Restoring the Glory: A Modern-Day New York Knicks Dynasty (DDS:PB) [Archive] - Page 2

Izulde

10-10-2008, 11:07 PM

Memphis Grizzlies receive
SG Ricky Davis
New Jersey Nets 2017 2nd round pick

New Jersey Nets receive
SF Cory Gervin

What this means for the Grizzlies
Rudy Gay tore his knee tendon early in the month, so Memphis reacted by picking up the 37 year old Davis, who, while no longer the sharpshooter he once was, still provides some offensive punch off the bench. The Nets are one of the worst teams in the NBA, so the 2nd round pick should be among the top 3.

What this means for the Nets
Gervin was Memphis's 1st round pick (26th overall) last year, but doesn't have very exciting potential. At best, he looks like an average bench player, though he's averaging 12.6 points in the D-League. Chances are, he won't even be re-signed at the end of the year.

Advantage: Memphis
Hard to tell why the Nets even made this deal, as Gervin's not even playing for New Jersey and has no real upside to speak of. While Davis will come nowhere near to replacing Gay's production, he gives the Grizzlies a veteran presence and some firepower with the second team, in addition to a high 2nd round crapshoot.

Memphis Grizzlies receive
SF Jason Tackett

Sacramento Kings receive
PG Jordan Muhammad
Memphis Grizzlies 2017 2nd round pick

What this means for the Grizzlies
Tackett's a lock-down defensive player in his 3rd season, drafted 19th overall by the Kings in 2014. He's an end of the bench player right now, but he's also instantly Memphis's best defender, especially now that Rudy Gay[/b']s likely lost for the year. Not much else to recommend him, though.

[b]What this means for the Kings
Muhammed was drafted 22nd overall in this year's draft, but outside of some respectable ballhandling skills, he just doesn't look like much, nor does it look he'll turn into anything, not even a decent backup. The pick's not that great, either. On the other hand, he's signed next year as well.

Advantage: Memphis
Not an exciting deal by any means and insignificant on both ends, but Memphis shores up their weakest area by landing Tackett, which gives them the edge here, especially in an abysmal year for the West.

Seattle Supersonics receive
SG Adam Lopez
Minnesota Timberwolves 2017 2nd round pick

Minnesota Timberwolves receive
SG Bryan Young

What this means for the Sonics
Lopez, taken 17th overall in last year's draft, has some real potential as a ballthief and a shooter, with some good ballhandling for an off-guard. He steps in as Seattle's 6th man and gives them sorely needed quality bench depth, particularly since the coaching staff is still hating on 19 year old Belgian rookie Louis Martens. The 2nd rounder is a nice bonus.

What this means for the Timberwolves
Young is a horrific ballhandler, so much so that he'd be notoriously bad even as a big man. On the other hand, his potential as a scorer and stealer are nothing short of breathtaking, but he's quite raw yet. He was taken 14th in last year's draft and looks superior to Lopez in many respects. On the other hand, the only spot he can play is SG and there's a ton of guys way ahead of him on the bench. That being said, all of the players ahead of him have expiring contracts, with the exception of the starting guards, so there's a good chance he could see a major increase in minutes next year and really start to develop his astronomical potential.

Advantage: Draw
Seattle gets a lot more immediate help here, but if Young can develop and get the playing time to do so, the Timberwolves will have a major steal on their hands, an offensive juggernaut to pair with Kelvin Moody next year, turnover-prone issues aside.

I have to say, I really like Minnesota's gamble here. It's a lost season with Moody gone anyway, so why not take a shot at a player that has potential superstar writ on him?

A balanced offense highlighted by 17 bench points from Steve Neal and 11 points and 10 rebounds from Emeka Okafor powers us to a 101-78 buttkicking of the Warriors to kick February off.

We get our first loss of the month early as we split a divisional doubleheader. Utah goes down 91-76 through the combined efforts of Mateen Yeaton (20 points), Emeka Okafor (11 points, 14 rebounds), Zelipe Gama (10 points, 12 assists) and David Jackson (11 bench points). But the Timberwolves stun us the next night 101-87 despite 34 points from Ron McPherson, 10 points and 14 rebounds from Emeka Okafor and 14 points and 11 rebounds from Tim Davis. Mateen Yeaton has a horrific 3 for 15 night and in general, we shot for crap.

We snap out of it against Cleveland as Mateen Yeaton scores 38 in a 117-85 slaughter of the Cavs. Ron McPherson scores 21, Tim Davis gets 14 points and 17 rebounds and Zelipe Gama gets 15 points and 12 rebounds. Great bench game from David Jackson too, with 9 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists.

I've noticed Tim Davis seems to really be struggling out there and not taking over games like he should be, which has me thinking that perhaps we should trade him.

We destroy the Nets 108-82 as Mateen Yeaton scores 33, Tim Davis has 16 points and 10 rebounds and Zelipe Gama picks up 12 points and 13 assists. I'm also wondering about Gama too, who's been maddeningly inconsistent. Maybe we shouldn't re-sign the Spainard and maybe last year was a fluke.

All things to ponder as we do a doubleheader before the All-Star break. We narrowly escape with a 109-108 victory over Atlanta as four Denver starters score 20 points or more. Mateen Yeaton leads the way with 27, followed by Tim Davis with 23 and Ron McPherson and Emeka Okafor with 20 a piece, Okafor grabbing 14 rebounds besides. Zelipe Gama is busy all night, dishing out 22 assists. Mateen Yeaton torches the Bobcats for 30 points the next night and Tim Davis makes his case for staying with 22 points and 12 rebounds in a 109-93 win against the Bobcats. Zelipe Gama has his second straight 20+ assist night with 21 and Ron McPherson scores 27.

No noteworthy Nugget appearances in the All-Star skill contests.

David Jackson starts at SF for the Rookies and acquits himself well with 15 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and a block in 29 minutes, but the steal of last year's draft, Justin Barnes, scores 24 and takes home MVP honors in leading the Sophomores to a 104-94 victory.

Mateen Yeaton gets the start at SG for the West in the All-Star game, but has a completely forgettable 2 for 8 showing for 5 points. Luckily, the West gains some measure of legitimacy in trashing the East 109-85 as Georghios Kairis wins MVP for his 23 points.

And so it's decision time with regards to Tim Davis.

A slew of calls around the league reveals that opposing GMs are a little leery of him. As one front office head I talked to said, "The kid's got the talent and he's shown flashes of stuff after coming back from the ACL, but that's a long-term investment to make when we don't know if he's damaged goods or not."

That said, there are teams with a definite interest in acquiring him and so I burn up the phonelines leading up to the trade deadline to put together a package to my liking.

Denver Nuggets receive
SF Lamar Odom
SG Ronnie Brewer
Los Angeles Lakers 2017 1st round pick
Los Angeles Lakers 2019 1st round pick

Los Angeles Lakers receive
C Tim Davis
SG Steve Neal
Denver Nuggets 2017 1st round pick
Denver Nuggets 2019 1st round pick
Atlanta Hawks 2019 2nd round pick

What this means for the Nuggets
GM Jestor signals his 100% commitment to rookie David Jackson with this move. He also will free up $8.1 million when Odom comes off the cap next season. Clearly the Nuggets plan on re-signing popular Spanish PG Zelipe Gama, as this gives them the room to do so. Brewer's an average all around backup. The picks could be a tricky situation, though, as this move likely powers the Lakers to a playoff spot in the anemic West and so robs the Nuggets of a second lottery selection. As for the 2019 pick... that's looking like a low 1st as well. On the other hand, the 35 year old Odom can play all 5 positions, greatly enhancing Denver's flexibility.

What this means for the Lakers
Showtime hits the jackpot in landing Davis and suddenly Andrew Bynum's got a fearsome tag-team partner inside. The picks won't be that drastic a drop now that there's this abrupt influx of an extraordinarily gifted player inside to take the pressure off of Bynum.

Advantage: Lakers
GM Jestor just fumbled the ball on this one and gave the Purple and Gold precisely the tools they needed to get back to their lost glory.

Heh. We'll see.

Unfortunately, this also means we're over the imposed $15 million cap by a measly $854,955. Whatever. I'm going to roll with it and hopefully B.B. Dyer won't be too ticked at the end of the season.

Curious move by the Lakers, as they're starting Tim Davis at SF. Then again, Larry Brown's coked up enough to say that Lamar Odom should be the starting C, so who knows?

The Lakers have 20 wins as of the move, by the way.

Lamar Odom is indeed the starting C and gets 13 points and 11 rebounds as we beat the Celtics 105-84 in our first game after the deal. Ron McPherson scores 27, Emeka Okafor has 12 points and 12 rebounds, Zelipe Gama 13 points and 10 assists and Kirk Hinrich's 18 bench points illustrate that we can win and win big even when Mateen Yeaton is shooting 1 for 10.

Things are still clicking smoothly as we thrash the Grizzlies 110-97. Mateen Yeaton scores 20, Ron McPherson 24, and Zelipe Gama plays his way to 14 points and 10 assists. Curiously enough, Lamar Odom garners 15 points and 17 rebounds and I'm thinking maybe Larry Brown isn't so crazy after all.

We help our draft position by spanking the Hornets 105-80. Lamar Odom damn near gets a triple double with 25 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds and a steal and Kirk Hinrich and Marcus Williams add 12 and 10 bench points respectively. Wow, who knew Odom would turn out so well in the early going?

Foul trouble ends Lamar Odom's hot streak, but 33 points from Mateen Yeaton and a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds from Emeka Okafor bail us out in a 94-82 victory over the Hawks to conclude February.

So we're still the class of the NBA at 49-8. We're down to just 3 teams in the West with a winning record.

Denver Nuggets 49-8
Utah Jazz 36-20
San Antonio Spurs 35-21

On the other hand, the Lakers have just one victory since the trade and are in last place in the Pacific. But there's still a lot of games to be played and they're only 5.5 games back of division-leading Sacramento. At least the Hornets are holding strong to Suckville at 15-41.

I wouldn't want to be in the East, where 10 teams have a + .500 record. Toronto's the class of the conference at 44-12, 9.5 ahead of the Knicks.

I'm really glad I don't own the Cavaliers pick this year, as they've opened a 3 game lead in the Central at 33-22 over the Bucks, with the Pacers a half-game off from Milwaukee. Washington's got a 3 game lead in the Southeast as well, over Orlando, with the Magic a half-game in front of the Bobcats.

It's a real down year for shooting. Ben Gordon is the league's leading scorer at 25.7 points a game and Mateen Yeaton is right behind him at 25.5 as the only two players averaging 25 points a game or more.

On the other hand, we've got a lot of assisting going on. Our own Zelipe Gama leads with 11.9 dishes per game, followed by Branko Starcevic with 11.1, A.J. Dunkley at 10.3 and Lebron James at 10.2. T.J. Ford and Dwayne Wade -just- miss the 10 mark with 9.9 thus far.

Rebounding is all Greg Oden at 15.1, Andrew Bynum and Andrew Bogut distantly behind at 12.9 and 12.1 respectively. Josh Smith has stolen the rejections lead with 3.5 per game, traditional leader Andrei Kirilenko second at 3.3, Derrick Robinson the other with 3 or better at 3 exactly. Emeka Okafor ranks 14th at 2.3 blocks a game.

Leland Peterson and Kyle Smith have restored stealing respectability with 2 per game and Mateen Yeaton is right behind them at 1.9 a contest. Zelipe Gama is 17th with 1.5.

Greg Wilden is definitely making a case for the Cavaliers turnaround, leading rookies in scoring with 10.1 points a game. David Jackson is second with 9.5 and it really falls off from there. David Jackson narrowly holds the rookie assist lead with 2.6, as Corey Neal has 2.5, Greg Wilden 2.1.

Greg Wilden again in rebound with 9.3, although David Jackson isn't far off at 8.2. Again, there's a prodigious drop after those two who are going to be the finalists for Rookie of the Year I suspect. It'll probably go to Wilden, who's proving me wrong on his not being worthy of the top pick.

Blocks again is Greg Wilden with 2.6 and David Jackson is a ridiculously distant 2nd at 0.7. Steals is all Corey Neal with 1.2 swipes a game, David Jackson just barely fending off Greg Wilden as they're at 0.7 and 0.6 respectively.

I realize a lot of it is David Jackson's having been our starting C for much of the season, but it gives me a real good feeling that he should be one of our brightest stars for years to come. The starting job is his next year for sure, I think... unless something really wild and crazy happens at draft time.

Paulinho Buboltz-Mateen Yeaton Comparison

Paulinho Buboltz
2013 Stats: 82 games/77 starts - 17.0 PPG 9.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.7 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.4 SPG
2015 Stats: 55 games/48 starts - 14.1 PPG 8.3 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2016 Stats: 56 games/56 starts - 18.1 PPG 8.2 APG 3.4 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG

Mateen Yeaton
2013 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.4 APG 5.2 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/80 starts - 23.2 PPG 3.6 APG 5.2 RPG 1.7 BPG 1.3 SPG
2015 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.6 PPG 2.4 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.5 SPG
2016 Stats: 57 games/57 starts - 25.5 PPG 3.1 APG 4.4 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.9 SPG

Izulde

10-11-2008, 10:15 PM

Looking back on the trade review of Davis/Odom, I see the writer forgotten to mention Steve Neal. He's been an unexpected offensive surprise this season and he's the first guard off the bench for the Lakers. That said, he's been largely awful in his first several games in Purple and Gold, save for a 10 point outburst against Portland.

Tim Davis, on the other hand, scored 43 points in his Lakers debut against Boston and has broken 20 points or more an additional two games besides. He appears to be fitting seamlessly into the Lakers' lineup, even at SF.

Ours wasn't the only deadline trade, though.

Philadelphia 76ers receive
SF Raymond Badu
Seattle Supersonics 2017 2nd round pick

Seattle Supersonics receive
PG James Wampler
SG Hamilton George
PF Mehmet Okur

What this means for the 76ers
Badu is lazy and not an exciting player in any given area, but his versatility and ability to play every position but C makes him a valuable pickup for the looks Philadelphia can throw. The 2nd round pick should be a high one as well. Badu was taken in the 2nd round, 9th pick, by the Trailblazers in 2012 and shows that 2nd rounders can still make it in this league.

What this means for the Sonics
Okur was released immediately after the trade, so it boils down to Wampler and George for Badu and the 2nd rounder. Wampler, taken in the 2nd round, 15th pick, by the 76ers last year, has a good outside shot and decent ballhandling. He also has respectable defense, something the Sonics sorely lacked. Unfortunately, he has no scoring instincts at all and is buried so far down the depth chart, he's yet to appear in a game. George, the 28th overall pick in this year's draft, has potential to be a defensive playmaker with great FT shooting mechanics and outside shot, but like Wampler, he has no knack for scoring and is just as buried as Wampler.

Advantage: Draw
Seattle did improve their team defense drastically by picking up the youngsters, but if they're not going to be used, what's the point? Conversely, Badu doesn't seem to fit in well with Philly's team makeup.

Cleveland Cavaliers receive
PF James Augustine

Washington Wizards receive
PG Darius Washington

What this means for the Cavaliers
Cleveland needed to pick up some more depth inside and Augustine fits the bill. He's an average all-around backup, but just having another bigger body will help the Cavaliers as the season grinds on.

What this means for the Wizards
With Michael Redd out with a broken leg, Washington needed to recover and the last name Washington is a perfect fit. Great outside shot, good scoring instincts and passable defense mean the Wizards won't miss Redd too much on the bench.

Advantage: Wizards
Good move for both teams, but Washington's a far better player than Augustine.

New York Knicks receive
PG Baron Davis
Los Angeles Clippers 2017 2nd round pick

Los Angeles Clippers receive
SG Johnny Grawer
C Rudy Braun

What this means for the Knicks
What do you do if Carmelo Anthony breaks his wrist? If you're rookie GM Tim Duncan, you pull off a shrewd move in acquiring Davis, who, even at 37, is a shooter to be feared and who still has good enough passing game to be the starting PG. He starts at SG, though, which allows him to concentrate on generating points. Baron's defense and stealing instincts are still at a good level, too. And that's to say nothing of the bonus 2nd rounder or the expiring $7 million contract.

What this means for the Clippers
Braun is cut immediately afterwards, so it comes down to Grawer, a 3rd year pro taken 7th overall by New York in 2014. He's a bust with no reedeming qualities and it's amazing that the Clippers actually dealt for him.

Advantage: New York
There's a big reason why the Knicks are headed back to the playoffs and Tim Duncan's brilliance in his first year of GMing is it. Absolutely sensational steal and it's finally exciting to be a hoops fan in the Big Apple again.

Two days after that deal, the Knicks and Clippers make another exchange.

New York Knicks receive
SG Michael Blunt

Los Angeles Clippers receive
C Patrick O'Bryant
New York Knicks 2017 1st round pick

What this means for the Knicks
Not content, Tim Duncan swoops in to get Blunt, a 5th year drafted 5th overall by the Hornets in 2012. Blunt's got great scoring instincts and some decent shooting moves. Not much of a ballhandler, but has pretty good rebounding for a guard, passable defense and great thievery instincts. He's signed through next season, giving the Knicks a capable replacement for Baron Davis as a 6th man/injury SG starter.

What this means for the Clippers
O'Bryant's an average C with pretty good rebounding and defense skills. His biggest value is in his $5.5 million expiring contract on a team that already has $4.5 million in cap room. Look for the Clippers to be key players in free agency next offseason and with an extra 1st rounder, albeit a likely late 1st rounder, the Red and White could be among the league's most improved teams next year.

Advantage: Draw
Nice trade for both teams.Wolverine Studios (http://www.wolverinestudios.com/forum/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=38947) The Knicks make themselves better for the next couple seasons an the Clippers clear the way for a renaissance next year.

Cleveland Cavaliers receive
SF Josh Childress
Philadelphia 76ers 2017 2nd round pick

Philadelphia 76ers receive
SF Eric Hicks

What this means for the Cavaliers
Childress isn't very good any more at 33, though he still has a nice outside shot and charity stripe mechanics, in addition to slightly above-average defense. 2nd rounder isn't too exciting, either. This trade was a reaction to Kyle Smith, he of the 26.4 points per game average, breaking his wrist.

What this means for the 76ers
Hicks is a non-descript end of the bench player whose greatest asset is shotblocking. Hard telling why the 76ers traded for him.

Advantage: Cleveland
At least the Cavs were seeking to address a need. The 76ers seemed to be dealing just to deal.

Wow. I think that was the busiest deadline session we've had in years. Of course, a lot of it involved the same teams and were to address injury concerns, but still. I've become a huge fan of Tim Duncan's after seeing those two moves. He's completed the job I started.

Games against the Pacers are always high-energy because of the trade history between our two teams and we come away with a 104-93 win to open the month. Mateen Yeaton scores 29, Ron McPherson is a great second with 26 points and David Jackson chips in 14 points off the bench. Ben Gordon scored 33, Paulinho Buboltz 22, but it just wasn't enough for Indiana.

If you'd have told me Ron McPherson would score 31 points, Mateen Yeaton 25 points and that we'd still lose to the Clippers, I'd have called bullshit, but that's what happens as the Red and White surge back in the fourth to steal the 102-97 victory. Not that I care, really. A win by the Clips is another win that keeps the Lakers in the lottery.

I do, however care when the Trailblazers embarass 110-98 on our own home court to hand us our second straight loss of the year. Once again it's Ron McPherson and Mateen Yeaton doing their parts with 26 and 20 points respectively, but the rest of our team bites it and the Trailblazers abuse us with their big bodies. Suddenly I'm starting to regret trading Tim Davis.

The Spurs blow us out 112-91 in San Antonio on the front end of a back to back and just like that, we're staring down a three-game losing streak and wasting 20 points from Ron McPherson and 10 bench points from David Jackson. We're also getting our tails kicked by big centers. Our depth also takes a hit when Marcus Williams breaks his toe, so we're playing with 11 men. We finally stop the bleeding and rout Phoenix 101-72 the next night behind 21 points from Ron McPherson, 23 points from Mateen Yeaton and 11 bench points from Kirk Hinrich, but it's still looking grim.

Mateen Yeaton bails us out with 28 points and 10 rebounds in a 98-91 win over the Bobcats. Emeka Okafor adds 8 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, as he's battling an ankle injury. We've started Lamar Odom at PF and David Jackson at C the last couple games as a result and the results haven't been pretty to say the least.

We gain a bit of revenge against the Clippers, dropping them 94-83 as Mateen Yeaton scores 23 points. Emeka Okafor is back in the lineup and all five starters reach double-digit scoring.

After watching us waste 32 points from Mateen Yeaton, 12 points and 12 assists from Zelipe Gama and 10 bench points from Kirk Hinrich in a 103-94 home loss to the Bucks, I've had enough. Lamar Odom is getting killed out there and we're already over the $15 million threshold.

So I cut Lamar Odom and sign Bobby Simmons, who I've always liked. Sure his ballhandling skills aren't what they used to be and yeah that means the only guy on the bench who can play C is Lindsey Williamson, but we need David Jackson to be our starting C.

David Jackson has a lackluster outing against the Wizards, but we run free in a 105-85 victory as Ron McPherson scores 31, Mateen Yeaton 20 and we get doubles of 19 points, 12 assists and 10 points, 10 rebounds out of Zelipe Gama and Emeka Okafor respectively.

Unfortunately the Lakers kick our asses by that same 105-85 score in Denver a couple nights later despite 20 points from Mateeen Yeaton and 13 points and 11 assists from Zelipe Gama. Just ugh. Our bench is dreadful.

105-83 victory over Sacramento has me breathing a little easier. Emeka Okafor with 10 points and 15 rebounds, 20 points out of Zelipe Gama, 10 points and 10 rebounds off the bench from Mike Nooner and Thabo Sefolosha's 14 bench points have me thinking maybe we can right the ship yet.

It's a narrow victory, but I'll take the 110-102 win against the Suns. Emeka Okafor garners 14 points and 11 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scores 27, Zelipe Gama gets 18 points and 15 assists and Lindsey Williamson scores 10 off the bench. Ron McPherson and Zelipe Gama both fouled out and David Jackson nearly did so with 5 fouls himself. Rough game.

99-88 loss in Utah. We're still getting abused by opposing centers and frittering away 30 points from Mateen Yeaton and 15 points and 12 assists by Zelipe Gama. B.B. Dyer's leaving ominious voice messages for us to sort it out.

The problem is, we've got 5 guys who are banged up with injuries - Mateen Yeaton, Emeka Okafor, Marcus Williams, Bobby Simmons and Thabo Sefolosha. It's hard to play well with that many nicked up guys.

We beat the Spurs 92-78 with great defense and highlight performances from Ron McPherson (22 points), Mateen Yeaton (21 points), David Jackson (10 points, 13 rebounds) and Zelipe Gama (13 points, 14 assists). Sadly, we then go out and lose the next night 96-86 to the Trailblazers despite 24 points from Ron McPherson, 16 points and 15 rebounds from Emeka Okafor, 11 points and 18 rebounds from David Jackson and 14 points and 15 assists from Zelipe Gama. Their bench ate us alive. That's all there is to it.

I'm sure feeling like a fool this April Fool's Day. We've got the division and the #1 seed locked up at 57-15, but we've been playing dreadfully as of late. We still only have 3 teams with winning records in the conference. The Hornets have improved to 22-50, making them 3rd worst in the league rather than 2nd and the Lakers have shot up to 30-42 and are in danger of making the playoffs.

Still 10 teams with winning records in the East, the defending champion Raptors now the holders of the league's best record at 58-14. I won't report on the rest as I want to play out the rest of the regular season.

Our morale gets a huge boost in sweeping a doubleheader. We down Memphis 100-92 behind 28 points from Ron McPherson, 21 points from Mateen Yeaton and 20 points and 10 assists out of Zelipe Gama. Mateen Yeaton takes the sting out of the Hornets with 31 points, Ron McPherson scores 25 and David Jackson just misses a triple double with 18 points, 13 rebounds and 9 assists in a 121-94 pasting in New Orleans.

Another back-to-back, another set of crushing wins. 29 points from Mateen Yeaton, Ron McPherson's 23 points and doubles from Emeka Okafor (10 points, 12 rebounds) and David Jackson (13 points, 17 rebounds), conspire with 14 bench points from Thabo Sefolosha to knock off the Timberwolves 108-82. The worst team in the NBA gets treated like it by Mateen Yeaton who rips the Sonics for 37 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists and Zelipe Gama kicks in 21 points to staunch Seattle's firepower and cruise to a 101-74 victory.

Strange game against Golden State, but we win easy, 107-84, as Ron McPherson scores 22, Emeka Okafor has 11 points and 10 rebounds and the old Kirk Hinrich returns with 24 points to lead all scorers as a reserve. Lindsey Williamson added a bonus of 10 points off the bench himself.

Another victory over the Hornets, keyed by 32 points from Mateen Yeaton. 98-81 was the final and credit goes to Emeka Okafor (17 points, 12 rebounds) and Mike Nooner (10 bench points) as well.

Some dreadful shooting against the Grizzlies, but we hold them to 30% on the floor in the 87-68 win. Ron McPherson carried us on his back with 34 points and I'm more glad than ever I stole him away from the Hornets. Like I said when his name appeared in his draft class, he was the player I really coveted out of his group. Mateen Yeaton scores 22 and Zelipe Gama helps out with 10 points and 11 assists. The next evening hosts a 95-78 win over the Rockets that was all Ron McPherson's 38 points, although 12 points and 18 assists from Zelipe Gama certainly didn't hurt.

Our 8-game win streak ends with a 98-83 loss to the Suns in Phoenix. Mateen Yeaton scored 26 and Zelipe Gama had 14 points and 11 assists, but when your entire bench combines for 6 points, you know it's going to be a long night. We rebound for a 121-80 beatdown of Portland to end the regular season though, a much needed moral victory. Give due credit to Mateen Yeaton (26 points), Emeka Okafor (15 points, 15 rebounds), Zelipe Gama (19 points, 11 assists), Bobby Simmons (13 bench points) and Kirk Hinrich (14 bench points).

I'll take a 66-16 record, though I'm scared. Very scared, because the Lakers are on the verge of qualifying for the playoffs.

They beat Portland the next night and suddenly they and the Traiblazers are tied for the 8th seed in the West.

...FUCK!!!!! The Lakers make it.

Karma police, indeed.

West Conference Seedings
1. Denver Nuggets (66-16)
2. Utah Jazz (53-29)
3. San Antonio Spurs (52-30)
4. Sacramento Kings (42-40)
5. Minnesota Timberwolves (40-42)
6. Dallas Mavericks (40-42)
7. Houston Rockets (39-43)
8. Los Angeles Lakers (37-45)

I'm beyond pissed right now. But I have nobody to blame for it but myself.

East Conference Seedings
1. Toronto Raptors (67-15)
2. Washington Wizards (52-30)
3. Boston Celtics (50-32)
4. Cleveland Cavaliers (47-35)
5. New York Knicks (47-35)
6. Milwaukee Bucks (46-36)
7. Orlando Magic (44-38)
8. Indiana Pacers (43-39)

I'm so angry I don't even want to do the league leaders. The Hornets missed the 2nd worst record in the league by a single flipping game to boot.

Ugh. I not only screwed out of two lottery picks, I face the one team I genuinely fear to play in the playoffs, the one we have a long and heated history with.

If we lose, I fully expect to be fired. That's all there is to it.

Izulde

10-12-2008, 04:24 PM

I'm still furious, so it's up to the article to do the talking.

"What a wild and crazy season it's been in Denver which has seen one of the fastest starts in NBA history go crashing and burning following the trade of Tim Davis to the Lakers and the subsequent cutting of Lamar Odom.

As fate would have it, that deal turned the Lakers' season around and they're now in the playoffs as the #8 seed, facing off against the Nuggets. There's a lot of passion in this series and the two have a long, recent history in the playoffs. Throw in the Davis angle and it just gets that much more exciting.

Point Guard
Zelipe Gama vs. Calvis Graham
A big reason why Davis was traded was so that Denver could free up the room to re-sign Gama this offseason. The Spainard was terrific in last year's Finals run and he showed up this year as well, averaging 11.9 points, 11.7 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.4 steals in the regular season. He runs Denver's offense flawlessly and while not the most fundamentally sound defender, he makes the steals and blocks to be a gamechanger on that end of the floor.

Graham is a brilliant passer and has good offense and defensive skills. He averaged 13.9 points, 9.6 assists and 1.4 steals in the regular season. It's tough to say who's the better of these talented young guards; they're that close.

Advantage: Draw

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Kyle Hoiberg
Nobody can forget Yeaton's miracle play during the Finals run last year. He also finished second in the league in scoring during the regular season at an even 25 points a game. 1.9 blocks and 1.8 steals make him, like Gama, a playmaker that overcomes a lack of technique on defense. Of course, it doesn't hurt that he's one of the biggest SGs in the league.

The 25 year old Hoiberg was expected to be the next Kobe Bryant, but so far he looks more like a shooting star (23.3 points in the regular season) with some theft skills (1.3 steals). He still has some growing to do, but he's going to have a difficult time against Yeaton and Mateen's ability to limit him will be a key point to this series.

Advantage: Nuggets

Small Forward
Ron McPherson vs. Tim Davis
McPherson's been a godsend to Denver's offense, giving the Nuggets another explosive scorer as he averaged 19 points a game in the regular season. His defense doesn't get talked about much, but he's the type of lockdown player who can frustrate opponents all night long.

But then there's Davis, who stands 7'3, 294 lbs. He's a monster and a magnificient defender in his own right. After the trade, he finished averaging 18 points and 7.3 rebounds a game. Curiously enough, though, he can't block worth anything despite his size and he's not as savvy in basketball IQ as he should be, which is why he doesn't dominate to the degree that he could. He's still got the huge size advantage over the 6'7, 196 lb McPherson, though.

Advantage: Lakers

Power Forward
Emeka Okafor vs. Derrick Robinson
How much longer can ageless Okafor last? He's 34 years old and while his skills are declining, he still managed to average 11.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and a steal per game in the regular season. He's a terrific shotblocker, great defender, solid rebounder... In short, he's doing all the dirty work and providing as much offense as he can, just as he has been ever since he arrived in Denver.

Robinson averaged 11.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.9 blocks and 1.3 steals in the regular season. He's not an explosive player by means, but he's got the hops to reject lots of shots. Chances are, though, that he'll have trouble against the much more muscular Okafor and be undone by the veteran Nuggets forward.

Advantage: Nuggets

Center
David Jackson vs. Andrew Bynum
The rookie Jackson, who the Nuggets moved up to get with the 6th pick in this year's draft, has potential to become a solid NBA center, but he's not quite there yet. 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds in the regular season and he's still raw. Very good rebounding though and excellent ballhandling for a big man.

7', 285 lbs isn't quite as big a mismatch as you might expect, because Jackson weighs in at 6'11, 282 lbs. Bynum didn't look as dominant as he used to with Bryant around, resulting in lowered numbers of 18.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks. Make no mistake about it, though, Bynum's still a gamer and he should own the upstart.

Advantage: Lakers

Bench
Kirk Hinrich is still a good player and averaged 6.3 points a game in the regular season, but the Nuggets have a five man bench due to Marcus Williams being out with a broken toe. Denver has a slate of good defenders, but really no offensive sparkplug, which has been killing them in games down the stretch.

Steve Neal proved his early hotness in Denver was no fluke, as he finished with 7.2 points a game off the bench. Neal's also the lone studly defender on a team that lacks a strong bench outside of him.

Advantage: Draw

Final Thoughts
This should be a very close series, thanks to GM Jestor's ill-fated trading of Davis and Neal to the Lakers. There's a lot of tension between these teams as we've said before. Ultimately, that deal will come back to haunt Denver, as the Lakers will use their superior size to pull off an upset that's not really all that much of an upset.
Prediction: Lakers in 6

...Yeah. I could see exactly that happening, sad to say.

Game One
Mateen Yeaton shows off his playoff cred with 28 points and Bobby Simmons adds a helpful 12 bench points, but we get our asses handed to us. It wasn't even as close as the score says. Andrew Bynum had a triple-double of 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, Tim Davis scores 26 in a revenge move, Kyle Hoiberg scores 28 and Calvis Graham nets 13 points and 10 assists. We could very well be looking at a sweep here.
Final - L.A. Lakers 109 Denver 99

Game Two
You know what happens when a superstar gets angry? He goes out and scores 32 points like Mateen Yeaton does. Zelipe Gama comes alive for 14 points and 11 assists and we get enough out of everyone else to force a series split. Kyle Hoiberg scored 20 for the Lakers and Tim Davis is a man on a mission, getting a frenzied 27 points. We've secured the split, but it wasn't easy.
Final - L.A. Lakers 99 Denver 106

Game Three
Off to L.A. and we're in trouble over these next two games. At least, that's my thinking. Yep, we are. Mateen Yeaton bangs up his wrist and we're done. 16 bench points from Bobby Simmons don't mean shit as Kyle Hoiberg steamrolls us for 31 points, Tim Davis scores 20, Calvis Graham doubles with 15 points and 13 assists and Steve Neal pours a plentitude of salt for 10 bench points. We.are.done.
Final - Denver 89 L.A. Lakers 101

Game Four
And then it came. The Emeka Okafor rant in the lockerroom before the game. He said it didn't matter what we did in the regular season, that we needed to get our heads out of our asses and play like the champions we're capable of being, among other things. Team captain speech delivered, we go out and crush the Lakers. Ron McPherson scores 28 to negate Tim Davis's 27 points, Zelipe Gama gets 12 points and 11 assists, but the real story was rookie David Jackson busting out for 17 points and 14 rebounds. Emeka Okafor and Mateen Yeaton also had 17 points, Okafor just missing the double with 9 rebounds. Outside of Davis, the Purple and Gold got 11 points and 12 assists out of Calvis Graham and 14 bench points from Troy Murphy. A very critical game to even the series.
Final - Denver 118 L.A. Lakers 96

Houston upset the Jazz in a stunning sweep, washing away one of the teams with a winning record in the West. All the other series around the league are still ongoing after four.

Game Five
Back home in Denver and I'm thinking we really need this game for the momentum it brings. For the first time this series, we hold Tim Davis to under 20 points, but Andrew Bynum makes up for it with 27 points and 14 rebounds and Kyle Hoiberg adds 23 points as well. But then Ron McPherson scores 20, Mateen Yeaton fights through his wrist injury for 24 points, Zelipe Gama gathers up 13 points and 14 assists and team captain Emeka Okafor bulldozes his way to 17 points and 10 rebounds. But the real hero? Marcus Williams, back from his broken toe, energizing our bench with 10 points in 10 minutes to serve as the differencemaker. We've got the momentum!!!!
Final - L.A. Lakers 93 Denver 101

The Knicks' return to the playoffs in what seems like decades is fairly short, as the Cavaliers oust them in five. Toronto takes a step to defending their title by eliminating Indiana in five as well. A lot of close series going on here and we're seeing some thrilling basketball.

Game Six
I want to win this game. Close out the series, breathe a sigh of relief, give thanks, let our superstar heal up, etc. But it's a tall order when dealing with a frenzied crowd in Los Angeles. What follows is one of the most spirited, most heated playoff games I've ever seen. Andrew Bynum explodes for 34 points and 10 rebounds, Kyle Hoiberg scores 20 and Calvis Graham is everywhere with 14 points and 18 assists before fouling out. And then it's our turn. Mateen Yeaton scores 24 points and so does Ron McPherson. Zelipe Gama has 12 points and 15 assists. But in a series that's seen hero after hero, there's no bigger one than tonight's. Emeka Okafor, our team captain, the one who galvanized us with the pre-Game 4 speech, shrugs off his 34 years and eroding skills to slam the Lakers for 25 points and 10 rebounds. Game. Set. Match. NUGGETS!!!
Final - Denver 111 L.A. Lakers 102

We've dodged a huge bullet here. I'm overjoyed that we won and truth is, we could've just have easily lost. That's how much better I unintentionally made the Purple and Gold with that trade. They'll be back next year and one of the favorites, I'm sure.

Lot of series ended tonight. Boston over Milwaukee, Washington over Orlando and Kings over Timberwolves. I give mad props to Minnesota for taking Sacramento to six games without Kelvin Moody.

San Antonio/Dallas is going the full 7 games and I'm secretly rooting for the Mavericks, just because I love Jonte Jones that much. Unfortunately, Dallas's lack of offensive options outside of Jones dooms them in the 123-118 defeat.

But hey, it's okay. We survived the nastiest possible draw we could get in this playoffs and I have a pretty good feeling about our chances to get back to the Finals.

Izulde

10-12-2008, 10:23 PM

It's a great sense of relief to be in the second round. My mistake didn't cost us after all, but now we're heading into wild card territory, against a team we don't have a whole lot of familiarity with. Maybe the news article can shed some light.

"Not even Tim Davis could carry the Lakers to an upset of the Nuggets. Denver's even more determined than ever to get back to the NBA Finals as the team is closing ranks in full support of GM Jestor.

"Jestor and the front office have done a great job of managing this team. How many consecutive division titles do we have? And how many times have we gotten the #1 seed in a row now? That's the work of a smart front office, putting together winning teams year in and year out. Blast him for the Davis deal if you want, but he's building for the future", argued team captain Emeka Okafor.

Rookie C David Jackson was even more pointed in his remarks. "This is <expletive> the <expletive> people are saying about the GM. It's also <expletive> that they're saying I'm not good enough to be a championship contender's starting center. I say <expletive> that. This team almost won it all last year without a true center and I'm going to help carry the Nuggets to a championship."

The Lakers were a tough test; the veteran-laden Kings will be an interesting one, featuring a familiar playoff foe for Denver.

Point Guard
Zelipe Gama vs. Kevin Martin
Gama has picked up right where he left off in the regular season, averaging 11.8 points, 11.3 assists, 4 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.2 steals in the opening round. He's banged up a bit with a sprained toe, but he's still going to go all-out and won't miss a start.

The 33 year old Martin is a great defender with a filthy offensive game. Better suited to SG, but his 6'7 frame matches up well against Gama. In fact, he's so good on offense, that he's the Kings' leading scorer in the playoffs, averaging 20.3 points, 7.8 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 2.3 steals in the opening round. The most obscure $13 million man in the whole league, though America knows his name after that first round.

Advantage: Kings

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Tracy McGrady
Yeaton's fully healthy again and that spells danger for Sacramento, as he averaged 23 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2 steals and a block despite fighting through that nagging injury against the Lakers. If he stays whole here, it could be a short series.

McGrady was a shrewd one-season rental in free agency. Even at 37, he's got the size and offensive repertoire to compete with Yeaton. Not a shutdown defender or a playmaker on that end anymore, he's still to be respected. He averaged 17.2 points and 4.5 rebounds against Minnesota.

Advantage: Nuggets

Small Forward
Ron McPherson vs. Dirk Nowitzki
You know McPherson had a rough series when going up against someone who's 7', 245 lbs is actually a relief. That said, although he failed to corral Tim Davis for much of the series against the Lakers, he averaged 19.7 points and 1.2 steals. He's proven time and again why Jestor coveted him so much out of the others in his draft class, because McPherson is the perfect for the Nuggets. He's the #2 option to Yeaton and he's asked to keep the opposing swingmen from scoring.

Nowitzki can still bring the heat offensively, though not like he used to. He averaged a career-low 10.7 points and 6.2 rebounds in the opening round and his defense is absolutely horrific. Size mismatch aside, Nowitzki's going to get absolutely torched by McPherson.

Advantage: Nuggets

Power Forward
Emeka Okafor vs. Mike Vines
Okafor looked 10 years younger against the Lakers, motivating his teammates and putting on a tour de force to average 15 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. He'll continue to be vocal in this round, cautioning the rest of the Nuggets against complacency while doing his usual rebounding, defending and blocking routine, getting his points wherever he can.

The Kings have succeeded in finding real gems in the mid-late 1st round and Vines is certainly one of them. Taken 12th overall in 2010, he's blossomed into one of the best defenders in the NBA and has explosive inside power and scoring instincts. He averaged 17 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 1.5 blocks in the first round and Okafor will have his hands full trying to contain him.

Advantage: Draw

Center
David Jackson vs. Sean Griffin
Jackson was abused by Andrew Bynum in the last round, but as his above comments show, the brazen rookie isn't lacking in confidence despite the beating. He averaged 9 points, 11 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.3 blocks versus the Lakers and should have a much easier time of it here.

Because Griffin, taken 15th overall by the Kings in 2013, is arguably the worst starting C out of the remaining playoff teams. Some nice shooting game, but he often looks lost on the court and is a mediocre player overall who doesn't appear to have much upside. He's also 6'8, 244 lbs vs. Jackson's 6'11, 282 lbs. That's twig versus rock and rock will crush twig. Griffin averaged a weak 6.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals against the Timberwolves. In fact, he wouldn't even be starting right now if Justin Barnes wasn't hurt, forcing a shift of Nowitzki to SF and McGrady to SG.

Advantage: Nuggets

Bench
Denver's bench has been greatly maligned, but Bobby Simmons, Thabo Sefolosha and Marcus Williams, newly returned from a broken toe, all averaged 6 points in the first round and the reserves have more than enough defense to spare.

What the Nuggets don't have is a player like Justin Barnes, the heralded steal of his draft class in just his second season. Barnes is banged up with a shoulder injury, hence why he's the 6th man. But he's got excellent rebounding instincts for a guard, and a gorgeous shooting stroke and instincts. He also still found time to average 12.5 points against Minnesota despite the injury. Of the other reserves, Luke Ridnour is still an excellent safety valve for running the offense and former Nugget Steven Caspers is the bench's stopper.

Advantage: Kings

Final Thoughts
This series is going to be like the Lakers/Nuggets matchup. A white-knuckled back and forth showing that should go the full limit. If Denver can, they should try and get the knockout punch in early before Barnes gets fully healed. But we see it more likely to go the full seven games, in which case we'll only give the nod to the Nuggets because of homecourt advantage.
Prediction: Nuggets in 7

Oh, I don't know about that. I think we can win in sooner games than that, though it'll rely on David Jackson really stepping up and showing why I moved up to get him. Hope our loudmouth rookie's got the game to back up his balls.

Game One
This was a knockdown, drag-out slugfest, one in which we limited the Kings to 31.8% shooting. I really admire Mike Vines's game though in getting 17 points and 14 rebounds. But he couldn't do it alone, not when Ron McPherson leads all scorers with 21 points and Emeka Okafor doubles with 10 points, 10 rebounds. Despite the low score, we shot 50% from the floor as Larry Brown preached careful, controlled shot selection.
Final - Sacramento 74 Denver 87

Game Two
Another night, another sub-40% shooting performance from the Kings (37.8%). Kevin Martin was the one who did his best tonight for Sacramento with a sensational 24 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds and 3 steals. But once again, no one to give him support. And when Mateen Yeaton has 20 points, David Jackson backs up his smack talk with 10 points and 14 rebounds and we get 14 and 10 points a piece from second-teamers Marcus Williams and Mike Nooner respectively, it adds up to another win as we're just flat-out having our way with the Kings.
Final - Sacramento 83 Denver 104

Game Three
Into Sacramento we go, with the Kings really having their backs to the wall. I'm expecting a fight on our hands and we get one as Dirk Nowitzki wakes up for 26 points, Sean Griffin comes out of nowhere for 12 points and 18 rebounds and Justin Barnes tees off for 13 points from the bench. In counterpoint, we get absolutely magnificient performance out of Emeka Okafor with 28 points and 18 rebounds, Ron McPherson scores 21, Mateen Yeaton 22 and our bench plays well again with Mike Nooner's 10 points and Lindsey Williamson's 11 rebounds. But it's not enough as Sacramento outshoots us 52.4% to 47.8% and that's the differencemaker in this thrilling 5-point game that's unfortunately a loss.
Final - Denver 99 Sacramento 104

Game Four
We need to strangle Sacramento here. A loss here and suddenly the Kings are back in this and we've got a war on our hands. For the third time this series, we limit them to conversion in the 30s from the floor (38.4%) and Mike Vines is the lone King of note with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Countering that is 23 points from Ron McPherson, 12 bench points out of Kirk Hinrich a pleasing 10 second team points from Lindsey Williamson, who's really stepped it up the last couple games.

Cleveland's dreams of glory are crushed as the Raptors rip through them in a sweep. Still, this is the farthest Lebron James has gotten in a very, very long time and I expect the Cavaliers will be back in the thick of it next year. Everyone else plays on, though it could all be over for each series after this next game.

Game Five
Ahh, the friendly confines of Mile High City. I'm fairly confident we can close the deal here. And we do, with surprising ease. Despite 23 points from Tracy McGrady and 12 points and 15 rebounds from Sean Griffin, we hold Sacramento to 35% from the floor. 31 points from Ron McPherson, 23 points from Mateen Yeaton, 16 points and 13 rebounds from Emeka Okafor and 13 bench points from Kirk Hinrich and we've booked ourselves a return trip to the Western Conference finals. I knew we could make this a fairly short series.
Final - Sacramento 90 Denver 106

Boston stuns Washington in 5, which leads me to believe that the Raptors getting back to the Finals is a virtual lock.

We find out our own West opponent a couple nights later when San Antonio puts away the Rockets in six.

The Lakers in Round 1, Dirk Nowitzki in Round 2, the Spurs in the Conference Finals, likely the Raptors in the Finals if we make it there.

This is like running the gauntlet of all our familiar playoff foes.

RedHawk00

10-13-2008, 03:07 PM

very ballsy on the trade, dont let this season end in anything but a finals appearance...

Izulde

10-13-2008, 10:42 PM

very ballsy on the trade, dont let this season end in anything but a finals appearance...

I'm certainly hoping for that, but the Spurs are not going to be an easy draw by any means.

Izulde

10-14-2008, 12:04 AM

I hate playing the Spurs. Them, the Mavericks and the Lakers are the three teams we've developed extensive playoff history with in the time I've been here. Sometimes we've won, sometimes the other's won, but every series is a struggle on both sides. Even the sweeps. This is going to be tough.

"The two best teams in the West fittingly meet in the conference finals (Sorry Jazz fans, but Utah was a paper tiger). This matchup has all the makings of an epic series and basketball fans should be in for a real treat.

Point Guard
Zelipe Gama vs. Julian Wright
Despite being hampered by a toe injury against the Kings, Gama's still averaging 8.7 points, 10.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.4 blocks for the playoffs. He's restored to full health now which isn't going to help the Spurs any. Even injured, the Spainard's skillful as a matador in directing Denver's offense.

When will the Spurs finally get a real PG? Wright at the point continues and while he's averaging 13.5 points, 7.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks in the postseason, he's the antithesis in many ways to Gama. On the other hand, there's a major size mismatch that should play into the great-defending Wright's favor. And of course, Wright's a much better points-producer than Gama.

Advantage: Draw

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Brandon Roy
So what if Yeaton hasn't been putting up the eye-popping numbers of last year's Finals run? He's still averaging 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.5 blocks and he's still Denver's most valuable player. But then again, he's notoriously struggled against the Spurs in the postseason, a troublesome trend for Nuggets fans.

If the Spurs leave Roy one-on-one against Yeaton, they're just asking to get abused. Roy doesn't have the muscle to contain the Nuggets superstar and while he's a good defender, he's not the shutdown type that Wright or Joe Johnson is. We expect to see San Antonio do a lot of SG shuffling to keep a big body and defensive specialist on Yeaton at all times. Roy does have a splendid all-around game though and comes into this series averaging 19.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.2 steals.

Advantage: Nuggets

Small Forward
Ron McPherson vs. Joe Johnson
There's been perhaps no one more critical to Denver's success the last couple seasons than McPherson. GM Jestor's acquisition of him has proved brilliant, as McPherson's developed into a supreme scorer and shutdown defender. So much so that he's averaging 20 points this series and has done a better than expected job against players much, much bigger than him in Tim Davis and Dirk Nowitzki the last two rounds.

Which is why McPherson has to be overjoyed that Johnson is just 6'7, 235 and a player much more equal to his size level. This could be worrisome for Johnson and the Spurs, as he's San Antonio's leading playoff scorer with 20 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals. He's not the lockdown defender that McPherson is, but he's been known to contain Yeaton in playoff series past. This is going to be a great matchup to watch.

Advantage: Draw

Power Forward
Emeka Okafor vs. Tyrone Dotson
One of the most delightful stories of this postseason has been the re-emergence of Okafor in the point-scoring department. He's averaging 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 2.3 blocks and has been just wonderful to watch. In fact, that 15.6 points per game average is a career high. Not bad at all for a 34 year old defense and rebounding warrior.

All signs point to Dotson getting clobbered by Okafor. A mediocre defender, he has some scoring and rebounding skills as his 10.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.7 blocks attests to this postseason, but he's up against a wily master in Okafor and Dotson just doesn't have the skills to compete with that, even if he's 25 and a 6th year pro.

Advantage: Nuggets

Center
David Jackson vs. Yao Ming
Jackson talked a big game before the Sacramento series and was going up against an inferior opponent. So what did he do? The same middling performance he's shown to date, resulting in updated playoff averages of 9.6 points, 9 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. That's not going to cut it against somebody like Yao.

Jestor was quoted in the preseason as saying the Spurs' signing of Yao would propel them to the top of the West and he was right. Even at 36 years old, the 7'6, 310 lb Chinese behemoth is still a force on offense, still able to gobble up the rebounds. He's averaging 14.8 points and 9.7 rebounds in the playoffs and is poised to have an absolutely dynamite showing against the cocky rookie Jackson.

Advantage: Spurs

Bench
Kirk Hinrich is still dependable on the bench, averaging 6.6 points and Thabo Sefolosha has shown flashes of his old clutch greatness in averaging 6 points. Lindsey Williamson is the unsung hero of the Nuggets' reserves, averaging 5.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and playing sensational defense.

JJ Alvin has been a terrific offensive sparkplug off the bench for the Spurs, averaging 8.8 points and 5.4 assists. On the other hand, he's an absolute zero on defense. Shawne "Nuggets Killer" Williams on the other hand, is as clutch as ever, averaging 7.5 points and 5.7 rebounds with solid defense. Josh Boone is contributing 6.4 points and 4.5 rebounds as well. This is a deep, talented Spurs bench with just one question mark. They don't have an elite stopper. Then again, with how anemic the Nuggets' bench is offensively, that may not matter.

Advantage: Spurs

Final Thoughts
With Yao down low and a superior bench, the Spurs are going to make this a series as San Antonio traditionally does. We're going to go ahead and say that home-court advantage will give the Nuggets the win in Game 7, though. Denver's proven tough and resilient this year, even in the face of controversial moves by the front office.
Prediction: Denver in 7

Well, at least they're having faith in us. I'm nervous, though. As I said before, I hate, -hate- playing the Spurs. They always find ways to match up well against us.

Game One
Before the game Larry Brown read the benchmen and David Jackson some of the negative preview press about them. Jackson got so riled up, he went out and not only got 13 points and 10 rebounds, but he greatly limited Yao Ming's contributions, holding him to 13 points and 8 rebounds on 4 for 11 shooting. As for our reserves, Kirk Hinrich and Marcus Williams calmly added 12 and 11 points and the second team as a whole limited the Spurs bench to a high of 6 points from any one San Antonio reserve. Ron McPherson[/b/] scored 20 points and that was it for the Spurs on a horrendous night for them. [b]Tyrone Dotson found his way to 11 points and 13 rebounds and that was it. A terrific dismantling of the Spurs to start the series.
Final - San Antonio 76 Denver 109

Game Two
Another agonizing night for the Spurs, as Yao Ming was the only statistical star with 10 points and 14 rebounds and even that highlight was marred by a 3 for 11 showing. Conversely, Ron McPherson had 16 points and 10 rebounds, Emeka Okafor played brilliantly with 14 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 blocks, Mateen Yeaton scored 21 and our bench still played mad. Kirk Hinrich chipped in 15 points and Mike Nooner contributed 10. This is going far more smoothly than I expected.
Final - San Antonio 80 Denver 99

Game Three
I know the Spurs aren't as bad a team as they've been playing, so I wouldn't be surprised to see us lose one or even both games in San Antonio. Sure enough, they come out fired up and by the end of the night, every Spurs starter has at least 11 points to his name. Highlights included 12 points and 12 rebounds from Yao Ming and Shawne Williams bursting off the bench for 13 points and 10 rebounds. We countered with 26 points from Ron McPherson, 20 points from Mateen Yeaton and bench showings of 10 points from Kirk Hinrich and 8 points and 14 rebounds from Lindsey Williamson, but it wasn't enough, as our other 3 starters had 2, 4, and 8 points. You can't win basketball games this deep in the playoffs with that kind of shoddy shooting from over half your starters.
Final - Denver 86 San Antonio 100

Game Four
This should be a frantically paced game. The Spurs want to get fully back into it, we want to have them a game away from elimination. And an intense game it is. Mateen Yeaton pours his heart out for 31 points and Ron McPherson scores 21, but San Antonio parries with the best showing yet out of their starting five in this series. Joe Johnson scores 21, Tyrone Dotson grabs 19 points and 10 rebounds and Yao Ming has 19 points and 12 rebounds of his own. Our inside offense has disappeared and it kills us in this heartbreaking 3-point loss. We fall just short and the series is now knotted up.
Final - Denver 95 San Antonio 98

The one bright side is that the Raptors haven't swept the Celtics.

Game Five
Pivotal game of the series right here. Come on, home crowd! What follows is the highest-scoring game of the series. San Antonio's awoken out of its torpor and the Spurs are firing hot now. Brandon Roy scores 25, Joe Johnson adds 20 points and Yao Ming continues to find new life with 14 points and 11 rebounds. But we reverse that with another 31 points out of Mateen Yeaton and a ressurrected Emeka Okafor with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Ron McPherson continues to be a critical second option on offense with 27 points and Mike Nooner comes off the bench for 11 points. It all adds up to the momentum-critical 14 point win and we're guaranteed to at the very least play for the Finals berth at home if we don't win in San Antone.
Final - San Antonio 100 Denver 114

The result we all expected in the East occurred tonight as the Raptors kicked away the Celtics in five games and the defending champions await in the Finals to defend their title.

Game Six
Winning here would be huge. We need to eliminate the wear and tear on our guys after Boston could only hold the Raptors off for one game beyond the minimum. But this is a fanatical Spurs crowd that doesn't want us to walk out of here as repeat West Conference champions. Joe Johnson scored 23 points and the Spurs try to work the voodoo by starting Shawne Williams at PF. Williams comes through with 17 points and 10 rebounds and we've got a fight on our hands. Ron McPherson reverses Johnson with 23 points of his own and Zelipe Gama popped off 11 points and 10 assists. David Jackson fought his way to 12 points and 11 rebounds. But again, the hero of this story is the same one it's been all playoffs. Heralded for his offensive outburst, then shut down in the middle of the series and openly questioned as to if he was done, Emeka Okafor arose again, blasting his way through the Spurs for 19 points, 13 rebounds and 5 blocks, taking home the Game MVP and being the differencemaker. WE'RE GOING BACK TO THE FINALS!!!!!!
Final - Denver 102 San Antonio 91

Fun series. One hell of a fun series. Especially since we won and came out of it at full strength.

Now the epic matchup awaits.

Izulde

10-16-2008, 08:30 PM

I find myself staring at the Raptors East Conference Champion and NBA Champion banners hanging in the Toronto arena.

East Conference Champions
2010
2011
2012
2015

NBA Champions
2010
2012
2015

They're the only three-peating conference champions since I've been in the league and the only team to have two periods of consecutive conference championships. In fact, the only other team to have conference championships period after my arrival in the NBA are the Charlotte Bobcats (East Conference -2007, 2008) and we, the Nuggets (2015, 2016).

When people talk about the great NBA dynasties of the 21st century, in some far flung future, they're going to be talking about this 2010s Raptors squad. I mean, we're halfway through the decade and Toronto's already guaranteed to have appeared in least half the Finals in the ten-year period, to say nothing of their 3 NBA titles during that span.

They're trying to become the first repeat champion in a long, long time, certainly since I've been in the NBA and the whole world is abuzz about this Finals matchup, because it's a re-match of last year's championship series. Television ratings look like they're going to be through the roof, which absolutely thrills league brass.

That's what consistently being a winning, deep playoff running franchise brings you. Fame, acclaim, and the ability to be a ratings powerhouse.

But after a while, all that doesn't matter without the greatest prize of all...

A trophy, a banner, a ring.

The article:

"And so we are here again, back for another Raptors/Nuggets NBA Finals. But everything's not the same as it was last year. Denver boasts an improvement starting at center, but Toronto counters that by holding home-court advantage after a late-season Nuggets stumble.

Last season was one of the most thrilling Finals in history, one that went a full seven games and ended in Nugget heartbreak in Denver as they fell just short.

This year promises to be just as exciting a matchup, not the least of which because the Raptors are aiming to become the first repeat NBA champions since the Shaquille O'Neal-led Lakers threepeat of 1999, 2000, and 2001.

Point Guard
Zelipe Gama vs. T.J. Ford
Gama struggled with distributing the ball around the bigger Julian Wright in the conference finals and so his playoff numbers fell to 8.7 points, 9.9 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals. Make no mistake about it, though--the Spainard's determined to restore his passing prowess here in the championship round.

Ford's faced with a size disadvantage against Gama and at 33 years old, he's starting to noticeably lose a step. That said, he's the mirror image of Zelipe in the passing game, with more offensive pop to make up for his defensive playmaking deficiencies compared to the Denver guard. Postseason numbers: 10.8 points, 9.7 assists, 1.1 steals.

Advantage: Draw

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Justin Richler
There's been a lot of criticism leveled at Yeaton for not having the superhero performances of last year's playoffs, charges that strike us as rather unfair. While his numbers of 22 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.4 blocks are all down from last season, he's shooting 50.5% from the floor, his best postseason accuracy in years and he's shooting a nice 41.4% from 3-point range. He's still a superstar and nothing anybody says can convince us otherwise.

Richler has been freakishly good this postseason? How good? So good he's averaging 28.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks at... just 21 years old. He's already being called the Canadian Jordan, the Maple Leaf Sniper, and the Ice King, among other nicknames. Not since LeBron James has there been a young man so raved about. That said, there's holes in his game. He surrenders 5 inches to Yeaton and is a subpar passer, but that's not enough to keep this from being the most anticipated position battle in the series.

Advantage: Draw

Small Forward
Ron McPherson vs. David Anyan
This 2016 postseason might well be known as the Year of the Ron. He's not only averaged 20.8 points and 1.1 steals, he's banged against some oversized monsters and been more successful at containing them than their physical disparities suggest he should. Sure all he can do is score and play difficulty-enhancing defense, but that's exactly what he needs to do in Denver's system.

Anyan's only 24, but he's got nearly as good a shooting and scoring set of instincts as Richler. That's a scary swingman set for the Raptors to continue their dynasty around. He's averaging 23.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks in the playoffs. He's also got the defensive chops to contain McPherson, although Denver's SF is better at it than the Raptors' option.

Advantage: Raptors

Power Forward
Emeka Okafor vs. Chris Bosh
The question everyone's asking: How much does the Old Man of the Mountain have left? Okafor's been superlative in his defense and stunning in his point-production this postseason, but he was largely limited for much of the conference finals and there's some concern from Nuggets fans that he may be running out of gas. Don't count him out, though, as Denver's team captain has been playing with a polar bear's ferocity and is averaging 13.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 2.4 blocks.

No offensive questions surround Bosh, who's put up 18.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in the playoffs. He can snuff out Okafor's offense, but there's some lingering question as to how he'll handle Okafor's physical style, as the Denver PF is known for eating alive spindly fours.

Advantage: Toronto

Center
David Jackson vs. Greg Oden
9.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks aren't bad at all for a rookie C in the playoffs, but Jackson's been talking trash all postseason long and hasn't really put up the numbers to back up the game he's spitting, not even when he has the decided upper hand.

And the upper hand he doesn't have against Oden, who's averaging 13.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 3.1 blocks this postseason. Having Richler in the lineup allows Oden to focus on a defense and rebounding role and he's so good at each of those aspects, we'd be surprised to see Jackson break 10 points or 10 rebounds even once this series.

Advantage: Toronto

Bench
This Nuggets bench has been furious at being dismissed all playoffs long and really showed it against the Spurs in the West Conference finals. Kirk Hinrich continues to defy time in averaging 7.5 points and 4.4 assists and Lindsey Williamson is still the most underrated player on this team, averaging 5.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 17 and a half minutes, to say nothing of great defense.

But how can even those two hope to compare to the Raptors bench? First of all, there's Andrea Bargnani, one of 5 five-star (5*) players on this Raptors team and the only one on the bench. Then there's Kobe Bryant, who can still light up the scoreboard at any given moment. And of course, Lamar Odom, who can play all five positions and who burns to avenge himself on GM Jestor and the Nuggets for unceremoniously cutting him not long after Denver dealt Tim Davis to the Lakers for his expiring salary. It should be noted that none of the Toronto reserves have noteworthy numbers in the playoffs, but that's because they haven't been given the minutes. You could start a playoff-worthy NBA team just with the Raptors bench, though.

Advantage: Toronto

Final Thoughts
It's going to take a miracle of the highest order for the Nuggets to even push it to six games, much less win the title. The Raptors are stacked so deep, they could field two quality sets of starting fives and not miss a beat. No amount of Denver's pluck and heart can overcome that. In fact, we're projecting a repeat of the 2010 Finals matchup between these two teams, when the Raptors swept the Nuggets for their first title in franchise history.

Yeah, it's not looking good. On the other hand, 16's my favorite number... so maybe luck and the miraculous can happen to give us the 2016 NBA championship?

Game One
It's a savage sellout crowd in Toronto and they're all thirsty for blood and a bonecrushing sweep. Lots of Canadian flags and Richler jerseys and the decibel level is so high, it's a wonder half the arena isn't permanently deaf by the end of the first quarter. It's a tight-fisted, white-knuckle affair marked by heroic defensive stands. The hometown fans have a lot to cheer as David Anyan scores 26 points and Chris Bosh grabs 18 points and 11 rebounds. We fight back with 14 points and 12 rebounds from David Jackson, 23 points from Mateen Yeaton and 11 bench points from Marcus Williams. But the Great Canadian Hero, Justin Richler slashes through us for 28 points, tearing out our hearts and throwing them down on the court in securing the under-10 points victory for the Raptors.
Final - Denver 89 Toronto 96

Game Two
I'm quietly wondering if our best effort was in the opening game. I'm thankful the suite I'm in is soundproof, because the place is rocking at high-volume yet again and there's even more maple leafs than last night, something I didn't think was possible. In fact, this has all the energy of a game where the Canadian national hockey team's competing for an Olympic gold medal. So it's no surprise when not a single Denver player emerges as a statistical star and Greg Oden nearly triple-doubles with 18 points, 16 rebounds and 7 assists. But the crowd doesn't care about Oden, because every throat is screaming "RICH-LER! RICH-LER! RICH-LER!" as the new national hero Justin Richler explodes the scoreboard with 32 points and we look completely exhausted and lost.
Final - Denver 80 Canada 102

Game Three
Sports is a funny thing. The eruption of Canadian nationalism has inspired a wave of American patriotism in the stands here in Denver, the seats packed with frantically waved American flags. There's a few Spanish ones too, in homage to Zelipe Gama, I note in amusement. But is this sudden clash of nations and the return home enough to will us to a victory? Well, Justin Richler, despite getting booed lustily every time he touches the ball, shows insane poise in getting 21 points and Greg Oden blocks it all out in getting 11 points and 22 rebounds. Our answer is 21 points from Mateen Yeaton and yet another surreal performance in a postseason of so many this year out of team captain Emeka Okafor, who rides our home fans' passion to a dynamite 23 points and 14 points as we crush the Raptors and get back in the series!
Final - Toronto 76 Denver 100

Game Four
Well, it's not going to be a sweep. We have that much to show for ourselves. But can this impassioned home crowd, who before the game sings the "Star-Spangled Banner" so loudly and proudly Congress can hear them all the way east in Washington D.C., carry us to to tying this series? Mateen Yeaton rises to the occasion with 28 points, but David Anyan matches him point for point with 28 of his own, Greg Oden powers his way to 13 points, 19 rebounds and 6 blocks and Lamar Odom flips off the box I sit in on his way to 13 bench points. We're absolutely destroyed, held to a horrific 36.6% conversion from the floor and it's looking like we're finished.
Final - Toronto 101 Denver 78

Game Five
One more shot at home. We're on the brink of elimination and I expect us to put up a good fight. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Raptors relax and let us have this one so they can win the title in Toronto. It turns out I'm wrong. David Anyan and Justin Richler, with all their youthful energy, don't care when and where they win the title and score 24 and 25 points respectively. Greg Oden puts up 11 points and 13 rebounds and things look grim. Emeka Okafor battles for 12 points and 12 rebounds and Mike Nooner and Lindsey Williamson show the first bench life for us since Game 1 with 10 points a piece. But it requires a magical, breathtaking 38 points from Mateen Yeaton to send the series back to Toronto and move the line to 3-2.
Final - Toronto 93 Denver 105

Game Six
I learn before this game that a capacity Canadian crowd can sing "O Canada" just as powerfully and loudly as the Americans can our own national anthem. The press, the announcers, the blogosphere, everyone seems convinced that this is it. This is where we'll have our first repeat champions since the turn of the century. To tell you the truth, I see it that way too. This Raptors team is just too deep and too talented to beat on a consistent basis. We will ourselves to fight as hard as we can and Mateen Yeaton scores 25 points and Zelipe Gama makes his first appearance all Finals with 11 points and 10 assists. Our defense also rises to the occasion, holding the Raptors to 36.5% shooting. Greg Oden still manages 14 points and 15 rebounds.... and then the Ice King cometh. Justin Richler sinks shot after shot, the Canadian crowd getting more excited with every bucket that goes in and in the end, his 26 points prove the differencemaker. We end the Finals as we began them, with a 7 point loss in Toronto.
Final - Denver 83 Toronto 90

"RICH-LER! RICH-LER! RICH-LER!"

"O Canada! Our home and native land
True patriot love in all thy sons command
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free"

The intermingling of Finals MVP Justin Richler's name being chanted and the Canadian national anthem is too much.

I quickly exit the luxury box to join the rest of the Nuggets in the locker room.

It seems only right that I be there and share the pain of yet another Finals loss with them.

Especially since I may not be here next year.

For through the haze of screams and confetti streams, I saw B.B. Dyer's glare as he mouthed '17 million.'

17 million over the cap and all I have to show for it is this chain of broken dreams.

MacroGuru

10-17-2008, 04:00 PM

With what you did at Denver, if you are let go....you should get picked up somewhere else.

Izulde

10-17-2008, 11:49 PM

With what you did at Denver, if you are let go....you should get picked up somewhere else.

You would think so, but if I get fired, it all depends on if there's any openings available at the NBA level.

Izulde

10-17-2008, 11:49 PM

Provided I keep my job, there's some questions facing us in the aftermath of our Finals loss.

1. Is Zelipe Gama really the answer at PG?
Gama, while a brilliant floor general, is maddeningly inconsistent on offense and he only showed up for one game this series. On the other hand, he's still young, 25 at season's end, and is one of the most popular players on the team, both in the locker room and among the fans. If he's not the answer, then we need to take a close look at the draft.

2. How much does Emeka Okafor have left?
He's 34 and postseason heroics and team captainship aside, he's going to hit a wall sooner rather than later. While I'm not going to trade him, he's also on the books for two years at an inflated price. We definitely need to look at injecting some youth here in the upcoming draft.

3. Can David Jackson develop into a premiere C?
Yeah, he was a rookie this year and he put up the second best numbers of his class and will receive strong consideration for Rookie of the Year, but he talked a lot of trash that he wasn't able to back up and there's a question as to just how high his ceiling is. If I'm still around, I'll be taking a strong look at the centers available in the draft and I won't hesitate to draft one to give us two big men to be our future inside.

4. Where will our offense come from off the bench next year?
Kirk Hinrich is going to be 37 next year. Lindsey Williamson never has been an offensive weapon and never will be. Thabo Sefolosha turned into a huge disappointment this year. Mike Nooner betrayed himself as a marginal NBA bench player after his dazzling late-season run last year. The rest of the guys won't be back. We need to find a 6th man to pour in the points and serve as our second team sparkplug.

Questions to consider, certainly.

Utah Sixers

PG Brandon Brooks - Golden State Warriors
Won the starting PG spot after getting the fat contract from the Warriors. He doesn't care who he plays for, just as long as he gets to play. Started all 82 games and averaged a career high 14.5 points, along with 8.4 assists as the stats of note. Finished second on the team in scoring, behind raw, but extremely promising 2nd year Walter Coleman, who averaged 15.5 points and has the potential to be one of the next great high-scoring superstars in a league that's already got quite a few in the new generation.

PF Kelvin Moody - Minnesota Timberwolves
Started 33 games and averaged 21.4 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2.6 blocks before tearing his ACL and missing the rest of the season. I give a lot of credit to the T-Wolves for fighting their way through to a playoff berth even without their franchise player. When Moody comes back next year, Minnesota's going to be a team to watch.

SF Julius Austin - Miami Heat
Played all 82 games and started 8, averaging 6.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and almost a steal in 22.6 minutes a game. A defensive stud, but a bust offensively and this was the last year of his filthy-rich contract with the Heat. My guess is he turns into a journeyman for the rest of his career, signing min-sal deals each season and hopping from team to team. A huge disappointment, no matter how you slice it.

C Rudy Braun - New York Knicks/Chicago Bulls
Traded to the Clippers at the trade deadline and immediately cut. He signed on with the Bulls in mid-March and in total played 47 games, averaging 2.4 points and 1.6 rebounds in 6.2 minutes. He's angry about his career's turned out, but that's the way it goes. He just couldn't convert his freakishly awesome physical gifts into production.

PF B.J. Whitehead - Los Angeles Clippers
Signed with the Clippers in mid-November and had a surprisingly effective season, appearing in 69 games and averaging 5.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in 12.5 minutes. Every year I wonder if he's going to find his way onto an NBA team and every year he manages to find someone to take him.

SF Brian Robertson - Free Agent
Hasn't appeared in a professional basketball game since 2010, when he stepped on the court with the Sea Dogs. He still keeps hanging in there, though, hoping to get the call. If I end up having to go to the D-League, I'll probably give him a contract, because he's not a bad player by any means, especially not for that level of play.

NBA Lottery

We already hold the #14 pick, thanks to the Lakers, so I'm not terribly concerned with how we do in the lottery. Even we fall, we've still got some prime ammunition to move up if we want to.

We're originally slated to have the #3 pick, but here goes....

14. Chicago Bulls
13. Charlotte Bobcats
12. Miami Heat
11. Chicago Bulls

Yes, the Bulls have two late lottery 1st rounders. The team's going to stay young and damned tantalizing.

10. Philadelphia 76ers
9. Portland Trailblazers
8. Detroit Pistons
7. Golden State (-1)

....Damn it.

6. L.A. Clippers (-1)
5. Memphis Grizzlies (-1)
4. New Jersey Nets (-3)

Yes!!! We're guaranteed a top 3 pick!!!!

3. Phoenix Suns (+4)

TOP TWO!!!!!! TOP TWO!!!!!

2. Seattle Supersonics

1. Denver Nuggets (+2)

NUGGETS WIN!!!! NUGGETS WIN!!!! WE WIN THE LOTTERY!!!! 1ST OVERALL PICK!!!!!!

The celebration in the lottery room and in Denver is off the hook. We're popping champagne and dancing jigs of delerium and all, all is joy.

But then a sobering thought strikes me.

The last time a team of mine had the #1 pick, I was fired. I really hope that doesn't happen again....

NBA Awards
MVP
Greg Oden - Toronto Raptors - 14.8 PPG 15.7 RPG 4.8 APG 2.8 BPG 1.1 SPG
Defensive Player of the Year
Greg Oden - Toronto Raptors - 14.8 PPG 15.7 RPG 4.8 APG 2.8 BPG 1.1 SPG
Rookie of the Year
Greg Wilden - Cleveland Cavaliers - 10.3 PPG 9.4 RPG 2.1 APG 2.5 BPG 0.6 SPG
6th Man of the Year
Channing Frye - Charlotte Bobcats - 8.2 PPG 7.0 RPG 1.5 APG 1.0 BPG 0.7 SPG
Coach of the Year
Larry Brown - Denver Nuggets

Another bullshit MVP award for Oden. That's twice now he's won the MVP when he hasn't deserved it. I really hate the voters sometimes. I certainly don't disagree with Wilden as Rookie of the Year or Brown as Coach of the Year though. Or the 6th Man award for that matter.

All-NBA 1st Team
PG Dwayne Wade - Miami Heat
SG Mateen Yeaton - Denver Nuggets
SF David Anyan - Toronto Raptors
PF Dwight Howard Orlando Magic
C Greg Oden - Toronto Raptors

Yeah, that's a sign of dominance right there. When your team has 2 All-NBA 1st Teamers in the lineup. God, I hate the Raptors. I love Yeaton's first-ever 1st Team award though. Long deserved, if you ask me.

All-NBA 2nd Team
PG Zelipe Gama - Denver Nuggets
SG LeBron James - Cleveland Cavaliers
SF Georghios Kairis - Houston Rockets
PF Al Jefferson - Boston Celtics
C Andrew Bynum - Los Angeles Lakers

Wow. Gama gets the 2nd Team award. The decision of re-sign or not re-sign just got a hell of a lot harder.

All-NBA 3rd Team
PG Kenny Graham - Detroit Pistons
SG Ben Gordon - Indiana Pacers
SF Kevin Durant - Portland Trailblazers
PF Emeka Okafor - Denver Nuggets
C Jonte Jones - Dallas Mavericks

Another pleasant stunner in an early offseason that's full of them. Okafor picks up the 3rd Team award giving us a Nugget on each of the All-NBA teams. That's just too cool for words.

All-Defense 1st Team
PG Leland Peterson - Washington Wizards
SG Mateen Yeaton - Denver Nuggets
SF Andrei Kirilenko - Utah Jazz
PF Emeka Okafor - Denver Nuggets
C Greg Oden - Toronto Raptors

All-Defense 2nd Team
PG Dwayne Wade - Miami Heat
SG Charles Seegars - Chicago Bulls
SF Josh Smith - Charlotte Bobcats
PF Tyrus Thomas - Philadelphia 76ers
C Patrick Riley - Washington Wizards

All-Rookie 1st Team
PG Corey Neal - New Jersey Nets
SG David Tucker - Dallas Mavericks
SF Larry Smith - Orlando Magic
PF Antonio Sarchet - Phoenix Suns
C Greg Wilden - Cleveland Cavaliers

All-Rookie 2nd Team
PG Tyson Anderson - Charlotte Bobcats
SG Hamilton George - Seattle Supersonics
SF Garvin Marks - Toronto Raptors
PF Matthew Saunders - New Orleans Hornets
C David Jackson - Denver Nuggets

Want to know how bad this rookie class was? Two 1st Teamers averaged 2.5 points and 1.6 points. Furthermore only 4 rookies averaged higher than 3.6 points.

Like I said, it was a terrible year to have anything but a really, really high pick in, which is part of the reason why I made the move to grab Jackson.

An amazing awards session for us overall, though. We placed somebody on every team but 2nd Team All-Defense and 1st Team All-Rookie (though if the rookie teams weren't position dependent, you know damned well Jackson's name would be on there).

And of course, the #1 pick.

But there's still the phone call I'm dreading.

"Mr. Jestor?"

"Yes, Mr. Dyer?"

"You spent more money than I wanted you to and you traded away Tim Davis, one of our most popular players. But I understand you did it for the cap room next season and you also put together the most decorated team in Nuggets history. You also did one hell of a job in getting a squad that gave the best team we've seen since the '90s Jordan Bulls a run for its money in the Finals. So, do you want to come back next year?"

"YES!!!! ...Um, I mean, yes, I plan on returning next year."

"Good. See you in a few days about next year."

Izulde

10-18-2008, 10:42 PM

http://i341.photobucket.com/albums/o395/Izulde08/lotteryvictory.jpg

Nuggets Strike Gold in Lottery; Now What?

Excitement is at a fever pitch in Denver, where the Nuggets, thanks to a shrewd trade by GM Jestor, have won the lottery and hold the #1 overall pick in the draft. They also own the 15th overall selection and choosing the right players at those spots, particularly the first pick, is going to be absolutely critical if they hope to break the Toronto Raptors' stranglehold on the NBA's crown.

But before we discuss the probable picks, a review of the Nuggets' roster is in order, beginning with the starters.

http://i341.photobucket.com/albums/o395/Izulde08/zelipe.jpgPG Zelipe Gama - 26 years old - 9th season (Spain
How Acquired:
Obtained via trade with Pistons in November 2015 as part of the Tim Davis deal.
Impact in Denver:
Handed the starting PG spot by head coach Larry Brown, Gama burst out of nowhere after coming to Denver, a surprise selection to the All-Star game and All-Defense 1st Team selection in 2015 and an All-NBA 2nd Team member this season. Silky passing and wicked stealing hands make him a delight to watch in motion with the ball. He's out of contract and one of the reasons why Davis was dealt out again to the Lakers was to free up the room to re-sign the Spainard, who's one of the team's most beloved players both among the fans and among teammates. Could develop into a team captain someday. On the other hand, he's been maddeningly inconsistent, especially with his shooting.
Likelihood of Staying:
We'll call it 55/45 in favor of getting re-signed. He loves it in Denver, loves playing for a winning team and he has great esteem for Jestor and Brown for giving him a chance to be a starter again. The only question is if the Nuggets front office is as interested in retaining him as he is in coming back. We'll tenatively say yes.

http://i341.photobucket.com/albums/o395/Izulde08/mateen.jpgSG Mateen Yeaton - 29 years old - 8th season (Indiana)
How Acquired
Obtained via trade from Indiana in the 2013 offseason in a major multi-player blockbuster deal that changed the faces of both franchises for years to come.
Impact in Denver
A permanent fixture as an All-Star starter. A guaranteed placement on an All-NBA team. Two consecutive All-Defense 1st Team appearances. Yeaton is the highest paid player on the roster and he deserves every penny. He's never averaged fewer than 23 points a game in a season since he's been in Denver and he's had some magnificient playoff games. Let's not forget that his lanky 6'8 body creates nightmare matchups for opponents. There's been injury concerns in the past, but he's still the heart of this Nuggets team.
Likelihood of Staying
Yeaton is one of the two players on this roster that will never, under any circumstances be traded as long as Jestor's the GM. He's signed through 2019 and you can bet that he'll be getting a contract extension that will all but guarantee the rest of his career is in the powder blue of the Nuggets.

http://i341.photobucket.com/albums/o395/Izulde08/Ron.jpgSF Ron McPherson - 23 years old - 5th season (Maryland)
How Acquired
2015 offseason trade with the New Orleans Hornets that also netted Denver this year's 1st overall pick.
Impact in Denver
Directly responsible for Phillip Gill's getting shipped to the Pistons, as Jestor was determined that McPherson would be the starting SF. He's emerged as a fantastic second option to Yeaton and plays delicious, denying defense. On the other hand, those are his only two skills and he's a bit on the small side for a SF. Brown's been lobbying hard for another SF in this year's draft to shift McPherson to a 6th man role, which would also solve Denver's scoring woes off the bench.
Likelihood of Staying
Signed a contract extension immediately after coming to the Nuggets and has the longest deal with the team, inked through 2021. He's quite cheap for his production too and for that economic value alone, he'll probably stay. On the other hand, it's rumored that Jestor was greatly disillusioned with McPherson's disappearing act in the Finals this year.

http://i341.photobucket.com/albums/o395/Izulde08/Okafor.jpgPF Emeka Okafor - 35 years old - 14th season (Connecticut)
How Acquired
Obtained from the Bobcats in December 2012 for Caron Butler and picks.
Impact in Denver
One of the best team captains the Nuggets have ever had, he plays thrilling defense, shows mad hops on the blocks and can rebound like nobody's business. He's consistent, too, averaging 10-11, 8-9 rebounds and 2-3 blocks a year each season he's been in Denver. A consistent All-Defense member, his exhilirating offensive outpouring in the postseason helped him net a surprise All-NBA 3rd Team appearnce.
Likelihood of Staying
Still is worth the high dollars he commands, but by the end of his contract in 2019, he won't be. That said, Jestor has already vowed to bring Okafor back every year that his team captain wants to keep playing, because if Yeaton is the franchise's heart, Okafor is its soul.

http://i341.photobucket.com/albums/o395/Izulde08/Jackson.jpg C David Jackson - 24 years old - 2nd season (Utah)
How Acquired
6th overall pick last year's draft after Denver moved up to the pick.
Impact in Denver
Cocky, loud-mouthed young player whose game, while excellent for a rookie and one of the best of his anemic class, isn't as good as the smack he talks. That said, there's some ceiling there for him to improve and it's believed that the Nuggets front office would like to see him at PF after Okafor retires or is no longer able to be a viable starter.
Likelihood of Staying
Had his rookie option for the third year picked up. A lot of it's going to depend on him and how much he improves. Jestor's known to have an itchy trigger finger with the players he drafts and the front office isn't exactly happy with Jackson's conversations with the press. The fans absolutely -love- him for the brashness, however, and his jersey is already one of the top sellers.

And now the bench players.

http://i341.photobucket.com/albums/o395/Izulde08/Hinrich.jpgG Kirk Hinrich - 36 years old - 15th season (Kansas)
How Acquired
2013 offseason trade with the Atlanta Hawks.
Impact in Denver
Although it feels like he's been in the starting lineup longer than that, Hinrich was the starting PG for only the 2013 season before settling into a bench scorer, floor general and defender as the team's 6th man. He's been extremely valuable in that reserve role, but his skills have largely eroded and he needs to have better scorers around him.
Likelihood of Staying
He's got one year left on his inflated contract, making over $10 million this next year. Chances are, he won't be back in Denver after that, barring a veteran's min-sal deal.

http://i341.photobucket.com/albums/o395/Izulde08/marcusw.jpgG Marcus Williams - 34 years old - 12th season (Connecticut)
How Acquired
December 2016 trade with the Hawks. His third stint in Denver as he also played for the Nuggets in 2009 and 2013 as part of trades with the Hawks in '09 and the Yeaton/Buboltz blockbuster of '13.
Impact in Denver
Started 42 games for the Nuggets in 2009, but that was the pre-Jestor administration. In the two partial seasons he's had under Jestor, he's been a solid passer off the bench with some scoring punch, but not much more than that. His contract's also up.
Likelihood of Staying
Absolutely none. He's a $4 million clearance off the books and the front office shows no interest in having him return.

http://i341.photobucket.com/albums/o395/Izulde08/nooner.jpg F Mike Nooner - 27 years old - 5th season (Norfolk State)
How Acquired
Signed from the Colorado Timberjacks of the D-League in 2015 and re-signed as a free agent in 2016 offseason.
Impact in Denver
Explosive point production off the bench in the latter half of 2015 season led to a two-year min-sal deal the next offseason. A major disappointment since then despite his technically sound defense.
Likelihood of Staying
He's only making a little over $700,000 next season so he'll ride out his contract because of that. After that, however, he's a good bet to go back to the D-leagues.

http://i341.photobucket.com/albums/o395/Izulde08/thabo.jpgG/F Thabo Sefolosha - 32 years old - 12th season (Switzerland)
How Acquired
Free agent signing - 2014.
Impact in Denver
Signed for his clutch reputation in the playoffs, Sefolosha showed enough in 2014 and 2015 to get another 2-year deal from the Nuggets in the 2016 offseason. He's been a major disappointment in the regular season though and his playoff production frankly stunk this year. That said, he plays solid defense.
Likelihood of Staying
50/50. Jestor's no longer enamored of the Swissman as he used to be and if Sefolosha can clinch a deal the Nuggets GM wants to make, he'll be gone.

http://i341.photobucket.com/albums/o395/Izulde08/Lindsey.jpg F/C Lindsey Williamson - 25 years old - 4th season (Kent State)
How Acquired
2014 Draft - 27th overall pick.
Impact in Denver
Hard-working player who plays great D and has good shotblocking skills. Bombed as the starting C during the 2015 season despite being given every opportunity to earn it. Much more comfortable and effective coming off the bench, which is likely where he'll spend his entire NBA career.
Likelihood of Staying
The front office liked him enough to give him his 4th year of the rookie contract, a somewhat questionable move. That said, he could be one of those players who keeps coming back year after year to a team on a minimum salary deal. Good role player to have.

http://i341.photobucket.com/albums/o395/Izulde08/Ronnie.jpg G/F Ronnie Brewer - 32 years old - 12th season (Arkansas)
How Acquired
2017 deadline deal with the Lakers.
Impact in Denver
None.
Likelihood of Staying
None. His contract's up and there's no incentive to re-sign him.

The Big Picture

The Nuggets need not only a scorer or two for the bench, they also need some better ballhandlers, particularly at the big man spots. In addition, they need to address the situation at PG if Gama isn't going to come back.

Long-term, they need youth at the guard and swingman spots for the bench and they need to either find an heir to Okafor and find a better, bigger young C that will push Jackson over to PF.

On a less immediate concern level, finding a SF who can move McPherson to the bench would solve a lot of problems, as noted earlier. It also might not hurt to start thinking really long-term about a SG who can eventually be Yeaton's heir when the time comes.

The Draft Class

This is the most important draft of Jestor's career and it's the first time he's held the 1st overall pick. The Nuggets wanted to make sure they made the right decision, so they fired Bill Self as the 3rd assistant, demoted their other two assistants and brought back Patrick Ewing as Brown's top assistant.

Unfortunately for Denver, it's a poor crop of big men, with under-sized PFs and Cs abounding. One possibility could be to take an under-sized C, such as Kansas's Scott Palmer and make him a potential heir at PF.

A lot of foreign players in this year's draft, one of the most intriguing being Germany's Waldemar Althusser, a 19 year old PG who could be the answer to youth as a bench guard. 21 year old Belgian C Milan Nouge is drawing rave reviews, as is 19 year old Brazilian PF Marcelino Augusto, who averaged 33.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in the Brazilian leagues.

Other possible players likely to be looked at are North Carolina's Michael Johnson, Gonzaga's Charles Arnold and Palmer, among others.

Most mock drafts have Denver taking Augusto at #1 overall and it makes sense. PF is a huge need and on this team he'd be able to come off the bench and learn as he goes. Or he could win the job right away, as most scouts have him pegged as the most polished player in this class and one of only 3 players in the class with 5-star potential (Althusser and Arnold the other two). The problem with Augusto is that although he's 6'9, he's just 217 lbs and likely to be bullied by bigger fours. But what might happen is that he could be moved to the 3, where he'd be much better suited and able to matchup against players than McPherson could.

For the 15th pick, it's projected that the Nuggets will select Polish C Teofil Shubinsky, but it's rumored that Jestor doesn't like the looks of him and will probably pass.

We'll have to see what happens after the Nuggets bring players in for workouts. Whatever the decisions Jestor and the organization make in a few weeks, they're going to be fascinating to watch.

Izulde

10-19-2008, 03:54 AM

Sometimes I hate B.B. Dyer.

He wants me to keep the excess cap number under $10 million if possible, though he said, "If you have to go to $15 million, then do it, but try to avoid it."

His thinking is that by jettisoning our current expired contracts and either replacing Zelipe Gama with a cheaper option (like say a rookie) or convincing Gama to come back at a reduced rate, we can do that.

It -might- be possible, but the team would take a real hit in quality by doing so, so I'm just going to shoot for $15 million max, which we should be able to reach no problem. We're currently $12.8 million over the cap with 8 players signed, but that's without renouncing our dead weight or trying to get Zelipe to come back for less than the $8.2 million he made this year, which I think we can do.

It's not something I could've pulled off if I hadn't traded away Tim Davis last year and gotten Lamar Odom's expiring contract back.

Workouts
PF Marcelino Augusto
C Scott Palmer
C Milan Nouge
SG Charles Arnold
SF Michael Johnson
PF Dermek Trombley
PG Waldemar Althusser
SG Brett Watson
PG Jameel Williams
PG Nolan Hill
SG Danny Tennell
SF John Cliff
SF Demond Robinson
C Lennox Menser
PF David Carter

Augusto knocks the socks off the staff in the individual workout. Larry Brown is impressed with the kid's work ethic and Marcelo said all the right things. Patrick Ewing said the consensus top pick in this draft has major offensive game. The 19 year old also showed surprising blocking hops that belied his slender size.

Palmer's got gorgeous offense as well and shows good rebounding and defense. Not as charismatic as Augusto, but he also works even harder than the Brazilian. On the other hand, he's a turnover waiting to happen.

Nouge reveals himself as a finesse center, which I hate. He's also a lazy ass, which I hate even more. No problems dropping him off the list.

Arnold has good shooting skills and average defense. Good personality too, but grades out as only average work ethic and horrible everywhere else.

Johnson shows off beautiful shooting stroke, good rebounding and some respectable passing skills. Average defender, but absolutely terrific personality.

Trombley's another sweet shooter, but his game is based on the jump shot. Not something I want to see out of my big men. Good hands, but average and can't shotblock worth a damn.

Horrible workout by Althusser. He's a hard worker, but even though the staff still considers him a 5* prospect, his skills looked absolutely awful and his stock plummeted big-time.

Watson, in counterpoint, showed great shooting and ballhandling. Average passer, but showed a knack for stealing the ball. His stock shot up considerably and I may well be tempted to make a play for him.

Good, but not great passing and ballhandling skills from Williams. Good stealing instincts as well. No real weaknesses, either. The type of player who'd be a solid value pick at #15.

Hill's got good work ethic, but he's a poor man's version of Williams and not really on the radar, I don't think.

Tennell's average all around and I mean that literally. Dropped.

We drop another one in Cliff, who's got a lot of holes in game and only has ball-theft as his respectable skill.

Laziness strikes Robinson and we strike him from the list.

Menser's underwhelming and if he gets drafted at all, it'll probably be as a second rounder. On the other hand, his good work ethic counts for something.

Carter's a version of Menser.

2017 NBA Draft

So everybody's screaming for us to take Augusto and truth be told, it comes down to either Augusto or Palmer. In my mind, they're clearly the top two players in the draft.

I go back and forth between the two, but in the end, Augusto's sizzling scoring talents are just too much to pass up. Larry Brown helps by swearing up and down he'll start him at SF if he has to.

1. PF Marcelino Augusto - Denver Nuggets

The pick's applauded and as one analyst remarked, "Jestor finally makes amends for passing up Kevin Durant with the Knicks all those years ago. He also makes up for the disastrous Leroy Freeman pick a couple years back. Finally, he's getting smart about his drafting."

Yeah, yeah whatever.

Ironically enough, Augusto became the first Brazilian taken #1 overall and the previous highest drafted Brazilian was.... Paulinho Buboltz, 8th overall in 2010 by me.

2. C Scott Palmer - Seattle Supersonics

I'm a little leery when I hear the analysts suggest that Phoenix is going to take the other player I covet considerably out of this class, so I contact the Suns about a possible deal. Unfortunately, we can't come to an agreement and I'm hoping they go C anyway, because they need one.

3. C Milan Nouge - Phoenix Suns
4. SG Charles Arnold - New Jersey Nets
5. PG Bernard Kelly - Memphis Grizzlies
6. C Larry Lovett - Los Angeles Clippers

The player I wanted is still hanging around and I discover via the talking heads that the kid's known for greed. I still ring up the Warriors to see if we can make some kind of a deal. We just have about something in place, but Golden State's playing hardball and want us to give up more than what would be fair. I'm not willing to do that, so I end negotiations.

7. SF Michael Johnson - Golden State Warriors

And there he goes off the board. He wasn't going to get past the Pistons anyway, who also greatly coveted him and are heartbroken that the Warriors took him.

On the other hand, there's still some players definitely worth waiting to see if they drop, such as Watson and Williams. My guess is that they jump off the board soon, though.

8. PF Dermek Trombley - Detroit Pistons
9. PG Waldemar Althusser - Portland Trailblazers

The 76ers look like they're going to take Watson, who I strongly prefer to Williams, but that would involve me having to take on a horrendous contract, which I'm not going to do.

10. SG Brett Watson - Philadelphia 76ers

...Damn. In my opinion, Watson's going to be this year's version of Justin Barnes, the guy that slips and then at the end of the season, he's one of the top candidates for Rookie of the Year and just keeps developing.

11. PG Nolan Hill - Chicago Bulls
12. SG Billy Humphrey - Miami Heat

Charlotte desparately needs a PG and it's almost a guarantee that they'll take Williams. Now is the time for me to decide how much I really want him. If he goes, then I trade the #15 pick anyway, because to my mind, there's nobody worth drafting that high after him.

So I'm hitting the phones while the Bobcats are listening to offers as well.

But there's nothing else out there that excites me in terms of making an exchange. Well, no deal except one.

After a lot of hard thought and soul searching, I finally decide to make the trade.

Denver Nuggets receive
C Austin Buller
2017 Chicago Bulls 1st round pick (#14 overall)
2019 Chicago Bulls 1st round pick

Chicago Bulls receive
SF Ron McPherson
PF Mike Nooner
2017 Denver Nuggets 1st round pick (#15 overall)
2019 Los Angeles Lakers 1st round pick

What this means for the Denver Nuggets
GM Jestor has long been said to covet Buller, who despite immense talent and his #2 overall selection in the 2012 draft, hasn't managed to ignite the league. In part it's because of his horrible ballhandling skills. On the other hand, he's a better defender than David Jackson and has the potential to become an explosive scorer and perhaps at 24 years old, even though he's beginning his 6th season in the pros, he still has opportunity to learn from Larry Brown and he might benefit from moving from a very young Bulls team to a Nuggets squad that has a lot of seasoned veterans like Emeka Okafor. The picks are both higher than what the Nuggets likely would've had, so that's a bonus. Buller's also much more of a team player than Jackson and just as popular in spite of his underachievement.

What this means for the Chicago Bulls
Chicago instantly improves its defense in a major way by picking up McPherson and Nooner, perhaps the biggest downfall of one of the league's youngest teams. McPherson will shut opposing players down night in and night out and he gives the Running Bulls yet another major scorer. This offense is going to be a lot of fun to watch. But on the other hand, who plays the five now? They lose 50 lbs if they go with Rashard Ferguson and if they go with Ron Collier, they not only give up 60 pounds inside, they run the risk of stunting Collier's explosiveness.

Advantage: Chicago
McPherson may not be able to rebound or make sexy defensive plays, but he'll thrive on this run and gun team and may even become the principal scorer. Nooner gives them toughness and defense off the bench. Buller is just too risky an acquisition for the Nuggets and on top of it, Denver just lost one of their proven players and their #2 scoring option in McPherson. Jestor put way too much weight on what happened in the Finals and forgot everything that McPherson did for the team leading up to it.

Heh. Well to hell with them then.

13. PG Jameel Williams - Charlotte Bobcats

The Bobcats weren't willing to take a 2nd rounder for us to move up one spot, because they knew we wanted Williams and they wanted him just as badly. Steve Nash is the GM too, which may have something to do with it.

There's nobody I even want now especially, but by the same token, there's nobody to trade for. So in the end, I take a flyer on a player I didn't scout, because he can get boxed out by shorter players and isn't that strong.

14. PF Lance Purnell - Denver Nuggets

He's another undersized PF, but he has extremely high basketball IQ and he was an absolute stud for Louisville in his junior year, averaging 23.4 points and 11.4 rebounds. One of those guys who'd probably have been a higher selection if he'd played his senior year. Given our other options, he was the best route.

15. PG Joe Kitt - Chicago Bulls

Bulls make a surprise and rather stupid pick here.

16. C Teofil Shubinsky - Houston Rockets

The pick the Bulls should've made.

17. PF David Carter - Dallas Mavericks
18. PG Aaron Harmon - Minnesota Timberwolves
19. SF John Cliff - Sacramento Kings
20. SF Demond Robinson - Indiana Pacers
21. SG Omar Pruitt - Orlando Magic
22. SG Danny Tannell - Milwaukee Bucks
23. PG Earl Latham - Los Angeles Clippers
24. PF Lawrence Smiley - New Orleans Hornets
25. SG Leigh Thorne - Boston Celtics
26. SG Lou Mueller - San Antonio Spurs
27. SG Ken Jordan - Washington Wizards
28. SF Jerome Erickson - Utah Jazz
29. PF Cene Kovacs - Los Angeles Lakers
30. PG Marcus DeWolfe - Toronto Raptors

The Raptors draft a 5'5 PG. Wow. Talk about a shorty.

The first look at our guys after the draft says that I absolutely made the right decision in taking Augusto. He's already looking like a top-tier player and will instantly command a starting spot.

Purnell initially looks to have mostly average game, but with some smarts. Unfortunately his defense is looking a little weak, but I think he'll be a pretty good bench player. Not bad for a flyer.

What is bad is that after renouncing our rights, we're $11.4 million over the cap and have just 9 players under contract. On the other hand, we're retaining the rights to Gama and hoping to re-sign him, so it's not panic time yet.

Denver Nuggets to Summer League
PF Marcelino Augusto
PF Lance Parnell
C David Jackson
C Lindsey Williamson

Summer League

Big time hype surrounding our summer league players, but that's what happens when you have the first overall pick in the draft.

Marcelino Augusto makes his presence felt immediately in a 100-85 win over the Mavericks. He has a jaw-dropping 26 points and 12 rebounds and I'm thinking maybe we'll be okay after all. Lawrence Dabney adds 10 bench points and Lance Parnell scores 16.

It's Marcelino Augusto again, ripping through Golden State for 22 points and 13 rebounds. Michael Johnson scored 23 for the Warriors, by the way. On the other hand Lance Parnell's showing consistency with 15 points and James Wampler (10 points), Lawrence Dabney (11 points) and Welsh Reiner (17 points) are doing their best to try and latch on somewhere. 112-99 the final.

The win streak ends in a 111-92 loss to the Hawks, but Lawrence Dabney adds another 10 bench points and Marcelino Augusto continues to make highlight reels with 23 points.

104-86 victory over the Bulls is keyed by Marcelino Augusto's 21 points, but give credit to Lindsey Williamson's 20 points off the bench. 13 points and 11 assists out of Filip Svorda help too and so do 12 points from Lawrence Dabney and James Wampler and 10 points from original Nugget draftee Lynn Shipley, who never played a game for us as he was traded immediately after the draft in 2011 to the Bobcats. He's carved a fairly nice career for himself.... as a D-leaguer.

Sour end to the summer in a 104-85 loss to the Celtics. Everyone plays like garbage.

Free Agency

Lots of great names out there, but I'll only report on the big name jump of teams of course.

It's a dull free agency for players jumping ship until Zach Randolph spirits away to the Cavaliers for 5 years and $32 million. Suddenly some are calling Cleveland the new challengers in the East, especially since they managed to re-sign John Aylsworth and LeBron James. It's a brilliant move to be sure.

On the same days new of the Randolph signing breaks, we ink Zelipe Gama to a 6 year, $30 million contract. We're now just $3.6 million over the cap and have money to burn for our midlevel.

The next day we successfully steal away 36 year old, former Nugget killer Joe Johnson on a one-year $5.5 million midlevel. Mateen Yeaton said he was extremely glad to have him on our side now, which made me laugh.

Chicago outbids us for Rajon Rondo's services the day after that, so we're still looking to shore up the team in some areas and we bring in Shaun Livingston to once more don a Nuggets uniform and play good floor general.

Day after that, we give our bench a huge injection of offense by signing 38 year old Michael Redd to a low exemption. On that same day, Andrei Kirilenko and Lamar Odom take min-sals to go to Phoenix. Guess they must be thinking about retirement already.

Training Camp

We're expecting huge things out of Marcelino Augusto. He looked great in training camp. Austin Buller, on the other hand, didn't, which was slightly worrying.

Emeka Okafor and Kirk Hinrich both continued their slow decline, Okafor in particular. In fact, he told Larry Brown that he'd feel more comfortable coming off the bench this year as the 6th man, a requested granted.

David Jackson continues his slow, but steady improvement and I know he's angry about being backseated by Buller. Augusto he can understand at least.

Interesting season preview. The Knicks are the pick to win the East over the Raptors and Cavaliers, which I find a bit silly. Yes, the Knicks were vastly improved last year and the Raptors no longer have T.J. Ford, who hied it to Portland, but Toronto is still a deadly team.

Of course, the Raptors -are- starting Justin Richler at PG now, which is a huge mistake. Personally, I'd say it's the Cavaliers who are the team to beat in the East, tied with Toronto in that category.

Seattle's favored to win the West and while the Supersonics have a sexy scoring cabal, they don't have anyone who can play defense. Northwest is going to be a tough division again this year, besides. How tough The top four projected teams in the West are all from our division. The Sonics, us, the Jazz and the Traiblazers are 1-4 and the Timberwolves are picked to get back to the playoffs, which would mean every single team in our division would be in the postseason.

Personally, I'd say we're the top choice in the West, followed by the Lakers and the Spurs, who pulled off a coup in landing Dwayne Wade in free agency. I guess the Heat are blowing themselves up and starting over.

Man, San Antonio with an actual PG. They're going to be damned scary this year.

2017 Denver Nuggets Opening Lineup
PG Zelipe Gama
SG Mateen Yeaton
SF Joe Johnson
PF Marcelino Augusto
C Austin Buller
6th Emeka Okafor (PF/C)
7th David Jackson (SF/PF/C)
8th Lance Purnell (SF/PF)
9th Kirk Hinrich (PG/SG)
10th Michael Redd (SG/SF)
11th Thabo Sefolosha (PG/SG/SF)
12th Lindsey Williamson (SF/PF/C)
Inactive
Shaun Livingston (PG/SG)

We're $12.1 million over the cap, so we've still got some wiggle room. I actually really like this edition of the Nuggets. I think it's going to be an exciting season, one that could possibly end in a ring at last.

Izulde

10-19-2008, 02:13 PM

Excitement is high to open the season because we're playing our first game Halloween night against the revived Lakers. They're going to be an excellent team this year in my opinion and Joe Johnson is going to have his hands full against Tim Davis, who once again is playing SF for the Purple and Gold. We come away with a 92-82 victory as Mateen Yeaton scores 20 points, Zelipe Gama gets a fast start to earning his contract with 13 points, 13 assists, 6 rebounds and 4 blocks and David Jackson scores 14 off the bench. Marcelino Augusto had 16 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks in his NBA debut and, perhaps most importantly, limited Derrick Robinson to a grand total of 0 points.

Not even having Kelvin Moody back can keep the Timberwolves from falling 109-91 as Joe Johnson scores 24 points, Mateen Yeaton adds 22 points of his own and Thabo Sefolosha contributes 14 bench points. Maybe it's a good thing Emeka Okafor isnt' starting anymore, as he's shooting 10% from the field in the first two games. He's still our team captain, though.

Marcelino Augusto has his coming out party in a 123-89 blowout against the Jazz, scoring 27 points and just missing the double-double with 9 rebounds. Mateen Yeaton has his third straight 20+ point game with 25, Zelipe Gama garners 11 points and 11 assists and David Jackson leads a fantastic bench crew with 11 points.

The Jazz look for revenge on the front end of a doubleheader, but they don't get it, dropping 114-87 in Salt Lake. Marcelino Augusto loves playing the Jazz, as he rips through them for 30 points and 11 rebounds. Austin Buller finally comes alive for 22 points and 11 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton cheerfully doubles his way to 15 points and 12 assists and David Jackson is a perfect 6/6 for 15 bench points. What an amazing start he's had so far. We sweep the doubleheader by flattening the Supersonics 102-85. Great all around game from Mateen Yeaton of 27 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 blocks and a steal. Marcelino Augusto contributed 20 points and we just straight up blow up Seattle's vaunted offense.

Our first loss of the year is a 116-105 OT defeat at the hands of the Pistons, as Detroit rallied and then blew us out in OT because Marcelino Augusto fouled out after 11 points and 10 rebounds. Mateen Yeaton played great with 29 points and Zelipe Gama had 11 points and 12 assists, but when 3 Pistons score 20+ points, you know it's a losing affair. Kenny Graham scored 24, Jordan Farmar shocked everybody with 21 points and Dan Jacobson finally got a measure of revenge against us, double-doubling with 22 points and 13 rebounds.

Ugly, ugly game against the Kings, but we scrap out the 89-84 win as Marcelino Augusto grabbed 16 points and 13 rebounds, Zelipe Gama distributed 11 points and 12 assists and David Jackson and Kirk Hinrich both scored 10 points off the bench.

Lance Purnell hasn't gotten to play hardly at all, so I send him down to the D-League where he takes over as the starting PF for the Timberjacks. Hopefully the increased PT will help his development.

Our next game is against the Raptors and as you can imagine, the tickets have been sold out since about two hours after they became available. We lose 100-88, outscored in every quarter but the last, when we scrubbed out a tie. Mateen Yeaton scored 32 and Marcelino Augusto showed incredible poise with 20 points, but everyone else played for crap. Very disappointing to see and it seems to indicate we're not ready to compete with Toronto yet.

We rebound with a 108-86 beatdown of the Bulls, Mateen Yeaton leading the way with 28 points. Joe Johnson scores 23 of his own and Zelipe Gama gets 14 points and 17 assists. Chicago's pretty stupid, as they've been chaining Ron McPherson to the bench and only allowing him a hair under 10 minutes a game. Needless to say, he's getting pissed. Really pissed. I don't blame him.

116-85 the final against the Mavericks, a victory for us. Strange game as no Nugget broke 20 points. The closest were Austin Buller and Joe Johnson with 19 a piece. Great game by Emeka Okafor, who came off the bench for 18 points. His FG shooting is up to a better 41.5% now.

We beat the Nets 107-94 as all 5 Nuggets starters scored 12 points or better, highlighted by Austin Buller's 26 points and 11 rebounds. David Jackson led the reserves with 12 points. It's early in the year, but so far with us, Buller is showing better scoring and shotblocking, fewer turnovers, but also with far fewer rebounds. So far I'd say he's been worth the deal all in all.

Doubleheader up next and we lose both games by agonizing margins. San Antonio beats us 99-95 as our starters forget how to play basketball and not even a staunch effort by the bench, led by David Jackson and Kirk Hinrich with 12 and 10 points respectively can save us. The Spurs are just a scary good team this year. We piss away a 4th quarter lead against the Rockets and lose that one by a single effing point, 93-92. It still has me angry a few days later. Mateen Yeaton scored 24, Joe Johnson scored 20 and we got doubles out of Austin Buller (10 points, 11 rebounds) and Zelipe Gama (12 points, 13 assists), but our bench was a combined 5 for 15 and 33% shooting for your reserves isn't going to let you win ballgames.

Mateen Yeaton takes out his frustrations on the Hornets, scoring 26 points and all five starters scored 13 points or better. Zelipe Gama got another double-double in the 109-98 win, netting 15 points and 12 assists.

Remember how I said Cleveland was one of the two teams to beat in the East this year? Well, you wouldn't know it from November's final game, as we lower the boom 119-94. Mateen Yeaton shreds the Cavs for 34 points, all five starters reach double-digit scoring and Kirk Hinrich scores 14 off the bench.

Even with those frustratingly close losses, we're still on top of the Northwest at 11-4, 3.5 games ahead of the 7-7 Timberwolves. San Antonio currently leads the conference at 12-4, thanks to their victory over us, but the Grizzlies are right tight behind at 11-5. On the bright side, if the playoffs were to be held after this month, there'd be ony one West team below the .500 mark.

Toronto's got the expected command in the East at 13-4, second place belonging to the surprising Orlando Magic at 12-2. Atlanta's 10-4, which is another shock. Cleveland holds a half-game lead over the Bucks and sit 10-6.

And the Knicks are back to their old form, wallowing in the bottom of the division at 4-10.

Izulde

10-21-2008, 11:29 PM

New Orleans Hornets receive
PG Kevin Carter

New Jersey Nets receive
PF David Lee
New Orleans Hornets 2018 2nd round pick

What this means for the Hornets
Carter's got respectable scoring punch and a good all-around game. He's also a significantly better ballhandler than Dan Johnson, the Hornets' prior top reserve PG.

What this means for the Nets
They want to give rookie Charles Arnold, whose extremely raw and needs the PT to develop, some minutes as he has yet to appear in a game. This trade allows him to get in the mix as he's the only player on the bench who can play PG now. Lee's no longer the player he was and his greatest value is the $7.6 million expiring contract.

Winner: Nets
Both teams benefit, but New Jersey does a lot better by it in terms of financial benefit and in terms of finding playing time or that promising rookie of theirs.

I was shocked to see that Arnold's so raw, but if he can fulfill his potential, he'll be a really nice player.

Miami is really lost without Dwayne Wade and we cool off the Heat 117-94 to start the month. Austin Buller runs wild for 28 points and 11 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scores 20, Zelipe Gama passes around 11 points and 16 assists and Kirk Hinrich contributes 12 points off the bench.

The victory's not without a cost though as Michael Redd breaks his foot and is out a month and a half. We recall Lance Purnell from Colorado, where he's been tearing up the D-League in the early going, averaging 19 points, 6.7 rebounds and a block per game.

I'm forced to consider the notion that maybe the Magic aren't an illusion after all as they beat us 101-95 in Denver. Mateen Yeaton comes through for 20 points and Zelipe Gama is good for 12 points and 12 assists, but by and large we were forgettable.

Two straight losses as the Wizards drop us 103-95 on the road. Dusty Coursey, who's having a breakout season, ambushes us for 31 points and 15 rebounds. He was the 15th overall pick in 2012 and hasn't shown much until this year. Not fun for us. Joe Johnson scores 28 points but that's it.

And then, right when we needed it, Mateen Yeaton bombs the Raptors for 38 points and Zelipe Gama gets 14 points and 10 assists to lead us to a stunning 98-86 win in Toronto. Huge not only for snapping the losing streak, but for proving we can beat the Raptors.

But two nights later, we lose our third game in four, 116-100 to the Knicks. We waste Mateen Yeaton's 35 points and 15 points and 14 assists from Zelipe Gama. I've noticed Joe Johnson and Austin Buller are terribly inconsistent, which is a huge problem.

The Knicks game is also the start of our annual December East Conference Road Trip and I'm not looking forward to it. A back-to-back is upcoming and I'm dreading. Until we blow out the 76ers 110-88 and nip the Celtics 113-104, that is. Mateen Yeaton has his third straight 30+ point game with 35 against Philadelphia and Marcelino Augusto finally has a noteworthy game again with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Kirk Hinrich and Emeka Okafor lead the bench charge with 11 and 10 points. Make that four straight games of 35+ points as Mateen Yeaton scores 36 against the Celtics. 11 points and 14 rebounds from Austin Buller and 14 bench rebounds from Emeka Okafor complete the win and give us our first pair of consecutive wins in too long.

Another back-to-back to end the road trip and we sweep both, getting a nice measure of revenge in the process. Mateen Yeaton's streak ends against the Heat, but we still come out on top 96-87 as Austin Buller has a good game with 21 points and 15 rebounds, Marcelino Augusto grabs 13 points and 10 rebounds and Zelipe Gama garners 13 points and 12 assists. The revenge comes against the Magic and we prevail 111-103 as Mateen Yeaton scores 34, Zelipe Gama adds 20 points and we get nice bench showings out of Lance Purnell, who breaks the double-digit point mark for the first time in his young NBA career with 12 and David Jackson, who nabbed 10 points and 10 rebounds.

We knock off the Suns 110-84 as Marcelino Augusto appears to be heating up again a little and just misses the double-double with 22 points and 9 rebounds. Austin Buller scored 20 and Joe Johnson just missed the mark with 19 points. Zelipe Gama goes back to his usual, steady self with 13 points and 10 assists.

Disappointing 114-104 loss to the Supersonics, particularly since Austin Buller just missed a triple-double with 18 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists. But then again, Mateen Yeaton was hampered by a knee injury. Still, we waste Buller's showing, plus 13 and 17 bench points from Kirk Hinrich and Lance Purnell, the latter of whom is fast earning his ticket to stay up when Michael Redd comes back.

No holiday cheer this year as for the first time since I've been here, we lose on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Dallas ambushes us 114-100, or perhaps better said Jonte Jones does with 29 points and 18 rebounds. Kirk Hinrich had 19 bench points, but overall, we just got hammered. But the real embarassment is the 110-95 blowout by Golden State. 21 points from Marcelino Augusto don't excite, not when Michael Johnson is scoring 26 and Kirk Hinrich and Lance Purnell's 14 and 11 bench points don't mean jack.

Three losses in a row. We've been straight up killed this month, just killed.

A rare fresh breath of victory to end the skid, 108-90 over the 76ers. Mateen Yeaton scores 31 and Zelipe Gama continues to earn his paycheck with 17 points and 15 assists.

Christmas may have been a bust, but New Year's Eve and New Year's Day bring tidings of joy as we sweep the doubleheader against the L.A. squads. The Lakers fall 107-92 as Mateen Yeaton scores 33, Zelipe Gama issues 13 points and 11 assists and young benchmen David Jackson and Lance Purnell come through with 12 and 10 bench points. The Clippers suffer an even greater humiliation, 110-89. Mateen Yeaton is again at the fore with 21 points, but 20 points from Marcelino Augusto and 19 points and 10 rebounds from Austin Buller are right behind. Lance Purnell and Kirk Hinrich add 12 bench points a piece.

So where do we stand after that rocky final month of 2017? 21-10, 6.5 games in front of the Timberwolves. The West continues to suck again, with just four teams owning winning records.

San Antonio Spurs - 23-9
Denver Nuggets - 21-10
Memphis Grizzlies - 19-14
New Orleans Hornets - 15-14

12-16 gets you the lead in the Pacific, where all teams are in it. Last place goes to the 10-20 Suns, just 3 games behind the Kings.

And yet, despite all that losing, there's only 9 teams in the East at .+500. On the other hand, four teams have 20+ wins. To wit:

Toronto Raptors - 23-9
Charlotte Bobcats - 21-7
Atlanta Hawks - 21-8
Orlando Magic - 20-9

The Pacers are still a dreadful 9-19, worse than even the 12-18 Knicks. The Pistons lead the Central, half a game ahead of Milwaukee, two games ahead of Cleveland.

It's been a very bizzare last couple years in the league and seeing 3 of those 4 teams with 20+ wins is rather shocking. Well, I can maybe see Orlando as being for real.

But the Bobcats? The Hawks? Don't get it at all.

Izulde

10-22-2008, 11:56 PM

Philadelphia 76ers receive
SF Jason Tackett

Memphis Grizzlies receive
SF Raymond Badu
PG Kyle Lowry

What this means for the 76ers
Rodney Carney and Andre Iguodala are both 33 years old. Tackett's 26 (19th overall pick the Kings in 2014 draft) and can play both guard spots and SF. Not a scorer by any means, but a ferocious lock-down defender who at 6'9 can create major matchup problems in the backcourt. He's also widely considered around the league as the single best guy to have in the locker room from a team chemistry standpoint and the fact that he works hard makes it that much better.

What this means for the Grizzlies
Badu gets traded for the second time in as many seasons. He's disruptive, lazy and unremarkable or supbar in all facets of the game. Lowry isn't any improvement over Sergio Rodriguez, Memphis's original top backup guard. In fact, one could argue that he's worse.

Advantage: Philadelphia
The 76ers, if nothing else at all, have greatly improved their team chemistry and defense by adding Tackett. Conversely, Badu's a cancer and Lowry's simply not good. Memphis actually worsens by this deal.

Charlotte Bobcats receive
PF Marlon Orvis

New Jersey Nets receive
PG Tyson Anderson
Charlotte Bobcats 2018 2nd round pick

What this means for the Bobcats
Charlotte doesn't have a single forward or center under the age of 30. That's where Orvis comes in, a 27 year old former 1st round pick (27th, Toronto, 2010). While not exceptional, he has okay rebounding and defense with the ability to score some from both the interior and the exterior. He can play either forward spot or center and he's a huge stopgap measure for a really old team.

What this means for the Nets
Anderson became expendable with the drafting of Jameel Williams, but he's still a D-league project who furthermore isn't exactly wowing anyone in the minor leagues. In fact, the 20th overall pick of 2016 looks like a complete and total bust. The 2nd round pick won't be worth much either.

Winner: Charlotte
The Bobcats get an absolute steal here, giving up virtually nothing for a player who addresses their most critical age-related need.

Miami Heat receive
PG Brent Short

Philadelphia 76ers receive
Miami Heat 2018 2nd round pick

What this means for the Heat
Miami was already periliously thin at PG and then Derrick Attaway had to go and break his leg. Short is the best passer on the Heat roster even if Attaway was back and he's also a hard-hustling defender with a nasty outside shot. In short, he plays much bigger than his 5'11 height. He doesn't fit on this team of lazy, sniping players but he's a great acquistion nonetheless. Looking over this Miami franchise, it's easy to see why Dwayne Wade left town. Just an absolutely toxic wastedump.

What this means for the 76ers
Philadelphia's loaded with young PGs, so Short was getting the short end of the stick on PT. Getting a probable high 2nd round pick for him is a good bonus.

Winner: Draw
This is a win-win situation all around. Even Short, who steps into an ugly lockerroom, gets compensated for it by more playing time.

Portland Trailblazers receive
SF Dusty Hammond

New York Knicks receive
C Nathan Anderson

What this means for the Trailblazers
Hammond has some scoring pop and can play every position except SG. Having a 6'10 PG, no matter how horrible his ballhandling, always creates a mismatch. That said, Hammond's horrible in every other respect and his excellent 2016 season as a reserve with the Mavericks appears to have been a mirage.

What this means for the Knicks
Anderson's the single-most hated player in the league by other players, coaches and staff in general. How hated? So hated that the second-year player is already the instant kiss of death to any team who has him. In short, he's the antithesis of Jason Tackett. On top of that, his only basketball skills are some rebounding efforts. Curiously enough, the fans like Anderson fine and don't understand just how reviled he is within an organization.

Winner: Portland
In a garbage for garbage trade, the Trailblazers win out solely for the betterment of their team chemistry.

My own fingers are itching to make a trade and I find myself hitting the phones. Unfortunately, I can't find anything to my liking, so I just sit on it. Although there was one trade that sorely tempted me.

A doubleheader kicks off January in earnest and we win both. The Spurs don't look so hot in San Antonio, losing 105-89 as Marcelino Augusto scores 24, Mateen Yeaton adds 20 and we get double-doubles of 10 points, 10 rebounds and 12 points, 10 assists out of Zelipe Gama. Kirk Hinrich scores 15 off the bench and David Jackson grabs 10 bench rebounds. We withstand a 32 point, 11 rebound performance from Carlos Boozer the next night and beat the Rockets 106-99 on the strength of 32 points from Mateen Yeaton and 14 points and 14 assists from Zelipe Gama.

They're nailbiters but we sweep the next back-to-back as well. The Kings charge hard in the fourth quarter, but the rally falls just short and we come away with the 108-105 win. Austin Buller bulls his way to 20 points and 16 rebounds and Mateen Yeaton scores 24 points. Kyle Hoiberg and Andrew Bynum score 32 and 31 points the next night, Bynum adding 14 rebounds besides, but we prevail 111-103 against the Lakers courtesy of a total team effort. 7 Nuggets scored 12 points or more. Zelipe Gama was the star of the starters with 12 points and 17 assists, but Kirk Hinrich lead the team in scoring with 21 points. Lance Purnell added 12 points off the bench and David Jackson pulled down 11 rebounds as a reserve.

Things go much more smoothly in a 114-99 victory over the Timberwolves. Joe Johnson, who's been drawing my ire, leads the way with 24 points, Zelipe Gama gets 15 points and 12 assists and Thabo Sefolosha ressurects himself for 10 bench points.

Our third doubleheader of the month results in another couple victories. Golden State drops 116-86 as Austin Buller comes up with 11 points, 19 rebounds and 5 blocks, Mateen Yeaton scores 22 and Zelipe Gama distributes 10 points and 15 assists. But the real shock was Lance Purnell getting the start at SF (he had 10 points) and David Jackson exploding off the bench for 22 points. Kinrich also hit double-digit scoring as a reserve with 11 points. The normal lineup reverts in our 104-99 win over the Sonics in Seattle. Marcelino Augusto put on a brilliant performance of 30 points and 8 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scored 25 and doubles came from Austin Buller (14 points, 14 rebounds) and Zelipe Gama (11 points, 14 assists).

And that's when we make a deal, a different one than I'd imagined, but one I'm still thrilled to make.

Denver Nuggets receive
PF Ron Collier
2018 Chicago Bulls 2nd round pick
2019 Chicago Bulls 2nd round pick
2020 Chicago Bulls 2nd round pick

Chicago Bulls receive
SG Joe Johnson
PG Shaun Livingston
2018 Denver Nuggets 1st round pick

What this means for the Nuggets
GM Jestor was frustrated with Johnson's inconsistency, so he shipped him out along with the Nuggets 1st rounder next year for Collier, a 29 year old career-long Bull (22nd overall in 2011) with great scoring instincts and a polished, but not fantastic inside and outside shot alike. He also plays pretty good defense, but he can't rebound and he's terrible at passing the ball. Let's see, point-producer with good defense and nothing else? Where have we heard that on a Nuggets team before? The difference between Collier and Ron McPherson is a big one though - Collier's 6'11. The trade also leaves the Nuggets without a 1st round pick next year, something that runs counter to Jestor's philosophy. It's going to be an interesting dogfight between Collier, David Jackson and Lance Purnell for the starting SF spot.

What this means for the Bulls
Chicago needs a calming veteran influence and maybe Johnson can be the one to provide it. At the very least, he gives them yet another scoring and defense option off the bench to team up with McPherson and the extra 1st round pick will ensure the Bulls youth movement keeps right on ticking. Livingston was immediately cut.

Winner: Draw
We'd give this one to the Nuggets, but not having a first round pick next year is liable to drive Jestor crazy and make him prone to dealing someone just to get a first rounder.

Naturally I went right back out and re-signed Livingston after the Bulls cut him.

But you know, the analysts know me too well.

Denver Nuggets receive
C Peter John Ramos
2018 New Jersey Nets 1st round pick

New Jersey Nets receive
PF Lance Purnell
2019 Chicago Bulls 2nd round pick
2019 Denver Nuggets 2nd round pick
2020 Chicago Bulls 2nd round pick
2020 Chicago Bulls 2nd round pick

What this means for the Nuggets
Reports out of Denver suggested that Purnell, while performing extremely well on offense, was dragging on defense and according to an anonymous front office employee, "getting more and more lazy in practice every day". Two things the Nuggets front office, particularly GM Jestor hates more than anything else: inconsistency and laziness. Also, with the Nets holding a sub-.500 record in the East this year, the chances are good that Denver just bought itself yet another lottery ticket. John Ramos can defend some and rebound some. It's his third stint with the Nuggets (2010, 2014), both of which occurred under Jestor's watch. He's also 7'3, 275 lbs, so gives Denver some muscle.

What this means for the Nets
They get a rookie who's shown he's got some good offensive chops and with just two players on the entire roster over 30, New Jersey's going to be an exciting young team to watch over the next few years. Purnell's also a nice-sized forward at 6'10. The slew of 2nd rounders, some likely high (the Bulls), some likely low (the Nuggets), will give New Jersey even more chances to find youngsters in the rough.

Winner: Nuggets
Denver robbed New Jersey blind on this one. It's another draftee that's been dealt by Jestor and it's likely another one who's doomed to have a mediocre career if the indications out of Denver are correct. It almost doesn't seem fair that the Nuggets keep getting lottery tickets, until you realize that they're 0 for 3 in the NBA Finals in Jestor's reign, all three losses against the Toronto Raptors.

...Bastards. They just -had- to throw that bit of salt in there, didn't they?

David Jackson wins the starting SF competition for now, but he bombs against the Grizzlies, scoring just 5 points on 2 of 6 before fouling out. Narcyz Malinomowski crushes us for 27 points, 23 rebounds and 4 blocks (so much for the Great Polish Sieve moniker, eh?), but we come out on top 100-81 thanks to Mateen Yeaton (33 points), Marcelino Augusto (12 points, 11 rebounds), Zelipe Gama (13 points, 14 assists) and Michael Redd, who's finally back from his broken leg and scores 13 points off the bench.

Nasty five-game road stretch up next, involving two doubleheaders against Central teams. But up first is Dallas and the Mavericks beat us 121-108 because of Jonte Jones, to no one's surprise, with 31 points and 13 rebounds. A horrid waste of 20 points from Marcelino Augusto, 29 points from Mateen Yeaton, 11 points and 21 assists from Zelipe Gama and David Jackson's 14 bench points. Ron Collier got his first start at SF tonight and went 1 for 8 for 5 points. ...Yeah.

First time this month we fail to sweep a back-to-back. But on the other hand, we spank the Bulls 102-82 as Austin Buller has 20 points and 16 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scores 20 and Zelipe Gama is ever-present with 15 points and 16 assists. Detroit hands us our second loss in three games, 108-100 despite 25 points from Mateen Yeaton, Marcelino Augusto's 17 points and 10 rebounds, 11 points and 16 assists out of Zelipe Gama and Kirk Hinrich's 10 bench points.

The second Central road doubleheader starts off well with a 102-92 victory over the Bucks. Mateen Yeaton scores 23, Austin Buller is good for 16 points and 17 rebounds, Zelipe Gama 15 points and 10 assists and Michael Redd and David Jackson provide the bench fireworks with 14 points and 11 rebounds respectively. Great performance out of Ben Gordon for 39 points the next night, but even that can't stop the Pacers from losing 121-104. Not when 7 Nuggets have 11 points or better, highlighted by Marcelino Augusto's 21 points and 11 reserve points a piece from David Jackson and Michael Redd.

January concludes with yet another back-to-back and I'm annoyed to report we lost 106-94 to the Knicks at home. We blew the finest game yet out of Marcelino Augusto's rookie year: 30 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 blocks and steals... and this kid's only 19?! 13 points and 13 assists from Zelipe Gama and 11 bench points from Michael Redd just couldn't make up the difference. It doesn't help that I didn't do my homework and find out beforehand that Ron Collier is a career 41.3% shooter. Of course, what happens the next night against Portland? We avalanche the Trailblazers 119-97 and Ron Collier scores 24 points. Lead scoring honors went to Mateen Yeaton with 26 points and 13 rebounds, but Austin Buller was right behind with 25 points and 13 rebounds and Marcelino Augusto doubled as well with 15 points and 14 rebounds. Kirk Hinrich -just- missed the bench double-double with 9 points and 15 assists.

All in all, great month. We're 33-13 and have stolen away the top seed in the conference from the Spurs, who are 32-15. The West's winning teams right now:

Denver Nuggets - 33-13
San Antonio Spurs - 32-15
Memphis Grizzlies - 30-17
Dallas Mavericks - 24-20

Yep. Just four. Pacific Division holder Sacramento is 22-23, but everybody's breathing down their neck, including the Lakers, who are just a game behind.

9 winning teams in the East, including the Knicks, who kicked everyone's ass in January. Talk about new year, new start! It's still all about the Raptors at 34-12, though the Magic are continuing their miracle season at 31-14.

Bucks hold a 2.5 game edge over the Pistons at 26-17. New Jersey's the only team in the Atlantic with a losing record. You almost have to feel sorry for them.

...Almost. That 20-26 mark is nothing to sneeze at and it's better than 5 teams in the East, including the Bulls.

Paulinho Buboltz/Mateen Yeaton Comparison (Sorry I've been forgetting to do this).

Paulinho Buboltz
2013 Stats: 82 games/77 starts - 17.0 PPG 9.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.7 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.4 SPG
2015 Stats: 55 games/48 starts - 14.1 PPG 8.3 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 18.3 PPG 8.1 APG 3.3 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.5 SPG
2017 Stats: 44 games/44 starts - 18.1 PPG 8.2 APG 2.6 RPG 0.6 BPG 1.3 SPG

Mateen Yeaton
2013 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.4 APG 5.2 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/80 starts - 23.2 PPG 3.6 APG 5.2 RPG 1.7 BPG 1.3 SPG
2015 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.6 PPG 2.4 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.5 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 25.0 PPG 3.1 APG 4.5 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.8 SPG
2017 Stats: 46 games/46 starts - 22.8 PPG 3.5 APG 4.5 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG

Anybody out there still want to argue that I should've kept Buboltz?

Izulde

10-24-2008, 09:27 PM

Augusto To Be Traded?

A rumour surfacing out of Denver this week suggests that Marcelino Augusto is on his way to a team in exchange for a mystery superstar who GM Jestor once said, "He's the one player I'd deem worthy of trading the #1 overall pick in a draft for."

Speculation is running wild on who this mystery player could be, including Toronto Raptors players Justin Richler and David Anyan, Dallas's Jonte Jones, Cleveland's Lebron James, Los Angeles Clippers's Bill Towns and Andre Davis, Memphis's Chris Gearheart, Miami's Nigel Abel, Sacramento's Justin Barnes and Seattle's Brooks Smith.

Augusto has been tearing up the NBA as a 19 year old rookie, averaging 16.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.1 steals. He's already scored 30 points twice, has 9 double-doubles and has been named Rookie of the Month all three months this season after being taken with the first overall pick. He's also one of Denver's most popular players, even surpassing superstar Mateen Yeaton in number of jerseys sold.

If he'd traded, the lone remaining original Nuggets on the roster would be Lindsey Williamson and David Jackson. There would almost certainly be a financial fallout in Brazil too, where many Brazilians, after having abandoned the Nuggets following the trade of Paulinho Buboltz to the Indiana Pacers, started joining the Denver bandwagon again after they selected Augusto.

***End Article**

You really think I'd trade a 19 year old superstar in the making, especially one I personally drafted? Ridiculous.

Portland Trailblazers receive
SF Ronell Jones
2018 Phoenix Suns 2nd round pick

Phoenix Suns receive
C Morris Allaway
C Kenny Johnson

What this means for the Trailblazers
Jones, a third year player taken 6th overall in 2015, has been a colossal bust. Fantastic defense and one of the best locker room guys in the league, but he likes to jack up too many shots that he can't convert and has no other skills to speak of. Furthermore, he's superfluous on a team that has Kevin Durant.

What this means for the Suns
Allaway's in his fourth season, taken 3rd overall in 2014. Like Jones, he's been a bust. One of the dumbest players in the league, he has some inside scoring ability, but again, that's about it. Johnson, Portland's 2nd round pick this year (39th overall), can play D and grab some rebounds, but that's it.

Winner: None
This is a young bust for young bust deal and nobody wins.

Sacramento Kings receive
SG Quincy Douby
2018 Philadelphia 76ers 2nd round pick

Philadelphia 76ers receive
PG Matt Allen

What this means for the Kings
Sacramento's fighting for its division and playoff life and the injection of Douby, a solid veteran player known for his postseason clutchness, helps the Kings' bench out immensely. He becomes the first guard out after the starters and his influence will be important.

What this means for the 76ers
Allen, 17th overall pick a year go, is a lazy scrub who has no talent to speak of.

Winner: Sacramento
The Kings get a huge boost to their team here and give away a draft mistake in Allen. Now that's a highway robbery trade.

Evidently Marcelino Augusto wasn't happy about the trade rumors swirling, because he goes out and scores 28 points in leading us to a 106-81 squash of the Warriors to start the short month. Zelipe Gama eked his way to 10 points and 10 assists, David Jackson scored 11 off the bench and Kirk Hinrich generously doled out 12 assists to co-lead the second team.

We lose a 106-104 nailbiter to the Jazz on the front end of a doubleheader despite Mateen Yeaton's 25 points and 12 points and 12 assists from Zelipe Gama, but we rebound to top the Timberwolves 98-87 as Austin Buller gets 18 points and 11 rebounds and Kirk Hinrich and Michael Redd add 12 and 10 points respectively to highlight the reserves.

Our 104-97 win in Cleveland is powered by Mateen Yeaton's 21 points, Marcelino Augusto's 18 points and 10 rebounds and David Jackson's 15 bench points.

A three-game road trip preludes the All-Star break and we help our draft position by winning a 106-105 thriller against the Nets. Marcelino Augusto scores 20 points, Michael Redd scores 12 off the bench and David Jackson just misses a reserve double-double with 9 points and 12 rebounds.

All the good cheer goes out the window though as we lose both games of the pre-break doubleheader and we lose them badly. Atlanta destroys us 101-68 in the worst loss we've had of my tenure. Mateen Yeaton scored 22 points but that was it and Austin Buller was a horrific 0 for 8. Our 107-95 loss to the Bobcats wasn't much better as we blow 33 points and 11 rebounds from Marcelino Augusto, who I've decided not to trade. He's too good and he was -my- draft pick. He's also very quickly proven that he plays a lot bigger than his 6'9, 219 body and a lot older than his 19 years of age.

All-Star Weekend

The Rookies were expected to clobber the Sophomores. Marcelino Augusto was named the starting PF for the Rookies and had 9 points, 6 rebounds and a steal in just 19 minutes as he was plagued by foul trouble all game long. Conversely David Jackson was a reserve for the Sophomores and had 13 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in 28 minutes. The Sophs also stunned the Rooks 106-78. Just goes to show you never can tell.

For the first time since 2013, Mateen Yeaton didn't start for the West. Instead, he had a miserly 2 points and 2 assists in 13 minutes. Paulinho Buboltz, ironically enough, made his first All-Star game with 20 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal in just 15 minutes. His performance was a highlight reel, but it was David Anyan who was named All-Star MVP in the East's 120-102 victory, with a line of 28 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and a block.

So it's decision time. Stay put or make a move.

I try to pry Chris Gearheart out of Memphis, but the Grizzlies demand Augusto as part of any trade talks and there's just no way that's happening. Same with the Mavericks, though I offered them a very lucrative package for Jonte Jones.

And then's when I find another move to make.

Denver Nuggets receive
C Tim Davis
Los Angeles Lakers 2020 1st round pick

Los Angeles Lakers receive
C Austin Buller
Denver Nuggets 2020 1st round pick

What this means for the Nuggets
With $10 million coming off the books next year for Kirk Hinrich's contract, Denver's sitting pretty to re-acquire the huge (7'3, 294 lbs) Davis, who's still a dynamite defender and who wreaked havoc from the SF spot for the Lakers in his time there. Davis was quite bitter about having been traded from the Nuggets, so it's hoped that by re-acquiring him, GM Jestor will have restored peace to that fractured relationship. And of course, the pick should be higher. Davis might well see his role change in this version of his Nuggets tenure, as he may be asked to draw attention inside and free up room for rookie sensation Marcelino Augusto.

What this means for the Lakers
Andrew Bynum is out with a broken elbow and Derrick Robinson has a broken hand. Tim Davis himself is hampered by a broken nose. A healthy Buller, who has far better scoring instincts and a more balanced shooting ability, fits in perfectly with the Purple and Gold, who are locked in a fight for the division title. Given how poor the West has been the last couple seasons and the Pacific in particular, the differential in draft picks might not even be that great.

Winner: Denver
We like Davis better than Buller and the higher pick only adds to the Nuggets advantage.

A risky play? Sure. But one worth making in my opinion. Buller's too inconsistent and he was getting beat down too often by centers he shouldn't have been.

David Jackson gets the start against Boston while Davis is limited by his busted nose and we win 112-101. Mateen Yeaton blistered the Celtics for 32 points, Zelipe Gama had 11 points and 10 assists and we had 3 reserves score 12 points or better: Michael Redd (12), Emeka Okafor (13) and Tim Davis (12), who's absolutely pumped to be back in Denver.

Three Nuggets hit the 20+ mark as we punish the Grizzlies for not dealing us Chris Gearheart by beating them 104-95 in Memphis. Mateen Yeaton led the charge with 26 points, but Marcelino Augusto and Zelipe Gama were magnificient with 22 points and 10 rebounds and 22 points, 16 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks and 3 steals respectively. It's amzing how energized we are after that trade.

We crush the Hornets 118-93, Mateen Yeaton just missing a double-double with 28 points and 9 rebounds. Zelipe Gama garnered 14 points and 11 assists and our greybeard reserves shot like they were 10 years younger as Michael Redd and Emeka Okafor scored 17 and 15 points respectively.

The month ends on an immensely satisfying note as we avenge the horrid loss to the Hawks by beating Atlanta 103-91. Marcelino Augusto scored 29, Mateen Yeaton took second with 21 points and David Jackson doubled with 11 points and 10 rebounds. He hasn't been sensational as a starter by any means, but he's been extremely consistent, getting between 8-10 points and 9-11 rebounds each of his five starts.

We're 41-16, still owners of the best record in the West, 13 games ahead of the Timberwolves in the division. San Antonio leads the Southwest by 3.5 over the Grizzlies at 39-17. The Mavericks are the lone other team with a winning record in the conference at 32-23.

The Lakers currently lead the Pacific at 24-31, with everyone except the Clippers a game or a game and half back. (Clips are 5 back at 20-37. Shows how sucky the division is this year).

Toronto's still strangeholding the East at 43-13. 9 teams with winning records in the conference, which would currently have the 30-27 Knicks sitting home.

The Central's a two horse race between the Bucks (31-24) and the Pistons, who are a game off the pace. Southeast has the 38-16 Bobcats a game and a half up on the Magic, four ahead of the Hawks.

It's another down scoring year, with Nigel Abel leading the league with 26.6 points a game. The Pacers may suck, but Ben Gordon's second in scoring with 25.3 points, Jonte Jones third at 24.6 Mateen Yeaton is 7th, averaging 22.6 points a game. Or maybe it's that scoring's more balanced, as we have 22 players in the league averaging over 20 points.

Four players averaging double-digit assists: Kenny Graham - 11.5, our own Zelipe Gama - 11.2, Calvis Graham - 10.7 and Lebron James -10.5.

Rebounding is all Greg Oden, averaging 15.6 boards a game. Andrew Bogut is a distant second with 12.1 rebounds a game.

Five players with 3 or more blocks a game: Josh Smith - 3.4, Martin Beerbohm and Andrei Kirilenko - 3.3, Kelvin Moody - 3.1 and Patrick Riley - 3. 24 players averaging 2 blocks or better in the league, which could account a bit for the lack of studly scorers like the earlier years of this league.

Derrick Sterett is the league leader in steals with 2.1. Gerald Wallace is second with 1.9, followed by Leland Peterson and Dusty Coursey both of the Wizards at 1.8. Zelipe Gama is 10th with 1.6, followed by Mateen Yeaton 15th at 1.5.

Marcelino Augusto is owning all rookies in scoring, averaging 16.9 points a game. His closest competition and the only other player in double-digit figures is Michael Johnson at 12.9 points a contest.

Jameel Williams leads in assists with 5 a game, followed by Brett Watson at 3.8 dishes a game. Marcelino Augusto is 4th with 2.1.

Scott Palmer is first in rebounds with a fairly impressive 8, Marcelino Augusto second with a 6.9 board average. From there it drops off considerably, Michael Johnson third at 4.6.

Marcelino Augusto is first in blocks with 1.5 a game. Milan Nouge is second with 1.1 rejections and Lance Purnell, whom we dealt away, is 3rd at 0.6.

