One Man's Journey - December is Trade Time in Indy

[MarqUser]

200px-Indiana_Pacers_svg.png

Robert Marquette Stephenson, or Marq as he was called, loved basketball from the moment he first took in the sport. His father grew up in Michigan and was a huge fan of the Detroit Pistons. Much of Marq's childhood was spent watching the fledgling organization struggle through the seventies despite having future Hall of Famers Dave Bing and Bob Lanier, plus skilled players like Kevin Porter, Kent Benson and Greg Kelser playing consistent roles. As the team became more successful, a young Marq found himself drawn to the actions of Jack McCloskey or "Trader Jack", the GM of the Detroit franchise. He watched in admiration as Trader Jack built the Pistons from a 16-66 franchise with no future to two-time NBA Champions. It wasn't merely by the sudden influx of a superstar, though Isiah Thomas was one, but rather by a systematic acquiring of role players. Bill Laimbeer, James Edwards, Joe Dumars, John Salley, Rick Mahorn, Dennis Rodman, Vinnie Johnson and Mark Agguire were all carefully put into place and surrounded Thomas and coach Chuck Daly in a unique championship puzzle that never would have worked without each piece.

In the mid-90s Marq received his Master's Degree in Business Administration and spent the next decade working his way up through the ranks of the athletic departments of various collegiate universities and also the franchises of the European basketball leagues, most notably the Italian National Team. In the 2007 FIBA World Championships, after three years of carefully building the Italian team into a potential contender, the Italians ran over the competition en route to a championship match with the United States. Eventually falling to the USA 107-93, the Italians had the distinction of being the only team to hold a lead over the US during the course of the tournament. They would hold a double digit lead into halftime, but the skills of the American team was too much and the Italians were unable to stop them in the second half.

Despite the silver medal finish, Marq's work was noticed by many including a multitude of NBA owners. Over the next few weeks the Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks and Seattle Sonics were among the teams to inquire about Stephenson's future. After much discussion with his wife and family, Marq announced his resignation from his position with the Italian ball club. One week later he sat next to Herb and Mel Simon in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Indiana Pacers' management had fallen apart quickly as General Manager Donnie Walsh took over the GM position with the New York Knicks and President of Basketball Operations, Larry Bird, vacated his role due to a growing dislike for the direction the Pacers' organization was heading.

At the Indianapolis press conference, the Simon brothers made it clear that Stephenson would now be the final voice in all basketball-related matters for the franchise and would hold the title of 'President of Basketball Operations / General Manager - Indiana Pacers'. The podium was turned over to Stephenson and he made a brief statement.

"I would just like to thank Herb and Mel for the trust they have in me to turn around a franchise whose talent is already among the best in the league, but whose reputation has been scarred by controversy dating back to the Palace Brawl in November 2004. This is a team who saw a 61-win season regress the last four years, bottoming out with last year's 35-win season. This team can improve and they will contend once again. I will not guarantee any level of achievement - to do so would be a risk I am unwilling to take. The success of this team depends on its players and their commitment to playing the game the right way. I will promise this city a team they can once again be proud of and anything else depends upon this roster of athletes. I would like to announce Jim O'Brien will remain the head coach of the team and he will be surrounded by the following individuals - Assistant to the GM, Luigi Greco, Assistant Head Coach Jesus Gonzalez, Trainer Thandika Curry and Scout Tanner Duran- these men were with me in Italy and I have the utmost faith that they will assist myself and Coach O'Brien in bringing out the best of the Pacers' team."

With that, Stephenson gave a gracious nod to the press and excused himself. Luigi Grecoannounced there would be a press conference following the team's training camp and that it would detail the direction of the franchise from the perspective of the roster including starting lineups, any pre-season trades and the likely rotation.

STAY TUNED!

[MarqUser]

Out of Character Update:
This will be an Indiana Pacer dynasty, Superstar Level, NBA Live 08, 82 game season, 7-7-7-7 playoff format with modified sliders.

It will be simmed almost entirely except for the "Situational" moments offered by the game during the regular season and perhaps the occasional regular season or important playoff game if I feel boredom creeping in.

Don't expect many pictures. I'll be updating the games in a style similar to the box scores and brief summations you'd find in the daily newspaper. The occasional interview or Around the NBA section will update you on various non-game events.

I hope you enjoy.

