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

Wow, AI. Haven't been around for long.

Great news, V!

NBA Cancels 2011-12 Preseason
Oct 15, 2011 4:39 PM EDT

Despite the relatively quick resolution to the NBA lockout brought about by labor
issues in discussing a new CBA, the NBA nevertheless has a casualty in the upcoming
2011-12 NBA Season.

League officials have confirmed the cancellation of the 2011-12 NBA Preseason games,
in order to allow teams to conduct a full training camp prior to the start of the season.

This in a sense is great news for those title contending veteran teams, but is terrible for
young teams that have yet to gel.

"It's still fair to everybody, since they will all be starting the season a little rusty" the
league spokesperson stated "Fortunately, this is the only thing that was impacted by
the lockout"

Indeed, it could've been much worse.

Ok, really bad news guys. I tried to sim the preseason and get to the regular season, but on October 15th it just crashes everytime no matter what I do. I have a backup but it goes all the way back to before Free Agency, which means everything will be different.

Any suggestions of what to do? I can either use the save and play Free Agency out, but just edit all my posts on the off-season movements (my teams and story and everything could be (and probably will different), or a complete fresh start?

I'll leave this up for a few days or so and see what you guys think, post away guys, need your help

EDIT: Ok, I've simmed it game by game and whenever it gets to the Bucks-Hornets game it crashes. Whether I play or sim it, it doesn't matter. I've tried the backup and it goes through no problem, so I think most likely i'll have to do a rewind and go back to before Free Agency :/

wow, that sucks, hope you can get everything sorted out.

wow, that sucks, hope you can get everything sorted out.

Cheers man, I've pretty much given up on the original file, trying to work with the backup now. Probably going to test it out a few times to make sure it works, then play out the FA period again....

Original FA post will be edited for the new one, keep an eye on it!

EDIT: Great news, I had a hunch and opened the file with an editor, and it really was the problem with the Bucks apparently missing an assistant coach....i've since fixed the issue so this is back on track once again with no problems!

Good to hear!

That is awesome !

Chapter 6

The shrill blast of the whistle sounded in the Panthers practice facility once again, and a collective groan came from the players as Larry Brown yet again halted play as he had done numerous times throughout the training camp. Rookie Harrison Barnes held his breath as Larry Brown walked over to him.
"What did I say about that jab?" Brown demanded "five more centimeters to the right when you are jabbing!"
"and what is with that shot just now? That wasn't in the set." Brown continued "Play the right way and don't try to showboat."
Barnes felt humiliated, This isn't high school!
He opened his mouth to argue but felt a nudge on his back, he looked around and it was Allen Iverson, who shook his head at the rookie.
Barnes sighed, Iverson was right, he wasn't going to win an argument with Larry Brown.
"Yes coach" he muttered unwillingly
Larry Brown ignored the attitude and clapped his hands, motioning for the team to fall in.
"By now you all should have known the plays" Brown said, "So we will start to have scrimmages in these last two days to emulate game situations and for you all to get accustomed to playing with your unit of guys"

The players looked at each other and swallowed nervously, Brown had been highly critical of each and everybody during the training camp and they all know they can lose their spot in the rotation without exception.
"Listen up because I'm only saying it once, first team will consist of Omer, Yi, Shane, Thabo and Eric" Brown announced, "Second team is Smush, Allen, Harrison, Kenneth and Eddy"
"What!" Barnes and Kanter yelled out at the same time
"Why am I not in the first team?"
"Why am I not playing?"
Larry Brown turned and stared at the two rookies "Do you two really want explanations? If you have time to voice an argument, put more time into working on your game."
Team captain Shane Battier quickly ushered the rookies aside "It is unwise to go up against coach Brown guys"
"No shit" Barnes fired back "Since when has he been good to us, fuck this"
"Now now, I'm sure coach has a reason to put you in the second team" Battier said, "Look, if even Allen isn't complaining, I don't think you can. Just prove to him that you deserve to start if that's what you want"
Battier then turned to the 19 year old Kanter "Look buddy, you are still young and you haven't played for a year, I think coach just wants you to shake of a little rust and ease into the rotation"
Kanter still doesn't look convinced, but he nodded and walked towards the other court for more fundamental drills.

