The Toronto Raptors Revisited - An FBB3 Dynasty

[korme]

Confession: I'm a hoops junkie, and I love FBCB. Since getting FBB a little over a week ago, I've been playing it non-stop. I'm on probably my 6th or 7th replay, but this one feels the best. I haven't had any showstoppers which forced me to restart, and the player generation seems accurate.

This career started with the BAA inauguration in 1946-47 (later known as the NBA by '49-'50).

I took over the Denver Nuggets in the mid-80's, won 2 titles on the shoulders of David Robinson & Tim Hardaway, and decided I would switch up to the Toronto Raptors at the start of their franchise in '95-'96 and start my dynasty writing here.

Not entirely sure how I'll go about doing this dynasty, but thought I'd give it a whirl.

House Rules:
1. Can have no more than 1 1st Round Pick per draft.
2. Cannot trade up into the Top 3.

[korme]

A Brief history of the league:


NBA Champs

Season Champ Wins Runner-up Wins MVP Team
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994 Clippers 4 76ers 3 Nick Van Exel Clippers
1993 76ers 4 Nuggets 2 Reggie Miller 76ers
1992 Pistons 4 Timberwolves 2 Derrick Coleman Pistons
1991 Nuggets 4 Hornets 1 David Robinson Nuggets
1990 Nuggets 4 Bucks 1 David Robinson Nuggets
1989 Lakers 4 Nets 0 Patrick Ewing Lakers
1988 Lakers 4 Nets 2 Patrick Ewing Lakers
1987 Knicks 4 Trail Blazers 3 Michael Jordan Knicks
1986 Knicks 4 Spurs 2 Michael Jordan Knicks
1985 Trail Blazers 4 Knicks 1 Magic Johnson Trail Blazers
1984 Trail Blazers 4 Bucks 1 Magic Johnson Trail Blazers
1983 Pistons 4 Trail Blazers 1 Lonnie Shelton Pistons
1982 Hawks 4 Clippers 3 Oren Moore Hawks
1981 Clippers 4 Hawks 1 Bob McAdoo Clippers
1980 Pacers 4 Trail Blazers 2 Billy Knight Pacers
1979 Kings 4 Hawks 2 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Kings
1978 Hawks 4 Lakers 3 Oren Moore Hawks
1977 Braves 4 Warriors 1 Bob McAdoo Braves
1976 Kings 4 Braves 0 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Kings
1975 Kings 4 Braves 1 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Kings
1974 Kings 4 Bullets 0 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Kings
1973 Kings 4 Bullets 2 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Kings
1972 Bullets 4 Kings 1 Mel Daniels Bullets
1971 Bullets 4 Suns 2 Mel Daniels Bullets
1970 Suns 4 Bullets 1 Connie Hawkins Suns
1969 Lakers 4 Bullets 2 Oscar Robertson Lakers
1968 Lakers 4 Bullets 1 Oscar Robertson Lakers
1967 Bullets 4 Lakers 3 Zelmo Beaty Bullets
1966 Lakers 4 Knicks 0 Oscar Robertson Lakers
1965 76ers 4 Bullets 2 Wilt Chamberlain 76ers
1964 Bullets 4 Royals 3 Nate Thurmond Bullets
1963 Celtics 4 Warriors 2 Bill Russell Celtics
1962 Nationals 4 Warriors 3 Wilt Chamberlain Nationals
1961 Nationals 4 Lakers 1 Wilt Chamberlain Nationals
1960 Nationals 4 Hawks 1 Wilt Chamberlain Nationals
1959 Knicks 4 Hawks 3 Frank Ramsey Knicks
1958 Pistons 4 Warriors 2 Elgin Baylor Pistons
1957 Knicks 4 Lakers 1 Neil Johnston Knicks
1956 Lakers 4 Nationals 3 Clyde Lovellette Lakers

Season Champ Wins Runner-up Wins MVP Team
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1955 Nationals 4 Lakers 2 Paul Arizin Nationals
1954 Nationals 4 Lakers 1 Paul Arizin Nationals
1953 Nationals 4 Hawks 2 Paul Arizin Nationals
1952 Royals 4 Knicks 1 Larry Foust Royals
1951 Hawks 4 Nationals 1 Bob Cousy Hawks
1950 Hawks 4 Bullets 2 Bob Cousy Hawks
1949 Warriors 4 Stags 1 Joe Fulks Warriors
1948 Warriors 4 Stags 1 Daniel Williams Warriors
1947 Capitols 4 Warriors 0 Noble Jorgensen Capitols
1946 Capitols 4 Rebels 1 John Mahnken Capitols


Total championships won:

NBA Historical Performance

Team Wins Losses PCT P.Wins P.Losses Pct Playoffs Finals Champs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
76ers 2135 1499 .588 178 161 .525 37 11 8
Kings 1897 1797 .514 135 109 .553 29 8 6
Lakers 1999 1695 .541 191 134 .588 30 12 6
Bullets 1529 1247 .551 155 127 .550 25 10 4
Hawks 1820 1814 .501 156 134 .538 28 9 4
Knicks 2060 1742 .542 144 162 .471 37 7 4
Clippers 1043 1007 .509 99 85 .538 16 6 3
Pistons 1684 2010 .456 102 110 .481 26 3 3
Capitols 212 90 .702 23 15 .605 4 2 2
Nuggets 810 748 .520 79 54 .594 11 3 2
Trail Blazers 1035 1015 .505 93 67 .581 15 5 2
Warriors 1862 1940 .490 88 102 .463 26 7 2
Celtics 1765 2037 .464 57 89 .390 25 1 1
Pacers 849 709 .545 44 42 .512 11 1 1
Suns 1116 1098 .504 59 72 .450 18 2 1


The Pacers and Spurs both won 2 titles each as members of the ABA.

[korme]

Your current NBA Hall of Fame:


NBA Hall of Fame All Positions

Name Pos Retired Points Rebounds Assists Steals Blockstest
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Adrian Dantley SF 1991 17138 3763 1726 695 141
Bernard King PF 1992 26314 6696 3200 1022 305
Bill Russell C 1972 10246 10401 1983 508 4360
Bob Cousy PG 1972 28703 7225 9316 561 259
*Bob Lanier C 1985 17665 7215 1589 567 1396
Bob McAdoo C 1988 32209 12959 3007 972 2849
Bob Pettit PF 1966 19179 7507 1490 607 418
Chet Walker PF 1977 22611 8817 2512 811 466
Clyde Lovellette C 1964 14138 5971 857 709 926
Dan Issel PF 1982 18767 6369 1782 683 763
*Dave Bing PG 1985 24497 4666 6852 2240 338
Ed Macauley C 1963 18695 9926 2061 391 283
Elgin Baylor PF 1972 18466 6994 1848 909 876
Elvin Hayes PF 1985 29048 12294 2212 1005 2637
George Gervin SF 1986 22077 5470 2152 1063 592
George McGinnis PF 1988 24013 9225 2955 1648 587
Jimmy Jones SG 1979 20716 3866 2944 1664 164
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar C 1986 39596 16593 3336 1411 5305
Larry Bird PF 1991 20023 6837 2842 1125 424
Magic Johnson SF 1994 25332 8799 8323 2613 495
Maurice Lucas PF 1989 17535 8520 2349 721 938
Mel Daniels C 1979 15775 10674 1835 602 2310
Moses Malone C 1993 29359 13826 3089 1012 2231
Nate Thurmond C 1974 12755 8537 1801 539 1210
Neil Johnston PF 1963 15013 7423 1471 198 218
Oren Moore SG 1988 12627 3308 3522 814 430
Oscar Robertson SF 1974 25278 10220 6062 1727 439
Paul Arizin SF 1964 16515 5942 1560 1008 395
Rick Barry SF 1982 23685 6867 3653 2057 388
Ron Boone SG 1988 25854 8003 5944 2458 333
Trent Martinez SF 1988 14634 4926 2492 1800 367
Wilt Chamberlain C 1974 29314 15784 3439 877 4331

[korme]

Player Records:


NBA Player Records: Game Overview

Record Player Team Date Record
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points Wilt Chamberlain Nationals 01/23/1961 79
Off. Rebounds Noble Jorgensen Capitols 03/20/1948 15
Rebounds Wilt Chamberlain Nationals 11/22/1960 32
Assists Mookie Blaylock Warriors 01/19/1993 26
Steals Terrell Brandon Cavaliers 04/19/1995 12
Blocks Bill Russell Celtics 11/14/1962 20
Turnovers Angel Jones 76ers 02/08/1978 18
FGM Wilt Chamberlain Nationals 01/23/1961 33
FGA Lou Hudson Celtics 11/24/1968 52
FTM Bob Cousy Hawks 03/07/1951 34
FTA Bob Cousy Hawks 04/19/1952 44
3PM Víctor Mendieta Trail Blazers 05/17/1984 12
3PA Dale Ellis SuperSonics 11/01/1988 21



NBA Player Records: Season Overview

Record Player Team Date Record
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points Wilt Chamberlain Nationals 1959 44.60
Off. Rebounds Noble Jorgensen Capitols 1946 5.44
Rebounds Wilt Chamberlain Nationals 1959 18.10
Assists Bob Cousy Hawks 1959 11.94
Steals Brian Taylor Warriors 1978 3.88
Blocks Bill Russell Celtics 1961 8.92
Turnovers Gail Goodrich Spurs 1975 7.20
FGM Wilt Chamberlain Nationals 1959 18.29
FGA Dave Bing Knicks 1967 30.11
FTM Bob Cousy Hawks 1949 18.26
FTA Bob Cousy Hawks 1949 22.29
3PM Dale Ellis SuperSonics 1987 4.15
3PA Dale Ellis SuperSonics 1987 9.43
Double Doubles Mel Daniels Bullets 1967 78.00
Triple Doubles Bill Russell Celtics 1961 23.00



NBA Player Records: Career Overview

Record Player Team Date Record
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Bullets 1985 39596
Off. Rebounds Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Bullets 1985 5104
Rebounds Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Bullets 1985 16593
Assists Bob Cousy Kings 1971 9316
Steals Magic Johnson Trail Blazers 1993 2613
Blocks Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Bullets 1985 5305
Turnovers Bob Cousy Kings 1971 5863
FGM Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Bullets 1985 16888
FGA Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Bullets 1985 30502
FTM Bob Cousy Kings 1971 10991
FTA Bob Cousy Kings 1971 13886
3PM *Dale Ellis SuperSonics 1995 2444
3PA *Dale Ellis SuperSonics 1995 6268
Double Doubles Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Bullets 1985 1001
Triple Doubles Oscar Robertson Braves 1973 102

[korme]

MVP History
David Robinson was really good for me..


1995 NBA MVP Awards

Award Pos Name Team PPG RPG APG SPG BPG
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994 C David Robinson Nuggets 27.6 11.6 2.5 1.6 4.2
1993 C David Robinson Nuggets 31.3 13.0 2.7 1.4 4.2
1992 SG Reggie Miller 76ers 31.4 5.4 4.9 1.7 0.4
1991 C David Robinson Nuggets 33.2 12.0 2.6 1.1 5.4
1990 C David Robinson Nuggets 29.2 11.9 2.6 0.9 4.8
1989 C David Robinson Nuggets 28.0 10.6 2.5 0.9 3.9
1988 SG Michael Jordan Knicks 32.6 7.2 7.1 2.8 0.8
1987 SG Michael Jordan Knicks 33.0 7.1 7.7 2.7 0.8
1986 PF Terry Cummings Cavaliers 31.5 10.7 2.5 1.4 1.3
1985 PG Magic Johnson Trail Blazers 29.2 7.4 11.6 2.3 0.4
1984 SF Dominique Wilkins Bullets 31.3 8.6 2.4 1.3 0.7
1983 PG Magic Johnson Trail Blazers 22.3 7.0 7.4 2.3 0.4
1982 C Moses Malone Rockets 29.0 11.6 2.8 0.9 2.3
1981 SF Trent Martinez Clippers 26.5 7.9 4.3 3.2 0.5
1980 C Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Kings 30.4 12.7 2.7 1.2 4.1
1979 C Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Kings 32.2 13.3 2.9 1.6 4.8
1978 C Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Kings 33.4 12.7 2.8 1.4 4.1
1977 C Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Kings 33.4 14.2 3.1 1.3 4.2
1976 C Bob McAdoo Braves 31.8 12.2 2.1 0.8 2.8
1975 C Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Kings 34.4 14.1 2.3 1.1 5.2
1974 C Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Kings 35.0 13.2 2.1 1.0 4.7
1973 C Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Kings 31.2 12.2 2.4 0.9 4.9
1972 PF Dan Issel Bullets 29.0 9.1 2.0 0.7 1.2
1971 PF Elvin Hayes SuperSonics 32.6 12.5 2.0 1.0 3.0
1970 C Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Royals 37.6 12.0 2.2 1.2 4.7
1969 C Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Royals 35.6 12.2 2.6 1.1 3.9
1968 SG Rick Barry Lakers 31.3 7.9 5.0 2.3 0.3
1967 SG Oscar Robertson Lakers 30.8 11.7 6.7 2.3 0.5
1966 C Wilt Chamberlain 76ers 30.8 14.6 2.9 0.8 5.6
1965 C Wilt Chamberlain 76ers 32.5 16.0 3.0 1.0 5.7
1964 SG Oscar Robertson Lakers 32.8 11.5 7.1 2.1 0.6
1963 C Wilt Chamberlain 76ers 34.1 16.0 2.3 0.9 5.8
1962 C Wilt Chamberlain Nationals 34.0 16.4 2.5 1.0 6.2
1961 C Wilt Chamberlain Nationals 38.7 16.6 1.9 0.8 5.8
1960 C Wilt Chamberlain Nationals 44.6 18.1 1.7 1.0 6.2
1959 PF Bob Pettit Warriors 28.1 10.6 1.9 0.8 0.5
1958 SF Elgin Baylor Pistons 29.8 11.1 2.7 1.4 1.1
1957 PF Bob Pettit Warriors 29.0 12.5 2.2 0.8 0.7
1956 PF Bob Pettit Warriors 33.2 13.8 2.1 0.6 0.5
1955 PF Bob Pettit Warriors 33.1 12.6 2.2 0.7 0.7
1954 PF Clyde Lovellette Bullets 29.9 12.1 1.3 1.0 1.4
1953 PF Clyde Lovellette Bullets 23.0 10.0 1.0 0.8 0.9
1952 SF Neil Johnston Knicks 23.6 10.9 1.7 0.2 0.2
1951 SF Paul Arizin Nationals 22.3 7.7 1.7 1.0 0.5
1950 PG Bob Cousy Hawks 33.8 6.6 4.0 0.2 0.3
1949 SF Daniel Williams Warriors 17.9 5.0 1.0 0.8 0.3
1948 SF Daniel Williams Warriors 18.2 6.3 1.0 0.9 0.4
1947 SF Daniel Williams Warriors 19.3 8.2 1.0 0.9 0.3
1946 PF Joe Fulks Warriors 10.8 12.4 0.6 0.2 0.1

[korme]

Ok, so I just took over the Raptors. Only one house rule: I can not have more than one first round draft pick per season. I have an advantage over the AI in that I know when studs are coming into the league, and I could use that to stockpile picks for a certain year in hopes to land a once-in-a-generation superstar.

With that in mind, I know that I still severely want Kobe in the '96 draft. :D

The draft lottery runs with the expansion Raps/Grizz, and we get the #4 overall selection.

[korme]

First comes the staff hiring period, and we get a pretty solid staff together. Here's the first HC of the Toronto Raptors:


COACH DETAILS

Curtis Hyde - Head Coach - Raptors
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Age: 47
DOB: 02/16/1948
College: Southern California
Hometown: Pocatello, ID

Salary: $200,000

Career Coaching Record: 421 - 399 (.513)
Playoff Appearances: 5
Playoff Coaching Record: 14 - 18 (.438)
Division Titles: 2
Conference Titles: 0
Championships: 0

Career GM Record: 0 - 0 (.000)
GM Playoff Appearances: 0
Playoff GM Record: 0 - 0 (.000)
GM Division Titles: 0
GM Conference Titles: 0
GM Championships: 0

Coaching Inside: 23
Coaching Shooting: 83
Coaching Handling: 78
Coaching Post D: 100
Coaching Perimeter D: 96
Scouting Current: 62
Scouting Potential: 95

Coaching History:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season Team Position W L PW PL Postseason
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994 Pacers Head Coach 36 46 0 0 Missed Playoffs
1993 Pacers Head Coach 33 49 0 0 Missed Playoffs
1992 Pacers Head Coach 39 43 0 0 Missed Playoffs
1991 Pacers Head Coach 50 32 6 5 Round 2
1990 Pacers Head Coach 50 32 2 3 Round 1
1989 Pacers Head Coach 54 28 2 3 Round 1
1988 Pacers Head Coach 39 43 0 0 Missed Playoffs
1987 Pacers Head Coach 31 51 0 0 Missed Playoffs
1986 Pacers Head Coach 40 42 0 3 Round 1
1985 Pacers Head Coach 49 33 4 4 Round 2
1984 Hawks Assistant 27 55 0 0 Missed Playoffs

Awards & Achievements:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season Award
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1985 NBA Coach of the Year

Job Movement:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season Move
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995 Hired as Head Coach of the Raptors
1994 Contract not renewed by the Pacers
1990 Signed a new 3-year contract for $264,371
1988 Signed a new 3-year contract for $256,671
1985 Hired as Head Coach of the Pacers
1984 Contract not renewed by the Hawks
1984 Hired as Assistant of the Hawks


A pretty pedestrian 10 years as Head Coach of the Pacers, but he's still young and has great ratings across the board.

On to the expansion draft, where I will focus on short contracts and/or potential.

[korme]

In the expansion draft, there isn't anyone that looks like a diamond in the rough, so I grab a bunch of guys on expiring contracts who aren't the best... this is a long term plan- we're not winning a title in '96.

The 1995 NBA Draft
The draft has 6 blue-chippers according to my scout, and in the order of projected selection they are: Michael Finley, Brent Barry, Arvydas Sabonis, Damon Stoudamire, Kevin Garnett, Rasheed Wallace.

With the 4th pick, I'd love to grab Garnett & not Stoudamire - due to his age and, well, he's Garnett. But I'm interested to see if Sabonis actually goes Top 3, since he's 30 years old.

The top 3 picks go:
Utah Jazz - PF Rasheed Wallace
Sacramento Kings - SG Michael Finley
San Antonio Spurs - PF Kevin Garnett

Bummer.

I take Brent Barry. Sabonis is too old, Stoudamire is poor on defense, and Barry to me looks like the best all around guy left.

We grab PF Jason Caffey in the 2nd round.

Here was the Top 15:
NBA All Picks

Pick Pos Player Team
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 PF Rasheed Wallace Jazz
2 SG Michael Finley Kings
3 C Kevin Garnett Spurs
4 SG Brent Barry Raptors
5 C Arvydas Sabonis Grizzlies
6 PG Damon Stoudamire Trail Blazers
7 PF Antonio McDyess Bucks
8 PG Travis Best Hawks
9 PG Tyus Edney Magic
10 C Greg Ostertag Pacers
11 PF Joe Smith Nets
12 PG Anthony Goldwire Celtics
13 SF Eric Williams Mavericks
14 SF Jerry Stackhouse Suns
15 SG Voshon Lenard Rockets

We move on to Free Agency, where, despite having $15MM in cap space, we sign John Salley, Joe Dumars & Sedale Threatt to $1MM one-year deals. Again, it's not about this year. We want all the cap space we can get after we hopefully land a franchise player in a later draft.

Here's the roster for the '95-'96 expansion Toronto Raptors:
Toronto Raptors General

Player # Pos Age Ht Wt Exp Status College
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eric Montross 45 C 24 7-0 278 1 OK North Carolina
John Salley 41 C 31 6-11 284 8 OK Georgia Tech
Matt Fish 53 C 25 6-11 272 0 OK North Carolina-Wilmington
Dickey Simpkins 55 C 23 6-10 271 1 OK Providence
Charles Shackleford 42 PF 29 6-10 259 7 OK North Carolina State
Anthony Miller 35 PF 24 6-9 255 0 OK Michigan St.
Jason Caffey 40 PF 22 6-8 257 0 OK Alabama
Kenny Gattison 52 PF 31 6-8 264 9 OK Old Dominion
Dan Majerle 14 SF 30 6-6 225 7 OK Central Michigan
Buck Johnson 11 SG 31 6-7 224 9 OK Alabama
Brent Barry 34 SG 23 6-6 195 0 OK Oregon St.
Brooks Thompson 4 SG 25 6-4 201 1 OK Oklahoma St.
Khalid Reeves 25 SG 23 6-3 203 1 OK Arizona
Joe Dumars 30 SG 32 6-3 203 10 OK Mcneese State
Sedale Threatt 22 PG 34 6-2 199 12 OK West Virginia Tech

[Young Drachma]

That's a very expansion-y roster for sure. Wasn't Salley really on the Raptors too?

[korme]

In the regular season, we lost Joe Dumars to a torn ligament for 50 days and Brent Barry broke his ankle and we missed him for a 100 day stretch. Not mad about it, it just made us stink even worse.

1995 NBA Season Summary Awards

Award Pos Name Team PPG RPG APG SPG BPG
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GM of the Year: Carter Jackson 76ers
Coach of the Year: Timothy Jones Lakers

Most Valuable Player: SG Reggie Miller 76ers 27.2 5.2 4.3 1.7 0.4
Rookie of the Year: PG Damon Stoudamire Trail Blazers 20.5 3.8 7.0 1.1 0.2
Defender of the Year: C Alonzo Mourning Bullets 23.3 10.5 2.0 0.4 5.0
6th Man of the Year: SF Rick Fox 76ers 12.0 4.8 2.5 1.4 0.4
Most Improved Player: SG Tony Smith Pacers 15.4 4.8 3.6 1.9 0.3

All-League 1st Team: C David Robinson Nuggets 23.8 11.6 2.4 1.3 3.5
All-League 1st Team: PF Shawn Kemp Timberwolves 22.4 9.8 2.4 1.0 2.1
All-League 1st Team: SF Scottie Pippen Hawks 21.1 8.4 3.3 1.9 1.1
All-League 1st Team: SG Reggie Miller 76ers 27.2 5.2 4.3 1.7 0.4
All-League 1st Team: PG Nick Van Exel Clippers 23.3 3.6 8.7 1.0 0.1

All-League 2nd Team: C Shaquille O'Neal Magic 23.0 10.8 2.8 0.4 3.2
All-League 2nd Team: PF Loy Vaught Hornets 22.5 12.5 1.9 0.8 1.2
All-League 2nd Team: SF George McCloud Bucks 17.8 5.9 3.5 1.8 0.5
All-League 2nd Team: SG Michael Jordan Knicks 25.2 6.4 3.5 2.2 0.6
All-League 2nd Team: PG Sam Cassell Cavaliers 21.1 5.2 7.2 2.0 0.3

All-League 3rd Team: C Rik Smits Rockets 18.9 7.9 2.3 0.4 1.7
All-League 3rd Team: PF Tom Gugliotta Heat 18.0 9.2 2.5 1.9 0.9
All-League 3rd Team: SF Sean Elliott Hawks 15.5 6.6 2.8 0.7 0.4
All-League 3rd Team: SG Latrell Sprewell Celtics 25.4 5.1 6.0 1.8 0.3
All-League 3rd Team: PG Gary Payton Nuggets 18.9 5.1 4.3 2.3 0.2

All-Defense 1st Team: C Alonzo Mourning Bullets 23.3 10.5 2.0 0.4 5.0
All-Defense 1st Team: PF Pervis Ellison Warriors 13.1 9.3 2.1 0.7 3.2
All-Defense 1st Team: SF Scottie Pippen Hawks 21.1 8.4 3.3 1.9 1.1
All-Defense 1st Team: SG Michael Jordan Knicks 25.2 6.4 3.5 2.2 0.6
All-Defense 1st Team: PG Jason Kidd Lakers 17.2 6.8 5.6 2.3 0.3

All-Defense 2nd Team: C David Robinson Nuggets 23.8 11.6 2.4 1.3 3.5
All-Defense 2nd Team: PF Chris Webber SuperSonics 21.6 9.6 2.5 1.3 1.9
All-Defense 2nd Team: SF Derrick McKey Bulls 16.4 6.4 2.2 1.8 0.9
All-Defense 2nd Team: SG Todd Day Mavericks 16.3 6.6 2.9 1.7 0.6
All-Defense 2nd Team: PG Mookie Blaylock Warriors 17.0 4.6 8.3 2.3 0.3

All-Rookie 1st Team: C Arvydas Sabonis Grizzlies 16.1 8.1 1.7 0.8 1.4
All-Rookie 1st Team: PF Kurt Thomas Nuggets 8.0 6.4 0.9 0.6 1.0
All-Rookie 1st Team: SF Jerry Stackhouse Suns 6.4 1.6 1.1 0.4 0.2
All-Rookie 1st Team: SG Michael Finley Kings 17.2 5.2 2.4 0.7 0.3
All-Rookie 1st Team: PG Damon Stoudamire Trail Blazers 20.5 3.8 7.0 1.1 0.2

All-Rookie 2nd Team: C Kevin Garnett Spurs 10.3 7.2 1.9 0.8 2.5
All-Rookie 2nd Team: PF Rasheed Wallace Jazz 11.5 6.4 1.5 0.4 1.1
All-Rookie 2nd Team: SF Mark Davis Grizzlies 6.9 3.8 1.4 1.1 0.5
All-Rookie 2nd Team: SG Predrag Danilovic Heat 12.8 3.2 1.9 0.5 0.2
All-Rookie 2nd Team: PG Travis Best Hawks 7.8 1.3 2.2 1.0 0.1


1995 NBA Standings

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATLANTIC W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
76ers 64 18 .780 37-4 23-1 45-9
Celtics 47 35 .573 33-8 10-14 29-25
Bullets 44 38 .537 27-14 9-13 28-26
Nets 39 43 .476 28-13 10-12 24-30
Heat 37 45 .451 23-18 8-14 21-33
Knicks 36 46 .439 24-17 12-11 25-29
Magic 36 46 .439 24-17 8-15 22-32

----------------------------------------------------
CENTRAL W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
Hornets 54 28 .659 30-11 18-9 37-17
Hawks 48 34 .585 35-6 17-10 33-21
Pistons 45 37 .549 29-12 13-14 28-26
Bucks 41 41 .500 26-15 12-15 25-29
Cavaliers 41 41 .500 27-14 13-14 21-33
Bulls 38 44 .463 28-13 11-15 25-29
Pacers 38 44 .463 27-14 16-11 28-26
Raptors 18 64 .220 16-25 7-19 14-40

----------------------------------------------------
MIDWEST W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
Timberwolves 46 36 .561 27-14 17-7 29-23
Spurs 44 38 .537 28-13 16-8 26-26
Rockets 41 41 .500 25-16 13-11 27-25
Nuggets 40 42 .488 29-12 11-13 24-28
Mavericks 38 44 .463 24-17 12-12 24-28
Jazz 23 59 .280 17-24 6-18 14-38
Grizzlies 21 61 .256 16-25 9-15 13-39

----------------------------------------------------
PACIFIC W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
Clippers 52 30 .634 32-9 14-10 33-19
Warriors 50 32 .610 29-12 14-10 31-21
SuperSonics 49 33 .598 33-8 15-9 36-16
Lakers 47 35 .573 30-11 12-12 31-21
Suns 43 39 .524 25-16 14-10 31-21
Kings 36 46 .439 24-17 11-13 25-27
Trail Blazers 33 49 .402 20-21 4-20 20-32


Toronto Raptors Averages

Player Pos Gm Gs Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-test test test test test
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joe Dumars SG 49 49 34.9 15.4 1.0 3.0 2.8 0.9 0.2 1.6 2.1 -6.1
Sedale Threatt PG 82 82 34.1 15.0 1.1 3.5 5.0 1.7 0.2 3.0 3.1 -7.6
Dan Majerle SF 77 76 34.1 14.4 1.8 5.8 2.4 1.4 0.3 1.5 1.6 -7.3
Brent Barry SG 28 14 27.6 14.6 1.1 3.5 1.9 0.8 0.3 1.1 1.5 -3.4
Khalid Reeves SG 68 27 27.1 11.9 0.8 2.8 2.4 1.3 0.2 1.6 2.8 -5.9
Charles Shackleford PF 58 50 26.3 7.9 2.5 7.5 1.4 0.6 1.1 1.8 3.6 -7.2
Eric Montross C 70 50 26.3 6.3 2.1 6.5 1.2 0.4 1.1 1.8 3.6 -3.8
John Salley C 82 44 24.3 5.1 1.6 4.6 1.2 0.4 0.9 1.5 2.4 -7.4
Brooks Thompson SG 48 6 22.7 8.9 0.8 2.4 1.8 1.1 0.2 1.9 2.2 -6.5
Kenny Gattison PF 63 4 20.0 7.7 1.4 4.5 1.1 0.5 0.7 1.3 2.3 -2.9
Jason Caffey PF 50 0 16.3 5.3 1.1 2.9 0.9 0.3 0.2 1.2 2.4 -5.1
Buck Johnson SG 69 8 13.0 4.4 0.6 1.6 0.9 0.4 0.1 0.8 1.3 -3.5
Matt Fish C 31 0 9.7 2.3 0.9 2.6 0.4 0.3 0.7 0.8 1.3 0.0
Anthony Miller PF 28 0 7.4 1.7 0.6 1.6 0.4 0.4 0.1 0.4 0.8 -1.9
Dickey Simpkins C 12 0 3.5 0.3 0.0 0.6 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 -2.8


The 76ers win their NBA-best 9th title, as Reggie Miller takes home MVP & Playoff MVP honors. The Big 3 on Philadelphia were Miller, Detlef Schrempf, and Terrell Brandon.

