"FTA:Reloaded" - 2010 Jan Recap + Player/League Overviews

[Clutch]

INTRO

This is a 'reboot' of my recent Phoenix Suns dynasty using the Live 06 PC Project v2.0 patch featuring the '09 rookie class (big thanks to Andrew and all who worked on it… incidentally, I pat myself on the back for the tiny, non-credited(?) CF contributions for 'Luc Mbah a Moute' and 'Jodie Meeks' - w00t)

FTA: Reloaded is its 'own thing' without ties to the first FTA storyline if you happened to follow it (ie., no Pippen, no drunken Kerr, no Estonian (sorry Martti ), none of the previous trades etc.) I'm still leaning towards weekly updates in a format similar to the 'Pip Report' and maybe switching to game-by-game recaps in the post-season (provided the Suns even reach it?) Anyway, we'll see; ultimately every dynasty's success or demise depends on time, inspiration and interest. So without further ado… welcome to FTA: Reloaded - Clutch
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PRELUDE

Salary Cap Adjustment

Under heavy pressure from the Players Union (led by volatile Allen Iverson) and swayed by talk of a potential player's strike, NBA commissioner David Stern agreed to a +10M Salary Cap adjustment for the '09-10 season, effective immediately. The emergency increase from $57.70M to $67.70M came as a relief to many teams and free agents, allowing the pursuit and signings of such high-profile players as Iverson, David Lee and Raymond Felton, to name a few.

Free Agent Signings

New York and Charlotte managed to secure Lee and Felton respectively, signing each to extended, big money contracts. Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies expressed strong interest in Iverson during the off-season, as did AI's original team, the Philadelphia 76ers. However, both Memphis and Philly lost out to the Atlanta Hawks, who surprisingly entered the negotiating fray.


"Philly will always be in my heart... but right now my finger wants a ring." - Allen Iverson

[Clutch]

1. Intro
2. Roster & Transactions
3. NBA NEWS - Suns, Bobcats Reach Trade Agreement
4. NBA NEWS - Free Agent free-for-all
5. Season Opener
6. Barbosa Ignites Mavericks Late Game Implosion
7. NBA NEWS - Nate Robinson signs with Warriors
8. Brand's Big Night Doesn't Outshine Suns
9. NBA NEWS - Injury Update: J-Rich
10. STAT vs Griffin, "One For The Ages"
11. 3 Team, 4 Player Trade (Maxiell acquisition)
12. November Recap
13. BONUS COVERAGE - LAC @ LAL
14. December Recap
15. 2010 January Recap

[Clutch]

Team Roster 2009-2010

Code: Select all

Name                 Pos.  Ovrl  Height  Weight   Yrs. Pro

Channing Frye        C     77    6'11"   245 lbs    4
Amar'e Stoudemire    PF    94    6' 10"  249 lbs    7
Grant Hill           SF    80    6' 8"   225 lbs   14
Gerald Henderson     SG    76    6' 4"   215 lbs    R
Steve Nash           PG    85    6' 3"   178 lbs   13
Ricky Rubio          PG    72    6' 4"   180 lbs    R
Leandro Barbosa      SG    80    6' 3"   188 lbs    6
Jason Maxiell        PF    73    6' 7"   260 lbs    4
Jared Dudley         SF    72    6' 7"   225 lbs    2
Mark Blount           C    68    7' 0"   250 lbs    9
Earl Clark           SF    73    6' 9"   225 lbs    R
Louis Amundson       PF    68    6' 9"   225 lbs    3
Tarence Kinsey       SG    70    6' 6"   189 lbs    3
Henk Norel           PF    56    6'10"   230 lbs    R


Coaching Staff

Alvin Gentry - Head Coach

Dan Majerle - Assistant Coach - Sal 675K| Spec Shooting | Off B- | Def C | Ath B- | Grade B-

Bill Cartwright - Assistant Coach - Sal 620K | Spec Bigman | Off C | Def A | Ath E | Grade C

John Schumate - Assistant Coach - Sal 565K | Spec Guard | Off D | Def C- | Ath A | Grade C

