Fire & Ice: Speed Y4 1-1

[Fresh8]

I'm enjoying the read. Keep it up

[Martti.]

Holy crap, 19 blocks. That's tough. Nice that you moved up a difficulty level.

Your roster doesn't really go with a 7-2 record.

[Oznogrd]

Holy crap, 19 blocks. That's tough. Nice that you moved up a difficulty level.

Your roster doesn't really go with a 7-2 record.

Yeah the way its looking im gonna be 7-22. I mean the pacers beat me? good god. I probably would've lost to good teams on pro but i wanted to make sure the only teams i beat are the dregs (since the Nets are who i replaced theres not alot of them)

Thinking possibly the magic game and player evals coming later today.

[Oznogrd]

Rubio named Rookie of the month

In a confusing retroactive move on January 1st, Ricky Rubio and Tyreke Evans were named Rookie of the month for november in their respective conferences. So far this season the young spaniard is averaging 6.9 PPG 12.6 APG 1 SPG and only 1.7 TOPG.
"I'm honored. My team really isnt expected to do much so I'm glad to bring some positive press our way" Rubio said. "I also cant wait to play tyreke."

Player Evals
Its January and 9 games in: it's time to evaluate each player and their performance so far this season.

Stromile 'Surge' Swift
17.7 PPG 7.7 RPG 1.6 APG .8 SPG 2.0 BPG 24 MPG
The recent surge of beastliness out of Swift is a large part of why the Speed are a remarkable 7-2 with no "star" players. Whether he's pulling down the board, brusing in the low post, or sinking the GW bank shot he has emerged as the best player on this team. Started the season slow however and still has some games he takes awhile to get going.
Grade: A-

Chris Mihm
16.8 PPG 8.0 RPG 2.0 APG 1.9 BPG 24 MPG
When Surge cant that post game, Mihm is usually there to pick up the slack. A stellar pick setter who knows just when and where to cut to the basket for the open layup and dunk. He also provides a great rebounding presence and often times draws fouls to get the other team out of sync. A surprise performance but appreciated nonetheless. Is inconsistent with scoring, but when he gets going, is definitely a player to keep from getting the ball
Grade: A-

Trevor Ariza
16.1 PPG 2.8 RBG 1.3 APG 22 MPG
While not the stellar performance the GM hoped for in the first week when he traded Gerald Green almost instantly, Ariza has still had a few stellar games and is quite often ironically the only fast break points the team gets. A great roleplayer but still has consistency issues. Versatility helps his stock, but he just seems to not be all there some nights.
Grade: B

Rashad McCants
9.9 PPG 1.3 RPG 2.8 APG 1.1 SPG 41% 3pt 23 MPG
Was overhyped coming out of Chapel Hill but has turned into a decent roleplayer for the speed. Hits open 3s when needed and occasionally even keeps the team in the game. He doesnt do much else on the defensive end or without the ball though. Decent player but replaceable if someone else comes along.
Grade: C+

Ricky Rubio
6.9 PPG 1.6 RPG 12.6 APG 1 SPG 24 MPG
The young Spaniard has been underwhelming on the scoring end, but looks like a seasoned vet already with some of his passes. The team runs through him and on nights he's missing or having a bad night, the team feels it. Up for Rookie of the year despite low scoring average. He does sometimes play lackluster defense (quick PGs can often times blow by him), but he tries every play to make up for it. Watching this young player develop has piqued almost all of the interest in the Speed expansion team. He also leads in merchandise sales for the team.
Grade:B+

Jerry Stackhouse
6.6 PPG 1.9 RPG 12 MPG
Former All-star Jerry Stackhouse always seems to be fading, then the next game will come out and lead the team in scoring. Very inconsistent but a veteran leader with this much class is hard to come by in this league. Speed are looking to improve his defense and scoring numbers. They signed him to be their main sixth man and without much bench scoring, The Speed have struggled in several games.
Grade:C

