Wizards are champions again!

[hova-]

Wow, MVP with 14 points and 12% three point shooting? Sick. Tough to lose home advantage, but I guess you can also win on the road.

[SuperHueyNewton]

Man, I've missed so much since I've been gone. Since a sweep is now out of the question for the Hawks. Why not a four game win streak?

[Phil89]

Wow, MVP with 14 points and 12% three point shooting? Sick. Tough to lose home advantage, but I guess you can also win on the road.

I'm definitely going to send Wall to the perimeter shooting training camp in the off-season. I have no faith in his outside shooting currently.

Man, I've missed so much since I've been gone. Since a sweep is now out of the question for the Hawks. Why not a four game win streak?

That's my plan. I just need to stop Lou Williams. If I can limit him to like 20 a night I should win because they don't seem to have anyone who can score as much as him.

[Phil89]

23/4/14

Atlanta Hawks [1-1] vs Washington Wizards [1-1]

Wizards regain HCA with battling win in Atlanta



ATL - 28 19 27 11 85
WAS - 26 22 26 20 94

Player of the Game: John Wall
(19pts, 1reb, 15ast)
(8-11 FG, 0-1 3PT, 3-3 FT)


Top Scorers
Louis Williams - 32
John Wall - 19
DeMar DeRozan - 17
Nerlens Noel - 14
Kawhi Leonard - 14
Bradley Beal - 12
Devin Harris - 11

Rebounds
Kawhi Leonard - 10
Nerlens Noel - 8
DeJuan Blair - 6
Bradley Beal - 6
DeMarcus Cousins - 5

Assists
John Wall - 15
Devin Harris - 5

Steals
Louis Williams - 3
Kawhi Leonard - 2


Wall highlights

[Phil89]

25/4/14

Atlanta Hawks [1-2] vs Washington Wizards [2-1]

Tough win in game four puts Wizards on the brink of advancing



ATL - 18 23 19 18 78
WAS - 22 18 21 22 83

Player of the Game: DeMar DeRozan
(22pts, 7reb, 4ast, 3blk)
(8-10 FG, 1-2 3PT, 5-6 FT)


Top Scorers
Louis Williams - 30
DeMar DeRozan - 22
Bradley Beal - 14
DeMarcus Cousins - 12
DeJuan Blair - 10

Rebounds
Nerlens Noel - 9
DeMarcus Cousins - 8
DeJuan Blair - 8
Nikola Pekovic - 8
Kawhi Leonard - 7
DeMar DeRozan - 7
Kris Humphries - 6

Assists
Bradley Beal - 7
John Wall - 7

Steals
Louis Williams - 4
Devin Harris - 2
Marquis Teague - 2

Blocks
DeMar DeRozan - 3
Bradley Beal - 2
Devin Harris - 2
Al Horford - 2


DeRozan highlights

[SuperHueyNewton]

Thought they had home court advantage...

Anyway, it looks like Lou is hard to stop. Something about the Hawks where someone will always drop 30. And in this case, him.

[Phil89]

My strategy has been to try and contain him as best I can and just hope that no one else on their team has a big scoring night. I can beat them most times if he scores 30 but has no help.

[Phil89]

27/4/14

Washington Wizards [3-1] vs Atlanta Hawks [1-3]

Wall dominates as Wizards secure first playoff series win in nine years



WAS - 24 26 29 25 104
ATL - 20 24 14 27 85

Player of the Game: John Wall
(21pts, 6reb, 19ast, 5stl)
(10-13 FG, 0-1 3PT, 1-2 FT)


Top Scorers
Louis Williams - 31
John Wall - 21
Bradley Beal - 20
DeMarcus Cousins - 14
DeMar DeRozan - 14
Nerlsn Noel - 13
Kawhi Leonard - 12
Devin Harris - 12
Nikola Pekovic - 10
Kyle Korver - 10

Rebounds
DeMarcus Cousins - 10
Kawhi Leonard - 8
Nerlens Noel - 7
John Wall - 6
DeJuan Blair - 6
Marquis Teague - 6
Nikola Pekovic - 5
DeMar DeRozan - 5

Assists
John Wall - 19
Devin Harris - 5

Steals
John Wall - 5
Al Horford - 4
Devin Harris - 3
Kawhi Leonard - 2
Chris Douglas-Roberts - 2

Blocks
DeMar DeRozan - 3
Kris Humphries - 2
Nerlens Noel - 2


Wall highlights

[Phil89]

