X's T'wolves (NBA 2K11)

Hey X, are you recovering alright? Sorry to hear life has been so busy

I'm all good. Yep, back's alright. Have a nice 7cm scar. Looks like I've been stabbed

Did get a chance to play a game today. The Atlanta Hawks' huge backcourt of Joe Johnson and Perry Buchanan did me over. It didn't help that I was missing my top two point guards (Flynn & Rubio) to injury. Lucky I got so many, I didn't miss a beat. Floyd Bradley looked good in spots. He is Stevie Franchise v2.0. Considering he played at Maryland, it's pretty uncanny. He makes some spectacular plays. As for Hawks, I think they are one piece away from challenging Heat for supremacy in the East.

Rubio sucks anyway, great to see other PG's getting a chance.

Rubio sucks anyway, great to see other PG's getting a chance.

I'm in a quandry, all 3 PG's have shown me something different. Flynn has shown an improved jumpshot but he's in final year of deal & I'm not sure I want to pay him big $$$'s. I like Rubio but don't know if he's right fit for what I want from a PG. Bradley is a stud, more or less a Steve Francis clone but he's got an inconsistent outside shot & is turnover prone. If I could combine the 3 I'd be very happy. I'm leaning towards keeping two of the three, but it may take me until trade deadline to make my mind up.

I have to make my mind up on Beasley as he's in last year of deal also. Love will be staying, he's averaging 21-11 so far for me this season & I lost both games this season when he was out injured.

I got some things up my sleeve. I could turn some players into the likes of Danny Granger, Andrew Bogut type fringe All-Stars. I figure they're both more realistic for Minnesota. Just don't know yet. My team is in flux & it's hard to know how it will end.

In other news, Darko isn't happy in New Jersey & part of me is tempted to trade back for him, especially now with Przy-bizz out for a month or two

So far this season Love & Brewer have been great, both have expanded their games over the summer & both are putting up good numbers in the starting lineup. Guys like Hill & Svensson are inconsistent. Webster is in last year of deal also so might deal him. I like Marcel Moore as 3rd PG but may deal him & Dragon to give them a chance somewhere else.

So yep, in flux at the moment.

I want to see Darko!

I want to see Darko!

Maybe don't need him. Peko went for a career high 24 & 10 today

How's Wilt going?

How's Wilt going?

Pretty shite. All the NLSC-ers just ain't getting much of a look-in as rookies. Washburn is getting most burn but has been underwhelming to date.

I played against Blazers (they suck since you joined them, worst in the league) & you were 3rd string PG behind Dre Miller & Jose Calderon. You looked pretty good out there with your mohawk & were hard to keep in front of. Perhaps when one of those two leave in off-season you'll get a chance.

Aside from that, I'm finished first trimester, so will start on updates sometime this week. Haven't done any pic of day since PSN has been undergoing scheduled maintenance all Easter weekend.

Well, maybe I can be a better 3rd stringer than Patty.

Well, maybe I can be a better 3rd stringer than Patty.

Don't knock Patty, he's now a backup to John Wall is Washington & is earning a cool $3.5 mil for this season

Well, maybe I can be a better 3rd stringer than Patty.

Don't knock Patty, he's now a backup to John Wall is Washington & is earning a cool $3.5 mil for this season

Yeah Sit, shut your trap about Patty. He's a good backup. He was Chris Paul's always dependable backup for 10 years in my OKC 2K10 Association. Even more so in 2K11 with his ratings increased.

Well, maybe I can be a better 3rd stringer than Patty.

Don't knock Patty, he's now a backup to John Wall is Washington & is earning a cool $3.5 mil for this season

Yeah Sit, shut your trap about Patty. He's a good backup. He was Chris Paul's always dependable backup for 10 years in my OKC 2K10 Association. Even more so in 2K11 with his ratings increased.

I wasn't knocking him. I just got big shoes to fill. As X will tell you, I am a fan.

2011/12 1st TRIMESTER UPDATE (PART ONE)


After racing out to a surprising 6-3 start to the season, the injury bug (Rubio, Flynn, Love, Hill and Przybilla) hit the Minnesota Timberwolves as they dropped their next 11 games to fall to 6-14. With all but Przybilla now healthy, the Timberwolves were able to close the trimester by winning 8 out of their last 11 games to finish 14-17 (0.452). This puts them just outside the playoff picture out West and if they continue with their current winning percentage, they are projected to finish with 37 wins this season, an increase of 14 wins over last season. New coach Jay Triano has to be happy with this start, with most predicting another 20 win season in Minneapolis.

