Fate and Fortune: The Andy McCutcheon Story (NBA 2K13)

[trekfan]

Re: Fate and Fortune: The Andy McCutcheon Story (NBA 2K13)

Rapid Reaction: Magic 89, Bulls 81

By Hector Young | Orlando Sentinel

January 4, 2014



WHAT IT MEANS: It was the first home game for the Magic since the death of assistant GM Gil Brand. In that timespan the Magic lost to the Spurs 91-89, and won against the Cavs 101-90. But this game was emotional from the beginning when a moment of silence was held for Brand and the entire arena was the quietest it's ever been.

After that moment, the game started. The crowd roared like it was the fourth quarter and the Magic came out with energy. They came out on fire. And the Bulls looked more like deer in the headlights.

By the end of the first half the Magic had a six point lead, thanks to the heroics of Shabazz Muhammad, who had 15 first half points and was clearly feeding off the energy of the crowd or something. He was a man possessed and the Bulls double teamed him all game.

The rookie had trouble adjusting to the Bulls in the third quarter, who changed their defensive scheme. So Muhammad did what we're growing accustomed to seeing: he passed the ball. He got others involved but the Bulls went on a hot streak, getting their only lead of the game at the end of the third, 66-65.

That lead would evaporate at the beginning of the fourth quarter thanks to another Muhammad three. The Magic wouldn't look back. They now trail the Heat by a game and half.

WOW MOMENT: The beginning of the fourth quarter. After a clutch three at the end of the third by Luol Deng, Shabazz Muhammad hit a comeback three at the beginning of the fourth, sending the crowd into a frenzy as he beat his chest. The Magic stopped the Bulls on the next three possessions and hit three threes on their next three possessions, including one from fan favorite Andrew Nicholson, who knocked one down from deep three point range. The Bulls momentum died in just a few minutes.

QUOTE OF THE NIGHT: "He would have liked this." Nerlens Noel, commenting on the late Gil Brand. Noel finished with 26 points, 10 boards, and two emphatic rejections. His play in the paint helped keep Noah in foul trouble all night, eventually resulting in Noah being ejected from the game near the beginning of the fourth with six fouls.


EMPTY FIELDS: Despite the overall good team effort from the Magic, tonight's game was another struggle for Landry Fields, who finished with a paltry six points on 3-12 shooting in 36 minutes of play. Fields is having trouble with his shot despite getting wide open looks thanks to the inside play of Noel and Bargnani.


FREE MISSES: The Magic continue to struggle from the free throw line, shooting 69% tonight despite getting to the line 23 times. Surprisingly, Nerlens Noel was the only Magic player to hit all his free throws.


GET OUT: The blocks keep coming for Andrea Bargnani, who had five in this game. Bargnani is quickly developing a more defensive style while continuing to get his points and rebounds. The Magic have to be glad to see Bargani coming along after a shaky start with the team.


LOCKDOWN: Ish Smith continues to display an impressive ability to take star point guards out of the game. Derrick Rose was held to only six points, shooting 3-15 from the floor. Though Smith himself only scored five points and dished out five assists, his ability to take out the best point guard in the league (arguably) and direct the offense without demanding a ton of attention himself is invaluable. There have been rumblings that the Magic may extend Smith's contract or let him go in free agency to make a run at Brandon Jennings, who seems to be ready to get out of Milwaukee. Smith isn't going to make that decision easy.

UP NEXT: Magic at Detroit, Monday at 7:30 p.m. The Magic head back out onto the road and look to continue their march towards the playoffs.

[trekfan]

Re: Fate and Fortune: The Andy McCutcheon Story (NBA 2K13)

Rapid Reaction: Magic 88, Blazers 77

By Hector Young | Orlando Sentinel

January 9, 2014



WHAT IT MEANS: The Magic, after thrashing the poor Pistons in Detroit 108-82, came back home to play the Trailblazers who were struggling to keep their playoff hopes alive. At 19-17, the Blazers were on the bubble in the West.