"All done? Ready to practice now?" Larry Brown was on the verge of snapping "Get into it already"

✧✧✧✧✧

"Allen, a word if you will" Larry Brown walked over to Iverson while he was icing down after practice
Iverson was puzzled I didn't do anything wrong, but still got up and followed coach out of the room
"'Sup coach?"
"You didn't say anything" Brown remarked
Even more puzzled, Iverson raised his eyebrows "About what?"
"Not starting" Brown laughed "The old you would have had a lot to say about that"
"Oh, that" Iverson nodded "Well coach, I know you got your reasons for giving me that assignment, and I'm just going to do it to the best of my ability"
"Even coming off the bench? For a former MVP like you?"
"Well of course I'll like to start, but I'm going to prove to you I can start, ya know what I mean coach?"
Brown smiled and patted Iverson on the shoulder as he walked away, "I'm counting on you this season Allen"
"You got it"

Around the corner, Leo Lai watched and heard all of these exchanges and grinned. It looks like his gamble is heading to the right direction after-all.

2011-12 NBA Season Team-by-Team Previews
October 26th, 2011

With the 2011-12 NBA Season just around the corner, here's a quick preview of all of the 30 teams around the league

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division


Head Coach: Doc Rivers
2010-11 Record: 54-28, Eliminated by Miami Heat in Second Round
Key Losses: Shaquille O'Neal (Retirement), Jeff Green (Free Agent), Delonte West (Free Agent)
Key Acquisitions: Jamal Crawford (Free Agent), Jeffery Taylor (Draft)
Projected Starters: Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Jermaine O'Neal
Key Reserves: Jamal Crawford (G/F), Glen Davis (F/C), Avery Bradley (G)



Head Coach: Avery Johnson
2010-11 Record: 46-36, Eliminated by Atlanta Hawks in First Round
Key Losses: Sasha Vujacic (Free Agent)
Key Acquisitions: Thaddeus Young (Free Agent), Tyler Honeycutt (Draft)
Projected Starters: Deron Williams, OJ Mayo, Travis Outlaw, Thaddeus Young, Brook Lopez
Key Reserves: Jordan Farmar (G), Anthony Morrow (G/F), Kris Humphries (F/C), Troy Murphy (C/F)



Head Coach: Mike D'Antoni
2010-11 Record: 44-38, Eliminated by Miami Heat in First Round
Key Losses: N/A
Key Acquisitions: N/A
Projected Starters: Chauncey Billups, Landry Fields, Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, Marc Gasol
Key Reserves: Ronny Turiaf (C/F), Jared Jeffries (F), Tony Douglas (G), Patrick Mills (G), Roger Mason (G)



Head Coach: Doug Collins
2010-11 Record: 40-42, Eliminated by Chicago Bulls in First Round
Key Losses: Thaddeus Young (Free Agent), Andres Nocioni (Indiana)
Key Acquisitions: Brandon Rush (Indiana)
Projected Starters: Jrue Holiday, Evan Turner, Andre Iguodala, Elton Brand, Spencer Hawes
Key Reserves: Louis Williams (G), Marresse Speights (C/F), Brandon Rush (G/F)



Head Coach: Clarence Singleton
2010-11 Record: 29-53, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: N/A
Key Acquisitions: Derrick Williams (Draft)
Projected Starters: Mike Conley, Leandro Barbosa, Derrick Williams, Ed Davis, Andrea Bargnani
Key Reserves: Jerryd Bayless (G), Jose Calderon (G), Demar Derozan (G/F), Linas Klezia (F)



