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RMJH4 · 02-08-2014, 08:46 AM

Free Agency 2011/12.

With roughly one week to sign free agents before training camp, the NBA free agents have been furiously negotiating with various teams. With all the amnestied players, it topped up the FA pool. All of the amnestied players have been signed by new teams. Wilson Chandler has been waived by his Chinese team, and is expected to sign with the Nuggets on a long term deal. JR Smith has chosen to wait it out until next year like Kenyon Martin and a few others.

Retirements.

Jason Williams
Shaquille O' Neal
Jarron Collins
Trajan Langdon
Yao Ming
Radoslav Nesterović
Žydrūnas Ilgauskas
Brandon Roy
Sean Marks
Greg Oden

Coaching Changes.

LA Lakers hire Mike Brown to replace a retiring Phil Jackson
Houston Rockets hire Kevin McHale
Golden State Warriors fire Keith Smart and Hire Mark Jackson
Toronto Raptors hire Dwayne Casey
Detroit Pistons fire John Kuester and hire Lawrence Frank
Minnesota Timberwolves fire Kurt Rambis and hire Rick Adelman

Amnestied Players
Baron Davis
Chauncey Billups
Chris Andersen
Travis Outlaw
Charlie Bell
James Posey
Gilbert Arenas
Brandon Roy

Signed overseas

J.R Smith
Kenyon Martin
Sonny Weems
Brian Scalabrine
Sean Marks
Darius Songaila
Andrei Kirilenko
Chris Quinn
Acie Law
Nenad Kristic
Chris Douglas Roberts

Free Agent Highlights.

Baron Davis - New York Knicks
Jerry Stackhouse - Atlanta Hawks
Chris Wilcox - Boston Celtics
Richard Hamilton - Chicago Bulls
Vince Carter - Dallas Mavericks
Jeremy Lin - New York Knicks
David West - Indiana Pacers
Chauncey Billups - LA Clippers
Caron Butler - LA Clipper
Michael Redd - LA Clippers
Jason Kapono - LA Lakers
Shane Battier - Miami Heat
Mike Bibby - New York Knicks
Jason Richardson - Phoenix Suns
Grant Hill - Phoenix Suns
Tracy McGrady - Atlanta Hawks
Chris Andersen - Miami Heat
Jamaal Magloire - Toronto Raptors
Roger Mason - Washington Wizards
Sasha Vujacic - Orlando Magic

Trade Highlights.
New Orleans trades Chris Paul to LA Clippers for Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman and Al Farouq Aminu.
Dallas traded Tyson Chandler to New York.

RMJH4 · 02-08-2014, 08:48 AM

Chapter 1: The Pursuit Begins

News of Gilbert Arenas' determination to make a comeback spread like wildfire through the NBA grapevine. As whispers turned to rumors, two teams emerged as the frontrunners interested in giving him a shot at redemption - the Memphis Grizzlies and the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Memphis Grizzlies, a team renowned for their tenacious defense and unyielding spirit, saw Arenas as a potential missing piece in their backcourt. They believed his experience and scoring prowess could provide the much-needed offensive spark off the bench. Coach Lionel Hollins, a seasoned strategist, thought Arenas could be a valuable asset, mentoring the younger players and contributing on the court when it mattered most.

On the other hand, the Portland Trail Blazers were in search of a playmaking guard who could ease the burden on their star forward, LaMarcus Aldridge . The Trail Blazers' head coach, Coach McMillan, recognized that Arenas possessed the skill set they needed to solidify their backcourt rotation and add depth to their roster.

As whispers turned into concrete offers, Gilbert Arenas found himself at a crossroads once again. The decision wasn't merely about finding a team that would take him on for a one-year deal; it was about choosing the right environment to reignite his career and prove to the world that he still had what it took to compete at the highest level.

After intense deliberations with his close circle of advisors, Arenas decided to meet with both teams, expressing his gratitude for their interest and their belief in his abilities. His agent, Bill Henderson, meticulously arranged meetings with the management and coaching staff of both franchises.

In Memphis, Arenas was greeted by the passionate Grizzlies new owner, Robert Pera, who outlined his vision for the team's future. Coach Hollins spoke about how Gilbert's experience could complement the team's young core, and the camaraderie that the locker room would provide. The city embraced basketball wholeheartedly, and the thought of playing in front of such a passionate fan base held a special appeal.

Traveling to Portland, Arenas was taken aback by the scenic beauty and the team's vibrant basketball culture. Coach Nate McMillan spoke about the legacy of past Blazers players and how Gilbert could become a part of that storied history. He highlighted the excellent chemistry among the players and how they embraced one another as a family.

