Lamrock's Blazers - Retired

[Lamrock]

I meant to post the NBA award winners separately and post the standings and league leaders earlier, but forgot and was busy. Better late than never I say, so here they are!

NBA Regular Season Review

2013-14 NBA Standings

Western Conference

z-1 Oklahoma City 53-29
x-2 Portland 50-32
y-3 New Orleans 49-33
y-4 Golden State 44-38
x-5 Denver 47-35
x-6 San Antonio 46-36
x-7 Houston 44-38
x-8 Utah 43-39
LA Clippers 42-40
Memphis 39-43
LA Lakers 38-44
Sacramento 35-47
Phoenix 29-53
Dallas 27-55
Minnesota 25-57

Eastern Conference

z-1 Miami 51-31
y-2 Detroit 48-34
x-3 Indiana 47-35
y-4 Toronto 44-38
x-5 Philadelphia 44-38
x-6 Chicago 44-38
x-7 Boston 44-38
x-8 Washington 42-40
Brooklyn 40-42
Orlando 38-44
Milwaukee 38-44
New York 37-45
Atlanta 36-46
Cleveland 35-47
Charlotte 31-51

NBA Awards

Most Valuable Player: LeBron James (MIA) - 28.6 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 6 APG, 37.7 MPG, 82 games [.547%/.378%/.770%]
LeBron had yet another dominant statistical season en route to his fifth MVP award (in six seasons, no less). Despite the Heat taking a step back with 51 wins, they still got the 1 seed in the East and James's stats are simply unparalleled.
Rookie of the Year: Marcus Smart (CHA) - 15.7 PPG, 5.6 APG, 4 RPG, 32.5 MPG, 68 games [.420%/.362%/.872%]
In just his rookie year, Smart has proven to be a borderline all-star who can play both guard positions, and along with Nerlens Noel, gives Bobcats fans reason for optimism.
Sixth Man of the Year: Eric Bledsoe (LAC) - 9.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.3 APG, 20.2 MPG, 75 games [.440%/.330%/.753%]
With many key reserves now starting (Kevin Martin, Jamal Crawford among others), there have been few big time scorers coming off the bench. However, the Clippers have to feel good about not trading the young Bledsoe, who has shown tremendous promise in limited minutes.
Defensive Player of the Year: Anthony Davis (NO) - 10.3 RPG, 2.1 BPG, 1.9 SPG, 36.1 MPG, 78 games
The Hornets were the surprise winners of the Southwest Division, and Davis was the catalyst, enjoying a breakout all-star season and dominating on the defensive end.
Most Improved Player: Derrick Favors - 10.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG -> 15.2 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 33 MPG, 74 games [.532%/.000%/.647%]
Favors benefited greatly from the Jazz dealing franchise stalwarts Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson. He now nearly averages a double double and is emerging into one of the league's top bigs.
Coach of the Year: Lawrence Frank (DET) - Detroit Pistons: 48-34
Still coach of the Pistons, Frank rewarded the Pistons' loyalty by leading the team to a surprise 48 game win season with a playoff series victory.

All-NBA First Team
G - Russell Westbrook (OKC)
G - Kobe Bryant (LAL)
F - Kevin Durant (OKC)
F - LeBron James (MIA)
C - Brook Lopez (BKN)

All-NBA Second Team
G - John Wall (WAS)
G - Tony Parker (SA)
F - Paul George (IND)
F - Carmelo Anthony (NY)
C - Joakim Noah

All-NBA Third Team
G - Damian Lillard (POR)
G - Rajon Rondo (BOS)
F - Josh Smith (ATL)
F - Anthony Davis (NO)
C - Dwight Howard (ORL)

All-Defensive First Team
G - John Wall (WAS)
G - Iman Shumpert (NY)
F - Josh Smith (ATL)
F - Anthony Davis (NO)
C - Andre Drummond (DET)

All-Defensive Second Team
G - Ricky Rubio (MIN)
G - Rajon Rondo (BOS)
F - LeBron James (MIA)
F - Blake Griffin (LAC)
C - Joakim Noah (CHI)