Central Division


Head Coach: Tom Thibodeau
2010-11 Record: 56-26, Eliminated by Atlanta Hawks in Second Round
Key Losses: Omer Asik (New Zealand), Kurt Thomas (Retirement)
Key Acquisitions: Rodney Stuckey (Pisons), Travis Leslie (Draft), Kawhi Leonard (Draft)
Projected Starters: Derrick Rose, Rodney Stuckey, Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah
Key Reserves: Taj Gibson (F/C), Ronnie Brewer (G/F), Kyle Korver (F/G)



Head Coach: Byron Scott
2010-11 Record: 27-55, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: N/A
Key Acquisitions: Kyrie Irving (Draft), Andrei Kirilenko (Free Agent), Jonas Valanciunas (Draft)
Projected Starters: Kyrie Irving, Daniel Gibson, Andrei Kirilenko, Antawn Jamison, Anderson Varejao
Key Reserves: Baron Davis (G), JJ Hickson (F/C), Jonas Valanciunas (C/F), Ramon Sessions (G)



Head Coach: Brendan Lynch
2010-11 Record: 37-45
Key Losses: Tayshaun Prince (Free Agent), Rodney Stuckey (Chicago), Richard Hamilton (Oklahoma City), Ben Wallace (Retirement)
Key Acquisitions: Vince Carter (Free Agent), Daequan Cook (Oklahoma City), Kemba Walker (Draft)
Projected Starters: Kemba Walker, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, Charlie Villanueva, Greg Monroe
Key Reserves: Ben Gordon (G), Austin Daye (F), Jonas Jerebko (F), Jason Maxiell (F/C)



Head Coach: Jim O'Brien
2010-11 Record: 36-46, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: Brandon Rush (Philadelphia)
Key Acquisitions: Jimmer Fredette (Draft), Andres Nocioni (Philadelphia), William Buford (Draft)
Projected Starters: Darren Collison, Paul George, Danny Granger, Tyler Hansbrough, Roy Hibbert
Key Reserves: Jimmer Fredette (G), Mike Dunleavy (G/F), Andres Nocioni (F), James Posey (F/G), Josh McRoberts (F/C)



Head Coach: Scott Skiles
2010-11 Record: 38-44, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: Corey Maggette (Charlotte), John Salmons (Sacramento), Michael Redd (Free Agent)
Key Acquisitions: Stephen Jackson (Charlotte), Beno Udrih (Sacramento), Terrence Jones (Draft)
Projected Starters: Brandon Jennings, Stephen Jackson, Terrence Williams, Ersan Ilyasova, Andrew Bogut
Key Reserves: Chris Douglas-Roberts (G/F), Beno Udrih (G), Drew Gooden (C/F), Luc Mbah A Moute (F)



Southeast Division


Head Coach: Mike Woodson
2010-11 Record: 49-33, Eliminated by Miami Heat in Eastern Conference Finals
Key Losses: Jamal Crawford (Free Agent)
Key Acquisitions: Chris Singleton (Draft)
Projected Starters: Kirk Hinrich, Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams, Josh Smith, Al Horford
Key Reserves: Jeff Teague (G), Zaza Pachulia (C/F), Hilton Armstrong (C/F), Brandan Wright (F/C)



Head Coach: Ervin Rooks
2010-11 Record: 24-58, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: Stephen Jackson (Milwaukee)
Key Acquisitions: Darko Milicic (New Zealand), Marcus Thornton (New Zealand), Tayshaun Prince (Free Agent)
Projected Starters: DJ Augustin, Marcus Thornton, Tayshaun Prince, Tyrus Thomas, Darko Milicic
Key Reserves: Corey Magette (F/G), Boris Diaw (F), Gerald Henderson (G), Shaun Livingston (G)