28/4/14

76ers the biggest casualty of the first round

Western Conference


1. Oklahoma City Thunder [53-29] vs 8. New Orleans Hornets [42-40]

Results
NOH @ OKC - 92-114
NOH @ OKC - 70-89
OKC @ NOH - 105-106
OKC @ NOH - 95-96
NOH @ OKC - 94-95
OKC @ NOH - 103-99

Oklahoma City won the series 4-2

--------------------------------------------------

4. Houston Rockets [45-37] vs 5. Phoenix Suns [45-37]

Results
PHX @ HOU - 87-101
PHX @ HOU - 107-134
HOU @ PHX - 96-107
HOU @ PHX - 91-76
PHX @ HOU - 74-137

Houston won the series 4-1

--------------------------------------------------

3. Denver Nuggets [49-33] vs 6. San Antonio Spurs [44-38]

Results
SAS @ DEN - 95-73
SAS @ DEN - 105-99
DEN @ SAS - 90-103
DEN @ SAS - 111-104
SAS @ DEN - 93-103
DEN @ SAS - 90-96

San Antonio won the series 4-2

--------------------------------------------------

2. Los Angeles Clippers [50-32] vs 7. Los Angeles Lakers [42-40]

Results
LAL @ LAC - 90-107
LAL @ LAC - 100-106
LAC @ LAL - 117-115
LAC @ LAL - 94-101
LAL @ LAC - 113-106
LAC @ LAL - 96-90

LA Clippers won the series 4-2

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eastern Conference


1. Philadelphia 76ers [62-20] vs 8. Detroit Pistons [41-41]

Results
DET @ PHI - 82-90
DET @ PHI - 88-99
PHI @ DET - 98-111
PHI @ DET - 115-126
DET @ PHI - 109-107
PHI @ DET - 98-108

Detroit won the series 4-2

--------------------------------------------------

4. Indiana Pacers [45-37] vs 5. Brooklyn Nets [49-33]

Results
BKN @ IND - 99-112
BKN @ IND - 97-111
IND @ BKN - 104-99
IND @ BKN - 78-105
BKN @ IND - 96-84
IND @ BKN - 120-102

Indiana won the series 4-2

--------------------------------------------------

3. Miami Heat [57-25] vs 6. New York Knicks [49-33]

Results
NYK @ MIA - 99-94
NYK @ MIA - 72-84
MIA @ NYK - 100-93
MIA @ NYK - 115-103
NYK @ MIA - 95-91
MIA @ NYK - 98-87

Miami won the series 4-2

--------------------------------------------------

2. Washington Wizards [61-21] vs 7. Atlanta Hawks [43-39]

Results
ATL @ WAS - 100-95
ATL @ WAS - 90-102
WAS @ ATL - 94-85
WAS @ ATL - 83-78
ATL @ WAS - 85-104

Washington won the series 4-1

[Phil89]

28/4/14

2014 playoffs - Conference Semi Finals Preview

Western Conference

1. Oklahoma City Thunder [4-2] vs 4. Houston Rockets [4-1]




Stats Leaders
Thunder
Points: Russell Westbrook - 27.7
Assists: Russell Westbrook - 8.0
Rebounds: Kendrick Perkins - 7.0

Rockets
Points: Jeremy Lin - 19.6
Assists: Jeremy Lin - 9.0
Rebounds: Nene - 7.4


Oklahoma City
Starters
Kendrick Perkins - Serge Ibaka - Kevin Durant - Kevin Martin - Russell Westbrook
Bench
Jerremy Lamb - Tony Mitchell - Reggie Jackson - Robin Lopez - Perry Jones - Nick Collison - Hasheem Thabeet



Houston
Starters
Nene - Thomas Robinson - Chandler Parsons - James Harden - Jeremy Lin
Bench
Jordan Crawford - Chris Kaman - Omer Asik - Tyler Hansbrough - Patrick Mills - James Johnson - Donatas Montiejunas
Inactive
Doug McDermott - Terrence Jones - Solomon Hill

--------------------------------------------------

2. Los Angeles Clippers [4-2] vs 6. San Antonio Spurs [4-2]




Stats Leaders
Clippers
Points: Blake Griffin - 23.3
Assists: Tony Parker - 7.2
Rebounds: Blake Griffin - 10.3

Spurs
Points: Josh Smith - 20.0
Assists: Chris Paul - 9.3
Rebounds: Dwight Howard - 10.2


LA Clippers
Starters
Andrew Bogut - Blake Griffin - Caron Butler - Manu Ginobili - Tony Parker
Bench
Eric Bledsoe - Grant Hill - Trey Thompkins - Malcolm Lee - Timofey Mozgov - Jamal Crawford - Lamar Odom
Inactive
Drew Crawford



San Antonio
Starters
Dwight Howard - Josh Smith - Corey Maggette - Nick Young - Chris Paul
Bench
Dahntay Jones - Rudy Gobert - Nando De Colo - Cory Joseph - Robert Covington - Kenny Kadji - John Jenkins

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eastern Conference


4. Indiana Pacers [4-2] vs 8. Detroit Pistons [4-2]




Stats Leaders
Pacers
Points: OJ Mayo - 22.0
Assists: Paul George - 7.3
Rebounds: Roy Hibbert - 9.8

Pistons
Points: Rodney Stuckey - 17.0
Assists: Rodney Stuckey - 5.7
Rebounds: Greg Monroe - 7.7


