NBA 2K23 - The Kobe Era Reimagined

[the_kevstaaa]

Forgot to note it but the Sonics have a new logo, jersey, and court. Figured it was time to update them since they hadn't been since 2008.

[the_kevstaaa]

Quote: Originally Posted by studbucket

Who else is on NOP with Gasol? That's a big signing. Not a big fan of the Maggette signing for the Bucks, but they do have a lot of talent on their roster.

Season preview is coming up tomorrow but their starting five is Conley/Roy/Carter/Bosh/Gasol.

[the_kevstaaa]

2015-2016 NBA Season Preview

Philadelphia 76ers (55-27)
They led the East last year but lost in the Playoffs, possibly because of John Wall’s injury. So what did the 76ers do? They went out and added Kobe Bryant. Like Gasol, he’s on the wrong end of 35 but their veteran knowhow combined with the talents of Leonard and Wall make for a formidable team. Add in pieces like Eric Gordon, TJ Warren, and Enes Freedom, and this is a bonafide title contender.

Projected Record: 60-22
Projected Starters: John Wall/Kobe Bryant/Kawhi Leonard/Pau Gasol/Enes Freedom

Las Vegas Bobcats (27-55)
Las Vegas improved this past season and look to take another step. They felt they needed a true point guard and drafted Emmanual Mudiay, moving Dante Exum to the 6th man role where his skills make more sense. Otherwise, they return the same young squad. They won’t win a ton of games but they should be fun to watch.

Projected Record: 29-53
Projected Starters: Emmanuel Mudiay/Victor Oladipo/Chandler Parsons/Michael Kidd-Gilchrist/Hashem Thabeet

Milwaukee Bucks (40-42)
Sick of hovering around .500, Milwaukee went all in this offseason. They traded for Amar’e Stoudemire and then signed Corey Maggette and Andrei Kirilenko. That’s a veteran core along with Michael Redd to join Kyle Lowry and DeMarcus Cousins. If they’re healthy, they feel like a lock for the Playoffs and a series win or two.

Projected Record: 50-32
Projected Starters: Kyle Lowry/Michael Redd/Corey Maggette/Amar’e Stoudemire/DeMarcus Cousins

Chicago Bulls (42-40)
Losing Lou Williams caused Chicago to take a slight step back and the trade of Paul George likely hurt the future. That said, there’s optimism in the Windy City. Damian Lillard is becoming a star, Vucevic and Ibaka are strong down low, and they drafted promising rookie Devin Booker. Veteran Kevin Martin should work as a stopgap at the 3 for now as well. Don’t expect them in the Playoff hunt but they’re a year or two away from being back.

Projected Record: 38-44
Projected Starters: Damian Lillard/Devin Booker/Kevin Martin/Serge Ibaka/Nikola Vucevic

Cleveland Cavaliers (54-28)
LeBron James arrived in Cleveland and helped bring them their second title (and his own). They did with Rashard Lewis on the shelf too. Cleveland returns the same team for the most part outside of a few moves on the bench and there’s no reason to think they won’t be in the hunt for another championship. Could they be the first back-to-back champs since the Spurs?

Projected Record: 57-25
Projected Starters: Jrue Holiday/Dwyane Wade/LeBron James/Rashard Lewis/Andre Drummond

Boston Celtics (43-39)
The Celtics are one of the teams to falter last season after some lofty expectations. They looked to correct that with some veteran moves, adding Jamal Crawford and Nick Collison. Rose is going to play like a stud but the questions are how much those veterans (including Pierce) have left and how much the young guys like Randle and Smart can give them.

Projected Record: 48-34
Projected Starters: Derrick Rose/Jamal Crawford/Paul Pierce/Julius Randle/Chris Kaman

Los Angeles Clippers (45-37)
The Clippers surprised many by making it to the Playoffs and winning a series after the loss of DeMar DeRozan. Outside of some moves to the second unit, the Clippers were quiet this offseason, opting to let the team built around Kemba and Lou blossom. It makes sense as they show a ton of promise.

