Being Abdul-Jabbar (a DDSPB 2 dynasty)

[fpres]

After spending some time away from DDSPB 1/2 except for my involvement in a multiplayer league, I decided to fire up the latest iteration and give myself a solo career challenge to make things interesting.

The Goal

• to draft a player and help him set a new record for career points
• current record = Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with 38,387 regular season points (44,149 points overall factoring in playoff production)

House Rules

• All bets are off when it comes to trading. If the game allows a trade, then I will allow it as well.
• I can go with a hired coach or coach games myself.
• I can be fired. If I'm given the axe, then I may try to get hired on by another organization, but I will have to restart my effort (draft --> develop --> make a run for the record).
• No restarts or reloads except in the event of a CTD (back-up league files will be kept to make this possible).
• I will start at the beginning of the 2010-11 season. The 2010 draft and subsequent FA period will have just ended.
• If another player ends up breaking Kareem's record before my own player is able to do so (i.e., Lebron James), my player has to break the new record.

Choice of Team

• I will use a random number generator to select a number from 1 to 30.
• All pro teams will be alphabetized and given a corresponding number.
• Whatever team comes up is the lucky franchise which will witness history being made.

Well, that's basically the gist of this dynasty. At times, it'll probably move very quickly. At other times, the pace will be considerably slower.

Without further ado...

The number generator gives me 20...the New York Knicks.

New York Knicks
Owner:                  Charles Rolen
Willingness to Spend:   High
Desire to Win:          High
Patience:               Very Low

Awesome. This will be more challenging than I initially thought.

[fpres]

This is what we'll go with to start the 2010-11 campaign (no trades yet):

PG   Raymond Felton      decent floor general under contract for 3 yrs, $25 mil
SG   Danilo Gallinari    trade bait once we get close to the deadline
SF   Wilson Chandler     see Gallinari above
PF   Anthony Randolph    good defender; will probably hold onto him
C    Amare Stoudemire    5 years at $100+ mil; will probably be stuck with him for awhile

6th  Kelenna Azubuike    expiring $3.3 mil
7th  Bill Walker         cheap, young swingman
8th  Landry Fields       rookie capable of some defense
9th  Tony Douglas        below-average PG
10th Timofey Mozgov      7-footer who could possibly develop into a low-post defender
11th Ronny Turiaf        veteran big man capable of decent defense
12th Shawne Williams     will see limited time

IR   Roger Mason         expiring $1.4 mil
IR   Eddy Curry          expiring $11.2 mil!
D-L  Andy Rautins        will be sent to the D-League

I decide to let our coaching staff (Head Coach Mike D'Antoni, 1st Assistant Herb Williams, 2nd Assistant Phil Weber, 3rd Assistant Dan D'Antoni) handle things for the moment.

[Izulde]

:eatpop:

I think your best opportunity is an owner who doesn't care about winning, high patience.

That way you can find a high scoring, good shooting % player and surround him with guys who have low scoring, so he'll be the undisputed #1 player on offense.

[Autumn]

Cool idea, I"ll be watching.

[fpres]

Originally Posted by Izulde

I think your best opportunity is an owner who doesn't care about winning, high patience.

That way you can find a high scoring, good shooting % player and surround him with guys who have low scoring, so he'll be the undisputed #1 player on offense.

That's what I'm thinking as well. I think I have a fair chance of getting fired by New York, but I'm going to press on with my plan and try to make it work with the Knicks.

Originally Posted by Autumn

Cool idea, I"ll be watching.

Thanks!

[fpres]

November 2010
Through our first month of play, we posted a 9-6 record overall (6-2 at home, 3-4 on the road). Not too shabby considering I didn't try to micromanage. This places us in 6th place in the East (3rd in the Atlantic Division). The Sixers sit atop the Eastern Conference with a 12-3 record. Meanwhile, Dallas is tops in the league at 12-2.

The highlight of the month was an inspirational opening night win against the All-Star-studded Miami Heat by a 104-83 score.

All was not rosy in November though. Gallinari and Fields kept butting heads and had to be dragged into the principal's office on several occasions. Gallinari was okay about the 'gentle reminders' to calm down...Landry was less so. I can guarantee that at least one of the two won't be wearing a Knicks uniform by the end of February.

On the injury front, two of our starters picked up some nagging injuries which will carry over into December. Anthony Randolph strained his hamstring, and Wilson Chandler sprained an ankle.

-----------------------------------------------------
Here's a breakdown of some individual stats one month into the season.

			PPG	RPG	APG
PG Raymond Felton			12.7	3.6	5.7
SG Danilo Gallinari			10.9	3.9	2.0
SF Wilson Chandler			10.9	4.4	2.4
PF Anthony Randolph			6.1	7.2	1.2
C Amare Stoudemire			22.4	12.8	1.7
SG/SF Kelenna Azubuike			12.9	3.8	1.5
PF/C Timofey Mozgov			6.2	4.3	0.8
SG Landry Fields			1.9	0.3	0.1
SG/SF Bill Walker			9.5	1.9	0.9
PG Tony Douglas			9.6	1.5	3.8
PF/C Ronny Turiaf			2.0	2.9	0.6
PG/SG/SF Roger Mason			0	0	0
SF/PF Shawne Williams			0.8	0.2	0.2
C Eddy Curry			0	0	0

-----------------------------------------------------

Taking a peek at the top producers slated to enter next summer's draft, here are 10 guys to keep an eye on...

1. SF Khalid Worley			6'7"	HS	27.7 ppg	16.9 rpg
2. C Matt Moss			7'3"	Jr (Pitt)	24.7 ppg	14.2 rpg
3. PF Nat Allaway			6'11"	HS	29.7 ppg	17.4 rpg
4. SF Anti Cvitanovic			6'10"	Croatia	25.8 ppg	12.5 rpg
5. SG Chris Monroe			6'8"	So (Lamar)	23.0 ppg	8.3 rpg	9.6 apg
6. SF Esteban Rodriguez			6'8"	Argentina	21.9 ppg	10.2 rpg	7.6 apg
7. C Mike Butler			6'11"	Sr (Ill St)	21.4 ppg	14.6 rpg
8. PG Cordell Reid			6'3"	So (BYU)	23.7 ppg	9.8 apg
9. SF JaJa Reece			6'8"	Fr (Mich St)	14.5 ppg	7.6 rpg
10. SG Calvin Craig			6'8"	So (Kansas)	23.5 ppg	8.8 rpg	8.2 apg

[Izulde]

7'3 C, 6'10 SF, 6'8 SGs? Yes, please.

[DeToxRox]

Really loving this.

[fpres]

Originally Posted by Izulde

7'3 C, 6'10 SF, 6'8 SGs? Yes, please.

Definitely some intriguing guys on that list. I'll be interested in seeing more information as the scouting reports start to come out.

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Really loving this.

Thanks!

[fpres]

December 2010
It was a rough month for us. Thanks to a 5-9 mark, we will enter 2011 a game under .500. We're tied with the Bucks for 8th place in the East. Our road woes continued as we dropped seven of eight away from the Big Apple.

I wasn't a fan of Amare Stoudemire's contract coming into this year (and I'm still not), but I am a big fan of his performance to date. He ranks 2nd in the league in rebounds, 3rd in double doubles, and 12th in scoring. It's also no surprise that we started to slide when he banged up his knee.

