Melanie's Bulls dynasty... start a new Bulls dynasty?

[colickyboy]

In an attempt to bring the glory days back to Chicago, here's my Bulls dynasty.

This dynasty has a created player in it, although i plan to retire him at the end of the season, which is soon. Also, this dynasty story is posted in mid-season, rather than starting from the beginning.

Dynasty settings:
Season Length: 82 Games
Play Game Quarter Length: 12 minutes
Sim Quarter Length: 12 minutes
Playoff Length: 7-7-7-7
Fantasy Draft: No
Simulation Type: Intervention
Rules: NBA rules
CPU Assistance: Off
Shot Control: User
Sliders: I started with Andrew's 2.0 sliders. Now using Kobelive2005's sliders, tweaked a bit.
Mode: All-Star/Superstar (there's a bug in Superstar where CPU players don't block shots even with the Shot Block Slider is set to 100, so sometimes I play All-Star...sometimes I play Superstar...depending on whether I want to see blocks...)

Background: my friend Melanie, who helped put up a fake ESPN site as my dynasty web site, is the GM (I do give her lots of input ). I play all the games (every minute of every quarter). To incorporate my created player, we made him drafted as a second round pick instead of Chris Duhon, then signed Duhon as a free agent. We've since traded Hinrich & Deng for LeBron, then we traded Gordon & Nocioni for Dwyane Wade.

The fake ESPN dynasty site is http://home.ripway.com/2005-6/338795/index.php. I'll post screenshots here whenever I update the site. Note: site looks best on IE...sucks on Firefox.

[Kobe101]

Sould be good.

[colickyboy]

Team is currently 44-3, but leading the defending champion Detroit Pistons in the division by only 5 games (the Pistons are an equally amazing 41-9).

I have retro-posted recaps going back to Jan 1, 2005 and will keep going backwards until the beginning of the season.

Current lineup:

PG Dwyane Wade
SG Colicky Boy
SF LeBron James
PF Tyson Chandler
C Eddy Curry

Bench:
PF Antonio Davis (IR)
C Othella Harrington
PG Jannero Pargo
SG Eric Piatkowski
PF Malik Allen
C Obinna Ekezie
PF Pape Sow
SF Adrian Griffin

The All-Star invites are out and Colicky Boy was named a rookie starter in the Rookie Challenge. Teammates LeBron James and Dwyane Wade will be starting on the Sophomore squad. Former teammate (current Cavalier) Kirk Hinrich will also be starting on the Sophomore squad, and former teammate (currently Heat) Ben Gordon will be starting on the Rookie team.

Colicky Boy also accepted invitations to the Three-Point Shootout and the Slam Dunk contest.

Bulls teammates Eddy Curry, Tyson Chandler, LeBron James and Colicky Boy were all voted starters on the Eastern Conference All-Star team (Jason Kidd was the other starter). Bulls starter Dwyane Wade made the team as a reserve.

[colickyboy]

Lead story on my ESPN/NBA Live site: http://home.ripway.com/2005-6/338795/index.php

Sun rising in Chicago?
Mon, Feb 14, 2005

With the NBA trading deadline just a week-and-a-half away, Bulls GM Melanie is working furiously against the clock to strike a deal with the Phoenix Suns regarding Amare Stoudemire.

According to a Bulls source, the Suns have rejected all variations of offers involving either Eddy Curry or Tyson Chandler for Stoudemire.

“She highly covets Stoudemire,” the source said. “And Phoenix isn’t saying no completely. They’re just saying no to the deals that have been put on the table.”

Part of the road block involves the NBA requirement that any deal must involve matching salaries on both sides of a deal. Stoudemire only makes $2 million a season, significantly less than either Curry or Chandler.

Trade talks for Stoudemire have intensified recently and indications are that Melanie would prefer to deal Curry rather than Chandler.

Melanie has also been reportedly working hard to get Eric Piatkowski and Antonio Davis off the Bulls’ books since they both are under contract for next season but neither are in the team's long-term plans. Melanie is known to covet cap space in order to aggressively go after upcoming free agents like Seattle shooting guard Ray Allen and Portland power forward Zach Randolph.