Projected Record: 45-37
Projected Starters: Kemba Walker/Lou Williams/Shawn Marion/Nicolas Batum/JaVale McGee

Memphis Grizzlies (20-62)
Nikola Jokic was as good as advertised, while the likes of Schroder, Middleton, and Mirotic continued to grow. They took a risk by taking Justise Winslow at #5 given the questions surrounding his offensive game but they added NBA Champion Jeff Green as insurance. There’s more growing to do in Memphis this season but there’s a good core in place.

Projected Record: 25-57
Projected Starters: Dennis Schroder/Khris Middleton/Justise Winslow/Nikola Mirotic/Nikola Jokic

Atlanta Hawks (50-32)
Things are set to look a lot different for the Hawks for the first time in a while. Carmelo Anthony re-signed, as did Paul Millsap but the backcourt has totally changed. Isaiah Thomas is now the starter alongside newly acquired Will Barton. The bench has some changes too. Time will tell if these are good moves but on paper, this squad has taken a step back.

Projected Record: 48-34
Projected Starters: Isaiah Thomas/Will Barton/Carmelo Anthony/Paul Millsap/Joakim Noah

Miami Heat (39-43)
Miami found themselves in the Playoff hunt, finally showing the progress they’ve lacked for years. Anthony Davis is already a star, Brandon Jennings broke out, and their supporting pieces like Stephenson, Parker, and Ross are good. This off-season, they unloaded the disappointing Rudy Gobert and got Gallinari and Collison. The Heat feel like a sleeper team that could find themselves surprising a lot of people.

Projected Record: 48-34
Projected Starters: Brandon Jennings/Lance Stephenson/Danilo Gallinari/Jabari Parker/Anthony Davis

Charlotte Hornets (15-67)
This franchise has won 19, 19, and 15 games the past three years, and just 25 before that. Things are tough in Charlotte. The answer for now is the drafting of D’Angelo Russell and the signing of Evan Turner and Raymond Felton. The team should be better as long as Russell plays as expected but there’s really nowhere to go but up.

Projected Record: 20-62
Projected Starters: D’Angelo Russell/Dion Waiters/Evan Turner/Dario Saric/Roy Hibbert

Utah Jazz (13-69)
Talk about a team that fell apart. The Jazz are basically starting from scratch after trading Bargnani but they have some good pieces in place. McCollum can fill it up, Faried has impressed, Evans is versatile, and Napier is now set to be the starting point guard. #2 pick Karl-Anthony Towns could be the difference between a depressing season or one that has the Jazz back on the right path.

Projected Record: 28-55
Projected Starters: Shabazz Napier/CJ McCollum/Tyreke Evans/Kenneth Faried/Karl-Anthony Towns

Sacramento Kings (42-40)
It was fun while it lasted but the Kobe Bryant era in Sacramento is over. On top of that, Kevin Garnett and Mike Bibby have retired. That means it’s time to finally start a rebuild for the Kings. This is going to be a rough year as they’re likely set to move veterans like Mo Williams and Yao Ming as they look to the future.

Projected Record: 25-57
Projected Starters: Mo Williams/Marco Belinelli/Bogdan Bogdanovic/Marreese Speights/Yao Ming

New York Knicks (43-39)
From blowing a 3-0 lead to losing to a #8 seed as a #1, the Knicks had a rough few years as a contender. Last year, they only eked into the Playoffs despite adding Andre Bargnani. This season, he’s back as is the core of the team other than Gallinari, who was unhappy anyway. This is a franchise that feels kind of stuck. They have strong pieces led by Harden, Bargnani, and Teague, but they also feel significantly behind the Cavs, Wizards, 76ers, and other top Eastern Conference teams.

Projected Record: 44-38
Projected Starters: Jeff Teague/James Harden/Danny Green/Carlos Boozer/Andrea Bargnani

Los Angeles Lakers (57-25)
The Lakers made it back to the Finals for the first time since winning three straight to start the 2000s. They fell just short of LeBron, Wade, and the Cavs but look to right that wrong thi season. The team returns with no changes other than a new rookie in Montrezl Harrell and they didn’t have much reason to make a change. They’re a contender.

