Part II: Back with a Bang! Baltimore Bullets Association

[RMJH4]

2010-11 New Orleans Hornets Season Review.

2010-11 New Orleans Hornets Season Review.

May 1st, 2010.

The 2010-11 season for the New Orleans Hornets was a season of highs and lows. After a disappointing season the year prior, the Hornets entered the season with renewed energy and high expectations. Led by All-Star point guard Chris Paul and a talented supporting cast, the team hoped to make a run at the playoffs and establish themselves as a contender in the Western Conference.

The season got off to a hot start for the Hornets, as they won their first eight games of the season. During this stretch, Chris Paul showed why he was one of the best point guards in the league, averaging 17.9 points and 10.7 assists per game while shooting 47.7% from the field. Paul's stellar play earned him Player of the Month honors for the Western Conference in November.

As the season progressed, the Hornets continued to play well and establish themselves as a team to be reckoned with. They were led by a strong defensive presence anchored by center Emeka Okafor, who averaged 10.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. Power forward David West also had a strong season, averaging 18.9 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.

However, the Hornets' season took a turn for the worse when they suffered a series of injuries in the middle of the season. David West, who had been one of the team's most consistent players, suffered a season-ending injury in March. Backup point guard Jarrett Jack also suffered a season-ending injury around the same time. The injuries were a significant setback for the Hornets, who had relied heavily on both players throughout the season.

Despite the injuries, the Hornets managed to stay competitive and keep their playoff hopes alive. They were bolstered by the emergence of young players like Trevor Ariza and Marco Belinelli, who both played key roles for the team down the stretch. Ariza provided strong defense and scoring, while Belinelli added a consistent outside shooting threat.

The Hornets entered their final game of the season against the Dallas Mavericks needing a win to secure a playoff spot. Unfortunately, they fell short in a blowout loss to the Mavericks, ending their season and their playoff hopes. The loss was a disappointing end to a season that had shown so much promise.

Looking back on the season, there were certainly some missed opportunities for the Hornets. The injuries to West and Jack were a significant setback, and the team struggled to replace their production down the stretch. However, the emergence of Ariza and Belinelli provided hope for the future, and the continued excellence of Chris Paul was a reminder of the talent that the team possessed.

Despite missing the playoffs for the second straight season, the Hornets had reason to be optimistic about their future. They had a talented young core in place and a proven coach in Monty Williams. With a healthy roster and continued improvement from their young players, the Hornets looked poised to make a run at the playoffs in the years to come.

[RMJH4]

2010-11 Season Review

2010-11 Season Review - Dallas Mavericks win their first NBA championship.

June 17th, 2010.

The 2010-11 NBA season was a thrilling year for basketball fans around the world. The season was defined by a number of storylines, from the Miami Heat's star-studded "Big Three" to the Chicago Bulls' resurgence behind MVP Derrick Rose.

One of the biggest stories of the season was the formation of the Miami Heat's "Big Three" of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. The trio made headlines during the offseason when they announced that they would be joining forces in Miami to chase a championship. The Heat got off to a slow start to the season, but eventually found their groove and finished with a 58-24 record. James and Wade both made the All-NBA First Team, while Bosh averaged 18.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.

Another big story of the season was the emergence of Derrick Rose as an MVP candidate. The Chicago Bulls point guard led his team to a league-best 62-20 record, averaging 25.0 points and 7.7 assists per game along the way. Rose became the youngest player in NBA history to win the MVP award, and helped lead the Bulls to the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Los Angeles Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, were once again among the top teams in the league. The Lakers finished the season with a 57-25 record and made it to the Western Conference Semifinals, where they were eliminated by the eventual champion Dallas Mavericks.

Speaking of the Mavericks, they were one of the biggest surprises of the season. Led by Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, and Jason Terry, the Mavericks finished with a 57-25 record and entered the playoffs as the third seed in the Western Conference. They went on to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Oklahoma City Thunder en route to winning the NBA championship.

The Boston Celtics, led by the "Big Three" of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen, were once again among the top teams in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics finished the season with a 56-26 record and advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals before being eliminated by the Miami Heat in a thrilling five-game series.

The San Antonio Spurs, led by Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili, were another perennial contender that had a strong season. The Spurs finished with a 61-21 record, the best in the league, but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Memphis Grizzlies in six games.

Overall, the 2010-11 NBA season was one of the most memorable in recent memory. It was defined by star power, with the Miami Heat's "Big Three" and Derrick Rose leading the way. The Mavericks' surprising championship run and the Lakers' continued dominance also made for compelling storylines throughout the season. The season was also notable for the emergence of several young stars, including Rose, Kevin Durant, and Russell Westbrook, who would go on to become some of the league's biggest names in the years to come.

[RMJH4]

Back with a Boom! A Sonic Boom! Seattle SuperSonics return to NBA.

Back with a Boom! A Sonic Boom! Seattle SuperSonics return.

June 18th, 2011.

