NBA 2K11 - Let's talk about Association improvements

**JBH3** · 03-02-2010, 05:17 PM

Re: NBA 2K11 - Let's talk about Association improvements

Well we all agree the logic is flawed. From contract signing to drafting to trades...

I think the easiest and most dynamic way 2K could simulate what dictates a team's roadmap is their finish from year to year.

Let the standings dictate who becomes a: rebuilding team, title contender, playoff bound, or middle-of-the-pack team. Then there could be 3 sub-categories based on "need" for each one of those main categories of teams. I remember how 2K use to set GM goals for their baseball titles pre-2K8. The execution of this feature was questionable, but the idea was great.

If the logic could (1) categorize teams based on standings, & (2) THEN categorize those teams by needs be it: youth, financial flexibility, positional (driven by a ratings attributes or by size) I think the end result would be the AI looking for what they need. Be it via trade or through the draft or free agency. As the user we'd have a clearer understanding of what the CPU teams were trying to do so that we could then have something tangible to validate their moves by.

I like the idea of NBA 2K using what MLB 2K used as far as the GM goals though. For those that don't know it would be something like: Acquire/sign a pitcher w/ an overall rating of 85, or acquire/sign a player w/ a running speed rating of 80.

If in NBA 2K they could bring this into play we could see CPU teams more active based on their needs, and some real bidding wars occurring in free agency. If say a team couldn't find a player w/ the rating points they're looking for, like a G w/ a 3pt shot of 90, then the CPU would have the logic to take the next highest rating rather than nothing at all.

That would be at least one way to see certain "specialist"-type players making rosters, and would open up the door to so much more IMO.

**BroMontana82** · 03-02-2010, 06:19 PM

Re: NBA 2K11 - Let's talk about Association improvements

can we get rid of auto-save? not a huge deal, but still annoying.

**Pared** · 03-03-2010, 12:09 PM

Re: NBA 2K11 - Let's talk about Association improvements

You guys can't really complain about Association mode next year if you don't post here.

Keep the discussion going. It will only benefit you. IMHO this is a much more important thread than "Association is ruined."

**BroMontana82** · 03-03-2010, 01:17 PM

Re: NBA 2K11 - Let's talk about Association improvements

Originally posted by Pared

You guys can't really complain about Association mode next year if you don't post here.

Keep the discussion going. It will only benefit you. IMHO this is a much more important thread than "Association is ruined."

does that mean a good amount of ideas here will be implemented in it for sure?

**Pared** · 03-03-2010, 02:05 PM

Re: NBA 2K11 - Let's talk about Association improvements

If you don't post it you will never know...

**FamousAtticus** · 03-03-2010, 02:43 PM

Re: NBA 2K11 - Let's talk about Association improvements

Most of all the improvement I would like to see have been posted already.

I'll touch on some non-gameplay improvements I would like to see(some might be repeated from previous post):

-The ability to retire uniform numbers for franchises. Say you are 10+ years into your Association Tim Duncan, Kobe, Shaq, etc. will have their jersey numbers retired by their respected teams(Shaq, Lakers maybe?) in real life most likely, so I would like to be able to manually retire those numbers.

- Another improvment would be if you could have the option to creat-a-arena, there are many teams playing in older arena's so having this option would keep the Association fresh when your deep into it. If done correctly this would be an amazing feature. For example the Kings are on the list for a new arena, if i'm playing as them I would like to be able to build them a new arena during my association.

- All-Star game rotation. I know this has been mentioned already, but it keeps the Association fresh knowing that the game won't be held in the same arena each season. They could generate a generic All-Star logo and just change the year on the court for each year of the All-Star game. Along with this I believe having the All-Star Weekend in Association Mode would be unbelievable! The Rookie/Sophmore game on Friday, All-Star Saturday Night, followed by the All-Star game on Sunday. I think moving the 3-Point Contest and Dunk Contest indoors would be great, maybe even adding in a Skills Challenge if possible.

- Dynamic Attendance/Playoff Attendance. During an Association game with say the Nets vs T-Wolves the arena should not be at 100% capacity with crazed fans. On the flip side, the Playoffs should be on a different level than a regular season game. Same goes through out the Playoffs, Semis more intense than the 1st round, Conference Finals more intese than the Semis, and so on to the Finals.

- NBA Championship celebrations. I would like to see maybe 5-10 different animations after winning the title. Possible ideas: Winning team celebrating on the court as well in the locker room, cut scene of a few days later with the team having a parade, players jumping on the scorers table, other teams emotions, etc. I think that keeps winning multiple championships in your Association fresh.

