Re: The Golden Era | A Golden State Warriors Dynasty (NBA 2K20)

[marshdaddy]

Game 6 IG and Recap

Spoiler

[studbucket]

Yikes for Chicago. Their fans can't love this trend of blowing 3-1 leads. Rough game by Stokes, but now we have a thrilling game 7.

[marshdaddy]

Game 7 Recap and Social

Spoiler

[studbucket]

Man, Stokes had such a rough game and Aiden Lucas had some interesting minutes. What a comeback and what a disaster for the Bulls.

[marshdaddy]

[marshdaddy]

[kibaxx7]

Congrats on another ring, man!! Still going strong? One more in the tank?

[marshdaddy]

Much appreciated! One more season in the tank, or title? Certainly at least one more season, don’t see this story wrapping up just yet. One more title? Not sure. League is loaded and this roster isn’t getting younger. Way too reliant right now on Rolle and Dixon to carry everything.

Sent from the Operation Sports App

[marshdaddy]

[marshdaddy]

2035 NBA Draft Guide (to hit character requirements)

[marshdaddy]

Offseason moves pretty quick with my goal of hitting everything in one week chunks, so if you aren't able to get to the flurry of content right now, things will slow down next week.

[marshdaddy]

[trekfan]

Wowzers, lots to catch up on — I need to be better at keeping up. *ahem*

Picking up 2031 free agent period … man, your article work is top-notch. Again, all credit to you for continuing to do it and doing it well. Great to see the Warriors win it all once more, been a long couple of years for that group.

Cade Cunningham to the Suns is a fun move, Dallas fans have got to be pissed the Mavs couldn't figure out how to sign him. Mobley to Portland is surprising but what a great haul via sign and trade the Warriors got. Love that draft pick stash. Don’t love the Dallas signing of Shumpert (I feel like Luka is destined to just have to carry that franchise forever). Lakers doing Laker things, grabbing a young great player to pair with their fresh draft pick.

Not sure who the Warriors should keep between Briggs, Blackman, and Morris — but I think Morris is likely to move. Impressive start to the 31-32 season at 10-0, great win against Phoenix. I didn’t have Cleveland beating this team to end the streak, but board man (Cam Sullivan) gets paid.

Sad to see Portland and New York get bit by the injury bug. New York’s window of contention might be done with Trae and Zion. Incredible winning streak for the Warriors at 37-4 (!?!?!) halfway through the year. Looks like Dallas’ Shumpert signing has worked out better than I thought (we’ll see how it goes in the playoffs).

Holy crap is Jevon Rolle on another level — 83 and then 98 points?! He very much earned that MVP, it better have been unanimous, lol. Best record in the league, massive scoring output and highlights — legit.

First round of the playoffs in the West went about as expected — the Reign had good defense, just no offense to keep up with the flamethrowers the Warriors have. The East was crazy, though — the Nets upsetting Cleveland is huge. Feel like the second round is gonna be all chalk, but we’ll see.

Ugh, Wizards choked in the semis. That’s doubly awful because it’s a division opponent, too, they aren’t gonna live that down easily. GS vs PHX, BOS vs ORL, two good matchups but the Warriors have to be the overwhelming favorite.

I’m not surprised GS won as easily as they did but Orlando getting back to the Finals was a surprise — really thought Boston was the better squad. Feels like the script writers are handing GS the Finals here, but we’ll see.

WHEW, Orlando scared me after the first two games, but shooters shoot and BOY did the Warriors shoot their way back to a title. Impressive win, had Orlando faced anyone else out West I think they might have won — I really underestimated them, they might be a team to watch going forward.

Offseason, 2032: Draft lottery was crazy, what a pull by the Clippers, has to be extra nice to steal that from your cross-town rivals. A lot of wings in that lottery went, gonna be fun to see how they all develop. Good to see Luka finally leave Dallas, but I think he waited four years too long — Memphis ain’t gonna do much I feel, playoffs sure but not far. The Lakers are up and coming — a big year from any of the youth there will make them legit contenders.

2032-33 regular season: Oof, tough start for the Warriors (4-3) but it’s early yet, not worried. Lakers look legit. The East looks fierce with TOR, NY, ORL at the top.

Midseason update: New York has fallen off a bit out East (the Bulls are legit?!), meanwhile the West is shaping up nicely — Warriors are crushing it, as I expected once they adjusted to the shorter bench. Possibility we see the Dixon brother duel in the playoffs is enticing.