Head Coach: Erik Spoelstra
2010-11 Record: 54-28, Eliminated by Los Angeles Lakers in NBA Finals
Key Losses: Zydrunas Ilgauskas (Retirement), Eddy House (Free Agent)
Key Acquisitions: Nenad Kristic (Free Agent)
Projected Starters: Mike Bibby, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Nenad Kristic
Key Reserves: Mario Chalmers (G), Mike Miller (G/F), Udonis Haslem (F/C), Joel Anthony (C)



Head Coach: Stan Van Gundy
2010-11 Record: 41-41, Eliminated by Boston Celtics in First Round
Key Losses: N/A
Key Acquisitions: Kyle Singler (Draft)
Projected Starters: Jameer Nelson, Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu, Brandon Bass, Dwight Howard
Key Reserves: Gilbert Arenas (G), JJ Redick (G), Ryan Anderson (F), Kyle Singler (F)



Head Coach: Jackson Page
2010-11 Record: 30-52
Key Losses: Sam Young (Minnesota)
Key Acquisitions: Perry Jones (Draft), Anthony Tolliver (Minnesota), Reggie Williams (Free Agent)
Projected Starters: John Wall, Nick Young, Rashard Lewis, Andray Blatche, Javale McGee
Key Reserves: Perry Jones (F/C), Reggie Williams (G/F), Al Thornton (F/G)



Western Conference
Southwest Division


Head Coach: Rick Carlisle
2010-11 Record: 51-31, Eliminated by New Orleans Hornets in Second Round
Key Losses: JJ Barea (Free Agent)
Key Acquisitions: Rudy Fernandez (Portland), CJ Leslie (Denver/Draft)
Projected Starters: Jason Kidd, Rudy Fernandez, Caron Butler, Dirk Nowitzki, Tyson Chandler
Key Reserves: Jason Terry (G), Shawn Marion (F/G), Rodrigue Beaubois (G), Corey Brewer (F/G), Brendan Haywood (C)



Head Coach: Roderick Meekins
2010-11 Record: 35-47, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: Brad Miller (Minnesota)
Key Acquisitions: Jared Sullinger (Draft), Jonny Flynn (Minnesota), Fab Melo (Charlotte/Draft)
Projected Starters: Kyle Lowry, Kevin Martin, Terrence Williams, Luis Scola, Yao Ming
Key Reserves: Jonny Flynn (G), Goran Dragic (G), Courtney Lee (G/F), Chase Budinger (F/G), Jared Sullinger (F/C), Jordan Hill (F/C)



Head Coach: Larry Brown
2010-11 Record: 30-52, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: Darko Milicic (Charlotte), Marcus Thornton (Charlotte), Anthony Carter (Retirement), Peja Stojakovic (Free Agent), Reggie Evans (Free Agent)
Key Acquisitions: Allen Iverson (Free Agent), Harrison Barnes (Charlotte/Draft), Enes Kanter (Draft), Kenneth Faried (Houston/Draft), Eric Maynor (Oklahoma City), Thabo Sefolosha (Oklahoma City), Omer Asik (Chicago)
Projected Starters: Eric Maynor, Thabo Sefolosha, Shane Battier, Yi Jianlian, Omer Asik
Key Reserves: Allen Iverson (G), Harrison Barnes (F/G), Enes Kanter (C/F), Eddy Curry (C), Kirk Penney (G)



Head Coach: Monty Williams
2010-11 Record: 49-33, Eliminated by Los Angeles Lakers in Western Conference Finals
Key Losses: Jason Smith (Free Agent)
Key Acquisitions: Willie Reed (Draft)
Projected Starters: Chris Paul, Marco Belinelli, Trevor Ariza, David West, Emeka Okafor
Key Reserves: Jarrett Jack (G), Xavier Henry (G/F), Quincy Pondexter (F), Willie Reed (F)



Head Coach: Gregg Popovich
2010-11 Record: 42-40, Eliminated by Los Angeles Lakers in First Round
Key Losses: Antonio McDyess (Denver)
Key Acquisitions: Donatas Motiejunas (Draft), Chris Andersen (Denver)
Projected Starters: Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Richard Jefferson, Tim Duncan, Dejuan Blair
Key Reserves: George Hill (G), Gary Neal (G), Donatas Motiejunas (F/C), Tiago Splitter (C/F), Chris Andersen (C/F)



