A New Hope: NBA2K11 and Beyond.

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Welcome to my dynasty story based on the Sacramento Kings franchise starting at the end of the 2009-10 season.

As you can see the Kings will not remain the Kings in this story though. The Kings owners at the time had been open to selling the franchise for the next few years. A well known story is that the Kings almost moved to Anaheim in 2011, and then were even closer to moving to Seattle in 2014. Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson managed to save the franchise and brought in Vivek Ranadive as owner. The Kings still have not made the playoffs and look stuck as bottom dwellers for many more years.

But what if the Maloof brothers decided to cut their losses a little bit earlier, before Vivek Ranadive and Kevin Johnson were on the scene?

I will pick up the story in the summer of 2009. The Kings were one of the most popular teams to write a dynasty story back then. The Kings were on the rise taking big leaps from a rebuild.

With the incredible rookie season of Tyreke Evans behind them and the potential improvement from the Kings with another high draft pick it gave their fans A New Hope.

Credit to Chris Hova, I loved his story back in the day, and this has served as inspiration for me to rewrite his story. His story made it to the hall of fame here! Hov's Kings.


Roster: Kovas Opening Night Roster
Sliders: All Star
Draft Classes:Albys RR7 2011 Draft Class
Season Length: 82 Games
Quarter Length: 8 Minutes
Conference Quarterfinals: 7 Games
Conference Semifinals: 7 Games
Conference Finals: 7 Games
NBA Finals: 7 Games

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NBA News and Storyline.

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Roster.

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The Sacramento Kings look set to be sold and moved to Seattle, pending approval by the owners of the NBA.

The current owners, the Maloof family, have agreed to sell the Kings to a Seattle group led by investor Chris Hansen, the league confirmed in a statement on Monday. The deal is now waiting for a green light from the NBA Board of Governors to be completed, although Sacramento city officials are still vowing to fight the move.

Hansen's group will buy 65% of the franchise for $525 million, move the team to Seattle and restore the SuperSonics name, which was lost when the city's franchise moved to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder. The Maloofs will have no stake in the team, according to AP sources.

The sale figure is a total valuation of the franchise, which includes relocation fees. Hansen's group also is hoping to buy out other minority investors.

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said last week he had received permission from NBA Commissioner David Stern to present a counteroffer to league owners from buyers who would keep the Kings in Sacramento.

The plan by Hansen's group is to have the team play at least the next two seasons in KeyArena before moving into a new facility in downtown Seattle. The deadline for teams to apply for a move for the next season is March 1.


Mayor Johnson, himself a former All-Star point guard in the NBA, said in a statement late Sunday night that the city remained undeterred despite the agreement with the Seattle group.

"Sacramento has proven that it is a strong NBA market with a fan base that year in and year out has demonstrated a commitment to the Kings by selling out 19 of 27 seasons in a top 20 market and owning two of the longest sellout streaks in NBA history," Johnson said.

"When it comes to keeping the team in our community, Sacramento is playing to win. In particular, we have been focused like a laser on identifying an ownership group that will both have the financial resources desired by the NBA and the vision to make the Kings the NBA equivalent of what the Green Bay Packers have been in the NFL."


In a saga that has dragged on for nearly three years, Johnson and Sacramento appear to be facing their most daunting challenge yet.

"The NBA received an executed Purchase and Sale Agreement for the transfer of a controlling interest in the Sacramento Kings from the Maloof family to an investor group led by Christopher Hansen," the league said. "The proposed transaction is subject to the approval of the NBA Board of Governors and has been referred to the Board's committee process for review."

Hansen, a Seattle native and San Francisco-based investor, reached agreement with local governments in Seattle last October on plans to build a $490 million arena near the city's other stadiums, CenturyLink Field and Safeco Field.


As part of the agreement, no construction will begin until all environmental reviews are completed and a team has been secured.

Hansen's group is expected to pitch in $290 million in private investment toward the arena, along with helping to pay for transportation improvements in the area around the stadiums. The plans also call for the arena to be able to handle a future NHL franchise.

The remaining $200 million in public financing would be paid back with rent money and admissions taxes from the arena, and if that money falls short, Hansen would be responsible for making up the rest.

Other investors in the proposed arena include Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer and two members of the Nordstrom department store family.


Hansen's goal has been to return the SuperSonics to the Puget Sound after they were moved from Seattle to Oklahoma City in 2008.

