A LEGEND IS BORN II

[Fresh8]

U gotta be kiddin me. Can u do me a favor and get wade outta there asap to a contender?

Sorry man, I ain't trading Wade. He's a FA soon so who knows, he might leave!

It's great that KD remains a Stealth. You have to keep him at all cost. He set a record in Rook vs Soph game and won Horse contest. Something notheworthy that he's even a capable superstar in a real life as well, while Westbrook is just a good point guard with bit of potential. No question you did the right thing. Now... only if you could make a trade to land Wade in Seattle......

I don't want Wade and don't need him. Already have a star backcourt.

[Fresh8]

The story so far...

Rookie Rocky Akonnor Injured In Pre-Season Match

October 20, 2009

NEW ORLEANS (AP) – The Seattle Stealth suffered a set back in an already disappointing preseason campaign with 7’3” rookie centre Rocky Akonnor injured during their match against the New Orleans Hornets. Akonnor hurt his right leg in a collision with Hornets’ PF Drew Gooden. The New York native was clutching his leg as team mates rushed onto the court to see if he was all right.

The team’s medical staff had to come onto the court and stretcher the big man off the court as he also suffered cramps in his left leg. The team doctor explained, “A lack of conditioning caused the cramps but that is the least of our concerns. It looks like Rocky has some kind of muscle strain and this typically takes two to four weeks of recovery.” Akonnor will meet a specialist once he returns to Seattle.

Read More…

- - -

Seattle Finishes Preseason With Dismal Record

October 25, 2009

SEATTLE (AP) – Seattle finished the NBA preseason with a 1-7 record, their lone win coming against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Stealth looked out of sync and soft on the defensive end. New Head Coach George Karl admitted that it would take time for the team to gel. “I’m not expecting the team to play great over night. They are a work in progress.”

When questioned on his vision for the team, Karl stated that he expected the side to make a solid run at a playoff spot during the upcoming season. “I think it (making the playoffs) is achievable. It’s not a long shot at all.”

Karl also stated that newcomers Jason Kidd, David Lee, and Jamaal Magloire seemed to be fitting in fine with their new team mates while he was disappointed with the injury sustained by rookie big man Rocky Akonnor. He also mentioned that star recruit Reshawn Tyson would be starting on the Stealth bench for the time being.

Read More…

- - -

Jason Kidd Predicts Winning Season

October 28, 2009

SEATTLE (AP) – With the Seattle Stealth preparing to kick off their season against the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, new PG Jason Kidd took some time out to talk about his new team. The following is an excerpt of his interview with NBA.com:

NBA.com: Jason, how has it been with settling into a new ball club?
Kidd: I’m not new to it so it has not been hard. I have family here and the fans have definitely made me feel welcome.

NBA.com: You didn’t have a winning preseason. How did that go down with you?
Kidd: There’s plenty of improvement that needs to happen. This team was very young and inconsistent before I joined the side. I hope that I can make a difference by being here. Kevin (Durant) was a star before I came so hopefully I can help him take one extra step and win.

NBA.com: Any predictions for the upcoming season?
Kidd: We will win more than half our games for sure. I’m thinking we could make the playoffs as a six or seven seed. I’d say that we are definitely playoff-calibre.

Read More…

- - -

Kevin Durant Vows To Be Better Teammate

October 28, 2009

SEATTLE (AP) – When it was announced that Jason Kidd would be captain of the Seattle Stealth, Kevin Durant was the first to applaud the new appointment. Durant had suddenly stepped down from his role as team captain at the start of preseason training camp. It caught many of his team mates by surprise.

“I knew he was really proud of that role,” Jeff Green said, “It was a bit of a shock to me that he didn’t want it anymore.” Added Chris Wilcox, “Maybe he just wants to focus on leading on the court as only a player. I can’t be certain though why he did it.” Even new captain Kidd chimed in, “When I came to the team, I was expecting to be second fiddle to Kevin and I was ready to listen to him and help him in his role.”

However, Durant said that even though he wasn’t captain anymore, it did not mean that he would not be a leader. “I’m a natural leader so not being captain won’t stop me from speaking up and trying to bring the best out of my team mates. I just think that I have too much on my plate for now and that Jason really is the type of leader that all of us, including myself, could learn from.”

Durant held a low profile over the NBA off-season and was the last player to rejoin Seattle for training camp. He arrived three days late due to ‘personal reasons’ that were never disclosed to media.

Read More…

[kibaxx7]

Oh, sucks that Akonnor got injured. You can make the playoffs Sit.

[Fresh8]

Thanks Thierry! The next chapter and season opener will be up soon.

