::Macca's Chicago Dynasty:(Retirement Updates)::

[Ruff Ryder]

Cool Mag.

[Mark.]

Well done Macca. Great to read, i wouldnt worry about the Graphics card.

Good Signing in Ronald Murray and Crawford, that will give you a quick back court.

BTW, will this all be on you site as well??

[Macca]

Thanks guys, for the comments, really appreciate your feedback. Hopefully, I will have the 'Rookie Draft' story, up by tomorrow, Saturday! ...And with more images. Also, expect some good offseason moves, e.g, trades & signings. Again, appreciate the feedback, and if you want to ask anything, just post...

I always found it funny that the Coach is the negotiator in the contract talks and not the General Manager...but then again, I guess we'd have to cyberface our selves and patch us into the website!.

Yeah, it kinda puts a downer on the whole signing thing, especially when you buy dynasty extras and you see the coach writting a check to buy, say, a plane... how much does a coach earn anyway?!?!

Good Signing in Ronald Murray and Crawford, that will give you a quick back court.

BTW, will this all be on you site as well??

Firstly, at the Murray, Crawford signing; we'll see.
Secondly @ match again, yes, I've slightly updated it, but before the first game, all should be up.

Anyway, expect update again tomorrow, look foward to ya'll comments!

Peace,
Macca

[Macca]

Hey guys, what's up?

I'm back, & it’s been a while. What a week! Had basketball all week… plus, school work was out of control there for a bit, but I got it all under wraps, no sweat. Kind of tiring, but I can handle it. Anyway, this dynasty is almost there, oh so close! After this will be trades/signings, etc, and believe me, I struck gold in that area, and I’m getting excited about that too, so watch the forum for that update some time next week!! Anyway, I hope ya’ll are enjoying this thread, so let’s get back to the main show:
The 2004 NBA Rookie Draft, from New York City
========================================

BULLS STRIKE BIG IN LOTTERY
By Roman Modrowski (Chicago Sun Times)

The road to the lottery draft was a tough one, several times, when talking to Tim McInerney; he said that he’d had sleepless nights, in the build up to it.
But, the day was here. And the scene set, is in the Bulls lounge, at Bulls HQ.

The Bulls were waiting, some watching the TV, waiting for the news on where they would pick first from. Their trade with the Lakers would hopefully pay off. The Bulls last season, traded C, Corie Blount for a first round pick. Soon, GM McInerney, in the staff lounge, that was packed with employees, received note, via phone call, that they had just received 2nd pick overall, in the 2004 NBA Draft. The news flashed on the T.V screen moments later. The whole room erupted. Their other pick in the first round, went 26th. Their pick that was from Portland, was 3rd in the 2nd round, making that 32nd Overall. The Bulls traded Eddie Robinson for Darius Miles and a 2nd round pick earlier last season.

The Bulls staff went to work the next day, GM McInerney, spent all week, locked in his office, with management staff, in and out. Coaches, in and out. He was pouring over all the research looking over the notes, each player was looked at, each note, noted. Viewing tape of every high school, college and Euro player. They’ve all got game, and McInerney knows it, & it looks good on paper, how will they fare in the League? He and his scouting team have watched them shoot, recorded their sprint times measured their leaping ability, and taken notice of their physical status, all taken from the Rookie Camp that was held in Chicago, earlier that month, but no matter how much homework they did, no matter how many numbers were crunched, the question still remained, ‘Who would they choose?’ Would it be a bust or a pleasant surprise? Why did some fall and never rise, while some rose and never fell?

Only 3 days away now, the Bulls were tossing up, who to pick. They decide, only hours before the draft. They also, backed up their decision, in case, the first pick team, Washington, took their choice. The Bulls were represented that day, by the GM, and new Coach, Rudy T.
The day was Wednesday, the location, New York. All 29 teams were represented by coaching staff. David Stern, got things under way. While the teams all had jerseys, hats, ready on their desk, no one knew who would go first. The field had been scouted, and the depth was predicted as Weak. Several years ago, a draft might’ve been weak, but now, has produced some NBA stars out of it.

2004 DRAFT: Bulls Hopes Alive for 2005

NEW YORK-The Wizards, were first to pick, just like ’01 with Kwame Brown, who was still developing, finding his place in the League. How would they pick this time?

The Commissioner, David Stern stepped up to the microphone, to announce the No. 1 draft pick, in 2004. Nick Lambert, a point guard who had raw talent, was called upon, with loud cheers and claps, throughout the auditorium. Stern presented Nick with a handshake, and a cap, with about 30 seconds of photo time. As he left the stage, the Bulls started to get ready. Next up was Chicago’s pick at 2.

