NYK 25-And-Unders|0-1 Knicks blow 20+ pt lead

[Nuns 'n Moses]

Game: NBA 2K10, Xbox 360
Season: 29 games
Quarter Length: 10 minutes
Sim Quarter Length: 12 minutes
Playoff Length: 5-5-5-5
Roster: Fantasy Draft
Difficulty: Pro
Team Chemistry: On
Player Roles: Off
Progressive Fatigue: Off
Injuries: On
Sliders can be found here

[Nuns 'n Moses]

Roster



PG: Darren Collison (R) - 6'0"/160/UCLA Age: 22
SG: George Hill - 6'2"/180/IUPUI Age: 23
SF: Rudy Gay - 6'8"/222/UConn Age: 23
PF: Andray Blatche - 6'11"/248/South Kent Prep (HS) Age: 23
C: Dwight Howard - 6'11"/265/SW Atlanta Christian (HS) Age: 23




6: Terrence Williams (R) - 6'6"/220/Lousiville Age: 22
7: Taj Gibson (R) - 6'9"/225/USC Age: 24
8: Chase Budinger (R) - 6'7"/218/Arizona Age: 21
9: Sundiata Gaines (R) - 6'1"/195/Georgia Age: 23
10: Arron Afflalo - 6'5"/215/UCLA Age: 24
11: Joey Dorsey - 6'8"/268/Memphis Age: 25
12: Daniel Green - 6'6"/210/North Carolina Age: 22

Inactive:



1: Sean Singletary - 6'0"/185/Virginia Age: 24
2: Taylor Griffin (R) - 6'7"/238/Oklahoma Age: 23
3: Darko Milicic - 7'0"/275/Serbia Age: 24

Transactions

[Nuns 'n Moses]

Today, NBA Commissioner David Stern announced the NBA would have a drafting system similar to those of fantasy sports for the upcoming 2009-2010 season. All the players will be placed into a draft pool, and the teams will select their teams from this pool. There will be 15 rounds in the draft, nicknamed the "Fantasy Draft."

Meanwhile, back at Knicks HQ...

Newly hired GM Jacob Milani is in his office, dancing and prancing. "WOOHOO! Now I don't have to deal with all the overpaid underachievers and draft busts. But who am I to draft?"

Then he got a crazy idea.

"I'll set an age limit for myself for the draft. A nice young team will rejuvenate the NY faithful." He pondered the thought. "What would be a good age? 30? No, too old. How about 22? No, too young....I've got it! 25. It's perfect. It's brilliant. I'll be hailed as a god."

"Now, time to do my homework on some young guns. Gee, I'm glad no one's here to listen to me talk to myself..."

[Nuns 'n Moses]

After weeks of studying and research, Draft Day finally came. The Knicks, via lottery, were awarded the 7th overall pick. This is a good spot to snag at least one sub-25 year old star, Milani thought. And so we began. As expected, the New Jersey Nets selected 24 year old LeBron James with the first overall selection. "Well, that was expected. There's still plenty of talent left on the board." Milani's spirits were slightly dampened when Kevin Durant was taken one spot in front of him at no. 6 by Sacramento.

The Knicks are now on the clock...

"Okay, it's show time. Let's see, what do we have here..." Carmelo Anthony was still available, at age 25. The kid can score, Milani thought, but he has a little attitude I'm sure fans are sick of seeing. We need a charismatic figure as the face of the franchise. And then it hit him.

With the 7th overall pick, the New York Knicks select...Dwight Howard.

A mix of mostly cheers and a few boos came from the MSG crowd. "Superman 2.0. The rock of the team. It will be easy to build around Dwight. He's only 23, so he will hopefully stick around." Milani pleased Knicks faithful by snagging Rudy Gay (age 23) off the board in the second round. Only one player on the team is actually 25 years of age (Joey Dorsey).

"It's going to be an interesting year."

[Fresh8]

Will be interesting to see what your roster looks like.

I'm not a fan of fantasy drafts but let's see where you can take this.

[Nuns 'n Moses]

Will be interesting to see what your roster looks like.

I'm not a fan of fantasy drafts but let's see where you can take this.