Brothers Joe, Gavin and George Maloof bought controlling interests in the franchise from Los Angeles-based developer Jim Thomas in 1999. The Maloofs, who have long waited for an upgrade to the team's outdated arena, backed out of a tentative $391 million deal for a new downtown building with Sacramento last year, reigniting fears the franchise could relocate.


Johnson and the Kings broke off all negotiations in the summer with the team's owners, who said the deal didn't make financial sense for the franchise.

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NBA Will “Overwhelmingly” Approve Kings Move to Seattle; Sonics Will Return for 2010-11 Season.

Earlier this month it was reported the the Maloofs were in talks to sell the Sacramento Kings to a group of Seattle investors who would then move the team back to their hometown. While this news polarized the NBA community, the proposed deal was eventually rejected and the city of Sacramento mounted a last ditch effort to buy the team and keep it local.

That plan has apparently failed, as Yahoo! Sports reported late Sunday night that the Maloofs had agreed to sell 65 percent of the Kings to Chris Hansen and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer’s investment group, at the going rate of $525 million.

Of course, the Maloofs will see $425 million, as there is $100 million built into the price to cover the relocation fee the NBA charges.

The deal would be pending league approval, but sources told Adrian Wojnarowski that the NBA’s relocation committee will “overwhelmingly” approve the Kings move to Seattle. This means that at the start of the 2010-11 NBA season, the Seattle SuperSonics will once again be an NBA franchise.

No foolin’ this time.

The deal reportedly fell through a few weeks ago because the Maloofs weren’t happy with not having a controlling stake in the franchise. They kind of got that stake and about $25 million extra, as the Ballmer-Hansen Seattle group will own just 65 percent of the team, meaning the Maloofs get to sell their cake and eat 35 percent of it — kind of.

The Maloofs have basically been ordered by the NBA, as part of the sale, to sell their entire stake in the team. However, J.A. Adande and Marc Stein from ESPN are reporting the Maloofs will retain a “small portion” of the team.

One of the ultimate ironies in all of this is that Clay Bennett, the man who bought and then relocated the Sonics to Oklahoma City back in 2007, is the head of the NBA’s relocation committee and happens to be the man giving Seattle it’s team back. However, if you’ve ever watched the Sonicgate documentary, you’ll know this isn’t something Sonics fans will be kissing Bennett over.

Another thing to note, is that the Maloofs — arguably the most hated “owners” in the NBA — have singlehandedly inflated the price of an NBA franchise. The Ballmer-Hansen group is paying a record $525 million for just 65 percent of a lousy franchise. Granted, they’re willing to overpay to get the team back in Seattle, but imagine if Jerry Buss were to ever sell the Lakers, the kind of money he’d command from the sale of just 10 percent of the team.

Everything is expected to be made official within weeks and the NBA will be welcoming back the Seattle SuperSonics next season. But while one city is getting it’s team back, another is losing it in painfully similar fashion.

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Phil Jackson has not given up on re-signing Derrick Rose despite the point guard’s fourth career knee operation earlier this month.

In surprisingly positive remarks, Jackson said he was impressed with Rose’s attitude in his exit interview Friday and desire to return to the Knicks despite Rose’s stated mixed feelings on the triangle.

Rose is a free agent, and the Knicks can give him a contract extension before the July 1 signing period. Rose met with Jackson on Friday after rehabbing in Chicago from a torn meniscus. He finished the season having played in 64 games.

“We had a good conversation with him today,’’ Jackson said. “He expressed that he wants to be back. We talked about him going through rehab and work and whatever he has to do. And he’s chosen to go back to Chicago to do that. He’ll also be in L.A., but he also took the time out to say he really he enjoyed playing here even with the losses, which of course surprises us because he’s been on some very successful teams. But he wants to redeem himself as a player, which I like that attitude. I like who Derrick represents as himself. He’s very direct about taking on a big challenge."

“People pay for talent. They don’t care about a one-time event. He’s a pretty good guy,” one of the execs said about the January escapade, when Rose missed a game to fly home to Chicago for a personal matter.

Rose spoke of the relief he felt from his health. He credits intense work last summer.

“I really believe I worked my butt off this summer to hold up,” Rose said. “I had aches and nagging injuries [in the past]. This year I didn’t have that. Every game, it’s a fatigue factor, but as far as how my body’s feeling, my body’s holding up pretty well.”

So he got his numbers. But with a free-agent market and a draft heavily stocked with point guards, all the positives might not be enough to land a mega-deal, one that would seem appropriate for a former MVP.