[MarqUser]

October 30, 2007:

Pacer GM Marq Stephenson holds a press conference outside Conseco Fieldhouse with the 2007-08 Indiana Pacer roster standing behind him, along with Coach Jim O'Brien.

Stephenson: "I would first like to announce that earlier this morning I finalized a deal with the Utah Jazz that sent Shawne Williams and Travis Diener to Salt Lake City in return for their reserve point guard Jason Hart. With the Jazz' acquisition of Morris Almond in the draft, Jason's value to us was higher than his value to Utah and we welcome him with open arms to this organization."

Stephenson: "Our roster, currently twelve strong, will feature a reserve unit that includes a duo of skilled backup centers in Jeff Foster and David Harrison, an intriguing choice between Stephen Graham's defense or Kareem Rush's offense off the bench and a premier point guard in Jason Hart who is capable of spelling our rotation whenever needed. Our main rotational players will be Mike Dunleavy and Ike Diogu, both of whom are skilled enough to start on any roster in the league. Finally, our starting lineup this year will see Troy Murphy at center, Jermaine O'Neal and Danny Granger at the forward positions and a backcourt duo of Marquis Daniels and Jamaal Tinsley."

Stephenson: "Thank you for your time and we look forward to seeing you opening night, tomorrow, against Boston."

[MarqUser]

Game 1: Vs Boston Celtics (L 111-75, Record 0-1)
The Pacers opening night left most fans in a stunned, if not shocked, silence as the new-look Celtics rolled through them on the way to a 36-point victory. The new Big Three of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen combined for 79 points (outscoring the entire Pacers team), seventeen boards and twenty assists. Kendrick Perkins brought down fifteen boards himself and added ten points. Jermaine O'Neal scored 20 on 10-17 shooting as he was the sole shining light of the Indiana starters, the rest of whom combined for eighteen points on 7 of 23 shooting. The one glimmer of hope was the Pacer bench who contributed thirty-seven points, new acquisition Jason Hart lending ten assists in the loss.

Game 2: Vs Miami Heat (W 111-107, Record 1-1)
The Pacers tried again for a home win and came away with a big one against Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat. Team captain Jermaine O'Neal led the way with 26 points and 11 rebounds, Troy Murphy contributed 17 and 6 of his own - not to mention a game clinching 3-pointer with seventeen seconds left to put the Pacers up 109-107, giving them the eventual win. Another strong bench performance as the reserve unit tallied up forty-four points, led by Mike Dunleavy's 24 and Jason Hart's double-double of ten points and ten assists. For Miami, Wade was his usual spectacular self with 29 points including seven treys. Heat rookie Daequon Cook scored sixteen and the Big Diesel added twenty points and thirteen big rebounds in the loss.

Game 3: @ Memphis Grizzlies (W 95-77, Record 2-1)
Jermaine O'Neal gave an MVP-type performance with 27 points, 18 rebounds and 5 blocks as the Pacers won going away 95-77. Danny Granger enjoyed his first productive game of the season with seventeen points while sixth man Mike Dunleavy gave 19 points and 8 boards in twenty-seven big minutes. Pau Gasol was the one bright spot for Memphis as he enjoyed a line of 17 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, 6 blocks and 4 steals in a stunning singular performance.

Game 4: Vs Los Angeles Clippers (L 98-87, Record 2-2)
Down eighteen at the halftime break, the Pacers got to within four but fell by the score of 98-87 at home against the 3-1 Clippers. Troy Murphy scored 20 and added 10 rebounds while Jermaine O'Neal failed to duplicate his previous game, finishing with only fifteen points on 31% shooting. Thirty-two points from the bench was led by Jason Hart's nine as well as his eight assists and four steals in twelve minutes of action. The Clippers enjoyed twenty-two from Corey Maggette, thriving in his role as sixth man, and twenty-one points plus five blocks by Elton Brand. Cuttino Mobley and Sam Cassell each added 17 points to the win.

Game 5: @ Charlotte Bobcats (L 95-72, Record 2-3)
The Bobcats hosted a tired Pacers squad and ran Indiana out of the building with a twenty-seven point third quarter lead that never got below twenty the rest of the night. Danny Granger shot a horrid 0-11 from the field while O'Neal tried to pick up the slack with thrity-one points of his own. The Bobcats' captain, Jason Richardson, scored 27 but it was the bench play of Charlotte that sealed the game early. Adam Morrison's all-around game (8 points, 11 rebounds, six steals and five blocks), fourteen points from 12th man Matt Carroll and twelve from rookie Walter Herrmann were the keys to victory.

