The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

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?

Before I did 30 control, to get the rotations to work out, I'd resign as GM of the team I was current on and then move to another team. Sort out the rotations AND the coaching profiles (if the coaching profile is set to have small bench depth, no matter what the rotations say, the profile will overall it I have found). Certain teams have smaller benches than others, but I generally keep do a 8-10 man rotation at the beginning of the season.

Once the likely playoff teams have been found, I usually go in and readjust the rotations for the teams that have no shot at the playoffs, having them play their young talent more and their veterans less.

For the playoff teams, I may trim or lengthen the rotations depending on the injury/fatigue situation for the team. For the more veteran teams, I like to keep the rotations deeper in the regular season and then shift the minutes higher in the playoffs (but not too high).

As for the previews, I'm glad you guys enjoyed them. If you like them, then I'll keep it up. It's time consuming but it does help me see the "bigger picture" and keep the various storylines in the league lined up.

[illWILL8455]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Before I did 30 control, to get the rotations to work out, I'd resign as GM of the team I was current on and then move to another team. Sort out the rotations AND the coaching profiles (if the coaching profile is set to have small bench depth, no matter what the rotations say, the profile will overall it I have found). Certain teams have smaller benches than others, but I generally keep do a 8-10 man rotation at the beginning of the season.

Once the likely playoff teams have been found, I usually go in and readjust the rotations for the teams that have no shot at the playoffs, having them play their young talent more and their veterans less.

For the playoff teams, I may trim or lengthen the rotations depending on the injury/fatigue situation for the team. For the more veteran teams, I like to keep the rotations deeper in the regular season and then shift the minutes higher in the playoffs (but not too high).

As for the previews, I'm glad you guys enjoyed them. If you like them, then I'll keep it up. It's time consuming but it does help me see the "bigger picture" and keep the various storylines in the league lined up.

I really like the previews. I think that I am going to do that once I reach the end of December in my association. Everyone is up to date on the Pacers in my association but they aren't on a lot of other teams. The way you broke down every team really appeals to me. I think I am going to do the same layout to catch everyone up to speed on what the records are, whose injured, who is a trade target etc. I wanted to let you know that all of your time and effort has helped me develop my association too!

[nuka]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

amazing

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

I really like the previews. I think that I am going to do that once I reach the end of December in my association. Everyone is up to date on the Pacers in my association but they aren't on a lot of other teams. The way you broke down every team really appeals to me. I think I am going to do the same layout to catch everyone up to speed on what the records are, whose injured, who is a trade target etc. I wanted to let you know that all of your time and effort has helped me develop my association too!

amazing

Thanks guys

More to come tonight, hopefully.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story


10-3-15

He paced, back and forth, trying to calm himself down. But this was it. This was the day. This was THE day.

Marriage.

Liz.

He glanced out the window and looked at the crowd of people gathered. All of them dressed nicely. All of them prepared to witness him marry the woman he should have married years ago.

And he felt more nervous now then he at any other point in his life. He had been through a lot and she had been through more.

But she was stronger from it. Liz had taken the last few months to really get back into life. She had signed up for a Pilates class and had built back some muscle, trimmed her body … she looked good. Damn good.

She had also signed up for some martial arts. She was enjoying the L.A. scene, revisiting old friends, and weaving herself into life once more. It was so good to see her happy again. She still had nightmares from time to time, still woke up shivering like she was in the North Pole, but she was better.

Her only complaint was the constant presence of their security. Which, Ronnie had to admit, was bugging him, too. He felt less like a human being and more like a high ranking part of some government. They did their job well and stayed out of the way, mostly, but you couldn’t miss their presence.

She wanted them gone. He couldn’t let them go until Gerard was dealt with.

There was a knock at his door and he stopped his pacing. “Come in?”

The door opened and Jeanie Buss entered, dressed in a slimming black gown.

She shut it behind her and smiled at him. “You look handsome.”

He forced a grin. He wasn’t in the mood to talk business, though Jeanie had definitely become closer to him since he told her about … well, everything. She and he were on the same page about that. She was still his boss but she was also becoming his friend, sort of.

Liz liked her a lot, though. Liz was never a bad judge of character.

“Jeanie, it’s my wedding day,” he gently reminded her. “I think this might be bad luck.”

She smiled. “Maybe. But I bring good news. Gerard has been found. He’s been arrested. He’s going to prison for the rest of his life.”

She said it with such confidence he scarcely believed his ears. “He’s going to prison … for the rest of his life?”

“I know certain people. Gerard will not be leaving prison alive.” She walked over, placed a hand on his shoulder, and gave him a firm squeeze. “My people are looking for Desmond as well. We’ll find him.”

He nodded, a bit shell-shocked. Just like that. “And … what about Gerard’s people?”