Luke Walton
4.7 PPG 1.5 Rpg 1.1 APG 9.1 MPG
While a newcomer to the Speed, Bill Waltons progeny has been a good acquisition for the Speed. He is a decent scorer when open and when not up against bigger men plays solid defense. However often times the speed coach puts him in at PF where he gets eaten alive. Not sure why this plan keeps being used when it so obvioulsy doesnt work. But it happens anyway and Walton has been posterized a bit since coming to the Speed.
Grade: C-

Desmond Mason
3.6 PPG .8 RPG .8 APg 6.8 MPG
Has had a few big games, but not nearly enough for this former standout. Still delivers some amazing dunks every other night or so, but is that really enough to justify his playing time? Probably not.
Grade: D

Desagna Diop
3.3 PPG 2.0 RPG 8.7 MPG
While his stats dont show, has been a huge presence off the bench since coming to the Speed to fill gaps while Mihm and Surge take a breather. Even set a career high in points his first game. Has fouling issues though and needs to go stronger to the hoop
Grade: C+

Tyronn Lue
2.0 PPG 2.6 APG 8.75 MPG
Backing up Ricky Rubio is a daunting task but Lue seems to take it all in stride. Not playing alot, but filling his role when given the chance. Needs to work on his shooting and fouling but other than that is a perfectly servicable backup PG
Grade: C

Michael Sweetney
1.7 PPG 1 RPG 3.8 MPG
He has sucked since day 1 on this team and has been practically useless. He cant play D, wont go to the basket hard, and cuts at bad times after the pick and roll. The worst Player on this team that actually gets to play once in awhile
Grade:F

Dee Brown
1.4 PPG 2.6 APG 7.1 MPG
The former Illinois standout playing behind Lue and Rubio actually does quite well considering his inability to stay on a team in the NBA. His perimeter d and quickness are great but he needs to work on his shooting with the lowest percentage on the team. The coach of the speed seems to like him however and since he comes cheap and is relatively young in the league, is projected to stay with the Speed for a while longer.
Grade: C

Brian Cook
1 Minute played total
All he's done is miss 1 3 pointer so far this season. Nothing really worth talking about.
Grade: Incomplete

[J@3]

Rofl do you want to just use my graphics and stuff too

[Oznogrd]

lol nope i admit im an unoriginal bastard. Im trying to make moves so its not the exact same as your team but oh well lol. Think of this as 'homage' more than a ripoff....

[Oznogrd]

Orlando tops speed in final 2 minutes
St Louis 83 - Orlando 95
The Orlando Magic looked surprised. The St Louis Speed after a blowout loss to the Pacers almost hung with the star-filled Orlando Magic team. Going into the 4th, they were actually leading by two. Then Dwight Howard and company just smiled and handed the budding team the first back to back losses in their short history. Howard said "We shot really well, and we hit our free throws. Thats really what this game came down to. If you look at most other stats, this game should've been closer than it was."

The other stat Superman was referring to? Turnovers. The Magic committed 17 over the course of the game. Stan Van Gundy said in his postgame press conference "When you can play that badly and still come out with a win? Shows alot about your team."

Van Gundy then went on to express his like of the heart of this Speed team "They were tough out there and wouldn't go away..if the game had been 8 minutes shorter, they had us beat."

"You just cant give any team 17 free throws." said Stromile Surge Swift. "You give them that much if you dont at least match them, you're going to lose." The Speed improved from their last game by having 32 bench points and 14 second chance points, but their 11 team fouls eventually sank them.

"This loss was tougher than that last one. We played so well. We deserved this game. Almost" team leader Chris Mihm said. "Its just not clicking like it was early in the season.'

Player of the Game
Jameer Nelson
28 pts 7 ast 2 Stl
Everytime the Magic needed points, he hit the shot. 10-14 shooting and 7 assists is just ridiculous.

Notable Speed Performances
Stromile Swift 23 pts 2 reb 1 stl 2 blk
Chris Mihm 16 pts 7 reb 2 stl
Desagna Diop 14 pts 2reb 2 blk
Luke Walton 12 pts 3 reb 2 ast 1 stl
Ricky Rubio 0 pts 16 ast 3 stls 4 tos

Notable Magic Performances
Jameer Nelson Listed above
Rashard Lewis 18 pts 2 blk 2/3 3pt
Vince carter 14 pts 3 ast 2 stl
Brandon Bass 13 pts 4 reb 1 blk
Dwight Howard 12 pts 11 reb 5 ast 2 stl 3 blk

Up Next: Houston Rockets: can the Speed bounce back from this loss? Is this 4th quarter losing trend going to continue?

