A LEGEND IS BORN II

[kibaxx7]

At least we got the bronze. Man, are you playing with a WC patch in 2K?

[Fresh8]

Chara's ego is really irritating

USA won and that's what important.

You would know, you played against him twice in NCAA Finals!

Would've preferred a medal but 2nd team is solid effort. Can't match up to Pero Cameron's 1st team effort at 2002 World Championships in Indianapolis though

If you guys had upset China, both you and mark would have been on first team I think

At least we got the bronze. Man, are you playing with a WC patch in 2K?

As I said before... this is on XBox 360

[Valor]

Yao WC MVP

[Fresh8]

The story so far: 2010 World Championship Edition

Final Results/Standings

Results

Group Stage

Group A

1. Argentina (5-0) – Manu Ginobili and Luis Scola teamed up for their last World Championships. The 2012 Olympics may be the duo’s swansong.
2. Greece (4-1) – Solid defense and balanced offensive play are trademarks of the Greek national side.
3. Nigeria (3-2) – Surprising wins over Lithuania, Puerto Rico, and Great Britain help the Nigerians to the next round.
4. Lithuania (2-3) – Lithuania just scraped through into the next round and face China in a match up that they could surely win.
5. Puerto Rico (1-4) – Unlucky not to advance to the next stage of competition.
6. Great Britain (0-5) – Luol Deng and Ben Gordon could not carry the British but things are looking good as FIBA is allowing them to have their team compete in 2012.

Group B

1. United States (5-0) – Outclassed and comprehensively outmatched all of their opponents.
2. Russia (3-2) – Russia used their strong team defense to shut down Group B, bar the United States.
3. Serbia (2-3) – Darko Milicic had yet another strong showing (21 ppg, 12 rpg) in international competition; making people wonder why it doesn’t translate into the NBA.
4. Slovenia (2-3) – Everyone was excited about Sasha Vujacic suiting up for his country but it was Klemen Pirc who carried them into the second round.
5. Turkey (2-3) – Hedo Turkoglu wishes he hit a few extra shots as Turkey missed the second round by 11 points in points difference.
6. Angola (1-4) – African champions finish last in group play once again.

Group C

1. China (5-0) – A new era of Chinese basketball has been ushered in with Chen Jianhua and Sun Yue earning plenty of court time however it was 17 year old Maryland-bound Wu Jao who proved to be the team’s floor general.
2. New Zealand (4-1) – A young Tall Blacks team was led by co-captains Andrew Watson and Mark Moore to a surprising second place finish in group play.
3. Australia (3-2) – Andrew Bogut and Jeremy Mason look like they could be a dangerous one-two punch once the London Games come around.
4. Brazil (2-3) – Leandro Barbosa was missing but Nene picked up the slack and carried the load.
5. Iran (1-4) – Iran were never going to make it into the next round.
6. Cape Verde (0-5) – African nation struggled and lost to New Zealand by a tournament high margin of 41 points.

Group D

1. Germany (5-0) – Dirk Nowitzki did not play a big role this time around, the burden of carrying Germany was on himself as well as Chris Kaman and Chris Hova; Florian Ruf had his international debut and created much buzz among NBA scouts.
2. France (3-2) – A young French side was led by Tony Parker (14.6 ppg, 7.8 apg) to second place.
3. Spain (2-3) – Spain lost three games to open the tournament and looked like they were headed for an early elimination but Pau Gasol stepped up and carried his side over the hump.
4. Philippines (2-3) – Somehow slips into the next round; their win against Spain to open the tournament surprised many.
5. Mexico (2-3) – Mexico must be feeling slighted as they lost their last group game by 1 point after Italy’s Marco Bellinelli was alledged to have ‘flopped’ on one final pivotal play.
6. Italy (1-4) – Horror tournament and were very close to being 0-5, if not for a generous officiating call in their last group match against Mexico.

Round Of Sixteen

Game 1: A1 Argentina v C4 Brazil – Argentina’s Ginobili scores 25 in win against Brazil.

Game 2: A2 Greece v C3 Australia – Exciting 7 point win from Australia avenges their close loss to Greece in the 2006 Championships.

Game 3: A3 Nigeria v C2 New Zealand – Nigeria could not score as Tall Blacks run away with 22 point win behind Watson’s 18 and Moore’s 15.

Game 4: A4 Lithuania v C1 China – A 25 point, 14 rebound performance from Yao secures a 4 point win over Lithuania.

Game 5: B1 United States v D4 Philippines – The United States were never going to lose this one as players for the Philippines asked their opponents to sign their jerseys and shoes before and after the game.

Game 6: B2 Russia v D3 Spain – Ricky Rubio played his best game of the tournament as Spain advances to meet the United States; Rubio finished with 18 points, 13 assists, 7 rebounds, and 6 steals.

Game 7: B3 Serbia v D2 France – France shut down Milicic and Parker scored 25 in the win.

Game 8: B4 Slovenia v D1 Germany – Sasha Vujacic hits a buzzer beater to win the match for Slovenia 76-75.

Quarter Finals

Game 9: W1 Argentina v W2 Australia – Argentina cruises to an 83-76 win; the score alluding to the fact that it was closer than it really was.

Game 10: W3 New Zealand v W4 China – Wu Jao has tournament high 14 assists as Chinese frontcourt dominates New Zealand.

Game 11: W5 United States v W6 Spain – In the United State’s toughest challenge yet, Moses Chara took over in the final quarter to see off the reigning World Champions.

Game 12: W7 France v W8 Slovenia – Slovenia knocks out another more-fancied opponent as they beat the French by 10.

Semi Finals

Game 13: W9 Argentina v W10 China – 76-53 upset win for China over Argentina as Luis Scola misses game due to injury.

Game 14: W11 United States v W12 Slovenia – Team USA flexes its muscle over Slovenia and ending the run for this tournament’s Cinderella team.

Third Place Game

Game 15: L13 Argentina v L14 Slovenia – Argentina are not denied a medal as they easily take care of Slovenia.

First Place Game

Game 16: W13 China v W14 United States – Team USA saves its best for last as everyone on its roster gets to play in the Gold Medal match. Yao Ming does his best to fend off the Americans. China records its best result in international competition, leaving people to wonder if that is their peak after Ming announces his retirement from the Chinese national side.

Standings

1. United States (9-0)
2. China (8-1)
3. Argentina (8-1)
4. Slovenia (4-5)
- - -
5-8.
- Australia (4-3)
- France (4-3)
- New Zealand (5-2)
- Spain (3-4)
- - -
9-16.
- Brazil (2-4)
- Germany (5-1)
- Greece (4-2)
- Lithuania (2-4)
- Nigeria (3-3)
- Philippines (2-4)
- Russia (3-3)
- Serbia (2-4)
- - -
17. Turkey (2-3)
18. Mexico (2-3)
19. Puerto Rico (1-4)
20. Iran (1-4)
21. Italy (1-4)
22. Angola (1-4)
23. Great Britain (0-5)
24. Cape Verde (0-5)

[Jing]

Wow China battled all the way to the title game for a Silver Medal, not too shabby

[kibaxx7]

As I said before... this is on XBox 360

Yeah, my bad. Then, you are just writing this up? No real games in the Xbox? That's my question

[Fresh8]

That's absolutely correct Thierry.

[Fresh8]

Off-Season Recap - Part 1
“A Review Of What Went Down During The Off-Season”

Retiring Players

T Ratliff, 37 – 15 Years Pro (Philadelphia 76ers)
PJ Brown, 40 – 17 Years Pro (New York Knicks)
S Cassell, 40 – 17 Years Pro (Dallas Mavericks)
D Mutombo, 43 – 19 Years Pro (Houston Rockets)

Retiring Coaches

M D’Antoni, 8 Years Service (Los Angeles Clippers)
P Jackson, 16 Years Service (Los Angeles Lakers)
D Rivers, 18 Years Service (Boston Celtics)

Re-Signed Players

Trevor Ariza
Adam Morrison
Sebastian Telfair

2009 NBA Draft

1. New Jersey (via New York) selects SG Jeremy Mason (UCLA)
2. Milwaukee selects PF Jay Gray (TCU)
3. New Jersey selects C DJ Schmidt (Washington State)
4. Toronto selects PG Chris Hova (Germany)
5. Charlotte selects C Shaun Skinner (Michigan)
6. Chicago selects SG Bradley Emerson (Tulsa)
7. LA Clippers selects PG Ray Lliach (Connecticut)
8. Memphis selects SF Stan Erickson (Arizona State)
9. Dallas selects SF Kenneth Dela Cruz (Purdue)
10. Sacramento selects C Donnie Meyers (Oregon State)
11. Philadelphia (via Utah) selects PG Aaron Karl (Rhode Island)
12. Golden State selects PG Louis Nixon (Vanderbilt)
13. Phoenix selects PF Leo Chase (La Salle)
14. San Antonio selects SF Igor Chugainov (Russia)

For the rest of the First Round plus analysis, click here.

[Fresh8]

Off-Season Recap - Part 2
“A Review Of What Went Down During The Off-Season”

Free Agency

Rudy Gay Joins LeBron James

SF Rudy Gay was impressed with LeBron James’ sales pitch and agreed to a 5 year 82 million dollar deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Gay was highly coveted by many clubs and his former team, Memphis, tried desperately to retain his services. In the end though, Gay could not resist joining the NBA’s reigning MVP and an Eastern Conference contender.

“I’m a winner and it was a no-brainer to choose the Cavs over the Grizzlies,” Gay explained, “No disrespect to Memphis because I have the utmost respect for them. They drafted me and developed me but at the end of the day, I want to play for a winner. LeBron is a winner and the Cavs look like a winning team.”

Read More…

Joe Johnson Ditches Atlanta

In a flashback to when he first joined the Atlanta Hawks from the Phoenix Suns, SG Joe Johnson turned his back on another up and coming team for more money. Johnson signed a 4 year deal worth 66 million dollars to join the Utah Jazz. The Hawks were strong contenders to make the NBA Finals in the past two seasons but failed to get past the likes of Detroit and Boston in the Eastern Conference.

Johnson decided to join PG Deron Williams; the two played together in past USA national team trials. Utah also has promising PF Donnell Lawrence on its roster. Although C Mehmet Okur decided to leave the Jazz, the signing of Johnson is a coup because they finally have a second All-Star calibre player on the squad – something they have lacked since Carlos Boozer went to Portland.

Read More…

Grizzlies Counter Loss of Gay With TJ Ford, Tyrus Thomas

The Memphis Grizzlies had some consolation as they signed PG TJ Ford to a 5 year, 84 million dollar deal. Ford was a major part in helping the Indiana Pacers to a strong first half to their season last year. The team started on a tear but faded out as the season wore on. Ford decided that it was time to move on and signed to play with the Grizzlies with the promise of the starting PG position.

PF Tyus Thomas and C Joel Przybilla were also signed to 5 year contracts and help improve the Grizzlies weak frontcourt rotation. The drafting of SF Stan Erickson means that the Grizzlies have had a successful offseason period despite the departure of star player Rudy Gay.

Read More…

LaMarcus Aldridge Joins Washington

PF LaMarcus Aldridge was the player every team wanted to pay big bucks for. The promising big man signed a 4 year, 50 million dollar deal with the Washington Wizards and is expected to play at centre for the team. Washington has also decided to start Gilbert Arenas at SG in order to accommodate for Klemen Pirc to move into the starting line-up at PG.

“This is an exciting time here in Washington,” a Wizards spokesman said, “The Wizards will be able to put a very competitive team on the floor.” Washington is expected to shape up as a serious contender to do well in the Eastern Conference.

Read More…

Blazers Trade Disgruntled Webster To New Orleans

The Portland Trailblazers, who lost in the 2010 NBA Finals, suffered another setback as promising SG Martell Webster demanded a trade. The 6’7” guard was dealt to the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for SF James Posey. Posey is a welcome addition to the Blazers after the departure of Travis Outlaw but Webster was considered as a piece of the puzzle in Portland’s future.

The youngster felt discouraged due to limited playing time due to playing behind the likes of Outlaw and Brandon Roy last season. “I’m happy to go to New Orleans,” Webster stated, “I think that the Hornets are a championship contending team and the best part is that I’m in a position where I can help them.” Webster is expected to start in New Orleans.

The Hornets also made big steps in solidifying their roster after a surprise exit in the second round of the playoffs. They were able to steal the signature of C Rasho Nesterovic on a 3 year contract worth roughly 5.5 million dollars. “Rasho will give us a starting calibre centre while Tyson (Chandler) is out,” a happy Chris Paul said.

Read More…

Shaquille O’Neal Returns To California

Shaquille O’Neal is back in the State of California as the Phoenix Suns signed and traded the perennial All-Star centre and 4-time NBA champion. The Sacramento Kings were in desperate need of a centre after Eddy Curry opted not to resign. They were able to trade PF Josh Powell and their 2011 Second Round Pick in exchange for the 7’1” O’Neal.

All-Star SF Moses Chara was particularly pleased with the deal, welcoming his new team mate in a phone call. “I’m very excited to play alongside the great Shaquille O’Neal,” Chara said, “But as great as he used to be, this is my team now. I hope that he knows where he stands in our food chart. I call the shots around here.”

Read More…

Other Notable Signings

San Antonio signs Larry Hughes for 3 years/15.87 M
Chicago signs Jamal Crawford for 5 years/37.91 M
Boston signs Gerald Green for 4 years/22.85 M
Atlanta signs Marcus Williams for 3 years/19.27 M
Portland signs Darko Milicic for 5 years/27.19 M
Indiana signs Randy Foye for 5 years/62.10 M
Dallas signs Hedo Turkoglu for 3 years/27.54 M
Golden State signs Jermaine O’Neal for 4 years/37.59 M
Minnesota signs Stephen Jackson for 4 years/31.18 M
New Jersey signs Travis Outlaw for 5 years/40.39 M
LA Lakers signs Brendan Haywood for 1 years/4.5 M
Seattle signs Raja Bell for 3 years/18.47 M
Charlotte signs Brad Miller for 2 years/8.4 M
Toronto signs Udonis Haslem for 3 years/13.45 M
Toronto signs Etan Thomas for 1 years/2.9 M
Toronto signs Luis Scola for 5 years/33.28 M

For a Full List Of All Player Signings, Click Here…

[Fresh8]

Off-Season Recap - Part 3
“A Review Of What Went Down During The Off-Season”

League News

Nets: Most Exciting Young Team?

PG Barney Steele has been hailed as the new-age Jason Kidd; a pass-first PG rarely seen in today’s game. PF Yi Jianlian has improved a lot since he first entered the NBA and may have an All-Star calibre season. SG Jeremy Mason was a scoring stalwart as a Bruin, leading UCLA to the NCAA Final this year. C DJ Schmidt is an imposing 7 foot force who could be one of the top five centres in the league one day, although in this day and age that is no real feat. SF Travis Outlaw has always had potential; Portland was never going to trade the swingman and it was unfortunate they could not stop him from walking away in free agency.

All five of these players look like they will have their roles. Steele is the captain and leader of this young squad. Outlaw is a lockdown defender and highflying scorer. Mason’s jumpshot is textbook and to die for; he will surely open up the floor for his team mates and if left open will punish opponents. Schmidt is going to be a rock on defence and a dependable finisher around the rim while the Nets hope that Jianlain can become the go-to-scorer they have envisioned for the past two years.

Read More…

Celtics, Nuggets Looking Dangerous

The Boston Celtics are looming as favourites to repeat as NBA Champions while the Denver Nuggets have taken New Orleans’ mantle as the best team in the Western Conference. Both teams made only minor moves to their rosters over the Summer and that is what makes both teams favoured to meet in the NBA Finals.

Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen look as good as ever while Rajon Rondo has improved drastically. Boston will get tough competition in the East from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, and Miami Heat. Meanwhile, Denver should be strong with a healthy Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, and Andrew Watson. The New Orleans Hornets are their main competition in the West.

Read More…

Moses Chara Vows Winning Season

The Sacramento Kings failed to make any significant moves to change the makeup of its roster but the ever-so-colourful and ‘insightful’ Moses Chara decided to hold his own press conference to share his thoughts. He stated that the Kings were capable to making the playoffs and he vowed to bring home the MVP trophy.

Addressing the 50-strong crowd of news reporters, the second year forward stated that the ‘rest of the NBA better be ready because I am better than I was last season. I have a better understanding and feel for the NBA game and I have worked hard to get better at everything. Actually, I was pretty good already so it’s going to be a shock to all of you because you all never would have thought I could get any better than I was last year.’

The Kings have a strong starting five with Shaquille O’Neal, Nick Collison, Chara, Kevin Martin, and Steve Blake. Steve Francis has also proven to be a valuable sixth man.

Read More…

Trade Rumours Swirl

Josh Howard, Ben Gordon, Chris Bosh, and Baron Davis are among the names being tossed around in trade rumours this Summer. Toronto’s Bosh and Dallas’ Howard are the two players who seem to be most likely to be dealt to new teams before the season begins.

Toronto has had back to back subpar seasons and recently signed a number of big men including Luis Scola and Udonis Haslem to multiyear deals. The Raptors also drafted promising PG Chris Hova, leading to rumours that Jose Calderon may also be going out the door soon. Bosh has been linked to the Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets, and New York Knicks. It is reported that New York has the best chance of landing Bosh. The Knicks have offered PF Zach Randolph and C Byron Brock for Bosh.

Dallas signed SF Hedo Turkoglu and drafted SF Kenneth Dela Cruz; it has been no secret that they have been trying to offload Howard for a while now. Howard’s off-court behaviour has been a concern to the Mavs and it looks like he his days in Dallas are numbered. San Antonio are said to be very interested but don’t seem to have the pieces to make a deal happen. The Boston Celtics have offered SG Ray Allen and C Kendrick Perkins.

Read More…

Raja Bell Will Start For Seattle

SG Raja Bell will head into training camp assured of a starting spot with his new side. Coach George Karl has promised the veteran SG that he would get the nod ahead of the promising Reshawn Tyson. Karl stated that he opted to go with Bell due to his experience, defensive prowess, as well as his shooting ability. Karl said that he expected Tyson to be the team’s sixth man.

Read More…

I apologize for the three separate posts but it looked better like this and a lot easier to read!

[homicide1550]

Lots of stuff Sit.. Very detailed, I like it!

Game 5: B1 United States v D4 Philippines – The United States were never going to lose this one as players for the Philippines asked their opponents to sign their jerseys and shoes before and after the game.

I bet they'd do that in real life.. hehehe

[Martti.]

Wow, a lot of signings there.. Tyrus Thomas is great, so that's nice he's joining Memphis. Although I hope he won't start over me.

[hova-]

Some nice deals done here and there, makes it tough for me to understand which team is a contender and which not. So thx for pointing out some teams already, I hope there is more to come so that we can see the balance of power in the league.
Chara is such a funny dickhead, I guess the Diesel has to show him how to get a good image. Im eager to see how the new season turns out to be. Keep it up.

[newc]

O'Neal is a great addiotion to Kings, I really like their line-up now. They might be my favourite team next season on this dynasty

[Valor]

damn, Phil is retired?
Crawford is going to my beloved Bulls, hope he can help Rose out....
Shaq's gonna own Chara btw

[kibaxx7]

That's absolutely correct Thierry.

Then I love it. I also liked the offseason recap in 3 separated posts, I would have done it like that as well. Shaq to Sacramento, Hedo to Dallas, Posey-Webster trade, Aldridge to Washington, nice moves.

[Fresh8]

Lots of stuff Sit.. Very detailed, I like it!

Thanks man. I typed this up a while ago and from memory, it did take a while. Just trying to make this association go a bit faster lol... it's been going on forever! I hope you all are still enjoying.

I bet they'd do that in real life.. hehehe

I was hoping you would see the humour in that line!

Wow, a lot of signings there.. Tyrus Thomas is great, so that's nice he's joining Memphis. Although I hope he won't start over me.

You should be devastated that you've just lost your star player... although OJ Mayo should be able to step up as the man and Martti Must might even become the second best player on the team. Thomas is a sixth man for Memphis. Don't worry!

Some nice deals done here and there, makes it tough for me to understand which team is a contender and which not. So thx for pointing out some teams already, I hope there is more to come so that we can see the balance of power in the league.
Chara is such a funny dickhead, I guess the Diesel has to show him how to get a good image. Im eager to see how the new season turns out to be. Keep it up.

Don't worry man, a preseason recap will include a league-wide preview. So you will know who is a contender and who isn't!

And Chara is an idiot. I wonder who we could compare him to? It could be like Stephon Marbury with talent? But even he doesn't have as big an ego or mouth as Chara!

O'Neal is a great addiotion to Kings, I really like their line-up now. They might be my favourite team next season on this dynasty

Thanks man. Problem with Sacramento is their lack of depth... But they do have a great team!

Crawford is going to my beloved Bulls, hope he can help Rose out....

Chicago need all the help that they can get!

Then I love it. I also liked the offseason recap in 3 separated posts, I would have done it like that as well. Shaq to Sacramento, Hedo to Dallas, Posey-Webster trade, Aldridge to Washington, nice moves.

Thanks man. My personal favourite was Webster and Posey because for once a cpu move actually made sense on both sides!

And my favourite move of the Summer has got to be Rudy Gay to Cleveland. Two athletic scorers and they have a great shooting team to support those two... the Cavs might be contenders for the first time ever in my dynasty!

[Fresh8]

2010-11 NBA Season Preview

Seattle Stealth
Head Coach: George Karl | 09-10 Record: 50-32 | Projected 10-11 Record: 45-37

PLAYERS ADDED

SG Robin Ross (Draft)
SG Raja Bell (Free Agent)
C Adonal Foyle (Free Agent)

PLAYERS LOST

C Brad Miller (Free Agent)
C Mouhamed Sene (Trade)

PROJECTED ROTATION

Player | 08-09 Stats (PPG, RPG, APG)

PG Jason Kidd | 13.1, 5.7, 10.7
SG Raja Bell | 14.0, 2.2, 1.3
SF Kevin Durant | 30.4, 4.2, 2.3
PF David Lee | 10.2, 7.6, 1.3
C Jamaal Magloire | 3.3, 3.8, 0.7

- - -

SG Reshawn Tyson | 10.9, 2.0, 1.2
SF Jeff Green | 13.3, 3.6, 0.9
SF Adam Morrison | 10.1, 1.9, 1.4
PG Sebastian Telfair | 4.9, 1.1, 3.9
PF Chris Wilcox | 6.3, 3.5, 0.6

2008-09 TEAM LEADERS

PPG Kevin Durant | 25.3
RPG David Lee | 7.0
APG Jason Kidd | 5.2
SPG Kevin Durant 1.4
BPG Kevin Durant | 1.1

PLAYER TO WATCH

Karl made a gamble during the postseason and awarded rookie Reshawn Tyson with the starting SG position. Tyson made a good impression with his defensive ability and even had a handful of breakout scoring performances. He was particularly impressive in his team’s sweep of the New Orleans Hornets. Lack of experience saw him crack under the pressure of the Portland Blazers defence and Tyson was lacklustre for the Western Conference Finals.

Despite a foul end to the Stealth’s playoff run, Coach Karl praised the manner in which Tyson handled the pressure of starting for Seattle. But the signing of NBA journeyman Raja Bell has put to rest the questions of whether Karl would start Tyson again. At the press conference announcing Bell’s acquisition, Karl briefed reporters, “Reshawn will get his chance in the future - we have always wanted to bring him along slowly. Raja is a veteran of the game and will be able to share his experiences with Reshawn. He will be a good starter and locker room presence.”

Jason Kidd and Kevin Durant welcomed the addition of Bell. The 6’5’’ SG, who was undrafted, brings a strong defensive game as well as a respectable three point shot. “Raja is going to be big for us,” Kidd stated, “If we want to win now, we needed more leadership and experience.” Durant added, “I have played against Raja and he is a tough player to score against.”

Raja Bell was particularly pleased to sign with the Stealth and is vowing to make a difference in his first season. He is happy to play with David Lee again; the two of them played half a season together in New York during 2008-09. “David was a big reason I came here,” Raja admits, “He said it’s a good team to play with one with a promising future as well as the ability to contend right away.”

SEASON OUTLOOK

Many would say that the Seattle Stealth overachieved last season. Seattle finished with 50 wins, a fifth seeding, and went all the way to the Western Conference Finals. They had beaten the Lakers in 7 games, swept the 2008 NBA Champions New Orleans Hornets, and then dropped out of the playoffs in 6 games to the Portland Trailblazers. Prior to that season, many thought the team would struggle to make it to 40 wins; including Jason Kidd.

“When I first signed with the team, I didn’t expect for us to even make it to the playoffs,” Kidd said after his side was beaten by the Blazers, “To be just two wins away from the NBA Finals is incredible. I never expected for us to have made it past the first round but when we did, I knew we had a great chance.”

Seattle, this season, needs to prove that they are as good as they were last season. Their only significant roster change has been C Brad Miller signing with the Charlotte Bobcats and Raja Bell joining the team. Seattle may have lost a bit of size but Bell brings the perimeter defence and a strong perimeter stroke that Seattle urgently needed last season. Seattle should be able to make the playoffs again this season.

Jamaal Magloire will attempt to fill the void left by Miller. Miller is a talented passing centre with a dependable offensive game. Magloire doesn’t have the playmaking skills that Miller has but he does have a soft touch around the rim and is a good scoring big man. The problem with Magloire is that he is unhappy with the Stealth organisation after they had lured him to Seattle with the promise of playing time and a starting spot. Seattle’s George Karl did not live up to his team’s side of the bargain and that saw Magloire surprisingly struggle to get minutes in a weak frontcourt.

The big man recently stated, “I’m not happy in Seattle and I am thinking of leaving as soon as I can. Whether the team can trade me soon or I will just leave when I’m off-contract (at the end of this season).” Fans don’t need to worry because Magloire is a professional and will play at his best but it seems that the veteran has had enough of playing in Seattle.

Seattle has a strong slew of backcourt players. Jason Kidd is a brilliant playmaker and wizard with the ball, even at the age of 38. Although his stats dropped across the board last season, Kidd should still have two years left in him. Jeff Green and Adam Morrison have both grown into their roles of leading bench players. New signing Raja Bell is expected to deliver hard-nosed defence and three point shooting while Sebastian Telfair provides a quick change of pace off the bench. Reshawn Tyson, last year’s third overall pick, showed signs of potential during the playoffs.

The frontcourt is a huge contrast with David Lee as the best player but hardly intimidating for any opposition players. Magloire, Chris Wilcox, and DJ White are all competent on the offensive end but no one could ever depend on them to stop anyone in the paint. Brad Miller didn’t make much of a difference on the defensive end but he did help keep the offence moving by freeing up teammates for open buckets and delivering clean crisp passes. Losing him takes away one unique dimension of the Stealth offence.

However, even without Miller, the Stealth should not be much worse than last season. There is no reason why the team can’t win 45 games this season. The team is currently on a par with all the teams in the middle of the Western Conference. If they can make a move for a low post presence, Seattle could move up to the next level.

[Valor]

eh...Magloire as your STARTING center???
you need an upgrade...fast...

[puttincomputers]

i agree valor!

[newc]

Your frontcourt is weak, so I don't get it why did you draft another SG, who even won't get playing time behind Bell and Tyson. But I think you can get a home court advantage in the playoffs, cause Durant will be even better and other young guys will be improved too

[The X]

Your team looks pretty weak. Based on that roster, you don't have a playoff team. Solid bench rotation but starters don't look too crash hot. How long until we see David Lee starting at centre, Green starting at PF & Tyson starting at SG & Morrison as 6th man?!? That seems to be how this team is going to win games, a 7 man rotation

[Lamrock]

Despite what others say, I don't think the team looks that bad - 45 wins is an accurate prediction, though I don't know why you decided to make an SG your target and not a big man. I would be shocked if there wasn't a trade looming though. I tried to make Magloire my starting Center in my Hawks dynasty and he was garbage, and I bet Wilcox ends up playing the bulk of the minutes there.

Looking forward to the season. I don't know how you do it, but you always manage to keep it interesting and your team realistic.

[homicide1550]

I agree with Lamrock.. Frontcourt may not be as good as last season but you still have J-Kidd and Durantula to lead the team plus Reshawn can only get better with a year under his belt.. May not be in the Top 4 in the conference but I think you still have a good chance of being in the playoffs...

[Lamrock]

Durantula?