How's Your Association Going? (2K11)

[pokerplaya]

Re: How's Your Association Going? (2K11)

2010-2011 Offseason Report - Detroit Pistons

Retirements - (Years Played/Age)

Shaquille O'Neal (19/39), Kurt Thomas (16/38), Theo Ratliff (16/38)
Fabricio Oberto (6/36)

Coaches Jerry Sloan and George Karl also called it a career.

Shaquille O'Neal was of course, inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Pistons Progression

Rip Hamilton declined 4 points coming off his MVP Season. At now a 73 OVR rating and 2 years left on his contract I've got to hope I can find a replacement in the draft. I'd hoped he'd be able to retire a Piston, but if he does now, it will be as a sixth man or roleplayer. Tayshaun Prince also declined 2 points to 74 (luckily I only extended him for one additional year when he asked for an extension, and signed as a 6th man.)

Kevin Love did not progress whatsoever, besides being the teams star and averaging a very respectable 10.1 and 6.4 rebounds. He did miss two games to injury, but wow.

Rodney Stuckey however, went up 5 points and is now an 80. Of course, he'll be a restricted free agent, so while I'll be shipping him a qualifying tender, I have no idea if I'll be able to keep him around. I planned on taking a shot at Carmelo, I'll really have to look at the cap and maybe make some deals before Free Agency. It promises to be an interesting offseason.

I'd hoped Glen Davis would progress as I had him overjoyed with 100% morale as my 6th man, and he played great for me and I really enjoy playing with him. Don't know if I can keep around a 26 year old who doesn't progress in 20 (pro-rated) minutes per game though.

My prize rookie Greg Monroe went up 4 points to 73, so very happy about that. A 6'11. 250lb. Center that is a 73 with good potential is a great building block. Other improvements and declines:

+OVR:

Courtney Lee +3 (71)
Jordan Hill +1 (70)
Austin Daye +2 (66) (D-League all year)
Julian Wright +2 (65) (Unsettled with me because I couldn't play him.)
Luke Harangody +1 (62) (D-League except for the 2 games Love missed.)

-OVR:

Deshawn Stevenson -2 (66)
Kyle Korver -2 (65) This one ticks me off the worst, love his 3pt range and gave him very high roleplayer minutes!

-----

The highest rated player in the league is now Chris Paul at 96, Dwight Howard and Kevin Durant both at 95 (Durant progressed 4 points). Rondo is 3rd at 94. Wade dropped to 93, and he and LeBron are both rated 93. Deron Williams is a 91, Gasol is a 91, Kobe is a 90 and that is it for 90+ overall stars. 9 players. I agree with that, although I don't agree with Gasol outranking Bryant, but Bryant must have declined earlier in the year as he shows no change.

Now that I am into Player Options, I see that those progression numbers do not include the Morale/Chemistry of these players, as Love is an 84 for me. Tyreke goes to a 91 and Rose to a 90. Nice to see how much this matters.

Carmelo declined his option and will be a free agent.

Denver declined Chauncey Billups team option for 14.2M... he was still producing (81OVR, with a +2 morale bonus) but they do have Ty Lawson there, and if they are losing Carmelo I expect them to start rebuilding.

Orlando obviously declined Vince Carter's $18m option.

Iverson had included a team option when he signed with the Jazz for 6m, which they declined. Andre Miller was also cut loose of his 7M option, along with Mickael Pietrus declining his 5.3M PLAYER option in Orlando. Shocking, I don't see him getting a multi-year deal for more with his 71 overall (with +2 for morale!)

Shannon Brown is frustrated with the Lakers so declined his option. He'll be a 75 if he fits in somewhere, he's losing 4 points for morale.

Other notable declined options: Flip Murray (DAL/3.41m), C.J. Miles (UTA, 3.7M), David Andersen (TOR/2.69m/WHO?), Aaron Gray (NO/1.13m PLAYER),
Ryan Hollins (CLE/2.48mPLAYER), Louis Amundson (PHX, 2.4mPLAYER), Matt Barnes (LAL/1.9M PLAYER), Carlos Delfino (MIL/3.5M).

No one else is of any note whatsoever. What is funny is that Portland has an offended Rudy Fernandez losing -8 to his skills, and they picked up his option. Better trade him fast.

Moving on to more offseason moves next post. Re-Signings, Lottery, Draft. Trying to break these up for those not interested.

[pokerplaya]

Re: How's Your Association Going? (2K11)

Pistons Player Resigning

I tried to renegotiate with Rodney Stuckey, but even with our overachievment with him at the helm, he wants to test the market. Although I wasn't interested in Deshawn Stevenson or Julian Wright anymore, I opened renegotiations and they are not interested. Glen Davis is however, eager to resign with the squad.