Bruce Fraser - Scout - Sal 94K | Spec None | Off D- | Def E | Ath D-| Grade D-

Aaron Nelson - Trainer - Sal 399K | Spec Arms, Legs| Grade C-

Jan 31, 2010 -- Suns trade swingman Jason Richardson and PG Goran Dragic to the Minnesota Timberwolves to acquire rookie Ricard "Ricky" Rubio, 9-year pro C Mark Blount and rookie PF Henk Norel

Nov 29, 2009 -- Suns sign free agent SG Tarence Kinsey to a 1-year, 4.65M contract;

Nov 7, 2009 -- Suns trade Centers Robin Lopez and Nazr Mohammed in a 3-team, 4-player trade involving the Dallas Mavericks and Detroit Pistons to acquire 4-year pro Forward Jason Maxiell;

Aug 24, 2009 -- Suns acquire 2009 12th-overall draft pick, Rookie Guard Gerald Henderson, and 11-yr pro Center, Nazr Mohammed, from the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for 6-yr pro Guard Aleksander Pavolvic, 2-yr pro Forward Alando Tucker and 48th-overall draft pick, Forward Taylor Griffin

_____

Former Suns:

Jason Richardson - Goran Dragic - Alando Tucker - Taylor Griffin - Aleksander Pavolvic - Robin Lopez - Nazr Mohammed

Team Roster 2008-2009

Code: Select all

Name                 Pos.  Ovrl  Height  Weight   Yrs. Pro
Shaquille O'Neal     C     85    7' 1"   325 lbs   16
Amar'e Stoudemire    PF    94    6' 10"  245 lbs    6
Grant Hill           SF    80    6' 8"   225 lbs   13
Jason Richardson     SG    85    6' 6"   225 lbs    7
Steve Nash           PG    85    6' 3"   195 lbs   12
Leandro Barbosa      SG    80    6' 3"   188 lbs    5
Matt Barnes          SF    77    6' 7"   226 lbs    5
Stromile Swift       C     72    6' 10"  220 lbs    8
Jared Dudley         SF    71    6' 7"   225 lbs    1
Alando Tucker        SF    70    6' 6"   205 lbs    1
Louis Amundson       PF    68    6' 9"   225 lbs    2
Goran Dragic         PG    66    6' 4"   180 lbs    R
Robin Lopez          C     66    7' 0"   255 lbs    R

[Clutch]

reserved.

[Clutch]

NBA NEWS

Suns, Bobcats Reach Trade Agreement
____________________________________
by Art Vandelay - Aug. 24, 2009 08:31 PM
The Arizona Republic
____________________________________

With the exit of future Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O'Neal to Cleveland, Phoenix GM, Steve Kerr, faces the difficult task of rebuilding the Suns into a solid, post-season contender. He may have just taken a step in the right direction.

Today Kerr announced a five-player trade agreement between the Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Bobcats. As a result of the trade, Phoenix will acquire the 12th-overall draft pick, Duke rookie guard, Gerald Henderson, and 11th-year pro center, Nazr Mohammad, in exchange for 6th-year pro guard, Aleksandar Pavolvic, 2nd-year pro forward, Alando Tucker, and the 48th-overall draft pick, Oklahoma rookie forward, Taylor Griffin.

"When the opportunity comes to land an athletic, all-around talent like Gerald (Henderson), you have to take it," said Suns' GM, Steve Kerr. "Gerald's the consummate team player, capable of finishing in transition, creating scoring opportunities for others, as well as being a solid defender. He puts the team first, and we like that a lot."

The Suns bank on Henderson's overall versatility to help the second-unit offense run smoothly and look for veteran shot-blocker, Nazr Mohammad, to help fill some of the defensive void left by O'Neal.

"Nazr (Mohammad) is an aggressive rebounder and proven defender," said Kerr. "There's no question he'll make an immediate defensive impact to our team and add more toughness to our frontcourt."

Charlotte is counting on long-range sharp-shooter, Aleksandar Pavlovic, now in his 7th year,to stretch opponent defenses and add scoring off the bench, while new forwards, Alando Tucker and rookie, Taylor Griffin, improve the Bobcats' depth and provide much needed support for starting forwards, Gerald Wallace and Boris Diaw.