Game 6: Vs Denver Nuggets(L 101-87, Record 2-4)
Jermaine O'Neal and Troy Murphy combined for 28 points and 21 rebounds in the Pacers' third straight loss. Mike Dunleavy tried to bring some offense off the bench with twenty-four points in twenty-two minutes. With Carmelo Anthony in foul trouble, most viewed the night as a potential win for Indiana but 48 points from Allen Iverson turned the night into an offensive showcase by the Answer and that was exactly what Indiana failed to find when it came to stopping AI's constant drives toward the net. After six games, the Pacers' backcourt of Daniels and Tinsley are averaging a pathetic 8.5 points combined. Following the game, Pacer GM Marq Stephenson refused to comment on what he called 'pathetic play by all involved.'

[cavs4872]

Tough start to the season, but good job anyway. More people would follow if you added a few pictures.

[kibaxx7]

Yep, a few pics won't hurt, but the writing is good

[MarqUser]

Game 7: Vs Washington Wizards (W 121-112 OT, Record 3-4)
The Wizards were in Indianapolis for the first game of a back-to-back with Indiana. The game saw huge production by all involved, though Jermaine O'Neal (23 points and 5 blocks) and Troy Murphy (18 points and 13 rebounds) led the way for the Pacers. Gilbert Arenas scored 28 in only 19 minutes as major foul trouble hit Washington as the game entered the fourth quarter. The Pacers ran away from the Wiz in overtime to record their third win of the season, ending a four-game losing streak along the way.

Game 8: @ Washington Wizards (L 120-95, Record 3-5)
Washington gained some revenge over the previous night's loss, hosting Indiana this time in the nation's capitol. Gilbert Arena scored 38 points and added eight assists while his front court counterparts added their own production (Antoine Jamison - 19 points, 12 rebounds and six blocks; Caron Butler had 20 points, nine assists and six boards). For Indiana, Jermaine O'Neal scored twenty-seven and added ten rebounds and seven assists for a near-triple-double while Mike Dunleavy scored 18 off the bench. Jason Hart added seven points and seven assists in twenty minutes as Jamaal Tinsley was less than efficient on 2-11 shooting.

Game 9: Vs Utah Jazz (L 107-72, Record 3-6)
The undefeated Utah Jazz (9-0) were in town tonight and lead by Morris Almond's 26 points and Andre Kirilenko's 30, the Pacers got torched by thirty-five points at home. Jermaine O'Neal scored 33 and had 11 boards, Danny Granger set a career and franchise record with eight blocks in the loss, and Mike Dunleavy was held in check as he scored under ten points for the first time all season. Kareem Rush played well in 14 minutes, perhaps rejuvenated after being reassured he would not be traded to Milwaukee (a possible trade for Lynn Greer had been offered and declined).

Game 10: Vs Los Angeles Lakers (W 106-96, Record 4-6)
Kobe Bryant and the under-achieving Lakers (3-7) came to the Conseco Fieldhouse and were kept down by a Pacers' team that played its best ball of the season. Led by Jermaine O'Neal's 39 points, eleven rebounds and four blocks, the Pacers lead never faltered and never went lower than six all game. Kobe Bryant scored 46 points in the loss, going 6-10 from three-point range. Jamaal Tinsley would not comment on his atrocious game (shooting 3-10 from the field in an unproductive 17 minutes).

Game 11: @ Philadelphia 76ers (W 130-128 2OT, Record 5-6)
The marathon meeting of the Sixers and Pacers went into double overtime as both teams went all out in the City of Brotherly Love. Jermaine O'Neal, scoring 39 points in his third straight 30+ performance, sent the game into overtime with a clutch put back off a Jamaal Tinsley miss. O'Neal would also add sixteen rebounds and seven assists to the box score. Newly acquired Sixer, Steve Francis, took over in the first overtime as he scored eleven of his thirty points in the period (he also had fourteen assists in the game). Steven Hunter, the Sixers' eleventh man, played huge and scored thirteen points while adding ten boards as he played twenty minutes that included both overtime periods. Andre Iguodala scored a driving layup with seconds remaining in overtime to tie the game at 121, sending the game to a second extra period.
The play of Troy Murphy, Mike Dunleavy and Danny Granger gave Indiana the win as O'Neal fouled out early in the second overtime. Murphy and Dunleavy combined for forty-five points in the game and 14 of the Pacers last 17 points. After a Francis freethrow tied the game, Granger came through with a clutch fifteen footer from the key at the buzzer to give Indiana the much-needed win.