All-Rookie First Team
G - Marcus Smart (CHA)
C - Cody Zeller (MIN)
F - J.R. Young (ATL)
C - Nerlens Noel (CHA)
G - Victor Oladipo (OKC)

All-Rookie Second Team
F - Glenn Robinson III (SAC)
G - Michael Carter-Williams (UTA)
F - Alex Poythress (POR)
C - Jeff Withey (PHX)
F - Trevor Mbakwe (MIA)

League Leaders

Points Per Game
1. LeBron James (MIA): 28.6
2. Kobe Bryant (LAL): 28.0
3. Carmelo Anthony (NY): 26.8
4. Brook Lopez (BKN): 24.2
5. Damian Lillard (POR): 22.8
*DNQ: Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant (too few games played)

Rebounds Per Game
1. Blake Griffin (LAC): 11.5
2. Dwight Howard (ORL): 10.8
3. Joakim Noah (CHI): 10.7
4. Al Horford (ATL): 10.7
5. Jordan Hill (LAL): 10.6
-----
6. J.J. Hickson (POR): 10.5

Assists Per Game
1. Rajon Rondo (BOS): 8.9
2. Jrue Holiday (PHI): 8.6
3. Raymond Felton (NY): 8.4
4. Jose Calderon (DET): 8.3
5. Ty Lawson (DEN): 8.2
-----
8. Damian Lillard (POR): 7.5

Steals Per Game
1. Iman Shumpert (NY): 2.8
2. Ricky Rubio (MIN): 2.7
3. Mike Conley (MEM): 2.5
-----
22. Wesley Matthews (POR): 1.6

Blocks Per Game
1. Javale McGee (DEN): 2.2
2. Anthony Davis (NO): 2.1
3. Serge Ibaka (OKC): 2.1
-----
24. J.J. Hickson: 1.0

Turnovers Per Game
1. Raymond Felton (NY): 3.2
2. Tony Parker (SA): 3.2
3. Damian Lillard (POR): 3.1

Field Goal Percentage
1. Brandan Wright (BOS): .583%
-----
8. J.J. Hickson (POR): .541%

Three Point Percentage
1. Ersan Ilyasova (MIL): .515%
-----
21. Wesley Matthews: .416%

Free Throw Percentage
1. Stephen Curry (GS): .934%
-----
7. Damian Lillard (POR): .915%

Player Efficiency Rating
1. LeBron James (MIA): 30.7
-----
11. Damian Lillard (POR): 22.2

True Shooting Percentage
1. Kevin Durant (OKC): .637%
-----
15. Damian Lillard (POR): .593%

Estimated Wins Added
1. LeBron James: 22.3
-----
12. Damian Lillard: 8.8

[Lamrock]

Another Dominant Outing For Westbrook

Thunder Eke Out Ugly Win In Game 5
Trail Blazers 81 @ Thunder 86

The Thunder defeated Portland in game 5 to take a 3-2 series lead in the Western Conference finals. Damian Lillard committed three turnovers in the first quarter while both Aldridge and J.J. Hickson got in early foul trouble, giving the Thunder a double digit lead. OKC would not trail again in the game, despite going ice cold in the second half.

Russell Westbrook out-dueled Damian Lillard with 23 points to his 22, while Portland played from behind all night. A Reggie Jackson triple to open the second half put OKC up 17, but the Blazers responded with a 10-0 run. Unfortunately, the three-ball they rely so heavily on was just not there for them, which rendered their excellent defensive effort moot. "It's like there was a lid on the rim or something", remarked Wesley Matthews following the game.

The Thunder are now just one win away from the NBA Finals, where the winner of Heat/Bulls will await.

POR 22 19 20 20 | 81 - Lillard: 22/2/3, 8-10 FG; Aldridge: 14/8/5; Carter: 15/2/3
OKC 34 21 15 16 | 86 - Westbrook: 23/3/10; Durant: 14/10/3; K. Martin: 15/6/1

Heat Pull Off Impressive Fourth Quarter Comeback To Edge Bulls By A Point
Heat 87, Bulls 86 [MIA leads 3-2]

Thunder Advance To NBA Finals With 35 Point Rout
Thunder 104 @ Trail Blazers 70

It was certainly not what the fans at the sold out Moda Center wanted or expected, but it happened. The Blazers finally died by the three, getting eliminated in outstanding fashion by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Kevin Durant was sensational with 35 points, while Westbrook chipped in 21 and 11 to advance to the NBA Finals once again.

