Lord of the Rings: A Golden State Warriors Dynasty (NBA 2K19)
Lord of the Rings
A Golden State Warriors Dynasty
Welcome to my first ever, NBA 2K, Dynasty. I am very excited to get this kicked off, even though it's in advance of the official start to the 2018-19 NBA Season. I'm frequent around the Football Dynasty thread and have ran two lengthier CFM's, as well as one for College Hoops 2k8, and a couple stabs at OOTP & NCAA 14 Dynasties. With no other sports games taking my attention away at the moment thanks to Madden 19 flopping, I'm all in for NBA 2K19. Below, I've compiled some questions and answers to give some clarity on what my dynasty will entail. As always, I really enjoy seeing comments and activity, so if you're following along, give a little shout. Enjoy!
First off, why the Golden State Warriors?
Simple answer? Dynasty. I'm all things Goliath when it comes to sports & I love watching one team, franchise, or program, wreak havoc on the league for years and years. In the modern day NBA, nobody is doing that better than Golden State, and nobody is hated or loved, quite as much. The thing is, I do believe the peak of Golden State is behind us. The upcoming season's success for the Warriors is inevitable, but following that, many questions loom in the distance. What will Kevin Durant do with his expiring contract? How about Klay? DeMarcus? One superstar moving on stinks, two, or more, oh boy. As for future talent on the roster, there's not much, but what do you expect when you're picking near last in the NBA Draft, year in, and year out. In terms of tough choices, the Golden State Warriors are going to have plenty in the next few years, and I am going to be right there, making them.
How will MyLeague be constructed?
First thing first, I do not like simulating. In Madden, Play the Moments is the perfect mesh between simulation and playing. Unfortunately, there isn't a mode that does it quite like PTM, so I will be playing every second of every game. Because of this, I cannot play all 82 games, not even close. My intent is to play 14 game seasons with no injuries, and no trading. Why 14? A quicker turnaround on seasons without getting burnt out. This also makes each game extremely important...I hate fluff games. Even 29 games can be a tad too much to play, and my focus in on team building, so the more seasons, the better. Injuries and trading will be turned off because it can become a handful to follow when doing a ton of seasons. If there's anything I learned in my former threads, it's that not knowing what is going on can ruin immersion, very quickly. It's not the easiest to follow teams dumping contracts and making bench to bench trades, plus I don't want to find out 10 games in to the season the Hawks haven't even used Trae Young because he got hurt, or the Kings traded a bunch of guys for draft picks. This also gives me every team at full strength, which is what I want to see at the end of the day.
How will my thread be constructed?
I'm not a graphics or pictures guy, I am strictly, text based. If you have seen any of my threads before, you will find I try and keep things pretty clean. I do a season preview, a roster preview, detail each game using a template and a summary, as well as sprinkle in standings, contract signings, and the playoffs/offseason, at the end.
House Rules & Sliders
I typically run my own set of custom sliders and my difficulty is usually All-Star. With the shorter season, and injuries/trading turned off, I will do my best not to cheese the system and ignore building a full roster. Whatever the CPU does in terms of roster building, I will try and replicate. I am also leaving minutes on auto subs because I want my minutes to replicate what the CPU is doing. It would be easy to leave Steph and Durant out there for 46 minutes each game, but we know that's not the reality.
How long will this last?
Watching the NBA change over the years is my favorite thing, so the more seasons, the better. I'd love to get through a decade and keep on chugging. Let's not set a number, but instead, the goal of seeing the league change dramatically over time.
Can't wait to get started!
__________________
~ Return of the King ~
Last edited by saintrules; 10-05-2018 at 11:32 AM.
Re: Lord of the Rings: A Golden State Warriors Dynasty (NBA 2K19)
Golden State HQ
Team Achievements Overall Record: 50-20 NBA Championships: Conference Championships: 2021 Conference Championship Appearances: 2020 High Seed Playoff Berths: 2018 (#2), 2021 (#1) Low Seed Playoff Berths: 2019 (#6), 2020 (#5)
Season Records 2018: 11-3 (2nd in West) 2019: 8-6 (6th in West) 2020: 9-5 (5th in West) 2021: 12-2 (1st in West) 2022: 10-4 (2nd in West)
Player Achievements NBA Most Valuable Player: 2020 (Stephen Curry), 2021 (Stephen Curry), 2022 (Stephen Curry) NBA Defensive Player of the Year: NBA Rookie of the Year: NBA Sixth Man of the Year: NBA Most Improved Player of the Year: NBA Coach of the Year: 2021 (Steve Kerr)
All-NBA First Team: 2018 (Stephen Curry), 2018 (DeMarcus Cousins), 2019 (Stephen Curry), 2020 (Stephen Curry), 2021 (Stephen Curry), 2021 (Klay Thompson), 2022 (Stephen Curry) All-NBA Second Team: 2019 (Klay Thompson), 2020 (Klay Thompson) All-NBA Third Team: All-Defensive First Team: All-Defensive Second Team: 2018 (Draymond Green), 2019 (Draymond Green) All-Rookie First Team: 2020 (Will Baker) All-Rookie Second Team: 2022 (Jabari Smith)
Team Statistics Best Overall Player: 2020 (Stephen Curry - 30.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 13.1 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG) Best Scorer: 2020 (Klay Thompson - 33.6 PPG) Best Rebounder: 2018 (DeMarcus Cousins - 13.1 RPG) Best Assisting: 2020 (Stephen Curry - 13.1 APG) Best Stealer: 2019 (Draymond Green - 2.1 SPG) Best Blocker: 2019 (Jordan Bell - 1.6 BPG)
__________________
~ Return of the King ~
Last edited by saintrules; 01-08-2019 at 12:37 PM.
