Main Site | Forum | Rules | Downloads | Wiki | Features | Podcast

NLSC Forum

A collection of memorable stories from NBA Live's franchise and career modes.
Topic locked

Thu Mar 31, 2005 10:13 am

don't worry, Luke Walton will continue to be a key part of the bench....but picking probably at 8 or 9 (if someone moves up, which they always seem to do), I'm looking at a forward like Tiago Splitter, which isn't such a bad thing as he is a combo forward (SF/PF)....but I also might take a punt on high schooler Gerald Green and hope he develops into something special....

Thu Mar 31, 2005 10:14 am

i'm a sg.. :) and so is honor. but we're in the 10's so that wouldn't help.. i'd say get a good big man, and maybe trade him for much needed other player, you know?

Thu Mar 31, 2005 10:18 am

yep, I was thinking the same thing....and I don't know if I want to grab any NLSC players....I don't want the pressure of having to finding them minutes....Melo is probably the best SG available when I pick and at 6'7" has the size to help....you would be another one....but yep, I'll probably pick best available and possibly trade him, see how it pans out I guess....

Thu Mar 31, 2005 11:21 am

Nice work X! This is really great!

And to... was it Illuzion? Can u make me a player card thing??? That would be sweet! (Y)

So is there any chance I will picked up by the Lakers???

Thu Mar 31, 2005 1:14 pm

Sit wrote:Nice work X! This is really great!

And to... was it Illuzion? Can u make me a player card thing??? That would be sweet!

cheers....and as for player card, I'll take a screenshot etc to give to Illuzionz if he can make it....


Sit wrote:So is there any chance I will picked up by the Lakers???

You would have to slide down the draft a few picks so it's plausible....you're ranked around 15th or 16th and Lakers pick about 19th or so I think....so I dunno how the cookie will crumble....it's all random where everyone ends up....just like real life, unless of course your name is Stevie Franchise....

Thu Mar 31, 2005 1:41 pm

Well I still like Franchise hahaha... we'll see how it all plays out! I dont think i have the power of management Steve had... i dnt refuse to play for any team! As Bogut said, 'I hope I will be put in the right team and right situation.'

Thu Mar 31, 2005 9:39 pm

SCOUTING REPORT #6

In the 2nd last scouting report of the season, we travel east across the country to the US Southeast. Home of the ACC and many other college powerhouses, the US Southeast always provides a lot talent for scouts to gush over.

US SOUTHEAST REGION

This season is no different as one kid in particular is rolling off the tongues of scouts everywhere. Here’s a hint, he wears baby blue. We move from a place where so many legends have been made to Virginia Commonwealth, where one tough PG is keen to add at least one jersey number to the rafters.

MARVIN WILLIAMS

Image

It only took Marvin Williams one season at Chapel Hill to realise he was ready to take the leap to the NBA. Marvin Williams was made to play basketball. At 6’9” and 230lbs, he’ll likely play SF and PF at the next level. Williams is a superb athlete who has all the tools to be a dominating offensive threat. Not only can he fly, he’s clutch, he has some range on his jumper (and its improving with each passing game), can handle the rock, give it up to team-mates and uses a quick first step to go by many defenders. He uses his athleticism well to hit the boards and block a few shots. As with most young players, Marvin Williams has his kinks in the armour, most notably his inconsistency. He also needs to work on his post-moves as at the moment they just won’t cut it in the pros. He struggles to guard smaller, quicker players and he will face quite a few at the SF spot, and he probably needs some work in the weight room as well. All that being said, Marvin Williams is a star in the making. Williams has got tremendous potential and is a can’t-miss prospect who will be snapped up in the Top 3 picks and will challenge for the top spot with Bogut.

NBA Comparison – Rich man’s Al Harrington

Image
This kid has such good hops and court presence that he can take the time to check out his form in his reflection on the backboard


COCOBEE

Image

Cocobee was a late bloomer in high school and didn’t get scouted by any major D1 schools, so he decided to go to local college, Virginia Commonwealth. He was a walk-on as a red shirt freshman, impressing the coaching staff enough to offer him a scholarship. That is how Cocobee’s story began. As a 5th year senior, Cocobee single-handedly led his team to the NIT semi-finals and earnt 3rd Team All-American honours. Cocobee is a do-everything PG, who at 6’4” (and 225lbs) can play both guard positions. He’s a good athlete who can get up with the best of them, but is not restricted to that. Cocobee was relied on at Virginia Commonwealth to do most of the scoring, but he’s a pretty nifty passer and on-the-ball defender. With Chris Paul and Raymond Felton staying in college another year, Cocobee figures to be the 2nd PG taken in the draft (behind Mark Moore). Cocobee should go somewhere in the middle of the lottery and given the right situation, could flourish into a nice PG.

