Creating a Legend: Matt Aitch III

[Crystar500]

Creating a Legend: Matt Aitch III

Aitch and the Suns Lacking in Performance

(Sorry for the lack of updates. Here's a combination of a bunch of games. I'm doing them all CPU v CPU until they patch the Player Lock thing in MyLeague. Also let's me see how the AI reacts towards one another.)


Grantland Podcast on Matt:

Spoiler

Jacoby: It's March 2017, and some are already talking about Matt Aitch III becoming a bust. You doubt it, and have logical reasons why. Why is that, Jalen?

Jalen: Well, first off, he's a stretch forward who can shoot the three and can get to the line - Which is searched for in today's NBA. Guys like Draymond Green and Ryan Anderson who can stretch the floor. And two... Just look at the Suns roster. They've got Markieff Morris starting, and then they have bigs and other forwards on the roster like Alex Len, T.J. Warren, and Dorell Wright. Where was he gonna play?

Jacoby: Drafted by the wrong team?

Jalen: *Sighs, briefly look at the ceiling in thought.* I don't think it's necessarily the case... but he just needs some minutes. That's all.

Jacoby: Right... So where is he going to get those minutes.

Jalen: His problem is that Markieff Morris is balling out right now, averaging 19 and 6 for the Suns. Morris wants to be traded out of Phoenix, so by playing well, it opens the door for a trade.

Jacoby: So you think he'll get minutes when Morris is traded?

Jalen: Absolutely. The Suns aren't shying away from experimenting. They play Brandon Knight at the 2. They put Len and Chandler together on the floor...

Jacoby: Which has not worked. *Chuckles.*

Jalen: Correct. This is just one of those stories that the media just wants to blow up, that's all this is.

Jacoby: Yeah, and they even went so far to say his heart isn't in the NBA. I mean, they're really going at him.

Jalen: Here's one thing for those who think his heart isn't in the NBA: He wouldn't have entered the draft if he wasn't. Just give the young fella some time. He'll find his way.

Game Logs and Personal Scores:

Spoiler

In other news:
- Garnett: "Wolves Ain't Moving on my Watch"
- At 2-6, Suns thinking 2017-2018 Already
- MCW, Giannis, Non-Comittal to Milwaukee
- Cousins, Horford, Snubbed from All-Star Game
- Kobe to buy Sixers when he Retires?
- LeBron, Melo, Commit to Team USA
- WCBB Star White wants to Pursue NBA

[trekfan]

Re: Creating a Legend: Matt Aitch III

Aitch looks to be carving himself a spot in the rotation, albeit slowly; definitely like that he's getting to the line and sinking his free throws. That's a good thing to show the coaches, especially for a rookie, and if you're not a liability at the line, you'll see time when things get serious.

Disappointed that the Suns aren't doing well, but it's early yet; maybe they'll turn things around.

[Crystar500]

Re: Creating a Legend: Matt Aitch III

Suns Near End of Tumultuous Season

With the season almost at an end, the Suns are on the brink of either being a lottery team, or possibly sneaking into the 8th seed. Currently, they are tied with the Lakers for the 9th spot in the West, while Portland holds the 8th spot. Things can drastically change on the NBA's season finale.

Things become more decisive for the Suns due to one reason -

Their season finale is against the 8th-seeded Portland.

Luckily, the Suns have home-court advantage. Though the Suns are fully capable of blowing a game at home in many analyst's heads, the Suns are sure to come out swinging against Portland, in what should be a playoff-esque type of game.

The Aitch Report:

After a game against the Utah Jazz, Matt Aitch III was benched for the next two games against the Clippers and Spurs.



He returned against the Grizzlies, and put out a decent showing, doing his best to withstand the physical play of Memphis.



The Suns then lost a heartbreaking Overtime game at home, falling to the Thunder by just one point.



Aitch says he wants to put a good showing to close the season. "My teammates are rooting for me to do well. It's a special game, in a way. I don't feel like a rookie anymore. I feel like I've learned a lot over the course of the season."

Lucky for Aitch, his draft class was very weak. The rest of the rookies haven't been up to par this season, either. This gives Aitch a chance to win All-Rookie honors, hopefully.



In other news:
- Lillard: "I'm the MVP."
- Lopez Credits Coach Hollins for Nets Productive Season
- Can Curry and the Warriors 3-peat?
- Melo and KD Find Groove Before it's too Late
- Timberwolves Snag 6th Seed, Removed from Relocation Block
- Pierce on Becoming Coach: "Hell nah."

[trekfan]

Re: Creating a Legend: Matt Aitch III

Man, carving out a spot is proving to be difficult. Will PHX blow it up if they miss the playoffs again?

Go Suns!

[Crystar500]

Re: Creating a Legend: Matt Aitch III

Man, carving out a spot is proving to be difficult. Will PHX blow it up if they miss the playoffs again?

Go Suns!

Yeah, I'm thinking about blowing the Suns up. I simmed past the deadline by accident, so Morris will have to be a draft day deal with someone. I'm trying to get him to Detroit with his brother. I'll probably trade Chandler too, to go young. I'm sure Matt will improve over the summer as well, so things will be looking up.

