X's T'wolves (NBA 2K11)

[The X]

2012/13 1st TRIMESTER UPDATE (PART ONE)


Finished the trimester at 14-14 (0.500) after digging themselves out of 0-8 hole to start the season. The team's record looks flattering since they have played very inconsistently and pathetic on the defensive end.

Performance-wise, shooting guard Eric Gordon has been the shining light as he's averaging close to 20ppg. He's been supported solidly by forward Michael Beasley (16ppg, 6rpg) whose play has come on as of late. Unfortunately franchise cornerstone, power forward Kevin Love has started the season very slowly averaging only 13-8, which is well below where everybody would expect him to be. Svensson and Rubio have been solid in the other starting spots, but backup point Floyd Bradley has been woeful to start the season and is being outplayed by rookie point Dwight Woolridge. Finally, the other rookies have been solid.

Let's hope the second trimester brings some more solid play. I wonder if we'll see any movement prior to the February trade deadline.


PLAYER STATS

G- Eric Gordon: 19.7ppg, 1.6spg, 49.0% FG, 36.8% 3Pt (PER: 18.96)
F- Michael Beasley: 15.9ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.2spg, 44.2% FG, 52.2% 3Pt (PER: 17.80)
F- Kevin Love: 13.4ppg, 8.1rpg, 40.0% FG, 39.1% 3Pt (PER: 13.99)
F- Jaime Buford: 10.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 47.3% FG, 36.4% 3Pt (PER: 12.32)
F- Johan Svensson: 10.1ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.3bpg, 45.6% FG (PER: 11.96)
G- Floyd Bradley: 9.5ppg, 4.5apg, 43.7% FG, 16.7% 3Pt (PER: 16.11)
G- Ricky Rubio: 7.7ppg, 8.7apg, 2.1spg, 43.1% FG, 38.5% 3Pt (PER: 17.41)
G- Aaron Afflalo: 4.8ppg, 36.7% FG, 29.6% 3Pt (PER: 5.64)
F- Kris Humphries: 4.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 60.0% FG (PER: 21.83)
G- Dwight Woolridge: 4.2ppg, 1.4apg, 57.1% FG, 55.6% 3Pt (PER: 19.52)
C- Jesse Brown: 3.6ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.5bpg, 53.6% FG (PER: 9.85)
F- Jeff Pendergraph: 1.0ppg, 1.7rpg, 33.3% FG (PER: 9.55)
C- Joel Przybilla: 0.6ppg, 0.7rpg, 100.0% FG (PER: 9.51)
G- Richard Sharpe: D-League
C- Alonzo Warren: D-League

[The X]

Will update standings & league leaders sometime in next day or two. Sorry about such a lite update, I'm just not super motivated in this thread at moment. Maybe it's lockout, I dunno. I'm still motivated to actually play my Association, just not do updates. I'll just do one every now & then, more for my benefit when looking back & remembering the Association, but hopefully I can pick up more steam in future. If not, it'll just continue as it is.

Cheers.

[Lamrock]

Glad to see you having another solid season. I think this is the year you make the playoffs. Considering dealing Love, as his value is likely a lot higher than you are getting out of him? (Or are you reluctant to get rid of all three guys in your sig?)

Can truly understand not having the motivation to keep updating. I wish I could get as good at making compelling short articles (to go with the awesome, jam-packed draft ones) as you are.

[The X]

Glad to see you having another solid season. I think this is the year you make the playoffs. Considering dealing Love, as his value is likely a lot higher than you are getting out of him? (Or are you reluctant to get rid of all three guys in your sig?)

Can truly understand not having the motivation to keep updating. I wish I could get as good at making compelling short articles (to go with the awesome, jam-packed draft ones) as you are.

Love's numbers are getting slightly better in 2nd trimester. No plans to deal Love or Beasley yet. Eventually once Buford is ready to start, I'm assuming I will deal one of them. Not ready to yet & probably won't be this season. I think each will have higher trade value next season anyways.

