[5-3] Back to Seattle | Not showing up to play for Mudiay?

[Lamrock]

Game: NBA 2K14 (Xbox 360)
Season Length: 82 games
Playoff Format: 7-7-7-7
Rosters: Default (with Bobcats and Clippers players moved to Hornets, Sonics, respectively)
Draft Class: Real for 2014, generics onward (perhaps with some exceptions)

Difficulty: All-Star
Quarter Length: 10 minutes played / 12 minutes simmed
Sliders: Default (for as long as I can tolerate it)

Team Chemistry: Off
Player Roles: On
Customize League: On
Trade Override: On (only to enforce pendng draft pick trades)
Allow CPU Trades: On
Pre-Season: On
Injuries: On

[Lamrock]

Archives

2013-14 NBA Season In Review
Relocation + Division Realignment + Draft Lotto
Retirees + Rivers Out + 2014 Mock Lotto
2014 NBA Draft
2014 Offseason

Sonics Hold Off Wolves In Triumphant Return

Rosters

2014-15 Opening Night Roster

[Lamrock]

Reserved For Basketball Reasons.

[Fresh8]

HYYPPEEEEEE!!!!!

A Lamrock joint right here.... yeah!

[dare]

Hype Hype Hype

[Martti.]

Sterling sold the Clippers to a Seattle group who brought back the Sonics? Hype hype anyway.

[Lamrock]

CLIPPERS LOSE [
The #13 Clippers blog on the Web! (The Clippers of Clippers Blogs)

2013-14 Season In Review


Donald Sterling was a breakout star during the 2014 Playoffs

June 21, 2014 - The Los Angeles Clippers entered the 2013-14 NBA season with championship aspirations. After replacing empty suit Vinny Del Negro with coach Doc Rivers, and adding several veterans, most notably J.J. Redick, expectations were sky-high. The Clippers lived up to these through the first two months of the season, jumping out to a 23-10 start, good for the best record in the West. Blake Griffin was an MVP candidate, and the team was gelling. Then, things went south.

The Clippers season was derailed in a game versus the Pacers in which star Blake Griffin tore his MCL, ending his season. This sent the Clippers into a tailspin that put them in the bottom half of the Western Conference playoff picture. Chris Paul was named to the all-star team yet again, but there were concerns that the other L.A. team would not make the playoffs. However, Doc Rivers was able to rally the team to an 11-4 March record, and the Clippers carried that momentum into April to finish with a 49-33 record, good for the division title and #4 seed in the playoffs.

The Clippers were able to defeat the upstart Blazers in five games, but unfortunately their playoff run was overshadowed by racist comments made by owner Donald Sterling. The comments sparked outrage around the league, and proved to be a distraction in the next round, which saw the Oklahoma City Thunder sweep the Clippers to make the conference finals, in which they defeated the Spurs in 6 games. The highlight of this disappointing season proved to be DeAndre Jordan winning the Defensive Player of the Year award after a career season.

The finals saw the Oklahoma City Thunder face off with the Miami Heat for the second time in three seasons. It went to seven games, but once again the Miami Heat were triumphant. Led by Finals MVP LeBron James, the Heat became the first team since the 2002 Lakers to three-peat.

Donald Sterling was compelled to sell the Clippers and after a grueling saga that included legal threats and more outrageous Sterling comments, the team was sold for a record $2 billion dollars to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. While Ballmer claims the team will stay in Los Angeles, just last season he was part of a group that was trying to move the Kings to Seattle. Rumor has it, relocation, or at the very least re-branding have been discussed in light of the bad press surrounding the Clippers. Still, it will be a hard sell to the NBA given that even when they were consistently terrible, the Clippers always made a profit.

NBA Standings



Western Conference

1 Oklahoma City 57-25
2 San Antonio 54-28
3 Houston 50-32
4 LA Clippers 49-33
5 Portland 47-35
6 Golden State 47-35
7 Minnesota 45-37
8 Denver 42-40
Memphis 39-43
Phoenix 36-46
LA Lakers 32-50
Sacramento 32-50
New Orleans 30-52
Dallas 29-53
Utah 23-59

Eastern Conference

1 Miami 63-19
2 Chicago 60-22
3 Detroit 48-34
4 Indiana 47-35
5 New York 46-36
6 Cleveland 45-37
7 Brooklyn 44-38
8 Philadelphia 44-38
Washington 42-40
Charlotte 36-46
Toronto 35-47
Milwaukee 32-50
Atlanta 29-53
Boston 23-59

Season Awards



Most Valuable Player: LeBron James (MIA)
Rookie of the Year: Michael-Carter Williams (PHI)
Defensive Player of the Year: DeAndre Jordan (LAC)
Most Improved Player: Eric Bledsoe (PHX)
Sixth Man of the Year: Jordan Crawford (GS)
Coach of the Year: Tom Thibodeau (CHI)

All-NBA First Team: Rose / Westbrook / Durant / L. James / Howard
All-NBA Second Team: Wall / Irving / J. Smith / Aldridge / A. Jefferson
All-NBA Third Team: Paul / Harden / George / Love / Noah

All-Rookie First Team: Carter-Williams / Burke / Bennett / Noel / Oladipo
All-Rookie Second Team: Covington / McLemore / Faverani / Schroder / Porter

All-Defense First Team: Bledsoe / Wade / Aldridge / A. Davis / Jordan
All-Defense Second Team: Wall / T. Allen / J. Smith / L. James / Noah

YOUR 2013-14 NBA CHAMPIONS: MIAMI HEAT

[Fresh8]

Great season review. Can't wait for the Clippers to move to Seattle and evolve into the Sonics.

