Lv06|PHX|"From The Ashes" - Week 2 Results

[Clutch]

i don't think Clark's on the the latest PC Proj roster unforunately; but someone else will step up for sure

as for your question, i like

more than appropriate that's for sure

[Clutch]

Steve Kerr sat secluded in total darkness save for the flat screen hi-def tv which he stared at in silence with bloodshot eyes. As he watched Lebron elevate to smash a one-handed thunder dunk over the out-stretched arm of Howard in game two of the eastern conference finals and marv albert screamed emphatically, "OOOHhh! A specTACULar move by KING James… and the foul!" a dry snarl formed on Kerr's upper lip.

Without taking his eyes from the screen he reached to his left, opened a mini-bar and refilled his glass with whiskey. "'King' James…. BAH!" he spat then threw his head and the glass back in one shot quickly emptying its contents. He let the glass drop where it clinked among several others scattered on the carpeted floor.

"Yo.. You.. haven't done..(hic)… squat, mister le.. Lebron," he said in broken stutter between thin gasps of breath. "Squ… SQUAT! YOU HEAR ME!" followed by incoherent mumblings.

Kerr extended his arm and with a shaky hand, pointed at the screen as Lebron prepared to shoot his freethrow, "le… lead the league… all-time in three-point shoot..(hic) shooting percentage… fah… five rings. Count'em FIVE RINGS! And you ga.. Got nothin'… "

Now reaching to his left and choking the whiskey bottle by the neck, not bothering with a glass and again without his eyes leaving the screen he said, "So… there.. who… who's the king? That's right… I'M the Ki..(hic)… king. I'M the KING!"

With watery, half-opened, unfocused eyes he lifted the bottle to his lips tilting it back, further back, then further still only to find it empty.

"Crap," he muttered disappointedly fading away into a deep slumber.

[Valor]

nice little mini-story to get things started here, Steve Kerr as drunk as a skunk, wonder what's gonna happen next man

[Martti.]

King James to Phoenix!

[kibaxx7]

I love the "(hic)"

[Clutch]

"Sorry I'm late guys," Kerr said entering the room to meet the stoney gaze of three silent, unamused faces - Suns' Assistant Coaches, "Thunder" Dan Marjerle and fellow ex-Bull, Bill Cartwright as well as Trainer, Aaron Nelson.

"You called this meeting to start 20 minutes ago Steve! I've got a training session starting in..." Nelson began but Kerr quickly snapped, "LOOK! I'm here now... I really don't need any LIP from YOU, you understand? I get enough from the wife." A trace scent of Jack Daniels swirled about the room causing Marjele to shoot Cartwright a subtle yet suspicious look.

"Steve, you're out of line; that's uncalled for," said Cartwright in a hoarse, almost strained voice. "Aaron's just pointing out the fact that we're busy too and we've got other things to do besides waiting around." A look of regret instantly washed over Kerr's face as he listened to his elder friend. "I… I'm sorry Aaron; I'm not sure what came over me. I've been under a lot of stress lately but you're right… and I apologize. Let's just make this brief and if you need to step out early, I'll understand."

"Thanks Steve," said Aaron somewhat insincerely.

"Well," Kerr began, "the main topic of business is the Amare situation. He'll be here shortly to meet with us and as GM of this organization I've asked you all to think about what we're going to do - not just in terms of the coming season, but for the long haul. Dan?"

Thunder Dan sat up in his seat, "Wel, I'm torn really. I mean, we really didn't get to see too much of he and Shaq together... but it wasn't looking too promising either. Amare's got ego; Shaq's got ego. Maybe there's just not enough ball to go around. Long-term? someone's gotta go."

Cartwright interrupted, "I've been working with Amare, trying to make him understand that to get to the next level in this league, he can't do it alone. He's talented for sure but right now his head's getting in the way of his game."

"What's he looking like... from a medical standpoint?" asked Kerr.

"Everything checks out, for now. Knees are good. Eye surgery was successful; but he'll need to keep the eyewear for precautionary measures and not just ditch them after a few games this time," said Nelson. "Cardio and timing suffered a bit but we're working on that now."

