[46-36]History in the Making ※ Playoffs Preview!

From the Author of the Hall of Fame Dynasty Change! The Charlotte Bobcats, Hall of Fame Association Road To Glory, and it's ongoing sequel, the runner up of the 2010 Association of the Year award - Road To Glory II. Here is a story of the NBA's expansion into New Zealand as orchestrated by a 20 year old billionaire, follow it, and you will not be let down.


Author's note: I know I started this one ages ago, but the reason why I started a new thread now and restarted this is because the pc patch is finally here, but since I'll be using a more up to date, and hence different set of rosters, all the dispersal and expansion draft things will have to be done again and I just think it's much neater if I simply started a new one than to try and edit the updated story onto my old thread.

and of course...

※ I'm keeping Road to Glory II alive, for now and at least for another season

Without further ado, here are the association settings.


Association Settings
Team: New Zealand Panthers
Game: NBA 2K11 PC
Rosters: Kova's All Star Break Rosters
Sliders: Thierry's silders with slight modifications
Season: 82 Games
Quarter Length: 12 Minutes
Sim Length: 12 Minutes
Playoffs: 7-7-7-7
Rookies: 2011, 2012 Real Life prospects by Rapboy. After that generic
NLSC prospects: Still haven't decided on this, remains a possibility although I am leaning towards that feature being solely on Road to Glory II

Last edited by Valor on Tue Nov 13, 2012 10:48 am, edited 143 times in total.

Archives

Miscellaneous Index
2010 NBA Dispersal Draft for the Defunct Memphis Grizzlies
2010 NBA Expansion Draft Protected Players List
2010 NBA Expansion Draft Results
2011 NBA All-Star Weekend Preview
2011 NBA Christmas Special Preview
2012 NBA All-Star Weekend Preview

History in the Making - The Story
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8

NBA Draft
2011 NBA Draft Lottery
2011 NBA Draft Pick-By-Pick Analysis: Lottery
2011 NBA Draft Pick-By-Pick Analysis: Mid-Late First Round
2011 NBA Draft Pick-By-Pick Analysis: Second Round

Truehoop Articles
NBA's Memphis Grizzlies now defunct
Expansion Team to Replace Grizzlies
NBA Expands Globally with move to NZ
2011-12 NBA Season Team-by-Team Previews

RealGM Wiretap
Kiwis reveal team name, jerseys and court | Panthers announce Head Coach
Grading The Deal: Knicks Acquire Carmelo Anthony
Grading the Deal: Panthers Acquire Battier in Three Way Trade
Battier Extension | Mills trade
Feb 21-27 Western Conference Player of the Week: Yi Jianlian
2010/11 New Zealand Panthers: Inaugural Season in Review
2011 Draft Cheat Sheet: New Zealand Panthers
2011 Team/Player Options feat. Kirk Penney
New Zealand Resigns Yi, Parker, Scalabrine
2011 Coaching Changes feat. Larry Brown, Eric Snow
2011 Free Agency feat. Allen Iverson
2011-12 Season Preview: New Zealand Panthers
Larry Brown: Iverson will start against Miami
Panthers Assign Enes Kanter to Dakota Wizards
Randolph Out for Season | Panthers Recall Kanter | Wizards acquire Duhon, Richardson from Orlando
Contract Extensions: Derrick Rose, Deron Williams, Kevin Love
Byron Scott Fired as Cavaliers Coach
Eric Maynor Out For Season With Broken Ankle
Grading the Deal: Four Team Deal Sends Steve Nash to New Zealand
Panthers, Kwame Brown Agree On Deal
Iverson signs extension, drops 50 on Cavaliers
Magic Acquires Glen Davis for Brandon Bass | Rip Hamilton traded to Minnesota for Wesley Johnson
Grading the Deals: NBA Trade Deadline 2012
Panthers add Mbenga to Roster
Injury Updates: March
Iverson Out with Separated Shoulder
Thunder Streak Snapped at 16 | Nuggets fire Armstrong, hires Kurt Rambis
Jim O'Brien Fired by Pacers, Hired by Raptors

