Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

I hate that Suns team [emoji35]


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^The Suns hate it, too. Chandler's contract is a straight albatross and Phoenix is prepping for a rebuild in two seasons -- everyone's contract comes off the books then, so they can evaluate where they're at. Booker and Rabb are definite stays (Booker is so legit). Everyone else can go -- the Suns, in the last four years, only made the playoffs once with their core of Bledsoe, Dragic/Knight, Morris, Chandler (there for the last two). It's been misstep after misstep as the team has tried to launch themselves into the top contenders of the West, but repeatedly fail.

Long-term, I think the Suns need to blow it up, but at least this way they'll be competitive. If they can get out from under Chandler's contract before then, they'll be in a much better place, but Chandler's deal (and his injury prone ness) make it next to impossible to trade him unless you include a 1st rounder (which, if you're the Suns, you don't do because you're likely gonna be in the lottery). The Suns are stuck in mediocrity, a bad place to be for an NBA team in the West.

[DevSwerve]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

^The Suns hate it, too. Chandler's contract is a straight albatross and Phoenix is prepping for a rebuild in two seasons -- everyone's contract comes off the books then, so they can evaluate where they're at. Booker and Rabb are definite stays (Booker is so legit). Everyone else can go -- the Suns, in the last four years, only made the playoffs once with their core of Bledsoe, Dragic/Knight, Morris, Chandler (there for the last two). It's been misstep after misstep as the team has tried to launch themselves into the top contenders of the West, but repeatedly fail.

Long-term, I think the Suns need to blow it up, but at least this way they'll be competitive. If they can get out from under Chandler's contract before then, they'll be in a much better place, but Chandler's deal (and his injury prone ness) make it next to impossible to trade him unless you include a 1st rounder (which, if you're the Suns, you don't do because you're likely gonna be in the lottery). The Suns are stuck in mediocrity, a bad place to be for an NBA team in the West.

With the way you've built the Sonics, I think you need to replace Ryan McDonough in the GM office for the Suns [emoji849]


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[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2017-18 Preview

October 20th, 2017

By Vonny Lee




The Hawks are not the same team that won 60 games and made the conference Finals. It feels like another lifetime ago, but it was only a little over two years ago. Teague and Korver are gone, but the Hawks have redefined themselves as a team.

They signed Gobert to a long-term deal (over four years), they signed Dennis Schroder to a three year deal, and they watched, surprisingly, as Paul Millsap picked up his option (making him the highest paid player on the team). The Hawks plan is simple: roll out a lineup of Schroder, Hardaway JR, Millsap, Horford, and Gobert, and watch the wins pile up.

The team is very Spurs-like, but more early 2000s Spurs than the modern day incarnation. Schroder resembles a young Tony Parker at times and Horford is clearly Tim Duncan in this analogy. Gobert can shut down anything in the middle and the Hawks are content to funnel all action towards him.

To bolster their bench, they brought back Justin Holiday, signed Shaun Livingston, and brought back Adrien Payne (who was let go by the Timberwolves). They have depth, they have youth, and they look ready to reclaim their place in the playoffs.

But is Schroder ready? His decision making, his shooting, and his touch have been questionable off the bench, but the Hawks are confident that in his role as primary ball handler, he can be a force. With Schroder and Gobert, the Hawks have two cornerstones to build their future around, but they desperately want that future to come sooner rather than later. Being in the East, the Hawks have a good chance of getting back to the playoffs and making noise again.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

With the way you've built the Sonics, I think you need to replace Ryan McDonough in the GM office for the Suns [emoji849]


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^LOL. Well, technically, I AM McDonough (since I run all 30 teams). But I'm playing McDonough (who has to deal with Robert Sarver, who, let's face it, is not a good owner). If this season ends poorly (like, first overall pick bad), the Suns will be a laughingstock, but at least will be able to draft a stud in a top-heavy draft class.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2017-18 Preview

October 20th, 2017

By Vonny Lee



The Grizzlies finished the year out of the playoffs, injury riddled and hurting. But they didn't sit idle in the offseason -- Zach Randolph left the team, freeing up some money for the Grizzlies to take a bet. They retained MCW (moving him to the three), then signed Tyreke Evans (who needs to rehab some value after a subpar year in NOLA).