[Martti.]

Love those Sonics jerseys, I tried doing that in Live 06, moving the Bucks there, but couldn't get the jerseys to work.

[Valor]

SEATTLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lamrock]

It's Official: Clippers Moving To Seattle
Clippers relocate to Seattle, will bring back SuperSonics name, colors, history



June 23, 2014 - After six years without an NBA team, professional basketball has returned to the city of Seattle. In a press conference, Steve Ballmer and Adam Silver announced that the Los Angeles Clippers are no more, with the team being relocated to Seattle and re-branded as the SuperSonics. Initial speculation speculated that the team might stay in LA given the team's profitability in the area, but in light of the Donald Sterling controversy, the NBA board of directors approved this move in a near-unanimous vote.

The team will play in Key Arena, and a new arena, financed by Ballmer and Chris Hansen, will be built in the SoDo district of Seattle in 2017. J.J. Redick and coach Doc Rivers spoke out against the move to Seattle, with Rivers commenting, "this is not what I signed up for".

----------
NBA To Realign Divisions, Conferences With Sonics Move
Bulls, Bucks To Become Part of West, Pelicans, Grizzlies moving to East



June 24, 2014 - With the Los Angeles Clippers moving to Seattle to become the new Supersonics, the NBA has decided to update the alignment of the divisions, for the first time in ten years. Most notably, the Bucks and Bulls are swapping conferences with the Pelicans and Grizzlies, and the Northwest Division no longer exists, with the Midwest Division returning. "We wanted the divisions to match up with their respective locations. After all, if they don't make geographical sense, why have them?", commented Adam Silver on the divisions. The new divisions are as follows:

Western Conference
Pacific: Golden State, Los Angeles, Portland, Sacramento, Seattle
Midwest: Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, Minnesota, Utah
Southwest: Dallas, Houston, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, San Antonio

Eastern Conference
Atlantic: Boston, Brooklyn, Charlotte, New York, Washington
Central: Cleveland, Detroit, Indiana, Philadelphia, Toronto
Southwest: Atlanta, Memphis, Miami, New Orleans, Orlando

----------
Utah Wins Draft Lottery
Orlando to pick second, Boston third



The Utah Jazz have won the 2014 draft lottery, and will have the number 1 overall pick in June's draft. The Jazz are reportedly enamored with Duke forward Jabari Parker. The Jazz currently have Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors at the forward positions but Hayward is a restricted free agent, and the Jazz could trade Enes Kanter and move Favors to the 5. The second pick will go to the Orlando Magic, and the Celtics, who had the most lottery odds, receive the third pick. The draft lottery order is as follows:

1. Utah
2. Orlando
3. Boston
4. Atlanta
5. Dallas
6. Philadelphia (via NO)
7. Sacramento
8. LA Lakers
9. Milwaukee
10. Toronto
11. Chicago (via CHA)
12. Phoenix
13. Memphis
14. Phoenix (via WAS)

[Vespasian92]

Return of the Sonics! Can't wait for Seattle to have a successful team once again, here and in RL.

[Fresh8]

Love the update man. Keep it up.

Let's see who out of you and I will get to the start of next season first!

[Lamrock]

Steve Nash, Ray Allen Headline NBA Retirees



June 23, 2014 - After 18 seasons, NBA legends Ray Allen and Steve Nash have announced their retirement. Both players, in their primes, were perennial all-stars, and each had a case for the status of "best shooter ever". Ray Allen made ten all-star games, is the all-time leader in total 3-point field goals, and is a three-time NBA champion (2008, 2013, 2014). Steve Nash meanwhile was a two-time MVP (2005, 2006), made eight all-star teams, and was part of the fabled "50-40-90" club for five consecutive seasons (from 2006-10). Both were inducted into the Hall-of-Fame as part of the new instant induction policy.

Also retiring are role players Shane Battier, Derek Fisher and Chris Andersen, who were all key players on championship teams. Journeymen Reggie Evans, Mike James and Jannero Pargo also announced their retirement. Finally, Jason Collins, the first openly gay player retires after thirteen seasons.


