(NBA 2K23) Changing the Landscape of the NBA.

[Deuce2223]

Re: (NBA 2K23) Changing the Landscape of the NBA.

THE QUEST OF A REPEAT

Seattle made some pretty big changes to their lineup in the offseason dealing 6 1st Round picks including the #2 and #4 in this year's draft to add PG Tyrese Haliburton to the roster well trading away veteran PG CJ McCollum and SG Herb Jones.

So far the moves havn't paid off, as Seattle starts the year with a 10-9 record through the month's of October/Novermber.

GM Ryan Derozan

"To be honest 10-9 isn't what we expected especially with the fact that our roster has been pretty healthy the entire month. But when you add 2 new starters and ask younger players to play bigger roles the chemistry is going to be off at the start (currently 68%)".

Well Haliburton has adjusted pretty well to his new team averaging 19.2 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 9.8 APG, 1.7 SPG well shooting 40% from 3PT (2.7 per game), SG Jordan Hawkins has struggled averaging just 9.8 PPG, 2.9 RPG 2.6 APG well shooting just 28% from 3PT after connecting on 44% from 3PT last year.

It looks like Hawkins spot in the starting lineup is going to be short lived because Rookie Tre Johnson the #9 pick in the draft is playing well so far averaging 11.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG and 3.1 APG playing 18 MPG but like Hawkins is struggling from the outside hitting just 24% from 3PT.

Dyson Daniels however could be the answer. The 6'7 former #8 pick in the 2022 draft, is having his best season yet averaging 10.9 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.0 SPG in 23 MPG well shooting a career high 43% from 3PT (1.7 per game).

Coach Gary Payton

"Having 3 talented players capable of playing SG isn't a bad thing, and to be honest all 3 have the ability to start and play major minutes. We will give Jordan another week or 2 but odds are it could be a night to night matchup as well giving the other guy's a chance to make some starts and play with the 1st unit as well"

[Deuce2223]

Re: (NBA 2K23) Changing the Landscape of the NBA.

OCT/NOV AROUND THE LEAGUE UPDATE

Well the defending champs are off to a slow 10-9 start, the same can not be said of some other teams.

Memphis leads the West with a (15-3) record so far well Cleveland is leading the East also starting out (15-3).

Oklahoma City is currently the next best at (14-7) in the West, well Detroit is off to a hot start at (13-5) in the East.

In the Northwest Division, Seattle is currently 2 GB of the division leading Portland Trail Blazers who are off to a hot start at 12-7 after winning their past 3 games.

Well those teams are off to great starts, there are plenty of teams already struggling just 1 month in. The Kings are currently in last place in the West at (5-14) well the Clippers (7-13), Warriors (7-12) , Lakers (7-11) and Suns (8-11) are all under .500.

Orlando however is leading the way for the #1 pick, as they are currently dead last in the East with a (1-19) record, well the Bucks are (3-16). Chicago (8-13),Indiana (8-11) , and Charlotte (8-11) are also under .500.

KEY PLAYER STATS

Brooklyn's Mikal Bridges currently leads the league in scoring at 30.2 PPG. Bridges has shined since being traded from the Suns averaging over 23 PPG in his first 2 seasons as a Net.

Steph Curry isn't to far behind at 29.8 PPG, followed by Anthony Edwards (29.5 PPG) and Lamelo Ball (29.3 PPG).

Edwards actually led the league in scoring last season averaging 31.4 PPG.


Luke Doncic (28.0 PPG, 9.3 PRG, 9.6 APG, 1.1 SPG) and Nikola Jokic (27.5 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 10.1 APG 2.1 SPG) are going head to head for the race for MVP.

Jokic has averaged a triple double the past 2 seasons, finishing the 22-23 season (23.8 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 11.5 APG) and again last season (20.8 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 10.1 APG).

ROOKIE REPORT

Well Tyrese Haliburton is putting up nice #'s in Seattle the man who replaced him in Indiana is doing quite well too. Dylan Harper the #2 pick in the draft so far has started 15/19 games for the Pacers and is averaging 33.5 MPG, well putting up 18.1 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.2 SPG well shooting 45% from 3PT.

Teammate Cody Williams the #4 pick in the draft also is putting up big #'s averaging 30.5 MPG, well averaging 14.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 5.3 APG and 1.3 SPG.

Ian Jackson the #1 pick in the draft has starting 19/19 games for the Suns and is averaging 27.8 MPG well putting up 11.3 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.2 BPG well shooting 43% from 3PT.

BLAZERS MAKE 2 MOVES

There has only been 2 trades so far in the first month of the season and Portland was involved in both.

