Brick By Brick | Epilogue - Retired

[dare]

Do you got Bargs and Pekovic coming off the bench? Beastly front court man

[Justine.]

Excellent acquisition! As dare said, that front court is deep.

[Kenny]

Great trade; can't wait to see what JaVale can do with the Bobcats

Nice to see I'm finally on a winning team too

[Valor]

Finally some shot blocking down low.

implying that Asik can't block? lol

[Martti.]

I assumed Bargs will be a super-sub and Mcgee will start, but now that I think about it, I don't see that happening.

[Lamrock]

Plan is definitely for McGee to start and Bargs to keep coming off the bench. Bargnani has been insanely efficient in his reserve role, so best not change that.

January coming up next. One NLSC'er gets traded while the 'Cats continue to fight for position in the Eastern Conference. Stay tuned!

[Martti.]

I'm in San Antonio right? We're doing very good.

And I would also make Bargs come off the bench, though I expect him to get mad soon for not starting/playing more.

[Lamrock]

January 2015 In Review

Team Record: 28-17 (9-7) | 2nd in division, 3rd in conference



It was another decent month for the Bobcats as a playoff berth looks more likely, but John Wall and the Wizards have taken a half game lead over them for the southeast division lead. The highlight of the month was a road win against the Miami Heat. The lowlight: a home loss against the Heat three days later. Nonetheless, Charlotte looks to enter the all-star break with momentum, and a representative or two.

January 2015 In Pictures




January 2015 Trades

Jazz trade Axel Gomez to Hornets for Greivis Vasquez, '15 2nd Rounder
January 5, 2015 - Journeyman point guard's latest stop is the New Orleans Hornets as he is acquired for sparkplug reserve guard Greivis Vasquez and the Hornets' upcoming 2015 draft pick. The Hornets finally get a starting caliber point guard while the Jazz unload a headache.
Hornets Grade: A- | Jazz Grade: C+

Cavaliers trade Harrison Barnes to Hornets for Marquis Teague, Xavier Henry
January 19, 2015 - Two and a half unsuccessful years were enough as the Cavaliers pulled the plug on the Harrison Barnes experiment, sending him to the Hornets. In return, they recieve backup point guard Marquis Teague and draft bust Xavier Henry. Like the Gomez deal a couple weeks ago, it is another steal for New Orleans, who hope to turn their season around.
Hornets Grade: A | Cavaliers Grade: D

Mavericks trade Daniel Green, '16 first rounder to Timberwolves for Michael Beasley
Dallas needed somebody on the right side of 35 to provide scoring for this side, and Michael Beasley was... available. However, for an aging team not a lock for this season's playoffs by any means and even less so next season, offering up a future unprotected first seems very risky for a player who has yet to put together a decent season. I'm not sure if I'd even take Beasley for Green straight up to be perfectly honest.
Mavericks Grade: D | Timberwolves Grade: A

Rookie Report:

Chris Hov (DEN): 17.1 PPG, 5.8 APG, 4.8 RPG
Gheorghe Bacu (CLE): 17.2 PPG, 8.2 RPG
Donald Peacock (HO): 17.3 PPG, 5 RPG, 2 APG
Tyler Rooks (TOR): 9.2 PPG, 6.5 RPG
Karl Malone, Jr. (SAC): 3.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG

Players of the Month
EAST: LeBron James (MIA) | WEST: Carmelo Anthony (SA)

Rookies of the Month:
EAST: Gheorghe Bacu (CLE) | WEST: Chris Hov (DEN)

[Valor]

Good job keeping yourself positioned up high for another playoff season, can't wait to see who made the AS team for you this year

[Kenny]

Damn; maybe we should make a Journeyman Axel thread

It's awesome to see how you'd turned this team around. It's about time the Bobcats got some luck go their way. I've kinda been living through this story since lately I haven't had the time to update my own.

[KidJustin]

i got an interesting cameo dunking over bargs, but by looking at the final score i bet it was during garbage time.

