2002-03 Jazz [7-3]

[jonthefon]

Utah Jazz



Dynasty Settings:

Difficulty: Superstar
Quarter Length: 11 Minutes
Sim Quarter Length: 12 Minutes
Roster: super_man322000, Seushiro and Scorer_20's 2002-2003 roster patch
Sliders: Custom
Season Length: 82
Playoff Format: 7-7-7-7

Dynasty Introduction:

Another year, another playoffs loss for the Utah Jazz.

Bundled out convincingly by a powerful Sacramento Kings side that would be just a single game away from the NBA Finals, questions have turned once more to Utah's mercurial point guard, John Stockton.

Stockton, a quiet and humble character has kept mum about his status ever since the Jazz season ended, but undoubtedly, when training camp opens, he will have to face the media.

Karl Malone, on the other hand, is freely expressing his opinion. A free agent at the end of this season, he confirmed that he would leave at the expiration of his contract if Stockton chose to retire.
"I've got my support behind John. If he decided that he's had enough after this year, I'm going to look towards a team with championship credentials. If he stays, I'll hang on with him over here for one more year so we can retire at the same time. True one-two combo, hey?" the Mailman told reporters.

We'll have to wait and see how this works out.

Roster:



I'm pretty tired and it's late at night, so a short start of it. I'll get to expanding it tomorrow.

Recap archive:

28-10-02: Utah Jazz at Chicago Bulls preview
28-10-02: Stockton dazzles Bulls as Jazz open season with win
30-10-02: Utah Jazz at Houston Rockets preview
30-10-02: Mailman leads from front as Jazz spoil Yao's debut with OT win
01-11-02: Harpring breaks out of slump, Jazz rally to win over 'Cats
03-11-02: Utah hold Cavaliers to just 61 points, win easily to go 4-0
05-11-02: Utah Jazz at Dallas Mavericks preview
05-11-02: Brilliant Nash leads Mavs to victory over the Jazz
07-11-02: Mavericks offence shines, tops Jazz to sweep two-game set
09-11-02: Utah Jazz at Sacramento Kings preview
09-11-02: Bibby's clutch seals Sacramento's narrow win
11-11-02: Utah Jazz at Minnesota Timberwolves preview
11-11-02: Influential Stockton marshals Jazz to victory
17-11-02: Los Angeles Lakers at Utah Jazz preview
17-11-02: Jazz shoot lights out, beat Lakers in statement game
18-11-02: Stockton-to-Malone: a blast from the past leads Jazz to victory

Articles:

Pg 1:
Stern raises eyebrows, hands Charlotte franchise two years early
Stockton to play for two more seasons
Division realignments complete; along with schedule
Kirilenko ready to shine in his second season
ESPN.com - Daily Dime 2002-2003 Preview Edition: Utah Jazz

[Lamrock]

I am intrigued. Can't wait tp see what comes next here.

[airBerlin]

Sounds like a nice concept!

[jonthefon]

Stern raises eyebrows, hands Charlotte franchise two years early

NEW YORK (AP) -- David Stern promised that the NBA would return to Charlotte shortly after agreeing to the deal that would move the Charlotte Hornets back over to New Orleans, the Big Easy.

Nobody knew it'd be so soon.

Stern raised eyebrows across the league when he announced that the Charlotte Bobcats would be Charlotte's new franchise, and would function by the start of the season.

With the 2002 NBA Draft already passed, the Bobcats will not have a high-quality draft pick to choose from, but will be given access to the expansion draft and priority to unrestricted free agents.


Stern addresses media at the press conference announcing the decision

Eyebrows were raised across the league at the decision: questions still remain over whether the Bobcats new stadium will be ready by opening night and whether people in Charlotte will come out to support their new team: unlike what had happened with the Hornets.
"Look, it's a really risky move. This could really damage basketball in Charlotte if they can't pull it off." an unnamed league GM told reporters.

As a result of the Bobcats' entrance into the league, plans for division realignment are in place. The New Orleans Hornets are likely candidates for a move over to the Western Conference.

[jonthefon]

Stockton to play for two more seasons

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- With training camp approaching, John Stockton decided that it was time to quell all the media attention.

At a press conference in Delta Center Monday, the future hall-of-fame point guard announced that he will continue playing until the end of the 2003-2004 season, unless circumstances intervene. From there, he said that it would be "highly unlikely" for him to continue on, even if the Jazz suddenly become championship contenders once again.