With Damian Lillard and Wes Matthews offering 7 or the Blazers 11 bricks from beyond the arc in the first quarter, Portland started from behind. Turnovers in the second period didn't help matters as the Thunder closed the half on a 11-2 run to lead by 20. Things didn't look up for Portland after that, as they didn't crack the half century scoring mark until the fourth quarter.

It was an incredibly disappointing loss for Portland, who had enjoyed a tremendously successful season, defying all pre-season projections. Lillard and Aldridge, the team's all-stars and pillars, combined to score just 27 points on 38 field goal attempts. With several upcoming free agents (Ramon Sessions, Vince Carter, among others), it'll be interesting to see if Blazers management believes in this core group enough to keep it intact.

The Thunder meanwhile return to the NBA Finals, and star Kevin Durant vows that this is the team's year. Boasting two all-NBA first teamers, an elite defense and a deep bench, it just might be.

OKC 27 27 21 30 | 105 - Durant: 34/6/6/5 stls; Westbrook: 21/4/11; K. Martin: 13/5/3
POR 19 15 20 16 | 70 - Lillard: 17/3/5, 8-22 FG, 1-8 3pt; Carter: 9/2/3/3 stls; Aldridge: 10/5/1, 5-16 FG

Heat Held To 7 Fourth Quarter Points As Bulls' Defense Forces A Seventh Game
Bulls 70, Heat 68 [Series tied 3-3]

[john26]

sucks going out like that, terrible performances from aldridge and lillard in an important game.

[Phil89]

That's a tough way to end your season. Sounds like you have some interesting decisions to make during the off-season. Add a couple more solid players and I'm sure you can go one step further next season.

Hopefully the Bulls can find a way to win game 7 so Rose and Westbrook can go head to head, instead of the clichéd Durant vs LeBron.

[Valor]

Bummer being knocked out by shitty OKC, can't wait for my Bulls to sweep them in the Finals after laying a game 7 beatdown on the Heat

[Martti.]

Miami's gonna win it.

Sucks you lost, but the Cinderella season had to end some time, like my Rockets. Although with the way they're playing this season, I would very much like to see them in the WCF and it's possible if they keep it up, though I fear their lack of experience will be costly against teams like the Spurs, Warriors, Thunder...

[Lamrock]

Rose Held To 8 As Heat Advance To Fourth Straight Finals
Heat 93, Bulls 78 [MIA wins 4-3]

2014 NBA FINALS: Miami Heat (51-31, 12-6) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (53-29, 12-6)



The Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder are undoubtedly the two best teams in the league, boasting the best records and ultimately both advancing to the NBA Finals. The Thunder hope the addition of Victor Oladipo and development of their young core is enough to finally knock off the two-time defending champions. After tough series against the Warriors and Blazers, they appear ready to give Miami a real run for their money.

The Heat meanwhile once again found themselves in a conference finals game 7 situation but ultimately prevailed in the East side of things. Despite being accused of coasting through the regular season, MVP LeBron and the Miami Heat are once again favored to win it all. Can the Heat Three-Peat? Or will a ring be won by Hasheem Thabeet? Time will tell.

----------

2013-14 Blazers Season In Review:



Team Stats (regular season):
Record: 50-32
Win Pct.: .610% (3rd)
PPG: 100.5 (15th)
PAPG: 97.6 (4th)
PD: +2.9 (5th)

Player Stats:

Damian Lillard: 22.8 PPG, 7.5 APG, 4 RPG [.469%/.378%/.915%]
LaMarcus Aldridge: 18.4 PPG, 8.6 RPG [.469%/.172%/.815%]
Wesley Matthews: 14.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.6 SPG [.437%/.416%/.886%]
Vince Carter: 11.6 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.7 APG [.392%/.366%/.863%]
J.J. Hickson: 10 PPG, 10.5 RPG [.541%/.000%/.654%]
Ramon Sessions: 8.3 PPG, 4 APG, 3.4 RPG [.402%/.327%/.809%]
Alex Poythress: 6.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG [.464%/.274%/.575%]
Eric Maynor: 3.9 PPG, 2.5 APG [.442%/.368%/.729%]
Kelly Olynyk: 3.7 PPG, 2.5 RPG [.534%/.500%/.851%]
Meyers Leonard: 3.5 PPG, 3 RPG [.596%/.333%/.868%]
Allen Crabbe: 1.7 PPG, 21 GP [.324%/.391%/.400%]
Michael Redd: 0.7 PPG, 3 GP [.250%/.000%/.000%]

Post-Season:

Damian Lillard: 25.2 PPG, 7.7 APG, 3.4 RPG [.517%/.400%/.890%]
LaMarcus Aldridge: 17.4 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3.3 APG [.509%/.250%/.769%]
Wesley Matthews: 13.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.8 APG [.475%/.441%/.889%]
Vince Carter: 9.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.9 APG [.398%/.294%/.742%]
J.J. Hickson: 7.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG [.656%/.000%/.771%]
Ramon Sessions: 9.1 PPG, 3.8 APG [.473%/.352%/.786%]
Alex Poythress: 5.2 PPG, 2.5 RPG [.481%/.414%/.714%]
Eric Maynor: 4.1 PPG, 2.1 APG [.400%/.361%/.833%]
Meyers Leonard: 3.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG [.743%/.000%/1.000%]
Kelly Olynyk: 2.5 PPG, 2.5 APG [.514%/.000%/.833%]

[Lamrock]

Thunder Embarrass Heat In Miami To Win NBA Championship

Winning Game 4 of the NBA Finals in blowout fashion, Durant dropped 44 as the Thunder won by as many points to finish off a sweep of the two-time defending champions. After winning the first game in the series convincingly, the Thunder survived nailbiters in games 2 & 3, leaving Miami with the task of an unprecedented comeback from down 3 games to 0. Instead, they lost 120-76 on their home court, giving the Thunder their first championship in OKC.

Kevin Durant eked out the Finals MVP award despite equally sensational play from teammate Russell Westbrook. Durant averaged 28 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists while making nearly half his threes in the four wins. He later dedicated the award to God.

Game 1 - Thunder 97, Heat 78 | Game MVP: Westbrook: 34/3/7, 13-16 FG
Game 2 - Thunder 100, Heat 95 | Game MVP: Durant: 21/10/3 stls
Game 3 - Thunder 108, Heat 105 | Game MVP: Westbrook: 41/7/2, 7-12 3pt
Game 4 - Thunder 120, Heat 76 | Game MVP: Durant: 44/7/2, 17-26 FG

Finals MVP: Kevin Durant
28 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 4.5 APG [.525%/.485%/.904%]

----------



A New Era Of Parity In The NBA?

With the Thunder sweeping the Miami Heat to win the 2013-14 NBA championship, so concludes an odd season. The 53 win Thunder boasted the league's best regular season record as no team finished the season with more than 60 wins or losses. Young teams like the Blazers and Hornets have turned into contenders, while sure bets like New York and Orlando missed out on the playoffs completely. The NBA has always been criticized for its lack of parity - does this past season prove that the lockout worked?

The biggest disappointment of the year by far was the Orlando Magic. Reunited with franchise player Dwight Howard and now boasting the #1 pick in the previous draft along with the assets acquired in the 2012 Howard trade, many expected a return to the conference finals. Instead, they won 38 games. Winning 37, the Knicks were no better, wasting all-star seasons from Carmelo (26.8 PPG) and Raymond Felton (18.5 PPG, 8.4 APG). In their place though, were a Pistons team that shocked the world by winning 48 games to get the 2 seed, and a Wizards squad who took the Heat to 7.

Looking toward the NBA Draft, the success of the Blazers may inspire the dregs of the league. While some claim it was simply "a bad season for basketball", others, such as now-former commissioner David Stern would call it a positive sign for things to come. Either way, there are plenty of reasons to be excited for next season.

