[08] Flying High In The ATL-NBA Finals - Complete!

[Lamrock]

Good guess with Darko. Matt Barnes is my 11th man and will play both forward positions. Josh Childress plays 90% of his minutes at the 2. I also still have Wally, but these days he is just a solid backup anyway. My bench is pretty good, as is the rest of my team. I did a good job building it I suppose.

32-12 was the record going into the month of February. 39-14 is my trade deadline record. That will be updated after the February recap. The team chemistry is about average. Bibby had poor chemistry with the players, and while they hate that there is so many trades, having a good record always improves things.

Keep following!

[deihatein]

Yes you did a good job rebuilding the Hawks in my opinion but some of the trades are unrealistic but that's what you have to do to get good players.

Continue to keep winning and make Darko improve

[almightyx]

Nice job picking up Gay! He's a beast that can do everything in my dynasty. He was always my go to guy before I got Arenas. I love having him on my team and I'm sure you will too. Quick question: Were you saying Childress might steal the starting spot at the 2 or the 3?

[Lamrock]

dei., Meh, I wouldn't say that the trades themselves are all that unrealistic. It is just the sheer number of them that is. But now at least I have good, fun team that I like.

almightyx, Yeah, I'm pretty excited about having Gay. The guy is awesome in NBA Live. As for Childress... maybe.

[Lamrock]

The Hawks Month in Review: February 2009

Another month. Another big trade. Another great time for the Atlanta Hawks.

Atlanta kicked off the month with an exciting victory in Philadelphia to make the winning streak five games. Unfortunately, a loss in Miami, led by Dwyane Wade the following night ended it. The Hawks came back as usual with a high scoring blowout of Gilbert Arenas and the Washington Wizards, which kicked off yet another five game winning streak. The streak ended when the Pacers upset them in overtime, in the second of back-to-back games.

Led by TJ Ford's 19 points and 14 assists, the Hawks defeated the New York Knicks to go into All-Star Weekend on a winning note. Rookie Challenge MVP and both Saturday events were won by Hawks, and two Atlanta players represented in the main event. A minor trade swapping bench players, and a blockbuster that sent Mike Bibby and a pair of scrubs to Memphis for Rudy Gay and Darko Milicic changed things up yet again. In the final game of the season, against the Houston Rockets, the new additions were not yet present, and Atlanta suffered a loss to close out the month.

Record:

Month: 7-3; Home: 3-0; Away: 4-3
Overall: 39-15; Home: 21-6; Away: 18-9

@
Win 118-111 - Smith: 25/9/4, Miller: 20/2/12 - RECORD: 33-12

@
Loss 105-95 - Wade: 35/11/13, Smith: 19/18/4 - RECORD: 33-13

@
Win 135-115 - Szczerbiak: 21/6/8, Arenas: 27/2/11 - RECORD: 34-13

Vs.
Win 120-109 - Bibby: 29/2/5, Harrington: 18/8/6 - RECORD: 35-13

Vs.
Win 102-93 - Johnson: 29/5/2, Roy: 20/4/9 - RECORD: 36-13

Vs.
Win 110-100 - Johnson: 31/6/4, Boozer: 32/11/6 - RECORD: 37-13

@
Win 107-68 - Bargnani: 26/6/2, O'Neal: 19/9/4 - RECORD: 38-13

@
Loss 118-115 (OT) - O'Neal: 27/9/6, Smith: 16/12/7 - RECORD: 38-14

@
Win 114-96 - Ford: 19/2/14, Lee: 24/5/5 - RECORD: 39-14

@
Loss 115-101 - Yao: 40/12/4, Ford: 22/7/13 - RECORD: 39-15

Last edited by Lamrock on Sat Aug 30, 2008 9:40 am, edited 2 times in total.