I normally don't do a fantasy draft, especially since it normally doesn't get followers, but I figured this would be a good experiment.

[Fresh8]

Not a fan of your backcourt but love the Darko addition.

[Nuns 'n Moses]

Not a fan of your backcourt but love the Darko addition.

I'm not a fan either, hehe. I don't anticipate doing well this year so I'll pick some backcourt help in the draft

[Nuns 'n Moses]

Atlantic Division Predictions

5. Boston Celtics
The Celtics did not impress on Draft Day, selecting players 33 and older with their first three selections. They will have to rely on experience if they want to be successful this year. Tim Duncan brings his several rings to Boston to lead this team. Most of points will be assisted on by 16-year vet Jason Kidd, still posting solid numbers at 36. Marcus Camby will be a force on the defensive end this year for the Celtics. However, age and lack of depth will be the demise of Boston by season's end.

Projected Starters: PG Jason Kidd, SG Leandro Barbosa, SF Mickael Pietrus, PF Tim Duncan, C Marcus Camby
Power Ranking: 30th


4. Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers will be an interesting team to watch this season. A mix of youth and age in the starting lineup will cause them either to sink or swim. Kevin Garnett and Russell Westbrook will try to establish themself as a dynamic duo, while 3rd-year player Al Horford will control the paint. Keep an eye on this 76ers squad; they will be looking to prove the critics wrong.

Projected Starters: PG Russell Westbrook, SG Jason Terry, SF Danilo Galinari, PF Kevin Garnett, C Al Horford
Power Ranking: 27th


3. Toronto Raptors
This Raptors team is a very young team with very high expectations this year. With no clear-cut superstar, someone is going to have to establish themself as a force on this team for them to live up to the preseason hype that's been given to them around the league. Aside from point guard Tony Parker, no one has had continued success at this level. Another team to keep an eye on; perhaps their ranking was a bit too high.

Projected Starters: PG Tony Parker, SG Corey Brewer, SF Wilson Chandler, PF Jason Thompson, C Brook Lopez
Power Ranking: 12th


2. New York Knicks
The Knickerbockers went very young but talented in the draft. Snatching Dwight Howard and Rudy Gay in the first two rounds built a strong foundation for the future of the franchise. Rookie Darren Collison looks to continue his success at the next level. The lack of experience and a somewhat weak backcourt may pose some problems for New York, but as far as youthful talent and depth goes, there may not be a better team.

Projected Starters: PG Darren Collison, SG George Hill, SF Rudy Gay, PF Andray Blatche, C Dwight Howard
Power Ranking: 4th


1. New Jersey Nets
The Nets are, by far, the best team on paper coming into this season. Blessed with the first overall pick, LeBron James comes to town a year earlier than Nets fans expected him. Devin Harris stays put to quarterback the team, and in an interesting storyline, Kenyon Martin returns to Jersey with his career somewhat resurrected. The only thing that will stop this team from a 1 seed in the East is injuries in the frontcourt. As for now, they are the preseason favorite to win the title.

Projected Starters: PG Devin Harris, SG Mike Miller, SF LeBron James, PF Kenyon Martin, C Andrew Bynum
Power Ranking: 1st

[Nuns 'n Moses]

Central Division Predictions


5. Detroit Pistons
Detroit took a gamble in the first round by drafting rookie Tyreke Evans. Highly talented but unproven, Evans will be the main offensive weapon on an overall weak team. Grant Hill's career comes full circle in Detroit. With James Harden (who will be the sixth man this year) and Anthony Randolph, the Pistons are built for the future, but I wouldn't invest in much success for them this year, even with their surprisingly (somewhat) high preseason Power Ranking.
Projected Starters: PG Tyreke Evans, SG Jamal Crawford, SF Grant Hill, PF Anthony Randolph, C Chuck Hayes
Power Ranking: 19th


4. Chicago Bulls
The Bulls did a poor job of all-around drafting on Draft Day, leaving their team with out a viable
option at small forward, which may end up forcing rookie Earl Clark into a starting role. Monta Ellis
brings star power to the team, with sharpshooter Aaron Brooks running the point. The rotation of Luis
Scola, Kevin Love, and Spencer Hawes could be dominant, but the possibility of them flopping lands
Chicago at No. 4 in the preseason rankings.
Projected Starters: PG Aaron Brooks, SG Monta Ellis, SF Earl Clark, PF Luis Scola, C Kevin Love
Power Ranking: 15th (?!?!?!)