Marcelino Augusto's also the only class member averaging a steal a game at precisely that, though Scott Palmer's right behind at 0.9 and Brett Watson and Derrick Trombley are just behind that at 0.8

Paulinho Buboltz/Mateen Yeaton Comparison

Paulinho Buboltz
2013 Stats: 82 games/77 starts - 17.0 PPG 9.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.7 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.4 SPG
2015 Stats: 55 games/48 starts - 14.1 PPG 8.3 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 18.3 PPG 8.1 APG 3.3 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.5 SPG
2017 Stats: 56 games/56 starts - 18.6 PPG 8.4 APG 2.8 RPG 0.6 BPG 1.2 SPG

Mateen Yeaton
2013 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.4 APG 5.2 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/80 starts - 23.2 PPG 3.6 APG 5.2 RPG 1.7 BPG 1.3 SPG
2015 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.6 PPG 2.4 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.5 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 25.0 PPG 3.1 APG 4.5 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.8 SPG
2017 Stats: 57 games/57 starts - 22.6 PPG 3.2 APG 4.8 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.5 SPG

cubboyroy1826

10-25-2008, 12:04 AM

Izulde

10-26-2008, 01:49 PM

Hate to interupt a great dynasty but where the heck do i place a 2008 draft file? I put the rkf file into the save that i am playing but i cannot figure out how to get the game to use the file instead of making the fictional players. The file is named 2008DraftPool.rkf.

I think you got that answered over at the WS boards. :)

BTW, I'm not going to be able to update until Monday guys. The bottom covering of my laptop popped out and won't go back in. My roommate says he can fix it, but he needs to wait till Monday to be able to borrow the right screwdriver from the lab.

Izulde

10-27-2008, 10:54 PM

Atlanta Hawks receive
PG Tony Parker
Houston Rockets 2018 2nd round pick

Houston Rockets receive
C Jayson Alexander
SG Jamar Jefferson

What this means for the Hawks
Atlanta's in the midst of its best season since 2012, when they finished 42-40 and made the playoffs as the #7 seed. Parker's old, but he's still got game and makes a terrific first guard off the bench option. Throw in the expiring $7.2 million contract and you've got an Atlanta team that's going to have some serious cap money to play with next offseason and a probable playoff performance to add to it.

What this means for the Rockets
Jefferson was released immediately after the trade, so this is all about Alexander, whose sole strength is rebounding. He's an end of the bench player, 30 years old and has been a bust ever since he was taken 10th overall by the Hawks in 2009. A career-long Hawk, he leaves just when they're getting good.

Winner: Atlanta
It's hard to see why the Rockets even made this trade, as they gain no benefit out of it, even financially, as Parker's $7.2 million expiring deal would've given them much more flexibility than the contracts they took on. Great acquistion by the Hawks.

Boston Celtics receive
SG Jason Richardson
Indiana Pacers 2018 2nd round pick

Indiana Pacers receive
PF Byron Davis
C Chris Washington

What this means for the Celtics
Richardson, 36, is a terrible ballhandler for a guard and only has mediocre defense. But on the other hand, he can score, averaging 9 points as a reserve this season. Still, this takes away PT for raw, but potentially promising Pete Latham who's shown major strides in this, his third season. Then again, there's the $5.5 million expiring contract.

What this means for the Pacers
This is about Davis, as Washington was cut. Davis is a good defender, but that's all and on top of it, he's a D-leaguer. It's hard to say that this move looks like anything but a tanking trade on Indiana's part.

Winner: Boston
The C's actually get benefit out of this. It only works for Indiana if the Pacers tank their way to the #1 pick.

Charlotte Bobcats receive
PG Raymond Felton

Chicago Bulls receive
PF Sean May

What this means for the Bobcats
Even at 34, Felton's a nice all-around reserve guard to have and he can serve as another mentor to rookie Jameel Williams. The expiring $6.8 million contract, $1.4 million more than May's, doesn't hurt either.

What this means for the Bulls
You know your center situation is in trouble when you have to start a 34 year old PF whose best skill is free throw shooting. May's mediocre in every other area, but the Bulls are missing Austin Buller so much, he's the new starting C. Chicago fans are -not- happy with the front office, to be sure.

Winner: Charlotte
Felton returns to the Bobcats and couldn't be more happy to do so. Charlotte's thrilled to have him as well. Meanwhile, the Bulls continue to destroy what was once a promising young core of players.

Philadelphia 76ers receive
PG Brian Metcalfe
L.A. Clippers 2018 2nd round pick

Los Angeles Clippers receive
SF Jason Tackett
PF Ryan Gill
SF Thaddeus Young
C Chris Kaman

What this means for the 76ers
Metcalfe is a better defender than Pete Bannister and his presence allows Philadelphia to shift Bannister to SG where he can concentrate on scoring rather than running the offense. Great pickup for the 76ers, as Metcalfe's a much better floor general than Bannister and is a veteran presence.

What this means for the Clippers
Young and Kaman got their pink slips, so it's Tackett and Gill. Tackett's traded for the second time this year and it's not a happy situation he steps into, but he's such a team player it'll be fine. Gill, Philadelphia's 2nd round pick this year (10th pick in 2nd rounder) is roster fodder.

Winner: Philadelphia
The 76ers just robbed the Clippers and ensure the Red and White will stay one of the league's worst teams.

Toronto Raptors receive
SF Jerrance Newman

Memphis Grizzlies receive
SF Garvin Marks

What this means for the Raptors
Newman, taken 26th overall in 2012 by the Celtics, is a solid all-around swingman. Not great at anything, but not horrible either. He also comes very cheap this year and next, under $1 million. That's great value

What this means for the Grizzlies
Marks, taken 29th last year by the Raptors, is terrible, like most of the rest of his class is. The only benefit to the Grizz? $800,000 off next year's salary bill.

Winner: Toronto
This is why the Raptors are two-time defending NBA champions. They make smart moves like this.

Blah onto the improved Raptors.

Indiana continues Operation Tank, bowing out 126-90 to open the month. Ben Gordon scored 35 points and Rudy Braun, yes -that- Rudy Braun, finds his way to 10 points off the bench, but by and large you get the sense that this Pacers team has quit. Marcelino Augusto rampages for 27 points and 13 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scores 30 and our old men of the bench come through again, as Michael Redd scores 13 and Emeka Okafor adds 14 points.

We drop a close one, 100-96, to the Clippers in Los Angeles, our first loss since the trade. We forget how to play defense and so Mateen Yeaton's 32 points, Marcelino Augusto's 22 points and Zelipe Gama's 10 points and 10 assists come to naught. Ron Collier pisses me off by going 3 for 13. He won't be back next year, I can tell you that much right now.

Ron Collier is a horrendous 3 for 14 our next game and we lose 107-96 at home to the Trailblazers. Mateen Yeaton scored 21 and Zelipe Gama was everywhere with 22 points and 12 assists, but not even those two can combine with Michael Redd's 10 bench points to give us a win.

We really need to win the first game of the back-to-back that's up next, because it's against the Spurs. Thankfully we do, triumphing 111-98 behind 32 points from Mateen Yeaton, 26 points from Zelipe Gama and terrific bench performances from Kirk Hinrich (13 points) and Emeka Okafor (double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds). Phoenix flames out 94-74 against us the next night, Mateen Yeaton extinguishing the Suns with 33 points, David Jackson doubling with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

There've been a lot of frustratingly close losses this year and we pick up another one, 110-107 against the Bobcats as we implode in the fourth quarter. 27 points from Marcelino Augusto? Wasted. 25 points from Mateen Yeaton and 10 points and 12 assists from Zelipe Gama likewise go for nothing.

Mateen Yeaton singlehandedly makes sure the Clippers don't sneak another upset in the 102-96 victory over them with 37 points. Kirk Hinrich and Emeka Okafor continue to laugh at Old Man Time with 9 points and 11 assists and 13 points respectively off the bench.

Tim Davis debuts at C against the Bucks and promptly scores 20 points in the 118-87 blowout. Marcelino Augusto gets 19 points and 11 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scores 21 and we have a surprising showing from the reserves. No, it's not Kirk Hinrich's 10 points, but Ron Collier's 7 for 10 night for 16 points. David Jackson has taken over the starting SF spot, at least for now, and I'm thrilled he's there, as our cockiest player is much more steady and consistent.

We take the magic out of the Wizards, winning 102-81 as Marcelino Augusto highlights the night with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Mateen Yeaton scores 25, Zelipe Gama has 13 points and 10 assists and Ron Collier continues to thrive in a reserve role with 10 points and 8 rebounds.

Austin Buller comes ready to play against us and is incredible with 23 points, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks. But then Mateen Yeaton gets inspired and puts on a show of 38 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 7 blocks and 8 steals. Combine that with David Jackson's 13 points and 13 rebounds and you're looking at a 115-96 Nuggets win.

A shootout against Sacramento goes the wrong way and we lose 110-101. Mateen Yeaton scores 36 and Marcelino Augusto muscles his way to 19 points and 13 rebounds, but our bench is suddenly looking very old and very tired. A worrying trend.

26 points from Mateen Yeaton and 10 points and 16 rebounds from Tim Davis don't mean jack when you're shooting 36.7% as a team and that jackass Ron Collier is shooting 3 for 11. 89-75 loss to the Suns to make it two defeats in a row. I'm officially annoyed.

We spank the Jazz 113-83 as Mateen Yeaton lets loose for 31 points and Zelipe Gama was giving everyone a hand with 20 assists. Our bench may not be dead after all, as Michael Redd ressurects for 18 points and Good Ron Collier shows up with 14 points.

Another big game to front end the doubleheader against the Spurs. We prevail 112-100 as Mateen Yeaton scores 35, Tim Davis kicks the door in for 23 points, Marcelino Augusto and is noteworthy with 12 points and 10 rebounds. But the real story is Ron Collier exploding off the bench for 26 points, as San Antonio just couldn't find an answer for him. Naturally we have a hangover the next night and lose 104-95 to the Suns, squandering 17 bench points from Ron Collier, who's fighting to get his starting job back.

Ugly, ugly month. We've given away advantage to the Spurs for the top seed. They're 51-22, we're 50-22. Memphis is still in it as well, at 49-22. Dallas remains the lone other team above .500 at 41-31, though Seattle is at least 36-36. Sacramento's winning the punchless Pacific at 33-41, a game up on the Lakers, three ahead of the Suns.

The Raptors have all but secured the first overall seed in the NBA with 57-15 mark. Lots of fighting for the lower playoff seeds, though.

Milwaukee's one game ahead of Detroit for the Central title and winning the division is going to be key, as the Bucks are just 39-33 and the Knicks are fighting their asses off to get back to the playoffs at 38-33. One of Detroit, New York and Milwaukee is going to be sitting home and I'd lay odds on whoever loses the Central being that one.

Coffee Warlord

10-28-2008, 08:33 AM

Could the window be slowly closing for Denver's title hopes?

Izulde

10-28-2008, 12:19 PM

Could the window be slowly closing for Denver's title hopes?

Not very likely. Our oldest starter is Mateen Yeaton, who's 29 years old. On the other hand, the window -is- fast closing for Kirk Hinrich to win another ring and Emeka Okafor, despite 4 or 5 trips to the Finals, has never won a ring either and his window is also coming to a close.

Izulde

10-28-2008, 12:19 PM

Although we're currently slated for the #2 seed, there's a lot of basketball left to be played in which we can reverse fortune and capture yet another #1 seed.

We get off to a fantastic start, sweeping a doubleheader in convincing fashion. Although Narcyz Malinomowski had a sensational game of 27 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 blocks and a steal, we more than counter that with 22 points and 10 rebounds from Tim Davis, 20 points from Marcelino Augusto, 16 points and 10 rebounds out of David Jackson, and 11 points and 10 assists from Zelipe Gama in a 120-98 blowout of the Grizzlies. If this wasn't enough, Michael Redd (10 points), Ron Collier (10 points) and Kirk Hinrich (11 assists) all made their presence felt off the bench. The next night in New Orleans featured a 110-78 victory over the Hornets keyed by 30 points and 10 rebounds from Mateen Yeaton and 12 bench points from Ron Collier.

Another doubleheader, this one divisional, another commanding pair of wins. 99-76 is the final line against the Timberwolves as Mateen Yeaton scores 24 and Ron Collier and Emeka Okafor contribute 14 and 10 points off the bench respectively. We beat Seattle 103-83 as Mateen Yeaton scores 26, Marcelino Augusto hammers home 21 points, 15 rebounds and 5 blocks and Zelipe Gama distributes 10 points and 14 assists. Ron Collier is a blistering 7 for 8 off the bench for 18 points and fellow reserve Michael Redd adds 10 points.

We crush the Warriors by 40 points, 108-68, to guarantee no worse than a .500 record in our last ten games. Mateen Yeaton scores 23, Marcelino Augusto takes in 16 points and 11 rebounds and Ron Collier fires shot after shot, netting 22 points off the bench. Michael Redd scored 10 with the second team for the second consecutive game.

The Hornets come buzzing around for revenge, but they're promptly smashed, 120-79. Mateen Yeaton and Tim Davis conspire for 26 and 25 points respectively, Michael Redd scores 13 off the bench and Kirk Hinrich is a bucket away from a reserve double-double at 8 points and 10 assists.

Memphis is next to roar for revenge on the front end of a back to back and they get it, stunning us 108-98 in Denver. 24 points from Mateen Yeaton and 12 bench points a piece out of Ron Collier and Michael Redd aren't enough when faced with a pack of hungry Grizzlies. Fortunately we snap back the next evening for a 112-102 victory in Houston. Mateen Yeaton leads the way with 31 points, Zelipe Gama snaps out of his mini-slump with 19 points and 10 assists and Ron Collier is shot-crazy off the bench for 23 points.

The final set rounds out with another doubleheader and we take both to give us a 9-1 record in the final ten games. Phoenix throws a scare into us, but we prevail 108-100 on the road, thanks mostly to Mateen Yeaton's 34 points. But we also need Tim Davis's 20 points and 11 rebounds and David Jackson's 10 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. Yep, Ron Collier got his starting job back at SF, though who knows how long he'll keep it. It was Mateen Yeaton again in our 115-76 regular season-concluding victory against Portland. He had 33 points and was assisted by Marcelino Augusto (12 points, 10 rebounds), Zelipe Gama (10 points, 12 assists), Emeka Okafor (12 points, 9 rebounds off the bench), and Michael Redd and Kirk Hinrich each with 10 reserve points.

Our hot streak has officially earned us the #1 seed in the West at 59-23! Sure, we missed out on 60 wins, but that's okay. Here's how the seeding breaks down in the conferences:

West Conference
1. Denver Nuggets (59-23)
2. San Antonio Spurs (57-25)
3. Memphis Grizzlies (55-27)
4. Los Angeles Lakers (39-43)
5. Dallas Mavericks (45-37)
6. Seattle Supersonics (42-40)
7. Minnesota Timberwolves (39-43)
8. Sacramento Kings (36-46)

East Conference
1. Toronto Raptors (66-16)
2. Philadelphia 76ers (56-26)
3. Atlanta Hawks (52-30)
4. Milwaukee Bucks (46-36)
5. Charlotte Bobcats (51-31)
6. Orlando Magic (50-32)
7. Detroit Pistons (44-38)
8. New York Knicks (43-39)

Point Leaders
Nigel Abel (Miami) -27.2
Ben Gordon (Indiana) - 25.8
Jonte Jones (Dallas) - 24.7
Mateen Yeaton (Denver) - 24.4
Kyle Hoiberg (Lakers) - 24.1

Assists Leaders
Kenny Graham (Detroit) - 11.5
Zelipe Gama (Denver) - 11.0
Calvis Graham (Lakers) - 10.9
Lebron James (Cleveland) -10.4
Branko Starcevic (Seattle) - 9.9

Rebounds Leaders
Greg Oden (Toronto) - 15.5
Andrew Bogut (Milwaukee) - 12.5
Jonte Jones (Dallas) - 12.1
Kelvin Moody (Minnesota) - 11.6
Narcyz Malinomowski (Memphis) - 11.5

Blocks Leaders
Martin Beerbohm (New Orleans) - 3.5
Josh Smith (Charlotte) - 3.4
Andrei Kirilenko (Phoenix) - 3.1
Kelvin Moody (Minnesota) - 2.9
Patrick Riley (Washington) - 2.9

Steals Leaders
Derrick Sterett (New Jersey) - 2.1
Jeremy Lemons (Orlando) - 1.9
Gerald Wallace (Charlotte) - 1.8
Dusty Coursey (Washington) - 1.8
3 Tied for 5th at 1.7

Rookie Leaders

Points
Marcelino Augusto (Denver) - 16.8
Michael Johnson (Golden State) - 12.2
Dermek Trombley (Detroit) - 9.5
Scott Palmer (Seattle) - 9.2
Brett Watson (Philadelphia) - 7.4

Assists
Jameel Williams (Charlotte) - 4.8
Brett Watson (Philadelphia) - 2.9
Marcelino Augusto (Denver) - 2.3
Michael Johnson (Golden State) - 2.1
Dermek Trombley (Detroit) - 2.1

Rebounds
Scott Palmer (Seattle) - 8.4
Marcelino Augusto (Denver) - 7.2
Michael Johnson (Golden State) - 4.5
Dermek Trombely (Detroit) - 4.2
Milan Nouge (Phoenix) - 3.7

Blocks
Marcelino Augusto (Denver) - 1.7
Milan Nouge (Phoenix) - 1.0
Lance Purnell (New Jersey) - 0.5
Scott Palmer (Seattle) - 0.3
2 others tied at 0.2

Steals
Marcelino Augusto (Denver) - 1.1
Scott Palmer (Seattle) - 0.9
Dermek Trombley (Detroit) - 0.8
Michael Johnson (Golden State) - 0.8
2 others tied at 0.6

Izulde

10-29-2008, 12:24 AM

My initial hunch is that the Kings aren't going to pose much of a threat, but we'll see what the preview article says.

"And here we are, with the Raptors and Nuggets again the top seeds in their respective conferences and the NBA and network execs praying for a third straight Toronto/Denver Finals.

The two-time defending Western Conference champions open with an opponent that at first glance appears to be a cakewalk in the Sacramento Kings, but let's take a closer look and see.

Point Guard
Zelipe Gama vs. Kevin Martin
Gama was second in the league in assists during the regular season and he averaged 10.3 points, nearly 4 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 1.4 steals to boot. An All-NBA 2nd Team selection last year, there's no better floor general in the entire league, with the exception of perhaps Detroit's Kenny Graham.

Martin's better suited to SG, but he's not a horrible PG selection or anything. He averaged 16.3 points, 6.8 assists, 4 rebounds and 1.1 steals in the regular season. Very good defender whose size is going to create major matchup headaches for Gama with some nice outside shooting and scoring instincts.

Advantage: Draw

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Justin Barnes
Yeaton's the unquestioned face of the Nuggets, averaging 24.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.6 steals in the regular season. He's a do-everything SG whose size and height make him a real bear to go against and help compensate for his only average defense. Denver will need him to again be a playoff warrior if they want to go to the Finals a third consecutive time.

Justin "Firefly" Barnes is electric on the court. At 6'2, opponents tend to underestimate him.. until they realize he's got 205 lbs of solid muscle on him and he's powered his way to a regular season of 21.1 points, 5 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.2 steals. He hasn't shown much in the postseason, though and he draws a tough opponent in one of the NBA's biggest stars in Yeaton. That said, Barnes has been the steal of his class at the 12th overall pick and the third year pro still has more room to develop.

Advantage: Nuggets

Small Forward
Ron Collier vs. Tracy McGrady
Collier's a streaky shooter who experienced a slump after being dealt to Denver midseason that sent him to the bench in favor of David Jackson, but then he amped his game up again. When he's on, he's really on and when he's cold, he jacks up shot after shot trying to compensate and it hurts the team. That inconsistency and ballhogging make Collier a prime candidate to be gone at the start of next season.

McGrady's lost a lot off his glittering prime, but the man's 38 years old. That said, he's still got a shot you have to respect, as he averaged 12.2 points and he can catch you napping for the steal as he averaged 1.4 swipes a game. Both play good, but not exceptional defense, so this is going to be an interesting matchup to watch. McGrady knows his role better, though.

Advantage: Draw

Power Forward
Marcelino Augusto vs. Mike Vines
Not since Kelvin Moody has a PF had so sensational a rookie season as Augusto, who looks to be an absolute lock for Rookie of the Year. How good is this 19 year old? So good that one scout raved, "He plays like he's 29, not 19 and he doesn't play like he's 6'9, 217. He plays like he's 7', 297." Furthermore, he's so good that he's second on a championship contender in scoring (16.8 points), first in rebounding (7.2), third in steals (1.1) and second in blocks (1.7). Even more frightening? The Nuggets coaching staff say he just keeps getting better and better with every game and every practice.

Vines doesn't come with nearly the salivation that Augusto does, but the 28 year old is a fine player in his own right. Another steal of a selection at 12th overall by the Kings (2010 draft), he's one of the league's top shutdown defenders and has a nice post game, averaging 14.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in the regular season. At 6'11, 245 lbs, he's got the bulk to contest Augusto and he's also got the intangibles edge, because he's one of the most underrated and underappreciated players in the NBA. Still, it's doubtful he can truly contest Augusto's brightly burnishing star.

Advantage: Nuggets

Center
Tim Davis vs. Sean Griffin
Last year, Davis lit up the Nuggets after he was traded to the Lakers. This year, he's back on the Nuggets and determined to prove his 2016 postseason and his 2014 championship-winning playoffs with the Pistons were no fluke. His numbers were down in the regular season, averaging just 12.8 points and 5.2 rebounds between the Lakers and the Nuggets, but that's just more fuel for the fire.

He also has a huge size advantage as Griffin is just 6'8, 244 lbs compared to Davis's 7'3, 294 lb body. That's a difference of 7 inches and 50 pounds and Griffin's going to get hammered this series. Griffin was the Kings' 15th overall pick in the 2013 draft and he's an average all-around C, averaging 9.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and 1.3 steals in the regular season.

Advantage: Nuggets

Bench
Denver's most cocky player, fan favorite David Jackson, calls himself 'The Best Damn 6th Man in the World'. While we don't know about that, Jackson's shown in his sophomore year that his rookie season was no abberation, averaging 8 points and 6.2 rebounds in the regular season as a part-time starter, largely 6th man. 38 year old Michael Redd was signed in free agency to provide offensive punch for the bench and he's done exactly that, contributing 6.9 points a game. Kirk Hinrich, another greybeard, is putting up 6.1 points and 4.4 assists at 36 years old. Team captain Emeka Okafor is the defensive stopper.

Hilton Armstrong is precisely the kind of veteran security blanket you want as your 6th man. Averaging 7.2 points and 7.1 rebounds a game in the regular season, he does everything pretty well, standing out in none. But he's steady. Quincy Douby's postseason performances are well known and Steven Caspers, a former Nugget, is the defensive stalwart.

Advantage: Nuggets

Final Thoughts
This looks to be an out and out blowout. The Kings have some nice individual pieces, but the sum parts can't stand up against this Nuggets powerhouse. Sacramento's currently stuck in NBA purgatory. Just good enough to make the playoffs or just bad enough to get a lottery pick not worth mentioning. A sweep is in the offing.
Prediction: Nuggets in 4

Nice to know they're so confident. For what it's worth, I privately agree with their assessment.

Game One
The first game of the series was exciting... if you like watching blowouts. Mateen Yeaton scores 28, Tim Davis adds 21 points and Michael Redd and David Jackson both score 10 points off the bench. Game effort by Justin Barnes with 20 points and Sean Griffin had 10 points and 17 rebounds because Davis's one Achilles heel is his inability to rebound, but we still won box to wire in this laugher.
Final - Sacramento 79 Denver 118

Game Two
Sequel's virtually the same as the original. Mateen Yeaton is on fire again with a great all-around game 30 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks and 4 steals, Tim Davis scores 20 and we've again two bench players in double-digit scoring. Kirk Hinrich has 10 points, David Jackson backing up his 6th man claim with 15 points. For the Kings, Justin Barnes works his tail off for 23 points and Mike Vines scores 22, but even that plus 14 bench points from Quincy Douby can't avoid another Sacramento embarassment and a 2-0 series hole.
Final - Sacramento 85 Denver 111

Game Three
Will the series get more exciting when we shift to Sacramento? My guess is yes, but nowhere near enough to make a difference. The Kings come out fired up on their home court and Justin Barnes continues to show why he was such a steal in scoring 24 points. Kevin Martin finally comes untracked for 22 points and Quincy Douby hits 12 points to lead the Sacramento reserves. The Kings also shot a series high 45.6%. But then Mateen Yeaton and Zelipe Gama neutralize their counterparts with 25 points and 20 points and 17 assists respectively (a near double-20 from Gama! Wow!), Tim Davis finds a rebounding touch and grabs 14 boards to go with 10 points and our reserves out-point the Kings' seconds, led by 13 points from Michael Redd and 12 points from David Jackson. Close for Sacramento, but no cigar as they're staring down the business end of a 3-0 gun.
Final - Denver 106 Sacramento 99

Game Four
My suspicion is that all the fight's gone out of the Kings. They put on a damned good show last night, but I think that was it. Sure enough, it's good night Sacramento, as 6 Nuggets score 12 points or better. Mateen Yeaton led the way with 23 points, Zelipe Gama garnered 13 points and 14 assists and Tim Davis had arguably his best game of the series with 18 points, 15 rebounds and 4 steals. David Jackson completes the double-digit bench point superfecta with 13 points. What a hell of an opening series he's had! Justin Barnes nobly scores 24 and Sean Griffin scrapes together 18 points and 13 assists, but it's just not enough. The Sacramento Kings are dethroned in precisely the predicted sweep, interestingly enough by the exact same score both nights on their home turf.
Final - Denver 106 Sacramento 99

I'm stunned to read in the paper the next morning that we were the lone team to sweep. Not that I mind, of course. We escaped the opening round mostly injury-free, although Mateen Yeaton, true to form, banged up his foot.

A lot of series ended in the fifth game. Toronto over New York, where the Knicks never even should've won a game, Atlanta surprisingly over Orlando, as I figured that'd be a closer series. I still don't think the Hawks are for real, but they keep proving me wrong. The 76ers punt the Pistons in five as well, along with the Spurs over the Timberwolves and the Grizzlies over the Supersonics. That Memphis/San Antonio matchup is going to be a damned fun one to watch.

The remaining two contests go the full seven games and in the end, Charlotte upends Milwaukee and the Mavericks beat out the Lakers, sending the Purple and Gold to their second straight first round playoff loss. I'm breathing a huge sigh of relief on that one, because the thought of facing Andrew Bynum and Austin Buller terrified me.

Then again, we wouldn't have had to play Buller. He broke his leg in the first game of the series.

But on the other hand, I feel safer playing the Mavericks than I do the Lakers, even that means playing against the one guy I would've traded Marcelino Augusto for.

Yep, that's right. The rumors about trading Augusto a couple months ago? They were true. And it was Jonte Jones I almost dealt for.

I'm damned glad I didn't, though. I've grown quite fond of Marcelino. He's a great player and I think he could be in the Hall of Fame some day. He's that good, even if he hasn't broken out in the playoffs yet.

Izulde

10-29-2008, 07:31 PM

Playing Jonte Jones is going to be tough, but this is not the Mavericks team of Jason Terry and Dirk Nowitzki, who we battled so fiercely with through the early years in my time here in Denver. I think we'll do well here.

Let's see what the press says.

"There's little question that Jonte Jones is this generation's Lebron James, a superstar stuck on a team with too few supporting parts to hoist the championship trophy. That said, at least Jones has been to the Finals (2012) whereas the closest James has gotten in recent years is the second round.

Can Jones carry the Mavericks to an upset of the Nuggets? Review the tapes!

Point Guard
Zelipe Gama vs. Damian Giesen
Gama's averaging 10 points, 13.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds, a steal and 1.3 blocks in the postseason. In short, he's doing everything Denver expects out of him, both in the regular season and the playoffs. Make the passes, grab some rebounds, score some points and make defensive plays.

Giesen, 26, was the 23rd overall pick by the Grizzlies in 2014 and isn't really starting PG material. He's better suited to SG and he's looked frozen this year in the playofs, averaging just 8.3 points and 7 assists against the Lakers. Still, his passing was better than the regular season, when he averaged 5.8.

Advantage: Nuggets

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Jamar Barnes
Yeaton was magnificient against the Kings, averaging 26.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2 steals and 2.3 blocks a game. He's fully healed from a foot injury in the first round and he's primed to have another fantastic series as the heart of Denver's offense.

From J. Barnes to J. Barnes, only Jamar is inferior to Justin. He's a subpar defender and is actually better suited to play PG. Some shooting power as his 12.3 points and great stealing instincts as his 1.7 steals from the first round illustrate. He also averaged a block a game, but he's not going to do that against the taller Yeaton and his less than adequate defense spells doom for Dallas.

Advantage: Nuggets

Small Forward
Ron Collier vs. Daniel Wilder
Collier's been under fire from the Nuggets front office, notably GM Jestor for his wild-shooting ways, but as his 43.2% shooting and his 10.3 points a game in the first round shows, he's toned it way down in the playoffs. He'll need to maintain that if he hopes to stay on the team past this year.

One of the most puzzling things about the Mavericks is why Wilder's making over $10 million a year and why he keeps getting a starting job. He's not very good in any area, certainly not worth the kind of money he's getting. He's got some defensive playmaking skills (a steal, 1.3 blocks in the first round), but he's never averaged double-digit scoring during the regular season and is only somewhat above that mark this playoffs with an 11.7 point average. On the other hand, he's got some rebounding skills, grabbing 5.4 boards in the first round, second on the Mavs.

Advantage: Draw

Power Forward
Marcelino Augusto vs. Al Horford
We salivated over Augusto before the first round and although he didn't make any highlight reels, he was quietly effective, averaging 14 points, 8.5 rebounds, a steal and 2.3 blocks. A fine first playoff series, particularly for a 19 year old rookie, no matter how heralded.

Good luck to Horford in trying to stop him. He weighs 30 lbs more than Augusto, but Marcelino's bested bigger and better men than Al and Horford's line of 8.6 points and 5.1 rebounds doesn't inspire confidence that he can contain the Nuggets' rising megastar.

Advantage: Nuggets

Center
Tim Davis vs. Jonte Jones
Davis didn't exactly set the world on fire in the opening round, but he still averaged 17.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and a steal per game. Unfortunately, he's a terrible blocker and plays very, very soft, things that are going to get him in trouble against the most aggressive, powerful Jones.

Jones averaged an eye-popping 29.6 points, 14.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks against the Lakers and Andrew Bynum and there's every reason to believe he can do just as well against the Nuggets, if not better. On the other hand, since Horford is so horrible, Denver should be able to keep a double-team on Jones inside and dare the Mavericks to beat them from the perimeter.

Advantage: Mavericks

Bench
David Jackson went a long way to backing up his brash boast of being The World's Best Damn 6th Man as the second year player averaged an amazing 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds against the Kings. You'd have to go back almost a decade, to the days of Chauncey Billups, to find a Denver player who had that kind of force off the bench. Michael Redd is hungry for a title and has been playing like it, sniping off the bench for 8.5 points in the first round and Kirk Hinrich is right there with him, compiling averages of 7 points and 4.8 assists.

Mike Patterson's a nice all-around backup and he averaged 11.6 points in the opening round. Jeff Green is averaging the exact same 9 points in the playoffs that he did in the regular season and he's a pretty good defender to boot. Hamilton Bibby is back in a Mavericks uniform after taking his skills elsewhere for a few seasons and is averaging 7.7 points. But for all Dallas's offensive power off the bench, they don't have the defensive stopper that the Nuggets do in Emeka Okafor.

Advantage: Draw

Final Thoughts
Can Jonte Jones save the Mavericks? No. They had to go the full seven games against an Austin Buller-less Lakers and Jones provides Dallas their only major advantage. That won't be enough and while this series won't be a sweep, it'll be short.
Prediction: Denver in 5

Yeah, I can believe that.

Game One
Despite the inequity in overall talent, I'm still expecting a lot tougher matchup from the Mavericks than the Kings. If the first game is any indication, that's not going to happen. We shut down the interior passing lanes all night and Jonte Jones also only played 24 minutes due to foul trouble. Because we clogged up the inside, he took just 3 shots all night, converting 2 and ending with 6 points. When your superstar only scores 6 points, it doesn't matter that Mike Patterson and Jeff Green score 12 and 17 points off the bench respectively; you just aren't going to win. Not when Marcelino Augusto's scoring 20 points and Mateen Yeaton's leading all scorers with 23 points. And not when Emeka Okafor's coming alive for 11 bench points. David Jackson's double-digit bench point streak ended tonight, but only by a bucket. He was 4 of 4 for 8 points. Great night. Great big blowout for the 1-0 series lead.
Final - Dallas 87 Denver 108

Game Two
Fantastic center duel tonight, Jonte Jones putting up 25 points and 16 rebounds, Tim Davis countering him with 31 points. But it all came down to the support and all Jones had was 19 points from Jeff Green, who I'm really growing to admire. Davis, in counterpoint, had an assist of 22 points from Mateen Yeaton and a sensational 7 of 8 shooting for 15 points off the bench from David Jackson, pushing his postseason FG shooting to 70.2%. Wow! Closer game, but still a comfortable win. Nuggets up 2-0.
Final - Dallas 109 Denver 119

Game Three
The Kings fought back hard in Sacramento and I'm expecting the same from the Mavericks. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised to see them win a game here. Marcelino Augusto scores 28 points and Mateen Yeaton continues his consistency with another 22 points. Michael Redd shoots 11 points to lead the reserves. But Jonte Jones is alive and fighting now with 24 points and 10 rebound and Al Horford finagled 14 points and 10 rebounds himself. Then there's the 10 bench points from Jeff Green. The real story of the night, though is Damian Giesen, who has the game of his life in scoring 30 points with 7 assists. How big was it? So big that it was his new career-high. End result? We lose by 12 and suddenly it's 2-1.
Final - Denver 108 Dallas 120

Game Four
Big game here. We need to put them away or suddenly this becomes a whole new series. Jonte Jones rampages again, this time for 23 points and 12 rebounds and Mike Patterson contributes 12 bench points. But Mateen Yeaton counters it with 25 points and Zelipe Gama charges in for 19 points and 10 assists, after relying on strictly passing the first three games, giving us the win despite horrendous shooting from our bench and a foul-plagued game by Tim Davis. We've got them against the wall.
Final - Denver 107 Dallas 88

We already know our West Conference Finals opponents if we get that far, because the Spurs stunningly swept the Grizzlies. Even more surprising is the fact that the two series in the East are deadlocked at two games a piece.

Game Five
Now that the Spurs have swept, I really want to end the series here so we can get rested up and be as fresh as San Antonio for the conference finals. I'm sure glad to be back in Denver and so are the gang as Mateen Yeaton scores 22 points, Michael Redd scores 10 off the bench and all five of our starters score 12 points or better. Dallas counters with 19 bench points from Jeff Green and one of the most astounding performances I've ever seen. In fact, this is one of the greatest games I've ever seen period. Jonte Jones thunders for 39 points, 20 rebounds, 2 assists and 5 blocks, while Zelipe Gama -just- misses a 20/20 with 22 points and 19 assists. It was a hard-fought, intense game all the way through, but in the end, we take the first 3 quarters and tie in the 4th, closing out the series with an exciting 8 point victory. Back to the Western Conference Finals!
Final - Dallas 102 Denver 110

The win's not without a cost though. Ron Collier sprains his ankle, which means David Jackson will probably start the Conference Finals at SF. That's perfectly all right with me.

The 2-2 ties turned out to be anticlimatic, ending in six games with the expected results of Toronto booting Charlotte and Philadelphia sending Cinderella Atlanta home.

Izulde

10-30-2008, 01:12 PM

The Spurs always play us hard and we've got quite a history as the pre-series press points out.

"For the second consecutive season, the Spurs and the Nuggets face off in the Western Conference Finals. They also played in the 2014 Western Conference Finals, won by the Spurs. So there's a lot of recent, intense playoff rivalry between these teams and we should have another great contest on our hands for this one.

Point Guard
Zelipe Gama vs. Dwayne Wade
Is there any better passer in the league than Gama? We've mentioned Kenny Graham before, but it's hard to argue with the Spainard's 14.3 assists per game in the postseason. He's also averaging 11.7 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 1.6 blocks. The points per game average is a bit deceptive, as he tends to focus either solely on passing or trusting his shot when it's hitting. When the trust factor's on, he's good for 20+ points a game. By the way, his A/TO ratio for the playoffs is nearly 6 a game (5.9). That's a real floor leader.

The Julian Wright years at PG finally end with the free agent signing of Wade, who is still an elite level player even at 35 years old. He's averaging a team high 26.4 points a game in the postseason, tacking on 4 rebounds, 7.8 assists and a steal per game. Still a very good defender and he should run circles around Gama.

Advantage: Spurs

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Brandon Roy
We haven't really seen Yeaton take over a game yet this postseason, but he hasn't needed to. He's just been absurdly consistent, hitting around his average of 24.4 points a night. 4 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.8 blocks round out his notable playoff stats. If he ever -really- erupts, fear will sound in the hearts of the Spurs.

Roy's not flashy, but he's got solid all around game and the size and defensive skills to try and limit the Nuggets' superstar. 14.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.7 steals in the playoffs attest to his balanced approach, but our thinking is that his mission will be to contain Yeaton this series.

Advantage: Nuggets

Small Forward
David Jackson vs. Julian Wright
With Ron Collier battling an ankle sprain, the outspoken Jackson steps to the fore. He's been having a terrific postseason, averaging 10.3 points and 6.2 rebounds off the bench and shooting a still sensational 67.2% from the floor. He's got beautiful ballhandling skills for a big man and we think he's a better fit for the Nuggets' style of play than Collier.

Wright's an excellent defender who's going to cool off Jackson's hot hand. While not the rebounder that his opponent is and outsized significantly by the Nuggets second year player, Wright can still got a shot off and grab a few boards, as his 13 points, 5 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks attest to.

Advantage: Draw

Power Forward
Marcelino Augusto vs. Tyrone Dotson
Augusto's starting to look a little more comfortable under the postseason spotlight's glare, averaging 15.9 points, 7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. If he keeps improving, it's going to be a rough series for San Antonio and for Dotson.

Especially since Dotson is a mediocre defender, with no standout skills to boot. 8 points and 5.4 rebounds in the postseason don't indicate that he can stand up to the brilliant Brazilian, especially not when he's about the same height and size as Augusto.

Advantage: Nuggets

Center
Tim Davis vs. Yao Ming
Davis is averaging 16 points and 6.9 rebounds in the playoffs and it's looking more and more like his dominant postseasons of 2014 and 2016 were mere flukes. He's also too soft for a man of his immense size and alleged defensive prowess, so he could see himself traded out of Denver yet again this offseason.

There's no such softness out of Ming, who's averaging 16.9 points, 9.4 rebounds, a steal and 1.6 blocks in the playoffs. He's even bigger than Davis and he's going to have an absolutely amazing series in our opinion. He's still got the defensive chops, discipline and intelligence to limit Davis's effectiveness to boot. And to think he's 37!

Advantage: Spurs

Bench
It'll be interesting to see how Ron Collier adapts to his sprained ankle. He's been at his best in the season when he's coming off the bench, so maybe he can provide a spark for the Nuggets as a fresh set of legs. Look for Emeka Okafor, the defensive specialist and team captain, to play a much bigger role this series with Collier hampered. Michael Redd provides a nice jolt of offense and is averaging 8.8 points a game in the playoffs.

Josh Boone is having an unexpectedly excellent playoffs, averaging 8.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks as he's surged to the 6th man role. 37 year old Mike Miller isn't the sharpshooter that he once was, but he's still averaging 6 points a game. But the biggest X-factor may be infamous Nuggets killer Shawne Williams, now back from a broken nose and ready to reprise his old role.

Advantage: Draw

Final Thoughts
Without Dwayne Wade, this becomes a repeat of the Nuggets/Mavs series. With him, suddenly it's looking like a much tighter series. So tight, in fact, that we see it going the full seven games, with homecourt advantage giving Denver their third straight West Conference title and a presumed date with the Raptors in the Finals for the third year in a row.
Prediction: Denver in 7

I agree it's going to be a harrowing series that could well go all seven games. I just hope that they're right about us winning.

Game One
I'm expecting anything, anything at all to happen. What happens is that Yao Ming grabs 20 points and 10 rebounds, Dwayne Wade scores 25 points and just misses the double with 9 assists and Mike Miller regains his old shooting stroke for 14 points. In opposition, Marcelino Augusto rises to the challenge, bullying the Spurs for 24 points and Mateen Yeaton finally has a game-ruling performance of 34 points. Zelipe Gama chips in 17 points and 12 assists, but what caught everyone's eye in the first game was David Jackson fouling out quite quickly and Michael Redd exploding off the bench in his place for 22 points on 9 for 10 shooting. Not bad at all for a 38 year old and we get a surprisingly dominating opening game victory.
Final - San Antonio 100 Denver 129

Game Two
The Spurs are determined not to be embarrased again and Dwayne Wade scores 20 points, while Shawne "Nugget Slayer" Williams plays fantastically with 17 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks off the bench. But not even that duo could contend with Mateen Yeaton's second straight breakout game of 38 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks and 4 steals. Apparently Mateen's pissed about the press doubting his ability to take over a game and he's come out with a venegance in these first two games. Zelipe Gama double-double his way to 17 points and 15 assists, while Marcelino Augusto picks up a more modest double of 13 points and 10 rebounds. Tim Davis not only stymied Yao Ming all game long, but he narrowly missed the double-double with 21 points and 9 rebounds before fouling out late in the fourth quarter. Great showing by Mr. Davis. Great showing by our boys period, as we win another easy game and seize the 2-0 lead.
Final - San Antonio 81 Denver 102

Game Three
If the Spurs were annoyed after Game 1, they're downright furious after Game 2 and we're moving to San Antonio, a sure recipe for a loss, maybe even an evening of the series. Sure enough, Yao Ming's rising up like the Great Wall of China for 23 points and 11 rebounds and Dwayne Wade's playing the passer with 13 points and 12 assists. Julian Wright has a stunning 20 point performance and nary a Nugget posts a statistically significant showing. We're flat out killed. Railroaded. Massacred. Crushed. You get the idea.
Final - Denver 79 San Antonio 102

Game Four
I said this last series, but it goes doubly now. We need to pin the Spurs to the wall here. Dallas I could've lived with an extended series. San Antonio I can't. They're just that good a team. Mateen Yeaton scores 25 points and old men Emeka Okafor and Michael Redd fend off their age for 10 and 15 points off the bench respectively. But that's also blown away as Dwayne Wade goes into bezerker mode and scores 37 points. 11 bench rebounds a piece from Josh Boone and Shawne Williams (who also had 9 points) later, we're all knotted up at two games. Horrible shooting from the Nuggets tonight. A lowly 35%, the worst we've done in years.
Final - Denver 84 San Antonio 98

My lone, slim consolation is that the Raptors didn't sweep the 76ers. I'm cheering on Philadelphia to push Toronto to the limit, though I secretly know its futility.

Game Five
This is a home game we have to win. That's all there is to it. What follows is a game of balanced scoring by both teams. The Spurs are highlighted by 15 points and 15 rebounds from Yao Ming and 10 bench points from Shawne Williams, who really does seem to always play better against us. On our end, David Jackson grabs 11 rebounds off the bench, having been relegated back to the 6th man role because of poor play in the starting role and Ron Collier's return to full health. But it was Mateen Yeaton who rose to the occasion, scoring 29 points and netting us this extremely critical Game 5 win. 3-2 Nuggets. Advantage Denver.
Final - San Antonio 87 Denver 101

Toronto's officially going for its third consecutive NBA championship as they knock out the 76ers in five games. Now the onus is on us to fullfill the dreams of the television executives and the NBA brass.

Game Six
It's a wild and crazy San Antonio crowd who wants to see their beloved Spurs play the spoiler. There's still a lot of lingering resentment from the '90s, when the Spurs were the league's dominant team, but they didn't get a lot of fans or attention, even for their great successes with Tim Duncan and David Robinson. That kind of chip on the shoulder can be a huge motivation and I fear it. Dwayne Wade feeds off the crowd's energy for 23 points and 12 assists. Julian Wright does the same for 22 points and things are looking awfully tight, as it was back and forth all game. Tim Davis double-doubles with 15 points and 10 rebounds and Marcelino Augusto was splendid in scoring 27 points before fouling out. And then it happened. Mateen Yeaton came through with another inspired performance, answering yet again his critics by bursting through for 30 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks and 4 steals. He was the differencemaker in the single closest game of the series, leading us to a victory and to the dream matchup. Raptors/Nuggets Round 3 is on the clock!!!!!
Final - Denver 103 San Antonio 96

Coffee Warlord

10-30-2008, 02:07 PM

Now.

Beat freakin' Toronto already!

Autumn

10-30-2008, 03:22 PM

I think you've got all the elements this time, including Yeaton showing up big time for the playoffs. Good luck!

RedHawk00

10-31-2008, 10:59 PM

BEAT TORONTO!~!~!

Izulde

11-01-2008, 03:04 AM

Coffee Warlord: I'm hoping to!

Autumn: Yeaton's done it before and in fact, he's usually the biggest reason we've been able to hang in it against the Raptors. I suspect Tim Davis is the key here. And thanks. :)

RedHawk00: We'll do our best to!

Izulde

11-01-2008, 09:38 PM

Will Third Time Be Golden Charm For Nuggets?

Never in the history of the NBA have the same two teams met three years in a row for the NBA championship trophy. Even the famed Celtics/Lakers rivalry of the 80s, Boston and Los Angeles never played each three consecutive times. The Celtics teams of late 50s to the 60s, even when they won 11 titles in 13 years and won 8 straight consecutive champions, never had the same opponent three consecutive years, although they did play the Lakers six out of eight seasons (1961, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1967 and 1968).

Thus history is being made in this Finals series, when the Toronto Raptors and the Denver Nuggets face off for the trophy. And there is yet more potential history brewing. Toronto seeks to become the first team since the Lakers of 1999, 2000 and 2001 to win three straight titles, a feat also achieved by the Chicago Bulls of 1990-1993 and 1995-1997, the 1958-1965 Celtics and the Minneapolis Lakers of 1951-1953.

Conversely, Denver's trying to avoid joining the ranks of teams who have lost in three straight Finals appearances, a feat ignobly achieved by the 1950-1952 New York Knicks and the 1967-1969 Los Angeles Lakers. In short, the Nuggets would become the first threepeating losers in nearly 50 years, a distinction they frantically hope not to make.

Few will forget the 2015 Finals, when the Nuggets, riding sensational performances from their brilliant backcourt of Zelipe Gama and Mateen Yeaton, pushed the Raptors to a stunning seven games before losing in Denver. The performance was all the more miraculous for Denver's starting 39 year old SF Antawn Jamison at C after Tim Davis was lost with a torn ACL.

2016 witnessed the rise of 21 year old Justin Richler into superstardom, the homegrown Canadian atop the crest of a Toronto tidal wave that crushed the Nuggets and led to a repeat title in six games. Denver tried to respond with the magnificience of Yeaton and passionate play from Emeka Okafor, who had a postseason for the ages last year, but it wasn't enough. That series was also marked by rampant nationalism on both sides, giving it an Olympic feel. Davis, too, was not present on that Nuggets team, for he'd been traded to the Lakers at the deadline.

Now it's 2017 and while the story has yet to be written, one plotline immediately stands out. For the first time, the mammoth Davis will appear in the Finals wearing the powder blue of the Nuggets. He could have a Richleresque effect, but that of course remains to be seen.

Point Guard
Zelipe Gama vs. Justin Richler
Gama was lambasted around the country for his disappearing act in last year's Finals, but the Spainard continues to be an excellent setter. We're viewing last year's flameout as an aberration, as he's currently averaging 11.3 points, 12.3 assists, 4.1 steals, 1.9 steals and 1.6 blocks in the playoffs.

A lot of people wondered what was going to happen when T.J. Ford finally retired or left the team and the answer is Richler, a somewhat surprising move considering he's not a good fit to play the point. His scoring numbers are way down in this year's postseason, just 19.6 points, 5.6 assists and 1.3 steals. Richler's A/TO ratio - 1.7 Gama's A/TO ratio - 4.5. That right there makes this far a more even position matchup than what some might think.

Advantage: Draw

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Rico Wolfe
An angry Yeaton really broke out against the Spurs and he should be primed to do continue that against the Raptors. Averaging 26.3 points, 1.9 steals and 1.9 blocks in the postseason, he'll continue to be the focal point of Denver's offense. Incidentally, he's also in the last year of his contract next season and our thinking is that GM Jestor will lock his favorite player down for the rest of his career.

Wolfe is actually much better suited to run the point than Richler, but Toronto's putting him here because at 6'8, 190 lbs, he's the exact same height and weight as Yeaton and a pretty good defender. While Wolfe's been averaging 10.6 points, 5.9 assists and 1.3 steals in the playoffs, his role in this series is going to be to limit the amount of damage that Yeaton does to the Raptors. Smart move, on the balance of it.

Advantage: Nuggets

Small Forward
Ron Collier vs. David Anyan
The merry-go-round at Denver's SF spot goes back to Collier, who in his first-ever postseason is averaging 9.3 points and a whole lot of nothing else. He's also shooting just 40% on the nose and if the Nuggets want to have a chance to win the title and get the dino off their back, they need him to step up and contribute the points that he's capable of.

Anyan has been nothing short of sensational this year, averaging 24.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.9 blocks. He may only be 6'6 204, but he plays big. In addition to his scoring and rebounding talents, he's a great shotblocker and a terrific defender who should be able to keep Collier's contributions to a minimum.

Advantage: Raptors

Power Forward
Marcelino Augusto vs. Chris Bosh
Great matchup at PF, where you have the celebrated 19 year old Brazilian rookie in Augusto against the wily 33 year old veteran Bosh. Augusto's an inch shorter, but he's much more muscular and he has the athleticism of youth on his side. He's averaging 15.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in the playoffs and has been a major part of the Nuggets' continued success, both in the regular season and the postseason.

Bosh sure doesn't look 33 on the court, as he's been averaging 17 points, 8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks thus far in the playoffs. Experience and far better defense probably give Toronto the edge here on two players that are otherwise very evenly matched. This is going to be one of the pivotal matchups of the Finals. If Bosh can contain Augusto like he has the ability, this thing could be over in a hurry.

Advantage: Raptors

Center
Tim Davis vs. Greg Oden
For all the accusations of playing soft throughout the playoffs, Davis actually showed some toughness against Yao Ming in the West Conference finals. 15.8 points and 6.8 rebounds a game in the postseason aren't any great shakes, but if he can just stand his 7'3, 294 body in the way of Oden and activate some of his defensive potential, he could be a force inside.

Of course, Oden is one of the singlemost intelligent players in the league. He knows his role in the Raptors scheme and executes it to perfection. He's also an A-list defender and rebounder and he can put the clamps on Davis in a hurry. 12.9 points, 14.2 rebounds and 2.5 postseason blocks may not look all that sexy, but he doesn't need to be the man on this loaded Toronto team.

Advantage: Raptors

Bench
Michael Redd hasn't lost his missionary zeal, averaging 9.3 points in the playoffs and he quests for the biggest hole missing in his illustrious resume: a ring. Emeka Okafor hunts for the same and is averaging 5.2 points and 4.5 rebounds while still playing tough, lockdown defense. David Jackson had a miserable outing against San Antonio, but he's still averaging 7.9 points and 6 rebounds and will give the Raptors someone to think about.

Is Andrea Bargnani upset about being banished to the bench? Not at all, unlike when Bosh pitched a fit a few seasons ago. He's quite content to average 7.4 points and 4.3 rebounds in the playoffs as the team's 6th man, even if he could start for at least half the NBA's franchises, including, incidentally, the Nuggets. Kobe Bryant is the answer to Redd, averaging 5.9 playoff points as a 39 year old. Beyond that, however, the Raptors bench is woefully thin.

Advantage: Nuggets

Final Thoughts
This Finals comes down to the Nuggets terrific backcourt and depth versus the Raptors' otherwordly front line, a front line that has dominated the league for virtually this entire decade. We see all the makings here of another classic, a seven-game tilt that will go to the Raptors with their home edge in Toronto.
Prediction: Raptors in 7

I figured they'd say as much, but at least they think we can give it a good go. How do I think we'll do? Still too close to call, but I think there's a chance, however flickering it may be.

Game One
The mass of Canadian flags from last season are gone this year. Instead, there's just a sea of purple and red Richler and Oden jerseys greeting us. I like it better that way; no nationalism going on, just fans of the NBA's two best teams cheering on their beloved franchises. ....And of course, everyone else who's taken an interest in this history-making championship series. The crowd's no less frenzied than last year however and the Raptors race out swiftly. David Anyan is absolutely incredible out on the court, with 39 points and 11 rebounds. Justin Richler scores 20 and Toronto also gets double-doubles from Chris Bosh and Greg Oden at 15 points, 14 rebounds and 13 points, 12 rebounds respectively. It's a dinosaur rampage and though Mateen Yeaton valiantly plays to 26 points, Zelipe Gama his second with 14 points and 13 assists and Emeka Okafor coming off the bench for 10 points, we're crushed in the stampede.
Final - Denver 102 Toronto 114

Game Two
A split would be great, but I know we're more realistically looking at a 2-0 deficit after tonight's game. It goes worse than I thought. Game 1, we were at least competitive. Here, Tim Davis scratches his way to 14 points and 12 rebounds and David Jackson scores 12 off the bench. That's it. No contest as David Anyan and Justin Richler score 25 and 26 points a piece, Andrea Bargnani scores 13 to lead the Raptors reserves and Toronto pulls a switchup, inserting Greg Oden at PF and Chris Bosh at C in the starting lineup. Bosh batters his way to 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Oden pretzels Marcelino Augusto into a 4 for 14 night. Brilliant chess move the Raptors staff. This could well be a sweep.
Final - Denver 78 Toronto 105

Game Three
The decibel level in Denver is incredible and this year, there's flags galore. Not just American ones, but Spanish and Brazilian ones, too. Some of the latter, as you might expect, are wearing their old Paulinho Buboltz jerseys. It doesn't matter that we traded their hero away because they're chanting for us to win. There's even a group of Australians who flew in just for this Finals, screaming at the top of their lungs for a Denver victory. The noise level gives us a free 6th man on the court, but the Raptors aren't going to let up. Chris Bosh, still playing at C, tears us apart for 29 points and 13 rebounds and Justin Richler shoots like he's got ice in his veins, finishing with 30 points. We counter it with 24 points a piece from Tim Davis and Marcelino Augusto, who stunningly breaks the Oden hold and unbelievable play from our bench. Emeka Okafor had 10 points and 8 rebounds, David Jackson just missing a double-digit with 9 points and 6 rebounds. More importantly, both singlehandedly bested the Raptors bench, which scored a grand total of 6 points... all from Andrea Bargnani. It's also the first game of the series that we hold David Anyan to under 20 points, as he shoots 30% on the night. It all adds up to a wonderful 21 point win that gives us new life and new possibility. No sweep. No repeat of 2010. Not this year.
Final - Toronto 100 Denver 121

Game Four
Everyone's clamoring for a split after tonight and the noise level at the start of the game is so intense, people claimed the next day they could feel the vibrations from three miles away. Mateen Yeaton scores 20 points and we again get a ton of production out of our bench, headlined by 12 points from Michael Redd. But these Raptors are hungry to make history and David Anyan and Justin Richler both play out of their minds, 30 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 blocks and a steal for Anyan, 30 points and 10 assists for Richler. Greg Oden gets 10 points and 13 rebounds, still playing PF, still hammering Marcelino Augusto, who shot a withering 2 for 10 against the huge, skilled Raptor center in masquerade. 3-1 and I think the life's run out of us.
Final - Toronto 105 Denver 84

Game Five
Last chance for one last dance. Last home game of the year, no matter what the result. But the crowd's not nearly as emphatic as they were the first two games... not nearly as emphatic, that is, until we hold the Raptors to an embarassing 28.2% from the field and not a single Toronto statistical star of note. Hence, it's with glee that Marcelino Augusto breaks out of the Oden Trap for 16 points and 13 rebounds and Kirk Hinrich and Michael Redd scoff at age with 12 points, 11 assists and 10 points respectively off the balance. It's balanced offense, unbelievable defense and a shocking 33 point victory that cuts the Raptors lead to 3-2.
Final - Toronto 72 Denver 105

Game Six
As thrilled as I am that we won to force a Game Six, I know the Raptors are pissed and looking for revenge. We took them to six games last year and I fear it'll be the same result this season. I mean, how it's going to look to a team seeking to be considered one of the great dynasties of the ages when they shot 28.2% in a championship series game, one that would've won them the title? What follows is the exact reverse of Game 5. Not a single Nugget showing statistical significance as we shoot 36.3% and the Raptors ride a balanced offense, led in scoring with 17 points by benchman Andrea Bargnani. Kobe Bryant scored 11 off the bench as well, Toronto taking the trophy in even greater measure thanks to 14 points and 11 rebounds from David Anyan and 12 points and 14 rebounds from Greg Oden, who was restored to C for this sixth game as the Raptors ended being cute and reverted back to normal.
Final - Denver 78 Toronto 99

As I join the team for their solemn, disappointed huddle in the locker room, I find myself staring at the lockers of Tim Davis and Ron Collier.

Neither one will be back next year. I don't know if it's the right answer or not, but I feel like it is.

Three straight losses. The disheartening thing is, with as bad as the West is right now, we could come back here next year and become the only team in NBA history to lose four consecutive Finals.

Time to go drinking and erase this dull ache in my body.

RedHawk00

11-01-2008, 10:24 PM

the good news: the buffalo bills are rooting for you to make it to the finals next year...
the bad news: you may become the bills

Izulde

11-02-2008, 03:02 PM

the good news: the buffalo bills are rooting for you to make it to the finals next year...
the bad news: you may become the bills

Heh, tell me about it. I'm starting to understand what Jim Kelly went through.

Izulde

11-02-2008, 03:03 PM

Nuggets Face Another Offseason Of Questions

After yet another Finals appearance and another loss to the Toronto Raptors, the Denver Nuggets have some more difficult questions to answer this offseason.

1. How much longer will Larry Brown coach?
Brown's been an integral part of the Nuggets' success since GM Jestor's arrival in Denver, but he's 74 years old and has to be thinking about retirement soon. He has two years left on his contract, but you can bet that any extension he wants will be his for the asking, particularly since none of the assistants inspires confidence as elite-level head coaching material.

2. Is Tim Davis the answer at C?
The Davis saga is one of the more curious storylines in Denver in recent years. His on-again/off-again relationship with the Nuggets as a result of Jestor's dealings haven't helped fully incorporate him into the offense and he's drawn considerable ire from the coaching staff and the GM for his underachieving play. There's a strong possibility he'll be dealt yet again this offseason as Jestor is well-known for his scorn of soft big men.

3. If Davis goes, can David Jackson be the one to take over?
He'll be 25 next year and in his third season. But while he's shown steady improvement, he's also extremely foul-prone still and it's iffy as to if he's ready return to a full-time starting role. The best thing would be to leave him in the 6th man role, where he can make a stronger impact. Such a move would, of course, require the Nuggets either sticking with Davis or shopping for a new center on the trade market or in free agency.

4. Who's staying and who's leaving?
Davis is a question mark as we've noted above. In fact, you could say that the entire team is a question mark given Jestor's wheeler-dealer tendencies. The only untouchables are Zelipe Gama, Mateen Yeaton and Marcelino Augusto. The front office is going to try and sign Yeaton to an extension over the summer, while Augusto is already going to get his fourth year option. Jackson received his a few days ago.

Ron Collier, on the other hand, is as good as gone. His poor shooting infuriated Jestor and won't be nearly enough to make up for his quality defensive work. This means Jackson's a candidate for the starting SF role, with the same questions attached to the possibility of him as the starting C.

Expiring Contracts
Kirk Hinrich
Thabo Sefolosha
Michael Redd
Shaun Livingston
Lindsey Williamson
Peter John Ramos

All bench players with expiring deals, some of greater value than others. Hinrich's $10 million off the books is going to be huge, although there's a chance that the consistent veteran could return on a min-sal deal. Sefolosha was a major disappointment after being brought back a couple seasons ago and he won't return. Redd provided an excellent jolt of offense off the bench, but he'll be 39. Still, like Hinrich, the possibility's there.

The front office has always liked Livingston, the coaching staff not so much. He's been unhappy about his extremely limited playing time, making his re-upping uncertain. Williamson's another front office/coaching staff conflict, but he could well return. Ramos may or may not be back, but probably not.

The Big Picture

Denver holds a late lottery ticket and while they won't have the same success they did last year, they should be able to pick up a pretty decent player in the draft. The Nuggets will have to change over virtually their entire bench if they don't bring a lot or any of the expired guys back and there'll be a new starting SF and possibly a new starting C when Halloween comes around next year.

Whether any of that will be enough to topple the Toronto juggernaut is anyone's guess.

***End Article***

Good questions, not all of which I know the answer to right now.

NBA Lottery
It'll take a miracle of epic proportions to move us from the #13 spot into the top 3, so I'm not expecting it.

14. Boston Celtics
13. Denver Nuggets

It went as expected.

12. Cleveland Cavaliers
11. Indiana Pacers
10. Phoenix Suns
9. Miami Heat
8. New Orleans Hornets (-1)
7. Washington Wizards (-2)
6. Atlanta Hawks (-2)
5. Portland Trailblazes (-2)
4. Los Angeles Clippers (-2)
3. Golden State Warriors (+3)
2. Chicago Bulls (-1)
1. Houston Rockets (+7)

Jubiliation breaks out in Houston as the Rockets beat the odds and pull off one hell of a coup. Houston doesn't have that bad a squad either, so this is the kind of thing that can propel them back into the playoffs, especially with how sickly the West is.

Awards

MVP
Jonte Jones - Dallas Mavericks - 24.7 PPG 12.1 RPG 2.1 APG 1.6 BPG 1.2 SPG
Defensive Player of the Year
Greg Oden - Toronto Raptors - 13.8 PPG 15.5 RPG 3.2 APG 2.5 BPG 1.0 SPG
Rookie of the Year
PF Marcelino Augusto - Denver Nuggets - 16.8 PPG 7.2 RPG 2.3 APG 1.7 BPG 1.1 SPG
6th Man of the Year
Channing Frye - Charlotte Bobcats - 10.1 PPG 7.6 RPG 1.7 APG 0.7 BPG 0.7 SPG
Coach of the Year
Gregg Popovich - San Antonio Spurs

All-NBA 1st Team
PG Kenny Graham - Detroit Pistons
SG Mateen Yeaton - Denver Nuggets
SF Georghiois Kairis - Houston Rockets
PF Kelvin Moody - Minnesota Timberwolves
C Jonte Jones - Dallas Mavericks

All-NBA 2nd Team
PG Chris Paul - New Orleans Hornets
SG Ben Gordon - Indiana Pacers
SF Carmelo Anthony - New York Knicks
PF Tyrus Thomas - Philadelphia 76ers
C Greg Oden - Toronto Raptors

All-NBA 3rd Team
PG Dwayne Wade - San Antonio Spurs
SG Justin Richler - Toronto Raptors
SF Rudy Gay - Memphis Grizzlies
PF Al Jefferson - Boston Celtics
C Narcyz Malinomowski - Memphis Grizzlies

All-Defense 1st Team
PG Derrick Sterett - New Jersey Nets
SG Charles Seegars - Chicago Bulls
SF Andrei Kirilenko - Phoenix Suns
PF Tyrus Thomas - Philadelphia 76ers
C Greg Oden - Toronto Raptors

All-Defense 2nd Team
PG Leland Peterson - Washington Wizards
SG Mateen Yeaton - Denver Nuggets
SF David Anyan - Toronto Raptors
PF Dwight Howard - Orlando Magic
C Martin Beerbohm - New Orleans Hornets

All-Rookie 1st Team
PG Jameel Williams - Charlotte Bobcats
SG Brett Watson - Philadelphia 76ers
SF Michael Johnson - Golden State Warriors
PF Marcelino Augusto - Denver Nuggets
C Scott Palmer - Seattle Supersonics

All-Rookie 2nd Team
PG Waldemar Althusser - Portland Trailblazers
SG Omar Pruitt - Orlando Magic
SF Jerome Erickson - Utah Jazz
PF Dermek Trombley - Detroit Pistons
C Milan Nouge - Phoenix Suns

Utah Sixers

PG Brandon Brooks - Golden State Warriors
Started 78 games and averaged 12.1 points and 8.1 assists. Although a bust from the #2 overall pick perspective, his NBA career has been a pretty solid one. Good floor general to have, plays technically sound defense and provides the occasional burst of offense.

PF Kelvin Moody - Minnesota Timberwolves
Showed no ill effects from his torn ACL last season, rebounding to finish with a 21.1 points, 11.6 rebound, 2.9 block All-NBA 1st Team campaign, returning to his usual All-Star PF starter role in the West as well. Easily the best player of the Utah Sixers and arguably the single-best player of his class as well. His contract's up, but it'll be 80 degrees and sunny in January in Minnesota before the Timberwolves don't re-sign him.

SF Julius Austin - Miami Heat
Just how Austin manages to keep getting decent money from the Heat, I'll never know. Sure he's a shut-down defender, but he's 33 years old and doesn't contribute anything else. Played all 82 games, 19.6 minutes a game for 6.3 points, 3 rebounds and 1.2 assists. Arguably the luckiest of the Sixers, though I suspect he'll be retiring in a few years.

C Rudy Braun - Indiana Pacers
How bad is Indiana's interior game? So bad that Braun was the first C off the bench, playing 74 games and actually starting 2. 19.2 minutes for 7.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists. I'm amazed he still managed to find someone to give him a contract, but then again, Indiana's been hurting for a quality big ever since Jermaine O'Neal got old and left town.

PF B.J. Whitehead - Indiana Pacers
I wasn't kidding when I said the Pacers had a horrible inside game. B.J.'s a respectable reserve, but that's all he's ever been and he's not going to suddenly start wowing people at 33. Nonetheless, he played 69 games, starting 4 at C. At 24.7 minutes a game, he clocked 9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists while playing pretty decent technique on D.

SF Brian Robertson - Free Agent
He still keeps hanging around, but he'll never get called again.

Scary to realize that the Utah Sixers are now getting up in their age, with half of them in their mid-30s next season. Pretty soon I won't be tracking this outfit anymore, except for Brooks and Moody and that makes me a little sad. It's been a fun group to follow their careers.

B.B. Dyer and I have our standard agreement at our annual offseason meeting. Deep playoff run, up to $15 million over the cap, but try to avoid it if possible.

I pick up Marcelino Augusto's 4th year option. We're currently $27.8 million over the cap with just 7 players signed. Admittedly, most of that bloat is going to go away when we renounce our contracts, but it's still worrying.

On the other hand, we still haven't hit the trade markets. Finding a worthy deal turns out far easier than I could've anticipated.

Denver Nuggets receive
SF Luol Deng
SF Lannce Dudley
Milwaukee Bucks 2018 1st round pick (#22 overall)

Milwaukee Bucks receive
C Tim Davis
PF Ron Collier
Denver Nuggets 2018 2nd round pick (#31 overall)

What this means for the Nuggets
Deng provides good defense, rebounding skills, scoring punch and a veteran influence on a team that's still pretty young. He'll step in immediately as the starting SF. Even better for the Nuggets' financial situation, the 33 year old is only signed for this season and next, greatly enhancing their future salary cap flexibility. Dudley, who does spell his first name with two Ns, was taken 17th overall out of Duke by the Bucks in 2014 and the 27 year old showed tantalizing flashes of potential last season. Terrific quiet defender who has some ability to pour in points. Secure with the ball, too. Can't pass, rebound or make the highlight defensive play, though. Also signed to an absurdly long, if modestly priced, contract. The 1st rounder is ammunition in case GM Jestor wants to move up.

What this means for the Bucks
Milwaukee's taking a page from the Lakers and are starting Davis at SF, where he should be an explosive offensive presence and his notorious softness on defense should firm up against the much smaller opponents. He's also the heir apparent to Andrew Bogut at C. Collier moves to a probable 6th or 7th man role, where he's a huge upgrade over Charlie Villaneuva as a reserve in all aspects except rebounding.

Winner: Milwaukee
While L. Deng and L. Dudley should provide better defense, more toughness and more consistency than Davis and Collier did, Denver's going to sorely miss the scoring punch inside and the protection for Marcelino Augusto. David Jackson isn't ready to be the starting C and it's questionable as to if he ever will be. Meanwhile, the Bucks get huge upgrades in size and depth and only have to move down 9 spots in the draft to do so. That's a steal of a deal for Milwaukee and makes them the winners.

Ugh. Whatever. I still like the trade.

Coach Hiring

Larry Brown officially announces his retirement a week before the coach hiring season takes place. This is not cool, because we suddenly have to scramble to find a new head coach and that bedrock of security we had is now gone.

It's a terrible year to be hunting for a head coach. Kurt Thomas and Scott Skiles are the top two coaching candidates. Thomas has never been a head coach and there's things about him that make me wary. Skiles won a ring with the Bulls in 2009, but he has a sub-.500 career record.

Neither one excites me much, but I offer a contract to Skiles. $6 million a year for 3 years. He signs the next day, thanking me for my faith in him and promising that he'll deliver a title to Denver.

We'll see about that.

Mock Draft

Interestingly enough, we're slated to take PG Kelvin Johnson out of Maryland with the 13th overall pick. I'll admit, initial reports on his game sound promising and he did score 29.4 points last year for the Terrapins. Strikes me as more of a SG than a PG though. 18 year old Belgian C project Lukas Lanoye is the tabbed 22nd pick. I like his size (7'3, 304 lbs), but my suspicion is that he's going to be very raw and indeed, the information available on him is sketchy.

Some intriguing talent in this draft, but everybody is raw. Nobody rates higher than a 3* current development by most scouting services. To my mind, the clear star of this class is SG Sonny Boxler, who just finished his sophomore season at Florida averaging 32.5 points, 9 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 3.1 blocks and 1.6 steals. SG Charles Howard and SF Will Baron, both of Notre Dame, averaged 31.8 points and and 30.2 points respectively. Baron also grabbed 15.1 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 2.3 steals. Howard averaged 2.3 steals himself. That was one hell of a recruiting class and the Fighting Irish faithful are pained to see the super sophomores leave. I think I've found my new replacement for the Utah Sixers, namely the Notre Dame 30s.

Baron's projected to go 2nd overall to the Bulls, Howard 7th to the Wizards.

In any case, it's looking like it's going to be a real crapshoot of a draft and when that's the scenario, you can never really know for sure where guys are going to fall.

Time to really start scouting some guys and give ourselves a wide range of players, both to have fallbacks in case we keep both picks and to identify stars in case somebody falls through the cracks and we feel like moving up.

Izulde

11-03-2008, 02:03 AM

The day after the trade's out in the papers, Scott Skiles calls me.

"Listen, about Dudley?" He wants to play the point."

"...What? He can't pass worth a damn!"

"I know, but he's making waves about not reporting if he can't play point guard."

"...I'll deal with it."

Deal with it by trading him at the first possible opportunity. After I hang up with our new head coach, I hold discussions with other GMs around the league. There's considerable interest in him out there, even when I courteously inform my colleagues that he insists on running the offense.

Nothing definite is established, as we decide to hold off and wait to see what free agency and the draft turn up.

After the player workouts, we've got our draft board pretty much set and we've lined up several possible scenarios. I feel good about what we're going to come out of this draft with.

2018 NBA Draft 1st Round
1. SF Will Baron - Houston Rockets

Georghiois Kairis alreadys plays SF, so I kind of see this as a stupid move on the Rockets' part. But then again, it's my impression that anyone who takes either Baron or Sonny Boxler is taking a gamble with the first pick, because they're both lazy. Considering how under-developed most of this draft class is, that's not a risk I'd take.

2. PG Andre Moore - Chicago Bulls

...Damn. The Bulls just snapped up the best PG in the draft and if he pans out like he should, we won't have as good a shot at a top 3 pick next year as I'd hoped, since we own Chicago's pick. I was also hoping Moore would drop to where we could move up to take him. Count another one off on the list.

3. C Valery Frahm - Golden State Warriors

Nice selection by the Warriors here. With him and Michael Johnson, Golden State's got a good core to work with for the future. I'm not overly fond of Frahm, as he's 6'9, but Golden State took arguably the most skilled center in the draft.

4. C Dontay Williamson - Los Angeles Clippers

The draft is starting to turn precisely how I didn't want it to. I had my eye on a center that I was hoping would drop to us, but with two straight going here and the Trailblazers and Pacers both looking to find a big man, I'm afraid he isn't going to last.

5. SG Sonny Boxler - Portland Traiblazers

Sizzling potential, but an awful work ethic plummeted Boxler from the consensus #1 pick down to 5th overall. If he pans out, Portland's got themselves a steal. Talk about a high-risk, high-reward pick.

6. PG Kelvin Johnson - Atlanta Hawks

There's 3 players left that I really like and there's 6 teams picking before us right now. Our chances of getting any one of them is very slim as things stand, but I'll wait until one of them goes, likely with this pick, before deciding what to do for sure.

7. SG Charles Howard - Washington Wizards

And there goes one of them. Great scorer and good defender, but very, very suspect ballhandling skills, so I'm glad to see him go off the board. Of course, this is making my decision all that much tougher. The Hornets are picking next and they look a possibility to draft the center I have my eye on and I'm not convinced the point guard I'm looking at is worth waiting to see if he falls.

But the Hornets are refusing negotiations and so it's with grim apprehension that I watch and wait for the pick to come up.

8. PF Tim Butler - New Orleans Hornets

Bullet dodged, but the gauntlet continues with the Heat. Sadly, Miami's not willing to play ball either and I'm starting to get the feeling that maybe it'd be better just to keep our picks.

9. PG Cedric Caldwell - Miami Heat

There goes the other PG I was considering, which means our C is going to be wearing a Pacers uniform unless I can convince the Suns to make a deal. Unfortunately, it's not happening. Damn it.

10. SF Shane Holliway - Phoenix Suns

And here come the Pacers, but maybe they can be talked into making a deal.

To that end, I make a trade, followed by a deal with Indiana.

Denver Nuggets receive
Atlanta Hawks 2018 1st round pick (#25 overall)
Atlanta Hawks 2018 2nd round pick (#38 overall)

Atlanta Hawks receive
Denver Nuggets 2018 1st round pick (#22 overall)

Denver Nuggets receive
Indiana Pacers 2018 1st round pick (#11 overall)

Indiana Pacers receive
Denver Nuggets 2018 1st round pick (#13 overall)
Atlanta Hawks 2018 2nd round pick (#38 overall)

What this means for the Nuggets
GM Jestor pairs two trades together to snatch up the player he's been eyeing all draft long, who wasn't going to make it past the Pacers. He also retains a second first round selection and will come out of this draft with two more players.

What this means for the Hawks
Giving up the 8th overall pick in the 2nd round might be a bit steep to pay to move up 3 spots, but Atlanta evidently sees a player it really wants to get in that range.

What this means for the Pacers
Indiana's interior is an absolute wreck, so it doesn't really matter if they pick up a PF or a C. There should still be a decent big man available just two spots later and by picking up a fairly high second rounder in the bargain, they can try their luck at finding a diamond in the rough big man.

Winner: Denver
Jestor knew the player he wanted and found a way to make it happen without giving up that second first round pick. Brilliant work.

11. C Victor Gipson - Denver Nuggets

A Michigan State junior who averaged 23.3 points, 16.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 4.7 blocks last season for the Spartans. Good scoring potential and a hard-crashing rebounder and shotblocker. Terrible ballhandling skills, but with the slow-paced offense that Scott Skiles plans to run, that's not going to be such a problem. And did I mention he's 7'2, 303 lbs?

The analysts are lukewarm on the pick, which is a little surprising. I think Gipson's going to turn some heads. At the very least, he'll challenge David Jackson for the starting C spot and better our bench depth.

12. PF Andy Sola - Cleveland Cavaliers

Too bad about Sola. He would've been a good fit for the Pacers.

13. C Deon Keams - Indiana Pacers

Well, Indiana needed a big man, but Keams is more of a finesse center. Loves the jumper way, way too much in my opinion. Still, they couldn't get any worse than what they had last year.

14. SG Jermaine Butler - Boston Celtics
15. SF Roby Evans - Sacramento Kings
16. SF Andre Bryant - Los Angeles Lakers

Heh. He won't be Kobe, that's for sure.

17. SG Jason Pettaway - Minnesota Timberwolves

Nice value pick by the T-Wolves here.

18. PF Freddie Tackett - Seattle Supersonics

Ditto, Seattle, who get an excellent bargain here. This guy should've gone way earlier.

19. SG Derrick Young - New York Knicks

I liked Young, too. That's three solid picks right in a row. This draft class has some great depth to it and you can find some real value late in the first. We're hoping to do the same with our 25th pick.

20. PF Damous Price - Detroit Pistons
21. SG Sabit Suker - Dallas Mavericks

Good thing we didn't keep the 22nd pick, because I'd have been absolutely pissed off. I wanted this guy something bad for our second pick. I saw him play in Turkey when I was vacationing there last time and the kid can definitely play.

22. SF Emmett Kincaid - Atlanta Hawks
23. C Lukas Lanoye - Orlando Magic
24. PF Mat Walker - Charlotte Bobcats

The experts are saying we'll take PG Mark Martin out of Cincinnati, C Colin Merriex out of Stanford or trade the pick. I don't know why they say we'd select Merriex. He's a terrible player by all accounts, barely worth a late 2nd round pick, let alone a first round one. Martin doesn't impress me at all. Instead, it's....

25. PG Jon Freeman - Denver Nuggets

Didn't post eye-popping numbers in his senior year at Duke, but he's an excellent team player who works hard and has some good potential. Not enough to be a legit starter probably, but a nice security blanket at reserve guard. I particularly love his stealing instincts and Skiles and his staff rave about the elevation he gets on his shot.

The talking heads call it a nice steal and an excellent value pick for the stage in the draft. While I still would've preferred Suker, Freeman's a good consolation prize, so long as he doesn't turn out a Leroy Freeman-style bust.

26. SG Momsilo Zivkovic - Memphis Grizzlies
27. SG John Benson - Philadelphia 76ers
28. PF William Evans - San Antonio Spurs
29. C Aaron Benson - Chicago Bulls
30. PG Mark Martin - Toronto Raptors

Immediate post-draft impressions are that Jon Freeman's one of the smartest basketball players I've ever met. Even as a rookie, he has a cerebral understanding of the game equal to that of Emeka Okafor, who's been around the league for 14 years. The battle between Victor Gipson and David Jackson for the starting C spot is going to be -intense-. The early money's on Gipson, though, who has a stronger inside shot, better FT conversion, and drastically better rebounding and blocking instincts. He's also much more disciplined than the cocky, hotheaded Jackson.

We're in terrific financial shape after renouncing all our contracts. 9 players signed already and we're over the cap by just $2.5 million. That ensures we've got the room to make a run on a mid-level player who can push Deng for the starting SF spot.

Summer League
PG Jon Freeman
C David Jackson
C Victor Gipson

Although there isn't quite the same buzz as last year when Marcelino Augusto was suiting up, the battle between Jackson and Gipson has a lot of Nuggets fans glued to their TV sets. I'm secretly hoping Freeman will prove a pleasant surprise as well.

We start the summer league with a thrilling, white-knuckle 101-98 victory over the Mavericks. Sabit Suker looks great, scoring 15 points on 6 of 9 shooting. He shows incredible potential as well, particularly on the defensive end, even if the 18 year old is a little raw right now. On our end, David Jackson and Victor Gipson play to dead heats of 15 points and 10 rebounds and 15 points and 11 rebounds respectively, though it's worth noting that Jackson had 3 fouls to Gipson's 1. Jon Freeman shot 3 of 6 from the field, finishing with 8 points in his Denver debut.

Victor Gibson decidedly grabs the advantage next game with 15 points and 14 rebounds in our 104-90 victory over Golden State. Michael Johnson is the real deal as he scores 29. Bryan Young, one of our non-roster invitees who I'm thinking of signing, scored 22 while Jon Freeman had 18 points and 8 assists in a much improved game. Reserve invitee Nochimas Mahram scored 12 off the bench.

Atlanta kicks our asses 111-87 to give us our first summer loss. Nochimas Mahram has 11 points off the bench and we're led by Bryan Young's 18 points. He's got crummy ball skills for a guard, but man oh man, can he shoot. Great defense, too. He just hasn't been given the opportunity to play much. I expect he'll get a fat deal in free agency. Then again, we've been down this road before with Kyle Smith. On the other hand, Smith has averaged at least 21.8 points a game the last three seasons in a Cavs uniform and is Cleveland's most popular player not named Lebron James.

I think it's safe to say that after our nail-biting 98-97 win over the Bulls, when we fend off a furious Chicago comeback led by Andre Moore of the 29 points, Victor Gipson's won the starting job. He had 14 points and 12 rebounds this game and has outplayed David Jackson all summer long. Gary Burditt and Nochimas Mahram both had 12 bench points, but they don't matter. I have to admire Mahram, a 25 year old Latvian who has yet to even make it to the D-Leagues. He doesn't really have the skills to be a pro basketball, except maybe as a buried depth D-leaguer, but he keeps trying.

We end the summer league with our best game of the hot time, a stifling 88-67 win over the Celtics. Ironically enough, it's the only game David Jackson is the better of our two contenders, with a poor man's double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds. Reserves Imari Reuter and Gary Burditt pace the second team with 12 and 10 points respectively.

Free Agency

Although I'm not going to sign Bryan Young to a deal, because if he can't dominate summer leaguers, he's certainly not going to cut it against legit NBA players, I'm wanting to pull a Toronto and steal hot young talent on the free agent market.

Unfortunately, what studly young talent is available is all looking likely to re-sign with their teams. That doesn't stop me from pursuing front-line free agents, albeit probably futilely.

I'm pleasantly surprised to see Mike Nooner get a nice 4 year, $8.8 million contract from the Clippers. I always though he was a pretty good player; he just needed more opportunities.

Sure enough, all the best talent is flying back home. Even Dwayne Wade re-inks with the Spurs, putting us in trouble.

But we do make a few small deals, re-signing Lindsey Williamson to a 2 year min-sal, giving the same to Steven Caspers, who we welcome back into the fold and Louis Mertens, who never has gotten the chance to show his stuff that he deserves.

It's unbelievable. Everybody and I mean everybody, who's got even a scrap of genuine star talent to his name, is sticking with their original teams this year. Michael Blunt is probably the most talent player to have moved teams so far, going from the Knicks to the Hawks on a maxed out multi-year mid-level.

I finally give up and decide to just pocket the mid-level for another year. Atlanta's going to be a team to watch this year, but the way. Not only did they get Blunt, who's pretty good, but they snagged Gerald Wallace on a $7 million one year rental. The Spurs get Yao Ming back along with Wade, much to my annoyance. I try to get Joe Johnson to give us another shot on a low-level exemption, but he spurns us for the Knicks on a mid-level, for just one year. Can't say as I blame him.

Michael Redd may be 39, but I still think enough of him to give him the low exemption. He can tutor the youngsters, those that need it that is. That gives us 13 players and I think I'm going to stay with that until we ship out Lannce Dudley for something worthwhile. Then I realize we have no guards that can play defense. Enter Brent Short on a 2 year min-sal, who despite his 5'11 height and appropriate name, has a game that I've always very much admired and wouldn't have minded seeing him in powder blue. He is now.

Toronto signs Pau Gasol to a min-sal one year deal. He's pretty good still for 38 years old, but he's selling his soul in search of a ring.

We're still terribly weak on defense at backup guard and there's other holes to fill as well, so just before training camp, I'm shopping Lannce Dudley again.

Then I run into the nightmare of all nightmares.

Nobody wants him. They say his contract is too long, too uncap-friendly. I'm sick to my stomach. I don't want this jackass on my team. He's messing with my universe.

So what do I do? Bite the bullet and cut his ass. Then I re-sign him and cut him, in hopes there's a loophole where the last contract takes effect. If not, I just put myself another $800,00 in the hole. Oh well, we've the money to burn this year anyway.

Training Camp

Jon Freeman turns out to be more raw than expected, but with a little more promise. Not much, but it's a start. I actually privately prefer David Jackson starting at C to Victor Gipson after watching them in training camp, but Scott Skiles insists on Gipson in a way that rubs me wrong. In fact, I feel like this whole season's starting off on the wrong foot. I miss Larry Brown already.

On the other hand, Marcelino Augusto looks terrific. I mean, -really- terrific. As in Kelvin Moody awesomeness terrific.

I miss Kirk Hinrich, so I go out and re-sign him. Brent Short pitches a fit about it because he's low man on the totem pole, so I trade him to the Bobcats for Tony Parker and Charlotte's 2021 2nd round pick, sign my fellow hometown Racinian Caron Butler and take the rest of the week off.

We're picked to finish 2nd in the West behind Seattle as the press continues to swoon over the Supersonics' studly set of scorers. I like our team now. Sure it's a little guard heavy and we could use some more defenders, but that's perfectly okay.

Biggest joke is the Hornets picked for 3rd in the conference. Yeah, that'll happen. When Mateen Yeaton's wearing another uniform, maybe.

More insanity in the East, outside of Toronto's the consensus pick for a fourth straight NBA title. The Knicks are picked for second, the Bulls for third. New York I can somewhat understand because of all the high picks they've got sitting on the roster, but Chicago to win the Central? Snowball, meet your chance in hell. That's not to say the Bulls won't be improved. They will be and they're probably good enough to end up ahead of the Pacers. But beat out Cleveland and Milwaukee for the division? No way. At best, they place third.

2018 Denver Nuggets Opening Day Lineup
PG Zelipe Gama
SG Mateen Yeaton
SF Luol Deng
PF Marcelino Augusto
C Victor Gipson
6th David Jackson (SF/PF/C)
7th Tony Parker (PG/SG)
8th Emeka Okafor (PF/C)
9th Kirk Hinrich (PG/SG)
10th Louis Mertens (PG/SG)
11th Steven Caspers (SF/PF/C)
12th Michael Redd (SG/SF)

Inactive
Caron Butler
Lindsey Williamson
Jon Freeman (Timberjacks - Starting PG)

boberot

11-03-2008, 12:23 PM

MAN, I really thought the third time was the charm. Reading through the playoffs, I said to myself that you'd finally break through.

What a kick in the nuts.

I've only really played through one career with the game: as Toronto. Being a Buffalo guy, I thought I'd pick the city two hours away, and who seemed like a crummy team that would be a fun project.

Well, you have certainly taken the sheen off the really good success I've had with them, including a few titles . . . .

Maybe it's time to start over with a true challenge . . . .

Hope your inauspicious start to the season isn't foreshadowing of the season to come.

Izulde

11-03-2008, 04:09 PM

MAN, I really thought the third time was the charm. Reading through the playoffs, I said to myself that you'd finally break through.

What a kick in the nuts.

You ain't kidding. I thought sure we would make it a close one.

I've only really played through one career with the game: as Toronto. Being a Buffalo guy, I thought I'd pick the city two hours away, and who seemed like a crummy team that would be a fun project.

Well, you have certainly taken the sheen off the really good success I've had with them, including a few titles . . . .

Maybe it's time to start over with a true challenge . . . .

Well, Toronto in this universe has made some insanely smart moves.. I mean we're talking human-smart moves. I've been really impressed with the Raptors' AI this game. The Knicks still remain the biggest challenge in the game... impatient owner, bad contracts, low talent level, etc.

Hope your inauspicious start to the season isn't foreshadowing of the season to come.

No kidding. The dead weight from Lannce Dudley's contract is going to hurt us the next several years and we may run into serious cap troubles because of it, especially when Marcelino Augusto's raking in the fat money on his first contract extension at the same time Mateen Yeaton's second contract is sucking away more cap space.

But I still have hope. A very faint hope, but hope nonetheless. :)

Izulde

11-03-2008, 05:05 PM

Even though I think we've got a shot at a fourth straight trip to the Finals, I really don't know how this year's edition of the Nuggets is going to look or turn out. There's a lot of wild cards. New coach, new SF, new C, half a new bench, etc. Makes it real difficult to get a clear read.

We get a start of answer when we play the Lakers on Halloween night and it's not good. We lose 101-89, allowing the Purple and Gold to shoot 54.2%. Marcelino Augusto scores 21, Zelipe Gama garners 18 points and 10 assists and David Jackson grabs 11 bench rebounds, but this looks like it could be a long, long season.

I feel slightly better after we beat the Timberwolves 95-81 behind Mateen Yeaton's 27 points and 12 points and 10 rebounds off the bench from David Jackson. Not wholly better, though. We're really looking erratic out there, but maybe it's a matter of needing time to gel.

Then we clobber the Jazz 108-61, holding Utah to 28.8% shooting and things are looking much improved. All five starters except our PG score 15 points or more, led by Victor Gipson's first NBA double-double of 16 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks. Tony Parker scores 13 off the bench.

Utah turns around and knocks us off 103-91 two nights later in the first game of a doubleheader. Marcelino Augusto's 24 points, Mateen Yeaton scoring 20 and Zelipe Gama doubling for 13 points and 11 assists really don't matter when our rookie C is held to 0 points. Fortunately, Marcelino Augusto scores 26 the next night, teaming it with Zelipe Gama's 18 points and 17 assists and David Jackson's 13 points and 9 rebounds to outrun Seattle 116-104 in a track meet.

Marcelino Augusto has his third straight 20+ point game with 29 points to lead the way over the Pistons 109-94. Mateen Yeaton scores 20, Victor Gipson grabs 15 points, 11 rebounds and 5 blocks and David Jackson takes in 11 bench boards. A note on Luol Deng: Although he hasn't broken 20 points or had a double-double yet, he's playing quite well and has 19 points in two of the last three games. More tellingly, he's off to a hot shooting start, converting at 56.7%.

Mateen Yeaton singlehandedly carries us against the Kings, scoring 50 points in the 116-106 victory. It's the first time I've ever seen a player break the 50 point barrier and it's absolutely incredible to watch. Marcelino Augusto is still white-hot himself, scoring 25 points and gobbling up 10 boards. Victor Gipson has 22 rebounds himself as we out-rebound Sacramento 57-37. Big difference, especially in a high-scoring affair like this.

The real test comes when Toronto visits us in the next game. We lose 95-88, but I think it's worth noting that Luol Deng badgered David Anyan all game long and really limited him. I really like Deng. He's not really noticeable on the stat sheet, but he's valuable in a lot of ways. On the other hand, Rico Wolfe contained Mateen Yeaton again and Justin Richler lit us up for 31 points and 10 assists. Still a riddle that needs to be solved.

Luol Deng finally breaks out against the Bulls, scoring 30 in our 115-99 victory over Chicago. Mateen Yeaton's Player of the Game with 30 points and 12 rebounds, but Zelipe Gama and David Jackson are helping too, with 12 points and 13 assists and 16 bench points respectively.

We kick Dallas's ass 110-97 as Marcelino Augusto tears apart the Mavericks for 33 points and 10 rebounds. Zelipe Gama repeats his 12 point, 13 assist showing from the last game and David Jackson and Emeka Okafor highlight the reserves with 17 points and 8 rebounds and 11 points respectively.

The Nets get cut down 118-93 behind 3 Nuggets with 20+ points: Marcelino Augusto (26 points), Luol Deng (20 points), and Zelipe Gama (20 points, 16 assists). David Jackson powers the bench 8 points and 16 rebounds and Tony Parker leads the reserves in scoring with 11 points.

It's a back-to-back next and it starts with San Antonio helpless in the face of 3 Nuggets scoring 20 points or more: Mateen Yeaton (29 points), Luol Deng (25 points) and Marcelino Augusto (22 points). Zelipe Gama passes out 13 points and 13 assists and David Jackson puts up 13 rebounds with the second team. Unfortunately our win streak ends the next night in Houston, a tough 79-74 loss to the Rockets. Victor Gipson gets 14 points and 11 rebounds and David Jackson just misses a reserve double-double with 9 points and 8 rebounds, but overall, both teams played like crap.

We shrug it off and knock out the Hornets 104-88 next game. Mateen Yeaton scores 20 points and Tony Parker and Steven Caspers led the second team with 12 and 11 points a piece. Not a terrific win, but an easy one.

The first month of play ends with a 106-96 victory over the Cavaliers engineered by Marcelino Augusto's 29 points and 13 rebounds. David Jackson was our best reserve, scoring 15 points.

It's way early yet, but the West appears to be back, with 6 teams posting winning records. We're on top at 11-4, half a game ahead of the Jazz in the division. The Lakers are back and 10-6, but the Kings slimly hold the Pacific at 10-5. At least we shouldn't have a sub-.500 division champion this year, either there or anywhere, as the Grizzlies presently lead the Atlantic with a 9-7 record.

Again, it's early, but 7 teams over .500 in the East, so maybe the balance is restored. The Raptors are 13-4, but it's the Bucks who are the talk of the conference at 11-2. Milwaukee's got one hell of a balanced offense so far this year. The Southeast is deadlocked between Atlanta and Orlando at 8-6.

So far, it seems like our offense is much more evolved and sophisticated than it was last year. Marcelino Augusto has been as good I thought he would be after watching him in training camp, averaging 20 points a game. Luol Deng has been a great addition, shooting 50% even for his 15.5 points a game, playing hustling defense and showing the ability to break out. All of which means that Mateen Yeaton doesn't have to be the man, because we've got other options.

David Jackson is picking up right where he left off last year as a phenomenal 6th man and will get some votes at the end of the season. Victor Gipson hasn't been a flashy rookie so far and in fact, Jackson's average stats are slightly better, but Gipson's 2.7 blocks a game in the first month really helped out and he's shown himself to be a much tougher competitor than Tim Davis was. Plus, that big ogre in the middle is always a good thing. Tony Parker is quickly establishing himself as our best reserve guard, which is kind of ironic considering he has a last minute addition. I also forgot to include the analysis of that trade, but I'll do that when I cover this month's trades next time.

I don't have Yeaton and Paulinho Buboltz's stats in front of me right now, so those will have to wait until next time as well. But I will say this; the two are at their narrowest differential right now than they've been at any other point in their careers.

Izulde

11-05-2008, 01:10 AM

Denver Nuggets receive
PG Tony Parker
Charlotte Bobcats 2021 2nd round pick

Charlotte Bobcats receive
PG Brent Short

What this means for the Nuggets
Parker's a lot like Kirk Hinrich, a mid-late 30s guard with enough basketball skills left to be a respectable reserve. Parker's a better defender, Hinrich's a better ballhandler and they're about the same in terms of shooting. Tony's also a great chemistry guy to have in the locker room and the 2nd rounder gives the Nuggets front office trade ammunition.

What this means for the Bobcats
Short pitched a fit after Hinrich's re-signing, which buried him on the bench. In Charlotte, he'll be the second PG off the bench behind Javaris Crittenton and his ballhandling and defensive talents will play very well. The only concern is that he'll cut into Jameel Williams's playing time.

Winner: Denver
Nice move by GM Jestor here to get rid of a possible malcontent and get a great chemistry guy and a trading chip for it. That's why Denver's continued its dominance since he's joined the Nuggets, the smart deals he makes.

New Jersey Nets receive
SF Leroy Freeman
Utah Jazz 2019 2nd round pick

Utah Jazz receive
SF Vidal White

What this means for the Nets
Freeman's an average all-around SF who wasn't getting any playing time in Utah. In fact, he's only appeared in 1 game and played just 1 minute. He'll find a home in New Jersey and should get some playing time with the Nets.

What this means for the Jazz
White's got some offensive game, can rebound pretty well for a swingman and is a decent defender. He can also play both SG and SF, whereas Freeman could only play the three. Utah desperately needed a better backup SG option and White gives them that.

Winner: Utah
They traded away a guy who had no value to their system for a guy who's going to play a significant role as the Jazz try to break Denver's stranglehold on the Northwest division.

Nice start to December as we obliterate the Heat 101-80. Marcelino Augusto rampages for 27 points and 10 rebounds, Victor Gipson nets 11 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks and Zelipe Gama has 16 points and 10 assists.

Zelipe Gama's even more fantastic in our 99-88 win over the Magic with 23 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks and a steal. Marcelino Augusto puts in 18 points and 11 rebounds and David Jackson just misses a bench double-double with 8 points and 10 rebounds.

Another 99 points and another win two nights later, holding the Wizards to 78 points. Marcelino Augusto is the man of the match with 28 points and 12 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scores 24 and David Jackson adds 14 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. Hard to believe that Augusto's just 20 years old and I'm loving Jackson's determination to live up to his self-proclaimed title of "Best Damn 6th Man in the World".

It's a big test up next against the Raptors in Toronto and we come away with a stunning 102-86 victory. Marcelino Augusto scores 30, Mateen Yeaton adds 20 points and Victor Gipson grabs 16 points and 10 rebounds. Huge momentum and confidence builder and it shows how well we're clicking as a team right now.

The games against the Wizards and Raptors were both road games, the start of our annual seven game road trip from hell against East Conference teams. We narrowly beat the Knicks 112-109 in the third game, thanks to Mateen Yeaton scoring 34 points and Marcelino Augusto and Luol Deng just missing double-doubles with 20 points and 9 rebounds and 17 points and 9 rebounds respectively.

We go back-to-back against Philadelphia and Boston next and we start off by beating the 76ers 103-98. David Jackson gets the start at SF but it's Mateen Yeaton who steals the show with 26 points, along with 10 points and 14 rebounds from Victor Gipson and a surprising bench 16 points and 11 rebounds from Emeka Okafor, showing there's still life in the old man yet. Unfortunately, our close game luck runs out against the Celtics and we fall 101-98. We were outscored 32-19 in the fourth quarter, ruining a near triple-double of 19 points, 13 assists and 8 rebounds from Zelipe Gama, along with Marcelino Augusto's 26 points.

The road trip ends with another doubleheader and we split that one too. Miami goes down 111-99 as Marcelino Augusto scores 31, David Jackson adds 22 points, Zelipe Gama gets 14 points and 14 assists and Emeka Okafor and Louis Mertens add 13 and 10 bench points respectively. But then the Magic drop us 103-89, Zelipe Gama our lone star of note with 21 points as we played like garbage, worn out by the frequent travel.

A home date against the Suns refreshes us with a 110-89 victory as Marcelino Augusto scores 31 points, Mateen Yeaton has 14 points and 10 assists, Victor Gipson 12 points and 12 rebounds. Luol Deng is back as the starting SF, by the way, fully healed from a knee injury that was bugging him.

We beat Seattle 106-96 thanks largely to 25 points from Mateen Yeaton and 11 bench points from Kirk Hinrich. Yeaton isn't scoring nearly as much this year overall, but it's due mostly to Marcelino Augusto's emergence as our top offensive threat. Although Mateen's numbers may be down, it's creating hell for our opponents, who now have two nightly scoring threats to contend with, plus potential breakouts from Luol Deng and Zelipe Gama on any given evening.

There's a lot to celebrate this Christmas as we win both on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Victor Gipson has his best pro game to date in our 105-89 victory over Dallas with 21 points, 10 rebounds, an assist, 5 blocks and a steal. Luol Deng scores 23 and Marcelino Augusto (15 points, 11 rebounds) and Zelipe Gama (15 points, 15 assists) double their fun. David Jackson leads the bench with 11 points. The 118-91 win in Oakland on Christmas Day is highlighted by Santa Luol Deng scoring 29 and helper elf performances of 23 points from Mateen Yeaton, 10 points and 10 rebounds from Victor Gipson and bench showing of 11 points and 11 rebounds from David Jackson.

The holiday cheer's stunted a little by the 108-86 smackdown Philadelphia lays on us in Denver. Foul trouble plagued us all night long and Mateen Yeaton's 23 points just weren't going to cut it. We couldn't shoot worth a damn either and our defense took the night off.

New Year's Eve is grim as we lose 94-89 to the Lakers, ruining Victor Gipson's splendid all-around game of 10 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, a steal and 7 blocks. Mateen Yeaton scored 20 and Zelipe Gama netted 20 points and 10 assists, but it just wasn't enough. Things go much better on New Year's Day as we whomp the Clippers 112-84. Marcelino Augusto scores 25, David Jackson gets 11 points and 14 rebounds starting at C in place of a nicked up Victor Gipson, Mateen Yeaton scores 23, Zelipe Gama has 10 points and 11 assists and Michael Redd adds 11 points off the bench.

23-8 gives us a 4.5 game lead over the Jazz, but we're fighting it out with Sacramento for the #1 seed in the West, who are a stunning 21-7. Six teams over .500 in the West right now, including the 20-13 Southwest-leading Memphis Grizzlies and a couple teams either at .500 or very close to it. Much improved conference this year.

It's still a battle between the Raptors (24-8) and the Bucks (22-5) in the East for the top spot. I'm pissed to note the Bulls are 16-12 and in second place in the Central. I was really hoping for a nice lottery pick out of them this year. I'm also surprised to see the Knicks 20-10, in second place in the Atlantic.

Paulinho Buboltz/Mateen Yeaton Comparison

[b]Paulinho Buboltz
2013 Stats: 82 games/77 starts - 17.0 PPG 9.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.7 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.4 SPG
2015 Stats: 55 games/48 starts - 14.1 PPG 8.3 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 18.3 PPG 8.1 APG 3.3 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.5 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2018 Stats: 28 games/28 starts - 20.9 PPG 8.8 APG 3.6 RPG 1.1 BPG 1.3 SPG

Mateen Yeaton
2013 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.4 APG 5.2 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/80 starts - 23.2 PPG 3.6 APG 5.2 RPG 1.7 BPG 1.3 SPG
2015 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.6 PPG 2.4 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.5 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 25.0 PPG 3.1 APG 4.5 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.8 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 24.4 PPG 3.2 APG 4.9 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.6 SPG
2018 Stats: 31 games/31 starts - 19.8 PPG 3.2 APG 4.5 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.3 SPG

This is the first time since the trade that Buboltz is actually passing Yeaton in points per game. But I'd like to interject a couple caveats here, such as the aforementioned greater balance of offense in Denver and the absolute lack of anything on the frontline capable of producing points for the Pacers.

I'd also point out that Buboltz is 26 and now entering his prime, whereas Yeaton is 30 and starting to head on the downward slope. Plus, the Pacers are 9-19. We're 23-8. Team quality says a lot too.

Izulde

11-05-2008, 03:43 PM

Sacramento Kings receive
C Winston Smith

Memphis Grizzlies receive
C Clyde Moore

What this means for the Kings
Smith, taken 27th overall by the Heat in 2017, is a hardworking player, but an absolute cancer in the locker room. Impressive height at 7'4, but weighs just 267 lbs. Good defender, but that's really the only skill to recommend him. Becomes Sacramento's 7th man.

What this means for the Grizzlies
Moore was taken in the 2nd round (34th overall) by the Kings in 2017. Just as hard-working as Smith, with the potential to become a roleplayer as a defender and shotblocker. Like Smith, he has no other notable attributes. Currently in the D-Leagues.

Winner: Draw
It's a fairly even trade of roster filler for roster filler, with not much to recommend either player. Smith is more valuable immediately, but Moore has the better overall potential.

Portland Trailblazers receive
SG Charles Howard

Washington Wizards receive
PG Waldemar Althusser

What this means for the Trailblazers
The rookie Howard has sensational promise and outstanding intangibles. While he's still a little raw, he has All-Star potential as a scorer, ballthief and defender. Won't ever be a great rebounder and will be, at best, a mediocre ballhandler. Still, with Howard, Jerian McCrary, Sonny Boxler and Kevin Durant, Portland is suddenly loaded with talented swingmen who can generate a high-powered offense.

What this means for the Wizards
Gilbert Arenas won't be around forever and Leland Peterson is more adequaltely suited to the SG role. If the 20 year old, 2nd year German can develop to the potential he's capable of, he could become a masterful passer on the level of Kenny Graham and Zelipe Gama, he's that good. Nice move for the future at PG, if somewhat risky, given Althusser's rawness.

Winner: Draw
Nice pickup for both teams. Howard's the more polished and more talented player overall, but Portland's got an excess now, while the Wizards address a glaring need for the future.

The surplus of SG/SF talent has me contacting Portland to see if we can work something out, but because we have so many low contracts, it's impossible to put a package together that both fits within the cap rules and doesn't make me feel like we're giving up anything major.

We've been splitting doubleheaders a lot lately and we do it again as we start January in earnest, losing to the Spurs and beating the Rockets. 121-108 was the final against San Antonio, despite 24 points from Marcelino Augusto, 19 bench points from Kirk Hinrich and 10 points and 9 rebounds off the bench from Victor Gipson. Houston was a hair-raising 103-101 victory won only after a fourth quarter comeback, 14 points and 10 rebounds from Marcelino Augusto, 23 points from Mateen Yeaton and 12 points out of second teamer Michael Redd.

To make matters worse, Tony Parker breaks his wrist and we're forced to press Caron Butler and Lindsey Williamson into duty.

Happily, a back-to-back sweep comes at just the right time. Mateen Yeaton scores 32 points to lead us in a 102-77 romp over the Kings. He's aided by 9 points and 10 rebounds off the bench from Victor Gipson and 11 bench points from Michael Redd. The Lakers go down 115-103 as Mateen Yeaton and Zelipe Gama score 30 and 31 points a piece. There's been some speculation that maybe we should be using Gama as trade bait for an improvement, but I'm keeping the team intact for now.

Tough 99-90 loss to the Timberwolves as our bench plays like crap and Marcelino Augusto and David Jackson can't save us with 19 points and 11 rebounds and 12 points and 14 rebounds respectively.

We rebound to win both games of a road doubleheader. Golden State plays us hard, but we prevail 103-97 on the back of 3 Nuggets with 20+ points; Luol Deng (26 points), Mateen Yeaton (23 points) and Zelipe Gama (20 points). Marcelino Augusto doubles with 10 points, 10 rebounds and David Jackson adds 10 points off the bench as Victor Gipson is back to full strength. It's another 20 points for Luol Deng as we bounce the Sonics 119-97 and Mateen Yeaton scores 30 on his own. Zelipe Gama's there with 18 points and 18 assists, while Lindsey Williamson leads the reserves with 10 points.

But the team's still prone to collective shooting slumps as our 92-81 loss to the Grizzlies illustrates. Louis Mertens is our lone statistical star with 12 points off the bench. We're not really dominating like we have in recent years and it gives me cause for concern.

Five game road trip up next and we start it by getting hammered 108-88 by the Mavericks. Mateen Yeaton scores 24 points and Marcelino Augusto doubles with 14 points and 12 rebounds, but we just can't get our act together.

The skid hits three in a row as we lose 116-115 to the Bulls on the front end of a doubleheader. Good night to waste Marcelino Augusto's 26 points, 21 points and 11 rebounds from Victor Gipson, 16 points and 14 assists from Zelipe Gama and a monster 20 points off the bench from Louis Mertens. Make that four losses in a row, 104-81 to the Pistons. Luol Deng's 22 points and Louis Mertens 11 bench points can't do anything when the rest of the team is sucking it hardcore.

It's a nightmare world we're living in as we lose the next two games as well, 111-87 to the Bucks and 94-90 to the Pacers of all teams. 10 bench points from David Jackson our lone highlight against Milwaukee. Marcelino Augusto scores 21, Victor Gipson gets 15 points and 16 rebounds and David Jackson scores 12 off the bench against Indiana, but Ben Gordon and Paulinho Buboltz score 29 points and 23 points and 11 assists respectively to bury us.

We barely beat the Knicks 120-118 and drop 91-82 to Portland. 30 points from Marcelino Augusto, 23 points from Mateen Yeaton and Louis Mertens's 11 bench points bail us out against New York, but 23 points and 10 rebounds out of Marcelino Augusto, 14 points and 10 assists from Zelipe Gama and David Jackson's 10 bench points can't do the same against the Traiblazers.

By some miracle, we're still ahead in the West at 29-17, four games ahead of the Jazz in the division, a half-game ahead of 28-17 Sacramento for the conference lead. 26-21 still has Memphis in front of the Southwest, but the Kings are fighting for the Pacific lead with the 26-17 Lakers half a game behind.

Toronto's re-asserted itself as the class of the East at 36-10, the Bucks off the pace now at 31-12. Atlanta's ahead of Orlando by 2.5 with a 29-15 record.

I fire Scott Skiles, much to B.B. Dyer's annoyance and we hire Jim O'Brien to a 3 year deal at just under $1 million. Hopefully he'll be able to turn our fortunes around and reverse this losing trend.

Paulinho Buboltz/Mateen Yeaton Comparison

Paulinho Buboltz
2013 Stats: 82 games/77 starts - 17.0 PPG 9.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.7 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.4 SPG
2015 Stats: 55 games/48 starts - 14.1 PPG 8.3 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 18.3 PPG 8.1 APG 3.3 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.5 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2018 Stats: 44 games/44 starts - 22.4 PPG 9.1 APG 3.7 RPG 1.0 BPG 1.6 SPG

Mateen Yeaton
2013 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.4 APG 5.2 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/80 starts - 23.2 PPG 3.6 APG 5.2 RPG 1.7 BPG 1.3 SPG
2015 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.6 PPG 2.4 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.5 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 25.0 PPG 3.1 APG 4.5 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.8 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 24.4 PPG 3.2 APG 4.9 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.6 SPG
2018 Stats: 46 games/46 starts - 19.2 PPG 2.8 APG 4.3 RPG 1.4 BPG 1.2 SPG

In Mateen's defense, he's been banged up with a bruised calf for much of the month and I'm beginning to think Scott Skiles's system was hampering him as well.

Izulde

11-06-2008, 01:11 AM

http://i341.photobucket.com/albums/o395/Izulde08/scott-skiles1.jpg
Scott Skiles lasted just half the season in his first year as Nuggets head coach

http://i341.photobucket.com/albums/o395/Izulde08/OBrien-523.jpg
Jim O'Brien now takes the reins and tries to reverse Denver's recent slump

Skiles Out, O'Brien In as Nuggets Head Coach

GM Jestor went from itchy trigger finger in trading to quick hook in head coaching when he fired Scott Skiles following the Nuggets' 92-81 loss to the Portland Trailblazers a few days ago, Denver's seventh loss in eight games. The move was rumored ever since the recent six-game road trip where the team lost all six games for the longest losing streak in Jestor's tenure as Denver's GM.

"While we thank Scott for everything he's done for the team in the short time he's been here, seven games in eight losses, particularly the manner in which we lost those games, is not acceptable for Denver Nuggets basketball", Jestor noted at a press conference. All of the Nuggets' losses in that stretch were by considerable margins and only a slim two-point victory against the Knicks kept it from being eight consecutive losses.

Jim O'Brien, a well-traveled and experienced NBA head coach now steps in and he'll try to reverse the recent trend. In the press conference announcing his hiring, O'Brien vowed to run a more up-tempo game than the plodding pace utilized by Skiles, a move that should re-energize what is, talentwise, one of the NBA's most powerful offenses. Although O'Brien has never won a championship in his coaching career, he's been to the playoffs seven times with the Celtics, 76ers and Pacers.

"I'm greatly looking forward to this opportunity to lead the Denver Nuggets to a championship and to coach great players like Mateen Yeaton, Marcelino Augusto and Zelipe Gama", O'Brien remarked at the conference, "We've got great veteran leadership as well in Kirk Hinrich, Tony Parker and Emeka Okafor that will lead us in the locker room as we make a run for a fourth consecutive Finals appearance and the title that this great city of Denver so richly deserves."

Skiles' buyout came at a huge price--$14 million. In contrast, O'Brien signed a modest three year deal at just under $1 million a season. It remains to be seen if he'll stay for the duration or if he's merely an interim head coach.

This is also not the first time Jestor's changed head coaches midseason. In 2009, as GM of the NBDL Austin Mammoths, he fired his entire coaching staff after the Mammoths fell to fourth place in the West with a 16-13 record. He hired Jeff Van Gundy as the head man, replacing Quinn Snyder. Austin finished 28-22, tied for third place before falling to Sioux Falls 97-90 in the opening round of the playoffs.

***End Article***

Not a bad writeup. Not a great one, either, but I'll take it.

For the first month in what seems like forever, there's no trades. I suspect we'll see quite a few deals pop up around the deadline then.

Jim O'Brien is a winner in his coaching debut, 115-103 against Golden State. Luol Deng scores 30, Marcelino Augusto is terrific with 25 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks and Louis Mertens scores 16 points off the bench. It's amazing how hot the Belgian's been in point production lately and he's looking like a real min-sal steal.

Big litmus test is next, a divisional doubleheader against the Jazz and the Timberwolves. We beat Utah 101-91 as Luol Deng picks up 24 points and 10 rebounds and Louis Mertens has 10 points and 9 assists off the bench. Unfortunately we lose to Minnesota 119-110 in Minneapolis despite 24 points from Luol Deng, 16 points and 11 rebounds from Victor Gipson and Louis Mertens's second team-leading 16 points.

Cleveland beats us 114-99 despite Marcelino Augusto's 28 points, 20 points from Mateen Yeaton and David Jackson's 10 points and 9 rebounds off the bench. We're somewhat improved, but still struggling and still sorely missing Tony Parker.

I'm much more open to the idea of trading somebody to shake the team up now and so I make some calls.

And that's when we create a small sensation in the papers.

Denver Nuggets receive
SG Rico Wolfe

Toronto Raptors receive
PG Jon Freeman
Charlotte Bobcats 2021 2nd round pick

What this means for the Nuggets
Word out of the Colorado Timberjacks, Denver's D-League affiliate, was that Freeman, while an incredibly intelligent player, simply doesn't have the talent to be a legitimate NBA player. This made him expendable in the eyes of the Denver organization and so he's spun into Wolfe, a good all-around player who famously shut down Mateen Yeaton in last year's NBA Finals. He represents a massive defensive upgrade for the Nuggets bench, something Denver lacked at the guard spots.

What this means for the Raptors
Justin Richler moves to his natural position of SG and Toronto gives 23 year old Bulgarian eric Kostov of the little e a spin at PG. We like Gabe Rosen a lot better to start at point for the Raptors, but Sam Mitchell and his staff apparently don't feel the same. While having Richler at his original position will help improve the three-time defending champions, should the Nuggets and Raptors meet in the Finals for the fourth year in a row, Toronto suddenly doesn't have the big guard body (Wolfe's 6'8, 190 lbs) or the defensive prowess to limit Yeaton. Freeman's averaging 11.7 points and 6.6 assists in the D-League, but the Raptors are calling him up to give him a trial with the big club.

Winner: Denver
The Nuggets needed to improve their bench defense at guard and they do it by picking up Wolfe while giving up a player they lost hope for. More importantly, they just acquired a major weapon, one with knowledge of the Raptors' schemes and a key component to Toronto's title last year. The Zelipe Gama rumors can also be laid to rest for now.

We get back on the winning track, edging the Nets 96-89 as Mateen Yeaton scores 30, Marcelino Augusto adds 21 points, Emeka Okafor scores 14 off the bench and Rico Wolfe scores 11 reserve points in his Nuggets debut. David Jackson's starting at SF while Luol Deng recovers from an injury. We've been bit a lot by the injury bug this year, it seems.

A doubleheader before the All-Star break has a thrilling 114-111 victory over the Hawks on the front end. Mateen Yeaton erupts for 49 points after a 50 point game earlier in the season and Marcelino Augusto is a good second with 20 points. We batter the Bobcats 114-79 to sweep the doubleheader, Marcelino Augusto leading the way with 23 points. Victor Gipson grabs a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds and Rico Wolfe scores 11 off the bench as six Nuggets score 11 points or better. Great way to go into the All-Star break.

The Sophomores destroy the Rookies 107-80 in the Rookies/Sophs game and Marcelino Augusto is the MVP with 20 points, 17 rebounds, 2 assists and a block. Needless to say, he started at PF for the second years. Victor Gipson started at C for the first years and acquitted himself well with 12 points, 11 rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block.

Low-scoring affair in the All-Star game proper, the East winning 94-80. Paulinho Buboltz started at PG for the East and had 12 points, 7 assists, 2 steals, a block and.. 7 turnovers. Dwayne Wade was MVP with 19 points. Yeah, it was that kind of standout-less game. Marcelino Augusto started at SF for the West and had 8 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and 2 blocks. I have to say, it feels really, really strange having an All-Star game with no Mateen Yeaton. Hopefully that motivates him for next year.

And indeed Mateen Yeaton's been on fire in recent games and he is again in our 106-80 rout of the Celtics, scoring 33 points. Marcelino Augusto scores 21 points with 9 rebounds and Victor Gipson garners 10 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks.

Now's the time to decide what to do about Zelipe Gama. On the one hand, his scoring numbers are up. On the other hand, his shooting percentage is down a fair bit and his passing numbers aren't nearly what we're used to seeing from him. I suspect part of that is Mateen Yeaton having a real off year, what with the offensive systems and multiple injuries, including fighting through a knee injury at present. I also have to make a choice about Louis Mertens, who's shown considerable scoring pop and is a wizard at ballhandling, but a complete sieve on the defensive end.

But you know, it just wouldn't feel right without Gama running the point. The Spainard's one of our most popular players and he's a major success story here in Denver. Nor can I trade Mertens, who I still think was a free agent steal. We'll be fine, especially when Tony Parker comes back. We're just dealing with a rash of injuries right now.

Luol Deng is back starting at SF against the Grizzlies, but Memphis beats us soundly, 106-93 in spite of 18 points and 10 rebounds from Victor Gipson and 11 points and 11 rebounds off the bench from David Jackson.

Zelipe Gama rewards my faith in him with 26 points and 11 assists in a gritty 97-90 victory over the Hornets. Marcelino Augusto adds 22 points as we continue to tread water and try to get back into full form.

The month ends with a 107-87 blowout of the Hawks, captained by Marcelino Augusto's 24 points, 18 points and 11 rebounds from Victor Gipson, 15 points and 12 assists from Zelipe Gama and great bench play. Rico Wolfe scores 15, David Jackson 12 points. I'm really happy with Wolfe and can't believe we got him so cheap.

It'll be a little over a week before Mateen Yeaton fully heals from his knee injury. Tony Parker should be back in action late next month. David Jackson gimped his hamstring and he'll be less than 100% for about two weeks.

Still, we're 37-20, six games ahead of the Timberwolves in the division and still holding off the 36-22 Kings for the conference's top seed. Sacramento's opened up a 2.5 game advantage on the Lakers, while the Grizzlies are six games in front of the Mavericks with a 33-24 record. Six teams with a winning record thus far, half of which are in our division (us, Minnesota, Portland). Utah's 28-28 and Dallas and a surprisingly competitive Golden State aren't far away from .500 or better.

Toronto's kicking everyone's ass at 45-11. The next closest team is the Knicks, who are 39-18, 6.5 games out. So much for Rico Wolfe's absence hurting the team. The Bucks lead the Central at 35-20, 3 games ahead of the Pistons. Chicago's 29-25, in third place and we're going to get stuck with a non-lottery pick, much to my chagrin. Atlanta and Orlando are still dogfighting the Southeast, 1.5 games separating them. The Hawks fly higher right now at 35-21, but there's a lot of season left.

eric Kostov has been a disaster at PG for the Raptors, but they're still 4-1 since the trade and have been kicking everybody's butt, their only loss a 110-101 defeat to the Bucks in Milwaukee. It's obscene just how good Toronto is.

Now it's time for the midseason leaders report

Points
1. Nigel Abel (Miami Heat) - 27.7
2. Ben Gordon (Indiana Pacers) - 24.3
3. Justin Barnes (Sacramento Kings) - 23.3
7th. Paulinho Buboltz - 21.9
18th. Marcelino Augusto - 20.1

Assists
T1. A.J. Dunkley (Utah Jazz) - 11.1
T1. Kenny Graham (Detroit Pistons) - 11.1
3. Calvis Graham (L.A. Lakers) - 10.7
4. Zelipe Gama (Denver Nuggets) - 9.7
10. Paulinho Buboltz - 8.9

[b]Rebounds
1. Greg Oden (Toronto Raptors) - 15.8
2. Andrew Bynum (L.A. Lakers) - 13.1
3. Narcyz Malinomowski (Memphis Grizzlies) - 11.9

Blocks
1. Patrick Riley (Washington Wizards) - 3.8
2. Martin Beerbohm (New Orleans Hornets) - 3.4
3. Sonny Boxler (Portland Trailblazers - 3.1
T4. Derrick Robinson (L.A. Lakers) - 3.0
T4. Greg Oden (Toronto Raptors) - 3.0
T4. Henry Fisher (Utah Jazz) - 3.0
14. Victor Gipson - 2.4

Lot of blockmasters in the league this year. Really something to see, especially the rookie Boxler.

Steals
1. Derrick Sterett (New Jersey Nets) - 2.3
2. Leland Peterson (Washington Wizards) - 2.2
3. Brian Metcalfe (Philadelphia 76ers) - 1.9
T9. Zelipe Gama - 1.5
T9. Luol Deng - 1.5
T9. Paulinho Buboltz - 1.5

Rookie Points
1. Sonny Boxler (Portland Trailblazers) - 16.3
2. Valery Frahm (Golden State Warriors) - 11.7
3. Jermaine Butler (Boston Celtics) - 10.8
4. Victor Gipson (Denver Nuggets) - 10.2

Rookie Assists
1. Cedric Caldwell (Miami Heat) - 4.4
2. Andre Moore (Chicago Bulls) - 3.8
3. Jermaine Butler (Boston Celtics) - 3.2

Rookie Rebounds
1. Victor Gipson (Denver Nuggets) - 9.4
2. Dontay Williamson (L.A. Clippers) - 8.8
3. Valery Frahm (Golden State Warriors) - 8.1

Rookie Blocks
1. Sonny Boxler (Portland Trailblazers) - 3.0
2. Victor Gipson (Denver Nuggets) - 2.4
3. Dontay Williamson (L.A. Clippers) - 1.8

Rookie Steals
1. Jermaine Butler (Boston Celtics) - 1.6
2. Sonny Boxler (Portland Trailblazers) - 1.2

Paulinho Buboltz/Mateen Yeaton Comparison

Paulinho Buboltz
2013 Stats: 82 games/77 starts - 17.0 PPG 9.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.7 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.4 SPG
2015 Stats: 55 games/48 starts - 14.1 PPG 8.3 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 18.3 PPG 8.1 APG 3.3 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.5 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2018 Stats: 56 games/56 starts - 21.9 PPG 8.9 APG 3.6 RPG 0.9 BPG 1.5 SPG

Mateen Yeaton
2013 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.4 APG 5.2 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/80 starts - 23.2 PPG 3.6 APG 5.2 RPG 1.7 BPG 1.3 SPG
2015 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.6 PPG 2.4 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.5 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 25.0 PPG 3.1 APG 4.5 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.8 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 24.4 PPG 3.2 APG 4.9 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.6 SPG
2018 Stats: 57 games/57 starts - 19.3 PPG 2.7 APG 4.2 RPG 1.4 BPG 1.1 SPG

Izulde

11-06-2008, 01:05 PM

An impressive three deadline deals, all on the same day.

Los Angeles Lakers receive
C Lavell Ledbetter
Milwaukee Bucks 2019 2nd round pick

Milwaukee Bucks receive
PF Cene Kovacs

What this means for the Lakers
Ledbetter's a phenomenal shotblocker with some rebounding skills and good defense. Doesn't really bring much else to the table and he's really injury prone, but on the other hand, the Lakers had -no- big men worth talking about on the bench, so he's a nice pickup in that regard.

What this means for the Bucks
Kovacs, a 24 year old Slovenian drafted 29th last year by the Lakers has some good scoring instincts, average rebounding and good defense. Not a playmaker by any means and a terrible ballhandler. Not much upside, either.

Winner: L.A. Lakers
The Purple and Gold needed to get bigger in the post on the bench and Ledbetter provides that. We're not sold on Kovacs, especially since even 35 year old Charlie Villaneuva is a better bench option for the Bucks currently.

Memphis Grizzlies receive
SF Julius Austin
Miami Heat 2019 2nd round pick

Miami Heat receive
PF Andrea Clark
PF Brian Bender

What this means for the Grizzlies
It seems like only yesterday the Utah Sixers were rookies, but Austin's already 33 years old. Bad ballhandler at this late stage in career, but he can still score some points and, most importantly for the Grizzlies, he's a deadly defensive presence, something Memphis is notorious for lacking. The Grizzlies are hoping to knock Denver off the West conference crown and acquiring Austin is a great step in that direction.

What this means for the Heat
Bender, taken 18th overall by the Pistons in 2014, is the very definition of a mediocre player. Not a standout in any area. Clark, taken with the first pick in the second round last year by the Grizzlies, has potential to become a role player on defense, but that's about it.

Winner: Memphis
Neither Bender nor Clark will ever make an impact in Miami, whereas Austin enhances the Grizzlies' defense in a major way, shoring up Memphis's historically weakest point.

Milwaukee Bucks receive
PG Jarrett Jack
Phoenix Suns 2019 2nd round pick

Phoenix Suns receive
SG Danny Tennell

What this means for the Bucks
Jack probably won't receive much PT, but he's an extremely smart guard who's a nice safety option to run the offense in case of injury to one of Milwaukee's other guards. The Bucks also improve their 2nd round position by acquiring the Suns' pick.

What this means for the Suns
Tennell was Milwaukee's 1st round pick last year (22nd) and has bust written all over him. Why Phoenix even traded for him is beyond anyone's guess. He has nothing to recommend him at all.

Winner: Milwaukee
The Bucks shed a draft mistake and pick up a good insurance policy along with a high 2nd round pick.

Our first game in March is against Indiana and I still have a bitter taste in my mouth from our earlier 94-90 loss. No such repeat here as we beat the Pacers 93-79. Mateen Yeaton scores 22, Marcelino Augusto puts up 16 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks and Rico Wolfe adds 12 points off the bench. So much for Paulinho Buboltz's 31 points.

The Clippers pose no problem either, the 105-92 victory keyed by Luol Denb's 26 points. One thing I've noticed is that under Jim O'Brien's scheme, there's a lot more spreading out of the shots and so we don't usually have a consistently dominant player like in the Larry Brown days. And of course, everyone sucked under Scott Skiles's system.

109-96 is the final in our win against the Trailblazers. Marcelino Augusto scores 25 points and Luol Deng has his second straight 20+ point game with 21. David Jackson and Rico Wolfe both contribute 10 points off the bench.

A three-day break proves very beneficial to team health and we keep the win streak going with a doubleheader sweep of San Antonio and Phoenix. Marcelino Augusto drops 24 points on the Spurs in our 110-97 victory, Zelipe Gama bombing them for 21 points and Rico Wolfe putting on the icing with 16 points to lead the second unit. It's Marcelino Augusto again with the fantastic showing of 30 points and 11 rebounds to sink the Suns 109-96. Luol Deng and Mateen Yeaton score 21 and 23 points respectively and Zelipe Gama distributes 11 points and 14 assists.

Our first loss of the month comes against Charlotte, 110-105 as we blow a substantial fourth quarter lead and Mateen Yeaton's 36 points. Marcelino Augusto's 24 points also go to waste, but I'm okay with the loss. We're playing a lot better now than we have in quite a while and I think it's safe to say we're genuinely looking like one of the top teams in the league that we are.

And indeed, we rebound to wax the Clippers 100-74 on the strength of Marcelino Augusto's phenomenal performance of 23 points, 16 rebounds, 5 blocks and 4 steals. I still can't believe he's just 20 years old and in his second pro season. He's blossoming into a titanic force already.

We beat the Bucks by 20, 106-86 and I'm amused to note that Lannce Dudley is starting at SG and scores 22 points. Yes, he re-signed with the Bucks and he's played 58 games, starting 26, averaging 10.7 points and not much else. On our side, Mateen Yeaton scores 34, Marcelino Augusto has 16 points, 13 rebounds and 7 blocks and Rico Wolfe scores 12 points off the bench. I'm thrilled with Wolfe and it's too bad I can't sign him to a contract extension. He'll definitely be a priority free agent re-signing, though.

Mateen Yeaton seems to have rediscovered his shooting stroke as he buries the Wizards for 34 points in our 117-95 laugher. Zelipe Gama gets 20 points and 11 assists and David Jackson contributes 15 points off the bench.

It's 3 straight games of 34+ points for Mateen Yeaton as he scores 37 against the Lakers, but David Jackson's 12 bench points are his lone support and we lose 112-104. Derrick Robinson just absolutely took the game over with 38 points and 17 rebounds, both one off his career highs. Austin Buller's been no Tim Davis at SF for the Lakers, by the way, averaging just 14.4 points this season.

A gut-wrenching 104-102 loss to the Kings really hurts, as they've been chasing us all season long for the top spot. 23 points and 15 rebounds from Marcelino Augusto, 24 points and 11 assists from Zelipe Gama and 15 bench points from David Jackson testify to just how much we were in it. This defeat could be the tipping point, much to my disappointment.

It's a fairly ugly win, but I'll take the 98-87 besting of the Suns to snap the losing streak. Mateen Yeaton scores 20, Zelipe Gama has 14 points and 10 assists and our bench comes through bigtime for us. David Jackson leads the charge with 16 points and 14 rebounds, Rico Wolfe and Emeka Okafor adding 12 and 11 points respectively.

A marathon OT game in Utah sees us prevail 113-106 over the Jazz. Luol Deng scores 27 points, Victor Gipson has 20 points and 13 rebounds, Marcelino Augusto double-doubles with 16 points and 11 rebounds, Zelipe Gama gets a double of his own of 16 points and 12 assists and David Jackson tops the reserves with 15 points.

It's a back-to-back to close March and we win them both. The Spurs get pounded 123-92 behind the most balanced game I've ever seen from our boys in Denver. 7 Nuggets score 13 points or better, headlined by Zelipe Gama's 18 points and 13 rebounds, Rico Wolfe and Louis Mertens our 13 point benchmen. Portland gives us fits, but an absolutely torrential second half gives us the comeback win against the Traiblazers on the road, 96-94. Mateen Yeaton is on fire with 38 points and Marcelino Augusto plays an excellent second man with 20 points and 12 rebounds. They were just enough to get us the victory.

With 10 games left in our season, we've clinched the Northwest for the umpteenth season in a row at 49-23. We're also still hanging on to the lead for the #1 seed in the West, as the Kings are 48-26. Sacramento's lead over the Lakers has expanded to four games, while Memphis is 7 games in front of the Spurs at 41-30 and all but has the division locked up.

Six teams over .500 in the conference and again, three are in the Northwest. It's very possible all of the Northwest teams could be in the playoffs, as the Sonics and Jazz are both .500 at 36-36.

Out East, Toronto's already won the #1 overall seed in the playoffs, as they're 60-12. Milwaukee's got a pretty safe five game lead over the Pistons at 47-25. The Bulls are 39-33 and look to be certain to make the playoffs as the #7 or #8 seed, which will probably give us somewhere around the 20th pick in addition to our late 20s selection. Not worth much in trade value or in talent, unfortunately.

The Magic and Hawks are still in a thrilling race for the Southeast. Orlando's jumped a half-game ahead of Atlanta, but you can bet the Hawks won't take that one lying down. It should go down to the wire over these last ten games and be a real treat to watch.

Paulinho Buboltz/Mateen Yeaton Comparison

Paulinho Buboltz
2013 Stats: 82 games/77 starts - 17.0 PPG 9.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.7 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.4 SPG
2015 Stats: 55 games/48 starts - 14.1 PPG 8.3 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 18.3 PPG 8.1 APG 3.3 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.5 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2018 Stats: 71 games/71 starts - 21.4 PPG 8.6 APG 3.4 RPG 0.9 BPG 1.5 SPG

Mateen Yeaton
2013 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.4 APG 5.2 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/80 starts - 23.2 PPG 3.6 APG 5.2 RPG 1.7 BPG 1.3 SPG
2015 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.6 PPG 2.4 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.5 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 25.0 PPG 3.1 APG 4.5 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.8 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 24.4 PPG 3.2 APG 4.9 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.6 SPG
2018 Stats: 72 games/72 starts - 20.0 PPG 2.5 APG 4.2 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.1 SPG

Izulde

11-07-2008, 03:50 PM

We've traditionally finished the regular season on a strong note and I'm hoping for more of the same this year.

Things get off to a fantastic start as we sweep the Grizzlies and the Hornets on the road. Our inside game clicked on all cylinders against Memphis, Marcelino Augusto leading the charge with 23 points and 12 rebounds, Victor Gipson grabbing 15 points and 12 rebounds and David Jackson completing the double-double trifecta with 13 points and 11 rebounds off the bench as we win 99-89. Mateen Yeaton swatted the Hornets for 35 points in the 118-92 rattling of New Orleans. Marcelino Augusto put up 25 points and 14 rebounds and Victor Gipson got a double-double for the second consecutive game with 12 points and 17 rebounds. Rico Wolfe led the second team with 10 points.

We run to 4-0 in the final ten, taking both games of a divisional doubleheader. The T-Wolves give us a run, but we edge them 112-106 at the Target Center behind Mateen Yeaton's 34 points. Luol Deng scores 22, Zelipe Gama collects 10 points and 16 assists and David Jackson snags a bench double of 11 points and 12 rebounds. We sink Seattle 120-108 on Mateen Yeaton's 29 points and Rico Wolfe's 13 bench points.

.500's guaranteed in the final set as we upend Golden State 117-100 on the strength of six Nuggets in double-digit scoring. Victor Gipson wins Player of the Game with 25 points and 11 rebounds, demolishing fellow rookie C Valery Frahm. Marcelino Augusto pitches in with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Mateen Yeaton scores 24 and Zelipe Gama aids with 10 points and 11 assists. David Jackson headlines the reserves with 14 points.

The Hornets have no buzz as we decimate them 128-81. But the victory's a phyrric one, as Mateen Yeaton gets literally knocked out of the game with a concussion. Our other players stepped up though, as Zelipe Gama scored 21 points and 12 assists, David Jackson was unconscious with 22 points off the bench, first among 4 Nuggets reserves with 10+ points. The others were Rico Wolfe (16 points), Tony Parker (12 points) and Emeka Okafor (10 points).

Memphis hunts for revenge, but the Grizzlies' roar is mightier than their bite as we top them 93-81. Marcelino Augusto is the best bearhunter ever with 41 points and 11 rebounds, while Victor Gipson sets a franchise record with 11 blocks! The rookie also had 13 rebounds in a most unsual doubleheader. Unfortunately we lose the next night 97-73 to the Rockets as every single shot clangs off the rim. Victor Gipson continues his fine late-season play with 10 points and 12 rebounds but that's it. Mateen Yeaton insists on continuing to play through his concussion, even though it'll risk ruining his streak of 20+ point average seasons.

And indeed, he loses the streak, just as we lose both games of the final back-to-back, 79-78 to the Suns, Marcelino Augusto our lone triumph with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Portland crushes us 108-82 and Mateen Yeaton finishes the year with a 19.8 point per game average. Disappointing but that's how it goes. Victor Gipson has 14 points and 10 rebounds and David Jackson scores 10 off the bench, but we're a completely different team when Yeaton's hurt and that's not a good thing.

In spite of our concussed end-stumble, we still go 7-3 over the last ten games and lock up the #1 seed in the West for another year in a row.

West Conference Playoff Seedings
1. Denver Nuggets (56-26)
2. Sacramento Kings (54-28)
3. L.A. Lakers (49-33)
4. Memphis Grizzlies (48-34)
5. Portland Trailblazers (45-37)
6. Minnesota Timberwolves (41-41)
7. San Antonio Spurs (40-42)
8. Seattle Supersonics (40-42)

Much improved field over recent years and for the first time all of the Northwest teams are going to the postseason. I'm really glad our half of the bracket doesn't include the Spurs and the Lakers. Good luck to Sacramento trying to navigate that minefield.

East Conference Playoff Seedings
1. Toronto Raptors (69-13)
2. New York Knicks (54-28)
3. Detroit Pistons (49-33)
4. Orlando Magic (48-34)
5. Milwaukee Bucks (49-33)
6. Atlanta Hawks (45-37)
7. Chicago Bulls (43-39)
8. Cleveland Cavaliers (43-39)

The last team out in the East is the 41-41 Celtics. I'm shocked to see the Knicks win 50+ games and the #2 seed. They're positively delirious in the Big Apple. The Bucks have to be pissed about losing the tiebreaker, but I think they can take Orlando. Nasty, nasty draw for the Raptors here, as the Cavs have an explosive offense. Everybody's sweating out that first round matchup, because everyone's dreaming of a fourth straight Raptors/Nuggets final.

Izulde

11-08-2008, 09:31 AM

And so our quest for a fourth straight Finals appearance begins. I'm not really worried about our first round matchup. The Sonics are dynamite on offense, punchless on D.

"The Denver Nuggets are ready to gun for another West Conference title, their fourth consecutive one. They appear to draw an attractive first round matchup, for while Seattle is known for its offensive prowess, their defense is among the worst in the league.

Point Guard
Zelipe Gama vs. Branko Starcevic
Better point production and fewer assists out of Gama this year looked a little out of place and indeed, at times, the Spainard struggled. While most of the difficulty occurred during Scott Skiles's half-season tenure, Gama was erratic enough that GM Jestor explored trade possibilities at the deadline. Word of this leaked and Gama still isn't quite over it. Still, 13.3 points, 9.6 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.5 steals aren't regular season numbers to be scoffed at.

The Croation Starcevic is loaded with talent, but he only shoots around 40% in any given season, hence why he only averaged 11.5 points and 9.6 assists during the regular season. That said, he's a good floor general and a good fundamental defender who has the size to be able to contain Gama. It's really a toss-up between these two.

Advantage: Draw

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Andre Quarles
Yeaton, similiar to Gama, experienced a drop in numbers during the regular season. Again, part of it attributable to Skiles' offense, but part of it also is due to the repeated nagging injuries plaguing the Nuggets star all season long. That's worrisome for Denver's title hopes, along with the lowered statistics of 19.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.2 steals. His most injury was a concussion that he insisted on playing through. He's fully healthy now, but how long can that last?

Quarles was one of the players most often mentioned in the Gama trade rumor mill and the 25 year old has a very sweet shooting stroke, good ballhandling skills for a two and some nice technical defense. He's also a smart player. He's small, though, which doesn't translate well for the Sonics against Yeaton. On a less high-powered team, he'd probably average close to 20 points a game. As is, Andre averaged 16.5 points with 4.2 assists during the regular season.

Advantage: Nuggets

Small Forward
Luol Deng vs. Brooks Smith
Picking up Deng via trade in the offseason was one of Jestor's smartest moves. The 33 year old plays very good defense and has nice stealing instincts. He knows how to shoot but he also knows his role in the system and doesn't take a ton of shots unlike certain other former Denver threes we could name. 13.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals in the regular season may not look like much, but Deng's capable of taking over a game at any given point in time.

