The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Raptors

Offseason Moves:

Draft C Dakari Johnson
Trade Terrence Ross, 2015 1^st round pick (15^th overall) to UTA for a 2015 1^st round pick (6^th overall)
Sign Tony Allen to a 1yr/$540K deal
Sign Kris Middleton to a 3yr/$9.97M deal
Sign Luis Scola to a 1yr/$1.14M deal

Last Season’s Record: (40-42)

Raptors Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	K. Lowry	M. Kabongo	K. Hill
SG	D. DeRozan	T. Allen
SF	R. Gay	K. Middelton	T. Doyle (R)
PF	J. Randle	L. Scola
C	D. Johnson (R)	J. Valanciunas	J. Withey

Preview: The Raptors got better. No, really, they did. As much of a shock as it is to say that about the lone team in Canada, the Raptors have improved in every way this offseason. Their surprise run to the playoffs, where they lost to the Bulls in a straight sweep, was a bright spot in this franchise’s history despite fielding a losing record.

But Dwayne Casey was not retained as head coach. No. Despite his team getting into the playoffs (by mistake more than anything), Casey had lost the locker room. So, the Raptors went into this offseason looking for a head coach who would carry on the defensive mantra while helping to provide a direction for the future.

Lionel Hollins enters the door and this franchise, for the first time in a long time, has a pulse. It has direction. And it knows what it wants to be. Look at the offseason moves. Does this team look familiar? That’s right, Hollins is building the Raptors into the Grizzlies north.

The Raptors went and traded Terrence Ross and their first round pick to move up in the draft, taking big man Dakari Johnson. Johnson is a brute in the post, though he doesn’t possess the refinement of Marc Gasol’s game. Hollins is the former coach of Rudy Gay and Kyle Lowery. The two like the coach and highly respect him. Second year man Julius Randle can do a pretty good Z-Bo impression, except he’s way more athletic and has much higher potential than Z-Bo did. Add in USC product DeRozan, adding in a much needed dose of athleticism on the wing, and this team is a serious contender for decent playoff seed.

The Raptors addition of crafty veterans Tony Allen (former Grizzlie) and Luis Scola will help this team immensely come crunch time. These Raptors have some bite and look to be going up the standings this year.

X-Factor: Lionel Hollins. Hollins had a horrible last two years with the Grizzlies. Age of his players, combined with a tougher conference, and salary cap woes made those last two years in Memphis tough for Hollins. He seemed to be suffering just as much as his team was. Now, he’s back in Canada (he’s been with the Grizzlies so long he was there when they were in Canada), and has a roster full of veterans, youth, and excitement. He gets to start fresh. If he can coach this team competently, play the game as he likes to play it, the Raptors will be looking good. If not, questions will begin to arise whether Hollins has burned out. The Raptors only signing him to a two year deal seems to indicate they have a fear of this as much as their fans.

Burning Question: Which Kyle Lowery will we get? Lowry, who signed a big contract just last offseason, took a bit of a dip this past year with his numbers. He’s 29 and just got big money. Did the Raptors make a mistake? Lowry still has four years and $45.58M left on his deal, a nasty number if he’s truly declining. With young gun Myck Kabongo sitting in the wings, the leash on Lowry is a bit short. The addition of Hollins is a sign that the franchise hopes Lowry will recover but if not, shipping him off will likely require Toronto to part with some assets.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Rockets

Offseason Moves:

Trade Terrence Jones, Max Starks, a 2016 1^st round pick (Top 3 protected) to MEM for Tony Wroten, Otto Porter
Re-sign Jeremy Lin to a 3yr/$33.74M deal
Sign Kirk Hinrich to a 1yr/$760K deal
Sign Solomon Alabi to a 1yr/$810K deal
Sign Royce White to a 4yr/$22.71M extension

Last Season’s Record: (42-40)

Rockets Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	J. Lin	K. Appling	E. Geiger
SG	J. Harden	T. Wroten	K. Hinrich
SF	J. Smith	O. Porter
PF	R. White	C. Landry
C	A. Jefferson	D. Montijunas	S. Alabi

Preview: Jeremy Lin returned to Houston, much to the chagrin of some in the organization. Lin’s production has been very up and down in his three season there. Though he scored the least amount of points as a full-time starter last season (only 12) he did shoot his best percentage from the field ever (48) and from deep (32). That spoke huge volumes to Houston and they re-signed him without much fan fare.