After tonight, that bubble looks to have burst. The Blazers came out and immediately scored five quick points. After that, the Magic settled down and took the lead. They never lost it again.

The performance was hardly without flaws -- turnovers again bit the Magic, a total of 11 coming in the game -- but the team withstood the poor play of the bench and the starters stepped up in a big way.

Andrea Bargnani lit up the Blazers from all over the court, playing the high post better than he has all season. He finished with 25 points on 9-16 shooting. Bargnani looked to be the story of the game.

Until Shabazz Muhammad exploded in the second half for 20 of his 25 points, tallying up his first triple double. He finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. Nerlens Noel did well on the inside, finished with a respectable 19 points and eight boards.

The Magic are quickly showing the rest of the league that they are a force to be dealt with.

WOW MOMENT: With 3:32 left in the third quarter the Blazers had cut the lead to two. The arena was waiting for something, someone, to end the Blazers run. Kevin McHale put Andrea Bargnani back in and he quickly hit a deep three.

And then another.

And then another.

Bargnani lit up the arc thanks to sweet passing from Shabazz Muhammad and Ish Smith. Nine points in less than a minute and the Blazers were deflated. They didn't threaten the rest of the game.

QUOTE OF THE NIGHT: "It feels good to finally have it out of the way," said a happy Shabazz Muhammad. He had his first ever triple double and it doesn't look like it'll be his last.

SHABAZZ SHABANGS: The first half for Shabazz Muhammad was not one to write home about. Only five points, two assists, and two rebounds. He wasn't connecting and the defense of the Blazers was frustrating him.

"He was tired of it and so he told us in the locker room 'I'm done playing' and he meant it," said Nerlens Noel. "When he gets that way no one wants to be in his face. He's scary."

Muhammad came out and did everything. The intensity, the focus, and the determination ... it was very Kobe-esqe. Muhammad slammed down a trio of impressive dunks (one a backbreaking windmill) in the lane, seeking out contact and feeding off it. If he missed, he passed the next time. Someone else missed, he got the board, set up, and prepared the offense. Muhammad made the Blazers pay dearly for double teaming him and he passed well to Bargnani, who knocked down his shots.

50/50: You never know what you'll get with the Magic when it comes to free throws. Sometimes it's really ugly and others it's really nice. Tonight, it was nice, with the team shooting 86% going 20-23 from the line.

MIA: The Magic fought to pull away in this game and that's because of the bench disappearing in this game. Such offseason jewels like James Anderson and JJ Barea are not performing well. Could a shakeup in the second unit be in the Magic's future? Time will tell.

UP NEXT: The Magic (22-12) travel to Toronto (12-23) to play Big Baby Davis, former Magic player, at 7:00pm.

[trekfan]

Re: Fate and Fortune: The Andy McCutcheon Story (NBA 2K13)

I'm gonna be out of town visiting family till new years, so this will be the last story update of 2012. I want to thank everyone who has followed so far. Stay tuned for more next year as we continue our story. Big things are ahead for Andy ...

****

1-16-2014

“This is the last of it,” Fred said solemly.
The two men stared at the three boxes on the floor.


Andy looked at Fred and frowned. “You’re sure?”


Fred nodded. “He didn’t have much in the way of belongings. He just didn’t

keep them all in one place or very organized. It’s taken weeks to get things straightened out with everyone that he owned some money too.”


Andy’s eyes hit the floor. “So much of his stuff was sold off.”


“It had to be done. To settle the debts, all those autographed pictures and collectible NBA merchandise that he gathered over the years had to be sold.” Fred smirked. “He didn’t really give a damn about any of it anyway. He knew where it was going. He just wasn’t going to part with it while he was alive.”


Andy sighed. “Do you know what’s in them?”


“No,” Fred said as he straightened his tie. “He never told me. Just said everything that wasn’t going to be sold off was yours. He made specific mention that these boxes were yours. I know that at least one of them contains copies of his scouting reports … but that’s all I know.” He looked at his watch. “I have a meeting in an hour. If you need anything else, call.”