[korme]

That's a very expansion-y roster for sure. Wasn't Salley really on the Raptors too?

No doubt. The goal was to stink it up this year- the '96 draft is loaded with Kobe, Ray Allen, Allen Iverson, and a couple others. Salley might have been, heh.

[korme]

Next season is upon us! A staff member retires. We replace him.

The draft lottery is here. We've got the best odds... and the #1 pick goes to the Orlando Magic! The Magic were the 5th worst team in the league, and got #1. Lucky dogs... they currently have Shaq as a RFA - if they can resign him, they'll package him with Iverson, Bryant, or Allen. Lethal.

I'll see what the draft predictions expect to happen. I really want Kobe, if that means I have to trade up to get him, I'll move anyone on the roster to make it happen.

Actually, after thinking about it, I'm going to alter my house rule: I can't trade up into the Top 3. It's not fair. Kobe's clearly a game changer. I shouldn't be allowed to trade for the #1 just because I know who he is.

We'll let it play out.

[korme]

The 1996 NBA Draft
The draft has 10 blue-chippers according to my scout, and in the order of projected selection they are: Kobe Bryant, Marcus Camby, Ray Allen, Steve Nash, Erick Dampier (6th), Jermaine O'Neal (8th), Allen Iverson (9th), Shareef Abdur-Raheem (10th), Antoine Walker (11th), Stephon Marbury (12th).

This draft is certainly loaded. I'd love to get Kobe. If it doesn't happen, I'm grabbing Iverson over Nash or Allen. He's more all-around, and has the better defensive ratings of the three.

Kobe goes #1. Looking at the projections, Iverson is expected to go #9. Often times these things are off, but I decide it's worth the gamble and trade 1.2 to the Jazz for 1.5 + '98 2nd Rounder.

The next 3 picks go Nash, Camby, Allen and I'm able to grab Iverson at #5. We take PF Jerome Williams with pick #1 of Round 2.


1996 Draft

# Team Selection Pos
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Orlando Magic Kobe Bryant SG
2 Utah Jazz Steve Nash PG
3 Sacramento Kings Marcus Camby C
4 Vancouver Grizzlies Ray Allen SG
5 Toronto Raptors Allen Iverson PG
6 Portland Trail Blazers Stephon Marbury PG
7 New York Knicks Jermaine O'Neal C
8 Miami Heat Antoine Walker PF
9 Dallas Mavericks Kerry Kittles SG
10 Chicago Bulls Shareef Abdur-Rahim PF
11 Indiana Pacers Erick Dampier C
12 New Jersey Nets Bruce Bowen SF
13 Denver Nuggets Shandon Anderson SG
14 Cleveland Cavaliers Erick Strickland PG
15 Milwaukee Bucks Ben Wallace C

[korme]

I love that Shaq burns the Magic in this replay as he leaves for one year less to sign with San Antonio. He must have knew he wouldn't get along with Kobe.

We re-sign Dumars and fill out our roster with largely a bunch of 1 year deals, and it's off to another bad season we go!


Toronto Raptors General

Player # Pos Age Ht Wt Exp Status College
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Uwe Blab 50 C 34 7-1 307 1 OK Indiana
Zan Tabak 0 C 26 7-0 252 2 OK Croatia
Eric Montross 54 C 25 7-0 289 2 OK North Carolina
Dickey Simpkins 44 C 24 6-10 272 2 OK Providence
John Amaechi 51 C 25 6-10 274 0 OK Penn St.
Sam Perkins 31 C 35 6-9 271 12 OK North Carolina
Charles Oakley 53 PF 32 6-9 268 8 OK Virginia Union
Anthony Avent 52 PF 27 6-9 252 0 OK Seton Hall
Jerome Williams 45 PF 23 6-9 213 0 OK Georgetown
Chucky Brown 41 PF 28 6-8 245 7 OK North Carolina State
Jason Caffey 40 PF 23 6-8 258 1 OK Alabama
Brent Barry 34 SG 24 6-6 199 1 OK Oregon St.
Steve Kerr 24 SG 31 6-3 201 7 OK Arizona
Joe Dumars 16 SG 33 6-3 204 11 OK Mcneese State
Allen Iverson 32 PG 21 6-0 166 0 OK Georgetown

[Young Drachma]

I love that Kobe ends up with the Magic and Shaq before he spurns them. Too funny. Also, love that you end up with The Answer north of the border. Should be fun to watch.

Maybe him on a team with Steve Kerr and Joe Dumars AND Charles Oakley will help him set his career off the right way? Man, what a locker room.

[korme]

Our sophomore season is crappier than our first, we manage a league-worst 14-68 record. Iverson collects a 2nd Team All-Rookie.

1996 NBA Season Summary Awards

Award Pos Name Team PPG RPG APG SPG BPG
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GM of the Year: Richard Richard Lakers
Coach of the Year: Antony Winner Bullets

Most Valuable Player: C Alonzo Mourning Bullets 27.0 11.1 2.3 0.5 5.1
Rookie of the Year: PF Antoine Walker Heat 20.1 7.6 1.9 1.0 0.5
Defender of the Year: C Alonzo Mourning Bullets 27.0 11.1 2.3 0.5 5.1
6th Man of the Year: PF Juwan Howard SuperSonics 12.0 3.9 0.9 0.4 0.3
Most Improved Player: C Gheorghe Muresan 76ers 14.8 10.1 1.7 0.7 2.9

All-League 1st Team: C Alonzo Mourning Bullets 27.0 11.1 2.3 0.5 5.1
All-League 1st Team: PF Chris Webber SuperSonics 23.4 9.3 2.8 1.4 1.8
All-League 1st Team: SF Clarence Weatherspoon Timberwolves 19.4 9.6 2.3 1.2 1.2
All-League 1st Team: SG Jim Jackson Cavaliers 25.7 6.2 3.6 1.1 0.2
All-League 1st Team: PG Jason Kidd Lakers 19.4 7.0 8.7 2.5 0.4

All-League 2nd Team: C David Robinson Nuggets 21.4 10.4 2.8 1.4 2.6
All-League 2nd Team: PF Shawn Kemp Timberwolves 20.9 10.0 2.4 1.0 2.1
All-League 2nd Team: SF Glenn Robinson Spurs 17.0 6.8 2.7 1.1 0.5
All-League 2nd Team: SG Latrell Sprewell Celtics 25.5 6.1 5.9 1.6 0.5
All-League 2nd Team: PG Terrell Brandon 76ers 21.9 4.5 8.4 1.7 0.2

All-League 3rd Team: C Shaquille O'Neal Spurs 19.3 10.1 3.0 0.5 2.4
All-League 3rd Team: PF Loy Vaught Hornets 22.3 13.1 1.7 0.8 1.0
All-League 3rd Team: SF Sean Elliott Hawks 16.6 6.2 3.1 0.7 0.4
All-League 3rd Team: SG Anfernee Hardaway Spurs 18.6 5.7 4.7 2.2 0.3
All-League 3rd Team: PG Kevin Johnson Kings 21.1 4.7 9.7 1.8 0.2

All-Defense 1st Team: C Alonzo Mourning Bullets 27.0 11.1 2.3 0.5 5.1
All-Defense 1st Team: PF Shawn Kemp Timberwolves 20.9 10.0 2.4 1.0 2.1
All-Defense 1st Team: SF Clarence Weatherspoon Timberwolves 19.4 9.6 2.3 1.2 1.2
All-Defense 1st Team: SG Eddie Jones Celtics 20.1 5.4 3.7 2.2 0.7
All-Defense 1st Team: PG Jason Kidd Lakers 19.4 7.0 8.7 2.5 0.4

All-Defense 2nd Team: C Shawn Bradley Jazz 14.0 9.9 1.6 0.6 3.9
All-Defense 2nd Team: PF Chris Webber SuperSonics 23.4 9.3 2.8 1.4 1.8
All-Defense 2nd Team: SF Rodney Rogers Trail Blazers 14.9 7.4 2.4 1.6 0.7
All-Defense 2nd Team: SG Anfernee Hardaway Spurs 18.6 5.7 4.7 2.2 0.3
All-Defense 2nd Team: PG Eric Murdock Nets 18.0 4.2 6.5 2.6 0.2

All-Rookie 1st Team: C Marcus Camby Kings 11.2 7.2 1.6 0.9 3.0
All-Rookie 1st Team: PF Antoine Walker Heat 20.1 7.6 1.9 1.0 0.5
All-Rookie 1st Team: SF Bruce Bowen Nets 10.3 3.4 1.8 1.3 0.5
All-Rookie 1st Team: SG Kerry Kittles Mavericks 16.3 4.3 2.2 1.5 0.3
All-Rookie 1st Team: PG Steve Nash Jazz 18.3 4.6 4.7 1.2 0.1

All-Rookie 2nd Team: C Erick Dampier Pacers 4.5 4.2 1.0 0.2 0.9
All-Rookie 2nd Team: PF Shareef Abdur-Rahim Bulls 11.3 3.1 0.9 0.3 0.5
All-Rookie 2nd Team: SF Walter McCarty Suns 4.4 2.1 0.7 0.7 0.2
All-Rookie 2nd Team: SG Ray Allen Grizzlies 23.0 5.4 3.0 1.0 0.2
All-Rookie 2nd Team: PG Allen Iverson Raptors 24.4 3.7 5.9 2.3 0.2


1996 NBA Standings

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATLANTIC W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
76ers 53 29 .646 36-5 17-6 37-17
Bullets 53 29 .646 32-9 16-6 34-20
Celtics 51 31 .622 30-11 11-12 34-20
Knicks 42 40 .512 26-15 13-11 28-26
Nets 41 41 .500 30-11 9-14 28-26
Heat 34 48 .415 26-15 9-15 23-31
Magic 29 53 .354 16-25 6-17 18-36

----------------------------------------------------
CENTRAL W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
Cavaliers 53 29 .646 32-9 17-11 33-21
Pistons 45 37 .549 31-10 16-10 29-25
Pacers 44 38 .537 25-16 15-12 31-23
Hawks 44 38 .537 28-13 12-14 26-28
Hornets 42 40 .512 28-13 12-15 28-26
Bulls 40 42 .488 26-15 17-10 28-26
Bucks 31 51 .378 21-20 15-13 20-34
Raptors 14 68 .171 8-33 4-23 8-46

----------------------------------------------------
MIDWEST W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
Spurs 62 20 .756 35-6 21-3 40-12
Timberwolves 54 28 .659 29-12 16-8 31-21
Nuggets 45 37 .549 29-12 15-9 32-20
Jazz 34 48 .415 21-20 10-14 21-31
Mavericks 32 50 .390 20-21 9-15 20-32
Rockets 27 55 .329 20-21 8-16 16-36
Grizzlies 15 67 .183 11-30 5-19 12-40

----------------------------------------------------
PACIFIC W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
Lakers 62 20 .756 37-4 17-7 38-14
Clippers 50 32 .610 29-12 14-10 31-21
Trail Blazers 42 40 .512 26-15 10-14 24-28
SuperSonics 41 41 .500 23-18 12-12 28-24
Suns 41 41 .500 26-15 13-11 28-24
Warriors 38 44 .463 23-18 10-14 25-27
Kings 30 52 .366 22-19 8-16 18-34


Toronto Raptors Averages

Player Pos Gm Gs Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-test test test test test
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allen Iverson PG 75 75 42.1 24.4 1.3 3.7 5.9 2.3 0.2 6.1 2.3 -10.9
Joe Dumars SG 82 82 35.6 14.2 0.8 2.8 2.6 0.7 0.2 1.5 1.9 -8.9
Brent Barry SG 59 59 35.0 11.9 1.0 3.9 2.4 0.8 0.3 1.7 2.4 -10.3
Jerome Williams PF 82 82 30.5 8.8 3.0 8.1 1.2 1.2 0.2 2.0 2.9 -7.7
Steve Kerr SG 82 15 30.2 11.9 0.7 2.3 1.8 0.9 0.2 1.3 1.3 -6.7
Zan Tabak C 70 38 27.3 7.5 2.4 6.9 1.4 0.5 1.0 1.6 3.2 -6.2
Sam Perkins C 61 59 21.6 5.9 1.1 3.5 1.1 0.6 0.4 0.9 1.5 -7.1
Eric Montross C 27 0 20.6 4.0 1.6 5.4 0.9 0.3 0.6 1.3 3.6 -2.3
Chucky Brown PF 42 0 18.4 6.3 1.5 4.0 0.9 0.4 0.2 1.0 1.5 -5.2
Jason Caffey PF 58 0 17.0 5.1 1.4 3.8 0.7 0.1 0.3 1.2 2.3 -5.0
Charles Oakley PF 16 0 15.1 2.8 0.7 2.0 1.1 0.3 0.1 1.3 1.1 -7.4
Dickey Simpkins C 57 0 11.5 2.5 0.8 2.5 0.5 0.1 0.1 0.6 1.4 -4.7
Anthony Avent PF 35 0 4.2 1.0 0.2 0.7 0.1 0.3 0.1 0.3 0.7 -0.9
John Amaechi C 5 0 1.6 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 0.2 -1.0
Uwe Blab C 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0


Brent Barry, our #4 overall 2 years ago goes from Green Potential to Yellow. That stinks. On the bright side, our 2nd rounder from this year, Jerome Williams is Green now.

The Lakers beat the defending champion Sixers 4-3 in the Finals, with Jason Kidd taking home Playoff MVP honors. The Lakers were lead by Kidd, Todd Day & Marty Conlon.

[korme]

Big Smooth Sam Perkins lets me know he is retiring. Check out the awful numbers he put up for sure as our starting C last year.

Our entire staff is coming back, they all love coaching a winning organization.

The draft lottery is here and with the best odds, I land the #1 pick! Time to party. The Bulls (40-42) get #2 - had the 11th best odds. The Grizzlies, our expansion buddies, get #3.

The 1997 NBA Draft
The draft has 5 blue-chippers according to my scout, and in the order of projected selection they are: Tracy McGrady, Tim Duncan, Keith Van Horn, Chauncey Billups, Zydrunas Illgauskas.

Really interesting choice between T-Mac and Duncan. T-Mac seems to be an all-around stud. Scorer, defender, and he's 18. But Duncan looks like he's a force as a big man, and we've already got a big time perimeter scorer in Iverson.

I decide to let the Bulls make the big decision. I trade 1.1, Brent Barry, my '98 Rd 2, '99 Rd 2, and Jazz '98 Rd 2 to Chicago for 1.2, Aaron McKie, and Bulls '98 Rd 2, '99 Rd 2.

It looks like I gave up kind of a lot to move down, but McKie is an upgrade over Brent Barry, especially on defense.

The Bulls take McGrady as I expected (they already have PF Abdur-Rahim), and I grab Timmy. I then take Jacque Vaughn with the first pick of the 2nd round.

Here's the top 15:
NBA All Picks

Pick Pos Player Team
-------------------------------------------------
1 SG Tracy McGrady Bulls
2 PF Tim Duncan Raptors
3 PG Chauncey Billups Grizzlies
4 SF Keith Van Horn Rockets
5 SF Tim Thomas Magic
6 SG Ron Mercer Kings
7 C Zydrunas Ilgauskas Bucks
8 PF Austin Croshere Mavericks
9 PG Bobby Jackson Heat
10 C Kelvin Cato Jazz
11 PF Danny Fortson Warriors
12 PG Anthony Johnson Nets
13 PG Brevin Knight Knicks
14 PG Antonio Daniels Suns
15 C Scot Pollard SuperSonics

[korme]

We approach FA differently this year. We've got legitimate building blocks in Duncan & Iverson, with Aaron McKie and Jerome Williams as solid role players. We'll try to land a big FA this year.

There are a couple nice 31 year olds that want big contracts in Pippen, Reggie Miller & Kevin Johnson, but I'm weary of handing out max cash and having it bite me in a couple seasons.

The cream of the crop here is 24 year old Chris Webber. He's a force all the way around. I'm worried that his desire to play for a winner would disinterest him from coming to Toronto. There's also 26 year old Penny Hardaway, a bonafide scorer and defender.

I offer C-Webb the max. He tells me his best offer is from the Celtics, who offer the same contract, and he wants to play for the better team. Nothing I can do here. I rescind the offer.

Pippen has a couple 4 year offers in the $6MM range. I decide to try to entice him with the max of about $9.5MM for just 2 years. He's all into that shit and he signs! Short term deal but this gives up an absolute stopper on the wing.

Now we just need another big man and we should be good to go. I sign 36 y/o Dennis Rodman to a 1 year deal way over what he was asking for. He's down to yellow ratings wise, but he still hits the boards and plays A defense.

I sign Vernon Maxwell to a $4.5MM 1 year deal to solidify our guard rotation, and with a few min-salary guys we round out our roster.

Toronto Raptors General

Player # Pos Age Ht Wt Exp Status College
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eric Montross 41 C 26 7-0 289 3 OK North Carolina
Tim Duncan 51 PF 21 7-0 264 0 OK Wake Forest
Jerome Williams 45 PF 24 6-9 219 1 OK Georgetown
Jason Caffey 54 PF 24 6-8 258 2 OK Alabama
Dontonio Wingfield 44 PF 23 6-8 260 0 OK Cincinnati
Dennis Rodman 43 PF 36 6-8 251 11 OK Se Oklahoma State
Scottie Pippen 31 SF 32 6-7 240 10 OK Central Arkansas
Aaron McKie 8 SG 25 6-5 213 3 OK Temple
Tim Legler 33 SG 30 6-4 209 7 OK La Salle
Vernon Maxwell 22 SG 32 6-4 205 9 OK Florida
Fat Lever 23 PG 37 6-3 197 15 OK Arizona State
Patrick Reinholt 20 PG 33 6-1 202 12 OK None
Jacque Vaughn 30 PG 22 6-1 196 0 OK Kansas
Allen Iverson 32 PG 22 6-0 167 1 OK Georgetown


Our top 8:
C- Duncan
F- Rodman
F- Pippen
G- McKie
G- Iverson
6- Maxwell
7- Williams
8- Lever

The game actually recommended Rodman get 0 minutes. But I attribute that to his shitty offensive ratings.

[Young Drachma]

Seems like an improvement from 14 wins is in order with that squad you have now. Nice rebuilding job.

[korme]

A couple nagging injuries, some poor cohesion and bad depth resulted in a very respectable 41-41 season. Our building blocks are in place, now it's a matter of finding the right complimentary players.

Iverson is our lone All-Star. David Robinson wins Rookie of the Year, Pippen takes home 1st Team All-Defense.

1997 NBA Season Summary Awards

Award Pos Name Team PPG RPG APG SPG BPG
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GM of the Year: Carter Jackson 76ers
Coach of the Year: Antony Winner Wizards

Most Valuable Player: SG Anfernee Hardaway Spurs 18.9 6.1 5.1 2.4 0.5
Rookie of the Year: PF Tim Duncan Raptors 19.4 7.3 1.6 0.4 1.5
Defender of the Year: C Marcus Camby Kings 13.4 8.7 2.0 1.1 3.9
6th Man of the Year: SF Dominique Wilkins Warriors 12.9 4.8 1.5 0.9 0.3
Most Improved Player: PF Shareef Abdur-Rahim Bulls 23.9 6.5 1.8 0.5 1.1

All-League 1st Team: C Alonzo Mourning Wizards 25.1 11.4 1.8 0.4 4.4
All-League 1st Team: PF Shawn Kemp Timberwolves 19.5 9.2 2.0 1.0 2.3
All-League 1st Team: SF Glenn Robinson Spurs 17.9 6.8 3.0 1.1 0.6
All-League 1st Team: SG Anfernee Hardaway Spurs 18.9 6.1 5.1 2.4 0.5
All-League 1st Team: PG Sam Cassell Cavaliers 21.9 4.5 7.6 1.7 0.2

All-League 2nd Team: C Matt Geiger Hawks 17.7 10.1 1.6 0.7 1.4
All-League 2nd Team: PF Loy Vaught Hornets 22.2 12.5 2.2 1.1 1.1
All-League 2nd Team: SF Jerry Stackhouse Suns 21.2 4.1 3.0 0.8 0.5
All-League 2nd Team: SG Jim Jackson Cavaliers 23.8 5.9 4.0 1.4 0.2
All-League 2nd Team: PG Gary Payton Nuggets 20.9 6.0 4.2 2.4 0.2

All-League 3rd Team: C Gheorghe Muresan 76ers 14.0 10.1 1.3 0.6 2.6
All-League 3rd Team: PF Shareef Abdur-Rahim Bulls 23.9 6.5 1.8 0.5 1.1
All-League 3rd Team: SF Grant Hill Pacers 20.1 8.2 4.1 1.7 0.4
All-League 3rd Team: SG Michael Jordan Knicks 21.7 6.7 3.4 2.0 0.5
All-League 3rd Team: PG Terrell Brandon 76ers 22.4 4.3 7.5 2.1 0.3

All-Defense 1st Team: C Marcus Camby Kings 13.4 8.7 2.0 1.1 3.9
All-Defense 1st Team: PF Shawn Kemp Timberwolves 19.5 9.2 2.0 1.0 2.3
All-Defense 1st Team: SF Scottie Pippen Raptors 14.3 6.7 2.8 1.7 0.6
All-Defense 1st Team: SG Anfernee Hardaway Spurs 18.9 6.1 5.1 2.4 0.5
All-Defense 1st Team: PG Gary Payton Nuggets 20.9 6.0 4.2 2.4 0.2

All-Defense 2nd Team: C Shawn Bradley Jazz 13.2 9.9 1.5 0.5 3.7
All-Defense 2nd Team: PF Pervis Ellison Warriors 11.6 7.7 1.4 0.7 2.2
All-Defense 2nd Team: SF Rodney Rogers Heat 10.8 7.0 2.8 1.5 0.8
All-Defense 2nd Team: SG Michael Jordan Knicks 21.7 6.7 3.4 2.0 0.5
All-Defense 2nd Team: PG Charlie Ward Kings 13.8 5.5 4.3 1.8 0.4

All-Rookie 1st Team: C Zydrunas Ilgauskas Bucks 13.3 7.4 1.5 0.4 1.4
All-Rookie 1st Team: PF Tim Duncan Raptors 19.4 7.3 1.6 0.4 1.5
All-Rookie 1st Team: SF Keith Van Horn Rockets 18.7 7.1 1.8 0.8 0.5
All-Rookie 1st Team: SG Tracy McGrady Bulls 13.8 6.9 2.4 1.3 0.6
All-Rookie 1st Team: PG Chauncey Billups Grizzlies 11.9 3.6 3.1 1.5 0.3

All-Rookie 2nd Team: C Scot Pollard SuperSonics 4.9 4.7 0.7 0.4 1.2
All-Rookie 2nd Team: PF Danny Fortson Warriors 8.4 8.1 1.2 0.4 0.3
All-Rookie 2nd Team: SF Derek Anderson Pistons 4.5 1.5 1.0 1.0 0.1
All-Rookie 2nd Team: SG Ron Mercer Kings 13.8 3.9 2.5 1.2 0.1
All-Rookie 2nd Team: PG Bobby Jackson Heat 10.5 4.1 4.4 1.5 0.1

1997 NBA Standings

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATLANTIC W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
76ers 58 24 .707 35-6 15-8 38-16
Wizards 53 29 .646 30-11 11-13 34-20
Heat 50 32 .610 30-11 17-7 35-19
Celtics 45 37 .549 26-15 14-10 27-27
Knicks 41 41 .500 28-13 11-12 26-28
Nets 33 49 .402 21-20 9-15 21-33
Magic 25 57 .305 17-24 6-18 16-38

----------------------------------------------------
CENTRAL W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
Cavaliers 61 21 .744 35-6 22-5 41-13
Hornets 46 36 .561 28-13 14-12 28-26
Pacers 46 36 .561 27-14 16-12 29-25
Raptors 41 41 .500 27-14 14-14 30-24
Hawks 38 44 .463 26-15 14-13 27-27
Bulls 34 48 .415 23-18 15-13 22-32
Pistons 33 49 .402 22-19 8-20 16-38
Bucks 24 58 .293 17-24 7-21 15-39

----------------------------------------------------
MIDWEST W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
Spurs 64 18 .780 34-7 20-4 42-10
Timberwolves 56 26 .683 35-6 17-7 36-16
Rockets 47 35 .573 30-11 13-11 28-24
Jazz 38 44 .463 23-18 11-13 24-28
Nuggets 37 45 .451 25-16 10-14 23-29
Grizzlies 23 59 .280 9-32 8-16 15-37
Mavericks 21 61 .256 16-25 5-19 16-36

----------------------------------------------------
PACIFIC W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
Trail Blazers 48 34 .585 33-8 14-10 32-20
Lakers 48 34 .585 32-9 15-9 31-21
Clippers 41 41 .500 25-16 11-13 26-26
Kings 40 42 .488 28-13 12-12 23-29
Suns 35 47 .427 25-16 13-11 24-28
Warriors 32 50 .390 23-18 11-13 23-29
SuperSonics 31 51 .378 20-21 8-16 21-31

Toronto Raptors Averages

Player Pos Gm Gs Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-test test test test test
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allen Iverson PG 68 68 38.8 22.5 1.3 3.4 4.8 2.1 0.1 5.0 2.3 0.2
Scottie Pippen SF 82 82 36.5 14.3 2.1 6.7 2.8 1.7 0.6 1.9 2.4 0.0
Tim Duncan PF 82 82 34.1 19.4 2.1 7.3 1.6 0.4 1.5 2.7 2.5 0.6
Dennis Rodman PF 74 71 31.6 5.9 3.2 9.3 1.3 0.6 0.5 1.9 1.3 -0.7
Vernon Maxwell SG 75 43 31.3 10.4 0.8 3.2 2.3 1.3 0.1 1.3 3.0 -0.9
Aaron McKie SG 63 46 30.0 11.5 1.3 4.6 2.3 1.7 0.3 1.7 3.4 0.4
Jerome Williams PF 82 11 25.1 8.4 2.6 7.1 1.1 1.1 0.2 1.9 3.1 -0.2
Fat Lever PG 63 0 16.9 4.4 0.8 2.0 1.8 0.7 0.1 1.1 2.1 -0.3
Jason Caffey PF 15 0 12.0 2.3 0.8 2.9 0.6 0.4 0.1 0.5 1.7 0.8
Patrick Reinholt PG 9 0 11.7 4.8 0.1 0.9 0.9 0.2 0.0 1.3 2.4 -2.2
Tim Legler SG 40 0 11.6 2.9 0.1 1.0 0.7 0.3 0.1 1.1 1.6 -2.5
Jacque Vaughn PG 48 7 10.4 3.3 0.1 1.0 0.8 0.5 0.1 1.2 1.6 -2.1
Dontonio Wingfield PF 40 0 7.4 1.8 0.6 1.6 0.3 0.3 0.1 0.6 0.8 -0.6
Eric Montross C 35 0 3.3 0.7 0.3 0.8 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.3 0.5 -0.6

We're in the playoffs as an 8 seed.