[Lamrock]

2015 NBA All-Star Game Rosters Unveiled



The rosters for the 2015 all-star game have been revealed with a couple surprises, including the absence of Kobe Bryant, anybody from the East's top two teams (Detroit and Indiana) and the inclusion of Nuggets rookie point guard Chris Hov. The rosters are as follows:

Eastern Conference:

Derrick Rose (Chi) | 6th Appearance (26.5 PPG, 6.8 APG, 3.9 RPG)
Dwyane Wade (Mia) | 11th Appearance (20 PPG, 6 RPG, 4.5 APG)
LeBron James (Mia) | 11th Appearance (23.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 5.1 APG)
Kevin Love (Cha) | 5th Appearance (18.8 PPG, 10.1 RPG)
Dwight Howard (Orl) | 8th Appearance (14.4 PPG, 11.4 RPG)
----------
Rajon Rondo (Bos) | 6th Appearance (14.9 PPG, 7.7 APG, 5.3 RPG, 2.7 SPG)
Kyrie Irving (Cle) | 2nd Appearance (14.4 PPG, 7.9 APG, 2.1 SPG)
Louis Williams (Phi) | 1st Appearance (18.8 PPG, 4.4 APG, 2.1 SPG)
John Wall (Was) | 2nd Appearance (18.6 PPG, 7.3 APG, 3.4 RPG)
Andre Iguodala (Atl) | 4th Appearance (14.4 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 4.7 APG)
Josh Smith (Atl) | 3rd Appearance (13.3 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.6 BPG)
Joakim Noah (Chi) | 1st Appearance (10.4 PPG, 10.9 RPG)

Notable Snubs: Monta Ellis (Det); Greg Monroe (Det); Amar'e Stoudemire (Ind); Roy Hibbert (Ind); Deron Williams (Brk)

Western Conference:

Chris Paul (Lac) | 7th Appearance (13.9 PPG, 9.1 APG, 5.2 RPG, 2.6 SPG)
Russell Westbrook (Okc) | 5th Appearance (22.5 PPG, 6.3 APG, 5.5 RPG, 2.2 SPG)
Kevin Durant (Okc) | 6th Appearance (27.8 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 4 APG)
Carmelo Anthony (Sas) | 8th Appearance (25.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 4.4 APG)
Andrew Bynum (Lal) | 2nd Appearance (11.8 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 1.8 BPG)
----------
Chris Hov (Den) | 1st Appearance (17.7 PPG, 5.7 APG, 4.9 RPG)
Stephen Curry (Gsw) | 3rd Appearance (18 PPG, 7 APG, 4.8 RPG)
Tyreke Evans (Sac) | 1st Appearance (15.4 PPG, 7 APG, 3.8 RPG)
Eric Gordon (Noh) | 3rd Appearance (20.6 PPG, 4.7 APG, 3.2 RPG)
Danilo Gallinari (Den) | 3rd Appearance (22.6 PPG, 6.1 RPG)
Pau Gasol (Lal) | 7th Appearance (15.3 PPG, 8.4 RPG)
Al Jefferson (Uta) | 3rd Appearance (17.2 PPG, 11.1 RPG)

Notable Snubs: Kobe Bryant (Lal); LaMarcus Aldridge (Por); Blake Griffin (Lac); Dirk Nowitzki (Dal); Leo Lai (Gsw)

---------



76ers Acquire Paul Pierce

After playing with the Celtics his entire career, his tenure has finally come to an end. With the Celtics having the worst record in the league, the aging Pierce wanted to play for a playoff team. Pierce was packaged with big man Ed Davis and sent to the 76ers for guard Jordan Crawford and a 2016 first round draft pick.

Varejao to Hawks in Five Player Deal

The Hawks shore up their big man for another playoff run, sending franchise stalwart Marvin Williams, veteran Lamar Odom and their upcoming first round draft pick to Minnesota for Varejao, forward Darrell Arthur and Robbie Hummel.

February Trades

2/2 - Grizzlies trade Gilbert Arenas, Brevin Shepard to Pistons for Malcolm Morrison
2/6 - Bulls trade Greg Oden, Jimmy Butler to Celtics for Philip Person, Taribo Afolabi
2/9 - Bucks trade Dejan Musli, Drew Gooden to Rockets for Goran Dragic, Courtney Lee
2/10 - Warriors trade Festus Ezeli, Harvey Swift to Rockets for Kevin Martin, Jerome Jordan
2/14 - Nuggets trade Timofey Mozgov, Al Harrington to Bucks for Larry Sanders, Leandro Barbosa
2/18 - Jazz trade Darren Collison to 76ers for Conrad Thompson, Ian Mahinmi
2/23 - Celtics trade Pierce, Ed Davis to 76ers for 2016 1st, Jordan Crawford
2/25 - Wolves trade Anderson Varejao, Darrell Arthur, Robbie Hummel to Hawks for Marvin Williams, Lamar Odom, '15 1st rounder

[Solaris Phase Two]

hawks made a pretty smart trade.

[Valor]

Both me and Kobe didn't make it, damn

and what the heck at the Bulls trade lol

[[Hyperize]]

What are your plans for this once 2K13 releases? Will you be getting 2K13?

[Lamrock]

badreligionau, Thanks man. Your Denver story definitely inspired the style of getting through those damn regular seasons quickly.

KidJustin, Your guy is really good, but is unfortunately buried behind by I believe Jerryd Bayless (who's a borderline all-star now) and DeMar DeRozan.

Valor, Chicago is inexplicably turrible in this association. I think they're rebuilding. You and Kobe were certainly more deserving than Tyreke or hova-, but them's the breaks I guess.

Dan Podolski, Yeah, title or none this is probably the last season of this. 2K13 is pre-ordered.

[Lamrock]

ALL-STAR WEEKEND 2015

Wolves' Melvin Torres Leads Rookies Past Sophomores
Rookies 112, Sophomores 103



Many thought Minnesota were crazy to use the #3 pick on project center Melvin Torres. However, the 6'11", 250 lb Torres has had an excellent rookie season so far, and now has a rookie challenge MVP trophy as well. Torres posted 25 points and 10 rebounds as the Rookies upset the second year players with a 112-103 win. All-Star Chris Hov played limited minutes and could not find his shot, but neither could anyone on the Sophomores side.

Melvin Torres (MIN): 25 pts, 10 rebs, 10-16 FG, 5-6 FT
Chris Hov: 10 pts, 11 rebs, 3 asts, 4-15 FG
Karl Malone, Jr: 2 pts, 5 rebs

Bradley Rice (SA): 18 pts, 8 rebs
Elton Fleming (ORL): 14 pts, 9 rebs, 3 asts
Abraham Huffman (POR): 12 pts, 8 asts, 5 rebs, 5-22 FG

----------

LeBron Leads East To Victory
East 151, West 141



The Eastern Conference prevailed in what was an exciting, high scoring all-star game. LeBron James was named MVP of the game as he cipped in 30 points, 7 assists, 3 blocks and 3 steals. Charlotte Bobcat Kevin Love was no slouch however, posting 18 points and 5 boards on 8-13 shooting. Meanwhile, Chris Paul nearly had a triple double with 19 points, 9 assists and 10 turnovers.

LeBron James (MIA): 30 pts, 7 asts, 3 stls, 3 blks, 3 rebs, 12-18 FG
Dwyane Wade (MIA): 22 pts, 6 asts, 5 rebs
Derrick Rose (CHI): 23 pts, 4 asts, 4 stls

Stephen Curry (GS): 27 pts, 6 stls, 11-14 FG
Chris Paul (LAC): 19 pts, 9 asts, 10 TO's, 4-6 FG, 9-9 FT
Chris Hov (DEN): 15 pts, 4 stls, 3 asts

[Valor]

So did Lebron score 30 or 20?

[[Hyperize]]

If you don't mind, after this season or whenever you plan on stopping this, I would like to see you sim a couple years into the future and tell us how our NLSCers fared, if we're doing good in the league or not.

[The X]

You better finish 2015 ASAP. I have a feeling this Association about half a week left in it

Glad you kept this Association going through as many years as you did. Strange you could with a more mediocre 2K

[Lamrock]

Valor, 30, fixed.

Dan Podolski, Yeah, I'm sure I will. Kind of curious to see if any other NLSC'ers become stars.

The X, My copy of 2K13 should arrive next Friday, so I have a week. The regular season will definitely be wrapped up by then, but we'll see how well I do in the playoffs...

[Lamrock]

February 2015 In Review


Justine Crewhead could only watch as Andrea Bargnani bullied the Pistons frontline.

Team Record: 36-22 (8-5) | T-1st in division, T-2nd in conference

February was a very solid month for the Bobcats as they once again posted a winning record, and had Kevin Love start in the all-star game. Charlotte is tied for second in the East, and if they hold on, could have homecourt advantage in the first two rounds of the playoffs. Still, with 24 games left, a lot can happen.



Rookie Report:

Chris Hov: 17.7 PPG, 5.7 APG, 4.9 RPG
Tyler Rooks: 9.1 PPG, 6.8 RPG
Karl Malone, Jr: 4.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG

Players of the Month
EAST: Derrick Rose (CHI) | WEST: Blake Griffin (LAC)
Rookies of the Month:
EAST: Adam Conway (MIL) | WEST: Davor Alenichev (PHX)

----------

NBA Mid-Season Award Races

Most Valuable Player
1. Kevin Durant (Okc: 41-12) | 27.8 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 4 APG
Kevin Durant leads the league in scoring and his defending champion Thunder have the best record in the league. It's about damn time.
2. Carmelo Anthony (Sas: 38-15) | 25.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 4.4 APG
Leaving New York has turned out to be a great move for Carmelo Anthony, who has turned the Spurs back into a contender.
3. Russell Westbrook (Okc: 41-12) | 22.5 PPG, 6.3 APG, 5.5 RPG, 2.2 SPG
Some might say Westbrook, not Durant, is the Thunder's best player. I wouldn't, though.
4. Kevin Love (Cha: 36-21) | 18.8 PPG, 10.1 RPG
The addition of Love has improved the Bobcats dramatically, though his numbers are less gaudy.
5. Pau Gasol (Lal: 40-16) | 15.3 PPG, 8.4 RPG
With a declining Kobe and unreliable Bynum, Pau Gasol has quietly had an excellent season for the Lakers, who look primed for another title run.
6. Amar'e Stoudemire (Ind: 32-22) | 20.3 PPG, 9.4 RPG
Like Melo, Amar'e Stoudemire left the Knicks in the offseason and has thrived on the Pacers. His all-star snub was a huge surprise.
7. LeBron James (Mia: 29-27) | 23.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 5.1 APG
LeBron's numbers remain excellent, but the Heat are struggling to stay above .500.
8. Andre Iguodala (Atl: 35-22) | 14.4 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 4.7 APG
Iguodala was a phenomenal pick-up for the Hawks last season, and the team's athleticism might make them a tough out in the playoffs.
9. Monta Ellis (Det: 41-15) | 20.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.6 APG
This Pistons team is a throwback to the mid-00's juggernauts with a star player at nearly every position (Brandon Knight, Ellis, Danny Granger, David West, Greg Monroe) but superstars. Monta gets it done though.
10. Chris Paul (Lac: 27-29) | 13.9 PPG, 9.1 APG, 5.2 RPG, 2.6 SPG
Another great season from Paul is marred by the fact that he plays for the Clippers.

Rookie of the Year:
1. Chris Hov (Den) | 17.7 PPG, 5.7 APG, 4.9 RPG
Hov is the first player since Blake Griffin to make the all-star game in his rookie season, and has proven to be a stud for Denver, upstaging #1 pick and fellow PG Jalen Kennedy.
2. Gheorghe Bacu (Cle) | 17.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG
Hov was an all-star, but Bacu has been no slouch, making a huge impact. Irving and Bacu will be a fearsome tandem in years to come.
3. Adam Conway (Mil) | 14.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG
Conway is a very nice pick-up for the Bucks, who are unfortunately still built around the point guard rotation of Tony Parker and Brandon Jennings.
4. Davor Alenichev (Phx) | 11.4 PPG, 7.5 APG
The task of finding a point guard to put next to Will Sit looks to have finally come to a close, as Alenichev is a great fit in the Suns' offense. However, they still suck.
5. Melvin Torres (Min) | 11.8 PPG, 9.5 RPG
Torres is a solid starting-caliber center in this league, and his rookie/sophomore game performance may have been his coming-out party.

Sixth Man of the Year:
1. Andrea Bargnani (Cha) | 17 PPG, 4.6 RPG
Bargnani is going to run away with this award, performing at a near all-star level off the bench.
2. Jalen Kennedy (Brk) | 9.9 PPG, 4.1 APG
The #1 overall pick was unfortunate to be drafted by a team with Deron Williams on it. Nonetheless, Kennedy has shown promise in limited minutes.
3. Ray Cer (Tor) | 10.9 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.7 APG
Ray Cer has emerged as a great sparkplug off the bench for the Raptors, who are hoping to return to the post-season.
4. Greg Oden (Bos) | 8.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG
Oden has made a career for himself after all. The Celtics are dreadful but Oden has stayed healthy and played well.
5. Wilson Chandler (Cha) | 8.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG
The reigning sixth man of the year is about to be succeeded by his teammate. Chandler has seen his minutes decreased this season, but has nonetheless played well.

Defensive Player of the Year:
1. Josh Smith (Atl) | 13.3 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.6 BPG
Josh Smith fills up the stat sheet and leads one of the league's best defenses.
2. Anthony Davis (Noh) | 11 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2 BPG
Though the Hornets aren't very good, Davis has established himself as one of the best defensive anchors in the league.
3. Dorell Wright (Phx) | 12.3 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 2.4 SPG
Dorell Wright has established himself as a lockdown defender and continues to improve.
4. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Was) | 11.2 RPG, 9.1 RPG, 1.4 BPG
MKG is developing into a miniature Josh Smith, but he's not quite there yet.
5. Joakim Noah (Chi) | 10.4 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 1.3 BPG
Noah's one of the best defensive players in the league, but the Bulls don't have much outside of him and Rose.

Most Improved Player
1. Donatas Motiejunas (Hou) | 4.6 PPG, 1.9 RPG -> 15.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG
Motiejunas has established himself as a more than capable starting power forward for the Rockets.
2. Vinson Duroy (Orl) | 6.5 PPG, 2.1 APG -> 14 PPG, 4.7 APG
Duroy has taken Jameer Nelson's starting spot, and the Magic hasn't missed a beat. One must question the future of Janis Kalnins, though.
3. Jerryd Bayless (Tor) | 11.3 PPG, 2.3 APG, 1.6 RPG -> 17.5 PPG, 4.7 APG, 3.4 RPG
Bayless has taken on the role of alpha-dino in Toronto, leading the team in scoring and leading an unlikely run at a playoff seed.
4. Nikola Mirotic (Sac) | 7.1 PPG, 2.8 RPG -> 13.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG
Mirotic has been thrust into a starting role and fared surprisingly well, for the Kings who hope to end their playoff dry spell.
5. Thomas Robinson (Brk) | 6.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG -> 9.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG
Robinson has finally gotten to start, and has started to fulfill the potential the Nets saw in him on draft night.

[Martti.]

Melo has been great, we can win the title.

[Valor]

The Knicks must be pissed

[Kenny]

It's great to see Melo have an almost-MVP season. I'm hoping for a Bobcats-Spurs NBA Finals.

Just wondering; am I still a 6-man or am I finally getting starter minutes?