Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Really enjoyed following your dynasty. You're an entertaining writer.

Quick question: When you are talking about the trading of the protected picks, is that something you are keeping track of on your own, or is that something the game itself can track?

^Thanks for the compliments! Yes, I am keeping track of the picks myself (got a whole document plotting out where goes what), and I'm also using RealGM to keep track of where the real picks are going. The game doesn't have this capability, unfortunately, but the devs are looking into adding it in 2K17; we'll see if they can, some of these protections can get really crazy, but I keep mine simple (if the pick isn't conveyed in the first year, it pretty much gets conveyed in the second year 90% of the time for me).

Seems like Oladipo falls out of favor in Orlando in all the dynasties this year.

Odd, because he's ultra talented.

And LOL at Philly actually making moves that makes some kind of sense. They a few years and a few firings from such. I will assume they getting a true assist with these transactions in this dynasty.

Yeah, Oladipo is quite talented, but he was just really underperforming in Orlando; Harris and Skiles had issues in the past (in their Bucks days), so I figured I'd use that as justification to ship them out. The 76ers are definitely a few years away from actually being competitive IRL, but I'd like to see them not tank anymore (it's old ... really old; they should be fined for how blatantly they tank).

I feel everyone wins in this trade.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return



Sonics Sputter in Loss

February 19th, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Seattle SuperSonics entered their first game back from the All-Star Break with a team that had exceeded all expectations, but this game they played down to their opponent's level. The game was ugly from the first quarter onward, as the Sonics consistently missed easy layups and dunks, allowing the Pacers to hang around; despite stellar defense from Rondae Hollis-Jefferson on Paul George for most of the game, the Sonics could not capitalize on the struggles of the Pacers star.

The second half featured more of the same as the usually reliable Sonics, like Ray Allen and Marcin Gortat, struggled with their shot. Gortat, in particular, was a liability offensively for most of the game; he missed often at the free throw line, he missed from the floor, and he was thoroughly bothered by Jordan Hill (who isn't exactly known as a defensive force).

The Sonics played poorly in the fourth, allowing Paul George to finally warm up, and that's when the Pacers put the hammer down; the Sonics had no recourse but to start forcing up bad shots as their probing inside -- usually effective -- was shut down thanks to the hands of the Pacers.

The newest Sonic, Jeremy Lin, didn't exactly light up the stat sheet, but his assist numbers (13) were impressive, despite his shot selection being questionable.

"It's been a long break and we were out of rhythm," said Coach Holins after the game. "Before we start screaming that the sky is falling, let's remember that it's been a week since the last time any of these guys saw game minutes; we'll work ourselves back without issue."

Though Hollins' words are wise, the Sonics next opponent is the mighty Cavaliers, whom come to town sporting the best record in the NBA -- and also a ton of star power, a mixture that should have the Sonics faithful worried. LeBron shows up in town on the 21st.

[AdamJones113]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

I gotta say, I'm liking this dynasty a lot. It's really clean and the writing is top notch as usual. I like that you're not going out of your way to write story posts. The story will come with time; the games are cool to read about and churning them out means a longer dynasty overall.

Good stuff.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

I gotta say, I'm liking this dynasty a lot. It's really clean and the writing is top notch as usual. I like that you're not going out of your way to write story posts. The story will come with time; the games are cool to read about and churning them out means a longer dynasty overall.

Good stuff.

Long time no see!

Thank you for the compliment. I'm taking a more balanced approach with this dynasty, not as story-heavy as my past ones; yes, there is an overarching story/theme for every season, but it's really come about more organically, like you said.

There is a story post in the near future (tomorrow, perhaps), but there's a nice balance here that I stumbled on by accident, lol.

[AdamJones113]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Long time no see!

Thank you for the compliment. I'm taking a more balanced approach with this dynasty, not as story-heavy as my past ones; yes, there is an overarching story/theme for every season, but it's really come about more organically, like you said.

There is a story post in the near future (tomorrow, perhaps), but there's a nice balance here that I stumbled on by accident, lol.

I try to check in pretty often since you're updating so quickly. A silent follower, perhaps, but I'm here

Yeah. I don't know. Maybe I'm stuck in the stone ages of unrealistic dynasties, which have to be written incredibly well, in my opinion, to keep me interested despite their distance from the real world. This one's realistic, a fun concept (who doesn't want the Sonics back? Not talking to you, Clay) and moving at an energetic pace.

I'll stop getting off topic; back to shadows. Keep up the good work.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return



February 20th, 2016


It was a cold winter morning, the sun shining down but providing little warmth in Max's opinion. Wrapped up in a thick jacket, gloved hands nestled in its pockets, he waited for his brother to arrive.

