[8-2] 3PK Hawks|Hawks @ Celtics|vs Hornets|Game On|

[Fresh8]

I was gonna say Stromile Swift. But you have already chosen!

[3PK]

I was gonna say Stromile Swift. But you have already chosen!

Well not really! I am leaning towards Anderson and Lopez, however, I have far from made a definite decision. Initially I was liking Stromile Swift or Jonathon Bender, however, unfortunately I don't have Bender in my association

[Fresh8]

Get Swift

[dare]

go with Swift or maybe Blair

[3PK]

Get Swift

go with Swift or maybe Blair

I've narrowed it down to 3 options/deals - DeJaun Blair, Lopez/Anderson or Swift/Bender if possible.

Note: I found there is two versions of Carlos Arroyo in my game, one I can edit, that one is in free-agency, therefore, I could make Jonathon Bender if I so desired. All of this is assuming I still have the money to sign them on an MLE or minimum contract.

[hova-]

The O`Neal for T-Mac trade is not bad, does not change very much in terms of cap space, but give the Rockets an inside guy they desperately need.

Derrick Brown is doing well in your dynasty. 10th in rookie rankings. I don't know why, but I have him on the D-league just because I can't get it done with him.

[kibaxx7]

Get Swift, he's a good backup

[Mark.]

Sucks that Horford went down. I think Swift would be a good deal for you. Man you must be kicking yourself for not taking the Landry deal, he would be helpful right now. Cool dynasty though, Hawks are a fun team.

[3PK]

Sucks that Horford went down. I think Swift would be a good deal for you. Man you must be kicking yourself for not taking the Landry deal, he would be helpful right now. Cool dynasty though, Hawks are a fun team.

Hahah your definately not wrong. I was thinking that the other day. I have narrowed it down further - Swift vs Anderson/Lopez. Will make my final decision by days end and will attempt to have next game recap and trade recap up as soon as possible.

[Mark.]

Actually now that you say that acquiring both Lopez and Anderson would be very good, Anderson is a great prospect and his ability to stretch the floor will help you greatly. He is also a very underrated rebounder (IRL of course not soo sure in the game just yet)

[3PK]

Actually now that you say that acquiring both Lopez and Anderson would be very good, Anderson is a great prospect and his ability to stretch the floor will help you greatly. He is also a very underrated rebounder (IRL of course not soo sure in the game just yet)

Actually now that I think about it, I am struggling with that, my 3-point shooting is well down this season, around 25%, and Without Horford, averaging 13+ rebounds per game before the injury, I will need Lopez. Despite the Swift move probably being more realistic, and this trade causing a big rotation dilemma when Horford and Smith return, it will give me a better chance to win and I quite like both those players. Not definite but 80% sure I'll try and figure out a trade in that direction.

[Fresh8]

Fuck Bender. Get Swift, I think he's played with the Hawks before too.

[3PK]

Fuck Bender. Get Swift, I think he's played with the Hawks before too.

Nah I'm not interested in Bender anymore, anyway. Its out of Swift and Lopez/Anderson. I'm too indecisive to make a decision, ahh and I don't ever recall that happening!

I'm going to make a decision taking into account the poll, and people's opinion tonight!

The way I'm thinking now is that Swift move is more realistic, whilst Anderson/Lopez move will be more beneficial.

[The X]

I voted for Maceo Baston. Makes too much sense

[3PK]

See I put him up becuase he was on our training camp roster. I couldn't decided and was quite busy tonight so i'm going to sleep on this one, yet once again! I've changed my mind on this one way too many times! Argh the indecision!

[3PK]

Trade executed, update on the way. I'm trying to do something special to really maxamise the quality of my dynasty. Hoping to get it up tonight, except its 12:00am right now, so its going to be tough! Will do my best, stay tuned!

[3PK]

Magic move, set to helps teams soar, outlook; sunny side up

“I am here to announce a move that will set my team above every other in the league. We, the Atlanta Hawks, mean business and we’re not ready to let injuries derail this season. Before further ado, I welcome four players, only of two of which have physical value. The Atlanta Hawks, would like to officially introduce Robin Lopez and Ryan Anderson to Georgia, Atlanta.”


|Robin Lopez is keen to prove the critics wrong|

“This move had been a long time coming, when I say a long time, I know many of you will think and say, ‘well its only been a week’, but its been a week in which many peoples lives have changed. We have worked tirelessly with the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic in order to secure two outstanding players. They will be instrumental to the development of our community. They will influence us on and off the court and are outstanding young men with ample basketball ability to offer.”

