The 2K10 & Beyond Project - Season 17/18: Blazers slay bitter rival Thunder

[Andrew]

I was going to say Cavs in 6, and it'll have to be at the very least, but that's a blistering opening to the series for the Jazz. Going to take some heroics to pull that off.

[jubba910]

NBA Finals: Game 3


UTA 113 @ CLE 82
UTA leads 3-0

Millsap, Jazz step on the throat, edge closer to sweep


Wreaking havoc off the bench, Paul Millsap lead the Jazz to a dominant Game 3 victory, putting the franchise just one win away from its first ever championship.

[Andrew]

Nick Wright in shambles.

[jubba910]

NBA Finals: Game 4


UTA 100 @ CLE 107
UTA leads 3-1

Cavaliers fight back, stop sweep on home floor


Saving the embarrassment of a home floor sweep that felt hauntingly familiar to their last Finals experience in 2007, the Cavaliers snatched victory in Game 4, sending the series back to Salt Lake City for a do-or-die Game 5.

[Andrew]

Will this be LeBron's 3-1 comeback instead? If so, the Jazz have let a golden opportunity slip by!

[jubba910]

NBA Finals: Game 5


CLE 86 @ UTA 116
UTA wins 4-1

Utah Jazz win first NBA Championship




The city of Utah officially has its first ever champion, with the Jazz finishing off the Cavaliers convincingly on their home floor, demolishing the previous Finals record for point differential by over 10 points (22.2). Anthony Davis took home Finals MVP honours, dominating the Finals in his first appearance, more than making up for the consecutive missed postseasons in his not too distant past.

[Andrew]

Newspaper headlines everywhere: "Jazz End the 2017 Season on a High Note"

If the Thunder are healthy next season, their possible revenge and the Jazz's title potentially being a one-off will be an interesting subplot.

[jubba910]

Player Retirements, League Realignments & Draft Lottery

Player Retirements


Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks, Hall of Fame Inductee
Paul Pierce, Sacramento Kings, Hall of Fame Inductee
Kyle Korver, Detroit Pistons


League Realignment

Blazers move back to the Pacific Division, Northwest becomes Midwest




In what some would consider well overdue, the Portland Trail Blazers have returned to the Pacific division, aligning with the four teams located in California and along the pacific coast. The Blazers' shift now creates two juggernaughts in the Pacific division, and a new rivalry to look forward to with the Golden State Warriors. On the other side, the move now sees the dominant Northwest division slightly change course, now pivoting to the Midwest with the addition of the Phoenix Suns. Facing a tall order, the Suns will now join a division that has contained the West's #1 seed for the last four seasons, as well as won the past six championships.


NBA Draft Lottery

Lottery odds


Lottery results


Sixers make history with back-to-back #1 picks



The Philadelphia 76ers have done what only the 1992-1993 Orlando Magic have done before in the history of the NBA, securing consecutive #1 picks in the Draft Lottery. With Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons possibly shifting to the SF position after spending his first year at PG with the trading of Jrue Holiday, the two top prospects Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball give the Sixers no choice but to select a bonafide floor general of their future.

[Andrew]

Interesting move with the realignment!

Philly still trusting the process, too. The Magic did win the lottery in consecutive years in 1992 (Shaq) and 1993 (Webber, traded for #3 pick Penny) though, leading to the adoption of the weighted lottery system since they only just missed the Playoffs in Shaq's rookie year. Some teams have all the luck!

[jubba910]

Interesting move with the realignment!

Philly still trusting the process, too. The Magic did win the lottery in consecutive years in 1992 (Shaq) and 1993 (Webber, traded for #3 pick Penny) though, leading to the adoption of the weighted lottery system since they only just missed the Playoffs in Shaq's rookie year. Some teams have all the luck!

Trust you to pick that up! Just a bit before my time to have the knowledge. I'll make that amendment

[jubba910]

Player/Team Options & Amnesties

Philadelphia 76ers
Devin Booker (T) - Accepted
Jake Layman (T) - Declined
Derrick Favors (P) - Declined

Milwaukee Bucks
Dante Exum (T) - Accepted

Chicago Bulls
T.J. Warren (T) - Accepted
Justin Anderson (T) - Accepted
Malcolm Brogdon (T) - Accepted
Terry Rozier (T) – Accepted
Rashad Vaughn (T) - Declined

Cleveland Cavaliers
Al Horford (P) - Declined

Boston Celtics
Joel Embiid (T) - Accepted
Justise Winslow (T) - Accepted
Darrun Hilliard (T) - Declined

Los Angeles Clippers
Devin Harris (T) – Declined
Kelly Oubre Jr. (T) (Accepted)

Memphis Grizzlies
Mitch McGary (T) – Declined
R.J. Hunter (T) - Declined

Atlanta Hawks
Myles Turner (2YRT) - Accepted
Gary Harris (T) - Accepted
Elfrid Payton (T) - Accepted
Lamar Patterson (T) - Declined
Cheick Diallo (T) - Declined

Miami Heat
Bobby Portis (2YRT) - Accepted
Kyle Anderson (T) - Accepted
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (T) - Accepted
Walter Tavares (T) - Declined
Josh McRoberts (P) - Accepted

Charlotte Hornets
Shabazz Napier (T) - Declined
Christian Wood (T) – Declined

Utah Jazz
Rodney Hood (T) - Accepted
Delon Wright (T) - Declined
Paul Millsap (P) - Declined

