The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

[trekfan]

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.

Thanks! Yeah, we're looking good so far ... I'm wondering what's gonna happen come playoff time. As it stands right now we're in it, but there's still a lot of season left.

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.

I hope the Gators can make some noise this year in the tourney but we're gonna need some favorable matchups. We have not consistently shown we're able to beat top tier teams.

Thanks for the high praise too

More updates should be coming later tonight/tomorrow. Stay tuned and thanks for reading folks.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story


11-10-13

Desmond flipped through his binder and continued highlighting names of future free agents. It was early in the season but it was never too early to begin planning for the offseason. There was a knock at his office door. Desmond didn’t bother getting up from the floor. “Come on in,” he yelled over his shoulder.


The door opened and closed. “You seem to be doing well.”


Desmond shot up from his sitting position on the floor. “Vinnie,” he said with clear surprise.


Vinnie smirked at him. “I just wanted to come by and see how you’re doing.” He patted him on the shoulder. “It’s quite a view,” he commented as he looked out the window.


Desmond nodded absently as he watched Vinnie stroll around the room. “I hate to sound paranoid … but why are you here?”


Vinnie stopped his stroll and motioned to the couch. “May I?”


Desmond nodded and Vinnie sat down. He rubbed his hands over the leather of the couch and shook his head. “I know I don’t usually check up on people –”


“You never do unless something’s wrong,” Desmond interrupted.


Vinnie nodded. “Well, that holds true here as well.” He leaned back on the couch. “One of our old rivals has recently been released from prison.”


The way Vinnie said it made the hairs on Desmond’s back stand up. “Gerard.” He rubbed his scarred knuckles. “He got out … how did he get out?”


“Gerard doesn’t play by the established rules. He and his crew never did … and so they did things their way in this case: brutally. Nothing can be proved but we have it on good authority that a number of ‘accidents’ that have recently plagued the people in charge of Gerard’s parole hearing were influenced by his group of thugs.” Vinnie sighed. “It’s a shame … I was hoping he’d rot in prison.”


Desmond’s eyes fixated on the ground. “He’s looking for me.”


“Oh, he’s looking for everyone that got him sent there … he spent the same amount of time in prison as you. But he’s an egotistical manic in charge of a crew of thugs and murders. His operation has survived without him but it hasn’t flourished like he thinks it should.” Vinnie stood. “The family is willing to give you our protection.”


Desmond shook his head. “I just got out of prison for what I did to him. I don’t plan on going back.”


Vinnie nodded. “I thought you might say that. We’ll of course try to run interference but you know Gerard: he’s a mad dog. He won’t give up easily.”


Desmond took a deep breath. He wasn’t expecting his old life to come crashing in on his new one so soon. “Thanks for the heads up.”


Vinnie gave a short nod before exiting the office.


The impromptu meeting was concluded.


Desmond sat back down on the floor and wondered how he was going

to deal with this. Gerard would find him. That much was sure.


Suddenly, basketball seemed unimportant.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Rapid Reaction: Heat 104, Bobcats 99

By Aaron Vickers |ESPN.com

November 19, 2013



CHARLOTTE -- The Bobcats lost a tough game tonight versus a superior Heat squad, but don’t let the final score deceive you as this was a close game. The Heat led by eight at halftime but the Bobcats battled back to tie the game, 80-80, at the end of the third.


The fourth quarter was filled with defense, fast breaks, and tough fouls. Lebron had been contained for most of the game and Dwayne Wade had gone cold after halftime. With four minutes to go the Bobcats took their first lead of the night.


After that nothing went right. Nerlens Noel picked up his last two fouls within a minute, exiting the game with 24 points and nine boards. The loss was a big one but it was mitigated by the explosive performance of Derrick Williams. Williams had been flying all over the Heat all night long, putting his athleticism to the ultimate test. He finished with 36 points, eight boards, and two assists.