Portland first traded PG Cameron Payne and SF Kris Murray to the Clippers for former Thunder Center Daniel Gafford who was dealt to the Clippers last year at the draft.

Portland with Gafford on board to backup starter Adam Mara, then dealt their current backup Center Paul Reed to the Pacers for PG Artis Morris and a 2nd Round Pick (via the Spurs in 2026).

INJURY REPORT

Well now we know why Orlando is 1-19, as they lost Paolo Banchero for the season with a Torn ACL. Banchero led the Magic last season with 21.3 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 4.2 APG and 1.2 BPG. Orlando also is without SF Franz Wagner for the next 1-2 weeks with a Torn Right Hand Ligament. Wagner averaged 17.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 3.1 APG last season and is averaging 16.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 2.3 APG this season.

Former Nugget/Sonic Christan Braun's stint in Detroit has been cut short. Braun has a broke ankle and is expected to miss the next 6-8 weeks. He was averaging 8.8 PPG and was shooting 54% from 3PT for the Pistons before going down.

Dylan Harper's move to PG for the Pacers is in large part because Andrew Nembhard is out for the next 6-8 weeks with a Broken Left Thigh. The former Gonzaga star was averaging a career best 13.1 PPG, 2.8 RPG and 5.6 APG at the time of the injury.

[Deuce2223]

Re: (NBA 2K23) Changing the Landscape of the NBA.

FROM CHAMP TO CHUMP!!

BIG MOVES OR BAD MOVES?
Seattle's trade for Tyrese Haliburton and their trade of CJ McCollum and Herb Jones is starting to look like a bust. The Defending Champs went 9-6 in the month of December and are currently (19-15) and sitting in #8th place in the West.


ALLEN UNHAPPY

Despite currently leading the team in MPG (31.3) Center Jarrett Allen is unhappy in Seattle. Allen played well his 1st season in New Orleans after the trade from Cleveland averaging 14.6 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 1.7 APG and 1.7 BPG but saw those # drop a little last season after the move to Seattle despite the Sonics winning the title (13.8 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.3 BPG). So far those # are dropping again this season (11.6 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 1.5 APG 1.1 BPG) and reports out of the locker room is Allen is refusing to talk to GM Ryan Derozan about a extension.

So now the question is, does Derozan and Payton keep Allen on the team in hopes of having his help to make the playoffs and make a push at a repeat or does the duo trade Allen for a chance at replacing him with a cheaper alternative.

GM Ryan Derozan

"To be honest we are a little disappointed with Jarrett's stance right now. I feel like he is a great ift for our team and a despite being only 27, he and Ingram are considered to be the veteran leadership of the team. However if we are going to lose our starting center for the past 3 seasons, then this year's draft is the time to do it with 5 projected Centers that will go in the 1st Round and 5 PF's including #1 Prospect Cameron Boozer also projected as 1st Round picks."

Seattle currently has 2 picks in this year's First Round. The Bucks (currently projected to be a Top-3) and Charlotte's (projected to be a Top-15). However Allen could fetch the Sonics a 3rd pick in this year's draft potentially.

HAWKINS CONTINUES TO STRUGGLE, JOHNSON JOINS THE STARTING LINEUP

Jordan Hawkins has struggled since taking over the starting job fulltime at SG for Herb Jones, averaging 9.7 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 2.1 APG and shooting just 31% from 3PT now on the season.

Enter Rookie Tre Johnson. The 6'4 guard out of Texas has proven his worth as the #9 Overall pick, averaging 11.8 PPG (4th best on the team) with 3.9 RPG, 3.7 APG, but is struggling from 3PT now shooting just 27% on the year.

ZION SO FAR STAYING HEALTHLY

Zion Williamson has missed games the past 2 seasons including last year's first 3 rounds of the playoffs. But so far this season Williamson has started all 34/34 games and is 1 of 4 player averaging over 30 MPG well leading the team in scoring 22.2 PPG, well also averaging 8.3 RPG, 3.8 APG, and 1.2 SPG.

[Deuce2223]

Re: (NBA 2K23) Changing the Landscape of the NBA.

DECEMBER UPDATE

WESTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS

Memphis (26-9)
Portland (22-12)
Oklahoma City (21-13)
Houston (21-13)
Utah (20-13)
Seattle (19-15)
Dallas (18-15)
San Antonio (18-16)
Golden State (15-20)
Las Vegas (15-21)
Los Angles Lakers (12-23)
Phoenix (12-24)
Los Angles Clippers (10-26)
Sacramento (9-25)

Golden State has the 9th best record in the Western Conference but with current playoff format rules, is currently listed as the #3 seed as they are leading a very week Pacific Division with the Lakers currently on a 7 game losing streak and the Clippers on a 5 game streak.