“I can’t think about it now because I’m still here,’’ Rose said of free agency. And in the saga of Derrick Rose, that’s one thing he still hopes to be.
“Winning takes care of everything,” he says. Another Knick who thinks this way, is Rose's buddy Carmelo Anthony. Watch this space.

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76ers swap picks with Celtics to grab Fultz with #1 pick.

1. 76ers via trade with Celtics
Markelle Fultz, PG, Washington
It’s too early to jump to sweeping, dynastic conclusions, but the Sixers finally found the deal they wanted and got their guy. Fultz was the top prospect in the draft in the eyes of many (SI included), and should pair effectively with Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid going forward. We’ll see which draft assets the Sixers wind up losing in the long run, but it felt like the right time for Philly to strike. The Sixers will be one of the league’s most intriguing teams to follow next season, with Fultz at the heart of an all-time extended rebuild. Whatever happens next, it’s a win for now.

2. Lakers
Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA
The Real Balls of Los Angeles is, well, real. The Lakers looked at Josh Jackson and De’Aaron Fox and came back to Ball. Pound for pound as prospects, the three aren’t far apart, but when it comes to philosophical fit, Ball was the clear choice. He’ll benefit from Magic Johnson’s tutelage and Luke Walton’s uptempo offense and have a great opportunity to be a difference-maker. As L.A. angles to land established stars, Ball’s development will be critical. He should be up for the task. LaVar, tooe.

3. Celtics via trade with 76ers
Jayson Tatum, SF, Duke
Boston felt good about the decision to move down to 3, opted not to add to a crowded backcourt and saw Tatum as a better fit than Josh Jackson here. He’s one of the draft’s most talented offensive players and should add a necessary dimension to its frontcourt in time. The Celtics may have bigger designs this summer and could potentially move this pick, but if they keep Tatum, they should still feel good. He has a chance to end up the best scorer in this class when it’s all said and done.

4. Suns
Josh Jackson, SF, Kansas
There was speculation the Suns could either trade this pick or pair De’Aaron Fox with Devin Booker here, but the Jackson selection addresses a more immediate need. It makes a lot of sense given the young core Phoenix continues to assemble. Jackson will immediately provide toughness and help improve the Suns’ defense. Fox was surely tempting, but the thought of Jackson and Devin Booker running on the wings is tantalizing.

5. Kings
De'Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky
The Kings coveted Fox throughout the predraft process and got their man at No. 5. He’s exactly the building block Sacramento needs and was the best prospect left on the board. Fox is one of the fastest players in the draft with the ball in his hands, could become a high-level defender at his position and has star potential if his jump shot improves. This long, winding rebuild just got a lot more legitimate.

6. Magic
Jonathan Isaac, SF, Florida State
Orlando was rumored to have promised Isaac at this spot, and rolling the dice on his long-term potential makes a lot of sense for the Magic as they begin to chart course with Jeff Weltman and John Hammond running the show. Isaac had a case as high as the third pick (and in a different year would surely have gone higher) but comes with more risk than the players selected before him given his slight frame and inconsistent play as a freshman for Florida State. That said, his best-case scenario would give the Magic a strong piece to build around, as versatile, tall front-court shooters don’t come along every day. Orlando doesn’t immediately address a need with this selection, but the Isaac pick is a clear indication of the Magic’s timeframe.

We have a trade:
Chicago Bulls Trade: Jimmy Butler and 2017 #16 Pick
Minnesota Timberwolves Trade:Kris Dunn, Zach Lavine and 2017 #7 PIck.


7. Timberwolves
Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona
The Timberwolves made this pick for the Bulls in a deal for Jimmy Butler. The returns on that trade are Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine and this selection, but the Markkanen selection is a questionable one for Chicago by any measure. Although his considerable shooting ability at 7’0” gives him plenty of room to develop as a scorer, Markkanen’s all-around skill set needs a lot of work. There are concerns that his defensive struggles could seriously limit his upside. The Bulls weren’t looking to address a big need here, and eliminating that variable there were better prospects available at this spot. Chicago rolled the dice, and surrendered its best player in the process. It’s a tough sell.

