[Playoffs!] A New Age! || GAME 1 OF THE FINALS | Hiatus

[Martti.]

It's probably the first or second game I've had double-digit FT attempts with him (and 4 of 12 were results of intentional fouls). That's another thing 2K14's a little better with, to go with shot blocking. I remember 2K11 when I had 26 free throw attempts with LeBron. And it had better shot blocking.

[Valor]

It's probably the first or second game I've had double-digit FT attempts with him (and 4 of 12 were results of intentional fouls). That's another thing 2K14's a little better with, to go with shot blocking. I remember 2K11 when I had 26 free throw attempts with LeBron. And it had better shot blocking.

Have you tried tweaking the shot contact and foul sliders? I probably see anywhere from 10-30 free throws a game from both sides. Aside from shot blocking I don't see anything better from 2K14 tbh...

[Martti.]

I get about 15-20 as a team per game, will check it out, though I have increased the foul sliders.

[Martti.]

Thunder's half-court defense in the first half

Rockets can't seal the deal, drop game #1

Despite a combined 48 points, 29 rebounds and 7 blocks from Thomas Robinson and Larry Sanders, a 5-point lead with 56 seconds remaining in overtime, Kevin Durant's 4-point first half, the Rockets couldn't beat the Thunder in game #1 in OKC.

James Harden returned to the arena where last year he was a part of the team that won the Western Conference Championship. Many criticized his performance in the NBA Finals against Miami, not really contributing like he did during the regular season.

In the first quarter, he was on a mission, going head-to-head with Russell Westbrook. Harden had 16 points in the opening period and Westbrook had 12. Harden went scoreless in the second quarter, but Thomas Robinson and Chandler Parsons had nice soring and rebounding numbers at the half to make up for it. (15 and 7 for CP, 14 and 9 for TR). Kevin Durant had 4 points and 5 rebounds at the half on 1-6 shooting.

Thomas Robinson and Larry Sanders continued to dominate the paint with rebounding, shot blocking and scoring, Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins were completely helpless against the younger, way less experienced frontcourt of the Rockets.

Durant kept the Thunder competitive with 14 points in the third quarter.

Thomas Robinson's dunk and-1 put the Rockets up 105-101 with 1.40 remaining. Kevin Durant scored two straight buckets to tie the game at 105. James Harden called an isolation play against his old teammate, Kevin Durant, crossed him over and drove to the hoop for an and-1 lay-up with 23.1 on the clock. He made the free throw and the Rockets had a 3-point lead.

The Thunder ran Kevin Durant off several screens and with the Rockets defense scrambling, Kevin Martin was left wide open and he knocked down the game-tying shot with 12 secs left. James Harden's game-winning attempts barely crazed the rim.

The overtime featured several early lead changes and big shots. Chandler Parsons's driving slam with 1.33 left put the Rockets up 1, 116-115 with 1.33 left. Jeremy Lin stole the ball from Westbrook and his dunk followed by Robinson's baby-hook put the Rockets up by 5 with 55.9 seconds left. Russell Westbrook made his only three to cut the deficit to 2. James Harden ran down the clock and made a driving lay-up put the Rockets up 4. Kevin Durant brought the ball up and without hesitation knocked down an 18-footer in Parsons's face to cut the lead to 2 again.

Jeremy Lin was fouled and he made 1 of 2 at the line with 18 seconds left. Russell Westbrook scored with little under 7 seconds left. The Rockets had no time-outs left and Westbrook made the biggest play of the game, stealing the inbounds pass and finding Kevin Martin under the basket to put the Thunder up, 124-123.

James Harden had about 5 seconds left, ran the length of the court, got a decent look, but couldn't convert over Thabo Sefolosha's out-stretched hands.

Notes : Rockets won the rebounding battle 58-45; Rockets had 76 points in the paint; Rockets shot 49/100 from the field, Thunder shot 50/100.