Stockton, the league's all-time leader in assists and steals, announced that he would play until the end of 2003-2004, a season longer than what most thought

It is likely that Stockton will be used much more sparingly, especially with a solid backup in Mark Jackson (third all-time in assists, behind Stockton and Magic Johnson) and a bunch of young talents looking in-DeShawn Stevenson, new signing Matt Harpring and talented Russian Andrei Kirilenko all expected to be important parts of this team.

"I feel that my mental and physical limits aren't going to go any further than the end of the 2004 season. That's how I'm going to settle it." Stockton told reporters.

"I've had a great career. I'd just like to spend my last couple of years mentoring the younger players, hopefully continuing to win."

[airBerlin]

Nice updates, it's been an enjoyable read.

[jonthefon]

Division realignments complete; along with schedule

NEW YORK CITY (AP) -- NBA officials completed their realignment of the team divisions, with only a couple of minor changes.

The newly-formed Charlotte Bobcats will join the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks in the new Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference.

To even out the scales between Eastern and Western teams, the New Orleans Hornets have made the shuffle out of the Central Division, as have the Toronto Raptors who will move to the Atlantic Division, joining the Celtics, Nets, Knicks and 76ers.

This leaves the Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls as the remaining members of the Central Division.

In the Western Conference, the Midwest division has been split, with the Dallas Mavericks, the San Antonio Spurs, the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets moving into the newly-formed Southwest division, joined by the New Orleans Hornets, while the Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets join the Portland Trailblazers and Seattle Supersonics as part of the Northwest Division.

With both the Blazers and Supersonics removed, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Sacramento Kings, the Phoenix Suns, the Golden State Warriors and the LA Clippers make up the new Pacific Division.

Final Division Compositions for 2002-2003 NBA season:

Atlantic:

Boston Celtics
New Jersey Nets
New York Knicks
Philadelphia 76ers
Toronto Raptors

Central:

Chicago Bulls
Cleveland Cavaliers
Detroit Pistons
Indiana Pacers
Milwaukee Bucks

Southeast:

Atlanta Hawks
Charlotte Bobcats
Miami Heat
Orlando Magic
Washington Wizards

Northwest:

Denver Nuggets
Minnesota Timberwolves
Portland Trailblazers
Seattle Supersonics
Utah Jazz

Pacific:

Golden State Warriors
LA Clippers
LA Lakers
Phoenix Suns
Sacramento Kings

Southwest:

Dallas Mavericks
Houston Rockets
Memphis Grizzlies
New Orleans Hornets
San Antonio Spurs



I know some of this stuff is rather unnecessary, but better for it to be there just to ensure nobody is confused.

[Lamrock]

airBerlin has the Cats arriving 3 years late, and you have them two years early. Is an expansion draft going to be the new fad a la a storyline?

I am liking where this is going. Go Jizz!

[jonthefon]

lamrock, nah, it's just that Dynasty mode crashes without the Charlotte Bobcats (game designed for 30 teams), so nothing will work without the Bobcats. Plus I don't think you can implement the old division format into the game.

I think I'll just pass over the expansion draft: just give them a bunch of decent free agents (guys like Glen Rice, Lamond Murray, etc.) I'll try add the 03 draft class to the game, so the Bobcats have a great chance of getting LeBron.

This dynasty is aiming to last two seasons: basically, building up and then getting a good player in that deep, deep 03 draft class and hopefully compete for a championship.

[Lamrock]

Bold choice then going with the 82 game format. I recommend that you will be simtervening some of these games.

[airBerlin]

This is one of my favorite dynasties right now.

[jonthefon]

Of course, I'm still working on this thing: primarily, creating a season preview off an ESPN base, and figuring out a good format for a couple of articles (either my simple AP style or the Salt Lake Tribune).

[Clutch]

though i was never a huge Jazz fan thx to the MJ show, this is looking interesting; keep it up

[jonthefon]

Kirilenko ready to shine in his second season


Andrei Kirilenko has already established himself in Utah, but he says he can go further.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Andrei Kirilenko launched himself into the NBA spotlight last year as an upstart 20-year-old, delighting Utah fans with his mix of exciting all-round basketball. By the end of the season, he had played in all 82 and had pushed himself into a starting spot.

There's absolutely no doubt about Kirilenko's talents: he's capable of making a spectacular block (last year, he claimed several high-profile victims), picking up the crumbs, give a slick outlet pass, run the floor, get the ball back and finish with a thunderous dunk. But despite his impressive rookie averages (10.7PPG, 4.9RPG, 1.4SPG, 1.9BPG), the man they're calling "AK47" has vowed to continue his improvements into this season.

