Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

These are the kinds of things I love doing, I love doing recaps and stuff for other teams. I also like the storylines you create. I hope you do them more with the two teams knocked out before the finals. I'm hoping to so similar stuff at like the all star break/start of playoffs/every round on the eliminated teams and stuff like you do. I hope you don't think I'm stealing your idea, as I already had that stuff in mind. Like the Thunder situation, I already know what I would do. Similar to Kobe/Shaq in a way.

Anyway, very cool writing, your posts make me want to start SOOO bad! Just gotta wait a little bit longer.

I LOVE the storylines of the NBA. It really is the best league for it. There are only 15 guys per team (way less than baseball or football), the fans are the closest to them BY FAR, and the NBA players seem like regular dudes (I mean, look at Tim Duncan -- dude dresses like my Dad and plays great ball).

I look forward to seeing what storylines you find in your MyLeague; each one is different.

This is amazing bro.

New Orleans is a tough opponent, but if you could restrict Davis, if only you could...

P.S: Terrible managing of the last possession by Westbrook in Game5!

^Man, Westbrook BOTCHED that last possession. I couldn't believe what he was doing, Jack wasn't hounding him that hard and Jack's defense (a liability -- he's rated a D+!) isn't there for most of the game. But Jack steps up in crunch time (often) and he's making it really hard to imagine this team without him.

I really think we have a good shot at shutting down Davis (Noel will get that job and he's from Kentucky -- I bet he knows something the rest of us don't about Davis). I'm not worried about anyone else on that roster except Jrue Holiday -- Holiday is the perfect PG to take advantage of Jack. He's not a pure scorer or passer, but a cross between the two and I think he'll definitely wear Jack out as the series goes on.

Alvin Gentry should win Coach of The Year, though -- just take the award from Blatt and give it to Gentry, Blatt has freakin' LeBron, Kyrie, and K-Love. Gentry got these guys into the playoffs as the 8th seed and knocked out the Rockets (after going down 2-1) and then the Warriors (emphatically) and now shows up in the wackiest Western Conference Finals in decades (I mean, when's the last time two random West teams made the WCF?).

Conference Finals preview coming up soon, then we'll check in with Max and see how he's doing (my guess: he's on oxygen after having a heart attack from Game 5).

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Conference Finals Preview

May 8th, 2016

By Vonny Lee



The NBA Champion is one of the four teams left: two were expected to be here and two came out of left field in what has been the wildest NBA season in many, many years.

2. Sonics vs. 8 Pelicans

Who would have predicted this matchup? Seattle has embarked on one of the most unlikely seasons in the history of the NBA. After a relocation from Brooklyn with largely the same roster, the Sonics have thrived in the Western Conference behind unselfish passing, a stellar bench, and team chemistry. With no star in sight for this team (but hope for Jefferson and Noel to become ones), the Sonics put together a run that eliminated the Suns and their arch-rival Thunder.

But even more unlikely than their season has been the Pelicans postseason. Anthony Davis and co. just barely beat out the Blazers and T'Wolves for the final playoff spot and then promptly went down 2-0 to the Rockets. The Brow then decided that enough was enough and took over, powering the Pellies over the Rockets the next three games, then they got their own revenge against the Warriors, who swept them last season in the playoffs.

The teams in this WCF were no one's preseason picks for an NBA championship and the word out of the league offices is that some NBA officials would prefer Davis make it to the Finals against LeBron -- a Finals pitting two of the league's brightest stars (and generation-defining stars) against one another. But with the way these playoffs have been, nothing is guaranteed.

Prediction: Can anyone stop Anthony Davis? That's the question you're forced to ask in a matchup like this. The coaching -- Gentry and Hollins -- will both make a difference but the games will be decided by Davis, who is the only superstar and All-Star on either squad. If the Sonics can stop -- or even slow down -- Davis, then the Pelicans other players will have to step up and even NOLA isn't sure what to think about that. Both these teams have been underestimated in the past and Davis looks ready to ascend to his spot on the NBA G.O.A.T rankings ...

But the Sonics have the dream ending for their season within sight and that's a powerful motivator. Seattle takes the series 4-3 in a tightly contested seven games.

1. Cavaliers vs. 2. Heat

Cleveland is exactly where we'd thought they'd be, but not quite as dominant in the playoffs as they were in the regular season. The series against the Knicks shook the faith of some of the Cavs believers and the injury to J.R. Smith has weakened their bench. Still, the Cavs roster is LOADED with talent and they got here on the strength of an MVP year from LeBron and Kyrie Irving.

Their opponent: the Miami Heat. The Heat got here as well, but had to survive both the Pacers and Bulls taking their series to the very last game. Miami managed to close them both out in emphatic fashion, but the mistakes they made in those two earlier series will get them killed against the Cavs. Wade and Bosh face their former teammate in James, and the former Big Three will have a battle on their hands. Few teams understand one another as well as these teams and the chess match between Blatt and Spolestra, with their flexible personnel, will be something to watch.

Prediction: The Heat have not been consistent enough in these playoffs to earn the "benefit of the doubt" clause. Despite Wade, Bosh, and Dragic raising their game in the postseason, Whiteside has struggled and so has the vaunted Heat bench. These struggles aren't likely to stop against a Cavs team that is almost perfectly matched for the Heat and one that possesses younger, more versatile talent at nearly every position.

Cleveland takes the series in six, 4-2, and sends the Heat home to enjoy the beaches of Miami.

[BlindSideNZ]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Congrats on removing the the thunder. Gotta feel really good! I'd like to think you have the Pelicans too in all honesty. But at this point I think anything is a success. Good luck.

[infamyice]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

OKC-U-Next Season

So we just going to roll into the WCF and punch in our ticket to the Finals? Sounds like a good plan.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Congrats on removing the the thunder. Gotta feel really good! I'd like to think you have the Pelicans too in all honesty. But at this point I think anything is a success. Good luck.

LOVED knocking the Thunder out, not gonna lie. I want to do it again next year if I can, just to really rub it in.

I think I have a good shot at knocking out the Pelicans, too, but Davis has been insane in these playoffs. Man looks to be on a mission and I don't know if I can stop that.

OKC-U-Next Season

So we just going to roll into the WCF and punch in our ticket to the Finals? Sounds like a good plan.

I hope so! We got a super-favorable matchup and if we can stop Davis, make the rest of the team beat us, we'll be in good position to head to the Finals for the first time since 1996: 20 years to make it back and what a two decades it would have been, assuming we make it.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return



May 8th, 2016


The sun was shining today as Max looked out into the wide expanse of the park, hills of green before him and the sound of happy children around him. It was the first time he had gotten out of his office since the defeat of the Thunder and the breath of fresh air was needed.

He still couldn't believe it. They had won and they had won in a way that left OKC in disbelief. The basketball gods had given them all the magic and luck in the world and they used every bit of it in the victory over the one team that they absolutely had to beat in order to really be back in the NBA.

With the Thunder vanquished, the Sonics could now move on with their souls more at peace. They could never completely forget or forgive what Bennett and OKC did to them -- there was no way anyone could ever do that -- but Max had a peace now that he was missing before the series.

He no longer needed to hurt OKC as much, no longer needed to worry so much about a game between them: when it counted most, when the season was on the line, the Seattle SuperSonics -- literally and figuratively his team -- beat the Thunder and left no room for doubt about who was better this postseason.

"Deep in thought?"

Max blinked and turned to see Laura looking at him, an amused half smirk on her face. Still not 100 percent after the cancer surgery, Laura's recovery was still ongoing but she looked much better than she had in March. The months in between hadn't been easy for her or Gill, but the two had survived.

"Just thinking," Max said with a chuckle. He slid over on the park bench and she sat down beside him, a slight scent of cherry blossom around her. "Is it time to pick him up already?"

Laura nodded with a smile. "It was time to pick him up half-an-hour ago but I got stuck in traffic." She looked out to where Teddy was playing, her eyes blue like his. "He really does love you, you know."

Max dismissed the comment with a wave. "He's six, soon to be seven, and obsessed about basketball. I'm just a guy who knows a lot about his obsession." Max cracked a grin. "Once he figures out what websites I read, he won't need me anymore."

Laura shot him a sidelong glance. "He loves you. You've connected with him faster and better than his father or I have, and we have years on you." She sounded a tad annoyed about that, but unleashed a smile on him. "And he's so happy when he talks about you."

Max rubbed the back of his neck, unsure what to say. He had never had a problem with kids, even back in the days when he was growing up in his neighborhood; he had never discriminated and invited anyone to play him in basketball, young or old. "I guess I'm just lucky?"

Laura shook her head. "You're good with him." She looked out to Teddy, watching him play, then back to Max. "Actually, Gill and I were talking about that."

Max felt his stomach begin to knot up. "You were?"

"We both agree that we want you to be Teddy's godfather ... in case anything happens."

Max stared at her, the sounds of the children around him turning into dead silence. "Me? Godfather?" He could barely comprehend the idea. "Laura, I'm honored --"

"But you're uncomfortable, I know," she said with amusement. She cocked her head slightly to the side. "Gill said you would be and you sound like it."

Guiltily, Max frowned. "I'm not the 'father' type. I don't know what to do with a kid!"

"You know what to do with him. That's all that matters, Max." She looked down at her hands and sighed. "I just had cancer surgery and it's not a certainty that it won't come back; it could come back and it could kill me." Her voice grew quieter. "And Gill ... Gill wouldn't take it well. He'd be alone and when he's alone ..." Her voice trailed off.

Max knew what would happen, just like she did. His brother, her partner, would likely go back to the bottle if she died. He reached over and rubbed her shoulder, her eyes meeting his. "I'll do it, okay?"

She smiled at him, her eyes threatening tears. "I don't want you to do it unless you really want to, understand?" She wiped her eyes. "I mean, really, Max. No regrets here."

"No regrets," Max repeated. "I'll do it." He looked out to Teddy, a smile on his lips. "I love him, too, you know." He looked back to her and smiled. "And you, too. You' re both family ... and family takes care of one another."

She took his hand and gave it a firm squeeze. "Thank you."

He squeezed her hand back.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Bryant Announces Retirement

May 9th, 2016

By Vonny Lee



That's it, everyone. We've just witnessed the end of one of the greatest of all-time. Kobe Bryant has officially announced he is retiring from the NBA this offseason, citing the ruptured left Achilles that sidelined him for the last 67 games of the season.

"My family, my doctors, they agree; my *ss is broken down and more therapy, more grinding, won't get me back to the level I was. I don't feel it anymore. Jordan once told me I'd know when it was time to hang it up ... well, it's *ucking time," said Bryant during his press conference.

The NBA has watched Bryant for the last 20 years and for the first time in two decades, he will not be on the floor at the start of the next season.

Bryant's retirement means the most to the Lakers, who now no longer have to worry about Bryant next season or his cap hold. Bryant will now be off the books and the Lakers will have nearly 60M in cap space free.

Insiders are reporting that the Lakers will now likely lock up Jordan Clarkson and move him to the starting two guard, forming a guard tandem with DeAngelo Russell. The Lakers will also be looking towards DeMar DeRozen, who is assumed to opt-out of his contract to rake in the gobs of free agent money this offseason.

If the Lakers can nab DeRozan and find a good center (perhaps bringing back Hibbert for a two-year deal) or Whiteside, LA could be a contender next season. Kobe did one, last great thing for the Lakers and that was retiring now.

[Trent Booty]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Man, that sucks. I would've forced him to play one last season. In my MyCareer, Kobe played until 2019.

I'll probably keep him the extra year in mine. He's too much of a competitor. I guess it doesn't help that he suffered another huge injury. That would make me reconsider things too.

I love how much you can customize things to go your way in MYLeague.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Man, that sucks. I would've forced him to play one last season. In my MyCareer, Kobe played until 2019.

I'll probably keep him the extra year in mine. He's too much of a competitor. I guess it doesn't help that he suffered another huge injury. That would make me reconsider things too.

I love how much you can customize things to go your way in MYLeague.

I could totally force him not to retire (handy little option in the retirements screen) but after another huge injury that sidelined him for another season, I think Kobe walks away while he can still actually walk. The man has done enough and proven enough, he can leave on his own accord how he wants to and I think he'd go after another season-ending injury (especially one 15 games into the season) like this one.

I thought he'd keep going forever but he's calling it and I'll respect it. The Lakers would welcome his retirement IRL anyway, so they're not asking him to reconsider.

Coach Kobe, though, is a total possibility.

[Trent Booty]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Coach Kobe, though, is a total possibility.

Holy crap, I always forget about that. I saw Duncan as assistant coach of the Spurs in a test MyGM a couple weeks ago, was awesome.

That reminds me, are you gonna free up a spot on the sonics coaching staff/front office for Ray Allen? Or are you gonna have him continue being in basketball, but somewhere else?