Lin has been an easy target to pick on but the Rockets went about his year strengthening their bench with youth while also preparing for the future. The acquisition of Otto Porter and Tony Wroten are both good pickups, as neither player got much chance to prove themselves in Memphis. The Rockets have high hopes a change of scenery and a new coaching method will help these young players grow.

This year in Houston is about finally capitalizing on the potential this team has. Injuries and tough conference have derailed them the past two seasons. The Rockets need to make it past the first round and need to do it this year, otherwise such high priced veterans like Lin and Smith could be on their way out.

X-Factor: Health. Can this team stay healthy? Between Josh Smith and Al Jefferson last year, both players missed 65 games combined. It’s not a good thing, especially in this league where depth is so precious. If the Rockets can cut down on the injuries and get their players to stay relatively healthy till playoff time, they can be real threats for a title. If they can’t, expect the call for change to become louder in Houston, where qualifying for a low seed is becoming less and less tolerable.

Burning Question: What happens if things don’t work? Concerns over this team have been present ever since it was assembled. Is there too much talent here that doesn’t quite fit right? This could be a case of a team having too much talent at multiple positions, and that talent overshadowing one another. A full blow up of the Rockets is unlikely, as James Harden is virtually untouchable and Al Jefferson remains a favorite of the coaching staff and organization. But sending away Lin and Smith for younger assets? Taking a small step back to take a giant leap forward next year? That sounds very much like a Rockets move. One they may very well make.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Spurs

Offseason Moves:

Draft C Jusuf Nurkic
Sign Brandon Knight to a 4yr/$47.27M deal
Re-sign Luc Richard Mbah A Moute to a 2yr/$3.35M deal
Re-sign Bismack Biyombo to a 3yr/$10.44M deal
Sign Gorgui Dieng to a 3yr/$8.34M deal

Last Season’s Record: (41-41)

Spurs Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	T. Taylor	B. Greene
SG	B. Knight	V. Oladipo	C.J. Wilcox
SF	K. Leonard	A. Afflao	L. Mbah a Moute
PF	P. Millsap	B. Biyombo
C	T. Duncan	J. Nurkic	G. Dieng

Preview: These are strange times for the Spurs. No more Manu. No more Tony Parker. Both have left the organization as it goes into a rebuilding mode, one that they don’t expect will pay out dividends this year at all. The Spurs took a chance on a few players in free agency, one’s that are young enough to make a difference now but that can develop into something better years from now.

The biggest flyer was taken on Brandon Knight, whom the Spurs liked coming into the draft some years ago. Knight has never had the positive, worker like environment the Spurs possess. He’s never had one of the greatest to play the game, Tim Duncan, at his side to offer him pointers.

Admittedly, Coach Popovich is gone now, replaced with his blessing by P.J. Carlesmio. Carlesmio, like Popovich, knows how to get something out of young talent. Veterans and playoff teams are not a good mix for Carlesmio, but these Spurs won’t be making the playoffs. Knight will start at the two spot while Tyshawn Taylor succeeds Tony Parker at point.

The Spurs are well prepared for the post Duncan era in the front court with the additions of rookie Jusuf Nurkic and third year man Gorgui Dieng. Don’t expect much from either this year but once Duncan retires, both will see significant playing time.

X-Factor: Tim Duncan. This team will win with him and lose without him. Pop is no longer there, Parker is no longer there, Manu is no longer there … but Duncan is. He refused to go play for another team, and instead will end his career with the Spurs. If he can stay relatively healthy and help inspire this young team, the Spurs have a shot—a very slim one—at getting into the playoffs. If Duncan can manage that, it could be one of his greatest career accomplishments. If he can’t, no one can blame him.

