Bringing the NBA to Oklahoma City: NBA 2K9

[JetsIn06]

'10-'11 AWARDS

MVP Award

PF Chris Bosh (Raptors)
24.4 PPG, 9.5 RPG

Rookie of the Year

PG Abraham Finley (Rockets)
14.1 PPG, 4.8 APG

Sixth Man of the Year

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

Defensive Player of the Year

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

Most Improved Player

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

All-NBA First Team

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

All-NBA Second Team

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

All-NBA Third Team

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

All-Defensive First Team

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

All-Defensive Second Team

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

All-Rookie First Team

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

All-Rookie Second Team

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

Coach of the Year

Sam Mitchell- Toronto Raptors (51-31)

THUNDER AWARDS

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

[JetsIn06]

Oklahoma City Makes Playoffs!

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

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

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

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

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

Here is how the rest of the playoff tree looks:

EAST

Raptors (1)
Cavaliers (8)

--

76ers (4)
Hawks (5)

--

Bulls (3)
Knicks (6)

--

Bobcats (2)
Celtics (7)

WEST

Jazz (1)
Grizzlies (8)

--

Hornets (4)
Blazers (5)

--

Lakers (3)
Thunder (6)

--

Nuggets (2)
Kings (7)

[JetsIn06]

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

#6 Oklahoma City Thunder @ #3 Los Angeles Lakers

STARTING LINEUPS

LAKERS

PG Bryant
SG Vujacic
SF Gomes
PF Gasol
C Bynum

THUNDER

PG Westbrook
SG House
SF Durant
PF Bargnani
C Stoudemire

---

FIRST HALF

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

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

LAK

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


SECOND HALF

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

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

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

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

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

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

Los Angeles 114, Oklahoma City 80

FINAL STATS

OKC

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

LAK

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

[JetsIn06]

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

#6 Oklahoma City Thunder @ #3 Los Angeles Lakers

Lakers are up 1-0

STARTING LINEUPS

LAKERS

PG Bryant
SG Vujacic
SF Gomes
PF Gasol
C Bynum

THUNDER

PG Westbrook
SG Durant
SF Bargnani
PF Stoudemire
C Kelley

---

FIRST HALF

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

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

LAK

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


SECOND HALF

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

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

This one wasn't even close.

Los Angeles 106, Oklahoma City 78

FINAL STATS

OKC

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

LAK

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

[JetsIn06]

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

#3 Los Angeles Lakers @ #6 Oklahoma City Thunder

Lakers are up 2-0

STARTING LINEUPS

LAKERS

PG Bryant
SG Vujacic
SF Gomes
PF Gasol
C Bynum

THUNDER

PG Westbrook
SG Durant
SF Bargnani
PF Stoudemire
C Kelley

---

FIRST HALF

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

We cut the lead to three on a Stoudemire layup.

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

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

A minute later and the score is tied at 18.

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

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

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

Bah. They tie it up within the next minute.

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

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

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

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

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

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

LAK

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


SECOND HALF

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oklahoma City 117, Los Angeles 101

FINAL STATS

OKC

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

LAK

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

[JetsIn06]

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

#3 Los Angeles Lakers @ #6 Oklahoma City Thunder

Lakers are up 2-1

STARTING LINEUPS

LAKERS

PG Bryant
SG Vujacic
SF Gomes
PF Gasol
C Bynum

THUNDER

PG Westbrook
SG House
SF Durant
PF Stoudemire
C Kelley

---

FIRST HALF

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The half ends with LA up 56-55.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

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

LAK

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


SECOND HALF

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

Stoudemire makes it a 3 point game with a layup.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oklahoma City 109, Los Angeles 91

FINAL STATS

OKC

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

LAK

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

[JetsIn06]

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

#6 Oklahoma City Thunder @ Los Angeles Lakers

Series is tied 2-2

STARTING LINEUPS

LAKERS

PG Bryant
SG Vujacic
SF Gomes
PF Gasol
C Bynum

THUNDER

PG Westbrook
SG House
SF Durant
PF Stoudemire
C Kelley

---

FIRST HALF

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The half ends with us up 45-41.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

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

LAK

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


SECOND HALF

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And this one is over.

Los Angeles 89, Oklahoma City 76

FINAL STATS

OKC

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

LAK

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

[JetsIn06]

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

#3 Los Angeles Lakers @ #6 Oklahoma City Thunder

Lakers are up 3-2

STARTING LINEUPS

LAKERS

PG Bryant
SG Vujacic
SF Gomes
PF Gasol
C Bynum

THUNDER

PG Westbrook
SG House
SF Durant
PF Stoudemire
C Kelley

---

FIRST HALF

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

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

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

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

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

The 1st ends with the Lakers up 23-22 after a last second shot from Durant.

Four minutes into the 2nd and the Lakers have jumped out to a 36-28 lead.

With 5:00 left in the half, we're down 40-35 and have the ball. We really need to get a score here. Durant dishes it to Westbrook and scores on the lay up.

LA answers back with a three from Radmanovic. Shit.

And Durant gets fouled and makes the bucket! He hits the FT and it's a three point game again.

Hughes gets fouled and puts in both shots and it's 43-42 with 2:51 left in the half.

LA scores at the last second on an inbound pass and are up 55-50.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

PTS: 50
REB: 16
AST: 10
STL: 7
BLK: 0
TO: 7
FG%: 50
3PT%: 25

LAK

PTS: 55
REB: 24
AST: 10
STL: 5
BLK: 2
TO: 9
FG%: 48
3PT%: 27


SECOND HALF

No real ground is gained until about halfway through the quarter when we cut the lead to 3. It's 61-58, LA on top.

With 3:18 left, LA is up 67-63. Durant is leading our team with 21 PTS. We're not getting the rebounds this game which is klling us.

LA expands their lead to 6 with 1:06 left in the 3rd.

The 3rd ends with LA up 75-69. We just can't gain any ground. This could potentially be our last quarter of the season. Our guys need to step it up!

We trade scores for five minutes but we finally put together a little run and we're now down by four and have the ball. We call a timeout to reorganize.