Re: Lord of the Rings: A Golden State Warriors Dynasty (NBA 2K19)
NBA History Books
Team Achievements
NBA Finals Champions 2018: Boston Celtics 2019: Houston Rockets 2020: Phoenix Suns 2021: New York Knicks 2022: Cleveland Cavaliers
Eastern Conference Champions 2018: Boston Celtics 2019: Indiana Pacers 2020: New York Knicks 2021: New York Knicks 2022: Cleveland Cavaliers
Western Conference Champions 2018: Houston Rockets 2019: Houston Rockets 2020: Phoenix Suns 2021: Golden State Warriors 2022: Minnesota Timberwolves
Best Eastern Conference Offense 2018: Orlando Magic (109.6) 2019: Toronto Raptors (112.4) 2020: Toronto Raptors (112.0) 2021: Chicago Bulls (113.0) 2022: Atlanta Hawks (111.4)
Best Western Conference Offense 2018: Houston Rockets (112.9) 2019: Golden State Warriors (114.5) 2020: Golden State Warriors (114.3) 2021: Golden State Warriors (118.9) 2022: Los Angeles Clippers (115.2)
Best Eastern Conference Defense 2018: Toronto Raptors (94.7) 2019: Chicago Bulls (97.5) 2020: Toronto Raptors (98.1) 2021: Indiana Pacers (98.7) 2022: New York Knicks (97.9)
Best Western Conference Defense 2018: Oklahoma City Thunder (94.1) 2019: Oklahoma City Thunder (99.1) 2020: Utah Jazz (98.6) 2021: Houston Rockets (96.2) 2022: San Antonio Spurs (97.1)
Best Eastern Conference Differential 2018: Toronto Raptors (12.6) 2019: Chicago Bulls (14.8) 2020: Toronto Raptors (13.9) 2021: Chicago Bulls (12.9) 2022: New York Knicks (10.1)
Best Western Conference Differential 2018: Oklahoma City Thunder (17.3) 2019: Oklahoma City Thunder (10.4) 2020: Phoenix Suns (8.6) 2021: Golden State Warriors (14.2) 2022: Minnesota Timberwolves (10.1)
Individual Achievements
NBA Most Valuable Player 2018: Russell Westbrook (Thunder) 2019: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) 2020: Stephen Curry (Warriors) 2021: Stephen Curry (Warriors) 2022: Stephen Curry (Warriors)
NBA Defensive Players of the Year 2018: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) 2019: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) 2020: Kawhi Leonard (Raptors) 2021: Kawhi Leonard (Raptors) 2022: Anthony Davis (Pelicans)
NBA Rookies of the Year 2018: (R) Luka Doncic (Mavericks) 2019: (R) Zion Williamson (Grizzlies) 2020: (R) Jaden McDaniels (Knicks) 2021: (R) Kai Jones (Clippers) 2022: (R) Frank Kepnang (Thunder)
NBA Sixth Men of the Year 2018: Tyreke Evans (Pacers) 2019: Dennis Schroder (Thunder) 2020: Draymond Green (Pistons) 2021: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Clippers) 2022: Jaden McDaniels (Knicks)
NBA Most Improved Players of the Year 2018: De'Aaron Fox (Kings) 2019: Jaylen Brown (Celtics) 2020: Michael Porter Jr (Nuggets) 2021: Chandler Hutchison (Bulls) 2022: Josh Okogie (Timberwolves)
NBA Coaches of the Year 2018: Billy Donovan (Thunder) 2019: Fred Hoiberg (Bulls) 2020: Nick Nurse (Raptors) 2021: Steve Kerr (Warriors) 2022: Tom Thibodeau (Pistons)
NBA Scoring Title 2018: Russell Westbrook - 30.6 (Thunder) 2019: Stephen Curry - 31.9 (Warriors) 2020: Klay Thompson - 33.6 (Warriors) 2021: Stephen Curry - 39.8 (Warriors) 2022: Trae Young - 27.1 (Hawks)
NBA Rebounding Title 2018: Andre Drummond - 15.5 (Pistons) 2019: Hassan Whiteside - 17.1 (Nets) 2020: Karl-Anthony Towns - 15.0 (Timberwolves) 2021: Andre Drummond - 16.6 (Jazz) 2022: Deandre Ayton - 17.8 (Suns)
NBA Assisting Title 2018: Stephen Curry - 12.4 (Warriors) 2019: Chris Paul - 10.8 (Rockets) 2020: Stephen Curry - 13.1 (Warriors) 2021: Lonzo Ball - 12.6 (Lakers) 2022: Lonzo Ball - 11.1 (Lakers)
