A LEGEND IS BORN II

[Valor]

4) Trade Kevin Durant for an established All-Star player?

i like that

[Mark.]

Top writing mate, just read through the last 5 pages and it was great I would say this would be even better than any of your past Dyansty Stories. For my preffered number, just make me number 6 if I havent already let you know which one I wanted, otherwise 11 is good.

I like the turmoil that you have added into the mix, gives you lots of options to change the team if you are getting tired of certain players, yet you could always write it so that it all ends up getting sorted out and nothing drastic changes. I like it

Looking forward to more dude.

[The X]

12%?!? No wonder why you fell out of playoff contention in the space of one month....I'd suggest letting your assistant coaches handle the chemistry side of it....it seems impossible to increase it at times....

[Fresh8]

Monthly Recap: March/April
Part One: Around The League

Due to NBA 2K9; the monthly recap will be in a different format for March/April. Also, I will not be writing up Race to the MVP and Rookie Rankings anymore.

Monthly Recaps are divided into several parts in order to give readers a quick and organized overview. Part One of the Monthly Recap is the ‘Around the League’ recap, which features transactions and other League news. Part Two will feature League Standings.

News

Players of the Month for April Announced

LeBron James made it a clean sweep of Player of the Month awards as he claimed the title for April. The Cavs star also won the accolade in March and now finishes the season as a firm favorite to win his first Most Valuable Player award.

Deron Williams was Player of the Month in the Western Conference during April while the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant was awarded it in March.

Read More…

OJ Mayo, Michael Beasley Honored Again

OJ Mayo and Michael Beasley remained at the top of their Draft class as both players were named as Rookies of the Month in April. Mayo finished the season as the top rookie scorer in the NBA while Beasley was a solid player on the Heat’s number one seeded outfit.

Read More…

Seattle Stealth Looking For New Coach

Rumors out of Seattle have it that the team is already on the lookout for a new coach. Team insiders have leaked information that the team has lost faith in their current Head Coach Gary Payton and as a result the former Seattle Sonics star will not be signed to a new coaching contract.

Candidates for the coaching position in Seattle include Mike D’Antoni, Scott Skiles, Reggie Theus, and George Karl. "We (Seattle) are in search for a coach who has a profile as a good NBA Coach. We need someone with a high profile in order to get the young guys on our team to listen and learn," GM WIll Sit is alledged to have stated.

Read More…

Miami Heat, LA Lakers Start As Favorites

The Miami Heat’s acquisition of Ben Gordon early in the season has shot them into the upper echelon of the NBA. For a team that was supposed to struggle, the Heat have done themselves proud and find themselves entering the playoffs as the East’s number one seed. “We feel like no one can beat us,” Gordon told reporters after their regular season finale, “Bring on the playoffs! It’s going to be exciting for Miami!”

Last season’s runner-ups, the LA Lakers, may be second seeded out West but the team is expected to be the team to beat. Injuries during the season have slowed the Lakers’ momentum and many have voiced their concerns over LA’s ability to stay healthy. However, Kobe Bryant remains confident that his team has what it takes to go one step further than the year before, “We have a deep team and we have peaked at the right time. We are playing great right now and it’s up to us to bring that trophy back home.”

Read More…

Nash To Test Free Agency

Phoenix PG Steve Nash has decided that he will test the free agency market in hope that the Toronto Raptors might fork out some money to take the Canadian back to his motherland. “Things didn’t work out in the end in Phoenix,” Nash explained in what could have been his last game as a Sun, “After Shawn (Marion), Raja (Bell), and Boris (Diaw) were all traded, it just felt like my time here was over. I mean, I’m not even close with anyone on this team anymore. It’s definitely time to move on.”

Read More…

Bulls Hoping For Luck To Fall Their Way

After selecting Derek Rose with the first overall selection of the 2008 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls are crossing their fingers that the ping pong balls will fall their way and deliver the team with a second first overall pick for the 2009 Draft. If Chicago wins the first pick, they will get a chance to add another player to play alongside Rose in a bid to make Chicago relevant again.