NBA Retirements



G/F - Ray Allen (MIA) | Age 38 | 18 Years Pro - HOF
G - Steve Nash (LAL) | Age 40 | 18 Years Pro - HOF
G - Chauncey Billups (MEM) | Age 37 | 17 Years Pro
C/F - Jermaine O'Neal (LAL) | Age 35 | 18 Years Pro
F/C - Elton Brand (NY) | Age 35 | 15 Years Pro
F - Al Harrington (NY) | Age 34 | 16 Years Pro
F - Corey Maggette (LAL) | Age 34 | 15 Years Pro

[Lamrock]

Phoenix Wins 2014 Draft Lottery



With the third-best odds (15.6%), the Phoenix Suns' tanking efforts have been rewarded with the #1 overall pick in the draft. The favorite to be taken #1 is Kansas forward Andrew Wiggins, but Suns management has their lips sealed about who they'll be selecting. If last year is any indication, it wouldn't be a surprise to see a selection out of left field. Dallas will choose second and Cleveland will pick third. The big losers of the lottery were the Wolves, who, after posting a league-worst 25-57 record, get the worst case scenario fourth selection.

NBA First Round Draft Order

Team (Odds)
1. Suns (15.6%)
2. Mavericks (19.9%)
3. Cavaliers (8.8%)
4. Timberwolves (25%)
5. Bobcats (11.9%)
6. Kings (6.3%)
7. Hawks (4.3%)
8. Knicks (2.8%)
9. Bucks (1.7%)
10. Magic (1.1%)
11. Lakers (0.8%)
12. Grizzlies (0.7%)
13. Nets (0.6%)
14. Clippers (0.5%)
----------
15. Wizards
16. Jazz
17. 76ers
18. Rockets
19. Celtics
20. Bulls
21. Raptors
22. Bulls
23. Spurs
24. Nuggets
25. Pacers
26. Pistons
27. Hornets
28. Trail Blazers
29. Heat
30. Thunder

Blazers Depth Chart

PG - Lillard | Maynor
SG - Matthews | Sessions | (Crabbe) | Redd
SF - Carter | Poythress
PF - Aldridge | Olynyk | Freeland
C - Hickson | Leonard | Przybilla

RED denotes free agents.

Blazers' Offseason Headlines

Blazers Hire Patrick Ewing As Assistant Coach
Portland Picks Up Options On Leonard, Olynyk
Blazers Extend Qualifying Offer To Crabbe
Ramon Sessions: "I'm Gonna Test Free Agency"
Maynor, Carter Could Be Returning To Portland

The Blazers hold the 28th and 58th picks in the next draft. Targeting a back-up guard and help at the small forward position, the Blazers scoured the deep draft board with the likes of Semaj Christon, Gary Harris and James Young. Young reportedly had the best workout, and may be on the Blazers radar. However, he is a projected mid-first rounder, which could hint a trade in the works?

2014 ESPN Mock Lottery



1. Suns - Andrew Wiggins
2. Mavericks - Dante Exum
3. Cavaliers - Jabari Parker
4. Timberwolves - Willie Cauley
5. Bobcats - Joel Emblid
6. Kings - Julius Randle
7. Hawks - Noah Vonleh
8. Knicks - Aaron Gordon
9. Bucks - Dyrone Williams
10. Magic - Aaron Harrison
11. Lakers - Hans Antonio
12. Grizzlies - James Young
13. Nets - Gary Harris
14. Clippers - Aaron Harrison

[Martti.]

Damn, the Heat got swept? That's messed up.

I would def trade up to get Young, you need help on that SF spot, Carter may be alright for 20-25 minutes, but isn't really a starter anymore.

[Valor]

Good stuff hiring Ewing, maybe Leonard could have a breakout season now

[Lamrock]

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the 2014 NBA Draft! There has been a great deal of hype for this draft class, which is headlined by Kansas swingman Andrew Wiggins. However, if last year's draft is any indication, Wiggins is far from a lock to go first. Without further adieu, here comes David Stern to the podium!