Ultimately, it wasn't just about the financial aspects of the mid-level exception; it was about choosing the right fit. Gilbert Arenas knew that both teams offered unique opportunities, and his decision would significantly impact his quest for redemption.

RMJH4 · 02-08-2014, 08:49 AM

Chapter 2: Embracing Change.

After much contemplation, Gilbert Arenas made up his mind. He chose the team that he felt had the best balance of basketball culture, on-court opportunities, and the potential to make a deep playoff run. The winner was the...

Portland Trail Blazers.

Gilbert's decision to join the Trail Blazers was met with excitement and anticipation by fans and analysts alike. The news spread like wildfire once again, but this time it was accompanied by a sense of hope and curiosity. Everyone wondered if the "Agent Zero" of old could resurface, igniting the Moda Center with his trademark swagger and scoring prowess.

With pen meeting paper, the deal was done. A one-year contract to don the red and black of the Portland Trail Blazers was signed, sealing Gilbert Arenas' fate for the upcoming season. The journey towards redemption was about to begin, and the world watched with bated breath as one of the most intriguing comebacks in NBA history took shape.

As Gilbert settled into his new surroundings, the thoughts of training sessions and team practices became more and more real. The preparation for the season ahead was starting soon. His knew he was ready to show his relentless determination and his unwavering desire to prove that he was not just an afterthought of the past, but a force to be reckoned with in the present. He got some runs in with other free agents and made sure he was in shape.

"Unforgiven: The Gilbert Arenas Story" had reached a pivotal chapter, and the basketball world eagerly awaited what lay ahead for the man once known as "Agent Zero." The stage was set, and the spotlight was firmly fixed on his journey of redemption.

RMJH4 · 02-08-2014, 08:50 AM

Hammond on the Hotseat after questionable moves

After winning NBA Executive of the Year in 2010, Hammond hasn't given Milwaukee much to look forward to since.

The Brandon Jennings pick and trade for John Salmons helped the Bucks get to the playoffs for the first time since 2006.

Since then, Hammond hasn't helped the team much, especially in trades. Acquiring Corey Maggette proved to be pointless, as he was eventually dealt for Stephen Jackson. Jackson, along with Andrew Bogut, was again dealt back to the Warriors for Monta Ellis.

Hammond has a year remaining on his contract. The Bucks seem to be in limbo right now, and Hammond may not have enough time to pull them out of the rut and make another run at the playoffs. This offseason, they let Ellis walk to the Mavericks and signed OJ Mayo as a replacement. Brandon Jennnings has been signed and traded to Detroit for Brandon Knight and Khris Middleton. Zaza Pachulia was incredibly signed on a 3 yr 16m deal to be a backup center.

Gary Neal was given a 2 yr deal for 7m. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and JJ Redick were traded away for future 2nd round picks. They traded and signed for former Bucks Luke Ridnour and Carlos Delfino. The only player remaining from the failed Tobias Harris trade with the Magic is Ish Smith.

At least he has righted one wrong this year by amnestying Drew Gooden. Gooden was signed to a 4 year deal earning approximately 6-7m every year. By year 2 of that deal, Gooden was already riding the pine. The list goes on. Larry Drew was hired as coach this year and will be under pressure from the outset by Hammond. And maybe unfairly too. He has not been given a strong roster to make the playoffs with.

A mix of average youth prospects, role playing vets and 2 decent potential players in OJ Mayo and Larry Sanders. I dont think they will even get the 8th seed with this team. Only time will tell.

RMJH4 · 02-08-2014, 08:51 AM

2013-14 Team Roster

RMJH4 · 02-08-2014, 09:15 AM

Bucks acquire Butler in trade.

The Milwaukee Bucks have acquired two-time All-Star forward Caron Butler (6-7, 228) from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for guard Ish Smith (6-0, 175) and center Viacheslav Kravtsov (7-0, 260), General Manager John Hammond announced today.

"We're very excited to welcome Caron back home," said Hammond. "He is an accomplished veteran player who started 78 games last season for a 56-win team in Los Angeles. Caron gives us depth at the small forward position and will be a mentor for our younger players.

RMJH4 · 02-08-2014, 09:28 AM

Game 1 Milwaukee Bucks 83 - 90 New York Knicks

Chandler with a thunderous Dunk.

Bucks Starters
B. Knight
O. Mayo
C. Butler
K. Middleton
L. Sanders

Knicks Starters
P. Prigioni
R. Felton
I. Shumpert
C. Anthony
T. Chandler

Game Leaders
Pts - 19 - C. Anthony (Knicks)
Rebs - 11 -Z. Pachulia (Bucks)
Asts - 5 - G. Neal (Bucks)
Stls - 3 - R. Felton, P. Prigioni, T. Chandler (Knicks)
Blks - 5 - T. Chandler (Knicks)

Player of the Game
C. Anthony
19pts, 10 rebs, 1 ast, 1 stl.