Well Seattle's (19-15) start is disappointing they are only 3 GB of the Northwest leading Portland Trail Blazers.

Oklahoma City has (3) 1st Round Picks this year including the Clippers and Heat's selections which currently are projected as #4 and #7. Will the Thunder hold on to their picks yet again, or is this the year they trade them for a NBA star?



EASTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS
Cleveland (25-9)
Detroit (24-11)
Atlanta (21-14)
Toronto (21-12)
Philadelphia (20-15)
Washington (20-15)
Boston (19-16)
Charlotte (19-17)
Brooklyn (18-16)
New York (18-17)
Miami (16-20)
Chicago (15-22)
Indiana (13-21)
Milwaukee (7-28)
Orlando (7-28)

Cleveland might have the best record in the East, but Detroit is playing some amazing basketball having won 10 straight to climb with 1.5 GB.

Orlando and Milwaukee are currently battling it out for the title of worst team in the NBA, but the Bucks don't own their own pick this year but they do own the Kings who are currently slated to pick #3 being the worst team in the West.

Orlando is the winner right now, with the projected #2 pick, the Magic will get a chance to draft either Cameron Boozer or Cooper Flagg.


BLAZER CONTINUE TO MAKE MOVES

Portland shocked everyone when they signed Kyrie Irving (89 Ovr) to a 1 year deal this off-season after nobody else offered the former #1 pick a longer term contract.

Iriving who ended up taking over the team's starting SG spot with Ant Simmons moving to the bench in a 6th man role, played well averaging 20.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 5.2 APG and 1.4 SPG well shooting 43% from 3PT

Now Irving is on the move for a different #1 Overall pick, as Kyrie is heading South to Sin City to join the Hustlers. Coming back to Portland will be the #1 Pick of the 2015 Draft, Karl-Anthony Towns (87 Ovr). Towns once considered to be a possible trade package for Lillard now joins the team 2 years later.

Towns was averaging 19.3 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 4.8 APG and was shooting 38% from 3PT at the time of the trade.

Portland is also sending former Piston PF Isiah Stewart in the deal and will be receiving PF Trent Flowers the #14 Overall pick in this year's draft.

Stewart was starting at PF with Patrick Williams on IR and was averaging 8.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.1 SPG starting 25/34 games.

Flowers has seen action in 26 games, averaging 22.2 MPG, with a 9.0 PPG, 1.3 RPG and 3.5 APG average.

**Patrick Williams is gone for the season with a Dislocated Left Patella.

[Deuce2223]

Re: (NBA 2K23) Changing the Landscape of the NBA.

SILVER LOOKS TO EXPAND LEAGUE

Now that Seattle and Las Vegas have had their franchises for a season, reports are NBA Commish Adam Silver is ready to shake up the league once again.

We are being told that the NBA will expand to 34 teams next season with most likely 2 new expansion teams joining each conference.

Reports are that Kanas City, Louisville, San Diego and Virginia are all getting new franchises.

Commish Silver

"We are excited for the next chapter of the NBA. We feel like we did a great job of picking what will be 4 great additions to our current lineup of NBA teams. It was a tough call with both Pittsburgh and Vancouver putting together great plans to succeed, but at the end of the day we felt like we picked the right 4 cities to help us grow moving forward"

From everyone we are hearing, we have been told that Kansas City will be called the Knights and they will most likely join the Western Conference in the Southwest Division well San Diego will be called the Surf and be playing in the Pacific.

We are being told that Louisville will be taking the Liberty name and will play in the Central well Virginia will be called the Storm and is undecided whether they will be Southeast or Atlantic Division.

[Deuce2223]

Re: (NBA 2K23) Changing the Landscape of the NBA.

SONICS MAKING MOVES

The 1st half of the NBA season hasn't been what Sonic fans had hoped for, as many dreamed their team had a solid shot at coming back as a repeat NBA Champion, but a slow start saw the Sonics just scrapping by to get above .500

Well January was a all new month as Seattle explodes to a 11-3 record to improve to (30-18) Overall and are currently just 2.5 GB in the Northwest Division leading Portland Trail Blazers and are currently the 6th seed in the Western Conference but are just 4.5 GB of the #1 seed Houston Rockets.