[Lamrock]

Around the NBA:

MVP Candidates - P/R/A/B/S

1. LeBron James (CLE) - 28.0/7.9/8.0/0.8/1.1 - LeBron has led his rather weak Cavs team to the second best record in the surprisingly strong Eastern Conference. Should the Cavs hold their ground, MVP is as good as his.
2. Yao Ming (HOU) - 27.3/10.4/3.9/2.1/0.4 - The man who can steal MVP from LeBron. The Ming Dynasty has helped his Rockets improve to 38-18 amid roster changes, and is putting up huge numbers.
3. Kobe Bryant (LAL) - 31.8/4.9/6.5/0.5/1.2 - He still leads the league in scoring, and his 38-15 Lakers hold the third best record in the NBA. Can Kobe pull off two straight MVP awards?
4. Dirk Nowitzki (DAL) - 28.7/9.2/5.0/1.0/0.7 - Dirk's career season continues as he leads his Mavs to the best record in the league. After what happened in 2007, I just can't see him taking MVP again.
5. Deron Williams (UTA) - 23.6/3.3/10.5/0.7/1.8 - Move over Chris Paul, Deron Williams is currently the best point guard in the NBA. Why wasn't he an all-star?

West Player of the Month: Kevin Durant (Seattle SuperSonics)
East Player of the Month: LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers)

League Leaders

Points Per Game: Kobe Bryant (31.8)
Rebounds Per Game: Dwight Howard (12.5)
Assists Per Game: Deron Williams (10.5)
Blocks Per Game: Ben Wallace (2.7)
Steals Per Game: Dwyane Wade (2.6)
Field Goal%: Yi Jianlian (60.1%)
Free Throw%: Caron Butler (94.7%)
3PT %: Dirk Nowitzki (49.5%)

Season Standings:

Western Conference:
1- 41-11 - Leader: Southwest Division, Western Conference, League
2- 38-15 - Leader: Pacific Division
3- 39-17
4- 39-20 - Leader: Northwest Division
5- 38-18
6- 33-24
7- 31-25
8- 28-29
--------------------
27-30
23-34
20-34
17-38
16-42
15-42
14-43 - Worst Record In League

Eastern Conference

1- 39-15 - Leader: Southeast Division, Eastern Conference
2- 37-20 - Leader: Central Division
3- 35-20 - Leader: Atlantic Division
4- 32-22
5- 31-24
6- 30-25
7- 28-27
8- 28-28
--------------------
27-29
28-32
24-31
24-34
23-35
19-37
16-39

February Transactions:

- Atlanta Hawks trade Marvin Williams, Acie Law and Jamaal Magloire to Toronto for TJ Ford, Andrea Bargnani and Anthony Johnson.
- LA Clippers trade Brevin Knight to Memphis for Kris Humphries and Javaris Crittenton.
- Toronto Raptors trade Joey Graham to Orlando for Chuck Kelly and Royal Ivey.
- Orlando Magic trade Rashard Lewis to Houston for Tracy McGrady.
- Phoenix Suns trade Steve Nash and Brian Skinner to the LA Clippers for Elton Brand.
- Detroit Pistons trade Matt Barnes and Amir Johnson to Atlanta for Joe Smith.
- Atlanta Hawks trade Mike Bibby, Keith McLeod and Ellery Cochrane to Memphis for Rudy Gay and Darko Milicic

[Mandich]

I personally think that the trade is pretty unrealistic. why would Memphis trade their main star for a once good PG when they already have PG's.???
On the other way, you must have brains when able to pull of that trade. Putting the Gay on SG right?

[Oskar]

Good trades, I'd say.

[Chabalaba]

Yaa the Bucks are in the top eight.
Those are actually really good trades.

[Lamrock]

mandich, Gay played 26 minutes a night in Memphis, and had a very low happiness rating. The Grizzlies already have Jeff Green to play the SF position, and in Bibby, they get an expiring contract, as well as a player that gives more than Conley's 11 and 5. Also, Gay will play SF, allowing Johnson to play the 2 again.

Oskar, Thanks. Keep following.

Chabalaba, Thanks for the praise. The Bucks' acquisition of Calderon makes them a pretty decent team. They are a very likely first round opponent.

[Chaser7]

Couple suggestion, 1) post the player of the month stats so we know how well they are doing. 2) Also put the rookies of the month too to give us more familiarity with them (although its probably too late now)

And yes I'm fully expecting some witty response from you saying how its fine now. haha jk.