"Last season was good start for me, but I know I can do better. I still have lot to learn, as NBA very different to Euroleague.", says Kirilenko in his broken English.
"And it's not only how game is played either. I still adapting to American lifestyle, learning rules. My teammates, they've been great helping me settle in. You know, telling me jokes, give me advice on life and on English."

"He has an unbelievable skill set: shoot, dunk, post up, man and help D, which is great since he can fit into our system and switch around easily." says Jerry Sloan, longtime coach of the Utah Jazz. Even as a strict practitioner of fundamentals (which has given him plenty of success: he's never missed the playoffs), he's excited by Kirilenko's potential.
"I think he could be one of our team leaders when John and Karl retire too. He's definitely the all-around type to achieve that."


There's plenty more where that came from. Kirilenko, seen here blocking San Antonio's Bruce Bowen will keep swatting shots all the way through his career.

In the Jazz pre-season opener against San Antonio, Kirilenko unleashed a series of rim-rattling jams, contested shots and throw behind-the-back and shovel passes. He left most of his teammates and even his opponents shaking his head.
"I've played against Andrei in Euroleague and his do-all mentality can make him a gamebreaker on both ends." the Spurs' second-year French guard, Tony Parker said afterwards.

The Jazz believe so too. The only worries they may have right now is whether they will be able to keep Kirilenko: his contract is due to expire at the end of the 2003-2004 season. However, they do have the expiring contracts of both Stockton and Malone off the boards by then, so the Jazz front-office is confident.

But for now, they're going to enjoy the ride.


One more? Kirilenko with a powerful jam past the Admiral.

[Cartar]

Very good article, nice read. So when season starts?

[jonthefon]

ESPN.com 2002-2003 Utah Jazz Season Preview

[airBerlin]

That's pretty cool!

[Martti.]

Damn, this is impressing. Excellent!

Will follow for sure. Not a big fan of the Stockton-Malone combo, but still, retro dynasties always attract my attention..

[Chaser7]

I really like the writeup, and it reminds me of what Kirilenko once was before he started to suck. Good luck, I'll be following

[Skills]

I like the season preview. Looks very realistic. I'll be following..
Take the Jazz to the Finals! ..and make them face the Bulls.

[jonthefon]

airBerlin, thanks

Martii, I've wanted to do a retro dynasty for ages, just had to wait until dragon released his awesome retro jersey set which makes the 02-03 Jazz look a ton better.

Chaser7, Kirilenko doesn't suck...he just doesn't shoot the ball so often anymore

Skillmatic, heh, the Bulls were awful in 02-03: Jay Williams, Jalen Rose, Marcus Fizer, Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry

Anyway, got a full NBA season preview coming up before I start the regular season.

[Lamrock]

Holy shit, that was an awesome recap! I can't wait to see what is in store for the regular season. Use Big Greg to Osterize people!

[jonthefon]

(post deleted)

[Skills]

Lol it's gonna be funny to see how the Cavs and Nuggets do without LeBron and Melo. Nice recaps.

[airBerlin]

Ah, this is awesome. One of the better dynasties right now.
Do the Boston Celtics have J.R. Bremer in your game?

[dansensei]

nice one, jonthefon. hope you will win up to the finals..

[jonthefon]

Skillmatic, if they suck this seaosn like in real-life, they might end up with LeBron and Melo anyway .

airBerlin, thanks . I think the Celtics do.

dansensei, I'll try my best, but the West is a tough place :S.

2002-2003 NBA Season Preview

Atlanta Hawks:

The future's still looking bleak for the Hawks: there's holes at every position. Jason Terry, Glenn Robinson and Shareef Abdur-Rahim should form a decent triple scoring threat but elsewhere, apart from defensive stronghold Theo Ratliff, there's nothing much to talk about. May as well tank and go for another draft pick.

Boston Celtics:

Outside of Antoine Walker and Paul Pierce, there's nothing worth valuing on the Boston roster. Both were All-Stars last season, but they're not as good as their stats suggest: Walker is a horrible three-point shooter, but still took an atrocious eight attempts per game last year. Their starting point guard is Tony Delk, who averaged only 2.1 assists last year. They'll need either a lot of Irish luck or Herculean efforts once again by Pierce and Walker to make it back to the ECF.

Charlotte Bobcats:

The Bobcats are playing for a high draft pick: preferably to them, it will be LeBron James. After a questionable decision by the NBA to toss the team into the league without a young star to build around, the Bobcats start their season with a bunch of washed-up veterans: Glen Rice, Lamond Murray among others. They might be lucky to win 20 games in their debut season.

