(63-19) First Round Wraps Up [4-0]

[karlsanada10]

Rick Adelman didn't retire? :O

[Houndy]

Not Shaqasaurus and Kidd

[kibaxx7]

As for the superb job, on what? Putting an end to Stern or writing the chapter?

Both of them, also how the story is advancing, as of late

[Stress Fracture]

Ariza's comment is

Aww, Grant Hill retired without a ring.

[Axel The Great]

They all had good storied careers. Most with injuries but im sure they had alot of fun in their careers.

Off topic: psn: dmastawwe if you wanna add me.

I'm sure players like Grant Hill would've won a ring if not for injuries. But oh well, championships aren't the most important things in defining a legend, just look at Sir Charles. I hardly ever log on to my PSN, but if I ever do, I'll try to remember to add you.

Rick Adelman didn't retire? :O

Nope, but that's a good thing. I want to get him the championship that was stolen from him and his Kings in '02.

Not Shaqasaurus and Kidd

At least Kidd got a championship. One-up over John Stockton.

As for the superb job, on what? Putting an end to Stern or writing the chapter?

Both of them, also how the story is advancing, as of late

Gracias Thierry, that's good praise coming from a top three writer on the boards.

Ariza's comment is

Aww, Grant Hill retired without a ring.

Ariza's comments are always epic. As I told Dmastawwe, I'm sure Hill would've won at least one championship (with the Magic maybe) if it hadn't been for injuries.

Re-signings, coach movement, etc. next. Then some pre-draft coverage!

[shadowgrin]

Nope, but that's a good thing. I want to get him the championship that was stolen from him and his Kings in '02.

lolwut. Proof or ban.
Yes, that game six was badly officiated but it's not like the Kings don't have any faults in letting the series slip out of their grasp.

[Axel The Great]

Not to get into another one of those "Kings are real '02 champions", but they still kept the game close despite the bad officiating. That would've won them the series. But yeah, they shouldn't have tipped it out to Robert Horry for the game-winner in Game 4, though.

[shadowgrin]

but they still kept the game close despite the bad officiating.

With the exception of game six, name other times the series' bad officiating were in favor of the Lakers? And cite why it was bad officiating in those other games.

[Axel The Great]

Never said that there was bad officiating in any of the other games. My point is that the bad officiating in game six didn't allow the Kings to advance, but that is where they should've double back and won game 7. Now that I look back, maybe "stolen title" is too strong a phrase in this situation for Adelman and the Kings.

[Axel The Great]

Beware the fill-in story for the new CBA agreement. Not sure what else to think of. Remember it's just for the sake of the story while making an attempt to make it semi semi-realistic.

Battier, Hayes Re-Signed

Posted by Daryl Morey June 20, 2011 at 4:31 PM
Sorry for the lack of a creative title. As you can see, I'm not Axel, so I don't get clever and cheesy ideas for article titles. I am however, General Manager of the Houston Rockets therefore, I can give you detailed insight on what's gone on so far during the offseason, especially with the NBA Draft coming up in a few days.

But before I tell you, let me inform you about a new agreement reached by the league and the players. With Stern's stubbornness out of the way, it was much easier to come to an agreement. The new CBA will remain similarly the same, but the league and owners were able to convince the players to lower the 57-43 BRI (Basketball Related Income) split to a 54-46 split.

As you can see from the title, the headline says that two of our most important defensive players, Shane Battier and Chuck Hayes, have decided to re-sign with the Houston Rockets. Both players are not the most well-known scorers, but they will most definitely stop others from scoring; they contest every shot that goes up, take charges, and do all the hustle and dirty work for the team. Two excellent defensive assets retained.

"I've come to a decision. I'd like to retire with the Houston Rockets. I feel like it's a place where I'm needed most despite my age, and somewhere I can feel comfortable playing. It's a franchise that's treated me well, and that has young players that I can help mentor," Battier said in a press conference yesterday confirming the deal. He signed a three year deal worth $7.33 million, doing the franchise a favor in accepting less money. Battier was key for the Rockets' deep run in the playoffs this past season, and also chipping in points of his own.

Hayes meanwhile was also signed for three more years, worth $16.17 million. An undersized center at only 6'6", he's proved himself to be a worthy asset cleaning up the boards, and stepping into the land of the giants and succeeding more often than not. His toughness off the bench really ignites the team to play hard-nosed defense.

There were three other players with expiring contracts, Aaron Brooks, Jared Jeffries, and Ed Jacobs. Brooks hasn't come to a decision to re-sign, but as he's a restricted free agent, it's likely that he'll be re-signed anyways.

Meanwhile, Jeffries played just five games all season, a total of 28 minutes. Apparently he wasn't too happy about it, becoming restless with the lack of playing time. Due to the fact that the team is deep at the moment, there really wasn't enough room in the rotation to give him consistent playing time anyways. With a big contract like his coming off the books, the franchise isn't about to reload it back.

Jacobs, signed during the season as backup in case a swingman got injured, never played a game. As a chance for him to move to a team that needs him more than the Rockets, we've decided to break ties with him. He led the Developmental League in scoring at 23 points a contest, helping to lead Rockets affiliate the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to a second consecutive championship. His scoring and rebounding ability makes him a valuable asset, and he should be able to contribute right away to any team that signs him.

