Creating a Legend: Matt Aitch III

[Crystar500]

So I decided that I'd do a MyLeague based around the career path of a random player. Baskeball Reference has a feature where they pick a random player for you. I arrived with Matthew Aitch Jr., who played 1 season for the Indiana Pacers back in the ABA.

We'll follow the journey of his young son, Matthew Aitch III, as he tries to fight his way into the NBA as a roleplayer.

Settings:
30-Team Control
All-Star
Simulation
14 Games


When does it end?

When Matt's career is over. If his career flops, or he has a major injury, he'll be done. Maybe he'll play until he's 38. Who knows? Time will tell.



(By the way, I do this all via Tapatalk. When I get by my PC, I'll fix the formatting to make it look nice.)

[Crystar500]

Re: Creating a Legend: Matt Aitch III

Aitch III Mum on NBA Draft

Michigan State has been very kind to Aitch III, but as with all students, he must move on in life. Matt has been a star during his years at Michigan State, and going on to his year, rumors about his future are sure to arise.

"I don't know if it's something I want to do yet." Aitch told reporters when asked during a preseason practice on Michigan State campus. "Just like college, it's not for everybody, you know? I stayed here four years for more than just basketball. I wanted to get my degree, like my parents wanted me to."

But suitors in the NBA won't be few if he decides to go pro. "He's an undersized Power Forward, but he's perfect for the NBA. He's got a bit of Draymond Green to his game." Head Coach Tom Izzo said of Aitch. "He can shoot the three, and handle the ball a little bit as well. He needs to work on his passing a bit, but he's still going to turn out to be a really nice player if he decides to go pro."

Scouts agree with Tom Izzo, who feel that Aitch would fit well in today's NBA. The problem scouts have is with Aitch's mindset. Is his heart in the NBA?


Scouting Report 10/27/15:

Strengths:
- Has nice shooting form, hits mid-range shots regularly
- Can be counted on to score with his back to the basket

Weaknesses:
- Leaping ability isn't very favorable
- Questionable finishing ability

With this weak draft, Aitch is projected to be a first round pick.

Height: 6'7
Weight: 231 lbs.

Mock Draft Slots:
Bleacher Report: #14 to the Oklahoma City Thunder
NBA.com: #27 to the Denver Nuggets
Draft Express: #14 to the Oklahoma City Thunder

[Crystar500]

Creating a Legend: Matt Aitch III

Scouting Report: 1/31/16 - Matthew Aitch III

Nobody's really paying attention to this kid lately, it seems. We all do pay attention to the fact he's been playing great lately. Perhaps it's just because he avoids the media.

Stats:
15.0 PPG
3.2 RPG
2.0 APG
0.8 BPG
0.5 SPG

Notes:
- Needs to get more rebounds to show he can bang with NBA Power Forwards, who will be much taller than him at times.
- Not a good shot blocker. Attempts to become a good shot blocked have led to fouls. It's like when you press Y or Triangle too early in 2K16.

Stock: Rising

Mock Drafts:
Bleacher Report: #13 to the Denver Nuggets (From New York)
NBA.com: #7 to the Milwaukee Bucks
DraftExpress: #9 to the Sacramento Kings





In other news:
- Cuban Testing Market for Potential Mavs Sale
- Paul Pierce Suffers High Ankle Sprain
- Taj Gibson Traded to Orlando
- Collison to Return Against Memphis
- Columbus Best Shot Blocker in Draft Pool?
- Minnesota, Denver, on Relocation Block

[Crystar500]

Re: Creating a Legend: Matt Aitch III

Aitch Leaning Towards NBA Draft

Stock is falling slightly for Aitch, reportedly, according to Kristen Ledlow. He shall soon find himself with the decision to apply for the draft. Teams still have a watchful eye for Aitch, who they still deem as a good fit in today's league as a stretch 4, despite his lack of athleticism and rebounding. Teams are still worried about his mindset in regards to the NBA. They fear he just sees the draft as a "Why not?" sort of thing instead of an opportunity.

Mock Drafts:
Bleacher Report: #9 to the Milwaukee Bucks
NBA.com: #8 to the Denver Nuggets (via New York)
DraftExpress: #10 to the Philadelphia 76ers







In other news:
- Mudiay, Grant, Named Rookies of the Month
- Durant, LeBron, Named Players of the Month
- Lillard Drops 30 on Mavericks
- Warriors Clinch Playoff Seeding
- Anthony Davis Records Franchise-Record 27 Rebounds
- Henson Declines Extension Offer

[Crystar500]

Re: Creating a Legend: Matt Aitch III

Aitch Makes it Official, Declares for NBA Draft

4/20/16

At a short press conference today at Michigan State, Matthew Aitch III announced his decision to enter the NBA Draft, in front of a crowd filled with family, press, and other team members.

"I've talked to my family a lot about this decision, but I finally warmed up to the idea after all of their convincing." He said with a chuckle. "They're very intent on getting me to the NBA, and I am as well. I just want to thank the fans, the staff, and my teammates for helping me strive to be the best. Thank you everyone!"