I looked at the budget after this, and I see I have only 16.8 of cap room, and 49.28 of Hard Cap. I'm going to have to make moves to go after Melo if I choose to.

It's trade finder time, as I am going to have to do some roster finagling. Feel free to comment on the Glen Davis idea as I clear cap room (probably going to have to part with the MVP and Tayshaun as well). He is a 26 year old 77 with his team morale, and plays both PF and C for me backing up Greg Monroe and Kevin Love. I also have Jordan Hill already signed but am not sure if he can fill that large a role. Davis was a great free throw shooter for me and got to the line a great deal.

More updates to come!

[pokerplaya]

Re: How's Your Association Going? (2K11)

Once I reviewed the off-season board and remembered that Free Agency is after the draft, I reupped Davis for 2 years with a player option for a 3rd. That way even if he takes the option, he's 29 at next contract time, and he happily signed as my 6th man so I should have no chemistry problems with him.

After looking at his low post defense, his hustle, his free throw shooting, and his offensive rebounding, I had to pull the trigger. There is no guarantee there will be a player of his caliber to be my main big-man backup.

I'm now at the Draft Lottery. Some of you will remember, I have 3 1st rounders, my own (which will be crap because I made the playoffs), the Thunder's, and I have the Bobcats 1st overall, which gives me a 8.80% chance of getting the #1 pick... regardless, I'm going to get a stud. I scouted everyone in the Top 5 at least 4 times, and I have the entire first round scouted twice except for maybe 1-2 players. I have pretty good scouts too, and it looks like there are some potential studs.

If I go for Carmelo, I won't be able to afford Stuckey. If I draft a SF, I'd say Stuckey becomes my main free agent objective. But going into the draft, I'd say my largest needs are PG, SG, and SF. Courtney Lee plays at a 73, where Rip is a 76 after his morale boost... worst comes to worst, I could play Lee, he does have a decent shot.

I'm going to list the projections on the top 5, and then do the Lottery. All of these players were scouted 4 times.

1. Bojan Cop (PG/SG) 6'0" 186lbs from Slovenia - NBA Comparison: Jameer Nelson. Strengths: Major contributor out of the gate, extremely intelligent defensively, with tremendous shooting range to hit any shot. Only weakness is if I plan on using him as a rebounder, otherwise no significant weaknesses.

2. Tomas Wood (SF/PF) 6'10" 226lbs from BYU - NBA Comparison: Danny Granger. Strengths: Marksman on the court, can hit any shot. Creative ball-handler helps him get out of sticky situations. Dominant defensive stopper in the low post. NO Significant Weakness.

3. Theo Ramsey (PF/SF) 6'11" 250lbs from Clemson - NBA Comparison: Kevin Love. Strengths: Bangs in the post with the best of them, amazing low post offense. Ability to play an important role in his rookie season. Disrupts offenses well with quick hands and anticipation. Weakness: Not the sharpest tool in the shed offensively, makes big mistakes.

4. Troy Houston (PG/SG) 6'3" 180lbs from Miami (OH) - NBA Comparison: Derrick Rose. Strengths: Excellent ability to shut down his man when playing defense. Somehow finds a way to come up big in pressure situations. Amazing skills going to the rim, can finish with either hand. Weakness: Shows a total lack of intensity when it comes to rebounding (he's a point guard, so he's no Jason Kidd, boo-hoo!)

5. Jay Nicholson (SF/SG) 6'9" 233lbs from NC State. - NBA Comparison: LeBron James. Strengths: Has the raw talent to be a contributor in the NBA right away. Has a knack for knowing where his teammates are at all times. Amazing low post ability, can score with either hand. Weakness: Below average rebounder who needs to be more aggressive.

So those are the top 5. All 5 are A+ overalls and A+ potentials AND A+ Athletes with the exception of Ramsey (and C is good athleticism for a 6'11 big!) This is a very deep draft, my scouting shows *11* A+ Overall players and 6 with A+ potential. Let's hope for my choice of players, doing the lottery now!

[Evan_OS]

Re: How's Your Association Going? (2K11)

currently 1-5 with the Cavs. Lost two heart breakers on game winning shots. Luckily though, I'm only 2 games back.

[pokerplaya]

Re: How's Your Association Going? (2K11)

The lottery is complete, and with the 5th best chance, I am ecstatic to get the 3rd pick in this draft, especially after making the playoffs last season. I am going to work out the entire top 5, but from the looks of above, either Cop (the PG) or Jay Nicholson (SF/SG), who is compared to Lebron, look to be my most prudent choices if I get the chance. With the age of Tayshaun and Rip, he should be able to step into either spot. But I guess we'll see who is there when I select.

