NBA 2K25 - Bird/Magic to Current Era aka 2KERA

[JAY_D1]

Will be transitioning from 2K25 Dynasty stories inn the Game forum to over here..

This will span changes of the league with some story telling from 1983-current.. with a few surprises. All team control with a few things to look forward to/teams focused on.

Filling in some holes/ stories that I didnt post from the other forum... will transition next week to continue the story from the 2k25 franchise discussion I have going



Lets get it started:

Orlando and Minnesota? Your next!
NOVEMBER 1988

With Charlotte and Miami starting the year with NBA teams, Orlando and Minnesota are starting to get things started next year. “There is already talk of players looking to move from their situations for a better opportunity” stated an NBA official. Dee Sims, who moved from Philadelphia to Miami, is excited for his opportunity.


“Its exciting to join a new opportunity and grow. I’m also glad that I can live and work in Miami, that was a great choice” he stated before practice. There has been a few rumors that teams have already had discussions with players on their future as soon as last week.

“The plan is to have teams and players on one accord. Its for the teams to know and understand who they are protecting and also it prepares players to know what to do to prepare themselves.

[JAY_D1]

Re: NBA 2K25 - Bird/Magic to Current Era aka 2KERA

GLOBAL STARS TO TAKE OVER THE NBA?
JANUARY 1989

Matt Arana has been getting calls from his agent all week.

“NBA Teams are interested in when my contract is up. They loved what I was able to do against France and are excited to see more it seems” he stated after the FIBA Qualifiers against France. France had a stacked lineup with a few NBA stars like the Washington Bullets rookie Rudolph McFarlin. “Rudy can heat it up, but him, Clement Lemoine and Narek Khachatrian are a sight to see. “


Clement Lemoine is one of the top world prospects that NBA execs are hungry to get a chance at. “Lemoine looks to be a walking ALL-NBA 1st Teamer. I mean, Rudy is a 2nd Treamer and Clement makes him look like a rookie.” stated an NBA GM.

Many teams have been looking into European pros to add to their teams as it is seen that they are able to adapt faster. “They are already pros, it usually takes a guy outta college a bit of time to get where they need to be”

[JAY_D1]

Re: NBA 2K25 - Bird/Magic to Current Era aka 2KERA

MOVERS & SHAKERS: MAGIC AND TWOLVES
OCTOBER 1989

Timberwolves and Magic are now apart of the NBA, with Audie Norris as the first player selected by the Timberwolves. “Audie Norris thought he was going to stay in Barcelona, well vacation is over buddy”



Danny Schayes was also picked up in the expansion Draft, by the Orlando Magic for some veteran leadership in Round 2. “Schayes gives some of the players a mental advantage, keeping things in perspective’. Allen Leavell from the Rockets was chosen to the Magic as well for some championship perspective. “He has been there before, we need someone to show the level of preparation it takes to get to the NBA Finals.



Ed Oliver, a high school standout from Rancho Christian drafted in the late 1st round a few years ago was also selected. The Utah Jazz refused to keep him on the roster and left him unprotected for selection. “Ed Oliver story is a very frustrating one but he is still young.

Hopefully in Orlando he gets a chance and becomes a standout, but we always use his story for those in the McDonalds All American game.” Stated an unnamed NBA GM. Ed Oliver was drafted to the Los Angeles Lakers a few years back and was not signed by the team as they were using his rights for trade bait.


“The team was without Kareem and they knew they needed an experienced big to help their chances to win it again, not a high schooler”. Becoming a free agent that summer, the Utah Jazz sat with him and signed him to become their force in the paint. “The though t was that he would be able to turn into that monster that we needed but at times looked out of sorts with Malone and Stockton. He gets another chance with Orlando”

[JAY_D1]

Re: NBA 2K25 - Bird/Magic to Current Era aka 2KERA

NBA & FIBA FIND AGREEMENT ON TRANSFERS
MARCH 1990

The NBA and FIBA have been in discussions on how to be able to have an easier transfer between players from FIBA to NBA. The issue that the NBA has had was releasing players that were under FIBA contracts. The issue is that certain teams are under certain rules. Teams like Alba Berlin and Ulm Ratiopham are much easier to deal with versus a Real Madrid or FC Barcelona. “Certain teams were tough to release certain players from FIBA. Players from Madrid are about a two year wait before we are able to get them free of their contract.



Past agreements allowed FIBA to take almost a 40% of the players first NBA paycheck if he came from a team like Valencia. “Players that wanted to play in these tournaments that the Super League provided, would not even take calls from lower FIBA leagues. Players would be locked in for at least a few years making $ 5 million a year versus $600k for one year. There needed to be a leveling source.”

