Cleveland Dynasty: Lottery bound again?

Well my last couple of dynasties have been a failure to complete so I'm gonna work hard to keep updating this one.

I chose Cleveland because I loved the prospect of making LeBron James a future MVP.

Well when I saw their line-up I found a couple of things.

1. They had no SG whatsoever ont he whole squad! I dont like to make too many trades but I had too this time.

2. They only had one PF.

So here are all my offseason moves (and boy are there alot of them).

Waived Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje and Jeff McInnis

Signed Vincent Yarbrough and Jason Caffey

Traded Ira Newble for Eric Piatkowski
Tony Battie for Terrell Brandon
DaJuan Wagner for Gary Trent
Kevin Ollie for Brandon Armstrong


So here is my line-up.

C Z.Ilgauskas
PF C.Boozer
SF E.Williams
SG V.Yarbrough
PG L.James

T.Brandon
J.R.Bremer
G.Trent
J.Caffey
E.Piatkowski
K.Brown
D.Diop

J.Kapono
B.Armstrong
B.Sundov

So there it is, if you have any questions or trade tips, have no hesitation in posting.

First Game @ Sacramento

Well my first game and it is against a pretty good opposition in the Kings.
I really wasn't in the game at all because Webber and Stojakovic were just causing havoc in there.
LeBron James had a good first game, and probably took Mike Bibby's number which was impressive.

Final Score L 109-76

Player of the Game
Chris Webber: 23 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks, 1 steal and 3 assists.

Cavs top stat leaders:

Points: L.James 18
Rebounds:C.Boozer 12
Blocks: C.Boozer 3
Steals: T.Brandon 3
Assists: L.James 5


@ Phoenix

Played the undermanned Suns next with no Marbury I thought this game was gonna be a blowout! But I was wrong as I saw Phoenix come back at me hard but we were just too good. Zydrunas was a star for me in this game. Jahidi White injured his Left Leg during the game, but was able to return.

Final Score W 99-95

Player of the Game
Zydrunas Ilgauskas: 24 points, 14 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 steals and 1 assist.

Cavs stat Leaders
Points: Z.Ilgauskas 24
Rebounds: Z.Ilgauskas 14
Blocks: Z.Ilgauskas 2
Steals: E.Williams 3
Assists: L.James 6


@ Portland

Playing the new look Blazers with Abdur-Rahim and Ratliff was daunting, but we were up to the task and won pretty comfortably in the end. DeSagana Diop was the surprise of the game, dominating Ratliff off the bench. Abdur-Rahim injured his left leg but was able to return.

Final Score W 112-101

Player of the Game
DeSagana Diop: 18 points, 8 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal and 1 assist.

Cavs stat leaders
Points: L.James 22
Rebounds: D.Diop 8
Blocks: Z.Ilgauskas 7
Steals: E.Williams 4
Assists: L.James 5



Denver

The first of many Carmelo Vs LeBron showdowns. And it started a little slow but the pace builded as the game got closer. Carmelo came alive to try and steal a win but the Nuggets couldn't and the Cavs walked out of the first home game with a W.

Final Score W 86-80

Player of the Game
Zydrunas Ilgauskas: 24 points, 4 rebounds, 4 blocks, 4 steals and 1 assist.

Cavs stat leaders
Points: Z.Ilgauskas 24
Rebounds: C.Boozer 8
Blocks: Z.Ilgauskas 4
Steals: Z.Ilgauskas 4
Assists: L.James 2


Please post if you have any ideas, trades, roster changes etc.[/b]

You waived J.McInnis hes my SG of the bench and score well for me.. what mintue quarters and diffculty are you playin.

I play on all-star difficulty 10 min quarters.

@ Indiana

Cavs started out with a huge bang as we got out to a 12-2 lead but Indiana pulled it back and took the lead for most of the game until the last quarter when LeBron came on. He looked like he had finished the Pacers off by himself but the Pacers fought back and Ron Artest hit a 3 with 1.1 seconds left to win the game by one, the Cavs know this is one that got away.

Final Score L 93-92

Player of the Game
Jermaine O'Neal: 21 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal.

Cavs stat Leaders:
Points: L.James, Z.Ilgauskas 22
Rebounds:Z.Ilgauskas 9
Blocks: Z.Ilgauskas 7
Steals: V.Yarbrough 5
Assists: L.James 7


I'm looking to do a minor trade soon but i haven't decided who yet. I was thinking a bench player like Terrell Brandon. If I could trade him and get a player that would be a starter on my team that would be great because I already have J.R.Bremer on the bench.

