NBA2K Remix: Retro Stars in the Modern Era

[trekfan]

System/Game: PC/NBA 2K20
Mode: MyLeague
Rosters: Official 2K (as of March 20th, 2020)
Sliders: Shady Mike’s with slight adjustments to progression and major adjustment to contracts (I prefer a sane contract level in the league, circa 2015/16 or so) -- injury frequency set to 34, severity to 35. Will adjust as needed.

Quarter Length: 10 Minutes
Sim Quarter Length: 12 Minutes
Sim NormalIzed Minutes: On


This was done simply because, in playing this game for weeks at a time, I found my pace really was high and I put ALOT of points on the board. I don’t mind that at all aesthetically, but I wanted some tense defensive battles mixed in there as well and I found that 8 minutes or so really is a sweet spot — might bump that slightly down or up depending on things going forward.

Draft Class:


I’m doing something new for me this year, we’re taking this league into a wacky direction — we’re going to be using historic draft classes, starting with Bird/Magic in 1979. I will taking over whichever team lands on Bird; normally I’d run with a guard (personally, my playstyle suffers some having to go through a non-LeBron wing, lol) but this time I’m going Bird to do something different and try to build a successful modern squad around him.


Future draft classes will also be historically based — we started with 79 and we’ll make our way up the classes from there (so 80, 81, 82, 83, 84— Jordan baby — are down the line). This will aid in keeping the league interesting, while also adding in future challenges; once Jordan gets here, things could go VASTLY different than I (or anyone) expects.


After 84 I may dive back and bring forward Wilt/Russell, or even older legends (Could Mikan still function in today’s league?), or grab the 96 class (Jordan and Kobe playing against one another for most of their careers sounds very appealing — or perhaps joining forces …). It’s up in the air, but I wanted to establish the league off the 79-84 classes first. We’ll see what happens.


I expect Bird and Magic will keep both their teams competitive, so they won’t end up tanking for super-good draft picks (unless they get injured, sim gods be kind). We’ll have to see if their front offices can manage trades to snag some future picks, an underrated part of their NBA careers is how shrewd those Lakers/Celtics front offices were.

Season Length: 82 Games
Regular Season Rules: 20-24 played, rest simmed.
Playoff Rules: 2 playoff games (randomly determined by number generator, one must be in first four games) per series.



2 games allowed in NBA Finals (randomly determined by number generator, one must be in first four games)

Playoff Format: 7-7-7-7
Injuries: On (Frequency for both CPU and User at 34, effects at 35)
Progressive Fatigue: Off (seems to be too much this year, so I've taken it off -- with chemistry and injuries still on, I anticipate the league will be fine, but will adjust accordingly as we go).
Team Chemistry: On


Chemistry effects, for both the team and player morale, are turned WAY down. They really made it hard to keep a whole happy team this year at the default settings.

CPU Trades: Off
CPU Trade Approval: Off
Trade Override: Off
Control: 30 Teams, CPU automation for lineup/coaching tasks on every team but my primary; total control otherwise (roster moves, drafting, free agency, etc). No one goes to the G-League, as that place ups the the overalls of players far too fast.

Welcome to my newest dynasty thread! My last one, NBA 2K Retro: An Alternate New Millennium was great fun until I stupidly deleted the file and ruined weeks of work … *sigh*


HOWEVER, this has allowed me to pursue another idea; taking a second crack at my Rebirth concept from last year (retro legends re-enter the modern league), we’re doing that again this year but with some notable differences:






1. We’re not combining them all into one class, avoiding the league being flooded with talent.




2. We’re not combining them with future classes, like 2020 or some such. We’ll be using the 2K provided historical classes, with some edits by me to help the legends play in a more modern game. Notably, better durability (because we’re here to see these guys play, not get injured all the time), younger ages (18-20, so they’re like modern prospects in that respect), and slight bumps to 3pt shot and conditioning (like 5-10, max, some of the players 2K has rated like they’re trying to get down the court on one leg with an anchor tied to them).