Indiana
Starters
Roy Hibbert - Kenyon Martin - Paul George - OJ Mayo - Rodrigue Beaubois
Bench
Shawn Marion - Gordon Hayward - Ian Mahinmi - Orlando Johnson - Marcus Morris - George Hill - Channing Frye
Inactive
Nate Wolters - Christian Watford



Detroit
Starters
Greg Monroe - Andre Drummond - Andre Iguodala - Rodney Stuckey - Chauncey Billups
Bench
Cody Zeller - Brandon Knight - Tayshaun Prince - Byron Mullens - Kyle Singler - Jan Vesely - Khris Middleton
Inactive
Kim English

--------------------------------------------------

2. Washington Wizards [4-1] vs 3. Miami Heat [4-2]




Stats Leaders
Wizards
Points: Bradley Beal - 18.0
Assists: John Wall - 13.6
Rebounds: Nerlens Noel - 7.0

Heat
Points: LeBron James - 25.2
Assists: Dwyane Wade - 6.7
Rebounds: Chris Bosh - 9.2


Washington
Starters
DeMarcus Cousins - Nerlens Noel - DeMar DeRozan - Bradley Beal
Bench
Greivis Vasquez - John Salmons - Kris Humphries - Earl Clark - Chris Andersen - Kyle Korver - Kosta Koufos
Inactive
Daequan Cook- Thabo Sefolosha - Mike Bibby



Miami
Starters
Chris Bosh - LeBron James - Ray Allen - Dwyane Wade - Mario Chalmers
Bench
Alex Poythress - Norris Cole - Shane Battier - Udonis Haslem - Mike Miller - James Jones - Joel Anthony
Inactive
Erick Green

[Phil89]

1/5/14

Washington Wizards [4-1] vs Miami Heat [4-2]

LeBron makes statement in game one after MVP snub



WAS - 20 26 25 27 98
MIA - 29 28 36 27 120

Player of the Game: LeBron James
(36pts, 14reb, 10ast, 6stl, 1blk)
(15-20 FG, 0-1 3PT, 6-7 FT)


Top Scorers
Bradley Beal - 44
Dwyane Wade - 37
LeBron James - 36
DeMarcus Cousins - 15
Nerlens Noel - 12
Norris Cole - 12
DeMar DeRozan - 11
John Wall - 10
Mario Chalmers - 10

Rebounds
LeBron James - 14
DeMarcus Cousins - 7
Mario Chalmers - 5
Nerlens Noel - 5

Assists
John Wall - 16
LeBron James - 10
Mario Chalmers - 9
DeMar DeRozan - 7

Steals
LeBron James - 6
Mario Chalmers - 3
Mike Miller - 2
Chris Bosh - 2
Shane Battier - 2


Beal highlights

Noel picked up his 4th foul early in the second quarter. I have no one else to guard LeBron though so he went crazy. LeBron picked up his 3rd at the same time but stayed on the court. Maybe I should have tried to get him fouled out. Noel fouled out halfway through the fourth. Not looking good for me in this series.

I really don't know if I can win a single game in this series. My normally good defense seems useless against the Heat. The number of times that LeBron or Wade literally jumped over my attempted blocks to dunk (and got 3pt plays) was ridiculous. I won't give up though.

[Martti.]

Maybe the Heat can finally grab a series win against you.

The Spurs-Clippers series should be amazing to watch.

[Phil89]

This certainly is their best shot. No Durant this time.

I'm 5-0 against them in playoff series. Actually, I was looking back and noticed that I'm 33-0 in the playoffs between my two dynasties and this association. So this may be the first series I ever lose. Heat still have to win three more games though.

[Phil89]

3/5/14

Washington Wizards [4-2] vs Miami Heat [5-2]

Wizards bounce back to take game two and level series at 1-1



WAS - 26 19 36 23 104
MIA - 20 18 26 30 94

Player of the Game: John Wall
(15pts, 5reb, 16ast, 1blk)
(6-11 FG, 0-0 3PT, 3-4 FT)


Top Scorers
Bradley Beal - 25
Dwyane Wade - 24
LeBron James - 23
Nerlens Noel - 18
DeMar DeRozan - 17
Chris Bosh - 16
John Wall - 15
DeMarcus Cousins - 12
Norris Cole - 10

Rebounds
LeBron James - 8
Chris Bosh - 6
DeMarcus Cousins - 6
Nerlens Noel - 5
Bradley Beal - 5
John Wall - 5
Mario Chalmers - 5

Assists
John Wall - 16
Mario Chalmers - 9
Bradley Beal - 7
LeBron James - 5

Steals
Dwyane Wade - 4
Chris Bosh - 2
Ray Allen - 2


Wall highlights


Beal highlights

[Phil89]

5/5/14

Miami Heat [5-3] vs Washington Wizards [5-2]