RMJH4 · 02-08-2014, 09:36 AM

Game 2 Milwaukee Bucks 105 - 98 Boston Celtics

Pachulia led the way with 20 pts tonight.

Bucks Starters
G. Neal
O. Mayo
C. Butler
E. Ilyasova
L. Sanders

Celtics Starters
A. Bradley
J. Green
G. Wallace
B. Bass
V. Faverani

Game Leaders
Pts - 20 - Z. Pachulia (Bucks)
Rebs - 18 -V. Faverani (Celtics)
Asts - 6 - N. Wolters (Bucks)
Stls - 3 - E. Ilyasova (Bucks)
Blks - 6 - V. Faverani (Bucks)

Player of the Game
Z. Pachulia
20pts, 9 rebs, 4 asts, 2 stls.

02-08-2014, 08:46 AM	#9
RMJH4 Retro NBA Nut OVR: 19 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ireland Posts: 1,525 Blog Entries: 17	Free Agency 2011/12 Free Agency 2011/12. With roughly one week to sign free agents before training camp, the NBA free agents have been furiously negotiating with various teams. With all the amnestied players, it topped up the FA pool. All of the amnestied players have been signed by new teams. Wilson Chandler has been waived by his Chinese team, and is expected to sign with the Nuggets on a long term deal. JR Smith has chosen to wait it out until next year like Kenyon Martin and a few others. Retirements. Jason Williams Shaquille O' Neal Jarron Collins Trajan Langdon Yao Ming Radoslav Nesterović Žydrūnas Ilgauskas Brandon Roy Sean Marks Greg Oden Coaching Changes. LA Lakers hire Mike Brown to replace a retiring Phil Jackson Houston Rockets hire Kevin McHale Golden State Warriors fire Keith Smart and Hire Mark Jackson Toronto Raptors hire Dwayne Casey Detroit Pistons fire John Kuester and hire Lawrence Frank Minnesota Timberwolves fire Kurt Rambis and hire Rick Adelman Amnestied Players Baron Davis Chauncey Billups Chris Andersen Travis Outlaw Charlie Bell James Posey Gilbert Arenas Brandon Roy Signed overseas J.R Smith Kenyon Martin Sonny Weems Brian Scalabrine Sean Marks Darius Songaila Andrei Kirilenko Chris Quinn Acie Law Nenad Kristic Chris Douglas Roberts Free Agent Highlights. Baron Davis - New York Knicks Jerry Stackhouse - Atlanta Hawks Chris Wilcox - Boston Celtics Richard Hamilton - Chicago Bulls Vince Carter - Dallas Mavericks Jeremy Lin - New York Knicks David West - Indiana Pacers Chauncey Billups - LA Clippers Caron Butler - LA Clipper Michael Redd - LA Clippers Jason Kapono - LA Lakers Shane Battier - Miami Heat Mike Bibby - New York Knicks Jason Richardson - Phoenix Suns Grant Hill - Phoenix Suns Tracy McGrady - Atlanta Hawks Chris Andersen - Miami Heat Jamaal Magloire - Toronto Raptors Roger Mason - Washington Wizards Sasha Vujacic - Orlando Magic Trade Highlights. New Orleans trades Chris Paul to LA Clippers for Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman and Al Farouq Aminu. Dallas traded Tyson Chandler to New York. __________________ Part 1 and Part 3: Nowhere to Hide. The Mike Hobbs Story. Part 2: No Country for Old Men: A Utah Jazz Story. Last edited by RMJH4; 07-26-2023 at 06:13 AM.