Performance-wise, power forward Kevin Love is the team's leader and is finally becoming what a lot of scouts thought he was capable of, a 20-10 threat every night. He also makes his teammates better with his intangibles and his ability to hit the long ball. Newly resigned swingman Corey Brewer has finally shown that he has a place in this league, with his strong play at both ends of the court impressing. Outside of those two, the rest of the players have been inconsistent. Beasley is a great volume scorer at times but will disappears for whole quarters or halves. The same can be said for Jonny Flynn, who is also in his final year of his contract. He has shown an improved jumpshot but still isn't where management would like him to be. Finally, the rookies have been up and down as you would expect from rookies. Rubio was instrumental in the team's recent overtime win in Philadelphia, finishing with 20 points and 12 assists and a lot of clutch moments. That followed games of 6 and 4, 6 and 3 and 7 and 1. That being said, he has been a lot more consistent than Floyd Bradley. Bradley posted a terrific 19 point, 4 rebound, 16 assist and 2 steal effort in a loss to Atlanta, but that has been followed by poor shot selection and turnover prone play. Finally, Johan Svensson has been sublime at times on defense but his offensive game was lacking.

As we enter the second trimester, coach Jay Triano will look at keeping the Timberwolves in the playoff race. In the front office, GM David Kahn has his work cutting out for him. With many players in their final years of their contracts, some might be moved prior to the February trade deadline. Then there is the fact they're carrying four quality point guards, with one already sent to the D-League (Marcel Moore).


PLAYER STATS

F- Kevin Love: 22.0ppg, 10.6rpg, 53.8% FG, 51.7% 3Pt (PER: 23.18)
F- Michael Beasley: 15.7ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.1spg, 41.8% FG, 39.3% 3Pt (PER: 13.44)
F/G- Corey Brewer: 14.6ppg, 1.4spg, 54.6% FG, 42.9% 3Pt (PER: 17.77)
G- Jonny Flynn: 13.2ppg, 5.5apg, 48.0% FG, 50.0% 3Pt (PER: 17.21)
G- Ricky Rubio: 9.1ppg, 5.8apg, 1.0spg, 44.4% FG, 17.6% 3Pt (PER: 19.01)
G- Floyd Bradley: 7.4ppg, 4.1apg, 1.4spg, 35.1% FG, 5.3% 3Pt (PER: 7.38)
F- Johan Svensson: 6.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.0bpg, 42.6% FG (PER: 11.25)
G- Wayne Ellington: 5.9ppg, 51.1% FG, 50.0% 3Pt (PER: 13.71)
F/G- Martell Webster: 5.3ppg, 40.8% FG, 41.7% 3Pt (PER: 6.11)
C- Nikola Pekovic: 5.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 47.2% FG (PER: 14.38)
F/C- Jordan Hill: 4.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.3bpg, 35.3% FG (PER: 9.65)
C- Joel Przybilla: 2.3ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.0bpg, 55.6% FG, 29.4% 3Pt (PER: 7.06)
G- Malcolm Hoffman: 2.2ppg, 25.0% FG, 33.3% 3Pt (PER: 16.38)
F- Benjamin Branch: 0.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.0bpg, 0.0% FG, 0.0% 3Pt (PER: 8.83)
G- Marcel Moore: D-League
G- Marc Scott: D-League

PLAYER PICS


One of the nastiest facial dunks you will ever see, courtesy of Mr. Webster.

As PlayStation Network has been down all long Easter Weekend, no pics or boxscores have been uploaded, so not many pics to show sorry. I'll do Around The League update today if I get the chance, although it will be light on content, no NLSC-er update yet since they all suck atm Scouting can wait until later in season.

You got pretty good players in the forward spot. Sven is playing good basketball.

You got pretty good players in the forward spot. Sven is playing good basketball.

Yep, I just need to improve at the centre and shooting guard spots.

Can you see my dilemma at PG? Bradley is fun to play with and makes exciting plays. I need to give him a bit longer as I don't want to give up on him too early (a Chauncey Billups like situation). He's a combo Rodney Stuckey-Steve Francis type player.

You got pretty good players in the forward spot. Sven is playing good basketball.

Yep, I just need to improve at the centre and shooting guard spots.

Can you see my dilemma at PG? Bradley is fun to play with and makes exciting plays. I need to give him a bit longer as I don't want to give up on him too early (a Chauncey Billups like situation). He's a combo Rodney Stuckey-Steve Francis type player.

The thing is you got three quality PG's but that is not that bad in case of something bad happened. If your going for a trade I'd say Flynn is on the block. You can definitely use Bradley at the 2 spot the same time with Rubio handling the ball.

Looking very good. I like Rubio's statline, his shooting seems quite okay at .44%, of course he's not a good three point shooter, but you knew that before.

Love is definitely taking over. I think we will see him in the ASG if he keeps shooting like that. PG spot is a dilemma, but you really have some great pieces to deal one of them at the dead-line for a solid player. I'm thinking about a C-F veteran, who can help Love crashing the boards and open up some space for Beasley.

