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

[Cruzerr]

Good luck next year. Durants play was not that bad , still a double-double. But Harden was all over there

[kibaxx7]

[Grandmama Johnson]

Looking forward to 2014, i hope you can do the next step.

I think the East is the tougher conference in your story, but maybe your Cavs can surprise this year.

Thanks, man. I'm confident we can take that next step in 2014. I think the East is definitely tougher too. Hawks, Heat, Bulls, and Celtics are all good teams. Meanwhile, the Thunder and Grizzlies are the only Western teams I'd put on that level. The fact that Phoenix was able to make the playoffs with a sub-.500 record demonstrates that power imbalance.

Good luck next year. Durants play was not that bad , still a double-double. But Harden was all over there

Thanks, Cruzerr. It's great to have you on board. Feel free to provide any suggestions and check out the league/team history section on the first page if you ever want to quickly learn about the first three seasons!

:turrible:

Haha, did you make that? It's awesome

[kibaxx7]

Lol no, check the smilies when you post a reply

[Houndy]

What a win for the Thunder!

[Grandmama Johnson]

2013 OFFSEASON
PART 1

RETIREMENTS
Antawn Jamison (CLE): 15 yrs pro, age 37
Ray Allen (BOS): 17 yrs pro, age 37
Brevin Knight (LAL): 15 yrs pro, age 37
Antonio McDyess (LAL) 18 yrs pro, age 38

Analysis: Jamison will always have a special place in Cavs history, helping anchor the franchise during the post-LeBron rebuilding process. His leadership will be missed and the team will have to fill his starting power forward position for the coming season.



HALL OF FAME
No new inductees

Analysis: After inducting four new members in 2012, there will be no new HOF entries in 2013. Denying Ray Allen is a legitimate snub, considering he was an NBA champion, nine-time All-Star, and the all-time leader in three pointers.

COACHING RETIREMENTS
Gregg Popovich (Spurs)

Analysis: "Pop" retires after winning four NBA titles and instilling a true legacy of success in San Antonio.

COACH RE-SIGNINGS
Byron Scott extended for 2 years/3.33m per yr.

Analysis: The Cavs reward Scott for his success in successfully rebuilding the Cavs. Five and twelve-game improvements over the past two years lead to a new, two-year contract.

[Grandmama Johnson]

2013 OFFSEASON
PART 2

NBA TEAM/PLAYER OPTION
(G) John Wall (WAS) (89 OVR) Accepted
(G) Brandon Roy (POR) (88 OVR) Accepted
(G) Monta Ellis (GS) (87 OVR) Accepted
(F) Derrick Favors (NYN) (85 OVR) Accepted
(G) Cameron Stribling (CLE) (85 OVR) Accepted
(F) Andre Iguodala (PHI) (85 OVR) DECLINED
(G) Wesley Johnson (MIN) (85 OVR) Accepted

Analysis: Iggy looks like he's taking his game outside of Philadelphia, while most of the other big names have their options exercised.



CAVS TEAM/PLAYER OPTION
(G) Cameron Stribling (85 OVR) Accepted (2 yr. Team)
(F) Senso Garibaldi (58 OVR) Declined
(F) Barney Garrison (58 OVR) Declined
(F) Donald House (59 OVR) Accepted

CAVS RE-SIGNING
(F) J.J. Hickson (69 OVR)—Re-signed (4 yr/16m)
(F) Tiago Splitter—(66 OVR) Re-signed (2 yr/3m)

(G) Ramon Sessions (76 OVR)—Declined to re-sign (testing free agency)

(C) Aaron Gray (66 OVR)—Not re-signed
(F) Peter Atkins (63 OVR)—Not re-signed
(F) Senso Garibaldi (58 OVR)—Not re-signed
(F) Barney Garrison (58 OVR)—Not re-signed

Analysis: The Cavs lock up key bench players Hickson and Splitter. However, sixth man Ramon Sessions will test free agency, despite the Cavs' wishes to retain his services next year.