Players that sign with lower level FIBA teams like Limoges CSP may not make as much money but they have an NBA out and owe nothing to their teams. Those in the Super League teams will make almost 10x as much as their counterparts, 2 year minimum contract with a first right of refusal.



Now, prospective players that want that financial security for a few years can breathe easier as there has been an agreement of 25% as the max a players contract can be taken out. “This is used as our ROI. We will be missing out on a player that many loved, so it helps the organize find another player quicker. This will also speed up agreements on allowing prospective athletes to transfer rights from league to league. “What stopped many from coming to the US was the high tax. Now that the Salary Cap is getting higher, it helps cushion things” stated David Stern

[JAY_D1]

Re: NBA 2K25 - Bird/Magic to Current Era aka 2KERA

ONWARDS TO 1992: OLYMPICS ROSTER
SEPTEMBER 1990

Afterwards from a great showing against the world at the FIBA Worlds, we now focus our attention to the 1992 Olympics roster



US Basketball officials are still looking into strengthening the core of the team. “Playing against some of the next world stars was great. It also showed us that we arent as great as we thought” stated the USA GM. The team has also decided that Terry Cummings and Brad Daugherty will not make the Olympic squad.

“We had to make some changes to the team. They did amazing for us but I think its important that we realize who is good for us moving forward. There is a rumor that one of the main reasons was that Joe Dumars and them did not see eye to eye.

David Stern has also helped push for recruiting efforts, talking to Larry and Magic Johnson. “We want to put out a great product out there. We have a year and a half to get this team together. The Pan American Games are coming soon and it will show exactly where we are because those teams are bringing it”. Its also stated that the German federation cap has extended a passport to American born Matt Arana, Arana has been playing in the country as well.



“There are a lot of players on France and Germany as of late that are real scary. Rudy McFarlin of the Bullets looks like MJ once he puts that France jersey on” stated Dan Patrick of ESPN. Worldwide reports have been discussing a player by the name of Clemont Lemoine playing in France that people are saying is the best player in France. “Better than Rudy, and McFarlin is an All-NBA athlete!”. USA officials are looking into adding more veterans than 1st year/college players. “We need to put our best foot forward, so we will see what the Pan Am Games prove”

Short list includes: John Stockton, Chris Mullin, Scottie Pippen, MJ, Ethan McDaniels (HS senior/Oakland Commit), Ekpe Akwuegbu

[JAY_D1]

Re: NBA 2K25 - Bird/Magic to Current Era aka 2KERA

1991 NBA DRAFT: MARCUS ELLIOT & SHAQ STAYS, WHO DECLARES?
APRIL 1991

Marcus Elliot was ready to declare for the Draft until a few fellow Tar Heels players had a conversation with him. “They told me that its important to take time with my craft. Being ranked #40 on the Sporting News list isn’t the time to declare” he stated. He is slated to be one of the few college athletes apart of the 1992 Olympics Team.



Shaquille O Neal was slated to be apart of the early draftees list but personal news rocked his plans. “I have to gain my degree before I can even think of playing in the NBA. Its something I told my mother I would do” he stated. Kurt Graham, formerly of USC, has kept his name in the NBA Draft along with Keon Mitchell of Real Madrid. “A lot of these international players are going to come and change the scope of the NBA. It will be exciting” stated David Stern.

Colby Roberts, formerly of Tennessee, has been projected to be a player to look out for in the Sporting News Mock Draft. Him taking a few years in Turkey really helped shape him. The NBA is really a supporter of the European game to develop players” added Stern.

[JAY_D1]

Re: NBA 2K25 - Bird/Magic to Current Era aka 2KERA

1991 NBA FINALS: BULLS WIN, NOW WHAT?
JUNE 1991

Michael Jordan and the Bulls have won their first NBA Championship in 25 years. Now begins the next part of the season; The Offseason.



Magic Johnson showed exactly why he is one of the greatest with an amazing showing during Game 6 in Chicago, leading to a tight battle for the championship. “The Bulls are next up, every crown must be transferred and its their time” he stated right after the game.

After having 27 points closing out the Mavericks to win the west, Johnson had to put on another performance to even get close to the newly crowned Bulls. Now that the season is over, its time for the front offices to put on their sweatbands.



Neil Sargent is looked to be the next big thing to come out of Europe. Playing for the main Scottish league and from Barbados, Neil has been looked to being another All-NBA player. Sargent can be a leader, and has dealt with a lot of Europes strength” stated Jack Ramsey.

A lot of people are looking into Justin Dombrowski, who played in the Italian leagues from starting in the CBA a few years back. Stanley Roberts is a former LSU athletes that went to Europe because of ineligibility academically, but is looked to go later in the first round.