Note

· Gerald Henderson will wear the number "12" (representing his order of selection in the '09 draft) since his Duke number "15" is already worn by teammate, Robin Lopez

[Martti.]

Will you be trading Shaq? And no worries about me. I wouldn't fit in tour rotation anyway.

[Its_asdf]

<3 Gerald Henderson. If the Raptors didn't get DeRozan, he would've been my second choice for the Raptors to draft. The Suns really missed Bell's defense from the guard spot last season and Henderson can be molded into that type of player except he can be even more dangerous in terms of creating his own shot. Nazr should be a solid big man off the bench as well, although his contract is kind of bleh.

[Valor]

wow, AI is in Atlanta, just like he is in my association!
i think you'll be better off starting Frye over Lopez though...

[Clutch]

martti - Diesel's already in CLE thanks to the PC Proj patch so i don't need to worry about him! also, thx for being a good sport; yeah, it would've been hard to find you minutes in the rotation but at least you return home a legend for your short stint in FTA and have earned the nickname, "Pride of Räpina"

its_asdf - yeah i'm all about Henderson! when i did the 'reboot' i wanted to pick up a solid jack-of-all-trades rookie without ripping off a lowly team's obvious future franchise and who wouldn't necessarily need to be the Suns' future marquee star; Henderson's name came up as "one of three capable of the task" - just like Rambo

valor - sorry if i hacked it man! i honestly don't recall reading it anywhere but maybe i did in yours and it stuck in my subconscious as a great idea; when i was trying to find AI a new home ATL just fit the bill, at least in terms of ring potential; we'll see how long he can stomach coming off the bench to Bibby though... also, i'll tweak starter rotations as needed; for now i want to see how Barbosa/Henderson/Frye do anchoring the bench

[kibaxx7]

Nice trade with the 'Cats. Hope Henderson does well.

[Clutch]

LATEST HEADLINES - NBA NEWS

Richardson returning to Golden State? GM not confirming offer
Posted Aug 27 2009 1:45PM

(AP) -- Golden State Warriors general manager, Larry Riley, refused to confirm whether a formal trade offer has been made to the Phoenix Suns for swingman, Jason Richardson.

Richardson tweeted Wednesday that he recently met with "old friends" on the Warriors and also expressed that a return to the bay area "would be nice" as it's "less hot, unlike AZ."

ESPN.com reported GM Larry Riley confirmed that Golden State had made a formal trade offer. But Riley Thursday through a team spokesman would only say he did not confirm an offer to ESPN.com.

"Jason Richardson is a terrific player and gifted athlete who has history here with the Warriors; but we've no intention to pursue him in trade negotiations at this time," Riley said in the statement. Rumor of a Richardson trade come amid Steven Jackson's recent request of wanting to leave Golden State.

Jackson, the Warrior's leading scorer and emotional swingman, on Sunday night told Dime Magazine at an event in New York that he wanted out and had made that known to the Warriors' brass. But he signed a three-year contract extension in November and is considered an integral part of Golden State's long-term plans.

Richardson's agent, Leon Cole, did not immediately return a message left at his office by The Associated Press on Thursday.

Related News:

Poorly disguised Nash joins Beijing pick-up game. Read More...

[Valor]

valor - sorry if i hacked it man! i honestly don't recall reading it anywhere but maybe i did in yours and it stuck in my subconscious as a great idea; when i was trying to find AI a new home ATL just fit the bill, at least in terms of ring potential; we'll see how long he can stomach coming off the bench to Bibby though... also, i'll tweak starter rotations as needed; for now i want to see how Barbosa/Henderson/Frye do anchoring the bench

haha that's alright, i love it apart from the fact that Bibby's still there and taking the starting spot over The Answer, but it's better then staying in Detroit and getting his starting spot and minutes taken away by Stuckey and Will Bynum...
also...

DONT TRADE J-RICH!! >.<

[Martti.]

If you do trade him, I hope you get Anthony Randolph in return. Him and Amar'e would be one athletic front-line. Maybe snatch someone else too.