Smith has been one of the biggest draft steals since Jestor came into the league. Taken 18th overall by Seattle in 2008, he's developed into a fantastic scorer who's really worked on his defensive game. While he isn't any better than average on the defensive end, he has 9 consecutive seasons of 20+ points and is a 3-time All-Star. This season he averaged 21 points and 5.9 rebounds in the regular season.

Advantage: Draw

Power Forward
Marcelino Augusto vs. Nate Bonner
Augusto had a sensational sophomore campaign, averaging 19.7 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks, earning his first of what is likely to be many All-Star trips. It's still hard to believe he's just 20 years old or that he gets the hops for blocks at just 6'9, 217 lbs. He's developed rapidly and if he keeps improving the way he has, he just might have a ticket to the Hall of Fame waiting for him later on down the line.

Bonner's one of the greatest enigmas in the league. He's got great shooting skills, but he's never averaged more than 17.5 points a season. 13 points and 7 rebounds is an okay regular season, but he's capable of so much more. On the other hand, he's a complete sieve on defense and horrendous ballhandler, so he's going to get clobbered by the much more talented Augusto.

Advantage: Nuggets

Center
Victor Gipson vs. Scott Palmer
The rookie Gipson not only beat out David Jackson for the starting C spot, but he had a surprisingly successful first year, averaging 10.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks. At 7'2, 303 lbs, he has the size to be an absolutely nasty shotblocker and he takes full advantage of it. Good rebounder and he's developing his offensive game, including what are now lackluster ballhandling skills.

Although they were taken 1-2 in last year's draft, Palmer hasn't had near the success of Augusto and in fact, Gipson had a better rookie campaign than Palmer did. On the other hand, Palmer's a great fundamental defender with terrific rebounding skills and the potential to be a fantastic scorer. The problem is, he's 6'9, 246 and that's just asking to be killed as an NBA five. Given the size issue, it's little wonder he averaged 11.1 points, 9.5 rebounds and a steal in his second year. He's going to have a hard time fighting past the huge Gipson, no matter how more talented he is.

Advantage: Draw

Bench
David Jackson's bothered a sprained finger, but he still averaged 8.8 points and 7.1 rebounds as Denver's 6th man, developing into one of the best in the league at that position. Rico Wolfe, acquired near the deadline from Toronto, is an excellent backup guard, with well-rounded skills and good defense. Emeka Okafor can still rebound, shotblock and play D, still one of the smartest players in the game, a savvy 36 year old. Louis Mertens is an excellent floor general and is improving his offensive game significantly, but is still a cipher on defense.

Saer Sene is getting up there in years, but he's still a terrific defender, an excellent rebounder and a ferocious shotblocker. Adam Lopez is comparable to Wolfe, averaging 10.5 points and 1.3 steals, only he doesn't have the defensive prowess that Wolfe does and he's also banged up by a sore shoulder. Craig Shehan is pretty good at running the offense, but he's an even worse defender than Mertens.

Advantage: Nuggets

Final Thoughts
Seattle doesn't have a prayer. They don't have an edge anywhere and this one ends in a sweep.
Prediction: Denver in 4

Oh, I don't know about that. I think the Sonics have a high-octane enough offense that they can push it to five games. In general though, I agree that Seattle's totally outclassed here.

Game One
The opening game is a yawnfest for those hoping for a close game. Mateen Yeaton scores 27, Luol Deng also breaks the 20 point barrier with 22 and Zelipe Gama finds his old form with 16 points and 12 assists. The best Seattle can do in countering is 10 points and 9 rebounds off the bench from Saer Sene. This series looks like it's going to be over quickly.
Final - Seattle 85 Denver 112

Game Two
Seattle's offense wakes up in a hurry and suddenly we've got a real battle and a real treat of a game on our hands. Brooks Smith erupts for 42 points and Scott Palmer is otherworldly with 20 points and 24 rebounds. 11's the magic number for the bench as Adam Lopez scores 11 points and Saer Sene grabs 11 rebounds. We counter with two 30+ point players, Marcelino Augusto with a great game of 31 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 blocks and 3 steals, and Mateen Yeaton with 32 points. Zelipe Gama has 12 points and 13 assists and Louis Mertens and Rico Wolfe both score 12 points off the bench. In the end, that combined 24 points from those two reserves bails us out and we barely escape with a thrilling 5 point victory in overtime.
Final - Seattle 121 Denver 126 (OT)

Game Three
After the excitement in Game 2, I'm thinking Game 3 is going to be much less of a shootout and I'm also believing that even though the series shifts to Seattle, the Sonics have exhausted all their ammo in Game 2 and are finished. Such was not to be the case as Brooks Smith scores 27 and Scott Palmer powers his way to 22 points and 10 rebounds. 23 points from Marcelino Augusto, Victor Gipson's 16 points and 12 rebounds and Rico Wolfe's 11 bench points aren't enough. The Supersonics ambush us and refuse to go down without a fight, cutting our series lead to 2-1.
Final - Denver 90 Seattle 101

Game Four
Now I'm actually a little bit worried. If Seattle finds a way to tie this series up, we're suddenly going to be forced to fight for the right to advance. That's about the time where Marcelino Augusto steps in with a legendary 30 points and 11 rebounds, Victor Gipson nabs 14 points, 16 rebounds and 5 steals and Rico Wolfe adds 10 bench points. Seattle struggles mightily on offense, their lone highlights the poor man's double of 10 points, 10 rebounds from Scott Palmer, 11 bench points from Adam Lopez and 12 points and 10 rebounds from reserve Saer Sene. We're close to slamming the door on the pesky Supersonics.
Final - Denver 93 Seattle 81

Just two series end in sweeps. Detroit knocks out Atlanta in four games and although it's allegedly an upset, I'm not surprised in the least when the Spurs eliminate the 2nd seed Kings in four. Sacramento was the most overachieving team in the league this season, San Antonio the most underachieving. Come the playoffs, that sort of thing gets sorted out, the proper talent levels asserting themselves.

Game Five
I'd like to win here if at all possible, even if Portland and Memphis are knotted at two a piece. Sure enough, Marcelino Augusto continues his heroic first round, abusing Seattle for 32 points while Mateen Yeaton scores 25 and David Jackson plays well off the bench for 10 points and 15 rebounds. I give a lot of credit to Scott Palmer for his 17 points and 13 rebounds, though and Adam Lopez and Josh McRoberts played well with 13 and 14 points respectively with the second team. Palmer really earned my respect with his performance this series, which I don't think was a case of Victor Gipson playing soft against a smaller opponent like Tim Davis would. It was Palmer being more naturally talented and being angry at all the pre-playoffs press and blogosphere. In the end, though, it wasn't enough and the underdog Supersonics get kicked off the playoff porch here.
Final - Seattle 95 Denver 104

So much for all the hype of Cleveland being a concern for Toronto. The Raptors end the series in five games, the same length of the Knicks/Bulls matchup, whereby New York advances to the second round for the first time in what seems like decades.

Portland pulls off a considerable upset in beating Memphis in six. We're going to have to face another deadly divisional offense in the second round and I'm already having panic attacks because the Trailblazers traditionally match up well against us in the regular season.

The Lakers and Timberwolves surprisingly go the full seven games, as do the Magic and the Bucks. But Los Angeles isn't about to let the Timberwolves get the playoffs' greatest stunner, nor will Orlando be intimidated by Milwaukee's superior record. It's Lakers and Magic advancing and I suddenly need a Prilosec as the acid burns in my chest and throat.

Portland in the second round, a guaranteed pick-your-poison West Conference finals foe of San Antonio or the Lakers if we get that far. Our road to a fourth consecutive NBA Finals appearance just got a hell of a lot tougher.

Barkeep49

11-08-2008, 11:35 AM

Izulde

11-08-2008, 01:16 PM

I've been reading this once a week and I must say I really am disappointed about last years' Finals defeat as I really thought you'd get over the hump. This years squad doesn't impress me nearly as much and it wouldn't surprise me to see you lose, sad as it is for me to write, at the conference championship level.

I thought we had a good shot at winning last year myself. Why doesn't this year's version impress you? I agree we underperformed when Scott Skiles coached, but I feel like Jim O'Brien's got the team back on track.

I also wouldn't be surprised to see us lose in the West Conference finals. If we meet the Spurs there for the third year in a row, I think we can still win. It's the Lakers that worry me.

Barkeep49

11-08-2008, 01:54 PM

I thought we had a good shot at winning last year myself. Why doesn't this year's version impress you? I agree we underperformed when Scott Skiles coached, but I feel like Jim O'Brien's got the team back on track.

I also wouldn't be surprised to see us lose in the West Conference finals. If we meet the Spurs there for the third year in a row, I think we can still win. It's the Lakers that worry me.
I feel like last year's team had a great mix of veteran and new. I felt like last year's team had heart and the swagger of a champion. I just don't see those qualities in as great of abundance with this years group. Don't get me wrong, I love Mateen and Augusto, I just am unsure if they'll be enough.

Coffee Warlord

11-08-2008, 07:32 PM

Could the window be slowly closing for Denver's title hopes?

I said it before, I'll say it again. To me, it just feels like you're hovering jusssst on the edge of a meltdown.

So freakin' win one before you melt. :)

Izulde

11-08-2008, 09:03 PM

Barkeep49: Oh, I understand what you're saying. :) I just think this year's edition of the Nuggets is tougher than last year's, but I'll admit, I'm prejudiced in saying that because of how freaking soft Tim Davis was. Man, that guy annoyed the hell out of me. 89 defense rating and he was letting inferior guys drop 20 and 10 on him on a regular basis.

Coffee Warlord: I don't know if I quite see a meltdown yet. Admittedly the window -is- starting to close slightly, what with Mateen Yeaton turning 30 this year and this possibly being Emeka Okafor's last season... but I still think we've got some time left.

Izulde

11-08-2008, 09:03 PM

Portland. Man, I -hate- this matchup. To the article.

"The Nuggets took another step towards reuniting with the Raptors in another Finals by dispatching the Supersonics in five games. The road gets rocky from here on out though, as the Trailblazers have an extensive history of getting the better of Denver in the regular season. The two have never met in the playoffs during GM Jestor's tenure. However, if the regular season record is anything to go by, the Nuggets are in trouble here.

Point Guard
Zelipe Gama vs. Jerian McCrary
The Gama of old showed up in the first round, averaging 13 points, 10.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.6 blocks. If Denver wants to keep going, they'll need the Spainard to keep his newly rediscovered form going.

McCrary may be better suited to SG, but so what? He averaged a team-high 22.2 points against the Grizzlies and is adequate enough to get the job done in the passing game with 6.5 assists and 2.2 blocks. At 6'6, 224 lbs, he's going to create matchup problems for Gama, particularly since he's a very nice all-around player with good shooting and scoring instincts and no real weaknesses.

Advantage: Trailblazers

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Sonny Boxler
Yeaton's another one who's found his old self, ripping Seattle for 21.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 2.2 blocks. He's focused, he's healthy and he's hungry to shut down the Boxler hype.

But that's going to be hard to do when Boxler's averaging 21.2 points, 1.2 steals and 1.8 blocks in the playoffs and when he averaged 16.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3 blocks and 1.1 steals in the regular season. He's undoubtedly this year's Marcelino Augusto, an explosive talent. One caveat: Despite his ability to make the highlight defensive play, he's still very, very raw on the fundamentals of defense on the NBA level and that's something Yeaton can cash in on. Particularly since Boxler's only 6'3, giving the Nuggets star the height advantage. Boxler's also got a small sprained wrist injury that could affect him slightly.

Advantage: Nuggets

Small Forward
Luol Deng vs. Kevin Durant
Deng didn't make any highlight plays in the opening round; he simply played steady, consistent, quietly effective basketball in racking up 12.2 points and 5.6 rebounds. That's the kind of balanced, consistent, unobtrusive play Denver needs out of the SF position and that's something they haven't had the last few years.

Part of Deng's job is going to be shutting Durant, who;s a firecracker in a loaded Trailblazer offense. This is the third time Kevin's been to the playoffs and each time his scoring average has gone down while his rebounding average has gone up. This postseason he's averaging 14.3 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals following a 20 point, 8.9 rebound, 1.4 steal regular season. Good rebounder, good defender, great shooter, smart and disciplined, there's a reason why he's a regular guest on the All-NBA teams.

Advantage: Traiblazers

Power Forward
Marcelino Augusto vs. LaMarcus Aldridge
People have a hard time believing Augusto's just 20 years old when he's putting up MVP-like numbers in the first round of 27 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.2 blocks and 1.2 steals against the Supersonics, but it's true. His defense and ballhandling are also rapidly improving and he's beginning to replace Yeaton as Denver's primary scoring option.

Aldrige is a good defender, great shotblocker and excellent rebounder, but his career's been a huge disappointment because he could never fully adjust to the NBA and become the kind of dominant player people hoped he might become. Instead, he's averaging a very quiet 9.2 points, 8.3 rebound and 1.7 blocks in the playoffs and looks every bit his 33 years. If Portland wants to advance, they should have him concentrate solely on shutting Augusto down.

Advantage: Nuggets

Center
Victor Gipson vs. Marcus Honeycutt
Gipson's been one of the most pleasant surprises about Denver's season and he acquited himself well against heralded second year Scott Palmer in the opening round while averaging 8.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and a steal. He's a big boy, physically intimidating who won't back down like Tim Davis was notorious for doing last year.

Honeycutt's a curious case. Coveted by Jestor at times, the 28 year old is a phenomenal defender playing out of position at C. A natural SF, his 6'10, 224 lb body is too slender to go up against the likes of Gipson and he's going to have a very hard time matching his first round output of 14 points and 10.8 rebounds. Gipson isn't The Great Polish Sieve Narcyz Malinomowski after all.

Advantage: Nuggets

Bench
Rico Wolfe proved Jestor's shrewdness in picking up at the deadline from Toronto in scoring 9.4 points against Seattle. More importantly, his defensive skills will help contain the dynamite Portland offense that makes Seattle's look substandard in comparison. David Jackson is a versatile inside player who can spell the frontline well and he's averaging 5 points and 7.6 rebounds thus far in the playoffs. Emeka Okafor provides the interior defense and shotblocking.

Darrell James is a former 3 year starter at PG for the Sacramento Kings and he's been a capable backup around the league since then for the Pacers and now the Trailblazers. He's averaging 7.3 points and 4.7 assists in the playoffs. Charles Howard, this year's 7th overall pick whom Portland stole from the Washington Wizards for Waldemar Althusser is raw, but still averaging 7.1 postseason points and will be an All-Star by the time he's done developing. Sean Bergmann provides the inside muscle with 6.8 points and 6.2 playoff rebounds. However, he's bothered by a sore hamstring. A lot of good defenders on the Portland bench, but no shutdown defender like Okafor.

Advantage: Portland

Final Thoughts
Never once in their three year streak as West Conference champions have the Denver Nuggets met an opponent that matches up so well with them before the Finals. Portland has the offense, the defense and the depth to be able to beat the Nuggets and the gold rush ends here. The Trailblazers will ensure a new West Conference champion this series.
Prediction: Portland in 6

....Thanks for the confidence, guys. Yes I'm sweating out this series, but I still think we've got it in us to win.

Game One
This is what you call a statement game. Where one team gets really, really pissed off and blows the doors off the other team. Victor Gipson was the most impassioned, rattling Marcus Honeycutt for 25 points and 10 rebounds. Mateen Yeaton sneered in Sonny Boxler's face and scored 25 points, while Marcelino Augusto put up 18 points and 11 rebounds. David Jackson went on the hunt for his Best Damn 6th Man in the World title back and came up with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Rico Wolfe added 13 points off the bench. All the Trailblazers could do in the face of this Nuggets fury was 22 points from Kevin Durant, 14 bench points from Charles Howard, who I still can't believe the Trailblazers managed to get, and Joel Freeland's 11 bench rebounds. In short, a 34 point ass-kicking that told the Trailblazers they're going to have work their tails off if they want to steal our West Conference crown.
Final - Portland 90 Denver 124

Game Two
The Trailblazers get up off the mat in Game 2, Kevin Durant leading the surge with an impressive 22 points and 9 rebounds. LaMarcus Aldridge and Marcus Honeycutt double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds and 12 points and 13 rebounds respectively. But Mateen Yeaton and Marcelino Augusto step up with 23 points a piece, David Jackson pulls down 13 bench rebounds and Rico Wolfe continues to be our second team sparkplug with 15 points. A solid win to seize the 2-0 series lead. What's this about Portland winning in 6 again?
Final - Portland 83 Denver 94

Game Three
On we travel to Portland and I know the Trailblazers are in defensive mode now. They've been beaten soundly two games in a row and they need to at least split, if not outright sweep these next two contests if they want to stay alive in this series. Kevin Durant has his third straight super game in the series with 32 points, LaMarcus Aldridge double-doubles with 11 points and 12 rebounds and Marcus Honeycutt somehow scores 23 points. We just can't answer them, held to 36.6% shooting and our lone highlights are Zelipe Gama's 12 points and 12 assists and Rico Wolfe's 10 bench points. We're the ones to get blasted away this time and the series goes to 2-1.
Final - Denver 88 Portland 109

Game Four
This one's the most critical game of the series to this point. We win and the Traiblazers have their backs to the wall. Portland wins and we've got a whole new series on our hands. Zelipe Gama's been taking a lot of flak from the media about how he's virtually disappeared this postseason and this series in particular and so he gets his revenge here by scoring 26. Mateen Yeaton comes up with 19 points and 12 rebounds and Victor Gipson's right there with him, netting 17 points and 13 rebounds. Portland's only real counter is LaMarcus Aldridge's 19 points and 10 rebounds. Decent series so far by Aldridge, but when we're shooting 51.8% from the floor, teams simply can't stop us. We avenge the 21 point loss in Game with a 21 point win in this one and we're on the verge of going back to the West Conference finals at 3-1.
Final - Denver 100 Portland 79

Just one sweep in the second round and it's Detroit knocking out the upstart Knicks. I'm privately pleased to see New York still isn't back to the promised land and I secretly hope they never win a title as long as I'm in the league.

Game Five
Kevin Durant doesn't want the series to end here and he scores 22 points. Marcus Honeycutt plays a valuable second with 12 points and 16 rebounds and all five Trailblazer starters score in double digits. On our end, Marcelino Augusto scores 28 points and Zelipe Gama is still mad, pummeling Portland for 21 points and 10 assists. David Jackson grabs 10 bench rebounds. Yet, even these men were not the angriest Nugget of them all. For our star, the one who's been dogged by doubts from everywhere in the media; newspapers, television, the Internet, by naysayers all season long, saying that once the clock struck 30, he was done. Mateen Yeaton isn't done, not by a long shot and he emphatically makes that point in taking Player of the Game with 30 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals. He's had an absolutely fantastic series and most dramatically and significantly, he absolutely schooled Sonny Boxler, holding the rookie phenom to 34.3% shooting and a 12.4 point per game average. By comparison, Yeaton averaged 22.6 points a game in the five game series. In short, it's a massacre and we triumphantly march back to the conference finals!! Take that, doubting media!!!
Final - Portland 96 Denver 118

Nobody else ends their series in five games, but the Raptors shake off the Magic in 6 games, moving the chains another notch forward in the march towards a fourth straight Raptors/Nuggets Finals. Even better, the Spurs refuse to lie down to a 3-1 Lakers lead and force a Game 7. Although the Purple and Gold finally prevailed in the decisive game, the fact that it took the Lakers so long to advance to the conference finals against us has to take its toll on their collective psyche. They also only get one day of rest.

And so, for the first time this playoffs, we'll be facing a familiar postseason foe.

JonInMiddleGA

11-08-2008, 09:32 PM

Meanwhile, you do realize this has got to be in the top 5 or so dynasty threads in the history of FOFC, right?

No pressure though ;)

Izulde

11-09-2008, 11:47 AM

Meanwhile, you do realize this has got to be in the top 5 or so dynasty threads in the history of FOFC, right?

No pressure though ;)

:eek: Top 5 or so dynasty threads in FOFC history? Wow, that's really high praise considering how many great dynasties we've had here. Thanks. :) And no pressure, none at all. :D

Coffee Warlord

11-09-2008, 04:18 PM

Golden Scribes need to be resurrected for this one.

Izulde

11-10-2008, 12:47 AM

Golden Scribes need to be resurrected for this one.

Thanks. :) I've missed the Golden Scribes the last few years and wish they'd be brought back period.

Coffee Warlord

11-10-2008, 07:25 PM

Take that, doubting media!!!

Caffeinated Sports Weekly still doubts you! :)

Izulde

11-10-2008, 09:08 PM

Caffeinated Sports Weekly still doubts you! :)

:D I'll run through the West Conference finals later tonight.

Izulde

11-11-2008, 12:51 AM

The Lakers are a nasty matchup for us. I have no doubt we could've beaten the Spurs for the third year in a row, because I didn't see any improvements on San Antonio's squad that led me to believe there could be a different result. But, be that as it may, we've got the Lakers.

Let's see what the article says.

"For the third consecutive season, the two best teams face off in the West Conference finals. With all due respect to the 2 seed Sacramento Kings and the two-time defending Denver challenger San Antonio Spurs, the Los Angeles Lakers were clearly the second-best team in the conference all season long and one could argue they were the best during the early part of the year.

It promises to be an exciting matchup in both conference finals, three of the four teams directly marked by GM Jestor's dealings. The Nuggets are obvious, but two of Detroit's starters, Dan Jacobson and Phillip Gill, came to the Pistons as a result of a Jestor-initiated trade. Similarly, Lakers starting SF Austin Buller was dumped off on Los Angeles due to Jestor.

Is a fourth consecutive Toronto/Denver NBA Finals possible? Certainly. But the road is a formidable one for both the Raptors and the Nuggets. The Detroit Pistons have not lost a game this postseason and the Lakers are a quality opponent that has the talent needed to challenge Denver for conference supremacy.

The tale of the tape:

Point Guard
Zelipe Gama vs. Calvis Graham
Gama's been extremely erratic this playoffs and his postseason averages of 13.9 points, 9.1 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.5 steals are extremely misleading. The Spainard disappears for several games, then suddenly busts out with a 20+ point performance. Denver's offense runs much more smoothly when he concentrates on distributing the ball and acting as the floor general. That's something he hasn't been doing this year, neither during the regular season nor in the playoffs.

Graham was dynamite against the Timberwolves, but completely invisible against the Spurs, so like Gama, his postseason averages of 11.6 points, 9.2 assists and 1.4 steals is highly deceptive. He's nowhere near the shotblocker that Gama is, but he has good technical defensive skills, has similiar silky stealing skills and makes crisp, clean passes.

Advantage: Draw

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Kyle Hoiberg
Forget everything you learned from Yeaton's regular season struggles. The Nuggets superstar has on a mission this postseason, playing with the kind of passion and fire that carries a team to a title. As his playoff averages of 22.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and 1.2 steals illustrate, he's determined to get a ring and bring the Nuggets the championship that have so tantalizingly eluded them since Jestor arrived in Denver.

Hoiberg's averaged over a 20 points a game every year he's been with the Lakers, both in the regular season and the playoffs. But despite that, he's earned a reputation as a potato-chip scorer in the mold of Ben Gordon. Tasty and delicious to watch rack up the points, but ultimately empty and unfulfilling and unable to lead a team to a championship. Some of this criticism may be unfair, because Laker Nation expects him to carry on the Kobe Bryant legacy and Hoiberg simply isn't Kobe. On the other hand, his defense is mediocre and he's going to get absolutely wrecked by the bigger, more talented Yeaton. Then again, the 20.4 points and 1.4 steals Hoiberg's averaging in the playoffs aren't to be dismissed so lightly either.

Advantage: Nuggets

Small Forward
Luol Deng vs. Austin Buller
Deng wasn't able to contain Kevin Durant in the previous round, but he's still a very good defender who can give opposing SFs fits. He's had an extremely quiet postseason, averaging just 11.1 points and 4.6 rebounds, but that's perfectly fine with Denver's coaching staff. He doesn't take a lot of shots, which is a huge relief after the nightmares of past trigger-happy, inefficient Nuggets SFs like Ron McPherson and Ron Collier. Deng's not a good fit for some teams, but he complements Denver's system extremely well.

Buller's the second straight former Denver starting C to start at the three for the Lakers, following Tim Davis. Like Davis, Austin's a technically sound defender with good size, but poor rebounding and shot-blocking skills for a five. Both players also have the capability of producing points, but don't do so nearly as well inside because they play soft and are more finesse-oriented than anything else. In short, Buller, like Davis, is much more suited to the three, even given his awful ballhandling skills. For evidence of that, look no further than his 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals in the playoffs and his 14 point regular season average, both of which are higher than anything he did in Denver or Chicago as a starting C.

Advantage: Lakers

Power Forward
Marcelino Augusto vs. Derrick Robinson
What a difference a year makes. Last postseason, Augusto had some nice games, but was inconsistent. This year, he's averaging a cool 23.8 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.6 blocks. The extra season of experience has really paid off as he's been a lot more consistent this playoffs and he, along with Yeaton, gives the Nuggets 2 players averaging more than 22 points a game in the postseason. That's a huge amount of offense and with one playing inside and one playing outside, opposing coaching staffs have their hands full trying to counter them.

Robinson's strongest attribute is his shotblocking. He's one of the best PFs in the game at it, as evidenced by his 2.9 rejections in both the regular season and the playoffs. Unfortunately, he's only an average offensive option, just an inch taller than Augusto and is leaner than the muscular Brazilian star. He's averaging 10.6 points, 7 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 2.9 rejections, but he's also a very weak defender. That weakness is bad news for Showtime fans, because it paves the way for Augusto to have another brilliant series.

Advantage: Nuggets

Center
Victor Gipson vs. Andrew Bynum
The rookie Gipson just might be the most underrated center in the postseason. We've heard it again and again from the Nuggets organization, both the coaching staff and the front office that Gipson plays with a toughness and intensity that the more celebrated Tim Davis never did. He's averaging 10.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and a steal in his first playoffs, which is impressive for a rookie that wasn't even a Top 10 pick. He's big (7'2, 303 lbs) and as we've indicated, tough.

There's some who say the 32 year old Bynum is done as an elite-level center in this league. That may be true, but he's still averaging 17 points, 10+ rebounds and over 2.5 blocks, both in the regular season and the playoffs (17.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals, 2.5 blocks this postseason). He's also got the size to match up with Gipson at 7', 285 lbs. Bynum can fill up the stats sheet with points, rebounds and fantastic defensive plays as well as silently shut down opposing centers. This is the series where he shows he can still bring it in a big way and reveals Gipson for the rookie he is.

Advantage: Lakers

Bench
Rico Wolfe continues to impress and be the sparkplug off the Nuggets' bench with 9.5 points, along with solid perimeter defense. He's eager to go up against his old team, the Raptors, in the Finals and he's doing everything he can to make sure it happens. David Jackson is an excellent all-around reserve who struggles as a starter, but feasts on the weaker players of opposing benches, averaging 6.4 points and 8.5 rebounds in the playoffs. Louis Mertens may be a black hole on defense, but he's averaging 3.1 points and 3 assists in just 10 minutes a game. Excellent, excellent passer. Greybeard team captain Emeka Okafor provides the interior defensive muscle.

Richard Jefferson is 38 years old, but he's still an adequate scoring answer to Wolfe with 8.6 playoff point average. Lavell Ledbetter matches Jackson with 5.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and better defense than the self-proclaimed Best Damn 6th Man. The problem is they don't have a good perimeter defender like Wolfe and while Mackel Greenleaf somewhat approaches Mertens's ball-handling brilliance and can defend better than the young Belgian, the Lakers don't have a true reserve floor general they can turn to.

Advantage: Nuggets

Final Thoughts
While the two teams come close to being evenly matched in terms of talent, Yeaton and Augusto have much more favorable matchups than Hoiberg and Bynum. The Nuggets also have a deeper, slightly more talented bench. And perhaps the clincher: Denver's gone through two 5 game series, whereas the Lakers have had to put in the full 7 games in both rounds to get this far. Los Angeles is going to be exhausted from all that basketball in so short a timespan. The longer this series goes, the worse it is for the Lakers. In the end, the Nuggets' freshness will get them the victory.
Prediction: Nuggets in 7

I hope that comes true. Even better would be a shorter series where we win.

Game One
The Lakers actually come out fired up, taking a 29-26 lead after the 1st quarter, but then the weariness kicks in and we blow them off the court the rest of the way. Great game by Kyle Hoiberg with 30 points. Calvis Graham also netted 12 points and 13 assists for the Lakers, while Richard Jefferson looked 28, not 38, in scoring 23 points off the bench. Rico Wolfe matched Jefferson nearly point for point, scoring 21 as a reserve, one of three Nuggets on the night with 20+ points. The others were Luol Deng with 21 and Mateen Yeaton with 26. Zelipe Gama got 11 points and 10 assists, while David Jackson grabbed 12 points and 12 rebounds off the bench. At the end of the night, a solid 24 point victory and first blood in the series.
Final - L.A. Lakers 98 Denver 122

Game Two
This game was a lot closer, as I thought it'd be. Andrew Bynum was terrific with 18 points and 19 rebounds and Kyle Hoiberg continues to channel Kobe Bryant with 28 points. We counter with 26 points from Mateen Yeaton, 13 points and 13 rebounds from Victor Gipson, 11 points and 14 assists from Zelipe Gama and 10 bench points from David Jackson. Good fight by the Lakers, but they run out of steam in the second half and we take this one going away for the 2-0 series lead.
Final - L.A. Lakers 93 Denver 101

Game Three
With a day's rest and a shift to their home court, I know the Lakers are going to come out energized as they can for these next two games and it's a very real possibility they could even things up over this night and next. And sure enough, the Purple and Gold have 3 20+ point scorers in this game, just like we did in Game 1. Andrew Bynum leads the way with 24 points and 15 rebounds and Kyle Hoiberg and Austin Buller score 20 points a piece. Calvis Graham distributes 10 points and 10 assists, Richard Jefferson scores 12 off the bench and Lavell Ledbetter pulls down 10 bench rebounds. All five of our starters scored at least 15 points, with the exception of Victor Gipson, who had 10, but our high scorer was Marcelino Augusto with 18 points. That wasn't going to do it tonight and our lead shrinks to 2-1 as we were beat soundly.
Final - Denver 97 L.A. Lakers 109

Game Four
We've been in this same situation the last two series, up 2-1 and pointing to this game as a crossroads. We've won the last two times, but pulling off the feat this time is going to be a lot more difficult. Winning has a way of killing exhaustion, no matter how tired your body is and this is, after all, the Lakers. But no matter how much you believe in the philosophy of mind over matter, sometimes there's just no wringing anything more out. You're just not physically capable of it. So while Kyle Hoiberg finds the energy to score 26 points, we lead box-to-wire and win all 4 quarters, running the Lakers ragged. It's been a surprisingly quiet series for Marcelino Augusto, but he breaks out here for 34 points and 10 rebounds. Mateen Yeaton pours in 24 points and Rico Wolfe adds the icing with 13 points. We leave the Lakers beaten, dazed and drained on their own homecourt, holding them to just 80 points on 35.6% shooting. It all adds up to a 33 point win and a commanding 3-1 series lead. Showtime weeps for its lost glory.
Final - Denver 113 L.A. Lakers 80

I send the Raptors an e-mail of congratulations as Toronto puts the lie to the Pistons' unbeaten playoff run and kicks them out with a sweep. One half of the fourth straight Raptors/Nuggets Final has been met. Now it's up to us to do our part.

Game Five
The last time the Lakers got a day off in this series, they beat us fair and square. But that was in Los Angeles. Now it's in Denver before a screaming, high-intensity, pro-Nuggets crowd that's waving large "Bring on the Raptors!" signs. What follows is one of the most personally satisfying games I've seen. Andrew Bynum plays valiantly, willing himself to 20 points and 13 rebounds, but just two Lakers break double-digit points and the other one (Austin Buller), scored the minimum 10. On our end, we shared the wealth with a balanced offense led by Mateen Yeaton's 21 points and Rico Wolfe's 14 bench points. We win by 40 points, holding the Lakers to an embarassing, collegiate-level 65 points on 33.3% shooting. Showtime.is.dead!!!
Final - L.A. Lakers 65 Denver 105

Raptors/Nuggets Round 4 is confirmed!!!

BRING ON THE RAPTORS!!!!!!

cubboyroy1826

11-11-2008, 12:56 AM

Congrats maybe the 4th time is a charm.

RedHawk00

11-11-2008, 08:15 AM

Jim Kelly is rooting for...

The Raptors!

Coffee Warlord

11-11-2008, 09:17 AM

Caffeinated Sports Weekly, by Coffee Warlord

Maybe if we keep doubting the Nuggets they'll finally buck the trend and get the elephant off their back? As potent as their starting 5 is, I don't have a lot of faith in their ragtag bench, and an off night by one of the main guys is all it'll take for Toronto to stomp 'em yet again.

Go Nuggets.

rjolley

11-11-2008, 10:20 AM

Good luck, Izlude. Here's to you not becoming the future day Marv Levy and Ralph Wilson.

Izulde

11-11-2008, 06:34 PM

cubboyroy1826: Thanks. I'm certainly hoping so. :)

RedHawk00: :D

Coffee Warlord: Interesting analysis, but I'll still take the combination of Rico Wolfe and David Jackson over any other two bench players in the NBA right now. :)

rjolley: Thanks. It's going to be tough, just as every Raptors/Nuggets final has been so far. But maybe this is the year.

Izulde

11-12-2008, 03:34 AM

"All the life-potentialities that we never managed to bring to adult realization, those other portions of ourself, are there; for such golden seeds do not die. If only a portion of that lost totality could be dredged up into the light of day, we should experience a marvelous expansion of our powers, a vivid renewal of life."
-Joseph Campbell, The Hero With A Thousand Faces

The quote's on my mind as I pace the small balcony outside my bedroom door high up in the Rockies, slowly smoking. In my dark moods, in my melancholic periods of doubt, tobacco and Joseph Campbell are great comforts.

A copy of the day's Denver Post, the Sports section more specifically, sprawls carelessly atop the plastic green table shoved in the corner. There's thankfully no wind on this late May evening or it'd be lost to the winds, gone forever.

I suppose I'm a 40 year old dinosaur. In this age where most people read their news online and tangible books are dying a slow death to the steady enroachment of e-readers the past 15 to 20 years, I still hold to the solid, the texture of hard copy. There's something comfortable in the full-bodied form of newspapers and books that no electronic, cyber-transmission can replicate.

But my breed, too, is dying. After all, this isn't 1919, when the world is recovering from the ironically-named Great War. It's 2019 and we're 10 years removed from the Nuggets' championship, a crown claimed shortly before I came here to Denver.

We've lost three straight championship series to the Raptors and are in peril of replicating the 1990s NFL Buffalo Bills, who lost four consecutive Super Bowls. Our shame would be all the greater for having lost to the same team all four years.

Hence the need for clove smoke and Campbell. The former to relax me, the latter to remind me that even if we fail here, our title dreams do not die, but still reside, quietly waiting for the time until they -can- be realized.

But perhaps I'm being too pessimistic here. After all, the Finals have not yet been played out and the Post does not fully discount us.

I scan the article again as I have all the stories every year.

"The two titans of the NBA meet again for the fourth straight year for the championship and this annual Raptors/Nuggets clash is beginning to approach the legendary status of the New York Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers' rivalry of nearly a hundred years ago. Denver's in danger of replicating the Buffalo Bills' feat of four straight championship losses, but they still have a chance to topple the three-time defending champion Raptors. It will not be an easy task, but GM Jestor appears to have put the pieces in place to make this the closest Finals between these two teams since 2015, when they went the full seven games, the Nuggets losing the deciding game in Denver.

Point Guard
Zelipe Gama vs. Justin Richler
Nuggets head coach Jim O'Brien instructed Gama before the West Conference finals to focus more on passing the ball and go back to his old play style. Gama did just that and the Nuggets looked spectacular in ousting the Lakers in five games. He's averaging 12.8 points, 9.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks and if he can continue to follow the mantra of running and executing the offense, Denver's chances of winning increase significantly. One caveat: Gama's been a non-factor the last three Finals and that has to end here for the Nuggets to avoid another defeat.

Unfortunately, he won't have the luxury of facing eric Kostov after the Bulgarian broke his arm against the Pistons. Instead, it'll be another Finals of facing off against Richler, who has looked brilliant in the postseason, averaging 22.1 points, 4.7 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.1 blocks. Richler's not a natural PG, but he lit up the Nuggets last year and the native Canadian superstar looks poised to do exactly the same thing this season.

Advantage: Raptors

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Dale Stukes
Yeaton showed absolutely no signs of slowing down against the Lakers and is averaging 22.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and 1.5 steals this postseason. He's been healthy the entire playoffs and looks the sharpest he ever has, shooting 48.2% from the field and an astonishing 52.4% from 3 point range.

Even better for the Nuggets' prospects, he matches up against Stukes, a 29 year old former 2nd round pick (3rd pick in the 2nd round by the Nets in 2012), who despite having some offensive pop, averaging 11.8 points a game as the Houston Rockets' starting SG last season, is completely overmatched here. He's just 6'2 and a mediocre defender, precisely the sort of opponent Yeaton feasts on for big points. The Raptors -really- miss Rico Wolfe here, who had the height, size and skill to contain the Nuggets star last year.

Advantage: Nuggets

Small Forward
Luol Deng vs. David Anyan
Deng just keeps motoring along this postseason for his quiet 12.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals. He shut down Austin Buller in the conference finals, making amends for his failure to limit Kevin Durant in the second round.

But he's got another Herculean task here in going up against Anyan, who's been the MVP of the Raptors in the playoffs this season with 25.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks a game. Anyan's also a fantastic defender and it's a pity for Sam Mitchell and the rest of the coaching staff that he can't play SG, because he'd be an extremely effective glove on Yeaton. As is, Denver's going to have an extraordinarily difficult time trying to shut down the combination of Richler and Anyan.

Advantage: Raptors

Power Forward
Marcelino Augusto vs. Chris Bosh
While Augustino's been the answer to Anyan this postseason, averaging 22.6 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.2 blocks, the 20 year old Brazilian still has the memory of last year's Finals, where he was completely neutralized by the Raptors. Toronto made the smart move of sicing Greg Oden on Augusto and there's a good chance they could use the same strategy again.

Bosh may be getting up there in years at 34, but he's still a very good defender and a force to be reckoned with in all facets of the game, with postseason averages of 17.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals. That said, if they keep him on Augusto, the younger, more athletic, more physical Denver star will certainly have the edge.

Advantage: Nuggets

Center
Victor Gipson vs. Greg Oden
Gipson, although a rookie, is one of the two biggest X-factors this year for Denver. One of the reason why the Raptors was able to shift Oden on to Augusto last season was because Tim Davis was notoriously soft inside and Toronto could take advantage by setting Bosh at the five and Oden at the four. That same strategy, while possibly utilized again for this Finals, could backfire, because Gipson has built even in his first season a reputation for hard-nosed, physical play on the low blocks. He's averaging 10.6 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.1 rejections in the playoffs and shows absolutely no fear, not even against Andrew Bynum in the conference finals.

Oden's role continues to remain the same. Score some points if he can, but focus on his fantastic rebounding and defense. The size matchup here is going to be a fascinating one to watch, as Gipson's 7'2, 303 lbs and Oden's 7', 250 lbs. That 2 inches and 53 pounds could make a difference here, even given Oden's superlative talents and 11.2 points, 13.5 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.9 blocks in the playoffs. Clearly, though, the quality edge lies with Toronto.

Advantage: Raptors

Bench
Rico Wolfe is the other major X-factor for the Nuggets. He hounded Yeaton in last year's Finals as the Raptors' starting SG. This season he's the first guard off the bench, scoring in bunches and playing extremely solid defense for Denver. In a recent interview, he said that he doesn't care about the Raptors' 3 straight championships, because he was only here for the last one and that, furthermore, a ring with Denver in destroying Toronto's stranglehold on the championship trophy would mean a lot more to him. That motivation and his 9.7 playoff points are something for the Raptors to fear. David Jackson's 6.7 points and 8.1 rebounds will also be difficult to contend with. This also could be team captain Emeka Okafor's last season, which adds even more intangibles to the advantage of the Nuggets.

34 year old Andrea Bargnani's defense took a real hit this year as he just doesn't have the foot speed anymore to keep pace with younger, quicker opponents. That said, he's still a very efficient scoring and rebounding 6th man, with 6.5 points and 3 rebounds in just 15 minutes a game. On the other hand, 38 year old Pau Gasol is a shell of his former self, particularly on the defensive end and there's nobody else on the Raptors bench who deserves any notice.

Advantage: Nuggets

Final Thoughts
This is the best the Nuggets have looked against the Raptors on paper in any of their Finals meetings. Furthermore, Denver's playing with a huge chip on its shoulder, angered over media and sports fans doubts of their toughness and ability to win after early season struggles under Scott Skiles. Skiles's midseason axing and Jim O'Brien's hiring, along with Jestor's shrewd steal of Wolfe from the Raptors for raw, mediocre rookie prospect Jon Freeman and a 2nd round pick really rejuvenated Denver's season. But be that as it may, even with all those factors in the Nuggets' advantage, we just can't see them beating Toronto's superior frontline or the all-critical Raptors homecourt advantage.
Prediction: Toronto in 7

Well, it's better than they usually give us, so maybe, just maybe.... there's a chance, however fleeting. This is our chance to be heroes. Can we banish our monsters of the past? I'd like to think so, but only time and the games will tell.

Game One
Things kick off grimly for us in Toronto as Chris Bosh bulldozes his way to 21 points and 14 rebounds and Greg Oden is deadly with 20 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists. The sellout crowd is convinced their Raptors are on the way to a fourth straight title. Our bench makes its best effort, Louis Mertens surprising everyone as the Belgian leads with 11 points and our reserves outscore their Raptor counterparts 22-9. It's still looking bleak, though... until a hero arises. Mateen Yeaton displays another legendary performance with 35 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 blocks, stunning the hostile crowd and carrying us to a sensational Game 1 upset!!!!. I scream myself hoarse with joy in the skybox and celebrate with other members of the front office. Yes, it's only one game, but we've drawn first blood! In Toronto!!! Suddenly, Hope is real!
Final - Denver 101 Toronto 86

Game Two
David Anyan and Justin Richler were furious about being contained in Game 1 and they get revenge, feeding off the home audience's energy on their way to 29 points and 9 rebounds and 21 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists respectively. Greg Oden does his part as well with 19 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 blocks. The Raptors concentrate on Mateen Yeaton, daring the rest of the Nuggets to beat them. Although Rico Wolfe put on a sensational showing of 22 points off the bench, that was all the offense we could really muster and the Raptors emphatically even the series in a bigger stomping than even the sizeable score differential suggests.
Final - Denver 81 Toronto 109

Game Three
Back home in Denver. I'm hoping we still have some confidence left from Game 1 to take back the series lead with the help of our fans. Justin Richler and David Anyan are hell-bent on that not happening, Richler erupting for 27 points, Anyan adding 20. Chris Bosh bangs his way to 12 points and 13 rebounds and Greg Oden plays effectively with 9 points, 19 rebounds and 6 blocks. Luol Deng matches Anyan with 24 points, Victor Gipson throws down the gauntlet against Oden with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks, but it was magical Mateen Yeaton coming through again, marvelously scoring 38 points to secure us an answering 20 point victory and the crucial 2-1 series lead.
Final - Toronto 92 Denver 112

Game Four
This could be the game that determines this year's NBA champions. Win here and we've got a huge momentum 3-1 series lead and one more game in Denver to finally win the trophy. Lose and we'll have to grind out at least one more victory in Canada. My heart's pounding in my chest all game long as Justin Richler scores 27 and Greg Oden continues his absolutely astounding hot Finals play with 17 points and 15 rebounds. The Raptors have replaced Dale Stukes at SG with Gabe Rosen, who's taller and a better defender to try and contain You Know Who. Our bench comes through for us again with 12 points from Louis Mertens and 11 rebounds from David Jackson, but all of our starting five struggles all night long and it appears we're headed to an evened series. All of our starting five, that is, except Mateen Yeaton, who is the hero of every legend, every song and every saga, dazzling everyone with 33 points and 11 rebounds as he carries us to a nailbiting, thrilling 3-point victory and the 3-1 series lead!!!!!!!!!!!!
Final - Toronto 92 Denver 95

Game Five
Oh what sweet justice, what marvelous poetry it would be to win the title at long last, here in Denver, home of so many magnificient performances by Mateen Yeaton, including the timeless ones we've seen so far this series. But I know this isn't Hollywood or some cliched sports movie. This is the Raptors, who are fighting mad, determined to drag us back to their den in Toronto and extend this series. I can barely watch as Greg Oden powers to 15 points and 14 rebounds and Andrea Bargnani wakes up for the first time this Finals for 15 bench points. Our valiant bench warriors David Jackson and Rico Wolfe combine for 10 and 11 points respectively, but our chances with victory lie solely with our champion, our bravest knight and Mateen Yeaton caps off his stellar, epic postseason with 28 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks and the confetti drops and the people scream, "YEA-TON YEA-TON YEA-TON!" as we win!!! At long last, THE DENVER NUGGETS ARE YOUR NBA CHAMPIONS!!! MATEEN YEATON NBA FINALS MVP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Final - Toronto 88 Denver 119

I rush out of the box and run down the steps, tripping and nearly falling in my hurry to get on the court. A group of deliriously happy Denver fans help me and an equally ecstatic security guard escorts me onto the floor.

Mateen Yeaton's got a fierce look on his face, but tears of joy are streaming, the same happy tears on my face as I run over and give our 6'8 shooting guard, our star a huge bear hug.

"I always wanted you on our team", I whisper in his ear, "And I'm damned glad I did."

"This is the happiest night of my life. Thank you, Mr. Jestor. Thank you!"

"Just come back to Denver. Whatever terms you want. We'll find a way to make it happen."

I let go and we walk together where a jubiliantly dancing Emeka Okafor is holding up the trophy and head coach Jim O'Brien is all smiles.

"We did it!" they shout in unison and I can't help smiling myself as I touch the gleaming, silver ball atop the trophy.

"Yes we did!"

Denver Nuggets. NBA Champions.

Here is our vivid renewal of life.

BreizhManu

11-12-2008, 04:34 AM

Finally, congrats

law90026

11-12-2008, 08:04 AM

Huge grats! It's about time (great dynasty btw).

Coffee Warlord

11-12-2008, 08:28 AM

Yay!

Autumn

11-12-2008, 08:42 AM

Fantastic! I thought it would take Yeaton stepping into that sort of MVP role to finally get you over the top, and he did it.

cubboyroy1826

11-12-2008, 10:46 AM

Way to go boss.

Izulde

11-12-2008, 12:13 PM

BreizhManu: Thanks. It's a great feeling. :)

law90026: Thank you! :) On both counts.

Coffee Warlord: Yay indeed. :) I wonder what CSW has to say now. :D

Autumn: Yeah, that was one of the most awesome parts about this championship, that it was Yeaton who led us there. :) It's even sweeter considering there were some readers on both forums who thought I gave up too much in the trade to get him.

cubboyroy1826: Thanks. :) It really made my night, let me tell you.

RedHawk00

11-12-2008, 01:18 PM

Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, and Marv Levy shed a single tear each...

Great Job Bro!

Izulde

11-12-2008, 09:15 PM

Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, and Marv Levy shed a single tear each...

Great Job Bro!

Thanks. :) What an amazing postseason it was, especially the Finals!

Izulde

11-12-2008, 10:44 PM

Constructing a Champion: How GM Jestor Did It

The recent championship parade for the World Champion Denver Nuggets exceeded even the paegentry and excitement of the Denver Broncos' NFL title celebrations. And with good reason. Not only is Mateen Yeaton the Mile High City's basketball answer to John Elway, but GM Jestor has acquired the celebrity and popularity that few front office men attain. Then there's Emeka Okafor, the greying veteran and team captain who finally won a championship in the last year of his contract and Jim O'Brien, the midseason head coach hire who won his first ring and showed he's still worthy of consideration as one of the NBA's best.

But all of these elements would not be possible if it weren't for Jestor himself, who arrived in 2010, two years removed from the Nuggets' 1st NBA title. He started the franchise's transformation with bang, dealing Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks and raising fears in Denver that he would blow up the team as he did in New York as the Raffle GM.

And indeed, Jestor did wholly make over the team. Twice, in fact, in the years that followed. His methods were unorthodox, but the results can not be argued with, for the Denver Nuggets have won 9 straight Northwest division titles and appeared in four straight NBA Finals, all during Jestor's tenure. That kind of divisional success begins to approach the level of baseball's Atlanta Braves, who won 14 consecutive division titles from 1991-2005.

And yet, despite all those triumphs, the Nuggets, like the Braves, struggled to win that elusive ring. Every time they got to the Finals - 5 times in those 9 years, the Toronto Raptors awaited them. 2010, 2015, 2016, 2017, all went to the Raptors. And then finally, this year, in 2018, as we all know, Jestor and his team finally slew the Great Northern Dynasty and banished the past nightmares.

How did Jestor finally do it? Most want to say it started in the 2013 offseason with the biggest trade in history, but it actually began early in the 2012 season with this trade:

Denver Nuggets receive
PF Emeka Okafor

Charlotte Bobcats receive
SF Caron Butler
2013 Washington Wizards 2nd round pick
2014 Washington Wizards 2nd round pick

What this means for the Nuggets
Okafor has been on GM Jestor's radar for quite some time and was almost traded to the Nuggets last year when they landed Mehmet Okur instead. Emeka is a huge defensive and rebounding presence that will probably start at PF and see Okur shift to SF. He'll be a critical piece as Denver tries to counter the frontcourt strength of teams like the Lakers and Rockets.

What this means for the Bobcats
Charlotte really needs more scoring offense if they're going to have a hope of winning the East conference crown again any time soon and Butler can give them that. After a game or two as the 6th man to adjust to the new team, much like Okafor in Denver, Caron likely slots in as the starting SG, where he'd be a signicant upgrade over Josh Smith. They also get likely high 2nd round picks for the next two drafts which gives them more tickets to try and find a gem.

Advantage: Draw
Both teams got something they needed out of this one, while giving something in return. It's a little surprising to see GM Jestor trade Butler, his fellow Racinian, but reports out of Denver suggest the Nuggets front office was frustrated with Butler's inconsistency.

Okafor was signed to a lengthy contract extension immediately after the trade and he became Denver's starting PF for the next 5 and 1/2 seasons before graciously moving to the bench the last two years. He provided the Nuggets toughness, defense and rebounding inside, something Denver hadn't had since Marcus Camby left the team. More importantly, he became the team captain and the Nuggets' spiritual leader, the extremely popular and well-respected veteran who held the players together.

Ironically enough, Butler, who is also from Jestor's hometown of Racine and attended Park High School with the Nuggets GM, signed with Denver this season and now has a ring along with his old classmate.

-Then- came the 2013 offseason, but the first trade that contributed to this championship wasn't the blockbuster. It was this deal:

Denver Nuggets receive
PG Kirk Hinrich
SG Willie Green
Atlanta Hawks 2013 1st round pick (#18)

Atlanta Hawks receive
SF Al Thornton
PG Leigh Nash
Denver Nuggets 2013 1st round pick (#24)

What this means for the Nuggets
Hinrich has a horrible contract through his age 36 season, but that doesn't matter. He's a pass-first PG with some scoring punch and good defensive skills who instantly turns into Denver's 6th man. They haven't had this kind of luxury on the bench since Chauncey Billups. Green's on the books for $3.6 million a year for the next 4 years and is roster filler, but the Nuggets just moved up 6 places in the first round.

What this means for the Hawks
Let's face it, Atlanta, their surprise run to the 2nd round and taking the Celtics to 7 games last seaon aside, aren't going to be title contenders any time soon, which played a big role in Hinrich's demanding a trade. Thornton may be $9 million a year for the next 4 years and a bench player, but the Hawks still shed on average $3 million a year the next four seasons thanks to dumping both Hinrich and Green. Nash is an end of the bench player and a min-sal expiring contract.

Advantage: Denver
GM Jestor is in Win Now mode and the pressure to deliver a title has only been heightened by the recent change in ownership and Larry Brown's hiring. Giving them a safety net at the guard spots goes a long, long way to filling that aim. Besides, who plays PG for the Hawks now?

Although Hinrich started just one season at PG for the Nuggets, he's been an invaluable bench reserve for the last five seasons, capably distributing the ball, providing some scoring and playing solid defense, even at 37 years old. He almost didn't stay with team, however, as Jestor entertained numerous possiblities of trading him through his Denver years.

-Then- came the big one, the draft day trade that changed the face and fates of two franchises.

Denver Nuggets receive
SF Patrick Pastner
SG Mateen Yeaton
C Phillip Gill
PG Marcus Williams

Indiana Pacers receive
PF Joakim Noah
PF Leroy Wright
SG Ben Gordon
PG Paulinho Buboltz
Denver Nuggets 2013 1st round pick (#18)

What this means for the Nuggets
GM Jestor has long coveted Yeaton and it's not hard to see why. He's 25, a two-time All-Star who just made the All-NBA 2nd Team last season and he gives Denver major size at the SG spot for the first time since Jestor's arrival at 6'8, 207 lbs. He's extremely polished and the Nuggets believe he can be the new AI. Pastner has quietly developed into a consistent, solid starting SF and at 24, he helps make Denver a lot younger in the starting lineup. Most importantly, he forces Mike Miller to the 6th man spot, where he'll be much more effective. Gill is raw, but has some very nice potential. Under the Great Teacher Larry Brown, he'll develop a lot more quickly than he would've under George Karl. Williams is a pass-first PG with good shooting talents, though he lacks the killer instinct.

What this means for the Pacers
The Pacers have pined for Buboltz in the same way that Jestor craved Yeaton and, together with Gordon, suddenly Indiana has a fearsome 3-guard set in Buboltz, Gordon and Tony Parker, a trio reminiscent of the Buboltz-Gordon-Chauncey Billups grouping in Denver a couple seasons ago. Gordon is a good replacement for Yeaton's offense and in Buboltz, Indiana sees a future franchise player and one of the best PGs in the NBA, if not the best. High opinions, but valid, given Paulinho's steady improvement in his three years in the league and the fact that he's still just 21 years old. Noah provides defensive punch that the Pacers lacked and tenatively slots in as the starting SF. Wright fell out of favor after a solid rookie season, but he's proven a capable starting C before and for the heretofore big-man-starved Pacers, he could be just what they're looking for at the five.

Advantage: Draw
This is a major shakeup for both teams and it's too early yet to tell who will come out on top. Buboltz and Yeaton are both in the final year of their rookie contracts with no extension signed, something that may have played a factor in the trade.

The end result of that deal concerning Yeaton is well-known, but what some may not know is that Jestor wanted Yeaton ever since his rookie season, so much so that he actually went out and bought the phenom's Indiana Pacers jersey. He dreamt of the day he could have Yeaton on his team and on this day in 2013, it happened.

What's fascinating to note is that all four of the players Indiana received have stayed with the Pacers for the last five seasons. In that time, Indiana rose to serious East conference contender and collapsed to one of the NBA's worst teams this season, quite the marked difference from Denver's sustained dominance.

At the time, the trade received strong criticism from Nuggets fans, who loved Buboltz and Gordon and angrily wrote and called in to media publications, Internet podcasts, blogs and radio shows, saying that Jestor had given up far too much for Yeaton and he'd ruined the Nuggets' title chances.

Lindsey Williamson, who flip-flopped between the bench and the inactive list on this year's team, but still a member, was drafted 27th overall in the 2014 draft. Although he never developed like the Nuggets hoped, his defense and shotblocking have been a welcome addition to the reserves.

Another starter arrived in an early 2015 season blockbuster trade, one that also brought last season's playoff scapegoat:

Denver Nuggets receive
C Tim Davis
PG Zelipe Gama
SF Antwan Jamison

Detroit Pistons receive
C Dan Jacobson
C Phillip Gill
PG Shaun Livingston
C Eddy Curry

What this means for the Nuggets
GM Jestor strikes again, cutting off a major blockbuster with the defending champion Detroit Pistons after the Nuggets poor play infuriated him. Davis has the best inside shot in the game and is averaging 20 points so far. He's got exceptional defense, great ballhandling skills for a C and is working on developing his rebounding game. He's also an extremely hard-working fan favorite, especially after breaking out in last year's championship run. He'll take Jacobson's place in the rotation. Gama is as gifted a passer as Brandon Brooks and he'll start at the point while Brooks recovers from a nagging arm injury. It'll be interesting to see how the 24 year old Spainard reacts to the increased playing time he'll get in Denver, as he hasn't been a full-time starter since 2012 with the Spurs. Jamison is a $6.5, $7 mill dead weight for the next two seasons. Phillip Gill's departure also means that Jestor's wishes will be fulfilled and Ron McPherson becomes Denver's new starting SF.

What this means for the Pistons
Jacobson may not have the offensive firepower that Davis does, but he's a far, far better rebounder, something Detroit needed. Davis's point total can be more than made up for by Curry, who still brings terrific offensive game and becomes the new starting PF in addition to his lovely $9.9 million expiring contract. Gill, whose potential everyone still swears by, slides in as the starting SF. Livingston's an end of the bench player.

Advantage: Detroit
The Pistons shed a bad contract and pick up three brand-new starters, all of whom combined are an upgrade over what they had previously. Jestor's desparation really cost him here and it may have handed Detroit the keys to the first repeat champion since the Raffle GM entered the league.

Gama was given the keys to the PG spot because of Brooks's injury, as noted, and he's never lost it since, earning an All-Star appearance in 2015 and an All-NBA 2nd Team nod in 2016. He was a miraculous story in his own right, but just as quickly as his star rose and he was considered one of the league's top PGs, so has it just as swiftly fallen, fallen to the point that he's been the incessant target of trade rumors. What Jestor's plans are, no one knows.

Davis looked like the C of the future, but then he got a well-deserved reputation for soft play inside and after being widely cited as the reason for Denver's loss in last year's Finals, he was dealt from the Nuggets for the second time.

Then came the 2016 draft and a move up by Jestor in one of the weakest classes in NBA history:

Denver Nuggets receive
Atlanta Hawks 2016 1st round pick (#6 overall)
PG Javaris Crittenton

Atlanta Hawks receive
Denver Nuggets 2016 1st round pick (#21 overall)
Denver Nuggets 2016 2nd round pick (#34 overall)
Utah Jazz 2018 1st round pick
SG Willie Green

What this means for the Nuggets
The oft-traveled Crittenton, famed for his ball-handling skills, is back in Denver, much to GM Jestor's delight. His return means the Nuggets can renounce Brandon Brooks and allow him to go in free agency. Denver also gets the opportunity to draft a player they really like with this pick.

What this means for the Hawks
Atlanta's not going to be a major player anytime soon, so by acquiring the extra picks, particularly the 2018 1st rounder of the Jazz, allows them to find some more young pieces to go with what they already have. Green's an expiring contract next year of $3.6 million, a nice bonus as the Hawks try and build cap room.

Advantage: Draw
A lot of it depends on what that 2018 1st round pick turns into. Denver acquires a player they covet in the draft, but the higher slot and Crittenton's larger salary mean the Nuggets are going to be facing considerable cap trouble this year.

With this pick, Denver took David Jackson, a cocky, loudmouthed senior from Utah whose gone on to become a fan favorite and the self-proclaimed World's Best Damn 6th Man after a not altogether successful year as the Nuggets' starting C. He's thrived in that role and done much to live up to his self-selected nickname, including his excellent play off the bench in this year's championship run.

Then the 2017 lottery came, where the Nuggets held the Hornets' pick following an earlier trade a few years before. Luck smiled on Denver as they won the top pick in the draft. Jestor was tempted to trade away the 1st overall selection and only impassioned pleas from then-head coach Larry Brown convinced him to finally take Marcelino Augusto, who had a brilliant rookie campaign last year and won Rookie of the Year at 19 and who this year, at 20, became an All-Star and one of the league's top PFs as Denver's first or second scoring option most nights. Augusto's been the subject of trade rumor after trade rumor and we've heard reports that he was almost dealt to the Dallas Maverick for Jonte Jones. Fortunately for Denver's fans, he's stayed with the Nuggets.

The 2018 offseason brought in two more starters, as well as a good portion of Denver's bench. It all started with this trade:

Denver Nuggets receive
SF Luol Deng
SF Lannce Dudley
Milwaukee Bucks 2018 1st round pick (#22 overall)

Milwaukee Bucks receive
C Tim Davis
PF Ron Collier
Denver Nuggets 2018 2nd round pick (#31 overall)

What this means for the Nuggets
Deng provides good defense, rebounding skills, scoring punch and a veteran influence on a team that's still pretty young. He'll step in immediately as the starting SF. Even better for the Nuggets' financial situation, the 33 year old is only signed for this season and next, greatly enhancing their future salary cap flexibility. Dudley, who does spell his first name with two Ns, was taken 17th overall out of Duke by the Bucks in 2014 and the 27 year old showed tantalizing flashes of potential last season. Terrific quiet defender who has some ability to pour in points. Secure with the ball, too. Can't pass, rebound or make the highlight defensive play, though. Also signed to an absurdly long, if modestly priced, contract. The 1st rounder is ammunition in case GM Jestor wants to move up.

What this means for the Bucks
Milwaukee's taking a page from the Lakers and are starting Davis at SF, where he should be an explosive offensive presence and his notorious softness on defense should firm up against the much smaller opponents. He's also the heir apparent to Andrew Bogut at C. Collier moves to a probable 6th or 7th man role, where he's a huge upgrade over Charlie Villaneuva as a reserve in all aspects except rebounding.

Winner: Milwaukee
While L. Deng and L. Dudley should provide better defense, more toughness and more consistency than Davis and Collier did, Denver's going to sorely miss the scoring punch inside and the protection for Marcelino Augusto. David Jackson isn't ready to be the starting C and it's questionable as to if he ever will be. Meanwhile, the Bucks get huge upgrades in size and depth and only have to move down 9 spots in the draft to do so. That's a steal of a deal for Milwaukee and makes them the winners.

Deng proved a great all-around pickup this year and played solid defense throughout the playoffs, including better than expected shadowing of David Anyan in the Finals. Dudley never reported to the Nuggets because Denver refused to let him play PG, so instead he was cut. The cap hit will hurt the Nuggets for several seasons to come, but Jestor has the ability to work around it.

In the 2018 draft, there was a specific player Jestor wanted and, much as he did with Jackson in 2016, he traded up to get him, pulling off an incredible three-way trade to do it.

Denver Nuggets receive
Atlanta Hawks 2018 1st round pick (#25 overall)
Atlanta Hawks 2018 2nd round pick (#38 overall)

Atlanta Hawks receive
Denver Nuggets 2018 1st round pick (#22 overall)

Denver Nuggets receive
Indiana Pacers 2018 1st round pick (#11 overall)

Indiana Pacers receive
Denver Nuggets 2018 1st round pick (#13 overall)
Atlanta Hawks 2018 2nd round pick (#38 overall)

What this means for the Nuggets
GM Jestor pairs two trades together to snatch up the player he's been eyeing all draft long, who wasn't going to make it past the Pacers. He also retains a second first round selection and will come out of this draft with two more players.

What this means for the Hawks
Giving up the 8th overall pick in the 2nd round might be a bit steep to pay to move up 3 spots, but Atlanta evidently sees a player it really wants to get in that range.

What this means for the Pacers
Indiana's interior is an absolute wreck, so it doesn't really matter if they pick up a PF or a C. There should still be a decent big man available just two spots later and by picking up a fairly high second rounder in the bargain, they can try their luck at finding a diamond in the rough big man.

Winner: Denver
Jestor knew the player he wanted and found a way to make it happen without giving up that second first round pick. Brilliant work.

With that 11th pick, Jestor took Victor Gipson, who beat out Jackson for the starting C spot in camp and has played extremely well in his rookie season, including the playoffs. Most significantly, he played with the kind of intensity and ferocity the Nuggets had been missing at C since at least the Dan Jacobson days, perhaps even further back.

Free agency brought a host of role players, including the return of Steven Caspers, a quietly valuable reserve and the more heralded signing of 21 year old Belgian Louis Mertens, who despite having tantalizing promise was never given much of an opportunity with the Sonics, who drafted him 9th overall in 2016. Instead, he joined Denver on a 2 year min-sal deal and showed great potential and flashes of ability, growing in production as the season and playoffs worn on, particularly as a passer and occasional point-scorer. Tony Parker arrived via a minor trade that sent Brent Short and a 2nd round pick to the Bobcats, but his greatest value came in his veteran leadership.

The Nuggets struggled for the first half of the season as new head Scott Skiles, hired after legendary Larry Brown retired, lost control of the team with a clashing demeanor and an ill-fitting system. He was fired at the end of January, following Denver's seventh loss in eight games. Jim O'Brien got the job and his more up-tempo offense re-ignited the Nuggets, bringing the team back to winning form all the way to the title, O'Brien's first as a head coach.

The final piece of the puzzle fell into place a few weeks after O'Brien's hiring and it's the trade that Toronto GM Bryan Colangelo admits to now regretting:

Denver Nuggets receive
SG Rico Wolfe

Toronto Raptors receive
PG Jon Freeman
Charlotte Bobcats 2021 2nd round pick

What this means for the Nuggets
Word out of the Colorado Timberjacks, Denver's D-League affiliate, was that Freeman, while an incredibly intelligent player, simply doesn't have the talent to be a legitimate NBA player. This made him expendable in the eyes of the Denver organization and so he's spun into Wolfe, a good all-around player who famously shut down Mateen Yeaton in last year's NBA Finals. He represents a massive defensive upgrade for the Nuggets bench, something Denver lacked at the guard spots.

What this means for the Raptors
Justin Richler moves to his natural position of SG and Toronto gives 23 year old Bulgarian eric Kostov of the little e a spin at PG. We like Gabe Rosen a lot better to start at point for the Raptors, but Sam Mitchell and his staff apparently don't feel the same. While having Richler at his original position will help improve the three-time defending champions, should the Nuggets and Raptors meet in the Finals for the fourth year in a row, Toronto suddenly doesn't have the big guard body (Wolfe's 6'8, 190 lbs) or the defensive prowess to limit Yeaton. Freeman's averaging 11.7 points and 6.6 assists in the D-League, but the Raptors are calling him up to give him a trial with the big club.

Winner: Denver
The Nuggets needed to improve their bench defense at guard and they do it by picking up Wolfe while giving up a player they lost hope for. More importantly, they just acquired a major weapon, one with knowledge of the Raptors' schemes and a key component to Toronto's title last year. The Zelipe Gama rumors can also be laid to rest for now.

Wolfe proved the perfect fit as the Nuggets' first guard off the bench and more critically for the Raptors, they lost the tall, good defender who so determinedly and successfully limited Yeaton in last year's Finals. This opened the door for Jestor's most loved player to have the miracle Finals he did this year, winning the Finals MVP and the long-quested for trophy and ring.

Neon_Chaos

11-13-2008, 02:38 AM

VICTORY!!!

JonInMiddleGA

11-13-2008, 08:47 AM

Yeah, but can you repeat?
:D

Congrats.

Izulde

11-13-2008, 11:31 AM

Neon_Chaos: Victory indeed. :D

JonInMiddleGA: An excellent question, one I'll be addressing in next post. And thanks. :)

Izulde

11-13-2008, 01:13 PM

Dreaming of Dynasty: What Now For Nuggets?

The delerium of joy gripping the city of Denver in the wake of the Nuggets' first championship in a decade is now receding to a calm sense of happiness and questions are cropping up as to if the team can repeat and what they need to do to accomplish the feat.

What will the Nuggets do with the team's expiring contracts?

Mateen Yeaton, whose court embrace with GM Jestor was captured on camera and headlined every national media outlet as the iconic image of this Nuggets championship, will return. Jestor has repeatedly said that re-signing the Finals MVP is Priority #1. Our guess is that Yeaton signs the kind of lengthy deal that should see the rest of his career in a Nuggets uniform.

Priority 1A for the Nuggets will be returning Rico Wolfe, who energized the bench and played the perfect scorer and defender as the primary backup at guard after being acquired from the Raptors at the trade deadline.

The rest of the expiring contracts are all old players who no doubt are contemplating retirement. If none of them decide to retire, however, Emeka Okafor will be re-signed, most likely on a min-sal deal. The rest probably won't be back, particularly not Kirk Hinrich, who complained about reduced minutes this season.

How is the Zelipe Gama situation going to be resolved?
Gama, who was one of the best feel-good stories of 2015 and 2016, his first two years with the Nuggets, really started to drop the last two seasons, especially in the playoffs, where he's become inconsistent and a non-factor in four straight Finals.

But the Spainard's also one of the team's most popular players, both on the team and with the fans, he's still a very good PG and he comes at a cap-friendly, controlled-cost $5 million a year for the next 4 years contract. Our guess is that Jestor shops him around but will fail to find anything that he likes and keep Gama in the end.

Is there any truth to the rumors that Marcelino Augusto will be traded?
If Augusto played SF, then no, there would be no truth at all to the rumors. But because the Brazilian is a 6'9, 217 lb PF and hence, undersized for the four, there's a distinct possibility he could be dealt.

It seem ludicrous to many that a 20 year old who's an excellent all-around player and who averaged 19.7 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks in just his second season would be traded, especially such a fan favorite. But Augusto appeared to tire somewhat as the postseason wore on and was limited to a 12.2 point, 6.4 rebound average in the Finals and that was against Chris Bosh, who isn't that much bigger.

On the other hand, the former #1 overall pick shot an impressive 48.9% from the floor during the regular season this year and an even more pleasing 50.2% in the postseason. That's the kind of accuracy Jestor loves from his players and is a major point for Augusto staying in Denver.

Like Gama, we believe Jestor will put feelers out to see what he can get. Unlike Gama, there's a fair chance the GM could find a package he likes and pull the trigger.

What are Denver's main areas of weakness that need to be addressed in the offseason?

Assuming the following events take place: Yeaton and Wolfe are re-signed and Augusto and Gama don't move anywhere, the following two major needs crop up.

1. An heir to Luol Deng at SF.
As much as we love David Jackson's productivity off the bench, he really loses his effectiveness when he's shifted to a starting role. As matters currently stand, if Deng declines sooner than expected, Jackson's the first in line to take over at SF.

2. Find new veteran leadership if Okafor retires
Okafor's really been the soul of this team and while Yeaton took great strides into taking on a more active leadership role this season, he's not entirely comfortable taking on that mantle. Deng isn't well-liked enough to provide it. Gama is a possibility to become the team captain, but only if it's guaranteed he isn't going to be traded. That's not something we see happening, so right now, it's Yeaton or bust.

Of course, if Gama and/or Augusto are traded, then this can change significantly. But for right now, it appears as though the majority of the pieces are in place for another championship run.

Izulde

11-13-2008, 11:56 PM

NBA Lottery
1. Houston Rockets (+4)
2. Indiana Pacers
3. New Orleans Hornets (-2)
4. L.A. Clippers (-1)
5. Phoenix Suns (-1)
6. Golden State Warriors
7. Charlotte Bobcats
8. Dallas Mavericks
9. Miami Heat
10. New Jersey Nets
11. Utah Jazz
12. Washington Wizards
13. Philadelphia 76ers
14. Boston Celtics

Michael Redd and Caron Butler took their rings as end of bench/inactive Nuggets and retired into the sunset. Redd joined Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki and Elton Brand in the Hall of Fame.

When I received an e-mail from the commish requesting that I retire Michael Redd's jersey, I instantly replied with my refusal, only to find it hanging from the rafters when I arrived at the arena.

I then did some investigating around the league and discovered that while Elton and Kobe had their jersey numbers properly retired with the Clippers and the Lakers respectively, Dirk's retired jersey was hanging in Sacramento rather than in Dallas.

The sheer idiocy of this led me to successfully force a re-evaluation of retired jerseys. Redd's jersey was retired in Milwaukee, Dirk's in Dallas. The Kings and of course we, the Nuggets, unretired the respective numbers we'd accidentally retired.

A rather dull lottery all in all. The most interesting thing is that the Houston Rockets win the lottery and the #1 pick for the second straight year in another upset. Maybe they'll draft yet another SF. Because I mean really, this isn't enough SFs drafted #1 overall on the same team:

SF Georghios Kairis - #1 overall - 2011 Draft (New York Knicks) FA - 2013
SF Mark White - #1 overall - 2014 Draft (Houston Rockets)
SF Will Baron - #1 overall - 2018 Draft (Houston Rockets)

I mean we're talking Detroit Lions and WRs in the late 1990s/early 2000s territory here. Interestingly enough, White has the passing skills to play PG as well, so it's conceivably we could someday see all three #1 SF draft picks in the Rockets starting lineup. Hey, maybe they can draft a SF with top overall pick this draft who can play PF or C and then they'd be on their way to 4 of 5 starters whose native position is SF.

2018 NBA Awards

MVP
Andrew Bynum - Los Angeles Lakers - 17.5 PPG 12.9 RPG 4.1 APG 2.9 BPG 1.0 SPG
Defensive Player of the Year
Greg Oden - Toronto Raptors - 13.4 PPG 16.1 RPG 4.2 APG 2.9 BPG 0.8 SPG
Rookie of the Year
Victor Gipson - Denver Nuggets - 10.5 PPG 9.3 RPG 1.9 APG 2.5 BPG 0.6 SPG
6th Man of the Year
Mike Patterson - Dallas Mavericks - 12.4 PPG 5.5 RPG 1.8 APG 0.9 BPG 0.7 SPG
Coach of the Year
Sam Mitchell - Toronto Raptors

Beautiful upset victory by Gipson over Sonny Boxler for Rookie of the Year, but as one sportswriter pointed out, "Gipson was the unsung difference between the Nuggets losing last year and winning this year and the great banisher of the Tim Davis spectre."

All-NBA 1st Team
PG Kenny Graham - Detroit Pistons
SG LeBron James - Cleveland Cavaliers
SF Kevin Durant - Portland Trailblazers
PF Kelvin Moody - Minnesota Timberwolves
C Andrew Bynum - Los Angeles Lakers

All-NBA 2nd Team
PG Major Drayton - Minnesota Timberwolves
SG Justin Richler - Toronto Raptors
SF Georghiois Kairis - Houston Rockets
PF Henry Fisher - Utah Jazz
C Greg Oden - Toronto Raptors

All-NBA 3rd Team
PG Paulinho Buboltz - Indiana Pacers
SG Jerian McCrary - Portland Trailblazers
SF Andrew Soloman - New Jersey Nets
PF Dwight Howard - Orlando Magic
C Narcyz Malinomowski - Memphis Grizzlies

McCrary over Yeaton?! Are you effing kidding me?! What bull.

All-Defense 1st Team
PG Leland Peterson - Washington Wizards
SG Sonny Boxler - Portland Trailblazers
SF Rudy Gay - Memphis Grizzlies
PF Dwight Howard - Orlando Magic
C Greg Oden - Toronto Raptors

All-Defense 2nd Team
PG Derrick Sterett - New Jersey Nets
SG Charles Seegars - Chicago Bulls
SF Jeremy Lemons - Orlando Magic
PF Kelvin Moody - Minnesota Timberwolves
C Andrew Bynum - Los Angeles Lakers

All-Rookie 1st Team
PG Cedric Caldwell - Miami Heat
SG Sonny Boxler - Portland Trailblazers
SF Will Baron - Houston Rockets
PF Andy Sola - Cleveland Cavaliers
C Victor Gipson - Denver Nuggets

All-Rookie 2nd Team
PG Andre Moore - Chicago Bulls
SG Jermaine Butler - Boston Celtics
SF Shane Holliway - Phoenix Suns
PF Tim Butler - New Orleans Hornets
C Valery Frahm - Golden State Warriors

B.B. Dyer and I go through our annual deep playoff run $15 million max spiel. I think we can manage it, despite the fact that we're currently $25 million over the cap with only 8 players signed. Recall $10 million of that is Emeka Okafor by himself and if we can get Mateen Yeaton and Rico Wolfe back cheaper than expected, I think we'll be sitting fine.

I do some preliminary shopping of Marcelino Augusto and while everyone is extremely interested in him, there's only a few teams that I have much of an interest in making a deal with after discussions. Much of it, of course, is going to depend upon on how this draft class looks.

I also do the same for Zelipe Gama, but frankly, at this point in time, I'm not impressed with what I can get back. That could well change, pending the draft class and what I do with Augusto, but right now, it's looking as though our Spanish citizen will stay in Denver.

Coach Hiring

1st assistant Patrick Ewing gets a 3 year contract extension as he's in the last year of his contract and I was really happy with him, both in his earlier stint in Denver and in this one.

We need 2nd and 3rd assistants though.

Head Coach Contracts
Scott Skiles - New Orleans Hornets
Jeff Bzdelik - Phoenix Suns
Rudy Tomjanovich - Indiana Pacers
Isiah Thomas - Golden State Warriors (Welcome to continued suckitude)
Nate McMillan - Los Angeles Clippers

Larry Riley returns to our staff as the 3rd assistant and fallen former GM and NBA great Kevin McHale arrives as the 2nd assistant.

Mock Draft
This class is looking something similiar to last year's, a lot of raw talent that could be great someday. 19 year old Bosnian SG Filip Mikulic is projected by most to go #1, but I personally really like Michigan State freshman PG Corey Westbrooks, who's slated to slip to 14th to the Celtics in a lot of mocks, but who I initially see as a top 3 pick. 20 year old Polish PF Oliwjer Rosiak intrigues the hell out of me as well, currently tabbed to go 6th to Golden State. Mikulic isn't a SF, but it's yet another swingman the Rockets would have. Personally, if I'm Houston, if my initial impressions hold out, I'd take Westbrooks and give myself the PG of now and the future.

We hold the 19th pick in the draft and we're projected to take Michigan State freshman SF Curtis Wilkerson, who I'm not impressed with at all. If we keep the pick and they drop, I'm a little interested in two University of Pittsburgh players: junior SF Brian Brown and freshman C Marcus McKie, who really projects as a SF/PF in my eyes. 19 year old Spanish C Micholau Asprilla is another around the area who raises my curiosity and I foresee him as more of a C. There's also Duke senior PG Carlton Goree. I'm also attracted to 22 year old Bulgarian PF Tzvetan Kishishev, who for some reason is listed in some mocks as a 2nd rounder, whereas I see him as at least a mid 1st rounder, possibly a late lottery pick.

A lot of the coming moves are going to depend on our scouting reports and how the draft shakes out. Zelipe Gama and Marcelino Augusto currently wear powder blue, but by the end of the draft or by the start of the season, they could be donning a whole new uniform.

Izulde

11-14-2008, 03:23 PM

Our enthusiasm for most of the top guys we were looking at plummeted after we brought them in for workouts. So much so in fact that our wishlist is now down to 3 players and I think we'll be able to come out of this draft with at least one of them, possibly more.

2019 NBA Draft 1st Round
1. SG Filip Mikulic - Houston Rockets
2. PG Keith Attaway - Indiana Pacers

This probably spells the end of Ben Gordon in Indiana. My guess is they'll have Attaway play SG and keep Paulinho Buboltz at the point. Stupid pick by the Pacers if you ask me, because they need major help on their frontline and they're drafting a guard.

3. SF Vinston Henry - New Orleans Hornets
4. PG Kueth Hill - Los Angeles Clippers
5. C Marcus McKie - Phoenix Suns

A real stunner by the Suns here. No way in hell McKie deserves to be a top 5 pick. Late lottery, sure. Top 5, no. Silly moves like this are why Phoenix has become one of the league's worst teams year in and year out after being one of the best when I first came in back in 2007.

6. PF Jeremy Bellairs - Golden State Warriors
7. PF Oliwjer Rosiak - Charlotte Bobcats
8. SF Devone Allen - Dallas Mavericks
9. SF Steven Feaster - Miami Heat
10. SG Walter Hicks - New Jersey Nets
11. SG Kenny Magloire - Utah Jazz
12. SF Orlando Montero - Washington Wizards
13. PG Corey Westbrooks - Philadelphia 76ers

That shattering sound you just heard was the collective hearts of Celtics fans breaking everywhere. For a brief, tantalizing moment, it looked as though Westbrooks was going to fall to Boston, but the 76ers pulled the smart move and snatched him up. Although Westbrooks has intangibles issues, which is why I didn't make a play for him, he's a terrific high-risk, high-reward pick at this stage in the draft. He was one of our 3 players and if he'd lasted past the C's, I would've made inquiries.

14. PG Jon Costello - Boston Celtics

So Boston needs a PG and what do they do? Take the guy who averaged not even 4 assists for Texas last year. Talk about overreaching, especially since one of our other 2 players was still sitting there for the taking.

15. SG Jason Neal - San Antonio Spurs
16. SF Brian Brown - Seattle Supersonics

Bizzare pick considering they already have Brooks Smith, but hey, whatever. At least it wasn't a player I had on my radar.

17. C Brandon Edmond - Minnesota Timberwolves

The player I really want most is still on the board and there's one more pick to go. I'm tempted to trade up to make sure I get him, but there's also a C who's been hanging around for umpteen picks now and who should've gone off. The Cavs have a need at the five, so they'll probably take him.

18. SG David Chambers - Cleveland Cavaliers

Wow, boneheaded pick by the Cavs here. Not an area of need at all and the guy flatout sucks. But it opens it up for us to take whoever we want and on top of it, that C, Charlie Joseph, is still sitting out there. Then again, Joseph is 6'9, 264 lbs, so really more of a PF than a C. We didn't scout him and based on the information I -do- have available, while he'd be a good value pick at this stage of the draft, there's a player I like better who has great intangibles.

19. PF Tzvetan Kishhishhev - Denver Nuggets

The pick's met with a lukewarm reception, though I'm pleased to see the analysts confirm our information on the Bulgarian's work ethic. J.P. Gorski speculates aloud how this might affect the Marcelino Augusto situation, but there's really no threat here. Tzvetan gives us more of a scoring big man off the bench and an apparently wicked defender, a nice change of pace from David Jackson, whose more of an all-around guy with great rebounding skills.

20. SF Curtis Wilkerson - Atlanta Hawks
21. C Charlie Joseph - Portland Trailblazers

The Trailblazers get what could be the steal of the draft here. He's still too small for my liking, but when you're picking in the 20s and you get a player of this calibre, no matter how undersized, you've got yourself some serious value.

22. PF Calvis Hatter - Memphis Grizzlies
23. C Leo Sinville - Orlando Magic

The other player I really liked is still available and I'm strongly tempted to move up to get him. But I don't think we have the ammunition to do it.

24. PF Dylan Clark - Chicago Bulls
25. SF Louis McNeish - Milwaukee Bucks
26. PF Anthony Reeves - Detroit Pistons
27. PG Carlton Goree - Sacramento Kings

And there he goes. To be honest, Goree isn't ever going to be a top-flight PG in the passing game, but I think he has the ability to be a borderline starter and a strong reserve. Excellent, excellent steal by the Kings here, reminiscent of Justin Barnes.

28. PG Jeremy Andersen - New York Knicks
29. C Micholau Asprilla - Los Angeles Lakers
30. SF Andrea Paige - Toronto Raptors

Immediate post-draft impressions of Tzvetan Kishishev are lukewarm and looking at Carlton Goree in comparison, I should've gone with the Duke guard over the Bulgarian, but that's okay. I think we'll be all right, especially since we still have Louis Mertens.

I renounce our rights on Tony Parker and Kirk Hinrich, but leave our rights on Emeka Okafor, Mateen Yeaton and Rico Wolfe intact. Okafor will come back cheap, which will drastically reduce the now $23.3 million cap excess and I'm pretty sure Yeaton will return for less than $26.3 million a year.

Summer League

Denver Nuggets Assignees
PG Louis Mertens
PF Tzvetan Kishishhev
C David Jackson
C Victor Gipson

Louis Mertens looks terrific against Dallas with 23 points and 10 assists as we pummel the Mavericks 112-99 to open Summer League play. David Jackson dominates as well with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Victor Gipson gets 16 points and 14 rebounds and reserve Andre Songaila scores 13.

Victor Gipson absolutely crushes Golden State for 32 points, 14 rebounds, an assist, 8 blocks and a steal in our 108-88 romp. Tzvetan Kishishev looks extremely sharp as the 6th man, scoring 18 points and pulling down 7 boards. I'm not sure why he's not starting at PF, but so be it. Louis Mertens double-doubles with 12 points and 11 assists.

Gritty game against the Hawks, but we grind out a 92-74 win on Charles Arnold's 23 points and 10 bench points from Tzevtan Kishishev. I'm a little surprised Arnold's even a free agent. He's extremely raw, but I think he has potential to be a very good player.

It's our first loss of the summer league, but the 115-111 game against the Bulls was called by many watchers the most exciting game of the session. David Jackson put up 23 points and 14 rebounds, Victor Gipson had 10 points and 12 rebounds, Louis Mertens scored 22 points and Tzevtan Kishishev and Gary Burditt scored 16 and 10 bench points respectively.

We close out the summer games with a 116-94 smashing of the Celtics, highlighted by Victor Gipson's 28 points and 12 rebounds. Louis Mertens dished out 11 points and 15 assists, while Andre Songaila scored 12 off the bench.

I'm extremely pleased with how we did in the summer league and I'm very excited about how good all of the true Nuggets looked. It gives me a good feeling about our chances to repeat as well as hope for the future.

Free Agency

This is one of the best free agent crops in years, maybe the best since I've joined the league. Among the names available:

SF David Anyan
SG Justin Barnes
SG Chris Gearheart
PG John Willias
PG Gilbert Arenas
SG Mateen Yeaton
SF Andre Davis
SG Kyle Smith
SG David Davis
SG Walter Coleman
PG Dwayne Wade
C Narcyz Malinomowski
PF Nate Bonner
SF Buddy Bracey
C Patrick Riley
SG Ben Gordon

That's just -filthy-. Interestingly enough Phillip Gill and Lannce Dudley are also on the market and I'll watch to see where they go as well.

I offer Mateen Yeaton right away, but decide to wait out Rico Wolfe and Emeka Okafor, who are making crazy contract demands.

Mateen Yeaton is the first of the blue-chip free agents to make a decision, re-signing with us for 6 years, $86.4 million. That's a controlled cost of $14.4 million through year his year 36 season. Sure he'll be overpaid by then, but I consider it an absolute steal.

It also shrinks our cap number down to a delicious $11.3 million over. When we get Okafor down to a reasonable cap number, we'll have enough left over to re-sign Wolfe and hopefully snag a mid-level steal.

Most of the big names are already looking like they're going to cap out, but I throw my hat in for Andre Davis on a mid-level, who's injury-prone as all hell and has a torn MCL, but who'd be a steal for that kind of money.

I keep tabs on the others though and when I see that a team other than Memphis is leading the bidding for Chris Gearheart, who I've always greatly admired, I immediately pull out of running for Davis and gun for Gearheart.

The Kings pull off a major stunner, stealing away Patrick Riley from the Washington Wizards. Sacramento just filled their biggest hole and I think they can be called legitimate contenders now because they've actually got a great player in the post.

He doesn't get a max deal, but a day after the Riley jump's reported, Andre Davis returns to the Clippers. Ah well, they gave him a lot more money than we could've afforded.

We lose out on Chris Gearheart to the Utah Jazz, who somehow freed up the money to give him a 5 year, $51.5 million deal. Our division is getting really, really tough this upcoming season and the West is improving as a whole.

The only blue-chippers left after that are the old guys like Arenas, Wade and Gordon, save for Bonner, who's a defensive liability.

I toy with the idea of bringing Ben Gordon back to Denver on a mid-level exemption, but then the coaching staff would probably do something very stupid, like put Yeaton at PG. On the other hand, a Gama/Gordon/Yeaton/Augusto/Gipson starting 5, if Jim O'Brien and his boys would do that, is an interesting possibility.

While I'm sitting on it, Gilbert Arenas and Nate Bonner re-up with Washington and Seattle respectively and Phillip Gill gets a fat paycheck he doesn't deserve to go back to Detroit.

A lot of choices to make here, none of which are easy. I've ruled out Gordon, but Charles Arnold continues to tempt and could be had for the mid-level. Rico Wolfe is in the same situation.

In the end, I can't resist Arnold's tantalizing potential, so I ink him to a 5 year mid-level exemption contract, the same day that Dwayne Wade announces his return to San Antonio.

Rico Wolfe spurns us for a one year mid-level exemption from the Miami Heat. I think we're really going to miss his defense on the perimeter, though I have a feeling Arnold can match his scoring off the bench. Lannce Dudley gets a 3 year deal from the Pacers the same day.

The harsh reality is that we are now absent our do-everything guard off the bench and I'm starting to have second thoughts on being swayed by Arnold's alleged potential. On the one hand, he looks like he could be the heir to Luol Deng at SF. On the other hand, something's got me a little wary of him.

So I call the Heat up and find that they're agreeable to discussing a trade, as they'd coveted Arnold themselves and he's got extremely attractive potential. I take one last look at the deal we've tenatively got in place and my original workout notes on Arnold from three years ago.

Arnold has good shooting skills and average defense. Good personality too, but grades out as only average work ethic and horrible everywhere else.

All of which has been borne out. And let's be honest, he wasn't exactly Mr. Sensational in the Summer League.

It's the combination of my workout notes, the summer league notes and the fact that he's about 40 lbs too light to play SF that convinces me to pull the trigger.

Denver Nuggets receive
SG Rico Wolfe
Miami Heat 2020 1st round pick
Miami Heat 2020 2nd round pick
Miami Heat 2021 2nd round pick
Miami Heat 2022 2nd round pick

Miami Heat receive
SG Charles Arnold
Los Angeles Lakers 2020 1st round pick

What this means for the Nuggets
Remember the Kyle Smith trade a few years back? This one's a lot like that, where GM Jestor initially desirous of a Summer League player on his roster, signed him, only to deal him shortly thereafter. In this case, rumor has it that Jestor really regretted not signing Wolfe to a multi-year mid-level exemption deal and so decided to go get him back. As a bonus, Denver likely moves up in next year's draft and acquires a slew of trade bait 2nd round picks in the bargain.

What this means for the Heat
We expect to see Arnold push starter Jon Wilson at SF. While this move won't necessarily get Miami back to the playoffs, it does give them an exciting young player to groom and develop as either an eventual replacement for Wilson or a safety net in case something hapens to star SG Nigel Abel. Wolfe was never going to be anything more than a one-season rental anyway.

Winner: Draw
This would be a slam dunk in favor of Denver if Wolfe was on a multi-year deal, but he's on a one year contract, so Jestor's going to have to visit this scenario again next season. Wolfe gives Denver what it needs to defend its title, while Arnold is a shining prospect for the future for Miami. Great trade for both teams.

Okay, I feel better now. I may someday regret trading Arnold away, but I don't think so. The fans have mixed reactions to the deal, but they're still happy we won the title and I think they'll be even more pleased if we defend this year. The bench combination of David Jackson and Wolfe was far too potent for us last year not to repeat it.

A few days later, Emeka Okafor comes back on a 2 year min-sal. That same day, the Raptors strike back.

Because they steal Ben Gordon on a min-sal deal. The arms race is back in full effect. I'm even more glad I went and grabbed Wolfe back.

Toronto also brought back an old friend, T.J. Ford. This is going to be one hell of a season and some pundits are already picking Toronto/Denver Round V.

Blue Chip Board
SF David Anyan - Re-signs with Toronto
SG Justin Barnes - Re-signs with Sacramento
SG Chris Gearheart - Signs with Utah
PG John Willias - Re-signs with New York
PG Gilbert Arenas - Re-signs with Washington
SG Mateen Yeaton - Re-signs with Denver
SF Andre Davis - Re-signs with L.A. Clippers
SG Kyle Smith - Re-signs with Cleveland
SG David Davis - Re-signs with New York
SG Walter Coleman - Re-signs with Golden State
PG Dwayne Wade - Re-signs with San Antonio
C Narcyz Malinomowski - Re-signs with Memphis
PF Nate Bonner - Re-signs with Seattle
SF Buddy Bracey - Re-signs with Cleveland
C Patrick Riley - Signs with Sacramento
SG Ben Gordon - Signs with Toronto

We're under $1 million over the cap. $709,429 to be exact. Amazing financial shape, especially with Luol Deng's $11.6 million coming off the books next year. We might actually be big-time free agent players next offseason.

Training Camp
Impressive camp by Marcelino Augusto, who seems to have been motivated by the incessant trade rumors. Louis Mertens is building on his strong summer league to make a case for being re-signed. Luol Deng only dropped a little, much to my relief.

David Jackson put in some nice work but Victor Gipson surprisingly didn't show any discernable improvement. The real story of camp was Tzvetan Kishishev, who showed monster defensive talent and improved scoring. He won't make too many defensive highlight plays, but he'll frustrate opponents who try to score on him.

Preseason Outlook

The newswriters are once again sniffing the glue, tabbing Seattle as the top team in the West, followed by us. At least they're giving us -that- much credit. Portland's #3 and the Jazz make their appearance at #5, setting up another year of the Northwest as the West's dominant division. They're picking Sacramento, arguably the most improved team in the conference, for 13th. Yeah and this was a team that was just a #2 seed last season. Not buying that one, either. How you can have the Kings 13th and the Lakers 10th while simultaneously picking the Hornets 4th is beyond me.

More insanity in the East, where the Knicks somehow replace the Raptors as the favorites and the Bulls are picked as the #2 team. ...Riiiiiiiiiiight. Toronto's pegged 3rd. Now honestly, you're going to pick a lineup that looks like THIS:

PG Justin Richler
SG Ben Gordon
SF David Anyan
PF Chris Bosh
C Greg Oden

third in the East? No way. There's no way in hell you pick Toronto for anything but #1 in the conference unless you're an absolute moron. I love the chances for a fifth straight Raptors/Nuggets Finals to be honest with you.

Speaking of lineups and Denver...

Denver Nuggets 2019 Projected Opening Day Lineup
PG Zelipe Gama
SG Mateen Yeaton
SF Luol Deng
PF Marcelino Augusto
C Victor Gipson
6th David Jackson (SF/PF/C)
7th Rico Wolfe (PG/SG/SF)
8th Louis Mertens (PG/SG)
9th Tzvetan Kishishev (PF/C)
10th Emeka Okafor (PF/C)
11th Lindsey Williamson (SF/PF/C)
12th Steven Caspers (SF/PF/C)

I'm pumped about this season. So many really good teams this year. In fact, there's probably never been a better time to be an NBA fan.

rjolley

11-14-2008, 04:12 PM

That's a lot of bigs off the bench. Is there a trade or two for a guard in the works?

And congrats on breaking through and winning the championship.

Izulde

11-14-2008, 06:31 PM

That's a lot of bigs off the bench. Is there a trade or two for a guard in the works?

And congrats on breaking through and winning the championship.

We've traditionally very guard heavy, so I'm not terribly worried. If it looks like we need another guard, I'll just sign somebody via free agency.

And thanks. :)

Izulde

11-14-2008, 07:23 PM

One thing I forgot to mention. Charles Arnold did indeed win the SF job with the Heat. Miami's season is going to be an interesting one to watch, though I'm wondering if I should've flip-flopped picks, because they'll have a really good starting five once C Fabian Kruger comes back from his torn MCL.

In any event, Halloween Night is a sellout in Los Angeles as we take on the Lakers. We open our title sense with a convincing 105-82 win as Mateen Yeaton explodes for 27 points and 11 rebounds, Zelipe Gama gets 13 points and 16 assists and Rico Wolfe scores 10 bench points.

Unfortunately, we lose 100-91 in our home opener to the Timberwolves, ruining Victor Gipson's 11 points and 13 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton's 26 points and Zelipe Gama's 13 points and 11 assists. Teams are really going to be targeting us this year and like I said, our division is going to be the toughest in the West again this season.

It's a scorefest, but we pull out the 111-100 victory over the Jazz behind all five of our starters scoring at least 14 points, led by Zelipe Gama's 24 points and 11 assists. Marcelino Augusto and Victor Gipson come through with 17 points and 15 rebounds and 17 points and 11 rebounds respectively. Chris Gearheart's atrocious 2 for 15 night helps immensely.

Utah gets revenge on their home court on the front of a back-to-back, winning 106-102, despite 13 points, 15 rebounds and 5 blocks from Victor Gipson, 25 points from Mateen Yeaton, 11 points and 13 assists from Zelipe Gama and 13 bench points from Rico Wolfe. Fortunately, we snap back to flatten Seattle 115-91 as Marcelino Augusto has his first truly good game of the year with 26 points, 13 rebounds and 7 blocks while Mateen Yeaton scores 30. I haven't been happy with Augusto's early-season play and I'm re-thinking my decision to keep him.

Then again, Marcelino Augusto saves our asses with 31 points and 9 rebounds in a harrowing 91-90 win over the Pistons. So maybe it's a case of him needing some more time to warm up before he gets in the groove.

Tzvetan Kishishev isn't getting in any games and we're big man heavy, so I send him to the Timberjacks where he takes over as the starting PF and bring back Tony Parker from the free agent scrap pile to fill our guard void, particularly since Louis Mertens is battling a concussion.

I said the Kings were vastly improved and I wasn't kidding as they play us close in a 114-106 shootout in Sacramento that eventually goes our way. We need three Nuggets with 20+ points to carry the night: Marcelino Augusto (24 points, 11 rebounds, 5 blocks), Mateen Yeaton (21 points) and Zelipe Gama (26 points). David Jackson leads the reserves with 7 points and 10 rebounds.

I'm nervous about the Finals rematch against the Raptors that comes next and I'm shocked when we blow them out 111-96. Mateen Yeaton really got up for this game and dazzled the home crowd and the national audience with 37 points and 11 rebounds. Marcelino Augusto contributed 21 points, Zelipe Gama garnered 16 points and 16 assists and David Jackson romped for 17 points off the bench. Ben Gordon's held to a woeful 2 for 9 night with 5 points and hasn't been the dynamite scorer the Raptors hoped for in the early season.

But then the glee's deflated somewhat as the Bulls rock us 111-98. Only Mateen Yeaton with 30 points and Rico Wolfe with 13 bench points came to play today. Second year pro Andre Moore, who I called the best PG of last year's class, is developing nicely and if he fills out as expected, he'll be a 4* borderline All-Star player.

The Mavericks are good for a 108-87 tonic as Mateen Yeaton and Marcelino Augusto score 29 and 25 points respectively. Rico Wolfe and David Jackson add 10 and 14 points off the bench in the easy win.

Another great game by Marcelino Augusto, who keeps making it harder and harder to justify the idea of trading him with 38 points and 11 rebounds in our 106-90 victory over the Nets. Victor Gipson doubles with 10 points and 14 rebounds and Mateen Yeaton scores 26. Louis Mertens chips in 10 assists from the bench.

San Antonio looks old and tired as we obliterate them 111-76 on Mateen Yeaton's 38 points, 15 points and 11 rebounds from Marcelino Augusto, 10 points and 16 assists from Zelipe Gama and 11 bench points from Rico Wolfe. I think their run as challengers to us in the West is pretty much over. We sweep the doubleheader by neatly topping the Rockets 99-87 behind Marcelino Augusto's 30 points and 13 rebounds and David Jackson's 10 points and 9 rebounds off the bench.

Marcelino Augusto stings the Hornets for 32 points and Luol Deng has his first true appearance of the season in scoring 27 in our 112-95 rout of New Orleans. Zelipe Gama adds 10 points and 13 assists and David Jackson scores 10 bench points.

We finish off the first month of play with a 101-96 victory over the Cavaliers engineered by Marcelino Augusto's 29 points and 14 rebounds. Victor Gipson snags a double-double with 10 points, 12 rebounds and 6 blocks, Louis Mertens leads the second team charge with 12 points and 13 assists and Rico Wolfe contributes 11 bench points.

12-3's enough for a game and a half lead over the surprising Timberwolves. I'm stunned to see Memphis in front of their divison at 11-5, even more shocked to see Dallas 2nd at 10-7.

But the real mindblower is Golden State leading the Pacific at 9-5. That's Isiah Thomas coached, little talent Golden State. At least it's still early in the year.

The Raptors prove me correct and hold an iron grip over the East at 13-4. Atlanta continues to somehow keep winning despite not having much collective talent, presently leading the Southeast at 10-4. The Central's going to be another bruiser of a fight this year, as 4 of 5 teams are either in the lead or a half game out. Only Indiana's off the pace and they're competitive at 6-9.

Miami and the Lakers are both 6-10 and I'm starting to regret dealing away the Purple and Gold's 1st rounder for the Heat's, particularly since Rico Wolfe is being outplayed by Louis Mertens and he and David Jackson are starting to make waves about playing time.

Jackson wants to start at SF over Luol Deng, while Wolfe wants more than the 14 minutes and change a game he's been getting. Our loudmouth 6th man has a point - Deng's shooting a miserable 37.5% so far this season. As for Wolfe, well, I just don't know. Yeah, our resident Belgian's defense is horrible and not likely to get better any time soon, but he makes up for it with his skillful passing and how damn secure he is with the ball.

And overall, I just get this feeling that while we're playing well, something's a little off. Like we're a powder keg waiting to explode, but maybe it's just my imagination.

Izulde

11-15-2008, 03:52 PM

Indiana Pacers receive
SG Rob Robinson

Chicago Bulls receive
PF Leroy Wright
Indiana Pacers 2020 2nd round pick

What this means for the Pacers
Somewhat strange move for Indiana, as Robinson is a bland 30 year old guard who brings absolutely nothing worthy to the table and doesn't really improve the team in any way. On top of it, they give up a likely high 2nd rounder.

What this means for the Bulls
Wright hasn't been the overachieving supersub he was known for in Denver and Indiana since 2016 and he's rooted to the end of the bench, but at least he can provide some defensive help in a pinch. He's also an expiring $4.8 million contract in addition to the 2nd rounder.

Winner: Chicago
The Pacers deplete an already weak frontcourt and get back someone who doesn't improve their bench. Meanwhile, the Bulls get financial flexibility and a high 2nd rounder in a trade of trash for trash.

Indiana Pacers receive
PF Lance Purnell

New Jersey Nets receive
C Deon Keams

What this means for the Pacers
Indiana gets a new starter out of the deal at PF, but it's telling that Purnell, who can provide some offense and is a decent ballhandler for a big man, has no outstanding attributes and is a black hole on defense. Such is the plight of the Pacers' bigs situation. Oh where have you gone, Rik Smits and Jermaine O'Neal?

What this means for the Nets
The Pacers give up on Keams after just one season and they're right to do. He can rebound some and he's a good shotblocker, but the league's loaded with guys like this, the Lindsey Williamson type. The $1.5 million off next season coupon is a real yawner, but every little bit helps.

Winner: Draw
Improves each team by an increment so tiny, the deal wasn't really worth making. Just what's going on with the Pacers' front office?

Strange tidings with the Pacers indeed. Then again, if they're being that dunderheaded, perhaps they're worth talking with. But then a quick review of Indiana's roster reveals there's nobody worth trading for. Paulinho Buboltz's return to Indiana isn't going to happen, given his bloated $18.6 million salary and I'd only take on one of the others if it meant a 1st round pick.

One thing to note about the David Jackson situation: he's in the last year of his rookie contract, so we could gamble that if we trade him, the receiving team won't sign him to an extension and he'll hit free agency. But I don't want to trade him unless it looks certain his morale's going to hit rock bottom.

I'm pissed as Miami beats us 116-103 to worsen our draft position as we start December. Marcelino Augusto's 20 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks, Mateen Yeaton's 22 points and David Jackson's 12 bench points don't mean squat when Luol Deng's off an 1 for 9 night.

Deng's got to go. I love what he did for us last year and I hate to send off his huge expiring contract, but he's playing like shit, shooting 36.3% and he's angering David Jackson, who's a hell of a lot more valuable than Deng is.

It's surprisingly easy to find a trade.

Denver Nuggets receive
C Andrew Bogut

Milwaukee Bucks receive
SF Luol Deng

What this means for the Nuggets
This trade originally was intended to make David Jackson the starting SF, which it did, but it also gives Denver a smart, savvy new starter at C in Bogut. The 35 year old's skills have sharply eroded from his prime, but he'll make more intelligent plays than Victor Gipson and greatly enhances the Nuggets in the frontcourt.

What this means for the Bucks
Milwaukee welcomes Deng back into the fold as the starting SF, but given Deng's poor start and the weakness this puts the Bucks at C, this is a potentially dangerous trade for the Central leaders.

Winner: Denver
They're both expiring contracts and if Bogut doesn't work out, GM Jestor's the type who's not afraid to cut him (see Lamar Odom, Lannce Dudley. The key to this trade for the Nuggets, as we noted above, is to put the discontented Jackson in the starting lineup.

Fantastic defensive outing in our first game with the new look. We crush the Magic 98-69 as Mateen Yeaton produces 28 points and 9 rebounds, Andrew Bogut has a smashing Denver debut with 24 points and 12 rebounds and Marcelino Augusto generates 22 points, 11 rebounds and 6 blocks.

Marcelino Augusto and Zelipe Gama break out for 39 points and 27 points, 18 assists and 5 steals respectively as we roll up the Wizards 108-92. Bogut's proving to really improve our interior defense and it's great to see. I'll admit, I had my concerns when Jim O'Brien said he was starting Bogut, but if these first two games are any indication, it was the right move.

But then we go up against the Raptors in Toronto and can't hit a shot to save our lives, getting blown out 102-77. Marcelino Augusto struggled his way to 15 points and 12 rebounds and Rico Wolfe scored 12 off the bench, but we were on ice all night long.

So that makes us 1-1 thus far for the 7-game East Conference road trip. Marcelino Augusto tears into the Knicks for 43 points and 10 rebounds to take us to 2-1 after a 109-96 win. Rico Wolfe adds 15 points off the bench. As much as I get tempted to trade Augusto, he's only 21 years old and he's capable of putting up huge numbers despite being undersized.

We split the ensuing back-to-back. Philadelphia hammers us 113-81 despite 26 points from Mateen Yeaton, 13 points and 10 rebounds from Andrew Bogut and Rico Wolfe's 10 bench points. Mateen Yeaton ensures we don't drop two in a row in scoring 37 against the Celtics to give us the 105-84 win. Also credit Zelipe Gama's 13 points and 14 assists and Victor Gipson's 13 bench points.

Sweet revenge against the Heat on the front end as we win 116-96. Mateen Yeaton rips Miami for 35 points, Marcelino Augusto adds 30 and Zelipe Gama distributes 17 points and 10 assists. Andrew Bogut double-doubled as well, with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Unfortunately we can't connect on the sweep, losing 111-92 to the Magic. Andrew Bogut did his part with 14 points and 16 rebounds, but that's it.

4-3 road trip. Nowhere near as good as we do in some years, but on the other hand, a hell of a lot better than a losing record. The schizophenic nature of the team is disturbing me somewhat, but I'm not going to make any moves... yet.

Home's a welcome place to be as Mateen Yeaton scores 32 and we get double-doubles out of Marcelino Augusto (22 points, 11 rebounds) and Zelipe Gama (11 points, 11 assists) in a 113-91 pounding of Phoenix.

But then Bad Denver shows up and not even Marcelino Augusto's 30 points and 9 rebounds can spare us a 111-85 smackdown by Seattle. It's really starting to drive me crazy how damned inconsistent we are all of a sudden.

At least it's a happy Christmas as we sweep the holiday doubleheader. 114-105 the final over Dallas, keyed by Mateen Yeaton's 27 points, 26 points and 14 rebounds from Marcelino Augusto and great reserve performances by Rico Wolfe (13 points) and Steven Caspers (10 points). We win 95-87 over Golden State on the strength of Marcelino Augusto's 23 points and 11 rebounds and Rico Wolfe's 13 bench points.

Balanced offense led by Marcelino Augusto's 22 points and Rico Wolfe's 11 bench points, combined with smothering team defense, carries us to a 105-72 revenge whipping of the 76ers. At this point, I just don't think I can bring myself to trade Augusto, small-sized or no. He's just too consistent, too valuable, too good a shielding option for Mateen Yeaton. And he was my #1 pick, after all.

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day go even better than the Christmas holidays as we look dominant in sweeping both L.A. teams. The Lakers fall 108-90, helpless against Marcelino Augusto's 28 points and 9 rebounds and Mateen Yeaton's 21 points. Supporting actors are Andrew Bogut with 11 points and 12 rebounds and Zelipe Gama with 16 points and 11 assists. Rico Wolfe's the surprise star of our 103-75 smash hitting of the Clippers, scoring 25 points off the bench, the same 25 scored by Mateen Yeaton.

Our 23-8 mark has well in command of the West's top seed and with five winning teams in the conference, it's looking we might finally be starting to get over the hump in terms of our league's respectability. Much to my disbelief, Memphis is still ruling the Southwest at 19-14, although the Mavericks and Spurs are hot on their heels. Sacramento's reasserted itself in the Pacific at 14-14, while the Lakers are dawdling along at 11-17.

Meanwhile, in the East, Toronto looms large at 26-6, but the Southeast leading Hawks are gunning for the top seed as well at 22-7. The Central is still an absurdly tight race. Cleveland's in front at 18-12, but the Bucks are a half-game off and the Bulls and Pistons are a game back of the lead. It's worth noting that Milwaukee's 6-5 since the Bogut for Deng trade.
As for the Heat? 11-22, so I'm hoping the Purple and Gold win some of the five games that separate the two, especially since Fabian Kruger is due back in two more months.

Attitude Report
David Jackson's mood hasn't really improved, but no means has it worsened since he became the starting SF. But much to my disappointment, we've got a new malcontent on our hands and it's a surprising one. Emeka Okafor's unhappy about his end of the bench role, because our team captain feels like he can still make more of a contribution. It's one of those things where it's tough to know what to do. I wish he'd retired when he finally got his ring last year, but he's convinced he can still play.

D-League Report
Tzvetan Kishishhev is tearing up the D-League, averaging 18.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 0.8 steals. He leads the D-League in scoring and the Timberjacks are 9-4, leading the West. I'd call him up, but that would mean even less time for Okafor and I don't want to do that.

Paulinho Buboltz/Mateen Yeaton Comparison

Paulinho Buboltz
2013 Stats: 82 games/77 starts - 17.0 PPG 9.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.7 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.4 SPG
2015 Stats: 55 games/48 starts - 14.1 PPG 8.3 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 18.3 PPG 8.1 APG 3.3 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.5 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.5 PPG 8.3 APG 3.2 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2019 Stats: 28 games/28 starts - 19.7 PPG 7.6 APG 3.2 RPG 0.9 BPG 1.6 SPG

Mateen Yeaton
2013 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.4 APG 5.2 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/80 starts - 23.2 PPG 3.6 APG 5.2 RPG 1.7 BPG 1.3 SPG
2015 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.6 PPG 2.4 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.5 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 25.0 PPG 3.1 APG 4.5 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.8 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 24.4 PPG 3.2 APG 4.9 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.6 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.8 PPG 2.4 APG 4.2 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2019 Stats: 31 games/31 starts - 23.5 PPG 2.4 APG 5.0 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.7 SPG

Look who's back. Last season was a fluke.

I hope the same isn't true for our defending title hopes.

Autumn

11-16-2008, 04:24 PM

What's Augusto averaging for points? Seems like he's on a real tear. I would build the team around that boy if I were you.

Izulde

11-16-2008, 06:16 PM

What's Augusto averaging for points? Seems like he's on a real tear. I would build the team around that boy if I were you.

23.6 PPG 9.4 RPG 2.7 APG 3.0 BPG 1.1 SPG

Shooting 51.7% from the floor.

One of the biggest fan faves on the team.

Almost 0 Greed.

100/100 Inside
94/100 Scoring
50/53 Passing
45/48 Ballhandling
61/64 Defense
68/71 Blocking (I'm betting this -has- to be underscouted. He's 6'9, 217 and he's blocking like he's freaking Andrei Kirilenko)
62/65 Discipline
54/57 Intelligence

Good durability... so yeah, I'd be nuts to trade him.

But I keep getting tempted to. I don't know why. Probably because he's gotten owned in every Finals matchup so far.

Izulde

11-18-2008, 12:49 AM

Utah Jazz receive
SF Jason Tackett
San Antonio Spurs 2020 2nd round pick

San Antonio Spurs receive
PG eric Kostov
SG Gedeon Ljujic
C Eddy Curry

What this means for the Jazz
Tackett's a smart, perfect team player and a lockdown defender. Won't score much, but he bolsters the Jazz's bench defense, enhance the locker room atmosophere and perhaps best of all, return one of the many former Utes in the league back to their college state.

What this means for the Spurs
What a tumble it's been for the Bulgarian Kostov, who's gone from starter for the East Conference champion Raptors to bench guard for the Jazz to end-bench player for the Spurs. He's not a bad player, but neither is he good. On the other hand, if he re-signs with the team in the offseason, he's 24 and all the other PG-worthy candidates on the roster are in their 30s. At 37, Curry's a turnover waiting to happen every time he gets the ball, but he still can provide some adequate scoring and defense. Ljujic was a 2nd round pick last year (3rd pick in round) and a career D-leaguer, if that.

Winner: Utah
The Jazz shed a bunch of junk for a player who helps them out in a number of small, but significant ways. Not to mention a bonus 2nd round pick. Great pickup by Utah.

Houston Rockets receive
SF Ben Larson

San Antonio Spurs receive
SG Mike Townsend

What this means for the Rockets
Larson, 30, taken 30th overall by the Lakers in 2012, can play both guard spots and provide some offense and defense off the bench. But Townsend can do the same thing and provide more offense, better passing and ballhandling skills and defense. The difference between then? Larson is an intelligent player who can better utilize his gifts than the more physically talented Townsend.

What this means for the Spurs
Townsend, selected with the 2nd pick in the 2nd round in 2015, may be not as cerebral as Larson, but he's also three years younger. Also, unlike Larson, who's under contract for three seasons, Townsend's contract expires after this year. That's another $3 million off the books and the Spurs are already $2.1 million -under- the cap.

Winner: San Antonio
Although they're the same player in a lot of ways, the Rockets are 12-17, whereas the Spurs are 17-15. If the records were reversed, it'd make a little more sense for Houston. But then again, with all those studly young swingmen who are going to demand big contracts soon, attaching more financial dead weight just doesn't make sense.

Boston Celtics receive
SG Dale Stukes

Toronto Raptors receive
SF Jerrance Newman

What this means for the Celtics
Stukes isn't much of a ballhandler, especially for a guard, but he brings nice scoring productivity to the C's bench, something they really needed. Unfortunately, that's Stukes's only oustanding attribute and worse yet, he's blocking playing time for raw, but very promising 19 year old rookie Jon Costello, Boston's 1st round pick.

What this means for the Raptors
Newman's an average all-around player with a little bit of talent at scoring and defending. He's an end-bench guy in Toronto and it makes his acquistion a little suspect until you consider that it may resulting in freeing up another couple minutes of game time for Jon Freeman.

Winner: Boston
The Celtics just missed out on the playoffs last year and they're hoping to avoid that fate this season. Stukes gives them the offensive upgrade they need off the bench to try and sneak into the postseason. But they're doing so at the risk of angering Costello, who needs PT to develop more.

Washington Wizards receive
C Ryan Sweetwyne

Indiana Pacers receive
PF Sean Bergmann

What this means for the Wizards
Sweetwyne's a virtual clone of Chris Washington and Ashley Davis, the other reserve centers on the roster. The only difference is that Ryan's a better rebounder than the other two, so he improves Washington a little in that area. Very little.

What this means for the Pacers
Bergmann's a nice fit for Indiana, as he brings defensive prowess and a little bit of scoring to complement Rudy Braun, who's all offense and nothing else. He's also a small expiring contract, rather than Sweetwyne, who's signed through next season.

Winner: Indiana
Another small deal in a year of tiny trades, but the Pacers get something they needed in a major way and put a little bit more financial flexibility in their pockets. This of course isn't going to solve their frontcourt problems or turn them into key free agent players, but every little bit helps.

I'm intrigued by Costello, but not intrigued enough to want the king's ransom Boston wants for him. Still, I'm open to the possibility of making a move if it seems right. Then again, I'm always open to that.

We kick off the month's game with a blowout doubleheader. Marcelino Augusto unloads on San Antonio for 31 points and 13 rebounds in our 101-85 smashing of the Spurs. I've decided I'm no longer going to shop him. Sure he's undersized, but he's so beautiful to watch play, I'm just going to enjoy what he does for us. Andrew Bogut doubles for 12 points and 18 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scores 22 and Zelipe Gama nets 16 points and 15 assists. Mateen Yeaton leads us over the Rockets 120-97 with 31 points, Marcelino Augusto adding 23. Rico Wolfe has a fantastic game off the bench, scoring 21.

Another back-to-back, another sensational pair of wins. Mateen Yeaton and Marcelino Augusto both score 22 points and Rico Wolfe and Louis Mertens put in 10 and 11 points off the bench respectively in our 100-86 lockdown of the Kings. It's Mateen Yeaton and Marcelino Augusto again looking Geminiac against the Rockets, scoring 33 and 34 points a piece as we hammer the Lakers 115-91. Zelipe Gama chimes in with 14 points and 16 assists and he's looking a lot more like the old Gama we're used to, which is a good thing to see.

Our hot streak comes to an end with a thrilling, heartbreaking 118-116 OT loss to the Timberwolves. Mateen Yeaton and Marcelino Augusto tried their best with 30 and 21 points, but neither they not Rico Wolfe's 14 bench points could bail us out.

It takes just one game to get back on track as we bludgeon Golden State 110-85 on Marcelino Augusto's 32 points, Mateen Yeaton's 25 points and 10 rebounds and Rico Wolfe's 11 bench points. We just barely get the doubleheader sweep, riding a torrid second half to come back and nip the Sonics 116-114 in Seattle. Marcelino Augusto rises to the occasion with 33 points and 10 rebounds, Andrew Bogut hauls in 15 points and 18 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton chips in 20 points and Zelipe Gama is on fire with 19 points and 17 assists.

The fire goes out of our offense and our bench gets whipped by Memphis's reserves in an icy 85-74 loss to the Grizzlies. Marcelino Augusto's 23 points were our lone consolation prize.

Five game road trip up next, including four against the Central. Things start off right with a 123-116 OT victory against Dallas. Mateen Yeaton scorches the Mavericks for 42 points, Marcelino Augusto adds to the conflagration with 34 points, as do double-doubles from Andrew Bogut (11 points, 12 rebounds) and Zelipe Gama (11 points, 15 assists). Victor Gipson tops it off with 12 points to lead the reserves.

And then we get the boom lowered on us, dropping two straight games in a doubleheader. The Bulls trample us 106-89 as we can't conjure up anything more than Marcelino Augusto's 28 points and 10 rebounds and Zelipe Gama's 18 points and 13 assists. Then Detroit beats us soundly, 103-92, another 28 points from Marcelino Augusto not enough when his only support is 10 bench points from Rico Wolfe.

I'm fearing a repeat of last year's nightmare 7 of 8 stretch here until we snap back to roll the Bucks and the Pacers. It's 30 point scorer night again for the Powder Blue Boys as Marcelino Augusto and Mateen Yeaton score 36 and 30 respectively. Andrew Bynum hangs 14 points and 15 rebounds on his former team and Zelipe Gama is the distribution maestro with 21 assists in our 115-103 vanquish of Milwaukee. Great duel between Paulinho Buboltz and Mateen Yeaton in our 113-102 victory over the Pacers. Buboltz is everywhere for 27 points and 14 assists, but Yeaton counters with 35 points and Marcelino Augusto's got his back with 33 points. What an absolutely incredible combination those two are. It's beautiful. Andrew Bogut puts up 10 points and 14 rebounds, Victor Gipson the leading reserve with 10 points.

January ends how it began, with a pair of excellent victories. Marcelino Augusto rampages for 37 points and 14 rebounds as we embarass the Knicks 113-95. Mateen Yeaton chimes in with 20 points, the same 20 points that Rico Wolfe slam dunks from the bench. Wolfe had some struggles early this season, but he's also shown up for quite a few games where he's illustrated why I traded to get him back to the team. It's Mateen Yeaton's turn to play monster warrior against the Trailblazers, dropping 38 points on Portland in the 108-92 win. Marcelino Augusto adds a role-reversal 20 points and 11 rebounds, Andrew Bogut doubles for 10 points and 18 rebounds and Rico Wolfe adds 10 bench points.

Sensational month as our 34-12 record shows. We're 7 games ahead of the Timberwolves for the division and have the top seed in the West by the same margin. 6 teams with winning records thus far, including the 26-18 Southwest leading Dallas Mavericks (3.5 ahead of the Grizzlies, who have come down to earth) and the 24-21 Sacramento Kings, leading the Pacific by 3 games over Golden State. The Lakers are 18-25.

Toronto's naturally leading the East at 36-10, but Atlanta continues to amaze at 34-10. I don't get it, I really don't. Why are the Hawks so good?

Well, looking over their roster, I can see why. They're a ridiculously balanced team who play that way. No standout superstar, just a bunch of good players who know their role and execute the gameplan. 2nd year 6th man Kelvin Johnson, taken 6th overall last year, is a rising star. He's moody as all hell and reportedly can be difficult to deal with, but if he keeps developing, he's got franchise player writ over him. The Hawks also have an absolutely sick coaching staff, all of them master strategists. Kurt Thomas is going to have his name rumored for a lot of head coaching vacancies next year and while I don't know if Gary Hampton will ever be top man material, he's a perfect 1st assistant right now... and he's a 2nd assistant on this dynamite staff.

The Central race is loosening up. Milwaukee's somehow got themselves back on top at 27-16, a game and a half ahead of Detroit, 3.5 ahead of the fading Cavaliers, who are turning into the 2010s version of what the Trailblazers have been for most of the time I've been in the NBA: phenomenal talent, but can't produce the winning formula. In other words, the anti-Hawks.

Boston's improved to 25-21, by the way and the Heat are still thankfully sinking below the Lakers at 17-30, but Fabian Kruger will be back next month and Miami can make up that difference in a hurry. I have to say though, I really like the Heat. Charles Arnold and rookie Steven Feaster are raw, but absolutely dripping with potential and the Heat's bad enough this year that they're starting both players.

Denver Attitude Report
Now that he's the starter, David Jackson is perfectly happy and content and everybody else on the team is feeling great too, with one exception. Emeka Okafor, our team captain, is growing more and more unhappy with his lack of playing time and he's asked me to trade him to a team that will give more minutes. It's a request I'd hate to grant, so I'm going to avoid it if at all possible.

I call Jim O'Brien and talk to him about the situation. We privately agree to increase Okafor's minutes and monitor things through February. I don't think giving him the extra time will hurt our overall team; we don't rely too heavily on our bench bigs anyway. Not with Jackson in the lineup, so more time for Emeka is a good thing.

D-League Report
Tzvetan Kishishev cooled off this month and is down to 4th in the D-League in scoring at 16.2 points a game. His other numbers are 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 0.7 steals.

Paulinho Buboltz/Mateen Yeaton Comparison

Paulinho Buboltz
2013 Stats: 82 games/77 starts - 17.0 PPG 9.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.7 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.4 SPG
2015 Stats: 55 games/48 starts - 14.1 PPG 8.3 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 18.3 PPG 8.1 APG 3.3 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.5 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.5 PPG 8.3 APG 3.2 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2019 Stats: 44 games/44 starts - 21.8 PPG 8.2 APG 3.5 RPG 0.9 BPG 1.8 SPG

Mateen Yeaton
2013 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.4 APG 5.2 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/80 starts - 23.2 PPG 3.6 APG 5.2 RPG 1.7 BPG 1.3 SPG
2015 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.6 PPG 2.4 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.5 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 25.0 PPG 3.1 APG 4.5 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.8 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 24.4 PPG 3.2 APG 4.9 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.6 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.8 PPG 2.4 APG 4.2 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2019 Stats: 46 games/46 starts - 24.3 PPG 2.5 APG 5.0 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.7 SPG

Oh, yes. One other thing.

I don't normally note the leaders until the end of next month, but I just have to share this:

NBA Scoring Leaders
1. Marcelino Augusto (DEN) - 25.4
2. Nigel Abel (MIA) - 25.2
3. Mateen Yeaton (DEN) - 24.3
4. Corey Neal (NJ) - 23.6

That's right. We have the #1 and #3 scorers in the entire NBA.

Take that, Toronto!

Autumn

11-18-2008, 09:26 AM

Izulde

11-18-2008, 10:07 PM

I knew it! After that slow start of the season it seems Augusto never scores under 22, and often tops 30. Mateen is right behind him, that's amazing. It seems with that as long as you can get another guy or two to have a good night you've got a win.

Yeah I really like how our team's built this year except for the attitude issues that are cropping up, but David Jackson was fine after he got moved to the starting SF spot following the Deng trade and Emeka Okafor should get more minutes now so we can hopefully raise his mood as well.

Izulde

11-18-2008, 11:52 PM

Los Angeles Lakers receive
SG Duez Walker
New Orleans Hornets 2020 2nd round pick

New Orleans Hornets receive
SF Andre Bryant

What this means for the Lakers
Walker's a much better ballhandler and defender than Rupert Jones and Ross Crispin, the Lakers' other two backup guard options. Crispin could be a better passer and more secure option in time, but he'll never match up to Walker's respectable D.

What this means for the Hornets
Bryant, taken 16th overall last season, is a colossal bust already at 24. Great technical defensive skills, but he can't shoot, can't score, is the worst passer and ballhandler of his age in the entire NBA, is equally terrible at rebounding, can't block shots, can't steal, doesn't really know the game... in short, he's the epitome of a one trick pony and the Hornets just tanked their way to the worst record in the league guarantee.

Winner: Lakers
The Purple and Gold rip off the Hornets here and even if the 12-33 Hornets manage to catch the 12-36 Suns for the league's worst record, the lottery's luck factor makes tanking a fairly unappealing strategy.

I think they're right. I mean, Bryant grades out a 1.5/1.5* by most national scouting standards and he's a 2nd year, mid 1st-round draft pick. That may just be the biggest bust in league history.

I've still got the urge to make a trade but we'll see how things look at the All-Star break.

We kick off February with a wild 126-118 win over Golden State that sees us needing a sensational 4th quarter to avoid the upset. Mateen Yeaton blistered the Warriors for 44 points, Zelipe Gama netted 19 points and 12 assists and Victor Gipson and Rico Wolfe provided major bench support with 12 and 11 points a piece.

The scoring gets even crazier on the front end of a doubleheader as we top Utah 133-129 in OT and Marcelino Augusto puts on one of the finest games I've ever see anyone play. 52 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 9 blocks and 2 steals... a oh-so-damn-near QUADRUPLE-DOUBLE.. Lost in the frenzy of that excitement are double-doubles from Andrew Bogut (18 points, 15 rebounds) and Zelipe Gama (17 points, 16 assists), along with Mateen Yeaton's 25 points and Rico Wolfe's 10 bench points. The Jazz had four players with 20+ points: Chris Gearheart (28), A.J. Dunkley (25 points, 15 assists), Henry Fisher (23 points, 9 rebounds) and Terrence Howard (20 points, 11 rebounds, 7 blocks). After that game, our 101-82 pasting of the Timberwolves seems anticlimatic, even with Marcelino Augusto scoring 42 points with 9 rebounds and Mateen Yeaton adding 25 points.

We trounce the Cavaliers 114-93 as Mateen Yeaton scores 28, Andrew Bogut chimes in with 10 points and 12 rebounds and Louis Mertens bursts off the bench for 21 points in 14 minutes, 7/8 from the floor, 5/5 from 3-point range. He may not ever be starting material in our system because of his defensive liabilities, but the 22 year old Belgian is one I would take as a backup PG to anybody else in the league. He's that much a wizard with the ball and he's really made great strides since getting a chance to show his stuff here in Denver.

A fourth quarter rally carries us to a heartpounding 96-94 win over the Nets. Marcelino Augusto and Mateen Yeaton combine for 27 and 26 points respectively, Andrew Bogut has his second straight 10 point, 12 rebound game and Victor Gipson scores 10 to headline the reserves.

Talent barely trumps balance in our 103-98 win over the Hawks. The first game of a road back-to-back results in Nuggets victory thanks to usual suspects Marcelino Augusto (27 points) and Mateen Yeaton (24 points), with Zelipe Gama (14 points, 11 assists) and Rico Wolfe (11 bench points) providing the finishing touches. We have a much easier time the next night against the Bobcats, coasting to a 108-84 blowout on Mateen Yeaton's 33 points, Marcelino Augusto's 28 points and 15 bench points from Victor Gipson.

That same game, Mateen Yeaton's back locks up with severe spasms and Emeka Okafor strains his hamstring. Yeaton's probably going to miss the All-Star game now, even though he'll likely stubbornly insist on playing.

There's really nothing to see in the Skills contests or the Rookies/Sophs game for Nuggets fans. Victor Gipson dressed for the Sophomores and made a lovely bench ornament, registering a DNP as the second years killed the rooks 93-75 on Sonny Boxler's 23 points. For all my commentary during the draft that Boxler's reported laziness caused him to drop all the way to the Trailblazers despite his phenomenal talent, he's quickly proving me and everyone else wrong. While he isn't and never will be Gym Rat of the Year, he works hard enough, is an absolutely fantastic locker room guy, really showing respect to the vets.. and of course, the fans just love him.

Much to my shock, Mateen Yeaton agrees to sit out the All-Star game. He told me he really wants to chase Nigel Abel and Augusto for the scoring title, the one thing that's missing from his resume. Nuggets fans don't lose heart though, not when Marcelino Augusto is named to the starting lineup for the West and wins All-Star MVP scoring 23 points with 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 6 blocks in the West's gritty 86-77 win. Actually, gritty's a lie. It was a flat-out, ugly defensive All-Star game, with both teams shooting under 40%. Not pretty, not pretty at all.

So now we're left with a decision. Emeka Okafor's still very unhappy and frankly, I'm feeling a little obligated to meet his wishes, but nobody's willing to take on a 37 year old faded star, not one that's signed for 2 seasons, even at the veteran minimum. So for better or for worse, he's going to stay a Nugget.

And to be honest, as much as I love trading, I don't really see any other moves that'd make sense for our team right now. We're in a really good spot on all levels outside of Okafor's unhappiness and our team captain's man enough not to let his disappointment spread to the others on the team.

We get killed our first game back from the break. The Celtics hammer us 112-89 as we can't stop their hot shooting all night long. Marcelino Augusto tries with 23 points and Andrew Bogut gets 18 points and 10 rebounds, but they and Rico Wolfe's 11 bench points aren't enough.

Two nights later, we're an iron wall, shutting down the Grizzlies 102-68. Mateen Yeaton scores 25 and Rico Wolfe adds 11 points to key the reserves as the deadline's officially passed without our making a move. I think it's the right decision.

Our 115-111 victory over the Hornets isn't anywhere near as close as it looks. Mateen Yeaton and Marcelino Augusto each score 27 points, Zelipe Gama helps out with 16 points and 12 assists and Victor Gipson rises off the bench for 14 points.

We keep the positive note going and conclude February with a 112-105 win over the Hawks as Marcelino Augusto puts up 26 points and 12 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scores 21, Zelipe Gama dishes 12 points and 14 assists and Victor Gipson and Rico Wolfe power the second unit with 15 and 16 points respectively.

It's just past the halfway point, but we're pretty much running away with the West right now at 44-12. Our closest competitiors are the Mavericks, who are 35-20 and up by 6.5 over the Spurs. Sacramento has a solid 6 game lead on Golden State and I can't help but wonder where the Warriors might be with something called a good coach. 5 teams with winning records to date, so the West isn't quite restored yet. Lakers are 23-32.

Toronto's got the East by the throat at 45-11, as the Hawks really fell off the pace this month, in part by having to play us twice. They're 41-15 and lead Orlando by 5.5. Raptors, on the other hand, are up by 11.5 on the Knicks. The Central's tightened up again, the Bucks and the Pistons sharing the conference lead. Cleveland and Chicago are 3 and 4.5 back respectively. The Cavaliers and Bulls are really going to have to make their move soon if they want to go to the playoffs, because as it stands right now, only two of the Celtics (30-27), Nets (30-27), and Cavs (29-26) would get into the postseason, with the odd man out and all teams below them staying home.

Miami's 22-36, so still behind the Lakers, but Fabian Kruger comes back next week and 24 games is still a ton of time to fast make up ground.

Halfway Leaders

Scoring
T1. Nigel Abel (MIA) - 25.7
T1 Marcelino Augusto (DEN) - 25.7
3. Mateen Yeaton (DEN) - 24.7
4. Corey Neal (NJ) - 23.7

Abel, who's won a few scoring titles already, including last year's, doesn't want to see it taken by either of our boys.

Assists
1. Bernard Kelly (MEM) - 11.8
2. Calvis Graham (LAL) - 11.2
3. Kenny Graham (DET) - 11.0
T5. Zelipe Gama (DEN) - 10.5

Rebounds
1. Greg Oden (TOR) - 15.0
2. Jonte Jones (DAL) - 13.5
3. Kelvin Moody (MIN) - 12.3
T12. Andrew Bogut (DEN) - 10.5

Blocks
1. Patrick Riley (SAC) - 3.6
2. Derrick Robinson (LAL) - 3.5
3. Martin Beerbohm (NOH) - 3.0
T4. Marcelino Augusto (DEN) - 2.9
T4. Greg Wilden (CLE) - 2.9

Steals
1. Derrick Sterett (NJ) - 2.0
2. Bernard Kelly (MEM) - 1.9
3. Kyle Smith (CLE) - 1.8

Rookie Leaders

Points
1. Keith Attaway (IND) - 15.3
2. Devone Allen (DAL) - 14.4
3. Filip Mikulic (HOU) - 12.1
4. Carlton Goree (SAC) - 10.1

Assists
1. Carlton Goree (SAC) - 7.6
2. Filip Mikulic (HOU) - 5.5
3. Keith Attaway (IND) - 4.9

Rebounds
1. Dylan Clark (CHI) - 7.6
2. Charlie Joseph (POR) - 6.9
3. Jeremy Bellairs (GS) - 6.1

Blocks
1. Louis McNeish (MIL) - 1.6
2. Devone Allen (DAL) - 1.5
3. Walter Hicks (NJ) - 1.1

Steals
T1. Keith Attaway (IND) - 1.3
T1. Carlton Goree (SAC) - 1.3
T1. Devone Allen (DAL) - 1.3
4. Walter Hicks (NJ) - 1.1
5. Jeremy Bellairs (GS) - 1.0

D-League
Tzvetan Kishishev is 4th in D-League scoring at 16 points a game, with 5.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 0.7 steals and the Timberjacks are deadlocked for the top spot in the West with Bakersfield.

Paulinho Buboltz/Mateen Yeaton Comparison

Paulinho Buboltz
2013 Stats: 82 games/77 starts - 17.0 PPG 9.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.7 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.4 SPG
2015 Stats: 55 games/48 starts - 14.1 PPG 8.3 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 18.3 PPG 8.1 APG 3.3 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.5 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.5 PPG 8.3 APG 3.2 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2019 Stats: 56 games/56 starts - 21.7 PPG 8.2 APG 3.5 RPG 0.9 BPG 1.7 SPG

Mateen Yeaton
2013 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.4 APG 5.2 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/80 starts - 23.2 PPG 3.6 APG 5.2 RPG 1.7 BPG 1.3 SPG
2015 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.6 PPG 2.4 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.5 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 25.0 PPG 3.1 APG 4.5 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.8 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 24.4 PPG 3.2 APG 4.9 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.6 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.8 PPG 2.4 APG 4.2 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2019 Stats: 57 games/57 starts - 24.7 PPG 2.6 APG 4.8 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.7 SPG

Autumn

11-19-2008, 09:13 AM

Unreal, these boys keep turning it up. I think you've got The Man in Augusto, he can be a real franchise player even when Yeaton starts to fade.

Izulde

11-19-2008, 07:57 PM

Unreal, these boys keep turning it up. I think you've got The Man in Augusto, he can be a real franchise player even when Yeaton starts to fade.

In the regular season, yes. However, he's been somewhat inconsistent in the playoffs his first two seasons and notoriously disappeared in the Finals the last two years.

I'd have to see a breakout performance from him in the Finals before I can declare him a true franchise player, which is also one of the reasons why trading him is quite tempting.

Autumn

11-19-2008, 08:18 PM

Yeah, but Yeaton had the same problem, if I remember correctly. I think he's good enough that you'll have chances for him to redeem himself. Not many two year players get two NBA Finals under their belts. He should be good to go.

RedHawk00

11-19-2008, 09:05 PM

I am worried about the All-Star game, who decided to play defense... or were all the players hung over, must have been in Vegas or New Orleans?

Izulde

11-19-2008, 09:46 PM

Autumn: Good point, although Mateen was more polished. But then again, Augusto -is- still quite young and in just his third season, so you're right. We'll see what happens this year if we make it back to the Finals.

RedHawk00: :D Yeah, it was a very disappointing All-Star game and has me a little worried for the future of the league in terms of its glitziness, but we'll see what happens.

Izulde

11-19-2008, 11:17 PM

Orlando Magic receive
SF Charles Garren

Washington Wizards receive
PG Jameer Nelson
Orlando Magic 2020 1st round pick

What this means for the Magic
Garren's a very good scoring option and has respectable ballhandling. Good rebounder with some stealing instincts, even if his defense is a little suspect overall. Extremely consistent player and one of the league's most popular stars after winning the 2014 Slam Dunk Competition. At 27 years old (taken 9th overall in 2012 by the Wizards), he's young enough to take over for Dwight Howard at PF as soon as next season. Howard's 33 and is in the last year of a $20 million a year contract, whereas Garren's inked for two years beyond this one. Great insurance in case Howard doesn't come back or return and the Magic now have the flexibility to let Howard go if they want $20 million off the cap next season.

What this means for the Wizards
Nelson's nowhere near the player he once was. At 37, he's nothing more than a mediocre reserve guard. That said, he's roughly $9 million in expiring money (Washington's currently $4.2 million over the cap) and the financial freedom plus the extra 1st round pick will give the Wizards a chance to continue rebuilding.

Winner: Draw
One of those deals that's a win-win for both teams and about the same magnitude. The increased depth in acquiring Garren alone will help the Magic's depth as they challenge the Hawks for the Southeast division this season.

Toronto Raptors receive
SF Willie Larson
Phoenix Suns 2020 2nd round pick

Phoenix Suns receive
PG Mark Martin

What this means for the Raptors
Larson's a little turnover-prone, but he's a solid all-around player and an extremely versatile reserve, able to play every position but C. He gives Toronto much needed quality depth and could help signal Andrea Bargnani's departure from the Raptors, as the 35 year old's a $10 million expiring contract. High 2nd round pick is likely as well.

What this means for the Suns
Martin's a perfect team player and while the second year man won't ever be a great player, the last pick of the first round from last year's draft has the potential to be a solid reserve guard, possibly a borderline starter at the point.

Winner: Toronto
Phoenix gave up too much to get Martin and the Raptors improved their team significantly immediately and gave themselves some wiggle room and options for this offseason.