Some of your Associations (i.e. Clippers) have been pretty good but you Thierry them after people get interested. 2k taking its community site down has been a negative effect, with this one moving at slower pace and hova not running his one. I think every off-season people stop posting stories & lockout has compounded this. Good to see you still around though

[The X]

2012/13 1st TRIMESTER UPDATE (PART TWO)


STANDINGS

All records are pro-rata over 82 game season.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Atlanta: 20-8 (0.778)
Miami: 20-11 (0.636)
Toronto: 23-14 (0.615)
Chicago: 17-11 (0.600)
New York: 17-11 (0.600)
Washington: 20-14 (0.583)
Detroit: 14-11 (0.556)
Philadelphia: 17-17 (0.500)
---------------------------------
Boston: 14-17 (0.455)
Cleveland: 11-17 (0.400)
Indiana: 11-17 (0.400)
Charlotte: 14-23 (0.385)
Brooklyn: 8-17 (0.333)
Orlando: 14-31 (0.313)
Milwaukee: 8-23 (0.273)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Utah: 20-6 (0.778)
Memphis: 25-8 (0.750)
LA Lakers: 17-6 (0.750)
Houston: 23-8 (0.727)
Golden State: 20-8 (0.700)
Denver: 23-11 (0.667)
Oklahoma City: 17-8 (0.667)
San Antonio: 17-14 (0.545)
---------------------------------
LA Clippers: 20-20 (0.500)
Minnesota: 14-14 (0.500)
New Orleans: 17-28 (0.375)
Phoenix: 8-20 (0.300)
Dallas: 8-20 (0.300)
Sacramento: 6-14 (0.286)
Portland: 3-37 (0.071)

LEAGUE LEADERS

SCORING:

G- K.Bryant (LAL): 33.4ppg
F- K.Durant (OKC): 32.1ppg
G- M.Ellis (GSW): 31.9ppg
G- D.Rose (Chi): 27.0ppg
F- C.Anthony (Den): 24.5ppg


REBOUNDS:

F- T.Duncan (SAS): 11.6rpg
C- D.Howard (Orl): 11.6rpg
C- B.Lopez (NJN): 11.0rpg
C- A.Bynum (LAL): 10.2rpg
F- A.Horford (Atl): 10.2rpg


ASSISTS:

G- C.Paul (NOH): 9.9apg
G- R.Westbrook (OKC): 9.6apg
G- A.Brooks (Hou): 9.4apg
G- M.Conley (Mem): 9.3apg
G- D.Williams (Uta): 9.2apg


STEALS:

G- R.Rondo (Bos): 3.4spg
G- M.Ellis (GSW): 3.1spg
G- T.Evans (Sac): 3.0spg
G- K.Martin (Hou): 2.7spg
G- S.Curry (GSW): 2.7spg


BLOCKS:

C- D.Howard (Orl): 2.6bpg
C- B.Lopez (NJN): 2.6bpg
F- Ty.Thomas (Cha): 2.3pg
C- G.Oden (Por): 2.1bpg
C- A.Bynum (LAL): 2.1bpg


PLAYER EFFICIENCY RATING (PER):

G- K.Bryant (LAL): 33.1
G- D.Rose (Chi): 32.3
G- M.Ellis (GSW): 31.5
F- K.Durant (OKC): 31.3
F- L.James (Mia): 27.8

[dare]

The team need to step big time for a playoff spot.

[The X]

I think 45 wins should be good enough to do it. West is tough, that's for sure.

[qfrmcpt310]

Well at .500 your right in the mix fighting for a playoff spot, hopefully you can pick it up an join the top 8

[The X]

WOLVES CHOOSE THEIR POINT GUARD AND IT'S NOT BRADLEY


With its thee point guards splitting the minutes at point guard, something had to give in Minneapolis. Rubio wanted more minutes as starter and rookie Dwight Woolridge was starting to steal minutes off promising second year guard Floyd Bradley. It finally came to a head when Bradley's agent complained to GM David Kahn about his client's lack of playing time and if he wasn't planning on him being the starter from next season, then he may as well move him on to another team where he'll get that chance.