Tensions between Gallinari and Fields seemed to cool off finally, but a new tiff arose between Raymond Felton and Timofey Mozgov. The two even came to blows on New Year's Eve. How's that for holiday spirit? It seems that the mood in the locker room is starting to suffer from the bad vibes, so this is something that will have to be addressed when I start shopping players next month.

Besides Stoudemire's injury, Mozgov strained his hamstring towards the end of the month and will be hampered for the first week of January.

Elsewhere in the league, the Nuggets are riding high with a 24-7 record thanks to Carmelo Anthony's league-leading 27.5 ppg. Orlando leads the East at 22-8.

-----------------------------------------------
Here are our individual stats going into January:

		PPG	RPG	APG
PG Raymond Felton		13.2	3.2	6.1
SG Danilo Gallinari		12.0	3.4	1.9
SF Wilson Chandler		9.7	3.9	1.7
PF Anthony Randolph		7.4	5.8	1.1
C Amare Stoudemire		22.4	12.7	2.0
SG/SF Kelenna Azubuike		12.3	3.3	1.5
PG Tony Douglas		8.8	1.8	4.0
SG/SF Bill Walker		6.9	1.3	0.6
PF/C Timofey Mozgov		6.7	4.3	1.0
PG/SG/SF Roger Mason		4.0	0.7	1.8
SG Landry Fields		3.6	1.2	0.6
PF/C Ronny Turiaf		2.7	2.9	0.6
C Eddy Curry		2.0	1.8	0.4
SF/PF Shawne Williams		0.8	0.3	0.1

-----------------------------------------------
I'm continuing to keep an eye on these draft prospects:

1. PF Nat Allaway		6'11"	HS		27.0 ppg	15.8 rpg
2. SF Esteban Rodriguez		6'8"	Argentina		25.1 ppg	11.7 rpg
3. SF Khalid Worley		6'7"	HS		23.5 ppg	14.3 rpg
4. SF Anti Cvitanovic		6'10"	Croatia		22.2 ppg	10.7 rpg
5. SG Calvin Craig		6'8"	So (Kansas)		24.4 ppg	9.1 rpg	8.5 apg
6. C Matt Moss		7'3"	Jr (Pitt)		21.8 ppg	12.5 rpg
7. SG Chris Monroe		6'8"	So (Lamar)		24.7 ppg	8.9 rpg	10.3 apg
8. PG Cordell Reid		6'3"	So (BYU)		20.5 ppg	8.5 apg
9. C Mike Butler		6'11"	Sr (Ill St)		22.7 ppg	15.5 rpg
10. SF Zach King		6'6"	Jr (UGa)		22.9 ppg	11.8 rpg

Several players stand out to me at this early stage, but I'm particularly intrigued by Allaway, Moss, Craig, and Monroe.

[fpres]

January 2011
We're 25-20 overall by the end of January thanks to some nice performances against middle-of-the-pack teams. The best came against Washington, a 114-73 thrashing. This is good enough to put us in 4th in the Atlantic and 8th in the East (four games ahead of the Bucks). A playoff berth is beginning to look like a realistic possibility.

With less than half the season remaining, it appears that our first rounder in the upcoming draft will be somewhere in the mid-to-late teens. That's probably not going to net me my future scoring champion. So, it's immensely important to pull off something good (a lottery pick) in the next couple weeks. It will be a very tricky time as we will still want to field a squad capable of holding onto a playoff spot.

These are going to be important teams as far as trade talks go: Detroit (12-32), Charlotte (11-35), Cleveland (10-33), Washington (10-35), Toronto (8-39), and Minnesota (4-40).

At this point, everyone not named Amare Stoudemire is on the block.

-----------------------------------------------
Some individual stats at the end of January:

		PPG	RPG	APG
PG Raymond Felton		13.0	3.0	6.4
SG Danilo Gallinari		13.0	3.5	1.9
SF Wilson Chandler		11.7	4.5	1.8
PF Anthony Randolph		8.1	5.9	1.2
C Amare Stoudemire		21.2	12.7	2.1
SG/SF Kelenna Azubuike		12.2	3.3	1.6
PG Tony Douglas		9.2	1.8	3.9
PF/C Timofey Mozgov		7.0	4.7	1.0
SG/SF Bill Walker		5.6	1.1	0.5
SG Landry Fields		3.9	1.5	0.7
PG/SG/SF Roger Mason		3.4	0.8	1.2
PF/C Ronny Turiaf		2.9	2.9	0.5
C Eddy Curry		2.9	2.4	0.7
SF/PF Shawne Williams		0.6	0.5	0.2

-----------------------------------------------
The draft prospect picture is pretty stable at this point.

1. SF Khalid Worley		6'7"	HS	24.8 ppg	15.1 rpg
2. C Mike Butler		6'11"	Sr (Ill St)	21.0 ppg	14.3 rpg
3. SF Esteban Rodriguez		6'8"	Argentina	24.9 ppg	11.6 rpg	8.7 apg
4. PF Nat Allaway		6'11"	HS	27.6 ppg	16.1 rpg
5. C Matt Moss		7'3"	Jr (Pitt)	21.6 ppg	12.4 rpg
6. PG Cordell Reid		6'3"	So (BYU)	21.8 ppg	9.0 apg
7. SG Chris Monroe		6'8"	So (Lamar)	25.4 ppg	10.6 apg	9.2 rpg
8. SF Anti Cvitanovic		6'10"	Croatia	24.9 ppg	12.0 rpg
9. SG Calvin Craig		6'8"	So (Kansas)	24.0 ppg	9.0 rpg	8.4 apg
10. SF Kenyatta Riggs		6'7"	Sr (Bama)	20.5 ppg	11.4 rpg

[fpres]

All Star Break 2011
We continued to roll through the first half of February, winning five games out of seven. This propelled us to 30-22 overall, good for 6th in the East. It's nice to be able to say that we're actually beating some quality competition now...Boston (by 27)...L.A. Lakers (by 7).

NBA Slam Dunk Contest: Toronto's Julian Wright won the opening round and then took the title over Charlotte's Derrick Brown. We didn't have anyone in the competition.

NBA Long Distance Shootout: Our very own Raymond Felton competed but placed eighth out of eight in the first round. Chicago's Kyle Korver emerged victorious.

NBA Rookie/Sophomore Game: The Rookies edged out the Sophomores 126-124 thanks to their dominance of the paint (54 points in the paint compared to 18; a 50-to-36 rebounding edge). We didn't have anyone in the game.

NBA All Star Game: A travesty! No Knicks in the game...no Stoudemire! There was plenty of love for Miami though as the Heat accounted for three-fifths of the East's starting lineup. They joined Orlando's Dwight Howard and Chicago's Derrick Rose. It wasn't even close as the East destroyed the West 138-116. Lebron James led all scorers with 32.

[fpres]

Trade Deadline 2011
We pulled off three transactions before the deadline.

__________

• Knicks trade SF Danilo Gallinari, PF Anthony Randolph
• Timberwolves trade their 1st round pick in 2011 and two 2nd round picks (2012, 2013)

Well, here it is. We're swinging for the fences with this move which nets us this year's first round pick from the team which currently holds the league's worst record. At 5-48, Minnesota is not just bad. They are legendary. The Wolves are averaging just 85.0 ppg, seven points worse than the next closest team. They've cracked the 100-point mark only four times. Their GM also seems to undervalue 2nd round draft picks so I was able to finagle a pair of future 2nd rounders out of him.