“People often tend to overlook how hard it is to give away a talent such as Maurice Evans, or Othello Hunter. They may not have started every game, or scored 20 points a game, but these people devoted themselves to the organisation, and unfortunately they were the only expendable pieces to our complex puzzle.”

“Here I will clarify. The deal involves three-teams; the Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns. Within these organisations young men were seeking new homes and new opportunities and we hope to be the beneficiary of this.”

“The final trade entails the following;
Atlanta receives: Ryan Anderson (ORL), Robin Lopez (PHX), 2010 2nd round pick (PHX) & 2010 2nd round pick (ORL).
Orlando receives: Othello Hunter (ATL), Maurice Evans (ATL) & Grant Hill (PHX).
Phoenix receives: Mickael Pietrus (ORL) & 2011 1st round pick (ATL).”

“Truth has it, truth sure does have it, that today will go down in history. Never has a trade been so tiring, so difficult to pull off. So many teams changed their minds today. We had to move families to get this deal done, money was involved, draft picks were involved, and you have three really high quality teams here that don’t want to get ripped off. Initially no draft picks were involved however, we feel, with four draft picks in this years draft, not only do we hold a powerful bargaining tool, however, as shown by teams this year, there is 2nd round players who can impact immediately.”


|Ryan Anderson is sure to add more potent shooting touch to an offensively potent Atlanta|

“After scouting several international talents, and players at the recent Olympics and FIBA world championships, we believe these picks will come handy. Whether it is in this draft or in due course, these draft picks will be instrumental to our future success.”

“Robin adds depth to our bigs, he is a competent scorer in the post and has shown sporadic improvement, which we believe is simply waiting to be expressed. His rebounding ability is excellent and we know how hard he works on defense. He was a high draft pick, and essentially we gave up an equal pick in order to get him.”

“In contrast, Ryan Anderson is yet another tall shooter, who gives us the ability to extend the court. His range and adequate defensive ability gives us the confidence he can take the pressure off Josh Smith and allow us to a four man arc. He alike Robin, is a superb acquisition, with tremendous upside and the competencies to play deep in the playoffs against the best defenses and cause matchup nightmares.”
“This is an extremely pivotal moment in our history. What may not seem a blockbuster trade, is indeed the move we believe gives us the utility to win a championship. We give further opportunities to players such as Wally and Marvin and we continue to develop and prosper youth.”

“As an entire association we are extremely pleased. Both Robin and Ryan will suit up in tomorrow’s game against Boston, and will attend a team training, later in the afternoon.”

“Thankyou for you time, if you wouldn’t mind giving a warm welcome to Ryan and Robin, both of whom we are very glad to welcome to our team!”

A complicated deal indeed;

Orlando receive: Othello Hunter (ATL), Maurice Evans (ATL) & Grant Hill (PHX)
Orlando lose: Ryan Anderson (ATL), Mickael Pietrus (PHX) & 2010 2nd round pick (ATL)
Ratio Decedendi: Orlando is a serious contender in this years championship race. With Matt Barnes recently crippled by injury, Grant hill will fill the starting and vacant Small Forward slot, nicely followed by Maurice Evans. They in turn receive a solid, multifaceted and competent defender in Maurice Evans. The experience of Grant will certainly come in handy, Grant is currently leading the league in both FG% and TS%, at an average of 11.3 points per game and 4.7 rebounds per game. Othello Hunter will add another locket room mentor to the Magic as they look to mentor the likes of Brandon Bass, Dwight Howard and Marcin Gortat who are indeed still young players. Ryan was not pleased with a third-string role and Mickael despite his recent success with the team felt as though he wasn’t given the game-time he deserves. Interestingly enough, Pietrus is also keen to enter the high octane offense that Phoenix offers. Moreover, Ryan Anderson is struggling to find playing time behind Rashard Lewis and Brandon Bass, and felt as though he was more competent then a second string player. Even though he may in turn become that when Joe Smith returns (those two will likely compete for game-time.
Trade Grade: B


|Grant Hill is back to his prime is 09 - How will he play in a return to the hayday|