3. Indiana Pacers
Two-time MVP Steve Nash and 2nd year up-and-comer O.J. Mayo lead a talented and deep backcourt for a very under-the-radar Pacers team. Roy Hibbert anchors the middle as Indiana wanted him to keep the same uniform he was wearing. With budding talent Louis Williams and marksman Anthony Parker coming off the bench, look for this underrated Pacers squad to make some noise in the wide-open Central Division.
Projected Starters: PG Steve Nash, SG O.J. Mayo, SF Josh Howard, PF Charlie Villanueva, C Roy Hibbert
Power Ranking: 26th

2. Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks are a high-octane squad that will look to run many teams out of the gym this year. They have all the tools in place to make a solid run at the playoffs this year. Derrick Rose, who was incredible in last year's instant-classic series against Boston, will have plenty of weapons as well as himself to work with. Rose, headcase Stephen Jackson, and solid swingman Tayshaun Prince will carry the scoring load while Paul Millsap and Brendan Haywood will do the dirty work in the paint. With a solid bench, Milwaukee will be a force in the East this year.
Projected Starters: PG Derrick Rose, SG Stephen Jackson, SF Tayshaun Prince, PF Paul Millsap, C Brendan Haywood
Power Ranking: 22nd

1. Cleveland Cavaliers
As I previously stated, this division is wide open this year. But with the best player in the division in superstar Brandon Roy, the Cavs look like the favorite to take the Central title. Roy will be flanked by Raymond Felton in the backcourt. David Lee will be the big man and clean the glass, with the two forwards (Hedo Turkoglu and Thaddeus Young) being more finesse players. A very good experienced bench with Derek Fisher, Antonio McDyess, and Jerry Stackhouse will be good on the floor and in the locker room for the Cavaliers this season.
Projected Starters: PG Raymond Felton, SG Brandon Roy, SF Hedo Turkoglu, PF Thaddeus Young, C David Lee
Power Ranking: 10th

[kibaxx7]

Nice lineup by NJ.

[Nuns 'n Moses]

Southeast Division Predictions

5. Orlando Magic
The Magic chose the future over today on Draft Day, using their first round pick on college star and rookie Blake Griffin. Ray Allen still has the jumper that little kids dream of having, but he's 34 now, and his ankles are not in the best of shape. Regardless, he is the best scoring option on this team with more defensive-minded players in Griffin, Luol Deng and Andris Biedrins. Ramon Sessions, a potential star in the making, calls the shots out top. With an extremely weak bench, it doesn't look like the Magic will do much this year, but as Griffin matures, watch out in the future.
Projected Starters: PG Ramon Sessions, SG Ray Allen, SF Luol Deng, PF Blake Griffin, C Andris Biedrins
Power Ranking: 25th


4. Washington Wizards
The Wizards could put together an All-Underrated Players Team from the past 5 years with their draft picks. John Salmons has been all over the league over the past several years, but there's no denying that the guy can score. Forwards Shawn Marion and Carl Landry have also been quiet but effective since entering the league. Big storylines will see how highly touted rookie Stephen Curry, nicknamed the "Baby-Faced Assassin," will perform at the next level and if former top pick Greg Oden can stay healthy and finally live up to his potential.
Projected Starters: PG Stephen Curry, SG John Salmons, SF Shawn Marion, PF Carl Landry, C Greg Oden
Power Ranking: 14th


3. Miami Heat
In a very strong division that could possibly send four teams to the playoffs, the Heat are only projected at number three, although very well rounded, due to health (and attitude) problems. Deron Williams, one of the best point guards in the game today, will be the star of this team, even though Allen Iverson may think he is and have trouble accepting a supporting role. Yao Ming should be solid in the paint, granted he can stay healthy. Shane Battier will continue to be a solid defensive player and shooter, and Elton Brand will look to get his career back on track.
Projected Starters: PG Deron Williams, SG Allen Iverson, SF Shane Battier, PF Elton Brand, C Yao Ming
Power Ranking: 9th


