X's T'wolves (NBA 2K11)

[el stevo]

Have fun in achieving these goals (impossible? )

[The X]

And to all my viewers, all five of you, if I don't say it again, have a very Merry Serbian Christmas as only Darko would.

You have more than five viewers, just don't take the time to comment. Merry Christmas to you too.

Having four players at around 12-13 ppg is pretty odd. Someone's gonna need to step their game up, better be Wesley. Team's been good though, that 11-game winning streak.

I was just have a joke, it's my self-deprecating sense of humour. You'll get it soon enough.

As for the team, yep, lately it's been the 'Cuse connection Flynn & Johnson stepping up. As long as I keep winning, I don't mind.

[The X]

2010/11 2nd TRIMESTER UPDATE (PART TWO)


WHO NEEDS PAU WHEN YOU'VE GOT KOBE?

When Pau Gasol went down with a season ending injury (torn MCL) just prior to the New Year, everybody was writing them off to deliver a 3-peat. Nobody told that to Kobe though. The Lakers were 20-5 when Pau went down, they are now a league best 42-14 entering the All-Star break, having not missed a beat with Kobe Bryant (29.0ppg) and Andrew Bynum (16.6ppg, 8.6rpg) picking up the slack.

The real question is how will the Lakers look come playoff team, when a player like Pau Gasol comes into his own. It's not easy in the West and if they do manage to hold onto the top spot in the West, there prize may be the San Antonio Spurs (31-25), Dallas (31-25), Denver (34-28) or Phoenix (31-28). As you can see, it's going to take a special run to advance all the way to the promised land this year without Pau.

Rotation: A.Bynum/L.Odom/R.Artest/K.Bryant/S.Brown/M.Barnes (6th) [P.Gasol - out for season/D.Fisher - traded ]


Kobe's got his game face on

STANDINGS

All records are pro-rata over 82 game season. To view actual records, follow 2k blog link at bottom of this post.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

New York: 40-17 (0.700)
Boston: 37-17 (0.6842)
Miami: 37-20 (0.650)
Chicago: 25-23 (0.529)
Charlotte: 37-20 (0.650)
Orlando: 28-23 (0.556)
Atlanta: 23-23 (0.500)
Indiana: 23-23 (0.500)
---------------------------------
Washington: 37-40 (0.482)
Milwaukee: 31-34 (0.478)
Detroit: 23-25 (0.471)
Cleveland: 14-40 (0.263)
Toronto: 14-40 (0.263)
Philadelphia: 14-42 (0.250)
New Jersey: 14-48 (0.227)


WESTERN CONFERENCE

LA Lakers: 42-14 (0.750)
Oklahoma City: 34-14 (0.706)
Houston: 42-23 (0.652)
Portland: 40-25 (0.609)
Sacramento: 37-25 (0.591)
Dallas: 31-25 (0.550)
San Antonio: 31-25 (0.550)
Denver: 34-28 (0.546)
---------------------------------
Phoenix: 31-28 (0.524)
Memphis: 34-31 (0.522)
Golden State: 23-31 (0.421)
New Orleans: 23-37 (0.381)
Minnesota: 23-40 (0.364)
LA Clippers: 17-37 (0.316)
Utah: 17-37 (0.316)

LEAGUE LEADERS

SCORING:

F- K.Durant (OKC): 32.8ppg
G- M.Ellis (GSW): 31.5ppg
F- C.Anthony (Den): 29.6ppg
G- K.Bryant (LAL): 29.0ppg
G- T.Evans (Sac): 27.9ppg


REBOUNDS:

F- T.Duncan (SAS): 13.2rpg
C- D.Howard (Orl): 11.4rpg
F- M.Camby (Por): 11.2rpg
C- A.Bogut (Mil): 10.9rpg
F- K.Durant (OKC): 10.8rpg


ASSISTS:

G- R.Rondo (Bos): 10.6apg
G- J.Kidd (Dal): 9.6apg
G- S.Nash (Pho): 8.8apg
G- R.Westbrook (OKC): 8.6apg
G- D.Williams (Uta): 8.5apg


STEALS:

G- R.Felton (NYK): 2.9spg
G- R.Rondo (Bos): 2.7spg
G- M.Ginobili (SAS): 2.7spg
G- J.Smith (Atl): 2.6spg
G- K.Durant (OKC): 2.5spg


BLOCKS:

F- J.Smith (Atl): 2.3bpg
C- D.Howard (Orl): 2.2bpg
C- B.Haywood (Dal): 2.0bpg
C- A.Bogut (Mil): 2.0bpg
C- M.Camby (Por): 1.9bpg


PLAYER EFFICIENCY RATING (PER):

F- K.Durant (OKC): 33.4
G- K.Bryant (LAL): 30.2
G- T.Evans (Sac): 28.5
G- M.Ellis (GSW): 28.0
F- L.James (Mia): 27.9

[The X]

Finally caught up with my updates half a week late. Now time to watch an NBA doubleheader.