Chicago Bulls:

Glory days in Chicago are well and truly done. Their risky move to deal franchise player Elton Brand before last season didn't exactly pay off but on paper, this team doesn't look too bad.

Jay Williams was a sensation at Duke and should have plenty of time to settle in running the point (despite those fickle Chicago fans). Jalen Rose and Jamal Crawford are both guards capable of giving him backcourt support. So far, Marcus Fizer hasn't lived up to his potential, but he might have to get going with Donyell Marshall, a proven hand on his back. The Bulls also possess two of the most promising bigs in the league: Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler. If they manage their kids well, Chicago could be a contender in a few years.

Cleveland Cavaliers:

The Cavs' will be relying on a backcourt consisting of Dajuan Wagner (19), Ricky Davis (23) and Darius Miles (21). That's going to make it hard to win when you have streaky kids taking the court every night.

On the flip side, the Cavs do have a couple of terrific young bigs: Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who's still only 27 despite being in the league for what seems a long time, and Carlos Boozer who could cash in and bolt Cleveland (causing massive outrage) with a couple of good seasons. It's still very hard to see them win much this year though: maybe they could let it loose to get Ohio hometown hero Lebron James.

Dallas Mavericks:

The Mavs thrilled NBA fans last season with their high-speed offence: after years of futility, they have become a legitimate NBA contender. Ever since Mark Cuban bought the team in 2000, he's injected a wave of excitement in Dallas unprecedented since the golden era of the Cowboys'.

Steve Nash, Michael Finley and Dirk Nowitzki are possibly the best trio in the league. And it's not only them: they've also got a deep, deep bench to go to with wily veterans such as Nick Van Exel and Avery Johnson, and also some good younger talent such as Raef LaFrentz, Raja Bell and Eddie Najera. But everyone's raving about Nowitzki: at 24, he's the youngest player on this team and he has a multi-asseted game: he can completely take over a game with his shooting, or he can finish at the rim.

The big question over Dallas is whether they are good enough defensively: if Don Nelson can find an effective-enough defensive system, the Mavs should be well on their way.

Denver Nuggets

Ugh. This team is so ugly that you wouldn't even want to touch it - with a fork.

Outside of Juwan Howard, there's no real offensive threat in this lineup: which would be okay if they were as strong defensively as the 2000-2001 Philadelphia 76ers or if Juwan Howard had as many ways to score as Allen Iverson. No dice on either: the Nuggets gave up 108 points per game last season, and acquiring Howard cost Denver two of their better scorers: Van Exel and LaFrentz. They're off to the lottery.

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons are a safe bet to go through the East this year: they are a defensive monster and have been built well.

Chauncey Billups and new acquisition Rip Hamilton are promising as a backcourt: they both have good basketball IQ and can shoot the ball. Ben Wallace emerged from nowhere to become perhaps the best post defender in the league last year, cleaning up the glass and swatting an amazing 3.5 shots per game. He's a good bet to emulate those figures this year. They're surrounded by some solid veterans: Jon Barry, Corliss Williamson and Cliff Robinson which should get them deep into the playoffs.

Golden State Warriors

Antawn Jamison, Gilbert Arenas and Jason Richardson may not be the most solid tandem in the league, but they're among the most exciting. They're 26, 21 and 22 respectively and are all capable of both inside and outside play. The most interesting of the three is the egotistical Arenas: although he averaged a modest 10 points and didn't start til midseason, everybody realizes that he definitely has the ability and the desire to prove his critics wrong to become a star in this league.

Jason Richardson joins Arenas as a fellow 2001 draftee and forms a talented backcourt: not only is he an explosive dunker in the vein of Vince Carter, but he's also working on an outside jumper that could make him even harder to contain. Meanwhile, Jamison continues to pour in points with his solid post play and a sweet outside touch.

The rest of the starting lineup looks solid too: Erick Dampier is strong defensively, Troy Murphy proved to be a capable contributor and they have sparks Earl Boykins and Bob Sura in handy. This team might make the playoffs and surprise some.

Houston Rockets

Ni hao, Mr. Ming. By drafting the 7-6 Chinese sensation, the Rockets will be hoping for another Hakeem Olajuwon-not another Shawn Bradley. Although his knees may be questionable like Ralph Sampson's, he has an impressive offensive skillset and some good defensive instincts that will probably keep him from being poster-bait like Bradley has been.

Even with Yao Ming and his million or so Chinese followers, this is still ultimately Steve Francis's team. "The Franchise" and his backcourt buddy Cuttino Mobley will be responsible for creating most of Houston's offence: Francis may pass the ball a little more now that he has a post threat to go to now.