1. Toronto 2. New Orleans 3. Detroit (from Charlotte) 4. Minnesota 5. New Jersey 6. Indiana 7. Philly 8. Memphis 9. Golden State 10. Denver 11. Cleveland 12. Washington 13. Phoenix 14. Houston - there is your 2011-2012 Draft Lottery.

Going to go do workouts now, not sure if I'll get my selection in this morning, if not I'll be looking forward to your comments!

With my pick and the pick from the Thunder, I have the 3rd, 25th, and 29th pick of the NBA Draft, with no second rounder. Should be able to hopefully get two players who can contribute!

[Flightwhite24]

Re: How's Your Association Going? (2K11)

I'm currently sitting a 5-3, with a 3 game losing streak with the Lakers.

I started my Association on Pro/Sim default and jumped out the gate to 5-0, I then made the jump to All Star/Sim and it has been tough. Just lost a heartbreaker to the T-Wolves 97-90 after being tied at 90 with little over a minute left.

Gotta say I am loving this game more than any game I own.

[pokerplaya]

Re: How's Your Association Going? (2K11)

Pre-Workout Trades (The Move for Melo)

Obviously with the decline of Rip and Tay, I needed to get the players I wanted for sure. When I looked at the mock draft, even though I didn't have the workouts done yet, I saw that the player I expect to be the most talented (Jay Nicholson) was going 2nd to New Orleans. I could not work out anything with them because of their cap situation without giving up Glen Davis. I have become attached to Big Baby, so I went after the Raps #1.

I probably gave up too much as Jordan Hill did play well for me, but I traded my #3 overall to the Raps for their #1 Overall, and packaged Jordan Hill, Austin Daye, and Luke Harangody with them. So they pick up a young PF/C who's already a 71, Daye who progressed to a 67 with morale, and the young Harangody to move back two spots (and as I've said - every player in the Top 5 is a A+ overall/potential, so I really think they gained here.) But, even before workouts I'm pretty sure I want the one they compare to Lebron James, and with his SF/SG designation, he was my biggest priority. So I swung it.

I then went right back to work with the Raptors. I traded them Tayshaun Prince, my 29th overall selection that I obtained from the Thunder, and my next year #1 selection, for Linas Kleiza, C Solomon Alabi, and the Raptors '12 #1. I have to figure it will be better than mine, so I have no problem making the deal.

Hated to get rid of a reigning MVP but Rip just is too much money. I traded Rip Hamilton, the newly acquired Kleiza, and the Raps 1st rounder for 2012 I just obtained, for the #11 Selection this year, and the Cavs entire draft next year. I don't see a declining Rip and Kleiza turning them around unless they make a splash in Free Agency, so this pick should be nearly as decent as the Raptors next year, and I pick up the 2nd rounder also, along with the 11th pick. The most important thing was I was able to free up nearly $17 Mil for this year, plus the remaining millions on Kleiza's deal (not horrible) and Rip's additional year. The Cavs get the reigning MVP. Feel good with this.

But, the problem before workouts now is knowing what to do with my 3 selections. I now draft 1st overall which unless someone kills me in workouts, will be Jay Nicholson. Then I have to hope there is a great PG or a SG there at 11, as I don't think I can trade any of my other pieces to move up. I am down to 7 players.

Pistons Pre-2011 Draft Roster

PG - Will Bynum 73 ovr
SG - Courtney Lee 73 ovr
SF - Kyle Korver 67 ovr
PF - Kevin Love 84 ovr
C - Greg Monroe 75 ovr (all overalls listed with morale bonuses for team.)
6th Man - Glen Davis 77 ovr
Bench Warmer/Backup C Solomon Alabi 62ovr

So if I get Nicholson, he will probably take over for Korver and keep Korver in a nice roleplaying role to take advantage of his 3 point shooting. Even though he lost a few points, he was a very nice player for the 2010-2011 squad. When I hit that 11th pick, I will have to draft either the best SG or PG available, and hope for the best. I do have the 25th selection also, but am not expecting to get anything more than a quality roleplayer there. Probably be another Guard type.

Anyways, going into workouts and after all the trades I believe I can make to clear space and hopefully improve this is the team situation.

I am 34.04 Million under the cap, and 66.52 million under the Hard-Cap, so I can definitely bring in a star (Carmelo??) and either 1 really solid other FA or 2 decent guys to help out.

