Miami Vice: A Miami Heat 2K17 Journey

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Hi Guys just to let everyone know unfortunately my Sixers franchise data was corrupted and no longer playable so had to delete my previous thread and start an new one with now the Miami Heat.

As always check out the thread as I'll be posting updates from around the league as well as my Heat journey as well and there also will be an CAP i will add to the draft class for an personal touch as always hope everyone enjoys and apologies for the restart something that was out of my control.

Lastly just an little thank you to everyone who supported my brief Sixers thread it was an shame I lost it but the dynasty community here has been great and am appreciate the support from you all and the hard work everyone puts into there own dynasty's and will be following all your guys work.

Why the Miami Heat?

I've decided to go with the Miami Heat this time I've always been intrigued by the way Pat Riley has run the organisation and how they always no matter who plays for the team they always seem to get the best out of every single player and the same with there coaches and staff.

To me they have been one of the most consistent franchises for the last 20 years and how they consistently been able to get top 10 level talent to the squad via trades,FA or drafting is something that I'll be looking to replicate in this experience hopefully everyone can enjoy it as much as I'm looking forward to getting started.

Settings:

Sliders:ThatMichiganFan Simulation Sliders
My League Settings:ThatMichiganFan Simulation Sliders
Length of Game:11 min quarters 12 min for sim
Draft Class:embrace the pace 2017 and 2018 Draft Classes
Roster:2k Roster but with Turty11 tendency and rating edits.

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Press Release: 2017-2018 Salary Cap number and league realignment.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver today announced the salary cap for the 2017-2018 season will be set at 104 million dollars and the hard cap which has been set to 160 million dollars.

"Our game is growing rapidly and is consumed all over the globe so as per the CBA with the players union and there representatives we have come to agreement for this season on both the salary and hard cap.

With this figure we feel it was fair deal for both the owners and players union and going forward as the game grows we will keep talking about the possibility of increasing the cap so our players the blood of our league get what they deserve financially"Said Silver

On the rumours of the league possibly being realigned this season the commissioner was very open about the idea

"The possibility of realignment an few divisions and teams has been discussed but at this time it remains just discussions nothing serious at the moment. We are looking at all angles and solutions on how to make it work if it was to happen but until then it really is just an small conversation at this point.

Ok guys going to run an small poll on what teams should be up for realignment I have an few choices but would like to hear your thoughts and votes on what would be best for the league I have in mind including possible teams changing Conference but will let the votes decide that. Next post will be up shortly recapping the heat season and playoffs.

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Kristan Winfield

Season Review:Heat fans should be proud of this team despite missing playoffs.

Following a magical second half of the season, the Miami Heat fell short of the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. It’s the first time that has happened since the franchise drafted Dwyane Wade in 2003.

But no one could have imagined that elimination happening so late after the beginning of the season.

After starting 11-30 with just a .03 percent (point zero-three percent) chance of making the playoffs, the Heat rattled off a league-best 20 wins in 24 games, including a 13-game winning streak. They finished the season 41-41, tied with the Chicago Bulls for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.

It wasn’t good enough, though, as the Bulls won the season series, taking the East’s final playoff spot as a result. But the Heat finished with a better record than the Pistons, Knicks, and Hornets, three teams that were fixed in the playoff picture early on.

How could a team so bad, so early pull a complete 180 and string together wins over the Warriors, over the Cavaliers (twice), and over the Rockets? How could they go on one of the longest winning streaks of the year? How could they make such an improbable run without a single All-Star on the roster?

As a team, that’s how.

It’s easy to point at the heads of the snake. Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside have been steady forces for Miami all season long. But something clicked midway through the year, something the Heat can be proud of and build on for next year..

They will see $25 million come off the books as a result of Chris Bosh’s heart condition, but the team must decide if it wants to re-sign Dion Waiters, who will command a hefty pay raise after his remarkable season. Will they also re-sign James Johnson? If so, for how much?