And so it was done, Kahn sent point guard Floyd Bradley and disgruntled ex-Arizona State star Jeff Pendergraph to Phoenix for the Suns' 2013 and 2014 1st Round draft picks. The Suns wanted to only part with its 2013 pick, however Kahn would not give up such a prized asset as Bradley (the 2011 #3 overall selection out of Maryland) without a second first round pick, which the Suns eventually added.

The trade gets Minnesota back to around the cap, as well as opening up more minutes at the point for Rubio and Woolridge, both of whom were much more convincing than Bradley through January. In the end it was 6'5" rookie Dwight Woolridge who made Bradley expendable, which will come as a disappointment to many fans whom likened Bradley to a young Steve Francis, and whom also worry that he will get there in Phoenix. The Timberwolves couldn't stand by and wait for that day to come as it presses for its first playoff berth since Kevin Garnett was a member of the franchise.

For Phoenix, they are finally showing that they are ready to rebuild and Bradley has a chance to emerge into an All-Star for the Suns and will be thrust straight into the starting lineup and be allowed to play through his young mistakes.


Projected Rotations:

Minnesota: J.Svensson/K.Love/M.Beasley/E.Gordon/R.Rubio/J.Buford(R)(6th)/A.Affalo(7th)
Phoenix: R.Lopez/A.Randolph/E.Clark/B.Gordon/F.Bradley/J.Richardson(6th)/G.Dragic(7th)

[The X]

POST-TRADE ROSTER (EARLY FEB '13)

STARTERS
C- Johan Svensson (Sweden), 2nd Year
PF- Kevin Love (UCLA), 5th Year
SF- Michael Beasley (Kansas State), 5th Year
SG- Eric Gordon (Indiana), 5th Year
PG- Ricky Rubio (Spain), 2nd Year

BENCH
SF- Jaime Buford (Vanderbilt), Rookie
SG- Aaron Afflalo (UCLA), 6th Year
PG- Dwight Woolridge (Kansas), Rookie
PF- Kris Humphries (Minnesota), 9th Year
C- Jesse Brown (Arkansas), Rookie
SG- Richard Sharpe (South Carolina), Rookie
C- Alonzo Warren (Vanderbilt), Rookie

IR
C- Joel Przybilla (Minnesota), 13th Year

SENT DOWN TO D-LEAGUE
N/A

[The X]

I'd call this trade addition by subtraction. Team plays better with Woolridge on the court than it does Bradley, despite the 16 point rating drop for my backup. He's a lot more efficient & defensively at 6'5" he's very useful. This trade was more about what Bradley was not bring to the team rather than what Rubio is bringing. It doesn't indicate Rubio is my starting point guard of the future, but he is for now.

Bradley's numbers had dropped slightly from about 11 & 4 to 9 & 4 from his rookie year to his year. As fun as he was to play with, it was time to go. I think he'll have a great career in Phoenix & possibly be an All-Star & I'll be happy for him if he gets there.

In other transactions around the league so far this season [from page 1, post 3]:

THE ASSOCIATION


NOTABLE TRANSACTIONS

2012/13:
Feb '13: Charlotte trades PG George Hill and their 2013 2nd Round Draft Pick to Sacramento for SG Francisco Garcia and their 2014 1st Round Draft Pick
Jan '13: Charlotte trades SG Gerald Henderson and PG Delonte West to Orlando for SG Andy Woodson and SG J.J. Redick
Dec '12: San Antonio trades SG Stephen Jackson to Utah for PG Baron Davis
Oct '12: Free agent PG Andre Miller announces his retirement

Guess who gets the starting SG spot in Charlotte? MJ has put his trust in Woodson (over JJ)

[The X]

Well at .500 your right in the mix fighting for a playoff spot, hopefully you can pick it up an join the top 8

Johan Svensson had a huge 4th quarter in my last game to help me beat Blazers. Then my sim team rolled the Wizards so I'm slowly edging to the top 8 (I might already be at 8 now), although it's still a tough ask.