NBA Steals Title 2018: Kris Dunn - 2.6 (Bulls) 2019: Kawhi Leonard - 2.4 (Raptors) 2020: Kawhi Leonard - 2.6 (Raptors) 2021: Stephen Curry - 2.9 (Warriors) 2022: Stephen Curry - 2.0 (Warriors)
NBA Field Goals Made Title 2018: Russell Westbrook - 161 (Thunder) 2019: Klay Thompson - 177 (Warriors) 2020: Klay Thompson - 185 (Warriors) 2021: Stephen Curry - 201 (Warriors) 2022: Stephen Curry - 133 (Warriors)
NBA Three Pointers Made Title 2018: Stephen Curry - 81 (Warriors) 2019: Stephen Curry - 77 (Warriors) 2020: James Harden - 80 (Rockets) 2021: Stephen Curry - 89 (Warriors) 2022: James Harden - 62 (Rockets)
NBA Efficiency Rating Title 2018: TBD 2019: TBD 2020: Giannis Antetokounmpo - 36.7 (Bucks) 2021: Stephen Curry - 39.9 (Warriors) 2022: Stephen Curry - 32.7 (Warriors)
League Leaders Best Overall Player: TBD Best Scorer: 2020 (Klay Thompson - 33.6 PPG) Best Rebounder: 2019 (Hassan Whiteside - 17.1 RPG) Best Assisting: 2020 (Stephen Curry - 13.1 APG) Best Stealer: 2019 (Kris Dunn - 2.6 SPG) Best Blocker: 2019 (Rudy Gobert - 3.1 BPG)
__________________
~ Return of the King ~
Last edited by saintrules; 01-09-2019 at 01:00 PM.
Re: Lord of the Rings: A Golden State Warriors Dynasty (NBA 2K19)
Golden State Preview
September 25th, 2018
Golden State, Golden Roster
Oakland, CA - The 2018-2019 NBA Schedule & Roster have been released from Golden State today for the upcoming NBA Season.
The Warriors will kick things off with a road trip to Phoenix, taking on a talented Devin Booker & the 2018 NBA Draft first selection, DeAndre Ayton. For the next five games, Golden State will see a mixed bag of playoff talent and rebuilding franchises, including: Portland, San Antonio, Sacramento, Utah, and Dallas.
The middle stretch of the schedule is certainly the toughest as the Warriors will see three high caliber match ups in a row around the All-Star Break. Oracle Arena will play host to the Russell Westbrook led Thunder, Harden led Rockets, and finally, a road trip to the Staples Center with the LeBron led Lakers.
The back quarter of the schedule is similar to the front, but on the harder side. The Warriors will see some playoff talent, mixed in with dark horses. Minnesota will come to town before Golden State heads to LA, New Orleans, and Denver, over a five game stretch to end the campaign.
The Warriors are projected by many to earn at least 13 wins over the 14 game schedule.
Golden State Schedule
Golden State Warriors 2018 Schedule
DATE
OPPONENT
RESULT
Nov 6
at Phoenix Suns
Nov 18
vs Portland Trail Blazers
Dec 2
at San Antonio Spurs
Dec 23
vs Sacramento Kings
Jan 13
at Utah Jazz
Jan 19
vs Dallas Mavericks
Feb 12
vs Oklahoma City Thunder
Feb 19
vs Houston Rockets
Feb 22
All-Star Break
Feb 23
All-Star Break
Feb 24
All-Star Break
Mar 1
at Los Angeles Lakers
Mar 15
vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Mar 22
at Los Angeles Clippers
Mar 29
vs Memphis Grizzlies
Apr 12
at New Orleans Pelicans
Apr 16
at Denver Nuggets
Warriors Head Coach, Steve Kerr, commented on the upcoming schedule tonight at the Warriors evening practice: "We've been here before, as defending Champions, and we're going to treat this season like we did not win squat last year. The landscape of the league is different, new faces in new places, and talent from college that can hit you like a brick wall. Not for a second will we underestimate some of these nineteen or twenty year old's, they can ball with the best of us. It's going to be easy to get complacent or relaxed around the All-Star break, something we can not afford given our competition around that time. We know who we are, we know what we are capable of, and we know what is expected."