Monthly Recaps
2011-12 Panthers Mid-Season Report Card
2011-12 Mid-Season Around the Association
2010/11 Regular Season Recap
2010/11 Regular Season Awards
2011 Off-season: Retirements
November Recap Part One: Panthers Monthly Recap
November Recap Part Two: Around the Association
November Recap Part Three: Rookie Ladder
November Recap Part Four: Race to the MVP
December Recap Part One: Panthers Monthly Recap
December Recap Part Two: Around the Association
December Recap Part Three: Rookie Ladder
December Recap Part Four: Race to the MVP
January Recap Part One: Panthers Monthly Recap
January Recap Part Two: Around the League
January Recap Part Three: Rookie Ladder
January Recap Part Four: Race to the MVP
2012 Mid Season Report Card
February Recap Part One: Panthers Monthly Recap
February Recap Part Two: Around the League
February Recap Part Three: Rookie Ladder
February Recap Part Four: Race to the MVP
2011/12 Regular Season Recap
2011/12 Regular Season Awards

Game Recaps
Season Opener/Franchise Debut vs Atlanta Hawks
November 9th vs Phoenix Suns
2011 Rookie Challenge
2011 NBA All-Star Game
2011-12 Season Opener
November 2nd @ Los Angeles Lakers
November 20th vs Miami Heat
December 18th @ San Antonio Spurs
2011 Christmas Special: Miami Heat @ Los Angeles Lakers
December 29th @ Los Angeles Clippers
January 1st @ Portland Trailblazers
2012 Rookie Challenge
2012 NBA All Star Game
March 12th @ Miami Heat

Playoffs
2011 NBA Finals Preview
2011 NBA Finals Recap

Last edited by Valor on Fri Nov 09, 2012 9:50 pm, edited 88 times in total.

2011/12 New Zealand Panthers Roster
As of January 31st, 2012


Player Bio



Staff
Head Coach

Larry Brown (College - North Carolina

Assistant Coach

Eric Snow (College - Michigan State)

NBA Scout
Quentin Payton

Prospect Scouts
Barry Cooper
Dell Walsch
Al Chase

Trainer
Roderick Haynes

Last edited by Valor on Thu Aug 02, 2012 11:35 pm, edited 8 times in total.

Click on Image to Enlarge

Last edited by Valor on Wed Feb 16, 2011 5:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.

2010 NBA Dispersal Draft for the Defunct Memphis Grizzlies

#	Team	Player	Position	Years Pro
1		Rudy Gay	Small Forward	4
2		OJ Mayo	Shooting Guard	2
3		Zach Randolph	Power Forward	9
4		Marc Gasol	Center	2
5		Xavier Henry	Shooting Guard	R
6		Tony Allen	Small Forward	6
7		Darrell Arthur	Power Forward	2
8		Hasheem Thabeet	Center	1
9		Sam Young	Small Forward	1
10		DeMarre Carroll	Power Forward	1
11		Hamed Haddadi	Center	2
12		Mike Conley	Point Guard	3
13		Greivis Vasquez	Shooting Guard	R

Prologue

All eyes and ears in Memphis were focused upon the empty podium of the sudden press conference by Grizzlies Owner Michael Heisley. As seconds ticked away on the clock, beads of sweat began tickling down the faces of many Grizzlies fans. Afterall, Heisley had said that it was a very important announcement for the city of Memphis and the Grizzlies franchise.

After what seemed like an eternity, the 71 year old billionaire Grizzlies owner finally appeared from a limo. Dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, Heisley walked past the crowd of media and onto the podium, as he sat down, his Rolex Datejust Diamond-clad watch gleamed in the sunlight. After the spokesperson made the introductions, Heisley gave an all-important-cough and began his well prepared speech, from a script written well before the occasion.

