Nowhere to Hide. The Mike Hobbs Story

[kibaxx7]

Re: Nowhere to Hide. The Mike Hobbs Story

If we want to make an association last, this is the way to go.

[RMJH4]

Re: Nowhere to Hide. The Mike Hobbs Story

If we want to make an association last, this is the way to go.

Yes absolutely! Lots of simming, few games played, and fortnightly or monthly recaps. Being a GM helps with that too.

[RMJH4]

Around the NBA - January 1st 2001.

Around the NBA - January 1st 2001.

Eastern Conference Standings.





Western Conference Standings.





Scoring Leaders.



Rebounding Leaders.



Assists Leaders.



Steals Leaders.



Blocks Leaders.



Rookie Report.

[RMJH4]

Kidd Charged With Assault After Arrest.

Kidd Charged With Assault After Arrest.

January 1st , 2001.

A misdemeanor assault charge was filed against Phoenix Suns’ guard Jason Kidd after he was accused and arrested for striking his wife, Joumana, during an argument at their home Thursday night.

Arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday.

“There’s just a bad history here,” Joumana Kidd told police on a 911 call. “I told him this would be the last time, and he popped me right in the mouth.”

Kidd appeared alongside Phoenix Suns’ owner Jerry Colangelo and made a brief statement to reporters Friday.

“I love my wife. I love my family,” said Kidd, who was not in uniform for Friday’s game against Golden State. “This is a situation that is embarrassing to me, to my family, my friends and also to the Phoenix Suns. I apologize for that and at this time that is pretty much all I can say.”

In other news around the NBA:

Seattle Supersonic General Manager Wally Walker was noncommittal when asked if troubled point guard Gary Payton needed to be traded.

“In this business, anything is possible,” he said.

The Supersonics suspended Payton for Friday night’s game against Minnesota for “conduct detrimental to the team” after a Wednesday night loss to Phoenix. Seattle currently have the third worst record in the NBA and are currently on a four game losing streak.

Vince Carter, the leading vote getter for the NBA All-Star game, will not participate in the slam dunk contest in February.

Carter, last year’s slam dunk champion, told Stu Jackson, the NBA’s vice president of operations, that he didn’t feel he could physically do it.

Carter says he has a sore left knee, an injury that caused him to miss five games so far this season. The Raptors are currently in the playoff hunt in 8th place in the East, and Carter wants to improve on that position.

Out West the pace is being set by the Portland Blazers gang of elder statesmen, but that is not as surprising as seeing the current NBA Champions in 10th position in the West with a losing 16-18 record. Kobe has missed 8 games with an achilles sprain but things are still not rosy between himself and Shaq. Lakers could be looking at moving one of them before the trade deadline but that is still a long shot. Glen Rice who re-signed on a one year deal is most likely to be moved.

Hottest NBA Rumors at the moment:

Toronto Raptors looking to acquire Hakeem Olajuwon.
LA Lakers looking to acquire Christian Laettner, Horace Grant or Marcus Camby.
New York Knicks looking for frontcourt help.
Vancouver Grizzlies looking to add depth to chase #8 spot.
New Jersey Nets Stephon Marbury may be looking for trade again.
Washington Wizards looking to shed salary, Howard, Strickland and Richmond on the block.

[RMJH4]

Trade Alert.

Trade Alert.

[studbucket]

Re: Trade Alert.

Pretty wild seeing old man Stockton leading the league in assists, followed by Baron Davis! I didn't realize their tenures in the NBA overlapped.

[RMJH4]

Re: Trade Alert.

Pretty wild seeing old man Stockton leading the league in assists, followed by Baron Davis! I didn't realize their tenures in the NBA overlapped.

I know! Davis was starting to become a stud at this stage, and Stock is finished as regards a scorer, his numbers are almost identical here to his stats in real life. I'm shocked at how well this sim is working out! Took a long time to make the roster, and tonnes of time with myleague and sim settings to get it like this!

Had a panic earlier, went to open the game and steam had uninstalled it! Luckily after a half hour reinstalling all my files were still intact!

[studbucket]

Re: Trade Alert.

The work and dedication on the roster is worth it - I understand how much time it takes, but it helps so much when it comes to immersion and feeling connected.

