The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

D12 to the Mavs

was not expecting that!

Nice offseason to you guys, wonder how Noel will do for you.

I think Noel is gonna be great ... I played with him in my previous dynasty (that got killed because of a bad save file) and LOVED his game. Athletic, defensive, nasty, and flush with slams ... my type of big man.

As for D12: I think Cuban and the Mavs have a legitimate shot at getting him this offseason. Playing with Kobe has soured D12 on the Lakers I feel and though he could go to Houston or ATL, I think Mark Cuban throws a pile of money at him and swear loyalty to Dwight and Dwight takes that.

Think of the damage D12 was able to do with Ryan Anderson/Rashard Lewis as stretch 4s. Now replace those two with the greatest stretch 4 of all time in Dirk ... forget it. Dwight will get the paint all to himself as Dirk lights people up from outside the paint and the 3 point line.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story


8-16-13

She smoothed out her dress again and looked herself over once more in the mirror. “Good enough,” she mumbled as she turned out the light and stepped out of the bathroom.


Ronnie was leaning against the couch, a big smile on his face. “Are you ready?”


She frowned as she walked by him. “You don’t get to smile.”


“Oh, come on,” he said with a chuckle. “You’re taking this way too seriously.”


“I’m about to meet pro-basketball players, Ronnie … they’re … they’re pros!” She took a deep breath and looked at her watch. “And they’ll be here in a few minutes.”


He came up behind her and gave her a soft touch on the shoulder. “You’ll be fine. You look great.”


The compliment calmed her down slightly. She turned around and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “You’re a suck up.”


“I know.”


She forced a smirk. She was nervous. She had never met a professional

athlete before … she watched them in the commercials and in the games, but never did she ever meet one. Despite how much she liked basketball – as long as she didn’t have to talk about it too much – she had never been to a pro game.


But that was all about to change.


The doorbell rang and she looked at it with wide eyes. She pushed the

nervous feelings down. “Here we go.”


Tonight was the team pot luck dinner. Everyone brought their own dish and everyone was just here for a good time. She had convinced Ronnie to forgo the competitive aspect of it for now … this was a team building exercise. Everyone needed to be on the same page first competing against others before they started competing with their own teammates.


Ronnie had been resistant to the idea but yielded when he realized she was right. He had a way of doing that when he knew she was right. Always took a few days but he came around.


“You ready?”


She nodded and he opened the door.


Her eyes found themselves staring at … someone’s lower chest. She looked up to meet the eyes of Nerlens Noel, high top fade included. “Ma’am,” he said with a nod. “Thanks for inviting me.” He held out a large pan. “I … I don’t really cook. I tried.”


She took the pan and looked into it.


It might have been brownies.


Or meatloaf.


She smiled nonetheless. He tried. Ronnie was a crappy cook too when he was younger. “Come in, come in.”


Noel ducked through the door and Ronnie shook his hand. “Nerlens, a pleasure. Welcome, you’re the first to get here.”


“Thank you, sir.”


“Just call me Ronnie. Come on, let me show you the backyard, it’s got a great view.”


She set the … whatever it was … on the kitchen counter. The doorbell rang again.


Within the next thirty minutes the entire team was there and the house was buzzing with conversation. It was nice to be around people that had energy and these people had energy.


She looked at one of the players with a smile. “More wine?”


“Yes, please,” said Tyreke Evans as he held out his glass. “I developed a fondness for this stuff in California.”


“It’s a nice area,” Liz said as she poured him another class of chardonnay. “I lived there for a few years as a kid … great weather.”


“It was sunny outside a lot,” he admitted with a smirk. “That might be the only thing I miss about it.”


Their conversation was interrupted as Ronnie entered the house from the backyard, Nerlens behind him. Both were carrying large trays full of burgers and hot dogs. “Who’s hungry?”


They were met with a loud cheer and movement.


A lot of these players were younger than Ronnie and her were. It made her feel … old.


At the same time she felt like it was a sign of progress in their lives. Maybe it was about time they started to feel old … the two of them had been stuck doing the same thing since they got out of college.


“Hey, hey, before we all chow down, I have something to say,” Ronnie said loudly.


The room gave him their undivided attention.


Ronnie looked around and smirked. “I just want to say that, no matter what happens this season, I’m glad we’ve all been brought together. I can stand here and tell you we’re going to do great things and I believe we are, trust me, but we all know the challenge that faces us here … we’re building something, together. That takes a lot of effort and we’re going to take a lot of lumps along the way … but I’m happy to know you guys. Let’s chow down.”