Atlanta receive: Ryan Anderson (ORL), Robin Lopez (PHX), 2010 2nd round pick (PHX) & 2010 2nd round pick (ORL)
Atlanta lose: Othello Hunter (ORL), Maurice Evans (ORL) & 2011 1st round pick (PHX)
Ratio Decedendi: After severe injuries the Atlanta Hawks were almost forced into a move. Horford is likely to miss 1-2 weeks, and will not be healthy for up to another six weeks. The Hawks are keen to add depth, which when healthy, includes a six-man rotation that can compete with the likes of Orlando, Cleveland and Boston. The Hawks also receive two highly valued (expected to be between picks 45-60) in the 2010 NBA draft. These picks are expected to be used on international players, whilst the Hawks are likely to opt with a backup Small Forward with their first round pick, and simply go with the best available player with their own second round pick. The draft picks also give them trade flexibility and the potential to entice Joe Johnson with a new contract at seasons end. Ryan Anderson will give them exceptional shooting range, and the ability to spread the court, whilst Lopez adds Height and rebounding as well as what many see as untapped potential.
Trade Grade: A

Pheonix receive: Mickael Pietrus (ORL) & 2011 1st round pick
Phoenix lose: Robin Lopez, Grant Hill & 2010 2nd round pick
Ratio Decedendi: The Suns are off to a sluggish 5-5 start, after struggling with a lack of bench depth. Despite this move not necessarily solving this dilemma, the Suns believe they have acquired the pieces to establish a very competent future. Lopez remained the 4th Big man in Phoenix and his average of about 4.3 points and 2.8 rebounds was simply not that great an asset for the lowly suns. They pick up a more youthful Pietrus who fits into their system well and a first round pick, which should end up around the 20’s. This pick will likely to be used to add much needed big men depth, and essentially a replacement for Lopez who couldn’t find his groove. The Suns are also keen to play Earl Clark at Power Forward more as the year progresses, with Amar’e playing extended time Center. They don’t lose a great deal and now have the weapons to resign Amare, temptation of two first round picks, and another scorer and energy player in his prime. The move also opens more opportunities for Jarred Dudley who is improving dramatically this season.
Trade Grade: A

[kibaxx7]

Nice trade for you, but it's awesome to see Grant back in Florida

[hova-]

I like this trade, man! You did everything to make it balanced. The only thing I have to criticize is the fact that you gave PHX a 2011 pick simply because that does not hurt you right now. The 2010 pick would have hurt you more because your draft would be very boring then ^^

Other than that. Just a great deal

[Martti.]

Great deal. Getting two good rotation guys for players, who don't get much minutes. (Don't know about Evans.)

[Clutch]

sorry man but i just don't see a deal for Anderson and mop-haired Lopez as the "move that will set my team above every other in the league" or "extremely pivotal moment in our history" nor "the move we believe gives us the utility to win a championship."

i do see it as a solid trade though and hopefully those two will be carrying the trophy drenched in champagne at the end of the season saying, "We told you so!"

[3PK]

Nice trade for you, but it's awesome to see Grant back in Florida

Indeed, that was a big motivation to do the deal. Grant has been playing out of his mind in my association and I felt as though ending his career with a team looking for a championship, which he has already played for, was fitting.

I like this trade, man! You did everything to make it balanced. The only thing I have to criticize is the fact that you gave PHX a 2011 pick simply because that does not hurt you right now. The 2010 pick would have hurt you more because your draft would be very boring then ^^

Other than that. Just a great deal

Yeah, I attempted to make sure that every team had a purpose in the trade, and therefore, was not only a player but also a beneficiary. In the end, I think maybe Orlando were losers in the deal, but in the context, they didn't lose all that much.

Yeah I traded the 2011 draft pick mainly because I might try and trade this years pick for an EC at Trade deadline, that will allow me to resign Joe Johnson, or pick up a competent bench player to replace him (such as Shannon Brown) for the coming season.

Also, I quite like this years draft, so stocking up on 2nd round picks is all good with me.

Great deal. Getting two good rotation guys for players, who don't get much minutes. (Don't know about Evans.)

sorry man but i just don't see a deal for Anderson and mop-haired Lopez as the "move that will set my team above every other in the league" or "extremely pivotal moment in our history" nor "the move we believe gives us the utility to win a championship."

i do see it as a solid trade though and hopefully those two will be carrying the trophy drenched in champagne at the end of the season saying, "We told you so!"

Fair comment, I may have exaggerated the whole 'GM speech'. In saying that I was trying to put more of an emphasis on the impact that these players will have throughout Injuries. Essentially, without these guys, I'd be playing a 4-man, arguably undersized front court for the next two weeks. In that time I would probably go .500 or so. With these additions I have far more insurance and everyone knows its hard to win a championship without a deep bench. I was also trying to address issues I've had shooting the three-ball. I believe Anderson will help with that because I have an extra option and I can play 4 men on the arc. Moreover, as it currently stands, having played two more games and losing one (update to come), everytime I lose the rebounding battle I lose the game. One could argue that would be due to a lower FG% however, I have also lost the Offensive rebounding battle i both of these games. I believe Lopez is a big body, with serious potential that can address this issue whilst Horford remains injured. Sorry about the convoluted explanation but I hope it made adequate sense.