[RMJH4]

Seattle Supersonics are for sale.

Seattle Supersonics are for sale.

January 2nd, 2001 | by nbcsports.com

Ahmad Rashad reports that the Seattle Supersonics are for sale. Interested parties please contact Barry Ackerley.

The NBA has reportedly been on the brink of buying the Sonics from their financially troubled owner Barry Ackerley for the past couple of weeks. Not wanting to see the team fall into financial disrepair or dumped in a fire sale, the NBA could buy the Sonics for a reported US$200 million (Dh 1.1 billion).

The NBA, where amazing happens. David Stern, the NBA commissioner, needs to stabilize the franchise so this could be the only option if they cannot find a prospective buyer quickly.

Thus far no buyers are known to have stepped forward, although The San Jose Mercury News reported last week that Larry Ellison, the software billionaire, had offered to purchase the Sonics but was put off by the purchase price quoted.

If Seattle fans are puzzled by the entire scenario, it could get worse. After May 1st the Sonics can opt out of their lease with the state-owned Key Arena if attendance fails to average 14,735 per game. They are currently averaging 14,086 this season in an arena that can hold 17,459.

Arnold Fielkow, the city council president and a former Seattle Supersonics executive, told the Seattle Times. "It would be a terrible loss for this community to not have the Sonics.''

Meanwhile, there is concern over who really is running the Sonics and how any major personnel decision would be reached before the NBA trade deadline. There are several employees in the front office now with the 'Interim' tag beside their names and it's expected the team will not make any major moves before the team ownership is sorted out. Wally Walker is the GM charged with navigating these muddy waters. Usually ownership has a clear idea of how they want to build or rebuild, but Walker has been stuck in no man's land the last few months.

If the Sonics cannot find a prospective new owner by a set date, when do they accept bids from other investors not interested in keeping the team in Seattle? It's presumed at that stage the NBA and David Stern would step in and buy the Sonics. Seattle is one of the largest TV markets in the US, and the league revenue would like to keep a team in that base, especially with the Vancouver Grizzlies relocating to Memphis this offseason already.

[RMJH4]

Knicks have nightmare January with Camby and Houston injuries, fall to 32-18.

Knicks have nightmare January with Camby, Houston injuries, fall to 32-18.



Sprewell splits the defense for an easy layup off Ward's assist.

February 1st, 2001 | by ESPN.COM

The New York Knicks had their worst run of the season as they went 6-10 through the 1st of February. They are still barely in 1st place in the Atlantic Division as they have the tie breaker over the surging Philadelphia 76ers. The Orlando Magic now lead the Conference with a 34-15 record led by Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady. The Bucks are a half game back as Ray Allen returned from his injury. Worringly for the Knicks is that they are now 1.5 games back from the Indiana Pacers in 3rd spot. The 76ers and Knicks who as we mentioned are tied for 4th place.

The Knicks had some very bad performances this month. Part of it was down to Allan Houstons groin injury sustained against the Clippers on Jan 5th. The Knicks started the month well with wins over Phoenix and the Clippers, and stayed in LA to face the Lakers without Houston. Michael Redd started in place of Houston, and was impressive on the night with 22 points. Kobe Bryant was taken aback by Redd's shooting prowess as he connected on 5 three pointers. It was an outstanding win for the Knicks despite Shaq dropping 48 points on the night.

But the 3 game win streak was about to stop abruptly. With Houston missing the next 6 games, the Knicks lost 7 games in a row. Most of these games were against playoff teams and were not entirely surprising. Utah did a number on the Knicks, like wise the Bucks, 76ers and Lakers. It was the losses to the Suns and Cavs that will worry Knicks brass more than anything. Sprewell has been an outstanding defensive leader, but his scoring was erratic in the 7 game run. The Knicks were outstanding defensively in every game, and only lost games by less than 7 points, several by 3 or less. It was scoring the ball that gave them problems.

Michael Redd was an able replacement for Houston, hitting 22 vs the Lakers.

