Bringing the NBA to Oklahoma City: NBA 2K9

[JetsIn06]

In June 2008, a lawsuit between the City of Seattle and Bennett went to Federal Court and nearly a month later the two sides reached an agreement to settle. The terms would award the city of Seattle $45 million to get out of the remaining lease at KeyArena, and could provide an additional $30 million payment to Seattle in 2013 if certain conditions are met. The owners agreed to leave the 'SuperSonics' name, logo, and colors in Seattle for a possible future NBA franchise; however the items would remain the property of the Oklahoma City team along with other "assets" including championship banners and trophies.<sup id="cite_ref-16" class="reference"> (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder#cite_note-16)</sup>On September 3, 2008, the team name along with logo and color were announced.

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http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f6/OKCNBA_Away.gif

[JetsIn06]

2008 Opening Day Roster

Here's a look at our roster as we begin our quest to become a winning team in a new city. We're a young team, but have some promising young talent and a budding superstar.

STARTERS

PG: Russell Westbook, 19 yo (R) 6'3", 187 lbs.

Westbrook is our first round pick from the last draft, taken with the fourth overall pick. He's not the greatest outside shooter, but he's an excellent defender, handles the ball well, and is a great athlete. I see him doing great things for us in the future, but understand that it could take a couple years.

SG: Damien Wilkins, 28 yo (5) 6'6", 225 lbs.

Wilkins is our outside shooting threat. He doesn't really do much else that well. He's a decent defender, but his biggest weakness is ball handling.

SF: Kevin Durant, 20 yo (2) 6'9", 215 lbs.

Durant is the star of the team and is on his way to becoming a superstar. Last season, he averaged 20.3 PPG. I'm hoping that I can build around him and Westbrook. Durant can score from inside and beyond the arc equally well. His defense isn't great and neither is his rebounding, but he's a smart player and will dominate on offense.

PF: Jeff Green, 22 yo (2) 6'9", 235 lbs.

Green was picked up in the trade that sent Ray Allen to the eventual NBA Champion Celtics. He was the 5th pick in the draft by Boston but never played for them. I really like this guy. He's average on the inside, and just above average at outside scoring. His defense isn't spectacular either, but he's got a lot of potential. He's a guy that I would give up in a trade but wouldn't be unhappy with if he sticks around.

C : Chris Wilcox, 26 yo (7) 6'10", 235 lbs.

Here's a guy that will be battling for his starting job with Nick Collison. He's a pretty good inside scorer and a fairly good rebounder, but his post defense is less than ideal.

SIXTH MAN

PG/SG: Earl Watson, 29 yo (8) 6'1", 185 lbs.

Watson is a solid player, but is being displaced by the rookie Westbrook. He should still see a lot of time though. He's an excellent athlete and a good ball handler, and not bad at all on the perimeter on both offense and defense. With this team though, I think it's best to get our young guys out there.

ROLE PLAYERS

C/PF: Nick Collison, 28 yo (6) 6'10", 255 lbs.

Collison should get a good amount of playing time. He's a better rebounder than Wilcox but isn't as good on offense. He can play both C and PF.

PF/C: Joe Smith, 33 yo (14) 6'10", 225 lbs.

This former #1 overall pick is the veteran of our squad. He's a fairly good scorer and rebounder but is only average on defense. He also can't handle the ball at all and could cause problems with turnovers.

BENCH WARMERS

SF/SG: Desmond Mason, 31 yo (9) 6'5", 222 lbs.

Mason is an okay defender on the perimeter, but doesn't do much else.

C : Johan Petro, 22 yo (4) 7', 247 lbs.

Petro is big dude who adds depth to our roster. He's an average scorer and an okay defender in the post, but I don't see him getting too much playing time with Collison in front of him.

PROSPECTS

SG/PG: Kyle Weaver, 22 yo (R) 6'6", 201 lbs.

Weaver was our 2nd round pick in the last draft. He's actually a pretty good outside shooter and defender, but needs work.

PF: D.J. White, 22 (R) 6'9", 251 lbs.

White was taken in the last draft by the Pistons at the end of the first round but ended up here. His strength is rebounding but needs to work on his defense and inside scoring if he wants to stick around.

OPENING DAY ROTATION

Here is our planned rotation for the start of the season:

PG Westbrook: 32
SG Wilkins: 34
SF Durant: 42
PF Green: 35
C Wilcox: 29

G Watson: 26
C Collison: 16
F Smith: 13
F Mason: 4
C Petro: 4
G Weaver: 3
F White: 3

[JetsIn06]

House Rules

I flat out suck at this game, so I've searched for and experimented with some CPU vs CPU slider sets. This way I feel like I'm getting at least a somewhat realistic representation of the game of basketball rather than me chucking up threes the whole game or not being able to play defense at all.

I'm gonna try my hand at coach mode but I may end up just letting the CPU do everything and I'll be able to keep a more detailed recap of the game as it goes on. We'll see.

I also won't be using any of the practice or development features and I won't be using the training camp feature. I'm pretty sure the CPU doesn't have the advantage of using them so I won't either. Plus, after simming through a few seasons in a test dynasty I feel the player development is good enough on it's own.

To watch all of these games would take forever. With roster management being my favorite part of the game, I'm definitely going to sim the majority of games. My basic rule of thumb will be watch/coach 1 out of every 7-8 games.

As a final note, I'm not a huge fan of the NBA in real life so I don't know much about a lot of the players and I'm also not entirely sure what the general rules of thumb are in trading (what is fair?). I know it's easy sometimes in games like this to exploit the AI, but I'll use my best judgment to keep things as fair as I can.

Hope anyone who reads this enjoys it. Feel free to chime in with your thoughts, suggestions, encouragement, etc. Thanks! :)

[JetsIn06]

2009 Draft Outlook

Well, my team sucks and I fully expect to be picking near the top of the next draft, so here is a quick look at the players that are projected to go in the Top 5:

C Josh Kelley. 6'11", 294 lbs. Miami

At first glance, this guy looks nasty. He has an okay inside shooting game but his real strength is his defense and rebounding.

SF J.P. Phillips. 6'7", 237 lbs. Ohio St.

Phillips has a pretty good inside game, an average outside game, but is solid in the post on defense and is an excellent rebounder.

SG Everett Saunders. 6'7", 225 lbs. Boston College

This guy is great all-around and looks like the #1 pick to me. He has a very good inside and outside game, is excellent on defense, is a playmaker and has great intangibles.

PG Keon Bonner. 6'2", 206 lbs. Michigan

Bonner is a play maker. He can dish out the ball to his teammates as good as anyone, but he's also a huge threat from beyond the arc.

PG Jonathan Dudley. 6', 203 lbs. Tennessee

Dudley is another excellent outside shooter. He doesn't have the play making skills Bonner has, but he does have the "intangible" factor going for him.

[JetsIn06]

October 29, 2008

Milwaukee Bucks (0-1) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (0-0)

STARTING LINEUPS

BUCKS

PG Ridnour
SG Redd
SF Jefferson
PF Mbah a Moute
C Bogut

THUNDER

PG Westbrook
SG Wilkins
SF Durant
PF Green
C Wicox

---

FIRST HALF

Bucks win the tip-off and shoot a three to kick off the game. On our next possesion we turn it over on an errant pass, leading to a quick layup for the Bucks.

Ugh. We try a three and completely airball it. It's now 9-0. Not a good sign of things to come.

Two more turnovers, one on a steal, and one on an errant pass are killing us.

Finally, four minutes in, Durant scores our first points on a nice backdoor pass down the baseline. At five minutes in, we're down 15-2. Damn!

Ohh snap! We set up a nice alley-oop from Westbrook to Durant for another two. We're doing terrible though. It's 20-4 and their moving the ball around with no problem. On offense we can't pass, we can't shoot, and no one can hold on to the ball.

Finally, with two minutes left, we put together a great string of events. We jump a passing lane for the turnover, then execute a solid give-and-go to Westbrook for the layup. Ugh. Then our next possession is a shot clock violation.

The first quarter ends and we're down by 14. The Bucks lead 26-12.

We kick off the 2nd quarter with a couple nice plays and cut the lead to 10. But on their next possession we foul them and they get a +1.

Three minutes in and it's 31-16. We just had a nice fast break down the court but their lone defender had a nice block on the layup. Our sixth man Watson then gets open at the top of the arc and shoots a nice three. A quick turnover leads to another two from Durants and we're now down by 11. We get it again off a defensive rebound and get fouled but miss the shot. Wilkins makes the first and can cut their lead to single digits with another. He makes it.

They miss a close shot but get the rebound and kick it out to a WIDE open guard but it goes in and out. We drive down the court and get fouled again. We're now down by 8 with 7:03 left in the 2nd.

They miss again and we're now on a nice little run. Watson gets it beyond the arc from the sideline but misses. On the Bucks next possession they stop the run with a long two.

Westbrook brings it up and turns it over but makes up for it by breaking down the court and blocking the layup! We get the ball and call a quick timeout to reorganize. It's 36-24 with 5:00 left.

A few possessions later we get the ball to Wilcox in the post and forces his way in for the basket, but then they quickly got a three with Jefferson. With 2:03 left, it's 43-30. We seem to keep getting within 8 but then give up a big play.

We bring up the ball and they get called on a reach, but they're over the limit and we get to shoot two but split. Then the Bucks shoot a quick 3 to go up 48-31. We get a turnover with a minute left and Durant drives in for an easy layup. We get it back and Westbrook gets fouled again. He makes both and brings the difference to 11.

We get it back with 11 seconds left and need to get a score. Durant shoots a heavily contested three and it doesn't make it past the front of the rim. At halftime, it's Milwaukee 50, Oklahoma City 37.

HALFTIME STATS

MIL

FG%: 40
3's: 5/15
FT's: 5/7
REB: 30

Redd: 14 Points
Bogut: 10 Rebounds
Ridnour: 5 Assists

OKC

FG%: 29
3's: 1/10
FT's: 10/14
REB: 28

Watson: 9 Points
Durant: 8 Points, 5 Rebounds

SECOND HALF

We're a few minutes in and we've cut the lead to 9 after a nice Durant shot from 10 feet or so, but they come back quickly and get it back to 11. We bring up the ball and call a TO. Unfortunately, it doesn't help as Westbrook throws a pass over Durant's head and the ball goes all the way down to the other side of the court. They shoot after the inbound pass and Wilcox blocks it but the shooter gets control. Jefferson gets fouled and he makes both.

We get a nice defensive rebound on the next possession but turn it over in their half which leads to an easy basket. 7:23 left in the third and we're down 61-44. It's getting out of hand now.

A few minutes later and we're down 71-50 and I've had enough. I sim to the end and here are the final stats:

Bucks 103, Thunder 78

FINAL STATS

MIL

FG%: 43
3's: 7/27
FT's: 14/19
REB: 55

Redd: 7-15 FG, 2-6 3PT, 5 AST, 4 REB
Jefferson: 8-17 FG, 3-9 3PT, 5 REB
Bogut: 6-12 FG, 15 Rebounds


OKC

FG%: 35
3's: 2/12
FT's: 22/31
REB: 46

Durant: 8-21 FG, 10 REB
Wilcox: 6-14 FG, 10 REB
Westbrook: 1-6 FG, 8-10 FT, 6 AST

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:

OKC @ HOU: 82-85 L (Durant; Green; Wilcox: 14 PTS)
MIN @ OKC: 94-65 W (Durant: 12-19 FG, 30 PTS)
BOS @ OKC: 93-75 L (Durant: 16 PTS, 9 REB)
OKC @ UTA: 99-111 L (Durant: 25 PTS, 7 REB)
ATL @ OKC: 92-101 W (Durant: 21 PTS; Wilcox: 20 PTS, 7 REB)
OKC @ IND: 94-95 L (Green: 23 PTS; Durant: 18 PTS, 12 REB)
ORL @ OKC: 103-92 L (Durant: 15 PTS, 9 REB; Wilkins: 15 PTS)

Current Record: (2-6)

[JetsIn06]

November 14, 2008

Oklahoma City Thunder (2-6) @ New York Knicks (3-5)

STARTING LINEUPS

KNICKS

PG Duhon
SG Robinson
SF Chandler
PF Harrington
C Lee

THUNDER

PG Westbrook
SG Wilkins
SF Durant
PF Green
C Wicox

---

FIRST HALF

We win the tipoff and open up with a close two from Wilkins. They try a quick three and miss but we can't score and they tie it up on the next possession.

They nail a deep three after a nice Durant basket and go up 7-4, then hit another three. We definitely gotta watch for that.

Duhon gets open and hits a long 2, then they get a steal but miss their layup. Wilkins gets the ball and drives down the baseline but misses a tough close shot. The Knicks score again and go up 14-4.

We call a timeout, then Westbrook brings it to the point and drives for the basket and gets fouled but just misses it going in, but he makes both free throws. Ugh. The Knicks hit yet another three and go up 17-6.

Durant stuffs a shot but as we go for the ball we fumble it out of bounds. Damn. We get another nice block and just before it goes out the shot clock expires and we get the ball. Wilkins gets a nice shot off from beyond the arc and nails it. But Duhon puts up a tre and answers right back, but we've cut their lead to 9. We get a fast break and Durant gets fouled on the way up. He makes both and now it's 20-13, NY with 6:00 left.

We get a solid two points after Durant pump fakes, then drives but misses the shot. Collison was right there for the rebound and he put it in. A foul on Westbrook brings him to the line. He misses the first but makes the 2nd, making it 24-17, NY.

Lee is killing us, picking up what seems like tons of offensive rebounds. Luckily, he can't shoot FT's and we capitalize on his misses and bring it within 6. But they quickly go on a run and they're now up 32-21.

Collison is really doing great on the rebounds. He's missed a couple but he's giving us extra chances which we really need.

The first quarter ends on a nice drive by Durant for a layup. New York is up 34-25.

We get within 8 after a great backdoor pass to Green, then get it back after a failed close shot from NY. We can't put it in though.

NY misses a three, and they get called on a reach. We use the break to bring in some subs. Wilcox backs down and shoots a fadeaway for two. They miss another and now we can get close. Wilkins finishes a nice play and we're within 4.

But of course, they come right back with a three and are up by 7 again. Ugh!

We foul Curry and he hits both but Green comes right back and nails a beautiful three. They miss, Collison hits a short bucket and we're only down by 2 with 7:14 left in the half! It's 42-40, NY.

They miss a 3, Curry rebounds and kicks it out beyond the arc and they nail it. Wilcox takes a terrible shot and can't even hit the rim. We get a turnover quickly though and slam it in!

They miss an open shot and Green gets an open three and nails it! But then they answer right back with another three. They are killing us from outside. It's 50-45 NY.

And we turn it over....damn it! But they get called for the charge and we get another chance to get within 5. Ugh. Wilcox is taking a bunch of stupid shots. We get it again and this time Westbrook gets fouled and misses the first but makes number two.

The crowd goes wild and Chandler drives in for a huge dunk. Crap. It's 56-46 and we call a timeout to slow things down.

With 2:10 left, NY is up 60-46, but Weaver nails a nice tre and brings us within 11.

We get a final shot with 10 seconds left but they steal it and drive down. We don't let them drive but they put up a highly contested three and of course they nail it. Great. NY is up 69-53 at the half.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

FG%: 38
3's: 4/8
FT's: 11/14
REB: 25

Green: 12 PTS
Durant: 12 PTS

NY

FG%: 44
3's: 11/23
FT's: 14/18
REB: 26

Richardson: 13 PTS
Harrington: 5 REB
Duhon: 5 AST

SECOND HALF

We intercept a pass on their first possession and put it in for two. We quickly foul them twice giving them four more, but we're playing okay to start off the half.

But another foul, this one a reach in, brings us to three in just 2:30.

We get two turnovers in a row and bring it to 73-61. They miss another and we're on a little run. Durant scores again and is really taking control now.

Fuck. Robinson nails a three and they're right back in it. We call a timeout, now down by 13 with 7:45 left in the third. Green hits another three and we're now down by 10. They miss and we get a fast break but we miss the layup. Again, we intercept a pass but have to set up the play. We can't put it in.

NY takes a three but misses. Wilcox takes a horrid shot and airballs it. I can't take that shit anymore and I'll think about putting Collison in there next game to see how he does.

Watson nails a trifecta! We bring it to double digits, but we foul Lee and he brings it to 9. We're on a 13-4 run and hit another long shot bringing it to 77-70. We foul again and now they're in the bonus so we gotta watch our fouls. They make both and we're down by 9 again.

Durant got wide open but rushed the shot and missed, but we got it back and hit a layup. Still down by 9 with 3:40 left. Durant lays it in at the last second on the shot clock. Ugh...we reach in and they get the FT's. Harrington splits and we're down by 8.

We foul again, but I can't really say they're bad fouls. They're getting a lot of easy layup chances so I rather deal with the penalty than give them an easy two. Man..we foul again and that's our 9th this quarter.

We get a chance for the last shot in the 3rd but Durant gets fouled. He hits the first and gets the second as well, bringing the score at the end of the 3rd to 88-82, NY.

Yea! We open it up with a beautiful three from the side of the arc that bounced out and back in. They miss their shot, get the rebound, and miss again. Durant puts in a layup and brings us within one! Thomas misses a shot and we get it again. Smith tries and put in a fadeaway jumper but can't.

Smith gets another chance and puts it in. We're up by one! Damn it. Watson reaches in and that's his 5th so he heads to the bench. Ugh! Jefferson nails a three for NY and they're up again.

Yes! We execute the nicest give and go I've ever seen and we get the and one! He nails the FT and we're up by one again.

And Westbrook gets the and one! He nails the FT and we're now up by 4! Woo!

NY calls a timeout to regroup. They get a long two but we answer right back with our own. We're on a 15-5 run. Westbrook nails a 15 footer and we're up 6 now!

We exchange a few two's and with 5:13 left it's 103-99, OKC.

With 3:30 left, we're up 103-101 with Durant heading to the line. He makes the first, and nails the second, putting us up by 4. Durant hits another nice shot. With the way NY has been nailing three's, I don't feel comfortable.

They bring it within two with 2:00 left. Agh! Green pumpfaked, drove to the basket and missed the dunk! But we get a turnover and Wilkins puts on a show with a nice dunk. 109-105, OKC.

But Lee hits a shot and gets the foul, bringing them within one. God damn it.

1:30 left. Durant has the ball, drives in and misses but Wilcox gets the rebound and puts it in. NY misses a wide open three and we're up three with less than a minute left. We can't score. And LEE GETS CALLED FOR A CHARGE! That was a SCARY whistle.

And at 113-110 and 3.9 seconds left, they intentional foul. Westbrook makes the first and puts it out of reach with the second.

We win 115-110!

Our PG Westbrook wins POTG with 17 PTS.

Thunder 115, Knicks 110

FINAL STATS

OKC

FG%: 44
3's: 6/13
FT's: 21/24
REB: 49

Durant: 10-21 FG
Green: 8-13 FG, 8 REB
Westbrook: 5-7 FG, 10 AST
NY

FG%: 37
3's: 13/32
FT's: 33/39
REB: 46

Robinson: 5-15 FG, 3-8 3PT, 9-10 FT
Harrington: 5-9 FG, 2-3 3PT, 11 REB
Lee: 15 REB

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:

OKC @ PHI: 93-94 L (Durant: 23 PTS, 6 REB; Westbrook: 5 AST, 3 STL)
HOU @ OKC: 88-97 W (Green: 21 PTS; Wilcox: 18 PTS, 7 REB)
LA @ OKC: 106-92 L (Durant: 31 PTS, 5 REB)
NO @ OKC: 96-100 W (Durant: 27 PTS, 6 REB; Westbrook 12 PTS, 7 AST)
OKC @ NO: 94-85 L (Durant: 18 PTS; Wilcox: 9 REB)
PHO @ OKC: 93-100 W (Durant: 24 PTS; Green: 15 PTS, 10 REB)

Current Record: (6-9)

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

We've traded C/PF Chris Wilcox and SG Damien Wilkins to the Orlando Magic. In return, the Thunder get SG Keith Bogans, C Tony Battie, and Orlando's '09 1st round pick.

Bogans (6'5", 215 lbs) is a 28 yo, 6th year player who's been averaging 9.8 PPG this year. He is a good outside shooter and defender. His contract runs out at the end of the year.

Battie (6'11", 240 lbs) is a seasoned veteran in his 12th year. He's not a great scorer but he's okay on defense.

Nick Collison will now take over the starting center position.

[JetsIn06]

November 14, 2008

Oklahoma City Thunder (6-9) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (8-6)

STARTING LINEUPS

CAVS

PG Williams
SG West
SF James
PF Wallace
C Ilgauskas

THUNDER

PG Westbrook
SG Bogans
SF Durant
PF Green
C Collison

---

FIRST HALF

We start off the game on a great note as we intercept a pass on their first possession and put it in for two.

Durant banks one off the backboard and puts us up 4-0. We get it back again and Durant is fouled. He makes both, putting us up 6-0.

But a few minutes in, CLE is on top after a three-point play from LeBron James.

With 6:55 left in the 1st, CLE is on top 11-10 and we're already in foul trouble with five team fouls. They're on a 14-4 run. We just can't seem to make anything, especially our new guy, Bogans. He's been terrible.

Finally, we get another basket as Durant drives down the baseline. But this is looking very, very bad.

Annddddd Bogans turns it over annndddd they get another three point play on a foul. Yay.

With 3:00 left, CLE is up 28-18. Durant is really the only one playing well. LeBron James is gonna have 15+ assists this game. He's getting double teamed and finding guys wide open for easy buckets.

The game isn't out of reach at the end of the first, but we look plain ol' ugly. NINE fouls in the first quarter. CLE is up 36-22.

At the start of the 2nd, Westbrook steals a pass headed for James and takes it in for the slam, bringing us within 10.

Bogans gets to the line and can bring us into a single digit deficit. He misses the first but get's the second and we're down nine.

Nice. Airball from Bogans. Why did I get this guy on my team? On the bright side, Collison is doing very well so far.

After getting as far as fifteen points behind, we've pulled within nine again. Collison has been doing great in the post.

Damn. Ilgauskas already has 11 rebounds with 3:41 left in the first half. He's totally dominating the paint.

Unfortunately, I'm exhausted so I'm just going to sim to the end of this game.

Cavs 107, Thunder 95

FINAL STATS

OKC

FG%: 46
3's: 4/12
FT's: 15/22
REB: 39

Durant: 13-22 FG, 9 REB
Green: 6-9 FG, 6 REB, 4 AST
Collison: 6-10 FG, 11 REB

CLE

FG%: 46
3's: 2/12
FT's: 27/35
REB: 44

James: 8-15 FG, 10 AST
Ilgauskas: 12-15 FG, 16 REB

[RedHawk00]

as a Sonic fan, I hope the building goes up in flames and the season is forfeited... gl

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:

MIN @ OKC: 120-98 L (Durant: 34 PTS; Collison: 9 REB; Watson: 15 PTS, 8 REB)
OKC @ MEM: 99-89 W (Duarant: 25 PTS; Green: 9 REB)
OKC @ NO: 85-89 L (Durant: 28 PTS; Green: 11 REB; Watson: 8 AST)
OKC @ ORL: 91-111 L (Durant: 23 PTS; Collison: 20 PTS)
OKC @ MIA: 75-83 L (Durant: 21 PTS, 7 REB; Collison: 10 PTS, 7 REB)
GS @ OKC: 113-102 L (Durant: 19 PTS; Collison: 15 PTS, 7 REB)
MEM @ OKC: 106-121 W (Durant: 46 PTS; Green: 20 PTS; Collison: 10 PTS, 10 REB)
OKC @ DAL: 103-106 L (Durant: 34 PTS; Collison: 10 PTS, 10 REB)
OKC @ SA: 81-103 L (Durant: 22 PTS, 5 REB; Bogans: 8 REB)
LA @ OKC: 79-93 W (Durant: 29 PTS; Bogans: 19 PTS)

Current Record: (9-17)

[JetsIn06]

December 19, 2008

Toronto Raptors (16-9) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (9-17)

STARTING LINEUPS

RAPTORS

PG Foye
SG Parker
SF Bargnani
PF Bosh
C O'Neal

THUNDER

PG Westbrook
SG Bogans
SF Durant
PF Green
C Collison

---

FIRST HALF

The Raptors win the tip and Bosh scores the first basket of the game. We miss and they nail a three on their next possession. We turn it over and Parker nails another tre for the Raptors.

Three minutes in and it's 10-0 TOR. Collison is doing great on the boards but we haven't been able to do anything on offense. Finally, Bogans got open outside and nailed and three.

Halfway through the 1st, Toronto is up 18-5. They're moving fast on offense and getting wide open for three's and are moving really well in transition. With 2:51 left, it's 25-11. We get lucky near the end and Watson gets fouled and gets the bucket, but they come right back and nail a long three.

With 19 seconds left, Durant drives and gets fouled and makes the basket but he misses the shot. We get the rebound and Smith puts it in. The 1st ends with Toronto up 31-22.

We get within 5 after a beautiful interception by Collison leading to a fast break. But again, they come back and hit a three.

Bogans answered with a three of his own and we're back within 5.

Five minutes into the 2nd and we're down by four, 43-39.

Toronto fouls Bogans he makes only one, making it 45-40. With 4:00 left, Westbrook gets fouled and makes both bringing it to 49-45. And we steal it and Durant puts it in! We're down by 2 with 3:00 left.

Green gets a nice shot from three point range but can't hit it. We get the steal and Durant gets fouled on the way up and will shoot two to tie. He makes the first and nails the second making it 51-51 with 40 seconds left. We steal again and Westbrook lays it in and we're up!

We get a chance for the last shot. Durant puts it in with 5 seconds left. Toronto sprints down the court and nails a three! Ugh!

At the half, we're up 55-54.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

FG%: 48
3's: 3/8
FT's: 10/12
REB: 25

Durant: 18 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST
Bogans: 12 PTS
Smith: 12 PTS, 6 REB

TOR

FG%: 42
3's: 7/15
FT's: 5/6
REB: 24

O'Neal: 10 PTS, 11 REB
Foye: 9 PTS, 3 AST
Bosh: 6 PTS, 4 REB

SECOND HALF

Green opens it up with a long two but they get wide open on the next possession and drill a three. At 57-57, Durant gets called for a foul. Parker makes the first and the second and now they are up 59-57 a minute into the 2nd half.

Collison goes up for a shot and it gets blocked by Bosh but he gets called for the foul. He misses the first but hits number two.

Bargnani takes a wide open three but can't hit it. They get the rebound but it hits the side of the backboard and goes out of bounds. They steal it on our next possession and dunk it in to go up 3.

Durant, who already has 20, gets fouled and makes both. Ugh. Foye chucks a three and makes it, but Durant comes back with his own! Nice!

And of course Foye nails another three. On our next possession Green puts up a close shot and Bosh gets called for another foul. Green misses, Durant gets the board and Bosh fouls him! Durant can tie it up with both. He makes the first and the second and it's 67-67 with 8:55 left in the third.

Durant nails another long two and is on fire this game.

A long string of misses and offensive rebounds ends with two from Collison. We're up 71-69 with 7:00 left.

Bah. Bargnani nails a three and they're up 1.

I realize I need to change some sliders so I'm going to sim to the end of this one. Players are shooting way to fast, leading to super high FGA.

Thunder 119, Raptors 118

FINAL STATS

OKC

FG%: 52
3's: 7/14
FT's: 22/26
REB: 42

Durant: 44 PTS, 9 REB, 5 AST
Watson: 11 PTS, 13 AST
Collison: 8 PTS, 8 REB

TOR

FG%: 50
3's: 13/24
FT's: 13/15
REB: 40

Foye: 22 PTS, 8 AST, 5 STL
O'Neal: 14 PTS, 15 REB
Bosh: 15 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:

CLE @ OKC: 71-66 L (Durant: 20 PTS, 12 REB
OKC @ ATL: 83-104 L (Durant: 28 PTS, 5 REB)
OKC @ DET: 103-105 L (Green: 19 PTS, 6 REB; Durant 18 PTS, 5 REB)
OKC @ WAS: 82-101 L (Durant: 33 PTS, 6 REB; Westbrook: 8 PTS, 8 AST)
PHO @ OKC: 94-92 L (Durant: 23 PTS, 7 REB; Watson: 8 PTS, 10 AST)
GS @ OKC: 117-96 L (Durant: 30 PTS; Green: 21 PTS; Watson: 10 PTS, 10 AST)
DEN @ OKC: 93-103 W (Durant: 32 PTS, 9 REB)
NY @ OKC: 94-95 W (Durant: 30 PTS, 7 REB; Green: 12 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST)
OKC @ MIN: 112-110 W (Durant: 27 PTS, 7 REB; Westbrook: 10 PTS, 11 AST)

Current Record: (13-23)

[JetsIn06]

January 9, 2009

Houston Rockets (20-17) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (13-23)

STARTING LINEUPS

ROCKETS

PG Brooks
SG McGrady
SF Artest
PF Scola
C Yao

THUNDER

PG Westbrook
SG Bogans
SF Durant
PF Green
C Collison

---

FIRST HALF

We get off to a good start and get four quick points, but they answer right back with a three from Brooks.

Our offense is moving the ball well, and Bogans just nailed a three from the sideline beyond the perimeter.

At five minutes in, the Rockets are up 14-7 after hitting a few nice threes. Collison is having trouble getting rebounds with Yao in his way.

Just had a great play with Durant at the high post. Westbrook broke in from beyond the arc on a nice pass and put it in and also got the foul call.

Wow. Another great Westbrook play. He drive in and gets completely killed by Yao but chucks it up without looking and puts it in! With 5:47 left, it's 18-13 and we have the ball after McGrady accidentally stepped on the line.

With 2:45 left, the Rockets are up 27-19.

At 29-21, it looks like we have a chance at the last shot. Durant drives in beautifully and puts in the layup with 8 seconds left, but they get the ball to Yao and he puts on in from 5 feet.

At the end of one, it's 31-23, HOU.

We kick off the 2nd with the ball. Watson dishes it to Mason but he drops it and the Rockets drive down but get fouled. Artest makes both and they're up 10.

The Rockets get a few, but we gain some momentum on two straight steals that led to fast break points. Of course, right as I type this they put together a three point play after a foul. Yay.

But we get one as well. Watson got mauled but put it in anyway and makes the FT. It's 44-34 with 7:45 left.

Ack. Brooks nails a three.

We're falling behind, but Watson just nailed a nice three from the top of the arc to make it 52-39 with 6:00 left.

Yea! We were down 17 but went on a little run to bring it within 11. Westbrook got fouled, made the first, missed the second, and then intercepted a pass and went in for the layup, made the basket and got fouled!

With 1:08 left, it's 56-45. And Bogans nails a deep three! Nice!

Smith puts in a layup and we'll get a chance at the last shot. But of course we turn it over and they get an easy score.

The half ends and we're down 60-50.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

FG%: 50
3's: 3/5
FT's: 9/10
REB: 16

Bogans: 12 PTS
Watson: 12 PTS
Westbook: 10 PTS, 3 AST, 3 STL

HOU

FG%: 54
3's: 5/7
FT's: 7/7
REB: 18

Brooks: 18 PTS
McGrady: 14 PTS
Yao: 10 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST

SECOND HALF

We open up the scoring in the 2nd half with a nice shot from Collison and then a steal leading to a layup from Watson.