They were on the clock, but without any hesitation, the call went through, from Bulls management. Coach Rudy even gave a smile with the choice. He loved it. With the number 2 draft pick, the Bulls selected a 19 year old, 6’ 8 225 pound, SF from Shellman, GA. Dell Grayer was he. He proudly shook hands with David Stern, as he was picked to go as high as # 3, and his face, full of, excitement, hope, and surprise, happiness, told the whole story. The reason the Bulls chose Grayer out of 13 others, was because the Chicago team, would need him after this season. This season, was for Pippen to raise him as his own, to guide him, and so when Pippen retired, he’d hand over his Nike kicks, to someone who he knew he could trust, to lead the team. And, while at Draft Camp, weeks earlier, Grayer showed signs of Pippen in him, with his long arms, so, hopefully, Pippen’s shoes would be in good feet.


Dell Grayer, Number 2 Man: Grayer rises to shake David Stern's hand. The Bulls new rookie, has had it tough, but with help from several Bulls veterans, like Williams & Pippen, his future is set to rule the League!

After 24 more picks, some teams later on forfeiting, the Bulls were stepping up to the plate once again & were on the clock. Who they’d choose, they didn’t know, yet. McInerney was looking at notes, written down and at that time, it was down to about 4 players. Coach Rudy looked on, and they eliminated one, and then another. The new Bulls GM’s instincts were getting stronger, and finally he went on that gut feeling. He was about to do what he did best.
He put the call through. Rudy gave a concerned look. The Bulls staff back in Chicago, later told NBA.com that they were surprised with the pick, as there were many better ‘quality’ forwards and guards before him. Ali Elliott, a 7 foot power forward rose up, and took to the stage approaching David Stern, picked 26th by the Chicago Bulls, in 2004. The 24 year old from Edina, MN, who attended UTEP, had a look of relief on his face, later telling NBA.com that he was very certain that no one would pick him up in the second round, but he was stoked to be picked up late in the first round. Although very media shy, he acknowledged the pick with a smile, aimed at Tim and Rudy. But, amidst all that, there was a look of uncertainty on McInerney’s face and in his eyes, there was something I was missing.


Ali Elliott, whom the Bulls picked in the first round, told reporters, that when he plays, he's gonna surprise teams, coaches and GM's
and he's going to show them why, the Bulls drafted him, and had faith in him!

The Bulls were now looking at 2 future stars. One would be the next Pippen; a swingman like Tracy McGrady or Latrell Sprewell. The other, would surprise all, and lead the team, like Brad Miller from Sacramento.
The other 56 picks of the night were bound to be stars as they had just turned professional, in the NBA. Although some may not be signed, they will prove themselves & earn the respect they need & for those who were un drafted or who will go unsigned, look at Ben Wallace from the Detroit Pistons, who was un drafted, he’s now a 3 time Defensive Player of the Year, a 2 time All Star, member of the 2002 USA team. Believe me; you will get your time. David Stern later told the Sun Times, ‘that he enjoyed the Draft, more so that the new rookies, because it was like a baby been born, the new life, beginning.’ And it was the draftees of the night, celebrating, calling back home to friends and family. The whole night seemed to be a success. The Bulls finished the night up, forfeiting the next 2 picks, 3rd and 26th in the second round. McInerney satisfied with what players he had.
Straight after the Commissioner concluded the 2004 Draft, it was pack up time, for all crews, and out to the back for our crew, to mix with the NBA’s newest kids, and to get an insight on their new lives…

And so, what had been a hectic month for the Bulls team had come to an end. But where one thing ends, another starts. The Bulls had to prepare, look over notes, and talk with their management team, make phone calls, because in another 2 weeks time, the Bulls will be looking to sign free agents like Kobe Bryant, Rafer Alston, Stromile Swift, Kurt Thomas, Penny Hard away, Nick Van Exel, Darius Miles, Carols Boozer and many others who were up for grabs and also, to make some trades, to better the team for the 05 season ahead. To have the new Bulls team, have a run at the big one, the championship.
But for now, it was celebration time & what was a good day, will turn into a beautiful night!

Interview with Dell Grayer and Ali Elliot… COMING SOON
Credits to: Bulls.com/NBA.com
Exclusive Interview with Roman Modrowski (Sun Times)

Credit to ‘President of Basketball Operations, Bulls Team President & General Manager, Tim McInerney & Roman Modrowski; Chicago Sun Times, TNT Images, NBAE/Getty Images, NBA.com, Scoop Jackson, Ahmad Rashad, Bulls.com, Madison Square Garden, Commissioner David Stern

========================================

GM’s Notes:

OFF SEASON Signings: The Bulls resigned Jamal Crawford to a 3 year deal and Ronald Murray to a 4 year deal. The Bulls took into consideration Lopez and Brunson’s needs but were unable to agree. Miles was put up for free agency, and was never a factor in Rudy’s plan.

