Yougi's RAPTORS dynasty - Begginning 2nd Season!

[Yougi]

By the way, sorry, I was 15-6!

RAPTORS VS SUNS
Recap of the last minute:
53.8: Stephon Marbury scores a fast-break lay-up to give the Suns a 93-90 lead.

45.5: Brad Miller misses a short jumper.

26.9: Brent Barry steals it from Marbury, crossovers past him, and finishes with authority to bring the Raptors within 1.

4.2: Stephon Marbury scores an off balance jumper from the charity stripe. 95-92. Raptors call a time-out, bring MoPete in. They call a play to free Brent for a 3, which he misses. Brad tips it-in, put it ain't enough as the buzzer sounds.

Final score: 95-94.

Leader boards:
PTS: A. Houston, S. Marion (28)
RBDS: B. Miller (8)
AST: S. Marbury (8)

Trade News:
Rockets trade their 1st rounder to Milwaukee for Michael Bradley.

News from around the league (including the biggest trade of the season) will be on later today.

[Yougi]

RANKINGS:
NYK - 18-5
TOR - 15-7
LAL, MIN, PHI - 14-8
SAC - 13-9
PHO - 14-10
DAL - 12-9
SAS - 13-10
DEN, ATL - 12-10
GSW - 11-10
MEM - 12-11
MIA - 13-12
BOS - 12-12
DET - 11-11
SEA, NJN, POR - 10-11
IND - 11-13
HOU - 10-13
CHI-ORL - 10-14
CLE - 10-15
MIL - 8-12
WAS - 8-14
LAC - 8-17
UTAH - 7-15
NOH - 5-17

LEADERS:
PPG:
1. T. McGrady (ORL) (27.5)
2. A. Iverson (PHI) (27.3)
3. P. Pierce (BOS) (26.3)
4. R. Allen (SEA), T. Duncan (SAS) (26.0)

RPG:
1. K. Garnett (MIN) (13.3)
2. B. Wallace (DET) (12.9)
3. S. O'neal (LAL) (12.2)
4. T. Duncan (SAS) (11.3)
5. J. O'neal (IND) (11.2)

APG:
1. J. Williams (MEM) (8.2)
2. J. Kidd (NJN) (8.1)
3. G. Payton (LAL) (7.5)
4. J. Tinsley (IND/MIL)(7.3)
5. M. Jackson (UTAH) (7.2)

Top 3 Offensive Squad:
Raptors -> 103.9 PPG
Knicks -> 101.5 PPG
Lakers -> 100.3 PPG

Top 3 Defensive Squad :
Wolves -> 88.3 PPG
Knicks -> 89.0 PPG
Kings -> 90.1 PPG

TRADE OF THE YEAR!

4 way deal, in which:

Portland gives up Rasheed Wallace, Zach Randolf, Qyntel Woods, this year's 1st round pick to get Stephon Marbury, Zarko Cabarkapa, Utah's 1st round pick, Clippers' 2nd round pick.

Portland gets a much needed go-to guy in Steph. They get Zarko, a younger version of the traded away Rasheed. Zach was not part of the team project, nor Qyntel, so they're not gonna be missed really. They swapped their pick with Utah, who will probablyend up in the top 3. They also got a high 2nd rounder, which can turn out to be good.

Phoenix gives up Stephon Marbury, Penny Hardaway, Zarko Cabarkapa to get Rasheed Wallace, Marko Jaric, Qyntel Woods.

Phoenix get the center they needed so much to cohabit with Amaré and Shawn. Amaré and Shawn being very strong for their positions, and with Sheed's ability to play the perimeter, the Suns can now fuck up any D. They also get a young and taller point guard, a capable benchman, and get rid of Penny's contract. Badly, Stephon was the price to pay.

The Clippers gives up Corey Maggette, Marko Jaric and a 2nd rounder for Andrei Kirilenko, Penny Hardaway and Matt Harpring.

If it was not of the fact that they wanted to kick Corey out, they would have gotten worse. They're now entering games with a line-up of Penny at the 1, Matt and Q on the wings, AK47 at the 4 and 6'8 EB at the 5.

Utah gives up AK47, Matt Harpring and their 1st rounder for Corey Maggette, Zach Randolf and a 1st rounder from Portland.

Utah gave up its whole team (or almost) plus their chance to get a phenom rookie to get Corey Maggette and explosive rebounder Zack Randolf.

[Yougi]

Ray Allen spoils Barry's return

During the looked-forward-to match-up between the Sonics and Raptors, Ray Allen almost single-handedly lifted his team to victory (90-83).

Allen had 39 points, on 15-18 shooting (including 3-3 from beyond) and 6-6 from the stripe. The All-Star also got help from long-time teammate Rashard Lewis (24 points on 12-18) and ex-raptors Alvin Williams (11 assists) and Jerome Moiso (7 rebounds, 2 blocks and 3 steals). Junk Yard Dog, also an ex-raptor, was incredible on both hand, scoring 7 points on 2 shots, and diving for loose balls everywhere. He also played some incredible D against former teammate Antonio Davis, rookie Chris Bosh, and acqusitions Brad Miller and Josh Smith.

For the red and purple, rookie Chris Bosh led 5 players in double figure with 15 (others being Brad Miller, Allan Houston., MoPete and Brent Barry). Houston's abyssal 4-13 shooting combined with Brent Barry's 5-11 were in big part responsible for the L. Other reasons were AD's play (6 points and 2 boards in 19 minutes), the 8-14 from the stripe, and the 8 assists the TEAM cummulled. That is 3 less than Alvin Williams. Alone.

[bullsfan009]

wow big trade there w/the four-team deal...I think it benefits the Clippers the most.

And tough loss to Seattle. Playing Ray Allen is always tough in NBA Live, he seems to make everything- like against you he was 15-for-18!

[DREeaZy06]

nice recap of the last minute

that was a HUGE trade

and Allen with 39, dam i hate how he makes everything, and i like how u have CB4 in his rookie yr, makes it interesting

keep it up

[H Rock]

Phoenix did the worst, and LA got the best part of it. Did you do that, or did the CPU do that? If so, that's the biggest trade I've ever seen.

[Yougi]

@NO : Again, I did it. Only trades made by the CPU are Drew Gooden for Elden Campbell, and 1st rounder for Mike Bradley.