The big prize is said to be Moses Chara, a talented forward out of Duke, who would be able to lead the Bulls from the get-go. The other player that would be considered being picked first would be Northwestern PF Donnell Lawrence, whose post game and rebounding would make him an instant hit in the windy city.

Read More…

Barney Steele’s Baylor Surprises Many With Final Four Appearance

Baylor’s Barney Steele helped engineer a surprising run into the NCAA Final Four. Although the team did not make the Championship game, Steele did enough to strengthen his already-strong reputation in front of NBA scouts. After a loss to Moses Chara’s Duke, the PG announced that he was definitely ready for the leap to the Pros, “I have been working for this my whole life. It’s like a dream come true.”

Read More…

Duke Beats North Carolina In Re-Match Of Last Year’s NCAA Final

Moses Chara and Reshawn Tyson will go to the NBA on level ground as Chara led Duke to a blow out win of their rivals, North Carolina. As it stands, Chara and Tyson have one NCAA Tourney Championship apiece.

Chara had a solid showing as he produced 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 assists. Chara got revenge on Tyson and UNC after the sophomore SG led UNC to the national title last year. This year, Tyson was largely disappointing as he finished on a sluggish 14 points on 5 for 18 shooting from the field. His coach cited personal problems for his poor performance during the NCAA tourney. Tyson has largely been solid but not as impressive as last season’s ‘Big Dance’ in which he emerged out of nowhere as a scoring machine for UNC.

Duke ended up being 74-53 winners this year in a game featuring four players attempting to join the pro ranks. Tyson, Chara are both locks to be chosen in the upcoming Draft while Martti Must and Rocky Akonnor will join their captain in the NBA Draft. Must is a projected late first round pick while Akonnor should be picked in the second round.

Read More…

[Fresh8]

UNC Big Man Decides To Test Draft Waters

15 Apr, 2009

NORTH CAROLINA (AP) – Sitting at the end of the bench and with just minutes left in the game, Tar Heels coach Roy Williams yelled out, “Get in there Martti!” The lanky Estonian excitedly leapt out of his seat and literally charged onto the court to join his team mates.

It was unfortunate that the result was already decided. The Tar Heels were down by 22 points with 3 minutes left in the NCAA Championship game but Must was still trying hard on the floor. He gets the pass in the post and instead of using his height to shoot over the shorter defender; he takes a fadeaway and banks the shot.

Must, who had travelled all the way from Estonia to play at famed North Carolina, is disappointed that he did not get to play a bigger part during his junior season with the Tar Heels. The big man got to start games this season but never played more than 25 minutes a game with Williams preferring to keep him on the bench.

Must is a star for his national team, having led Estonia to plenty of wins in European Division B tournaments. He even once held his own against NBA player Luol Deng and Great Britain – as an 18 year old. “I remember playing Deng. He (Deng) scored about 30 but I had about the same points,” Must reminisces.

With all of the experience overseas, people have been wondering why the 21 year old hasn’t gotten many opportunities during his three years at UNC. Scouts have lamented it to his lack of strength and foot speed. “Martti is a talented player but he just does not have the athleticism that many of the guys have over here,” one NBA scout wrote in a report, “His game resembles that of a typical European forward who can hit the outside shot and has a decent handle. However, as talented as he is, he may be a bit too slow to compete with quicker and stronger players.”

Must made a surprise decision just days ago when he announced that he would apply for the NBA Draft, along with his captain Reshawn Tyson and UNC starting centre Rocky Akonnor. In a press conference, Must announced, “I know that many are confused with my decision but I have decided that I want more opportunity to play the sport I love. I want to try and make the NBA and if I don’t get drafted, I will try my best to sign with a team in Spain or Russia so that I can play Euroleague.”

Must is a good shooter and a solid rebounder for 6’8”; a player who could contribute well from off the bench at the NBA level. The Estonian isn’t fooling himself though as he remains modest about where he expects himself to be drafted, “I know that I have not had the chance to prove myself at North Carolina so I don’t think I will be taken very high.”