Burning Question: Is this the final year for Tim Duncan? His contemporaries are all fading away. Kevin Garnet, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, and more have all gone from the game. Fittingly, only he and Kobe Bryant remain in the West as part of the old guard. Kobe has stated he will likely play another two years. Timmy is 39 and his skills are not what they once were. If this is indeed the last year for Tim Duncan, expect plenty of ovations for one of the greatest big men the game has ever seen.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Suns

Offseason Moves:


Sign Ben Uzoh to a 1yr/$2.41M deal
Sign Dexter Strickland to a 3yr/$8.90M deal
Sign Kyle Singler to a 3yr/$14.01M deal

Last Season’s Record: (39-43)

Suns Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	B. Jennings	B. Uzoh	P. Jackson
SG	R. Beaubois	D. Strickland	A. Dawkins
SF	J. Dudley	K. Singler	A. Hobbs
PF	D. Williams	M. Morris	A. Lima
C	I. Austin	E. Udoh

Preview: The Suns have to be kicking themselves. The let Alvin Gentry go to rehire Mike D’Antoni. They traded for Derrick Williams and have him a big contract. And, yet, they fizzled. They couldn’t get into the playoffs and finished with a losing season a year after making the playoffs. The pressure is on this year for D’Antoni to really get this team going, like he did back in the day.

Brandon Jennings continues to perform like an MVP candidate. It’s time for those around him to step up. Last year’s free agent addition of Rodrigue Beaubois was a huge success. Derrick Williams will have a full year in the team’s offense. Isaiah Austin continues to grow as a big man.

The team’s bench has been upgraded too. All shooters all the time. With the signing of Dexter Strickland and Kyle Singler, the Suns will be able to field a group of shooters the league hasn’t seen in years. All at the same time. The system is now in full effect in Arizona. Whether it has any more success than last year is anyone’s guess.

X-Factor: Derrick Williams. Williams was disappointing in his half-a season with the Suns and didn’t finish very strong. However, having a full summer with Brandon Jennings and the coaching staff has definitely allowed Williams to get his bearings. If he can perform well and help spread the floor with his shooting and athleticism, expect the Suns to be fun again to watch. If not, someone’s head is gonna roll. It won’t be Jennings or Williams.

Burning Question: Is Mike D’Antoni the right coach for this team? It’s not exactly a secret that D’Antoni’s last two coaching stops (New York and L.A.) haven’t ended well for him. He seems to be growing more and more hardheaded as the years go by. Rather than mellowing out as a coach, he’s doing the opposite. Last season was a banner one for Jennings, who is excelling in this offense. But offense isn’t the problem; it’s defense. Can D’Antoni make the defensive adjustments needed to get this team back into the playoffs and into the title hunt? I doubt even he knows.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Thunder

Offseason Moves:

Draft PF Nick Spires
Sign Zach Randolph to a 1yr/$3.00M deal
Sign Tiago Splitter to a 1yr/$1.66M deal
Sign Jeremy Lamb to a 3yr/$21.07M extension

Last Season’s Record: (54-28)

Thunder Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	R. Westbrook	L. Brown	E. Maynor
SG	J. Lamb	P.J. Hairston
SF	K. Durant	P. Jones
PF	Z. Randolph	N. Spires (R)
C	S. Ibaka	T. Splitter	S. Sanders (R)

Preview: The Thunder want back into the Finals. Badly. Missing from it for two years now, they went into free agency to address the main problem they have; lack of toughness in the post. They have Serge, sure, but he’s only one man. The rest of the Thunder bigs weren’t exactly enforcers. With Perkins gone, they brought in a cheap veteran replacement, someone looking for a title and looking to prove himself.

Say hello to Z-Bo. The big man with little athletic skill is back in the West. He moves into the four spot while Serge takes over the five. The potential for a nasty front court combo is there. The Thunder also went out and got veteran big man, Tiago Splitter, and should win 50 plus games easily.