ALL-STARS: (I simmed the game, West won 108-101. I, for some reason, wasn't interested in playing it. Want to make it to the playoffs as fast as possible)

For the Eastern team, there were 3 teams that got 2 players on the squad: Indiana's Dirk Nowitzki and Jermaine O'neal were the starting bigs, Orlando's Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady were the starting swingmen, and Boston's Antoine Walker and Paul Pierce were coming off the bench. Joigning the Pacers and Magic players on the starting unit was New Jersey Net Jason Kidd. Other players making it for the East Coast were Knick sharpshooter Peja Stojakovic, Wizards' star Gilbert Arenas, and perennial All-Stars Allen Iverson (for Philadelphia), Baron Davis (for New Orleans) and Ben Wallace (for Detroit).

On the West Coast, the Lakers were able to lock 3 positions on the DC, one for Shaquille O'neal as starting Center, one for Kobe Bryant as the starting off-guard, and one for Gary Payton as 3rd guard off the bench. Other starters are Tim Duncan (from San Antonio) at the 4, Steve Francis (from Houston) as the lead guard, and Vince Carter (from Sacramento) at the 3. Vince' teammate, Chris Webber, was also elected to the team, as 2nd Power Forward off the bench, behind Minnesota's Kevin Garnett. Other members of the team are Phoenix' Shawn Marion, Marion's former teammate Stephon Marbury (traded a few days before to the Blazers), Seattle' Ray Allen and Memphis' Pau Gasol.

[Yougi]

Spurs vs Raptors:

The score is tied at 106, there are 37 seconds left in the first extra period. Brent is playing some shut out D on Tony, but he still manage to come off a pick from Robert Horry, and shoot it from just inside the arc. With 20 left on the clock, down two, the Raptors' Houston decide to come off a Brad Miller pick. He jumps to shoot the trey, but he realises Tony Parker is on him. As they have time, he passes it while in the air to Brent Barry, who converts on an open 3 from the corner.

Then, with his team down one, and the clock telling 05.2, Tony fed Duncan, who wasn't even able to get a shot before the buzzer came, thanks to incredible D by Brad, who never gave him a glare at the basket.

Final Score: 109-108 RAPTORS

Big numbers:
RAPTORS:
Barry: 21 pts, 7 assists, 2 steals
Peterson: 20 pts, 3 steals
Davis: 22 points, 9 rbds
Miller: 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks

SPURS:
Parker: 20 points, 9 assists, 4 steals
Duncan: 18pts, 7 rbds, 5 blk
Mercer: 16 points
Nesterovic: 13 rbds, 3 blks

RAPTORS VS PACERS:

Indiana by 4, 48 seconds left on the clock. Bosh gets the ball at the stripe, gives it up to Barry when Strickland doubles him. Barry tried to drive, but stops when he see a 7 footer with number 7 on his chest coming to him, and launch a jumper that get nothing but net. Raptors down 2, with 36 seconds left.

Strickland brings the rock down court. No extra pressure applied by the Raptors. He begins to let time slip way. With 22 left on the clock, 10 on the shot one, he gives it to Tim Thomas, at the top of the key, then drives to the basket. Thomas fakes the pass, making Mo go away, and shoot the 17 footer to seal the win... IT'S MISSED! Brad Miller gets the board, give it to Barry, who hurry to the other end off the floor.

Badly for him, defense comes back. Who cares? Barry goes right, then crosses Strickland over, and launch a three. We hear a whistle, and the shot misses the mark. The referees call... a shot foul on Eric Strickland. That means that Brent Barry will go to the stripe for 3 shots.

"Everybody takes place around the key. CB4 is there, AD is there, Jermaine, Dirk and Strickland also. Brent takes is place, just behind the line. He get the ball from the ref, takes a dribble, and a second one. He then hold the ball in his hands, take a deep breath, and shoots it. IT'S GOOD! The crowd starts booing, but Barry, more confident, thanks to his made first, shoot the second without taking a dribble. IT'S GOOD ALSO! The score is tied at 99. If he get the last shot, they win it."

Well... in fact, the Pacers gets it with 2.3 seconds left. Not a threat... Or maybe.... Oh cmon Brent, focus on your shot... You can do it Brent, you got the first two. You did so many in the gyms. Cmon... Shoot it...

"The critical shot leaves his hand... IT'S GOOD!"

Final score: 100-99 RAPTORS

Big numbers:
RAPTORS:
Barry: 22-6-4-0-3
Houston: 17 points
Peterson: 13 points, 5 rebounds
Davis: 10 points, 5 boards, 2 blocks in 12 minutes
Smith: 12 points on 6-6 shooting, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks in 11 minutes
Bosh: 8-4-2 in 14 minutes

PACERS:
Miller: 19 points
O'neal: 18-12-2-3-4
Thomas: 16 points
Nowitzki: 12 points on 6-7, 5 rebounds and 3 steals
Strickland: 11 points, 7 assists and 2 steals

PLAYOFFS BERTH:

In the East, the Knicks, Raptors, Sixers, Nets, Heat and Pistons did clinch their berth. In the run for the last 2 spots are the Celtics, Pacers, Hawks, Bulls and Magic.

In the West, the Lakers, Wolves, Suns, Spurs, Mavericks and Kings are sure of participating in the postseason. The Sonics, Grizzlies, Blazers, Warriors and Rockets are still battling for the last two spots.

[Yougi]

Spurs vs Raptors:

The score is tied at 106, there are 37 seconds left in the first extra period. Brent is playing some shut out D on Tony, but he still manage to come off a pick from Robert Horry, and shoot it from just inside the arc. With 20 left on the clock, down two, the Raptors' Houston decide to come off a Brad Miller pick. He jumps to shoot the trey, but he realises Tony Parker is on him. As they have time, he passes it while in the air to Brent Barry, who converts on an open 3 from the corner.

Then, with his team down one, and the clock telling 05.2, Tony fed Duncan, who wasn't even able to get a shot before the buzzer came, thanks to incredible D by Brad, who never gave him a glare at the basket.

Final Score: 109-108 RAPTORS

Big numbers:
RAPTORS:
Barry: 21 pts, 7 assists, 2 steals
Peterson: 20 pts, 3 steals
Davis: 22 points, 9 rbds
Miller: 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks

SPURS:
Parker: 20 points, 9 assists, 4 steals
Duncan: 18pts, 7 rbds, 5 blk
Mercer: 16 points
Nesterovic: 13 rbds, 3 blks

RAPTORS VS PACERS:

Indiana by 4, 48 seconds left on the clock. Bosh gets the ball at the stripe, gives it up to Barry when Strickland doubles him. Barry tried to drive, but stops when he see a 7 footer with number 7 on his chest coming to him, and launch a jumper that get nothing but net. Raptors down 2, with 36 seconds left.