With that he left Andy’s house.


The door shut and Andy glared at it. Always about business with Fred.


He whipped out his pocket knife and cut the first box open. The dust from slowly leaked out, like air from an old balloon.


He opened the box and found a collection of old jerseys.


“****,” Andy mumbled as he began pulling the jerseys out. They all smelled like they had been used.


“Magic … Bird … Pistol Pete,” he muttered in disbelief. Gil had been holding out on him. He had known a lot of guys in his time but Andy never realized how many he had known till now.


He put the jerseys back in the box carefully, his mind having difficulty grasping how valuable they were. He opened the second box.


Stacks of files greeted him. He pulled the top one out and realized that these files were recent. The one in his hand was dated last October. He opened it to find a handwritten scouting report. It was in Gil’s beautiful cursive handwriting. For as broken down as Gil was, his cursive was top notch.


Andy set the file aside and opened the third box.


This one had a note on top it.


“To Andy

Keep your head about you and your chin up, kid. You’re smart and you’re good at what you do: don’t forget that. In this box are a few personal mementos and one very important thing: my prospective trade ideas for this offseason. Use them well. Muhammad and Noel are our guys … everyone else is expendable.

Gil.”


Andy felt a knot grow in his stomach.


It still hurt. Even after the funeral and even with basketball still going on, it still hurt.


He put the note back in the box, sat back in his chair, and flipped it to ESPN. He didn’t want to look at it all anymore.


He didn’t want to imagine Gil being there anymore.


He should have been there.


“ … the Bucks lose, 95-83, to the surprise team of the year the Orlando Magic. Nerlens Noel finished with 27 points and Shabazz Muhammad finished with 24.”


Andy clicked the TV off and stared at the blank screen.


That was preferable than being reminded of the friend he lost.


“Maybe I should resign,” he muttered to the empty room.


It would be easier.


It would be simpler.


But the idea held little appeal to him. He owned those people in Phoenix. He owned them a championship.


Now he owned Gil too.


He couldn’t fail … but it felt like he already was.

[IRoze]

Re: Fate and Fortune: The Andy McCutcheon Story (NBA 2K13)

Awesome Story man. I'll try and make my own GM story. It's very exciting. Following

[trekfan]

Re: Fate and Fortune: The Andy McCutcheon Story (NBA 2K13)

Awesome Story man. I'll try and make my own GM story. It's very exciting. Following

Thanks man, appreciate it.

I got Strep, so I'm stuck at home for the next two days. I'm hoping to find the energy to post some more, but if not, look forward to something this weekend.

Stay Tuned

[trekfan]

Re: Fate and Fortune: The Andy McCutcheon Story (NBA 2K13)

Rapid Reaction: Magic 88, Hawks 80

By Hector Young | Orlando Sentinel

January 18, 2014



WHAT IT MEANS: Faced with a division rival who is having a poor year (12-27 now for the Hawks) the Magic entered this game a little too cocky. The Hawks made them pay early and often, taking a lead in the first quarter and not giving it up until early in the fourth.

The game was an ugly one, both defenses making it ugly for the other team. Despite that, the Magic hung tough, finding a boost Landry Fields in the first half.

In the second half Nerlens Noel, Andrea Bargnani, and Shabazz Muhammad all stepped up and helped the Magic get the lead in the fourth quarter. Once that lead was gotten, the Magic didn't give it up.

WOW MOMENT: With less than two minutes left in the game, the Hawks and Magic were tied 77-77, both teams struggling to put the other away. But then Shabazz Muhammad went into clutch mode, coming up with a block, a steal, a layup going the other way, and a foul. Shabazz would get to the line four more times before the game ended, finishing with 28 points on 8-16 shooting.

QUOTE OF THE NIGHT: "I didn't get to visit the Coke Cola factory," said an amused Nerlens Noel after the game. He was asked what he regretted from his trip to Atlanta. Noel finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds on 10-16 shooting.