As for the above, you will notice some stats still too high, but since the patch came out they are starting to come back down to normality a little bit.

Enjoy

[dare]

Kobe for MVP, who did they traded for Fisher

[|)e8*]

Wow 11 gamer winning streak

[kibaxx7]

who did they traded for Fisher

+1. Knicks 1st seed.

[The X]

2010/11 2nd TRIMESTER UPDATE (PART THREE)


RUBIO STRUGGLES IN EUROLEAGUE PLAY

After strong play in the ACB Spanish League for Regal FC Barcelona, Ricky Rubio has really struggled in the top flight Euroleague. Rubio is averaging 10.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 8.4apg and 2.0spg but is turning the ball over at a rate of 3.9 times per game and only shooting 34.4% from the field and 19.4% from behind the arc. His struggles in Euroleague play have intensified the calls from his critics in the States that his high lottery selection in the 2009 Draft being a mistake, with some wondering whether he will ever make it to the NBA. Other experts of the game think Rubio's game may actually be more suited to the NBA style of game rather than its European counterpath. All agree that wherever Rubio ends up, he will need time to develop and would be better suited playing behind a veteran mentor.

[The X]

Kobe for MVP, who did they traded for Fisher

Fisher was traded to the Nuggets for Renaldo Balkman & Anthony Carter

[The X]

2010/11 2nd TRIMESTER UPDATE (PART FOUR)


UCLA SOPH BLAZES TRAIL IN PAC-10

Perry Buchanan, UCLA, Soph
SG, 6'6", 225lbs, 20 years old
Season Stats: 19ppg, 4rpg, 3apg

After a strong freshman campaign in which he solidified himself as a starter, averaged 13ppg and made the PAC-10 All-Freshman Team, Buchanan couldn’t help but be disappointed that it didn’t translate to wins for his UCLA team, as they went a very poor 14-18 and didn’t play post-season basketball.

Fast forward a year and the 2010/11 season has been vastly different. Buchanan worked on his game tirelessly over the summer and has transformed himself into possibly the most complete perimeter player in the nation. Individually, he has to be a lock for PAC-10 Player of the Year honours and is also in the mix for National Player of the Year honours. Team-wise, the UCLA Bruins have rebounded and sit atop the PAC-10 standings with a 13-2 conference record and sit sixth overall in the nation with a 23-4 record. With an NCAA berth all but sewn up, Buchanan will hope to add one more chapter to his collegiate career, a NCAA title.

NBA scouts have compared his game to Joe Johnson’s, a do-everything perimeter wing who can play anywhere from the 1 to 3, but he’ll likely settle in as a full-time shooting guard. He makes everybody around him better and if handled correctly and if he lands in the correct situation in the NBA, he could be a top 5 shooting guard within a few years. With Kobe Bryant’s career slowly heading towards its twilight and Dwayne Wade throwing his body around recklessly, with Buchanan you may be looking at the next great 2 guard. Although we are only in mid-February, I think it’s fair to say that Perry Buchanan will not return for his junior season and he's currently a lock as a top 5 in the 2011 Draft, but I think he is more likely to be the first or second player chosen.

Draft Stock: Top 5


EVERYBODY LOVES CHUCK

Chuck Smith, Oregon State, Jr
SG, 6’7", 206lbs, 21 years old
Season Stats: 19ppg, 6rpg

After a disappointing 2009/10 season, it’s turning into a banner year for the PAC-10 as it has produced another outstanding player in Oregon State swingman Chuck Smith. The do-everything 21 year old junior has taken the PAC-10 by storm this season after missing his freshman season due to eligibility issues and after being in the coach’s doghouse for most of his sophomore season. He came on late last season and has looked like a different player and man ever since. Chuck Smith is a super athlete who uses a very quick first step to get by his defender and do whatever he wants. The sky is the limit for Smith and the only person that can stop him is himself.

I’ve had at least one NBA scout who has told me if it was up to him, he would take Smith over Buchanan and if it wasn’t for the difference in school pedigree, everybody else would do the same. I don’t know if I would go that far. Smith has major league talent, but he also has a major league ego and the character issues that come with it. All that being said, NBA teams have been known to look past character issues and they will do again with Smith. Currently he’s top 5 talent, but with the lingering character issues, I see him dropping out of the top 5 and falling somewhere in the 6-9 range.