Detroit Pistons receive
PG Gilbert Arenas
Washington Wizards 2020 2nd round pick

Washington Wizards receive
C Marcel Mance

What this means for the Pistons
Detroit now has the scariest 3 guard rotation in the league. Arenas may be 37, but he can still score at will. Kenny Graham is the best PG in the NBA and Galen Drayton, the starting SG, is a proven 20+ PPG scorer. It's hard to imagine Arenas as a 6th man, but that's precisely what he is in Motown. The Pistons just became a major, major player in the East. The 2nd round pick is just extra icing.

What this means for the Wizards
Mance is an average all-around C who finally gets to move back into a starting role with the Wizards. He's about $300,000 more off the cap next season than Arenas, but while Washington further positions themselves for even more freed money to become big spenders next summer and are tanking for a better lottery positon, they traded away an icon and the fanbase is furious. On the other hand, they get to look at their future and make Waledmar Althusser a starter now and the German should turn into a very solid player now that he'll get the playing time to develop.

Winner: Detroit
The Pistons rip the Wizards off here. Yes, Arenas was constantly talking to the press about how he wanted a chance at a ring before he retires, but Washington should've gotten more for him than a 30 year old run of the mill C. Especially when they're giving up a draft pick in addition.

I think there's been more trades this season than any other year I've been in the league. True, most were small, but the two relative blockbusters at the trade deadline really put an exclamation point on a busy market.

Big month for us in a lot of ways. We can clinch the top seed in the West and we can hope the Heat don't suddenly surge with Fabian Kruger back to full strength.

It's sad how far Indiana's fallen. We crush them 107-82 as Marcelino Augusto and Mateen Yeaton play their way to 30 and and 26 points respectively. Zelipe Gama gets 17 points and 13 assists and David Jackson has his first double-double in a long, long time, for 15 points and 10 rebounds. Jackson's a silent presence in the statline, but I'm not going to complain about a guy who's shooting 51.3% from the floor. Not after all the other debacles we've had at SF.

The Clippers, conversely, given us all we can handle and we squeak past them 98-95. Marcelino Augusto did a little bit of everything with 16 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists and 5 blocks, David Jackson netted his second straight double-double, 15 points and 11 rebounds, and Zelipe Gama scored 22. Rico Wolfe was tops of the reserves with 13 points.

Portland poses no problems as we pistolwhip them 107-91. Marcelino Augusto leads the charge with 25 points and 13 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scores 20 and Zelipe Gama completes the 20+ trifecta with 21 points and 10 assists. Louis Mertens keys the second team with 10 assists.

A nice break preludes an even nicer doubleheader sweep. Marcelino Augusto is Mr. Versatile in our 109-89 win over the Spurs with 25 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists and 6 blocks, headlining another three Nuggets in 20+ scoring. The other two were Mateen Yeaton (23 points) and Rico Wolfe with an incredible 21 points and 12 assists off the bench after Zelipe Gama got in foul trouble. Andrew Bogut had a quiet 14 points and 17 rebounds. It's Marcelino Augusto as the best man again in our 108-80 pounding of Phoenix. He scores 34 points, Mateen Yeaton a strong second with 24 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out. Zelipe Gama doubles with 10 points and 13 assists and Rico Wolfe scores 10 points off the bench.

We coast against Charlotte, conquering 110-81 on Mateen Yeaton's 24 points and bench showings of 13 points and 11 points and 9 assists respectively from Victor Gipson and Louis Mertens. I've already resolved that we need to re-sign Mertens and Rico Wolfe next summer. They're critical pieces of our bench puzzle.

Marcelino Augusto ensures the Clippers are toothless in the rematch, putting up 32 points and 10 rebounds in our 101-85 rout. Mateen Yeaton has 21 points and 9 rebounds, Zelipe Gama 15 points and 10 assists prior to fouling out.

Our first loss of the month comes in a 122-115 shootout against the Bucks. It's not often that a 31 point from Marcelino Augusto paired with 24 points from Mateen Yeaton and 12 bench points from Louis Mertens results in a loss, but it did tonight.

We snap back for a 113-92 field day over the tanking Wizards, with all five starters having great games. To wit:

PG Zelipe Gama - 20 points, 13 assists
SG Mateen Yeaton - 33 points
SF David Jackson - 17 points, 10 rebounds
PF Marcelino Augusto - 21 points
C Andrew Bogut - 12 points, 13 rebounds

Marcelino Augusto and Mateen Yeaton literally combine to lead us 106-97 over the Lakers. Augusto has a sensational game of 42 points and 14 rebounds and Yeaton scores 31 points. They were the only two Nuggets to break double-digit scoring. Now that's a sign of major dominance.

108-93's the final over Sacramento and it's the Marcelino Augusto and Mateen Yeaton show again. Augusto fills in an impressive statline of 33 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 blocks and 4 steals, while Yeaton leads all scorers with 37 points. The difference between this game and last is they get some small assistance of 12 points and 10 assists from Zelpe Gama.

The Suns shock us 122-117, handing us our second loss and continuing our streaky showing in shootouts. Marcelino Augusto's 33 points and 13 rebounds and Mateen Yeaton's 26 points can't save us when the rest of the team takes the night off, both on offense -and- defense against one of the league's worst teams.

Worse yet, Mateen Yeaton bruises his biceps and it's a significant factor in our narrow 115-112 loss to the Jazz. Marcelino Augusto tries his best with 35 points and 9 rebounds, but neither his outing, nor David Jackson's 24 points, nor Louis Mertens's 11 bench points can prevent us from dropping two in a row.

The month ends with a split back-to-back, meaning we've lost 3 of the last 4. We beat the Spurs 94-79 on Marcelino Augusto's 24 points and 11 rebounds, Zelipe Gama's 21 points and Louis Mertens's repeat 11 bench points, but Portland pulverizes us 101-87 as only Marcelino Augusto (32 points, 10 rebounds) comes ready to play.

Despite the worrying skid, we've clinched the Northwest yet again and our magic number is 1 for the top seed on the 46-26 Mavericks, as we're 55-17. With all the divisional teams at .500, it's looking like once again the Northwest will be sending all its teams to the playoffs. Dallas pretty much has the Southwest locked up and Sacramento's already clinched the Pacific at 42-32, as the Lakers and Warriors are both 29-43.

Toronto's more or less got the #1 overall seed in the playoffs clinched, as they're 60-12 and it'd take a collapse of epic proportions and our winning out to wrest it away from them. Atlanta's got a 6.5 game lead on the Magic at 52-20, while the 44-28 Bucks enjoy a 4 game advantage over the Pistons, who haven't been able to parlay Gilbert Arenas into a division run. Worse yet, Cleveland had a great march and are only half a game back of Detroit. Unlike the West, .500 isn't going to be good enough and it looks like the Celtics are once again going to be left out of the cold, holding the 14th pick.

But a lot can happen in ten games. Like the 25-49 Heat suddenly improving and leapfrogging the Wizards, who have been fantastically tanking at 24-47, leading them to a dead heat. In fact, Miami can still legitimately pass the Wizards, the Bobcats and the Lakers and quite possibly catch the Rockets and Grizzlies. That's 5 teams. Not good.

On the other hand, they could suddenly tank and fall behind the Pacers and the Clippers, with an outside shot at dropping below the Suns.

Nobody's catching New Orleans, though. They're 17-55 and the Hornets have been so terrible since I joined the league in 2007 their best record is 32-50 (2017) and they've only finished out of the Southwest cellar once (2008 when they finished a game ahead of the Grizzlies).

Now that's an impressive streak of futility.

If I ever get fired from the Nuggets or if I decide I want to go somewhere warmer in my encroaching old age, I'd love to get a chance at building the Hornets into a winning team.

Emeka Okafor is no longer demanding to be traded, by the way. He said he'd like more minutes, but he understands and he's just focused on helping us to a repeat title any way he can.

D-League Report
The Timberjacks have staked out a 1.5 game lead over Bakersfield and Idaho, even as Tzvetan Kishishev's numbers continue their slow decline. On the other hand, he's been bothered by a strained hamstring. The good news is, according to our scouts, he's been showing overall improvements in his game. This bodes well for the future.

Marcelino Augusto has passed Nigel Abel for the scoring title and is presently at 26.3 points a game to Abel's 25.2. Mateen Yeaton's safe at 3rd with 24.4, Corey Neal stalking him at 23.7 points a game.

Coffee Warlord

11-20-2008, 08:22 AM

Tellin' you. No trading Augusto. You've got the Kobe - Shaq duo without all the drama.

Izulde

11-20-2008, 11:21 AM

Tellin' you. No trading Augusto. You've got the Kobe - Shaq duo without all the drama.

That's a very good point. I hadn't thought of it that way. :)

Izulde

11-20-2008, 05:43 PM

We've got a lot of nagging injuries to start our last 10 games. Zelipe Gama and Mateen Yeaton are both pretty banged up and Emeka Okafor's still hobbled some as well. So I'm predicting we'll lock up the top seed in the West, but guessing we won't pass Toronto for the top overall seed.

Indeed, we split the opening doubleheader, winning 98-94 over Memphis on Marcelino Augusto's 43 points and 11 rebounds, Andrew Bogut's 13 points and 13 rebounds and Victor Gipson's 10 bench boards. Lowly New Orleans beats us 90-81, Marcelino Augusto's 20 points and 9 rebounds not enough to prevent the loss.

The free fall continues as Minnesota and Seattle sweep us in the next back-to-back. The Timberwolves triumph by a frustrasting 121-120 margin in OT, even though we had 26 points from Mateen Yeaton, 25 points and 9 rebounds from Marcelino Augusto, David Jackson's 14 points and 11 rebounds, Zelipe Gama's 21 points and 16 bench points from Rico Wolfe. It's nowhere near that close in a 111-96 drubbing by the Supersonics, even though Marcelino Augusto was red-hot with 41 points and 15 rebounds. Zelipe Gama garnered 11 points and 10 assists, Victor Gipson 10 bench boards.

Marcelino Augusto and Mateen Yeaton combine to give us the narrow 90-88 win over Golden State to snap the three-game skid. Augusto scores 26, Yeaton 20. I just hope we're back to full strength by the playoffs, because we're playing like crap right now.

We avenge ourselves against the Hornets and get a much-needed 108-71 blowout thanks to our usual juggernauts. Marcelino Augusto's first with 25 points and 10 rebounds, but Mateen Yeaton's right behind with 24 points. Zelipe Gama finishes the night with 10 points and 12 assists.

Andrew Bogut sprains his toe in practice before the first game of our next back-to-back and Victor Gipson gets the start against Memphis. We destroy the Grizzlies by 50 points, 118-68, as Marcelino Augusto and Mateen Yeaton score 27 and 22 points a piece and Rico Wolfe scores 13 off the bench. True to our season-end form though, we lose the next night, 108-103 in Houston despite Marcelino Augusto's 40 points and Rico Wolfe's 11 reserve points.

Finally the doubleheader sweep comes with the last two games of the season. The Suns try their damndest, but we come out on top 121-117 on Marcelino Augusto's 38 points and 11 rebounds, Andrew Bogut's 17 points and 18 rebounds and Rico Wolfe's 17 points to lead the reserves. The bad news is, Mateen Yeaton bruises his sternum and he's going to be iffy for some time. Still, we manage to put away Portland 118-104 in the final game of the season, Marcelino Augusto putting up 29 points and 10 rebounds, Zelipe Gama 20 points and 11 assists. The second team comes to the rescue as Rico Wolfe and Victor Gipson score 18 and 14 points respectively.

West Conference Playoffs Seeding
1. Denver Nuggets (61-21)
2. Dallas Mavericks (55-27)
3. Minnesota Timberwolves (49-33)
4. Sacramento Kings (47-35)
5. Seattle Supersonics (44-38)
6. San Antonio Spurs (41-41)
7. Portland Trailblazers (40-42)
8. Utah Jazz (39-42)

Utah's a much better team than their record indicates, so it's going to be an interesting first round matchup, probably the worst one for us, actually. If we avoid the colossal upset, we should be sitting pretty well for the rest of the field, as long as there's no major injuries.

Mateen Yeaton's back to full health, which is going to be critical.

East Conference Playoffs Seeding
1. Toronto Raptors (69-13)
2. Atlanta Hawks (61-21)
3. Orlando Magic (50-32)
4. Milwaukee Bucks (47-35)
5. New York Knicks (50-32)
6. Philadelphia 76ers (45-37)
7. Cleveland Cavaliers (45-37)
8. Detroit Pistons (45-37)

Absolutely nasty field in the East. The Raptors have a lot of landmines to navigate if we're going to end up with Toronto/Denver V. 41-41 Boston and Chicago had to go home. How the Celtics and Bulls long to be in the West.

The Heat finished at 29-53, ahead of Indiana and the damned tankmaster Wizards in the East and the Hornets, Suns and Clippers in the West. So we're currently sitting with the #6 overall pick if I have my math right. I'll take that for sure.

Scoring
1 Marcelino Augusto (DEN) - 26.9
2. Nigel Abel (MIA) - 25.1
3. Corey Neal (NJ) - 24.1
4. Mateen Yeaton (DEN) - 23.3
12. Paulinho Buboltz - 20.6

My first ever scoring title winner. How cool is that! I'm going to send Larry Brown a thank you note for convincing me to draft Augusto. Yeaton's late-season injuries knocked him out of the #3 spot but that's okay.

Assists
1. Bernard Kelly (MEM) - 11.5
T2. Calvis Graham (LAL) - 10.9
T2. Kenny Graham (DET) - 10.9
8. Zelipe Gama (DEN) - 10.0
T14. Paulinho Buboltz (IND) - 8.1

Rebounds
1. Greg Oden (TOR) - 15.4
2. Jonte Jones (DAL) - 12.9
3. Patrick Riley (SAC) - 12.2
T12. Andrew Bogut (DEN) - 10.5

Blocks
1. Patrick Riley (SAC) - 3.6
T2. Marcelino Augusto (DEN) - 3.0
T2. Derrick Robinson (LAL) - 3.5

Steals
T1. Derrick Sterett (NJ) - 1.9
T1. Brian Metcalfe (PHI) - 1.9
T3. Kyle Smith (CLE) - 1.8
T3. Bernard Kelly (MEM) - 1.8

Rookie Leaders

Points
1. Devone Allen (DAL) - 15.9
2. Keith Attaway (IND) - 15.4
3. Filip Mikulic (HOU) - 12.8
4. Carlton Goree (SAC) - 10.4

Assists
1. Carlton Goree (SAC) - 7.9
2. Filip Mikulic (HOU) - 5.9
3. Keith Attaway (IND) - 4.9

Rebounds
1. Dylan Clark (CHI) - 7.9
2. Charlie Joseph (POR) - 6.7
3. Jeremy Bellairs (GS) - 6.1

Blocks
T1. Louis McNeish (MIL) - 1.5
T1. Walter Hicks (NJ) - 1.5
3. Devone Allen (DAL) - 1.4

Steals
1. Carlton Goree (SAC) - 1.3
T2. Keith Attaway (IND) - 1.2
T2. Devone Allen (DAL) - 1.2
4. Walter Hicks (NJ) - 1.1
5. Jeremy Bellairs (GS) - 1.0

D-League
Tzvetan Kishishhev finished tied for 5th in scoring in the D-League at 15.8 points per game. He also averaged 5.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 0.8 steals. As the Timberjacks' leading scorer, he led them to a 31-19 record and West conference champions by 3 games. They face off against the Los Angeles Sea Dogs in the D-League playoffs and hopefully I'll have the luxury of keeping him down there to see if he be the first Nugget of my tenure to win a D-League title.

Coffee Warlord

11-20-2008, 07:03 PM

Augusto for MVP!

Izulde

11-20-2008, 07:22 PM

Augusto for MVP!

I fully expect to see him get some votes for sure, but I don't know if he'll win it.

Izulde

11-21-2008, 08:40 PM

World's Best Damn 6th Man Turns Ninja
Nuggets set to take on Jazz in Opening Round

David Jackson hasn't been as noticeable a presence this season in the statlines and that's just fine with the outspoken 26 year old. In fact, it's led the former self-proclaimed World's Best Damn 6th Man to give himself a new nickname: 50 Ninja.

"See, people don't know I'm there; opponents don't know I'm there. But then you look, you see I'm shooting over 50% from the floor. That's me, man. I'm all invisible, stealthy like ninja, killing you with my shots before you know what hit you. 50 Cent don't got nothing on me man, cuz I've got the mad hoops ninja skills. I'm 50 Ninja and ain't nobody can hang with me", Jackson recently commented in an interview.

When it was pointed out that he's only averaging 9.4 points a game, the lowest of the Nuggets starters, Jackson answered, "Well see, that's just because we got my homeboys Marcelino Augusto and Mateen Yeaton to put up the action while I'm sneaky down low, sniping those unsuspecting fools. You put me on a team without those two, I'd be hitting 15-20 points a game, easy."

The wildly popular starting SF also has a rap album coming out titled Hoops Ninja and he gave us a lyrics sample of the title track "Hoops Ninja".

My shots be sharp like motherf---in' shruikens
I'm more mysterious than the Rosicrucians
You don't get no stays of execution
What! Homeboy!
Didn't think ya could win, now didja?
Cuz I'm the numba one, macdaddy hoops ninja.

While it's uncertain how Jackson's music career will pan out, what does seem clear is that the Nuggets stand a good chance of defending their title. As it did last year, the playoff run begins against a divisional opponent, in this case the Jazz.

Point Guard
Zelipe Gama vs. A.J. Dunkley
Head coach Jim O'Brien told Gama over the offseason to focus on returning to his roots as a passer and the Spainard was largely successful, putting up 12.7 points, 10 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.5 steals in the regular season. More significantly, he cut his turnovers per game, going from 3.2 last season to 2.5 this year.

Dunkley's an extremely talented passer and a better scorer than Gama, averaging 12.6 points, 10.4 assists and 1.2 steals in the regular season. However, the Nuggets PG has better defensive skills than Dunkley and a size advantage, making this matchup a wash.

Advantage: Draw

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Chris Gearheart
Last year's Finals MVP picked up right where he left off in the postseason, averaging 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.6 steals in the regular season. He's a highlight reel on both ends of the court and he's hungry to win another title in addition to last year's long-awaited championship. He may be 31, but there's no signs of slippage.

Gearheart was a blockbuster free agent signing for the Jazz and he posted a career high 19.2 points, block and 1.3 steals in the regular season. He's a dynamite scorer who, much to the worriment of Nuggets fans, has the size (6'7, 222 lbs) and the defensive skill to match up with Yeaton, the superstar's Achilles heel. Gearheart, whose game GM Jestor has long publically lauded, is also a proven playoff warrior.

Advantage: Draw

Small Forward
David Jackson vs. Grant Fomby
50 Ninja has quiet regular-season averages of 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and a block, but he shot 53% in the regular season and knows how to pick his spots carefully. He's also a great passer and ballhandler for a forward and keeps getting better with more starts. His defense is, much like the rest of his game, underrated.

Fomby's not quite as choosy a shooter as Jackson, but he takes more of them, as evidenced by his 10.1 points and 5.6 rebounds line. There's almost an 80 pound difference between the two and Fomby's defense isn't as good as Jackson's, so it's clear to see that the path of the Ninja will have the advantage here, even if they're pretty evenly matched in all other areas. Even better for Jackson, he recently signed a 5 year contract extension with a $6 million base and a 9% raise each year after that.

Advantage: Nuggets

Power Forward
Marcelino Augusto vs. Henry Fisher
The league scoring champion and MVP candidate needs no introduction. 26.9 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks and a steal per game and continual improvemnt on the few weak areas of his game. Actually, let's face it, the only -real- weakness Augusto has is that he's 6'9, 217, but he has the overwhelming talent to play like he's 7', 300 lbs. Just a brilliant player, the greatest of his generation.

Jestor once called Fisher the best PF of a weak class and he's gone on to fulfill that prophecy. A dazzling tour de force on offense, the 23 year old, 5th year Jazz PF, taken 10th overall in 2015 by the Trailblazers, has developed into a 23.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 1.3 steals per game player. But his shining offensive exploits are counterbalanced by mediocre ballhandling ability and absolutely atrocious defense. He's also not the biggest PF at 6'8, 245 lbs and the matchup between these two great fours is going to be fascinating to watch.

Advantage: Nuggets

Center
Andrew Bogut vs. Terrence Howard
At 35, Bogut is a good, but no longer great center. He averaged 9.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and a steal during the regular season, split between Milwaukee and Denver. The nice thing is, unlike the Bucks, he doesn't have to generate much offense; he can just concentrate on grabbing rebounds and using his 7' frame to be a space-eater and draw defenders off of Augusto.

Howard, another former 1st round Trailblazers pick who made his way to the Jazz (12th overall, 2012), is, like Fisher, an underrated player who's blossomed into a fine athlete. 17.7 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks testify to the quality well-roundedness of his game as well as to the validity of his being selected to five straight All-Star teams. Terrible free throw shooter though and not the best defender. Still more than a match for the taller Bogut, though.

Advantage: Jazz

Bench
Rico Wolfe is still the sublime sniper off the bench, averaging 8.7 points and bringing toughness and solid perimeter defense. Victor Gipson averaged 6.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks and while not as flashy as a sub as David Jackson was, the former starter is still a bruising nightmare against weaker bench competition. Louis Mertens averaged 4.5 points and 4 assists as a reserve and is absolutely dazzling to watch direct the offense.

Marvin Williams is the every-position reserve who averaged 7 points a game thanks to his versatility. Not exceptional by any means, though. Andris Biedrins averaged 4.1 points and 5.1 rebounds and should be a good challenger to Gipson in second unit time. Kyle Lowry posted regular season averages of 4.2 points and 3.9 assists and while nowhere near the ball wizard that Mertens is, he's also a much more accomplished defender.

Advantage: Nuggets

Final Thoughts
Utah matches up very well with Denver, with not much separating the teams even in the areas the Nuggets have the advantage. This is a tough draw, but in the end, the composite talent level and depth favors the defending champions. This isn't going to be any sweep, though.
Prediction: Nuggets in 6

That's actually fair and I wouldn't have been surprised to see the pick be us in the full 7. This is not a fun match for us by any means.

Game One
Great statement game to open the series as we can't miss anything, shooting 54.4% on the night. Mateen Yeaton showed the hunger's still there, netting 30 points. Marcelino Augusto has something to prove as well and he starts off with 28 points. Andrew Bogut grabs 15 points and 12 rebounds, Zelipe Gama 12 points and 10 assists. Terrence Howard abuses Bogut for 23 points and 10 rebounds and Kyle Lowry scores 10 points off the bench, but it still can't stop our emphatic victory.
Final - Utah 87 Denver 105

Game Two
High-scoring game as Henry Fisher kicks into gear for 22 points, Terrence Howard adds 16 points and 14 rebounds and Utah's reserves continue to outplay our bench, Marvin Williams with 14 points and Kyle Lowry with 12. But who needs a good bench when you've got 4 players with 20+ points. Mateen Yeaton scores 25, Marcelino Augusto 23 and David Jackson and Zelipe Gama both 20. 50 Ninja also puts up 9 rebounds as we win the shootout by a comfortable margin, taking the 2-0 lead.
Final - Utah 100 Denver 113

Game Three
Now, I'm not thinking in terms of sweep as we head to Utah. It'd be nice, but as I said before, the Jazz are much better than their record and seeding. Or maybe not. Henry Fisher is absolutely astounding with 24 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 8 blocks and a steal, but nobody helps him out and that's not going to cut it when Marcelino Augusto's scoring 29 points, Zelipe Gama's surging for 20 points and 13 assists and our bench is ending their silence with 10 and 12 points respectively from Victor Gipson and Rico Wolfe. It's a rout and we may be looking at a sweep after all.
Final - Denver 111 Utah 92

Bad news on the injury front. Mateen Yeaton's back flares up and Victor Gipson sprains his wrist. We need to get this series done quickly.

Game Four
A fired-up Jazz team in front of their homecourt and our superstar SG hurt. Yeah, this isn't a good recipe for a sweep. Henry Fisher scores 20 points and Marvin Williams and Andris Biedrins lead Utah's second team with 13 and 10 points a piece. Like what always happens when Mateen Yeaton's hurt, we fall apart on offense, even with Marcelino Augusto's 22 points and 10 rebounds and Andrew Bogut's 11 points and 14 rebounds. Even though it's going to be Augusto that gets the MVP consideration, Yeaton's truly our most valuable player. 3-1 and we go to a fifth game.
Final - Denver 86 Utah 91

The good news is, the only sweep was in the East, Atlanta sending Cleveland home in four. It's too bad the Hawks don't have a legitimate superstar or they'd be truly scary.

Game Five
Back in Denver and I'd really like to close it out here to give Mateen Yeaton time to heal up. What follows is the most evenly matched game of this series so far. Marcelino Augusto rises up for 29 points and 13 rebounds and Zelipe Gama goes on a hot shooting streak for 25 points. But Henry Fisher continues his lights out series with 20 points and 11 rebounds, Grant Fomby gets 11 points and 10 rebounds, Chris Gearheart finally breaks out for 20 points and A.J. Dunkley plays his way to 17 points and 11 assists. But the true dagger in the heart is the ressurected spectre of Shawne Williams, who reprises his Nugget Killer role with 10 bench points to give the Jazz the 2-point win. Now it's 3-2 and we're suddenly facing a real challenge.
Final - Utah 108 Denver 106

Every other series is going at least six games, save for the Knicks eliminating the Bucks in five. New York's become an interesting team the last few years and really are back as a good, legit playoff team again. Good news for the NBA, I guess, though not as good as a continued Toronto/Denver Finals rivalry would be.

Game Six
And so off we go to Salt Lake City again. I'm going to feel really salty if we lose. Marcelino Augusto scores 21 points, Victor Gipson snags 11 bench rebounds and I'd feel remiss if I failed to point out David "50 Ninja" Jackson's 19 points on 8 of 11 from the floor, particularly given the low-scoring game. We hold the Jazz to 38.8% shooting, even with Chris Gearheart's 21 points and Terrence Howard's 16 points and 10 rebounds. It's not a pretty win, but it gets us the series victory and critical healing time for Mateen Yeaton.
Final - Denver 99 Utah 77

Orlando eliminates Philadelphia, Dallas punts Portland and Minnesota knocks off San Antonio. Yep, that's exactly what it means. Toronto's being taken to a Game 7 by the Pistons. Sacramento and Seattle are also going the full seven.

The high seed wins out in both cases, the Raptors disposing of the Pistons 103-89 and the Kings taking care of the Sonics 97-86. I'm glad to see Toronto win, because despite our 1-4 record in the Finals against them, it's been a thrilling rivalry, good for basketball.

D-League
The Timberjacks crush the Sea Dogs 92-56 in Round 1 and our Tzvetan Kishishev wins Game MVP with 20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal. Great to see and it really gives me high hopes that he'll be a presence on next year's Nuggets.

Izulde

11-24-2008, 12:18 AM

I like our chances against Sacramento. Even more than I did our shot against the Jazz, to be honest. But let's just see what the article says. I've decided to cut out the fluff this time and go straight to the position by position previews.

Point Guard
Zelipe Gama vs. Carlton Goree
Gama really stepped up when the team needed him to in the first round and averaged 18 points, 9 assists, 2.3 steals and a block against Utah. That same type of production will be extremely helpful against the Kings.

The rookie Goree, who almost got drafted by Denver, has proven a revelation and another Sacramento 1st round steal. He averaged 13.1 points, 8.9 assists and 2.4 steals in the first round. A smart, good all around point guard. Not flashy and doesn't have the upside to be elite, but he's got great stealing instincts and excellent shooting mechanics.

Advantage: Draw

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Justin Barnes
Yeaton was hampered by injuries most of the first round, but still gritted his way through to 17.8 points, a steal and 2 blocks versus the Jazz. He's back to full health and that's got to scare Sacramento.

We've really been impressed by Barnes's work ethic on defense this year and he's now an adequate defender. But he's still just 6'2 against Yeaton's 6'8, the kind of smaller guard last year's Finals MVP loves to abuse. Sensational first round for Barnes: 24.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists. He won't duplicate those numbers against Denver, though.

Advantage: Nuggets

Small Forward
David Jackson vs. Sean Griffin
Quietly effective first round by 50 Ninja for 11.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals. Shot a blistering 65.1% from the floor. If he can reduce his foul tendency a bit and be more aggressive with his shot taking, he could easily be a 15 points a game player.

3 inches and 40 pounds separate Jackson and Griffin, which is a huge disadvantage for the Kings. Griffin averaged 9.9 points, 6 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks in the first round, but he's not liable to have much more success against the bigger, outspoken Jackson.

Advantage: Nuggets

Power Forward
Marcelino Augusto vs. Mike Vines
Breathtaking showing by Augusto in the first round, averaging 25.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 3.8 blocks. He's transitioned beautifully into the Nuggets #1 option on offense this year and will probably stay that way for most of the rest of his career. Just a special, special player, the kind whose number hangs in the rafters someday.

Vines deserves credit as a great, silent defender with terrific scoring talents inside, but 16 points a game as he did in the first round won't be enough against this high-powered Denver offense. On top of that, he has to contain the NBA scoring leader. It's going to be a tough outing for Sacramento here as well.

Advantage: Nuggets

Center
Andrew Bogut vs. Patrick Riley
Bogut's averaging a near double-double in the playoffs thus far with 9.8 points, 13.7 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.3 blocks. He's doing exactly what the Nuggets coaching staff wants him to do and he should do more of the same this series.

Getting Riley in offseason free agency was a major coup for the Kings, as he can score, rebound, and defend in addition to being one of the league's best blockers. He's averaging 14.3 points, 12 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 3.7 blocks so far in the playoffs. A big plus for Sacramento here.

Advantage: Kings

Bench
Victor Gipson's hobbled by a sprained wrist, but he's filling Jackson's old role in averaging 7.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks off the bench. A big body and a terrific reserve to have. Rico Wolfe's chipping in 7.3 points and Louis Mertens is averaging 5 points a game, giving the Nuggets three solid bench players who can really rack up the points.

Third year Slovenian Cene Kovacs is a solid all-around reserve, averaging 7.9 points and 4.6 rebounds in the first round. Winston Smith is a giant at 7'4, 267 lbs and a phenomenal defender with some upside still waiting to be filled. He averaged 6.9 points and 5.3 rebounds in the first round and should be successful here as well. Deron Williams can still pass and score at 37, as his 6.7 points in the postseason thus far illustrate.

Advantage: Draw

Final Thoughts
The Kings do have some nice players and a solid bench, but the Nuggets are simply too talented for Sacramento to overcome. This series will be shorter than the Denver/Utah one. In fact, we'll call the sweep.
Prediction: Nuggets in 4

Yeah, like I said. Easy matchup here.

Game One
Or maybe not. Patrick Riley explodes for 27 points, 13 rebounds and 5 blocks, Mike Vines puts up 16 points and 10 rebounds and Deron Williams scores 11 off the bench. On our end, Mateen Yeaton scores 31 and Zelipe Gama -just- misses the triple-double with 9 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists in addition to Victor Gipson's 8 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. But the rest of our reserves suck, Marcelino Augusto has a god-awful 2 for 12 night and the Kings steal the opening game win.
Final - Sacramento 86 Denver 77

Game Two
Patrick Riley comes up with 10 points and 12 rebounds and the Kings continue to get stellar play off their bench, as four Sacramento reserves score 8 points or more, led by Raymond Felton and Winston Smith with 10 points a piece. Mateen Yeaton gets in foul trouble and I'm swearing up a storm. Marcelino Augusto breaks out for 26 points and 13 rebounds and David Jackson doubles for 12 points and 12 rebounds, but the story of this game is Louis Mertens, who goes a crazy 11/15 for 29 points, 7 assists, 2 rebounds, 4 blocks and 3 steals to win Player of the Game and carry us to a series-tying victory. I -knew- there was a reason why I liked the Belgian kid's game so much!!
Final - Sacramento 92 Denver 106

Game Three
In Sacramento now and we need at least a split to reasonably stay alive in this one. A sweep would obviously be preferred. It won't be easy though, as Justin Barnes finally cracks the 20 point mark with 21, Patrick Riley gets 10 points and 11 rebounds and the Kings' bench continues to amaze me, Deron Williams and Winston Smith scoring 14 and 10 respectively. We counter with Marcelino Augusto's 19 points and 20 rebounds, Andrew Bogut's 12 points and 19 rebounds and Rico Wolfe's 13 bench points. The clincher, however, belongs to Mateen Yeaton, who, unfettered by foul trouble, blitzes the Kings for 34 points and we're in good shape with the 2-1 series lead.
Denver 95 Sacramento 78

Game Four
Just win, baby. It's a mantra Mateen Yeaton's looking to fill as he goes out and scores 40. Zelipe Gama puts together 11 points and 10 assists and Rico Wolfe adds 16 points off the bench. But Mike Vines tears us apart for 32 points and 11 rebounds, Patrick Riley had yet another solid game of 16 points, 12 rebounds and 7 blocks and Carlton Goree issues 14 points and 10 assists. In the end, we're doomed by Andrew Bogut's 1 for 11 night and we're forced into a brawl, losing by 5 to send this thing to another tie of 2-2.
Final - Denver 101 Sacramento 106

Toronto shrugs off the first round scare by the Pistons, punching out the Knicks in a sweep. The Raptors are doing their part; now why can't we do ours?

Game Five
Back in Denver, this is pretty much a must-win right here if we want to defend our title, particularly since the other semi-final round is at 3 games to 1. We get it by the slimmest of margins, rallying in the fourth quarter behind 20 points from Marcelino Augusto, 22 points from Mateen Yeaton and heroic bench showings of 16 and 11 points from Rico Wolfe and Louis Mertens. Justin Barnes was unbelievable with 32 points, Patrick Riley pulled down 16 points and 11 rebounds, while 3 Kings subs had 9 points or more, led by Winston Smith's 12 points. 3 narrow points, but it's a crucial 3-2 series lead.
Final - Sacramento 107 Denver 110

Dallas ousts the Timberwolves in 5, setting up a renewal of an old playoff rivalry. Not good, as I like our chances against Minnesota considerably more. But we have to play the hand we're dealt.

Game Six
Worry about the Mavs later. Let's just concentrate on getting this win right here in Sacramento and moving on. The Kings play balanced offense here, all five starters save one scoring 14 or 17 points. Patrick Riley led the way with 17 points and 9 rebounds and Deron Williams scored 15 off the bench. It's a terrible shooting night from our starters, our top performers Zelipe Gama with 13 points and 10 assists and 10 bench points from Louis Mertens. Terrible shooting night that is, except for David "50 Ninja" Jackson, who sneaks past Sacramento and stabs them with sweet shot after sweet shot until he's put up a game-high 24 points and led us to the clinching win!!!! 50 Ninja!!!!
Final - Denver 103 Sacramento 95

Huge, huge relief.

The Hawks continue their dream season by ridding the playoffs of the Magic in six games, setting up a fascinating East Conference Finals matchup with the Raptors.

Atlanta/Toronto
Dallas/Denver

This is going to be one fun set of conference finals.

Izulde

11-24-2008, 02:26 PM

This matchup against Dallas is going to be interesting. For the first time in years, we won't be seeing Dirk Nowitzki or Jason Terry on the Mavs. Makes it a little difficult to get a feel for the team, with the exception of Jonte Jones.

I also forgot to mention that Bakersfield bounced Colorado in the West Conference finals. 96-83 and Tzvetan Kishishev had an off night, with just 10 points and 5 rebounds. Truth is, the Timberjacks were never in it as the Otters controlled the game from the opening tipoff. Oh well. Good run by Kishishev and his boys. They've nothing to be disappointed about.

The article:

"Things are moving right on course for a fifth straight Toronto/Denver Finals matchup, but the Raptors have a tough draw in the deep, balanced, team-playing Hawks and the Nuggets will have to overcome the Mavericks, who have upset Denver here before. Both conference finals look to be exciting, close contests at first glance.

Point Guard
Zelipe Gama vs. Jamar Barnes
Denver's Spainard point man is in the midst of his best statistical postseason ever, averaging 13.6 points, 10 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 2 steals. Will this finally be the year he breaks through in the Finals, should Denver get that far? That's not certain, but what is certain is that Gama's playing extremely well right now.

Barnes is an average PG in every way, averaging 9.8 points, 8.1 assists and 1.3 steals in the playoffs. Not a bigtime scorer, not a great passer. He's also below average on defense, which presents huge opportunities for Gama to put up glitzy numbers.

Advantage: Nuggets

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Larry Bannister
Yeaton gets healthy and jacks up his postseason scoring average to 21.7 points and 1.8 blocks. He's looking in prime form right now, the kind of performance that garnered him the Finals MVP a season ago.

Bannister is one of the top fundamental defenders in the entire game, even if he can't make the highlight reel play on D. He's another small SG (6'2) that Yeaton's going to absolutely brutalize. Can't contribute on offense at all and is averaging a humdrum 6.7 points. That's not a good thing when your starter's having that low an output.

Advantage: Nuggets

Small Forward
David Jackson vs. Devone Allen
50 Ninja's 24 point outburst to lead the Nuggets past the Kings in Game 6 testifies to his ability to bust out with a big game when Denver's other starters are struggling. 12 points, 6.3 rebounds, a steal and 1.2 blocks illustrate his well-rounded ability and his sensational 55.8% shooting is simply beautiful.

Allen's just a rookie, but the 19 year old burst on to the scene after being taken with the 8th pick in the draft. There's 7 teams now kicking themselves for passing on them, as the youngster raised eyebrows around the league with excellent regular season play and absolutely jaw-dropping showing in the playoffs. In fact, he's averaging 20.5 points and 1.1 steals in the postseason and has an exceptional all-around game with no real weaknesses. In short, he's like an upgraded version of Jackson, even bordering on Marcelino Augusto levels.

Advantage: Mavericks

Power Forward
Marcelino Augusto vs. Al Horford
If there's one criticism of Augusto, it's that he still hasn't completely mastered how to be clutch in the playoffs. He had a very rough outing against Mike Vines in the last round as the superior defender limited him night after night. That said, the Brazilian's still posting averages of 21.8 points, 9 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 2.9 blocks and can't be dismissed so readily.

Horford's a decent, but not great all-around player. 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals in the playoffs attest to his ordinariness. He's a respectable defender, but going from Vines to Horford opens up a huge opportunity for Augusto to bust out with a huge series.

Advantage: Nuggets

Center
Andrew Bogut vs. Jonte Jones
Bogut's going to have his hands full against Jones and he's in for a very rough series. That 8.4 points, 13.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks are liable to go down and the Nuggets are just hoping he can find a way to get Jones in foul trouble.

The one player GM Jestor almost traded Marcelino Augusto for already has 2 MVP awards to his credit (2015, 2017) and has been otherworldly this playoffs, averaging 25.1 points, 16.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.7 blocks. In terms of rebounding in the league, only Toronto's Greg Oden is better. Jones is so good, he singlehandedly sells out Mavericks games wherever he goes. No holes at all.

Advantage: Mavericks

Bench
Rico Wolfe's once again the most valuable sniper and bench defender the Nuggets have, averaging 8.4 points this postseason. He and Louis Mertens are both capable of huge games, as the Belgian's 29 point Game 2 performance against Sacramento after Yeaton's foul trouble shows. Mertens is averaging 7.1 points and 4.4 assists and if he ever improves his defense, he could easily be a great starting PG, especially in a system like Denver's. Victor Gipson's 6.3 points and 5.3 rebounds have been invaluable inside.

Mike Patterson may be 33, but he doesn't like it, averaging 10.7 points and 4.8 rebounds as the team's 6th man. Fourth year man David Tucker should be a starter someday, but for now the still developing 23 year old is averaging 9.7 points and 1.4 steals off the bench. The only problem with Dallas's reserves is that as explosive as they are at scoring, they're that weak on defense.

Advantage: Draw

Final Thoughts
Denver's backcourt is superior, but the Mavericks hold a significant edge in the frontcourt and the firepower of their bench is going to be hard to contain. These are two very evenly matched teams and we see it going the distance, with homecourt advantage sending the Nuggets back to the Finals to defend their title.
Prediction: Nuggets in 7

A reasonable assessment. I'm just hoping we advance.

Game One
A close series like this and what do we go out and do? Play the worst game we have all postseason. Yes, Marcelino Augusto had 19 points and 10 rebounds and Mateen Yeaton was sensational with 35 points, but when the rest of the starters are shooting like their hands are made of ice and Rico Wolfe's the only reserve stepping up with 11 points, we're not going to win. Not when Jonte Jones is dominant with 33 points and 16 rebounds, Jamar Barnes has 11 points and 11 assists and that scary bench tosses in 13 and 14 points from David Tucker and Damian Giesen. In the end, the tale of the tape boils down to this: Dallas - 54.9% shooting, Denver - 44.3% shooting. It's hard to imagine a worse start to the series.
Final - Dallas 112 Denver 98

Game Two
It's a complete reversal here, Dallas shooting 40.2% while we hit 53.2% of our shots. Jonte Jones was impressive again with 21 points and 17 rebounds, the Mavericks reserves producing 10 points and 8 rebounds from Mike Patterson and 12 points from David Tucker, but Marcelino Augusto and Mateen Yeaton match with 24 and 22 points respectively, Rico Wolfe providing the calvary support with 13 points. We needed to win this one and we did, evening things up.
Final - Dallas 85 Denver 109

Game Three
The Mavericks aren't about to forget that 24 point beating in Game 2 and they're out for blood in Dallas. Jonte Jones rampages for 30 points and 18 rebounds, but he gets absolutely no support and that's not going to cut it when Marcelino Augusto's scoring 34, Zelipe Gama's dishing 13 points and 11 assists and Rico Wolfe's adding 11 bench points. David Jackson contributes to our 58.8% shooting night by going 7/7 for 15 points while Emeka Okafor looks anything but old in grabbing 10 bench boards. Dallas shoots 38.2% and we stun them in a 30 point slaughter, seizing the 2-1 series lead.
Final - Denver 108 Dallas 78

Game Four
If we can steal the road sweep, we're in excellent shape. Once again, the winning team shoots over 50% and it's unfortunately Dallas, hitting 53.7% in a game that featured sensational play by both benches. Devone Allen and Jonte Jones score 21 and 20 points a piece and 3 Mavericks reserves break double-digits: Mike Patterson (10 points, 8 rebounds), Damian Giesen (13 points) and David Tucker (12 points). Marcelino Augusto did his damnedest for us with 33 points, Victor Gipson scored an amazing 19 points off the bench (that was mitigated by Andrew Bogut's dreadful 0 for 5 evening) and Rico Wolfe stayed steady with 11 bench points. But it's all a wash and we're knotted up at 2 a piece.
Final - Denver 96 Dallas 111

It's a dogfight in both finals as Toronto and Atlanta are tied at 2 themselves.

Game Five
Home sweet home. Big mo shift potential here and the frenzied fans in Denver know it. But not even that extra man can compensate for Andrew Bogut's 1 for 8 night and not even Marcelino Augusto (25 points) and Zelipe Gama (10 points, 13 assists) can prevent a crushing loss. The question on everyone's mind: Where's Mateen Yeaton? Jonte Jones thunders for 31 points and Pau Gasol rises from the dead for 10 bench points. Our backs are now to the wall. 50%'s still the signifier for success, as the Mavericks shoot 51.2%.
Final - Dallas 100 Denver 85

Toronto loses Game 5 as well and suddenly it's looking like we'll both be taken out of the title picture.

Game Six
We must win, obviously, or our dynastic dreams turn to so much smoke. It's an eager, high-decibel, sellout crowd that assaults us in Dallas. But just like Game 5, the crowd's a non-factor as Marcelino Augusto fights through the noise for 25 points and 11 rebounds and Zelipe Gama electrifies with 23 points and 11 assists. Old man Emeka Okafor contributes 11 bench rebounds and we shoot an amazing 59.5%. In counterpoint, Devone Allen scores 24, Jonte Jones double-doubles with 20 points and 12 rebounds and David Tucker scores 13 off the bench. Just 10 points combined from the Mavericks backcourt as we force a Game 7.
Final - Denver 111 Dallas 97

The Hawks pull off the biggest upset of the year, sending home the Toronto Raptors in 6 games. For the first time in nearly a decade, it'll be someone other than the Raptors representing the East. I only hope we avoid the same fate in the West.

Game Seven
Home court advantage has been anything but this series. I can barely stand to watch the game from the skybox, but watch I do. But it means something this time as Marcelino Augusto plays sensationally for 27 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 8 blocks and a steal and Mateen Yeaton finally snaps out of his slump for 23 points. Zelipe Gama garners 15 points and 11 assists and Rico Wolfe and Victor Gipson headline the reserves with 15 and 12 points a piece. In the end, all the Mavericks can do is watch Jonte Jones's 27 points and 16 rebounds go to waste, the NBA's most magnificient center forced to watch us celebrate our 20 point win. We're going on to defend our title!!!!
Final - Dallas 93 Denver 113

Another miraculous escape and we're on to face arguably the deadliest team in the league. Who says you need superstars to win a conference title? The Atlanta Hawks certainly don't.

Autumn

11-24-2008, 03:12 PM

Yowzers. I thought that Jonte was going to bring you down, but your boys pulled it out. Nice to see it was Augusto coming up clutch there.

Izulde

11-25-2008, 03:32 PM

Yowzers. I thought that Jonte was going to bring you down, but your boys pulled it out. Nice to see it was Augusto coming up clutch there.

I thought sure I was going to lose too, once that horrible Game 5 loss came in. And yes, I'm definitely starting to think I need to keep Augusto around, though it's going to cost some serious coin to keep one of the league's top players and the scoring champion around.

Izulde

11-26-2008, 04:42 PM

So here we are. Our 5th straight Finals appearance, a streak reached only by the 1957-1965 Celtics (9 consecutive Finals, 8 championships). That puts us in very select company, even if we don't have the fistfuls of rings to show for it that Boston does. Close, but no cigar to 5 straight Finals were the 1981-1984 Lakers, who made it to four Finals in a row, winning two titles and of course, our own 2015-2018 Toronto Raptors, who won three straight championships over us before losing last year. All the rest have been 3 or less Finals in a row, though it must be noted that in several cases, teams with 3 consecutive Finals were also threepeat champions, including:

1951-1953 Minneapolis Lakers (who, incidentally, just missed appearing in six Finals in a row and winning at least 5 out of 6 titles when they failed to make the 1950 Finals)

1990-1992 Chicago Bulls
1995-1997 Chicago Bulls
1999-2001 Los Angeles Lakers

It'd make a great What-If dynasty to pair all of these teams against each other and see which one comes out on top. To be honest, I'm not sure who'd win. All the contestants would have their strengths and weaknesses.

But I ramble on too much. Time to see what the press says.

"For the first time in 60 years, a team is going to the NBA Finals for the fifth year in a row. That team is the defending champion Denver Nuggets, who certainly have the starpower advantage over the surprising Atlanta Hawks, but do they have the depth and balance?

Point Guard
Zelipe Gama vs. Kelvin Johnson
Gama continues to very quietly contribute a solid all-around postseason game of 13.8 points, 9.7 assists, 4 rebounds, and 1.8 steals. Perhaps now that he's finally not playing Toronto, he can have an impact in the Finals.

Johnson, taken 6th overall last year, didn't win a starting spot until late in the season. He's an excellent shooter, with good defense and an understanding of the game not found in many 21 year olds. He's actually more suited to SG, because he's not a good passer, but it's hard to argue with his team-leading 19.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.4 steals in the playoffs.

Advantage: Draw

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Ray Fields
Nuggets fans everywhere are trying to figure out just what happened to Yeaton against the Mavericks. While he's still averaging 21.2 points, 4 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.8 blocks, he was virtually invisible for almost the entire series. That doesn't bode well for Denver if the trend continues.

Fields is one of the most charismatic players in the league. He's also a good passer and ballhandler, better suited to the point, where he played before Johnson came to the starting five late in the year. Like Johnson, the 25 year old 6th year man is a surpreme shooter and intelligent, but a defensive downgrade from the other. Still, the Hawks are banking that the extra two inches Fields provides (6'4), will give Yeaton some trouble. It's not looking terribly likely, however. Postseason averages: 18.5 points, 4 rebounds, 1.4 steals.

Advantage: Nuggets

Small Forward
David Jackson vs. Vince Murray
11.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks aren't flashy playoff numbers, but as we've said all along, 50 Ninja is capable of a breakout game at any time, especially when he's converting 55.7% of his shots.

Murray has the type of skill set that should be generating a lot more points per game than he is. But when you're 6'4, 192 lbs and having to go up against guys like Jackson who have 7 inches and 90 lbs on you, it's tough to make a go of it. Still, Murray's managed to average 13.2 points and 1.8 steals in the playoffs despite facing brutal mismatches every round. A subpar defender though and only an average rebounder.

Advantage: Nuggets

Power Forward
Marcelino Augusto vs. Chris Borman
Augusto's sensational series against Dallas in the conference finals, where he carried the Nuggets to victory in Game 7, went a long to proving that he might finally be ready to be a force in the Finals. His playoff averages of 23.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 2.8 blocks are impressive and the 21 year old vows to be a differencemaker this series.

Borman's the perfect example of a player who's good at just about everything (except passing), but he isn't great at anything, except that he's a very disciplined player who doesn't try to do more than he's capable of. The former 2nd round pick (2nd in 2nd round, 2014 - Chicago Bulls) is one of the few non-1st rounders who's a legitimate starter in the NBA and he's been that for the Hawks since 2016. 12.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 3.4 blocks illustrate his well-rounded effectiveness, but he's got a Herculean task going up against Augusto, since Borman himself is only 6'8, 239 lbs.

Advantage: Nuggets

Center
Andrew Bogut vs. Garick Reece
Bogut bombed badly against Dallas, knocking his playoff averages down to 7 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. He also got brutalized by Jonte Jones all series long and looked every one of his 35 years.

The good news for Denver is that Reece is no Jones. In fact, he's one of the worst starting centers in the league, a glorified shotblocker who somehow manages to keep his starting job that he's had since his rookie year in 2015, when the Hawks drafted him 8th overall. He's never averaged more than 9.3 points or 8.4 rebounds in the regular season and he's shown the same inability to be a force in the playoffs, averaging 7.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. Atlanta's here in spite of him, not because of him.

Advantage: Nuggets

Bench
Rico Wolfe keeps on raining down the points, averaging 9.3 off the bench. Victor Gipson's averaging 6.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks, while Louis Mertens has postseason averages of 5.7 points and 4.3 assists, giving the Nuggets a fair amount of depth and the ability to cover all the bases.

Michael Blunt is a good all around reserve and the sniper off the bench, with 8.4 playoff point average. Zaza Pachulia is still a skilled player at 34, posting 7.3 points and 6.4 rebounds in the postseason. Acie Law is no Mertens, but he can still be an extremely effective floor general. 38 year old Andrei Kirilenko is no longer the great defender he was, but he's still a very good one.

Advantage: Draw

Final Thoughts
Atlanta's miracle season stops here. Yes, the Hawks have balance and arguably the greatest coaching staff in the league, but they can't compete with the sheer firepower of the Nuggets, particularly not when they don't have defenders who can frustrate Yeaton and Augusto. There's going to be no drama here. In fact, this might be the most lopsided Finals we've seen since 2010, when the Raptors swept the Nuggets and it wasn't even close.
Prediction: Nuggets in 4

I'm not so sure about the sweep, but I really like our chances at a title defense. No way the Hawks should even have made it this far.

Game One
Maybe it's that we were overconfident or maybe it's because we opened in Atlanta, but we get stunned by the Hawks in the first game. Mateen Yeaton scores 22 points and our bench played their hearts out: Victor Gipson with 10 points and 10 rebounds, Louis Mertens with 12 points and Rico Wolfe with 10 points, but nobody else showed up. What's even more embarassing is that we outshot the Hawks 44.9% to 38.9% and still lost by 13. I tip my hat to Kelvin Johnson, who burned us for 29 points and former draftee of mine Acie Law, who took pleasure in scoring 12 off the bench. Absolutely disgraceful.
Final - Denver 85 Atlanta 98

Game Two
Jim O'Brien told the boys to snap out of it before Game 2, but we go out and shoot a dreadful 32.5%. Only Marcelino Augusto came through for us with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Atlanta kicked our butts up and down the court all night long, Ray Fields and Vince Murray doing the most damage with 24 points and 21 points and 10 rebounds respectively. I'm in shock and we're in the hole 2-0.
Final - Denver 64 Atlanta 99

Game Three
Maybe playing in Denver can produce a change in fortune. It'd better, or we'll be the laughingstock of the entire league. We've officially hit bipolar territory as we go from 32.5% in Game 2 to 60.5% in Game 3. Once again, Marcelino Augusto leads us with 27 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 blocks, as he's doing everything he can to shed the Finals bust label. Zelipe Gama uncorks for 23 points and 10 assists, Andrew Bogut scrapes together 10 points and 11 rebounds and Rico Wolfe scores 12 off the bench. This is what Nuggets basketball is about! Atlanta's sole counter was Vince Murray's 26 points. We're back in this thing at 2-1.
Final - Atlanta 88 Denver 116

Game Four
But we're not out of the woods yet. We need to tie it up and turn this thing into a whole new series. And for the first time in what seems like forever, Mateen Yeaton and Marcelino Augusto are in sync on the same night. Augusto is breathtaking with 35 points, 18 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 blocks and 2 steals, while Yeaton hammers the Hawks for 35 points. Zelipe Gama joins the fun with the first triple-double by a Nugget in my tenure. 16 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds. It couldn't have come at a more opportune time as we crush Atlanta, plummeting them to a knotted series. Lost in the shuffle are Kelvin Johnson's 22 points and Emmitt Kincaid's 12 bench points for the Hawks.
Final - Atlanta 94 Denver 118

Game Five
Our third straight home game and the most pivotal contest of this series. Win and all we have to do is get a split in Atlanta. Lose and we have to try and pull off the miracle by sweeping in that carnival of horrors. Kelvin Johnson continues his fine Finals with 27 points, but that's all the Hawks can muster in highlights. Mateen Yeaton more than matches Johnson with 36 points, Marcelino Augusto adds 21 points and Rico Wolfe scores 16 off the bench. We now hold the all-important 3-2 series edge and have run off three straight victories.
Final - Atlanta 97 Denver 118

Game Six
Just one win. That's all we need is one road win and we've defended our title. Will our restored confidence from three straight routs in Denver give us the boost we need to finally tame the Hawks in their home nest and repeat as champions? Kelvin Johnson erupts for 33 points, Ray Fields scores 21 and Chris Borman makes it three Hawks with 20+ points, netting 20 points and 12 rebounds. Marcelino Augusto leads the counterattack with 39 points, Rico Wolfe scores 20 points off the bench, Louis Mertens chips in 10 points and 11 assists and Victor Gipson grabs 12 boards to lead the reserves in rebounding. But in the end, it's not enough, as we lose by a measly four points. Worse yet, Mateen Yeaton played just 9 minutes, fouling out and scoring ZERO POINTS. What a heartbreaking loss.
Final - Denver 102 Atlanta 106

Game Seven
And here we go again. Another Game 7 for everything. Only this time, we're in hostile territory and Victor Gipson's starting at C, Andrew Bogut having strained his knee in Game 6. This final game's even harder to watch than the one against the Mavericks. Four of five Atlanta's starters score 15 points or more: Chris Borman with 15, Ray Fields with 16, Kelvin Johnson and Vince Murray with 19 a piece. In short, it's precisely the type of balanced ball that got the Hawks this far. Can we match it? Marcelino Augusto puts up 22 points and 11 rebounds, Victor Gipson is a force down low with 13 points and 15 rebounds and Zelipe Gama adds in 13 points and 13 assists. But the game's not decided until Mateen Yeaton, last year's hero, adds another chapter in his legendary saga, scoring 32 points and winning his second straight NBA Finals MVP!!!! NUGGETS WIN!!! NUGGETS WIN!!!! WE DEFEND OUR TITLE!!! WE DEFEND OUR TITLE!!!!!!
Final - Denver 100 Atlanta 95

I walk slowly down to the court this time, savoring the sight of the Nuggets' celebrations. Jim O'Brien and Patrick Ewing hugging on the bench. Mateen Yeaton laid out exhausted on the floor after a night of converting all 10 free throw shots and leading us to our second straight title. David Jackson doing an insane victory dance I'm sure will be in his next music video. Louis Mertens just sitting on a chair and quietly savoring the moment.

Marcelino Augusto and Lindsey Williamson walking over to Yeaton and picking him up, carrying him on their shoulders to accept the gleaming, golden ball.

And the sight of our two-time NBA Finals MVP holding up the trophy, hoisted by two of the players I drafted, one reknowned, the other obscure, makes me smile.

Last year was excitement and frenzy.

This year is simply sublime happiness.

Denver Nuggets. Repeat champions.

Such simple, beautiful words.

Coffee Warlord

11-27-2008, 12:19 PM

Whoo hoo!

Izulde

11-27-2008, 04:07 PM

Whoo hoo!

Indeed. :)

Izulde

11-27-2008, 04:07 PM

Augusto Wants Out

A stunning development has occurred in the wake of the Denver Nuggets' successful title defense. 21 year old star PF Marcelino Augusto has demanded a trade from Denver, claiming he doesn't feel he has the support that teammate Mateen Yeaton does.

"I performed at a higher and more consistent level than Mateen and I should've received the Finals MVP award, not him. There's constantly been trade rumors swirling around me and I'm tired of it. So I say to the GM and to the front office: Trade me. Trade me to some other team where I'll be appreciated, where I'll be the clear-cut number one and not have to play second fiddle to a man who's past his prime", Augusto said at a press conference announcing his desire to be dealt.

Nuggets captain Emeka Okafor has also publically expressed a wish to be moved to another team if he decides not to retire, but that isn't likely to happen.

GM Jestor declined comment on the Brazilian's outburst, but sources say there's a very high probability that the young superstar and regular season MVP candidate will get his wish and be traded.

If that happens, the fallout could be considerable for Denver, as the team will then have to find another scorer to pair with Yeaton. It also means that their future franchise fixture at PF will be gone. On the other hand, Yeaton will still be the only returning starter over 30 and there's every reason to believe the Nuggets can continue their dominance even without Augusto, depending on what Jestor can get back.

Augusto also indicated during the press conference that as a gesture to Nuggets fans, who've been so ardent in their enthusiasm for him during his three years in the league, he's willing to a sign 2 year, $12 million base, 10% raise contract extension, but no more than that. It's uncertain as to how the Nuggets front office will respond to that offer.

What's certain is that this offseason just got a lot more intriguing for Nuggets fans.

***End Article***

Bastard. I knew I should've sold him sooner. But that's going to have to wait. We've the lottery first.

NBA Lottery
14. Boston Celtics
13. Chicago Bulls
12. New Jersey Nets
11. Memphis Grizzlies
10. Houston Rockets
9. Golden State Warriors
8. Charlotte Bobcats

7. Denver Nuggets (-1)

...Damn it. We dropped a spot as Miami sneaks into the top 3.

6. Los Angeles Clippers (-1)
5. Washington Wizards (-1)
4. New Orleans Hornets (-3)
3. Indiana Pacers
2. Phoenix Suns
1. Miami Heat (+6)

And so it's the Heat that come up lucky in the lottery. Oh well, it could've been worse. I'll take the #7 pick.

2019 NBA Awards
MVP
Andrew Bynum - Los Angeles Lakers - 18.1 PPG 11.9 RPG 3.6 APG 2.6 BPG 0.9 SPG
Defensive Player of the Year
Greg Oden - Toronto Raptors - 14.0 PPG 15.4 RPG 3.7 APG 2.7 BPG 1.0 SPG
Rookie of the Year
Devone Allen - Dallas Mavericks - 15.9 PPG 3.7 RPG 3.2 APG 1.4 BPG 1.2 SPG
6th Man of the Year
Kelvin Johnson - Atlanta Hawks - 15.3 PPG 4.4 APG 2.6 RPG 0.7 BPG 0.9 SPG
Coach of the Year
Sam Mitchell - Toronto Raptors

The media obsesses way too much with centers and keeps voting them as MVP even when they don't really deserve it. Poor form again, though not quite as egregious as the Greg Oden selections. Augusto was furious when he found out he'd be snubbed for the MVP award, though he did finish in second place.

All-NBA 1st Team
PG Kenny Graham - Detroit Pistons
SG Mateen Yeaton - Denver Nuggets
SF Kevin Durant - Portland Trailblazers
PF Marcelino Augusto - Denver Nuggets
C Andrew Bynum - Los Angeles Lakers

All-NBA 2nd Team
PG Paulinho Buboltz - Indiana Pacers
SG Justin Richler - Toronto Raptors
SF Rudy Gay - Memphis Grizzlies
PF Kelvin Moody - Minnesota Timberwolves
C Jonte Jones - Dallas Mavericks

All-NBA 3rd Team
PG Calvis Graham - Los Angeles Lakers
SG Lebron James - Cleveland Cavaliers
SF Charles Garren - Orlando Magic
PF Federico Gomez - Minnesota Timberwolves
C Greg Oden - Toronto Raptors

First time in my career I've had two All-First Team selections and I'm going to have to ship one of them out. Oh well, c'est 'la vie.

All-Defense 1st Team
PG Derrick Sterett - New Jersey Nets
SG Mateen Yeaton - Denver Nuggets
SF Jeremy Lemons - Orlando Magic
PF Tyrus Thomas - Philadelphia 76ers
C Greg Oden - Toronto Raptors

All-Defense 2nd Team
PG Brian Metcalfe - Philadelphia 76ers
SG Charles Seegars - Chicago Bulls
SF David Anyan - Toronto Raptors
PF Kelvin Moody - Minnesota Timberwolves
C Patrick Riley - Sacramento Kings

All-Rookie 1st Team
PG Keith Attaway - Indiana Pacers
SG Filip Mikulic - Houston Rockets
SF Devone Allen - Dallas Mavericks
PF Jeremy Bellairs - Golden State Warriors
C Charlie Joseph - Portland Trailblazers

All-Rookie 2nd Team
PG Carlton Goree - Sacramento Kings
SG Walter Hicks - New Jersey Nets
SF Steven Feaster - Miami Heat
PF Calvis Hatter - Memphis Grizzlies
C Leo Sinville - Orlando Magic

B.B. Dyer got a monster bid for the team and took it, figuring the time was right to sell high. Enter Bob Neal, who doesn't care at all about winning. He just wants the profit and he wants the profits -now-, especially after how much money he shelled out to get the Nuggets.

Luckily, Mr. Neal is fine with the same deep playoff run and 10-15 million over the cap that I've proposed to Mr. Dyer the last several years. I'm going to hold off on trading Augusto until I see exactly what this draft class looks like.

Coach Hiring

Jim O'Brien's rewarded with a 3 year, $2.3 million a year contract extension for leading us to two straight titles. By the time he retires, he should be over .500 careerwise.

Other than that, we sit tight and watch the usual musical chairs of coaches, including Scott Skiles going to the Heat. ...Yeah, his slow style is going to go over -real- well with Nigel Abel.

Mock Draft

For the most part, this is looking like a pretty weak class. Not one I'd pay much to move up in. SG Jon Ward, a 19 year old who just finished his freshman year at Syracuse, looks like the class of the crop from initial impressions.

I have some mild interest in Ward, SG Austin Forte, a 21 year old out of Notre Dame, and 21 year old PF Terry Vinson out of Indiana, especially since Mateen Yeaton's a Hoosier, but overall, this just isn't a great class in terms of star power at the top.

On the other hand, there looks to be enough depth in this class that a few second rounders could well make an impact.

Decisions, decisions to make as we head into the draft.

Izulde

11-29-2008, 01:48 PM

After bringing a bunch of people in, I can only take back my comments about this draft being thin at the top, but fairly deep throughout.

It's just a terrible class, period. David Jackson-level draft crop. We may get out of this draft with Marcelino Augusto on our roster yet.

2020 NBA Draft 1st Round
1. PG Mark Johnson - Miami Heat

I actually facevault when I hear the pick. Admittedly, this is a -terrible- draft class and a lot of teams are parched for a good PG right now, but #1, Johnson's not a good PG and #2, Jon Ward is still sitting there.

2. SG Jon Ward - Phoenix Suns

The Suns send their fellow hot team a thank you card for passing on Ward. Not a guy worth moving up for in my opinion, but clearly the best of this anemic class.

3. C Lee McRae - Indiana Pacers

And so the search for a quality Pacers C continues. Hint: McRae ain't it.

4. PG Caleb James - New Orleans Hornets
5. SG Brad Smalls - Washington Wizards
6. SG Austin Forte - Los Angeles Clippers

The experts keep saying we'll go Antwan Carson, the SF we were tabbed to take in the mock drafts, but I don't like the looks of the kid at all. Instead, we go with a player who I think is a steal at this point.

7. PF Terry Vinson - Denver Nuggets

He can flat out score according to our workouts and he's a Hoosier, which thrills Mateen Yeaton. Also insurance in case we trade away Marcelino Augusto.

8. PG Sveto Lepinat - Charlotte Bobcats
9. PF Clifton Snyder - Golden State Warriors

Snyder's the guy I would've taken if Vinson was off the board. Not the explosive scorer that Vinson is, but a much more well-rounded game.

10. PG Adam Braun - Houston Rockets
11. SF Antwan Carson - Memphis Grizzlies
12. PG Travis Popp - New Jersey Nets
13. C Oswaldo Apolonario - Chicago Bulls

Brazilian C who was originally picked to go 3rd to the Pacers. Crashed 10 spots to the Bulls. Very raw and looked terrible in workouts.

14. SF LeRoy Romano - Boston Celtics
15. PF Chad Dobbins - Utah Jazz
16. PG Brett Archibald - Portland Trailblazers
17. C Jarion Calloway - San Antonio Spurs
18. SG Patrick Hawkins - Seattle Supersonics
19. PG Charles Lennox - Cleveland Cavaliers
20. SG Bill Esherick - Philadelphia 76ers
21. SG Dennis Jackson - Detroit Pistons
22. SG Mark Lyles - Sacramento Kings
23. SG Erick Lane - Milwaukee Bucks
24. SG Adam Jones - Minnesota Timberwolves
25. SG Ray Smith - New York Knicks
26. SG Dwayne DeManby - Washington Wizards
27. SG Chris Cross - Dallas Mavericks
28. SG Ronald King - Los Angeles Lakers
29. C Lionel Tice - Atlanta Hawks
30. PG Brad Pugh - Toronto Raptors

And right when we trade our own 2022 2nd round pick and the #36 pick to move up to the first pick in the second round, the comissioner steps up to the podium and announces the stunner of the evening:

"Because 2nd round picks regularly fail to make any impact in today's NBA, we will not be holding the second round this year. The Nuggets' trade to the Lakers will still stand, however."

...What?

I'm left jaw-dropped and absolutely flabbergasted. To me, it sounds like a screwjob to try and keep us from dominating. The first time in -years- we decide to have a 2nd round pick and actually trade up in it and they pull these shenanigans.

Heh. Then again, this is the same commish who imposed Schedulegate.

Anyway, first look after the draft says Vinson's going to be a good player. Not a superstar and not Marcelino Augusto by any means, but good.

We renounce our rights on everyone and free up enough cap room to give us $12.5 million to play with. Can you say big name free agent play? I knew you could!

Summer League
PF Tzvetan Kishishhev
PF Terry Vinson
C Victor Gipson

The good news about there being no second round, SG Jamie Keams, who I'd traded up to draft, is available as an undrafted rookie free agent and he accepts our summer league team invite. I plan on signing him on general principle.

We open the Summer League by crushing Dallas 104-86. Kelvin Johnson, the Hawks hero from our Finals match, scores 24 points after we found him wandering the availability list. Fantastic showing by the reserves: John Merton with 12 points and 10 rebounds, Roby Evans with 12 points and Garrett Honeycutt with 11 points. Evans could seriously be a solid player, but he didn't pick up basketball until his senior year in high school, so he's the rawest player I've ever seen. Great potential, though. Merton's a scrub. Honeycutt could be decent, with seasoning.

Golden State tops us 109-97 despite 25 points from Kelvin Johnson and 10 and 11 bench points from Garrett Honeycutt and Gary Burditt respectively. To be honest, Jamie Keams is kinda scrubby.

We -finally- get a breakout game from one of our young big men as Victor Gipson unloads on the Hawks for 25 points and 11 rebounds. John Merton and Gary Burditt highlight the reserves with 12 and 13 points a piece. I'm a little worried, to be honest, that we haven't seen anything major out of the other two, including our rookie.

111-97 loss to the Bulls, Victor Gipson our lone highlight with 15 points and 10 rebounds. I'm starting to see why Jim O'Brien told me after the draft that he sees David "50 Ninja" Jackson as our starting C next year over Gipson.

Defense rules in our 83-67 win over the Celtics to close out the summer league. Terry Vinson finally shows flashes of something with 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Roby Evans scores 12 points off the bench. O'Brien sees Vinson as a possible starting SF next year. Says the kid's got potential, but needs the playing time to develop it.

Free Agency
Some big names this year. A lot of them hovering or well past the 30 year old mark, but still exciting. I've included a list below, noting the ones 30 or older. This bumper crop isn't as mindblowing as last year's because of the age factor, but there's still some seriously elite players out there.

Blue Chip Board
SG Kyle Hoiberg
SG Lebron James (36)
SF Carmelo Amthony (36)
PG Paulinho Buboltz
PF Mike Vines (31)
C Jonte Jones (30)
PG Gilbert Arenas (38)
PG Dwayne Wade (38)
PG Kenny Graham
C Chris Bosh (36)
PG Kelvin Johnson
PF Andrea Bargnani (36)
SG Ben Gordon (37)
SF Andre Iguodola (36)
PG Andre Moore

These old guys can all still play, by the way, though to be fair, Bargnani and Gordon are really only on here because of their name factor.

I'll give you three guesses as to who I'm sinking my money into.

Unfortunately, we can't match Dallas's money and Jonte Jones has no real interest in coming to play for us, so it's no surprise when he re-signs with the Mavericks. Paulinho Buboltz goes back to Indiana the same day for the max-level money.

No worries, though. There's still a lot of prime free agents to be had. In particular I'd like to boost our PG situation and there's still Kenny Graham, the Pistons PG who's been the All-NBA 1st Team PG for the last 3 years. He's made no secret of the fact that he'd love to come to Denver. He's a potential locker room disruption from what I've heard, but there's no better passer in the league and he's a borderline 20 point/10 assist average player.

It's his impassioned desire to play for the Nuggets that finally sways me and we offer all our cap money to him on a max-level contract. He signs immediately and the national press and Internet blogosphere goes into a frenzy over the news. Pistons fans everywhere are heartbroken as their PG of the last 6 and 1/2 years leaves for greener pastures.

But the fact of the matter was, Detroit took advantage of Graham's willingness to listen to lower contracts. He doesn't care about money, but at the same time, when you're a 3-time defending All-NBA 1st Team player and your ballclub is only offering you $10 million a year, far below the market rate of what you deserve, you'd probably be a little pissed at the lowballing too.

As for the Nuggets faithful, front office and the team as a whole, we couldn't be more ecstatic at the coup. I'm a little worried at how this is going to effect the team's chemistry, especially with Zelipe Gama now being moved to the 6th man role, but I think it'll work out.

Lebron James jumps to the Celtics the next day on a 1 year, $9.9 million contract. He may be 36, but you just heard screams from Lake Erie as Cavs fans committed mass suicide.

Most of the rest of the big names re-up with their teams, but Kelvin Johnson takes a 5 year, $44.4 million deal from the Sacramento Kings. We probably won't be seeing Atlanta in the Finals again, that's for sure. Also, Rico Wolfe got a nice 4 year, $24.7 million contract from the Orlando Magic.

One hell of a free agency by the Celtics. They not only got King James, but they're also snapped up Will Baron, the 22 year old 3rd year player and former #1 overall pick (2018 - Houston Rockets) on a 5 year, $48 million deal. Baron's extremely raw still, but he's improved greatly each season he's been in the league and he has Franchise Player Potential (FPP). There's no way in hell Boston's missing the playoffs this year and if the young kids they have (Baron, Jon Costello, Jermaine Butler) keep developing, they're going to be serious contenders for the East this season. Wow, just wow.

The insanity doesn't stop there, because the Celtic sign Andre Iguodola the next day on a $6 million, one year deal. Okay, Boston's just become my pick in the East this year. Talk about being serious about upgrading!

Chicago continues to be stupid, shelling out 4 years, $24 million for Andrew Bogut, who's even older and even less impressive than he was during the stretch run and playoffs for us. Oh how the Bulls have fallen since their 2009 fluke championship!

We grab Utah Sixer Julius Austin on a one year min-sal deal. Great defense is always a good thing. I'm pissed a few days later when Louis Mertens spurns us for the freaking New York Knicks. Ungrateful asshat! See how much PT you get in the Big Apple!

As a consolation prize, we bring back Shaun Livingston for his third Nuggets tour of duty on the same day we agree to terms with Paul Fisher. Yes, it's another big man, but we need rebounding help.

Training Camp

Marcelino Augusto keeps busting his ass and there's no question he's arguably the best player in the NBA right now. Tzvetan Kishishev showed much better understanding of the game. David Jackson looked slightly improved in a few areas, but the real story of camp was how damn impressive Terry Vinson looked. He's much more polished than we thought and legitimately earned the starting SF spot.

I also sign Jamie Keams to a one year deal after training camp. I'd meant to sign him in free agency but completely forgot. He'll start the year down in the D-Leagues.

And that's when it happens.

That's when I make the trade that stuns the league.

Denver Nuggets receive
C Jonte Jones
SG Sabit Suker
Dallas Mavericks 2021 1st round pick
Dallas Mavericks 2023 1st round pick

Dallas Mavericks receive
PF Marcelino Augusto
PG Zelipe Gama
PG Shaun Livingston
Miami Heat 2021 2nd round pick
Miami Heat 2022 2nd round pick

What this means for the Nuggets
When GM Jestor wants a player, he finds a way to get him and he just landed two players he's coveted for a very, very long time in Jones and Suker. Jones immediately takes over as the starting C spot, shifting David Jackson to one of the forward spots and putting rookie Terry Vinson, who the Nuggets are quite high on and who afforded the front office the luxury of dealing Augusto. We already know all about Jones's exploits. Suker is extremely raw, but the 20 year old 3rd year Turk has potential to at the very least be a serviceable 6th man, if not a borderline starter. Already with good defensive skills and a very good basketball IQ, he'll be the first guard off the bench and get the ample playing time he needs to develop. Suker's also 6'8 and almost 200 lbs, the type of big, imposing guard Jestor loves to have (see Mateen Yeaton, recent Nuggets signee Jamie Keams for other examples. The first round picks will be late selections, making them decidedly underwhelming.

What this means for the Mavericks
Augusto gets his wish and leaves Denver for Dallas, where he'll be the unquestioned #1 option of offense and not have to share with a Mateen Yeaton, although he may have a challenger soon in last season's Rookie of the Year Devone Allen. Gama takes over at the point, allowing the Mavericks to push Chris Paul to the bench as the 6th man. Livingston's roster filler to make the salaries fit.

Winner: Dallas
With this trade, the Mavericks instantaneously become one of the top teams in the West. It doesn't matter that Al Horford is undersized at 6'9, 245 or that Augusto is also small. This is a team that's going to have extremely low 1st round picks in 2021 and 2023, so Jestor just basically gave up one of the Top 3 players in the NBA and a bona fide future Hall of Famer, along with his beloved Spanish starting PG for relative chump change.

I do feel bad about dealing Gama, but Kenny Graham's signing made Gama expendable and besides, I look at this way. Before us, Zelipe toiled in obscurity. He became a name player with us, so much so that when he did leave us for his new team, he was an unquestioned starter. That says a lot right there.

To keep Keams in the D-league, I sign 34 year old Mackel Greenleaf off the free agent scrap heap. He was the best passing guard available, for when we need it.

In the season previews, Seattle's picked as the top choice in the West, which is a joke. The Clippers are #2, which is even funnier. Portland's third, which is iffy, but at least somewhat arguable. Dallas is fourth and the consensus pick to run away with their division. The Mavericks are definitely going to win the division. It's a terrible crop this year, no doubt about that. We're slated 6th, which is idiotic.

Out in the East, I'm laughing my ass off as the Bulls are tabbed to win the conference. Fat chance of that. They're a borderline playoff team if anything. New York's #2, which sounds about right. The Raptors are slated for third, which makes sense to me. That lineup is really getting old. Boston's in the same spot we are, 6th, and I actually agree with that. The Celtics have no big man depth to speak of and that's going to hurt them, especially if there's any injuries.

2020 Denver Nuggets Opening Night Lineup
PG Kenny Graham
SG Mateen Yeaton
SF David Jackson
PF Terry Vinson
C Jonte Jones
6th Victor Gipson (SF/PF/C)
7th Tzevtan Kishishev (SF/PF/C
8th Sabit Suker (PG/SG/SF)
9th Paul Fisher (SF/PF/C)
10th Julius Austin (SF/PF)
11th Mackel Greenleaf (PG/SG)
12th Emeka Okafor (PF/C)
Inactive Jamie Keams (Starting PG for the Timberjacks)

Barkeep49

11-29-2008, 02:22 PM

I guess Jones is a nice addition, but this fan is quite upset about the Augusto trade.

Izulde

11-29-2008, 04:30 PM

I guess Jones is a nice addition, but this fan is quite upset about the Augusto trade.

You're not alone, either in the readership or in the story world in being quite upset.

I've been going over this trade a lot in the last few hours as I went for a smoke, lunch and a walk. I know a lot of people think and are going to think I'm absolute nuts for making this trade.

But the more I think about it, the more I'm happy with having made it. I've always wanted Jones and Suker on the team, this moves 50 Ninja back to SF where he's much more effective than at C and I really think Vinson's going to surprise a lot of people. Will he make anyone forget about Augusto? No. But I think he has the ability to become maybe become a star in his own right.

And remember, Augusto wasn't happy about not being the clear-cut #1 option on the team and was jealous about Yeaton's popularity with the front office, me especially. He also felt robbed of the Finals MVP, which went to Yeaton again. He wanted out and I gave him his wish, getting what I think is a good deal in return.

Absolute equal value? Well, no. There's no getting equal value for a 22 year old franchise player who just won his first scoring title and who plays solid defense, is a fan favorite, and doesn't care at all how much he makes.

But keep in mind that even with him, we -barely- defended our title. I feel like we're a lot more balanced team now with Jones. Also, a few readers thought I screwed up when I traded Buboltz for Yeaton back before the 2013 season and I think that turned out okay. :)

Izulde

11-29-2008, 06:25 PM

The images are there, almost larger than life, on the television screen. I can almost smell the smoke, can almost feel my eyes searing from the flames, my ears bombarded by the angry shouts as I stare at the scene and listen to the reporter:

"It's a wild scene here in Rio, where Brazilians, angry at the Nuggets' trade of Marcelino Augusto to the Dallas Mavericks, are rioting in protest. It all started this morning.."

I hit the mute button, looking a few seconds more at the furious faces, the surreal, chilling puppets of me burning. The bonfire's a mixture of Nuggets hats, T-shirts, other Denver memorabilia. There's quite a few Pacers Buboltz jerseys and a handful of just delivered Mavericks Augusto jerseys.

No Nuggets jerseys in the pile I can see. None, that is, save one.

A #6. Mateen's number.

I turn around and look at the faces ringed around my desk.

"So there you have it, gentlemen. We're now Public Enemy #1 in Brazil. Or at least I am."

There's a subdued chuckle from the group. It's all the players and coaches, including Lindsey Williamson, who I re-signed after the deal. Paul Fisher isn't here, though. I cut him so Lindsey could be on the active roster and Emeka Okafor could get more playing time.

I continue after the low laugh dies down.

"We're in a situation where we have to win a third straight title. Anything less and it's a failed season."

They're silent for a moment, letting the import sink in.

Then Jim O'Brien speaks up.

"Listen, Mr. Jestor. I thought it'd be a good idea to bring everyone in once I saw that news story break, like I said. I just wanted you to know that we're all behind you and we're determined to bring that third championship home."

"Yeah!" David Jackson shouts, wearing a gold and black hoodie, the first item in his new 50 Ninja clothing line, "Screw Augusto! We barely won the title with his ass, so this year, we're going to win it boom boom style without his 'I wanna be #1!' emo ass!"

The laughter's louder and more real this time. Jonte Jones is smiling for the first time since he came to Denver and he speaks next.

"Look, you guys know I love Dallas. I't's always gonna be home to me and I wanted to bring the Mavericks a title."

There's a chorus of playful boos which our new center just grins and shakes his head at.

"I know, I know. But you know, I'm thinking we can do this thing. We can win a third straight title, shoot, maybe even a fourth or fifth. Stuff like what we saw on TV just now? That's total crap. Hate the trade if you want, but there's no reason to be a dick about it."

"Exactly", I cut in, "And that's part of the reason why we brought you here, Jonte. I want us to challenge the Boston Celtics' run of titles. Three? Four? Five? Hell, I want nine! I know not all of you will be here for that, but you can be a part of the road to it."

The group cheers, whoops and claps, a few stomping their feet.

"That's why I wanted to come here!" Kenny Graham shouts over the noise, "Well... that and the chance to be the first Mr. Jestor free agent signing to actually be a star player."

More laughter before our prize rookie, Terry Vinson, pipes up.

"Hey, I know I'm not going to make anyone forget Augusto. But I swear to you all right now, I'm going to bust my hump to show Mr. Jestor made the right decision. Devone Allen better watch out, because I'm coming up for his Rookie of the Year title!"

In the din of approval that follows, Emeka Okafor stands up and motions for all of us to get in a huddle and put our hands in the middle. After we do, our team captain speaks into the silence.

"Then let's all swear right here, right now, that we will do whatever it takes to chase the Celtics; this year, next year and the seasons beyond, no matter if we're still playing or if we've moved on to the next chapter in our lives."

Mateen Yeaton takes the last word.

"Remember the Musketeers. Let -that- be our creed. All for one, one for all--no.... better than that. All for nine, nine for all!"

"ALL FOR NINE, NINE FOR ALL!"

**********

And that's how the idea of the Nine Rings Quest was born. There, in my office, with two championship rings already on our hands, literally in a few of our cases. Born out of the fires of adversity, with a will to triumph, to title, to strike back against the criticism that surrounded me and us.

Whether we succeeded or failed, I was at peace for the moment. Although the coming season and the years that followed would dictate the outcome, I was now freed of the worries and anxieties that'd plagued me since I made the trade that earned me so much animosity from so many people.

We opened, as always, on Halloween night against the Lakers. Buoyed by our enthusiasm, we won an incredibly fun 123-112 shootout over the Purple and Gold on the road. Jonte Jones had an absolute stellar Nuggets debut with 37 points and 11 rebounds. Mateen Yeaton scored 26 points, Victor Gipson was a perfect 6/6 for 17 points off the bench and though Kenny Graham got into foul trouble and fouled out, Sabit Suker played extremely well in reserve time, with 8 points and 12 assists.

Jonte Jones was great again with 28 points and 16 rebounds, Kenny Graham issued 12 points and 11 assists, and David Jackson broke out with 22 points, but the bench played poorly and Terry Vinson had a hideous 2 for 12 night as the Timberwolves rallied in the 4th quarter to beat us 101-95.

Undeterred, we beat the Jazz 119-114 the next game as Mateen Yeaton dazzles with 40 points, Jonte Jones puts up 26 points and 11 rebounds, Kenny Graham gets 11 points and 19 assists and Victor Gipson powers the bench with 16 points.

But then we drop both games of the ensuing doubleheader. The Jazz embarass us 106-77 in the rematch, Jonte Jones's 14 points and 10 rebounds a lonely, pedestrian highlight and Seattle beats us at our own run and gun game, beating us 115-107 despite Mateen Yeaton's 35 points and Victor Gipson's reserve 16 points and 10 rebounds.

The horror continues as we fall 120-90 to the Pistons, 24 points from Mateen Yeaton, 14 points and 10 assists from Kenny Graham and 10 bench points from Victor Gipson not enough.

Terry Vinson's a main culprit, shooting an astoundingly awful 29.7%, but we're struggling as a team overall and we frankly shouldn't be. I know it's a small sample size, but I'm thinking maybe Vinson isn't the answer after all.

It's a riddle absent easy solutions, but I strike a deal for a player I think can be our PG of the future, one who's very unhappy on his current team.

Denver Nuggets receive
PG Nolan Hill
Chicago Bulls 2022 1st round pick
Chicago Bulls 2021 2nd round pick
Chicago Bulls 2022 2nd round pick
Chicago Bulls 2023 2nd round pick

Chicago Bulls receive
PF Terry Vinson
PG Mackel Greenleaf

What this means for the Nuggets
Denver's looked terrible to start the season and Vinson's gotten a lot of the blame for it, so off he goes, with Victor Gipson, who's off to a hot start, taking over as the starting PF. GM Jestor sees a possible PG of the future in Hill, a smooth-passing guard with nice all-around shooting and defensive skills. The 24 year old William & Mary grad never got a shot in Chicago, with a career-high 8.1 minutes per game average in 26 games in 2018. He'll definitely get his opportunities in Denver and Jestor now has another 1st round pick to play with.

What this means for the Bulls
Chicago's so terrible at C that Vinson will actually get the start at the five. We think it was far too early to give up on him, despite getting off to a woeful start his first few games (shooting 29.7% from the floor). Greenleaf is a scrub.

Winner: Draw
Both the main players are young guys who haven't had a fair chance with their old teams, so it's impossible to say how it's going to shake out. If we were forced to choose one side, though, we've give the nod to the Nuggets, who have rapidly been piling first round draft picks.

I sign Al Thornton off the street, hoping he still has some offensive boost in his 36 year old legs.

We snap the losing streak at three, edging the Kings 112-106 on the road on the backs of Mateen Yeaton (37 points), Kenny Graham (27 points, 12 assists) and Jonte Jones (17 points, 14 rebounds). Nolan Hill shoots an icky 1 for 8 in his Nuggets debut while Victor Gipson is an unimpressive 2 for 5 his first game in the lineup at PF. Still, a win's a win.

Toronto beats us 108-96 the next game, but we're playing a lot better now. Mateen Yeaton scores 20 and Jonte Jones puts up 16 points and 14 rebounds for our two highlights. I think we'll be okay once everyone gels together.

Our first genuine blowout victory of the year comes against the Bulls, 120-83. Jonte Jones rampages for 32 points and 13 rebounds, Victor Gipson chimes in for 13 points and 13 rebounds, Kenny Graham scores 23 and Nolan Hill leads the bench with 10 points.

It's an important morale boost going into our showdown against the Mavericks, a match I'm naturally dreading. You can imagine my glee when we knock off Dallas 114-104 to give us our first win streak of the season! The victory comes courtesy of Mateen Yeaton's 37 points, David Jackson's 21 points and Kenny Graham's 15 points and 17 assists. Marcelino Augusto scores 19 and Zelipe Gama put in 12 points and 13 assists, by the way.

We can't make it three in a row as the Nets top us 110-102. Mateen Yeaton played well with 22 points and we got perfect shooting nights from Tzvetan Kishishev (12 bench points) and Sabit Suker (10 bench points) but it wasn't enough.

The way the season's gone so far, I'm not all that upset about the doubleheader split that follows. We beat the Spurs 105-91, Jonte Jones leading the way with 27 points and 14 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scoring 24 and Victor Gipson garnering 10 points and 10 rebounds. Unfortunately, the Rockets beat us 103-100 in a 4th quarter comeback in Houston. Damn shame too as Jonte Jones might finally be getting in the groove with 26 points and 16 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scoring 22.

Jim O'Brien switches up the lineup, starting Victor Gipson at SF and he responds beautifully, with a 25 point night in our 119-97 shelling of the Hornets. Jonte Jones scores 26, Mateen Yeaton 23 points and Kenny Graham distributed 16 points and 19 assists. Tzvetan Kishishev scored 10 off the bench.

The old lineup's back against Cleveland, but Jonte Jones crushes the Cavs for 40 points and 11 rebounds en route to a 132-116 win. Mateen Yeaton and Kenny Graham each score 29, our PG adding 18 assists to the equation for just our second mini-win streak.

I'm scared to look at the standings.

We're in last place in the division at 8-7, 3.5 games behind the 11-3 Portland Trailblazers. The boo birds are screaming for both me and Jim O'Brien to be fired, especially since the Mavericks are 12-5 and already 5.5 games up in their division over the 6-10 Spurs.

The Miami Heat are 0-16, primed for another top pick. Other than that, the East is a dogfight between the Nets, Raptors and Magic. The Pistons presently lead the Central at 9-5, 1.5 ahead of the 7-5 Bulls. Cleveland's lost without Lebron, already 5-11. Then again, Boston's 2-12 and doing a great job of sucking themselves.

What an absolutely deranged first month it's been.

Coffee Warlord

11-29-2008, 06:36 PM

Fire Jestor!

Izulde

11-29-2008, 08:56 PM

Fire Jestor!

I know, I know. I'm kicking myself now. I'm tempted to speed-post through the season to see where we end up.

JonInMiddleGA

11-29-2008, 09:18 PM

Then again, Boston's 2-12 and doing a great job of sucking themselves.

Wow, I didn't see that coming at all. Injuries or something, or are they just not meshing at all?

Autumn

11-29-2008, 09:18 PM

Shocking move, for sure, and you know I was a huge Augusto supporter. But shocking trades and team shake-ups has been your style and it's been working. I'll be interested to see how it all turns out.

Izulde

11-29-2008, 10:18 PM

JoninMiddleGA: The Celtics decided to start Will Baron at SF and combined with Ben Searcy at PF, they have two guys who don't play defense. At all. Baron's not grown into his potential yet and Searcy just sucks. In my opinion, they should move Baron to PF and start Andre Iguodola at SF, but for some bizzare reason, they're not doing that.

It doesn't help that Jermaine Butler, their starting PG who's honestly a good 2, but a semi-sucky 1, has had nagging injuries both the first month and the second month (which I just played before responding to this post).

Lebron James is doing quite well as expected, but they have a grand total of -1- guy on the bench that can play C, 2 that can play PF and one of them's Paul Fisher, who I cut. The biggest problem, I think, is that nobody on the starting five can play defense well. I mean, King James and Spencer Hawes, who's been Boston's starting C for forever, do a decent job at it, but not great.

If they moved Igudola to SF and shifted Baron to the four, they'd at least have a legitimate stopper in the starting lineup (going by ratings anyway).

Autumn: Thanks for the support. :) As for the second month... well you'll see in about 10 min or so.

Izulde

11-29-2008, 10:33 PM

Regret, oh so damned bittersweet regret, is filling me right now. Why oh -why- did I trade Marcelino Augusto? Our Vinson/Hill trade was the only one of the first month.

Well, we'll see how things go from here on out.

Miami's got to win sometime, but it won't be against us as Jonte Jones rambles for 37 points and 12 rebounds and Mateen Yeaton scores 34 in our 126-103 win. Julius Austin and Al Thornton score 12 and 11 points off the bench. I'm thinking David Jackson needs to shoot more, but Jim O'Brien isn't really listening. He's too distracted trying to turn this team around.

Our win streak hits 4 as we come from behind to barely nip Orlando 120-118. Jonte Jones scores 31 and that's the highlight. I'm sorely tempted to try and trade for a new starting SF, because David Jackson is foul-prone and much more effective on the bench. Unfortunately, I don't have the salary or ammunition to do that yet without upsetting the balance of our other starters.

But maybe we don't need to. We destroy Washington 115-80 as Mateen Yeaton's magnificient with 34 points and 13 rebounds. Jonte Jones scores 26 and Kenny Graham gets 12 points and 12 assists. At this point, maybe I should just let it go, let this team get used to each other.

Our string of victories ends, as expected, in a 101-88 loss to the Raptors. Jonte Jones produces 23 points and 17 rebounds, Kenny Graham 19 points and 10 assists, but they sic David Anyan on Mateen Yeaton, forcing our star into a 5/21 night. I hate how Sam Mitchell plays matchup chairs like that against us.

That was also the first two games of our East Coast road trip from Hell. 104-96 loss to the Knicks comes as Jonte Jones can only produce 15 points and 16 rebounds and Victor Gipson's 18 points and 10 rebounds can't go with Kenny Graham's 23 points and 13 assists for the win. Mateen Yeaton's having back problems to boot.

A doubleheader against the 76ers and Celtics proves most welcome. We pounce Philadelphia 100-80, Jonte Jones tearing things up with 25 points and 18 rebounds, Kenny Graham netting 18 points and 15 assists. Nolan Hill has his best game to date in a Nuggets uniform with 18 points off the bench. We bomb Boston 111-95 thanks to Jonte Jones again with 24 points and 13 rebounds, though Kenny Graham deserves equal due with 29 points and 14 assists. Nolan Hill scores 11 off the bench and this pair of victories is important because it's proving we can win with a gimped Mateen Yeaton.

I don't know if Miami's still looking for a win or not, but we trounce them 111-88 on Jonte Jones's 32 points and 11 rebounds and Kenny Graham's 23 points and 17 assists, guaranteeing us a winning record on the road trip. Unfortunately it's only a 4-3 margin as the Magic beat us 119-108, wasting Jonte Jones's 34 points and 20 rebounds, Victor Gipson's double of 14 points and 11 rebounds, Kenny Graham's of 18 points and 11 assists and Nolan Hill's 12 bench points.

We snap back for a 114-87 hosing of the Suns keyed by Jonte Jones with 20 points and 17 rebounds, Victor Gipson with 17 points and 12 rebounds and Kenny Graham with 13 points and 13 assists.

A crucial division game against the Supersonics results in a 104-85 loss where everyone played like shit and I'm not going to mention the highlights because I'm too pissed.

Fortunately, Christmas is pleasant as we grind out a holiday sweep, 3 points to each win. 104-101 over Dallas, Mateen Yeaton and Kenny Graham combining for 27 and 23 points a piece, Nolan Hill and Tzvetan Kishishev stepping up from the reserves with 15 and 12 points respectively. Marcelino Augusto blitzed us for 31 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks, while Zelipe Gama garnered 15 points and 12 assists. The 958-95 victory against Golden State came thanks to Jonte Jones and Mateen Yeaton each breaking 30 points, Jones with 30 and 22 rebounds, Yeaton with 35. Kenny Graham kludged together 14 points and 14 assists.

I'm going to be totally honest here. We're really missing Zelipe Gama's ability to cause disruptions on defense. I mean, Kenny Graham's doing well running the offense so far, but he just doesn't have the -it- factor on the other side of the floor and he's as frustrated by it as we are.

And so, in the end, there's just one thing we can do.

Denver Nuggets receive
PF Mike Vines
Sacramento Kings 2023 2nd round pick

Sacramento Kings receive
PG Kenny Graham

What this means for the Nuggets
He's no Marcelino Augusto, but Vines is an excellent player and a torrid defender, who famously gave the Brazilian superstar fits in the second round of the playoffs last season. He instantly steps in at PF, allowing Victor Gipson to move to the 6th man role. Of course, this also means Nolan Hill now becomes the starting Nuggets PG and while he's acquitted himself well with increased minutes, we're not sure he's a starter just yet.

What this means for the Kings
Sacramento desperately needed a true PG after dealing Carlton Goree to the Raptors and along comes Graham, the three-time defending All-NBA 1st Team PG in their laps. The only problem is, this leaves the Kings with an extremely weak frontcourt and we know how well -that's- working out for the Celtics this season.

Winner: Denver
As strange as it may seem, the team getting the All-NBA player is the loser in this instance. Graham just did not fit the Nuggets system at all and GM Jestor pulls off a brilliant move to shore up Denver's frontcourt. We'll wait and see what Hill does or maybe there's another trade in the offing.

There may in fact be one soon, but I want to see what we have in Hill first.

Early returns are promising we blow out the 76ers 105-75. Mateen Yeaton scores 32 and Nolan Hill distributes 13 points, 13 assists and 0 turnovers. Obviously we're not expecting that out of him every night, but it's awesome to see. Mike Vines had 12 points and 9 rebounds in his Denver debut, offsetting an atrocious 2 for 7 night with shutdown defense on Tyrus Thomas, holding the 76ers star to 4 points on a 1 for 5 night.

New Year's is a festive, happy occasion as we get a convincing sweep of the Los Angeles teams. The Lakers can't counter 37 points from Mateen Yeaton, 17 points and 15 rebounds from Jonte Jones and 11 bench rebounds from Victor Gipson in our 105-90 win. I should also point out that Nolan Hill had 12 assists to one turnover, despite taking a shot only once all night, which he hit. A gritty defensive game on New Year's Day saw us prevail 91-71 over the Clippers, Mateen Yeaton's 23 points bailing us out along with 14 and 12 bench points respectively from Victor Gipson and Sabit Suker.

So where are we now? 20-11, a leading the Northwest by a half-game over the Jazz and a full game over the Trailblazers, who crashed and burned to an 18-11 record. We're also currently holding the #2 seed in the West, Sacramento on top at 20-8, 3.5 over the 18-13 Warriors. The Mavericks are 18-12, in front in their division by 4.5 because the Southwest sucks hard this year, kind of like how the Pacific was before Golden State actually got good.

Toronto and Orlando are fighting out for the top seed in the East, the Raptors at 23-9 and the Magic 21-8. The Nets really fell off during the month and are in third place in the Atlantic, just like the Trailblazers. New York's inserted themselves as the sandwich team, 2 back of the Raptors. Atlanta's surprising me by still hanging on to second place in the Southeast, 3 behind the Magic. Detroit, 19-11, isn't missing Kenny Graham at all as they're 2.5 half up on the Bucks.

Miami's 4-29, so they picked up a few wins and Boston's 4-27. I had someone ask on The Gold Mine, the Nuggets blog I write in a la Mark Cuban, just why the Celtics are doing so terribly. I'll post my answer to Jon here.

"The Celtics decided to start Will Baron at SF and combined with Ben Searcy at PF, they have two guys who don't play defense. At all. Baron's not grown into his potential yet and Searcy just sucks. In my opinion, they should move Baron to PF and start Andre Iguodola at SF, but for some bizzare reason, they're not doing that.

It doesn't help that Jermaine Butler, their starting PG who's honestly a good 2, but a semi-sucky 1, has had nagging injuries, especially all during December.

Lebron James is doing quite well as expected, but they have a grand total of -1- guy on the bench that can play C, 2 that can play PF and one of them's Paul Fisher, who I cut. The biggest problem, I think, is that nobody on the starting five can play defense well. I mean, King James and Spencer Hawes, who's been Boston's starting C for forever, do a decent job at it, but not great.

If they moved Igudola to SF and shifted Baron to the four, they'd at least have a legitimate stopper in the starting lineup and they could pick up a lot more wins. Unfortunately, at this point, I think their season is lost and the C's front office is probably thinking they're better off tanking."

I may need to make another deal at some point, because as much as I love Nolan Hill, he's too inconsistent in whether he feels like shooting that day or not to be a starter at this stage in his career.

Speaking of guards....

Paulinho Buboltz/Mateen Yeaton Comparison

Paulinho Buboltz
2013 Stats: 82 games/77 starts - 17.0 PPG 9.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.7 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.4 SPG
2015 Stats: 55 games/48 starts - 14.1 PPG 8.3 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 18.3 PPG 8.1 APG 3.3 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.5 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.5 PPG 8.3 APG 3.2 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2019 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.6 PPG 8.1 APG 3.5 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2020 Stats: 28 games/28 starts - 18.7 PPG 7.1 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 0.9 SPG

Mateen Yeaton
2013 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.4 APG 5.2 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/80 starts - 23.2 PPG 3.6 APG 5.2 RPG 1.7 BPG 1.3 SPG
2015 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.6 PPG 2.4 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.5 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 25.0 PPG 3.1 APG 4.5 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.8 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 24.4 PPG 3.2 APG 4.9 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.6 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.8 PPG 2.4 APG 4.2 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2019 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.5 APG 4.7 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.6 SPG
2020 Stats: 31 games/31 starts - 23.2 PPG 2.4 APG 4.6 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.5 SPG

I should also add that the Pacers continue to suck and Buboltz is their only truly good player. He's not cut out for that kind of role and he's really been pressing, hence the lowered numbers.

Although this is going to be largely an irrelevant exercise given their age disparity, I'll track it for academic purposes.

Marcelino Augusto
2020 Stats: 30 games/30 starts - 28.1 PPG 9.0 RPG 2.6 APG 2.3 BPG 1.3 SPG

Jonte Jones
2020 Stats: 31 games/31 starts - 21.9 PPG 11.4 RPG 2.6 APG 1.4 BPG 1.3 SPG

....Yeah. Good thing we've got Mike Vines as a stopper.

Oh, that reminds me. I almost forgot.

D-League
Jamie Keams has been punted to the 6th man role in Colorado, but in 12 games (4 starts) he's averaging 8.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.2 blocks and 0.6 steals. Terrible shooter, hitting just 41% in the D-league. He won't get a contract back next year.

Bakersfield is -dominating- the West this year. They're 11-2 and the Timberjacks are in second place at 7-6, four games back.

rjolley

11-30-2008, 12:24 AM

I must say, I wasn't totally surprised by the trade of Augusto, but I was very surprised you moved Graham so soon. Hope it all works out for you. Should be an interesting season.

Izulde

11-30-2008, 04:50 PM

I must say, I wasn't totally surprised by the trade of Augusto, but I was very surprised you moved Graham so soon. Hope it all works out for you. Should be an interesting season.

Graham was averaging 16.4 points, with 45% shooting and 35.5% from 3 point range, which was his lowest PPG average since 2013 with the Warriors (16.3 PPG), his lowest shooting %, both from the floor and 3 point range since his rookie season in 2011.

On the other hand, his assist average was at a career high, but for the amount of money we were paying him, I wanted to see a lot better statistics than that. Plus, I got the feeling that he just wasn't meshing well with our system.

It's also worth noting that we're 3-0 since the trade. *knocks on wood*. Vines, I should add, is the best interior defensive presence we've had since I took the Denver job and certainly the best since Emeka Okafor was in his prime. :)

Izulde

11-30-2008, 06:59 PM

"You know how it is when you get back with somebody you've loved. It felt better than it ever was, better than it could ever be again."
-Junot Diaz's "Aurora" (As appears in the short story collection Drown)

It's Diaz on my mind as I stare at my cell phone. I just called Donnie Nelson, the Mavericks GM, about re-acquring Zelipe Gama.

"We'll take David Jackson and a couple 2nd round picks for him. Or you can come up with a package that includes Victor Gipson."

That was his answer. But I refused to trade 50 Ninja. The part of the fanbase that isn't still mad at me about shipping Marcelino Augusto to Dallas would call for my head if I sent Jackson to the Mavs. I just couldn't do it. Not when I really like his antics myself and his rap album actually managed not to be horrible.

The reason I didn't want to trade Gipson was because I'd have to give up too many players to match salaries, even when Nelson was willing to throw in their 2022 1st rounder. Victor's a pretty good center and his toughness went a long way to our two titles.

The Raptors beat me to Carlton Goree, so I decide to call the Knicks and see if I can get Louis Mertens back.

"Hello?"

"Hello there, Mr. Duncan."

"Good morning, Mr. Jestor. What can I do for you?" Tim Duncan's always been a pleasant guy, both when he was playing and now as GM for the Knicks. One hell of a job he's done rebuilding them too.

"You interested in negotiating something for Mertens?"

Tim's laugh doesn't reassure me.

"I'd love to, but we just traded him a few days ago to Golden State for their 2021 1st round pick."

"YOU WHAT?!"

"Yep. The Warriors haven't been to the playoffs since 2008. They want to end the 12 year drought and thanks to you, they were willing to overpay to get Mertens."

I'm confused. Thanks to me? I ask Tim to clarify.

"Well, think about it. You're the man, Mr. Jestor. Five straight Finals appearances, two straight championships. Before 2015, only the diehard fans and the Spanish could tell you who Zelipe Gama was after he got drafted. You acquire him and he turns into an instant star and a household name. Mertens was looking like a bust after being a Top 10 pick. You sign him, give him the minutes and suddenly he has a few breakout playoff performances and everybody wants him.

When you unearth a player and actually keep him, then people know he's worth having."

I rub my temples and chuckle a little dryly.

"Thanks. I just hope I've found another one in Nolan Hill."

"Oh, I think you have. I watched his first game as a starter with you guys and I thought to myself, well dang, Jestor's done it again. He's found yet another PG that everybody overlooked. I mean, the kid is just smooth with handling the basketball. He's not putting the points up, no, but he's still just 24 and he wasn't getting his minutes until, once again, you traded for him. He's still adjusting to the increased time and being a starter. Stick with him and give him a shot. You do that and I guarantee by the end of the season, everybody's going to know who Nolan Hill is."

"It looks like that's what we're going to have to do. There's a dearth of quality point guards in the league right now and I'd have to give up too much to get one, when Hill's got a lot of the attributes I like."

"Exactly."

We talk shop a while more. Tim tells me he makes it a point never to trade with me, because he knows it'd all be part of my grand master plan. I think he's just trying to build me up to rob me blind at some point, because he's a damn good GM in his own right. Sorting out the Knicks mess wasn't an easy job and he did it.

After we ring off, I decide to review the trades. I'm not going to review the Mertens for the 1st round pick deal. As you can expect, the press all gave that one to the Knicks. Christ... Mertens for a 1st round pick. That's just crazy.

Chicago Bulls receive
C Chris Adams

New Orleans Hornets receive
PG Rajon Rando
Chicago Bulls 2021 1st round pick

What this means for the Bulls
Adams, taken 5th overall in 2015 by the Hornets, is a decent, but not great all-around 27 year old C. It's a puzzling acquistion, given that Chicago already has promising rookie bigs Terry Vinson and Oswaldo Apolonario, in addition to Eric White at the PF spot. Even more amazing is that Adams, although he should be starting at C over Vinson, won't be.

What this means for the Hornets
Someday New Orleans will get back to the playoffs. It won't be this year, though. Rondo's 36 and while still capable, isn't as good as he used to be. On the other hand, he's a near-$7 million expiring contract and the extra 1st round pick could potentially be a lottery selection, though likely a late one. It's a great move to continue their rebuilding project that started with Tim Butler developing into a legitimate franchise player in this, his third season.

Winner: New Orleans
The Hornets have a great plan. The Bulls are confused and chaotic. New Orleans pulls off an absolute steal here.

Looking at Butler, I'm absolutely amazed. He was drafted 8th overall a few years ago and has gotten dramatically better each year he's been in. The kid's just 22 and he's looking like Marcelino Augusto out there at scoring and rebounding, despite being just 6'8. On the other hand, he's 228, so he's more muscular than Augusto.

Sacramento Kings receive
SG Andrew Bayno
Toronto Raptors 2021 2nd round pick

Toronto Raptors receive
PG Carlton Goree

What this means for the Kings
Bayno's a smart player, but he's nothing special. Just another guy. The second round pick is pretty worthless as well. $835,000 comes off the books next year for Bayno, but that doesn't mean much either.

What this means for the Raptors
Goree's a solid young point guard and an upgrade over the rookie Brad Pugh as a more complete player, but he's going to be buried on the Raptors bench.

Winner: Toronto
It's a lukewarm edge because of the plethora of guards on Toronto's bench, but Goree was very good as the Kings' starting PG last season and frankly, Sacramento's stupid for trading him, especially when they get so little back.

Toronto Raptors receive
SF Jason Tackett

New York Knicks receive
PG Jon Freeman

What this means for the Raptors
Goree's importation made Freeman expendable and Tackett steps in as the new SG. He won't generate anything in the way of offense, but he's 6'9, 204 lbs, intelligent and an absolutely ferocious defender. Can you say Mateen Yeaton killer? As an added bonus David Anyan can go back to his natural position of SF.

What this means for the Knicks
They flipped Louis Mertens to Golden State for a 1st rounder, so they wanted to pick up another young PG. Freeman's no Mertens and never will be a great floor general, but he's cerebral and can actually play some defense.

Winner: Toronto
This was a shrewd move to get someone to neutralize not only Yeaton, but all the other super SGs in the league. This trade alone may well be the one that sends the Raptors back to the Finals.

San Antonio Spurs receive
PF Andy Sola

Cleveland Cavaliers receive
SG Jason Neal
San Antonio Spurs 2021 2nd round pick

What this means for the Spurs
Sola's a very good defensive player. Not a rebounder, but he'll give you around 12-15 points a game and improve the locker room atmosphere. Underrated 25 year old, probably because of his small size, but Marcelino Augusto's done a lot to change GMs' thinking about having an undersized four in the lineup. A much-needed boost for young, talented players to the front line.

What this means for the Cavaliers
Neal's a good defensive presence and works his tail off in the gym, but he's really just a mid-bench player whose greatest asset for Cleveland is the $1.3 million coming off the cap. It's not much, but every little bit helps.

Winner: San Antonio
The Spurs rip the Cavs off here and get a shiny new starter that goes a long, long way to improving the quality of the team both now and in the future.

Los Angeles Clippers receive
SF Donte Whiting
Cleveland Cavaliers 2021 2nd round pick

Cleveland Cavaliers receive
SG Chauncey Thomas

What this means for the Clippers
Whiting's only value for the Clippers is his $4.8 million expiring contract. The 33 year old has never made an impact in his career and it's a wonder he keeps managing to get contracts and make the money that he does.

What this means for the Cavaliers
Thomas is a great technical defender with some scoring pop, but like the Clips with Whiting, his biggest value is his $5 million expiring contract. The question is, is a mid-level 2nd round pick worth an extra $200,000?

Winner: Cleveland
We say yes, not only because of the 2nd round pick, but because in making this trade, the Clippers have essentially thrown the towel in on the idea of trying for the playoffs this year and are tanking for a higher pick. There seems to be a lot of that lately. Not good for the league's image.

5 trades reviewed. 6 with ours. 7 with the Mertens deal.

That's 7 trades in one non-deadline month! I think that's a record, at least since I've been in the league.

I'm looking over the roster when I realize that Sabit Suker is the only guy on the bench who can play guard. I quickly rectify that by signing Leigh Nash, who played 21 games for us 2012. He's been in the D-Leagues since 2016, last playing the NBA in 2015 with the Hawks. I snapped him up from the Tejanos, where he'd started 9 games for Tulsa, averaging 11.3 points and 6.3 assists.

I notice Goree was traded to the Raptors on December 20th, which means he just -might- be available at the trade deadline. If he is, I'm going to see about getting him.

But first, there's January to focus on.

Our record since the Vines trade improves to 5-0 as we sweep the opening doubleheader. Mateen Yeaton rains on the Spurs for 27 points in our 108-94 win and Jonte Jones contributes 20 points and 14 rebounds. There's even two double-doubles off the bench, Victor Gipson with 16 points and 10 rebounds and Leigh Nash making a triumphant return to the Nuggets with 11 points and 11 assists. Houston falls 101-83 thanks to Mateen Yeaton's 36 points, Jonte Jones's 15 points and 16 rebounds and Nolan Hill's 14 points and 11 assists.

The thing about our 5-0 run is that we haven't played any of the league's top teams. That changes when we face the Kings on the front end of a back-to-back. We get the win, 119-112, as Jonte Jones abuses Sacramento for 38 points and 18 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scores 27, David Jackson just misses a bench double-double with 9 points and 10 rebounds and Leigh Nash leads the reserves in scoring with 10 points. It's a sweep as we win against the Lakers the next night. Mike Vines came off the bench because of a bad back, so it was a frenzied, high scoring affair that saw us win 137-116. All five starters scored 15 points or better, led by Mateen Yeaton's 38 and Nolan Hill setting a career high as he put on a shooting clinic for 28 points. I'm beginning to think Tim Duncan was right after all.

8-0 since the trade after we wallop Minnesota 117-95 on Mateen Yeaton's 39 points, Jonte Jones's 28 points and 15 rebounds and Mike Vines's 13 bench points. Oh and just for the record, Nolan Hill -just- missed a double-double with 9 points and 10 assists. I'm tempted to give his A/T ratio, which is just absolutely sick right now, but I'll wait until the end of the month, I think.

We lose our first game since getting Mike Vines in the first game of a two-game road doubleheader. Golden State outscores us 38-12 in the 2nd quarter and though we bust ass in the second half, we can't catch up and fall 105-96. Mateen Yeaton scores 29, Victor Gipson puts up 17 points and 15 rebounds and Nolan Hill nets 16 points and 13 assists. Our bench played for absolute crap and David Jackson had an uncharacteristically cold 1 for 8 night. Mike Vines returns to the starting lineup the next night against Seattle and erupts for 21 points and 9 rebounds in the 99-74 squash of the Sonics. Mateen Yeaton stays on fire with 34 points and Jonte Jones adds 16 points and 18 rebounds. Jim O'Brien's also been doing a back and forth between Victor Gipson and David Jackson as the SF starter, riding whoever has the hottest hand at the 3.

Jonte Jones and Mateen Yeaton score 24 and 23 points in our 118-105 swatting of Memphis. Nolan Hill picks up a pair of 14s in points and assists, Victor Gipson nabs 15 points and 10 rebounds and David Jackson is a sniper off the bench for 17 points.

A five game road trip up next, mostly against the Central. But it starts with another marquee matchup against the Mavericks. All the other games we've played them this season have been close. This one isn't. We blow them out 111-98. Jonte Jones towers for 23 points and 12 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scores 24, Victor Gipson adds 20 points and Nolan Hill chimes in with 10 points and 16 assists. Despite the 16 dishes, it was a rough night for Hill, as he had 8 turnovers, a career high. Marcelino Augusto scored 22 for Dallas, while Zelipe Gama garnered 12 points and 14 assists.

That outing dropped Hill's A/TO ratio down by 0.2, but it's still an excellent ratio, better than Kenny Graham's and almost as good as Zelipe Gama's. In fact, of the starting PGs in the league, Gama ranks #2, Hill ranks #3 and Andre Moore, who I almost signed instead of Graham in free agency, is #1. We'll see how it shakes out at the end of the month and season, but I'm starting to see why Gama was so perfect for our system and why we've been on such a tear since Hill became our starting PG, even when Mike Vines sat.

Speaking of Bulls PGs both past and present, we get Chicago to start the first Central doubleheader and they give us all we can handle. We come out on top 95-90 though, thanks to 22 points from both Mateen Yeaton and the unexpected Mike Vines and 16 points and 15 rebounds from Jonte Jones. Detroit gives us fits the next night as well, but we come from behind in the second half to emerge with a 117-111 win keyed by Jonte Jones's near triple-double of 28 points, 20 rebounds, 8 assists, block and 2 steals. Mateen Yeaton scores 25, Nolan Hill hands out 14 points and 13 assists and David Jackson and Tzvetan Kishishev highlight the bench with 10 and 11 points respectively.

Road exhaustion and foul trouble set in and we lose 100-91 to the Bucks in spite of Victor Gipson's 20 points and 12 rebounds and Mateen Yeaton's 24 points. We're refreshed the next night in Indiana though, putting away the Pacers 112-93. Mateen Yeaton leads the charge with 26 points, Jonte Jones adds 17 points and 14 rebounds, Nolan Hill 17 points and 12 assists. Sabit Suker is a nice surprise off the bench with 16 points on a perfect 6 for 6, 4 for 4 from 3 point range night. The Turk hasn't exactly lit the world on fire or anything since coming here and there's reason to believe his ceiling isn't as high as I thought, but that's okay.

We unexpectedly bomb the last two games of the month, bowing out in both halves of a doubleheader. The Knicks stun us 119-108 and we waste Mike Vines's 30 points and Jonte Jones's 23 points when Mateen Yeaton bangs his hip hard and has a 3 for 16 night. When Yeaton's hurt, our whole team tends to come unglued. That was true even when Marcelino Augusto was here. So it's really no surprise when the Trailblazers top us 105-94 in Portland. Mike Vines (15 points, 10 rebounds), Jonte Jones (13 points, 14 rebounds) and Nolan Hill (13 points, 11 assists) played decently and Leigh Nash and Tzvetan Kishishev played well with 13 and 10 points off the bench, but nobody seems to have that killer instinct that players like Yeaton and Augusto do.

I have to admit, Jonte Jones has been something of a disappointment. I mean, as disappointing as a guy who's shooting 56% and averaging 21.4 points and 11.9 rebounds can be. It seems like he's maddeningly inconsistent, even more so than Nolan Hill, who's got that reputation.

I'm not complaining though. Not when we're 31-15 and hold the top seed. We've got competition within our own division, though. Portland's right tight on our butts, 2 games back after beating us and the Jazz are even closer, just a game behind. Even Minnesota and Seattle are only 5 and 7 games back. In fact, every team in the Northwest has a winning record and there's 10 teams over .500 in the conference.

Can you say the West is back? Oh yeah!

Dallas still leads their division at 25-19, 3.5 over the Rockets. The Pacific's even more white-knuckle than the Northwest, because although Sacramento's still leading, the Kings went 5-12 this month and are 6-13 since trading Mike Vines. As a result, they're 25-20 and every team is only 1 or 2 games behind. Hell, even the Suns are only 4.5 off the pace.

No such drama in the East, where every division leader has at least a 3.5 game lead. Toronto's kicking tail again at 34-12, 6.5 ahead of the Knicks in the Atlantic. Orlando's the #2 seed, leading Atlanta in the Southeast by 4.5. I credit their shrewd signing of Rico Wolfe for the Magic's success. Detroit's 29-17 in the Central, the 3.5 team ahead of the Bucks.

Chicago's treading water at 21-22, which is really surprising. Boston's finally starting to kick it in gear, but while a 10-5 month is a vast improvement for the C's, they're still 20 games out of a first place and a country mile from even a playoff berth in a conference of 9 +.500 teams, including the 24-22 Nets 10 games ahead of them for the next rung on the Atlantic ladder.

Paulinho Buboltz
2013 Stats: 82 games/77 starts - 17.0 PPG 9.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.7 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.4 SPG
2015 Stats: 55 games/48 starts - 14.1 PPG 8.3 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 18.3 PPG 8.1 APG 3.3 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.5 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.5 PPG 8.3 APG 3.2 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2019 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.6 PPG 8.1 APG 3.5 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2020 Stats: 44 games/44 starts - 18.5 PPG 7.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.6 BPG 1.2 SPG

Mateen Yeaton
2013 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.4 APG 5.2 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/80 starts - 23.2 PPG 3.6 APG 5.2 RPG 1.7 BPG 1.3 SPG
2015 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.6 PPG 2.4 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.5 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 25.0 PPG 3.1 APG 4.5 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.8 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 24.4 PPG 3.2 APG 4.9 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.6 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.8 PPG 2.4 APG 4.2 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2019 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.5 APG 4.7 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.6 SPG
2020 Stats: 46 games/46 starts - 24.2 PPG 2.9 APG 4.6 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG

Oh by the way, I mis-spoke last month. [b]Keith Attaway[b/], a 21 year old 2nd year PG, is also a good player on the Pacers. But he's only two inches taller than the 5'11 Buboltz and weighs about 10 pounds less. There's no way he should be at the 2, especially not when he's actually a better passer. Indiana's losing ways have really upset last year's #2 pick and he's making noises about wanting to be traded.

If it was me, I'd make a decision about one guard or the other, then move the one I wasn't planning on keeping for an actual inside presence rather than the stiffs the Pacers keep trotting out year after year.

Marcelino Augusto
2020 Stats: 44 games/44 starts - 27.2 PPG 9.0 RPG 2.8 APG 2.1 BPG 1.1 SPG

Jonte Jones
2020 Stats: 46 games/46 starts - 21.4 PPG 11.9 RPG 2.8 APG 1.3 BPG 1.3 SPG

Since we're already pouring salt into my wound over this trade, I'll point this out: Augusto's only scored under 20 points 8 times so far this year, which is 18% of his games. His season low point total? 11. He's also shooting 57% from the floor. I'm not even going to mention how many 30+ point games he has, though to be honest, I think they'd be comparable to Yeaton's numbers, but I'm not going to dig that information up just now. Maybe an end-season look.

Now for the A/T0 thing.

When I first looked at Nolan Hill's A/TO ratio, it was 5.0. And that's with him as a part-time starter. It's gone down since then, but it's still impressive.

A/TO Ratio Leaders Among Starting PGs
1. Andre Moore (CHI) - 5.5
2. Zelipe Gama (DAL) - 5.0
3. Nolan Hill (DEN) - 4.8
T4. Brandon Brooks (GS) - 4.1
T4. Kyle Morris (MIL) - 4.1
6. Branko Starcevic (SEA) - 4.0
7. Kenny Graham (SAC) - 3.8

Coffee Warlord

11-30-2008, 09:51 PM

Yeeeeeeahp.

I'm still sayin' it. Fire Jestor. :)

Izulde

12-01-2008, 02:46 PM

Yeeeeeeahp.

I'm still sayin' it. Fire Jestor. :)

:D At least Dallas isn't doing all that.

Coffee Warlord

12-01-2008, 02:57 PM

I can't hear you over the sound of your secretary typing up your resume. :)

Izulde

12-01-2008, 10:55 PM

I can't hear you over the sound of your secretary typing up your resume. :)

Hah! If we don't win the title, that may well happen.

Izulde

12-02-2008, 01:13 AM

After December's flurry of trades, I'm expecting January to have been quite quiet.

Toronto Raptors receive
SG Beau King
Indiana Pacers 2021 2nd round pick

Indiana Pacers receive
SF Andrea Paige

What this means for the Raptors
King's got a good outside shot with some nice scoring punch to add in off the bench, something it never hurts to have more of. A mediocre defender, though and not much else to recommend him outside of that points potential.

What this means for the Pacers
Paige is largely a garbage prospect. He's got some upside on defense, but not near enough to make up for his shortcomings in virtually every other area. Yes, Indiana needs more big men, but this is the same type of poor quality they've shuffled with for years.

Winner: Toronto
The Raptors pick up a player of value and a high 2nd round pick for a guy who didn't and wasn't going to anything for him. Smart move, even if it does leave Toronto with a glut of guards.

Utah Jazz receive
PG Cedric Caldwell

Miami Heat receive
SG Kenny Magloire

What this means for the Jazz
Caldwell, in his third season, has the potential to develop into a good all-around PG and a legitimate, if not flashy starter. But there's 5 guards on Utah's bench and Cedric's having to fight for playing time with all of them.

What this means for the Heat
Magloire's pretty much a bust through and through. The 11th overall pick in 2019 doesn't have the talent to be anything more than an end-bench player and he's a disruptive personality to boot. He may look good in the D-League right now, averaging 16 points a game, but that's merely a mirage.

Winner: Utah
Despite the now even more crowded backcourt, the Jazz pick up a solid young PG and get rid of a cancer at the same time. That's win win as Miami gave up on Caldwell way too soon, especially since Mark Johnson is so raw, he should be playing in the D-Leagues, not the middle of Miami's bench.

Cleveland Cavaliers receive
PG Darrell James
Boston Celtics 2021 2nd round pick

Boston Celtics receive
PG Charles Lennox
SF JJ Tucker
PF Josh Boone

What this means for the Cavaliers
James just hasn't been the same player since losing his starting job in Sacramento in his fourth year after being the man for the Kings from his rookie year in 2012 to 2014. He's a reliable backup, but nothing more. The $3.8 million expiring contract is probably the most attractive element for the Cavs.

What this means for the Celtics
They don't have enough bench bigs, so what do they do? Release Boone, the PF. Tucker can play both forward spots, but he's undersized at 6'6, 216 and at 34 years old, he's just not what he used to be... Not that he was much to begin with. The Canadian rookie Lennox is raw, but he has potential to develop into a capable reserve guard. He's not going to get that in Boston's flooded backcourt, though and in fact sits on the inactive list.

Winner: Cleveland
Neither team is going anywhere this year and we like James a lot better than the parts he was traded for, especially with the bonus 2nd round pick. If Lennox was actually getting PT, this deal might actually be a benefit for Boston, but he's not.

Three trades... that's a pretty busy month, comparatively. In fact, I think we've had more deals this year than any other season I've been in the league and we haven't even started February yet.

We start off the short month of love with a lovely 110-87 knockout of the Warriors. Jonte Jones scores 30 and Victor Gipson double-doubles with 11 points and 10 rebounds to carry us to the win.

The most important divisional doubleheader we've all had year comes up next and we draw a split decision. The most vital victory we needed, we got, beating Utah 115-110 on Jonte Jones's 25 points and 11 rebounds, 24 points and 10 rebounds from Mike Vines and 14 and 10 points respectively off the bench from Leigh Nash and David Jackson. Minnesota edges us the next night, though, 112-103 in Minneapolis as we simply ran out of gas in the fourth quarter. Mateen Yeaton put up 31 points, Jonte Jones 21, but it just wasn't enough.

We head to Cleveland two nights later and promptly embarass ourselves, falling apart again in the fourth quarter and losing 103-102. Jonte Jones thundered for 34 points and 25 rebounds and Mike Vines scored 24, but when we got nailed by foul trouble down the stretch, not even Sabit Suker's 13 bench points could stop the hemmoraghing.

A third straight road game, a third straight fourth quarter meltdown. 32 points from Mateen Yeaton is great, but when only one other Nugget even reaches double-digit scoring, the resulting 102-96 loss isn't a surprise.

Given our bad run of form, I'm dreading the final two road games before the break, especially since they're back-to-back. Miracle of miracles, we get the sweep. Mateen Yeaton, Mike Vines and Jonte Jones score 29, 25 and 24 points respectively, combining to punch out the Hawks 112-102 and we thump the Bobcats 111-98 on double-doubles from Victor Gipson (18 points, 11 rebounds), Jonte Jones (18 points, 10 rebounds) and Nolan Hill (14 points, 10 assists).

And then the doctor sees me after the game.

Jonte Jones - Broken Arm (Out 41 days)

...You have -got- to be kidding me.

We're in a tie with Portland for the division lead, the Jazz are 1.5 back and our star C, the one I gave up The Franchise for, breaks his fucking arm?!?!

All-Star Break

The Sophomores rally in the fourth quarter to beat the Rookies 92-88. Nobody really stood out. Terry Vinson, who's finally shooting 40.9%, started for the first years. No Nuggets present.

The All-Star Game itself was equally as star-less and on top of it, the East rolled 100-89. Mateen Yeaton was a reserve and for some reason, they gave Marcelino Augusto the MVP award even though he only scored 16 points when Kelvin Moody was actually more deserving.

I think the NBA is out to get me.

...So. What to do about our C situation. The current lineup looks like this:

PG Nolan Hill
SG Mateen Yeaton
SF David Jackson
PF Mike Vines
C Victor Gipson

We have nobody on the bench who can rebound worth a damn.

I make a trade.

Denver Nuggets receive
PG Carlton Goree
Toronto Raptors 2023 1st round pick

Toronto Raptors receive
SG Sabit Suker
Chicago Bulls 2021 2nd round pick
Denver Nuggets 2021 2nd round pick
Chicago Bulls 2022 2nd round pick
Chicago Bulls 2023 2nd round pick

What this means for the Nuggets
With Jonte Jones out for a little over a month with a broken arm and Denver in it for their top seed lives, GM Jestor decided to acquire Goree, who's capable of being a starting PG right now and still has some upside. He brings more offense to the table than Suker did and he's a disruptor on the defensive end and immediately steps in as the team's 6th man while Jones is gone. It's hard telling what Toronto will look like in 2023. Certainly Bosh and Bargnani won't be around at that point and Oden will be 34.

What this means for the Raptors
Suker's a big guard and has some major league potential on technical defense, but he's not a playmaker and it seems the more playing time he gets, the less excited observers around the league are about his ability. He'll also find himself way down Toronto's depth chart.

Winner: Denver
When Jestor loses attraction for a player, there's usually a very good reason for it and in Suker's case, there's certainly the statistical evidence for it. The first round pick is also going to be a major wildcard and don't be surprised to see Goree supplant Hill as Denver's starting PG at some point.

Finding a replacement big man, on the other hand, proves to be an exercise in teeth pulling. There's one guy we'd love to have, but Golden State is so fiercely protective of their restoration project, they want the world for Clifton Snyder. I also talk to Indiana, but the Pacers refuse to even think about discussions for their 1st round pick, even when I toss in both our first rounders for next year.

Finally, I find a small trade.

Denver Nuggets receive
PF Chezley McCleary
C Deon Keams

Portland Traiblazers receive
SF Julius Austin
SG Jamie Keams

What this means for the Nuggets
McCleary's a great shotblocker, but most importantly for the Nuggets, he's an excellent rebounder even at 34, filling a gaping hole in Denver's bench in the wake of Jonte Jones's broken arm. He's also a better shooter than Austin, though he doesn't look to score nearly as much and has much better hands as well. Keams was cut immediately after the trade.

What this means for the Trailblazers
Portland needed a dominating defensive presence on the bench and they get it in Austin. Jamie, Deon's younger brother, has some upside, but he's still quite raw yet. Nonetheless, he'll fill in at the end of the Traiblazer bench.

Winner: Draw
These two teams are tied atop the Northwest and for the West's top seed and this trade is also equal. We'll know the winner of this one when the regular season's done.

I'm actually starting to kind of like the younger Keams. There was a lot of interest in him from teams and reports from Colorado said he was developing into a better player than they'd anticipated. I'll have to see if I can get him back next summer.

But for now, we're losing 109-102 to the red-hot Celtics, throwing away 24 points from Mike Vines, 21 points from Mateen Yeaton, 17 points and 10 rebounds from Victor Gipson and Nolan Hill's 11 points and 10 assists. 7 turnovers by Hill didn't help either.

We beat Memphis 94-86 on the road thanks to a balanced offense keyed by Victor Gipson's 10 points and 11 rebounds and Carlton Goree's 16 bench points, but this is definitely not the same team without Jonte Jones.

Still, we scrape by the Hornets 111-107, Mateen Yeaton scoring 25 the main factor. Nolan Hill cobbles together 10 points and 11 assists, Tzvetan Kishishev scores 12 off the bench, Carlton Goree gets 10 reserve assists and Chezley McClearly does exactly what we acquired him to do in nabbing 11 bench boards.

Given our threadbare victories over two bad teams, I'm pleasantly shocked when we rip the Hawks 112-91. Mateen Yeaton erupts for 38 points and 10 rebounds, Mike Vines powers for 27 points and 10 rebounds, Tzvetan Kishishev leads the reserves with 12 points and Carlton Goree issues 10 second-team assists.

I'll take a 3-1 record in our first four games without Jonte Jones, especially since we're 38-19 and have reclaimed both the top seed and the Northwest. Utah's 1.5 behind and the Trailblazers stumbled coming out of the All-Star break and are two back. Dallas has a 7 game lead in the Southwest and are stalking us for the top seed at 34-21, even though they're presently behind Utah and Portland in that race. Sacramento's still hanging on to the Pacific with a 31-27 record, 2 games ahead of the .500 Warriors, 2.5 in front of the Clippers.

Orlando had a hell of a February and are a half-game in front of the Raptors for the East's top seed, holding a 39-16 record. The Magic are a dominating 9.5 games ahead of the Hawks, while the 39-17 Raptors own a 3.5 game edge on the Knicks. Detroit's 3 ahead of both Milwaukee and Cleveland in the Central, as the Cavaliers have suddenly found new life without Lebron James.

Speaking of King James, the Celtics are now 18-39. You know, I wonder what they would be at right now if they could've played even .500 ball the first two months when they were so bad. Then again, a 4-7 month isn't any great shakes.

But 4 wins in the short month was still a lot better than the first two months, when they won 4 games combined between the two.

I don't feel like posting the midseason leaders. I'll just do the end-season summary when the time comes. I will, however, update the comparisons.

Paulinho Buboltz
2013 Stats: 82 games/77 starts - 17.0 PPG 9.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.7 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.4 SPG
2015 Stats: 55 games/48 starts - 14.1 PPG 8.3 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 18.3 PPG 8.1 APG 3.3 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.5 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.5 PPG 8.3 APG 3.2 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2019 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.6 PPG 8.1 APG 3.5 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2020 Stats: 56 games/56 starts - 18.9 PPG 7.5 APG 3.4 RPG 0.6 BPG 1.3 SPG

Mateen Yeaton
2013 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.4 APG 5.2 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/80 starts - 23.2 PPG 3.6 APG 5.2 RPG 1.7 BPG 1.3 SPG
2015 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.6 PPG 2.4 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.5 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 25.0 PPG 3.1 APG 4.5 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.8 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 24.4 PPG 3.2 APG 4.9 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.6 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.8 PPG 2.4 APG 4.2 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2019 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.5 APG 4.7 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.6 SPG
2020 Stats: 57 games/57 starts - 23.9 PPG 2.8 APG 4.7 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG

You know, I can't help but think that Pacers fans are still bemoaning this trade. At the time, Indiana was a contender in the East and a lot of people thought Buboltz and Ben Gordon were going to be the backcourt that carried them to at least a Finals appearance. It didn't happen obviously and Buboltz's prime has presided over one of the worst streaks of futility in Pacers history.

Marcelino Augusto
2020 Stats: 55 games/55 starts - 26.4 PPG 8.9 RPG 3.0 APG 2.2 BPG 1.1 SPG

Jonte Jones
2020 Stats: 53 games/53 starts - 21.7 PPG 11.8 RPG 2.8 APG 1.3 BPG 1.4 SPG

...Okay, now -this- is priceless.

Marcelino Augusto broke his ankle two days ago and is out 36 days. Jonte Jones is MIA for another 28 days.

Basketball gods, a twisted sense of humor you have.

Northwood_DK

12-02-2008, 03:42 AM

Marcelino Augusto broke his ankle two days ago and is out 36 days.

so sorry for the nice guy :lol:

Izulde

12-02-2008, 06:35 PM

so sorry for the nice guy :lol:

:D I freely admit to schadenfreude when I saw that injury.

Izulde

12-02-2008, 08:46 PM

I'm quite curious to see how the Mavericks end up this month without Marcelino Augusto in the lineup. Can Devone Allen carry Dallas? It's possible, as he's gotten better and better as the season's worn on, but the rest of the lineup outside of Zelipe Gama is pretty wretched.

Minnesota Timberwolves receive
SF Brian Brown

Seattle Supersonics receive
SG Jason Pettaway

What this means for the Timberwolves
All of Minnesota's forwards are on the wrong side of 30 and Brown, while raw and shooting under 40% from the field, has some intriguing upside that could see the second year man (16th overall last draft) develop into a good player. On the other hand, Seattle didn't pick up his third year option, so he could leave via free agency after this season.

What this means for the Supersonics
Pettaway, taken 17th overall a couple years ago, has a nice outside shot, but that's really his only standout attribute and he's quite mediocre overall. Furthermore, Seattle's now overstuffed with guards.

Winner: Minnesota
The Timberwolves will get a look at how Brown fits into their system and be able to see if they want to bring him back next summer. This is a stupid move by Seattle, plain and simple.

Orlando Magic receive
SG Larry Bannister

Dallas Mavericks receive
PF David Carter

What this means for the Magic
Bannister's a terrific, non-flashy defender, fairly smart and disciplined. He won't ever bring much offensively or in rebounding, but these types of lockdown defenders are important to have when gunning for a title.

What this means for the Mavericks
The 23 year old Carter, in his 4th season (17th overall, 2017), returns to the team that drafted him. He's still got upside and could turn into a very capable all-around player. He'll have a little trouble finding minutes in Dallas, though.

Winner: Orlando
If Carter was getting more PT, it'd be a draw, as there's benefits to both teams. But he isn't and if the Mavericks have to go up against the Nuggets in the playoffs, the lack of a shutdown guy to put on Mateen Yeaton is going to hurt bigtime.

Dallas Mavericks receive
PF Ryan Glosier
Memphis Grizzlies 2021 2nd round pick

Memphis Grizzlies receive
PG Jamar Barnes

What this means for the Mavericks
The 33 year old Glosier can't play defense worth a lick, but he converts 50+% of his shots and has some rebounding ability. His acquistion later proved quite fortunate, as he moved to the starting C slot after Marcelino Augusto broke his ankle 6 days later. Also a great team chemistry guy.

What this means for the Grizzlies
Barnes isn't a bad passing guard, but he's not great, either. In fact, the only remarkable skill he has is in stripping the ball, but even that's undercut by opponents being able to score at will on him.

Winner: Dallas
Even without the later Augusto-related save, this is still a winning move by the Mavericks, just from chemistry issues alone. Moving Barnes also frees up more playing time for promising David Tucker.

March starts as expected, with a 114-83 obliteration of the Pacers. Mateen Yeaton scores 28, Mike Vines adds 27 points and Al Thornton and Carlton Goree each score 13 off the bench, Goree adding 9 assists in the bargain.

Defense and Mateen Yeaton's 38 points carry us to a gritty 89-71 win over the Clippers. Mike Vines is really stepping it up in Jonte Jones's absence, getting 22 points and 13 rebounds in this game.

We shoot 63% and hold the Trailblazers to 33% in a 116-76 massacre. Portland's fading fast and Mateen Yeaton leads the dogpile with 22 points. Victor Gipson nabs 15 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks, Nolan Hill has 13 points and 16 assists and three Nuggets reserves break double-digit scoring: Carlton Goree (13 points), Tzvetan Kishishev (11 points) and Chezley McCleary (10 points).

Our unbeaten March run continues with a doubleheader sweep of San Antonio and Phoenix. The Spurs go down 101-91 as Victor Gipson mangles them for 30 points and 13 rebounds and Carlton Goree rises to the occasion after Nolan Hill gets hampered by foul trouble, coming off the bench for 14 points and 15 assists. Not to be outdone, Nolan Hill leads the charge in our 110-93 victory over the Suns with 17 points, 14 assists, 4 rebounds and 5 steals, while Victor Gipson chimes in with 16 points and 15 rebounds and Tzvetan Kishishev and Carlton Goree headline the second team with 12 and 11 points respectively.

Mateen Yeaton rips the Bobcats for 33 points in our 104-89 win and Carlton Goree continues to be an absolutely sensational deadline pickup for us with 15 points and 10 assists off the bench. Although I'd originally kicked myself for passing on him and taking Tzvetan Kishishev in last year's draft, it's been really nice to have them both on the same team now.

We've never gone undefeated in any month of my tenure and we don't here either, blowing a fourth quarter lead to lose 101-97 to the Clippers. Hard to fault Mateen Yeaton (24 points), Mike Vines (18 points, 10 rebounds), Carlton Goree (11 bench points), or Tzvetan Kishishev (17 bench points), though. One thing that's surprised me is how David Jackson has completely fallen off the face of the earth. I mean, he's still shooting well (53.8%), but he hasn't had a breakout game or a double-double in a long time.

Despite Milwaukee's hard fourth quarter charge, we edge the Bucks 99-94 in our next game on the wings of Mateen Yeaton's 30 points and Noah Hill's 12 points and 13 assists. Hill's definitely inconsistent. Some nights he shoots great, other nights he'll go 1 for 10 (like the last game) or 3 for 11 (like this game). Truth be told, I wonder if I wouldn't prefer Carlton Goree as the starter.