2033 playoffs: The West shook out more or less how I thought. The East was all over the place, what a competitive year for that conference, they arrived at where I thought they might, but the journey was wild. The play-in was a huge success (yes, the Pelicans won and that’s great). I got GS, PHX, POR, and Utah advancing (Utah’s Dixon is an inferno).

Out East, I feel like TOR, ORL, NYK, and WAS win, but honestly wouldn’t be shocked if others did — just that kind of conference.

Round 2: The West went as expected, I can’t believe the Knicks and Wizards did me like that out East — show up before you’re down multiple games, huh? Jeez. I expect the GS to advance in 6 or 7, the Suns to win in about that as well. The East … should be Toronto and Orlando, but that conference is very competitive.

Conference Finals: The Warriors really got taken to the brink and Phoenix swept Portland — advantage Suns? We’ll see. Nets vs Magic in the ECF should be a good one, wouldn’t surprise me if both these series went 7. I think we see a rematch in the Finals.

Finals: PHX didn’t show up in the WCF, what a dominant performance by GS. Orlando did great. This series was closer last year than I thought but the Warriors have some magic going right now. Might be a 4-1 series win for GS.

… And the Magic didn’t take a single game. Devastating loss for that squad, I think big changes on the horizon for them.

2033 offseason: The Warriors killed the draft with that trade with the Pelicans (love it for GS, hate that deal for the Pels — think they’re gonna regret it, but we’ll see). Sully signing with MIA is a great move for the Heat, I like that pairing with Ja Morant. ORL and POR keep it together, which I expected (Magic have really gotten unlucky with their Finals matchups, they need more but the core they have is a good one).

Didn’t expect the Kings to trade for CLE Sanders, didn’t realize they were that serious. Didn’t see Harrell leaving GS either for NOLA of all teams (he and Ruffin must have been quite tight).

MIL getting Luka is a shocker. I don’t know if Luka makes the contenders, but it certainly raises the floor of the team — that Memphis journey for him is mercifully over, but not sure he gets a ring before his career ends.

2033-34 regular season: The Pacers are good. Like, really good in the first 20 games or so of the season — let’s see where they are at the end of the year, I’m not a believer yet. The East is uber-competitive again. Anyone from 1-11 could surge and make the playoffs. The West has some early favorites, no surprise to find the Warriors there, but I am surprised to see the Spurs still hanging around … feel like SA is just holding a spot for the Suns or Rockets at this point.

NOLA trading Ruffin already is just hilarious — this franchise is mismanaged in every 2K it seems, lol.

Ugh, Knicks trading Trae … it was time. Young to HOU is an interesting move and maybe Young can be the veteran voice to elevate these guys.

Tough injury of Swift with Boston — that’s major. Celtics may need to get active at the deadline to keep their season good.

Welp, after 60ish games it appears the West has shook out mostly as expected — minus the T’Wolves being that good, I feel like I can’t name a single dude on that team. The East is still super-competitive, but this definitely looks like a passing of the torch for some new blood in the postseason — the Knicks and Wizards appear to be on the downswing, soon to be out of contention for postseason play. I expect they’ll blow it up over the summer (I would).

End of the regular season and yeah, wow, the Raptors and Heat are in the dance out East as the Celtics and Pacers fall to the play-in. The West had some surprises as well — that deadline deal the Lakers did looks smart, the Suns barely beat out the Wolves for the 6th seed and now Minny is gonna be playing for its playoff lives in the play-in.

2034 playoffs: Sad Utah didn’t make it the 8th seed, I think the Pacers might upset the Nets.

Round 1 results were exciting, might be the best first round in years. Hats off to the Pacers for making me look good — they smell like a team of destiny. I got GS in 6 vs LAL, SAC in 7 vs PHX, IND in 7 vs CHI, and MIL in 6 vs ORL. I think we’re gonna see some new blood out East in these next Finals.

Round 2 results were WOW. I thought GS would win it! LAL coming back wasn’t on my bingo card. Luka failed again out East, a disappointing end — not sure how many playoff runs he has left in him, that Bucks window is short. This may be the Magic’s year, they’ll never have a better shot — take out the Pacers and whomever makes it between LAL and PHX, you got a great ring.