- I know this has been mentioned but it would be greatly appreciated: The option to sit players at the beginning of the Associations due to injuries, example: guys like Yao Ming and Blake Griffin. It would be great if you could also set the estimated injury time as well, like: season, 1/2 season & week(s) injury.

That is all I can think of for now, everyone else has done a great job of listing improvements to the Association.

**B-Wills** · 03-03-2010, 03:14 PM

Re: NBA 2K11 - Let's talk about Association improvements

Originally posted by 500bloc

Association Improvements PT. 2
(by me & others on OS)

Draftee Comparisons could go deeper. For instance if their is an undersized SG in the draft, you may say he's a "poor man's Ben Gordon" or a "rich man's Eddie House". If a SF plays like LeBron, tell why.

Draftee sizes are often too big. Many Center's are too large, a 7'2 NBA caliber center is a rarity. Yet their are atleast 2 or 3 in every draft. Also they are extremely large weight wise. My suggestion would be to subtract 2 inches from the Center Draftees and 20lbs from their weight.

Draft day trades should be a reality. They should also happen in real time with teams looking to unload a certain contract, improve their draft position, or bring in a key player.

Draftee Secondary positions are improving, but one thing would be to allow their secondary position to be dictated by their size and skill set. If a Center is 6'11 280lbs, he should be listed as a C/C, but if he were 6'11 220, he would be a C/PF. Other positions in the draft should also follow suit. There are too many SF/SG and not many SF/PF or PF/SF for that matter. If their skill set allows it, let their secondary position read N/A, so their able to play more than 2 dictated positions. I'm sure many users would like to see a SF/None or a SG/None, but make sure not to saturate the game with it.

Height should be greatly desired in the draft by the CPU, and it should have an effect on the players rating. Moreso than it currently does in the game. (For instance Iverson at 5'6 is a 1 point differential than he would be at 6'7) Also many Draftee PG's are maxed out at a height of 6'3 and a low of 6'0. Their should be more variety in their height. From 6'5 to a low of 5'8, and if any two PG's are of similar ratings than the CPU would covet the taller one. This should not just be limited to just PG's but all positions.

Draftee appearances should vary and be randomized. There should be tattoos and random accessories from the automated draft classes. It adds an element of reality to the league.

Draftee portraits. Similar to CH2K8, the player should have an a still picture or facial animation in place of the silhouette. In a couple years in the Association, the league will have a considerable number of blank photos. This can be remedied by having a "real" portrait of the draftee instead. Similar to how Brandon Wallace had his picture in NBA2k8.

There should be more Metric Stats, such as double-double's, triple doubles, & Per 48 minute stats of players in Association Mode. Similar to ESPN.com, as this could help them in many ways as to see who is performing and at what level. Some stats should be added on the "player card".

Assistant Coaches should be able to be promoted to Head Coach, either by their own team or hired by another team. They also should have a position they specialize in, Patrick Ewing is a great help for Dwight Howard and every big men on the team, but probably couldn't offer as much to the guards. So this should be reflected in Ewings ratings.

Enlisting a website like DraftExpress.com would be a wonderful addition for Association Mode, especially if the contract with 82games is not renewed.

When a CPU team drafts a player, they should be able to change his position (in accordance with his ratings), to one that will benefit the team the best.

Head Coaches often retire too early, age and years coached should play a significant part. Many coaches would continue to coach until their age permits it or until they have reached certain goals (championships, games won, etc.)

Customization. I cannot tell you how great it would be to edit every NBA Coach, Assistant Coach, D-Leaguer, Team Record, NBA Record & League History as a user pleases. For PC users this is possible to an extent, but not for console players as they can only dream. It would also be great if we could create-a-coach. For the players, we should be able to make them a PG/PG or C/C at our discretion.

Draft Scouting should be able to give me a bit more info if I scout a player 3 - 6 times in a year. Their should be college stats similar to NFL2K5. You should be able to set priorities on who my staff scouts (similar to CH2K8). I would also like to know about their Coachability, Character, Desire, & Conditioning, while being less concise with their wording. Scouting should also extend to the D-League, giving the user a heads up on talent there.

NBA Advanced Scouts make around 700K annually, in the game some make make way too much. Prospect scouts make less then NBA Scouts. Both jobs should also be more detailed, here are some examples. (Link 1 & Link 2)

Players should not get upset and demand a trade when "they" continue to foul out of the game early, and are upset at the lack of PT they get as a result of it.