GM’s COACHING Notes:
Bulls options are R. Tomjanovich from Houston, Pat Riley from Miami, both have very good work ethic and discipline skills. Others are P. Ewing, B. Scott, M. Fratello, L. Brown, R. Carlisle, and M. Dunleavy. Skiles was not a good move by Paxson, and is unstable, and cracks under pressure, making wrong decisions at bad times. Try to offer assistant coaching jobs after rookie draft. Scout out previous Bulls, Rodman and Jordan as example.

Draft Lottery Status: WEAK

1) WAS 2) CHI
3) BOS 4) ATL
5) MIA 6) POR
7) LAC 8) GSW
9) PHX 10) NYN
11) SAS 12) PHI
13) CLE

Bulls have 2nd Overall Pick, 26th in the first round, 3rd and 26th in the 2nd round

Scouting Reports:

Option A for:
2nd pick, first round
Dell Grayer SF/PF
6’8, 225lbs
Hometown: Shellman, GA. He was born on the 7/5/85.
He went to Texas College where he played until sophomore year.
He was projected at #3, he has excellent potential.
His strengths include: an excellent f/throw shooter, tremendously agile, supreme
understanding of the game and his only weakness is repeated injury problems.
NBA Comparison: Corey Maggette (ORL)

Option B for:
26th pick, first round/ 3rd pick, second round
Ali Elliott
7’0, 255lbs 24 year old (8/11/80) centre from Edina, MN.
He went to UTEP and left as a senior.
He was projected as early as the 2nd round.
He has average potential. His strengths include great strength under the basket, a shot swatter supreme,
very accurate from the field, but his only weakness is the inconstancy from the foul line.
NBA Comparison: Jonathon Bender (IND)

Bulls forfeited 26th pick and 2nd round 26th pick.Trades and free agency signings for off season, all notes will be attached to file and CD included next WEEK.
========================================
INSIDE ACCESS:
We gave Roman Modrowski from the Sun Times, a VIP badge to the pass, and he gave us, an INSIDE look:

Our media crew arrived and set up an hour before the allocated time. In about half an hour, we were set up, and the other 30 minutes, I, as senior reporter, spent time briefing the rest of the crew. We were ready to go. A day like this meant no mistakes. We came that day, with a team of 4. On our team for the day, the Sun Times crew, we had one researcher and 2 reporters. The other spot was for the new intern, who got to see her first Draft, where she mainly ran airings for us, and also helped out with the technical set up. For the day, we went without a photographer. We had to get permission from TNT for using their media coverage, which includes photographic use such as photos, camera footage and so on, most news crews had to. One news station, couldn’t get the coverage permission, and left before the draft started.

As guests, we had to be quiet during the presentation. The 2004 Draft was underway. We looked on, and took notes, of every player, and what happened. As a Chicago native, I had to watch who the Bulls would pick and it would probably be the only pick I enjoyed for the day, on a personal level. David Stern announced the Bulls selected Dell Grayer, 2nd overall. I was so glad that the Bulls chose Grayer, his story, touched everyone who knew it.

Finally, after 58 or so draftees, and 58 or so presentations by Stern, it was over. The Commissioner wrapped things up, and then, we packed up. It was a pleasure, after the draft, to meet Grayer, who stood several inches taller than me. The day was great, it always was. We enjoyed it, since we had VIP badges, we got to hang with the ‘drafted’ afterwards, and see several team’s GM’s. We got to interview most of the top 30 drafted players. Usually, according to previous years, this was after the photo sessions and calls to home. We, as a team, went out to the pub that night, to celebrate the Draft day. The Bulls were set to be back in the race, with this new rookie on board.


Credit to ‘President of Basketball Operations, Bulls Team President & General Manager, Tim McInerney & Roman Modrowski; Chicago Sun Times, TNT Images, NBAE/Getty Images, NBA.com, Ahmad Rashad, Bulls.com, Madison Square Garden, Commissioner David Stern
========================================
WEBSITE: http://www.freewebs.com/spippen33/

Alright guys, that's it for me this time. Hope to post again about, next week with new updates, and the preview to the Bulls first game against Dallas led by Jason Kidd. Anyway, as always, if you need to ask questions, any comments, complaints, ideas, suggestions, just post and I'll reply to them. I appreciate your comments, and support. Can't wait to unviel my new 2004-05 Roster. My website will be updated!
Later

Macca

P.S:: Sorry about the image size, and also the post size.. any suggestions, compliants... PM me. I'm almost always on.

[-BHZMAFIA-]

very hot u keep doing great on the posts and like i said before its just like reading the paper and i just sit back and read

[Boyk]

WOW!
Nice dynasty mate!
I really like the off-season report and the amount of detail you put in to the post

Keep it up mate!

[Andreas Dahl]

Great dynasty

I haven't read any of it yet though
I will when I get time though. It looks great.