Ah, looks like it’s PHX vs ORL … not surprised the Lakers fell off, I feel like beating GS was their Finals. Orlando has THE best shot at a ring here — fail and that’s Tatum’s legacy in all likelihood.

And … it’s the Magic. Finally, after nearly choking it. Damn, what a win for a team and a franchise desperate for one. Phoenix is the bridesmaid AGAIN.


2034 offseason: Lots of storylines throughout the league and the draft was very, very important. LAC got Boston and the Clippers may actually be on the way to … solid? Free agency was a lot, honestly no idea who comes out of that for the best. The league feels very fluid right now, may be looking at an era of parity this next season.

2034-35 regular season: And we’re back — congrats on making the move to 2k25, I really like it, too. Anyways, wow, the Raptors look like CHUMPS for trading Justice (Nico Harrison was involved in this universe in this trade, right?)

20ish games in and, wow, the Bulls are at the top of the East. Looks like Chicago made the right pick — Milwaukee might be falling off. The Heat could very easily be regretting that Morant acquisition.

The West is led by nearly every California team (minus the Clippers, cause Clippers). Phoenix has started slow but I won’t be hitting the panic button till we get to January, they’re a veteran team.

Not sure about that Warrior trade, a steep price to pay for a good bench player. Think GS should have kept their powder dry.

January is here and looks like PHX figured it out. Minnesota has, again, shown itself to be a good regular season team but I don’t believe in them (too many playoff failures with this core). Out East, the Celtics have found a groove, the Magic look okay (but not great). Looks like the Wizards are back to their Wizards ways, sigh.

Trade deadline looked eventful. Minnesota got their elite big some help, we’ll see how they integrate. Like that PHX trade for Harrell — dude was a key title winning piece not long ago.

55 games in and the Sonics are atop the West — hello 1990s, it’s been a minute! I need a Seattle/Thunder series ASAP in the playoffs please, generational hate would be unleashed. MIN seems to be struggling to integrate their new star, but they’re hanging in there. PHX looks one losing streak away from being out of the playoffs.

In the East, it’s the Bulls still leading the conference — might be their year. I’m impressed with Boston. The 4-6 seeds shouldn’t be comfortable, one of those I feel are gonna get overtaken by Orlando or Cleveland before the season is out.

Final standings and the Sonics/Thunder series won’t happen unless they meet in the WCF — pressure. Great season by both teams, though. GS falling to the 5th seed is unfortunate for MIN, they are NOT the team I want to see in round 1. The play-in should be fascinating.

In the East, it’s Bulls on parade — feels like a wire-to-wire best record in the conference season for them. I’m surprised Orlando or Cleveland didn’t make a run at the end, maybe they’ll get the better of someone in the play-in, but I’m not particularly confident — then again, playoff basketball is a whole ‘nother thing.

2035 playoffs: The play-in was crazy. Utah, man … tough. I’ve never seen the Jazz win it all in the 2k25 sims, no matter the era. Round 1 predictions as follows — SEA in 5 over PHX, OKC in 6 over SA, SAC in 6 over LAL, GS in 7 over MIN. In the East, CHI in 5 over MIA, ORL in 7 (upset pick) over BKY, IND in 7 over CHA, BOS in 6 over MIL (sorry Luka).

Round 2 — welp, none of my upset picks hit, which is why I don’t gamble, lol. I think this is where the Warriors bow out — SEA in 6 over GS, OKC in 7 over SAC, CHI in 6 over MIL, CHA in 7 over BKY. Let’s see if I have better luck this round, feel like the Bulls might be team of destiny this year; then again, maybe they just had good matchups so far.

Conference Finals — shocked Seattle lost that. Really shrunk in the moment but they’re a young team. I think OKC downs GS here. I think the Bulls down the Nets as well, both series going at least 6.

WOW, can’t believe the Warriors pulled it off — after those first two games, I figured OKC’s size was going to dominate (I love dominating the boards with my teams, lol). But GS shot their way back in and the pressure got to OKC — like Batman, it seems like the Warriors always have a plan for whatever you throw at them. In the East, Chicago did as I expected. GS has gotten this far, it’s donzo for the Bulls — I think the Warrior are the team of destiny this year, lol.

OH, those Finals. Chicago has to be sick.

Offseason, 2035: I think Kuminga is gone (veteran that matters a lot, but that contract is an albatross); with the amount of Wings available, I think GS needs to take a flyer on a younger one, sign to a cheaper deal, and develop them.