James Posey is a good stopper on the defensive end and can hit the three while Kenny Thomas gives a little pop on both ends as well. Eddie Griffin, the hyped youngster which the Rockets swapped Richard Jefferson for, hasn't lived up to expectations yet, but should get opportunities in Rudy Tomanjovich's up-tempo system. The loss of Glen Rice, a decent scorer off the bench, to the expansion team Charlotte may be a bigger problem than it looks though. Either way, Houston has a good chance of returning to the playoffs after a lengthy absence.

Indiana Pacers

Like division rivals Detroit, this Pacers team is a sure bet to make the playoffs: the talented Jermaine O'Neal should continue to build on his first All-Star appearance, Reggie Miller is still a sly old cat, and they have a whole bunch of youngsters: Brad Miller, Al Harrington, Jamaal Tinsley and Ron Artest will all play parts this year.

Indiana should be in the mix for a mid-to-high playoffs seed all year, but once again, it's up to them to control their destiny come the postseason: they don't want to be bundled out early yet again, especially after finally tasting the Finals in 2000.

Los Angeles Clippers

Don't laugh: this Clippers team might be good and ready to finally shed their laughing-stock tag.

Elton Brand naturally remains LA's franchise player: he's got the smooth all-around game most big men would kill for. Supporting him is the erratic, but talented and versatile Lamar Odom: who mixes his 6-10 height with dazzling ballhandling and passing skills. Corey Maggette is a slasher who can get the hoop and draw fouls at will and the Clippers also made an underrated signing in acquiring Andre Miller: last year's assists leader, and a capable scorer in his own right. Michael Olowokandi hasn't lived up to expectations yet, but is due a breakout year: then again, we do say that every year don't we? They also have a couple of good shooters of the bench: Quentin Richardson and Eric Piatkowski. This team could make the playoffs in a very tight West.

LA Lakers

You'd think we should be giving them credit for three straight NBA championships, but last year was by the skin of their teeth after a controversial WCF series, and the West appeared to have gotten better during this offeason. This year, they're more likely to be the hunted than the hunters.

Shaq and Kobe are the best duo in the NBA and they'll once again be doing most of the scoring: the Lakers will continue to simply play role players around the two, while using Phil Jackson's triangle offence. A fourth championship doesn't seem too far off, but they'll have to work harder than previous years to get to it.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizz made all the right moves in their first season in Memphis, attracting the crowds. But they'll have to start thinking about winning as they head into their second season.

Pau Gasol cost the Grizz franchise player Shareef Abdur-Rahim, but he didn't disappoint, contributing a solid 17/9 statline: Memphis will continue to look for him to improve. Jason Williams reinvigorated his career quaterbacking the offence, averaging 15/8 per game and continuing to excite fans with his flashy crossovers, behind-the back and over-the-shoulder dishes and his pull-up jumpers. He picked up an extension this season, but his biggest critics point out his style-over-substance play as a concern.

Elsewhere, the Grizzlies have good players as well: former Blue Devil Shane Battier fits in well with his fundamentals, Mike Miller is a real marksman from anywhere on the court and Stromile Swift can finish with power in traffic. Lorenzen Wright and Wesley Person round off the roster as contributors off the bench.

Miami Heat

After being a powerhouse in the East during the late 90's, things look bleak for the Heat: they don't really have an established star and they may be eyeing that lottery.

Eddie Jones and youngster Caron Butler will do most of the scoring for Miami, but they aren't quite 20PPG scorers and Brian Grant should chip in with points and rebounds, but elsewhere, there's role players to fill in the holes: a worrying sight for the Heat. They may have to wait for next season to get themselves an impact player in the draft.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks are reverting back to that olive-green team colour of years past, and even after trading away franchise player Ray Allen, should still make the playoffs with ease. Gary Payton and Desmond Mason, the two men acquired in the trade helps give them a little more backcourt depth than Allen did by himself. And it can't be said that Allen's replacement at the 2 is bad either: Michael Redd averaged in double-figures last season coming off the bench and the Bucks only just managed to keep him with a late offer match to the sheet given to him by the Dallas Mavericks.

Sam Cassell and Payton should form the best point-guard tandem in the league: although both are aging at 33 and 34 respectively, they've gained a renowned reputation as both floor leaders and dangerous scorers. The frontcourt looks less impressive: Desmond Mason can certainly socre with his explosiveness, as can Tim Thomas but the Bucks really seem to lack that defensive stronghold up front which is preventing them from ascending to the top of the East.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Wolves just can't seem to get past the first round. After being demolished by the Mavericks last year, Kevin Garnett's Wolves were left searching for answers.