Golden State Roster
Best Talent: Kevin Durant Best Playmaker: Stephen Curry Best Shooter: Stephen Curry Best Defender: Draymond Green Best Rebounder: DeMarcus Cousins
Golden State Warriors Roster - 2018
#
NAME
POS
AGE
HT
WT
SALARY
35
Kevin Durant (97)
Forward
29
6'9
240
1, Year, $30.00 Million
30
Stephen Curry (95)
Guard
30
6'3"
190
4 Years, $37.46 Million
0
DeMarcus Cousins (90)
Center
27
6'11"
270
1 Year, $5.43 Million
11
Klay Thompson (89)
Guard
28
6'7"
215
1 Year, $18.99 Million
23
Draymond Green (87)
Forward
28
6'7"
230
2 Years, $17.47 Million
9
Andre Iguodala (77)
Forward
34
6'6"
215
2 Years, $16.00 Million
2
Jordan Bell (77)
Forward
23
6'9"
224
1 Year, $1.38 Million
34
Shaun Livingston (75)
Guard
32
6'7"
192
2 Years, $8.31 Million
21
Jonas Jerebko (75)
Forward
31
6'10"
231
1 Year, $4.20 Million
4
Quinn Cook (74)
Guard
25
6'2"
179
1 Year, $1.54 Million
10
(R) Jacob Evans III (72)
Guard
21
6'6"
210
2 Years, $1.64 Million
5
Kevin Looney (71)
Forward
22
6'9"
220
1 Year, $1.51 Million
15
Damian Jones (69)
Center
23
7'0"
245
1 Year, $1.54 Million
12
Danuel House (69)
Forward
25
6'7"
207
1 Year, $1.51 Million
1
Damion Lee (67)
Guard
25
6'6"
210
1 Year, $815 Thousand
Golden State Warriors Depth Chart - 2018
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
PG
Stephen Curry
Shaun Livingston
Quinn Cook
SG
Klay Thompson
Damion Lee
SF
Kevin Durant
Andre Iguodala
(R) Jacob Evans III
Danuel House
PF
Draymond Green
Jordan Bell
Jonas Jerebko
Kevon Looney
C
DeMarcus Cousins
Damian Jones
Golden State has named a familiar bunch as the Starting Lineup for the season, not to mention adding a new face to an already stacked roster.
DeMarcus Cousins, the former King & Pelican, will join the Warriors in their quest for another ring. The 6'11", 270, Center, has dominated the league underneath the basket for years now & will finally get an opportunity to see depth in the NBA Playoffs. 'Boogie' Cousins weighed in on the upcoming campaign: "Guys gave KD crap when he came here, so go ahead, give it to me too. I joined a winning franchise because I am a winning player. We're getting another ring this year, go ahead, try and stop us."
The likely "Bad Boys" attitude from Golden State will almost certainly bring a fan favorite physicality to the upcoming games.
__________________
~ Return of the King ~
Last edited by saintrules; 10-05-2018 at 11:42 AM.
Re: Lord of the Rings: A Golden State Warriors Dynasty (NBA 2K19)
2018 Power Rankings
October 15th, 2018
Warriors add to star riddled lineup
ESPN.com - As the 2018 season draws close, it's time to take a look at who's the hottest of the bunch for the upcoming journey.
With relatively no surprise, the Golden State Warriors will begin, and likely end, at the top of the food chain. Another NBA Finals in the books would certainly cement this franchise as one of the all-time great dynasties, though that should already be in the books.
With a hot Western Conference looming, the road won't be easy, and let's not even get started on the cream of the crop out East. Boston, Toronto, and Philadelphia, will all have something to say before the dust is settled, not to mention some dark horses in the form of Indiana, Milwaukee, and Minnesota.
Without further ado, here are the 2018 NBA Power Rankings:
Eastern Conference
#1 Boston Celtics
(97 OVR - 97 OFF - 96 DEF) Projected Record: 13-1
Boston Celtics
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
Kyrie Irving (A-)
Jaylen Brown (B-)
Terry Rozier (C+)
Marcus Smart (C+)
F
Jayson Tatum (B+)
Gordon Hayward (B)
Al Horford (B)
Marcus Morris (C+)
While the Warriors have starting depth, the Celtics have true depth. All eight players listed above can take over at any time, and that's not an opinion, it's a fact. Boston has the best ability to take down the Warriors if the two meet in the NBA Finals, and with a couple expiring contracts come season's end, it's time to get it done.
#2 Toronto Raptors Projected Record: 11-3
Toronto Raptors
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
Kyle Lowry (B+)
Fred VanVleet (C+)
Delon Wright (C+)
Danny Green (C)
F
Kawhi Leonard (A)
Jonas Valanciunas (B-)
Serge Ibaka (C+)
Pascal Siakam (C+)
At last, Kawhi sees his first season in another uniform. While the Raptors said goodbye to DeRozan, the addition of Leonard has to have the city buzzing. Leonard should add a standard of defensive play the Raptors can use to propel them to the top of the charts in the East. There's not as much depth behind Leonard and Lowry as other teams may have, but those two aforementioned guys can get things done, as is. A trip to the Eastern Conference Finals should be the goal and everything after it should be icing on the cake.