Trade Rumors circulate regarding Indiana's starting PG, Jamaal Tinsley. Tinsley, the team leader in assists, has been shooting under 35% for the season and is producing less than seven points a game. More than anything, sources say, the reason for the possible trade is Tinsley's seeming lack of passion and an inability to get along with others in the locker room.

[MarqUser]

Game 12: Vs Dallas Mavericks (L 109-83, Record 5-7)
Indiana hosted the Mavericks and it was a game that was never close. Dirk Nowitzski scored 44 and added 10 boards while the back court combination of Devin Harris and Jason Terry combined for 35 points as Terry also added 16 assists to the night's boxscore. Mike Dunleavy was the high scorer for Indiana, scoring 22 in thirty minutes of play as Jermaine O'Neal had been in foul trouble. O'Neal, scored only 17 but added eight boards while Danny Granger struggled all night, shooting 4-14 from the field and 0-5 from three-point range.

Game 13: Vs Cleveland Cavaliers (L 77-71, Record 5-8)
Lebron James came to town and the King held court as the Cavaliers won a tight, defensive chessmatch against the hometown Pacers. James, scoring 21 on the night, came close to a triple-double with 11 assists and 9 boards and got great play from bench player Drew Gooden (12 points and 11 boards). O'Neal rebounded from his poor performance against Dallas, scoring thirty and adding twelve rebounds. Granger had another off-night as he shot 4-12 and left the game with 11 points. Jamaal Tinsley scored 1 point and added seven assists in a showing that has become predictable from the up-and-down point guard.

Game 14: @ Denver Nuggets (W 90-80, Record 6-8)
This night began a four-game Western swing for the Pacers as they stopped in to see Allen Iverson and Carmelo ANthony. The duo from the Mile High City combined for 37 points but did little to stop Indiana, especially after Carmelo fouled out. Nene, the team's center, brought in a career high 19 rebounds. Jermaine O'Neal scored twenty and had 13 rebounds, but it was Jamaal Tinsley who had his first strong performance of the season, scoring 14 and adding six dimes.

Game 15: @ Portland Trailblazers (L 101-85, Record 6-9)
A trip to Portland ended with an injury as Indiana fell to the Trailblazers. Jermaine O'Neal scored 29 and added 14 rebounds and 5 blocks, but the rest of the team did little to stop the post play of Greg Oden and Josh McRoberts. The frontcourt, rookie duo combined for 31 and 15 while team captain, Brandon Roy scored 23 and added ten assists. Jamaal Tinsley, 0-4 fg and 11 assists, went down late in the third with a foot injury - it is unknown when he will play next.

STAR INJURED, FREE AGENT SIGNING
Today, November 29, it was announced that Jamaal Tinsley suffered a bone spur injury in his foot and would be out 7-10 days. Immediately following the diagnosis, GM Marq Stephenson signed free agent Smush Parker to a four-year deal with the aid of the team's midlevel exception. With Tinsley's name constantly on the trade block this move makes it appear that the starting guard's days in the Hoosier State are numbered.

[MarqUser]

Game 16: @ Seattle Sonics (W 93-83, Record 7-9)
The Sonics were felled by a thirty-point, fourth quarter explosion from the Pacers as Indiana grew their record to 7-9. O'Neal scored 24 and brought down 15 rebounds, Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavy combined for 37 points but it was the team's new point guard that won it for them. Smush Parker, newly signed due to Jamaal Tinsley's injury, scored all ten of his points in the fourth during a 2:37 spurt that put the Pacers ahead for good. He also added 12 assists in the win. Seattle guards Wally Szczerbiak and Luke Ridnour were the lone lights in the Sonics' gloom as they gave 40 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists to the futile effort.

Game 17: @ Los Angeles Clippers (L 112-83, Record 7-10)
The Pacers got a rude awakening from the league's best team, the LA Clippers, as Elton Brand, Corey Maggette and Co. won by 29 in the city of angels. O'Neal got in foul trouble early and ended the game with 16 points as Brand pounded him inside and pushed him outside on his way to 23 points and 16 boards. Smush Parker had a good showing with eight and seven assists but between Sam Cassell's 23 points and Cuttino Mobley's 15 and 11 assists, he was simply outmatched.