The Wizards are seeing stars after our 119-75 sledgehammering of them. Those stars are Mateen Yeaton with 26 points, Mike Vines with 24 points, Victor Gipson with 15 points and 12 rebounds, Nolan Hill with 10 points and 13 assists and Carlton Goree with a terrific 17 bench points.

A hell of a game by Mateen Yeaton with 41 points, but nobody really steps up to take over the second man role and so the Lakers beat us 115-103. I'm still quite happy with our record so far this month, though. The fact that we're still doing well without Jonte Jones is indicative of the team being stronger and deeper than I'd thought.

The Kings are anything but after Mateen Yeaton smashes their collective crown with 43 points and 11 rebounds in our 107-95 win. Victor Gipson is our other highlight, managing 12 points and 11 rebounds. I just love it when Yeaton gets hot. He's so damned satisfying to watch, especially on the charity stripe, where he converted 18 of 18 tonight. His career is 87.9% average conversion, which I think is pretty good by modern day NBA standards.

We get flatout embarassed 113-83 in Phoenix, as the Suns hold two of our starters - Victor Gipson and David Jackson - to 0 and 1 point a piece. In the face of that ugliness, not even Carlton Goree and Tzvetan Kishishev's 14 and 15 bench points look bright.

Jonte Jones comes back next game and puts up 28 points, 12 rebounds and 5 blocks, which is the good news. The bad news is 5 Nuggets foul out and we lose 127-120 in OT to the Jazz. Bitter loss to take, especially when David Jackson came alive for 14 points and 10 rebounds, and we once again had 3 bench players in double-digit points: Carlton Goree (16), Tzvetan Kishishev (10) and Leigh Nash (12).

The mini-losing streak ends when we beat the Spurs 106-92 on the front end of a doubleheader. Nolan Hill played just 6 minutes before fouling out and [b]Carlton Goree stepped up with a phenomenal game of 25 points, 8 assists, 2 rebounds and 10 steals!. Wow!!! Mike Vines scored 25 and Jonte Jones added 16 points and 13 rebounds. We complete the back-to-back set by thumping Portland 105-92, Jonte Jones roaring for 31 points and 21 rebounds and Nolan Hill scoring 20.

We're 49-23 now, but we're 2 games behind the Jazz, who lead the division and the conference at 51-21. Dallas went 8-9 without Marcelino Augusto, but they're still leading the Rockets by 6.5 games. Sacramento leads the Pacific at 38-36, just 2.5 games ahead of the Clippers. Golden State's dropped off the face of the earth, plummeting to a 32-40 record, last place in the Pacific and 5 games back. So much for their playoff hopes.

The West started off strong, but now there's only teams with winning records. The #1 seed is going to go to either us or the Jazz; all the other teams are all but mathematically eliminated.

Toronto's 51-21 in the East and have regained the conference's #1 seed, a game and a half ahead of 50-23 Orlando in that race, 5.5 ahead of the Knicks in the division. Not that the Magic care -all- that much; they've already clinched the Southeast, 11.5 games ahead of Charlotte.

Atlanta's 36-36 and if the playoffs were held right now, the defending East Conference champions wouldn't be playing. They're really missing Kelvin Johnson now.

45-27 Detroit enjoys a two game edge on the Bucks, 4.5 in front of the Cavaliers.

It's going to be an exciting final 10 games in the race for the top seed and for a few divisions, including ours. At the very least we'll have the #2 seed, though we'd obviously prefer the #1 seed. With Jonte Jones back, that's certainly in the realm of possibility.

Izulde

12-04-2008, 01:24 AM

It's been quite a few years since we've been in this position of having to chase from behind rather than the one being pursued. I don't like it, but it's what we have to go with.

Things get off to a bad start as we split a doubleheader. Memphis beats us 98-83 as everyone but Jonte Jones (26 points, 20 rebounds) and Mike Vines (23 points) has an awful night. It doesn't help that Mateen Yeaton's battling an abdominal strain. Fortunately, we shred the Hornets 108-86, Jonte Jones coming up with 29 points and 16 rebounds, Mike Vines grabbing 15 points and 10 rebounds and David Jackson bursting through for 23 points off the bench. Nice to see 50 Ninja come alive again.

We pretty much throw away any chance we have at catching Utah in losing the next back-to-back. The Timberwolves tip us 92-39 as we can't come back from a horrendous first quarter, not even with Jonte Jones's 25 points and 19 rebounds or Carlton Goree's 16 bench points. The less said about our 116-102 loss to the Supersonics, the better. Jonte Jones is great with 34 points and 10 rebounds, Mike Vines has 15 points and 10 rebounds and Carlton Goree adds 12 points off the bench, but it seems like for some reason, it seems like we play worse with Jones than without him.

Balanced offense keyed by 22 points from Mike Vines and 12 and 10 reserve points respectively from David Jackson and Carlton Goree leads us to a 106-82 spanking of Golden State, who I feel a little sorry for. Louis Mertens wasn't even really worth a late 1st round pick, let alone what now appears to be a lottery selection.

Mike Vines and Jonte Jones score 24 points each, Jones tacking on 11 rebounds as we roll over the Hornets by 20, 111-91. Nolan Hill contributes 12 points and 12 assists and that same 12 points is what David Jackson gives us off the bench.

We crush the Grizzlies 117-81 in the rematch as Mike Vines scores 33, Jonte Jones adds 20 points, Nolan Hill is off the hook with 15 points and 18 assists, Carlton Goree chimes in with 14 points off the bench and David Jackson snags 11 bench boards. We beat the Rockets the next night 107-95 on Jonte Jones's 28 points and 17 rebounds and Tzvetan Kishev's 10 points to headline the second team.

Unfortunately, we're still 1.5 games behind the Jazz. We need to win out our final doubleheader and some helpful losing from Utah if we want the division and the #1 seed. Our part's taken care of as we whip the Suns 127-106. Jonte Jones and Mateen Yeaton score 21 and 20 points and Carlton Goree chips in 10 points off the bench, but the most amazing thing about this game is Tzvetan Kishishev channeling the God of Shooting, hitting a blistering 15/18 from the floor for 34 points. In our 104-97 regular-season ending win over Portland, Mateen Yeaton finally looks healthy with 32 points, Mike Vines continues his strong stretch run play with 22 points, Jonte Jones doubles with 15 points, 15 rebounds and Carlton Goree issues 13 assists off the bench.

But was it enough?

No.

56-26 gives us the #2 seed.

West Conference Seedings
1. Utah Jazz (58-24)
2. Denver Nuggets (56-26)
3. Dallas Mavericks (50-32)
4. Sacramento Kings (42-40)
5. Minnesota Timberwolves (48-34)
6. Portland Trailblazers (43-39)
7. Houston Rockets (41-41)
8. Los Angeles Lakers (40-42)

This is the first time since 2009 the Denver Nuggets haven't won the Northwest. Ironically, it was also the Utah Jazz who took the crown in 2009. It's also the first time in my tenure we've failed to win the division title.

Maybe I made a mistake with the Augusto trade, but it's too late now.

East Conference Seedings
1. Toronto Raptors (59-23)
2. Orlando Magic (56-26)
3. Detroit Pistons (50-32)
4. New York Knicks (50-32)
5. Milwaukee Bucks (49-33)
6. Cleveland Cavaliers (48-34)
7. New Jersey Nets (47-35)
8. Charlotte Bobcats (45-37)

The 42-40 76ers and Hawks both had to stay home. The road's wide open for the Raptors to get back to the Finals.

Points
T1. Nigel Abel (MIA) - 26.7
T1. Marcelino Augusto (DAL) - 26.7
3. Justin Richler (TOR) -26.1
7. Mateen Yeaton (DEN) - 23.0
8. Jonte Jones (DEN) - 22.2

Heh. Fitting our top scorers end up right next to each other.

Assists
1. Kenny Graham (SAC) - 12.0
2. A.J. Dunkley (UTA) - 11.4
3. Bernard Kelly (MEM) - 10.9
8. Zelipe Gama (DAL) - 9.5
17. Nolan Hill (DEN) - 8.3

Makes you wonder what kind of numbers Hill would've put up if he'd started all 82 games.

Rebounds
1. Greg Oden (TOR) - 14.7
2. Dontay Williamson (LAC) - 14.0
3. Jonte Jones (DEN) - 12.2

Blocks
1. Dontay Williamson (LAC) - 3.4
2. Patrick Riley (SAC) - 3.2
3. Martin Beerbohm (NOR) - 3.0
14. Victor Gipson (DEN) - 2.2

Steals
1. Derrick Sterett (NJ) - 2.4
2. Pete Latham - (SAN) - 2.0
3. Kyle Smith (CLE) - 1.7

Rookies

Points
1. Austin Forte (LAC) - 13.6
2. Brad Smalls (WAS) - 12.6
3. Jon Ward (PHX) - 11.8

Assists
1. Brett Archibald (POR) - 3.7
2. Austin Forte (LAC) - 3.4
3. Ray Smith (NYK) - 3.2

Rebounds
1. Terry Vinson (CHI) - 6.9
2. Jon Ward (PHX) - 5.0
3. Clifton Snyder (GSW) - 4.3

Blocks
1. Jon Ward (PHX) - 1.7
2. Brad Smalls (WAS) - 0.9
3. Terry Vinson (CHI) - 0.3

Steals
1. Brad Smalls (WAS) - 1.5
2. Jon Ward (PHX) - 1.3
3. Austin Forte (LAC) - 1.0

Izulde

12-04-2008, 10:54 AM

The Rockets, as you may remember, are the team that has become loaded with high quality young swingmen over the years. Although Will Baron left last summer, they should still be pretty stacked at the 2/3 combo. I'm a little rushed for time, so I'll simply report the position previews and predictions for the article.

Point Guard
Nolan Hill vs. Filip Mikulic
Hill burst on to the scene after being traded to the Nuggets and appears to be the next in a GM Jestor-hidden gem line of quality PGs. While not as consistent as Zelipe Gama, he's a solid shooter, passer and defender, averaging 9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals in the regular season, despite only starting 54 games.

Mikulic is a PG in a SG's body (6'6, 221 lbs). Phenomenal scorer who averaged 20.3 points a game, he also managed 7.8 assists during the first 82. The one liability is a big one: He can't play defense for anything and even against the wildly inconsistent Hill, that could be a score evener.

Advantage: Draw

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Georghios Kairis
Yeaton struggled a bit down the stretch with injuries, but the 32 year old, two-time defending Finals MVP is back to full health after averaging 23 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.4 steals in the regular season. Denver's hopes for a third straight title will once again fall on his shoulders.

Somewhat worryingly for Nuggets fans, Kairis is 6'6, 205 lbs and plays decent, if not spectacular defense. Throughout Yeaton's career, he's struggled against bigger opponents who can actually play some D. Kairis, of course, is known for his offense, averaging 18 points, 5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks this year. Of course, some say the former #1 overall pick is overrated and wins his awards based on reputation.

Advantage: Nuggets

Small Forward
Victor Gipson vs. Mark White
An absolute beast at 7'2, 303 lbs, despite being an inside shooter with no perimeter shot to speak of, Gipson still shot 53.9% in the regular season for 11.5 points, along with 7 rebounds and 2.2 blocks. He's a great rebounder and a dominating shotblocker, in addition to being extremely tough.

White's a fantastic rebounder in his own right and plays good technical defense, along with his well-executed third offensive option role. He averaged 14.7 points and 6.2 rebounds in the regular season, but at 6'8, 197 lbs, he's going to find it a little difficult going up against the Gipson behemoth.

Advantage: Draw

Power Forward
Mike Vines vs. Brandan Wright
Vines really stepped up it down the stretch and is probably the most in-form Nugget now. An absolutely dominating defender, he can also pour on the points as his recent run shows. Averaged 15.4 points and nearly a block and a steal per game. His defensive prowess is going to be a key part of Denver's hopeful championship run and unlike Emeka Okafor of days yore, Vines is actually an offensive threat.

Wright is able to do everything pretty well and is a good defender in his own right. The perfect role player, he averaged 11.6 points, 1.6 blocks and 1.1 steals. There's no real weaknesses in his game, but he's going to have a hard time scoring against Vines.

Advantage: Nuggets

Center
Jonte Jones vs. Winston Smith
Jones has historically been dominant in the playoffs, but he's not often had the supporting cast to make a deep run. The closest he's come to a title is the Mavericks 2012 Finals appearance, where the Raptors took the championship with ease. There's been some question about how well this perennial MVP candidate works within Denver's system, even with his 22.2 point, 12.2 rebound, 1.3 block, 1.4 steal regular season. This postseason will go a long way to answering that.

Smith can defend and rebound a little, but that's it. He has no other worthy skills and he's a locker room malcontent as well. 7.8 points and 7.3 rebounds in the regular season. At 7'4, 267 lbs, he's also somewhat spindly, which could be problematic against the muscular, determined Jones, even given his defensive talents.

Advantage: Nuggets

Bench
David "50 Ninja" Jackson averaged 9.7 points and 5.5 rebounds in the regular season. He's one of those players who ironically has better numbers as a 6th man than as a starter, but on the other hand, he's not happy when he has to take a bench role Excellent high percentage shooter who does everything pretty well, but not outstanding in any one area. Carlton Goree was a great trade deadline pickup, averaging 6.8 points, 4.1 assists and a steal between Sacramento, Toronto and Denver this season. Another underrated passer and scorer, Goree's also an uncanny ball thief and so much more consistent than Hill, it's highly likely that Hill could be dealt in the offseason to make Goree the unchallenged starter. Tzvetan Kishishev is an excellent fundamental defender who's developing a solid offensive game, evidenced by his 6.2 points a game off the bench.

Ben Larson reminds people a little of Marvin Williams. Extremely versatile player, able to fill in at every position except center, Larson is a well-balanced player, but doesn't do anything exceptionally well. Still, his versatility translated into 8.3 points in the regular season. Kevin Sessoms is an unremarkable player, but the former 2nd round pick (12th pick, New Jersey, 2011), still found a way to average 6.8 points and 5.4 rebounds this year. Duez Walker, a former Nugget, is out with a broken elbow, which is going to hurt Houston's already lackluster bench.

Advantage: Nuggets

Final Thoughts
On paper, Denver looks like they're going to run away this series, but something's telling us that the Rockets are going to keep it close. The Nuggets will still win; it's just going to take them longer than everyone thinks.
Prediction: Nuggets in 6

Not the most ringing endorsement, but I'll take it. Houston's a pretty tough matchup, all things considered.

Game One
No problems in this one, though. The best highlights Houston can manage are 11 points and 10 rebounds from Mark White and 10 bench points from Kevin Sessoms. We easily counter with 22 points from Mateen Yeaton, 20 points from Jonte Jones and Carlton Goree's 12 bench points. A blowout and a yawner blowout at that. Still, we'll take it.
Final - Houston 79 Denver 103

Game Two
The Rockets' starters have looked absolutely terrible these first two games, as reserve Teofil Shubinsky's 12 points are the only thing for Houston's fans to get really excited about. Lots for our fans to love, though, as Mateen Yeaton shoots his way to 33 points, Mike Vines scores 20, Jonte Jones and Victor Gipson double their fun with 16 points, 15 rebounds and 12 points, 12 rebounds respectively and Carlton Goree caps it all off with another 12 bench points. 30 point rout and we're looking terrific at 2-0.
Final - Houston 85 Denver 115

Game Three
With the transfer to Houston, we should see much more competitive games. On the one hand, the Rockets finally have a truly good performance out of a starter, as Filip Mikulic scores 20, but on the other hand, that's as good as it gets for them. When Jonte Jones is putting up 29 points and 14 rebounds and David Jackson's doubling off the bench with 12 points and 11 rebounds, there's not really much hope for Houston's chances of victory. 3-0 and it looks like we've the sweep well in hand.
Final - Denver 107 Houston 86

Game Four
The most lopsided game of the series, as the Rockets are just completely whipped out there on the court. Georghios Kairis finally breaks through for 21 points and Teofil Shubinsky puts up 10 points off the bench, but Kairis did absolutely nothing this series to get rid of the overrated label some apply to him. Conversely, Jonte Jones reigns supreme with 28 points and 18 rebounds, Victor Gipson has 17 points and 11 rebounds and we get a slew of sensational showings from the second team. Carlton Goree is the main man with 18 points, 10 assists and 5 steals, but David Jackson pulls down 10 boards and Al Thornton dogpiles it with 10 points. All in all, it's a complete homerun and a fitting end to the sweep.
Final - Denver 126 Houston 88

The Raptors and Magic are the only other teams to sweep. There's some fascinating results going on right now in some series and I'm quite happy to sit at home, eat popcorn and watch some of the other games.

Detroit sends home the Lebron-less Cavs in five games and in one of the most satisfying Game 5s I've ever watched, the 8 seed Lakers knock off the top seed Jazz. Take that, Utah! I'm extremely relieved, to be honest, because the Jazz have had a really good team the last few seasons, especially after stealing away Chris Gearhart.

Every other series goes the full 7 games, which is making me just a touch nervous.

The Knicks avoid an early exit by overcoming the Bucks, the reeling Kings just barely manage to scrape together a victory over the Timberwolves to set up an All-Pacific conference semi-final and the Portland Trailblazers upset the Mavericks in Dallas!!!!.

Marcelino Augusto had his worst playoff outing since his rookie season, averaging 17.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 0.3 steals on 46.2% shooting. To put that in perspective, he's never averaged below 20 points since his rookie year, the rebounding total was his lowest since his rookie year, he's never averaged below 2 blocks a game in the playoffs, nor less than a steal per game. The 46.2% shooting is also his second worst in his career, next to his 45.8% rookie year postseason.

Ah, how sweet it is. Poetic justice, indeed.

RedHawk00

12-04-2008, 10:07 PM

MA = A-Rod?

Izulde

12-04-2008, 11:39 PM

MA = A-Rod?

Well, he had a great Finals last year and could've just as easily won the Finals MVP award as Yeaton. And he's been fantastic in playoff series before that, save for the championship round.

But I think not having a Yeaton to draw attention from him really hurt, because as good as Devone Allen is, he's still not MY.

Edit: And in any case, Augusto certainly isn't as clutch as either Yeaton or Jones.

Izulde

12-05-2008, 12:32 AM

It's going to be a familiar story, this having to fence off against a divisional opponent in the playoffs. Portland always plays us tough, so I'm somewhat concerned about this matchup.

"The Portland Trailblazers have done a grave disservice to basketball storyline fans, the NBA and the television networks by upsetting the Dallas Mavericks. Everyone was hoping for a Marcelino Augusto/Jonte Jones/Zelipe Gama/Mateen Yeaton/GM Jestor set of lines in the second round, but Portland had other ideas.

Now the Trailblazers dream of extending their Cinderella run by upsetting the two-time defending champion Nuggets, who didn't even break a sweat in sweeping the Houston Rockets.

Point Guard
Nolan Hill vs. Jerian McCrary
Hill was virtually invisible in scoring during the opening round, but what he lacked in point production (8.5 points), he more than made up for with 10 assists and 1.8 steals. The 24 year old was an unknown quantity coming into this postseason, but he's acquitted himself well this far.

McCrary is a good shooter, but average in every other facet of the game. He's more ideally suited to the 2, but somehow he found a way to average 11.4 points and 10.4 assists against the Mavericks. He's not liable to have that kind of success in the passing game against the thieving Nuggets backcourt.

Advantage: Draw

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Sonny Boxler
Yeaton's still in MVP form and feeling great, as he's put up first round averages of 21.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, a steal and a block. Who needs Marcelino Augusto when you've got the two-time defending Finals MVP in the lineup?

Boxler made his first All-Star game this season and has been absolutely sensational thus far in the postseason, with 25.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 2.1 blocks. The scary part is, the third year pro is still developing and he's already a franchise-level player, with his only weakness that he can get scored on in bunches. He's also 6'3 and that short height, combined with his weakness in defensive fundamentals, is what could be the difference in a tight matchup.

Advantage: Draw

Small Forward
Victor Gipson vs. Kevin Durant
Gipson had no problems bottling up Mark White last round and showed surprising scoring instincts in contributing 15.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, a steal and 2.8 blocks. Having a huge bruiser like him at the 3 creates major mismatches in size and headaches for opponents.

But even given their 5 inch, 83 pound difference, Durant's a tough draw as the perennial All-NBA SF can shoot from just about anywhere and has exceptional rebounding skills, illustrated by his 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals in the opening round. If Gipson can even slow him down a little, Denver will have taken a major step to advancing.

Advantage: Trailblazers

Power Forward
Mike Vines vs. LaMarcus Aldridge
By the averaged numbers, Vines hasn't looked great in this playoffs, with only 13 points to show for his opening outing in the statline, but the shutdown type defense he brings is a big reason why the Rockets looked so inept against the Nuggets and Denver will ask him to do the same thing this series. Any offense he can provide would be a great bonus.

Aldridge never did become the elite player so many people thought he was capable of being, including Jestor, and at 35, he's starting to lose a few steps. That said, he can still score some points, pick up some rebounds and do a solid job of defense. 11.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.8 blocks is nothing to sneeze at and he'll do his best to make sure Vines doesn't add much to Denver's point total.

Advantage: Nuggets

Center
Jonte Jones vs. Marcus Honeycutt
Over the years, Jones has developed a reputation of being a clutch postseason player and he very nearly singlehandedly upset the Nuggets last season. This year, he's adding on to that reputation with 23.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, a steal and 1.3 blocks to date. More importantly, unlike the aforementioned Augusto, he's an extremely consistent player and a much safer anchor than the erratic Brazilian.

Honeycutt, despite his 8 points and 6.6 rebounds with just 2 starts in the first round, is only really good at one thing: lockdown defense of the Vines level. If Portland wants to get past Denver, they'll need him to limit the damage Jones can do.

Advantage: Nuggets

Bench
There's no doubt about it. Carlton Goree is the best Nuggets reserve guard since the Chauncey Billups days of Jestor's early years in Denver. He's posting a phenomenal 12.3 points, 6 assists and 2 steals off the bench, further strengthening the front office's argument that he should be starting next year. Let's not forget David "50 Ninja" Jackson, who's thriving in a bench role for 8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks, even as he's agitating for his starting spot back.

Charlie Joseph is a great rebounder, but he doesn't really have much else to him and his 10.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.3 steals and block are inflated by virtue of his five starts against Dallas. Charles Howard is the sniper, averaging 7.3 points and possessing tremendous upside, even if he still needs to learn to take better care of the ball.

Advantage: Nuggets

Final Thoughts
This series will be much closer than the Houston/Denver matchup. In fact, we wouldn't be shocked to see it go a full seven games. The Trailblazers match up extremely well with the Nuggets, but in the end, homecourt advantage and the deeper, better bench will give Denver the victory.
Prediction: Nuggets in 7

A perfectly fair assessment, particularly given Honeycutt's denying talents.

Game One
But unfortunately for Blazers fans, the series starts off looking a lot like the first round of us vs Houston. Marcus Honeycutt is the lone Portland highlight with 16 points and 11 rebounds and that's simply not anywhere near enough when 7 Nuggets are in double-digit figures in the most balanced offense we've had in a long, long time. Our stat stars are Nolan Hill with 16 points and 16 assists, Victor Gipson with 13 points and 10 rebounds and David Jackson and Carlton Goree with 13 and 11 points off the bench respectively. Solid opening win.
Final - Portland 84 Denver 109

Game Two
Portland puts up more points, but Kevin Durant's 20 points and 12 points and 10 rebounds from reserve Charlie Joseph just can't compete with Mateen Yeaton's 32 points, Nolan Hill's 23 points, Jonte Jones's nice all-around game of 14 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists or David Jackson's 10 points off the bench. Hill is really turning this series into his coming out party and the Blazers bow down by a blistering 30 points. 2-0 series lead by margins I never would've expected.
Final - Portland 97 Denver 127

Game Three
Can moving to Portland give the Trailblazers a boost? They do hold us to our lowest scoring total of the series, but despite 3 players with 17 points - Kevin Durant (also with 18 rebounds), Sonny Boxler and Jerian McCrary, they still can't crack the century mark. We on the other hand, do, Jonte Jones spearheading the march to 100 with 26 points and 22 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton tossing in 27 points and 10 points exactly from benchmates Carlton Goree and David Jackson. For the first time this series, Nolan Hill was held to under 10 points (finishing with 5), but he still handed out 16 assists. 3-0 lead and we're knocking on the door of another commanding sweep.
Final - Denver 107 Portland 90

Game Four
The Blazers weren't about to suffer the same fate as the Rockets and they finally break out this game. Jerian McCrary explodes for 32 points, Sonny Boxler adds 24 points of his own and Kevin Durant doubles his way to 11 points and 16 rebounds. We simply couldn't match, despite Jonte Jones's 19 points and 22 rebounds, Carlton Goree's 8 points and 10 assists off the bench and reserve Leigh Nash's 13 points. Not when Mateen Yeaton's limited to 20 minutes with foul problems and has an icy 3 for 11 night besides. Sweep averted.
Final - Denver 93 Portland 103

As it turns out, nobody sweeps the second round.

Game Five
Back home in Denver, we go questing for the closeout and Jonte Jones throws down the hammer with 36 points and 13 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton swinging right there with him for 30 points. Nolan Hill chimes in with the weak's man double of 10 points, 10 assists and we wait for Portland's challenge. And challenge they do, with 29 points and 12 rebounds from Kevin Durant, 24 points from Jerian McCrary and 12 bench points from Charles Howard. But it's not enough and we seal the deal with a comfortable win, moving on to the conference finals.
Final - Portland 103 Denver 117

Toronto also advances in five and there's a lot of talk in the media and among fans that the stage is being set for another hurrah of the great Raptors/Nuggets Finals rivalry.

We both wait the full seven games for our opponents, who turn out to be Orlando, narrowly edging the Pistons, and the Lakers, the 8 seed that continues its improbable run by upsetting the Kings in the deciding game.

So we now face off against the Purple and Gold. Old royalty versus the new kings.

There can be only one.

cubboyroy1826

12-05-2008, 08:09 AM

Okay in your Dolphins FOF Dynasty how do you get the player ratings etc to lineup when you post them. I noticed you use the code option but where are you coping and pasting this info from. Okay back to our regularly scheduled dynasty.

Autumn

12-05-2008, 09:07 AM

I wonder that too, I had a hard time getting text ratings to show up without a ton of work.

Autumn

12-05-2008, 09:14 AM

And what's with this smear campaign against Augusto? Not clutch, inconsistent, whatever. You'll probably be trading back for hm in a year or two ;-)

Still, your lineup's doing great. They seem really flexible, if Jones gets bottled up he dishes out the assists, Hill does the same. Looking good.

Coffee Warlord

12-05-2008, 09:15 AM

They lost a game in round 2!

FIRED!

Izulde

12-05-2008, 08:28 PM

cubboyroy1826 and Autumn: I go to Scout View, sort by Position, hit the Print button in the lower left hand corner of the screen and have it Print to File. In my case, I usually output it to D:/whateveriwantthefinalnametobe.txt (Very important to include the .txt). Then I open the file up in Notepad and copy/paste what I need.

Autumn: :D If you'll recall, I and the media were saying the same thing even before he was traded. That's one of the things that made Augusto so angry and wanting to be dealt; Yeaton winning last year's Finals MVP was just the last straw. Very good point on Hill, by the way. It's one of the things that has me leaning towards keeping him, though I think we could get better value by trading him.

Coffee Warlord: :D It's actually better than last season's trip thus far!

Izulde

12-05-2008, 09:44 PM

Playing the Lakers always puts me on edge. Even in their down years, they always seem to be a force, simply by putting on those purple and gold uniforms. So, despite the fact that they're an 8 seed and had a losing record to boot, I'm not going to discount them.

"The Los Angeles Lakers are on the verge of becoming the first sub-.500 team to make the Finals since the Charlotte Bobcats represented the East in 2008 and 2009. But to get there, they'll have to go through the Denver Nuggets, who have looked extremely impressive in the first two rounds and nothing like last year's miracle champions, who defended their title with consecutive Game 7 heartstoppers.

Point Guard
Nolan Hill vs. Calvis Graham
Hill looked much more comfortable taking shots in the second round and even when he doesn't feel like shooting, he still does an excellent job of distributing the ball. His playoff averages are up to a double-double of 10.9 points, 10.6 assists and 1.3 steals, along with a staggering 6.8 A/TO ratio.

Graham and Hill are virtually identical, save that Calvis is a more reliable offensive threat and better pure passer, whereas Hill is much less likely to turn the ball over. Also, Graham's a better ballthief, but Hill's a slightly better technical defender. The playoff numbers bear this out: 15 points, 11 assists, 1.8 steals and a 3.4 A/TO ratio.

Advantage: Draw

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Kyle Hoiberg
21.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 1.1 blocks. Yeaton's still doing it all, even though he's been overshadowed in this playoffs by Denver's starting C and may not win a third straight Finals MVP award. Not that he cares; it's all about the team play and the title for the man elected the Nuggets' co-captain this season.

Hoiberg will always be haunted by the fact that he's not Kobe Bryant. Instead, he's another Ben Gordon; a points-producing SG who, while an excellent shooter, simply doesn't have what it takes to bring his team a championship. One has to wonder if he regrets his cross-town move from the Clippers to the Lakers via free agency in 2015. Kyle's got size, but he can't defend very well and not being able to play D on Yeaton is a kiss of death. Playoff averages of 21.3 points and 1.7 steals as the highlights can't match up either.

Advantage: Nuggets

Small Forward
Victor Gipson vs. Austin Buller
Never was the position Small Forward more a misnomer than this matchup, which pits the 7'2, 303 lbs Gipson against the 6'11, 285 lbs former Nugget Buller. Gipson's shooting touch disappeared against the Trailblazers, as he concentrated on contending with Kevin Durant, but he's still putting up 12 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in the playoffs.

Buller's shooting a mediocre 41.3% in the postseason and has really turned into a disappointment over the years, a major disappointment after high expectations as the #2 pick by the Bulls in 2012 and being highly praised by GM Jestor. 12.4 points and 5.9 rebounds in the playoffs aren't what one expects out of a former 2nd overall selection, particularly not one in his prime at 27. Pretty good defender, but can't really make the highlight play and has been extremely underwhelming on offense relative to his talent.

Advantage: Nuggets

Power Forward
Mike Vines vs. Derrick Robinson
It's a beautiful thing for the truly knowledgeable basketball fan to watch Vines operate on defense, but what's even prettier for Nuggets fans is to watch him score 15.4 points on average in this playoffs to go with his 5.9 rebounds and steal per game. A better defender than even Emeka Okafor and well worth the difference in points between him and a certain Marcelino Augusto.

Robinson can't really prevent anyone from scoring, but he's one of the most dangerous shotblockers in the league and is notorious for elevating his level of play in the postseason. A good, but not great, shooter and rebounder, he's got a line of 13.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 4.1 blocks so far in extra games. His clutch factor makes this matchup a lot more even than it should be, but it still tilts to the Nuggets.

Advantage: Nuggets

Center
Jonte Jones vs. Andrew Bynum
Jones is quickly learning what it feels like to be on a powerhouse team and despite the fact that it's not his beloved Mavericks, he's enjoying every minute of his time in a Nuggets uniform, posting 22.3 points, 14.6 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.3 blocks in these playoffs. He absolutely blew away Marcus Honeycutt in the last round, showing utter disregard for the Blazers center's defensive reputation.

Age is beginning to creep up on the 34 year old Bynum, but he still has one of the best inside shots in the league and can rebound, play solid defense, and be a phenomenal shotblocker as his playoff stats of 16.4 points, 12.1 rebounds and 3 blocks attest to. But the factor of the matter is, Bynum simply is no longer the player he was in his prime and against somebody like Jones, that makes all the difference.

Advantage: Nuggets

Bench
Carlton Goree has been a true delight to watch this postseason, as the Nuggets' 6th man has contributed 10.3 points, 5.8 assists and 1.6 steals. David Jackson's been his frontcourt mirror with 8.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. While they are the top reserves, don't discount any of the other Nuggets subs, who are capable of having a noteworthy game at any time.

Former 2nd round pick Dennis Paige (11th pick, Seattle, 2014) has been a welcome ray of offense off the bench with 7.3 points, but his lack of defensive skill undercuts that. Ross Crispin is averaging 5.3 points, but he's an even worse offender on the defensive end than Paige. Josh McRoberts is the most well-rounded Lakers reserve and the only one who can play at least some D, but he's hampered by a calf injury.

Advantage: Nuggets

Final Thoughts
The clock strikes midnight for the Lakers here. Denver is simply too deep and too talented for Los Angeles to prevent the Nuggets from reaching a sixth straight Finals and trying to become the second team to win three titles in a row since the 1999-2001 Lakers (the first, being, of course, the 2015-2017 Raptors). That said, the Lakers have an intangibles edge and will make this a closer series than the talent levels suggest.
Prediction: Nuggets in 6

Okay, yes, I can see that.

Game One
Out of all the things I expected in the opening game, I didn't expect as close a score as we got. Jonte Jones played magnificiently with 33 points and 19 rebounds and Mateen Yeaton scored 21 for our side. On the Lakers, Austin Buller netted 15 points and 12 rebounds, Kyle Hoiberg scored 24, Calvis Graham had 14 points and 10 assists and Dennis Paige/b] added 10 points off the bench. [b]We fell just short and, like has happened far too many times this season, we collapsed down the stretch, blowing a fourth quarter lead to be upset. Not a good start, not a good start at all.
Final - Lakers 102 Denver 98

Game Two
We strike back with a venegance, Mateen Yeaton scoring 30, Jonte Jones doubling with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Great bench play helps as well, Carlton Goree scoring 11 and David Jackson just missing a double-double with 8 points and 10 rebounds. Kyle Hoiberg leads the Lakers with 25 points but when Derrick Robinson and Andrew Bynum are held to 0 and 1 point respectively, you know it's going to be a long night for the Lakers. We get the much-needed series tie and rout win.
Final - Lakers 84 Denver 108

Game Three
Big question is, how do we respond to going to the star-studded Laker home court? The series may well hinge on this question. The answer for Game 3 is an extremely spirited battle that sees both teams with 3 players scoring 20+ points. For the Lakers, it's Kyle Hoiberg (34 points), Andrew Bynum (25 points), and Calvis Graham with a phenomenal 21 points and 18 assists. We counter with 32 points from Mateen Yeaton, 20 points and 12 rebounds from Jonte Jones and 20 points from Mike Vines. Nolan Hill also partially matched Graham with 10 points and 11 assists. In the end, the deciding factor came down to the benches. The Lakers had no standout reserves, while we did. Carlton Goree and David Jackson combined for 15 and 11 points a piece and that 26 points was the differencemaker as we steal the win in a thrilling shootout and take the 2-1 series lead.
Final - Denver 125 Lakers 119

Game Four
I want to win this thing in five games, so let's hope for another win here. It's yet another close game as Mateen Yeaton scores 35, Jonte Jones gets a staggering 21 points and 20 rebounds and Tzvetan Kishishev and Carlton Goree contribute 10 and 12 points off the bench. The Lakers respond with 20 points from Kyle Hoiberg, 16 points and 15 assists from Calvis Graham and 3+ reserves with 10+ points. Dennis Paige explodes for 17 points and 14 rebounds, Ross Crispin scores 14 and a fully healthy Josh McRoberts adds 11 points. Once again, it's the benches that elect the winner and this one's all Purple and Gold, resulting in a 5 point loss and a fight for our lives with the series tied at 2.
Final - Denver 102 Lakers 107

Making matters worse, the Raptors ended the Magic's pretender dreams in a hurry, sweeping them in four. Ugh.

Game Five
Back home in Denver, it's another all-out war as Kyle Hoiberg continues his unreal series with 36 points, Andrew Bynum puts up 20 points and Ross Crispin leads the Lakers subs with 13 points. Mateen Yeaton and Mike Vines fight back with 25 points a piece, all our starting five scores at least 13 and David Jackson has 10 points off the bench. In the end, our collective balanced offense is enough to give us a too-close four point win and the imperative 3-2 series edge.
Final - Lakers 115 Denver 119

Game Six
Can we win in LA and get some much needed rest before the Finals? Jonte Jones says yes with 20 points and 12 rebounds, as does David Jackson with 14 bench points. But the Lakers say no as Kyle Hoiberg maintains his fiery series with 27 points, Calvis Graham produces 12 points and 11 assists and Ross Crispin cancels out 50 Ninja's points with 14 of his own. It all adds up to a frustrating loss and a forced Game 7. Hello, heartstoppers of last year!
Final - Denver 109 Lakers 120

Game Seven
If we lose here, then our season's a failure. I don't give a damn how well the Lakers match up with us, how talented they are... none of that. To lose to an 8 seed, a 40-42 team, with our Rings Quest on the line, would be unforgiveable. In fact, I'd resign if we lost, because I wouldn't deserve to be Denver's GM anymore. I glumly watch Andrew Bynum put up 18 points and 10 rebounds, Calvis Graham 11 points and 10 assists and Dennis Paige 16 bench points. It's looking grim for our hopes, as we have just 3 players in double-digit figures. But then a miraculous thing happens. Jonte Jones and Mateen Yeaton say hell no to letting our three-time title dreams dying here in Denver, scoring 31 and 30 points respectively to carry us into the Finals. Jones and Yeaton are mobbed after the game is over, Mateen grinning up at the box I'm sitting in and holding up nine fingers. Nine championships. Chasing the Celtics. Three times three. We go for the first third in the next round.
Final - Lakers 93 Denver 110

Will we succeed in the first cycle of our quest? Will we win our third straight championship?

I don't know. The road will be hard, as our nemesis is a familiar, ancient rival. The fully rested Toronto Raptors.

Toronto/Denver Round V. Resumed after a one-year interruption.

It should be an epic for the ages.

Izulde

12-06-2008, 12:11 PM

"The Denver Nuggets and the Toronto Raptors get set to resume their storied archrivalry, one that challenges the Lakers and Celtics as the greatest rivalry in NBA history. It's the fifth time in the last six seasons that these two dynasties are meeting for the trophy and the Raptors will be giving their all to stop the Nuggets from replicating their threepeat feat.

Toronto is well-rested after sweeping the Magic in the East Conference finals, whereas Denver is likely feeling a bit of exhaustion after a marathon, full-limit series against the Lakers. That doesn't foreshadow a good result for Denver, especially with how tough the matchups look on paper.

Point Guard
Nolan Hill vs. Justin Richler
Hill struggled somewhat against the Lakers, seeing his postseason averages dip to 10.5 points and 9 assists a game, but he's still got a sterling 5.0 A/TO ratio and he's shooting at a 51.3% clip.

Richler's had a surprisingly tough playoffs this year, shooting just 40.1% from the floor, a career low. As a result, he's averaging just 18.4 points, 6.8 assists and 1.3 steals. He's ill-suited to play PG and isn't a great defender. If he continues his run of poor form, the Raptors could be in for a dogfight. That said, the talent disparity is obvious.

Advantage: Raptors

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. David Anyan
Yeaton really saved Denver against the Lakers, boosting his scoring to 24.1 points, averaging 4.3 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks in the bargain. But he's dealing with a nagging leg injury and we all know what happens when Yeaton gets hurt. The rest of the team suffers and the Nuggets lose.

Making matters even worse, Anyan is a premium defender with the size to shut Yeaton down. He's also a topflight scorer, averaging an impressive 25.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.6 blocks this playoffs. If there's an Achilles heel in his superlative game, it's that he's turnover prone. That may not matter, however, given Anyan's defensive prowess and Yeaton's injury.

Advantage: Raptors

Small Forward
Victor Gipson vs. Willie Larson
Gipson is what he is, a behemoth of a safe shooter and dynamite shotblocker, averaging 10.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. He completely neutralized Austin Buller in the West conference finals and the Nuggets hope for more of the same in the championship round.

The Raptors struggled all season long to find a SF and they finally settled on Larson, who's a completely bland and unremarkable player, evidenced by his 9.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks. He's also just 6'9, 222 lbs and giving up 5 inches and 81 pounds to your opponent is never a good idea. He'll be a complete non-factor this series.

Advantage: Nuggets

Power Forward
Mike Vines vs. Chris Bosh
Despite the fact that Vines is only converting 40.9% of his shot from the field in this postseason, his defensive brillance has been critical. He destroyed the Lakers' most clutch player, Derrick Robinson, and though his 14.9 points and 5.9 rebounds are nothing to write home about, he's going to be a key weapon in this matchup.

Even at 36, Bosh can still score and play defense, along with picking some rebounds here and there as his playoff line of 14 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks illustrates. He'll have a very hard time scoring against Vines, though and that's important for the Nuggets, who need to win this position battle to have any hopes of a third straight title.

Advantage: Nuggets

Center
Jonte Jones vs. Greg Oden
Yeaton may have a higher PPG average, but Jones has been just as, if not more valuable in the playoffs, as evidence by his more complete statline: 22.9 points, 13.9 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks. He's been every bit as clutch as GM Jestor hoped he would be, unlike a certain Mavericks power forward we won't mention.

An unstoppable force meets an immovable object as Oden has multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards to his credit. He's also one of the most intelligent players in the league and while he isn't anywhere near the offensive force that Jones is, as his postseason stats of 14.5 points, 14.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.3 blocks show, he's an equal rebounder and a staggeringly brilliant passer out of the post. It's a dead heat and the winner of this battle may also win the war.

Advantage: Draw

Bench
No big surprise here as to the stars. Carlton Goree continues to be excellent, averaging 9.9 points, 5.9 assists and 1.6 steals while David Jackson is pumping in 8.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks.

Andrea Bargnani is no longer the man he once was, but he can still pour in the points, rebound and use crafty veteran intelligence to ratch up 11.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals. Steve Neal is an extremely underrated veteran, capable of playing great defense and putting up 5.2 points a game.

Advantage: Draw

Final Thoughts
With Mateen Yeaton's injury, the Nuggets need to hope for a long series. But with the Raptors' phenomenal composite talent and the homecourt advantage, that just doesn't seem likely to happen. In fact, this looks like a return to the first two Finals matchups between the two. In other words, we call this a sweep, as Toronto will extend the complete mastery they've been showing all postseason long.
Prediction: Toronto in 4

Well... can't say that I blame them that. This -is- a nasty matchup for us no matter how you look at it. If we lose here, I'll be disappointed, but I won't call it a lost season. We'd have trouble against them even with Marcelino Augusto still on the team.

Game One
It's a ridiculously pumped crowd here in Toronto who wants to see their Raptors get their crown back. Justin Richler, the Canadian sniper, feeds off his countrymen's energy for 28 points, David Anyan scores 24, Greg Oden contributes 14 points, 17 rebounds and 6 blocks and Andrea Bargnani doesn't look old at all in scoring 13 bench points. On our side, Victor Gipson is held to 0 points, a signifier of how the game went. Jonte Jones found a way to 17 points and 11 rebounds and Leigh Nash and Carlton Goree tried their damndest with 16 and 15 points in emergency time after Mateen Yeaton was limited to 7 minutes by his leg injury, but we flatout got schooled. No two ways about it.
Final - Denver 86 Toronto 113

Game Two
We need Mateen Yeaton to be able to play a full game or we don't have the cliched snowball's chance in hell. We get 26 minutes out of him tonight, but it's a 3 for 13 effort and Jonte Jones (28 points, 20 rebounds) and Carlton Goree (11 bench points) can't do it by themselves. Not when 3 Raptors score 26 points or more. The winners are David Anyan with 26 and Justin Richler and Andrea Bargnani with 27. I swear, Bargnani should be tested for illegal supplements or something. In short, a lot closer game, but the end result is the same and we're on the wrong end of a 2-0 hole.
Final - Denver 92 Toronto 104

Game Three
If we can't win here, our Rings Quest is over almost before it begins. It's not looking good as Justin Richler erupts for 35 points, Greg Oden throws his weight around with 18 points and 16 rebounds and Steve Neal chips in 10 bench points. But Mateen Yeaton roars back to full health and ravages the Raptors for 36 points and 11 rebounds, Carlton Goree gets 13 points off the bench and we outshoot the Raptors 58.6% to 41.4% to get us back in this series with a solid win. Still down, but not out anymore.
Final - Toronto 101 Denver 115

Game Four
Simply put, we need to force a split while we're in cozy Denver. What we get is our most complete game of the series, Jonte Jones leading all scorers with 29 points and Mateen Yeaton putting on a virtuoso performance of 25 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 blocks and 5 steals. Nolan Hill finally breaks through for 13 points and 19 assists and David "50 Ninja" Jackson is on fire off the bench for 19 points. The Raptors offer up 22 points from Justin Richler and 16 bench points from Andrea Bargnani, but that's all they can muster as we blow Toronto off the court and get the needed 2-2 split.
Final - Toronto 90 Denver 118

Game Five
Our last game at home. If there's to be any chance of hoisting the trophy for the third year in a row, we have to get this one, too. My heart's pounding as it always does in pivotal games like this and I'm clutching my constantly refilled wine glass all night long. It's an intense, incredible contest that sees 13 lead changes and 7 ties, most of them in the fourth quarter. Greg Oden is absolutely incredible with 26 points and 23 rebounds, while Justin Richler actually resembles a point guard with 15 points and 12 assists. Jonte Jones challenges with 19 points and 11 rebounds and Mateen Yeaton scores 21. Carlton Goree puts on an exclamation point with 15 points off the bench and he's the deciding factor, singlehandedly outscoring Toronto's bench 15-9. It all adds up to a thrilling, heart-pounding 1-point comeback victory that sees us get the 3-2 series edge!!!!!!! I and the rest of the Nuggets fans storm the court in drunken celebration.
Final - Toronto 95 Denver 96

Game Six
Now comes the real test. Two chances to steal a win in that house of horrors called Toronto. Our entire season comes down to this. It's an even more frenzied crowd than Game 1 and Justin Richler and David Anyan take all that energy and passion, translating it into 25 and 26 points respectively. Greg Oden chimes in with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Jonte Jones leads our counterattack with 25 points and 14 rebounds and Nolan Hill double-doubles with 13 points and 10 assists. But Mateen Yeaton has a horrid 2 for 10 night and supersub Carlton Goree is an anemic 1 for 6. So it's looking like a Game 7. But then, as so often happens in our times of peril, a hero will rise... or in this case, two heroes. David "50 Ninja" Jackson finally has a game as loud as his mouth with 14 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks and Leigh Nash, the emergency signing after I realized we just had one bench guard, unexpectedly scores 15. Together, their 29 points alone crush the 11 points total offered by Toronto's reserves and net us the 10 point victory for our THIRD STRAIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!
Final - Denver 108 Toronto 98

It's an intoxicating upset and a historic victory. The Raptors' fans are somber as they watch Mateen Yeaton accept the trophy and immediately hand it off to Jonte Jones, who hugs it like a lover and provides the series' iconic media image.

Jones was also rightfully voted Finals MVP, an award Yeaton happily relinquished.

It's not as electric a celebration as our previous two victories, but in its own way, it's all the sweeter. Jones redeemed me by being our savior in the Finals and as a newspaper columnist later wrote, "This championship was a testament to Jestor's skills as a GM. Now, at long last, the Nuggets faithful can cease mourning the loss of Marcelino Augusto.

Indeed, that very sentiment was echoed five minutes after the trophy presentation, for the second I step on the court, they hand me the golden ball and Jones and Yeaton hoist me up on their shoulders.

I laugh, raise the trophy and kiss its cold, beautiful surface.

The photograph that came out of that moment was fitting of my reign here. My two superstars acquired via trade, lifting me up to the championship, while in the background, you can see a smirking 50 Ninja and a quietly smiling Victor Gipson, two of my draftees who provided vital support roles.

The trade and the draft, the two greatest weapons in my arsenal.

I'll have to use more of the same if we want to continue our run at the Celtics.

Autumn

12-06-2008, 01:32 PM

That was a surreal path to a third championship. Despite how well Jones and Yeaton played, it was the whole ensemble that really pulled things out for you.

Barkeep49

12-06-2008, 02:36 PM

Maybe I made a mistake with the Augusto trade, but it's too late now.

Doing my weekly catchup and have reached here. And all I can say is "No kidding it was a mistake". I'm actively rooting against you this season, though all will be forgiven next season, assuming you don't trade any other young big men who HOF caliber players. We'll see if you win without Augusto anyway.

Barkeep49

12-06-2008, 02:59 PM

I don't care about his playoff choking. I couldn't bring myself to root for Toronto so I guess I do take joy in your continuing to dominate.

Izulde

12-07-2008, 01:12 PM

Autumn: Very true, though I think it's worth noting that Jones was our most consistent player throughout and never really had a bad night.

Barkeep49: Well, I don't have any other young, HOF-caliber big men, so I suppose all will be forgiven, or at least I hope it will. :) That isn't to say I won't make changes, though.

Barkeep49: See, it matters to me. If Augusto choked against the Lakers like that, we probably don't go back to the Finals, because Derrick Robinson would have unleashed his clutchness on us. If he did that against the Raptors, forget about it. Augusto can't play defense to the level that Mike Vines does and Vines limited Chris Bosh to 9.6 points a game average in the Finals. Switch out Vines for Augusto and Bosh averages at least 15 points a game, if not more and in a series as close as this one was, another 6 points a game can create a significant shift.

Izulde

12-07-2008, 02:41 PM

Three Rings, More Questions

Now that the initial euphoria of the Denver Nuggets' third straight championship has waned, it's time to take a look at some questions for next season and who, if anybody, is likely to be moved.

1. Is there still a starting PG controversy?
Not if you ask the two players involved. Nolan Hill and Carlton Goree both have said they're fine with either starting or coming off the bench as the 6th man. On the other hand, GM Jestor is extremely high on Goree, who comes at a third of the price tag. Hill's a better passer and ballhandler, Goree's got the edge as a shooter. On defense, they're both about the same. It's quite possible that Hill could be traded during the offseason, as he's a very valuable trade chip. Goree, of course, is staying.

2. What's going to be done about David Jackson's starting demand?
There's not really much chance of the Nuggets dealing Jackson. For all his potential disruption and all his off-court antics, he's a fan favorite and he adds a certain character to the locker room. While Jestor has never been adverse to moving fan favorites (see Zelipe Gama, Marcelino Augusto as the most recent examples), we don't really see Jackson going out the door.

Victor Gipson, the man 50 Ninja's agitating to replace in the lineup, might go somewhere, but we're not entirely sold on that idea either. Jestor loves big men who play tough and the 7'2, 303 lb, shot-blocker maestro is certainly that. Then again, Gipson isn't really -all- that talented and in truth, Jackson's a better all-around player.

A much more likely possibility, surprising though it seems, is the trade of Mike Vines. Yes, his defense was an integral part of the Nuggets' second-half run and he was on fire down the stretch, but he's an extremely inconsistent shooter who turns 32 next year and has a hefty contract. The front office is particularly worried about his shooting slump during the playoffs and they may decide to move him while they can still get good value for him.

3. The Nuggets' most important players are all in their 30s. What is the team going to do to try and get younger?
A very important question and the answer isn't fully known yet, but it would seem that trading Hill, Gipson, Vines, some combination of the three, or even another player such as Tzvetan Kishishev in the mix is going to be a large part of it. Also, don't discount the possibility of some of the extra 1st rounders lying around being included in a package if there's a particularly attractive young player.

4. What's the team's greatest weak spot besides age?
Rebounding, especially on the defensive glass. Jones is the only top-flight rebounder on both ends of the floor. Gipson and Jackson do an excellent job of grabbing second-chance boards, but there's nobody outside of Jones who can really prevent second opportunities for the opposing team. It's particularly a problem on the bench, where it's either Jackson or Gipson capable of rebounding and that's it. Chezley McCleary won't be back next season in all likelihood, though he's a phenomenal rebounder off the bench and a great defender. Kishishev can't rebound to save his life, the biggest hole in his game.

5. How much longer can Mateen Yeaton play at the level he has?
Nobody knows. But now that the Nuggets have their future PG settled as one of either Hill or Goree, they can continue injecting high-quality youth into the rest of the team. Our guess is that the front office won't try for a hotshot young SG, because then Yeaton would be shifted to the 3, where he's never been nearly as good or comfortable as at the 2.

Izulde

12-07-2008, 06:13 PM

NBA Lottery
1. Phoenix Suns (+8)
2. Miami Heat (-1)
3. New Orleans Hornets (-1)
4. Boston Celtics (-1)
5. Indiana Pacers (-1)
6. Washington Wizards (-1)
7. Memphis Grizzlies (-1)
8. San Antonio Spurs (-1)
9. New York Knicks (-1)
10. L.A. Clippers
11. Seattle Supersonics
12. Atlanta Hawks
13. New Orleans Hornets
14. Philadelphia 76ers

A fantastic coup for the Suns, who rise all the way up to the top spot. Other than that, a surprisingly in order lottery, perhaps the most ordered one I've ever seen since I've been in the league.

NBA Awards

MVP
Andrew Bynum - Los Angeles Lakers - 17.7 PPG 11.5 RPG 3.4 APG 2.2 BPG 0.7 SPG
Defensive Player of the Year
Greg Oden - Toronto Raptors - 13.6 PPG 14.7 RPG 4.0 APG 2.5 BPG 1.0 SPG
Rookie of the Year
Jon Ward - Phoenix Suns - 11.8 PPG 5.0 RPG 2.6 APG 1.7 BPG 1.3 SPG
6th Man of the Year
Matt Michaels - Phoenix Suns - 14.1 PPG 4.5 RPG 3.1 APG 0.5 BPG 0.8 SPG
Coach of the Year
Larry Krystowiak - Milwaukee Bucks

Stupid MVP choice if you ask me. Even more puzzling Coach of the Year selection.

All-NBA 1st Team
PG Kenny Graham - Sacramento Kings
SG Justin Richler - Toronto Raptors
SF Devone Allen - Dallas Mavericks
PF Federico Gomez - Minnesota Timberwolves
C Andrew Bynum - Los Angeles Lakers

All-NBA 2nd Team
PG John Aylsworth - Cleveland Cavaliers
SG Mateen Yeaton - Denver Nuggets
SF Georghiois Kairis - Houston Rockets
PF Kelvin Moody - Minnesota Timberwolves
C Greg Oden - Toronto Raptors

All-NBA 3rd Team
PG A.J. Dunkley - Utah Jazz
SG Nigel Abel - Miami Heat
SF Brooks Smith - Seattle Supersonics
PF Henry Fisher - Utah Jazz
C Tim Davis - Milwaukee Bucks

Jonte Jones got screwed. So what if he missed a month? He still should be up here. Same with Marcelino Augusto. It's a ridiculous year for awards all around, it seems. By the way, I'm not arguing about Richler over Yeaton for the 1st Team. That was a perfectly valid selection.

All-Defense 1st Team
PG Derrick Sterett - New Jersey Nets
SG Charles Seegars - Chicago Bulls
SF David Anyan - Toronto Raptors
PF Tyrus Thomas - Philadelphia 76ers
C Greg Oden - Toronto Raptors

All-Defense 2nd Team
PG Leland Peterson - Washington Wizards
SG David Davis - New York Knicks
SF Julian Wright - San Antonio Spurs
PF Federico Gomez - Minnesota Timberwolves
C Patrick Riley - Sacramento Kings

All-Rookie 1st Team
PG Adam Braun - Houston Rockets
SG Jon Ward - Phoenix Suns
SF Antwan Carson - Memphis Grizzlies
PF Terry Vinson - Chicago Bulls
C Lee McRae - Indiana Pacers

All-Rookie 2nd Team
PG Mark Johnson - Miami Heat
SG Austin Forte - L.A. Clippers
SF LeRoy Romano - Boston Celtics
PF Clifton Snyder - Golden State Warriors
C Jarion Calloway - San Antonio Spurs

I spend the next several weeks calling teams and trying to put together a deal, but nobody's willing to trade with me, not even the Supersonics, who have an extremely raw player in Freddie Tackett, who'd be a gamble to acquire anyway. Golden State absolutely refuses to consider moving Walter Coleman, which makes sense. He's a young Mateen Yeaton and the Warriors want to build around him.

We go round and round with the Suns centering around 25 year old PF Antonio Sarchet, but just when we're about to agree to a deal, I pull back. I love Sarchet's obscene 61.5% from the floor, but he can't be a playmaker on the defensive end to save his live, nor is he a very good defender in general. Plus, we'd have to give up either Victor Gipson, Nolan Hill or a 1st round pick besides to get him and I'm just not comfortable doing that for a player I have any reservations about.

A player I -don't- have any qualms about giving 1st rounder for is Portland's Sonny Boxler and for a moment, it looks like an absolutely insane deal is going to be reached that pulls it off, but they change their minds at the last minute.

We take a long, hard look at 29 year old Knicks SF Jeremy Leach and almost make the move to get him, but his mediocre defense and his 6'5 height stop me just short of completing the transaction, even if it would mean acquring the #9 pick in the draft in the bargain. Chris Gearheart intially gets a look, but his playoff numbers take a huge drop, as in the last 3 times he's been to the playoffs, he's shot less than 40%, even shooting 29.6% last year.

Finally, I'm forced to concede defeat. There's just nobody worth moving for that wouldn't sully our chances to win a fourth straight title. That's not to say that we'll remain largely the same, though. We could be swinging a deal even in free agency.

Coach Hiring
I don't even pay attention to who goes where anymore. Not much to report on our end either, save that Monty Williams is signed to a 3 year deal as our 3rd assistant.

Oh yes, Emeka Okafor retired and put himself out there as a coach, but he's terrible right now, rated Poor/Average/Poor/Average/Average by the National Coach Scout Services (NCSS). If he ever becomes even a semi-viable option, I'll sign him as a 3rd assistant.

Mock Draft
We currently have picks 25 and 27 and are tabbed to take two SFs that I have no interest in. Well, Rod Greene, the 20 year old out of Michigan State, intrigues me slightly, but 22 year old Tim Felix from Notre Dame impresses me not one bit.

The top player in the class is a tossup. The mocks say PF James Bellairs, younger brother of Golden State forward Jeremy Bellairs. Others, including me, award that distinction to SG Rasheed Wheeler, who the mocks have falling to Washington with the 6th overall pick.

We probably aren't going to get a top player unless somebody falls through the cracks, but I've got a feeling we should be able to move up and get a value pick. Or we may sit back and collect two guys, depending on what shakes out.

I can't wait to see what happens.

Izulde

12-07-2008, 11:50 PM

We've got a few players we really like and hope will drop some, one in particular. But we'll have to wait and see what shakes out.

2021 NBA Draft 1st Round
1. SG Rudolf Zyndram - Phoenix Suns

The Polish shooting guard being taken 1st stunned -everyone-, including me. Just what the hell were they thinking?

2. PG Jack McKnight - Miami Heat
3. C Mark Wilson - New Orleans Hornets
4. SG Greg Slaughter - Boston Celtics
5. PF James Bellairs - Indiana Pacers

The Pacers just got a huge, huge gift from those four other teams. They fill the gaping void at PF and take a major step back towards respectability. Unbelievable!

6. SG Bernard Legans - Washington Wizards

Any time you can get a guy who scored 30 points a game with the #6 pick, you've landed yourself a steal. Washington gets one here and says thanks to everybody.

7. PF Ronnie Fry - Memphis Grizzlies

Argh! I wanted him to drop to around 10 or so, so we could make a play to get him and take this extremely promising 19 year old. Though to be honest, our coaching staff wasn't too hot on him, so maybe it's not such a bad thing.

8. PG Ameirin Qipian - San Antonio Spurs

Rasheed Wheeler is still on the board, but there's another Duke guard, Aaron Brennan, who I like even more. He's listed as PG, but is probably better suited to the two. We can't make something work with the Knicks, but I think I've got a deal in principle if he sneaks by New York.

9. PG Aaron Brennan - New York Knicks

...Fuck!!!!! After that, I'm just not interested in Wheeler anymore.

10. SG Rasheed Wheeler - Los Angeles Clippers

The talent level hits rock bottom after this, so we're just going to sit and wait.

11. C Jarrod Hill - Seattle Supersonics
12. SF Wayne Scott - Atlanta Hawks

There goes the guy I thought would drop to around our range. Now I may as well just trade our picks off in a player acquistion deal. We try to work something out to acquire the rights to Ronnie Fry, but the Grizzlies aren't listening.

So we sit and wait some more.

13. PG David Cormier - New Orleans Hornets
14. PF Jamarcus Wilson - Philadelphia 76ers
15. SF B.J. Jackson - Los Angeles Lakers
16. PG Jason Griffin - Houston Rockets

Nice steal by the Rockets here. I almost moved up to get him, but he didn't give me that wow feeling that Brennan did.

17. SF Rick Smith - Sacramento Kings
18. PF Darrin McCarter - Portland Trailblazers
19. SG Marcus Harrell - Charlotte Bobcats

Harrell's being applauded as a great steal. I know we invited him, but don't really remember much about him. At this point, there's really only one player left worth even half a glance that we've invited, but he's not worth trading up for.

20. SF James Evans - New Jersey Nets

And of course, he's taken with the very next pick.

I do some calling around to try and negotiate some trades, but it's no doing. On the other hand, I think we've got the inside track on trying to land Freddie Tackett after all, but it'll have to wait until free agency.

21. PG Dion Sheals - Minnesota Timberwolves

For some bizzare reason, the staff swore up and down that Sheals is a franchise player in the making. I don't see it, so I passed on it.

22. PF Brandon Gladieux - Cleveland Cavaliers
23. SG Johnnie McIntyre - Milwaukee Bucks
24. PF Nashon Wallace - New York Knicks

Snort. They're still thinking we'll take Tim Felix. Fat chance. Instead, I take a flier on a player that I wanted to bring in for a workout, but forgot to.

25. SG Darren Davis - Denver Nuggets

He's 19 and the scouting report on him says he has potential to be a lockdown defender. In my opinion, he'd have been better off staying at Kentucky, but because he didn't, he'll get his chances here in Denver. Scored 20.3 points a game as a freshman with the Wildcats to boot.

The analysts all applaud the pick, Chris mentioning that Davis had a lot of great workouts with teams and that he looks like a hidden gem. Man, I hope that's right. At least I'd have gotten something out of this draft.

26. PG Mitch Patrick - Detroit Pistons

They're saying either Felix or Saul Jenkins for our second pick. I consider Jenkins along with some big men, but there's not much to choose from at this point in the draft. This time I go with a player I scouted who doesn't particularly excite, but I think he can be a decent bench player.

27. PF Booker Werner - Denver Nuggets

Not thrilling by any means, but the Notre Dame senior has an average all-around skill-set that we can see how it goes. Plus, I love the name Booker.

The talking heads approve this pick as well, which is always nice to see. If nothing else, I appear to have bolstered our bench pretty well.

28. SG William Aylsworth - Orlando Magic
29. C David McCasland - Utah Jazz
30. PF Mike Gardner - Toronto Raptors

First post-draft look says Werner's trade bait. Davis is the single hardest-working player I've -ever- seen and while he's also the worst defensive playmaker and rebounder I've ever seen, there's enough other skills that I'm mildly excited about landing him.

Everyone's contract is renounced that's up for it.

Summer League
PG Carlton Goree
SG Darren Davis
PF Tzvetan Kishishev
PF Booker Werner
C Victor Gipson

Lot of Nuggets assigned this year, the most we've ever had, I think.

No Marcelino Augusto for the Mavericks means a 100-75 buttwhipping, Victor Gipson the man of the night with 25 points and 12 rebounds. Awvee Byams and Garrett Brwon get 10 bench points a piece.

It's 2-0 as we squeak by the extremely talented Warriors summer league team 91-90. Tzvetan Kishisev and Hong-bo Qian lead the way with 14 and 10 bench points respectively. I should note that Darren Davis has scored 12 and 14 points his first two games and is shooting over 50%.

Chris Overton goes a perfect 9/9 from the bench for 19 points, Victor Gipson posts 19 points and 13 rebounds and Tzvetan Kishishev adds 12 points off the bench in our 106-88 thrashing of the Hawks.. Darren Davis hits 7 of 9 for another 14 points and Booker Werner's going to be traded, I've decided.

We outrun the Bulls 120-102, Vinston Henry, a third year SF from the Hornets who's had an excellent summer league, first in points with 28. A closer look at Henry reveals that he's raw, but he's got arguable franchise potential and he's the perfect fit for a SF to boot. I'll make it my mission to try and land him, though I'm sure the Hornets will do their damnedest to get him back. Booker Werner finally breaks out for 24 points, Victor Gipson continues his solid summer play with 13 points and 15 rebounds and Carlton Goree busts out for 15 points and 18 assists. Darren Davis had his first awful summer league game and Tzvetan Kishishev scored 16 to lead the second team. By the way, it's worth noting that Werner absolutely raped Terry Vinson for those 24 points.

We get our first ever perfect 5-0 Summer League record, cruising past the Celtics 111-98. It was a balanced offense led by Tzvetan Kishishev with 16 points and Hong-bo Qian with 10 points off the bench that did it.

A couple other observations from the summer league:

Carlton Goree didn't produce like I thought he would, which is giving me pause to the whole trading Nolan Hill idea. Victor Gipson also played well enough that it's going to be hard for me to trade him. Darren Davis is going to be better than most people think.

Free Agency
Let's see... there's Justin Richler and a bunch of old guys like Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony. You know it's a dead class when a guy like Ron McPherson is one of the marquee free agents.

No surprise when Justin Richler takes a max contract deal from the Raptors. Nor is it a complete shock when Lebron James goes back to the Central, though it stuns when he dons a Bucks uniform for $14.4 million for a year.

The Jazz get a new center when Scott Palmer changes Northwest teams, going from Seattle to Utah for 5 years and $60 million. Great, they just got a heck of a lot stronger and I'm going to be scared to see their frontline. We get our man when Vinston Henry inks a max mid-level exemption deal. He was hesitant about coming to Denver because we've so many frontcourt players, but in the end, the money we offered was simply too much for the 22 year old to resist.

To give us the 12 man minimum, we ink Chezley McCleary back on the one year minimum deal. He was a great help with his rebounding down the stretch and in the playoffs, so it'll be nice to see him again.

Terrence Howard, who played better than I thought he would with the Jazz, departs Utah after the Palmer signing and goes to Portland for 5 years, $33.2 mill. It's crazy how many Northwest teams are shuffling their centers this offseason.

In old people signings, Dwayne Wade goes to the Celtics on a 1 year, $6.8 million contract, Carmelo Anthony accepts a 1 year, $5.2 million deal from the Lakers and Andrew Bynum flies cross-country to the Knicks for a fat 5 year, $32.2 million signing. New York just filled its biggest hole and suddenly they're looking like major challengers to the Raptors this season.

Boston continues to load up on old players, picking up Tyrus Thomas on a one and done, $8.1 million deal. Somehow the Celtics don't seem to understand how to actually build a team.

We start shopping around during free agency for a trade, but there's nothing that jumps out at us, so we elect to wait and see what training camp brings.

Training Camp

Excellent training camp out of Vinston Henry, but for some reason, the coaching staff is blocking him, putting even Booker Werner ahead of him. That simply isn't going to cut it.

Mateen Yeaton started to show a very small sign of decline. Considering he's 33, it's to be expected, but it's still worrying. We're $13.8 million over the cap and we have two players who should be sent down to the D-leagues. We can't really pay for free agents to come in and replace them without going over the $15 million, so it's back to trade hunting again.

Happily, finding a deal proves quite easy.

Denver Nuggets receive
PF Jeremy Bellairs
PG Louis Mertens
Golden State Warriors 2024 2nd round pick

Golden State Warriors receive
PG Nolan Hill
PF Booker Werner
Denver Nuggets 2023 1st round pick

What this means for the Nuggets
With Carlton Goree on the team, Hill became expendable, especially with GM Jestor favorite Mertens, a delicious passer and ballhandler, returning to Denver. 24 year old Bellairs, recent draftee James Bellairs's older brother, is undersized for a PF and a potential lockerroom issue, but he has absolutely sick potential as a rebounder, good potential in most other areas and has shot just shy of 50% as a starter his first two seasons in the league. More importantly, along with 22 year old project Vinston Henry, the Nuggets now have some youngsters with tantalizing promise at the forward spots. Whichever one doesn't pan out could then possibly be moved, knowing Jestor's MO.

What this means for the Warriors
Hill gives the Warriors their first true PG since Brandon Brooks and now with a lineup of Hill/Walter Coleman/Michael Johnson/Roger Bohn/Valery Frahm, Golden State has a nucleus of youngsters that can hopefully get them back to the playoffs for the first time in 2008. If not this year, then in a couple seasons. The Nuggets held 3 first round picks in 2023, so giving up one was no problem at all. Werner is a scrub.

Winner: Denver
Don't be surprised to see Bellairs emerge as the starting SF at some point this season. If that happens, Victor Gipson could be on his way out, as could David "50 Ninja" Jackson, if he complains about loss of playing time enough to create problems. Regardless, the Nuggets have now solved their worries about youth at the forward spots and need only to find young blood at SG and C. Given their multiple first round picks over the next two seasons, that shouldn't be difficult.

We've extra money after the deal too, so I grab Javaris Crittenton and Jameel Williams from free agency to fill up our team and bring us -just- under $15 million with 14 players signed.

The Clippers are pegged for first in the West in the season preview and admittedly there's a lot to like. C Dontay Williamson is on the verge of a breakout franchise season, PF Bill Towns is still an All-Star caliber player and Rasheed Wheeler fell to them in the draft. But I still don't see them as a top team.

We're tabbed for second and first in our division because of how ridiculously deep and balanced our team is. Our frontcourt is pretty much murder's row when you stack our bench against any other set of reserves in the league and we should see some huge production. Utah's third and I think they'd be higher if their bench wasn't so underwhelming. Dallas is picked 6th and 2nd in their division behind Houston, but the Mavericks will still be on top at the end of the year.

In the East, Chicago, whose 1st round pick we have, are the preseason favorites. Yeah, that'll happen. Not. Deep and talented team, but they've never been able to put it all together and Oswaldo Apolonario, while a likely franchise player someday, is still too raw to be a starting center. The Knicks are slated for second, which I can definitely see, especially after their Andrew Bynum FA coup. Nets are third, which is a laugh and the Raptors are fourth, though they should be first or second with the Knicks the other spot.

2021 Denver Nuggets Opening Night Lineup
PG Carlton Goree
SG Mateen Yeaton
SF Victor Gipson
PF Mike Vines
C Jonte Jones
6th David Jackson (SF/PF/C)
7th Jeremy Bellairs (SF/PF)
8th Javaris Crittenton (PG/SG)
9th Vinston Hentry (SF/PF)
10th Louis Mertens (PG/SG)
11th Tzvetan Kishishev (SF/PF/C)
12th Jameel Williams (PG/SG)

Inactive
----------
Chezley McCleary (SF/PF/C)
Darren Davis (Starting SF - Colorado Timberjacks)

I'm intrigued to see how this season plays out. I really like the groundwork we've laid and if we can keep from tempers flaring about PT, we should be poised to make a run at our fourth straight title.

Izulde

12-08-2008, 02:47 PM

And so it begins, as it always does, on the year's most haunted evening.

The same Lakers that took us to 7 games and added Carmelo Anthony in the offseason lose to us 109-95 to start the year. Mateen Yeaton leads all scorers with 26 points, Jonte Jones gets 17 points and 16 rebounds, Carlton Goree has a great starting debut with 17 points and 11 assists and Jeremy Bellairs scores 10 points in just 9 minutes.

It's only the second game of the year and already Jim O'Brien is monkeying with the lineup. We blow out Minnesota 114-97, starting PG Louis Mertens erupting for a jaw-dropping 25 points and 15 assists. Jonte Jones is great with 20 points, 20 rebounds and 5 blocks and Jeremy Bellairs tops the bench with 19 points. Vinston Henry got the start at SF and acquitted himself well.

Utah's our first real test and we handle them with ease, winning 100-82 as Jonte Jones continues his strong start with 29 points and 15 rebounds, Vinston Henry nets 18 points and 13 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scores 22 and Jeremy Bellairs records his third straight double-digit point game with 11.

Our first back-to-back is no problem, including the rematch with the Jazz. 125-87 is the final versus Utah, Mateen Yeaton the headliner with 35 points. Jonte Jones chimes in with 17 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists, Louis Mertens issues 14 points and 13 assists and Jeremy Bellairs scores 10 off the bench. We pummel the Supersonics 10-79 on the strength of Jonte Jones's 23 points and 13 rebounds, Vinston Henry's 11 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists, Louis Mertens's 13 points and 12 assists and double-digit bench point game #5 in a row from Jeremy Bellairs with 11.

Detroit gives us our toughest test of the season so far and Jeremy Bellairs's double-digit streak in reserve time comes to an end, but we prevail 100-91 thanks to Mateen Yeaton (27 points), Mike Vines (21 points) and Carlton Goree (10 bench points).

We lose our first game of the year, 116-107 to the Kings in Sacramento. Mateen Yeaton scores 31, Jonte Jones and Louis Mertens double with 11 points, 15 rebounds and 11 points, 13 assists respectively and Jeremy Bellairs scores 13 off the bench, but it boils down to Sacramento's reserves beating ours up. I'm not complaining, though. I'm thrilled with a 6-1 start and the loss was somewhat close.

A Finals rematch against the Raptors ends badly for us, to the tune of a 110-88 rout. We were so awful this game, Jeremy Bellairs and David Jackson's respective 14 and 10 bench points were our lone highlight. But then again, there's been a lot of turnover, so I suppose we're still meshing together.

We staunch the bleeding and overcome an absolutely garbage second half to escape with a 108-105 win over the Bulls. Mike Vines and Mateen Yeaton score 23 and 21 points, Carlton Goree adds 16 points off the bench, Jeremy Bellairs contributes 11 of his points and David Jackson rounds out a great second team showing with 10 rebounds. Louis Mertens is 0 for 9 in the last two games, which is worrying.

Another game, another close win. 25 lead changes and 16 ties eventually convert into a 104-99 triumph over the Mavericks. Jonte Jones saves our bacons with 36 points and 16 rebounds, Louis Mertens snaps out of his cold slump for 17 points and 13 assists and David Jackson fires up the bench with 10 points.

I honestly don't think the Nets are that good, but they beat us 115-102 despite 24 and 21 points from Jonte Jones and Mike Vines and David Jackson's 13 points to lead the reserves. I think we're having a small crisis at the PG position, but I'm loathe to do anything about it right now.

We revert back to winning form by comfortably sweeping a doubleheader. The Spurs go down 112-99 on Mateen Yeaton's 36 points and Jonte Jones's 27 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists. Those same two conspire again to drop the Rockets 116-104 as Mateen Yeaton rains on Houston for 40 points and 9 rebounds and Jonte Jones powers in 20 points and 17 rebounds.

Carlton Goree wins back the starting PG spot and issues 11 points and 11 assists in our 115-103 win over the Hornets. David Jackson starts at SF, in an attempt to quell his growing demand for more playing time and his increasing rants to the press about wanting to be traded if he's not going to be a starter. Mateen Yeaton puts up 26 points and 10 rebounds and Jonte Jones electrifies with 29 points and 16 rebounds to be the main reasons why they won. When they click together, they're like having Yeaton and A Certain Young PF on the same court and they've done that for three straight games.

We finish the first month by winning another wild shootout, 123-114 over Cleveland. Four Nuggets break 20+ points. The princely quartet are: Jonte Jones (28 points, 10 rebounds), Mike Vines (23 points), Mateen Yeaton (22 points) and newly restored starting PG Louis Mertens (20 points, 14 assists). David Jackson finished things off with 17 points and 12 rebounds as he's fighting to prove he still deserves a starting gig.

12-3 gives us a half-game edge on Portland after the first month, with everyone else significantly back. Dallas is an impressive 13-4, while the Clippers are showing their mettle at 11-5, half a game back of the Kings.

Philadelphia at 10-4 shocks me even more than seeing 10-7 Toronto. Cleveland's a stunning 11-5, while 10-4 Orlando is giving early indications that they're no fluke.

We're having some angry player problems. Javaris Crittenton wants out, Jeremy Bellairs is a little antsy about his playing time, David Jackson is rumbling about wanting to stay the permanent starter and is still unhappy and Victor Gipson has the same wariness as Bellairs.

It feels like the team's sitting on a powder keg, waiting to blow up. I also want to bring Tzvetan Kishishev back into the active rotation and to do that, I'll have to move someone.

It's just going to be a matter of figuring out who goes.

Izulde

12-09-2008, 03:36 AM

Detroit Pistons receive
C Murray Alexander

New York Knicks receive
SF Jeff Green

What this means for the Pistons
Alexander is, for the most part, an average all-around veteran, but his specialties in ferocious defending and shotblocking make him a worthy role player, so much so that he steps in as Detroit's new starting SF. Phillip Gill takes over at C, a curious choice given that Dan Jacobson is still the better option there, even at 34.

What this means for the Knicks
Green does a little bit of everything, but isn't really special. On the other hand, he's had occasional outburts of success in the playoffs and it's that and the expiring $6.9 million contract that make this an attractive deal for New York, particularly since Alexander didn't fit in their plans anyway.

Winner: Draw
If Jacobson was staying at C over Gill, this edge would go to the Pistons. As it stands, each side gets something worthwhile out of it, though from a pure team improvement standpoint, Detroit gets the nod.

Dallas Mavericks receive
SG Charles Arnold

Miami Heat receive
Dallas Mavericks 2022 1st round pick

What this means for the Mavericks
Dallas just guaranteed that they won't have a 1st round pick for 3 years in a row, but they don't care. Not when they've got Marcelino Augusto, Devone Allen and now Arnold, a sharpshooting 24 year old in his 5th season who gives the Mavericks 3 topflight scorers all under 25 years old. No legit C? No problem! Arnold's respectable on the defensive end too.

What this means for the Heat
Miami continues to try and rebuild, but this isn't the right way to about. It's going to be a late 1st round pick and Arnold was the type of player to help build up a team.

Winner: Dallas
The biggest highway robbery we've seen. In fact, this even trumps the Augusto trade. Have the Mavericks somehow gotten ahold of Denver GM Jestor's playbook?

San Antonio Spurs receive
SF Jon Wilson

Miami Heat receive
PG Kevin Carter
San Antonio 2022 2nd round pick

What this means for the Spurs
Wilson's fairly smart and can score and rebound some, but that's about it. Still, he represents an upgrade for San Antonio in their frontcourt and takes over as the starting SF.

What this means for the Heat
Miami tacks on a 35 year old PG who is the very definition of mediocre, a mid-2nd round pick and an extra $400k off the books next summer. This team's in such disarray, Carter's one of the first guards off the bench. It's going to be a long, long year in South Florida.

Winner: Draw
Fair value on both sides and neither player will make all that monumental an impact on their new teams.

After seeing Dallas's move and having all the worries and anxieties that have plaguing me over this whole too many frontcourt players, not enough time thing, I call around the league and pull off yet another blockbuster, the third biggest one I've done in Denver.

Denver Nuggets receive
SG Nigel Abel
Miami Heat 2022 1st round pick
Miami Heat 2024 1st round pick
Miami Heat 2023 2nd round pick
Miami Heat 2024 2nd round pick

Miami Heat receive
PF Mike Vines
C Victor Gipson
PG Jameel Williams
PG Javaris Crittenton
Denver Nuggets 2024 1st round pick

What this means for the Nuggets
Abel's got a broken foot and he'll be out for another two months, but those first round picks should be lottery selections, particularly next year's 1st rounder. This also means that Denver's going to be over the rumored $15 million cap. But once Abel comes back, the Nuggets will have one of the most electrifying scoring tandems in the league in Abel and Mateen Yeaton and with Jonte Jones as a third option, Denver's offense just got that much scarier. Of course, their defense is going to suffer without Vines and they no longer have a scary shotblocker now that Gipson's gone. Viston Henry slides in as the starting PF and while the 22 year old has talent, he's extremely raw and undersized.

What this means for the Heat
The shakeup continues but in this case, they're actually getting quality back. Vines is an erratic scorer, but he's one of the best lockdown defenders in the league and legitimatizes the frontcourt as the new starting PF. Gipson slates as the starting SF, giving Miami a big, big body at the 3 who can shotblock with the best of them and bring toughness and accurate shooting to the Heat. Williams and Crittenton were cut.

Winner: Miami
Denver's defense is going to be horrific, they're over their self-imposed cap and they won't really start getting the benefit out of this deal for another couple months. Meanwhile, Miami is so much improved, both now and the future, we wouldn't be surprised to see them turn into a late lottery team this year, rather than a probable Top 5 pick like it seemed they originally would be.

It was a ballsy move, I admit and yes, our defense is going to suck, but if we start losing, I'm not afraid to pull the trigger on something else to bring in another defensive body. We're short on players, so I re-sign Jameel Williams, bring back Al Thornton and pick up Kyle Acani, who's a great FT shooter with some scoring instincts, decent ballhandling and some good fundamental defense.

As fate would have it, our first game with this new look is against the Heat and we come out of it with a 120-104 win. Mateen Yeaton scores 36, Jonte Jones doubles for 25 points and 13 rebounds and Jeremy Bellairs and Carlton Goree contribute 13 and 12 points off the bench respectively. Mike Vines scores 26 in his Heat debut and Victor Gipson's first game in black and orange is good for 15 points and 12 rebounds.

David Jackson rewards my faith in him with 23 points and 12 rebounds in our next game, a 110-100 win over Orlando. Louis Mertens passes out 13 points and 18 assists and Jeremy Bellairs and Carlton Goree ignite the bench again with 10 and 14 points a piece.

Mark down another victory for us since the trade, 115-97 against the Wizards. Jonte Jones is the man of the night with 30 points and 15 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scores 25 and Carlton Goree picks up 12 points and 9 assists off the bench. It's our first huge margin win of the new lineup and it feels great.

Perhaps the biggest signifier of just how much the trade has positively affected our team is the 110-96 rout... of... the Raptors. In Toronto, no less. A far cry from the 110-88 beatdown they gave us in Denver in November. The weird thing is, we're doing it a balanced offense, as we have just two statistical stars tonight; Jonte Jones with 28 points and 11 rebounds and Jeremy Bellairs with 13 points in reserve time.

That means we're 2-0 to start our annual brutal 7 game road trip stretch in the East. Make that 3-0 after we edge the Knicks 99-91 as Jonte Jones stays hot with 20 points and 24 rebounds, Carlton Goree rockets off the bench for 22 points and Jeremy Bellairs trails in Carlton's cosmic wake with 14 points himself.

I don't know how Philadelphia is off to the hot start they are. They're not that good and their success is one of the biggest mysteries of the season. They beat us 104-90 on the front end of a doubleheader, giving us our first loss since the trade. It's also only the second time we've failed to score 100 points since then. David Jackson doubles with 17 points and 11 rebounds, Jonte Jones has 12 points and 14 rebounds and Carlton Goree scores 10 off the bench, but we stunk it up tonight. Happily, we rebound to bounce Boston 95-82 the next night and guarantee ourselves a winning record for the road trip. Jim O'Brien experiments with Vinston Henry at SF and Jeremy Bellairs at PF and Henry pulls down 15 points and 14 rebounds after being moved to his more natural position of the 3. Mateen Yeaton leads all scorers with 26 points, Jonte Jones plugs along with 16 points and 13 rebounds and David Jackson is magnificient off the bench with 16 points and 10 rebounds, though he's peeved about the demotion.

We flat-out stink the final two games of the road trip. Miami destroys us 118-93 and nevermind Mateen Yeaton's 20 points, Louis Mertens's 12 points and 12 assists or Carlton Goree's 10 bench points. David Jackson gets the nod at PF against Orlando, but we're just as bad in getting spanked 111-95 to the Magic in spite of Mateen Yeaton's 31 points and Jeremy Bellairs's 10 points as a reserve. Jonte Jones has been struggling with a strained toe and that, combined with the jet lag from a marathon road trip, has us just playing exhausted those last two games.

It's when we drop the ball and lose 105-101 to Phoenix at home that I start getting worried. Vinston Henry scores 23, Louis Mertens manages 10 points and 11 assists and Carlton Goree scores 10 off the bench, but Jim O'Brien keeps toying with the lineup, inserting Jeremy Bellairs at the 4 and pissing off David Jackson.

The losing skid hits four as we lose to lowly Seattle 108-96. Mateen Yeaton may have scored 30 and David Jackson might have gotten 13 bench points, but this is just ridiculous. I don't give a damn about Jonte Jones's toe injury; he's dragging ass out there and so is the rest of the team.

David Jackson is furious at being kicked out of the lineup and he barges in my office demanding to be traded to a team that will appreciate him as a starter. Now, I could've called Jim O'Brien and told him to put 50 Ninja back in the lineup, but this point, I'm so sick of his moodiness that I call his bluff and grant his wish.

Denver Nuggets receive
C Martin Beerbohm

New Orleans Hornets receive
C David Jackson
Denver Nuggets 2023 2nd round pick
Miami Heat 2023 2nd round pick
Sacramento Kings 2023 2nd round pick
Miami Heat 2024 2nd round pick

What this means for the Nuggets
50 Ninja's public temper tantrums over playing time finally caused GM Jestor to get rid of him and bring in Beerbohm, who, like Jackson, is excellent at drawing fouls. Unlike Jackson, Beerbohm can actually convert the chances he gets at the charity stripe. He's also a good defensive rebounder and becomes the replacement shotblocker when Victor Gipson went to Miami. Not a bigtime scorer and as foul-prone as the recently departed Ninja, but Beerbohm's an extremely intelligent player, one who tired of the losing environment in New Orleans and politely asked to be given a new team. Time will only tell if he becomes as popular in Denver as Jackson was before wearing out his welcome.

What this means for the Hornets
One thing that Jackson brings to the table is the ability to really pound the offensive glass. He's also a significantly better ballhandler and passer than Beerbohm. But then again, he's not going to like going to a losing squad, even one where he could be a loved celebrity like New Orleans and he's certainly not going to be happy about having the same 6th man role in Denver, as he's initially projected to have.

Winner: Denver
Even though the trade bloats their payroll a little more, from a locker room standpoint alone, this deal makes sense for the Nuggets. Beerbohm also matches up better with Denver's weaknesses and the team can now hopefully reverse course of its four game losing streak.

I hated doing it, but I had no choice. Jackson didn't care much about the Rings Quest; he only wanted a starting job. His obsession with it cost him, pushing even me, one of his most ardent supporters, to the breaking point.

It's also depressing because he was one of the guys I drafted and right now, Tzvetan Kishishev is our only player on the active roster selected by me. Super trader, crappy drafter. Yep, that's me.

At least Christmas is happier this year, as we snap our losing streak by beating the Mavericks 109-97. Mateen Yeaton scores 29, Vinston Henry grabs 17 points and 12 rebounds at PF, our newest Nugget, Martin Beerbohm, playing the 3. Carlton Goree tops the second team with 14 points. Golden State tries their damnedest to spoil Christmas Day, but Mateen Yeaton and Jonte Jones, our only 2 players in double-digit scoring, prevent that fate with 33 points and 26 points and 17 rebounds to secure the 100-93 win.

We -finally- solve the 76ers riddle, dropping them 113-103 as Mateen Yeaton rips through them for 35 points, Jonte Jones hustles for 23 points and 15 rebounds and Louis Mertens is unstoppable all night for 15 points and 13 assists.

It's a miserable New Year as we blow a fourth quarter lead, falling 106-104 to the Lakers. Jonte Jones has 33 points and 19 rebounds and Mateen Yeaton scores 29, but so fucking what? The Clippers add to our misery, beating us 93-87 the next night. Way to ring in the New Year. I can't cheer Mateen Yeaton's 20 points or Louis Mertens's 17 points and 12 assists or Jeremy Bellairs's 10 bench points.

Martin Beerbohm hasn't done shit since he got here and I blame him for a large part of why we're 21-10, two games behind Portland for the Northwest lead. Dallas has a ridiculous 8 game lead on the Spurs at 21-8, while the Clippers are living up to the preseason hype, 22-8 and a game ahead of the Kings.

Orlando's claimed the top seed in the East at 21-8, the Hawks four back in the division. The Knicks are 21-9, 3 games in front of the slowly climbing Raptors in the Atlantic. 20-10 Cleveland enjoys a two game advantage over the Bulls, who are finally starting to something with all that talent they've had lying around.

The only, lonely happy news is that Miami's got the worst record in the NBA at 5-28. In fact, the only game they won this month was against us.

No unhappy players, but a very unhappy GM who's going to trade Martin Beerbohm away at the trade deadline. I'm also not adverse to trading away Jeremy Bellairs or Vinston Henry if I can get something good enough for them.

We're the worst damned 21-10 team in the history of the league and it's all my own damned fault.

I'm too depressed to post comparisons.

I do have a plan for the deadline, if the guy I'm targeting isn't traded of course.

Izulde

12-09-2008, 02:17 PM

Milwaukee Bucks receive
SG Larry Bannister

Orlando Magic receive
SF Louis McNeish

What this means for the Bucks
The 28 year old Bannister is an absolute lockdown defender with some good shooting abilities. He can also rebound pretty well for a guard and steps in as Milwaukee's new 6th man.

What this means for the Magic
McNeish is a great rebounder, but it says something that he can't even get past a 35 year old Corey Brewer on the depth chart. He's a 12th man, with absolutely no scoring instincts and nothing else of value outside his rebounding.

Winner: Milwaukee
The Bucks net themselves a significant upgrade without having to give up anyone of any importance.

Philadelphia 76ers receive
PF T.J. Roberts

New Jersey Nets receive
SF Rodney Carney
Philadelphia 76ers 2022 2nd round pick

What this means for the 76ers
Roberts is a versatile shooter with some rebounding ability, but his greatest asset is probably his locker room personality. Still, $8.9 million and a three year commitment is a steep price to pay for a 6th man.

What this means for the Nets
Sure, Carney can play four spots, C his only omission, but he's 37 years old and has no skills. The reason he's in a Nets uniform is because of his $9.2 million expiring contract.

Winner: New Jersey
Roberts is nowhere near good enough to make up for the financial flexibility the Nets just gave themselves. Excellent salary dump by New Jersey here.

Charlotte Bobcats receive
SG David Chambers
New Jersey Nets 2022 2nd round pick

New Jersey Nets receive
PG Sveto Lepinat

What this means for the Bobcats
Chambers may be shooting over 55%, but the 22 year old third year man (18th overall, Cavaliers, 2019) is lazy, the most undisciplined player in the league and completely sags on defense. A puzzling acquisition, though he'll slot in as the 7th man.

What this means for the Nets
The 19 year old Slovenian Lepinat, in his second season, has the ability to develop into a respectable passer and scorer, but he'll get lit up for 20+ points a game on a regular basis; he's that bad on the defensive end.

Winner: New Jersey
Neither player is anyone to get excited about, but Lepinat's potential trumps anything Chambers offers.

Detroit Pistons receive
SF Andre Iguodala

Boston Celtics receive
SF Rudy Gay

What this means for the Pistons
At 37, Iguodala is little more than an average bench player and worse yet for the Pistons, they're actually sacrificing $700,000 in expiring money to get him.

What this means for the Celtics
Gay's a lot like Iguodala. 37 years old, average bench player. But Gay's got a bigger expiring contract, is a better ballhandler and much more disciplined. He also ranks as Boston's 7th man, much higher than Iguodala's mid-bench burial.

Winner: Boston
Detroit gives up money and gets back nothing for it. Moves like that never make good business sense.

Los Angeles Lakers receive
SG Marcus Harrell
Charlotte Bobcats 2022 2nd round pick

Charlotte Bobcats receive
C Micholau Asprilla

What this means for the Lakers
The rookie Harrell is completely non-descript and he won't see much playing time, even on a team as underwhelming as the Lakers are this season.

What this means for the Bobcats
21 year old Spainard Asprilla has the potential to turn into a decent reserve big man, but he's so raw right now, he really should be playing in the D-leagues, rather than gathering dust on the end of Charlotte's bench.

Winner: Draw
Harrell's much more developed, but Asprilla has the much higher ceiling. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear Charlotte's willing to do what it takes to get him there.

Talk about a busy last couple seasons in the trade market. We'll be doing the same ourselves come the deadline, I'm sure.

Nigel Abel comes back this month. In 19 days, to be exact. Getting him is going to be a huge boost to our team and I just hope we don't keep playing as wretchedly as we have without him.

Sweeping the opening doubleheader helps a lot. Mateen Yeaton scores 27, Martin Beerbohm has his first decent game for us with 10 points and 10 rebounds and Carlton Goree adds 14 bench points in our 107-99 win over the Spurs. We slaughter the Rockets 115-86 as Jonte Jones runs wild for 34 points and 12, Louis Mertens snags a double-double of 11 points and 13 assists and Carlton Goree scores 11 off the bench.

The Kings smash us 111-98 in Sacramento as we can't do much outside of Jonte Jones's 16 points and 20 rebounds and Tzvetan Kishishev's 10 bench points. We snap back the next night at home to destroy the Lakers 131-98, avenging our New Year's Eve loss. Jonte Jones puts up 28 points and 16 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton has himself a 33 point shooting clinic and Jeremy Bellairs and Carlton Goree headline the second team with 13 and 11 points a piece.

Vinston Henry's moved back to his native SF spot and rewards us with 22 points in our 124-118 victory against Minnesota. Jonte Jones repeats his 28 point, 16 rebound performance, Mateen Yeaton scores 26 and Louis Mertens scores and passes his way to 17 points and 16 assists. At this stage in the game, we're taking every win we can get, no matter how close.

I'm stunned in a good way when we take both games of a road doubleheader. The Warriors can't counter the dual threat of Jonte Jones (29 points, 19 rebounds) and Mateen Yeaton (23 points), and Carlton Goree finishes it off with 14 bench points in tthe 105-87 victory. Seattle's been completely lost without Scott Palmer and Jonte Jones pounds them for 32 points and 17 rebounds as we beat them 106-93. Martin Beerbohm breaks through for 22 points and Carlton Goree continues to be a terrific reserve with 10 points.

In the last game before a certain someone's debut, Jonte Jones throws down 37 points and 13 rebounds and Mateen Yeaton scores 26 to carry us to a comfortable 108-77 win over the Grizzlies. I'm very happy with how we handled the run, but to be honest, we had the advantage of a ridiculously soft schedule. The one good team we played during this stretch was Sacramento and the Kings kicked our asses.

Now it's time to see what happens with Nigel Abel in the lineup. We get him just in time for a nasty five game road trip against the Mavericks and all the Central teams but Cleveland.

...Well, Nigel Abel scores 27 in his Nuggets debut and Jonte Jones has 25 points and 17 rebounds, but we shoot worth crap and the Mavericks beat us for the first time since Marcelino Augusto came to Dallas. In fact, they stomp us 108-88 and they're celebrating like they just won the damn championship trophy. Whatever.

The doubleheader against Chicago and Detroit gets mixed reviews. Nigel Abel erupts for 40 points, Mateen Yeaton scores 23 and Tzvetan Kishishev pulls down a surprising 13 bench boards as we beat the Bulls 110-103. But then Detroit drops us 118-107 the next night, despite Nigel Abel's 37 points and Louis Mertens's 15 bench points. It doesn't help that Jonte Jones bruises his sternum and is at 80%. We also need to get Vinston Henry moved back to SF. He's been getting killed on defense. And of course, I'm not even going to talk about that other jackass.

We salvage the road trip with a pair of victories in the last back-to-back. Milwaukee goes down 101-92 on Nigel Abel's 26 points, Martin Beerbohm's 17 points and 11 rebounds and Louis Mertens's 11 points and 10 assists off the bench. Indiana surprisingly gives us hell the next night and we have to make a furious fourth quarter comeback to win 102-99. Jonte Jones bails us out with 26 points and 24 rebounds, Jeremy Bellairs a capable second with 10 bench points.

A nasty doubleheader test awaits us at the end of the month. Jonte Jones gets the second-ever triple-double in my tenure with 28 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists to power us 114-104 over the Knicks. Nigel Abel scores 30 and Carlton Goree adds 12 off the bench as all five starters score 13 or more. But even 30 points from Nigel Abel and 28 points from Mateen Yeaton can stop a 107-95 road loss to the Traiblazers. Neither of our forwards can shoot with any consistency, I've noticed and that really hurts us in a game like this.

As if that wasn't bad enough, Jonte Jones breaks his toe and is gone for exactly two months.

That injury news takes quite a bit of the shine off the fact that we're 32-14, back in front of the Northwest by 2 games despite the loss to Portland, who stand in second place. There's three teams all bunched up top, as the Mavericks are 32-12 and the Kings are 32-13. Dallas has a digusting 12.5 game lead in the Southwest, while Sacramento's fending off the Clippers by the same two games that we are the Traiblazers.

In the East, Orlando's the current #1 team in record at 32-13, 4.5 ahead of the Hawks in the division. 28-16 Cleveland has a 1.5 game lead on the Bulls in the Central and the Knicks are still ruling the Atlantic at 30-15, though the Raptors are making up ground in a hurry and sit just 1.5 games back.

Miami's still the worst team in the league at 8-39 and I'm loving the feeling of that lottery ticket in our pockets.

Here's the starting lineup with Jones out.

PG Mateen Yeaton
SG Nigel Abel
SF Vinston Henry
PF Jeremy Bellairs
C Martin Beerbohm

And remember all that potential Bellairs supposedly had? Turns out it's a complete mirage.

Fortunately, help is just a phone call away.

Denver Nuggets receive
C Victor Gipson
Los Angeles Clippers 2022 1st round pick

Miami Heat receive
PF Jeremy Bellairs

What this means for the Nuggets
Gipson was miserable in Miami and demanded to be shipped somewhere else as soon as possible. After the injury to Jonte Jones, GM Jestor was only too happy to re-acquire the big, accurate shooting shotblocker specialist. The first round pick is going to be a late one, but the Nuggets once again have 3 first rounders in next year's draft and 2 first rounders in 2023. Although Gipson will initially start back at the 3, don't be surprised if he moves to C, should Martin Beerbohm struggle in Jones's absence.

What this means for the Heat
Bellairs becomes the new 6th man and heir apparent to Mike Vines at PF. He won't suddenly turn Miami into a winning team or indeed even drag them out of the cellar, but he'll give them a solid all-around, consistent 6th man forward who won't be furious like Gipson was.

Winner: Denver
This trade between the two most deal-heavy teams in the league certainly favors the Nuggets. Jestor gets one of his original draftees back in the lineup, where the monster can be a mismatch and he parlays it into an extra first round pick besides. Miami paid far too much to get Bellairs. This should've been a straight up trade.

Victor's so happy to be back in Denver, he comes in person to the office to ask me for a contract extension. I ask him to wait because we're $21 million over the cap as it is and as of right now, we're going to be well over the $15 million limit next season, too and the ownership isn't going to stand for that.

He's disappointed, but says he understands.

Martin Beerbohm -has- to go. That's all there is to it. Not only do I absolutely despise him as a player, but if I can deal him at the deadline for an expiring contract, we can free up the money we need to have some flexibility. That's not saying we'll manage to extend Gipson, because we've still got three first round draft picks coming down the pike, but anything we can do to give us some wiggle room will help.

The comparisons, belatedly.

Paulinho Buboltz
2013 Stats: 82 games/77 starts - 17.0 PPG 9.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.7 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.4 SPG
2015 Stats: 55 games/48 starts - 14.1 PPG 8.3 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 18.3 PPG 8.1 APG 3.3 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.5 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.5 PPG 8.3 APG 3.2 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2019 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.6 PPG 8.1 APG 3.5 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2020 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.8 PPG 7.5 APG 3.3 RPG 0.6 BPG 1.3 SPG
2021 Stats: 44 games/44 starts - 22.3 PPG 7.0 APG 3.6 RPG 0.9 BPG 1.6 SPG

Mateen Yeaton
2013 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.4 APG 5.2 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/80 starts - 23.2 PPG 3.6 APG 5.2 RPG 1.7 BPG 1.3 SPG
2015 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.6 PPG 2.4 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.5 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 25.0 PPG 3.1 APG 4.5 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.8 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 24.4 PPG 3.2 APG 4.9 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.6 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.8 PPG 2.4 APG 4.2 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2019 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.5 APG 4.7 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.6 SPG
2020 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 23.0 PPG 2.7 APG 4.6 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.4 SPG
2021 Stats: 46 games/46 starts - 23.3 PPG 3.0 APG 4.2 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.2 SPG

It'll be interesting seeing how much Mateen's stats are affected by the shift to PG. He's not a real 1 and it's not the system I prefer to run, but having him and Nigel Abel as a backcourt is going to go a long way to making up for our lost firepower with Jonte Jones out of comission for two months.

Marcelino Augusto
2020 Stats: 63 games/63 starts - 26.7 PPG 9.1 RPG 3.1 APG 2.1 BPG 1.0 SPG
2021 Stats: 44 games/44 starts - 23.8 PPG 10.3 RPG 2.9 APG 2.6 BPG 0.8 SPG

Jonte Jones
2020 Stats: 66 games/66 starts - 22.2 PPG 12.2 RPG 2.7 APG 1.3 BPG 1.4 SPG
2021 Stats: 46 games/46 starts - 20.2 PPG 13.2 RPG 2.6 APG 1.5 BPG 1.2 SPG

Izulde

12-10-2008, 11:42 AM

"All right, so justify to me why you're starting Beerbohm at center and not Gipson."

Jim O'Brien and I are sitting in my office to discuss the state of the team in the wake of Jonte Jones's injury. I've just asked him to tell me why he's gone with the new lineup he has.

"Beerbohm can drive inside, pick up enough fouls to get opposing big men in trouble and convert the free points. Besides, I know you're planning on trading him at the deadline. He hasn't done very well at either of the forward spots, so I thought we could showcase him at center to enhance his trade value."

I'm not entirely sold on that reasoning, but I nod in agreement to it.

"All right. But then why aren't you putting Gipson at the four least?"

Jim smiles, tapping his finger on my desk.

"Because there's a hell of a lot more high scoring threes than fours in this league. Victor gives a size advantage there and his shotblocking ability can pay significance dividends. I'd also point out that he did a pretty good job of containing Durant in last year's playoffs."

"Fair enough. But I'm going to be making another change."

"Oh? What's that?"

I grin and indicate my cell phone.

"We have two franchise player shooting guards on this team. That's one too many, especially when neither one is a legitimate point guard. Fortunately, I have a certain player on a certain team who I'm very much interested in bringing in."

Jim leans forward, curiosity in his eyes, "Oh? And who's that?"

"You'll find out later today."

After some good natured grumbling at my refusal to give up the name, our head coach leaves, leaving me free to call the GM of the specific team in question.

"Hello, Pete? Jestor here."

"Ah! Hello, Mr. Jestor! How can I help you today?"

Pete Lebraggio. Won a championship with Chicago in 2008 and has bounced around the league working different GM jobs since then. This year he took over a team in need of a major rebuilding.

"How would you like a franchise shooting guard?"

I hear the sound of a phone dropping with a clatter, before a breathless Pete picks it up.

"What?! You mean to say you're willing to trade Mateen Yeaton?!"

"Well.... it's like this..."

Five minutes later, we have a deal.

Denver Nuggets receive
PG Paulinho Buboltz

Indiana Pacers receive
SG Nigel Abel

What this means for the Nuggets
The fates of Buboltz and Mateen Yeaton were forever linked following the blockbuster trade in the 2013 offseason that saw Buboltz to Indiana, Yeaton to Denver, but now they'll be playing together in the same backcourt. Buboltz is more of a shoot-first PG, but he's a legitimate point man. More importantly, he allows Yeaton to move back to the two spot, his natural position and the Nuggets signficantly reduce their cap number for next season. Buboltz can fill up the stat sheet with points and steals and generate a fair number of assists. Not a great defender overall, though.

What this means for the Pacers
Indiana had the reverse problem of Denver, holding two elite level point guards in Buboltz and 22 year old Keith Attaway, who's blossomed into a franchise player in just his third season. Acquiring Abel enables the Pacers to shift Attaway to PG, where his devastatingly gorgeous passing and ballhandling can be put to maximum effect. Abel's also a very good defender who's won quite a few scoring titles since joining the league and even at 31, he can still win them.

Winner: Both
The move drastically benefits each team. Denver now has the type of high-octane backcourt with capable point guard that should carry them until Jonte Jones comes back from his broken toe and the storyline of Buboltz and Yeaton in the same backcourt is a merchandising and ratings bonanza. Indiana will sell a ton more tickets from fans wanting to see Abel put on dazzling shooting displays and the Pacers will be improved on court as well, probably winning some more games than they otherwise wold.

It was a gutsy move, but the right one to make for both our teams, I think. Now on to the other trades, the ones that happened in January proper.

Los Angeles Lakers receive
SG Jeff Culuko
New Orleans Hornets 2022 2nd round pick

New Orleans Hornets receive
SG Ronald King

What this means for the Lakers
Culuko has a decent outside shot and scoring instincts, but he's horrible everywhere else. On the other hand, trading King frees up playing time for Marcus Harrell, whom the Purple and Gold believe can be a special kind of player.

What this means for the Hornets
King, an extremely raw 24 year old, in his second season. He has an absolutely filthy 3 point shot and considerable potential as a scorer and defender. Still developing his understanding of the game and won't ever be even an average ballhandler or rebounder, but he could become a valuable 6th man/possible SG in the future.

Winner: New Orleans
We aren't convinced as the Lakers are about Harrell's potential and King at least can provide instant offense right now. He'll have time to develop the other areas of his game.

Minnesota Timberwolves receive
SG Mike Townsend
Phoenix Suns 2022 2nd round pick

Phoenix Suns receive
SG Jason Pettaway

What this means for the Timberwolves
Townsend is of so little value, he doesn't even rate an active roster spot. This is about Minnesota getting a high 2nd round pick in next year's draft.

What this means for the Suns
Pettaway's a pretty good shooter and the 25 year old former 1st round pick (17th overall - Timberwolves - 2018), can play some D and grab some rebounds. But there's a slew of guards on the Suns roster and he'll struggle to find minutes.

Winner: Draw
If Pettaway was actually getting playing time, this would be a no-brainer for the Suns. But since he's not, it becomes a complete wash in a frankly boring trade.

Los Angeles Clippers receive
PG Jack McKnight

Miami Heat receive
SF Saul Carstensen
Los Angeles Clippers 2022 1st round pick

What this means for the Clippers
The 19 year old McKnight has excellent potential as a scorer and could become an acceptable passer, though he seems more suited as two-guard rather than a legit one. He'll never be even an average defender, but with McKnight, Kueth Hill, Austin Forte and Rasheed Wheeler, the Clippers have a sensational set of four young guards in the making.

What this means for the Heat
Yet -another- trade by Miami gives padding of a 1st round pick, but it's essentially worthless given how late it's likely to be. Carstensen is 34, a complete non-entity and a mediocre $3.9 million expiring contract.

Winner: Clippers
The Red and White are rapidly assembling the pieces to become a new dynasty, if not in the West, then at least in the Pacific. Not only do they have those four, they also have Andre Davis and Dontay Williamson, who are quickly becoming star players and Bill Townsend still has game at 30 years old. Meanwhile, the Heat continue to sink to ever lower depths.

Man, the Clippers are just insane with the team they've put together. In fact, I'd call them the most serious challenge to our Rings Quest, both now and in the projected future. They've got a fantastic starting five and only the lack of a quality big man on the bench could stop them from achieving great things.

Paulinho Buboltz and Victor Gipson both have successful games upon their return to Denver. Buboltz scores 25 and Gipson gets 12 points, 12 rebounds and 5 blocks in our 103-92 win over Golden State. Mateen Yeaton scores 30 and Martin Beerbohm does surprisingly well with 13 points and 14 rebounds.

A divisional doubleheader's delightful as we beat both teams. Vinston Henry scores 20 in our 99-87 win versus the Jazz after getting moved to the three and in the same game, Tzvetan Kishishev scores 16 off the bench and Louis Mertens gets a reserve double-double of 12 points and 10 assists. We run roughshod over the Timberwolves 111-79 as Mateen Yeaton scores 21, Paulinho Buboltz plays like a real, live PG with 19 points and 18 assists and Martin Beerbohm actually looks good with 13 points, 13 rebounds and 6 blocks. Tzvetan Kishishev has his second straight 16 point game and fellow reserve Chezley McCleary comes out of nowhere to surpass him with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

It takes OT to do it, but we stay unbeaten for the mnth by beating Cleveland 127-122. Mateen Yeaton scores 35, Vinston Henry adds 21 points, Martin Beerbohm picks up a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out and we get another game of fantastic bench play. Louis Mertens shines with 18 ponts and 13 assists, Chezley McCleary pulls down 14 rebounds and Tzvetan Kishishev continues his white-hot streak with 14 points on a 6 of 7 night.

New Jersey pounds us 113-100 on the road to hand us our first February loss. We couldn't play defense to save our lives and Martin Beerbohm's 11 points and 12 rebounds can't cut it against that, not even with the help of 15 points a piece from Carlton Goree and Tzvetan Kishishev to lead the second team.

But we're in a great frame of mind heading into the All-Star break, thanks to a doubleheader sweep. We smash Atlanta 105-77 as Mateen Yeaton scores 28, Martin Beerbohm nets 12 points and 17 rebounds and Carlton Goree shoots for an electrifying 21 points off the bench. Our 100-82 victory the next night in Charlotte is keyed by Mateen Yeaton's 30 points and Paulinho Buboltz's 28 points.

Darren Davis, despite being a D-Leaguer, gets invited to the Slam Dunk competition and stuns everyone by winning the whole gosh darn thing, the first time I've ever had a player participate, much less win it. It's an exciting accomplishment and I could see Davis developing a role and career path similiar to Tzvetan Kishishev's.

The Sophomores thump the Rookies 95-80 and Jon Ward looks like a man among boys in scoring 23 points for the game's MVP award. I still can't believe he wasn't the first pick.

East destroys West 96-79 and yet for some bizzare reason, Paulinho Buboltz is named MVP. Yes, our starting PG scored 19 points as the starter for the West, but when the margin's that large for the final scoreboard, you don't give the MVP to the losing team in my opinion. Mateen Yeaton made it back to the All-Star game but got the Ben Gordon treatment, snubbed for even a minute of playing time. The Pacers landed both Nigel Abel (starter) and Keith Attaway (reserve) on the East. Great to see that backcourt out there.

We play our last card at the trade deadline.

Denver Nuggets receive
PF Tyrus Thomas
C Teofil Shubinsky
Boston Celtics 2024 2nd round pick

Boston Celtics receive
C Martin Beerbohm

What this means for the Nuggets
Thomas may be 36, but he can still score and play very good to excellent defense. He's disciplined, he's smart and he takes over the starting PF role. But what may be most attractive about him from the Nuggets standpoint is his expiring $8.1 million expiring contract. Shubinsky is a good passer for a big man and has some defensive instincts, but the 24 year old Pole and former 1st round pick of the Rockets (16th overall - 2017) is an end of the bench player. Victor Gipson takes over at C.

What this means for the Celtics
The C's aren't going to turn into winners any time soon and Beerbohm gives them a player for the future. He'll step in at Thomas's old spot at PF, but the shotblocking genius with the uncanny ability to draw fouls and convert FTs is really Spencer Hawes's heir apparent at C.

Winner: Draw
Good trade for both teams. Thomas shores up the Nuggets' weakest area and gives Denver financial flexibility, while Beerbohm is another piece of the rebuilding puzzle to add to Will Baron, Jermaine Butler and Jon Costello.

I almost took Costello as well, since Boston was quite eager to acquire Louis Mertens and I love Costello's defense and upside, but retaining him would've made paying out money that I simply can't tie up in a PG when Paulinho Buboltz is on the roster.

Ironically enough, it's those same Celtics we play that very night after the trade goes through. We demolish them 113-74. Mateen Yeaton scores 23, Paulinho Buboltz issues 19 points and 14 assists, Victor Gipson grabs 18 points and 12 rebounds and Tzvetan Kishishev scores 10 off the bench. I'm very happy with the result, because not only did Gipson prove me right about making him C, but Martin Beerbohm shoots a weak 2 for 10 on the night, continuing his anemic floor conversion that was one of the reasons why I was so eager to trade him. Yeah, he was getting those double-doubles for us, but most of his points were coming on free throws, as he simply can't hit a shot from the floor to save his life. I'd also like to gleefully point out that only one Celtics starter scored in double-digit figures. That was Jon Costello with 10.

The Grizzlies are clawless against us and we romp 113-93 on three players with 20+ points--Mateen Yeaton (25 points), Paulinho Buboltz (24 points) and Victor Gipson (23 points). It's a neat staircase sequence that has me grinning the whole game.

I've such a good feeling about this team now that not even our fourth quarter meltdown against the Hornets in New Orleans, where we're outscored 35-21 to squander a lead and lose 107-99, can faze me. Mateen Yeaton scores 33 in that game, Victor Gipson gets 11 points and 17 rebounds and Louis Mertens has 13 points and 9 assists off the bench.

The month ends with a terrific 110-90 victory over the Hawks. Paulinho Buboltz scores 27, Carlton Goree adds 14 points off the bench, Louis Mertens does even better with 24 points and Tzvetan Kishishev makes it three reserves with 10+ points, scoring 11.

But the victory comes at a terrible price, the biggest blow we've experienced yet this season.

Mateen Yeaton - Broken Leg - Out 50 days

Thus, while we're 41-16 and have a narrow lead for the top seed in the conference over 40-15 Dallas and 39-19 Sacramento and a 3 game lead on the Trailblazers for the division, the next month is going to very tricky to try and navigate. By the way, the Mavericks are up 15.5 games on the Spurs, the Kings barely fending off the Clippers by half a game.

Orlando has the lead in the East at 37-18, but the Knicks are 37-20 and the Raptors are only a half-game back of New York. The Magic have a 4.5 game lead over the Hawks in the Southeast while the Chicago Bulls have taken control of the Central at 34-20, but Cleveland's a half-game back, Milwaukee 1.5.

Miami's still hanging on to that worst team mark with 10-48. That's a 17.2% winning percentage for those of you keeping score at home. Indiana's 11-45, winning 19.6% of their games to be the #2 team.

So what does our lineup look like now?

PG Paulinho Buboltz
SG Louis Mertens
SF Vinston Henry
PF Tyrus Thomas
C Victor Gipson

...Yeah. We're in big trouble.

Halfway Leaders

Scoring
1. Galen Drayton (DET) - 29.1
2. Nigel Abel (IND) - 24.7
3. Antonio Sarchet (PHX) - 24.6
7. Mateen Yeaton (DEN) - 23.3
8. Marcelino Augusto (DAL) - 22.2
14. Paulinho Buboltz (DEN) - 21.1

Assists
1. Corey Neal (NJ) - 10.9
2. Bernard Kelly(MEM) - 10.7
3. Kenny Graham (SAC) - 10.6
8 players overall averaging double-digit assists so far.

Rebounds
1. Greg Oden (TOR) - 15.4
2. Dontay Williamson (LAC) - 15.0
3. Jonte Jones (DEN) - 13.2

Blocks
1. Dontay Williamson (LAC) - 3.6
T2. Walter Hicks (NJ) - 3.3
T2. Patrick Riley (SAC) - 3.3

Rookie Leaders

Points
1. Bernard Legans (WAS) - 16.2
2. Rasheed Wheeler (LAC) - 14.4
3. Jamarcus Wilson (PHI) - 13.3
4. Ronnie Fry (MEM) - 11.2

Assists
1. Jason Griffin (HOU) - 5.6
2. David Cormier (NO) - 4.7
3. Ameirin Qipiani (SA) - 4.4

Rebounds
1. Ronnie Fry (MEM) - 6.4
2. Jarrod Hill (SEA) - 6.2
3. Jamarcus Wilson (PHI) - 5.1

Bocks
1. Mark Wilson (NO) - 1.1
2. Jamarcus Wilson (PHI) - 0.7
T3. Ameirin Qipani (SA) - 0.5
T3. Marcus Harrell (LAL) - 0.5

Speaking of rookies, Darren Davis is averaging 11.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.5 steals for the Colorado Timberjacks, who are 19-16, better than most predicted before the season started.

Paulinho Buboltz
2013 Stats: 82 games/77 starts - 17.0 PPG 9.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.7 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.4 SPG
2015 Stats: 55 games/48 starts - 14.1 PPG 8.3 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 18.3 PPG 8.1 APG 3.3 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.5 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.5 PPG 8.3 APG 3.2 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2019 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.6 PPG 8.1 APG 3.5 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2020 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.8 PPG 7.5 APG 3.3 RPG 0.6 BPG 1.3 SPG
2021 Stats: 55 games/55 starts - 21.1 PPG 7.2 APG 3.4 RPG 0.9 BPG 1.5 SPG

Mateen Yeaton
2013 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.4 APG 5.2 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/80 starts - 23.2 PPG 3.6 APG 5.2 RPG 1.7 BPG 1.3 SPG
2015 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.6 PPG 2.4 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.5 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 25.0 PPG 3.1 APG 4.5 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.8 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 24.4 PPG 3.2 APG 4.9 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.6 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.8 PPG 2.4 APG 4.2 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2019 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.5 APG 4.7 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.6 SPG
2020 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 23.0 PPG 2.7 APG 4.6 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.4 SPG
2021 Stats: 57 games/57 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.8 APG 4.3 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.4 SPG

Ironically, we're going to need Buboltz to step up and be The Man in point scoring. I just don't see it coming out of our other starters on a consistent basis, nor out of our bench.

Marcelino Augusto
2020 Stats: 63 games/63 starts - 26.7 PPG 9.1 RPG 3.1 APG 2.1 BPG 1.0 SPG
2021 Stats: 55 games/55 starts - 22.2 PPG 10.1 RPG 2.7 APG 2.5 BPG 0.8 SPG

Jonte Jones
2020 Stats: 66 games/66 starts - 22.2 PPG 12.2 RPG 2.7 APG 1.3 BPG 1.4 SPG
2021 Stats: 46 games/46 starts - 20.2 PPG 13.2 RPG 2.6 APG 1.5 BPG 1.2 SPG

The next month is going to be really rough as you can imagine. No Yeaton, No Jones. At least we get Jonte back after that and we should get Yeaton back just before the playoffs start.

I'm not looking forward to the next 33 days, I can tell you that much.

TonyR

12-10-2008, 12:07 PM

Super trader, crappy drafter. Yep, that's me.

I don't know if I can agree since you drafted Marcelino Augusto, but then traded him.

Autumn

12-10-2008, 12:36 PM

Wow, these injuries are really testing your depth this year. Paulino and Mateen, you certainly know how to make headlines. This should be interesting.

You have Miami's first rounder for this coming draft? Should be a good one!

Izulde

12-10-2008, 02:30 PM

TonyR: Ouch. Fair point. :D Though I'd say point to Jonte Jones's Finals MVP award last year and Augusto's first-round flameout and say it's not so bad as it looks.

Autumn: No kidding! I can't believe how much we've been afflicted by the injury bug this year. And that's without reporting the nagging injuries that crop up.

WRT to the 1st round picks, thus far it breaks down like this over the next three years:

2022
Miami Heat
Chicago Bulls
Los Angeles Clippers

2023
Toronto Raptors
Dallas Mavericks

2024
Miami Heat

So if our luck holds, we should be able to find some more valuable young pieces over the next few seasons. I'm also firmly convinced that Vinston Henry is a star in the making and that he'll become the first big free agent signing by us to pan out.

Izulde

12-10-2008, 11:29 PM

When Mateen Yeaton went down screaming on the court just three minutes into our final game of the month, our expectations for the regular season changed completely.

No longer could we realistically expect to challenge for the #1 seed. We now had to face the reality that at best, we could hope for the division title and probably the #3 or #4 seed.

I don't know where our offense is going to come from this month; I really don't. While we have guys on the team that can score, nobody strikes me as having that take charge, be consistent night in and night out, mentality like Yeaton and Jonte Jones. I think Vinston Henry can reach that level at some point, but he's not there yet.

But we have to play with the cards we've been dealt, misfortunate though they are.

Speaking of dealing, let's review February's trades.

Sacramento Kings receive
SG Andrew Bayno
Indiana Pacers 2022 2nd round pick

Indiana Pacers receive
SF Rick Smith

What this means for the Kings
Bayno is an average all-around backup guard, though the 26 year old does have some versatility with being able to play SF. He doesn't stand out in any one area and he doesn't have any real weaknesses, save for an inability to make defensive highlight plays.

What this means for the Pacers
The rookie Smith is four years younger than Bayno and can make the big highlight play on defense on occasion, but he doesn't have scoring instincts and he's a horrible ballhandler. He's also not exactly lighting up the D-League, averaging 7.7 points in 3 games as Albuqurque's 6th man.

Winner: Sacramento
Bayno's more polished and more versatile and the Kings get an extra draft pick besides.

Orlando Magic receive
PG Mikhel Zukauskas

Phoenix Suns receive
SF Charles Garren

What this means for the Magic
The Lithuanian Zukauskas is an extremely solid veteran PG, the 32 year old capable of passing the ball and scoring equally well. He's only an average defender though and mediocre at the free throw line. That said, he'll step in at the point and give Orlando a pretty good starting backcourt in him and Mike Conley.

What this means for the Suns
Garren, taken 9th overall in 2012 by the Washington Wizards, has never lived up to lofty expectations. But the 29 year old will still score some, grab a few rebounds and make a few steals. He slides in as the new PF in Phoenix after Suns star Antonio Sarchet was lost for the year in November with a torn knee tendon. He's also a $12 million expiring contract, which may end up being his greatest asset.

Winner: Draw
The deal benefits both teams without being an exclamation point. Orlando gives up financial flexibility to try and make a title run, while Phoenix improves their payroll health for next year and simultaneously begin clearing out the logjam in their backcourt. There's still an absurd glut, though.

Ouch on Sarchet, who I came -this- close to trading for in the offseason. Good thing I didn't.

Nigel Abel against Louis Mertens's porous defense. Yeah, that's going to go over well. I'm predicting 40 points from Abel and a home loss against Indiana to start the month. I end up wrong on both counts. Abel scores 19 and we obliterate the Pacers 117-96. Victor Gipson has been amazing since returning and he tops 3 Nuggets with 20+ points, scoring 28. Vinston Hentry is second with 24 points and Paulinho Buboltz is terrific with 22 points, 11 assists and 7 rebounds. Carlton Goree leads the reserves with 13 points.

All that offense evaporates in a 91-76 loss to the Clippers, our lone highlight Tzvetan Kishishev's 11 bench points. I'll be honest; the Clippers scare the shit out of me. It's a young, deep, talented team that's going to give us nightmares over the next several years of our Rings Quest. I really hope we never have to meet them in the playoffs, especially not this year.

A 103-87 loss to Portland really, really hurts. Victor Gipson's 18 points and 16 rebounds and Paulinho Buboltz's 17 points and 12 assists are nice, but we're struggling to score points right now and it's going about as bad as I thought it would.

We catch a breather in a back-to-back against two bad teams and win both. Victor Gipson plays phenomenally in our 114-95 win over the Spurs, with 24 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 blocks. Paulinho Buboltz makes an excellent scoring sidekick with 31 points. It's Paulinho Buboltz executing great plays again as we beat Phoenix 102-82 the next night. He finishes with 24 points and 11 assists on the same evening Tyrus Thomas elevates for 25 points and Carlton Goree scores 15 off the bench.

Defense and Paulinho Buboltz's 34 points grant us a 96-84 win in Charlotte. Vinston Henry grabs a double-double good for 10 points and 11 rebounds and Carlton Goree keeps building on his supersub reputation with 12 points.

We play somewhat better, but another game against the Clippers means a 102-91 loss, even with Paulinho Buboltz's 19 points and 13 assists, Victor Gipson's 24 points and 14 rebounds and Tzvetan Kishishev's 12 bench points.

Every win is a welcome win at this point, even when it's ugly as in our 98-84 triumph versus Milwaukee. Victor Gipson nets 15 points and 17 rebounds, Louis Mertens finally has a good game at SG with 22 points and Carlton Goree adds 12 points off the bench.

Vinston Henry puts up 24 points and our defense goes into lockdown in a 113-80 blowout of the Wizards. Tzvetan Kishishev and Carlton Goree continue to be our top reserves with 14 and 13 points respectively.

You know it's a bizzaro world from NBA tradition when the Clippers are the team that makes me break into a cold sweat and it's the Lakers who serve up our most complete game of the month, maybe even the year, in a 122-76 laugher. Vinston Henry has his second straight 20+ game with 23 points, Tyrus Thomas pulls down a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds and three bench players earn highlight nods: Carlton Goree (14 points), Tzvetan Kishishev (11 points) and Chezley McCleary (14 rebounds).

Remember how I said earlier that I think Vinston Henry could be a Yeaton or Jones someday? Well, he's getting there now, if his third straight 20+ game, good for 27 points and 17 rebounds, is any indication. His stepping up earns us a ridiculously huge 106-98 victory against the Kings, though credit also goes to Victor Gipson (15 points, 14 rebounds) and Carlton Goree, who came off the bench to score a sensational 25 points after Paulinho Buboltz had an 0 for 6 night in just 18 minutes before fouling out.

A road game against the Suns proves surprisingly tough, but we withstand their fourth quarter rally to emerge with a 100-94 victory. Paulinho Buboltz scores 28 and Tyrus Thomas and Victor Gipson stack on double-doubles of 16 points, 10 rebounds and 15 points, 15 rebounds to be the three heroes of the contest.

Great 120-85 win in Utah against the Jazz. Paulinho Buboltz scores 21, all five starters hit double-digit scoring and Carlton Goree has a fantastic 25 points off the bench. I still see him as our future at PG, even though he keeps ending up in a 6th man role and playing great in it.

Although we drop both games of the final back-to-back of the month, I'm impressed as hell with how the team's played overall after losing both our stars to injury. The Spurs beat us 102-90 as we shot horribly all night and only had Victor Gipson's 20 points and 12 rebounds to show for it and we shoot even worse the next night in a 109-95 pummeling by Portland, Victor Gipson's 13 points and 15 rebounds, Carlton Goree's 10 bench points and Chezley McCleary's 12 bench rebounds notwithstanding.

So where does it all leave us with 10 games left in the season?

51-21, leading the Northwest by 2 games over Portland and in 2nd place in the conference behind 53-19 Dallas. The Mavericks clinched the Northwest early in this month because the Spurs are only 34-39 while the Clippers have built a 47-26 record that gives them a game and a half advantage on the Kings.

No 50 game winners out East and the New York Knicks have usurped the top seed with a 48-23 record. Toronto's a game and a half behind both in the Atlantic and the #1 seed chase. 45-28 Orlando seems perpetually stuck on a 4.5 game lead over the Hawks in the Southeast, while the Central looks this:

Cleveland - 44-27
Chicago - 44-28 - 0.5 back
Milwaukee - 43-29 - 1.5 back
Detroit - 39-33 - 5.5 back

The Miami Heat have widened their gap as the league's worst team at 12-62. Bad for them, good for us.

In D-League news, Bakersfield already has the West long sewn up at 36-10, but Colorado lurks just half a game out of second with a 24-21 record and Darren Davis is posting 11.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 0.5 steals. Our scouts with the Timberjacks also tell us he projects to possibly have more upside than we originally anticipated, though I expect he'll need another year or two of seasoning down there before he joins our bench. I'm not terribly fond of that 43.9% shooting.

I still see him as a possible guard version of Tzvetan Kishishev, our Bulgarian who I absolutely love. In other words, a bench player who can score points and play excellent lockdown type defense.

But the happiest thought on my mind right now is that we've weathered the storm. Jonte Jones will be back for our next game and while we won't get Mateen Yeaton back before the regular season is over, he'll return just in time for the playoffs.

TonyR

12-11-2008, 09:19 AM

TonyR: Ouch. Fair point. :D Though I'd say point to Jonte Jones's Finals MVP award last year and Augusto's first-round flameout and say it's not so bad as it looks.

I didn't mean it like that just that you did not give yourself enough credit drafting.

Also, you have done an excellent job with this dynasty you are making me want to buy DDS:PB, but don't know if I should wait until 2 comes out.
I already bought CK because of you (and enjoy it very much so).

Izulde

12-11-2008, 01:53 PM

I didn't mean it like that just that you did not give yourself enough credit drafting.

Fair enough. :) Admittedly, I think it'd be safe to say that I've gotten better at drafting as the dynasty goes on. David Jackson, Victor Gipson, Tzvetan Kishishev, Marcelino Augusto... all pretty good draftees, but on the other hand, Jackson and Gipson were lottery picks (even if Gipson was late lottery). Oh, I also drafted Paulinho Buboltz of course, who's turned out pretty well, though it took him forever to finally start playing like his talent level. I'd have to say that so far my best value pick has been Kishishev, who I snapped up at 18th overall.

Also, you have done an excellent job with this dynasty you are making me want to buy DDS:PB, but don't know if I should wait until 2 comes out.
I already bought CK because of you (and enjoy it very much so).[/QUOTE]

Thanks! :) Glad to hear you really enjoy CK. I wish they'd make an honest to goodness sequel of it, but the EU and HoI series are the cash cows, so they're the ones that get all the love, while CK and Victoria wallow in the dust.

As for the 1 vs 2 issue, I can say that I immensely enjoy 1, but the features for 2 promise to be very exciting indeed.

If you only have the money for one game and/or if you can afford to be patient, I'd say wait for 2. If you've got money for both and/or are impatient and wanting something to tide you over, consider getting 1. :D

Izulde

12-11-2008, 02:37 PM

Here we go, running headlong into the last ten games, complete with Jonte Jones back in the lineup. Our newly configured starters are:

PG Paulinho Buboltz
SG Louis Mertens
SF Victor Gipson
PF Vinston Henry
C Jonte Jones

Not sure I like Tyrus Thomas being punted to the 6th man slot. I call Jim O'Brien and ask him to give Thomas the starting PF spot back and he refuses. I sure hope he knows what he's doing...

Jonte Jones has a great first game back with 28 points and 12 rebounds and Paulinho Buboltz scores 24, but we get blown out 111-93 by Memphis on the front end of a back to back. Tyrus Thomas had 10 bench points, but it was on an atrocious 2 for 11 shooting. We barely beat the Hornets 110-104 the next night and it's Jonte Jones and Paulinho Buboltz combining for 20 points and 23 points and 11 assists respectively that does it. Oh, Carlton Goree's 16 bench points helped considerably too.

I'm not happy with how we've been playing as a team the first two games of our star center coming back and we continue our bad form, splitting the next doubleheader as well. Paulinho Buboltz scores 26, Jonte Jones nets 11 points and 11 rebounds and Tzvetan Kishishev leads the second team with 10 points but Minnesota beats us 116-102. The next night sees a 117-111 win over Seattle, but the Sonics are terrible, so it's nothing to get excited about despite Jonte Jones's 23 points and 18 rebounds and Carlton Goree and Tzvetan Kishishev coming off the bench for 18 and 10 points respectively. Vinston Henry has been a big problem. He can't play defense against these bigger fours and he gets neutralized on offense against them.

Vinston Henry redeems himself with 20 points against Golden State as we wallop the Warriors 103-88, but we should be 5-0 so far this month, not 3-2. Paulinho Buboltz contributes 25 points and 11 assists, Jonte Jones 20 points and 12 rebounds. Carlton Goree highlights the reserves with 10 points.

Or maybe we just needed time to gel. Vinston Henry unloads on the Hornets for 29 points in our 118-98 whipping of New Orleans. Jonte Jones puts up 25 points and 12 rebounds and hasn't really had a bad game since coming back. Paulinho Buboltz distributes 13 points and 11 assists and Carlton Goree (18 points) and Tyrus Thomas (15 points) are magnificient off the bench.

We win the revenge match against the Grizzlies, shredding them 117-74. Jonte Jones leads the way with 21 points and 16 rebounds, Louis Mertens hits 20 points, Paulinho Buboltz has 18 points and 10 assists and Carlton Goree and Tyrus Thomas each score 12 in reserve duty. The next evening, we top Houston 116-109 thanks to a superb third quarter and Jonte Jones abusing the Rockets for 40 points and 14 rebounds. Paulinho Buboltz garners a double-double of 15 points and 16 assists before fouling out and Tyrus Thomas and Carlton Goree are aces of the subs again with 10 and 18 points a piece.

With two games left in the regular season, we've clinched at least a #3 seed. We're pretty much out of the running for the #1 seed, which will go to Dallas, but if we can hold off Portland, who are a game and a half behind us, we win the division and the #2 seeding.

The Suns are doused 117-93 on Jonte Jones's 28 points and 17 rebounds, Paulinho Buboltz's 25 points, Louis Mertens's 12 points and 11 assists and 12 and 15 points off the bench from usual suspects Tyrus Thomas and Carlton Goree.

This maintains our 1.5 game lead against the Trailblazers, but we host Portland the next night for our final regular season game. Win and we clinch. Lose and we have to hope they lose their final game.

For the first time all year, we beat them. 114-92's the final and Jonte Jones is in early MVP form with 42 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, a block and 3 steals. Vinston Henry gets a cheap double of 10 points and 10 rebounds and Paulinho Buboltz does the same with 10 points and 10 assists. Carlton Goree scores 10 off the bench and what a key part of the team he's been this season.

West Conference Seedings
1. Dallas Mavericks (61-21)
2. Denver Nuggets (59-23)
3. Portland Trailblazers (56-26)
4. Los Angeles Clippers (53-29)
5. Sacramento Kings (48-34)
6. Minnesota Timberwolves (46-36)
7. Utah Jazz (40-42)
8. San Antonio Spurs (38-44)

As it turns out, not getting the top seed is a blessing in disguise this year. It means we won't have to face the Clippers until the conference finals if they make it that far.

[b]East Conference Seedings
1. New York Knicks (55-27)
2. Toronto Raptors (55-27)
3. Orlando Magic (52-30)
4. Cleveland Cavalies (49-33)
5. Milwaukee Bucks (48-34)
6. Chicago Bulls (47-35)
7. Detroit Pistons (44-38)
8. Philadelphia 76ers (41-41)

41-41 Atlanta gets shafted as they lose the tiebreaker for the 8 seed. It's hard to predict just how the East is going to shake out this year. I'll still give Toronto the nod as the probable repeat East conference champions, though.

D-League
The Timberjacks failed in their quest for the #2 seed and in fact plummeted to the #4 seed at 26-24, where they have the unenviable task of going against #1 Bakersfield in the first round of the playoffs.

Final Leaders

Scoring
1. Galen Drayton (DET) - 28.9
2. Nigel Abel (IND) - 24.8
3. Antonio Sarchet (PHX) - 24.6
7. Mateen Yeaton (DEN) - 23.3
8. Marcelino Augusto (DAL) - 22.5

Assists
1. Bernard Kelly(MEM) - 11.2
2. Kenny Graham (SAC) - 10.9
3. Calvis Graham (LAL) - 10.8
8 players overall averaging double-digit assists.

Rebounds
1. Greg Oden (TOR) - 15.0
2. Dontay Williamson (LAC) - 14.3
3. Jonte Jones (DEN) - 13.2

Blocks
1. Dontay Williamson (LAC) - 3.5
2. Walter Hicks (NJ) - 3.1
3. Patrick Riley (SAC) - 3.0

Rookie Leaders

Points
1. Bernard Legans (WAS) - 15.7
2. Rasheed Wheeler (LAC) - 14.0
3. Jamarcus Wilson (PHI) - 12.9
4. Ronnie Fry (MEM) - 11.6

Assists
1. Jason Griffin (HOU) - 6.0
2. Ameirin Qipiani (SA) - 5.3
3. David Cormier (NO) - 4.4

Rebounds
1. Ronnie Fry (MEM) - 6.5
2. Jarrod Hill (SEA) - 6.2
3. Jamarcus Wilson (PHI) - 5.1

Blocks
1. James Bellairs (IND) - 1.3
2. Mark Wilson (NO) - 1.1
3. Jamarcus Wilson (PHI) - 0.9

Izulde

12-12-2008, 01:21 PM

Been a busy season, so I'll let the article talk for me.

"Once again the road to the Finals for the Nuggets goes through their own Northwest division, with the Jazz up first and, should Denver advance, either Minnesota or Portland. In fact, the road for -any- West Conference team dreaming of a title goes through the Northwest, for with all four division representatives in the bottom half of the bracket, the eventual West Conference champions will have to face off against at least one Northwest squad.

The Nuggets have experienced a lot of turnover and swapping in and out of old faces, most notably the here now-gone now-back again Victor Gipson and, of course, the headline-grabbing return of Paulinho Buboltz to the Mile High City. It made for a tumultous regular season, especially with the two-month injuries to Jonte Jones and Mateen Yeaton, but when the dust cleared, the Nuggets reclaimed the Northwest and repeated as the #2 seed.

They draw an interesting team in the Jazz, who they've had recent playoff history with. As to who will win... let's see what the tale of the tape says.

Point Guard
Paulinho Buboltz vs. A.J. Dunkley
Buboltz showed signs of becoming more of a passer in his second tour of duty, amassing 12 double-digit assist games in 36, including five of the last six regular season games. Even with that increased passing, his primary strength is still as a scorer as noted by his 20.2 points, 7.5 assists, 1.3 steals regular season line. Not an elite defender and small at 5'11, but he'll still get his steals.

Dunkley is much more of a passer than Buboltz, but nowhere near his scoring level. He averaged 12.8 points, 9.7 assists and 1.2 steals in the regular season and they're both short, quick, stealing guards. Only Buboltz has about 20 pounds of muscle packed on that Dunkley doesn't have.

Advantage: Nuggets

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Chris Gearheart
Getting Yeaton back is absolutely huge for the Nuggets, not only metaphorically, but literally as well. It's impossible to say how much rust he'll have on him, but at the very least, he'll be well-rested. Before he got hurt, he was showing no signs of slippage despite being 33.

Gearheart's 6'7, 222 lbs, so he's a bigger two guard with pretty good defense, the kind of opponent Yeaton hates to go up against. He's also an excellent shooter, averaging 18.9 points, a block and 1.4 steals in the regular season. However, Gearheart's had a long history of struggling in the playoffs and that trend will probably continue here.

Advantage: Nuggets

Small Forward
Victor Gipson vs. Grant Fomby
The 3 is a spot of major controversy between the coaching staff and the front office. GM Jestor wants Vinston Henry here, Jim O'Brien insists on the mammoth Gipson, who flourished after coming back to the Nuggets following a two month hiatus in Miami, posting 12 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.1 blocks between the two teams. He shot a career high 58.5% from the floor this season and looks extremely focused going into the postseason.

At one point, some thought Fomby was going to be a late first round steal and blossom into a borderline star, but instead, he's turned out to be just a run of the mill SF, with no special attributes and a pedestrian 9 points and 5.9 regular season rebouns to show for it. He's also going to have trouble against the giant Gipson and he probably won't make any noteworthy contributions this series.

