SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle

[bryan3169]

Re: SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle

April 15th, 2018

Hornets Possibly Looking to move forward from HC Clifford, GM Cho

As reported by NBA analyst, Chris Broussard, the Charlotte Hornets are possibly looking to move on from Head Coach, Steve Clifford and General Manager, Rich Cho. Neither Cho, Clifford or Hornets majority owner, Michael Jordan could be reached for immediate comment. We will have more on this story as it develops.

[cormag001]

Re: SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle

April 16th, 2018

NBA Playoff Central

Western Conference

#1 Houston Rockets vs #8 Denver Nuggets (HOU leads series 1-0)
Despite Chris Paul's struggles, the Rockets comfortably took Game 1 and are in the driver's seat in the series. While the Nuggets looked formidable during the second half of the season, Jokic and the shooters around him will really have to get going to make this series interesting.

#2 Golden State Warriors vs #7 San Antonio Spurs (SAS leads series 1-0)
It was clear which team was willing to scrap for it more after Game 1. The Spurs got to the line 32 times while the Warriors seemed to settle for outside shots, only getting to the line 5 times. Klay Thompson played well, but Durant only had 20 points on 21 shots. Warriors will have to force the issue to get back in control of this series.

#3 Portland Trailblazers vs #6 Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC leads series 2-0)
Russell Westbrook averages 40.5 points in the first two games of the series.... and that should tell you a lot about how this series has gone. Russ is continuously pushing the issue, taking control of both of the first two games. Lillard and McCollum both seemed to struggle under the pressure of the expectations in Game 1, but settled in Game 2. It just didn't matter. Russ was a beast, and Paul George helped him out with a cool 32. Blazers will need to steal at least one in OKC to keep the series alive.

#4 Minnesota Timberwolves vs #5 Utah Jazz (UTA leads series 2-0)
If you weren't already aware, Donavon Mitchell is an absolute star in this league. Mitchell is averaging 28.5 points and shooting a cool 67% from the field through two games. But the key to this series so far is the centers -- Gobert's 16.5 PPG on 93% shooting crushes Karl Anthony-Towns' 9.5 PPG on a dismal 21% from the field. In order for the T-Wolves to have a shot, Towns has to play like the superstar he wants to be.


Eastern Conference

#1 Toronto Raptors vs #8 Washington Wizards (TOR leads series 1-0)
Game 1 was a merely a display of firepower by the Raptors -- and perhaps a message to the rest of the NBA. DeRozan believes he's entered a new realm as a player, but he's going to have to continue to perform at a high level throughout the playoffs to turn any heads.

#2 Boston Celtics vs #7 Miami Heat (BOS leads series 1-0)
Without Kyrie Irving this series was one of the more popular upset picks. However, the Celtics have proved throughout this season that they can play tough and win scrappy games. They were able to get to the line 38 times, converting on 87% of their attempts. Meanwhile, that tough Brad Stevens' defense held the Heat in check. D-Wade had a big game for Miami, and it'll be interesting to see if they use him in an even more expanded role going forward.

#3 Philadelphia 76ers vs #6 Milwaukee Bucks (PHI leads series 2-0)
Perhaps the most competitive series so far, the headlines center around Giannis' inability to take over the game.... or even try. In Game 1 we saw a typical 33 point, 10 rebound Giannis game, but he faded down the stretch and refused to take big shots. Game 2 he disappeared completely, scoring just 8 points on 6 shots. Meanwhile, the 76ers have been getting contributions from more "role players", with Belinelli having a huge Game 1 (hitting the game winner) and Reddick a massive Game 2. Will being at home help Giannis shake off whatever nerves he's dealing with?

#4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs #5 Indiana Pacers (Series tied 1-1)
After struggling in Game 1, the Cavaliers were able to shore up their defensive struggles in Game 2 and give the Pacers some problems on that end. The Cavs limited the Pacers rebounding ability and kept Oladipo off the line -- both key factors in the Pacers' game 1 win. LeBron hasn't been spectacular so far, and you have to imagine the Pacers crowd is going to be loud and proud, hoping to pull off an upset.