[Oznogrd]

Only Brian Cook
Despite having only played 1 minute this season Brian Cook has been hit with a strained groin sidelining him for at least 28 days. "not that big a loss considering we dont use him but man that sounds painful" the Speed's coach remarked when asked about what this means for his team.

[kibaxx7]

Despite having only played 1 minute this season Brian Cook has been hit with a strained groin sidelining him for at least 28 days. "not that big a loss considering we dont use him but man that sounds painful"

That sounds painful, and looks like Cook doesn't any kind of luck at all.

[hova-]

Rubio 0 points but 16 assists, that is some unselfish play Keep it up, maybe you could add some flavour, graphics or stuff, dunno though if you have enough time/motivation. Still a decent text dynasty

[Oznogrd]

Rubio 0 points but 16 assists, that is some unselfish play Keep it up, maybe you could add some flavour, graphics or stuff, dunno though if you have enough time/motivation. Still a decent text dynasty

Maybe eventually just not currently on the graphics and stuff. I just started grad school so i still have free time right now but soon thats gonna be a thing of the past. Thanks though . Rubio sucks at scoring in the roster i downloaded: he misses open layups and jumpers constantly. Ive gotten to a point where Ill shoot with Diop before ill shoot with him. Thinking about making a sig but i couldnt find the 2k9 logos anywhere to cut and get colors from.

[Fresh8]

Get a pic or two into this one

[megarover]

Never noticed this before.... Im following.

[Oznogrd]

Speed fall to Rockets, Coach says they were in "bizarro world"
St Louis 70 - Houston 98

Rashad Mccants buzzer beating 25 foot jumper at the end of the 4th was about the only thing that went right for the expansion St. Louis Speed tonight. The tale of the tape? Was it the fact the Speed only more than 20 in the 4th quarter and almost didnt do that? Was it allowing 57% shooting percentage out of hte rockets? Was it the 11 turnovers? the 14 team fouls? Getting outrebounded 20-8? Allowing 51 bench points and 20 fast break? A reporter was escorted from the room after the Speed coach punched him in the face during the press conference for bringing up each of these stats.
"Look we've sucked lately, we realize this. We just havent been able to put it together like we were earlier in the season. Dropping this many a row is never any coaches intention" said the Coach. "But it was weird. Like bizzarro world. You guys ever read that comic? I mean was the last time the Rockets had Yao and Tracy Mcgrady healthy at the same time?" He shook his head and walked out of the conference without saying more.

"Its tough to lose that badly. I thought losing the close one the other day was bad. This was just pathetic" said rookie Ricky Rubio. "I dont even know how to express the emotion of losing this many in a row in English." Rubio historically had his first foul out tonight. "I dont know what was...how do you say it...up with the refs tonight. Its like if i thought about the ball, a whistle got blown on me."

Stromile Surge Swift led the team again but his 22 points weren't enough to keep it close. People are wondering what happened to this Speed team that looked like NBA Champions the first few weeks of the season.

Rick Adelman shared his thoughts "I think people weren't preparing for them, thinking they'd beat them no problem. They are a talented group of guys. Its just gonna take time for them to get up to the level that is played in the NBA"

Player of the Game
Yao Ming
14 pts 10 boards 5 ast 1 stl 2 blks
All over the place making his ginormous presence felt Yao took home jordan player of the game honors

Notable Speed Performances
Stromile swift 22 pts 5 reb
Chris Mhim 14 pts 3 reb 1 stl
Ricky Rubio 6 pts 2 reb 11 ast 1 stl
Tyronn Lue 4 ast 1 stl

Notable Rockets Performances
Aaron Brooks-19 pts 5 ast 2 stl
Jermaine taylor 13 pts
Shane Battie 12 pts
Chase Buding 11 pts 5 ast
Carl Landr 10 pts 3 reb 1 ast 1 stl 1 blk
and for you aussies: David Andersen4 pts 2 reb

Up Next: The Dallas Mavericks: in only days. Can the speed take down a division leader? Our experts say Probably not



Ricky Rubio and Aaron Brooks practice their Hip Hop dance duo number



Dee Brown remembers he wants to order Chinese Food after the game.