Box Score

(3) HOU (0-1) | 33 | 28 | 26 | 23 | 13 || 123 ||
(1) OKC (1-0) | 28 | 27 | 34 | 21 | 14 || 124 ||

Player of the Game : Russell Westbrook

| 38 PTS | 3 REBS | 8 ASTS | 3 STLS | 1 BLKS | 17-27 FG | 1-1 3 PT FG | 3-4 FT



James Harden : 31 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 13-25 FG
Thomas Robinson : 26 points, 14 rebounds, 4 blocks, 10-13 FG, 6-7 FT
Larry Sanders : 22 points, 15 rebounds, 3 blocks, 10-16 FG
Chandler Parsons : 19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks
Jeremey Lin : 13 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, 5-17 FG



Kevin Durant : 29 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, 3 blocks, 11-22 FG
Serge Ibaka: 16 points, 9 rebounds
Kevin Martin : 14 points, 5-18 FG
Kendrick Perkins : 4 points, 10 rebounds

phpBB [video]

-----------------------

Conference Finals Results :

(1) Chicago - 0
(3) Miami - 1

Game #1 : MIA 96 - 92 CHI

Heat
Dwyane Wade - 26 points, 4 rebounds, 11-17 FG
LeBron James - 21 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 6-17 FG
Chris Bosh - 14 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks

Bulls
Derrick Rose - 25 points, 8 assists, 10-14 FG
Luol Deng - 18 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 7-13 FG
Carlos Boozer - 10 points, 8 rebounds, 5-12 FG

[Valor]

Bummer dropping game 1, that is some horrible defense right there by OKC....

[Its_asdf]

Many criticized his performance in the NBA Finals against Miami, not really contributing like he did during the regular season.

Yep. That was me..... I thought the Thunder got really good value for Harden by getting Lamb and Martin and that Harden would be a bust because he wouldn't be able to handle being a franchise player.

I was a bit off in my prediction I'd say.

[Martti.]

I doubt a lot of people thought Harden would put up those numbers in Houston, I also thought the Lamb-Martin duo would more then compensate, I didn't consider OKC not playing Lamb at all the first year and even this year, Lamb has not been what I thought he would be.

My plan is to finish this season in 2K13 and next season will be in 2K14. The reasons for it are mainly the rookies, I only have Nerlens Noel and Cody Zeller as good rookies in the class, no Oladipo, Carter-Williams, Bennett at all, Shabazz is like a top 3 prospect... But that's to come, still have to beat OKC.

[Martti.]

Lin fouled out, but this dunk was a huge play in the fourth quarter

Rockets withstand Durant, Thunder; tie series

Larry Sanders and Jeremy Lin posted huge double-doubles and James Harden scored 30 points and the Rockets were able to hold off a late surge by the Thunder to tie the Western Conference Finals.

The Rockets jumped to an early 13-6 lead, but Kevin Durant was a lot more aggressive with 12 first quarter points and kept the Thunder in it. Durant did struggle, going 6-14 from the field. Chandler Parsons had 10 points in the opening period and Jeremy Lin had 6 points and 5 assists, but did pick up 2 quick fouls.

The Rockets bench was really struggling, with even Carlos Delfino, who ad scored in double-figures for most of the Playoffs, went scoreless. But the elevated play from Thomas Robinson and Larry Sanders kept the Rockets competitive and at the half, the Rockets held a 1-point lead. Jeremy Lin had 14 points and 7 assists and Kevin Durant had 19 points, but was only 9-23 from the field. James Harden cooled down a bit with 'only' 10 points in the first half.

Lin was very aggressive, he drove to the basket and set up his teammates, but with just 4 minutes played in the third quarter, he picked up his fifth foul. James Harden scored 8 points in the period and Chandler Parsons added 5. Kevin Durant kept firing, but still couldn't find the target. He had 24 points through three on 11-30 shooting.

The Thunder kept fighting and held a 97-93 lead with 5 minutes left in the game. But Jeremy Lin had returned, playing carefully not to pick up his 6th foul and help the Rockets ignite a 13-4 run to put the Rockets up 5 with little over 2 minutes left.

With a minute left, the Rockets were up 110-102. Jeremy Lin would foul out on the next play, and the Thunder would score 14 points in a minute, Kevin Durant's 3-pointer trimmed the lead to just 1 with 1.5 seconds left, but the Thunder couldn't foul the Rockets in time and the clock ran out.

Notes : Rockets had just 7 bench points; Rockets scored 76 points in the paint on the strength of 14 dunks.