Sacramento Kings
Cameron Payne (2YRT) - Accepted
Patrick McCaw (T) - Declined
Stephen Zimmerman (T) - Declined

New York Knicks
Jarell Martin (2YRT) - Declined
Jordan Adams (T) - Declined
Georges Niang (T) - Declined

Los Angeles Lakers
Emmanuel Mudiay (2YRT) - Accepted
Marcelo Huertas (T) - Declined
Sam Dekker (T) - Accepted
Tarik Black (T) - Declined

Orlando Magic
Julius Randle (2YRT) - Accepted
Dario Saric (T) - Accepted
Jerian Grant (T) - Declined
Tyler Ennis (T) - Declined

Dallas Mavericks
Stanley Johnson (T) - Accepted
Deyonta Davis (T) - Accepted
Adrian Payne (T) - Declined
Paul Zipser (T) - Declined
Jonathan Gibson (T) - Declined

Brooklyn Nets
Marcus Smart (T) - Accepted
Willie Cauley-Stein (2YRT) - Accepted
Sean Kilpatrick (T) - Declined
A.J. Hammons (T) - Declined

Denver Nuggets
D'Angelo Russell (2YRT) - Accepted
Jeff Adrien (T) - Declined
James Young (T) - Declined

Indiana Pacers
Trey Lyles (T) - Accepted
Diamond Stone (T) - Declined

New Orleans Pelicans
Karl-Anthony Towns (2YRT) - Accepted
Raul Neto (T) - Accepted
Ivica Zubac (T) - Declined

Detroit Pistons
Aaron Gordon (T) - Accepted
Mario Hezonja (T) - Accepted
Jordan Mickey (T) - Accepted

Toronto Raptors
Jahlil Okafor (2YRT) - Accepted
Noah Vonleh (T) - Accepted
Isaiah Canaan (T) - Declined

Houston Rockets
Kristaps Porzingis (2YRT) - Accepted
Clint Capela (T) - Accepted
Eric Bledsoe (P) - Declined
Nick Young (P) - Accepted

San Antonio Spurs
Larry Nance Jr. (2YRT) - Accepted
Lucas Nogueira (T) - Declined

Phoenix Suns
Jabari Parker (T) - Accepted
Zach LaVine (T) - Accepted
Isaiah Whitehead (T) - Declined
K.J. McDaniels (P) - Accepted

Oklahoma City Thunder
C.J. Wilcox (T) - Declined

Minnesota Timberwolves
Tyus Jones (T) - Accepted
Bruno Caboclo (T) - Declined

Portland Trail Blazers
Jusuf Nurkic (T) - Accepted
Briante Weber (T) - Declined
Luis Montero (T) - Declined
Thaddeus Young (P) - Declined

Golden State Warriors
Doug McDermott (T) - Accepted
DeMarcus Cousins (P) - Declined

Washington Wizards
Andrew Wiggins (T) - Accepted
Frank Kaminsky (T) - Accepted
Kyle Lowry (P) -Declined
Enes Kanter (P) - Declined

Cousins, Lowry, Bledsoe join FA market



Three more All-Stars have joined the Free Agency pool in declining their team options, most notably DeMarcus Cousins, foregoing another locked in year in the Bay Area for the chance of a longer term deal. With Kevin Durant likely to steal a majority of the spotlight early in free agency, a domino effect could be on the cards once the four-time MVP makes his next destination known.

[jubba910]

NBA Draft

Draft Board



Sixers take Fultz as franchise PG



In a position only one franchise has been in before, the 76ers have chosen Markelle Fultz as their second #1 pick in the row, further bolstering an extremely youthful and promising lineup in the City of Brotherly Love.

Transactions

ORL Receive: Pick 5, Pick 16
CHA Receive: Pick 3, Pick 23

MEM Receive: Pick 8, 2018 1st Round Pick (Top 5 Protected)
LAC Receive: Pick 4

ORL Receive: Pick 13
POR Receive: 2018 1st Round Pick (Top 3 Protected) (MIA)
MIA Receive: Pick 16

BKN Receive: 2019 1st Round Pick (Top 3 Protected)
ATL Receive: Pick 20

TOR Receive: 2018 1st Round Pick (Lottery Protected)
MIN Receive: Pick 24, 2019 2nd Round Pick

[Andrew]

Let's see if it works out for the 76ers a little better than in real life!

[jubba910]

Player Re-Signings

Philadelphia 76ers
Re-Signed Robin Lopez 2yr/$9.54m

Cleveland Cavaliers
Re-Signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 3yr/$62.32m
Re-Signed Ryan Anderson 2yr/$17.16m

Boston Celtics
Re-signed Omri Casspi 2yr/$2.08m

Miami Heat
Re-signed Aaron Brooks 1yr/$1.01m

Charlotte Hornets
Re-signed Tyreke Evans 3yr/$53.29m

Sacramento Kings
Re-signed Brandon Jennings 1yr/$2.33m

Utah Jazz
Re-signed Joe Ingles 3yr/$3.18m

New York Knicks
Re-signed Giannis Antetokounmpo 5yr/$116.96m
Re-signed Jeff Withey 2yr/$2.08m

Los Angeles Lakers
Re-signed Patrick Patterson 3yr/$10.10m
Re-signed Andre Roberson 2yr/$4.17m
Re-signed Kevon Looney 3yr/$3.50m

Dallas Mavericks
Re-signed Darrell Arthur 1yr/$1.01m

Brooklyn Nets
Re-signed Matthew Dellavedova 3yr/$10.32m
Re-signed Solomon Hill 2yr/$2.08m
Re-signed Dion Waiters 2yr/$2.08m