Must averaged just 5.3 points and 3.5 rebounds in his Junior year at UNC. The statistics aren’t flattering but many pundits believe that his play in international competition will hold much value for scouts. And for those who are wondering, Estonia beat Great Britain by 2 points in that game mentioned before. Deng had 33 points and Must had 31; including the buzzer beater to win the game.

[Valor]

i dont like any of the possible replacement coaches you've listed out..
and GO BULLS (sorry, cant help it )

[Martti.]

Damn, I love my article. All seems about right

Can't wait for the draft. Too bad the season ended on such a low note though..

[kibaxx7]

You don't like KD? Zanshadow will hunt you down.

It's not that I don't like him, I'm just saying it would be make the story more interesting

[Mandich]

Great writing, as usuall, can't wait for the offseason, hope you finish the season recap soon, model

[Fresh8]

i like that

It's looking like it will happen. Durant for MacGrady or Vince Carter is on the cards. I know some will say wtf to it but I want one of them leading my team...

Top writing mate, just read through the last 5 pages and it was great I would say this would be even better than any of your past Dyansty Stories. For my preffered number, just make me number 6 if I havent already let you know which one I wanted, otherwise 11 is good.

I like the turmoil that you have added into the mix, gives you lots of options to change the team if you are getting tired of certain players, yet you could always write it so that it all ends up getting sorted out and nothing drastic changes. I like it

Looking forward to more dude.

Thanks for dropping a line man in the middle of your holiday! Hope the weather ain't too bad for ya! Keep an eye out for you in the dynasty! And yeah, you and X will definitely be rivals lol.. both number 6s.

12%?!? No wonder why you fell out of playoff contention in the space of one month....I'd suggest letting your assistant coaches handle the chemistry side of it....it seems impossible to increase it at times....

It dropped from 56% to 12% in like a month...

i dont like any of the possible replacement coaches you've listed out..

Ah well, you can't do anything bout it. I'm feeling like signing Theus.

Damn, I love my article. All seems about right

Can't wait for the draft. Too bad the season ended on such a low note though..

Glad you enjoyed it... let's just say that your stock did go up in the end... but that will be explained later

It's not that I don't like him, I'm just saying it would be make the story more interesting

Zanshadow will still hunt you down.

Great writing, as usuall, can't wait for the offseason, hope you finish the season recap soon, model

If it wasn't for Aussie Open tennis, I would be posting the rest of it Sorry for you guys waiting a bit longer for the next updates... blame Verdasco and Nadal for it... brilliant tennis btw tonight

[Valor]

It's looking like it will happen. Durant for MacGrady or Vince Carter is on the cards. I know some will say wtf to it but I want one of them leading my team...

YES!!! Get rid of Green as well and get BOTH!! 2 cousins reunion in Seattle

[Fresh8]

I might need to get rid of Green and Earl Watson actually.

VC and T-Mac, older, wiser, not as good. Wonderful

[Valor]

I might need to get rid of Green and Earl Watson actually.

VC and T-Mac, older, wiser, not as good. Wonderful

thats the most important part

[Mark.]

Nice recap, I really like the NCAA coverage mate. I think a T-Mac/VC reunion in Seattle is deffinately a good idea, time to move on from KD and his big headedness, plus T-Mac isnt made of glass in the virtual world

[NovU]

Yeah, Green should get someone who can compliment KD more. I'm looking forward to an upgraded roster. Wonder if the Stealth will hit a big jackpot in free agent market.

If I was a journalist in that die-nasty, I'd be a total critic. I'd be writing about GM Sit and his foul deeds!

[hova-]

Nice updates. Couldnt check lately. Im looking forward to the whole offseason especially how you ship out KDs ass

[Fresh8]

thats the most important part

True indeed. As Mark said, those two in the virtual world can hold their own.

Nice recap, I really like the NCAA coverage mate. I think a T-Mac/VC reunion in Seattle is deffinately a good idea, time to move on from KD and his big headedness, plus T-Mac isnt made of glass in the virtual world

Looks like end of the road with KD... general consensus is that everyone is sick of him.