[ayyitskev]

SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle

April 16th, 2018

By: Adrian Wojnarowski

Marc Gasol Wants Out - Requests Trade

In perhaps the most, or least surprising news, depending on your view of the past couple of days, Grizzlies star Marc Gasol has formally requested a trade. Gasol met with team brass last night where both sides came to the conclusion that Gasol would be better suited elsewhere while the Memphis Grizzlies undergo a rebuild. No public comment has been made, however most around the league expect Gasol to be traded before or during the NBA draft. Gasol is arguably the best Grizzlies player of all time in their short franchise history, winning a defensive player of the year and multiple all-star appearances along the way. I expect his market to be thin, due to his contract and being on the wrong side of 30, however win-now teams that need a third star will certainly be interested.

[ronyell]

Re: SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle

[bryan3169]

Re: SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle

April 17th 2018

Max Kellerman on Celtics vs. Miami: "No Kyrie no problem, Al Horford has stepped up in Irving's absence and have the Celtics up 2-0 on the Heat, when the whole city of Boston lost all hope when Kyrie went down, a season riddled with injuries now has a glimmer of hope with Horford assuming a bigger leadership role, Terry Rozier has played well as has Jaylen Brown. Miami on the other hand, looks like 5 individuals with 5 different agendas on the court at the same time. Miami never lead in Game 2. Father time looks like it arrived on Dwayne Wade's Hall of Fame career as he looked ridiculous guarding Jaylen Brown. Heat Head Coach Erik Spolestra's decision to put Wade back in the starting rotation might cost him this series. Miami needs Hassan Whiteside to show up and dominate, he has yet to make a significant contribution. The clock is ticking on the Miami Heat."

Colin Cowherd on Kahwi Leonard's apparent lashing out the Spurs organization: "Kahwi lashed out after Game 1 in a rebellious statement seemingly against the media, the Spurs front office, and teammates. You can tell tonight that Kawhi while playing like a man possessed is playing for himself as well. Making his audition tape if you will for the rest of the league. There are certain teams in the NBA that you don't call them out on their integrity as an organization and stay around long enough to hear the mic drop from your statement. The Lakers, whatever team LeBron is on, and the Lakers. Kawhi is showing the league he still has the killer instinct we know and love 25 points 9 assists 50% from the field against the diminished Warriors. Kawhi looks disconnected in huddles but he is playing like a man possessed, his days in a Spurs uniform look to be numbered in my opinion."

Nick Wright on Golden State down 0-2 to the Spurs: "If you had any doubt about who the floor general for the Warriors were, look no further than the end of the bench, Steph Curry in a suit. The Warriors miss his presence and leadership on the court. Durant and Klay threw the kitchen sink at the Spurs and they were thoroughly outcoached, outplayed and outclassed from top to bottom. At the final buzzer, I saw a look in Durant's eyes that probably looks familiar to a lot of people, especially fans in Oklahoma City, just a disgusted "I don't care" blank stare and what made it even worse, I saw it you saw it, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr dropped his head on the sideline like the season was over! Its Game 2! You are one of the most dangerous teams the NBA has ever seen and you put out an emotion, a vibe like the world just ended in Game 2! If the attitude doesn't change in that locker room its gonna be a short series for the Golden State Warriors!"

Stephen A. on John Wall's legacy on the line against Raptors: "In my opinion, John Wall who is a fantastic talent in this league, has built somewhat of a stigma for himself as not stepping into the spotlight when it comes to big games and even bigger moments in the playoffs. John Wall, the leader of the Washington Wizards, the 8th seed going up against the #1 seeded Toronto Raptors showed up last night with a performance that warrants the title of an elite point guard in this league 23 points, 8 assists. Wall's legacy is on the line in this series, an upset of a #1 seed would be big for Wall and Beal collectively last night was a start. 34 assists on 55% shooting for the Wizards. They are an underrated 8th seed and in my opinion have a pretty good chance of knocking the Raptors from the top of the playoff ladder in the East."

Michael Wilbon on the Houston Rockets now being the favorite to win the NBA Championship: "With the Warriors being in a hole down 0-2 going back in to San Antonio, the Houston Rockets and the MVP James Harden along with Chris Paul are the most dangerous team in the NBA and are now the odds on favorite to win the NBA Championship. 6 players in double figure for the Rockets 27-5-10 for Harden followed up with Clint Capela getting a double double with 16 points 17 rebounds accompanied with 5 blocks. Houston dispatched Denver last night with little to no worry about the game. If I'm any team out West, I'm terrified to see this team at full strength."

Adrian Wojnarowski on word out of New York on Knicks Head Coach, Jeff Hornacek: "Word came down from Knicks GM, Scott Perry's just a few moments ago that Jeff Hornacek has been fired. Perry sited that Hornacek had a "different vision" for the future of the Knicks than he had which led to him firing him this morning."