Final Stats:
15.0 PPG
3.1 RPG
2.0 APG
0.8 BPG
0.5 SPG

Mock Drafts:

Bleacher Report: #11 to the Boston Celtics
NBA.com: #5 to the Milwaukee Bucks
DraftExpress: #10 to the Denver Nuggets (via New York)




In other news:
- Nets, Lakers, Prove Doubters Wrong - Make Playoffs
- Gibson Gamble Pays off for Orlando's Playoff Goals
- Josh Smith Crowned 6th Man of the Year
- D'Angelo Russell Crowned Rookie of the Year
- Kevin Durant Wins 2nd MVP Award
- Anthony Davis Wins DPOY Trophy
- Cory Joseph is KIA's Most Improved Player
- Rookie Coach Hoiberg Wins Coach of the Year

[trekfan]

Re: Creating a Legend: Matt Aitch III

Following. I've been thinking of doing a similar thing in the future with a player, eager to see where you take this.

[Crystar500]

Creating a Legend: Matt Aitch III

Grantland: Chris Ryan's Q&A with Matthew Aitch III

Spoiler

Chris: Alright, so here with are with another 2016 Prospect, Matthew Aitch III! Welcome to Grantland!

Matt: Yeah, it's great to be here, man. I've been a fan of Grantland for a long time. Gotta give the people what they want.

Chris: Great. Maybe you'll be a writer here one day.

Matt: I'd like that, man. Grantland knows it's stuff.

Chris: So, of course, you're a Missouri native, correct?

Matt: Yeah, that's right.

Chris: Missouri doesn't have an NBA team, do they? Where are you excited to play?

Matt: Uh... Teams close to home would be ideal, of course, but I know I'll probably fit in with a majority of the NBA cities, so I don't think I'll mind too much about fitting in.

Chris: You know, there's some teams like Minnesota and Denver who are on the brink of moving. Maybe they'll be relocated to Missouri. There's a few NBA players from Missouri, right? I know Ben McLemore is one.

Matt: Yeah, there's a few. David Lee is a big one of course. Bradley Beal and Tyler Hansbrough are from there as well. I'm sure they'd appreciate a team there.

Chris: Well, hopefully that goes through. Who do you most compare yourself to in the NBA? Give me your NBA comparison, retired or current.

Matt: Hmm... You know, I haven't really made comparisons for myself... But if I had to make some... Maybe a bit of Ryan Anderson mixed with Draymond Green. Just that type of stretch 4 role, you know?

Chris: That's a good fit with the way the NBA is going lately. Let's talk about your father, who played back in the ABA, for the Pacers. Has he been guiding you along?

Matt: Well, he never pushed me towards basketball at first. He instead guided me towards academics and stuff of the sort. But once I started enjoying the game, he started giving me tips on how to improve. He quit basketball early, so I guess that's why he always encouraged me to get a degree.

Chris: Wow. Good on him for that. You'll get the job here in no time.

Matt: Of course. *Chuckles and nods.*

Chris: What are you going to do when Draymond starts talking trash to you?

Matt: I always stayed quiet when it came to trash talking, so I think I'll be ready for it.

Chris: Yeah, but I hear Draymond says stuff on another level. Like, he'll go too far sometimes.

Matt: Hey, man, I'll just show him on the court then. *Chuckles.*

Chris: Alright, I like that! Last thing before we go - What kind of suit are you wearing? Any Michigan State pride?

Matt: Nah, man. I don't know if I'll show pride in the suit, but I'll do my best to be... Normal.

Chris: Alright, sounds great! Good luck at the draft.

Matt: Thanks, man.

Pre-Draft Mock Drafts:
Bleacher Report: #11 to the Boston Celtics
NBA.com: #5 to the Milwaukee Bucks
DraftExpress: #9 to the Phoenix Suns





In other news:
- Garnett Announces Retirement
- Warriors Repeat, Beat Bulls in Game 7
- Hornets Win Lottery
- Timberwolves Likely to Relocate by 2020

[Crystar500]

Re: Creating a Legend: Matt Aitch III

Following. I've been thinking of doing a similar thing in the future with a player, eager to see where you take this.

Thanks, man. I hope you enjoy it.

[Crystar500]

Re: Creating a Legend: Matt Aitch III

Phoenix Drafts Matt Aitch III 9th Overall in 2016 Draft

Matt Aitch III is headed to Phoenix, Arizona! The Suns have taken him 9th Overall in the NBA Draft. The pick was met with positive feedback from both fans and analysts.

"It's obvious now that the Suns want to trade Markieff Morris if they drafted Aitch." Howard Beck of Bleacher Report said on Twitter after the move.

Aitch was excited to join the Suns. "Phoenix is a young team that is growing still, and I'm happy to be a part of that growing process." He said when asked of it.

Aitch will play in the Vegas Summer League.