Heat unstoppable in game three blowout



MIA - 18 31 27 34 110
WAS - 18 21 28 24 91

Player of the Game: LeBron James
(32pts, 9reb, 4ast, 8stl)
(15-22 FG, 0-1 3PT, 2-2 FT)


Top Scorers
LeBron James - 32
Dwyane Wade - 32
Bradley Beal - 29
Nerlens Noel - 19
John Wall - 15
DeMarcus Cousins - 14
Chris Bosh - 12

Rebounds
LeBron James - 9
Nerlens Noel - 7
DeMarcus Cousins - 6

Assists
John Wall - 16
Mario Chalmers - 13

Steals
LeBron James - 8
Dwyane Wade - 2
Chris Bosh - 2
Ray Allen - 2
Mario Chalmers - 2


Noel highlights

I got to within one point near the end of the third but they just kept scoring. I'm getting sick of their alley-oops from half court and dunks from the free throw line. How am I meant to beat them if they can do that?

On, and the screenshot is of LeBron coming from outside the three point line to out-rebound three of my guys and pull off a crazy dunk just for fun.

[Phil89]

6/5/14

Heat win soured by Bosh injury



Spirits were high in Miami last night as the Heat were cruising to a blowout win in game three of their eastern conference semi final series against the Wizards, but things took a bad turn halfway through the fourth quarter when big man Chris Bosh limped from the court. Scans earlier today revealed that he had torn the meniscus cartilage in his left knee after landing awkwardly going for a rebound. Early estimates suggest that he could be out for nearly two months, basically ruling him out for the rest of Miami's playoff run.

Losing a player of Bosh's quality would normally be a huge blow to a team, but Miami seem to be doing just fine with LeBeon James and Dwyane Wade in great form. Bosh himself hasn't really played a major role in their three games against the Wizards so far. Washington big men DeMarcus Cousins and Nerlens Noel will need to take advantage of the Heat's depleted frontcourt now.

[Phil89]

7/5/14

Miami Heat [6-3] vs Washington Wizards [5-3]

Wizards' comeback falls short as Heat look destined to progress



MIA - 26 33 24 26 109
WAS - 20 29 30 26 105

Player of the Game: LeBron James
(29pts, 5reb, 3ast, 1stl, 1blk)
(13-20 FG, 0-0 3PT, 3-4 FT)


Top Scorers
LeBron James - 29
Bradley Beal - 29
Nerlens Noel - 27
John Wall - 23
Dwyane Wade - 22
Udonis Haslem - 17
Ray Allen - 14
DeMar DeRozan - 14

Rebounds
DeMarcus Cousins - 7
Nerlens Noel - 6
Udonis Haslem - 6
Mario Chalmers - 6
DeMar DeRozan - 5
LeBron James - 5

Assists
John Wall - 19
Mario Chalmers - 9
Dwyane Wade - 7
Bradley Beal - 5

Steals
Dwyane Wade - 4
DeMarcus Cousins - 2
Udonis Haslem - 2
Shane Battier - 2

Blocks
Nerlens Noel - 2


Beal highlights


Wall highlights


Noel highlights

I fought back so well and actually led by seven with two minutes left. The game just wanted Miami to win though.

[Phil89]

9/5/14

Washington Wizards [5-4] vs Miami Heat [7-3]

Heat prove too good once again and advance to conference finals



WAS - 29 21 19 21 90
MIA - 29 18 22 25 94

Player of the Game: LeBron James
(38pts, 10reb, 6ast, 1stl, 1blk)
(16-27 FG, 0-0 3PT, 6-7 FT)


Top Scorers
LeBron James - 38
Bradley Beal - 21
DeMarcus Cousins - 17
DeMar DeRozan - 15
Dwyane Wade - 12
Mario Chalmers - 11
John Wall - 10

Rebounds
Udonis Haslem - 10
LeBron James - 10
Nerlens Noel - 7
DeMarcus Cousins - 6
DeMar DeRozan - 5
Bradley Beal - 5
Dwyane Wade - 5

Assists
John Wall - 12
Mario Chalmers - 9
LeBron James - 6

Steals
Udonis Haslem - 3
Ray Allen - 2


Beal highlights

I tried my best but my guys just aren't ready for that next step yet. LeBron was unplayable in this series. He averaged 31.6 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 5.6 APG and 2.4 SPG. Beal averaged nearly 30 PPG, whilst Wall averaged 15 PPG and 16 APG.

This is actually my first ever playoff series loss in my entire basketball video game career. I was 33-0 before this with 8 titles.

I'm pretty depressed at only winning one game in this series, but the excitement of the upcoming draft and free agency should pick me up.