Seattle is now 16-7 at home on the season, and are 4th in the NBA in scoring (121.5 PPG). Portland is #1 (124.2) followed by Denver and Houston at (121.6)

ALLEN AND MURPHY WANT OUT

Well things might look promising on the court for the Sonics in the 2nd half of the season, with the trade deadline 2 weeks away, reports out of the locker room are that 2 key players want out.

Starting Center Jarrett Allen came out earlier in the season reporting that he wanted to test Free Agency at the end of the season despite reports that GM Ryan Derozan wanted to sign the big man to a multi year extension. Now it appears Allen is unhappy in Seattle and won't even consider a offer of staying in the off-season.

To make matters worse, last summer Derozan tried to sign PF Trey Murphy to a extension but a deal was never made as Murphy returned on a 1 year 7 million dollar deal. Now reports are Murphy is unhappy with his role off the bench and wants a chance to move to a team where he can start.

The #17 Overall Pick in the 2021 Draft out of Virginia, the 6'8 PF has excelled the past 2 seasons for the Pelican/Sonics, as the teams 6th man starting 8 games in the 22-23 season and 14 games last season including the first 3 rounds of the playoffs with Zion Williamson out. Murphy has averaged 11 PPG the last 3 years well shooting 47% from 3PT.

GM Ryan Derozan

"We love Jarret and Trey both and both were a huge part of our winning a title last year, but both guy's are in the last year of their contracts and it's my job to decide whether getting something in return for them in the coming weeks is more valuable long term then keeping them for a playoff run and a chance to win more games this season. It's a tough call to make. Luckily for me I will have some help from other teams deciding what their value is."

BIG 3 PLAYING WELL

Well Allen and Murphy are a big part of the team, the reality is Coach Payton still has his "Big 3" locked up and ready to resume their quest for a NBA title.

Zion Williamson (22.5 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3.9 APG,1.0 SPG), Tyrese Haliburton (18.5 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 10.4 APG, 1.7 SPG, 39% 3PT) and Brandon Ingram (17.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 5.3 APG, 41% 3PT) are leading the way and proving they have what it takes this season to keep the Sonics in the playoffs.

JOHNSON CURRENTLY #3 IN ROOKIE VOTES

Tre Johnson is currently #3 in the what appears to be a heated race for the NBA Rookie of the Year vote. Johnson has started 29/48 games so far taking over the SG spot for Jordan Hawkins and is averaging 11.8 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.0 APG and 1.0 SPG.

The 2 men ahead of him in the vote. Well those are the #2 and #4 Picks of the draft and players Seattle could've had.

Dylan Harper has started 43/48 games for the Pacers taking Haliburton's starting spot and is averaging 18.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 7.1 APG, 1.4 SPG well shooting 44% FG and 37% from 3PT.

Teammate Cody Williams has started 42/48 games and is averaging 14.0 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 4.6 APG and 1.0 SPG well shooting 43% FG and 40% from 3PT.

Orlando's Isiah Elohim (12.0 PPG) is #4, followed by OKC's Carter Knox (11.9 PPG) and Nassir Cunningham (11.7 PPG) then Bull's PF Asa Newell (11.5 PPG) with the #1 Overall pick Ian Jackson (10.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 5.1 APG) ranked #8

** Other then points, Jackson's # are better then anyone besides Harper and really should be #2**

[Deuce2223]

Re: (NBA 2K23) Changing the Landscape of the NBA.

BUYERS AND SELLERS

The NBA Trade Deadline is just 13 days away, so we take a look at who might be Buyers trying to add a key piece for a playoff run and what teams are looking to sell and potentially grab some future pieces to help them rebuild their franchise.

The Houston Rockets are leading the Western Conference and look ready to take a very young team deep into the playoffs. They added veteran John Wall to backup Kevin Porter Jr and Amen Thompson and added Herb Jones to help push youngsters like Mack MgBako, Kenyon Martin Jr and Cam Whitemore at SF, but this team is lacking a backup center for Alpren Sengun. Look for the Rockets to add some size.

Portland is currently leading the Northwest Division and is the #2 seed in the West. They just made a huge move trading Kyrie Irving for Karl Anthony-Towns, opening up the door for Ant Simons to return to the starting lineup and they added Daniel Gafford as insurance for Aday Mara. My guess is they made their move already

Golden State is currently leading the Pacific Division despite a (22-29) record. The Warriors are still rolling out a starting lineup of Curry, Thompson, Wiggins, Kuminga and Looney with former Clipper Deni Avija filling in as the 6th man. They need to find some quality shooters off the bench and some size to put in the post come playoff time. Look for the Warriors to try and do something.