Northwest Division


Head Coach: Willis Armstrong
2010-11 Record: 45-37, Eliminated by Dallas Mavericks in First Round
Key Losses: Kenyon Martin (Free Agent), Chris Andersen (San Antonio), Raymond Felton (Portland)
Key Acquisitions: Andre Miller (Portland), Antonio McDyess (San Antonio), Shannon Brown (Free Agent), Carl Landry (Free Agent)
Projected Starters: Ty Lawson, JR Smith, Wilson Chadler, Carl Landry, Nene
Key Reserves: Danilo Gallinari (F/G), Andre Miller (G), Shannon Brown (G), Al Harrington (F), Antonio McDyess (C/F)



Head Coach: Flip Saunders
2010-11 Record: 28-54, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: Anthony Tolliver (Washington), Jonny Flynn (Houston)
Key Acquisitions: Ricky Rubio, Alec Burks (Draft), Brad Miller (Houston), Sam Young (Washington), Malcom Lee (Draft)
Projected Starters: Ricky Rubio, Wesley Johnson, Michael Beasley, Kevin Love, Nikola Pekovic
Key Reserves: Alec Burks (G/F), Anthony Randolph (F/C), Brad Miller (C), Kosta Koufas (C)



Head Coach: Nate McMillan
2010-11 Record: 48-34, Eliminated by Los Angeles Lakers in Second Round
Key Losses: Andre Miller (Denver), Rudy Fernandez (Dallas)
Key Acquisitions: Raymond Felton (Denver)
Projected Starters: Raymond Felton, Brandon Roy, Gerald Wallace, LaMarcus Aldridge, Greg Oden
Key Reserves: Marcus Camby (C), Wesley Matthews (G/F), Nicolas Batum (F/G)



Head Coach: Scott Brooks
2010-11 Record: 45-37, Eliminated by New Orleans Hornets in First Round
Key Losses: Eric Maynor (New Zealand), Thabo Sefolosha (New Zealand), Nenad Kristic (Free Agent), Daequan Cook (Detroit)
Key Acquisitions: Richard Hamilton (Detroit), Trey Thompkins (Draft), Marcus Morris (Draft)
Projected Starters: Russell Westbrook, Richard Hamilton, Kevin Durant, Serge Ibaka, Kendrick Perkins
Key Reserves: James Harden (G/F), Nate Robinson (G), Nick Collison (F/C), Cole Aldrich (C), Trey Thompkins (F/C)



Head Coach: Tyrone Corbin
2010-11 Record: 40-42, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: Andrei Kirilenko (Free Agent)
Key Acquisitions: Kris Joseph (Draft)
Projected Starters: Devin Harris, CJ Miles, Gordon Hayward, Paul Milsap, Al Jefferson
Key Reserves: Mehmet Okur (C/F), Raja Bell (G/F), Derrick Favors (F/C)



Pacific Division


Head Coach: Mark Jackson
2010-11 Record: 35-47, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: N/A
Key Acquisitions: Jan Vesley (Draft), Jeff Green (Free Agent)
Projected Starters: Stephen Curry, Monta Ellis, Dorell Wright, David Lee, Andris Biedrins
Key Reserves: Jeff Green (F), Ekpe Udoh (F/C), Jan Vesley (F), Tony Allen (G/F)



Head Coach: Vinny Del Negro
2010-11 Record: 47-35, Eliminated by Portland Trailblazers in First Round
Key Losses: N/A
Key Acquisitions: N/A
Projected Starters: Mo Williams, Eric Gordon, Rudy Gay, Blake Griffin, Chris Kaman
Key Reserves: Al-Farouq Aminu (F), Randy Foye (G), Eric Bledsoe (G), DeAndre Jordan (C/F)