[Crystar500]

Re: Creating a Legend: Matt Aitch III

Suns Offseason Report


I know it's been awhile, and I want to apologize for that. Things have been getting in the way.


Sadly, the Suns faced an Overtime loss against the Blazers, knocking them out of the Playoffs altogether, and dropping them to the 9th seed for the 2016-2017 season.

Draft Order

1. Nuggets (From Memphis)
2. Jazz
3. Bucks
4. 76ers
5. Nuggets
6. Hornets
7. Raptors
8. Bulls
9. Raptors (From LA Clippers)
10. Nets (From Boston)*
11. Suns
12. Pacers
13. Hawks
14. Lakers
15. Pistons
16. Magic
17. Pelicans
18. Nuggets (From Portland)
19. Knicks
20. Mavericks
21. 76ers (From Oklahoma City)
22. Timberwolves
23. Wizards
24. Heat
25. Spurs
26. Bulls
27. Celtics (From Brooklyn)*
28. Rockets
29. Jazz (From Golden State)
30. Cavaliers


*Brooklyn and Boston have a pick swap in this draft, but of course, it's unable to be replicated sufficiently in 2K.



Staff Signing

The Suns let Jeff Hornacek walk this summer, who's contract had expired at the end of the season.

The Suns tabbed Steve Nash to a 2 Year, $7.91M deal to replace Hornacek. Nash, whom of which shot down the idea of coaching in the past, embraced the idea of a fresh start with the Phoenix Suns as their head coach. "I think it's a great chance to hang around the game with a franchise that I have so much gratitude for."

Nash tabbed Sam Cassell as his head assistant coach, on a 1 Year, $370K deal.



NBA Draft


At #11, the Phoenix Suns selected Duane Rogers, a 6'7, 211 lb. Small Forward from BYU. Rogers had a workout with the Suns before the draft.

College Averages:
20.7 PPG
4.0 RPG
2.9 APG
1.0 SPG
0.9 BPG


At #41, the Phoenix Suns took a chance on Jin Tam, a 7'1, 274 lb. Center from China. During his time with the Guangdong Southern Tigers, Tam was known for bruising play on the floor. Scouts agree that he needs excessive development before becoming an efficient NBA player.

Tam is not guaranteed a contract yet with the Suns, but will join the team in Summer League.

CBA Averages:
7.9 PPG
8.0 RPG
1.0 APG
0.9 SPG
1.1 BPG

Team/Player Options

The Suns picked up Team Options for Devin Booker (76) and T.J. Warren (75).


Qualifying Offers


Suns extend 1 Year/$6.40M offer to Alex Len.
Suns extend 1 Year/$3.14M offer to Archie Goodwin.
Suns decline to extend offer to Cory Jefferson.

Free Agency

Suns resign Alex Len to a 2 Year/$9.10M offer.
Suns resign Jon Leuer to a 1 Year/$2.70M offer.
Suns sign C.J. Watson to a 1 Year/$1.35M offer.
Suns sign Ray McCallum to a 1 Year/$1.92M offer.
Suns sign Jodie Meeks to a 1 Year/$7.16M offer.


Summer League Box Scores

Matt tore it up this summer, although he simmered down in the tournament's elimination game.









2K Hoops Summit

Nate Zaslofsky, dubbed by many as "the next Rondo" or "White Chocolate Mk.II" put on an impressive showing in the 2K Hoops Summit for Team USA.








Opening Night Depth Chart


PG: Eric Bledsoe (84) / Ray McCallum (71) / C.J. Watson (69)
SG: Brandon Knight (84) / Devin Booker (76) / Jodie Meeks (74)
SF: T.J. Warren (76) / Duane Rogers (70) / Mike Dunleavy (68)
PF: Matt Aitch III (74) / Markieff Morris (79) / Jon Leuer (73)
C: Tyson Chandler (80) / Alex Len (75) / Jason Smith (71)



Matt Aitch Voted Most Likely to Make Leap in Sophomore Season by NBA GMs


With Markieff Morris moved to the bench per orders of Head Coach Steve Nash, presumably until he is traded, Matt Aitch III is excited to have a starting role under the new head coach. "I'm itching to get out on the court." Aitch said. "I feel like I've improved a lot over the summer. My shot feels more comfortable, and I feel like I've become a better defender."

In the Summer League, Nash gave Aitch the green light to take the ball up on some possessions, essentially becoming a Point-Forward at times. "Yeah, I've been working on my ball handling too. It's kinda hard not to when your coach was such a great ball handler himself."

The Suns start the season against Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans, an intriguing matchup for the young Aitch to prove himself.




In other news:
- Silver: "Relocation isn't coming anytime soon."
- Isaiah Thomas Wants to Retire a Celtic
- Paul Pierce takes Assistant Coaching Position with Hometown Lakers
- MCW Being Tutored by The Big O
- Rumor Mill: Jabari Fed Up with Bucks





I'm an idiot. I'm controlling all 30 teams, yet I forget to NOT sim Free Agency. A lot of rosters are all weird now. It's okay. It's all about Matt, right? We just have to adjust to the league around him.

I'm stuck at how to go about with this team. Currently I think we might as well shoot for the Playoffs, instead of blowing it up and tanking. I suppose I'll base that decision off of the offers I receive for Morris, and then I'll go from there.