X-Factor: Can Jeremy Lamb rebound? Lamb had a down year across the boards last season and it looked like a dreaded regression. But the Thunder have confidence in Lamb and have extended him. They believe he can rediscover that consistency that helped them win a title in 2013, admittedly with Kevin Martin starting and not him. If Lamb can get that shot to fall once again, the Thunder’s investment will look like a wise one. If not, expect some struggles for the Thunder at that two spot.

Burning Question: Will KD re-sign? The rumors out of OKC are a huge YES. KD would command an insane amount of suitors from virtually every team with an ounce of cap space in the NBA, but Durant has never been one to seek out the spotlight. He’s won a title with the team that drafted him, something LeBron James can’t claim. He’s gotten his MVPs and he loves it in OKC. He’ll likely re-sign during the offseason as he doesn’t want any contract talks during the regular season. But until that pen meets paper, expect people in OKC to fear KD leaving. With teams with big markets, money, and allure out there (Knicks, Heat, Lakers) and even more glorious trade bait (Clippers), the options are there.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Timberwolves

Offseason Moves:

Draft PF Marcus Lee
Sign Kevin Love to a 4yr/88.09M extension
Re-sign J.J. Barea to a 1yr/$982K deal
Sign Leandro Barbosa to a 1yr/$1.49M deal

Last Season’s Record: (44-38)

Timberwolves Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	R. Rubio	J.J. Barea
SG	M. Ellis	L. Barbosa	M. Watts (R)
SF	A. Aminu	R. Williams	A. McGee (R)	E. Ferguson
PF	K. Love	J. McRoberts	M. Lee (R)
C	N. Pekovic	S. Adams

Preview: The Timberwolves did something that not hadn’t been achieved since KG was donning their unis: they made the playoffs two years in a row. This was enough to convince Kevin Love to sign a lucrative contract extension, removing just about every doubt there was that Love would leave the Twolves and return to L.A. to play for the Lakers.

With Love and Rubio locked up for the next five years together, the Twolves are among the most promising teams in the NBA. They’re also a bit strapped for cash, as they have big money invested in Rubio, Ellis, and Love. Despite this, the team was able to go out and get veteran talent in free agency, signing the always explosive Leandro Barbosa and drafting another young stud frontcourt player to study under Kevin Love in Marcus Lee.

Expect Minnesota to challenge for another playoff spot and act as a dark horse contender for much of the year, if they can stay healthy.

X-Factor: The Bench. It’s not the strongest part of this team, with the likes of J.J. Barea, Leandro Barbosa, Josh McRoberts, and third year man Stephen Adams leading the second unit. Expect the bench play to determine if the Timberwolves can advance further than the first round in the playoffs. If the bench can reliably play decent defense and score, this team could be a contender. If not, expect the starters to play heavy minutes and show some wear during the postseason.

Burning Question: Love loves Minnesota … right? The rumors of Love to the Lakers continue to persist, even after the contract extension. The Lakers, as always, are at the top of everyone’s potential suitors for any high profile player. A significant package would have to be assembled to get Love, who played at UCLA and whose father played for Lakers, a package that would undoubtedly include Jabari Parker. The Lakers have publicly and privately balked at that. But the NBA is a strange thing and we’ve seen trades go down before that have seemed impossible.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story


Trail Blazers

Offseason Moves:

Draft SG Jaquan Lyle
Sign Reggie Jackson to a 3yr/$15.11M deal
Sign Alexy Shved to a 3yr/$8.36M deal
Sign Amar’e Stoudemire to a 1yr/$9.72M deal

Last Season’s Record: (52-30)

Trail Blazers Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	D. Lillard	R. Jackson
SG	A. Sheved	J. Lyle (R)	N. Bonner
SF	N. Batum	V. Claver	K. Anderson
PF	A. Stoudemire	P. Young
C	J.J. Hickson	M. Leonard

Preview: The Trail Blazers are now without big man LaMarcus Aldridge, who left for greener (pun!) pastures with the Celtics. Damian Lillard is now the clear cut leader of the franchise, but the Trail Blazers are sweating. Lillard has made it known he’s going to go into free agency next summer and see what his market worth is. Lillard, one of the game’s best and brightest point guards, is a franchise cornerstone.