"....and so, due to the above reasons; from this day henceforth the Memphis Grizzlies will cease all operations. Before the protests come in, let it be know that you are the cause of this outcome. As you have failed on numerous occasions to purchase tickets and goods, we have fallen into financial difficulties. You are the people responsable for this and you can go fuck yourself." Almost on cue, Heisley flipped up the middle finger towards the camera, holding the pose for a few seconds before standing up to leave, his ridiculously expensive watch sparkled in mockery as he does so "I got nothing else to say, this is farewell, Memphis"

Roars of disbelief and anger filled the streets, but there was nothing they can do as Heisley has left the city, for good.

✧✧✧✧✧

David Stern sat in silence at his luxurious office. His league, no, his Kingdom had just lost one of it's 30 pieces, which means less revenue for commissioner Stern, or as he calls himself, King Stern. It had been three days since the announcement was made and he could not think of a solution out of this. For once, his herd of underlings fails to deliver what the lord of the NBA wants.

"Honorable sir, you have a request for an urgent meeting" Stern's 60 year old, 250 pound secretary bowed at the door as she made the announcement
"Who is it?"
"I don't know sir, he only insisted on the fact that it was urgent"
Stern sighed, he was not in the mood for visitors "...send him in then"
After another bow, the secretary walked off, Stern turned and looked out the window at the beautiful sea view.

Just as he gazed into the distance, wondering what the day will bring, a sound at the door snapped him back to reality
"Ahem"
Stern turned around at the owner of the sound, it was a young asian man who stood six foot one inches in his crisp new suit and freshly highlighted medium length hair. Stern measured him from top to bottom, but a name could not register.
"Who might you be?" Stern asked abruptly, before the young man could speak.
"Well, my name is Leo Lai." the man replied "I am 20 and I'm from New Zealand"
"20...Excuse me, but why are you here? In case you don't know, you don't make applications for the NBA Draft here" snapped Stern, resentment building up quickly at his time seemingly being wasted
"Draft?" Lai repeated with a laugh "No, I'm not here for the draft. I'm here with a proposal"
Now Stern was somewhat intrigued, but annoyance still rang within him "What proposal? I'm a very busy person you know? Make it quick"

Lai smiled, strolled around the office and examined little figures and decorations around the posh office. He could feel Stern's eyes gazing into his back as he moved. Finally, he paused.
"What about, a new NBA team?" Lai turned around and popped the question
Flabbergasted, Stern bursted out inspite of himself "What?"
"I said, how about a new team for your league?" Lai replied with a smirk "My team, if you will"
"You are kidding me, right?" Stern laughed at last "You are 20, and you say you have enough money to run an NBA team? You can't even afford the salary of the worse player in the D-League!"
"If you want proof, I could get signatured proof of how much money I got" still smirking, Lai stated calmly "lets just say that there are about...nine zeros or so in my bank account?"
At this, Stern fell into his chair, but a huge grin broke on his face "You are serious, yes? and you want a NBA franchise?"
"Of course" Lai replied firmly "Why else would I be here"
Stern couldn't believe his luck "Well, you have it, an expansion franchise; Excuse me for a second sir, and do take a seat" he motioned for Lai to sit down as he dialed up his secretary
"Get me a press conference, my Kingdom is saved"

"So, lets talk specifics shall we?"

Last edited by Valor on Wed Feb 16, 2011 5:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Click to Enlarge

Reserved.

Leo Lai is back!!!
Edit: At the ESPN picture I can still see Grizzlies, but it's not important.

Nice ! ITS BACK

2010 NBA Expansion Draft Protected Players

Last edited by Valor on Wed Feb 16, 2011 10:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Chapter 1

"So, now that you understand the expansion draft rules, lets get into details about the team" Stern choursed happily "May I suggest possible, and very attractive locations include the beautiful KeyArena where the former Seattle Sonics Franchise was based at?"