Gallinari immediately becomes Minnesota's top scorer with his 14.0 ppg. Randolph was our top defensive specialist and should do well alongside Kevin Love.

__________

• Knicks trade SF Wilson Chandler
• Rockets trade SG Courtney Lee, SG Jermaine Taylor

We gave up some offense to gain some defense. I think the Knicks came out ahead with this move since Lee hasn't quite reached his offensive ceiling yet and is already an elite defender. Chandler is no slouch though and immediately slides into the Rockets' starting five. Taylor was thrown in to make the salaries work.

__________

• Knicks trade C Timofey Mozgov, SG Kelenna Azubuike
• Bobcats trade PF Boris Diaw

We came out on the short end talentwise with this transaction, but I did it to get rid of Mozgov's attitude and contract. Azubuike was our primary bench guy, but including him was the only way Charlotte would agree to a deal. Diaw gives us solid defense and serviceable offense. He will reunite with Stoudemire and D'Antoni.

__________

We went ahead and signed free agent SF Da'Sean Butler for the remainder of this season. He plays great defense and passable offense.

This is our roster as the trade deadline hits:

PG Raymond Felton
SG Courtney Lee
SF Da'Sean Butler
PF Boris Diaw
C Amare Stoudemire

6th PG Tony Douglas
7th SG/SF Bill Walker
8th SG/SF Landry Fields
9th C Ronny Turiaf
10th SG/SF Roger Mason
11th SG/SF Jermaine Taylor
12th C Eddy Curry

IR SF Shawne Williams
D-L SG/SF Andy Rautins

__________

There were a couple of other trades around the league, but there was only one of note. Miami sent C Zydrunus Ilgauskas, PF Juwan Howard, and their 2011 1st round pick to Sacramento in exchange for PF Carl Landry. Great move for the Heat as they traded two end-of-the-bench guys and a very low first rounder for a young starter-level power forward.

[fpres]

February 2011
Heading into the home stretch, we find ourselves in a four-way battle for the Atlantic Division. Just three games separate the division-leading Nets and the Sixers, with New York and Boston in between. Our 34-23 record is good enough for sixth place in the conference at the moment. We're 7.5 games ahead of the ninth-place Bucks, so it looks like some postseason action is in our immediate future unless we experience a monumental collapse.

-----------------------------------------------
Our individual stats by the end of February:

		PPG	RPG	APG
PG Raymond Felton		13.1	3.2	6.6
SG Courtney Lee		11.8	3.1	1.8
SF Da'Sean Butler		12.3	4.8	2.3
PF Boris Diaw		9.5	5.1	3.6
C Amare Stoudemire		21.3	12.9	2.1
PG Tony Douglas		8.6	1.8	3.9
SG/SF Bill Walker		5.2	1.0	0.4
SG Landry Fields		4.2	1.6	0.8
PG/SG/SF Roger Mason		3.8	0.9	1.0
PF/C Ronny Turiaf		3.5	2.8	0.6
C Eddy Curry		2.9	1.9	0.5
SF/PF Shawne Williams		0.6	0.5	0.2
SG Jermaine Taylor		0.0	0.0	2.0

-----------------------------------------------
A look in on the top draft prospects:

1. PF Nat Allaway		6'11"	HS	28.1 ppg	16.4 rpg	7.0 apg
2. PG Cordell Reid		6'3"	So (BYU)	21.8 ppg	9.0 apg
3. SF Anti Cvitanovic		6'10"	Croatia	24.0 ppg	11.6 rpg
4. SF Esteban Rodriguez		6'8"	Argentina	21.9 ppg	10.2 rpg	7.6 apg
5. SF Khalid Worley		6'7"	HS	24.8 ppg	15.1 rpg
6. SG Chris Monroe		6'8"	So (Lamar)	27.1 ppg	11.3 apg	9.8 rpg
7. C Matt Moss		7'3"	Jr (Pitt)	24.1 ppg	13.8 rpg
8. SF Kenyatta Riggs		6'7"	Sr (Bama)	19.3 ppg	10.8 rpg
9. SG Calvin Craig		6'8"	So (Kansas)	22.6 ppg	8.4 rpg	7.9 apg
10. C Mike Butler		6'11"	Sr (Ill St)	21.6 ppg	14.7 rpg

[fpres]

March-April 2011
We put together a solid 10-6 mark in March before dropping four out of five to start April. Our guys pulled off a minor miracle at that point though, winning the last four games of the season (including a 107-95 victory at Orlando and then a 113-94 win at Miami). Thanks to this clutch performance, we managed to equal Boston's 49-33 overall record. Through tiebreakers, the Atlantic Division's top spot belongs to New York! The Celtics were hot down the stretch but fell just short thanks to an eleven-point home loss to the Heat.

Here's how the final standings shook out:

EAST                        WEST
Miami          63-19        Portland      57-25
Orlando        61-21        Dallas        54-28
Chicago        51-31        LA Lakers     52-30
New York       49-33        Denver        52-30
Boston         49-33        New Orleans   51-31
New Jersey     46-36        San Antonio   48-34
Atlanta        45-37        Utah          48-34
Philadelphia   43-39        Houston       46-36
Milwaukee      39-43        Golden State  45-37
Indiana        38-44        Memphis       41-41
Detroit        25-57        Sacramento    36-46
Cleveland      23-59        Oklahoma City 33-49
Washington     22-60        Phoenix       31-51
Charlotte      21-61        LA Clippers   27-55
Toronto        18-64        Minnesota     16-66

Some interesting notes...

Denver was neck-and-neck with Miami through early February for the top record in the NBA, but Carmelo Anthony missed a month-and-a-half with a broken foot. The Nuggets went into a nosedive.

San Antonio hovered around the .500 mark (and flirted with an early end to their season) until the All-Star Break but took off like crazy over the last month-and-a-half.

Oklahoma City struggled throughout the entire year, losing Kevin Durant to a torn MCL.

Minnesota's record before our trade with them at the deadline: 5-48. Their record following the trade: 11-18. It's clear that Gallinari and Randolph made them a much better a team. I'm just thankful that it didn't make them better enough to climb out of the league's cellar.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Interesting concept & I'll very likely check in at least semi-regularly to see how it's going.

That said, you traded away 3 starters and 4 of your top 8 scorers ... and won the division? Damned if that just doesn't sound odd.

[fpres]

Here are our final individual stats for the 2010-2011 regular season:

		PPG	RPG	APG
PG Raymond Felton		13.9	3.6	6.3
SG Courtney Lee		13.1	3.1	1.8
SF Da'Sean Butler		9.3	3.8	1.6
PF Boris Diaw		9.0	5.3	3.5
C Amare Stoudemire		21.2	12.8	2.1
PG Tony Douglas		8.7	1.7	3.5
SG/SF Bill Walker		7.5	1.6	0.7
SG Landry Fields		4.4	1.8	1.0
PF/C Ronny Turiaf		4.4	3.5	0.8
PG/SG/SF Roger Mason		3.3	0.8	1.2
C Eddy Curry		2.6	2.4	0.5
SG Jermaine Taylor		1.1	0.4	0.4
SF/PF Shawne Williams		0.6	0.5	0.2

SG Andy Rautins spent the entire year with the Reno Bighorns in the Development League. He started once and played in 47 games, averaging 6.0 ppg and 1.4 apg in 10.9 mpg.

[fpres]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

That said, you traded away 3 starters and 4 of your top 8 scorers ... and won the division? Damned if that just doesn't sound odd.