Luke Walton fangirls have that poster they've always been waiting for.

[Oznogrd]

Speed GM and Coach finally reveal who they are

After demands from the press to stop being anonymous (considering its annoying to never use a name and always the position, The Speed's GM and coach have revealed themselves. Did you ever read that book Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas? Well...somehow they're still around and now run a basketball team. Thats right. Long time friends of Hunter Thompson: the infamous Raoul Duke and Dr. Gonzo are the coach and GM respectively.

Duke was surprised no one had figured it out before. "Fuck, in Aspen I couldnt go out without someone offering me a snort of this or a hit of that. Shit. you reporters need to do your jobs better and quicker."

Dr. Gonzo refused to be interviewed sending a letter that was just a simple Z on a piece of paper.

For those unfamiliar with the pair and the story in the book based on their journey to Vegas: they are former hippies who do every drug under the sun. Often and to extreme. Does this explain the Speed's erratic behavior and up and down play? Will Stern stand for this?

Duke just smirked "I dont think he has a choice. Buy the ticket take the ride..."

[kibaxx7]

Finally! Some pics. But just like Jae you had the funny captions, he won't like it

[Oznogrd]

32 points worth of Glitches in the Matrix sink Speed
St. Louis 85 - Dallas 107

The St. Louis Speed continued their sharp decline in Dallas tonight letting the Mavs decimate them from the 1st onward. A team that started a remarkable 7-1 has now dropped 4 straight, a sharp contrast to their strong start.

"Chris and Surge can only do so much" said Coach Raoul Duke "You need more than 2 guys contributing to win. We havent had that except in that game against Orlando. We're still trying to put it all together but the way things are right now, this is going to be an ugly season. By the way, are large bats swooping down on anyone else?" The erratic coach then pulled out a flyswatter and started randomly swinging at nonexistent objects in the air.

"Its really a shame, I like the team here, I like the staff, There's no reason we shouldnt be winning." said Chris Mihm "I mean come on we held dirk to 6 points. The problem is...we let 5 other guys in double digits and Shawn just tore us up all night long."

Shawn marion had 32 points 5 reb 1 ast 2 stl and 1 blk while shooting 15-19 over the course of the game. "I got out alot on the break. Nobody was ever back. So...I ran with it. Im not usually the go to guy here, but I was that on the Suns for awhile before Steve and Amare got there. It just feels right on nights I get hot."

Stromile Swift shook his head solemnly in the locker room afterwards "Just look at this man: if you shoot 58% and still lose? You must be doing alot of other things wrong. We gotta find those things and fix em or we may tie New Jersey's record for the most losses in a row." The Speed actually are a "replacement" for the struggling Nets who folded under a new owner.

In an intriguing matchup: Speed rookie Ricky Rubio went up against the veteran he is most compared to: Jason Kidd. Kidd won the points battle and the game, but Rubio actually managed 7 more assists. "It was great to play against him. I learn alot each game I play and watching the film of him is where a lot of my game comes from. I actually want his autograph" Rubio said jokingly. Kidd's own response "Well, he's a tough kid, really talented. When he hones his skills a little bit, he could be a legend"

Player of the Game
Shawn Marion
Stats listed above, he destroyed the Speed almost singlehandedly, doubling the Speeds entire bench's point production.

Notable Speed Performances
Chris Mihm-29 Pts 5 reb 2 ast 2 blk
Stromile Swift-24 pts 2 reb 2 ast
Ricky Rubio 4 Points 18 asts.....7 TO's...

Notable Mavericks Performances
Jason Terry 14 points 4 ast
Josh Howard 12 pts 4 ast
Jason Kidd-11 pts 10 ast 2 stl

Screenshot or it didnt happen: images of the game


Chris Mihm shows Dirk and Dampier farfenoogen (the joy of driving)


Matrix dominates as Trevor Ariza has a question.