I like your team and at .452%, the Playoffs are still into reach

2011/12 1st TRIMESTER UPDATE (PART TWO)


STANDINGS

All records are pro-rata over 82 game season.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Chicago: 23-3 (0.889)
Boston: 23-8 (0.727)
Atlanta: 20-8 (0.700)
Miami: 20-11 (0.636)
Cleveland: 17-11 (0.600)
New York: 17-11 (0.600)
Charlotte: 20-17 (0.538)
Toronto: 11-11 (0.500)
---------------------------------
Indiana: 11-14 (0.444)
Detroit: 8-11 (0.429)
Washington: 17-25 (0.400)
Philadelphia: 14-23 (0.385)
New Jersey: 8-14 (0.375)
Orlando: 8-20 (0.300)
Milwaukee: 6-25 (0.200)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Oklahoma City: 17-3 (0.857)
Dallas: 23-6 (0.800
Houston: 20-8 (0.700)
LA Lakers: 25-14 (0.643)
Denver: 23-17 (0.571)
New Orleans: 14-14 (0.500)
Memphis: 14-17 (0.455)
Minnesota: 14-17 (0.455)
---------------------------------
San Antonio: 20-25 (0.438)
Sacramento: 8-11 (0.429)
Golden State: 11-17 (0.400)
Phoenix: 8-17 (0.333)
Utah: 8-17 (0.333)
LA Clippers: 3-14 (0.167)
Portland: 3-25 (0.100)

LEAGUE LEADERS

SCORING:

G- K.Bryant (LAL): 31.1ppg
F- K.Durant (OKC): 29.9ppg
G- D.Rose (Chi): 28.2ppg
F- D.Nowitzki (Dal): 27.2ppg
F- L.James (Mia): 25.8ppg


REBOUNDS:

F- T.Duncan (SAS): 14.3rpg
C- K.Perkins (Bos): 11.8rpg
F- C.Bosh (Mia): 11.5rpg
C- A.Bogut (Mil): 10.9rpg
F- D.Lee (Hou): 10.4rpg


ASSISTS:

G- R.Rondo (Bos): 9.8apg
G- J.Kidd (Dal): 9.3apg
G- R.Westbrook (OKC): 8.6apg
G- D.Williams (Uta): 8.3apg
G- A.Brooks (Hou): 8.1apg


STEALS:

G- M.Ellis (GSW): 2.8spg
G- L.Barbosa (Tor): 2.6spg
G- M.Ginobili (SAS): 2.5spg
G- C.Paul (NOH): 2.5spg
G- S.Curry (GSW): 2.4spg


BLOCKS:

C- B.Lopez (NJN): 2.9bpg
C- K.Perkins (Bos): 2.6bpg
C- R.Lopez (Pho): 2.4bpg
C- A.Bargnani (Tor): 2.3bpg
C- A.Bogut (Mil): 2.2bpg


PLAYER EFFICIENCY RATING (PER):

G- D.Wade (Mia): 35.8
G- K.Bryant (LAL): 30.1
F- K.Durant (OKC): 29.1
G- D.Rose (Chi): 29.0
C- T.Duncan (SAS): 28.6

Looks like I am in top 8. I figured I was 9th or 10th.

In other news around the league, veteran Michael Finley announced his retirement after no teams picked him up as a free agent. "Fins" was a lot of fun to watch in his early years with the Suns & then formed a good young duo with Dirk & Nash.

Both Chicago and the Thunder are loved in 2K!

Great to see Love playing like that

Great start to the season! Love's sluffing on the boards but it's great to see him with 20 & 10. Also didn't notice you hiring Jay Triano as coach. You'll definitely lead the league in smashed clipboards with him at the helm

Great to see you guys in the playoff picture despite not having Darko on your team. K-Love's statline is just

51.7% 3PT for Love

X!

Good to see you still putting in great work! I've read about half of it so far. How are things going?

Great start to the season! Love's sluffing on the boards but it's great to see him with 20 & 10. Also didn't notice you hiring Jay Triano as coach. You'll definitely lead the league in smashed clipboards with him at the helm

Yep, I just couldn't handle Rambis. I don't mind Triano from his days of coaching Canada. My team improved once I changed his coaching preferences & went from Raptors playbook ( ) to generic one.

X!

Good to see you still putting in great work! I've read about half of it so far. How are things going?

Mafia in the house!!! Nice to see. Most guys around here wouldn't know you put up an all-time views Dynasty.

Things are good, married with a kid these days. Not much time for 2k or gaming these days. As you can see I'm almost half way through my 2nd season. These are 29 game seasons, I play half, sim half. So in essence I've only played 20 games or so since I got the game back in October Parts of this Association I've struggled to keep going at times so it might be a lite version for a while. At least 2k has integrated media these days so I don't have to take snapshots and crop and all that.

Not really balling much IRL anymore, no time unfortunately. Did have a team (Fighting Irish) running for 5 years. Even recruited a couple of NLSC-ers for it (Dragon & Sit). Might re-join Sit's breakaway team next year if there is an opening.

You still playing? If I recall you were quite a handy player. You must be finished college by now & be in the big, ugly real world. I miss the college parties & drinking

Either way, good to see you around the place.