"If he is healthy," said Kerr, "then it might be a good idea to move him now while his stock is high, no? I don't want to be stuck in a bloated, extended-year contract with damaged goods…"

"I disagree," replied Cartwright firmly. "Amare's had his share of injuries but he's just entering his prime; hardly 'damaged goods' as I see it. When he's healthy and his head's in the right place, he's a force to be reckoned with; the kind of force that comes only a few times a decade and can change the face of a franchise."

Thunder Dan added, "Besides, Shaq's entering the twilight of his career and our other big men are projects at best. We can't build a team around them."

"Look gentlemen," said Kerr feeling progressively agitated and impatient, "the bottom line is - can we count on him?" The others looked at one another inconclusively.

Kerr's mouth felt parched as if it had been sucked dry by a sponge. He then looked about curiously, as if just realizing something.

"Hey… where the heck is Burns?" referring to Suns' Scout, Bubba Burns. "I know he doesn't contribute a cent to these meetings but he's at least required to be here."

"Bubba? He called earlier before you got here," said Marjerle. "He just touched down at the airport; said he's been in Estonia for a few weeks. Sounded all giddy and excited but I'm not holding my breath; he hasn't found anyone of value in the two years he's been here."

Kerr shrugged in confusion, "Estonia?"

____

Valor, Martti, TH50 - thx for the comments guys! The story continues

[Cartar]

"He just touched down at the airport; said he's been in Estonia for a few weeks. Sounded all giddy and excited but I'm not holding my breath; he hasn't found anyone of value in the two years he's been here."

Kerr shrugged in confusion, "Estonia?"

I just realized I haven't yet posted here. Anyway, hopefully this will be a good follow-up to your Houston dynasty(I understand that you don't have as much time in your hands this time, but nevertheless).

[Valor]

The story continues [/size]

and it's lookin as good as ever bro keep it up!!

[Martti.]

I wonder who that Estonian is...

[Cartar]

I wonder who that Estonian is...

Kristo Aab?

[Martti.]

ratrac, who knows..

[newc]

Estonia? interesting, maybe another baltic player in nba? btw great article

EDIT: and about Stoudemire - trade him to GSW for Biedrins, Beli, Buike

[kibaxx7]

Nice chapter. I wouldn't trade Amare, he is one of my favs.

[Its_asdf]

I am also hoping that you plan on keeping Amare, he's the kind of guy that thrives on proving people wrong, no matter how big of an ass-hat he is. The only person I want gone is Kerr... Dude ruined a pretty solid up and coming franchise.

[Clutch]

2008-2009 SUMMARY



THE POST-SEASON

The Suns ended the '08-09 season with a 38-44 record, edged out by Kevin Durant and the Thunder for the 8th and final playoff seed in the West. A humbling blow to the Phoenix's once beaming franchise but ultimately insignificant as veteran guard, Kobe Bryant, would power his Lakers past all western conference rivals on route to capturing the title over Dwight Howard's, Orlando Magic as well as Final MVP honors. The Lakers' 15th title signified a franchise coming full circle from chumps to champs since the departure of Shaquille O'Neal in 2004.



The Suns in contrast, a once free-flowing, up-tempo, legit title contender only seasons ago, were knocked out of the postseason for the first time since '04 after switching to a more half-court-oriented style of play. As a result of their rapid turnabout and decline, GM Steve Kerr's questionable trade decisions fell under harsh scrutiny and criticism from fans and media alike. While many hold Kerr solely responsible for the Suns' demise, nagging injuries to key players as well as a peaking, well-oiled juggernaut San Antonio Spurs team plus critical and costly game suspensions resulting from the most despicably Horry-ble cheapshot foul EVER during the playoffs also factored in Phoenix's inability to advance to higher grounds.

Faced with the daunting task of stabilizing and restructuring the Suns to prevent further downspin, Kerr set out to over-haul the team after reaching an uneasy agreement with now centerpiece, Amare Stoudemire. Kerr promised the talented yet often bristly big man that he and veteran point guard, Steve Nash, were "untouchables" as far as trade talks were concerned.