NBA Comparison – Antonio Daniels meets Mike Bibby

Image
Cocobee trying to prove doubters who say he’s just another flash in pan. They couldn’t be more wrong as Cocobee is a triple-threat if ever there was one


JOEY GRAHAM

Image

Joey Graham is what you’d call a power 3. Basically he’s a PF who due to his height has had to convert his game to that of a SF. This should give you a good indication of what his strengths and weaknesses are. He’s strong as an ox, will out-rebound most NBA SF’s, when he’s close to the basket he’s pretty much money with his jumper or with a hard dunk. He’s got a nice mid-range jumper, but he’ll need to become a consistent 3-point threat at the next level as he will have to learn the perimeter game in the NBA. Talking of perimeter game, Graham could turn into a lock-down defender if he sets his mind to it. He’s got the athleticism and strength to cause fits to an opposing offensive player, ala Ron Artest (less the crazy factor of course). Graham also shoots a stellar 88% from the charity stripe, which is almost unheard of for a college forward. However, there is a downside to Graham. His vision, passing, ball handling and general court awareness are just average. He also needs to improve his ability to put the ball on the floor and create for himself. A lot of the criticisms that scouts have on Graham’s game; they also had on The Matrix, and look how he turned out. Although I don’t think Graham will ever quite get to the level that Marion has reached. Joey Graham will have to beat out some other talented SF’s, but with good workouts, he’s a good chance to stick in the late lottery.

NBA Comparison – Poor man’s Shawn Marion

Image
Hey Joey, we know you’re strong, how about working on your jumpshot?!?


LUKE SCHENSCHER

Image

The best thing that could have happened to the Aussie Luke Schenscher is the Toronto Raptors. Toronto Raptors you may ask?!? Well yes, they used the 4th pick in the 2003 draft to select Chris Bosh out of Georgia Tech. Bosh was a freshman, and had he returned to the Yellow Jackets, Schenscher would not have been an integral part of Georgia Tech’s 2004 NCAA Tournament run where they lost in the Championship Game. During the tourney, Schenscher came out of nowhere, with his bright red hair and Ronald McDonald-ish looks to hold his own and accumulate double-double after double-double against some of the top big men in college basketball. With his name firmly planted in scout’s minds, Schenscher had a solid senior season and looks to be an early-to-mid 2nd Round pick in the draft. Whether he’ll stick in the NBA is anyone’s guess. One thing for sure is that come draft day, one of the 1st people Luke should be calling is his old team-mate in Toronto, Chris Bosh.

NBA Comparison – Luc Longley meets Will Perdue

Image
If he turns out to be a flop in the NBA, there are always other opportunities for this “bluey”. I hear McDonalds is looking for a new Ronald

Thu Mar 31, 2005 9:45 pm

SCOUTING REPORT #7

It is only fitting that our last stop in the global scouting game is in the Atlantic Northeast, the place where street ball legends are made. There are also some pretty good college programs out here like UConn, Syracuse and Illinois, to name a few.

ATLANTIC NORTHEAST REGION

If I could sum up this region’s top talent in one word, okay make that two words, it would be the following. Unrealised Potential. The 1st 3 players scouted all have very good potential, but for whatever reason have not come close to realising it, whether it’s lack of motivation or whatnot, they are currently wasting their god-given ability. Time to shape up guys and live up to your billing.

CHRIS TAFT

Image

Potential and heart are the words for today for Chris Taft. The Pittsburgh sophomore was the projected No. 1 pick in this draft before the season started. He now sits quite a few spots lower. The main reason is that his game did not really progress as much as expected as a sophomore. Taft is an athletic, big bodied forward who is a reliable go-to inside threat. Taft has a big wingspan which aides him in blocking and altering a lot of opponents’ shots. He is strong, good on the post, rebounds with the best of them, is aggressive and has good hands, which is always a rare quality in a big man. We all know it’s in him, but Chris Taft is just too passive at times and seems to lack the killer-instinct needed to become a star. This cloud of doubt and lack of production has pushed Taft was a Top 3 pick down to the mid-lottery. He will probably be picked somewhere in the 4-8 range.