Up Next: Bogut and the Bucks. Can the Speed redeem themselves against a sub .500 Milwaukee team? Or will they freeze like a deer in headlights?

[Oznogrd]

Injury News and Pure Point Rating
The St Louis Speed reeling from 4 losses in a row have been hit again by an injury to backup center Desagna Diop. Although relatively minor, he suffered a twisted ankle during the last game in Dallas. Trainers say he should be good to go by the game with the Bucks but they're unsure if he'll be 100%. When asked about it Diop said "I wanna get out there and help my team, but if the trainers say I cant go for my own interest, then thats ok too. But its already feeling pretty good so hopefully Ill be able to get out there on Tuesday." Coach Raoul Duke said "well that sorta sucks, I like desagna alot for our team, he's a good change of pace when chris and surge cant get it going. But we gotta worry about health first so its up to him and the trainers if he's good to go"

In other Speed News, the NBA just released the Pure Point rating for the season so far. Simply a assist/turnover ratio where the turnover is weighted as more costly than an assist is helpful, this rating supposedly measures the best pure point guards in the game. Topping the list is the rookie out of Spain Ricky Rubio with an astonishing PPR of 25.2. Rounding out the Top 5 are jason Kidd with 17.7, Deron Williams with 12.7, Steve Nash with 12.1, and Chris Duhon with 11.9 "Im not the one who makes that stat happen" said Rubio when asked after their last game against the Mavs if he was that good already "I'm really dependent on my numbers on if guys like Chris, Surge, Desagna, and Luke make their shots. They've been doing alot of that lately and I'm benefitting. Its an honor for sure, but you can't do it alone"

[kibaxx7]

It's now going a little more realistic.

[Oznogrd]

Speed drop their 5th straight to Jennings and the Bucks
St. Louis 84 - Milwaukee 104

The Speed were looking like a refreshed team going into the fourth. After dropping 4 straight, the expansion team was looking to give the Bucks a battle. Unfortunately the energy and skill that the Speed showed in spurts didnt last until the 4th quarter.

"We were feeling good tonight. Shots were falling, passes were being made, we were holding onto the ball" said Chris Mihm, the Speeds leading scorer "Then it all went wrong. Rickys passes were falling short, my shots were bricking, Surge couldnt get going. It was just an awful end to a decent game.

Only down 7 going into the fourth, the Speed were hoping to capitalize on some holes they saw in the second and third quarters. "We were going after their weakspots, working off what they'd give us ya know? The little open jumpers, our midrange game. Its just nonexistent I guess" said Speed Coach Raoul Duke "We played great basketball for 3 quarters. The problem is it's a 4 quarter game. We also need to work on our defense, this is the third straight game we've allowed over 68% shooting. You cant let that happen everytime."

The Bucks final charge was orchestrated mainly by rookie Brandon Jennings and the fast break: winning him player of the game honors. "I felt good tonight. Michael [Redd] was hot in the first half, i must've caught his hot hand during the break"

The Speed will look to bounce back in only 3 days rest against the Phoenix Suns. Many experts believe they were lucky for their first 8 games. Now even the most die hard fan is starting to think they're right. When asked about this GM Dr. Gonzo (a former California defense attorney) said "well tickets are selling. Now for that question, are you prepared to go to court?" The reporter quickly backed down. No one knows how long the Speed will last under this crazy management or with this new wave of losses. Many see them folding much like the Nets. Players disagree and say they'll be there as long as there's a team to pay them

Player of the Game
Brandon Jennings
24 pts 1 reb 8 ast 2 stl
Nothing to really say except he was a monster all game. Rubio couldnt keep up, and neither could anyone else.