Denver Nuggets
Re-signed Steven Adams 4yr/$91.92m
Re-signed Brandan Wright 2yr/$3.81m

Indiana Pacers
Re-signed Kyle O’Quinn 3yr/$27.42m

New Orleans Pelicans
Re-signed Gerald Green 2yr/$3.45m
Re-signed Marco Belinelli 2yr/$2.08m

Detroit Pistons
Re-signed Spencer Dinwiddie 2yr/$2.08m

Toronto Raptors
Re-signed Tristan Thompson 4yr/$92.20m
Re-signed Darren Collison 2yr/$12.11m
Re-signed Corey Brewer 2yr/$2.08m

Houston Rockets
Re-signed Eric Bledsoe 3yr/$81.06m
Re-signed Markieff Morris 3yr/$9.84m

Phoenix Suns
Re-signed Josh Richardson 3yr/$13.06m
Re-signed Jerryd Bayless 3yr/$3.18m

Oklahoma City Thunder
Re-signed Nick Collison 1yr/$1.01m
Re-signed Thabo Sefolosha 2yr/$2.08m
Re-signed Norris Cole 2yr/$2.08m

Antetokounmpo, Bledsoe re-up with respective teams


The Big Apple has locked in their franchise player of the future, locking in burgeoning superstar Giannis Antetokounmpko on a five year deal, as the Knicks look to build on their fourth place finish in 2017. Meanwhile, Eric Bledsoe has remained faithful to H-Town, foregoing other options to lead a prospective Rockets to higher heights after a return to the playoffs this past season.

[Andrew]

The Knicks making a wise move and having a draft pick pan out? Definitely alternate reality!

[jubba910]

Free Agency

Durant returns to home roots in DC, joins Lowry, Jackson, make move for Jordan


Arguably the biggest free agent target in modern history has made his decision, with Kevin Durant returning to where he grew up to kick off a new era in Washington DC. Turning down offers from the likes of Boston, Chicago, Brooklyn & Miami, Durant now teams with All Star Game hero Kyle Lowry and dynamic 2-guard Reggie Jackson as the Wizards look to rise from mediocrity to title contenders in the Eastern Conference. With the influx of the best player in the league, the Wizards have parted ways with two-time dunk contest winner and former #1 pick Andrew Wiggins, sending him to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for former Defensive Player of the Year and last year's leader in blocks DeAndre Jordan, creating a new "Big 3" in DC. The move sees a power shift in the Eastern Conference, and in particular the Southeast Division, as this new-look Wizards team looks to take the division crown from a dominant Miami Heat outfit.

Big men head to new horizons


A trio of big men are on the move, as Paul Millsap, Al Horford and Derrick Favors are headed to the Celtics, 76ers and Kings respectively. After dwelling as one of the most underrated sixth men of the last decade, Paul Millsap will finally get his chance in Beantown to be the leader of the Celtics franchise with young stalwarts Victor Oladipo and Joel Embiid. His finals adversary, Al Horford has chosen not to return to the reigning East champions, taking a chance on the youth-charged lineup of the Philadelphia 76ers in a chance to be a part of a dynasty. The man he replaces in that spot is Derrick Favors, who obviously fell out of favour with the Sixers front office heading into Free Agency, seeking a fresh start in Sacramento after a tantalising bid to return to his drafted city of Chicago.

Mavericks add vital pieces, sign Wade, Zeller


After 14 years, Dwyane Wade will not pull on a Miami Heat jersey for the 2017-18 season, leaving South Beach to join his one-time Finals adversary Dallas Mavericks, and a crew of seasoned talent in Rajon Rondo and Rudy Gay. Looking to guide the next generation, spurred by Stanley Johnson and Lauri Markanen, Wade's role will see him instill his winning mentality as well as his killer instinct as the Mavericks look to get back to the top of the West. Joining Johnson & Markanen in the Mavericks future plans is former Charlotte big man Cody Zeller, leaving the Hornets to team with Dallas' top pick in this year's draft in the frontcourt, and provide them with big man quality they were sure to miss with Dirk's retirement.

Middleton heads to Brooklyn in sign-and-trade


The re-shuffling in Philadelphia has continued beyond the drafting of Markelle Fultz, with Khris Middleton being left as the odd man out in their new-look lineup. Coming to the table with a prospect and proven big to add the Sixer's frontcourt stocks, as well as a desperate need to fill their SF position after missing out on the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, the Brooklyn Nets pulled the trigger for the 26-year old, sending Willie Cauley-Stein & Bismack Biyombo to Philadelphia. The move sees the Sixers trust in a new lineup with Ben Simmons moving to SF to make room for Markelle Fultz, while the Nets now have their swingman piece to pair with Mike Conley and an aging but still lethal Pau Gasol.