02-08-2014, 08:48 AM	#10
RMJH4 Retro NBA Nut OVR: 19 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ireland Posts: 1,525 Blog Entries: 17	Chapter 1: The Pursuit Begins Chapter 1: The Pursuit Begins News of Gilbert Arenas' determination to make a comeback spread like wildfire through the NBA grapevine. As whispers turned to rumors, two teams emerged as the frontrunners interested in giving him a shot at redemption - the Memphis Grizzlies and the Portland Trail Blazers. The Memphis Grizzlies, a team renowned for their tenacious defense and unyielding spirit, saw Arenas as a potential missing piece in their backcourt. They believed his experience and scoring prowess could provide the much-needed offensive spark off the bench. Coach Lionel Hollins, a seasoned strategist, thought Arenas could be a valuable asset, mentoring the younger players and contributing on the court when it mattered most. On the other hand, the Portland Trail Blazers were in search of a playmaking guard who could ease the burden on their star forward, LaMarcus Aldridge . The Trail Blazers' head coach, Coach McMillan, recognized that Arenas possessed the skill set they needed to solidify their backcourt rotation and add depth to their roster. As whispers turned into concrete offers, Gilbert Arenas found himself at a crossroads once again. The decision wasn't merely about finding a team that would take him on for a one-year deal; it was about choosing the right environment to reignite his career and prove to the world that he still had what it took to compete at the highest level. After intense deliberations with his close circle of advisors, Arenas decided to meet with both teams, expressing his gratitude for their interest and their belief in his abilities. His agent, Bill Henderson, meticulously arranged meetings with the management and coaching staff of both franchises. In Memphis, Arenas was greeted by the passionate Grizzlies new owner, Robert Pera, who outlined his vision for the team's future. Coach Hollins spoke about how Gilbert's experience could complement the team's young core, and the camaraderie that the locker room would provide. The city embraced basketball wholeheartedly, and the thought of playing in front of such a passionate fan base held a special appeal. Traveling to Portland, Arenas was taken aback by the scenic beauty and the team's vibrant basketball culture. Coach Nate McMillan spoke about the legacy of past Blazers players and how Gilbert could become a part of that storied history. He highlighted the excellent chemistry among the players and how they embraced one another as a family. Ultimately, it wasn't just about the financial aspects of the mid-level exception; it was about choosing the right fit. Gilbert Arenas knew that both teams offered unique opportunities, and his decision would significantly impact his quest for redemption. __________________ Part 1 and Part 3: Nowhere to Hide. The Mike Hobbs Story. Part 2: No Country for Old Men: A Utah Jazz Story. Last edited by RMJH4; 07-26-2023 at 06:20 AM.

02-08-2014, 08:49 AM	#11
RMJH4 Retro NBA Nut OVR: 19 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ireland Posts: 1,525 Blog Entries: 17	Chapter 2: Embracing Change. Chapter 2: Embracing Change. After much contemplation, Gilbert Arenas made up his mind. He chose the team that he felt had the best balance of basketball culture, on-court opportunities, and the potential to make a deep playoff run. The winner was the... Portland Trail Blazers. Gilbert's decision to join the Trail Blazers was met with excitement and anticipation by fans and analysts alike. The news spread like wildfire once again, but this time it was accompanied by a sense of hope and curiosity. Everyone wondered if the "Agent Zero" of old could resurface, igniting the Moda Center with his trademark swagger and scoring prowess. With pen meeting paper, the deal was done. A one-year contract to don the red and black of the Portland Trail Blazers was signed, sealing Gilbert Arenas' fate for the upcoming season. The journey towards redemption was about to begin, and the world watched with bated breath as one of the most intriguing comebacks in NBA history took shape. As Gilbert settled into his new surroundings, the thoughts of training sessions and team practices became more and more real. The preparation for the season ahead was starting soon. His knew he was ready to show his relentless determination and his unwavering desire to prove that he was not just an afterthought of the past, but a force to be reckoned with in the present. He got some runs in with other free agents and made sure he was in shape. "Unforgiven: The Gilbert Arenas Story" had reached a pivotal chapter, and the basketball world eagerly awaited what lay ahead for the man once known as "Agent Zero." The stage was set, and the spotlight was firmly fixed on his journey of redemption. __________________ Part 1 and Part 3: Nowhere to Hide. The Mike Hobbs Story. Part 2: No Country for Old Men: A Utah Jazz Story. Last edited by RMJH4; 07-26-2023 at 06:29 AM.