Aaron Brooks gets fouled and shoots two. He's having a hell of a game for Houston with 18 points. He splits and we get the board and take it up. Westbrook finds Collison breaking towards the net but he can't hang on to the pass and HOU takes control and scores, now up 65-54.

Westbrook gets open at the foul line and hits a nice shot to bring us within 9, but then Yao dominated Collison in the paint and put them up by double digits again.

We're five minutes in and Artest is at the line. HOU is up 69-60. He misses the first but drains the second one.

With 3:47 left, it's 76-62 HOU. Yao is just dominating inside, nailing shots on fadeaways. We really need something to turn it around. And, we turn it over and they get the +1 on a foul.

With 13:08 left in the game, Houston is up by 22, 87-65.

It's the end of the third and this one is out of reach, so I'm gonna sim to the end.

Rockets 125, Thunder 100

FINAL STATS

OKC

FG%: 50
3's: 5/11
FT's: 21/25
REB: 34

Durant: 24 PTS, 5 REB
Watson: 19 PTS, 6 AST
Westbrook: 16 PTS, 6 AST, 4 STL

HOU

FG%: 55
3's: 8/13
FT's: 21/31
REB: 39

Brooks: 29 PTS
Yao: 24 PTS, 14 REB
Artest: 14 PTS, 5 AST, 4 STL

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:

OKC @ CHI: 93-98 L (Durant: 27 PTS, 8 REB, 5 BLK; Collison: 12 PTS, 11 REB)
OKC @ NJ: 82-88 L (Durant: 28 PTS; Westbrook: 13 PTS)
UTA @ OKC: 99-93 L (Durant: 30 PTS, 6 REB; Green: 13 PTS, 11 REB)
DET @ OKC: 75-92 W (Durant: 21 PTS, 10 REB; Watson: 17 PTS, 8 AST)
MIA @ OKC: 81-94 W (Durant: 23 PTS; Watson: 16 PTS, 6 AST)
OKC @ GS: 81-98 L (Durant: 18 PTS; Green: 18 PTS; Westbrook: 17 PTS)
OKC @ LA: 94-91 W (Durant: 20 PTS; Green: 19 PTS, 5 REB)
NJ @ OKC: 7-102 W (Durant: 32 PTS, 7 REB)


Current Record: (17-28)

[JetsIn06]

January 28, 2009

Memphis Grizzlies (24-20) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (17-28)

STARTING LINEUPS

GRIZZLIES

PG Terry
SG Mayo
SF Mayo
PF Arthur
C Gasol

THUNDER

PG Westbrook
SG Bogans
SF Durant
PF Green
C Collison

---

FIRST HALF

We start off well going up 4-2 but then Westbrook makes a boneheaded move and steps out along the baseline. We recover from the mistake and go up 8-2 in the first three minutes.

In the next two minutes, Memphis comes back and ties it at 8 but our backup PF Smith puts in a nice 10 footer for the lead. Then Battie and Durant put on a show with nice dunks to make it 14-8 halfway through the first.

Bah! Our offense isn't taking care of the ball and we let them back in. The steal one and drive down, pull up for a three and sink it and they're up 21-16.

The first half ends with Memphis up 25-22.

Four minutes into the 2nd quarter and it's all tied up at 30.

OJ Mayo just had a sick alley-oop dunk. Their up 42-38 with 2:23 left in the half.

Memphis goes on an 8-0 run and the first half ends with the Grizzlies up 50-38.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

FG%: 37
3's: 0/2
FT's: 8/10
REB: 20

Durant: 8 PTS, 2 REB, 2 AST, 3 STL
Bogans: 7 PTS, 2 REB
Westbrook: 7 PTS, 3 AST

MEM

FG%: 48
3's: 2/5
FT's: 10/13
REB: 22

Terry: 11 PTS, 3 AST
Gay: 11 PTS, 3 REB
Alston: 5 PTS, 6 AST

SECOND HALF

We open up the third with an 8-2 run that cuts the lead to 6. We get another steal and Durant slams it home and cuts it to 4 with 7:10 left.

We intercept another pass and Durant puts another one in and it's now 52-50!

Our guys keep it close but Memphis turns it on after 8 minutes with only two points and are now up 63-53.

At the end of the quarter Durant finishes it off with a nice layup and it ends with Memphis up 69-61.

Five minutes into the final quarter and we're still down, 76-67. We just can't seem to break past this 8-10 point margin.

But we grind it out and Bogans hits a massive three pointer that brings us within 4. Collison jumps a pass and we have the ball again. Durant shoots from the top of key but can't put it in.

Down 78-72, Durant gets fouled and makes the first, then nails the second. Five minutes left and we're down four.

They miss and we get the board. Woo! Collison fakes driving towards the basket, dished it out to Westbrook and the defender shaded towards him. Westbrook hit Collison on a beautful pass back to the basket and he puts it in!

We score again and are in the lead, but they come right back and tie it up. Green gets the ball off an in-bound and hits one from the top of the key, but Gasol comes right back and hits a close shot.

82-82 with 3:00 left. Durant hits a long two from the sideline and we're up again. They try for the leads and miss a three and Green dunks it in on the transition. We're up 86-82 and have the ball again. We miss a close shot, and Gay gets fouled on the way up by Durant.

He makes both making it a one score game, but we have possession and their is 1:54 left. Crap! Westrbrook tries a pass to Durant and it gets stolen and Memphis has tied it up. We get it back and Green finds Collison right underneath the basket and we're ahead again with 1:04 left.

Gay tries a three and Durant stuffs him and gets the ball! Ahhhhhh. Durant held it for too long and can't get the shot off and we're called for a shot clock violation. Fuck! They miss their shot and have to foul us with 14 seconds left. Their not in the penalty and need to foul again but can't until their is 8 seconds left. Westbrook hits the first and can put it out of reach with the next one.

He does! Memphis calls a timeout and needs a miracle.

But Durant steals the inbound pass and puts it away! What a game!

Thunder 90, Grizzlies 86

FINAL STATS

OKC

FG%: 40
3's: 2/8
FT's: 16/18
REB: 44

Durant: 22 PTS, 6 REB
Bogans: 15 PTS
Collison: 10 PTS, 10 REB

MEM

FG%: 44
3's: 2/9
FT's: 18/24
REB: 42

Gay: 25 PTS, 5 REB
Terry: 17 PTS
Gasol: 8 PTS, 11 REB

[JetsIn06]

TRADE RUMORS

We're trying to get PG Watson and C Battie off our hands. Watson has been solid for us, but he doesn't really have a future on the team. Battie is old and isn't going to help our future either.

We're going to need to land a PG in return, but could always sign a FA if we can't. I'm just looking to get younger/dump salary. I'll take on the salary if it's a one year deal, but both Watson and Battie will take up a combined $12m next year.

I'm looking for a team that is in the running that could use a solid sixth man or good backup PG. Our potential targets are:

Lakers
Spurs
Mavs

We contact the Lakers first and inquire about Farmer. A deal with him alone wouldn't work because the Lakers are way beyond the cap, so I look for a one year guy that could balance it out. They don't have one, so I put together a package offer that would bring us:

PG Farmar
SG Ariza
C Mihm
SF Gomes

They declined the trade, so we move on to another team. We talk to the Spurs but their roster doesn't really have anyone that would work for this trade. So finally, we move on the to the Mavs.

This could be tough, but we try and put together a deal involving Michael Conley, who was recently traded to them from Memphis for Jason Terry. To balance the cap issue, I add in veteran Jerry Stackhouse who is on a one year deal. They decline, but I think I might try and sweeten the deal. My thought is that I really don't need Conley, so I could trade him for another PG prospect and a pick. I throw in Bogans and ask for their backup PG Vaughn. They didn't bite, so as a final request I add in a 2nd rounder. Nothin'.

Maybe I need to just worry about Watson for now? I admit, Battie isn't that good, old, and expensive.

Some more potential targets are:

Hawks
Raptors

Not much hope, I guess. but let's check it out.

I call up the Hawks. This looks like something that could work. They have a surplus of SG's and two below average PG's. They also have Rasheed Wallace, a 14th year veteran who costs $13m and will be a FA at the end of the year, and he's sitting behind Joe Smith who is younger and better.

They won't accept, so I try and get creative. The Hawks only have one SF on their roster, so I throw in Desmond Mason. The trade would put me below the roster minimum so I add in an undrafted SG.

They don't like it, but want to keep talking. They tell us that if we send our 1st from the Magic, they'll do the deal. I'm not completely against it. The Magic are in first place and the pick will be very late in the first. But I want to compromise, so I ask for another player. I ask for PF Solmon Jones. He's a 3rd year guy who my scout tells me could turn into a useful player.

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

We've come to an agreement with the Atlanta Hawks.

We send PG Watson, C Battie, SF Mason, and our '09 1st rounder from Orlando.

In return, we land PF Rasheed Wallace, SG Flip Murray, PF Solomon Jones, and SG Thomas Gardner.

Wallace (6'11", 230 lbs.), is a 34 yo who has been averaging 12.6 ppg this year on the Pistons and Hawks. He can score from inside and from distance, is a great post defender, and a pretty good rebounder.

Murray (6'3", 197 lbs.) is an outside shooting specialist but doesn't do much else. He's 29 yo.

Gardner (6'5", 225 lbs.) is a shooting guard in his 2nd year. He is an okay outside shooter but hasn't gotten in a game yet. His defense is very poor.

Solomon Jones (6'10", 230 lbs.) is a 24 yo, 3rd year man who really needs some work to become a useful player.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:

OKC @ UTA: 81-90 L (Green: 24 PTS, 7 REB; Durant: 15 PTS, 7 REB)
OKC @ SAC: 85-91 L (Durant: 26 PTS; Green: 19 PTS; Wallace: 10 REB)
DEN @ OKC: 126-94 L (Durant: 33 PTS; Wallace: 9 PTS, 8 REB)
POR @ OKC: 73-94 W (Durant: 17 PTS, 5 AST; Collison: 15 PTS)
SAC @ OKC: 104-86 L (Durant: 16 PTS, 6 REB; Bogans: 15 PTS)
OKC @ LAL: 83-93 L (Durant: 19 PTS; Westbrook: 12 PTS, 5 AST)
OKC @ POR: 86-104 L (Green: 17 PTS, 7 REB; Westbrook: 11 PTS, 7 AST)


Current Record: (19-34)

[JetsIn06]

ALL-STAR BREAK

Thunder All-Stars

SF Kevin Durant (1st Appearance)

Team Report

PG Westbrook: 9.5 PPG, 5.2 APG
SG Bogans: 9.5 PPG
SF Durant: 24.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG
PF Green: 13.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG
C Collison: 7.8 PPG, 6.2 RPG

Playoff Picture

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Cavaliers (33-18)
2. 76ers (31-20)
3. Celtics (32-23)
4. Hawks (30-22)
5. Magic (29-22)
6. Nets (30-23)
7. Raptors (30-25)
8. Bulls (27-26)

On the Bubble

Wizards, Knicks, Bobcats, Bucks

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Hornets (33-17)
2. Nuggets (33-20)
3. Lakers (32-20)
4. Rockets (31-22)
5. Jazz (30-23)
6. Spurs (29-22)
7. Mavericks (29-23)
8. Grizzlies (28-24)

On the Bubble

Suns, T'Wolves

All-Star Game

East 88, West 116

Durant: 9 PTS, 2 REB, 2 BLK

[JetsIn06]

February 17, 2009

New Orleans Hornets (33-17) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (19-34)

STARTING LINEUPS

HORNETS

PG Paul
SG Brown
SF Stojakovic
PF West
C Chandler

THUNDER

PG Westbrook
SG Bogans
SF Durant
PF Green
C Collison

---

FIRST HALF

We can't hit anything to start out and New Orleans opens up with 9 unanswered points.

Halfway through the first quarter and New Orleans leads 15-4. We're playing pretty poorly but there is still a lot of time left to catch up.

10 minutes go by and New Orleans is still in the lead, up 21-12.

The Hornets finish the first on a buzzer beater three pointer and lead 26-14.

Three and a half minutes in and NO is up 32-20. We're forcing some turnovers but they keep answering back.

With 5:30 left in the half, NO is still up 10, 37-27. We just can't seem to gain ground on them.

Woo! Bogans just nailed a three and we're within 5.

The half ends with NO up 45-34, but I think we all know where this is going. With us out of contention anyway, I'm kind of just ready to get to the off-season, so I'm just going to quick-sim to the end of the game.

Hornets 101, Thunder 86

FINAL STATS

OKC

FG%: 45
3's: 9/16
FT's: 5/7
REB: 35

Wallace: 23 PTS, 8 REB
Durant: 19 PTS, 5 REB
Westbrook: 10 PTS, 6 AST

NO

FG%: 50
3's: 6/19
FT's: 15/22
REB: 39

West: 19 PTS, 8 REB
Chandler: 11 PTS, 12 REB
Paul: 18 PTS, 8 AST

[JetsIn06]

TRADE RUMOR

I'd love to get something for Wallace while he is with us. He's gonna be a free agent so if I can get two young guys, I'd be glad to deal him. I need a PG and a SF.

My target teams are in contention, in need a big man, and have a surplus of PG's and SF's. Some of these would be:

Nuggets
Rockets
Celtics
Nets
Knicks

We talk with the Nuggets first. They need a big PF and have some extra PG's and SF's available. They have a young SF, Kleiza, who I like. The problem arises with the cap, so I'll need to take on some 1-year contract guys to balance it out. PG Tinsley adds $5.59m. I add in SG J.R. Smith, who has 3 years left, but he looks like a guy I would consider keeping. He's an excellent outside shooter. But will they accept it to add a big man?

They don't. I take out Smith and put together another package. They don't budge.

I talk to the Rockets next. I put together a package of PF Wallace and SG Weaver and ask for:

PF Dorsey
PG Head
SF Warrick
SF Artest

We can't figure out somethign that works so we move on.

We talk to a few teams but nothing seems to work out. Looks like we aren't going to get anything for him. Our final shot is with the Nets. We ask for SF Hassell, PF Williams, and PF Swift. This deal is basically to pick up Williams, a nice young PF with potential.

They ask for PF Solomon Jones in return.

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

We've added SF Trenton Hassell, PF Stromile Swift, and PF Sean Williams to the team through a trade with the New Jersey Nets.

We have sent the Nets PF/C Rasheed Wallace and PF Solomon Jones.

Swift (6'10", 220 lbs) is a 9yr vet who is a below average inside shooter that is fairly good at rebounding and post defense.

Hassell (6'5", 233 lbs) is a 29yo is a backup who specialized in perimeter defense.

Williams (6'10", 235 lbs) is a young player who is only in his 2nd season in the NBA. He was selected 17th overall in the 2007 draft and has the potential to turn into a decent player. He is a good defender inside and is also a pretty good rebounder.

FREE AGENT SIGNING

The Thunder have signed PG John Lucas to a 1yr/$751k contract.

Lucas (5'11", 165 lbs) is a small, 3rd year player who is a solid athlete and a good ball handler.

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

On the night before the trade deadline, we've made one final deal that sends SG Bogans to the Memphis Grizzlies. We get SF Quinton Ross (6'6", 193 lbs), a 5th year man who is a great perimeter defender with some potential.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:

OKC @ PHO: 93-108 L (Durant: 26 PTS; Collison: 12 PTS, 13 REB)
OKC @ GS: 87-111 L (Durant: 27 PTS, 8 REB; Green: 20 PTS, 8 REB)
LAL @ OKC: 78-89 W (Durant: 22 PTS; Collison: 10 PTS, 10 REB)
OKC @ DAL: 91-93 L (Durant: 24 PTS; Westbrook: 22 PTS, 7 AST)
OKC @ MEM: 81-97 L (Durant: 26 PTS; Westbrook: 19 PTS)
DAL @ OKC: 102-101 L (Durant: 30 PTS; Green: 13 PTS, 10 REB)
WAS @ OKC: 97-81 L (Green: 25 PTS; Durant: 15 PTS)


Current Record: (20-41)

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:

OKC @ NO: 85-101 L (Durant: 30 PTS: Green: 20 PTS)
PHI @ OKC: 91-109 W (Durant: 33 PTS, 8 REB; Green: 29 PTS, 8 REB)
OKC @ SAC: 105-102 W (Durant: 35 PTS; Green: 22 PTS, 9 REB; Westbrook: 18 PTS)
OKC @ DEN: 84-123 L (Durant: 32 PTS)
OKC @ PHO: 94-104 L (Westbrook: 28 PTS; Durant: 21 PTS, 8 REB, 9 AST)
SA @ OKC: 82-87 W (Durant: 31 PTS; Green: 20 PTS, 8 REB)
CHI @ OKC: 71-92 W (Durant: 29 PTS; Westbrook: 13 PTS, 7 AST)
UTA @ OKC: 108-107 L (Durant: 32 PTS, 9 REB; Green: 21 PTS)

Current Record: (24-45)

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:

OKC @ MIN: 94-95 L (Durant: 24 PTS; Westbrook: 17 PTS, 10 AST)
LAK @ OKC: 98-100 W (Durant: 35 PTS; Collison: 11 REB)
OKC @ TOR: 79-94 L (Durant: 25 PTS)
OKC @ SA: 86-89 L (Durant: 31 PTS; Westbrook: 15 AST)
POR @ OKC: 90-76 L (Durant: 25 PTS; Collison: 10 REB)
IND @ OKC: 101-99 L (Green: 21 PTS; Durant: 18 PTS)
SA @ OKC: 89-80 L (Durant: 17 PTS)
OKC @ DEN: 84-87 L (Westbrook: 21 PTS, 4 STL)
CHA @ OKC: 77-99 W (Westbrook: 20 PTS; Collison: 14 PTS, 12 REB)
OKC @ MIL: 87-100 L (Westbrook: 17 PTS, 5 AST; Collison: 10 REB)
OKC @ POR: 80-77 W (Durant: 25 PTS; Westbrook: 13 PTS, 9 AST)
OKC @ LAC: 75-76 L (Durant: 21 PTS)

FINAL RECORD: 27-55

[JetsIn06]

'08-'09 AWARDS

MVP Award

SF LeBron James (Cavs)
27.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 5.6 APG

Rookie of the Year

PG Derrick Rose (Bulls)
17.6 PPG, 6.7 APG

Sixth Man of the Year

PF Lamar Odom (Lakers)
10 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 3.2 APG

Defensive Player of the Year

C Dwight Howard (Magic)
19.7 PPG, 11.4 RPG

Most Improved Player

PG Chris Duhon (Knicks)
10.2 PPG, 7.7 APG

All-NBA First Team

PG Chris Paul (Hornets)
SG Dwayne Wade (Heat)
SF LeBron James (Cavs)
PF Tim Duncan (Spurs)
C Dwight Howard (Magic)

All-NBA Second Team

PG Chauncey Billups (Nuggets)
SG Joe Johnson (Hawks)
SF Kevin Durant (Thunder)
PF Dirk Nowitzki (Mavericks)
C Yao Ming (Rockets)

All-NBA Third Team

PG Derrick Rose (Bulls)
SG Kobe Bryant (Lakers)
SF Carmelo Anthony (Nuggets)
PF Chris Bosh (Raptors)
C Marcus Camby (Clippers)

All-Defensive First Team

PG Chris Paul (Hornets)
SG Dwayne Wade (Heat)
SF Shawn Marion (Heat)
PF Tim Duncan (Spurs)
C Dwight Howard (Magic)

All-Defensive Second Team

PG Jason Kidd (Mavericks)
SG Andre Iguodala (76ers)
SF LeBron James (Cavs)
PF Al Jefferson (T'Wolves)
C Marcus Camby (Clippers)

All-Rookie First Team

PG Derrick Rose (Bulls)
SG O.J. Mayo (Grizzlies)
SF Danilo Gallinari (Knicks)
PF Michael Beasley (Heat)
C Greg Oden (Blazers)

All-Rookie Second Team

PG Russell Westbrook (Thunder)
SG Eric Gordon (Clippers)
SF Joe Alexander (Bucks)
PF Kevin Love (T'Wolves)
C Marc Gasol (Grizzlies)

Coach of the Year

Mike Woodson, Atlanta Hawks (53-29)

THUNDER AWARDS

SF Kevin Durant (All-NBA Second Team)
PG Russell Westbrook (All-Rookie Second Team)

[JetsIn06]

'08-'09 PLAYOFFS: ROUND ONE

EAST

Hawks (1)
Magic (8)

ATL d. ORL (4-3)

---

Knicks (4)
Raptors (5)

NY d. TOR (4-3)

---

76ers (3)
Nets (6)

PHI d. NJ (4-2)

---

Cavs (2)
Celtics (7)

CLE d. BOS (4-0)




WEST

Hornets (1)
Jazz (8)

UTA d. NO (4-2)

---

Nuggets (4)
Rockets (5)

HOU d. DEN (4-1)

---

Lakers (3)
Suns (6)

LAK d. PHO (4-3)

---

Mavericks (2)
Spurs (7)

DAL d. SA (4-3)

[JetsIn06]

'08-'09 PLAYOFFS: ROUND TWO

EAST

Hawks (1)
Knicks (4)

NY d. ATL (4-1)

---

76ers (3)
Cavs (2)

CLE d. PHI (4-2)



WEST

Jazz (8)
Rockets (5)

HOU d. UTA (4-2)

---

Lakers (3)
Mavericks (2)

DAL d. LAK (4-0)

[JetsIn06]

'08-'09 PLAYOFFS: CONFERENCE FINALS

EAST

Knicks (4)
Cavs (2)

NY d. CLE (4-3)


WEST

Rockets (5)
Mavericks (2)

DAL d. HOU (4-2)

[JetsIn06]

'08-'09 FINALS

DALLAS MAVERICKS vs. NEW YORK KNICKS

GM 1: Dallas 93, New York 84

GM 2: Dallas 125, New York 107

GM 3: New York 108, Dallas 80

GM 4: Dallas 95, New York 93

GM 5: Dallas 106, New York 100

THE DALLAS MAVERICKS ARE NBA CHAMPIONS!

MVP: PF Dirk Nowitzki (24.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.6 APG)

[JetsIn06]

OFF-SEASON

Player Options:

SG Weaver: $732K (Team) Accepted
PF Green: $3.52m (2 yr Team) Accepted
SF Durant: $4.8m (2 yr Team) Accepted
SF Hassell: $4.35m (Player) Accepted

[JetsIn06]

OFF-SEASON

Player Re-Signing:

Here are they players whose contracts are expiring:
(B) = Bird Rights

PF Joe Smith
SG Flip Murray
SF Quinton Ross
PF Stromile Swift (B)
C Johan Petro (B)
SG Thomas Gardner
PG John Lucas

The only guys willing to talk to me are Joe Smith and Quinton Ross and I have no desire to talk to any of them, so farewell. I need cap room to make a run at some guys in a year or two.

[JetsIn06]

OFF-SEASON

Draft Lottery

I have to admit, the draft is easily my favorite part and I'm very excited to have a good shot at a high pick. Here's how the chances shake out:

1) Sacramento
2) Oklahoma City
3) Golden State
4) Milwaukee
5) Detroit
6) Washington
7) Portland
8) Indiana
9) Los Angeles Clippers
10) Toronto
11) Charlotte
12) Chicago
13) Minnesota
14) Memphis

Here we go! Let's see what the lottery balls say!

WOW!
1) Charlotte (+10)
2) Sacramento (-1)
3) Golden State
4) Oklahoma City (-2)
5) Milwaukee (-1)
6) Detroit (-1)
7) Washington (-1)
8) Portland (-1)
9) Indiana (-1)
10) LA Clippers (-1)
11) Toronto (-1)
12) Chicago
13) Minnesota
14) Memphis

I can't frickin' believe how lucky Charlotte got. To jump 10 spots to #1...ugh. We get #4 which is okay but not ideal. Let's check out the players.

[JetsIn06]

2009 Draft Ranking: Top 10

1) PG Jonathan Dudley, Tennessee
2) C Josh Kelley, Miami
3) SF J.P. Phillips, Ohio St.
4) SG Everett Saunders, Boston College
5) PG Scot Eisley, Miami (OH)
6) PG Keon Bonner, Michigan
7) SF Jake Quinn, Fresno St.
8) PF Clarence Bush, New Mexico
9) PG Carlos Rodriguez, Puerto Rico
10) PF Francis Hansen, Texas

This is how my scouts have stacked the board, but for my needs, this is how I see things.

1) C Kelley
2) SG Saunders
3) PG Dudley
4) PG Eisley

If I end up taking Eisley, he will convert to SG. I'm a bit nervous about that, but we'll see. I wonder if I could trade up to take Kelley, or even down to take Saunders? The problem is you can't trade in this game once the draft stars. Boo!

Mock Draft

1. Charlotte - C Kelley
2. Sacramento - PG Dudley
3. Golden State - SF Phillips
4. Oklahoma City - PG Eisley

[JetsIn06]

Damn. Not being able to trade during the draft is really killin' me. What do I do!?

[JetsIn06]

2009 NBA DRAFT

The 2009 Draft is here! I've got my eye on center Josh Kelley but I don't think he'll stay around. Then again, these point guards are awesome. But for my team, I have Westbrook and Durant and really only need a C and a SG. Here we go...let's roll.

...With the 1st pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Bobcats select...

Point Guard, Jonathan Dudley, Tennessee

...With the 2nd pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select...

Small Forward, J.P. Phillips, Ohio St.

Snap. This was the guy I was worried would fall to me. With him gone, I know I'll be happy with Kelley or Eisley.

...With the 3rd pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors select...

Point Guard, Scot Eisley, Miami of Ohio

WOW!!!!!!!! WE GET OUR BOY KELLEY!!!!!

...With the 4th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder select...

Center, Josh Kelley, Miami

We're extremely excited to see this guy on the court. Now we wait for our 2nd rounder to come up.

When we get there, all of the guys we scouted are gone so we have to make a blind pick. I want an outside shooter, but all the SG's are gone, so I pick up a SF that I'll try and convert to SG.

With the 32nd pick, the Thunder select SF Franklin Fulton, Penn St.

Awesome draft!

[JetsIn06]

ROOKIE SIGNINGS

Today we inked a deal with our first round pick Josh Kelley and our 2nd rounder Frank Fulton.

Kelley (6'11", 294 lbs.) was the 4th overall pick. After four years of playing at Miami University, Kelley declared for the draft. Many believed he would be chosen with the #1 pick, but when Charlotte won the lottery everything changed. Kelley signed a 2yr deal with a 2yr team option. The initial two year deal is worth $6.24m.

Fulton (6'7", 236 lbs) was taken with the Thunder's 2nd round pick. Coming from Penn State where Fulton played SF, the Thunder will likely use him at SG as well. Today he signed a 1yr deal with a 2yr team option. His initial year long contract is worth $442k.

[damnMikeBrown]

Go Eisley, MU Ohio alumni unite! They'd better go round up Harper and Szerbiak for some high caliber scoring options.

[JetsIn06]

FREE AGENCY

For this free agency period, we have a few needs but don't need too many starters. I'd like to keep my cap situation solid for the potentially awesome class next season. Plus, I don't think we are ready to contend yet and I'd love to give Westbrook, Durant, Green, and Kelley some time to develop.

Also, we did some roster maneuvering. Jeff Green will take over at SF, and Durant will move to SG. That leaves our only real hole at PF. But for now, I'd be happy using Collison or Sean Williams there.

Here are the top ten free agents.

PF Carlos Boozer, 27 yo
PG Allen Iverson, 34 yo
PG Jason Kidd, 36 yo
SF Danny Granger, 26 yo
SF Ron Artest, 29 yo
SF Shawn Marion, 31 yo
PG Andre Miller, 33 yo
PF Lamar Odom, 29 yo
PF Rasheed Wallace, 34 yo
C Mehmet Okur, 30 yo

We currently have 10 players on our roster, and we need A PG and PF/C. We have $30.10m left before we hit the salary cap.

The first guy we go after is PG Ramon Sessions. He's in his 3rd year and was with the Bucks last year. He scored 10.4ppg and had just under 5 assists per game. He's looking for a three year deal that's worth $4.8m in the first year. He's not a very good scorer but he's good on defense and is a pretty good ball handler. I'm not 100% sure he's worth the contract though, so I look around some more.

I find another guy, PG Chris Quinn. He was with the Heat last year and tthis will be his 4th year in the NBA. He's a better shooter and is good on defense as well and will save us about $1m per year. I offer him a three year deal as a role player, with the first year worth about $3.5m.

Next, we start our search for another big man. However, it looks like one of our best options is C Robert Swift who was with us last year. He is average inside and has pretty good post defense and rebounding skills. Plus, our scout tells us he has pretty good potential. He wants a 2yr deal for $2.5m each year. I throw in a team option and remind him that he'll get limited playing time. We make the offer and hope for the best for the next day.

Day 2: We haven't heard back from either player. We're the only team that has contacted Quinn and Swift.

Day 3: Nothing changes. Just to update you on some of the top FA's, Boozer is getting wooed by the Bulls, who offered him a 4yr, $72m deal.

Day 4: Iverson has an interesting decision to make. The Jazz are offering the 14yr veteran a two year deal worth $18m, but they don't promise a starting job. The Clippers are offering $8m, and they also don't promise a starting job.

But the Heat are offering $7m and a spot as a starter.

Day 5: Robert Swift contacts us and tells us that he accepts our offer. Nice!

Day 6: Quinn accepts! Looks like we're done with free agency this year. Let's see where the top guys went...

PF Carlos Boozer, 27 yo (Bulls)
PG Allen Iverson, 34 yo (Pacers)
PG Jason Kidd, 36 yo (Heat)
SF Danny Granger, 26 yo (Jazz)
SF Ron Artest, 29 yo (Pistons)
SF Shawn Marion, 31 yo (Pacers)
PG Andre Miller, 33 yo (Hawks)
PF Lamar Odom, 29 yo (Nets)
PF Rasheed Wallace, 34 yo (Bobcats)
C Mehmet Okur, 30 yo (Pistons)

Looks like the Heat and the Pistons really improved themselves, each picking up two of the top ten.

[JetsIn06]

2009 Opening Day Roster

Here's a look at our roster as we continue our quest to become a winning team. We added a great young center and feel like we're on our way.

STARTERS

PG: Russell Westbook, 20 yo (2) 6'3", 187 lbs.

Westbrook is looking more and more solid as he gains experience. Last year he had 11ppg and 5.4apg.

SG: Kevin Durant, 21 yo (3) 6'9", 215 lbs.

Durant is the man. He averaged 25pgg and 5.5rpg last season. This year, he moves to SG. I think that could give the defense some problems. Durant is 6'9", and can most likely shoot over many of the guards in the league.

SF: Jeff Green, 23 yo (3) 6'9", 235 lbs.

Green moves over from PF and will be able to utilize his outside shooting more. He averaged 13.9 ppg last year. He's a better outside shooter than inside, so I expect to see those numbers go up at the new position.

PF: Nick Collison, 28 yo (7) 6'10", 255 lbs.

Collison's numbers were down last year, but he did a serviceable job at center. Now as the starting PF, he has some help with the rookie Kelley at center. I think he'll put together a better season.