Game 18: Vs Phoenix Suns (L 105-79, Record 7-11)
The Pacers suffered a second 20+ point loss, this time at home to the Suns. Jermaine O'Neal scored 29 and was helped by Kareem Rush's 12 and Ike Diogu's 11, but the rest of the Pacers showed no inspiration to perform. Amare Stoudemire scored thirty one and added four big blocks while Steve Nash scored fourteen and dished out eighteen assists. Bench play slanted entirely in the Suns direction as they outscored the Indiana bench 45-31, including thirty from Boris Diaw and Grant Hill.

Game 19: @ Orlando Magic (W 112-97, Record 8-11)
Indiana's return to the road resulted in a win in Florida, as Jermaine O'Neal's 32 points led the team to a 15-point win. Smush Parker, Jason Hart and a returning Jamaal Tinsley combined for 13 points and 17 assists - Parker started the game and Tinsley did not play until the third quarter. Jameer Nelson contributed 28 points and Rashard Lewis added 24 in what was a close game for forty minutes. Pat Garrity added 14 points and 8 boards in the loss.

Game 20: @ New Orleans Hornets (W 99-87, Record 9-11)
Indiana's ninth win of the season came thanks to an all-star performance from Jermaine O'Neal. The line of 25 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocks gave the rest of the team the fire it needed to come back from a 17-point first half deficit. Parker and Hart handled the point guard duties, combining for 20 assists and not a moment of the game happened without at least one of them on the court. Jamaal Tinsley's stock has fallen hard as he only played the last four minutes, scoring six points in the span, but he was obviously furious during the course of the game. Chris Paul scored 12 and dimed out 12 while Tyson Chandler scored 18.

STAR TRADED
Dec. 9: The Jamaal Tinsley era in Indiana has ended swiftly as GM Marq Stephenson announced the trade sending Tinsley and Kareem Rush to Portland for Lamarcus Aldridge and Sasha Pavlovic. Stephenson's response to the trade was decisive.

"This team currently has a losing record and any player that does not have the team's interest at heart is not wanted. I wish Kareem the best of luck and believe he will be a big time player given the right environment. Aldridge will give this team the backup presence, along with Ike, to keep us from losing anything when Troy or O'Neal need a breather. Sasha is that shooting guard player, similar to Rush, and I'm glad that if we had to part with Kareem that we got someone of Sasha's potential in return."

It is obvious from the lack of naming Tinsley that the former starting point guard irked the Pacers GM in the wrong direction and possibly hastened his leave by the poor sportsmanship he showed following his return from injury.


Game 21: @ Cleveland Cavaliers (L 111-99, Record 9-12)
King James scored 22 in a route of Indiana tonight. Danny Granger struggled from the field (shooting 4-17) and was unable to guard the faster and stronger James. The Cavs were led by 32 from Larry Hughes and 26 from Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Damon Jones added 15 points off the bench, citing Marq Stephenson (GM of Indiana) to state after the game his disappointment for being beat by "[expletive] Damon Jones." Jermaine O'Neal scored 27 and new acquisitions Aldridge and Pavlovic combined for 14 points in thirty total minutes.

ACQUISITION, TRADE
The Indiana Pacers announced today that they have traded centers David Harrison and Jeff Foster to Charlotte for Primoz Brezec. The acquisition of Brezec dropped nearly five million from the Pacers' cap and will leave them many more options this summer when Brezec's contract expires. The bench now consists of LaMarcus Aldridge, Ike Diogu and Brezec in post positions.

[MarqUser]

Ok, someone can lock this up. The only responses I've gotten so far have been saying I'm not gonna get followers without a bunch of pictures.

I was hoping I'd be able to get interest from good writing and a good build of a story, but apparently without pretty pictures nobody can be bothered.

Later.

[kibaxx7]

It's just not pretty to the eyes. If no one replies, it doesn't mean you don't have any followers.

[dascoot]

I don't have pictures either. So don't feel too bad. I like reading about dynasties and yes i admit pictures are better but if the writing is good then it can be exciting. I am working on writing and I am doing a Memphis Grizzlies Dynasty.

[Martti.]

I have read it from the start and I like the format. My first 2 dynasties didn't get any replies and they both had pictures. If you'll stick with it, replies will come. Pictures aren't the most important things when doing a dynasty story.

Now, that tarde you did, getting gir of Tinsley, was a steal for you. LaMarcus is a great, young and tall PF. Also Pavlovic is a decent reserve.