The return of basketball to Seattle is long overdue, and finally, the city is getting its second attempt at having an NBA team. After the departure of the Seattle SuperSonics in 2008 to Oklahoma City, the city has been without an NBA team for over a decade, leaving a gaping hole in the hearts of Seattle basketball fans.

Seattle made significant strides in bringing back professional basketball to the city in the past few months. Billionaire investor Chris Hansen, who has been leading the charge for the return of the NBA to Seattle, purchased a plot of land in the Sodo district with the intention of building an arena for a new NBA team.

Seattle's basketball legacy is one of the richest in the NBA. The Seattle SuperSonics were a staple of the city for over 40 years, playing in the iconic KeyArena and making the playoffs 22 times in that span. The SuperSonics had some of the NBA's greatest players pass through their ranks, including Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, and Ray Allen.

The return of basketball to Seattle would not only bring back the game that Seattle basketball fans have been craving but would also bring a significant economic boost to the city. With the addition of a new team, the city would see an influx of revenue from ticket sales, merchandise, and other related industries. The new arena built by Hansen will also generate jobs and be a significant attraction for the city.

Seattle getting its second attempt at having an NBA team is a long-awaited and exciting development for the city. Seattle's strong ownership group and potential new arena make it a perfect fit for the league. Seattle's rich basketball history and passionate fan base make it a city that deserves to have a team, and the return of basketball to Seattle would bring a significant economic boost to the city. With everything in place for the NBA's return to Seattle, basketball fans in the city can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

[Gronk4M13]

Re: Part II: Back with a Bang! Baltimore Bullets Association

Great trade and hiring Jackson as coach.

[RMJH4]

Episode 3: A New Coach.

Episode 3: A New Coach.

June 19th, 2010.

So finally with most of the front office in place a coaching search meeting was held with myself, assistant GM Josh Murray, and the owner Howard Schultz.

We headed into the KeyArena through the tunnel, which was being re-painted and decorated. Man I cannot wait to get the Sonics color scheme set up for our guys. I really love the green, white and gold. Not just because I'm Irish, but those colors really pop. Bright, vibrant and it means business.

We sat down in Mr Schultz's office in the next room.

I was relatively quiet throughout the meeting because I already knew who I wanted to hire.

Nonetheless, Josh and Mr. Schultz bickered back and forth for a good 20 minutes over the pluses and minuses of each coach they were interested in hiring. I would give a short opinion every once in a while, but besides that, I just sat back and listened.

Finally, Mr. Schultz turned to me and asked my opinion.

I responded by saying, "I want to hire Gary Payton."

They both fell silent and just looked over at me. He's barely even been an Assistant Coach for a season. Do you really think he's ready? Over seasoned pro's like Vinny Del Negro, Monty Williams and Paul Silas?"

"Of course I do. Think about it. Payton joined the Heat' coaching staff in 2008, after playing eighteen seasons in the NBA. As you know his playing career included stints with the Sonics, Bucks, Lakers, Celtics and Heat. He's been around the league, and he's been learning from some of the best coaches for the last few seasons. Coach George Karl in Seattle and Milwaukee, Phil Jackson in Los Angeles. The legend Pat Riley in Miami too.

I've watched him in the Summer league with Miami and I know he's ready. I want us to get out ahead of the pack here, and hire him first. I mean who else know's what it mean to be a Sonic more than Gary?!

He's holds everybody accountable just like Riley and Jackson did. He has a different approach to it, but you get the same feeling. He knows what he's talking about. My impression of him has always been good, but what's more significant to me is that I used to hear George Karl and Hubie Brown talk to the other coaches about him. So, it's not so much what I've observed, it's the comments from those guys.

That's the sign of a great coach... And that's exactly the type of coach we need with our strategy of signing players in hopes of building for the future."

"And finally, he's only 42 years old. Let's say he accepts the offer, we get the talent in place. Hell, we could have him as our coach for at least the next 20 years. And we'd have a damn good coach too."

After stating my case for Payton, Schultz and Josh were sold.

"Call up Gary and see if he's interested. If so, see when you can meet face to face and strike up a contract. I'm glad it's you that suggested this hire Ronnie, otherwise people would accuse me of giving jobs to ex Sonics players too.

"No, I don't doubt you are making the best decision here sir. Any limit on the salary?" I asked as I pulled out my phone.

"There is $5.26 million in the budget for a head coach, but I don't think you need to think about spending all of that on Gary. Get thinking about assistants. See who Gary would like too." Mr. Schultz responded.

[RMJH4]

Seattle SuperSonics appoint Patrick Ewing as Head Coach.

Seattle SuperSonics appoint Patrick Ewing as Head Coach.

June 20th, 2010.

In a surprise move, the Seattle SuperSonics have named NBA legend Patrick Ewing as their new head coach for the 2011-12 season. The announcement was made by SuperSonics general manager Mike Hobbs, who praised Ewing's experience and leadership skills.

"Patrick Ewing is a true legend in the NBA, both as a player and a coach," said Hobbs in a statement. "We are thrilled to have him lead our team and bring his unique perspective to the court."

Ewing is widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in NBA history, with a career spanning 17 seasons. He was an 11-time NBA All-Star, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.