Nice! Westbrook scores and then Bynum turns it over and we have a chance to tie with 6:03 left. Come on!

Hughes shoots a three and misses but we get the rebound. We miss and they take over.

Fuck. Kobe nails a three and we're down 95-91 with 4:33 left.

LA is up 97-93 with 1:13 left. This is our last chance. We get a steal but then turn it over! ACK!

98-93 with 49 seconds left.

They score again and that is it. Our season ends here.

Los Angeles 100, Oklahoma City 93

FINAL STATS

OKC

Durant: 33-7-5
Stoudemire: 21-7-2
Westbrook: 16-4-7

LAK

Bryant: 33-3-5
Gasol: 12-12-6

[JetsIn06]

NBA PLAYOFFS - ROUND ONE RESULTS

EAST

Raptors (1) 4
Cavaliers (8) 2

--

76ers (4) 4
Hawks (5) 0

--

Bulls (3) 2
Knicks (6) 4

--

Bobcats (2) 4
Celtics (7) 1

WEST

Jazz (1) 4
Grizzlies (8) 2

--

Hornets (4) 4
Blazers (5) 3

--

Lakers (3) 4
Thunder (6) 2

--

Nuggets (2) 2
Kings (7) 4

[JetsIn06]

NBA PLAYOFFS - ROUND TWO RESULTS

EAST

Raptors (1) 4
76ers (4) 2

--

Knicks (6) 4
Bobcats (2) 2

WEST

Jazz (1) 2
Hornets (4) 4

--

Lakers (3) 4
Kings (7) 1

[JetsIn06]

NBA PLAYOFFS - ROUND THREE RESULTS

EAST

Raptors (1) 2
Knicks (6) 4

WEST

Hornets (4) 1
Lakers (3) 4

[JetsIn06]

'10-'11 FINALS

LOS ANGELES LAKERS vs. NEW YORK KNICKS

GM 1: Lakers 112, Knicks 109
(Gasol: 18-4-5; Bryant: 17-3-6; Six LA players over 10 PTS)

GM 2: Knicks 97, Lakers 88
(McGrady: 17-4-5; Lee: 16-9-1; Six NY players over 13 PTS)

GM 3: Knicks 110, Lakers 92
(McGrady: 28-4-5; Peters: 15-3-5; Seven NY players over 10 PTS)

GM 4: Lakers 110, Knicks 89
(Bynum: 26-12-1; Gasol: 23-7-3)

GM 5: Knicks 106, Lakers 87
(Peters: 22-4-1; Prince: 18-11-1; McGrady: 6-11-9)

GM 6: Lakers 116, Knicks 86
(Bryant: 35-4-2; Bynum: 25-10-1)

GM 7: Knicks 112, Lakers 105
(McGrady: 25-2-5; Lee: 15-10-0)


THE NEW YORK KNICKS ARE NBA CHAMPIONS!

MVP: SG Tracy McGrady (20.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.8 APG)

[JetsIn06]

Retiring Players

I wish that I had kept track of this the previous few seasons, but better late than never.

PF B. Wallace - Hawks - 15 yrs, 36 yo
SF B. Bowen - Magic - 15 yrs, 40 yo
SF J. Stackhouse - Mavericks - 16 yrs, 36 yo
C E. Dampier - Mavericks - 15 yrs, 35 yo
SG G. Hill - Rockets - 17 yrs, 38 yo

[JetsIn06]

OFF-SEASON

We've got some thinks to think about this off-season. For one, it really looks like Durant wants to test out free agency. He tells us that it's just good business sense for him to check it out. Greg Buckner is the only other player whose contract is running out, but we have a ton of options to decide on. I'm 99% sure Durant has 3 Bird Years so we can go over the cap to sign him, but I do need to keep the cap in mind because some solid FA's should be available.

Player Options:

C Dmitri Elliot: $494k (2 yr Team) Accepted
SF Franklin Fulton: $534k (Team) Accepted
SF Donte Greene: $2.02m (Team) Declined
PF Jason Thompsn: $3.00m (Team) Accepted
SG Larry Hughes: $4.18m (Team) Declined
C Josh Kelley: $3.64m (2 yr Team) Accepted
PG Russell Westbrook: $5.08m (Team) Accepted
Well, Kelley and Westbrook are the biggest decisions here. Westbrook has been our starting PG and has turned into a pretty solid player. Kelley, on the other hand, is a great rebounder but hasn't developed the offensive post skills I'd like to see. However, I don't want to give him up for free.

I'm going to accept both. They are both important parts of the team and Kelley could give me some value if I want to trade him.

As for Hughes, he's costing a bit of the cap, but I really like him as a defensive sub. But I might be able to get someone better (or maybe even him on a cheaper deal) so I'm going to let him walk.

Thompson is young guy who I think has a bright future, so I'll hang onto him.

Greene was never really happy here, so I'll let him walk.

Fulton and Elliot are cheap so I'll keep them around as well.

[JetsIn06]

OFF-SEASON

Player Re-Signing:

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

SF Greg Buckner
SF Kevin Durant (B)
SF Donte Greene (B)
SG Larry Hughes

So, Durant has been telling us for a while that he'd like to at least test out free agency and he hasn't changed his mind.

I'm going to let Greene walk, but Bucker and Hughes would be welcome if they don't ask for too much.

Hughes wants to become a free agent and won't talk to us. Buckner wants a 1yr deal worth $756k, so we gladly offer him a spot on the squad.

Time for the draft lottery!

[JetsIn06]

OFF-SEASON

Draft Lottery

We don't have a lottery pick this year, but it's always an exciting time of year.

1) Indiana
2) Houston
3) Washington
4) Golden State
5) Milwaukee
6) Phoenix
7) San Antonio
8) Dallas
9) Minnesota
10) Los Angeles Clippers
11) New Jersey
12) Orlando
13) Detroit
14) Miami

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

1) Washington (+2)
2) Indiana (-1)
3) Houston (-1)
4) Golden State
5) Milwaukee
6) Phoenix
7) San Antonio
8) Dallas
9) Minnesota
10) Los Angeles Clippers
11) New Jersey
12) Orlando
13) Detroit
14) Miami

Nothing too exciting. Let's move on to the draft!