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like they'll get too far this year either: they lost both their point guards in Terrell Brandon and the talented Chauncey Billups to free agency. Troy Hudson was a decent pickup, but trusting him as the starter may be a little over the edge. Sure, they still have KG, who is possibly the best forward in the league, and fellow All-Star Wally Szcerbiak, but coach Flip Saunders will need to get a little extra out of the talent he has in order to get past the first round in the ultra-tough West.

New Jersey Nets

What a difference a year makes. After a long period of mediocricity, the acquisition of Jason Kidd from the Suns at the beginning of last season propelled the previously-pathetic Nets to Eastern Conference Champions. Kidd was considered by many as unlucky not to receive his first MVP award, but he'll be a favourite once more this year. The impressive improvement of Kenyon Martin did something too.

The Nets might be a good bet to make it back this year: they traded for four-times DPOY Dikembe Mutombo during the offseason to give them some much-needed interior defence. Although the trade cost them both Keith Van Horn and promising young center Todd MacCulloch, they still do have Kerry Kittles and Richard Jefferson available. Providing the Nets suffer no injuries, they should make it back to the Finals this year.

New Orleans Hornets

Basketball is back in the New Easy after a long absence: unfortunately, they were unable to reacquire the Jazz team name from Utah.

In spite of moving from the relatively-mediocre Eastern Conference to the tough-as-nails West, the Hornets have a pretty good chance of reaching the postseason. Jamal Mashburn's knees are always subject for concern, but when he's healthy, he's among the best all-around players in the league. It's hard to believe that Baron Davis, the Hornets' young point guard is still just 23: he's already an All-Star and it seems as if he's been weaving past defenders for years and years. His mixture of slashing and shooting is always a nightmare to defend: like Mashburn, if he can maintain his durability, the Hornets will make the playoffs.

PJ Brown, Jamaal Magloire and David Wesley round up a pretty solid starting lineup: Brown and Magloire will happily do the dirty work inside (both are 10/10 threats) while Wesley is a consistent-enough shooter to spread the defence out on the wings. This squad should make the playoffs.

New York Knicks

Is the long period of Knicks' success over? This team doesn't look particularly great on paper: the 31-year-old Allan Houston is still a great shooter, and backing him up will be the always-talented but streaky Latrell Sprewell and Kurt Thomas, a solid banger on the low block.

Elsewhere, the Knicks may have to dig deeper. Howard Eisley and Shandon Anderson are players who can still get it done, but the Knicks don't really have any sparks on the bench. Several overpaid contracts sucking up cap space won't help them much either.

Orlando Magic

Tracy McGrady ran the whole show last year as a young Magic side compiled a 44-38 record to make the playoffs for a second straight year.

The Magic figure to be even better this year: although they dealt promising shooter Mike Miller to the Grizzlies, they received Drew Gooden and Gordon Giricek in return: two young starter-quality players. Grant Hill so far has been a major disappointment ever since the Magic pulled off what was considered to be the coup of the free agency market back in 2000: he's received $20 million or so for his combined 18 games of work over the last two seasons. And if you take the sweet-shooting big man Pat Garrity into account, along with the gritty veteran Darrell Armstrong, that makes a dangerous lineup out there in the East.

If Hill can get healthy, a lineup of Armstrong/McGrady/Hill/Gooden/Garrity with Giricek off the bench should elevate Orlando past the first round.

Philadelphia 76ers

Will this be the year where Allen Iverson finally has the scoring support he's requested? The Sixers traded away defensive stalwart Dikembe Mutombo, getting a young center in Todd MacCulloch and Keith Van Horn, a seven-footer perfectly capable of creating his own shot.

That still appears to be a little short though: Philly will most likely need a reliable scorer to pick up when Iverson and Van Horn have their bad days: could that be a Kenny Thomas or Eric Snow? The loss of Mt. Mutombo could conceded more points than whatever they gain on the offensive end.

Phoenix Suns

The Suns slumped to second-last in the Pacific last season: whether it was the lack of team chemistry, the missing leadership of Jason Kidd or Anfernee Hardaway's continued injury problems, we don't know.

Considering that, things should be better this year, now that Stephon Marbury's had a full year to adjust in a new system. At his best, Starbury can blow defenders off-course with his dazzling ballhandling moves and pick out teammates with ease. Rising star Shawn Marion should continue to improve on his already smooth all-round game, and there's still Joe Johnson and Amare Stoudemire. In limited time last year, Johnson left a positive impression as a strong three-point shooter, and Stoudemire, the #9 pick of the draft is considered by some to be one of the best in a big men-stacked draft class.