Signings

Washington Wizards sign Kevin Durant 4yr/$134.32m

Boston Celtics sign Paul Millsap 4yr/$134.32m

Philadelphia 76ers sign Al Horford 3yr/$90.25m

Sacramento Kings sign Derrick Favors 3yr/$83.64m

Philadelphia 76ers sign Khris Middleton 3yr/$68.61m

Oklahoma City Thunder sign Danilo Gallinari 3yr/$61.87m

Charlotte Hornets sign Thaddeus Young 3yr/$55.68m

Dallas Mavericks sign Dwyane Wade 2yr/$52.31m

Dallas Mavericks sign Cody Zeller 3yr/$50.30m

Indiana Pacers sign Derrick Rose 2yr/$32.75m

Orlando Magic sign Dennis Schroder 2yr/$30.67m

Memphis Grizzlies sign Enes Kanter 2yr/$28.51m

Charlotte Hornets sign Michael Carter-Williams 2yr/$17.43m

Atlanta Hawks sign Tony Parker 1yr/$15.53m

Cleveland Cavaliers sign Zach Randolph 2yr/$12.18m

Sacramento Kings sign Norman Powell 2yr/$11.65m

Detroit Pistons sign Allen Crabbe 2yr/$11.42m

Sacramento Kings sign Evan Turner 3yr/$11.05m

Orlando Magic sign Jared Dudley 2yr/$9.53m

New York Knicks sign Joe Johnson 2yr/$8.26m

Memphis Grizzlies sign C.J. Miles 2yr/$7.16m

Portland Trail Blazers sign Marvin Williams 2yr/$5.89m

Washington Wizards sign Nerlens Noel 1yr/$4.32m

Miami Heat sign Marcus Morris 2yr/$3.68m

Los Angeles Clippers sign Ish Smith 2yr/$3.48m

Philadelphia 76ers sign Maurice Harkless 2yr/$3.27m

Memphis Grizzlies sign Michael Beasley 2yr/$3.21m

Los Angeles Clippers sign Boban Marjanovic 2yr/$2.59m

Washington Wizards sign Dewayne Dedmon 2yr/$2.08m

Charlotte Hornets sign Cole Aldrich 2yr/$2.08m

Miami Heat sign Kent Bazemore 2yr/$2.08m

Cleveland Cavaliers sign Timofey Mozgov 2yr/$2.08m

Charlotte Hornets sign Mirza Teletovic 2yr/$2.08m

New York Knicks sign Omer Asik 2yr/$2.08m

Los Angeles Lakers sign Kevin Seraphin 2yr/$2.08m

Utah Jazz sign Ersan Ilyasova 2yr/$2.08m

Oklahoma City Thunder sign Brandon Bass 2yr/$2.08m

Portland Trail Blazers sign Alexis Ajinca 2yr/$2.08m

Los Angeles Lakers sign Shelvin Mack 2yr/$2.08m

Los Angeles Clippers sign E’Twaun Moore 2yr/$2.08m

Oklahoma City sign Marcus Thornton 2yr/$2.08m

Houston Rockets sign Wesley Johnson 1yr/$1.01m

Brooklyn Nets sign Spencer Hawes 1yr/$1.01m

Minnesota Timberwolves sign Raymond Felton 1yr/$1.01m

Portland Trail Blazers sign Wayne Ellington 1yr/$1.01m


Transactions

WAS Receive: DeAndre Jordan, 2019 1st Round Pick (Top 3 Protected)
DEN Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Frank Kaminsky

BKN Receive: Khris Middleton
PHI Receive: Willie Cauley-Stein, Bismack Biyombo

[Andrew]

Wade to the Mavericks is a fun twist in this tale, as is Durant's homecoming. That also reminds me that now that I'm in the 2017 season in my NBA 2K14 PS4 MyCAREER, Durant should've been a free agent this past offseason (and might've actually re-signed; I'll have to doublecheck), or he'll become one at the end of the year if he had an option. In any case, it's interesting to see where he ends up in everyone's franchise and career games. Funnily enough, he had a Loyalty rating of 100 in NBA 2K16's official rosters!

[jubba910]

Wade to the Mavericks is a fun twist in this tale, as is Durant's homecoming. That also reminds me that now that I'm in the 2017 season in my NBA 2K14 PS4 MyCAREER, Durant should've been a free agent this past offseason (and might've actually re-signed; I'll have to doublecheck), or he'll become one at the end of the year if he had an option. In any case, it's interesting to see where he ends up in everyone's franchise and career games. Funnily enough, he had a Loyalty rating of 100 in NBA 2K16's official rosters!

I believe LeBron had the same loyalty rating in 2K10 while still on the Cavaliers, crazy how the upcoming season of the game when released can influence that rating majorly!

[Andrew]

I think you're right. I feel like there's an idea for an article in there somewhere!

Also, I double-checked, and Durant did re-sign through 2020 in my NBA 2K14 MyCAREER. On the other hand, Dirk went to Brooklyn. Aren't alternate realities in franchise and career modes fun?

[jubba910]

Team Depth Charts

Philadelphia 76ers
PG: Markelle Fultz/J.J. Barea/Shabazz Napier
SG: Devin Booker/Avery Bradley/Pat Connaughton
SF: Ben Simmons/Maurice Harkless
PF: Al Horford/Bismack Biyombo/T.J.Leaf
C: Robin Lopez/Willie Cauley-Stein/Henry Ellenson

Milwaukee Bucks
PG: Kemba Walker/Dante Exum
SG: Andre Iguodala/Jodie Meeks/Ben McLemore
SF: Paul George/Otto Porter/Wilson Chandler
PF: Jared Sullinger/Amir Johnson/Tyler Lydon
C: Aron Baynes/Andrew Bogut/Georgios Papagiannis

Chicago Bulls
PG: Malcolm Brogdon/Terry Rozier/Beno Udrih/Frank Jackson
SG: Jaylen Brown/Garrett Temple/Justin Holiday
SF: T.J. Warren/Justin Anderson
PF: Marqueese Chriss/Nemanja Bjelica/Jarnell Stokes
C: Justin Patton/Meyers Leonard