[Lamrock]

1) Will do. The only reason I didn't before was because usually they were in the MVP rankings, and it would be redundant, but with Durant winning it, I'll include next time.

2) Meh. Probably too late for this season. I don't think anyone cares about Sly Vick, but next season I'll look into it. The rookies were a big part of The X's dynasties, but I hate to use them.

3) What do you think of the trade or the team's success? You are after all, my most loyal reader at this point.

[clippersfan4lyfe]

I like the bibby tade, you have such a good team now. Plenty of versatile players that can play multiple positions.

[Vif]

Nice trades i like TJ. Ford and Rudy Gay and i think u have now very fun and enjoyable team.
Wow@ Orlando-Houston trade. T-Mac back to Orlando, Howard and T-Mac duo will be good.

[Lamrock]

How The Hawks Players Fared

Another month, another major trade for the Hawks. Despite the small-ball experiment going well, with the Hawks winning 7 of 9 games, starting SG and first-time all-star Mike Bibby was traded, along with several bench players. None of the new additions played in the month of February, so the four traded players are still shown.


* denotes traded player

Player Report Cards:

Honor Roll



Joe Johnson: Continues to lead the team by scoring nearly 25 PPG on over 50% shooting, and also contributing with his rebounding and passing abilities. As a bonus, plays three positions. Grade: A+

TJ Ford: The point guard that Liam Washburn always wanted. Gives the team a decent scoring boost, as well as 9.2 assists, good for fourth in the league. Three point shooting could improve, but TJ Ford has flourished thus far in Atlanta. Grade: A

Josh Smith: Gives you a legitimate 20/8/4/3 with improving efficiency. If Smith continues to improve at this rate, he should eclipse Joe Johnson as his team's biggest star in no time. Grade: A

Passing:



Al Horford: Continues to play consistently well, but averaging 13 and 9, could be doing better. Hopes to get his development back on trade and become a 15-10 player by season's end. Grade: B

Andrea Bargnani: Bargnani has been a very solid role player off the bench. In twenty minutes a night, gives the team a solid long range threat, and some rebounding. Isn't the most efficient player or best defender, but has been solid thus far. Grade: B-

Mike Bibby: Playing at SG did not work that well for Bibby. While he scored 20 points a night in the month of February, his assists dropped below 5 a night, his shooting percentage dropped and he was a liability on defense. Grade: C

Josh Childress: Though he is a decent defender and always efficient, Childress doesn't seem to get much done on the floor. His scoring is decent for his minutes, but his rebounding and assist numbers are lacking. He is also still pissed about only playing 15 minutes a night. Grade: C

Struggling:

(Cochrane: Image Unavailable)

Wally Szczerbiak: Comes out, shoots threes, and fills up his stat sheet quickly in limited time. However, he shoots an awful percentage, and simply eats up possessions. Grade: D

Joe Smith: Does a lot with limited minutes, but like Wally, does not shoot a very good percentage, especially for a big man. Grade: D

Anthony Johnson: He seldom plays. He isn't terrible when he does, but with Washburn preferring to rotate three guards, hasn't had a chance to shine. Acie Law IV II. Grade: D-

Keith McLeod: Human victory cigar. Has a .25 assist/TO ratio though, so the Hawks don't miss much without him. Grade: F

Ellery Cochrane: Terrible. Does not fill up the stat sheet like Smith, and shoots an atrocious FG percentage. Also likes to take a lot of threes, but misses nearly all of them a la Antoine Walker. Grade: F

Last edited by Lamrock on Wed Aug 13, 2008 10:34 am, edited 1 time in total.