As he stared out into the old park, the cracked blacktop staring back at him, he couldn't help but recall all the games he played here. He had never been a park star -- far from it, he was a role player on the court at best -- but his fondest memories of the summer were here.

His parents had never made too much money -- enough to live in a decent neighborhood and afford decent things, but by no means were they rich. Family vacations weren't a mandatory thing over the summer; really, everyone tended to find something to do in town during that time. Seattle offered a ton of activities once schools let out.

Max had spent many summer days at this park, playing basketball. Gill had spent many summer days in this park reading books, or hanging out with his older friends, or just dropping him off so he could do his own thing (and not bothering to clear it with their mother, which was fine with both of them -- their mother tended to worry too much).

"Hasn't really held up over the years," Gill said from beside him, approaching him from the right of the bench with two steaming cups of coffee in his hands.

Max slid over and his brother sat down, handing him a cup. "Thanks."

Gill took a slow sip out of his. "Didn't remember how you liked it, so I just got it black."

Max took a sip of it and felt the warm beverage slide down his throat. "It's good; I just want something hot."

The two sat there, sipping their coffee, the silence between them as much of a hindrance as it was a companion; the silence had been with them both for years, a part of their lives while the other wasn't.

Someone's got to start, Max reasoned and he forced the cup from his lips. "So ... you've been talking with 'Ricka?"

Gill nodded, his hazel eyes flickering in the morning sun. "Yeah."

"Well, I'm here."

"Yeah."

Feeling his patience slipping, Max wrapped his hand around his coffee cup a little tighter. "Is there a reason I'm here?"

Gill stared out at the blacktop, lips frozen in a frown. "I ... I ... " He sighed, shook his head, and then said, "I need your help."

Money. The word shot through his mind at breakneck speeds. That was it; his brother wanted money. "Oh."

Gill met his eyes. "Not like that, not exactly." He set his coffee down, rubbed his forehead, then began tapping his foot. "During rehab I got involved with a girl."

Max gave him a look. "You got 'involved'? What's that supposed to mean?"

"We were together," Gill forced out, anger resonating in his voice. "She was ... she was like me." He pointed at his chest. "An addict. Like me."

Max felt a knot form in his stomach at hearing his brother admit it aloud. He'd never heard it admitted aloud to him before. "Go on."

Gill took a deep sip of his coffee. "We, uh ... we had a kid." He gave Max a long look. "You're an uncle."

Max's shoulders slumped; he felt just a little anger, but more than that he felt guilt. He'd been out of his brother's life for over five years, and even before that the two had barely said anything to one another. "Which rehab trip?"

Gill looked up at the sky. "The one before Dad died. The kid is ... well, he's about six now." He smiled. "You'll love him, he's crazy about basketball." He chuckled as he shook his head. "Laura and I raised him, together; she wasn't much into the idea of marriage and, really, it would just be a pain in the *ss with taxes."

Max wrapped both his hands around his coffee cup. "What's the problem?"

Gill took a breath. "Laura is ... well, she's ..." His voice trailed off and he shook his head. "She's got breast cancer. Found it in a checkup a few months ago." He stared into his cup, his eyes wavering. "Doctors say ... well, it isn't good."

Max leaned forward. "Whatever it takes."

Gill's eyes began to water. "Max --"

He reached out and placed his hand on his brother's shoulder, feeling the older man's body shake with the tremors. "Gill, look at me." His older brother did just that, his eyes leaking tears now. "I'll do whatever it takes; we'll get the best, promise."

Gill hung his head, hiding his face, but nodding.

Max rubbed his back as his brother cried.

He had a nephew. He had a sister-in-law.

And he had his brother again.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Just got done playing the Clippers ... let me let DeAndre explain to you what happened.



Recap and highlights in the morning.

[asvpxhughuet]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Still enjoying this as much as ever, and your stories are starting to get me to think where I want mine to go. Keep up the good work!

Btw, the last story post was honestly really great and got to me and am looking forward to the future of Mad Max, Gill and the whole Sonics empire!

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Still enjoying this as much as ever, and your stories are starting to get me to think where I want mine to go. Keep up the good work!

Btw, the last story post was honestly really great and got to me and am looking forward to the future of Mad Max, Gill and the whole Sonics empire!

Much thanks! Yes, the last post was kinda an emotional one ... but it really does set the stage for Max and the future of the Sonics down the line.