Yeah, Green should get someone who can compliment KD more. I'm looking forward to an upgraded roster. Wonder if the Stealth will hit a big jackpot in free agent market.

If I was a journalist in that die-nasty, I'd be a total critic. I'd be writing about GM Sit and his foul deeds!

If you haven't noticed yet, GM Sit covers his tracks pretty well...

Oh and speaking of free agency... imagine this... Carlos Boozer signs up to join Brad Miller, Vince Carter, T-Mac, and Russell Westbrook.

Nice updates. Couldnt check lately. Im looking forward to the whole offseason especially how you ship out KDs ass

Offseason will be nice man. Give me a few days!

[Oskar]

Oh, I guess my scouting thingy will be coming soon too, huh .. Can't wait. Anyways, sad that your season ended so badly, but it's still an awesome dynasty and good luck in the offseason.

[Fresh8]

Georgetown’s ‘Twin Towers’ Declare For NBA Draft

16 Apr, 2009

GEORGETOWN (AP) – The Georgetown Hoyas suffered another blow as their starting centre and power forward combo decided to declare for the NBA Draft. After a nightmarish NCAA tourney, where they were bundled out in the first round, Georgetown loses Byron Brock and Harvey Morrison; two players they were hoping to hold onto for one more year.

Both Brock and Morrison share the same player agent and they sat with him throughout a press conference with stunned media. Morrison was always expected to declare for the Draft as he was a projected lottery pick but Brock had only just exploded onto the scene. “Morrison is a leader for us and we know that many of you expected him to be jumping to the pros,” their agent addressed media, “Brock is not as polished as Morrison but I do believe he will make some noise come Draft day. He has been working hard and he has improved a lot.”

Morrison has been compared to Dirk Nowitzki. The power forward’s game does resemble that of the big Germans. He has great technical ability in his offensive game while also being an able ball handler for his size. However, he is a tough rebounder who fights hard on the glass which is what many scouts like to see these days.

Brock, on the other hand, is a bruising centre who plies his trade by overpowering opponents in the post. His size along with his strength allows him to dominate smaller opponents in the College ranks but the young man, who is compared to Andrew Bynum, knows that he will need to work on a lot of areas of his game in order to compete in the NBA.

“When I was playing for Georgetown, I was able to just rely on my own size,” Brock admits, “But in the NBA, every team will have a few guys like me so I know I have to work hard to be able to survive.”

And working hard is what both prospects have done over the past season. The ‘Twin Towers’ led Georgetown to just 5 losses all year, subsequently earning them a second seeding for the NCAA tourney. It was unlucky that they fell victim, in the first round, to Vermont. “When we lost to Vermont,” Morrison had told press, “That really broke my heart. I think it hurt Coach a lot too and same with all of my team mates.”

However, although the first round loss to Vermont does leave a sour taste in Gerogetown’s mouths, many observers have claimed to have noticed many improvements in the games of Morrison and Brock; especially Brock. “Byron Brock was never expected to be an NBA player but as the season went on and he got more time on the court, you can’t help but notice how much potential he has as a player,” one Eastern Conference scout stated.

As Brock began starting games for the Hoyas, so did his NBA dreams. Based on only size, stature, and raw ability, Brock was touted as a first rounder. As time has gone by and his averages increased to 15 points and 8 rebounds a game over the last 12 games of his college career; Brock’s projected Draft position lies somewhere in the Lottery. That was fairly impressive for a player who had not been on scout’s radars until the middle of the college season.

His compatriot Morrison, who has some scouts saying he could be a surprise top five pick, has also noticed the improvement and hype surrounding his 7’2” team mate, “Byron has definitely become a different player since the first time I met him. He does have a future and I’m not looking forward to playing against him. I love to play with him but it’s going to be hell playing against him.”

[Fresh8]

Stealth Scouting Report #4
Top C, PF, SF

Due to time restraint, I have been forced to present the top 5 players of the positions that have not been covered yet. I apologize for this. Moses Chara is the most talented player in the whole Draft, Donnell Lawrence is a very talented power forward, and the Draft is not very deep at the centre positon.