2. Charlotte Bobcats

A very strong "brotherhood" of big men will power the Bobcats this year. Pau and Marc Gasol are reunited in Charlotte to control the paint. They will mesh very easily, with Pau being an offensive powerhouse and Marc being more defensive-minded. Not to be forgotten is Paul Pierce, who continues to be a playmaker and big-time performer year after year. Kyle Lowry and Dahntay Jones, two above-average perimeter defenders, will lead the Bobcats' backcourt.
Projected Starters: PG Kyle Lowry, SG Dahntay Jones, SF Paul Pierce, PF Pau Gasol, C Marc Gasol
Power Ranking: 2nd


1. Atlanta Hawks

In contrast to the Bobcats, the Hawks could possibly have the best backcourt in the league, with Baron Davis, Dwyane Wade, and Danny Granger. However, their weakness is without a doubt the frontcourt, which is aging and unproven. The Hawks' "Big Three" will pick up the slack for them, however, and look for them to make a serious run at the title this year. Rookie Tyler Hansbrough will be working hard and pushing projected starter Tyrus Thomas for a starting spot, which may start a chain reaction, causing Thomas to work harder. Zydrunas Ilgauskas will start at center for the Hawks, looking to fly high this year.
Projected Starters: PG Baron Davis, SG Dwyane Wade, SF Danny Granger, PF Tyrus Thomas, C Zydrunas Ilgauskas
Power Ranking: 6th

[Nuns 'n Moses]

Southwest Division Predictions

5. Houston Rockets
The Rockets bring a very athletic team to the table in 2009-10. Big Al Jefferson will lead the charge;
his health will be a major factor in the Rockets' performance this year. Kevin Martin is the main
offensive weapon. Trevor Ariza brings energy, athleticism, and defensive prowess. David West is a
solid player at power forward. Rookie Rodrigue Beaubois and highflyer Shannon Brown will most likely
share the point guard duties throughout the year.
Projected Starters: PG Rodrigue Beaubois. SG Kevin Martin, SF Trevor Ariza, PF David West, C Al Jefferson
Power Ranking: 29th

4. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs have a solid veteran team this year. Chauncey Billups leads the charge, bringing leadership
and a deadly three point shot. Emeka Okafor and Antawn Jamison mirror each other as the 4 and 5; Okafor
is a physical bruiser in the paint, while Jamison can step out and knock down the jumper. Jason
Richardson's play will improve while playing alongside Billups. The Mavericks are another sink-or-swim
team that will be interesting to watch this year.
Projected Starters: PG Chauncey Billups, SG Jason Richardson, SF Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, PF Antawn Jamison, C Emeka Okafor
Power Ranking: 16th

3. New Orleans Hornets
The Hornets are a very young and talented group. 13th year veteran Tracy McGrady is the only 30-plus starter on the squad, led by forwards Andre Iguodala and LaMarcus Aldridge. Two lefties will run the point this year for the Hornets, speedy Michael Conley and oft-troubled Delonte West. Perhaps this year T-Mac will make it out of the first round while actually playing.
Projected Starters: PG Michael Conley, SG Tracy McGrady, SF Andre Iguodala, PF LaMarcus Aldridge, C Anderson Varejao
Power Ranking: 13th

2. San Antonio Spurs
Contrary to the defensive-minded, fundamentally sound Spurs teams that have won numerous championships in years past, Gregg Popovich now has a youthful, energetic, more offensive team to work with. Vince Carter and Rajon Rondo lead a talented backcourt. Jeff Green and Joakim Noah will look to prove to everyone that they belong in the league and in the starting lineup. Rondo and VC should be enough to lead this team to success.
Projected Starters: PG Rajon Rondo, SG Vince Carter, SF Richard Jefferson, PF Jeff Green, C Joakim Noah
Power Ranking: 8th

1. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have a logjam in their backcourt, but in this case, it is a problem worth having. Chris Paul is guaranteed a spot, being the best point guard in the NBA, but it will be tough to decide whether to play 11-year veteran Richard Hamilton or rookie and overwhelming fan favorite Brandon Jennings. Ron Artest is a guarantee to bring respectable 3 point shooting, defense, and a lot of drama. Paul will make everyone around him better, and Memphis should have no trouble entering the playoff picture.
Projected Starters: PG Chris Paul, SG Richard Hamilton, SF Ron Artest, PF Jason Maxiell, C Nene
Power Ranking: 5th

[Nuns 'n Moses]

I would say sorry for the wait and the shorter reviews, but no one is following anyway and I just wanna get these over with so I can start playing.