Box Score

(3) HOU (1-1) | 27 | 26 | 29 | 33 || 115 ||
(1) OKC (1-1) | 25 | 27 | 25 | 37 || 114 ||

Player of the Game : Jeremy Lin

| 22 PTS | 4 REBS | 17 ASTS | 5 STLS | 0 BLKS | 9-17 FG | 0-0 3 PT FG | 4-6 FT



James Harden : 30 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 10-20 FG, 6-10 3PT, 4-4 FT
Larry Sanders : 22 points, 16 rebounds, 4 blocks, 9-17 FG
Chandler Parsons : 19 points, 5 rebounds, 8-14 FG, 2-3 3PT
Thomas Robinson : 15 points, 9 rebounds



Kevin Durant : 32 points, 9 rebounds, 14-36 FG, 3-8 3PT
Russell Westbrook : 24 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 9-16 FG, 6-7 FT
Kevin Martin : 23 points, 4 rebounds, 8-14 FG, 3-6 3PT
Mickael Pietrus : 13 points, 2 steals, 5-6 FG, 3-4 3PT
Serge Ibaka: 7 points, 5 rebounds, 3 rebounds
Kendrick Perkins : 5 points, 10 rebounds

-----------------------

Conference Finals Results :

(1) Chicago - 1
(3) Miami - 1

Game #2 : MIA 85 - 90 CHI

Heat
Dwyane Wade - 26 points, 4 rebounds, 11-17 FG
LeBron James - 21 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 6-17 FG
Chris Bosh - 14 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks

Bulls
Luol Deng - 24 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 9-10 FG, 6-6 FT
Richard Hamilton : 19 points, 9-16 FG
Carlos Boozer - 14 points, 8 rebounds, 5-9 FG
Derrick Rose - 11 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 5-12 FG,1-5 3PT

[Radioman]

Honestly i missed a lot of your season because i was not active on this board for a while. I was surprised to see Sanders on your team, looks like he can pull it off for you.

Good look for the series against the Thunder, i think it is going to be a tough one. Nice job to even the series.

[Valor]

I doubt a lot of people thought Harden would put up those numbers in Houston

He's putting up the numbers because...
1. He shoots an insane amount of free throws, whether through a dodgy way or not is up to you to decide
2. Has the ball all the time
3. Green light (15th last season in usage rate at 29%)

How do you not put up stats that way? I really don't think the addition of Harden (and Howard this season) helps the Rockets, seriously. Harden's a ball stopper, so is Howard, and they are not very efficient in their possessions either. If refs aren't giving Harden calls on those flops chalk them up as all turnovers. Howard is just pathetic in the paint offensively and at the free throw line, he doesn't know how to post up, demands the ball anyways, doesn't make the effort of running down the lane and complains like a baby. I still say with just Lin and Asik, alongside Parsons and Casspi and all those other cats the Rockets would've fared much better.

I'm not just bashing Harden either, stats prove it. Among the top 20 players in usage rates, Harden has the second highest turnover ratio behind Eric Gordon...


Anyways, that's enough talk about RL NBA, good job with the win here tying the series

[Martti.]

Durant was a man on a mission.

Durant scores 37 as Thunder rally in big game #3 win

Kevin Durant scored 37 points, 16 of which came in the fourth quarter, to help the Thunder beat the Rockets in game #3, 102-97.

Jeremy Lin started strong after an impressive game #2 with 11 points and 6 assists, making all 4 of his shots, including 3 triples. But he missed all 6 of his threes the rest of the way, although his great passing made up for it.

Kevin Durant had 11 points in the first half and Jeremy Lamb scored 8 points in just 5 minutes, stepping in nicely for Russell Westbrook, who scored just 2 points in the first half on 1-5 shooting. Westbrook's substitute Eric Maynor was also on point with 7 first half points.

The Rockets maintained a steady, double-digit lead throughout the third quarter with Chandler Parsons, James Harden and the Rockets front-court kept scoring to counter Durant's big second half scoring and Russell Westbrook was also getting into the scoring columns.

The Thunder finally tied the game at 85 on the strength of a 16-6 run, capped by Kevin Durant's three-pointer. Lin and Harden tried to keep the Rockets in it, matching Durant and Westbrook point-for-point, but Kevin Martin's three-pointer with 1.12 left but the visitors up 100-95.