Melanie has also been seeking deals to get a high first-round pick. The Bulls’ league-best record will put them at the bottom of the first round of the draft.

[colickyboy]

Lead story on my ESPN/NBA Live dynasty site: http://home.ripway.com/2005-6/338795/index.php

Almost Crowned
Tue, February 15, 2005

[

Something about symmetrical numbers should concern the Bulls.

When the Bulls had a record of 22-1, they lost at Detroit to become 22-2.

When the Bulls were 33-2, they lost at Boston to become 33-3.

Coming into Tuesday’s game against Sacramento at the United Center with a record of 44-3, superstitious people probably predicted the Bulls would lose to become 44-4. And the Bulls almost did lose.

The Bulls trailed nearly the entire game and did not take their first lead, at 138-137, until 5:27 left in the game. The game would seesaw back and forth until the Bulls finally wore down the Kings in a 158-151 shootout.

Eddy Curry left the game with a foot injury with 9:19 to go in the third quarter. He had scored 18 points. Newly activated Antonio Davis and Tyson Chandler took turns manning the middle, but not very effectively. Chandler “only” scored 22 points and 6 rebounds.

Colicky Boy scored 39 points to lead the Bulls and had a team-high 8 rebounds. Dwyane Wade scored 32 points with a team-high 10 assists. And LeBron James finished with 31 points, all but 3 coming in the second half, and blocked six shots.

“We’re very fortunate to pull this one out,” said James. “I think we’re regressing back to individual basketball instead of the team basketball that Coach kept telling us to do. We’ll definitely have to work at that.”

Peja Stojakovic led all scorers with 48 points. Cuttino Mobley chipped in with 44 points. Mike Bibby scored 24 points and handed out a game-high 21 assists. And Brad Miller added 21 points and 12 rebounds. But it was still not enough.

“We weren’t afraid of them,” Bibby said. “Just because they have a team full of All-Stars, that doesn’t mean we’re not going to show up. If anything, it motivates us more to beat them so we can say that we beat a team with five All-Stars.”

“This was embarrassing,” said Bulls head coach Scott Skiles. “We deserved to lose. Our defense was pathetic. Bibby almost broke my assist record [30] and they scored whenever they felt like it. They should take back All-Star invitations after this game.”

[cklitsie]

This looks very good so far, the record is just a little bit unrealistic.
I like the site you/she made though.

[Keo]

I like the site. good work.

[colickyboy]

This looks very good so far, the record is just a little bit unrealistic.

thanks. yeah, i know the record is unrealistic, but i don't know what to do besides throw games. seriously not trying to boast, but i'm having a hard time losing...even on superstar mode.

[colickyboy]

here's the newest lead story on http://home.ripway.com/2005-6/338795/index.php:

Sun-ny side up

Bulls finally get Stoudemire for Curry

Wed, February 16, 2005


Stoudemire will now be dunking for the Bulls


Proving that sometimes perseverance does work, Bulls GM Melanie finally got her deal.

The Bulls sent All-Star center Eddy Curry and reserves Jannero Pargo and Othella Harrington to Phoenix for Amare Stoudemire and Bo Outlaw.

"I'm ecstatic," said a beaming Melanie. "Amare brings athleticism and toughness to the paint. And with LeBron and Dwyane on the outside, Amare will make the Bulls a devastating team both inside and outside for many years to come.

"We discussed several different trade scenarios [with the Suns] and we finally found one that worked."

"It's not like the Suns got raped," said Bulls head coach Scott Skiles. "They got a guy who will be the starting center in the All-Star game. Plus they got instant offense with Pargo, and Harrington is a reliable backup whom we relied heavily this year. If anything, it seems like they got the better end of the deal."

Curry seemed downcast but tried to be diplomatic.

"Y'know, I grew up in Chicago, rooting for the Bulls," he said. "To be leaving is tough, especially when he have something special going on here. I'll miss the players, Coach Skiles and the fans."

Chicago ESPN radio host Dan McNeil said that James, Wade and Stoudemire coming to the Bulls is like Christmas all over again for Bulls fans.