I hold the 1st, 11th and 25th selections in this years draft, and the Cavaliers 1st and 2nd for next year. So while I am rebuilding, I feel I have a quality chance of building a competitive squad to hopefully go right back to the playoffs and contend for years. This will be the most important draft/offseason of this entire association, so I have to make it count. More to come....

[Cameron34Crazie34]

Re: How's Your Association Going? (2K11)

Well it's almost at the end of November and my Pacers are 11-4 and have lost 2 of the last 3. Just beat the Lakers at LA. Made a few trades at the beginning of the season. T.J. Ford just went down for a few weeks so I'm down my starting PG so I brought up A.J. Price after having him down in the D-League.

Starting 5

PG Steve Blake
SG Evan Turner
SF Wilson Chandler
PF Josh Smith
C Roy Hibbert

Bench

PG AJ Price
SG Brandon Rush
SG/SF Mike Dunleavy
SF Devan Ebanks
PF Leon Powe
PF Josh McRoberts
C Anderson Varajao

OUT 1-2 Weeks

T.J. Ford

[thaprodigyisback]

A little off topic, but I saw Sean Williams play for the Texas Legends at a D-League game in Frisco, Texas last night haha. He's skinny as can all get out, but he's a talented player. Just doesn't have an NBA body and is raw on offense.

His block rating is 87 in the game

[TheWarMachine13]

Re: How's Your Association Going? (2K11)

Any sliders you guys know about that I could use with my five minute quarters? Pro is too easy and All-Star is frustrating. I like the challenge of it, but I don't like getting beat by 20 points because the computer is cheating.

[Armor and Sword]

Re: How's Your Association Going? (2K11)

The Miami Heat had a thriller in Miami vs in-state rival the Orlando Magic. In a tooth and nail game where the pace was fast and furious the Heat took a 56-50 half time lead. Paced by Chris Bosh's 17 points and 9 first half boards the heat were looking to hopefully pull away in the second half. But it would not happen. The Magic led by a red hot Hideke Turgalu (sp?) and a physical Dwight Howard were able to tie the game in the final 3 minutes. Steve Nash aquired via trade earlier in the year led a furious 4th quarter where the Magic found themselves down by 8. Lebron James though decided to take over and hit a runner plus 1 to pull the Heat into the lead with about 50 seconds left. Leading 100 to 96 the Magic then got a quick lay up from Steve Nash as the Heat did not want to foul or give up a 3. The Magic then fouled Dwayne Wade with 20 seconds left but he missed both free throws. Down 100-98 the Magic were setting up for the last shot. They decided to try and tie the game going low to Howard who then was swarmed with a double team and then picked by a sneaky Mario Chalmers!

Heat 100

Magic 98


Outstanding game.

[Golds]

Re: How's Your Association Going? (2K11)

I'm contemplating so much on what team to start an Assoc. with. I'm a fan of the Thunder and play great with them in the game (they fit my play style), but they are pretty much built for the future already. I'm worried I wont have anything to do with them in the off-seasons. I was thinking about a Celtics Assoc. since the big three are all in their declining years and Rondo/Davis/Wafer are a good young foundation, but I don't play nearly as good with them as I do the thunder. ahhhhhhhh

[Armor and Sword]

Re: How's Your Association Going? (2K11)

I'm contemplating so much on what team to start an Assoc. with. I'm a fan of the Thunder and play great with them in the game (they fit my play style), but they are pretty much built for the future already. I'm worried I wont have anything to do with them in the off-seasons. I was thinking about a Celtics Assoc. since the big three are all in their declining years and Rondo/Davis/Wafer are a good young foundation, but I don't play nearly as good with them as I do the thunder. ahhhhhhhh

Play with your team....too much fun and you can still look for some diamonds in the rough...injuires will happen etc.

[pokerplaya]

Re: How's Your Association Going? (2K11)

2011-2012 Detroit Pistons

Well, I decided against going for Jay Nicholson (good call, except for potential) and took Troy Houston, the 6'3 180lb. PG out of Miami of Ohio. I figured I would not resign Stuckey, and make the run at Carmelo. With my 11th pick, I drafted another gem that they had let fall through, in Nathan Flanders, a 7'0 Center with A+/A+ ratings. There wasn't really anything close to that type of talent remaining at any positions of need, so I drafted him, knowing he'd be a great trade chip. He was as he came in as a 75 OVR at 21.