----------
The Off-Season From Hell: Why Seattle Won't Contend For An NBA Championship This Year



June 24, 2014 - Seattle fans are still amped about getting an NBA team, but with two days until the draft, the team looks anything but stable. Doc Rivers, after a stressful playoff run dealing with the Sterling comments as the leader of the Clippers has stepped down as coach and person in charge of basketball operations. Rivers, 52, cited not wanting to uproot his family to coach Seattle, as the primary reason for his departure. Additionally, associate head coach Alvin Gentry has decided to retire.

General manager Jim Sacks will handle the NBA draft, in which the Sonics hold the 25th and 56th picks. In a controversial move, he decided to hire Mike Budenholzer to coach the team. Budenholzer coached the Hawks to a disappointing 29-53 season last year, and was fired last week. The move was heavily criticized. Dan D'Antoni will replace Gentry.

Several players from last year's Clippers squad were not thrilled about the move to Seattle or the coaching change. Darren Collison announced that he would opt out of the second year of his contract, and had no plans to re-sign. Danny Granger, Glen Davis and Willie Green announced their plans to pursue free agency, and the Clippers are unlikely to hold on to any of them given that they lack their bird rights. J.J. Redick has also reportedly requested a trade, but these reports are unconfirmed.

While stars Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are retained, their roster is very thin and is currently as follows:

PG: Chris Paul
SG: Redick / Crawford
SF: Barnes / Dudley
PF: Griffin
C: Jordan

Head Coach: Mike Budenholzer

----------
The Final 2014 Mock Lottery



June 25, 2014 - The NBA Draft is tomorrow, and the Utah Jazz are reportedly still undecided on who they plan to select with the first overall pick. Jabari Parker, Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid are the consensus top three, but if last year's draft is any indication, the #1 pick isn't always who you'd expect. That being said, we have the top scouts and researchers on the case, and here is our mock lottery:

1. Utah Jazz - SF Andrew Wiggins (Kansas) - Parker may be the "safe" pick, but his given Wiggins' higher ceiling, superior defense and the fact that Parker's team also suffered an early exit in the NCAA tournament, Wiggins is once again the top overall prospect. They may give Embiid a look, but with his injury history and Kanter on the roster, Wiggins has got to be the pick.

2. Orlando Magic - F Jabari Parker (Duke) - With the team set at C with all-NBA third team player Nikola Vucevic, the Magic take Parker, who could get the team back in the playoffs in his first NBA season. He can play both forward positions, and would be a good fit next in the frontcourt next to Vucevic and Tobias Harris.

3. Boston - C Joel Embiid (Kansas) - Embiid would have to be the pick for the Celtics, who are set at PG with Rondo. Embiid would give them a rim protector who would help them jump-start another era of elite defense.

4. Atlanta - G Dante Exum (Australia) - (Theoretically) set in the front court with Millsap and Horford, the Hawks take high-ceiling international point guard Dante Exum. The Hawks could elect to either deal Teague, or slot Exum at the 2 next to him.

5. Dallas - PG Marcus Smart (Oklahoma State) - Jose Calderon is a solid point guard, but after a disastrous season, it is time for the Mavs to think about rebuilding. Marcus Smart will be a starter in this league for a decade.

6. Philadelphia - PF Julius Randle (Kentucky) - Randle and Noel would form a formidable frontcourt duo. Not a bad yield for point guard Jrue Holiday.

7. Sacramento - PF/C Noah Vonleh (Indiana) - Vonleh would be an upgrade over the 17 power forwards currently on the Kings roster.

8. Los Angeles - F Aaron Gordon (Arizona) - Best available talent here. Gordon is a versatile forward who defends and can play both positions.

9. Milwaukee - F Dario Saric (Croatia) - The Bucks are rebuilding, and Milwaukee would be a good team for a project like Saric who isn't guaranteed to come over next year.

10. Toronto - F Doug McDermott (Creighton) - Toronto is a team looking to make the post-season next season, and whether he's starting at the 3 or coming off the bench at both positions, McDermott should make an immediate impact.

11. Chicago - SG Gary Harris (Michigan State) - Shooting guard has been the weakest position for the Bulls every season of the Tom Thibodeau era, and Gary Harris would give them a legitimate starter there.

12. Phoenix - SG/SF James Young (Kentucky) - James Young is a talented swingman who would be a great fit on the Young Phoenix Suns.

13. Memphis - SF Glenn Robinson III (Michigan) - Memphis had a very disappointing season, and SF stands out as a weak spot for the team. Robinson would be a good pick if they plan on trying to make a return to the postseason next year.

14. Phoenix - PF Montrezl Harrell (Louisville) - The Suns are weak at the power forward position. If they are unable to consolidate their resources for Love or sign Pau Gasol, Harrell would be a good pick-up.

[Fresh8]

How long did you sign Coach for?

[Lamrock]

I think two years? Underwhelming hire I gotta admit but for some reason guys like Don Nelson and George Karl are either unavailable or under different names. Oh well.

[Fresh8]

I think two years? Underwhelming hire I gotta admit but for some reason guys like Don Nelson and George Karl are either unavailable or under different names. Oh well.

I experienced the same thing.