3. We’ll be following the careers of these guys on whatever squads they end up on — primarily, I’ll be following Bird (and by extension Magic), as we’ll be catching up with them, but as some of the notable retro guys make their way into the starting lineup, we’ll take a peak at them. 2Ks historic classes aren’t anywhere close to complete, so if there’s a guy you want me to look at (or otherwise attempt to create/find/add into the draft classes), let me know.


Bird and Magic (and by extension the other retro legends) will also have the ability to fully embrace free agency — losing situations likely won’t be tolerated, so if their teams can’t win, we could see them on the move joining new squads or perhaps each other (prime Bird and Magic on the same team? It could happen depending on how things go).




4. There’s no “oh, super cool treatment makes people younger” story here: the story is the NBA itself (there will be many articles, I’ve got some nice one at the ready), these historic classes are just another group of kids to the NBA with a lot of expectations on them. We know how their careers played out in the first go around, now we can see how it plays out in the modern day (Magic versus Lonzo? Bird versus LeBron? Yes, please).




All that said, we begin in the summer of 2020, right after the Finals — a recap of that is right after this.



As always, any and all comments are welcome. I hope you guys enjoy.

[trekfan]

Re: NBA2K Remix: Retro Stars in the Modern Era

The High Post: 2019-20 Recap
By Sam Gray






Awards:

































Final Standings:























Retirements:








Rule Change:







The NBA has decided to scrap conferences in the playoffs and go to a 1-16 format — the best teams will reach the Finals, regardless of what conference they play in, and each conference will get 8 teams. It marks a major change to how the NBA has done its playoff format in the past, but the league is moving forward and introducing some much needed variety (and strategy) into the playoffs — now every round won’t feel like a long wait to the Finals, every round will mean something more.



The Lottery:








The Knicks had the greatest odds of the #1 overall pick and the basketball Gods punished them for their many transgressions (not the least of which is that whole mess with Spike Lee — the dude just wants to come in through the same door as he always has, come on man) as New York once more misses out on the top pick.



It has to watch the Spurs grab the first overall pick (for the third time, San Antonio being awful happens once a generation and they get a number one pick at about that rate) and the Suns land number two. Who the Spurs will be taking isn’t a mystery to many in the NBA as they’ve had their eye on Larry Bird.



Gregg Poppovich is still mulling whether he’ll retire from coaching or not, but with a chance to coach Bird, why not sign up for another tour?



For Phoenix, the one position they’ve tried (and failed, and failed, and failed, and failed) to solve has been point guard; the Suns traded Steve Nash and the basketball Gods have made any point guard after him be on Phoenix for a short time. The Suns now have a chance to pair Magic Johnson with Booker and Ayton, in a no-brainer move even they couldn’t screw up.



The only question is where Rubio ends up because Phoenix don’t need him any more. I hear Miami is nice this time of year.

[dfsJunkie]

Re: NBA2K Remix: Retro Stars in the Modern Era

Ohhhh this is interesting. I thought Bird was actually drafted a year before Magic, so I'm curious what the draft class looks like?

The Knicks won't catch a break until Dolan sells the team lol

[studbucket]

Re: NBA2K Remix: Retro Stars in the Modern Era

You're back quickly! I thought it'd be a month for you to prep new content Looking forward to the craziness that happens here.

[trekfan]

Re: NBA2K Remix: Retro Stars in the Modern Era

Ohhhh this is interesting. I thought Bird was actually drafted a year before Magic, so I'm curious what the draft class looks like?

The Knicks won't catch a break until Dolan sells the team lol

He was drafted in 1978 technically but didn't play till 1979 (he stayed for his final year in college). Since Bird and Magic played in the same rookie season, I just added Bird into the 1979 draft. A creative liberty but one I feel is warranted.

You're back quickly! I thought it'd be a month for you to prep new content Looking forward to the craziness that happens here.

Yes, I am, I spent a lot of time yesterday setting up this (global pandemics leave me with so much time now) and I'm in the 2020 offseason. I'm just going to keep posting as I go along (so as not to get too far ahead), so this thread will be updated as I move forward.