"I'm still rubbing my eyes when I see LeBron and Dwyane Wade in Bulls uniforms. Now we get Amare Stoudemire too? Eddy Curry played phenomenal this year, but I think Amare Stoudemire in Scott Skiles' system will be even better."

In a separate deal, the Bulls sent Eric Piatkowski to Cleveland for Lucious Harris in an exchange of shooting guards.

"We thank Eric for his contributions here," said Melanie. "He was instrumental in our season-opening win, with three big three-pointers and playing well in his reserve role. Harris is a bit quicker and plays solid defense, so we give up a three-point specialist to get a more defensive-minded guard. And this move also gives us some cap flexibility."

Harris will be a free agent at the end of the year while Piatkowski is owed $2.7 million next season.

The trades leave Tyson Chandler, Antonio Davis and Adrian Griffin as the only remnants of the John Paxson/Jerry Krause eras.

[AlwaysWhat,NeverWhy]

Nice dynasty!

oh, and gice my regards to Melanie.

[colickyboy]

New lead story on http://home.ripway.com/2005-6/338795/index.php:

Center stage
Despite fouling out, Stoudemire dominates in Bulls debut
Wed, February 16, 2005


Stoudemire looks good in red

Boxscore: http://home.ripway.com/2005-6/338795/boxscores/20050216.php

Before the game, Amare Stoudemire walked into the Bulls' visiting locker room in Toronto and flashed a big smile.

When asked if he would have butterflies in his first game as a Chicago Bull after being acquired earlier in the day from Phoenix for Eddy Curry, Stoudemire replied, "Maybe yes, maybe no. I don't know. But I'm definitely very excited."

His answer probably explained his play in his Bulls debut. Stoudemire fouled out with 7:26 left in the game, but not before throwing down a game-high 44 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks in helping throttle the Toronto Raptors 158-127 at the Air Canada Centre.

"It's a cliche but it's true in this case...he's a man among boys," said Colicky Boy. "He's also young and works hard to improve himself. We are blessed to have a future Hall-of-Famer like him on our team."

"The Bulls don't need any more firepower," said Raptors forward Donyell Marshall, who scored 13 points. "Their team is sick enough as it is. Dwyane [Wade]...LeBron [James]...Colicky Boy...Tyson Chandler... now Amare Stoudemire?"

The Raptors actually held their own by the end of the first quarter, only trailing the Bulls 35-32. But with the score tied at 49, Colicky Boy led a 10-0 run (6 points, 2 assists) that put the Bulls comfortably ahead for good.

"Just as in LeBron's first game as a Bull and in Dwyane's first game as a Bull, there seemed to require some period of adjustment among the players in Amare's first game as a Bull," said Bulls head coach Scott Skiles. "Fortunately, we actually were able to adjust."

LeBron James scored 27 points and 8 assists for Chicago. Wade added 25 and a game-high 13 assists. Colicky Boy was one assist shy of a triple-double, with 30 points, a game-high 13 rebounds and 9 assists, before fouling out himself with 6:10 to go in the game. Chandler was limited to 18 points but had 7 blocks. Toronto was led by Morris Peterson's 34 points.

Count Jalen Rose among the few skeptics of the new-look Bulls.

"They have a lot of talent, but there's only one ball," said the former Bull. "I hope they can figure out how to keep everyone happy with their stats with only one ball. It's one thing to be The Man on your old team and take 30 shots a game. But we'll see how it goes. I wish them the best."

[Kobe101]

He does look good in red.

[Heiks]

I thought MJ was back for a moment. Nice job!

[colickyboy]

latest lead story on http://home.ripway.com/2005-6/338795/index.php:

Maverick move
Bulls trade Chandler for Nowitzki, predict re-signing Chandler
Thu, February 17, 2005


German brewing in Chicago

Just 24 hours after trading All-Star center Eddy Curry for Suns center Amare Stoudemire, Bulls GM Melanie pulled the trigger on another major deal. This time, the Bulls sent All-Star forward Tyson Chandler and Antonio Davis for Dirk Nowitzki and Alan Henderson.