Assured by Kerr's word, Stoudemire set out to train harder than ever during the off-season with assistant coach, Bill Cartwright, focused on fundamental aspects of his game but mostly on defense, what many considered Amare's biggest liability.


GRANT HILL RESIGNS



Actually, that's "re-signs" for a one-year contract, a little less than what he'd like but still quiet considerable given his senior citizen status.

( EDITOR'S NOTE: FYI, I've bumped my in-game Salary Cap by $20 mil which, even though unrealistic, keeps more 'real life' players active and off the free agent's list; it's annoying to lose players to free-agent limbo while my dynasty gets overrun by too many comp-gen'ed rooks!)

THE '09-10 DRAFT CLASS

Projected as "Very Strong" it's been one of the deepest, most talented classes to come along in some years.



The New Jersey Nets held the number one draft pick and surprised many by passing on the projected number one pick, Kenneth Benzer, for equally-talented 6' 8" 228 lbs big man, Ayeshi Lee.



Surprisingly strong and quick with tremendous endurance and inside game, Lee was nicknamed, "The Package" due to his all-around game by his teammates back at North Carolina. Though the selection of Ayeshi Lee has now sparked numerous rumors that current Power Forward, Jianlian Yi, who had struggled to live up to lofty expectations, may be on the way out.

The Portland Trailblazers quickly snatched up Kenneth Benzer with the second pick. Many believe the Jamaican-born 6' 3" 203 lbs guard to be the most atheletic player in the draft and it would be hard to argue against this. Exceptional in most areas of his game, his only criticism is lack of an inside post game; but since he spends most of his time on the perimeter playing off screens or taking defenders off the dribble then out-jumping them to the basket with inhuman leaping ability, his lack of a post game is almost not worth noting.



Although on a guard-heavy team like Portland, Benzer may find minutes hard to come by with starter, Brandon Roy already in place, Rudy Fernandez off the bench and not to mention swingman, Martell Webster, whose been known to rotate to shooting guard from time to time.



Not far behind is 6' 9" 257 lbs polish product, Sami Bondra, picked 3rd-overall by the Sacramento Kings. Bondra started his career in ŁKS Łódź as a teammate of Orlando's, Marcin Gortat, then played 3 seasons with Gortat in Rhein Energie Koln in Germany's Basketball Bundesliga. Bondra has already has few nicknames entering the NBA such as "The Warlock", "Polish Hammer", "Polish Prince" and "Polish Machine."

It's expected that Lee, Benzer and Bondra will be neck and neck leading the the pack down the stretch for the '09-10 Rookie of the Year honors.

PHOENIX'S DRAFT

"You sure about this Bubba?" said Kerr to Suns scout, Bubba Burns. After a short contemplative pause the 50-year-old began to nod his head, "yeah.. Yeah, I'm sure. I'm telling you this kid is a lock - a terrific outside shot and prides himself on defense. He'll stretch the defense and open things up for us on the inside. Bill, Dan… you guys saw him workout; don't you agree?"

"He's a little slow-footed and his passing needs work, but he's a quick learner; picked up our sets fast, especially on the defensive end," said Marjerle.

"A solid three-point shooter off the bench never hurts," added Cartwright. "If he's open, he can knock it down. He's like a taller 'you' (motioning at Kerr) -- but with defense." A collective chuckle broke out among the small gathering of Suns' executives except for Kerr who remained straight-faced. Big decisions like this always made him thirsty.

The Suns had traded away draft rights to their 2010 number one pick during the O'Neal trade, leaving them only with a second-rounder this season. It wasn't much but Kerr knew well that every man on the team, even an undersized, non-defending two-guard as he had been in his playing days, could make a difference.

"We're on the clock Steve and times almost up - what's it going to be?" asked Marjerle.

The minor migraine that had bothered Kerr since this morning was getting progressive worse. "Alright… let me use the washroom real quick and I'll give you my decision."

Kerr stepped out the door and headed down the hallway for the executive washroom, smiling at passers by and pretty interns along the way. He entered, looked about casually then locked the door behind him. Moving swiftly to the toilet, he carefully lifted the heavy porcelain top off the rear water basin - revealing his prize bottle of Johnnie Walker Black. He took a few heavy swigs then returned the bottle to its hiding place.