Strickland brings the rock down court. No extra pressure applied by the Raptors. He begins to let time slip way. With 22 left on the clock, 10 on the shot one, he gives it to Tim Thomas, at the top of the key, then drives to the basket. Thomas fakes the pass, making Mo go away, and shoot the 17 footer to seal the win... IT'S MISSED! Brad Miller gets the board, give it to Barry, who hurry to the other end off the floor.

Badly for him, defense comes back. Who cares? Barry goes right, then crosses Strickland over, and launch a three. We hear a whistle, and the shot misses the mark. The referees call... a shot foul on Eric Strickland. That means that Brent Barry will go to the stripe for 3 shots.

"Everybody takes place around the key. CB4 is there, AD is there, Jermaine, Dirk and Strickland also. Brent takes is place, just behind the line. He get the ball from the ref, takes a dribble, and a second one. He then hold the ball in his hands, take a deep breath, and shoots it. IT'S GOOD! The crowd starts booing, but Barry, more confident, thanks to his made first, shoot the second without taking a dribble. IT'S GOOD ALSO! The score is tied at 99. If he get the last shot, they win it."

Well... in fact, the Pacers gets it with 2.3 seconds left. Not a threat... Or maybe.... Oh cmon Brent, focus on your shot... You can do it Brent, you got the first two. You did so many in the gyms. Cmon... Shoot it...

"The critical shot leaves his hand... IT'S GOOD!"

Final score: 100-99 RAPTORS

Big numbers:
RAPTORS:
Barry: 22-6-4-0-3
Houston: 17 points
Peterson: 13 points, 5 rebounds
Davis: 10 points, 5 boards, 2 blocks in 12 minutes
Smith: 12 points on 6-6 shooting, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks in 11 minutes
Bosh: 8-4-2 in 14 minutes

PACERS:
Miller: 19 points
O'neal: 18-12-2-3-4
Thomas: 16 points
Nowitzki: 12 points on 6-7, 5 rebounds and 3 steals
Strickland: 11 points, 7 assists and 2 steals

[Yougi]

Spurs vs Raptors:

The score is tied at 106, there are 37 seconds left in the first extra period. Brent is playing some shut out D on Tony, but he still manage to come off a pick from Robert Horry, and shoot it from just inside the arc. With 20 left on the clock, down two, the Raptors' Houston decide to come off a Brad Miller pick. He jumps to shoot the trey, but he realises Tony Parker is on him. As they have time, he passes it while in the air to Brent Barry, who converts on an open 3 from the corner.

Then, with his team down one, and the clock telling 05.2, Tony fed Duncan, who wasn't even able to get a shot before the buzzer came, thanks to incredible D by Brad, who never gave him a glare at the basket.

Final Score: 109-108 RAPTORS

Big numbers:
RAPTORS:
Barry: 21 pts, 7 assists, 2 steals
Peterson: 20 pts, 3 steals
Davis: 22 points, 9 rbds
Miller: 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks

SPURS:
Parker: 20 points, 9 assists, 4 steals
Duncan: 18pts, 7 rbds, 5 blk
Mercer: 16 points
Nesterovic: 13 rbds, 3 blks

RAPTORS VS PACERS:

Indiana by 4, 48 seconds left on the clock. Bosh gets the ball at the stripe, gives it up to Barry when Strickland doubles him. Barry tried to drive, but stops when he see a 7 footer with number 7 on his chest coming to him, and launch a jumper that get nothing but net. Raptors down 2, with 36 seconds left.

Strickland brings the rock down court. No extra pressure applied by the Raptors. He begins to let time slip way. With 22 left on the clock, 10 on the shot one, he gives it to Tim Thomas, at the top of the key, then drives to the basket. Thomas fakes the pass, making Mo go away, and shoot the 17 footer to seal the win... IT'S MISSED! Brad Miller gets the board, give it to Barry, who hurry to the other end off the floor.

Badly for him, defense comes back. Who cares? Barry goes right, then crosses Strickland over, and launch a three. We hear a whistle, and the shot misses the mark. The referees call... a shot foul on Eric Strickland. That means that Brent Barry will go to the stripe for 3 shots.

"Everybody takes place around the key. CB4 is there, AD is there, Jermaine, Dirk and Strickland also. Brent takes is place, just behind the line. He get the ball from the ref, takes a dribble, and a second one. He then hold the ball in his hands, take a deep breath, and shoots it. IT'S GOOD! The crowd starts booing, but Barry, more confident, thanks to his made first, shoot the second without taking a dribble. IT'S GOOD ALSO! The score is tied at 99. If he get the last shot, they win it."

Well... in fact, the Pacers gets it with 2.3 seconds left. Not a threat... Or maybe.... Oh cmon Brent, focus on your shot... You can do it Brent, you got the first two. You did so many in the gyms. Cmon... Shoot it...

"The critical shot leaves his hand... IT'S GOOD!"

Final score: 100-99 RAPTORS

Big numbers:
RAPTORS:
Barry: 22-6-4-0-3
Houston: 17 points
Peterson: 13 points, 5 rebounds
Davis: 10 points, 5 boards, 2 blocks in 12 minutes
Smith: 12 points on 6-6 shooting, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks in 11 minutes
Bosh: 8-4-2 in 14 minutes

PACERS:
Miller: 19 points
O'neal: 18-12-2-3-4
Thomas: 16 points
Nowitzki: 12 points on 6-7, 5 rebounds and 3 steals
Strickland: 11 points, 7 assists and 2 steals

PLAYOFFS BERTH:

In the East, the Knicks, Raptors, Sixers, Nets, Heat and Pistons did clinch their berth. In the run for the last 2 spots are the Celtics, Pacers, Hawks, Bulls and Magic.

In the West, the Lakers, Wolves, Suns, Spurs, Mavericks and Kings are sure of participating in the postseason. The Sonics, Grizzlies, Blazers, Warriors and Rockets are still battling for the last two spots.

[Yougi]

Raptors drop it, 110-102, against the Utah Jazz

In what was probably their worst game of teh season, the Raptors got beat 110-102 by league-worst Utah Jazz.

Corey Maggette, the newly acquired star, scored 27 on them, including 13 in the last quarter, to give his team a well deserved win, their 8th of the season.

"Even though we're out of the playoff picture, we can still show people what the Maggetted Jazz'll look like."

And they did just that.

To those who will say that MAggette doesn't make his teammates better, look at this: all of the Jazz starting five had double figures. Greg Ostertag had 6 points in 2 minutes of play. OIn a 48 minutes basis, that is 144 points.