FIELDS OF DREAMS: It wasn't an All-Star caliber game for Landry Fields. He's received a lot of criticism for his play since getting traded to the Magic for his play. But tonight proved how valuable Fields is, even if his stats say otherwise.

The Magic were desperately struggling in the first half, missing over half their shots. The offense was sputtering, Muhammad and Noel were out of sorts, no one could get going ... and then Landry Fields took over the game.

In the second quarter he scored all 9 of his points, on 4-7 shooting, hitting one big three to narrow the Hawks lead to five at the half. Despite not scoring the rest of the game, Landry did the little things to help keep the Magic in the game when no one else could. Is this the type of performance we should expect from Fields night in and night out? Doubtful.

But this night, Landry Fields helped secure a crucial division rival win.

NO THREE FOR YOU: The Magic won this game tonight in spite of their three point shooting performance, finishing 4-17 from the arc. Usually a point of strength, the Magic have now shot under 30% from three the last three games. All three games have been wins.

STILL MISSING: The Magic bench continues to struggle, thanks to shooting woes from Jamal Anderson and JJ Barea. Word has it that a shakeup is coming for the second unit soon if their performance doesn't improve.

UP NEXT: The Magic (26-13) come home to face the Kings (22-18) at 7:00pm. It'll be a matchup of former Kentucky centers.

[trekfan]

Re: Fate and Fortune: The Andy McCutcheon Story (NBA 2K13)

Rapid Reaction: Heat 100, Magic 81

By Hector Young | Orlando Sentinel

January 23, 2014



WHAT IT MEANS: The Magic once again lost to the Heat by double digits, this time in the cruelest of ways: the Magic were leading heading into the fourth quarter, 68-66, but that's when Lebron James decided to take over the game.

James had only six points through the first three quarters, but erupted in the fourth, scoring his last 23 points and thrashing the Magic defense.

The Magic defense was good for the first three quarters, but the pace of the Heat wore them out. Fouls piled up for the Magic quickly and they were in the bonus midway through the fourth.

WOW MOMENT: With the score tied 76-76 with 8:30 to go in the fourth, Lebron James drove into the lane, slammed home a thunderous dunk, and got the foul. The Magic crowd was silenced as the Lebron took to the line and sunk the free throw. That was the last time the Magic threatened.

QUOTE OF THE NIGHT: "We're not ready, clearly, and this game has proved that." Coach Kevin McHale of the Magic.

TWO VS FIVE: Shabazz Muhammad and Nerlens Noel both showed up for this game. They were the only Magic players to do so, as no other Magic player scored double digits. Muhammad had 27 points on a horrid 9-23 shooting, but Noel scored efficiently 26 points on 12-20 shooting, also grabbing 11 boards.

The rest of the starters scored 18 points. GM Andy McCutcheon wouldn't comment on what this might mean going forward, as the trade deadline approaches, but the organization is not pleased with what happened.

WHAT BENCH?: The Magic bench again disappeared, scoring only 10 points compared to the Heat bench's 24 points. No bench player made an appearance in the fourth quarter.

DIVISION LOST?: The Magic's bid for the division title is likely lost. They don't play the Heat again this year and now sit fifth in the conference. They'll have to rely on the rest of the division -- the struggling Wizards, the disappointing Hawks, and the horrid Bobcats -- to make a dent in the Heat's three game lead over them.

UP NEXT: The Magic (27-15) stay at home to face the Jazz (15-24) at 7:00pm.

(God, I hate the Heat so much ... )

[AntiBandwagoner]

Re: Fate and Fortune: The Andy McCutcheon Story (NBA 2K13)

More than just a game. trekfan, I don't know of any association on here as in depth and with so much time put into it as yours right here. Keep up the great work!