Projected Record: 56-26
Projected Starters: Deron Williams/Kyle Korver/Kevin Durant/Blake Griffin/DeAndre Jordan

Orlando Magic (36-46)
Landing the top pick in the Draft had people excited for Orlando but they turned heads by taking Myles Turner. He was projected in the top 10 but not in most experts’ top three so it’ll be interesting to see how he does. Rondo is as good as ever but McGrady and Randolph are past their primes so it’s unclear where this team goes next.

Projected Record: 40-42
Projected Starters: Rajon Rondo/Tracy McGrady/DeMarre Carroll/Zach Randolph/Myles Turner

Dallas Mavericks (50-32)
The move for Tobias Harris helped this team immensely and made them younger. However, they lost Tyson Chandler, who anchored their interior. Brook Lopez was a fine pickup, as was Shaun Livingston. The team seems hellbent on trying to contend as long as Nowitzki is around but at 37, it might be time to the look to the future.

Projected Record: 45-37
Projected Starters: Shaun Livingston/Avery Bradley/Tobias Harris/Dirk Nowitzki/Brook Lopez

New Jersey Nets (47-35)
The new era of the Nets got off to a good start as they returned to the Playoffs. The DeRozan/Rubio/Jefferson trio was very good and this year, they have Aaron Gordon to add to that while also moving Bogdanovic to the starting five. They should be an improved, faster team but it’s hard to crack through the top of that tough East.

Projected Record: 51-31
Projected Starters: Ricky Rubio/DeMar DeRozan/Bojan Bogdanovic/Aaron Gordon/Al Jefferson

Denver Nuggets (43-39)
Their inability to make it deep into the Playoffs cost the Nuggets, who watched MVP Marc Gasol walk away. There’s also the fact that Michael Beasley is still not ready to return from injury and it won’t be pretty in Denver for a bit. Like the Kings, losing a star means they have to start over so expect the likes of Jameer Nelson to possibly be moved as they try to set up the future.

Projected Record: 24-58
Projected Starters: Jameer Nelson/Wesley Matthews/Michael Beasley/Boris Diaw/Jason Smith

Indiana Pacers (40-42)
Priority #1 for the Pacers this offseason was to extend Goran Dragic, which they did. Unfortunately, they didn’t do anything else and that’s not really okay when they’re on the wrong side of .500. Dragic and Howard are a formidable 1-2 punch but the supporting cast just isn’t up to par with Playoff teams. They must fix that with an in-season trade or something.

Projected Record: 42-40
Projected Starters: Goran Dragic/OJ Mayo/Josh Smith/Charlie Villanueva/Dwight Howard

New Orleans Pelicans (51-31)
This team is scary. The Pelicans were already a championship contender and then they went out and signed Marc Gasol. He combines with Roy, Conley, and Bosh to make one of the best cores in the league while Burks, Ariza, Splitter, and Carter are a great supporting cast. Are they the new favorites to win it all?

Projected Record: 60-22
Projected Starters: Mike Conley/Brandon Roy/Vince Carter/Chris Bosh/Marc Gasol

Detroit Pistons (48-34)
Detroit has proven that they’re for real, advancing in the Playoffs and continuing to improve. Gordon Hayward is one of the toughest young players in the league while Lee, Hill, Whiteside, Webster, and the rest of the team is very good. But they don’t feel like they have quite enough. A move during the season could change that though.

Projected Record: 52-30
Projected Starters: George Hill/Martell Webster/Gordon Hayward/David Lee/Hassan Whiteside

Toronto Raptors (34-48)
Toronto remains in a weird place. They once again look like a team that is decent and nothing more. Paul George needs to finally break out for them to finish .500 and the same goes for the disappointing Rudy Gobert. This could be an ugly season north of the border if they don’t.

Projected Record: 30-52
Projected Starters: Devin Harris/Rodney Stuckey/Paul George/Thaddeus Young/Rudy Gobert

Houston Rockets (41-41)
Once again, Houston found themselves hovering around .500. That’s really good for a team that was in a dire place recently but it’s time to move forward. Butler and Embiid are a promising duo to build around but it feels like they need a big step from Michael Carter-Williams to move into the realm of Western Conference contenders.