Jarnell Stokes finally takes his place among the starters, Jeff Green moves to the bench in a sixth man role, and Memphis is attempting to transition to a more open offense, while maintaining their defensive edge. It's a tough balancing act, especially with all the change in the NBA going on this season, but Memphis is quietly confident.

And really, they should be. Though MCW hasn't been quite the revelation many thought he'd be when he was drafted, he is a stat stuffing machine (point, rebounds, and assists) and is able to play the one through three. He excelled in Memphis last season and his return (on a decent contract as well), should be a boon to a franchise that's looking to the future.

Evans arrival is more concerning, which brings us to our question: will Tyreke Evans do more harm than good here? The fit with Evans and the Grizzlies is questionable. Evans is a ball dominant guard, but also a decent shooter (something Memphis hasn't had at the two since Vince Carter -- and even then that's debatable). He had a poor season with NOLA, but prior to that he was solid from deep, shooting above 33 percent.

If the Grizzlies are going to break through, their bizarro lineup of Conley, Evans, MCW, Stokes, and Gasol will get there through their passing -- these are some great passers in the starting five -- and their opportunistic defense. Gasol isn't what he once was, as he had a career low output last season, but if he can remain injury free, Memphis has a chance.

If not, the Grizzlies will be wishing his contract came to an end sooner rather than later.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2017-18 Preview

October 20th, 2017

By Vonny Lee



The Hornets are desperate to make the playoffs and that desperation begins and ends with Michael Jordan. Jordan is fully in charge now, exercising his need to micromanage and his desire to be in control -- he's the front office and the owner, a combination that has historically been poor for him in the past.

The Hornets in year one of Jordan's reign are ... largely the same. Charlotte didn't make any panic moves or trades, and instead stayed the course. They were lacking in defense last season after Kidd-Gilchrist went down with an injury, so they signed a specialist to step in -- Tony Allen.

Allen came for cheap and will slot in beside Walker as the starting two some nights -- others it will be Kennard, as the Hornets want to save Allen for the playoffs (they're assuming they get there).

Otherwise, you're looking at the same team that looked good early last season, but fell apart when injuries hit. The addition of Kennard and Allen, the growth of Kaminsky and reigning sixth-man of the year Cody Zeller, and the steady play of the bench should be enough to get the Hornets back to the postseason.

The question is whether that will be enough for Jordan. Michael Jordan is known for many things, but settling isn't one of them. With him in control of the front office, expect his actions to be swift if the team starts out poorly. On the trade block, right away, is Kidd-Gilchrist himself. Jordan loves his defensive intensity and hates his lack of shooting, which ultimately might doom MKG in Charlotte.

If Jordan can be patient, the Hornets can really grow as a team -- the pieces are there. Love had a great bounceback season with the team last year, averaging 18.3 PPG with 11.5 RPG on 47 percent shooting, 36 percent from deep. They just need time to come together and, in year two, the playoffs are a must. Else Jordan will bring in new players and talent to lead the team, and that might be the worst thing for the organization.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2017-18 Preview

October 20th, 2017

By Vonny Lee




The Boston Celtics made one, big addition this offseason and his name is Gordon Hayward. It wasn't even close -- Hayward only visited the Celtics and he signed with them mere hours after. Now playing for his former college coach Brad Stevens, the two Butler boys will hope to lead the Celtics back to glory.

Boston, overall, had a good offseason -- the drafting of Fox, the signing of Hayward, the trade for Miles -- all moves there to benefit the team and to ensure a season with postseason play, something Boogie Cousins has never experienced. Remember Boogie? He's a free agent next summer and Boston is sweating.

And they should be. Boogie has been dissatisfied with the way the team's played, but his first full season in Boston was a good one last year. 19.5 PPG, 13.6 RPG on 48 percent shooting. He was dominant, he was good, and he also didn't have much help. Isiah Thomas had his least efficient season in years, Avery Bradley started hot and then went cold as the season progressed, the three was a non-factor, and only Jared Sullinger was really effective.

Boston's lineup has shifted now. With the rookie Fox playing point, Bradley, Hayward, Sullinger, and Boogie rounding out the starting lineup, Boston has every expectation that they'll be a contender out East.