She hushed him. “Ronnie, it’s taken care of. If you want the full details, you can ask me after your honeymoon. But anyone connected with Gerard is going away for a very long, long time. He’s in the past now. Concentrate on the future.”

She gave him a light kiss on the cheek and left the room.

Ronnie took a deep breath and stared out the window again.

The future.

It would be standing right there, waiting for him, in just a short time.

He took out his phone and typed up a quick email to the director of his security personnel.

He didn’t need them anymore.

He’d have all he would ever need once he and Liz were wed.

[BraedenG33]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

10-3-15

He paced, back and forth, trying to calm himself down. But this was it. This was the day. This was THE day.

Marriage.

Liz.

He glanced out the window and looked at the crowd of people gathered. All of them dressed nicely. All of them prepared to witness him marry the woman he should have married years ago.

And he felt more nervous now then he at any other point in his life. He had been through a lot and she had been through more.

But she was stronger from it. Liz had taken the last few months to really get back into life. She had signed up for a Pilates class and had built back some muscle, trimmed her body … she looked good. Damn good.

She had also signed up for some martial arts. She was enjoying the L.A. scene, revisiting old friends, and weaving herself into life once more. It was so good to see her happy again. She still had nightmares from time to time, still woke up shivering like she was in the North Pole, but she was better.

Her only complaint was the constant presence of their security. Which, Ronnie had to admit, was bugging him, too. He felt less like a human being and more like a high ranking part of some government. They did their job well and stayed out of the way, mostly, but you couldn’t miss their presence.

She wanted them gone. He couldn’t let them go until Gerard was dealt with.

There was a knock at his door and he stopped his pacing. “Come in?”

The door opened and Jeanie Buss entered, dressed in a slimming black gown.

She shut it behind her and smiled at him. “You look handsome.”

He forced a grin. He wasn’t in the mood to talk business, though Jeanie had definitely become closer to him since he told her about … well, everything. She and he were on the same page about that. She was still his boss but she was also becoming his friend, sort of.

Liz liked her a lot, though. Liz was never a bad judge of character.

“Jeanie, it’s my wedding day,” he gently reminded her. “I think this might be bad luck.”

She smiled. “Maybe. But I bring good news. Gerard has been found. He’s been arrested. He’s going to prison for the rest of his life.”

She said it with such confidence he scarcely believed his ears. “He’s going to prison … for the rest of his life?”

“I know certain people. Gerard will not be leaving prison alive.” She walked over, placed a hand on his shoulder, and gave him a firm squeeze. “My people are looking for Desmond as well. We’ll find him.”

He nodded, a bit shell-shocked. Just like that. “And … what about Gerard’s people?”

She hushed him. “Ronnie, it’s taken care of. If you want the full details, you can ask me after your honeymoon. But anyone connected with Gerard is going away for a very long, long time. He’s in the past now. Concentrate on the future.”

She gave him a light kiss on the cheek and left the room.

Ronnie took a deep breath and stared out the window again.

The future.

It would be standing right there, waiting for him, in just a short time.

He took out his phone and typed up a quick email to the director of his security personnel.

He didn’t need them anymore.

He’d have all he would ever need once he and Liz were wed.

Maybe its just my own irrational paranoia, but i would have kept the security around for a couple more weeks just to be safe... you never know.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Rapid Reaction: Lakers 105, Hornets 90
By Rachel Hansen|ESPNLosAngeles.com
October 31, 2015

LOS ANGELES -- The Lakers offseason was, like every offseason in Hollywood, one filled with drama. Kobe put off retirement again, saying he could play another two years easily. The Lakers lost on LaMarcus Aldridge, who signed with the Celtics, and signed Anthony Randolph instead. Trey Burke declared publicly he’s going to test his value in free agency … in two seasons … and the Lakers are rumored to be interested in multiple players across the league.

But all that offseason drama came to a stop, briefly, Saturday night when the Lakers opened up at Staples and were presented with their championship rings. It was a loud, uproarious ceremony for the L.A. faithful. Even the usually composed Kobe Bryant was celebrating like he was, oh, a decade younger.

There was a game to be played, however, and the Lakers came out looking to win to star their title defense this season. The first quarter didn’t look promising. New Orleans got the better of the Lakers, whose age has been a concern for some scouts around the league (and in the organization itself). They came out and looked … well, old. The Lakers were sloppy with the ball. The Hornets capitalized on that sloppiness. They were out on the fast break sooner and Cody Zeller, their big man, dominated Andrew Bogut all night long.

Zeller was quicker. He was faster. He was more skilled in the post and Bogut couldn’t keep from fouling him. Zeller would get the buckets, get the fouls, and proceed to sink the free throws. He had a dominating performance against Bogut.

The Lakers first quarter was one to forget for nearly everyone, except Trey Burke, who scored all seven of his points in that quarter. But Burke would be a non-factor the rest of the game as a scorer, as he instead went into his role as facilitator of the offense. In the second, the Lakers would rebound and rise from the ashes.