8. Knicks
Frank Ntilikina, PG, France
There was a lot of talk about the Knicks’ affection for Ntilikina, who’s considered the top overseas prospect in this draft and now the highest-drafted French player in league history. New York needed to address its backcourt and did so here, although high-scoring and arguably stronger options Dennis Smith and Malik Monk were available. The Knicks have had a strong run drafting internationally in recent years, so they’ve earned a bit of trust, but the 18-year-old Ntilikina has a long way to go and will face a lot of pressure immediately. At the very least, fans can take solace in the fact Kristaps Porzingis appears to be staying put

9. Mavericks
Dennis Smith, PG, NC State
Dallas has been in search of a franchise point guard for a long time, and hopes Smith will be that. He’s an explosive athlete and talented scorer who can make plays off the dribble and comes with a ton of upside. This is great value for the Mavericks, who gain a legitimate long-term asset as they continue to prepare for the post-Dirk era. In a weaker draft, Smith might have been a top-five talent.

We have a trade:
Portland Trailblazers Trade: 2017 #15 and #20 Pick's
Sacramento Kings Trade:2017 #10 PIck.


10. Trailblazers
Zach Collins, C, Gonzaga
It made little sense for the cap-starved Blazers to use all three of their first-round selections. Portland sent Nos. 15 and 20 to Sacramento for this pick, and directly address a need with Collins, perhaps the top defensive big man in this class. There’s plenty of reason to be high on him, despite his limited playing time as a freshman, and teams believe he can become a strong jump shooter and rim protector at the next level. The Blazers will hope he’s the solution in the middle to compliment Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum sooner rather than later. It’s a shrewd move by GM Neil Olshey.

11.Hornets
Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky
Although Monk fell out of the Top 10, he wasn’t bound to fall very far. Charlotte planned to find a partner for Kemba Walker at this spot and also considered Donovan Mitchell. Monk’s the higher-upside play of the two, and presented a strong value opportunity here. He’s one of the draft’s top shooters, and could eventually be more than that thanks to his athletic ability. His defensive fit alongside Walker is a little questionable, and the Hornets will be giving up size, but they’ll certainly be more exciting. This was the right choice.

12.Pistons
Luke Kennard, SG, Duke
The Pistons were hoping someone would fall to No. 12 from the top group of prospects, but will be happy to bring in Kennard, who elevated his stock over the past month and is one of the draft’s top three-point shooters. Detroit needed floor-spacers, and gets a tough, intelligent player who should be solid, if not spectacular. Based on what was available, Kennard was a strong choice..

We have a trade:
Utah Jazz Trade: Trey Lyles and #24 Pick
Denver Nuggets Trade:2017 #13 PIck.


13. Nuggets
Donovan Mitchell, SG, Louisville
The Nuggets sent this pick to the Jazz in exchange for Trey Lyles and pick No. 24. Mitchell was the top available guard, and fills a potential hole for Utah with George Hill potentially headed elsewhere. Given that Gordon Hayward’s future is also unclear, taking a swing on an upside pick like Mitchell makes a lot of sense. He’s hyper-athletic and could become a dynamic, versatile player at either guard spot. Lyles showed some promise, but the Jazz acted decisively here for good reason..

14.Heat
Bam Adebayo, C, Kentucky
The Heat were in a tricky position at this spot, which is where value in the draft begins to get cloudy. Adebayo’s stock was up and down during the college season, but he impressed teams in the predraft process and gathered steam thanks to a bankable skill set as an energy big with defensive mobility. Miami ultimately preferred the safety of this selection over a slew of other bigs on the board, and he should be a nice rotational player.

15.Sacramento Kings: Justin Jackson, North Carolina

16. Minnesota Timberwolves: Justin Patton, C, Creighton

17. Milwaukee Bucks: D.J. Wilson, PF, Michigan

18. Indiana Pacers: T.J. Leaf, PF, UCLA

19. Atlanta Hawks: John Collins, PF, Wake Forest

20. Sacramento Kings: Harry Giles, C Duke,

21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Terrance Ferguson, SF, Australia

22. Brooklyn Nets: Jarrett Allen, C, Texas

23. Toronto Raptors: OG Anunoby, SF, Indiana

24. Denver Nuggets: Tyler Lydon, PF, Syracuse

We have a trade:
Philadelphia 76ers Trade: 2020 RD 1 Pick via OKC.
Orlando Magic Trade:2017 #25 and 35 PIck's.


25. Philadelphia 76ers: Anzejs Pasecniks, C, Latvia

26. Portland Trail Blazers: Caleb Swanigan, PF, Purdue

We have a trade:
Brooklyn Nets Trade: Brook Lopez and 2017 #27 Pick.
LA Lakers Trade:D'Angelo Rusell and Timofey Mozgov.