The Denver Nuggets are (26-25) and currently the #9 seed. They moved DJ Wagner into the starting lineup with Murray, Porter Jr, Gordon and Jokic and added former Magic PG Cole Anthony to a 1 yr deal to back up the guards but lack quality depth behind Zek Nnaji in the post. I don't know if they have anything that can't get a deal done but they need to make one.

Sacramento is last in the West at (14-35), the Clippers (16-35) and Lakers (16-33) are not much better. I expect all 3 teams to be sellers at the deadline.

For the Kings De'Arron Fox is in the last year of his contract as is SG Kevin Huerter well Keegan Murray is also due for a big extension.

Cleveland brough back Mobley, Mitchell and James and are leading the East with a (35-14) record. They also added Bobby Portis Jr to share time at Center with Jonas Valanciunas, but they could use a veteran backup to spell Garland besides James Jr.

Detroit resigned Cade Cunningham to a 1 year deal and Cunningham has the Pistons #2 in the East at (34-17). But with his deal expiring plus Center Jalen Duran's contract up and SG Jaden Ivy's. The Piston's need to go all in and try and win this thing this year.

Charlotte is surprising everyone as they lead the Southeast at (28-21) with a 1 game lead over the Hawks. Youngers Matt Buzelis and Brandon Miller are playing lights out as is Lemelo Ball. They are getting production at Center from former Dukie Mark Williams (7.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.0 BPG) and former 76er/Thunder big man Aleksej Poksevski (12.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG) but a addition like Jarret Allen could be what it takes to push them over the top.

Milwaukee once again has the worst record in the NBA at (10-41) Orlando isn't much better at (14-36) and despite strong play from their rookies, Indiana is just (17-31). The Bucks however sacrificed their draft picks for winning years with Giannis, Middleton and Holiday and are now in a downward spiral

They got some veteran pieces that could help a team down the stretch though in Center Juruf Nurkic (81 Ovr), PG Jose Alvarado (77 Ovr), PG Dennis Schroder (77 Ovr), SG/SF Max Strus (77 ovr). Look for them to start dumping.

[Deuce2223]

Re: (NBA 2K23) Changing the Landscape of the NBA.

SONICS MAKE MAKE MOVES BUT WAS IT THE RIGHT ONE'S??

GM Ryan Derozan was stuck between a Rock and a Hard Place. The Sonics were coming off a NBA Championship, but had a underperforming backcourt and a aging overpriced PG in CJ McCollum, with alot of high draft picks in his war chest. He dealt those picks for Tyrese Haliburton traded away fan favorite Herb Jones and drafted SG Tre Johnson #9 Overall to compete with Jordan Hawkins for the starting SG spot.

The Chemistry wasn't there for the first 2 months, but things seem to be turned around in Janurary, until 6th man Trey Murphy asked for a trade and starting Center Jarrett Allen publically said he wouldn't resign in Seattle next season.

So Derzoan worked the phones like he knows how and dealt away both players before the Feb 13th deadline past.

MURPHY TO THE MAV'S
First he traded away Murphy who will reunite in Dallas with CJ McCollum for 22 yr old Derek Lively II (80 Ovr). Lively the #12 pick in the 2023 draft out of Duke missed the 22-23 season with a injury but saw plenty of playing time in 23-24 starting 63/68 games averaging 5.8 PPG, 5.5 RPG and 2.5 BPG. So far this season he averaging 7.7 PPG, 5.7 RPG and 2.2 RPG.

With a young Center onboard to complete with the Sonics own 2023 draft pick Aaron Bradshaw (79 Ovr) #14 pick in the 2023 draft, Derozan and Payton went to work finding a home for Allen and they found one.

ALLEN RETURNS TO NEW YORK

Jarrett Allen (85 Ovr) is returning to where it all started as he heads back to Brooklyn where he spent his first 3 seasons before being dealth to Cleveland.

The Net's were looking for a potential insurance policy in case they can't resign current starter Nicolas Claxton but also viewed the duo with the ability to play both with Claxton logging some minutes at PF.

Derozan wasn't just looking to give away his starting center though and came away with a package that he felt upgraded the Sonics bench for a long playoff run.

The Nets had their own logjam in the backcourt with Ben Simmons, Spencer Dinwiddie, Mikal Bridges getting the bulk of the minutes and veteran Josh Richardson and 21 yr old Dariq Whitehead providing depth.