Vernon Maxwell is out with a hernia and will miss the entire playoff run.

Cleveland is led by Jimmy Jackson, Vlade Divac and Sam Cassell.

ROUND 1
1. Cleveland (61-21) vs. Toronto (41-41)
Game 1: Cleveland 102, Toronto 89
Game 2: Cleveland 115, Toronto 82
Game 3: Cleveland 113, Torono 93

Cleveland treats us like a true #8 seed and we're swept pretty handily.

The Wizards beat the T-Wolves 4-3 in the Finals, led by former MVP Alonzo Mourning.

[Young Drachma]

Still 14 wins to a playoff berth is impressive. AI developing nicely it seems.

[korme]

The 1998 NBA Draft
The draft has 7 blue-chippers according to my scout, and in the order of projected selection they are: Vince Carter, Paul Pierce, Dirk Nowitzki, Mike Bibby, Brad Miller, Antawn Jamison, Larry Hughes.

We're picking 16th and projected to select the IRL #1 pick, Michael Olowokandi. Not loving that... I hit the trade machine to see what's out there.

We send 1.16 + our '00 2nd Rd Pick to Golden State for PF Danny Fortson and their 2 (35) of this draft.

So we lose our first round pick but I didn't love this draft. Add a 22 year old rebounding machine who albeit lacks defense, and now we pick at #35 & #38 in the draft.

Not liking what I see, I go back to the war room and come up with the following.

Toronto sends #35 to Atlanta for #42, '99 Rd 2, '00 Rd 2.

I'm loving that deal because Atlanta's best player is green Matt Geiger. Matt freakin' Geiger. Hopefully that's future picks that end up being low 30's, ala more trade bait or depth.

We then turn around Atlanta's #42 and flip it to the Pacers for SG Stacy Augmon, a quality defender who is very good stealing the ball.

We then trade the #38 for the Mavericks next two years 2nd round picks. Chips chips chips.

Finally. All done. Here's the top 15:

1998 Draft

# Team Selection Pos
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Golden State Warriors Vince Carter SG
2 Milwaukee Bucks Paul Pierce SF
3 Vancouver Grizzlies Dirk Nowitzki PF
4 Dallas Mavericks Mike Bibby PG
5 Orlando Magic Brad Miller C
6 Seattle SuperSonics Antawn Jamison PF
7 Detroit Pistons Peja Stojakovic SF
8 New Jersey Nets Raef Lafrentz C
9 Chicago Bulls Jason Williams PG
10 Phoenix Suns Larry Hughes SG
11 Denver Nuggets Cuttino Mobley SG
12 Atlanta Hawks Ricky Davis SG
13 New York Knicks Damon Jones PG
14 Utah Jazz Rashard Lewis PF
15 Sacramento Kings Al Harrington PF

[korme]

Still 14 wins to a playoff berth is impressive. AI developing nicely it seems.

For sure. Two top 5 picks plus adding in quality veterans after pretty much tanking the first 2 seasons, it was bound to happen. Thanks for following along DC! :D

[korme]

Our main goals to this free agency period are re-signing Aaron McKie and Jerome Williams. We hold McKie's bird rights, I think I just forgot that Williams was a 2nd rounder and thus a 2-year FA, so I have no advantage with him.

I won't be looking to re-sign Vernon Maxwell, who took a pretty big hit skillwise this offseason - attributing it to his age and his injury.

We lose out, after a lengthy battle, on Aaron McKie who signs with the Nets for 5 years, 25MM. I just couldn't justify the pricetag. Too bad, we only got 1 year out of McKie.

We do lock up Williams to a 5 year deal for 3.7MM per. A little higher than I wanted, but it had to happen.

We sign a bunch of quality big men as I really thought I was going to lose out on Williams... didn't sign anybody at guard until the latest stage because I thought we'd sign McKie. Funny how that works.

We end up signing veteran Chris Childs, a very good handler/passer and he'll probably start at PG, with Iverson playing 2.

Our roster, by potential -- a better gist of my team than the bio section.

Toronto Raptors Potential

Player Pos Age Cur Pot Ins Jps Fts 3ps Hnd Pas Orb Drb Psd Prd Stl Blk
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jim McIlvaine C 26 D F D F D F C D C F D A
Tim Duncan PF 22 A D C F D D C B A D D B
Juwan Howard PF 25 A C B F C C C C C D D D
Jerome Williams PF 25 C D C F C D A A C B A D
Bo Outlaw PF 27 C C D F C D B C C C B B
Dontonio Wingfield PF 24 C C B D D D B C C D C C
Danny Fortson PF 22 D D B F D F A A C F D D
Scottie Pippen SF 33 B C B C B C C C B B A C
Stacey Augmon SG 30 C C B F C D C D D C B D
Miles Simon SG 22 C D C F F F F F D C D F
Mark Macon PG 29 C C B F C D D F D B A F
Chris Childs PG 30 D C A B A B F D D C B F
Jacque Vaughn PG 23 C C B C A C F D D C C F
Allen Iverson PG 23 A C B C B C F D D B A F

And the contract situation.

Toronto Raptors Contract

Player 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jim McIlvaine $423,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Tim Duncan $2,014,714 $2,250,671 $2,504,779 $0 $0 $0 $0
Jerome Williams $3,787,000 $3,787,000 $3,787,000 $3,787,000 $3,787,000 $0 $0
Juwan Howard $1,023,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Dontonio Wingfield $333,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Bo Outlaw $1,265,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Danny Fortson $884,577 $988,176 $1,099,745 $0 $0 $0 $0
Scottie Pippen $10,356,500 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Stacey Augmon $1,290,628 $1,407,958 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miles Simon $228,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Mark Macon $670,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Chris Childs $5,223,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Jacque Vaughn $298,590 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Allen Iverson $1,494,134 $1,662,827 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0


Contract situation will get much stickier once my cornerstones' rookie contracts run out.

[korme]

Is there anything else you'd like to see DC? I'm not sure how this reads to someone not looking at the same game I am.

[Young Drachma]

Is there anything else you'd like to see DC? I'm not sure how this reads to someone not looking at the same game I am.

You're doing a solid job. It's succinct and to the point, yet you're doing a good job of keeping it interesting probably because you're going fast.

So it's cool for me. I mean, you just share what interests you because at this pace, it works well and reads thorough. Plus, I think knowing the players is what's selling it, because I could picture starting off with the roster you had and those players and stuff. Since I always play fictional, it's even harder for me to get invested often in the teams/players without a hook.

Here no real shenanigans needed, the concept sells itself. Keep it up. ;)

[korme]

Duncan is our All-Star. Iverson regresses, plays 40 MPG and scores 20 PPG, shooting a paltry 36%. Aside from his 2.6 SPG, he doesn't bring a lot to the table for a "blue chip" player. I'm considering if I should move him next season, in his final year of his rookie deal.

Juwan Howard ends up being a very nice low salary one year deal signing- makes me wish I locked him up longer. I signed him when he was yellow/yellow , just 25, and now my scout thinks he's green/green. Glad Pippen is coming off the books- he went from 1st Team D to Pippen On The Trailblazers level bad.

A lack of another impact guard really hurt- Childs was largely garbage, and the Stacy Augmon trade seems to be a bust.

All that said, we improved to 46-36, good enough for 4th in the East!

1998 NBA Season Summary Awards

Award Pos Name Team PPG RPG APG SPG BPG
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GM of the Year: James Gill Grizzlies
Coach of the Year: Genaro Lavelle Grizzlies

Most Valuable Player: C Alonzo Mourning Wizards 27.4 10.2 2.0 0.5 4.3
Rookie of the Year: SG Vince Carter Warriors 25.0 6.5 2.9 1.1 0.5
Defender of the Year: C Alonzo Mourning Wizards 27.4 10.2 2.0 0.5 4.3
6th Man of the Year: SG Mitch Richmond Pacers 12.6 3.5 2.2 1.0 0.3
Most Improved Player: C Jermaine O'Neal Knicks 10.7 10.0 1.5 0.3 2.3

All-League 1st Team: C Alonzo Mourning Wizards 27.4 10.2 2.0 0.5 4.3
All-League 1st Team: PF Shareef Abdur-Rahim Bulls 24.5 7.2 1.7 0.5 0.8
All-League 1st Team: SF Grant Hill Pacers 17.9 8.2 4.5 2.2 0.4
All-League 1st Team: SG Jim Jackson Cavaliers 23.7 7.2 4.1 1.3 0.2
All-League 1st Team: PG Jason Kidd Lakers 18.8 7.2 9.2 2.3 0.3

All-League 2nd Team: C Shaquille O'Neal Spurs 20.1 9.8 2.8 0.6 1.8
All-League 2nd Team: PF Tim Duncan Raptors 23.0 8.9 1.6 0.5 1.6
All-League 2nd Team: SF Jerry Stackhouse Suns 21.4 5.1 3.3 1.0 0.4
All-League 2nd Team: SG Vince Carter Warriors 25.0 6.5 2.9 1.1 0.5
All-League 2nd Team: PG Nick Van Exel Clippers 21.3 3.8 9.0 1.1 0.2

All-League 3rd Team: C Kevin Garnett Spurs 17.4 9.4 2.5 1.0 2.4
All-League 3rd Team: PF Chris Webber SuperSonics 20.3 8.7 2.2 1.2 1.5
All-League 3rd Team: SF Glenn Robinson Spurs 17.1 6.9 2.4 0.8 0.5
All-League 3rd Team: SG Latrell Sprewell Celtics 23.5 5.4 5.6 1.8 0.4
All-League 3rd Team: PG Steve Nash Jazz 18.2 4.6 5.7 1.0 0.2

All-Defense 1st Team: C Alonzo Mourning Wizards 27.4 10.2 2.0 0.5 4.3
All-Defense 1st Team: PF Aaron Williams 76ers 11.8 8.2 1.8 0.5 2.4
All-Defense 1st Team: SF Grant Hill Pacers 17.9 8.2 4.5 2.2 0.4
All-Defense 1st Team: SG Eddie Jones Celtics 19.9 5.5 3.8 1.9 0.6
All-Defense 1st Team: PG Jason Kidd Lakers 18.8 7.2 9.2 2.3 0.3

All-Defense 2nd Team: C Marcus Camby Kings 14.0 9.8 2.1 0.9 3.9
All-Defense 2nd Team: PF Tom Gugliotta Pacers 18.4 8.5 2.2 1.9 1.2
All-Defense 2nd Team: SF Clarence Weatherspoon Timberwolves 16.6 9.6 2.3 1.0 0.8
All-Defense 2nd Team: SG Latrell Sprewell Celtics 23.5 5.4 5.6 1.8 0.4
All-Defense 2nd Team: PG Allen Iverson Raptors 19.7 3.5 5.4 2.6 0.2

All-Rookie 1st Team: C Brad Miller Magic 10.8 7.7 1.5 0.6 1.0
All-Rookie 1st Team: PF Antawn Jamison SuperSonics 16.0 8.8 2.0 0.5 0.4
All-Rookie 1st Team: SF Paul Pierce Bucks 16.3 6.0 2.9 1.4 0.5
All-Rookie 1st Team: SG Vince Carter Warriors 25.0 6.5 2.9 1.1 0.5
All-Rookie 1st Team: PG Mike Bibby Mavericks 17.0 4.0 5.5 1.5 0.2

All-Rookie 2nd Team: C Raef Lafrentz Nets 11.6 7.2 1.3 0.3 1.7
All-Rookie 2nd Team: PF Dirk Nowitzki Grizzlies 12.9 5.9 1.9 0.5 1.0
All-Rookie 2nd Team: SF Peja Stojakovic Pistons 13.8 5.5 1.8 0.9 0.2
All-Rookie 2nd Team: SG Bonzi Wells Clippers 13.4 5.1 2.2 1.7 0.3
All-Rookie 2nd Team: PG Jason Williams Bulls 13.7 3.8 6.2 1.7 0.2

Toronto Raptors Averages

Player Pos Gm Gs Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-test test test test test
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allen Iverson PG 82 82 40.3 19.7 1.0 3.5 5.4 2.6 0.2 4.5 2.4 0.3
Tim Duncan PF 76 76 36.1 23.0 2.4 8.9 1.6 0.5 1.6 3.1 3.0 1.7
Juwan Howard PF 81 81 32.6 18.3 2.1 6.9 1.6 0.4 0.4 2.1 2.8 1.0
Stacey Augmon SG 82 1 30.9 6.4 1.4 4.4 1.5 1.5 0.3 1.2 2.6 1.4
Scottie Pippen SF 81 81 28.2 7.0 1.1 3.9 2.0 1.6 0.4 1.0 1.8 1.2
Chris Childs PG 69 68 23.8 5.4 0.3 1.9 2.1 0.7 0.1 0.9 3.6 -1.0
Mark Macon PG 82 14 19.9 5.4 0.5 1.6 1.1 1.4 0.1 0.9 3.0 1.4
Jerome Williams PF 80 4 16.8 6.3 1.7 5.0 0.5 1.0 0.2 1.5 1.9 -0.1
Danny Fortson PF 82 2 14.0 4.7 1.1 4.4 0.5 0.2 0.1 1.1 1.3 -0.4
Bo Outlaw PF 11 1 10.8 3.0 0.9 2.9 0.4 0.1 1.0 0.9 0.5 -1.1
Miles Simon SG 1 0 9.0 2.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -7.0
Jacque Vaughn PG 49 0 5.9 2.2 0.0 0.3 0.6 0.3 0.0 0.6 0.8 -0.9
Dontonio Wingfield PF 16 0 2.8 0.9 0.1 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.2 -1.6
Jim McIlvaine C 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0


Duncan broke his foot 76 games into the season, huge loss. He is going to miss 40 days, or all of the playoffs.

THE PLAYOFFS - 4th SEED - 46-36
Round 1 - vs. #5 Atlanta (43-39)

Date Opponent Result Score Record Attendance Type
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
04/24/99 Hawks W 92-82 1-0 20,108 Playoffs
04/25/99 Hawks W 109-92 2-0 18,424 Playoffs
04/27/99 at Hawks L 89-101 2-1 16,378 Playoffs
04/28/99 at Hawks W 107-87 3-1 16,378 Playoffs

Wow, we make quick work of Atlanta despite losing Duncan, and face the #1 seed Pacers. Indiana is led by Mitch Richmond, Grant Hill and Brian Grant.

Round 2 - vs. #1 Indiana (50-32)

05/02/99 at Pacers L 85-97 0-1 16,530 Playoffs
05/03/99 at Pacers W 99-96 1-1 16,530 Playoffs
05/05/99 Pacers W 92-91 2-1 25,172 Playoffs
05/06/99 Pacers W 98-76 3-1 19,920 Playoffs
05/08/99 at Pacers L 91-95 3-2 16,530 Playoffs
05/10/99 Pacers W 100-92 4-2 24,196 Playoffs

A absolutely huuuuge game 2 win and we're headed to the Conference Finals on the back of AI and Juwan Howard (averaging 22-9 in the playoffs). I wonder if we can somehow get to the Finals, if Duncan can come back.

We face the 2 seed Sixers, who won the title in '96. They're led by the veteran Reggie Miller, Terrell Brandon and Gheorghe "Don't call me George!" Muresan. However, Miller is out for 14 days, so he will probably miss the first 3 games. Helps us.

Conf. Finals - vs. #2 Philadelphia (49-33)
05/14/99 at 76ers W 92-87 1-0 19,196 Playoffs
05/15/99 at 76ers L 88-92 1-1 19,278 Playoffs
05/17/99 76ers W 104-98 2-1 18,444 Playoffs
05/18/99 76ers W 97-83 3-1 19,899 Playoffs
05/20/99 at 76ers L 84-96 3-2 19,251 Playoffs
05/22/99 76ers W 85-69 4-2 21,960 Playoffs

To the Finals we go! We stole game 1 and took care of our home court, and suddenly we're onto the Finals! And what a year to go to the Finals it is - in the West, the 4-seed Timberwolves defeated the 6-seed Clippers. We've definitely got a shot - especially because it looks like Duncan can play at some point.

Minnesota lost in Game 7 of the Finals, so they are hungry. Dino Radja, Bimbo Coles, and Clarence Weatherspoon are they key role guys that support superstar high flyer Shawn Kemp. Kemp missed 20 games this year, which could be reason the Wolves were run-of-the-mill in the regular season.

Off to Minny we go!

The Finals - vs. #4 Minnesota (47-35)
05/26/99 at Timberwolves L 93-96 0-1 19,356 Playoffs
05/27/99 at Timberwolves L 104-107 0-2 19,356 Playoffs

We lose two heartbreakers in Minnesota, but Duncan is cleared to play. He's D2D, but hell, we'll take it.

05/29/99 Timberwolves W 90-88 1-2 19,690 Playoffs
05/30/99 Timberwolves W 93-79 2-2 22,490 Playoffs
05/31/99 Timberwolves W 95-88 3-2 18,611 Playoffs

3-0 with Duncan back or 3-0 due to home court? We test that now, as we head to Minnesota trying to steal one and win our first title! I've got to re-evaluate my feelings on trading Iverson after this run. :lol:

06/02/99 at Timberwolves L 92-98 3-3 19,356 Playoffs

An abysmal start to Game 6. We were down 8-30 after the 1st Q. But the comeback gives me hope for Game 7. To Game 7 we go!

06/03/99 at Timberwolves L 87-123 3-4 19,356 Playoffs

Blech. Personal apologies to all of the NBA fans who expected a classic Game 7. The sad thing is there is no good excuse. No one was in foul trouble, no Timberwolf had a dominant game.

Anyways, Kemp wins Playoff MVP and it was a nice run. Despite the run, I will still see if I can make a better situation for myself than Iverson, he's a little too inefficient.

Will probably also try to lock up Howard, who might command some mega bucks this offseason. If that's the case, a regression could be expected.

Toronto Raptors Playoff Averages

Player Pos Gm Gs Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-test test test test test
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allen Iverson PG 23 23 40.7 22.7 1.0 3.0 4.5 2.5 0.1 4.7 2.0 1.5
Tim Duncan PF 5 5 35.2 18.0 0.8 6.0 3.6 0.0 2.2 2.8 3.4 -1.2
Juwan Howard PF 23 23 31.7 20.7 2.5 7.4 1.4 0.2 0.3 2.6 3.1 1.9
Stacey Augmon SG 23 5 27.0 6.0 1.4 3.1 1.1 1.6 0.3 1.4 2.7 2.3
Scottie Pippen SF 23 23 26.4 8.8 1.3 4.4 1.8 1.9 0.3 1.1 1.8 1.8
Chris Childs PG 23 18 24.4 6.5 0.5 1.9 2.0 0.8 0.2 1.1 3.5 1.7
Mark Macon PG 23 0 17.7 4.7 0.9 2.0 1.0 1.1 0.0 1.0 2.3 0.0
Jerome Williams PF 23 18 27.5 9.4 2.7 8.2 1.0 1.3 0.0 2.0 3.0 3.5
Danny Fortson PF 23 0 26.7 8.2 2.5 8.1 1.2 0.7 0.1 1.9 3.2 1.7
Bo Outlaw PF 18 0 10.0 3.2 1.0 2.3 0.3 0.4 1.0 0.8 0.6 -1.6
Miles Simon SG 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Jacque Vaughn PG 9 0 4.8 2.1 0.1 0.3 0.1 0.4 0.0 0.8 0.9 -0.3
Dontonio Wingfield PF 4 0 3.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 -2.5
Jim McIlvaine C 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

[korme]

The 1999 NBA Draft
The draft has 7 blue-chippers according to my scout, and in the order of projected selection they are: Shawn Marion, Baron Davis, Richard Hamilton, Metta World Peace, Steve Francis, Elton Brand, Lamar Odom, Andre Miller.

We have the 21st, 30th, 44th and 46th picks in the draft - but first! Let's make some trades.

06/30/99 Nuggets Trade 1999 Nuggets 1st Round draft pick to the Raptors
06/30/99 Nuggets Trade 1999 Nuggets 2nd Round draft pick to the Raptors
06/30/99 Nuggets Trade PG Gary Payton to the Raptors
06/30/99 Raptors Trade 1999 Raptors 1st Round draft pick to the Nuggets
06/30/99 Raptors Trade PF Jerome Williams to the Nuggets
06/30/99 Raptors Trade 1999 Bulls 2nd Round draft pick to the Nuggets
06/30/99 Raptors Trade 1999 Hawks 2nd Round draft pick to the Nuggets
06/30/99 Raptors Trade PG Allen Iverson to the Nuggets

So we trade 23 y/o Iverson for 30 y/o Payton. Risky move, but Payton shoots at a better percentage, is a true point guard, and leaves nothing on the table defensively. He's got 2 years left on his deal. At that point, we'll re-evaluate the situation. I also unload Jerome Williams contract- it was too meaty for a guy getting 16 MPG last year. Also with the pick swapping I move up to #12 in this year's draft.

We then trade that #12 and the rest of our 2nd rounders this year to Orlando for the #4 pick. I really want Metta World Peace, and he's projected to go 4th.

The draft goes Marion/Davis/Brand, and my scout projects us to take Richard Hamilton with MWP now projected to go 8th... hmm. We trade the #4 to the Bucks for the #6 and their next 2 future 2nd rounders.

We take our man at 6. Here's how the top 15 shakes out:

1999 Draft Order Draft Preview

# Team Selection Pos
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Phoenix Suns Shawn Marion SF
2 Charlotte Hornets Baron Davis PG
3 Dallas Mavericks Elton Brand PF
4 Milwaukee Bucks Steve Francis PG
5 New York Knicks Richard Hamilton SG
6 Toronto Raptors Metta World Peace SF
7 Utah Jazz Jason Terry SG
8 New Jersey Nets Lamar Odom PF
9 Houston Rockets Andre Miller PG
10 Detroit Pistons Wally Szczerbiak SF
11 Seattle SuperSonics Jeff Foster C
12 Orlando Magic James Posey SF
13 Boston Celtics Rafer Alston PG
14 Miami Heat Dedric Willoughby PG
15 Cleveland Cavaliers Devean George SF

[Young Drachma]

I was going to suggest trading AI before I got down to that part of the story. So smart move. I think it was a wise one with him regressing. Metta should be an interesting pickup for you guys. And tough break in the Finals, though impressive they were there.. I've learned the hard way with starters in this game, is not to have them playing down the stretch or in the pre-season, because the game always finds a way to break them.

It's frustrating.

[korme]

So we go to FA with 4 guys under contract - B/B Duncan, B/B Payton, Y/Y Fortson, Y/B MWP. The plan is to re-sign Juwan Howard and pick up a scoring guard, with another wing guy that can contribute for a year or two until MWP is ready to play a significant role.

We get a big time scorer for a pretty nice chunk of change in 24 y/o Jerry Stackhouse with a $55MM/6yr deal. He's going to replace any scoring we'll miss from Iverson.

We then sign Voshon Lenard, the stopgap for the developing MWP. He can light up a gym. We then sign Theo Ratliff, a shotblocking specialist who I think will either start at center or backup Duncan, depending on if Howard re-signs. At this point, it looks pretty unlikely as people are going after Howard hard.

We then sign a trio of backup Point Guards- Fat Lever (38), Sherman Douglas (32), Jacque Vaughn (24). One of them will get minutes, the other 2 won't.

Howard signs a mega 5 year deal, out of our range - we still have to keep money open to sign Duncan.