C : Josh Kelley, 23 yo (R) 6'11", 294 lbs.

Here's our new big man! Taken with the 4th overall pick, we're super excited to see Kelley in action. I think he'll make everyone on the team better.

ROLE PLAYERS

PF: Sean Williams, 23 yo (3) 6'10", 235 lbs.

Williams is a defensive specialist who can hold his own in the paint. He's a good rebounder as well.

PG: Chris Quinn, 26 yo (4) 6'2", 175 lbs.

Quinn is a free agent pickup who has some potential. Two years ago, he averaged almost 8ppg in Miami, but he didn't get much playing time last season. He's a good player on the perimeter when on offense and defense.

SG: Kyle Weaver, 23 yo (2) 6'6", 201 lbs.

Weaver is young, but he provides some nice depth as a perimeter shooter. He'll get some more time on the court than he did last year.

BENCH WARMERS

PF: D.J. White, 22 (R) 6'9", 251 lbs.

His strength is rebounding but needs to work on his defense and inside scoring if he wants to stick around.

SF: Trenton Hassell, 30 yo (9) 6'5", 233 lbs.

Hassell is exclusively a perimeter defender, and that's about it.

C: Robert Swift, 23 yo (5) 7'1", 245 lbs.

Swift has some nice potential. He's a good inside scorer, a good rebounder, and an adequate post defender.

PROSPECTS

SF: Franklin Fulton, 22 yo (R) 6'7", 236 lbs.

Fulton was our 2nd rounder this past draft. It looks like he'll be a pretty good outside shooter.

OPENING DAY ROTATION

Here is our planned rotation for the start of the season:

PG Westbrook: 38
SG Durant: 42
SF Green: 38
PF Collison: 34
C Kelley: 37

PF Williams: 13
PG Quinn: 13
SG Weaver: 13
PF White: 4
SF Hassell: 3
C Swift: 3
SF Fulton: 2

[JetsIn06]

2010 Draft Outlook

I don't think we'll be quite as bad and may not get the chance to draft these guys, but here are what look like players that will be taken in the Top 5 of the 2010 draft.

PG Abraham Finley. 6'3", 203 lbs. Arizona

Finley looks like a great outside shooter and defender but doesn't have the passing skills to make everyone else better.

PG Randall McMillan. 6'2", 192 lbs. Notre Dame

McMillan is a good shooter and does have the playmaking skills, but lacks the defensive skills. Teams could have trouble picking between Finley and McMillan.

SG Kenny Witt. 6'7", 220 lbs. Kentucky

Witt is a terrible, terrible defender, but dominated on offense from the outside.

PF Edgar Petersen. 6'10", 274 lbs. Oklahoma

Petersen is the big man that a lot of teams will be looking for. He is a dominant defender and rebounder. He lacks the finesse on offense but will shut teams down in the post.

[JetsIn06]

October 29, 2009

Milwaukee Bucks (1-0) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (0-0)

STARTING LINEUPS

BUCKS

PG Ridnour
SG Redd
SF Jefferson
PF Milsap
C Bogut

THUNDER

PG Westbrook
SG Durant
SF Green
PF Collison
C Kelley

---

FIRST HALF

Here we go! Here's to a solid '09-'10 season!

The Bucks win the tip off and start off the game. On their first possession they go to the line after Kelley gets called for a foul.

Both teams come out firing on all cylinders and it's 10-10 just three minutes in.

Halfway through and MIL is up 18-16. Our standout has been Green who has been playing SF extremely well.

The first ends and we're up by two, 24-22. Durant ends the 1st with 10 points and Westbrook is looking great with 4 assists.

Halfway through the 2nd it's still close. Westbrook is at the line and puts us up by 2. It's 36-34.

With 2:00 left in the half, it's still close. It's been a battle and no one has been able to pull away. We're still up by 2, 45-43.

At the half, it's still a two point game. We're up 51-49.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

FG%: 48
3's: 0/3
FT's: 11/12
REB: 22

Green: 16 PTS, 6 REB
Durant: 14 PTS
Westbrook: 10 PTS, 6 AST
Kelley: 4 PTS, 3 REB

MIL

FG%: 39
3's: 3/6
FT's: 14/16
REB: 21

Jefferson: 15 PTS
Redd: 8 PTS
Bogut: 7 PTS, 9 REB

SECOND HALF

We open up the half with a 14-6 run that puts us up 10.

Green is really playing great, nailing a three and then throwing down a huge dunk after a steal.

Halfway through the quarter and we're up 71-59.

Near the end of the quarter, after having a 15 point lead MIL has clawed back and are now within 6 with 18 seconds left in the 3rd.

The quarter ends with us up 81-73, a nice lead that I think we can hold onto.

A few minutes in, we're up 12, 89-77.

And Kelley gets a big block! Nice to see that from our new guy.

With 2:45 left, the Bucks have brought it back to a 5 point game. but Durant steps it up and drains a beautiful three and it's 100-91 with 1:55 left.

Bogut, who has 13 PTS and 14 REB's goes to the line but can only make one. We get the rebound and Westbrook takes it up, but we can't score.

They can't put anything together and we close out the game for a win.

Thunder 104, Bucks 96

FINAL STATS

OKC

FG%: 50
3's: 2/7
FT's: 18/21
REB: 45

Green: 29 PTS, 9 REB
Durant: 29 PTS, 9 REB
Westbrook: 16 PTS, 13 AST
Kelley: 11 PTS, 9 REB

MIL

FG%: 39
3's: 5/11
FT's: 25/30
REB: 45

Redd: 24 PTS
Jefferson: 23 PTS
Bogut: 14 PTS, 16 REB
Millsap: 9 PTS, 12 REB

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:

OKC @ NO: 105-108 L (Durant: 50 PTS, 8 REB; Green: 25 PTS)
MIN @ OKC: 120-91 L (Durant: 27 PTS; Green: 21 PTS)
BOS @ OKC: 118-96 L (Durant: 27 PTS, 6 REB)
OKC @ UTA: 77-117 L (Durant: 21 PTS; Collison: 14 PTS)
ORL @ OKC: 93-84 L (Green: 18 PTS)
OKC @ CHI: 119-111 W (Durant: 31 PTS, 9 REB; Westbrook: 29 PTS, 10 AST)
CHA @ OKC: 91-76 L (Durant: 36 PTS, 8 REB)
OKC @ PHI: 100-113 L (Durant: 34 PTS; Westbrook: 22 PTS)
OKC @ NY: 74-94 L (Durant: 19 PTS, 7 REB; Collison: 13 PTS, 10 REB)
CHA @ OKC: 88-92 W (Green: 23 PTS; Durant: 22 PTS; Westbrook: 10 AST)
SAC @ OKC: 87-89 W (Durant: 28 PTS)

Current Record: (4-8)

[DaddyTorgo]

man this is making me want to sim ahead and check out the draft process more in-depth

[JetsIn06]

man this is making me want to sim ahead and check out the draft process more in-depth

I'm sorry to say it's not great.

They could do some very simple things to make it more fun, but it's kind of a downer. No trading once it starts? That completely ruins the coolest part of the draft for me....hoping your guys lasts, trading up when you realize he won't....bah.

[JetsIn06]

November 21, 2009

Houston Rockets (5-5) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (4-8)

STARTING LINEUPS

ROCKETS

PG Lowry
SG McGrady
SF Battier
PF Scola
C Yao Ming

THUNDER

PG Westbrook
SG Durant
SF Green
PF Collison
C Kelley

---

FIRST HALF

We're a little more than halfway through the first and Houston is up 16-14. Yao is really shredding up our offensive chances. He's swatting away everything that comes near him.

Houston just nailed a wide open three with 1:30 left in the 1st and are now up 25-17.

It ends 27-21 and we can't let them gain on their lead in the 2nd.

We go on a run and go up by 1 after a three pointer with 10:00 left.

Halfway through and Houston as taken a two point lead. Durant launches up a three but it's off. We get a steal but don't have a chance for a fast break. We get fouled on a reach. Inbound pass to Westbrook and he nails a three! Nice! We're up one.

Ack. They hit a three on their next possession.

Our backup PG Chris Quinn is having a pretty solid game so far. He just hit a three to bring us within one.

With 2:00 left it's 48-44, HOU.

The Rockets' four point lead remains and the half ends with us down 50-46.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

FG%: 43
3's: 6/14
FT's: 0/0
REB: 21

Quinn: 11 PTS
Durant: 8 PTS, 3 AST
Westbrook: 5 PT, 4 AST

HOU

FG%: 43
3's: 5/12
FT's: 7/8
REB: 23

McGrady: 14 PTS
Jackson: 10 PTS
Yao: 10 PTS, 8 REB

SECOND HALF

Houston opens up strong and goes up by twelve at one point, but halfway through the 3rd and we're back within 5 and have possession. Damn it! Yao blocks a shot by Durant, but they miss their shot and we get it back and need to get within 3. Yao blocks another but we recover, then miss the shot.

At the start of the 4th, the Rockets are up 75-69.

(Sorry, lost track.)

Rockets 96, Thunder 95
FINAL STATS

OKC

FG%: 43
3's: 11/25
FT's: 6/8
REB: 45

Durant: 27 PTS, 7 REB
Green: 23 PTS
Westbrook: 13 PTS, 11 AST

HOU

FG%: 37
3's: 7/28
FT's: 17/26
REB: 52

Yao: 25 PTS, 19 REB
McGrady: 21 PTS, 5 REB
Jackson: 15 PTS
Scola: 11 REB

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:

OKC @ HOU: 106-91 W (Durant: 39 PTS, 11 REB)
PHO @ OKC: 103-90 L (Durant: 32 PTS; Green: 17 PTS)
OKC @ DET: 85-108 L (Durant: 27 PTS, 11 REB)
MIN @ OKC: 110-98 L (Durant: 41 PTS)
OKC @ DAL: 96-95 W (Durant: 30 PTS; Westbrook: 9 AST)
OKC @ WAS: 95-105 L (Durant: 30 PTS; Green: 17 PTS, 9 REB)
OKC @ CHA: 82-86 L (Durant: 30 PTS; Green: 18 PTS, 10 REB)
OKC @ MIA: 78-97 L (Durant: 23 PTS; Westbrook: 10 PTS, 8 AST)
LAC @ OKC: 81-85 W (Green: 17 PTS; Durant: 16 PTS, 6 REB)

Current Record: (7-15)

[JetsIn06]

December 9, 2009

Dallas Mavericks (5-16) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (7-15)

STARTING LINEUPS

MAVERICKS

PG Tinsley
SG Green
SF Howard
PF Nowitzski
C Dampier

THUNDER

PG Westbrook
SG Durant
SF Green
PF Collison
C Kelley

---

FIRST HALF

The first quarter is completely dominated by the Mavs. After one, their shooting 59% and are up 29-15. They've out rebounded us 16-8.

Four minutes into the 2nd and DAL is up 20. We're getting manhandled out there.

With 5:50 left, the Mavs are up 43-21.

This one looks hopeless.

Mavericks 81, Thunder 66

FINAL STATS

OKC

FG%: 36
3's: 0/7
FT's: 10/14
REB: 43

Collison: 8 PTS, 10 REB
Durant: 22 PTS, 7 REB
Kelley: 10 PTS, 8 REB

DAL

FG%: 45
3's: 5/17
FT's: 8/16
REB: 48

Green: 19 PTS
Nowitzki: 16 PTS, 12 REB

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:

@ MEM: 101-99 W (Durant: 32 PTS, 8 REB; Westbook: 20 PTS, 10 AST)
@ SA: 62-67 L (Durant: 17 PTS, 9 REB)
SAC: 93-108 W (Durant: 25 PTS; Green: 25 PTS; Westbrook: 23 PTS)
TOR: 89-105 W (Durant: 38 PTS, 9 REB)
DET: 113-91 L (Durant: 31 PTS, 5 REB; Westbrook: 6 AST)
@ ORL: 89-94 L (Westbrook: 24 PTS, 8 AST)
@ CLE: 88-101 L (Durant: 18 PTS, 5 REB)
@ ATL: 97-102 L (Durant: 28 PTS; Collison: 16 PTS, 10 REB; Westbrook: 15 PTS, 10 AST)
PHO: 76-81 W (Collison: 20 PTS, 14 REB; Westbrook: 9 PTS, 9 AST)

Current Record: (11-21)

[JetsIn06]

Well, I'm going to move forward a little differently. Sadly, I'm really not having that much fun watching these games and my favorite part is going through the draft and free agency and trades. I would get DDS:PB, but unfortunately it doesn't work on my computer for some odd reason (get an error as soon as I start it up), so it looks like NBA 2K9 will have to act as a text sim.

Anyway, I'll sim all of the games but take breaks throughout the season and go into a little more detail on the league and my thoughts on the team.

[JetsIn06]

Thirty Games In: A Quick Recap

Most teams have played about 30 games, so now's a perfect time to see what kind of start teams have gotten. How are the rookies doing? How are the top free agents from last year doing? Let's take a look.

The Utah Jazz are on a roll. Last month they went 13-2 to bring their record to a league best 27-6. The key to their game? No turnovers. They have the fewest turnovers in the league and are tied for the highest shooting percentage.

SF Danny Granger and PG Deron Williams are leading the team to the top of the power rankings, both with an efficiency rating of 19.3. That doesn't break the Top 10 league leaders in that statistic, and interestingly the Jazz don't have a single player that is in the Top 10 of an efficiency stat, but they somehow make it work.

LeBron James of Cleveland is leading the league in PPG with 27.6, but our own Kevin Durant is right behind him averaging 27.5 a game.

Let's take a look at the rookies. PG Carlos Rodriguez, the 11th pick in the draft has played extremely well for Toronto. He's averaging 12.4 points per game, which leads all rookies. He also leads all rookies with 5.3 assists per game.

Charlotte is taking it slow with the first overall pick, Jonathan Dudley. He's averaging 12.8 minutes on the court per game and putting up just under 5ppg.

Carlos Boozer, the top free agent last off-season, is playing well. He's averaging just under 30 minutes per game and is scoring 16.5 a game. His rebounding has dropped off a bit, but his shooting percentage is the best it's been since the 06-07 season.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:

LAC: 78-96 W (Durant: 36 PTS, 8 REB; Westbrook: 18 PTS)
POR: 74-83 W (Durant: 36 PTS; Green: 17 PTS)
PHI: 84-80 L (Durant: 23 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST; Green: 20 PTS)
@ MIN: 100-90 W (Durant: 31 PTS; Collison: 19 PTS, 9 REB)
NO: 101-100 L (Durant: 31 PTS; Westbrook: 17 PTS, 9 REB)
@ IND: 101-86 W (Green: 34 PTS; Westbrook: 12 PTS, 10 AST; Durant: 25 PTS)
@ NJ: 82-113 L (Durant: 20 PTS; Westbrook: 10 PTS, 9 AST)
UTA: 95-84 L (Durant: 34 PTS; Green 24 PTS; Westbrook: 9 AST)
CLE: 80-89 W (Durant: 25 PTS; Collison: 11 PTS, 15 REB)
MIA: 78-98 W (Durant: 36 PTS; Collison: 16 PTS, 10 REB)
@ LAC: 86-97 L (Durant: 32 PTS; Westbrook: 15 PTS, 11 AST)

Current Record: (17-26)

[JetsIn06]

Not a bad stretch there. We're currently in third place in the Northwest. Here's how the division looks as of Jan. 21, 2010:

Jazz: 32-11
Nuggets: 22-20
Thunder: 17-26
Blazers: 16-27
T'Wolves: 13-27

[JetsIn06]

2010 Draft Update

I thought I'd give a little glimpse into how our scouting is going, but first let's take a look at the teams that will be in the running for the 1st overall pick.

Bottom Ten Teams:

10. Golden State Warriors (18-25)
9. New York Knicks (17-24)
8. Oklahoma City Thunder (17-26)
7. Boston Celtics (17-27)
6. Houston Rockets (15-24)
5. Portland Trailblazers (16-27)
4. Sacramento Kings (14-27)
3. Washington Wizards (14-28)
2. Minnesota Timberwolves (13-27)

And the worst team in the NBA is....

1. Milwaukee Bucks (13-32)

2010 Draft Prospects

Our scouts have been focusing on the players ranked from 6-14, but here are some of their thoughts on the top players.

1. SG Darius House - UTEP

Our scouts say house is an athletic freak out on the court. He has great shooting ability from within the perimeter but can hold his own from the outside. His defense is outstanding, he's a playmaker...you can't really ask for more.

2. PG Abraham Finley - Arizona

Finley is a defensive machine. On offense he may get shut down if he tries to go inside, but he can nail the three and will make players around him better.

3. PG Randall McMillan - Notre Dame

Big drop off from 2 to 3, in our scouts eyes. McMillan has a great outside game but his defense is putrid and he doesn't have the playmaking ability Finley has.

4. PF Chucky Williams - North Carolina

Williams started at the top but slowly fell as our scours noticed flaws in his game. It's not that he's bad, it's just that he was a bit overrated. But scouts actually feel he was undervalued when it comes to his inside game and his defense. He's a big guy, but doesn't have a problem guarding quicker players on the outside straight up. He's also touted as being the best rebounder in the draft. This is the guy that we hope somehow falls to us if we don't get into the top three or four.

5. SG Daryl Gilbert - Oregon

Gilbert is a great athlete and a great defender outside, but he's just good at everything else. Our scouts haven't looked at this guy in depth, but they tell me he compares to Michael Redd.

Other Thunder Targets

Here are some thoughts on other players we've been looking at:

PF Corey Westbrook - Wake Forest

Westbrook is projected to go in the late first round. We figure that if we have a high pick and don't think we can land a PF, we will trade down. I want to be prepared so we sent out our scouts to watch Westbrook twice. They didn't like him, but they say he has some upside. He's a terrible shooter, and the only thing that he's got going for him are average post defense abilities.

PF Randy Cooper - Memphis

Projected as a 2nd rounder, our scouts actually have him ranked above Westbrook. He needs some seasoning, but he's a much better rebounder and is better defensively.

PF Edgar Peterson - Oklahoma

Peterson is an interesting prospect. Our scouts rate his overall ability as an A+. They also tell us that his potential is an F-. An F MINUS? I guess this is as good as he'll get. He's projected to go to a lottery pick. This guys defense is off the charts good, rated as an A+ in Inside Defense, Man Defense, and Rebounding. He has no outside shooting talent but can hold is own on the inside.

[JetsIn06]

In our game with Sacramento, Jeff Green separated his shoulder and will be out for the next 2-4 weeks. Crap!

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:

@ SAC: 98-85 W (Green: 29 PTS; Durant: 24 PTS; Westbrook: 15 PTS, 9 AST)
NJ: 108-87 L (Durant: 27 PTS)
DAL: 82-79 L (Durant: 22 PTS; Westbrook: 17 PTS, 8 AST)
@ UTA: 85-88 L (Durant: 26 PTS; Westbrook: 12 PTS, 12 AST; Kelley: 18 REB)
@ GS: 75-106 L (Durant: 25 PTS; Westbrook: 18 PTS)
POR: 91-87 L (Durant: 35 PTS, 8 REB)
DEN: 92-85 L (Durant: 24 PTS; Collison: 10 PTS, 12 REB)
GS: 89-87 L (Durant: 27 PTS; Collison: 17 PTS, 8 REB)
@ LAL: 96-107 L (Durant: 57 PTS)
@ DEN: 98-101 L (Durant: 30 PTS; Green: 23 PTS, 8 REB; Westbrook: 18 PTS, 11 AST)

Current Record: (18-35)

[JetsIn06]

Not a great way to go into the all-star break...a nine game loosing streak. I better start looking at those top five players again.

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

We've been contacted by the Pacers. It's the night before the all-star game and we're open to a deal.

They make us an offer for our backup PF Sean Williams. In return, they would send us veteran SF Matt Harpring and their 2010 1st Rounder.

I like the deal for us. I really like Williams for his defense, but thinking about it, PF is going to be my TOP priority this off-season. Whether it's a draft pick or free agent, or even a trade, I'm upgrading PF this coming off-season. I already have Collison who I love, and with him slotted to be the main backup next year, Williams is expendable.

Harpring isn't in our future plans. He's a 12 year veteran that is in the last year of his contract. We'll take the salary, let him walk into free agency, and pick up a 1st round pick in the process.

[JetsIn06]

ALL-STAR BREAK

Thunder All-Stars

SG Kevin Durant (2nd Appearance)

All-Star Game

West 98, East 94

Durant: 11 PTS, 3 REB

[JetsIn06]

Around the League Update

Team Report

PG Westbrook: 12.3 PPG, 6.5 APG
SG Bogans: 28.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG
SF Green: 17 PPG, 5.1 RPG
PF Collison: 9.5 PPG, 7.1 RPG
C Kelley: 4.3 PPG, 6.4 RPG

Playoff Picture

East

1. Pistons (33-18)
2. Cavaliers (31-20)
3. Hawks (31-22)
4. Raptors (32-23)
5. Bulls (31-23)
6. 76ers (29-23)
7. Nets (29-24)
8. Heat (27-25)

On the Bubble

Bobcats (26-25)
Pacers (27-26)
Knicks (26-25)
Magic (25-27)

West

1. Jazz (38-15)
2. Lakers (34-18)
3. Spurs (30-21)
4. Hornets (30-23)
5. Clippers (29-25)
6. Nuggets (27-25)
7. Grizzlies (27-25)
8. Suns (26-25)

On the Bubble

Mavericks (26-26)

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:

HOU: 99-76 L (Durant: 22 PTS, 8 REB; Westbrook: 21 PTS)
@ PHO: 96-117 L (Durant: 36 PTS; Westbrook: 13 PTS, 12 AST)
@ LAC: 86-97 L (Durant: 26 PTS; Westbrook: 11 PTS, 9 REB)
LAL: 98-90 L (Durant: 35 PTS, 8 REB)
@ MEM: 96-93 W (Durant: 39 PTS, 7 REB)
@ DAL: 87-124 L (Durant: 19 PTS; Green: 17 PTS)
MEM: 98-95 L (Durant: 34 PTS, 8 REB; Westbrook: 16 PTS, 7 AST)
ATL: 87-93 W (Durant: 30 PTS; Quinn: 16 PTS)
@ HOU: 95-102 L (Durant: 27 PTS; Collison: 10 PTS, 17 REB)
NY: 102-112 W (Durant: 34 PTS, 7 REB; Green: 21 PTS)
@ GS: 100-86 W (Durant: 29 PTS, 9 REB; Westbrook: 21 PTS)
@ POR: 80-101 L (Durant: 23 PTS; Westbrook: 22 PTS; Green: 11 PTS, 8 REB)

Current Record: (22-43)

[JetsIn06]

Down to the Wire: Around the NBA Update

With most teams having 15 or so games to play, this is a perfect time for our last in-season around the league update.

Utah Jazz: The Jazz have been on fire since the start of the season, and there's no sign of it being put out. They are 48-17, eight games better than the next two best teams, the Pistons and the Lakers.

Final Playoff Spot: In the East, the Pacers currently hold the 8th and final playoff seed with a 34-33 record, but three teams are two games behind them. The Knicks, the Heat, and the Bobcats are all at 32-34. With a solid run at the end and a Pacer meltdown, any of these three teams could continue on.

In the West, The Grizzlies hold the #8 seed, but the Suns have the same record (33-34) and the Blazers are two games back at 31-37.

MVP Race: LeBron James looks like the front-runner, but could PG Deron Williams of the Jazz or Tim Duncan of the Spurs dethrone him? James is averaging 28.6ppg and is shooting 49.7%, but Williams is leading the best team in the NBA.

PG Rodriguez - ROTY?: It looks like the Raptors got a steal with the 11th overall pick. Rodriguez is completely outperforming the #1 and #3 overall picks, point guards Jon Dudley and Scot Eisley. Dudley is averaging 4.8 PPG and Eisley is only scoring 3.4 PPG. While it is only the first year, Rodriguez is off to a great start.

[JetsIn06]

2010 Draft Update

Here's our final draft update.

Bottom Ten Teams:

10. Portland Trailblazers (31-37)
9. Boston Celtics (29-38)
8. Golden State Warriors (28-38)
7. Orlando Magic (28-39)
6. Houston Rockets (26-40)
5. Minnesota Timberwolves (25-41)
4. Sacramento Kings (25-41)
3. Washington Wizards (25-42)
2. Milwaukee Bucks (23-46)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (22-45)

2010 Draft Prospects

Here are the top five players according to my scouts.

1. SG Darius House - UTEP

House is still at the top of our scouts draft board. Now that it looks like I'm in the running for the #1 pick, I'm considering moving Durant back to SF, Green back to PF, and taking one of the SG's with the #1. We'll see. This guy looks too good to pass up.

2. SG Brent Beasley - Virginia

Here's a guy that shot up the boards as the season went on. He's an incredible shooter and is very good on defense as well. He has quick hands that make him tough to beat on defense.

3. SF Jess Warren - Georgia Tech

Warren probably isn't ready to step in and play a huge role but he has a ton of upside. He doesn't have a certain skill that pigeonholes him into a certain type of player. He does everything pretty well but not spectacular. I disagree with my scouts on Warren's board position, I think.

4. PG Randall McMillan - Notre Dame

Last update, we said that our scouts told us that this guys defense was putrid. They had a little change of heart and it doesn't look so bad anymore. He's a solid playmaker and a great shooter. On top of that, he has tremendous upside and our scout says he has the potential to be the next big superstar.

5. PG Abraham Finley - Arizona

Finley looks solid, but probably isn't a fit for our team. He's an amazing outside shooter but doesn't have the passing skills to be a dynamic PG. As I said before, this guy can't drive to the basket to save his life.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:

@ PHO: 80-113 L (Durant: 25 PTS; Westbrook: 11 AST)
SA: 96-84 L (Durant: 40 PTS; Collison: 10 PTS, 10 REB)
IND: 81-98 W (Durant: 32 PTS; Westbrook: 14 PTS, 10 AST)
UTA: 100-93 L (Collison: 20 PTS, 9 REB; Westbrook: 15 PTS)
@ MIN: 98-83 W (Durant: 29 PTS)
LAL: 96-91 L (Durant: 22 PTS; Collison: 12 REB)
@ TOR: 91-95 L (Durant: 31 PTS; Green: 21 PTS)
@ BOS: 83-95 L (Durant: 30 PTS, 9 REB)
@ SA: 74-103 L (Durant: 29 PTS)
DEN: 102-88 L (Durant: 29 PTS; Kelley: 10 PTS, 9 REB)
CHI: 108-81 L (Durant: 25 PTS, 8 REB; Westbrook: 21 PTS, 7 AST)
SA: 84-72 L (Durant: 17 PTS; Collison: 13 PTS, 8 REB)
@ POR: 103-102 W (Durant: 40 PTS; Collison: 13 REB)
WAS: 92-108 W (Durant: 39 PTS; Green: 25 PTS; Kelley: 15 REB)
@ MIL: 104-89 W (Durant: 24 PTS; Westbrook: 23 PTS, 7 AST)
@ DEN: 75-96 L (Durant: 38 PTS; Collison: 11 REB)
@ SAC: 86-119 L (Westbrook: 17 PTS; Durant: 16 PTS, 10 REB)

Final Record: (27-55)

[JetsIn06]

'09-'10 AWARDS

MVP Award

PG Deron Williams (Jazz)
18.4 PPG, 7.1 APG

Rookie of the Year

PG Carlos Rodriguez (Raptors)
12.5 PPG, 5.4 APG

Sixth Man of the Year

SG Mike Dunleavy (Knicks)
13.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.9 APG

Defensive Player of the Year

C Dwight Howard (Magic)
18.7 PPG, 10.8 RPG

Most Improved Player

PG Kyle Lowry (Rockets)
10.7 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 5.2 APG

All-NBA First Team

PG Deron Williams (Jazz)
SG Kevin Durant (Thunder)
SF LeBron James (Cavs)
PF Amare Stoudemire (Suns)
C Dwight Howard (Magic)

All-NBA Second Team

PG Chris Paul (Hornets)
SG Dwayne Wade (Heat)
SF Carmelo Anthony (Nuggets)
PF Chris Bosh (Raptors)
C Yao Ming (Rockets)

All-NBA Third Team

PG Baron Davis (Clippers)
SG Kobe Bryant (Lakers)
SF Rudy Gay (Grizzlies)
PF Tim Duncan (Spurs)
C Andrew Bogut (Bucks)

All-Defensive First Team

PG Chris Paul (Hornets)
SG Dwayne Wade (Heat)
SF Shawn Marion (Heat)
PF Amare Stoudemire (Suns)
C Dwight Howard (Magic)

All-Defensive Second Team

PG Carlos Rodriguez (Raptors)
SG Kevin Durant (Thunder)
SF LeBron James (Cavaliers)
PF Tim Duncan (Spurs)
C David Lee (Knicks)

All-Rookie First Team

PG Carlos Rodriguez (Raptors)
SG Jimmy Scott (Raptors)
SF Jake Quinn (T'Wolves)
PF Francis Hansen (Celtics)
C Josh Kelley (Thunder)

All-Rookie Second Team

PG Jonathan Dudley (Bobcats)
SG Everett Saunders (Bucks)
SF J.P. Phillips (Kings)
PF Kenny Finley (Hornets)
C Lowell Robertson (Pistons)

Coach of the Year

Homer Watkins - Utah Jazz (62-20)

THUNDER AWARDS

SF Kevin Durant (All-NBA First Team, All-Defensive Second Team)
C Josh Kelley (All-Rookie First Team)

[JetsIn06]

'09-'10 PLAYOFFS: ROUND ONE

EAST

Pistons (1)
Nets (8)

NETS defeat PISTONS (4-2)

---

Raptors (4)
Cavaliers (5)

CAVALIERS defeat RAPTORS (4-1)

---

Hawks (3)
Pacers (6)

PACERS defeat HAWKS (4-0)

---

Bulls (2)
76ers (7)

BULLS defeat 76ers (4-3)




WEST

Jazz (1)
Grizzlies (8)

JAZZ defeat GRIZZLIES (4-3)

---

Spurs (4)
Nuggets (5)

SPURS defeat NUGGETS (4-3)

---

Hornets (3)
Clippers (6)

HORNETS defeat CLIPPERS (4-1)

---

Lakers (2)
Mavericks (7)

MAVERICKS defeat LAKERS (4-2)

[JetsIn06]

'09-'10 PLAYOFFS: ROUND TWO

EAST

Nets (8)
Cavaliers (5)

CAVALIERS defeat NETS (4-1)

---

Pacers (6)
Bulls (2)

BULLS defeat PACERS (4-1)



WEST

Jazz (1)
Spurs (4)

JAZZ defeat SPURS (4-3)

---

Hornets (3)
Mavericks (7)

HORNETS defeat MAVERICKS (4-1)

[JetsIn06]

'09-'10 PLAYOFFS: CONFERENCE FINALS

EAST

Cavaliers (5)
Bulls (2)

BULLS defeat CAVALIERS (4-3)


WEST

Jazz (1)
Hornets (3)

HORNETS defeat JAZZ (4-2)

[JetsIn06]

'09-'10 FINALS


CHICAGO BULLS vs. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS


GM 1: Chicago 93, New Orleans 92

GM 2: New Orleans 103, Chicago 90

GM 3: Chicago 90, New Orleans 80

GM 4: Chicago 112, New Orleans 98

GM 5: Chicago 97, New Orleans 96


THE CHICAGO BULLS ARE NBA CHAMPIONS!