It probably helps that outside of Miami, Orlando, and Chicago, the East is full of teams with mediocre-or-lesser talent. I'd say the Knicks and Celtics probably comprise the "second tier" and we're only there because of Stoudemire.

I think our success in this setting involved trading in some offensive assets to bolster our defense. Our point-differential went from -0.4 ppg at the trade deadline to +4.0 ppg. That's probably a strategy I'll have to stick with in order to develop a scoring champion (avoid chuckers and focus on defense)...I'm hoping it'll allow me to stay competitive as a team too, but I'm not sure yet how that will work in the long term.

Thanks for following, BTW. Suggestions are always welcome.

[fpres]

2011 NBA Playoffs -- First Round
It's only appropriate that the Knicks and Celtics duke it out in the first round. We ended up taking the season series 3-games-to-1. We enter the series without any injuries. The Celtics' C Jermaine O'Neal (9.6 ppg, 10.2 rpg) is out with a broken leg but will return during the series if it goes at least six games.

#4 New York Knicks (49-33) vs #5 Boston Celtics (49-33)

Matchups

Point Guard

• Raymond Felton (13.9 ppg, 6.3 apg, 3.6 rpg, 2.8 A/TO, 1.2 spg, 47.4% FG, 0.864% STP%)
• Rajon Rondo (14.1 ppg, 8.8 apg, 4.7 rpg, 3.8 A/TO, 1.8 spg, 46.1% FG, 0.976 STP%)

Shooting Guard

• Courtney Lee (13.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.4 spg, 46.5% FG, 0.983% STP%)
• Ray Allen (14.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.1 spg, 39.2% FG, 0.858 STP%)

Small Forward

• Da'Sean Butler (9.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.6 apg, 43.3% FG, 1.000 STP%)
• Paul Pierce (16.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.2 apg, 47.8% FG, 0.961 STP%)

Power Forward

• Boris Diaw (9.0 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.5 apg, 45.5% FG, 0.984% STP%)
• Kevin Garnett (14.1 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.6 apg, 41.8% FG, 0.953 STP%)

Center

• Amare Stoudemire (21.2 ppg, 12.8 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.2 bpg, 47.0% FG, 0.939 STP%)
• Kendrick Perkins (7.6 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 0.9 apg, 1.1 bpg, 52.9% FG, 0.885% STP%)

Key Bench Players

• PG Tony Douglas, SG Bill Walker, SG Landry Fields
• SG Avery Bradley, C Shaquille O'Neal, SG Delonte West

[fpres]

2011 NBA Playoffs -- First Round
#4 New York Knicks (49-33) vs #5 Boston Celtics (49-33)

Game 1: All of our hard work to earn homecourt advantage flew out the window thanks to an atrocious fourth quarter effort. We entered the last twelve minutes tied at 71 points but proceeded to get outscored by 13. I'm greatly concerned by Boston's dominance of the paint (we were outscored 48-to-18 in the paint). Stoudemire led us with 16 points and 10 boards. Felton had 15, and Diaw chipped in 13. We couldn't stop any of the Celtics' big men (Perkins had 18 points and 16 rebounds; Garnett scored 17; Shaq went off for 15 points in 19 minutes off the bench). If this series is still going when Jermaine O'Neal returns, we are truly in trouble. Celtics 99 Knicks 86

Game 2: At least we won't be swept. Stoudemire took exception to my criticism of our interior toughness, exploding for 32 points and 18 rebounds. He also managed to foul out Perkins, Shaq, and Glen Davis. Shaq (16 pts, 13 rebs, 2 blks) is showing that he still has something left in the tank, but we were otherwise able to contain Boston's shooters (38.1% FG). Knicks 99 Celtics 92

Game 3: Once again, dominance of the paint proved to be pivotal. Unlike Game 1, however, it was Boston that couldn't find the answers. Stoudemire (24 pts, 18 rebs), Diaw (18 pts, 10 rebs), and Turiaf (15 pts, 10 rebs) ran amok. Ray Allen led all scorers in the game with 28 points, but the Celtics didn't have much else going. Homecourt advantage is once again ours. Knicks 109 Celtics 95

Game 4: With their backs to the wall, the Celtics responded. They totally dominated the boards (57-to-30) and just couldn't miss from anywhere on the court. Shaq led all scorers with 27 points to go along with 12 boards. Stoudemire and Walker put up 17 points apiece for us. Celtics 117 Knicks 86

Game 5: We were shut down once again, managing to shoot only 39.8% from the floor. Stoudemire couldn't get anything going, struggling to a 10-point outing on 4-of-14 shooting. Paul Pierce led all scorers with 20. Celtics 96 Knicks 81

Game 6: Jermaine O'Neal returned to the starting lineup for Boston, and Stoudemire gave him a warm welcome back with his most dominant performance of the series...38 points and 22 rebounds. All of our guys got into the act, smothering the Celtics and forcing 18 turnovers while holding them to just 36.9% shooting. This forces a decisive Game 7 back at our place. Knicks 113 Celtics 93

Game 7: We did a lot of things right in this game, and our defense was solid (holding Boston to just 39.3% from the floor). Unfortunately, we didn't get much offense outside of Stoudemire (24 pts, 11 rebs) and Lee (19 pts). All five Celtic starters cracked double figures in scoring. Celtics 101 Knicks 92

Boston defeats us 4-games-to-3

The road team won five times in this series.

[fpres]

2011 NBA Playoffs

First Round
(1) Miami defeats (8) Philadelphia - 4 games to 1
(2) Orlando defeats (7) Atlanta - 4 games to 3
(3) Chicago defeats (6) New Jersey - 4 games to 0
(5) Boston defeats (4) New York - 4 games to 3...We were the only higher seed to drop our series.
(1) Portland defeats (8) Houston - 4 games to 2
(2) Dallas defeats (7) Utah - 4 games to 1
(3) LA Lakers defeats (6) San Antonio - 4 games to 0
(4) Denver defeats (5) New Orleans - 4 games to 1

Conference Semifinals
(1) Miami defeats (5) Boston - 4 games to 1
(2) Orlando defeats (3) Chicago - 4 games to 1
(4) Denver defeats (1) Portland - 4 games to 2
(3) LA Lakers defeats (2) Dallas - 4 games to 3

Conference Finals
(1) Miami defeats (2) Orlando - 4 games to 2
(4) Denver defeats (3) LA Lakers - 4 games to 2

NBA Finals
Game 1: MIAMI 112 Denver 98
Game 2: MIAMI 117 Denver 99
Game 3: DENVER 110 Miami 105
Game 4: Miami 114 DENVER 101
Game 5: Miami 110 DENVER 103
Miami wins 4 games to 1

2011 NBA Champions: Miami Heat

[fpres]

2011 NBA Draft Lottery
This is it. Thanks to our trade with Minnesota, we own their first round draft pick in the upcoming draft. We won't pick any lower than 4th.

14 - Golden State
13 - Memphis
12 - Milwaukee
11 - Indiana

So far, so good. Nobody has moved up.

10 - Sacramento
9 - Oklahoma City
8 - Phoenix
7 - Detroit

Whoops! It looks like we have our first bit of movement. The Clippers have broken into the Top 3.

6 - Washington

Ouch. Another team jumps up. This time, it's Cleveland.

5 - Charlotte
4 - Toronto

It's between us, the Cavs, and the Clippers.

3 - New York

Ugh.