Here's our roster, and I'm happy with the depth, if we're not a little weak up front:

Toronto Raptors Potential

Player Pos Age Cur Pot Ins Jps Fts 3ps Hnd Pas Orb Drb Psd Prd Stl Blk
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Theo Ratliff C 26 D D B F D F C C C D D A
Tim Duncan PF 23 A D C F D D C A A D D B
Dontonio Wingfield PF 25 C C B D D D A C B D C C
Danny Fortson PF 23 C D B F D F A A C F D D
Metta World Peace SF 19 B C B B C C D C C A A C
Jerry Stackhouse SF 24 A C B B C C D D C C C C
Voshon Lenard SG 26 C B B A C D F D D C C D
Gary Payton PG 31 A B B B A B D D D A A F
Fat Lever PG 39 D D B D A D D D F C C F
Jacque Vaughn PG 24 C C B C A C F D D C C F
Sherman Douglas PG 32 C B C D A B F F F C C F


With an in depth look at our Starting Five (plus MWP):

PLAYER DETAILS

#51 PF Tim Duncan - Raptors
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Height: 7-0
Weight: 279
DOB: 4/25/1976 (23)
College: Wake Forest
Hometown: Christiansted
Exp: 2

Attributes:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type INS JPS FTS 3PS HND PAS ORB DRB PSD PRD STL BLK QKN STR JMP STA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current: 88 32 60 6 31 30 53 73 77 19 22 66 65 88 95 91
Potential: A D C F D D C A A D D B

Health: Good
Status: Active Roster
Salary: $2,250,671
Length: 2

Stat Averages:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season LGE TEAM G GS MIN PTS ORE REB AST TO A/T STL BLK PF
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 NBA TOR 76 76 36.1 23.0 2.4 8.9 1.6 3.1 0.50 0.5 1.6 3.0
1997 NBA TOR 82 82 34.1 19.4 2.1 7.3 1.6 2.7 0.60 0.4 1.5 2.5
Career 158 158 35.1 21.2 2.2 8.1 1.6 2.9 0.60 0.5 1.5 2.8
#45 PF Danny Fortson - Raptors
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Height: 6-7
Weight: 264
DOB: 3/27/1976 (23)
College: Cincinnati
Exp: 2

Attributes:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type INS JPS FTS 3PS HND PAS ORB DRB PSD PRD STL BLK QKN STR JMP STA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current: 39 28 73 0 35 16 98 94 39 16 28 27 43 82 95 89
Potential: C D B F D F A A C F D D

Health: Good
Status: Active Roster
Salary: $988,176
Length: 2

Stat Averages:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season LGE TEAM G GS MIN PTS ORE REB AST TO A/T STL BLK PF
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 NBA TOR 82 2 14.0 4.7 1.1 4.4 0.5 1.1 0.47 0.2 0.1 1.3
1997 NBA GSW 82 82 28.5 8.4 2.4 8.1 1.2 2.0 0.62 0.4 0.3 3.4
Career 164 84 21.2 6.6 1.8 6.2 0.9 1.5 0.62 0.3 0.2 2.4
#26 SF Metta World Peace - Raptors
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Height: 6-7
Weight: 248
DOB: 11/13/1979 (19)
College: St. John's
Hometown: Queensbridge
Exp: 0

Attributes:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type INS JPS FTS 3PS HND PAS ORB DRB PSD PRD STL BLK QKN STR JMP STA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current: 32 44 60 60 31 34 17 29 30 62 67 34 61 48 63 85
Potential: B C B B C C D C C A A C

Health: Good
Status: Active Roster
Salary: $1,524,833
Length: 4
PLAYER DETAILS

#24 SF Jerry Stackhouse - Raptors
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Height: 6-6
Weight: 227
DOB: 11/5/1974 (24)
College: North Carolina
Hometown: Kinston
Exp: 4

Attributes:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type INS JPS FTS 3PS HND PAS ORB DRB PSD PRD STL BLK QKN STR JMP STA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current: 82 52 73 67 48 49 31 22 41 47 50 44 61 52 95 94
Potential: A C B B C C D D C C C C

Health: Good
Status: Active Roster
Salary: $7,679,400
Length: 6

Stat Averages:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season LGE TEAM G GS MIN PTS ORE REB AST TO A/T STL BLK PF
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 NBA PHX 82 82 38.0 21.4 1.7 5.1 3.3 2.6 1.26 1.0 0.4 2.4
1997 NBA PHX 74 73 35.1 21.2 1.5 4.1 3.0 2.6 1.12 0.8 0.5 2.6
1996 NBA PHX 73 30 29.4 14.0 1.1 3.2 2.9 2.3 1.24 0.7 0.4 2.5
1995 NBA PHX 82 0 14.2 6.4 0.6 1.6 1.1 0.7 1.65 0.4 0.2 0.8
Career 311 185 29.0 15.7 1.2 3.5 2.6 2.0 1.65 0.7 0.4 2.1
#5 SG Voshon Lenard - Raptors
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Height: 6-4
Weight: 208
DOB: 5/14/1973 (26)
College: Minnesota
Exp: 4

Attributes:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type INS JPS FTS 3PS HND PAS ORB DRB PSD PRD STL BLK QKN STR JMP STA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current: 54 70 72 89 49 33 16 29 24 59 45 21 73 47 29 90
Potential: C B B A C D F D D C C D

Health: Good
Status: Active Roster
Salary: $5,479,400
Length: 1

Stat Averages:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season LGE TEAM G GS MIN PTS ORE REB AST TO A/T STL BLK PF
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 NBA HOU 82 17 23.6 9.0 0.6 2.5 1.6 1.0 1.61 0.9 0.2 2.4
1997 NBA HOU 76 29 24.5 9.1 0.9 2.9 1.7 1.1 1.54 0.8 0.1 2.2
1996 NBA HOU 82 0 16.4 6.4 0.6 2.0 1.0 0.8 1.26 0.4 0.2 1.8
1995 NBA HOU 82 0 10.2 4.3 0.4 1.0 0.6 0.3 1.79 0.2 0.1 1.1
Career 322 46 18.6 7.2 0.6 2.1 1.2 0.8 1.79 0.6 0.1 1.9
#2 PG Gary Payton - Raptors
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Height: 6-4
Weight: 201
DOB: 7/23/1968 (31)
College: Oregon State
Exp: 9

Attributes:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type INS JPS FTS 3PS HND PAS ORB DRB PSD PRD STL BLK QKN STR JMP STA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current: 84 79 65 58 89 69 26 32 25 80 81 13 80 66 23 89
Potential: A B B C A B D D D A A F

Health: Good
Status: Active Roster
Salary: $6,459,375
Length: 2

Stat Averages:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season LGE TEAM G GS MIN PTS ORE REB AST TO A/T STL BLK PF
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 NBA DEN 82 82 37.4 16.7 1.7 5.5 3.8 1.3 3.04 2.0 0.1 2.3
1997 NBA DEN 78 78 39.9 20.9 1.9 6.0 4.2 1.5 2.80 2.4 0.2 2.7
1996 NBA DEN 82 82 37.0 20.1 1.5 5.4 4.7 1.3 3.74 2.3 0.2 2.5
1995 NBA DEN 79 79 37.0 18.9 1.7 5.1 4.3 1.6 2.79 2.3 0.2 2.6
1994 NBA DEN 82 82 37.6 16.3 1.6 5.2 4.1 1.4 2.89 2.4 0.3 3.1
1993 NBA DEN 74 74 36.8 14.1 1.6 5.0 4.4 0.9 4.95 2.3 0.3 2.5
1992 NBA DEN 82 82 36.9 12.7 1.3 4.0 4.5 1.0 4.50 2.2 0.2 2.8
1991 NBA DEN 82 82 32.9 12.4 1.4 4.4 4.5 1.6 2.81 2.2 0.4 1.7
1990 NBA DEN 82 82 33.2 10.7 1.5 4.0 4.1 1.0 4.11 1.7 0.2 2.0
Career 723 723 36.5 15.9 1.6 4.9 4.3 1.3 4.11 2.2 0.2 2.5

[Marmel]

Tough losses in games 6 & 7 there shorty. Damn. Great career to read and follow so far.

How many guys do you play in your normal rotation? about 8?
I have been stretching mine to 9 or 10 and I get the feeling it is hurting me, but I have these end of bench guys who I just like and want to force feed 5-10 minutes a game to. What are your thoughts?

[korme]

We start the season off on fire, after going 2-2 we reel off 21 straight wins - the NBA record is 22. We try to tie the record but fall to the Mavs.

Our season goes largely without a hitch, we go 61-21, best in the NBA. Duncan, Payton and Stackhouse are All-Stars.

Duncan wins the MVP. Duncan & Stackhouse are All-League 1st Team. Payton grabs 1st Team All-Defense. An all-around season for our club.

I really attribute Payton as the reason Duncan won MVP & Stack largely improving as well. The funny thing is, Payton's career APG is 4.5, due to him playing SG his entire career alongside Tim Hardaway. This season he dishes out nearly 8 APG. Even if he's 30 and we traded a young 23 y/o stud, if this pays off in only 1 championship, you have to call it a win.

Oh yeah, I win GM of the year. :banana:

By the way, check out the Spurs, lethal potential foes: Shaq, Penny, Garnett.

1999 NBA Season Summary Awards

Award Pos Name Team PPG RPG APG SPG BPG
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GM of the Year: Tim Eastwood Raptors
Coach of the Year: Bryon Brown 76ers

Most Valuable Player: PF Tim Duncan Raptors 27.7 9.5 2.3 0.3 1.8
Rookie of the Year: PF Elton Brand Mavericks 27.4 9.3 2.2 0.5 1.7
Defender of the Year: C Alonzo Mourning Wizards 23.3 9.3 2.6 0.5 4.2
6th Man of the Year: SG Jon Barry Rockets 11.5 4.0 2.5 1.6 0.2
Most Improved Player: SF Ruben Patterson Lakers 10.2 4.7 1.4 1.2 0.5

All-League 1st Team: C Alonzo Mourning Wizards 23.3 9.3 2.6 0.5 4.2
All-League 1st Team: PF Tim Duncan Raptors 27.7 9.5 2.3 0.3 1.8
All-League 1st Team: SF Jerry Stackhouse Raptors 22.5 5.4 4.2 1.2 0.6
All-League 1st Team: SG Ray Allen Grizzlies 26.4 6.1 3.9 1.3 0.2
All-League 1st Team: PG Damon Stoudamire Trail Blazers 22.3 4.5 9.7 1.5 0.1

All-League 2nd Team: C Kevin Garnett Spurs 21.4 10.0 2.9 0.9 2.6
All-League 2nd Team: PF Elton Brand Mavericks 27.4 9.3 2.2 0.5 1.7
All-League 2nd Team: SF Paul Pierce Bucks 20.8 6.7 3.5 1.7 0.4
All-League 2nd Team: SG Kobe Bryant Magic 23.0 5.4 3.7 1.6 0.4
All-League 2nd Team: PG Nick Van Exel Clippers 25.1 4.9 10.2 1.1 0.2

All-League 3rd Team: C Shaquille O'Neal Spurs 19.3 9.2 2.8 0.5 1.6
All-League 3rd Team: PF Shawn Kemp Timberwolves 20.5 10.0 2.2 1.0 1.9
All-League 3rd Team: SF Keith Van Horn Rockets 19.3 7.8 2.2 0.8 0.5
All-League 3rd Team: SG Tracy McGrady Bulls 20.2 8.8 3.7 1.4 1.0
All-League 3rd Team: PG Sam Cassell Cavaliers 23.1 4.3 7.9 1.6 0.1

All-Defense 1st Team: C Alonzo Mourning Wizards 23.3 9.3 2.6 0.5 4.2
All-Defense 1st Team: PF Keon Clark Warriors 9.4 7.3 1.4 0.6 2.7
All-Defense 1st Team: SF Clarence Weatherspoon Timberwolves 15.7 9.6 2.3 0.8 1.3
All-Defense 1st Team: SG Tracy McGrady Bulls 20.2 8.8 3.7 1.4 1.0
All-Defense 1st Team: PG Gary Payton Raptors 19.5 5.4 7.7 2.0 0.3

All-Defense 2nd Team: C Marcus Camby Kings 15.3 10.2 2.8 0.9 3.4
All-Defense 2nd Team: PF Shawn Kemp Timberwolves 20.5 10.0 2.2 1.0 1.9
All-Defense 2nd Team: SF George Lynch Kings 13.7 9.0 2.4 1.6 0.4
All-Defense 2nd Team: SG Anfernee Hardaway Spurs 17.1 6.0 4.6 2.2 0.5
All-Defense 2nd Team: PG Mookie Blaylock Warriors 13.0 4.8 6.5 1.8 0.3

All-Rookie 1st Team: C Calvin Booth Wizards 3.6 2.5 0.3 0.3 1.2
All-Rookie 1st Team: PF Elton Brand Mavericks 27.4 9.3 2.2 0.5 1.7
All-Rookie 1st Team: SF Shawn Marion Suns 15.9 8.9 1.9 1.3 0.9
All-Rookie 1st Team: SG Jason Terry Jazz 13.1 3.4 2.3 1.4 0.1
All-Rookie 1st Team: PG Andre Miller Rockets 15.9 4.7 8.2 1.3 0.2

All-Rookie 2nd Team: C Todd Macculloch Warriors 1.4 1.0 0.2 0.0 0.2
All-Rookie 2nd Team: PF Lamar Odom Nets 13.4 5.8 2.0 0.4 1.0
All-Rookie 2nd Team: SF James Posey Magic 9.4 4.5 1.5 0.9 0.2
All-Rookie 2nd Team: SG Richard Hamilton Knicks 8.8 2.2 1.1 0.6 0.1
All-Rookie 2nd Team: PG Baron Davis Hornets 11.1 3.5 6.4 1.7 0.2

Toronto Raptors Averages

Player Pos Gm Gs Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-test test test test test
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gary Payton PG 82 82 38.3 19.5 1.7 5.4 7.7 2.0 0.3 3.0 2.7 8.5
Jerry Stackhouse SF 82 82 38.3 22.5 1.7 5.4 4.2 1.2 0.6 2.4 2.1 8.0
Tim Duncan PF 78 77 35.2 27.7 2.5 9.5 2.3 0.3 1.8 2.8 3.2 7.6
Voshon Lenard SG 73 50 32.5 11.9 1.2 4.3 2.2 1.0 0.2 1.4 3.3 6.7
Danny Fortson PF 79 78 32.3 12.6 3.2 10.6 1.5 0.5 0.4 1.9 2.7 6.6
Metta World Peace SF 73 35 23.5 5.3 0.9 3.5 1.8 1.3 0.2 1.1 2.5 3.9
Dontonio Wingfield PF 82 2 16.1 5.7 1.4 4.1 0.7 0.5 0.6 1.0 2.2 2.4
Jacque Vaughn PG 82 0 14.8 5.4 0.2 1.4 1.8 0.6 0.1 1.1 2.1 1.6
Theo Ratliff C 82 4 14.1 4.1 0.8 2.9 0.6 0.3 1.3 1.0 1.8 1.7
Fat Lever PG 49 0 5.8 1.3 0.3 0.8 0.3 0.3 0.0 0.4 0.6 -1.7
Sherman Douglas PG 24 0 3.8 1.5 0.1 0.2 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.3 -0.6
Harvey Grant PF 30 0 3.3 0.9 0.3 0.6 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2 -0.7


We play Atlanta, the guys we played in Rd 1 last year. They are led by Antonio McDyess and Matt Geiger.

THE PLAYOFFS - 1 SEED - 61-21
Round 1 - vs. #8 Atlanta (43-39)
04/22/00 Hawks W 120-94 1-0 19,043 Playoffs
04/23/00 Hawks W 109-83 2-0 19,031 Playoffs
04/25/00 at Hawks W 128-103 3-0 18,266 Playoffs
Quick work of Atlanta means we're off to face an underrated Milwaukee team, loaded with talent in Steve Francis, Paul Pierce, Rasheed Wallace and Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

Round 2 - vs. #4 Milwaukee (46-36)
04/30/00 Bucks W 110-89 1-0 19,235 Playoffs
05/01/00 Bucks W 131-83 2-0 19,163 Playoffs
05/03/00 at Bucks W 113-111 3-0 18,717 Playoffs
05/04/00 at Bucks W 105-97 4-0 18,717 Playoffs
We give it to Milwaukee, and we're on to our second straight Eastern Conference Finals! We're to face off against the Cavs, led by Lamond Murray, Jim Jackson and Sam Cassell.

Conference Finals - vs. #2 Cleveland (54-28)
05/12/00 Cavaliers W 122-111 1-0 19,535 Playoffs
05/13/00 Cavaliers W 132-106 2-0 19,427 Playoffs

Duncan breaks his foot.
05/15/00 at Cavaliers L 91-99 2-1 20,489 Playoffs
05/16/00 at Cavaliers L 85-126 2-2 20,489 Playoffs
05/18/00 Cavaliers L 101-107 2-3 19,511 Playoffs
05/20/00 at Cavaliers L 104-106 2-4 20,489 Playoffs

Heartbreaking. Our lack of depth up front probably cost us, not to mention Jimmy Jackson absolutely put Cleveland on his back in Game 6 and went for 44.

What a disappointing end to what should have been a magical season.

The Cavs beat the Grizzlies in another 7 game series, Sam Cassell takes Playoff MVP honors.

[Young Drachma]

Yeah that's a tough drop, but looking at the club even without T-Duncan's injury, I worried about whether they could pwn in the post-season.

The Duncan post-season injuries have to be getting old.

[korme]

The 2000 NBA Draft
The draft has 2 blue-chippers according to my scout, and in the order of projected selection they are: Mike Miller, Michael Redd.

Ahh yes, the notoriously bad 2000. Draft. I don't bother making any major moves, except for trading a current 2nd rounder for a future.

I take C Wang ZhiZhi (29) and SG Desmond Mason (39) in the draft. The top 15 as it went:

2000 Draft Order Draft Preview

# Team Selection Pos
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Phoenix Suns Mike Miller SG
2 Sacramento Kings Jamaal Magloire C
3 New Jersey Nets Michael Redd SG
4 Orlando Magic Kenyon Martin PF
5 Golden State Warriors Stephen Jackson SF
6 Charlotte Hornets Joel Przybilla C
7 Los Angeles (LAC) Clippers Jamal Crawford SG
8 Miami Heat Keyon Dooling PG
9 Dallas Mavericks Mark Blount C
10 Houston Rockets Hedo Turkoglu SF
11 Detroit Pistons Eduardo Najera SF
12 Indiana Pacers Chris Mihm C
13 New York Knicks DerMarr Johnson SG
14 Utah Jazz Brian Cardinal PF
15 Seattle SuperSonics Raja Bell SG

Free Agency
Voshon Lenard is a free agent. He'll probably command too much money, so I'll look for another 1 year signing to fill our perimeter.

Dontonio Wingfield, our backup big, has turned into Y/G he'd be a nice chip to bring back. We own his bird rights.

He gets offered a nice lucrative 4 year deal, and we're out.

21 y/o Kobe Bryant is a FA and I can't resist offering him the max. He favors the Bulls offer, so I'm dead in the water.

We sign SF Bruce Bowen to a 1-year deal @ $8.5MM. Grossly overpaid, but it's a one year deal. After we hopefully lock up Duncan, we'll be able to better adjust to offering role players long year contracts. This is also Payton's contract year.

Bowen solidifies the defense, him and Artest will be absolutely ball stoppers along with Payton, and our scoring is there already.

We sign a couple of other guys, including a post-FA acquistion to bring back Brent Barry, and we've got our team for '00-'01, probably the favorites.

Toronto Raptors Potential

Player Pos Age Cur Pot Ins Jps Fts 3ps Hnd Pas Orb Drb Psd Prd Stl Blk
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wang ZhiZhi C 23 D D B D D F C C B F D C
Olden Polynice C 35 D D D F D D B C C F D C
Theo Ratliff C 27 D D B F D F C C C F D B
Tim Duncan PF 24 A D B F D D B A A D D B
Danny Fortson PF 24 C D B F D F A A C F D D
Metta World Peace SF 20 B C B B C C D C C A A C
Bruce Bowen SF 29 D C C A C D D D D A B C
Jerry Stackhouse SF 25 A C B B C C D D C C C C
Brent Barry SG 28 D B B B C D F D D C C D
Desmond Mason SG 23 C C B D C D D C C C D D
Gary Payton PG 32 B B B C A A D D D B A F
Erick Barkley PG 22 C D B F C F F F F B B F
Jacque Vaughn PG 25 C C B C A C F D D C C F

[korme]

Yeah that's a tough drop, but looking at the club even without T-Duncan's injury, I worried about whether they could pwn in the post-season.

The Duncan post-season injuries have to be getting old.

It makes me worry about his injury rating. But he's the damn MVP and 24. It's too hard to consider moving him.

[Young Drachma]

I like your defense tho. Ratliff should be a decent defender, I like Bowen off the bench and Mason could be an underrated acquisition.

[GoldenEagle]

Did you trade Iverson for Payton straight up?

[finketr]

Did you trade Iverson for Payton straight up?

06/30/99 Nuggets Trade 1999 Nuggets 1st Round draft pick to the Raptors
06/30/99 Nuggets Trade 1999 Nuggets 2nd Round draft pick to the Raptors
06/30/99 Nuggets Trade PG Gary Payton to the Raptors
06/30/99 Raptors Trade 1999 Raptors 1st Round draft pick to the Nuggets
06/30/99 Raptors Trade PF Jerome Williams to the Nuggets
06/30/99 Raptors Trade 1999 Bulls 2nd Round draft pick to the Nuggets
06/30/99 Raptors Trade 1999 Hawks 2nd Round draft pick to the Nuggets
06/30/99 Raptors Trade PG Allen Iverson to the Nuggets

[Young Drachma]

I sort of hate the way the game displays trades. I don't want to nag HR about it right now, though.

[Izulde]

Disappointed you didn't bring back the Plastic Man, especially since I think I saw his +/- in the playoffs was second highest on the team.

[korme]

GE, I basically traded Iverson, Williams (bad contract), my low 1st Rd for Payton and their higher pick. The game is smart in that adding a bad contract basically forces you to pony up more like real in real life.

---

We finish the season 59-23, tied with the Bulls for the best record in the East - the Spurs also went 59-23. We were 32-2 and Duncan went down with a broken foot. He's back for the playoffs, but damn, it's recurring. He was our lone All-Star. He gets All-League 3rd Team due to games missed, he was well on his way to MVP, again. Stackhouse brings home All-League 2nd Team. Our coach wins his first CotY.

Ray Allen wins MVP... he shot 51% from 3.

Worth noting that the Magic offered me Steve Nash straight up for Stackhouse... I declined it, but I might revisit that in the offseason. Nash led the league in APG and Payton will be a free agent at 33 y/o... losing Stack would sting, but I can probably replace a high volume scorer who brings a "C" game defensively.
2000 NBA Season Summary Awards

Award Pos Name Team PPG RPG APG SPG BPG
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GM of the Year: Donny Thurber Mavericks
Coach of the Year: Curtis Hyde Raptors

Most Valuable Player: SG Ray Allen Grizzlies 30.3 6.4 3.6 1.4 0.2
Rookie of the Year: PF Kenyon Martin Magic 13.4 6.9 1.8 0.9 1.2
Defender of the Year: C Alonzo Mourning Wizards 20.7 9.8 2.4 0.3 3.9
6th Man of the Year: SF Donyell Marshall Trail Blazers 11.7 7.5 1.7 0.8 0.8
Most Improved Player: PF Michael Ruffin Lakers 6.9 7.7 1.7 0.6 1.0

All-League 1st Team: C Kevin Garnett Spurs 20.3 10.2 3.0 1.2 1.3
All-League 1st Team: PF Elton Brand Mavericks 23.2 9.3 2.0 0.6 1.4
All-League 1st Team: SF Paul Pierce Bucks 20.9 6.5 3.6 1.7 0.4
All-League 1st Team: SG Ray Allen Grizzlies 30.3 6.4 3.6 1.4 0.2
All-League 1st Team: PG Damon Stoudamire Trail Blazers 19.5 4.4 9.6 1.3 0.2

All-League 2nd Team: C Shaquille O'Neal Spurs 20.5 9.8 3.1 0.6 1.7
All-League 2nd Team: PF Antawn Jamison SuperSonics 22.7 10.5 1.9 0.6 0.5
All-League 2nd Team: SF Jerry Stackhouse Raptors 20.6 4.5 4.0 1.1 0.6
All-League 2nd Team: SG Tracy McGrady Bulls 24.8 8.2 3.1 1.1 1.1
All-League 2nd Team: PG Steve Nash Magic 20.5 4.8 10.1 0.8 0.1

All-League 3rd Team: C Marcus Camby Kings 14.2 11.2 2.5 1.1 3.4
All-League 3rd Team: PF Tim Duncan Raptors 28.4 10.8 2.7 0.5 1.7
All-League 3rd Team: SF Grant Hill Pacers 21.5 7.6 4.3 1.6 0.6
All-League 3rd Team: SG Eddie Jones Celtics 22.2 7.1 3.9 2.2 0.7
All-League 3rd Team: PG Stephon Marbury Trail Blazers 18.3 3.9 5.5 1.2 0.2

All-Defense 1st Team: C Alonzo Mourning Wizards 20.7 9.8 2.4 0.3 3.9
All-Defense 1st Team: PF Carlos Rogers Knicks 13.2 9.7 1.6 0.7 1.8
All-Defense 1st Team: SF Shawn Marion Suns 16.3 9.5 1.8 1.4 1.0
All-Defense 1st Team: SG Eddie Jones Celtics 22.2 7.1 3.9 2.2 0.7
All-Defense 1st Team: PG Jason Kidd Lakers 15.5 7.4 5.4 1.8 0.4

All-Defense 2nd Team: C Marcus Camby Kings 14.2 11.2 2.5 1.1 3.4
All-Defense 2nd Team: PF Aaron Williams Bucks 13.8 8.4 1.4 0.5 2.4
All-Defense 2nd Team: SF Bryon Russell Hawks 11.5 6.5 2.4 2.1 0.4
All-Defense 2nd Team: SG Tracy McGrady Bulls 24.8 8.2 3.1 1.1 1.1
All-Defense 2nd Team: PG Allen Iverson Mavericks 21.1 3.7 5.4 2.3 0.2

All-Rookie 1st Team: C Mark Blount Mavericks 5.0 3.9 0.9 0.6 1.5
All-Rookie 1st Team: PF Kenyon Martin Magic 13.4 6.9 1.8 0.9 1.2
All-Rookie 1st Team: SF Hedo Turkoglu Rockets 10.6 5.9 1.9 0.9 0.4
All-Rookie 1st Team: SG Jamal Crawford Clippers 12.3 2.9 2.3 0.9 0.2
All-Rookie 1st Team: PG David Vanterpool Grizzlies 2.7 1.2 0.8 0.5 0.1

All-Rookie 2nd Team: C Joel Przybilla Hornets 3.9 4.5 0.7 0.3 1.5
All-Rookie 2nd Team: PF Tim Young Magic 4.3 2.6 0.6 0.2 0.1
All-Rookie 2nd Team: SF Stephen Jackson Warriors 7.1 2.7 0.9 1.0 0.1
All-Rookie 2nd Team: SG Raja Bell SuperSonics 9.7 3.9 2.3 0.6 0.2
All-Rookie 2nd Team: PG Keyon Dooling Heat 3.5 1.1 1.4 0.6 0.1

Toronto Raptors Averages

Player Pos Gm Gs Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-test test test test test
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Danny Fortson PF 82 82 36.5 12.9 3.7 12.3 1.5 0.5 0.4 2.4 3.2 5.8
Tim Duncan PF 57 57 36.3 28.4 2.7 10.8 2.7 0.5 1.7 3.0 2.4 11.2
Jerry Stackhouse SF 82 82 36.0 20.6 1.6 4.5 4.0 1.1 0.6 2.3 1.9 7.1
Gary Payton PG 82 82 35.8 15.6 1.3 4.6 6.9 1.5 0.2 2.5 2.7 7.3
Bruce Bowen SF 74 73 33.0 10.4 1.3 4.0 2.0 0.9 0.3 1.3 2.9 7.4
Metta World Peace SF 82 26 24.6 9.2 0.8 3.5 1.5 1.3 0.3 1.2 2.5 4.2
Theo Ratliff C 82 1 17.6 4.0 1.2 3.5 0.5 0.4 1.1 1.2 1.7 0.4
Brent Barry SG 78 7 16.3 6.7 0.3 1.8 1.3 0.9 0.1 0.7 1.2 -0.1
Jacque Vaughn PG 82 0 14.4 5.2 0.3 1.3 1.9 0.6 0.1 1.3 1.8 0.0
Wang ZhiZhi C 36 0 4.8 1.3 0.4 1.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.3 0.4 -1.8
Erick Barkley PG 16 0 4.5 1.7 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.3 0.4 -0.7
Desmond Mason SG 41 0 4.4 1.3 0.0 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.3 0.4 -1.1
Olden Polynice C 12 0 1.9 0.3 0.2 0.8 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.5 0.2 0.8


Barring injury, we should have our way with the playoffs. We get the 2-seed, and square off against the Wizards. They're led by the veteran Alonzo Mourning, Lindsey Hunter, and our old pal Voshon Lenard.