Cleveland Cavaliers
PG: Jeff Teague/Jarrett Jack
SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope/Tony Allen
SF: LeBron James/Terrence Jones
PF: Zach Randolph/Ryan Anderson/Skal Labissiere/Chinanu Onuaku
C: Tyson Chandler/Timofey Mozgov/Anderson Varejao/Zach Collins

Boston Celtics
PG: Isaiah Thomas/Ricky Rubio/Jose Calderon
SG: Victor Oladipo/Jonathon Simmons/Ian Clark
SF: Justise Winslow/Chandler Parsons/Omri Casspi
PF: Paul Millsap/Brice Johnson
C: Joel Embiid/Joakim Noah

Los Angeles Clippers
PG: De'Aaron Fox/Ty Lawson/Ish Smith
SG: C.J. McCollum/E'Twuan Moore/Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot
SF: Robert Covington/Kelly Oubre Jr./Richard Jefferson
PF: Blake Griffin/Thomas Robinson
C: Boban Marjanovic/Jarrett Allen/Diamond Stone

Memphis Grizzlies
PG: Patrick Mills/Cory Joseph
SG: Malik Monk/Gerald Henderson/Jordan McRae
SF: Kawhi Leonard/C.J. Miles/Michael Beasley/Terrence Ross
PF: JaMychal Green/Juan Hernangomez/Dragan Bender
C: Enes Kanter/John Henson/Bam Adebayo

Atlanta Hawks
PG: Tony Parker/Elfrid Payton/Shane Larkin
SG: Gary Harris/Jamal Murray/Joe Harris
SF: Nicolas Batum/Jerami Grant/Darius Miller
PF: Kenneth Faried/Trevor Booker/John Collins
C: Myles Turner/Mike Muscala

Miami Heat
PG: Kyrie Irving/Tyler Ulis/Aaron Brooks
SG: Will Barton/Kent Bazemore
SF: Trevor Ariza/Markieff Morris/Rondae Hollis-Jefferson/Kyle Anderson/Terrance Ferguson
PF: Bobby Portis/Quincy Acy/Josh McRoberts
C: Dwight Howard/Tiago Splitter

Charlotte Hornets
PG: Kris Dunn/Malcolm Delaney/Michael Carter-Williams
SG: Tyreke Evans/J.R. Smith/Cedi Osman
SF: Thaddeus Young/Jayson Tatum/OG Anouby
PF: Nikola Mirotic/Mirza Teletovic
C: Hassan Whiteside/Cole Aldrich

Utah Jazz
PG: Deron Williams/Jameer Nelson/Dejounte Murray
SG: Eric Gordon/Rodney Hood/Nik Stauskas/Malachi Richardson
SF: Jimmy Butler/Joe Ingles/Wesley Iwundu
PF: Anthony Davis/Ersan Ilyasova
C: Rudy Gobert/Mareese Speights

Sacramento Kings
PG: Dennis Smith Jr./Brandon Jennings/Joseph Young/Cameron Payne
SG: Tyler Johnson/Norman Powell/John Jenkins
SF: Taurean Prince/Evan Turner
PF: Derrick Favors/Kyle Kuzma/Jordan Bell
C: Greg Monroe/Gorgui Dieng

New York Knicks
PG: Jrue Holiday/Austin Rivers/Langston Galloway
SG: Buddy Hield/Iman Shumpert
SF: Giannis Antetokounmpo/Joe Johnson
PF: Luc Richard Mbah a Moute//Mindaugas Kuzminskas/Jordan Hill/Mike Scott
C: Andre Drummond/Jeff Withey/Omer Asik

Los Angeles Lakers
PG: Shelvin Mack/Emmanuel Mudiay/Greivis Vasquez
SG: Andre Roberson/Sean Kilpatrick/Rodney McGruder
SF: Quincy Pondexter/Luol Deng/Sam Dekker
PF: Jon Leuer/Patrick Patterson/Kevon Looney
C: Nikola Vucevic/Kevin Seraphin

Orlando Magic
PG: Dennis Schroder/Yogi Ferrell
SG: George Hill/Donovan Mitchell/Lance Stephenson/Josh Hart
SF: Gordon Hayward/Josh Jackson/DeAndre Bembry
PF: Julius Randle/Dario Saric/Jared Dudley
C: Brook Lopez/Kelly Olynyk

Dallas Mavericks
PG: Rajon Rondo/Trey Burke
SG: Dwyane Wade/Jeremy Lamb/Tim Hardaway Jr.
SF: Rudy Gay/Stanley Johnson/Sam Ojeleye
PF: Lauri Markkanen/Dwight Powell/Darrell Arthur/Deyonta Davis
C: Miles Plumlee/Salah Mejri

Brooklyn Nets
PG: Mike Conley/Matthew Dellavedova/Devin Harris
SG: Marcus Smart/Dion Waiters/Malik Beasley
SF: Khris Middleton/Rodney Stuckey/Solomon Hill/Rade Zagorac
PF: Pau Gasol/Pascal Siakam
C: Festus Ezeli/Spencer Hawes

Denver Nuggets
PG: D'Angelo Russell/Jerian Grant/Pierre Jackson
SG: Caris LeVert/Jordan Crawford/Arron Afflalo
SF: Andrew Wiggins/Michael Kidd-Gilchrist/Shabazz Muhammad
PF: Frank Kaminsky/Montrezl Harrell/Andrew Nicholson
C: Steven Adams/Brandan Wright/Tony Bradley