2 - Cleveland
1 - LA Clippers

It just goes to show...sometimes things don't go according to plan. Well, I prefer to look at the bright side...I might be fired next week.

[fpres]

2010-11 NBA Awards
Orlando cleaned up, winning several of the league's top honors. Dwight Howard (22.8 ppg, 15.0 rpg, 3.9 bpg) was named MVP and Defensive Player of the Year (in addition to being named to the All-League First Team and All-Defense First Team). Magic coach Stan Van Gundy was Coach of the Year.

Tiago Splitter (San Antonio) was Rookie of the Year. He averaged 15.4 ppg, 7.9 rpg, and 1.6 bpg. This will be an award I shoot for next season.

The Knicks didn't win any awards.

~~~~~

2011 Ownership Meeting
In a nutshell, here's what I accomplished during the 2010-11 campaign:

• Our record improved by 20 wins over the prior season.
• We stayed under the salary cap (even shedding $3 million in payroll via trades).
• We won the Atlantic Division.
• We made the playoffs.
• We picked up the #3 overall pick in the upcoming draft.

I informed Rolen that I'd like to stay on with the Knicks.

I told Rolen that we'd make a good playoff run next year and that we'd be right at the salary cap. He seemed okay with that. Now, I need to deliver on that promise or else I'll be on the hot seat.

Job Security: stays at 5 out of 5

[fpres]

2011 Mock Draft
The mock draft comes out and a lot of the guys I've been keeping an eye on are expected to go quickly. I'm mildly surprised that Scott Kincade is at #13. The 19-year-old center is rated as a potential 5-star guy by league pundits and my own staff, but he's extremely raw. Another intriguing guy is 7'5" Michael Smith, who is slated to go at #15.

1. SF Khalid Worley		19	6'7"	218	HS		26.5 ppg	16.2 rpg
2. SG Calvin Craig		20	6'8"	209	Kansas		25.2 ppg	9.4 rpg	8.8 apg
3. SF Esteban Rodriguez		22	6'8"	203	Argentina		23.2 ppg	10.8 rpg	8.1 apg
4. C Mike Butler		23	6'11"	279	Illinois St		23.6 ppg	16.1 rpg	5.0 bpg
5. C Matt Moss		22	7'3"	291	Pitt		24.8 ppg	14.2 rpg	3.8 bpg
6. SF Kenyatta Riggs		22	6'7"	195	Alabama		22.9 ppg	12.7 rpg	7.3 apg
7. SF Anti Cvitanovic		21	6'10"	212	Croatia		23.5 ppg	11.4 rpg
8. SG Chris Monroe		21	6'8"	195	Lamar		23.8 ppg	10.1 apg	8.8 rpg
9. PF Nat Allaway		18	6'11"	232	HS		27.6 ppg	16.0 rpg
10. PF Binkentios Tsouderos		21	6'10"	249	Greece		23.2 ppg	9.6 rpg
11. SG Colon Davis		22	6'3"	209	Creighton		24.7 ppg	7.9 rpg
12. PG Cordell Reid		21	6'3"	180	BYU		22.2 ppg	9.1 apg
13. C Scott Kincade		19	6'10"	287	Arizona		13.0 ppg	7.3 rpg
14. SF George Pryor		22	6'8"	218	Fresno St		18.4 ppg	13.7 rpg
15. C Michael Smith		21	7'5"	289	Pepperdine		14.8 ppg	14.3 rpg
16. C Greg Caldwell		20	6'11"	249	Georgetown		15.7 ppg	13.4 rpg
17. PG Kevin Dryden		19	6'0"	180	HS		23.6 ppg	12.8 apg	8.8 rpg
18. SF Zach King		22	6'6"	203	Georgia		23.7 ppg	12.2 rpg
19. SF Cameron Lepore		19	6'7"	219	HS		14.4 ppg	8.6 rpg
20. SF JaJa Reece		20	6'8"	214	Mich St		14.5 ppg	7.7 rpg
21. PF Jared Hart		19	6'8"	235	HS		17.7 ppg	12.0 rpg
22. SG Henry Williamson		23	6'7"	216	NC State		22.7 ppg	8.1 rpg	7.2 apg
23. SG Jamaal Rollerson		23	6'3"	209	Oregon St		19.1 ppg	6.8 rpg
24. SG Trenton Erwin		21	6'6"	199	Va Tech		15.6 ppg	8.2 rpg
25. PG Nathaniel Ford		22	5'11"	186	USC		16.2 ppg	9.4 apg	7.5 rpg
26. SG Damian Sullivan		20	6'6"	195	Evansville		15.6 ppg	6.6 rpg
27. SF Matt Hill		23	6'8"	215	Nevada		18.2 ppg	10.0 rpg
28. SF Erik Weekes		20	6'7"	221	Mississippi		15.7 ppg	9.8 rpg
29. SF Dionsio Landram		21	6'10"	209	Georgia		20.2 ppg	8.4 rpg
30. SF Andre Lewis		20	6'5"	221	Gonzaga		13.6 ppg	6.5 rpg

I decide to invite #1 through #12, #13 (Kincade), #16 (Caldwell), and #17 (Dryden) for pre-draft workouts.

[Young Drachma]

Jesus, a guy that's 7'5"...that'll be interesting or he'll be brittle. I feel like he'd almost be worth the trainwreck to draft, just to see.

[Izulde]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

Jesus, a guy that's 7'5"...that'll be interesting or he'll be brittle. I feel like he'd almost be worth the trainwreck to draft, just to see.

I don't know about DDS2, but it seemed like in DDS1 that 7'5 guys tended to underachieve.

[fpres]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

Jesus, a guy that's 7'5"...that'll be interesting or he'll be brittle. I feel like he'd almost be worth the trainwreck to draft, just to see.

Originally Posted by Izulde

I don't know about DDS2, but it seemed like in DDS1 that 7'5 guys tended to underachieve.

If he's still around by the time my #21 pick comes up, I might take a flyer on him just to see what happens.

[fpres]

2011 Workouts

Due to personality and work ethic issues, I eliminated Calvin Craig and Esteban Rodriguez from consideration immediately. Here are the other 13 guys I examined more closely.


SF Khalid Worley
6'7", 218#, 19 yrs old
26.5 ppg, 16.2 rpg, 3.7 apg
Scouted Ratings: Scoring (B) - Passing (F) - Handling (C) - Rebounding (B) - Blocking (D) - Stealing (C) - Defense (C)
Strengths: "Shoots a remarkably high percentage from the floor... Great outside shooter with tremendous range, a little streaky, but when he's on watch out! ... Free throw shooting is just average... Has worked hard on cutting down turnovers as his improved A/TO ratio attests... Makes a killing on the offensive glass with relentless effort... Has great length for a wing player... Never appears tired, has great conditioning and work ethic..."
Weaknesses: "Lacks great vision or passing ability... Does not get great lift when he jumps... Decision making must improve..."
Overall Rating: 5/5

C Mike Butler
6'11", 279#, 23 yrs old
23.6 ppg, 16.1 rpg, 5.0 bpg, 3.2 apg
Scouted Ratings: Scoring (A) - Passing (D) - Handling (D) - Rebounding (B) - Blocking (A) - Stealing (D) - Defense (C)
Strengths: "Shot mechanics and fundamentals are good... An Absolutely jaw dropping, electrifying dunker capable of getting air like the greatest dunkers of all time... Free throw shooting still just average but showing steady improvement... One on one skills have improved along with his ball handling... Makes a killing on the offensive glass with relentless effort... Competitor who does all the dirty work inside... Great shot blocker, doesn't get overzealous... Smart player, makes good decisions showing improvement on the offensive end of the floor... Outstanding stamina..."
Weaknesses: "Must become a better passer, especially out of the post..."
Overall Rating: 4/5

C Matt Moss
7'3", 291#, 22 yrs old
24.8 ppg, 14.2 rpg, 5.6 apg, 3.8 bpg
Scouted Ratings: Scoring (A) - Passing (C) - Handling (C) - Rebounding (B) - Blocking (A) - Stealing (F) - Defense (A)
Strengths: "An on-target shooter with a high-rising jumper and pretty form... Can throw down some thunderous dunks... Good free throw shooter for a big man, attacks the basket hard and draws a lot of fouls... Has excellent vision and passing ability for a player his size... Above average ball skills for his height... He uses good positioning to grab a nice share of rebounds... Intimidating presence... Great shot blocker, doesn't get overzealous... Physicially overpowering type of player..."