There should be smarter GM A.I., teams should factor in the age of a player, the number of contract years, the team's budget & cap space over time. Also, ability of players should be noticed too, if the team is a running team they would have no need for Shaq. If they were a half-court team, than they would not look to a Josh Smith or Hakim Warrick. The players should be conscious of this also. There should also be sign and trades.

Teams should take note of who they have on their team already when they go into Free Agency. It's tiresome to see teams stockpiling a single position.

Teams & Franchises should be in different modes; Rebuilding, Contending & Championship Run. This in particular is very important in knowing contract details, a players age & the teams cap space in coming years. Also this should take effect in lineups, giving the younger, less talented players a chance to start over veterans who are past their prime in rebuilding situations.

Loyalty. This is the main reason why many marquee players don't test Free Agency. When a player's loyalty is edited down to become less loyal, they are more inclined to test the waters. This is something that should be watered down since players want to see LeBron & Co. in different uniforms.

D-League. I like the idea of the D-League, but the players are rated too high and in the off-season FA, they get big time contracts, also because of their high rating the players sent down don't get enough PT because of it. Also players in the D-League don't want to accept 10-day contracts because of their high ratings. It would help if they were no higher than a 55 or 56 rating.

All-Star Game & All-NBA Teams should be awarded as Guards, Forwards and Centers. At the current moment they are assigned as PG, SG, SF, PF & C. Also their needs to be better minute allotment during the all-star game. Currently some players get very little minutes.

Being able to edit injuries heading into a season, for instance if I want Yao Ming injured for the entire season, I want to control that at my discretion. If I want Blake Griffin out for a couple months, then I should be able to. Also when a player gets injured, he wears protection for that injury. Like for example if a player injures his knee in game and he returns, he should wear a knee guard and keep wearing it till it is healed.

Hiring coaches in the off-season should be somewhat similar to Free Agency. Not as drawn out but making the coaches have a say in where they want to go, not just the first job that pops up. Coaches should factor in player personnel during the hire also. Coaches should make their decision alot quicker in-season than they would in the off-season. Combine the head coach and assistant coach pool.

Player's should be knowledgeable about their contract situation, age & state of their organization. If they are in the prime of their career with just a decent contract, they should want to get a top contract. If a player has reached his potential in his career, and has a big player option coming up (Michael Redd & Kenyon Martin), they are more inclined to accept. Buyouts should also be included.

During free-agency, players should have certain teams favored over others for different reasons. For example a player will go to his hometown team over a big contract (Wade). Or a player will go to a big market team over his current team (LeBron). A player may want some more help on the court and is tired of shouldering the load (Wade). The player may just want a big payday (Boozer). Or the player may just want to be a starter on a decent team (Nate Robinson). One thing is that players should value big market teams over smaller ones, LeBron or Wade would never take Minnesota over NY. Also journeymen and undrafted FA's should be quicker to sign a contract then anyone else and for alot less money.

The CPU should also take advantage of off-season training camps, it seems like cheating if only the user participated in making their team better while the CPU's is exactly the same.

A trading tendancy slider should be added in the options menu. This would help curtail alot of complaints and allow players to customize their own Associations.

Teams trading should be doing it for a specific reason. The key piece for a contending team, or bringing in talent to make current player(s) happy.

NBA.Com plays of the week. I think it would be great to have a weekly show to honor the top plays and players of the week, and also at the end of the month and year. Their should also be a NBA Draft Show.

Rumor mill could be upgraded some. The ability to add coaches in the hot seat after a bad start perhaps? Players in their contract years discussing if they will stay or go for the money. What team will make a push for a big acquisition during the season or off-season.

Players/Teams take rating hits for players playing out of position, especially a non point guard, playing point guard. The same way a team with everyone playing at the right position should be rated higher.

The option to retire jerseys during the course of the Association. Their should be an option to go through and retire any number for any NBA team during association mode. Tim Hardaway recently had his number retired for the Miami Heat and I would like to add this in my Association. Also teams should retire jerseys on their own if a player has contributed long-term success to the team (i.e. Tim Duncan, Paul Pierce or Nowitzki).

Being able to split the Mid Level Exception. Also the ability to go over the salary cap and adding the MLE. (I.E. if I want to sign LeBron and I'm $3 million short, I should be able to use the MLE to help out.)

A deeper rookie name datatabase. Having more names called instead of jersey numbers is always a plus.

Fully intergrated All-Star Weekend, switching the venue in different years and including a slam dunk contest.
A depth chart would be appreciated, something resembling this;
PG: D. Fisher, Shannon Brown, Farmar
SG: Kobe, Vujacic, Shannon Brown
SF: Artest, Odom, Walton, Kobe, Morrison
PF: Gasol, Odom, Powell
C: Bynum, Gasol, Mbenga, Odom

It would be nice if users had the ability to edit whom players guard defensively. For instance an undersized SG like Iverson or Ben Gordon, priority number one for them defensively would be to guard the PG then the SG. Or make it possible that we can assign certain players to guard the best wing or post player.