[JetsIn06]

2011 Draft Ranking: Top 16

I pick 16th, so here are the top 16 players according to our scouts.

1) PF Chip Lawson
2) SF Preston Dean
3) PF Jose Rojo
4) PG Junior McCloud
5) PG Ervin Snyder
6) PF Simon Johnson
7) PG Bryant Daniel
8) PG Trent McDonald
9) PG Daryl Oliver
10) SF Percy Walton
11) PG Murray Drew
12) C Sergio Diaz
13) SG Lamond Richardson
14) PF Ben Goodrich
15) PG Jean Micoud
16) SF Darnell Williamson

Mock Draft

1. Washington: PF Chip Lawson
2. Indiana: SF Preston Dean
3. Houston: SF Percy Walton
4. Golden State: PF Jose Rojo
5. Milwaukee: PG Junior McCloud

16. Oklahoma City: SF Mathew Edwin

I really hate this pick. He's a good outside shooter but it TERRIBLE defensively, rated as an F in all aspects of defense. I'm kind of hoping PG Daryl Oliver drops to us. He's taken by the Nets at the 11th pick in the mock draft.

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

So, I've kind of fallen in love with draft prospect Preston Dean, a small forward from Nebraska.

I've got an idea for a trade. What if I packaged my #16 with C Josh Kelley to get up to #2? I could also try for #1. The best center in the draft is projected to be taken 6th, so maybe a team would prefer Kelley over one of the prospects?

I open up talks with the Wizards first. They seem like a great fit. They have two pretty good PF's, and Caron Butler at SF. Center is a bigger need for them.

I propose a trade that sends them the 16th overall and Kelley in exchange for the #1 overall and C Will Rowe, the #2 overall from last year who hasn't looked great.

They decline. I add in veteran center Steven Hunter and ask for SG Travis Baker to balance out the cap. They decline again, so I put a hold on the talks and call the Pacers.

We can't work out anything with them, so we call back the Wizards. This time, I throw in PF Thompson and ask for PF Antwan Jamison, an aging veteran who is costing them $14m. They might want to get him off the books. I can go over the cap for Durant, so I don't mind the extra salary.

They like the deal but want out 2nd round pick this year. I compromise and propose using next year's 2nd rounder instead. They accept!

Now, if for some reason Durant doesn't come back, Jamison will take over PF, Stoudemire will be at C, and Bargnani will be at SF.

[JetsIn06]

2011 NBA DRAFT

We gave up our struggling but potentially solid 4th overall pick from a couple years ago and our 16th overall for the top pick in the draft. I traded up to take SF Preston Dean, but man, PF Chip Lawson looks awesome too. Lawson is a DOMINANT defender, but isn't great offensively. Dean is pretty good defensively and a DOMINANT shooter.

My one reason to take Lawon would be that Stoudemire is getting old. Lawson could replace him. Dean couldn't. However, if Durant doesn't come back, then Dean is his replacement.

I'm going to go with Dean. His shooting is incredibly good and his defense isn't bad at all. He gives us some more wiggle room if Durant doesn't sign with us.

With the 1st pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder select...

SF, PRESTON DEAN, NEBRASKA

Lawson goes next to Indiana, and the next few picks shake out as expected. But the big "drop" was PG Junior McCloud, who fell to the Clippers at #10. He was expected to be taken 5th by the Bucks, but they chose PG Bryant Daniel instead.

Our 2nd round pick is here. I'm not entirely sure what we should do here. We need a backup guard, so I'll go ahead and take the best remaining guy. I'm definitely looking for a SG who can replace Bucker who is getting up there in age.

I go with the 19 yo Tory Law from Villanova.

And that does it! We add a true offensive machine to the squad and give ourselves a backup plan if Durant doesn't re-sign with us.

It was a tough decision though. We'll definitely have to keep an eye on Lawson. If Stoudemire retires before we expect him to, we will regret not most likely regret not taking Lawson. If Durant doesn't re-sign, we'll be super happy that was took Dean. If Stoudemire sticks around and Durant re-signs, we'll have a guy that will be huge off the bench for us and maybe an eventual replacement for Bargnani or Durant.

[JetsIn06]

FREE AGENCY

We're about $3.5m over the cap, but we have $29.3m left to go before we hit the hard cap. Durant is the best player available on the market. He wants a 6yr deal that starts at $13.6m and ends at $22m. We're going to do our best to get him here again.

Here are the Top 10 Free Agents available:

SF Kevin Durant, 22 yo
SF Paul Pierce, 33 yo
PG Tony Parker, 29 yo
SG Vince Carter, 34 yo
PF David West, 30 yo
C Al Horford, 25 yo
PG Jason Kidd, 38 yo
PF Andre Kirilenko, 30 yo
PF Zach Randolph, 30 yo
SF Thaddeus Young, 23 yo

Durant is basically the only player we can re-sign, other than a few backups we let walk.

Day 1: We kick off our free agency period by offering Durant a very lucrative deal.

I can't offer a NTC, but I make the 6th year a player option. Here's how the $ looks.

'11-'12: $13.68m
'12-'13: $15.04m
'13-'14: $16.55m
'14-'15: $18.20m
'15-'16: $20.02m
'16-'17: $22.03m

Day 2: Crap. The Hawks offer him a 5yr deal with no option and his interest with them is the same as ours. Crap.

Day 3: The Warriors offer the same deal. If he values the option, we have the best deal but it looks like it could come down to something else.

Day 4: It looks like Pierce might be headed back to the Celtics. They are giving him much more than everyone else, plus a player option.

Day 5: The Mavericks are in on the Durant sweepstakes. He says his interest is the same for everyone.

Day 6: The Spurs are offering Tony Parker a 6yr deal worth $139m. Wow.

Day 7: Vince Carter is being courted by the T'Wolves and the Hawks. Each are offering 2yr deals worth around $16m.

Day 8: David West could go to either the Clippers or the Pistons, with an outside chance of going to the Nuggets. The Clippers are giving him a player option which gives them the slight edge, I think.

Day 9: Center Al Horford is drawing heavy interest from the Cavaliers and the Suns. The Cavs are offering a player option on the 5th year. This would be a big pickup for them.

Day 10: Jason Kidd isn't asking for a ton of money and lots of teams are making offers, but the Kings and the Bulls are the main players. The Kings are offering a little more money, a starting job, and an NTC.

Day 11: There are now 13 teams who have made an offer on Durant, but only 11 are realistically possible.

Day 12: The Pistons, Hawks, and Spurs are all battling it out for Andrei Kirilenko. It looks like he'll get a 4 yr deal for around $45m with a player option on the 5th year.

Day 13: I'm starting to get very, very nervous.

Day 14: The Suns and Bucks have stepped it up and are now battling the Celtics for Pierce. I still think the Celtics land him though. They have what looks like the best offer.

Day 15: DURANT SIGNS WITH THE THUNDER! YESSSSSSSSSS!

Day 18: We make some offers to a few reserve type players and undrafted rookies.

Day 20: We sign rookie SF Sasha Pavic, and rookie SG Roman Semenko.

SF Kevin Durant, 22 yo (Thunder)
SF Paul Pierce, 33 yo (Celtics)
PG Tony Parker, 29 yo (Bucks)
SG Vince Carter, 34 yo (Mavericks)
PF David West, 30 yo (Hornets)
C Al Horford, 25 yo (Clippers)
PG Jason Kidd, 38 yo (Pistons)
PF Andre Kirilenko, 30 yo (Pistons)
PF Zach Randolph, 30 yo (Cavaliers)
SF Thaddeus Young, 23 yo (76ers)

And that does it! The Pistons look improved, with a great PG and a very solid PF added to the team. I'm just glad we got Durant. Woo!

[JetsIn06]

2011 Opening Day Roster

I think we took a big step up this year. We add a dominant shooter through the draft, but give up a solid rebounder. But with Kelley not even getting a lot of playing time last year, I don't think we lost much.

We also kept Durant around, keeping our young core players together.

STARTERS

PG: Russell Westbook, 22 yo (4) 6'3", 187 lbs.

Westbrook's numbers were down a bit last year, but he still looks like he'll be a pretty good player as he gains experience.

SG: Darius House, 24 yo (2) 6'6", 237 lbs.

House had a solid rookie year, scoring 12 PPG. We'll be depending on him for a steady stream of points this year.

SF: Kevin Durant, 23 yo (5) 6'9", 215 lbs.

All I can say is thank god this guy decided to stay around. His numbers were down last year, but only because he had Stoudemire to help out. He got a huge contract and I have no doubt that he'll be worth every penny.

PF: Andrea Bargnani, 25 yo (6) 7', 250 lbs.

Bargnani was picked up in a trade in the middle of last season. He had career highs in PPG (14.2), RPG (4.2), and APG (1.7). He's a great outside shooter but lacks instict on defense.

C : Amare Stoudemire, 28 yo (10) 6'10", 249 lbs.

Stoudemire scored 21.4 PPG last season and grabbed 7.3 RPG. He's given our team a tremendous lift and I'm so glad we spent the money on him. He can score from anywhere but is excellent in the paint. His post defense also helps us out since Bargnani sucks on D.

SIXTH MAN

PF: Antwan Jamison, 35 yo (14) 6'9", 235 lbs.

Jamison could start on most teams but he'll start this year as our sixth man. I could see him taking over for Bargnani at some point, but we'll see. Jamison isn't any better on defense, but is a pretty good shooter and is a very good rebounder.

ROLE PLAYERS

SF: Preston Dean, 21 yo (R) 6'7", 236 lbs.

Dean was the first overall pick in the 2011 draft and he looks like he'll be great. He really is a great player all around. He'll start on the bench but his minutes will grow as he gets some experience.

C: Steven Hunter, 29 yo (11) 7', 240 lbs.

Hunter only averaged around 10 MPG last year but did okay while he was in. He adds a lot of size to our roster and is a good post defender and rebounder.

PG: Chris Quinn, 28 yo (6) 6'2", 175 lbs.

Quinn didn't get on the court as much as he did two years ago, but I still think he's a solid option off the bench to spell Westbrook.

BENCH WARMERS

SG: Greg Buckner, 35 yo (13) 6'4", 210 lbs.

Buckner was a mid-season free agent pickup last season. He didn't get on the court much, but he's on okay option to give our starters a breather.

SF: Franklin Fulton, 24 yo (3) 6'7", 236 lbs.

Fulton can hit the outside shot, but he hasn't really turned into anything special. He will probably stay on as long as he doesn't ask for too much money in the future.

PROSPECTS

SG: Troy Law, 20 yo (R) 6'7", 216 lbs.

Law is an outside shooter, but he's not bad at creating plays for his teammates either. I like to see that in bench players.

OPENING DAY ROTATION

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

PG Westbrook: 36
SG House: 34
SF Durant: 39
PF Bargnani: 31
C Stoudemire: 43

PF Jamison: 17
SF Dean: 15
PG Quinn: 10
C Hunter: 10
SG Buckner: 3
SF Fulton: 1
SG Law: 1

C Elliot: (Rsv)
SG Semenko: (Rsv)
SF Pavic: (Rsv)

[JetsIn06]

2012 Draft Outlook

Here's a quick look at the Top 5 players in the 2012 draft. Looks like a very guard heavy draft.

SG Manny Cruz - Puerto Rico

Cruz is an outside shooter with great playmaking ability. His defense is below average for a PG, but he can definitely put some points on the board.

SG Carlton Coleman - South Carolina

Coleman is a pure shooting guard. His defense is terrible, but he actually is a very good playmaker. He's also terrific athletically.

SG Nick Vincent - Northwestern

Vincent is a more defensive minded version of Coleman. His shooting isn't as good, but his defense is pretty solid.

PG Elton Lambert

Lambert is a great outside shooter, a great playmaker, and a great perimeter defender. He could shoot to the top of the board after some more in depth scouting, possibly.

PG Jess Reed

Reed is a good playmaker and perimeter defender. He can shoot the three, but he's not great at it. He definitely can't drive to the rim.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:

UTA: 116-119 W (Bargnani: 26-5-0; Durant: 24-1-7; Stoudemire: 21-13-1)
LAK: 107-104 L (House: 20-4-7; Stoudemire: 18-5-0; Durant: 12-7-7)
@ LAK: 93-116 L (Durant: 26-2-3; House: 26-4-0; Stoudemire: 12-4-1)
DEN: 99-103 W (Durant: 32-7-3; Stoudemire: 20-5-3; House: 14-6-6)
POR: 108-95 L (Durant: 19-5-4; House: 18-4-4)
@ PHI: 97-102 L (Durant: 20-8-7; Westbrook: 18-1-3)
@ NY: 91-88 W (Stoudemire: 30-11-2; Durant: 20-7-4)
@ ORL: 98-102 L (Durant: 22-8-5; Stoudemire: 21-6-0; House: 16-2-10)
@ CHA: 103-90 W (Stoudemire: 25-8-4; Durant: 18-6-4; Bargnani: 15-7-2)
@ MIL: 95-102 L (Stoudemire: 32-5-0; House: 16-6-4)
SAC: 98-110 W (Durant: 26-3-3; House: 25-1-5)
DET: 99-115 W (Stoudemire: 22-6-0; House: 18-6-10; Bargnani: 18-4-1)
@ HOU: 91-88 W (House: 18-5-2; Stoudemire: 17-6-1: Durant: 10-8-9)
@ NO: 94-101 L (House: 23-4-4; Durant: 22-6-4; Stoudemire: 15-17-4)

Current Record: (7-7)

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

We need to make a change. We have the players, but we just can't seem to put it together to win a lot of games.

After looking at the stats, it looks like Westbrook is a problem. He is averaging less then one assist per game.

I think I'm going to try and trade him for an older player from a team who needs to get younger.

I check out the standings, and the Suns are at 3-9. Steve Nash looks like a good target. He has one year left on his deal, and he might retire, but he could give us the spark we need.

I put together a deal that sends our two PG's, Westbrook and Quinn, for Steve Nash and rookie 2nd rounder Jean Micoud, another PG. I also ask for their 2nd round pick.

They accept! Steve Nash, welcome to the Thunder!

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(Name: PTS, REB, AST)

CLE: 78-101 W (Durant: 23-3-1; Stoudemire: 22-6-0; Nash: 14-2-8)
NO: 108-92 L (Durant: 23-5-2; Nash: 18-1-9; Stoudemire: 13-6-0)
GS: 98-86 L (Jamison: 17-3-0; Stoudemire: 16-6-2; House: 13-3-3)
NJ: 94-82 L (Durant: 26-7-3; Stoudemire: 20-12-0)
@ GS: 109-92 W (Bargnani: 21-9-1; Durant: 20-4-5; Nash: 15-1-7)
WAS: 101-117 W (Stoudemire: 36-7-1; Jamison: 21-1-0; Nash: 2-1-11)
TOR: 110-103 L (Durant: 30-6-0; Dean: 17-2-0; Nash: 11-2-8)
@ SAC: 105-111 L (Durant: 23-5-5; Stoudemire: 18-8-1; Nash: 17-1-4)
@ MIN: 104-129 L (Durant: 28-8-5; Stoudemire: 13-5-0; House: 12-5-3)
DEN: 84-93 W (House: 23-6-2; Nash: 17-1-3; Stoudemire: 14-15-1)
MIA: 103-111 W (Durant: 27-4-5; Stoudemire: 24-6-2; House: 18-6-2)

Current Record: (12-13)

[Young Drachma]

Drawing the Lakers was a tall number, but your boys made a series of it at least. Keep it up.

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

Our defense is really killing us. Unfortunately, the Nash trade did nothing but hurt us in this regard. What I need is a guy who will get assists but also be able to play defense.

So with that, I'm going to try and trade Nash for a team that needs offense and has a more all-around PG.

The Pistons look like a great match. They have a winning record so they can afford to go after an older player, they are in the bottom half of the league in scoring, and they have three very good point guards in Jason Kidd, Kirk Hinrich, and Mike Bibby.

I think this is a great time for a three-way trade.

Here is an initial offer.

We send Steve Nash to the Spurs, the Pistons send us Kirk Hinrich, and the Spurs send the Pistons Shelden Williams and Luke Ridnour.

It's accepted!

[Young Drachma]

Hmm..that's an interesting trade. Do you think it makes you net better? Or were you trying to clear Nash's salary to do something more meaningful down the road?

[JetsIn06]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

Hmm..that's an interesting trade. Do you think it makes you net better? Or were you trying to clear Nash's salary to do something more meaningful down the road?

Nah, nothing to do with salary. I saw Westbrook's stats are figured it was his lack of offensive production that was hurting us.

I picked up Nash to remedy that. But when I looked at some of the other stats, I came to the conclusion that not only was the lack of PG production hurting us, it was our defense.

Westbrook was great on defense, but was averaging less than one assist per game. I got Nash to fix that, but he is dreadul on defense.

Hinrich gives me a little bit of both. He's a pretty good perimeter defender, a very good ball handler, and a pretty good outside shooter.

He's in the last year of his contract which is worth $8m.

[JetsIn06]

Now I have another option to beef up my defense, as well.

I have SG House, a former 1st overall pick, and SF Dean, last years first overall pick.

House is averaging 14.4 PPG as a starter, and Dean is doing great off the bench, but he really has no where to go with our lineup.

Dean would give us very similar offensive numbers but would also beef up our defense quite a bit.

I'm considering putting Dean in as the starting SG and having House come off the bench as the sixth man.

I think I'm going to try that. We just need some defensive help bad. We're the third worst defense in the NBA.