As of now, he says he’s behind the Trail Blazers and the direction of the franchise. He states he’s going to re-sign in the offseason with them in all likelihood but until he puts pen to paper, expect the rumors to persist that he’s going somewhere else.

The Trail Blazers didn’t stand pat this offseason, though. They upgraded their two spot with Alexy Shved, who now gets the starting role that he’s coveted. Shved should prove to be a much more consistent and less injury prone two guard. Meanwhile, the loss of Aldridge prompted the Trail Blazers to bring in A’mare Stoudemire, who’s looking to prove he’s capable of playing winning basketball again after being trapped on the listless Knicks the last few years.

With Stoudemire there, another loaded bench (thanks to the additions of Reggie Jackson and rookie Jaquan Lyle), and Lillard running the show, another 50 win season is easy to see for this team.

X-Factor: Patric Young. Young will now be coming in for relief of Stoudemire, who looks to have his minutes managed throughout the season so as not to incur an injury. If Young can perform as well as he has coming in for Aldridge (he would have averaged a double-double with his per-36), than Portland will field one of the most lethal second units in the game. If Young struggles, the defensive inefficiency of everyone else in the frontcourt will be exposed.

Burning Question: Can success be sustained? Portland is looking at the beginnings of a very nice thing here, but without Aldridge they may be looking at a down year, one in which Lillard is going to be a restricted free agent. If he perceives the franchise as slipping down a slope, he may want out. As we’ve seen in the past, star players can force their way to any team they want most days. Lillard’s happiness and the success of the Trail Blazers are tired together.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Warriors

Offseason Moves:

Draft SF Kevon Looney
Trade David Lee, Mason Plumlee, and a 2016 1^st round pick for Andre Drummond, Ish Smith
Sign Steve Blake to a 1yr/$525K deal
Sign Andrea Bargnani to a 1yr/$3.40M deal
Sign Harrison Barnes to a 4yr/$50.09M extension

Last Season’s Record: (41-41)

Warriors Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	S. Curry	I. Smith	S. Blake
SG	K. Thompson	J. Jack	J. Grant
SF	H. Barnes	K. Looney (R)
PF	C. Bosh	A. Bargnani	S. Taft (R)
C	A. Drummond	W. Cauley

Preview: The Warriors just barely missed the playoffs, due in no small part to late season injuries that derailed a very promising start. The Warriors addressed the possible injury bug by deepening their bench with the additions of rookie Kevon Looney and veteran Andrea Bargnani.

But the big move this offseason was parting ways with David Lee and Mason Plumlee to bring in defensive stud Andre Drummond. Drummond will be manning the middle, allowing Chris Bosh to play his natural position of power forward for the first time in years. With Bosh back at the four, Drummond protecting the paint at the five, and the sharp shooters in Barnes, Curry, and Thompson … well, this Warriors team is looking fine. Very fine.

Drummond has stated that he wants to be part of a winning culture and team. The Warriors are that and the nice locale, combined with the recent success in the last three seasons, has Drummond likely to sign long term there. If that’s the case, the Warriors will have a very nice core of players to go into the future with.

They expect playoffs this year. That’s an expectation that’s just right for them.

X-Factor: Andre Drummond. Will he be able to blend in with Mark Jackson’s scheme? The Warriors are hoping so. Drummond’s offensive game is still limited but defensively, he’s a game changer. Around the rim, protecting the paint, Drummond will be able to help keep things clean for his guys cutting in. With Bosh and Bargnani also there to shoot from the four, this team is going to be lethal … if Drummond can manage to fit in with the scheme. If he can, expect good things for the Warriors. If he can’t, this could be a problem for a team so heavily invested in its starting five.