MVP: PF Carlos Boozer (15.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.2 APG)

[JetsIn06]

OFF-SEASON

Player Options:

SF Franklin Fulton: $486k (2 yr Team) Accepted
PF D.J. White: $1.11m (2 yr Team) Rejected
SF Jeff Green: $4.46m (Team) Accepted
SG Kevin Durant: $6.05m (Team) Accepted
PG Russell Westbrook: $4.02m (2 yr Team) Accepted

[JetsIn06]

OFF-SEASON

Player Re-Signing:

Here are they players whose contracts are expiring:
(B) = Bird Rights

SF Matt Harpring (B)
PF D.J. White
SG Kyle Weaver
SF Trenton Hassell (B)

First guy I want to try and sign is Weaver. He's young and while he's not destined for greatness, he's a solid role players/bench player. We offer him a two year deal worth about $2.5m each year and a team option for a third year. However, when we tell him he will be on the bench a lot he refuses to sign. We'll ask again in a day or two and tell him he'll be a role player.

SF Matt Harpring (B)
PF D.J. White
SG Kyle Weaver - Re-signed
SF Trenton Hassell (B)

We're going to let the rest walk. Time for the draft!

[JetsIn06]

OFF-SEASON

Draft Lottery

Here we go! We've got the best shot at #1.

1) Oklahoma City
2) Washington
3) Milwaukee
4) Houston
5) Golden State
6) Orlando
7) Sacramento
8) Minnesota
9) Portland
10) New York
11) Phoenix
12) Boston
13) Charlotte
14) Miami

Here we go! Let's see what the lottery balls say!

YES!

1) Oklahoma City
2) Washington
3) Sacramento (+4)
4) Milwaukee (-1)
5) Houston (-1)
6) Golden State (-1)
7) Orlando (-1)
8) Minnesota
9) Portland
10) New York
11) Phoenix
12) Boston
13) Charlotte
14) Miami

Hell yea! I have no idea what we're going to do. Do we take an awesome SG and move our guys around? Do I take a SG, move Durant, and then trade Green? Or, I could trade the #1 to a team that sends me their superstar PF. Let's see!

[JetsIn06]

2010 Draft Ranking: Top 10

1) SG Darius House
2) PG Randall McMillan
3) PG Abraham Finley
4) SG Daryl Gilbert
5) PF Chucky Williams
6) PG Donnell Walton
7) SG Kenny Witt
8) PF Edgar Petersen
9) PG Antonis Papadopoulous
10) SG Brent Beasley

This is how my scouts have stacked the board, but for my needs, this is how I see things.

1) SG House
2) SG Gilbert
3) PF Williams
4) PF Peterson
5) SG Beasley

This is tough. First thing I'm going to do is check out the trade market, and then I'll make a decision. In the meantime, here is a mock draft.

Mock Draft

1. Okalhoma City: PF Chucky Williams

Hmm. Interesting pick. This looks a bit like a reach to me, even though my need is PF.

2. Washington: C Will Rowe
3. Sacramento: PG Abraham Finley
4. Milwaukee: PF Edgar Petersen
5. Houston: PG Randall McMillan

21. Oklahoma City: PF Corey Westbrook

I scouted this guy twice. He looks okay for a late first rounder. He's a defensive specialist, which I like.

[JetsIn06]

And of course, this fucking game doesn't let you trade picks after you move on from the workout stage, so I don't have a decision to make. :mad:

[JetsIn06]

2010 NBA DRAFT

With the first pick of the 2010 NBA Draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder select...

Shooting guard, Darius House, UTEP!

Nice! Even though I'm unhappy I couldn't even make a decision with trading, I'm super happy to get House. He looks really,really good.

We're on the clock again with the 21st pick. I'm hoping one of the PF's lasted.

With the 21st pick, the Thunder select...

Power Forward, Corey Westbrook, Wake Forest.

The mock draft was right, and I take the defensive specialist with some potential.

With the 31st pick, the Thunder select...

Center, Dmitri Elliot.

Elliot is a 7'1" Russian. He looks like a good project. He's a decent inside shooter and post defender.

And that does it for the draft!

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

There are a couple ways I can go here.

First of all, Amare Stoudemire is available in FA, and I'm going to get him. I will do whatever it takes to get him.

That leaves me with two options.

Option 1: House starts at SG, Durant moves back to SF, and I trade Jeff Green.

Option 2: I trade the recently drafted and signed House and keep everyone where they are at. House looks really good, but is it worth losing Green? I'm not entirely sure.

I test the waters a bit, looking for teams with multiple first round picks next year that aren't good. Unfortunately, no one has more than one 1st rounder next year.

Well, I have the cap room for Amare, but I'm a little nervous that a bidding war will erupt and I'll run out. He's asking for $16m this year, I have $20m available. Trading Green would give me an extra $4.4m to play with.

I toss out some offers with Green involved, looking for a 1st round pick next year and a player.

We find a match with the Kings, who are willing to talk. They want to trade their forward with some potential to us for Green who would make a more immediate impact. I ask for PF Thompson and SF Greene as well as the Kings 1st round pick in 2011.

They counter, asking for my late 1st rounder Corey Westbrook in return. I don't really mind considering I'm getting two players with potential in return. But to extract everything I can, I ask for a 2012 2nd rounder as well. They don't budge, so we settle on the original deal.

The Kings had the 3rd overall pick this year, and while they are improved, I think their pick has a chance of being a lottery pick next year, so I'm definitely happy. I reduced my cap by about $1m and now it's time to go after Amare!

[JetsIn06]

FREE AGENCY

This is a pretty solid free agent class. I got excited when LeBron, Kobe, and Dirk declined their options, but they ended up re-signing.

However, my man Amare Stoudemire is available for hire. He is mine. I don't care what it takes. He will be a member of the Thunder in 2010.

*knock on wood*

Here are the Top 10 Free Agents available:

PF Amare Stoudemire, 27 yo
SG Tracy McGrady, 31 yo
SF Josh Howard, 30 yo
PG T.J. Ford, 27 yo
C Jermaine O'Neal, 31 yo
PG Randy Foye, 26 yo
SF Andrea Bargnani, 24 yo
PF Luis Scola, 30 yo
SG Grant Hill, 37 yo
PF Al Harrington, 30 yo

We currently have twelve men on the roster. I'm looking for a starting PF, a backup C, and a backup G.

Day 1: I start it off by giving Amara a sweet contract. It's a four year deal with a player option on the fifth year. It starts at $16.15m and goes up to $23.65m in the option year. I also threw in a no trade clause and told him that I want him to be the star of the team. Let's hope this works!

I'm not sure what would happen if I offered too much money, so I'm just going to make sure I get him before I make any other offers.

Day 2: We see that the Cavaliers are going after him. They can't match our offer but do throw in the NTC and the player option on the 5th year. I'm a little nervous.

Day 3: T'Wolves make an offer, but don't have an NTC or option.

Day 4: Six more teams make an offer but they are no where near good enough.

Day 5: The Suns make an offer for six year (I guess only a previous team can offer six?) Our offer still gets the highest amount of interest from him but now I'm getting nervous he'll sign with the Suns for a longer deal/old team. Ah!

Day 8: YES! Stoudemire is officialy on the team! Wow!

Day 9: We make a few offers to backup G's and C's. We have $6.79m in cap room left. First, we offered SG Larry Hughes a one year deal with a team option worth around $3.75m per year. Then we put in an offer on C Steven Hunter, a 28 yo vet who's asking for about the same amount over three years and a team option fourth.

Quick update: McGrady is being courted hard by three teams: The Kings, the Knicks, and the Suns. Each has something the other doesn't. The Suns are offering slightly more money, the Knicks are including a 5th year player option, and the Kings have an NTC included.

The Knicks, Cavs, and Rockets are all going after SF Josh Howard. Cavs are offering a player option for the 5th year but can't offer a starting job because of LeBron.

Day 15: Steven Hunter signs his contract with us!

Day 16: Larry Hughes signs his deal with us and we use our MLE (don't full understand this yet).

And we're done! Let's see what happened with the top players...

PF Amare Stoudemire, 27 yo (Thunder)
SG Tracy McGrady, 31 yo (Knicks)
SF Josh Howard, 30 yo (Kings)
PG T.J. Ford, 27 yo (Raptors)
C Jermaine O'Neal, 31 yo (Pacers)
PG Randy Foye, 26 yo (T'Wolves)
SF Andrea Bargnani, 24 yo (Rockets)
PF Luis Scola, 30 yo (Mavericks)
SG Grant Hill, 37 yo (Rockets)
PF Al Harrington, 30 yo (Kings)

Rockets look like they improved their team pretty nicely, and the Kings as well. That's not good for us since we have their 1st rounder, but oh well.

[gi]

I'm not missing the in depth game recaps, your story telling is working without it. Though when you make the playoffs...I might want to see in depth game analysis. :)

Good luck this season, if you don't have a major injury, you should challenge for a playoff spot.

[JetsIn06]

I'm not missing the in depth game recaps, your story telling is working without it. Though when you make the playoffs...I might want to see in depth game analysis. :)

Good luck this season, if you don't have a major injury, you should challenge for a playoff spot.

Thank you!

[JetsIn06]

2010 Opening Day Roster

I'm feeling pretty good about this year. We have a lot of young guys still, but they are all making strides and I think we could challenge for a playoff spot if we get lucky.

STARTERS

PG: Russell Westbook, 21 yo (3) 6'3", 187 lbs.

Westbrook is starting to look like the PG we need him to be. His scoring and assist numbers improved last year, and I don't think it's stopping.

SG: Darius House, 23 yo (1) 6'6", 237 lbs.

The first overall pick takes over at SG for us and it looks like he can make an immediate impact. His defense could take a while to get up to snuff, and I hope our scouts weren't wrong about that aspect of his game.

SF: Kevin Durant, 22 yo (4) 6'9", 215 lbs.

We all know this guy. He averaged 28.5 PPG last season and is on his way to becoming a legendary player, I think. He's in the last year of his contract, but he hits three bird years so we can go over the cap to re-sign him. Still, I'm hoping he re-signs with us without going into free agency.

PF: Amare Stoudemire, 27 yo (9) 6'10", 249 lbs.

Woo! Amare matched up with Durant is a dream come true. He averaged 23.3 PPG, 9.1 RBG, and over 2 blocks per game last season. I also think he'll make Kelley a better player.

C : Josh Kelley, 24 yo (2) 6'11", 294 lbs.

Kelley didn't put up the offensive numbers I wanted to see, but his rebounding was pretty solid. I think he will play better this year with Stoudemire next to him in the paint.

SIXTH MAN

SG: Larry Hughes, 31 yo (13) 6'5", 185 lbs.

Hughes is a free agenct pickup that should help our team tremendously. For one, he gives us a solid backup for the rookie House if he gets the first-year jitters. Secondly, he adds another solid option on defense. He can protect leads and isn't a bad shooter, either.

PF: Nick Collison, 30 yo (8) 6'10", 255 lbs.

Collison is a solid player. I had the option of trading him and I didn't. Last year he put up 9.3 PPG and 7 RPG as the starting PF. Now, he'll get plenty of playing time but won't be starting.

ROLE PLAYERS

PF: Jason Thompson, 24 yo (3) 6'11", 250 lbs.

Thompson was the 12th pick in the 2008 draft, but still hasn't really turned it on. We picked him up in the Jeff Green trade because of his potential. He looks like a pretty good inside scorer and rebounder.

C: Steven Hunter, 28 yo (10) 7', 240 lbs.

Hunter is a free agent pickup who gives us some depth. We really didn't have a reliable backup, and I think Hunter gives us that.

PG: Chris Quinn, 27 yo (5) 6'2", 175 lbs.

I like this guy a lot. He averaged 16 minutes per game last year and scored 6.5 PPG. That's not bad for a guy who doesn't get out on the court that often.

SG: Kyle Weaver, 24 yo (3) 6'6", 201 lbs.

Weaver put up just under 5 PPG last season. He's a very good outside shooter and perimeter defender for a backup, and I'd like to keep him around as a role player for a while.

BENCH WARMERS

SF: Donte Greene, 22 yo (3) 6'9", 222 lbs.

Greeene was picked up in the Jeff Green trade as well. He's not exactly happy to be here, but maybe once the games start that will change. Greene is an outside shooter, plain and simple. Our scout tells us he has some room to grow but it remains to be seen if that comes to fruition.

C: Robert Swift, 24 yo (6) 7'1", 245 lbs.

Swift has some nice potential. He's a good inside scorer, a good rebounder, and an adequate post defender. However, he'll start the season as a reserve.

PROSPECTS

SF: Franklin Fulton, 23 yo (2) 6'7", 236 lbs.

Fulton didn't get much time on the court last year, averaging about 6 minutes per game. At this point, he's not even on the active roster.

C: Dmitri Elliot, 23 yo (1) 7'1", 261 lbs.

Elliot is our 2nd rounder from Russia. He needs work, but his post defense looks pretty good already. He'll start his career as a reserve.

OPENING DAY ROTATION

Here is our planned rotation for the start of the season:

PG Westbrook: 34
SG House: 30
SF Durant: 36
PF Stoudemire: 36
C Kelley: 32

SG Hughes: 20
PF Collison: 20
PF Thompson: 8
C Hunter: 8
PG Quinn: 7
SG Weaver: 7
SF Greene: 2

C Swift: (Rsv)
SF Fulton: (Rsv)
C Elliot: (Rsv)

[JetsIn06]

2011 Draft Outlook

I'm hoping that we don't end up in the Top 5 this year. I predict that we'll just miss the playoffs and get a late lottery pick.

Anyway, here are the current Top 5 as we start the 2010 season.

PF Chip Lawson - Georgia

Our scouts say that Lawson is exactly what you want a PF to be. A good inside shooter, a good defender in the paint, and a good rebounder.

PF Jose Rojo - Argentina

Rojo is a better athlete than Lawson, but doesn't isn't quite as good of a rebounder.

SF Preston Dean - Nebraska

Dean is an offensive wonder. He can score from the inside as well as the outside, is a solid athlete, and can also play perimeter defense very well. He needs to work on his passing and teamwork, as well as his inside defense if he wants to get taken in the Top 5, though.

PG Junior McCloud - Texas

McCloud is a short (6') 19 year old out of Texas who is a great outside shooter and defender. He doesn't have the instinct that could make him a great point guard, but he looks like a solid choice for many teams.

PG Bryant Daniel - UNC-Charlotte

Daniel is the type of PG that won't score a ton, but will create a lot of chances for his teammates. He's a guy that won't be able to drive to the basket, but he is a pretty good outside shooter. His biggest flaw is his basketball IQ. Daniel hasn't played the game for a very long time and scouts are worried that he has too much to learn.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:

POR: 102-115 W (Stoudemire: 28 PTS, 14 REB; Durant: 21 PTS; House: 20 PTS)
LAC: 90-93 W (Durant: 31 PTS; Stoudemire: 22 PTS, 8 REB)
@ LAC: 77-110 L (Durant: 22 PTS; Collison: 10 PTS, 7 REB)
DEN: 81-86 W (Durant: 18 PTS; Westbrook: 13 PTS, 10 AST)
UTA: 102-108 W (Durant: 22 PTS; Stoudemire: 22 PTS, 8 REB)
@ PHI: 80-79 W (Stoudemire: 17 PTS, 10 REB; Westbrook: 16 PTS)
@ NY: 117-107 W (Stoudemire: 29 PTS, 9 REB; House: 25 PTS)
@ ORL: 95-94 W (Durant: 19 PTS; Weaver: 14 PTS)
@ ATL: 84-98 L (Stoudemire: 21 PTS; Westbrook: 16 PTS, 8 AST)
@ IND: 101-82 W (Stoudemire: 38 PTS, 7 REB; Durant: 26 PTS, 8 REB)
GS: 75-112 W (Durant: 34 PTS; Westbrook: 25 PTS, 10 AST; Stoudemire: 24 PTS, 14 REB)
MIL: 85-112 W (Stoudemire: 41 PTS; Durant: 29 PTS, 5 REB)


Current Record: (10-2)

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:

@ SA: 97-93 W (Stoudemire: 28 PTS; Westbrook: 17 PTS)
@ MEM: 104-112 L (Durant: 23 PTS; House: 21 PTS)
CHI: 107-98 L (Durant: 31 PTS, 7 REB; House: 18 PTS)
MEM: 71-98 W (Durant: 31 PTS; Westbrook: 20 PTS, 9 AST)
LAK: 76-84 W (Stoudemire: 36 PTS, 10 REB; Durant: 21 PTS; Kelley: 11 REB)
NJ: 77-92 W (Durant: 27 PTS; Stoudemire: 23 PTS, 8 REB)
@ LAK: 89-119 L (Durant: 23 PTS, 5 REB; House: 15 PTS)
MIA: 93-107 W (Durant: 31 PTS; Westbrook: 19 PTS, 9 AST)
TOR: 87-132 W (Stoudemire: 33 PTS, 9 REB; Durant: 32 PTS; Hughes: 18 PTS)
@GS: 91-84 W (Durant: 19 PTS; House: 15 PTS)
@ MIN: 99-78 W (Durant: 32 PTS; Stoudemire: 25 PTS, 8 REB)
DEN: 87-93 W (Stoudemire: 20 PTS, 7 REB; Westbrook: 17 PTS)
WAS: 86-99 W (Durant: 34 PTS; Stoudemire: 29 PTS, 13 REB)


Current Record: (20-5)

[JetsIn06]

Around the NBA Update:

I know people expected the Oklahoma City Thunder to be a better team this year, but if you said the Thunder would be the best team in the NBA, you would be called insane.

But the Thunder are sitting at the top of the win column with a 20-5 record. They are putting up 98.5 PPG which is only topped by the Knicks. The Bulls are right behind them with 19 wins, and they are the only team with a better point differential per game.

How are the Thunder doing it? Well, they're shooting well (3rd) and rebounding well (3rd). They're also drawing a ton of fouls (1st) and sinking the majority of them (2nd).

Kobe Bryant is leading the league in PPG with 25.9, but the Lakers are sitting at 13-11, tied for 9th best in the league.

PG Abraham Finley, the 5th overall pick in the draft is off to a hot start. He's averaging 15.3 PPG and 6.1 APG. Meanwhile, #1 pick SG Darius House of the Thunder is 2nd with 12.5 PPG.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:

@ BOS: 74-78 L (Stoudemire: 20 PTS, 8 REB)
@ NJ: 101-103 L (Durant: 27 PTS; Stoudemire: 25 PTS, 11 REB)
@ CLE: 87-88 L (Stoudemire: 24 PTS, 8 REB; Westbrook: 14 PTS)
@ CHI: 101-96 W (Durant: 29 PTS; Stoudemire: 24 PTS, 10 REB)
@ MIL: 100-81 W (Durant: 26 PTS; Stoudemire: 20 PTS, 7 REB)
DAL: 86-77 W (Durant: 24 PTS; Stoudemire: 20 PTS, 9 REB)
@ NO: 83-102 L (Durant: 17 PTS, 7 REB; Stoudemire: 15 PTS)
NY: 97-92 L (Stoudemire: 25 PTS, 9 REB; Westbrook: 12 PTS, 10 AST)
@ PHO: 95-88 W (Durant: 32 PTS; Stoudemire: 22 PTS, 14 REB)
SAC: 99-101 W (Durant: 18 PTS, 11 REB; Hughes: 12 PTS)
HOU: 93-95 W (Durant: 17 PTS; Stoudemire: 16 PTS, 11 REB)
CLE: 85-93 W (Durant: 22 PTS; Stoudemire: 20 PTS, 10 REB)

Current Record: (26-11)

[JetsIn06]

2011 Draft Update

We've got two first rounders this year. We have our own, as well as the Sacramento Kings 1st. For our own pick, we currently have the best record in the NBA, so we're looking at a mid-to-late first rounder.

The Kings are currently slotted as the 8th worst team. Depending on how they do in the second half of the season, we could potentially have a very nice pick. Here's a look at who is in the running for the 1st overall pick, and then some players that could be chosen there.

Bottom Ten Teams:

10. Memphis Grizzlies (17-20)
9. Orland Magic (16-20)
8. Sacramento Kings (17-22)
7. Washington Wizards (16-22)
6. San Antonio Spurs (15-21)
5. Phoenix Suns (14-22)
4. Milwaukee Bucks (14-25)
3. Houston Rockets (11-22)
2. Indiana Pacers (11-24)

And the worst team in the NBA is....

1. Golden State Warriors (7-27)

2011 Draft Prospects

Here are they guys that look like potential Top 5 picks, according to our scout rankings...

1. PG Murray Drew - Tulane

A great defender, can drive to the basket, a true playmaker, a superstar athlete, and off the charts intangibles. Drew looks like a #1 pick to me.

2. PF Chip Lawson - Georgia

Lawson is an excellent defender and rebounder but isn't a dominant shooter. At first glance, it looks like he has some great upside.

3. SF Percy Walton - Georgia Tech

Walton is a 6'7", 19 yo from GT. Our scouts tell us that he was horribly underrated at the beginning of the year. In 7 of the 10 evaluations they use, the scouts have given him an improved rating compared to their initial review. He's pretty good at everything and has room to grow.

4. SF Preston Dean - Nebraska

I believe that Dean belongs as the #2 or #3, so I'm not sure what my scouts are thinking here. He is a fantastic offensive threat, capable of scoring from both inside and out. He's an above average rebounder, a great defender, and a solid athlete.

5. PF Jose Rojo - Argentina

Our scout tells us that Rojo is similar to Stoudemire. He has a great inside game and is a superb defender. His athleticism and game IQ is questionable, though.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(Stats: PTS-REB-AST)

DET: 116-100 L (Durant: 40-6-4; House: 16-4-5)
@ UTA: 76-101 L (Durant: 17-8-0; Westbrook: 12-4-3)
@ MEM: 84-82 W (Stoudemire: 21-10-1; Hughes: 17-5-0)
@ DAL: 89-105 L (Durant: 26-2-1; Stoudemire: 14-5-5)
MIN: 81-101 W (Stoudemire: 32-5-1; Durant: 24-6-4; Westbrook: 20-2-6)
@ NO: 101-108 L (Durant: 21-3-3; Hughes: 21-2-3)
IND: 118-104 L (Durant: 36-5-3; Stoudemire: 33-7-3)
@ POR: 95-119 L (Durant: 22-3-3, Westbrook: 19-0-2; Kelley: 0-9-0)
SA: 87-98 W (Stoudemire: 28-9-2; Durant: 27-3-2; House: 17-2-4)
UTA: 84-99 W (Durant: 42-6-4; Westbrook: 12-2-2)
@ DEN: 98-118 L (Stoudemire: 35-4-0; Durant: 17-3-7)
ATL: 78-89 W (Stoudemire: 26-12-3; Durant: 22-10-6)
DAL: 59-83 W (Durant: 24-5-5; Stoudemire: 16-13-0)
@ LAK: 88-98 L (Durant: 22-4-5; Stoudemire: 20-8-1; House: 12-0-4)
@ SAC: 91-109 L (Durant: 18-8-7; Stoudemire: 15-6-2)
PHO: 107-90 L (Stoudemire: 20-11-2; House: 20-3-4)

Current Record: (32-21)

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

Andrea Bargagni, the 1st overall pick in 2006, has been put on the block by the Phoenix Suns. I think he would add a lot to our team, so I initiate some discussions with them.

I think sending them Collison could lead to something that works, and they like him but want Hughes and our 1st rounder. That doesn't seem so bad, but let's think about this another way.

Bargnani is a big dude, and I'm wondering if putting him at PF, Stoudemire at C, and trading Kelley is a good idea. Kelley isn't putting up the offensive numbers that I'd like to see. I think he can develop, but I want to take advantage of this opportunity. Durant tells us he wants to test free agency, so it's possible we would lose our best player. This is a great chance to make a run and watching Kelley get up to speed doesn't make me confident. Bargnani can shoot from the outside as well.

However, our defense is what is hurting us right now and I'd be trading away what could be our best defensive asset for more offense.

But I could also do that while keeping Kelley by trading Collison and Hughes with the 1st rounder.

I'm not thrilled about sending Hughes though. He's a great defensive player. I take him out and add Weaver who is a better shooter but worse defender. They want our 2nd round pick as well if we did that. I replace the 2nd rounder with C Robert Swift and they accept.

I'm very happy with this trade! We get a long term player and get to keep Hughes around.

Now, I'm going to move Stoudemire to center and Bargnani to power forward and see how that goes.

We also signed free agent Greg Buckner to a one year, $514k contract.

[JetsIn06]

ALL-STAR BREAK


East All-Star Team Starting Five

PG: Gilbert Arenas (Wizards - 6th Appearance)
SG: Joe Johnson (Hawks - 5th Appearance)
SF: LeBron James (Cavaliers - 7th Appearance)
PF: Chris Bosh (Raptors - 5th Appearance)
C: Dwight Howard (Magic - 5th Appearance)

West All-Star Team Starting Five

PG: Deron Williams (Jazz - 1st Appearance)
SG: Brandon Roy (Blazers - 4th Appearance)
SF: Carmelo Anthony (Nuggets - 5th Appearance)
PF: Tim Duncan (Spurs - 13th Appearance)
C: Chris Kaman (Clippers - 2nd Appearance)

OKC Thunder All-Stars

SF Kevin Durant (3rd Appearance)

All-Star Game

West 99, East 73

Durant: 10-2-2

[JetsIn06]

Around the League Update

Team Report

PG Westbrook: 10.5 PPG, 5.8 APG
SG House: 11.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.7 APG
SF Durant: 23.1 PPG, 4.6 PG, 3.6 APG
PF Bargnani: 16.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.1 APG
C Stoudemire: 20.5 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.2 APG

Playoff Picture

East

1. Bulls (33-20)
2. Knicks (32-19)
3. 76ers (32-20)
4. Hawks (31-21)
5. Pistons (32-22)
6. Raptors (32-32)
7. Bobcats (28-24)
8. Heat (27-25)

On the Bubble

Celtics (28-27)
Magic (26-27)

West

1. Lakers (35-19)
2. Jazz (34-19)
3. Thunder (32-21)
4. Grizzlies (27-25)
5. Nuggets (30-22)
6. Blazers (28-25)
7. T'Wolves (24-27)
8. Kings (25-29)

On the Bubble

Clippers (23-30)
Suns (22-30)

[JetsIn06]

TRADE RUMOR

We're getting a ton of offers for Kelley.

Here's one that is pretty tempting.

The Clippers have offered us SF AL Thornton and SF Anthony Randolph for Kelley.

This is really hard. Thornton is a solid player, but does he really add much? He won't be starting, and I really don't feel like giving up on Kelley just yet.

For now, I'm going to decline but I will keep it in mind for the next day or two.

Well, the next day is the trade deadline so I have to make a decision now. I take a look at who is on the trading block and see that Houston has put up PG Leandro Barbosa. He would be an upgrade over my current backup, Quinn.

I really don't know how much Kelley is worth, so I throw out an offer that involves two first rounders from HOU.

They decline. I don't know if I want to risk it, so I'm going to hang on to Kelley and figure out his future in the off-season.

[JetsIn06]

House Injured with Broken Ankle

Shit. Our starting rookie SG Darius House is out for the next 4-6 weeks with a broken ankle. We'll move Durant over to SG, Bargnani to SF, Stoudemire to PF, and Kelley will start at C again.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(Stats: PTS-REB-AST)

MEM: 105-103 L (Stoudemire: 24-4-0; Durant: 24-1-3; Westbrook: 6-5-11)
BOS: 95-85 L (Durant: 30-10-1)
HOU: 81-97 W (Stoudemire: 27-8-3; Durant: 20-8-3; Westbrook: 19-4-6)
CHA: 83-100 W (Stoudemire: 31-15-2; Durant: 22-5-4)
@ MIN: 99-112 L (Stoudemire: 32-7-1; Durant: 19-5-3)
LAK: 98-112 W (Durant: 24-6-9; Bargnani: 18-11-1)
@ SAC: 111-104 W (Durant: 32-9-5; Westbrook: 25-2-8)
NO: 107-95 L (Durant: 24-5-4)
POR: 98-113 W (Bargnani: 22-7-1; Durant: 20-4-4)
@ TOR: 105-118 L (Stoudemire: 23-9-1; Durant: 20-2-3; Westbrook: 18-1-3)
@ DET: 67-93 L (Stoudemire: 20-4-2)
@ CHA: 85-100 L (Stoudemire: 31-16-1; Westbrook: 13-4-10)
@ MIA: 83-111 L (Greene: 17-2-0; Durant: 13-4-4)
@ WAS: 105-93 W (Stoudemire: 34-19-6; Durant: 21-4-4)
ORL: 102-99 L (Stoudemire: 36-7-0; Durant: 25-4-6)

Current Record: (38-30)

[JetsIn06]

I'll update with the scores in a second...

BUT WE MADE THE PLAYOFFS!