Best of the Rest

1. Moses Chara

Height: 6’9”
Weight: 280 lbs
Age: 24
Position: SF
College: Duke
Projected: Top 5
Pros: Inside Scoring, Outside Scoring, Playmaker Ability, Man on Man Defense, Rebounding
Cons: No Major Weaknesses
NBA Comparison: LeBron James

2. Donnell Lawrence

Height: 6’9”
Weight: 262 lbs
Age: 22
Position: PF
College: Northwestern
Projected: Top 5
Pros: Inside Defense, Inside Scoring, Man on Man Defense, Rebounding
Cons: No Major Weaknesses
NBA Comparison: Pau Gasol

3. Derrick Caldwell

Height: 7’1”
Weight: 291 lbs
Age: 22
Position: C
College: Texas A&M
Projected: Lottery
Pros: Inside Defense and Inside Scoring
Cons: Outside Scoring
NBA Comparison: Chris Kaman

4. Byron Brock

Height: 7’2”
Weight: 265 lbs
Age: 21
Position: C
College: Georgetown
Projected: Lottery
Pros: Inside Defense, Rebounding
Cons: Outside Scoring
NBA Comparison: Andrew Bynum

5. Martti Must

Height: 6’8”
Weight: 247 lbs
Age: 21
Position: PF
College: North Carolina
Projected: Lottery
Pros: Outside Scoring, Rebounding
Cons: Athleticism
NBA Comparison: Carlos Boozer

[Oskar]

Ouuuch, I absolutely love this one. I love being a projected as a lottery pick and all, terrific scouting report too. Good luck and all, even more now.

[Fresh8]

NLSC Ballers Update

As of now, these are the draft entrants for the respective NBA Drafts.

Changes may occur over time. Ages are as of the 2008-09 season.

2009 NLSC Draft Class (FULL)

C. B Brock, 21
SG. M Moore, 22
PG. K Pirc, 22
PG. Z Resurreccion, 24
SG. A Watson, 27
PF. M Must, 21

2010 NLSC Draft Class

SG. J Mason, 21
SF. J Carter, 21
SF. K Dela Cruz, 18
PG. C Hova, 20
PG. R liliach, 21
SG M Nissley, 22

2011 NLSC Draft Class

SF L Washburn, 18
C J Kalnins, 20
PF. E Smith, 20
PG. T Hedge, 20
PG. E Cocobee, 21

2012 NLSC Draft Class

PG L Mandich, 19
SG L Lai, 17
SF C Oliver, 20
SG A Sotirov, 19

Don't forget to keep applying as there are still many spots up for grabs!

How To Join

If you want in; PM me with name, age (usually 19-23 - would be good to have a mix of ages ), position, school, height, body type/tone, 5 strengths, 5 weaknesses, brief description of your playing style and perhaps a background story that I can incorporate into this one.

You may add suggestions for signature shot, free throw, dunks, and handles.

(Note: With the background story, you don't need one but it would be good but I'm quite the brainstormer so if you dont give me a story, I will give you one that is interesting anyways!)

[kibaxx7]

I'll send you a PM later Sit, it would be great to join

[Fresh8]

Monthly Recap: March/April
Part Two: Team Report, Results, League Standings

Due to NBA 2K9; the monthly recap will be in a different format for March/April. Also, I will not be writing up Race to the MVP and Rookie Rankings.

Monthly Recaps are divided into several parts in order to give readers a quick and organized overview. Part Two of the Monthly Recap provides the Seattle Stealths’ team report, schedule of games played in the last month (links are included to game recaps where applicable), and league standings. Part Three will feature Player Statistics.

Team Report

Seattle had their sights set on a playoff berth but poor form over the past two months saw them slip out of the Top Eight and into the lottery. The Stealth were right in it until early April after the team dropped important games to Western Conference rivals such as the Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trailblazers, and Phoenix Suns. They also dropped perfectly winnable games against terrible teams such as the Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, and Charlotte Bobcats.

Starting forward Adam Morrison suffered an ankle injury that slowed him down and affected his shooting while role players Kyle Weaver and Robert Swift, both, endured season ending injuries at the beginning of April.