02-08-2014, 08:50 AM	#12
RMJH4 Retro NBA Nut OVR: 19 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ireland Posts: 1,525 Blog Entries: 17	Hammond on the Hotseat Hammond on the Hotseat after questionable moves After winning NBA Executive of the Year in 2010, Hammond hasn't given Milwaukee much to look forward to since. The Brandon Jennings pick and trade for John Salmons helped the Bucks get to the playoffs for the first time since 2006. Since then, Hammond hasn't helped the team much, especially in trades. Acquiring Corey Maggette proved to be pointless, as he was eventually dealt for Stephen Jackson. Jackson, along with Andrew Bogut, was again dealt back to the Warriors for Monta Ellis. Hammond has a year remaining on his contract. The Bucks seem to be in limbo right now, and Hammond may not have enough time to pull them out of the rut and make another run at the playoffs. This offseason, they let Ellis walk to the Mavericks and signed OJ Mayo as a replacement. Brandon Jennnings has been signed and traded to Detroit for Brandon Knight and Khris Middleton. Zaza Pachulia was incredibly signed on a 3 yr 16m deal to be a backup center. Gary Neal was given a 2 yr deal for 7m. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and JJ Redick were traded away for future 2nd round picks. They traded and signed for former Bucks Luke Ridnour and Carlos Delfino. The only player remaining from the failed Tobias Harris trade with the Magic is Ish Smith. At least he has righted one wrong this year by amnestying Drew Gooden. Gooden was signed to a 4 year deal earning approximately 6-7m every year. By year 2 of that deal, Gooden was already riding the pine. The list goes on. Larry Drew was hired as coach this year and will be under pressure from the outset by Hammond. And maybe unfairly too. He has not been given a strong roster to make the playoffs with. A mix of average youth prospects, role playing vets and 2 decent potential players in OJ Mayo and Larry Sanders. I dont think they will even get the 8th seed with this team. Only time will tell. __________________ Part 1 and Part 3: Nowhere to Hide. The Mike Hobbs Story. Part 2: No Country for Old Men: A Utah Jazz Story.

02-08-2014, 08:51 AM	#13
RMJH4 Retro NBA Nut OVR: 19 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ireland Posts: 1,525 Blog Entries: 17	2013-14 Team Roster 2013-14 Team Roster __________________ Part 1 and Part 3: Nowhere to Hide. The Mike Hobbs Story. Part 2: No Country for Old Men: A Utah Jazz Story.

	MLB The Show 24 Review: Another Solid Hit for the Series
	New Star GP Review: Old-School Arcade Fun
	Where Are Our College Basketball Video Game Rumors?

02-08-2014, 09:15 AM	#14
RMJH4 Retro NBA Nut OVR: 19 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ireland Posts: 1,525 Blog Entries: 17	Bucks Acquire Butler Bucks acquire Butler in trade. The Milwaukee Bucks have acquired two-time All-Star forward Caron Butler (6-7, 228) from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for guard Ish Smith (6-0, 175) and center Viacheslav Kravtsov (7-0, 260), General Manager John Hammond announced today. "We're very excited to welcome Caron back home," said Hammond. "He is an accomplished veteran player who started 78 games last season for a 56-win team in Los Angeles. Caron gives us depth at the small forward position and will be a mentor for our younger players. __________________ Part 1 and Part 3: Nowhere to Hide. The Mike Hobbs Story. Part 2: No Country for Old Men: A Utah Jazz Story.

02-08-2014, 09:28 AM	#15
RMJH4 Retro NBA Nut OVR: 19 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ireland Posts: 1,525 Blog Entries: 17	Re: Bucking the Trend. Game 1 Milwaukee Bucks 83 - 90 New York Knicks Chandler with a thunderous Dunk. Bucks Starters B. Knight O. Mayo C. Butler K. Middleton L. Sanders Knicks Starters P. Prigioni R. Felton I. Shumpert C. Anthony T. Chandler Game Leaders Pts - 19 - C. Anthony (Knicks) Rebs - 11 -Z. Pachulia (Bucks) Asts - 5 - G. Neal (Bucks) Stls - 3 - R. Felton, P. Prigioni, T. Chandler (Knicks) Blks - 5 - T. Chandler (Knicks) Player of the Game C. Anthony 19pts, 10 rebs, 1 ast, 1 stl. __________________ Part 1 and Part 3: Nowhere to Hide. The Mike Hobbs Story. Part 2: No Country for Old Men: A Utah Jazz Story.

02-08-2014, 09:36 AM	#16
RMJH4 Retro NBA Nut OVR: 19 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ireland Posts: 1,525 Blog Entries: 17	Re: Bucking the Trend. Game 2 Milwaukee Bucks 105 - 98 Boston Celtics Pachulia led the way with 20 pts tonight. Bucks Starters G. Neal O. Mayo C. Butler E. Ilyasova L. Sanders Celtics Starters A. Bradley J. Green G. Wallace B. Bass V. Faverani Game Leaders Pts - 20 - Z. Pachulia (Bucks) Rebs - 18 -V. Faverani (Celtics) Asts - 6 - N. Wolters (Bucks) Stls - 3 - E. Ilyasova (Bucks) Blks - 6 - V. Faverani (Bucks) Player of the Game Z. Pachulia 20pts, 9 rebs, 4 asts, 2 stls. __________________ Part 1 and Part 3: Nowhere to Hide. The Mike Hobbs Story. Part 2: No Country for Old Men: A Utah Jazz Story.

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Bucking the Trend.