-|[ BALTIMORE CLAWS ]| -

[shadowgrin]

I won't bitch about your team managerial skills at the moment because Mr. Flight (White) is well taken care of. That's all that matters.

[J@3]

Updated December's transactions, there were a lot of trades.

[JaoSming]

yea 2k's trade logic seems faulty (lot of bitching over at OS about it)

one solution they had was to manually open and close CPU trading for 2 weeks in December and 2 weeks before the deadline to make it more realistic. evidently star players can be bumped to 5 different teams in the course of a season

[Martti.]

Weird that Portland traded away both Miller and Bayless. Only Blake is left at the point.

I had a lot of trades in my first association year. Terry for example was traded 4 times.

[kibaxx7]

All straight 2-player swaps. Can't believe the Knicks took Nocioni, but hey, it's 2k

[J@3]

January 8th
Baltimore Claws 75 (1-9) @ Orlando Magic 113 (9-5)


Magic dominate inside as Claws are crushed
Coming into one of the toughest away draws in the NBA, Baltimore had low expectations for their match-up with Orlando and if possible may have needed to lower them further as the Magic obliterated Baltimore inside to send them to their 9th loss of the season. Dwight Howard finished with 15 points and 20 rebounds in a game that saw Orlando make the most of constant second chance opportunities as the Claws offered no resistance on the boards at all. Rashard Lewis, not generally known for his rebounding prowess, finished with 13 of his own while Vince Carter lead the Magic with 24 points. The game was virtually over from the first quarter onwards, Howard had 8 rebounds in the first 10 minutes of the game and Baltimore were choked out offensively by some tenacious Magic defense, only Mickael Gelabale (27 points) put up any resistance against a ruthless Orlando side who finished the game winning by 38 points. Rashad McCants was a flop for the away team, shooting 6/23 from the field on his way to 13 points.



January 13th
Baltimore Claws 69 (1-10) @ Houston Rockets 102 (8-6)


Perimeter assault leaves Baltimore with consecutive blow-out losses
After their humiliating 38 point loss to Orlando, Baltimore came into another away game against the Houston Rockets hoping to put up more of a fight. This wasn't to be as a 1/10 start from the field in the first quarter left the Claws lagging immediately and they never recovered as the Rockets went on an outside shooting rampage to win by 33 points. Defense was also a feature for Houston, Yao Ming finished with 4 blocks and generally nullified the Claws penetration, while Trevor Ariza's 7 steals were a key factor in Rashad McCants balancing out his 23 points with 7 turnovers. Mickael Gelabale, after a career high 27 against Orlando failed dramatically finishing with 4 points on 2/15 shooting. For the Rockets Aaron Brooks finished with 18 and his back-up Kyle Lowry illuminated the Claws lack of defense with 16 points and 7 assists in just 18 minutes. The lone bright spot for Baltimore was the play of Salim Stoudamire, who stepped in for the injured Sean Singletary off the bench and finished with a season high 14 points.



January 15th
Baltimore Claws 90 (1-11) @ Dallas Mavericks 114 (9-4)


Nowitzki's first half blitz gives Baltimore fourth straight loss
Dirk Nowitzki exploded in the opening 20 minutes of Thursday's game against the lowly Claws, scoring 20 points and pulling down 9 rebounds to effectively shut the game down by half time. Jason Kidd turned back the clock on Gabe Pruitt, scoring 15 points and finishing with 13 assists. It wasn't until the arrival of Salim Stoudamire that the Claws started to regain any ground on the Mavericks but by that time it was already too late, a dominant third quarter performance blew the game out and while the Mavericks bench unit lost some ground in the fourth they still finished with a resounding 24 point win. Dirk finished with 24 and 12 having sat for most of the second half, Shawn Marion scored 23 but the real story was yet again on the boards, Dallas winning that battle 50-28. For the Claws Rashad McCants scored 23 and Mickael Gelabale had 13 while Salim Stoudamire was again effective scoring 20 points in limited minutes.



January 19th
Baltimore Claws 56 (1-12) vs Milwaukee Bucks 95 (5-11)


Defense is key as the Bucks humiliate Baltimore at home
Having barely survived a tough two game away trip to Texas, the Claws may have expected an easier ride against the Milwaukee Bucks who have had their own fair share of struggles this season, but it was not to be as the Bucks tenacious defense limited the Claws to only 56 points, the lowest in their short history. Baltimore had a promising first quarter, keeping the score relatively close throughout but a 9-0 run to start the 2nd from the Bucks lead to a complete team capitulation for the Claws. The Bucks won the second 35-13 thanks mostly to the play of Luc Mbah a Moute who had 15 points at the half. The second was more of the same, Baltimore unable to cope with the Bucks defensive effort while Michael Redd (16 points) and Luke Ridnour (19 points) lit up from outside. Starting his first game for the Claws, Salim Stoudamire had a nightmare performance finishing with only 7 points, 1 assist and 6 turnovers on 3/23 shooting. Rashad McCants scored 12 but no other Claw could break the double digit scoring barrier as they drop five straight.



January 23rd
Baltimore Claws 92 (2-12) @ Phoenix Suns 81 (8-8)


McCants, Claws bounce back in style with road win at Phoenix
Having been destroyed by the Bucks just 4 days prior, the Claws had a point to prove in their away game with the Phoenix Suns. Despite losing the first quarter 20-14, Baltimore closed the gap slightly in the 2nd before blowing Phoenix off the court in an almost perfect third quarter performance that saw Salim Stoudamire (10 points, 4 steals) and Rashad McCants run rampant over a Suns team that had no answers. Opening the quarter 8-0, the defensive efforts of Dwayne Jones (3 blocks) and Darius Miles (3 blocks) laid a platform for the much maligned guard duo to blow the lead out to 17 heading into the fourth. The Suns fought back but it was all in vain, Jason Richardson scored 13 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter but Rashad McCants made sure the game would be sealed, scoring 8 of his own and leading the team to a surprise 11 point victory. McCants finished with 24 points and 8 rebounds on 10/19 shooting, Maurice Ager was huge off the bench with 16 and five rebounds in just 12 minutes.



January 26th
Baltimore Claws[/b] 81 (2-13) @ Golden State Warriors 106 (9-4)


Claws come crashing back down to earth as Warriors continue hot streak
Golden State have been one of the leagues surprise teams this season and they stepped up where the Phoenix Suns couldn't, beating the Baltimore Claws by 25 points. A high scoring first quarter saw the Claws only trail by 3, but they let themselves down in the second turning the ball over constantly and missing shots while Stephen Curry tore the defensive unit to pieces on his way to 22 half time points. The trend continued in the third, Baltimore struggling to score and Golden State making the most of some bad turnovers by the Claws guards scoring 22 fast break points to only 2. The Warriors finally putting the game to bed in the fourth with Monta Ellis joining the party with 18 second half points. Stephen Curry finished with a career high 29 while for the Claws Rashad McCants had 21 and Salim Stoudamire scored a season high 22 but on 8/25 shooting.



January 28th
Baltimore Claws 72 (2-14) @ Los Angeles Lakers 121 (12-6)


Lakers a class above, dominating in home win
Continuing their death march around the West Coast, Baltimore came up against the defending World Champions and were not immediately overawed, keeping the game close for most of the first quarter before Shannon Brown's introduction in the second lead to the lead blowing out to 18 by half time. Finishing with 21 points and 7 rebounds in just 18 minutes, Brown lead the Lakers through the second half and the difference in class and ability was evident. Baltimore struggled to do anything offensively despite the efforts of Mickael Gelabale (17 points, 10 rebounds). Kobe Bryant had a quiet night, finishing with 18 points but on the defensive end held Rashad McCants to just 11, ultimately killing off any chance the Claws had offensively. Salim Stoudamire once again fell to pieces, finishing with 10 points and 8 turnovers on 4/17 shooting in a game that went exactly as expected.



January 29th
Baltimore Claws 83 (2-15) @ Utah Jazz 107 (9-9)


Mercifully, West Coast swing ends with Jazz blowing out Claws
With the final game of an eventful west coast trip, no one expected Baltimore to be able to handle Utah at home but it was the visitors who were up early, Mickael Gelabale dominating his match-up with Carlos Boozer leading the team to a 21-17 lead at the end of the first quarter. Ronnie Brewer stepped up his game defensively in the second and Utah mounted a comeback, leading by 2 points going into half time. Showing signs of wear and tear the Baltimore line-up began to fall behind as Deron Williams (26 points, 10 assists) lead the Jazz on a massive scoring tear as the score began to blow out ultimately ending in a 24 point win for the home team. Ronnie Brewer was spectacular for Utah, his 17 points being aided by some exceptional defense in the second half. For the Claws McCants had a solid game with 22 points and 8 assists while Mickael Gelabale scored 20 but only finished with 5 rebounds.



JANUARY TRANSACTIONS

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS trade Jamario Moon to the LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS for Ricky Davis
PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS trade Delonte West to the NEW ORLEANS HORNETS for David West

[J@3]

One of the following things happens in the January update; what do you think it is?

James White is now the starting Small Forward 3 votes
Rashad McCants is now an MVP candidate 2 votes
Dwayne Jones is now a DPOY candidate 5 votes
Salim Stoudamire is now the starting Point Guard 1 vote
Stromile Swift is now the starting Power Forward 2 votes

As you can see in the update, the answer is D: Salim Stoudamire is now the starting point guard.

Or was, for three games or so. New poll coming soon.

[Lamrock]

This is awesome man. I absolutely love the captions. I LOL'ed at the Bogut one. "And Black people" is great too. Things aren't looking too good for the Claws, but 2-15 is better than 3-40.

[J@3]

Thanks mate, appreciate it I was tempted to make a GIF of the Bogut thing because it genuinely looked like she was giving him a Greg Oden special but then I remembered I was 24 years old.

New poll up, my Xbox Live Gold account expired so I figured I'd take the opportunity to do a new column/feature until I stop being lazy and go buy another one before the Feb update. Vote on what you want, the player evaluations will remain.

[hova-]

The Bogut pic is just awesome ^^. I voted for history and draft column. Would be awesome to read the first, very interesting. A really good Dynasty.

[JaoSming]

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS trade Jamario Moon to the LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS for Ricky Davis

Aw, that's cute, they missed Ricky.

Awesome update, that Bogut pic is awesome.

Fucking shocked that you beat Phoenix. Whenever I play them with the Celtics or other good teams they are the one team that gives me a lot of trouble guarding. Nice work, nice work.

[Martti.]

Delonte West for David West? I guess the Hornets are desperate to get under the tax.

[The X]

I also voted for historical comparison as well as draft strategy

[kibaxx7]

I also voted for historical comparison as well as draft strategy

[Dee.]

B and D.

[J@3]

Alright the votes are close but there's obviously three standouts, so I will do all three. Here's the schedule:

Player evaluations for January
Historical player comparisons
February update/All-Star Game
Upcoming FA's, potential Claws targets
Player evaluations for February
Draft strategy/article
March + April update (only one game in April)
NBA season wrap-up
Player evaluations for March/April
Play-off coverage (won't be that indepth if we don't make it )
End of season Claws wrap-up/final grades

[J@3]

20.5 PPG | 3.4 RPG | 3.6 APG | 1.4 SPG | 0.2 BPG | 2.1 TOPG | .400 FG% | .235 3P% | .711 FT%
With the emergence of Mickael Gelabale as a legit offensive option mixed with his own inconsistant shooting, McCants numbers have dropped a bit in January but he still had five 20+ point games out of 8. His best coming in the win against Phoenix where he finished with 24.

Grade: B


12.2 PPG | 4.9 RPG | 1.6 APG | 0.9 SPG | 0.5 BPG | 2.5 TOPG | .441 FG% | .250 3P% | .588 FT%
Despite being somewhat inconsistant, Gelabale has really stepped up offensively and averaged 13.7 PPG for the month. His 27 points against Orlando was somewhat of a break-out game, but personally I'd rather he have more 17/10 nights like he did against the Lakers. His rebounding needs to improve.

Grade: B+


8.6 PPG | 4.4 RPG | 1.2 APG | 0.9 SPG | 1.5 BPG | 1.2 TOPG | .478 FG% | .240 3P% | .444 FT%
Miles had possibly the best month of the season in January, his defense has been nothing short of fantastic and he single handedly has kept any player he's guarded in check. Offensively he has been more consistant, scoring in double digits in half of the months games.

Grade: B


7.6 PPG | 1.6 RPG | 1.9 APG | 0.8 SPG | 0.0 BPG | 2.5 TOPG | .280 FG% | .073 3P% | .909 FT%
When Singletary went down with an injury, Stoudamire got another chance to prove himself and had 2 big games off the bench, scoring 14 points in 16 minutes and 20 against Dallas. Unfortunately him starting was a disaster, but it's been good to get some offense out of him.

Grade: C+


6.6 PPG | 1.3 RPG | 1.1 APG | 0.5 SPG | 0.0 BPG | 1.1 TOPG | .443 FG% | .066 3P% | .666 FT%
Continues to make an impact off the bench, is not playing big minutes but is definitely making the most of them. Darius Miles' defensive effort is the only thing keeping him out of the starting line-up.

Grade: C+


6.2 PPG | 1.6 RPG | 1.3 APG | 0.6 SPG | 0.4 BPG | 1.3 TOPG | .418 FG% | .290 3P% | .888 FT%
Extremely streaky but also one of the main reasons the Claws managed to beat Phoenix as well, scoring 16 points and adding 5 rebounds in just 12 minutes off the bench. Proving invaluable as a sixth man.

Grade: B


5.5 PPG | 1.8 RPG | 3.6 APG | 0.8 SPG | 0.5 BPG | 2.5 TOPG | .376 FG% | .214 3P% | .500 FT%
Lost his starting spot to Salim Stouadmire but regained it due to Stoudamire's own shooting woes. Hasn't got the range to be an offensive threat and there are doubts as to whether he'll be on the roster come next season.

Grade: D+


4.8 PPG | 4.5 RPG | 0.9 APG | 0.4 SPG | 1.4 BPG | 1.1 TOPG | .537 FG% | .000 3P% | .500 FT%
Excellent defensively and has adapted to his bench spot well. Blocked one or more shots in every game he played in January and is a better rebounder than Gelabale despite the minute differential.

Grade: B


3.9 PPG | 9.9 RPG | 1.2 APG | 0.6 SPG | 3.1 BPG | 1.4 TOPG | .444 FG% | .000 3P% | 100 FT%
Struggled a bit this month, only finished in double digits for rebounding twice and was not quite as prolific blocking shots as he used to be. Still one of the teams top performers.

Grade: B


3.2 PPG | 2.2 RPG | 0.9 APG | 0.3 SPG | 0.5 BPG | 0.6 TOPG | .521 FG% | .000 3P% | 100 FT%
Has been splitting minutes with Rich Payton and despite doing well offensively, his defensive game is costing him. May get a start before the end of the season just to see what he can do.

Grade: C


2.5 PPG | 1.5 RPG | 2.3 APG | 0.2 SPG | 0.0 BPG | 1.6 TOPG | .375 FG% | .230 3P% | 100 FT%
Really should be better than he is. Started one game against Utah and had only 1 assist in 30 minutes. Can't hit shots, is poor defensively and struggles offensively. Not promising.

Grade: D


1.5 PPG | 1.6 RPG | 0.6 APG | 0.1 SPG | 0.5 BPG | 0.3 TOPG | .333 FG% | .000 3P% | .000 FT%
Despite limited minutes and fairly unimpressive stats, Payton has looked impressive coming off the bench. Had 4 points in 5 minutes against Utah, 4 in 7 against Orlando, 2 blocks in 10 minutes against Houston and 3 rebounds in 5 minutes against Phoenix

Grade: C-

[J@3]

Player evals are a little shorter than usual, figured it'd make it easier to read.

Also, the final poll until the end of the season is pretty cool I think... there is only one game in April to finish the season, so I want you to pick the starting line-up. I will put every player in the poll and let you select 5. Whoever gets the most votes at each position will start. Some players can play a couple of postiions (Swift, Payton, Fazekas, Stoudamire) some can't, so they aren't all interchangeable. If Singletary and Pruitt are the top vote getters as guards for instance, they won't both start but if James White and Ronald Dupree get the most votes, one will start at SF one will start at SG if that makes sense. The poll will be up for a while, I want to get as many votes in as possible.

Remember you can pick 5 guys.

[The X]

Voskuhl, Fazekas (he's more a forward than centre anyways), Payton, Ager & Singletary

[Martti.]

Jones, Swift, White (obviously), McCants and Salim!

[Dee.]

White is a Video Game Superstar.


C - Dwayne Jones


PF - Mickael Gelabale


SF - James White


SG - Rashad McCants


PG - Sean Singletary

[JaoSming]

just wondering, what did you sign all these guys to for contracts? all one year deals?

[J@3]

Yeah just one year deals. I'm only going to release like 3-5 of them, I don't want to overhaul the team completely.

[JaoSming]

hopefully the vote doesnt piss too many players off for not starting to screw you over when resigning

[kibaxx7]

Dwayne Jones, Gelabale, James White, McCants and Salim.

Jae, a question, how do you edit the polls correctly? Because everytime I do a new one the options appear twice.