Head Coach: Mike Brown
2010-11 Record: 63-19, Won Title
Key Losses: Derek Fisher (Retirement), Theo Ratliff (Retirement), Shannon Brown (Free Agent)
Key Acquisitions: JJ Barea (Free Agent)
Projected Starters: JJ Barea, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum
Key Reserves: Lamar Odom (F/G), Steve Blake (G), Matt Barnes (F/G)



Head Coach: Alvin Gentry
2010-11 Record: 37-45, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: Vince Carter (Free Agent), Grant Hill (Retirement), Mickael Pietrus (Free Agent)
Key Acquisitions: Kenyon Martin (Free Agent), Rodney Williams (Draft)
Projected Starters: Steve Nash, Josh Childress, Jared Dudley, Kenyon Martin, Marcin Gortat
Key Reserves: Aaron Brooks (G), Channing Frye (F/C), Robin Lopez (C), Hakim Warrick (F/C)



Head Coach: Earl Cannon
2010-11 Record: 30-52
Key Losses: Beno Udrih (Charlotte)
Key Acquisitions: Brandon Knight (Draft), John Salmons (Milwaukee), Corey Fisher (Draft)
Projected Starters: Brandon Knight, Tyreke Evans, John Salmons, Zach Randolph, DeMarcus Cousins
Key Reserves: Samuel Dalembert (C), Donte Greene (F/G), Omri Casspi (F/G), Jason Thompson (F/C)

Your team is packing . Great to see that. Good Luck.

Bold move not starting Barnes. I guess you can make him the 2nd rookie to win the 6th man award.

Battier-Sefolosha defensive combination.

Your team is packing . Great to see that. Good Luck.

Cheers man, hope we can do something big this season

Bold move not starting Barnes. I guess you can make him the 2nd rookie to win the 6th man award.

Not if Iverson stays on the bench though Honestly I don't think Barnes will be that big even if I start him, I'll take quality defense with some offense (Battier) over offense but not that good defense (Barnes) anyday

Battier-Sefolosha defensive combination.

I love it

More In-Depth analysis of the Panthers will come soon!

Give Kenneth Faried lots of playing time. by now, I do like your story very much!

2011-12 Season Preview: New Zealand Panthers
October 26th, 2011


Head Coach: Larry Brown
2010-11 Record: 30-52, Missed Playoffs

Player Acquisitions
Allen Iverson (Free Agent)
Harrison Barnes (Trade/Draft)
Enes Kanter (Draft)
Kenneth Faried (Trade/Draft)
Eric Maynor (Trade)
Thabo Sefolosha (Trade)
Omer Asik (Trade)

Players Retained
Yi Jianlian (Resigned)
Kirk Penney (Team Option)
Smush Parker (Resigned)
Eddy Curry (Resigned)
Brian Scalabrine (Resigned)

Players Lost
Darko Milicic (Trade)
Marcus Thornton (Trade)
Peja Stojakovic (Free Agent)
Reggie Evans (Free Agent)
Anthony Carter (Retirement)

Probable Starters
PG. Eric Maynor
SG. Thabo Sefolosha
SF. Shane Battier
PF. Yi Jianlian
C. Omer Asik

Backcourt: They lose the up and coming Marcus Thornton in the draft-night trade that net them Harrison Barnes, but new additions Eric Maynor and Thabo Sefolosha are both young talented players in their own right and the team's defense will certainly be upgraded. Opponents will find it very diffiult to score against two top notch wing defenders in Sefolosha and Shane Battier. Smush Parker, who was solid at the end of last season, also returns but will play a significantly lesser role this season with Maynor starting and having Iverson in the mix.