Draft Stock: Top 5


DO YOU GO YOUNG OR OLD AT POINT GUARD?

Floyd Bradley, Maryland, Fr
PG, 6'2", 190lbs, 19 years old
Season Stats: 15ppg, 4apg, 2spg

The argument for young starts with Floyd Bradley, the dazzling freshman point guard who has taken the ACC by storm, like Stephon Marbury did many years before. Bradley displays a youthful exuberance in his play, which makes for great watching for fans but for many hair pulling moments for his coach Gary Williams. Bradley seems similar to Marbury and former Terps' sensation Steve Francis coming out of college. I've heard comparisons to a pre-injury Gilbert Arenas, but it's hard to say at this stage. What isn't hard to say is that he will be a very good player at the next level, mark my words about that.

Bradley was always going to be a one and done from the moment he signed a letter of intent to go to the Terps, but it’s an especially enjoyable ride as the Terrapins are currently sitting second in the ACC, sandwiched between conference powerhouses North Carolina and Duke.

Draft Stock: Top 5


Mo Bosh, Nebraska, Sr
PG, 6'0", 180lbs, 23 years old
Season Stats: 22ppg, 6apg, 2spg

The argument for old ends with Cornhuskers’ heart and soul floor leader Mo Bosh, who has being doing what he has been doing from the moment he arrived at Nebraska over 4 years ago. He’s the best Cornhusker since Tyronn Lue starred at the college. Much like Lue, Bosh is listed at 6’0” but that is a very generous listing. I’d say his NBA comparison right now would have to be Jameer Nelson, which includes how his college career has panned out.

Barring an unlikely run in the conference tournament, Nebraska once again looks NIT bound as they currently sit 8th in Big 12 Conference, with only six bids likely this year. This is no slight on Bosh does not have a lot to work with and the Big 12 is once again one of the strongest conferences in the country. Bosh will be in the NBA next season, it’s just unsure where he would go. Given his lack of size I’d normally have Bosh in the 15-20 range, but given that there is a dearth of elite point guards in this year’s draft, I can see a late lottery team stretching on him to fill a need.

Draft Stock: Lottery

[The X]

INTERNET VOTING FIASCO CASTS SHADOW OVER 2011 ALL-STAR GAME

It all started out as a joke by a lifelong Gilbert Arenas fan, it ended in Arenas being the second guard selected on votes to the Easter Conference All-Star team. If you take notice, this sort of thing happens every year, a viral campaign to vote in a certain player into the All-Star game, but it never works until this year.

The NBA has refused comment on this matter, but it must be immensely embarrassing to them to see Gilbert Arenas representing the league at their showcase event in LA this weekend. Arenas is having a great year (20.5ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.8apg, 2.1spg) for the resurgent Washington Wizards (only 3 games under 0.500), so much so that if the NBA still had the Comeback Player of the Year Award, he'd win it. All that being said, if not for the viral campaign, could you really imagine the league's coaches voting him in as a reserve? Yeah, I didn't think so either.

[Fresh8]

Not Happy about Fisher trade.

[The X]

LEAGUE NAMES LINEUPS FOR T-MOBILE ROOKIE GAME


ROOKIE LINEUP

STARTERS
C- DeMarcus Cousins (Sac)
F- Ed Davis (Tor)
F- Wesley Johnson (Min)
G- Evan Turner (Phi)
G- John Wall (Was)

BENCH
C- Tiago Splitter (SAS)
F- Derrick Favors (NJN)
F- Al-Farouq Aminu (LAC)
G- Xavier Henry (Mem)
G- Eric Bledsloe (LAC)

Notable Snub: F- Blake Griffin (LAC): 9.5ppg, 6.9rpg

SOPHOMORE LINEUP

STARTERS
C- Hasheem Thabeet (Mem)
F- Tyler Hansbrough (Ind)
F- Terrence Williams (NJN)
G- Tyreke Evans (Sac)
G- Stephen Curry (GSW)

BENCH
C- Serge Ibaka (OKC)
F- Taj Gibson (Chi)
F- Omri Casspi (Sac)
G- Marcus Thornton (NOH)
G- Darren Collison (Ind)

Notable Snub: G- Brandon Jennings (Mil): 15.3ppg, 5.8apg, 1.7spg

[The X]

Not Happy about Fisher trade.

Didn't think you would be. Don't blame me, blame virtual Lakers' GM

Fisher wasn't starting anyways I don't think. Team is better without him

[Fresh8]

I will wear my Fisher jersey with pride this Xmas.