[Nutellar]

I think Iguodala is testing the West, maybe the Lakers Mavs or Spurs

[Cruzerr]

So Jamison is out, you think Hickson is going to step up in the PF position ? Those are some big shoes to fill.
How is your SG spot ?

[Grandmama Johnson]

I think Iguodala is testing the West, maybe the Lakers Mavs or Spurs

All good guesses. You're more correct than you realize

So Jamison is out, you think Hickson is going to step up in the PF position ? Those are some big shoes to fill.
How is your SG spot ?

Very good question. Hickson was re-signed precisely in case we didn't pick up a starting PF in free agency. He'd still be a decent option, but signing an upgraded PF was a big priority.

The SG spot should be locked down for 8-10 years. Cameron Stribling is entering his third year and looks like a potential franchise player. #2 pick in the 2011 draft, has gone from 77 to 81 to 86 OVR, so he has fantastic potential.

[Bucket]

Iggy in Lakers/Mavs/Spurs?

[Cruzerr]

Got to be the Mavs.

[kibaxx7]

Iggy in San Antonio would be awesome

[Bucket]

Now I can agree with Thierry. Spurs will be a better team for he. I CAN'T WAIT for his decision.

[Grandmama Johnson]

2013 OFFSEASON
PART 3

2013 LOTTERY

1. Bobcats
2. Hornets
3. Knicks

2013 NBA DRAFT

1 Bobcats: Lee Posey—SG—21—Marquette—82 OVR—Comparison: Monta Ellis
2 Hornets: Frederick Bowden—SG—23—Mississippi St.—83 OVR—Comparison: Brandon Roy
3 Knicks: Marcus Trent—PG—20—Stanford—79 OVR—Comparison: Jason Kidd
4 Magic: Bryce Barker—SG—21—Wisconsin—79 OVR—Comparison: Kobe Bryant
5 Pistons—Troy Hubbard—SG—21—Connecticut—80 OVR—Comparison: Manu Ginobli

15 CAVS—Quincy Swanson—C—23--Georgia Tech—71 OVR—Comparison: Marcus Camby
53 CAVS—Herbert Horsley—SG---20—Iowa St.—56 OVR—Comparison: Von Wafer

NBA Draft Analysis:
One of the deepest drafts in a while, especially at the guard positions. To put this draft in perspective, #5 Troy Hubbard could have easily been a top 3 pick in most other years. Only time will tell how this group stacks up to past draft classes, but there are some potential gems in this year’s edition. Lee Posey will make an instant impact for Charlotte, as will Frederick Bowden for New Orleans. Whether Marcus Trent becomes a hero for long-suffering Knicks fans remains to be seen.

Cavs Draft Analysis:
Swanson: Decent all-around center, slightly undersized at 6’9”, but great defender and rebounder
Horsley: Sharpshooter from outside, decent athlete, potential defensive liability

Trades:
PHX trades Channing Frye and 2nd round pick to MIN for Shawn Marion

[Grandmama Johnson]

2013 OFFSEASON
PART 4

NBA FREE AGENCY
Spurs sign Blake Griffin (87 OVR) to 5 yr/85m
Magic sign James Harden (85 OVR) to 5yr/85m
Hawks sign Brandon Jennings (87 OVR) to 5 yr/85 m
Suns sign Jonny Flynn (85 OVR) to 5yr/85m
Knicks sign Michael Conley (82 OVR) to 5yr/84m
Sixers sign Jrue Holiday (82 OVR) to 5 yr/83m
Jazz sign DeMar DeRozan (75 OVR) to 4yr/52m
Sixers sign DeJuan Blair (78 OVR) to 4yr/46m
Mavs sign Rodrigue Beaubois (76 OVR) to 4yr/45m
Raptors sign Jeff Teague (73 OVR) to 4 yr/44m
Warriors sign Andre Iguodala (85 OVR) to 5 yr/35m
Warriors sign Baron Davis (69 OVR) to 1 yr/2m


TEXAS BOUND: Blake Griffin will inject some much-needed new blood into San Antonio

Analysis: A very busy and eventful free agency period. The Clippers lose Blake Griffin after failing to build a winner around their former #1 pick. He's off to San Antonio, where he will learn under perhaps the greatest power forward of all time, Tim Duncan. Elsewhere, James Harden joins Dwight Howard down in Orlando, potentially breaking up a budding dynasty in Oklahoma City. His Game 7 heroics in the NBA Finals turned out to be his final game in a Thunder uniform. Iguodala will go west to join Golden State, as will Warrior fan favorite Baron Davis.