Would have been cool if you had got George Karl!

[Lamrock]

NBA Draft 2014



June 26, 2014 - Hello, and welcome to NBA.net's live coverage of the 2014 NBA Draft. Tonight represents the culmination of years of hard work for sixty of the world's best young players. It is also a time of optimism bla bla bla bla bla anyway, Utah's on the clock. Who they gonna take??

With the 1st pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz select... Andrew Wiggins from the University of Kansas

1. Utah: SF Andrew Wiggins (Kansas) - The Utah Jazz select Andrew Wiggins, signaling a permanent shift to the 2 for Gordon Hayward should the team decide to extend him. Utah couldn't go wrong picking any of the top 3, but Wiggins reportedly blew away Jazz scouts in his workouts. Wiggins is a solid defender with mind-blowing athleticism. Solid pick.

Draft Grade: A | Projected Role: Starting SF

With the 2nd pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic select... Dante Exum of Australia

2. Orlando: PG/SG Dante Exum (Australia) - Wow! Many expected Jabari Parker in this spot, but Exum's potential and Orlando's need for a starting point guard triggered this move. Exum is a tall guard who can play both positions, and along with Victor Oladipo should form an exciting backcourt. However, one wonders if the Magic could have traded down a couple slots to get him.

Draft Grade: B | Projected Role: Starting PG

We have a trade to announce. The Boston Celtics have traded the #3 pick to the Atlanta Hawks for the #4 and #22 picks. Atlanta is now on the clock.

With the 3rd pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks select... Jabari from the University of Duke

3. Atlanta: SF/PF Jabari Parker (Duke)

Thrilled to see Parker slip to #3, the Hawks were unwilling to risk Parker being taken by the Celtics and gave up a late first-rounder for the right to draft him. Parker will be come in right away to form a dangerous frontcourt with Al Horford and Paul Millsap. It's unclear whether Boston would have passed on Embiid to take Parker, but either way, Atlanta takes the guy who should get them back into the playoffs.

Draft Grade: A- | Projected Role: Starting SF

With the 4th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics select... Joel Embiid from the University of Kansas

4. Boston: C Joel Embiid (Kansas)

No-brainer pick for Boston. It's likely they would have chosen Embiid over Parker with the #3 pick, but trading down for another first rounder and still getting a guy who could have gone #1 isn't such a bad deal. His selection should shift Sullinger to the 4 and Olynyk further down the bench.

Draft Grade: A+ | Projected Role: Starting C

With the 5th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks select... Noah Vonleh from the University of Indiana

5. Dallas: PF/C Noah Vonleh (Indiana) - In Vonleh, the Mavericks hope to have Dirk Nowitzki's future successor. In the meantime, they seek to do right by Dirk and hope that Vonleh can be a stretch 5 right off the bat. Dallas will likely start Dalembert next season, but Vonleh could emerge out of training camp as the starting Center.

Draft Grade: A- | Projected Role: Backup PF/C

With the 6th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers select... Aaron Gordon from the University of Arizona

6. Philadelphia: SF/PF Aaron Gordon (Arizona) - The Sixers are clearly in no hurry to start winning games in drafting Gordon. Gordon offers good defense and intriguing potential, but is extremely limited offensively and likely not going to be a starter right off the bat. However, they don't need Marcus Smart and Randle is the only other prospect that would have made sense in this spot. Not bad.

Draft Grade: B- | Projected Role: Backup SF/PF

With the 7th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select... Dario Saric of Croatia

7. SF/PF Dario Saric (Croatia) - Randle would have been nice here, but the Kings likely want to stick with the myriad power forwards currently on the team. It's hard to say whether Saric will be any good, or whether he will even come over next season, but kudos to the Kings for swinging for the fences. If they can't retain Rudy Gay past next season, he may be next in line.

Draft Grade: B | Projected Role: Backup SF

With the 8th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers select... Marcus Smart from the University of Oklahoma State

8. Los Angeles: PG/SG Marcus Smart (Oklahoma State) - Great pick for the Lakers, who needed a point guard with the retirement of Steve Nash. Some might say Randle should have been the pick here, but Smart is a firebrand PG who is expected to make an immediate impact for LA, starting right away.

Draft Grade: A | Projected Role: Starting PG

With the 9th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks select... Gary Harris from the University of Michigan State

9. Milwaukee Bucks: SG Gary Harris (Michigan State) - The Bucks select the best shooting guard in the draft in Gary Harris. Set in the frontcourt, Harris will likely backup disappointing free agency signing O.J. Mayo in his rookie year before taking over the following season. The bad news? His NBADraft.net comparison is - you guessed it! O.J. Mayo.

Draft Grade: B- | Projected Role: Backup SG

With the 10th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors select... Kasey Hill from the University of Florida

10. Toronto: PG Kasey Hill (Florida)

phpBB [video]

Draft Grade: F | Projected Role: Bench Warmer

With the 11th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls select... Julius Randle from the University of Kentucky

11. PF Julius Randle (Kentucky) - Say what you will about Randle, he should have been selected about 5 picks ago. Randle is an instant upgrade over Boozer, and while the Bulls still have Gibson, they were wise to take the best available talent, who is most likely to make the biggest impact now and going forward.

