AF1: 2014 NBA FINALS GAME 7 PREVIEW (Heat vs. Kings)

[Houndy]

47.5 points per game? I think we should play some So Appalled right now.

[Grandmama Johnson]

47.5 points per game? I think we should play some So Appalled right now.

47 points per game. Fuckin' ridiculous. Boooo!

lol durantula was on fire. it looks unfair,but congrats to the thunder

Go Thunder!

Durant

Thats what I said. Almost 50 ppg in Finals, nice job KD

I agree with all you guys, absolutely ridiculous performance by Durant. With a series like this on the biggest stage, he might be the poster child of the league (at least level with LeBron). I checked it up yesterday and he's officially the youngest player now to win the "triple crown" (NBA Title, MVP, and Finals MVP). A great future for KD and the Thunder if he stays dominant

Once again, a big thank you to you guys for following along this far. I'm desperately trying to make the Cavs better and reward your support, but it's difficult when you don't actually play the games and only act as general manager. I watch the games (as a GM would), but it's so hard knowing you can't just pick up the controller and make them do something (shoot the jumper, pass to an open man, etc.)

The offseason will be posted in segments over the next couple days, so tune in for that. There will be HUGE news that will shake the Cavs to their core. Until then, all for one and one for all.

-GJ

[Grandmama Johnson]

2012 OFFSEASON

RETIREMENTS
Ben Wallace (CHI) age 37, 16 yrs pro.
Anthony Parker (CLE) age 37
Kevin Garnett (BOS) age 36, 17 yrs pro.
Raja Bell (UTA) age 35
Antonio Daniels (LAL) age 37
Jerry Stackhouse (LAL) age 37
Jason Kidd (DAL) age 39, 18 yrs pro
Shaquille O’Neal (SA) age 40, 20 yrs pro
Steve Nash (PHO) age 38, 16 yrs pro

COACH RETIREMENTS
Larry Brown (MIN)

HALL OF FAME

Shaquille O’Neal
1x MVP, 15x All-Star, 4x NBA Champ, 3x Finals MVP
8x first team, 2x second team, 4x third team
1993 Rookie of the Year
30, 208 points, 13, 941 rebounds
Teams
Magic (1992-1996)
Lakers (1996-2004)
Heat (2004-2008)
Suns (2008-2009)
Cavs (2009-2010)
Celtics (2010-2011)
Spurs (2011-2012)

Steve Nash
2x MVP, 7x All-Star
3x first team, 2x second team, 2x third team
4x league leader in assists
9, 503 career assists
Teams
Suns (1996-1998, 2004-2012)
Mavericks (1998-2004)

Jason Kidd
10 x All-Star
5x first team, 1x second team
1995 Rookie of the Year
6x league leader in assists
12, 471 assists
Teams
Mavericks (1994-1996, 2008-2012)
Suns (1996-2001)
Nets (2001-2008)

Kevin Garnett
1x MVP, 13x All-Star, 1x NBA Champ,
4x first team, 3x second team, 2x third team
4x league leader in rebounds
24, 170 points, 13, 310 rebounds
Teams
Timberwolves (1995-2007)
Celtics (2007-2012)




Four great players leaving the league this year.
AF1 Question: Which of these Hall of Famers do you think will leave the greatest legacy?

[Grandmama Johnson]

2012 OFFSEASON

TEAM/PLAYER OPTIONS

SF Barney Garrison (57) Accepted
PF Senso Garibaldi (58) Accepted
PG Michael Conley (79) Accepted (Player Option)

AROUND THE NBA

Chris Paul (NO) (96) Declined
Dwight Howard (ORL) (92) Accepted
Deron Williams (UTA) (92) Accepted
Tyreke Evans (SAC) (90) Accepted
John Wall (WAS) (88) Accepted
Stephen Curry (GS) (88) Accepted
James Harden (OKC) (84) Accepted

RE-SIGNINGS

Signed
PF Antawn Jamison (72): 1 yr/ 2 million

Not Resigned
SF Joey Graham (68): Testing free agency
PF J.J. Hickson (68): Not resigned
C Ryan Hollins (60): Testing free agency

LOTTERY
1 Raptors
2.Clippers
3 Bobcats

8 CAVS

[Bucket]

KEVIN RETIRED? WTF?
Wow, Jamison resigned, Hickson no?

[thatwizardguy]

nice ill be reading.

[Nutellar]

Damn KG retired-

curious to see where CP3 lands

[Grandmama Johnson]

Damn KG retired-

curious to see where CP3 lands

Yeah, KG is gone! He let it be known during the playoffs that this was it. It would have been very special if the Celtics could have overcome the Bulls in the Conference Finals and then went on to win the title, sending him out a champion. It was certainly one of my favorite storylines of the playoffs.

nice ill be reading.

Thanks, man. Always nice to have readers! Good luck with your big series against Miami in Melo and Wall Ball

KEVIN RETIRED? WTF?
Wow, Jamison resigned, Hickson no?