We sucked in the second half of this year but we pulled through. :cool:

[Eaglesfan27]

Congrats on making the playoffs. I've been enjoying reading this the last few days. It's making me hope that I get NBA 2k9 for Christmas :)

[JetsIn06]

Congrats on making the playoffs. I've been enjoying reading this the last few days. It's making me hope that I get NBA 2k9 for Christmas :)

Thanks! I'm about to update the rest of the regular season scores and then I'll think about the best way to approach our playoff games.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(Stats: PTS-REB-AST)

@ UTA: 101-108 L (Stoudemire: 38-10-1; Durant: 26-3-5)
NO: 117-95 L (Durant: 30-5-5; Stoudemire: 17-2-1)
@ GS: 104-117 L (Durant: 37-5-3; Westbrook: 16-6-11; Kelley: 5-9-0)
GS: 90-114 W (Durant: 40-4-3; Kelley: 4-15-0)
PHI: 108-86 L (Durant: 25-10-4; Westbrook: 7-3-8)
@ DEN: 97-117 L (Stoudemire: 22-4-2; Durant: 17-3-2; Westbrook: 17-3-9)
@ POR: 88-94 L (Stoudemire: 31-11-2; Durant: 25-4-4)
MIN: 76-92 W (Durant:17-8-7; Hughes: 15-1-4)
@ HOU: 91-82 W (Durant: 32-7-8; Stoudemire: 28-8-1)
@ DAL: 91-113 L (Stoudemire:22-6-0; Durant: 20-4-3)
@ SA: 105-92 W (Durant: 28-6-5; Stoudemire: 23-5-1; House: 15-2-4)
SAC: 86-105 W (Stoudemire: 31-11-3; Bargnani: 20-9-1; House: 18-5-1)
LAC: 103-96 L (Stoudemire: 36-7-1; Durant: 20-4-1)
@ PHO: 114-95 W (Durant: 25-8-4; Stoudemire: 25-10-0; House: 18-4-4)

FINAL RECORD: (44-38)

[JetsIn06]

'10-'11 AWARDS

MVP Award

PF Chris Bosh (Raptors)
24.4 PPG, 9.5 RPG

Rookie of the Year

PG Abraham Finley (Rockets)
14.1 PPG, 4.8 APG

Sixth Man of the Year

SF Jeff Green (Kings)
10.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.6 APG

Defensive Player of the Year

C Dwight Howard (Magic)
22.1 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 2.1 BPG

Most Improved Player

PG Shaun Livingston (Grizzlies)
5.2 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 5.0 APG

All-NBA First Team

PG Chauncey Billups (Nuggets)
SG Joe Johnson (Hawks)
SF LeBron James (Cavs)
PF Chris Bosh (Raptors)
C Dwight Howard (Magic)

All-NBA Second Team

PG Devin Harris (Nets)
SG Brandon Roy (Blazers)
SF Carmelo Anthony (Nuggets)
PF Dirk Nowitzki (Mavericks)
C Yao Ming (Rockets)

All-NBA Third Team

PG Tony Parker (Spurs)
SG Andre Iguodala (76ers)
SF Kevin Durant (Thunder)
PF Al Jefferson (T'Wolves)
C Amare Stoudemire (Thunder)

All-Defensive First Team

PG Rajon Rondo (Celtics)
SG Andrew Iguodala (76ers)
SF Shawn Marion (Pacers)
PF Tim Duncan (Spurs)
C Dwight Howard (Magic)

All-Defensive Second Team

PG Jason Kidd (Heat)
SG Delonte West (Cavaliers)
SF LeBron James (Cavaliers)
PF Josh Smith (Hakws)
C Andrew Bogut (Bucks)

All-Rookie First Team

PG Abraham Finley (Rockets)
SG Darius House (Thunder)
SF Tugay Kerimoglu (Mavericks)
PF Edgar Petersen (Knicks)
C Will Rowe (Wizards)

All-Rookie Second Team

PG Randall McMillan (Kings)
SG Daryl Gilbert (Warriors)
SF Ciro Ramirez (Nets)
PF Jalen Douglas (Suns)
C Johnathan Coleman (T'Wolves)

Coach of the Year

Sam Mitchell- Toronto Raptors (51-31)

THUNDER AWARDS

SF Kevin Durant (All-NBA Third Team)
C Amare Stoudemire (All-NBA Third Team)
SG Darius House (All-Rookie First Team)

[JetsIn06]

Oklahoma City Makes Playoffs!

Woohoo! We're in. Now let's see how far we can get.

We're the #6 seed, so it could be worse, but we play the LA Lakers. They have one of the best players in the NBA, Kobe Bryant, who averaged 22.4 PPG this season.

Pau Gasol, the Lakers' PF averaged 14.6 PPG ad 7.4 RPG. They have a lot of good depth as well, with guys like PG Jerryd Bayless, SG Trevor Ariza, SG Sasha Vujacic, PG Luther Head, and SF Vladamir Radmanovic.

Center Andew Bynum is injured with a broken finger, but will play. The injury is really affecting his game and we need to take advantage of that.

I'll probably give a few extra minutes to my big men, both starters and bench players. We'll try and take advantage of their weakened inside game.

Here is how the rest of the playoff tree looks:

EAST



Raptors (1)
Cavaliers (8)

--

76ers (4)
Hawks (5)

--

Bulls (3)
Knicks (6)

--

Bobcats (2)
Celtics (7)

WEST

Jazz (1)
Grizzlies (8)

--

Hornets (4)
Blazers (5)

--

Lakers (3)
Thunder (6)

--

Nuggets (2)
Kings (7)

[JetsIn06]

April 16th, 2011 - NBA Playoffs - Round One (Game One)

#6 Oklahoma City Thunder @ #3 Los Angeles Lakers

STARTING LINEUPS

LAKERS

PG Bryant
SG Vujacic
SF Gomes
PF Gasol
C Bynum

THUNDER

PG Westbrook
SG House
SF Durant
PF Bargnani
C Stoudemire

---

FIRST HALF

In the first few minutes, the Lakers go up 10-2. Bynum looks pretty damn good, and I'm already thinking about putting in an extra big man in place of House.

I bring in Kelley at PF and move some guys around. I want Stoudemire on Bynum, for sure.

They get a steal and are now up 14-2. Ugh.

We get another score but they answer right back. This won't end well.

With 4:32 left, LA is up 21-6. Bryant's got 6 and Bynum's put up 7.

Bargnani hits a three to bring it to 25-11 with 2:42 left.

The 1st quarter ends with LA up 33-15. Bynum has 13 already and we're having a lot of trouble stopping him.

We put in Kelley at center to start the 2nd to see if he can do anything.

Halfway through the 2nd quarter and we're down by 20. Duran't leading us with 7 but it's not nearly enough. We need everyong to step it up.

Three minutes later we've cut the lead to twelve. We still have a lot of ground to catch up but we're doing better. Bynum is still at 13 PTS.

At the end of the half, we're down 55-44. We still have a chance.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

FG%: 37
3's: 5/13
FT's: 11/13
REB: 19

LAK

FG%: 44
3's: 6/11
FT's: 12/14
REB: 20


SECOND HALF

We open up the 2nd half and within a minute we've brought the game to a 10 point margin.

Westbrook nails a close jumper and we're within 8!

Halfway through the 3rd and LA is up 63-56. Bynum has only scored one point since the end of the first so we keep in the big men. Stoudemire is leading the way for us with 15 PTS and 5 REB, and Hughes is coming up big off the bench with 9 PTS.

They go on a quick run are now up 72-56.

They 3rd quarter ends and LA is up 82-62 and we need a miracle.

But five minutes in and we're down 29 points. We had this one within reach but LA is just too good.

Los Angeles 114, Oklahoma City 80

FINAL STATS

OKC

Durant: 16-4-1
Stoudemire: 15-5-3
Bargnani: 13-2-1

LAK

Bryant: 24-8-4
Bynum: 16-3-0
Homes: 13-2-1
Gasol: 12-13-9

[JetsIn06]

April 18th, 2011 - NBA Playoffs - Round One (Game Two)

#6 Oklahoma City Thunder @ #3 Los Angeles Lakers

Lakers are up 1-0

STARTING LINEUPS

LAKERS

PG Bryant
SG Vujacic
SF Gomes
PF Gasol
C Bynum

THUNDER

PG Westbrook
SG Durant
SF Bargnani
PF Stoudemire
C Kelley

---

FIRST HALF

Five minutes in and we're keeping it close. We're tied 8-8 and the Lakers just called a timeout.

We get the ball back just over halfway through and we're up 11-10 and have the chance to get a little bit a breathing room.

We can't, and LA comes back and scored four and are now up three.

With 2:30 left, we still haven't scored and we're down 19-11. We had an opportunity and blew it.

The first quarter ends and we're still at 11. LA is up 23-11. Vujacic and Gasol are leading LA with 7 points each. House leads us with 4 PTS.

We gain some ground and cut the lead to 7 points but then they go on a scoring spree and with seven minutes left they are up 35-17.

The second quarter comes to a close and we're down 19. LA is up 49-30.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

FG%: 25
3's: 1/7
FT's: 11/15
REB: 22

LAK

FG%: 48
3's: 3/8
FT's: 8/8
REB: 28


SECOND HALF

Halfway through the 3rd quarter and LA is up 20, 63-43.

We keep up with them, but can't gain any ground and the third ends with us still down the same amount, LA is up 75-55.

This one wasn't even close.

Los Angeles 106, Oklahoma City 78

FINAL STATS

OKC

Durant: 14-10-1
Stoudemire: 22-8-1
Hughes: 13-1-2

LAK

Bryant:13-6-6
Vujacic: 23-4-2
Gasol: 30-13-2

[JetsIn06]

April 20th, 2011 - NBA Playoffs - Round One (Game Three)

#3 Los Angeles Lakers @ #6 Oklahoma City Thunder

Lakers are up 2-0

STARTING LINEUPS

LAKERS

PG Bryant
SG Vujacic
SF Gomes
PF Gasol
C Bynum

THUNDER

PG Westbrook
SG Durant
SF Bargnani
PF Stoudemire
C Kelley

---

FIRST HALF

The first half kicks off with the Lakers scoring, and after six minutes of play they are are 13-8.

We cut the lead to three on a Stoudemire layup.

With 3:52 left, LA is up one, 15-14.

Gasol gets called for the charge and we score. We're up 16-15.

A minute later and the score is tied at 18.

With a minute left, Durant gets fouled and he makes both bringing it to 25-22, we're up.

The first quarter ends with us up 29-25. Nice!

Halfway through the second and we're up four, 36-32 after a huge three point play.

Bah. They tie it up within the next minute.

LA goes up 44-41 on a three pointer, then Hughes nails a three to tie it up!

LA then goes up again, and Durant puts ahead on a three ball!

With just under a minute left in the half, LA is up by one.

Shit. They nail a long 2 at the buzzer and LA is up 54-49 at the half. We are in this one though!

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

PTS: 49
REB: 28
AST: 12
STL: 2
BLK: 1
TO: 5
FG%: 38
3PT%: 20

LAK

PTS: 54
REB: 20
AST: 10
STL: 0
BLK: 1
TO: 4
FG%: 48
3PT%: 28


SECOND HALF

Five minutes into the second half and LA is up 5, 63-58. We're out-rebounding them 33-22 at this point and that's really helping us.

With 6:02 left, we're down 2 but they have the ball.

They score but Bargnani comes back with a huge three and we're down 1 with 5:45 left.

Durant puts in the go ahead basket and then Bryant is called for an offensive foul and we have the ball back!

They tie it up, but Stoudemire puts one in and we're back up 2.

With 1:22 left, we're up 78-76. Stoudemire has 24 and Durant has 19 so far.

House comes in and hits a layup to put us up by 3 with 29 seconds left in the 3rd.

They come within one but Durant gets fouled as time expires and makes the basket and the free throw!

At the start of the 4th, we're up 84-81.

Two minutes in and LA has gone up by 3. Crap.

Woo! Stoudemire nails a three and it's tied up!

With 4:24 left to play, we're up by 7. We NEED to hold them.

Bragnani has to come out because of a dislocated finger, but this one is over.

Oklahoma City 117, Los Angeles 101

FINAL STATS

OKC

Durant: 31-9-8
Stoudemire: 44-7-0

LAK

Bryant: 39-11-5
Gasol: 15-4-4
Head: 13-0-2

[JetsIn06]

April 22nd, 2011 - NBA Playoffs - Round One (Game Four)

#3 Los Angeles Lakers @ #6 Oklahoma City Thunder

Lakers are up 2-1

STARTING LINEUPS

LAKERS

PG Bryant
SG Vujacic
SF Gomes
PF Gasol
C Bynum

THUNDER

PG Westbrook
SG House
SF Durant
PF Stoudemire
C Kelley

---

FIRST HALF

Stoudemire opens the scoring in the post and we lead 2-0.

We go up 10-3 very quickly after Stoudemire and Westbrook nail shots from beyond the arc.

With 6:45 left in the 1st, we're up 14-8.

But within two minues LA jumps out to an 18-16 lead on a long two from Gasol.

Durant puts us up after hitting two free throws and it's 20-18.

The first ends on a missed three from LA that would have tied it up. We're ahead 25-22.

Five minutes into the 2nd and we're up 36-30. Durant's shooting 5-8 from the field and has 12 PTS. Stoudemire's got 11 and House has 10.

With 4:12 left LA ties it up at 43 on a shot from Walton.

We get called for a foul and the're up 49-48 with 2:50 left.

LA goes up by 3 with a minute left, but House drive to the basket and scores with 4 seconds left.

The half ends with LA up 56-55.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

PTS: 55
REB: 17
AST: 13
STL: 1
BLK: 0
TO: 6
FG%: 51
3PT%: 70

LAK

PTS: 56
REB: 22
AST: 11
STL: 3
BLK: 3
TO: 5
FG%: 57
3PT%: 28


SECOND HALF

Durant opens up the scoring and we go ahead 58-57.

Stoudemire makes it a 3 point game with a layup.

Woo! House nails a three and makes it a 6 point game!

Five minutes in and we're up 70-60 after Westbrook forced a turnover.

With a minute left in the 3rd, we're up 80-72. Stoudemire already has a double-double with 27 PTS and 10 REB. Durant currently has 24 PTS and House is doing great with 15.

The third ends and we're up 10. Hold em D!

Five minutes into the 4th and we're up 92-80.

We play defensive ball and with 3:14 left it's 97-83!

The game ends and we've tied up the series 2-2!

Oklahoma City 109, Los Angeles 91

FINAL STATS

OKC

Durant: 30-6-5
Stoudemire: 29-12-5

LAK

Bryant: 14-1-1
Gasol: 21-7-4

[JetsIn06]

April 24th, 2011 - NBA Playoffs - Round One (Game Five)

#6 Oklahoma City Thunder @ Los Angeles Lakers

Series is tied 2-2

STARTING LINEUPS

LAKERS

PG Bryant
SG Vujacic
SF Gomes
PF Gasol
C Bynum

THUNDER

PG Westbrook
SG House
SF Durant
PF Stoudemire
C Kelley

---

FIRST HALF

House gets fouled on the first shot of the game and sinks both free throws so we're up 2-0.

With 8:32 left, it's tied up at 10.

Halfway through and we're up by 1. We're fouling a lot which is hurting us since they are in the bonus. It's 17-16 and the Lakers have the ball after Hughes was called for a charge.

Ugh. Another foul, this one on House. Luckily they miss the FT's, then Westbrook and House score on close shots and we're up 21-16.

Hughes is called for another offensive foul, but we're up 24-18.

Ahh. Durant gets a steal but then turns it over. They didn't score but it's a missed opportunity to bring the margin to 10. It's 26-18.

Durant closes out the first on a buzzer beater! We're up 28-21.

Gasol nails a long two, and then Bryant gets fouled and makes the bucket and the free throw and brings it to a three point game.

Halfway through the 2nd and we're up 34-30. Stoudemire and House are leading the team with 8 PTS. Durant and Hughes both have 6.

Bargnani comes in off the bench and scores, making it 37-32.

Nice! A three by Durant puts us uip 43-37.

Kelley blocks a shot and we recover but then Westbrook turns it over.

Kelley then gets called for a foul on a jumper from Gomes. They could only make one and it's now 45-38 with 1:43 left.

The half ends with us up 45-41.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

PTS: 45
REB: 27
AST: 12
STL: 4
BLK: 3
TO: 12
FG%: 51
3PT%: 50

LAK

PTS: 41
REB: 16
AST: 4
STL: 6
BLK: 1
TO: 7
FG%: 39
3PT%: 100


SECOND HALF

Halfway through the third, it's all tied up at 49.

Crap. Kobe hits a jumper and now they're up 53-49. We gotta get back.

Kelley gets fouled and hits both FT's, but they answer back and get fouled so it's 55-50 with 4:42 left in the 3rd.

House dishes it to Westbrook for the score, Gasol misses a shot, and we're now down by 3 and have the ball.

Bryant goes to the bench and here's our chance.

Ack. Quinn gets called four a foul on Gasol and he makes both, bringing it to 57-52. Then Westbrook gets called for an offensive foul. Shit.

Stoudemire is already at 4 fouls which is killing us. We need to make sure he can play in the 4th so he's on the bench.

With 45 seconds left, we're down by 3. Durant misses a shot and they come down the court and score. Quinn gets a chance at a buzzer beater but can't make it and we're down 61-56 to start the 4th.

Westbrook opens it up with a close score and we're down 3.

Fuck. Stoudemire gets called for a foul. One more and he'll be out.

He comes out and the injured Bargnani takes over at PF.

Kelley gets called for a foul and that is his 4th.

LA makes their shots and they are up 67-59 with 8:24 left.

Durant nails a three and makes it 74-66. We gotta come back right now.

And with 4:30 left Stoudemire fouls out of the game. Damn it!

With 3:24 left, LA is up 79-68.

And this one is over.

Los Angeles 89, Oklahoma City 76

FINAL STATS

OKC

Durant: 24-6-5
House: 10-5-3
Hughes: 10-2-0
Stoudemire: 8-1-0

LAK

Bryant: 18-4-3
Gasol: 17-6-2

[JetsIn06]

April 26th, 2011 - NBA Playoffs - Round One (Game Six)

#3 Los Angeles Lakers @ #6 Oklahoma City Thunder

Lakers are up 3-2

STARTING LINEUPS

LAKERS

PG Bryant
SG Vujacic
SF Gomes
PF Gasol
C Bynum

THUNDER

PG Westbrook
SG House
SF Durant
PF Stoudemire
C Kelley

---

FIRST HALF

After four minutes of play, we're up 13-7.

But as we get to the halfway mark the Lakers take the lead on a shot by Bynum.

It's 14-13. LA gets called for the foul and we can only make one but we tie it up.

With 3:00 left, LA gets called four a shot clock violation and we tied it up at 18-18.

Down 22-20, Durant gets a steal. Hunter goes up for the shot and gets fouled, but misses both!

The 1st ends with the Lakers up 23-22 after a last second shot from Durant.

Four minutes into the 2nd and the Lakers have jumped out to a 36-28 lead.

With 5:00 left in the half, we're down 40-35 and have the ball. We really need to get a score here. Durant dishes it to Westbrook and scores on the lay up.

LA answers back with a three from Radmanovic. Shit.

And Durant gets fouled and makes the bucket! He hits the FT and it's a three point game again.

Hughes gets fouled and puts in both shots and it's 43-42 with 2:51 left in the half.

LA scores at the last second on an inbound pass and are up 55-50.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

PTS: 50
REB: 16
AST: 10
STL: 7
BLK: 0
TO: 7
FG%: 50
3PT%: 25

LAK

PTS: 55
REB: 24
AST: 10
STL: 5
BLK: 2
TO: 9
FG%: 48
3PT%: 27


SECOND HALF

No real ground is gained until about halfway through the quarter when we cut the lead to 3. It's 61-58, LA on top.

With 3:18 left, LA is up 67-63. Durant is leading our team with 21 PTS. We're not getting the rebounds this game which is klling us.

LA expands their lead to 6 with 1:06 left in the 3rd.

The 3rd ends with LA up 75-69. We just can't gain any ground. This could potentially be our last quarter of the season. Our guys need to step it up!

We trade scores for five minutes but we finally put together a little run and we're now down by four and have the ball. We call a timeout to reorganize.

Nice! Westbrook scores and then Bynum turns it over and we have a chance to tie with 6:03 left. Come on!

Hughes shoots a three and misses but we get the rebound. We miss and they take over.

Fuck. Kobe nails a three and we're down 95-91 with 4:33 left.

LA is up 97-93 with 1:13 left. This is our last chance. We get a steal but then turn it over! ACK!

98-93 with 49 seconds left.

They score again and that is it. Our season ends here.

Los Angeles 100, Oklahoma City 93

FINAL STATS

OKC

Durant: 33-7-5
Stoudemire: 21-7-2
Westbrook: 16-4-7

LAK

Bryant: 33-3-5
Gasol: 12-12-6

[JetsIn06]

NBA PLAYOFFS - ROUND ONE RESULTS

EAST

Raptors (1) 4
Cavaliers (8) 2

--

76ers (4) 4
Hawks (5) 0

--

Bulls (3) 2
Knicks (6) 4

--

Bobcats (2) 4
Celtics (7) 1

WEST

Jazz (1) 4
Grizzlies (8) 2

--

Hornets (4) 4
Blazers (5) 3

--

Lakers (3) 4
Thunder (6) 2

--

Nuggets (2) 2
Kings (7) 4

[JetsIn06]

NBA PLAYOFFS - ROUND TWO RESULTS

EAST

Raptors (1) 4
76ers (4) 2

--

Knicks (6) 4
Bobcats (2) 2

WEST

Jazz (1) 2
Hornets (4) 4

--

Lakers (3) 4
Kings (7) 1

[JetsIn06]

NBA PLAYOFFS - ROUND THREE RESULTS

EAST

Raptors (1) 2
Knicks (6) 4

WEST

Hornets (4) 1
Lakers (3) 4

[JetsIn06]

'10-'11 FINALS


LOS ANGELES LAKERS vs. NEW YORK KNICKS


GM 1: Lakers 112, Knicks 109
(Gasol: 18-4-5; Bryant: 17-3-6; Six LA players over 10 PTS)

GM 2: Knicks 97, Lakers 88
(McGrady: 17-4-5; Lee: 16-9-1; Six NY players over 13 PTS)

GM 3: Knicks 110, Lakers 92
(McGrady: 28-4-5; Peters: 15-3-5; Seven NY players over 10 PTS)

GM 4: Lakers 110, Knicks 89
(Bynum: 26-12-1; Gasol: 23-7-3)

GM 5: Knicks 106, Lakers 87
(Peters: 22-4-1; Prince: 18-11-1; McGrady: 6-11-9)

GM 6: Lakers 116, Knicks 86
(Bryant: 35-4-2; Bynum: 25-10-1)

GM 7: Knicks 112, Lakers 105
(McGrady: 25-2-5; Lee: 15-10-0)


THE NEW YORK KNICKS ARE NBA CHAMPIONS!


MVP: SG Tracy McGrady (20.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.8 APG)

[JetsIn06]

Retiring Players

I wish that I had kept track of this the previous few seasons, but better late than never.

PF B. Wallace - Hawks - 15 yrs, 36 yo
SF B. Bowen - Magic - 15 yrs, 40 yo
SF J. Stackhouse - Mavericks - 16 yrs, 36 yo
C E. Dampier - Mavericks - 15 yrs, 35 yo
SG G. Hill - Rockets - 17 yrs, 38 yo

[JetsIn06]

OFF-SEASON

We've got some thinks to think about this off-season. For one, it really looks like Durant wants to test out free agency. He tells us that it's just good business sense for him to check it out. Greg Buckner is the only other player whose contract is running out, but we have a ton of options to decide on. I'm 99% sure Durant has 3 Bird Years so we can go over the cap to sign him, but I do need to keep the cap in mind because some solid FA's should be available.

Player Options:

C Dmitri Elliot: $494k (2 yr Team) Accepted
SF Franklin Fulton: $534k (Team) Accepted
SF Donte Greene: $2.02m (Team) Declined
PF Jason Thompsn: $3.00m (Team) Accepted
SG Larry Hughes: $4.18m (Team) Declined
C Josh Kelley: $3.64m (2 yr Team) Accepted
PG Russell Westbrook: $5.08m (Team) Accepted
Well, Kelley and Westbrook are the biggest decisions here. Westbrook has been our starting PG and has turned into a pretty solid player. Kelley, on the other hand, is a great rebounder but hasn't developed the offensive post skills I'd like to see. However, I don't want to give him up for free.

I'm going to accept both. They are both important parts of the team and Kelley could give me some value if I want to trade him.

As for Hughes, he's costing a bit of the cap, but I really like him as a defensive sub. But I might be able to get someone better (or maybe even him on a cheaper deal) so I'm going to let him walk.

Thompson is young guy who I think has a bright future, so I'll hang onto him.

Greene was never really happy here, so I'll let him walk.

Fulton and Elliot are cheap so I'll keep them around as well.

[JetsIn06]

OFF-SEASON

Player Re-Signing:

Here are they players whose contracts are expiring:
(B) = Bird Rights

SF Greg Buckner
SF Kevin Durant (B)
SF Donte Greene (B)
SG Larry Hughes

So, Durant has been telling us for a while that he'd like to at least test out free agency and he hasn't changed his mind.

I'm going to let Greene walk, but Bucker and Hughes would be welcome if they don't ask for too much.

Hughes wants to become a free agent and won't talk to us. Buckner wants a 1yr deal worth $756k, so we gladly offer him a spot on the squad.

Time for the draft lottery!

[JetsIn06]

OFF-SEASON

Draft Lottery

We don't have a lottery pick this year, but it's always an exciting time of year.

1) Indiana
2) Houston
3) Washington
4) Golden State
5) Milwaukee
6) Phoenix
7) San Antonio
8) Dallas
9) Minnesota
10) Los Angeles Clippers
11) New Jersey
12) Orlando
13) Detroit
14) Miami

Here we go! Let's see what the lottery balls say!

1) Washington (+2)
2) Indiana (-1)
3) Houston (-1)
4) Golden State
5) Milwaukee
6) Phoenix
7) San Antonio
8) Dallas
9) Minnesota
10) Los Angeles Clippers
11) New Jersey
12) Orlando
13) Detroit
14) Miami

Nothing too exciting. Let's move on to the draft!

[JetsIn06]

2011 Draft Ranking: Top 16

I pick 16th, so here are the top 16 players according to our scouts.

1) PF Chip Lawson
2) SF Preston Dean
3) PF Jose Rojo
4) PG Junior McCloud
5) PG Ervin Snyder
6) PF Simon Johnson
7) PG Bryant Daniel
8) PG Trent McDonald
9) PG Daryl Oliver
10) SF Percy Walton
11) PG Murray Drew
12) C Sergio Diaz
13) SG Lamond Richardson
14) PF Ben Goodrich
15) PG Jean Micoud
16) SF Darnell Williamson

Mock Draft

1. Washington: PF Chip Lawson
2. Indiana: SF Preston Dean
3. Houston: SF Percy Walton
4. Golden State: PF Jose Rojo
5. Milwaukee: PG Junior McCloud

16. Oklahoma City: SF Mathew Edwin

I really hate this pick. He's a good outside shooter but it TERRIBLE defensively, rated as an F in all aspects of defense. I'm kind of hoping PG Daryl Oliver drops to us. He's taken by the Nets at the 11th pick in the mock draft.

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

So, I've kind of fallen in love with draft prospect Preston Dean, a small forward from Nebraska.

I've got an idea for a trade. What if I packaged my #16 with C Josh Kelley to get up to #2? I could also try for #1. The best center in the draft is projected to be taken 6th, so maybe a team would prefer Kelley over one of the prospects?

I open up talks with the Wizards first. They seem like a great fit. They have two pretty good PF's, and Caron Butler at SF. Center is a bigger need for them.

I propose a trade that sends them the 16th overall and Kelley in exchange for the #1 overall and C Will Rowe, the #2 overall from last year who hasn't looked great.

They decline. I add in veteran center Steven Hunter and ask for SG Travis Baker to balance out the cap. They decline again, so I put a hold on the talks and call the Pacers.

We can't work out anything with them, so we call back the Wizards. This time, I throw in PF Thompson and ask for PF Antwan Jamison, an aging veteran who is costing them $14m. They might want to get him off the books. I can go over the cap for Durant, so I don't mind the extra salary.

They like the deal but want out 2nd round pick this year. I compromise and propose using next year's 2nd rounder instead. They accept!

Now, if for some reason Durant doesn't come back, Jamison will take over PF, Stoudemire will be at C, and Bargnani will be at SF.

[JetsIn06]

2011 NBA DRAFT

We gave up our struggling but potentially solid 4th overall pick from a couple years ago and our 16th overall for the top pick in the draft. I traded up to take SF Preston Dean, but man, PF Chip Lawson looks awesome too. Lawson is a DOMINANT defender, but isn't great offensively. Dean is pretty good defensively and a DOMINANT shooter.

My one reason to take Lawon would be that Stoudemire is getting old. Lawson could replace him. Dean couldn't. However, if Durant doesn't come back, then Dean is his replacement.

I'm going to go with Dean. His shooting is incredibly good and his defense isn't bad at all. He gives us some more wiggle room if Durant doesn't sign with us.

With the 1st pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder select...

SF, PRESTON DEAN, NEBRASKA

Lawson goes next to Indiana, and the next few picks shake out as expected. But the big "drop" was PG Junior McCloud, who fell to the Clippers at #10. He was expected to be taken 5th by the Bucks, but they chose PG Bryant Daniel instead.

Our 2nd round pick is here. I'm not entirely sure what we should do here. We need a backup guard, so I'll go ahead and take the best remaining guy. I'm definitely looking for a SG who can replace Bucker who is getting up there in age.

I go with the 19 yo Tory Law from Villanova.

And that does it! We add a true offensive machine to the squad and give ourselves a backup plan if Durant doesn't re-sign with us.

It was a tough decision though. We'll definitely have to keep an eye on Lawson. If Stoudemire retires before we expect him to, we will regret not most likely regret not taking Lawson. If Durant doesn't re-sign, we'll be super happy that was took Dean. If Stoudemire sticks around and Durant re-signs, we'll have a guy that will be huge off the bench for us and maybe an eventual replacement for Bargnani or Durant.

[JetsIn06]

FREE AGENCY

We're about $3.5m over the cap, but we have $29.3m left to go before we hit the hard cap. Durant is the best player available on the market. He wants a 6yr deal that starts at $13.6m and ends at $22m. We're going to do our best to get him here again.

Here are the Top 10 Free Agents available:

SF Kevin Durant, 22 yo
SF Paul Pierce, 33 yo
PG Tony Parker, 29 yo
SG Vince Carter, 34 yo
PF David West, 30 yo
C Al Horford, 25 yo
PG Jason Kidd, 38 yo
PF Andre Kirilenko, 30 yo
PF Zach Randolph, 30 yo
SF Thaddeus Young, 23 yo

Durant is basically the only player we can re-sign, other than a few backups we let walk.

Day 1: We kick off our free agency period by offering Durant a very lucrative deal.

I can't offer a NTC, but I make the 6th year a player option. Here's how the $ looks.

'11-'12: $13.68m
'12-'13: $15.04m
'13-'14: $16.55m
'14-'15: $18.20m
'15-'16: $20.02m
'16-'17: $22.03m

Day 2: Crap. The Hawks offer him a 5yr deal with no option and his interest with them is the same as ours. Crap.

Day 3: The Warriors offer the same deal. If he values the option, we have the best deal but it looks like it could come down to something else.

Day 4: It looks like Pierce might be headed back to the Celtics. They are giving him much more than everyone else, plus a player option.

Day 5: The Mavericks are in on the Durant sweepstakes. He says his interest is the same for everyone.

Day 6: The Spurs are offering Tony Parker a 6yr deal worth $139m. Wow.

Day 7: Vince Carter is being courted by the T'Wolves and the Hawks. Each are offering 2yr deals worth around $16m.

Day 8: David West could go to either the Clippers or the Pistons, with an outside chance of going to the Nuggets. The Clippers are giving him a player option which gives them the slight edge, I think.

Day 9: Center Al Horford is drawing heavy interest from the Cavaliers and the Suns. The Cavs are offering a player option on the 5th year. This would be a big pickup for them.

Day 10: Jason Kidd isn't asking for a ton of money and lots of teams are making offers, but the Kings and the Bulls are the main players. The Kings are offering a little more money, a starting job, and an NTC.

Day 11: There are now 13 teams who have made an offer on Durant, but only 11 are realistically possible.

Day 12: The Pistons, Hawks, and Spurs are all battling it out for Andrei Kirilenko. It looks like he'll get a 4 yr deal for around $45m with a player option on the 5th year.

Day 13: I'm starting to get very, very nervous.

Day 14: The Suns and Bucks have stepped it up and are now battling the Celtics for Pierce. I still think the Celtics land him though. They have what looks like the best offer.

Day 15: DURANT SIGNS WITH THE THUNDER! YESSSSSSSSSS!

Day 18: We make some offers to a few reserve type players and undrafted rookies.

Day 20: We sign rookie SF Sasha Pavic, and rookie SG Roman Semenko.