[trekfan]

Re: Fate and Fortune: The Andy McCutcheon Story (NBA 2K13)



1-24-2014

The sounds of the arena had faded away. Andy’s eyes glanced at the clock on the wall and his mind tried to grasp what time it was.


“That can’t be right,” he muttered as he looked at his watch.


It said the same thing. It was six–thirty in the morning.


He’d been sitting in his office, staring at this screen, since last night.


Last night … God, what a disaster that game was. Fields performed all right, doing a little bit of everything and keeping Lebron at bay for most of the game. Bargnani was a no show though and that was frustrating considering his offensive skills.


Gil hadn’t been sold on the former number one overall pick.


It looked like Gil had been right.


Andy clicked back on the page he was on and stared at it. It was the Magic’s roster and the contracts.


They had plenty cap space and decent draft picks. But the bench was in need of an overhaul and Bargnani wasn’t providing consistent enough offense, though his defense had improved in his time with the team.


But that bench …


“Come on, you can do better,” he chided himself. This was ridiculous. Bargnani was pretty much unmovable at this point. The bench was decent and young, but needed a fresh infusion of talent.


He exited out of Bargnani’s contract and looked at Barea’s. It wasn’t pretty, but better than Bargnani’s. His position – point guard – suffered from too much supply and no demand. Barea, once speedy, had lost a step and it was glaringly obvious when he went inside. He couldn’t finish anymore.


No team would want that. His contract would be in its final year, along with Bargnani’s, Fields, and Vucevic’s in the offseason. Trading any of those guys right now wasn’t doable, unless a great deal fell into his lap. The likely scenario was keeping them until the offseason and reshuffling.


He rubbed his eyes and looked at the notes Gil left.


“Everyone else is expendable,” he repeated to himself. Muhammad and Noel were a dynamic duo. They were the Kobe/Shaq combo of their generation … Andy had always enjoyed that duo on the court. When Kobe and Shaq were on, they were unbeatable.


Personal issues broke up a dynasty that could have brought in at least two more championships.


Right now Muhammad and Noel were good. But they were young and things in their life would change.


The league was moving in the direction that you needed at least two stars to go deep in the playoffs and preferably have a third near-star in the wings. Bargnani was not that near-star. There wasn’t anybody on this team that looked to be that near-star.


That move would have to wait. Maybe he’d find that player in the draft. Maybe he’d find him in free agency. Maybe he’d find him in a trade.


But he wouldn’t find him now.


He picked up Gil’s notes on the bench and scanned over it. If there was one person who was having trouble doing his job it would be James Anderson.

Andy had signed him for his three point shooting and he was giving them .300 from behind the arc. That was inexcusable.


He was locked into a four year deal, worth a little over $2.22M every year. He was only 24 though, but San Antonio had given up on him.


“I should have taken that into account,” he said with a sigh.


Someone would take a risk on him. Someone who was desperate for bench help at that position.


There were only a few teams that met those criteria.


With a frustrated tap, he minimized the window and stood from his desk.


He needed air. He walked out of his office, out of the arena, and found his way outside.


The morning air was chilly but the sun was out. It was another beautiful day in Orlando.


He stared up at the sky.


He needed help. He couldn’t keep bouncing ideas off the walls in his head.

He couldn’t keep staring at a screen for hours on end with nothing getting

done. A move for the bench should have been made weeks ago but he had stayed away from the office.


He couldn’t keep doing that, not if he wanted to keep his job.


If Gil were here he’d give him a swift kick in the figurative balls for moping around.


Andy took out his phone and texted his secretary, Terri.


They had gotten a number of interested callers in the assistant GM spot.
It was time to find someone Andy could continue to build this team with.


It was time to move on.

[Liam_93]

Re: Fate and Fortune: The Andy McCutcheon Story (NBA 2K13)

This is just truly brilliant. Haven't had time to read all the posts but the ones I have read are just brilliant. You got something great going on here man keep it up.

On a side note what are Muhammad's and Noel's averages for the season they just seem to be blowing up the league?