[trekfan]

Re: Creating a Legend: Matt Aitch III

Phoenix Drafts Matt Aitch III 9th Overall in 2016 Draft

Matt Aitch III is headed to Phoenix, Arizona! The Suns have taken him 9th Overall in the NBA Draft. The pick was met with positive feedback from both fans and analysts.

"It's obvious now that the Suns want to trade Markieff Morris if they drafted Aitch." Howard Beck of Bleacher Report said on Twitter after the move.

Aitch was excited to join the Suns. "Phoenix is a young team that is growing still, and I'm happy to be a part of that growing process." He said when asked of it.

Aitch will play in the Vegas Summer League.

Interesting. The Suns aren't afraid to experiment and Matt's size isn't a point in his favor at only 6'7", BUT the Suns like to run and like to stretch the floor, two things I think Matt will help with. He's just going to have find his minutes.

[Crystar500]

Re: Creating a Legend: Matt Aitch III

Aitch III Offseason Report

From the desk of Head Trainer Aaron Nelson:

Summer League Stats:
Vs. Charlotte: 20 Points, 1 Block, 9-16 FG, 0-2 3PT
Vs. Utah: 10 Points, 7 Rebounds, 1 Assist, 5-10 FG, 0-1 3PT
Vs. Clippers: 13 Points, 8 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 1 Steal, 6-15 FG, 0-1 3PT
Vs. Philadelphia: 16 Points, 4 Rebounds, 2 Blocks, 7-12 FG, 1-1 3PT

Notes:

Pros:
- Very good passer for a big.
- Pushes the ball up effectively on fast breaks.
- Rebounds better than expected.

Cons:
- Defense needs work.
- Not consistent with 3-Pt shot yet.
- Reaction Time could be better.

Training Camp:

We sent Aitch to an Athleticism trainer as Coach Hornacek recommended. He did well at improving as an athlete. Fast-learner, and very humble kid. Happy to have him here in Phoenix.

Rookie Diaries: Matt Aitch III

On his NBA All-Time Starting Five...

"Ah, man... Hmm. I gotta put MJ first, of course. Then... Bird would be second in the lineup... As for the rest, I think I'll go Magic, Wilt, and then Duncan. Yeah, that'd be it."

On meeting Charles Barkley...

"Yeah, I met Charles during the Summer League. He was giving me tips and stuff like that for the NBA. He told me how to box out better while in the paint. That sort of thing. He was really nice to me, and it was such a honor talking to a guy like that."

On the city of Phoenix...

"Oh, the city has been great, man. The weather is a bit of an adjustment for me, but I'll get used to it. The people are pretty friendly so far. I also noticed that a lot of former Suns players have restaurants downtown for some reason. Barkley, Majerle, Stoudemire, they all got restaurants. I actually ate at Stoudemire's place. Not bad, man. Not bad at all."

On what he needs to do for his rookie year...

"Ah, I'll just try to produce whenever coach calls my number. I know there's some guys ahead of me in the depth chart, so I'll always try to stay ready. Hopefully I'll be a spark plug for this team and give them that added boost for the Playoffs."






In other news:
- No Buyers for Mavs Yet, Cuban Mum on Sale
- Knicks Introduce Durant
- Turner, Hickson, Sign with Miami
- Mahinmi, Neal, Ink Deals with Charlotte
- Wiggins Aiming for Playoffs to Prevent Relocation
- Booker Signs with Memphis
- Napier is Orlando Summer League MVP
- Bucks Win Vegas Summer League Tournament, Tyus Jones Crowned MVP

[trekfan]

Re: Creating a Legend: Matt Aitch III

Durant to the Knicks?! Man, New York fans shouldn't read this dynasty, you'll get their hopes up.

[infamyice]

Re: Creating a Legend: Matt Aitch III

Following this. I'm a fan of doing these types of chises. Good to see other people doing it as well.

[asvpxhughuet]

Re: Creating a Legend: Matt Aitch III

Following for sure I love this, but Durant to Knicks is a bit too far!

[Crystar500]

Re: Creating a Legend: Matt Aitch III

Aitch III Sees First NBA Minutes Against Dallas





Matt Aitch III finally got to play for the Suns during a Home game against the Mavericks on Thursday. His minutes weren't many yet, but Matt felt confident that he did well.

"I just went out there and played my game like coach told me to. I didn't try to force anything, either. Just kept focused on the game at hand." Matt said to reporters Thursday.

Matt looked like an experienced veteran out there, and was commended by his teammates for his efforts. He hit one three, along with using a slick post fade against Jordan Hill.

"He passed the ball well too." Coach Hornacek said. "I've been contemplating about using Matt as a point-forward in practice to see how it goes... But in the end, we always do what's best for the team. We'll experiment when we feel it has a chance to work. He looked pretty good, regardless."

The Suns, on a downward season, play the Timberwolves next.





In other news:
- Will Gay opt out?
- Shabazz Muhammad Declines Extension
- CP3 Out 2-4 Weeks with Knee Tendinitis
- Pau Out 2-4 Weeks with Broken Toe
- Rumor Mill: Carter-Williams Home to Boston?