Projected Record: 44-38
Projected Starters: Michael Carter-Williams/Jimmy Butler/Harrison Barnes/Marcus Morris/Joel Embiid

San Antonio Spurs (56-26)
It might finally be curtains on the Spurs. As long as they have Duncan and Parker they’re going to be good but their title window might’ve closed. Ginobili retired and he was such a glue guy, while Ariza and Hawes have moved on. That means there are key gaps around the two mainstays even with the addition of Marcin Gortat.

Projected Record: 44-38
Projected Starters: Tony Parker/Andre Iguodala/Mike Miller/Tim Duncan/Marcin Gortat

Phoenix Suns (48-34)
Phoenix made their decision, going with the younger Russell Westbrook as their guy over veteran Amar’e Stoudemire. The two played well together at times but never gelled enough to make it really work. So the new plan seems to be to surround Westbrook’s explosiveness with shooting like Hardaway Jr., Richardson, and Ryan Anderson. That could be a good recipe but it might not be enough.

Projected Record: 46-36
Projected Starters: Russell Westbrook/Quentin Richardson/Joe Ingles/Ryan Anderson/Jonas Valanciunas

Seattle Supersonics (55-27)
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. That’s the Supersonics. They certainly have a very good team and one that seems like it should be enough to win it all. Yet they keep falling short and not making major moves. There was talk that Horford and Redick are on the trade block so this might not be the way the team looks when the Playoffs come around.

Projected Record: 52-30
Projected Starters: Chris Paul/JJ Redick/Corey Brewer/Kevin Love/Al Horford

Oklahoma City Thunder (27-55)
There seems to be steady improvement from the Thunder. They’re still far from a Playoff team but they keep moving forward. LaVine was a hell of a rookie, Green continues to be the glue of the team, and Sessions returns with a new contract. If rookie Oubre Jr. can develop quickly, things could be looking up in Oklahoma City.

Projected Record: 31-51
Projected Starters: Ramon Sessions/Zach LaVine/Kelly Oubre Jr./Draymond Green/Ed Davis

Minnesota Timberwolves (44-38)
Minnesota was the surprise of the season by rallying from a slow start to grab the #8 seed. Irving, Thompson, and Wiggins are an exciting trio, while Seth Curry proved he could shoot almost as well as his brother. This year, they added veteran Eddy Curry as they hope to move up in their tough conference and it’s very likely that happens.

Projected Record: 48-34
Projected Starters: Kyrie Irving/Klay Thompson/Andrew Wiggins/Derrick Favors/Eddy Curry

Portland Trail Blazers (23-59)
The Blazers remain in a franchise funk but they did take a step forward because of Bradley Beal. He blossomed into a 20ppg scorer. The problem is that solid guys like Monroe, Bledsoe, and Lamb have all kind of plateaued and haven’t improved much over the years. If Otto Porter can pull that off and Kristaps Porzingis comes along quickly, that should fix some of those issues but those are big ifs.

Projected Record: 26-56
Projected Starters: Eric Bledsoe/Bradley Beal/Otto Porter/Kristaps Porzingis/Greg Monroe

Golden State Warriors (31-51)
It’s hard to know what the Warriors are going for. They’re clearly not good enough to contend for a Playoff spot, yet they keep trotting out Arenas and Aldridge like they’re contenders. Richardson will likely be a Warrior for life and he’s still good but it feels like they need to hit the rebuild button and are too stubborn to do so.

Projected Record: 30-52
Projected Starters: Gilbert Arenas/Jason Richardson/Kent Bazemore/LaMarcus Aldridge/Spencer Hawes

Washington Wizards (53-29)
There are so few legitimate contenders out there but the Wizards are in that group. They’ve been on the cusp for a while thanks to the incredible play of Steph Curry alongside the underrated Rudy Gay. However, now it feels like Giannis Antetokounmpo is ready for that next step and they’ve upgraded in the middle with Tyson Chandler. Look for them to be in the title hunt all season long.

Projected Record: 58-24
Projected Starters: Stephen Curry/Kentavious Caldwell-Pope/Rudy Gay/Giannis Antetokounmpo/Tyson Chandler

[studbucket]

Feels like Wizards vs 76ers and Lakers vs Pelicans in the conference finals this year. I hope the Wizards can break through.