[JAY_D1]

Re: NBA 2K25 - Bird/Magic to Current Era aka 2KERA

MCDONALDS ALL-AMERICANS TO EUROPE?
OCTOBER 1991

Many basketball players grow up to become NBA players, some just don’t make it while others fight for their right to dream.



“A lot of these colleges are fighting to keep talent stateside. Its not just the NBA, its also FIBA” stated Verne Lundquist of CBS. Cesar Herrera, of Montverde Academy, has been courted by Argentina to play for their National Team.

If he so chooses to go to Argentina, then they will sponsor his application for FIBA. They are apart of the NCAA out clause, meaning if they accept a call up to any country that’s apart of the list, they are considered professional.



“A lot of high school players are weighing their options. Most arent ready for the NBA just yet” continued Lundquist. Other options are teams under the “FIBA Euro Elites”, where teams that are apart of this division have a fast track to the NBA. “There are a lot of kids looking for a one to two year learning stage that they will get paid.

Some may get 600k, but most get around 50k a year before they make the jump” stated Dan Patrick of ESPN. Most of these teams are filled with underachieving college stars priming themselves for the attention of NBA Scouts. “It really is the farm system of the NBA, just with connecting the draft into it”. Small teams like UNICS and Alba Berlin fit in this category.

[JAY_D1]

Re: NBA 2K25 - Bird/Magic to Current Era aka 2KERA

1992 NBA DRAFT: EUROPE & SHAQ IN THE MOCK DRAFT
JANUARY 1992

There is a growing distinction that Shaquille O Neal out of LSU will be declaring for the NBA Draft this summer, along with Alonzo Mourning



Damon Bush, top center from Florida, is looked to also take an offer from FIBA. “NBA scouts aren’t totally sure of his ability to play the position of Center. He needs a bit of fight that he doesn’t have just yet” stated Dan Patrick of ESPN. Gerardo Chavez, top junior PF from Duncanville High (TX) flirted with the idea of going pro after his senior year but just decided to commit to Gonzaga.

“Playing with Mo Thorpe will be fun, I think we can push Gonzaga to the top in all the years we will be there” he stated. Chavez teammate, Doug Doyle, has committed to Texas but still is thinking of the NBA. “The NBA is still on my mind, but scouts are telling me to focus on college basketball mainly he stated. College Basketball is back!



Melvin King, big man from Simeon (IL) has told reporters that he was likely to forfeit his college eligibility and go straight to the NBA. “Chicago breeds a lot of hoopers, I can make sure that I am that person that makes it out the city doing great. I have spoken to a few people about the idea and have gotten different opinions that I taking seriously”. Colleges like Ole Miss and Purdue have been waiting for his final decision.

[JAY_D1]

Re: NBA 2K25 - Bird/Magic to Current Era aka 2KERA

DAVID STERN: WE NEED A MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEM
MARCH 1992

FIBA and the NBA have been in a complicated relationship, with many prospective players trying to decide between the two. “It is very annoying, the applications for the Draft are a hard process”



FIBA has a two year bargaining agreement with the NBA when it comes to how they deal with transferring contracts. “FIBA asks for a lot more per two years, they understand that they have the infrastructure to build some of the best basketball athletes in the world.” Stated an NBA Western Conference GM.

The NBA is in the midst of working on creating their own minor league system to help with the overflow of great athletes. Many have asked “Will the cities that house NBA teams also house minor league teams?” and some have said that it will go to “different southern markets”.



The Continental Basketball Association, has been discussing working with the NBA for a very long time. David Stern has not been receptive to how they have supported the prospective players. “Those that go to the CBA aren’t really ready because they aren’t challenged. They go to Europe and get a dose of reality and it takes them a bit of time to get acclimated to that type of level”

[JAY_D1]

Re: NBA 2K25 - Bird/Magic to Current Era aka 2KERA

SUNS GOING CRAZY
APRIL 1992

Shelden Cartwright is playing some good basketball, USA Basketball officials have been excited to see it. “Shelden is looking to start the Olympics, we will have an interesting roster on our hands” stated the USA Basketball GM. He is looking to resign an even bigger contract with Phoenix, and wants to stay in town. “I’m feeling good!




The team is shaping up nicely! We just got Danny Ainge, so we are doing well”. Cartwright and the Suns are looking to be title contenders, along with teams like the Utah Jazz. “The Jazz are also a great team, you can never count them out.




The Suns rebooted their team, adding Tom Chambers as another scoring threat. “We are a championship level team, we just have to play like it” stated the Suns HC. Curtis Lucas, recently drafted to the team, has boosted the Phoenix Suns. “Look for them to be a tender in the West, things are really shaping up in Arizona” stated an unnamed NBA GM.

