Road to Glory II

[Valor]

Wow!Iverson still getting plenty of votes!
Nice to see Rose close on being a starter on ASG!

That's cause Iverson's still averaging around 25-26 ppg and 6-7 apg and is the only reason Philly is looking at another good playoff run
Rose I reckon will def make it as a starter for the second straight year, I want Noah and Boozer to make it also but maybe they won't..we'll see

[kibaxx7]

Well, 13 points.

[Valor]

Well, 13 points.

Hey, you did that in about 8-10 min! Hawks are just too stacked on the wings, that's all

[Valor]

Chapter 15

"You've improved."
"Be hard not to, my team is cruising and I don't really have a lot to do lately." grinned Lai "All that free time has allowed me to catch up on you"
"Oh no kiddo, you ain't beating me yet" laughed Jordan as he putted the ball in "That's game"
"I was hoping you'll miss that" Lai said as he proceeded to putt his own ball in the hole
"So how's Marcus doing?" Jordan asked as he propped his feet up
"Fine, I guess" shrugged Lai "He's developing nicely from what I heard"
"Scott isn't playing him much, is he" Jordan said quietly
"Perhaps he reckons he's just not ready" Lai suggested
"Perhaps..."Jordan let it hang for a while before noticing someone walking over
"You're probably wanted"
It was Lai's personal assistant
"Sir? You have a phone call from Mr Scott"
"Thanks, I'll take it here" Lai said as he took the phone "Sup Byron? Another easy win today I suppose?"
As Lai listened to Scott, the grin was wiped off his face
"They WHAT? To the NETS?" yelled Lai in disbelief "TWENTY!?"
After a hurried conversation, Lai walked back to where Jordan was lying down and relaxing
"Sorry Mike, gotta go"
Jordan was puzzled "What's wrong? I thought you were staying for the weekend as well?"
"Something came up, have to get my ass back in the office" Lai sighed "I'll see you around"

✧✧✧✧✧

Lai jumped out of the car and rushed towards the elevator, he had just arrived back in Chicago and barely had time to change into a suit before tearing off towards the office. He want some explainations.

5 minutes later, he was staring at his team with a menacing gaze"Can anybody explain to me, what the fuck happened?"
Nobody moved, nobody made a sound. Nobody dared to do anything but listened.
"They were the NETS, the fucking NETS" Lai yelled "Losing by two? I can live with that. Losing by TWENTY?"
"That's back to back losses to them, do you guys have some pride?" he continued "You are supposed to be CONTENDERS! As in CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDERS!"

"You all better look at yourselves tonight, and play better next game." Lai concluded "Now please excuse us, I need to have a word with Coach Scott"
As the players got up to leave the room, Lai added a final line "As of now, none of you are safe. You better prove to me otherwise."

✧✧✧✧✧

"You sure about this?" Byron Scott asked once again "Messing with the chemistry in the middle of the season could be counter-productive"
"Yes Byron, I am sure about this" Lai replied again "We are going nowhere as we were, I think this guy can be the sparkplug that our boys need"
"Well, as long as you are sure" Scott sighed, he hates working in new players "You want me to announce it?"
Lai thought for a moment "No, I'll do it"

✧✧✧✧✧

"Gentlemen, I have some news for you all" stated Lai as he walked onto the court at the Berto Center, where most of the players have just finished stretching.
Lai paused "There is both good and bad news, what do you guys want to hear first"
The players murmured, the veterans on the team had a knowing look on their face. They've seen this before, a million times.
"Lets here the good news first" said Carlos Boozer "We'll have the good before the bad"
"Okay, well I'm just glad to tell you that all of this year's All-Star weekend participants have been announced." Lai said with a smile "Congraduations to Derrick, who has been voted in his second consecutive All-Star start, and also to Joakim, who has been selected by coaches to his first ever All-Star game as a reserve"
Lai looked towards Boozer, who nodded his head "As you know, Carlos would've been on there if he had not suffered the injury last month"
The team nodded in approval while patting Boozer on the back
"We'll play your part for you man" said Joakim
Lai cleared his throat "Additionally, Kyle will be representing us in the three point competition"
Cheers went around the room as Korver beamed and took a small bow
"I won't let you guys down" said the sharpshooting swingman

"Now, for the bad news" Lai waited for everyone to settle down before continuing "It is my regret to inform you all that changes to the roster has been made."
Lai paused and felt the tension level in the gym rise a notch "I know you guys have been playing a lot harder since those two blunder games against the Nets, but we feel that a change is neccessary"
"To those who are leaving us, let it be known that we appreciate everything you've done for this organization, for us." Lai continued "and to those who are staying, I hope this is an alarm bell for you all to raise your level of play and remember what we are aiming for"

"We are aiming for a championship, nothing less"

[Valor]

All Star Weekend Contests!

With the arrival of the annual mid-season festivities of the NBA, this is another chance for you NLSCers to have some fun and earn some development points!

Simply Participate in the following contests.

1. Slam Dunk Contest Participants
I have made a list of the 4 Slam Dunk contest participants of 2011. Simply submit your guess and the points will flow into your account!

4/4 - 3 points
3/4 - 2 points

Participation (does not count if you win) - 1 point


2. Three Point Contest Participants
There are six participants, one is already given (Kyle Korver, Chicago Bulls). you simply have to guess any three of the five!

3/3 - 3 points
2/3 - 2 points

Participation (does not count if you win) - 1 point


3. Rookie Sophomore game Roster
Here's where it gets harder, submit the two 10 man rosters of the rookie and sophomore teams that you think are selected. This will be decided by the closest submission.

1st place - 5 points
2nd place - 4 points
3rd place - 3 points

Participation (does not count if you win) - 1 point


4. All Star Game Roster
Finally, submit your guess of the 2012 NBA All-Star Game Roster!
Two players on the East (1 starter, 1 reserve) have already been given to you (Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah). Like the Rookie-Sophomore Game rosters, this will be decided by the closest submission

1st place - 8 points
2nd place - 6 points
3rd place - 4 points

Participation (does not count if you win) - 1 point

BONUS CONTEST
Which player/players did Chicago acquire, and which player/players were traded away? Give me your guess with reason! Best answer will receive 5 points, and on the rare occasion that you nailed it, or even parts of it, you'll receive 10 points to spend!


How to use the points
Each point can be put into one attribute point. For traits such as vertical, speed, stamina, awareness...etc two points are needed. You can use your points at the start/end of these times: Preseason, All-Star Break, Offseason

Additionally, every rookie (and veterans in the future) will gain 4 points to use at the end of training camp every season, starting from their rookie season, this represents the effects of training camp. (Because if left to the CPU, none of you will improve and stay as a bench-warmer for your career)

These contests will come at random times during the season (which means, when i can think of something) so stay tuned for more

[Martti.]

1. Dwight, Shannon Brown, Griffin, Wes Johnson

2. Nowtizki, Curry, Lewis

3. Rookies - Sit, Ocho, Perry Jones, Washburn, Valanciunas, Barnes, Must, Irving, Gallon, Taylor
Sophomores - Wall, E Davis, Favors, Turner, Aldrich, Rubio, Pondexter, Cousins, W Johnson, J Jordan

4. East - Rose, Wade, Anthony, Bosh, Howard (Noah, Arenas, Iverson, Bogut, Josh Smith, Rondo, Joe Johnson)
West - Paul, Kobe, LeBron, Gasol, Yao (Durant, Nowitzki, Tony Parker, McGrady, Amar'e, Roy, Bynum)

EDIT : you traded Hinrich. And got.. McGrady?

[Fresh8]

Nice chapter but I won't be participating in this contest.

[Valor]

Thanks for the entry Martti, not going for the wildcard bonus?

Sit, Thanks and no problems, you still had a couple points in the bank waiting to be used if i remember correctly

[Fresh8]

Thanks.

Too much info to think of. But I will say this, I hope you traded for my man Gilbert Arenas. Skillful play fallen out of favor in Washington.

[Valor]

Thanks.

Too much info to think of. But I will say this, I hope you traded for my man Gilbert Arenas. Skillful play fallen out of favor in Washington.

Unlike in real life, Gil is still beloved in Washington

not to mention they are beasting

[Martti.]

Edited.

[Fresh8]

Well, I think you got an older star As Martti said, T-Mac sounds good.

This is prob way off... Baron Davis.

[Valor]

Edited.

Entry accepted, thanks for participating

lets see what others think

Well, I think you got an older star As Martti said, T-Mac sounds good.

Perhaps

[Fresh8]

Edited.

Entry accepted, thanks for participating

lets see what others think

Well, I think you got an older star As Martti said, T-Mac sounds good.

Perhaps

Leandro Barbosa

[puttincomputers]

I think I will join Sit and sit this one out.

[Fresh8]

I think I will join Sit and sit this one out.

Damn, had to read that sentence twice

[Valor]

Everyone's sitting this one out?

[Martti.]

Yay, more points for me.

[Valor]

Yay, more points for me.

Indeed, for the Rosters ones you will be getting first place as of now

[Axel The Great]

1. Slam Dunk Contest Participants - Blake Griffin, Dwight Howard, LeBron James, Shannon Brown

2. Three Point Contest Participants - Chris Paul, Kevin Martin, Chauncey Billups

3. Rookie Sophomore game Roster -
Rookies: Sit, Washburn, Must, Ocho, Barnes, Perry Jones, Irving, Valanciunas, Gallon, R. Williams
Sophs: Wall, Wes. Johnson, Ed Davis, Turner, Cousins, Bledsoe, P. George, Aminu, Greg Monroe, Ekpe Udoh

4. All Star Game Roster -
East: Rose, Wade, Melo, Bosh, Howard [Noah, Lewi$, AI, Arenas, J. Johnson, KG, Rondo]

West: CP3, Kobe, LeBron, Gasol, Yao [Parker, Roy, Durant, Dirk, Okafor, T-Mac, D-Will]

BONUS CONTEST
You re-acquired Ben Gordon?

[Valor]

I'm in, Valor! I'll come back and edit this post when I find the time to fill out the info.

Sure thing man, that makes 3 contestants! (Sit sent me his via PM) Hope to see more but if no more after today I'll simply get on with it

[Valor]

Just realized I could actually make it as per real life-like in the 3 point contest. You guys can keep the predictions (changed it to just guess any of the three)

[Valor]

Griffin, Thomas, Iguodala, Westbrook set for Sprite Slam Dunk
By Official release
Posted Feb 6, 2012

NEW YORK -- There will be a new Sprite Slam Dunk champion crowned on Feb. 13, at Amway Center(8 p.m. ET on TNT) in Orlando, FL as two first-time contestants along with two former contestants vie for the title: the Los Angeles Clippers' Blake Griffin, Washington Wizards forward Tyrus Thomas, Philadelphia 76ers forward Andre Iguodala, and Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Thomas was a participant of the 2007 Sprite Rising Stars Slam Dunk Contest, where he finished fourth while Iguodala narrowly lost in the tie-breaker round of the finals to Nate Robinson in 2006. Many thought Iguodala was robbed for a title and this will be his chance of capturing the slam dunk crown.

For the new comers, Blake Griffin has been an internet sensation from the moment he stepped onto the floor. His dunks has just about made every single highlight reel possible and looks to be the favorite coming into the 2012 Slam Dunk Contest. While Russell Westbrook's dunks hasn't been as viral as Griffins', he has proven he can throw it down with the best of them ever since his college days at UCLA.

Fans will again have the opportunity to determine the winner of the Sprite Slam Dunk as part of the "They Dunk. You Decide" campaign, which debuted as part of the event in 2008.

The two dunkers with the highest first round scores will advance to the final round. The dunker with the lowest total score from the first round will compete first in the final round. Dunks then will alternate until each player has completed two. Time limit rules still apply. In the final round, fan voting polls will open via SMS TXT message and at NBA.com. The combined results from SMS TXT voting and NBA.com will determine the champion.

The Sprite Slam Dunk is part of NBA All-Star 2012, which also includes the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam, NBA All-Star Saturday Night presented by State Farm featuring the Foot Locker Three-Point Contest; and the 61st annual NBA All-Star Game.

Sprite, the world's leading lemon-lime soft drink, has been the official soft drink of the NBA since 1994 and the title partner of the All-Star Slam Dunk competition since 2003.

Curry, Lewis, Gallinari headlines Footlocker Three-Point Shootout Contestants
By Official release
Posted Feb 6, 2012

NEW YORK -- Three former three point shootout contestants, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, Rashard Lewis of the hometown Magic, and Danilo Gallinari of the New York Knicks headline a field of six in this year's Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout, which will be held on Saturday, Feb. 13, at the Amway Center in Orlando as part of NBA All-Star Saturday Night.

Rounding out the field are Kyle Korver of the Chicago Bulls, Kevin Martin of the Houston Rockets, and former three time sprite slam dunk champion Nate Robinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Dallas hosted the inaugural Three-Point event in 1986, which was held in Reunion Arena, with Bird defeating Hodges in the final round.

The players will compete in the two-round competition with the top three finishers from the first round advancing to the finals. Five shooting stations will be set up around the three-point line, with four Official Spalding NBA game balls worth one point each and one Spalding NBA All-Star 2012 commemorative blue and silver "money ball" worth two points at each location. Each player will have one minute to shoot as many balls as he can. In the final round, players will shoot in ascending order of first-round scores. At the discretion of the referee, television instant replay may be consulted for clarification of rules compliance.

The Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout will be televised live nationally as part of the NBA All-Star Saturday Night, which will also feature the Sprite Slam Dunk; Taco Bell Skills Challenge; and Haier Shooting Stars. TNT and ESPN Radio's national coverage will begin at 8 p.m. EST from American Airlines Center. The NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 14, will air live on TNT, ESPN Radio and in more than 200 countries and will be broadcast in more than 40 languages.

Foot Locker, in its seventh year as the sponsor of the three-point shootout, is part of Foot Locker, Inc., a specialty athletic retailer that operates approximately 3,600 stores in 21 countries in North America, Europe and Australia.

2012 FOOT LOCKER THREE-POINT SHOOTOUT PARTICIPANTS

[Kubik]

Great choice with all contestants! It will be true fight between Griffin and Iguodala. Keep it up.

[Fresh8]

Griffin and Steph will win.