THE PLAYOFFS - 2 SEED - 59-23
Round 1 - vs. #7 Washington (42-40)
Toronto Raptors Schedule

Date Opponent Result Score Record Attendance Type
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
04/21/01 Wizards W 108-88 1-0 19,094 Playoffs
04/22/01 Wizards W 109-94 2-0 19,202 Playoffs
04/24/01 at Wizards W 90-88 3-0 18,407 Playoffs

We dispose of Washington as expected. We advance to face the 3-seed Pacers, with a caveat. Both the Pacers B/B players, Grant Hill and Brian Grant are out for 5 and 7 days. Both listed as inactive, we'll see them in a couple games.

Round 2 - vs. #3 Indiana (51-31)
04/29/01 Pacers W 112-83 1-0 19,226 Playoffs
04/30/01 Pacers W 105-82 2-0 19,298 Playoffs
05/02/01 at Pacers W 114-109 3-0 18,083 Playoffs
05/03/01 at Pacers L 93-102 3-1 18,083 Playoffs
05/05/01 Pacers W 117-95 4-1 19,370 Playoffs

And now here we are with a showdown against the Bulls. For the first time in 3 years, we won't have home court advantage. The Bulls are loaded, if not a bit undersized and young- Jason Williams is their old star at 25, to go along with Corey Maggette (21), Kobe (22), T-Mac (21) and Shareef A-R (24).

Quite a load of talent, this should be fun.

Conference Finals - vs. #1 Chicago (59-23)
05/11/01 at Bulls L 95-96 0-1 22,777 Playoffs

Duncan puts up 42, but it's not enough as Abdur-Rahim gets an inside basket as time expires to pull out the win for the home team. To add insult to injury, Fortson breaks his leg in the 2nd quarter and we lose him for the playoffs.
05/12/01 at Bulls L 74-98 0-2 22,753 Playoffs
05/14/01 Bulls W 106-87 1-2 19,538 Playoffs
05/15/01 Bulls L 104-106 1-3 19,334 Playoffs
05/17/01 at Bulls L 91-103 1-4 22,777 Playoffs

Duncan got injured in Game 4 and it was all she wrote. Damn!

The Finals were a showdown of juggernauts. Those Bulls squared off against Shaq, Garnett, Big Dog Glenn Robinson, Penny, Derek Fisher, and Tim Hardaway.

The Spurs won in 5. That's a fuckin team right there.

[korme]

Tough losses in games 6 & 7 there shorty. Damn. Great career to read and follow so far.

How many guys do you play in your normal rotation? about 8?
I have been stretching mine to 9 or 10 and I get the feeling it is hurting me, but I have these end of bench guys who I just like and want to force feed 5-10 minutes a game to. What are your thoughts?

Sorry I didn't see this earlier Marmel. It really depends on the depth of my team. Ideally I play 8 or 9 guys, but 9 or 10 usually end up with solid MPG by the end of the season due to injuries.

[korme]

Olden Polynice retires. Thanks for the 12 games Olden! From '89-93, Polynice averaged 13-11 for the Jazz.

Ok, so this is an interesting offseason. Payton (33) and Duncan are FAs. I'll do all I can to re-sign Duncan. I extended G/G (25) Fortson last season for 5 years.

I revisit the Magic and check out (27) Steve Nash. He's on the books for 5 more years @ around 10MM. He's maxed out in passing, and above average on JMP/3/FT/HAND. He sucks on D (the game says he's a white guy). He averaged 20-5-10.

My new scout says Stackhouse is only Y/G now despite being just 26. He's got 9MM and 4 years left on his contract. He's technically a SF, and we've got G/B MWP waiting in the wings. He's a better offensive player, very slightly better on defense and much worse controlling the ball.

For some reason, the Magic really love Stack I guess. They would do it straight up, but I decline and make them add a future 2nd rounder.

So that clears up our PG spot, and heading into the draft our projected starters look like PG Nash, SG ?, SF MWP, PF Fortson, C Duncan(?)

The 2001 NBA Draft
The draft has 9 blue-chippers according to my scout, and in the order of projected selection they are: Agent Zero, Richard Jefferson, Pau Gasol, Tony Parker, Jason Richardson, Andrei Kirilenko, Zach Randolph, Tyson Chandler, Troy Murphy.

I trade my first rounder for the Nuggets 2003 1st rounder - that's the loaded draft. I now have 2 1sts in 2003, and I'll have to unload one before that time comes.

I trade one of my extra 2nds to the Milwaukee Bucks for.... Michael Jordan! We got Michael Jordan!!! Well, 38 y/o Jordan on a 1 year deal, who, after spending '84-99 with the Knicks, signed a 2 year deal last year to become a 6th man for the Bucks.

I imagine he's our starting 2G for one year.

With the 31st and only pick of our draft, we select Kenny Satterfield. That's the 3rd Cincinnati guy I've had on this team. I swear I'm not a homer. Ok yes I am... but it was him or Ruben Boumjte-Boumjte, and we needed a PG more than a C (we already have ZhiZhi on the bench).

Here's how the top 15 shook out:
2001 Draft Order Draft Preview

# Team Selection Pos
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Golden State Warriors Gilbert Arenas PG
2 Charlotte Hornets Richard Jefferson SF
3 New Jersey Nets Pau Gasol PF
4 Orlando Magic Tony Parker PG
5 Houston Rockets Jason Richardson SG
6 New York Knicks Joe Johnson SG
7 Sacramento Kings Andrei Kirilenko SF
8 Los Angeles (LAL) Lakers Tyson Chandler C
9 Detroit Pistons Brendan Haywood C
10 Minnesota Timberwolves Jamaal Tinsley PG
11 Philadelphia 76ers Shane Battier SF
12 Denver Nuggets Zach Randolph PF
13 Atlanta Hawks Troy Murphy PF
14 Utah Jazz Mike James PG
15 Memphis Grizzlies Chris Andersen PF

Free Agency
Hopefully Duncan wants to come back. We offer him a 7 year deal in which only we can, but he prefers the 6 year deal from the Blazers. I check his loyalty, it's a 1. A 1. Cool. I offer him the max, but for 6 years, the total value is $4MM more than Portland and other teams offer, and he signs! Yay.

Our starting lineup is set. Now we need role players. We bring back Pippen from a couple years ago, he's going to get limited minutes. The big haul is SG Derek Anderson, which I imagine can play 1-2-3, he'll be our big contributor off the bench- he can score and plays good defense.

So FA finishes. Oh hey D-League! There's a massive 240 pick DLG draft that just happened... not sure if this affects our team at all or if we're connected to one of them yet.

So after some min-sal fill ups, here's the squad for '01-02:
Toronto Raptors Potential

Player Pos Age Cur Pot Ins Jps Fts 3ps Hnd Pas Orb Drb Psd Prd Stl Blk
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keith Closs C 25 D F C F D F C C C F D A
Wang ZhiZhi C 24 D D B D D F C C B F D C
Tim Duncan PF 25 A D B F D D B A A D D B
Donnell Harvey PF 21 C D C F D F C C C D D C
Danny Fortson PF 25 C D B F D F A A C F D D
Scottie Pippen SF 36 C C B C B C D C C B B D
Metta World Peace SF 21 B C B B C C D C C A A C
DeShawn Stevenson SF 20 C C B B C D D D D D D D
Derek Anderson SF 27 C B A A B C D C D B A F
Michael Jordan SG 38 B A A C C D D C D B C D
Steve Nash PG 27 D B A B B A F D D C D F
Kenny Satterfield PG 20 C D B F C C D F F B B F
Erick Barkley PG 23 C D B F C F F F F B B F

Toronto Raptors Contract

Player 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keith Closs $573,750 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Wang ZhiZhi $619,900 $692,501 $770,687 $0 $0 $0 $0
Tim Duncan $10,625,000 $11,953,125 $13,281,250 $14,609,375 $15,937,500 $17,265,625 $0
Donnell Harvey $323,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Danny Fortson $4,379,250 $4,882,864 $5,386,478 $5,890,091 $6,393,705 $0 $0
Metta World Peace $1,890,793 $2,104,269 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Scottie Pippen $2,011,500 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Derek Anderson $4,599,250 $4,921,198 $5,243,145 $0 $0 $0 $0
DeShawn Stevenson $323,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Michael Jordan $5,710,417 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Steve Nash $9,762,500 $10,650,000 $11,537,500 $12,425,000 $13,312,500 $0 $0
Kenny Satterfield $323,000 $471,750 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Erick Barkley $471,750 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0


The team summary says this is an average talent team. Duncan is B/B, Nash G/G, MWP G/B, Fortson regressed back to Y/Y, and Jordan is Y/Y.

Not feeling as great about this squad as I was earlier, but hopefully this team was built the right way to exceed their expectations.

[korme]

Turns out we were able to use the D-League. Wang ZhiZhi and Deshawn Stevenson spent largely the whole season there.

We go 64-18, including another 21 game win streak. Just can't tie that record!

Duncan got hurt with a week or two to play in the season, and he'll miss the first round. He still played enough to win MVP and 1st Team. He was also 2nd Team All-D.

2001 NBA Season Summary Awards

Award Pos Name Team PPG RPG APG SPG BPG
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GM of the Year: Tim Eastwood Raptors
Coach of the Year: Curtis Hyde Raptors

Most Valuable Player: PF Tim Duncan Raptors 29.1 10.9 2.4 0.5 1.9
Rookie of the Year: PF Pau Gasol Nets 19.4 7.7 2.3 0.3 2.4
Defender of the Year: C Marcus Camby Kings 13.4 10.9 2.6 1.0 3.4
6th Man of the Year: SF Andrei Kirilenko Kings 9.1 4.5 1.7 1.4 1.1
Most Improved Player: PF Dirk Nowitzki Grizzlies 23.5 8.4 2.2 0.5 0.8

All-League 1st Team: C Gheorghe Muresan 76ers 16.6 11.3 1.9 0.8 2.7
All-League 1st Team: PF Tim Duncan Raptors 29.1 10.9 2.4 0.5 1.9
All-League 1st Team: SF Paul Pierce Bucks 21.7 7.1 3.5 1.9 0.5
All-League 1st Team: SG Ray Allen Grizzlies 29.6 5.8 4.2 1.6 0.2
All-League 1st Team: PG Jason Kidd Lakers 17.9 7.0 7.7 1.6 0.3

All-League 2nd Team: C Alonzo Mourning Wizards 19.6 9.3 2.4 0.5 2.9
All-League 2nd Team: PF Dirk Nowitzki Grizzlies 23.5 8.4 2.2 0.5 0.8
All-League 2nd Team: SF Shawn Marion Suns 18.0 10.0 2.7 1.8 0.8
All-League 2nd Team: SG Eddie Jones Celtics 23.4 6.5 4.0 3.1 0.9
All-League 2nd Team: PG Chauncey Billups Nuggets 18.9 3.2 8.2 1.4 0.1

All-League 3rd Team: C Marcus Camby Kings 13.4 10.9 2.6 1.0 3.4
All-League 3rd Team: PF Antoine Walker Heat 23.8 8.0 2.2 1.4 0.5
All-League 3rd Team: SF Jerry Stackhouse Magic 21.4 5.2 4.2 1.1 0.3
All-League 3rd Team: SG Tracy McGrady Bulls 22.7 8.8 4.2 1.5 0.9
All-League 3rd Team: PG Nick Van Exel Clippers 21.7 4.1 8.0 1.1 0.2

All-Defense 1st Team: C Marcus Camby Kings 13.4 10.9 2.6 1.0 3.4
All-Defense 1st Team: PF Pau Gasol Nets 19.4 7.7 2.3 0.3 2.4
All-Defense 1st Team: SF Shawn Marion Suns 18.0 10.0 2.7 1.8 0.8
All-Defense 1st Team: SG Eddie Jones Celtics 23.4 6.5 4.0 3.1 0.9
All-Defense 1st Team: PG Jason Kidd Lakers 17.9 7.0 7.7 1.6 0.3

All-Defense 2nd Team: C Gheorghe Muresan 76ers 16.6 11.3 1.9 0.8 2.7
All-Defense 2nd Team: PF Tim Duncan Raptors 29.1 10.9 2.4 0.5 1.9
All-Defense 2nd Team: SF Paul Pierce Bucks 21.7 7.1 3.5 1.9 0.5
All-Defense 2nd Team: SG Tracy McGrady Bulls 22.7 8.8 4.2 1.5 0.9
All-Defense 2nd Team: PG Lindsey Hunter Wizards 17.2 5.0 4.6 2.7 0.2

All-Rookie 1st Team: C Tyson Chandler Lakers 8.1 6.8 1.4 0.2 1.6
All-Rookie 1st Team: PF Pau Gasol Nets 19.4 7.7 2.3 0.3 2.4
All-Rookie 1st Team: SF Shane Battier 76ers 12.7 5.2 2.1 1.2 0.7
All-Rookie 1st Team: SG Jason Richardson Rockets 11.3 4.0 2.2 1.0 0.2
All-Rookie 1st Team: PG Gilbert Arenas Warriors 14.9 4.1 4.5 1.3 0.3

All-Rookie 2nd Team: C Brendan Haywood Pistons 7.9 5.9 1.4 0.2 2.1
All-Rookie 2nd Team: PF Chris Andersen Grizzlies 7.1 7.4 1.3 0.6 2.1
All-Rookie 2nd Team: SF Andrei Kirilenko Kings 9.1 4.5 1.7 1.4 1.1
All-Rookie 2nd Team: SG Joe Johnson Knicks 8.9 3.1 1.7 0.5 0.1
All-Rookie 2nd Team: PG Earl Watson Suns 10.8 2.7 3.6 1.4 0.1

Toronto Raptors Averages

Player Pos Gm Gs Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-test test test test test
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve Nash PG 82 82 37.8 15.1 0.9 3.6 8.3 0.7 0.2 3.4 1.8 7.6
Tim Duncan PF 78 78 37.0 29.1 2.7 10.9 2.4 0.5 1.9 2.5 2.2 9.6
Metta World Peace SF 60 60 35.1 11.3 1.1 4.8 2.8 2.0 0.4 1.2 2.6 8.2
Danny Fortson PF 82 82 34.4 13.0 3.4 10.4 1.5 0.4 0.2 2.2 2.4 8.0
Michael Jordan SG 82 82 33.2 15.0 1.1 5.0 2.2 1.2 0.4 1.1 1.2 6.7
Derek Anderson SF 68 22 29.9 12.6 1.0 3.3 2.5 1.4 0.1 1.5 2.4 5.5
Scottie Pippen SF 82 0 20.5 6.9 1.2 3.3 1.6 1.0 0.2 0.8 1.7 2.9
Wang ZhiZhi C 4 0 13.3 4.3 0.5 1.5 0.8 0.0 0.0 1.3 3.0 -3.3
Keith Closs C 82 4 12.0 2.8 0.8 2.6 0.5 0.2 0.7 0.7 1.3 0.4
Eddie House SG 57 0 10.4 3.9 0.2 1.0 0.7 0.3 0.1 0.4 1.4 1.5
Kenny Satterfield PG 60 0 7.2 1.6 0.2 0.5 0.8 0.2 0.0 0.6 0.7 0.9
Donnell Harvey PF 43 0 6.3 1.0 0.4 1.5 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.4 0.5 -0.5
Erick Barkley PG 5 0 1.4 0.4 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.6
DeShawn Stevenson SF 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0


The Bucks went 67-15 and ended up with the #1 overall seed. We had the 2nd best record in the NBA. That means we face Philly in Rd 1, who is led by 1st Team All NBA C Gheorghe Muresan. How about that. Their up and coming rook, Shane Battier, is out and will miss the series.

THE PLAYOFFS - 2 SEED - 64-18
Round 1 - vs. #7 Philadelphia (45-37)
Toronto Raptors Schedule

Date Opponent Result Score Record Attendance Type
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
04/20/02 76ers L 109-113 0-1 18,715 Playoffs
04/21/02 76ers W 114-89 1-1 18,859 Playoffs
04/23/02 at 76ers W 85-84 2-1 19,416 Playoffs
04/24/02 at 76ers W 100-84 3-1 19,374 Playoffs

They steal game 1 and have me sweating, but we get em back and take the series in 4.

Indiana upset the Celtics in Round 1 and we catch a break. Also, Duncan is back. The always tough Pacers are led by the Grants, Brian and Mr. Hill.

Round 2 - vs. #6 Indiana (47-35)
04/28/02 Pacers W 99-66 1-0 19,147 Playoffs
04/29/02 Pacers W 104-90 2-0 19,051 Playoffs
05/01/02 at Pacers L 92-98 2-1 18,122 Playoffs
05/02/02 at Pacers L 121-127 2-2 18,122 Playoffs
05/04/02 Pacers L 102-105 2-3 19,135 Playoffs
05/06/02 at Pacers W 108-91 3-3 18,122 Playoffs
05/08/02 Pacers W 91-79 4-3 19,195 Playoffs

Indiana gives us a hell of a series, takes Game 5 in Toronto but we retaliate by taking Game 6 in Indiana and finishing them off at home in Toronto! On to the EC Finals, yet again!

For the second straight year, we've relinquished home court. And these Bucks are testy. They're led by Paul Pierce, Rasheed Wallace, Big Z, Steve Francis and our old leader Gary Payton.

Conference Finals - vs. #1 Milwaukee (67-15)
05/10/02 at Bucks L 95-111 0-1 18,717 Playoffs
05/11/02 at Bucks W 85-84 1-1 18,717 Playoffs
05/13/02 Bucks W 101-80 2-1 19,183 Playoffs
05/14/02 Bucks W 111-105 3-1 19,135 Playoffs
05/16/02 at Bucks L 102-104 3-2 18,717 Playoffs
05/18/02 Bucks L 96-106 3-3 19,171 Playoffs
05/20/02 at Bucks L 88-98 3-4 18,717 Playoffs

And again we're bounced in the EC Finals. Jordan got hurt in Game 6, but that shouldn't have been a huge loss - he was clearly our worst starter (weird), but Danny Fortson got hurt in the 1st qtr of Game 7 and it might have made a difference. The team just hasn't been able to get over the hump, and injuries have played a huge role.

Might need to re-evaluate the entire landscape of this roster. Being the 3rd or 4th best team in the league isn't good enough.

The Bucks beat the Blazers 4-2 in the Finals, The Truth collects Playoff MVP.

[korme]

Jordan emails me and tells me he is retiring. HOF career, though not quite his real life's counterpart:

PLAYER DETAILS

#8 SG Michael Jordan
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Height: 6-6
Weight: 223
DOB: 2/17/1963 (39)
College: North Carolina
Exp: 18

Attributes:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type INS JPS FTS 3PS HND PAS ORB DRB PSD PRD STL BLK QKN STR JMP STA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current: 70 75 78 43 52 33 20 51 24 70 52 29 58 56 48 71
Potential: B B A C C D D C D B C D


Stat Averages:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season LGE TEAM G GS MIN PTS ORE REB AST TO A/T STL BLK PF
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 NBA TOR 82 82 33.2 15.0 1.1 5.0 2.2 1.1 1.96 1.2 0.4 1.2
2000 NBA MIL 71 17 26.3 10.7 1.1 3.5 2.0 1.2 1.60 1.0 0.3 1.2
1999 NBA NYK 82 82 37.5 20.1 1.1 5.1 2.9 1.9 1.51 1.6 0.3 1.6
1998 NBA NYK 82 82 39.5 20.2 1.5 6.1 2.7 1.9 1.42 1.5 0.4 1.1
1997 NBA NYK 82 82 41.0 21.7 1.7 6.7 3.4 1.6 2.08 2.0 0.5 1.3
1996 NBA NYK 70 70 39.3 23.1 1.7 7.0 3.1 2.2 1.41 2.0 0.5 1.4
1995 NBA NYK 82 82 39.7 25.2 1.7 6.4 3.5 2.6 1.34 2.2 0.6 1.6
1994 NBA NYK 73 73 38.5 24.9 1.9 7.0 4.0 2.5 1.59 2.1 0.5 1.8
1993 NBA NYK 82 82 38.8 24.8 1.6 6.8 4.4 2.8 1.55 2.1 0.9 1.7
1992 NBA NYK 82 82 38.7 30.5 1.8 7.7 4.5 3.0 1.49 2.3 0.9 1.6
1991 NBA NYK 79 79 36.9 26.7 1.8 7.5 4.9 2.6 1.92 2.4 1.1 2.1
1990 NBA NYK 82 82 35.8 28.0 1.9 7.8 5.1 3.1 1.66 2.6 1.0 2.0
1989 NBA NYK 46 46 36.6 34.3 1.6 7.4 6.8 5.3 1.27 2.4 0.6 1.7
1988 NBA NYK 82 82 37.5 32.6 1.4 7.2 7.1 6.0 1.19 2.8 0.8 1.8
1987 NBA NYK 78 78 38.2 33.0 1.7 7.1 7.7 5.5 1.39 2.7 0.8 1.9
1986 NBA NYK 68 68 35.6 30.5 1.6 6.3 4.6 3.1 1.51 2.3 0.7 1.9
1985 NBA NYK 78 78 33.8 26.9 1.4 5.9 4.2 2.9 1.47 2.3 0.6 2.4
1984 NBA NYK 72 72 36.3 28.7 1.6 5.5 4.3 3.1 1.39 2.2 0.8 2.2
Career 13731319 36.9 25.2 1.6 6.4 4.2 2.9 1.39 2.1 0.6 1.7

Shooting Averages:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season FGM FGA FG% FTM FTA FT% InsM InsA In% JsM JsA Js% 3PM 3PA 3P%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 5.9 13.2 .447 2.5 2.8 .885 2.4 3.9 .601 2.8 6.8 .412 0.7 2.5 .299
2000 3.8 8.6 .442 2.7 3.2 .841 1.5 2.8 .553 1.9 4.3 .437 0.4 1.5 .257
1999 7.2 15.5 .463 4.9 5.9 .834 3.0 5.2 .580 3.4 7.9 .431 0.8 2.5 .320
1998 7.9 17.7 .447 3.1 3.7 .837 2.0 3.2 .615 4.7 10.4 .453 1.2 4.1 .300
1997 8.5 19.6 .436 2.9 3.4 .833 2.7 3.9 .688 4.2 10.3 .405 1.7 5.5 .315
1996 8.3 18.6 .448 5.2 6.2 .834 3.6 6.0 .591 3.5 8.1 .426 1.3 4.4 .293
1995 8.6 18.2 .471 6.7 8.2 .825 4.8 8.1 .586 2.5 6.2 .396 1.4 3.9 .350
1994 8.4 17.0 .495 8.1 9.5 .851 4.7 7.9 .591 3.7 9.0 .414 0.0 0.0 .000
1993 9.2 18.2 .504 6.5 8.2 .793 5.4 9.1 .597 3.7 9.0 .413 0.0 0.0 .000
1992 11.0 20.3 .544 8.4 9.7 .863 6.1 10.0 .611 4.9 10.3 .480 0.0 0.0 .000
1991 10.3 18.0 .574 6.1 7.2 .846 5.8 9.1 .641 4.5 8.8 .506 0.0 0.0 .000
1990 10.4 18.3 .568 7.2 8.5 .854 5.8 8.8 .662 4.6 9.5 .485 0.0 0.0 .000
1989 12.2 20.3 .603 9.8 11.3 .873 6.2 9.0 .697 6.0 11.1 .537 0.0 0.2 .100
1988 11.6 20.9 .555 9.5 11.2 .845 5.9 9.1 .653 5.6 11.7 .482 0.0 0.1 .125
1987 11.6 21.0 .552 9.8 11.5 .850 6.5 9.9 .653 5.2 11.0 .469 0.0 0.1 .000
1986 11.5 20.5 .561 7.5 8.9 .847 6.9 10.8 .642 4.6 9.7 .474 0.0 0.1 .000
1985 9.4 16.5 .568 8.1 9.8 .828 6.0 9.0 .668 3.3 7.4 .448 0.0 0.0 .000
1984 10.3 18.2 .565 8.1 9.4 .861 6.6 9.8 .669 3.7 8.3 .443 0.0 0.1 .500
Career 9.2 17.8 .516 6.4 7.6 .844 4.7 7.5 .631 4.0 8.9 .452 0.4 1.4 .304

Stat Totals:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season LGE TEAM G GS MIN PTS OREB REB AST TO STL BLK PF +/-
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 NBA TOR 82 82 2726 1228 92 410 180 92 98 30 95 548
2000 NBA MIL 71 17 1869 757 77 249 139 87 69 22 85 256
1999 NBA NYK 82 82 3074 1648 94 417 236 156 132 28 128 93
1998 NBA NYK 82 82 3242 1653 119 498 219 154 126 34 90 -121
1997 NBA NYK 82 82 3364 1776 140 553 281 135 160 38 105 32
1996 NBA NYK 70 70 2748 1618 122 490 215 153 138 32 101 52
1995 NBA NYK 82 82 3252 2070 140 525 288 215 177 46 128 -129
1994 NBA NYK 73 73 2813 1820 139 512 292 184 156 40 131 159
1993 NBA NYK 82 82 3185 2036 130 556 357 230 172 73 137 -56
1992 NBA NYK 82 82 3173 2500 145 631 368 247 190 75 130 455
1991 NBA NYK 79 79 2918 2110 139 590 390 203 188 83 166 507
1990 NBA NYK 82 82 2936 2300 152 638 419 252 216 80 164 1213
1989 NBA NYK 46 46 1682 1577 75 340 311 244 109 27 80 599
1988 NBA NYK 82 82 3071 2674 114 587 582 489 228 67 144 865
1987 NBA NYK 78 78 2983 2575 133 550 601 431 209 61 146 902
1986 NBA NYK 68 68 2420 2074 106 426 314 208 158 46 131 777
1985 NBA NYK 78 78 2639 2096 113 459 330 224 179 49 190 923
1984 NBA NYK 72 72 2611 2065 116 397 308 221 155 55 160 160
Career 13731319 50706 34577 2146 8828 5830 3925 2860 886 2311 7235