[Phil89]

10/5/14

Heavyweights shaping up to face off in finals

Western Conference


1. Oklahoma City Thunder [4-2] vs 4. Houston Rockets [4-1]

Results
HOU @ OKC - 108-96
HOU @ OKC - 75-92
OKC @ HOU - 100-88
OKC @ HOU - 78-89
HOU @ OKC - 86-111
OKC @ HOU - 110-83

Oklahoma City won the series 4-2

--------------------------------------------------

2. Los Angeles Clippers [4-2] vs 6. San Antonio Spurs [4-2]

Results
SAS @ LAC - 98-104
SAS @ LAC - 114-101
LAC @ SAS - 87-104
LAC @ SAS - 103-123
SAS @ LAC - 112-80

San Antonio won the series 4-1

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eastern Conference


4. Indiana Pacers [4-2] vs 8. Detroit Pistons [4-2]

Results
DET @ IND - 97-103
DET @ IND - 100-111
IND @ DET - 101-120
IND @ DET - 102-90
DET @ IND - 102-100
IND @ DET - 97-108
DET @ IND - 90-91

Indiana won the series 4-3

--------------------------------------------------

2. Washington Wizards [4-1] vs 3. Miami Heat [4-2]

Results
MIA @ WAS - 120-98
MIA @ WAS - 94-104
WAS @ MIA - 91-110
WAS @ MIA - 105-109
MIA @ WAS - 94-90

Miami won the series 4-1

[Phil89]

25/5/14

Thunder and Heat to meet in NBA finals

Western Conference


1. Oklahoma City Thunder [8-4] vs 6. San Antonio Spurs [8-3]

Results
SAS @ OKC - 96-101
SAS @ OKC - 100-114
OKC @ SAS - 122-88
OKC @ SAS - 106-114
SAS @ OKC - 77-126

Oklahoma City won the series 4-2

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eastern Conference


3. Miami Heat [8-3] vs 4. Indiana Pacers [8-5]

Results
IND @ MIA - 78-114
IND @ MIA - 85-94
MIA @ IND - 106-97
MIA @ IND - 101-97

Miami won the series 4-0

[Phil89]

15/6/14

Heat triumph in thrilling seven game finals series

NBA Finals


3. Miami Heat [12-3] vs 1. Oklahoma City Thunder [12-5]

Results
OKC @ MIA - 101-89
OKC @ MIA - 92-100
MIA @ OKC - 104-103
MIA @ OKC - 95-98
MIA @ OKC - 79-102
OKC @ MIA - 79-97
OKC @ MIA - 86-103

Miami won the series 4-3

Finals MVP

[Phil89]

15/6/14

Celtics hit hard by retirements



It was an emotional day for basketball fans in Boston as three of the heroes from the Celtics' last championship win called time on their careers. Veteran forwards Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce combined for over 2,500 NBA games during their careers and were part of the Celtics' 'big three' along with Ray Allen. Allen himself also retired, but he had left the Celtics to join the Miami Heat and won another title last season. The formation of that star trio became the blueprint for success in the modern NBA, with teams scrambling to put stars together on their teams in the following years. Coach Rivers was the man who kept all the egos in check during that championship run and will be tough to replace for the Celtics. Joining Garnett and Pierce in being inducted into the basketball hall of fame are Ray Allen, Jason Kidd and Steve Nash.

2014 Retirees

Players
Richard Hamilton - SG - 36 - Chicago Bulls - 15 seasons
Paul Pierce - SF - 36 - Boston Celtics - 16 seasons
Kevin Garnett - PF - 38 - Boston Celtics - 19 seasons
Grant Hill - SF - 41 - Los Angeles Clippers - 20 seasons
Reggie Evans - PF - 34 - Brooklyn Nets - 12 seasons
Ray Allen - SG - 38 - Miami Heat - 18 seasons
Jason Kidd - PG - 41 - New York Knicks - 20 seasons
Al Harrington - PF - 34 - Orlando Magic - 16 seasons
Steve Nash - PG - 40 - Toronto Raptors - 18 seasons
Chris Andersen - C - 35 - Washington Wizards - 12 seasons

Coaches
Doc Rivers - Boston Celtics - 16 seasons
Alvin Gentry - Phoenix Suns - 14 seasons
Rick Adelman - Minnesota Timberwolves - 24 seasons

Hall of Fame Inductees


Ray Allen - Miami Heat

Career Averages
1,291 games played
18.7 ppg - 4.0 rpg - 3.3 apg - 1.1 spg - 0.2 bpg




Paul Pierce - Boston Celtics

Career Averages
1,176 games played
21.5 ppg - 5.9 rpg - 3.8 apg - 1.4 spg - 0.6 bpg




Steve Nash - Toronto Raptors

Career Averages
1,289 games played
13.9 ppg - 3.0 rpg - 8.7 apg - 0.7 spg - 0.1 bpg




Jason Kidd - New York Knicks

Career Averages
1,451 games played
12.2 ppg - 6.2 rpg - 8.8 apg - 1.9 spg - 0.3 bpg




Kevin Garnett - Boston Celtics

Career Averages
1,419 games played
18.8 ppg - 10.3 rpg - 3.8 apg - 1.3 spg - 1.5 bpg

[Phil89]

18/6/14

Busy week for Kerr as Wizards make roster decisions



It has been barely over a month since the crushing disappointment of being bundled out of the playoffs at the hands of Miami and Wizards' general manager Steve Kerr has the task of re-shaping their roster in the hopes of reaching the same heights next year. The Wizards recorded an amazing sixty-one wins and also managed their first series win in over half a decade. Ultimately though LeBron James proved too tough to stop and eliminated the Wizards almost single-handedly on his way to winning another ring and finals MVP.

