In the 2014 offseason, Monta Ellis and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute of the Bucks were involved in a trade which also featured Carlos Boozer and a future pick ·The same offseason, Melo left the Knicks for the Mavericks and Zach Randolph joined the Los Angeles Lakers (yes, with their big 3 still attached) ·In the 2015 offseason, Boston was headed a new direction and attempted to send Paul Pierce to division rival Philadelphia for Evan Turner and Dorrell Wright ·Amare signed with the Celtics ·2014 offseason, Heat signed Ginobili in his last year. 2015, they sign JR Smith, Carlos Boozer, and Nick Collison ·Despite putting up his best shooting numbers of his career, Chris Bosh left the shadows of Miami and joined the Knicks were he would be a bonafide #1 option. Rudy Gay joined 2013 #3 overall selection and All-Star David Pierce in 2014 NBA Champions ·The Lakers won the 2013 ‘chip vs. the Chicago Bulls with Dwight Howard as playoff MVP. The Bulls then won the next two championships against the Thunder and again the Lakers respectively (this one with the help of Monta Ellis) D-Rose won both Finals MVPs. ·Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and Derrick Rose all won the MVP from 2013 to 2015. COACHES · Bobcats this season sporting a new 1^st year coach (B grade in O,D, and Teaching) Douglas McLeod: Defensive minded who on offense encourages his players to play at a fast tempo and take quick shots. Has a thing for fast, perimeter defensive players. · Kelvin Benjamin becomes Bucks new head coach. He’s also one of the better defensive coaches in the league (A’s all around) who focuses primarily on posting the ball up, and if not that then getting to the basket through drives. · Doc Rivers retires and is replaced by Lonny Sweetney, another A all-around coach. Offensively he focuses on the outside shot (mid and 3), though he does like to emphasize ball movement and a slow tempo first. · Though offensively limited (C) Dell Cook of the Kings may be the best defensive coach in the league next to Tom Thibodeau, and is a great players’ coach as well. Offensive focus is primarily the close/mid range followed by dribble penetration, and defensively he makes it a staple not to get burned in transition. He prefers skilled defensive players and if you do not play D, you won’t play for him. · NY Knicks coach Stan Wingate is another of the defensive-minded breed. He runs a run n’ gun offense with the post-up as a secondary option. He favors the drive the least, but harps his players about taking inside shots. On defense his players will sag off the ball, encouraging lower-percentage shots. · Barney Flanders of the Nets is a pretty average coach. He tells his players to take the first shot opportunity they get, especially if it’s from 3. · Raptors coach Greg Barker is one of the better offensive coaches in the league, in which his team moves the ball crisply and with purpose. However, they regularly look for easy opportunities in transition to score. · And finally, Rudy Paxson of the Timberwolves is an offensive-minded coach who takes on the personality of his current best player, Kevin Love; He encourages all of his players to crash the boards and receive second chance points at any cost. DRAFTEES 2013 Spoiler SG David Pierce (Orlando Magic): 3rd pick of the 2013 NBA draft… 2014 Rookie of the Year 2015 All-Star (Averaged 22.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.7 steals) At 6’4” 216 lbs, he is a bit under-sized for his position but makes up for it with elite athleticism and intelligence. A super-explosive lefty with possibly the highest vertical in the league, Pierce is a threat to smash it on your head every time he attacks, and is also a crowd-pleaser (Posterizer/Highlight Film). That’s not all he can do, though, as he can finish layups through traffic at a high right (Finisher) and if he can’t get to the rim can use his deadly mid-range game (87 mid, Shot Creator) to create his own shot. Contains great speed/quickness for a 2-guard (92/93) with serviceable handles (86) which allows him to beat his man off the dribble consistently. He needs work defensively but if he can increase his level of play just a notch, will be a superstar in a matter of time. PF/C Chuck Dash (Minnesota Timberwolves): 11th pick of the 2013 NBA Draft Averaged 20.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 blocks on 55% shooting in sophomore campaign An athletic big out of Washington State, is more of a finesse dunker rather than a power dunker (Highlight Film). Is dangerous in the paint, can finish with contact (Finisher) and even has a nice faceup game. Has improved his footwork and the touch on his hook shot (Post Proficiency). Is an aggressive attacker of the basket and his speed and agility allows him to get around most bigs with ease (73 speed/67 quickness). Has average strength for a PF but shows lack of technique in the post defensively (68 DPost). Is a good rebounder though it doesn’t show due to playing beside Kevin Love. Has the potential to be a 1st Team All-NBA talent if he can rectify these issues PF/C Andrew Hill (Cleveland Cavaliers): 8th pick of the 2013 NBA Draft An absolute athletic freak-of-nature: at 6’11” with 250 solid pounds of muscle, Hill might be the most athletic big in the league. Is on extremely elite levels of speed and quickness (81/80) for a big and also has major hops for someone his size (90 vert) and is strong enough to hold his own in the post. However, he has a sub-par post game with slightly above-average touch from 10-18 ft. out. Has a solid post defense (81) and can block shots at a good enough