Draft Grade: A+ | Projected Role: Sixth Man

With the 12th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns select... Andrew Harrison from the University of Kentucky

12. Phoenix: PG/SG Andrew Harrison (Kentucky) - Harrison is a bit of a reach in the lottery. The Suns must have wanted an SG, which suggests that they just might let Eric Bledsoe go in free agency. That seems crazy to me, but Ryan McDonough has seemed to know what he's doing so far. James Young though.

Draft Grade: C | Projected Role: Backup SG

With the 13th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies select... James Young from the University of Kentucky

13. Memphis: SG James Young (Kentucky) - No Kentucky players were selected in the top 10, but three straight are taken directly after. Young might not be able to contribute right away, but has the upside to become the Grizzlies' long-term starting 2.

Draft Grade: B+ | Projected Role: Backup SG

With the 14th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns select... Jahii Carson from the University of Arizona State

14. Phoenix: PG Jahii Carson (Arizona State)

Just... no.

Draft Grade: F | Projected Role: Bench Warmer

15. Orlando: SF/PF Doug McDermott (Creighton)
16. Boston: PG Aaron Craft (Ohio State)
17. Philadelphia: PF Adreian Payne (Michigan State)
18. Cleveland: SG Aaron Harrison (Kentucky)
19. Phoenix: SG Wayne Selden (Kansas)
20. Denver: SF Kyle Anderson (UCLA)
21. Charlotte: SF Rodney Hood (Duke)
22. Boston: PF Montrezl Harrell (Louisville)
23. Phoenix: PF Chris Walker (Florida)
24. Charlotte: SF Glenn Robinson III (Michigan)

With the 25th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Seattle Supersonics select... Sean Kilpatrick from the University of Cincinnati

25. Seattle: SG Sean Kilpatrick (Cincinnati) - This is a bit of a baffling pick. Some questioned whether Kilpatrick would even be drafted, let alone in the first round. Kilpatrick was a prolific scorer and a second-team All-American during his Senior season at Cincinnati, but is 24 years old and wasn't the most efficient player. Add in the first that Jamal Crawford exists and you have a perplexing selection.

Draft Grade: D | Projected Role: Third-string SG

26. Houston: PF Jarnell Stokes (Tennessee)
27. Oklahoma City: C Willie Cauley-Stein (Kentucky)

We have a trade to announce. The Seattle SuperSonics have traded J.J. Redick and Matt Barnes to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Danny Green and the 28th overall selection. The Sonics are now on the clock.

Interesting trade for these two teams. After last season's disappointment, the Spurs try to reload for one more run with their aging core, adding two solid players. However, they give up Danny Green, a key player, as well as the 28th pick in the draft. They get deeper for sure, but Redick is more expensive and worse defensively than Green.

I like the trade a bit more for the Sonics. While they lose two starters, they get an arguable upgrade in Danny Green, save some cash and get a late first out of it. With J.J. Redick reportedly wanting out, this was a very wise move.

SuperSonics Trade Grade: A- | Spurs Trade Grade: C

With the 28th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Seattle SuperSonics select... Shabazz Napier from the University of Connecticut

28. Seattle: PG Shabazz Napier (Connecticut)

With Darren Collison likely gone this off-season, the Clippers pick up a solid backup for Chris Paul in NCAA champion Shabazz Napier. Napier is unlikely to be an elite NBA point guard, but should make an immediate impact off the bench. Not bad.

Draft Grade: A | Projected Role: Backup PG

29. Chicago: PG Semaj Christon (Marquette)

We have a trade to announce. The Miami Heat have traded Norris Cole the the #30 pick to the Portland Trail Blazers for Mo Williams. Portland is now on the clock.

30. Portland: C Isaiah Austin (Baylor)

And that concludes the first round. Only three trades, but we did get to see a few baffling selections. All of the good players are off the board for the most part, so if you excuse me, I'm heading to the bar. See you next year!

Noteworthy Second Round Selections

34. Atlanta: SG PJ Hairston (D-League)
45. Philadelphia: SF Sam Dekker (Wisconsin)
46. Philadelphia: SF/PF Alex Poythress (Kentucky)
56. Seattle: C Kaleb Tarczewski (Arizona)
57. Minnesota: SF Cleanthony Early (Wichita State

Noteworthy Last-minute draft withdrawals:

PG/SG Zach LaVine (UCLA)
SG Nik Stauskas (Michigan)
PG Tyler Ennis (Syracuse)

[Kevin]

Nice pick for the Lakers

[Lamrock]

2014 OFFSEASON

July 27, 2014 - The Seattle SuperSonics had a tumultuous first off-season after receiving a team. It kicked off with Doc Rivers, coach and head of roster movement deciding to take time off coaching following the team's move and the Sterling saga. Seattle rushed to hire Mike Budenholzer, an underwhelming hire who was fired by the Hawks after coaching them to their first losing season in six years. General Manager Jim Sacks, in over his head decided he needed help and hired untested thirty year old Larry Mashburn to help out as assistant GM.