Draft lottery results — Chicago, nice consolation prize. What an asset to use to draft an important piece or trade for an immediate veteran difference maker.

Draft night and the Raptors grab a great wing prospect at one (I like the big, personally). Detroit gets a guy that will be appreciated for his defense in that town (Ben Wallace, call up the youngin and give him some tips). The Bulls kept the pick (for now?) and grabbed a Harrison Barnes type (he reads that way to me). I like it, no need to upset the pecking order that got you within a win of a title. ORL seems to have drafted a Tatum replacement (or someone else) but they desperately needed that youth.

Warriors get some solid pieces in second round, but they need moves in the trade market/free agency to really reinforce this roster.

[Pharcyde82]

Man. Its been a minute. I need to backtrack and catch up.

[marshdaddy]

Wowzers, lots to catch up on — I need to be better at keeping up. *ahem*

Picking up 2031 free agent period … man, your article work is top-notch. Again, all credit to you for continuing to do it and doing it well. Great to see the Warriors win it all once more, been a long couple of years for that group.

Cade Cunningham to the Suns is a fun move, Dallas fans have got to be pissed the Mavs couldn't figure out how to sign him. Mobley to Portland is surprising but what a great haul via sign and trade the Warriors got. Love that draft pick stash. Don’t love the Dallas signing of Shumpert (I feel like Luka is destined to just have to carry that franchise forever). Lakers doing Laker things, grabbing a young great player to pair with their fresh draft pick.

Not sure who the Warriors should keep between Briggs, Blackman, and Morris — but I think Morris is likely to move. Impressive start to the 31-32 season at 10-0, great win against Phoenix. I didn’t have Cleveland beating this team to end the streak, but board man (Cam Sullivan) gets paid.

Sad to see Portland and New York get bit by the injury bug. New York’s window of contention might be done with Trae and Zion. Incredible winning streak for the Warriors at 37-4 (!?!?!) halfway through the year. Looks like Dallas’ Shumpert signing has worked out better than I thought (we’ll see how it goes in the playoffs).

Holy crap is Jevon Rolle on another level — 83 and then 98 points?! He very much earned that MVP, it better have been unanimous, lol. Best record in the league, massive scoring output and highlights — legit.

First round of the playoffs in the West went about as expected — the Reign had good defense, just no offense to keep up with the flamethrowers the Warriors have. The East was crazy, though — the Nets upsetting Cleveland is huge. Feel like the second round is gonna be all chalk, but we’ll see.

Ugh, Wizards choked in the semis. That’s doubly awful because it’s a division opponent, too, they aren’t gonna live that down easily. GS vs PHX, BOS vs ORL, two good matchups but the Warriors have to be the overwhelming favorite.

I’m not surprised GS won as easily as they did but Orlando getting back to the Finals was a surprise — really thought Boston was the better squad. Feels like the script writers are handing GS the Finals here, but we’ll see.

WHEW, Orlando scared me after the first two games, but shooters shoot and BOY did the Warriors shoot their way back to a title. Impressive win, had Orlando faced anyone else out West I think they might have won — I really underestimated them, they might be a team to watch going forward.

Offseason, 2032: Draft lottery was crazy, what a pull by the Clippers, has to be extra nice to steal that from your cross-town rivals. A lot of wings in that lottery went, gonna be fun to see how they all develop. Good to see Luka finally leave Dallas, but I think he waited four years too long — Memphis ain’t gonna do much I feel, playoffs sure but not far. The Lakers are up and coming — a big year from any of the youth there will make them legit contenders.

2032-33 regular season: Oof, tough start for the Warriors (4-3) but it’s early yet, not worried. Lakers look legit. The East looks fierce with TOR, NY, ORL at the top.

Midseason update: New York has fallen off a bit out East (the Bulls are legit?!), meanwhile the West is shaping up nicely — Warriors are crushing it, as I expected once they adjusted to the shorter bench. Possibility we see the Dixon brother duel in the playoffs is enticing.

2033 playoffs: The West shook out more or less how I thought. The East was all over the place, what a competitive year for that conference, they arrived at where I thought they might, but the journey was wild. The play-in was a huge success (yes, the Pelicans won and that’s great). I got GS, PHX, POR, and Utah advancing (Utah’s Dixon is an inferno).

Out East, I feel like TOR, ORL, NYK, and WAS win, but honestly wouldn’t be shocked if others did — just that kind of conference.