Larry Sanders dunk off a pretty bounce-pass from Lin made it a three point game on the next possession and the Rockets got a valued stop on defense with a chance to tie the game with under 15 seconds left. The play went to Harden, who had been 1-5 from deep in the quarter, but his shot went off the rim and bounced over the backboard.

Kevin Durant was fouled and he calmly knocked down both to put the game out of reach.

Box Score

(3) HOU (1-2) | 29 | 22 | 28 | 18 || 97 ||
(1) OKC (2-1) | 21 | 21 | 27 | 33 || 102 ||

Player of the Game : Kevin Durant

| 37 PTS | 6 REBS | 3 ASTS | 4 STLS | 1 BLKS | 14-24 FG | 3-4 3 PT FG | 6-6 FT



James Harden : 26 points, 3 rebounds, 9-23 FG, 5-14 3PT, 3-3 FT
Jeremy Lin : 19 points, 14 assists, 3 steals, 8-18 FG, 3-9 3PT
Chandler Parsons : 15 points, 6 rebounds
Larry Sanders : 14 points, 16 rebounds, 3 blocks, 5-8 FG
Thomas Robinson : 12 points, 9 rebounds



Kevin Martin : 16 points, 4 assists, 6-14 FG, 4-9 3PT
Russell Westbrook : 14 points, 10 assists, 3 steals, 6-12 FG
Jeremy Lamb : 11 points, 5-7 FG
Serge Ibaka: 7 points, 5 rebounds, 3 rebounds
Kendrick Perkins : 8 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks

-----------------------

Conference Finals Results :

(1) Chicago - 1
(3) Miami - 2

Game #3 : MIA 98 - 76 CHI

Heat
Dwyane Wade - 22 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 10-19 FG, 2-2 3PT
LeBron James - 18 points, 6 assists, 3 steals, 9-15 FG
Udonis Haslem - 14 points, 6 rebounds, 6-8 FG
Chris Bosh - 12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks

Bulls
Richard Hamilton : 17 points
Derrick Rose - 17 points, 2 assists, 7-12 FG
Carlos Boozer - 10 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, 4-8 FG
Luol Deng - 8 points, 9 rebounds, 4-14 FG

[Martti.]

Also, noticed this after the game. I don't recall switching the Conf Finals to best in 5, but I guess I'm facing elimination in game #4.

[Martti.]

Lin fouled out, but this dunk was a huge play in the fourth quarter

Durant and Harden both reach 50, Thunder eliminate Rockets in 6

In what will probably go down as the game of the year and one of the most entertaining Playoff games in recent history, the Thunder fought off the Rockets and eliminated them in game #6.

In previous games, the Rockets were the ones who took the early lead, it was the visitors in this game. They led 17-8 with 5 minutes played and even though they scored 39 points in the first quarter, the Rockets managed to keep up with 30 of their own. Harden had 14 in the first quarter, while Durant had 13. Both were shooting over 50%.

The Rockets got a huge boost from Carlos Delfino, who after a scoreless game #5, scored 14 points in the second quarter and helped the Rockets take a one-point lead into halftime. James Harden knocked down a jumper at the buzzer.

The Rockets went into halftime with high spirits. But weren't ready for what the Thunder had in store for them. The visitors started the quarter on a 15-0 run as they were 7-8 from the field. The Rockets went 0-6 from the field, 0-4 from the free throw line and had 3 turnovers. Amazingly, they came back from such deficit, led by Harden and Delfino.

Harden had 32 points after three on 12-16 shooting (4-5 3PT), Durant had 33 on 15-27.

The Rockets finally retook the lead with 6 minutes left in the game. At that point, there had been 11 lead changes already. The game went back and forth the rest of the way, Westbrook jumper tied the game again at 121 with a minute left. With both teams missing, the Rockets had a chance to win with the shot clock off, Harden was doubled and found Thomas Robinson wide open under the basket, but he fumbled the pass and it went out of bounds off him. Russell Westbrook game-winning shot was blocked by Larry Sanders.

With a plethora of lead changes in OT, the Rockets were up 3, but Kevin Durant tied the game at 132 with 11.8 seconds left. Harden went for the game-winner this time, but his three-pointer went in and out.

