Denver Nuggets - The Next Level [Game 3 + 4]

[Martti.]

Ouch. As Thierry said, get some quality FA's, if you have cap space.

Damn, that Smith picture is nice.

[thaKEAF]

Good stuff so far. Hopefully you can fix up the bench and with K-Mart being a FA maybe you can sign someone decent in free agency.

[Kenny]

That sucks Hope you can add some quality FA's.

Ouch. As Thierry said, get some quality FA's, if you have cap space.

Damn, that Smith picture is nice.

Yeah with any luck. Only contracts coming off the books are Malik Allen, Johan Petro and Robert Horry. All earning a little over a million dollars. Might be able to afford a veteran presense on the bench.

And thanks, I thought it displayed his hops pretty well.

Good stuff so far. Hopefully you can fix up the bench and with K-Mart being a FA maybe you can sign someone decent in free agency.

K-Mart is on free agency, but that'll effect Oklahoma City, since I signed him away for practically nothing during the season, looking to free up cap room.
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Anyway, the finals series ended up being between Orlando and Dallas. With Dallas luckless once again, Orlando got the NBA Championship, with Rashard Lewis picking up the Finals MVP, with 18.3 points per game and 3.9 rebounds a game. A bit of a shock.

Here's the team that won it all:

STARTING LINEUP

C: Dwight Howard
PF: Rasheed Wallace
SF: Rashard Lewis
SG: Vince Carter
PG: Jameer Nelson

BENCH

Anthony Johnson
Tyronn Lue
Matt Barnes
Mickael Pietrus
Brandon Bass
Ryan Anderson
JJ Redick

IR

Darrell Armstrong
Justin Williams

[Lamrock]

Tough luck. Hopefully you can trade for an impact player in the offseason, since your core isn't getting any younger. For next season I would suggest a more in-depth regular season and longer quarter lengths. Your recaps are nice except you only seem to recap every 20 games or so. Does Live 10 still have a sim intervene feature?

[Kenny]

Tough luck. Hopefully you can trade for an impact player in the offseason, since your core isn't getting any younger. For next season I would suggest a more in-depth regular season and longer quarter lengths. Your recaps are nice except you only seem to recap every 20 games or so. Does Live 10 still have a sim intervene feature?

Yes, the feature is still there. I'm not a big fan of simulating games because the computer always seems to win. My squads generally aren't the most stacked, but I can find a way to get some wins usually. As for the recaps, I generally used to do the monthly ones because I play it on ps3 and I usually write all my information down on pen and paper, then take it over to the computer. I'll do my best though the give you guys more box scores though.

Thanks for the feedback

[kibaxx7]

If only 2k10 had the intervention feature... Great roster by the Magic... great champion.

[Kenny]

So the off-season has begun, and the draft picks I have are: 22, 31 (OKC) and 55. Here's who I chose:

22: Ty Maximilian (USC)
Small Forward
NBA Comparison: Rudy Gay
Age: 21
200 cms 92kgs

Inside: C
Outside: A-
Defense: B
Teamwork: C
Athleticism: A-

[Projected as the steal of the draft]

31: Bill Christian (Drexel)
Point Guard
NBA Comparison: Daniel Gibson
Age: 23
185cms 83kgs

Inside: D-
Outside: A-
Defense: B-
Teamwork: B-
Athelticism: B

52: Tito Butler (Alabama)
Shooting Guard
NBA Comparison: Michael Finley
Age: 24
198cms 107kgs

Inside: D
Outside: A-
Defense: B-
Teamwork: C-
Athleticism: B-
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The Team:

Starters
C: Nene
PF: Chris Andersen
SF: Carmelo Anthony
SG: Earl Smith III
PG: Chauncey Billups

BENCH

Matt Bonner
Ben Wallace
Louis Williams
Ty Lawson
Ty Maximilian (computer generated rookie. Overall 62)
Arron Afflalo
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Ins and Outs

In: Ben Wallace (free agency), Matt Bonner (San Antonio), Ty Maximilian (first round pick)

Out: Malik Allen (free agency), Johan Petro (San Antonio), Robert Horry (retired), Terrence Williams (Memphis for second round pick), Bill Christian (Memphis for second round pick), Tito Butler (San Antonio)

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Through the off-season, I decided I needed:

-A forward/centre who can shoot from the perimeter.
-A player off the bench who can hit the boards.
-Someone who has a perimeter shot that can backup Melo.

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[kibaxx7]

Well, Big Ben and Bonner are superb signings.

[cavs4872]

What happened to J.R. Smith?