[kibaxx7]

Check in my thread to see the b-ball cards man

[Fresh8]

Chapter 14

The Seattle Stealth had their first training session on the court at home. There was no getaway slash retreat; George Karl did not see a need.
“I’m new and nearly half of you are too,” Karl explained to his squad, “We’ve already talked about this in the team meeting but I need to reiterate that we have a lot of work to do.”
Ty looked around as he continued to stretch on the cold surfaced of the training court. To his left he could see Jason Kidd - viciously chewing on his gum as he was stretching out his hamstring. Close to Kidd were Brad Miller and David Lee. Ty looked to his right and saw Chris Wilcox whispering something to Adam Morrison and the two started to laugh. Ty’s best friend Rocky Akonnor was with the trainer. He had complained of pains in his right knee and the team trainer thought it was best that the big man sat out training until it wasn’t brothering him. It meant that Akonnor would be relegated to training in the pool, trying to make his knee stronger by being in the water.
“After you’re all done with stretching, we’re going to start working on a couple of defensive footwork drills,” there was collective sigh.
Karl continued, “Then we need to start working on our offensive sets.”
Training camp was long and repetitive. Day after day of defensive work and running through what Karl wanted done on attack. Denver never ran plays, why should we? Ty thought to himself as Karl went through the last one that didn’t quite work out; he accepted nothing but perfection. Karl wanted the team to run and gun but he also wanted them to be able to set up an offence in the half court. He wanted versatility on offence and toughness on defense. An opportunity to challenge for an NBA title within the following four years was his vision.

Durant arrived on the third day of training camp. That morning, the coaching staff held a team meeting and instructed them not to ask Durant any questions. It turned out that he was suffering from ‘personal issues’ and the team thought it was wise not to test Durant’s emotional stability. Durant was mainly quiet as the rest of his team mates were joking loudly during practice. He kept to himself while on the rare occasion shared a word or two with Jeff Green.
“What’s wrong with him?” Morrison whispered to Wilcox.
Wilcox shrugged, “Finally saw the light and figured he should keep his fat mouth shut?”
Durant felt the animosity displayed to him by some of his team mates but didn’t want to cause any trouble. He knew he had made mistakes in the past and so he decided it was best he kept quiet; he didn’t want another fight to break out like the one at the end of last season. Durant later had a meeting with Karl to inform the coach that he wanted to step down as team captain. A few days later, Jason Kidd would become Seattle’s new captain.

The Stealth began their preseason campaign on the road at Minnesota. A big game from Al Jefferson helped the Wolves keep Seattle from winning. The Stealth continued with losing games against Portland, Memphis, Hawks, and the Clippers. The Stealth finally won one game after facing the Memphis but lost their last two games against the Hornets and Lakers.
“I hope the team plays a lot better,” Sit said to Karl.
The two were having lunch to discuss what they could expect in the upcoming season.
“I’m feeling fairly optimistic about this squad,” Karl proclaimed.
“I hope you do because I’m not too sure anymore.”
“We have a good mix of experience and youth. We also have depth.”
“You need to make good use of Jeff Green, I like having him start on the bench but he needs to get minutes.”
“Get me that a starting shooting guard and we will definitely be winning.”
“Don’t expect any miracles,” Sit laughed at the subject of acquiring a starting shooting guard for Karl, “And I’m not going to trade for Iverson.”
“Good because if you did, I would quit.”

Rocky finally succumbed to injury as he was involved in a collision with Drew Gooden in Seattle’s game against the Hornets. Ty was over at Rocky’s place to try some of Mrs Akonnor’s meatloaf.
“You know you make the best dinners,” Ty praised his best friend’s mom, “This is delicious.”
“Ty, I would be more than happy if you would come around more often,” she said to him in reply.
“I’m sort of busy,” he lied.
“Don’t be silly boy,” she could tell he wasn’t being honest, “I’ve known you since you were seven, I know when you are not telling me the truth.”
Ty didn’t say anything. Rocky kept his head down and continued eating; he didn’t want to be involved in this one.
“I bet it’s because of your mother.”
Ty didn’t say anything; he wanted to avoid the topic.
“Trust me son, if she saw you like this, she would be so sad.”
“I don’t want to talk about it,” Ty stated bluntly.
Rocky raised an eyebrow but kept on eating. Mrs Akonnor knew that she had gone too far.