In the second OT, the Thunder had had enough, quickly went up by 7 and never looked back. Durant, Westbrook and Terrico White were flawless at the line and despite Harden making 2 threes in the final minute, the Thunder still won by a comfortable margin.

The Thunder will face the Miami Heat in the Finals, a re-match from last year. The Heat eliminated the Bulls in game #6.

Box Score

(3) HOU (2-4) | 30 | 32 | 28 | 31 | 11 | 23 || 155 ||
(1) OKC (4-2) | 39 | 22 | 33 | 27 | 11 | 16 || 148 ||

Player of the Game : Kevin Durant

| 54 PTS | 9 REBS | 4 ASTS | 3 STLS | 2 BLKS | 23-42 FG | 2-4 3 PT FG | 6-6 FT



James Harden : 55 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 21-35 FG, 7-17 3PT, 6-6 FT
Carlos Delfino : 25 points, 3 rebounds, 10-13 FG, 5-8 3OT
Chandler Parsons : 19 points, 9 rebounds, 4 rebounds, 5 blocks
Jeremy Lin : 18 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 steals
Larry Sanders : 18 points, 15 rebounds, 2 blocks, 8-10 FG



Russell Westbrook : 29 points, 15 assists, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 11-22 FG, 6-7 FT
Kevin Martin : 26 points, 4 rebounds, 8-13 FG, 4-6 3PT
Serge Ibaka: 14 points, 8 rebounds, 6-8 FG
Kendrick Perkins : 10 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists

-----------------------

Conference Finals Results :

(1) Chicago - 2
(3) Miami - 4

Game #6 : MIA 83 - 71 CHI

Heat
Dwyane Wade - 26 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks, 11-15 FG
Chris Bosh - 16 points, 4 assists, 6-10 FG
LeBron James - 14 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks, 7-16 FG

Bulls
Derrick Rose - 16 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 5-15 FG
Richard Hamilton : 15 points, 5 rebounds
Carlos Boozer - 10 points, 8 rebounds

[Its_asdf]

Damn, another Miami/OKC conference finals huh?

Tough to go down like that, but you went down guns blazing. Harden really showed the Thunder that they done goofed by not paying him.

[Valor]

lol @ Harden getting 55, IRL he'll prob get 55 shots, not points....

Anyhow, tough loss buddy, sucks to go down in double ot but it is what it is I guess, hopefully you'lll change your mind about switching to 2K14 and cont this but either way good job

[Martti.]

Cavaliers win Draft lottery, Rockets grab fourth spot



The Cleveland Cavaliers owner's son, who has a nerve disorder, has struck the lottery again. And the Cavaliers will pick first overall in the 2013 NBA draft on June 27 after winning the NBA draft lottery Tuesday in New York. This will be the third time in 11 years the Cavaliers pick first.

"It's huge for us," Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert said immediately after the pick. "For us, it's about the city of Cleveland and giving them more hope as we build the franchise to the level we want to go to."

The Phoenix Suns, who had the best shot at landing the selection, came in second in the lottery, which gives every team that did not make the NBA playoffs odds based on regular-season records. The Suns will take the No. 2 pick despite their 25% shot at the first pick, compared to the Cavaliers' 15.6% odds.

The Rockets, fresh off a Western Conference Finals appearance, will pick fourth via New Orleans. The deal included Matt Carroll's expiring contract and a top 3 protected first round pick for Scott Machado and Donatas Motiejunas.

The pick had the third best odds of winning the lottery, but dropped to fourth with the thid pick going to the Raptors.

Draft order :

1. Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Phoenix Suns
3. Toronto Raptors
4. Houston Rockets
5. Orlando Magic
6. Portland Trail Blazers
7. Golden State Warriors
8. Charlotte Bobcats
9. Washington Wizards
10. Detroit Pistons
11. Milwaukee Bucks
12. Dallas Mavericks
13. Utah Jazz
14. Sacramento Kings
15. Minnesota Timberwolves
16. Los Angeles Clippers
17. New York Knicks
18. Philadelphia 76ers
19. San Antonio Spurs
20. Boston Celtics
21. Boston Celtics
22. Indiana Pacers
23. Memphis Grizzlies
24. Denver Nuggets
25. Houston Rockets
26. New Jersey Nets
27. Los Angeles Lakers
28. Chicago Bulls
29. Oklahoma City Thunder
30. Miami Heat

[Martti.]