Please post any thoughts.

hey man.. try playin on superstar and 12min quarters games are so exciting when i play sometime it goest down to the wire and i love close games i think allstar is too easy and would score 150pts every game..

Im not too sure what Brandon's rating is cos he is zero in my rosters, but you should try for Mike Miller, he will give you an extra scoring punch.

Good so see you got another Dynasty up and running Skip

Thanks so much for the nice words match. Brandon is rated 58 ovrl in my dynasty.

Washington

This game wasn’t the most exciting game in the world but we thought we could walk in and walk out with a win. How wrong we were. We played terrible offense. Tremaine Fowlkes was their starting SF, WTF? Kedrick Brown injured his r/leg and was out for the game, but he didn’t miss more than that.

Final Score L 77-67

Player of the Game
Jerry Stackhouse: 34 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal.

Cavs stat leaders
Points: L.James 18
Rebounds: Z.Ilgauskas 10
Blocks: Z.Ilgauskas 3
Steals: L.James 2
Assists: L.James 9

New York

The new look New York Knicks with Marbury and Penny rolled into Cleveland and it was expected to be a great game. And LeBron wasn’t frightened of the prospect of guarding Stephon. LeBron torched Steph and helped Cleveland get an unlikely victory.

Final Score W 94-82

Player of the Game
LeBron James: 31 points, 2 rebounds, 2 blocks, 3 steals, 7 assists.

Cavs stat leaders
Points: L.James 31
Rebounds: Z.Ilgauskas 11
Blocks: Z.Ilgauskas 8
Steals: V.Yarbrough 4
Assists: L.James 7


@ Miami

Another rookie face-off was going to take place when LeBron took on Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat. Odom and Jones were playing superb but so were Boozer and Zydrunas for the Cavs. Cleveland were the eventual winners.

Final Score W 94-85

Player of the Game:
Zydrunas Ilgauskas: 21 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks.

Cavs stat leaders
Points: C.Boozer 22
Rebounds: Z.Ilgauskas 11
Blocks: Z.Ilgauskas 3
Steals: V.Yarbrough, E.Williams 2
Assists: T.Brandon 9


@ Boston

A lot of players were playing against their former team in this game due to the huge Boston-Cleveland trade which sent Ricky D to the Celts. It was a very physical game and it showed by 3 players getting injured. Mike and LeBron James both injured their left arms but both were able to come back, but Raef LaFrentz wasn’t so lucky. After injuring his left leg and not being able to return it was later found that he would be unavailable for 8 days.

Final Score L 82-79

Player of the Game
Paul Pierce: 25 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 3 assists.

Cavs stat leaders
Points: Z.Ilgauskas 15
Rebounds: Z.Ilgauskas 11
Blocks: C.Boozer 3
Steals: J.R. Bremer 3
Assists: L.James 5

Philadelphia
Next up were the 76ers who had Iverson in the MVP Candidates and Glenn Robinson in the top 20 scoring category, but that wasn’t about to scare the Cavs as they got out to a flyer. Philly pulled it back in the dying stages but to no avail as the Cavs came up trumps. Boozer probably played his best game for the season.

Final Score W 96-92

Player of the Game
Carlos Boozer: 21 points, 12 rebounds.

Cavs stat leaders
Points: C.Boozer 21
Rebounds: Z.Ilgauskas 13
Blocks: Z.Ilgauskas 4
Steals: E.Williams 3
Assists: L.James 5


L.A.Clippers

Two of the youngest teams in the NBA faced off as Cleveland played the Clips. Corey Maggette proved to be trouble early finishing off fast breaks with huge jams. With Marko Jaric as the Clippers’ starting PG, LeBron took full advantage. James almost eclipsed his super game against the Kicks with this game against the Cippers, he was simply on fire.

Final Score W 103-88

Player of the Game
LeBron James: 27 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 7 assists.

Cavs stat leaders
Points: L.James 27
Rebounds: C.Boozer 11
Blocks: Z.Ilgauskas 3
Steals: V.Yarbrough, E.Williams 2
Assists: L.James 7


Minnesota

This was a big game but not just for a win, but for Gary Trent and DaJuan Wagner who were traded for each other at the start of the year. Cleveland did well to get Kevin Garnett in foul trouble early forcing him to play only a fraction of what he normally would. And the Cavs players weren’t to happy to be reunited with Wagner. DaJuan was going up for a layup when Eric Williams came over and thumped him to the floor. Wagner walked away with a sore right arm but was able to return.