Marcus Camby like Sprewell are excellent defenders, but scoring is not their strongest skill. With Houston out, the Knicks looked to 6th man of the year candidate Larry Johnson to fill up the boxscore. But Johnson struggled to maintain his good shooting numbers when his minutes increased over 20 throughout this stretch. Patrick Ewing had good and bad nights, and some ugly too. His best scoring night came against Luc Longley and the Suns when he hit 18 points. Ewing again at this stage is probably best suited to a bench role too.

But all was not lost for the Knicks. Houston returned in time to face the Raptors. He erupted with 33 points against Vince Carter and put a smile back on Van Gundys face. Sprewell backed him up with 24 points of his own, and it was suddenly business as usual for New York. Marcus Camby came up big with a block on Carter in the dying seconds, and the Knicks hung in for a vital win to stop the 7 game slide. Another comfortable victory in New Jersey followed with Houston again hitting over 30 points.

A victory against the Hornets in MSG was the icing on the cake for the Knicks who again had started a winning streak. Baron Davis was outstanding with 36 points, but the Knicks managed to contain Jamal Mashburn to 22 points. Jamaal Magloire the rookie center for the Hornets was impressive as he gathered 18 points and 22 rebounds on the night. But with the way things had gone so far this month, a turn in fortunes was around the corner again for the Knicks. When the Grizzlies came to town they were still in the playoff hunt in the West for the first time in a while, and were ready to do battle.

Mike Bibby and Shareef Abdur-Rahim have finally been hitting their stride this season and have the Grizzlies competing most nights. It's an amazing sight to behold and its also unfortunate for Grizzlies fans that they will be losing their team to Memphis next season. Othella Harrington and Marcus Camby got into several battles on the night, but Camby came off the worst of it. Camby fell awkwardly and sustained a high ankle sprain.

The Knicks or Camby never recovered from that as the Grizzlies pulled out a shock two point victory in MSG. Bryant Reeves who has been healthy for the entire season so far, had 11 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocks. Ewing struggled to contain him and Harrington in the 2nd half. If the Knicks struggled to contain Reeves and Harrington, Jermaine O' Neal was always going to tear the Knicks apart 3 nights later. O' Neal hit 42 points and the Pacers raced to an impressive victory. The Pacers pulled further ahead of the Knicks in the East with that victory. Now 5th in the East, Knicks GM Hobbs will have a lot of questions to answer. Can they hang in the playoff race with Camby out for another 4-6 weeks?

The Knicks bench that looked so deep earlier in the season was exposed badly this month. The starters Houston, Sprewell and Camby are vitally important for this team to succeed this season. Maybe it's time the Knicks cashed in some of their depth for some more production. Because this team as stands, may not have enough.

Here are the Knicks results from the last month.

[RMJH4]

Around the NBA - February 1st 2001

Around the NBA - February 1st 2001.

Eastern Conference Standings.





Western Conference Standings.





Award Races.

[RMJH4]

Chapter 7: A risk worth taking?



February 2nd, 2001.

"Hey Billy, Mike Hobbs here, how you doing?"

“Hey Mike, nice to hear from you again. I'm good. What's up?

"I think we can make a deal that will help each other out. I thought I'd give you a call to see what you need."

“OK I'm listening Mike. What's the starting point?”

"Well as you know Marcus Camby is out for 4-6 weeks since our game. We need to bulk up our frontcourt and I'm looking at some of your guys to do that. Now I've also noticed you could do with some of our wing guys."

“Yea you're right Mike. I can see a nice blend of some of your guys with our guys. So who are you really after on our roster?”

"Well I think you'll be surprised here, but Big Country is a guy I think can be the backup for Ewing we've been looking for. He's been healthy this season so far."

''That's music to my ears Mike. Didn't think I would ever hear anyone say that. But I like how he has been playing this year for us. That final two seasons at over 10 million doesn't look as bad anymore.''

"You're right. Kind of how I see Larry Johnson having a bounce-back year for us. Been amazing of the bench, injury history, two years at over 10 million remaining.."

“For sure man. But I'm not sure if we would do a direct swap. Isaac Austin is a solid center, but he would be our only one if we make this deal. I do like the idea of LJ coming off the bench and adding some shooting beside Shareef though. Is there anyway we could add in somebody like a Kurt Thomas or Chris Dudley?”

"Well Kurt is an important guy for us, but I understand your concern. I can give you both Chris and Kurt, but I'd need something else back. That's a lot of salary with those two guys. Actually what about Felton Spencer?"