Lai shook his head, It's amazing how fast these guys change their tones He thought to himself, smirking a little as he replied Stern "It's a nice suggestion, but no thanks"
"Well, how about filling in the void over at Memphis?" Stern was relentless, he wants a feel-good story so sales and attention will go up "The people will embrace you!"
"There is a reason why the team went broke" stated Lai firmly "I've got plans made already, no suggestions needed"
Stern was taken aback, but his curiosity never waned as he pressed on "So...where are you planning to base your team in?"

"Well, if you must know...." Lai grinned as he told his plans to the commissioner
Stern listened, wild-eyed as he took in what the young to-be-owner of the new NBA franchise had just relayed to him
"Are you insane? That's absurd!" The commissioner yelled out inspite of himself
Lai laughed it off "No, it isn't. I believe it would work great"
"What about...an arena? Don't you need time to..." Stern began one of his numerous questions that just popped out in his brain, it was surely going to burst any moment now, but his question was stopped mid-sentence by the wave of Lai's hand
"It's already been done" Lai stated "All the preparation has been done for a long while now"

A moment of silence rang through the room as Stern took in Lai's words, and he finally understood. All along, he was never in the position of power in this meeting, he was simply a puppet that had been dancing according to the young man's commands; and like a puppet to the bone, there is no way he can defy the puppeteers' will.

"Alright, do as you say"

✧✧✧✧✧

"Welcome to the press conference of Leo Lai, the owner of the new NBA expansion franchise that will replace the defuncted Memphis Grizzlies" A league spokesperson began the well rehearsed introductory lines "Today will be the day, in which the chosen location of the new team will be announced by Mr Lai."
He paused, allowing the audience to finish their applause for the 20 year old Asian billionaire sitting on the podium.
"Later on today will include the 2010 Expansion Draft for the said team, and without further adieu, here is NBA commissioner David Stern, with his remarks on the matter"

As Stern went through yet another astonishingly boring speech, reporters around the room were quickly taking photographs and writing down possible questions for the new owner, there was a real buzz around the room as to exactly where this young man was going to base the team in. Rumor has it that he will move the team to Chicago, where his favorite team - The Chicago Bulls play in, some say that he'll bring the Sonics back with a housing in Seattle. There are a lot of unknowns, but one is known.

The team will definitely not play in Memphis.

"....so for these reasons, I thank Mr Lai for his enthusiastic and wonderful involvement in this process, and I hereby congratulate him for becoming a member of the NBA family today" Stern concluded his speech at last, shaking hands with Lai
"Mr Lai will be opened for some general questions before revealing the chosen location" the spokesperson announced

"Morning Mr Lai, Peter Freeman from NBC here; There had been many rumors flying about as to how you have acquired so much wealth at your relatively young age, any comments or insights into that?"
Lai laughed "No, I have no comments except that most of those rumors are laughable. I can't imagine how such ideas come to people's minds."
"Michelle Palmer, ESPN; Mr Lai, the protected players list came out just yesterday and you do not have a GM or coach in place at the moment, how do you plan to approach this expansion draft?"
"Well, I guess it would be appropriate to announce that I will act as the team's president of basketball operations and oversee every decision related to basketball activity." Lai replied, much to the wonders of the journalists present, who scribbled furiously at this intriguing news item "As for the team's coach, I already have a candidate lined up and ready to go"

"And of course, now it's the moment you've all been waiting for isn't it?"
"The newest NBA team, will have a historical breakthrough as they will be stationed in a country outside the United States of America." Lai stated boldly, to the collective gasp of every single individual in the room "This country embodies the tradition of sport. It is also a country, and a place, that raised me and made me into who I am today."

Lai paused for the dramatic effect, he loved these moments
"The 2010 NBA Expansion Team will find it's home in the beautiful country of New Zealand"

Reserved.

lol?

Leo Lai is back!!!
Edit: At the ESPN picture I can still see Grizzlies, but it's not important.