Kerr wasted little time in trimming down the roster as Mike Bibby was informed that he should look for a new team. The veteran point guard had been signed as insurance in case of injury to John Wall or Greivis Vasquez, but never saw any playing time. After this decision Kerr was told by Kris Humphries and Kyle Korver that they were going to test their value in the free agent market. Another player leaving Washington was John Salmons. The veteran forward declined to activate a $7 million player option in his contract. The final player that would not be returning to the Wizards was Chris Andersen. The thirty-five year old center had announced before the playoffs that he would be retiring at the end of the season.

The easiest decision for Kerr to make was activating the two year team option in Bradley Beal's contract. The young sharpshooter has thrilled Wizards' fans all season with his perimeter shooting and volume scoring. Backup point guard Greivis Vasquez was offered the qualifying offer after showing good form as John Wall's deputy. The big question for Kerr though was what to do with Wall and Cousins. Neither had really given any indication as to whether they were looking to stay in Washington or not. Kerr decided it would be best to give them both qualifying offers and make them restricted free agents. Perhaps a good draft would be the final piece of the puzzle to convince them to stay.

Wizards Current Rotation

Cousins* / Koufos*
Noel
DeRozan / Clark
Beal / Cook / Sefolosha
Wall*/ Vasquez*

* - restricted free agents

[Phil89]

21/6/14

2014 Draft Lottery

Lottery Chances



For the second year in a row the Magic and Wizards find themselves first and second in the queue for the top pick. This year though it's Washington who are in the box seat to get it and have first shot at Andrew Wiggins.

-----

2014 NBA Draft Order


___________________________

[Phil89]

27/6/14

2014 NBA Draft

First Round - Lottery Picks

1.) Washington: Andrew Wiggins - SF - 20 - Kansas - 203cm - 89kg

Despite rumours about trading down in the draft the Wizards decided to take the best player available in Andrew Wiggins. It seems that after being demolished by LeBron in the conference semi finals they decided that getting LeBron 2.0 would be a good move. He should walk right into the Wizards starting line-up and compliment their fast-paced style. This selection could well signal the end of DeMar DeRozan's time in Washington. It's hard not to see the Wizards becoming a powerhouse in the next decade with five high lottery picks as their starters. John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins look set to be getting big contracts next month, so the Wizards will have a tough decision to make in a few years when Beal, Noel and Wiggins come to the end of their rookie deals.


2.) Orlando: Jabari Parker - SF - 20 - Duke - 203cm - 102kg

Orlando had several sizable holes in their roster and they have filled one of them by drafting Parker. He has been the consensus number two pick for almost as long as Wiggins had been the likely top pick. The Magic are another team that should be on the rise in the future with Parker joining top pick and reigning rookie of the year from last season Shabazz Muhammad. They also have promising youngsters like Andrew Nicholson, Maurice Harkless, Nikola Vucevic and Tobias Harris.


3.) Portland: James Young - SG - 19 - Kentucky - 201cm - 92kg

The Blazers may have finally drafted Brandon Roy's replacement. Young will likely have to bide his time behind Wesley Matthews in the rotation, but in the future his combination with Damian Lillard could be quite exciting. Most people thought that they may look to draft a big man as a long-term replacement for LaMarcus Aldridge, but they must have really liked what they saw in Young.


4.) Charlotte: Victor Oladipo - SG - 22 - Indiana - 196cm - 97kg

This selection by the Bobcats is a pretty safe one. They pick up a guy who is NBA ready from day one and will improve their culture with his determination and hard work. Oladipo next to Kemba Walker and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist looks pretty good for Bobcats fans. They have money to spend in free agency as well, so they could yet position themselves to be a realistic chance at making the playoffs next season.


5.) Minnesota: Wayne Selden - SF - 19 - Kansas - 196cm - 102kg

Is this the real David Kahn? The fact that he resisted the urge to draft Marcus Smart or Andrew Harrison with this pick is astonishing given his history for loving lottery point guards. Selden had to play second fiddle to Wiggins at Kansas, but could have a shot at being the main man in Minnesota in the future. If Derrick Williams and Ricky Rubio also continue their development, the Timberwolves could have a solid core moving forward.


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TRADE: Washington sends DeMar DeRozan to Detroit in exchange for Tayshaun Prince, pick 15 and a 2015 first round pick.

This move isn't too surprising from Washington's point of view after they drafted Andrew Wiggins. The top pick was never going to be a bench player and having DeRozan as sixth man was a luxury that the Wizards just couldn't afford to have with DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall due for new contracts shortly.