Lots of fun to be had -- the draft went well (that write up coming later) and I'm in free agency now, plotting out where the various people are going. Nothing too crazy so far, though some notable veterans have new (if temporary) homes.



I'll be taking command of the Spurs, as they've landed Bird, so I've got some moves plotted out for them.



Stay tuned.

[studbucket]

Re: NBA2K Remix: Retro Stars in the Modern Era

I'll be taking command of the Spurs, as they've landed Bird, so I've got some moves plotted out for them.

My 1979 NBA landscape is a bit rusty...but is Ice Man on that Spurs team? Because Ice Man + Bird = WOW.

[trekfan]

Re: NBA2K Remix: Retro Stars in the Modern Era

My 1979 NBA landscape is a bit rusty...but is Ice Man on that Spurs team? Because Ice Man + Bird = WOW.

Retro Stars + Modern Era, so no Gervin or anyone else from the late 70s are currently in the league (though I may import their draft classes down the line).


I'm taking those retro draft classes and using them with current day rosters -- so Bird will be teaming up (potentially) with Aldridge, DeRozan, Patty Mills, etc currently on the Spurs.



Magic will be teaming up with Ayton and Booker (scary) on the Suns. We'll be seeing how these retro stars adapt to the modern teams and their modern ways, but I expect many will do well.

[trekfan]

Re: NBA2K Remix: Retro Stars in the Modern Era

The High Post: Pop Heads Upstairs

By Sam Gray



The San Antonio Spurs — one of the most consistent, established franchises in the history of all sports (not just the NBA) — has watched as key pieces of the Spurs continued success leave the organization. First it was Duncan, then Manu, then Parker, then Leonard (whom will likely always be viewed with mixed emotions by the Spurs faithful), and now the last piece has moved on up to the executive suite.



Gregg Popovich is stepping down as head coach of the Spurs, effective immediately.



“I’m too old to keep up with the travel and the schedule,” said Pop at his retirement press conference — flanked by Spurs ownership and past players. “This year was a tough year for everyone here and it was time for me to go; we need fresh ideas and fresh blood.”



The Spurs won’t be totally rid of Pop however; he won’t be stalking the sidelines of the court anymore, but he’ll still maintain his role as president. “Consider me like a professor emeritus, except I’ll actually work,” joked Pop.



The Spurs didn’t waste time conducting a coaching search or even entertaining one; Popovich already knew his replacement and it wasn’t a name many thought about.



“I’d like to introduce the new head coach of the Spurs — hopefully for a long time — Jamal Vanderbilt.”







The slim cut Jamal Vanderbilt is a player development coach and one of the Spurs key assistants, and has been for many years, but few pegged him as the successor to Pop.



“Obviously, I can’t replace Gregg Popovich. No one can,” Vanderbilt stated. “What I aim to bring is the same level of passion, professionalism, and consistency as Pop. I don’t take this duty lightly and I don’t believe it will be easy. We missed the playoffs for the first time in over 23 years and we have a good pick in the draft. The table is set for us to do big things this offseason to get this organization back on course.”



Names such as Tim Duncan and Becky Hammon were batted around for the HC position, but ultimately Pop and the Spurs brain trust settled on Vanderbilt.



“We considered and spoke with many candidates internally, we wanted to allow for all possibilities, but JV was my gut feeling,” said Pop.



Jamal Vanderbilt first came to the Spurs 13 years ago as and undrafted rookie who landed a one year deal with San Antonio — he blew out his knee in the preseason, ending his career, but the Spurs honored the contract and let him finish the year with them.



“I spent a lot of time rehabbing, watching film … with my knee gone, I needed a direction and Pop was good enough to give me a chance,” said Vanderbilt. “He helped me find a second career and I’ve been here ever since, working different jobs, whatever is asked of me. It’s helped give me a great sense of what everyone’s job is and how to approach things.”