#3 Philadelphia 76ers Projected Record: 9-5
Philadelphia 76ers
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
JJ Reddick (C+)
Markelle Fultz (C)
TJ McConnell (C)
(R) Landry Shamet (C-)
F
Joel Embiid (A-)
Ben Simmons (B+)
Robert Covington (C+)
Dario Saric (C+)
The Sixers have a front court few can hang with, but in terms of the back court, most can beat it. For the City of Brotherly Love to be successful, a lot of growing will need to be seen from Markelle Fultz as he tries to support JJ Redick at the top of the key. Embiid and Simmons will likely need to go off game after game to keep the Sixers in the running, but they definitely have the potential to do so.
#4 Indiana Pacers Projected Record: 9-5
Indiana Pacers
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
Victor Oladipo (B+)
Tyreke Evans (B-)
Darren Collison (C+)
Cory Joseph (C)
F
Myles Turner (B-)
Domantas Sabonis (B-)
Bojan Bogdanovic (C+)
Thaddeus Young (C+)
Victor Oladipo has blown up and is the face of the Indiana Pacers. In terms of talent, nobody else on the roster really comes close, but Myles Turner and Tyreke Evans should provide some solid support for the man. Indiana is a strong dark horse contender out East and has actual potential to topple the likes of Boston, Toronto, and Philly, under the right circumstances. A first or second round playoff match up against one of the aforementioned should be pretty fun to see.
#5 Milwaukee Bucks Projected Record: 8-6
Milwaukee Bucks
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
Khris Middleton (B)
Eric Bledsoe (B-)
Malcolm Brogdon (C+)
M. Dellavedova (C)
F
Antetokounmpo (A)
Brook Lopez (C+)
John Henson (C+)
Ersan Ilyasova (C+)
If it seemed like Portland was being carried, look no further than Milwaukee. Giannis Antetokounmpo will be the Bucks' first, second, and third scoring option, not to mention most of their rebounding, stealing, and blocking. With an uber talented stud and rougher roster, Giannis has a great shot at the MVP trophy and that performance alone should help get Milwaukee out of the East and into the postseason.
#6 Washington Wizards Projected Record: 7-7
Washington Wizards
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
John Wall (B+)
Bradley Beal (B+)
Austin Rivers (C+)
Tomas Satoransky (C)
F
Dwight Howard (B-)
Otto Porter Jr (C+)
Markleff Morris (C+)
Kelly Oubre Jr (C)
At what point will John Wall get the credit he deserves? The long time Wizard has been shadowed over for most of his career by guys at his position less talented, but on better teams. Can he, Beal, and Otto Porter Jr, make their way to the postseason? Or will Wall be once again watching names like Curry, Irving, Harden, Westbrook, and more, from his couch? Time will tell.
#7 Detroit Pistons Projected Record: 7-7
Detroit Pistons
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
Reggie Jackson (C+)
Ish Smith (C+)
Glenn Robinson III (C)
Stanley Johnson (C)
F
A. Drummond (B+)
Blake Griffin (B+)
Zaza Pachulia (C)
Reggie Bullock (C)
It almost feels like Detroit is returning to some sort of bad boy form here in 2018. Drummond is a beast, Griffin is too cool for school, and Reggie Jackson, Ish Smith, and Glenn Robinson III, have names that sound like future Hall-of-Famers. One of the league's strongest front courts should do a pretty good job competing in the East, but it's going to take some dynamic performances from the back court to keep Detroit afloat.
#8 Miami Heat Projected Record: 7-7
Miami Heat
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
Goran Dragic (B)
Dwyane Wade (C+)
Wayne Ellington (C)
Dion Waiters (C)
F
Hassan Whiteside (B)
Josh Richardson (C+)
Bam Adebayo (C+)
Kelly Olynyk (C+)
The front-court/back-court duo of Hassan Whiteside and Goran Dragic is pretty solid. While it isn't fear inducing like some other more notable duos, it's still up there. The two will have a lot of roster to carry if Dwyane Wade and Bam Adebayo don't show up, but there's a better chance they will. Like the Spurs, Miami is a fringe team who can get into the dance through seven wins.
#9 Brooklyn Nets Projected Record: 7-7
Brooklyn Nets
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
D. Russell (B-)
Caris LeVert (B-)
Spencer Dinwiddie (C+)
Joe Harris (C)
F
Jarrett Allen (C+)
R. Hollis-Jefferson (C+)
DeMarre Carrol (C+)
Ed Davis (C)
The Nets are a solid sixth man team, plain and simple. This large mix of role players may actually pan out for the better behind D'Angelo Russell if they can get their bearings down. There's no question Brooklyn are a guy or two away from being a legitimate competitor, but they should snag a couple of surprising wins on the year out East.