Heat repeat as Wade hits game-winner in game #7


Wade's shot for the ages.

LeBron James received his second Finals MVP in two years, but the heroes of game #7 were the rest of the Big Three, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.

Bosh scored 36 points with 8 rebounds (14-18 FG, 8-9 FT) while Wade hit the biggest shot of his career to break a 105-105 tie when his jumper over Derek Fisher hit nothing but the bottom of the net as the buzzer sounded.

Wade and Bosh both averaged over 19 points in the Finals and LeBron's numbers weren't as impressive as last year. He averaged 23.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.1 steals. In game #7, he had 22 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists.

Wade finished with 20 points. Kevin Durant had 34 and Russell Westbrook had 22 points and 12 assists.

The Thunder almost pulled over a historic comeback, as they trailed 3-0 after three games and the series looked over even earlier as it was last year, when the Heat won in 5.

The Thunder won three straight to force game #7 and led by 2 with 40 seconds left, but Bosh's jumper and Wade's game-winner spoiled Thunder's season for the second straight year.

Results :

Game #1 - OKC 71 @ 77 MIA
Game #2 - OKC 99 @ 114 MIA
Game #3 - MIA 85 @ 84 OKC
Game #4 - MIA 90 @ 96 OKC
Game #5 - MIA 66 @ 103 OKC
Game #6 - OKC 104 @ 94 MIA
Game #7 - OKC 105 @ 107 MIA

[Martti.]

Rockets pick up options on Parsons, Sanders, Delfino



The Rockets exercised the team options on the contracts of Chandler Parsons, Larry Sanders and Carlos Delfino.

Sanders was huge in the Playoffs, especially in the Western Conference Finals, when he averaged 19 points, 15.5 rebounds and 3 blocks. On the season, he averaged a modest 4.5 points and 4.5 rebounds. With his emergence, the Rockets plans of signing Dwight Howard have cooled down.

Delfino was in the running for sixth man of the year as he averaged 10.9 points off the bench, scoring in double-figures in 66 games, all off the bench.

Parsons averaged 15 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.

The team also announced they won't pick up team options on Tyler Honeycutt ($900K) and Fransisco Garcia ($6.40M), leaving the Rockets around 20M in cap space, depending on their draft picks. Furthermore, Matt Carroll, Shaun Livingston and Greg Smith will not be re-signed with the latter two wanting to test free agency.

Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Andre Iguodala, Josh Smith and Jeff Green are the most notable free agents.

[john26]

tough series vs thunder, are you still continuing it or switching to 2k14? but getting 4th pick makes up for it so everything's good

[Valor]

Wade.Is.CLUTCH

[Martti.]

I am continuing this on 2K14, modifying the rosters right now. Will follow a lot of real life moves - Brooklyn getting KG, PP, Bynum to Cleveland, Monta to Dallas etc; also the trades that the cpu made last year - Conley to Jazz; Dalembert in Boston, Hinrich in Miami and so forth.

I think it'll work out nicely.

[Martti.]

Cavaliers shock world, pick Bennett #1



The Cavs were supposedly choosing between Alex Len and Nerlens Noel, but shocked everyone when David Stern came to the podium and read Bennett's name. It was the culmination of the most secretive draft process by a No. 1 team in recent memory, as normally the top pick leaks out hours, if not days or weeks, ahead of time. Bennett was barely even in consideration, as Len, Noel, or even a trade were considered much more likely options.

The UNLV forward is coming off shoulder surgery but is believed to have all the physical tools to be a powerful scorer at the next level. Bennett led the Rebels in scoring and rebounding with 16.1 points and 8.1 boards per game in a season that saw UNLV pile up 25 wins and reach the NCAA Tournament. He was imposing physically in college and should continue to be a threat at the next level. Add that to his athleticism, and Bennett has the body to contribute right away.