Brookyln sent SG Cameon Thomas (79 Ovr) the #27 pick of the 2021 draft, PF Dorian Finnley-Smith (78 Ovr) and Center Kelan Ware (77 Ovr) for a Allen, PF Boban Miller (72 Ovr) PG Jason Richardson (70 Ovr) and a 2026 1st Round pick (via Detroit).

With the additon of Ware, the Sonics now have 3 Centers picked in the first 23 picks of the 2023 Draft, after #4 Alex Sarr and #5 Overall Aday Mara.

Derozan

"We obvisouly scouted the Center position heavily in the draft and well we picked Bradshaw at #14, we like both Lively II and Ware alot. Well it hurts to lose a All-Star talent like Jarrett Allen, we believe that one of these 3 young men have the potential to blossom into a star and now it's just our job to coach them up"

Payton

"Well I know fans are said to see Allen go, I think Cameron Thomas has the ability to be a huge asset to our team. After a a tough rookie season (8.5 PPG, 27% from 3PT, Thomas averaged 15.8 PPG well shooting 38% from 3PT the past 2 seasons and this year in 55 games (6 starts) Thomas was putting up the best #'s in his career averaging 17.1 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.6 APG well shooting 39% from 3PT"

[Deuce2223]

Re: (NBA 2K23) Changing the Landscape of the NBA.

A SLOW NIGHT AROUND THE LEAGUE

Well the earlier trade of K. Irving for Karl Anthony-Towns made headlines and the Sonics trade of 6 players off their 15 man roster was a major shakeup, most teams were pretty quite come deadline time.

Rumors were Sacramento was trying to move starting PG De'Aaron Fox, but Fox instead found himself on the IR with a Right Hand Fracture just 3 days before the deadline proventing a move.

Here is a list of the deals that went down

Houston trade SF Kenyon Martin Jr to Miami for Center Thomas Bryant

"The Rockets need a backup Center and Miami get's a SF that can backup Butler and also play some SG if needed"

Milwaukee Center Jusuf Nurkic and PF Xaiver Booker to the Hawks For PF Saddiq Bey.

"The Hawks need a backup/spot starter at Center and get a young PF with plenty of upside, well the Hawks add Bey as their starting PF for the next 3-4 years at a decent salary."

Milwaukee traded SF Lugentz Dort and PG Jose Alvarado to the Jazz for a 2025 1st Round pick (Sonics pick/ swap with Las Vegas) and SF Harrison Barnes.

"The Jazz upgrade and get younger with Dort over Barnes well adding a veteran PG to backup Colin Sexton, but give up a pick that the Bucks really need right now"

Milwaukee trades PG Dennis Schroeder to the Warriors for a 2nd Round pick.

"Bucks deal for another pick, well the Warriors upgrade with a much need guard off the bench behind Curry and Thompson"

Sacramento trades Terry Rozier II to Atlanta for 2nd round pick.

"The Kings signed Rozier to a 1 year deal in the offseason probably with the idea of trading him anyways. Hawks get a veteran guard who can backup up Trae Young and Dejounte Murray well providing the 2nd unit with some nice scoring punch"

Chicago trades SF Tobias Harris to Boston for SF Dillon Brooks.

"Harris will give the Celtics better offense off the bench behind Tatum well Brooks hopes to find a team that can turn him into the star he thinks he is"

[Deuce2223]

Re: (NBA 2K23) Changing the Landscape of the NBA.

SONICS STRUGGLE WITH CHANGES!!

Jarrett Allen and Trey Murphy's departure along with injuries to Cam Thomas and Zion Williamson led to Seattle finishing just 5-6 record in the short month, as they now sit (35-24) Overall. On a positive note thought, the Sonics are just .5 GB of the Northwest Division leading Trail Blazers and with 23 games left in the season could still push for a Division crown and most likely a repeat as the #2 seed in the playoffs.

HC Gary Payton

"Our goal is taking the Division. Houston is (44-15) and at this point there is no catching them for the #1 seed. I feel we got a solid chance of getting this team back on track in March and then finish strong in April and be ready for the playoffs. Losing Williamson now hopefully will means he will be healthy in April and the playoffs."

With Thomas out Hawkins and Rookie Tre Johnson continued to share the starting SG role, well Brandon Ingram slid to the PF and Dyson Daniels joined the starting 5 at SF.

[Deuce2223]

Re: (NBA 2K23) Changing the Landscape of the NBA.

SONICS MOVE TO 1ST IN DIVISION!!

MARCH RECAP
Seattle would go just (9-7) in the Month of May but it was enough to head into April with a 1.5 Game lead in the Northwest Division over Portland and a 2.0 Game lead over Utah with just 7 games left on the year.