But unlike the trade for Suns center Amare Stoudemire, Bulls GM Melanie was not gushing about her new acquisition.

"This trade is first about cap space and only second about the players," said Melanie. "This trade frees up Antonio's $12 million salary for us next season.

"While we lose Tyson Chandler for the rest of this season, we are committed to re-signing him when he becomes a free agent at the end of the year. I want to make it completely clear: we want Tyson back as a Bull.

"This trade also gives us flexibility for next season. Since Dirk Nowitzki is more highly rated than Tyson at this point in their respective careers, we have more trading options next year if we choose to trade again."

Alan Henderson becomes a free agent at the end of the year.

Once one of the Big Three in Dallas, the Mavericks are left with an aging Michael Finley after also trading Steve Nash before the season to Phoenix. It also looks like the Mavericks will be challenged by the Bulls to re-sign Chandler for next season. If Dallas fails to re-sign Chandler, they will only have Antonio Davis to show for the Nowitzki trade.

"I'm not sure what [Mavericks owner] Mark Cuban is thinking," said one NBA executive under condition of anonymity. "This will be a disaster if they don't re-sign Chandler. If the Bulls end up re-signing Chandler, they'll have both Nowitzki and Chandler. Melanie could be working a real coup here."

Chandler was visibly upset at the news of the trade and left the Berto Center without speaking to reporters. Colicky Boy, the only starter remaining from the Opening Night roster, was left to answer media questions.

"As with all the trades so far, it's a melancholy feeling," said Colicky Boy. "We love Tyson. He brings such energy to the floor. He's always been a defensive presence with his rebounding and shot-blocking but this year, he's really stepped it up with his scoring and become an all-around threat. We really hope he'll be back next year.

"Of course, it's hard to complain too much when you have Dirk Nowitzki on your team. He adds another dimension to our team because he can also shoot from the outside besides being a dominating big man inside. We'll just have to trust Melanie that she knows what she's doing."

The Bulls have been unable to acquire any draft picks, one of Melanie's stated goals this year.

[Kobe101]

nice trades

[Heiks]

How the hell do you manage to trade all these stars?

nice trades

Huh? I don't get it.

[Keo]

How did you trade Curry for Amare and Chandler for Dirk

[Kobe101]

Hes probly in season mode.

[colickyboy]

How the hell do you manage to trade all these stars?

I have a trading rule-of-thumb that seems to work: the sum of the player ratings that I'm trading away must be +/- 3 point differential from the sum of the player ratings that I'm getting back. So for example,

Dirk Nowitzki 86
Alan Henderson 48
----------------------
sum 134

Tyson Chandler 68
Antonio Davis 63
---------------------
sum 131

So if I'm "trading up" (getting a higher-rated player), I need to give up two (or more) solid players and take back a serious stiff (or two).

I think this rule-of-thumb works pretty well.

For my Knicks dynasty, I traded:

Stephon Marbury 85
Michael Sweetney 59
Trevor Ariza 54
------------------------
sum 198

for

Tim Duncan 94
Tony Massenburg 50
Sean Marks 27
-----------------------
sum 171

So theoretically, I got back less in total value (171; gave up 198) but I wanted Duncan and not Marbury, so it was fine with me.

One unproven observation regarding this rule-of-thumb:
- if the interest bar is pretty high on your players, you may get away with a bigger differential. For example, in my Knicks dynasty, I also traded:

Jamal Crawford 74
Allan Houston 65
----------------------
sum 139

for:

Tracy McGrady 93
Clarence Weatherspoon 53
-------------------------------
sum 146

Since this differential is 7 in my favor, the CPU usually doesn't accept deals like this...but I think the interest bar was pretty high on both Crawford and Houston.

Another unproven observation about this rule-of-thumb:
- for deals that are really borderline, the CPU may accept or decline RANDOMLY! I saved that Knicks dynasty and made the T-Mac trade offer. It was declined. (the interest bars were lower). I reloaded the dynasty, made the T-Mac offer again (the interest bars were higher this time), and the CPU accepted. That's what I had to do with the Curry for Amare deal...must've offered like 15 times or something before it was finally accepted. But the patience was finally rewarded.