Shooting Totals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season FGM FGA FTM FTA 3PM 3PA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 483 1081 201 227 61 204
2000 269 608 191 227 28 109
1999 590 1275 402 482 66 206
1998 650 1454 252 301 101 337
1997 700 1607 235 282 141 448
1996 583 1300 362 434 90 307
1995 703 1492 553 670 111 317
1994 615 1242 590 693 0 3
1993 751 1489 534 673 0 2
1992 906 1666 688 797 0 3
1991 816 1421 478 565 0 1
1990 854 1503 592 693 0 3
1989 562 932 452 518 1 10
1988 949 1711 775 917 1 8
1987 906 1640 763 898 0 10
1986 782 1395 510 602 0 4
1985 731 1287 634 766 0 2
1984 741 1311 581 675 2 4
Career 12591 24414 8793 10420 602 1978

Efficiency:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season LGE TEAM G TS% PPS AST TO USG ORR DRR RR PER VA EWA +/- OEFF DEFF
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 NBA TOR 82 .520 1.14 12.4 6.3 19.1 4.1 12.7 8.6 18.5 326.8 10.9 6.7 110.5 100.7
2000 NBA MIL 71 .534 1.25 14.9 9.3 18.3 5.1 10.4 7.8 16.2 159.9 5.3 3.6 105.4 99.5
1999 NBA NYK 82 .554 1.29 12.6 8.3 23.1 3.7 11.8 7.9 19.4 410.2 13.7 1.1 103.9 102.3
1998 NBA NYK 82 .521 1.14 11.2 7.9 23.4 4.4 13.6 9.0 18.7 398.7 13.3 -1.5 97.1 99.3
1997 NBA NYK 82 .513 1.11 13.1 6.3 24.2 4.9 14.4 9.6 20.0 478.5 16.0 0.4 97.9 97.7
1996 NBA NYK 70 .543 1.24 11.6 8.2 25.5 5.2 16.2 10.6 22.2 481.1 16.0 0.7 102.7 101.9
1995 NBA NYK 82 .579 1.39 12.6 9.4 26.5 5.3 14.3 9.8 24.0 655.6 21.9 -1.6 101.9 103.9
1994 NBA NYK 73 .588 1.47 14.4 9.1 25.5 6.2 15.0 10.8 27.4 711.2 23.7 2.2 104.6 102.2
1993 NBA NYK 82 .570 1.37 15.1 9.7 26.2 4.9 14.7 10.1 25.6 718.9 24.0 -0.7 102.3 103.5
1992 NBA NYK 82 .620 1.50 14.0 9.4 28.8 5.7 16.6 11.5 32.3 1031.5 34.4 5.5 110.9 104.3
1991 NBA NYK 79 .632 1.48 17.2 9.0 26.9 5.8 16.3 11.4 31.1 895.4 29.8 6.4 110.7 102.0
1990 NBA NYK 82 .636 1.53 16.9 10.2 29.9 6.6 16.4 12.1 33.2 996.1 33.2 14.8 111.0 92.1
1989 NBA NYK 46 .679 1.69 18.1 14.2 36.2 5.9 16.0 11.6 35.2 620.9 20.7 13.0 112.6 96.5
1988 NBA NYK 82 .632 1.56 18.3 15.4 36.8 4.5 15.2 10.4 31.5 961.7 32.1 10.5 108.5 94.7
1987 NBA NYK 78 .633 1.57 19.6 14.1 35.7 5.6 14.2 10.3 31.7 945.2 31.5 11.6 109.8 95.6
1986 NBA NYK 68 .625 1.49 14.4 9.5 32.7 5.1 13.5 9.6 30.5 720.9 24.0 11.4 109.8 95.1
1985 NBA NYK 78 .645 1.63 15.2 10.3 29.3 5.2 13.3 9.6 29.9 763.5 25.5 11.8 111.2 95.3
1984 NBA NYK 72 .642 1.58 14.4 10.3 29.5 5.4 11.7 8.7 28.0 682.4 22.7 2.2 105.3 102.2
Career 1373 .596 1.42 15.0 10.1 27.6 5.2 14.3 10.0 26.311958.5 398.6 5.3 106.3 99.4

Playoff Averages:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season LGE TEAM G GS MIN PTS ORE REB AST TO A/T STL BLK PF
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 NBA TOR 16 16 30.0 12.5 0.9 4.2 2.2 1.3 1.75 0.9 0.1 1.3
1994 NBA NYK 9 9 40.1 27.1 1.7 6.2 4.3 2.3 1.86 2.3 1.1 2.2
1993 NBA NYK 12 12 38.8 27.8 1.5 5.8 4.5 2.7 1.69 2.8 0.8 2.0
1992 NBA NYK 10 10 39.9 31.3 1.6 7.8 4.1 3.8 1.08 1.2 1.7 2.1
1991 NBA NYK 5 5 33.4 26.6 1.4 6.8 5.2 2.8 1.86 3.0 1.0 2.6
1990 NBA NYK 5 5 35.8 26.0 2.6 7.4 5.6 4.0 1.40 2.0 0.8 2.6
1988 NBA NYK 1 1 35.0 20.0 3.0 7.0 7.0 5.0 1.40 3.0 0.0 1.0
1987 NBA NYK 21 21 38.3 36.1 1.9 6.7 8.1 5.7 1.43 2.3 0.5 2.0
1986 NBA NYK 22 22 36.5 29.8 1.8 6.9 5.1 4.1 1.23 2.4 1.0 2.0
1985 NBA NYK 18 18 34.4 25.4 1.7 4.9 3.4 3.7 0.91 2.5 0.7 2.9
1984 NBA NYK 4 4 37.5 31.0 0.8 4.0 2.8 4.5 0.61 2.0 0.8 3.8
Career 13731319 36.9 25.2 1.6 6.4 4.2 2.9 0.61 2.1 0.6 1.7

Playoff Shooting Averages:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season FGM FGA FG% FTM FTA FT% InsM InsA In% JsM JsA Js% 3PM 3PA 3P%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 5.1 11.0 .466 1.7 2.3 .750 2.2 3.4 .648 2.4 5.4 .437 0.6 2.2 .257
1994 9.0 17.4 .516 9.1 11.0 .828 5.1 9.2 .554 3.9 8.2 .473 0.0 0.0 .000
1993 9.3 17.7 .524 9.3 11.8 .789 5.5 8.8 .623 3.8 8.8 .429 0.0 0.1 .000
1992 11.0 21.8 .505 9.3 10.5 .886 6.6 11.5 .574 4.4 10.3 .427 0.0 0.0 .000
1991 10.8 18.2 .593 5.0 6.0 .833 5.8 9.2 .630 5.0 9.0 .556 0.0 0.0 .000
1990 9.0 17.0 .529 8.0 9.6 .833 5.8 9.2 .630 3.2 7.8 .410 0.0 0.0 .000
1988 8.0 20.0 .400 4.0 5.0 .800 2.0 8.0 .250 6.0 12.0 .500 0.0 0.0 .000
1987 12.2 21.3 .575 11.6 13.5 .862 6.7 10.2 .659 5.5 11.0 .500 0.0 0.0 .000
1986 10.7 19.0 .563 8.3 9.7 .855 6.9 10.0 .694 3.8 9.0 .422 0.0 0.0 .000
1985 9.3 17.2 .544 6.7 7.3 .917 5.4 8.0 .674 3.9 9.1 .433 0.0 0.1 .000
1984 11.5 19.0 .605 8.0 9.3 .865 7.3 11.0 .659 4.3 7.8 .548 0.0 0.3 .000
Career 9.2 17.8 .516 6.4 7.6 .844 4.7 7.5 .631 4.0 8.9 .452 0.4 1.4 .304

Playoff Totals:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season LGE TEAM G GS MIN PTS OREB REB AST TO STL BLK PF +/-
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 NBA TOR 16 16 480 200 15 67 35 20 15 2 21 125
1994 NBA NYK 9 9 361 244 15 56 39 21 21 10 20 -19
1993 NBA NYK 12 12 466 334 18 69 54 32 34 9 24 80
1992 NBA NYK 10 10 399 313 16 78 41 38 12 17 21 8
1991 NBA NYK 5 5 167 133 7 34 26 14 15 5 13 -10
1990 NBA NYK 5 5 179 130 13 37 28 20 10 4 13 13
1988 NBA NYK 1 1 35 20 3 7 7 5 3 0 1 18
1987 NBA NYK 21 21 804 758 40 140 171 120 48 11 43 208
1986 NBA NYK 22 22 803 655 40 152 112 91 53 23 43 139
1985 NBA NYK 18 18 620 457 31 88 61 67 45 13 53 60
1984 NBA NYK 4 4 150 124 3 16 11 18 8 3 15 -36
Career 13731319 50706 34577 2146 8828 5830 3925 2860 886 2311 7235

Playoff Shooting Totals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season FGM FGA FTM FTA 3PM 3PA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 82 176 27 36 9 35
1994 81 157 82 99 0 0
1993 111 212 112 142 0 1
1992 110 218 93 105 0 0
1991 54 91 25 30 0 0
1990 45 85 40 48 0 0
1988 8 20 4 5 0 0
1987 257 447 244 283 0 1
1986 236 419 183 214 0 1
1985 168 309 121 132 0 1
1984 46 76 32 37 0 1
Career 12591 24414 8793 10420 602 1978

Playoff Efficiency:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season LGE TEAM G TS% PPS AST TO USG ORR DRR RR PER VA EWA +/- OEFF DEFF
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 NBA TOR 16 .521 1.14 14.2 8.1 18.8 3.8 11.4 7.9 13.2 19.1 0.6 7.8 111.5 97.7
1994 NBA NYK 9 .607 1.55 14.9 8.0 25.4 5.3 12.5 9.2 25.2 79.1 2.6 -2.1 105.5 107.8
1993 NBA NYK 12 .609 1.58 15.0 8.9 27.2 5.2 12.1 9.0 24.9 100.0 3.3 6.7 110.4 102.8
1992 NBA NYK 10 .591 1.44 12.0 11.1 30.7 4.8 16.1 10.9 23.6 78.1 2.6 0.8 105.3 104.6
1991 NBA NYK 5 .635 1.46 18.1 9.7 29.1 4.8 17.2 11.3 29.9 48.4 1.6 -2.0 100.3 103.3
1990 NBA NYK 5 .613 1.53 18.2 13.0 30.3 8.6 14.0 11.5 23.6 34.9 1.2 2.6 104.5 101.3
1988 NBA NYK 1 .455 1.00 20.6 14.7 34.6 8.6 10.0 9.3 15.2 2.4 0.1 18.0 96.0 71.1
1987 NBA NYK 21 .663 1.70 19.8 13.9 37.9 6.3 14.2 10.4 27.4 203.1 6.8 9.9 112.8 100.2
1986 NBA NYK 22 .639 1.56 15.6 12.7 30.9 6.3 13.6 10.4 26.0 186.0 6.2 6.3 107.4 99.4
1985 NBA NYK 18 .621 1.48 12.3 13.5 29.8 6.0 10.9 8.5 21.7 103.8 3.5 3.3 108.0 102.8
1984 NBA NYK 4 .674 1.63 9.1 14.9 30.3 2.5 10.1 6.5 21.8 25.2 0.8 -9.0 100.9 110.8
Career 1373 .596 1.42 15.0 10.1 29.8 5.6 13.1 9.6 23.7 880.2 29.3 5.3 106.3 99.4

Career Highs:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type Pts OReb Reb Ast Stl Blk TO FGM FGA FTM FTA 3PM 3PA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Playoff 53 5 11 13 7 4 12 21 31 22 26 1 6
Career 58 8 17 15 9 6 13 22 40 24 26 6 14

Awards & Achievements:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season Award
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Player of the Game: 592
Total Player of the Week: 50
Total Player of the Month: 14
Total All-Star Appearances: 12
Total All-Star Game MVP : 3
Total All-League First Team : 6
Total All-League Second Team : 5
Total All-League Third Team : 1
Total All-Defensive First Team : 10
Total All-Defensive Second Team : 2
Total Playoff MVP : 2
Total Most Valuable Player : 2
Total Championships: 2
2001 Inducted to the NBA Hall of Fame
1999 NBA All-Star
1997 NBA All-Defensive Second Team
1997 NBA All-League Third Team
1997 NBA All-Star
1995 NBA All-Defensive First Team
1995 NBA All-League Second Team
1995 NBA All-Star
1994 NBA All-Defensive First Team
1994 NBA All-League Second Team
1993 NBA All-Defensive First Team
1993 NBA All-League Second Team
1993 NBA All-Star Game MVP
1993 NBA All-Star
1992 NBA All-Defensive First Team
1992 NBA All-League Second Team
1992 NBA All-Star Game MVP
1992 NBA All-Star
1991 NBA All-Defensive First Team
1991 NBA All-League Second Team
1991 NBA All-Star Game MVP
1991 NBA All-Star
1990 NBA All-Defensive First Team
1990 NBA All-League First Team
1990 NBA All-Star
1988 NBA All-Defensive First Team
1988 NBA All-League First Team
1988 NBA Most Valuable Player
1988 NBA All-Star
1987 National Basketball Association Champion
1987 NBA Playoff MVP
1987 NBA All-Defensive First Team
1987 NBA All-League First Team
1987 NBA Most Valuable Player
1987 NBA All-Star
1986 National Basketball Association Champion
1986 NBA Playoff MVP
1986 NBA All-Defensive Second Team
1986 NBA All-League First Team
1986 NBA All-Star
1985 NBA All-Defensive First Team
1985 NBA All-League First Team
1985 NBA All-Star
1985 NBA Rookie Game Participant
1984 NBA All-Defensive First Team
1984 NBA All-Rookie First Team
1984 NBA All-League First Team
1984 NBA Rookie of the Year
1984 NBA All-Star
1984 NBA Rookie Game Participant

[korme]

The 2002 NBA Draft
The draft has 4 blue-chippers according to my scout, and in the order of projected selection they are: Amar'e Stoudemire, Manu Ginobili, Carlos Boozer, and Yao Ming.

If Ming drops to 4, I might make a move.

It doesn't happen.

We trade Kenny Satterfield to the 76ers for their 2nd rounder for next year. We draft John Salmons at 1.28.

We then trade both of our 1sts for next year (can't have 2 in a current year) to the Jazz for their 1st and 2nd. I think their roster is pretty crappy, if we can land any one of James/Wade/Melo, that makes a big time splash.

We draft Kareem Rush at 2.34.

Free Agency
For the first time since taking over Toronto, we have our projected 5 already in place (Derek Anderson supplants Jordan), and -2MM in cap space. :) This will be a quiet free agency year.

Not as quiet as anticipated however. For the first time in our history, we use our mid-level exception and sign 22 y/o Al Harrington to a 4 year, 4.5MM per contract. He is Y/G, so I feel we might have a steal here if he develops.

We also sign 21 y/o Jonathan Bender to a 3 year minimum deal. He's y/y, I just wonder if the kid can improve. This is 90% based off of Bender's real life potential. :)

Here's the squad.

Toronto Raptors Potential

Player Pos Age Cur Pot Ins Jps Fts 3ps Hnd Pas Orb Drb Psd Prd Stl Blk
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keith Closs C 26 D F C F D F C C C F D B
Wang ZhiZhi C 25 D D B D D F D D C F D C
Rony Seikaly C 37 D F C F D F D D D F F D
Tim Duncan PF 26 A D B F D D B A A D D B
Jonathan Bender PF 21 D D B C D F D D C D F C
Al Harrington PF 22 B C B B C D C C C D C D
Donnell Harvey PF 22 C D C F D F C C C D D C
Danny Fortson PF 26 C D B F D F A A C F D D
Metta World Peace SF 22 B C B B C C D C C A A C
John Salmons SF 22 C C B B B C D D D C C D
DeShawn Stevenson SF 21 C C B B C D D D D D D D
Derek Anderson SF 28 C B A A B C D C D B A F
Kareem Rush SG 21 C C B B D D F D D C D D
Laron Profit SG 25 D C B F D F F D D C C D
Steve Nash PG 28 D B A B B A F D D D D F

[korme]

Mid-season, we trade our pick from the Jazz, who are just kicking ass, plus new signee Al Harrington and new draftee John Salmons to the Suns for their #1 (they had the 3rd worst record at the time) and LaPhonso Ellis. Ellis is 33, but is useful, at least this season, and has 2 years after this season on his contract.

It was really to get hopefully a high pick. Harrington was G/G when we traded him, and Salmons was Y/Y. Potential starter guys.

Finish the season 62-20, you know this old story. We're 6 games better than the next best team in the NBA, the Celtics. Duncan plays 82 games to the delight and bewilderment of everyone. Duncan gets 1st Team All League. Coach Hyde wins CotY for the third time in a row.

Worth noting that Kobe got traded to the Hornets for Baron Davis, and responded with 37 PPG season and MVP. McGrady must have been hogging the ball in Chicago.

Check out the Sixth man...
2002 NBA Season Summary Awards

Award Pos Name Team PPG RPG APG SPG BPG
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GM of the Year: John Jones Nets
Coach of the Year: Curtis Hyde Raptors

Most Valuable Player: SG Kobe Bryant Hornets 37.3 6.6 4.6 2.4 0.6
Rookie of the Year: C Yao Ming Timberwolves 19.9 9.6 1.8 0.2 1.4
Defender of the Year: C Marcus Camby Kings 12.6 11.1 2.6 1.3 3.4
6th Man of the Year: PF Jerome Williams Nuggets 9.3 7.2 1.5 1.4 0.2
Most Improved Player: SG Kobe Bryant Hornets 37.3 6.6 4.6 2.4 0.6

All-League 1st Team: C Shaquille O'Neal Lakers 22.8 8.7 2.6 0.5 1.4
All-League 1st Team: PF Tim Duncan Raptors 29.1 10.1 2.5 0.4 1.4
All-League 1st Team: SF Paul Pierce Grizzlies 26.8 7.0 3.4 1.4 0.6
All-League 1st Team: SG Kobe Bryant Hornets 37.3 6.6 4.6 2.4 0.6
All-League 1st Team: PG Chauncey Billups Nuggets 21.1 3.3 7.3 1.3 0.1

All-League 2nd Team: C Yao Ming Timberwolves 19.9 9.6 1.8 0.2 1.4
All-League 2nd Team: PF Pau Gasol Nets 20.1 9.6 2.3 0.6 2.1
All-League 2nd Team: SF Keith Van Horn Rockets 20.9 6.7 1.8 0.8 0.4
All-League 2nd Team: SG Ray Allen Grizzlies 27.8 6.0 4.1 1.4 0.1
All-League 2nd Team: PG Steve Francis Bucks 21.6 4.8 6.1 1.5 0.2

All-League 3rd Team: C Gheorghe Muresan Cavaliers 16.8 9.3 1.8 0.7 1.6
All-League 3rd Team: PF Elton Brand Mavericks 23.4 7.9 2.0 0.5 1.4
All-League 3rd Team: SF Grant Hill Pacers 21.2 7.3 4.5 1.4 0.5
All-League 3rd Team: SG Eddie Jones Celtics 22.6 6.8 4.5 3.1 0.6
All-League 3rd Team: PG Derek Fisher Spurs 20.4 4.3 5.3 1.8 0.1

All-Defense 1st Team: C Marcus Camby Kings 12.6 11.1 2.6 1.3 3.4
All-Defense 1st Team: PF Pau Gasol Nets 20.1 9.6 2.3 0.6 2.1
All-Defense 1st Team: SF Andrei Kirilenko Kings 14.7 6.7 2.9 1.9 1.6
All-Defense 1st Team: SG Eddie Jones Celtics 22.6 6.8 4.5 3.1 0.6
All-Defense 1st Team: PG Jason Kidd Wizards 16.1 7.0 6.0 1.8 0.2

All-Defense 2nd Team: C Shawn Bradley Jazz 9.9 8.9 1.7 0.6 2.7
All-Defense 2nd Team: PF Aaron Williams Bucks 11.3 7.2 1.4 0.6 2.3
All-Defense 2nd Team: SF Shawn Marion Suns 17.9 9.2 2.1 1.7 0.7
All-Defense 2nd Team: SG Kobe Bryant Hornets 37.3 6.6 4.6 2.4 0.6
All-Defense 2nd Team: PG Allen Iverson Mavericks 18.4 3.5 5.7 2.0 0.1

All-Rookie 1st Team: C Yao Ming Timberwolves 19.9 9.6 1.8 0.2 1.4
All-Rookie 1st Team: PF Carlos Boozer Warriors 14.9 8.5 2.2 0.4 0.4
All-Rookie 1st Team: SF Tayshaun Prince Clippers 5.4 2.4 1.0 0.3 0.2
All-Rookie 1st Team: SG Manu Ginobili Rockets 12.1 4.6 2.5 2.2 0.3
All-Rookie 1st Team: PG Smush Parker Jazz 4.4 2.1 1.5 0.9 0.1

All-Rookie 2nd Team: C Mehmet Okur Suns 11.2 6.8 1.3 0.5 1.0
All-Rookie 2nd Team: PF Amare Stoudemire Knicks 8.6 3.8 0.7 0.3 0.5
All-Rookie 2nd Team: SF Caron Butler Bulls 3.9 1.5 0.6 0.7 0.0
All-Rookie 2nd Team: SG Ronald Murray Cavaliers 8.2 2.5 2.1 0.8 0.1
All-Rookie 2nd Team: PG Junior Harrington 76ers 2.3 1.0 0.7 0.5 0.1

Toronto Raptors Averages

Player Pos Gm Gs Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-test test test test test
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve Nash PG 72 72 38.9 16.0 0.9 3.9 8.3 0.8 0.2 3.0 1.6 8.3
Metta World Peace SF 82 82 38.5 14.8 1.5 5.3 3.1 2.2 0.5 1.7 3.0 10.7
Tim Duncan PF 82 82 37.4 29.1 2.8 10.1 2.5 0.4 1.4 3.1 2.5 9.4
Danny Fortson PF 82 82 33.9 13.1 2.9 10.5 1.2 0.5 0.3 2.3 3.0 7.6
Derek Anderson SF 54 54 33.5 13.1 1.1 4.4 3.1 1.8 0.1 1.4 2.5 10.6
Tim Hardaway PG 31 23 24.0 8.4 0.5 1.9 2.5 0.5 0.0 1.7 1.4 0.7
Kareem Rush SG 64 10 20.3 5.2 0.7 2.1 1.4 0.3 0.2 0.9 1.7 1.5
Keith Closs C 58 0 12.7 3.1 0.9 3.0 0.5 0.2 0.9 0.6 1.3 -1.8
Jonathan Bender PF 38 5 12.6 3.5 0.5 1.8 0.5 0.2 0.2 0.4 1.2 -0.4
Scottie Pippen SF 11 0 12.2 2.6 0.5 2.1 0.9 0.5 0.1 1.0 0.4 2.7
Laron Profit SG 66 0 12.0 3.3 0.2 1.2 0.8 0.4 0.1 0.9 1.1 -2.2
Laphonso Ellis PF 59 0 11.1 3.2 0.8 2.4 0.6 0.3 0.2 0.6 1.2 0.2
Wang ZhiZhi C 17 0 6.9 1.7 0.2 1.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.9 0.8
Donnell Harvey PF 26 0 6.7 2.0 0.5 1.6 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.9 -1.6
Rony Seikaly C 3 0 1.7 0.3 0.3 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.7 0.0 2.0


Those pesky Pacers. We seem to always run into them. They've still got Brian Grant Hill, but this year they notably added Aaron McKie, our one year wonder of 5 seasons ago.

THE PLAYOFFS - 1 SEED - 62-20
Round 1 - vs. #8 Indiana (43-39)
04/19/03 Pacers W 115-99 1-0 19,154 Playoffs
04/20/03 Pacers W 98-91 2-0 19,142 Playoffs
04/22/03 at Pacers L 102-111 2-1 18,110 Playoffs
04/23/03 at Pacers W 95-93 3-1 18,110 Playoffs
04/25/03 Pacers W 92-81 4-1 19,130 Playoffs

This year it's a best of 7 in the first round, and we figure that out after we started celebrating in game 4... whoops.

Here come the Bucks. They're the defending champs, but Pierce left in FA so they are weaker. Still lead by Rasheed, Big Z, Stevie Francise, The Glove, and 2-time Raptor Brent Barry.

Round 2 - vs. #4 Milwaukee (51-31)
05/01/03 Bucks W 102-88 1-0 19,118 Playoffs
05/02/03 Bucks W 117-98 2-0 19,070 Playoffs
05/04/03 at Bucks L 76-107 2-1 18,717 Playoffs
05/05/03 at Bucks W 120-108 3-1 18,717 Playoffs
05/07/03 Bucks L 115-120 3-2 19,166 Playoffs
05/09/03 at Bucks L 106-114 3-3 18,717 Playoffs
05/11/03 Bucks W 116-102 4-3 19,094 Playoffs

The Bucks take us to seven in true champion fashion, but we close 'em out at home. Phew.

We enter the Eastern Conference Finals for the fifth straight year, but we haven't advanced to the Finals since our first trip here. We've got the 3-seed Nets, who took care of the C's in 5 games. They're led by Alonzo Mourning, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Michael Redd, and Nick Van Exel.

Conference Finals - vs. #3 New Jersey (52-30)
05/13/03 Nets W 107-84 1-0 19,226 Playoffs
05/14/03 Nets W 105-95 2-0 19,286 Playoffs
05/16/03 at Nets W 96-93 3-0 20,026 Playoffs
05/17/03 at Nets W 107-93 4-0 20,026 Playoffs

We're on a mission, damnit.


We face the 7-seed Rockets in the Finals! Interesting West playoffs.. in the 1st and 2 rounds, the road dogs won each series. So 8 beat 1, 5 beat 4, 6 beat 3 and 7 beat 2; then 8 beat 5 and 7 beat 6... in the WCF, 7 beat 8 and now we're here.

The Rockets aren't led by a star but they are deep- they've got 7 guys green or higher - Scot Pollard, Juwan Howard, Keith Van Horn, Terrell Brandon, Hedu Turkoglu, Jason Richardson and Manu Ginobili.

We've our work cut out for us.

The Finals - vs. #7 Houston (44-38)
05/25/03 Rockets W 108-85 1-0 19,478 Playoffs
05/26/03 Rockets W 91-82 2-0 19,250 Playoffs
05/28/03 at Rockets W 106-105 3-0 16,285 Playoffs
05/29/03 at Rockets L 82-104 3-1 16,285 Playoffs
05/30/03 at Rockets L 80-95 3-2 16,285 Playoffs
06/01/03 Rockets W 99-96 4-2 19,334 Playoffs

Duncan sprains his knee in Game 1 (shocker) and misses the Finals... but it doesn't stop us! Move over Maple Leafs, there is a new king of this castle! We are the champions! Duncan wins Playoff MVP, to the chagrin of Ron ArPeace, who carried the bulk of the load in the finals.

Hell of a year. Couldn't be happier.