[Lamrock]

Flying High In The ATL Prediction Game: March 2009

The prediction game got its most entries yet for this past month! ratrac, despite having the lowest score out of all participants for this round, is still the overall leader. Skillmatic won the round with 11 points, but is in sixth place, due to not participating in the first two rounds. Keep posting your predictions! Same rules as last time; here is the template:

Code:

[b]@ Spurs[/b]
[b]@ Jazz[/b]
[b]Vs. Bulls[/b]
[b]Vs. Cavaliers[/b]
[b]Vs. Sixers[/b]
[b]Vs. Mavericks[/b]
[b]Vs. Rockets[/b]
[b]Vs. Lakers[/b]
[b]Vs. Sonics[/b]
[b]Vs. Celtics[/b]
[b]Vs. Bucks[/b]
[b]Vs. Knicks[/b]
[b]@ Clippers[/b]

13 games. 10 home. 3 road.

Leaderboard:

1. ratrac: 22 points (6)
2. airBerlin: 19 points (9)
3. dei.: 18 points (8)
4. Martti.: 13 points (10)
5. Chaser7: 12 points (9)
6. Skillmatic: 11 points (11)
7. Dustball: 9 points (0)
8. Crimson Penguin: 8 Points (8)
9. homicide1550: 7 points (7)
10. Ipsofire: 6 points (0)
11. balozunite: 1 point (0)

Please continue to follow and comment on the dynasty, as well as posting your predictions! If I messed up the tally, please notify me so I can change it.

[dansensei]

@ Spurs L
@ Jazz W
Vs. Bulls W
Vs. Cavaliers W
Vs. Sixers W
Vs. Mavericks L
Vs. Rockets L
Vs. Lakers L
Vs. Sonics W
Vs. Celtics L
Vs. Bucks W
Vs. Knicks W
@ Clippers W

[Cool Cat]

Can I join??

@ Spurs W
@ Jazz W
Vs. Bulls W
Vs. Cavaliers L
Vs. Sixers W
Vs. Mavericks W
Vs. Rockets W
Vs. Lakers L
Vs. Sonics W
Vs. Celtics L
Vs. Bucks W
Vs. Knicks W
@ Clippers L

Last edited by Cool Cat on Wed Aug 13, 2008 11:51 pm, edited 2 times in total.

[Hg8Harrier]

The report card is brilliant, Liam. I've had to catch up on this story line, and I must say that this is very well put together.

[Lamrock]

Cool Cat, Of course you can join. Only a couple people have played all 3 rounds.

Hg8Harrier, Cheers for the compliments. Glad to have another reader. Your dynasty is pretty good too.

Keep following and posting predictions!

[Cartar]

Great recap as always, love the trade

@ Spurs W
@ Jazz L
Vs. Bulls W
Vs. Cavaliers W
Vs. Sixers L
Vs. Mavericks W
Vs. Rockets W
Vs. Lakers L
Vs. Sonics W
Vs. Celtics L
Vs. Bucks W
Vs. Knicks W
@ Clippers W

Start of the month is quite tough.

[Vif]

@ SpursW
@ JazzL
Vs. BullsW
Vs. CavaliersW
Vs. SixersW
Vs. MavericksL
Vs. RocketsW
Vs. LakersL
Vs. SonicsW
Vs. CelticsL
Vs. BucksW
Vs. KnicksW
@ ClippersW

[Skills]

Actually, I got 12 points in that round? The only incorrect prediction I made was your game against Utah. (not that it matters)

Here's my predictions for this round.

@ Spurs W
@ Jazz L
Vs. Bulls W
Vs. Cavaliers W
Vs. Sixers W
Vs. Mavericks L
Vs. Rockets W
Vs. Lakers L
Vs. Sonics W
Vs. Celtics L
Vs. Bucks W
Vs. Knicks W
@ ClippersW

9-4. I'd guess you winning 10+ games at this point, but I get the vibe something's gonna happen.
Keep up the good work! This is one of the best active dynasties here.

[Lamrock]

No, 11 points is correct, since there was only 12 games that month. Thanks for following and calling me out though.

[balozunite]

@ Spurs L
@ Jazz W
Vs. Bulls W
Vs. Cavaliers L
Vs. Sixers W
Vs. Mavericks W
Vs. Rockets W
Vs. Lakers L
Vs. Sonics W
Vs. Celtics W
Vs. Bucks W
Vs. Knicks W
@ Clippers W