Hope that helps.

[colickyboy]

Hes probly in season mode.

nope...dynasty mode.

How did you trade Curry for Amare and Chandler for Dirk

My last post gave a pseudo-tutorial on my trading rule-of-thumb. I'm pretty sure it works b/c I got all these guys in my Bulls dynasty, and for my Knicks dynasty (which isn't published...yet), I got a starting lineup of:

C Eddy Curry
PF Tim Duncan
SF Tracy McGrady
SG Penny Hardaway
PG Josh Childress

before the season even started. So with my trading rule-of-thumb, I improved the Knicks lineup, made them younger, and dumped lots of those mediocre Knicks players with bloated salaries.

I think my trading rule-of-thumb works pretty well...give it a shot...and good luck.

[colickyboy]

latest lead story on http://home.ripway.com/2005-6/338795/index.php:

(sorry, I don't have screenshots b/c I just plain forgot...doh!)

Rookies handle Challenge
Colicky Boy leads Rookies over Sophomores
Sat, February 19, 2005

With LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Kirk Hinrich on this year's Sophomore squad, the Rookie team faced a decidely uphill battle.

But the Rookies accepted the challenge and responded with a 132-119 victory in Denver that was closer than the final score indicated. The win evened the series at 3-3 between the Rookies and the Sophomores.

Colicky Boy scored 39 points to lead all scorers and set a new Rookie Challenge record for points scored. Colicky Boy also notched the series' first triple-double with 11 rebounds and 12 assists.

"He was their driving force," said James of Colicky Boy. "He scored and he set up his teammates to score." James led the Sophomores with 36 points and 7 rebounds. Wade and Hinrich each scored 24 points, with Hinrich adding 7 assists for the second-year players. Anthony had 11 points and 4 rebounds. Udonis Haslem only scored 6 points but grabbed 5 rebounds. Chris Kaman had only 5 points but grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds. Chris Bosh was held to 6 points with 6 rebounds, TJ Ford scored 7 points, and Josh Howard was unable to score.

The game was tied after one quarter but the Sophomores put their foot on the gas and went up 69-55 at the half. The Rookies mounted a charge to close within one point, 95-94, at the end of three quarters. And the Rookies weren't done yet.

"Colicky Boy knows how to find big men in position to score," said rookie Emeka Okafor, who recorded a double-double wiht 24 points and 10 rebounds to go with 4 assists and 4 blocks.

For the Rookies, Dwight Howard scored 18 points and 6 rebounds, Josh Smith had 16 points and 4 rebounds, Andre Iguodala scored 10 points and 5 rebounds, and Nenad Krstic added 19 points, 5 rebounds and 5 blocks. Ben Gordon was held to 4 points, and Josh Childress managed only 2 points. Delonte West was shutout.

Colicky Boy was named the game's MVP.

"This was a tough game," said Colicky Boy. "Playing against that level of talent on the Sophomore squad is pretty daunting but our guys didn't want to lay down."

[Heiks]

Well I've been trying to trade somewhat the same way, but I'm really having troubles matching up the salaries. And theres the fact that I don't wnat to give up most of my average players for a superstar...

[colickyboy]

I'm really having troubles matching up the salaries

i leave that stuff up to melanie

[colickyboy]

latest lead story on http://home.ripway.com/2005-6/338795/index.php:

East nips West
MVP Colicky Boy keys winning play
Sun, February 20, 2005


Yes, Yao is one long dude

Most All-Star games are playground-style, no-defense, flamboyant affairs. Not this one.

Colicky Boy stole the ball from Yao Ming with 28 seconds to play and the game tied at 131, then fed Paul Pierce who dished to Dwyane Wade on a fast break for the game-winning dunk.

"That was a thrill," said Shaquille O'Neal, who scored a game-high 28 points, 5 rebounds and 5 blocks. "Tension. Drama. Suspense. It was like a good movie."