[the_kevstaaa]

10/27/15

(0-0) Detroit Pistons @ (0-0) Philadelphia 76ers

Pistons
George Hill (10.1ppg, 9.1apg, 1.4spg, 42FG%, 38 3PT%, 82FT%)
Martell Webster (15.1ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.1spg, 50FG%, 41 3PT%, 84FT%)
Gordon Hayward (21.8ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.1spg, 49FG%, 39 3PT%, 79FT%)
David Lee (12.6ppg, 9.1rpg, 3.9apg, 1.3spg, 1.0bpg, 54FG%, 96FT%)
Hassan Whiteside (14.4ppg, 11.0rpg, 1.6bpg, 52FG%, 63FT%)
6th Man: James Johnson (9.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 46FG%, 37 3PT%, 70FT%)

76ers
John Wall (18.8ppg, 10.0apg, 1.6spg, 52FG%, 39 3PT%, 80FT%)
Kobe Bryant (23.1ppg, 5.8rpg, 6.9apg, 1.8spg, 56FG%, 42 3PT%, 95FT%)
Kawhi Leonard (20.9ppg, 5.6rpg, 3.1apg, 1.9spg, 1.0bpg, 53FG%, 45 3PT%, 88FT%)
Pau Gasol (16.3ppg, 9.6rpg, 5.8apg, 1.6bpg, 52FG%, 80FT%)
Enes Freedom (12.2ppg, 10.7rpg, 51FG%, 89FT%)
6th Man: Eric Gordon (17.0ppg, 4.5apg, 1.0spg, 50FG%, 41 3PT%, 85FT%)

[the_kevstaaa]

What a way to start the season! The 76ers won an overtime thriller 135-132 over a Pistons team that just kept coming back. Philadelphia was up late but Eric Gordon (11 points) missed two clutch free throws, opening the door for the red hot Gordon Hayward (40 points, 7 assists) to tie it on a jumper. In the extra frame, the balanced attack of the Sixers was the difference. Kawhi Leonard (27 points), John Wall (19 points, 11 assists), Pau Gasol (14 points), and Kobe Bryant (23 points, 8 assists) all chipped in. Bryant fit in seamlessly though Philadelphia did turn the ball over a lot in their new offense. Other than Hayward, Detroit got big games from David Lee (17 points, 13 rebounds, 9 assists) and George Hill (19 points, 11 assists).

[the_kevstaaa]

11/11/15

Around the League
• There’s a tie atop the East early on with the Cavs and 76ers both at 7-1. The Bucks (6-1), Pistons (7-2), and Hawks (6-2) round out the top five. The Celtics have disappointed with their 1-6 start.
• Out West, the Pelicans lead the way at 7-1 followed by the surprising Warriors (6-2), Lakers (5-3), Timberwolves (5-3), and Supersonics (4-2). The Spurs are the biggest negative surprise, sitting at 1-5 after an 0-5 start.
• Scoring Leaders: K. Durant (29.6), R. Stuckey (29.0), C. Anthony (28.6), R. Gay (27.6), G. Hayward (27.4), T. McGrady (26.6), S. Curry (26.4), L. James (25.8), J. Harden (25.3), and Z. LaVine (25.2).
• Rebounding Leaders: K. Love (16.5), R. Hibbert/D. Jordan (14.3), A. Drummond (13.2), M. Gasol (13.0), A. Davis (12.9), D. Howard/S. Ibaka/A. Bargnani (12.6), and H. Whiteside (12.1).
• Assists Leaders: S. Curry (12.9), R. Rondo (11.4), J. wall (11.3), R. Rubio (10.7), D. Williams (10.6), S. Livingston (10.5), C. Paul (10.3), G. Hill (10.0), and J. Harden/D. Harris (9.7).
• K. Bryant leads in steals (2.8) while R. Gobert leads in blocks (3.4). C. Maggette leads in FG% (63.1), K. Hinrich leads in 3PT% (69.2), and 12 players are tied in FT% (100).
• The new look Bucks opened the season by setting a record for the largest victory margin in league history, beating the Grizzlies 161-88.
• In an early season clash of contenders, the 5-0 76ers met the 5-0 Hawks. Despite 43 from Anthony, it was Philadelphia who prevailed,
• 10/30/15 – Oklahoma City’s Ed Davis (13.7rpg) has pulled calf muscle; out 2-4 weeks.
• 11/2/15 – Philadelphia’s Kawhi Leonard (19.8ppg) has knee tendinitis; out 4-6 weeks.
• 11/3/15 – Portland’s Greg Monroe (10.2ppg) has fractured leg; out 4-6 months.
• 11/7/15 – The Clippers’ Lou Williams (12.9ppg) has twisted knee; out 1-2 weeks.