On the Raps side, Brent Barry said it all:

"We took them too easy, never thought we could lose. We were chilling on the court, not playing basketball. We would run a play, screens were half-set, shots were half made, we were half-running and half-playing defense. When we woke up, it was too late..."

The Raptors next game will be in Toronto, against Scottie Pippen's Chicago Bulls.

[Yougi]

Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors

1st: 23-20 Chicago
Despite Miller's 8-4 line, the 9/20 shooting did not help. Also, they went to the line 10 times (compared to our 4), and fouled us 5 times only (7 for them).

2nd: 40-33 Chicago
Only 2 points from the bench in a whole half. 15/37 shooting. 1/6 from beyond. 2/4 from the stripe. Outrebounded 23-17. All the reasons why we were behind at halftime.

3rd: 61-56 Toronto
Shooting 12/14 in the 3rd, including 1/2 from beyond. Outrebounded them 6-4 in the quarter. And in the whole game, they turned the ball over 20 times, almost twice more than our 11.

4th: 86-79 Toronto
A loss that puts Chicago out of the playoff picture, and assures Toronto of the 2nd spot.

Important numbers:

Brad Miller: 22-9-1-1-1
Morris Peterson: 16-6-3-2-3

Jamal Crawford (proving he's not a real PG): 19 points on 7/16 shooting, 4 assists and 7 TO's
Eddy Curry: 10 points, 12 rebounds

I simmed the last game of the seaon, and bet the Grizzlies 97-74.

The Playoff Tree:

West:

Lakers vs Nuggets
Kings vs Spurs
Mavs vs Suns
Wolves vs Sonics

East:

Knicks vs Hawks
Nets vs Heat
Sixers vs Pistons
Raptors vs Celtics

The Awards:

Orlando's Tracy McGrady wins the scoring title, with an average of 28.1 per. The only real threat to his title was Philly's Allen Iverson, who averaged 27.9 during the season.

The best rebounder this season was Minnesota's Kevin Garnett, who had 13.4 boards a game. Other double digits-rebounder were Detroit's Ben Wallace (12.9), Lakers' Shaquille O'neal (12.0), San Antonio's Tim Duncan (11.3) and Indiana's Jermaine O'neal (11.0).

At the assist leader part, we have a tie between New Jersey's Jason Kidd and Memphis' Jason Williams, who are both at 8.2. This is an exact tie, so they will have to share the title!

The best shot blocker in the league was Detroit's Ben Wallace, with 4 a game. There was no one even close to that number, with Toronto's Dikembe Mutombo, who was second, gettin only 2.5. Arguably though, Ben getting twice as many minutes may be the only thing keeping Deke from gettin the title.

The guy with the quickest hand was Allen Iverson, stealing 2.7 balls a game. It was a close-call, with Jason Kidd gettin 2.5, Brent Barry 2.4 and Ron Artest 2.2.

The Rookie of the Year award goes to Cleveland's swingman LEBRON JAMES, who proved is versatily by getting 16.4 points a game, 7.3 boards, 3.9 dimes, 0.9 blocks and 0.8 steals from the point, the off guard and the 3 at different stages of the season.

The 6th man award goes to Milwaukee/Toronto's front court player JOE SMITH, who averaged 8,4 - 3,2 - 1,2 - 2,1 - 0,8 in only 12.4 minutes a game, from the 3, 4 and 5. His 2.1 blocks per game were good for 6th in the league, even though he was coming off the bench for very limited minutes.

The Most Improved Player award goes to Toronto's swingman MORRIS PETERSON, who got 14 - 3.5 - 2 - 0,5 - 1,5 a game in only 20,9 minutes.

The Defensive Player of the Year award goes to Minnesota's forward KEVIN GARNETT, who lead the league at 13,4 boards per, in addition to gettin 1,8 blocks per, and 1,6 steals.

The Most Valuable Player award goes to New Jersey's Jason Kidd, who kept an incredible line of 22,8 - 8,6 - 8,2 - 0,6 - 2,5 to lead his Nets to the 4th place in the Eastern conference.

ALL-NBA TEAM 1:
PG: Jason Kidd (NJ)
SG: Tracy McGrady (ORL)
SF: Vince Carter (SAC)
PF: Kevin Garnett (MIN)
C: Shaquille O'neal (LAL)

All-NBA TEAM 2:
PG: Stephon Marbury (PHO/POR)
SG: Allen Iverson (PHI)
SF: Shawn Marion (PHO)
PF: Dirk Nowitzki (DAL/IND)
C: Jermaine O'neal (IND)

All-Rookie Team 1:
Cleveland's LeBron James (1st Overall)
Denver's Carmelo Anthony (3rd Overall)
Miami's Dwayne Wade (5th Overall)
Milwaukee's TJ Ford (8th Overall)
Seattle's Nick Collison (12th Overall)

All-Rookie Team 2:
Detroit's Darko Milicic (2nd Overall)
LA's Chris Kaman (6th Overall)
Toronto's Chris Bosh (4th Overall)
Boston's Marcus Banks (13th Overall)
Utah's Maurice Williams (47th Overall)

All-Defensive Team 1:
PG: Jason Kidd (NJ)
SG: Allen Iverson (PHI)
SF: Darius Miles (CLE/NO)
PF: Kevin Garnett (MIN)
C: Ben Wallace (DET)

All-Defensive Team 2:
PG: Brent Barry (TOR)
SG: Kobe Bryant (LAL)
SF: Shawn Marion (PHO)
PF: Chris Webber (SAC)
C: Jermaine O'neal (IND)

[Yougi]

Game 1: Raps vs Celtics

PS: This is gonna be the only game I play for the whole playoffs. I'd like to make it to the offseason as soon as possible!

1st: 19-17 Raps

Really, an all Raps quarter despite what the score say. We were able to focus on Paul Pierce on D, with Toine out with foul problems. Brent Barry had 6-4 and a block.

2nd: 38-35 Celtics

An half-court buzzer beater from Mike James gave the Celtics the lead, but again, Toine staying on the bench kept us in the game. AD came up big with 12 points, 6 boards and 2 blocks.

3rd: 68-60

For this one, the score tells it. Walker staed on the court, made it to 15 points, while Pierce had 14. The defense was unable to defend both at thee same time. Miller and AD each had 16-6, and AD also had 3 blocks and as many steals.

4th: 90-84

Thanks to a huge game by Davis (24 points, 9 boards, 3-3 on D), who won POTG honors, we made it throug hthe game to gain an early lead in the series.