I'm going to write up a few recaps now, of the Boston and New Orleans game, so I'll have them up later. Thanks for the support.

[Mark.]

Nice trade, Phoenix and Atlanta deffinately got the better end of the deals. Hill may help Orlando but Peaches is pretty key to them with the energy and defense he brings. That being said if Hill is playing great like you say I guess I would take him over Peaches. I think letting go of Anderson as well will hurt them though, SVG seems to be quite high on him IRL.

Looking forward to seeing how the new recruits go with the team.

[Clutch]

no 'convoluted explanation' even necessary my man i was just putting in my two-cents on the trade matter; a GM's exaggeration of a trade deal only shows the confidence in his decision (be it justifiable or not); i think it's a solid move on your part and both players should plug right in to fit where you need them

it's good to even see a solid Hawks franchise being tracked and i like what you've done so far; they've got a good team and can do some serious damage come playoff time

[3PK]

Game 9 – Hawks [7-1] vs Celtics [Leading division – 8-1] @ Boston Garden
Buzzer Beater Good – Or is it? Hawks lose hard fought battle

Recap:
Friday, November 13, 2009. After acquiring Robin Lopez and Ryan Anderson just a day ago, the Hawks will travel to Boston to play arguably their most important game of the year. Despite wins aginst the top teams in the league the Hawks were unable to drop the Lakers. This would again be a test for a team looking to break. The Atlanta Hawks were forced to fight hard in this one, but unfortunately they couldn’t fight hard enough. The Hawks fell at the last hurdle to drop their second game of the year 111-109 to yet another failed buzzer beater.


|Mike Bibby is sure to be a big player in this game|

1st Quarter: Zaza Pachulia earned a start in this pivotal eastern conference showdown. The game began with an offensive rebound to Rasheed Wallace, similar to the fashion the LA game began, and danger loomed. Luckily enough for the Hawks Josh Smith was able to get them back on track, picking up a monster block and battling it out on the glass. Behind Paul pierce the Celtics opened up a comfortable 5-0 lead. At the other the end the Hawks failed to convert easy buckets, with Zaza Pachulia missing two put shots from inside. Both teams focused on their defensive stands and Joe Johnson’s excellent defense drew Atlanta back to one with 7:50 to play. Shortly Robin Lopez entered the game. Just a day after being announced Lopez found it difficult to adapt to the Hawks offense. On the back of this the Celtics opened up an 11-6 lead and led the rebounding battle 12-6. Woodson urged his players to pick up the intensity and commit in an ensuing timeout. Mike Bibby showed his leadership by obliging. Not only did Bibby step in front of Rondo to take charge, but on the possession that followed, Bibby finished truly at the basket. Despite this momentary momentum swing, the Celtics were back in their groove only a few possessions later. Doc Rivers had his troops dictating the momentum and they slowly began to bridge a gap. Lopez then showed the reason he was obtained, two monster offensive rebounds were followed by a nice finish inside. It all seemed pointless though, Boston were able to open up a 21-11 lead on the Back of Bill Walker and Lester Hudson three’s with 2:02 to play. The Hawks were able to claw back late, however, trailed 23-15 at the interval. The key to the lead was six Atlanta turnovers and a lack of rebounding prowess.

2nd Quarter: The Hawks began the second quarter with the lineup many envisioned when Anderson was obtained – Bibby – Crawford – Szczerbiak – Anderson – Pachulia. The Hawks extended the Hawks defense and Ryan Anderson found himself open cutting to the basket to reel the hawks back. Unfortunately the Hawks couldn’t get their groove together. The convulated nature of their play was demonstrated when Jeff Teague looked for what he thought was a cutting Anderson, unfortunately for him, it was indeed Rasheed Wallace screaming out of orders. The Ball went straight to Wallace on the intercept. To add insult to injury Wallace srambled down the other end and knocked down an uncontested three to give Boston a 31-17 lead. Rivers was confident in the play of his reserves and persisted with the ‘Bill Walker experiment’. Walker continued to impress, dropping his second three of the game. The Hawks were playing hapless basketball, to be frank, even the Boston fans were becoming sympathetic. The Hawks rallied however, could do little to cut into the lead. Ray Allen found his groove and with 2:51 to play the Celtics had a monster 54-33 lead. Rondo racked up Boston’s 20th assist as the half finished to give the Celtics a 62-40 lead.