Partly because of new sixth man (and former starter) David West, who received a standing ovation when he entered the game from the crowd. West came in, with the Lakers down by five, and promptly hit his patented mid-range jumper, igniting the crowd. He also ignited Kobe Bryant, who found his shooting stroke shortly thereafter. He tallied an impressive 14 points in the second quarter alone, having 16 by halftime while also helping the Lakers hold onto a slim one point lead.

The second half adjustments by Alvin Gentry cannot be overstated. While Lakers fans in the crowd were wondering if Andrew Bogut had lost a step or if the bench was a mess, Gentry calmed down his players and reminded them that they knew how to play championship basketball. All they had to do was play it.

The third quarter started off with more Kobe fireworks, as he took the ball from the inbounds and proceeded to unleash a vintage dunk over a stunned Eric Gordon. The crowd erupted once more and the third quarter became a battle. This game had been tight so far and continued to be tight as the third quarter got under way.

The Hornets double-teamed Kobe. Kobe passed out, finding Anthony Randolph (who had a quiet first half, only chipping in four points) for a wide open mid-range jumper. Randolph, who hasn’t been slotted as a regular season starter from opening night ever, exploded in the second half.

But the story of the game, up to that point, was Jabari Parker, who had only scored nine points in the first half and was struggling with his shot. Last season, Parker would have been forcing shots up in order to find his groove. This game, Parker got his teammates involved, noticeably Anthony Randolph and rookie Chris Walker, both who were fed by Parker.

Parker would find his shot at the end of the third quarter, sinking a buzzer beater three to give the Lakers a slim four point lead heading into the fourth. That shot signaled the beginning of the end for the Hornets, who were blitzed by Parker in the fourth. He shot from mid-range, he got inside for layups, and he dunked on Ryan Anderson, Anthony Davis, and Cody Zeller.

The Lakers crowd was in a frenzy and Parker’s night was memorable. The Hornets didn’t threaten in the fourth, folding to the Lakers onslaught of Parker, Kobe, and Randolph. Parker would finish with 31 points, three boards, and five assists. Kobe would tally 24 points, 10 boards, and five assists. Anthony Randolph would finish with finish with 18 points, nine boards, and two blocks.

The Hornets Eric Gordon had 24 points, while Cody Zeller finished with 16 points and 14 rebounds.

Here are three takeaways from the game:

Old or Savvy?

The Lakers looked old in the first half against the Hornets. In the second, they looked like a team with veteran savvy and a big dose of athleticism. Rookie Chris Walker had six points off the bench on three fast-break dunks that thundered in the arena.

Walker was quite talkative after the game for a rookie. “Man, we won. We came out and we performed tonight, as we should … we’re the Lakers. They’re the Hornets. If you had to take a blind guess who would win, it’d be us nine times out of ten.”

Kobe Bryant was more humble, though amused by the rookie. “Talkers, these kids, they learn how to talk first then win later … but Chris was good out there. He came in, in a time when were slow, and got us back up to speed.”

Spider-Man Again

Jabari Parker was flying once more in this game but also showed off a new addition to his game: a reliable mid-range shot. Parker has been working all summer with Kobe perfecting the shot the veteran has gone to time and again.

“I’m lucky, really lucky, to have Kobe around … he doesn’t sit there and baby me. He expects me to meet him at his level and this summer I worked with him, every day. The two of us have made each other better and this season is going to show that.”

On being reminded of his nickname, Parker deflected with a grin. “Nah, that’s not me, I’m not a superhero … but look over at Anthony (Randolph) there for a second and tell me that AR15 doesn’t sound like a cool name. Run with that.”

Looking Ahead …

The Lakers weren’t just worried about the Hornets tonight, but also worried about the next four games after. They face the Suns, Kings, Cavs, and Grizzlies over the next week. There are a number of plot lines in those games. The Suns have their former head coach. The Kings are a young threat in their division. The Cavs have revenge on their mind for last season’s Finals sweep. The Grizzlies are another young team looking for a big win.

The Lakers could fall to any of those teams. If tonight proved anything, it’s that the West is tough as it has ever been.

[pickingupcrumbs]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

I'm not exactly trusting this whole Gerrard's-been-caught saga. It seems to me that they probably got a decoy and Gerard's going to make his next move. It would be a huge rickroll if Gerrard was actually taken.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Gerard isn't done, yet, you're right about that. HOWEVER, for this season, he's not gonna be much of an issue. He does return in pretty epic fashion (if it all goes as I think it will).

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Okay guys, questions for you. I'm nearly done with the first month of the season and it looks like the Nets, Knicks, and to a lesser extent, Mavs, are all looking at LONG seasons. Their records aren't good at all, so it looks like the three premier stars of those franchises, Deron Williams, Melo, and D12 ... are all up for trades out of town. Melo and D12 are the likely candidates as both the Knicks and Mavs have need some cap relief ...