Round 2: The West went as expected, I can’t believe the Knicks and Wizards did me like that out East — show up before you’re down multiple games, huh? Jeez. I expect the GS to advance in 6 or 7, the Suns to win in about that as well. The East … should be Toronto and Orlando, but that conference is very competitive.

Conference Finals: The Warriors really got taken to the brink and Phoenix swept Portland — advantage Suns? We’ll see. Nets vs Magic in the ECF should be a good one, wouldn’t surprise me if both these series went 7. I think we see a rematch in the Finals.

Finals: PHX didn’t show up in the WCF, what a dominant performance by GS. Orlando did great. This series was closer last year than I thought but the Warriors have some magic going right now. Might be a 4-1 series win for GS.

… And the Magic didn’t take a single game. Devastating loss for that squad, I think big changes on the horizon for them.

2033 offseason: The Warriors killed the draft with that trade with the Pelicans (love it for GS, hate that deal for the Pels — think they’re gonna regret it, but we’ll see). Sully signing with MIA is a great move for the Heat, I like that pairing with Ja Morant. ORL and POR keep it together, which I expected (Magic have really gotten unlucky with their Finals matchups, they need more but the core they have is a good one).

Didn’t expect the Kings to trade for CLE Sanders, didn’t realize they were that serious. Didn’t see Harrell leaving GS either for NOLA of all teams (he and Ruffin must have been quite tight).

MIL getting Luka is a shocker. I don’t know if Luka makes the contenders, but it certainly raises the floor of the team — that Memphis journey for him is mercifully over, but not sure he gets a ring before his career ends.

2033-34 regular season: The Pacers are good. Like, really good in the first 20 games or so of the season — let’s see where they are at the end of the year, I’m not a believer yet. The East is uber-competitive again. Anyone from 1-11 could surge and make the playoffs. The West has some early favorites, no surprise to find the Warriors there, but I am surprised to see the Spurs still hanging around … feel like SA is just holding a spot for the Suns or Rockets at this point.

NOLA trading Ruffin already is just hilarious — this franchise is mismanaged in every 2K it seems, lol.

Ugh, Knicks trading Trae … it was time. Young to HOU is an interesting move and maybe Young can be the veteran voice to elevate these guys.

Tough injury of Swift with Boston — that’s major. Celtics may need to get active at the deadline to keep their season good.

Welp, after 60ish games it appears the West has shook out mostly as expected — minus the T’Wolves being that good, I feel like I can’t name a single dude on that team. The East is still super-competitive, but this definitely looks like a passing of the torch for some new blood in the postseason — the Knicks and Wizards appear to be on the downswing, soon to be out of contention for postseason play. I expect they’ll blow it up over the summer (I would).

End of the regular season and yeah, wow, the Raptors and Heat are in the dance out East as the Celtics and Pacers fall to the play-in. The West had some surprises as well — that deadline deal the Lakers did looks smart, the Suns barely beat out the Wolves for the 6th seed and now Minny is gonna be playing for its playoff lives in the play-in.

2034 playoffs: Sad Utah didn’t make it the 8th seed, I think the Pacers might upset the Nets.

Round 1 results were exciting, might be the best first round in years. Hats off to the Pacers for making me look good — they smell like a team of destiny. I got GS in 6 vs LAL, SAC in 7 vs PHX, IND in 7 vs CHI, and MIL in 6 vs ORL. I think we’re gonna see some new blood out East in these next Finals.

Round 2 results were WOW. I thought GS would win it! LAL coming back wasn’t on my bingo card. Luka failed again out East, a disappointing end — not sure how many playoff runs he has left in him, that Bucks window is short. This may be the Magic’s year, they’ll never have a better shot — take out the Pacers and whomever makes it between LAL and PHX, you got a great ring.

Ah, looks like it’s PHX vs ORL … not surprised the Lakers fell off, I feel like beating GS was their Finals. Orlando has THE best shot at a ring here — fail and that’s Tatum’s legacy in all likelihood.

And … it’s the Magic. Finally, after nearly choking it. Damn, what a win for a team and a franchise desperate for one. Phoenix is the bridesmaid AGAIN.


2034 offseason: Lots of storylines throughout the league and the draft was very, very important. LAC got Boston and the Clippers may actually be on the way to … solid? Free agency was a lot, honestly no idea who comes out of that for the best. The league feels very fluid right now, may be looking at an era of parity this next season.