CAVS FREE AGENCY
(PF) Paul Millsap (76 OVR) 2 yr/13m
(PG) Ramon Sessions (76 OVR) 4 yr/36m
(SG) Rashad McCants (68 OVR) 1yr/4m (MLE)
(SG) Dahntay Jones (64 OVR) 1yr/532k


MISSING PIECE?: Millsap is an upgrade to the retiring Jamison, but can it help push the Cavs over the top?

Analysis:The Cavs acquire Millsap, who will be an upgrade to Jamison at the power forward position. "Sixth man" Ramon Sessions is also kept in the fold, thanks to a new, long-term deal. McCants and Jones will fill out the roster.

COACHING CHANGES
Heat hire Phil Jackson
Bulls hire Doc Rivers
Magic hire Erik Spolestra
Spurs hire Kurt Rambis


TAKING HIS TALENTS TO SOUTH BEACH: Phil Jackson joins up with LeBron James.

Analysis: In one of the biggest stories of the summer, Phil Jackson joins LeBron, Wade, and Bosh in Miami. Consecutive quarterfinal exits have prompted Miami to sign the best coach in the business to bring their star-studded team back to the top. The fading Lakers were not able to retain the Zen Master, who delivered five titles to LA.

[kibaxx7]

Blake in San Antonio and the Zen Master in Miami?

[Grandmama Johnson]

Blake in San Antonio and the Zen Master in Miami?

Yep. Thought you'd like the Griffin news--another sign that the Clippers can't build a franchise.

Jackson move is scarily realistic IMO. Underperforming super-team signs aging coach, looking to get the big egos on the same page and ride off into the sunset with a final ring.

[Nutellar]

I like the offseason news, Griffin to Spurs sound interesting.

Brandon Jennings to the Hawks, James Harden to the Magic means more competition for you.

[Justine.]

Blake in Spurs Glad to see Davis back in Warriors and now with Iguodala Jackson will coach the Heat Excellent pickups of Millsap and Sessions Hope your team can make noise in the league now, roster is pretty deep.

[Cruzerr]

So you got Millsap, not bad. He isnt so talented as Jamison but he has nice age. Also , Iguodala to Warriors ?!?! :O

[kibaxx7]

Yep. Thought you'd like the Griffin news--another sign that the Clippers can't build a franchise.

OF COURSE I like the news

[Bucket]

BLAKE?
Millsap is a nice addition.

[Grandmama Johnson]

I like the offseason news, Griffin to Spurs sound interesting.

Brandon Jennings to the Hawks, James Harden to the Magic means more competition for you.

Haha,it sure does. The East is going to be STACKED this year.

Blake in Spurs Glad to see Davis back in Warriors and now with Iguodala Jackson will coach the Heat Excellent pickups of Millsap and Sessions Hope your team can make noise in the league now, roster is pretty deep.

Thanks! I think we really have a shot this year. I always thought this would be the year our "title window" opens up. No glaring weaknesses anymore, so it will just come down to getting everyone on the same page and winning when it counts.

So you got Millsap, not bad. He isnt so talented as Jamison but he has nice age. Also , Iguodala to Warriors ?!?! :O

Good point about Millsap. Jamison was a better player in his prime, but he was a liability last year when his skills had deteriorated. Iggy to Warriors should also be very interesting

BLAKE?
Millsap is a nice addition.

Yep, Mr. Griffin himself Who knows? Maybe him and Duncan can give your Thunder a run this year

[Nutellar]

Did you try to get Griffin?