[|)e8*]

I think his name changed to Earl Smith II

[Kenny]

Well, Big Ben and Bonner are superb signings.

Thanks, I'm quite happy that I got them. Particularly Bonner... he killed me in a few of those playoff games.

What happened to J.R. Smith?

I think his name changed to Earl Smith II

There was a report earlier this season that he wanted to change his name, but I think he couldn't do so until the next season. In my reports I'll probably still call him JR, but for some reason I felt the need to call him Earl in my off-season report

Edit: It was really only a few weeks ago IRL. Damn, I'm forgetting that this dynasty is fictional haha

[Kenny]

Decided I'm going to recap after 5 games, and possibly do the monthly update as well. In what could only be described as the most bizzare thing I've ever seen in NBA Live games, I went 4-1, with the only "Loss" I recorded, came at the hands of the Trailblazers, "losing" to them 75-75. In a game that I believed would go into overtime, it ended in a draw. It says on the calendar that I won, but on the standings (where it counts the most), Denver are on a 1 game losing streak.

Games

MIN@DEN: 60-83 W
CHA@DEN: 80-91 W
DET@DEN: 75-95 W
MIA@DEN: 81-88 W
DEN@POR: 75-75 ? (but L apparently)

Stat leaders

PPG: Anthony 19.8, Smith 15.4, Andersen 14
RPG: Nene 8.4, Andersen 8.2, Anthony 4
APG: Billups 9.6, Andersen 4, Nene 3
BPG: Nene 2.2, Andersen 1, Anthony 1
SPG: Billups 2.8, Anthony 1.2, Andersen 1

Rookie watch

Ty Maximilian (USC)

Out of the 5 possible games, Dominican Republic born Ty Maximilian played 3. So far he averages 8.3 points per game, 2.3 rebounds per game and 1 assist. His best game came against Minnesota where he scored 13 points. Named as the steal of the draft, he looks like he has a lot of potential and could possibly be a rookie team selection for this year.

[kibaxx7]

the only "Loss" I recorded, came at the hands of the Trailblazers, "losing" to them 75-75. In a game that I believed would go into overtime, it ended in a draw. It says on the calendar that I won, but on the standings (where it counts the most), Denver are on a 1 game losing streak.

Strange

[thaKEAF]

^ it's because of the live 2010 patch glitch where it doesn't count goaltending baskets on the actual score display. so you're thinking the score is tied but it's really not. that's why the game ends but it gives you the W or L afterwards.

[Kenny]

I've played 5 more games and unfortunately I'm on a 4 game slide at the moment, dropping me to 5-5 through the year. Here are the results:

DEN@UTA: 86-73 W
GSW@DEN: 86-83 L
LAL@DEN: 99-95 L
PHO@DEN: 102-94 L
SAC@DEN: 85-83 L

Team Leaders

PPG: Anthony 20.3, Smith 20, Andersen 11.4
RPG: Nene 8.9, Andersen 8.5, Anthony 4.2
APG: Billups 10, Andersen 3.6, Nene 3.3
BPG: Andersen 1.8, Nene 1.8, Anthony 1
SPG: Billups 2.5, Anthony 1.4, Andersen 0.9

Rookie Watch

Ty Maximilian: 4mpg, 6.2ppg, 1.6rpg
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I was thinking of having one feature game in the 5 game update. The upcoming one will be against the Oklahoma City Thunder, since it's Melo vs Durant.

[Azzdogs]

Looking forward to hearing how your second season goes. I like your signings espically Big Ben and hope that you can go all the way this season.

[Kenny]

^ it's because of the live 2010 patch glitch where it doesn't count goaltending baskets on the actual score display. so you're thinking the score is tied but it's really not. that's why the game ends but it gives you the W or L afterwards.

Damn, I didn't know about that. Kinda sucks

Looking forward to hearing how your second season goes. I like your signings espically Big Ben and hope that you can go all the way this season.

Thanks mate... I'm already 10 games into my second season. I'm 5-5

edit: I'm sure you already realised that now I read back haha. Blond moment

[Kenny]

The next 5 games are here. After a 5 game losing streak, Denver went on to win their next three. The most emphatic win coming against a luckless Minnesota Timberwolves, who they beat by a massive 51 points. Which brings us to the feature game of the round: Oklahoma City Thunder Vs Denver at the Pepsi Center.