[Alcoholic]

Hey Macca this is a really great dynasty. You have great pictures, and highly detailed reports. Yours is one of my favorite to read.

[darknezx]

How do you get the cut scenes for the draft lottery?

[PRoPuLsiOnDJ]

press F12

[darknezx]

Erm no I do mean the feature itself, does it appear like the magazine? I've gotten plenty of mvp awards but don't get the cutscenes. I'm assuming you're mentioning f12 for taking screenshots?

[vinsanity03]

I don't think anybody hates the bulls more than me but your doing a good job.[/b]

[Macca]

Hey, I'm back, but only temporarily and so I'm just letting ya'll know when I'm gonna be posting the next stage of my off season recap.

Well first, my apologies to those who were wondering were I was and when I was gonna post, and if you weren't, well... I don't really care anyway.
But, sorry it's taken so long, I've been addicted to Madden 2004 lately, and with that and exams, its pretty hard. Good news though, our city team made the championship game and we'll be playing in 2 weeks time. That's why I've been busy, mostly because Coach wanted us to get through the playoffs, so we were working hard at training. We haven't made the Finals since 2001.

Anyway, I should be posting in 2 weeks or less, holidays are coming up here for us, and so by then I would've posted and moved onto the first game. And coming up is the whole signings recap with trades and the unveiling of the new roster for 2005. SO expect an update in 2 weeks, and it’ll be big, especially the new roster.
But in the meantime, I gotta wait for some artwork from Cocobee- well, he has to get back from vacation first & I might also add that Cocobee is doing the best job with his dynasty, I and many others have his full support. He's got one of the best dynasties out there and I respect him for that. Anyways, I gotta go, if anyone wants to discuss anything, this is a forum by the way, so feel free. I’m usually around so I’ll answer any questions or queries you might have.

And before I go, I just wanna thank everyone for the kind words of support you’re giving this dynasty, it’s getting up, I just started it at a difficult and busy time, but I manage to find spare time. It’s all good! If everyone can acknowledge that than cool! Anyways, I’m out and I’ll catch up with ya’ll soon.

And, also (it’s like I can’t stop typing!) even though I'm a Bulls fan and this is a Bulls dynasty, I want to congratulate my second favourite team, the Detroit Pistons, for wiping the Lakers. They're doing it proud for the East. Big Ben is my second fav player only to Pip, so big props to his defensiveness that led the Pistons, and congrats to Billups, not to forget the others as well!

Cheers,
Macca

[Macca]

Hey everyone...
Guess if you're reading this, you have an inkling of what it's about.
First off, let me cut right to the chase. I've been doing a lot of thinking about a lot of things; about NBA, about NLSC, about life in general and my family. Anyway, I've decided that after my next post, that it will be my last for my dynasty. It will be the end of the 2004 Bulls. It might've ended early and some might wonder what would've happened next if I'd continued. Well, I don't know, but it's only a computer game, and I just can't find the time to post every 2 days on my dynasty. I've lost the heart and passion for the dynasty. I just want to play Live 2004 and enjoy it for what it is, instead of making a big thing about it. I thought, going in to this it'd be great, a newbie, following in the footsteps of Mark Moore and Desmond Jackson, 2 outstanding member of the NLSC community and 2 whom have great dynasties. But after a few months, I just can't find time, I can't be rooted to play and write, and ya'll know how boring my updates are, if anyone actually bothers to read them due to the length. I was hoping to get some sweet looking images in, some excitement, get hits and make it popular. But it wasn't to be. There are just too many dynasties that are good, that are great and to compete with them is ludicrous. They do a helluva job, and I credit them for that. Like I’ve said, there are many reasons for retiring form my dynasty, but expect me back in 2005, with one of the best damn dynasties anyone will ever see. In the meantime, I’ll play Live 2004, enjoy the forum, post whenever and wherever I can. It will be a huge stress relief, and I’ll be better off. And to add to the things, I’m offering my services to those whom may need me for ideas or for anything in their dynasties. Just add me to your MSN and we’ll chat. I’ll give you ideas that I was going to use for mine. I’ll tell you what looks good or what looks like shit. But I’ll enjoy looking at someone else’s more than my own. It’s like at Christmas, I enjoy giving more than receiving (sometimes). But I have to thank many whom have helped me, but, it’s not over yet expects the biggest blockbuster update and finale ever. It will leave anyone and everything stunned, I will finish on a high. But I’ll still be around, I’ll still be talking to people. This isn’t the end of Macca, but it ‘tis the end of his team and franchise.
Cheers everyone.
Macca

P.S:: Just to clear things up, this isn't my last post, I'm retiring from my dynasty because I can't be buggered, but I still have the rest of the offseason to report on, and that will be in one big post. Then and only then will I retire from the dynasty- but still posting elsewhere on NLSC!!