Advantage: Nuggets

Power Forward
Vinston Henry vs. Henry Fisher
The Nuggets believe so strongly that Henry is going to become the next Yeaton that Jestor signed him to a maximum mid-level exemption contract in the regular season and Denver's a team that hews very much to a controlled costs line. He's not quite there yet, but he's developed good shooting and rebounding form over the course of the regular season and his defense, while still supbar, is markedly improved from what it was in October. His 12.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals bely how much he's advanced and we wouldn't be surprised to see a breakout campaign from him next year. That said, he's still somewhat raw, has never been in the playoffs and is a little undersized at 6'9, 231 lbs.

Fisher can't play defense for anything, but when you're a sharpshooter who's putting up 20 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.8 blocks and 1.1 steals, that tends not to matter. A great shotblocker as the statistics note and he plays much bigger than his 6'8, 245 lbs. Has averaged 20+ points the last four seasons, but like Gearheart, is notorious for seizing up in the playoffs.

Advantage: Draw

Center
Jonte Jones vs. Scott Palmer
No rust from Jones after he came back from his broken toe, finishing out the season with 21.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.1 steals. He's still deadly accurate from the floor at 31, converting 55.8% of his shots so far this year. He looks refreshed and confident and when you have the defending Finals MVP in that mode, you've got a huge edge.

Palmer was supposed to revolutionize Utah's post game, but while he can play respectable defense, he's a 6'9, 246 lbs finesse center who shoots more jumpers than anything else. While his statline of 15.2 points, 11.2 rebounds and a steal during the regular season are adequate, he's got Tim Davis Softness Syndrome written all over him and to make matters worse, he's yet another Utah postseason underachiever.

Advantage: Nuggets

Bench
Tyrus Thomas was a great trade deadline pickup, able to do everything pretty well still even at 36. Louis Mertens's stats are inflated by his starts, but 10 points and 7.9 assists as the starting SG are still nothing to sneeze at. Carlton Goree is the offensive sparkplug, averaging 9.5 points, 4.4 assists and 1.3 steals off the bench and he should earn some 6th Man of the Year votes. Tzvetan Kishishev really came into his own as a scorer this year, averaging 5.5 points whle playing denying defense.

Rodney Brown is extremely versatile, able to play all 5 positions on the court and he turned that into 10.7 points and 4.5 rebounds in the regular season. Cedric Caldwell has a bright future ahead of him, but he's not there yet. He's still the most talented reserve on the roster as it stands and should be the 6th man over Brown, as he can do a little bit of everything right now even. Chad Dobbins will be an excellent scorer someday, but the second year forward is still extremely green. There's no defensive stoppers on the bench and 38 year old Ben Gordon has been angry about his lack of playing time besides.

Advantage: Nuggets

Final Thoughts
Denver is looking really deep and really talented right now, and the three-time defending champions look to hold all the cards in this matchup against the Jazz. The only problem could be Yeaton's rust. Even given that and the possible effects on the team's performance and chemistry until they get used to each, the Nuggets still sweep this one.
Prediction: Nuggets in 4

Sounds about right, though I wouldn't be surprised to see Utah steal one from us.

Game One
So much for rust. Mateen Yeaton leads all scorers with 23 points and looks terrific. Jonte Jones pulls down 16 points and 18 rebounds and Tyrus Thomas and Tzvetan Kishishev contribute 12 and 10 points off the bench. For the Jazz, Henry Fisher scores 22, Chris Gearheart is right behind with 21 points and Scott Palmer grabs 15 points and 10 rebounds. But nobody else in a purple jersey can do anything and we win this one in dominating fashion.
Final - Utah 84 Denver 107

Game Two
I expected a greater challenge from Utah this game and I got it. Henry Fisher explodes for 31 points, Scott Palmer goes ballistic for 22 points and 12 rebounds and Rodney Brown hustles his way for 18 bench points. We come back with 21 points from Vinston Henry and 21 points, 11 assists from Paulinho Buboltz, but it's not enough as the Jazz pull of a major upset, stunning us by 13 to even the series.
Final - Utah 115 Denver 102

Game Three
In the locker room before the first game in Utah, Jim O'Brien rips into the men, telling them not to take this team lately or we'll suffer an embarassing first round exit and never live the shame down. The team responds beautifully, Mateen Yeaton scoring 24 as the advance guard to three Denver double-doubles: Paulinho Buboltz (19 points, 17 assists), Vinston Henry (14 points, 12 rebounds) and Victor Gipson (12 points, 10 rebounds). Factor in 10 bench points from both Louis Mertens and Tzvetan Kishishev and you have the makings of a 20 point blowout. Utah's frustrated, because they had 3 players with 20+ points: Henry Fisher with 22 points, but also 10 turnovers and Scott Palmer and Chris Gearheart each with 20. It doesn't matter, because in the end, we've got the monster win and the 2-1 series lead.
Final - Denver 113 Utah 93

Game Four
We need to not let up here. Unfortunately, despite seeing improved defense by having Tyrus Thomas move to the starting 4 because of Victor Gipson's strained back, Henry Fisher scorches us for 26 points and 10 rebounds, Chris Gearheart mimics those 26 points, A.J. Dunkley comes out of nowhere for 29 points and Rodney Brown scores 13 in reserve time. Only highlights for us are 27 points and 14 rebounds from Jonte Jones and Louis Mertens dishing out 11 bench assists. As a result, we lose and it's tied up 2-2.
Final - Denver 100 Utah 111

The good news is, there's no sweeps anywhere.

Game Five
The home game's pretty much a must win. Thankfully, our defense shows up at just the right time for the first time since Game 1. In addition, Tyrus Thomas looks 10 years younger in dazzling the home crowd with 30 points and 14 rebounds. Jonte Jones takes the secondary role with 15 points and 11 rebounds and Victor Gipson contributes 10 points and 8 rebounds off the bench. Thus, despite 10 points and 11 rebounds from Henry Fisher and 20 points and 13 rebounds from Scott Palmer, we're able to shut down the rest of the Jazz and seize the 3-2 series momentum.
Final - Utah 84 Denver 100

The Knicks kicked off the 76ers in five and the Bucks upset the Cavaliers. Much to my dismay, Dallas and the Clippers both advance in five over the Spurs and the Kings respectively, meaning we're going to have a brutal matchup for the conference finals no matter who we draw.

Game Six
I can't go through another year of heart attacks. We need to finish out here in Utah. So what happens? Well, Jonte Jones has 18 points and 20 rebounds and Paulinho Buboltz is brilliant with 28 points and 11 assists before fouling out, but when Henry Fisher's getting 17 points and 13 rebounds, A.J. Dunkley's hitting us left and right for 29 points and 13 assists, Chris Gearheart is reaming us for 25 points and Rodney Brown's scoring 12 off the bench, it all ends up in a stinkbomb loss that forces a Game 7. It's digusting and if we lose here, only the #1 pick is going to keep me from quitting.
Final - Denver 96 Utah 108

The Raptors get it done, putting away the Pistons in six games. The other two series, like ours, are going to seven.

Game Seven
I can barely bring myself to even go to the arena for this game. We should -not- be in this position. Henry Fishers lights us up for 29 points and Grant Fomby gathers in 12 points and 11 rebounds. All five Jazz starters score 12 points or more and things are looking hairy, especially after our entire bench combined only scores 12 points. Yet, here's Jonte Jones, fired up for 28 points and 10 rebounds. Vinston Henry and Victor Gipson each double-double, for 15 points and 12 rebounds, 11 points and 10 rebounds respectively. But the hero is the one who's been absent all series long. At long last, Mateen Yeaton snaps out of the slump he's been in since Game 1 and erupts for 35 points. It gets us the win and we move to the second round. Hopefully all the kinks will be worked out by now.
Final - Utah 92 Denver 105

Portland and Orlando escape their own scares to lower seeds, beating out Minnesota and Chicago respectively.

I just hope we play better against the Trailblazers than we did this round. If we don't, our season will be over in a hurry.

Izulde

12-12-2008, 10:16 PM

I'm quite annoyed to read in many of the national papers, both hardcopy and online editions, that the overwhelming majority of sportswriters consider the Clippers/Mavericks matchup to be the real West Conference finals. Yes, we played like crap against Utah, but we're still the three-time defending champs. You'd think they'd give us more credit than that.

Oh well, let's see what the local press has to say.

"Following a shocking full-limit series against the Utah Jazz, doubters aplenty have sprung up about the Nuggets, especially given the dominance of the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers in their first round series. Portland is also an extremely tough draw for Denver, who need to revert to the form they're capable of if they wish a fourpeat.

Point Guard
Paulinho Buboltz vs. Jerian McCrary
Buboltz is having the finest postseason of his career so far, averaging 15.6 points, 11.4 assists and a steal. While he isn't as careful with the ball as Nuggets point guards traditionally are, his point totals and his willingness to shift to a dual threat rather than solely be a shooter more than make up for it. On the other hand, he got lit up at times by A.J. Dunkley in the first round.

McCrary may be a better two than a one and only an average passer and defender, but he had an astounding first round, exploding for 21 points and 8.3 assists in a performance that he's never had in the postseason and echoed his 2017 regular season when he averaged 20.5 points in 14 starts after returning from a torn MCL injury. He's also got a big size advantage over Buboltz at 6'6, 224 lbs, making it difficult to say whether or not he'll be to duplicate his opening showing.

Advantage: Draw

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Sonny Boxler
Don't be fooled by his 20 points, 4 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.3 blocks average from the Utah series. Perhaps the biggest reason why the Jazz took the Nuggets to seven games was because Yeaton had his second worst non-injured playoff series ever, shooting just 44.1% from the floor. The last time he was that bad? All the way in 2011 with the Pacers. If Denver wants to advance, they'll need Yeaton to snap back to form.

Boxler may be just the remedy Yeaton needs. Unlike big, defensively talented Chris Gearheart, Boxler's short and still lax at surrendering points. His ability to make highlight plays on defense wll be mitigated by Yeaton's excellent ball security. Still, Boxler's 20.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, astounding 3.6 blocks and 2.6 steals against Minnesota is a line so impressive that he can't be regarded lightly.

Advantage: Draw

Small Forward
Victor Gipson vs. Charlie Joseph
Gipson was limited to 4 starts in the first round by back problems, but still averaged 8.6 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. He used his size to shut down Grant Fomby when he was in against Utah and given his success last year in limiting Kevin Durant, he should enjoy the same defensive prowess here.

Especially since Durant's out with a broken finger. This means the young Joseph in his stead, who averaged 9.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks versus the Timberwolves. But Joseph is no great source of offense, nor a frightening defender. While he is a very good rebounder, Gipson surpasses him in that category and 6'9, 264 lbs does not match up well against 7'2, 303 lbs.

Advantage: Nuggets

Power Forward
Vinston Henry vs. Marcus Honeycutt
Henry got lit up by Henry Fisher in his first ever playoff outing. More troublingly, he shot just 43% against an anemic defender, taking some of the shine off his 14.3 points and 7.7 rebounds, the latter of which displayed his growing excellence at pulling down the boards.

It's even more worrying considering Honeycutt has a well-deserved reputation as a lockdown defender, even given Jonte Jones's brutalizing of him last postseason. On the other hand, Marcus has never shot higher than 37.9% in the playoffs and while he should see improvement over his 32.5% from the first round and hence, an increase in his 8.4 points and 1.1 steals, he won't suddenly turn into a Durant.

Advantage: Draw

Center
Jonte Jones vs. Terrence Howard
Jones didn't take as many shots as he normally does against Utah, which accounts for his 18.6 points, 12.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.7 blocks. We anticipate him taking a much more active role in scoring this round, especially with Honeycutt shadowing Henry.

Howard doesn't have the scoring instincts to be a Jones, but he's an excellent rebounder and shotblocker with passable defense. He's also strictly an inside scorer, having attempted just 2 three point shots in his entire 10 year career, both misses. Howard's also an atrocious free throw shooter, with a career conversion of 48.1%. That said, he's a true center, unlike previous glorified fours posing as fives the Trailblazers have had over the years (Zach Randolph, LaMarcus Aldridge, Honeycutt).

Advantage: Nuggets

Bench
The stats are somewhat inflated by 3 starts, but Tyrus Thomas was still a major force in the first round, averaging 12.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. Curiously enough, the team seemed to play worse defense when he started, a point in favor of Jim O'Brien's belief he should be on the bench. Louis Mertens showed very good scoring and passing form with 6.9 points, 5.4 assists and a steal, while Tzvetan Kishishev averaged 4.7 points in just 8.6 minutes.

Charles Howard was brilliant in shooting the Timberwolves, silver bulleting his way to 13.4 points a game. But he's also been unhappy about not getting a starting job, especially after Durant went down three games into the series. Brent Short is a very good perimeter defender and passer, averaging 4.6 points and 5.4 assists, but Portland's bench depth is abysmal, especially at C and they may be force to try and play Durant with a broken finger in an emergency situation.

Advantage: Nuggets

Final Thoughts
Missing Kevin Durant is going to cost Portland this series. With him, this series is a tossup, possibly even favoring the Trailblazers slightly. Without him, even with Denver's dysfunctional first round showing, the Nuggets should advance fairly easy. We're not quite willing to believe it'll be so simple, though and in fact project another seven game series that sees Denver win due to home court advantage.
Prediction: Nuggets in 7

Rough, but fair summary. Every round this playoffs is likely to prove a war. Our best chance at an easy go was in the first round and we blew that one.

Game One
Jonte Jones grabs all the headlines with 31 points and 13 rebounds, but it's Victor Gipson who shocks me with his beautiful 22 point, 16 rebound, 6 assist performance. Paulinho Buboltz contributes 21 points and Tyrus Thomas is a bench beast with 17 points. Portland looks completely lost without Kevin Durant and an angry Charles Howard continues to agitate with 22 points off the bench for the lone Traiblazer highlight in our 20 point rout to open the series.
Final - Portland 99 Denver 119

Game Two
I'm not taking this one with any sort of ease. Remember, we spanked the Jazz in Game 1 last series, too. What follows is offense and lots of it. Sonny Boxler thunders for 26 points, Jerian McCrary looks like a real, live point guard with 10 points and 14 assists and Charles Howard and Billy Humphrey each net 13 bench points. We counter with another nice game of 15 points and 12 rebounds from Victor Gipson, 24 points from Jonte Jones, 21 points from Mateen Yeaton, Paulinho Buboltz's 14 points and 15 assists and another sensational bench showing of 16 points from Tyrus Thomas. It adds up to another dominating win and a crisp, clean, refreshing 2-0 series lead. Oh, all five starters scored 12 or more.
Final - Portland 103 Denver 129

Game Three
It's going to be interesting to see how we handle the move to Portland. Short answer: Not well at all. Sonny Boxler abuses us for 32 points, Marcus Honeycutt scores 20, Jerian McCray unleashes for 23 points and 13 assists and Charles Howard continues to have the kind of series that makes me put him on the shortlist for free agent signings next summer with 14 bench points. We muster 16 points and 23 rebounds from Jonte Jones and 18 points and 15 assists from Paulinho Buboltz, but when Portland's scoring 59.3%, we just can't win and instead get our asses kicked from one end of the court to the other. 2-1.
Final - Denver 99 Portland 120

Game Four
Can we snap back to prevent an even series? The bells are tolling ominously as Sonny Boxler scores 31, Terrence Howard finally breaks through for 17 points and 12 rebounds, Jerian McCrary doubles for 18 points and 11 assists and Charles Howard stays ridiculous with 13 bench points. We try to match with Victor Gipson's 20 points and 13 rebounds, Jonte Jones's 16 points and 15 rebounds and Louis Mertens's 13 bench points, but our backcourt has given up the ghost and Mateen Yeaton is shooting 37.9% for the playoffs. We lose by a deja vuing 11 and just like that, it's all knotted up.
Final - Denver 100 Portland 111

Everyone's playing at least one more game.

Game Five
If we can't manage a home win here, our season's pretty much done. Happily, we put the clamps on Portland's offense, allowing only 29 points from Sonny Boxler and 10 points from reserve Jerian Taylor. In contrast, Jonte Jones rules the court with 24 points, 18 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 blocks and a steal, Victor Gipson garners 18 points and 17 rebounds and Louis Mertens powers the second team with 15 points. But the biggest and happiest moment of all is Mateen Yeaton breaking the cold streak for an 11/19 night and 28 points. It's a statement win, a bonecrusher that has it 3-2 us and hopefully signals the return of our star SG.
Final - Portland 93 Denver 115

Much to my surprise, everyone's going to at least six games. Some really intense, heated playoff basketball this year, that's for sure.

Game Six
I would dearly love to close out here in Portland, especially if a certain someone can show being 33 and having a two month layoff hasn't put any more rust on him. I'm sick to my stomach after watching Jonte Jones's 27 points and 14 rebounds and Vinston Henry's 17 points and 11 rebounds go to nothing. It isn't Sonny Boxler's 20 points or Jerian McCrary's 17 points and 17 assists that dooms us. It's that our reserves play like complete shit and the Traiblazers' bench has their way with us, Charles Howard and Jerian Taylor scoring 14 and 12 points a piece. We got the snot kicked out of us and we have to back to Denver.
Final - Denver 92 Portland 114

The East sees the Knicks and Raptors ousting the Bucks and Magic respectively, setting up a 1 vs. 2 conference final. The West is seeing both series go to 7 games.

Game Seven
I'm on the point of hyperventilating and I nearly pass out as I sink into my box suite chair shortly before tipoff. There's an impending sense of doom ringing all throughout me. Terrence Howard rises for 22 points and 12 rebounds, Jerian McCrary is peerless with 17 points and 19 assists and Charles Howard erupts for a furious 24 points and he's pretty much earned his way to a big money contract from somebody in the summer. Jonte Jones has an awful night, scoring just 4 points. We're down 63-49 at the half and the doom sense is growing even more discordant and shrill. But then we rally in the second half, coming out of the locker room with determination and an icy fury at everyone who doubts us. The end result? A 61-34 reversal in the second half and we win!!!. Victor Gipson shows once again why Jim O'Brien's trust in him is valid with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Paulinho Buboltz betters McCrary with 22 points and 19 assists and Louis Mertens and Tzvetan Kishishev each score 10 points off the bench. But you already know who the shining star, the MVP of this game was. Yes, it was none other than Mateen Yeaton, pouring all his heart and energy into 33 points and 11 rebounds to will us to victory. In the end, we advance and that's all that matters right now.
Final - Portland 97 Denver 110

Our conference finals opponent is....

the Dallas Mavericks.

The NBA brass is ecstatic, the TV execs are thrilled and I'm happy too.

The storylines are already being written.

For what greater story is there than Marcelino Augusto, a probable Hall of Famer when all is said and done, going up against the team he wanted out from and the GM who traded him?

Jonte Jones having to play against the team that drafted him, the one he initially didn't want to leave?

The return of both Augusto and Zelipe Gama, the Spanish PG I still miss sometimes, to Denver?

A struggling Mateen Yeaton, paired with the player forever linked with him, Paulinho Buboltz, in our backcourt?

All of this and more, for on the line is not only our quest for a fourpeat, but our efforts to reach our seventh straight NBA Finals.

Coffee Warlord

12-12-2008, 10:29 PM

Fire Jestor! :)

I do love the fact that Mateen and Paulinho are now together.

Izulde

12-13-2008, 02:32 PM

Fire Jestor! :)

I do love the fact that Mateen and Paulinho are now together.

:D

So do I, though who knows how long they'll be together.

Izulde

12-13-2008, 03:59 PM

Bitter Rivals On Tap For West Conference Finals

There's only been one day since the Game 7s that determined this West Conference finals matchup, but already the words are flying, at least from the Mavericks.

"This series about me and Mateen Yeaton", Mavericks superstar Marcelino Augusto said in an ESPN interview, "Everyone else can just forget about it, because it's me and him. (Denver Nuggets GM) Jestor traded me because he favored Yeaton over me and now it's payback time. Mateen, he's old and he's got nothing left in him. He's not even shooting 40%. They can't win without that. My revenge is now."

Charles Arnold, Dallas's starting SG acquired from Miami earlier this season, also joined in the commentary.

"Jestor's going to regret trading me to Miami. It paved the way for me to come to Dallas and I'm thankful for the Heat giving me the opportunity to come here and get the chance to beat Denver. Mateen Yeaton is going to keep right on shooting like crap against me and the Nuggets can kiss the fourpeat goodbye right here, right now."

No response was forthcoming from Denver. In fact, the only reply we could from anyone within the Nuggets organization was owner Bob Neal.

"GM Jestor has instituted a gag order for all Denver Nuggets employees and staff. Anyone speaking to the press, save me, will be fired immediately. Also, head coach Jim O'Brien has closed practices to everyone, including myself and Mr. Jestor. Only the Nuggets players and coaching staff are allowed at practice and they are under the same silence order as the rest of the organization", Neal said in a phone interview.

The wall of silence is perhaps not so surprising, given that Denver has played their worst postseason basketball in years, requiring Game 7s to beat both the Utah Jazz and the Portland Trailblazers, Northwest Division foes who don't have anywhere near the talent of the Mavericks.

Can the Nuggets win and advance to the Finals? That's the hundred million dollar question.

Point Guard
Paulinho Buboltz vs. Zelipe Gama
Buboltz's 51% shooting for 15.4 points and 10.4 assists have been a real blessing for the Nuggets this postseason, given Yeaton's offensive woes. On the other hand, he's been surprisingly quietly on the defensive end, not generating many turnovers via steals.

Gama, another former Nugget on a team full of them, refused comment for this story. He's averaging 8.6 points, 9.3 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.7 blocks in the playoffs. It's been one of his bad-shooting postseasons, converting just 40.6% of his shots, but Dallas is so deep, they just need him to pass the ball and play disruptive defense, which he can do. He also has a 5 inch height advantage on Buboltz, which helps matters considerably.

Advantage: Draw

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Charles Arnold
The biggest question this postseason for the Nuggets: What in the world's happened to Yeaton? The once-accurate, surefire consistent SG is shooting just 39.8% for 19.1 points, a steal and 1.8 blocks. Some speculate it's rust from the two month layoff with a broken leg, others say it's a lack of cohesion and chemistry with the new look Nuggets. In any case, he needs to snap out of the cold streak if Denver has any hope of seeing the Finals.

But Arnold's precisely the big (6'7, 188 lbs), good defending guard that Yeaton's historically had trouble with and he's an excellent shooter on top of it, averaging 19.9 points to date in the playoffs. He's also got the motivation for revenge against Denver for trading him quite quickly after he signed a multiyear mid-level exemption with them. In fact, he was a Nugget for just 4 days and never saw the court in a Denver uniform. That intangible is a dangerous edge in an already worrisome matchup for Nuggets fans.

Advantage: Draw

Small Forward
Victor Gipson vs. Devone Allen
Gipson's been one of the most stunning revelations in the playoffs for Denver, averaging a career high 13 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.2 blocks. The behemoth has emerged as one of the most consistent safety valves for a team that's sorely in need of one right now, given their crisis of confidence and form.

There's no question about it; Allen has developed into an All-NBA calibre player, with stupendous shooting and scoring instincts and very good defensive play, especially in ball thievery. He's averaging 19.6 points, 6 rebounds and 1.9 blocks thus far. Gipson has a tall order trying to guard him, but his size is going to help against the 6'8, 218 Allen.

Advantage: Mavericks

Power Forward
Vinston Henry vs. Marcelino Augusto
The 22 year old Henry's averaging 12.8 points and 7.3 rebounds in the playoffs and has managed to do fairly well, even against defensive stalwarts like Marcus Honeycutt, but his highly suspect defense is going to be a major disadvantage here.

Because Augusto is on a mission and he's been MVP-like in his 21.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 2.7 blocks. His scoring is peerless, his defense is markedly improved and of course, he can gobble up rebounds and block shots against men much larger than him, so the extra 14 pounds Henry has on him mean absolutely nothing. Expect to see Augusto average at least 25-30 points a game this series.

Advantage: Mavericks

Center
Jonte Jones vs. David Carter
Jones still isn't taking the number of shots he needs to do, but 19.4 points, 13.6 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.6 blocks is certainly nothing to sneeze at, particularly since he's been the most consistent star player for the Nuggets this playoffs. He'll need to do more of the same here and elevate his scoring to greater heights to counter the Mavericks' first-rate firepower.

Carter's a nice enough guy, but he only has some average defense and rebounding talent. 5.4 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks look paltry compared to Jones's numbers and that 32.5% postseason shooting doesn't impress anyone either. His mission this series is solely to make sure Jones doesn't experience a new offensive boom.

Advantage: Nuggets

Bench
Tyrus Thomas is averaging 10.6 points and 1.6 blocks and his defensive prowess will be key to containing Dallas. Louis Mertens is a playmaker on offense, averaging 7.2 points and 6.5 assists and Tzvetan Kishishev has developed into a role scorer, averaging 5.1 points with his great score-prevention defense.

Damian Giesen isn't flashy, but he's a former starter and a solid all-around reserve averaging 6.1 points. Al Horford's in much the same vein, providing the frontcourt muscle with 5.7 points and 6.3 rebounds. But beyond those two, there isn't much. Ryan Glosier in particular is a sieve on defense.

Advantage: Nuggets

Final Thoughts
Despite an edge at C and the bench, Denver's facing a firing squad of immense power in Arnold/Allen/Augusto. The AAA Team is going to be unstoppable unless some kind of miracle happened in those closed practices. We don't see it. In fact, our crystal ball says a Dallas sweep and the end of Denver's dynasty.
Prediction: Mavericks in 4

...Thanks for the support. I knew there was a reason why I implemented a gag order. Still, not that I can blame them or the rest of the media for not giving us a chance.

Game One
A hostile, energized crowd is never a good thing on the road, especially not when two of the other team's biggest stars have good reason to hate you. Devone Allen is astounding with 24 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 blocks, Marcelino Augusto scores 26 and David Tucker and Al Horford rape us off the bench for 18 and 10 points respectively. Mateen Yeaton's back on form with 23 points, but the only support is a sickly 10 points and 10 assists from Paulinho Buboltz and Jonte Jones's 16 points and 11 rebounds. We come out flat and we get our asses kicked. A sweep may be right.
Final - Denver 87 Dallas 108

Game Two
The Mavericks brimmed with confidence heading into this one and Marcelino Augusto leads all scorers with another 26 points. Devone Allen chimes in with 17 points and 10 rebounds and Al Horford scores 11 off the bench. But perhaps Dallas was overconfident, as all five of our starters score 15 points or more. Leading the charge is Jonte Jones with 17 points and 24 rebounds. Vinston Henry surprises with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scores 20, Paulinho Buboltz dishes out 15 points and 17 assists and Louis Mertens scores 10 off the bench. End result? A 15 point shocker upset and an evening of blood and series. So much for the sweep at least.
Final - Denver 105 Dallas 90

Game Three
We may be in Denver, but the Mavericks are going to come out hopping mad, pissed that their sweep is gone. Indeed, Marcelino Augusto is so furious, he has his most masterful game of the series yet with 37 points and 11 rebounds. But like Mateen Yeaton in Game 1, Augusto's only ally is Zelipe Gama's 11 points and 11 assists. Charles Arnold in particular had an ugly game, shooting 1 for 16. On our end, Jonte Jones thunders for 31 points, Victor Gipson makes his presence felt with 17 points and 14 rebounds, Paulinho Buboltz has 13 points and 10 assists before fouling out and Louis Mertens paces the reserves again with 11 points on a perfect 5/5 night. We get another double-digit win and suddenly we've taken a beautiful 2-1 series lead.
Final - Dallas 85 Denver 102

Game Four
Understatement of the year: A win here would be absolutely huge. But can we get it? Marcelino Augusto is impassioned against us and he has yet another 20+ point game with 23 points and Zelipe Gama scores 12 points and 12 assists on us. But Jonte Jones easily matches Augusto and then some with 29 points and 13 rebounds, Victor Gipson has his second straight double-double with 17 points and 11 assists, Mateen Yeaton scores 26 and Tyrus Thomas comes off the bench for 15 points. It's our most complete game of the series and we wallop the Mavericks to take a commanding 3-1 edge and hold them over the brink.
Final - Dallas 94 Denver 115

The Knicks and Raptors are going to at least five games as well.

Game Five
Our Game 4 victory came at a terrible cost. Jonte Jones bruised his thigh and will be of limited effectiveness for the rest of the playoffs. Given how important he's been to us this postseason, that's not good news. As such, I'm a little wary when we march back into Dallas to face the rabid Mavericks partisans. In fact, we're so badly affected by his injury, our lone highlight is a pathetic 12 bench points from Tyrus Thomas. Dallas only has one highlight as well, but when it's Marcelino Augusto running wild for 33 points and 11 rebounds, that's all you need to know about the game. An expected buttkicking.
Final - Denver 86 Dallas 109

Toronto and New York match us and go to a sixth game.

Game Six
Simply put, we have to win here. Anything else and all we've done to this point will have gone to waste. I can't see us beating Dallas in a Game 7. And so, it's another gut-wrenching game that I can barely stand to watch. But we're nothing, we're fucking nothing without a healthy Jonte Jones. Who cares about Mateen Yeaton's 21 points? To hell with Victor Gipson's 17 points and 13 rebounds and forget Tzvetan Kishishev and Chezley McCleary's 11 and 10 bench points. When Marcelino Augusto is bending us over for 34 points, Devone Allen's scoring 25 and all five Mavericks score 12 points or more, it doesn't matter a god damned thing. 20 point loss and we just fucking pissed it all away.
Final - Dallas 113 Denver 93

The East is going to a Game 7, too. Not that it matters much. Our fate is already sealed.

Game Seven
It's ony my intense loyalty to the team that makes me even go to Dallas for the final game. It's a mixture of tears and surreal numbness that has me watching. A brutal, brawling final game follows. Devone Allen nets a near triple-double of 23 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists. Marcelino Augusto scores 24, Charles Arnold scores 21 and Al Horford scores 10 off the bench. In answer, Paulinho Buboltz gets 23 points and 10 assists, Mateen Yeaton scores 21, Vinston Henry and Jonte Jones double with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 11 points, 14 rebounds respectively and Tzvetan Kisishev scores 15 off the bench. The game goes to OT as we completely fucking blow a fourth quarter lead and we just run out of steam, going down in an inglorious defeat that we had in our hands. Marcelino Augusto and Charles Arnold celebrate on court, pointing their fingers at our coaching staff and players and laughing. Other Mavericks, drained though they are, point to the scoreboard while the partisan crowd gleefully celebrates.
Final - Denver 113 Dallas 121 (OT)

I stare at a sign in the stands that reads "Destroy Denver's Dominance".

They did. Marcelino Augusto has his revenge and I'm heartbroken.

I'm seriously tempt to resign, just walk away from this sick feeling that comes not only from the end of our Rings Quest, but that we lost it at the hands of that smug prick Augusto and the Dallas Mavericks.

If it was the Raptors, who advance to the Finals, it wouldn't hurt nearly this bad.

Izulde

12-14-2008, 01:54 AM

"Hello, Mr. Jestor. Sam Mitchell here."

It's a little surreal, the Toronto Raptors GM calling me out of the blue like this on the day after we've been defeated by the Mavericks.

"Hey, Sam. Congratulations on returning to the Finals. Hell of a job your boys did coming back from a 3-1 deficit against the Knicks."

"Thanks. I just wanted to call you and tell you that you guys deserve a lot of credit, too. I know the loss was extremely disappointing, but nobody gave the Nuggets a chance and you pushed them all the way, even when Jones got hurt. That says a lot for the job you've done in putting the team together and its toughness. You've got nothing to be ashamed of. Heck, between our two teams, we owned the 2010s and we're still going strong into this decade."

"True, but it still stings."

"Sure it does. But you guys made it to six straight Finals, something that nobody's done since the Celtics dynasty way back when and got three straight titles out of it. And let me tell you, so what if Augusto's the one that beat you guys? Put his flameout last year on that team and subtract Jones's MVP performance last season and you don't have those three titles in a row. I know you're probably feeling pretty depressed now and I heard a rumor from a little bird that you're thinking of quitting, but I think you owe it to Yeaton to stick around until he retires at least. If you want to go somewhere else then, fine. But you've got a ton of first rounders coming up, including a guaranteed top five pick this next draft. By that time, you may love the new version of the Nuggets and want to stick around for them."

Strange as it sounds, Sam's words are a real comfort. The Raptors/Nuggets rivalry over the last half-decade has been an intense one, but it's one built on mutual respect and admiration. We both are really impressed with what the other's done and the dynasties we've been able to simultaneously build.

"Thanks, Sam. That means a lot. Now go and kick Augusto's ass for me, will you?"

Sam laughs, "You bet that's exactly what we're planning to do. And hopefully next season, we'll play each other again in the Finals."

So I'm in a better frame of mind for the Finals, but I still don't read the previews or watch the games. It still hurts too much to. Like when you're with the girl of your dreams, the one who's so perfect for you, you don't even look at other girls the same way anymore and then she dumps you for a slimy, super rich douchebag. It's too painful for you to even see her picture, hear her voice, or listen to other people talk about her, let alone see her in person.

It's a good thing I don't, because Dallas sweeps Toronto, a result nobody expected. Marcelino Augusto wins the MVP award and, from what I heard later, made a speech talking about much he loved the Mavericks fans and the city of Dallas, how they appreciated him and what he did in way that nobody else ever did.

It was a slap in the face to all the Nuggets fans who loved and lauded him so ardently. Him saying that about me is fine and probably accurate. But our fans deserve better than that. He may be a future Hall of Famer, but the more he's been in this league, this less I like him and the happier I am that I traded him.

NBA Lottery
14. Atlanta Hawks
13. New Jersey Nets
12. Charlotte Bobcats
11. Washington Wizards
10. Golden State Warriors
9. Houston Rockets
8. Los Angeles Lakers (-2)

Bad news. That means two teams skyrocketed into the top three.

7. Phoenix Suns (-2)
6. New Orleans Hornets (-2)
5. Memphis Grizzlies (-2)

Now the sweating out starts.

4. Indiana Pacers (-2)

Well, we avoid the worst possible outcome at least.

3. Seattle Supersonics (+4)

Great, the divisional foe leaps up to #3. But we're guaranteed to be ahead of them, which is far better than what it could've been.

2. Denver Nuggets (-1)

A little disappointing, but I'm okay with it, actually, which means...

1. Boston Celtics (+7)

Stunning upset by the Celtics, who can add a franchise youth player to all that old talent they have floating around Beantown. Talk about Lady Luck smiling down on them.

NBA Awards
MVP
Greg Oden - Toronto Raptors - 15.1 PPG 15.0 RPG 3.2 APG 2.6 BPG 1.0 SPG
Defensive Player of the Year
Greg Oden - Toronto Raptors - 15.1 PPG 15.0 RPG 3.2 APG 2.6 BPG 1.0 SPG
Rookie of the Year
Jamarcus Wilson - Philadelphia 76ers - 12.9 PPG 5.1 RPG 1.8 APG 0.9 BPG 0.7 SPG
6th Man of the Year
Al Jefferson - Charlotte Bobcats - 11.7 PPG 5.9 RPG 1.6 APG 1.4 BPG 0.6 SPG
Coach of the Year
Avery Johnson - Dallas Mavericks

Another BS MVP award for Oden, who frankly keeps getting fellated by the national media when he doesn't deserve it. I can't even remember the last time the MVP Award went to someone other than a C. But whatever.

All-NBA 1st Team
PG Corey Neal - New Jersey Nets
SG Justin Richler - Toronto Raptors
SF Devone Allen - Dallas Mavericks
PF Marcelino Augusto - Dallas Mavericks
C Greg Oden - Toronto Raptors

Yeah, see, Augusto honestly deserved the MVP award over Oden. It's a bunch of horse manure.

All-NBA 2nd Team
PG Kenny Graham - Sacramento Kings
SG Filip Mikulic - Houston Rockets
SF Kevin Durant - Portland Trailblazers
PF Kelvin Moody - Minnesota Timberwolves
C Narcyz Malinomowski - Memphis Grizzlies

All-NBA 3rd Team
PG John Aylsworth - Cleveland Cavaliers
SG Jerian McCrary - Portland Trailblazers
SF David Anyan - Toronto Raptors
PF Henry Fisher - Utah Jazz
C Andrew Bynum - New York Knicks

All-Defense 1st Team
PG Leland Peterson - Washington Wizards
SG Walter Hicks - New Jersey Nets
SF David Anyan - Toronto Raptors
PF Kelvin Moody - Minnesota Timberwolves
C Greg Oden - Toronto Raptors

All-Defense 2nd Team
PG Corey Neal - New Jersey Nets
SG Jermaine Butler - Boston Celtics
SF Devone Allen - Dallas Mavericks
PF Dwight Howard - Orlando Magic
C Dontay Williamson - Los Angeles Clippers

All-Rookie 1st Team
PG David Cormier - New Orleans Hornets
SG Rasheed Wheeler - Los Angeles Clippers
SF Wayne Scott - Atlanta Hawks
PF Jamarcus Wilson - Philadelphia 76ers
C Jarrod Hill - Seattle Supersonics

All-Rookie 2nd Team
PG Jason Griffin - Houston Rockets
SG Bernard Legans - Washington Wizards
SF Rick Smith - Indiana Pacers
PF Ronnie Fry - Memphis Grizzlies
C Mark Wilson - New Orleans Hornets

Hall of Fame Update
Dirk Nowitzki - 2017 - Dallas Mavericks #41
Kobe Bryant - 2017 - Los Angeles Lakers #24
Michael Redd - 2018 - Milwaukee Bucks #22
Elton Brand - 2018 - Los Angeles Clippers #42
Yao Ming - 2019 - Houston Rockets #11
Dwayne Wade - 2021 - Miami Heat #3
Ben Gordon - 2021 - Indiana Pacers #8
Gilbert Arenas - 2021 - Washington Wizards #1*

* - The NBA passed a rule that says 0 is reserved for summer league non-roster players, so Arenas took 1 as his retired number.

The meeting with Bob Neal about next season does not go well. I ask him to stick with our usual $15 million max deal, but he's demanding that we keep it under $10 million over the cap. How the hell he expects me to do that when we're already $31.8 million over with just 7 players signed, I don't know.

It appears I may have to break up the team some more, which is actually made somewhat easier now that the Rings Quest is over.

Mock Draft
Bad time to miss out on the #1 pick as the clear-cut top choice is 20 year PF John Walker from UCLA, the only player in this draft said to have 5* potential and the only one who's already obtained an elite level of development.

After him come a group of players all bunched together. We're projected to take Deon Sterley, a 20 year old PF out of Cincinnati, who impresses me initially, as his 6'9, 250 lbs frame reminds me a lot of Emeka Okafor's build, only Sterly appears to have the scoring hops to be an offensive force.

With the 20th pick, we're tabbed to select another PF, Mike Wise, a 19 year old one and done from LSU, who unwisely entered the draft too soon and who doesn't impress me.

The 25th pick sees us taking yet -another- PF in the mocks, 20 year old Czech Lubomir Novotny. He doesn't excite me either.

I do anticipate us leaving the draft with 3 players, though, as I think there's enough depth that we can find someone even at the 25th spot worth selecting.

Of course, one never knows how the workouts will turn out or just how the draft will shape up.

That's the beauty of draft night.

Izulde

12-14-2008, 05:41 AM

It appears we also have the 29th pick, which surprises me and I don't remember where it came from. #2 came from the Heat, #25 came from the Clippers, #20 came from the Bulls... ah. #29 is our own pick, which I thought I'd traded away, but apparently we still have it. I don't remember who the mocks thought would go for that one, but it was probably another PF because the mock drafters are complete idiots.

In any case, we've had a sudden and abrupt shift in opinion as to the direction we're going and it remains to be seen just who we'll take at #2.

2022 NBA Draft 1st Round
1. PF John Walker - Boston Celtics

The experts, much to my amusement, are saying that we're looking to trade the pick. While it's true Deon Sterley had an underwhelming workout for us, even with fantastic intangibles, I'm not quite ready to give it up just yet.

They also bring up the possibility of Charles Diggs, a senior PG out of Illinois who's a score first type. Yeah, okay. Just because I brought Paulinho Buboltz in doesn't mean I'm going to stray from my philosophy of pass-first points.

I give a lot of thought to the idea of trading down, but in the end, there's a player I like too much to pass on.

2. C Kevin Bradford - Wake Forest

He's a senior who has great scoring and good rebounding ability. Not great on the defensive end and a little undersized at 6'10, 253 lbs, but something tells me he's another Jonte Jones.

The analysts hate the pick, but we'll see.

3. SF Prokopios Vadeki - Seattle Supersonics
4. PF Deon Sterley - Indiana Pacers
5. SF Jermaine Trask - Memphis Grizzlies
6. SG Teddy Harriman - New Orleans Hornets
7. SF Brad Randle - Phoenix Suns
8. PF Marko Vlasto - Los Angeles Lakers
9. PF Pat Baxley - Houston Rockets
10. SG Jay Brown - Golden State Warriors
11. PG Charles Diggs - Washington Wizards
12. PG Tom Singletary - Charlotte Bobcats

At this stage in the draft, Singletary is a great pick and one of the few the experts have agreed was a smart move so far. To be honest, we gave him a long look at #2 before choosing to pass on him for his horrible defense.

13. PG Chris Kimmel - New Jersey Nets
14. PF Billy Cullen - Atlanta Hawks

Now at this point, all the top players are gone and the two guys I like could be taken at any time. There's one player in particular I covet, so I contact the Spurs about moving up. They're being anal about it, though, so I have to watch and wait.

15. PG Dave Linton - San Antonio Spurs

The Jazz are much more agreeable to a deal and we strike one quickly.

Denver Nuggets receive
#16 pick

Utah Jazz receive
#25 pick
Boston Celtics 2024 2nd round pick
Denver Nuggets 2024 2nd round pick
Golden State Warriors 2024 2nd round pick

The analysts think it's just a move made to spin off into another trade, but they're wrong. I never move up unless it's to grab a specific player.

16. SG Joem Layne - Denver Nuggets

Big SG who has some talent at scoring and some great defensive ability according to our workout notes. Also a great chemistry guy who totally busts his ass to improve. Reminds me very much of a poor man's Mateen Yeaton in some ways.

17. SF Ray Carr - Philadelphia 76ers

And there goes the other player I was considering. Good thing I moved up to take Layne, even if J.P. flipped out over the pick.

18. SF Mark Fleming - Detroit Pistons
19. PF Joseph Barnes - Minnesota Timberwolves

Hah! The talking heads are convinced we're going to trade off the #20 pick. They sure seem hellbent that we're going to move down or out somewhere in this draft.

But picks for picks deals are notoriously difficult to pull off in the NBA. This isn't the NFL, after all. And while I'm not adverse to dealing Paulinho Buboltz before his salary turns into a giant albatross, finding the right value for him is difficult.

We have some fascinating discussions with the Raptors that almost lead to a blockbuster trade, but Sam and I agree to forget it at the last minute, in order to avoid being lynched by our respective fanbases.

And when I get right down to it, I have to admit to myself I like the pairing of Buboltz and Mateen Yeaton in our backcourt. I want to see them win a title together and we can always use whoever we pick as trade bait later on down the line.

With that in mind, I decide it's time to start taking flyers.

20. PF Jonathan Hill - Denver Nuggets

I feel like the coaching staff is underrating him and that he's a great value pick at this point in the first round. The analysts agree, calling it a very nice selection on our parts.

21. SF Mike Poole - Sacramento Kings
22. PF Lubomir Novotny - Milwaukee Bucks
23. PG Andre Harper - Cleveland Cavaliers
24. PG A.J. Lopez - Orlando Magic
25. SF Ladrick Battle - Utah Jazz
26. PF Mike Wise - Toronto Raptors
27. C Connor Augustus - New York Knicks
28. SG Aaron Smylie - Portland Trailblazers

For the 29th pick, they're suggesting we take Calvis Hayes. It's a thought, but there's actually one player I like a little bit better.

29. SG Darren Hare - Denever Nuggets

Tough, muscular senior from Louisville, but the analysts hate the pick.

30. SG Eric Bass - Miami Heat

First look after the draft says Kevin Bradford won't live up to the expectations of being a #2 pick and will bust. Jonathan Hill looks like a potential defensive specialist with not much else. Darren Hare doesn't look exciting either and Joem Layne appears to be a disappointing over-reach.

I renounce everyone but Victor Gipson and grimly note that even if we bring him back at a reduced rate, we'll still be over the $15 million mark, let alone anything above that.

Summer League
PG Carlton Goree
SG Darren Davis
SG Joem Layne
SG Darren Hare
PF Tzvetan Kishishev
PF Jonathon Hill
C Kevin Bradford

Summer League
A thrilling opening game sees us come from behind to beat Dallas 102-99. Lee McRae bursts for 24 points, Carlton Goree garners 11 points and 11 assists and Tzvetan Kishishev and Darren Hare score 12 and 11 points respectively off the bench.

No undefeated summer this time, as despite a furious rally, we fall 107-103 to Golden State. Carlton Goree scores 20, Darren Hare leads the reserves with 17 points and Chris Overton and Hsien-feng Mei each hit 10 points off the bench.

97-93 loss to the Hawks despite Carlton Goree's 18 points and 10 assists. Oh well, at least nobody's impressing me this year and tempting me to sign them in free agency.

A 100-84 win over the Bulls is keyed by balanced offense and 10 bench points from Chris Overton and Stan Yotov and we destroy the Celtics 116-82 to finish with a winning record. Chris Overton explodes for 22 points off the bench, Tzvetan Kishishev and Hsien-feng Mei scoring 15 and 12 points a piece.

Free Agency

Sexy young crop this year. Galen Drayton, Tim Butler, Sonny Boxler, Henry Fisher, Bryan Young, Valery Frahm, Charles Howard, Oswaldo Apolonario, Dontay Williamson just to name the biggest ones.

Oswaldo Apolonario leaves the Bulls for the Hawks on a 5 year, $55 million and change contract, an offer much bigger than we could afford to give him (mid-level max contract).

The New Orleans Hornets jump in on Victor Gipson, stealing him away on a one year mid-level exemption that absolutely shocks me. The sickening thing is, even with him gone, we're still over the $15 million personal cap.

I sign Winston Smith and bring back Lindsey Williamson, both on min-sal deals and use another min-sal deal to re-sign Jameel Williams on the same day Louis Mertens gets a 3 year, $14.8 millon contract from the Bobcats and Tyrus Thomas goes to Charlotte too, for a year and $4.7 million.

Training Camp

Mateen Yeaton definitely looked a step slower and weaker on camp, especially on defense. A worrying sign.

Rookies
Joem Layne
-Showed ability to defend, but little else. Still appears like he could be an adequate bench players.
Darren Hare
-Flawless FT shooter, but ordinary outside of that.
Jonathan Hill
-Looking quite the bust.
Kevin Bradford
-Showed a -very- minimal ceiling. Will still get the nod at PF though, simply because the coaching staff seems to hate Tzvetan Kishishev.

Reports out of the Pacers camp say Deon Sterley has some good potential, but isn't likely to recognize it mired on Indiana's bench. They're willing to do an even-up trade, but Sterley looks like a SF in a PF's body. No thanks.

The one good news from our camp is that Vinston Henry is moving ever closer to becoming an elite player and he should reach it sometime this season, especially since he'll be at his natural position of the 3 spot.

The preseason mags have the Clippers picked for first in the conference, followed by the Mavericks and then us. It's one of the very few times I can think of where I don't disagree with the assessment at all.

They're saying the East is Bulls, Knicks, Nets, Wizards. Yeah, not seeing that one at all other than the Knicks. Toronto may not have Chris Bosh or Andrea Bargnani this year, but Brandon Brooks gives the Raptors a legit PG and allows them to move Justin Richler to his preferred 2 spot and they still have David Anyan and Greg Oden. Eugene Whitmore's the PF and even though he's 32, his 7'3, 300 lbs frame and his skill set remind me a -lot- of Victor Gipson. Yet, the Raptors are still picked 7th. Asinine, I tell you.

I almost feel sorry for David Jackson. He finally won over the Hornets staff and got a starting job last year and what happens? Victor Gipson comes to New Orleans and steals it, just like he did in Denver. When you consider that Patrick Pastner's there too, it's a weird reunion of former Nuggets players on the same team. That's a blowup waiting to happen.

Denver Nuggets 2022 Opening Night Roster
PG Paulinho Buboltz
SG Mateen Yeaton
SF Vinston Henry
PF Kevin Bradford
C Jonte Jones
6th Carlton Goree (PG/SG)
7th Joem Layne (SG/SF)
8th Darren Hare (PG/SG/SF)
9th Tzvetan Kishishev (SF/PF/C)
10th Winston Smith (PF/C)
11th Jameel Williams (PG/SG)
12th Lindsey Williamson (SF/PF/C)

D-League
Darren Davis - Starting SG
Jonathan Hill - Starting PF

We're going to see in a hurry just what these rookies are made out of. In fact, it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to say that how far we get depends on how quickly they pan out.

Izulde

12-14-2008, 07:40 PM

I have no idea what to expect out of this year's Nuggets. We're a curious blend of really young and really old and that type of mishmash is hard to get a read on.

We kick off with a 114-101 win over the Lakers engineered by Jonte Jones's 21 points and 14 rebounds, Paulinho Buboltz's 25 points and 14 assists and 14 and 11 points respectively from benchmen Carlton Goree and Tzvetan Kishishev. None of the rookies impress, but that's perhaps to be expected.

Our opponents score 101 points, but once again we win, topping the Timberwolves with 120 points of our own. Paulinho Buboltz is brilliant for 30 points, Mateen Yeaton scores 25 and Jonte Jones adds 20 points. Carlton Goree and Jameel Williams pace the bench with 12 and 11 points a piece.

Utah whips us 114-95 as we can only muster 23 points from Jonte Jones and 11 bench points from Carlton Goree. The rookies have been flat out awful in the early going.

Two close games in the first doubleheader of the year and we get a split. The Jazz beat us again, 96-91, as 17 points and 17 rebounds from Jonte Jones, Mateen Yeaton's 22 points and Paulinho Buboltz's 18 points and 11 assists can't redeem us. But we rebound for a 109-100 victory against Seattle the next night, Vinston Henry scoring 26 to team up with Jonte Jones's 28 points and 15 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton's 23 points and Paulinho Buboltz's 14 points and 19 assists to scrape it out.

A solid 100-85 win over the Pistons is keyed by balanced offense, Jonte Jones's 19 points and 19 rebounds and Carlton Goree's 11 bench points. Darren Hare has yet to appear in a game, I've noticed.

We lose 101-92 to the Kings in Sacramento, Jonte Jones's 25 points and 15 rebounds our lone highlight. I'm getting the sense that we're just not that good this year and we'll be a borderline playoff team, if that.

But as long as we have our core of Jonte Jones (24 points, 19 rebounds), Mateen Yeaton (28 points) and Paulinho Buboltz (19 points, 12 assists) we'll be good enough to do things like beat Toronto 105-93.

On the other hand, when we're seeing things like 22 points from Mateen Yeaton, 15 points and 18 assists from Paulinho Buboltz and bench showings of 12, 11 and 14 bench points from Carlton Goree, Tzvetan Kishishev and Winston Smith and still losing 116-106 to the Bulls, it's a reminder that a) we're really a .500 team this season and b) once our core group retires, things are going to get ugly in a hurry.

Rough 125-122 loss to the Mavericks, ruining 34 points and 10 rebounds from Jonte Jones, 36 points from Mateen Yeaton, Paulinho Buboltz's 14 points and 22 assists and the 14 points off the bench we get from Carlton Goree.

A 108-95 victory over the Nets on Mateen Yeaton's 25 points, Paulinho Buboltz's 19 points and 16 assists and Winston Smith's sensational 18 points off the bench helps staunch the bleeding, but there's no illusions here.

Fortunately the win train picks up with a doubleheader sweep. Jonte Jones brutalizes the Spurs for 31 points and 15 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton adds 36 points and Carlton Goree scores 10 as we roll San Antonio 126-99. Houston falls 114-101 as Jonte Jones puts up 22 points and 14 rebounds, Paulinho Buboltz issues 10 points and 10 assists and three bench players reach double-digit scoring: Carlton Goree (12 points), Winston Smith (10 points) and Joem Layne (11 points) in the first noteworthy performance by one of the three rookies on our roster.

Defense gives a 95-83 quashing of the Hornets. Kevin Bradford looks like a #2 pick for the first time all year with 17 points and 14 rebounds, even as he's overshadowed by Jonte Jones (22 points, 10 rebounds). Winston Smith contributes 10 points off the bench.

The month ends on a positive note, a 99-85 victory over the Cavaliers as Jonte Jones fights his way through for 12 points and 12 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scores 24, Paulinho Buboltz has 12 points and 11 assists and Carlton Goree scores 15 off the bench.

That makes us a respectable 10-5 after one month of play, a game and a half behind 11-3 Portland (We've seen that one before), half a game behind 11-5 Utah and with a half-game edge on 9-5 Minnesota. Crowded Northwest picture so far.

Dallas is just ripping the league up at 15-2 and the hatemail for my having traded Marcelino Augusto grows exponentially by the day.

In the East, Chicago's proving preseason predictions right with a staggering 11-1 mark.

Vinston Henry needs to shoot better than 40.8%. Kevin Bradford has overcome a slow start and is shooting 52.1%, but his ceiling still looks really limited compared to the other high picks and it's not certain he'll even last the year here.

Cap Ologist

12-14-2008, 11:35 PM

Can you post a career comparison for Oden and Durant?

damnMikeBrown

12-15-2008, 10:00 AM

Almost quit reading when you traded Augusto. You have the draft to dream of a guy like that to draft.... Sometimes a straight flush is good enough..does this GM need to keep going for the royal flush?

Autumn

12-15-2008, 10:08 AM

Don't worry, nobody leaves the Nuggets forever. They all come back ...

Izulde

12-17-2008, 12:56 AM

Cap Ologist: Sure, but probably tomorrow or the day after. I spent 6 hours in the ER yesterday and am wonked out on prescription medication. I'm trying to get one of my classes to be set as an incomplete, plus I have to give my second class their final tomorrow and then grade those and determine their final grades, etc.

damnMikeBrown: You, Barkeep and CW can form and write to firejestor.com :D And yeah, it was probably stupid of me to trade him, but such is life. I'm glad you suck around, though.

Autumn: Touche`. There do tend to be a lot of multi-tour Nuggets, though I don't know if Augusto will ever fall into that category. Too much bad blood.

JetsIn06

12-19-2008, 11:38 PM

I want this game! It doesn't work on my computer! :mad:

Well, the demo doesn't so I'm scared to buy the game.

Barkeep49

12-20-2008, 01:28 PM

Didn't work last Saturday so I'm catching up two weeks worth. I'm reading along and all of a sudden I see the Buboholitz trade and am estatic to see him back in Denver. Makes up for the Trade that Shall not be Mentioned. That is until I keep reading and see Marteen get injured. Looking forward to the other twists and turns that will come.

Barkeep49

12-20-2008, 01:47 PM

Izulde: I hope everything is OK. I'm glad that Augusto got his ring. And FTR, I don't want you to be fired. You have done too good a job for too long in building and maintaining the Nuggets for you to be fired. But you know, I'd really REALLY prefer you not go around trading likely future HOFers when they're in their early 20s. Especially if they're big men.

Izulde

12-21-2008, 12:13 AM

Jetsin06: What types of problems are you having?

Barkeep49: Yeah the Buboltz/Yeaton backcourt pairing drew a ton of attention. :)

Barkeep 49 (x2): Things have just been hectic the last few days what with the food poisoning, final exam grading and final grade submitting, traveling back to WI, etc. I should have another update in a day or so, maybe even tonight. :) Fair point taken on the HoF big men. :D FWIW, I think Augusto will win at least a couple more rings before he's done. The Mavericks have a ridiculously good young trio in Arnold, Allen and Augusto. The Triple A Team could well turn Dallas into the Raptors and Nuggets of the 2020s.

For Cap Ologist

Greg Oden/Kevin Durant Comparison

Greg Oden
2007 Stats: - 74 games/70 starts - 12.8 PPG 8.5 RPG 2.9 APG 1.7 BPG 0.8 SPG
2008 Stats: - 82 games/80 starts - 13.6 PPG 10.8 RPG 3.4 APG 2.3 BPG 1.0 SPG
2009 Stats: - 82 games/79 starts - 15.1 PPG 14.7 RPG 4.2 APG 2.6 BPG 1.3 SPG
2010 Stats: - 82 games/82 starts - 16.2 PPG 14.1 RPG 4.7 APG 2.8 BPG 1.2 SPG
2011 Stats: - 82 games/79 starts - 17.0 PPG 14.7 RPG 3.2 APG 2.8 BPG 1.0 SPG
2012 Stats: - 82 games/79 starts - 14.8 PPG 13.0 RPG 3.6 APG 2.5 BPG 1.0 SPG
2013 Stats: - 82 games/80 starts - 14.7 PPG 14.6 RPG 3.2 APG 2.9 BPG 1.1 SPG
2014 Stats: - 82 games/82 starts - 16.4 PPG 15.1 RPG 3.4 APG 2.6 BPG 0.8 SPG
2015 Stats: - 82 games/77 starts - 13.3 PPG 13.9 RPG 2.8 APG 2.3 BPG 0.8 SPG
2016 Stats: - 82 games/82 starts - 14.8 PPG 15.7 RPG 4.8 APG 2.8 BPG 1.1 SPG
2017 Stats: - 82 games/82 starts - 13.8 PPG 15.5 RPG 3.2 APG 2.5 BPG 1.0 SPG
2018 Stats: - 82 games/79 starts - 13.4 PPG 16.1 RPG 4.2 APG 2.9 BPG 0.8 SPG
2019 Stats: - 82 games/82 starts - 14.0 PPG 15.4 RPG 3.7 APG 2.7 BPG 1.0 SPG
2020 Stats: - 82 games/80 starts - 13.6 PPG 14.7 RPG 4.0 APG 2.5 BPG 1.0 SPG
2021 Stats: - 82 games/82 starts - 15.1 PPG 15.0 RPG 3.2 APG 2.6 BPG 1.0 SPG

Kevin Durant
2007 Stats: - 82 games/82 starts - 14.4 PPG 5.2 RPG 2.3 APG 0.5 BPG 1.0 SPG
2008 Stats: - 82 games/82 starts - 14.6 PPG 5.9 RPG 2.5 APG 0.6 BPG 1.3 SPG
2009 Stats: - 82 games/82 starts - 21.0 PPG 7.7 RPG 3.0 APG 0.7 BPG 1.4 SPG
2010 Stats: - 82 games/82 starts - 20.5 PPG 7.9 RPG 3.5 APG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2011 Stats: - 82 games/82 starts - 19.7 PPG 7.2 RPG 3.1 APG 0.7 BPG 1.4 SPG
2012 Stats: - 82 games/82 starts - 20.1 PPG 7.9 RPG 3.3 APG 0.7 BPG 1.6 SPG
2013 Stats: - 40 games/40 starts - 20.4 PPG 7.7 RPG 3.2 APG 0.7 BPG 1.3 SPG
2014 Stats: - 82 games/82 starts - 17.9 PPG 7.1 RPG 2.9 APG 0.8 BPG 1.1 SPG
2015 Stats: - 82 games/82 starts - 19.0 PPG 7.6 RPG 3.6 APG 0.9 BPG 1.4 SPG
2016 Stats: - 82 games/82 starts - 17.6 PPG 7.7 RPG 3.0 APG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2017 Stats: - 54 games/54 starts - 21.7 PPG 7.3 RPG 2.9 APG 0.5 BPG 1.3 SPG
2018 Stats: - 82 games/82 starts - 20.0 PPG 8.9 RPG 3.7 APG 0.8 BPG 1.4 SPG
2019 Stats: - 82 games/82 starts - 18.4 PPG 8.8 RPG 3.6 APG 0.7 BPG 1.0 SPG
2020 Stats: - 66 games/66 starts - 18.9 PPG 8.5 RPG 3.7 APG 0.8 BPG 1.1 SPG
2021 Stats: - 82 games/82 starts - 18.9 PPG 9.1 RPG 3.9 APG 0.7 BPG 1.3 SPG

It's only been one month into the 2022 season, so I didn't bother with that statline

Izulde

12-21-2008, 02:31 AM

We have a problem.

Bob Neal called my cell this morning and angrily demanded that we reduce our player salary bill. This season. The sooner, the better for my job.

"If you can't cut the wages, I'll cut you, championship or no championship."

Those were his final words before he hung up.

It really, really sucks having an owner who doesn't give a damn about winning.

So, now what?

I'll review the previous month's trades before looking at our own situation.

Indiana Pacers receive
SF Steven Feaster

Miami Heat receive
SF Rick Smith
SG Chauncey Thomas
Indiana Pacers 2023 2nd round pick

What this means for the Pacers
Feaster has good scoring instincts and an accurate shot. The 23 year old 4th year man is also a nice big 6'10, 223 to throw in the three spot with average rebounding and defensive skills. As he develops more faith in himself and takes more shots, he should become the offensive weapon Indiana needs after Nigel Abel retires. He's also extremely consistent and doesn't care about playing for a winning team, just so long as he gets his minutes, which he will as a starter for the Pacers.

What this means for the Heat
Smith is an average defender and a terrific FT shooter, which are the best things that can be said about the second year player. He's strictly an end of the bench man, even on as bad a team as Miami. Thomas is a great defender with some scoring pop off the bench, but he's 33 and never lived up to the hype that made him a Top 10 pick (7th overall - 2011 - Seattle). In fact, he was a full-time starter for just one season, in 2017 with the Clippers.

Winner: Indiana
Pete LaBraggio continues the Pacers' rebuilding project and he pulls a brillant trade here, giving up scrubs for a player who should be a valuable part of Indiana's feature. The dysfunction continues in Miami, with no hope of respectability in sight any time soon for the Heat.

Philadelphia 76ers receive
C Daniel Wilder

New York Knicks receive
PF Yi Jianlian
Philadelphia 76ers 2023 2nd round pick

What this means for the 76ers
Wilder's a respectable scorer and a pretty good shotblocker, but his strongest attribute is as a rebounder. On the other hand, some might say that luck is his biggest strength, because he keeps managing to find starting gigs despite not being all that talented a player. He does it again here and takes over as the five in Philly.

What this means for the Knicks
Yi's strictly a financial flexibility acquisition, as he's a $7.2 million expiring contract. The second round pick isn't worth much.

Winner: Philadelphia
The Knicks are going to miss Wilder more than they appreciate the $7.2 million coming off the cap next summer, I think and indeed, the Knicks are 5-9 as of December 1st. Contrast this with the 76ers, who, with their new starter, are 9-5. Early in the season, yes, but noteworthy nonetheless.

Houston Rockets receive
SG Derrick Young

Chicago Bulls receive
C Damon Fuhs

What this means for the Rockets
Houston tacks on a guard, which is at least slightly different than their glut of swingmen. Young's got the potential to develop into a solid offensive option off the bench, but the 26 year old is still a little raw yet, even in his 5th season.

What this means for the Bulls
Fuhs, 24 and in his second year, could turn into a role rebounder, but that's it. He's also buried on the end of the Bulls bench.

Winner: Houston
Despite the fact that this adds more small players onto a roster lacking in bigs, there's a lot to like about Young's potential, particularly as a 6th man/borderline starter type. The trade makes no sense from Chicago's perspective. But when the Bulls are off to the hot start they are, I suppose it doesn't matter.

Now for an examination of the Nuggets.

We're $18.2 million over the cap. I might be able to save my job if we can get it under $15 million. Our three biggest contracts are Paulinho Buboltz, Mateen Yeaton and Jonte Jones.

Naturally I'm not trading Yeaton. I'll trade for him if I get fired, but there's no way in hell I'm dealing him out. This brings us down to Jones vs. Buboltz.

Buboltz has the best trade value, but our fans are absolutely loving the Buboltz/Yeaton backcourt. Jones, on the other hand, is our most consistent player, even if he's been notoriously injury-prone during his two years here and a month here.

They're both fan favorites and their contracts are roughly equal. I really don't see any other options than those two that wouldn't also affect our efforts to try and transistion into a youth moment after our Big Three move on.

It's the ogre's choice before us.

Fortunately, we're able to strike a deal.

Denver Nuggets receive
C Patrick Riley
SG Mark Lyles
Sacramento Kings 2024 2nd round pick
Sacramento Kings 2025 2nd round pick

Sacramento Kings receive
C Jonte Jones
Dallas Mavericks 2023 1st round pick

What this means for the Nuggets
Injury-proneness and rumblings from the Denver ownership about wanting a lower cap number led to Jones's departure after just over two seasons in Denver. Riley, 27, is a phenomenal shotblocker who's finally beginning to grow into his mammoth offensive gifts in his 8th season. He's a terrible passer and ballhandler out of the post, but he's younger and he'll provide the Nuggets greater force on the defensive end along with some pretty good rebounding hops. 25 year old Lyles is decent at everything with no real standout parts of his game. He's precisely the kind of all-around player you want on a bench and at 6'7, 206 lbs, the third year man fits the big guard prototype GM Jestor loves so much and can also play the 3.

What this means for the Kings
Sacramento now has some explosive firepower in the lineup between Jones, Kenny Graham, Justin Barnes and Kelvin Johnson. Jones also provides terrific rebounding and the type of consistency that every GM and team dreams of. Even at 32, he's still one of the top players in the league. The first round pick of Dallas's looks to be a lock for #29 or 30.

Winner: Draw
Everybody and their mother's uncle knew a trade was coming. Jestor faced immense pressure from the ownership to cut salary and he did extremely well to get the pieces he did under that scenario. While Riley won't make anyone forget Jones any time soon, he's a 4-star caliber player who fills in some weaknesses that Jones had and Lyles was a nice bonus pickup. The Kings, on the other hand, finally have the type of proven Finals MVP player who can get them over the hump and challenging for the West title after coming up short so many years. In short, this is a win-win deal for both teams's situations.

Other moves may be forthcoming, but I got the most painful extraction out of the way.

Patrick Riley makes a huge splash in his Nuggets debut with 21 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 8 blocks and a steal in our 108-91 victory over the Heat. Mateen Yeaton scores 22, Paulinho Buboltz comes up with 14 points, 14 assists, Carlton Goree scores 14 off the bench and Winston Smith adds yet another 14 with 14 points and 10 rebounds. I think this may turn out better than I thought. Then again, it's only Miami.

We destroy the Magic 120-78 on Mateen Yeaton's 34 points, Kevin Bradford's 17 points and 10 rebounds, Paulinho Buboltz's 17 points and 14 assists and a second straight, 14 point, 10 rebound outing from Winston Smith, who's quickly turning out to be our biggest surprise early in the season.

101-94's the final in our win over Washington, Paulinho Buboltz leading the way with 24 points and 13 assists. Kevin Bradford double-doubles with 10 points and 11 rebounds, Patrick Riley adds 16 points and 19 rebounds and Tzvetan Kishishev scores 10 off the bench.

Game two of our seven game road trip is a 102-78 whipping by the Raptors. Mateen Yeaton and Paulinho Buboltz just miss the 20 point mark with 19 a piece, but we flat-out got our asses handed to us in Toronto and that's all there is to it.

The Knicks smack us around 99-87 despite Mateen Yeaton's 25 points and 15 points and 12 rebounds from Patrick Riley. We just really struggle at the forward spots right now and Vinston Henry needs to pick it up or he's going to earn himself a ticket out of here.

We narrowly escape Philadelphia with a 111-110 win powered by Paulinho Buboltz's 36 points and 12 assists, Vinston Henry's 21 points and 14 bench points from Tzvetan Kishishev. But then we come out flat in Boston and the Celtics beat us 108-96, nevermind Mateen Yeaton's 28 points or Patrick Riley's 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Our last hope for a winning record in this brutal road trip comes in a doubleheader against the Heat and the Magic. Miami obliges by falling 96-82 to our three-headed backcourt of Paulinho Buboltz (28 points), Mateen Yeaton (20 points) and Carlton Goree (13 bench points), but Orlando exacts revenge for the earlier loss, beating us 124-114. Nice outing by Mateen Yeaton with 34 points and Paulinho Buboltz and Carlton Goree tried with 14 points and 11 assists and 14 points off the bench respectively, but it just wasn't enough to prevent the 3-4 road record.

Home sweet home sees a relaxing 110-96 throttling of the Suns. Mateen Yeaton's on fire for 39 points, Paulinho Buboltz chips in 15 points and 13 assists and Carlton Goree again leads the reserves with 12 points.

We really suck at playing on the road this year. Seattle just straight rapes us 115-92, even though Mateen Yeaton continues to play his heart out with 26 points, Paulinho Buboltz issues 14 points and 20 assists and Patrick Riley puts up 11 points, 12 rebounds and 6 blocks.

But what a sweet Christmas Eve it is when we outpoint Dallas 109-104 in front of the home crowd. Mateen Yeaton scores 24, Paulinho Buboltz adds 21 points, Vinston Henry shows up for 16 points and 12 rebounds and Carlton Goree plays an early Santa with 10 points and 13 assists as our 6th man. We win on Christmas Day too, California oh so sunny and bright on Christmas night as we trash Golden State 105-84. Paulinho Buboltz is at the forefront with 24 points and 10 assists, but Mateen Yeaton's right behind with 23 points and 11 rebounds and Kevin Bradford breaks through for 22 points. Patrick Riley gets a double-double as well, good for 11 points and 18 rebounds.

We host the 76ers and unkindly beat them 115-102 on Mateen Yeaton's 31 points and Carlton Goree coming to the rescue after Paulinho Buboltz's foul trouble with 21 points and 15 assists. Talk about being the calvalry!

Sadly, the year ends in ice, snow and misery as the Lakers crush us 118-82, 17 points and 13 assists from Paulinho Buboltz and 12 bench points from Winston Smith too meager consolation on New Year's Eve and nothing can salve the pain of losing 95-93 to the Clippers on New Year's Day. 21 points from Mateen Yeaton, 19 points and 10 rebounds from Patrick Riley and Carlton Goree's 13 bench points fall just short of completing the rally against one of the West's best teams.

Despite our difficult December, we still cling to a half-game lead over Utah at 19-12. But Portland's only a game back and Minnesota's lurking a game and a half behind to complete the Northwest staircase.

Dallas is 26-4 and holds a ridiculous 13.5 game lead in their division already. The Clippers lead the Pacific by four games over the surprisingly .500 Kings at 18-12.

Chicago cooled off in December's chill, but they're still 23-5, enjoying a 3.5 game lead on the Bucks. Toronto's firmly returned themselves to the Atlantic throne at 25-7, 6.5 games ahead of the Nets, as the Knicks have completely imploded so far this year and are 13-17. Charlotte's returned to Southeast dominance after a few years of disappearing from the title scene. They're 18-10, 2.5 up on the Hawks.

I'll do comparisons next month. I suppose it doesn't make sense to do Jonte Jones/Marcelino Augusto anymore, though I should mention that Jones broke his hand after 7 games with the Kings and is out another 36 days to boot.

Talk about a tough last few seasons for Jones. But at least he has his ring and Finals MVP award with Denver to show for it.

Talk about me making the smart decision in choosing which of the three to trade.

JetsIn06

12-21-2008, 03:45 AM

Jetsin06: What types of problems are you having?

Haha. Wow. I went to try it to check what error it was and now it works!

I just might have to purchase myself a copy this morning.

JetsIn06

12-21-2008, 04:29 AM

So Izulde...are you a fan of this interface?

I think it looks fantastic but I'm having a little bit of trouble finding my way around.

Izulde

12-21-2008, 01:25 PM

So Izulde...are you a fan of this interface?

I think it looks fantastic but I'm having a little bit of trouble finding my way around.

I like it a lot, yes. There's a bit of a learning curve, but once you get used to the interface, it's quite nice in my opinion. :)

Izulde

12-21-2008, 07:23 PM

Minnesota Timberwolves receive
PG Sam Hamilton
Milwaukee Bucks 2023 2nd round pick

Milwaukee Bucks receive
SG Adam Jones
SF Samaki Hall

What this means for the Timberwolves
Hamilton's a largely unremarkable guard, but neither is he going to hurt Minnesota. Some ability on defense and ballthievery are his highlights.

What this means for the Bucks
Jones is an excellent defender, but that's the only dimension to his game. The 33 year old Hall can play all five positions and still has a respectable outside shot, but he's clearly in the twilight phase of his career.

Winner: Draw
Not an exciting trade for either team and none of these players are going to have an appreciable effect on their new employers.

Boston Celtics receive
SF Ross Crispin

Golden State Warriors receive
SF LeRoy Romano

What this means for the Celtics
The 29 year old Crispin can bring the points off the bench, but he needs to because he's an absolute sieve on the defensive end. He's also a respectable ballhandler.

What this means for the Warriors
Romano can play all five spots, none of them very well and he's particularly bad at shooting. In fact, he's so bad that he's at the end of Golden State's bench, something that doesn't often happen with these types of versatile players.

Winner: Boston
Just from a pure talent standpoint, the Celtics win this one.

San Antonio Spurs receive
PF Todd Dissinger

Miami Heat receive
SF Julian Wright
San Antonio Spurs 2023 2nd round pick

What this means for the Spurs
Dissinger's a proven scorer, even if he's inconsistent and bitched and bitched until he got out of Miami, especially after losing his starting job with the Heat. The change of scenery suits both him and the Spurs, as he'll step in as San Antonio's new starting C. Oh yes, there's also that lovely $8.6 million expiring contract. Won't grab a ton of rebounds or win any defensive awards, but he's still an upgrade over what they have now.

What this means for the Heat
Another month, another new lineup card needed. Wright plays great defense, still has good ballhandling skills and does okay on the point-producing end. But he's 35 and he's not happy about being dealt from the Spurs, especially to a team as dysfunctional as the Heat. Miami also gives up $600k in expiring cap space.

Winner: San Antonio
The Spurs could potentially compete for a playoff spot in the watered down West and more cap room is a good thing for next summer, as they're just $1.8 million over the cap right now. Miami adds a player, who, while good, is going to be a malcontent.

Los Angeles Lakers receive
PG Darrell James

Boston Celtics receive
Los Angeles Lakers 2023 2nd round pick

What this means for the Lakers
James is a very solid, durable, all-around veteran reserve guard option. While he never matched the hype that his early years suggested he might have, he's a good roleplayer to have, especially at the price.

What this means for the Celtics
They shed a little salary, get recently acquired Crispin some more minutes and go and grab extremely raw, but but extremely tanatalizing Sveto Lepinat from free agency.

Winner: Draw
James makes a nice pickup... if the Lakers were competing for a playoff spot. Then again, 2nd round picks rarely make it in today's NBA, so it's all a wash, really.

Cleveland Cavaliers receive
SF Luol Deng
Boston Celtics 2023 2nd round pick

Boston Celtics receive
PF Brandon Gladieux

What this means for the Cavaliers
Even at 37, Deng has the defensive knack, four position versatility and scoring ability to still make his presence felt on the court. He's an end-bench player, but if Cleveland runs into any injury problems, he'll be extremely valuable insurance as they try to make a run for the Central.

What this means for the Celtics
2nd year man Gladieux doesn't excite in any facet. Worse still, he's a locker-room cancer and a half. Good idea in theory to interject youth, but he's a scrub he isn't going to get much PT.

Winner: Cleveland
This is the kind of small move that separates the good teams from the bad ones. Great little deal by the Cavaliers to cover themselves in case of disaster to one of their starters or more valued reserves. The fact that they get rid of a draft mistake on top of it makes it all the better.

I'm still looking to make some kind of a deal to bolster us at the forward spot, but for now, I'm going to wait and see.

Things start off well with a 106-73 reaming of the Spurs, Paulinho Buboltz our top man with 27 points and 10 assists. Mateen Yeaton scores 20, Vinston Henry nets 14 points and 11 rebounds and Darren Hare surprises with 11 points off the bench. But the Rockets dismantle us 111-89 the next night, Paulinho Buboltz's 23 points our lone highlight.

It's unacceptable to be playing the type of .500 ball we are, so I go ahead and hunt for an upgrade at forward now rather than later.

Denver Nuggets receive
PF Deon Sterley

Indiana Pacers receive
C Kevin Bradford

What this means for the Nuggets
Sterley, 20, the #4 pick in this year's draft, has first-rate potential, particularly as a monster defender and rebounder, but he's not there yet. He was chained to the bench in Indiana, but this extremely hard-working rookie will be the starting PF in Denver, where the Nuggets are hoping he can be the next Emeka Okafor.

What this means for the Pacers
Bradford quickly wore out his welcome in Denver by not being aggresive enough in shooting and having a limited ceiling. He's perfect for the traditionally big-man parched Pacers, where he'll serve as the team's new 6th man and form an intriguing trio of young bigs in him, James Bellairs and Lee McRae.

Winner: Denver
Rawness aside, we like Sterley's potential a hell of a lot more than Bradford's and he's the perfect fit in Denver. GM Jestor isn't one to sit idly by when the team's struggling and he makes another great deal here.

104-92 loss to Sacramento in our first game, but we're on the road. 19 points and 14 rebounds from Patrick Riley, but that's all she wrote. The next night we whip the Lakers 107-86 on Vinston Henry's best game as a Nugget with 37 points and 10 rebounds. Deon Sterley breaks out for 22 points, Patrick Riley puts up 10 points and 16 rebounds and Carlton Goree scores 11 off the bench.

But we're still not very good this year and we drop a critical 97-84 decision to the Timberwolves. Patrick Riley scores 25, but when Vinston Henry has a 3 for 20 night, you know we're probably going to lose.

Mateen Yeaton rescues us with 43 points against the Warriors as we knock aside Golden State 110-97, Paulinho Buboltz double-doubles for 19 points, 11 assists and Carlton Goree adds 10 points off the bench. We win two games in a row and beat a division opponent for what feels like the first time in forever when we beat Seattle 113-91 the next evening. Patrick Riley rises for 21 points and 13 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scores 24, Paulinho Buboltz makes it 3 20+ point Nuggets with 20 points and 12 assists and Winston Smith leads the bench with 10 points.

A blissful three in a row as we top Memphis 113-100 on Mateen Yeaton's thunderous 38 points, Deon Sterley's 20 points, Patrick Riley's 15 points and 10 rebounds and Paulinho Buoltz's 10 points and 17 assists.

But there's a brutal five game stretch that imperils our win streak, the first against none other than the Mavericks. And indeed, Dallas blows us out 110-85, our lone highlights 12 points, 16 rebounds and 5 blocks from Patrick Riley and Carlton Goree's 13 bench points.

Chicago hammers us by 30, 123-93, as we waste 24 points from Mateen Yeaton, 20 points from Deon Sterley, who's been insanely good for us since coming over from Indiana and Patrick Riley's double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds. We snap back the night after for a 101-88 drubbing of Detroit, Patrick Riley leading the way with 22 points and 14 rebounds. Mateen Yeaton scores 21 and Carlton Goree scores 16 off the bench.

But then we go out and drop both games of the concluding doubleheader. Milwaukee edges us by a single bucket, 99-97, negating Mateen Yeaton's 26 points. The real stunner is the Pacers prevailing 119-103, despite 32 points from Mateen Yeaton, 13 points and 10 assists from Paulinho Buboltz, another double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds from Patrick Riley and Carlton Goree's 10 bench points.

The month's somewhat redeemed by sweeping the final back-to-back. The Knicks go down 109-92 on Mateen Yeaton's 29 points, Patrick Riley's 23 points and 12 rebounds and Winston Smith's exploding off the bench for 19 points. More importantly, we beat the Trailblazers 92-85 in Portland as Paulinho Buboltz scores 24 and Winston Smith grabs an astounding 19 bench rebounds.

In spite of the concluding victory over Portland, we're 2 games back of the Blazers at 27-19, a game ahead of the Jazz, three in front of Minnesota and we'd be the #4 seed if the playoffs were held today. Realistically, I'd have to say that's what we are this season--a mid-tier playoff team.

Dallas is 36-8 and the next 3 teams in the division are all 19-28. Give them the damn title already! The Clippers are 26-19, enjoying a four game edge on Sacramento.

Toronto's wrestled back the East's top seed at 37-9, holding a 9 game divisional lead on the Nets. Chicago's got a 4.5 game advantage on Cleveland at 33-10 and 25-17 Charlotte is 3 games up on Atlanta and Washington.

Paulinho Buboltz
2013 Stats: 82 games/77 starts - 17.0 PPG 9.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.7 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.4 SPG
2015 Stats: 55 games/48 starts - 14.1 PPG 8.3 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 18.3 PPG 8.1 APG 3.3 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.5 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.5 PPG 8.3 APG 3.2 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2019 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.6 PPG 8.1 APG 3.5 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2020 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.8 PPG 7.5 APG 3.3 RPG 0.6 BPG 1.3 SPG
2021 Stats: 44 games/44 starts - 22.3 PPG 7.0 APG 3.6 RPG 0.9 BPG 1.6 SPG (Indiana)
2021 Stats: 36 games/36 starts - 17.8 PPG 8.3 APG 2.9 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.3 SPG (Denver)
2022 Stats: 46 games/46 starts - 16.2 PPG 10.7 APG 2.7 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG

Mateen Yeaton
2013 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.4 APG 5.2 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/80 starts - 23.2 PPG 3.6 APG 5.2 RPG 1.7 BPG 1.3 SPG
2015 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.6 PPG 2.4 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.5 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 25.0 PPG 3.1 APG 4.5 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.8 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 24.4 PPG 3.2 APG 4.9 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.6 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.8 PPG 2.4 APG 4.2 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2019 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.5 APG 4.7 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.6 SPG
2020 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 23.0 PPG 2.7 APG 4.6 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.4 SPG
2021 Stats: 57 games/57 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.8 APG 4.3 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.4 SPG
2022 Stats: 46 games/46 starts - 23.1 PPG 1.9 APG 4.2 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.3 SPG

Marcelino Augusto
2020 Stats: 63 games/63 starts - 26.7 PPG 9.1 RPG 3.1 APG 2.1 BPG 1.0 SPG
2021 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 22.5 PPG 9.7 RPG 2.7 APG 2.3 BPG 0.9 SPG
2022 Stats: 44 games/44 starts - 24.4 PPG 9.8 RPG 3.0 APG 2.9 BPG 1.2 SPG

Jonte Jones
2020 Stats: 66 games/66 starts - 22.2 PPG 12.2 RPG 2.7 APG 1.3 BPG 1.4 SPG
2021 Stats: 56 games/56 starts - 21.2 PPG 13.2 RPG 2.6 APG 1.5 BPG 1.1 SPG
2022 Stats: 22 games/22 starts - 19.2 PPG 11.9 RPG 2.5 APG 0.9 BPG 1.6 SPG

Izulde

12-22-2008, 09:40 PM

Golden State Warriors receive
PG Mark Johnson

Miami Heat receive
PF Clifton Snyder
PF John West

What this means for the Warriors
Johnson is better suited to the two, as his good passing skills are undone by his turnover-proneness. He's got an intriguing, well-balanced shot arsenal with potential to be a scorer and can make the highlight steal, but he gives up a ton of points in the process. The third year player is still very much growing into his game.

What this means for the Heat
Miami seems to have adopted Denver's philosophy of wholesale changes, because here's yet another roster shifting. Snyder is a 6th man with good scoring pop and very good defense and looks like the heir apparent to Mike Vines at PF.. if he stays that long. West can play a little D, but he's here for the $4.1 million expiring contract.

Winner: Miami
The combination of Snyder and the freed up money next summer is worth more than Johnson, who never should've been #1 overall pick. With the Heat just $1 million over the cap right now, Miami might be able to make a run for a decent player in free agency with their impending cap room.

Sacramento Kings receive
SG Steve Neal
Boston Celtics 2023 2nd round pick

Boston Celtics receive
SG Chris Carr
SF Gary LaFlem

What this means for the Kings
Neal's a great defensive boost for the Kings bench and will add a few points on the board, but he's also 33. At least he comes cheap, being on a veteran min-sal. The 2nd round pick is likely to be fairly high.

What this means for the Celtics
Carr's a former 2nd round pick and a scrub even at the D-League level. LaFlem can play a little defense, but he's also a 2nd round pick (in his second season) and is almost as bad as Carr. He's sitting on the inactive list.

Winner: Sacramento
The Kings see some improvement out of the trade, whereas the Celtics actually get worse. Maybe they're tanking for a higher percentage in the lottery, because that's the only way this deal makes sense for Boston.

Washington Wizards receive
SF Ron McPherson

Chicago Bulls receive
C Marcel Mance
Washington Wizards 2023 1st round pick

What this means for the Wizards
Washington's desparate to get into the playoffs and McPherson's a phenomenal defender with some great scoring ability who busts his butt every night on the court and in practice. What's shocking is that the Wizards are burying him on the middle of their bench.

What this means for the Bulls
McPherson was angry about not cracking into the starting lineup in Chicago, so the Bulls spun him into Mance, still an extremely capable all around big man at 33 and a probable mid-1st round pick. Mance also has just two years left on his contract, as opposed to 4 for McPherson.

Winner: Chicago
Excellent spin move by the Bulls, getting some good value for McPherson, especially when his trade was a fait accompli. Tipping the trade even more in Chicago's favor is Washington's mishandling of McPherson, who should by all rights be a starter.

Detroit Pistons receive
PG Derrick Sterett

New Jersey Nets receive
C Dan Jacobson
Detroit Pistons 2023 2nd round pick

What this means for the Pistons
Sterett is a sensational ballthief and a smart player who can score some points. Not a first offense option and not a great floor general, though. He's worth $11.5 million off the books next summer, which may be his greatest value for the Pistons. As is, he'll be the first guard off the bench and a defensive upgrade when he goes in for starter Craig Shehan.

What this means for the Nets
Jacobson is huge at 7'3, 290 lbs and even at 35, he's a tough-nosed defender and shotblocker able to produce a few points and grab a few rebounds. He's a big player for New Jersey's bench and gives them a much needed defensive force. On the other hand, he's on a two year deal, so New Jersey gives up some financial flexibility in the deal.

Winner: Detroit
The money off the books tips this in the Pistons' favor, though the deal's an improvement for each team.

Funny to see a couple of former Nuggets move. I always did like Jacobson, even if I didn't think he was the answer for as the starting C. He and Victor Gipson remind me a lot of each other, actually, though Jacobson's better on the defensive end, whereas Gipson is a more reliable option on offense.

I'm pondering a move at the trade deadline, but I'm not quite sure yet. There's a player who's on the verge of getting kicked out the door, especially since he could bring us some excellent dividends.

February starts with a 103-81 reaming of Golden State, led by Mateen Yeaton's 30 points and Patrick Riley's 21 points and 10 rebounds. Carlton Goree gets 17 points and 9 assists off the bench and Winston Smith adds 12 points of his own.

An important divisional doubleheader ends in a split. We spank the Jazz 110-79 on Mateen Yeaton's second straight 30 point game, Vinston Henry's 23 points and 11 rebounds, Paulinho Buboltz's 13 points and 12 assists, and Carlton Goree and Winston Smith headlining the reserves again with 18 and 12 points respectively. Then Minnesota gives us our own medicine in an embarassing 104-76 loss in Minneapolis that's completely highlight-less. Easily our worst game of the season.

Following that performance, I strike a trade and get a player I've coveted before in previous discussions with a certain team as well as bring back an old favorite.

Denver Nuggets receive
PF Tim Butler
C David Jackson
New Orleans Hornets 2023 1st round pick

New Orleans Hornets receive
SF Vinston Henry
C Patrick Riley
Sacramento Kings 2024 2nd round pick
Sacramento Kings 2025 2nd round pick

What this means for the Nuggets
Oh, the irony. Two years after trading away Marcelino Augusto in part because of size concerns, the Nuggets pick up another talented, small young PF in Butler, who's just 6'8, but packs 228 pounds of muscle as opposed to Augusto's 217 frame over an inch more. Butler's a dynamite scorer with adequate defense and rebounding skills and a first-class chemistry guy. He's also a pretty good passer and ballhandler for a big man. He'll start at the 4, moving Deon Sterley out to the 3. 50 Ninja returns to Denver and at long last, he'll get wish to be a starter again, sliding in as the Nuggets' starting five after being denied a starting spot in New Orleans following Victor Gipson's mid-level exemption signing with the Hornets last summer. The 1st round pick is an almost certain lottery selection to boot.

What this means for the Hornets
Henry's subpar defense and shooting woes ran him out of Denver, but he's still growing into his immense offensive and rebounding talents and he'll be an adequate defender by the time he's developing. He's the perfect fit for the rebuilding Hornets and will take over at the 3. Riley's trade is a surprise, since GM Jestor is said to have really liked him, but he'll instantly stabilize the Hornets and give them a powerful inside force they've haven't had in years and years.

Winner: Draw
Jestor wants to win now, but we're not sure if Jackson + Butler > Riley and Henry. At the very least, it's reducing the highlight defense play to a significant degree. In terms of overall defense, that's a push as well. For actual offense, however, this looks like a poor man's version of the Mateen Yeaton/Marcelino Augusto pairing of years past. And of course, having the outspoken Jackson back in Denver and happily starting will be a major lockerroom benefit. The lottery pick is going to be huge, provided Jestor selects the right player. On the other hand, the Hornets position themselves to be a potential playoff team, possibly in as soon as two or three seasons, so this blockbuster works for both franchises.

It's a new lineup so I'm expecting a few bumpy spots. Hence, our 108-101 road loss to Cleveland doesn't unduly disturb me, especially not when Tim Butler scores 21 in his Nuggets debut and David Jackson celebrates his return to Denver with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Our other highlights are Mateen Yeaton's 23 points and Carlton Goree's 10 bench points.

Despite a furious rally by the Nets, we stop them 112-110 in New Jersey on Tim Butler's 31 points, David Jackson's 17 points and 10 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton's 20 points, Paulinho Buboltz's 14 points and 11 assists and Carlton Goree's 12 bench points. Once our team chemistry gets sorted out and these guys get used to playing with each other, I think we're going to be a great team.

106-97 earns us a win over the Hawks in Atlanta, David Jackson putting up 18 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocks. Tim Butler grabs 15 points and 10 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scores 20 and Carlton Goree adds 10 points off the bench. Unfortunately, jet lag takes over as we lose the next night to Charlotte, 112-107 in OT after blowing a fourth quarter lead. Thus we do spoil Tim Butler's 20 points, Mateen Yeaton's 25 points, Paulinho Buboltz's 18 points and 11 assists and 12 bench points a piece from Carlton Goree and Mark Lyles.

The Sophomores win out 98-92 over the Rookies. Deon Sterley started for the Rooks and had a horrible shooting night, just 3 of 10 for 6 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and a block. Joem Layne was even worse off the bench: 2 of 7 for 4 points, 2 rebound and 2 assists. Kevin Bradford didn't play because of a sprained finger. Man, I'm glad I traded him if he was going to be such a wuss bout that kind of thing.

Filip Mikulic is the All-Star MVP with 21 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds and a steal as the West thumps the East 103-89. In a complete BS move, Mateen Yeaton didn't get named to the All-Star game, though Jonte Jones and Marcelino Augusto did, as a reserve and starter respectively. In fact, not a single Nugget made the All-Star team.

Jim O'Brien sells the boys the disrespect angle and Mateen Yeaton bombs Boston for 39 points and 8 rebounds in our wild 130-121 victory over the Celtics. Tim Butler contributes 26 points and 11 rebounds, Paulinho Buboltz has 14 points and 11 assists, Carlton Goree issues 10 points and 10 assists from the bench and Winston Smith comes up with exactly 10 points as well.

It's the trade deadline and we make another small deal.

Denver Nuggets receive
PG Jeremy Steele
Phoenix Suns 2025 2nd round pick

Phoenix Suns receive
SG Mark Lyles

What this means for the Nuggets
Steele is a capable veteran guard, as the 30 year old is a good ballhandler with some defensive ability and an absolutely nasty 3 point shot. The deal also frees up some more PT for GM Jestor favorite Tzvetan Kishishev and the 2nd rounder is future trade bait.

What this means for the Suns
Lyles may not have as polished a game as Steele, but he's 5 years younger and is more accurate from FG range by a significant amount.

Winner: Denver
A tiny trade, one that could pay bigger dividends than it first appears for the Nuggets, who have been struggling all season long to get into a consistent rhythm.

Our biggest margin of victory since the blockbuster comes with a 120-101 win over Memphis. Tim Butler plays beautifully with 29 points and 11 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scores 23, Paulinho Buboltz magnificiently double-doubles with 24 points and 14 assists and Carlton Goree scores 12 bench points. The biggest story of the game for me, however, is Tzvetan Kishishev taking advantage of his increased PT to lead the second unit with 14 points. Now that's what I'm talking about.

The Hornets are fired up to play us in New Orleans, but we come back in the 4th quarter to escape with a 100-98 win on the wings of Tim Butler and Mateen Yeaton each scoring 22 points, Paulinho Buboltz with 11 points and 14 assists and excellent reserve play. Tzvetan Kishishev and Carlton Goree each score 10 off the bench and Winston Smith pulls down 12 boards.

February finishes fantastically with a 110-97 flooding of the Hawks. Paulinho Buboltz comes alive for 29 points and 13 assists, Mateen Yeaton scores 23, Tim Butler nets 17 points and 11 rebounds and Carlton Goree and Tzvetan Kishishev score 15 and 10 points respectively off the bench. That's three straight double-digit point nights for our Bulgarian since the deadline deal, in case you hadn't noticed.

Our terrific run of form since the All-Star break sees us at 35-22, two games back of Portland. Perhaps more notably, we're five and five a half respectively of the Timberwolves and Jazz, putting us very solidly in second place as we stalk the Trailblazers.

Dallas is 45-10, a sterling 24 games ahead of the Rockets and the Grizzlies. The 33-24 Clippers are fending off the Kings by 3.5 games in the Pacific.

Out East, the Raptors still rule at 45-11, a nice 11.5 games in front of the Nets. The Bulls run at 40-14, 4.5 ahead of the Cavaliers and the Bobcats hold a slim game and a half edge on the Magic at 32-22.

NBA Leaders

Points
T1. Justin Richler (TOR) - 27.5
T1. Nigel Abel (IND) - 27.5
3. Filip Mikulic (HOU) - 26.3
T4. Marcelino Augusto (DAL) - 24.6
T4. David Anyan (TOR) - 24.6
8. Mateen Yeaton (DEN) 23.3

Assists
1. Bernard Kelly (MEM) - 13.4
2. Branko Starcevic (SEA) - 12.4
3. Corey Neal (NJ) - 11.0
6. Paulinho Buboltz (DEN) - 10.5
8. Zelipe Gama (DAL) - 9.8

Rebounds
1. Greg Oden (TOR) - 15.2
2. Dontay Williamson (LAC) - 14.7
3. Jonte Jones (SAC) - 13.3

Blocks
1. Dontay Williamson (LAC) - 3.9
2. Walter Hicks (NJ) - 3.4
3. Milan Nouge (PHO) - 3.3
4. Patrick Riley (NO) - 3.2
9. Marcelino Augusto (DAL) - 2.7

Steals
1. Walter Hicks (NJ) - 2.1
T2. Kueth Hill (LAC) - 1.9
T2. Kyle Smith (CLE) - 1.9

Rookies Leaders

Points
1. John Walker (BOS) - 9.7
2. Teddy Harriman (NO) - 9.1
3. Kevin Bradford (IND) - 8.9
5. Deon Sterley (DEN) - 6.8

Assists
1. Teddy Harriman (NO) - 4.0
2. Tom Singletary (NO) - 3.7
3. Andre Harper (CLE) - 2.3

Rebounds
1. John Walker (BOS) - 6.3
2. Kevin Bradford (IND) - 6.0
3. Mark Vlasto (LAL) - 5.5

Blocks
1. Deon Sterley (DEN) - 1.4
T2. John Walker (BOS) - 1.0
T2. Billy Cullen (ATL) - 1.0

Steals
1. Kevin Bradford (IND) - 0.8
2. Deon Sterley (DEN) - 0.7
T3. Mark Vlasto (LAL) - 0.6
T3. Teddy Harriman (NO) - 0.6

D-League Report
The Colorado Timberjacks are 21-14, leading the West and the L.A. Sea Dogs by 4.5 games. Their success is thanks in no small part to Nuggets Darren Davis, who's averaging 11.2 points, 3.9 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 0.6 steals as the starting PG and Jonathan Hill, the team MVP as the starting PF with 13.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.4 blocks and 0.9 steals. He's also shooting an impressive 62.6% from the field and is 13th in the D-League in scoring.

Paulinho Buboltz
2013 Stats: 82 games/77 starts - 17.0 PPG 9.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.7 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.4 SPG
2015 Stats: 55 games/48 starts - 14.1 PPG 8.3 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 18.3 PPG 8.1 APG 3.3 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.5 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.5 PPG 8.3 APG 3.2 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2019 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.6 PPG 8.1 APG 3.5 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2020 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.8 PPG 7.5 APG 3.3 RPG 0.6 BPG 1.3 SPG
2021 Stats: 44 games/44 starts - 22.3 PPG 7.0 APG 3.6 RPG 0.9 BPG 1.6 SPG (Indiana)
2021 Stats: 36 games/36 starts - 17.8 PPG 8.3 APG 2.9 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.3 SPG (Denver)
2022 Stats: 57 games/57 starts - 16.0 PPG 10.5 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG

Mateen Yeaton
2013 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.4 APG 5.2 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/80 starts - 23.2 PPG 3.6 APG 5.2 RPG 1.7 BPG 1.3 SPG
2015 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.6 PPG 2.4 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.5 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 25.0 PPG 3.1 APG 4.5 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.8 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 24.4 PPG 3.2 APG 4.9 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.6 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.8 PPG 2.4 APG 4.2 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2019 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.5 APG 4.7 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.6 SPG
2020 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 23.0 PPG 2.7 APG 4.6 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.4 SPG
2021 Stats: 57 games/57 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.8 APG 4.3 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.4 SPG
2022 Stats: 57 games/57 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.0 APG 4.2 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.3 SPG

Marcelino Augusto
2020 Stats: 63 games/63 starts - 26.7 PPG 9.1 RPG 3.1 APG 2.1 BPG 1.0 SPG
2021 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 22.5 PPG 9.7 RPG 2.7 APG 2.3 BPG 0.9 SPG
2022 Stats: 55 games/55 starts - 24.6 PPG 10.0 RPG 3.1 APG 2.7 BPG 1.1 SPG

Jonte Jones
2020 Stats: 66 games/66 starts - 22.2 PPG 12.2 RPG 2.7 APG 1.3 BPG 1.4 SPG
2021 Stats: 56 games/56 starts - 21.2 PPG 13.2 RPG 2.6 APG 1.5 BPG 1.1 SPG
2022 Stats: 32 games/32 starts - 19.7 PPG 13.3 RPG 2.7 APG 0.8 BPG 1.4 SPG

I'm thrilled with how we're playing right now. For the first time all season, it feels like we have the talent and cohesiveness to win our division and make some noise in the playoffs. Beat Dallas? Probably not, but a trip to the conference finals certainly seems within reach now, where it didn't before.

And it's amazing how much cozier things seems with Tim Butler and a happy 50 Ninja.

Izulde

12-23-2008, 03:14 PM

50 Ninja Guarantees Division Title; #2 Playoff Seed

David Jackson hasn't been back in Denver very long, but he's already back to his old voluble self after two half-seasons of silence in New Orleans.

"We're going to win the Northwest and get the number two seed", the outspoken Jackson said, "Dallas, it's too late in the season to catch them, but by the end of the year, Portland's gonna be looking up at us and we're going to be the #2 team."

Indeed, there's reason to believe in Jackson's optimism. The deal that returned 50 Ninja to the Nuggets also netted Tim Butler, a 24 year old PF in his 5th season who reminds a lot of people of a certain Brazilian that used to play in the Mile High City.

Unlike Augusto, Butler is a team player, a charismatic young man who recognizes that these are Yeaton's Nuggets and will be until the superstar shooting guard retires.

"That's the one thing Marcelino didn't recognize. This is Mateen's team and it's always been Mateen's team ever since he stepped on the court", Jackson noted, "And Timmy B is just the coolest cat ever. When we found out we were going to Denver, he started pumping me for information about everybody, what it was like, that kind of stuff. Then the first day we get here, he goes and introduces himself to like, everybody. The other players, the coaches, the GM, hell, even the ticket people and the janitors."

Not only did Butler introduce himself to virtually everyone in the organization, it was apparent from the first day of practice that he has natural leadership, the kind that will see him be named team captain once Yeaton retires. In short, he's the star on which Denver's future hangs. GM Jestor is said to be so taken with Butler that he may well stay on in Denver after Yeaton's retirement, rather than moving to another team as rumored.

"He's a special kind of player", Hornets GM Jeff Bower noted, "Jestor's been after him for a few seasons now, but we refused to give him up until we got the kind of package we were looking for and I'll be the first to admit that this may be our own Augusto moment."

Not only is Butler a perfect fit for the Nuggets, helping them to an excellent 6-2 run since coming to Denver, including a 4-0 mark since the All-Star break, he, rookie Deon Sterley, acquired earlier in the year from Indiana, and the expected lottery pick from the Hornets in next year's draft will pave the way for continued Denver divisional dominance.

While the season still has yet to finish playing out, Jestor certainly appears to have made the moves to make Denver capable of delivering on Jackson's bold prediction, if not challenge for a return to the Finals and a ring.

***End Article***

I still can't believe the Hornets finally gave up Timmy B and a lottery pick on top of it. Vinston Henry was getting more consistent, but still nowhere near what we expected out of him and Patrick Riley aggravated me a little bit with his underachieving relative to his ridiculous talent.

It's a terrific feeling as we head into March.

Let's see what else went down in the tradewinds.

Chicago Bulls receive
PF Antonio Sarchet
Phoenix Suns 2023 2nd round pick

Phoenix Suns receive
PG Filip Svorda
C Damon Fuhs

What this means for the Bulls
Sarchet, 26 and in his 7th season, is an obscenely good shooter, as in a career 60.7% good. He's also a supreme rebounder, though don't expect him to be anything more than average on the defensive end. At 6'8, 239 lbs, he's a short, young, muscular, high-scoring four in the mold of Marcelino Augusto and Tim Butler, even if those others differ in their secondary skill set. This acquisition shifts Terry Vinson to the bench, which will greatly enhance the Bulls' reserves.

What this means for the Suns
Fuhs can rebound and play some D, but that's all the 24 year old can do. Sadly enough, he's now Phoenix's starting C, as Milan Nouge was lost for the year with a torn MCL. Worse still for Suns fans, 38 year old Andrea Bargnani is now the starting PF. 26 year old Svorda's got good offense game, great passing and ballhandling skills, excellent stealing talents and a very good understanding of the game. Yet, the Suns aren't starting him at PG and having Jon Ward at the 2, which would make the most sense.

Winner: Chicago
The Bulls' wise use of Sarchet makes this a slam dunk, especially when the Suns are being equally foolish in their mishandling of Svorda, who also lost his starting job in Chicago to a less worthy guard. Can the Czech be destined for Denver in a season or two? He fits the GM Jestor mode of under-utilized pass-first PG.

Charlotte Bobcats receive
PG Caleb James

New Orleans Hornets receive
PG Tom Singletary
SG Larry Dove

What this means for the Bobcats
James is a pretty good PG right now at 22 and the third year man has the upside to become one of the top PGs in the league by the time he's done developing. A very sweet shooting stroke, good passing and handling skills and yet another possible master of the steal, who's locked in to a multi-year deal at an extremely reasonable rate.

What this means for the Hornets
The rookie Singletary is weak on the defensive end, but he's got enough scoring pop and floor generalship to be a worthy reserve, which is what he'll be for the Hornets. Dove is a $3.1 million inactive expiring contract.

Winner: Charlotte
Yes, New Orleans has a glut of promising young guards, but they could've gotten more value than what they did for James. Singletary should never be a starter and the money from Dove's contract won't even come close enough to making the Hornets a free agent player. Charlotte, in counterpoint, has their PG now and for the future.

Charlotte Bobcats receive
PF Brandan Wright
Houston Rockets 2023 2nd round pick

Houston Rockets receive
PF LaMarcus Aldridge
PF Tyrus Thomas
SF Jarrod Owens

What this means for the Bobcats
Owens was cut by Houston and re-signed with Charlotte, so they really only give up Aldridge and Thomas to get Wright and the 2nd rounder. The 34 year old is a very good all-around player, particularly on the defensive end and steps in as Charlotte's starting 3. Plus, Wright's expiring contract is worth $2 million more than Thomas + Aldridge combined.

What this means for the Rockets
Aldridge is an average all-around player at 37, but still manages to be a starting PF. We like Thomas a lot better, particularly for his defensive toughness, but the Rockets are making him a reserve. The decision to add a pair of 37 year olds and give up $2 million in expiring cap room is a strange one for a team that's destined for the lottery, but Houston hasn't been a good team since the days of Yao.

Winner: Charlotte
That's two great pickups by the Bobcats this month and they should be able to clinch the Southeast with ease now. We really applaud the work of Steve Kerr.

Crazy how many of Augusto's type have been traded for this year, but his success really revolutionized the league and changed a lot of GMs' thinking about just how big a PF needs to be to star in the NBA. Even mine, obviously, or I wouldn't be so enthused about Timmy B.

A thrilling shootout is March's opening act and it's a 131-120 victory over the Pacers. Mateen Yeaton scores 33, Deon Sterley shows some flash of promise with 25 points and 10 rebounds, Paulinho Buboltz distributes 13 points and 14 assists and Tzvetan Kishishev and Carlton Goree score 13 and 11 points off the bench respectively. Four in a row for our Bulgarian.

Defense dazzles in our 92-78 victory over the Clippers, as we finally give ourselves legitimacy by beating up one of the conference's best teams. Mateen Yeaton leads us with 31 points, Tim Butler puts up 21 points and 13 rebounds, Paulinho Buboltz adds 14 points and 12 assists and Tzvetan Kishishev makes it five games in a row with 11 bench points.

We blow out the Traiblazers 116-96 in one of our biggest games of the year, if not the biggest. Paulinho Buboltz garners 24 points and 14 assists, Mateen Yeaton scores 22, Deon Sterley doubles for 11 points and 10 rebounds, Carlton Goree scores a sensational 18 reserve points and Tzvetan Kishishev extends his double-digit point streak to six games, scoring 11.

Our torrid run continues with a doubleheader sweep. Mateen Yeaton lights up San Antonio for 39 points in our 100-87 win, Paulinho Buboltz his sidekick with 19 points and 13 assists, even as Tzvetan Kishishev's streak comes to an end with a goose egg. No worries. It's Mateen Yeaton who blisters the Suns for 27 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 6 blocks in our 111-98 trampling of Phoenix, Tim Butler contributing 24 points and 10 rebounds. Carlton Goree's our top reserve this time, scoring 12.

The Bobcats give us a hell of a fight, but we prevail 102-95 on Mateen Yeaton's 28 points, Paulinho Buboltz's 14 points and 12 assists and Carlton Goree's 10 bench points.

It's even sweeter when we out and out embarass the Clippers 110-77, as Paulinho Buboltz devastates the Red and White for 32 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals and Tim Butler hammers them for 30 points. Talk about the hammer and anvil!

Mateen Yeaton singlehandedly crushes the Bucks for 37 points in our 118-80 laugher over Milwaukee, but credit also goes to reserves Carlton Goree and Winston Smith with 11 and 12 points respectively.

A sensational second half comeback to tie it up in regulation and a heartstopping OT period writes the script for our electric 107-106 win over the Wizards to keep our unbeaten streak alive. Tim Butler thunders for 30 points and 14 rebounds and Paulinho Buboltz powers his way to 27 points and 13 assists.

We lose for the first time since the All-Star break in our next game, a heartbreaking 115-112 loss to the Lakers in which Mateen Yeaton scores 34, Tim Butler adds 21 points and Winston Smith leads the second team with 10 points. I'm not complaining one bit, though, because that win streak was good for 13 games, one of the longest consecutive victory runs we've had since I've been here. In a year where I thought we were finished as a dynamite team, that says and means a lot.

I'm thrilled to see us shrug off the loss and go out and whip Jonte Jones and Kenny Graham and the Kings 119-88 a couple nights later. Mateen Yeaton pumps in 33 points, Tim Butler scores 20, Paulinho Buboltz double-doubles for 13 points and 15 assists and Tzvetan Kishishev gets back to scoring form with 11 bench points.

The Suns stun us 107-89 in Phoenix as we suffer through an ironically icy night from everyone but Mateen Yeaton, who finishes with 27 points. I'm not concerned. Games like this happen.

But then we lose 108-99 to the Jazz in Utah and I'm starting to get a touch worried about our focus after our amazing 13 game stretch after the All-Star break. Hard to blame Mateen Yeaton (21 points), David Jackson (10 points, 18 rebounds), Carlton Goree (11 bench points) or Winston Smith (12 bench points), though.

We split the back-to-back at the end of the month. Smashing the Spurs 107-74 is good, David Jackson showing off his ninja skills with 22 points and 13 rebounds, Paulinho Buboltz cobbling together 10 points and 12 assists and Tzvetan Kishishev scoring 11 off the bench, but the Traiblazers destroy us 113-84 in Portland. Our road woes are creeping up on us again, as once again we play like crap except for Mateen Yeaton (20 points) away from Denver.

The really infuriating thing? Despite our electric performance, we're still 2 bloody games behind Portland!. Even more annoying, Utah's staying in contention, just four games back of us. Dallas has their division clinched at 56-16 and all but mathematically have the #1 seed, as Portland's 48-24. The Clippers are 42-31, 2.5 in front of the surging Kings, who have salvaged their season to a 40-34 record to this point.

Unless we totally bomb the last ten games, we should be able to have the #3 seed at least, although I'd feel a -lot- better if we could win the division and have the #2 seed, especially given our 17-19 road record.

New Orleans, incidentally, has the worst record in the West at 17-55 and are the second-worst team in the league behind 17-57 Miami.

Speaking of the East, 56-16 Toronto's clinched the Atlantic. Chicago, 51-21, is 6.5 in front of Cleveland and 43-29 Charlotte has expanded their lead over Orlando to 4.5 games.

I still feel like we can win the Northwest, but we have to heat up again and Portland needs to cool off some.

Izulde

12-25-2008, 10:38 PM

Time to get the fire going.

Splitting a back-to-back is not a good way to start things off, especially when both games are winnable. We beat Memphis 116-106 in OT on Tim Butler's 32 points and 10 rebounds and Tzvetan Kishishev's 16 bench points, but the Hornets sting us in Quarters 1 and 4 to buzz away with the 113-101 victory, negating Mateen Yeaton's 23 points and Paulinho Buboltz's 20 points and 12 assists.

Then again, both those games were on the road and it's little surprise that we lose the front end of the next back-to-back, because it's... yep, on the road. 108-80 stinkbomb fall to the Timberwolves, Tzvetan Kishishev and Carlton Goree's 10 and 12 bench points all you need to know about how badly we played. Then we go home and neutralize Seattle 95-83 as Mateen Yeaton scores 24 and we get a pair of double-doubles from Deon Sterley (12 points, 14 rebounds, 5 blocks) and David Jackson (12 points, 11 rebounds).

Mateen Yeaton scores 21 and Carlton Goree and Winston Smith add 13 and 18 points off the bench respectively to key us to a 113-103 win over Golden State that's naturally at home.

Two nights later, still in Denver, our three headed monster of Mateen Yeaton (33 points), Tim Butler (24 points) and Paulinho Buboltz (22 points) takes care of the Hornets 111-87. I wish I could figure out why we suck so bad on the road, but I'll take what we're doing at home thus far.

It's freaky how schizo we are at home versus the road. Paulinho Buboltz erupts for 35 points and 16 assists in our 124-72 obliteration of the Grizzlies, Mateen Yeaton and Carlton Goree his assistants with 27 points and 11 bench respectively. Then we go out the next night and get lost in Houston, the Rockets torpedoing us 116-88. Mateen Yeaton scores 25 and David Jackson nets 15 points and 11 rebounds, but I don't know if the boys are out getting drunk before games or what in cities not named Denver.

With two games left in the season, we're 51-29 and are guaranteed at least the 4 seed. Portland's half a game in front of us at 51-28, while the Clippers are still within striking distance of a 3 seed at 49-31. So basically, to have any shot at the division, we need to win out and to lock up the 3 seed, we have to win at least one of the two.

Away game: Phoenix
Home game: Portland

I actually see us splitting this the other way, beating the Suns and losing to the Blazers.

We torch the Suns 113-91, Mateen Yeaton rising to the occasion with 33 points, Carlton Goree issuing 10 assists off the bench and Tzvetan Kishishev and Winston Smith pulling the unusual trick of double bench rebounds at 11 and 12 a piece.

So we're guaranteed the #3 seed and now face Portland at home, who we're still a half-game behind. Mateen Yeaton plays one of the best games of his career with 40 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 blocks and we go on to smash Portland to a pulp, 121-94. Paulinho Buboltz fires away for 22 points and 13 assists and Carlton Goree and Tzvetan Kishishev score 13 and 10 points off the bench.

Thus, we're now a half-game ahead of Portland and I'm not sure who wins the tiebreaker if we both end up 53-29. We do end up tied, as the Traiblazers beat the Lakers in their final game of the regular season. Now we just have to wait to see who gets the division and the #2 seed.

It's the Denver Nuggets! After a one year absence, we're again back as Northwest Division champions and the #2 seed in the playoffs!!!

Huge, huge, -huge- relief, especially after we finished with a 19-22 record on the road versus 34-7 at home.

West Conference Seeds
1. Dallas Mavericks (66-16)
2. Denver Nuggets (53-29)
3. Portland Trailblazers (53-29)
4. Los Angeles Clippers (50-32)
5. Utah Jazz (46-36)
6. Sacramento Kings (45-37)
7. Minnesota Timberwolves (45-37)
8. Memphis Grizzlies (35-47)

East Conference Seeds
1. Toronto Raptors (65-17)
2. Chicago Bulls (56-26)
3. New York Knicks (50-32)
4. Charlotte Bobcats (49-33)
5. Cleveland Cavaliers (48-34)
6. New Jersey Nets (47-35)
7. Orlando Magic (43-39)
8. Washington Wizards (42-40)

New Orleans Hornets just barely finish with the second-worst record in the league, with one less win than the Suns. The Heat, naturally, hold the worst record and hopefully they'll be just as terrible next year as well, when we hold that pick too.

Izulde

12-27-2008, 12:13 AM

"For what seems like the hundredth year in a row, the Denver Nuggets open the playoff with a series against a divisional opponent. This season, it's the Minnesota Timberwolves and if projections hold, the Nuggets will face another divisional foe, the Portland Trailblazers, in the second round.

It's been a topsy-turvsy year in Denver, with multiple trades and lineup changes, but the Nuggets coaching staff and front office, including GM Jestor, believe they've assembled a unit that can at least match last season's West Conference Finals appearance and prevent an increasing decline from the team that won three straight championships and appeared in six consecutive NBA Finals.

Point Guard
Paulinho Buboltz vs. Major Drayton
Buboltz's scoring average hit its lowest point since his injury-shortened 2015 season, when he averaged 14.1 points in 55 games with the Pacers. But his 16.3 points per game is made up for in part by his career-high 10.2 assists, the first time in his career he's broken the double-digit assist barrier. The most successful 5'11 point guard in the league, with deft theft hands, as his 1.2 regular season steals show.

35 year old Drayton has been a Timberwolf his entire 14 years in the league, ever since he was drafted 7th overall in 2009. He's been the starter most of that time as well, despite the fact that scouts hate him and say he's not a legitimate starting PG. But despite the scorn of the evaluators, he flat-out produces, putting up 11 points, 10.2 assists, 1.1 blocks and a steal this year. He's also got four inches on the Brazilian Buboltz, but is much thinner. If the experts' assessment about his defensive ability is correct, he'll get lit up.

Advantage: Nuggets

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Bryan Young
Speaking of aging guards who seem to have a fountain of youth in their backyards, 34 year old Yeaton shrugged off the naysayers and put up an impressive 24.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.3 steals during the regular season. His defense is declining, as he's a step slower each year, and there's questions about his playoff shooting after last year's struggles, but we're convinced he's focused and determined after connecting on 51.9% of his shots this year.

Young is fairly young at 26, but he finds way to stop opponents from scoring without making any flashy plays. He's a scoring machine himself, as his 21.3 regular season points indicate. On the other hand, he's a terrible ballhandler and passer and he's 6'3. He's also not the most accurate shooter on the planet.

Advantage: Nuggets

Small Forward
Deon Sterley vs. Josh Smith
The rookie Sterley showed flashes of talent and an accurate shot after coming from Indiana in a trade for fellow Top 5 draftee Kevin Bradford, occasionally putting together a breakout game. His 8.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks may not look all that impressive, but he's still growing into his talents and is a solid player on the defensive end right now. Given a few more years in the league, especially if he manages to stay a starter, he should be a notable force.

Smith is on the opposite end of the career spectrum, as the 37 year old is in his 19th season and will probably be hanging it up soon. That said, he's still got a respectable all-around game and is a ferocious shotblocker, averaging 10.2 points, 2 blocks and a steal in the first 82 games.

Advantage: Draw

Power Forward
Tim Butler vs. Kelvin Moody
Timmy B, as he's popularly called, has very quickly won the hearts of Nuggets Nation with his thunderous dunks, quicksilver rebounding and charismatic demeanor, always deferring praise to his teammates and the coaching staff and making it clear from Day One in Denver that he reveres Yeaton as the leader of the team. He doesn't make headlines on the defensive end, but his deceiving 17.6 points and 8.1 rebounds are all the Nuggets need out of the undersized power forward.

The 33 year old Moody, another careerlong Timberwolf (3rd overall, 2008), is even more revered in Minneapolis than Kevin Garnett was. He's a phenomenal scorer, a perennial All-Star, All-NBA Team and All-Defense Team member and arguably the single best PF in the entire league not named Marcelino Augusto. 21.5 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.5 blocks for the regular season record are impressive, but despite his equally good playoff outings in the past, he's being dogged by the same questions that haunted Garnett: Can he lead the T-Wolves past an early exit from the playoffs? Thus far in his career, the answer's been no, as the furthest Minnesota's gotten is the second round in 2011 and 2019.

Advantage: Timberwolves

Center
David Jackson vs. Federico Gomez
50 Ninja is known more for his outspoken personality and his gold-certified rap albums than his basketball play, but he has an uncanny knack for drawing fouls and he's got the best hands of any big man in the league, which works extremely well in the Nuggets' offense. 8.2 points and 8 rebounds don't look that great, but he only started 58 games and when he gets hot and aggressive with his shots, the opposition's in trouble.

Gomez was once tabbed by GM Jestor as the best player in his class, but the Argentinian, taken 16th overall by the Celtics in 2009, didn't really get his shot until 2016, when he took over as a half-time starter for the Timberwolves for the second time and managed to keep it next year in training camp. Despite being just 6'9 and 217 lbs, he's managed to hold his own against the elite big men of the league, averaging 15.2 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks and 1.4 steals this year and earning All-NBA honors the past two seasons. Like Drayton, the scouts hate him and he'd never start at the five for the size-loving Nuggets, but you can't deny his production or his career 55.1% shooting in the playoffs.

Advantage: Timberwolves

Bench
Carlton Goree is the straw that stirs Denver's reserve drink, averaging 9.1 points, 4.9 assists and 1.3 steals off the bench. A very good passer and shooter with deadly stealing skills and solid defense all around who could very well start for some teams in the league. Big (7'4, 267 lbs) 30 year old Winston Smith was the season's biggest surprise, a free-agent afterthought min-sal signing who came out of nowhere to average 5.8 points and 5.4 rebounds while playing tenacious defense. 25 year old Bulgarian Tzvetan Kishishev flourished in scoring after a deadline deal freed up more PT for him and he averaged 5.1 points while playing suffocating defense.

Sam Hamilton was Minnesota's top-scoring reserve with 5.8 points and Lavell Ledbetter is an excellent rebounder and absolutely nasty shotblocker, averaging 4.9 rebounds and a staggering 2.1 blocks off the bench. Unfortunately for the T-Wolves, they lack that explosive, go-to scorer off the bench that the Nuggets have, certainly in Goree and potentially in Kishishev as well. That's enough to tip the difference, though Minnesota's reserves are a very good defensive unit overall.

Advantage: Nuggets

Final Thoughts
The Timberwolves hold the advantage in the frontcourt, but their lack of bench firepower is going to be their undoing. Still, given Denver's road difficulties this season, we think the series will be longer than the apparent talent discrepancy suggests and so it'll be a full-limit series, home the saving grace of the Nuggets.
Prediction: Nuggets in 7

I can agree with that, though I'm obviously hoping we can close things out sooner than that.

Game One
This is what happens when the national press says Mateen Yeaton will continue his difficulties of last year and we could be out as soon as the second round, with a first-round upset possibility not a big surprise. He gets mad and goes out and rains 32 points on the Timberwolves. Paulinho Buboltz shoots fire right alongside him for 23 points and nobody can stop the amazing, overacheiving Winston Smith who scores 17 off the bench. He's been a sensational free agent find and we've got him under contract next year too. Bryan Young jacked up shot after shot for the Timberwolves and while his 21 points looks impressive at first blush, it came on 7 of 25 shooting or a miserable 28% conversion rate. Federico Gomez and Kelvin Moody double-doubled for 11 points and 14 rebounds and 19 points and 11 rebounds respectively and Sam Hamilton scored 10 to lead the reserves, but Minnesota gets its ass kicked up and down the court on both ends.
Final - Minnesota 85 Denver 110

Game Two
Mateen Yeaton continues his dazzling play with 30 points, David Jackson nets 11 points and 13 rebounds and Carlton Goree scores 13 off the bench, but foul trouble by Paulinho Buboltz and a horrendous shooting night by Tim Butler cause problems and an opening. Minnesota takes ready advantage, Major Drayton cutting through for 16 points and 11 assists, Kelvin Moody putting up 16 points and 14 rebounds and Federico Gomez adding 16 points and 12 rebounds. All five Timberwolves starters score either 16 or 18 points and it's enough to squeak out the 5 point upset. Ugh. I'm irate at this loss. We can't afford to lose at home in this series.
Final - Minnesota 100 Denver 95

Game Three
The Timberwolves and their fans are smelling blood and Federico Gomez strikes with 18 points and 13 rebounds, Bryan Young the lead scorer with 21 points. But just as in Game 1, those points come at the expense of wild, inaccurate shots in plenty. Tim Butler finally has a breakthrough game for us with 22 points. He's really struggled with the increased glare of the playoff light, but hopefully he'll adjust as he plays more games in his first postseason. David Jackson rampages for 20 points, Paulinho Buboltz gets in 14 points and 13 assists and Carlton Goree and Tzvetan Kishishev rally off the bench for 10 and 13 points respectively. The final score's an impressive margin of victory and with the dominating win, we issue a statement that we're not planning on an upset, or as awful a road record as everyone's predicting for us.
Final - Denver 111 Minnesota 93

Game Four
Kelvin Moody hasn't had the type of headline performance people expect out of him and Tim Butler's surprisingly effective job on him this series has frustrated him. That frustration goes away this game as he blows up for 31 points and 16 rebounds, Bryan Young batters us for 24 points on an authentically decent 10 for 18 outing and Major Drayton comes up with 17 points and 11 assists. The best we can do is 14 bench points from Tzvetan Kishishev. It's a perfect storm for a Wolf on Nugget reaming and we look like crap in an embarassing loss that once again evens the series.
Final - Denver 85 Minnesota 119

The only sweeps come in the West and fortunately, they're on the other side of the bracket as the Mavericks shrug off the Grizzlies with no problems and the Clippers validate their status as one of the conference's elite teams by pummeling the Jazz.

Game Five
No more home losses. That's going to be our theme the rest of the way. Mateen Yeaton and David Jackson take the message to heart with 28 and 21 points respectively, but a still angry Kelvin Moody has other ideas with 31 points and 13 rebounds. Federico Gomez piles on 18 points and 11 rebounds, Major Drayton contributes 11 points and 10 assists and Sam Hamilton pipes up with 14 bench points. The combined effort of the T-wolves results in a sickening 9 point loss and for the first time in my entire career, we're looking at a first round exit, down 3 games to 2.
Final: Minnesota 112 Denver 103

The Kings pull off a huge upset, stunning the Trailblazers in five games. Then again, I'm not sure how big a shocker I personally think that is. I mean, shit, when you've got Kenny Graham and Jonte Jones on the same team, it doesn't matter that they're in their 30s. That's still a scary 1-2 punch.

Game Six
And so here we are, just having to overcome our phobia of road games to even get a chance to advance. This season is fast heading to a trainwreck ending and I can practically see the pink slip already. Tim Butler scores 24, David Jackson muscles his way to 16 points and 11 rebounds and Carlton Goree scores 12 off the bench. But once Kelvin Moody gets untracked in a series, there's no stopping him. He has his third straight 30/10 game with 32 points and 13 rebounds and Bryan Young gets his garbage 20 points on 33% shooting. But we might have been able to overcome even that if Paulinho Buboltz hadn't picked the wrong night to go 1 for 8 and Deon Sterley hadn't looked exactly the rookie he is all series long, shooting a ghastly 34.1%. But they did and we go down in flames in the most embarassing playoff series of my tenure.
Final - Denver 86 Minnesota 95

But I guess it's a season for upsets, as the Nets unexpectedly oust the Knicks in six and everyone else goes to seven games.

Toronto barely escapes the 8 seed Wizards and the Bulls, determined to show their incredible regular season was no fluke, eliminate the pesky Magic. But it's an inspired Cavaliers squad that gets my admiration, sending home the higly favored 4 seed Bobcats.

I feel the sword hanging over my head already. This really irks me, because we've got a probable Top 3 pick the next two seasons and I feel like I could really build this team back up into a dynasty. I also want to be there for Mateen Yeaton's retirement and I want it to be in Denver.

But it's out of my hands now. It's all up to that anal douchebag owner Bob Neal, who I've had a somewhat contentious relationship the two seasons he's owned the team.

Izulde

12-27-2008, 10:48 PM

With the very real possibility of unemployment looming, I decide not to go vacationing outside the country like I usually do after a disappointing end to a season. If I'm forced to go back to the D-Leagues, I'm going to have to be careful with my money and reduce my lifestyle somewhat.

So I stay home and watch some exciting second round playoff basketball over the next week or so. Toronto looks sharp in dismantling the Cavaliers in five games, the Mavericks beat the Clippers in six and the veteran duo of Kenny Graham and Jonte Jones beats a valiant effort by Kelvin Moody to oust the Timberwolves in six as well. Chicago's forced to a second straight Game 7 and they once again get out of the upset trap, sending home the Nets after an excellent showing in Chitown.

The conference finals are intense, back and forth battles, each series going all seven games, but in the end, Toronto's playoff-tested, multi-championship team knocks the Bulls' lucky run out and not even the three headed trio of Kenny Graham, Justin Barnes and Jonte Jones can deliver a Game 7 miracle for the Kings.

So it's a repeat Finals, a trend that's been quite common in recent years, ever since Toronto and I started the whole thing with our epic rounds. The Raptors vs the defending champion Mavericks. Toronto gives themselves a better accounting than last season, but Marcelino Augusto will not be denied his second straight championship in a Mavericks uniform, his fourth ring in six seasons of play, and Dallas repeats in six games.

NBA Lottery

I don't know that I'll even have a job after this year, which makes our projected #2 pick all the more frustrating.

14. Milwaukee Bucks
13. Philadelphia 76ers
12. Boston Celtics
11. Atlanta Hawks
10. Detroit Pistons
9. Golden State Warriors
8. Los Angeles Lakers
7. Houston Rockets
6. Seattle Supersonics
5. San Antonio Spurs (-1)

For a moment there, I didn't think we were going to see any changeups in the lottery.

4. Denver Nuggets (-2)

Ouch. Now that hurts. Maybe it won't be such a bad thing if I get fired.

3. Indiana Pacers (+2)
2. Phoenix Suns (+1)
1. Miami Heat

Only two teams get hosed by the lottery and we're one of them. So much for the rich getting richer, eh? Of course, the last couple years, we haven't exactly been the rich, so, yeah. I'm not sure where I was going with that. Things have been pretty tense the last few weeks here, as you can imagine, with everyone on eggshells.

NBA Awards
MVP
Marcelino Augusto - Dallas Mavericks - 23.8 PPG 10.0 RPG 2.9 APG 2.5 BPG 1.0 SPG
Defensive Player of the Year
Greg Oden - Toronto Raptors - 14.2 PPG 15.5 RPG 2.5 APG 2.7 BPG 0.8 SPG
Rookie of the Year
John Walker - Boston Celtics - 10.7 PPG 6.5 RPG 1.9 APG 1.0 BPG 0.6 SPG
6th Man of the Year
Shannon Drayton - Chicago Bulls - 15.4 PPG 4.7 RPG 3.3 APG 0.9 BPG 1.2 SPG
Coach of the Year
Sam Mitchell - Toronto Raptors

Heh. Augusto's star is certainly ascendant. After the announcement of his MVP victory, our offices are flooded with angry letters and e-mails about how if I'd never traded away Marcelino, we'd still be winning championships. It does seem a lot longer than just two years since our third straight title; I have to give them that much.

All-NBA 1st Team
PG Corey Neal - New Jersey Nets
SG Justin Richler - Toronto Raptors
SF Devone Allen - Dallas Mavericks
PF Marcelino Augusto - Dallas Mavericks
C Greg Oden - Toronto Raptors

All-NBA 2nd Team
PG Kenny Graham - Sacramento Kings
SG Mateen Yeaton - Denver Nuggets
SF David Anyan - Toronto Raptors
PF Kelvin Moody - Minnesota Timberwolves
C Terrence Howard - Portland Trailblazers

All-NBA 3rd Team
PG Bernard Kelly - Memphis Grizzlies
SG Charles Seegars - Chicago Bulls
SF Buddy Bracey - Cleveland Cavaliers
PF Federico Gomez - Minnesota Timberwolves
C Narcyz Malinomowski - Memphis Grizzlies

Just how the hell Memphis managed to be a sub-.500 team with 2 All-NBA 3rd Teamers on their roster, I'll never know. I attribute that to bad coaching.

All-Defense 1st Team
PG Kueth Hill - Los Angeles Clippers
SG Walter Hicks - New Jersey Nets
SF Devone Allen - Dallas Mavericks
PF Marcelino Augusto - Dallas Mavericks
C Greg Oden - Toronto Raptors

All-Defense 2nd Team
PG Leland Peterson - Washington Wizards
SG Charles Seegars - Chicago Bulls
SF David Anyan - Toronto Raptors
PF Federico Gomez - Minnesota Timberwolves
C Dontay Williamson - Los Angeles Clippers

Heh. Talk about a Mavericks dynasty. Not only do they have two All-NBA 1st Teamers, but those same two guys are All-Defense 1st Teamers to boot. That trade is definitely going to live in infamy.

All-Rookie 1st Team
PG Tom Singletary - New Orleans Hornets
SG Teddy Harriman - New Orleans Hornets
SF Brad Randle - Phoenix Suns
PF John Walker - Boston Celtics
C Kevin Bradford - Indiana Pacers

All-Rookie 2nd Team
PG Andre Harper - Cleveland Cavaliers
SG Joem Layne - Denver Nuggets
SF Prokopios Vadeki - Seattle Supersonics
PF Mark Vlasto - Los Angeles Lakers
C Connor Augustus - New York Knicks

Layne was a pleasant surprise nomination to the Rookie second team, but it's a minor consolation prize.

Now comes the dreaded phone call.

Bob Neal rips into me, shouting that we underdelivered on the court and we spent more than the $10 million maximum over budget he authorized. I point out that I did what I could to reduce the wage bill and $13 million is only $3 million more than what he wanted.

He snorts at that and asks why in the world he should keep me on. His condescending attitude really pisses me off, so I tell him if he thinks he's so fucking great, he should be the GM.

Much to my amazement, he replies that he admires me for my balls and that he'll give me one more opportunity, but that's it..

I toss $50 on the table for supper, tell him to go to hell and walk out. Screw working for a nutjob, egotistical ass of an owner like that.

It isn't until I walk out the doors that I realize I just quit my job in the heat of the moment.

I look back in the restaurant and Bob's laughing, obviously expecting that it's some kind of a joke and I'll come back in, we'll share the laugh, have a drink and go back to talking about next season.

But you know what?

I'm tired of it. I'm tired of the bull he puts me through, the irate posts from angry fans who can't get over that Marcelino Augusto didn't want to play here when the Nuggets were Mateen's team.

I also just don't like Denver. Yes, the mountains are beautiful, but the city itself has never struck me as being so and I'm not a fan of cold and snow.

But on the other hand, I love Mateen and Timmy B and I really enjoy our coaching staff, especially Jim O'Brien, our head coach. Our fans, despite the anger they're showing about the Augusto trade again, are fantastic. They sell out our arena every year and bear with my constant reshuffling of the team.

It's a difficult choice. I'm 45 years old, which is still young for the profession, but on the other hand, I'm still single and I'm wanting year-round warmth, the sun, a beautiful young woman and at least one child before I die. These aren't things I'll have in Denver.

And it's the quality of my own personal life issue that has me marching back in the restaurant, staring Bob down and saying frostily, "I meant everything I said. You're an asshole to work for and the fans are going to hate you when you ruin this team. Fuck you, kiss my ass and goodbye. You'll have my formal resignation in the mail tomorrow. Go ahead and call it a firing if you want."

I don't even wait for his answer. I just turn around and walk right back out, feeling freer than I have a long time.

Bob's ego won't allow for me to resign of course, so the papers play it up as a firing and the nation goes into heated debate over whether or not it was the right move for the Nuggets owner to make.

As for me, I don't care. I even take some of the money I have put away to go visit some friends in Jamaica and just relax for a few weeks and get away from it all.

Unfortunately, the only jobs open are in the D-League. Mateen Yeaton, when he finds out the news and the current employment situation, launches a massive drive to get me re-hired by the Nuggets. The rest of the players, the coaching staff and the fans rally around the cause, which dominates the sports pages and supersedes baseball for a good week and a half.

At first, Bob Neal stands firm on his decision, but when the organization starts getting swamped with season ticket cancellations in protest and Mateen demands to be traded or he'll refuse to report if I'm not hired, his love of money makes him listen.

In the end, the overwhelming pressure makes him cave and he calls me, asking me to please come back. I'm still given a one-season leash, but it's something I can work with and so I accept.

When we meet next to discuss the season, I lay it out on the table for him. I'll meet his demands to keep us under $10 million over the cap, but in return, the most I can guarantee is a playoff appearance, which the greedy bastard is fine with.

Patrick Ewing refuses to re-up with us because of the instability of our situation right now and he accepts the security of a 5 year deal for much less money with the perpetually rebuilding Hornets. We sign Phil Weber as a stopgap 1st assistant.

Eric Snow finally gets the head coaching gig he's deserved for so damned long, getting a 5 year deal worth just over a million a year from the Rockets. Great steal by Houston there, especially since Snow should've had an opportunity before he turned 50.

Mock Draft

We're projected to take 20 year old SF Eric Hooper from Syracuse, who has some interesting skills and intrigues me, but I'm honestly initally much more attracted to SG Wendel King, a 21 year old out of UCLA. It's not a superb class by any means, with no prospects considered 5* players. The best is probably Bulgarian SG Georgi Dimov. And then there's the guy they call the second coming of Mateen Yeaton, 6'8, 188 lbs SG Justin Cherry, an senior from Mateen's alma mater of Indiana. It's that conection that has the mocks saying we'll take him with the 29th pick.

And they're right. If he's there, I don't care how bad his scouting report is, he'll be wearing a Nuggets uniform. There's no way he's going to last that long, though. I see him as more of a late lottery pick in this class, possibly even a Top 10 pick, depending on how his workouts look.

We still need to cut salary though and so I pump the phones, searching for the right deal. The Bulls refuse to give up Andre Moore for anything, so I dig around and eventually come up with a deal that clears salary and gives us an interesting new makeup.

Denver Nuggets receive
SF Jeremy Leach
C Andrew Bynum
SF Jason Tackett
PG Aaron Brennan

New York Knicks receive
PG Paulinho Buboltz
C Winston Smith
PF Jonathan Hill
SG Darren Hare

What this means for the Nuggets
Brennan is extremely raw, but the 21 year old has the kind of potential and game as a passer, shooter and ball-thief that could make him the next great GM Jestor PG find, as he projects as the starter after this deal. Bynum may be 37, but he's still good enough that he'll produce solid game and challenge for the Nuggets' starting C spot, if not win it outright. The front office became a little wary of Deon Sterley after the rookie bombed in the shocking opening round loss to the Jazz last year, so Leach, a much more capable and proven offensive player, will step in as the new starting small forward, even if he's short at 6'5, 230 lbs. Tackett's a lockdown defender and team chemistry guy thrown in to make salaries work.

What this means for the Knicks
Jonathan Willias is a better passer and has been the Knicks' starting PG since halfway through his rookie season (6th overall, 2009), but he's only averaged more than 12 points a game once in his career and is a classic underachiever. Buboltz is three years younger and even with the Nuggets, who emphasize passing out of their point guards, he still averaged 16.3 points a game, along with 10.2 assists. He's also a superior defender to Willias in every way. Smith was the highlight surprise in Denver last year, a big man who showed newfound scoring touch and rebounding aggressiveness to go with his lockdown defense. Hill has upside as an all-around defensive presence and shot an impressive 60.9% with the Colorado Timberjacks last year as an every game starter. Hare showed glimmers of filling as a role scorer last season, but not much else.

Winner: Denver
The Nuggets wanted Andre Moore from Chicago, but Brennan is an excellent consolation prize and Bynum will stabilize the post and move David Jackson to a much more effective role as a 6th man. Deon Sterley also now becomes a possible bargaining chip, as Jestor is notorious for little patience with unclutch players, especially those that cost the team a playof series like Sterley did. More importantly, the deal slashes $4 million and change from Denver's payroll. Nuggets owner Bob Neal announced after Jestor's initial firing and before his re-hiring that the team would no longer pay large salaries for the kind of results they got in last year's opening round loss. Given Paulinho Buboltz's inconsistency and his $18.7 million salary, the largest on the team, his departure became almost inevitable. The beautiful thing is, Jestor manages to not only shed payroll, but he improves the team's starting lineup, injecting enough more talent that they could very well see a deeper playoff run next year without adding any more players.

Buboltz dramatically bolsters the Knicks at the PG spot, but the rest of the players in this deal are role men at best and New York must now try and replace two starters. Tim Duncan, who left for the New Jersey Nets a few years ago, is seeing all his hard work come undone. Little surprise that the Knicks appear to be starting to decline after reviving on Duncan's watch, while the Nets turned in an impressive playoff run this past season, their first in years. They gave up too much to get Buboltz.

I'm thrilled to steal Brennan from the Knicks. Bynum and Leach come up with some semi-ugly contracts, but I need to build this team to both be under budget and exceed expectations -this- season or none of it's going to matter.