Oklahoma City storm past Denver



The Oklahoma City Thunder are a completely different team this year. Last year, they were cellar dwellers and heading for the lottery. This year, they have begun in style, with this victory taking them 1st in the Northwest Division and Second in the Western Conference behind (you guessed it)... the Sacramento Kings. Against Denver, they showed off their star recruits, with Rudy Gay (28 points, 10 rebounds), Stephen Jackson (6 points), Joel Przybilla (17 rebounds) and Stanley Alston (12 points, 7 assists) all contributing to the team cause.

Matt Bonner provided a spark for Denver off the bench with 19 points, however the Thunder showed that they are the real deal this year, easily accounting for a below par Denver team.
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OKC@DEN

OKC: 96 (Gay 28, Durant 20, Westbrook 15)
DEN: 81 (Bonner 19, Smith 16, Anthony 14)

Sprite Performer of the Game: Rudy Gay 28 points 10 rebounds

Rebounds

Denver: Andersen 12
Oklahoma City: Przybilla 17

Assists

Denver: Billups 13
Oklahoma City: Westbrook 8

DOUBLE-DOUBLES

Denver: Andersen (12 points, 12 rebounds) Nene (12 points, 11 rebounds)
Oklahoma City: Gay (28 points, 10 rebounds)
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Other games

SAC@DEN: 85-83 L
DEN@NYK: 93-86 W
DEN@NJN: 79-72 W
MIN@DEN: 112-61 W
OKC@DEN: 96-81 L
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So that makes Denver 8-7 so far this season. The next update will be the end of the month one. But here's my next 5 games:

@Golden State
@LA Lakers
@LA Lakers
Portland
Utah

I was thinking of my feature game being one of the two against the LA Lakers. It'll probably be the one I win (if I win any of them )

[Martti.]

Whoah, what happened to the Thunder? Gay, Jackson, Przybilla... Where's Durant and Co.?

Damn, a very difficult schedule coming up. Try to stay over .500.

[Kenny]

Whoah, what happened to the Thunder? Gay, Jackson, Przybilla... Where's Durant and Co.?

Damn, a very difficult schedule coming up. Try to stay over .500.

Durant, Westbrook and Green are still in the side, although Green now comes off the bench. On paper they have one of the best (atleast most exciting) sides in my dynasty right now. In a way, I probably had a help in creating this beast since I traded Kenyon Martin to them with 1 year left on his contract, but hey, atleast I'm helping OKC and not someone like the Lakers, Suns or Trail Blazers

[Kenny]

November Summary

After what could be described as an inconsistent month, Denver are currently 9-8, sitting 6th in the Western Conference. There is much speculation that Nene has been put on the trading block, with the Nuggets looking for another shooting big man, even though Nene is currently sitting second in the league in rebounds per game at 8.8. He is only behind his own team mate, Chris Andersen.

Player by Player

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The Starters
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Nene: Not as much of a consistent scorer as he used to be, but still makes big defensive plays, sitting 2nd in the league in boards.

Chris Andersen: After enjoying a great playoffs campaign last year, the Birdman has backed it up with a career year so far. First in the League for Rebounds per game, 2nd for Blocks per game and Third in Denver for Points per game. One of the early favourites for Defensive Player of the Year

Carmelo Anthony: While his 3 point shot has been awful, he is still putting up the points, sitting well within the top ten in the league for points per game. Currently playing second fiddle to Earl.

Earl Smith III: Earl is having another outstanding year so far, leading the league in points per game.

Chauncey Billups: Mr Big Shot is well placed in the MVP race at the moment, leading the league in Assists Per Game and Steals Per Game. He is also in an elite club of players averaging double-doubles, including an amazing 20-20 game against the Golden State Warriors (20 points, 21 assists)


Ty Maximilian showing promise early in his rookie campaign.

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The Bench
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Matt Bonner: Can someone say instant offense? Coming off the bench, he is currently sitting fifth in Denver for Points Per Game. He often provides momentum for Denver when they don't have any.

Ben Wallace: His numbers might not say a whole lot, but on the defensive end, he has been reliable as always. He helps maintain the Nuggets D when he's subbed in.

Louis Williams: He's been a man of limited opportunities, mainly because he's playing behind Earl. His shot has been a bit too erratic to give him valuable playing time.

Ty Maximilian: The rookie from the Dominican Republic has at times lived up to his title as the steal of the draft, finishing off some nice plays and being versatile enough to cover both forward positions.

Ty Lawson: Being behind Chauncey Billups on the rotation has seen him disappear a bit this season. He got a good amount of minutes versus Minnesota, but other than that, the only other player to see less time is Arron Afflalo.

