Page 50!The whole time after say about the 2440th post, I've been racking my brain to think of what I could write to do this milestone justice. Currently it's the only dynasty to reach 50 and the second active one to do so (even though I really thought Thierry was going to beat me to it), so it seemed like I needed to come up with something for this momentus post. Anyway, let's see how I go.
The Next Level Is BornAlmost 2 years ago I started this with next to no experience with writing dynasties, but it was one that was basically a year in the making. After years of frustration that Denver weren't getting out of the first round, I wanted to build a team that would get them over that hump and in the end, this is how the title "The Next Level" spawned. Also, I didn't think Denver were far away from being one of the main contending teams.
When I was bored at work and had nothing to do, I would write up the Denver roster and use the trade checker to see ways in which I could get the players I wanted to on it. But of course, none of the trades I planned actually went through, but not just because of the trade logic. When it comes down to it, if I got all the players I wanted, Denver would have had a really crappy team. I'm not mocking the abilities of Nathan Jawai, Luke Walton or Jason Kapono, but I don't think they would have taken my team to "The Next Level" so to speak.
During that same year the Nuggets made it to the Western Conference Finals and had a real great opportunity to knock off the Lakers. All the sudden, there was pressure for the first season of my dynasty: it seemed like they had reached the status of the contender. But with the health issues George Karl was having at the time, their momentum was really stifled. I feel a part of the reason why I have kept Karl for all this time is out of a great respect I have for him and his ability to overcome such adversity.
And that's generally all the lead up to how this was created. Reading Andrew's dynasties and his enthusiasm for the Chicago Bulls really rubbed off on me as well I think, so I owe a great deal to him as well.
Favourite moments?Well, it's really hard to pin point what my exact favourite is, but off the top of my head, here's what stands out:
-Ty Maximilian's breakout playoffs campaign.
-Bring Marcus Camby back and getting him a ring.
-Getting Grant Hill multiple rings.
-Chauncey Billups' clutch shooting.
-Taylor MacKenzie's rookie campaign and his clutch performances in the 2020 playoffs.
-The emergence of the triple-double machine Borislav Perko.
-J.R. Smith's MVP season.
-Winning 3 in a row for the first time, then winning 4 (hopefully 5 in a row) a few years after that.
Least favourite moments?Well, as much as I've enjoyed playing NBA Live 10, the game has a lot of flaws. I think the odd decision going against me because of an impossible play or glitchy AI logic have been frustrating, but with all the memorable plays, it doesn't particularly factor into the overall enjoyment.
Apart from that, any time I really couldn't update this thread for one reason or another was another down point of this dynasty for me.
Favourite Players?It's really one of those cases where I think I've liked the generated more than the real. Ty Maximilian, Borislav Perko, Taylor MacKenzie, Ed Reed and to a lesser extent, George Power have all contributed to the longevity of this. I've grown sentimental attachments to these artificial people

As for the real players; pretty much the original 4 (Billups, Anthony, Smith and Birdman). Gotta love Marcus Camby as well. Shaq, Michael Beasley and Shannon Brown were all great fun to play with, but two that probably didn't get as much coverage as they should have were Matt Bonner and Andrei Kirilenko. Bonner was incredibly fun to launch threes with and Kirilenko really added an X-Factor off my bench during his stay... if he didn't ask for another ridiculous contract, he would have retired in Denver.
ShoutoutsI've always been reluctant to do these, because I never wanted to leave anyone out. But I'll see how I go and if I leave you out (and you had a significant role within the 50 pages), you can get at me via pm. Here goes:
Andrew: Without you there wouldn't be this creative outlet for me, as you've run easily the most enjoyable forum I have been on. But just mentioning that would be a disservice because you were one of my main influences for starting this and I always enjoy your enthusiasm as a reader. So thank you for running the best forum on the net and being a great person to converse with throughout the 50.
Thierry: One of my most loyal readers and you've been here since page 1. I take great joy in the fact that you've finally shown the commitment to one of your stories that you have to mine. I like to think I've somewhat inspired/encouraged you to do so, but who knows, that might just be my ego coming out. Keep the Spurs going and get my boy Timmy a 5th ring
Martti: Another one who has been around since page 1 and continues to read and contribute. I should probably hate you for winning the dynasty of the year over yours truly last year, but the Bucks story you had (or still have, I dunno) was truly worthy of the award. Your feedback and suggestions have helped shape "The Next Level" into the story it is today, so thank you.
Axel.: I actually see you as the greatest success of mine on the board. You've always cited me as your main influence and for a Hall of Famer to claim that, it's very humbling. I hope you continue on with your Rockets and at some point I'll submit my centre alter-ego "Kenê". Thanks for being the enthusiastic reader and contributor you have been since joining the forums.
Houndy: I'm always flattered by the fact that you pretty much joined this forum because of my story. You're another one of the great contributors that arrived a little later and have been as loyal as anyone on here. Sorry I couldn't win one for Dirk, but real life is where it really matters right?
Lamrock: Not too sure what's happening with you at the moment, but I always enjoy your input. Along the way your humorous remarks and style of association has influenced my own and I always find your stories to be compelling whether they succeed or get abandoned. I'm sure I speak for a lot of people on here when I say I'd love to see another from you sometime soon no matter what the result of it may be.
Phil89: Sounds kind of silly, but I saw you, Axel. and I as like the "Big 3" of the NBA Live 10 dynasties to come out. As your first OKC story developed, it inspired me to pick up my game a little because of the quality of how you presented it.
The X: I always enjoyed you reminiscing about the offline Nuggets dynasty you had that went for about this long and one day I'd love to see some screen shots of it (if it's possible). I'd like to thank you for being a positive contributor... and apologise in advance for the loss the Boomers will dish out to the Tall Blacks in Friday's game
I've probably jinxed them by saying thatBadger: Often misunderstood, but always entertaining. I always like your banter on my thread about how old my team is. I hope you've learned along the way that age is no barrier when it comes to building a team. Also, when I've typed my screen name on my iPhone, it has sometimes auto-corrected to Badger, so I shall know you as BadgeReligion from now on
dare: Back when I started, your T-Wolves thread was kicking some ass and it's probably the first I kept reading in depth as it was getting updated. It was also the first thread I registered as an NLSC draft pick, so it was pretty influential to this dynasty in it's own right.
Sit: The GOAT, the benchmark, A.W. (you know what that stands for)... whatever I choose to call you, you've become a good friend over the past year or so. You don't particularly contribute to this one all that much, but your associations are continuing to set the standard on the board.
Grand Theft 2K11 : DUB Edition: Your posts have provided me with a lot of amusement since you started contributing on this thread and you could just about make a story out of them yourself. Your offbeat remarks continue to keep me entertained, so thank you.
I'd also like to thank the following, whether they are current contributors or past ones:| Valdis | George7 | Cruzerr | Clutch | Larvae | qfrmcpt310 | Mavs4Life | Justine | z02 | Rta | Azzdogs | Clutch | megarover | Wyze | .PorkyJoker.o6 | King Dee |
-To anyone new I haven't mentioned, I do apologise. If you stick with my dynasty, I'll do my best to get to you in the 100th page.
50 down... 50 more to go?I'm almost at the halfway point of the 12th season of this dynasty. I'm looking to complete the 25. How many will get simmed is still to be seen, but right now I feel as if my commitment to this hasn't died at all. So far I've dealt with a missing disc and a "TV scare", so hopefully nothing else can stop this from going *knock on wood*.
On that note, I shall wrap this up. Thanks to everyone who has come along for the ride so far. Hopefully there is a lot more to come and even more readers to mention in number 100.