A strategic decision to create as much cap room as possible. Jamison is coming back at a fraction of the cost (14 mil vs. 2 mil now) and still has one good year left in him. Hickson would be nice to have, but I'd rather have that money available to make a serious play in free agency. The big target is Chris Paul

[Bucket]

Get CP3 and all will be good

[Nutellar]

It will be hard for you to convince Paul to go to the Cavs- i think he would prefer one of the big teams

Anyways wish you Good Luck

[Grandmama Johnson]

2012 OFFSEASON
NBA DRAFT



1. Raptors: Chester Horsley (SG—age 20—Pepperdine) 84 OVR
2. Clippers: Lonny Haynes (SG—age 21—Miami) 82 OVR
3. Bobcats: Darrel King (C—age 23—Marquette) 75 OVR
4. Wizards: Quinn Buckner (SG—age 21—Arkansas) 79 OVR
5. Nets: Johnny Todd (SG—age 21—Utah) 66 OVR

8. CAVS: Clifford Hood (C—age 24—Washington) 69 OVR
38. CAVS: Donald House (PF—age 21—Indiana) 59 OVR

NBA Draft Analysis
Not the deepest selection ever, but definitely some potential stars here. The "can't-miss" prospect is Chester Horsley, who could make a big rookie impact. He's young at 20 and will team up with last year's Rookie of the Year (and #1 selection) Clifford Oliver. With two future stars, things look bright in Toronto.

Lonny Haynes will also be capable of an instant impact in LA, as the Clippers avoided botching this pick. The Bobcats will also be happy with their selection in Darrel King, since a good center in hard to come by in the current NBA. Despite missing out on King, the Wizards may be happy that Quinn Buckner fell to #4. He's arguably the third-best shooting guard in the draft, but may also be the third-best player overall.

Cavs Draft Analysis
Hood: Smart player, great rebounder and defender. A strong inside game on offense. Compared to Biedrins

House: Strong rebounder, oversized power forward at 7’. Compared to Jianlian Yi.

Trades
Heat get: Jason Richardson
Suns get: Udonis Haslem and 2012 #59 pick (Frankie Fordham)

[Grandmama Johnson]

2012 OFFSEASON
FREE AGENCY


REUNITED: The "father-son" relationship between Paul and Scott helped facilitate the star guard's move to Cleveland

CP3 TO CLE
All-Star Chris Paul Signs 5-Year, $100 Million Deal with Cavs

CLEVELAND (AP)--In a move that could dramatically improve the team and send shockwaves through the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers signed All-Star guard Chris Paul to a 5-year, $100 million deal. The acquisition of “CP3” is a major coup for the Cavs organization, who lost previous franchise player LeBron James to free agency two years ago.

“Chris is a guy we can build around in the long-term and also win with right away,” said general manager Chris Grant. “He’s a top-5, easily top-10 guy in this league and someone our fan base will be really excited about.”

Paul, a 5-time All-Star who will be 27 this season, opted for free agency after frustrating results with the New Orleans Hornets. New Orleans had failed to make the second round in the past four seasons, prompting their star player to make a change.

“The prospect of playing for a winner was definitely an important factor in my thinking,” Paul said to Cleveland media at his introductory press conference. “The team here in Cleveland hasn’t made the playoffs the past few seasons, but the pieces are all there and the organization is committed to putting a competitive team on the floor.”

Paul’s close relationship with Cavs head coach Byron Scott was also thought to be an instrumental part of securing the deal. The two have maintained a “father-son” bond, even after Scott’s firing as head coach in New Orleans. Some NBA insiders felt that the Cavs organization was more willing to keep Scott as head coach, despite not reaching the playoffs in his first two seasons, so that he would be able to help persuade Paul to reunite with him in Cleveland.

Paul and Scott’s relationship: http://www.nola.com/hornets/index.ssf/2 ... st_14.html

The Cavs’ checkbook likely did not hurt matters either. Having freed up cap space by bringing veteran Antawn Jamison back at a significantly lower salary and taking advantage of expiring contracts, Cleveland was able to make a nine-figure bid to lure one of the league’s premier point guards.

With apologies to the young (and impressive) Cameron Stribling, the marquee at the Q finally has a new star attraction. If he can bring his best game to Cleveland, then long-tortured Cavs fans will have plenty to cheer about this coming season.


NBA FREE AGENCY
CAVS sign Chris Paul (95 OVR) 5 yr/ 100 M
Kings sign Nate Robinson (76 OVR) 3 yr/ 25 M
Kings sign Evan Turner (84 OVR) 5 yr/34 M
Bucks sign Marreese Speights (75 OVR) 4 yr/25 M
Celtics sign Andray Blatche (75 OVR) 3 yr/21 M
Lakers sign Lamar Odom (74 OVR) 5 yr/16 M
Celtics sign Jason Terry (71 OVR) 3 yr/6 M
Spurs sign Jermaine O’Neal (71 OVR) 1 yr/5 M
Heat sign Mehmet Okur (70 OVR) 3 yr/5 M

CAVS FREE AGENCY
PG Chris Paul (95 OVR) 5 yr/ 100 M
SF Al Thornton (68 OVR) 2 yr/4 M
PF J.J. Hickson (68 OVR) 1 yr/3 M

[Fresh8]

Nice work signing CP3

[Houndy]

Yeah, CP3 can turn around your franchise in a sec.