Your World Champion Toronto Raptors Playoff Averages

Player Pos Gm Gs Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-test test test test test
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve Nash PG 22 22 36.0 16.4 0.9 2.8 7.4 0.7 0.3 2.6 1.0 5.0
Metta World Peace SF 22 22 37.0 15.0 1.3 4.8 2.5 2.0 0.4 1.8 3.2 6.8
Tim Duncan PF 17 17 37.1 27.7 2.6 11.1 1.9 0.5 1.9 3.2 2.4 8.4
Danny Fortson PF 22 22 32.7 13.3 3.1 10.1 1.2 0.5 0.3 2.3 2.7 5.0
Derek Anderson SF 22 22 35.9 14.5 1.1 4.0 3.7 1.8 0.2 1.3 2.3 4.6
Tim Hardaway PG 22 0 12.1 4.6 0.2 1.2 2.2 0.3 0.0 0.7 0.5 -0.6
Kareem Rush SG 22 0 20.7 5.6 0.4 1.8 0.8 0.2 0.1 0.6 2.2 -2.6
Keith Closs C 22 5 17.2 4.8 1.5 3.9 0.4 0.1 1.1 0.8 1.8 -2.4
Jonathan Bender PF 7 0 7.9 3.7 0.4 1.4 0.7 0.0 0.3 0.4 0.9 0.7
Scottie Pippen SF 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Laron Profit SG 12 0 4.2 1.0 0.1 0.5 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.3 0.3 0.0
Laphonso Ellis PF 22 0 15.1 4.2 0.9 3.1 0.8 0.2 0.5 0.7 2.1 -0.5
Wang ZhiZhi C 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Donnell Harvey PF 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Rony Seikaly C 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

[Young Drachma]

Steve Nash, niiiiice. Nice job on the title, GM.

[Marmel]

:party:

Great job!!!

[JonInMiddleGA]

{reading}

[korme]

Tim Hardaway and Rony Seikaly retire. Timmy won 4 rings in his playing career.

The Most Interesting Offseason Ever is about to take place. We are the defending champs, and rookie class is top heavy.

We've got the 11th best chance to win the lottery, via the Suns.

Holy crap, we got the 3rd pick. I can't believe that. That's pretty cool. The Clippers, with the worst record, got the #1 and the Knicks, with the 10th worst record, got #2.

The 2003 NBA Draft
The draft has 4 blue-chippers according to my scout, and in the order of projected selection they are: LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade.

So we're projected to get Bosh. Definitely the unsexiest of the 4.

LeBron projects the best as expected, just an all around machine and he's 18. Then there is Anthony, 19, who looks to be a better scorer but is average defensively. Wade is a good defender and scorer, and he's the oldest at 21. Bosh is 19, skilled on both ends.

I think we'll go Wade. And we do. Bron goes 1, Melo 2, we get Wade, Luke Ridnour (!) goes 4th, and Philly gets Bosh at 5. Poor Golden State.

2003 Draft Order Draft Preview

# Team Selection Pos
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Los Angeles (LAC) Clippers LeBron James SF
2 New York Knicks Carmelo Anthony SF
3 Toronto Raptors Dwyane Wade SG
4 Golden State Warriors Luke Ridnour PG
5 Philadelphia 76ers Chris Bosh C
6 Miami Heat David West PF
7 Detroit Pistons Chris Kaman C
8 Utah Jazz Leandro Barbosa SG
9 Cleveland Cavaliers Josh Howard SF
10 Orlando Magic T.J. Ford PG
11 Washington Wizards Nene Hilario C
12 San Antonio Spurs Kirk Hinrich SG
13 Minnesota Timberwolves Kendrick Perkins C
14 Memphis Grizzlies Mo Williams PG
15 Indiana Pacers Steve Blake PG
16 Houston Rockets Matt Barnes SF
17 Los Angeles (LAL) Lakers Travis Outlaw SF
18 New Orleans Hornets Darko Milicic C
19 Dallas Mavericks Zaza Pachulia C
20 Atlanta Hawks Willie Green SG

With back to back second rounders, we took Mike Sweetney and Jason Kapono.

Free Agency
MWP is a free agent, if we can bring him back, we're sitting pretty for the next couple of years. I'd also like to bring back C Keith Closs.

We're already over the soft cap, so if Peace re-signs we're definitely moving Nash or Fortson's contract in a year or two.

Being over the soft cap means we can't re-sign Closs for anything other than the minimum, so if he gets any other offer, we're out.

We get Peace for the max, it's 105M over 7 years. Also get Closs and a couple other guys from last year back for the minimum and we've got our roster.

Adding Wade is probably unfair to the league. We're the champs and got the #3 best player in the draft. Our top 6 is very nice.

Derek Anderson will be our sixth man, but we might mix it up and go small some time with Peace at the 4. Worth noting that Nash has regressed to Yellow.

Toronto Raptors Contract

Player 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keith Closs $678,900 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Wang ZhiZhi $591,300 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Tim Duncan $13,281,250 $14,609,375 $15,937,500 $17,265,625 $0 $0 $0
Jonathan Bender $568,230 $624,650 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Laphonso Ellis $7,066,367 $7,609,934 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Donnell Harvey $565,020 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Mike Sweetney $332,880 $486,180 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Danny Fortson $5,386,478 $5,890,091 $6,393,705 $0 $0 $0 $0
Jason Kapono $332,880 $486,180 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Metta World Peace $10,950,000 $12,318,750 $13,687,500 $15,056,250 $16,425,000 $17,793,750 $19,162,500
Derek Anderson $5,243,145 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Kareem Rush $447,330 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Laron Profit $486,180 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Dwyane Wade $2,653,727 $2,945,637 $3,290,622 $3,662,143 $0 $0 $0
Steve Nash $11,537,500 $12,425,000 $13,312,500 $0 $0 $0 $0

[sovereignstar v2]

Just caught up. When I saw you added Dontonio Wingfield without saying a peep I thought to myself, "here we go!". LOL :p

[korme]

Just caught up. When I saw you added Dontonio Wingfield without saying a peep I thought to myself, "here we go!". LOL :p


:cool:

[Young Drachma]

D-WADE?!? The rich just got richer.

[Neon_Chaos]

What are your game settings on this one? Import modifier?

[hoopsguy]

D-WADE?!? The rich just got richer.

Yep, this looks like it could get dirty.

Darko going #18 - little different ratings coming into FBB3 than what was perceived when he came to America.

[korme]

I actually felt guilty about getting the #3 pick without trading up or anything- it really was luck of the draw.

What are your game settings on this one? Import modifier?

Everything is standard historical. Historical modifiers are on, I haven't messed with any of the new trade settings or anything like that.

[korme]

Timmy is our only All-Star. Wade gets All-Rookie 1st, Sweetney is All-Rookie 2nd. Duncan is All-League 1st, and Nash gets an All-League 3rd. Derek Anderson wins Sixth Man!

This is why the league awards should have 2 awards for forwards and 2 guards, and it shouldn't matter if 2 SFs or 2 PFs get them both... Melo gets All-Rookie 2nd Team, and this is probably how his career with traject, a bunch of 2nd Teams due to LeBron. But tell me Melo didn't deserve 1st Team over David West.

Interesting to note T. Chandler winning DPoY at just 21 years old.

We finish 57-25, good enough for 1st in the East (Bulls 56-26 in 2nd) and tied for 2nd best in the NBA- Grizzlies were 58-24, and the Rockets shared our record.


2003 NBA Season Summary Awards

Award Pos Name Team PPG RPG APG SPG BPG
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GM of the Year: Michael Young Jazz
Coach of the Year: Angelo Munday Wizards

Most Valuable Player: SG Kobe Bryant Hornets 34.8 6.5 4.2 1.4 0.6
Rookie of the Year: SF LeBron James Clippers 18.1 6.0 4.3 1.4 0.4
Defender of the Year: C Tyson Chandler Lakers 11.4 10.6 1.9 0.3 3.9
6th Man of the Year: SF Derek Anderson Raptors 9.7 3.0 2.2 1.3 0.2
Most Improved Player: PF Amare Stoudemire Knicks 17.9 7.4 1.6 0.4 1.1

All-League 1st Team: C Shaquille O'Neal Lakers 20.2 8.7 2.3 0.5 1.4
All-League 1st Team: PF Tim Duncan Raptors 25.6 10.0 2.4 0.4 1.6
All-League 1st Team: SF Paul Pierce Grizzlies 23.2 7.1 4.5 1.8 0.8
All-League 1st Team: SG Kobe Bryant Hornets 34.8 6.5 4.2 1.4 0.6
All-League 1st Team: PG Derek Fisher SuperSonics 21.5 5.1 7.0 2.4 0.2

All-League 2nd Team: C Kevin Garnett Spurs 15.2 13.5 2.3 1.1 1.5
All-League 2nd Team: PF Dirk Nowitzki Suns 27.5 7.6 2.0 0.7 1.1
All-League 2nd Team: SF Keith Van Horn Rockets 23.2 8.7 2.2 0.9 0.4
All-League 2nd Team: SG Ray Allen Grizzlies 27.1 5.2 3.9 1.4 0.2
All-League 2nd Team: PG Damon Stoudamire Spurs 19.6 3.8 8.1 1.8 0.1

All-League 3rd Team: C Brad Miller Magic 16.1 10.8 2.4 0.4 1.5
All-League 3rd Team: PF Antawn Jamison Spurs 26.7 10.0 1.8 0.8 0.5
All-League 3rd Team: SF LeBron James Clippers 18.1 6.0 4.3 1.4 0.4
All-League 3rd Team: SG Tracy McGrady Bulls 24.2 7.9 4.5 1.5 1.0
All-League 3rd Team: PG Steve Nash Raptors 16.1 3.8 8.7 0.7 0.1

All-Defense 1st Team: C Tyson Chandler Lakers 11.4 10.6 1.9 0.3 3.9
All-Defense 1st Team: PF Chris Andersen Grizzlies 9.1 8.7 1.5 0.6 2.4
All-Defense 1st Team: SF Andrei Kirilenko Kings 14.1 7.7 2.6 1.2 2.0
All-Defense 1st Team: SG Tracy McGrady Bulls 24.2 7.9 4.5 1.5 1.0
All-Defense 1st Team: PG Derek Fisher SuperSonics 21.5 5.1 7.0 2.4 0.2

All-Defense 2nd Team: C Marcus Camby Kings 13.0 13.1 2.5 1.2 3.1
All-Defense 2nd Team: PF Pau Gasol Nets 21.6 9.4 2.7 0.4 1.9
All-Defense 2nd Team: SF Paul Pierce Grizzlies 23.2 7.1 4.5 1.8 0.8
All-Defense 2nd Team: SG Kobe Bryant Hornets 34.8 6.5 4.2 1.4 0.6
All-Defense 2nd Team: PG Jason Kidd Wizards 17.9 7.2 6.9 2.1 0.2

All-Rookie 1st Team: C Chris Bosh 76ers 13.6 7.7 1.9 0.4 0.9
All-Rookie 1st Team: PF David West Heat 5.6 2.9 0.6 0.3 0.3
All-Rookie 1st Team: SF LeBron James Clippers 18.1 6.0 4.3 1.4 0.4
All-Rookie 1st Team: SG Dwyane Wade Raptors 13.9 3.3 4.6 1.4 0.5
All-Rookie 1st Team: PG Mo Williams Grizzlies 9.9 2.6 5.7 0.8 0.1

All-Rookie 2nd Team: C Nene Hilario Clippers 7.7 5.7 1.7 1.2 1.1
All-Rookie 2nd Team: PF Mike Sweetney Raptors 3.8 3.2 0.5 0.3 0.3
All-Rookie 2nd Team: SF Carmelo Anthony Knicks 16.4 4.4 2.5 0.5 0.3
All-Rookie 2nd Team: SG Matt Carroll Bucks 12.2 3.4 1.5 0.7 0.2
All-Rookie 2nd Team: PG Steve Blake Pacers 8.3 2.4 2.7 1.0 0.1


Our starting 5 + Anderson played in all 82 games, which is a guarantee that a key guy will get hurt in the playoffs.

Toronto Raptors Averages

Player Pos Gm Gs Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-test test test test test
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve Nash PG 82 82 39.9 16.1 1.0 3.8 8.7 0.7 0.1 3.0 1.3 6.9
Tim Duncan PF 82 82 35.9 25.6 2.6 10.0 2.4 0.4 1.6 2.5 2.1 6.4
Metta World Peace SF 82 82 35.8 12.8 1.2 4.9 2.4 1.6 0.4 1.3 2.9 7.7
Danny Fortson PF 82 82 33.8 12.1 3.4 10.6 1.4 0.4 0.4 2.0 2.5 7.6
Dwyane Wade SG 82 82 31.3 13.9 1.0 3.3 4.6 1.4 0.5 1.8 2.3 5.3
Derek Anderson SF 82 0 22.8 9.7 0.9 3.0 2.2 1.3 0.2 1.0 1.5 4.0
Mike Sweetney PF 72 0 15.2 3.8 1.1 3.2 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.7 2.2 0.6
Jonathan Bender PF 82 0 12.4 4.0 0.5 2.2 0.4 0.1 0.5 0.8 1.5 1.6
Jason Kapono SF 82 0 12.1 4.8 0.4 1.4 0.4 0.3 0.1 0.5 1.3 0.5
Laron Profit SG 35 0 6.1 2.1 0.1 0.7 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.4 0.3 0.8
Keith Closs C 12 0 3.5 0.6 0.3 0.8 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.3 1.7
Laphonso Ellis PF 15 0 3.1 1.2 0.2 0.6 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.5 1.1
Kareem Rush SG 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Wang ZhiZhi C 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Donnell Harvey PF 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0


So we'll enjoy home court advantage potentially throughout, unless we meet Memphis in The Finals. First up in the Knicks, a 39-43 squad that is full of potential. Carmelo Anthony is 19, Amare Stoudemire 21, Drew Gooden 22 and they've also got Vince Carter, Brevin Knight and Jermaine O'Neal. It's really hard to see how this team had a losing record.

THE PLAYOFFS - 1 SEED - 57-25
Round 1 - vs. #8 New York 39-43)
04/24/04 Knicks W 109-67 1-0 19,414 Playoffs
04/25/04 Knicks W 112-94 2-0 19,342 Playoffs
04/27/04 at Knicks W 97-94 3-0 19,755 Playoffs
04/28/04 at Knicks L 114-115 3-1 19,755 Playoffs
04/30/04 Knicks L 106-109 3-2 19,534 Playoffs
05/02/04 at Knicks W 114-93 4-2 19,755 Playoffs

The Knicks give us a run for our money but we prevail with a Game Six win in Madison Square.

We've got the four-seed Wizards up next, who won just 5 games less than us. Interesting to note that the Wiz offered us Jason Kidd for Timmy, which we obviously declined. It was an interesting trade as Kidd is the best triple double machine in the league, but it obviously didn't fit our current roster.

Brutally, Kidd is out for 32 days here and will miss the series. They'll rely on Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Tayshaun Prince here, but I think they're in big trouble.

Round 2 - vs. #4 Washington (52-30)
05/06/04 Wizards W 107-63 1-0 19,366 Playoffs
05/07/04 Wizards W 99-69 2-0 19,222 Playoffs
05/09/04 at Wizards W 100-89 3-0 17,952 Playoffs
05/10/04 at Wizards L 86-88 3-1 18,163 Playoffs
05/12/04 Wizards W 106-81 4-1 19,378 Playoffs

Washington was just outmatched without Kidd. On to the familiarity of the EC Finals, where we'll face division foe Chicago, who we rallied late in the season to pass and take the division/conference top spot.

The Bulls famously traded Kobe to New Orleans for Baron Davis, and all Kobe has done since is won back to back MVPs. What they got in return is a good PG in Davis, and given the car keys to McGrady as the premium scorer on the team. They're also flanked by Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Jason Williams.

Conference Finals - vs. #2 Chicago (56-26)
05/18/04 Bulls W 112-73 1-0 19,786 Playoffs
05/19/04 Bulls W 98-89 2-0 19,726 Playoffs
05/21/04 at Bulls W 100-96 3-0 22,367 Playoffs
05/22/04 at Bulls W 102-88 4-0 22,367 Playoffs

In game 2 D-Wade sprained his ankle but didn't miss any games. In game 3, Peace sprained his ankle and missed Game 4. We'll use the sweep to get some rest and hopefully Artest can be back for the Finals by the first game.

We face the Grizzlies in the Finals, and Artest is still out for 14 days. That means he will miss the two road openers, and possibly game 3 and 4 at home.

The Grizzlies finished one game better than us so they have home court. They are led by former MVP Ray Allen, former Playoff MVP Paul Pierce, Mo Williams, Birdman Andersen and Nazr Mohamed. Just a solid team.

The Finals - vs. #1 Memphis (58-24)
05/30/04 at Grizzlies W 122-95 1-0 20,128 Playoffs
05/31/04 at Grizzlies W 120-117 2-0 20,128 Playoffs
06/02/04 Grizzlies L 105-113 2-1 19,738 Playoffs
06/03/04 Grizzlies L 88-91 2-2 19,786 Playoffs
06/04/04 Grizzlies W 114-85 3-2 19,786 Playoffs
06/06/04 at Grizzlies L 83-99 3-3 20,128 Playoffs
06/07/04 at Grizzlies W 98-90 4-3 20,128 Playoffs

What a great playoff series and back-to-back titles! Home court advantage was thrown out the window here, the home team went 2-5, pretty crazy.

Now back-to-back champs, we'll go for the elusive 3-peat. The challenge of course will be 2, 3 years down the road when we're out of cap space and have to get creative.


Your Two-Time Champion Toronto Raptors Playoff Averages

Player Pos Gm Gs Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-test test test test test
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve Nash PG 22 22 40.8 15.0 0.9 3.9 7.8 0.9 0.0 2.7 1.5 12.2
Tim Duncan PF 22 22 37.8 28.4 2.8 10.4 2.0 0.5 1.9 2.7 2.0 12.8
Metta World Peace SF 16 16 32.2 11.9 1.3 4.3 2.2 1.6 0.4 0.9 3.1 14.3
Danny Fortson PF 22 22 33.2 10.6 3.4 10.4 1.0 0.6 0.1 2.2 2.4 9.2
Dwyane Wade SG 21 21 32.7 15.9 1.1 3.2 3.8 1.8 0.4 2.3 2.7 8.7
Derek Anderson SF 21 1 25.6 10.5 1.0 3.7 2.3 1.4 0.1 1.0 1.7 10.0
Mike Sweetney PF 22 0 15.0 3.4 1.5 3.0 1.0 0.2 0.4 1.0 2.5 4.6
Jonathan Bender PF 22 0 12.4 4.1 0.7 2.3 0.5 0.3 1.0 0.9 1.1 1.5
Jason Kapono SF 22 6 20.1 6.5 0.6 2.2 0.7 0.7 0.0 0.8 2.6 -0.1
Laron Profit SG 18 0 7.9 2.5 0.1 0.8 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.8 0.9 -1.0
Keith Closs C 5 0 1.0 0.4 0.0 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.2 0.4
Laphonso Ellis PF 6 0 2.0 0.3 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 -1.3
Kareem Rush SG 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Wang ZhiZhi C 1 0 3.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 1.0 0.0
Donnell Harvey PF 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

[korme]

Offseason - Expansion Draft
I make a risky play here and expose Fortson. He's on the books for $6MM for the next two years and plays zero defense. We can replace his 10 RPG. He gets selected 2nd.

This, and Laphonso Ellis has an expiring contract ($7.5MM). We are still over the cap entering this season, but unloading these contracts will help when Wade is available for an extension.

We also have the 10th pick in the draft, via a trade we made with Golden State a couple season's ago.

The 2004 NBA Draft
The draft has 8 blue-chippers according to my scout, and in the order of projected selection they are: Kevin Martin, Dwight Howard, Josh Smith, Devin Harris, Al Jefferson, Delonte West, Emeka Okafor, Andre Iguodala.

We're projected to get Luol Deng at #10.

He goes 9... the predictor suggets we'll take JR Smith, the game recommends I take Andris Biedrins. I think the best guy left on the table is Jameer Nelson, but we're deep at guard and just lost our PF to the expansion draft. My eye is on Andy Varejao, who projects to go in the 20s. Time to trade down.

We trade from 10 to 18, 18 to 21 and in process acquire a couple of future 2nds.

We select Varejao at 21, and take Quinton Ross in the 2nd round.

NBA All Picks

Pick Pos Player Team
--------------------------------------------------------
1 SG Kevin Martin Heat
2 C Dwight Howard Magic
3 SF Josh Smith Bobcats
4 PG Devin Harris Pistons
5 C Al Jefferson Cavaliers
6 SG Andre Iguodala 76ers
7 PG Delonte West Timberwolves
8 C Emeka Okafor Trail Blazers
9 SF Luol Deng Trail Blazers
10 PG Jameer Nelson Lakers
11 SF Trevor Ariza Celtics
12 PF Andris Biedrins Kings
13 SG Sasha Vujacic Suns
14 SG J.R. Smith Spurs
15 PG Beno Udrih Knicks
16 PF Kris Humphries Hornets
17 SG Tony Allen Nuggets
18 PG Shaun Livingston Mavericks
19 SG Ben Gordon Clippers
20 SF Josh Childress Pacers
21 C Anderson Varejao Raptors
22 PF Nick Collison SuperSonics
23 SF Dorell Wright Hawks
24 C Nenad Krstic Jazz
25 SG Carlos Delfino Wizards
26 SG Damien Wilkins Nets
27 PG Sebastian Telfair Hornets
28 SF Andres Nocioni Warriors
29 C David Harrison Rockets
30 C D.J. Mbenga Grizzlies


Free Agency
Couple of free agents, most notable is Derek Anderson, our SMoY. We'll entertain the idea of bringing him back. We're 8MM over the cap, but we hold his bird rights so we can still pay him.

We get Anderson for 2 years at about $3MM a pop - his contract will run out when Nash's does, and we likely won't bring either of them back at that point.

We sign Gheorghe Muresan to a 1 year mid level deal. Gheorghe has had an illustrious career- 3-time AS, 2-time champ, 1-time 1st-team, twice 3rd-team. Gheorghe is 33 and on his way down, but he'll probably start at Center for this season, replacing what we lost in Fortson, and adding about a foot in size to our starting lineup.

Here's our roster, in the year where we'll go for a 3-peat.

Toronto Raptors Potential

Player Pos Age Cur Pot Ins Jps Fts 3ps Hnd Pas Orb Drb Psd Prd Stl Blk
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gheorghe Muresan C 33 C C C F D F B B B D D B
Eddy Curry C 21 C D C F D F C C C F F C
Anderson Varejao C 22 C C C F C D A A B C B C
Darius Miles C 23 C D C F D D D D C D D C
Jonathan Bender PF 23 D D B C D F D D C D F C
Tim Duncan PF 28 A D C F D C B A A D D B
Mike Sweetney PF 22 C D B F D F B B C F D C
Donnell Harvey PF 24 C D C F D F C C C D D C
Laphonso Ellis PF 34 C D B D C D C C C D D C
Jason Kapono SF 23 D B A A C D D D D D D F
Metta World Peace SF 24 B C B B C C D C C A A C
Quinton Ross SF 23 D C B D C D D D D C C D
Derek Anderson SF 30 C B A A B C D C D B A F
Dwyane Wade SG 22 A B B C C B D C C B A C
Steve Nash PG 30 D B A B B A F D D D D F

[Marmel]

Awfully thin in the backcourt...

[Young Drachma]

I guess I need to load my 2nd install and get ready to do an NBA dynasty of my own. Just need to figure out my plan since doing it a straight take over a team and win dynasty seems boring.

I think I want to run a perpetually bad franchise in some way.

Thanks for the inspiration.

[korme]

Yes, poor gameplanning in that offseason. DA played both guard spots (I'll post the season wrap in a little), but there was a point when Wade/Nash were both out, injured. Ended up releasing ZhiZhi and signing 34 y/o Charlie Ward to add some depth.

[korme]

Nash and Duncan are All-Stars, Duncan gets 2nd Team and Nash 3rd Team. I sent Varejao to the NBDL for most of the season and he won the NBDL Defensive Player of the year.

We went 61-21, 51 wins better than the Cleveland Cavs who went a paltry 10-72. New division set up this year.