Northwest Division Predictions

5. Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City will have a lot to prove this year, with all 5 of their starters being lottery picks in the past, many of them yet to prove themself. Eric Gordon looks to have a breakout year after a solid rookie campaign. Andrew Bogut will look to prove that he deserved the no. 1 draft pick in 2005.
Projected Starters: PG Kirk Hinrich, SG Eric Gordon, Corey Maggette, PF Troy Murphy, C Andrew Bogut
Power Ranking: 23rd

4. Denver Nuggets
With no up-and coming star and no real present superstar, the Nuggets aren't a flashy team, but they will out-physical most of the teams in the league. Carlos Boozer and Mo Williams will look to make a formidable duo. Ben Gordon flanks Williams in the backcourt.
Projected Starters: PG Mo Williams, SG Ben Gordon, SF Quentin Richardson, PF Carlos Boozer, C Ben Wallace
Power Ranking: 24th

3. Minnesota Timberwolves
Minny has a reason to be excited for the first time since Kevin Garnett led them to the Finals. A very talented team takes the floor this year, with forwards Chris Bosh and Gerald Wallace leading the charge. Chris Kaman is a solid center, while sharpshooter Michael Redd and rookie Jrue Holliday round out the starting lineup.
Projected Starters: PG Jrue Holliday, SG Michael Redd, SF Gerald Wallace, PF Chris Bosh, C Chris Kaman
Power Ranking: 20th

2. Utah Jazz
The Jazz are a young and extremely talented team this year, led by superstar and scoring machine Carmelo Anthony. Zach Randolph, his career back on track, gives them a low post threat. Kendrick Perkins is the defensive stopper. Rookie Jonny Flynn quarterbacks the team, flanked by J.R. Smith, who seems like he's been in the league forever but is still only 23 years old.
Projected Starters: PG Jonny Flynn, SG J.R. Smith, SF Carmelo Anthony, PF Zach Randolph, C Kendrick Perkins
Power Ranking: 3rd

1. Portland Trailblazers
The Trail Blazers have Kobe Bryant. What else needs to be said? Not to mention the Euro Trio of Andrei Kirilenko, Dirk Nowitzki, and Andrea Bargnani. Jameer Nelson, not to be forgotten, will be running the point. This is a team that will just score at will. The bench is a liability, maybe the only one on this team. I see them as the team opposing the Nets in the Finals this year.
Projected Starters: PG Jameer Nelson, SG Kobe Bryant, SF Andrei Kirilenko, PF Dirk Nowitzki, C Andrea Bargnani
Power Ranking: 11th

[Nuns 'n Moses]

All my picture links broke...

Pacific Division Predictions

5.Los Angeles Lakers
Not used to seeing this team this low? Aside from Amar'e Stoudemire, the Lakers are a very weak defensive team with no proven consistent scorer. If Nate Robinson falters, look for Mario Chalmers to emerge as a solid player for this team. Rashard Lewis brings a silky smooth shot and some rebounding to the table. Don't expect the Lake Show to be very popular this year.
Projected Starters: PG Nate Robinson, SG Ronnie Brewer, SF Rashard Lewis, PF Amar'e Stoudemire, C Mehmet Okur
Power Ranking: 28th

4. Phoenix Suns
The Suns are an experienced team this year. The Shaqtus returns to Phoenix, and his frontcourt mate, Josh Smith, is a defensive whiz with a developing offensive game. Caron Butler gives a scoring punch to this team. However, the lack of a proven superstar (well, under the age of 37) may be a big problem for Phoenix.
Projected Starters: PG Mike Bibby, SG Caron Butler, SF James Posey, PF Josh Smith, C Shaquille O'Neal
Power Ranking: 21st

3. Golden State Warriors
The strength of this Warriors team, like in years' past, is the backcourt. Joe Johnson, Andre Miller, and Ty Lawson should be a 3-man rotation no one will take lightly. Martell Webster will get a chance to prove himself as a starter this year. The frontcourt will be the Achilles' heel of Golden State.
Projected Starters: PG Andre Miller, SG Joe Johnson, SF Martell Webster, PF Lamar Odom, C Joel Przybilla
Power Ranking: 18th

2. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers could easily take the LA basketball title from the Lakers this year. All signs point to Gilbert Arenas exploding back on the scene and returning to old form. Jermaine O'Neal and Michael Beasley migrate from Miami to Los Angeles. Chris Douglas-Roberts is looking to prove that his rookie success was no fluke. Add in a strong bench, and the Clippers could return to the playoffs this year.
Projected Starters: PG Gilbert Arenas, SG Chris Douglas-Roberts, SF Nicolas Batum, PF Michael Beasley, C Jermaine O'Neal
Power Ranking: 17th

1. Sacramento Kings
At the top of what appears to be an upside-down Pacific Division is the Kings. With two proven scoring machines in Kevin Durant and Manu Ginobili, defenses will have their hands full. Rodney Stuckey and Rasheed Wallace reunite in Sac-Town. Marreese Speights, who had some under-the-radar success in Philadelphia last year as a rookie, will be the fifth starter on this team.
Projected Starters: PG Rodney Stuckey, SG Manu Ginobili, SF Kevin Durant, PF Marreese Speights, C Rasheed Wallace
Power Ranking: 7th

Coming up next, the Knicks kick off their season in Minnesota.

[Nuns 'n Moses]

Knicks 94, Timberwolves 100

Knicks melt down in second half, can't recover in loss

"Embarrassing. Inexcusable. Humiliating." Normally even-keeled Mike D'antoni, when asked about his team's performance in the second half of their loss to the Timberwolves in Minnesota, said these three words, slammed his fist on the podium, and left the press conference. It would be hard not to be frustrated in his position.
What is his "position," you say? Just the head coach of a team whom he just watched blow a 22-point halftime lead. It was a tale of two halves for the Knicks, who came out of the gate firing, jumping out to a 34-24 lead after the first quarter led by Andray Blatche and Dwight Howard. The lead was increased to 58-36 at the break. But after that, it was all Timberwolves, led by Michael Redd and Chris Bosh, outscoring the Knicks 64-36 in the second half and even extending the lead to as much as ten with less than two minutes to play.
Turnovers and free throws were a big problem for the Knicks throughout the game. New York committed a dismal 28 turnovers in the game, 11 of which by Blatche, against only 17 assists. They also only shot 67% as a team from the charity stripe. They also shot 2-13 from three point land, and Rudy Gay showed his magician skills by performing a disappearing act (9 points on 30% shooting.) "I know I have to do more for this team to win," Gay said after the game. "We won't make it anywhere with me averaging 9 points per game. I need to step it up; you can blame this loss on me."
Not to be forgotten was a monster game for Blatche, with 33 points and 13 rebounds, shooting 13-16 (81.25%) from the field. Dwight Howard added 20 opints, 10 boards, and 4 blocks. Redd paced the Wolves with 27 points, with Bosh dropping 20 and 8 boards. With starting center Chris Kaman in foul trouble most of the game, John Ross came up big off the bench with 6 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
The Knicks go back home to play the Clippers in the first game at MSG this year. "We've got to bounce back," said Howard.


Team Leaders:

Pts: NYK Andray Blatche 33, MIN Michael Redd 27

Reb: NYK Andray Blatche 13, MIN John Ross 12

Ast: NYK Rudy Gay 6, MIN Michael Redd 5

Blk: NYK Dwight Howard 4, MIN John Ross 3

Stl: NYK George Hill 3, MIN Michael Redd/Ersan Ilyasova 3

JORDAN PLAYER OF THE GAME: Michael Redd, Minnesota

Sorry guys, but no pictures this time, I'll remember to take screenshots from now on.