rate (81) but is not as good a help defender (68). He has all the athletic tools to become an all-time great, but his potential only reads that he’ll marginally improve his game. C Dane Tyler (Toronto Raptors): 14th pick of the 2013 NBA Draft At 6’11” 288, hailing from Australia, Dane Tyler is a physically dominating force with a lot of skill sprinkled in. For someone that size, his footspeed is tremendous (70). He’s an effective post player, though not one of the league’s best (84 OPost) who can hit the post fade at a high rate (88). His inside finishing ability is top notch and his touch from close and mid-range is lethal, making his faceup game also a threat. He’s a scrappy player who has a nice sized motor. He rarely misses a streak of shots in a row (Anti-Freeze). Is a good enough shot blocker but his defensive intelligence leaves much to be desired (57), which will come with time seeing as he started playing ball at 17. It’s impressive how far he’s already come and with his work ethic he can reach the HoF. SG/PG J.P. Elliott (Detroit Pistons): 15th pick of the 2013 NBA Draft A terrific athletic all-around 2-way player. Not a great shooter but is quick enough to get to the rim and when he does, has a knack for finishing layups, though he’s not too good with a defender or crowd of defenders around him. His above-average court vision (64 pass) allows him to spend some time at the Point, but his average handles (78) discourages full-time usage at the spot. Is a pass-lane thief (Interceptor) and a top-flight perimeter defender in the league (88 On-ball D/Lockdown Defender) and his ability to defend the post (72 DPost) allows him to guard positions 1-3. About average offensive and defensive IQ (72/76). Will at most be a fringe star because his offense will be limited but he will be a quality starter for any team. 2014 Spoiler SG/SF Tim Hale (Memphis Grizzlies): 3rd pick of the 2014 draft Spoiler Averaged 19.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.7 APG and 1.5 SPG on 47%/31%/80% in 33.3 MPG as a rookie Hale may have the quickest first step of any swingman in the league (96 quickness). This coupled with his explosive hops (90 vert/85 dunk) and ability to either finish with contact or around contact (Finisher/Acrobat) makes him one of the deadliest inside threats from the perimeter the league has. He also sports a nice close-range pull up to catch the defense off-guard (88 close range). It is still sketchy but his post game has potential to grow significantly; he prefers to take his attempts closer to the basket and his fadeaway from the post is efficient enough to use every-so-often (70 PFade). In the 4th quarter his game rises to a new level (Closer), and that’s when he’s at his most aggressive attacking the rim. He hustles for every loose ball and is a crowd favorite (94 emotion). He has a high probability of becoming a perennial All-Star at his current rate. SG Eric Osbourne (Milwaukee Bucks): 2nd pick of the 2014 NBA Draft 2015 Rookie of the Year Averaged 21.4 PPG, 4.2 RPG and 4.5 APG on 49%/37%/85% in 33.7 MPG The league’s best performing freshman last year, Eric Osbourne certainly could hold the title for best scorer from the 2014 class as he played higher than expectations. An efficient shooter from all over, he has the talent to make shots off the dribble (78) or as a spot-up-shooter making him a valuable asset in any offense. That’s not all he is, though, as he attacks the rim as much as anyone (99 Drive) and can finish decently well (86 layup). Is an underrated passer (60). Even though he shot almost 50% from the field last year, he still has times where he goes frozen (69 consistency). Has perennial All-Star potential. PG Qu’Raan Stone (Orlando Magic): 6th pick of the 2014 NBA draft Averaged 10.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, and 8.1 APG on 42%/32%/78% in 34 MPG Stone’s athleticism is comparable to Derrick Rose’s but about a click below, and doesn’t attack as much as he does. He didn’t shoot well in his rookie campaign but is capable of much more, as he’s improved his shot creation. His handles are also a notch below the elite’s but not bad at all. He has a chance to become one of the elite passers at over 9+ a game in just a couple years. Defensively out the gate he is solid (80 OBD), has big, quick hands (92/Active Hands). Many times last year he hit a rookie wall which shows in his consistency, but he’s almost the perfect player you want next to a budding superstar like David Pierce as he can create his own shot as well as get others theirs. StraightBaylien and beast10 like this. Last edited by richmo; 02-21-2013 at 10:39 PM.

02-21-2013, 08:33 PM	#3
richmo Almighty 2k Paper Champ OVR: 15 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 701	Re: NBA: The Circuit ...WHAT 2 WATCH... *ESPN “Halloween Special” Double-Header* Saturday, October 31^st Game 1: @ – Tip 7:30 EST The 2-peat Bulls receive their second set of rings in a row. Game 2: @ – Tip 10 EST The journey for Kobe's 7th ring is yet again ready to begin as he faces James Harden and the Houston Rockets in LA. *NBA TV Double-Header* Monday, November 2^nd Game 1: @ – Tip 7 EST Two of the Eastern conference’s biggest foes, featuring two of the East's best Shooting Guards, clash for the first time this season. Game 2: @ – Tip 9:30 EST Much like the East, two Western juggernauts and division rivals meet for the first time of 4 this season. *TNT* Thursday, November 5^th @ – Tip 8:00 Carmelo and Durant battle for best SF in the West. cgalligan likes this. Last edited by richmo; 02-23-2013 at 07:00 PM.

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