[asvpxhughuet]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Much thanks! Yes, the last post was kinda an emotional one ... but it really does set the stage for Max and the future of the Sonics down the line.

Your welcome of course! Always my #1 person for my daily hit of 2K dynasties. Yeah some people don't see it but personal problems make understanding it a lot more emotional but I credit anyone who can write that stuff. The future of these Sonics is going to be a very highly anticipated one, by me, you and of course all my your fellow readers!

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Sonics Clip Clippers

March 2nd 2016

By Vonny Lee



The Seattle SuperSonics find themselves in a position few expected at the beginning of the season: they are now 42-19, sitting in the 3rd seed, after their complete dismantling of the West leading LA Clippers. The Sonics are now on a six-game winning streak and this game was the most dominant of them all.

The first quarter was largely a battle of wills as the Sonics and Clippers traded blows back and forth, the Clippers barely edging out Seattle thanks to some superb shooting from J.J. Redick (who went 3-of-3 from deep that quarter). But the second quarter saw the Sonics send in their subs, and one in particular showed up in a big way in the second: Jamal Crawford.

Crawford, the former Clipper, was back in LA for the first time since his trade and his performance in the second set the tone for the rest of the game. Crawford came up with a block on Blake Griffin in that quarter, energizing the team, helping the Sonics open up a 10-point lead before the half ended.

That momentum would continue for Seattle in the third quarter early, as the team's starters -- specifically Nerlens Noel -- found a rhythm that was near-unstoppable; the Clippers threw everything they had the Sonics, but the visiting team's starters were clearly in the zone. The second-unit, however, struggled in the third, allowing a 15-point lead to be whittled down to six entering the fourth.

But Seattle, in its first trip to LA to face the Clippers, would not be denied. Rather than let the lead slip away, the Sonics turned up the intensity and made the Clippers fight for every shot, every possession. Hollis-Jefferson and Noel displayed superb defensive instincts as the two came up with rebounds, steals, and blocks; the fast break was firmly with Seattle tonight and they throttled the Clippers in transition, making the extra pass and giving no quarter to a team many had pegged as the presumptive champion at the beginning of the season.

The Clippers were embarrassed on their home floor and next face the Sonics back in Seattle on March 9th.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return



March 4th, 2016



Max nervously paced in his office, unsure if this was even a good idea. But he had promised. Whatever it takes, he reminded himself. Gill and his not-wife (but really, she was his wife) were seeing some of the best doctors in the country this week. Gill had left his kid with their mother, but that was proving to be a little much for their mom.

She was a trooper, no doubt, but a grandson being added into her life had thrown her for a loop. Truth be told, it had thrown Max for a loop, too; the kid was a handful. Constantly full of questions and energy, their mother wasn't young enough or spry enough to keep up. She liked the kid -- very intelligent from what he was told -- but she needed a break.

And Max, ever dutiful, had volunteered to give her that break. He was taking the kid for the next two days, until Gill and Laura (who was also nice, if a bit of a "hands-off" mom), returned from their trip.

This was a stupid idea. I should have hired a professional. His rate of pacing increased. This was happening too fast. He should have stayed out of it, but Gill needed him and it was something Max had never thought his brother would ever admit; Gill was a stubborn, prideful sort -- Max was too, actually -- and asking for help had never been his strong suit.

But Gill had asked and Max, finally in a position to do something positive for his brother, had readily agreed. There hadn't been a lot of thought given to the matter, there had just been the need to act. What have I gotten myself into?

He barely finished the thought before his door burst open and a blur rushed in. "Is this it? Is this it?" an excited, high pitched voice asked.

Dressed in a simple green hoodie -- notably with the Sonics name written across it -- and with a black bookbag on his back, the bundle of energy made his way to Max's wall, where his eyes played over all the pictures.

Max felt his throat go a bit dry at the sight. Good God, he looks like Gill at that age. The kid was the spitting image of his brother, minus the blue eyes and sandy brown hair. "Cool," the boy said, his tone approving. He walked closer to the wall and pointed up at the highest picture. "Who's he?"

Max's eyes followed the boy's finger and he felt himself smile. "Gary Payton," he announced.

The boy, oblivious -- or simply too excited to notice -- whipped around, eyes questioning. "Who?"

Max only flashed a wider smile. "The Glove."

The boy's eyebrow shot up. "He ain't got no glove on."

Suppressing a chuckle, Max walked over to the wall and took the picture down; signed by Gary Payton, it featured him holding up a classic version of his jersey that they retired before the first game of this season. He gave it to the boy. "He was a Sonic, many years ago."