Amid the disappointment of missing the playoffs after a promising mid-season run of results, the Stealth now look toward the 2009 NBA Draft where they have the eighth best odds to snare the top draft pick in the lottery. GM Will Sit has also promised a host of changes including rumors of a coaching change and a shakeup to the playing roster.

When questioned on which players might be dealt, Sit answered, “No one is untouchable on this team right now. I have my sights set on a few players. Don’t get me wrong – I do have a plan.”

April Schedule

Apr 3 – Por @ Sea 109-95 (Loss)
Apr 5 – Ind @ Sea 86-100 (Win)
Apr 7 – SA @ Sea 95-96 (Win)
Apr 8 – Sea @ Den 78-99 (Loss)
Apr 10 – Cha @ Sea 99-82 (Loss)
Apr 11 – Sea @ Mil 94-111 (Loss)
Apr 13 – Sea @ Por 82-85 (Loss)
Apr 15 – Sea @ LAC 77-120 (Loss)

Western Conference Standings

1. New Orleans Hornets (58-24)*^
2. Los Angeles Lakers (55-27)*^
3. San Antonio Spurs (51-31)^
4. Minnesota Timberwolves (41-41)*^
5. Houston Rockets (48-34)^
6. Golden State Warriors (46-36)^
7. Los Angeles Clippers (45-37)^
8. Portland Trailblazers (40-42)^

- - -

9. Dallas Mavericks (40-42)^^
10. Phoenix Suns (38-44)^^
11. Denver Nuggets (36-46)^^
12. Utah Jazz (37-45)^^
13. Seattle Stealth (35-47)^^
14. Sacramento Kings (31-51)^^
15. Memphis Grizzlies (27-55)^^

Eastern Conference Standings

1. Miami Heat (58-24)* ^
2. Detroit Pistons (57-41)*^
3. Boston Celtics (49-33)*^
4. Cleveland Cavaliers (48-34)^
5. Orlando Magic (48-34)^
6. Washington Wizards (45-37)^
7. Atlanta Hawks (43-39)^
8. Indiana Pacers (42-40)^

- - -

9. Philadelphia 76ers (39-43)^^
10. Toronto Raptors (37-45)^^
11. New Jersey Nets (34-48)^^
12. Milwaukee Bucks (29-53)^^
13. Charlotte Bobcats (26-56)^^
14. New York Knicks (26-56)^^
15. Chicago Bulls (27-55)^^

Key

* Denotes Division Leader
^ Denotes Clinched Seed
^^ Denotes Eliminated From Postseason

[Fresh8]

Monthly Recap: March/April
Part Three: League Leaders

Monthly Recaps are divided into several parts in order to give readers a quick and organized overview. Part Three of the Monthly Recap provides the League Leaders. Part Four will feature a review of player awards.

Points Per Game

1. K Bryant (28.5)
2. L James (28.4)
3. J Johnson (27.5)
4. M Ginobili (26.1)
5. K Durant (25.3)

Rebounds Per Game

1. D Howard (12.0)
2. C Boozer (10.2)
3. K Garnett (10.2)
4. E Okafor (9.6)
5. D Lee (9.6)
29. B Miller (7.0)

Assists Per Game

1. J Kidd (11.2)
2. S Nash (10.4)
3. C Paul (10.0)
4. J Calderon (9.9)
5. D Williams (9.8)
30. E Watson (5.2)

Steals Per Game

1. C Paul (2.6)
2. J Kidd (2.3)
3. K Bryant (2.2)
4. L James (2.2)
5. A Iverson (2.1)
19. K Durant (1.4)

Blocks Per Game

1. D Howard (2.8)
2. J Smith (2.4)
3. M Camby (2.4)
4. T Duncan (2.3)
5. K Garnett (2.3)
33. K Durant (1.1)

PER – Efficiency Rating

1. L James (32.3)
2. K Bryant (27.1)
3. C Paul (26.5)
4. K Garnett (25.8)
5. D Nowitzki (25.5)
23. K Durant (21.2)