Burning Question: Can Curry stay healthy? This team lives and dies with Steph Curry. Last year, he missed significant time during the latter part of the season and the team fell apart. The Warriors have addressed this in some ways with the addition of Ish Smith via trade, however if Curry goes down for a significant period again, the Warriors will have to look very long and hard at whether he’s a good investment down the line. Point guards of Curry’s ability are rare in this league but if he can’t stay on the court, especially in the later part of the regular season, then his effectiveness is limited. This is a big year for Curry.

[illWILL8455]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Awesome thread! I love the team by team breakdown. There are a lot of interesting possibilities. I am really anxious to see if the Kevin Love trade to the Lakers happens. That would be an interesting storyline for sure.

I'm definitely following this thread! Looking forward to updates!

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Wizards

Offseason Moves:

Draft SF Justin Jackson
Sign Bradley Beal to a 5yr/$84.64M extension
Sign Nolan Smith to a 3yr/$19.72M deal
Sign Jeremy Pargo to a 1yr/$525K deal

Sign DeAndre Jordan to a 3yr/$26.93M deal


Last Season’s Record: (45-37)

Wizards Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	J. Wall	N. Smith	J. Pargo
SG	B. Beal	R. Purvis
SF	T. Mitchell	J. Jackson (R)
PF	J. Vesely	Nene	A. Horton (R)
C	D. Jordan	I. Diop

Preview: The Wizards are a team that looks like it’s on the cusp of greatness. After last year’s amazing capturing of the division crown, success against the Heat in the playoffs, and the epic seven game tilt vs. the Bulls in round two, the Wizards are a team on the rise.

They made sure to lock in Bradley Beal this past offseason as well as adding in valuable bench man Nolan Smith. They lost last year’s starting center to the Bobcats, but picked up defensive big man DeAndre Jordan in free agency.

Jordan was passed up by his former team, the Clippers, and has something to prove. Playing with a young team, where he won’t be expected to do all the defensive work (unlike on the Clippers where Jordan was perhaps the only one on the team who was expected to be doing defensive work all the time), is likely to relax Jordan enough to improve his offensive game, if only a little.

With Jan Vesely also assuming the starting role and Nene leading the front court unit off the bench, this Wizards team looks ready to return to the playoffs and build on the most successful season in years.

X-Factor: Jan Vesley. Though Jordan is the new face here, Vesely must finally deliver on all the potential multiple observers have pegged him with over the years. If Vesely can show he’s ready to step up and be a starter, the Wizards are going to look good. If he struggles, expect Nene to get the starting job back and for Vesley to be shipped off.

Burning Question: Is this team ready? The Wizards took a huge leap last season and have now raised expectations in D.C. They are seen as the red, white, and blue winners. A first for this franchise in years. Washington is abuzz with excitement for this upcoming season. Will the pressure get to this team or is it finally time for the Wizards to rise from the ashes?

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

WHEW.

And that's it for the 30 team previews. Man, lots of story lines to track this year.

Let me know what you guys thought about it. Did you like it? Hate it? Bored by it? Why?

It takes a lot of work to put the previews together, so if you guys don't care about them, I'll gladly junk them (bum that I am, lol).

Expect more story proper posts up next as well as the beginning of the 2015-2016 regular season. Thanks for keeping the faith, folks.

[GoldenJet]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

I personally enjoyed it, a little long, but necessary.

Excited for more stories and the beginning of the season.

[BlueJays09]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

I personally enjoyed it, a little long, but necessary.

Excited for more stories and the beginning of the season.

Definitely very long but very solid as well.

BTW I am having problems with the cpu rotations. I dont think I can edit them since I am not playing 30 team control. I was wondering if you had the same problem. The Cpu team plays their starters for almost the entire game and its annoying they dont use their bench and hard sometimes as well haha. Is there a way to get this fixed?

[Gronk4M13]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Fantastic team previews.

[sbunce5]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

I like them as well. But I doubt you'll hurt any of our feelings if you needed to shorten things up for time or anything else. We all think that you're doing an amazing job so we're supportive of however you want to write this!