Hammon and Duncan will both stay on, Duncan as lead assistant coach (he reportedly turned down the head coaching job, not feeing ready for it), and Hammon as what Popovich describes as “Vice President of Basketball Operations — she gets to do the hard work when I’m too busy sipping wine”, a promotion for both.



Vanderbilt, Duncan, Popovich, and Hammon will form one of the more enviable brain trusts in the NBA.



“I think we’ll be fine,” said Popovich. “We’ve got a good group of people here, a good amount of experience, and after this last year … well, we can only go up from here.”

[kibaxx7]

Re: NBA2K Remix: Retro Stars in the Modern Era

Good luck trek. MJ's Bulls made me like basketball, but then it was Manu's Spurs who made me really love it. When Manu retired, I felt like I had to start supporting another team. Hopefully you can guide them back to the top.

[trekfan]

Re: NBA2K Remix: Retro Stars in the Modern Era

Good luck trek. MJ's Bulls made me like basketball, but then it was Manu's Spurs who made me really love it. When Manu retired, I felt like I had to start supporting another team. Hopefully you can guide them back to the top.

I caught the tale end of Jordan as a kid (SpaceJam was my intro to him and the 1997-98 seasons are fondly remembered), the early 2000s were really when I got into the league.



But, historically, the modern NBA first came into the nation's consciousness when Bird and Magic got there; with everything on hiatus and everyone stuck inside, I've had time to go back and watch some of those Bird/Magic duels, plus other games (the NBA's classic game library is woefully limited, but Youtube has plenty of old footage).



I was amazed at how damned good those two were, playing in a league that hadn't quite grown comfortable with the three point shot, but you could see flashes of the future in Magic's team (Seven second or less), Bird's (a very Spursian Beautiful game with all the passing on that team), and I became really intrigued at the idea of importing those two (and other classic stars) into the modern league.



Bird is a classic Spurs player, IMO; not super athletic (but sneaky athletic), very smart, quick thinker, lightning reflexes, and someone who just loves basketball and the fundamentals of it. I think he's going to fit in well.


The Spurs, as an organization, I have always stayed away from in 2K (boring uniforms, usually really consistent for a long time) but with the IRL Spurs definitely not making the playoffs this year (even if the NBA was playing), I figured now would be a good time to jump in with a changing of the guard.



I've also modded in some fun alternate uniforms (one in particular I absolutely love), to freshen up their look a bit. I won't be rebanding anyone (I'm on PC, I can just mod them easier) and I'll probably stay away from expansion teams (I just don't care to keep up with them).

[RMJH4]

Re: NBA2K Remix: Retro Stars in the Modern Era

Typical darn Knicks, #1 odds and end up picking #5!! Like the Idea of Larry with the Spurs though, suits him quite well personality wise. Pop would be crazy to leave now! He will sit back in his chair upstairs a bit like Riley did with Spoelstra, I have a feeling this is not the last we see of him on the sidelines!!

[trekfan]

Re: NBA2K Remix: Retro Stars in the Modern Era

Typical darn Knicks, #1 odds and end up picking #5!! Like the Idea of Larry with the Spurs though, suits him quite well personality wise. Pop would be crazy to leave now! He will sit back in his chair upstairs a bit like Riley did with Spoelstra, I have a feeling this is not the last we see of him on the sidelines!!

Maybe -- Pop could make a power play and come back, but I feel like he's ready to pass the torch. I see him less like Riley and more like Red Auerbach with the Celtics; he's plenty happy to step downstairs and offer advice to whomever needs it, but he wants to take on the challenge of running the organization from on high.



We'll see if Pop is as shrewd in the front office as he was on the sidelines.



And yeah, the Knicks luck is straight bad -- I tried to help them in free agency but there wasn't a lot of good fits, so New York will be punting again. Their draft pick at that spot isn't bad though. Draft recap to come soon.

[trekfan]

Re: NBA2K Remix: Retro Stars in the Modern Era

The High Post: 2020 NBA Draft Recap

By Sam Gray






Like other draft nights, 2020 was a wacky and wild affair — filled with as many boos as cheers, the NBA’s faithful welcomed in a new class of players to join the NBA family. But before we talk about the new family members, let’s talk about old ones that decided to move away after getting in a drunken argument with your aunt at Thanksgiving and accusing her of being an exotic dancer in a past life.