[bryan3169]

Re: SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle

April 17th, 2018

Knicks fire Head Coach Jeff Hornacek

As reported by ESPN reporter, Adrian Wojnarowski, the New York Knicks have fired head coach, Jeff Hornacek. Hornacek was hired by the Knicks in 2016 after a 3 year stint with the Phoenix Suns. Hornacek finished his time in New York with a 59-104 record during his tenure.

[Reed1417]

Re: SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle

April 17th 2018

By: Byron Reed
The playoffs are finally upon us and have started with a bang. Story lines are a big part of the playoffs more so than the regular season and there are a few of them that I would like to highlight in this week's Reed Review.

D-Wade moves into starting lineup
We saw veteran Dewayne Wade come back into the starting lineup against Boston in this first round series. In the first game it looked like Wade was finally showing his age as he struggled against Jaylen Brown. If the Heat want to have a shot at escaping the first round, Wade is going to have to find a little bit of the Fountain of Youth and step his play up. If not, expect the flames of the Heat to burn out.

Warriors look lost without Curry
Golden State is shockingly looking lost without Steph Curry. I can't say I blame them but they have so much talent on that team. Durant, Klay and Draymond are all very effective players in their own ways. When you have a guy like KD who can take over a game at any point and will his team through, you would expect him to do that. Right now it's a mess as they are down 0-2 to San Antonio. Most teams are lucky to have one star, I expect better from a team like Golden State who has four when healthy, now let's see if these three can get the series back on track.

LeBron to leave Cleveland?
In my opinion the biggest story line right now is the fate of LeBron James. Will he leave his hometown team once again if they can't get the job done? We all know LeBron is one of the greatest players of this generation and he wants to win badly. There is nothing wrong with winning because that's what it's all about in this league. He has a title already for Cleveland,but if he can get another one this year....that may be enough to keep him around.

[ronyell]

Re: SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle

April 17th, 2017




Frank Vogel Is Out In Orlando

Just hours after the Knicks announced that they are relieving Jeff Hornacek of his coaching duties, The Orlando Magic follow suit by letting Frank Vogel go after an uneventful 2-year stint. This move was not unexpected at all but the more shocking news is that Orlando is rumored to already have a short list of desired replacements, including Stephen Silas, Sam Mitchell & Brent Barry.

[ayyitskev]

Re: SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle

April 17th, 2018

By: Kevs

Pat Riley Plans On Making Huge Move This Offseason

Strong sources around the league are telling me that Heat GM Pat Riley has been eying some pretty big names who could find themselves out of their respective cities by next season. With an abundance of trade chips on Miami's roster, as well as some promising young players (see: Adebayo, Bam; Richardson, Josh), Riley has his eyes set on some big fish. While Miami is currently down in their first round matchup against Boston, many didn't expect the Heat to really contend in the first place. Still, with no actual stars and a gritty attitude set by coach Erik Spoelstra, Miami is really one big name away from striking fear into anybody. I plan on going over two game-changing moves the Heat can make to push themselves to title contention.

Trade One:

Miami Receives: Kawhi Leonard, Patty Mills

San Antonio Receives: Justise Winslow, Kelly Olynyk, Tyler Johnson, future first round draft pick

Enter Kawhi Leonard. It's no secret he and the Spurs aren't exactly on the same page after his injury concerns are distracting the team. It's also no secret the Spurs are potentially in their last year or two of their dynasty. LaMarcus Aldridge is aging, as is Danny Green. Manu Ginobili expects to retire this offseason, and Pau Gasol and Tony Parker will soon join him. The East has never really been weaker, with LeBron's Cavaliers on the downswing, and only Toronto, Boston and Philadelphia as real contenders. It only makes sense for the former NBA Finals Rivals to help each other out. Now, under normal circumstances, Leonard would fetch a king's ransom. However, the Spurs have no leverage here. They could build around Justise Winslow and Tyler Johnson to stay at least somewhat competitive while having two decent-upside players. On the other end, Miami boasts a lineup featuring Goran Dragic, Josh Richardson, Leonard, James Johnson, and Hassan Whiteside. Tell me that isn't a defensive nightmare.