Tyreke Evans was prevented from getting to the bucket by the tough interior D of the Heat but he got to the line fifteen times, converting on thirteen of them. He finished with 19 points, four boards, and seven assists.


But even those performances weren’t enough as Lebron took over the last quarter and ran the Bobcats over. Lebron finished with 29 points, five boards, seven assists, and three steals. He scored the last fourteen of his points in the fourth.


The game was still in question with twenty seconds to go, when the Bobcats were down by two and going down for the tying bucket. Derrick Williams had the ball but got double-teamed. Attempting to pass out, Chris Bosh went for the ball.


The refs called jump ball. The crowd rained down boos at the call and Coach Mike Dunlap was infuriated.


Williams lost the jump and the Bobcats were forced to play the foul game, which they also lost.


Here are three takeaways from the game:

The Arrival of “The Sequel”


Derrick Williams is for real, ladies and gents. Playing against one of the best defenses in the league, Derrick Williams flew high and often, finding his way to the rim and playing with an edge. He was guarded by Lebron, Chris Bosh, Haslem, and Battier … no one could stop him. Williams was the highest scorer on both teams and shot an insane 16-of-18 from the field. He could barely miss and the Heat did everything they could to keep the ball away from him. His big game has signified his arrival … that trade that Minnesota made to get rid of him looks almost foolish now.

Youth vs. Experience


The Bobcats youth movement has resulted in some great games so far this season but with youth comes inexperience and that clearly showed itself tonight against the Heat. The Bobcats battled back to tie the game and then take the lead, but the mental toll was too much on the young team.

The Heat easily shifted gears while the Bobcats had difficulty adjusting to playing with the lead as opposed to playing from behind.

Dunlap Demolishes Refs


Mike Dunlap was furious at the last call of the game, a jump ball, and after the game was still on the warpath. “One of the most gutless, cowardly calls I’ve ever seen,” said Dunlap. The league will of course fine him for the comments but the refs earned the comments, as Bosh was clearly reaching in to get the ball while Williams was trying to pass out. Don’t expect to hear the NBA admit that anytime soon but league officials say that the last call will be reviewed … meanwhile Mike Dunlap will have to watch himself. Refs don’t like being criticized in the post-game and future crews may take out their dislike of Dunlap’s comments on the team.

[monkeyxy]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

whys Derick Williams called the sequal?

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

whys Derick Williams called the sequal?

Because the first D.Will is Deron Williams, so my nickname for Derrick Williams is D. Will II or "The Sequel". It's kinda stupid, but I have fun with it, lol.

[Knickerbocker91]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Basketball? Unimportant? THIS IS MADNESS!

I haven't commented much, but enjoy the storyline portion of this (as well as the first one you did with the Suns/Magic) immensely. Makes it feel like more than a game, breathes life into it. Keep doing what you do.

[monkeyxy]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

ok, thanks

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Rapid Reaction: Bobcats 106, Wizards 102


By Aaron Vickers |ESPN.com


November 21, 2013



CHARLOTTE -- This game needed overtime to be concluded but it was finally settled in the extra period as the Bobcats pulled away from the Wizards. The game was a back and forth affair all night as both teams struggled to contain one star on the other end. For the Bobcats, John Wall eviscerated the defense with 33 points. For the Wizards, it was Nerlens Noel who blew them up in the paint with 38 points.


The Bobcats came out slow after the emotional loss to the Heat, falling behind 25-19 at the end of the first. They battled back to be down by only two points by halftime. Once the second half started both teams began trading the lead, neither able to prevent the other from climbing back. It was a game where both teams refused to die.


The final minute of the game was filled with drama as the Wizards took a two point lead. The Bobcats came back to tie, but with twelve seconds to go John Wall hit a long jumper falling away, getting that precious two point lead back and seemingly putting the dagger into the Bobcats.