[trekfan]

Re: Fate and Fortune: The Andy McCutcheon Story (NBA 2K13)

This is just truly brilliant. Haven't had time to read all the posts but the ones I have read are just brilliant. You got something great going on here man keep it up.

On a side note what are Muhammad's and Noel's averages for the season they just seem to be blowing up the league?

Thanks man for reading! Shabazz and Nerlens are both doing well this year.

Shabazz's stat line: 23.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 2.8 TOPG .482 FG%, .371 3FG%, .906 FT%, 34.7 MPG.

Really pleased with how he's played ... would like to cut the turnovers down and up that three point percentage but that'll likely have to wait to the offseason training.

Nerlens stat line: 20.1 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.5 BPG, 1.6 TOPG, .592 FG%, .000 3FG%, .620 FT%, 35 MPG.

Nerlens is also doing real well, the two feeding off each other most games and, when they're not, one of them goes into beast mode usually. Nerlens FT% is pretty bad, but I'm gonna try and correct that during the offseason. Otherwise, he's doing great. Both he and Shabazz are in the running for rookie of the year, Shabazz leading the charge.

I'll be getting more updates up tonight hopefully, so thanks for following and stay tuned guys

[AntiBandwagoner]

Re: Fate and Fortune: The Andy McCutcheon Story (NBA 2K13)

Are you still playing on default sliders?

[trekfan]

Re: Fate and Fortune: The Andy McCutcheon Story (NBA 2K13)

Are you still playing on default sliders?

That's a negative. I started out with these Sliders here http://www.operationsports.com/forum...d-sliders.html

I then made some adjustments to fit my playing style. Both Shabazz and Nerlens pretty much carry my offense, despite Bargnani providing good points some nights (averaging 17 PPG on the season). I get no help from Landry Fields points wise, and Ish Smith is more an assist man then he is a scorer.

My bench is atrocious though, a major weakness. I got to have at least one starter out on the floor at all times and that's no guarantee of a win (as my record indicates, lol). But it's really challenging and I like it. Losing sucks, but I don't feel like it's cheap because usually when I lose, it's because I fall in love with the deep ball, get sloppy, or try to force shots that I shouldn't.

[trekfan]

Re: Fate and Fortune: The Andy McCutcheon Story (NBA 2K13)