[kibaxx7]

Great job signing Chris! This is gonna be an interesting year in Cleveland.

[hova-]

Just what I want to do in my next offseason: get one of those superstars. Really good job. I also hope that guy Hood can help you. He sounds very mature and like he can help you with his defensive presence. I always prefer guys who have been at College for four years although it's no advantage in the game (rather a disadvantage as they don't develop as good)

[Bucket]

Nice work man CP3 is a beast in 2k11.
You drafted a Hood and House don't forget to draft in next draft Homie and Gun

[mpac]

nice! CP3. you can now make JJ Hickson an all star

[Nutellar]

Good Luck with CP3 i think you make the postseason now with 2 year absense.

So in your story Turner left the 76ers to join the Kings

Looking forward to the new season.

[Grandmama Johnson]

Nice work signing CP3

Yeah, CP3 can turn around your franchise in a sec.

Great job signing Chris! This is gonna be an interesting year in Cleveland.

Thanks, guys. It'll make for a very interesting season and completely change the complexion of the franchise. We're hopefully in for a big turnaround, even though we already improved by 5 wins last year. To be honest, I was so happy to see the "confirm?" message on Paul's negotiation box

Just what I want to do in my next offseason: get one of those superstars. Really good job. I also hope that guy Hood can help you. He sounds very mature and like he can help you with his defensive presence. I always prefer guys who have been at College for four years although it's no advantage in the game (rather a disadvantage as they don't develop as good)

You're right, Hood should be a big help. He'll never be a superstar, but he has B+ potential and could become a top-15, maybe top-10 center in this league. Going forward, CP3 and Stribling could each be taking up a lot of cap room in future years, if/when I resign Strib after his 2+2. If that's the case, I'll probably have to go over the soft cap, which means the players I put around them will have to have Bird years so that I can resign them. Those sort of dependable starters come at a premium, but Hood could be one of them.

Nice work man CP3 is a beast in 2k11.
You drafted a Hood and House don't forget to draft in next draft Homie and Gun

Haha, literally LOLed when I read that this morning. Homie and Gun are both projected to be lottery picks, so we'll see

nice! CP3. you can now make JJ Hickson an all star

If LeBron could make Mo Williams an all-star, it would probably take Jesus and Wilt Chamberlain to get JJ on the team

Good Luck with CP3 i think you make the postseason now with 2 year absense.

So in your story Turner left the 76ers to join the Kings

Looking forward to the new season.

Thanks, Osaki. The Turner situation is a strange one. He had a great rookie year (mine is the only story I've ever seen where he won ROY, not Wall). Then, he kind of stagnated in his sophomore season. We'll see how this year goes for him, but at least he'll be around talent in Tyreke and Nate Robinson.

[Bucket]

Homie and Gun? Cool Try to trade for them in next year and you Cleveland will be on top

[Grandmama Johnson]

Homie and Gun? Cool Try to trade for them in next year and you Cleveland will be on top

Haha, only kidding, but you never know with the strange names 2k programs

[Grandmama Johnson]

2012 OFFSEASON


THE "CLE 3": Danny Granger joins Chris Paul and Cameron Stribling in a suddenly formidable Cavs lineup

GRANGER TO CAVS
Cleveland Makes Second Big Signing of Summer

CLEVELAND (AP)—The Cleveland Cavaliers acquired their second All-Star of the summer, dealing for forward Danny Granger. In return for the high-scoring Granger, the Cavs gave up starters Michael Conley and Jared Dudley.

“Danny is a fantastic scorer who will make us a very dynamic team,” head coach Byron Scott. “I’m excited to have him in uniform, have him on the floor, and ready to begin the season.”

Granger is the Cavs’ second blockbuster signing of the offseason, having acquired free agent Chris Paul in a $100 million deal. Many experts believe that Granger, Paul, and second-year guard Cameron Stribling could form a nucleus that will make Cleveland very competitive in the Eastern Conference.

Granger, a 3-time All-Star, will be 30 this season and is coming off a year when he made the All-NBA Third Team. His one-year partnership with Carmelo Anthony in Indiana was not as fruitful as some predicted, having struggled to make the playoffs and losing to the Celtics in the first round.

Now in Cleveland and around another All-Star teammate, Granger is optimistic for a winning run with the Cavs.

“Playing with Chris Paul is a great opportunity,” said Granger at his media unveiling. “I’m anxious to integrate into the team and bring some playoff basketball to Cleveland.”

With the addition of Granger, Cleveland now has its own “Big 3” and will soon have equally sizable expectations to fulfill. Returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2010 would be a good start.

Preseason Trades

Pacers get: Michael Conley and Jared Dudley
Cavs get: Danny Granger

Cavs get:Aaron Gray + 2013 Suns First Round Pick + Peter Atkins
Suns get: Tyson Chandler + 2013 Cavs First Round Pick + 2013 Cavs Second Round Pick

[Axel The Great]

Nice acquisitions in CP3 and Granger. Surprised that two superstars would want to play in Cleveland. With such a dynamic duo in town, I'll start following.

[Bucket]

WOOOOOW
Awesome, can't wait to see some games