[JetsIn06]

Will update scores after A Christmas Story, but Durant is out for the next two weeks with a separated shoulder. Ugh.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(Name: PTS, REB, AST)

@ BOS: 103-87 W (Durant: 28-6-5; Hinrich: 21-2-8; Stoudemire: 18-14-2)
@ NJ: 109-104 W (Durant: 33-7-5; Bargnani: 17-3-1; Hinrich: 11-1-7)
@ IND: 78-82 L (Stoudemire: 27-9-2; Durant: 17-8-3; Bargnani: 14-9-0)
@ CLE: 91-103 L (Durant: 26-3-4; Stoudemire: 13-2-1; House: 9-2-3)
@ DET: 101-108 L (Stoudemire: 29-4-0; Durant: 19-8-6)
SA: 96-80 L (Durant: 22-6-3; Stoudemire: 19-2-1; Bargnani: 12-5-2)
@ MEM: 95-92 W (Durant: 19-4-4; Stoudemire: 18-8-0; House: 13-5-6)
NY: 79-99 W (Durant: 22-9-7; Stoudemire: 21-13-2; House: 13-5-5)
@ PHO: 88-81 W (Durant: 30-7-3; Dean: 16-6-3; Stoudemire: 7-10-2)
LAC: 94-100 W (Durant: 26-9-1; Stoudemire: 25-5-0; Dean: 11-1-3)
DAL: 91-85 L (Durant: 19-3-5; Bargnani: 17-5-0; Dean: 16-4-3)
IND: 83-109 W (Durant: 36-4-3; Stoudemire: 19-10-1; House: 4-4-8)
CHI: 107-95 L (House: 21-1-2; Bargnani: 16-7-2; Hinrich: 15-3-9)

Current Record: (19-19)

[JetsIn06]

Around the NBA

With around 45 games left to play for most teams, here's a quick look at how things are shaking out.

The Eastern Conference is playing exceptionally better than the West. The Chicago Bulls lead the East, and the NBA with a 29-9 record. The Nets are three games behind them. Four other teams have 22 wins or more.

In the West, however, only two teams (Jazz and Clippers) have 22 wins.

Sixteen year veteran Allen Iverson of the Pacers leads the league with 25.3 PPG. Dwight Howard continues to dominate the boards and leads the league with 11.1 RPG. Seven year vet Chris Paul is leading the NBA with 9.4 assists per game.

The Lakers and Thunder, who happen to face each other in the first round of the playoffs last year, lead the league in points per game with 98.6 and 98.5, respectively. However, the Thunder are somewhat struggling with a 19-19 record because of poor defense. They're giving up the fifth most points per game in the league. Of the nine worst defensive teams, the Thunder have the best record. The team with the 10th worst defense, the Jazz, has the 4th best record in the league.

As for the rookies, Ervin Snyder, the 11th overall pick taken by the Nets, leads the first-year men with 11 PPG and 3 assists per game. He's playing around 21 minutes per game.

Murray Drew, taken by the Heat with the 14th pick is seeing the floor more often than every other rookie by a five minute margin.

Second overall pick Chip Lawson, who many thought had 1st overall talent, is off to a rocky start. He is unhappy with the way Indiana has used him, and he's only scoring 4.6 PPG. His rebounding has been okay though, pulling down 5.3 per game. He is unhappy with the amount of time he is seeing the court, averaging 23.7 MPG.

Tony Parker, who was arguably the best free agent who switched teams, has been doing well with the Bucks. He's the leading scorer on the team, putting up 21.1 PPG.

[JetsIn06]

TRADE RUMOR

Antwan Jamison needs to go. When asked to rate his morale from 1-10, he responded, "Zero." He is unhappy and his play has reflected his feelings.

Getting rid of his $14,000,000 salary could be difficult though.

I talk to the 76ers, who could potentially want to trade defense for offense at the PF position. We put together a trade that would send Jamison in return for PF Drew Gooden and PG Louis Williams.

They counter, asking for our rookie PG Micoud and our 1st round pick. With the way we've been playing, I really don't want to give up my 1st rounder, especially for these guys.

I make it a 2nd rounder and throw in SF Fulton. I ask for 2nd year PF Leslie Romero in return as well to balance the cap issues. They decline.

I put next year's first in, add our SG Semenko, and ask for their SG Chris Douglas Roberts as well. They decline again.

I move on to the Nets, who also look like a possible partner. They have a huge surplus of PF's. Maybe I can take two, give them Jamison and another.

I can't come up with a deal, so I throw him on the trade block, take him out of the rotation, and pray that someone will take him off my hands.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(Name: PTS, REB, AST)

@ POR: 77-89 L (Bargnani: 19-5-2; Hinrich: 15-2-4; Stoudemire: 14-6-0)
@ NO: 97-99 L (Stoudemire: 29-8-2; House: 20-8-3; Dean: 18-4-5)
@ SA: 81-96 L (Stoudemire: 23-8-1; Hinrich: 14-0-4; Bargnani: 12-8-1)
MIN: 100-106 W (Stoudemire: 29-10-0; Dean: 18-2-2; Hinrich: 14-1-8)
@ MEM: 81-90 L (Stoudemire: 22-12-2; House: 17-5-1; Hinrich: 9-4-9)
MIL: 100-109 W (Stoudemire: 29-8-3; Jamison: 19-2-0; Dean: 17-4-3)
@ UTA: 95-83 W (Durant: 26-3-2; Stoudemire: 25-15-2)
HOU: 92-109 W (Durant: 39-5-5; Stoudemire: 28-15-1; Hinrich: 10-3-6)
POR: 107-103 L (Stoudemire: 26-6-1; Durant: 25-2-7; Dean: 17-3-4)
@ DEN: 106-108 L (Stoudemire: 28-9-0; Durant: 23-7-3)
CHA: 82-102 W (Stoudemire: 30-13-0; Durant: 23-5-9)
SA: 89-97 W (Durant: 29-4-0; Barnani: 16-6-0; Hinrich: 10-1-7)

Current Record: (25-25)

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

With Jamison being a whiny little bitch, I don't have a backup PF.

The Spurs have come to me with a trade offer asking for our backup center Steven Hunter.