Indiana Pacers
PG: Derrick Rose/D.J. Augustin/Andrew Harrison/Jawun Evans
SG: Wesley Matthews/Alex Abrines/Leandro Barbosa
SF: Bojan Bogdanovic/DeMarre Carroll/Tony Snell
PF: Chris Bosh/Kyle O'Quinn/Trey Lyles
C: Ian Mahinmi/Roy Hibbert

New Orleans Pelicans
PG: Patrick Beverley/Raul Neto/Derrick White
SG: Klay Thompson/Marco Belinelli/Gary Neal
SF: Tobias Harris/Gerald Green/Dorian Finney-Smith
PF: Karl-Anthony Towns/David Lee/Chris McCullough
C: Nikola Jokic/Willy Hernangomez

Detroit Pistons
PG: Lonzo Ball/Brandon Knight/Spencer Dinwiddie
SG: Seth Curry/Allen Crabbe/Mario Hezonja
SF: Harrison Barnes/Denzel Valentine/Luke Kennard
PF: Aaron Gordon/Jonas Jerebko/Jordan Mickey
C: Al Jefferson/Domantas Sabonis

Toronto Raptors
PG: Goran Dragic/T.J. McConnell
SG: Demar DeRozan/Darren Collison/C.J. McCollum
SF: Jae Crowder/Vince Carter/Corey Brewer
PF: Tristan Thompson/Noah Vonleh/Guerschon Yabusele
C: Jahlil Okafor/Joffrey Lauvergne/Miles Plumlee

Houston Rockets
PG: Jeremy Lin/Tim Frazier
SG: Eric Bledsoe/Evan Fournier/Troy Daniels
SF: Brandon Ingram/Nick Young/Wesley Johnson/Abdel Nader
PF: Kristaps Porzingis/Markieff Morris/Davis Bertans
C: Clint Capela/Nene

San Antonio Spurs
PG: Chris Paul/Jordan Clarkson/Kay Felder
SG: J.J. Redick/Justin Jackson
SF: Danny Green/P.J. Tucker/Boris Diaw
PF: Larry Nance Jr./David West/Daniel Theis
C: Marcin Gortat/Zaza Pachulia/Ante Zizic

Phoenix Suns
PG: John Wall/Jerryd Bayless/Brian Roberts
SG: Zach LaVine/Josh Richardson/K.J. McDaniels
SF: Jabari Parker/Jonathan Isaac/Derrick Williams
PF: Jonas Valanciunas/Thon Maker/Alvin Williams
C: Alex Len/Tyler Zeller

Oklahoma City Thunder
PG: Russell Westbrook/Norris Cole
SG: James Harden/Marcus Thornton
SF: Kevin Durant/Thabo Sefolosha/Anthony Morrow/Anthony Brown
PF: Brandon Bass/Lavoy Allen/Caleb Swanigan/Nick Collison
C: Serge Ibaka/Channing Frye/Damian Jones

Minnesota Timberwolves
PG: Raymond Felton/Tyus Jones
SG: Bradley Beal/Jamal Crawford/Patrick McCaw
SF: Carmelo Anthony/Al-Farouq Aminu/Reggie Bullock
PF: Kevin Love/Mason Plumlee/Willie Reed
C: JaVale McGee/Nikola Pekovic

Portland Trail Blazers
PG: Damian Lillard/Shaun Livingston/Sergio Rodriguez
SG: Louis Williams/Wayne Ellington/Archie Goodwin
SF: Draymond Green/Marvin Williams/Dante Cunningham
PF: LaMarcus Aldridge/Kris Humphries
C: Marc Gasol/Jusuf Nurkic/Alexis Ajinca

Golden State Warriors
PG: Stephen Curry/Delon Wright/C.J. Watson
SG: Alec Burks/Monta Ellis/Rashad Vaughn
SF: Doug McDermott/Jeff Green/Kyle Singler
PF: Taj Gibson/Ed Davis
C: DeMarcus Cousins/Jakob Poetl/Zhou Qi

Washington Wizards
PG: Kyle Lowry/Frank Ntilikina/Tyler Ennis/Wade Baldwin
SG: Reggie Jackson/Courtney Lee
SF: Kevin Durant/James Johnson/Furkan Korkmaz
PF: Nerlens Noel/Frank Kaminsky/Anthony Bennett
C: DeAndre Jordan/Dewayne Dedmon/Kosta Koufos

[jubba910]

2017-18 Season Preview

Last season, the monotony was brought to an end, with the Utah Jazz becoming the first team to win the NBA Championship other than the Oklahoma City for the first time in five years. With the league edging towards a stronger level of parity, one team shines above as a new contender; the Washington Wizards. Securing the services of Kevin Durant as well as perennial shot blocker DeAndre Jordan, DC is no longer a laughing stock of the Southeast Division, and is sure to ruffle a few feathers in the Eastern Conference. It's also a season that sees divisions shift in the West, with the Blazers welcomed back to the Pacific division, while the Phoenix Suns join the most ruthless division of the last decade, with everything to prove against the league's best. With everything to play, this season proves to be the most unpredictable we've seen since 2009-10.

Division Previews


Eastern Conference – Atlantic Division



Arguably the most stacked division in the Eastern Conference, the Atlantic Division is a set to be a "pick em" throughout the year. With a long-term contract under his belt, Giannis Antetokounmpo looks set to take the Knicks back to the top of the East, with further playoff experience under their belt with their underwhelming performance against the Heat, the Big Apple is out for vengeance. Another team suffering collapse in the playoffs is the Boston Celtics, dropping a 3-1 lead to the eventual East champion Cavaliers. With the return of Joel Embiid and the addition of freshly championed big man Paul Millsap, the Celtics will still be at the top of the division and the conference, looking to pull the pieces together and return to the Finals for the first time in 10 years. Injuries were the story of the Eastern Conference playoffs, with no injury stinging more than the loss of DeMar DeRozan for the white-hot Raptors heading into the Conference Finals. Finishing atop the East at season's end last year, can the Raptors continue their underdog momentum, or have they overachieved and are on their way back down to middling contender? Giving up big man stocks in order to land a long-term swingman, the Brooklyn Nets are continuing their push to become part of the East's elite, hoping their gritty combination of Conley, Middleton and Pau Gasol can outlast those around them, as their spaniard continues to produce the best statistics of his career in BK. Despite the addition of another #1 pick and Al Horford, the Sixers are staring at a division which could rip them apart. Putting all their chips in on Horford and the move of Middleton to a division rival, the Sixers will need to improve, and improve quickly in order to survive the onslaught of what's sure to be another tight race for playoff contention in the division.


Eastern Conference – Central Division



Boasting the East champions for the first time since 2007, the Central division still seems like a tale of two ends, with the dominance of some outweighing the underperformance of others. The reigning East champions in Cleveland have a lot to prove, after a lackluster Finals performance and the swapping of Al Horford for a slightly less effective Zach Randolph, as well as the retirement of playoff hero Mo Williams, the Cavaliers will need their best to reign atop of the conference once again. Despite the strong regular season performance that saw them tangle with the Raptors at the top of the standings, the Bucks still sit without the killer instinct to have an impactful postseason run. Could this be the year that the Bucks sacrifice their future for the sake of winning a championship with their star duo of Paul George and Kemba Walker? Bringing back Chris Bosh and adding Derrick Rose, the Pacers still sit in flux, arguably the third best team in the division, however a massive gap between them and the Bucks and Cavaliers is evident. Without key prospects, Indiana could still be a while away from being amongst the East's elite. The rebuild continues for the Pistons, who are now nine years without a postseason appearance. With their core sitting between 19-25, the Motor City has the pieces to contend, but maybe just not quite yet. The Windy City remains the most damaged and depleted franchise in the Eastern Conference, still without a first round draft pick this season. The Bulls will need to bank on the prospects secured so far in their tumble to the bottom of the league, relying on the likes of Malcolm Brogdon, Jaylen Brown and newly drafted Justin Patton to fly the Chicago flag.


Eastern Conference – Southeast Division



Now the must-watch team of the NBA, the Washington Wizards look set to take the East by storm, lead by the best player of this generation, less than a top 4 finish for the conference would be deemed a failure to this superstar squad. After leading the division for the good part of the decade, the Miami Heat now appear to have their biggest challenge ahead of them, and without longtime franchise piece Dwyane Wade, the Heat could take a backseat and rely on a postseason berth as a minimum, relying on their strong playoff experience to shake up the postseason once again. A true darkhorse appears to be brewing in Atlanta, with continued growth from the likes of Myles Turner, Gary Harris, Jamal Murray and the addition of veteran PG Tony Parker making the Hawks an under the radar team to keep an eye on throughout the season. Could Atlanta be back in the postseason hunt after a 3 year absence? The Magic also sit as a real question mark, with a collection of picks from their sudden demise which saw them at the bottom of the East last season appearing to pay off, with a renewed younger core that could do damage this season. Can the combination of Gordon Hayward and Brook Lopez and their slew of prospects shoot them straight back up the standings? Buzz City continues its state of flux, with the big money paid out to Thaddeus Young appearing to be quite optimistic that the Hornets can make this lineup work, while their top draft pick Jayson Tatum comes off the bench. Another mediocre season could bring into question whether Hassan Whiteside can afford to spend his prime stuck in the doldrums of Charlotte.


Western Conference - Pacific Division



As the Trail Blazers return to the Pacific division, no one looks more primed to build on a injury-plagued season last year stifling their true potential. With a potent starting five that could challenge anyone in the league, this is the season for the city of Portland to well and truly take over the Western Conference. One of the key teams standing in the Blazer's way will be the Warriors, who crashed out of the playoffs in the first round to the eventual champion Jazz. Coming off an MVP season, Stephen Curry and DeMarcus Cousins look hungry to get the Bay Area back to the top of the NBA, in what seems like a distant memory since their 2012 success. Ditching the large contract of Carmelo Anthony after a horrific 2016-17 campaign, the Los Angeles Clippers now appear back in the outer fringes of the Western Conference, with enough established talent in Blake Griffin and C.J. McCollum mixed with promising prospect De'Aaron Fox. Expect the Clip show to be contending for the eighth seed if they play their cards right. After shelling out a small fortune for Derrick Favors, the Kings hoped to be on the precipice of a postseason comeback, but it seems on-paper to be another rough season for the city of Sacramento. Barring an electrifying first season from Dennis Smith Jr. and their star signing dominating the floor with All-NBA honours, this King's outfit looks set for another lottery season. Much of the same can be said for the Los Angeles Lakers, who are boasting possibly the worst lineup they've ever put on a court. With the Chicago Bulls first rounder in their pocket, the Lakers will be big players in this season's free agency period and draft, needing a major shakeup to rebuild one of the most storied franchises in the history of sport.