[mp3]

Goodluck to Wes Johnson for the Rookie game !

[Axel The Great]

Excellent job getting Wes to the Rookie Challenge. Not liking the snub of Blake Griffin though.

[Fresh8]

After a night sleeping on it, I reckon the Lakers are paving way for the drafting of Bizarro Sit

[The X]

Excellent job getting Wes to the Rookie Challenge. Not liking the snub of Blake Griffin though.

Blake's been given a ratings boost from 76 to 82 & bump in tendencies so hopefully his numbers double next season

After a night sleeping on it, I reckon the Lakers are paving way for the drafting of Bizarro Sit

Could be, could be. They've always one or two steps ahead of everybody else.

[The X]

LEAGUE NAMES LINEUPS FOR 2011 ALL-STAR GAME


EASTERN CONFERENCE ALL-STARS

STARTERS
C- Dwight Howard (Orl) - 5th All-Star Appearance
F- Amar'e Stoudemire (NYK) - 6th All-Star Appearance
F- Lebron James (Mia) - 7th All-Star Appearance
G- Dwayne Wade (Mia) - 6th All-Star Appearance
G- Gilbert Arenas (Was) - 4th All-Star Appearance

BENCH
C- Andrew Bogut (Mil) - 1st All-Star Appearance
F- Chris Bosh (Mia) - 5th All-Star Appearance
F- Andre Iguodala (Phi) - 1st All-Star Appearance
G- Stephen Jackson (Cha) - 1st All-Star Appearance
G- John Wall (Was) - 1st All-Star Appearance
G- Derrick Rose (Chi) - 1st All-Star Appearance
G- Rajon Rondo (Bos) - 2nd All-Star Appearance


NOTABLE SNUBS:
F- Danny Granger (Ind): 24.4ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.7spg, 1.8bpg
G- Joe Johnson (Atl): 23.1ppg, 4.1rpg, 4.8apg, 2.0spg
F- Josh Smith (Atl): 13.1ppg, 8.1rpg, 2.6spg, 2.3bpg
G- Vince Carter (Orl): 23.2ppg, 4.4rpg
C- Brook Lopez (NJN): 19.0ppg, 8.8rpg, 1.8bpg

WESTERN CONFERENCE ALL-STARS

STARTERS
C- Yao Ming (Hou) - 8th All-Star Appearance
F- Tim Duncan (SAS) - 13th All-Star Appearance
F- Carmelo Anthony (Den) - 4th All-Star Appearance
G- Kobe Bryant (LAL) - 13th All-Star Appearance
G- Chris Paul (NOH) - 4th All-Star Appearance

BENCH
C- Chris Kaman (LAC) - 2nd All-Star Appearance
F- Dirk Nowitzki (Dal) - 10th All-Star Appearance
F- Kevin Durant (OKC) - 2nd All-Star Appearance
G- Brandon Roy (Por) - 4th All-Star Appearance
G- Deron Williams (Uta) - 2nd All-Star Appearance
G- Manu Ginobili (SAS) - 2nd All-Star Appearance
G- Tyreke Evans (Sac) - 1st All-Star Appearance


NOTABLE SNUBS:
G- Monta Ellis (GSW): 31.5ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.9spg
G- Russell Westbrook (OKC): 20.9ppg, 8.6apg, 1.8spg
G- Steve Nash (Pho): 22.2ppg, 8.8apg
G- Chauncey Billups (Den): 21.5ppg, 7.5apg
F- David Lee (Hou): 18.3ppg, 8.8rpg, 1.5spg

[rise]

I will wear my Fisher jersey with pride this Xmas.

Hahaha too bad he sucked today (6pts, 3 ast)

[Fresh8]

Yep, biggest snub = Monta. He's tearing it up!

[Lamrock]

Indeed, Monta is a very surprising snub. Probably taking 35-40 shots per game though.

[kibaxx7]

Nice to see Gilbert starting

[The X]

Yep, biggest snub = Monta. He's tearing it up!

Indeed, Monta is a very surprising snub. Probably taking 35-40 shots per game though.

With 29 game seasons you get a few bad snubs due to selection being based on accumulated stats rather than per game stats. So for Golden State, I think they've only played 18 games & a team like Washington has played about 25 or so. A few dodgy ones are John Wall (15 & 8), Andre Iguodala (13 plus fill boxscore in other areas).

Admittedly I can see how Monta Ellis missed out, Kobe, Roy, Manu & Evans have been good. Ellis should be ahead of Roy & Manu though, but those guys are from better teams & have played more games.

Re Monta, he'll make one of All-NBA teams, which should make up for it