I pick up Brennan's fourth year and Joem Layne's third season the same day I make the trade, just to give us some more security in terms of bodies for the season following this upcoming one. I'm happy with what I managed to get for Buboltz. Trying to unload a 5'11, somewhat inconsistent 31 year old PG with an obscene contract is -not- an easy task.

The fans are somewhat upset about the Buboltz deal, because Buboltz and Yeaton were a very popular backcourt, but my reputation for finding underrated point guards is legendary, so they're willing to take a wait and see approach with Brennan.

Now comes our chance to add another piece of the puzzle in the draft. The class is weak and has been mighty poor the last few seasons, but hopefully one of the guys we're eying will drop to us at #4. If not, then we're probably either make a reach or trade down or... who knows what we'll do?

All I know is, I'm now fighting to keep my career in Denver afloat and prove to the rest of the NBA that I never should have been chewed out by our asshat owner in the first place.

Izulde

12-29-2008, 02:27 AM

We've got our very short list drawn up as the draft starts and it's just a matter of if the player we're hoping to get falls to us.

2023 NBA Draft 1st Round
1. SG Georgi Dimov - Miami Heat
2. PF Michael Woods - Phoenix Suns

I'm sorely tempted to move up to the #3 spot, because I'm afraid the guy I want will be taken here. Happily, the Pacers are willing to accomodate us, flip-flopping picks for the Suns' 2nd round pick a couple years from now.

3. SG Wendel King - Denver Nuggets

The pick receives a lukewarm reception, but I'm convinced this is the right move and Chris points out that despite my draft gaffes in the past, I seem to know what I'm doing when I aggressively trade up for players in weak draft classes like this one. I'll have to send him a thank you card for that.

4. SG Utkan Torumtay - Indiana Pacers
5. SF Eric Hooper - San Antonio Spurs
6. C Scott Costello - Seattle Supersonics

Costello is the guy I probably would've taken if I hadn't moved up to draft King. Nice value pick by Seattle here, in my opinion, as they continue their lovefest of centers named Scott.

7. PF Ryan Bush - Houston Rockets
8. PG Scott Miles - Los Angeles Lakers

Miles was the top-rated PG, but he screams 2 guard to me. Not the type of player I like in my system at all.

9. PF Jeff Emanuel - Golden State Warriors
10. PG Jerry Floyd - Detroit Pistons
11. PG Curtis King - Atlanta Hawks
12. C Phillip Smith - Boston Celtics
13. SF James White - Philadelphia 76ers
14. SF Jarod Jones - Milwaukee Bucks
15. PF Ian McClinton - Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies net a beautiful steal selection here. McClinton is definitely a Top 10 player in this class, so for him to fall to 15 is a real surprise.

16. SG Aubrey Prato - Chicago Bulls
17. PF Todd Humphries - Orlando Magic
18. SG Ryan Seals - Sacramento Kings
19. PG Chris Blackmon - Minnesota Timberwolves
20. PF Marcus Givens - Utah Jazz
21. SG Darryl Thompkins - New Jersey Nets
22. SG Justin Cherry - Cleveland Cavaliers

He had a horrible pre-draft workout, to be honest, which is why I didn't try and move up to get him. I try and work out a deal with the Cavs to try and get him anyway, but Cleveland's not interested.

23. C Shane Hampton - Charlotte Bobcats
24. PF Brian Madsen - Los Angeles Clippers
25. SF Chris Cunningham - New York Knicks
26. PF Chris Rein - Portland Trailblazers
27. C Marcus Amaya - Golden State Warriors
28. PG Jair Kittles - Chicago Bulls

There's not much to choose from at this point. And point is what the experts are saying we'll pick, namely Tarrell Block, a senior out of Duke who appears to have the best passing skills left. Not quite fellow Blue Devil alum Carlton Goree territory by any means. But after looking over the available players, it comes down to Block vs. a center, Terrance Frey out of Oklahoma. Frey has finesse C writ on him and you know how much I hate those guys, so it becomes an easy choice.

29. PG Tarrell Block - Denver Nuggets

J.P. falls all over himself congratulating himself on his fantastic prediction skills, whereas Chris is lukewarm on the selection. Block's got mad disruption skills on defense, though, which I love.

30. SG Eugene Kohler - Sacramento Kings

The post-draft first look says King wasn't worthy of a top 3 pick and Block isn't as sexy as we'd hoped for. We've also got some cap problems waiting for us, so I may have to make another move.

Summer League

Summer Nuggets
PG Aaron Brennan
PG Tarrell Block
SG Darren Davis
SG Joem Layne
SG Wendel King
PF Deon Sterley

A glut of young guards, some of whom may not be here by the start of the new season.

A defensive struggle results in an 88-83 win over the Mavericks. Joem Layne explodes off the bench for 17 points and Tarrell Block and Darren Davis each score 10 points as our reserves own everybody. This is an important summer for all these youthful guards, because they're auditioning for the right to stay on the team.

The offense opens up, but our defense falls in a 100-97 loss to Golden State. Joem Layne, who's actually my favorite of this young group, is our lone highlight with 16 bench points and he's fast earning himself a spot.

Aaron Brennan breaks loose for 23 points and we top the Hawks 100-91. Thus far, Aaron's looked decent in the three games, though not spectacular till now. On the whole, though, I'm inclined to say he'll make the team.

Our best game of the summer comes in a 92-69 stomping of the Bulls. Clifton Snyder, who've I always admired, scores 23 and Joem Layne scores 12 off the bench.

We close out with a 111-88 thrashing of the Celtics, keyed by Clifton Snyder's 26 points, Joem Layne's 18 bench points and 12 points from reserve Darren Davis.

After looking over the summer league results, I'm just not impressed with Wendel King at all. He's not worth the money he's going to be getting as a Top 3 pick and worse yet, Jim O'Brien is talking about making him the PG. So it's a quick deal to squash that.

Denver Nuggets receive
SG Justin Cherry
SG Robert Lawson

Cleveland Cavaliers receive
SG Wendel King

What this means for the Nuggets
This deal is a King for Cherry swap, as Lawson was cut immediately after. It's well-known that GM Jestor wanted the Hoosier late in the draft, but the Cavaliers snapped him up beforehand. Reports of Cherry's bad personality appear to have been unfounded and he has good scoring touch, passable handling, is a slightly better defender than King and a smarter player. This also sets up the possibility of Mateen Yeaton as the starting PG, Cherry as the starting SG.

What this means for the Cavaliers
King's a better scorer and ballhandler than Cherry, but by and large, the differences between the two appear to be neglible. The biggest difference that we see at this point is that King is almost three times the salary of Cherry.

Winner: Denver
Some say it's stupid to trade the rights of the 3rd overall pick for those of the 22nd overall pick, but this draft class was weak enough to where the talent difference isn't that great. The Nuggets needed to slash salary in a big way and this helps them do that. Maybe one of these days Jestor will draft a top pick he likes and keeps.

But by no means are we done here with our trading, as there's still lots of log jams to clear out and there's two players I'd really like to re-sign if at all possible.

Denver Nuggets receive
SF Jermaine Trask

Memphis Grizzlies receive
PF Deon Sterley

What this means for the Nuggets
Sterley played his way into the doghouse with an abysmal playoff performance and with Tim Butler Denver's PF until he retires, GM Jestor went hunting for another young SF. Thus, we have Trask, a hard-working, raw second year player taken 5th overall last season. He shot 50% in 3 starts for the Grizzlies in the playoffs, his first action at the NBA level after being an emergency injury callup. That toughness greatly impressed Jestor, as did his potential to be a scoring beast and a defensive demon. He's more polished on the defensive end than Sterley and has the potential to develop good enough hands to play every position but SG. That kind of versatility is extremely valuable, along with his comfort level at shooting literally anywhere from the floor.

What this means for the Grizzlies
Memphis is set at the forward spots with youngsters Shane Holliway and Ronnie Fry, but Sterley, at 6'9, 250 lbs, has the build and rebounding talent to be the heir apparent, if greatly undersized, to Narcyz Malinomowski, who isn't getting any younger at 33 years old. Sterley also gives the Grizzlies a monster defensive presence off the bench, with the potential to only get better.

[b]Winner: Draw
This is one of those deals that benefits both teams. The Nuggets get a true, versatile 3 in Trask who has just as much upside as Sterley, while the Grizzlies get a promising player to fill in at C when the Great Polish Sieve hangs it up. Both these guys bust their butts to improve themselves, so the intangibles should work out as well. Also, Jeremy Leach, whose short height renders him better suited to the 2, now gets to move to SG.

We're currently $19.5 million over the cap, but $8.5 million of that is money tied up in Tzvetan Kishishev and Carlton Goree, whose rights we've retained and who we're hoping to bring back at a reduced price. That still means we need to reduce salary, but we'll find a way to do it.

Denver Nuggets receive
SF Calvis Hayes
Los Angeles Lakers 2025 2nd round pick
Los Angeles Lakers 2026 2nd round pick

Los Angeles Lakers receive
PG Jeremy Steele
PG Jameel Williams
PG Tarrell Block

What this means for the Nuggets
This trade is all about the salary dump. $2.76 million comes off the books, $0.61 million comes back. Denver's hoping to return Carlton Goree and Tzvetan Kishishev while getting under a rumored $10 million over the cap. That said, Hayes has potential to be a good all-around bench player, if somewhat weak in terms of passing and ballhandling. He also shot just 25% last year in his rookie season, but that was in just 9 games of mopup duty.

What this means for the Lakers
Very strange trade for the Purple and Gold, who sacrifice $2.1 million in their freed up cap space for 3 PGs when they already have Calvis Graham and rookie Scott Miles on the roster. That said, with Williams and Steele, they'll have a ton of capable floor generals on the bench and Steele can help mentor Miles along with Graham.

Winner: Incomplete
If Denver does return Goree, they win this one hands down. If not, they've just traded away all their offense-running capable guards away for nothing. On the other hand, this deal doesn't make much sense for the Lakers, either.

$17.3 million over the cap now but I'm worried about our passing situation. I may have to flip one of our newer acquistions from the Buboltz trade to convince Jim O'Brien to start a true PG, rather than the unnerving scheme to put Mateen Yeaton at the point.

Free Agency
Absolutely star-studded free agent class this year. Look at these names and weep.

Big Board
Marcelino Augusto
Nigel Abel
Kueth Hill
Kevin Durant
Charles Seegars
Keith Attaway
John Aylsworth
Branko Starcevic
Lebron James (He's still got it, even at 39)
Pete Totten
Oliwjer Rosiak
Corey Westbrooks
Carmelo Anthony (Also 39, here only because of name recognition)
Greg Oden

That is one filthy free agent class and it's a shame we're hamstrung by our budget, because I'd love to get my hands on some of these guys.

Our cap number plummets to $13.7 million when Tzvetan Kishishev re-signs with for 6 years, $5.8 million to mark the first free agency signing for anyone. I couldn't be more thrilled to lock him up so cheap, but he's being pushed way down the depth chart, so I'm going to have to trade someone to free up more playing time for him. You don't cockblock a guy who's a career 57.1% shooter, 60.2% in the playoffs.

Marcelino Augusto re-signs with Dallas on a maxed out deal, to no one's surprise, but there's still a ton of dynamite free agents out there, including some point guards who are tempting me enough that I'm -this- close to throwing an exemption at somebody and sorting the cap mess out via trade.

Nolan Hill, one of the guys I thought about bringing back, got a 4 year, $27.8 million deal from Golden State and chose to stay with the Warriors. It just goes to show what happens when a PG gets elevated thanks to me. Other teams want him and he gets set for life.

Victor Gipson jumps to the Bobcats for 4 years, $18.8 million. Great deal for him as he goes back to a winning team where he can really make an impact and truth be told, I'm glad to see him switch conferences to the East.

Pride and stupidity kick in and when I see the Dallas Mavericks have made an offer to Zelipe Gama, whose greatly reduced his asking price, I pursue him with a mid-level exemption. Sadly, I can't match the the 3 years, $20 million Dallas tosses his way to maintain him.

Dismay reigns in Cleveland when John Aylsworth betrays the Cavaliers by signing with the rival Bulls on a mid-level exemption. Chicago's looking really good this year and appear to have sorted out the chaotic chemistry mess that plagued them for so many years despite their talent level. Of course, their payroll is ridiculous... to the tune of $64.1 million in excess after that little deal.

Then Carlton Goree turns around and does the same thing, rejecting us for a one year, $5.5 million deal from the Utah Jazz. Ugh. He followed the damn money. Not that I can blame him, I suppose, but it's still frustrating.

Our desparation for a legitimate backup PG leads us to sign Darrell James to a two year min-sal deal. He never has lived up to the heady play of his first two seasons, but he's still a reliable veteran to have around on the bench.

One more exchange to make to bring us under $10 million and the best deal involves those devils in Dallas.

Denver Nuggets receive
PG Zelipe Gama
PG Ron Morant
Dallas Mavericks 2026 1st round pick

Dallas Mavericks receive
SF Jeremy Leach
SF Calvis Hayes
Denver Nuggets 2026 2nd round pick
Los Angeles Lakers 2026 2nd round pick

What this means for the Nuggets
GM Jestor's favorite Spainard returns to the Nuggets and although he's 32 years old, Gama still has the same steady, confident game he developed in his first tour of duty in Denver. Not a flashy player, but a steady one and an excellent floor general. He'll slide back into his old starting PG spot, relieving the crisis that erupted in Denver. Mateen Yeaton returns to the 2 spot, with David Jackson or Jeramine Trask the three. Morant is one of those rare 2nd round picks (36th overall, Dallas, 2021 draft), that has made it in the league and he's got good defensive skills and the type of passing and ballhandling ability that make him the perfect reserve guard. If he can develop his scoring instincts more, he'll be a real gem for Denver. The 1st round pick is a probable #30.

What this means for the Mavericks
Leach is another deadly shooter on a team that already has Marcelino Augusto, Devone Allen and Charles Arnold. Dallas's solution? Start Leach at the point. It's completely unorthodox, but the Mavericks don't care. They're convinced they'll find a way to win their third straight title, matching the feat most recently achieved by the Toronto Raptors and the Denver Nuggets the last six seasons previous to Dallas's two straight titles. As head coach Avery Johnson says, "So what if we can't pass all that well? We'll just outshoot them."

Winner: Draw
The trade comes with potential drawbacks for each team. Denver just lost a surehanded sharpshooter, meaning they'll have to rely on a 35 year old Yeaton and Tim Butler for their offense and there's no guarantee the Gama/Yeaton backcourt will be able to replicate its old magic. Then again, the Nuggets are only rumored to only be shooting for the playoffs this season. On the flip side, the Mavericks might now have too many shooters to satisfy and the balance of their chemistry and offense may be ruined without a true PG.

Whatever. I'm happy with the move and so is Bob Neal, who happily notes we're just $9.6 million over the cap with 14 players signed.

Training Camp
Nice camp by Ron Morant, even better than that of Aaron Brennan, actually. Darren Davis has a decent camp, but Justin Cherry is a major disappointment. Jermaine Trask has an incredible training camp and he really forced David Jackson to earn his starting spot this year. I wouldn't be surprised to see Trask take over at some point during the season. Tzvetan Kishishev also looks really good and impresses. Mateen Yeaton really appeared a step slower in camp and I'm worried for how he'll do this season.

Overall though, I'm quite pleased with how things went.

The preseason magazines are very unflattering, ranking us 12th in the conference and only ahead of the Timberwolves in the division. The Clippers are the favorites, which I can definitely see, though the Rockets at #2 is an extremely iffy pick. Dallas is tabbed #3 because of concerns about their PG situation, while the Warriors are a fascinating #4 pick as they finally look poised to break their playoff drought. Then again, they've appeared that way for several years now and haven't. Carlton Goree is a big part of why Utah's the favorites in the Northwest, but I tend to think it's going to be the Trailblazers this year. I also don't get the preseason scribes picking the Hornets to finally reach the playoffs this season. Um, no. Not even close to the talent needed to make the postseason, especially not with that crappy a backcourt.

Chicago's the favorites in the East, but the magazines are deranged if they think the Pacers are a #2 seed. Ryan Sweetwyne as the starting C makes the Wizards as #3 a joke. In all truth, Toronto, who's going with an ageless Utah Sixer Brandon Brooks as the starting PG, should be the favorites, followed by either the Bulls or the fast-rising Nets, who are #5. The Knicks are rated #6 because of concerns about their bench, which is fair.

2023 Denver Nuggets Opening Night Lineup
PG Zelipe Gama
SG Mateen Yeaton
SF David Jackson
PF Tim Butler
C Andrew Bynum
6th Jermaine Trask (PG/SF/PF/C)
7th Aaron Brennan (PG)
8th Ron Morant (PG/SG)
9th Tzvetan Kishishev (SF/PF/C)
10th Darrell James (PG/SG)
11th Jason Tackett (PG/SG/SF)
12th Darren Davis (PG/SG/SF)

D-League
Joem Layne (Starting SF)
Justin Cherry (Starting SG)

...Yeah. Bynum should -not- be the starting C. He's 37 years old and his skills have quit on him. It should be Trask at the 3, Jackson at the 5, but what can you do? Jim O'Brien is convinced Bynum's still got it.

Barkeep49

12-29-2008, 02:41 PM

So did you really get fired and rehired or was that just RP? I have to say that seeing your talents wasted on this POS owner is disappointing. As a long time fan I expect to contend for the championship not get knocked out in the first round. I wish Denver had an owner worthy of the fans and its GM.

Coffee Warlord

12-29-2008, 03:21 PM

I still find it hilarious your uncanny knack for bringing old players back.

Izulde

12-29-2008, 07:45 PM

Barkeep49: Mostly RP. The exchange of my telling him to do the job himself occurred in-game and I somehow got to keep my job with 0 security. I'd never seen that before, so I thought maybe it was a glitch, because there was no "Do you want to stay on?" question so I did it again and this time quit because I got offered the chance to stay on, with no "Why should I keep you?" question. There were no NBA GM offers and that really depressed me because Mateen Yeaton could retire at any point, so I did it a third time and this time got the same "Why should I keep you?" with my same response and the 0 security and kept job got duplicated. To simulate what happened, I created that roleplayed scenario.

And thanks for the vote of confidence. :) I really hate this owner, but what can you do? That said, I'm proud of the team I've managed to cobble together under those hideous financial constraints and it's going to be interesting seeing how it plays out. I wish the draft classes didn't keep sucking during this run of lottery selections we've had, though.

Coffee Warlord: :D What can I say? I develop favorites for players and Gama happens to be one of them. I actually tried prying Andre Moore from the Bulls again without success and there were a few other high-quality, youngerish PGs I tried to get, but even when I was willing to part with Aaron Brennan to make the deal, none of the teams would budge.

It probably works out better this way, though. I get Gama back and I get to keep Brennan and create competition for him in Morant, who I think can be another Carlton Goree type if he can get his scoring instincts up.

Izulde

12-29-2008, 10:20 PM

You know, it's funny. We've got some new pieces in place, but Gama isn't really a new PG and 50 Ninja's been a starter at the 3 before. That said, it's very hard to predict what this Nuggets team is going to do, but it should be fun to watch.

Mateen Yeaton doesn't look old at all in scoring 29 points against the Lakers, but the real eye-opener in our 110-80 pounding of the Purple and Gold is Andrew Bynum stunning the Staples Center crowd with 22 points. Zelipe Gama fits seamlessly back into our offense with 13 points and 11 assists.

Two games into the year and Jim O'Brien messes with the lineup, flip-flopping David Jackson and Andrew Bynum to disastrous results as the Timberwolves beat us 90-75. Mateen Yeaton scores 25 and Tim Butler nabs 13 points and 15 rebounds, but that's all we can muster. Then again, Minnesota actually has a legitimate PG for the first time since I've been in the league, as I forgot to mention they stole Branko Starcevic in free agency.

David Jackson doubles for 18 points and 10 rebounds, Andrew Bynum scores 21 and Jermaine Trask has our first noteworthy bench showing of the year with 11 points, but we still lose 112-103 to Utah and Halloween's happiness seems a long way off.

As if that wasn't bad enough, Tim Butler breaks his arm and is out for over two months, 66 days to be exact. While Jermaine Trask is the new starting PF and will get much-needed development time, our offense is looking very shaky right now.

And yet, we pull out a sweep in our first back-to-back of the year. The revenge match against the Jazz results in a 98-84 win on Zelipe Gama's 23 points and 12 assists, David Jackson's 21 points and 13 rebounds and Mateen Yeaton's 24 points. Those same three players highlight our 110-103 win over Seattle as David Jackson just misses a triple-double with 22 points, 13 rebounds and 9 assists, Mateen Yeaton leads all scorers with 30 points and Zelipe Gama adds 20 points of his own.

Mateen Yeaton singlehandedly carries us in a 101-74 pulverizing of the Pistons, putting up 36 points and 9 rebounds. Can you believe he's 35 years old? Because I sure can't.

Our win streak continues with a 101-87 victory in Sacramento. We're keyed by 22 points from Mateen Yeaton, Zelipe Gama's 15 points and 16 assists and Tzvetan Kishishev snapping out of his quiet early season for 16 points off the bench.

I'm absolutely floored when we total Toronto 111-81 and hold Justin Richler to 8 points on a 3 for 16 night. Mateen Yeaton is looking 25, not 35, as he scores 37 and Tzvetan Kishishev carries the reserves with 10 points.

Chicago ends our insane form in a heartbreaking 96-93 loss, as Mateen Yeaton's 30 points are undone by Jason Tackett going 0 for 10 off the bench. Still, we've been incredibly dominant since Tim Butler went down and it's going to be interesting seeing what happens a couple months from now.

The marquee matchup against the Mavericks is our best effort of the year as we shoot 62.5% and every starter scores at least 16 points. Leading the charge are Zelipe Gama, torching Dallas for 26 points and 16 assists and David Jackson, who scores 25 and is off to his best start ever.

Jim O'Brien throws a curveball before the next game, starting Andrew Bynum at C, David Jackson at PF and Jermaine Trask at SF. The move pays off perfectly as Bynum blows up for 28 points and 13 rebounds in our 108-92 dispatching of the Nets. Ron Morant and Jason Tackett pace the bench with 15 and 11 points respectively.

Our second doubleheader of the year is another pair of wins. Andrew Bynum shifts back to SF and scores 22 points as we squelch San Antonio 112-84, Mateen Yeaton (21 points) and Tzvetan Kishishev (14 reserve points) the other highlights. The next night's 111-90 reaming of the Rockets is powered by David Jackson's 23 points and 11 rebounds at C, Jermaine Trask's 12 points and 11 rebounds at PF, 22 points from Zelipe Gama and Tzvetan Kishishev's 12 points to top the second unit.

107-83 is the final of our victory over the eternally hapless Hornets, Andrew Bynum running roughshod for 25 points, 11 rebounds and 5 blocks, Mateen Yeaton the game's primary scorer with 26 points.

Our sterling first month concludes with a stellar 124-97 outing against the Cavaliers. Mateen Yeaton has a field evening with 37 points, David Jackson double-doubles for 13 points and 10 rebounds, Zelipe Gama nets 18 points and 15 assists and Tzvetan Kishishev scores 14 off the bench.

It's early yet, but our 12-3 record gives us the West's best record. Dallas is comparatively struggling at 10-7 and are half a game behind the Grizzlies. Golden State does appear to be having the breakout year at last at 10-4, while the Hornets are still terrible at 2-12.

Chicago repeats last year's 11-1 first month record, while the Raptors are 13-4 and the Bobcats are 11-2. Miami, whose first round pick we hold, is a disconcerting 6-10. The Heat might actually be competitive this year, which of course means next year's draft class is going to have a truly awesome blue-chip player we'll miss out on.

But I'm not complaining at all. We're off to the kind of start I never would have imagined for us, especially not when Timmy B went down.

Izulde

12-30-2008, 08:32 PM

Indiana Pacers receive
PG Pete Bannister

Philadelphia 76ers receive
PF Lance Purnell
Indiana Pacers 2024 2nd round pick

What this means for the Pacers
The 28 year old Bannister, taken 15th overall by the 76ers in the 2015 draft, is one of those players who's very solid all-around, with no real weaknesses but no true strengths either. A great reserve/borderline starter type, he's grossly overpaid at $10 million this year, $11 million the next.

What this means for the 76ers
Purnell can score some and has decent ballhandling skills for a big man, but he's a defensive sieve and is notorious for his laziness. His other talents are mediocre at best as well, though he does represent a reduced salary by $2 million this year, $2.5 million the next for Philadelphia.

Winner: Indiana
The salary difference isn't enough to trump the fact that Bannister improves the Pacers whereas Purnell is going to weaken a Philadelphia team as the 6th man, taking them from a possible playoff team to a lottery participant.

With just one trade, it's the quietest month we've had in at least three or four seasons. My guess is things'll pick up in the next month or so, but you never know.

We do our draft position a favor by muting the Heat 101-86 via Mateen Yeaton's 24 points, Zelipe Gama's 11 points and 10 assists and Tzvetan Kishishev's 11 bench points.

The Magic have no power as we dispel them 112-81. Just two Orlando players reach double-digit scoring and that won't work when Mateen Yeaton's scoring 28, Zelipe Gama's inversing his last game's performance with 10 points and 11 assists and Tzvetan Kishishev is tearing things up with a 13 for 16 night for 27 points off the bench. I still can't believe we've got him on a min-sal deal for the next several seasons. He's the single greatest value on our roster right now.

Mateen Yeaton continues to laugh in Time's face with 28 points and 12 rebounds as we roll up the Wizards 109-86. David Jackson is his sidekick with 15 points and 14 rebounds and I'm thrilled with the production we've been getting out of both players, especially 50 Ninja.

The Raptors haven't forgotten the early-season buttkicking we gave them in Denver, so they turn it around by shredding us 116-84 in Toronto to stop our win streak. Mateen Yeaton piles on 28 points and Zelipe Gama double-doubles for 10 points and 12 assists, but that's all we can muster against an inspired Raptors D.

So that puts us at 1-1 on the annual December road trek and we drop to 1-2 by losing to the Knicks 98-87 despite Jermaine Trask's sudden 23 point outburst and 10 and 11 points a piece from reserves Jason Tackett and Tzvetan Kishishev.

Philadelphia shows us brotherly love on the front end of a doubleheader by losing 117-104 to us and Mateen Yeaton takes advantage of the hospitality to score 34 points. Zelipe Gama garners 21 points and 13 assists and Tzvetan Kishishev continues his strong season with 15 bench points. But the Celtics go on a second half tear to come back and beat us 111-101 the next night in Boston to put us at 2-3 despite 26 points from Mateen Yeaton, 19 points and 12 assists from Zelipe Gama and Tzvetan Kishishev's 11 bench points.

Our last hope for a winning record on the road stretch lies in Florida and the Heat and Magic oblige by bowing to us on back to back nights. Zelipe Gama and Mateen Yeaton conspire to score 26 and 21 points in our 102-79 victory over Miami, Andrew Bynum puts up 15 points, 13 rebounds and 5 blocks from the starting C spot and Darrell James surprises with 11 points off the bench. Our 103-93 win against Orlando is engineered by Mateen Yeaton's 32 points, Zelipe Gama's 19 points and 14 assists and Andrew Bynum's 12 points and 15 rebounds.

Phoenix can't compete with the combined efforts of Mateen Yeaton (29 points), Zelipe Gama (15 points, 21 assists), Andrew Bynum (22 points) and Tzvetan Kishishev (14 bench points) and so they fall 112-98 in Denver.

The spectre of last season's road woes rises up in the next game, though, as we lose 106-95 to the pathetic Supersonics in Seattle. We struggled to get anything going all night and Tzvetan Kishishev's 11 bench points were our lone, ugly highlight.

But everything's made right and Christmas feels right by sweeping the holiday doubleheader. In our most exciting, white-knuckle game of the year to date, we beat Dallas 108-106 on a buzzer-beater by Mateen Yeaton, who finished with 31 points. Zelipe Gama issues 12 points and 11 assists and Joem Layne scores 12 off the bench. Christmas Day in Oakland gives the present of a wild, zany shootout that sees us prevail 141-134 in OT, Mateen Yeaton the hero with a sensational 46 point game at 35 years old. Andrew Bynum crashes the glass for 14 points and 18 rebounds, Zelipe Gama reels in 15 points and 15 assists and Tzvetan Kishishev and Darrell James rally the reserves with 15 and 14 points a piece.

The injury bug strikes again during the Golden State game as Joem Layne breaks his elbow and is out for two months. So we're forced to call up rookie Justin Cherry after having recalled Layne following Tim Butler's injury. 15 days until Timmy B gets back and I'm not sure how his return is going to affect the balance we've got going. Jermaine Trask's versatility and defensive prowess have been a godsend and he's probably the odd man out when Timmy comes back.

Justin Cherry makes an immediate impact in his first game, scoring 15 points off the bench to help carry us to a 101-98 victory over Philadelphia that needed a fourth quarter comeback to do it. Mateen Yeaton scores 21 and David Jackson double-doubles at the three for 12 points and 11 rebounds, his scoring total the lowest of our five starters.

We draw the two LA teams for the New Year and Justin Cherry puts on a jaw-dropping 29 point performance, including 6 of 10 from 3 point range as we fight past the Lakers 111-104 in Los Angeles. Mateen Yeaton scores 21 for the second game in a row, Jermaine Trask gathers in 10 points and 11 rebounds and Darrell James adds an unsung 12 points off the bench. Mateen Yeaton steals the spotlight back the next night with 42 points in our 105-96 victory over the Clippers, leaving in the dust good showings by Andrew Bynum (12 points, 13 rebounds), Zelipe Gama (11 points, 13 assists) and Justin Cherry (15 bench points).

Our storybook season now stands at 24-7, four games ahead of Portland in the Northwest. The Mavericks have reasserted themselves as the best team in the Southwest at 18-12, 4.5 in front of the Grizzlies, while the Pacific, after enduring years of being one of the worst divisions in the NBA, now has all but one team at .+500. The bad team? The 7-21 Lakers. Sacramento lead the division at 20-8, a mere game and a half over Golden State, as the Warriors do appear to finally be legitimate.

Last year, the Bulls collapses in the second month. This season, they've stayed on fire and are a white-hot 24-4, the league's best record and a full 10 games ahead of the .500 Cavaliers in the Central. Toronto's 22-10, enjoying a four game lead on the Knicks, while the Bobcats are the ones to pick up Chicago's second month bug, falling to 19-9 and 1.5 game edge over the surging Magic.

But to me, the real story of this month has been Justin Cherry's first three games in the NBA. Coming off the bench, he's averaging 19.7 points a game. I know, small sample size, but it's still incredible. He's really living up to the Second Coming of Mateen billing and he's unquestionably going to spend the rest of the season with the Nuggets. He also just might be our future at SG if he can keep it up.

Speaking of Mateen Yeaton...

Paulinho Buboltz
2013 Stats: 82 games/77 starts - 17.0 PPG 9.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.7 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.4 SPG
2015 Stats: 55 games/48 starts - 14.1 PPG 8.3 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 18.3 PPG 8.1 APG 3.3 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.5 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.5 PPG 8.3 APG 3.2 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2019 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.6 PPG 8.1 APG 3.5 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2020 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.8 PPG 7.5 APG 3.3 RPG 0.6 BPG 1.3 SPG
2021 Stats: 44 games/44 starts - 22.3 PPG 7.0 APG 3.6 RPG 0.9 BPG 1.6 SPG (Indiana)
2021 Stats: 36 games/36 starts - 17.8 PPG 8.3 APG 2.9 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.3 SPG (Denver)
2022 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 16.3 PPG 10.2 APG 2.7 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2023 Stats: 30 games/30 starts - 18.9 PPG 9.3 APG 2.7 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.6 SPG (New York)

Mateen Yeaton
2013 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.4 APG 5.2 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/80 starts - 23.2 PPG 3.6 APG 5.2 RPG 1.7 BPG 1.3 SPG
2015 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.6 PPG 2.4 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.5 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 25.0 PPG 3.1 APG 4.5 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.8 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 24.4 PPG 3.2 APG 4.9 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.6 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.8 PPG 2.4 APG 4.2 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2019 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.5 APG 4.7 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.6 SPG
2020 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 23.0 PPG 2.7 APG 4.6 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.4 SPG
2021 Stats: 57 games/57 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.8 APG 4.3 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.4 SPG
2022 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 24.3 PPG 2.0 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.3 SPG
2023 Stats: 31 games/31 starts - 26.8 PPG 2.0 APG 4.9 RPG 1.2 BPG 1.3 SPG

I'd like to point out that Mateen is 35 years old and he's currently 2nd in the entire league in scoring. He's having an absolutely sick season and it's beyond fantastic to see. By the way, Marcelino Augusto is 6th in scoring at 24.5 points a game to go with 9.9 rebounds and 2.4 blocks as his three most noteworthy averages.

Oh yes, another interesting side note---Winston Smith, our surprise sub from last year who went to New York as part of the Buboltz deal, tore his MCL and is out for the year. It's a real shame too, because he was having an even better season for them than he had with us, which says a lot.

Izulde

12-31-2008, 03:37 PM

Cleveland Cavaliers receive
PG Major Drayton
Milwaukee Bucks 2024 2nd round pick

Milwaukee Bucks receive
PG Andre Harper

What this means for the Cavaliers
The 36 year old Drayton has always been always had mediocre floor generalship and now he pairs with it atrocious defense. While he's the best passer and ballhandler on Cleveland's roster now, his lack of defense has him buried on the bench.

What this means for the Bucks
Harper, in his second season, is as vanilla a backup guard as you can get. That said, he's 24, plays something remotely resembling defense and is fairly secure a ballhandler.

Winner: Milwaukee
Not an exciting victory as both players are marginal at this point, but still a win for Milwaukee nonetheless.

Los Angeles Lakers receive
C Kevin Bradford

Indiana Pacers receive
Los Angeles Lakers 2024 1st round pick

What this means for the Lakers
In just one and a half professional basketball seasons, Bradford has already suited up for three different teams during the regular season. The former #2 overall selection is already looking a prime bust by all accounts, with no strengths and ugly ballhandling. That said, he'll start at C for the suddenly woeful Lakers while Austin Buller recovers from an injury.

What this means for the Pacers
Indiana's not going to the playoffs and they're currently very comfortable giving Lee McRae all the playing time in the world to develop at C. With the Lakers looking as bad as they are this year, the Pacers sew up another lottery pick for a player that didn't really fit in their plans.

Winner: Indiana
Highway robbery, pure and simple.

Washington Wizards receive
PF Jamarcus Wilson

Philadelphia 76ers receive
PG Charles Diggs

What this means for the Wizards
The 2021 Rookie of the Year gets relegated to a reserve role with Washington, but he's precisely the kind of solid young all-around player with standout rebounding that you want on your bench. The only question is if he'll be upset at the reduction in playing time.

What this means for the 76ers
Diggs is an outstanding ballthief, with some good shooting and offense-running abilities as well. Not the greatest defender in the world, but the second year man looks like he'll flourish in Philadelphia, where he slides into the SG spot and pairs with Corey Westbrooks to give the 76ers a dangerous, young backcourt to build their future on.

Winner: Philadelphia
While we like Wilson's balanced game, Diggs is the perfect fit for the 76ers, who are beginning to put together a nice youth movement and could be in the playoffs sometime soon with the right move or two.

Milwaukee Bucks receive
SG Andrew Bayno

Boston Celtics receive
SG Johnnie McIntyre

What this means for the Bucks
Bayno changes teams via trade yet again and he is what he is, an average reserve guard/SF with some intelligence, but no ability to make a highlight defensive play. He's a 12th man in Milwaukee

What this means for the Celtics
The 25 year old McIntyre has terrific form on his free throws and has some dynamite potential as a passer, ballhandler, defender, rebounder and student of the basketball game, but he has almost no scoring instincts and he sits on the inactives for Boston.

Winner: Draw
A dull trade that would be livened up if Boston gave McIntyre the playing time he needs to develop into the very good reserve he has the potential to be.

Memphis Grizzlies receive
PG Dave Linton
San Antonio Spurs 2024 2nd round pick

San Antonio Spurs receive
PF Ian McClinton

What this means for the Grizzlies
Linton has the ability to be a quality pass-first backup PG, but that's about it. He's a D-Leaguer for the time being.

What this means or the Spurs
McClinton can only play PF, but the rookie has some intriguing upside on the defensive end. That said, he's buried as the 12th man in San Antonio and he'll have a hard time breaking through to any kind of significant minutes.

Winner: Draw
Doesn't really improve either team and Memphis wastes an opportunity to get a legitimately useful player as they clear out their glut of talented young forwards.

Sacramento Kings receive
SF Jerrance Newman
Cleveland Cavaliers 2024 2nd round pick

Cleveland Cavaliers receive
SF Mike Poole

What this means for the Kings
Newman's just an average 34 year old swingman reserve. Nothing special or noteworthy here.

What this means for the Cavaliers
Poole can play SG, SF and PF, but none of them very well and while he's only 22, there's nothing to suggest that the second year former Sooner will be anything other than a bench scrub for as long as he hangs on in the league.

Winner: Sacramento
The Kings not only get the better of the two players, they get a free 2nd round pick on top of it.

Houston Rockets receive
PF Al Jefferson
Memphis Grizzlies 2024 2nd round pick

Memphis Grizzlies receive
SG Jason Pettaway

What this means for the Rockets
Jefferson can still bring some points, rebounds and defense, when the 38 year old isn't turning the ball over via dropping it or making a laughable attempt at a pass. In spite of his ballhandling woes, we dare somebody to find a 38 year old who converts 63% of his shots from the floor.

What this means for the Grizzlies
Pettaway's an average backup guard whose most notable attribute is a nasty 3 point shot. He's also 27, giving Memphis a major infusion of youth relative to the departed Jefferson. On the other hand, he's merely a 12th man.

Winner: Draw
If Pettaway was to get more minutes, this one would tilt Memphis's way, but with a passel of guards and swingmen on the Grizzlies' roster, he's just not going to get it without another trade.

Boston Celtics receive
PG Scott Miles

Los Angeles Lakers receive
Boston Celtics 2024 1st round pick

What this means for the Celtics
Miles, a 21 year old rookie taken 8th overall in the most recent draft, is a much better passer and ballhandler than starter Jon Costello, but he slots in as the 6th man, where he'll give a huge boost to the Celtics' bench as their best all-around guard in a young backcourt.

What this means for the Lakers
The Purple and Gold recover the 1st round pick they traded away, but while the Lakers are lottery-bound, Boston has a very real shot at making the playoffs and at absolute worst should be a late lottery pick, the #13 or #14 type.

Winner: Boston
The question boils down to: Is Miles worth a mid-1st round pick? We say yes, particularly given the horrendous quality or lack thereof of recent draft classes. He also fills a void for a good all-around guard on the C's bench.

Memphis Grizzlies receive
PG Jeremy Steele
Los Angeles Lakers 2024 2nd round pick

Los Angeles Lakers receive
SG Fred Bradley
PG Mike Conley

What this means for the Grizzlies
Memphis caps off a ridiculously busy trading month with the acquisition of a probable high 2nd round pick and Steele, the kind of veteran backbencher, high quality reserve that every team needs as the Grizzlies fight for a playoff spot.

What this means for the Lakers
Even at 35, Conley is a fantastic passer with a good shot and okay defense. But does that matter to the Lakers? No, because they shove him down in the 11th spot, where he'll barely see the light of day or the court. All you need to know about 2nd round pick Bradley is that he's shooting 38.1% in the D-Leagues.

Winner: Memphis
Conley's talents are wasted on the Lakers, who seem hell-bent on giving the Pacers the #1 overall pick next year, whereas Steele strengthens the Grizzlies and Memphis could have the 31st pick in the next draft.

Los Angeles Clippers receive
SF Prokopios Vadeki
Seattle Supersonics 2024 2nd round pick

Seattle Supersonics receive
SG Austin Forte

What this means for the Clippers
Second year man Vadeki could one day develop a wicked outside shot and scoring instincts, but he'll strictly be a role-player in that regard. There's nothing else to suggest that the Greek and former #3 overall pick is anything more than a colossal bust, especially since he's a 12th man on a talented Clippers roster.

What this means for the Supersonics
Forte's trade has long been rumored, with the Denver Nuggets repeatedly mentioned as a possibility. Instead, he lands on another Northwest team, where the burgeoning sharpshooter and defensive zero not only fits in perfectly with Seattle's tradition of great scorers who can't play D, he becomes the first PG/SF off the bench as the 7th man.

Winner: Seattle
Forte is a much more polished player, defense issues aside and he'll actually make the Supersonics a better team. The Clippers could've gotten a lot more for him than the ill-fitting Vadeki and a 2nd rounder.

Yeesh. Talk about making up for lost time. A ridiculous amount of trades in December.

Tim Butler will be back in a little over a week, so he'll miss our first three games, possibly our fourth as well.

Justin Cherry builds on his developing stardom with 20 points off the bench, Mateen Yeaton scores 31 and Andrew Bynum nets 11 points and 12 rebounds, but the rest of the team and our defense take the night off as the Spurs shock us 102-88 in San Antonio to put a surprising stop to our winning run. We snap back the next night for a 119-117 win over the Rockets, but we need OT to do it. Justin Cherry scores another 20 points off the bench, Mateen Yeaton puts up 28, Andrew Bynum hauls in 21 points and 12 rebounds and Zelipe Gama is an assist machine with 17 points and 24 assists.

Our play improves drastically as we sweep the next doubleheader. Tzvetan Kishishev gets a start at SF in place of the injured Jermaine Trask, but the real reason we obliterate Sacramento 122-106 is because of Mateen Yeaton (37 points), Andrew Bynum (22 points, 10 rebounds), Zelipe Gama (14 points, 21 assists), David Jackson (23 points) and Justin Cherry (11 bench points, his lowest total thus far). A fourth quarter rally gives us the 114-111 victory over the Lakers the next night, Justin Cherry returning to obscene form with 19 bench points, Mateen Yeaton scoring 25 and David Jackson putting up his second straight 20+ point game with 21. I think that's the first time that's happened in 50 Ninja's career. Timmy B scored 17 in his first game back.

We try to come back again in the fourth quarter, but our efforts fall just short in a 99-97 loss to the Timberwolves. It's amazing how much better Minnesota is with Branko Starcevic running the offense. Mateen Yeaton scores 23, but Justin Cherry is finally held in check, with just 4 bench points, the first time in his 8 game NBA career he's not reached double-digit points.

Despite Tim Butler's 24 points and 14 rebounds in our next game, I'm getting the sense we don't play as well with him in the lineup as we lose 117-104 to Golden State on the front end of a back to back. Or maybe it's Zelipe Gama's horrible shooting night that belies his 10 points and 11 assists. Just don't blame Justin Cherry, who rebounds for 14 points off the bench. An ugly defensive battle sees us come out 89-66 winners in Seattle, Andrew Bynum the best of the slugging men with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Tzvetan Kishishev adds 12 points off the bench.

Majorly retooled Memphis gets handed a 116-102 loss, Tim Butler soaring for 28 points. Mateen Yeaton scores 22, Zelipe Gama hands out 12 points and 16 assists and Jermaine Trask takes his turn to be best supporter with 15 bench points.

Five game road trip up next and I'm iffy on how we'll do. Our first one's in Dallas, which is sold out months in advance, of course. Devone Allen dazzles with 40 points and Marcelino Augusto puts up 25 points and 13 rebounds, but at the end of the night, we're holding a 121-112 win as all five starters score 13 or more points. Mateen Yeaton puts on fireworks of his own with 36 points, Tim Butler pulls down 20 points and 15 rebounds, Andrew Bynum clears a double-double of 13 points and 14 rebounds and Zelipe Gama is briskly efficient with 17 points and 19 assists.

Our Central journey wipes out all the good feeling of the Mavericks win as the Bulls and Pistons make us look stupid in back-to-back losses. 128-104 loss in Chicago to shrug off Mateen Yeaton's 34 points, Tim Butler's 23 points, Zelipe Gama's 16 points and 10 assists and Justin Cherry's 10 bench points. Detroit humiliates us 114-86 and the best we can do is Jermaine Trask's 20 bench points. Justin Cherry has the worst shooting night of his young career, finishing 1 for 6.

The skid hits four straight losses, the Bucks and Pacers knocking us off as well to finish the road trip a miserable 1-4. We lose 104-96 to Milwaukee, discarding Zelipe Gama's 22 points and David Jackson's 20 points. Mateen Yeaton and Tim Butler are a combined 4 for 24 on the night. Although Mateen Yeaton and Tim Butler snap back for 22 and 20 points the next night, Indiana still kicks our asses 95-76.

I think a big part of the problem is that Justin Cherry hasn't been getting the minutes he was during our hot streak. Standing in his way is Jermaine Trask, who's also been wildly inconsistent and not much of a points producer.

Now I know I should be having patience with Trask and allow him the time to grow into his abilities, but he's impeding Justin Cherry's progress and development, so, much to my regret, we'll have to deal him.

Denver Nuggets receive
PF Andy Sola
San Antonio Spurs 2024 1st round pick
San Antonio Spurs 2026 1st round pick

San Antonio Spurs receive
SF Jermaine Trask
PG Aaron Brennan
PG Ron Morant
Dallas Mavericks 2026 1st round pick

What this means for the Nuggets
Sola is a jumper specialist averaging 20.8 points a game this season. Although listed as a PF and able to play C, he's most comfortable playing SF, which is where he'll start for Denver. An excellent shooter with an uncanny knack to draw fouls, he's able to convert free throws unlike a certain 50 Ninja. Extremely solid defender and defensive playmaker as well. His arrival means David Jackson moves to his much more effective 6th man role and the departures of Brennan, Morant and Trask mean Justin Cherry as the 7th man, with the revelation rookie getting more minutes again. The 1st round picks are a terrific bonus, with the 2024 bid a potential lottery selection.

What this means for the Spurs
The Spurs are building for the future with this deal. Trask will be the 7th man and give San Antonio excellent versatility as he works on fulfilling his massive potential. Brennan, a major disappointment with the Nuggets, gets a reset in San Antonio, but just as he did in Denver, he'll have to battle Morant for coaching favor and playing time. Neither one will supplant Ameirin Qipani as the starting PG, however, either now or in the future. Sola's leaving creates an opportunity for 7', 294 lb Brendan Mickeal, a big 26 year old who is a more natural choice for C than Sola was, as the new starting five.

Winner: Draw
The move benefits both teams and arguably, it's the domino effects on the roster that will better the Nuggets and Spurs most significantly. While Denver appears to have improved the most overall, they're now playing with a 12 man roster and that's with the still-injured Joem Layne included.

And unfortunately, we're -just- shy of being able to sign a player to fill the hole created. Fortunately, we're able to swing a trade to change things up.

Denver Nuggets receive
PF Lawrence Smiley

Cleveland Cavaliers receive
SF Jason Tackett
Denver Nuggets 2025 2nd round pick
Los Angeles Lakers 2025 2nd round pick

What this means for the Nuggets
Smiley plays solid defense and is an offensive upgrade over Tackett, averaging 9.8 points a game and converting 52.3% of his field goal attempts. He'll cut a little into Justin Cherry's playing time, but it shouldn't be too drastic an imposition.

What this means for the Cavaliers
Tackett's one of the best guys in the league to have in the locker room and he plays the kind of lockdown defense the Cavaliers really need. But he's a terrible shooter, a career 36.6% from the floor and it's that inability to convert that'll keep him bound more towards the end of Cleveland's bench.

Winner: Denver
Their personalities may be as opposite as night and day, but the ironically named Smiley gives Denver some offensive firepower insurace on the bench and he's not going to be that much of a dropoff on defense.

With the money, we're able to sign street free agent PG Mike Walton to be a 23 year old 12th man. The former 2nd round pick of the Supersonics (6th pick in 2nd round - 2023 draft) actually isn't all that bad, all things considered.

On the other hand, we now have no bench point guards really capable of running the offense. That could come back to bite us in the butt, but we'll see what happens.

Jim O'Brien reverses his decision and starts David Jackson at SF again against the Knicks and 50 Ninja pours in 14 points and 10 rebounds in our 108-93 win. Tim Butler scores 28 and Zelipe Gama gets 11 points and 11 assists. But the month ends on a sour note as we lose 117-98 to the Traiblazers in Portland, in spite of Tim Butler's 27 points, David Jackson's 15 points and 10 rebounds and Justin Cherry's 10 bench points. I should also mention that Andy Sola has gone 1 for 13 in his first two games with us and is pissed about not starting.

That road loss to Portland costs us, as it puts us at 31-15, two games BEHIND the Traiblazers for the division. Dallas is winning despite their bizzare lineup and are 29-15, 9.5 ahead of Memphis, while the 29-16 Kings are fending off Golden State by 2 games.

Chicago's 36-7, 12.5 games ahead of Cleveland, who are back on winning track at 24-20. Toronto's 34-12 mark gives them an 8.5 game edge on the Knicks while Atlanta's discovered their old form, the 28-16 Hawks 2 games up on the Bobcats. Miami, by the way, had a horrible January, plummeting to the conference's worst record at 15-32.

Paulinho Buboltz
2013 Stats: 82 games/77 starts - 17.0 PPG 9.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.7 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.4 SPG
2015 Stats: 55 games/48 starts - 14.1 PPG 8.3 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 18.3 PPG 8.1 APG 3.3 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.5 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.5 PPG 8.3 APG 3.2 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2019 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.6 PPG 8.1 APG 3.5 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2020 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.8 PPG 7.5 APG 3.3 RPG 0.6 BPG 1.3 SPG
2021 Stats: 44 games/44 starts - 22.3 PPG 7.0 APG 3.6 RPG 0.9 BPG 1.6 SPG (Indiana)
2021 Stats: 36 games/36 starts - 17.8 PPG 8.3 APG 2.9 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.3 SPG (Denver)
2022 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 16.3 PPG 10.2 APG 2.7 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2023 Stats: 45 games/45 starts - 18.3 PPG 9.5 APG 2.6 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.7 SPG (New York)

Mateen Yeaton
2013 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.4 APG 5.2 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/80 starts - 23.2 PPG 3.6 APG 5.2 RPG 1.7 BPG 1.3 SPG
2015 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.6 PPG 2.4 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.5 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 25.0 PPG 3.1 APG 4.5 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.8 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 24.4 PPG 3.2 APG 4.9 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.6 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.8 PPG 2.4 APG 4.2 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2019 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.5 APG 4.7 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.6 SPG
2020 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 23.0 PPG 2.7 APG 4.6 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.4 SPG
2021 Stats: 57 games/57 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.8 APG 4.3 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.4 SPG
2022 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 24.3 PPG 2.0 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.3 SPG
2023 Stats: 46 games/46 starts - 25.6 PPG 1.8 APG 4.5 RPG 1.2 BPG 1.4 SPG

Buboltz is loving it in the Big Apple, really flourishing there. Yeaton's struggled as of late and I don't know if it's his age finally catching up to him or the fact that our entire offense seems to be a little out of sync. That said, he's still 4th in the league in scoring.

22 days until Joem Layne comes back. So the tail end of the short month. Good thing Andy Sola's an expiring $5.6 million contract, which the trade reviewer forgot to mention. He's looking like a problem after his first two games and the money we save by not keeping him will be a major benefit as I'm sure we'll have to tighten the belts next season as well.

If we can get through next year without my getting fired, we'll be in pretty good shap the rest of the way. Mateen Yeaton should come back for less money if he hasn't retired by then and David "50 Ninja" Jackson is willing to sign an extension that will pay him $2.4 million less the first season in exchange for a 6 year deal that stacks up with 9% raises each year.

I haven't decided whether or not to retain him. I probably will, but I want to see how the rest of this year goes.

Izulde

01-01-2009, 03:02 PM

Milwaukee Bucks receive
PG Kelvin Brown

Golden State Warriors receive
C Mario Florence

What this means for the Bucks
Brown's 33 and a curious case of a good passer with inept ballhandling skills. He's an average bench option on offense and respectable on defense.

What this means for the Warriors
Florence is a mediocre center at 34, with his greatest asset the fact that he doesn't complain about playing time.

Winner: Draw
Doesn't give an upgrade to either team, really and it's an odd move for Golden State, who are trying to snap a 14 year playoff drought, the longest in the NBA for anyone not named the New Orleans Hornets.

New Jersey Nets receive
SG Georgi Dimov

Miami Heat receive
SF Leroy Freeman
New Jersey Nets 2024 1st round pick

What this means for the Nets
The #1 overall pick in the draft shot a horrendous 39.1% in Miami, causing the Heat to dump the 20 year old Bulgarian quickly. He won't ever be a great defender, but if he can develop a more accurate shooting stroke, he's got the ballhandling and rebounding skills (for a guard) to become an impact player. He's also averaging 15.3 points and 1.3 blocks in his rookie season, which is nothing to sneeze at. Dimov steps in as the new starting SG for the Nets, who are vying for a playoff spot.

What this means for the Heat
Want to know why Miami's only had two playoff appearances since GM Jestor entered the league, with only one division title, the last time they made the playoffs, in 2014? It's because of stupid moves like getting a 30 year old mid-bench defensive specialist in Freeman and a mid 1st round pick for the player drafted #1 overall. The Heat just guaranteed a throwaway season and a higher pick for the Nuggets next draft, after actually looking mildly competitive the first couple months.

Winner: New Jersey
The Nets now have an exciting young backcourt in Corey Neal and Dimov and had to give up comparatively little to do it. Miami's 8 year playoff drought is going to extend to 9 this season and they're quite likely to hit the double digit mark, such is the repair job needed on the team.

Toronto Raptors receive
SF Ladrick Battle

Utah Jazz receive
PG Brandon Brooks
Toronto Raptors 2024 1st round pick

What this means for the Raptors
Battle's got some upside as an outside shooter and a rebounder and his ceiling suggests he could be a very nice, versatile bench player if the 23 year old fills out his development. He also injects sorely needed youth on a Raptors team that has a grand total of two forwards or centers under the age of 30 and both of them are bottom feeders.

What this means for the Jazz
Native son and Utah Sixer Brooks returns home at 37 years old, in his 16th season. The old man's still got pretty good all-around game though, particularly as a passer and ballhandler. But the Jazz are struggling after Scott Palmer broke his arm and Brook is blocked on the bench by Cedric Caldwell and Carlton Goree. The first round pick is a surefire late selection.

Winner: Toronto
The Raptors address a major need area and given the poor quality of recent draft classes, they might not get a player of Battle's possibility in next year's go-round.

Memphis Grizzlies receive
SF Lannce Dudley

Los Angeles Clippers receive
C Chris Washington
Memphis Grizzlies 2024 2nd round pick

What this means for the Grizzlies
Dudley's a great player to have on the bench. Able to cover every spot on the court but center, he has a sweet jumper, good scoring instincts and ballhandling and lockdown defense. It's curious that he's never been a starter in the NBA, because he has the game to be.

What this means for the Clippers
Washington has good hands for a big man and can shotblock well, but that's about it. On the other hand, that's an upgrade for a second bench big compared to the other roster fodder the Clippers have in Josh Daniels.

Winner: Memphis
The Grizzlies pick up a player in Dudley that can propel them to the playoffs, whereas the Clippers tread water and possibly even taken a small step back in their pursuit of a repeat division title.

Not as hectic as December's dealing insanity, but still a pretty busy market in January. I love what New Jersey did, not only because it helps us out, but because it shows the Nets have a team-building plan. Then again, with Tim Duncan in the GM chair, you knew that was going to happen. I mean, look at the beaut of a job he did with the Knicks.

Jim O'Brien gets a 3 year contract extension and an honestly well-deserved $1.3 million a year raise. 3rd assistant Monty Williams takes a small paycut for another three years of job security.

Andy Sola gets the surprise start at SF in our first game in February and goes from 1 for 13 his first two games to 4 for 6 in this one. We blow out Golden State 122-106, running them ragged in the fourth quarter. Mateen Yeaton and Tim Butler score 26 points a piece and two benchmen match in points as well, with Justin Cherry and Darrell James each scoring 14.

We split the divisional doubleheader. Utah gets pounded 117-87 as Andy Sola scores 22 and Lawrence Smiley and David Jackson combine for 10 and 18 points off the bench. But the next night, Minnesota, who's given us fits all season, downs us 113-86 as we can only come up with Mateen Yeaton's 25 points and Zelipe Gama's cheapskate double-double of 10 points, 10 assists.

Andy Sola's finally starting to pay off dividends as he gets used to our offense, scoring 28 in our 106-87 beatdown of the Cavs. Justin Cherry and David Jackson power the reserves with 17 and 12 points respectively and it sure feels nice having 50 Ninja backing us up.

New Jersey's improved, but they can't compete with Mateen Yeaton's 29 points, not when they're paired with now at PF Andy Sola's 20 points or David Jackson's 15 bench points in our 110-101 victory. The Nets' time will come; it's just not here yet.

The Hawks hose our win streak, cooling us off for a 106-90 loss in spite of Andy Sola's 22 points and Zelipe Gama's 14 points and 13 assists, but we bounce right back the next night in Charlotte for a 103-97 win on 3 players with 20+ points: Mateen Yeaton (27), Tim Butler (20) and Andy Sola (20), as Timmy B and Sola switched forward spots again to more natural positions. For those keeping track, that's four straight 20+ point games for the newest Nugget. Zelipe Gama contributed a double-double of 12 points and 11 assists.

Overall, I'm quite pleased with our 5-2 record for the month heading into the All-Star break, particularly since five of those games were on the road, something we had big problems with last year and earlier this season.

The Sophomores smack down the Rookies 104-90. It's pretty amusing seeing no less than 4 former Nuggets on the second years, including two starters in Deon Sterley and Kevin Bradford. Darren Hare and Jermaine Trask were the other two. As for current Denver representation, Justin Cherry makes it as a reserve, but has a surprisingly quiet 1 rebound and 1 assist in 11 minutes, going without taking a shot. Contrast this to Wendel King, who led all scorers with 25 points. Tom Singletary, a second-year Hornet, won MVP with 21 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds, a block and a steal.

Mateen Yeaton gets snubbed by the All-Star Game, which really burns me up and makes me unable to enjoy the West's 92-83 besting of the East. Keith Attaway won Game MVP only because he led in scoring with 25 points. The last time Mateen made the All-Star game was two years ago and to me, there's just something seriously wrong with that.

Anger energizes Mateen Yeaton to 28 points, but we come out flat and fail to rally for the comeback in a 104-98 loss to the Celtics in our first post All-Star break game. Of course, it didn't help that Andy Sola got a really nasty gash in his calf and played just five minutes.

I rummage around at the trade deadline, looking for cheap, good pass-first PG help. I find a possibility, but have to pay a steeper price than I'd like to get him.

Denver Nuggets receive
PG Higgins Malone
Minnesota Timberwolves 2025 2nd round pick
Minnesota Timberwolves 2026 2nd round pick

Minnesota Timberwolves receive
SG Darren Davis

What this means for the Nuggets
Denver needed more PG help and in the 25 year old, third season Malone, the Nuggets get a young man with very good ballhandling skills, a diverse shooting range, average scoring instincts with upside, decent defense and a smart player with some more room for growth. Not a premiere passer, but his skill set looks to be the sort that can be a valuable reserve if the former 2nd round pick (7th pick, 2nd round - 2021 - Clippers) re-ups with Denver. The second rounders bring much needed trade bait.

What this means for the Timberwolves
Davis has tantalizing potential as a lockdown defender and an instinctual scorer with a great ceiling for understanding the game. But the 21 year old appeared in only 16 games this season at 2.8 minutes a game and it's worth noting that GM Jestor declined to give Davis his fourth year option. So it seems that he'll never reach his ability, because he gets even less PT with the T-Wolves, chained to the inactive list.

Winner: Denver
Jestor's done it again, making the kind of small deadline move that'll pay off dividends in the long run. Nice bonus with the 2nd round picks and Malone being more polished than Davis and a greater need makes this a slam dunk for the Nuggets.

I hated giving up Davis, but when I didn't exercise his fourth year, I had a feeling I wasn't going to be bringing him back anyway. This way, I get a couple freebie 2nd rounders and the chance to audition Malone to see if he's worth returning next summer.

A fourth quarter meltdown translates into a heartbreaking 112-109 loss in Memphis. Tim Butler scores 26, Mateen Yeaton 20 and Zelipe Gama garners 17 points and 11 assists, but it's amazing how much weaker a team we are without Andy Sola in the lineup. He's making a strong case for us to re-sign him.

The Hornets are a godsend and we get a major confidence-boosting victory in New Orleans, winning all four quarters en route to a 121-98 rout. Tim Butler explodes for 36 points, Mateen Yeaton adds 23 points and we get dinky double-doubles from Andrew Bynum (10 points, 13 rebounds) and Zelipe Gama (12 points, 11 assists). Justin Cherry scores 13 off the bench.

Tim Butler has his second straight 30+ point game with 32 in our 120-108 revenge victory over the Hawks. Mateen Yeaton plays a great second with 28 points, Andrew Bynum is right behind with 27 points and Zelipe Gama is the knifeman, carving Atlanta for 18 points and 12 assists.

With those two consecutive wins, we jump up to 38-19 and a deadlock with Portland atop the Northwest. It's us and the Trailblazers, as the Jazz are 15 games back in third place.

Dallas is actually being challenged by the Grizzlies, but 34-22 still gives the Mavericks a 4.5 game lead. Evidently Memphis knew what it was doing though, because they've shot up to a 30-27 record.

Fun dogfight in the Pacific, where 36-23 Sacramento is a game up on Golden State, 1.5 half on the Clippers and 3 on the Suns, Phoenix the biggest surprise of the season.

40-14 isn't enough for Chicago to retain their lead on the #1 seed, because the Raptors are rampaging at 43-14. The Bulls and Toronto both wield leads in excess of 10 games over the Cavaliers and Celtics though. The reverse is true in the Southeast, where Charlotte's 36-19, a game in front of Atlanta and Orlando's hanging around at 4.5 back.

NBA Leaders

Scoring
1. Justin Richler (TOR) - 28.4
2. Gaylen Drayton (DET) - 26.7
3. Filip Mikulic (HOU) - 26.5
4. Mateen Yeaton (DEN) - 25.1
10. Marcelino Augusto (DAL) 23.0

Assists
1. Bernard Kelly (MEM) - 14.2
2. Kenny Graham (SAC) - 12.1
3. Keith Attaway (IND) - 11.8
5. Zelipe Gama (DEN) - 11.1
8 players with 10+ assists

Rebounds
1. Greg Oden (TOR) - 14.3
2. Dontay Williamson (LAC) - 14.1
3. Oswaldo Apolonario (ATL) - 13.5
4. Jonte Jones (SAC) - 12.4

Blocks
1. Dontay Williamson (LAC) - 3.7
2. Martin Beerbohm (BOS) - 3.6
3. Sonny Boxler (POR) - 3.3
6. Marcelino Augusto (DAL) - 2.9

Amazing... a swingman #3 in the league in blocks. Man, was I ever wrong about Boxler.

Steals
T1. Brian Brown (GSW) - 1.9
T1. Bernard Kelly (MEM) - 1.9
T1. Jermaine Butler (BOS) - 1.9
T1. Pete Latham (SA) - 1.9
T1. Kyle Smith (CLE) - 1.9

Rookie Leaders

Scoring
1. Georgi Dimov (NJ) - 15.4
2. Michael Woods (PHO) - 12.1
3. Justin Cherry (DEN) - 10.4
4. Wendel King (CLE) - 10.1

Assists
1. Wendel King (CLE) - 5.1
T2. Georgi Dimov (NJ) - 3.7
T2. Scott Miles (BOS) - 3.7
6. Justin Cherry (DEN) - 2.1

King's numbers are obviously inflated by being a terrible PG for the Cavaliers.

Rebounds
1. Scott Costello (SEA) - 7.7
2. Michael Woods (PHO) - 7.1
3. Georgi Dimov (NJ) - 4.0
7. Justin Cherry (DEN) - 2.2
9. Wendel King (CLE) - 1.7

Blocks
1. Georgi Dimov (NJ) - 1.3
2. Scott Costello (SEA) - 1.0
3. Michael Woods (PHO) - 0.7
T5. Justin Cherry (DEN) - 0.4

Steals
1. Georgi Dimov (NJ) - 1.3
T2. Justin Cherry (DEN) - 0.8
T2. Michael Woods (PHO) - 0.8
T4. Wendel King (CLE) - 0.7

Makes you wonder what Cherry's numbers would look like if he were starting like King is.

Izulde

01-04-2009, 12:20 AM

Milwaukee Bucks receive
SG Patrick Hawkins

Seattle Supersonics receive
PF Lubomir Novotny
SF Jarrod Owens

What this means for the Bucks
Hawkins, 22, is in his 4th season and has all the skills needed to be a starter. Great scoring instincts, a good jumper, pretty good defense and a good understanding of the game, with a little bit of upside thrown in. He'll serve as the 6th man and understudy to Lebron James for now, with a probable promotion to the starting SG spot next year.

What this means for the Supersonics
Novotny busts his tail off, but he just doesn't have any talent to speak of other than decent defense. While he may be just 21 and in his second season, he hasn't shown anything than a career D-leaguer skillset, maybe not even that. Hill is a safe shooter, but roster bench filler.

Winner: Milwaukee
In a youth for youth deal (Hill's 24, in his 3rd season), the Bucks unload two garbage young men for a high quality youngster who could start for them as soon as next season. The Supersonics have gone from a borderline playoff team to one of the worst in just a few short seasons and things don't appear to be getting better any time soon, if this trade is any indication.

Charlotte Bobcats receive
C Fabian Kruger

Miami Heat receive
PG Louis Mertens
PF Federico Gomez

What this means for the Bobcats
The 26 year old Argentian Kruger is the single worst defending center in the entire league. He's so bad on defense, the Great Polish Sieve, Narcyz Malinomowski, looks like a lockdown player compared to him. That said, he's a deadly accurate shooter, as in a career 58.2% from the floor shooter and has converted in excess of 60% of his shots a few seasons. His 7'3, 299 frame allows him to grab rebounds from some of the smaller centers that he wouldn't otherwise get, even if he's not a natural at it. But that big body does nothing in blocks, as he's had just 25 blocks in his entire 8 year career and 15 of those were in his first two season. He flirted with a 20 point per game average last season and he's doing it this year as well, but hasn't it. He probably will next season and between him and 24 year old Pole Oliwjer Rosiak, the Bobcats have a very exciting, young, international starting frontcourt. Victor Gipson moves to the 6th man role, giving Charlotte 7-footers around the 300 pound mark on both the starting five and the bench. That's a lot of size to bang and bruise other teams with.

What this means for the Heat
Miami seems to love collecting ex-Nuggets and they get another one in Mertens, who first came to national acclaim when playing in Denver. A breathtaking passer with an accurate shot, he's notorious for his laxness on defense. He's been made a 6th man in Miami and is absolutely furious about it, claiming he should start over Derrick Attaway. We agree with the 26 year old Belgian and it's another misstep by myopic Miami. Gomez was released, making this a Mertens for Kruger trade. On the other hand, Clifton Snyder, the new C, is a pretty accurate shooter himself and can actually play defense, unlike Kruger. Greatly overmatched at 6'9, 235 at the five, though.

Winner: Charlotte
Fantastic move for the Bobcats, who have never had an elite level scorer in their history. They get one now in Kruger and with him inside, there's a chance he could free up more shot opportunities for Rosiak when he draws the defense. The Mertens hype is overblown, as he's only been a starter once in his eight year career, in 2021 with the Nuggets and only averaged 10 points and 7.9 assists in 82 games and 61 starts.

Fascinating Kruger/Mertens deal there. Even with his inability to play defense, Kruger intrigued me and I almost thought about trying to get him a few times, just as I almost made a deal for Antonio Sarchet, the former Sun-now Bull PF who converts an average of 60% from the floor and has some wicked rebounding hops besides. That was back when he was in Phoenix, though I forget just who I was shopping at the time.

The Pacers execute a fourth quarter rally and pull out the 102-100 upset to pen the month. I'm just sick over the loss, even as Tim Butler grabs 21 points and 11 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scores 22, Zelipe Gama gets 11 points and 12 assists and Justin Cherry and Tzvetan Kishishev provide a bench spark with 15 and 12 points respectively.

Things go from bad to worse as the Clippers bounce us 95-73 and everybody plays like they're in a fog. We're really missing Andy Sola in the lineup and I'm just about convinced that he needs to be handed a contract extension.

Three losses in a row after Portland pulverizes us 114-101, Tim Butler's 26 points and 13 rebounds our lone bright spot. If we keep playing this badly, I may have to do that which I don't want to.

All five starters score 12 points or more, Zelipe Gama puts in 14 points and 13 assists and Lawrence Smiley and Tzvetan Kishishev contribute 11 and 10 points off the bench to stave off San Antonio 106-87. We win two in a row by beating Phoenix 115-91 the next night, Tim Butler scoring 25, Mateen Yeaton 29. Andrew Bynum nabs 13 points and 10 rebounds, Zelipe Gama 19 points and 12 assists as Jim O'Brien gets a stay of execution.

Andy Sola comes back the next game and saves us with 28 points in a 109-107 nailbiter over the Bobcats. Tim Butler scores 21 and Zelipe Gama cheerfully totals up 15 points and 17 assists. Sola gets the two year contract extension he wants the next morning.

How does Andy Sola reward me for that extension? With 29 points in our 113-86 revenge crunching of the Clippers. Tim Butler scores 25 and David Jackson storms off the bench for 16 points and 10 rebounds. I've already decided that 50 Ninja just isn't a worthwhile starter and if I'm forced to cut salary next year, he's going to be the player I move. I love the guy and the energy he brings to the team, but unless we get a new owner, one who's less of an ass about spending, I might not have a choice.

It's Andy Sola as POTG again with 31 points as we edge the Bucks 103-95. Mateen Yeaton adds 20 points and Andrew Bynum (15 points, 14 rebounds) and Zelipe Gama (17 points, 11 assists) double-double. A far cry from the 1 for 13 in two games Sola started his Denver career with, that's for sure.

We end up on the wrong side of a 129-119 shootout versus the Wizards and not even Tim Butler's 27 points and 11 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton's 27 points and Zelipe Gama's 17 points and 17 assists can save us when Andy Sola fouls out early.

The Lakers prove great guests in letting us kick their asses 122-95. Zelipe Gama sprang up for 20 points and 12 assists, Mateen Yeaton scores 24 and Tim Butler rounds out the 20+ point club with 20.

Another shootout, but this one goes our way as we win 125-115 over Sacramento on Tim Butler's 33 points, Andy Sola's 23 points, Mateen Yeaton's 28 points and a cool 20 points and 15 assists from Zelipe Gama.

A 112-98 win in Phoenix comes courtesy of Mateen Yeaton (26 points), Zelipe Gama (21 points, 10 assists), Tim Butler (21 points, 11 rebounds) and David Jackson (14 bench points). Nice turnaround from our 0-3 start of the month.

We beat back the Jazz 121-112 thanks to Andy Sola's 35 points, Tim Butler's 19 points and 10 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton's 24 points, Zelipe Gama's 10 points and 17 assists and 10 bench points from Justin Cherry, who's had a surprisingly quiet March.

The Spurs go down 110-90 on the front end of the month's concluding back-to-back, Andy Sola and Tim Butler thundering for 27 and 29 points a piece. Justin Cherry was the other man of the night with 11 bench points. But then we go to Portland the next night and get torched 127-106. Tim Butler puts up 25 points, but Andy Sola has to come off the bench for his 17 points because of a wrist injury and Darrell James's additional 13 bench points isn't enough.

That loss drops us to 48-24, three games behind the Trailblazers for the Northwest and the top seed. God, I hate Portland. All those years of underachieving and they're choosing Mateen Yeaton's twilight to suddenly play up to their talent level. Dallas is 41-31, but the Grizzlies are still giving them a fight, just 2.5 back while 47-27 Sacramento is simultaneously chasing us for the #2 seed and trying to hold off the second-place Clippers, who are 2.5 games behind.

Toronto's already clinched the Atlantic at 49-23, 10.5 ahead of the Knicks, but the Bulls, already long-acknowledged Central champs, are in the top seed lead at 53-19 (15.5 games ahead of the Cavaliers) and two teams in the Southeast are in the thick of it as well, 48-24 Charlotte and 47-25 Atlanta.

Some exciting races in both conferences for playoff positioning over the last 10 games. I don't think we'll repeat last year's miracle clinch of the Northwest, but I'd be happy with a repeat of the #2 seed.

Izulde

01-04-2009, 06:08 PM

10 games left in the regular season and we'll need to have a lights out run, coupled with a Portland collapse, to have any chance at all at winning the division and the #1 seed.

The whole team forgets how to play basketball in a 123-93 loss to the Grizzlies, but Tim Butler remembers how in bashing his old team, the Hornets, for 38 points and 13 rebounds the next night in our 112-89 New Orleans win. Andrew Bynum puts up 17 points and 13 rebounds and Mateen Yeaton scores 20.

We say goodbye to the division, maybe the #2 seed as well, in dropping both games of a divisional doubleheader. 123-94 the final against the Timberwolves, who I don't want to play in the postseason. Tim Butler's the only one to show up, with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Mateen Yeaton scores 31 and Tim Butler repeats his 17 point, 10 rebound performance, but our defense disappears, Seattle sinking us 101-84.

Mateen Yeaton's 36 points and Tim Butler's 23 points and 10 rebounds bail us out in a 101-99 heartstopper against Golden State, putting us at 2-4 thus far.

Andy Sola recovers from his wrist injury, returning to score 23 as we wax the Hornets 117-88. Justin Cherry rediscovers his shooting stroke to score 20 off the bench and David Jackson pulls down 11 bench rebounds.

We claw our way back to .500 at 4-4 by spanking Memphis 112-95 on Mateen Yeaton's 23 points, Tim Butler's 24 points, Andrew Bynum's double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds and Zelipe Gama's 12 points and 12 assists. Andy Sola gets hurt again, this time with back spasms, and the Rockets destroy us 122-84 in Houston as we look completely lost without Sola.

With two games left, we can clinch the #2 seed with one more win. The Suns slaughter us 124-91, Justin Cherry's 10 bench points our lone highlight, but we unexpectedly upset Portland 112-92 in the final game of the regular season. David Jackson races for 17 points, 14 rebounds and 6 steals, Tim Butler has his third 17 point, 10 rebound showing of the last ten games, [b]Andrew Bynum and Mateen Yeaton score 21 and 20 points a piece and Andy Sola comes off the bench for 10 points.

West Conference Seedings
1. Portland Traiblazers (56-26)
2. Denver Nuggets (53-29)
3. Sacramento Kings (51-31)
4. Los Angeles Clippers (50-32)
5. Dallas Mavericks (49-33)
6. Phoenix Suns (48-34)
7. Memphis Grizzlies (43-39)
8. Golden State Warriors (40-42)

Despite imploding down the stretch, the Warriors finally end their playoff drought, squeaking in as the #8 seed.

East Conference Seedings
1. Chicago Bulls (62-20)
2. Toronto Raptors (54-28)
3. Atlanta Hawks (53-29)
4. Charlotte Bobcats (50-32)
5. New York Knicks (46-36)
6. Orlando Magic (45-37)
7. Cleveland Cavaliers (44-38)
8. Boston Celtics (41-41)

Poor Philadelphia. The 76ers lose the tiebreaker to the Celtics and have to sit home.

NBA Leaders

Scoring
1. Justin Richler (TOR) - 27.5
3. Filip Mikulic (HOU) - 27.2
2. Gaylen Drayton (DET) - 26.4
8. Mateen Yeaton (DEN) - 23.3
10. Marcelino Augusto (DAL) 22.0

Assists
1. Bernard Kelly (MEM) - 13.6
2. Kenny Graham (SAC) - 12.0
3. Keith Attaway (IND) - 11.6
5. Zelipe Gama (DEN) - 11.1
9 players with 10+ assists

Rebounds
T1. Greg Oden (TOR) - 14.3
T1. Dontay Williamson (LAC) - 14.3
3. Oswaldo Apolonario (ATL) - 13.6
5. Jonte Jones (SAC) - 11.8

Blocks
1. Dontay Williamson (LAC) - 3.9
2. Sonny Boxler (POR) - 3.5
3. Martin Beerbohm (BOS) - 3.3
7. Marcelino Augusto (DAL) - 2.8

Steals
T1. Jermaine Butler (BOS) - 1.9
T1. Pete Latham (SA) - 1.9
T1. Kyle Smith (CLE) - 1.9

Rookie Leaders

Scoring
1. Georgi Dimov (NJ) - 15.1
2. Michael Woods (PHO) - 12.3
3. Wendel King (CLE) - 10.4
4. Justin Cherry (DEN) - 8.8

Assists
1. Wendel King (CLE) - 5.0
2. Scott Miles (BOS) - 3.8
3. Georgi Dimov (NJ) - 3.6
7. Justin Cherry (DEN) - 2.0

Rebounds
1. Scott Costello (SEA) - 7.1
2. Michael Woods (PHO) - 6.9
3. Georgi Dimov (NJ) - 4.0

Blocks
1. Georgi Dimov (NJ) - 1.2
2. Scott Costello (SEA) - 1.1
3. Michael Woods (PHO) - 0.7

Steals
1. Georgi Dimov (NJ) - 1.1
2. Jarod Jones (MIL) - 0.8
3. Michael Woods (PHO) - 0.7
T4. Wendel King (CLE) - 0.6
T4. Justin Cherry (DEN) - 0.6

Izulde

01-05-2009, 03:22 AM

I'l be honest. I'm worried going into this postseason. After Minnesota upset us last year and our erratic play this year, someting tells me we're ripe for another one and done.

Can Nuggets Avoid Another Pyrite Finish?
Last season's nightmare first round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves still haunts GM Jestor and the Denver Nuggets. It very nearly led to Jestor's firing and franchise Bob Neal created a tense, financially strict climate in the Mile High City in response to the collapse.

But the Raffle GM showed off his trade wizard skills again, pulling off deals that reeled in supersub Justin Cherry and differencemaker forward Andy Sola, along with two first round picks from San Antonio. Thus, the Nuggets were able to repeat as the #2 seed in a year when many predicted they'd be a low playoff team or miss the postseason altogether.

However, this year's Denver team was prone to slumps, losing streaks that'd be disastrous in the playoffs and in particular seemed lost down the stretch whenever Sola was injured. The new star forward has been banged up three times since coming to the Nuggets, with a bruised calf, a sprained wrest and back spasms, the latter of which look to limit him in first-round action against the Grizzlies.

Such tidings bode ill for Denver's second round hopes.

Point Guard
Zelipe Gama vs. Bernard Kelly
One of the reasons for optimism in Denver is the return of the Spainard Gama, who plays the type of pass-first game Jestor covets in his point guards, as opposed to the shooter type the Nuggets had in Paulinho Buboltz last season. Although he's 32 years old, Gama doesn't appear to have lost a step, averaging 13.5 points, 11.1 assists, 4 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.3 steals in the regular season, setting career highs in points per game and blocks per game and having his second best season in assists per game. Great passer, accurate shooter, good playmaker defender for the man who runs Denver's offense better than anyone else to play the position in Jestor's time here.

Kelly's only 5'11, 157 lbs, but he plays much, much bigger than that, with the kind of silky passing that makes Kenny Graham and Louis Mertens look like Starbury. His 13.6 assists per game this season was the best since John Stockton's 13.7 in 1991. The 26 year old also averaged 16.8 points and 1.8 steals in the regular season and has an absolutely deadly 3 point shot to go with his filthy stealing talents and otherwordly passing skills.

Advantage: Memphis

Shooting Guard
Mateen Yeaton vs. Durko Jagr
How many 35 year olds can do what the immortal Yeaton has done? He averaged 23.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.3 steals in the regular season, shooting 49.8% from the floor and converting a career-high 92% from the free throw line. His physical skills may be in decline, but his heart and spirit are as fierce as ever in his 14th NBA season, 11th in Denver.

Jagr has decent size at 6'5, 222 lbs and plays respectable defense. He's a solid all-around starting SG, averaging 13.2 points, 5 assists and 1.2 steals in the regular season, but he's no Yeaton and he doesn't stand out in any particular area. He has a tendency to take a lot more shots in the playoffs, which translate to higher points, but a much lower shooting percentage.

Advantage: Denver

Small Forward
David Jackson vs. Shane Holliway
50 Ninja had a career high 10.8 points in the regular season to go with his 6.4 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and steal per game, starting off hot before tailing off in the second half of the season. He began complaining again towards the end of the year about not starting more and the team seemed to play off-kilter whenever he was in the starting lineup. Solid all-around, with a particular knack for drawing fouls and fantastic hands for a big man. He usually does well in the playoffs, but he may be a distraction, particularly given that his future in Denver is uncertain.

The 26 year old Holliway has improved each of his six seasons in the league and posted a line of 18.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.7 steals in the regular season, showing greatly improved accuracy on his shot and more dedication to defense. Phenomenal scoring instincts make him a fun player to watch and he's a pretty good passer for his position. Defense isn't stellar, but his ball thievery skills make up for it and his undersized 6'6, 224 lbs frame. That smallness may be a problem going up against the 6'11, 282 lbs Jackson.

Advantage: Memphis

Power Forward
Tim Butler vs. Ronnie Fry
Injuries limited Butler to 61 games this season and he had an extremely disappointing 16.5 points and 6.4 rebounds. At times, he looked brilliant; other games, he looked lost. That doesn't speak for a promising playoffs, especially since he struggled last year, converting 41.7% of his shots. Not a good defender and can't make disruptive plays, nor can he rebound very well. Basically, he's a one-dimensional inside scorer.

The 21 year old Fry may be spindly at 6'11, 221 lbs, but he has an excellent shot repertoire and fights fanatically for rebounds, as his regular season of 18.1 points, 9.1 rebounds and a steal illustrate. He also plays tough, suffocating defense and has good basketball IQ. Fry looked much more comfortable with shooting the ball this year and that spells trouble for the Nuggets, as he's poised for a much more active postseason presence than last year, when he averaged just 9 points a game.

Advantage: Memphis

Center
Andrew Bynum vs. Narcyz Malinomowski
Bynum's 37, but he's still a nails-tough defender and his 7', 285 lb body lets him get rebounds he would otherwise be too slow to reach. One of the safest shooters in the game, he shot 60.5% on his way to 13.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks, a regular season outing that surprised Jestor, who clashed with head coach Jim O'Brien over Bynum's nomination to the starting lineup. But Bynum showed he still has it and it'll be interesting to see how he does this playoffs.

In the last 15 seasons, Malinomowski has missed a grand total of 4 regular season starts and has never missed a postseason start. That kind of durability and stability isn't one you often see in today's NBA and while his mediocre defense earned Narcyz the nickname of The Great Polish Sieve, he's a top-notch shotblocker, averaging 3 blocks on the season along with 16.2 points and 11.5 rebounds. One of the better all-around centers in the league throughout his lengthy career with the Grizzlies after being taken 2nd overall in the 2009 draft, he's consistent and a team leader.

Advantage: Draw

Bench
One of the biggest stories in Denver this year was the #3 overall pick, Wendel King, being traded to Cleveland for the #22 overall pick, Justin Cherry and Cherry bursting on the scene with a string of high-scoring games off the bench in his first several NBA games. Although he tapered off the down the stretch, he still averaged 8.8 points on 51.4% shooting and appears to be Yeaton's heir apparent. Lawrence Smiley, a mid-season acquistion also from the Cavaliers who plays tough-nosed defense and has a good scoring game off the bench, averaged 7.1 points between the two teams. Ever-steady Belgian and Jestor favorite Tzvetan Kishishev averaged 5.7 points with his trademark lockdown defense. An injured Andy Sola is here too after averaging 18.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.1 steals as Denver's lynchpin after coming over from San Antonio at the deadline. He plays very good all-around defense and has a beautiful outside shot. If the Nuggets have a weakness, it's that they don't have a truly good pass-first backup PG that's usually a priority on Jestor's teams.

Second year man Deon Sterley, a former Nugget with a great all-around game, particularly on rebounding and defense, will seek to avenge himself on his old employers after averaging 7.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in the regular season. Lannce Dudley, another player who suited up once for Denver, is an underrated shooter who plays lockdown defense and finished the regular season averaging 6.2 points. Dudley's also capable of playing every position but C. But like the Nuggets, the Grizzlies lack a legitimate passer, as Dave Linton is too turnover prone. More importantly, Memphis has no bench guards they trust, despite the presence of Jeremy Steele, a good, balanced guard and yet another once upon a time Nugget who should be getting a lot more playing time than the paltry 5.2 minutes a game he's been getting with the Grizzlies.

Advantage: Denver

Final Thoughts
On paper, the Grizzlies are favored, especially with all these former Nuggets having extra incentive to beat Denver and indeed, the Grizzlies pulverized Denver by 30 in Memphis during the last ten games in the regular season. But then the Nuggets came back and trounced the Grizzlies in Denver during that same set. Homecourt advantage and Andy Sola's health are going to decide this and in a long enough series, particularly a seven game one, that just barely favors the Nuggets.
Prediction: Denver in 7

Frankly, I'd be happy with that result, especially given how inconsistently we've played this year.

Game One
I wouldn't be surprised to see us lose this game, but Mateen Yeaton comes out on fire, adding to his already storied legacy with 32 points. Zelipe Gama trolls in his wake for 17 points and 10 assists and Tim Butler has a dynamite all-around game with 13 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists. All of our starting 5 scores at least 13 points and the Grizzlies just can't match that kind of production. Bernard Kelly scores 22, Narcyz Malinomowski pulls down 12 points and 13 rebounds and Deon Sterley impresses with 14 bench points, but we blow Memphis out of the water and send notice to everyone watching that the playoffs is a whole new ballgame.
Final - Memphis 89 Denver 110

Game Two
Three Memphis players break 20+ points: Narcyz Malinomowsk (26 points, 12 rebounds), Shane Holliway (22 points) and Ronnie Fry (21 points, but Tim Butler has his turn to go bananas on the Grizzlies, exciting the home crowd with a breathtaking 38 point, 11 rebound performance. Mateen Yeaton chips in 25 points and Zelipe Gama gets a near 20/20 line with 21 points and 19 assists. By the time the final whistle blows, we've got a 24 point win and the unbeatable satisfaction of having crushed them 38-15 in the fourth quarter. The 2-0 series lead is nice, too. Oh yes, that reminds me. David Jackson had a perfect 8 for 8 shooting night for 16 points. Great to see that from 50 Ninja, even though he probably won't be here next year.
Final - Memphis 98 Denver 124

Tim Butler strains an abdominal muscle while he's out there shredding the Grizzlies, making his Game 2 outing all the more amazing. Our probable future team captain is showing toughness by playing through it, though.

Game Three
An injured Timmy B is made up for by the return of Andy Sola, or at least that's how it appears before we trek to Memphis for the third game. Unfortunately, theory doesn't match reality as Andy Sola's 26 points is more than countered by Ronnie Fry's 35 points and 11 rebounds. Zelipe Gama does his best with 11 points and 10 assists, but Bernard Kelly outplays him with 22 points and 22 assists, getting the 20/20 Gama missed in Game 1 and Deon Sterley provides the icing with 16 bench points. We get beat and beat badly and our series lead is cut in half. 2-1.
Final - Denver 86 Memphis 109

Game Four
It's a story we've seen written the past few years, needing to win a pivotal Game 4 on the road to put an opponent on the brink. The chapter's not pretty here, unfortunately, as Ronnie Fry continues to take advantage of Timmy B's injury, abusing us for 31 points. Narcyz Malinomowski bangs around inside for 31 points and 11 rebounds, Bernard Kelly cooly distributes 15 points and 13 assists and Deon Sterley and Lannce Dudley combine for 12 and 11 points off the bench. All we can do is waste 30 points from Mateen Yeaton and the first good bench showing we've all had series in Tzvetan Kishishev's 12 points. And just like that, it's all tied up at two games a piece.
Final - Denver 95 Memphis 120

Much to my surprise, there's no sweeps this season.

Game Five
Home's always a good thing and Tim Butler scores 20, thankful to be back in Denver. Justin Cherry rises off the bench for 27 points, but it comes at a terrible price. Four minutes into the game, Mateen Yeaton shatters his finger, breaking it in two places and ending his season. It's heartbreaking, just as gut-wrenching as the fact as we lose this momentum-changing game. Ronnie Fry (14 points, 14 rebounds), Narcyz Malinomowski (15 points, 13 rebounds) and Bernard Kelly (26 points, 10 assists) all double-double, while Durko Jagr exploits the rookie Cherry for 31 points. A six point loss, a 3-2 series deficit and our season appears as ended as Yeaton's.
Final - Memphis 110 Denver 104

Portland beats Golden State in 5 games, Atlanta puts away division foe Orlando and Cleveland pulls off an unexpected upset in knocking out the three-time defending East champion Raptors in five. To put this in a little more perspective, Toronto's been the East representive 7 of the last 8 years and I can't remember the last time they lost in the first round of the playoffs.

Justin Cherry gets his first ever NBA start in Game 6 and what a pressure-cooker situation for the rookie.

Game Six
Barring a miracle of epic proportions, our season ends here. No miracle here, as we get 15 points off the bench from David Jackson and 10 points and 13 rebounds from Andrew Bynum and that's it. Justin Cherry goes 3 for 4 for 10 points in 19 minutes in his starting debut, but he lands hard on his arm after a shot and has to sit out the rest of the game. In counterpoint, Narcyz Malinomowski scores 20, Ronnie Fry double-doubles for 17 points and 12 rebounds, all five Grizzlies starters score 13 or more and Bernard Kelly finishes us off with 22 points and 14 assists in front of a wildly cheering, standing ovation Memphis home crowd. Oh and Deon Sterley poured salt in our wounds with 10 bench rebounds.
Final - Memphis 97 Denver 77

It's a season for upsets, as the Knicks upend the heavily favored Bobcats in six and the Suns do the same to the Kings.

But the biggest upsets happen in the Game 7 finales, as 8 seed Boston stuns 1 seed Chicago and the two-time defending champion Dallas Mavericks go out in the first round to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Wow. Now I don't feel so bad about our own first round exit.

In the next round, the Traiblazers continue the unprecedented postseason by sweeping the Clippers, handing the Red and White another frustrating conclusion to their playoffs.

Atlanta beats Cleveland in five games and the way they're playing, they could be repeating their 2019 performance as the last non-Raptors East Conference representative in the Finals.

Phoenix furthers their dramatic turnaround by ousting the Grizzlies in six, the same margin the Knicks use to eliminate the Cinderella Celtics. How dramatic a turnaround is it? Last season, the Suns were 23-59. Their last winning season was all the way back in 2013 (43-39) and the last time they made the playoffs was 2010, when they won the Pacific with a 50-32 record. That's a 13 year playoff drought, one that frequently got glossed over because of Golden State and New Orleans.

The Suns destroy the Traiblazers hopes of finally reaching the NBA Finals by unexpectedly sweeping Portland. It's the first time since 2009 Phoenix is going to the Finals, where they lost in seven games to the Chicago Bulls. 2007 was the Suns' other Finals appearance since I joined the league and they swept the Bobcats for the title.

Atlanta blows a 3-1 series lead and the New York Knicks are in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1998 as they make the improbable comeback, storming for a Game 7 victory that sends the Big Apple into a frenzied celebration.

This sets up the lowest seeding Finals pairing since I've joined the league - 5th seeded New York versus 6th seeded Phoenix. Paradoxical as it may seem, I'm rooting for the Knicks. I mean, their lottery is what allowed me to even break in the business in the first place and I'd love to see Paulinho Buboltz get a ring. He's having a great postseason, averaging 17.1 points, 9.4 assists and 2.1 steals.

And Paulinho Buboltz gets his ring as the Knicks sweep the Suns in four games!!!

Pandemonium erupts in New York City with the Knicks' first championship since 1972. Wow, I can't believe it's been that long. They last won the title about seven seasons before I was even born (1979).

But won they have, ending a 52 year drought. I'm almost as excited about their victory as I would be with another championship for the Nuggets.

Almost.

Izulde

01-05-2009, 04:23 PM

An Uncertain Offseason Ahead For Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets have been one of the league's most successful teams over the past fifteen plus years, thanks in large part to GM Jestor's shrewdness. But the man who built and re-built three championship teams around Mateen Yeaton may soon be out of a job after Denver's second consecutive first round playoff exit.

Even if owner Bob Neal keeps Jestor, Yeaton isn't certain to come back either. He's 35 and was last seen walking off the court in Memphis with a broken finger. Starting C Andrew Bynum is 37 and could retire as well. Then there's David "50 Ninja" Jackson, who complained about losing his starting spot after Jestor acquired Andy Sola at the trade deadline. Jackson's growing discontent and high salary for a reserve could see him moved from Denver for the second time.

The Nuggets also need to figure out if they believe Justin Cherry really is the next Yeaton. If they do, then they need to use their two upcoming lottery picks in the draft on a young C to replace Bynum and a young PG to eventually step in for Zelipe Gama. If they don't, then SG becomes another position they need to get younger at this offseason.

***End Article***

That's about right. Good writeup.

NBA Lottery

Thanks to my wheeling and dealing, we've got picks #4 and 5 currently, courtesy of the Heat and the Spurs. Big, big draft for me if I avoid the axe.

14. Philadelphia 76ers
13. Miami Heat
12. Minnesota Timberwolves
11. Houston Rockets
10. Detroit Pistons
9. Utah Jazz
8. Milwaukee Bucks
7. Indiana Pacers
6. Washington Wizards

YES!!!! Nobody beats the odds!!! We're guaranteed two Top 5 picks!!!

5. Denver Nuggets

Okay, I'm fine with that.

4. New Orleans Hornets (-1)

Success! We've crashed the Top 3!!

3. Denver Nuggets (+1)

2. Indiana Pacers
1. Seattle Supersonics

I really hope I stay on. It's going to be a hell of a fun draft from the fans of the two teams Mateen Yeaton's played for, as both we and the Pacers have two Top 10 picks.

Now if only the draft class doesn't suck like the last several have.

The most inactive lottery I've ever seen, by the way. Just one change in the pattern and it was us flip-flopping with the Hornets.

NBA Awards

MVP
Oswaldo Apolonario - Atlanta Hawks - 20.3 PPG 13.6 RPG 3.4 APG 1.0 BPG 0.8 SPG
Defensive Player of the Year
Dontay Williamson - L.A. Clippers - 14.8 PPG 14.3 RPG 2.1 APG 3.9 BPG 0.9 SPG
Rookie of the Year
Michael Woods - Phoenix Suns - 12.3 PPG 6.9 RPG 2.2 APG 0.7 BPG 0.7 SPG
6th Man of the Year
Roger Bohm - Golden State Warriors - 10.3 PPG 7.9 RPG 1.7 APG 2.1 BPG 0.6 SPG
Head Coach
Jim O'Brien - Denver Nuggets

Remember, we weren't expected to even make the playoffs this year and O'Brien led us to the #2 seed for the second season in a row. Great honor for him, though I'm sure he'd take further advancement in the playoffs over it.

Apolonario, you may recall, was someone I remarked in his draft as having franchise player potential, but extremely raw. He's certainly developed that potential and is a deserving MVP as he carried the Hawks to the Southeast division title and the second round playoffs, giving Atlanta its first true star since... well, Dominique Wilkins. Wow, that was a long time ago.

All-NBA 1st Team
PG Corey Neal - New Jersey Nets
SG Filip Mikulic - Houston Rockets
SF Devone Allen - Dallas Mavericks
PF Marcelino Augusto - Dallas Mavericks
C Oswaldo Apolonario - Atlanta Hawks

All-NBA 2nd Team
PG Kenny Graham - Sacramento Kings
SG Charles Seegars - Chicago Bulls
SF Kevin Durant - Portland Trailblazers
PF Rashard Ferguson - Chicago Bulls
C Jonte Jones - Sacramento Kings

All-NBA 3rd Team
PG Bernard Kelly - Memphis Grizzlies
SG Jon Ward - Phoenix Suns
SF David Anyan - Toronto Raptors
PF Henry Fisher - Utah Jazz
C Narcyz Malinomowski - Memphis Grizzlies

Strange to see an All-NBA list without Mateen Yeaton anywhere, but a case can be made for all three players who finished ahead of. Justin Richler should've made it too, as the NBA scoring champion, but he got screwed over.

All-Defense 1st Team
PG Corey Neal - New Jersey Nets
SG Jon Ward - Phoenix Suns
SF Devone Allen - Dallas Mavericks
PF Marcelino Augusto - Dallas Mavericks
C Dontay Williamson - Los Angeles Clippers

All-Defense 2nd Team
PG Paulinho Buboltz - New York Knicks
SG Sonny Boxler - Portland Trailblazers
SF Brian Brown - Golden State Warriors
PF Kelvin Moody - Minnesota Timberwolves
C Patrick Riley - New Orleans Hornets

All-Rookie 1st Team
PG Scott Miles - Boston Celtics
SG Wendel King - Cleveland Cavaliers
SF Jarod Jones - Milwaukee Bucks
PF Michael Woods - Phoenix Suns
C Scott Costello - Seattle Supersonics

All-Rookie 2nd Team
PG Chris Blackmon - Minnesota Timberwolves
SG Georgi Dimov - New Jersey Nets
SF James White - Philadelphia 76ers
PF Ryan Bush - Houston Rockets
C Terrance Frey - Miami Heat

King over Dimov for the first team? That's bullshit. Now, King over Justin Cherry I can understand, but there's no way in hell Dimov shouldn't be on the first team. I swear, the voters hate pointscorers.

Really illustrates O'Brien's rightful selection as Coach of the Year when we're shut out in the postseason awards outside of him for the first time since I've come to Denver. I'm glad to see Buboltz pick up a 2nd Team Defense award, though. Caps off a perfect season for him, in my opinion.

The day after the awards are announced, Bob Neal and I meet for a tense dinner at the local Italian restaurant.

He congratulates me on our playoff season, but informs me over our post-dinner wine that $9.8 million over the cap is not considered being close to the cap and that it's time the team goes in another direction, especially with my draft record and two Top 5 picks coming up.

I ask him for a little more time, because I really don't want to miss out on this opportunity. He agrees, but orders me to fire head coach Jim O'Brien as the price of my staying on.

It's going to be a public relations bloodbath, firing the Coach of the Year, but my hands are tied. I reluctantly agree to do it and while the news causes as big a furor as I expected, it's overshadowed by the Phoenix Suns firing their GM after an NBA Finals appearance one year removed from a 23-59 season.

Jim O'Brien accepts the news calmly, understanding that it's the owner, not me. I'm sure he'll end up coaching somewhere next season with his pedigree.

Carmelo Anthony retires, no doubt disappointed that the Knicks finally win a title after he's gone. He's a Hall of Fame inductee this year, along with Chris Bosh and Lebron James, who retire their jerseys with Toronto and Cleveland respectively. Evidently Chris Paul retired last season and made the Hall as well, but I missed it in all the hubbub surrounding my fired, re-hired saga.

Anthony decides to enter the Hall as a Knick after a week or so of speculation that he might don the Denver hat. I'm glad he chose that route, because I want our first retired jersey to be Mateen Yeaton's.

To give things a clean slate, I fire the rest of the coaching staff as well.

Bob Neal unfortunately doesn't sell the team, so I once again repeat the playoffs, about the cap line. He warns me to keep it truly near the cap, though just how we're supposed to do that with two top 5 draft picks and an unmoveable contract in Andrew Bynum, I don't know.

I engineer a three way trade to try and give us some cap room while upgrading the team.

Denver Nuggets receive
PF Clifton Snyder
SG Eric Bass
PG Waldemar Althusser

Miami Heat receive
PG Zelipe Gama
C David Jackson

Washington Wizards receive
PF Jeremy Bellairs
Minnesota Timberwolves 2025 2nd round pick

What this means for the Nuggets
26 year old German import Althusser has a game similiar to that of Louis Mertens, an electrifying passer with poor defensive skills. If Denver doesn't go for a PG in the draft, he's the probable starter, though GM Jestor would prefer him in the bench role that Mertens did so well in when he played for the Nuggets. Snyder is another 26 year old, a great all-around player with beautiful technical defensive skills, whom Jestor's been eying for quite some time. He'll slot in Jackson's old 6th man role and be more effective than 50 Ninja in some ways. Bass is roster filler that will never see the court.

What this means for the Heat
Miami now has 3 30+ ex-Nuggets slated to be starters in Gama, Jackson and Mike Vines. In terms of talent, the Heat improve dramatically, as Gama's passing and defensive skills make him a winner no matter where he goes and 50 Ninja is a fiery, solidly balanced player who can have big games from time to time. They've also got Mertens on their roster, making this team Denver South. The Heat are going to see a dramatically improved record next season, though it may not be good enough to challenge for a playoff spot. As a bonus, Jackson's an expiring $8.5 million contract after this season.

What this means for the Wizards
Ron McPherson is still out with a torn Achilles and it's not certain when he'll be able to come back. Bellairs is a respectable all-around 27 year old, but he never developed the killer instinct and go-to ability that some thought he would be when he was taken 6th overall by the Warriors in 2019.

Winner: Miami
The Heat take advantage of the Nuggets' desperation to slash payroll and pick up two players who will instantly make Miami competitive and Gama and Jackson's popularity, along with the better on-court product, will draw fans back in. Denver got pretty good return on this three-way deal, but Miami made out better, while Washington is going to miss Althusser's passing off the bench more than they realize and the Wizards no longer have an heir apparent to Leland Peterson.

That pair of deals brings us to just a hair over $3 million over the cap, which should give us just enough room to absorb our two draft picks' salaries and give us 13 players for the year. It means we won't be signing anybody in free agency and really puts the pressure on me to hit well in the draft, if not outright homeruns.

Coach Hiring

We jack one out of the park in landing Kurt Thomas as our new head coach at 4 years, $5 million a year. He's an excellent strategist and a far better scout and developer than Jim O'Brien ever was. The offense is going to look a -lot- different with him in charge, as he believes in speed, speed, speed.

Patrick Ewing returns to our staff for the third time, this time as the 1st assistant. Newcomer Bob Bender takes over as the 2nd assistant and Frank Vogel, another former Nuggets assistant, comes in as the 3rd man.

Jim O'Brien lands on his feet in New Jersey, where Tim Duncan shows off his shrewd GM skills again by snapping up O'Brien at just over $4 million a year for 5 years.

Mock Draft

We're picked to take SF Marcus Reeves, an Arizona senior at #3 and C Luke Smith, a junior from UConn at #5. Reeves doesn't impress me all that much, but Smith is 7'2, 278 lbs and I love 7 foot centers. In fact, if my inital impressions are correct, I could take Smith with the third pick.

There's a couple good point guards here as well---Tony Johnson, yet another Indiana Hooser, only he was a one and done. Tyrone Capel, a junior from Gonzaga, intrigues as well. Johnson's tabbed to go 7th to the Pacers, Capel 8th to the Bucks.

I'll also probably be taking a look at Michigan State freshman C Patrick Weston, who weighs in at 7'5, 290 lbs. Although he's picked to go the Rockets at #11 in most mocks, you can't teach size and that's one thing I'm really looking for, even though size might not be the best thing for the speed offense our new coach is looking to implement.

There's two fantastic 19 year old players at the top of the draft in SG David Johnson, a one and done UNC Tarheel, and Russian SG Vladimir Tupolev. They're both undersized 2s, but with the spate of successful small PFs in the league recently, most teams don't care about short players.

Lot of thinking to do. Like I said, I need to have the draft of my life here, or I'll be heading to the unemployment line.

Coffee Warlord

01-05-2009, 04:31 PM

I really hate your owner.

Izulde

01-05-2009, 07:32 PM

I really hate your owner.

So do I... so do I.

Autumn

01-05-2009, 08:00 PM

Finally a shakeup in the league awards though. It seems like they were just rotating MVP between the same guys every year up until now.

You're in some tough spots but it's actually a bit fun to watch, things were getting a bit too easy for you. Now you're like the guy who has to dance while the cowboy shoots at his feet. It would be great if you scored big in the draft and had a nice young nucleus.

Coffee Warlord

01-05-2009, 08:12 PM

Kinda hoping you go for the asshat route and make a run for the trophy, going ridiculously over budget and winning it all.

Izulde

01-05-2009, 09:04 PM

Autumn: That and DPOTY seemed to shift a lot between the same basic guys. The All-NBA teams are still keeping most of the same guys and I suspect we'll see it that way for a while yet, because of how horrible the last few draft classes have been, with a very few exceptions.

Oh, it's certainly a challenge, but it's the kind of challenge where I want to throw things because of how damned unreasonable the owner is. And things were never really that easy, in my opinion. Yes, we've had an ungodly playoff appearances streak, but as far as challenging for the title, our window turned out to be much shorter than I expected. Not complaining about three straight championships though, and I take a sadistic glee in Dallas's ouster in the first round to ruin their hopes of replicating our and Toronto's feat.

Coffee Warlord: Tempting, but not something I'm going to do. I'm too determined to outlast the asshole.

Autumn

01-05-2009, 09:07 PM

They have a thing for centers too, don't they? Seems like it was what Bynum and Oden up there all the time?

Swaggs

01-05-2009, 09:38 PM

Any chance we can get a recap on the careers of some of the guys from your Knicks' "run." Did Durant, Noah, or Acie Law ever turn into anything productive or special?

Izulde

01-06-2009, 02:16 AM

Autumn: Indeed.

Swaggs: Durant's 37 and in his 18th season, still kicking it with the Traiblazers. He's posted career averages of 18.9 points, 3.2 assists, 7.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 0.7 blocks. Seven 20+ PPG seasons, the most recent of which was two years ago.

All-Star Games
2010, 2012, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023

All-NBA Teams
2010 - 3rd Team
2012 - 2nd Team
2015 - 2nd Team
2016 - 3rd Team
2018 - 1st Team
2019 - 1st Team
2023 - 2nd Team

16.6 points, 2.6 assists, 7.7 rebounds, 1 steal and 0.4 blocks in 8 postseason years, with just 2 seasons over 20 points a game. Basically he seemed to freeze up in the playoffs, which is why the Blazers have only ever made it as far as the West Conference Finals once in his career and that was last season.

Joakim Noah played from 2007-2021, with the bulk of his time in Indiana. 9 seasons with the Pacers, several as a starter and in all that time he never broke 10 points a game on average. The closest he ever came was 9.5 points a game with the Knicks in his third season, the year before he got dealt to Denver when I got hired. Basically, he was a defensive specialist with good stealing instincts who never developed into anything more than a bench player masquerading as a starter.

Acie Law also managed to stick around from 2007-2021, 7 of his seasons with the Washington Wizards, split into 6 and 1 stints. It was with Washington that he had his greatest success, starting in 2012 and 2013 and racking up 12.2 points and 13.8 points respectively. Never turned into the great passer everyone thought he would after he was drafted and after he averaged 14.5 points and 10.4 assists in two games in the D-League. His career season high average assists was 4.5 in 2013. Huge, huge bust considering he was the 5th overall pick, bigger than Noah, who was taken 10th overall in the same ill-fated first draft.

Izulde

01-06-2009, 02:17 AM

One thing worth noting: Kevin Moore, Andre Moore's little brother, is in this draft class. Andre went to Wake Forest, Kevin to Notre Dame. He's projected to go #27 to the Hawks, which would be a real steal for Atlanta in my opinion. Michael Frey, a year younger than his brother Terrance Frey, a 2nd round pick last year and All-Rookie 2nd Team member with the Heat, is in the class. Terrance attended Oklahoma, Michael Nebraska. The younger Frey is picked #12 to Minnesota in most drafts. Honestly, Michael doesn't strike me as being much better than his brother at first glance and I think 12th overall is just asking for a bust pick.

After reviewing the draft workouts, there's one player we just have to have and there's a chance he could go 1st overall, but the Supersonics refuse to even consider dealing out of the spot, and so we wait with baited breath.

2024 NBA Draft 1st Round
1. SG Vladimir Tupolev - Seattle Supersonics

And off the board he goes. Although the pick's slammed by the analysts, everything about him says franchise type player and I'm not wholly sold on Justin Cherry, given how he flamed out for much of the season after his hot start.

2. SG David Johnson - Indiana Pacers

Johnson had a lukewarm workout, so I wouldn't have taken him even if he'd been available at #3. Chris mentions that he'd heard reports of other bad workouts as well, while J.P. calls Johnson a steal and a turnover machine in the same breath. Typical stupid talking head commentary.

But what J.P. does have right is his remark that he'd heard conflicting reports from sources within our organization, with some saying we'll take the predicted Marcus Reeves, others Tyrone Capel. He also says our trading the pick is a possibility.

Our initial plan was to take Capel, but the more I look at him, the more he looks like a Paulinho Buboltz clone and I'm not a fan of scoring point guards. He also seems like a development project and is famous for being lazy. Reeves graded out well in the workouts, but the coaching staff seems lukewarm on his ceiling and his fit for our team.

I hit the phones, but nobody's offering anything worth talking about and while the Supersonics seem open about a trade for Tupolev, our head of international scouting informs me that the Russian doesn't care who he plays for at all.

I'm trying to listen to my gut instincts about what to do here, but everything's cobbling all together. It's boiling down to a series of questions.

1. Am I comfortable with Waldemar Althusser as the starting PG next year?
2. Do I think Justin Cherry can be the next Mateen Yeaton?
3. Is there a C or PG truly worth trading for that doesn't involve imploding our team?

#1. Not Really. He's just not a scoring threat and he can't play defense much at all.
#2. Maybe. It's hard to get a read on him yet.
#3. There's players worth trading for, yes. But matching salary is a real problem unless I'm willing to part with Tim Butler, which would make sense logically. We don't play as well with Timmy B in as we do with him out. On the other hand, who becomes our future team captain then? And he showed incredible improvement last year in the postseason, so that's not an option. Dealing Andy Sola is a possibility, but the Charlotte Bobcats aren't willing to take the #5 pick and Sola for PG Caleb James and there's no Cs worth acquiring in that price range.

Putting that all together, the choice is clear.

3. PG Tyrone Capel - Denver Nuggets

After all, Sonny Boxler got tagged with a low work ethic and he turned out just fine in Portland.

It's a split decision, with J.P. iffy on the selection, Chris praising it.

4. C Luke Smith - New Orleans Hornets

All the centers graded out with pretty bad workouts, but I was willing to take a flyer on Smith. Unfortunately, he gets taken here and our plans for a new center with the #5 pick just took a huge hit.

The moderator asks J.P. who I said we'll take, as that smarmy bastard was oozing his way around here earlier in the week. J.P. answers that I was extremely tight-lipped, but he's holding to our taking Reeves. I'm not going to deny it as a possibility, but at 6'5, 195 lbs, the Arizona product is more of a 2 than a 3 and he'd take away development time from Cherry.

On the other hand, if I broker a deal to trade away the #5 pick, maybe I can free up enough money to be able to go out and get a new starting C in free agency. The idea appeals to me so much I go shopping again.

But the more I weigh it in my mind, the more I can't be comfortable with trading away Sola, so I flip the #5 pick to the Lakers, who I think will tank again next season.

5. SF Marcus Reeves - Los Angeles Lakers
6. C Ronald Smith - Washington Wizards

Absolutely absurd selection by the Wizards here. Maybe I should've taken their 1st rounder next year instead.

7. SF Dee Dickenman - Indiana Pacers
8. PG Kelley Forbes - Milwaukee Bucks
9. SG Hayletts Dennis - Utah Jazz

Fantastic value pick for Utah here, as I almost thought about keeping the #5 pick and drafting Dennis. It's worth noting that A.J. Dunkley was also a 9th overall Jazz selection. I'm not too happy to see this great drafting by division foes.

10. SF Lamar Hardy - Detroit Pistons
11. SG Carlos Searcy - Houston Rockets

Originally projected as Top 3 pick, but horrid workouts dropped his stock all the way down here. I wouldn't call this a value selection, because he looked awful when we brought him in.

12. C Patrick Weston - Minnesota Timberwolves

So the mocks were right. Too high a selection in my opinion, as I see him more the 20s range, but the T-Wolves apparently liked what they saw in him. We didn't for the 5th overall pick.

13. PG Tony Johnson - Miami Heat

Terrific steal by the Heat here. Johnson's a score-first PG, but at this stage in the draft, he's an excellent acquistion. I could see them going PG Gama/SG Johnson/SF Whoever/PF Vines/C Jackson, which would be a pretty good starting five.

14. C Michael Frey - Philadelphia 76ers

Heh. Chris points out that the Freys are a dedicated family, with two brothers who've made the NBA and both earned their degrees before moving to the pros. That doesn't stop J.P. from wigging out, though and the mention of Frey's family reminds me of a certain Teddy Ginn, Jr, or, as I call him after his botched butterfingers during the 2008 Dolphins/Ravens wildcard game, Fumbleass Ginn, Jr. Either way, it's a pick Philly's gonna regret.

15. PG Brian Floyd - Golden State Warriors
16. PG Kevin Moore - Los Angeles Lakers

He didn't have a very good workout and I think this is a little high for him. Not a terrible pick by the Purple and Gold though, especially with the Moore blood in his veins.

17. SG Tyreck Huge - Memphis Grizzlies
18. PG Lawrence Townes - Cleveland Cavaliers

Smart move by the Cavs here. They need a legit PG and Townes was the best of the remaining players. Not saying he'll step in and start, but anything's better than a second year of Wendel King running the offense.

19. SG Jason Engstrom - Orlando Magic
20. SF Chauncey Harris - New York Knicks
21. PG Tom Hayes - Phoenix Suns
22. PG Joe Gordon - Dallas Mavericks

Desparation pick by the Mavs here. They need a true PG, but Gordon doesn't strike me as good enough to crack the lineup. They'd have been better off scouring free agency.

23. SF Travann Patterson - Los Angeles Clippers
24. SF Nick Simmons - Charlotte Bobcats
25. SF Travis Hart - Sacramento Kings
26. PF Dermek Mociler - Miami Heat

I'm not sure what happened to the Heat front office, but they've suddenly put together a nice plan and are drafting well and will be an intriguing team to watch next year.

27. PF Matt Mitchell - Atlanta Hawks
28. PG Damien Ohl - Utah Jazz
29. PG Henry Dupree - Portland Trailblazers

J.P. almost has a heart attack after this pick, shouting that it's the worst pick he's seen in all his years of covering the draft. I'll have to see what my scouts say afterwards.

30. SF Chris Wright - Chicago Bulls

The first post-draft report on Tyrone Capel is somewhat discouraging. Balanced offensive game, good rebounder for a guard and fairly intelligent, but he doesn't look like an electrifying passer and Waldemar Althusser is, preposterously enough, a better defender. Making matters worse, Luke Smith is raw, but talentwise I think he can be Patrick Riley 2.0, only with a more consistent game. On the other hand, he's a moron on the basketball court and he's so undeveloped, he'd have a hard time cracking our rotation.

We're $6 million over the cap, so we've got a small amount of money to play with to pick up a starting C in free agency... Very small.

Make that $3.6 million over the cap, after we renounce our contracts. Suddenly we've got enough money to offer somebody a mid-level exemption. Even at $5.5 million, we still skate in at $9.1 million under the cap, which is a $700,000 decrease from last year. Hopefully that'll be enough.

Summer League
PG Tyrone Capel
SG Joem Layne
SG Justin Cherry
SG Eric Bass

We beat Dallas 96-83 to open summer league play, but it's a little worrying when our best performers are invitees Damien Yarborough with 15 points and 12 rebounds and Jerry Murphy with 14 bench points.

Justin Cherry wakes up for 20 points in our 106-100 loss to Golden State, benchmen Eric Bass and Darren Davis putting in 13 and 10 points a piece, but it's not enough. Tyrone Capel's scored 14 and 19 points the first two games, so it appears he has some scoring chops.

Despite our 92-85 loss to Golden State, Tyrone Capel is POTG with 15 points, 11 assists, 7 rebounds and 3 steals. Good to see that out of him. Eric Bass scores 10 off the bench and Jerry Murphy nabs 12 reserve rebounds.

We guarantee our first ever losing summer league with a 103-83 blowout defeat at the hands of the Bulls, Darren Davis and Jerry Murphy combining for 15 and 12 bench points as our only highlights. I'm not terribly concerned with our record, because we have no post players to speak of.

A 93-81 win over the Celtics to end the summer season gives a bit of cheering news, Tyrone Capel just missing a double-double with 16 points and 9 assists, Mario Catlett scoring 10 off the bench. It's worth noting that Capel has no turnovers in this game and in the Golden State game, he had just one turnover to his 11 assists.

Free Agency
Weak class this year. Jon Ward is the best young player, though there's a couple great greybeards in Kelvin Moody and Chris Gearheart. Second tier sub-30 free agents include Terry Vinson, Charles Arnold and Patrick Riley. Over 30 notables include Georghios Kairis and Greg Oden, who is without a doubt the best center in this outfit even at 36. Sad group.

I'm pleased to see Kelvin Moody re-sign with the Timberwolves on a 1 year, $11.6 million deal. I like to see career-long players with one team, so that makes me happy.

Philadelphia makes a splash by signing Charles Arnold to a 5 year, $54 mill and change deal on the same day that Greg Oden accepts $8.5 mill. for one year to go back to the Raptors.

So basically, we're screwed in terms of getting a decent C in free agency. I recover by bringing Carlton Goree back to Denver on a 5 year mid-level exemption, $5.5 million a year.

Charlotte falls in love with Brooks Smith's offense, ignoring the fact that he can't play defense worth a damn and is 36 years old, as they ink him to a 5 year $32 million contract. Our old pal Rico Wolfe gets a 2 year min-sal deal from the Clippers, chasing another championship.

Just before training camp, I pull off a trade that improves our C situation significantly.

Denver Nuggets receive
C Marcus McKie
Minnesota Timberwolves 2026 1st round pick

Minnesota Timberwolves receive
PG Waldemar Althusser
San Antonio Spurs 2026 1st round pick

What this means for the Nuggets
The 24 year old McKie will challenge Andrew Bynum for the starting C spot. Still in the process of development, he has a good inside shot and is a respectable rebounder, passer and defender. At the very least, he'll be the 6th man if he doesn't manage to win the starting spot. He also provides Denver a possible heir to the 38 year old Bynum.

What this means for the Timberwolves
They've now got a security blanket passing wizard on the bench in the German Althusser, a wizard with the ball. Won't score a ton or play great defense, but he's the kind of reserve guard every coach dreams of.

Winner: Denver
Carlton Goree came back via free agency, making Althusser expendable. McKie fills Denver's most glaring hole and while he's no giant at 6'10, 265 lbs, he's big enough to hold his own against most centers in the league.

We push up to $9.65 million over the cap with the trade, but it's still $150,000 less than last season. That probably won't be enough for our anal owner, but every little bit helps.

Training Camp

Tyrone Capel improves a little during training camp, but he appears to have no upside to speak of. Mateen Yeaton is looking slower, but I think even at 36, he can still bring it. Tim Butler had a great camp and I'm expecting big things from Timmy B this year. Justin Cherry looked a little better, but Carlton Goree really worked on his game to beat our second year player out for top guard off the bench.

The preseason press has us pegged for 12th in the West, 3rd in the division behind Utah (#5) and Portland (#9). While I believe the Traiblazers are going to take a step back without Charles Arnold around anymore, to say they'll plummet that far is ridiculous.

The Clippers are the pick in the West, which I can see. The Rockets at #2 I call shenanigans on, only because Chris Driver is nobody's idea of a legitimate starting C. Dallas will still win the division and they're probably correctly tabbed as the #3 seed behind the Clippers and I'm not sure who else.

Chicago's picked to repeat as the East's top seed, though I have my doubts about Antonio Sarchet at C and what the hell is Andre Moore doing on the bench? Funniest prediction ever: The Pacers as the #2 seed. If that happens, I'm expecting a hot blonde teen cheerleader in my office the minute the playoff seedings are released. The Wizards at #4 is almost as funny. I can see Charlotte as the #3 seed and winning the Southeast after adding Brooks Smith, though I think he'll hurt more than help. My guess says Toronto and the Knicks will be the class of the East, with the Nets a darkhorse.

Denver Nuggets 2024 Opening Night Lineup
PG Tyrone Capel
SG Mateen Yeaton
SF Andy Sola
PF Tim Butler
C Andrew Bynum
6th Marcus McKie (PF/C)
7th Clifton Snyder (SF/PF/C)
8th Carlton Goree (PG/SG)
9th Justin Cherry (PG/SG/SF)
10th Darrell James (PG/SG)
11th Tzvetan Kishishev (SF/PF/C)
12th Joem Layne (SF/PF)

Inactive
Eric Bass (SG/SF)

Izulde

01-06-2009, 04:43 PM

A new coaching staff, a whole new system and a shiny new rookie PG. It's a touch nerve-wracking, going with a fast-paced offense that features a rookie coach in Kurt Thomas, who's never gotten the head gig he deserves and another rookie in Tyrone Capel at the controls. Kind of like handing the keys to a Porsche Boxster or a Ferrari Enzo to a 16 year old. Just hope the results aren't a trainwreck.

Mateen Yeaton takes right to our new offense, scoring 41 points in our 122-102 season-opening victory over the Lakers. Tim Butler double-doubles for 19 points and 10 rebounds and Carlton Goree slides seamlessly back into the team with 13 bench assists. Tyrone Capel does pretty well for his first game, just missing a double-double with 9 points, 10 assists, a steal and just one turnover.

Andy Sola gets hurt yet again, so Clifton Snyder slots in as the starting SF and Kurt Thomas finally gets smart and names Marcus McKie the starting center. With the two new starters, we beat the Timberwolves 123-100. Mateen Yeaton scores 28, Tyrone Capel gets his first NBA double-double with 14 points and 13 assists and Andrew Bynum and Carlton Goree score 13 and 10 points a piece with the reserves. Great win, especially considering it's our first victory over the Timberwolves since they added Branko Starcevic last season.

A fourth quarter meltdown results in a 102-98 loss to the Jazz, despite good performances from Clifton Snyder (12 points, 12 rebounds), Marcus McKie (19 points, 10 rebounds), Mateen Yeaton (20 points) and Andy Sola (18 bench points).

We had trouble in the division games last year and it looks like a repeat this season as we drop both ends of the back-to-back. Utah beats us 109-90, Tim Butler's 23 points and 12 rebounds and Clifton Snyder's 13 points and 10 rebounds not enough and Seattle rallies in the fourth quarter to not only tie it, but win in OT 119-114. Tim Butler doubles for 18 points and 10 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scores 23, Tyrone Capel nets 16 points and 15 assists and Carlton Goree explodes for 29 points off the bench in the loss. Center is proving a real problem for us this season.

A 109-98 win over the Pistons puts us back to .500 on the young season, all five starters scoring double-digit figures. Tim Butler and Mateen Yeaton lead the way with 22 and 24 points respectively and Tyrone Capel adds a double-double of 12 points and 11 assists.

We finally have a fourth quarter comeback of our own to nip the Kings 116-115 in Sacramento. Tim Butler thunders for 32 points and 14 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton scores 27, Marcus McKie puts up a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds and Andy Sola leads the second unit with 10 points.

Andy Sola comes back to the lineup and scores 25, but the real story of our 126-110 upset of the Raptors is Tim Butler heating up for 30 points and 13 rebounds. Great play from reserves Darrell James (12 points), Clifton Snyder (10 points, 11 rebounds) and Carlton Goree (11 points) doesn't hurt either.

The preseason favorites Bulls don't look so hot after we destroy them 116-91 in Chicago, including outscoring them 31-7 in the fourth quarter. Tim Butler has his third straight game with 27 points and 11 rebounds, Marcus McKie abuses the Chicago centers for 21 points, Mateen Yeaton scores 26 and Tyrone Capel picks up a 10 point, 15 assist double-double.

I love playing Dallas, especially when we win 118-110 as we do in the next game. Andy Sola leads all scorers with 33 points, Tim Butler posts 22 points and 10 rebounds and Clifton Snyder and Carlton Goree pace the bench with 14 and 12 points a piece.

But then our season takes a devastating blow as Andy Sola tears his ACL in the waning minutes of the game. He's done for the year and we're now forced to go with Clifton Snyder the rest of the way.

We tend not to play well without Andy Sola and sure enough, we lose 123-117 in OT to the Nets our next game. Mateen Yeaton scores 26 and Carlton Goree adds 25 off the bench, but it's just not enough.

Bad teams are good for one's record and we sweep the Spurs and Rockets on back to back nights. Clifton Snyder scores 20, Mateen Yeaton adds 21 and Andrew Bynum and Carlton Goree propel the reserves with 11 and 10 points respectively in our 110-96 win over San Antonio. A single layup is all that gets us the 115-113 win in Houston the next night, but I suppose credit's due for Tim Butler (27 points, 15 rebounds), Mateen Yeaton (31 points), Marcus McKie (12 points, 13 rebounds) and Carlton Goree (15 bench points) for getting us there.

Tim Butler is having the best season of his career so far and he shreds the Hornets for 41 points and 16 rebounds in our 105-82 rout. Mateen Yeaton plays a capable second with 21 points.

Rookie Lawrence Townes has finally given the Cavs a true starting PG, but it doesn't matter as we beat Cleveland 113-102 to end the month. Mateen Yeaton scores 25, Tim Butler doubles for 20 points and 11 rebounds, Darrell James plays beautifully off the bench for 15 points and 9 assists and Tyrone Capel, demoted in favor of Carlton Goree, scores 10 points in reserve time as well.

So we're 11-4, a half-game in front of the Timberwolves for the Northwest lead. Impressive run, especially after Andy Sola went down. I still may make a trade if things start to go haywire. Memphis is off to a torrid start at 12-4, 3.5 ahead of Dallas and the 10-5 Suns are showing last season's no fluke with a half-game lead on the Clippers.

Boston's a shocking 12-2, 2.5 up on the Raptors, 8-5 Milwaukee is 1.5 in front of Cleveland and Detroit and 7-6 is enough to give Charlotte a half-game lead on everybody but the Wizards, who are 4-9.

I'd like to smugly point out my predictions of a competitive Miami are right as they're 8-8. The Lakers are 5-11, second to last in the Pacific, so I think we'll be okay there.

Izulde

01-07-2009, 05:46 AM

Seattle Supersonics receive
PF Mike Vines

Miami Heat receive
PF Nate Bonner
Seattle Supersonics 2025 2nd round pick

What this means for the Supersonics
After years of developing a reputation for choosing high-scoring, no defense players, the Sonics acquire one of the league's premiere defenders in Vines, who can still frustrate people at 35 years old. 6'11, 245 lbs is a great size to have at SF, where he'll be starting.

What this means for the Heat
Bonner can still pump in the points at will, even at 35 years old himself. A complete zero on defense, but he's precisely what Miami needs; a legitimate scorer, because right now, the best offensive option the Heat have is rookie Tony Johnson, who hasn't earned a starting spot yet and Zelipe Gama, whose career high points per game is 13.5

Advantage: Draw
A win-win trade for both teams, as they swap expiring contracts of high quality players who fill gaping holes on each roster. It'll help Seattle avoid being the worst team in the league this year and continue Miami's forward progress.

Last year only had one trade in the first month as well and it floodgated the rest of the way. We'll probably see more of the same this season, particularly since I'm not totally sold on our lineup right now after we lost Andy Sola for the year.

The Heat go out and prove just how much better they are this season by whipping us 116-93. Tim Butler's on form with 28 points and 10 rebounds and Mateen Yeaton scores 22, but that's all she wrote. Carlton Goree is displaying signs of Tzvetan Kishishiv-itis, where he's great as a reserve, but awful as a starter.

After a 118-110 loss to Orlando, I've had enough. Sure, Tim Butler scores 33, Clifton Snyder puts up 19 points and 10 rebounds and Mateen Yeaton scores 25, but we're dragging ass out there.

I hit the phones and put together a deal that I'm not wholly thrilled with, but we need to shake things up.

Denver Nuggets receive
PG A.J. Dunkley
SG Hayletts Dennis
Utah Jazz 2025 1st round pick
Utah Jazz 2027 1st round pick

Utah Jazz receive
PF Clifton Snyder
C Marcus McKie
Denver Nuggets 2027 1st round pick
Minnesota Timberwolves 2026 2nd round pick

What this means for the Nuggets
33 year old Dunkley is an excellent pure passer who plays solid defense and can put points up on the board. The rookie Dennis is raw, but has the ability to develop fantastic scoring instincts and good defense, particularly as a ballthief. The two will start at SG and SF respectively while Mateen Yeaton deals with a back injury.

What this means for the Jazz
McKie gives Utah a solid all-around young big man with great potential as an inside scorer and rebounder and solid skills on defense, both as a cover man and a playmaker. Snyder plays very good technical defense and has a nice, accurate shot. While both of them are on the bench, the Jazz now have two youngsters and big man bench depth they sorely lacked. So weak was their bench for bigs, free agent signing Ryan Sweetwyne was the top man there.

Winner: Utah
The first round picks look to be a wash from where we're sitting, but Utah just got some excellent youth and depth in the frontcourt and the opportunity to audition Cedric Caldwell at starting PG. Denver, on the other hand, must now revert to 38 year old Andrew Bynum as the starting C and have just one player on the bench who can play the four or five in Tzvetan Kishishev.

Not as big a problem as it sounds, as I swing another deal.

Denver Nuggets receive
C Dan Jacobson

Washington Wizards receive
PG Darrell James

What this means for the Nuggets
Jacobson, a former Nugget, returns to Denver at 37 to provide rebounding and defensive playmaking help, along with another bench big body.

What this means for the Wizards
James is a much better all-around backup guard than Jameel Williams, though both now sit behind Dwyane DeManby. Not a standout in any one area, James is balanced and gives the Wizards veteran grit.

Winner: Denver
The need was simply bigger for the Nuggets after their blockbuster with the Jazz.

We've some more cap room, which I use to sign Lindsey Williamson as long as we're bringing back old Nuggets. He hasn't played since 2022, the last time he was with us. Then again, it's 2024 and before 2022, the last time he played was 2020, also in a Nuggets uniform, so it's fitting. Great defender and shotblocker still.

That puts us at $9.77 million over the cap and now we've saved maybe $50,000 over last year, but at this point, I don't care.

121-112 loss to open the new lineup, the Wizards gleeful in their beating of us. A.J. Dunkley scores 21, Tim Butler adds 22, [b]Andrew Bynum[b] double-doubles for 16 points and 12 rebounds and Mateen Yeaton comes off the bench for the first time in years for 12 points, Tzvetan Kishishev adding 11 points of his own.

Our fourth straight loss comes 105-78 to the Raptors and we officially have a trainwreck on our hands. Not one single statistical Denver Nugget of note and I've completely butchered what may be Mateen Yeaton's final year.

Tim Butler scores 23 in our next game, but Carlton Goree and Mateen Yeaton have to come off the bench for 13 and 11 points and the Knicks pound us 117-99 for our fifth straight loss.

After three nights of insomnia, I make another trade.

Denver Nuggets receive
C Luke Smith
SG Teddy Harriman
New Orleans Hornets 2026 1st round pick

New Orleans Hornets receive
PG Tyrone Capel
SG Joem Layne
Denver Nuggets 2026 1st round pick

What this means for the Nuggets
Smith is extremely raw, but has promise as a rebounding and defensive specialist. Harriman's improved his shot each year he's been in the league and could be an offensive force by the time he's done developing. He'll tenatively start at SG for the Nuggets.

What this means for the Hornets
Capel's a pretty good offensive, passing and rebounding option, but he's a terrible defender and he has no upside. Despite the fact that he was averaging 8.1 points and 10.5 assists with Denver, New Orleans is going to put him at the SG spot. Layne is a good technical defender and that's it. Average bench player.

Winner: Draw
GM Jestor seems to be in an absolute confusion and just blindly making moves. The Hornets aren't being smart about their use of Capel, either. Call this a lose-lose for both teams, really.

A preposterous pair of back-to-back losses to continue the nightmare. 139-129 to Philadelphia, even as A.J. Dunkley explodes for 36 points and 13 rebounds, Tim Butler scores 27, Mateen Yeaton pipes in with 23 points, Andrew Bynum doubles for 17 points and 11 rebounds and Carlton Goree scores 10 bench points. 112-104 loss the next night in Boston, despite A.J. Dunkley's 26 points and 11 assists, Mateen Yeaton's 21 points, Tim Butler's 19 points and 10 rebounds and Andrew Bynum's 16 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.

After losses to Miami and Orlando I'm admitting defeat. 121-114 to the Heat, Mateen Yeaton (37 points), A.J. Dunkley (16 points, 13 assists), Tim Butler (22 points) and Andrew Bynum (10 points, 13 rebounds benchside) shine, the defense doesn't. 118-92 to the Magic, our bench players our stalwarts with 13 points from Hayletts Dennis and Luke Smith, 12 from Dan Jacobson.

I fire Kurt Thomas, eating $18.3 million and my job prospects in the process and hire Steve Van Gundy.

Daylight dawns for the first time in ages, a blessed 114-99 win over the Suns. Mateen Yeaton scores 20 and Hayletts Dennis and Carlton Goree lead the bench with 13 and 12 points a piece.

We lose 102-99 to the Supersonics two nights later, but I'm stoic about it. Mateen Yeaton and A.J. Dunkley combine for 27 and 26 points a piece, Tim Butler and [b]Andrew Bynum[b] invert double-doubles of 17 points and 10 rebounds and 10 points and 17 rebounds respectively and Luke Smith adds 10 bench points.

It's a miraculous Christmas as we beat Dallas 117-113 on Christmas Eve. Tim Butler explodes for 31 points, Mateen Yeaton scores 20, A.J. Dunkley scores 22 of his own and Carlton Goree contributes 12 bench points. On Christmas Day itself, we edge Golden State 112-105 thanks to Tim Butler's 28 points and 10 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton's 25 points, A.J. Dunkley's 19 points and 11 rebounds and Carlton Goree's 14 bench points.

The sweet breath of a win streak washes over us, Tim Butler the Calmbringer with 25 points in our 95-90 victory over the 76ers. [b]Teddy Harriman[/] is the second man with 20 points, Andrew Bynum pops up with 12 points and 10 rebounds and Carlton Goree leads the reserves with 10 points.

But then we end the year with the sickening, acidic aftertaste of two straight losses. The Lakers beat us 98-88 on New Year's Eve and nevermind Teddy Harriman's 24 points, while 96-78 is the Clippers' margin of victory despite 24 points from A.J. Dunkley and 14 points and 11 rebounds from Tim Butler.

15-16, 3rd place in the Northwest, 1.5 half games behind Minnesota.

I'm too depressed to even write anything else.

Izulde

01-08-2009, 02:26 AM

What's Happened To The Nuggets?: A Primer

A 4-12 December marked the worst month for the Denver Nuggets in GM Jestor's tenure. It got Kurt Thomas fired, cost the franchise $18.3 million, and led to a flurry of trades that resulted in entire new rosters for every game.

So we thought it might be helpful to take a step back and give an overview of the current makeup of the Nuggets.

PG A.J. Dunkley
Great passer, one who's taken on much more of a scoring role since coming over from Utah last month. 33 years old. Not a lights out defender, but good enough. If he could stop emulating Paulinho Buboltz, it'd really help the team.

SG Mateen Yeaton
Needs no introduction. His benching played a huge role in Thomas's firing and he got shuffled to SF for a few games before Tyrone Capel got traded so that Yeaton could get moved back to SG. Despite the chaos and his 36 years, he's still averaging 21.9 points and is the heart and soul of the Nuggets.

SF Teddy Harriman
23 year old in his third season. Poor defender and his scoring and shooting, which are supposed to have excellent upsides, have fallen off a cliff since his arrival in Denver. Acquired on December 11th, if he doesn't improve, he'll be gone on February 11th.

PF Tim Butler
The 26 year old's name keeps popping up in trade rumors as the Nuggets seem to play better without him in the lineup than with him. But Jestor is adamant the future team captain isn't going anywhere, especially not when he's averaging 22.4 points, 9.3 rebounds and a steal per game. Hard to argue with that or with his 49.8% shooting. Can't really make plays on defense, nor is he good on the technical aspects of it.

C Andrew Bynum
The weakest position on the roster and some fans feel like trading Marcus McKie was the wrong thing to do. That said, the 38 year old is probably the best all-around defender in the starting lineup, which points to what is probably the Nuggets' biggest problem right now.

6th Carlton Goree (PG/SG)
Averaging 8.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals, mainly as a reserve. Good shooter and scorer, good passer and ballhandler for a benchman. Very good defense and out of this world ballthief skills, along with good basketball smarts. His lengthy contract makes the 27 year old untradeable though and he flamed out as a starter.

7th Hayletts Dennis (SG/SF)
Rookie 21 year old with some good upside as a scoring hound and an all-around defender, but like Harriman, he's been shooting ugly since coming over with Dunkley on December 5th. Also like Harriman, he could be gone come February if he doesn't improve.

8th Luke Smith (SF/PF/C)
Big 21 year old rookie at 7'2, 278 lbs and while he allegedly has some good potential, at this point he's looking like a slightly upgraded version of Lindsey Williamson, which isn't good news for a player drafted 4th overall. Infuriatingly prone to making boneheaded plays, but his work ethic is through the roof, which may buy him some time.

9th Dan Jacobson (SF/PF/C)
7'3, 290 lbs gives the Nuggets another monster-sized big man and he can still bring at 38. Not fantastic, but a solid all-around player who's flourishing with increased minutes and the comfort of being back in Denver. Min-sal contract, likely not to be re-signed.

10th Justin Cherry (PG/SG/SF)
From highly touted rookie sensation to sophomore slump. He's getting under 3 minutes a game and only has 20 appearances so far this season. When he does get on the court, he's shooting a ghastly 35.3%. Jestor still favors him, though, so it's quite possible that Harriman and Dennis go in a package to get an improvement at SF or C and free up more PT for Cherry.

11th Lindsey Williamson (SF/PF/C)
Defending and shotblocking specialist who always was a Jestor favorite. One of the few draftees to have an extended career in Denver, even if he's had brief vacations away. The 32 year old has played extremely well in the sparing minutes he's gotten.

12th Eric Bass (PG/SG/SF)
24 year old waste of space and Jestor's ticked he's even active. Look for him to go in February as well.

Inactives

Tzvetan Kishishev
Signed to a great value contract, the 27 year old with the scoring touch and defensive prowess is inexplicably not on the active roster, which infuriates Jestor, who thinks the Bulgarian should be one of the top reserves. Some of the big men above could go too.

Andy Sola
Gone for the year with a torn ACL and the biggest reason why the Nuggets are struggling. He's become the real team MVP, though no one wants to admit it.

Steve Van Gundy is 4-3 so far as Denver's head coach following Thomas's firing. He'll have to do a lot better than that if he wants to get the Nuggets back in the playoffs, but if Jestor manages to keep his trigger finger tamed, perhaps the team can get some chemistry and more wins going.