Game 2: Celtics win. Series tied at 1-1.
Game 3: Celtics win. Celtics lead 2-1.
Game 4: Raptors win. Tied at 2-2.
Game 5: Raptors win. Raptors go to Semi-Finals, against the Philadelphia Sixers!

Semi-Finals:
Game 1: Raps win. Raps lead 1-0
Game 2: Sixers win. Tied at 1-1.
Game 3: Raps win. Raps lead 2-1.
Game 4: Sixers win. Tied at 2-2.
Game 5: Sixers win. Sixers go to Eastern Finals, against the Nets!

In the Finals, the Lakers swept the Sixers for their 4th ring in the Shaq-Kobe era (giving Karl Malone and Gary Payton their first rings ever). Shaquille O'neal wins Finals MVP.

Important players retiring:

Karl Malone (LAL)
Reggie Miller (IND)
Clifford Robinson (GSW)

Draft (only 1st rounders):
1st: POR drafts: PG A. Benzer (67)

Much criticized pick, but it will allow Portland to move Starbury to the off-guard.

2nd: WAS draft: PG M. Vanden Dool (68)

That confirms the rumors: Gilbert Arenas will not wear a Wizard jersey next year.

3rd: CHI draft: PF J. King (66)

With Eddy Curry, Donnyel Marshall and Tyson Chandler, the Chicago completed what will be the best and deepest front court in teh league.

4th: NO draft: PF G. Fulton (65)

Probablably playing the 5 instead of Jamal Magloire, allowing the Hornets to move him.

5th: LAC draft: PF B. Yates (69)

Unarguably the best player in the draft. He'll start at the 5, moving EB to his natural 4 and AK to his 3.

6th: CLE draft: SF N. Little (66)

Ricky Davis is on his way out.

7th: MIL draft: SF G. Arthitage (64)

8th: GS draft: SG E. Dutton (64)

9th: MIL draft: SG D. McKie (64)

10th: IND draft: SG E. Byers (62)

11th: ORL draft: PF H. Casey (62)

12th: UTAH draft: C D. Duke (61)

13th: MEM draft: SF A. Underwood (64)

14th: ATL: PG I. Patton (55)

15th: DEN: C J. Pratt (57)

16th: BOS: C A. Johnson (53)

17th: SEA: PF D. Giricek (52)

18th: DET: PF C. Sharp (51)

19th: MIA: SG R. Burns (49)

20th: NJ: SF S. Wolf (65) <- Steal Of The Draft

21st: PHO: C J. Wiles (52)

22nd: SA: C J. Friedman (47)

23rd: SAC: SG S. Lange (47)

24th: PHI: SG D. Dale (46)

25th: DAL: SG R. Kellet (47)

26th: MIN: SG D. Barnard (46)

27th: LAL: PG D. Owens (46)

28th: TOR: SG A. Currie (43)

29th: NY: PF S. Larson (45)

Toronto's 2nd rounder was a Center named S. Favreau, rated 26 overall.

Transactions:

Toronto signs Desmond Mason

Houston signs P. Burke

Minnesota signs D. Drew

Milwaukee trades Lammond Murray to Minnesota for Michael Olowokandi

Indiana trades Tim Thomas to Portland for Damon Stoudamire and Jelani McKoy

New Jersey signs Charlie Ward

Utah signs Chris Mills

Boston signs Latrell Sprewell

New York signs Kobe Bryant

Toronto trades Allan Houston to Sacramento for Mike Bibby

Dallas trade Jonathan Bender to Orlando for Tyronn Lue

Washington trades Gilbert Arenas and Brendan Haywood to Cleveland for Ricky Davis

[Yougi]

ATLANTA :

Starting 5 :
PG : Jason Terry (69)
SG : Stephen Jackson (64)
SF : Boris Diaw (58)
PF: Shareef Abdur-Rahim (76)
C: Theo Ratliff (61)

Important bench players: Nazr Mohammed

Remarks: Not really better than last year, but went to the post season last year. Could still get a .500

BOSTON :

Starting 5 :
PG : M. James (64)
SG : P. Pierce (86)
SF : Latrell Sprewell (70)
PF: A. Walker (77)
C: T. Battie (60)

Important bench players: Walter McCarty, Tony Delk

Remarks: Adding a third weapon to the offense, plus the improvement of James and Battie, gives this team even more competiveness.

CHICAGO :

Starting 5 :
PG : J. Crawford (65)
SG : J. Rose (75)
SF : D. Marshall (69)
PF: T. Chandler (73)
C: E. Curry (61)

Important bench players: J. King, Jay Williams, Eddie Robinson

Remarks: Most impressive frontcourt in the league. Deep in the backcourt also. Will make some noise.

CLEVELAND :

Starting 5 :
PG : G. Arenas (68)
SG : L. James (69)
SF : N. Little (66)
PF: C. Boozer (66)
C: Z. Ilgauskas (72)

Important bench players: Brendan Haywood, Dajuan Wagner

Remarks: Darell Armstrong turning out to be a bust as starting lead guard, the Cavs drafted a combo forward, and traded Ricky Davis for a much needed point guard, and a back-up to oft-injured Ilgauskas.

DALLAS :

Starting 5 :
PG : S. Nash (75)
SG : M. Finley (85)
SF : R. Artest (73)
PF: A. Jamison (78)
C: R. LaFrentz (67)

Important bench players: Al Harrington, Tyronn Lue, Shawn Bradley

Remarks: Now have a back-up to Nash. Real good team, ready to make a run to the Finals.

DENVER :

Starting 5 :
PG : A. Miller (70)
SG : V. Lenard (59)
SF : C. Anthony (64)
PF: Nene (62)
C: M. Camby (67)

Important bench players: J. Pratt

Remarks: Not a contender. Will have to wait for Melo to develop.

DETROIT :

Starting 5 :
PG : C. Billups (66)
SG : R. Hamilton (66)
SF : C. Williamson (59)
PF: D. Milicic (68)
C: B. Wallace (78)

Important bench players: Drew Gooden, Mehmet Okur, Bob Sura

Remarks: Darko Milicic worked out this summer, making his way back to the starting 5. Will he be able to play at a high level for a whole season this time?

GOLDEN STATE:

Starting 5 :
PG : N. Van Exel (66)
SG : E. Dutton (64)
SF : J. Richardson (74)
PF: T. Murphy (63)
C: E. Dampier (56)

Important bench players: Mike Dunleavy Jr., Speedy Claxton

Remarks: Richardson improved a lot, and drafting Dutton provides them with an option to replace Van Exel in a few years.