2004 NBA Standings

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATLANTIC W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
Raptors 61 21 .744 30-11 12-4 41-11
Nets 59 23 .720 32-9 12-4 39-13
76ers 40 42 .488 26-15 3-13 25-27
Knicks 36 46 .439 21-20 9-7 27-25
Celtics 35 47 .427 21-20 4-12 28-24

----------------------------------------------------
SOUTHEAST W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
Hawks 43 39 .524 26-15 12-4 26-26
Magic 39 43 .476 27-14 7-9 26-26
Wizards 32 50 .390 23-18 10-6 20-32
Heat 29 53 .354 20-21 5-11 20-32
Bobcats 25 57 .305 17-24 6-10 16-36

----------------------------------------------------
CENTRAL W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
Bulls 59 23 .720 33-8 12-4 34-18
Pistons 42 40 .512 25-16 6-10 29-23
Pacers 40 42 .488 28-13 10-6 27-25
Bucks 37 45 .451 21-20 10-6 25-27
Cavaliers 10 72 .122 8-33 2-14 7-45

----------------------------------------------------
MIDWEST W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
Hornets 59 23 .720 32-9 10-6 39-13
Rockets 54 28 .659 33-8 10-6 30-22
Mavericks 46 36 .561 33-8 9-7 28-24
Grizzlies 42 40 .512 25-16 6-10 22-30
Spurs 34 48 .415 23-18 5-11 22-30

----------------------------------------------------
NORTHWEST W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
Jazz 52 30 .634 32-9 8-8 34-18
Nuggets 46 36 .561 26-15 12-4 26-26
Timberwolves 42 40 .512 25-16 11-5 27-25
Trail Blazers 30 52 .366 20-21 7-9 17-35
SuperSonics 27 55 .329 20-21 2-14 14-38

----------------------------------------------------
PACIFIC W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
Kings 46 36 .561 31-10 11-5 29-23
Clippers 46 36 .561 28-13 9-7 27-25
Lakers 45 37 .549 27-14 7-9 28-24
Warriors 38 44 .463 25-16 6-10 23-29
Suns 36 46 .439 21-20 7-9 24-28


2004 NBA Season Summary Awards

Award Pos Name Team PPG RPG APG SPG BPG
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GM of the Year: Harley Floyd Nets
Coach of the Year: Billy Noble Kings

Most Valuable Player: SG Kobe Bryant Hornets 36.6 6.1 5.4 2.0 0.5
Rookie of the Year: SG Andre Iguodala 76ers 13.9 4.6 3.3 1.3 0.3
Defender of the Year: C Tyson Chandler Lakers 13.2 12.7 1.7 0.4 3.5
6th Man of the Year: C Erick Dampier Pacers 9.3 7.0 1.2 0.5 1.0
Most Improved Player: PG Luke Ridnour Warriors 15.7 3.3 7.0 1.0 0.2

All-League 1st Team: C Yao Ming Timberwolves 27.0 8.5 2.1 0.2 1.3
All-League 1st Team: PF Pau Gasol Nets 24.5 10.8 3.0 0.5 3.0
All-League 1st Team: SF Paul Pierce Grizzlies 23.6 7.7 4.7 1.8 0.5
All-League 1st Team: SG Kobe Bryant Hornets 36.6 6.1 5.4 2.0 0.5
All-League 1st Team: PG Chauncey Billups Nuggets 21.9 3.5 9.4 1.2 0.3

All-League 2nd Team: C Kevin Garnett Spurs 15.7 12.0 2.5 0.9 1.4
All-League 2nd Team: PF Tim Duncan Raptors 27.8 10.5 2.4 0.5 1.5
All-League 2nd Team: SF Shawn Marion Nuggets 15.3 8.1 2.7 1.5 0.7
All-League 2nd Team: SG Tracy McGrady Bulls 26.4 8.0 4.5 1.5 1.0
All-League 2nd Team: PG Derek Fisher SuperSonics 22.7 4.7 6.7 2.2 0.2

All-League 3rd Team: C Tyson Chandler Lakers 13.2 12.7 1.7 0.4 3.5
All-League 3rd Team: PF Dirk Nowitzki Suns 28.0 7.0 2.3 0.5 0.7
All-League 3rd Team: SF Hedo Turkoglu Bucks 16.2 6.4 3.1 0.9 0.3
All-League 3rd Team: SG Ray Allen Grizzlies 25.3 5.0 3.7 1.2 0.1
All-League 3rd Team: PG Steve Nash Raptors 15.7 3.5 8.4 0.9 0.2

All-Defense 1st Team: C Tyson Chandler Lakers 13.2 12.7 1.7 0.4 3.5
All-Defense 1st Team: PF Pau Gasol Nets 24.5 10.8 3.0 0.5 3.0
All-Defense 1st Team: SF Andrei Kirilenko Kings 14.6 6.4 2.4 1.1 2.1
All-Defense 1st Team: SG Tracy McGrady Bulls 26.4 8.0 4.5 1.5 1.0
All-Defense 1st Team: PG Derek Fisher SuperSonics 22.7 4.7 6.7 2.2 0.2

All-Defense 2nd Team: C Marcus Camby Kings 13.5 13.3 2.6 1.2 3.0
All-Defense 2nd Team: PF Etan Thomas Mavericks 11.0 9.3 1.2 0.6 2.0
All-Defense 2nd Team: SF Shawn Marion Nuggets 15.3 8.1 2.7 1.5 0.7
All-Defense 2nd Team: SG Kobe Bryant Hornets 36.6 6.1 5.4 2.0 0.5
All-Defense 2nd Team: PG Jason Kidd Wizards 16.6 6.9 5.7 1.5 0.3

All-Rookie 1st Team: C Emeka Okafor Trail Blazers 9.1 7.7 1.2 0.3 1.6
All-Rookie 1st Team: PF Nick Collison SuperSonics 2.9 1.8 0.4 0.2 0.4
All-Rookie 1st Team: SF Trevor Ariza Celtics 6.9 3.7 1.3 1.0 0.2
All-Rookie 1st Team: SG Andre Iguodala 76ers 13.9 4.6 3.3 1.3 0.3
All-Rookie 1st Team: PG Delonte West Timberwolves 10.7 2.7 2.7 1.2 0.2

All-Rookie 2nd Team: C Dwight Howard Magic 7.1 5.5 1.0 0.3 1.0
All-Rookie 2nd Team: PF Kris Humphries Altitude 4.2 3.3 0.6 0.6 0.4
All-Rookie 2nd Team: SF Josh Smith Bobcats 6.6 4.8 2.0 0.4 0.4
All-Rookie 2nd Team: SG Kevin Martin Heat 15.3 4.0 2.2 0.3 0.1
All-Rookie 2nd Team: PG Devin Harris Pistons 9.0 2.0 2.8 1.4 0.0


Toronto Raptors Averages

Player Pos Gm Gs Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-test test test test test
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve Nash PG 76 76 38.2 15.7 0.9 3.5 8.4 0.9 0.2 3.0 1.1 8.6
Tim Duncan PF 82 82 36.8 27.8 2.6 10.5 2.4 0.5 1.5 2.9 2.0 7.3
Metta World Peace SF 78 78 36.0 14.5 1.4 5.5 2.8 1.9 0.3 1.4 3.0 8.8
Dwyane Wade SG 79 79 34.8 16.7 1.4 4.4 4.7 1.6 0.5 2.1 3.1 8.0
Gheorghe Muresan C 82 82 27.7 8.6 1.8 6.9 1.2 0.4 1.3 1.2 2.6 5.0
Anderson Varejao C 2 0 27.5 9.0 2.0 8.5 1.0 0.0 1.5 0.0 2.5 5.5
Derek Anderson SF 82 8 26.1 11.4 1.1 4.0 2.6 1.4 0.1 1.1 2.1 4.8
Mike Sweetney PF 82 0 21.4 5.7 1.3 4.6 0.9 0.3 0.6 1.2 3.8 4.8
Jason Kapono SF 73 2 13.9 4.7 0.5 1.9 0.8 0.2 0.1 0.5 1.5 1.9
Charlie Ward PG 41 3 10.3 3.1 0.1 0.9 1.0 0.7 0.0 0.8 1.1 -0.5
Donnell Harvey PF 2 0 9.0 1.0 0.5 1.5 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.5 2.0 1.5
Jonathan Bender PF 48 0 6.8 2.1 0.4 1.5 0.3 0.0 0.3 0.4 0.7 -0.2
Laphonso Ellis PF 8 0 4.4 1.9 0.4 0.8 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.6 0.6
Darius Miles C 3 0 1.7 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -0.3


So we're not as deep as we'd like at guard, but we should be alright, holding home court for as far as we go.

Orlando's up for Round 1. This team in a couple years if they can keep their pieces should be lethal. Those core pieces are Joe Johnson (23), Tony Parker (22) and Dwight Howard (19). They've also got Kenyon Martin, Jerry Stackhouse, Brad Miller and TJ Ford rounding out their main rotation.

THE PLAYOFFS - 1 SEED - 61-21
Round 1 - vs. #8 Orlando (39-43)
04/23/05 Magic W 109-78 1-0 19,786 Playoffs
04/24/05 Magic W 104-92 2-0 19,786 Playoffs
04/26/05 at Magic L 93-95 2-1 17,461 Playoffs
04/27/05 at Magic W 104-90 3-1 17,461 Playoffs
04/29/05 Magic W 108-105 4-1 19,786 Playoffs

On to the Hawks, who defeated Detroit in five games. They're led by Ricky Davis, Antonio McDyess, and Troy Murphy.

Round 2 - #4 Atlanta (43-39)
05/05/05 Hawks W 108-106 1-0 19,534 Playoffs
05/06/05 Hawks W 98-85 2-0 19,618 Playoffs
05/08/05 at Hawks W 113-84 3-0 18,331 Playoffs
05/09/05 at Hawks W 122-121 4-0 18,331 Playoffs

As expected, Atlanta didn't put up much of a fight, and we get the real challenge of this playoffs in the Bulls. We meet them again in what's turning into a solid rivalry, one in which has been one-sided so far. Baron Davis, T-Mac and SA-R will try to exact revenge yet again.

Conference Finals - vs. #2 Chicago (59-23)
05/17/05 Bulls W 107-88 1-0 19,786 Playoffs
05/18/05 Bulls W 107-101 2-0 19,786 Playoffs
05/20/05 at Bulls L 89-100 2-1 22,112 Playoffs
05/21/05 at Bulls L 80-101 2-2 22,122 Playoffs
05/23/05 Bulls L 76-92 2-3 19,786 Playoffs
05/25/05 at Bulls L 93-112 2-4 21,955 Playoffs

Nash goes down in Game 4, dislocating his shoulder and presumably being done for the rest of the way - he's due to miss 40 days. We move Wade to PG and DA enters the starting lineup.

MWP gets hurt 2 minutes into Game 6, and in a second we lose an amazing perimeter defender and replace him with Jason Kapono. It's no hope, and we're bounced. T-Mac, playing SF, went off- 38-14-8 in the clinching victory.

The Bulls beat the Kobe-led Hornets, 4 to 1.

[korme]

The 2005 NBA Draft
The draft has 5 blue-chippers according to my scout, and in the order of projected selection they are: Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Andrew Bynum, Danny Granger, Monta Ellis.

We have pick 30, and the draft projects we will take Earl Barron.

We very happily select Lou Williams with the 30th pick. He's straight outta HS, so he could take a couple years to develop, but he looks like a good scorer/ball handler.

2005 Draft Order Draft Preview

# Team Selection Pos
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Milwaukee Bucks Monta Ellis PG
2 Portland Trail Blazers Chris Paul PG
3 Washington Wizards Deron Williams PG
4 Cleveland Cavaliers Andrew Bynum C
5 Seattle SuperSonics Danny Granger SF
6 Miami Heat Charlie Villanueva PF
7 San Antonio Spurs Francisco Garcia SG
8 Boston Celtics David Lee PF
9 Phoenix Suns Raymond Felton PG
10 New York Knicks Andrew Bogut C
11 Milwaukee Bucks Channing Frye PF
12 Golden State Warriors Marvin Williams PF
13 Memphis Grizzlies Amir Johnson PF
14 Minnesota Timberwolves Jose Calderon PG
15 Orlando Magic Sarunas Jasikevicius PG
16 Philadelphia 76ers Nate Robinson PG
17 Indiana Pacers Hakim Warrick PF
18 Detroit Pistons Andray Blatche C
19 Atlanta Hawks James Singleton SF
20 Los Angeles (LAL) Lakers C.J. Miles SG
21 Dallas Mavericks Jarrett Jack SG
22 Los Angeles (LAC) Clippers Luther Head PG
23 Sacramento Kings Gerald Green SF
24 Denver Nuggets Johan Petro C
25 Utah Jazz Rashad McCants SG
26 Houston Rockets Linas Kleiza SF
27 Charlotte Bobcats Sasha Pavlovic SG
28 Chicago Bulls Brandon Bass PF
29 New Jersey Nets Ronny Turiaf C
30 Toronto Raptors Louis Williams SG

The Offseason
Interesting to note that the #1 pick of 2 years ago, LeBron James, 2 year team option was not picked up and he's a FA.

Mike Sweetney is the only guy who got rotation minutes who is an FA - a 2nd round pick, his 2 year contract ran out. We technically don't have his Bird Rights, but it's saying we can go over the cap and sign him for more than the minimum? Can anyone explain that one?

We offer him a 2 year deal, also offer Kapono the minimum, which is what he's asking for. It hurt when he had to play 37 minutes in the Game 6 Finals, but as long as he's the 8th or 9th guy, he can certainly shoot the lights out.

We re-sign them both, along with adding some depth but largely this is the same team. BTW, the Clips were able to re-sign Lebron, which I'm happy about.

We brought in a bunch of guards to appease Marmel.

Toronto Raptors Potential

Player Pos Age Cur Pot Ins Jps Fts 3ps Hnd Pas Orb Drb Psd Prd Stl Blk
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adonal Foyle C 30 D D D F D F B C B F D A
Anderson Varejao C 23 C C C F C D A A B C B B
Darius Miles C 24 D D C F D D D D D D D C
Tim Duncan PF 29 A D B F D D B A A D D B
Jonathan Bender PF 24 C D B C D D D C C D D B
Mike Sweetney PF 23 D D C F D F B C C F D C
Donnell Harvey PF 25 C D C F D F C C C D D C
Jason Kapono SF 24 C B A A C D D D D D D F
Metta World Peace SF 25 B C B B C C D C C A A C
Derek Anderson SF 31 C B A A B C D D D B A F
Dwyane Wade SG 23 A B B C C B D C C B A B
Leandro Barbosa SG 22 D B A B D D F F F C C F
Eddie House SG 27 C B A A C D F D D B B F
Louis Williams SG 19 B B B C B D F D D B B F
Steve Nash PG 31 D B A B B A F D F D D F


Our lineup will be
Duncan
Varejao
World Peace
Wade
Nash
--
Bender
Kapono
Barbosa
Anderson

Anderson has regressed a little. We also send Miles & Williams to the D-LG

[korme]

Well this was certainly a different season, and the first in which I don't feel entirely comfortable about my team's chances. We finished 55-27, good enough for 3rd in the EC and 5th overall... Lots of good teams this year, headed by the Rockets who went 70-12 - all they did this offseason was sign Tyson Chandler, who is now a 3-time DPoY.

D-Wade is our only All-Star and we get shutout on the awards season. I can't believe Timmy wasn't an All-Star or on any Teams- his 29.5 PPG was a career high.

2005 NBA Standings

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATLANTIC W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
Nets 59 23 .720 33-8 13-3 38-14
Raptors 55 27 .671 29-12 8-8 35-17
Knicks 51 31 .622 31-10 9-7 34-18
Celtics 42 40 .512 26-15 7-9 30-22
76ers 31 51 .378 21-20 3-13 22-30

----------------------------------------------------
SOUTHEAST W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
Magic 44 38 .537 28-13 11-5 25-27
Hawks 35 47 .427 24-17 8-8 25-27
Wizards 35 47 .427 23-18 7-9 22-30
Heat 35 47 .427 22-19 8-8 25-27
Bobcats 23 59 .280 13-28 6-10 16-36

----------------------------------------------------
CENTRAL W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
Bulls 62 20 .756 34-7 14-2 41-11
Pistons 37 45 .451 27-14 8-8 25-27
Pacers 36 46 .439 24-17 8-8 24-28
Bucks 33 49 .402 20-21 7-9 20-32
Cavaliers 10 72 .122 7-34 3-13 8-44

----------------------------------------------------
MIDWEST W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
Rockets 70 12 .854 36-5 14-2 47-5
Hornets 55 27 .671 33-8 13-3 32-20
Grizzlies 41 41 .500 26-15 5-11 24-28
Mavericks 40 42 .488 23-18 3-13 22-30
Spurs 28 54 .341 22-19 5-11 18-34

----------------------------------------------------
NORTHWEST W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
Jazz 48 34 .585 28-13 12-4 27-25
Nuggets 47 35 .573 26-15 10-6 31-21
Trail Blazers 47 35 .573 28-13 6-10 28-24
Timberwolves 42 40 .512 26-15 5-11 26-26
SuperSonics 38 44 .463 22-19 7-9 23-29

----------------------------------------------------
PACIFIC W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
----------------------------------------------------
Clippers 59 23 .720 33-8 11-5 34-18
Warriors 37 45 .451 24-17 9-7 22-30
Suns 35 47 .427 21-20 8-8 20-32
Kings 31 51 .378 21-20 8-8 20-32
Lakers 24 58 .293 15-26 4-12 16-36

2005 NBA Season Summary Awards

Award Pos Name Team PPG RPG APG SPG BPG
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GM of the Year: James Jackson Clippers
Coach of the Year: Keneth Stephens Clippers

Most Valuable Player: SG Kobe Bryant Hornets 35.2 5.2 5.8 1.9 0.4
Rookie of the Year: PG Chris Paul Trail Blazers 16.5 4.1 12.0 1.3 0.1
Defender of the Year: C Tyson Chandler Rockets 12.2 10.7 2.3 0.3 3.7
6th Man of the Year: SF Danny Granger SuperSonics 11.7 4.2 1.6 0.5 0.5
Most Improved Player: PF Chris Wilcox Lakers 11.9 6.0 1.0 0.3 0.8

All-League 1st Team: C Yao Ming Timberwolves 26.4 8.8 2.0 0.3 1.8
All-League 1st Team: PF Amare Stoudemire Knicks 28.0 8.6 1.6 0.6 1.9
All-League 1st Team: SF Jerry Stackhouse Celtics 24.0 5.6 3.8 1.3 0.5
All-League 1st Team: SG Kobe Bryant Hornets 35.2 5.2 5.8 1.9 0.4
All-League 1st Team: PG Steve Francis Bucks 25.4 5.4 7.3 1.7 0.1

All-League 2nd Team: C Chris Bosh 76ers 21.7 8.1 2.2 0.5 0.9
All-League 2nd Team: PF Rashard Lewis Jazz 27.6 8.0 2.8 1.7 0.9
All-League 2nd Team: SF LeBron James Clippers 19.7 6.0 5.4 2.1 0.4
All-League 2nd Team: SG Tracy McGrady Bulls 25.0 7.5 4.8 1.7 0.9
All-League 2nd Team: PG Chris Paul Trail Blazers 16.5 4.1 12.0 1.3 0.1

All-League 3rd Team: C Tyson Chandler Rockets 12.2 10.7 2.3 0.3 3.7
All-League 3rd Team: PF Pau Gasol Nets 26.9 11.7 3.7 0.5 3.5
All-League 3rd Team: SF Keith Van Horn Rockets 22.8 7.1 2.2 0.9 0.2
All-League 3rd Team: SG Michael Redd Nets 23.3 5.0 3.0 1.0 0.3
All-League 3rd Team: PG Chauncey Billups Nuggets 19.0 3.7 8.6 1.4 0.3

All-Defense 1st Team: C Tyson Chandler Rockets 12.2 10.7 2.3 0.3 3.7
All-Defense 1st Team: PF Pau Gasol Nets 26.9 11.7 3.7 0.5 3.5
All-Defense 1st Team: SF Andrei Kirilenko Magic 13.8 6.2 3.1 1.5 1.2
All-Defense 1st Team: SG Tracy McGrady Bulls 25.0 7.5 4.8 1.7 0.9
All-Defense 1st Team: PG Steve Francis Bucks 25.4 5.4 7.3 1.7 0.1

All-Defense 2nd Team: C Marcus Camby Trail Blazers 10.5 9.8 2.0 0.8 2.9
All-Defense 2nd Team: PF Chris Andersen Warriors 10.9 7.9 1.4 0.7 2.3
All-Defense 2nd Team: SF LeBron James Clippers 19.7 6.0 5.4 2.1 0.4
All-Defense 2nd Team: SG Kobe Bryant Hornets 35.2 5.2 5.8 1.9 0.4
All-Defense 2nd Team: PG Brevin Knight Knicks 9.8 3.7 8.2 2.0 0.1

All-Rookie 1st Team: C Andrew Bynum Cavaliers 6.2 6.3 1.1 0.1 1.7
All-Rookie 1st Team: PF David Lee Celtics 13.5 9.0 1.6 0.5 0.3
All-Rookie 1st Team: SF Danny Granger SuperSonics 11.7 4.2 1.6 0.5 0.5
All-Rookie 1st Team: SG Francisco Garcia Bobcats 12.1 4.4 2.1 0.7 0.5
All-Rookie 1st Team: PG Chris Paul Trail Blazers 16.5 4.1 12.0 1.3 0.1

All-Rookie 2nd Team: C Andrew Bogut Knicks 1.9 1.8 0.4 0.2 0.5
All-Rookie 2nd Team: PF Hakim Warrick Pacers 7.3 3.4 0.9 0.3 0.3
All-Rookie 2nd Team: SF Gerald Green Flame 4.4 1.7 0.6 0.3 0.1
All-Rookie 2nd Team: SG Jarrett Jack Mavericks 4.2 1.2 1.2 0.2 0.1
All-Rookie 2nd Team: PG Jose Calderon Timberwolves 15.6 3.2 7.6 0.9 0.2

Toronto Raptors Averages

Player Pos Gm Gs Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-test test test test test
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tim Duncan PF 73 73 39.0 29.5 2.5 10.6 2.2 0.4 1.7 3.0 1.8 8.8
Dwyane Wade SG 77 77 35.5 20.8 1.2 4.5 5.2 1.8 0.6 2.4 2.4 7.7
Metta World Peace SF 82 82 34.7 12.6 1.3 5.6 2.8 1.8 0.3 1.4 3.2 8.7
Steve Nash PG 82 82 34.5 12.5 0.9 3.3 7.6 0.6 0.2 2.8 1.0 6.5
Anderson Varejao C 64 64 29.7 7.4 2.6 7.7 1.2 1.2 1.0 1.7 2.5 6.2
Jonathan Bender PF 82 20 24.7 7.8 1.1 4.9 0.8 0.2 0.9 1.7 3.0 4.0
Leandro Barbosa SG 82 5 14.1 5.6 0.3 1.2 1.0 0.5 0.1 0.8 1.3 0.6
Jason Kapono SF 82 0 13.7 4.9 0.4 1.7 0.7 0.3 0.1 0.5 1.3 -0.6
Eddie House SG 52 0 12.8 6.1 0.3 1.1 1.0 0.6 0.1 1.1 1.7 -0.1
Derek Anderson SF 53 0 12.6 4.0 0.4 1.9 1.1 0.7 0.1 0.7 0.9 2.1
Mike Sweetney PF 51 7 12.3 2.6 0.7 2.7 0.5 0.1 0.1 0.8 1.7 -0.5
Adonal Foyle C 33 0 11.4 2.4 1.0 2.9 0.6 0.1 1.1 0.6 0.6 -1.4
Louis Williams SG 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0


So we enter the playoffs a little differently this time, as not the favorites, but as the grizzled veteran team looking to make another run. As the 3-seed, we get the Celtics first, who signed Jerry Stackhouse and drafted David Lee and turned the franchise around. Still, Stack is aging and Lee is raw. We should be fine.

THE PLAYOFFS - 3 SEED - 55-27
Round 1 - vs. #6 Boston (42-40)
Toronto Raptors Schedule

Date Opponent Result Score Record Attendance Type
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
04/22/06 Celtics W 116-87 1-0 19,463 Playoffs
04/23/06 Celtics W 118-80 2-0 19,391 Playoffs
04/25/06 at Celtics W 114-92 3-0 18,621 Playoffs
04/26/06 at Celtics L 88-90 3-1 18,621 Playoffs
04/28/06 Celtics W 98-89 4-1 19,475 Playoffs

Off to Round 2 where we've already relinquished home court- to the Nets, who feature stud Pau Gasol (but he's out for 9 days), Michael Redd, Mike Dunleavy, and Nick Van Exel.

Round 2 - vs. #2 New Jersey (59-23)
05/04/06 at Nets W 101-92 1-0 20,048 Playoffs
05/05/06 at Nets L 98-117 1-1 20,048 Playoffs
05/07/06 Nets W 125-111 2-1 19,787 Playoffs
05/08/06 Nets W 111-94 3-1 19,751 Playoffs
05/10/06 at Nets L 98-106 3-2 20,048 Playoffs
05/12/06 Nets W 98-90 4-2 19,799 Playoffs

We catch a break as Gasol sits the entire series and we prevail at home in Game 6... he was D2D for the last 4 games and should have played IMO... Duncan puts up a 49-15 in Game 3.

On to the Semi Finals where we face an old story, the Bulls. The winner of the East Finals has won the title each of the last 3 years, with the Bulls getting one over on us last year. They're the favorites here, at 62-20 and they have their same core.

Conference Finals - vs. #1 Chicago (62-20)

05/16/06 at Bulls L 117-118 0-1 21,766 Playoffs
05/17/06 at Bulls L 81-102 0-2 21,623 Playoffs
05/19/06 Bulls W 124-113 1-2 19,799 Playoffs
05/20/06 Bulls L 107-114 1-3 19,799 Playoffs
05/22/06 at Bulls W 93-75 2-3 21,671 Playoffs
05/24/06 Bulls W 93-82 3-3 19,667 Playoffs
05/26/06 at Bulls W 115-90 4-3 21,615 Playoffs

We rally down 3 games to 1 to dominate the rest of the series and return to the Finals.

We've got our work cut out for us against the Rockets, who have gone Fo Fo Fo so far in these playoffs. They're led by DPoY Tyson Chandler, Keith Van Horn, Manu Ginobili, Jason Richardson and Andre Miller.

The Finals - vs. #1 Houston (70-12)
05/28/06 at Rockets W 115-113 1-0 18,997 Playoffs
05/29/06 at Rockets W 91-75 2-0 18,997 Playoffs
05/31/06 Rockets L 74-92 2-1 19,679 Playoffs
06/01/06 Rockets W 108-99 3-1 19,799 Playoffs
06/02/06 Rockets W 95-81 4-1 19,799 Playoffs

But don't underestimate the power of champions! Wade completely outclasses Ginobili at the 2, and Duncan has a hell of a series as we upset the team with the third best record of All-Time in 5 games!

3 championships in 4 years as Steve Nash will hit the market this summer.

Toronto Raptors Playoff Averages

Player Pos Gm Gs Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-test test test test test
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tim Duncan PF 23 23 37.7 27.8 2.7 10.2 2.5 0.2 2.1 3.2 1.8 7.7
Dwyane Wade SG 23 23 36.8 22.7 1.3 4.7 5.9 1.8 0.6 3.2 2.0 6.7
Metta World Peace SF 23 23 34.5 11.8 1.7 5.2 2.4 2.0 0.3 1.7 3.5 7.2
Steve Nash PG 23 23 35.0 11.1 0.8 3.6 6.8 0.8 0.2 2.0 0.8 5.8
Anderson Varejao C 23 23 33.4 7.2 2.4 8.3 1.2 1.1 1.2 2.3 2.9 4.9
Jonathan Bender PF 23 0 20.9 7.9 1.0 4.0 0.7 0.3 1.0 1.1 2.7 3.4
Leandro Barbosa SG 23 0 16.2 5.5 0.5 1.3 1.0 0.6 0.1 0.9 2.0 2.1
Jason Kapono SF 23 0 13.8 5.0 0.3 1.3 0.3 0.3 0.1 0.6 1.0 1.0
Eddie House SG 17 0 10.4 3.9 0.5 1.2 1.2 0.4 0.0 0.6 1.0 2.1
Derek Anderson SF 8 0 2.0 1.3 0.1 0.4 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1 -0.5
Mike Sweetney PF 16 0 4.5 1.1 0.6 1.4 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.6 0.7 0.0
Adonal Foyle C 7 0 4.1 0.9 0.3 0.9 0.1 0.0 0.6 0.0 0.1 -0.4
Louis Williams SG 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0


Timmy wins his 3rd Playoff MVP.

[Marmel]

See, you needed more guards! :p

Wow, from game 5 with the Bulls to the title, your team put it in another gear against some great competition. Impressive!

[Young Drachma]

Yeah, these guys clearly work on a different octane come playoff time. Nice job, GM.

[Ramzavail]

Good read. I thought you lucked into duncan by trading down and the bulls taking tmac. I wonder if you would have had the same success with tmac. Also in the brent barry year I said outloud on the train "oh man he should have traded down for stack" but then you signed him later on anyway heh

[MikeVic]

I just wanted to say I stumbled upon this which searching FOFC for the novel '1984'... yeah, weird way to see this dynasty but it had me reading the entire thing and wanting to play a similar style, maybe from the Grizzlies' perspective.

Is this game: Fast Break Pro Basketball 3 (http://www.fbbgames.com/fbpb3/index.htm?)

And how do you get real players and accurate draft classes from a certain year? Can I do something like start in 1990 as an expansion team?

[sovereignstar v2]

Yep, that's the game. The historical database is built into the game, so what you want to do is really easy. All you do is change some dropdowns and the game takes care of the rest.

[MikeVic]

Thank you, off to buy!