It'll be interesting to see how Allen Iverson pans out as the team's first man off the bench as it has not worked out very well for those teams who have tried it in previous years. Surprising decision by Larry Brown here, but probably the correct one as "The Answer" hasn't played in a NBA game in quite some time. While he'll no longer be the MVP caliber player from almost a decade ago, when Iverson shakes off the rust he'll be a very reliable option on the offensive end for the Panthers.

Sharpshooter Kirk Penney returns, but will probably be in a much lesser role compared to last season when he was basically the team's sixth man. The local favorite will be asked to play spot minutes when the team requires another three point threat on the floor.

As for the rookie Harrison Barnes, given Larry Brown's history with rookies it's hard to see him play too many minutes or with too much freedom. However, still look for him to average a solid 10 to 12 points coming off the bench at the wing spo for the offense-deprived New Zealand squad of last season.


Frontcourt: Without question, Yi Jianlian is still the team's go-to-guy as he is probably the only player with an offensive game on the front court with the departure of Darko Milicic. New addition Omer Asik will get some buckets off offensive rebounds or open dunks, but he is largely there to fortify the Panthers' interior defense, which was already solid last season with surprisingly good play out of the Yi-Darko duo.

Surprisingly, Eddy Curry showed up to camp having lost 50 pounds. He now stands at 300 pounds and in better conditioning than last season. Larry Brown has appointed him as the backup center behind Asik, meaning that New Zealand's first round pick Enes Kanter will only be playing very limited minutes, if he plays at all. Some may see this as the wrong move but if Curry can get back into basketball shape, the talent is certainly there and he may even make Kanter redundant.

The Panthers have also improved themselves on the boards with the acquisition of second round pick Kenneth Faried. With Asik, Yi, Curry and Faried, look for New Zealand to win the battle on the boards in many of their games this season. New Zealand still has Sean Marks and Brian Scalabrine if injuries shall strike.


Season Forecast: They surprised everybody in their inagural season last year by winning 30 games, there are major changes but with a hall of fame head coach in Larry Brown leading the way for this bunch of young and talented players, they can only go up. Playoffs should be on their minds and it would not be surprising if they manage to take one of the last seeds in the tightly contested Western Conference.


Offense: C
Their pitiful offense from last season lost two of their core players in Thornton and Darko, but got the great Allen Iverson along with 4th overall pick Harrison Barnes. Yi should have made improvements over the summer as well.

Defense: B+
Getting hold of Sefolosha to team with Shane Battier is huge, and Asik should fill that shot blocking void left by Darko Milicic nicely. Opponents will find it much harder to score against them this season.

Experience: C+
They got Larry Brown and Allen Iverson, but most of the team are young and inexperienced. Rookie mistakes will be made and the team will be tested in tough stretches of the 82 game season.

Health: A
Youth is their weapon, and Iverson is a warrior. Health is not a concern for this team.

Give Kenneth Faried lots of playing time. by now, I do like your story very much!

Thanks el stevo! Faried will get time off the bench but don't expect many for now

Panthers Shock Hawks In Opener Behind Yi, Iverson
Game Story | Box Score | Team Stats | Player of the Game


Allen Iverson' knocks down what looks to be the first of many baskets as a New Zealand Panther

Auckland, NZ - If there were any more questions surronding the 2011-12 New Zealand Panthers, they have just been answered.

No less, by The Answer himself.

Going up against an Atlanta Hawks squad that reached the Eastern Conference Finals the previous season, many thought the Panthers will get slaughtered in their season opener at Panthers Arena in Auckland, New Zealand.

Think again, these Panthers are not the 30-52 inaugural NBA team of last season.

Biggest difference? They brought in Head Coach Larry Brown and the former NBA MVP Allen Iverson.

Coming off the bench in his first NBA game in more than a year, Iverson shook off the rust late in the first quarter and led a ferocious charge from New Zealand to a comeback victory over the Atlanta Hawks in their 2011-12 Season Opener, 100-93.

Yi Jianlian, who had a breakout season last year for New Zealand, continued his stellar performances as he received Player of the Game honors after leading the team with 32 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists in the victory.