Detroit get a scoring guard who will take some pressure off of Andre Iguodala and will help spread the floor. He will give the likes of Greg Monroe, Andre Drummond and Cody Zeller more space to operate inside the paint by drawing defenders out to deny him open three pointers. He is also great at attracting crowds to games with his amazing aerial dunking ability. He will be missed by Wizards fans.


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6.) Golden State: Aaron Harrison - SG - 19 - Kentucky - 196cm - 93kg

This is an interesting pick by the Warriors given that they already have Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Most people were expecting them to select a power forward like Anthony Bennett or Julius Randle to play alongside DeAndre Jordan. Maybe they are planning to play with a small ball line-up with James McAdoo playing power forward. Either way they have a great group of talent now and should be a big player for the next decade.


7.) Chicago: Marcus Smart - PG - 20 - Oklahoma State - 193cm - 102kg

This selection came as a shock to almost everyone. Are the Bulls worried about Derrick Rose's long term injury proneness? Maybe they plan to use Smart as a shooting guard. The Bulls were hoping to land hometown prospect Jabari Parker and had acquired several first round picks, but lost out in the lottery draw and were unable to trade up to get him. This pick doesn't really make sense.


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TRADE: Chicago sends pick 7 (Marcus Smart), Pick 12 and a 2015 first round pick to Orlando for pick 2 (Jabari Parker).

Suddenly it all becomes clear as to why the Bulls picked Marcus Smart. They had apparently been discussing this deal for Parker with Orlando since the Magic picked him at number two and chose Smart on their behalf. It's a surprising deal for the Magic, but GM Rob Hennigan seemed confident that this deal would improve his team. Jameer Nelson is nearly ready to retire and getting the best point guard prospect in the draft secures that position for Orlando for the next decade. They also already have Tobias Harris to play at small forward so they didn't absolutely need Parker. Hennigan may also have agreed to this trade with the knowledge that a big name free agent is likely to sign with his team during the upcoming free agent period.

For the Bulls this deal gives them potentially a second hometown star player that will excite their fans and play a big role for them on the court. Derrick Rose and Parker should keep the Bulls competitive for the next decade. Things haven't been so great for the Bulls in the past two years. They missed the playoffs completely in the season just gone, after having finishing with the third seed and crashing out in the first round to Milwaukee the year before. If Joakim Noah can stay injury-free next season they should really be looking at making the playoffs once again.


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8.) Boston: Willie Cauley-Stein - C - 19 - Kentucky - 213cm - 111kg

The post-'big three' era in Boston begins with promise as the Celtics select the top rated big man in the draft. Cauley-Stein will be a direct replacement for the recently retired Kevin Garnett. With guard Avery Bradley reportedly ready to re-sign next month, the future for the Celtics doesn't look so terrible with Rajon Rondo as their best player.


9.) Sacramento: Andrew Harrison - PG - 19 - Kentucky - 196cm - 95kg

Another questionable selection was this one by the Kings. Harrison is the second point guard that they gave drafted in the lottery in the past two years. Last year they took his fellow Kentucky graduate Ryan Harrow with the third pick. There is also the fact that they gave Isaiah Thomas a $37m extension this season and also have Jimmer Fredette on their roster. This could all mean that Tyreke Evans will continue to play the small forward position.


10.) Cleveland: Aaron Gordon - SF - 19 - Arizona - 203cm - 95kg

This pick should excite Cavs fans. Gordon has proved to be a great scorer at the college level and should fit in well with Kyrie Irving throwing him dimes. He will probably have to prove himself at NBA level by coming off the bench as Danilo Gallinari's backup though. The Cavs should follow a similar path to the Wizards in the next few years with Irving, Dion Waiters, Gordon and Tristan Thompson all with big potential. Plus the experience of JaVale McGee and Gallinari should help them take their game to the next level. They should really be aiming for the playoffs next season.


11.) Memphis: Michael Carter-Williams - PG - 21 - Syracuse - 198cm - 84kg

The Grizzlies continue their hyphenated surname drafting spree after picking Kentavious Caldwell-Pope last season. They may struggle to make the playoffs next season but they do have the Gasol brothers, Mike Conley and MarShon Brooks on their roster still. MCW will probably find a fair amount of playing time in his first season as Conley's backup.


12.) Orlando: Julius Randle - 19 - PF - Kentucky - 206cm - 102kg

Hennigan shows that he knew what he was doing all along and picks up a guy who was touted as a top five pick for a long time, but slid down the draft after a slightly lacklustre season with Kentucky. Trading Parker seemed like a poor decision at the time, but adding Smart, Randle and a future first round pick turned it into a pretty good deal. They now have a good collection of young talent including Shabazz Muhammad, Tobias Harris, Andrew Nicholson, Nikola Vucevic and the two drafted today. Add to that the fact that they can sign a max level free agent and they could be a real contender for a title sooner rather than later.