My questions to you all is where do you see these guys wanting to go after failed attempts at bringing success to those three franchises? Let me know your thoughts.

[BraedenG33]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Okay guys, questions for you. I'm nearly done with the first month of the season and it looks like the Nets, Knicks, and to a lesser extent, Mavs, are all looking at LONG seasons. Their records aren't good at all, so it looks like the three premier stars of those franchises, Deron Williams, Melo, and D12 ... are all up for trades out of town. Melo and D12 are the likely candidates as both the Knicks and Mavs have need some cap relief ...

My questions to you all is where do you see these guys wanting to go after failed attempts at bringing success to those three franchises? Let me know your thoughts.

-Dwight stays until FA, then S&T to the Nets that will involve trading brook lopez
-Deron stays in a team up with Howard
-'Melo teams up with Ricky Rubio who dishes out enough passes to feed both Monta Ellis' and Anthony's ,mouths, he allows them to get Kevin Love away from Minnesota which seems inevitable.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Rapid Reaction: Lakers 104, Suns 90
By Rachel Hansen|ESPNLosAngeles.com
November 1, 2015

PHOENIX -- The Lakers hit the road to meet the Suns in an early division matchup, one that looked much in the Lakers favor from beginning to end. The Mike D’Antoni system was never a good fit with L.A. but in Phoenix, with Brandon Jennings, the Mustache’s system is getting the Suns major points.

Unfortunately, it’s not getting them much defense. In this game, Phoenix struggled mightily in the first half, as the Lakers got out and played great offense paired with steady defense. The lineup for L.A. is versatile and deep, one of the best in the game days in and out. The first half was all about the duel between Brandon Jennings and Jabari Parker. The two players traded baskets back and forth but Parker’s supporting cast was far superior.

By the time the second half started, though, Jennings found another reliable partner to score with him: Isaiah Austin. Austin came into the second half and manhandled Andrew Bogut, whose slow foot speed again presented an issue for the Lakers. Parker compensated by involving Anthony Randolph (24 points, 16 boards), and getting Kobe revved up (20 points, 10 boards, and nine assists).

The Suns managed to draw the game close at the end of the third but faltered badly in the fourth, getting outscored 32-14 by the blitzing attack of the Lakers. Jabari Parker would finish with 25 points, six rebounds, and six assists while Randolph was named player of the game.

Here are three takeaways from the game:

AR15 Kills It

Anthony Randolph has his best game of this short season, making sure to remind people that though Derrick Williams gets paid more than him, he still can perform. “Yeah, I know people think he’s the best four in the division. I don’t pay any attention to that,” said Randolph. “All I know is that I came out there and performed. We won. Next question.”

Parker in Charge

Jabari Parker is having a great start to the season and, when things get tough, the Lakers are looking more to him now than they are to Kobe. Parker has taken the added responsibility in stride but still acknowledges Kobe as the team leader.

One Lakers insider had this to say: “Yes, Parker is being tutored and groomed by the organization and Kobe to become the next Lakers torch bearer. Kobe has taken a liking to the kid, the quiet nature and hardcore work ethic make teaching him easier. In the locker room, it’s still Kobe’s team. On the court, Jabari is carrying the load more and looks to continue to do that as the season goes on.”

Looking Ahead …

The Lakers meet the Kings in what is looking like an interesting early season matchup. The retooled Kings are looking to put a hurting on the Lakers. “We’re one of the brightest and best squads out there,” said Demarcus Cousins. “They’re a veteran team, we respect that, but don’t expect us to cower in our Nikes … we’re comin’ to win. Simple as that.”

[illWILL8455]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Awesome update. Big win over a solid Suns team. Glad to see Anthony Randolph stepping up. He has the athletic ability to be a beast, he just hasn't really been able to break out yet in real life. The headline 'AR15 kills it' was pretty amusing too lol.

I like the fact that Jabari is getting to learn from one of the greatest in the game in Kobe. Too many young prospects get drafted to rebuilding teams and have to learn everything themselves. Kobe will really help Jabari fast track his career, and allow him to be the next great Laker.

Interesting association! I am really enjoying following it, I look forward to updates!

[pickingupcrumbs]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

What is Kobe's rating for this season? I'm assuming that this would also be his last season.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

What is Kobe's rating for this season? I'm assuming that this would also be his last season.

Kobe is an 87 rating. As for being his last season, I don't think so ... so far Kobe isn't making any statements regarding his retirement (though I DESPERATELY want him to retire, so this can be Jabari's team). His averages are down once more but he saves up for the playoffs. I want to move Jabari to the two spot, making him McGrady-esqe, and bring in a defensive oriented three man. But we'll see ... Kobe's probably not gonna retire this year I think.