(NBA 2K23) Changing the Landscape of the NBA.

[Deuce2223]

SILVER LOOKS TO EXPAND LEAGUE

Now that Seattle and Las Vegas have had their franchises for a season, reports are NBA Commish Adam Silver is ready to shake up the league once again.

We are being told that the NBA will expand to 34 teams next season with most likely 2 new expansion teams joining each conference.

Reports are that Kanas City, Louisville, San Diego and Virginia are all getting new franchises.

Commish Silver

Quote:

"We are excited for the next chapter of the NBA. We feel like we did a great job of picking what will be 4 great additions to our current lineup of NBA teams. It was a tough call with both Pittsburgh and Vancouver putting together great plans to succeed, but at the end of the day we felt like we picked the right 4 cities to help us grow moving forward"

From everyone we are hearing, we have been told that Kansas City will be called the Knights and they will most likely join the Western Conference in the Southwest Division well San Diego will be called the Surf and be playing in the Pacific.

We are being told that Louisville will be taking the Liberty name and will play in the Central well Virginia will be called the Storm and is undecided whether they will be Southeast or Atlantic Division.

[Deuce2223]

SONICS MAKING MOVES

The 1st half of the NBA season hasn't been what Sonic fans had hoped for, as many dreamed their team had a solid shot at coming back as a repeat NBA Champion, but a slow start saw the Sonics just scrapping by to get above .500

Well January was a all new month as Seattle explodes to a 11-3 record to improve to (30-18) Overall and are currently just 2.5 GB in the Northwest Division leading Portland Trail Blazers and are currently the 6th seed in the Western Conference but are just 4.5 GB of the #1 seed Houston Rockets.

Seattle is now 16-7 at home on the season, and are 4th in the NBA in scoring (121.5 PPG). Portland is #1 (124.2) followed by Denver and Houston at (121.6)

ALLEN AND MURPHY WANT OUT

Well things might look promising on the court for the Sonics in the 2nd half of the season, with the trade deadline 2 weeks away, reports out of the locker room are that 2 key players want out.

Starting Center Jarrett Allen came out earlier in the season reporting that he wanted to test Free Agency at the end of the season despite reports that GM Ryan Derozan wanted to sign the big man to a multi year extension. Now it appears Allen is unhappy in Seattle and won't even consider a offer of staying in the off-season.

To make matters worse, last summer Derozan tried to sign PF Trey Murphy to a extension but a deal was never made as Murphy returned on a 1 year 7 million dollar deal. Now reports are Murphy is unhappy with his role off the bench and wants a chance to move to a team where he can start.

The #17 Overall Pick in the 2021 Draft out of Virginia, the 6'8 PF has excelled the past 2 seasons for the Pelican/Sonics, as the teams 6th man starting 8 games in the 22-23 season and 14 games last season including the first 3 rounds of the playoffs with Zion Williamson out. Murphy has averaged 11 PPG the last 3 years well shooting 47% from 3PT.

GM Ryan Derozan

Quote:

"We love Jarret and Trey both and both were a huge part of our winning a title last year, but both guy's are in the last year of their contracts and it's my job to decide whether getting something in return for them in the coming weeks is more valuable long term then keeping them for a playoff run and a chance to win more games this season. It's a tough call to make. Luckily for me I will have some help from other teams deciding what their value is."

BIG 3 PLAYING WELL

Well Allen and Murphy are a big part of the team, the reality is Coach Payton still has his "Big 3" locked up and ready to resume their quest for a NBA title.

Zion Williamson (22.5 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3.9 APG,1.0 SPG), Tyrese Haliburton (18.5 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 10.4 APG, 1.7 SPG, 39% 3PT) and Brandon Ingram (17.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 5.3 APG, 41% 3PT) are leading the way and proving they have what it takes this season to keep the Sonics in the playoffs.

JOHNSON CURRENTLY #3 IN ROOKIE VOTES

Tre Johnson is currently #3 in the what appears to be a heated race for the NBA Rookie of the Year vote. Johnson has started 29/48 games so far taking over the SG spot for Jordan Hawkins and is averaging 11.8 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.0 APG and 1.0 SPG.

The 2 men ahead of him in the vote. Well those are the #2 and #4 Picks of the draft and players Seattle could've had.

Dylan Harper has started 43/48 games for the Pacers taking Haliburton's starting spot and is averaging 18.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 7.1 APG, 1.4 SPG well shooting 44% FG and 37% from 3PT.