HAWKINS OUT

Williamson and Thomas rejoined the rotation, but Coach Payton had to make another adjustment as Jordan Hawkins goes down with a Broken Right Leg and he is out for the remainder of the season. Hawkins was averaging 10.8 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 1.8 APG and was shooting 35% from 3pt.

With Hawkins out Cam Thomas will take over the starting SG role with Tre Johnson as the primary backup, but the Sonics could also give minutes to 28 yr old Kirk Tinsley (74 Ovr) who was called up from G League. Tinsley in limited minutes so far (5 games 8 MPG) is scoring 5.8 PPG and is shooting 40% from 3PT.

Tinsley was a undrafted F.A. out of Portland State.

[Deuce2223]

Re: (NBA 2K23) Changing the Landscape of the NBA.

PLAYOFF RACE IS ON!!!

With most teams having just 7-8 games left in the regular season the playoff bracket is starting to take shape.

WESTERN CONFERENCE
Houston with just 6 games left is leading the Western Conference with a (52-24) record and should finish as the #1 seed.

Seattle has jumped from the #6 seed to the #2 after taking the lead in the Northwest Division well, well Las Vegas (36-41) is currently leading the Pacific over Golden State (34-42) and could very well grab the #3 seed with a sub .500 record.

Memphis (47-29), Oklahoma City (46-29), Dallas (45-30) Portland (43-33), Utah (42-33) and San Antontio (42-34) have all secured at least a play in spot in the playoffs leaving the race between Las Vegas/Golden State for a Divisional crown and the loser battling it out with Denver (36-39) for what appears to be the #10 seed.

It appears that only the L.A. Lakers (28-47) and Clippers (27-48), as well as the Phoenix Suns (27-48) and Sacramento Kings (24-51) are out of the playoffs at this point.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Cleveland looks to have the #1 Seed wrapped up as they enter April at (56-19) but Detroit is pushing have won 5 straight to move to (51-25) to take the #2 seed

Charlotte and Atlanta both are (45-31) and tied for the Southeast Division with 6 games to play.

Brooklyn has a 2.5 Game lead in the Atlantic over Toronto (44-31) and a 5.0 Game lead over Philly (42-34) well Boston (38-38) and Washington (38-39) have both secured at least a Play in spot in the playoffs leaving the #10 seed as a battle between New York (33-42) and Miami (30-46).

Chicago (28-47), Indiana (27-48) are both out well Milwaukee (22-56) and Orlando (20-56) are currently battling to see who can be the worst team in the league and have the best shot at a #1 Pick and a shot at picking between Cameron Boozer or Copper Flagg

[Deuce2223]

Re: (NBA 2K23) Changing the Landscape of the NBA.

The season is over and the Playoff Brackets are set. It's not very often that you look up and see teams like the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers and the Miami Heat all sitting at home but this wasn't a normal year.

WESTERN CONFERANCE

Seattle managed to hold onto the Northwest Division by 1 game over the Trail Blazers, with the Sonics landing the #2 seed and Portland dropping all the way down to the #7. They will face off against #8 San Antonio in the Play in Round

Both Utah and Denver make the playoffs as the #9 and #10 seeds and will face off against each other for a outside chance at making it in.

Houston held onto the #1 seed and like Seattle will wait to see who their next opponent will be.

Las Vegas ended up beating the Warriors by 1 game. The Hustlers finished (39-43) but get the #3 seed as division champs, well the Warriors went (38-44).

Oklahoma City was the #1 seed last season but will start their quest this year as the #6. Most expect them to breeze past Vegas in Round 1.


EASTERN CONFERANCE

The New York Knicks despite a sub .500 record (37-45) make the playoffs as the #10 seed and will face #9 Washington well Philly and Boston normally top seeds in the East will square off against each other this year as the #7/#8 seeds.

Cleveland goes in as the #1 well Detroit lands the #2 seed (I am not sure how this happens cause I thought division winners got the #1-3 seeds).

Charlotte holds onto the Southwest Division by 2 games and gets the #3 seed but will face Division rival Atlanta in the 1st Round as the Hawks get the #6 seed.

Toronto and Brooklyn tied with a (49-33) record in the Atlantic and will see each other in the 1st Round as the #4/#5 seeds.

LUKA DONIC NAMED MVP

Donic edged out Cleveland's Lebron James and and Darius Garland for the Regular season MVP.

Luka averaged 26.2 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 9.5 APG and 1.3 SPG well shooting 53% FG and 45% from 3PT.

James finished what should be his last season with a 22.8 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 7.7 APG, 1.5 SPG and 1.2 BPG average well shooting 51% FG and 32% from 3PT.