“OK decent guy, and some good names in there. I think we can come up with some combination. Just a quick enquiry though, what would it take to get Chris Childs? We need some depth behind Bibby and Dickerson., Chris could fit in very nicely.”

"I see. Chris has been very solid off the bench for us alright. I wouldn't be too happy to see him go. It will need to be a good offer. Like if you take Dudley off us, I could possibly put Chris in. But If I'm being honest, I'd like a draft pick. If we come up with a nice trade, I can definitely see you guys making the playoffs, so would you go Top 5 protected first round pick?"

“Well I'll need to think on that one. Based on our past history we can't really give that away. High chance we implode and drop into the lottery.”

"So lets forget about salaries for the moment then Billy. I want Bryant Reeves and a Top 5 protected draft pick, and you want a combo of LJ, Childs, Kurt Thomas or Dudley. Is that anywhere near acceptable?"

“ Not far off I'll be honest. If we were to add Chris, LJ and Kurt, I really like our playoff chances. Salary wise you'll need to take somebody else from us though.”

"I know. Who you willing to give up? Kevin Edwards your backup point guard?."

“Well just looking at my spreadsheet here. In order for us to pickup Childs, LJ and Kurt, we need to give you Bryant, Kev Edwards, Othella and maybe Doug West.”

"I see, what do you think of that for value? We get one of your starters, and you get our 3 best backups, all 3 can and have started games for us this season. If you give up a first rounder we can do this right now."

“I really want to make the playoffs this year, so I think I'll do it Mike. I'll try and run it past the owner. Thanks, I'll ring you back later on.”

"Always a pleasure Billy."

[RMJH4]

Grizzlies and Knicks agree to Major Trade.

'Big Country' in the 'Big Apple', Knicks and Grizzlies agree to major trade.

February 2nd, 2001 | by nbcsports.com

Ahmad Rashad reports that the New York Knicks and Vancouver Grizzlies have agreed to a major shake up of both rosters. In the seven player deal the Knicks will receive Center Bryant Reeves, Forward Othella Harrington, and Guards Doug West and Kevin Edwards. They will also receive a top 5 protected 2001 first round draft pick. The Grizzlies receive 6th man of the year candidate Larry Johnson, Combo Guard Chris Childs and Center Kurt Thomas.

Essentially the Grizzlies gave up one injury plagued center in Reeves, a first round pick for three starting caliber players from the Knicks. At first glance this seems like a terrible trade for the Knicks. But we could be wrong, GM Mike Hobbs has proved to be a shrewd operator in deals to date, so we decided to look further into the pieces involved in the trade.

Vancouver Grizzles:

F - Larry Johnson.

Johnson has reinvented himself this year with a role off the bench for the Knicks. LJ's shooting from 3 point range will be an excellent addition to the Grizzlies as they look to open up the paint for Abdur-Rahim and Bibby to run pick and roll. Johnson has been scoring a respectable 11.4ppg and grabbing 7.4rpg this season. Great move for the Grizzlies here.

C /F - Kurt Thomas.
Thomas has been a forgotten man in New York. With Marcus Cambys full time move to Power Forward, Thomas' playing time was cut this year. Thomas has mainly played Center for the Knicks this year but in very limited minutes. Thomas can play, and if he gets the opportunity to start in Vancouver, we could see the best of him.

G- Chris Childs.
Childs could be the best player in the deal. While Mike Bibby and Michael Dickerson are undoubtedly the starting backcourt for the Grizz, having Childs on the roster now means a really strong 3 man rotation in the Grizzlies backcourt. This added depth could propel the Grizzlies into the top 5-6 seeds in the West.


New York Knicks:

C- Bryant Reeves.

Reeves was the #6 pick in the 1995 NBA Draft for the Grizzlies. He was supposed to be the building block for the expansion franchise, but injuries have followed him around for the past few years. Now supposedly healthy, Reeves has been starting center for the Grizz this year. He has scored a respectable 11.1ppg and pulled down 9.2rpg. At 290lbs Reeves could certainly add some much needed girth to an almost anaemic Knicks front line. If this works out, Ewing could slide to the bench and play 20 minutes a game, that would make the Knicks very dangerous.