#10 Chicago Bulls Projected Record: 7-7
Chicago Bulls
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
Zach LaVine (B)
Kris Dunn (C+)
Justin Holiday (C)
Cameron Payne (C-)
F
Lauri Markkanen (B-)
Jabari Parker (B-)
Bobby Portis (C+)
(R) W. Carter Jr (C)
Something is brewing in Chicago and it looks pretty good, at least, for the future. Lauri Markkanen, Zach LaVine, and Kris Dunn, have taken a nice step forward from last season, and now the Bulls have added Jabari Parker and (R) Wendell Carter Jr, to the mix. Chicago is the type of team you circle this season and say, "check back in with these folks in a year or two", success should be inevitable.
#11 Cleveland Cavaliers Projected Record: 6-8
Cleveland Cavaliers
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
Jordan Clarkson (C+)
George Hill (C)
(R) Collin Sexton (C)
Kyle Korver (C)
F
Kevin Love (B)
Larry Nance Jr (C)
Tristan Thompson (C)
Channing Frye (C)
From the NBA Finals to being written off as one of the zombies from 'The Walking Dead'. The Cleveland Cavaliers should be hungry to prove LeBron James wasn't the only reason they got to where they did, even if it actually was. Hello (R) Collin Sexton, there's a new sheriff in town. Sexton will immediately jump into the star role for the Cavs and combined with Kevin Love, Cleveland should still be on people's watch list. While the playoffs might slip out of reach here in year one, Sexton will be fun to watch.
#12 Orlando Magic Projected Record: 5-9
Orlando Magic
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
Evan Fournier (C+)
DJ Augustin (C)
Jonathon Simmons (C)
Jerian Grant (C)
F
Nikola Vucevic (B-)
Aaron Gordon (B-)
(R) Mo Bamba (C+)
Jonathan Isaac (C)
The era of (R) Mo Bamba begins under the rim for Orlando, that is, if Nikola Vucevic shares some minutes. The Magic aren't quite a circle team like the Bulls and Kings, but things are in the works. Aaron Gordon is certainly going to need some help in the back court in the future, so Orlando should definitely be buying come the offseason, or at least, making room.
#13 New York Knicks Projected Record: 4-10
New York Knicks
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
Tim Hardaway Jr (B-)
Courtney Lee (C)
Trey Burke (C)
Frank Ntilikina (C)
F
K. Porzingis (B+)
Enes Kanter (C+)
(R) Kevin Knox (C)
Noah Vonieh (C)
Losing Michael Beasley shouldn't shake New York to it's core, but it certainly isn't helping their cause. Kristaps has a lot of weight to carry and it's just not going to work with a back court as talented as a collegiate roster. The Knicks need to say goodbye to Joakim Noah and clear some cap space to eventually pay some draft picks in the future.
#14 Charlotte Hornets Projected Record: 3-11
Charlotte Hornets
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
Kemba Walker (B+)
Jeremy Lamb (C+)
Tony Parker (C)
Malik Monk (C)
F
Cody Zeller (C+)
Nicolas Batum (C+)
Willy Hernangomez (C)
M. Kidd-Gilchrist (C)
Will this be the last season Kemba Walker sports a Charlotte Hornets jersey? Time will tell, but one thing is certain: The Hornets aren't going anywhere fast. Dwight Howard is out and all that is left is Walker, plus a collegiate basketball team. The Hornets earning more than three wins would be pretty surprising.
#15 Atlanta Hawks Projected Record: 1-13
Atlanta Hawks
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
(R) Trae Young (C+)
Kent Bazemore (C+)
Jeremy Lin (C)
(R) Kevin Huerter (C-)
F
John Collins (C+)
Taurean Prince (C+)
Alex Len (C)
Vince Carter (C)
Life after Dennis Schroder is the (R) Trae Young era and it should be pretty interesting, just, not right now. The Hawks are as scary as a butterfly and it's going to take some time for this roster to turn around. A couple of wins should be considered a success for 2018.
Western Conference
#1 Golden State Warriors Projected Record: 14-0
Golden State Warriors
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
Stephen Curry (A)
Klay Thompson (B+)
Shaun Livingston (C+)
Quinn Cook (C)
F
Kevin Durant (A+)
DeMarcus Cousins (A)
Draymond Green (B)
Andre Iguodala (C+)
If there was ever a season where a team should be favored to go unscathed, it would be here. This season's rendition of the Warriors is one for the ages as the already stacked roster adds one of the best big men in the league. When you have two, maybe three guys, gunning for the MVP, how can you not be favored to win it all? The Warriors should be hoisting the big one when all is said and done.
#2 Houston Rockets Projected Record: 12-2
Houston Rockets
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
James Harden (A)
Chris Paul (A-)
Eric Gordon (C+)
Brandon Knight (C)
F
Clint Capela (B)
Carmelo Anthony (C+)
Nene (C+)
Gerald Green (C+)
The duo of the Beard and CP3 is one for the ages, that's for sure. Add Clint Capela and 'Melo to the mix, and you've got a powerhouse lineup that should slice and dice through most of the West. The Rockets should not have an issue collecting upwards of twelve wins through the regular goings. A defeat over Golden State in the Western Conference Finals, or, whomever lies await, should be what this roster is focused on.