SF Kevin Durant, 22 yo (Thunder)
SF Paul Pierce, 33 yo (Celtics)
PG Tony Parker, 29 yo (Bucks)
SG Vince Carter, 34 yo (Mavericks)
PF David West, 30 yo (Hornets)
C Al Horford, 25 yo (Clippers)
PG Jason Kidd, 38 yo (Pistons)
PF Andre Kirilenko, 30 yo (Pistons)
PF Zach Randolph, 30 yo (Cavaliers)
SF Thaddeus Young, 23 yo (76ers)

And that does it! The Pistons look improved, with a great PG and a very solid PF added to the team. I'm just glad we got Durant. Woo!

[JetsIn06]

2011 Opening Day Roster

I think we took a big step up this year. We add a dominant shooter through the draft, but give up a solid rebounder. But with Kelley not even getting a lot of playing time last year, I don't think we lost much.

We also kept Durant around, keeping our young core players together.

STARTERS

PG: Russell Westbook, 22 yo (4) 6'3", 187 lbs.

Westbrook's numbers were down a bit last year, but he still looks like he'll be a pretty good player as he gains experience.

SG: Darius House, 24 yo (2) 6'6", 237 lbs.

House had a solid rookie year, scoring 12 PPG. We'll be depending on him for a steady stream of points this year.

SF: Kevin Durant, 23 yo (5) 6'9", 215 lbs.

All I can say is thank god this guy decided to stay around. His numbers were down last year, but only because he had Stoudemire to help out. He got a huge contract and I have no doubt that he'll be worth every penny.

PF: Andrea Bargnani, 25 yo (6) 7', 250 lbs.

Bargnani was picked up in a trade in the middle of last season. He had career highs in PPG (14.2), RPG (4.2), and APG (1.7). He's a great outside shooter but lacks instict on defense.

C : Amare Stoudemire, 28 yo (10) 6'10", 249 lbs.

Stoudemire scored 21.4 PPG last season and grabbed 7.3 RPG. He's given our team a tremendous lift and I'm so glad we spent the money on him. He can score from anywhere but is excellent in the paint. His post defense also helps us out since Bargnani sucks on D.

SIXTH MAN

PF: Antwan Jamison, 35 yo (14) 6'9", 235 lbs.

Jamison could start on most teams but he'll start this year as our sixth man. I could see him taking over for Bargnani at some point, but we'll see. Jamison isn't any better on defense, but is a pretty good shooter and is a very good rebounder.

ROLE PLAYERS

SF: Preston Dean, 21 yo (R) 6'7", 236 lbs.

Dean was the first overall pick in the 2011 draft and he looks like he'll be great. He really is a great player all around. He'll start on the bench but his minutes will grow as he gets some experience.

C: Steven Hunter, 29 yo (11) 7', 240 lbs.

Hunter only averaged around 10 MPG last year but did okay while he was in. He adds a lot of size to our roster and is a good post defender and rebounder.

PG: Chris Quinn, 28 yo (6) 6'2", 175 lbs.

Quinn didn't get on the court as much as he did two years ago, but I still think he's a solid option off the bench to spell Westbrook.

BENCH WARMERS

SG: Greg Buckner, 35 yo (13) 6'4", 210 lbs.

Buckner was a mid-season free agent pickup last season. He didn't get on the court much, but he's on okay option to give our starters a breather.

SF: Franklin Fulton, 24 yo (3) 6'7", 236 lbs.

Fulton can hit the outside shot, but he hasn't really turned into anything special. He will probably stay on as long as he doesn't ask for too much money in the future.

PROSPECTS

SG: Troy Law, 20 yo (R) 6'7", 216 lbs.

Law is an outside shooter, but he's not bad at creating plays for his teammates either. I like to see that in bench players.

OPENING DAY ROTATION

Here is our planned rotation for the start of the season:

PG Westbrook: 36
SG House: 34
SF Durant: 39
PF Bargnani: 31
C Stoudemire: 43

PF Jamison: 17
SF Dean: 15
PG Quinn: 10
C Hunter: 10
SG Buckner: 3
SF Fulton: 1
SG Law: 1

C Elliot: (Rsv)
SG Semenko: (Rsv)
SF Pavic: (Rsv)

[JetsIn06]

2012 Draft Outlook

Here's a quick look at the Top 5 players in the 2012 draft. Looks like a very guard heavy draft.

SG Manny Cruz - Puerto Rico

Cruz is an outside shooter with great playmaking ability. His defense is below average for a PG, but he can definitely put some points on the board.

SG Carlton Coleman - South Carolina

Coleman is a pure shooting guard. His defense is terrible, but he actually is a very good playmaker. He's also terrific athletically.

SG Nick Vincent - Northwestern

Vincent is a more defensive minded version of Coleman. His shooting isn't as good, but his defense is pretty solid.

PG Elton Lambert

Lambert is a great outside shooter, a great playmaker, and a great perimeter defender. He could shoot to the top of the board after some more in depth scouting, possibly.

PG Jess Reed

Reed is a good playmaker and perimeter defender. He can shoot the three, but he's not great at it. He definitely can't drive to the rim.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:

UTA: 116-119 W (Bargnani: 26-5-0; Durant: 24-1-7; Stoudemire: 21-13-1)
LAK: 107-104 L (House: 20-4-7; Stoudemire: 18-5-0; Durant: 12-7-7)
@ LAK: 93-116 L (Durant: 26-2-3; House: 26-4-0; Stoudemire: 12-4-1)
DEN: 99-103 W (Durant: 32-7-3; Stoudemire: 20-5-3; House: 14-6-6)
POR: 108-95 L (Durant: 19-5-4; House: 18-4-4)
@ PHI: 97-102 L (Durant: 20-8-7; Westbrook: 18-1-3)
@ NY: 91-88 W (Stoudemire: 30-11-2; Durant: 20-7-4)
@ ORL: 98-102 L (Durant: 22-8-5; Stoudemire: 21-6-0; House: 16-2-10)
@ CHA: 103-90 W (Stoudemire: 25-8-4; Durant: 18-6-4; Bargnani: 15-7-2)
@ MIL: 95-102 L (Stoudemire: 32-5-0; House: 16-6-4)
SAC: 98-110 W (Durant: 26-3-3; House: 25-1-5)
DET: 99-115 W (Stoudemire: 22-6-0; House: 18-6-10; Bargnani: 18-4-1)
@ HOU: 91-88 W (House: 18-5-2; Stoudemire: 17-6-1: Durant: 10-8-9)
@ NO: 94-101 L (House: 23-4-4; Durant: 22-6-4; Stoudemire: 15-17-4)

Current Record: (7-7)

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

We need to make a change. We have the players, but we just can't seem to put it together to win a lot of games.

After looking at the stats, it looks like Westbrook is a problem. He is averaging less then one assist per game.

I think I'm going to try and trade him for an older player from a team who needs to get younger.

I check out the standings, and the Suns are at 3-9. Steve Nash looks like a good target. He has one year left on his deal, and he might retire, but he could give us the spark we need.

I put together a deal that sends our two PG's, Westbrook and Quinn, for Steve Nash and rookie 2nd rounder Jean Micoud, another PG. I also ask for their 2nd round pick.

They accept! Steve Nash, welcome to the Thunder!

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(Name: PTS, REB, AST)

CLE: 78-101 W (Durant: 23-3-1; Stoudemire: 22-6-0; Nash: 14-2-8)
NO: 108-92 L (Durant: 23-5-2; Nash: 18-1-9; Stoudemire: 13-6-0)
GS: 98-86 L (Jamison: 17-3-0; Stoudemire: 16-6-2; House: 13-3-3)
NJ: 94-82 L (Durant: 26-7-3; Stoudemire: 20-12-0)
@ GS: 109-92 W (Bargnani: 21-9-1; Durant: 20-4-5; Nash: 15-1-7)
WAS: 101-117 W (Stoudemire: 36-7-1; Jamison: 21-1-0; Nash: 2-1-11)
TOR: 110-103 L (Durant: 30-6-0; Dean: 17-2-0; Nash: 11-2-8)
@ SAC: 105-111 L (Durant: 23-5-5; Stoudemire: 18-8-1; Nash: 17-1-4)
@ MIN: 104-129 L (Durant: 28-8-5; Stoudemire: 13-5-0; House: 12-5-3)
DEN: 84-93 W (House: 23-6-2; Nash: 17-1-3; Stoudemire: 14-15-1)
MIA: 103-111 W (Durant: 27-4-5; Stoudemire: 24-6-2; House: 18-6-2)

Current Record: (12-13)

[Young Drachma]

Drawing the Lakers was a tall number, but your boys made a series of it at least. Keep it up.

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

Our defense is really killing us. Unfortunately, the Nash trade did nothing but hurt us in this regard. What I need is a guy who will get assists but also be able to play defense.

So with that, I'm going to try and trade Nash for a team that needs offense and has a more all-around PG.

The Pistons look like a great match. They have a winning record so they can afford to go after an older player, they are in the bottom half of the league in scoring, and they have three very good point guards in Jason Kidd, Kirk Hinrich, and Mike Bibby.

I think this is a great time for a three-way trade.

Here is an initial offer.

We send Steve Nash to the Spurs, the Pistons send us Kirk Hinrich, and the Spurs send the Pistons Shelden Williams and Luke Ridnour.

It's accepted!

[Young Drachma]

Hmm..that's an interesting trade. Do you think it makes you net better? Or were you trying to clear Nash's salary to do something more meaningful down the road?

[JetsIn06]

Hmm..that's an interesting trade. Do you think it makes you net better? Or were you trying to clear Nash's salary to do something more meaningful down the road?

Nah, nothing to do with salary. I saw Westbrook's stats are figured it was his lack of offensive production that was hurting us.

I picked up Nash to remedy that. But when I looked at some of the other stats, I came to the conclusion that not only was the lack of PG production hurting us, it was our defense.

Westbrook was great on defense, but was averaging less than one assist per game. I got Nash to fix that, but he is dreadul on defense.

Hinrich gives me a little bit of both. He's a pretty good perimeter defender, a very good ball handler, and a pretty good outside shooter.

He's in the last year of his contract which is worth $8m.

[JetsIn06]

Now I have another option to beef up my defense, as well.

I have SG House, a former 1st overall pick, and SF Dean, last years first overall pick.

House is averaging 14.4 PPG as a starter, and Dean is doing great off the bench, but he really has no where to go with our lineup.

Dean would give us very similar offensive numbers but would also beef up our defense quite a bit.

I'm considering putting Dean in as the starting SG and having House come off the bench as the sixth man.

I think I'm going to try that. We just need some defensive help bad. We're the third worst defense in the NBA.

[JetsIn06]

Will update scores after A Christmas Story, but Durant is out for the next two weeks with a separated shoulder. Ugh.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(Name: PTS, REB, AST)

@ BOS: 103-87 W (Durant: 28-6-5; Hinrich: 21-2-8; Stoudemire: 18-14-2)
@ NJ: 109-104 W (Durant: 33-7-5; Bargnani: 17-3-1; Hinrich: 11-1-7)
@ IND: 78-82 L (Stoudemire: 27-9-2; Durant: 17-8-3; Bargnani: 14-9-0)
@ CLE: 91-103 L (Durant: 26-3-4; Stoudemire: 13-2-1; House: 9-2-3)
@ DET: 101-108 L (Stoudemire: 29-4-0; Durant: 19-8-6)
SA: 96-80 L (Durant: 22-6-3; Stoudemire: 19-2-1; Bargnani: 12-5-2)
@ MEM: 95-92 W (Durant: 19-4-4; Stoudemire: 18-8-0; House: 13-5-6)
NY: 79-99 W (Durant: 22-9-7; Stoudemire: 21-13-2; House: 13-5-5)
@ PHO: 88-81 W (Durant: 30-7-3; Dean: 16-6-3; Stoudemire: 7-10-2)
LAC: 94-100 W (Durant: 26-9-1; Stoudemire: 25-5-0; Dean: 11-1-3)
DAL: 91-85 L (Durant: 19-3-5; Bargnani: 17-5-0; Dean: 16-4-3)
IND: 83-109 W (Durant: 36-4-3; Stoudemire: 19-10-1; House: 4-4-8)
CHI: 107-95 L (House: 21-1-2; Bargnani: 16-7-2; Hinrich: 15-3-9)

Current Record: (19-19)

[JetsIn06]

Around the NBA

With around 45 games left to play for most teams, here's a quick look at how things are shaking out.

The Eastern Conference is playing exceptionally better than the West. The Chicago Bulls lead the East, and the NBA with a 29-9 record. The Nets are three games behind them. Four other teams have 22 wins or more.

In the West, however, only two teams (Jazz and Clippers) have 22 wins.

Sixteen year veteran Allen Iverson of the Pacers leads the league with 25.3 PPG. Dwight Howard continues to dominate the boards and leads the league with 11.1 RPG. Seven year vet Chris Paul is leading the NBA with 9.4 assists per game.

The Lakers and Thunder, who happen to face each other in the first round of the playoffs last year, lead the league in points per game with 98.6 and 98.5, respectively. However, the Thunder are somewhat struggling with a 19-19 record because of poor defense. They're giving up the fifth most points per game in the league. Of the nine worst defensive teams, the Thunder have the best record. The team with the 10th worst defense, the Jazz, has the 4th best record in the league.

As for the rookies, Ervin Snyder, the 11th overall pick taken by the Nets, leads the first-year men with 11 PPG and 3 assists per game. He's playing around 21 minutes per game.

Murray Drew, taken by the Heat with the 14th pick is seeing the floor more often than every other rookie by a five minute margin.

Second overall pick Chip Lawson, who many thought had 1st overall talent, is off to a rocky start. He is unhappy with the way Indiana has used him, and he's only scoring 4.6 PPG. His rebounding has been okay though, pulling down 5.3 per game. He is unhappy with the amount of time he is seeing the court, averaging 23.7 MPG.

Tony Parker, who was arguably the best free agent who switched teams, has been doing well with the Bucks. He's the leading scorer on the team, putting up 21.1 PPG.

[JetsIn06]

TRADE RUMOR

Antwan Jamison needs to go. When asked to rate his morale from 1-10, he responded, "Zero." He is unhappy and his play has reflected his feelings.

Getting rid of his $14,000,000 salary could be difficult though.

I talk to the 76ers, who could potentially want to trade defense for offense at the PF position. We put together a trade that would send Jamison in return for PF Drew Gooden and PG Louis Williams.

They counter, asking for our rookie PG Micoud and our 1st round pick. With the way we've been playing, I really don't want to give up my 1st rounder, especially for these guys.

I make it a 2nd rounder and throw in SF Fulton. I ask for 2nd year PF Leslie Romero in return as well to balance the cap issues. They decline.

I put next year's first in, add our SG Semenko, and ask for their SG Chris Douglas Roberts as well. They decline again.

I move on to the Nets, who also look like a possible partner. They have a huge surplus of PF's. Maybe I can take two, give them Jamison and another.

I can't come up with a deal, so I throw him on the trade block, take him out of the rotation, and pray that someone will take him off my hands.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(Name: PTS, REB, AST)

@ POR: 77-89 L (Bargnani: 19-5-2; Hinrich: 15-2-4; Stoudemire: 14-6-0)
@ NO: 97-99 L (Stoudemire: 29-8-2; House: 20-8-3; Dean: 18-4-5)
@ SA: 81-96 L (Stoudemire: 23-8-1; Hinrich: 14-0-4; Bargnani: 12-8-1)
MIN: 100-106 W (Stoudemire: 29-10-0; Dean: 18-2-2; Hinrich: 14-1-8)
@ MEM: 81-90 L (Stoudemire: 22-12-2; House: 17-5-1; Hinrich: 9-4-9)
MIL: 100-109 W (Stoudemire: 29-8-3; Jamison: 19-2-0; Dean: 17-4-3)
@ UTA: 95-83 W (Durant: 26-3-2; Stoudemire: 25-15-2)
HOU: 92-109 W (Durant: 39-5-5; Stoudemire: 28-15-1; Hinrich: 10-3-6)
POR: 107-103 L (Stoudemire: 26-6-1; Durant: 25-2-7; Dean: 17-3-4)
@ DEN: 106-108 L (Stoudemire: 28-9-0; Durant: 23-7-3)
CHA: 82-102 W (Stoudemire: 30-13-0; Durant: 23-5-9)
SA: 89-97 W (Durant: 29-4-0; Barnani: 16-6-0; Hinrich: 10-1-7)

Current Record: (25-25)

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

With Jamison being a whiny little bitch, I don't have a backup PF.

The Spurs have come to me with a trade offer asking for our backup center Steven Hunter.

In return, they'll send us PF Matt Bonner and C Kurt Thomas. I like the trade, but ask for their 2nd round pick as well.

They counter and ask for our young 3rd string SF, Franklin Fulton. We don't mind giving him up with both Dean and Durant at SF, so we accept.

Done deal!

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

The next day, we get a call from the Lakers.

They want to swap PG's and send us a 1st rounder for the trouble.

Actually, I love this trade for us.

They send us PG Luther Head. He's a great outside shooter, a good perimeter defender and a good ball handler. He is basically Hinrich with better outside shooting.

Plus, we get the first round pick. Also, Head is signed for three years so we know have a long term starter at the position.

[JetsIn06]

What I'm going to try out after the all-star break is put House at PG. Head doesn't expect to be a starter, and I want to give House playing time. He's gotten a lot of assists so he seems like a pretty good distributor.

Game Sims:

@ GS: 107-92 W (Durant: 24-2-0; Stoudemire: 22-7-1; House: 11-5-5)
@ LAC: 80-81 L (Durant: 23-4-1; Stoudemire: 16-8-2; Dean: 10-8-1)
PHO: 89-103 W (Durant: 34-4-1; Bargnani: 15-4-0; Dean: 10-2-5)

Current Record: (27-26)

[JetsIn06]

ALL-STAR BREAK


East All-Star Team Starting Five

PG: Derrick Rose (Bulls - 2nd Appearance)
SG: Andre Iguodala (76ers - 2nd Appearance)
SF: LeBron James (Cavaliers - 8th Appearance)
PF: Kevin Garnett (Celtics - 14th Appearance)
C: Dwight Howard (Magic - 6th Appearance)

West All-Star Team Starting Five

PG: Chris Paul (Hornets - 4th Appearance)
SG: Kobe Bryant (Lakers - 13th Appearance)
SF: Carmelo Anthony (Nuggets - 6th Appearance)
PF: Al Jefferson (T'Wolves - 2nd Appearance)
C: Amare Stoudemire (Thunder - 6th Appearance)

OKC Thunder All-Stars

C Amare Stoudemire (6th Appearance)

All-Star Game

West 104, East 102

Stoudemire: 5 PTS, 5 REB

[JetsIn06]

Around the League Update

Team Report

PG House: 11.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.9 APG
SG Durant: 23.0 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.1 APG
SF Dean: 9.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.5 APG
PF Bargnani: 11.7 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.1 APG
C Stoudemire: 19.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.2 APG

Playoff Picture

East

1. Bulls (42-12)
2. Nets (34-19)
3. Bobcats (31-21)
4. 76ers (30-22)
5. Cavaliers (30-23)
6. Heat (27-24)
7. Raptors (29-26)
8. Hawks (26-26)

On the Bubble

Bucks (25-26)
Magic (26-27)
Pistons (25-30)

West

1. Hornets (31-21)
2. Lakers (31-22)
3. Clippers (31-23)
4. Blazers (30-23)
5. Grizzlies (30-23)
6. Thunder (27-26)
7. Mavericks (25-25)
8. Jazz (26-27)

On the Bubble

Kings (23-28)
T'Wolves (23-28)

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

Once again, we're trying to get this worthless shit off our team

We talk to the Rockets who are in need of a PF. We need a SF.

We ask for SF Corey Brewer and our old friend, center Chris Wilcox.

They won't do it straight up, so I throw in the Lakers 1st rounder and ask for their 2nd rounder. They decline again.

I then start talking to the Timberwolves. While it could be crazy, I'm going to attempt to get Al Jefferson.

I start out by sending Jamison, Bargnani, and the Lakers 1st rounder for Jefferson and center Udonis Hasleem. Unsurprisingly, they decline. So I also throw in my 1st rounder. Jefferson is better than anyone I can get with those low 1st rounders. They decline again.

Looks like this isn't happening.

But finally, we find a deal with the Suns. They have $12m in cap room, so it's not too difficult to balance out the cap requirements. We send them Jamison and this years 2nd rounder from the Spurs in exchange for next years wnd rounder and SF Nicolas Batum, an athletic outside shooter and good perimeter defender.

This trade works out perfectly for us.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(Name: PTS, REB, AST)

NO: 105-78 L (Durant: 30-8-7)
BOS: 71-113 W (Durant: 25-10-4; Dean: 23-5-5; Stoudemire: 15-13-2)
DAL: 66-81 W (Durant: 24-12-4; Dean: 14-3-3; House: 9-10-1)
ATL: 99-114 W (Durant: 24-6-6; Bargnani: 21-2-1; Batum: 18-3-0)
@ MIN: 103-102 W (Durant: 36-10-5; Stoudemire: 24-12-4)
GS: 74-90 W (Durant: 30-8-5; House: 15-5-1; Bargnani: 12-7-0)
@ LAC: 108-99 W (Stoudemire: 21-8-0; Durant: 20-9-10)
MEM: 92-106 W (Stoudemire: 33-11-2; Durant: 26-7-7; Bargnani: 9-10-1)
UTA: 77-85 W (Durant: 20-15-4; House: 16-6-4)
@ TOR: 93-87 W (Durant: 24-5-7; Stoudemire: 23-10-2; Head: 22-1-4)
@ CHI: 87-93 L (Durant: 23-8-3; Bargnani: 19-1-1; House: 12-5-3)

Current Record: (36-28)

[JetsIn06]

Wow. We must have done something right! I'm not sure if it was the new players or getting rid of a cancer in the locker room, but we won nine straight games and then had an extremely close game with the best team in the league.

Good job men!

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(Name: PTS, REB, AST)

@ ATL: 86-109 L (Durant: 22-6-4; Stoudemire: 13-7-1)
@ WAS: 105-94 W (Stoudemire: 34-5-0; Durant: 20-7-5; House: 9-4-6)
@ MIA: 100-96 W (Head: 24-5-1; Durant: 19-9-5; Stoudemire: 17-5-2)
ORL: 99-113 W (Durant: 39-6-5; Bargnani: 13-8-2)
@ POR: 88-117 L (Durant: 30-2-6; Stoudemire: 20-13-2)
MEM: 73-76 W (Stoudemire: 20-10-2; Durant: 15-9-2; Bargnani: 15-4-0)
@ SAC: 89-103 L (Stoudemire: 33-8-1; Durant: 20-6-6; House: 9-3-6)
SAC: 86-96 W (Durant: 35-6-5; Stoudemire: 13-14-4; Bargnani: 15-2-3)
PHI: 107-111 W (Durant: 31-7-7; Dean: 20-4-2; Stoudemire: 20-5-2)
@ DEN: 72-121 L (Durant: 24-4-6; Stoudemire: 13-2-3)
@ UTA: 94-91 W (Durant: 29-13-6; Dean: 5-1-6)
MIN: 98-103 W (Stoudemire: 32-11-0; Durant: 21-5-4; Batum: 14-2-0)

Current Record: (44-32)

[JetsIn06]

Down to the Wire: Around the NBA Update

Most teams have around 6 or 7 games left, so here is a quick update of what is going on.

The Bulls have a 57-19 record, which is 9 games better than the next best team, the Lakers.

The Thunder have gone 17-6 since the All-Star Break and have moved up to the #2 seed in the Western Conference.

In the East, the following teams are virtual locks to make the playoffs:

Bulls
76ers
Nets
Bobcats
Bucks
Raptors
Cavaliers

The Heat are currently the #8 seed at 38-37, but the Magic and Hawks are right there as well.

In the West, the following teams are virtual locks:

Lakers
Thunder
Clippers
Grizzlies
Hornets
Blazers
Nuggets

The Warriors hold the #8 seed, but the Jazz, Kings, and Mavericks could easily take it.

The Wizards, Knicks, Rockets, and Celtics look like they'll be battling for the 1st overall pick.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(Name: PTS, REB, AST)

@ DAL: 72-94 L (Durant: 29-3-5; Stoudemire: 13-10-1)
@ SA: 100-86 W (Durant: 31-7-2; Stoudemire: 20-4-1)
@ HOU: 91-99 L (Durant:30-4-4; House: 14-6-4)
LAC: 69-109 W (Durant: 37-7-5; Bargnani: 22-6-2; Dean: 13-8-2)
LAK: 112-66 L (Durant: 15-7-6; Bonner: 9-7-0)
@ PHO: 99-98 W (Stoudemire: 34-13-2; Dean: 16-3-3; Durant: 13-9-5)

Final Record: (47-35)

[JetsIn06]

We've won the division and we are GOING TO THE PLAYOFFS!

[JetsIn06]

Final Thunder Stats:

PG: House (10.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 3.7 APG)
SG: Durant (24.0 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 4.5 APG)
SF: Dean (9.8 PPG, 3.5 RG, 2.8 APG)
PF: Bargnani (11.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.0 APG)
C: Stoudemire (18.8 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.3 RPG)

Top Bench Player: PG Head (9.7 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 2.5 APG)

[JetsIn06]

'11-'12 AWARDS

MVP Award

PG Derrick Rose (Bulls)
20.1 PPG, 6.1 APG, 4.4 RPG, 1.4 SPG

Rookie of the Year

PG Murray Drew (Heat)
9.7 PPG, 6.0 APG

Sixth Man of the Year

SF J.P. Phillips (Kings)
6.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.8 APG

Defensive Player of the Year

C Dwight Howard (Magic)
22.4 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 2.9 BPG

Most Improved Player

SG Daryl Gilbert (Warriors)
12.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.6 APG

All-NBA First Team

PG Derrick Rose (Bulls)
SG Dwayne Wade (Heat)
SF LeBron James (Cavaliers)
PF Al Jefferson (T'Wolves)
C Dwight Howard (Magic)

All-NBA Second Team

PG Chris Paul (Hornets)
SG Kevin Durant (Thunder)
SF Rudy Gay (Grizzlies)
PF Josh Smith (Hawks)
C Amare Stoudemire (Thunder)

All-NBA Third Team

PG Deron Williams (Jazz)
SG Andre Iguodala (76ers)
SF Carmelo Anthony (Nuggets)
PF Kevin Garnett (Celtics)
C Andrew Bynum (Lakers)

All-Defensive First Team

PG Rajon Rondo (Celtics)
SG Kevin Durant (Thunder)
SF LeBron James (Cavaliers)
PF Josh Smith (Hawks)
C Dwight Howard (Magic)

All-Defensive Second Team

PG Abraham Finley (Rockets)
SG Andre Iguodala (76ers)
SF Rudy Gay (Grizzlies)
PF Al Jefferson (T'Wolves)
C Andrew Bynum (Lakers)

All-Rookie First Team

PG Murray Drew (Heat)
SG Lamond Richardson (Pistons)
SF Preston Dean (Thunder)
PF Ben Goodrich (Hawks)
C Sergio Diaz (Suns)

All-Rookie Second Team

PG Daryl Oliver (Raptors)
SG Jerry Lucas (Nuggets)
SF Percy Walton (Rockets)
PF Chip Lawson (Pacers)
C Jeffery Fletcher (Spurs)

Coach of the Year

Vinny Del Negro - Chicago Bulls (62-20)

THUNDER AWARDS

SF Kevin Durant (All-NBA Second Team, All-Defensive First Team)
C Amare Stoudemire (All-NBA Second Team)
SF Preston Dean (All-Rookie First Team)

[JetsIn06]

NBA PLAYOFFS

We had a chance to get the #2 seed, but Memphis won their final game which put them one game ahead of us. We get the #3 though and will face the Portland Trail Blazers.

This is a very cool matchup that pits the #1 overall pick (C Greg Oden) and the #2 overall pick (SG Kevin Durant) from the same year against each other.


EAST



Bulls (1)
Hawks (8)

--

Cavaliers (4)
Nets (5)

--

76ers (3)
Bucks (6)

--

Bobcats (2)
Raptors (7)

WEST

Lakers (1)
Kings (8)

--

Clippers (4)
Hornets (5)

--

Thunder (3)
Blazers (6)

--

Grizzlies (2)
Nuggets (7)

[JetsIn06]

April 16th, 2012 - NBA Playoffs - Round One (Game One)

#6 Portland Trail Blazers @ #3 Oklahoma City Thunder

STARTING LINEUPS

BLAZERS

PG Farmar
SG Roy
SF Webster
PF Aldridge
C Oden

THUNDER

PG House
SG Durant
SF Dean
PF Bargnani
C Stoudemire

---

FIRST HALF

Here we go kids! Game one of the first round of the 2012 playoffs.

Bargnani strikes first on a close shot and we go up 2-0.

Halfway through the first quarter and we're up by one, 15-14. Bargnani is leading the way for us with 8 points already.

We go on a 10-0 run and with 3:39 left we're up 25-14.

The first ends and we are up 32-21.

After six minutes, the margin is the same. We're up 43-32. Bargnani has 14 and Durant has 12.

At the end of the half, they've cut the lead to seven. We're up 50-43.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

PTS: 50
REB: 22
AST: 12
STL: 4
BLK: 1
TO: 6
FG%: 50
3PT%: 50

POR

PTS: 43
REB: 15
AST: 8
STL: 4
BLK: 3
TO: 7
FG%: 53
3PT%: 25

SECOND HALF

Eight minutes into the second half and Portland as cut the lead to five. We've held Oden, but they are spreading the ball around well.

We quickly get back on track and the third quarter ends with us up 71-59.

With 3:30 left, they cut the lead to six. And then Oden hits a shot to bring it to 4.

Crap.

Woo! Dean makes a steal and Durant puts it in, then Aldridge turns the ball over and Stoudemire puts it in.

With 29 seconds left, we're up eight and this one is over. But in the last minute, House strains his achilles and will be out 2-4 weeks. Luckily, I'm okay with Luther Head at PG.

Oklahoma City 91, Portland 81

FINAL STATS

OKC

Stoudemire: 27-11-3
Durant: 17-9-5
Bargnani: 16-3-1

POR

Roy: 17-1-2
Outlaw: 13-2-0
Webster: 7-5-5

[JetsIn06]

April 18th, 2012 - NBA Playoffs - Round One (Game Two)

#6 Portland Trail Blazers @ #3 Oklahoma City Thunder

Thunder lead the series 1-0

STARTING LINEUPS

BLAZERS

PG Farmar
SG Roy
SF Webster
PF Aldridge
C Oden

THUNDER

PG Head
SG Durant
SF Dean
PF Bargnani
C Stoudemire

---

FIRST HALF

Dean opens it up on a close shot after a rebound from Amare.

Halfway through and we're already up 15-7, but we can't let up. Dean has scored five points and is looking good.

With 4:24 left, we've brought the lead to double digits and it's 19-9.

The first comes to an end and we're up 33-18. Nice!

We're up twenty as the first half comes to end, and we're going to simulate to the end.


