Oh man, it feels like it’s been so long since I’ve done a thread announcing a project for 2k. Anyway, after a break away from the game for a bit, me and Dreece have decided to return to put together another project for you guys. We would like to present to you The League 2K22. I know that a lot of you are familiar with the League but with us being gone for a while, I am sure that many of you may not know that the League is:
Me and Dreece have been working on fictional draft classes for quite a while now and we have created a multitude of different players over those years. What we decided to do was take the different players that we have created over the years and compile a rosters of nothing but our own players. While that might sound simplistic enough, it is a lot more complex than it may sound. After assigning players to teams, we went back and made sure to add all the bells and whistles to make the League as legit as possible. That includes contracts, drafts, award winners, statistics… all of that so that to make sure the fictional league can feel as authentic as possible. Some teams are in a great place with a ton of young prospects ready to shine. Other teams are in bad situations with players with horrible contracts. Some teams are stuck in the middle…. Just like in real life.
As many of you know, Dreece is a wizard when it comes to tendencies and altering things under the hood so the entire League will have his edits throughout to ensure that the play on the court is authentic and where it needs to be. Of course a League is nothing unless there are good draft classes to come and we got you covered on that as well but we will elaborate on that in another thread. For now, enjoy looking at a spreadsheet I threw together that highlights the previous 13 drafts for the league as well as the current roster, statistics, standings and awards for last year. Please note that in the awards you will see the years 2019 and 2020 missing and that is because we took a break during those years so let’s just pretend the Earth stood still for those two years lol. Anyway, we will update you guys as we progress through this project but please remember that this is an EXTREMELY complex and lengthy process but we promise we will get through it. Feedback is welcome.
2k22 History of the League Spreadsheet
Oh and last but not least, before anyone ask about SimWorld… we are still good with Yellz and the SimWorld team. That’s our guy but he is working on some different projects unrelated to this one (keep an eye out for that).
The League Team Preview
Dallas Mavericks
Preseason Ranking: 30th
Last Year Record: 39-43 (9th in Western Conference)
Player to Watch:
C Jamaree Huntingdon/23 years old
17.4pts, 8.4rebs, 3.1asts, 2.4blks
Current Situation: Bad... Its very bad. At a glance, you might look at the Mavs record from last year and think "they're right on the cusp of making the playoffs, why are they ranked last in the league". Well, if PG Devon Richards decided to stay in Dallas they wouldn't be in such a bad place but he made the (smart) decision to bolt for Portland and team up with Nyrie Staples and DeAndre White to create the League's newest Big 3. Richards left a young Jamaree Huntingdon to be the new face of the franchise and I expect his numbers to take a big jump. With that being said, Huntingdon is on the last year of his rookie deal and unless the Mavs can show that they are willing to put better pieces around him, he maybe out the door as well. Outside of him, there are no real difference makers on this roster AND they are stuck with a terrible contract as they are paying a mediocre rebounding specialist (PF Akeem Gates) 20 million for the next two years. If they can get that contract off the books they would have plenty to sign a couple of big free agents next year but who the heck are they going to convince to come there? Taking over this squad is for the hardcore MyLeaguers only because this team will require a LOT of work.
Los Angeles Clippers
Preseason Ranking: 29th
Last Year Record: 22-60 (15th in Western Conference)
Player to Watch:
PF Ekpe Ococha/24 years old
21.3pts, 9.1rebs, 2.2asts, 1.0stls 1.7blks
Current Situation: I know after looking at that record you are probably wondering how anyone could be worse than them. Interestingly enough, the Clippers are in a very similar situation to the Mavs now. They got a stud big man that many people believe will leave for greener pastures following their rookie contract. They both drafted young small forwards (Clips drafted Isiah Morgan out of Kentucky while the Mavs drafted Marco Modena out of Italy) that will get the opportunity to contribute immediately. And they both have VERY low expectations. What I like better about the Clippers is that they have more intriguing young prospects. Second year PG Antonio Beal showed that he has the potential to be a long term starting point guard in the league and provided much needed defense in that backcourt. Archer Payne ended up being much better than expected averaging a strong 10, 6 and 6 while playing multiple positions. Naesean Howard was a disappointment as the 4
th overall pick four years ago but has become comfortable as a role player. The Clippers just don’t have enough firepower to make a push but if I am the GM of this time, I would try to lure at least one big free agent to LA (they have 30 mil to spend) and draft smart at the top over the next couple of years and maybe they can turn this thing around. Only time will tell.