#3 Oklahoma City Thunder Projected Record: 10-4
Oklahoma City Thunder
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
R. Westbrook (A)
Dennis Schroder (C+)
Andre Roberson (C)
Raymond Felton (C)
F
Paul George (B+)
Steven Adams (B)
Nerlens Noel (C+)
Jerami Grant (C)
If Golden State gets the Gold Medal, Houston, the Silver, then the Thunder most certainly get the Bronze. That is, unless Russell Westbrook has something to say about it. The dynamic Guard, mixed in with Paul George, Dennis Shroder, Steven Adams, and more, should handle the vast majority of the West on their way to ten, plus, victories. Westbrook's name will certainly be among the top when all is said and done in the MVP race.
#4 Los Angeles Lakers Projected Record: 9-5
Los Angeles Lakers
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
Lonzo Ball (C+)
Rajon Rondo (C+)
Josh Hart (C+)
Lance Stephenson (C)
F
LeBron James (A+)
Brandon Ingram (B-)
Kyle Kuzma (B-)
JaVale McGee (C+)
If you want to see a mixed bag of emotions, expectations, questions, concerns, hope, confidence, and so much more, look no further than the Lakers. The King has come to Los Angeles, and it's time to see what the new Showtime Lakers will be made of. Just by a glance, this roster looks pretty dangerous, but the fact it's practically a brand new depth chart from start to finish means the amount of chemistry has to be limited. A playoff bid for the Lakers should be a massive success, for starters.
#5 Utah Jazz Projected Record: 9-5
Utah Jazz
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
D. Mitchell (B+)
Ricky Rubio (C+)
Alec Burks (C)
Dante Exum (C)
F
Rudy Gobert (B+)
Derrick Favors (C+)
Joe Ingles (C+)
Jae Crowder (C)
Offense, defense, and depth. While nothing screams elite, it all screams really, really good. Like the Pacers, the Jazz are a good bet as a dark horse in a conference with some very loaded rosters and come playoff time, which the Jazz will likely see, other teams shouldn't be excited about seeing Utah on the docket.
#6 Portland Trail Blazers Projected Record: 9-5
Portland Trail Blazers
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
Damian Lillard (A-)
CJ McCollum (B+)
Seth Curry (C)
Nik Stauskas (C-)
F
Jusuf Nurkic (C+)
Al-Farouq Aminu (C)
Zach Collins (C)
Maurice Harless (C)
The Trail Blazers are go big or go home with practically zero depth behind Lillard and McCollum. While the two make up arguably one of the best back courts in the league, Portland will depend on Jusuf Nurkic to battle guys like Cousins, Davis, Towns, Capela, Adams, and so many more in the West. If Lillard and McCollum come to play, the 'Blazers are going to cause some shootouts.
#7 New Orleans Pelicans Projected Record: 8-6
New Orleans Pelicans
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
Jrue Holiday (B)
Elfrid Payton (C+)
E'Twaun Moore (C)
Ian Clark (C-)
F
Anthony Davis (A)
Nikola Mirotic (B-)
Julius Randle (B-)
Solomon Hill (C)
Similar deal in New Orleans compared to that of Milwaukee, but a bit different. Holiday, Payton, Randle, and Moore, should actually provide some depth to one of the best players in the entire league. The Pelicans are kind of in a odd spot right now, but still do have a chance to punch a ticket into the postseason if the play of Davis goes as expected. The goal should be seeing more than fourteen games played this season.
#8 Minnesota Timberwolves Projected Record: 8-6
Minnesota Timberwolves
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
Jimmy Butler (A-)
Jeff Teague (C+)
Derrick Rose (C+)
Tyus Jones (C)
F
K. Towns (B+)
Andrew Wiggins (B-)
Taj Gibson (C)
Gorgui Dieng (C)
On paper, Minnesota is very, very scary. Unfortunately, locker room issues will likely hold this uber talented roster back as it appears Jimmy Butler has no interest in playing for the team. With one year left on his deal, it's likely the last fourteen games fans will ever see Butler in Minnesota, so maybe, just maybe, he can leave them something to remember him by?
#9 Denver Nuggets Projected Record: 7-7
Denver Nuggets
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
Gary Harris (B-)
Jamal Murray (B-)
Isaiah Thomas (B-)
Will Barton (C+)
F
Nikola Jokic (A-)
Paul Millsap (B-)
Trey Lyles (C)
Mason Plumlee (C)
If it wasn't for a loaded West, the Nuggets would be somewhere in the single digits. Nikola Jokic and company look good on paper and if things go their way, they are another dark horse contender in the mix. Seven wins is a bit conservative for this roster and it shouldn't be surprising to see them take the spot Portland holds right now.