The first move by the Sacks/Mashburn duo was a trade which sent sharpshooter J.J. Redick along with glue guy Matt Barnes to the San Antonio Spurs for 3-and-D guard Danny Green as well as the #28 selection in the draft. Seattle received criticism for taking 24 year old Sean Kilpatrick 25th overall given Green and Crawford's presence on the roster, but were praised for taking NCAA champion Shabazz Napier with the 28th pick, with Darren Collison announcing that he would not be re-signing. Finally, the Clippers picked up a potential steal in center Kaleb Tarczewski at #56.

Their post-draft roster is as follows:

PG: Paul / Napier
SG: Green / Crawford / Kilpatrick
SF: Dudley
PF: Griffin
C: Jordan / Tarczewski

Big Three Stay Together, Add Marion
- The Miami Heat are staying together. After all three players opted out, LeBron got the big contract, receiving $110M over the next five seasons. Wade will also cash in, making $50M over the next three. Chris Bosh meanwhile took a paycut, and will receive $55M over the next four years. In addition to retaining the big three, they also acquired veteran combo forward and 2011 champion Shawn Marion as well as European center Vitor Faverani and Richard Hamilton, who is making a comeback after not playing last season.

Carmelo Anthony Opts In, Will Pursue Free Agency In 2015
- Phil Jackson has one year to convince Melo to stay, after the veteran forward opted to pick up his player option for the 2014-15 season. Anthony, 30, has had excellent individual seasons as a Knick, but only has one series win to show for it. He wants to play for a winning team, but the Knicks team as constructed does not look like one.

Lance Stephenson Takes His Talents To Beantown
- After talks of potentially receiving a max deal, Stephenson's value has tanked to the point where the Celtics were able to secure his services for $37M over the next four years. Lance Stephenson had an all-star caliber season last year but his antics on and off the court made many question his maturity. He, Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley form perhaps the best defensive guard rotation in NBA history.

Eric Bledsoe To Atlanta As Suns Decline To Match
- The Phoenix Suns shocked the world by declining to match the Hawks' four year, $44M offer for the services of young point guard Eric Bledsoe. Bledsoe had a breakout season last year for the Suns, who improved greatly over last season. However, some questioned his future in Phoenix following Goran Dragic's emergence as an all-star caliber point guard, and the drafting of Jahii Carson. Atlanta's signing of Bledsoe may put Jeff Teague on the trading block.

Luol Deng Signs With Dallas
- After a disappointing season, the Mavericks have replaced the aging Shawn Marion with forward Luol Deng. Deng, 29, will make $24M over the next three seasons, and join Ellis, Calderon, Dirk and rookie Noah Vonleh in an improving starting unit.

Paul Pierce Becomes a Journeyman, Signs In Cleveland of All Places
- After his season in Brooklyn ended without a ring, Paul Pierce took his talents to... Cleveland? The veteran small forward signed for one season for the full mid-level exception, and will serve as a mentor to draft bust Anthony Bennett and a Cavs team in the NBA purgatory of mediocrity.

Nuggets Acquire Roy Hibbert, JaVale McGee to Pacers
- In a swap of overpaid centers, the Denver Nuggets send JaVale McGee, Randy Foye and Darrell Arthur to the Indiana Pacers for Roy Hibbert and Orlando Johnson. Both teams are coming off seasons which didn't meet expectations. The Nuggets acquire a (dubious) all-star and end the McGee experiment. The Pacers meanwhile improve their depth and receive a center that has the physical tools to be a good NBA center.

Bulls Swap Gibson for Magic's Afflalo
- In a move to make Victor Oladipo the clear-cut starter at the shooting guard position, the Magic have sent guard Aaron Afflalo to the Bulls for big man Taj Gibson. The Bulls, after drafting Julius Randle and not moving Carlos Boozer, no longer needed Gibson, but were able to fill a long-term void at the 2 guard with a talented guard in Afflalo. Both players are expected to start for their new teams.

SuperSonics Reload With Carter, several other veterans
- After three seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, Vince Carter has opted to sign with the SuperSonics. The deal is for one season and for $3 million. Carter, 37, is expected to start at small forward over Jared Dudley in lieu of Matt Barnes being dealt. The seven-time all-star is "glad there's finally a team in Seattle again and to be playing for a contender". The Sonics also gave Drew Gooden a one-year deal worth 1 million dollars to shore up their frontcourt. They then hit the bargain bin with vet minimum signings Nazr Mohammed, Jeremy Pargo and Steve Novak.