1. Phoenix - C Willie Cauley (Kentucky)
After Nerlens Noel slipped to sixth in the draft last season, Willie Cauley turned out a solid season at Kentucky to be the surprise #1 pick. Who looks more upset? Andrew Wiggins or every Suns fan ever? Cauley was the #2 rated Center, let alone player, so expect some backlash here.
2. Dallas - G Dante Exum (Australia)
This spells trouble for Darren Collison, who quietly had a solid season for the otherwise dismal Mavs last year.
3. Cleveland - F Andrew Wiggins (Kansas)
Cavs fans rejoice as the team fills its need for a SF, picks up a potential franchise player, and perhaps gets a shot at redemption for the LeBron era.
4. Minnesota - G James Young (Kentucky)
Minnesota adds James Young to an improving swingman rotation after missing out on Kevin Martin at the last minute in free agency last summer.
5. Charlotte - F Julius Randle (Louisville)
Could Randle be the missing piece that gets Charlotte back to the playoffs? Probably not this year, but this pick is probably the best player available, especially if the team is sold on MKG still.
6. Sacramento - F Noah Vonleh (Indiana)
The Kings pass up on Jabari Parker to feed their power forward addiction. We'll see how this goes...
7. Atlanta - C Joel Emblid (Kansas)
Atlanta finally gets a Center to put next to Al Horford.
8. New York - F Aaron Gordon (UCLA)
Lots of boos for this pick, with Jabari Parker still on the board. At least they didn't take a Euro?
9. Milwaukee - G Dyrone Williams (Connecticut)
Jabari Parker continues to slip as the Bucks hope to find their PGotF in Williams.

Three Team Trade: Portland / Oklahoma City / Orlando



Blazers Trade F/C J.J. Hickson, C Meyers Leonard, pick #28, Receive pick #10, C Kendrick Perkins, G Beno Udrih
Magic Trade pick #10, C Nikola Vucevic, G Beno Udrih, Receive F/C J.J. Hickson, C Meyers Leonard, Thunder's 2016 First Rounder
Thunder Trade 2016 First Rounder, Kendrick Perkins, Receive C Nikola Vucevic

Seeing Jabari Parker fall in the draft, the Blazers pounced on the opportunity to deal with a team set at the SF position (Martti Must, Tobias Harris). They send enigmatic big J.J. Hickson, underwhelming young Center Meyers Leonard, and their 28th pick for the 10th pick, Kendrick Perkins and Beno Udrih. Perkins and Udrih are expected to be kept. The Blazers fill a major need at the 3 (no offense Alex Poythress), gets a potential superstar, and clears up their big man rotation. Unfortunately, they also help out division rival and defending champion OKC in the process...

The Thunder, included in the deal because Orlando doesn't have enough minutes to distribute to Nikola Vucevic, deals a future first and expiring scrub Kendrick Perkins for a legit starting Center. This move could be what turns them into a dynasty. Beware, the rest of the league!

The Magic deal a very good center and a valuable draft pick for Hickson, Leonard, and a future first from the Thunder. At first glance, this looks like a major rip-off until you consider their personnel. Set at the SF and C positions, the Magic acquire a starting 4 in Hickson, a long-term backup C who won't demand too much playing time in Meyers Leonard, and a draft pick. They may take a hit from a talent perspective, but should make the post-season next year.

10. Portland (via Orlando) - F Jabari Parker (Duke)
Blazers fans have got to be stoked about this one. While some question which red flags caused nine team to pass on him, Parker is a potential franchise-changer.
11. LA Lakers - F Dwight Powell (Stanford)
Who is Dwight Powell??????
12. Memphis - G Andrew Harrison (Kentucky)
The Grizzlies take a talented point guard - but would they have been better served taking Harrison's twin brother, who is a 2?
13. Brooklyn - G Hans Antonio (Phillippines)
After a disappointing campaign, the Nets may look to move Deron Williams with the selection of Hans Antonio.
14. LA Clippers - F Chris Bridges (Florida)
Bridges is a very talented player who should become a rotation player instantly with the Clippers.
15. Washington - F Chris Frazier (Syracuse)
Frazier enters a good situation as the projected starting SF in Washington.
16. Utah - F Sean Kilpatrick (Cincinnati)
*76ers trade G Nick Young, pick #17 to Warriors for F Taj Gibson, F Draymond Green*
17. Golden State (via Philadelphia) - G Ricky Ledo (Providence)
18. Houston - G Semaj Christon (Xavier)
*Celtics trade pick #19, C Fab Melo to Grizzlies for G J.J. Barea*
19. Memphis (via Boston) - F Branden Dawson (Michigan State)
20. Chicago - G Aaron Harrison (Kentucky)
21. Toronto - F Adreian Payne (Michigan State)
22. Chicago - G Jordan Adams (UCLA)
23. San Antonio - G Jerian Grant (Notre Dame)
24. Denver - G Mario Hezonja (Croatia)
25. Indiana - G Rodney Purvis (North Carolina State)
26. Detroit - F Grant Jerrett (Arizona)
*Hornets trade #27 pick, 2015 2nd rounder to Bucks for G Randy Foye*
27. Milwaukee (via New Orleans) - F Jakarr Sampson (St. Johnson's)
28. Orlando (via Portland) - G Kasey Hill (Florida)
29. Miami - G Aaron Craft (Ohio State)
*Mavericks Trade Kyle Anderson to Thunder for G Thabo Sefolosha, pick #30*
30. Dallas (via Oklahoma City) - C AJ Hammons (Purdue)