Teammate Cody Williams has started 42/48 games and is averaging 14.0 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 4.6 APG and 1.0 SPG well shooting 43% FG and 40% from 3PT.

Orlando's Isiah Elohim (12.0 PPG) is #4, followed by OKC's Carter Knox (11.9 PPG) and Nassir Cunningham (11.7 PPG) then Bull's PF Asa Newell (11.5 PPG) with the #1 Overall pick Ian Jackson (10.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 5.1 APG) ranked #8

** Other then points, Jackson's # are better then anyone besides Harper and really should be #2**

[Deuce2223]

BUYERS AND SELLERS

The NBA Trade Deadline is just 13 days away, so we take a look at who might be Buyers trying to add a key piece for a playoff run and what teams are looking to sell and potentially grab some future pieces to help them rebuild their franchise.

The Houston Rockets are leading the Western Conference and look ready to take a very young team deep into the playoffs. They added veteran John Wall to backup Kevin Porter Jr and Amen Thompson and added Herb Jones to help push youngsters like Mack MgBako, Kenyon Martin Jr and Cam Whitemore at SF, but this team is lacking a backup center for Alpren Sengun. Look for the Rockets to add some size.

Portland is currently leading the Northwest Division and is the #2 seed in the West. They just made a huge move trading Kyrie Irving for Karl Anthony-Towns, opening up the door for Ant Simons to return to the starting lineup and they added Daniel Gafford as insurance for Aday Mara. My guess is they made their move already

Golden State is currently leading the Pacific Division despite a (22-29) record. The Warriors are still rolling out a starting lineup of Curry, Thompson, Wiggins, Kuminga and Looney with former Clipper Deni Avija filling in as the 6th man. They need to find some quality shooters off the bench and some size to put in the post come playoff time. Look for the Warriors to try and do something.

The Denver Nuggets are (26-25) and currently the #9 seed. They moved DJ Wagner into the starting lineup with Murray, Porter Jr, Gordon and Jokic and added former Magic PG Cole Anthony to a 1 yr deal to back up the guards but lack quality depth behind Zek Nnaji in the post. I don't know if they have anything that can't get a deal done but they need to make one.

Sacramento is last in the West at (14-35), the Clippers (16-35) and Lakers (16-33) are not much better. I expect all 3 teams to be sellers at the deadline.

For the Kings De'Arron Fox is in the last year of his contract as is SG Kevin Huerter well Keegan Murray is also due for a big extension.

Cleveland brough back Mobley, Mitchell and James and are leading the East with a (35-14) record. They also added Bobby Portis Jr to share time at Center with Jonas Valanciunas, but they could use a veteran backup to spell Garland besides James Jr.

Detroit resigned Cade Cunningham to a 1 year deal and Cunningham has the Pistons #2 in the East at (34-17). But with his deal expiring plus Center Jalen Duran's contract up and SG Jaden Ivy's. The Piston's need to go all in and try and win this thing this year.

Charlotte is surprising everyone as they lead the Southeast at (28-21) with a 1 game lead over the Hawks. Youngers Matt Buzelis and Brandon Miller are playing lights out as is Lemelo Ball. They are getting production at Center from former Dukie Mark Williams (7.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.0 BPG) and former 76er/Thunder big man Aleksej Poksevski (12.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG) but a addition like Jarret Allen could be what it takes to push them over the top.

Milwaukee once again has the worst record in the NBA at (10-41) Orlando isn't much better at (14-36) and despite strong play from their rookies, Indiana is just (17-31). The Bucks however sacrificed their draft picks for winning years with Giannis, Middleton and Holiday and are now in a downward spiral

They got some veteran pieces that could help a team down the stretch though in Center Juruf Nurkic (81 Ovr), PG Jose Alvarado (77 Ovr), PG Dennis Schroder (77 Ovr), SG/SF Max Strus (77 ovr). Look for them to start dumping.

[Deuce2223]

SONICS MAKE MAKE MOVES BUT WAS IT THE RIGHT ONE'S??

GM Ryan Derozan was stuck between a Rock and a Hard Place. The Sonics were coming off a NBA Championship, but had a underperforming backcourt and a aging overpriced PG in CJ McCollum, with alot of high draft picks in his war chest. He dealt those picks for Tyrese Haliburton traded away fan favorite Herb Jones and drafted SG Tre Johnson #9 Overall to compete with Jordan Hawkins for the starting SG spot.