Yeah, I have yet to make a logo for my team

Nice ! ITS BACK

Cheers man, glad to finally get this going

Note: The list is updated due to the different rosters used, thus the team will be different than before so stay tuned for more!

Click on image to enlarge

2010 Expansion Draft Results

#	Player	Position	Previous Team	Years Pro
1	Yi Jianlian	PF	Washington Wizards	3
2	Darko Milicic	C	Minnesota Timberwolves	7
3	Peja Stojakovic	SF/SG	Dallas Mavericks	12
4	Marcus Thornton	SG/SF	New Orleans Hornets	1
5	Eddy Curry	C/PF	New York Knicks	9
6	Patrick Mills	PG	Portland Trailblazers	1
7	Reggie Evans	PF	Toronto Raptors	8
8	Brian Scalabrine	C/PF	Chicago Bulls	9
9	Luke Walton	SF	Los Angeles Lakers	7
10	Jared Jeffries	PF	Houston Rockets	8

NZ signs local star Kirk Penney to roster


The newest NBA expansion team (name pending) has announced the signing of
New Zealand native star and Tall Blacks captain Kirk Penney.

Standing at 6'5", Penney is a sharpshooting guard who recently came off impressive showings
at the 2010 FIBA World Championships.His 24.7 ppg scoring average ranked second in the competition.

Penney has represented the Tall Blacks in numerous international competitions, including the
2004 Olympics in Athens and 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

The Kiwi native has had brief stints in the NBA with the Miami Heat and the L.A. Clippers in
2004 appearing in six games. Penney has most recently been cut by the San Antonio Spurs after
being invited to their training camp roster.

"It's just unbelievable, my dream was to make it to the NBA," Penney said "To think that I'll be
able do that and play in my home country at the same time, amazing"

The deal is believed to be a two year deal worth a total of $1.62 million, the second year has a
team option attached.

Penney has selected #6 as his jersey number. He wears the same number for the Tall Blacks.

New Zealand, Sean Marks, agree upon deal


The latest expansion team in the NBA is stocking up on Kiwis as the signing of Kiwi Center Sean Marks
has been announced by the team.

A 11 year veteran, Marks was the first native New Zealander to play in the NBA. Standing at 6 foot 10 inches,
the 35 year old center has played for Toronto, Miami, San Antonio, Phoenix, and most recently the New Orleans Hornets.

Marks owns career averages of 3.0 points and 2.3 rebounds per game over 201 contests.

The deal is believed to be a one year deal worth approximately $915 thousand.

Smush Parker Returns to NBA via Expansion Franchise


Former Laker Smush Parker will rejoin the NBA after spending the last few seasons overseas, earning
a paycheck in China and Greece.

Parker and the latest expansion team of the league has agreed upon a one year minimum deal worth
approximately $500K.

Undrafted out of College, Parker was once the starting point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers under coach
Phil Jackson from the 05 season onwards to the end of the 06-07 season. He has averages of 9 points and
just under 3 assists per game over 274 games played.

The team's roster now stands at 13.

Nice!!!This thread is back!I'm going to follow this!
Nice picks there,really like the signing of Smush Parker

Smush returns. Great to see this back Valor!

Great start man! Good luck with this!

eh I have no idea why you want Smush Parker. He's crap!

Nice start!

Cool thing. I like

Should've got Afflalo!

Nice!!!This thread is back!I'm going to follow this!
Nice picks there,really like the signing of Smush Parker

Cheers for the support George7, hope this will go well

Smush returns. Great to see this back Valor!

Good to be able to get it started finally, n yes - Smush returns

Great start man! Good luck with this!

Thanks man, hope u enjoy it

eh I have no idea why you want Smush Parker. He's crap!

He started for your beloved Lakers for 2 years!

Nice start!

Thanks Houndy

Cool thing. I like

haha tyty

Should've got Afflalo!

perhaps, oh well

He was a shit starter dude.

Plus, I am not obliged to like every Laker.