But what if they're not? That's the pressing question. Are all those losing teams Boogie's been a part of because he didn't have the talent around him or because Boogie is the problem, not the solution? It's the thought that haunts Danny Ainge's dreams. If Boston doesn't make the playoffs, Cousins will bolt and likely will bolt to the Lakers, a team that's drooled over him for years and plays in the same division as the Kings (an organization he relishes disliking).

Boston is hoping for the best, but they've prepared for the worst -- they will likely be unable to trade Boogie if he decides not to re-sign with them (since Boogie likely wouldn't re-sign with the party that trades for him) and it's all or nothing this season for the team.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2017-18 Preview

October 20th, 2017

By Vonny Lee




The Knicks became the center of the NBA universe for a time this offseason and it was all because of Chris Paul. Paul and Melo are tight and have always wished to play together -- famously, that wish was expressed at Melo's wedding in 2010. It took the Knicks some maneuvering, but they made it happen.



The Knicks first had to clear the cap for Paul, and that involved saying goodbye to Langston Galloway and Kyle O'Quinn, two solid rotation players that couldn't equal Paul on their best days together. The Kings gladly accepted both players and the Knicks two-second round picks -- in exchange they sent back little used RJ Hunter, who hasn't done much in the NBA because people keep trading him. He's now back in the same division as his former team, the Celtics.

Once the cap was cleared, the Knicks invited Paul to New York and pitched him. It was a simple pitch, really -- the West is a bloodpath, but the East is wide open. New York is primed to ascend to the top of the conference if they can find a point guard to run their offense. With Derek Fisher gone, replaced by Quinn Snyder, Phil Jackson was no longer mandating the triangle be used -- in fact, Jackson was saying that it would be between Paul, Melo, and Snyder to decide how best to play.

Paul visited with no one else. He signed up, getting paid a ridiculous amount over three years to play on the Knicks. Melo was more than pleased, as was big man Porzingis. Paul joins a roster that's, arguably, deeper than the Clippers team he played for last year and one that has a clear pecking order: it's him, it's Melo, and then it's Porzingis.

But did the Knicks sacrifice too much to make this play? The depth of this Knicks team is decent, but certainly nothing to expect much from. The bench is lacking any surefire spark, but Snyder can minimize that by keeping a starter out on the floor -- likely young-blood Malik Monk (who gets to learn under Paul, a huge developmental asset).

The roster isn't bulletproof, but what NBA roster is? That seems to be the Knicks thinking and the town is as excited about a New York team as it has been in years.

I bet it's the Knicks


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Yes it was -- good guess!

[BlindSideNZ]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Hahah oh my. I can honestly say I did not see this coming. I love the look of that Knicks squad though absolutely. I'd like to see them rise back up the rankings on the back of this move too. I've always had a soft spot for The Knicks.

Hey trek if you have a sec would you mind dropping some knowledge about running FA for all 30 teams. It's something I've always struggled with and just ended up making trades to tidy up any odd pickups before the season begins

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2017-18 Preview

October 20th, 2017

By Vonny Lee



The Mavericks have officially entered the post-Dirk era. Dallas didn't wait long to remake their roster after Dirk retired and immediately struck a big trade to help themselves out.



Middleton and Monroe -- both disappointments with the Bucks -- were shipped out for the disappointing Wesley Matthews and the surprisingly good Tyler Zeller, along with the Mavs 2nd rounder. Matthews, as part of the trade, waived his player option for next season, making him a one year rental, just like Monroe. Dallas is fine with that, too.

Middleton is the real key to this deal. Dallas wants a shooter, a sniper from deep, and Middleton fits the bill. His contract has looked like a massive overpay since he signed it, and has two more guaranteed years (and a player option after). He's a younger player and fits in Dallas' strategy of rebuilding.

Monroe is a wildcard -- he didn't want to be traded and isn't a fan of trying to replace Dirk (who is?). He's likely to leave in free agency and Dallas is fine with that, as they have young Thon Maker in the wings, a player they're very high on.

Dallas is expected to be better than they were the last two seasons -- Cuban wants to make the playoffs, but that looks like a pipe dream in the context of the Western conference. This is a rebuilding year for Dallas, plain and simple, and their expectations should be low.