Notable Speed Performances
Chris Mihm-16 pts 2 reb 1 ast 1 stl
Stromile Swift-15 pts 5 reb 1 blk
Trevor Ariza 12 pts reb 2 ast 2 stl
Desagna Diop 12 pts 2 reb (playing injured)
Ricky Rubio-8 pts 2 reb 11 ast 1 stl....but 8 turnovers

Notable Bucks Performances
Michael Redd 18 points 4 ast 1 stl
Andrew Bogut 10 points 9 reb 3 blk
Charlie bell 11 pts 8 ast 1 stl

Screenshots or it didnt happen: Images of the game


Diop knows how to lean with it, rock with it


Stromile Swift is scared of Australian Soccer

Up Next: Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns.

[Oznogrd]

It's now going a little more realistic.

Lol yeah. Im getting better though. Im amazed i almost got the magic that one game. Its turning ugly fast. That pick and roll move with stomile and mihm has alot of passes bounce of their backs on the higher levels. Unfortunately this is killing Rubio's assist/turnover ratio. Oh well oh hell.

At least as far as scores/record its becoming realistic. The GM and Coach though...man...i could have way too much fun with that...

New update...and i swear ill post images when 2k fixes their uploader...

Is there something different I should be doing to get these pics from xbox to computer?

[hova-]

Tough loss against the Bucks. Chris Mihm being the leading scorer says it all I guess. Sometimes it takes time to get the pics uploaded but not always.

[Martti.]

I love that Jennings owned you, as you have Rubio.

[Oznogrd]

just realize i forgot bucks performances, will fix that later

[Oznogrd]

Suns Run N Gun like a hole in the head for the Speed
St. Louis 88 - Phoenix 105

The Suns have a been run n gun team since ace PG Steve Nash came to town. That trend continued tonight from the getgo as the Suns decimated the reeling St. Louis Speed expansion team. In the 1st quarter alone, the Speed were outscored by 16 points. Jason Richardson and Steve Nash it seemed on every missed shot, were on their to the opposite bucket before it even went up. Or at least you would think that from the way the Speed played defense: allowing 30 fast break points over the course of the game. 5 Suns in Double Digits. You put it all together and it ends in an utterly dominating peroformance by the Phoenix Suns at home. To add to the Suns celebration tonight, Jason Richardson surpassed 10k points.

"Its great for Jason and not trying to take anything way from him, but it sucks to be the team people hit milestones on. We're in the record books now: for being completely unable to stop him." said Speed leader Stromile "surge" Swift. He had 25 pts 2 reb 2 ast 1 stl 3 blks.

Ricky Rubio lowered his turnover numbers this game (albeit not by much) to 6 while dishing 17 ast and adding 5 points of his own. The young Spaniard said of the game "They just ran us to death. We weren't ready for that. It showed."

In the aftergame press conference Speed Coach and GM Raoul Duke and Dr. Gonzo came out to a confused sports reporter corps. The pair were carrying a 10 lb bag of coconuts and crowbars. They moved the podium to safety, then began to wail on the coconuts with the crow bars. When done Coach Duke took no questions but said "Our team needs to work harder. This is the American Dream in action. A gross physical salute to the possibilities of life in this country. We will come back. Unlike Nixon..." after a short pause where he was asked what former president Nixon had to do with anything "Trust me you dont want to know" The press very carefully backed out of the room and left. The GM and Coach were recorded on security camera after the press corps left simply laughing.

Player of the game
Jason Richardson
22 pts 5 ast 2 stl
Broke 10k points, shot 11-15, a pretty good night for often troubled but talented guard

Speed Notable Performances
Stromile Swift-Listed Above
Ricky Rubio-Listed above
Rashad McCants 11 pts 1 reb 1 ast
Desagna Diop 10 points 2 reb 1 stl 1 blk

Suns Notable Performances
Steve Nash 21 pts 7 ast 3 stl
Amare Stoudemire 15 pts 8 reb 4 blk
Grant HIll 13 pts 2 reb 5 ast
Leandro Barbosa 10 pts 4 ast

Screenshots or it Didnt Happen images of the game


Luke Walton Learns 'The Matrix' moves cant be done in real life


Jason Richardson shows levitation that'd make David Blaine and Criss Angel realize they're trickless magicians.

Up Next: a 7-5 Golden State Warriors. Can the Speed keep from dropping below .500? Find out next time..Same Speed crap, Same speed channel....