2014-15 Seattle SuperSonics

PG: Chris Paul / Shabazz Napier / Jeremy Pargo
SG: Danny Green / Jamal Crawford / Sean Kilpatrick
SF: Vince Carter / Jared Dudley / Steve Novak
PF: Blake Griffin / Drew Gooden
C: DeAndre Jordan / Nazr Mohammed / Kaleb Tarczewski

Miscellaneous Signings

F Glen Davis to Lakers: 4 years, $16M
G Ramon Sessions to Lakers: 4 years, $18M
G DJ Augustin to Lakers: 3 years, $17M
F Danny Granger to Lakers: 2 years, $8M
F Mitch McGary to Lakers: 2 years, $4M
G Isaiah Thomas to Magic: 3 years, $23M
C Pau Gasol to Magic: 1 year, $5M
G Darren Collison to Magic: 1 year, $5M
C Timofey Mozgov to Magic: 1 year, $2M
C Andray Blatche to Thunder: 4 years, $20M
F Elton Brand to Spurs: 1 year, $2M
C Spencer Hawes to Bulls: 3 years, $12M
C Sam Dalembert to Bulls: 1 year, $2M
G Toney Douglas to Bucks: 1 year, $3M
G Ben Gordon to Pelicans: 3 years, $11M
C Andrew Bynum to Pelicans: 1 year, $4M
G Evan Turner to Pacers: 4 years, $21M
G Kyle Lowry to Raptors: 5 years, $46M
F Michael Beasley to 76ers: 3 years, $15M
G/F Gordon Hayward to Jazz: 4 years, $28M
G Brandon Rush to Jazz: 4 years, $11M
C Anderson Varejao to Kings: 3 years, $9M
F Stephen Jackson to Knicks: 1 year, $1M

[Fresh8]

Ne job picking up Vinsanity

[Lamrock]

Gotta love Vince and his 90 (!) 3pt rating.

[Martti.]

Lob City in Seattle, old man VC can still get up. Love your starting line-up, Paul has three-point shooters and dunkers to give it to.

[Stress Fracture]

Go Sonics!!

[Lamrock]

2014-15 Season Preview


Can LeBron and the Heat win a fourth straight NBA championship?

September 25, 2014 - After a thrilling NBA season which saw the Miami Heat defeat the Thunder in 7 games to hoist their third consecutive NBA championship, it is time to set our sights on next season. Will the Heat four... peat? Is the 2014 draft class all its cracked up to be? Will Joel Anthony finally win his long-overdue MVP award?

This season will be a little different though. The news that the Clippers are moving to Seattle and the divisions are being realigned will change the paradigm of the league a little bit. Fortunately, we here at NBA.net can help you make sense of all of it, and catch you up on every team's rotations, division by division. Yes, you're welcome.

Western Conference



Midwest Division

The Midwest division returns, and features three teams from the former Northwest division and two from the East's Central division. Chicago is the clear favorite to come out of it, winning 60 games last season and adding both Aaron Afflalo and Julius Randle. If Rose stays healthy, this may be the year that the Bulls can really give the Heat a run for their money. Denver also looks stronger with a clean bill of health and the addition of all-star center Roy Hibbert. Minnesota is still mediocre, while the Jazz and Bucks upgraded what are still lottery-caliber rosters.

1. Chicago: Rose / Afflalo / J. Butler / Randle / Noah (Boozer, Hawes, Christon)
2. Denver: Lawson / Fournier / Gallinari / Faried / Hibbert (N. Robinson, W. Chandler, J.J. Hickson
3. Minnesota: Rubio / Shved / Budinger / Love / Pekovic (Kevin Martin, Dieng, Kenyon Martin)
4. Utah: Burke / G. Hayward / Wiggins / Favors / Kanter (Burks, R. Jefferson, B. Rush)
5. Milwaukee: B. Knight / G. Harris / Antetokounmpo / Ilyasova / Sanders (Mayo, Henson, Douglas)

Pacific Division

Portland replaces Phoenix in the Pacific, while the LA Clippers become the Seattle Sonics. Though the Sonics lost some depth, they are the favorites to win their division, with a healthy Griffin and a superstar in Chris Paul. Portland and Golden State look strong as well, but made no real changes to their not-quite elite rosters. The Lakers and Kings have talent here and there, but also have glaring weaknesses which must be addressed.

1. Seattle: Paul / D. Green / V. Carter / Griffin / D. Jordan (Jamal Crawford, Dudley, Napier)
2. Portland: Lillard / Matthews / Batum / Aldridge / R. Lopez (McCollum, T. Robinson, D. Wright)
3. Golden State: S. Curry / K. Thompson / Iguodala / D. Lee / Bogut (Jordan Crawford, H. Barnes, J. O'Neal)
4. Los Angeles: Nash / Bryant / Granger / G. Davis / Kaman (Sessions, Augustin, N. Young)
5. Sacramento: R. McCallum / McLemore / Gay / Landry / Cousins (Varejao, Saric, D. Williams)

Southwest Division

OKC and Phoenix replace the Pelicans and Hornets in the Southwest. After their second finals appearance in three seasons, the OKC Thunder are favored to win their new division. However, hot on their heels are the stalwart Spurs, bolstered by the additions of Redick and Barnes. Houston trots out last year's roster plus Jarnell Stocks, which should get them 50 wins and little else. Dallas had a solid off-season bringing in Luol Deng and Noah Vonleh, but project to be a fringe playoff team. Finally, the Suns are coming off a poor off-season which saw them make a couple questionable draft selections and led Bledsoe go for nothing. Huh.