Being able to turn autosave OFF during Association mode.

Add a feature where you have the option of starting an Association with the real draft pick allocations, or the option to keep it balanced (all teams with a first/second per year). Since certain teams have future draft pick compensation (New Jersey receives Dallas' 2010 first round pick (unprotected) as part of the Jason Kidd trade.) www.draftexpress.com/transactions.php

More realistic injuries. Too many play 82 games unscathed. Their should be more injuries.

Better lineup rotations. Too many play in all 82 games, including bench players and scrubs.

Retired players should be able to become assistant coaches, then be able to work their way up to head coach. But just because a player is a superstar, doesn't mean he will be a good coach!!!

Playoff crowds. Teams have certain color schemes for fans to wear. (Warriors, Heat, Magic, etc.)

GM IQ:
Trades (The way the GM trades for) - Team Needs / Talent / Balanced

Signings (The way the GM signs players for) - Team Needs / Talent / Balanced

Trade Frequency (How often the GM trades throughout a season) - Rare / Medium / Frequent

Trade Skill (How good the GM is at trades that make the team better) - A-F

Contracts (How good is the GM at manuvering around bad player contracts, trading or signing) - A-F

Team Building (How good the GM is at turning a bad team into a contender within 2 or 3 seasons) - A-F

Transition (How good the GM is at keeping a team good) - A-F

Drafting (How the GM drafts) - Team Needs / Talent / Balanced

Drafting Top 5 (How good the GM is at drafting with a Top 5 pick) - A-F

Drafting Lottery (How good the GM is at drafting with a Lottery pick) - A-F

Drafting Late (How good the GM is at drafting with a Late pick) - A-F

Team Outlook (How the GM or Coach wants the team to be built & the personnel for it) - Offensive / Defensive / Balanced

This way GM's all have a personality of there own and conflicting offers will null most stupid trades. Also the players GM IQ will change based on how they build there team

FRANCHISE OUTLOOK:
Ability To Set Team Focus (Rebuilding, Contending & Championship Run) - Should be done at the beginning of every season

City Market (This will make it where players choose the kind of city they want to play for when a FA) - Small / Medium / Large

Owner Goal (This determines what the owner want the GM to have the team do) - Don't Care / Make Playoffs / Title Contender

Owner Financing (This determines how much money the owner is looking to make) - Don't Care / Don't Lose Money / Make Money

Owner Luxury Tax (The way the Owner feels about paying the Luxury Tax) - Avoid / Minimum / Don't Care

* Bring back Owner Firing Option
* Bring back Luxury Tax
* Contract Buyouts
* Realistic Trade & Cut Rules (not being able to trade a player for a 3 months & having to wait 30 days to resign someone you just cut)

I was about to make a post of what I wanted to see in Association mode for 2k11, but this pretty much sums up everything.

**Hassan Darkside** · 03-03-2010, 04:33 PM

Re: NBA 2K11 - Let's talk about Association improvements

Oh yea, they need to change the All-Star game voting to G-G-F-F-C instead of PG-SG-SF-PF-C.

**Pared** · 03-03-2010, 04:35 PM

Re: NBA 2K11 - Let's talk about Association improvements

Good call Ruff, that's one that always gets forgotten.

Edit - Same goes for All NBA team awards, right?

**Hassan Darkside** · 03-03-2010, 04:46 PM

Re: NBA 2K11 - Let's talk about Association improvements

Yessir.

**Altimus** · 03-03-2010, 04:49 PM

Re: NBA 2K11 - Let's talk about Association improvements

I'd also like to see trade exemptions.

**B-Wills** · 03-03-2010, 05:04 PM

Re: NBA 2K11 - Let's talk about Association improvements

I guess I'll make a post anyway

2k Sports Association Weekly Show?
How about a weekly show or something? If NBA 2k11's Association mode had a feature or weekly or monthly show where it'd show highlights, live and current scores currently around the league (while you're in your game), Weekly game recaps, division standings, up-coming games, talk about playoff spots/races at the end of the season, etc it would be an amazing add for Association mode.
<o></o>
More Control of our Team
I still don’t get why we can’t have full control of our franchise in Association mode, Give us the option to control Concession/ticket prices, move to new cities, and MAYBE even renovating stadiums (Might be asking for too much on that one though) This would all have a factor on how many people and fans come to the game. MLB 09 The Show did excellent with this, Keep in mind this should all be incorporated with Dynamic Attendance.