2034-35 regular season: And we’re back — congrats on making the move to 2k25, I really like it, too. Anyways, wow, the Raptors look like CHUMPS for trading Justice (Nico Harrison was involved in this universe in this trade, right?)

20ish games in and, wow, the Bulls are at the top of the East. Looks like Chicago made the right pick — Milwaukee might be falling off. The Heat could very easily be regretting that Morant acquisition.

The West is led by nearly every California team (minus the Clippers, cause Clippers). Phoenix has started slow but I won’t be hitting the panic button till we get to January, they’re a veteran team.

Not sure about that Warrior trade, a steep price to pay for a good bench player. Think GS should have kept their powder dry.

January is here and looks like PHX figured it out. Minnesota has, again, shown itself to be a good regular season team but I don’t believe in them (too many playoff failures with this core). Out East, the Celtics have found a groove, the Magic look okay (but not great). Looks like the Wizards are back to their Wizards ways, sigh.

Trade deadline looked eventful. Minnesota got their elite big some help, we’ll see how they integrate. Like that PHX trade for Harrell — dude was a key title winning piece not long ago.

55 games in and the Sonics are atop the West — hello 1990s, it’s been a minute! I need a Seattle/Thunder series ASAP in the playoffs please, generational hate would be unleashed. MIN seems to be struggling to integrate their new star, but they’re hanging in there. PHX looks one losing streak away from being out of the playoffs.

In the East, it’s the Bulls still leading the conference — might be their year. I’m impressed with Boston. The 4-6 seeds shouldn’t be comfortable, one of those I feel are gonna get overtaken by Orlando or Cleveland before the season is out.

Final standings and the Sonics/Thunder series won’t happen unless they meet in the WCF — pressure. Great season by both teams, though. GS falling to the 5th seed is unfortunate for MIN, they are NOT the team I want to see in round 1. The play-in should be fascinating.

In the East, it’s Bulls on parade — feels like a wire-to-wire best record in the conference season for them. I’m surprised Orlando or Cleveland didn’t make a run at the end, maybe they’ll get the better of someone in the play-in, but I’m not particularly confident — then again, playoff basketball is a whole ‘nother thing.

2035 playoffs: The play-in was crazy. Utah, man … tough. I’ve never seen the Jazz win it all in the 2k25 sims, no matter the era. Round 1 predictions as follows — SEA in 5 over PHX, OKC in 6 over SA, SAC in 6 over LAL, GS in 7 over MIN. In the East, CHI in 5 over MIA, ORL in 7 (upset pick) over BKY, IND in 7 over CHA, BOS in 6 over MIL (sorry Luka).

Round 2 — welp, none of my upset picks hit, which is why I don’t gamble, lol. I think this is where the Warriors bow out — SEA in 6 over GS, OKC in 7 over SAC, CHI in 6 over MIL, CHA in 7 over BKY. Let’s see if I have better luck this round, feel like the Bulls might be team of destiny this year; then again, maybe they just had good matchups so far.

Conference Finals — shocked Seattle lost that. Really shrunk in the moment but they’re a young team. I think OKC downs GS here. I think the Bulls down the Nets as well, both series going at least 6.

WOW, can’t believe the Warriors pulled it off — after those first two games, I figured OKC’s size was going to dominate (I love dominating the boards with my teams, lol). But GS shot their way back in and the pressure got to OKC — like Batman, it seems like the Warriors always have a plan for whatever you throw at them. In the East, Chicago did as I expected. GS has gotten this far, it’s donzo for the Bulls — I think the Warrior are the team of destiny this year, lol.

OH, those Finals. Chicago has to be sick.

Offseason, 2035: I think Kuminga is gone (veteran that matters a lot, but that contract is an albatross); with the amount of Wings available, I think GS needs to take a flyer on a younger one, sign to a cheaper deal, and develop them.

Draft lottery results — Chicago, nice consolation prize. What an asset to use to draft an important piece or trade for an immediate veteran difference maker.

Draft night and the Raptors grab a great wing prospect at one (I like the big, personally). Detroit gets a guy that will be appreciated for his defense in that town (Ben Wallace, call up the youngin and give him some tips). The Bulls kept the pick (for now?) and grabbed a Harrison Barnes type (he reads that way to me). I like it, no need to upset the pecking order that got you within a win of a title. ORL seems to have drafted a Tatum replacement (or someone else) but they desperately needed that youth.