Final Score L-85-81

Player of the Game
Michael Olowokandi: 21 points, 15 rebounds, 2 blocks.

Cavs stat leaders
Points: L.James 22
Rebounds: Z.Ilgauskas 12
Blocks: J.Caffey 2
Steals: L.James 3
Assists: L.James 6

@ Atlanta

This game shows you that you can’t be too cocky in the NBA................ even if you are playing Atlanta. Atlanta were out to a 18 point lead in the 3rd quarter, but Cleveland started a furious comeback, taking the lead with 2 and a half minutes to go in the game. But Atlanta played stellar defence and got on a lot of fast breaks, and won the game comfortably.

Final Score L 107-94

Player of the Game
Rasheed Wallace: 27 points, 15 rebounds, 4 blocks, 1 steal, 1 assist.

Cavs stat leaders
Points: L.James 29
Rebounds: Z.Ilgauskas 12
Blocks: Z.Ilgauskas 4
Steals: V.Yarbrough 3
Assists: L.James 10 (A Cavs dynasty high)

@ New Orleans

In a game that wasn’t hyped up and it showed by the crowd, it wasn’t very exciting..........until some injuries occurred. LeBron James drove to the hole but Baron Davis tried to stop him. End Result, Davis injures his back but is OK to keep playing. With the lead and Davis off for at least 5 minutes, Cleveland thought they were in the box seat to take out the game. But the very next play LeBron james again drove to the hole but this time Jamaal Magloire was there and even though James got the two to go, he injured his right arm and was to miss the rest of the game. It was later confirmed that LeBron would have a niggling injury for the next 5 days, but he could still play through it. Magloire also got injured later on but he was OK to return. With James off the Cavs stumbled and eventually lost.

Final Score L 95-90

Player of the Game
Jamaal Magloire: 14 points, 12 rebounds, 1 block, 2 assists.

Cavs stat leaders
Points: Z.Ilgauskas 24
Rebounds: C.Boozer 10
Blocks: Z.Ilgauskas 7
Steals: L.James 3
Assists: L.James 4


CLEVELAND AQUIRE STRICKLAND, HAISLIP

In an unexpected trade directly after the Hornets game, the Cavs have announced they have aquired SG Erick Strickland and PF Marcus Haislip from the Bucks, in return the Bucks received PG Terrell Brandon and C DeSagana Diop. Cleveland has gave Strickland all their faith by putting him straight into the starting lineup for Vincent Yarbrough.

How did you like my trade? I thought I got a really good deal, here are some reasons why.
1. I didn’t lose a starter but I gained one.
2. J.R.Bremer is almost as good as Brandon coming off the bench.
3. I won on ratings, Brandon 58 + Diop 50 for Strickland 59 + Haislip 53.
4. Haislip will develop more than Diop (hopefully )
5. Strickland adds a badly needed 3 point game.

Any thoughts on the trade? Please post.

I like it, but will LeBron be shifted to SG now?

I like it, but will LeBron be shifted to SG now?

Well, Strickland is a SG in the game.

I think the trade is pretty good though.

Yeah i liked the Trade. Haslip was a good steal, hes pretty good down low and can send it home well.

Thanks for the feedback guys, I really appreciate it.

@ Detroit

A game of many firsts this was with the first match up between #1 and #2 picks in the NBA Draft with Bron taking on Darko. It was also the first games in Cavs colours for Erick Strickland and Marcus Haislip. Cleveland got out of the blocks early and really tore the Pistons apart. Lebron James was sensational playing through his niggling injury. Darko Millicic injured his right leg but he was OK to keep playing. Cleveland held off a fight back to win a hard fought game.

Final Score W 97-89

Player of the Game
LeBron James: 26 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 6 assists.

Cavs stat leaders
Points: L.James 26
Rebounds: Z.Ilgauskas 12
Blocks: Z.Ilgauskas, C.Boozer 4
Steals: E.Strickland, L.James 3
Assists: L.James 6

Debutants
Erick Strickland: 9 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 assist.
Marcus Haislip: 2 blocks.


Memphis

In the last game of November for the Cavaliers, it was going to be a huge task to overcome the Memphis Grizzlies who were stacked with young talent. But coming off an impressive win with Strickland and Haislip in the mix the Cavs looked unbeatable and eventually came up with a comfortable victory. LeBron James was a star again.

Final Score W 101-86

Player of the Game
LeBron James: 16 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 13 assists.