#10 San Antonio Spurs Projected Record: 7-7
San Antonio Spurs
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
DeMar DeRozan (A-)
Dejounte Murray (C+)
Marco Belinelli (C)
Patty Mills (C)
F
L. Aldridge (B+)
Pau Gasol (C+)
Rudy Gay (C+)
Davis Bertans (C)
Goodbye Kawhi, hello DeRozan. The former Toronto Raptor will become the new face down in San Antonio and that's a good thing. While anything less than Kawhi Leonard is an obvious step back, it's not as much as it seems, better yet, tensions are finally calm for the Spurs. San Antonio is a fringe playoff team who can definitely snag a bid.
#11 Dallas Mavericks Projected Record: 7-7
Dallas Mavericks
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
(R) Luka Doncic (B-)
Dennis Smith Jr (C+)
Wesley Matthews (C+)
JJ Barea (C)
F
DeAndre Jordan (B)
Harrison Barnes (B-)
Dirk Nowitzki (C+)
Salah Mejri (C+)
The Mavs have handed the keys to Mark Cuban's roster to DeAndre Jordan and European rookie, (R) Luke Doncic. While the team has long been under the careful watch of Dirk Nowitzki, the time for a change has come. DeAndre Jordan is going to wreak havoc under the rim, but it may take some time for the back court to get things settled. Jordan alone should snag this team over four wins and the back court should pickup a couple, itself. Look for Doncic to be in the running for Rookie of the Year.
#12 Sacramento Kings Projected Record: 6-8
Sacramento Kings Depth Chart -
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
De'Aaron Fox (B-)
Buddy Hield (C+)
Iman Smumpert (C)
Yogi Ferrell (C)
F
W. Cauley-Stein (B-)
(R) M. Bagley III (C+)
Zach Randolph (C+)
B. Bogdanovic (C+)
Sacramento, similar to Chicago, is a team that needs to be circled as one to watch for the future. While 2018 is questionable, the future will be bright, more than likely. Hield, Cauley-Stein, Fox, and the new toy down low, (R) Marvin Bagley III, should be a solid young gunning lineup. Throw in Zach Randolph as the trusty vet, and you've got a fun team to watch.
#13 Memphis Grizzlies Projected Record: 5-9
Memphis Grizzlies
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
Mike Conley (B)
Garrett Temple (C)
Andrew Harrison (C)
Wayne Selden Jr (C)
F
Marc Gasol (B)
(R) J. Jackson Jr (C+)
Kyle Anderson (C+)
Dillon Brooks (C)
The Grizzlies losing Tyreke Evans in the offseason basically sealed their 2018 fate. While they did snag (R) Jaren Jackson Jr in the draft, Conley and Gasol aren't leading this team to the promised land of a playoff bid. Memphis is in one of those positions where a full on rebuild is going to stop being a possibility and move to a reality.
#14 Los Angeles Clippers Projected Record: 5-9
Los Angeles Clippers
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
Lou Williams (B-)
Patrick Beverley (C+)
Avery Bradley (C+)
Milos Teodosic (C)
F
Tobias Harris (B-)
Danilo Gallinari (C+)
Montrezl Harrell (C+)
Mike Scott (C)
Los Angeles is blowing up, it's just, not these guys that are doing so. The Clippers are being out shined more than ever by the Lakers and they haven't even taken the court yet. DeAndre Jordan heading to the Mavericks opened up some room for the future and Los Angeles will likely have some cash to dish come next season. For this one, however, all bets on a playoff bid are likely off, Lou Williams and Tobias Harris aren't notching more than five wins.
#15 Phoenix Suns Projected Record: 5-9
Phoenix Suns
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
G
Devin Booker (B+)
Jamal Crawford (C+)
Troy Daniels (C)
(R) Mikal Bridges (C)
F
(R) D. Ayton (B-)
TJ Warren (B-)
Trevor Ariza (C+)
Josh Jackson (C+)
If the Bulls and Kings are circle now, the Phoenix Suns are a double circle. To say things are in the works is an understatement, Devin Booker, TJ Warren, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, Josh Jackson, and potentially another solid pick coming through this season gets Phoenix the 'too hot to trot' rating for the future. This season won't see the Suns cooking anything up, it's all about the future out West.
Re: Lord of the Rings: A Golden State Warriors Dynasty (NBA 2K19)
I changed up the way I am writing, first, now third, person. Writing this way kind of helps me more from a macro perspective on my team and my league, which is what I want to have. Same general organization with how things will come (previews, game by game, standings, playoffs, offseason), but now a little cleaner in each post.
Looking forward to getting things kicked off.
Edit: I also edited the 'Good to post', post. Good to go from here.
__________________
~ Return of the King ~
Last edited by saintrules; 10-03-2018 at 04:16 PM.
09-28-2018, 02:27 PM