Let’s talk about the guys who got traded by teams who claimed they wanted them.







So long DeMar and welcome back DeMar! DeRozan and the Spurs have spent the last two years together as jilted lovers; San Antonio lost Kawhi and sent him as far away as possible (Canada), DeMar watched the team and city he loved ship him to Texas. Both the Spurs and DeRozan watched as Kawhi led Toronto to a title, then come back down south to do the same with the Clippers, and it was time for their rebound relationship to come to an end.



The Spurs trade DeRozan back home — the only place he would agree to a contract extension with — and the Raptors welcomed him back with open arms, realizing they traded a longterm love for short-term gratification … though they’d do it 100 times out of 100 because RINGZ. The Raptors sent away Anunoby and Normal Powell, plus a 2nd (they reportedly wouldn’t offer a 1st) for DeRozan and young Derrick White. The Spurs free up cap space and have a classic 3-D wing in OG, whom they plan to start at SG. Powell will be that classic Spurs microwave scorer off the bench and spot starter.



Toronto gets back DeRozan, who will instantly provide them with a scoring upgrade at SF and Derrick White isn’t a bad player at all — he should fit in just fine in Toronto, especially playing next to a more accomplished backcourt mate in Kyle Lowry.







The Spurs weren’t done yet either — Rudy Gay got the “go home, it’s over” treatment as well as the Spurs sent him back to Memphis to provide that young team with a veteran presence off the bench (and on an expiring deal to boot). The Spurs shipped off Lonnie Walker to do it (a prospect who hasn’t seen much playtime in SA and likely would be a distraction, what with his tall hair blocking the view of the court for the people directly behind the bench).



In return, Memphis ships off a lightly protected 2022 1^st round pick (the Grizzlies are betting they’re not far away from playoff contention and the Spurs are betting they are) and Winslow, who wasn’t bad off their bench last year but whom definitely wanted a bigger role than what Memphis was asking — in SA, he has a good shot of getting that role.



The Grizzlies sent off Grayson Allen (he tripped three people leaving the team) to the Bucks (way against the cap) for DJ Wilson (hold that towel and get me a Gatorade) and a 2021 2nd rounder; Allen will at least have a chance at being useful in Milwaukee.







Buyer’s remorse set in for the Suns, Jazz, and 76ers after last year’s free agency and so all three teams decided to trade each other the things they didn’t like anymore. Utah unloaded Mike Conley (and his ugly one year deal) to Philly and got back Rubio (who fit in much better with the Jazz than Conley ever did). In return, the Suns received Al Horford (and his bloated remaining 3yrs on his deal) and prospect Zhaire Smith (someone Phoenix very much wanted). The Suns have the money to blow and Horford will be an upgrade at the PF spot, better than any they could have gotten in free agency really; it’s a steep contract but it will in its final year in two years, so Phoenix may be able to flip Horford again.







Finally, the T’Wolves unclogged some of their wing depth and sent Josh Okogie to the Rockets for Bruno Caboclo (two years away from being a solid backup), and two unprotected 2nd rounders. Houston desperately needed some youth and could fit Okogie into their overclogged cap sheet (that Eric Gordon deal looks ROUGH), whereas the T’Wolves get rid of a player who wasn’t playing well for them (Okogie shot only 37% last year) and was likely going to see even less of a role next season.







And now, the draft. At the top was Bird and only ever was Bird — years from now, there will be a debate on whether Larry Bird really deserved that top spot. After all, when was the last time a white player was taken first? It’s just unheard of in the modern NBA, but San Antonio made the call when they won that pick on lottery night and didn’t falter in their conviction. Bird will instantly be their starting SF and should provide them with the ability run some interesting small-ball lineups, if they want to play him at the PF spot.