1. Oklahoma City: Westbrook / Sefolosha / Durant / Ibaka / Perkins (R. Jackson, S. Adams, Lamb)
2. San Antonio: Parker / Redick / Leonard / Duncan / Splitter (Ginobili, M. Barnes, Mills)
3. Houston: Beverley / Harden / Parsons / T. Jones / D. Howard (Lin, J. Stokes, Asik)
4. Dallas: Calderon / Ellis / Deng / Nowitzki / Vonleh (D. Harris, Blair, B. Wright)
5. Phoenix: Dragic / Selden / G. Green / J. Hill / Miles Plumlee (Markieff Morris, Marcus Morris, Andrew Harrison)

Eastern Conference



Atlantic Division:

The Atlantic Division is revamped to include two teams formerly in the Southeast division. As such, Washington is the favorite to end up on top, with an improving young core, and Otto Porter finally healthy. Don't sleep on Brooklyn though, who sport a stacked roster improved with the addition of Caron Butler. The Bobcats are solid if underwhelming, and will need to rely on internal improvement to make any noise. New York basically brings back last year's team which is talented but clearly can't contend. Finally, the Celtics improve their roster considerably but is still young and in dire need of some outside shooters.

1. Washington: Wall / Beal / Ariza / Nene / Gortat (Porter, A. Miller, M. Webster)
2. Brooklyn: D. Williams / J. Johnson / C. Butler / Garnett / Lopez (M. Thornton, Kirilenko, Livingston)
3. Charlotte: K. Walker / Henderson / Kidd-Gilchrist / C. Zeller / A. Jefferson (McRoberts, Hood, G. Robinson III)
4. New York: Felton / Shumpert / C. Anthony / A. Stoudemire / T. Chandler (Bargnani, J.R. Smith, Hardaway Jr.)
5. Boston: Rondo / Stephenson / J. Green / Sullinger / Embiid (A. Bradley, Olynyk, G. Wallace)

Central Division:

The Central Division loses a couple teams to the Midwest, replacing them with a couple from the Atlantic. It's tough to pick a favorite to win the division between Toronto and Indiana. The Pacers get the nod here despite trading Hibbert and losing Stephenson in the off-season. Toronto more or less keeps last season's roster together after whiffing their first-round selection on Kasey Hill. Cleveland hopes that Paul Pierce can be the veteran that can get them to the next level, but their lack of a starting-caliber center is worrisome. Detroit is an incredibly poorly constructed team, while the 76ers rebuild continues.

1. Indiana: G. Hill / E. Turner / George / David West / McGee (Mahinmi, Scola, C.J. Watson)
2. Toronto: Lowry / DeRozan / Fields / A. Johnson / Valanciunas (Ross, Vasquez, Patterson)
3. Cleveland: Irving / Waiters / Pierce / Bennett / T. Thompson (Jack, Aaron Harrison, C.J. Miles)
4. Detroit: Jennings / Caldwell-Pope / Josh Smith / Monroe / Drummond (Stuckey, Billups, Jerebko)
5. Philadelphia: Carter-Williams / J. Richardson / A. Gordon / T. Young / Noel (Beasley, Payne, Wroten)

Southeast Division:

Miami is the clear favorite to win the southeast, retaining the big three while adding Marion, Mo Williams and Faverani. However, don't sleep on the Hawks, who add Jabari Parker and Eric Bledsoe to a roster that can win a lot of games if Horford can stay healthy. They are joined by the Grizzlies and Pelicans, who replace the Bobcats and Wizards in the division. Neither should pose a huge threat - the Grizzlies lack firepower while the Pelicans are unproven and relying on Andrew Bynum to actually play. Orlando rounds out the division, and is a wildcard, boasting a great deal of depth but lacking any all-star caliber players.

1. Miami: Chalmers / Wade / James / Marion / Bosh (Mo Williams, Faverani, R. Hamilton)
2. Atlanta: Bledsoe / L. Williams / J. Parker / Millsap / Horford (J. Teague, Korver, Antic)
3. Memphis: Conley / C. Lee / Prince / Z. Randolph / M. Gasol (E. Davis, J. Young, Koufos)
4. New Orleans: Holiday / E. Gordon / T. Evans / A. Davis / A. Bynum (R. Anderson, B. Gordon, A. Aminu
5. Orlando: I. Thomas / Oladipo / T. Harris / T. Gibson / Vucevic (P. Gasol, D. Exum, D. Collison)