NBA Standings - Updated: Jan 28, 2014
ATLANTIC	W	L	GB	DIV	CONF
Nets	31	13	--	10 - 2	20 - 8
Knicks	18	24	12.0	3 - 6	11 - 14
76ers	18	25	12.5	6 - 6	10 - 13
Celtics	18	26	13.0	3 - 6	13 - 16
Raptors	17	27	14.0	3 - 5	9 - 14
CENTRAL	W	L	GB	DIV	CONF
Bulls	30	15	--	5 - 6	18 - 10
Bucks	29	16	1.0	3 - 5	14 - 11
Cavaliers	24	20	5.5	7 - 3	16 - 12
Pacers	21	21	7.5	6 - 6	13 - 14
Pistons	12	32	17.5	3 - 4	8 - 19
SOUTHEAST	W	L	GB	DIV	CONF
Heat	32	12	--	8 - 4	22 - 5
Magic	28	15	3.5	6 - 3	16 - 7
Wizards	20	21	10.5	5 - 2	11 - 10
Hawks	14	29	17.5	2 - 6	7 - 19
Bobcats	11	31	20.0	3 - 9	5 - 21
EAST PLAYOFF RACE	W	L	GB	DIV	CONF
Heat	32	12	0	8 - 4	22 - 5
Nets	31	13	1	10 - 2	20 - 8
Bulls	30	15	2.5	5 - 6	18 - 10
Magic	28	15	3.5	6 - 3	16 - 7
Bucks	29	16	3.5	3 - 5	14 - 11
Cavaliers	24	20	8	7 - 3	16 - 12
Pacers	21	21	10	6 - 6	13 - 14
Wizards	20	21	10.5	5 - 2	11 - 10
NORTHWEST	W	L	GB	DIV	CONF
Thunder	32	12	--	5 - 1	21 - 4
Nuggets	32	13	0.5	2 - 5	17 - 11
Trail Blazers	24	20	8.0	1 - 4	14 - 13
Timberwolves	22	23	10.5	7 - 3	16 - 15
Jazz	15	26	15.5	3 - 5	10 - 13
PACIFIC	W	L	GB	DIV	CONF
Lakers	24	21	--	2 - 5	8 - 15
Clippers	24	22	0.5	6 - 5	17 - 15
Kings	23	22	1.0	5 - 3	12 - 14
Suns	22	22	1.5	3 - 4	16 - 12
Warriors	21	22	2.0	5 - 4	14 - 11
SOUTHWEST	W	L	GB	DIV	CONF
Rockets	26	18	--	4 - 4	14 - 12
Grizzlies	21	26	6.5	7 - 6	11 - 18
Spurs	19	25	7.0	7 - 4	13 - 14
Hornets	16	27	9.5	3 - 6	10 - 17
Mavericks	14	32	13.0	5 - 6	8 - 17
WEST PLAYOFF RACE	W	L	GB	DIV	CONF
Thunder	32	12	0	5 - 1	21 - 4
Nuggets	32	13	0.5	2 - 5	17 - 11
Rockets	26	18	6	4 - 4	14 - 12
Lakers	24	21	8.5	2 - 5	8 - 15
Trail Blazers	24	20	8	1 - 4	14 - 13
Clippers	24	22	9	6 - 5	17 - 15
Kings	23	22	9.5	5 - 3	12 - 14
Suns	22	22	10	3 - 4	16 - 12

NBA At A Glance: Midseason Standings

By Hector Young | Orlando Sentinel

January 28, 2014


The NBA is a little over halfway done with its long regular season and the playoffs aren't too far away. As the All-Star game approaches and the trade deadline looms, some teams are wondering whether the playoffs are even within reach or if it's even worth making an attempt at them at this point.

With so many storylines going on, it's hard to keep track of it all. But that's why I'm here. Let's break it down.

East Observations:

1. The East is stronger this year than it has been in recent years, especially in the Central Division where four teams look to make the playoffs. Why the sudden rise after years suffering in the West's shadow? That would be because of young stars like Kyrie Irving, Paul George, Shabazz Muhammad (and his cohort Nerlens Noel), John Wall, and Brandon Jennings. Wall and Jennings have both made big leaps in their game, and their teams rise have been directly tied to it.

2. Speaking of Jennings and Wall, both represent two ends of the spectrum as far as stars are concerned. Wall has already signed a contract extension with the Wizards, helping the woeful franchise avoid a potential disaster if Wall left. Jennings has declined all contract offers and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Jennings has had his rough periods with the Bucks but their current playoff push might be enough to convince him to stay should they make the playoffs. It might be that Jennings is planning to leave and hasn't informed anyone yet, taking a cue from Lebron's playbook. Bucks fans are rightly nervous.

3. As the Bucks and Wizards rise, old East stalwarts like the Celtics and Hawks are falling fast. The Celtics are struggling with their age and their chemistry. Bradley and Rondo are not getting along much better than Rondo and Allen, and Bradley is set to become a restricted free agent this summer. Do the Celtics dare let him walk?

The Hawks are another story all together. After last season's abysmal record, they still managed to convince Josh Smith to sign with them. That was seen as a big victory for the organization but the Hawks are again likely to miss the playoffs. This time their inability to win will result in casualties. Smith is antsy and looking to join a winning, contending, squad. Despite signing that lovely contract the Hawks gave him, Smith is looking around for someone to come and get him. Al Horford has also expressed his disappointment in the Hawks and with the rise of the Magic, the Hawks will likely be looking up at both Florida teams in the standings for the next few years. This could be the year Atlanta finally blows things up ... the question is who goes where?