The Chemistry wasn't there for the first 2 months, but things seem to be turned around in Janurary, until 6th man Trey Murphy asked for a trade and starting Center Jarrett Allen publically said he wouldn't resign in Seattle next season.

So Derzoan worked the phones like he knows how and dealt away both players before the Feb 13th deadline past.

MURPHY TO THE MAV'S
First he traded away Murphy who will reunite in Dallas with CJ McCollum for 22 yr old Derek Lively II (80 Ovr). Lively the #12 pick in the 2023 draft out of Duke missed the 22-23 season with a injury but saw plenty of playing time in 23-24 starting 63/68 games averaging 5.8 PPG, 5.5 RPG and 2.5 BPG. So far this season he averaging 7.7 PPG, 5.7 RPG and 2.2 RPG.

With a young Center onboard to complete with the Sonics own 2023 draft pick Aaron Bradshaw (79 Ovr) #14 pick in the 2023 draft, Derozan and Payton went to work finding a home for Allen and they found one.

ALLEN RETURNS TO NEW YORK

Jarrett Allen (85 Ovr) is returning to where it all started as he heads back to Brooklyn where he spent his first 3 seasons before being dealth to Cleveland.

The Net's were looking for a potential insurance policy in case they can't resign current starter Nicolas Claxton but also viewed the duo with the ability to play both with Claxton logging some minutes at PF.

Derozan wasn't just looking to give away his starting center though and came away with a package that he felt upgraded the Sonics bench for a long playoff run.

The Nets had their own logjam in the backcourt with Ben Simmons, Spencer Dinwiddie, Mikal Bridges getting the bulk of the minutes and veteran Josh Richardson and 21 yr old Dariq Whitehead providing depth.

Brookyln sent SG Cameon Thomas (79 Ovr) the #27 pick of the 2021 draft, PF Dorian Finnley-Smith (78 Ovr) and Center Kelan Ware (77 Ovr) for a Allen, PF Boban Miller (72 Ovr) PG Jason Richardson (70 Ovr) and a 2026 1st Round pick (via Detroit).

With the additon of Ware, the Sonics now have 3 Centers picked in the first 23 picks of the 2023 Draft, after #4 Alex Sarr and #5 Overall Aday Mara.

Derozan

Quote:

"We obvisouly scouted the Center position heavily in the draft and well we picked Bradshaw at #14, we like both Lively II and Ware alot. Well it hurts to lose a All-Star talent like Jarrett Allen, we believe that one of these 3 young men have the potential to blossom into a star and now it's just our job to coach them up"

Payton

Quote:

"Well I know fans are said to see Allen go, I think Cameron Thomas has the ability to be a huge asset to our team. After a a tough rookie season (8.5 PPG, 27% from 3PT, Thomas averaged 15.8 PPG well shooting 38% from 3PT the past 2 seasons and this year in 55 games (6 starts) Thomas was putting up the best #'s in his career averaging 17.1 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.6 APG well shooting 39% from 3PT"

[Deuce2223]

A SLOW NIGHT AROUND THE LEAGUE

Well the earlier trade of K. Irving for Karl Anthony-Towns made headlines and the Sonics trade of 6 players off their 15 man roster was a major shakeup, most teams were pretty quite come deadline time.

Rumors were Sacramento was trying to move starting PG De'Aaron Fox, but Fox instead found himself on the IR with a Right Hand Fracture just 3 days before the deadline proventing a move.

Here is a list of the deals that went down

Houston trade SF Kenyon Martin Jr to Miami for Center Thomas Bryant

"The Rockets need a backup Center and Miami get's a SF that can backup Butler and also play some SG if needed"

Milwaukee Center Jusuf Nurkic and PF Xaiver Booker to the Hawks For PF Saddiq Bey.

"The Hawks need a backup/spot starter at Center and get a young PF with plenty of upside, well the Hawks add Bey as their starting PF for the next 3-4 years at a decent salary."

Milwaukee traded SF Lugentz Dort and PG Jose Alvarado to the Jazz for a 2025 1st Round pick (Sonics pick/ swap with Las Vegas) and SF Harrison Barnes.

"The Jazz upgrade and get younger with Dort over Barnes well adding a veteran PG to backup Colin Sexton, but give up a pick that the Bucks really need right now"

Milwaukee trades PG Dennis Schroeder to the Warriors for a 2nd Round pick.