And which marquee free agent can you put alongside the core of Dragic and Whiteside to ensure the well-oiled machine in Miami continues revving for the foreseeable future? You can bet that free agents noticed the Heat’s resilience and ability to rehabilitate the value of players like Waiters and Johnson.

The Heat showed they can scorch other teams when they lock-in and play ball. They’ve also got young guys to build with for the future.

Miami has Tyler Johnson inked for the next few years. Josh Richardson is a lockdown perimeter defender who rebounded from an unfortunate injury, and Justise Winslow will be back from an injury of his own.

Now, it’s a matter of adding fuel to the fire during the summer so they can avoid another slow start next season. But one thing’s for certain: never count the Miami Heat out.

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2017 NBA Playoffs Recap: Cavs repeat defeating Warriors in 6.

"Cleveland.... This is for you" The Words uttered out of LeBron James mouth after capturing his 3rd NBA title last year in an truly epic series taking down the 73-9 Golden State Warriors no one would thought that Cleveland the city that had been forever cursed could ever think about being champions again right..

How wrong we were the Cleveland Cavaliers led again by James bested the Golden State Warriors again in game 6 in Cleveland to win back to back championships the first repeat winner since James was an member of the Miami Heat.

After crushing the Eastern Conference by sweeping the Pacers defeating the Raptors 4-1 and destroying the Celtics in an sweep as well the Cavs heading into the finals were rested and ready to have another shot at the title.

However the Warriors had an rougher road back to the finals after initially sweeping past the Blazers in round 1 after being up 3-0 on the tough Utah Jazz, the Jazz fought back to tie the series 3-3 after Gordon Hayward hit back to back game winners in games 5 and 6 to force game 7 however the Warriors finished the job winning 121-104 to progress to the Western Conference finals awaiting an matchup with the methodical San Antonio Spurs who moved past the Houston Rockets 4-2.

It didn't start well for the Warriors after losing Klay Thompson to a sprained ankle in game 1 and wouldn't return for the series the Warriors found themselves in an hole down 2-1 after Kawhi Leonard went crazy in game 2 and 3 putting up 45 and 39 respectively. However with no Tony Parker and inconsistent scoring from the other members of the Spurs (LaMarcus Aldridge averaged 6 points per game in the series) the Warriors fought back to win the next two games 113-99 and 101-96 to take an 3-2 lead to San Antonio.

Ultimately the Spurs would take game 6 behind Leonard's 55 points and 16 rebound performance winning 123-111 to force game 7 many questioned if the Dubs could get back without Klay who not only missed his scoring but his work on the defensive end to help Kawhi who was averaging 42 and 11 in the series. Game 7 proved to be the Kevin Durant stage as his performance of 34 points 7 rebounds and 11 assists helped the Warriors finally put the Spurs away 122-101 and advance to there third straight NBA finals meeting with Cleveland.

With the stage set the Dubs and Cavs squared off for the third straight year not since the Magic-Bird era have there been this kind of rivalry in the NBA Finals each winning one An piece both of opposing floors the big question mark heading into the series was the health of Thompson and if his ankle could hold up. The Warriors made the decision not to play for game 1

After an initial back and forth game the Warriors prevailed 109-97 winners after Stephen Curry,Draymond Green and Durant all scored over 20 with Green getting an triple double as well. Game 2 was an much tighter affair but the Cavs bounced back to steal one away from the Warriors 111-108, Kevin Love had an truly epic game with 35 points 7-11 from 3 and 22 rebounds to pace the Cavs.

As evidenced by the first two games the Cavs had an clear advantage rebounding heading back to Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue made a change to the lineup moving LeBron to the 4 and Love to the 5 and moving Kyle Korver off the bench. This moved proved to be an difference with still no Klay Thompson the Warriors issues of scoring had popped up again Cavs winning 123-98 behind 45-11-17 performance from the King.

Down 2-1 the Warriors had to make an call on the health of Thompson and it was decided by coach Steve Kerr that Klay would return for game 4 but as soon as Klay took the floor five minutes into the game after contesting an long rebound Thompson fell awkward on his injured ankle reInjuring it and later discovered it an broken ankle and would be out for the rest of the series. Cleveland again proving there dominance of the glass by winning game 4 108-101 with James again with back to back triple doubles with 32-14-11.