[XpLosibo]

yeh, i like the proposal of martti, coz randolph is a perfect fit in ur "run-n-gun-shoot-in-7-seconds-or-else" system ..that's a really poor effort by nash, he shouldve at least got a pony tail plus that rambis goggles

[Clutch]

* CONTINUITY NOTE * I've had a prob the past few nights with the game crashing in only the 2nd week due to the dbf-edited roster moves I made to get certain Free Agents to selected teams (Lee to NYK, Felton to CHA for example). Anyway, I can't figure out a fix so I have to redo the "Free Agent" portion of the story. Letting the CPU decide who goes where is the only way I can get things to work crash-free.

So that whole Iverson to Atlanta thing? That never happened. Fortunately, the Henderson trade does complete as a normal in-game trade (no dbf editing) so that's still a go


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Valor - noting what I just wrote above, it's now be up to the CPU where AI ends up, that is if anyone can afford him; your guess is as good as mine. As for J-Rich? well...

Martti & XpLosibo - I'm agreed with you guys but as much as I like Randolf, I can't bring myself to swipe him from a team that's already thin on bigs; it has to make sense to me from a fairness standpoint otherwise i could easily get carried away

Thx for the input guys!

[kibaxx7]

Liking how you keep it real, trading for Anthony Randolph in this team would get me bored quickly It already happened to me at least 20 times.

[Clutch]

Comissioner David Stern's approval of a +10M Salary Cap re-adjustment prompted a free agent frenzy leading up to today's long-anticipated '09-10 season opening. Here's a quick look back on a few of the bigger transactions around the league.
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NBA NEWS

King-sized 'Answer' or Blockbuster Bust?

Oct 28, 2009 Sacramento (AP) -- Already being called the "Great Maloof Goof of 2009" by some Kings fans, Sacramento Kings owners Gavin and Joe Maloof announced the blockbuster signing of 34-year old, Allen Iverson to a 6-year contract reportedly worth nearly $79M. While many pundits strongly question the Maloof's bold decision especially in light of acquiring promising point guard Tyreke Evans as the 4th-overall draft pick, the Maloof Brothers remain confident.

"Iverson is an experienced veteran who can help this ball club tremendously. What we're gaining is not only his nightly impact on court, but the knowledge he can pass on to the younger players like Tyreke (Evans) to help them reach their full potential," Gavin Maloof told reports.

The 13-year veteran will receive an estimated $13.16M per year and expressed no intention of retiring before the end of his contract terms. "Gavin and Joe (Maloof) have complete faith in me and that means a lot," said Iverson. "I'm excited to do whatever I can to help this ball club win and don't plan on retiring anytime soon."

Clippers, Lee come to agreement

Oct 29, 2009 Los Angeles (AP) -- League sources confirmed free agent David Lee will be heading to the Los Angeles Clippers to join talented rookie and #1-overall draft pick, Blake Griffin. Lee's agent, Horace Pressley, reported a contract agreement worth approximately $8.27M per year over the next 3 years.

Lee, only 26 years-old now starting his 5th year, is known for his hustle and tireless effort. He will provide a much needed boost to the Clippers thin front court but is expected to come off the bench behind rookie, Blake Griffin. "(Starting) doesn't matter to me really," said Lee. "In these troubled economic times, I'm just thankful to get picked up. Blake's a tremendous talent and I don't mind coming off the bench to help contribute when I can."

Felton signs with Grizzlies

Oct 30, 2009 Memphis (AP) -- The Memphis Grizzlies have announced the opening day signing of free agent point guard, Raymond Felton, to a 5-year contract estimated to be worth 34.55M.

Coming off a solid season where he averaged 14.2 points, 3.8 boards and 6.7 assists, Felton expressed his excitement to play for the Grizzlies via Twitter: "Mayo, Gay, Z-Bo, Thabeet - I'm ready to run!"

Felton will join a backcourt loaded of point guards including Mike Conley, Marco Jaric and Marcus Williams and is cleared to play for tonight's game in Houston versus the Rockets.