27. Los Angeles Lakers: Kyle Kuzma, Utah

28. Utah Jazz: Tony Bradley, C, North Carolina.

29. San Antonio Spurs: Derrick White, PG Colorado.

30. Los Angeles Lakers: Josh Hart, Villanova

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Derrick Rose willing to take pay cut to stay in New York

Don’t be too quick to put Derrick Rose on the first train out of New York. His agent B.J. Armstrong told Bleacher Report that his client likes being with the Knicks and would be willing to take a cut in pay to remain with the team.

Rose is coming off another season that ended with knee surgery. Also, while he seemed to regain some of his once-prolific bounce, his weak and often inattentive defense and lack of a consistent outside jumper make him a tough player to build a winning team around.

The player, however, wants to remain in New York.

“Derrick loves New York and wants to be there,” Rose’s agent, B.J. Armstrong, told Bleacher Report recently. “We’ve expressed that to them and been very consistent about it. Whether it happens is on them; all we can do is be clear.”

Armstrong said Rose, who underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee in April, is healthy and working out. He also insinuated that Rose would be willing to take a pay cut (he made $21.3 million last year).

“In the end, we want to explore everything — if you’re going to compete, you clearly need a number of [top] players, so let’s figure that out,” Armstrong said. “We want the best team possible. That’s it. All the other stuff, if the team wins, everyone wins.”

The Knicks however have just drafted Dennis Smith Jr. It would seem as if Jackson is ready to hand the keys over to him, so resigning Rose may not be a priority for the Knicks, it still seems to be prioirty #1 to trade Melo and get younger. Either Derrick Rose didn't get the memo, or his agent is looking to drum up interest in him, but we really can't see Rose staying with the Knicks.

[Lamrock]

Nowhere to hide... Is that a reference to his disappearance a few months back?

Nice coverage so far.. are you doing a myLeague with player lock on D-Rose or something else?

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Nowhere to hide... Is that a reference to his disappearance a few months back?

Nice coverage so far.. are you doing a myLeague with player lock on D-Rose or something else?

Yeah just a little! Yep Myleague with player lock. I just had to restart the whole myleague. Something was up with my steam, lost all my saves and draft classes, so i essentially had to start over. And then when I was all set up with offseason moves it wouldn't save for me. Finally resolved the issue with steam and have most of my moves made and saved.

Aside from that, good to see your checking in Lamrock!

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John Paxson and Gar Forman relieved of duties, Mark Jackson hired as President of Basketball Operations.

Chicago Bulls fans are rejoicing this morning to the news that John Paxson and Gar Forman have been relieved of their duties. After years of frustration, bad trades, mismanaged assets, and generally failing to meet expectations, the Bulls fans have gotten their wishes. Last night's trade of Jimmy Butler to Minnesota for Dunn, LaVine and Markannen was the final straw for Reinsdorf. However, Reinsdorf has doubly shocked people today with the announcement of Mark Jackson being hired as President of Basketball Operations in place of Gar-Pax. Jackson's time in Golden State ended inauspiciously, with rumors of assistant coaches spying on meetings and a disconnect between the head coach and some of the Warriors players. Yet when a team buys Jackson's message, there might not be a better motivator in the league. Jackson brings fiery passion to the Bulls. This time he isn't the coach though, he still has Fred Hoiberg his former Pacers teammate in charge. Reinsdorf will certainly hope the two can work better together than Gar-Pax and Hoiberg ever did to build a properly fitting roster.

Hoibergs uptempo style needs to be given a chance with this new roster. Jackson now has a tough offseason ahead of him without Jimmy Butler. He has to also deal with the fact that Dwayne Wade has opted into his $23m contract this season, he clearly will not fit with their rebuilding roster.

[Lamrock]

"Mr. Jackson, congratulations on your new job with the Knicks! What's your main focus with improving this roster?"

"Hand down. Man down."

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Ok sorry for not posting any progress. I have been having an issue for 2 weeks now with saving games. I have been in contact with 2k several times but only once received an email with some possible fixes. Basically everytime I try to save or save a myleague or mygm file, it simply does not save and disappears from the list of saved files. I only spotted this after I had made several offseason moves. So I am at a total standstill now for almost two weeks. I have tried reinstalling steam, and even nba 2k17 twice! Verified game files, set folders to be excluded from my antivirus etc. If 2K ever fix this, I have all my trades and signings planned out fully. But I really am lost as to what else to do, its weird because I can play myteam and download most things from 2k share, apart from team designs, which is another issue as I was going to plan for league expansion next season. Oh well, if anyone has encountered something similar please let me know. I'm on hold for now.