But Dallas is in a rush back to relevance. Two straight years of underwhelming results has left the franchise and fanbase in a dismal state. Will Dallas be able to play well on the court with that hanging over them? We'll soon find out.

[DevSwerve]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

I knew it ! [emoji24] I only guessed them because that's where he went on that LeBron: Path to Greatness mode on last gen 2k14


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[Themayorofawsometown]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

I knew it ! [emoji24] I only guessed them because that's where he went on that LeBron: Path to Greatness mode on last gen 2k14


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Art imitates art

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[JazzMan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Wow, the Knicks and Celtics both look great.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Hahah oh my. I can honestly say I did not see this coming. I love the look of that Knicks squad though absolutely. I'd like to see them rise back up the rankings on the back of this move too. I've always had a soft spot for The Knicks.

Hey trek if you have a sec would you mind dropping some knowledge about running FA for all 30 teams. It's something I've always struggled with and just ended up making trades to tidy up any odd pickups before the season begins

Yeah, that Knicks squad is a very high risk/high reward team. Paul and Melo both have been banged up in recent years, so if either misses a serious stretch, you can say goodbye to the Knicks season -- the roster isn't built to withstand a long absence from those two. But if the Knicks manage to avoid the injury bug, they'll have a good chance of romping through the East.

As for running FA for all 30 teams -- it's incredibly time consuming, but better than my previous strategy of trading those signings that didn't make sense. In my previous strategy, negotiating the cap was difficult in some cases and made things complicated.

Running all 30 teams allows me to plot out who goes where. I really had to put myself in the mindset of each team (teams like Miami and the Clippers, both of whom had to let go of stars because of unrealistic monetary demands). Here's how I approach a 30 team FA:

1. Identify where the best players are going.

It's a players league and that holds true in 2K as much as anything else. The best guys have certain wants and thrive with certain types of rosters. I usually try to determine, right off the bat, where the best players go. Westbrook was destined for the Sonics, Paul should have stayed with the Clippers but I couldn't justify sinking 29M in a guy who couldn't get his team to the Finals. Finding a place for Paul was tough -- he didn't bring his demands down even after we got to training camps (which, by the way, is where I sign the majority of free agents. It's stupid that player progression is AFTER free agency in MyLeague, but whatever -- I like to see where the younger players are, how they've progressed, and then sign the FAs at the beginning of training camp -- everyone's ratings are what they will be for the regular season then, basically.)

I had to take a look around the league to see where he fit. In the running were the Pistons and the 76ers, as both squads had oodles of cap space to spend and a young talent base to build off of. But I eliminated the Pistons based on SVG never having success with a star guard -- he got to the Finals with Jameer Nelson (a solid guard) and Rafer Alston (who had bounced around a few times before he landed on the 09 Magic). He was murdered (I mean, figuratively) by Wade and Shaq back when he was with the Heat, so I think star guards + star bigs bother him, but it's just my feeling.

The 76ers also went out the window because, despite their massive cap space (I mean, it's SO MUCH), Paul wouldn't sign there based on one fluke playoff run -- no way is he spending his last prime years in Philly, attempting to nurse the organization back to health.

But then I remembered that wedding toast he made at Melo's marriage, and I took a quick look at the Knicks cap sheet -- they were close, but needed to free up some cash. I did a quick salary dump to the Kings (who are good at facilitating things as any rebuilding team is, as long as they get youngish players and picks, they're fine), then pitched Paul. I actually had to overpay him some on the backend to secure his services, but the Knicks (and James Dolan in particular) would have done that in a heartbeat.

2. Start filling out the rosters for the contenders, playoff hopefuls, and rebuilding squads.

Once I figure out where the best players are going (and make the moves needed to get them there), its time to start rebuilding the rosters of the league. I start with the contenders AKA the teams that made the playoffs last season. They'll want to maintain or improve their standing, so they'll be looking for guys who can help now but that won't cripple them long-term if things go south. The Rockets are a good example of this, as they lost Dwight, but used the money they would have paid him to bring in Gay and Gasol -- arguably two players who have been more productive than Dwight the last two seasons.