F- Othella Harrington.
Harrington like Reeves is a meaty 252lbs. A real bruiser of a power forward, he should fit right into Jeff Van Gundys coaching style. He will probably start at power forward until Marcus Camby returns. Solid player who has scored 11.0ppg and grabbed 7.2rpg so far this season for the Grizz. Could be a steal for the Knicks.

G - Doug West.

West has been the primary backup for Michael Dickerson this year. He can shoot the ball very well, and is a tough defensive player. Will have a fight on his hands for playing time, with Allan Houston and rookie Michael Redd using up most of the minutes at the two. May play some small forward to offset the loss of Larry Johnson.

G - Kevin Edwards.

Edwards has been Mike Bibbys main backup this season. He has started a dozen games but has not been particulary impressive. Will have his work cut out to gain traction with his new coach, as the impressive Chauncey Billups moves into the backup point guard role behind Charlie Ward.

Grizzlies Top 5 protected 1st Round Pick.

Based on what the Grizzlies have just acquired, this pick is due to land in the 14 -18 range. Should not end up anywhere near the top 5, so this was a safe bet. Knicks GM Hobbs will most likely combine it with the Knicks own pick to try and move up in the draft this summer.

Advantage - Grizzlies.

Grizzlies get the slight advantage here with the trade. Gaining three viable starters should push them into the playoffs. Reeves was never going to do that so it was well worth the risk. The Knicks needed to bulk up their frontline to go to war in the playoffs. But have they bulked it up too much with Reeves and Harrington?!

[RMJH4]

Knicks Trade for Glen Rice.

Knicks trade for Rice, make second deal of the day.

February 2nd, 2001 | by cbssports.com

In the space of about 6 hours, the New York Knicks have retooled their roster. The Lakers have finally shed malcontent Glen Rice, and with it they add to their bench depth. The Lakers and in particular Phil Jackson have had enough of Rice, and were willing to do anything to get him out of Los Angeles. The Lakers have had a poor start to this season, partially due to Kobe Bryant missing a couple of games, but also because of the team chemistry issues.

Rather than move on either Shaq or Bryant the Lakers brass have decided to move Rice, whom they re-signed on a 1 year $7,578,900 deal as Rice couldn't find the deal he wanted on the free agent market this summer. But what do the Lakers get in return from the Knicks? We have an in-depth look below.

LA Lakers Receive.

C - Chris Dudley

Dudley is hardly the most prized asset here, but he will give Shaq some much needed rest. May play some Power Forward sparingly. Big brute who will rebound and fight for possesions.

G - Doug West
West hadn't even packed his bags to leave Vancouver, when his agent got the phone call to say he had been moved again. West will be a smart spot up shooter in the Triangle Offense for the Lakers. He seems like a much better fit here than in New York. Can shoot the mid range and 3 pointer very well. High IQ player.

G- Eddie House.
House was highly regarded by Knicks GM Mike Hobbs, but has not made the impact he was hoping for so far. This may be a bit too early to give up on House, but with Redd and Billups playing so well, the Knicks felt comfortable moving on. House can be a Derek Fisher clone for LA. Tough fighter and fantastic shooter. Should fit the triangle perfectly too.


New York Knicks

F- Glen Rice

Rice seems like he will take up Larry Johnson's spot as the 6th man for the Knicks, but I really hope Mike Hobbs has talked to him about it first. In theory Rice could be an excellent 6th man for the Knicks accompanying Michael Redd, the Knicks could have one of the better shooting benches in the league. But will we see a repeat of Rices antics in LA?

C - Stanislav Medvedenko

The young Ukrainian center has only just joined the Knicks this offseason, despite having been selected in the 1997 draft. The 21 year old rookie has barely earned any playing time behind Shaq and Greg Foster. Don't expect much more in New York.

Trade Winner - Lakers.

Addition by subtraction. Removing Rice could allow Rick Fox to excel again. Jackson and Co don't have to deal with Rice moping around, that's the Knicks problem now. Dudley will provide depth in the frontcourt, but the real steal is Eddie House. He could provide all the shooting Rice did, but without the drama.

[RMJH4]

Trade Alert.

Trade Alert.