Applause broke out as the players started to form a line to get out the food and Liz watched as Ronnie’s face lit up.


He liked doing this. He really, really liked doing this.


She smiled at him. The season was just around the corner and she hoped he would keep smiling.

[Liam_93]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Found myself having a little chuckleat that last post. I liked the idea of the mess Noel might have made cooking.

Keep up the good work man

[gausec]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

You got Evans for a nice price and liked the little writeup about Noel's cooking I could see that happening lol

[BlueJays09]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

great job keep em coming...Im entering playoffs in mine vs. the 5th Nets so hope I can pull it off

[monkeyxy]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Hey man like the dynasty could you possibly take a look at mine and tell me if i could improve it in any ways

link in sig

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Sorry for the lack of updates the last two days guys, been busy. I should be able to get something out tomorrow ... we're approaching the first game of the new season (exciting!) against the Spurs (the return of Bismack Biyombo ... I'm not that scared, lol).

Thanks for following and keeping the faith.

[DarkOutFront]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Sorry about your Gators...

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Rapid Reaction: Bobcats 99, Spurs 88

By Aaron Vickers |ESPN.com

November 2, 2013



CHARLOTTE -- It was only one game but if Bobcats fans want to celebrate, no one can blame them. This game looked like it was lost by the end of the first quarter where the Spurs outscored the Bobcats 24-17. The team looked frustrated as fouls were beginning to pile up but the quarter ended.


With it ended the Spurs domination of the game. Though Tony Parker was allowed to score 35 points only one other Spur -- Manu Ginobli -- scored in double-digits. Tim Duncan was held to only six points and four rebounds. The Spurs looked old.


The Bobcats looked young. In the second quarter the team began to pass the ball to the open man, driving and dishing, and showing a level of trust unseen in Charlotte since the playoff team all those years ago. Ramon Sessions was named player of the game based on his scoring and passing, racking up 19 points and nine assists.


Rookie Nerlens Noel had an impressive showing, scoring 20 points and grabbing six boards on 8-for-11 shooting. Ryan Harrow also had a big game from the bench getting eight points -- six of them from beyond the arc – in only 10 minutes of play.


New Bobcat Tyreke Evans had a good game getting 15 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in a very well-rounded game. Evans and MKG had a connection all night long, both finding one another on multiple fast breaks. MKG had 15 points, three rebounds, and three assists, finding his rhythm in the fourth after struggling in the first three quarters.


The other high-profile acquisition in the offseason, Derrick Williams, had a solid game with 11 points and five rebounds. Williams showed his speed and athleticism while dunking all over Tim Duncan but failed to finish a few easy layups around the rim. The Bobcats, once they got the lead, never gave it up.


Here are three takeaways from the game:

Bench Sighting


The Bobcats bench played a big role in the game, coming in during a key stretch in the second and outplaying the Spurs bench. Big man Tyler Hansbrough had eight points and five rebounds in only nine minutes of play while rookie Ryan Harrow matched with eight points as well. The Bobcats had bench struggles all last season. It was just one game but it seems those struggles are not going to be as pronounced this year.

Getting to the Line


The Bobcats did well this game by getting to the line, hitting 80 percent of their free throws out of 31 attempts. The Bobcats had only a few games last year that even approached that number. Coach Mike Dunlap was pleased with the way the team shot the ball. “If we can do that most nights, we’ll be in good shape as the season goes on.”

Thunder Valley


The Bobcats maybe the most athletic team in the league at this moment. The night was filled with dunks from Evans, Noel, MKG, and Williams. Sessions just sat there and passed the ball beautifully as the Bobcats flew around the gym. The crowd was into every dunk as the Spurs sat and watched.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story



11-4-13

As the Denver Nuggets trailed off the floor in stunned shock as the Bobcats players were still celebrating the win on the court. Ronnie watched from his pressbox with subdued glee. He wanted to be boastful, he wanted to be loud and proud, but this wasn’t the time or place for that.


“I’m impressed.” Michael Jordan stood beside him and handed Ronnie a drink. “I didn’t think the team would gel so quickly.”


Ronnie smirked. “It was a long offseason and one that let everyone get to know one another.”


“Your little potluck parties,” Jordan said with a long gaze.


“It was my girlfriend’s idea. I wanted to make it a cook off.”


“It would have been better.”


“I know,” Ronnie agreed. He would have preferred it to be a competition but

Liz had been right about the need to come together as a team first before friendly competition’s started. He would never admit that to Michael Jordan, the ultimate competitor, though. If he said that he might get fired.


“We’re two games into the season and undefeated.” Jordan finished his drink and set the glass on the nearby table. “Better than I was hoping.”


“I didn’t expect us to beat either of these teams,” Ronnie admitted.


Jordan chuckled. “No, I suppose no one did. Two Western Conference powerhouses fall in consecutive games to the lowly Bobcats.” He shook his head. “I forgot what this felt like.”


Ronnie’s face took on a curious expression. “What what felt like?”


“Beating people’s expectations.” Jordan’s eyes were wistful. “I wasn’t expected to be better than Sam Bowie.” He smirked. “I think I obliterated those expectations.”


“And then some,” Ronnie said right before he downed his drink. He held the glass back and whistled. “This is some fine Scotch.”


“I only bring the best to road games,” Jordan said as he sat down. “I usually need to be a little … relaxed … when we play on the road.”


“It’s been bad.”


“It has,” Jordan agreed. He sighed. “Evans played well. Twenty-three points, nine boards, and eight assists … quite a stat line.”


“Nearly a triple-double,” Ronnie said as he poured himself another drink. “We won and I think that’s all he cares about.”


“Stuck on a losing team for years this must be a new feeling for him to.”


Ronnie nodded and took a swig from his glass. “I think it’s new for everyone.”


Jordan narrowed his eyes. “We shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves.”


Ronnie sat down across from him. “I disagree. I say we embrace this … we’ve had one winning season in franchise history. We’ve made the playoffs once. We play in the same division as the Heat … winning isn’t something this franchise has seen a lot of.”


Jordan’s eyes stared at the floor, the gears in his mind clearly turning. Ronnie wondered what went on in that mind some days … how does the ultimate competitor think? What kind of mindset does a person have to have to be like Mike?


Jordan took out his phone and dialed a number. “George, tell the team bus driver we’re making a detour. We’re going to the most expensive restaurant in town … yes, I realize it’s late. We’ll get in, I know the owner. We’re celebrating … let the team know. Gold and I will meet you there.” He hung up and stood. “Let’s go.”


Ronnie finished his Scotch and stood too. “That was sudden.”


“If we’re going to celebrate, we’re going to do it in style. And we’re going to do it now rather than later.” Jordan strolled out of the room and Ronnie followed after him.


He had just seen inside the mind of the greatest of all-time, just for a moment.


Don’t think. Just act. That was Jordan’s mantra it seemed.


Ronnie would remember that.


He would remember this win.


He took a glance back at the Scotch and smirked. He’d remember that a little more.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Rapid Reaction: Bobcats 97, Bulls 76

By Aaron Vickers |ESPN.com

November 7, 2014



CHARLOTTE – The Bulls apparently got off the bus but their team didn’t show up on the court as they were thrashed by the Bobcats from beginning to end. The Bulls never led the entire game and after the first quarter they were losing 24-9.


The game was one where every starter of the Bobcats contributed hugely: Noel had 29 points and nine boards. MKG had 21 points, four boards, and four assists. Evans had 20 points, 10 boards, three assists, and two steals. Williams had 18 points and nine boards. Sessions had 12 assists and five boards.


For the Bulls only Derrick Rose scored in double-digits. The rest of the team was stuck in foul trouble all night, with Noah and Gibson fouling out midway through the fourth.


The Bulls now fall to 2-3 and are starting to look like a team that is missing Carlos Boozer. Meanwhile the Bobcats are a surprising 3-0 after tonight’s win, racking up Ws against the Spurs and Nuggets in impressive fashion.


Here are three takeaways from the game:

The Sequel Can Fly


Derrick Williams or “The Sequel” as he’s been nicknamed by his teammates is playing with a ferocity that he hasn’t displayed since his college days. Since switching his number back to twenty-three (with permission from owner Michael Jordan) Williams has played well in each of his three games this season and seems to only be getting better. He and Sessions connected on a number of eye-pleasing passes that led to high-flying dunks.


“It’s just getting the minutes, getting the confidence, and feeling comfortable,” said Williams after the game. “In Minnesota, I never really felt like I was wanted there … they did their best and I did mine with what I could but now I feel like I have a real shot to show my stuff. I’m going to show it.”

Noel Destroys Noah


It was a game to forget for Joakim Noah, who only had eight points and two boards. He was outplayed all night by rookie Nerlens Noel, who used his impressive display of athleticism to dunk on Noah and company over and over. Noel only missed three shots the entire night while the Bulls frontline struggled to contain him.

Evans Evolving


Tyreke Evans was never known for grabbing a lot of rebounds in his time in Sacramento but he’s been getting the boards with the Bobcats. Not only has he been grabbing rebounds but he’s also been getting to the line a lot more, shooting nearly 88 percent. Evans seems to be finally taking his game to the all-star levels people saw from him when he was a rookie.

[kjking]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Its great to see you back! Can you tell me what you think of my dynasty please? It would be appreciated!

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Rapid Reaction: Bobcats 82, Hawks 62

By Aaron Vickers|ESPN.com


November 9, 2013



CHARLOTTE -- In a game that made blind men rejoice for their ability to not see what was happening, the Bobcats put an end to an awful exhibition of basketball. It was one of the ugliest games in franchise history -- that’s saying something -- with both teams committing over 17 turnovers each and shooting below 40 percent from the field.


The game was close heading into the fourth, with the Bobcats clinging to a two point lead before Tyreke Evans finally found his shooting groove. Evans, up until the fourth, had only scored a paltry seven points. The ball went to him early and often in the fourth. He rewarded that faith by scoring 15 points, finishing with 22 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
“I was in a funk for most of the game but coach kept telling to work through it and the team had my back … they showed faith in me and I was able to shake it,” said Evans.


The Hawks could not shake the funk at all. Louis Williams managed to score only 14 points but that was on a ridiculous 6-of-32 shooting. Williams attempted to shoot his team back into the game but only managed to shoot them out of it. The frustration was clear on the faces of the Hawks and a number of starters fouled out in the fourth.


Coach Larry Drew was not pleased with the effort. “We showed a lack of discipline, a lack of control out there … we lost because of that. The other team didn’t outplay us ... we lost the game because we decided to play like knuckleheads.”


Here are three takeaways from the game:


Tyreke Time


The fourth quarter is quickly becoming the time when Tyreke Evans asserts himself. He did it against the Spurs and the Nuggets. He did it to the Bulls and now the Hawks. Evans hasn’t displayed this mix of dynamic play and clutch ability since his rookie season. Evans is well aware of that benchmark he set then that he hasn’t been able to reach again … until now. If Evans continues to play this way the Bobcats may have walked away with the steal of free agency.


Nerlens Learning


Noel continues to learn and grown on the NBA level, debuting something rarely seen from the young big man: a hook shot. “I was working on it before I got injured,” said Noel. “When I went down at Kentucky I wasn’t able to really practice it again … now that I’m back, that I’m in the pros, I can work on it some more. I feel like it can be a big piece of my game going forward once I get it down.” Noels offensive arsenal is limited at this stage of his development as his only two reliable methods of scoring are dunks and lobs.


But much like Blake Griffin Noel believes he can develop more of an all-around game. “I’m learning every day and I won’t stop learning.”


Dunlap Drops Diagrams


Coach Mike Dunlap isn’t in the habit of not drawing up plays but lately he’s cut back some, allowing his offense to find its flow without pre-determined plays. “It’s not easy for me but the team benefits from it. When we’re in a funk, when we’re in a fix, I’ll step in and direct these guys, but we don’t get stuck in those funks that much. That’s because the guys on the floor are smart enough to recognize what’s going on and adjust a lot of the time. It’s a real team effort, from players to staff, and I think that’s the way things are going to be for awhile.”

[Liam_93]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Noel dominating in yet another Association, Tyreke looking like he's finally developing some consistency since his rookie season, add to that MKG improving every game. Things could be finally looking up in Charlotte.

Keep it up. Enjoying the read.

[Pitfighter87]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

LOVE Noel. I'm a Gator fan, I know I should be homing it up, but I can't deny the talent I see in Noel. I think the guy is gonna be an All-Star for sure ... the dude is intense on the court, quiet off it, and a hard worker. Combine that with his high talent level (admittedly raw offensively, but nearly elite defensively) and I think he's a franchise cornerstone.

Glad to see a fellow SEC guy high on Noel.Florida looks real good this year and if Kentucky dont make it im pullin for the Gators. Great read by the way you should write a book or a film plot.