Players of the Month for October
MIL – Kyle Lowry [1] (27.5ppg, 8.0rpg, 12.0apg, 2.0spg, 54FG%, 50 3PT%, 100FT%)
LAL – Kevin Durant [1] (35.0ppg, 11.5rpg, 6.5apg, 3.5spg, 53FG%, 37 3PT%, 62FT%)

Rookies of the Month for October
CHA – D’Angelo Russell [1] (13.7ppg, 7.0apg, 36FG%, 18 3PT%, 60FT%)
LV – Emmanuel Mudiay [1] (11.7ppg, 8.3apg, 1.0spg, 32FG%, 29 3PT%, 100FT%)

Players of the Week 10/27/15-11/1/15
WSH – Stephen Curry [1] (26.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 13.7apg, 1.3spg)
NOP – Marc Gasol [1] (27.7ppg, 14.7rpg, 5.7apg, 2.7bpg)

Players of the Week 11/2/15-11/8/15
ATL – Carmelo Anthony [1] (32.0ppg, 7.3rpg, 7.0apg, 1.3bpg)
LAL – Kevin Durant [1] (30.2ppg, 12.2rpg, 5.2apg, 1.2spg, 1.7bpg)

(5-2; T6th in East) Toronto Raptors @ (4-4; T9th in East) Indiana Pacers
[2-0 on the road; Lost 2 straight; 0.5GB of 5th] [3-0 at home; Lost 1 straight; 0.5GB of 8th]
Season Series: First Meeting

Raptors
Devin Harris (10.1ppg, 9.7apg, 1.3spg, 33FG%, 26 3PT%, 93FT%)
Rodney Stuckey (29.0ppg, 8.4rpg, 5.3apg, 1.3spg, 56FG%, 51 3PT%, 90FT%)
Paul George (17.9ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.7apg, 1.6spg, 45FG%, 53 3PT%, 82FT%)
Thaddeus Young (12.0ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.7apg, 1.6spg, 46FG%, 24 3PT%, 62FT%)
Rudy Gobert (8.5ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.0spg, 3.4bpg, 51FG%, 56FT%)
6th Man: Wayne Ellington (14.9ppg, 59FG%, 54 3PT%, 90FT%)

Pacers
Goran Dragic (23.0ppg, 5.9apg, 53FG%, 49 3PT%, 91FT%)
OJ Mayo (9.1ppg, 1.3spg, 40FG%, 45 3PT%, 100FT%)
Josh Smith (7.6ppg, 6.5rpg, 8.5apg, 1.5spg, 65FG%, 50FT%)
Charlie Villanueva (17.9ppg, 7.1rpg, 3.5apg, 1.1spg, 47FG%, 60 3PT%, 84FT%)
Dwight Howard (18.6ppg, 12.6rpg, 1.7bpg, 51FG%, 46FT%)
6th Man: Trey Burke (11.3ppg, 3.4apg, 47FG%, 47 3PT%, 50FT%)

[the_kevstaaa]

The Raptors couldn’t seem to take the lead for most of the game, then finally grabbed an eight point advantage in the fourth, only to watch it slip away and fall 108-101 in Indiana. Dwight Howard (14 points, 23 rebounds) struggled to score on Rudy Gobert (6 points, 4 blocks) but the Pacers had such a balanced attack that it worked out. Goran Dragic (26 points, 9 assists) led seven players in double figures including Trey Burke (17 points) hitting big shots off the bench. Toronto was led by Rodney Stuckey (27 points).