2^nd overall the Suns made the no-brainer move of taking Magic Johnson. A 6’9” PG, he’s Ben Simmons except he can score from anywhere on the court and isn’t allergic to shooting from beyond the arc (but he’s very shaky from there, but very shaky is a thousand times better than Simmons). Johnson will instantly raise the Suns’ ceiling at all levels and should make the life of Booker, Oubre, Horford, and Ayton a lot easier. The Suns could make the playoffs and more this upcoming season if Johnson is as good as billed.



3^rd overall, the Jazz -- Utah could have gone a couple different ways with this pick, but they choose to pick SF Murray Pittman from Xavier. Pittman had a fantastic March Madness and that’s where he first burst onto the scene — a wing who can score inside just as easily as he can shoot threes, he’s expected to be a big contributor for the Jazz in year one and may even wind up starting. After Utah finished last year with only 36 wins, a fresh infusion of youth and athleticism is exactly what they need to get back into the revamped 1-16 postseason.



4^th, the Hawks take Sidney Moncrief to pair with Trae Young. Moncrief is an absolute thief, the man has never met a pass he didn’t mind stealing away, and he pairs those quick hands with an even quicker shot. The Hawks have assembled an undersized backcourt, but they’re betting that Moncrief can help hide some of Young’s defensive shortcomings while also giving ATL a good dose of offense; that’s a good bet.



5^th overall, the Knicks select Johnny Moore from Texas. Moore is 6’4”, could play either guard spot, and the man knows how to pass. Possibly the second best passer in this draft as a guard (though probably a distant third overall between Bird and Magic), Moore looks to set up his teammates first and then take shots second; in New York, that should help the Knicks who have a lot of mouths to feed but not a lot of guys to set up others. Moore may be called upon to score more (ha!) than he usually does, but he should be capable of an increased scoring load if New York calls upon him.










6^th overall, the Pistons find their longterm replacement for Andre Drummond who’s the opposite of Drummond — this kids shoots threes and does so at a good clip. Zach Morgan is a stretch five who should open up Detroit’s monolithic-era offense and give the Pistons a glimpse of the future. Morgan may end up starting this year if Detroit fails to find a veteran placeholder in free agency, but he should be the first building block of Detroit’s next great team … which will be after Rose and Griffin leave in free agency, so either a year or two down the road.



7^th overall, the Bulls take SF Shawn Justice; “Justice arrives in Chicago this fall” said the Bulls twitter and they’re not wrong (odds of CBS starting a new Chicago based show off this are 350 to 1 in Vegas, but that could improve by the time the season starts). Justice’s defense may allow him to see minutes sooner than many think and he’ll first have to beat out the Bulls 2018 SF pick, Chandler Hutchinson, for minutes (not hard based on Hutchinson’s poor shooting year last season of 38% from the field).



8^th overall, the Pelicans may need an intervention; NOLA selected another undersized SG in Vinnie “Microwave” Johnson — standing only 6’2”, he joins Jrue Holiday and JJ Redick on that roster and logic dictates that one of Redick or Holiday will be shipped off sometime soon or at the deadline, so Vinnie will be holding steady on the bench till then. Not a bad pick longterm for NOLA, but certainly one that doesn’t help them immediately.



9^th, overall came the Pacers; Indiana just couldn’t overcome injuries to Oladpio or their mismashed roster, and they were rewarded with this pick. They chose Francis Frazier out of Notre Dame, a local favorite and a very tall 6’10” shooter who excels from deep. Frazier isn’t exactly known for his defense, but he has ability there (small ability) and could crack the Pacers rotation this year.



10^th were the Hornets, who watched as Kemba and Boston made the playoffs; their year was awful by comparison. In need of many things across the roster, the Hornets took C Bill Cartwright. Cartwright already looks like he’s 40 (playing in San Francisco does that to a person, apparently) and his game is definitely old-school; likely why Jordan and Kupchak gravitated towards him. Cartwright may not see much time off the bench this year, but he’s primed to assume the starting role next season when Cody Zeller is a free agent (and likely to leave Charlotte).