***End Article***

Minnesota Timberwolves receive
C Murry Alexander
Orlando Magic 2025 2nd round pick

Orlando Magic receive
PG Chris Blackmon

What this means for the Timberwolves
35 year old Alexander is a phenomenal defender and shotblocker who becomes the first big man off the bench for Minnesota, who was starved for any kind of reserve talent in that area, particularly since rookie Patrick Weston is so green.

What this means for the Magic
Second year Blackmon has good security and some defensive ability to go with his basketball smarts, but everything else about his game suggests he'll be little more than an end of bench guy as he is now and a future career D-leaguer.

Winner: Minnesota
The Timberwolves smell blood in a weak Northwest division this year and Alexander will help them win now as they gun for their first division title since 2004, a 20 year drought and counting. Blackmon is filler and it's a myopic move by the Magic.

Atlanta Hawks receive
PF Booker Werner
Golden State Warriors 2025 2nd round pick

Golden State Warriors receive
PG Curtis King

What this means for the Hawks
The 25 year old Werner's intelligence lets him overacheive relative to his actual talent, which he has very little of, but he's still nothing more than an mid-bench player at best.

What this means for the Warriors
King, 20 and in his second season, has the potential to one day be a solid backup, but he's only played 1 minute in the NBA so far and that was last year. He's the 12th man in Golden State and he'll be lucky to see the court at all.

Winner: Atlanta
The extra pick is what does it, as this is honestly a garbage for garbage deal.

Wow, only two trades. Surprising. Almost as surprising as the free fall our season's taken. I'm thankful for the article, by the way. It pointed out things I was having trouble seeing in my cloud of panic and I'm determined to just ride out the storm and make some changes near the All-Star break.

We split the opening doubleheader. San Antonio beats us 110-101 on the road, despite Mateen Yeaton's 26 points, Andrew Bynum's 11 points and 11 rebounds and A.J. Dunkley's 15 points and 13 assists, but we snap back the next night to top Houston 95-88 on Teddy Harriman's 22 points as SG, Tim Butler's 18 points and 10 rebounds and Luke Smith's 12 bench points.

Our next doubleheader is a much needed double dose of win, the first a pleasant 108-97 victory over the Kings in Sacramento. Mateen Yeaton scores 24, back at SG, Teddy Harriman adds 22, Tim Butler pulls down 17 points and 14 rebounds and A.J. Dunkley issues 17 points and 15 assists. Granted, this is a Kings team without Jonte Jones, who broke his leg, but a win is a win at this stage. A 120-117 barnburner tilts our way over the Purple and Gold the next evening, thanks to 33 points from Mateen Yeaton, 26 points and 14 rebounds from Tim Butler, 25 points from Teddy Harriman, a jaw-dropping 11 points and 21 assists from A.J. Dunkley and Carlton Goree's 10 bench points. I guess some of the guys, especially Harriman, have been reading some of the local press and really taken it to heart.

A key game against Minnesota results in a disheartening 105-84 loss despite 15 points and 11 rebounds from Teddy Harriman, 16 points and 10 rebounds courtesy of Tim Butler and A.J. Dunkley's 14 points and 11 assists. We really need to get Andrew Bynum out of that starting C spot. He's been just killing us.

I'm reaching for the Prilosec during the upcoming road back-to-back, but we salvage a split. Golden State flatten us 114-97, Tim Butler our lone noteworthy performance with 21 points, but we stomp Seattle 102-79 as Teddy Harriman rips the Sonics for 26 points, Mateen Yeaton scores 25 and Tim Butler and Andrew Bynum chip in blue-collar double-doubles of 12 points, 12 rebounds and 10 points, 11 rebounds.

Great game against the Grizzlies results in a 105-84 win on the backs of Mateen Yeaton (28 points) and A.J. Dunkley (22 points, 12 assists).

But there's a treacherous path ahead, namely a five-game road trip. But then again, we always get up for the Mavericks and we beat them 121-114 due to three Nuggets with 20+ points: A.J. Dunkley (29 points), Tim Butler (26 points, 13 rebounds), and Mateen Yeaton (23 points). Andrew Bynum applies the finishing touches with a 12 point, 10 rebound double-double.

I'm not surprised when Chicago and Detroit beat us on both ends of a back-to-back and I don't mind so much the 116-84 reaming by the Bulls where Mateen Yeaton is the only one to play with 26 points, but the 100-96 blown fourth quarter loss to the Pistons galls me. Mateen Yeaton is awesome with 25 points and 10 rebounds and Teddy Harriman chips in 21 points, but the rest of the team drags it out there and I really, really want a shiny new center.

I fucking hate the Central. Four losses in a row. 103-82 to the Bucks and I give props to Mateen Yeaton and Teddy Harriman with 20 points a piece, along with Andrew Bynum's surprise 16 points and 12 rebounds, but nobody else can get on the same page. 99-87 to the Pacers, blowing Mateen Yeaton's 25 points, A.J. Dunkley's 20 points and 11 assists and Carlton Goree's 11 bench points.

We just barely fend off the Knicks 114-112 at home to stop the bleeding, Paulinho Buboltz's 43 points overcome only by Mateen Yeaton and Tim Butler each scoring 34 and Carlton Goree leading the reserves with 11 points. No such luck the next night as we're too little, too late in a 116-106 loss to the Traiblazers. Great 31 point, 13 assist showing from A.J. Dunkley, but we're getting raped out there with a worthy center.

Five losses in the last six games. Terrible way to end the month.

But on the other hand, we played a hell of a lot better in January than we did in disgusting December. Unfortunately, that slide really cost us and we're 22-24, three games back of Portland, a game back of Minnesota and tied for third with Utah. Yeah, just a god-awful year for the Northwest.

Memphis's 29-18 gives them a 2.5 game lead on the Mavericks while Phoenix is officially back on the rose, their 33-15 record placing them atop the conference and ahead of the Clippers by 2.5 games.

Out East, Boston is somehow 33-13 and tied with the Raptors for the Atlantic and the East's top seed. Milwaukee's 24-19, exercising a 2 game advantage on the underachieving Bulls and the Bobcats dominate the Southeast by 7 games over Atlanta, thanks to their 28-14 record.

I'm still too bummed out to do comparisons. Maybe next month if we can shop for a legitimate center.

Swaggs

01-08-2009, 09:07 PM

Izulde

01-09-2009, 10:12 PM

It probably won't make you feel any better, but I am still really enjoying the dynasty and, in a sick way, it is a little more interesting now that things are not sailing as smoothly.

The inevitable twilight of Yeaton's career, having a limited draft class in the years that you had high picks, and your asshole owner made things really challenging in a hurry, but I am looking forward to updates.

Indeed. A challenge precisely for the reasons that you describe.

I'm still holding out hope for the playoffs, because it'd be just heartbreaking if this is Yeaton's last season and the first time he's missed the postseason since he was in Indiana.

Izulde

01-10-2009, 12:26 AM

Minnesota Timberwolves receive
PF Billy Cullen
Atlanta Hawks 2025 2nd round pick

Atlanta Hawks receive
C Patrick Weston

What this means for the Timberwolves
Cullen's a run of the mill 24 year old backup combo forward/center. Nothing remarkable about him, though he is admittedly more developed than Weston.

What this means for the Hawks
The 19 year old rookie Weston might one day be a good reserve C, but he saw almost no time in Minnesota and he's liable to see even less with the Hawks as the 12th man. His upside isn't great, but it's respectable enough that he'd be worth a flyer on a bad team. Atlanta's 22-22, which doesn't exactly qualify them as bad.

Winner: Minnesota
The T-Wolves are hellbent on a division title and no doubt fear a move by GM Jestor raise the Nuggets back up. Thus, the second trade for an improved player at the cost of scrub youth. Great deal.

Toronto Raptors receive
PG Ron Morant
San Antonio Spurs 2025 2nd round pick

San Antonio Spurs receive
PF Mike Wise

What this means for the Raptors
Morant's 26 and a very good passer and ballhandler, with great technical defense. If he had better scoring instincts, he'd be capable of starting at the point. Key pickup for Toronto, who have 3 PGs, all 35 years old. While Ron's buried as the 11th man, if he comes back to the Raptors next summer, he should see increased playing time.

What this means for the Spurs
Strange move by San Antonio, as Wise has little upside and the 21 year old isn't anywhere near as good as Ian McClinton, who's both more developed and getting more seasoning in the D-Leagues. In fact, Wise is so bad, he's an inactive on a woeful Spurs squad.

Winner: Toronto
Even if the Raptors don't return Morant, he gives them a good pass-first safety blanket PG on the bench and even a half-year of that is worth far more than anything Wise will ever offer.

Portland Trailblazers receive
PG Mark Martin
Toronto Raptors 2025 2nd round pick

Toronto Raptors receive
SG Aaron Smylie

What this means for the Traiblazers
Martin became expendable for the Raptors after Morant's acquisition and he's a decent floor general off the bench, but terrible on defense and not a scorer either. His managing to hang on in the league is a bit of a mystery, but the real shock is that he's actually starting for Portland at PG.

What this means for the Raptors
Smylie is a big (6'7, 209) guard, with great handling skills for a two, rather like a certain Denver Nuggets SG in that regard, but he doesn't have great scoring instincts. However, the 23 year old third year pro has potential to develop into a defensive specialist and score some points as a reserve.

Winner: Toronto
While we normally applaud the acquistion of a new starter, Martin simply isn't a legitimate NBA starting PG and we see the move imperiling Portland's season.

Dallas Mavericks receive
PG Jeremy Steele
Philadelphia 76ers 2025 2nd round pick

Philadelphia 76ers receive
PG Joe Gordon

What this means for the Mavericks
Steele joins his 6th team in 3 seasons and it's easy to see why he's often so used as trade bait. He's a solid all-around veteran, who while not as good as a passer as he used to be, still plays good ball security and very good defense. In short, the perfect benchbacker, especially for a Dallas team who still insists on the lunacy of Jeremy Leach at PG.

What this means for the 76ers
Gordon may be a rookie, but he's a 23 year old one with no upside and talents outside of some basketball smarts and ball thievery. Not worth the price of admission and 11th on the 76ers' bench who already have Charles Diggs and Corey Westbrooks at 24 and 25 respectively.

Winner: Dallas
In short, a foolish trade for Philadelphia. While a youth movement wouldn't hurt, Gordon is the wrong piece of the puzzle for far too many reasons.

Six losses in seven games after Golden State beats us 120-113 in OT. Tim Butler bursts through for 35 points, A.J. Dunkley double-doubles for 15 points and 12 assists before fouling out, Andrew Bynum scrapes together 10 points and 10 rebounds and Carlton Goree scores 18 off the bench. But when Mateen Yeaton has a 2 for 10 night, our chances of winning just aren't very good.

Fast forward to the 5th and our stunning trade to counter the moves by Minnesota and Portland last month.

Denver Nuggets receive
C Greg Oden
Toronto Raptors 2027 1st round pick

Toronto Raptors receive
PF Andy Sola
SG Eric Bass
C Dan Jacobson

What this means for the Nuggets
GM Jestor pulls off another surprise move, shuffling Sola, the lynchpin to the team's late run success last year and the heart of their stellar start this season, to the Raptors for a 36 year old Oden, still a fearsome warrior on defense and rebounding and one of the smartest, most universally popular and hardest working players in the league. Needless to say, he immediately takes over at C for the Nuggets. The first round pick should be worth more in a couple years than it is now.

What this means for the Raptors
Jacobson got cut immediately after the trade, so this becomes Sola and Bass for Oden. Sola is a very good all-around player, somewhat underrated and as mentioned, he's out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL. But he's also under contract for next season and figures to step in at PF then for the Raptors. Bass is roster filler who's on the inactive list.

Winner: Denver
We call this one the "Save Mateen Yeaton's Last Dance" trade. Center was Denver's most glaring weakness and Jestor goes out and gets a rental to try and propel the Nuggets back to the playoffs. While it's not certain to happen, this just improved their chances immensely.

The deal comes just in time for a divisional doubleheader.and while Utah beats us 107-89 for our third loss in a row, because our new idiot head coach has Mateen Yeaton at SF and our only highlight is new reserve Andrew Bynum's 12 points, we rebound for a thrilling 107-104 win against the Timberwolves in Minneapolis the next night. All five starters score 13 points or more, led by Tim Butler's 26 points and 10 rebounds. Greg Oden gets his first double-double in a Nuggets uniform with 16 points and 14 rebounds, A.J. Dunkley tacks on 16 points and 10 assists and Carlton Goree leads the bench with 10 points.

But even switching Mateen Yeaton back to SG can't prevent a 106-100 fourth quarter collapse against Cleveland. Not when Tim Butler's double-double is an anemic 10 points and 12 rebounds and A.J. Dunkley isn't much better with 14 points and 10 assists. At least Andrew Bynum is playing decently with 9 points and 11 rebounds off the bench.

And so, in the sort of grandiose move that's borderline stupidity and nine-tenths desparation that's characterized our season, I pull the trigger on another trade.

Denver Nuggets receive
SG Charles Arnold
SG Ronald King

Philadelphia 76ers receive
PG A.J. Dunkley
SG Hayletts Dennis

What this means for the Nuggets
Desparation strikes again as GM Jestor acquires the 26 year old Arnold, who once swore he would never again play for the Nuggets after he was traded before ever donning a uniform when he signed with Denver in free agency. Now he's back in and a guarantee to play. He can play better score-denying defense than Mateen Yeaton, is 6'7, 188 lbs and is also averaging a sizzling 24.5 points a game. The 27 year old King is a great locker room guy who can score a little and defend a little.

What this means for the 76ers
So much for Corey Westbrooks returning to the starting PG role any time this year. Dunkley's a savvy, pass-first PG who needed a change of scenery after shooting an anemic 40.8% in Denver. The rookie Dennis, he of the 39.3% shooting with the Nuggets and angry about his lack of playing time, comes in as the starting SF for the 76ers, where he can hopefully fulfill his scoring potential.

Winner: Denver
If he has to, Teddy Harriman can run the point okay and the Nuggets just made a huge upgrade to their starting lineup at the price of two players who were major disappointments in their short tenure in Denver. The extra second rounders make nice trade bait.

Eh, what the hell? I'll try Harriman out at the one and see how he does.

Terrible debut for Charles Arnold (5 for 19/10 points)1 and we fall 107-96 to New Jersey. Teddy Harriman scores 24, Tim Butler double-doubles for 18 points and 13 rebounds and Carlton Goree scores 14 off the bench.

Enraged at our sloppy play, I make another trade.

Denver Nuggets receive
PG Zelipe Gama
Miami Heat 2025 1st round pick
Miami Heat 2027 1st round pick

Miami Heat receive
SG Teddy Harriman
C Luke Smith
C Lindsey Williamson
Toronto Raptors 2027 1st round pick

What this means for the Nuggets
For the third time in his career, the Spainard Gama comes to Denver and he'll once again seek to rescue the Nuggets by manning the starting PG spot. If anyone can do it, he can.

What this means for the Heat
The 23 year old Harriman was just starting to warm up in Denver when he's sent packing. Very good to great player in all facets of the offensive game, but admittedly just as weak on defense. He slots in as the starting SG. Smith is a project and a very intriguing one. Even better for the Heat, he'll be the 6th man and get the playing time he needs to develop his supreme rebounding, defensive and shotblocking potentials. Williamson's an inactive.

Winner: Miami
GM Jestor's hunger to keep the Nuggets' playoff streak going is going to cost him his job and ruin Denver for future years, draft picks aside. Meanwhile, Miami picks up two terrific building blocks in Harriman and Smith. If the Heat implode after this, so what? They've already won 24 games this season, more than they've won this early in a long, long time.

I don't care... I don't care. Mateen Yeaton must make the playoffs again.

We've also exceeded our budget of $10 million that's not really $10 million and need to sign two players. Enter former Nugget Darren Davis and 33 year old rebounding monster Changa Diarra, a former second round pick of the Supersonics (10th pick, 2nd round, 2013 draft).

So I get fired at the end of the year. Big deal.

Back-to-back road games before the All-Star break and a split. 110-103 win over Atlanta, narrowly losing in the fourth quarter. Mateen Yeaton and Charles Arnold combine for 27 and 29 points a piece and Zelipe Gama issues 15 points and 14 assists. 112-93 loss to Charlotte as we never get it going, though Zelipe Gama has a nice 18 points and 14 assists and Greg Oden pulls in 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Darren Davis gets to the finals of the Slam Dunk competition before losing to James White.

The Sophs crush the Rooks in a game I don't watch, though there's a few former Nuggets on the first years. Whatever. I don't care.

Tim Butler makes the All-Star game and scores 3 points in a very forgetable 14 minutes. Still, every point counted in the West's 97-96 barnburner win. MVP Rashard Ferguson was just ridiculous for the East. 20 point and 23 rebound ridiculous. Got 5 assists and 2 steals, too.

It's ugly, but I'll take the 102-97 comeback win over the Celtics. Mateen Yeaton is adjusting fine to SF, scoring 28 points. Charles Arnold adds 25, Tim Butler puts up 19 points and 16 rebounds and Zelipe Gama garners 12 points and 12 assists.

But then we lose 97-86 to Memphis, despite Greg Oden's impressive 12 points, 23 rebounds and 5 blocks, Mateen Yeaton's 23 points and Zelipe Gama's 18 points and 10 assists because our bench blows.

Our first dominant win in forever comes at the hands of the horrid Hornets, 108-84. Tim Butler breaks loose for 30 points, Mateen Yeaton adds 20, Greg Oden yanks down 23 boards and Zelipe Gama repeats for 18 points and 10 assists.

Fucking Atlanta beats us by one frigging point to ruin our hopes of ending on a tiny win streak. 26 points a piece from Mateen Yeaton and Charles Arnold just miss the mark, and Greg Oden's 12 points and 11 rebounds were one layup short in the 103-102 loss.

So we're 26-31 and if the playoffs were held today, we wouldn't make it.

We're going to have to bust ass over the remaining games in the season and I'm not sure we can do it.

Hell, I can't bring myself to write anything but a quick listing of the division leaders.

Southwest
Memphis - 35-22 (3 GB - Dallas)

Northwest
Portland - 33-23 (5.5 GB - Utah)

Pacific
L.A. Clippers - 40-17 (1 GB - Phoenix)

Atlantic
Toronto - 42-14 (4.5 GB - Boston)

Central
Milwaukee - 29-26 (2.5 GB - Chicago)

Southeast
Charlotte - 35-19 (7 GB - Atlanta)

Barkeep49

01-10-2009, 04:30 PM

I think you came to the right conclusion too late.

Izulde

01-10-2009, 05:14 PM

I think you came to the right conclusion too late.

Which conclusion is that?

Barkeep49

01-10-2009, 05:22 PM

That you were probably going to get fired this offseason.

Izulde

01-10-2009, 09:28 PM

That you were probably going to get fired this offseason.

True, true.

Izulde

01-10-2009, 09:28 PM

Minnesota Timberwolves receive
SG Jay Brown

Golden State Warriors
PF Joseph Barnes
C Jarion Calloway

What this means for the Timberwolves
The 22 year old Brown, in his third season, is notorious for inconsistency and will never be anything more than a 6th or 7th man. His biggest area for upside is in free throw shooting, but there just isn't much to get excited about with him. He'll be mid-bench for now.

What this means for the Warriors
Calloway got cut, so it's Brown for Barnes, who is as unthrilling as the other and two years older. He's also not a very valuable reserve. The best thing about him is that he's an expiring contract.

Winner: Minnesota
Brown is more talented than Barnes and for a team that's chasing a playoff spot like the Timberwolves are, an improved on-court team trumps everything else, especially since Calloway re-signed twith the T-Wolves.

Phoenix Suns receive
PF Damous Price

Detroit Pistons receive
SF Brad Randle

What this means for the Suns
Price is a good, solid reserve with a nice inside shot and scoring instincts. He also gives Phoenix youngerish big man at 29 years old and represents a significant upgrade talentwise on the bench for the Suns.

What this means for the Pistons
Randle is in his third season, but is just 21 years old. He's got major potential to develop into a scorer and eventual starter, but for now, he's playing behind two guys on the bench. No versatility either, as he can only play SF. That said, if he develops like he has the ability to, he'll be a starting 3 someday.

Winner: Draw
Good deal for both teams, as the Suns are pursuing a return trip to the Finals, while the Pistons are probably lottery bound, a low playoff seed team at best.

Quietest trade deadline we've had in years. Hell, our dealing frenzy aside, it's been the quietest trading market we've had in at least three or four seasons.

Our pursuit of .500 starts off beautifully with a 112-91 win over the Pacers. Greg Oden turns back the clock with 22 points and 10 rebounds, Tim Butler double-doubles for 19 points and 12 rebounds, Zelipe Gama kicks in 10 points and 17 assists and Carlton Goree adds 13 points off the bench.

All you need to know about our 108-81 loss to the Clippers is that Charles Arnold was our only player to show up with 34 points and we shot 35% from the field.

Then comes the huge 108-98 win over the Traiblazers as Zelipe Gama erupts for 29 points and 14 assists. Tim Butler chimes in with 21 points and 12 rebounds andGreg Oden gets a pair of 17s in points and rebounds.

Buoyed by the magnificient victory over Portland, we sweep both games of the next doubleheader. Charles Arnold drills the Spurs for 30 points, Greg Oden towers for 12 points and 24 rebounds and Tim Butler scores 21 as we crush San Antonio 107-84. Phoenix's record doesn't scare us as Tim Butler thunders for 26 points and 10 rebounds in our 107-98 win. Charles Arnold scores 21, Zelipe Gama hands out 17 points and 10 assists and we get a surprise 11 and 10 bench points respectively from Ronald King and Andrew Bynum.

Four wins in a row, a genuine win streak after we best Charlotte 106-93. Mateen Yeaton sparkles for 29 points, Tim Butler just misses a triple-double with 22 points, 14 rebounds and 9 assists and Greg Oden powers through for 22 points and 13 rebounds.

After our fifth straight win, 115-102 over the Clippers, we're officially being called one of the hottest teams in the NBA. Mateen Yeaton and Charles Arnold score 29 and 23 a piece, Greg Oden chips in 13 points and 14 rebounds and Andrew Bynum is a perfect 6/6 for 16 points off the bench.

What a thrilling, miracle turnaround it's been as we reel off our sixth straight victory, 107-84 over the Bucks. Charles Arnold mows down Milwaukee for 38 points, Mateen Yeaton adds 20 points and Carlton Goree leads the reserves with 11 points.

And then the Wizards cool us off and we tumble 114-107 in OT, games we've had a lot of trouble winning this year. Great effort by Tim Butler (28 points), Greg Oden (22 points, 17 rebounds) and Charles Arnold (20 points), though, with Carlton Goree adding 13 bench points.

And that's when the team doctor sees me, looking grim.

[b]Mateen Yeaton - Broken Toe - Out 62 Days

...I feel sick. This might be a career-ender, unless the insane happens and we somehow make the NBA Finals, which I don't see us doing.

Absolutely heartbreaking event to happen in the most frustrating season of my NBA GM career and the real topper.

35 year old Chauncey Thomas is signed to cover for Yeaton, but I already see our year going up in smoke with 38 year old Andrew Bynum now starting at SF.

Sure enough, 111-99 loss to the Lakers, Tim Butler's 26 points and 12 rebounds not even close to rescuing us.

A 103-94 win over the Kings stops a potential extended losing streak, but we need all of Charles Arnold's 34 points, Tim Butler's 27 points and Zelipe Gama's 20 points and 16 assists to manage it.

Sans Mateen, the Suns exact revenge on us, 105-90, Charles Arnold's 20 points, Tim Butler's 26 points and 10 rebounds and Greg Oden's 14 points, 18 rebounds wasted.

We bounce back for a much-needed 107-83 hammering of the Jazz in Utah. Charles Arnold plays magnificiently with 43 points, Greg Oden is a rebounding machine with 10 points and 17 boards and Ronald King leads a very productive bench with 11 points.

March ends with the expected split. We edge the Spurs 109-101 on Tim Butler's 31 points, Charles Arnold's 21 points and Zelipe Gama's 10 points and 13 assists before Portland pulverizes us 108-86 in another revenge game. Tim Butler plays his heart out with 22 points and 11 rebounds and Ronald King and Carlton Goree rise off the bench for 10 and 16 points respectively, but it won't cut it.

We've clawed our way to 36-36 and currently stand as the #8 seed, three games ahead of the Jazz for that distinction. Phoenix leads the conference at 50-22, the Suns 1.5 over the Clippers. We're 5 games back of the 41-31 Trailblazers and 41-30 Memphis is 2.5 ahead of Dallas.

Toronto doesn't miss Greg Oden one whit, 6 games in front of the Celtics at 53-19, the East's best mark. 38-34 Milwaukee stands 3.5 ahead of Cleveland in a Central as weak as the Northwest is this year. 44-28 Charlotte barely holds off hard-charging Atlanta by 2 games.

You know, I don't care if we make the playoffs anymore. All the excitement has gone out of the season for me now that Yeaton's likely done.

A hollow victory: He averaged 20.8 points this regular season, preserving a six season streak of 20+ points a game.

Izulde

01-11-2009, 03:06 PM

I'm not expecting much after we just lost Mateen Yeaton, probably for the year, but then the team surprises me with back-to-back road wins to kick off our final ten games. Zelipe Gama dazzles with 28 points and 16 assists in our 107-102 win, Charles Arnold scores 26, Tim Butler chimes in with 12 points, 12 rebounds and Ronald King comes out of nowhere with 25 points off the bench. Gritty defense keys our 97-85 victory over the Hornets, the offense provided by Charles Arnold (22 points), Tim Butler (20 points), Zelipe Gama (11 points, 12 assists) and Changa Diarra (10 bench points).

34.6% shooting isn't going to win you ball games and Minnesota shreds us 105-77. Charles Arnold gets 21 points by throwing up shot after shot, while Tim Butler continues his underrated, even-keeled play with 21 points and 12 rebounds. No worries, though, as we obliterate Seattle 111-98 the next night in Denver. Charles Arnold shoots more accurately for 28 points, Tim Butler double-doubles for 17 points and 15 rebounds and Ronald King leads the reserves with 17 points of his own. I'm tempted to re-sign King if I keep my job or, if I get fired, I'll take him for whatever team I join on with.

Four Nuggets score 20+ points in our 115-108 triumph over Golden State. That's either a record or close to it since I've been here and the quartet is composed of Greg Oden (28 points), Zelipe Gama (20 points, 10 assists), Tim Butler (20 points) and Charles Arnold (20 points). Ronald King continues his hot bench play with 10 points.

We clinch a .500 season with a 107-88 beatdown of the Hornets. Charles Arnold has arguably his best game in a Nuggets uniform with 34 points and 11 rebounds, Tim Butler scores 33 and Greg Oden squeezes in 17 points and 14 rebounds.

Another win cinches a winning season and we get it by besting Memphis 103-97 on the front end of a doubleheader. Tim Butler leads the charge with 24 points, Charles Arnold adds 22 points and Ronald King chips in 11 bench points. The sweep comes as we rout the Rockets 123-86, amazingly winning all four quarters. Tim Butler blows up for 30 points and 15 rebounds, Greg Oden is just as magnificient with 22 points, 21 rebounds and 7 assists, Charles Arnold scores an almost-afterthought 26 points and Zelipe Gama doubles for 18 points and 13 assists.

Two games left and suddenly we're in fighting postion for a mid-tier playoff spot rather than defaulting to the #8 seed. But we've got a tough back to back to finish off the year in Phoenix and Portland.

The Suns destroy us 119-95 in Phoenix, Greg Oden's 15 points and 18 rebounds and Ronald King's 10 bench points not enough despite a balanced offense. But then we surprise the Trailblazers 96-87 as Greg Oden muscles his way to 21 points and 13 rebounds, Charles Arnold scores 25, Tim Butler picks up 14 points and 10 rebounds and Zelipe Gama gets a pair of 12s in points and assists.

8-2 without Mateen Yeaton. I never would've expected that, nor the recovery of our season all the way to a playoff berth after the bungling we did for so much of the year.

West Conference Playoff Seedings
1. Phoenix Suns (57-25)
2. Los Angeles Clippers (55-27)
3. Memphis Grizzlies (48-34)
4. Portland Trailblazers (48-34)
5. Sacramento Kings (45-37)
6. Denver Nuggets (44-38)
7. Dallas Mavericks (44-38)
8. Utah Jazz (39-43)

East Conference Playoff Seedings
1. Toronto Raptors (59-23)
2. Boston Celtics (55-27)
3. Charlotte Bobcats (51-31)
4. Milwaukee Bucks (44-38)
5. New York Knicks (49-33)
6. Atlanta Hawks (49-33)
7. New Jersey Nets (42-40)
8. Chicago Bulls (41-41)

Izulde

01-11-2009, 10:17 PM

Somebody over on the WS boards asked for an overall review of the team performances to date in this dynasty and I liked the idea so much, I thought I'd post it and my commentary here, too.

Atlanta Hawks
Overall Record: 701-775 (47.5%)
Playoff Appearances: 8
NBA Finals Appearances: 1 (2019)
NBA Championships: 0

Boston Celtics
Overall Record: 770-706 (52.2%)
Playoff Appearances: 12
NBA Finals Appearances: 1 (2013)
NBA Championships: 1 (2013)

Charlotte Bobcats
Overall Record: 784-692 (53.1%)
Playoff Appearances: 14
NBA Finals Appearances: 2 (2007, 2008)
NBA Championships: 0

Chicago Bulls
Overall Record: 729-747 (49.4%)
Playoff Appearances: 8
NBA Finals Appearances: 1 (2009)
NBA Championships: 1 (2009)

Cleveland Cavaliers
Overall Record: 745-731 (50.5%)
Playoff Appearances: 11
NBA Finals Appearances: 0
NBA Championships: 0

Dallas Mavericks
Overall Record: 883-593 (59.8%)
Playoff Appearances: 14
NBA Finals Appearances: 3 (2012, 2021, 2022)
NBA Championships: 2 (2021, 2022)

Denver Nuggets
Overall Record: 991-485 (67.1%)
Playoff Appearances: 18
NBA Finals Appearances: 8 (2008, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
NBA Championships: 4 (2008, 2018, 2019, 2020)

Detroit Pistons
Overall Record: 828-648 (56.1%)
Playoff Appearances: 13
NBA Finals Appearances: 1 (2014)
NBA Championships: 1 (2014)

Golden State Warriors
Overall Record: 584-892 (39.6%)
Playoff Appearances: 2
NBA Finals Appearances: 0
NBA Championships: 0

Houston Rockets
Overall Record: 776-700 (52.6%)
Playoff Appearances: 10
NBA Finals Appearances: 0
NBA Championships: 0

Indiana Pacers
Overall Record: 638-838 (43.2%)
Playoff Appearances: 6
NBA Finals Appearances: 0
NBA Championships: 0

Los Angeles Clippers
Overall Record: 649-827 (44.0%)
Playoff Appearances: 5
NBA Finals Appearances: 0
NBA Championships: 0

Los Angeles Lakers
Overall Record: 806-670 (54.6%)
Playoff Appearances: 12
NBA Finals Appearances: 1 (2011)
NBA Championships: 1 (2011)

Memphis Grizzlies
Overall Record: 682-794 (46.2%)
Playoff Appearances: 10
NBA Finals Appearances: 1 (2013)
NBA Championships: 0

Miami Heat
Overall Record: 609-867 (41.3%)
Playoff Appearances: 2
NBA Finals Appearances: 0
NBA Championships: 0

Milwaukee Bucks
Overall Record: 802-674 (54.3%)
Playoff Appearances: 15
NBA Finals Appearances: 0
NBA Championships: 0

Minnesota Timberwolves
Overall Record: 739-737 (50.1%)
Playoff Appearances: 12
NBA Finals Appearances: 0
NBA Championships: 0

New Jersey Nets
Overall Record: 623-853 (42.2%)
Playoff Appearances: 3
NBA Finals Appearances: 0
NBA Championships: 0

New Orleans Hornets
Overall Record: 449-1027 (30.4%)
Playoff Appearances: 0
NBA Finals Appearances: 0
NBA Championships: 0

New York Knicks
Overall Record: 651-825 (44.1%)
Playoff Appearances: 9
NBA Finals Appearances: 1 (2023)
NBA Championships: 1 (2023)

Orlando Magic
Overall Record: 763-713 (51.7%)
Playoff Appearances: 11
NBA Finals Appearances: 0
NBA Championships: 0

Philadelphia 76ers
Overall Record: 764-712 (51.7%)
Playoff Appearances: 11
NBA Finals Appearances: 0
NBA Championships: 0

Phoenix Suns
Overall Record: 755-721 (51.1%)
Playoff Appearances: 6
NBA Finals Appearances: 3 (2007, 2009, 2023)
NBA Championships: 1 (2007)

Portland Trailblazers
Overall Record: 724-752 (49.1%)
Playoff Appearances: 9
NBA Finals Appearances: 0
NBA Championships: 0

Sacramento Kings
Overall Record: 803-673 (54.4%)
Playoff Appearances: 16
NBA Finals Appearances: 0
NBA Championships: 0

San Antonio Spurs
Overall Record: 851-625 (57.7%)
Playoff Appearances: 14
NBA Finals Appearances: 1 (2014)
NBA Championships: 0

Seattle Supersonics
Overall Record: 645-831 (43.7%)
Playoff Appearances: 5
NBA Finals Appearances: 0
NBA Championships: 0

Toronto Raptors
Overall Record: 1038-438 (70.3%)
Playoff Appearances: 18
NBA Finals Appearances: 10 (2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022)
NBA Championships: 5 (2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017)

Utah Jazz
Overall Record: 756-720 (51.2%)
Playoff Appearances: 11
NBA Finals Appearances: 0
NBA Championships: 0

Washington Wizards
Overall Record: 602-874 (40.8%)
Playoff Appearances: 3
NBA Finals Appearances: 0
NBA Championships: 0

No question who the two great dynasties are of this era. I thought Phoenix's 3 NBA Finals appearances in 6 playoff outings was impressive, but Toronto beats that with a staggering 10 East Conferences championships in 18 playoff tries to go with their sterling 70% overall win rate.

I feel sorry for the Kings and the Bucks. Two historically very good franchises who've never made it to the title bout. I wouldn't mind taking over either one of those teams and bringing them to long-dreamed of rings.

You can't get any more identical than Philadelphia and Orlando. Scary how just one win separates them. The T-Wolves are the very definition of a .500 team and that's a real shame for Kevin Garnett and Kelvin Moody.

No question who the two worst teams of the era are either. That'd be No Playoffs New Orleans and the other sub-40% overall win rate Warriors. Then again, I suppose you could make a case for the Heat, who threw away Dwayne Wade's career and the Wizards, who have the most overrated PG in the league in Leland Peterson.

RedHawk00

01-12-2009, 02:19 PM

if you do get canned, i would like to see how you build up one of those struggling franchises...

JonInMiddleGA

01-12-2009, 02:51 PM

if you do get canned, i would like to see how you build up one of those struggling franchises...

+1

If not New Orleans, then either Miami or even Washington.

Coffee Warlord

01-12-2009, 03:34 PM

New Orleans would be amusing.

Izulde

01-12-2009, 04:39 PM

RedHawk00: I'd like to see the same thing, actually.

JonInMiddleGA: I think all three of those teams are handicapped somewhat by my having acquired their first rounders with the Nuggets. I can't remember for sure, though.

Coffee Warlord: Indeed, considering I'm a big part of the reason why they're so bad. Their front office has been filled with morons for years, so it's been quite easy for me to rip them off in trades. Other teams have been real hardasses to work with.

BYU 14

01-12-2009, 05:32 PM

One more vote for New Orleans...

Izulde

01-12-2009, 05:47 PM

One more vote for New Orleans...

Would be great fun if the opportunity comes up. :)

Izulde

01-12-2009, 05:48 PM

Nuggets Set To Take On Grizzlies In First Round Rematch

What a long, strange trip it's been this season for the Denver Nuggets, which saw a flurry of changes in the most in-season trades in franchise history, a mid-season firing of a highly hyped head coach in favor of one with a sub-.500 record and a topsy turvy record that was more turvy until two late season hot streaks to propel them to the playoffs and the #6 seed.

The last time GM Jestor changed a well-respected coach for one with a career record below .500, George Karl was replaced by Jim O'Brien and we all know how that turned out, with O'Brien leading the Nuggets to three straight championships before he was fired after last season. While it's unlikely that Steve Van Gundy will replicate those results, his slower style brought Denver back to fundamental basketball and suited a veteran team much better than Kurt Thomas's frenzied pace.

Many thought the Nuggets' season was over after the franchise star and face, Mateen Yeaton, went down with a broken toe, but the team rallied to go 8-2 in its final ten games and get new life in the playoffs. They've earned a rematch with the Memphis Grizzlies, who beat them handily last year.

Can Denver reverse course in its first season in years as a lower seed? That's difficult to judge.

Point Guard
Zelipe Gama vs. Bernard Kelly
In, out, in, out, in. It's been a roller-coaster ride for the 33 year old Spainard in terms of his Nuggets membership, but the truth is, nobody's run Denver's offense better in all the years GM Jestor's headed the front office. He may have lost a step to age, but 15.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 10 assists, 1.4 blocks and a steal show that Gama's still got great all-around game.

Kelly is one of the best pure passers the league's ever seen and he led the NBA in assists this year with a 12.8 average to go with his 16.2 points and 1.7 steals. He had a field day against the slower Gama last playoffs and the 27 year old should do the same this year.

Advantage: Grizzlies

Shooting Guard
Charles Arnold vs. Durko Jagr
Once upon a time, Arnold swore he would never come back to Denver after being involved in a sign and trade deal for Rico Wolfe and a slew of picks from the Miami Heat and when he found out he'd been traded to the Nuggets earlier this year, he initially considered not reporting. But report he did and while he won't ever replace Yeaton and has some cold shooting slumps, he's started to win over fans with his ability to score. Unfortunately he's pretty one dimensional as a scorer, but here's a dirty little secret - the 26 year old is a better defender than the 36 year old Yeaton is at this point and he's actually an upgrade on that end of the floor.

Jagr put up 11.2 points, 4.7 assists and 1.2 steals in the regular season, but he's never been an accurate shooter and at 34 years old, he just isn't anything more than a league-average starter at this point. Not a stellar defender either.

Advantage: Nuggets

Small Forward
Andrew Bynum vs. Shane Holliway
Seeing the 38 year old Bynum in the starting lineup reminds a lot of people of the year Denver had an ancient and decripit natural SF Antawn Jamison at C, on the surprise team that made a run to the Finals. Like Jamison, Bynum just doesn't have much left in the way of skills and his 7.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks during the regular season reflect that. On the other hand, he's still 7', 285 lbs and size is one thing that never goes away.

The 6'6, 224 lb Holliway is going to have to rely on his quickness to outfox Bynum if he wants a repeat of last year's great postseason against the Nuggets. Great scoring knack and good ballthief who posted regular-season numbers of 17.4 points, 6 rebounds and 1.3 steals. Our hunch says quickness beats height here.

Advantage: Grizzles

Power Forward
Tim Butler vs. Ronnie Fry
Butler really came into his own this season, developing greater consistency and earning his first ever All-Star bid on his way to 20.9 points and 9 rebounds. Won't ever be a defensive stopper, but is an underrated rebounder and has grown into the team leader after Yeaton went down. One of the only untouchable guys on the roster.

He'll have a tough time of it against Fry, who's emerged as a great defender in addition to being a topflight scorer with 20.1 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals to his credit. Fry's been rumored to be on Jestor's target list ever since he entered the league, but Memphis rightfully refuses to deal their bright young star.

Advantage: Memphis

Center
Greg Oden vs. Narcyz Malinomowski
Fascinating matchup at the five, featuring one of the great defenders in the league against one of the top scoring centers in the NBA. Oden may be 36, but he's still a top-flight defender, shotblocker and rebounder, posting 12.6 points, 13.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks during the regular season and he's capable of terrific scoring outbursts.

And those outburts he could very well earn against the man infamously nicknamed The Great Polish Sieve for his lack of defense. Malinomowski tore up the Nuggets last playoffs, but he's going up against a brick wall in Oden. Still, one can't wholly discount his regular season 15.5 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. Still a prime-time shot blocker and the third offensive option for the Grizzlies.

Advantage: Nuggets

Bench
Carlton Goree has been a major disappointment after signing a fat, multi-year mid-level exemption in the offseason, but he still put up 7.4 points and 4.2 assists, with good defensive skills. The season's biggest surprise was Ronald King, a trade package afterthought who emerged as the bench's best offensive threat down the stretch and finished with 6.2 points. Like Goree, a good defender, but not the playmaker on that end that Goree is. There's no really good big men on the bench, as Tzvetan Kishishev struggled to find minutes this year and Changa Diarra is still adjusting to Denver.

22 year Deon Sterley is a smaller, poor man's version of Greg Oden. That's still high praise and he produced 8.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks during the regular season as Memphis's 6th man. Dave Linton is the best guard, but he's strictly a passer, terrible on defense and tries to get too fancy at times.

Advantage: Draw

Final Thoughts
Subtract Yeaton and Andy Sola, add Oden and Arnold from last year's playoff matchup and this is suddenly looking much more even, primarily because of Oden. But it only appears that way. Memphis's youth and quickness is going to be too much for Denver's aging lineup to handle and the Grizzlies should match last season's triumph.
Prediction: Memphis in 5

Yeah, whole lot of confidence they're showing in us there. Still, maybe we can thrive in the underdog role.

Game One
Hostile crowd, hostile building, no offense. Charles Arnold was the only Nugget to even break double-digit points with 25. That's all you need to know about this embarassment. For Memphis, Shane Holliway danced circles around Andrew Bynum for 28 points, Ronnie Fry rampaged for 25 points and 15 rebounds and Deon Sterley scored 10 off the bench.
Final - Denver 72 Memphis 99

Game Two
Our offense finally wakes up as Charles Arnold scores 20 and Tim Butler and Greg Oden pick up double-doubles of 17 points and 12 rebounds and 15 points and 13 rebounds respectively. But a poor third quarter, Narcyz Malinomowski's 14 points and 15 rebounds, Bernard Kelly's 22 points and 16 assists and Deon Sterley's 10 bench points are -just- enough to nip us at the wire and we lose probably our best shot to steal one from the Grizzlies in Memphis. Just heartbreaking.
Final - Denver 92 Memphis 95

Game Three
We'll need to win both at home to make a series of this thing. A hard-fought battle in front of a partisan Nuggets crowd turns into our finest defensive effort of the year. Tim Butler leads the charge on offense with 22 points and 11 rebounds, Charles Arnold continues his amazingly consistent playoffs with 23 points, Zelipe Gama snaps out of his slump for 16 points and 11 assists and Ronald King sends out notice that our bench isn't completely cosmatose with 10 points. Shane Holliway and Bernard Kelly each score 23, but it's not enough to preserve Memphis's sweep dreams and we grind out a tough, important win to make it a 2-1 series.
Final - Memphis 84 Denver 93

Game Four
Shane Holliway was frantically determined not to let us back in this series and explodes for 34 points. Bernard Kelly supports him with 17 points and 14 assists, while Deon Sterley heads the Grizzlies reserves with 12 points. But then Charles Arnold adds another chapter to his claim of worthy Mateen Yeaton successorship with a spellbinding 39 points on 14/16 shooting, including 5/6 from long range and Ronald King and Carlton Goree help the bench to their best showing yet, netting 14 and 11 points a piece. We come out on top and we've officially back in the thick of it with a knotted up series!
Final - Memphis 89 Denver 106

The Suns are looking terrific in sweeping Utah, the only series to finish early.

Game Five
This one's the swing match and we blow it with yet another fourth quarter meltdown. Really puts a damper on Charles Arnold's 22 points and Greg Oden's 18 points and 19 rebounds. Shane Holliway lights up for 28 points, Durko Jagr breaks out with 24 points, Bernard Kelly is an assist demon with 10 points, 20 assists and Narcyz Malinomowski cobbles together 12 points and 11 rebounds. Another freaking, stinking 3 point loss in Memphis. Man, a couple bounces here and there and we'd have this thing won right here, right now. Instead, we're down 3 games to 2 and are really up against it.
Final - Denver 94 Memphis 97

Sacramento kicks Portland out in five and the Clippers, who honestly scare me, do the same to the Mavericks. Out East, Toronto dispatches the Bulls in five and everyone else rolls on to Game 6.

Game Six
A spirited home crowd and Mateen Yeaton wearing his best powder blue blazer with yellow tie. It's a winning combination as Charles Arnold gets inspired and scores 30 points, Tim Butler summons up 13 points and 11 rebounds, Zelipe Gama turns in 12 points and 21 assists and Ronald King builds on his growing reputation with 17 bench points. Great effort by Bernard Kelly with 24 points and 14 assists, but we just simply would not be denied as we force a Game 7 with our most emphatic performance yet.
Final - Memphis 96 Denver 113

New York tops Milwaukee in six and Atlanta stuns heavily favored Charlotte in six as well. Celtics/Nets are going down to the wire in Game 7, same as us.

Game Seven
Can we finally get the grizzly bear off our backs? They're amped in Memphis and Bernard Kelly puts on a 26 point, 11 assist show and Deon Sterley scores 14 off the bench. We counter with 26 points and 11 rebounds from Tim Butler, 10 points and 12 rebounds from Greg Oden and the poor man's double of 10 points, 10 assists from Zelipe Gama. But it's not enough as Charles Arnold finally runs out of gas. We lose by 11 and have a long offseason ahead of us to wonder what might have been.
Final - Denver 88 Memphis 99

Boston eliminates New Jersey in the other final game.

Although the Celtics are higher seeded, they stun the Hawks by sweeping them in the second round. Phoenix steamrolls over Sacramento in five, the Knicks upset the Raptors in six and the Clippers need all seven games to put away Memphis. Makes me wonder what would've happened had we gone against the Red and White.

The Suns look unbeatable this year, returning to the NBA Finals by sweeping the Clippers and the Knicks make it a rematch Finals via knocking out the Cinderella Celtics in six games (I know, weird to call a 2 seed a Cinderella, but that's how it is this year).

There'll be no second ring for Paulinho Buboltz, as the Phoenix Suns go from 23-59 to East Conference Champions to NBA Champions in the course of three seasons, sweeping New York in four games.

I've never seen such a crazy turnaround in a franchise's fortunes and it really puts the pressure on GMs around the league.

NBA Lottery
14. Detroit Pistons
13. Houston Rockets
12. Indiana Pacers
11. Cleveland Cavaliers
10. Minnesota Timberwolves
9. Denver Nuggets
8. Washington Wizards
7. New Orleans Hornets
6. Orlando Magic
5. Seattle Supersonics
4. Golden State Warriors (-1)
3. Philadelphia 76ers (+1)
2. Denver Nuggets
1. San Antonio Spurs

Another year of ridiculously minimalist lottery movement. Two Top 10 picks including the coveted #2 pick... and I'm probably going to get fired. Now watch, this'll be a class of great players, too.

NBA Awards

MVP
Marcelino Augusto - Dallas Mavericks - 23.7 PPG 9.7 RPG 3.1 APG 2.8 BPG 0.9 SPG
Defensive Player of the Year
Dontay Williamson - Los Angeles Clippers - 13.1 PPG 13.9 RPG 2.2 APG 3.6 BPG 0.7 SPG
Rookie of the Year
Tyrone Capel - New Orleans Hornets - 9.8 PPG 8.3 APG 3.8 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.0 SPG
6th Man of the Year
Filip Svorda - Phoenix Suns - 13.3 PPG 6.5 APG 2.5 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.5 SPG
Coach of the Year
Sam Mitchell - Toronto Raptors

Raise your hand if you're the dumbass GM who traded away the Rookie of the Year you personally drafted. ...Yeah. It was that kind of season.

All-NBA 1st Team
PG Corey Neal - New Jersey Nets
SG Justin Richler - Toronto Raptors
SF Devone Allen - Dallas Mavericks
PF Marcelino Augusto - Dallas Mavericks
C Oswaldo Apolonario - Atlanta Hawks

All-NBA 2nd Team
PG Kenny Graham - Sacramento Kings
SG Rudolf Zyndram - Phoenix Suns
SF Jeremy Lemons - Orlando Magic
PF Rashard Ferguson - Chicago Bulls
C Terrence Howard - Portland Trailblazers

All-NBA 3rd Team
PG Paulinho Buboltz - New York Knicks
SG Jon Ward - Phoenix Suns
SF Will Baron - Boston Celtics
PF Henry Fisher - Utah Jazz
C Tim Davis - Milwaukee Bucks

I know I'm biased, but I totally think Tim Butler got robbed here. But whatever.

All-Defense 1st Team
PG Corey Neal - New Jersey Nets
SG Jon Ward - Phoenix Suns
SF Jeremy Lemons - Orlando Magic
PF Marcelino Augusto - Dallas Mavericks
C Dontay Williamson - Los Angeles Clippers

All-Defense 2nd Team
PG Leland Peterson - Washington Wizards
SG Rudolf Zyndram - Phoenix Suns
SF Devone Allen - Dallas Mavericks
PF Henry Fisher - Utah Jazz
C Patrick Riley - New Orleans Hornets

All-Rookie 1st Team
PG Tyrone Capel - New Orleans Hornets
SG Vladimir Tupolev - Seattle Supersonics
SF Marcus Reeves - Los Angeles Lakers
PF Dermek Mociler - Miami Heat
C Luke Smith - Miami Heat

All-Rookie 2nd Team
PG Lawrence Townes - Cleveland Cavaliers
SG David Johnson - Indiana Pacers
SF Chauncey Harris - New York Knicks
PF Matt Mitchell - Atlanta Hawks
C Ronald Smith - Washington Wizards

Second straight season we've been shut out of the awards. Oh, how the mighty have fallen!

Mateen Yeaton announces that he plans on coming back for another season. Only one team fires its GM before I talk to Bob Neal and that's the Sacramento Kings.

Our owner's hot to trot to get rid of me and at this point, I'm sick of the whole mess, so I tell Baldy Bob to go fuck himself and quit on the spot a mere half-second before he angrily and half-gleefully informs me that I'm fired.

Of course, Bob won't allow it to be a resignation, so it goes in the papers as a firing. Nuggets fans everywhere are furious and the editorials are all slamming Neal in the press and on the blogosphere.

I call Will Langhi, the Kings owner, and ask him about the GM job. He's all smiles and good cheer, faxing the contract over almost before I hang up the phone. I just as quickly sign it back and send it in, officially taking over one of the most successful, but heartbreaking franchises since I've joined the league.

It's a beautiful situation I step into in Sacramento. A lot of huge contracts are going out the door. To wit:

PG Kelvin Johnson - $10.3 million
PG Kenny Graham - $17.1 million
SG Justin Barnes - $18.9 million

In fact, there's only four players under contract for next year and they're all, except for one, expiring next season.

With just the three big contracts above expiring, we go from being $26.3 million OVER the cap to $20 million UNDER the cap. Can you say re-tooling the Kings? I knew you could!

It's the perfect rebuilding scenario and the ownership and Kings fans are beside themselves with joy that they've landed me to rebuild the franchise. Of course, that probably means Justin Barnes, a career-long King, face of the franchise, 20+ points a game every year from 2017-present, etc, is out the door, so I'll take some heat for that. But you know, I always hated low percentage shooters and Barnes, a career 41.7% converter, is precisely that.

I'm feeling giddy myself about this transition. The Kings have never made the NBA Finals since I've joined the league and in fact, have never made the NBA Finals in their entire history, much less a championship.

It's a chance to take a historically good franchise (at least recent history) and elevate it to unseen levels of greatness.

I try and cut a deal with the Nuggets right off to get Tim Butler to go with me, but the assistant GM, who learned a lot of my tricks, refuses, even when I throw in Jonte Jones, still a great player at 35, so I work out another trade instead.

Sacramento Kings receive
SG Mateen Yeaton
PF Tzvetan Kishishev
PG Zelipe Gama
Miami Heat 2025 1st round pick
Denver Nuggets 2025 1st round pick

Denver Nuggets receive
C Jonte Jones
SF Antwan Carson
SF Travis Hart
Sacramento Kings 2026 2nd round pick
Sacramento Kings 2027 2nd round pick

What this means for the Kings
GM Jestor sure didn't take long to start remodeling the Kings, acquiring Yeaton's Bird Rights and setting up Gama to run the offense just as he did in Denver. It's safe to say that Kenny Graham won't be returning to Sacramento. Kishishev is a Jestor favorite who plays great defense and has underrated scoring ability. While it won't be certain he'll see more minutes with the Kings that he did with the Nuggets the last season or two, his contract is one of the best values in all of sports. The real deal here though, is Sacramento picking up two more first round selections in this year's draft, including the #9 overall pick.

What this means for the Nuggets
Jones returns to Denver, where he guarantees Greg Oden's departure from the Nuggets. At 35, Jones has slowed down a lot and is no longer the elite player he once was, but he's still one of the best centers in the league. Carson is a servicable all-around starter at SF right now and the 25 year old has the potential to develop great scoring instincts and very good rebounding. 23 year old Hart could someday develop into a serviceable reserve, but he's really just a throw-in when you get right down to it.

Winner: Denver
Jestor's first blockbuster trade is liable to blow up in his face as Jones has the type of talent still to carry Denver to a division title next year and the Nuggets won't really miss Yeaton with the emergence of Charles Arnold in this past playoffs. Carlton Goree can finally start earning the big bucks Jestor shelled out to land him as Denver's starting PG and the Nuggets made this deal without surrendering Tim Butler or the #2 overall pick, two things Jestor coveted most. On the other hand, the Sacramento Kings are now poised to have $45.7 million in cap room this summer. Then again, given that Jestor's flameout rate on free agents is almost as high as his draft selections, maybe that's not such a good thing.

To that I say, bah humbug. This is going to be a very, -very- good free agent crop, unlike last year's dud group. I've already scouted the market and if we can land the players I'm targeting and pick up an impact rookie in the draft, we could turn this thing around in a hurry, even if we only have three players under contract right now.

Will Langhi is a guy who likes spending money even less than Bob Neal, but the difference is, he actually enjoys winning as much as the next guy and is willing to give me some time to work my mojo.

He insists that we need to go back to the playoffs and that anything less would be seen as a step back by the fans. I agree with him and tell him that since we have so much freed up money, we should be below $10 million over the cap. Unlike Neal, who would say okay and then bitch when I bumped up near the $10 million mark, Langhi's forthright in saying that he wants it as close to the cap as possible and that if I don't think I need all that money to field a playoff team, I shouldn't spend it.

Am I happy that Langhi's a hardass about money? No, but I can respect it, especially since he doesn't play games like Neal did.

Nobody and I mean nobody wanted the Nuggets GM job after I got fired. As one sportswriter quipped it was like being head coach of the Oakland Raiders. So Neal went out and got a 48 year old nobody in George Haywood who doesn't know shit about basketball. Haywood's in for a rough season. Not only is he a moron, my fast-talking of my old assistant resulted in the Jonte Jones albatross contract and with just 8 players signed, the Nuggets are already $11 million over the cap.

Makes me wonder how many Denver fans are going to switch their allegiance to the Kings.

Coffee Warlord

01-12-2009, 08:05 PM

Thickened the plot has.

Swaggs

01-12-2009, 08:19 PM

Me wants more...

Izulde

01-12-2009, 09:51 PM

Coffee Warlord: Indeed.

Swaggs: You know, I just may do that. I'm having trouble falling asleep for my 8:00 am teaching section tomorrow and maybe an extended offseason post will do the trick.

Coffee Warlord

01-12-2009, 10:12 PM

I henceforth demand the offseason be run before about 10:00am tomorrow, for I'm out of town for the next week. I MUST KNOW NOW!

Izulde

01-12-2009, 11:51 PM

I henceforth demand the offseason be run before about 10:00am tomorrow, for I'm out of town for the next week. I MUST KNOW NOW!

:D I can't guarantee getting through the entire offseason, but I've got at least one small post to put up.

Izulde

01-12-2009, 11:51 PM

I've only ever visited Sacramento once in my life and it was to visit a girl who lives in Redding. I hated the city, thought it was dirty and filled with people I didn't exactly want to get to know, but maybe that's because I was at the bus station, which tends to attract the sketchy sort. In the interest of semi-full disclosure, I'll confess that I almost ended up getting kicked out after I flipped out because the connecting bus to Redding was a) late and b) only had a few seats available due to having to pick up passenger from another bus breaking down.

Nice bit of ironic parallelism there when you think about it, bus breakdown leading to near me-breakdown.

Anyway, the girl was pretty, but we didn't click and to this day she remains the type of good friend I fight with about everything and occasionally... well... you know...

Not that any of that has anything to do with me or the Kings, of course.

In any event, the problem with having just three contracts and only one of them trade-eligible and that one being $612k and change is that it's impossible to make a deal. My cap money's still being held hostage by the NBA Rules and I can't kick the gun out until after the draft's over.

I also have to decide about the coaching staff. Reggie Theus has been the Kings' head coach for well, I don't know how long. I just know he's been in the business 18 years, has an 804-672 record and has 16 playoff appearances. But the more I look at him, the more he just seems the wrong fit. When I realize the records don't match up to make him a Kings lifer, it's much easier to do what I want to do and fire the whole coaching staff.

It may be a mistake, but I make a splash by signing 49 year old former NBAer Andre Miller to a 4 year, $5 million a year contract as our newly minted rookie head coach. I love his skill set as a coach and he runs the moderate-leaning-slow pace offense that seems to work best with the types of teams I put together, so I don't see this as another Kurt Thomas hire (who wound up in Golden State as a 2nd assistant). The same day, we announce the signing of Emeka Okafor as the 3rd assistant. Yeah, Emeka's a pretty bad coach, but he comes cheap and at 43, he can learn on the job. Besides, he's a great team leader. We strike out on all our other assistant offers and are forced to settle for Chuck Person and Kenny Natt as 1st and 2nd assistants respectively.

Mock Draft

With 3 first round selections, we generate quite a bit of buzz and are tabbed to take the following players.

#9. SF Tariel Abashize (18 - Estonia)
#20. PF Jim Johnson (20 - Maryland)
#21. C Deon Blair (21 - Texas)

Abashize is a very intriguing prospect at first glance and this is one hell of a draft class, making up for the draft of previous years by a huge margin. How fantastic is it?

9 players are rated 5* future by Scouts, Inc., the most in a long time, maybe the most since I've been in the league

And we have pick #9. Damned good time to have it, if you ask me.

On the face of it, I'd say 19 year old Notre Dame one and done SF Damian Thomas and 20 year old Latvian SG Nochimas Eliashov are the two best players in this ungodly class. Little surprise, then, that they're tabbed to go 1 and 2 to the Spurs and Nuggets.

Now, if the new Denver GM was smart, he'd draft PG Dondrell Wilder, a 19 year old one and done from Wake Forest. At first blush, he reminds me of fellow Demon Deacon alum Andre Moore in some ways and that's a good thing.

Frankly, after skimming the preliminary reports on the Nine Knights, as the class is being called in the papers, I'd be happy with just about any one of them. Granted, there's some I'd prefer more than others, but it's got to be a hellish year for the Timberwolves, who are stuck at #10 and have to hope somebody falls.

Speaking of classes, and as a random aside, Brandon Brooks finally retired this past offseason. I'd stopped tracking the Utah Sixers and lost interest in keeping up with anyone else, but the Nine Knights intrigue the hell out of me and make me want to follow their careers.

Bad year for centers, it looks like. Quite a few good PGs, though, but it'll be difficult to nab one I want. Not a big problem, since it's pretty easy to find a decent pass-first PG, easier than it is to find anything else actually.

Oddly enough, the Nine Knights aren't projected as the Top 9 picks. Instead, they go like this:
1. SF Damian Thomas - San Antonio Spurs
2. SG Nochimas Eliashov - Denver Nuggets
3. PG Dondrell Wilder - Philadelphia 76ers
4. SF Russell Sims - Golden State Warriors
5. SF Kevin Phillips - Seattle Supersonics
6. SF Sigiswald Eckert - Orlando Magic
9. SF Tariel Abashize - Sacramento Kings
11. PF Eddie Pruitt - Cleveland Cavaliers
17. PF Michael Havens - New Jersey Nets

Now one of these guys dropping I could see, because C Chris Moss looks like a great player and in a class thin on bigs, he's bound to get snapped up early (Projected #8 - Washington), but for one to still be there at 17 would be ludicrous.

Thrilling, thrilling draft. I can't wait to bring these guys in for workouts and see what shakes out.

Izulde

01-13-2009, 02:49 AM

Very, very disappointing workouts for the Nine Knights. There's some great players among them sure, but overall, they don't appear nearly as good as we first thought. But it is what it is.

2025 NBA Draft 1st Round
1. SF Damian Thomas - San Antonio Spurs*
2. PG Dondrell Wilder - Denver Nuggets*

...I'm shocked. The moron actually made the right call. Nice move.

3. SF Kevin Phillips - Philadelphia 76ers*

...Three picks and Nochimas Eliashov, the guy I think is the best player in this class, is still on the board? But Golden State's not playing when I come calling.

4. SG Nochimas Eliashov - Golden State Warriors*

Ah well, was worth a try. The Warriors just got the steal of the draft, no doubt about it.

5. SF Russell Sims - Seattle Supersonics*

There's one more player I feel is worth trading up for, but Orlando's not willing to talk to me, either.

6. SF Sigiswald Eckert - Orlando Magic*

And of course he gets taken.

7. PF Michael Havens - New Orleans Hornets*

Two of the Nine Knights remaining. Eddie Pruitt is too small for my tastes and yes I know about all the great undersized fours in the league right now, but I don't think he has the skills either. And I'm not leaving this draft without one of the Nine Knights, so it defaults to Tariel Abashize, who didn't have a great workout, but he's only 18 and he'll get a lot of playing time for us I imagine.

But much to my shock, I who've had so much success trading up in the draft, get hung up on by the Wizards GM, who won't allow me to move one lousy pick up, even if I add another first round pick.

8. SF Tariel Abashize - Washington Wizards*

...I want to throw up. I come damned close to doing so, too. The league's GMs are conspiring against me, doing their best to cockblock me and prevent me from achieving any kind of success in Sacramento.

The smarmy "experts" say that I'm very high on Kenneth Towns, a senior SF from UCLA. I'll admit, he had some nice college stats, but we didn't bring him in for a workout. It's really all downhill from here.

On the other hand, Jim Johnson impressed the coaching staff so much in his workout, they upgraded him to a 5* player in their highs. I'm so not thrilled with how they rated his skills, and he's smallish at 6'10, 223. On the other hand, he looks like a good scorer with a sweet shot, appears to have good work ethic and is 20 years old.

So I pull the trigger on it, because there's no way we're getting value here in a trade.

9. PF Jim Johnson - Sacramento Kings

It's a split decision from the talking heads, but the overall tone seems to be lukewarm. Just hope the Terrapin proves me right.

10. SF Kenneth Towns - Minnesota Timberwolves
11. PF Eddie Pruitt - Cleveland Cavaliers*

And there's the last of the Nine Knights.

12. SG Edmond Ford - Indiana Pacers
13. PF Julian Jones - Houston Rockets
14. C Chris Moss - Detroit Pistons

Workouts were iffy, but Moss is a great value pick here.

15. SF Mark Duhon - Denver Nuggets
16. C Ramond Crawford - Chicago Bulls

I see a PG who I somehow missed bringing in for a workout, but who shouldn't be dropping this far in the draft. The Nets have Corey Neal, so they aren't going to draft him. Milwaukee's willing to talk, but I need second rounders to convince them.

Luckily, Portland's in a chatty mood.

Sacramento Kings receive
PG Henry Dupree
Portland Trailblazers 2025 2nd round pick (51st overall)
Portland Trailblazers 2026 2nd round pick
Portland Trailblazers 2027 2nd round pick

Portland Trailblazers receive
PF Julian Arthurs

Quick Analysis
A small deal that sends a more talented scrub to Portland for a more expensive, less talented scrub and a trio of 2nd rounders to Sacramento. No doubt GM Jestor has something up his sleeve.

Naturally I do, sending picks #21 and #51 to Milwaukee to move up 3 slots to #18.

17. PF Meleki Lane - New Jersey Nets

Everybody in the building is calling for the PG and I rush to the phone to take him.

18. PG William Tackett - Denver Nuggets

Check this LSU senior's numbers out: 28.6 PPG 13.0 APG 7.3 RPG 3.0 SPG 2.1 BPG. He's also 6'4, 183 lbs and most were calling him a 4* player in the mocks. The best thing about the pick? We just totally screwed the Mavericks out of him and I can hear the Dallas GM swearing all the way across the room.

19. PG Troy Collins - Dallas Mavericks

They're saying Drew Elder for our #20 pick. 6'6 SF? No thanks. There's some players definitely worth considering taking a flyer on here, including some fairly big SG. But we desparately need a C and the free agent crop is looking pretty bad for that, so I reach down and snap up the C I scouted who I think is underrated.

20. C Ryan Crews - Sacramento Kings

As expected, the pick's greeted by a chorus of loud, angry boos and J.P. and Chris wigging out. Eh, whatever. It's insurance and if he sucks, I can always deal him to someone else for something.

21. PG R.T. Williams - Milwaukee Bucks

Ahh, Milwaukee. Thank you for making a WTF pick for me to take everybody's mind off of Crews.

22. PG Rich Skiffer - Portland Trailblazers
23. SG Reggie Jamison - Memphis Grizzlies

Superb value pick by Memphis here. I'm sure we'll see a couple more before the first round is over.

24. SG Aron Fisher - New York Knicks
25. SG Malik Barnes - Atlanta Hawks
26. C Brett Johnson - Charlotte Bobcats
27. PF Simon Van de Velde - Los Angeles Clippers
28. SG Kent Wallace - Boston Celtics

Want to know the funny thing? In the drafts over the past 3-5 seasons, Wallace would be a lottery pick, maybe even Top 10. This class is going to go a long way to fixing the drought.

29. PG Jeremy Williams - Phoenix Suns
30. SF Herb Smith - Toronto Raptors

First post-draft look says Jim Johnson is extremely raw and probably drafted way too early. I think he can turn into a pretty good player, though. Not an elite level, but still good. William Tackett looks like a better version of Louis Mertens. For the 18th pick in the draft, I'll take it. Ryan Crews does indeed appear awful, though he could possibly be a Lindsey Williamson type.

Renounce everyone but Mateen Yeaton and what to you end up with? A cool $20 million in cap space in your back pocket.

Summer League
PG Henry Dupree
PG William Tackett
PF Jim Johnson
C Ryan Crews

Ugly 90-77 loss to the Bucks to start the summer league. The bright spot: William Tackett leading all scorers with 21 points. Thomas Anderson chipped in 10 bench points.

Happiness returns in a 105-88 trashing of the Wizards. William Tackett lances Washington for 18 points and 11 assists, Kevin Bradford (yes -that- Kevin Bradford[/b] double-doubles for 15 points and 11 rebounds, Henry Dupree surprises with 16 bench points, Thomas Anderson has his second straight 10 point bench game and Ryan Crews leads the reserves in actuality with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Best stat of the game? Tariel Abashize finishing with 6 points on 2 of 4 shooting.

A shootout goes down in defeat, 111-100 to San Antonio, but what a hell of a game it was. William Tackett and Damian Thomas duel to 27 point draws, Kevin Bradford looks like a real, live NBA center with 17 points and 13 rebounds, Ryan Crews continues to play great off the bench with 12 points and 13 rebounds and Henry Dupree is really turning heads after another fantastic showing of 17 points.

We get back to .500 in the summer league, bashing the Jazz 106-68. Our reserves deserve credit for this one, Ryan Crews with 14 points, Brian Green with 11 and Thomas Anderson with 12.

Summer play ends on a winning note, 103-73 over Toronto's squad. Kevin Bradford nets 15 points and 11 rebounds, and three bench players again break double-digit points: Earl Erskins (16), Thomas Anderson (12) and Henry Dupree (11).

I should note that William Tackett never finished with less than 14 points in all five summer league games. Very, very encouraging sign.

Free Agency

Blue Chip List
SF David Anyan
SG Bernard Legans
SG Nigel Abel
SF Devone Allen
SG Kyle Hoiberg
SG David Davis
PG Jason Griffin
SG Walter Coleman
SG Justin Barnes
SF Andre Davis
SG Kyle Smith
SF Shane Holliway
PF James Bellairs
PF Ronnie Fry
SF Kevin Durant
SF Will Baron
PF Antonio Sarchet
PG Andre Moore
PF Kelvin Moody
PG Ameirin Qipani
C Narycz Malinomowski
PF Mike Vines
PG Kenny Graham
SG Mateen Yeaton
C Greg Oden

You thought I was kidding when I said it was a banner free agent crop, didn't you? Well, there you have it folks, one of the finest free agent groups in recent memory.

The first thing I do is try to sign Devone Allen to a max-level deal, but he's not really listening. So I switch targets to Ronnie Fry. He won't talk to me either, leading me to debate between David Anyan, who despite all his glowing accolades, is historically inaccurate and Andre Davis, who while accurate, never developed into a top-flight scorer. Anyan's defense settles it and I sign him to a 3 year max-level the next day. He's 33, so he'll be an albatross by the time the deal's up, but for one of the elite level free agents, I can manage.

Especially when none of my other top targets will give me the time of day.

One by slow one, all the other blue chip free agents go back to their teams, until Mike Vines signs with the Cavaliers on a one year deal the day before Cleveland tags Kenny Graham on a one year and suddenly they're looking a lot like the old Kings. The same day Graham heads to Cleveland, Mateen Yeaton agrees to terms on a one year, $7 million contract. It's overpaying for a 37 year old with drastically eroded skills, but I want him to stay with me.

I'm distressed to learn that Yeaton's currently slated as the 6th man. Yes, he's 37, but Mateen Yeaton not starting? It seems unthinkable. I leave that for later concerns, because we've suddenly got almost $18 million in cap room again and there's still some good players left. Like Walter Coleman, who I ink to a 5 year, flat-rate $50 million contract and Lawrence Smiley, who smiles at earning a 2 year, $4 million a year deal and Dan Jacobson on a min-sal, who even at 38 is still somebody I trust to bring the dirty work down low.

Then I realize, belatedly, that Smiley's still recovering from an MCL and won't be back until halfway through the season. Too late now.

With the rest of our cap money, I bring in Ronald King on a 2 year, $4 million deal and Larry Lovett, a scrub rebounding specialist C on a min-sal. The day those two contracts are announced, Justin Barnes stays on the West Coast and in California to boot, accepting a 5 year, $32.2 million contract from the Los Angeles Clippers. ...Great. As if I didn't fear them enough already, now the Red and White can throw Barnes in my face.

We're still on really, really shaky ground at C, so before training camp, I cut a deal.

Sacramento Kings receive
C Greg Oden

Denver Nuggets receive
PG Zelipe Gama
Portland Traiblazers 2026 2nd round pick
Portland Trailblazers 2027 2nd round pick

What this means for the Kings
A desparate need for a legitimate C and GM Jestor's belief in rookie William Tackett as the PG of Sacramento's future now leads Oden to come back in at 37 and expend more defense, shotblocking and rebounding for a team that seems far removed from his Raptors.

What this means for the Nuggets
Oden became expendable when they acquired Jonte Jones from the Kings in Jestor's first deal. Gama knows this Denver offense in his sleep and he'll probably be named the starting PG again and mentor studly, but raw rookie Dondrell Wilder.

Winner: Draw
The move plays out well for both teams, each addressing a significant issue. Sacramento still has almost no big man depth to speak of, but at least their situation at the starting spot is immensely improved.

Training Camp

At 37, Mateen Yeaton's no longer a worthy starter, much as it kills me to say it. In fact, I'm not even sure that he should be the 6th man, but Andre Miller insisted it's fine. Greg Oden thankfully showed no decline on his own 37 year old body, thanks to a fanatical offseason regimen.

As for our young guys, Jim Johnson showed small signs of improvement, which is good because he'll be our starting PF. The bad news: William Tackett shows no upside. The good news: He's already good enough to be our starting PG and have me feel safe about it.

From watching the players at camp, Walter Coleman and David Anyan are going to be the guys that really carry the offense and I feel like I hit the ball well in bringing them in. Walter wanted out of Golden State in the worst way and he believes we can make the Kings winners. As for Anyan, he wanted to get out from under Justin Richler's shadow and prove he's still got it.

The preseason press isn't giving us a chance in hell. They've got us picked for second to last in the conference behind Seattle. Now I understand their taking the Clippers and the Suns at #1 and #2 in the West, but to say that we won't even beat out the Lakers is just dumb in my opinion. I also think Golden State, slated for the playoffs in preseason mags, is really going to miss Walter Coleman and we're not even going to talk about the Mavericks now auditioning Devone Allen at PG. Bet they really wish they had William Tackett right about now, don't they?

Admittedly there's no question about the Red and the White and Phoenix as the two best teams in the West. I'd put the Rockets, Nuggets and Grizzlies, who will be lining up without Narcyz Malinomowski at C for the first time in over a decade in the second tier. But if the Timberwolves think the Great Polish Sieve can solve their problems at C, they're mistaken and if the preseason scribes say the Hornets break their playoff streak this year, they're on crack.

That's not the dumbest thing I heard all preseason, though. The stupidest statement of the offseason goes to those magazines picking the Pacers to win the East. If that happens... well, you know the drill by now. Chicago will be good again, now that they're -finally- starting Andre Moore at PG and I don't disagree with the Bulls at #2. In fact, I'll say it right now... Chicago's the team to beat in the East. Everyone else has questions galore surrounding them.

Sacramento Kings 2025 Opening Night Roster
PG William Tackett
SG Walter Coleman
SF David Anyan
PF Jim Johnson
C Greg Oden
6th Mateen Yeaton (PG/SG/SF)
7th Ronald King (PG/SG/SF)
8th Ryan Crews (PF/C)
9th Larry Lovett (SF/PF/C)
10th Tzvetan Kishishev (SF/PF/C)
11th Dan Jacobson (SF/PF/C)
12th Henry Dupree (PG/SG)

Injured/Inactive
Lawrence Smiley (SF/PF)

Biggest problem we have is depth. There's no true PG to come off the bench and our big man reserve situation is admittedly iffy. If need be, I'll flip Smiley for a pass-first reserve PG.

Best cap situation ever. Just $505k over. The owner ought to be happy with that.

RedHawk00

01-13-2009, 01:42 PM

very anxious to read. more... often... now...

Autumn

01-13-2009, 02:12 PM

Wow,some amazing turnarounds. Poor Gama, that guy should start sending you his mortgage bills, you ship him around the country like a bad piece of luggage.

It sure looks like the league is determined to not give you success in Sacramento, cockblocking you. I say start over with a new crop of players and show them how it's done again.

rjolley

01-13-2009, 02:25 PM

Congrats on the new gig. It was time to move on from Denver.

Good luck in Sacramento. Hopefully, they'll show you some love out there.

JonInMiddleGA

01-13-2009, 03:48 PM

Any chance you could post Gama's season by season stat line? Don't really need the stat part, I just want the years/team/games played section. I'm wondering how long (if ever) since he's played two full seasons in the same uniform.

Izulde

01-13-2009, 05:47 PM

RedHawk00: I'm anxious to play and write more, myself. :)

Autumn: The thing is, I actually like Gama, I really do. But he's the type of guy who, after his freakish All-Star year with us, turned into what he really is, a good, safe, but not great PG. He's usually on a good contract, too, so in other words, the perfect trade piece, even if he's 34 now.

And yeah, I'm really looking forward to the rebuilding project. We're relying -very- heavily on a pair of veterans for our scoring as of Opening Night and it's going to be a scramble in a couple years to find more guys who can put points on the board.

rjolley: Thanks. :) I wholeheartedly agree.

JonInMiddleGA: Sure thing!

Zelipe Gama Team By Team Stats
Drafted #14 overall by Seattle in the 2009 Draft
2009 - Seattle Supersonics - 10 games (D-Leaguer most of the year)
2010 - Seattle Supersonics - 36 games (Half the year in D-League)
2011 - San Antonio Spurs - 76 games/11 starts (Came via FA min-sal deal)
2012 - San Antonio Spurs - 82 games/80 starts
2013 - Miami Heat - 81 games (Came via FA - 4 years, $30.4 million)
2014 - Miami Heat - 36 games
2014 - Detroit Pistons - 50 games (Via Trade - An ancient Tayshaun Prince and Detroit's 2015 1st round pick, which the Heat used to draft Winston Smith)
2015 - Detroit Pistons - 7 games
2015 - Denver Nuggets - 73 games/73 starts (Via Trade - Gama, Tim Davis, and Antawn Jamison for Dan Jacobson, Phillip Gill, Shaun Livingston and Eddy Curry) Also his 1st and only All-Star appearance
2016 - Denver Nuggets - 82 games/82 starts (All-NBA 2nd Team, his only one)
2017 - Denver Nuggets - 82 games/82 starts
2018 - Denver Nuggets - 82 games/82 starts
2019 - Denver Nuggets - 82 games/82 starts
2020 - Dallas Mavericks - 82 games/82 starts (Via the Infamous Trade - Gama, Shaun Livingston and Marcelino Augusto for Jonte Jones, Sabit Sakur and Dallas's 2021 and 2023 1st round picks, which I don't remember if I traded away or drafted people with)
2021 - Dallas Mavericks - 82 games/82 starts
2022 - Dallas Mavericks - 82 games/82 starts
2023 - Denver Nuggets - 82 games/82 starts (Via Trade - Gama, Ron Morant, Dallas's 2026 1st round pick for Jeremy Leach, Calvin Hayes and two 2026 2nd round picks)
2024 - Miami Heat - 53 games/53 starts (Via Trade - Gama and David "50 Ninja" Jackson for Clifton Snyder, Jeremy Bellairs and Eric Bass
2024 - Denver Nuggets - 31 games/31 starts (Via Trade - Gama, Miami's 2024 and 2026 1st rounders and 2025 and 2026 2nd rounders for Luke Smith, Teddy Harriman, Lindsey Williamson and Denver's 2026 2nd round pick)
2025 - Sacramento Kings - 0 games/0 starts (Via Trade - Gama, Mateen Yeaton, Tzvetan Kishishev and Miami's 2025 1st round pick (used to take Jim Johnson for Jonte Jones, Antwan Carson, Travis Hart and Sacramento's 2026 and 2027 2nd rounders)
2025 - Denver Nuggets - 12 games/6 starts to date (Via Trade - Gama and Sacramento's 2026 and 2027 2nd rounders (belonging to Portland I think) for Greg Oden

Izulde

01-13-2009, 06:04 PM

I grab Alfred Baxley off the free agent pile on the eve of the regular season. Great pass-first reserve who fills a major concern of ours. On the other hand, trying to find a rebounding specialist for the bench via trade or free agency is much more difficult. I'd love to get my hands on Jamarcus Wilson, who went from Philadelphia to Washington this offseason, but trade negotiations fail, so we'll roll with what we have going into the season.

Our season tickets completely sold out, as everybody's eager to see what this completely new me-fashioned Kings product looks like on the court.

Early returns are promising as we sweep a road doubleheader to open the season. A sweet 105-96 win over the Mavericks comes courtesy of David Anyan, who starts earning his money right away with 28 points and 14 rebounds, William Tackett, who electrifies with 21 points in his pro debut and Greg Oden of the 12 points and 13 rebounds. We embarass the Spurs 97-66 the next night, David Anyan almost singlehandedly beating them with 33 points, William Tackett continuing his flying start with 16 points and 11 assists.

Another away game, another win, this one good for 119-104 in Houston. David Anyan's the hero again with 31 points, Greg Oden pulls a pair of 15s in points and rebounds, William Tackett is continuing the run of great Kings draft steals with 23 points and 13 assists (Remember, Justin Barnes and Mike Vines were also mid-late 1st round Sacramento picks) and Mateen Yeaton chimes in with 13 points off the bench.

Our first home game is a sellout crowd against Toronto and David Anyan and Greg Oden punish their old team with 24 points and 18 points and 14 rebounds respectively in our 101-89 victory. William Tackett scores 22 and Ronald King paces the reserves with 12 points. We beat Seattle on the road the next night, William Tackett putting up a great line of 23 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks and a steal, David Anyan the second with 23 points of his own. Mateen Yeaton leads the bench with 10 points.

All hot streaks must end and ours goes down in a disappointing pair of back-to-back losses. Phoenix clubs us 108-96 despite David Anyan's 27 points, William Tackett's 13 points and 11 assists and Mateen Yeaton's 14 bench points. But the real kick in the teeth is our 88-84 loss to the Nuggets at home the next evening and it's all the more frustrating because Walter Coleman finally breaks through for 21 points, David Anyan adds the same and Mateen Yeaton scores 13 off the bench.

Lawrence Smiley comes back to give us new life as the starting PF, but we still drop our third game in a row, 113-103 to the Bulls. Mateen Yeaton thunders for 25 points off the bench, Jim Johnson and Ronald King adding 11 and 10 points respectively, but this is getting frustrating.

The drought ends with a 110-90 pummeling of the Grizzlies keyed by David Anyan's 21 points and 11 rebounds, Walter Coleman's 25 points, William Tackett's 12 points and 12 assists and Mateen Yeaton's dazzling 24 bench points. Coleman's been god awful to start the year and I'm -this- close to trading him for more big man help.

A slow start slays us in a 111-103 home loss to the Bucks. We've been just terrible at home this year and I don't know why. David Anyan scores 29, Walter Coleman scores 20, William Tackett engineers 12 points and 13 assists and Mateen Yeaton leads the reserves with 12 points.

Disgusted with Coleman and our uneven play, I call around and make a trade.

Sacramento Kings receive
PF Antonio Sarchet
Chicago Bulls 2026 1st round pick

Chicago Bulls receive
SG Walter Coleman
C Larry Lovett

What this means for the Kings
Sarchet's a career 60.6% shooter and is averaging a double-double this season. Fantastic rebounder, terrific inside and can really draw the fouls. Not the best defender, however. This trade also allows Mateen Yeaton to step back into a starting role, a wish GM Jestor no doubt was looking to fulfill.

What this means for the Bulls
Poor shooting led Coleman to a fast ticket out of Sacramento and he'll slot in as the best 6th man in the league, a real scorer with size, passing and handling skills and adequate defense. The Bulls are so stacked, they're not really going to miss Sarchet or that 1st round pick.

Winner: Chicago
Jestor's being way too hasty here and he'll regret it by the end of the year, no matter how much Sarchet improves the Kings' frontcourt.

That may be true, but we win our next game 105-90 over the Rockets on the strength of Antonio Sarchet's 20 points, Ronald King's 11 bench points and completely suffocating defense.

Fantastic 114-104 win against the Lakers in our next game. William Tackett gets player of the game with 22 points and 16 assists, Antonio Sarchet doubles for 22 points and 11 rebounds, David Anyan scores 24, Greg Oden gets a cheap 10 point, 10 rebound double-double and Jim Johnson just misses a bench double-double with 9 points and 10 rebounds.

We utterly crush the Timberwolves 113-77 as David Anyan lights up for 26 points, Antonio Sarchet bangs around for 16 points and 11 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton has his first 20 point game as a Kings starter with exactly that and Ronald King tosses in 12 bench points.

My first month as the Kings GM ends as it began, with a back-to-back on the road and much to my great pleasure, we sweep. The Grizzlies put up one hell of a fight and nearly rally to beat us, but we edge them 103-101 on David Anyan's 28 points, Greg Oden's 22 rebounds, Lawrence Smiley's 10 bench points and an absolutely shrewd decision by Andre Miller. Going on a hunch, our rookie head coach puts Ronald King in the starting lineup at SG and King responds with a sensational 33 point night. Mateen Yeaton returns back to the starters the next night in our 111-99 hammering of the Hornets. David Anyan scorches New Orleans for 29 points, Antonio Sarchet is his fellow frontcourt sniper with 26 points and Lawrence Smiley headlines the reserves with 12 points.

Our blistering pair of win streaks set us at 11-4, on top of the Pacific by 2.5 games over the Clippers. Dallas parlays a weak division into an 11-5 record and a 4 game lead on the Grizzlies, Spurs and Hornets, who are shockingly competitive at 6-8. Minnesota and Utah are deadlocked atop the Northwest at 11-3 and 12-4 respectively.

I'm amazed when I see Toronto's 14-2, shrugging off David Anyan's defection as if it were nothing. They're just a half-game ahead of the equally confounding Celtics. 11-2 Milwaukee stakes an early 2 game edge on the Cavs, as the Bulls apparently miss Antonio Sarchet more than most people realized. The Southeast features 8-5 Charlotte 1.5 half up on the .500 Hawks.

The city of Sacramento is quickly falling in love with this team and I am too. I don't care how many people blasted the Sarchet trade, because we're 5-0 since the deal, knock on wood.

But the most wonderful thing of all is seeing Denver with a $26.6 million cap overrun and a 5-9 first month record to show for it.

I'll do comparisons at the end of next month. I'm hungry and it's suppertime.

Izulde

01-15-2009, 08:29 PM

Milwaukee Bucks receive
PG Mark Johnson

Golden State Warriors receive
PF Ron Collier
Milwaukee Bucks 2026 1st round pick

What this means for the Bucks
The 24 year old Johnson, a former #1 overall pick (Miami Heat - 2020 Draft) has never really lived up to expectations. A good paser with great scoring instincts, a nice outside shot and a ridiculously brilliant ball-stealing ability, he also gives up quite a few turnovers and opposing PGs can score at will on him. On the other hand, the Bucks' best option at PG prior to picking up Johnson was Kelley Forbes a second year man both raw and limited in upside.

What this means for the Warriors
Once upon a time Collier could bring something to a team, but now at 37, there's simply nothing left in the tank. His $7.5 million expiring contract sounds sexy until you realize that Johnson's contract also runs out this year and for a little over $7 million as well. The first round pick will probably a mid-late one and next year's class probably won't even begin to approach what this year's was with the Nine Knights.

Winner: Milwaukee
The Bucks got an instant jolt to their weakest area and didn't have to give all that much up comparatively speaking. If Johnson can finally break through and show the talent that made him a #1 pick in the first place, this turns into an out and out steal.

Minnesota Timberwolves receive
SG Momsilo Zivkovic

Los Angeles Lakers receive
SG Jay Brown

What this means for the Timberwolves
Serbian Zivkovic can't hit a shot to save his life and he's medicore everywhere else as well. $3.5 million expiring contract is his best value.

What this means for the Lakers
Brown has some upside to become a competent reserve, but he's not wholly there yet. He's also expiring, but $3 million rather than $3.5

Winner: Lakers
$500,000 doesn't make or break a team and the Lakers get a chance for extended auditions and more playing time for Brown. Minnesota, on the other hand, just reduced their talent a little bit for $500k. Not a wise move for a division leader.

Surprising how quiet trading's been the last year or two. Not that I'm complaining, mind you. It means there's more eligible targets if I decide to go swapping. However, I currently have no plans for any more trades this season. It's a fun unit we have that's playing extremely well together right now.

A wellness that continues with a 115-94 romp over the Pacers to kick off December. David Anyan is simply brilliant in a 37 point, 9 assist, 7 rebound outing, Antonio Sarchet hangs down low for 14 in points and rebounds, William Tackett picks up 15 points and 10 assists and Ronald King leads the bench with 12 points, a dozen that equals the lowest total scored by our starters.

Boston gives us a stiff challenge, but William Tackett shows why he's the biggest steal of the draft in the early going with 29 points and 13 assists in our 107-100 victory. Antonio Sarchet (24 points) and David Anyan (21 points) also break the 20+ point mark, while Greg Oden gets an honestly scrubby 10 points and 11 rebounds and Tzvetan Kishishev scores 12 bench points.

All streaks must come to an end and ours does in a 103-94 loss to the Bobcats. David Anyan scores 30 and two benchmen score 10+ points in Ronald King (14 points) and Tzvetan Kishishev (10 points), but we played like crap outside of those three and couldn't get shots to fall at all.

Given our streaky nature this year, I'm worried about another famine after our feast, but we salvage a split in our road doubleheader. Our frontcourt dominates in a 102-85 victory in Minneapolis, with David Anyan and Antonio Sarchet scoring 21 and 23 respectively and Greg Oden piling on 17 points and 18 rebounds. Ronald King paces the reserves with 10 points. The 121-111 loss to the Pacers the next night was an OT defeat that was back and forth all night, until we just got exhausted in extra time. We've played great up to that point, with 24 points from David Anyan, 21 points from Antonio Sarchet, Greg Oden's 21 points and 19 rebounds and William Tackett's 17 points and 12 assists.

Three losses in four games isn't anything to panic about, but it's still disheartening to lose 103-99 to the Bucks. David Anyan did his part with 20 points, William Tackett doubled for 11 points and 13 assists and Jim Johnson and Lawrence Smiley keyed the bench with 19 and 11 points respectively, but Ronald King's 2 for 10 shooting night killed us along with Greg Oden's only attempting one field goal all evening after breaking his wrist, an injury that'll put him out for a little over a month and a half.

Jim Johnson's slated to be the starting C, but he's far, far too raw to be taking over yet. The free agent market is nonexistant, so I look into trade options of which there's really nothing either without disrupting the balance and harmony of the team. Still, I manage to find a small deal.

Sacramento Kings receive
C Brandon Edmond
Memphis Grizzlies 2026 2nd round pick
Memphis Grizzlies 2027 2nd round pick
Memphis Grizzlies 2028 2nd round pick

Memphis Grizzlies receive
C Ryan Crews

What this means for the Kings
With Greg Oden out over a month and a half with a wrist injury, the Kings need a new starting C, so they bring in the 27 year old Edmond. Total team guy with very good rebounding, grossly underrated shooting ability and some pretty good, though not great awareness on defense and shotblocking. He's also a nice, big body at 7'1, 304 lbs. The former 1st round pick (17th overall - Minnesota Timberwolves - 2019) can be a bit inconsistent and has never started an NBA game until this year, when he started 8 games for the Grizzlies. He'll fill that starter's role in Sacramento until Oden gets back, allowing the Kings to push rookie PF Jim Johnson back to the bench.

What this means for the Grizzlies
The rookie Crews is looking strictly a bench player as a shotblocking specialist or so it appears. His playing time will be drastically reduced in Memphis, where he's the 12th man. Evidently the Grizzlies staff they can make him into more than what he is, as he's just 22.

Winner: Sacramento
GM Jestor's mastery in trading shines through here, as Edmond will be adequate cover for Oden and he got himself a three-pack of 2nd rounders for trade bait besides.

Okay, so it was bigger than it looks at first glance. I'm happy with it, because I was able to pull it off without disturbing the core of the team.

That doesn't stop me from being disappointed in our 120-117 loss to the Lakers a couple nights later, where we completely self-destruct in the fourth quarter in front of the home fans. We wasted Antonio Sarchet's 34 points, David Anyan's 22 points, Mateen Yeaton's breakthrough 25 points and William Tackett's 10 points and 18 assists in the bargain. I blame it on the bench going 4 of 18.

The Hornets, as they so often were for me in Denver, prove a tonic and we stop our four losses in five games streak by beating them 120-112. Antonio Sarchet and David Anyan get the headline credit with 26 and 21 points, but William Tackett negotiated 16 points and 17 assists and Brandon Edmond was a perfect 8 of 8 for 17 points.

After losing the first quarter, we take the remaining three and blow out the Wizards 110-95 thanks to David Anyan's 30 points, Antonio Sarchet's 25 points and 16 rebounds and William Tackett's 14 points and 12 assists. I still can't fully believe Tackett's a rookie we got with the 18th overall pick. I mean, yes he was a senior, but it's still incredible to see.

Miami trounces us 107-88 as we fail to show up for the second half. That's pretty much all you need to know, though David Anyan and William Tackett do double-double with 20 points, 10 rebound and 16 points, 13 assists respectively.

Unlike Denver, where we played both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, a home game on the 24th is all we have. But the game's a 101-87 waxing of Golden State to make Kings fans happy. We ride a balanced offense keyed by David Anyan's 23 points, Brandon Edmond's first double-double in a Kings uniform (good for 12 points and 10 rebounds on a 5 for 5 from the floor night), William Tackett's pair of 15s in points and assists and Lawrence Smiley's Tackett-matching 15 bench points.

We head to Utah after several days' vacation and promptly lose 101-97. David Anyan's 28 points and 12 rebounds, Antonio Sarchet's 21 points and William Tackett's 13 points and 11 assists just aren't enough to rescue us, as we seem to have fallen to a .500 team in the games since Greg Oden's injury. I'm -this- close to cleaning out the bench in some trades as they go 7 of 20.

At least the calendar year ends on a happy note as all 12 actives get to play on New Year's Eve in our 117-74 headbanging of the Spurs. David Anyan highlights the festivities with 34 points, Antonio Sarchet pulls down 14 points and 12 rebounds, William Tackett passes out 12 points and 16 assists and our reserves must've heard the rumors of their being shipped out, because Ronald King and Jim Johnson get hot for 15 and 13 points respectively.

Greg Oden will be back on the 31st, meaning we'll be without him for 16 more games. We're 4-4 since his injury, making my gut feeling that we're .500 sans the Ageless One right on the mark.

Despite that, we're still percentage points ahead for the West's top seed at 18-10 and enjoy a four game lead on the .500 Suns. Good year for the Pacific to be in a slump. Dallas is warring with us for that #1 slot at 19-11, 6 games in front of the Grizzlies. Heh. Yay for the Mavericks in the NBA's weakest division. The Northwest has 17-11 Minnesota a half-game in front of the Jazz. The division headliners for the last several years, Portland and Denver, are second-to-last and last respectively at 10-19 and 9-21. I expect to hear of riots in the Mile High City and a call for Bob Neal's head any day now.

The East hosts 27-4 Toronto leading Boston by 4.5 in the Atlantic. Cleveland had a fantastic December and rule the Central at 23-6, 4 games over the Bucks. The Southeast is the slum of the East, where 16-11 gets you the temporary crown as Charlotte and a game lead on the Hawks.

Paulinho Buboltz
2013 Stats: 82 games/77 starts - 17.0 PPG 9.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.7 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.4 SPG
2015 Stats: 55 games/48 starts - 14.1 PPG 8.3 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 18.3 PPG 8.1 APG 3.3 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.5 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.5 PPG 8.3 APG 3.2 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2019 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.6 PPG 8.1 APG 3.5 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2020 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.8 PPG 7.5 APG 3.3 RPG 0.6 BPG 1.3 SPG
2021 Stats: 44 games/44 starts - 22.3 PPG 7.0 APG 3.6 RPG 0.9 BPG 1.6 SPG (Indiana)
2021 Stats: 36 games/36 starts - 17.8 PPG 8.3 APG 2.9 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.3 SPG (Denver)
2022 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 16.3 PPG 10.2 APG 2.7 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2023 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.5 PPG 9.6 APG 3.0 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.8 SPG (New York)
2024 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.2 PPG 9.5 APG 3.2 RPG 0.6 BPG 1.9 SPG
2025 Stats: 30 games/30 starts - 17.7 PPG 9.2 APG 2.6 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.8 SPG

Mateen Yeaton
2013 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.4 APG 5.2 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/80 starts - 23.2 PPG 3.6 APG 5.2 RPG 1.7 BPG 1.3 SPG
2015 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.6 PPG 2.4 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.5 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 25.0 PPG 3.1 APG 4.5 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.8 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 24.4 PPG 3.2 APG 4.9 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.6 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.8 PPG 2.4 APG 4.2 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2019 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.5 APG 4.7 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.6 SPG
2020 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 23.0 PPG 2.7 APG 4.6 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.4 SPG
2021 Stats: 57 games/57 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.8 APG 4.3 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.4 SPG
2022 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 24.3 PPG 2.0 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.3 SPG
2023 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 23.3 PPG 1.9 APG 4.2 RPG 1.3 BPG 1.4 SPG
2024 Stats: 66 games/63 starts - 20.8 PPG 1.8 APG 4.4 RPG 1.2 BPG 1.3 SPG
2025 Stats: 28 games/17 starts - 12.1 PPG 2.4 APG 3.0 RPG 1.3 BPG 0.9 SPG (Sacramento)

Izulde

01-16-2009, 09:31 PM

Miami Heat receive
C Victor Gipson

Charlotte Bobcats receive
PF Dermek Mociler

What this means for the Heat
Miami continues to collect ex-Nuggets from GM Jestor's tenure in picking up 7'2, 303 lb, 29 year old Gipson, who's primarily a rebounding and shotblocking specialist with an extremely accurate shot. Despite David Jackson's paranoia as the two are now teammates on their third team (New Orleans being the other one), 50 Ninja retains his starting job at C while Gipson slides into starting SF for the size mismatch opportunity.

What this means for the Bobcats
Mociler, 23, is in his second season and has some upside a bench scoring threat, but he isn't likely to realize it in Charlotte, where he's tethered to the 12th man role. He also has nothing else of value to him. On the other hand, the Bobcats just shed $4 million in salary by shipping Gipson to Miami.

Winner: Miami
Is Gipson worth spending $4 million in free cap space? We'll go ahead and give this one a yes as the Heat continue their march back to respectability. While it probably won't be enough on its own to get Miami back to the playoffs, it's a sign to fans that the organization is getting serious about improving the talent of the franchise.

New Jersey Nets receive
PF Sean Pryce

Boston Celtics receive
SF Ross Crispin

What this means for the Nets
Pryce is still a pretty good all-around big man at 35, save for the fact that he can't pass or handle the ball to save his life. That said, we think he deserves more than the 12th man role he's presently given.

What this means for the Celtics
The 32 year old Crispin is a great locker room guy and one who injects the C's with an instant burst of bench offense. On the other hand, he's a complete sieve on the defensive end and he's going to get shredded night in and night out.

Winner: Draw
Crispin's too uneven to make us give this one to Boston and Pryce isn't being utilized effectively enough by New Jersey to call it for the Nets, so it'll remain a draw.

Wow, another quiet month. Talk about famine following feast. Speaking of feast and famine, as I said before, we have 16 games without Greg Oden's services and we're presently 4-4 without him. I won't be too happy if we stay .500, but on the other hand, that's better than completely going to pot.

Things don't get off to an easy start either, with back-to-back road games against the Knicks and Raptors. New York manhandles us in the second half to win 105-100, despite 28 points and 10 assists from William Tackett, 20 points from David Anyan and 16 bench points from Ronald King. Then again, both Tackett and Mateen Yeaton fouling out points to a significant factor in our defeat. Fortunately, a balanced offense the next night allows us to win 117-111 in Toronto. Antonio Sarchet scores 20, Mateen Yeaton scores 21, Brandon Edmond double-doubles for 10 points and 11 rebounds and William Tackett picks up 12 points and 13 assists. It was our bench that really won this game for us, though, with Lawrence Smiley and Ronald King scoring 19 and 16 a piece and Jim Johnson pulling down 14 boards.

I'm scared when David Anyan has to leave the game early, but it turns out to only be a nasty ankle sprain, which I think he and we can fight through.

Our opponents get easier in another road doubleheader, but the results are frustratingly the same. We clip the Hawks 113-96 on Antonio Sarchet's 21 points, William Tackett's 13 points and 20 assists and Ronald King and Tzvetan Kishishev's respective 21 and 11 bench points, but then get blown out in New Orleans 109-87 as our shooting goes to hell. Antonio Sarchet plays great with 34 points and 10 rebounds and Ronald King continues his invaluable play off the bench with 16 points, but we still sucked the big one.

Mateen Yeaton comes alive and turns impassioned, looking 27 instead of 37 as he scores a blistering 33 points in our 113-107 revenge win against the Nuggets. Antonio Sarchet aids him with 28 points and William Tackett directs the offense flawlessly with 18 points and 18 assists. Sweet, sweet win on a lot of levels.

I'm sure you know what happens next. We have our worst game of the year and get crushed 116-84 by the Jazz to keep us at .500 without Greg Oden. We were so terrible only Ronald King's 15 bench points stood out.

Back on the winning trail as we stomp the Clippers 118-92. Mateen Yeaton scores 27, Antonio Sarchet adds 23 points, Brandon Edmond hauls in 12 points and 11 rebounds and Ronald King is just ridiculous off the bench for 27 points, including 6 of 7 from 3 point range. In point of fact, I'm so satisfied with how he's heated up for us, if we don't get another SG next offseason and Yeaton retires, I'd be okay with King as the starter for the Kings.

...Well, so much for .500. We drop both ends of a doubleheader, the Clippers outscoring us 36-18 in the fourth quarter to steal a 105-100 game. Forget everything nice I said about Ronald King, who goes 0 for 10. I'm so infuriated I can't enjoy the 22 points from Mateen Yeaton and Antonio Sarchet, David Anyan's 20 points or William Tackett's 14 points and 12 assists. As for the 124-89 loss to the Traiblazers? Sure David Anyan scores 24, but William Tackett's double-double of 10 points and 13 assists comes via hideous and frequent shooting, rendering Ronald King and Jim Johnson's 19 and 14 bench points useless.

I'm seriously tempted to make a trade, but we're still doing okay, both in the conference and in the division, so I stay my hand, except to make one small move.

Sacramento Kings receive
SG Justin Cherry

Denver Nuggets receive
PG Henry Dupree
Memphis Grizzlies 2026 2nd round pick
Memphis Grizzlies 2027 2nd round pick
Memphis Grizzlies 2028 2nd round pick

What this means for the Kings
The only thing that really surprises us is that this deal wasn't made immediately after Sacramento acquired the 2nd rounders with Brandon Edmond. Cherry has long been a favorite of GM Jestor's and while he didn't live up to expectations following his sensational rookie season, a large part of that has been a lack of playing time. He'll get that PT in Sacramento as the second guard off the bench behind Ronald King and if he shows some of his old rookie form, King could be gone.

What this means for the Nuggets
Dupree's an end of the bench scrub, a glorified D-Leaguer. This is really all about the second rounders.

Winner: Sacramento
Once again Jestor gets a player he wants without damaging the fabric of the newly rebuilt Kings. Although there is some slight concern that moving pass-first PG Alfred Baxley to a reduced role could have harmful effects, the potential payoff for a Sacramento team that's struggled to find points at times recently is too great to ignore, especially for the comparatively low cost.

It feels good to have Cherry back with us and it feels even better to win all four quarters in a 117-103 win over Cleveland to get back to .500 sans Oden. Mateen Yeaton and David Anyan each score 24, Antonio Sarchet nabs 18 points and 10 rebounds, William Tackett garners 19 points and 14 assists and Ronald King scores 20 off the bench.

But not even a home game against one of the league's weakest teams can prevent a fucking 1-point OT loss to the Spurs and a denial of +.500. So much for Mateen Yeaton's 27 points, Antonio Sarchet's 24 points and 13 rebounds, David Anyan's 20 points and Jim Johnson's 15 bench points. I make national headlines when I smash a glass into a suite table and cut my hand pretty badly, but since the media loves me, my outburst is couched in terms of being passionate about the Kings.

If broken glass inspires us as much as it seemed to against the Nets, I should do it more often. 101-88's the final in our favor, Antonio Sarchet leading the way with 25 points and 15 rebounds, Ronald King lighting up the bench with 19 points.

Back to one game under .500 we go with a 121-112 loss to the Spurs, who have found a real gem in #1 overall pick Damian Thomas, he of the 19.4 points per game as a rookie to date, the highest total we've seen since I joined the NBA. For our boys, David Anyan scores 27, William Tackett scores 22, Antonio Sarchet continues his consistent, unheralded play with 19 points and 10 rebounds and Jim Johnson doubles for 10 and 10 in points and rebounds in his first start as Brandon Edmond pulled a hamstring last game. We bounce back to .500 with a 113-100 win in Houston, David Anyan masterful for 37 points. Great game by William Tackett, too, with 27 points and 13 assists, even as Ronald King throws up a lot of shots to get his 11 points. Dan Jacobson was a great surprise, the 38 year old gathering 12 rebounds in just 19 minutes of PT.

Because we can't actually, you know, go above .500 without Greg Oden, I'm not suprised at all when we fall apart in the second half and lose 114-107 to the Timberwolves. 21 points from David Anyan, 10 points and 12 rebounds from Jim Johnson and 15 bench points from Ronald King, who I'm toying with trading because Justin Cherry has looked pretty good in limited minutes.

But of course that'd be stupid to do. Despite the one bad game, he's really saved our collective bacon in a number of outings this year and been remarkably consistent, so I'll resist the urge.

Final Greg Oden-less tally: 10-10 after we beat the Supersonics 104-95 on the front end of a back-to-back. Antonio Sarchet scores 23, William Tackett plays his way to 20 points and 10 assists, David Anyan gathers 15 points and 13 rebounds and Ronald King and Lawrence Smiley each score 10 off the bench. Greg Oden returns the next night and while he doesn't have a fantastic game by the statlines, we still win 106-90 in Oakland. Antonio Sarchet leads us in scoring with 21 points and Jim Johnson and Ronald King pace the bench with 12 and 11 points a piece.

I have to say, I've been really impressed with how Jim Johnson's been progressing. He's still extremely green, but he's been improving, picking the brains of our big men, both players and coaches and really trying to apply himself to getting better.

We've fallen off the pace for the top seed in the West, but 27-18 is still good enough to lead the Pacific by 3.5 games over the defending champion Suns. 30-16 Minnesota has the Northwest by 3 games over Utah and the Timberwolves are deadlocked with 29-15 Dallas for the conference's #1 seed. The Mavericks are 6.5 games in front of the Grizzlies and this could finally be the year the Hornets break their playoff drought. 22-23 currently punches their ticket as a #7 or #8 seed. Needless to say, New Orleans has been a lot happier place this year for basketball fans.

The antithesis, one could argue, to Denver. The Mile High City is in a mile-deep funk, the Nuggets mired last in the Northwest at 17-29. Even Portland can point to an improvement from last month, the Trailblazers presently 20-24. Not so for the Powder Blue and Gold, where calls for Bob Neal to sell the team grow louder and more vitrolic every day.

Three 30+ win teams in the East, led by 35-9 Cleveland, the Cavaliers holding an obscene 8.5 game edge on the Bulls. 35-11 Toronto is two games in front of the 33-13 Celtics, who are riding a host of shrewdly drafted youngsters the last couple of seasons. In the seemingly eternal Southeast war between the Hawks and the Bobcats, Atlanta's turned a 24-20 mark into a 2 game lead on .500 Charlotte.

Paulinho Buboltz
2013 Stats: 82 games/77 starts - 17.0 PPG 9.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.7 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.4 SPG
2015 Stats: 55 games/48 starts - 14.1 PPG 8.3 APG 2.8 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 18.3 PPG 8.1 APG 3.3 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.5 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.1 PPG 8.5 APG 3.0 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.2 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.5 PPG 8.3 APG 3.2 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2019 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.6 PPG 8.1 APG 3.5 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.5 SPG
2020 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.8 PPG 7.5 APG 3.3 RPG 0.6 BPG 1.3 SPG
2021 Stats: 44 games/44 starts - 22.3 PPG 7.0 APG 3.6 RPG 0.9 BPG 1.6 SPG (Indiana)
2021 Stats: 36 games/36 starts - 17.8 PPG 8.3 APG 2.9 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.3 SPG (Denver)
2022 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 16.3 PPG 10.2 APG 2.7 RPG 0.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2023 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.5 PPG 9.6 APG 3.0 RPG 0.8 BPG 1.8 SPG (New York)
2024 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 20.2 PPG 9.5 APG 3.2 RPG 0.6 BPG 1.9 SPG
2025 Stats: 37 games/37 starts - 19.0 PPG 9.5 APG 2.5 RPG 0.7 BPG 1.9 SPG

Mateen Yeaton
2013 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.4 APG 5.2 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.6 SPG
2014 Stats: 82 games/80 starts - 23.2 PPG 3.6 APG 5.2 RPG 1.7 BPG 1.3 SPG
2015 Stats: 82 games/81 starts - 23.6 PPG 2.4 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.5 SPG
2016 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 25.0 PPG 3.1 APG 4.5 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.8 SPG
2017 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 24.4 PPG 3.2 APG 4.9 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.6 SPG
2018 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 19.8 PPG 2.4 APG 4.2 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.2 SPG
2019 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.5 APG 4.7 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.6 SPG
2020 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 23.0 PPG 2.7 APG 4.6 RPG 1.8 BPG 1.4 SPG
2021 Stats: 57 games/57 starts - 23.3 PPG 2.8 APG 4.3 RPG 1.9 BPG 1.4 SPG
2022 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 24.3 PPG 2.0 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 BPG 1.3 SPG
2023 Stats: 82 games/82 starts - 23.3 PPG 1.9 APG 4.2 RPG 1.3 BPG 1.4 SPG
2024 Stats: 66 games/63 starts - 20.8 PPG 1.8 APG 4.4 RPG 1.2 BPG 1.3 SPG
2025 Stats: 45 games/34 starts - 13.6 PPG 2.6 APG 2.8 RPG 1.1 BPG 0.9 SPG (Sacramento)

Tough luck for the Knicks. Not only is their 27-18 record, the same as ours, putting them third in the Atlantic and 7.5 games off the pace, but Buboltz broke his arm on the 15th and he's out another 43 days.

They'll be fine with Johnny Willias running the offense, though, even if Wilias is 36. After all, he's still a very good passer and he's a career-long Knick.

Barkeep49

01-17-2009, 03:35 PM

Congrats on the new gig, though I worry about you going to work for an even bigger spendthrift.

Izulde

01-17-2009, 07:01 PM

Congrats on the new gig, though I worry about you going to work for an even bigger spendthrift.

Thanks. :) So far it's going okay and I think we'll be fine for the next couple years anyway.

Izulde

01-17-2009, 08:51 PM

San Antonio Spurs receive
C Mark Wilson

New Orleans Hornets receive
SG Beau King
San Antonio Spurs 2026 2nd round pick

What this means for the Spurs
Wilson is a 27 year old, 6'11, 275 lbs shot blocking specialist whose greatest asset is an expiring $3.7 million contract, $600k more than King's. Although a big body, he doesn't seem like he should be the first big man off the bench, but he is.

What this means for the Hornets
King is an average all-around 33 year old journeyman guard, one properly situated towards the end of the bench. Nothing exciting about him here.

Winner: New Orleans
The move gives the Hornets more playing time for Rick Harris and absurdly raw rookie Michael Havens, their two young frontcourt players, whereas Wilson will likely have a negative impact on the Spurs' development of their own frontcourt youth. That alone is enough to make the difference in an otherwise bland, equl deal.

Houston Rockets receive
PG Ron Morant
Detroit Pistons 2026 2nd round pick

Detroit Pistons receive
SF Greg Hill

What this means for the Rockets
Morant's a pass-first PG with some defensive skills, but it seems to overkill, as Houston already has a glut of youngerish guards and not enough time to distribute to all of them.

What this means for the Pistons
Hill is a body and a complete waste of roster space. He can't even cut it in the D-Leagues.

Winner: Houston
Despite the overload, improved talent on the roster plus an extra second around pick equals easy winner in this trade for the Rockets.

I'm hoping we'll be able to turn things around now that we've got Greg Oden back in the starting lineup, but we'll just have to see what happens. Certainly our big man depth on the bench just got that much better.

We split the opening doubleheader of the short month, beating the Knicks and losing to the Trailblazers. New York got smoked all four quarters as we whip them 124-75, David Anyan and William Tackett leading the way with 23 points and 19 points and 22 assists respectively. Ronald King and Jim Johnson came off the bench for 17 and 10 points. Although we lost to Portland on the road the next night, we made it competitive at 106-96 and would've won, if not for getting scorched 32-16 in the fourth quarter. 20 points from David Anyan, a pair of doubles from Antonio Sarchet (14 points, 11 rebounds) and Greg Oden (13 points, 12 rebounds), 16 bench points and 12 bench rebounds from Ronald King and Brandon Edmond respectively round out our highlights.

A key divisional game against the Suns goes our way as we prevail 112-102. David Anyan gets his second straight 20 point game, Mateen Yeaton scores 25, Greg Oden bulldozes for 19 points and 12 rebounds and Brandon Edmond comes up with a surprise 16 points off the bench.

I'm extremely pleased when we sweep the following back-to-back, not the least because one of the games is against the Mavericks. 112-97's the final against Seattle, Mateen Yeaton replicating his 25 points from last game, David Anyan scoring 24, Greg Oden putting up 19 points and 12 rebounds, Ronald King scoring 17 bench points and Brandon Edmond just missing a bench double-double with 8 points and 10 rebounds. Our 121-114 victory over Dallas is keyed by Marcelino Augusto's foul trouble, Antonio Sarchet's 30 points and 9 rebounds, David Anyan's 26 points and 11 rebounds, all our starters reaching double-digit scoring, the lowest point total of which goes to 12 point, 16 assist William Tackett and 15 bench points from Ronald King.

The Celtics show why they're one of the best young teams in the league by demolishing us 113-96 in Boston. Nice efforts by our big men - David Anyan with 22 points, Antonio Sarchet with 19 points and 10 rebounds and Brandon Edmond with a terrific reserve performance of 12 points and 11 rebounds, but those showings aren't enough, not even when paired with Ronald King's 16 points.

We help our other first round pick out a little bit and win both away games of a doubleheader going into the All-Star Break. The Bulls, whose first rounder we own, fall 108-100 as Greg Oden has a magnificient game of 18 points, 19 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocks. Antonio Sarchet scores 22, William Tackett doubles for 15 points and 13 assists and Ronald King stays hot with 15 bench points. It's a nailbiter against the Nets, but we do just enough to come out on top 104-99. Antonio Sarchet leads the charge with 27 points, William Tackett issues 17 points and 15 assists and our bench is highlighted by Ron King's 12 points and Brandon Edmond's 11 points and 12 rebounds.

Everybody's expecting the Rookies to slaughter the Sophomores and that's precisely what happens in a 98-73 laugher. #1 overall pick Damian Thomas builds on his growing legacy, winning Player of the Game with 23 points and 11 rebounds. But what confounds me is that Dondrell Wilder, who's averaging 6.6 points and 8.5 assists goes to the game and is named the starter over William Tackett, who's averaging 14.3 points and 12.1 assists and doesn't even get an invite to the game.

I'm up in arms, the national press is outraged and the blogosphere calls it evidence of a growing anti-Jestor conspiracy on the part of the league. William's as angry as I am and Ronald King privately advocates the storming and torching of the NBA's offices for the insult.

Thrilling All-Star Game that goes to the East 115-110 in OT. Despite the loss, Filip Mikulic is unquestionably the best player on the floor that night, with 26 points, 12 assists, 7 rebounds and a steal. David Anyan makes it as a reserve, scoring 12 points with 4 rebounds in 15 minutes. I'm a little irked that Antonio Sarchet got snubbed, as he's been a key part of our season and proven the naysayers about the trade wrong, but at least it's nowhere near the level of injustice as Tackett's omission.

David Anyan scores 27, Antonio Sarchet doubles for 21 points and 10 rebounds and Ronald King adds 15 points off the bench as we come out angry after the All-Star break, beating Atlanta 106-97.

I've got a decision to make about whether or not to make another trade. There's a slew of great playes on the block, including a few guys I'd love to have on the team, but ultimately, when it comes right down to it, it's just not worth disrupting what we've got going on here and so I pass.

I'm rewarded for my gut instinct when we win all four quarters and destroy Dallas 114-88 on their own home court. Mateen Yeaton scores 22, David Anyan adds 21, Greg Oden picks up 17 points and 12 rebounds, William Tackett distributes 10 points and 16 assists and Ronald King and Brandon Edmond guide the second unit with 20 points and 11 rebounds respectively.

That game is the start of a 6 game road trip, the last of which takes place next month. 1-0 becomes 3-0 after a back-to-back. We spank the 76ers 114-84 behind a balanced offense captained by Antonio Sarchet's 26 points and assisted by William Tackett's 14 points and 19 assists, Brandon Edmond's 10 points and 15 rebounds off the bench and Ronald King's 11 bench points. The 105-79 dismantling of the Wizards comes courtesy of David Anyan and Antonio Sarchet each scoring 20, Greg Oden's 16 points and 14 rebounds and Brandon Edmond's renewed reserve life with 15 points.

In a refreshing departure from what I experienced my last few seasons in Denver, we actually look good on the road, taking 3-0 to 5-0 after the second doubleheader. Charlotte can't answer David Anyan's 31 points in our 116-100 win, not when Greg Oden has 18 points and 11 rebounds to pair with our only named All-Star and Ronald King and Jim Johnson are scoring 13 and 10 points a piece. As for the Magic, we beat them 109-87 on the strength of Antonio Sarchet's 24 points, Greg Oden's 21 points and 15 rebounds, William Tackett's 13 points and 19 assists and Jim Johnson's 10 bench points. Johnson's been filling in for Edmond, who's been dealing with a concussion.

Great run to end February and as a result, we're on top of the West at 39-20, 5 games ahead of the Suns. Despite Dallas's two losses to us, 34-22 still situates them atop the Southwest at 34-22, 4.5 ahead of the Grizzlies, while 36-22 Minnesota stands 2.5 in front of the Jazz. Denver continues to wallow in last in the Northwest at 20-37.

The East is continuing its dominant season as 43-13 Cleveland holds the top seed over 43-15 Toronto, who in turn are a game and a half up on 41-16 Boston in the Atlantic. The Cavaliers are sitting on a 9 game advantage over the Bulls and Atlanta still enjoys the league's weakest division, 31-26 good enough for a 2 game lead on the Bobcats.

NBA Leaders

Points
1. Justin Richler (TOR) - 33.2
2. Filip Mikulic (HOU) - 27.4
3. Galen Drayton (DET) - 25.8
4. Marcelino Augusto (DAL) - 24.2
7. David Anyan (SAC) - 22.2

Richler's trying to become the first 30+ point per game scorer since... either Nigel Abel or Lebron James way back in the early years of my Denver tenure, maybe even before that. I hope he does it.

Assists
1. Bernard Kelly (MEM) - 13.7
T2. William Tackett (SAC) - 12.3
T2. Ameirin Qipani (SA) - 12.3

Now tell me again why, when this rookie of ours is tied for second in the whole frigging league in assists, he doesn't even go to the Rookie-Sophs game, let alone start?.

Rebounds
1. Dontay Williamson (LAC) - 14.1
2. Oswaldo Apolonario (ATL) - 13.6
3. Scott Palmer (UTA) - 13.0
4. Greg Oden (SAC) - 12.3
5. Jonte Jones (DEN) - 12.1

Blocks
1. Patrick Riley (NO) - 3.4
2. Sonny Boxler (POR) - 3.3
3. Dontay Williamson (LAC) - 3.1
4. Charles Seegars (CHI) - 3.0

Steals
1. Mark Johnson (MIL) - 2.5
T2. Vinston Henry (NO) - 2.1
T2. Curtis Wilkerson (ATL) - 2.1

Been a long time since we've had this many guys averaging over 2 steals a game. Nice to see.

Rookies Leaders

Points
1. Damian Thomas (SA) - 20.4
2. Nochimas Eliashov (GS) - 16.8
3. William Tackett (SAC) - 13.9

The scary thing about Thomas is he's just 19. If he can keep this up, his #18 jersey is going to hang in the rafters in San Antonio after his career's done. No rookie has ever averaged 20 points a game or better since I joined the league. I really, really hope he pulls it off. I'm not even going to mention the Tackett thing again.

Assists
1. William Tackett (SAC) - 12.3
2. Dondrell Wilder (DEN) - 8.8
T3. Russell Sims (SEA) - 3.8
T3. Nochimas Eliashov (GS) - 3.8

Rebounds
1. Chris Moss (DET) - 6.9
2. Kenneth Towns (MIN) - 6.8
T3. Russell Sims (SEA) - 6.3
T3. Sigiswald Eckert (ORL) - 6.3

Blocks
1. Chris Moss (DET) - 1.2
2. Ryan Crews (MEM) - 1.0
T3. Russell Sims (SEA) - 0.9
T3. Damian Thomas (SA) - 0.9
5. William Tackett (SAC) - 0.8

Steals
1. Nochimas Eliashov (GS) - 1.3
T2. Russell Sims (SEA) - 1.2
T2. Damian Thomas (SA) - 1.2
4. William Tackett (SAC) - 1.1

Easily the best rookie class we've had in ages. In fact, I'd say you have to go all the way back to 2010 to find a draft class this good (Jonte Jones, Mateen Yeaton, Nigel Abel, Paulinho Buboltz, Mike Vines). There are a couple other draft classes you might be able to make an argument for, but in terms of a starting five, the 2010 class would kick the snot out of everyone else.

PG Paulinho Buboltz
SG Nigel Abel
SF Mateen Yeaton
PF Mike Vines
C Jonte Jones

You want to argue with that one? 2018 might be a little deeper (Will Baron, Andre Moore, Dontay Williamson, Sonny Boxler, Tim Butler, Shane Holliway, Andy Sola, Freddie Tackett) and 2017 could field a decent five in Marcelino Augusto, Scott Palmer, Charles Arnold, Bernard Kelly and Michael Johnson, but it's not even close in my opinion. Of course, it's worth noting that all 5 2010 draftees have pulled on a Nuggets uniform, which may play a little into my bias, but I don't think by much.

2011's class is pretty good too: Georghiois Kairis, Chris Gearheart, Kyle Hoiberg, Tim Davis, A.J. Dunkley, Kenny Graham, Durko Jagr, but they strike me as a diluted version of 2018.

If I had to rate the classes, I'd break it down like this.

1. 2010
2. 2025
3. 2018
4. 2017
5. 2011

That's awfully high to rate the 2025 class I know, but I just have this feeling they're going to be the ones that redeem the talent level in the NBA. Then again, not all the classes have been horrible in recent years in hindsight.

2019 produced Filip Mikulic, Keith Attaway, Oliwjer Rosiak, Devone Allen and Corey Westbrooks, which is a damned fine group and I'd actually rate them somewhere around the class of 2017. The only reason I don't put them higher is because they had no centers worth mentioning.

The jury's still out on some 2020 members, but Mark Johnson, Jon Ward and Oswaldo Apolonario isn't a bad foundation at all. That's not to say I'd call this a great class or even a very good one. It's just pointing out that not all the recent drafts were god awful.

Izulde

01-18-2009, 10:18 AM

Boston Celtics receive
PF Booker Werner
Philadelphia 76ers 2026 2nd round pick

Philadelphia 76ers receive
PG Scott Miles

What this means for the Celtics
Werner is an average all-around young F/C (26) with nothing remarkable to say about him other than that he was a once upon a time GM Jestor draftee. The trade doesn't make all that much sense though, given that Sveto Lepinat recently broke his elbow, leaving the C's thin at PG.

What this means for the 76ers
Philadelphia reacts swiftly to losing Charles Diggs for the year to a torn ACL by picking up Miles, a 23 year old in his third season with pretty good pass-first skills, particularly for a reserve and solid elsewhere, with some upside left. He slots in as the 6th man and also gives the 76ers an expiring $2.1 million contract.

Winner: Philadelphia
Just on the face of it, it's a steal by the 76ers, but it's even further a triumph for the City of Brotherly Love when 5 days later, Celtics starting PG Jon Costello tears his Achilles and goes out for the year. Had Boston not so quickly given Miles up, they would've had adequate cover at the 1, rather than being forced to go with a two guard ill-suited to the task.

Dallas Mavericks receive
PF T.J. Roberts
Golden State Warriors 2026 2nd round pick

Golden State Warriors receive
SF Calvis Hayes

What this means for the Mavericks
Roberts may be a greybeard at 35, but he's a respectable bench big, particularly as a scoring option for a Dallas team in need of big reserves, particularly since Jarion Calloway is a one-dimensional player as a defensive specialist.

What this means for the Warriors
The 25 year old Hayes is a suspect passer/ballhandler, but he's also the rare second round pick who's actually made it. Taken with the 4th pick in the 2nd round the Lakers in 2022, the fourth year forward has greatly improved as a shooter and is a nice all-around force on the defensive end. Unfortunately, he's a bit buried on Golden State's bench.

Winner: Draw
At the time of this trade, it's a draw as both sides benefit significantly from this. But when Tyrone Dotson breaks his hand nine days later, it turns into a Mavericks victory, because Roberts isn't that much of a dropoff from Dotson.

And so the quiet trading market continues. That's not a bad thing---in fact, I rather like it this way as opposed to the dealing frenzy that occurred over the last few years.

Our 6th and final game of the road stretch comes in Miami, where a sensational battle plays out that sees us prevail 141-135 in overtime. A Heat team loaded with former Nuggets including Teddy Harriman, Luke Smith, David "50 Ninja" Jackson as starters and Louis Mertens, Lance Purnell, Leroy Freeman and Lannce Dudley as reserves was hell-bent on beating us, but it didn't happen. Antonio Sarchet was on fire all night, hitting on 13 of 16 shots from the floor for 33 points and 11 rebounds, David Anyan chipped in 24 points, William Tackett generated 13 points and 11 assists and Brandon Edmond scored 16 points off the bench, bailing out foul-plagued Greg Oden. Ronald King matched every one of Edmond's points, finishing with 16 as well.

We stomp Detroit 120-82 next game on William Tackett's 27 points and 12 assists. Two other Kings break 20+ points in David Anyan (22) and [b]Antonio Sarchet (20), while Greg Oden rebounds from his struggles against Miami with 15 points and 10 boards.

The Grizzlies, playoff plagues from my last two years in Denver, fall 98-87. Antonio Sarchet doubles for 26 points and 14 rebounds, David Anyan scores 23 and William Tackett nets 14 points and 16 assists. I'm still furious over Tackett's omission from the Rookies/Sophs game and I'm glad to see he's taken it to heart as well.

I've lost track of how many wins in a row we've had, but we tack on another in obliterating the Clippers 120-96. William Tackett takes point both literally and figuratively in compliling 26 points and 14 assists. David Anyan pulls down 20 points and 10 rebounds, Antonio Sarchet scores 24, Greg Oden delivers 12 points and 14 rebounds and Ronald King tops the second team with 11 points.

There's little doubt we're the league's hottest team right now, blowing out the Rockets 112-99 next game. David Anyan scores 25, we get a pair of double-doubles from Greg Oden (10 points, 12 rebounds) and William Tackett (15 points, 12 assists) and two bench players break double-digits in Ronald King and Brandon Edmond with 17 and 11 respectively.

Orlando come out swinging, the Magic determined to take us down, but a great fourth quarter stops them short and we keep our fiery form going in winning 104-98. David Anyan and Antonio Sarchet score 26 points each, William Tackett just makes the double with 10 points and 13 assists and Ronald King continues to be Mr. Reliable with 10 bench points.

David Anyan scores 28, combining with Mateen Yeaton's 25 points to easily clobber Golden State 111-83. Greg Oden and William Tackett are a pairing as well, Oden's double-double good for 14 points and 12 rebounds, Tackett's valid for 11 points and 14 assists. Brandon Edmond paces the bench with 10 rebounds.

Even a back-to-back can't stop us as we sweep the revenge-minded Clippers and Warriors. 99-79's the final against the Red and White, our balanced victory keyed by David Anyan's 19 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists, Greg Oden's 14 points and 12 rebounds, Brandon Edmond's bench 10 points and 11 rebounds and Ronald King's reserve 10 points. David Anyan singlehandedly beats down Golden State in our 134-94 laugher, scoring a breathtaking 47 points. Lost in the dust of that supernova explosion of shooting are William Tackett's 13 points and 20 assists and Ronald King and Brandon Edmond's 10 and 11 points off the bench.

I thought our unbeaten run would end against Portland, but it doesn't happen as we squash the Trailblazers 118-93. Balanced offense rules the day again, highlighted by William Tackett's 19 points and 14 assists, Antonio Sarchet's 18 points and 10 rebounds and our two most reliable reserves, Ronald King and Brandon Edmond adding 18 and 12 points respectively.

A Mavericks team featuring Devone Allen at PG comes to Sacramento eager to tear us down, but it's they who are run out of the building following our 114-99 win. Antonio Sarchet scores 26, Greg Oden abuses Dallas's centers for 18 points and 16 rebounds, Mateen Yeaton gets up for 20 points and Brandon Edmond and Ronald King headline the second unit with 18 and 10 points.

We travel to Denver next and promptly embarass an impassioned Nuggets team 109-85. David Anyan scores 31 and Antonio Sarchet scores 26 as our forwards continue to be two of the biggest reasons why we're so good right now. Zelipe Gama is extremely unhappy this go-round in Denver and can't wait to get back to a winning organization. As for Tim Butler, he's used to bad franchises after his years in New Orleans, so he's quite philosophical about the whole thing.

Philadelphia finally stops our 19 game win streak, edging us 119-114 in OT. Great games by David Anyan (30 points), Mateen Yeaton (26 points) and William Tackett (13 points, 16 assists), but our bench just went cold all night long and that did us in. Hell of a game by Corey Westbrooks with 30 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds and 4 steals.

That hot/cold run is starting to kick in again as we lose 100-93 in Detroit thanks to going icy in the fourth quarter. David Anyan and Antonio Sarchet see their respective 29 and 25 points negated, but I'm not overly worried just yet.

Three close losses in a row, as a bad third quarter turns into a 99-93 loss to the Cavaliers. Antonio Sarchet plays well with 25 points and 16 rebounds, David Anyan adds 19 points and 10 rebounds, Greg Oden chips in 13 points and 11 rebounds and Brandon Edmond paces the bench with 10 points, but all our backcourt players had a terrible night of it. Interesting that the Cavaliers have both Mike Vines and Kenny Graham in their lineup after snapping them up in free agency this summer. Goes a long way to showing why they're as good a team as they are this year.

Despite the late-month stumble, with 8 games to go in the regular season, our 51-23 record gives us a 5 game edge on the Phoenix Suns in the Pacific, while 46-27 Minnesota is the closest to stalking us for the #1 seed in the West. The Timberwolves, who have experienced a miraculous turnaround, are 3.5 games up on the equally surprising Jazz, and it's a new leader atop the Southwest, as 38-33 Memphis has hung tough for a shocking half-game lead on the Mavericks. New Orleans looks poised to finally end their playoff drought at 34-37, even as the Nuggets are sitting there with a 25-46 record, third worst in the West.

Toronto still rules the East at 54-18, Boston staying in the 50 win club despite their PG idiocy at 51-21, 3 games back. 51-20 Cleveland's already clinched the Central over Chicago, while 41-31 Atlanta has a 4.5 game advantage on Charlotte.

Autumn

01-18-2009, 11:05 AM

Izulde

01-18-2009, 05:30 PM

I was hoping you'd pick up Cherry at some point. I wish he could get into the lineup, but there's obviously no reason to mess with the magic right now.

Great find at point, you very quickly put together a great team. And with all that snubbing going around they've got plenty of bulletin board material to take them all the way.

I tried to get Cherry earlier in the season, but Denver was being a bunch of stubborn asses about it. I'm glad to have him now, even if his minutes are unfortunately scarce.

I can't believe my luck in getting Tackett with the 18th pick myself. I'm still angry about the snub, but what can you do? As for the great team, I lucked out with all that cap space floating around... and we're not that deep, to be totally honest. As the Greg Oden injury showed, one hit to our starting five and we drop to a .500 team.

But I'm having a lot of fun with it. :) And you bet there's bulletin board material galore going on.

Izulde

01-19-2009, 01:03 PM

Why the Sacramento Kings are the League's Most Enjoyable Team

There's little doubt that the Kings have been the most fun, enjoyable team to watch this season. GM Jestor has performed a miracle in his comprehensive remodeling of Sacramento and as a result, they're poised to go into the playoffs with the top seed.

It all began with the gutsy trade of Jonte Jones and a package to Denver, a move that brought in Mateen Yeaton, Tzvetan Kishishev and two 1st rounders, among other pieces. Although the deal was criticized then, it's looking a lot better after Jones demonstrated this season that he's no longer anywhere near the offensive force he once was.

From that swap, the dominoes kept falling. The firing of long-time Kings coach Reggie Theus and his staff leading to the hiring of Andre Miller and former Nugget Emeka Okafor, among others. Miller has shown that although it's his first year as a head coach, he's a perfect fit for the Kings.

The draft day homerun when Jestor traded up to the 18th pick and grabbed William Tackett, who has been an astounding revalation as the starting PG as a rookie. Tackett's inexplicable passover for the Rookies/Sophomores game has energized Sacramento and given them motivation to show the league its stupidity by winning and winning big.

Yeaton himself, now ancient at 37, but still finding ways to contribute and score, especially after being promoted back to the starting SG spot after the trade of Walter Coleman to Chicago for Antonio Sarchet.

Ah yes, the in-season trades. Coleman for Sarchet was blasted throughout the media, but while Coleman is serving as the starting PG for an underachieving Bulls team (once again shoving Andre Moore to the bench), Sarchet has been one of the key offensive options for Sacramento, powering the Kings with consistent, accurate shooting and rebounding.

And then there was the trade to bring in Brandon Edmond after Greg Oden went down with an injury. Edmond stayed the course at C, helping the Kings to a .500 record without Oden. After Oden returned, Edmond went to the bench and became one of the most valuable reserves in the league.

Free agency brought in Ronald King, who showed his excellent play off the bench in Denver last season was no fluke, putting up the kind of scoring that'll garner him 6th Man of the Year votes. But the big free agent prize was David Anyan, the team's lone All-Star who has thrived away from Toronto, where he was forced to share the spotlight with Justin Richler.

And perhaps that's the biggest reason why this Kings team is so much fun to watch. Anyan and Oden, two former Raptors during the great Toronto/Denver rivalry of the teens joining forces with Yeaton, the marquee player of those Nuggets squads. This is a group of old men, old rivals who have had nothing but the highest respect for each other, coming together to deliver a city a championship. That this might be Yeaton and Oden's mutual swan song makes it all the sweeter, especially for a Sacramento that has known only heartbreak of the so-close-but-not-quite kind with its Kings teams.

Maybe this will finally be the year.

***End Article***

Hugely important game against the Timberwolves to open the final set of eight and we snap our 3 game skid and go a long way to clinching the #1 seed by throwing Minnesota down 109-88. David Anyan scores 31, Antonio Sarchet adds 20 points, William Tackett picks up 18 points and 10 assists and Brandon Edmond gathers 10 bench rebounds.

Pretty ugly 121-110 loss to the Supersonics despite good balance on offense ignited by David Anyan's 25 points and William Tackett's 14 points and 14 assists. Brandon Edmond scores 16 off the bench, but when Vladimir Tupolev drops 41 points on us, there's really not much chance of winning.

The Traiblazers are always a tough draw, but we rally in the 4th quarter for a 103-99 win as William Tackett has his single best game yet, with a blistering 33 points and 12 assists. Add in David Anyan's 26 points and Greg Oden's 11 points and 13 rebounds and you have just enough for us to get the victory.

William Tackett does it again in our 114-104 victory over the Lakers, putting up 33 points and 10 assists. David Anyan scores 26, while Antonio Sarchet doubles for 22 points and 10 rebounds.

We split the road back-to-back against the Lakers and the Suns. It's a close game, but we still edge the Purple and Gold 108-103 on David Anyan and Antonio Sarchet's 28 points a piece, Greg Oden's 13 points and 18 rebounds and William Tackett's team record, maybe even league record 27 assists. The next night's a 115-106 loss to Phoenix, as we never could overcome a poor first quarter. David Anyan (22 points), Greg Oden (20 points, 17 rebounds), William Tackett (11 points, 16 assists) and Ronald King (15 bench points) make up our noteworthy performances.

Still, it isn't all bad. At 4-2, we've guaranteed a .500 record for the last round of games and we clinch a winning record by beating the Jazz 113-108 in OT in Utah. David Anyan scores 22, Antonio Sarchet and Greg Oden double-double for 14 points, 11 rebounds and 12 points, 16 rebounds respectively, William Tackett garners a double-double of his own for 19 points and 12 assists and Ronald King and Brandon Edmond score 15 and 10 points a piece off the bench.

One game left in the regular season and it's against the Suns. It's also a meaningless game because we've already clinched the #1 seed. As a result, I'm not too terribly concerned when they stomp us 127-106, nevermind David Anyan's 24 points, Greg Oden's 17 points and 10 rebounds, William Tackett's wrong-way triple double of 13 points, 18 assists and 12 turnovers, or 19 and 14 bench points from Ronald King and Brandon Edmond.

West Conference Seeds
1. Sacramento Kings (56-26)
2. Phoenix Suns (54-28)
3. Minnesota Timberwolves (52-30)
4. Dallas Mavericks (45-37)
5. Utah Jazz (47-35)
6. Memphis Grizzlies (44-38)
7. New Orleans Hornets (42-40)
8. Portland Trailblazers (40-42)

East Conference Seeds
1. Boston Celtics (59-23)
2. Toronto Raptors (59-23)
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (57-25)
4. Atlanta Hawks (47-35)
5. New York Knicks (49-33)
6. Chicago Bulls (47-35)
7. New Jersey Nets (46-36)
8. Milwaukee Bucks (42-40)

What a year it's been, both for us and for the Hornets, who become the last team to finally reach the playoffs. Celebration is high in New Orleans, even if they draw a nasty matchup in the defending champion Suns, who looked awesome down the stretch. Just getting there is a huge accomplishment for such a downtrodden franchise.

NBA Leaders

Scoring
1. Justin Richler (TOR) - 32.8
2. Filip Mikulic (HOU) - 27.8
3. Galen Drayton (DET) - 26.2
4. Marcelino Augusto (DAL) - 24.8
6. David Anyan (SAC) - 23.0

Assists
1. Bernard Kelly (MEM) - 13.7
2. William Tackett (SAC) - 12.7
3. Ameirin Qipani (SA) - 12.2

Rebounds
1. Dontay Williamson (LAC) - 13.8
2. Oswaldo Apolonario (ATL) - 13.2
3. Scott Palmer (UTA) - 13.0
4. Jonte Jones (DEN) - 12.0
5. Greg Oden (SAC) - 11.9

Blocks
1. Patrick Riley (NO) - 3.5
T2. Sonny Boxler (POR) - 3.2
T2. Dontay Willamson (LAC) - 3.2

Steals
T1. Curtis Wilkerson (ATL) - 2.2
T1. Mark Johnson (MIL) - 2.2
T3. Vinston Henry (NO) - 2.0
T3. David Cormier (NO) - 2.0

Rookies

Points
1. Nochimas Eliashov (GS) - 16.8
2. William Tackett (SAC) - 14.2
3. Sigiswald Eckert (ORL) - 12.3

Damian Thomas got sent down to the D-Leagues. ...Yeah, go figure. A 20 point per game rookie and they put him in the frigging D-Leagues.

Assists
1. William Tackett (SAC) - 12.7
2. Dondrell Wilder (DEN) - 9.6
3. Russell Sims (SEA) - 4.3

Rebounds
1. Kenneth Towns (MIN) - 6.8
2. Chris Moss (DET) - 6.5
3. Russell Sims (SEA) -6.4

Blocks
T1. Ryan Crews (MEM) - 1.1
T1. Chris Moss (DET) - 1.1
3. Russell Sims (SEA) - 1.0

Steals
1. Nochimas Eliashov (GS) - 1.3
2. Russell Sims (SEA) - 1.2
3. William Tackett (SAC) - 1.1