Weaknesses: "Doesn't pick up many steals defensively..."
Overall Rating: 5/5

SF Kenyatta Riggs
6'7", 195#, 22 yrs old
22.9 ppg, 12.7 rpg, 7.3 apg, 1.9 bpg, 1.7 spg
Scouted Ratings: Scoring (A) - Passing (C) - Handling (C) - Rebounding (B) - Blocking (C) - Stealing (C) - Defense (B)
Strengths: "Shows solid fundamentals and good mechanics shooting the ball... One of college basketball's best mid-range shooters... He has a scorer's mentality, but also passes the ball well especially on the dribble drive... Has worked hard on cutting down turnovers as his improved A/TO ratio attests... Loves using his hops to attack the basket... Hustle guy, not afraid of diving on the floor or in the stands for loose balls... He shows an interest in being a vocal leader on the court..."
Weaknesses: "Needs to improve from the free throw line..."
Overall Rating: 4.5/5

SF Anti Cvitanovic
6'10", 212#, 21 yrs old
23.5 ppg, 11.4 rpg, 5.4 apg, 2.2 bpg, 1.9 spg
Scouted Ratings: Scoring (A) - Passing (C) - Handling (C) - Rebounding (B) - Blocking (C) - Stealing (B) - Defense (A)
Strengths: "Has shown the ability to create his own shot off the dribble and pulls up quickly and efficiently, squares to the basket very well and gets vertical... Has an effective shot out to 15-18 feet, and can even knock down occasional 3 pointers... Has good touch on his shot, solid free throw shooter... Has good vision and passing skills... Good rebounder... Could develop into a lock down defender... Good shot blocker for a wing... Anticipates passes well and forces a ton of steals with his on ball pressure... He shows an interest in being a vocal leader on the court... Phenomenal stamina..."
Weaknesses: "Tries to do too much with the ball sometimes..."
Overall Rating: 5/5

SG Chris Monroe
6'8", 195#, 21 yrs old
23.8 ppg, 10.1 apg, 8.8 rpg, 2.2 spg, 1.5 bpg
Scouted Ratings: Scoring (A) - Passing (A) - Handling (C) - Rebounding (C) - Blocking (C) - Stealing (B) - Defense (A)
Strengths: "When he scores, the points come in bunches... Great elevation on jumper which is nearly impossible to block... Usually converts when he gets to the charity stripe... Excellent passer, always looking for his teammates... Good hands... Has the versatility to guard on the perimeter and in the post... Picks up a lot of steals with great speed and anticipation... Smart player, makes good decisions showing improvement on the offensive end of the floor..."
Weaknesses: "Leaping ability is average..."
Overall Rating: 5/5

PF Nat Allaway
6'11", 232#, 18 yrs old
27.6 ppg, 16.0 rpg, 6.8 apg, 4.2 bpg
Scouted Ratings: Scoring (B) - Passing (C) - Handling (C) - Rebounding (C) - Blocking (B) - Stealing (F) - Defense (C)
Strengths: "Very streaky shooter, when he gets hot he is deadly... Can throw down some thunderous dunks... His free throw shooting must improve... Good passer, has the ability to make the necessary pass from the low post... Good hands... Plays above the rim... Displays good footwork... Big time shot blocker, especially in transition... Outstanding stamina..."
Weaknesses: "Lacks consistency..."
Overall Rating: 4.5/5

PF Binkentios Tsouderos
6'10", 249#, 21 yrs old
23.2 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 4.7 apg, 2.3 bpg, 1.3 spg
Scouted Ratings: Scoring (B) - Passing (D) - Handling (D) - Rebounding (C) - Blocking (C) - Stealing (C) - Defense (C)
Strengths: "When he scores, the points come in bunches... Has many effective moves in the low post including a go-to jump hook... Good free throw shooter for a big man, attacks the basket hard and draws a lot of fouls... Decent passer who can handle pressure and pass out of a double team... Shows solid ball handling ability but needs to cut down on turnovers... Crashes the boards strong... Plays sound defense and his foot speed can create problems for opponents... Good shot blocker for a wing..."
Weaknesses: "Has some innate understanding of the game but increased situational awareness will take his play to new heights..."
Overall Rating: 3.5/5

SG Colon Davis
6'3", 209#, 22 yrs old
24.7 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 5.7 apg, 2.9 spg, 1.5 bpg
Scouted Ratings: Scoring (B) - Passing (C) - Handling (C) - Rebounding (C) - Blocking (C) - Stealing (A) - Defense (A)
Strengths: "Good form on his stroke... His range extends easily out to pro 3... Good free throw shooter... Has good vision and passing ability... Doesn't over dribble, good ball handler... Has all the physical tools to be a shut-down defender... Anticipates passes well and forces a ton of steals with his on ball pressure... Decision making has shown solid improvement..."
Weaknesses: "Leaping ability is average..."
Overall Rating: 4.5/5

PG Cordell Reid
6'3", 180#, 21 yrs old
22.2 ppg, 9.1 apg, 6.1 rpg, 1.5 spg
Scouted Ratings: Scoring (A) - Passing (B) - Handling (B) - Rebounding (D) - Blocking (F) - Stealing (C) - Defense (C)
Strengths: "He's a scorer, and can shoot from everywhere on the court... Shooting %s have never been great from outside, although these numbers get hurt by collapsing defenses and forced shots taken with the clock running low... Usually converts when he gets to the charity stripe... Has legitimate lead guard skills, with a yo yo handle, and solid passing ability... Can create for himself or others off the dribble drive... Strong defender... Has very quick hands, and reads passing lanes, and can rip someone from the dribble... Knows when to shoot or pass and even display a decent crossover... One of the most athletic players in all of college basketball..."
Weaknesses: "If he adds additional strength, he will be able to fight for rebounds better..."
Overall Rating: 5/5

C Scott Kincade
6'10", 287#, 19 yrs old
13.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.1 bpg
Scouted Ratings: Scoring (C) - Passing (D) - Handling (C) - Rebounding (D) - Blocking (F) - Stealing (F) - Defense (F)
Strengths: "Has shown the ability to create his own shot off the dribble and pulls up quickly and efficiently, squares to the basket very well and gets vertical... Has great touch around the basket, especially with contact... Solid vision and passing skills... Shows solid ball handling but needs to cut down on turnovers... Scrappy rebounder who picks up about 5 or 6 on a consistent basis... Slow foot speed makes him just an average defender... Phenomenal stamina..."
Weaknesses: "Free throw shooting can improve... Decision making can be questionable at times..."
Overall Rating: 5/5

C Greg Caldwell
6'11", 249#, 20 yrs old
15.7 ppg, 13.4 rpg, 6.0 apg, 2.9 bpg, 1.6 spg
Scouted Ratings: Scoring (C) - Passing (C) - Handling (D) - Rebounding (B) - Blocking (B) - Stealing (C) - Defense (B)
Strengths: "Very talented offensive player with the ability to play back to the basket or face up... Has excellent vision and passing ability for a player his size... Good rebounder, mostly due to his size and athletic ability... Good defender coming out of college... Explosive leaper, with good timing and instincts on blocked shots... One of the most athletic players in all of college basketball..."