"Oh," the boy said with passing interest. He held the picture up in his hands, squinting at it. "He doesn't look like a glove, neither."

A clearing of the throat came from the door, where Max's mother was giving him an amused look. "I see you've met Teddy."

That was his name, Max thought to himself. He'd been struggling to remember what the kid's name was for the last minute or so. Max nodded at the kid. "I'm Max."

"Uncle Max?"

Max scratched at his chin. "I suppose, but I'm not big on the 'Uncle' bit ... everyone just calls me Max. I think I'd like it better if you did that."

The kid shrugged. "Okay." He set the picture down on the chair and started to wander around the office. "This is big."

"Yes, it is." Max watched as Teddy found his way to the window. The kid's face lit up as he looked out it.

"Quite a ball of energy," his mother said as she came up beside him. She sighed. "I've had him for only three days and I feel like I went through your entire childhood all over again."

Max again suppressed a chuckle. "Well, he hasn't set fire to an electrical outlet yet, has he?"

His mother gave him a knowing look. "No, he hasn't. But if he does, I know exactly who put the idea in his head." She smirked. "I've left his clothes and supplies in a duffel bag right outside the door. I've told 'Ricka about it, too, just in case you forget."

"Right. Anything else I should know?"

His mother smiled and he wasn't sure if it was a good thing. "Don't give him sugar, it amps him up ... but talk about your favorite thing."

"My favorite thing?"

She winked at him. "Basketball, Maxwell. It's his favorite thing, too ... very curious about many things and I couldn't give him many answers."

Max felt a warmth in his chest. "Well, we'll definitely talk about that. Thanks for dropping him off."

She laughed at him. "Thank you for taking him." She looked over to Teddy, who was still gawking outside the window, and waved at him. "I'm going now -- you be nice to your uncle."

"Okay Grandma." The kid pressed his face to the glass.

Max's mother left and he made his way to Teddy, sitting down in his chair. "Well ... um ... what would you like to do?" Max wasn't sure what kids these days did. He imagined they did a lot of what he did as an adult -- mess around on his phone, watch Netflix, do stuff on a computer.

Teddy pulled his face away from the glass. "Grandma said you knew about basketball."

Max nodded. "I do."

Teddy took off his bookbag and pulled out a notebook. "I have questions."

Max smiled so hard it hurt.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Sonics Tame Timberwolves

March 11th, 2016

By Vonny Lee



The Sonics now move to 45-20 after tonight's win, the team firmly in the playoffs barring a historic collapse. The T'Wolves entered the game having won three straight, as they continue to battle the Pelicans and Blazers, both trailing by two games for the final spot.

The Sonics came out a bit sluggish in the first, allowing the T'Wolves to score the first four points before their patented pick and roll offense began to confuse the young team. Rookie Karl-Anthony Towns was especially prone to being lost on the pick and roll, resulting in multiple easy buckets for the Sonics.

The game was only ever close in the beginning and towards the end; everything in between was firmly Seattle, from Ray Allen triples to dunks from Noel, the Sonics came out and dismantled the T'Wolves much like they had against the Clippers.

"This team is exactly where we want right now," said Coach Hollins after the game. "We're playing our game, moving the ball around, finding the open man and getting quality looks. That's playoff basketball and the playoffs are exactly where we're going."

Similar sentiments came from a number of veterans on the team.

"We're in a groove and this is where we want to be," said Ray Allen. "Really proud to be part of this in my last season."

"Guys playing unselfish ball and everyone's getting theirs; that's basketball at its best," said Jarrett Jack.

As the Sonics inch closer and closer to 50 wins, a mark not matched by a Sonics team since the 04-05 season; that team featured a much younger Ray Allen as its center piece but Ray, unlike before, will not have to go into the playoffs by himself. The chemistry this squad has is astounding and GM/Owner Max Newman has quietly proven his critics wrong.

Rather than make a more meaningful trade at the deadline, Newman stuck with this team for the most part and the minor addition of Lin has paid great dividends for the Sonics second-unit.

Seattle next faces the Spurs in San Antonio tomorrow night.

[janmagn]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Are we going to see a Max-Teddy Q&A? Loving how the story has progressed, looks like Teddy will be my favourite boy.

Lähetetty minun LG-H440n laitteesta Tapatalkilla

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Are we going to see a Max-Teddy Q&A? Loving how the story has progressed, looks like Teddy will be my favourite boy.

Lähetetty minun LG-H440n laitteesta Tapatalkilla

Oh, I'm sure Teddy has a lot of questions. We could definitely do a Q and A I think.

Glad you're enjoying the story, the playoffs near ... should be fun.