The Warriors heading back to Oakland down 3-1 needed something Steph was not scoring,Draymond's presence was not been felt on the court as much it all rested on number 35 for game 5 to fight off elimination and prove why he is one of the greatest players in the game today.

Durant in game 5 was aggressive early and had 25 points at the half but couldn't pull away from the Cavs and leading 55-59 at the half and after An back forth contest it came down to KD who down by 5 with 2 mins to go hit back to back 3s to lead his team back and take the game 127-124 scoring 47 points and 12 rebounds to hold of Kyrie Irving's 30 point performance.

Game 6 back in Cleveland LeBron told the media the day before that the series "finishes tonight" with this the Cavs Stormed out to an 15 point lead at the end of the first quarter however Stephen Curry who had been quiet all finals exploded hitting 6 3s in the first half to have 24 points at the half with the Dubs leading 57-48.

LeBron came out an man possessed in the 2nd half getting to the rim at will,creating for his teammates and playing defense his desire to win lead the Cavs back being down by 4 heading to the fourth.

The game went back and forth as both teams traded shots and stops but with 3 mins to go tied at 99 Kyrie again just like last year hit an clutch 3 to give the Cavs the lead. The Warriors responded with an 3 of there own by Ian Clark who took the place of Thompson in the lineup however LeBron would not be denied as in back to back possessions hit an tough Jumper and ultimately an 4 point play after Durant contested a 3 but made contact.

That would prove to be the deciding play as the Cavs won the game and repeated as champions 114-107 LeBron was named finals MVP for the fourth time averaging 33-9-13 for the series.. The King adds another jewel to his ever growing crown

Ok guys draft and FA coming up soon posts to follow also don't forget to vote on the poll as well thanks.

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NBA Awards: Russell Westbrook caps of amazing season with first MVP trophy.

After an historic season Oklahoma City Guard has been awarded the 2016-17 Kia Most Valuable Player Award at last night's ceremony. Westbrook who became the first player since Oscar Robertson in the 1961-62 season to average an triple double for the entire season.

Along with former Thunder teammate and Houston Rockets guard James Harden were the two front runners the entire season and both staked claim to the award but ultimately voters could not ignore the historic context of this season to not give the award to Westbrook. Westbrook also won the scoring title as well to have one of the greatest individual season ever recorded.

Other award winners included the Kia Most Improved player going to Milwaukee Bucks rising superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kia Defensive player of the year going Utah Jazz Center Rudy Gobert who anchored the leagues best defense. The Rookie of the year was awarded to Croatian and Philadelphia 76er forward Dario Saric. For an full list of award winners and ALL NBA team selections please check below.