<link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CGerard%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmso html1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w

ontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><style>  </style> DYNAMIC ATTENDENCE, Enough Said
I mean COME ON ALREADY attendance should be based on the two team’s Match-ups, your team’s record and how your franchise manages the concession, ticket, parking prices. Let’s see people leaving the stands in a huge blowout. Maybe this could build your player’s confidence and boost their ratings a tad bit While also having an affect on Coaches. And this could also be something to attract Free agents wants in the off season, A lot of players don't wanna play for a team that has a lot of empty seats in the stands during a game. One more thing about this topic, The playoff atmosphere is still so much like it is for a regular season game, please increase the atmosphere as the rounds go in the playoffs, all This would be a very nice add.

<link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CGerard%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmso html1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w

ontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><style>  </style> All Star Weekend
It’s been a big debate for years, but I really think that it is time for them to try and figure out a way to incorporate an all star weekend for association mode. It just doesn’t seem right for a basketball game not to have it. Maybe just call it “2K sports NBA All star Weekend” or have some kind of alternative. Maybe if they make some generic 2k logos or something it could all work out. Just another thing that could add so much fun for Association mode, and if 2k does actually think about adding this for next year, have a realistic way of having votes for the 3 pt shootout/dunk contest/skills challenge competitors.

**bamalam** · 03-03-2010, 06:14 PM

Re: NBA 2K11 - Let's talk about Association improvements

Originally posted by JBH3

Well we all agree the logic is flawed. From contract signing to drafting to trades...

I think the easiest and most dynamic way 2K could simulate what dictates a team's roadmap is their finish from year to year.

Let the standings dictate who becomes a: rebuilding team, title contender, playoff bound, or middle-of-the-pack team. Then there could be 3 sub-categories based on "need" for each one of those main categories of teams. I remember how 2K use to set GM goals for their baseball titles pre-2K8. The execution of this feature was questionable, but the idea was great.

If the logic could (1) categorize teams based on standings, & (2) THEN categorize those teams by needs be it: youth, financial flexibility, positional (driven by a ratings attributes or by size) I think the end result would be the AI looking for what they need. Be it via trade or through the draft or free agency. As the user we'd have a clearer understanding of what the CPU teams were trying to do so that we could then have something tangible to validate their moves by.

I like the idea of NBA 2K using what MLB 2K used as far as the GM goals though. For those that don't know it would be something like: Acquire/sign a pitcher w/ an overall rating of 85, or acquire/sign a player w/ a running speed rating of 80.

If in NBA 2K they could bring this into play we could see CPU teams more active based on their needs, and some real bidding wars occurring in free agency. If say a team couldn't find a player w/ the rating points they're looking for, like a G w/ a 3pt shot of 90, then the CPU would have the logic to take the next highest rating rather than nothing at all.

That would be at least one way to see certain "specialist"-type players making rosters, and would open up the door to so much more IMO.

they need to make sure standings are more spread out first. too much parity in terms of all teams 30-55 wins

**Mandry2010** · 03-04-2010, 02:42 AM

Re: NBA 2K11 - Let's talk about Association improvements

All-Rookie teams needs to be fixed.

Someone like Hasheem always makes the first team averaging 0.7 points and 2 rebounds because no one else plays C.

Example: Nene Gooden Yao Amare Butler in 03 and Carter Pierce Jason Williams Bibby and Harping in '99

Correct me if i am wrong but in the NBA i thought they did it differently, for example 4 PGs might make the first team this year.

**The_Patriot_12** · 03-04-2010, 08:05 PM

Re: NBA 2K11 - Let's talk about Association improvements

1. Trade logic. The grizzlies trading marc gasol for rymond felton may help the bobcats but leaves a huge whole at center considering they had a progressed michael conley. Teams stockpile players at 1 certain position.

2. Glitches kill association. The player roles should be usable and not cause centers to shoot 3's.

3. Generated Draft Classes. These were ok but their shot tendencies and shot attributes on average were low enough to skew the offensive stats of the whole NBA. I would also like to see the player overalls to go downs some. Look at the rookie and sophmore ratings on the official 2k rosters. There should not always be a 83-86 player with 95+ potential coming into the league every year. Skew them down to the way the rookies are on this years rosters.

Other than that Association is the best franchise mode in any game. The first 2 are the game killers and the draft classes would be noce to fix but it is not a huge deal like the other 2.

NBA 2K11 - Let's talk about Association improvements

Recommended Videos

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment