[Hov's Cats]

[Martti.]

I love that you have in-game pics, not just portraits from ESPN. And great that you're keeping up with real-life deals.

Hope Jackson won't become a trouble-maker for you.

[hova-]

First practice ...



Today I finally wanted to meet with the team and have my first training session of my short career as the Bobcats coach. Earlier this day MJ had called me and had brought some news to me about my coaching staff. He had just decided to bring in Doug Collins, yeah right, the Ex-Wizs Coach Doug Collins no one appreciates except Michael Jordan. Actually ... I did not care too much. I had always been more the guy who likes to watch players at practice and on the court rather than working with them together. Along with Herb Brown as my 2nd assistant and Steve Stricker as an athletic coach (both of them stayed with the Cats after Browns departure) we now had a solid coaching team. Randy Brown also gave me an introduction to his scouting stuff which consisted of no one else than Ron Harper for the U.S. Colleges, Toni Kukoc for Europe and Luc Longley for Australia. Some more Bulls Championship flavor I thought. Actually I would not have too much contact with them from what he said, but still I was pretty impressed with his passion for the whole process. From what I had heard the players were already in the training facilities and after some paperwork I left the head office towards the gym. I was very excited because for me this was were my real job finally began. Getting to know the guys and trying to build the best team possible. I knew there was not too much to do with the regular season only 1 1/2 weeks away but I would definitely give my best to get this thing going. I kind of sprinted to my car looking forward to seeing the team.



As I arrived at the gym I was already hearing the guys talking in the weight room. Doug Collins was already there together with Steve Stricker instructing the players. I entered the room and knocked at the door case. "Hey guys, great to see you. I guess you already know who I am and I just wanted to make sure we see each other before season tip-off", I joked. "Some applause for the new coach, fellas", Gerald Wallace said and everybody started knocking at the next best thing he could find. "Glad to see you, we were already asking ourself where you've been ...", Wallace said. He was the captain of this team and you could notice it from his very first word. He had the charisma and personality not every baller in the NBA has. "Yeah I've been quite busy these days you know, but now I really want to get it started, so get back to work, guys", I said as I wanted to talk to Doug Collins at first.
"So how have these guys been doing so far?", I asked him. "I'm pretty satisfied, Chris. They all have been working out hard for the whole week. These guys are really eager to get the season going you know", he said. "Aha, okay", I responded with some doubt in my voice. I pulled him aside a bit. "Well Doug, you and I have been coaches for a long enough time ... so I honestly want to know who on this team is giving his best and who is just a following pussy ...", I was almost whispering as the players were lifting weights just right in front of us. "Well Coach, I know what you mean. Let's say it like that ...", he left the room and we were both heading towards the gym. "I am very pleased with the work of Gerald Wallace. He wants it. You just feel that. Our rookies are also quite promising from what I can say about their work ethic. From the standpoint of lifting weights and working hard I think Boris Diaw does not show the will to get into shape. Actually he is pretty much out of it ...", he said taking a look back into the weight room. Diaw was standing at the soda machine sipping at a sprite talking to Flip Murray. "Okay, thanks Doug. I knew there were at least some smaller problems. What about Stephen Jackson?", I asked while looking out for Jax. "Well, ahm, he is not in Charlotte yet ...". "What? I've seen Acie Law on the treadmill in there. Where is Stephen Jackson?", I could not understand why this guy wasn't practicing with the others. "He did not call us, I don't know. I thought you knew", Collins replied. Now that was a good start. No real Power Forward on the team and the one guy I'd like to play Power Forward was too fat and the other was not even in practice.

After this little conversation I went over to the weight room and clapped my hands together. "Okay guys, let's get to play a little scrimmage. 5on5. I want to see you in action!".



I decided to mix the teams so I had three of my potential starters on one team (Team Felton) and two potential starters on the other team (Team Law). So it was basically "Felton-Henderson-Wallace-Diaw-Diop" against Law-Augustin-Graham-Mohammed-Chandler. The rest of the team had to stay in the weight room as I was pretty shocked when I first saw Alexis Ajinca. This guy looked like had never seen any weights before. As I let them play a bit I had myself a good impression of who was ready to start and to be a contributor for the team and who not. I really appreciated Raymond Felton's quickness and ball handling. If he did not take that many bad shots I thought he could be a pretty good playmaker in this league. Acie Law really worked hard and gave his best but he just could not get anything going in this game. I admired his ambition though.
Further I definitely fell in love with Gerald Wallace. On one play he came from behind with a chasedown block on Acie Law only to finish the break two seconds later with a sweet layup with contact. Boris Diaw once again showed his great basketball I.Q. and also that he can score. But I did not have him in mind being that slow. I went over to Steve Stricker and said that I wanted him to work hard on Diaw's body. Another guy who impressed me was Gerald Henderson. His desire to defend was almost frightening. He knew what he could do on offense and what not. He reminded me a bit of Joe Dumars without a shot. I told Doug Collins that I would really appreciate to see him working on Henderson's offense. D.J. Augustin was running around screens and hitting threes. But he was simply too small to get off a clean shot for most of the time. I knew that he could be a problem for me since I don't like Point Guards who are in love with their shots, but on the other hand could not deny him his talent. Nazr Mohammed was in a good shape. He seemed like the perfect professional. Still I felt like we could need one more guy as a backup PF. Funny to talk about a backup PF if you don't have real a starting PF ...
After the game, which ended was almost tied at the end I went over and took Boris Diaw to the baseline as the others were going to the locker room. "Hey Boris ...". "What up, Coach", he looked friendly. "I just wanted to tell you one thing. Directly. It looks like you're carrying a bit too much kilos with you. Honestly, I don't like that and you should know that", I made a serious face. "Ye, Coach, but ..." "There is no but", I interrupted him harshly. "I want you to get back to your athletic days or the rookie will start over you. Simple as that. If you're not fit enough you won't be able to play more minutes anyway. You want to be a sixth man?", I really wanted him to understand my seriousness. "Now get to the others in the locker room.". With his head to the floor he went to the locker room. Had I been to harsh? Did he accept his role from off the bench? And who the heck should play Power Forward on this squad? And were is S-Jax? It would definitely all come up on opening night.

[hova-]

Okay guys, just a little double post. I will get the season going soon. I am not sure yet wether I should play 29/58 or 82 games and how I could recap them.
Lately Ive been busy trying around with the sliders and I now like them pretty much. This thing will get started soon.

[kibaxx7]

Okay guys, just a little double post. I will get the season going soon. I am not sure yet wether I should play 29/58 or 82 games and how I could recap them.

My suggestion. What I did was check the real life schedule... I always play 82 games because I like it to be realistic... so I wrote them down on paper and I made sure I play every team once (that would be 29 games) and simulate the rest. Also make sure not more than 4 simulated games between each played game and not 2 played consecutive games; I also tried to play at least 1 game per week, but I got tired and in 2 weeks I don't play any games. Check it in my thread if you are confused

LOVING the layout so far As I said, I prefer to write previews and recaps, not this sort of "diary", but that's just me. Keep it up

[hova-]

Okay guys, just a little double post. I will get the season going soon. I am not sure yet wether I should play 29/58 or 82 games and how I could recap them.

My suggestion. What I did was check the real life schedule... I always play 82 games because I like it to be realistic... so I wrote them down on paper and I made sure I play every team once (that would be 29 games) and simulate the rest. Also make sure not more than 4 simulated games between each played game and not 2 played consecutive games; I also tried to play at least 1 game per week, but I got tired and in 2 weeks I don't play any games. Check it in my thread if you are confused

LOVING the layout so far As I said, I prefer to write previews and recaps, not this sort of "diary", but that's just me. Keep it up

I think I will make it a 82 game dynasty and sim every now and then when I think I do not come along quick enough. I will try to play each team once for sure. About the diary style. I usually dont do that. Im also a big fan of previews and recap and will definitely show more "NBA.com" style during the season that making a lot of diary stuff. But I thought it would be good to begin with.

[hova-]

Will the refreshed Celtics get another shot at the title? The Bobcats hope they can hold them off this week.

Week 1 (25th-31st of October)

Season tip off is just a few days ahead as the NBA will go into it's 64th playing time this year. The Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers will tip off a 1,230-game regular season, which consists of 82 games for each of the 30 teams on Tuesday night. For the Charlotte Bobcats the season will start with two games on the road and one game at home in the middle. It could not have been more tougher than playing the Celtics and Cavs on the road whilst the Knicks will visit the Time Warner Cable Arena on Friday.

The Celtics will have to play back-to-back games as they already have a game scheduled for Thursday (vs the Cavs). Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are all injury-free and will definitely look the get another shot at the title. New acquisitions Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels seem to be a promising fit for the defensive-minded Boston squad. The Bobcats were able to win one out of three last season making it 1-2.

The New York Knicks will visit the Bobcats on Friday. For the Knicks it seems like this could be a year to forget. The whole organization is waiting for the big summer of 2010 and "The King" to come into town. But with Danilo Gallinari, Jordan Hill and Wilson Chandler they already have a quite talented core for the next years. For now it will be David Lee and Al Harrington who definitely want to make some noise as they are playing for new contracts this year. Mike D'Antoni is looking to improve the defense but will certainly keep his seven seconds or less style of play. The teams split the series last season 2-2.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will host the Charlotte Bobcats on Saturday to complete the Cats' first week. With the acquisition of Shaquille O'Neal, Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon, the Cavs are reaching for the title this year. They needed to make a big move to show LeBron that they will do everything to get him a ring in Cleveland and - for sure - to sign him to a multi-year deal after the season. The Cavs won every game of last season's series making it 0-3.

The Bobcats will look to avoid a bad start and try to steal at least one road game. The team will try to improve on offense with still maintaining their defensive qualities. Recently traded Stephen Jackson will give Charlotte new possibilities on offense as General Manager and Headcoach Hov is believed to switch to small ball with Jackson playing the three and Gerald Wallace the four. This leaves one spot open to first round choice Gerald Henderson or maybe to make it even smaller Texas product D.J. Augustin. Still Henderson is supposed to get the nod here since Hov has never been a big fan of small ball on his last coaching jobs. Boris Diaw will definitely come off the bench to provide some scoring together with Flip Murray.
The Bobcats fans are eager to get to the playoffs this year and so is Michael Jordan, who strongly believes into getting to postseason. Let's hope for a good start ...

[Lamrock]

Still looking good. Thank god you did a preview for the week as opposed to each individual game. Looking forward to the inaugural recap!

[The X]

Month preview even better Nice pic of Celtics

[Valor]

loving the preview man, can't wait for tip-off

[kibaxx7]

Lookin' good.

[Lightning Strike]

The season has finally started, nice to see! Good luck first up against 2 of the leagues 'giants', and I love that in-game picture you have there of the Celtics too.

[|)e8*]

Can't Wait

[hova-]

Lamrock, ye I decided to make weekly previews since I dont have the time to make it like Thierry and also because I want to finish more than one season.

The X, this Pic is pretty dope I thought. Glad you also like it. Just KG-esque.

Valor, Glad you like it. Since its the beginning it does not have many stats or stuff like that. I will try to add that later one.

thierryhenry50, thanks man

Lightning Strike, Thank you, man. Will be a hard week especially because LeBron is simply ON FIRE in his latest games (i will post more of that with the recap).

De8, Thanks

Well, I think I will post the recap tomorrow. The game is so much fun and Im also still tweaking the slider so I decided to play all three games. Won't do that every time for sure. Thanks for the kind words.

[Martti.]

Cant wait! You have two big tests early on with the Celtics and the Cavs. It will be tough. Good luck.

[A-Sot]

Also can't wait, hope you smash those Celts

[Fresh8]

You're doing good man. Enjoying the read.

[Lightning Strike]

Looking forward to it Hov!

[Dee.]

Go Get a 2-0 Start !
I'm Rooting for you.

[hova-]

Gerald Wallace and the Bobcats stood no chance at Boston.

Celtics spoil Bobcats at home

Boston, October 28th
The Boston Celtics bounced back from a devastating 123-75 loss against the Cavaliers on Thursday night beating the Bobcats in good fashion on their second of back-to-back home games. The C's started off well in the 1st quarter and were able to gain a 9-point lead thanks to the great shooting by Ray Allen. Allen had 10 points (2-3 3pt) in the first and Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett added 8 apiece. Charlotte could not hit anything as new looking Bobcat Stephen Jackson went 1-7 in the first. Flip Murray, who started surprisingly scored 6 to keep the Cats in reach. But in the second quarter the Bobcats fell behind even more as the Celtics pulled a 8-0 scoring urge led by Rookie Lester Hudson who got much playing time with the lead growing. The Bobcats got better in the 3rd but were not able to cut the deficit to less than 18 for the whole game. Boris Diaw was the best Bobcat with 15 points and 5 rebounds on 7-12 shooting. Tyson Chandler had 8 and 14 boards while Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace combined for 6-29 from the field. Ray Allen led all Celtics with 19 points, Kevin Garnett posted 18 and 11 and Paul Pierce and Rasheed Wallace had 12 and 13 each. Rookie Lester Hudson surprised with 16 points in a win that never really got threatened for the Celtics.

Celtics Boxscore
Bobcats Boxscore
Team Stats
Raymond Felton welcomes Lester Hudson in the league
Kevin Garnett had a solid outing
Stephen Jackson struggled all night
Play Of The Day: Tyson Chandler with the sweet put back

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The Bobcats are not able to grab the first win of the season

Chandler's career night helps Knicks defeating Bobcats

Charlotte, October 30th
Once again the Charlotte Bobcats were not able to grab a win and drop to 0-2 while the New York Knicks snatched their first win of the season after loosing to the Miami Heat 92-123 (Wade 35/12). The Bobcats lost the game in the 2nd quarter when they allowed the Knicks to go on a 6-0 run and make it a 14 point game at the half. Stephen Jackson had his first decent game as a Bobcat coming from a horrible shooting night at Boston. He had 10 of his 25 in the 1st quarter to keep the Cats' hopes alive. If it had not be a huge shooting night for Wilson Chandler's , the Cats would have been able to grab the win. Chandler had 25 points in the first half and scored a career-high 36 points on 15-17 shooting and 4-5 from downtown. "They just kept falling and I tried to stay aggressive and also attack the basket", said Chandler who went to the line 5 times. It was Boris Diaw who kept the Cats in the game late in the second quarter with a jumper and a crucial three point play, but Charlotte was never able to come into reach even with Gerald Henderson scoring 10 of his 14 points in the 4th. The Knicks shot only .46% from the field but outrebounded the Cats 47-40. Al Harrington added 15 points and 11 boards and David Lee had 12 and 9. For the Bobcats Diaw and Raymond Felton had 14 and 15 respectively with Felton also adding 6 assists. Team captain Gerald Wallace continued to struggle with only 9 points on 4-12 shooting. He is only averaging 8.0 points in the first two games of the season.

Knicks Boxscore
Bobcats Boxscore
Team Stats
Danilo Gallinari was 2-4 from downtown en route to 10 points
Wilson Chandler had a career high 36 points






Cleveland destroys Charlotte and moves to 4-0

The Cavaliers have no problems beating the Bobcats at home

Cleveland, October 31st
The Cleveland Cavaliers showed why they are considered the hottest team in the league right now as they gave Charlotte no chance all game long. LeBron James is fantastic so far in this season. After three wins against the Celtics (123-75) (Statline LeBron: 30/7/7/4), the Raptors (125-102) (41/13/10) and the Timberwolves (107-81) (26/13/7) it only took "the King" 23 minutes to score 25 points and grab 6 rebounds and dish out 4 assists to beat the Bobcats almost single-handed. "You know, his triple double against the Raptors was really fantastic, but this one tonight might sound worse, but it was even better", said Coach Mike Brown after the game. James led the Cavaliers to a 12 point lead in the first and came back in the 3rd to finish them off when he scored another 10 points. He did not need to play very much, especially after his 3rd foul in the second quarter. But he really showed his A-game. Driving to the whole and hitting open shots, doing whatever he wants on offense. James had a strong fast break And1 jam to break the last will of Charlotte's players, who could not find their rhythm all game long. Gerald Wallace finally found his game and had a decent outing with 16 points (9 in the first quarter) and Stephen Jackson added 17. D.J. Augustin got some playing time with Raymond Felton disappointing completely and scored a team-high 18 points. The Bobcats also gave some playing time to their recently signed PF Maceo Baston. He got a 10-day contract but did not show a very good game. The Cavs had 6 guys in double figures and go on to an undefeated 4-0 record. For the Bobcats it was a tough week but it may get better with the upcoming Nets, Hawks and Bulls.

Cavs Boxscore
Bobcats Boxscore
Team Stats
Ray Felton struggled in this one
Play Of The Day: The King reigning over Charlotte on this one

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Dwyane Wade goes nuts, scores 10.000 career point
Dwyane Wade was simply unstoppable as he poured in 51 in the Heat's win over the Pacers. Wade also added 10 assists and 3 steals.

Spurs in bad shape, loose twice this week
The San Antonio Spurs have not been able to deliver lately and lost to the Bulls 81-99 and the Hornets 91-90. Chris Paul sealed the deal with two free throws in the last seconds.

Bosh, Howard have big battle in Raptors win
Chris Bosh tied the high score of the season of Dwyane Wade only two days later as he poured in 51 points against the Magic in the Raptors' 107-108 win. Dwight Howard, who could not stop Bosh had himself also a monster game scoring 23 points and grabbing 20 rebounds.

Injury Update
With only one week into the season there are already to guys who might miss up to 6 weeks. Fabricio Oberto of the Washington Wizards will be out with a broken toe whilst Joel Przbylla of the Trailblazers has strained his achilles tendon. The Orland Magic will be without Mickael Pietrus for 1-2 weeks with muscular problems.

NBA transactions
The Kings have signed former D-league player Clay Davidson for one year worth an estimated 1.04M. Davidson is a 6-10 Center with his strength at rebounding.

[Dee.]

Damn,the Recaps look Super-Sweet.
Tough losses though,but what do you want,it was against the best.

[Lamrock]

Amazing presentation and recaps. Will be difficult to keep up methinks, but doing recaps by week helps. Hope to see you pick up your first win next week!

[Fresh8]

Poor you with all your losses. I'm feeling for you man! Gonna be tough!

[cavs4872]

Tough start. The presentation looks great though, and the addition of commentary to the videos makes them seem very realistic.

[kibaxx7]

The addition of commentary to the videos makes them seem very realistic.

Yeah, how did you got those comments? Really realistic! Shame all the L's.

[|)e8*]

Damn,the Recaps look Super-Sweet.
Tough losses though,but what do you want,it was against the best.

The Recaps are awesome, tough losses man