2016-2017 Kia NBA Awards Night
Award	Player	Pos	Team
Most Valuable Player	Russell Westbrook	PG	Oklahoma City Thunder
Rookie of the Year	Dario Saric	PF	Philadelphia 76ers
Sixth Man of the Year	James Johnson	F	Miami Heat
Defensive Player of the Year	Rudy Gobert	C	Utah Jazz
Most Improved Player	Giannis Antetokounmpo	SF	Milwaukee Bucks
Coach of the Year	Mike D'Antoni	55-27	Houston Rockets
All-NBA 1st Team
All-NBA 1st Team	Russell Westbrook	PG	Oklahoma City Thunder
	James Harden	SG	Houston Rockets
	Kawhi Leonard	SF	San Antonio Spurs
	LeBron James	SF	Cleveland Cavaliers
	Anthony Davis	C/PF	New Orleans Pelicans
All-NBA 2nd Team
All-NBA 2nd Team	Stephen Curry	PG	Golden State Warriors
	Jimmy Butler	SG/SF	Chicago Bulls
	Giannis Antetokounmpo	SF	Milwaukee Bucks
	Kevin Durant	SF	Golden State Warriors
	Karl-Anthony Towns	C	Minnesota Timberwolves
All-NBA 3rd Team
All-NBA 3rd Team	Chris Paul	PG	Los Angeles Clippers
	Damian Lillard	PG	Portland Trail Blazers
	Gordon Hayward	SF/SG	Utah Jazz
	Draymond Green	PF	Golden State Warriors
	Rudy Gobert	C	Utah Jazz
All-Defensive 1st Team
All-Defensive 1st Team	Chris Paul	PG	Los Angeles Clippers
	Giannis Antetokounmpo	SF	Milwaukee Bucks
	Kawhi Leonard	SF	San Antonio Spurs
	Draymond Green	PF	Golden State Warriors
	Rudy Gobert	C	Utah Jazz
All-Defensive 2nd Team
All-Defensive 2nd Team	Patrick Beverly	PG	Houston Rockets
	Tony Allen	SG	Memphis Grizzlies
	Jimmy Butler	SF/SG	Chicago Bulls
	Anthony Davis	C/PF	New Orleans Pelicans
	Hassan Whiteside	C	Miami Heat
All-Rookie 1st Team
All-Rookie 1st Team	Malcom Brogdon	G	Milwaukee Bucks
	Jamal Murray	G	Denver Nuggets
	Brandon Ingram	SF	Los Angeles Lakers
	Dario Saric	PF	Philadelphia 76ers
	Marquees Chris	PF/C	Phoenix Suns
All-Rookie 2nd Team
All-Rookie 2nd Team	Caris Levert	SG	Brooklyn Nets
	Buddy Heild	SG	New Orleans Pelicans/Sacramento Kings
	Yogi Ferrell	PG	Brooklyn Nets/Dallas Mavericks
	Willy Hernangomez	PF/C	New York Knicks
	Jaylen Brown	SF	Boston Celtics

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Sources:

The Miami Heat have begun actively shopping around both Center Hassan Whiteside and Guard Goran Dragic.It is understood the Heat are looking for draft picks in this coming draft or quality starters in return.

[Skuxx24]

The Heat have a ton of options this offseason but will it be enough to return to the top in the East? Heat Offseason preview

Greg Cote

The Miami Heat this offseason have a lot of different directions it could go but staying in the middle is not going to get them anywhere closer to winning an title. With having close to over 50 million dollars in cap space and an lottery pick in this years draft the Heat are in an prime position to move out of the Eastern Conference basement and into the light if Pat Riley and co make the right moves.


Draft


Based on the record they finished with the Heat are projected to have the 14th pick in the draft the players available at this time would proberly not be guys that you could put into the rotation right away but players fall in drafts for an variety of reasons and if the Heat are lucky enough they could pick up someone like Johnathan Isaac from Florida State who would fit in nicely next to Hassan Whiteside and Justise Winslow (provided he comes back 100%).


My personal favourite would be Jayson Tatum granted there's no way he's falling to 14 he would provide the go to scorer they desperately need. They could possible trade down as well and gather more assets in the hope of using it down the road but ultimately I think the Heat take an 2 guard here with Donovan Mitchell being someone I could see on the Heat he's long,athletic and can space the floor with his shooting and is an decent defender could be the Heat's version of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope if Erik Spolestra and the staff can get the best out of him.


The Possibility of moving up is there as well but it would take a lot of creativity to move somewhere inside the top 10 any deal into the top 10 would require Dragic,Whiteside or Justise Winslow I would imagine.

Free Agency:

With the Chris Bosh situation looking to be sorted in the next few days the Heat will enter free agency with over 50 million dollars in cap space which is there biggest asset of the offseason we have seen in the past the kind of moves Riley can pull off if armed with cap room and assets to work with. The biggest need right now for the Heat is someone who can create offense too many games last year the ball was stuck in Goran Dragic's hands or in the post with Whiteside who is clearly not an post presence at this stage with no one else besides Dion Waiters was able to create offense for themselves.