Once I figure out the contending squads, I jump into the next tier -- the playoff hopefuls. These guys are the squads who were close to the playoffs last year, missing it due to injuries or bad luck. There are two types of squads in this tier -- the "up and comers" and the "almost there's".

The former is represented by teams like the Lakers and Timberwolves, guys who, for one reason or another, just missed the playoffs but were really close. I generally don't make many additions to these squads, other than to re-sign their young talent and bring in some veteran backups that compliment the roster.

For the "almost there's" you have teams like the Pacers and the Hornets, two squads that started well but faded down the stretch. Their teams with young talent and veteran talent, trying to find the right mix to get them back into the playoffs. These teams you can usually make one or two big moves with (like the Pacers signing Rose) or leave alone and bet on the younger talent stepping up (like the Hornets with their faith in Kaminsky/MKG/Zeller).

Finally, we reach the last tier -- the rebuilders, usually the guys in the top-ten of the lottery. Teams in real bad shape are usually young or they have talent that doesn't work well together. Two examples of this would be the Jazz and the Celtics. The rebuilder tier has all types -- teams content to stay the developmental course (Jazz, Nuggets) and unwilling to invest in an outside free agent.

Then you have teams like the Celtics, who want to jump from a rebuilder to a playoff hopeful and make a big signing (in this case, Gordon Hayward). This tier usually takes the longest to sort out because, depending on what the team is (a historically great one like the Celtics or a dumpster fire like the 76ers in real life), the strategies can vary greatly.

Which brings us to my final note on running a 30 team free agency ...

3. Remember your history.

Before you do anything, take a minute to research history. This is important within the MyLeague (because, let's face it, we forget things as the season goes on) and outside of it. Historically, some franchises succeeding in doing things that others struggle in. Let's take the Lakers and Celtics for example.

LA has always recruited well in free agency, but especially when the team is seen in a positive light. Within this dynasty, the last two years have been very positive for LA and with their young roster on the cusp of being a playoff team, the Lakers can easily grab any free agent they want (and they'll make it happen as the Lakers always do).

The Celtics, however, have historically struggled at signing free agents. Think for a minute about it. Can you name one major free agent acquisition the team has made in the last five years? The last ten? (Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett were acquired via trade, for the record, so they don't count.) Boston is cold in the winter, gets snowed in often, isn't exactly a night-life town, has tough fans, and generally isn't seen in a positive light when they're not winning. Boston is a place that will love you forever if you accept them and they accept you, but that's not a guarantee, no matter how big your star is.

History plays an important role in the NBA, perhaps more important than in any other sports league. You have teams that can get anyone on most days -- the Lakers -- and you have teams that can get talent only through trades and the draft -- the Celtics -- and then you have teams that only get talent through the draft -- the Jazz.

The players are as aware of this history as much as the fans are, maybe more so. They will stay away from places that historically suck (looking at you Philly) and gravitate towards winning environments. No one wants to play for a losing team (and if they are playing for a losing team, that losing is mitigated because of the surrounding city/environment).

So, before I make any choices, I take stock of what free agency has looked like the last five years or so. You have the occasional blip (Monroe to Milwaukee was that), but most of the time history holds true. There are overriding actions -- the Celtics, in this offseason, made a big signing with Hayward. Normally, they'd not get that guy, but having his former college coach as your head coach gave them a serious leg up (in my opinion), so Hayward signed, knowing that he was the fallback star if Boogie left in the offseason.

It's a lot of work, don't get me wrong. It's taken the better part of three days to do this and I had the time thanks to being stuck in that blizzard over the last three days (digging out my car today was so not fun, lol). But those are my three keys -- I feel that, with those three things, you end up making decently realistic decisions.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

I knew it ! [emoji24] I only guessed them because that's where he went on that LeBron: Path to Greatness mode on last gen 2k14


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^Really? I didn't even play that mode. Like, not even once. I did nothing but association in that 2K, lol. But you guessed right and did well in it, so props to you, sir.

Wow, the Knicks and Celtics both look great.

Definitely stacked teams, talent wise. But, as with anything, it's not just about talent -- it's about fit. We'll see where it all goes, but I honestly won't be surprised if the Celtics or the Knicks end the season poorly. Boston has a ton riding on this season and if they don't get to the playoffs, Boogie is gone.