Had many offers throughout the draft and only wound up taking one, for the SG I picked at 25, Alan Henry. I guess the Suns see themselves losing Richardson's abilities, as they had drafted another SG prior, but they gave up a 2nd rounder in this draft, and surprisingly, their #1 next year. Couldn't turn it down, and it was well worth it, as Henry wound up only being a 61 OVR and I couldn't have played him at all.

Got to free agency, offered Carmelo 4 years plus his own option for a 5th at max money (obviously) - with a No-Trade Clause, and he accepted within 3 days. I had tendered Stuckey, and with no other plausible SG options out there, I matched his offer sheet with the intent of playing him at SG.

Sent Greg Monroe to Big Man Defense, my new PG Troy Houston to Untapped Potential (he is now an 81 overall to start, 83 with my morale) as a 22 year old rookie, and now has a 99 potential. He'll be the Pistons PG for years to come. Unfortunately, because I traded him, I sent Rodney Stuckey to Perimeter Shooting, assuming he would be my SG. Well, I made some trades once the year flipped to ensure the further building of my squad, and got a natural 2 with some excellent backup players.

Pistons Preseason Trades/Personnel Moves

First, I should mention that my NBA Scout went from a C/A to a B/A. No movement from my Prospect Scouts, but they are still solid - C/C (fired after this year) and a B/A and B/A for my other two. My assistant coach had been an A/F/B/A and he progressed to an A/D/A/A so he'll be my assistant for the life of the association and I hope he continues to improve. It's the last year of Kuester's contract, hopefully I can replace his DDDC ratings, he's the weak spot on my staff. Also hired a C/A trainer to replace Abdenour whose contract had expired. He was a B/C, this should work better in the long run.

First trade, to get my SG, I took a definite hit, but Flanders (the Center I drafted) had little use in Detroit behind Monroe, and I have too much tied into Glen Davis. So:

Detroit Trades:

Rodney Stuckey and Nathan Flanders to Oklahoma City for:

James Harden and Cole Aldrich, along with OKC's 2012 1st Rounder and their 2nd round pick in 13.

--

Korver was in decline, I noticed he just hit 30, so I figured now would be the time to move him while I could. Not in this very trade, but I picked up his replacement (unfortunately missing the 3 point range, but I picked up other shooters in the offseason.)

Pistons Trade: Cole Aldrich and Dee White (pick obtained from Suns/2nd Rounder) and my 1st rounder in 12 to Philadelphia for:

Thaddeus Young (who had just signed a nice extension) and Jodie Meeks. Meeks will ride the bench, but I moved Young from a roleplayer to an immediate 6th man which made him delighted.

--

I of course had to get rid of Korver now to avoid chemistry issues due to minutes, so I gave up Korver and a 2nd rounder to the Raptors (my favorite trading partners) for their 2nd rounder and Joey Dorsey who was unhappy there. Hated to give up the 3 point shooting, but I love a team with great chemistry. When I started winning in 10-11, it was because my chemistry had gone sky high. Had to trade Dorsey because he was anxious and pissed already as soon as he got off the plane, so I packaged him and his cheap 5 year deal to the RAPTORS for Stanley Robinson along with the Thunders 2nd in 13. Worth it to have harmony.

That's the end of the changes. Here's the new roster, looking rebuilt and ready to compete for a Championship if not this year, than the next.

2011-2012 Detroit Pistons - Overalls listed with Morale Bonuses

PG - Troy Houston - 84 (R)
SG - James Harden - 83
SF - Carmelo Anthony - 90
PF - Kevin Love - 84
C - Greg Monroe - 76

6th Man - Glen Davis - 77
6th Man - Thaddeus Young - 77
Role PG - Will Bynum - 74
Prospect SG - Courtney Lee - 73 (Role player would decrease morale!)
Prospect SF - Stanley Robinson - 65

Bench: Jodie Meeks - SG (62) Solomon Alabi -C (62)

Unless Robinson isn't happy seeing the court just a little bit, I shouldn't have any morale problems and if I do on the bench, I'll make a move or cut someone. Love the squad I've assembled, and I've got a ton to build with. Here are my remaining draft picks for the next 2 years:

In 2012, I hold the Cavs and Suns 1st round selections, and 2nd Rd. Selections from the Warriors and Kings. In 2013, I have my own picks. Who knows what will happen with those, I'm thinking of moving them for other picks preferably before they have no value.

Anyways, thanks for reading how a successful offseason works, and the impacts of roles and chemistry. Hopefully you've enjoyed these posts and can find something to use in your own associations. Good luck everyone!

[Golds]

Re: How's Your Association Going? (2K11)

^^^ so you basically got rid of everyone that made up the Nets and made a fantasy team. Nice team building, but I would definitely get bored with that team after 20 games.