The game was close throughout. The East held a 33-27 lead after the first quarter but the West managed a 67-65 lead at the half. The game seesawed in the third quarter, with the East clinging to a 105-102 lead, and the tight game continued until the contest ended.

"Didn't seem like anyone took a play off," said Allen Iverson, who scored 12 points with 5 assists. "Maybe it was our pride... not wanting to look like a fool at someone else's expense."

The teams combined for 20 steals, an All-Star record, and was indicative of the competitive play.

East starters were Eddy Curry, Tyson Chandler, LeBron James, Colicky Boy and Dwyane Wade. If Curry and Chandler had not been traded in the past few days, it would have marked the first time that an entire team's starting lineup was voted into the starting lineup for an All-Star game.

Chandler scored 19 points in his All-Star debut. James had 15 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists in his first All-Star game. Curry finished with only 8 points but 5 rebounds and 4 blocks. Wade only scored 6 points but got 5 assists in his first All-Star appearance.

Other East players included Paul Pierce (4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists), Chris Webber (11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists), Grant Hill (no points), Vince Carter (2 points, 2 assists), and Jason Kidd (6 points, 3 assists).

The West was represented by Yao Ming (12 points, game-high 9 rebounds, 5 blocks), Kevin Garnett (16 points, 7 rebounds, 5 blocks, 3 steals), Tracy McGrady (19 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks), Kobe Bryant (team-high 20 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists), Baron Davis (11 points, game-high-tie 8 assists), Brad Miller (8 points, 3 rebounds), Peja Stojakovic (17 points, 2 rebounds), Ray Allen (13 points, 2 rebounds), Kenyon Martin (no points), Steve Nash (7 points, 3 assists), Tim Duncan (8 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks), and Carlos Boozer (no points, 3 rebounds).

Colicky Boy was named the All-Star MVP.

"To be voted the best of the best is a bit humbling," said Colicky Boy, who also won MVP honors for the Rookie Challenge game just two days earlier.

"This was a fun escape...hanging out with the best in the NBA. But come Tuesday, it's back to the real job...to bring a championship back to Chicago."

[colickyboy]

new lead story on http://home.ripway.com/2005-6/338795/index.php:

Nowitzki impresses in Bulls debut
Tue, February 22, 2005


Dirk's first dunk as a Bull

Boxscore: http://home.ripway.com/2005-6/338795/boxscores/20050222.php

Not a bad way to introduce yourself.

Newly acquired Dirk Nowitzki scored 28 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 6 blocks and a steal to help the Bulls snuff the Miami Heat 161-114 at the United Center.

"I surprised myself a little," said Nowitzki.

Bulls superstar LeBron James uncharacteristically fouled out just before halftime under several touch foul calls.

"I think the refs had it in for him for some reason," said Dwyane Wade. "Even [former Bull] Luc Longley wouldn't foul out that fast."

James, who finished with only 12 points, wasn't exactly missed. Amare Stoudemire posted his second double-double in as many games since joining the Bulls, with 31 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. Wade also posted a double-double with 28 points and a game-high 10 assists. Colicky Boy added his own double-double with a game-high 42 points and 13 steals.

And then there was Nowitzki.

“People say they have no bench," said former Bull Ben Gordon. "But it looks like they don't need a bench with the beating they put on tonight."

The Bulls (47-3) blew out to a 23-point lead in the first quarter and led the Heat (30-25) by as many as 40.

Gordon scored 28 points with 5 assists for the Heat while former Bull Andres Nocioni scored 17 points. Neither really wanted to discuss their feelings of playing against their former team.

“That's in the past,” Gordon said. “They're doing great. I wish them the best.”

“It was a little weird, walking in the visiting locker room instead of the home locker room,” said Nocioni. "But it's OK. No big deal."

Shaquille O'Neal was held to 18 points and 8 rebounds. And "The Big Aristotle" waxed philosophic about his former teammate Wade.

"We don't have Flash anymore," said O'Neal. "But now we have Flash Gordon. Different Flash. Same sizzle. Different style. It's like losing a Rolls-Royce but picking up a Bentley. We'll be OK."