If they can squeeze a good year out of Penny, the Suns should be in good shape to return to the playoffs this year.

Portland Trailblazers

The Jailblazers' continue to shock NBA fans off the court, but there's no doubt that they're contenders in the West. Rasheed Wallace is the leader of this team: both in his play and in creating controversy. By mixing a solid post-up game with a capable mid-range jumper, it's often hard to stop him: on the offensive end or to stop his big mouth.

The players behind him are pretty good as well: Damon Stoudamire and Derek Anderson are both solid scorers and passers, while the versatile Bonzi Wells slots in at both 3 and 4 to provide both perimeter and post-up action. Zach Randolph, Ruben Patterson and Dale Davis are all available as useful forwards off the bench. Center looks to be the weakest spot for the Blazers: Rasheed Wallace may have to man the spot, with only Davis and the 38-year-old Aryvdas Sabonis feasible at the 5: that ain't so good.

Sacramento Kings

Sacramento fans have waited for months for this season to start: for them, the quicker they can get rid of the memories of the two painful losses that ended their season one game away from the NBA Finals, the better. Providing the Kings don't suffer from injuries, they're definitely odds-on favourites for the championship: there's absolutely nothing they don't have. Last season, they only lost out on a freakish Robert Horry bomb and a questionably-officiated Game 6: elsewhere, they outplayed the Lakers.

There's so many strengths on this Sacramento team that you can't really figure out where to begin. The starting lineup of Bibby/Christie/Stojakovic/Webber/Divac is probably both the most talented and the most complete in the whole league. On the bench, Bobby Jackson is a microwave that can heat up with the best of them, Scott Pollard is a tough-as-nails backup center, and they boast a couple of young forwards in Hedo Turkoglu and Gerald Wallace that are certain to get burntime in coach Adelman's system this year. Offensively, the players on the roster allow Rick Adelman's Princeton offence to be used to full effect: making the Kings possibly the best team in the league to watch alongside maybe the Dallas Mavericks. And they're not just offensive wizards: the Kings finished as the 6th best defence in the league last year.

With all those things in mind, look for Sactown to get to the Finals this year: anything less than a WCF appearance would be considered a major disappointment.

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs have been a Western powerhouse for years and this year will be no different.

Tim Duncan earned his first MVP award last season, and he's a good bet to win a second. Backing him up is a group of solid but non-star players who thrive on being efficient with their playing time.

David Robinson forms the second half of the Spurs' Twin Towers: although he's aging, he's still a force in the paint. However, there are a lot of X-factors in this team: Tony Parker is talented, but he can be just as erratic; the same goes for recently arrived Manu Ginobili and Stephen Jackson. Even if only two of those three fit into a role within Gregg Popovich's rotation, the Spurs should get into the playoffs.

Seattle Sonics

The Sonics made a blockbuster trade in acquiring All-Star Ray Allen from the Bucks during the offseason. The deal cost them long-time franchise icon Gary Payton, but to many, it was felt to be necessary if the Sonics were to go deeper in the playoffs.

The important thing for the Sonics is to find themselves a scorer to go alongside Allen. That could be Rashard Lewis, the 22-year-old who averaged an impressive 16.8 points and 7 rebounds last season. Armed with an all-around offensive game in the mould of Antawn Jamison, Lewis could get to 20PPG alongside Allen.

Brent Barry and Vladimir Radmanovic could be the other starters for the Sonics, making them a very nasty shooting team. With Prednag Drobnjak as a reasonable stat provider at the pivot spot, Seattle could get into the playoffs in spit of a tough West.

Toronto Raptors

This could be a danger year for the Raptors: after another first-round exit, they lost themselves several important role players such as Chris Childs, Keon Clark and Dell Curry.

But this team still has talent: Vince Carter naturally, is the showcase, providing enough plays for a highlight-reel with every game he plays. Voshon Lenard, Alvin Williams and Morris Peterson provide backup double-digit scoring, and Antonio Davis could be considered to be the heart-and-sould of the team. That gives Toronto four viable scoring threats.

Rafer Alston and Lindsey Hunter should split point-guard duties: Hunter's been a proven floor leader marred only by his low assist totals, and street legend Alston could have a breakout year platooning rather than backing up.

Washington Wizards

Michael Jordan confirmed this seaosn would really, really, be his last and this time, we can't really doubt it: the man is 39 after all and he just wasn't Air Jordan last season.