Gordon Hayward would be an very nice pickup for the Heat and if rumours are anything to go by there is definite interest from both sides the problem is committing max money to an guy that has only played one good season is somewhat of an risk. Riley has always been able to attract top 5 all NBA type talent but with this class there's not many options to choose from and with most other teams having cap space as well it's not the asset that is has been in the past.


Some interesting players to look out for would be Serge Ibaka who's presence next to Whiteside would create fear at the rim and with his ability to stretch the floor and addressed the spacing issues.James Johnson and Dion Waiters experienced career years under Spolestra will demand big money on the market and could see both depart if the Heat don't prioritise both.


The organisation has stated they want both to return but seeing how far the Heat stretch it's budget to accomodate role players will be something to keep an eye on. Another player that has been rumoured the Heat are interested in is JJ Redick if the Clippers can't keep him and the Heat don't decide to draft an 2 guard would be an nice fit to add shooting and experience veteran who would bring an presence to the team and still can give you 13-17 points an Night.


I've also seen the rumours that Dwayne Wade could return but if I was Riley I wouldn't go near him unless it was an team friendly deal and not what's best for Wade. We have seen with the Lakers recently that overpaying your declining,ageing star can set your franchise back years. At this point I don't think Wade is a starting caliber 2 guard given his injury history he has been an great servant for the Heat and will get his jersey hanged in the rafters one day but it's time for the Heat to move on from Wade.


Trades


Yahoo Sports The Vertical reported last night that both Hassan Whiteside and Goran Dragic
can be be had for the right price. Both who are the pillars of this team last season are in the midst of large deals would not only provide cap space for the Heat but possibly future draft picks if the Heat can get the right deals done if both are indeed on the block.


It's interesting because if the rumours are true they are being shopped around it's an clear indication by Riley that he doesn't see either as players you can build around Dragic who is the 3rd year of his deal who blossomed being the primary ball handler with Dwayne Wade gone last year scoring over 20 points a game and was terrific in January when the Heat fought back from being 11-30.


Whiteside is an different case he dominates the boards he is super effective as the roller to the basket and when he chooses can be an great post defender but with the deal he got last offseason you are paying him to be an superstar and while Hassan has done an great job carving an role in the NBA for himself but in my opinion it would be in the Heats interest to find an deal for Whiteside.


An team like Boston who need interior help would be an ideal place for him to land but no doubt the Heat would want the Celtics draft pick which could be anywhere from 1 to 5 which i don't think the Celtics would give away especially if they get the first overall pick. But given Riley's past I would not be surprised if he somehow turned either Dragic or Whiteside if traded into high level assets for the future.


Regardless on what the Heat do they have an ton of different ways they can go about this offseason they could decide this is the year they tank and rebuild or they could get free agents in to help there current stars granted if there not traded to contend in the east either way whatever the Heat decide to do Pat Riley's influence over the franchise will dictate what Miami basketball will look like for the next 5-10 years.


thanks for reading guys please leave your thoughts on what should the Heat do and your opinions are valued. Draft will be done over the next few days followed by free agency as always will keep this thread updated as we go along thanks

[Kumode]

Heat is a franchise with a lot of history and great youth players. It is also a prime FA spot with the market and location. I think with a cap space that large you should definitely look into signing young players who can develop into stars and maybe splash some cash towards Hayward.

Realistically speaking Hayward would most likely stay in Jazz, taking in consideration he is in a better situation with a better squad around him, but for the sake of the dynasty, he could become your new franchise player. You can probably generate a story line about Jazz, which would force Gordon to move on from Utah.

Other than that, I understand you want to move Whiteside and Dragic. Goran is understandable, I don't like him as well, however moving Hassan is a bit weird, as in realistic terms he is a stud center for Miami and FO wouldn't allow the trade to happen, unless the returns would exceed the value by a lot. Take in consideration he put up career numbers (17 pts and 14 rebounds) per game during last season.

At the end of the day this is your journey and the main thing is to have fun yourself! Heat is definitely an interesting team, which I plan to pick up for a MyLeague as well in the coming days.