HOUSTON :

Starting 5 :
PG : S. Francis (84)
SG : C. Mobley (68)
SF : J. Mashburn (74)
PF: M. Taylor (60)
C: Y. Ming (73)

Important bench players: Moochie Norris

Remarks: Again, since the Mashburn trade, they have an incredible starting 5, but are paper thin.

INDIANA :

Starting 5 :
PG : D. Stoudamire (61)
SG : E. Byers (62)
SF : A. Croshere (63)
PF: D. Nowitzki (83)
C: J. O’neal (87)

Important bench players: Kenny Anderson

Remarks: Dirk-Jerm is the best duo in the league now that Kobe left LA, and is definitely incredible. Their problem is, they’re less than paper-thin.

LA CLIPPERS :

Starting 5 :
PG : K. Dooling (53)
SG : Q, Richardson (63)
SF : A. Kirilenko (74)
PF: E. Brand (77)
C: B. Yates (69)

Important bench players: Matt Harpring, Chris Kaman

Remarks: Except at the point, best team in the league. The point guards rarity gives this team a big disadvantage though.

LA LAKERS :

Starting 5 :
PG : G. Payton (73)
SG : G, Giricek (58)
SF : D. George (63)
PF: P. Garrity (58)
C: S. O’neal (89)

Important bench players: Rick Fox

Remarks: With the losses of Malone and Bryant, they are out of the picture. This team will turn to rebuilding mode soon.

MEMPHIS:

Starting 5 :
PG : J. Williams (66)
SG : J. Posey (68)
SF : S. Battier (66)
PF: L. Wright (69)
C: P. Gasol (76)

Important bench players: Stromile Swift, Mike Miller, A. Underwood, Mike Dickerson, Bo Outlaw

Remarks: Again, the Grizzlies are 10 deep, and looking to get into the playoffs.

MIAMI :

Starting 5 :
PG : D. Wade (63)
SG : E. Jones (65)
SF : C. Butler (68)
PF: L. Odom (75)
C: B. Grant (63)

Important bench players: Samaki Walker, Rafer Alston

Remarks: Not an elite team, but can still make it to the playoffs. Well balanced. Will turn into a killer as soon as they get a decent C.

MILWAUKEE :

Starting 5 :
PG : J. Tinsley (65)
SG : M. Redd (66)
SF : G. Armitage (64)
PF: V. Radmanovic (62)
C: M. Olowokandi (64)

Important bench players: D. McKie, TJ Ford, Scott Pollard

Remarks: Not elite, but can sneak into the playoffs. Will be impressive once Tinsley, Ford, McKie and Armitage realize their potential.

MINNESOTA :

Starting 5 :
PG : S. Cassell (64)
SG : W. Szczerbiak (70)
SF : L. Murray (66)
PF: G. Trent (57)
C: K. Garnett (99)

Important bench players: B. Drew, Fred Hoiberg

Remarks: It all depends on KG’s play at the 5 spot. It’s either a top 3 team or a lottery one.

New Jersey :

Starting 5 :
PG : J. Kidd (88)
SG : K. Kittles (64)
SF : R. Jefferson (68)
PF: K. Martin (75)
C: A. Mourning (70)

Important bench players: S. Wolf, Rodney Rodgers, Charlie Ward

Remarks: With the steal of the draft, the rich got richer. RJ, K-Mart, Wolf and Rodney make an impressive forward quatuor. Look for one of the 4 to be moved, at the very least.

NEW ORLEANS :

Starting 5 :
PG : B. Davis (84)
SG : L. Hughes (68)
SF : D. Miles (64)
PF: E. Griffin (66)
C: G. Fulton (65)

Important bench players: Jamal Magloire, David Wesley, George Lynch

Remarks: Despite finishing 3rd to last last year, this year’s Hornets will be a pain in the ass to play against, thanks to Hughes’ improvement, and the addition of Fulton.

NEW YORK :

Starting 5 :
PG : H. Eisley (62)
SG : K. Bryant (95)
SF : P. Stojakovic (76)
PF: A. McDyess (70)
C: K. Thomas (70)

Important bench players: Keith Van Horn, Shandon Andersen, Clarence Weatherspoon

Remarks: Last year’s top team got a top player, ready to get them deeper in the playoffs. A team to look out for.

ORLANDO :

Starting 5 :
PG : D. Fisher (61)
SG : T. McGrady (83)
SF : G. Hill (71)
PF: H. Casey (62)
C: J. Howard (72)

Important bench players: Jonathan Bender

Remarks: Will be good now, and down the road. Is missing a little depth, but that will come.

PHILADELPHIA :

Starting 5 :
PG : E. Snow (67)
SG : A. Iverson (87)
SF : G. Robinson (71)
PF: K. Thomas (55)
C: M. Jackson (62)

Important bench players: Aaron McKie

Remarks: Kenny Thomas’ off-season surgery really cut into his skills, and the Sixers now face a huge whole at the 4, something you can’t afford in the playoffs.

PHOENIX :

Starting 5 :
PG : M. Jaric (62)
SG : D. Johnson (64)
SF : S. Marion (82)
PF: A. Stoudemire (71)
C: R. Wallace (82)

Important bench players: Joe Johnson

Remarks: An impressive frontcourt, even though it’s thin as hell, is probably the only good thing for this team.

PORTLAND :

Starting 5 :
PG : A. Benzer (67)
SG : S. Marbury (77)
SF : B. Wells (72)
PF: T. Thomas (64)
C: D. Davis (55)

Important bench players: Smush Parker, Derek Anderson, Rubben Patterson, Scot Padgett

Remarks: With Smush, Venzer, Starbury and Derek Anderson all being able to play the point, and a rarity of point guards among the league, look for at least 2 of them to be traded before February.

SACRAMENTO :

Starting 5 :
PG : B. Jackson (68)
SG : Allan Houston (67)
SF : V. Carter (90)
PF: C. Webber (87)
C: V. Divac (59)

Important bench players: Doug Christie, Gerald Wallace

Remarks: Bobby Jackson finally got his much wanted starting role over Mike Bibby (who was traded). Let’s hope for him he won’t fall (again) to injuries.

SAN ANTONIO :

Starting 5 :
PG : T. Parker (65)
SG : E. Ginobilli (62)
SF : R. Mercer (54)
PF: T. Duncan (91)
C: R. Nesterovic (61)

Important bench players: Malik Rose, Robert Horry

Remarks: Manu and Tony were probably overrated, as they are not at the level people thought they would. The Spurs are also looking at a depleted 3 spot.