Western Conference – Southwest Division



With their potential finally coming to fruitition, the Big Easy looks set to be a big player at the top of the West. Boasting a bonafide triple-threat of Klay Thompson, Karl-Anthony Towns and Nikola Jokic, the New Orleans Pelicans are in pole position to run roughshod through their division, not just for this season, but many to come. Behind them stay the ever-consistent Spurs, who were embarrassed by the Pelicans in the first round of the playoffs last season. With no major change to their lineup, can San Antonio trust their veteran-based system? Or could it be time to build a new era in hopes for a greater chance of success? A team that just scraped into the playoffs was the Houston Rockets, who seem energised and ready to take on the West's best, with a young core that can only continue to grow and a strong leader in Eric Bledsoe, it would be a shock to see H-Town not return to the postseason again this year. Finishing less than handful of games behind them last year were the Memphis Grizzlies, who continue to puzzle pundits with their pieces around legitimate superstar Kawhi Leonard. Definitely needing a second All-NBA talent to shoot their way back up the West, what can the Grizzlies pull together at the deadline to get themselves back in the hunt? Another veteran-based approach in Texas is the Dallas Mavericks, that have all but confirmed to be sticking the course of their outlandish moves for Rudy Gay and Rajon Rondo with the signing of Dwyane Wade, hoping for championship experience to rub off on their younger pieces. Could the Mavs shock the southwest Division and prove to be a much more difficult handful than expected?


Western Conference – Midwest Division



There may be a new name for this conference, but it's ruthlessness still rings true. The newly dubbed Midwest division still contains the last six championship teams, and will continue to be a warground for anyone in the Western Conference. Sitting atop of it is the reigning champion Utah Jazz, who remain similar besides from the loss of Paul Millsap, ready to defend their crown with a killer 1-2 punch of Anthony Davis and Jimmy Butler. Running behind them is a new-look Thunder team, without their three-time MVP Kevin Durant. Adding the Hornets' Danilo Gallinari in the offseason is a mere bandaid solution to their gaping wound at the SF position, with their motley crue of role players now needing to step up more than ever. Can the duo of James Harden and a returning Russell Westbrook keep the Thunder at the top of the West picture? Or will the dynasty slow to a crawl without their superstar leader? Picking up the services of Carmelo Anthony at the deadline last season, the Minnesota Timberwolves sit at a crossroads. Long lauded as a true contender, pitiful postseason performances and injuries have hampered the franchises ability to win when it matters most. With significant improvement of their superstar SG Bradley Beal and a dip in star power of the Thunder, this could be the year for the Twin Cities to muscle their way into the West's best. Despite leading the west with a league-leading 61 wins, the move of DeAndre Jordan in exchange for Andrew Wiggins paints a different picture to the West leaders of last season, with the Nuggets now focusing on the next 5-10 years, with an extremely strong core of D'Angelo Russell, Andrew Wiggins, Steven Adams and a sophomore Caris LeVert. The sky is the roof for this Denver outfit, though their performance of this season is no longer their top priority. Provided a deathwish by the realignment of the pacific division, the Suns have more than a tall task ahead of them. Tied with Detroit for the longest playoff drought, John Wall and co are likely to see that streak continue for Phoenix for at least the near future.


Award Predictions


Most Valuable Player

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Going for back-to-back years, Stephen Curry played out of his skin last season, and you can't help but expect him to do the same this season.

Rookie of the Year

De'Aaron Fox, Los Angeles Clippers

With an established starting lineup around him, De'Aaron Fox is the spearhead that the Clippers need to get back in the hunt.


Defensive Player of the Year

Andre Drummond, New York Knicks

The Knicks have their eyes on the ultimate prize this season, and a key factor of that will be Andre Drummond's defensive presence in the middle.


Most Improved Player

Andrew Wiggins, Denver Nuggets

Given the keys to the Mile High franchise alongside former MIP winner D'Angelo Russell, Andrew Wiggins looks primed to have the biggest year of his career as he begins his time as a Nugget.


Sixth Man of the Year

Tim Hardaway Jr., Dallas Mavericks

With Dwyane Wade taking the starting slot, Tim Hardaway Jr. will be key to Dallas' potential rise back up the West standings, providing lethal shooting off the bench.


Coach of the Year

Tim Thibodeau, Minnesota Timberwolves

If the Timberwolves are to pounce on the slight demise of the Thunder, it could be a huge season for Minnesota and their head coach.


Roster Download

After facing a lot of issues with previous years, I believe this season's roster has successfully been uploaded to the NLSC Downloads page, which you can download here.

[Andrew]

Another intriguing season set to tip off, except in Chicago where GarPax have realistically blundered!

I believe this should be the link for the rosters: https://forums.nba-live.com/downloads.php?view=detail&df_id=13160

[jubba910]

Another intriguing season set to tip off, except in Chicago where GarPax have realistically blundered!

I believe this should be the link for the rosters: https://forums.nba-live.com/downloads.php?view=detail&df_id=13160

Thanks mate, have updated that link. Chicago have not had a good run, Rose's knees still have brought a lot of pain to the franchise, plus no Jimmy Butler as your resurgent star has them in serious limbo, though they were a strong contender for Durant (I offered him the max from Chicago, Boston, Brooklyn & Miami). Fingers crossed next season is a bit more fruitful.

[Andrew]

When is DeRozan's contract up? He just might be the answer in this reality as well...ankle permitting, of course.

[jubba910]

When is DeRozan's contract up? He just might be the answer in this reality as well...ankle permitting, of course.

3 years...So a bit more pain to go...