At 11, the T’Wolves select Jim Paxton. Besides possessing one of the best hairlines in NBA history (look at it, it’s free flowing), Paxton is a guy who can get inside and get buckets; he doesn’t look fast, but he’s actually one of the better athletes in this draft and can play 1-3 depending on the matchup. For Minnesota, he’ll fill in a need of a creator off the bench and is likely coming for Malik Beasley’s job (Beasley is a RFA this summer and isn’t particularly happy in Minnesota, so odds are decent he just accepts the QO and becomes a UFA next summer).



At 12, the Cavaliers select a tall, defensive minded center in James Donaldson; Cleveland may need an intervention too. Though the Cavs already have Drummond (he’s already picked up his player option, so he’s on the roster this year), they went for a younger player who has amazing defensive ability and isn’t a shabby scorer either. At 7’2” and with one of the best beards in the NBA already, Donaldson could be Cleveland’s future at the five once Drummond leaves next summer.



At 13, the Kings select Homer Gordon. Sacramento was in need of a younger wing to take Harrison Barnes place in a few years (or sooner if they can find someone to unload him on) and Gordon can do at least as much as Barnes; he’s got a good three point shot and plays passable defense — the Kings will need to develop him on that end if he’s going to a starter for them, but that’s not a tall ask.



At 14, the Grizzlies add to their young core with Coby Patton. Patton is a lock down defender in a classic 3-D variety — he’s not a take charge scorer, but he does a really good job of playing his role and should allow the Grizzlies offense to run through their big guns in Morant and Jaren Jackson.




At 15, the Heat select PF Nihat “Kermit” Kerimoglu — he’s not a well known name but Miami believes he can be a valuable piece to their squad going forward. Kermit is a proficient shooter from mid-range and three, plays a little defense, and otherwise has room to grow. Considering how good Miami’s development program is, this guy could be a steal in a few years.







Two interesting picks here: at 16 the Wizards take Kyle Macy. Macy has one of the best three point shots in the draft and could end up being John Wall’s replacement (assuming Wall ever leaves Washington, the Wizards seem content to pay him forever it seems).



The Rockets selected C Bill Laimbeer at 19 — Laimbeer is a defensive big who can stretch the floor, he prefers to bang in the post (and take off heads with hard fouls) but his long-range shot has developed quite nicely in his time in college. He’s not a small-ball center that the Rockets normally covet, but after getting handled in last year’s playoffs by the Clippers, Houston opted for a big they thought could hang with LAC.







At 22, the Nuggets select SG Jonathon Price; Price is a likely replacement for Gary Harris in two years time, when is big contract (which he hasn’t really played up to) is up. Price can work the mid-range and the three easily, so he should slide into Harris’ role with ease. Until then, he’s here to study up and get better.







Towards the end of the first round the 76ers took Taylor Battle — besides having a cool name, Battle is the guy the 76ers expect will replace Mike Conley (gone next summer in all likelihood) off the bench next year. Battle likely won’t see any time this year, but he could develop into a key rotation piece for Philly for the future — and for the cash strapped 76ers, any cheap rotation piece is welcome.

[kibaxx7]

Re: NBA2K Remix: Retro Stars in the Modern Era

After all, when was the last time a white player was taken first?

Not a fan of trading away DeMar but OG will definitely help.

[trekfan]

Re: NBA2K Remix: Retro Stars in the Modern Era

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Not a fan of trading away DeMar but OG will definitely help.

I sent DeMar back to Toronto on purpose -- that man didn't deserve to be traded by the Raptors, they won a title but they sold part of their damn soul to do it. Worth it, no question, but I feel like DeMar is owed a happy ending and having him back in Toronto is that to me. OG is someone I'm very high on and he wasn't doing much in Toronto, so I took him in -- I want him around longterm but we'll see how he responds to his new team.



As for that line, I mean, when WAS the last time a white guy was taken first in the draft? I can't even name who that is, Bird himself was taken 6th overall IRL back in 78.


If we saw a white kid go first today in the NBA draft, none of us would believe it.