Weaknesses: "Has good shooting mechanics but has a slow release... Free throw shooting can improve... Ball handling while it has improved can get a lot better... Has some innate understanding of the game but increased situational awareness will take his play to new heights..."
Overall Rating: 3.5/5

PG Kevin Dryden
6'0", 180#, 19 yrs old
23.6 ppg, 12.8 apg, 8.8 rpg, 3.7 spg, 1.4 bpg
Scouted Ratings: Scoring (B) - Passing (B) - Handling (C) - Rebounding (C) - Blocking (D) - Stealing (A) - Defense (C)
Strengths: "His mechanics are solid and has good form and knows when to pull up... An excellent outside shooter with great offensive skills... Great at drawing fouls and converting from the free throw line... Has legitimate lead guard skills, with a yo yo handle, and solid passing ability... Has decent ball handling ability... Has a tendency to push off on the offensive end... His ability to lock in and defend is special as well... Strong defender, racks up steals, good anticipation ability, quickness... One of the most athletic players in all of college basketball..."
Weaknesses: "Does not get great lift when he jumps... He's still getting used to his body and learning what he's capable of..."
Overall Rating: 4.5/5

[fpres]

2011 Draft
I tried unsuccessfully to swap firsts with both the Clippers and the Cavs, throwing in an additional first round pick to no avail. This really didn't surprise me, but I still had to give it a try.

Looking over my scouting reports, my hit list going into the draft was basically SF Anti Cvitanovic, C Matt Moss, and then SG Chris Monroe.

The Clippers then proceeded to shock everyone by selecting SG Colon Davis (#11 in the mock draft). Decent pick for the #5-#10 range, but definitely a stretch at the first overall pick.

The Cavs picked Cvitanovic at #2. Great pickup.

That left me with my 'Plan B'...Matt Moss. Washington and Toronto offered future first round picks for Moss, but I declined.

By the time our second first round pick came up (#21 overall), only PG Kevin Dryden remained out of the fifteen guys we brought in for workouts. I decided to go instead with another big man out of sheer curiosity...7'5" center Michael Smith. Denver offered a first round pick for Smith, but I wasn't interested.

We went with SF Adam Dixon (6'5", 200 lbs, 21 yrs old from UConn) at #51 overall.

Here's a look at what we ended up with...



I like much of what Moss brings to the table. An efficient post game. Nice rebounding ability. Solid defense and shot blocking ability. On the down side, it seems that he doesn't look to score as much as I would like, and his endurance could be better. I'll give him a shot to see what he's capable of as a starter this year, but I don't know if he's a guy that can be pushed to the level of becoming a scoring champion. I think it's more likely that he develops into a nice replacement for Amare Stoudemire (who I plan on eventually moving) and complement (a la Scottie Pippen) to a headliner.





Smith looks like a backup type center at first glance. I don't like his work ethic, ballhandling, defense, or shooting efficiency, but at least it looks like he doesn't jack up shots. Rebounding will probably be his biggest asset.

Dixon is very raw but has some potential to develop into a decent defender and rebounder. We'll probably go ahead and sign him.

NOTE: Skimming through the players selected in the first round this year, it looks like there wasn't a big time scorer in the bunch outside of maybe PG Cordell Reid (taken 5th by Charlotte), and he's a big "maybe." For best all around player, I think Matt Moss actually rates very highly due to his blend of defense and offensive efficiency. We'll see.

[Izulde]

Honestly, Monroe is probably the guy I would have taken.

[fpres]

Originally Posted by Izulde

Honestly, Monroe is probably the guy I would have taken.

Yeah, I could've gone with probably a half-dozen different guys. Monroe, Moss, and Cvitanovic were all really close, IMO.

Here's Monroe's card, BTW (he ended up going to Phoenix at #8):

[fpres]

2011 Renouncements
I renounced our rights to Shawne Williams, Eddy Curry, Roger Mason, Jermaine Taylor, and Andy Rautins. This puts us a little over $7 million under the salary cap going into free agency. We'll try to bring back Da'Sean Butler and Landry Fields.

Three Knicks enter their final contract year in 2011-12...

Courtney Lee will make just over $2.2 million this season but is asking for a 3-year deal starting at over $8.2 million. That's a big jump and makes me think that now might be the right time to change my long-term strategy.

Boris Diaw, slated to earn $9 million this year, wants a 3-year extension starting at over $8.4 million.

Ronny Turiaf is asking for a 3-year deal starting at $1.435 million, a big drop from the $4.36 million that's due to him in 2011-12.

I'm going to hold off on extending anybody at this point.

[fpres]

2011 Summer League
The summer league roster features six Knicks (Courtney Lee, Bill Walker, and Tony Douglas join our three rookies), one former Knick (Da'Sean Butler), and five guys with very low scoring ability.

vs Orlando (WIN, 109-85)
Matt Moss put up a solid effort in his first outing...17 points (on 7-of-16 shooting) to go along with 10 rebounds and 5 blocked shots. Michael Smith erupted for 22 points and 18 boards. Landry Fields played for Orlando's summer squad and scored 10 points.

at Minnesota (LOSS, 124-94)
Moss was the high scorer for the game with 23 points (10-of-23 shooting), and he grabbed 14 rebounds. Smith posted a 17-point, 14-rebound double double.

vs Detroit (WIN, 115-97)
Tony Douglas led us in scoring with 22 points in just 26 minutes of action. Moss had 20 points and 20 rebounds, going 7-of-14 from the floor.

at San Antonio (WIN, 119-108 in OT)
Moss went down with a sprained toe, managing just 8 points (4-of-12 shooting) and 7 rebounds. Smith scored 13 points and grabbed 16 boards. Lee led all scorers with 27.

vs L.A.Lakers (WIN, 110-93)
Moss played with his toe injury but still managed to put up his most efficient performance of the summer...21 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 blocks. Douglas led the team with 22. Smith had 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks.


Summer League Top Performers

		PPG	RPG	APG	BPG
PG Tony Douglas		17.8	2.0	5.2
SG Courtney Lee		14.0	3.4	2.0
SF Bill Walker		13.6	2.2	1.2
PF Michael Smith		14.8	13.4	2.4	2.6
C Matt Moss		17.8	12.4	2.6	2.6

[fpres]

It's time to get down to business. This is the year I get my guy or get fired trying.

I sign a pair of veteran swingmen during free agency. James Jones agrees to a 2-year contract worth just over $2.5 million, and Corey Brewer signs on for 2 years and $5.125 million. This bring our roster up to twelve.

Here is what we will enter the 2011-12 season with (with 2010-11 stats):

PG   Raymond Felton      13.9 ppg, 6.3 apg, 3.6 rpg, 1.2 spg, 47.4% FG