13.) Utah: Mario Hezonja - SG - 19 - Croatia - 198cm - 88kg

The Jazz pick up the talented Croatian shooting guard that has been lighting it up in Barcelona for the past year. He had stated before the draft his desire to come straight over to the NBA and going to Utah gives him the chance to be Eric Gordon's backup while he settles into his new environment.


14.) Milwaukee: LeBryan Nash - 22 - SF - Oklahoma State - 201cm - 104kg

An interesting move by the Bucks because they passed on big men Anthony Bennett and Noah Vonleh. They did perhaps have a greater need for Nash though with Trevor Ariza as their top small forward currently. They were disappointing last season, missing the playoffs altogether after having been to the NBA finals the year before. They are in a similar position to Atlanta in the face that they don't really have an established number one star player, but instead have a collection of solid role players who all play their part. Nash could be another solid contributor for the Bucks as they seek to reach the playoffs again in a quickly improving eastern conference.

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First Round - Continued

15.) Washington - Noah Vonleh - PF - Indiana
16.) Minnesota - PJ Hairston - SG - North Carolina
17.) Chicago - Tim Hardaway Jr - SG - Michigan
18.) Atlanta - Glenn Robinson - SF - Michigan
19.) Atlanta - Ilimane Diop - C - Senegal
20.) Houston - Anthony Bennett - PF - UNLV
21.) Indiana - Reggie Bullock - SG - North Carolina
22.) Phoenix - DeShaun Thomas - SF - Ohio State
23.) New York - Ricky Ledo - SG - Providence
24.) Memphis - Khem Birch - PF - UNLV
25.) Denver - Andre Roberson - SF- Colorado
26.) LA Clippers - Kyle Anderson - SF - UCLA
27.) Oklahoma City - Joshua Smith - C - UCLA
28.) New Orleans - Adreian Payne - PF - Michigan State
29.) Golden State - Johnny O'Bryant - PF - LSU
30.) Miami - Grant Jerrett - PF - Arizona

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Second Round

31.) Toronto - Kasey Hill - PG - Florida
32.) Orlando - CJ Fair - SF - Syracuse
33.) Charlotte - Allen Crabbe - SG - California
34.) Chicago - Branden Dawson - SF - Michigan State
35.) Golden State - Mitch McGary - PF - Michigan
36.) Chicago - James Birsen - SF - Turkey
37.) Golden State - Brandon Ashley - PF - Arizona
38.) Boston - Daniel Diez - SF - Spain
39.) Sacramento - Amric Fields - SF - TCU
40.) Cleveland - Jerian Grant - SG - Notre Dame
41.) Toronto - Keith Appling - PG - Michigan State
42.) LA Clippers - Eric Ferguson - SF - Georgia Southern
43.) Utah - Deonte Burton - PG - Nevada
44.) Milwaukee - Kaleb Tarczewski - C - Arizona
45.) Detroit - Rodney Purvis - PG - North Carolina State
46.) New Orleans - Andre Dawkins - SG - Duke
47.) LA Lakers - Markel Starks - PG Georgetown
48.) Boston - Trey Zeigler - SG - Pittsburgh

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TRADE: San Antonio send a 2015 second round pick to Chicago in exchange for Luke Ridnour.

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49.) Boston - Rodney Hood - SF - Duke
50.) Phoenix - Dwight Powell - PF - Stanford
51.) Houston - Andre Hollins - PG - Minnesota
52.) Indiana - CJ Aiken - PF - St. Josephs
53.) Brooklyn - Jabari Brown - SG - Missouri
54.) Denver - Zheng Zhelin - C -China
55.) New York - Travis McKie - SF - Wake Forest
56.) LA Clippers - Alex Abrines - SG - Spain
57.) Oklahoma City - Axel Toupane - SG - France
58.) Miami - Chane Behanan - PF - Louisville
59.) Detroit - Wayne Blackshear - SF - Louisville
60.) Philadelphia - Austin Hollins - SG - Minnesota

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Kentucky continue to produce NBA players



In the past four seasons the University of Kentucky have provided the NBA with fifteen first round picks. They have another five to add to that list this season as James Young, the Harrison twins, Willie Cauley-Stein and Julius Randle all entered the league. The amazing feat equals their own record of five first round picks from 2010.

2010 - (1) John Wall, (5) DeMarcus Cousins, (14) Patrick Patterson, (18) Eric Bledsoe, (29) Daniel Orton
2011 - (3) Enes Kanter, (8) Brandon Knight
2012 - (1) Anthony Davis, (2) Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, (18) Terrence Jones, (29) Marquis Teague
2013 - (2) Nerlens Noel, (3) Ryan Harrow, (12) Archie Goodwin, (29) Alex Poythress
2014 - (3) James Young, (6) Aaron Harrison, (8) Willie Cauley-Stein, (9) Andrew Harrison, (12) Julius Randle