SEATTLE :

Starting 5 :
PG : A. Williams (58)
SG : R. Allen (82)
SF : R. Lewis (73)
PF: J. Williams (63)
C: J. Moiso (60)

Important bench players: Nick Collison, Antonio Daniels

Remarks: With now competent bigs, this team will make damages.

TORONTO :

Starting 5 :
PG : M. Bibby (65)
SG : M. Peterson (63)
SF : D. Mason (70)
PF: B. Miller (74)
C: A. Davis (65)

Important bench players: Brent Barry, Joe Smith, Chris Bosh, Earl Watson

Remarks: The very old team got somehow younger, gettin Mason and Bibby, plus having Bosh, Peterson and Miller. Good looking, definitely.

UTAH :

Starting 5 :
PG : Carlos Arroyo (54)
SG : Corey Maggette (76)
SF : Chris Mills (55)
PF: Keon Clark (69)
C: D. Duke (61)

Important bench players: Zach Randolph

Remarks: Still in rebuilding mode. Keon Clark and Zach Randolph really improved, and rookie Duke will also be a big asset to the team.

WASHINGTON :

Starting 5 :
PG : M. Vanden Dool (68)
SG : R. Davis (78)
SF : J. Stackhouse (78)
PF: K. Brown (68)
C: P. Brown (63)

Important bench players: Jarvis Hayes

Remarks: Rookie Myo Vanden Dool is on a dream team: on one wing, Ricky Davis, on the other, Jerry Stackhouse. Talk about 10 assists a game.

[Yougi]

D-Mase a Raptor

Toronto GM/Coach Yougi announced today the Raptors did sign swingman Desmond Mason.

Being criticized for assembling an aging team, Yougi shut critics down by not signing veteran benchman Tony Kukoc, using the money on young Mason instead.

With Milwaukee drafting rookies Armitage and McKie, he thought he would not get as much playing time as wanted, and Milwaukee did not want to give their best player as much money as he wanted. So Mason started looking for a new place to call home.

He was first approached by New York, but they also had another option before, so he decided go to north and signed the deal offered to him by the Raptors.

"I'm real excited to have Desmond on our team. He'll end up being a strong defender, a great asset on the break and half-court offense, and a guy that still has potential to develop even more," says Yougi

"Going to Toronto may sound like weird, but I'm happy I did it. In here, I'll be able to play in an offense that suits me, and I'll be able to play D with someone behind my back, something I did not have back in Milwaukee. I'm happy to join the Raptors. Plus, I'll get to play again with Joe Smith, who I really liked when we played together as Bucks," said Mason.

Murray for Kandi

After losing small forward Desmond Mason to free agency, the Bucks decided to part ways with their second one, former Raptors Lammond Murray, to get a much needed center.

Since they traded Joe Smith, Tony Kukoc and Tim Thomas last season, they were lacking big guys (only having Vladimir Radmanovic as center), and therefor, sended Murray to Minnesota for Michael Olowokandi.

"Getting Kandi will allow us to have an inside presence, something we've missed for years. Having a load of shooters, we're happy to have someone who can get a few boards," said Milwaukee GM.

"Lammond Murray is really gonna help, now that Sprewell snobbed us. Murray and Wally World are gonna be a duo to look out for in the next 5-7 years. Also, I've always wanted to know if KG was suited to the center position. Now, I'm gonna give it a try," said Minnesota's GM.

Tim Thomas to Portland for Stoudamire, McKoy

When they acquired Tim Thomas and Eric Strickland for Tinsley last year, the Pacers never thought Strickland would end up being a huge bust. They had to get another point, as did a few other teams. Rarity phenomen, Portland had the big part of the stick.

Since they let Sheed go, they were in need of a 4, but wannted an athletic one that could run the floor: Tim Thomas was on his 3rd team in less than a year!

Indiana got point guard Damon Stoudamire (who, since the draft, was to be a 4th point anyways) and center Jelani McKoy

"We had to deal Tim. He was good, but we needed Damon to play the point. I'm happy of that deal. Damon is good, and is gonna improve a whole lot," said Indiana's GM.

Boston signs Latrell Sprewell

What was the strategy the Raptors used against Boston last year, in the playoffs? They made one of their star go into foul trouble, and doubled the other.

Well, the Celts made it sure the same thing would not happen again. In addition to Mike James and Tony Battie becoming capable scorers, they signed swingman Latrell Sprewell.

"Spree is someone who can change a game on the offensive end, and that's what we were looking for. That way, people won't just have to go to Toine on offense, then to double Paul at the other end. He'll open the court for them," said Boston GM.

Toronto and Saco swap Houston and Bibby

For the second second straigth year, Toronto and Sacramento made a big deal that will send the Raptors' best swingman in a Kings uni.

Toronto sent guard Allan Houston (acquired in the Vince Carter deal) to Sacramento in order to get now back-up point Mike Bibby.

With Bobby Jackson's improvement, the Kings decided to make him the starting point, and getting a shooter to complement Webber's passing skills was needed. Allan Houston was the perfect player.

"We needed a younger point then Brent. Brent is still a very capable player, we only don't know if he'll still be in 5 years," said Yougi, Coach and GM of the Toronto Raptors.

Dallas send Jonathan Bender to Orlando for Lue

With the rising value of point guards this summer, The Magic had to trade one of their 2 (they traded for Derek Fisher last year, remember?) They felt Fisher was a better fit to play alongside McGrady and Hill, and therefor, sent Lue to Dallas (who was in search of a back-up for Nash) for Jonathan Bender, who is nothing less than a shooting guard in a 7 foot, 250 pounds body.

"Bender, Howard and Casey will be a very destructive frontcourt in a few years. It is sure worth the waiting," said Orlando's GM.

Cleveland gets Arenas, Haywood for Ricky D

You have the 6th pick in the draft, the guy that his supposed to be the next MJ on your team, in addition to a star at the 2. You have your second best layer at the center position, and a future star at the 4. You're also in big need of a point, and the next 10 talented guys are not points. What you do?

You draft a forward, and trade your star for a point, and a back-up big. That's what Cleveland did when they traded Ricky Davis to Washington for point guard Gilbert Arenas and Brendan Haywood.

"With Myo [Vanden Dool, the point guard they drafted 2nd overall in the draft], we felt we did not need Gilbert, and with the high value of point guards at this moment, we traded him for another swingman. Ricky and Stack are gonna tear defenses apart, even more with Myo leading the offense," said Washington GM.

Bryant leaves LA

After winning his 4th ring as a Laker, all-star Kobe Bryant decided his days in the purple and gold uni were over.