Cavs stat leaders
Points: Z.Ilgauskas 18
Rebounds: C.Boozer 9
Blocks: Z.Ilgauskas, E.Williams, G.Trent, J.Caffey 1
Steals: Z.Ilgauskas, J.R.Bremer, V.Yarbrough 2
Assists: L.James 13 (a Cavs dynasty record)

I then simmed 3 games to see how I’d go and that ended the month of November.

MONTHLY AWARDS
East Player: Tracy McGrady
West Player: Kobe Bryant
East Rookie: Darko Millicic
West Rookie: Carmelo Anthony

Very disappointed that James wasn’t named the East Rookie of the Month. He nearly beats Darko in every stat category.

Latest Trade: Minnesota sends Felipe Lopez to Chicago for Rick Brunson.



Toronto

This game was going to be exciting right from the start with Rose and Carter in the same outfit. Toronto got off to a great start but slowed down towards the end when Cleveland took the lead. But the Raptors were good enough to hang on for a spirited victory.

Final Score L 97-89

Player of the Game
Alvin Williams: 19 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, 12 assists.

Cavs stat leaders
Points: C.Boozer 18
Rebounds: Z.Ilgauskas 18 ( A Cavs dynasty record)
Blocks: C.Boozer 4
Steals: E.Williams 4
Assists: L.James, J.R.Bremer 4

I then simmed 3 more games.

Houston
With Steve Francis already hurt before the game the result was tipped hugely in the Cavs favour. LeBron took full advantage against Norris and Wilks and posted a dynasty high in points. Houston did help their chances when Jimmy Jackson injured his right leg and was forced out of the game. Cleveland were eventual winners.

Final Score W 97-90

Player of the Game
Zydrunas Ilgauskas: 26 points, 12 rebounds, 5 blocks, 1 steal, 1 assist.

Cavs stat leaders
Points: L.James 36 ( A Cavs dynasty record)
Rebounds: Z.Ilgauskas 182
Blocks: C.Boozer 6
Steals: L.James, E.Williams 2
Assists: J.R.Bremer 5

I simmed one more game and my record is now 13-13.

I’m thinking of pulling off a big trade around deadline time..........................It may include Carlos Boozer.

When the All-Star game rolls around I'm planning to maybe have the biggest one....................EVER!

I'm stealingsome of Andrew's ideas, (sorry andrew) by doing the dunk contest in practice mode. In the three point contest i dont have any old nba lives on me so i'm just gonna do that in practice too but with no time limit. And of course I'll do the Rookie game in exhibition mode.

Now here is the exciting part. I'm going to have a celebrity hoop it up game! I'm gonna have a 5 on 5 game with an NBA Legend on each team, a current day player on each team and 3 celebs on each team. I'm pretty excited about the idea. Oh yeah, with the legends I'll bring their ratings back to about 50 because of course they lost most of their skill

I'm also going to try and do a skills challenge too but without the passing (maybe some crossovers instead of the passing) Any ideas on how I could do this effectively?

Any help appreciated.

all sounds great , look forward to reading about it.
Dont trade Boozer he's a steal!! build the team around him and LeBron.

Yeah i'd agree with mp3, dont trade boozer, if you want to trade a big man, id think bout Big Z, but thats jst a personal preference.

Also with your celeb game, you should have two Nba legends, Two Celebs and 1 Nba Star on each team.

I'll use your idea match and have two legends

Are you sure Boozer is a steal? I want to make a big trade with one of my starters. got any ideas who?

I'm thinking of packing Big Z away too... Except in my dynasty it's pretty easy, I'm 11-3 currently, gonna try the default sliders. I didn't do any trades, just made Bron a SG. Any ideas?

I made this Z+Newble+Diop for Redd+Mason Bucks will accept (You can try Z+Caffey+filler maybe it'll work)

Then to get a decent Center trade 2 55-60 rtg guards (You can even sign them from free agency) for Eddy Curry(Or any other team that looks for guards)

Go athletic, get some guys to run with LeBron... Pack Z and someone else and try to bring Swift and Battier from Memphis

Agree with 'Tales'
Going athletic with the Cavs is the key, there a great fasr break team but by doing that you dont give Z enough time to get down there and set up. imo you should trade him for someone like Camby, Swift or Bosh.

BOSH!! BOSH!! BOSH!!! check my Toronto Dynasty and u'll see, although does depend on wat rosters u r using, u mite be able to pick up someone else good as well from Toronto for Z

You could probably get Bosh and Lamond Murray for Z and some low rated player