In return, they'll send us PF Matt Bonner and C Kurt Thomas. I like the trade, but ask for their 2nd round pick as well.

They counter and ask for our young 3rd string SF, Franklin Fulton. We don't mind giving him up with both Dean and Durant at SF, so we accept.

Done deal!

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

The next day, we get a call from the Lakers.

They want to swap PG's and send us a 1st rounder for the trouble.

Actually, I love this trade for us.

They send us PG Luther Head. He's a great outside shooter, a good perimeter defender and a good ball handler. He is basically Hinrich with better outside shooting.

Plus, we get the first round pick. Also, Head is signed for three years so we know have a long term starter at the position.

[JetsIn06]

What I'm going to try out after the all-star break is put House at PG. Head doesn't expect to be a starter, and I want to give House playing time. He's gotten a lot of assists so he seems like a pretty good distributor.

Game Sims:

@ GS: 107-92 W (Durant: 24-2-0; Stoudemire: 22-7-1; House: 11-5-5)
@ LAC: 80-81 L (Durant: 23-4-1; Stoudemire: 16-8-2; Dean: 10-8-1)
PHO: 89-103 W (Durant: 34-4-1; Bargnani: 15-4-0; Dean: 10-2-5)

Current Record: (27-26)

[JetsIn06]

ALL-STAR BREAK

East All-Star Team Starting Five

PG: Derrick Rose (Bulls - 2nd Appearance)
SG: Andre Iguodala (76ers - 2nd Appearance)
SF: LeBron James (Cavaliers - 8th Appearance)
PF: Kevin Garnett (Celtics - 14th Appearance)
C: Dwight Howard (Magic - 6th Appearance)

West All-Star Team Starting Five

PG: Chris Paul (Hornets - 4th Appearance)
SG: Kobe Bryant (Lakers - 13th Appearance)
SF: Carmelo Anthony (Nuggets - 6th Appearance)
PF: Al Jefferson (T'Wolves - 2nd Appearance)
C: Amare Stoudemire (Thunder - 6th Appearance)

OKC Thunder All-Stars

C Amare Stoudemire (6th Appearance)

All-Star Game

West 104, East 102

Stoudemire: 5 PTS, 5 REB

[JetsIn06]

Around the League Update

Team Report

PG House: 11.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.9 APG
SG Durant: 23.0 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.1 APG
SF Dean: 9.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.5 APG
PF Bargnani: 11.7 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.1 APG
C Stoudemire: 19.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.2 APG

Playoff Picture

East

1. Bulls (42-12)
2. Nets (34-19)
3. Bobcats (31-21)
4. 76ers (30-22)
5. Cavaliers (30-23)
6. Heat (27-24)
7. Raptors (29-26)
8. Hawks (26-26)

On the Bubble

Bucks (25-26)
Magic (26-27)
Pistons (25-30)

West

1. Hornets (31-21)
2. Lakers (31-22)
3. Clippers (31-23)
4. Blazers (30-23)
5. Grizzlies (30-23)
6. Thunder (27-26)
7. Mavericks (25-25)
8. Jazz (26-27)

On the Bubble

Kings (23-28)
T'Wolves (23-28)

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

Once again, we're trying to get this worthless shit off our team

We talk to the Rockets who are in need of a PF. We need a SF.

We ask for SF Corey Brewer and our old friend, center Chris Wilcox.

They won't do it straight up, so I throw in the Lakers 1st rounder and ask for their 2nd rounder. They decline again.

I then start talking to the Timberwolves. While it could be crazy, I'm going to attempt to get Al Jefferson.

I start out by sending Jamison, Bargnani, and the Lakers 1st rounder for Jefferson and center Udonis Hasleem. Unsurprisingly, they decline. So I also throw in my 1st rounder. Jefferson is better than anyone I can get with those low 1st rounders. They decline again.

Looks like this isn't happening.

But finally, we find a deal with the Suns. They have $12m in cap room, so it's not too difficult to balance out the cap requirements. We send them Jamison and this years 2nd rounder from the Spurs in exchange for next years wnd rounder and SF Nicolas Batum, an athletic outside shooter and good perimeter defender.

This trade works out perfectly for us.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(Name: PTS, REB, AST)

NO: 105-78 L (Durant: 30-8-7)
BOS: 71-113 W (Durant: 25-10-4; Dean: 23-5-5; Stoudemire: 15-13-2)
DAL: 66-81 W (Durant: 24-12-4; Dean: 14-3-3; House: 9-10-1)
ATL: 99-114 W (Durant: 24-6-6; Bargnani: 21-2-1; Batum: 18-3-0)
@ MIN: 103-102 W (Durant: 36-10-5; Stoudemire: 24-12-4)
GS: 74-90 W (Durant: 30-8-5; House: 15-5-1; Bargnani: 12-7-0)
@ LAC: 108-99 W (Stoudemire: 21-8-0; Durant: 20-9-10)
MEM: 92-106 W (Stoudemire: 33-11-2; Durant: 26-7-7; Bargnani: 9-10-1)
UTA: 77-85 W (Durant: 20-15-4; House: 16-6-4)
@ TOR: 93-87 W (Durant: 24-5-7; Stoudemire: 23-10-2; Head: 22-1-4)
@ CHI: 87-93 L (Durant: 23-8-3; Bargnani: 19-1-1; House: 12-5-3)

Current Record: (36-28)

[JetsIn06]

Wow. We must have done something right! I'm not sure if it was the new players or getting rid of a cancer in the locker room, but we won nine straight games and then had an extremely close game with the best team in the league.

Good job men!