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TH50 - 20 times? just in my dynasty!?! yeah, it's tough to keep a balance between getting players that you like vs raping other teams of their up-coming talent

[kibaxx7]

TH50 - 20 times? just in my dynasty!?! yeah, it's tough to keep a balance between getting players that you like vs raping other teams of their up-coming talent

Lol no, I mean, like 20 times it happened to me that I ended up trading for a great frontcourt or backcourt and I got bored really quickly

[Clutch]

TH50 - 20 times? just in my dynasty!?! yeah, it's tough to keep a balance between getting players that you like vs raping other teams of their up-coming talent

Lol no, I mean, like 20 times it happened to me that I ended up trading for a great frontcourt or backcourt and I got bored really quickly

lol i knew what you meant man

yeah i hear you but don't get me wrong; i don't mind upgrading my players, as long as i feel i offer a fair/reasonable deal in return and not just a handful of scrubs. but it's true i'd get bored quick with a Howard/Bosh/LBJ/Kobe/Wade roster too

[kibaxx7]

i don't mind upgrading my players, as long as i feel i offer a fair/reasonable deal in return and not just a handful of scrubs

Exactly, that's the point So, when does this start?

[Its_asdf]

Hopefully a J-Rich trade doesn't materialize. I'm probably one of the few people who actually like him. He's a good rebounder for his position and a dead-eye shooter with insane athleticism. I'd say you should wait a bit and see if he's capable of producing the 20-5-3 numbers that he has the potential produce first.

[Clutch]

Exactly, that's the point So, when does this start?

right now!

Hopefully a J-Rich trade doesn't materialize. I'm probably one of the few people who actually like him. He's a good rebounder for his position and a dead-eye shooter with insane athleticism. I'd say you should wait a bit and see if he's capable of producing the 20-5-3 numbers that he has the potential produce first.

being a native Warriors fan i've followed J-Rich since his rookie year; sucked when he left but at the same time his defense and decision making at times are questionable; evenso, his dunks definitely sold tickets and made the crowd forget any shortcomings

[Clutch]

Nash's steady stream of free throws helped keep the Hornets at bay

Nash Delivers In Season Opener

Oct 30, 2009 Phoenix, AZ -- Unable to penetrate the Hornet's defense due to the hounding pressure of Chris Paul, veteran point guard Steve Nash helped the Suns win their season opener relying on an often over-looked fundamental - free throws.

Nash delivered on 15-of-16 free throws on the night, ten straight within the final minute alone as New Orleans hovered within 5 points. "My shot wasn't really falling tonight nor could I get the ball past Chris (Paul) effectively," said Nash. "They did a good job converting shots down the stretch and fouling to stop the clock, but luckily I was able knock down some free throws and get us the win."

Anchoring the Suns offense a healthy Amar'e Stoudemire shined in his long-awaited return to the hardwood, wearing a new set of customized, anti-fogging sport goggles, but showed no effects of hinderance from his past eye-related injuries.

"It felt great out there tonight," Stoudemire said. "We kept them trailing the whole game and Steve (Nash) pulled us through in the pinch. It's a good way to start the season." Stoudemire finished the match with 23 points, 8 rebounds and 6 blocks, besting his Hornets' counterpart Emeka Okafor who led New Orleans with 20 points, 11 boards and 1 block.

Suns' rookie Gerald Henderson, acquired in trade from the Charlotte Bobcats during the off-season, had an impressive debut coming off the bench for 14 points, 2 assists on 4-of-6 shooting, 6-of-7 from the charity stripe. "I had a couple of bone-headed fouls but all n' all, I'm happy with the way I played tonight," Henderson told the media.

Contrary to Henderson's performance Phoenix's other rookie, 14th-overall pick Earl Clark, had an oppositely forgettable debut missing his only shot attempt along with 2 missed free throws and collecting only 1 rebound in 10 minutes of play. Clark told the reporters, "I was definitely nervous out there; hopefully I'll do better tomorrow night."

On a back-to-back schedule the Suns next host Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks featuring newly acquired former Sun, Shawn Marion.

Notes:

· 2nd-year center, Robin Lopez, was absent from tonight's active roster prompting rumors of a pending trade.

BOXSCORE: NOH @ PHO 110-116

SCORES AROUND THE LEAGUE

[Martti.]

Lopez for McGee?

Barbosa and Henderson played great off the bench. But then again, they had to as J-Rich was real quiet. You should really get a good starting C/PF. Amundson/Lopez can't do the job.

[kibaxx7]

What about starting Frye at power forward instead of Amundson? Nice win.