Oklahoma City 123, Portland 81

FINAL STATS

OKC

Durant: 36-8-3
Batum: 32-2-2
Stoudemire: 14-8-0
Head: 5-2-8

POR

Roy: 16-4-5
Outlaw: 11-5-0
Farmar: 6-2-7

[JetsIn06]

April 20th, 2012 - NBA Playoffs - Round One (Game Three)

#3 Oklahoma City Thunder @ #6 Portland Trail Blazers

Thunder lead the series 2-0

STARTING LINEUPS

BLAZERS

PG Farmar
SG Roy
SF Webster
PF Aldridge
C Oden

THUNDER

PG Head
SG Durant
SF Dean
PF Bargnani
C Stoudemire

---

FIRST HALF

Yuck. We start the first half by going down 19-13.

The first quarter comes to a close and we're down 35-25. Oh boy.

A few minutes go by in the 2nd quarter and we've cut the lead to three. Portland is up 41-38.

Dean NAILS a three and it's tied up at 41!

With 4:50 left, we take the lead on a shot from Batum, we're up 45-43.

The half ends with us up 56-52.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

PTS: 56
REB: 16
AST: 11
STL: 6
BLK: 1
TO: 5
FG%: 50
3PT%: 57

POR

PTS: 52
REB: 18
AST: 12
STL: 2
BLK: 2
TO: 10
FG%: 60
3PT%: 50

SECOND HALF

We quickly jump out and score five unanswered which brings the lead to nine.

About halfway through the third and we are up 77-66. So far, Stoudemire is leading the team with 21 points and also 4 rebounds, and 2 assists.

We dominate the rest of the quarter and at the end of three we are up 91-75.

It ends with no surprises and we're up 3-0!

Oklahoma City 118, Portland 101

FINAL STATS

OKC

Durant: 26-6-5
Batum: 16-1-1
Stoudemire: 27-5-3
Dean: 14-4-5

POR

Aldridge: 21-4-0
Roy: 16-7-5
Outlaw: 13-2-1
Farmar: 8-2-7

[JetsIn06]

April 22nd, 2012 - NBA Playoffs - Round One (Game Four)

#3 Oklahoma City Thunder @ #6 Portland Trail Blazers

Thunder lead the series 3-0

STARTING LINEUPS

BLAZERS

PG Farmar
SG Roy
SF Webster
PF Aldridge
C Oden

THUNDER

PG Head
SG Durant
SF Dean
PF Bargnani
C Stoudemire

---

FIRST HALF

We jump out to a 19-4 lead in the first five minutes and this one's already got the look of a blowout. Can we sweep it here?

At the end of one, we're up 36-21.

They cut the lead to ten with 7:41 left in the half.

With 1:24 left, they cut it to six, but the half ends with us 57-59.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

PTS: 57
REB: 16
AST: 13
STL: 7
BLK: 3
TO: 8
FG%: 60
3PT%: 62

POR

PTS: 49
REB: 18
AST: 13
STL: 6
BLK: 1
TO: 9
FG%: 50
3PT%: 66

SECOND HALF

The third quarter goes by quickly and we're up by 20, 83-63 at the end of the quarter.

At the halfway mark of the 4th, we're up 25 and this one is over!

Time officialy expires and we're on to the next round! We've swept the Blazers!

Oklahoma City 118, Portland 90

FINAL STATS

OKC

Durant: 18-4-3
Batum: 18-1-0
Stoudemire: 22-6-1
Dean: 17-6-6
Bargnani: 17-6-6

POR

Roy: 20-6-3
Dragic: 13-1-1
Outlaw: 11-3-1

[JetsIn06]

NBA PLAYOFFS: ROUND ONE RESULTS

EAST


Bulls (1) 2
Hawks (8) 4

Holy crap. What a huge upset. The Bulls were by far the best team in the league and get knocked out in the first round by the #8 seed!

--

Cavaliers (4) 4
Nets (5) 1

--

76ers (3) 2
Bucks (6) 4

--

Bobcats (2) 4
Raptors (7) 0

WEST

Lakers (1) 4
Kings (8) 1

Damn. If only the huge upset happened in the West. Even if I beat the Grizzlies, I'll probably have to face the Lakers who absolutely destroyed me in the regular season.

--

Clippers (4) 2
Hornets (5) 4

--

Thunder (3) 4
Blazers (6) 0

--

Grizzlies (2) 4
Nuggets (7) 2

[JetsIn06]

May 2nd, 2012 - NBA Playoffs - Round Two (Game One)

#3 Oklahoma City Thunder @ #2 Memphis Grizzlies

Series is tied at 0-0

STARTING LINEUPS

GRIZZLIES

PG Livingston
SG Mayo
SF Gay
PF Arthur
C Gasol

THUNDER

PG Head
SG Durant
SF Dean
PF Bargnani
C Stoudemire

---

FIRST HALF

Durant opens up the second round of the playoffs with a close jumper and puts us ahead 2-0.

We jump out to a 9-4 lead about four minutes into the game.

Five minutes in and we're up 12-4 and Memphis has yet to score on anything other than free throws.

Halfway in now, we're up 16-4.

They finally hit a shot from the paint with 4:30 left in the quarter, but at this point we are up by 16 points. Can we keep this up?

The first quarter ends with us up 33-19. Durant is leading us with 9 PTS.

Five minutes in and we're still up by ten points, 37-27.

The first quarter ends and we are up only five points, 47-42.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

PTS: 47
REB: 27
AST: 10
STL: 4
BLK: 4
TO: 6
FG%: 39
3PT%: 22

MEM

PTS: 42
REB: 25
AST: 8
STL: 2
BLK: 0
TO: 11
FG%: 40
3PT%: 33

SECOND HALF

With 9:00 left in the 3rd, they cut our lead to one, but we turn it on and get our lead back up to 8 just two minutes later. With 3:44 left, it's 68-60.

With 1:27 left, Memphis just called a timeout and they are down 73-64.

Durant currently has 23 points and Bargnani has 21.

The third quarter ends with us in the lead, 78-72.

But just two minutes and and we've brought the lead to 11, 85-74.

And with just a minute left, we're up 99-86 and this one is over!

Oklahoma City 101, Memphis 90

FINAL STATS

OKC

Durant: 37-12-10
Stoudemire: 23-11-0
Bargnani: 21-6-0
Dean: 8-4-9

MEM

Gay: 32-7-7
Arthur: 12-2-11
Mayo: 12-7-0

[JetsIn06]

May 4th, 2012 - NBA Playoffs - Round Two (Game Two)

#3 Oklahoma City Thunder @ #2 Memphis Grizzlies

Thunder are up 1-0

STARTING LINEUPS

GRIZZLIES

PG Livingston
SG Mayo
SF Gay
PF Arthur
C Gasol

THUNDER

PG Head
SG Durant
SF Dean
PF Bargnani
C Stoudemire

---

FIRST HALF

The first quarter is about halfway done and both teams are keeping up with each other.

We're up 17-15 and there is 4:44 left.

They tie it up and we trade baskets for a while, and with 2:16 left it's tied at 23.

The first quarter ends and we're up 32-26.

The 2nd quarter brings more of the same. No one can gain any ground on each other, and halftime comes with us up 61-58. Luther Head leads us with 14 PTS.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

PTS: 61
REB: 20
AST: 13
STL: 2
BLK: 2
TO: 5
FG%: 48
3PT%: 42

MEM

PTS: 58
REB: 20
AST: 8
STL: 3
BLK: 0
TO: 5
FG%: 54
3PT%: 25

SECOND HALF

We open up with a 7-0 run, but give minutes in and they've not only caught up, but gone on a run of their own and are now up 75-69.

With 5:30 left, we get within two again. Then they hit two threes in a row, but we answer back.

With 39 seconds left in the 3rd, it's all tied up at 82.

They hit a shot with 9 seconds left to go up 84-82, and here comes the 4th.

We go up after Bargnani nails a three with 10:22 left.

Woo! Durant hits a three and now we are up 92-86 five minutes in.

Halfway through the last quarter and we're up 98-90.

With 1:10 left, we are up 104-101. They have the ball. They go for the 2 but miss and we get the rebound.

Their next possesion they get the two and with 20 seconds left, we're only up one.

Head gets fouled but makes both and the game ends with us up 106-103!

Oklahoma City 106, Memphis 103

FINAL STATS

OKC

Head: 20-1-6
Stoudemire: 18-5-2
Durant: 18-6-8
Dean: 16-8-6

MEM

Gay: 19-6-6
Arthur: 19-5-0
Terry: 17-0-2

[JetsIn06]

Round Two: Game Three

Thunder up 2-0

The first quarter is a close one, with Memphis up 28-24. Dean is stepping it up with 15 points through a quarter and a half.

Midway through the 2nd and we tie it up. They are up 10 at the end of the half though.

We cut the lead though and at the end of three, they're up 75-69.

But they quickly go up ten again.

We cut it to five with 3:00 left, but can't catch up in time.

Grizzlies 100, Thunder 87 (Dean: 26-3-0; Durant: 20-7-7; Stoudemire: 12-7-2)

[JetsIn06]

Round Two: Game Four

Thunder up 2-1

We take this one easily, 102-81.

Durant had a stellar game, dropping 41 points on Memphis. Stoudemire had 17, Head had 10, and Bargnani had 9. Durant also led the team in rebounds, assists, steals.

Thunder 102, Grizzlies 81

[JetsIn06]

Round Two: Game Five

Thunder up 3-1

The 1st is close and it ends with us up by one basket, 25-23. Durant has 12 points already and looks like he could top last games performance.

We suck ass in the 2nd and are down 14 points at halftime. Durant only had 3 points and the team only had eight this quarter.

We cut the lead in the 3rd but are still down 8, 68-60.

Durant has 22 so far. As the 4th starts, we cut the lead to five with 8:56 left. Five minutes in and we're down only 79-77.

We bring it to one and then go ahead, but they answer right back and it's 82-80.

With 2:19 left, they are up four, 94-90. Come on guys!

They go up seven and it's just too hard to catch up.

Grizzlies 99, Thunder 93 (Dean: 24-8-10; Durant: 24-3-4; Bargnani: 13-2-1)

[JetsIn06]

Round Two: Game Six

Thunder up 3-2

The first quarter is close as usual and ends in a tie, 32-32.

But we gain some ground in the 2nd and go up 53-46. Durant has 12 PTS and 8 REB so far. House is 2nd with 9 PTS.

Shit. The third quarter ends with the Grizzlies up 11, 83-72. We gotta come back!

But we can't. Memphis wins and we're going to game seven.

Grizzlies 112, Thunder 97 (Durant: 20-11-5; Stoudemire: 15-5-0; Bargnani: 13-6-1)

[JetsIn06]

Round Two: Game Seven

Series is tied 3-3

We finish the 1st quarter down 28-23. Durant leads with 7 point for us.

We gain some ground and are down by just one at the half, 50-49. Durant and Dean are the only guys on our squad with double digit points.

Yes! The third ends and we're up by six, 78-72. We NEED to hold them here or our season is over. Defense! Defense!

They come within three with 8:13 left and have the ball. Shit. They tie it up with 7:28 left.

They go up 7 with 3:50 left. FUCK.

With 1:40 left, we're down 99-93.

And our season is over. Wow.

Grizzlies 104, Thunder 98 (Durant: 21-3-8; Stoudemire: 16-7-2; Bargnani: 15-4-0; Dean: 14-4-6)

[JetsIn06]

NBA PLAYOFFS: ROUND TWO RESULTS

EAST

Hawks (8) 3
Cavaliers (4) 4

--

Bucks (6) 3
Bobcats (2) 4

WEST

Lakers (1) 4
Hornets (5) 3

--

Thunder (3) 3
Grizzlies (2) 4

[JetsIn06]

NBA PLAYOFFS: ROUND THREE RESULTS

EAST

Cavaliers (4) 4
Bobcats (2) 3

WEST

Lakers (1) 4
Grizzlies (2) 3

[JetsIn06]

'11-'12 FINALS


LOS ANGELES LAKERS vs. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS


GM 1: Cavs 91, Lakers 70
(James: 27-7-7; West: 15-5-4)

GM 2: Lakers 97, Cavs 82
(Bryant: 33-5-4; Gasol: 23-5-1)

GM 3: Lakers 106, Cavs 97
(Bryant: 28-2-6; Bynum: 26-14-1)

GM 4: Cavs 94, Lakers 92
(James: 38-4-6; Ilgauskas: 12-6-1)

GM 5: Cavs 117, Lakers 116
(James: 37-17-8; Williams: 20-3-10)

GM 6: Cavs 103, Lakers 96
(James: 24-8-2; Williams: 10-2-8)



THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS ARE NBA CHAMPIONS!


MVP: SF LeBron James (24.8 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 7.1 APG)

[JetsIn06]

Retiring Players

PF A. McDyess - Bulls - 17 yrs, 37 yo
PG M. Hames - Horners - 11, 37 yo
SG B. Barry - Magic - 17, 40 yo
C S. O'Neal - Suns - 20, 40 yo
PG D. Fisher - T'Wolves - 16, 37 yo

[JetsIn06]

OFF-SEASON

We've only got one very important option, and that's for former #1 overall PG/SG Darius House.

Player Options:

SG Troy Law: $502k (2 yr Team) Accepted
C Dmitri Elliot: $543k (Team) Accepted
PG Jean Micoud: $502k (Team) Accepted
PG Darius House: $5.11m (2 yr Team) Accepted

[JetsIn06]

OFF-SEASON

Player Re-Signing:

Here are they players whose contracts are expiring:
(B) = Bird Rights

C Kurt Thomas (B) Re-signed
SF Nicolas Batum (B) Re-signed
SG Greg Buckner Re-signed
SG Roman Semenko Let Go

First thing we do is sign up Thomas for next year. He's old, but he's cheap and still a pretty good backup center.

We also get Buckner on a one year minimum deal.

Batum came over in a trade with Phoenix. I like him a lot, and because he's got three bid years or more, I can sign him easily for a few years. He gives us excellent depth. He'll be our sixth man. We give him a four year deal with a 5th year that is a team option.

[JetsIn06]

OFF-SEASON

Draft Lottery

Let's see who will make the first pick this year.

1) Washington
2) Boston
3) San Anotonio
4) Houston
5) New York
6) Minnesota
7) Phoenix
8) Detroit
9) Indiana
10) Golden State
11) Dallas
12) Orlando
13) Utah
14) Miami

Here we go! Let's see what the lottery balls say!

1) Washington
2) New York (+3)
3) Houston (+1)
4) Boston (-2)
5) San Antonio (-2)
6) Minnesota
7) Phoenix
8) Detoriot
9) Indiana
10) Golden State
11) Dallas
12) Orlando
13) Utah
14) Miami

[JetsIn06]

2012 NBA DRAFT INFO

I've got the 25th overall pick, the 29th overall pick, the the 37th overall pick. I consider packaging them to move up, but I don't really have a need that I could target. Right now, all I need is solid depth.

Mock Draft

The mock has us taking PF Gregg Bates from Canada with the 25th pick. This is a guy that I spent a lot of time scouting. He's got a good inside game on offense and defense. He's a big guy; 6'10" and tipping the scales at 272 lbs. His biggest weakness is outside shooting. He's got absolutely nothing going for him in that area.

With the 29th pick, the mock has us taking Russian SG Dmitiri Klimov. I really, really don't like this guy. Horribly defensively, no outside shooting skills.

Top Five

Here are the Top 5 players in the draft.

1) SG Manny Cruz - Puerto Rico
2) SG Carlton Coleman - South Carolina
3) SG Nick Vincent - Northwestern
4) PG Elton Lambert - Boston U
5) PG Hason Basturk - Turkey

[JetsIn06]

2012 NBA DRAFT

Here we go!

With the 1st pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards select...

Ian Jink, center from Providence College.

Hmm. Interesting pick, but I guess it was a need. He's not great offensively and is okay on defense. His true strength is rebounding.

Crap. PF Gregg Bates gets taken by Cleveland with the 24th pick. He was really the last guy that I wanted. Everyone else available really kind of sucks.

I end up taking a guy that was projected to go in the 2nd, but he really looks like the best player to me.

We select SG Victor Johnson from Georgia Tech.

Our next pick comes up and we see a player that we like.

We select PG Rolondo House from Georgia Tech.

Nice, two players from the same school. House is a great playmaker, a pretty good defender, and a pretty good outside shooter. He should give us some decent depth.

Our next pick comes up and we know who we want.

We elect SF Oleg Kolomak from Ukraine.

Kolomak is a good shooter, a good defender inside, and a great rebounder. We didn't get to scout him in depth, but it looks like he has potential and is only 19 yo.

And that's it! We add three young players to our roster and hope that they can give us some better depth this year.

[JetsIn06]

FREE AGENCY

We're $12.91m over the cap. Once we take a look at the players available, we'll consider any trades that would make sense.

Here are the Top 10 Free Agents available:

PG Deron Williams, 28 yo (96 ovr)
PF Tim Duncan, 36 yo (91 ovr)
PF Kevin Garnett, 36 yo (91 ovr)
PF Michael Beasley, 23 yo (90 ovr)
SG O.J. Mayo, 24 yo (90 ovr)
SG Vince Carter, 35 yo (88 ovr)
PG Jason Kidd, 39 yo (84 ovr)
C Chris Kaman, 30 yo (83 ovr)
SG Eric Gordon, 23 yo (83 ovr)
PG Jameer Nelson, 30 yo (82 ovr)

Wow. Some very young guys like Beasley and Mayo hitting FA for this first time. I expect that their old teams will go over the soft cap to sign them. Deron Williams is going to go for a LOT of money.

Day 1: Interesting. Williams doesn't get an offer from the Jazz yet. They have plenty of cap room. Could they possibly want to go in another direction? The Pacers have made a significant offer. The Clippers, Cavaliers, and Raptors have all made lowball offers on Tim Duncan.

Day 2: The Suns have upped the offer on Williams and are now in the lead. Kevin Garnett looks like he could be wearing a Nugget uni next year.

Day 3: Looks like Beasley and Mayo are going back to their original teams.

Day 8: We make an offer to 3rd year PF Shannon Hodges and use our MLE. We also waive our 1st round pick PG Rolando House. He was just wasn't going to cut it and we need the roster space.

Day 9: Hodges rejects our offer so we make a new one.

Day 10: The Spurs make a splash and sign PG Deron Williams to a 4-year, $77m deal.

Day 11: The Nets and Rockets are battling it out over PF Tim Duncan. I think the Rockets land him

Day 12: The Kings and Hawks are both bidding on Jason Kidd. The Raptors and Bucks are close but probably not close enough.

Day 13: Wow. Mayo denies the Grizzlies and moves on to the Suns!

Day 14: Hodges signs with us, and Garnett moves on to the Rockets.

Day 16: Carter and Kidd are the only top free agents left. The Bocats and Nets are going after Carter, and the Kings, Pacers, and Hawks are all going after Kidd very hard.

Day 18: The Blazers step up their offer and now in the running for Kidd.

Day 23: Vince Carter ends up signing with the Nuggets, and Kidd signs with the Pacers!

PG Deron Williams, 28 yo (96 ovr) (Spurs)
PF Tim Duncan, 36 yo (91 ovr) (Nets)
PF Kevin Garnett, 36 yo (91 ovr) (Rockets)
PF Michael Beasley, 23 yo (90 ovr) (Heat)
SG O.J. Mayo, 24 yo (90 ovr) (Suns)
SG Vince Carter, 35 yo (88 ovr) (Nuggets)
PG Jason Kidd, 39 yo (84 ovr) (Pacers)
C Chris Kaman, 30 yo (83 ovr) (Bobcats)
SG Eric Gordon, 23 yo (83 ovr) (Pacers)
PG Jameer Nelson, 30 yo (82 ovr) (Nets)

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

Last year's #2 pick, Chip Lawson, who we debated taking with the #1 is on the block.

He's been unhappy in Indiana and now they are just looking to get something for him. I'd like him on the team.

I put together a trade that would send them our PF Bargnani (81 ovr) and PF Shannon Hodges (69 ovr). They would send me PF Chip Lawson (79 ovr) and PG Jerryd Bayless (81 ovr).

They counter and ask for House in return.

This is tempting. House is a great player for us, but he is playing out of position at PG. Bayless is more of a traditional PG. Bargnani is a solid shooter but gives us no defense at all on the inside.

Both Bayless and Lawson are young, as well and have great potential.

I'm going to pull the trigger. I hope this was the right thing to do.

[JetsIn06]

2012-2013 Opening Day Roster

Can we keep up this trend? Can we make it to the third round of the playoffs? Or maybe even further? Here is a look at the squad that will get us there.

STARTERS

PG: Jerryd Bayless, 24 yo (5) 6'3", 200 lbs. (83 ovr)

Bayless is a new member of the team. Last year for the Lakers he averaged 10.6 PPG and 4.0 APG. He's good defensively and I think he'll be good for the team. This is our fourth or fifth PG in a few years and I'm hoping he's the guy that will stick.

SG: Kevin Durant, 24 yo (6) 6'9", 215 lbs. (96 ovr)

Still goin' strong. Durant is by far our strongest player.

SF: Preston Dean, 22 yo (2) 6'7", 236 lbs. (80 ovr)

Dean's rookie year started on the bench, but he eventually moved into a starting role. He scored just under 10 points a game. He's strong on offense and defense and I can't wait to see him gain some experience and reach his potential.

PF: Chip Lawson, 22 yo (2) 6'10", 268 lbs. (82 ovr)

We passed up on Lawson in the 2011 draft, but now we get to see what he looks in in Thunder blue and orange. Lawson is an excellent defender, especially in the post. I think we're going to be the first to see what Lawson can really do considering how unhappy he was last year in Indiana.

C : Amare Stoudemire, 29 yo (11) 6'10", 249 lbs. (95 ovr)

Stoudemire is tough to keep happy, but he always brings his best game to the court. His numbers were a bit down last year, but I still think he's got what it takes.

SIXTH MAN

PG: Luther Head, 29 yo (8) 6'3", 185 lbs. (76 ovr)

I really like having this guy on the team. He's a great outside shooter, a pretty good distributor, and okay on defense.

ROLE PLAYERS

SF: Nicolas Batum, 23 yo (5) 6'8", 190 lbs. (76 ovr)

Batum, coming off the bench, put up 9.5 PPG last season. That's pretty solid. He's solid defensively, can hit the outside shot, and is a terrific athlete. He looks like he'll be here for a while.

PG: Jean Micoud, 23 yo (2) 6'1", 191 lbs. (72 ovr)

Micoud is only in his second year, but he looks like he's on his way to becoming a terrific backup point guard. He's a solid ball handler, a good shooter, and pretty good on defense. His biggest weakness is scoring from the inside.

PF: Matt Bonner, 32 yo (9) 6'10", 240 lbs. (69 ovr)

Bonner isn't great on defense, but he's a good shooter from the outside and can cause mismatches because of his height.

BENCH WARMERS

SG: Greg Buckner, 36 yo (14) 6'4", 210 lbs. (70 ovr)

Pretty average player but not a bad option for the bench. He's not very happy and could be a potential trade option.

PROSPECTS

SF: Oleg Kolomak, 20 yo (R) 6'7", 232 lbs.(75 ovr)

Kolomak was taken with the 37th overall pick and is from Ukraine. He looks like a steal, to me. He's already pretty well developed and is a good rebounder, good shooter from inside and out, and pretty good on defense.

SG: Victor Johnson, 21 yo (R) 6'6", 226 lbs. (75 ovr)

Johnson was the 25th overall pick in the draft. He's a dominant outside shooter and a very good perimeter defender. His ball handling is solid as well. I have a feeling we got two long term players for us in this draft.

OPENING DAY ROTATION

Here is our planned rotation for the start of the season:

PG Bayless: 32
SG Durant: 42
SF Dean: 35
PF Lawson: 32
C Stoudemire: 41

PG Head: 21
SF Batum: 10
PG Micoud: 8
PF Bonner: 7
SF Kolomak: 5
SG Johnson: 5
SG Buckner: 2

C Elliot: (Rsv)
C Thomas: (Rsv)

[JetsIn06]

2013 Draft Outlook

Here's a quick look at the Top 5 players in the 2013 draft. Finally some big men at the top.

PF Byron Fletcher - DePaul

A great defender and rebounder, Fletcher can also score from inside. Looks very, very good.

C Chucky Barber - West Virginia

A 7'1", 295 lb. monster. Barber is even better on defense, but his rebounding isn't. Still, anyone who ends up this this guys is going to be happy.

PF Darrell Reeves - Michigan State

Great rebounder, pretty good defense, great inside shooter.

PF Colin Augmon - Penn St.

Probably the best defender of the bunch but lacks the offensive skills. Super rebounder.

PF Alberto Cruz - Puerto Rico

Pretty similar to everyone else, but at 19 yo he could use a little seasoning. Also very poor athletically.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(PTS-REB-AST)

For some reason, I can't load the boxscores for the games first few games I simulated, so you won't see any individual stats listed for them.

MIN: 93-128 W
LAK: 84-97 W
@ LAK: 101-87 W
UTA: 82-102 W
POR: 96-90 L
@ TOR: 92-94 L (Durant: 34-2-5; Stoudemire: 16-7-1; Dean: 15-7-3)
@ BOS: 99-85 W (Dean: 22-7-4; Durant: 19-8-4; Stoudemire: 18-3-1)
@ ATL: 87-103 L (Durant: 27-6-3; Bayless: 12-2-7; Dean: 12-4-3)
@ WA: 82-97 L (Durant: 23-8-6; Stoudemire: 11-10-1)
@ DET: 86-92 L (Stoudemire: 28-5-0; Durant: 23-8-6; Dean: 12-7-4)
PHO: 96-116 W (Durant: 34-11-6; Stoudemire: 26-7-1; Bayless: 18-5-6)
IND: 107-95 L (Durant: 25-4-5; Stoudemire: 18-7-1; Bayless: 14-2-3)

Current Record: (6-6)

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(PTS-REB-AST)

@ MEM: 103-99 W (Durant: 29-8-3; Bayless: 18-3-5; Stoudemire: 13-12-1-7 Blocks)
@ HOU: 88-109 L (Durant: 18-5-3; Lawson: 13-3-0; Bayless: 11-3-5)
CLE: 78-113 W (Stoudemire: 28-5-1; Durant: 22-8-4; Dean: 11-5-3)
HOU: 106-104 W (Stoudemire: 25-6-3; Durant: 24-1-1; Dean: 21-2-5)
GS: 97-104 W (Stoudemire: 30-10-0; Durant: 23-6-2; Bayless: 21-3-8; Dean: 18-6-2)
NY: 108-111 W (Durant: 33-5-7; Stoudemire: 28-6-3; Dean: 18-3-4)
@ GS: 98-99 L (Bayless: 21-3-3; Durant: 19-7-8; Dean: 15-6-2)
CHA: 73-118 W (Stoudemire: 31-9-1; Durant: 29-7-8; Bayless: 20-5-4)
NJ: 81-119 W (Durant: 29-6-7; Stoudemire: 20-10-1; Dean: 10-12-2)
@ PHO: 93-104 L (Stoudemire: 24-10-1; Durant: 20-7-4; Bayless: 17-2-3)
@ DEN: 103-107 L (Stoudemire: 26-10-1; Bayless: 16-3-5; Durant: 15-9-5)
UTA: 88-108 W (Durant: 26-10-6; Stoudemire: 21-7-4; Batum: 14-1-1)

Current Record: (13-11)

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(PTS-REB-AST)

ORL: 94-93 L (Durant: 27-5-6; Stoudemire: 18-10-3; Dean: 11-1-5)
@ PHI: 101-98 W (Durant: 25-7-4; Stoudemire: 20-6-0; Head: 13-1-2)
@ NY: 93-113 L (Durant: 24-7-5; Head: 17-3-1; Dean: 14-3-4)
@ MIL: 109-110 L (Stoudemire: 35-7-2; Durant: 26-5-7; Dean: 19-3-5)
@ CLE: 107-108 L (Durant: 28-7-6; Dean: 23-6-4; Bayless: 10-3-10)
@ IND: 78-86 L (Stoudemire: 22-7-1; Dean: 11-4-0; Lawson 10-7-1)
DAL: 82-97 W (Durant: 40-4-0; Stoudemire: 24-10-0; Dean: 7-8-4)
@ SA: 95-94 W (Dean: 19-3-4; Durant: 18-5-9; Stoudemire: 17-3-2)
BOS: 75-100 W (Durant: 30-8-2; Stoudemire: 19-8-0; Dean: 18-4-4)
@ SAC: 92-99 L (Stoudemire: 30-10-4; Durant: 24-4-6; Dean: 11-3-4)
LAC: 124-120 L (Durant: 33-5-6; Dean: 24-2-2; Johnson: 18-4-3)
NO: 109-103 L (Durant: 33-5-6; Stoudemire: 22-5-0; Lawson: 13-7-1)


Current Record: (17-19)

[JetsIn06]

Around the NBA Update:

We're a few games away from the halfway mark, so here is a quick update on the happenings around the league.

The Bulls, after losing to the #8 seed in the first round last year, are on top again, leading the league with a 25-10 record. They are doing it with defense, giving up only 91.5 PPG, third best in the league, and getting 8.4 steals per game, which is best in the league . Their rebounding numbers are also the best in the league, pulling down 38.1 per game.

Derrick Rose is leading the team with 20.1 PPG, 7.0 APG, and 1.6 SPG. Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, and Carlos Boozer are all averaging over 15 PPG for the Bulls.

The worst team in the league? The Boston Celtics, who lost Kevin Garnett to the Rockets in free agency. They are averaging a league-low 84.3 PPG. They are losing games by the biggest margin as well, averaging a -10.1 point differential. Ouch. Their leading scorer is SF Paul Pierce with 16.3 PPG.

Jackson Lawson, a SF from Duke, was the 14th pick in the draft and is is looking great so far. He leads all rookies with 8.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, and 2.9 APG.

Ian Jinks, the center taken with the 1st overall pick by the Wizards, hasn't done much yet, averaging just seven minutes per game.

The top free agent last off-season, PG Deron Williams, is doing well with his new team, the Spurs. He's averaging a career high 25.2 PPG, which is over six points higher than his previous career high. However, his team is tied with the 2nd worst record in the league at 11-26.

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

Boston PG Rajon Rondo, a 7 year veteran, is on the block.

We like Bayless, but we like Rondo more. I'm willing to make a deal.

First thing I do is offer Bayless for Rondo, straight up. It saves the Celtics some money and also makes them younger.