"Bucks deal for another pick, well the Warriors upgrade with a much need guard off the bench behind Curry and Thompson"

Sacramento trades Terry Rozier II to Atlanta for 2nd round pick.

"The Kings signed Rozier to a 1 year deal in the offseason probably with the idea of trading him anyways. Hawks get a veteran guard who can backup up Trae Young and Dejounte Murray well providing the 2nd unit with some nice scoring punch"

Chicago trades SF Tobias Harris to Boston for SF Dillon Brooks.

"Harris will give the Celtics better offense off the bench behind Tatum well Brooks hopes to find a team that can turn him into the star he thinks he is"

[Deuce2223]

SONICS STRUGGLE WITH CHANGES!!

Jarrett Allen and Trey Murphy's departure along with injuries to Cam Thomas and Zion Williamson led to Seattle finishing just 5-6 record in the short month, as they now sit (35-24) Overall. On a positive note thought, the Sonics are just .5 GB of the Northwest Division leading Trail Blazers and with 23 games left in the season could still push for a Division crown and most likely a repeat as the #2 seed in the playoffs.

HC Gary Payton

Quote:

"Our goal is taking the Division. Houston is (44-15) and at this point there is no catching them for the #1 seed. I feel we got a solid chance of getting this team back on track in March and then finish strong in April and be ready for the playoffs. Losing Williamson now hopefully will means he will be healthy in April and the playoffs."

With Thomas out Hawkins and Rookie Tre Johnson continued to share the starting SG role, well Brandon Ingram slid to the PF and Dyson Daniels joined the starting 5 at SF.

[Deuce2223]

SONICS MOVE TO 1ST IN DIVISION!!

MARCH RECAP
Seattle would go just (9-7) in the Month of May but it was enough to head into April with a 1.5 Game lead in the Northwest Division over Portland and a 2.0 Game lead over Utah with just 7 games left on the year.

HAWKINS OUT

Williamson and Thomas rejoined the rotation, but Coach Payton had to make another adjustment as Jordan Hawkins goes down with a Broken Right Leg and he is out for the remainder of the season. Hawkins was averaging 10.8 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 1.8 APG and was shooting 35% from 3pt.

With Hawkins out Cam Thomas will take over the starting SG role with Tre Johnson as the primary backup, but the Sonics could also give minutes to 28 yr old Kirk Tinsley (74 Ovr) who was called up from G League. Tinsley in limited minutes so far (5 games 8 MPG) is scoring 5.8 PPG and is shooting 40% from 3PT.

Tinsley was a undrafted F.A. out of Portland State.

[Deuce2223]

PLAYOFF RACE IS ON!!!

With most teams having just 7-8 games left in the regular season the playoff bracket is starting to take shape.

WESTERN CONFERENCE
Houston with just 6 games left is leading the Western Conference with a (52-24) record and should finish as the #1 seed.

Seattle has jumped from the #6 seed to the #2 after taking the lead in the Northwest Division well, well Las Vegas (36-41) is currently leading the Pacific over Golden State (34-42) and could very well grab the #3 seed with a sub .500 record.

Memphis (47-29), Oklahoma City (46-29), Dallas (45-30) Portland (43-33), Utah (42-33) and San Antontio (42-34) have all secured at least a play in spot in the playoffs leaving the race between Las Vegas/Golden State for a Divisional crown and the loser battling it out with Denver (36-39) for what appears to be the #10 seed.

It appears that only the L.A. Lakers (28-47) and Clippers (27-48), as well as the Phoenix Suns (27-48) and Sacramento Kings (24-51) are out of the playoffs at this point.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Cleveland looks to have the #1 Seed wrapped up as they enter April at (56-19) but Detroit is pushing have won 5 straight to move to (51-25) to take the #2 seed

Charlotte and Atlanta both are (45-31) and tied for the Southeast Division with 6 games to play.

Brooklyn has a 2.5 Game lead in the Atlantic over Toronto (44-31) and a 5.0 Game lead over Philly (42-34) well Boston (38-38) and Washington (38-39) have both secured at least a Play in spot in the playoffs leaving the #10 seed as a battle between New York (33-42) and Miami (30-46).

Chicago (28-47), Indiana (27-48) are both out well Milwaukee (22-56) and Orlando (20-56) are currently battling to see who can be the worst team in the league and have the best shot at a #1 Pick and a shot at picking between Cameron Boozer or Copper Flagg