*Mavericks trade pick #32 (Russ Smith) to Raptors for F CJ Leslie*
*Blazers trade F Joel Freeland to Hornets for pick #57*

Notable Second Round Selections:
38. New York - G Gary Harris (Michigan State)
52. Boston - G CJ Wilcox (Washington)
57. Portland (via New Orleans) - G Andre Hollins (Minnesota)
58. Portland - C Mitch McGary (Michigan)

Blazers Draft Summary

Out:
Meyers Leonard
Joel Freeland

In:
Jabari Parker
Andre Hollins
Mitch McGary
Beno Udrih
Kendrick Perkins

Depth Chart

PG - Lillard | Udrih | Hollins
SG - Matthews
SF - Poythress | Parker
PF - Aldridge | Olynyk
C - Perkins | McGary

10/12 Players | Cap Room: $17.02M

[Martti.]

Holy shit, 2K with its draft logic, way to get possible the best player in the draft, I still put Wiggins ahead even though he hasn't been as good as I imagined in Kansas.

Will he really come off the bench? I like Poythress, but Parker should be ready to contribute right away as a starter.

Not sure why my Magic traded Parker and Vucevic for Hickson, Leonard and Thunder's first rounder, which will probably be between 25-30.

[john26]

nice work getting jabari, could be a big 3 with lillard and aldridge in portland

[Phil89]

Nice job taking advantage of silly AI drafting to nab a potential superstar. $17m cap space could land you someone nice as well.

[maksie]

ive been an offline follower of this one for long time, Lamrock, and its been awesome
Nice job on the draft getting Jabari and also McGary whom I think can easily move Perk from the starting lineup when the season gets going

[Valor]

Perkins should get you a lot of time on Shaqtin a fool but on a serious note, nice steal you got there Chi-town natives are nice ballers

[Lamrock]

Martti., Orlando's in more of a win-now mode and J.J. Hickson has more value as a 4 in this than in real life. (somebody?) / Afflalo / Must / Hickson / Howard looks like a pretty good starting five. I guess my justification is that the CPU accepted it, and Vucevic had poor morale.

The plan is to start Poythress and bring Parker off the bench. Poythress is fairly expendable though and his ability to play stretch 4 would make him a viable sixth man.

john26, Phil89, maksie, Valor, Thanks guys.

Free agency coming up next. Key FA's include Paul George (started this before his extension), Iguodala, Monroe, Favors, etc.

[Axel The Great]

Shame you didn't make the finals, but I'm glad Miami didn't win it.

Jabari Parker is an absolute steal. 2K13's draft logic is always silly enough for you to land a draft steal every year. Looking forward to seeing what you do with that $17M in cap space.