Arron Afflalo: Basically out of the rotation, he has scored only 2 points in the time he has received this year.
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Earl's New Poster


Earl throws a vicious dunk down on Bucks' Andrew Bogut
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Around the League

Standings

WEST
-------
Oklahoma City 14-4
Sacramento 13-5
Houston 11-6
LA Lakers 11-7
LA Clippers 12-9
Denver 9-8
Portland 10-11
San Antonio 9-10
---
Memphis 6-10
Minnesota 7-13
Golden State 6-13
Phoenix 6-13
Utah 6-12
New Orleans 3-12
Dallas 3-15
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EAST
------
Cleveland 16-2
Atlanta 12-3
Orlando 13-5
New Jersey 12-7
Philadelphia 11-7
Milwaukee 9-7
Detroit 9-8
Washington 8-9
---
Boston 8-9
Charlotte 7-8
Chicago 8-11
Miami 7-9
Indiana 7-11
Toronto 6-10
New York 6-13


Monthly Awards
WEST Player: [NJN] Amare Stoudemire (9.8ppg, 11.5rpg, 5.3apg, 1.5bpg, 5.7spg)
EAST Player: [OKC] Rudy Gay (16.1ppg, 14.2rpg, 4.4apg, 1.1bpg, 4.9spg)
WEST Rookie: [SAC] David Andersen (4ppg, 12.3rpg, 4.1apg, 1bpg, 4spg)
EAST Rookie: [MIA] Reuben Walker (3.7ppg, 2apg)

This is what I saw on my screen, but there's a few stats in there that don't add up if you see the league leaders

MVP Race
[CLE] Mo Williams (18.9ppg, 5.1apg, 1.2spg)
[NJN] Devin Harris (18.5ppg, 5.4apg)
[OKC] Kevin Durant (20.6ppg, 2.6rpg)
[DEN] Chauncey Billups (11.5ppg, 10.5apg, 2.1spg)
[POR] Brandon Roy (15.1ppg, 2.9apg, 1.5spg)

League Leaders
PPG: [DEN] Earl Smith III (22.2), [OKC] Kevin Durant (20.6), [CLE] Lebron James and [MIA] Dwyane Wade (19.2), [CLE] Mo Williams (18.9)
RPG: [DEN] Chris Andersen (9.1), [DEN] Nene (8.8), [MIL] Andrew Bogut (8.5), [LAL] Pau Gasol (8.3), [NJN] Brook Lopez (8.1)
APG: [DEN] Chauncey Billups (10.5), [OKC] Russell Westbrook (7.2), [LAL] Derek Fisher (6.9), [BOS] Rajon Rondo (6.3), [CHA] TJ Ford (6.1)
SPG: [DEN] Chauncey Billups (2.1), [LAC] Allen Iverson (1.6), [BOS] Rajon Rondo, [MIL] Al Harrington, [MIN] Carlos Boozer, [POR] Brandon Roy (1.5)
BPG: [NOH] Emeka Okafor (2.3), [DEN] Chris Andersen 2.1, [BOS] Kevin Garnett and [HOU] Yao Ming (2), [LAC] Marcus Camby (1.9)
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Well that was a long update. Hope you all like the format and with any luck I can add some more pictures next time. I'm hoping Earl's new poster can be a Monthly section

[kibaxx7]

Thunder 14-4, Kings 13-5, Mavericks 3-15? WTF?

[Kenny]

Thunder 14-4, Kings 13-5, Mavericks 3-15? WTF?

The beauty of computer simulation . The Thunder actually have a really good squad, they took me to the sword.

[Kenny]

Trade News: Beasley and Chalmers arrive in the Mile High City, while Nene leaves


C/PF: Nene, 2011 First Round Pick


PF: Michael Beasley, PG: Mario Chalmers

Following trade rumours, on the 1st of December Denver have acquired Power Forward Michael Beasley and Point Guard Mario Chalmers in exchange for Nene and their first round pick. In what could be seen as a high risk trade for Denver, the organisation decided they needed a change in direction.

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"After an inconsistent start to the last two years, we decided that we had to make a big decision in order to move forward."

"Both Michael (Beasley) and Mario (Chalmers) add youth and great potential to the organisation and we're hoping they can develop even more in our system. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Nene for his contribution to the Denver Nuggets, both on and off the court. I wish him all the luck in his future endeavours."
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The first game for Beasley and Chalmers will be against the LA Lakers. I think it was a bold move, but I'm hoping the gamble will pay off.

[Martti.]

Love the trade for your team, not for my Heat though.

Beasley can be a beast down low and his mid-range game is superb.