Trade Two:

Miami Receives: Kemba Walker

Charlotte Receives: Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters

This would be the more practical option. For a soon-to-be-rebuilding club in Charlotte that is going to essentially be an "everything must go" blowout sale, this deal ain't half bad. They will get an expiring contract (assuming the 2019-2020 option is declined), with Goran Dragic who they could still flip at the trade deadline. They also will receive a lights-out scorer in Dion Waiters who has practically no room in Miami anymore with the emergences of Richardson and Wayne Ellington, with the return of Dwyane Wade. In Charlotte, Waiters will have the greenest of green lights and should run the show next to Dragic.

Whether or not Pat Riley is interested in Walker or Leonard remains to be seen, however expect the Godfather to try his damn hardest to reel one (or both?) to Miami.

[johnstone1987]

Re: SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle

I AM A HUGE FAN OF THIS!

KEEP IT GOING MAN! AWESOME READ!

[ronyell]

Re: SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle

[bryan3169]

Re: SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle

April 18th, 2018

Andrew Wiggins on must win Game 3 in Utah: "I just came out with the thought that if we lost tonight it was it. I felt offended when they had Joe Ingles checking me one on one. That anger fueled me and I went to work. Drove the lane with ease, got any shot I wanted. Losing KAT early in the fourth just made us hungrier...him and Thibs fired us up on the sideline and we took off running on the offensive end. Jeff (Teague) picked up some slack and Dieng showed up big time on the defensive end."

Paul George on Russell Westbrook's playoff performances: "Russ is always a guy that is never satisfied with what he does. He tries to outdo himself night in and night out. You can see Portland panicking on the defensive end when he has the ball in his hands. Dame can't check him, CJ can't check him and they've tried so many assignment switches and he's un-checkable and Russ will tell you even after two back to back triple doubles he still says it ain't enough....he challenges us all even after big performances like tonight he'll still come up to me and be like PG, good game but it could always be better."

Pacers coach Nate McMillan on poor shooting night from 3 point land and questionable foul calls: "We shot ourselves out of the gym tonight. 31 attempts from behind the arc, 6 makes...that's just inexcusable, not going to beat LeBron and company just giving them the ball back because we are trying to shoot ourselves back into the game. Another thing that took us out this game, we apparently sent Kevin Love to the line 15 times! I don't even think one of our players checked him that many times...a bunch of phantom calls tonight for sure."

Max Kellerman on the 76ers: "The Philadelphia 76ers are one game away from sweeping the Milwaukee Bucks. First off the city of Philadelphia is having one hell of a year. The Sixers are showing that the Process that they have been preaching for years is no joke and that they have emerged as a legit threat to LeBron's consecutive Finals run. Embiid is playing like he deserves the title of best center in the game and he dominated Henson and Maker as he should. But the match up that has stood out to me night in and night out is Robert Covington vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo. Covington has challenged Giannis on the offensive end and has come up quite successful through these first three games, with big game performances from Redick and Saric alike, not even Giannis having big night can get them over the 76ers. LeBron and the Cavs better have their eyes open for Phily cuz they're coming!!!"

Stephen A. Smith on the Knicks coaching carousel: "Another year, another Knicks coaching search. The Knicks have had more coaching divorces than the Kardashian's have ruined careers! Jeff Hornacek is another coaching casualty who in my opinion had no business being hired in the first place. The Knicks always hire a coach who the GM wants, they never hire the guy that New York needs! Since 2010, that's 8 seasons they have a playoff record of 5-10 and since 2010 have given the title of head coach to 5 different individuals! In my opinion that is blasphemous! For the sake of Knicks fans and for the sake of his job, I hope Scott Perry goes and hires a guy that deserves a job, Go interview Mark Jackson for god's sake, Jerry Stackhouse deserves a look, hell some people feel Jason Kidd was fired unjustly in Milwaukee, I hear he's looking for a new job. Stop settling for someone else's throwaway like the Hornacek's and Mike Woodson's of Knicks need to be forgotten years. The Knicks fans deserve to see this team get it right for once for suffering through all these years!"

[cormag001]

Re: SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle

April 18th, 2019

Report: Tension, Conflict Brewing Inside Warrior’s Locker Room

By: Shams Charania

I know you guys know the story, so I won’t bore you with it. But if you’ve been under a rock and need a refresher, the 2015-16 season saw the Warriors put together the winningest regular season ever, only to suffer one of the most heartbreaking Finals losses in NBA history. The following offseason, they essentially returned their entire core from that year while also adding a superstar to their growing arsenal of weapons. The Warriors had literally redefinined the term “superteam”.

Let’s flash to January 6th, 2017.