A quick timeout later and the Bobcats advanced the ball to halfcourt. It was inbounded to a backcutting MKG who put up a layup but missed. MKG got his own rebound and put it up again … and again it missed. With less than three seconds to go Tyreke Evans flew in and tipped the ball into the net, tying the game.


The crowd erupted.


The Wizards took a timeout, advanced the ball, and gave it to John Wall who tried for another dagger midrange shot but it clanked off the side of the rim. Overtime had arrived.


With it came the Bobcats second life. They easily held off the Wizards in overtime and walked off the court with a hard fought win.


Here are three takeaways from the game:

A Team Effort


It was a total team effort for the Bobcats despite Nerlens Noel’s gaudy numbers. Though Noel did the bulk of the scoring he didn’t get the clutch bucket that propelled the game into OT. That honor belongs to Tyreke Evans who finished with 19 points, three rebounds, and five assists. Though MKG missed the final layup he finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, and two assists. Derrick Williams finished with 11 points and eight boards, not having as big an impact as he did against the Heat but providing solid numbers. Ramon Sessions only scored seven points but racked up 15 assists.


50 and Over


For the second game in a row the Bobcats have shot over 50 percent from the field, continuing a positive trend that must make the coaching staff happy. The Bobcats shot a paltry 42 percent from the field all last season but that number is steadily climbing this year. With the Bobcats refocusing their efforts on offense on good shots in the paint, it seems that the outside shot has become an afterthought.

Ben Gordon Sighting


Speaking of the outside shot and afterthoughts, Ben Gordon made an appearance tonight, coming off the bench and scoring eight points, six from three. Gordon has been known more for his contract than his play this season, as his cap killing number continues to haunt the Bobcats. Gordon has publicly stated that he wants to stay in Charlotte but league sources say that the Bobcats don’t want him. He’ll be looking for a new home this offseason and the Bobcats will be looking to use the money wasted on him on better players.

[Cole416]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Bump bump bump this is my favourite NBA chise

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story


11-24-13



“More mashed potatoes?”


Michael’s eyes focused on the bowl being held out to him. “No thanks,” he said as he waved the bowl off dismissively. He needed to cut back on the mashed potatoes. He was only a few pounds away from his playing weight.


His new wife, Yvette, frowned at him. “You’re being rude,” she whispered as the conversation around them continued.


It was Thanksgiving. He was at her parents' house, with her side of the family, making nice with the in-laws. He was Michael Jordan but he was also a new husband. There were certain things he had to do as a new husband.
“I’m not,” he whispered with a smile.


Her eyes told him he was wrong.


He looked away from her. He wasn’t really here anyway, at least not mentally. The gears in his mind were turning. The Bobcats had a winning record. The Bobcats had played hard in this first part of the season.
He wondered if this would last. Part of him wanted to hope that this was something good, that this was a trend and not a blip. But he had gotten those hopes up before last season, when his team went 7-5 to begin the year and then just fell off a cliff.


“Michael, can you help me in the kitchen?” Yvette asked. She got up from the table and went into the kitchen before he could respond.


She had already decided he was coming.


He put on his best smile and followed her in.


She put something in the microwave and the old machine roared to life. It was loud. It was ancient. He was going to get her parents a new one for Christmas.


“You’re not here. Where are you?” She asked, arms crossed.


His eyes glanced quickly at the time on the microwave. Three minutes was on the clock.


It was going to be a long three minutes. “I’m just thinking.”


“Think about your new family, about the holidays!” She said with her arms thrown up. “You’re not participating.”


“I’m here, aren’t I?” He winced internally as soon as he said the words.


She glared at him. “That’s not good enough. I didn’t marry you because you’re ‘here’.”


He stretched his neck. He could shoot last second clutch shots. He could win championships. He could run a business and make tons of money.


But he had trouble with marriage. He was still just a rookie. This wasn’t his first marriage but he wanted it to be his last. “I’m sorry,” he admitted.


She looked back towards the dining room. “Don’t apologize to me. You’ve hardly said more than a sentence to them since we got here.”


“I know.”


“You need to get your mind off the basketball court.”


He smirked at her. “Honestly?”


She sighed. “Okay, less on the basketball court then.”


He nodded and reached up to turn off the microwave.


She grabbed a bowl of something from the fridge and went back out into the dining room.


He turned off the microwave and followed after her.


It was easier playing in the NBA sometimes than being married.

[Cole416]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Not sure how that was relevant with anything but hey I liked the write up.

[GoldenJet]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Great to see you building up some more story. Really enjoying your writing style.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Rapid Reaction: Bobcats 93, Wizards 72


By Aaron Vickers |ESPN.com


December 7, 2013



CHARLOTTE -- The game wasn’t close after the first quarter, where the Wizards deficit was only five points. Once halftime had arrived that deficit was up to 13 points and it only grew as the rest of the game went on. The Wizards couldn’t get going offensively as John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Danny Granger combined to go 13-of-50 from the field.


For the Bobcats, it seemed like they could hit everything they took. The player of the game was Tyreke Evans, who had an impressive 22 points, eight boards, three assists, one steal, and two blocks. Evans was all over the court and even nailed a 3-pointer from the corner, a rare shot for him, and the home bench reacted with as much surprise and excitement as the crowd.


The rest of the Bobcats played well too. Nerlens Noel had another good game, getting 20 points and eight boards. MKG finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Derrick Williams had 16 points and 10 boards.


Here are three takeaways from the game:


Bobcats Rolling


The Bobcats now have one two games straight in dominating fashion. They beat the Portland TrailBlazers 109-88 and now have done the same to the Wizards. They play of Tyreke Evans has been key in this run and so has the bench, who have scored 20 or more points in the last two games.


Raining Threes


The Bobcats long ball found the net against the Wizards during the third quarter, where they hit the only four threes they made all night. The Bobcats are not known as a team that shoots the 3-pointer well but got one from Tyreke Evans, Ben Gordon, Jeff Taylor, and Ramon Sessions. Those shots helped bury any chance the Wizards had at coming back.


Glass Eaters


The Bobcats came up with 51 rebounds to the Wizards 39 in this game, proving their dominance in the paint. MKG, Evans, and Noel are doing the majority of the work on the defensive boards as Derrick Williams works the offensive glass. This a trend that bodes well for the Bobcats … when they rebound well they’re usually very competitive.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Rapid Reaction: Bobcats 114, Hawks 86


By Aaron Vickers |ESPN.com


December 10, 2013



ATLANTA -- Coming off a disappointing loss to New Orleans Hornets, the Bobcats rebounded in a big way against the Hawks. The Hawks were down 23-17 at home, the Bobcats jumping out to a big lead due to the outstanding play of Nerlens Noel. Noel had 18 points by halftime as the Bobcats opened up a 55-40 lead and finished the game with 25 points.


Louis Williams again tried to shoot his team back into the game and again shot them out of it. Coach Larry Drew continued to hope that Williams would find his shooting streak but the shooter has been in a slump the last four games, the Hawks losing two of them, and that slump continued against the stifling play of Tyreke Evans.


Evans was quiet in the first half, letting Noel do the work, but after halftime the Hawks locked down on the young big man. Enter Evans, who took over the scoring duties and finished the game with 23 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds.


Evans play also led to Derrick Williams finding his shooting stroke, as the two connected on various pick and rolls and pick and pops. Williams was high flying throughout most of the night, scoring 22 points but managed to pull down only four rebounds.


The Bobcats didn’t suffer though thanks to the glass eating play of MKG, who finished with 13 points but had 15 boards.


Here are three takeaways from the game:

50 is The New 40


The Bobcats again shot over 50 percent for the fourth time in five games. Not coincidentally, the Bobcats have won all four of those games. The Bobcats currently lead the NBA with a 51 percent field goal percentage, a vast improvement over last year’s league low 42 percent from the field.