[JAY_D1]

Re: NBA 2K25 - Bird/Magic to Current Era aka 2KERA

HS PREPS – NBA TO BLOCK HIGH SCHOOL GRADS?
JUNE 1992

Jerome Walton of Glenbard West (IL) sits in the end of his schools gym for a photoshoot with 2KERA, discussing his recent choice of Arizona State. “The NBA is a mans league, they will show you that early on. I feel like I have to not only love the game, I have to obsess over it to get better. There are men fighting for their families out there, no playing around.”



FIBA has worked with USA Basketball to create the newly formed “Hoop Summit”, a collection of some of the best High school athletes versus the world best prospects. Some of these best prospects are also in the American High school system, like Henri Fredriksson of Oak Hill.




This game has been reflected to “provide a platform for the best young American talent to compete against international players, reflecting the growing global influence of basketball.” This game will also give those preps a look into how they fare against better and different talent, which can lead to interesting outcomes. “Kids are going to use that as a way to see if they can play in the NBA” stated one nervous NBA GM.


David Stern fielded questions during the 1992 NBA Finals Press availability on the issue. “We are aware of the ideas that many prep school players may want to consider their success in these All Star games to be a way for them to play in the NBA. I want them to also realize that many of those that made the jump had to be extraordinary to make it to the NBA roster. Take Edward Oliver for example” Edward Oliver was drafted late first round by the Lakers, which most looked as a replacement to Kareem Abdul Jabbar. “The team released him after contract negotiations, and it tokk him a whileto find his footing in the NBA”

[JAY_D1]

Re: NBA 2K25 - Bird/Magic to Current Era aka 2KERA

1992 DRAFT is DONE, WHO COMES NEXT YEAR?
OCTOBER 1992

Bulls repeat, US wins the Olympics and the Draft is finished. What player can teams look forward to declaring themselves Draft eligible?



Playing against Germany, the US saw how good of a player Matt Arana is. “People were quietly saying he could shake us up, but he got whatever he wanted” said Michael Jordan. Starting off in the USBL and then Europe, Matt Arana has quite the resume. “He has some good strengths as a guard, it will easily translate in the NBA”.

Canada’s Frantisek Horn is also someone that NBA teams will probably look into, doing amazing things for Canada against Spain in the Olympics. “Horn is an NBA player, playing in France and a lot of his game will translate over”



Michigan Chris Webber could be another person that many look into. “Webber is an athletic big man that will turn heads for a lot of teams” stated an Eastern Conference GM.

[JAY_D1]

Re: NBA 2K25 - Bird/Magic to Current Era aka 2KERA

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR, WAY TOO EARLY
DECEMBER 1992

The Chicago Bulls are looking to three peat, with MJ and Scottie battling it out for DPOY. “Our main focus isn’t the individual awards, its so that we can pour champagne at the end of the season” stated Michael Jordan.



Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson are also in the running for DPOY. “Whoever wins this award, will probably have a deep run in the playoffs. Hope I’m able to be that person” stated David Robinson.

MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEM

David Stern has talked to FIBA about working with a few select teams on a “minor league” system. “We want to utilize them for sending players to Europe for a year. Maybe second round draft picks get sent there, and then we will figure it out from there.” Stated Stern.



The FIBA President has stated that there will NOT be a link of FIBA and NBA in that matter, as it may also hurt other issues. “FIBA is its own entity, and should be respected as such. We appreciate the opportunity to work with the NBA in the current ways we do.” FIBA has rejected the proposals that the NBA has sent, citing the “lack of respect”. “We are not a Minor league system, nothing about us is “minor”.

[JAY_D1]

Re: NBA 2K25 - Bird/Magic to Current Era aka 2KERA

SHOWTIME LAKERS END? ALL STAR WEEKEND
FEBRUARY 1993

Magic Johnson has been holding on, with getting hit with a lot of injuries and an undisclosed sickness this past year.



Michael Cooper and him have been leading the Backcourt votes for the All Star, with Magic Johnson leading averaging 23.7 points and ten assists. “We still kicking it here, still strong” stated Cooper, averaging just under 20 points a game.



The Lakers aren’t as young as they were, but they still are a quality team. “The Lakers are going to need to develop some young talent because in a few years, you wont have remnants of Showtime on the floor” said David Alderidge of ESPN.

ASW 1993

Votes for the All Star Weekend will be tallied this weekend, and rosters will be drafted. Players like Karl Malone, Todd McDonald and El Hadi Nasri look to be top vote getters in the All Star Rankings. New players like Shaquille O ‘Neal are getting outvoted, and it’s a crazy situation where players have to work twice as hard to even make these teams” stated Alderidge. The normal picks Magic Johnson and MJ are usual standouts as well on the teams.