[Lamrock]

Free Agency Day 1



Headlines

Blazers sign rookies Parker, Hollins, McGary
Portland elects to sign all three rookies they drafted to standard deals.
Iguodala, Garnett, Ginobili Among Key Unrestricted Free Agents
Iguodala figures to receive an eight figure per year deal while KG and Manu are likely to be pursued for the MLE
George, Monroe, Favors, Cousins To Test Restricted Free Agency
Stars of the 2010 draft class pursue their second NBA contracts
Portland Could Be Major Player In Free Agency
With $17M in cap room, expect the Blazers to put out some offers
Brandon Roy Hopes To Continue Career With Cavaliers
lololololol

Free Agency Day 4



Headlines

Blazers Sign Greg Monroe To $60M Offer Sheet
Deal is $60M over 4 years, with a player option - Pistons reportedly leery about near-max deal for first-time all-star
Paul George Signs 4 year, $65.5M extension with Pacers
Pacers lock up their new franchise player long-term
Clippers Sign Bledsoe To 5 Year, $40M extension
Reigning sixth man of the year receives a sizable pay day from the Clips
Ginobili Returns To Spurs
(Collective groan from Spurs fans)
Garnett Stays In Boston For Another Year
KG hopes to make one last futile hope at the title despite an ancient roster.

Free Agency Day 7



Headlines

Pistons Sign Isaiah Thomas To 3 Year, $24M deal
Isiah Thomas can't be happy.
Kings Extend Cousins: 4 years, $65M
After his first all-star appearance, Cousins earns the big bucks
Spencer Hawes Chooses Lakers
Lakers add a starting C to replace Kaman
Kirilenko, Varejao Also Headed To Lakers
AK-47 and Varejao will improve the weak Lakers' D and bench
Blazers sign Vince Carter to 1 year deal, worth $1.25M
Vinsanity returns for one more year, though is not expected to start.

Free Agency Day 10



Headlines

Monroe A Blazer After Pistons Don't Match
In a huge shocker, Detroit passes on extending on All-Star PF despite surprise 48 win season
Jazz Extend Favors To 4 Year, $57.24M deal
High-ceiling big man Favors cashes in despite doing little of note to this point
Cavaliers Extend Brandon Roy, David West, Jerryd Bayless
Cavs go all-in on mediocrity with former Blazers Roy and Bayless, and aging big David West.
Shawn Marion Heads To New York
THE KNICKS ARE BACK.
Blazers Sign Steve Novak, Gustavo Ayon, Allen Crabbe To 1-Year Deals
Portland fills the roster out with cheap, serviceable role players.

Free Agency Day 13



Headlines

Kings sign Ramon Sessions To Three Year Deal
Kings replace Isaiah with Ramon Sessions, who was big for Portland in the playoffs
Detroit re-signs Rodney Stuckey
Stuckey >>> Monroe???
Rockets Sign Shannon Brown
Houston "improves" their bench with Shannon Brown
Blair signs 5 year, $40M extension with Spurs
No ACL's, no problem, San Antonio re-ups on DeJuan Blair
Bucks Sign Kaman To 1 year deal
Classic Milwaukee!

Training Camps

Jabari Parker - Basketball 101
Wesley Matthews - Outside Shooting
Kelly Olynyk - Athleticism

Pre-Season Depth Chart:

PG - Lillard | Udrih | Hollins
SG - Matthews | Carter | Crabbe
SF - Poythress | Parker | Novak
PF - Aldridge | Olynyk | Ayon
C - Monroe | Perkins | McGary

[Vespasian92]

How could they let Isaiah walk... disappointing.

Anyway, probably a good use of your cap space. A fairly hefty price for Monroe, but you didn't really have other roster needs aside from a frontcourt partner for LMA.

[Phil89]

Love the Monroe signing. I guess it was more than you wanted to pay him, but Detroit would have probably just matched a lesser offer.

I'll predict right now that you will return to the conference finals, with Parker taking over a starting role before the end of the season.

[Valor]

Don't like Monroe...you probably overpaid for him too so good luck with that

[Lamrock]

Yeah, with the exception of the Parker trade, most of my deals here have seemed like steals at the time while being anything but. Monroe was the best available talent though, and the max is necessary to steal an all star. Anything short of the #1 offense would be a failure but the D is another story..

Thanks for the interest guys. I bought 2k14 but I'm still engrossed with this so expect a mostly sim, all heart story from here on out.

[Martti.]

Wow, title or bust from here on out. 2 elite scoring big men, an All-Star PG, a potential all-star in Parker coming along, good bench.