Not That Foul


The Bobcats had ten less fouls than the Hawks in this game and are causing their opponents lots of frustration. The Hawks had 23 fouls total and went into the bonus twice during the game. Coach Larry Drew was not pleased with his team’s discipline and the Hawks had a team meeting after the game.


No Contest


The Bobcats continued their dominance on the boards, outrebounding the Hawks 53-32. The hustle play of Evans and MKG is making a huge difference as teams are being forced to concentrate on them almost as much as Noel.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story




12-11-13

“Coming!” She yelled from the kitchen. As she walked over to the door she again texted Ronnie to get his tail back home. This was his guest after all.


She took a moment to straighten her hair and opened the door.


Desmond smiled at her. “Liz.”


She stepped aside and waved him in with her hand. “Desmond, please.”


The two had met often like this. Ronnie would call a meeting. Desmond would come over. Ronnie would be late despite his protests that he wouldn’t be.


“Late again?”


“As usual,” she said with a smirk. She went into the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee. “Want one?”


He nodded, setting down a large binder on the kitchen bar.


She gave him a glass and poured herself one. “I’m sorry he’s doing this again.”


“No need to apologize, really … I used to work a lot too.” He sipped his coffee and chuckled. “I used to drink a lot more of this stuff then too.”


She nodded. “Back when I was in college, coffee was the only reason I made it through. It kept me alive.”


“You can’t turn away from something like that,” Desmond commented. He stared at his cup for a moment, seemingly lost in the dark liquid, before setting it down. “How are things?”


She shrugged. “It’s basketball season. I see him at night when he comes home. I see him in the mornings for breakfast. We don’t see much of each other in between.” She set her cup down. She knew this was how it was going to be … it was always this way with Ronnie. Before it him trying to get to the top. Now that he was there, he was spending even more time away.


“It’s not an easy life.”


“Life isn’t easy in general.” She shook her head and forced a smile. “But I can’t complain. We have a great house and a great life … we just have to make every moment count. We have the weekends and we have the nights when he stays home to watch the games.”


“He’s constantly watching games, even during meetings,” Desmond said with a chuckle. “I tell him that's why they invented scouts but he trusts his eyes more than most.”


“Oh, it’s not trust, it’s pride. He loves finding the next great thing … hates to miss out.” She sipped at her coffee and sighed. “One day that’s going to hurt him.”


“Well, not anytime soon I hope. We’re doing great so far this year.”


She rolled her eyes. “Don’t start talking basketball with me. I know Ronnie raves about it but it’s not as good as he says.”


“He says it’s as good as sex.”


She laughed and covered her eyes with her hand. “It’s not, trust me.”


Desmond was about to say something when the door to the house burst open and Ronnie came rushing in. “Sorry I’m late!” He rushed around the bar and gave Liz a kiss on the cheek. “Really sorry.”


She gave him a light tap in the arm. “Uh huh. Did you get the things I asked for?”


He stared at her for a moment before nodding. “Yes, yes I did.”


She smirked. “Good. That means we can have dinner tonight. Will this be an all-day affair between you two?”


The two men exchanged looks before nodding.


“Well, I’m glad I told you to get extra. I’ll get the stuff out of the car, you two go hide in your den somewhere … I got dibs on the living room.” She pointed at Ronnie. “And if you put salt in my coffee I will end you.”


A mischievous grin was brought forth from Ronnie’s face. “You know me too well.”


“We’ve been together too long,” she shot back playfully. She exited the house, opened the SUV, and began looking through the groceries from the store.


She was distracted however by a black sedan a few houses down. She stared at it for a long moment before it pulled away. She didn’t recall any of the neighbors getting a new car but then, she wasn’t the most observant person about cars.


She shrugged and got back to surveying the groceries in the back. After a moment, she frowned.


He forgot the toilet paper.