Warriors get some solid pieces in second round, but they need moves in the trade market/free agency to really reinforce this roster.

Damn man I can't believe you went all the way back and read through all that. I appreciate the commitment. Your Pelicans comment on the Ruffin acquisition had me chuckling knowing what was coming down the pipe, and your assessment on the deal to begin with being bad for NOLA. I kind of forgot just how quickly they went from going all-in to get Ruffin and Harrell to saying "well that didn't work" and immediately trading him. The Pels be the Pels.

To break the fourth wall, I have a pretty consistent formula I make for trades to ensure it's realistic, and I'll factor in the GM grades to scale up or down. I aim to always make it harder for me to make trades even if it technically fits my formula, so I got lucky on the Pelicans deal but agree with you that I paid a pretty price to get Gardner last season.

I was really happy the Magic won it, but that series was insane. Nearly a 3-1 collapse by the Magic, but only because the Suns themselves blew a 19-point second half lead. That's an all-time series.

Beating the Bulls feels very much like the last gasp. Dubs are getting older and have such little depth, I don't see a future in which we win this season. We'd need a major overhaul but even then, I'm not convinced this roster is it pre-free agency. And that's not me trying to misdirect, honest assessment.

Man. It's been a minute. I need to backtrack and catch up.

I would commend your commitment as well! Trek gave a pretty damn good sparknotes version of everything honestly. If you picked it up from here, I'll always make subtle references to remind about some notable things that happen, so I wouldn't blame you for not wanting to go back that far haha

[studbucket]

Been off OS for a few days and I've got a smorgasbord of updates to catch up on. Here's some thoughts as I read through the post.

Draft Preview

1. BJ Banks sounds amazing. But will he have a ceiling because of his 6'2" size at SG. Will other teams take advantage of that regularly?
2. I love the coach and scout quotes. Great feature in the previews. Good job on that.
3. I love the idea of 6'7" PG Tyrell Perry. He's my long-shot I'm rooting for.
4. South Carolina's women's big pipeline finally rubbed off on the men, huh? Hopefully Ashe-Freeman can be as good as Wilson, Boston, and others.
5. I like the sound of Hector Ramirez a lot. He's my favorite top prospect now. Is he American? Puerto Rican? Mexican-American? I'm sure if he has a connection to a Central American/Caribbean country that community will fawn over him.

Draft Episode and Article

1. How does Swift's upside compare to Jaylen Justice? I can't help but think of the former Raptor.
2. How does the ceiling of Ashe-Freeman compare to Mack? I would love to see their matchup.
3. Whoa! Ramirez goes 3. I love him, but I know this is a bit of an upset as he was expected to be picked 5-10.
4. Alvarez is a weird pick. Not necessarily a bad player, but there were 2 All-NBA guys still on the board.

Where did Perry end up going? 2nd round? Undrafted?

[marshdaddy]

I agree on the Banks ceiling. His height could limit him, but he's at least got more strength than some of the 6-3 guards in the class. He's probably better fitting as a PG than a SG long-term. 

On the class itself, I'll give credit to CantFindBry on PS. He made the class, so he's giving the Gamecocks the love.

Perry ended up going to the Venom in the 2nd round, 49th overall. Probably not the best place for him. They have Jayden Bibbs and Isaac Knox, who are both 79+ overall. They have another PG who is better than him too (Perry is 70 overall), so he's unlikely to get minutes. 

Ramirez is originally from Honduras, but I adjusted that to be France so he can be in the World Cup in-game. I haven't gotten to a WC yet, so interested to see how that plays out.

I would take Justice over Swift. Swift has good potential, but Justice entered as a star already. Swift has more polishing needed to get to that level. Still a good starting piece (but a stunner to not take Ashe-Freeman considering he was mocked in-game as No. 1 in every mock (a complaint of mine of the game for another day)).

Mack is better than Ashe-Freeman. Mack is a better athlete and better with the ball in his hands. Ashe-Freeman could become a 35% shooter, but Mack is an on-ball creator unlike any other big in the game. He's not a paint-bound, back to the basket freak, though he can do it.

Hated the Alvarez pick personally, and was very surprised by Ramirez going there, but that's 2k for ya. Alvarez though just wasn't the right pick. I would've gone with Ward or Robertson, personally, but they're so damn stacked at every position it hardly matters right now.