A quick Listerine wash and a mouthful of mint Tic-Tacs later, Kerr gazed in the mirror fixing his collar and adjusting the cuffs of his nicely pressed blue button shirt.

Bill Cartwright rubbed his chest slowly, feeling a strange heaviness in his left arm. "Strange," he though to himself then shook it rigorously to get the circulation flowing. He looked up at the wall clock and began to look at his wrist watch just as Kerr walked back in the meeting room.

"Alright," Kerr said with all eyes glued on him. "Let's do this… make the call." Scout Bubba Burns smiled with satisfaction.

Back at NBA draft central, David Stern spoke as the crowd quieted to a low hum listening eagerly, "With the 43rd pick in the 2009-2010 NBA draft… the Phoenix Suns select… from Estonia…."

FREE AGENCY



David Lee stood out as the top free agent of the off-season commanding top dollar for his hustle and strong work ethic. Lee would accept a 52-mil, 6-year contract with the Clippers and GM Mike Dunleavy Sr. has made it clear that Zach Randolf's days in LA are numbered.



Free agents, Matt Barnes and Stromile Swift would accept big money contracts with Oklahoma City and Detroit respectively, leaving Kerr with yet more crucial roster gaps to fill.



With little financial room to work Kerr would dredge the FA talent pool and successfully court a few less pricey fish, trying to add something - anything - to the Phoenix's depth.

KERR'S FIRST TRADE OF '09-10



August 14, 2009 Phoenix, AZ -- The Phoenix Suns acquire 2nd-year Forward, Luc Mbah a Moute from the Milwaukee Bucks for 2nd-year Point Guard, Goran Dragic. At 6' 8" 230lbs, Mbah a Moute is a versatile player and solid defender capable of covering both Forward positions. The second-year pro averaged during 7.2 PPG, 5.9 RPGs during his rookie season.



"We're going to be aggressive this off-season. We have some big changes coming and hard decisions to make," Kerr told the press, announcing the Mbah a Moute trade. "I know (hic)… ahem, pardon me. I know a lot's been said about my past decision making; about trades that didn't quiet pan out as hoped... but we're going to change all that. We believe adding Luc's versatility, hustle and defense will be a part of this change and, while you're always regretful to lose a talented player with potential like Goran, we feel this is a step in the right direction for our franchise."

[Martti.]

I did the same in my dynasty (Increased Salary cap). Almost nobody switches teams with the original 50M cap.

Nice that you re-signed Hill like the Suns in real life did. The draft coverage looks great, the names are awfully familiar My Heat's second season Rookie Challenge had Sami Bondra Live 06 uses the same names for generated rookies way too often.

Can't wait for the season to start.

[kibaxx7]

Great analysis, as usual from Clutch Mbah a Moute is a nice signing, but I think you need one more big man..

[cavs4872]

You have the greatest named players on your team (DJ Mbenga, Luc Mbah a Moute, and Pops Mensa-Bonsu).

[Its_asdf]

Pops and Luc are nice energy players to have, especially if you're planning on re-starting the up-tempo system that the Suns had a few years ago. Both are a bit undersized, but are athletic rebounders that compliment Amare pretty well.

[Clutch]

August 17, 2009 Phoenix, AZ -- GM Steve Kerr announced this morning that the Phoenix Suns and Washington Wizards have reached a trade agreement sending 2nd-year Center, Robin Lopez, to Washington in exchange for 2nd-year Center, JaVale McGee.



"It was a tough decision to part with Robin (Lopez)," said Kerr, "but we feel McGee's overall athleticism will be better suited to the up-tempo style of play we'd like to get back to."

McGee averaged 6.5 PPG and 3.9 RPG as a rookie last season with the Wizards.



The acquisition of yet another bigman in addition to recently signed free agents, Mbenga and Mensah-Bonsu have many speculating a trade involving either Shaquille O'Neal or Amare Stoudemire is likely in the works.