Probably it's the fact Shaq took a few points he thought were due to him. Maybe, he just did not like the fact he was the second best player on a championship team (in fact, even coach Phil Jackson got more credit for the rings then him). Whatever it may be, he's out of town.

Of course, he got loads of interest. Boston went after him. Memphis, Atlanta, New Jersey, Detroit, Washington, Denver, and even San Antonio went for him. But he finally decided to end up in an orange jersey, signing with the Knickerbockers.

Kobe will provide the Knicks what they needed in the playoffs last year: a star. They have Peja, they have Kurt, they have McDyess. They an outscore you, and play great defense. They just do not have that one guy that can open the court for you, attract attention, and sink shots late in the game. And that is what Kobe Bryant is all about.

[Yougi]

D-Mase a Raptor

Toronto GM/Coach Yougi announced today the Raptors did sign swingman Desmond Mason.

Being criticized for assembling an aging team, Yougi shut critics down by not signing veteran benchman Tony Kukoc, using the money on young Mason instead.

With Milwaukee drafting rookies Armitage and McKie, he thought he would not get as much playing time as wanted, and Milwaukee did not want to give their best player as much money as he wanted. So Mason started looking for a new place to call home.

He was first approached by New York, but they also had another option before, so he decided go to north and signed the deal offered to him by the Raptors.

"I'm real excited to have Desmond on our team. He'll end up being a strong defender, a great asset on the break and half-court offense, and a guy that still has potential to develop even more," says Yougi

"Going to Toronto may sound like weird, but I'm happy I did it. In here, I'll be able to play in an offense that suits me, and I'll be able to play D with someone behind my back, something I did not have back in Milwaukee. I'm happy to join the Raptors. Plus, I'll get to play again with Joe Smith, who I really liked when we played together as Bucks," said Mason.

Murray for Kandi

After losing small forward Desmond Mason to free agency, the Bucks decided to part ways with their second one, former Raptors Lammond Murray, to get a much needed center.

Since they traded Joe Smith, Tony Kukoc and Tim Thomas last season, they were lacking big guys (only having Vladimir Radmanovic as center), and therefor, sended Murray to Minnesota for Michael Olowokandi.

"Getting Kandi will allow us to have an inside presence, something we've missed for years. Having a load of shooters, we're happy to have someone who can get a few boards," said Milwaukee GM.

"Lammond Murray is really gonna help, now that Sprewell snobbed us. Murray and Wally World are gonna be a duo to look out for in the next 5-7 years. Also, I've always wanted to know if KG was suited to the center position. Now, I'm gonna give it a try," said Minnesota's GM.

Tim Thomas to Portland for Stoudamire, McKoy

When they acquired Tim Thomas and Eric Strickland for Tinsley last year, the Pacers never thought Strickland would end up being a huge bust. They had to get another point, as did a few other teams. Rarity phenomen, Portland had the big part of the stick.

Since they let Sheed go, they were in need of a 4, but wannted an athletic one that could run the floor: Tim Thomas was on his 3rd team in less than a year!

Indiana got point guard Damon Stoudamire (who, since the draft, was to be a 4th point anyways) and center Jelani McKoy

"We had to deal Tim. He was good, but we needed Damon to play the point. I'm happy of that deal. Damon is good, and is gonna improve a whole lot," said Indiana's GM.

Boston signs Latrell Sprewell

What was the strategy the Raptors used against Boston last year, in the playoffs? They made one of their star go into foul trouble, and doubled the other.

Well, the Celts made it sure the same thing would not happen again. In addition to Mike James and Tony Battie becoming capable scorers, they signed swingman Latrell Sprewell.

"Spree is someone who can change a game on the offensive end, and that's what we were looking for. That way, people won't just have to go to Toine on offense, then to double Paul at the other end. He'll open the court for them," said Boston GM.

Toronto and Saco swap Houston and Bibby

For the second second straigth year, Toronto and Sacramento made a big deal that will send the Raptors' best swingman in a Kings uni.

Toronto sent guard Allan Houston (acquired in the Vince Carter deal) to Sacramento in order to get now back-up point Mike Bibby.

With Bobby Jackson's improvement, the Kings decided to make him the starting point, and getting a shooter to complement Webber's passing skills was needed. Allan Houston was the perfect player.

"We needed a younger point then Brent. Brent is still a very capable player, we only don't know if he'll still be in 5 years," said Yougi, Coach and GM of the Toronto Raptors.

Dallas send Jonathan Bender to Orlando for Lue

With the rising value of point guards this summer, The Magic had to trade one of their 2 (they traded for Derek Fisher last year, remember?) They felt Fisher was a better fit to play alongside McGrady and Hill, and therefor, sent Lue to Dallas (who was in search of a back-up for Nash) for Jonathan Bender, who is nothing less than a shooting guard in a 7 foot, 250 pounds body.

"Bender, Howard and Casey will be a very destructive frontcourt in a few years. It is sure worth the waiting," said Orlando's GM.

Cleveland gets Arenas, Haywood for Ricky D

You have the 6th pick in the draft, the guy that his supposed to be the next MJ on your team, in addition to a star at the 2. You have your second best layer at the center position, and a future star at the 4. You're also in big need of a point, and the next 10 talented guys are not points. What you do?

You draft a forward, and trade your star for a point, and a back-up big. That's what Cleveland did when they traded Ricky Davis to Washington for point guard Gilbert Arenas and Brendan Haywood.

"With Myo [Vanden Dool, the point guard they drafted 2nd overall in the draft], we felt we did not need Gilbert, and with the high value of point guards at this moment, we traded him for another swingman. Ricky and Stack are gonna tear defenses apart, even more with Myo leading the offense," said Washington GM.

Bryant leaves LA

After winning his 4th ring as a Laker, all-star Kobe Bryant decided his days in the purple and gold uni were over.

Probably it's the fact Shaq took a few points he thought were due to him. Maybe, he just did not like the fact he was the second best player on a championship team (in fact, even coach Phil Jackson got more credit for the rings then him). Whatever it may be, he's out of town.

Of course, he got loads of interest. Boston went after him. Memphis, Atlanta, New Jersey, Detroit, Washington, Denver, and even San Antonio went for him. But he finally decided to end up in an orange jersey, signing with the Knickerbockers.

Kobe will provide the Knicks what they needed in the playoffs last year: a star. They have Peja, they have Kurt, they have McDyess. They an outscore you, and play great defense. They just do not have that one guy that can open the court for you, attract attention, and sink shots late in the game. And that is what Kobe Bryant is all about.

[skateballer]

Very nice dynasty