Iverson, capped off his Panthers debut with 29 points, which included a 19 second span late in the fourth quarter where he scored 3 consecutive baskets (7 points) to take the lead for New Zealand. He also finished with 5 rebounds and 5 assists while going 11 for 21 from the field after struggling in the first quarter.

"He's an unbelievable young man" Larry Brown said, "I've coached and known him for all these years and he never ceases to amaze me"

Atlanta started the game on a good note, closing the first quarter with a 20-13 lead and looked like they were going to cruise to a easy victory.

Joe Johnson led the Hawks with an impressive 39 point outing while Al Horford dominated the low post, grabbing a game high 17 rebounds alongside 13 points.

But there came the Panthers, and the Hawks never quite recovered.

To make things worse, Hawks forward Marvin Williams went down with 7:55 left in the third quarter with what was diagnosed as a Lower Back Strain, he left the game and did not return.

The Panthers were able to shut down Atlanta (outside of Joe Johnson) in the second half, holding them to just 36% shooting from the field while disrupting their tempo of play, forcing them into playing one on one basketball and snatching away the momentum from the Hawks.

"We had it, and we let it slip away" Mike Woodson said, "Give them credit, but this was our game to lose."

It wasn't all without concern for New Zealand though, as impressive as their win was, fundamental flaws leap out at a glance.

Firstly, they are still very turnover prone; but second and more importanly, Iverson and Yi were the only two Panthers in double figures, and it wasn't even close. The next highest scorers were rookie Harrison Barnes (8 points, 6 rebounds), Shane Battier (7 points), and new starting point guard Eric Maynor (7 points).

While their defense has been great this game, with new starting center Omer Asik anchoring the paint with 10 rebounds alongside career highs of 5 steals and 3 blocks, the Panthers' offense is the thing that needs to be addressed.

If they were to become a new threat in the Western Conference, the players will have to step up and not rely solely on AI and Yi.

Notes: Hawks F Marvin Williams will be out 2-4 weeks....Yi's 6 assists is a career high....the Panthers had 7 players making their debuts today....

Game Highlights




Flash

Player of the Game Highlights
Flash

Nightly Notable: Allen Iverson
Flash

Last edited by Valor on Tue Oct 18, 2011 6:08 pm, edited 2 times in total.

Hey, Leo, good luck with your Turkish duo, Enes and Omer. Both were sick at Eurobasket!

Finally! You cracked this shindig open.

A little bit disappointed about the rookies play. Hoping you play Faried and Kanter more.

Other than that, good win.

First off,


This is my first time reading this and from start to finish and i love this team!!!

Allen iverson making a comeback, Coach Larry Brown, Draft was fantastic man


i look forward to following this aswell

Hey, Leo, good luck with your Turkish duo, Enes and Omer. Both were sick at Eurobasket!

Thanks Badger, looking forward to seeing them perform

Finally! You cracked this shindig open.

A little bit disappointed about the rookies play. Hoping you play Faried and Kanter more.

Other than that, good win.

Haha yes it's been a while since I last updated, uni work sucks
I'm still experimenting with the lineup combinations, if they play well they will get their time

First off,


This is my first time reading this and from start to finish and i love this team!!!

Allen iverson making a comeback, Coach Larry Brown, Draft was fantastic man


i look forward to following this aswell

Hey Thanks for the praise man! Always nice to see a new reader around here I don't know how often I can update this (as well as my other association), but I will make sure when I do it's got content worthwhile Hope you will enjoy it!

AI made a statement, that no MVP comes off the bench.

AI made a statement, that no MVP comes off the bench.

What? The MVP of this team is Yi!

AI made a statement, that no MVP comes off the bench.

Former** but yes, if he keeps this up I might opt for him to start

AI made a statement, that no MVP comes off the bench.

What? The MVP of this team is Yi!

Both wrong, you fellas forgot about the existence of B-Scal already?