Last but not least, head coach and assistant coach have been retained. Both Rick Adelman and Jack Sikma have been re-signed for another two years. Two years means two more golden opportunities for Adelman to finally win the coveted Larry O'Brien trophy. "This is a fun squad to coach. With another chance at finally winning the championship, we'll all make the best of it. I think this is a team that can get there, it's all a matter of working hard and putting your heart in the game," said Adelman in yesterday's press conference. Adelman's offense works wonders with Houston's talented squad; defenses around the league will know what's coming next season, but they won't necessarily be able to stop it.

In the end, the franchise has been able to keep the family together, in hopes at making a couple more attempts at the NBA Championship. Hopefully the offseason has more good news to come for us.

Comments: (3)

Posted by The REAL K-Mart (Kenyon sucks!) June 20, 2011 at 6:21 PM
Better-written article. Limited the use of the word asset, and made it slightly more interesting. Shouldn't have given the Chuckwagon that big a contract considering he's just a role player. Nevertheless, Rockets will be a team to beat next season, rest assured.

Posted by Ariza's Bricks June 20, 2011 at 6:38 PM
I leave just last season and the Rockets become a contending team. WTH, Morey, WTH!

Posted by Axel Gomez June 20, 2011 at 7:04 PM
@ Ariza's Bricks, it's not Morey's fault, it's your bricks! Your brick mansion still lies in Houston btw, next to the Toyota Center.

Our assets will make a heavy favorite for the championship next year. Assets ftw!

[Axel The Great]

2011 NBA Draft Lottery

Teams (in order of lottery odds)
(24-58)
(50-32) (acquired from New Jersey)
(27-55)
(28-54)
(28-54)
(29-53)
(30-52)
(33-49)
(33-49)
(33-49)
(41-41) (acquired from Portland)
(37-45)
(38-44)
(43-39)

Lottery Results:
14.
New Orleans Hornets
13.
Phoenix Suns
12.
Milwaukee Bucks
11.
Charlotte Bobcats
10.
Minnesota Timberwolves
9.
Detroit Pistons
8.
Memphis Grizzlies
7.
Golden State Warriors
6.
Cleveland Cavaliers
5.
Utah Jazz
4.
Toronto Raptors
3.
Philadelphia 76ers
2.
Sacramento Kings
1.
Washington Wizards


You don't have to use spoilers for your comments if you don't want to. Also, sorry for the lack of better presentation, I just have a lot of updates I need to write, but hopefully this gets the job done.

[rise]

wow, the Wizards win the lottery two years in a row!

[Stress Fracture]

Wizards again?

[shadowgrin]

Oooh use of spoilers. Had me clicking each one.
Sixers with the 3rd! Yeah!

[Alpha_]

Two in a row for the Wiz?

[The X]

Looking forward to draft

Oooh use of spoilers. Had me clicking each one.

I'll take credit for that

[shadowgrin]

I know X. The way you do draft coverage is way above others that it's not even fair when reading others' coverage. Couldn't you have let the lesser people have their moment even if the idea was originally yours.

[The X]

I know X. The way you do draft coverage is way above others that it's not even fair when reading others' coverage. Couldn't you have let the lesser people have their moment even if the idea was originally yours.

It must be said that I think Axel.'s presentation of it is prettier than mine

[karlsanada10]

Hope they can get it into the playoffs now. The wizards

[Houndy]

Yeah Wizards!

[Mavs4Life]

Unless the CPU makes a stupid pick.

[kibaxx7]

Wow another 1st for the Wiz. Looks like bad luck is on the Kings' side.

[karlsanada10]

NLSC-ers will get drafted right?

[Axel The Great]

wow, the Wizards win the lottery two years in a row!

Wizards again?

Two in a row for the Wiz?

Hope they can get it into the playoffs now. The wizards

Yeah Wizards!

Shocking, I know. They now have a chance to land the right pick to add next to John Wall and propel themselves out of the lottery and into the playoffs.

Oooh use of spoilers. Had me clicking each one.
Sixers with the 3rd! Yeah!

Despite not having much chance for top five pick, Sixers had a lot of luck on their side. We'll see who they add to their solid young lineup.

Looking forward to draft

Oooh use of spoilers. Had me clicking each one.

I'll take credit for that

I hope you don't mind my draft coverage being somewhat similar to yours, X (I won't be using Stephen E. Smith and I'll use TNT Coverage with McHale doing the analysis of the draft picks, EJ as just a fill-in, and Barkley and Kenny Smith for comedy, but it will be dialogue). And yes, spoiler usage is the best way to present the draft lottery. Props to you on that.

I know X. The way you do draft coverage is way above others that it's not even fair when reading others' coverage. Couldn't you have let the lesser people have their moment even if the idea was originally yours.

It must be said that I think Axel.'s presentation of it is prettier than mine

X is the master of draft coverage. He uses dialogue for the draft lottery while all I did was just use spoilers and images. Not as pretty.

Unless the CPU makes a stupid pick.

CPU usually goes for positions at which it lacks from sims I've ran before. Usually takes the player with the highest potential, doesn't go by overall ratings. Not to mention it'd be a huge waste if they were to pick Kyrie Irving.

Wow another 1st for the Wiz. Looks like bad luck is on the Kings' side.

Actually, the Kings had the fifth best chance at #1, and landed #2, which is still great luck. If it's anyone who should be disappointed it's the Jazz and Raptors, dropping three picks below their chances.

NLSC-ers will get drafted right?

Only those in the 2011 draft class, yes. First round hopefully for all.

Draft workouts next, and then the actual draft! Stay tuned.

[The X]

Yep, I got no issues. Looking forward to your coverage. Barkley and co should be nice.