________
Martti, TH50, XXCavs, Its_asdf - thanks for the comments guys! more to come

[Lamrock]

While the trades you made were nice and will help your team improve (slightly), I really don't see why the other teams would accept them. Also, are you going to do the Shaq trade to keep things up-to-date? Nice 2008-09 recap, though I would have preferred updated rosters. Looking forward to what comes next.

[Clutch]

Yeah I agree there's no true incentive for either of these moves and playing the real rosters would've been cooler (unfortunately the latest PC Proj patch w/updated rooks is unavailable; I'll save that for the Blazers )

In-game, the Bucks trade (Goran/Mbah a Moute) makes at least a little logical sense, since RJ (87) is not a Spur and still the starting SF; then they're heavy at the Fwd (Charlie V (79); Joe Alexander (76); Devon George (73)) plus drafted two additional comp gen'ed rook Fwds (Lance Dove (72); Robert Malhorta (68)); so Mbah a Moute (73) was definitely more expendable than his real-life counterpart

Washington's trade (McGee/Lopez) has no such logic... other than Arenas being a Stanford fan j/k; I at least try to keep trades fair (if not favorable to the receiving team) since both Lopez & McGee are projects and rated equally at 67, Lopez being more of a slower, stronger post/inside presence (similar to Wizard's current starter Haywood) while McGee, a lanky, free-roaming defender and opportunistic scorer

The Shaq trade won't go down as real life either unfortunately (I tried every combo even in multi-team trades but still couldn't work it); so finally Kerr had no choice but to opt for a more extreme alternative (more on that coming up)

[Martti.]

I would also prefer McGee over Lopez. Can't wait to see what you're gonna do about Shaq.

[Clutch]

August 24, 2009 Phoenix, AZ -- The Phoenix Suns have parted ways with veteran center, Shaquille O'Neal, announcing a six-player trade agreement with the Minnesota Timberwolves.



The trade came as a shock to the 17-year veteran. "This some kind of a joke? Did Louie (Amundson) put you up to this?" said O'Neal this morning, who seemed to know less about the trade than the media. His agent would later confirm the news was not an elaborate prank of teammate, Louis Amundson, but that the trade was in fact legit.

The Timberwolves accepted the 20M, 1-year burden of Shaquille O'Neal's (84) expiring contract and also received 3rd-year forwards, Alando Tucker (71) and Jared Dudley (73) as part of the agreement.

T'Wolves GM, David Khan, expressed his satisfaction with the trade, "The experience and leadership of a quality veteran big man like O'Neal is immeasurable to a young ball club like ours; we're absolutely delighted and privileged to have him joining us."



The Suns clearly in a move orchestrated to purge O'Neal's hefty financial burden, received 2nd-year point guard, Bobby Brown (62), 9th-year pro, Mark Madsen (61) and 3rd-year forward, Corey Brewer (76), but more significantly lifted O'Neal's 20M load off their shoulders, clearing out roughly 7.5M in salary cap breathing room.



O'Neal's displeasure with the trade would erupt towards midday and he did not mince words, "Madsen? Mad Dog Madsen. And who… Bobby Brown? "Tenderoni?" "Don't be Cruel?" Come on… I'm a living legend… L-E-G-E-N-D. You don't diss a legend. This is disrespectful; I'll remember this."

He would retract his stance somewhat later in the afternoon, but singled-out GM Steve Kerr. "The Wolves have a good bunch of young, talented guys. I'll show them the ropes. We'll win games. This is what I do, " said O'Neal. "It's a business. Kerr's ruining... excuse me... running the show here in Phoenix. I'll make him regret this decision. But as they say, It's his 'Prerogative.' " O'Neal added, singing the last verse in reference to the late-80's Bobby Brown hit.

Suns' GM Steve Kerr addressed the media about the trade later in the evening, "Clearly O'Neal is one of the greatest to ever play the game and maybe we could've been more transparent in our intentions with him about the future of this ball club. But we had to make a tough decision as an organization and that decision was to move in a different direction without Shaq; it was time for us to go our separate ways."

O'Neal is expected to start for the Timberwolves alongside Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Mike Miller and Sebastian Telfair.

It's a little less clear which lineup will start for Phoenix come opening night.

[Lamrock]

Whoa. Are you setting this up for Kerr to get fired?