After retiring from the NBA in 2002, Ewing began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards. He later worked as an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets and the Orlando Magic, where he helped develop superstar center Dwight Howard.

Ewing's appointment as head coach of the SuperSonics marks his first time as a head coach in the NBA. He will be tasked with leading a young and talented team that includes Eric Gordon all of whom are considered rising stars in the league.

"I am excited to be joining the SuperSonics organization and working with this talented group of players," said Ewing in a statement. "I am committed to helping this team reach its full potential and bring a championship back to Seattle."

The move has been met with a mix of excitement and skepticism from fans and analysts. Some see Ewing as a natural fit for the SuperSonics, given his experience and leadership skills. Others are concerned about his lack of head coaching experience, and whether he will be able to handle the pressures of leading a team in a highly competitive Western Conference.

Hobbs, however, is confident that Ewing has what it takes to succeed in his new role.

"Patrick Ewing is a proven winner, both on and off the court," said Hobbs. "He has the respect and admiration of players and coaches throughout the league, and I have no doubt that he will be an excellent head coach for the SuperSonics."

As the NBA gears up for the 2011-12 season, all eyes will be on Seattle and the SuperSonics, as they look to make their mark on the league under the leadership of Patrick Ewing. Whether they will be able to live up to the high expectations remains to be seen, but one thing is certain - Ewing's appointment has added a new level of excitement to the upcoming season.

[Gronk4M13]

Re: Part II: Back with a Bang! Baltimore Bullets Association

Len is a great pickup (go Terps!) Also, I really like the addition of Glen Rice, I like using him in the game.

[Deuce2223]

Re: Part II: Back with a Bang! Baltimore Bullets Association

You have really gone out and reshaped your roster, but the question is will these guy's win games? Looks like you will have plenty of cap space but again if you stick with the rules in place you won't be able to sign any bigtime guys.

[RMJH4]

Episode 4: What do you think Chris?

Episode 4: What do you think Chris?

June 23rd, 2010

General Manager: Chris, thanks for meeting with me today. I know we're all disappointed about last season, but we're looking forward to building a team that can compete and make a deep playoff run this year.

Chris Paul: I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me. I'm excited about the possibilities for the team this year, but I want to make sure we're all on the same page.

General Manager: Absolutely. We want you to be a part of this team for a long time, and we're willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.

Chris Paul: Well, that's good to hear. I know there have been rumors about me leaving for other teams, but I want to stay here in New Orleans if we can build a contender.

General Manager: That's great to hear. What kind of moves do you think we need to make to get to that point?

Chris Paul: I think we need to improve our frontcourt depth. We need a solid power forward and center who can play defense and rebound. And we need a shooting guard who can hit shots consistently from outside.

General Manager: Okay, those are some good points. Do you have any specific players in mind?

Chris Paul: Well, I've been doing some research, and I think we should try to trade for Rudy Gay. He's a versatile forward who can score and defend, and he's got a lot of playoff experience. And for center, we should go after DeAndre Jordan. He's a young guy with a lot of potential, and he can run the floor and block shots. As for shooting guard, I think we should look into Jamal Crawford. He's a proven scorer who can create his own shot and hit from long range.

General Manager: Those are all good options. We'll definitely look into them and see what we can do. Is there anything else you think we need to address?

Chris Paul: I think we need to work on our team chemistry as well. We have a lot of talented players, but we need to make sure everyone is on the same page and playing together as a team. We also need to improve our bench depth, so we have reliable players to come in and give us quality minutes.

General Manager: Okay, we'll definitely work on that. We've got some good young players coming up through the system, and we'll look to add some more veteran players to round out the roster.

Chris Paul: Sounds good. I'm excited to see what we can do this season, and I appreciate you taking the time to listen to my thoughts.

General Manager: Of course, Chris. We value your input and want to make sure we're doing everything we can to build a championship team. We'll keep you updated on any progress we make with potential trades and acquisitions.

Chris Paul: Thanks, I appreciate it. Let's make it happen.

[RMJH4]

NBA Draft 2010.

NBA Draft 2011.

The 2010 NBA draft is over and it was eventful. Get analysis of each first-round pick here and check our Draft Tracker for every selection and second-round analysis.

[CaseIH]

Re: Part II: Back with a Bang! Baltimore Bullets Association

Enjoyed reading your Association, and I like the relocation of the Bucks to Baltimore with the old Bullets name. I always thought it was stupid that Washington changed their name from the Bullets to the Wizards. I wasnt a fan of them, but I always liked the Bullets uniforms.

Really like how you have house rules and dont make ridiculous trades and FA signings like others do. When I see that Im pretty much done with reading those dynasty threads. Nothing wrong if thats they way people enjoy playing, but its not a good read imo. I like realism and people who play sim with 12 minute qtrs.

Good luck in your Association, also really like the story lines you have done as well.

[StraightBaylien]

Re: Part II: Back with a Bang! Baltimore Bullets Association

Just got done reading through this, awesome concept and the presentation and depth of it is amazing. Following.