Also, how does that work? Does every player that retires become a coach, or are there specific requirements? I'd love to see a random role players player like Jamal Crawford or Rashard Lewis (who both would be a good option for the Sonics coaching staff, by the way if it's possible), be able to become a coach.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Holy crap, I always forget about that. I saw Duncan as assistant coach of the Spurs in a test MyGM a couple weeks ago, was awesome.

That reminds me, are you gonna free up a spot on the sonics coaching staff/front office for Ray Allen? Or are you gonna have him continue being in basketball, but somewhere else?

Also, how does that work? Does every player that retires become a coach, or are there specific requirements? I'd love to see a random role players player like Jamal Crawford or Rashard Lewis (who both would be a good option for the Sonics coaching staff, by the way if it's possible), be able to become a coach.

As far as requirements for players, I know of none. According to the devs, its randomly chosen from the pool of retired players which continue on. In a few test MyLeague's I've seen Dirk and KG become coaches one year, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce another, and then KG, Ray, and Paul Pierce all at one time in another.

Ray and KG are almost always coaches. I've never seen Kobe (but Kobe has never retired in the first offseason of a MyLeague before -- this is the first time I've seen it) so I imagine he'll probably become a coach/gm, too. I think the more Hall-of-Fame worthy a player is, the more likely that player becomes a coach/gm, but I'm not certain on that (I've never seen Steve Nash become one despite him making the Hall in every first offseason).

As far as my plans, I definitely plan on bringing Ray on as a member of the organization -- either as a coach or as a GM or a trainer or something. He will have a spot with us until he decides to go somewhere else.

[Kumode]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Nash becomes a coach, but I have never seen Kobe become one in many GM's even after a few years. It's weird. Most unlikely one to be coach was Chris Bosh for me, who even got coach of the year in one of my sim GM's.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Sonics Pull Out Game 1

May 11th, 2016

By Vonny Lee



The Sonics came back and held off the Pelicans in Game 1, not faltering down the stretch. Led by the offensive exploits of Jamal Crawford in the third quarter and Hollis-Jefferson in the fourth, Seattle took advantage of the Pelicans reliance on Davis to patrol the paint, frequently pulling him out of there and daring him to scramble back.

Scramble Davis did as the rest of his teammates could not rotate fast enough to keep up with Seattle's brutal pick and roll offense. Despite an outstanding offensive performance from Tyreke Evans (26 points on 10-of-18 shooting) and a fantastic all-round performance from Anthony Davis (33 points, 11 boards), the Pelicans next highest scorer was Eric Gordon off the bench with only 13 points.

The balance and depth of Seattle allowed them to escape this game; that and the third quarter, which saw Seattle make a buzzer beater half-court heave from Jamal Crawford that gave them a 90-88 lead heading into the fourth. The shot was reviewed by the refs and ruled good.



That shot seemed to break the Pelicans and the fourth was a battle, back and forth, as both teams traded buckets and fouls. Anthony Davis picked up three fouls in the quarter and fouled out with 1:05 remaining and his team down four.



With Davis stuck on the sidelines, New Orleans subbed in Ryan Anderson and bet that his shooting could deliver them from the edge of defeat. Anderson failed them, only one of his five shots taken in the last minute going in. The Pelicans lack of depth and poor free throw shooting (3-of-8 from the line for Evans) doomed them as the game came to a close and the Sonics celebrated.

RHJ was named player of the game for his incredible work in the fourth quarter, taking advantage of Pondexter and dunking all over Davis and Asik as the two looked to avoid foul trouble with only Asik succeeding.



If the Pelicans want to have a chance at avoiding a 2-0 deficit, they'll have to sink their free throws and get more from their starting five -- specifically Jrue Holiday, who only had nine points (but dished out 18 assists) and shot 4-of-10 from the field.

Seattle has to be thankfully that its bench bailed them out again after poor games from Jack and Allen, who both came out sluggish, perhaps an effect of being too well-rested from the time off between series.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

The Game 1 WCF highlights.

[Cruzerr]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Hollis-Jefferson has been big the whole playoffs, fantastic stuff. I like your presentation, really enjoying the video aswell.

If you win this, Davis has to take some of the blame for the Pelicans. Franchise player goes big and gets fouled out when the team needs him the most.

Good stuff, keep it up!