[dare]

Hopefully next years draft have a great center in the making. I don't know about you but its hard for me to stick with a lot of first round pick player others might not get enough playing time for them to improve quickly.

[The X]

Hopefully next years draft have a great center in the making. I don't know about you but its hard for me to stick with a lot of first round pick player others might not get enough playing time for them to improve quickly.

I think it depends on position & expectations you place on them. With bigs, provided they can rebound & block shots, you don't mind if their offensive game still needs to develop. Wings just need to be able to score & hit the open shot. Point guards are toughest position to fill from draft since they've got to fit your style of play. I'm just a lot more comfortable with 6'5" Dwight Woolridge than I was with Bradley running the point. Bradley felt like a 2 guard trapped in a point guard's body. He'll do well in Phoenix.

Can't remember what the draft is strong in, I think it's PG's and SG's, although I think there is some good centre talent in the draft.

[Houndy]

Nice trade, more playing time for Woolridge

[kibaxx7]

Good deal for me Loving the team's frontcourt.

[Valor]

I reckon it's a pretty good deal, but will have to wait to see the actual impact. Hopefully it'll translate to more Ws for you

[Lamrock]

What's Phoenix's record currently?

[The X]

Nice trade, more playing time for Woolridge

Yes, I like that Woolridge is playing more. Just realised I probably should pick up a third point guard for insurance purposes

Good deal for me Loving the team's frontcourt.

Yep, no shortages of guys that play the 4

I reckon it's a pretty good deal, but will have to wait to see the actual impact. Hopefully it'll translate to more Ws for you

You're right, it'll take a number of seasons to see who comes out the winner in it. I'm hoping I can get a top 5 pick out of 2013 draft & another lottery pick in 2014. Actually 2014 doesn't matter, 2013 more important.

Looks like I haven't come out that well in Raptors trade, they've gone gangbusters since trade, Brewer playing great as starting SF & they're in top 4 out East so might be a pick around late teens at best. That's all good, I want to see Brewer succeed as he wasn't happy anymore in Minny since he re-signed expecting to be starting SG & played well in that role then I got EG & Afflalo & drafted Buford & suddenly there wasn't a spot for him anymore

What's Phoenix's record currently?

Not sure, I think they're still bottom 3 in the West. Hopefully they stay there.

[The X]

LEAGUE NAMES LINEUPS FOR 2013 ALL-STAR GAME


EASTERN CONFERENCE ALL-STARS

STARTERS
C- Dwight Howard (Orl) - 7th All-Star Appearance
F- Amar'e Stoudemire (NYK) - 8th All-Star Appearance
F- Lebron James (Mia) - 9th All-Star Appearance
G- Derrick Rose (Chi) - 3rd All-Star Appearance
G- Rajon Rondo (Bos) - 4th All-Star Appearance

BENCH
C- Brook Lopez (NJN) - 1st All-Star Appearance
F- Josh Smith (Atl) - 2nd All-Star Appearance
F- Terrence Williams (NJN) - 1st All-Star Appearance
G- Joe Johnson (Atl) - 6th All-Star Appearance
G- Brandon Jennings (Mil) - 2nd All-Star Appearance
F- Antawn Jamison (Orl) - 3rd All-Star Appearance
G- John Wall (Was) - 3rd All-Star Appearance

NOTABLE SNUBS
G- Dwayne Wade (Mia): 22.9ppg, 4.2rpg, 4.4apg, 1.4spg, 2.1bpg
F- Danny Granger (Ind): 23.0ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.6spg, 1.4bpg
F- Andrea Bargnani (Tor): 21.9ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.8bpg
G- Rodney Stuckey (Det): 23.9ppg, 6.4apg, 1.8spg
C- Al Horford (Atl): 17.9ppg, 10.1rpg, 1.1bpg