Player of the Half: Ray Allen – 18 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists & 2 steals

3rd Quarter: The Hawks started the half exactly the way Woodson urged them too. Within second they had amassed an 8-2 run which cut the lead to 16 points. Williams began to warm up and four minutes into the quarter had already recorded a double-double. Hawks were edging into the lead however, never took control as repetitive Boston three’s continued to nullify their play. Lopez entered with immediate effect, slamming down a nice entry pass by Bibby to cut the lead to 13, 73-60, with 4:27 to play. Both teams continued to foul heavily in an aggressive game. The Celtics continued to push the lead out and the Hawks were unable to get the lead under ten. Nonetheless, after trailing by up to 24 at one stage the hawks cut the lead to 9, 85-76 at quarters end. The key players in the Game to date were Rajon Rondo (15 points, 11 assists, 3 rebounds & 4 steals) and Marvin Williams (12 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists).

4th Quarter: Crawford began the half with a brilliant three-point play to give the hawks life, and on the ensuing possession the Hawks were within five. Zaza Pachulia took yet another charge to give Paul Pierce and his 5th foul. On the other end it was Josh Smith doing the hard work and drawing Garnett’s 5th foul. The Hawks were drawing back into it with defense and a smith steal – to bibby on the break – gave Atlanta a 92-91 lead with 6:52 to play. The Boston crowd were stunned, this was one of those comebacks, the one that loomed as impossible, but with the will of a team became possible. The moment was captured and the Hawks had eradicated what seemed an insurmountable 24 point lead. However, this was not to be a fairytale. The Hawks were forced to bring in their reserves and fell down by 6, 101-95, with three minutes to play. Another comeback came, the hawks surged to trail by just 2, 105-103, with 1:10 to play. Boston looked to Garnett on the next possession, desperate for leadership. KG went to work and drew a foul on Josh Smith which sent him to the line. What followed was a remarkably clutch performance, Garnett went 2-2 as a rampant Boston crowd chanted ‘MVP, MVP, MVP, MVP, MVP!’ Two consecutive Joe Johnson layups tied the game at 107 with 36.4 to play and a moment of brilliance awaited. After a tough jumpshot from Paul pierce and a Josh Smith turnaround basket, the game was tied at 109 a piece with 3.9seconds to play. The Celtics ran an inbound play which saw Ray Allen open 4ft behind the arc, Allen copped a powerful Perkins screen and then powered to the whole with a remarkable runner to give Boston what seemed a game winning 111-109 lead. The Celtics had only 0.8second to throw up a shot and Woodson drew up a perfect play for Joe Johnson. Johnson caught the ball at the elbow and threw the shot up immediately. Those 0.8 seconds went in the blink of an eye, and somehow, somehow Johnson had made the basket (I was going crazy at the point in joy). It wasn’t to be, the shot was reviewed and the call on the court was that the shot went up after the buzzers. The Hawks lost their first challenge without Al Horford and were forced to ponder what was their second defeat of the year. Pachulia and Lopez contributed 29 points in the tough loss, however, it was not enough to secure the win. Interestingly enough, the Hawks were unable to amass a single three in the road loss.


Quarter by quarter
Hawks |15|25|36|33
Celtics |23|39|23|26



|Despite the Loss Josh Smith had another outstanding performance on both ends of the floor|

Player of the Game: Rajon Rondo – 17 points, 13 assists, 3 rebounds & 4 steals

Noteworthy Performances:
Hawks | Josh Smith: 24 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals & 1 block (38 minutes) | Zaza Pachulia: 19 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals & 1 Block (37 minutes) | Marvin Williams: 12 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist & 1 steal (39 minutes)
Celtics |Ray Allen: 25 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals & 1 gamewinner (27 minutes) | Paul Pierce: 20 points, 3 rebounds & 2 assists (32 minutes) | Bill Walker: 9 points, 2 rebounds & 1 assist (8 minutes)

Not so Noteworthy Performances:
Hawks| Jamal Crawford: 4 points (1-7 shooting from the field), 1 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal & 1 turnover (13 minutes)
Celtics| Tony Allen: 0 points (0-4 shooting from the field) & 2 assists (13 minutes).

Game Moment: Ray Allen drove to the whole and finished in traffic to give Boston outright top in the East


NB: Anderson finished with 2 points, 1 turnover & 3 fouls (11 minutes), whilst Lopez contributed 10 points (5-8 shooting from the field) & 5 rebounds (12 minutes).

Next Game: The Hawks go on to play New Orleans at the Phillips Arena whilst Boston travel to Indianapolis to play Indiana.