Draft order :

1. Cleveland Cavaliers - Anthony Bennett
2. Phoenix Suns - Otto Porter
3. Toronto Raptors - Victor Oladipo
4. Houston Rockets - Nerlens Noel
5. Orlando Magic - Michael Carter-Williams
6. Portland Trail Blazers - Ben McLemore
7. Golden State Warriors - Cody Zeller
8. Charlotte Bobcats - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
9. Washington Wizards - Alex Len
10. Detroit Pistons - Shabazz Muhammad
11. Milwaukee Bucks - Giannis Antetokounmpo
12. Dallas Mavericks - C.J McCollum
13. Utah Jazz - Trey Burke
14. Sacramento Kings - Steven Adams
15. Minnesota Timberwolves - Kelly Olynik
16. Los Angeles Clippers - Lucas Nogueira
17. New York Knicks - Dennis Schröder
18. Philadelphia 76ers - Gorgui Dieng
19. San Antonio Spurs - Shane Larkin
20. Boston Celtics - Tony Snell
21. Boston Celtics - Sergei Karasev
22. Indiana Pacers - Reggie Bullock
23. Memphis Grizzlies - Rudy Gobert
24. Denver Nuggets - Livio Jean-Charles
25. Houston Rockets - Nate Wolters
26. Brooklyn Nets - Tim Hardaway Jr.
27. Los Angeles Lakers - Mason Plumlee
28. Chicago Bulls - Andre Roberson
29. Oklahoma City Thunder - Archie Goodwin
30. Miami Heat - Nemenja Nedovic

My pick is a little indication into a major blockbuster I'm planning.

[Valor]

How'd you do the draft with your draft order? Thought it's being ported to 2K14
Bennett still going first is like....

New Jersey Nets

Little typo btw

[Martti.]

Rockets, Hawks agree on Smith sign-and-trade



The Rockets pulled themselves out of the Dwight Howard sweepstakes and went after another Georgia native, Josh Smith.

The Rockets agreed on a sign-and-trade deal, sending Omer Asik, Thomas Robinson and the draft rights to Nate Wolters to Atlanta for Josh Smith and John Jenkins. Smith signed a 5-year, $70 million contract. To help create more space, the Rockets traded Marcus Morris to the Suns for a future 2nd round pick.

Smith had his best professional career last year, averaging 21.4 points, 10 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.6 blocks, 1.2 steals, shooting 52%. Next to that, he made his first All-Star appearance and was named to the All-Defensive firs team.

Jenkins played sparingly for the Hawks and averaged 2.1 points in 37 appearances.

Thomas Robinson was acquired by the Rokcets in a mid-season deal and averaged 12 points and 8.6 rebounds. He was part of the All-Rookie 2nd team.

Omer Asik started all 82 regular season games, but fell out of the starting line-up in the Playoffs. He averaged 3.6 points and 8.1 rebounds during the regular season and led the league on 62.2% shooting.

Wolters, the #25 pick, averaged 22.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.8 assists during his senior year at South Dakota State University.

Projected Starting Line-ups :

Hawks

C - O Asik
F - A Horford
F - K Korver
G - L Williams
G - J Teague

Rockets

C - L Sanders
F - J Smith
F - C Parsons
G - J Harden
G - J Lin

Headlines

Nets acquire Pierce, Garnett from Celtics
Jeff Green signs with Detroit for 3 years, 22M
Monta Ellis signs with Dallas
Sacramento acquires Iguodala, Shaq becomes part-owner

[Martti.]

Dwight leaves LA, chooses Dallas



Dwight Howard has made his decision - the Dallas Mavericks.

Howard met with the Warriors, Hawks, Rockets, Mavericks and the Lakers and ultimately joined Dallas. Dwight had narrowed his choice down to two Texas teams - Houston and Dallas. The Rockets dropped out of the running when they signed Josh Smith.

Howard had a very successful season with the Lakers. He averaged 23.5 points (career-high), 11.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks on 59% shooting. He won his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award, was named to the All-NBA 1st team (6th time) and the All-Defensive 1st team (5th time).

Despite his great personal year, the Lakers went home early as they were eliminated by the #7 seed Clippers in 5 games.

The Mavericks also acquired Monta Ellis, Jose Calderon and Devin Harris to help Dirk win another title and Howard felt he had the best shot at winning his first in Dallas.

Projected Starting Line-up :

C - D Howard
F - D Nowitzki
F - S Marion
G - M Ellis
G - J Calderon