SG   Courtney Lee        13.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.4 spg, 47.8% FG
SF   Boris Diaw          9.0 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.5 apg, 45.5% FG
PF   Matt Moss           rookie (drafted #3 overall)
C    Amare Stoudemire    21.2 ppg, 12.8 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.2 bpg, 47.0% FG

6th  SG/SF Corey Brewer  7.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.5 apg with Minnesota
7th  SG Bill Walker      7.5 ppg, 1.6 rpg
8th  PG Tony Douglas     8.7 ppg, 3.5 apg, 1.7 rpg
9th  C Michael Smith     rookie (drafted #21 overall)
10th PF/C Ronny Turiaf   4.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg
11th SF James Jones      2.5 ppg, 0.5 apg, 0.4 rpg with Miami
12th SG/SF Adam Dixon    rookie (drafted #51 overall)

I decide to not exercise any rookie options this year (Douglas is in his last year).

Around the rest of the league, a few big names switch teams. San Antonio picks up Tayshaun Prince, and Denver signs Jamal Crawford. The biggest defection comes as Zach Randolph agrees to a 5-year, $59.8 million contract to join Durant and Westbrook in Oklahoma City.

A whole host of other players re-sign with their respective clubs. The top contracts go to Yao Ming (6 years, $94.6 million with Houston), Marc Gasol (6 years, $65.6 million with Memphis), and Troy Murphy (5 years, $57.1 million with New Jersey).

I let our coaching staff handle training camp without any personal input this year.

[collegesportsfanms]

You're making this game sound pretty darn good. Do you really have a meeting with the owner between seasons? Fights? Or is that stuff you just put in there? I wish I could run this game on my computer, but for some reason the game speed is just god awful. Takes me about 3 hours just to play a week. Could be my computer, but I know other people have stated the game speed was slow. Ah well, I'm more into the college scene anyways. haha, good read though, keep up the good work.

[MizzouRah]

I like the pick of Matt Moss myself, can't wait to see how he does in the NBA. Great dynasty thus far!

[fpres]

Originally Posted by collegesportsfanms

You're making this game sound pretty darn good. Do you really have a meeting with the owner between seasons? Fights? Or is that stuff you just put in there? I wish I could run this game on my computer, but for some reason the game speed is just god awful. Takes me about 3 hours just to play a week. Could be my computer, but I know other people have stated the game speed was slow. Ah well, I'm more into the college scene anyways. haha, good read though, keep up the good work.

Yeah, you do have some interaction with the owner through phone calls at the beginning and end of each season. About the fights, you receive e-mails from your staff throughout the season about interpersonal conflicts, playing time issues, media questions, etc. and you're able to take action if you like. Thanks for the encouragement!

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

I like the pick of Matt Moss myself, can't wait to see how he does in the NBA. Great dynasty thus far!

Thanks! I think Moss could really turn into a solid center in the league. He makes the potential loss of Stoudemire much easier to stomach.

[fpres]

First Half of 2011-12 Season
We cruised through the first half of the season, posting a 38-17 record by the All Star Break. This is good enough to give us a 5.5-game cushion atop the Atlantic Division, second in the East behind Miami (40-12).

Stoudemire has been instrumental in our success, averaging 20.9 ppg and 10.7 rpg. Unfortunately, he went down with a broken wrist against the Bulls on February 6th and will be out until April. We went on to lose that game as well as two of the following five.

Felton has been solid as our floor general. His 16.6 ppg and 7.2 apg are nice improvements over last year's averages of 13.9 ppg and 6.3 apg.

Matt Moss has started in all 55 games so far, averaging 13.4 ppg on 49.0% shooting from the floor, grabbing a respectable 6.9 rpg, and posting ten double doubles. These totals place him third among rookies in both categories. He also earned NBA Rookie of the Month Awards for November and December, just missing out on the trifecta thanks to Atlanta's Zach King. I'm definitely keeping Moss no matter what else I have to do to get a top-flight scorer.

Douglas and Walker have been going at each other all year, so one or both are gone at the trade deadline.

The league's cellar dwellers at this point include Charlotte (11-41), Cleveland (13-38), Atlanta (15-36), Minnesota (16-37), and Memphis (16-36).

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Our individual stats by the All Star Break:

	PPG	RPG	APG	BPG	SPG
PG Raymond Felton	16.6	3.6	7.2	0.1	1.4
SG Courtney Lee	12.9	3.4	2.4	0.2	1.6
SF Boris Diaw	10.6	5.6	4.4	0.7	1.3
PF Matt Moss	13.4	6.9	1.2	2.1	0.5
C Amare Stoudemire	20.9	10.7	1.8	1.0	0.9
SG/SF Corey Brewer	10.8	2.7	1.7	0.2	1.1
PG Tony Douglas	9.7	1.4	3.0	0.0	0.5
C Michael Smith	5.6	5.9	1.0	1.5	0.4
PF/C Ronny Turiaf	3.9	2.3	0.7	0.3	0.3
SG Bill Walker	3.8	0.8	0.5	0.0	0.3
SG/SF Adam Dixon	0.0	0.3	0.3	0.0	0.1
SF James Jones	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

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Here are the draft prospects we're keeping an eye on.

SG Darrin Shell	6'2"	HS	29.4 ppg	12.0 rpg
PF Alex Clark	6'10"	So (Ok St)	28.7 ppg	11.8 rpg
PG Sherrell Mitchell	5'11"	Fr (Wisc)	26.7 ppg	8.9 apg
C Daryl Watson	6'10"	So (Ohio)	25.6 ppg	13.9 rpg
PF Cory Donovan	6'11"	Sr (Pitt)	24.1 ppg	15.9 rpg
SF Richie Morrisey	6'5"	Sr (Indiana)	22.5 ppg	8.8 rpg
SG Jared Green	6'6"	Sr (NC A&T)	22.3 ppg	10.0 rpg
PG Bazyli Olichwierczuk	5'7"	18 (Poland)	21.0 ppg	9.5 rpg
SG Brian Rice	6'5"	Jr (Creighton)	20.9 ppg	8.9 rpg
SG Charlie Wilson	6'3"	Jr (Rider)	20.6 ppg	8.4 rpg

[fpres]

All Star Break 2012
NBA Slam Dunk Contest: Charlotte's Gerald Henderson took the title after coming in second behind Denver's Stanley Robinson in the first round. We didn't have anyone in the competition.

NBA Long Distance Shootout: Raja Bell (Utah), Jared Dudley (Phoenix), and Anthony Morrow (New Jersey) made it out of the preliminary round with Bell blowing away the others in the final round to earn top honors. We didn't have anyone in this competition either.

NBA Rookie/Sophomore Game: The Sophomores bested the Rookies 110-98 thanks to 24 points apiece from Evan Turner and John Wall as well as a 22-point, 10-rebound performance from DeMarcus Cousins. I'm incensed as Matt Moss was snubbed. Cordell Reid led the Rookies with 21 points off the bench.

NBA All Star Game: The West dominated the paint en route to a 124-113 victory. Monta Ellis won MVP honors with 25 points, 8 rebounds, 7 steals, 5 assists, and 2 blocked shots. We had our first All Star in two years as Raymond Felton was selected as a reserve. He saw the least action of any All Star though, picking up 2 assists over 5 minutes and not taking a shot.