They accept. Quick and painless.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(PTS-REB-AST)

MIL: 99-95 L (Stoudemire: 26-6-2; Durant: 23-7-5; Rondo: 5-10-2)
CHI: 96-117 W (Durant: 46-6-6; Stoudemire: 23-11-1; Rondo: 14-5-6)
@ POR: 96-102 L (Dean: 22-5-1; Stoudemire: 19-7-1; Durant: 15-7-6)
@ HOU: 83-97 L (Durant: 22-6-1; Head: 12-0-3; Stoudemire: 11-8-1)
@ DAL: 98-81 W (Stoudemire: 31-11-2; Durant: 29-2-2; Johnson: 11-3-3)
DEN: 101-119 W (Durant: 30-9-2; Stoudemire: 28-6-1; Rondo: 12-3-12)
@ SA: 110-90 W (Durant: 28-7-4; Stoudemire: 24-10-0; Dean: 13-4-3)
DET: 86-107 W (Stoudemire: 27-13-2; Durant: 22-8-7; Lawson: 17-3-1)
@ MIN: 105-108 L (Stoudemire: 35-9-1; Durant: 21-13-8; Rondo: 12-3-9)
MEM: 109-105 L (Durant: 40-8-5; Stoudemire: 20-9-0; Dean: 13-5-4)
POR: 88-80 L (Durant: 27-4-2; Stoudemire: 21-14-1; Dean: 10-3-1)
@ UTA: 95-94 W (Durant: 23-7-2; Rondo: 20-6-8; Stoudemire: 17-5-1)


Current Record: (23-25)

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(PTS-REB-AST)

WAS: 94-124 W (Durant: 35-6-7; Stoudemire: 27-11-2; Rondo: 19-3-4)
DAL: 76-105 W (Durant: 38-9-2; Stoudemire: 18-3-0; Rondo: 10-12-6)
@ GS: 101-112 L (Durant: 31-6-4; Stoudemire: 26-8-3)
@ LAC: 96-105 L (Durant: 31-7-3; Stoudemire: 20-3-0; Rondo: 6-7-10)
SAC: 97-108 W (Durant: 34-7-6; Stoudemire: 18-3-0; Johnson: 13-4-3)

Current Record: (26-27)

[JetsIn06]

ALL-STAR BREAK


East All-Star Team Starting Five

PG: Derrick Rose (Bulls - 3rd Appearance)
SG: Dwayne Wade (Heat - 7th Appearance)
SF: LeBron James (Cavaliers - 9th Appearance)
PF: Michael Beasley Heat - 1st Appearance)
C: Dwight Howard (Magic - 7th Appearance)

West All-Star Team Starting Five

PG: Chris Paul (Hornets - 5th Appearance)
SG: Kevin Durant (Thunder - 4th Appearance)
SF: Carmelo Anthony (Nuggets - 7th Appearance)
PF: Al Jefferson (T'Wolves - 3rd Appearance)
C: Amare Stoudemire (Thunder - 7th Appearance)

OKC Thunder All-Stars

SG Kevin Durant (4th Appearance)
C Amare Stoudemire (7th Appearance)

All-Star Game

West 110, East 90

Stoudemire: 8-6-1
Durant: 7-3-3

[JetsIn06]

Around the League Update

Team Report

PG Rondo: 11.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 7.3 APG
SG Durant: 26.6 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.2 APG
SF Dean: 12.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.7 APG
PF Lawson: 4.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 0.3 APG
C Stoudemire: 21.2 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.2 APG

Playoff Picture

East

1. Bulls (36-18)
2. Bucks (31-20)
3. Heat (30-22)
4. Raptors (26-26)
5. Bobcats (29-23)
6. Hawks (27-26)
7. Pistons (25-26)
8. Cavaliers (26-27)

On the Bubble

76ers (26-29)
Pacers (26-29)

West

1. Lakers (33-20)
2. Hornets (30-20)
3. Rockets (30-22)
4. Jazz (28-24)
5. Blazers (28-25)
6. T'Wolves (28-25)
7. Clippers (28-26)
8. Suns (26-25)

On the Bubble

Thunder (26-27)
Nuggets (25-26)
Warriors (26-28)

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

While Lawson may pan out, this experiment isn't working. I regret making the trade and now I need to get better at the PF position if we want to make the playoffs.

The Nets are 19-36 and are tied for the worst record in the league. 36 year old Tim Duncan is there but an aging veteran does them no good, really. I'm going to see if I can work out a deal to bring him to the Thunder.

Unfortunately, we just don't have the pieces that could make the cap work, so we abandon the idea of getting Duncan and move on to other teams.

Another idea is to make a deal with the struggling Mavericks for 15th year vet Dirk Nowitzki.

If possible, I'd like to keep Lawson and have him on the bench.

I put together a trade that would send them rookie SG Victor Johnson (75/D), SF Nicolas Batum (76/D), and PG Luther Head (76 ovr).

In return, we would get PF Dirk Nowitzki (89 ovr), rookie PG Hasan Basturk (76/B), and 2nd year C Stan Landry (66/B).

Unsurprsingly, they decline the trade. I throw in our first round pick and they still decline, so I start again and this time include Lawson.

I replace Johnson with Lawson, take out the first rounder, and they accept. I'm really hoping that Lawson doesn't turn out to be the next star PF, but getting Nowitzki helps us out in our playoff run.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(PTS-REB-AST)

HOU: 110-98 W (Durant: 28-4-2; Nowitzki; 16-7-1; Stoudemire: 15-16-0)
PHI: 85-108 W (Nowitzki: 27-8-0; Durant: 24-6-6; Stoudemire: 16-2-0)
NO: 92-98 W (Durant: 29-3-10; Stoudemire: 15-12-1; Rondo: 14-2-5)
MIA: 105-92 L (Durant: 27-5-1; Stoudemire: 23-9-1; Nowitzki: 22-6-2)
@ DEN: 120-105 W (Durant: 38-10-3; Stoudemire: 24-9-0; Nowitzki: 19-4-2)
GS: 103-99 L (Nowitzki: 28-12-2; Durant: 23-7-4; Stoudemire: 14-7-0)
@ LAC: 97-96 W (Durant: 23-5-5; Dean: 19-6-6; Rondo: 19-4-5)
SA: 71-95 W (Stoudemire: 22-12-1; Durant: 19-10-2; Nowitzki: 19-8-2)
MIN: 113-119 W (Durant: 40-4-7; Nowitzki: 19-6-1; Dean: 17-3-4)
@ NJ: 78-86 L (Durant: 31-6-2; Stoudemire: 12-9-0; Dean: 10-7-4)
@ CHI: 108-92 W (Stoudemire: 32-5-1; Durant: 21-4-6; Nowitzki: 17-9-1)
@ MIA: 92-75 W (Durant: 35-9-2; Dean: 19-3-4; Nowitzki: 11-6-0)
@ CHA: 75-97 L (Nowitzki: 18-13-1; Durant: 16-9-1; Dean: 10-3-5)
@ ORL: 102-91 W (Durant: 33-3-2; Johnson: 27-2-3; Nowitzki: 15-9-2)
ATL: 75-89 W (Durant: 25-12-2; Rondo: 13-3-7; Nowtizki: 10-7-4)
@ POR: 96-103 L (Stoudemire: 24-9-2; Nowtizki: 17-8-2; Durant: 16-2-4)

Current Record: (37-32) (Currently #6 Seed in Playoff Picture)

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(PTS-REB-AST)

SA: 110-99 L (Stoudemire: 26-3-1; Dean: 17-6-4; Durant: 15-8-4)
@ PHO: 76-99 L (Stoudemire: 19-3-1; Nowitzki: 18-7-1; Durant: 9-9-3)
PHO: 101-104 W (Durant: 29-9-7; Nowitzki: 16-4-1; Rondo: 12-7-11)
TOR: 87-103 W (Durant: 29-9-4; Nowitzki: 14-3-0; Stoudemire: 11-10-2)
@ UTA: 101-111 L (Durant: 27-5-6; Stoudemire: 22-5-2; Nowitzki: 22-8-0)
@ MIN: 99-103 L (Durant: 34-7-3; Stoudemire: 20-8-1; Nowitzki: 17-9-2)
DEN: 97-118 W (Durant: 38-8-5; Stoudemire: 25-11-2; Rondo: 19-7-11)
@ NO: 79-86 L (Stoudemire: 23-5-0; Johnson: 13-3-2; Rondo: 12-9-6)
@ DAL: 107-89 W (Stoudemire: 29-9-1; Nowitzki: 26-7-1; Rondo: 12-7-12)
@ MEM: 100-105 L (Stoudemire: 39-14-1; Durant: 29-5-7; Rondo: 9-4-15)
LAC: 99-102 W (Durant: 33-7-3; Nowitzki: 26-8-6; Rondo: 11-15-9)
LAK: 90-91 W (Durant: 18-2-7; Stoudemire: 15-6-1; Rondo: 12-6-10)
@ SAC: 93-88 W (Durant: 31-9-4; Nowitzki: 16-8-1; Stoudemire: 15-5-2)

Final Record: (44-38)

[JetsIn06]

We're going to the playoffs!

[JetsIn06]

'12-'13 AWARDS

MVP Award

SFLeBron James (Cavaliers)
25.0 PPG, 6.5 APG, 8.4 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 1.9 BPG

Rookie of the Year

SF Jackson Lawson (Heat)
9.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.8 APG

Sixth Man of the Year

SF Gerald Wallace (Bobcats)
12.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.0 APG

Defensive Player of the Year

C Dwight Howard (Magic)
21.6 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 2.2 BPG

Most Improved Player

SF Joe Alexander (Clippers)
13.0 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.4 APG / 6.4 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 0.8 APG

All-NBA First Team

PG Chris Paul (Hornets)
SG Kevin Durant (Thunder)
SF LeBron James (Cavaliers)
PF Al Jefferson (T'Wolves)
C Dwight Howard (Magic)

All-NBA Second Team

PG Deron Williams (Spurs)
SG Dwayne Wade (Heat)
SF Rudy Gay (Grizzlies)
PF Chris Bosh (Raptors)
C Amare Stoudemire (Thunder)

All-NBA Third Team

PG Abraham Finley (Rockets)
SG Andre Iguodala (76ers)
SF Carmelo Anthony (Nuggets)
PF Josh Smith (Hawks)
C Andrew Bynum (Lakers)

All-Defensive First Team

PG Abraham Finley (Rockets)
SG Kevin Durant (Thunder)
SF LeBron James (Cavaliers)
PF Josh Smith (Hawks)
C Dwight Howard (Magic)

All-Defensive Second Team

PG Chris Paul (Hornets)
SG O.J. Mayo (Suns)
SF Rudy Gay (Grizzlies)
PF Al Jefferson (T'Wolves)
C Andrew Bynum (Lakers)

All-Rookie First Team

PG Elton Lambert (Knicks)
SG Manny Cruz (Celtics)
SF Jackson Lawson (Heat)
PF Clayton Davis (Blazers)
C Wilson Winter (Rockets)

All-Rookie Second Team

PG Hasan Basturk (Thunder)
SG Carlton Coleman (Pacers)
SF Dale Best (Pistons)
PF Gregg Bates (Cavaliers)
C Ian Jinks (Wizards)

Coach of the Year

Erik Spoelstra - Miami Hear (48-34)

THUNDER AWARDS

SF Kevin Durant (All-NBA First Team, All-Defensive First Team)
C Amare Stoudemire (All-NBA Second Team)
PG Hasan Basturk (All-Rookie First Team)

[JetsIn06]

NBA PLAYOFFS

The Nowitzki trade single handedly got us into the playoffs. We were on the bubble after the all-star break and we're now the #6 seed.

We face the #3 Golden State Warriors. They are an interesting team. They don't have a superstar, but they've got incredible depth.

Here's what the playoff tree looks like.


EAST



Bulls (1)
Hawks (8)

--

76ers (4)
Bobcats (5)

--

Cavaliers (3)
Bucks (6)

--

Heat (2)
Pacers (7)

WEST

Hornets (1)
Nuggets (8)

--
Suns (4)
Lakers (5)

--

Warriors (3)
Thunder (6)

--

Jazz (2)
Grizzlies (7)

[JetsIn06]

Round One: Game One

Series tied 0-0

Halfway through the first and we're up 15-13. Durant is taking control with 11 points.

They go ahead with 3 minutes left, and they end the first with a run and lead 26-21.

The second quarter is a good one and the half ends with Golden State up 50-48. Durant leads the team with 20 points.

The third ends with us up 69-68, and we open up the 4th with a run and are up 78-70 with 8 minutes left.

With 3:47 left, we're up 10 but they tie it up and go ahead by three with 31 seconds left!

We call a timeout.

Bonner gets fouled and makes both to bring us within one. They miss their shot, Rondo gets the rebound, and Stoudemire puts it in for the lead and gets fouled!

He nails it, they miss the long shot, and we win!

Thunder 98, Warriors 96 (Durant: 42-6-4; Stoudemire: 15-5-0; Rondo: 5-7-8)

[JetsIn06]

Round One: Game Two
Thunder up 1-0

It's a close game and the first half ends with us down 64-60.

They open up the second half with a little run and are up 70-60. With 3:07 left, we make a three point play and bring it within three points, 81-78.

We call a timeout with 1:29 left in the 3rd and we're down two, 83-81. Durant leads the team with 20 points.

At the end of the 3rd, Durant nails a three pointer to put us up one. Going into the 4th, it's 86-85, us.

They take the lead two minutes in, and eventually go up by 8 halfway through.

With 2:00 left, it's 104-98 and we need a big play. But they nail a three and put the game out of reach.

Warriors 109, Thunder 100 (Durant: 24-7-2; Stoudemire: 17-9-0; Nowitzki: 17-7-1)

[JetsIn06]

Round One: Game Three
Series tied 1-1

After three quarters, we finally get a little lead and are up 78-71 going into the final quarter.

Stoudemire and Dirk have 15, Durant has 17, and Dean has put up 12.

With 9:12 left to go, we're up 85-73. We go up 20 with 6:00 left and we milk the clock for the win.

Thunder 98, Warriors 88 (Durant: 28-7-4; Stoudemire: 15-5-2; Nowitzki: 17-7-2; Rondo: 13-9-5)

[JetsIn06]

Round One: Game Four
Thunder up 2-1

The half ends with us up by one, but we have a great 3rd quarter and lead 80-69 going into the 4th.

We absolutely destroy them in the 4th, and get an easy win.

Thunder 118, Warriors 86 (Durant: 36-6-1; Stoudemire: 30-5-1; Nowitzki: 8-12-3; Rondo: 12-4-11-6 Steals; Dean: 18-9-2)

[JetsIn06]

Round One: Game Five
Thunder up 3-1

We lead after the 1st 29-26, but they come back and drop 36 points in the 2nd and 3rd to take a big lead.

We outscore them 32-30 in the 4th, but it's not enough to overcome their 128 point game.

Warriors 128, Thunder 115, (Stoudemire: 31-7-0; Nowitzki: 22-9-3; Durant: 17-4-4; Rondo: 12-4-8; Dean: 11-3-1)

[JetsIn06]

Round One: Game Six
Thunder up 3-2

We take a big 10 point lead after the first, and extend to 18 after the 2nd.

This is looking good. We lead 89-74 after the 3rd, and Durant is having a great game with 28 points so far. We close out the 4th with no problem and we move on to the next round!

Thunder 120, Warriors 101 (Stoudemire: 16-6-1; Nowitzki: 20-11-1; Durant: 39-7-2; Rondo: 6-3-12; Dean: 6-8-1)

[JetsIn06]

NBA PLAYOFFS: First Round Results

We make it past the #3 seed Warriors, now let's see who we play and how the rest of the teams did.

EAST



Bulls (1) 3
Hawks (8) 4

For the second straight year, the Bulls get the #1 seed and lose to the #8 seed Atlanta Hawks in the first round. Wow.

--

76ers (4) 2
Bobcats (5) 4

--

Cavaliers (3) 4
Bucks (6) 1

--

Heat (2) 4
Pacers (7) 1

WEST

Hornets (1) 4
Nuggets (8) 3

--
Suns (4) 2
Lakers (5) 4

--

Warriors (3) 2
Thunder (6) 4

--

Jazz (2) 4
Grizzlies (7) 1

[JetsIn06]

Round Two: Game One

Series tied 0-0

The first quarter ends and we're up 26-23. We keep up the intensity in the 2nd and the half ends with us up 55-51.

In the 3rd, we really turn it up and the quarter ends with us in the lead, 79-67.

We kicked their ass in the 4th.

Thunder 109, Jazz 87

Rondo: 4-4-12
Durant: 32-6-6
Dean: 10-5-1
Nowitzki: 14-8-0
Stoudemire: 27-8-0

[JetsIn06]

Round Two: Game Two

Thunder up 1-0

Our defense is dominant in the first, holding them to just 11 points. They came back with 31 in the 2nd, but we outscored them in the 3rd and 4th and get another easy victory.

Thunder 97, Jazz 80

Rondo: 8-5-7
Durant: 31-5-7
Dean: 13-2-6
Nowitzki: 12-8-2
Stoudemire: 25-14-1

[JetsIn06]

Round Two: Game Three

Thunder up 2-0

We were down at the end of the 1st and 2nd, but outscored them by 5 and 6 points in the 3rd and 4th, respectively.

Durant goes 13-19 from the field and leads the team with 34 points. Rondo has a nice game defensively with 5 steals.

One more game!

Thunder 94, Jazz 85

Rondo: 6-5-8-5 Steals
Durant: 34-6-3
Dean: 9-6-6
Nowitzki: 21-6-1
Stoudemire: 15-7-0

[JetsIn06]

Round Two: Game Four
Thunder up 3-0

And we're going to the conference finals!!!

We outscored them in every quarter except the 2nd, when they dropped 23 to our 21.

Durant leads the team with 29 points, Rondo has 12 assists, and Nowitzki has 11 rebounds. Excellent teamwork gives us the sweep of the #2 seed. Bring on the next team!

Thunder 111, Jazz 96

Rondo: 7-6-12
Durant: 29-6-7
Dean: 15-1-2
Nowitzki: 20-11-2
Stoudemire: 6-2-2

[JetsIn06]

NBA PLAYOFFS: Second Round Results

Woo! We knock off the #2 Utah Jazz. Let's see what happened throughout the rest of the playoffs.

EAST




Hawks (8) 0
Bobcats (5) 4

--

Cavaliers (3) 4
Heat (2) 3


WEST


Hornets (1) 4
Lakers (5) 0

--

Thunder (6) 4
Jazz (2) 0

[JetsIn06]

Conference Finals: Game One

#6 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. #1 New Orleans Hornets
Series tied 0-0

Here we go. Our trend has been to advance one further round then the previous year and then get knocked out. Can we change that this year?

The Hornets are going to be very, very tough. Chris Paul is the premier point guard in the league. This is his last year under contract, but reports say he wants to re-sign. He's playing for a big contract and will be tough.

Here we go...

Yikes. The first quarter doesn't go our way and we're down 36-26 already. They are nailing threes, hitting five already.

The second doesn't go much better and they gain another eight points on us and are up 68-52 at the half. Stojakovic is really playing well with 20 points. Paul dropped 13 in the first, but is still there but now has 5 assists as well.

Stoudemire has scored 12, and Durant 10, but we really need to gain some ground if we want to make this a game.

But we can't, and the Hornets take game one of the Western Conference Finals.

Hornets 122, Thunder 97

Rondo: 5-4-10
Durant: 24-6-3
Dean: 2-3-0
Nowitzki: 13-8-1
Stoudemire: 22-0-0

[JetsIn06]

Conference Finals: Game Two

#6 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. #1 New Orleans Hornets

Hornets up 1-0

We finished the 1st down 12 points, and it didn't get any better after that. We brought it within 8 at the start of the 4th, but they outscored us 32-17 in the final quarter.

We're down 2-0 and things look very bleak.

Hornets 101, Thunder 81

Rondo: 6-4-9
Durant: 11-2-3
Dean: 17-8-2
Nowitzki: 16-9-0
Stoudemire: 17-8-1

[JetsIn06]

Conference Finals: Game Three

#6 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. #1 New Orleans Hornets
Hornets up 2-0

This is pretty much a must-win game. Coming back from 3-0 against the #1 seed is virtually impossible.

The first goes our way though, and it ends with us up 24-18. We're spreading the ball around well, and Durant leads us with 8 points.

Our defense is on fire in the 2nd, and we hold them to just 10 points and score 24 of our own. The half ends with us up 48-28, and this is exactly what we needed.

Wow. Someone lit a fire under our defense today. At the end of three, the Hornets have just 43 points. We're up by 29, 72-43.

The game ends 91-49. I've never seen anything like this before. This ties the record for fewest points scored in a game since the 24 second clock was introduced, and sets the record for fewest points in a playoff game, previously held by the Utah Jazz.

Thunder 91, Hornets 49

Rondo: 12-7-9
Durant: 23-11-4
Dean: 12-8-2
Nowitzki: 13-7-3
Stoudemire: 22-6-1

[JetsIn06]

Conference Finals: Game Four

#6 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. #1 New Orleans Hornets
Hornets up 2-1

Can our defense play as well as they did last game?

The first quarter doesn't show it, as we finish the 1st down 26-17. The second brings us within 6, and the half ends 46-40. Stoudemire leads us with 17 points.

We turn it on in the 3rd and drop 34 points, giving us an 11 point lead after three.

They get within six with 8:58 left, and three with 7:17 left.

The tie it up with 5:50 left.

With 1:31 left, New Orleans has the ball and is up 94-92. They go up 4, but Nowitzki hits a shot with 34 seconds left to bring it within 2.

Brandon Bass nails a three and now they are up four with 19 seconds left and we need a miracle.

But we don't get it.

Hornets 101, Thunder 97

Rondo: 8-5-8
Durant: 20-9-2
Dean: 10-2-0
Nowitzki: 17-7-2
Stoudemire: 29-6-0

[JetsIn06]

Conference Finals: Game Five

#6 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. #1 New Orleans Hornets

Hornets up 3-1

We need a win or we go home. It's that simple.

We finish the first quarter down 27-24. But in the 2nd, they jump out to an eight point lead and are up 55-47 at the half. Our rebounding stats are tied, and we have 6 steals to their 2, but they're just shooting better than us.

The third doesn't get any better and it ends 85-73. We have one more quarter to come back, but this looks like the end of the road.

We get within eight at one point, but they milked the clock and we never got any closer.

That ends a solid season. One can only wonder what would have happened if we got Nowitzki sooner. A better seed could have meant a better chance at getting to the Finals. One positive: if we continue the trend, next year we'll make it to the finals.

Hornets 113, Thunder 102

Rondo: 13-3-4
Durant: 34-8-3
Dean: 4-2-3
Nowitzki: 27-6-1
Stoudemire: 13-2-2

[JetsIn06]

NBA PLAYOFFS: Conference Finals Results

EAST



Bobcats (5) 2
Cavaliers (3) 4


WEST


Hornets (1) 4
Thunder (6) 1

[JetsIn06]

'12-'13 FINALS


NEW ORLEANS HORNETS vs. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS


GM 1: Hornets 94, Cavaliers 70
(Paul: 27-10-7, Bass: 16-10-1))

GM 2: Cavaliers 98, Hornets 91
(James: 16-6-3; Williams: 16-2-5))

GM 3: Hornets 99, Cavaliers 91
(Paul: 29-7-5; West: 24-8-2)

GM 4: Cavaliers 93, Hornets 88
(James: 26-5-6; Williams: 13-2-1)

GM 5: Hornets 96, Cavaliers 88
(West: 26-7-0; Paul: 14-6-10)

GM 6: Cavaliers 101, Hornets 99
(James: 35-11-4; Williams: 14-4-4)

GM 7: Cavaliers 120, Hornets 117
(James: 28-10-8)

THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS ARE NBA CHAMPIONS!


MVP: SF LeBron James (25.2 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 6.4 APG)

[JetsIn06]

Retiring Players

PF R. Wallace - Bobcats - 18 yrs, 38 yo
PG R. Alston - Bucks - 14 yrs, 36 yo
C M. Camby - Nuggets - 17 yrs, 39 yo
SF J. Posey - Spurs - 14 yrs, 36 yo
SG R. Bell - Suns - 13 yrs, 36 yo
C K. Thomas - Thunder - 18 yrs, 40 yo

[JetsIn06]

OFF-SEASON

Player Options:

PF Matt Bonner: $4.7m (Team) Declined
SF Oleg Kolomak: $510k (2 yr Team) Accepted
SF Preston Dean: $5.19m (2 yr Team) Accepted

I definitely want to keep Dean around. He was really, really bad in the playoffs, but he helped get us there and should improve as he gains experience.

Kolomak is another sure thing. He's cheap and looks like a solid prospect.

Bonner, on the other hand, I'm not so sure about. I like him, but is he worth $4.7m? I'm not so sure. I'm going to decline his option, and maybe resign him for a lower price.

[JetsIn06]

OFF-SEASON

Player Re-Signing:

Here are they players whose contracts are expiring:
(B) = Bird Rights

PF Matt Bonner (B) Re-signed
PG Jean Micoud Re-signed
C Dmitri Elliot (B) Unsigned
SG Greg Buckner (B) Re-signed
C Stan Landry Re-signed

The one guy I want to lock up is Micoud. He's been a solid bench player for us. He signs for the minimum and is now under contract.

Bucker will also sign for min, so we give him a one year deal. Same with Landry.

We talk to Bonner and he'll settle for a $959k salary for one year. That's much more reasonable, so we offer it and he accepts.

Elliot wants a shit-load of money, so we tell him to hit the road.

[JetsIn06]

OFF-SEASON

Draft Lottery

This is a very exciting draft, with lots of big men at the top. Here's the order of teams with the best chance for the #1.

1) New Jersey
2) Boston
3) Dallas
4) Detroit
5) New York
6) Sacramento
7) Washington
8) Orlando
9) San Antonio
10) Toronto
11) Houston
12) Minnesota
13) Dallas
14) LA Clippers

Here we go! Let's see what the lottery balls say!

1) Detroit (+3)
2) New Jersey (-1)
3) Boston (-1)
4) Dallas (-1)
5) New York
6) Sacramento
7) Washington
8) Orlando
9) San Antonio
10) Toronto
11) Houston
12) Minnesota
13) Dallas
14) LA Clippers

Detroit gets lucky and moves up three spots to grab the #1 pick!

[JetsIn06]

2013 NBA DRAFT INFO

I have the 20th, the 50th, and the 51st picks in the draft this year. I spent the majority of time scouting big men to replace Nowitski and Stoudemire.

Mock Draft

The analysts have us taking Alabama PG Malik Oakley with the 20th pick. We scouted him three time, and our scouts found him to be a bit overrated. He's got no inside game whatsoever, isn't nearly the playmakers we originally thought him to be, and is terrible on defense.

Top Three

Here's what the mock draft says will happen at the top three picks.

1. Detriot - C Chucky Barber

This guy looks awesome. He's got excellent defensive skills, an amazing inside game on offense, and is a better rebounder than scouts originally thought.

2. New Jersey - PF Byron Fletcher

Our scout says he reminds him of Amare. I think Barber is clearly the better player, but Feltcher looks like a great player.

3. Boston - PF Darrell Reeves

Reeves is great on offense but could improve defensively a bit. He's an excellent rebounder.

Thunder Targets for 20th Pick

As I said, we're looking for a potential replacement at PF or C. I'd like a guy who could play both.

PF Eklund, PG Strong, and C Goodman are on my list. They're all pretty raw right now, but they have potential.

Goodman is projected to go 15th to Dallas, and Eklund as well as Strong weren't selected in the first round mock draft.

[JetsIn06]

2013 NBA DRAFT

Let's kick it off!

With the 1st pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons select...

Chucky Barber, center from West Virginia University.

This guy looks special to me. I think he'll be a dominant center for many years in the NBA.

The Top 3 go as expected, and when it gets to our pick, Goodman is still around.

But now that the pick is here, I don't like what I see anymore.

I think I like PF Eklund here. He has more upside, is a better shooter, and is better defensively. I will miss Goodman's rebounding, but I'm okay with that.

With the 20th pick, we select Swedish PF Johan Eklund.

The next pick comes up, and we pick back to back.

There isn't much left to choose from, so we go with Xavier product Eugene Bryan, a 6'11" center with good skills on defense in the post.

The next pick we go with Seton Hall PG Peter Stevenson. He's a terrible shooter but has great intangibles and looks like a pretty good playmaker.

And that's it! All of these guys are projects and won't see much time in their rookie season, but I'm always excited to inject some youth into the team.

[JetsIn06]

FREE AGENCY

We're currently $19.48m over the cap. We don't have any room to make a significant move, but do have an MLE available.

Here are the Top 10 Free Agents available:

C Andrew Bynum, 25 yo (94 ovr)
PF Al Jefferson, 28 yo (94 ovr)
SG Andre Iguodala, 29 yo (91 ovr)
PF Josh Smith, 27 yo (90 ovr)
PF Carlos Boozer, 31 yo (89 ovr)
SG Kevin Martin, 30 yo (87 ovr)
PG Devin Harris, 30 yo (87 ovr)
PF Elton Brand, 34 yo (85 ovr)
SG Gerald Green, 27 yo (84 ovr)
SF Martell Webster, 26 yo (84 ovr)

Day 1: We'll be sitting back this off-season. Our roster is full and we have a starter at every position and some solid depth as well.

Day 4: We sim ahead a few days and check out some of the top players. Jefferson looks like he is headed back to the T'Wolves on a 6 year, $129m deal.

Day 5: The Lakers look like they're parting ways with Bynum. The 76ers and Kings are battling for him, and the 76ers are just ahead because of a no-trade clause included in the contract offer.

Day 6: The 76ers and Kings also have a backup plan. They're both going after Iguodala. The 76ers, his former team, is offering a six year deal. The Kings are offering a 4 year deal with a player option.

Day 7: Surprise surprise. The 76ers and Kings are also after former Hawk PF Josh Smith. The Pacers are also rumored to be in the hunt for Smith.

Day 8: The Indiana Pacers are in lead for PG Devin Harris and have reportedly offered him a deal worth over $77m over 5 years. The Kings and Celtics are also interested.

Day 9: SG Kevin Martin, a former Kings player, has signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Day 10: SG Gerald Green has re-signed with the Blazers. The deal is worth $68m over six years,

Day 11: Al Jefferson now has serious offers from the T'Wolves, Warriors, Jazz, and Pacers.

Day 12: Bynum, Iguodala, and Josh Smith have all signed. Iguodala re-signed with the 76ers, Bynum signed with the Pacers, and Smith is now with the Kings.

Day 13: The Warriors have signed SF Martell Webster to a 4yr/$45m deal.

Day 14: The Bulls have re-signed Carlos Boozer.

Day 15: The Timberwolves have resigned Al Jefferson to a 6yr/$129m deal.

Day 16: Devin Harris hasn't drawn serious interest yet. His best offer is from the Timberwolves. This is really surprsing.

Day 17: We decide to cut SG Greg Buckner to make room for a free agent. With our MLE, we offer 20 year veteran PG Jason Kidd a one year deal.

Day 18: PG Devin Harris reluctantly signs on with the Utah Jazz, getting a 4yr/$48m deal.

Day 19: The last remaining top ten FA, PF Elton Brand, signs with the Celtics. Jason Kidd who we offered a one-year deal to signs with the Suns.

Day 23: We sign SG Matt Carroll to a one-year deal using our MLE.


C Andrew Bynum, 25 yo (94 ovr) (Pacers)
PF Al Jefferson, 28 yo (94 ovr) (T'Wolves)
SG Andre Iguodala, 29 yo (91 ovr) (76ers)
PF Josh Smith, 27 yo (90 ovr) (Kings)
PF Carlos Boozer, 31 yo (89 ovr) (Bulls)
SG Kevin Martin, 30 yo (87 ovr) (76ers)
PG Devin Harris, 30 yo (87 ovr) (Jazz)
PF Elton Brand, 34 yo (85 ovr) (Celtics)
SG Gerald Green, 27 yo (84 ovr) (Blazers)
SF Martell Webster, 26 yo (84 ovr) (Warriors)