4. About the Magic ... well, they've blown away the expectations set this year for them. No one expected them to challenge for a playoff spot, let alone for the division title, but this team has done that and more. The electric combo of Muhammad and Noel has rocked the Eastern Conference and brought back memories of Kobe/Shaq during the early stages of that relationship. GM Andy McCutcheon is in the running for executive of the year and he deserves the award. The Magic, barring a historic second half collapse, should make the playoffs, making this year a resounding success.

5. While Florida enjoys both their pro teams doing well, New York can only watch as the defending NBA champs Nets continue to steamroll their opponents. As enjoyable as that is, the Knicks losing does suck some of the joy out of basketball. After last year's disappointment, the Knicks are looking to miss the playoffs again ... and this time heads look to roll. Really important heads. Maybe even Carmelo.

That's right, New York's savior, Carmelo, could be on his way out before the trade deadline. Owner James Dolan is a huge fan of Melo, but the results aren't cutting it. With money he's sunk into Tyson Chandler and Amar'e Stoudmire, Melo is the only piece left he has to move should he do so. Melo has a player option that he has yet to pick up which means the Knicks could watch Melo leave New York. Where would he go, you ask?

He is friends with Chris Paul ... and that's what haunts New York.


West Observations:

1. This is the year that the term "Old West" really does apply. The West is old and looks it on a nightly basis. Age has finally caught up to a generation of players in the Western Conference that elevated it from the depths of the Jordan era of Eastern domination. This decline was long overdue and the East's rise has coincided with the West's fall.

2. That fall is most apparent in the Southwest Division, where the Spurs and Mavericks are both holding losing records. Both are out of the playoffs and both look to be non-players at the trade deadline. This isn't how it was supposed to be this season.

For the Spurs, the Andre Iguodala experiment looks to be a failure. AI is averaging career lows across the board. Manu Ginobili's age and litany of injuries looks to have finally caught up with him and Tim Duncan can barely sniff a double-double anymore. Tony Parker's ceiling looks to have been reached while Kawhi Leonard continues to improve.

For the Mavericks, the end looks to be nigh for Dirk. Dirk has signed what is likely his last contract extension as the Mavs struggle to surround him with talent to help him get a ring during the last years of his career. While Collison and Mayo are nice players, they aren't close to being star players, and Dirk needs another star badly to help his team. The Mavs don't have the cap room to be a player in free agency so the question becomes, what does Mark Cuban do?

3. A similar question can be asked of the Lakers owner. Yes, the Lakers are competitive but clearly are not good enough to beat the Thunder. Not even close. Steve Nash has declared this year to be his last, which will give the Lakers a bit of cap relief, but not enough to make a difference. With an aging Kobe and Pau, a shaky Elton Brand, and an inconsistent Chris Douglas Roberts, the Lakers don't look to be a threat in the coming years.

But these are the Lakers, remember? They shouldn't make much noise at the deadline or in the playoffs, but the offseason could bring them someone new.

4. The other team in LA isn't doing much better. The Clippers, surprise NBA Finals participant last year, are struggling and the reasons are not that apparent. Chris Paul is back, for at least a few years, and Blake Griffin continues to improve every game. But something on this team is off and the record proves that. The Clippers may not get past the first round after taking the Nets to seven games last year.

The one component missing? Grant Hill. The veteran retired after his lone season with LA and that leadership seems to be missed, despite the few games he actually played with LA due to his injury woes resurfacing outside of Phoenix.

5. This year's surprise team would have to be Nuggets. George Karl has done the best coaching job of anyone in the league, taking a roster that many felt was weaker following AI's exit from Denver and making it into one that opponents fear to play. The unlikely catalyst for this amazing start? One Delonte West. Yes, the same West who was seen as a cancer in the locker room has found himself a starter for the Nuggets fast and furious offense and is having the best year of his career.

[DarkOutFront]

Re: Fate and Fortune: The Andy McCutcheon Story (NBA 2K13)

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