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(Name: PTS, REB, AST)

@ ATL: 86-109 L (Durant: 22-6-4; Stoudemire: 13-7-1)
@ WAS: 105-94 W (Stoudemire: 34-5-0; Durant: 20-7-5; House: 9-4-6)
@ MIA: 100-96 W (Head: 24-5-1; Durant: 19-9-5; Stoudemire: 17-5-2)
ORL: 99-113 W (Durant: 39-6-5; Bargnani: 13-8-2)
@ POR: 88-117 L (Durant: 30-2-6; Stoudemire: 20-13-2)
MEM: 73-76 W (Stoudemire: 20-10-2; Durant: 15-9-2; Bargnani: 15-4-0)
@ SAC: 89-103 L (Stoudemire: 33-8-1; Durant: 20-6-6; House: 9-3-6)
SAC: 86-96 W (Durant: 35-6-5; Stoudemire: 13-14-4; Bargnani: 15-2-3)
PHI: 107-111 W (Durant: 31-7-7; Dean: 20-4-2; Stoudemire: 20-5-2)
@ DEN: 72-121 L (Durant: 24-4-6; Stoudemire: 13-2-3)
@ UTA: 94-91 W (Durant: 29-13-6; Dean: 5-1-6)
MIN: 98-103 W (Stoudemire: 32-11-0; Durant: 21-5-4; Batum: 14-2-0)

Current Record: (44-32)

[JetsIn06]

Down to the Wire: Around the NBA Update

Most teams have around 6 or 7 games left, so here is a quick update of what is going on.

The Bulls have a 57-19 record, which is 9 games better than the next best team, the Lakers.

The Thunder have gone 17-6 since the All-Star Break and have moved up to the #2 seed in the Western Conference.

In the East, the following teams are virtual locks to make the playoffs:

Bulls
76ers
Nets
Bobcats
Bucks
Raptors
Cavaliers

The Heat are currently the #8 seed at 38-37, but the Magic and Hawks are right there as well.

In the West, the following teams are virtual locks:

Lakers
Thunder
Clippers
Grizzlies
Hornets
Blazers
Nuggets

The Warriors hold the #8 seed, but the Jazz, Kings, and Mavericks could easily take it.

The Wizards, Knicks, Rockets, and Celtics look like they'll be battling for the 1st overall pick.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(Name: PTS, REB, AST)

@ DAL: 72-94 L (Durant: 29-3-5; Stoudemire: 13-10-1)
@ SA: 100-86 W (Durant: 31-7-2; Stoudemire: 20-4-1)
@ HOU: 91-99 L (Durant:30-4-4; House: 14-6-4)
LAC: 69-109 W (Durant: 37-7-5; Bargnani: 22-6-2; Dean: 13-8-2)
LAK: 112-66 L (Durant: 15-7-6; Bonner: 9-7-0)
@ PHO: 99-98 W (Stoudemire: 34-13-2; Dean: 16-3-3; Durant: 13-9-5)

Final Record: (47-35)

[JetsIn06]

We've won the division and we are GOING TO THE PLAYOFFS!

[JetsIn06]

Final Thunder Stats:

PG: House (10.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 3.7 APG)
SG: Durant (24.0 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 4.5 APG)
SF: Dean (9.8 PPG, 3.5 RG, 2.8 APG)
PF: Bargnani (11.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.0 APG)
C: Stoudemire (18.8 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.3 RPG)

Top Bench Player: PG Head (9.7 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 2.5 APG)

[JetsIn06]

'11-'12 AWARDS

MVP Award

PG Derrick Rose (Bulls)
20.1 PPG, 6.1 APG, 4.4 RPG, 1.4 SPG

Rookie of the Year

PG Murray Drew (Heat)
9.7 PPG, 6.0 APG

Sixth Man of the Year

SF J.P. Phillips (Kings)
6.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.8 APG

Defensive Player of the Year

C Dwight Howard (Magic)
22.4 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 2.9 BPG

Most Improved Player

SG Daryl Gilbert (Warriors)
12.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.6 APG

All-NBA First Team

PG Derrick Rose (Bulls)
SG Dwayne Wade (Heat)
SF LeBron James (Cavaliers)
PF Al Jefferson (T'Wolves)
C Dwight Howard (Magic)

All-NBA Second Team

PG Chris Paul (Hornets)
SG Kevin Durant (Thunder)
SF Rudy Gay (Grizzlies)
PF Josh Smith (Hawks)
C Amare Stoudemire (Thunder)

All-NBA Third Team

PG Deron Williams (Jazz)
SG Andre Iguodala (76ers)
SF Carmelo Anthony (Nuggets)
PF Kevin Garnett (Celtics)
C Andrew Bynum (Lakers)

All-Defensive First Team

PG Rajon Rondo (Celtics)
SG Kevin Durant (Thunder)
SF LeBron James (Cavaliers)
PF Josh Smith (Hawks)
C Dwight Howard (Magic)

All-Defensive Second Team

PG Abraham Finley (Rockets)
SG Andre Iguodala (76ers)
SF Rudy Gay (Grizzlies)
PF Al Jefferson (T'Wolves)
C Andrew Bynum (Lakers)

All-Rookie First Team

PG Murray Drew (Heat)
SG Lamond Richardson (Pistons)
SF Preston Dean (Thunder)
PF Ben Goodrich (Hawks)
C Sergio Diaz (Suns)

All-Rookie Second Team

PG Daryl Oliver (Raptors)
SG Jerry Lucas (Nuggets)
SF Percy Walton (Rockets)
PF Chip Lawson (Pacers)
C Jeffery Fletcher (Spurs)

Coach of the Year

Vinny Del Negro - Chicago Bulls (62-20)

THUNDER AWARDS

SF Kevin Durant (All-NBA Second Team, All-Defensive First Team)
C Amare Stoudemire (All-NBA Second Team)
SF Preston Dean (All-Rookie First Team)

[JetsIn06]

NBA PLAYOFFS

We had a chance to get the #2 seed, but Memphis won their final game which put them one game ahead of us. We get the #3 though and will face the Portland Trail Blazers.

This is a very cool matchup that pits the #1 overall pick (C Greg Oden) and the #2 overall pick (SG Kevin Durant) from the same year against each other.

EAST

Bulls (1)
Hawks (8)

--

Cavaliers (4)
Nets (5)

--

76ers (3)
Bucks (6)

--

Bobcats (2)
Raptors (7)

WEST

Lakers (1)
Kings (8)

--

Clippers (4)
Hornets (5)

--

Thunder (3)
Blazers (6)

--

Grizzlies (2)
Nuggets (7)