On this particular night, the Memphis Grizzlies were paying a visit to Oracle Arena. Memphis had already hosted the Warriors once this season, dominating them en route to a 110-89 victory. Everyone around Oracle had a feeling that the Warriors would up the energy for their second matchup – after all, they weren’t just going for a championship. This team was going for complete domination of the league. So while yes, it is just a January regular season NBA basketball game, it was clear from the tip that the Warriors were putting forth some extra effort.

As the game went on, it was obvious the Warriors weren’t going to just roll over this pesky Grizzlies team. The Memphis backcourt put together a magnificent defensive performance – holding the “best shooting backcourt in NBA history” to a combined 8-28 (29%) from the field and 3-14 (21%) from three. A “jumpshooting team” would have been finished with those kind of numbers in the backcourt. But the Warriors silently prided themselves on being able to win in other ways.

With 42 seconds to go, holding a 111-109 lead, it appeared the Warriors might be able to do just that. Klay Thompson had just pulled down a massive offensive rebound that would allow the Warriors to eat into the clock and get a good look at a game-sealing shot. Klay pulled down the rebound and gave the ball to Draymond,Green, who then passed it to Steph on the perimeter to set up their final play.

But Kevin Durant wanted the ball.

After a brief moment of negotiation, Steph reluctantly passed the ball off to KD.
Draymond Green was irate. It was almost as if he knew what was coming next. Standing in the corner with his hands on his knees, Draymond watched as Durant took Zach Randolph off the dribble and attempted to launch a three pointer as the shot clock expired.

He missed.

Draymond held nothing back during the ensuing timeout. TV cameras captured him pulling Durant aside, pleading with him to do something different. The discussion was not brief – each of them went back and forth a handful of times before dapping each other up before play started again. On a championship team, it’s easy to dismiss this as merely competitive fire. Draymond just wanted to win, and he was just trying to help Durant get to that point.

While this public instance was nearly a year and a half ago, Bleacher Report has learned that these altercations between Draymond and KD have become more and more frequent, and often times never come to a resolution or understanding.

A text received from an unnamed source inside the Warriors’ locker room tells us tensions have skyrocketed without team leader Steph Curry on the court.

“The team just isn’t the same without Steph. He keeps the team together. When things aren’t going well, he brings us all together. KD doesn’t have that same leadership quality… it’s real concerning for the future.”

According to multiple reports, things may be boiling over after the Warriors Game 2 loss vs the Spurs – a game which saw Durant shoot 28 times and the Warriors fall into a 2-0 hole. Depending on who you ask, the source of the issue is different. It seems both Durant and Green have blame to bear. But the subsequent result is clear – this Warriors team is neither as good nor happy as years past.

At this time, it would be unfair to speculate about the future of the Warriors. But one thing is for sure – they’re going to need to dig out of the hole they’re in. If not, it may be a wild offseason in the Bay Area.

“We need Steph back. Bad.”

[ronyell]

Re: SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle

April 18th, 2018

With Curry & McCaw sidelined, Kerr plans to start Iguodala over Livingston in Game 3 at Oracle. Kerr - "We need more play making and space so I'm doing what I think is best. You guys are gonna make a story outta anything that happens with us anyway."

Brian Windhorst reports that sources confirm Durant, Draymond issues stem back to last season. Windhorst - "A lot of times you hear stories and have to question their validity. This just simply isn't one of those times."

Amidst rumors that he is a target for the Orlando Magic coaching job, NBA TV's Brent Barry says that he has heard nothing from the Orlando Magic and that he has no interesting in coaching at this time.

Joel Embiid: "Hell yeah i'm routing for the Cavs! What would be better than matching up with them? I'm pretty sure Ri Ri would take notice then. And Ben getting to go head-to-head with Lebron. That's good for the league."

Marshon Brooks to be released by Grizzlies just weeks after being signed. The NBA is also expected to suspend Brooks as charges involving possession with the intent to distribution have come down on Brooks.

Wade County Mayor Dwayne Wade has reportedly told Spoelstra to bring him off of the bench. Spoelstra made the decision to start Wade in the series against Boston but as they quickly went down 0-2, Wade spent more time with the 2nd unit in Game 3 as the Heat picked up a much needed win.

Bulls' John Paxon says that he is "very interested in DeMarcus Cousins". The Bulls have a lot of cap space coming available next season but have had a hard time garnering attention from solidified stars as of late, Dwayne Wade aside.

[ronyell]

Re: SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle