X's T'wolves (NBA 2K11)

[Valor]

The Draft is BACKKKKKK!!
Overall I think you had a pretty solid draft, but obviously we'll have to see what happens on the court

Stephen E. Smith: “THE NEW YORK KNICKS ARE BACK IN THE BUILDING!!! YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST. THE NEW KNICKS ARE BACK IN THE BUILDING!!!

I can totally hear that in my head

[The X]

Holy crap, I wasn't a second round pick!

Now I'm stuck in IR land

Is Willis Lewis not your alter ego? Or did I get details wrong? He went #8 to Philly.

Yeh, he's me.

I think Philly has an affection for me, so far I've been drafted to Philly in Sit's and now yours.

I hadn't noticed that. Really bad position for your player to be in. You and hova got shafted.

I think that's a really good trade for Phoenix if Randolph pans out like he has in my game. He's rated in the mid 90's

It's a big if because I think Fleming will get to at least high 80's given he's starting out at 74 & has excellent potential. I think Randolph is currently rated at 75. I'll definitely keep an eye on both though. On paper it looks like Knicks are winners, but you may end up being right.

I think Knicks should've actually taken the guy I got at 3, in Jesse Brown. Sure he's only rated 70, but he's a centre with very good potential, which makes him a higher value prospect in my eyes.

I too, am also curious as to what the E. in Stephen E. stands for. Going number 6 to Brooklyn isn't bad, better than having to wear the purple in Sacramento.

It felt as if you had 15 draft picks this draft, but ultimately I think Kahn fared well in a weak draft. Really interested in how Alonzo Warren's career will turn out. Could he be the next Mark Eaton???

Maybe I'll explain the E. next draft

Agent420 was the surprise bolter to Sacramento at 4. It will be interesting to see what they have in store for him. He's probably a good it personality wise with Reke & Cousins

I think Nets are a good spot for you. You'll get a chance to play.

Yes, it was really only a quarter of a draft. The 2011 draft there was value until about mid-2nd Round. In this draft, if you exclude a project like Warren, after 18 or 19 it was very slim pickings.

I had 5 picks, not 15 Buford (#1), Brown (#3), Woolridge (#14), Sharpe (#17) & Harrison (#47) who was dealt in Warren (#36) deal.

If Warren had of gone late 1st round then I wouldn't have made a play for him. I'm going to stash him in D-League for at least a couple of years. He's very, very raw but he's 7'4" & may become a key contributor in later years. He's only 20 so he's got time & room to grow.

The Draft is BACKKKKKK!!
Overall I think you had a pretty solid draft, but obviously we'll have to see what happens on the court

Stephen E. Smith: “THE NEW YORK KNICKS ARE BACK IN THE BUILDING!!! YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST. THE NEW KNICKS ARE BACK IN THE BUILDING!!!

I can totally hear that in my head

At the very least my team has a lot more depth. If I get hit by injuries like last season, I'm not worried. I've got to make a couple more minor deals in off-season. My roster sits at 17 so I might try and send Jordan Hill away for a future 1st Round pick or something.

[The X]

So yeah, I did a Jae and fell in love with a tall point guard. Woolridge at 6'5" seemed to me like a younger, taller Eric Maynor. He's not there yet, but he's only 20, should improve into a solid role player (I hope). He was projected to go #19 & I could've probably got him a few picks lower but I didn't want to risk it. I didn't know Knicks would come to me with an offer for #17 pick, which worked out well as I'm giving Mark's alter ego a chance elsewhere & I open up the third PG for Woolridge. The added benefit is that I also liked Sharpe & he was still around at that pick.

What do you guys think of the 3 way deal with the Cavs & Raptors? Picking up Afflalo & Warren.

[Fresh8]

I loved the Draft, especially your selections. They all make a lot of sense. And you know that I'm a Warren fan. All your moves made a lot of sense and I hope that this pushes you safely into the top 8 of the WC.

Cannot wait for some game action to see how your boys fare!

[The X]

I loved the Draft, especially your selections. They all make a lot of sense. And you know that I'm a Warren fan. All your moves made a lot of sense and I hope that this pushes you safely into the top 8 of the WC.

Cannot wait for some game action to see how your boys fare!

Warren is definitely going to D-League for at least a year, so you might have to wait time.

Yep, I was pretty happy with the draft. I think Buford is just great. I wonder how long Beasley sticks around now. Buford provides an impact at both ends, so it'll be hard to keep him off the court. Just think Rudy Gay with defense. Obviously probably not at Gay's level offensively yet but he will be within a couple of years.

Although I reached on Woolridge, I don't regret. He probably won't play much as a rookie but I envision him being my long term backup (ala taller Eric Maynor) & I will play him like Ron Harper (Bulls' version) once I sort out between Rubio & Bradley who will be the alpha dog & who will be the last standing.

I think Sharpe will go to D-League too.

Jordan Hill I think I will deal. Przybizz might have go due to roster space. Brewer & Beasley will go if the deal is right. But haven't made any concrete decisions.

I think we are a playoff team now

[Valor]

I think we are a playoff team now

Definitely, you JUST missed them without all these additions/improvements barring massive injuries all over the place you should be able to make the postseason!!

[Andrew]

Great coverage, it's certainly clear the enthusiasm you have for the NBA Draft. Looks like the Timberwolves made some good moves on the night, a shame you couldn't get our guy Andrew Andrew though.

[The X]

I think we are a playoff team now

Definitely, you JUST missed them without all these additions/improvements barring massive injuries all over the place you should be able to make the postseason!!

I think I would've got that 8th spot in West if it hadn't been for injuries. I had key players missing all year long.

Great coverage, it's certainly clear the enthusiasm you have for the NBA Draft. Looks like the Timberwolves made some good moves on the night, a shame you couldn't get our guy Andrew Andrew though.

I've got a feeling that this isn't the last time we've seen or heard from Mr Andrew Andrew

As for the draft, I do really love that aspect of RL & the game although I don't know if I can continue the crazy long recaps each season. It's very time consuming. One reason I do it is so that myself & others can get a sense of who the other 'generics' are around the league. Often I found when playing an Association offline & not posting it, you get a few years in & you don't know all the players on all these other teams (except maybe the main ones). I think the whole draft process & how I do helps me to know some of these other guys & sort of establish back stories & identities for them to keep it interesting once you get more than a few seasons in.

[Larvae]

Hope that your rookies would have a solid start to their careers!
Pretty good transactions you made on Draft Night

[The X]

Hope that your rookies would have a solid start to their careers!
Pretty good transactions you made on Draft Night

I think Buford will be a star. How big of one I'm not sure. At worst I think he'll be a Rudy Gay level player, so fringe All-Star. Not sure on the rest.

[Fresh8]

You would have had a great night if you had traded for Wilt.

How's the name change going for him btw?

[The X]

You would have had a great night if you had traded for Wilt.

How's the name change going for him btw?

I don't know if you can change player's first and last names in Association but will have to double check.

[kibaxx7]

The best draft coverage in the forums Can't remember who's Tracy Lee, my new partner in Sac-Town!

[Cruzerr]

Agree with Valor about the Knicks sentance Awesome draft man

[The X]

The best draft coverage in the forums Can't remember who's Tracy Lee, my new partner in Sac-Town!

Cheers, Lee is Agent420. I'm guessing military duties have caused him to go MIA.

Agree with Valor about the Knicks sentance Awesome draft man

Cheers, glad you guys liked

[Valor]

I think we are a playoff team now

Definitely, you JUST missed them without all these additions/improvements barring massive injuries all over the place you should be able to make the postseason!!

I think I would've got that 8th spot in West if it hadn't been for injuries. I had key players missing all year long.

True, well with these additions you'll be able to minimize injury impacts at the very least Good Luck during the season man

[Lamrock]

You did well in the draft (which was an awesome read as always) but is it just me, or does your team not seem any better? Either way, looking forward to the rest of the off-season.

[The X]

You did well in the draft (which was an awesome read as always) but is it just me, or does your team not seem any better? Either way, looking forward to the rest of the off-season.

My team isn't really much better as far as competing at top of West. My team is deeper so I think we will prove that 2011/12 season wasn't a fluke & we'll be in the hunt for a 5 to 8 playoff berth. I relied on a few key guys last season & when they got injured, I was screwed.

I liken my team to how the Blazers were developed. Lots of solid pieces, but no franchise pieces. I know I mentioned I'd like to build like OKC but I don't have a Durant so I think my team is more like Blazers. I just hope I can convert some pieces otherwises I'll be in the 5 to 8 range every year

[The X]

2012 OFF-SEASON UPDATE - ROOKIE SIGNING / FREE AGENCY PERIOD


ROOKIE SIGNING

The Minnesota Timberwolves announced it had signed all five draftees (Jaime Buford, Jesse Brown, Dwight Woolridge, Richard Sharpe and Alonzo Warren) to rookie scale contracts. Whilst number one pick Jaime Buford is expected to have a prominent role this season, other lottery picks Jesse Brown and Dwight Woolridge will have to prove themselves before they get any meaningful minutes. The other two draftees, first round pick Richard Sharpe and second round project Alonzo Warren are expected to spend most of their time down in the D-League with the Timberwolves' affiliate.


FREE AGENCY PERIOD

As they were already about $10 million over the salary cap, the Minnesota Timberwolves were non-players in this year's free agency period. It is expected that owner Glen Taylor will want GM David Kahn to shed some payroll unless the team proves itselves to be in the West's elite, which seems unlikely.

[Larvae]

Hope alot of youngsters who want to prove themselves would go far

[Andrew]

No surprises there, not a lot of options open to you when you're over the cap like that. Any other significant moves around the league?

[Mark.]

Loved the draft X. Now Moore to the Knicks.... big city lights!

[The X]

Hope alot of youngsters who want to prove themselves would go far

They'll all get their chance, they just have to prove themselves first.

No surprises there, not a lot of options open to you when you're over the cap like that. Any other significant moves around the league?

I'll be doing league recap of free agency shortly.

Loved the draft X. Now Moore to the Knicks.... big city lights!

Cheers. Yeah, I wanted to get both you & Ben to a different team so you would get a chance to shine. You both weren't going to get a fair shot on my team unfortunately. I think you'll be Felton's primary backup & Dragon will get some backup PF minutes too.

[The X]

2012 OFF-SEASON RECAP - FREE AGENCY PERIOD


FREE AGENCY PERIOD

The following is a list of the notable players signed by each team:

Atlanta
PF- E.Ilyasova: Signed 1 year, $4m

Boston
PF- K.Garnett: Re-signed 2 years, $8m (team option for 2nd year)
SG- R.Allen: Re-signed 4 years, $17m (team option for 4th year)
PG- S.Nash: Signed 1 year, $5m

Brooklyn Nets
C- B.Lopez: Re-signed 6 years, $104m

Charlotte
PG- D.Augustin: Re-signed 6 years, $79m
SG- G.Hill: Re-signed 6 years, $66m (player option for 6th year)
SF- J.Jerebko: Signed 4 years, $17m (team option for 4th year)

Chicago
PG- D.Rose: Re-signed 6 years, $104m

Cleveland
PF- J.Hickson: Re-signed 3 years, $12m

Dallas
PG- K.Hinrich: Signed 2 years, $4m (team option for 2nd year)

Denver
C- Nene: Re-signed 4 years, $36m

Indiana
C- R.Hibbert: Re-signed 6 years, $100m (player option for 6th year)
C- J.McGee: Signed 4 years, $53m
PF- L.Odom: Signed 2 years, $6m (player option for 2nd year)
SG- L.Barbosa: Signed 5 years, $37m

LA Clippers
C- C.Kaman: Re-signed 6 years, $60m
SG- V.Carter: Signed 2 years, $13m
PG- N.Robinson: Signed 3 years, $23m

LA Lakers
C- M.Okur: Signed 1 year, $2m

Memphis
SG- O.Mayo: Re-signed 6 years, $104m

Miami
C- J.O'Neal: Signed 1 year, $5m

New Orleans
PF- David West: Re-signed 4 years, $29m (team option for 4th year)

New York
SF- D.Gallinari: Re-signed 6 years, $103m

Oklahoma City
PG- R.Westbrook: Re-signed 6 years, $104m (player option for 6th year)

Orlando
PF- R.Anderson: Re-signed 6 years, $10m (team option for 6th year)
PF- A.Jamison: Signed 2 years, $4m

Philadelphia
SG- E.Turner: Re-signed 5 years, $35m
PF- M.Speights: Re-signed 5 years, $43m

Phoenix
SF- A.Randolph: Re-signed 6 years, $68m
C- R.Lopez: Re-signed 6 years, $56m
PG- G.Dragic: Re-signed 4 years, $20m

Portland
PG- J.Bayless: Re-signed 4 years, $35m
SF- N.Batum: Re-signed 5 years, $22m

Sacramento
PF- J.Thompson: Re-signed 5 years, $59m
PG- P.Mills: Re-signed 5 years, $28m

San Antonio
C- T.Duncan: Re-signed 3 years, $48m

Toronto
PG- J.Barea: Signed 3 years, $13m

Utah
SG- J.Terry: Signed 1 year, $2m

[The X]

Clippers now have three former slam dunk champions (Griffin, Vinsanity & Nate)

They'll sell tickets but won't make playoffs again

Almost forgot to mention I somehow missed seeing a blockbuster trade sometime during off-season. Milwaukee sent small forwards Richie Strickland and Corey Maggette to Portland for power forward LaMarcus Aldridge and point guard William 'Wilt' Witt. Needless to say the Bucks are winners on the day. Blazers obviously did it for cap relief since Maggette is in last year of his deal. When they re-signed Bayless, that was a sign that Witt wasn't their PG of the future. Bucks looks good now, with Bogut & LMA upfront & Witt will back up Jennings & may occasionally play next to him. Strickland will start at SF for Blazers, who will stink it up again.