Alongside him is newly-acquired Jerry Stackhouse: picked up in the trade that sent Rip Hamilton to Detroit. Although Stack is a proven scorer, his shooting percentages leave a little to be desired. At least Jordan can't score 48 on him now though. The signing of Larry Hughes gives the Wizards a nice third scoring option and a defensive stopper to go with Jordan and Stackhouse.

Last year's #1 pick Kwame Brown has his struggles during his rookie season, but might pick up under Jordan's continuing tutelage and the presence of another high draft-pick in Christian Laettner. With good playing time, he could shrug off his early bust tag.

In the mediocre East, anything could happen for the young Wizards. If MJ can pull out a few flashes of the past and Stackhouse can stay with him, Washington might make the playoffs.

[jonthefon]

ESPN - Utah Jazz at Chicago Bulls, Opening Night 2002 Preview

[Lamrock]

Awesome season and opener previews! Best of luck in your game vs. the Bulls. What are your starters' overalls?

[jonthefon]

Guesses:

Stockton-77?
Harpring-68?
Kirilenko-67
Malone-82?
Big Greg-50ish

I'm working on how to use HTML code to get it to do what I want, so, eh.

[Lamrock]

I realy can't wait for this to start up again. With KobeBryant24 and Cool Cat dominating this section, and Chaser slowing/quitting his, we need quality dynasties. This one has a lot of potential.

Will be interesting to see how Harpring does at the 2 though.

[jonthefon]

Utah Jazz at Chicago Bulls, Opening Night Recap

This took me an hour or so, but I'll do it for every game I play. The simmed and intervention games will be using the basic AP recap.

[Cool Cat]

Very Nice....Its Very Realistic

[Lamrock]

Holy shit! This is amazing, better than Clutch's playoff recaps. I don't know how many games you will play, but if you keep this up, this could be one of the best ever.

My suggestions: Improve the first post with the team's roster and recap archives. Also, possibly make a small website for this on Freewebs or similar, since people could easily have missed the link to the recap, which probably wouldn't work on a regular forum post. Otherwise though, this is amazing. Keep going with it!

[jonthefon]

Cool Cat, thanks .

Lamrock, I've already played the first seven games, but I doubt that'll be the case all season as it is a lot of work.. The highlight reel will be a once-in-a-while thing, and I hate the monthly recaps too. But since it is retro, I don't feel pressured about "falling behind", so this dynasty may last for ages with sporadic updates. I'll implement your suggestions, thanks

[Clutch]

holy SH!T JTF

agree w/the L, that 'cap blows anything i've done right outta the water - awesome! (glad to be 'the bar' in any case )

not a huge Stockton Jazz fan but your Dyn makes me nostalgic for the era just prior: MJ, Pip, Sir Charles, the Admiral etc ie., when players were awarded based off what they earned not potential

will definitely track as that was a whole lotta effort put in and MUST be recognized - nice (Y)

[Emor]

can you post a link of your 2002/03 roster patch??

[Chaser7]

woah sick recap style, how did u figure out all that HTML codes and stufF? THis may be just me but the video is too wide, it overlaps the other scores...

[bee-boy]

very good recap

[jonthefon]

Clutch, yeah, I had the aim when creating this dynasty to be 'up there' with the already-set bar. Thanks

Emor, here.

Chaser7, I didn't actually figure out all that crap, it's way too complicated. I just copied an ESPN recap and changed the stuff via guessing and common sense

kobe16, thanks!

[Valor]

oh man..after reading this i feel like my dynasty is sh*t...
really nice recaps..very interesting

[jonthefon]

Utah Jazz at Houston Rockets preview

Sorry for the huge wait, but I am pretty damn busy right now with assignments and an exam coming up, but I do have holidays in a few weeks, so expect some updates (hopefully).

[jonthefon]

ESPN.com: Utah Jazz at Houston Rockets recap

[Chabalaba]

Yao Ming 8 Blocks!! Nice recap/win

[Lamrock]

Congrats on the win! The recap is beautiful. One thing though. The scores on the side of the recap are from some other date, which is a little distracting. If you can, you should utilize that space with the other scores around the league.

Looking forward to the next game.

[jonthefon]

Chabalba, thanks

Lamrock, I've been trying to remove it altogether, but since I suck with HTML, I'm not quite sure how to get it to work without the page doing weird stuff.

[homicide1550]

Finally an update.. Great recap dude! Definitely a nice idea to do ESPN style recaps... Keep it up!

[Valor]

nice recap, so glad that this dynasty hasnt died!!
keep it up!

[OrlMagic]

Very nice dynasty

Keep it up

[Clutch]

visions of the future for Yao gotta luv it; great job JtF