WESTERN CONFERENCE ALL-STARS

STARTERS
C- Andrew Bynum (LAL) - 2nd All-Star Appearance
F- Kevin Durant (OKC) - 4th All-Star Appearance
F- Carmelo Anthony (Den) - 5th All-Star Appearance
G- Kobe Bryant (LAL) - 15th All-Star Appearance
G- Chris Paul (NOH) - 6th All-Star Appearance

BENCH
C- Greg Oden (Por) - 1st All-Star Appearance
F- Dirk Nowitzki (Dal) - 12th All-Star Appearance
F- Rudy Gay (Mem) - 2nd All-Star Appearance
G- Monta Ellis (GSW) - 2nd All-Star Appearance
G- Stephen Curry (GSW) - 2nd All-Star Appearance
G- Aaron Brooks (Hou) - 1st All-Star Appearance
G- Deron Williams (Uta) - 3rd All-Star Appearance

NOTABLE SNUBS
G- Tyreke Evans (Sac): 24.1ppg, 5.9rpg, 4.6apg, 2.3spg
F- Pau Gasol (LAL): 18.6ppg, 10.6rpg, 2.3bpg
F- Tim Duncan (SAS): 17.4ppg, 12.4rpg, 1.8bpg
G- Jonny Flynn (LAC): 22.0ppg, 6.8apg
F- Michael Beasley (Min): 19.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.2spg

[The X]

Argghh, sucks that Terrence Williams made the team. His averages are like 14, 8, 1 & 1 The price we pay for 29 game season I guess. Granger should've had his spot. Jamison didn't deserve spot either.

In other funny news, the #4 pick of 2013 draft (Tracy Lee - Agent420) was traded by Kings straight up for Dorrell Wright

[The X]

LEAGUE NAMES LINEUPS FOR 2013 T-MOBILE ROOKIE GAME


ROOKIE LINEUP

STARTERS
C- Jesse Brown (Min)
F- Gordon Burks (Por)
F- Jaime Buford (Min)
G- Andrew Andrew (Det)
G- Dwight Woolridge (Min)

BENCH
C- Bryce Bowman (Mia)
F- Franklin Fleming (NYK)
F- Franklin Murray (Uta)
G- Willis Lewis (Phi)
G- Joe Macy (LAL)

Notable Snub: F- Mark McCloud (Mem): 5.4ppg, 3.0rpg

SOPHOMORE LINEUP

STARTERS
C- Jamaal Fordham (Was)
F- Dion Baylor (Mem)
F- Johan Svensson (Min)
G- Perry Buchanan (Atl)
G- Ricky Rubio (Min)

BENCH
C- Rudolph Schultz (Dal)
F- Rickey Harper (Ind)
F- Jin Lam (Cle)
G- Leslie Berry (NJN)
G- Floyd Bradley (Pho)

Notable Snub: G- Chuck Smith (Tor): 13.1ppg, 2.2spg

[rise]

G- Andrew Andrew (Det)

rofl. nice name.

Why the hell is Terrence Williams in the All-Star game and not DWYANE WADE?

[The X]

G- Andrew Andrew (Det)

rofl. nice name.

Why the hell is Terrence Williams in the All-Star game and not DWYANE WADE?

Yes, there were a few people disappointed that I didn't draft him, including Andrew

As for Wade not making it, he's got 5 very good guards in front of him, but he should've made it as 6th guard over Antawn Jamison. And yep, Terrence Williams pick is a shocker

[Valor]

Argghh, sucks that Terrence Williams made the team. His averages are like 14, 8, 1 & 1 The price we pay for 29 game season I guess. Granger should've had his spot. Jamison didn't deserve spot either.

In other funny news, the #4 pick of 2013 draft (Tracy Lee - Agent420) was traded by Kings straight up for Dorrell Wright

I think that about wraps up the talent level of the 2013 draft pool then? If not then perhaps Dorrell Wright is the next big thing in the X's virtual world!