NBA Comparison – Chris Wilcox

Image
Come on Chris, that’s a pretty half-arsed effort. I asked you to put up your hand if you were gonna become the man, and you couldn’t even pull that one off


CHARLIE VILLANUEVA

Image

As with Chris Taft, potential is the word with Charlie Villanueva. Villanueva is a guy that was desperate to go straight from high school to the pros. He wisely chose to go to Connecticut to learn from one of the best. After an inconsistent and disappointing freshman campaign, Villanueva had to put off his pro ambitions for yet another season. This past season, his sophomore year, started off the same, inconsistent and with many people wondering whether he even warranted 1st Round consideration whenever he declared. Finally, in the latter part of this season, Charlie Villanueva has appeared to put together some pretty strong performances and consistency together. On the back of that, he’s jumping ship. He’s confirmed as a mid-1st Round pick and that’s fine with him. He could use another year, but he’s itching for it. The verdict on Villanueva is that he’s a very good all-around talent who can score inside and out. At 6’11” and playing at the SF spot on the perimeter, he’s gonna be a match up nightmare for opponents. He’s a good rebounder and perimeter defender, and the potential is oozing out of him. He seems to cruise too much at times and as with Taft, goes missing in games. However, it won’t stop a team from snatching him up and possibly getting one of the steals of the draft.

NBA Comparison – Lamar Odom meets Tim Thomas

Image
From DraftCity: “Eyebrows would be a nice addition to his game.”


HAKIM WARRICK

Image

Much like Taft and Villanueva, Warrick is gleaming with potential. The difference is Warrick has just finished his 4 years at Syracuse and scouts are still wondering when they’ll see Hakim’s best. Hakim Warrick is a world class athlete who is lightning quick and an unbelievable leaper. Warrick is a highlight reel waiting to happen. He uses his supreme athleticism to hit the boards, the passing lanes and swat many shots. Hakim has a developing offensive game including a nice turnaround jumper. However, he is still very raw. He relies solely on his athleticism. What happens when that goes?!? Warrick will have to work on his perimeter game so he can kept opposing team’s defenses honest. You can not deny Warrick’s athleticism and potential, he will be snapped up in the middle of the 1st Round, but could slide a little if teams opt for the likes of Danny Granger and Joey Graham at SF.

NBA Comparison – Smaller version of Stormile Swift

Image
Will Warrick be the latest ‘Cuse All-American forward to bomb. Based on the past (Billy Owens, Derrick Coleman and John Wallace), signs point to yes


TRAVIS DIENER

Image

Travis Diener is the only one of these 4 players without the great potential. But there is one thing you can’t fault with Diener, and that’s the size of his heart. He always plays with tremendous intensity, heart, hustle, and will always offer 110%. Travis Diener is one of the greatest competitors and one of the most underrated players in the nation. Diener is a very good shooter from just about anywhere on the floor, including NBA-caliber three point range. Diener is a solid playmaker and distributor, who uses his good ball handling skills, quickness and overall basketball IQ to his advantage. Diener does have his negatives though. He is not a great athlete, is weak physically and will get exposed defensively by most NBA PG’s. These factors could affect his ability to stick in the NBA. He basically needs to be drafted into the right situation to succeed. Someone will fall in love with this guy and use an early 2nd Round pick on him.

NBA Comparison – Poor man’s Mark Price means poor man’s Scott Skiles

Image
Diener will do whatever it takes to win, even if it means getting horizontal and taking one for the team

Thu Mar 31, 2005 9:49 pm

okay, there goes the last 2 scouting reports....enjoy....awards etc should be presented in about 2 days time as will be busy :beer: tomorrow night.....

:chug:

Thu Mar 31, 2005 10:23 pm

Joey Graham doing pushups... Gotta love it!!!

awards etc should be presented in about 2 days time as will be busy tomorrow night.....


Drink a pitcher on my behalf... :wink:

Fri Apr 01, 2005 5:11 am

What awards?

Fri Apr 01, 2005 8:06 am

Dr. Dweaver99027 wrote:Drink a pitcher on my behalf... :wink:

only one?!? :lol: :wink:

John WB wrote:What awards?

End of season awards....I might add some awards that I will base on birdie scores or something else....

Fri Apr 01, 2005 8:30 am

hey nice, and looking foward to the end of season awards

Fri Apr 01, 2005 9:22 am

jxuusa wrote:hey nice, and looking foward to the end of season awards

yeah, same here ;)

Sat Apr 02, 2005 1:16 am

how about an interview with That Guy we all love and cheer for?! Either you make the questions or we send you questions and you take the best ones... here is a first question "First Meka, then you, two talented young players in front court, do you ever feel any competition or pressure from some comparasion between the two of you?"

Just an idea...

Sat Apr 02, 2005 1:41 am

That Guy: "Well, that's a tricky question you got there Goldberg, but for me, it's pretty simple. I, like 'Meka (Okafor), do what's best for the team. You guys might think that there is competition between 'Meka and myself, but to tell you the truth, there isn't. We get along great. I really do think our games complement each other. 'Meka is great on the low block, he's been teaching me a lot throughout this past season, but I feel when 'Meka's on the court and holding down the low post, I can step out, face-up a guy and take him with my quick first step. I have confidence in my ability, and I'm glad coach (Bickerstaff) and the rest of the team seem to have confidence in me too. As for comparisons, yeah, of course the media is gonna try and make a spin on a good situation to create a storyline, but as I said, we get along great, and I feel our games compliment each other. Plus, I think we are the top defensive duo in the league, me and 'Meka, that is. I think one of us is a force defensively, but combined, boy, and we are only gonna get better. As for you guys, you can play us off each other as much as you like. As long as we start getting the W's and make a push for the playoffs, that will quieten down any critics."

Sat Apr 02, 2005 1:44 am

haha, perfect time to ask that question....I'm feeling pretty sober.....

4 ho's, a couple of coronas,a few bourbons and some belgium beer maids to boot :mrgreen:


if you guys didn't already get it, the ho's I was talking about were hoegardden's which is a Belgium beer....haha....good times though

Sat Apr 02, 2005 3:28 am

Isn't it late for the end of the season awards?

Sat Apr 02, 2005 9:32 am

why would that be? :? I just finished April and am about to begin playoffs....that's when awards are given out....

Sat Apr 02, 2005 10:12 am

Dr. Dweaver: "Mr Dumars, how do you feel about the nickname that the team's GM has pinned on you? 'That Guy', I mean..."

Sat Apr 02, 2005 10:45 am

haha....I knew that one was coming from you :D ....

That Guy: "Well, the name has it's pros and cons. I think GM first used it as a promotional tool to help energise ticket sales and interest in our team. I'm fine with that as the more support we get, the better it is for us, and hopefully the fan base will continue to grow and we can give them something to cheer about. A lot of people seem to think the name "That Guy" is a bit derogatory, as they figure it objectifies me. But my name is Guy, so I don't see anything wrong with it. If any of my teammates come up with a new one, then you'll be the first to hear about it. I like that it has helped everyone associate with me. It was either that or something like G-Dogg. And besides, the ladies like it :wink: I hear you guys are calling 'Meka the "Building Block". I guess that would make Mekes and I the "Block Party" or something. Hope that answer your question there Dr. Weaver."

Sat Apr 02, 2005 10:50 am

That Guy: "Well, the name has it's pros and cons. I think GM first used it as a promotional tool to help energise ticket sales and interest in our team. I'm fine with that as the more support we get, the better it is for us, and hopefully the fan base will continue to grow and we can give them something to cheer about. A lot of people seem to think the name "That Guy" is a bit derogatory, as they figure it objectifies me. But my name is Guy, so I don't see anything wrong with it. If any of my teammates come up with a new one, then you'll be the first to hear about it. I like that it has helped everyone associate with me. It was either that or something like G-Dogg. And besides, the ladies like it I hear you guys are calling 'Meka the "Building Block". I guess that would make Mekes and I the "Block Party" or something. Hope that answer your question there Dr. Weaver."



(Y) (Y) (Y) The prosecution rests :lol:

Here's to a playoff bound 07 season :chug:

Just don't nickname your next drafted big man " The Other Guy ", if you please... :lol:

Sat Apr 02, 2005 11:05 am

:wink: oh hm... atlantic northeast, this is where i normally would have been in real life :roll:

nice interesting interview with the "guy"

Sat Apr 02, 2005 2:02 pm

The X wrote:why would that be? :? I just finished April and am about to begin playoffs....that's when awards are given out....

Ahh. My mistake.. For some reason I thought you were in the off-season.

Sat Apr 02, 2005 7:20 pm

Dr. Dweaver99027 wrote:Just don't nickname your next drafted big man " The Other Guy ", if you please... :lol:

:lol: I definitely won't....now that I won't have generics for quite a few seasons and college and Euro guys, you won't see any half-assed names :lol:

btw, check your pm, I made you a cyberface....it ain't that good, but given the photo you posted and my lack of cyberface skills, it's pretty mediocre, and I don't think the Troy Murphy headshape is the best for you....will need more suggestions....

jxuusa wrote: :wink: oh hm... atlantic northeast, this is where i normally would have been in real life

I'll edit that....sorry :o

John WB wrote:Ahh. My mistake.. For some reason I thought you were in the off-season.

no sweat....will get awards and playoff preview up tonight hopefully....still have quite a few ratings adjust for the rookies :(
Topic locked