Garland finished averaging 24.5 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 11.7 RPG, 1.2 SPG well shooting 52% FG and 42% from 3PT.

INDIANA'S DYLAN HARPER WINS ROY

The #2 Pick in the draft came in and replaced Tyrese Haliburton perfectly averaging 18.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.5 SPG well starting 73/82 games.

Teammate Cody Williams the #4 pick finished 2nd in the vote. He averaged 14.0 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 4.5 APG and shot 41% from 3PT.

**I should've never made the trade and kept both players**

SIMMONS 3PEAT'S AS 6TH MAN OF THE YEAR

Ben Simmons career as the #1 Overall Pick in the 2016 Draft looked destine to be a bust, but Simmons has found a home and a playing style in Brooklyn since leaving Philly.

Simmons not only was named 6th Man of the Year for a 3rd straight year but was also named to the NBA 1st Team All-Defense.

Simmons averaged 13.5 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 9.3 APG and 2.2 SPG this season. He shot 62% from the Field, 29% from 3PT and 60% from the line.

[Deuce2223]

Re: (NBA 2K23) Changing the Landscape of the NBA.

PLAY IN GAME ROUND

PORTLAND FALLS IN THE WEST

The Portland Trail Blazers were 1 game away from the Northwest Division Title and the #2 seed. Instead they are knocked out of the playoffs in the "Play In Round" first losing to San Antonio who claims the #7 seed and will face #2 Seattle and then losing again to division rival Utah who beat Denver and Portland to advance and claim the #8 seed and a chance to face #1 Houston.


BOSTON AND PHILLY ADVANCE IN THE EAST

Washington and New York come up short in their quest for a playoff win. Boston won their matchup with Philly to claim the #7 seed and a matchup with Charlotte well Philly beat New York to advance as the #8 seed and will take on Cleveland.

[Deuce2223]

Re: (NBA 2K23) Changing the Landscape of the NBA.

SONICS VS SPURS REMATCH

These 2 Franchises have had their battles over the year's with one of the memorable being the 2002 1st Round Battle as well as the 2005 Semi Finals Battle as well as last year's matchup.

Both teams made some major moves this off-season. Can Tyrese Haliburton help guide the Sonics to back to back titles? Is Paul George the veteran pierce to help guide the young Spurs in their quest for the team's 6th NBA title but first since 2014.

George has had a injury free year starting 82/82 games for the Spurs and is 2nd on the team in scoring behind Wemby with a 19.2 PPG 4.4 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.9 SPG season.

Haliburton tied Ingram for 2nd on the team with 18.0 PPG well leading the team in assists with 10.5 PPG.

HC Gary Payton

"Both PG and Hali are great players and I expect both will have some big games in this series. PG has take a little bit of a backseat to Wemby well Hali has had to share alot of the scoring load with Williamson and Ingram but both players have the capabilty of putting up 30 points a night when called upon"

WEMBY VS THE 3-HEADED MONSTER

All eyes will be on 7'5 Victor "Wemby" Wembanyama. The 22 yr old has become a NBA star in just 3 seasons averaging 22,5 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.4 SPG and 2.8 BPG, well shooting 50% FG, 36% from 3PT and 88% from FT.

Jarrett Allen is gone, and Seattle will try and combat the 7'5 Giant with 3 of their own 7 footers.

7'1 Derek Lively III will get the start and the bulk of the playing time but 7'0 Aaron Bradshaw and 7'0 Kelan Ware will both see action as well as Coach Payton will play the hot hand.

Payton "Obviously a "Hack a Shack" defensive strategy doesn't work with Wemby as he is solid from the line. The key to slowing him down is just making him take bad shots"

WHO CAN STAY HEALTHY

Seattle got quite the surprise when Jordan Hawkins broken leg injury turned out to just be a stress facture that has healed enough for him to suit up for the series.

Now it's teammate Dyson Daniels who goes into the series with a bruised shoulder that could limit his playing time

GM Ryan Derozan

"Our doctors think Double D can play but honestly we rather have him at full strength later on the playoffs if we can advance. With Jordan back he and Tre Johnson can carry most of the minutes backing up the the #2 Guard as well as SF and Bradshaw/Ware/Finney-Smith cover the post"

For San Antonio it looks like SG Malaki Branaham (78 Ovr) is listed Day to Day with Back Spasms. The #20 pick in the 2022 draft has come into his own this season averaging a career high 10.4 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 1.7 APG well shooting 39% from 3PT playing in 80 games.