* * *

Jason Kidd got the loudest ovation as he waved to the crowd. It was the Stealth’s first game of the season and it was fittingly at home. The Cavs were in town and LeBron James had walked over to the scorer’s table and threw talcum powder into the air. Kidd walked around near halfway, giving everyone on the court a high five. Adam Morrison, Brad Miller, David Lee joined he and Durant on the floor as the Seattle starting lineup. Karl had considered starting Jamaal Magloire but didn’t in the end.
“I can’t believe it, we’re finally in the big league!” Akonnor was excited.
Ty didn’t say anything. Akonnor just shook his head. He had suggested many times that Tyson should seek help but he never did.
“Let’s keep that defense tight!” Karl shouted orders to his players on the court.
Kidd gave Karl a thumbs up before the ball went up for the tip off. The crowd was electric as the Stealth rolled to a win. Kidd was brilliant for the home side as he set up plenty of open looks for his team mates. However, Durant’s final points total outshone the playmaking genius of his captain. Karl was ecstatic that his team had beaten the Cavs.
“This is a new era for the Stealth,” Karl announced at the press conference.
Sit was once again lurking at the back of the room. This is what I’m talking about.
Meanwhile, in the locker room, many of the players were being interviewed. Kidd and Durant drew the biggest throng of reporters.
“Kevin is a great great player and I am scared to even think about how good he will get,” Kidd said.
Durant was a few lockers away and gave his new captain some shining comments of his own, “Last season was a mess. Jason has come in and really given me the luxury of being able to play my game. He really makes a difference.”

[kaiser_kobe]

Nice start...although they lost many preseason games, the future will be brighter for this team...the Kidd presence really helps the team... hope to see some recaps, if the season was already started.

[homicide1550]

You beat LeBron and the Cavs on your first game... A nice start for the 2nd season...

[kibaxx7]

Yes, great start defeating the Cavs. Kidd seems to be a great addition to the squad

[Mark.]

Great start to the season dude

[NovU]

Great start, and what a great guy KD is.

[Fresh8]

Durant Outduels James as Kidd Leads Stealth To Overtime Win

Preview | Box Score | Recap


Jason Kidd gets past Lebron James
before making the pass to David Lee

29 October, 2009

SEATTLE (AP) – It’s rare when a player leads the team in scoring by a considerable margin, having edged the league’s best player in a shooting duel, and still claims that he did not lead the team to victory. Kevin Durant shook off a horrible start to the season and finished with 44 points in the new-look Seattle Stealth’s season opener against the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers. The game went to overtime after an improbable Stealth comeback in the waning moments of regulation before Seattle stayed ahead of their visiting opponents in the extra period to claim a morale boosting win.

Durant claimed new singing Jason Kidd was Seattle’s true star as the veteran PG notched a team record 17 assists. “Jason really took control of the match and every pass he made was to someone wide open or a pass that would lead to one that hit an open man,” Durant fondly spoke of his new captain, “All of my points were off his passes. All of David’s (Lee) buckets were off a Jason Kidd pass. Everyone else who scored in the post or had open jumpers; they all got those chances from Jason.”

Last season, Durant was the lone star but the signing of the 36 year old Kidd, a perennial All-Star, means that he doesn’t have to do it alone this season. Already, the third year pro and one-time All-Star player can see the difference an experienced distributor can bring to a team. “We had Russell Westbrook last season who started and finished the season strong but he lacked that mental will to last the full season,” Durant explains, “Jason has come in and just taken over. I feel comfortable with him handling the ball and it’s great to play with him. It’s a huge difference playing with Kidd now, everything has become easier.”

George Karl’s return to coaching was a successful one after he was dumped by the Denver Nuggets last season. He praised his team for their effort, “The Cavs looked dangerous all night long and at the end of it, we were down 11 points or so but we kept fighting to the end. Once our threes started finding the bottom of the net, we were right back into it.” General Manager of the Stealth, Will Sit, was also present at the game and praised his new signing Kidd, David Lee, and Jamaal Magloire. Sit stated, “Those guys are really going to make a big difference. Tonight, you can see it on the court but they are even more important off of it.”

Lee had 10 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks while Magloire pulled down 8 rebounds after coming off the bench. Kidd had 8 points and 3 important steals to go along with his 17 assists. Jeff Green and Adam Morrison were also instrumental in the win as they combined for 30 points.

The Cavs were led by Lebron James’ 42 points and Mo Williams’ 26. Unfortunately, the rest of the team didn’t shoot as well as James and Williams did and wasted a very winnable ball game. “Considering that we were up by double digits at the end of the fourth quarter, we should have won this one,” James rued the missed chance of opening the 2009-10 season with a win, “There’s no one to blame but ourselves.”

Cleveland were up by 11 points with 2 minutes left in the game before Seattle came storming back into it. In the last minute of regulation, Jeff Green and Kevin Durant both hit triples in a span of 20 seconds. A Durant dunk sliced the Cavs’ lead to just 3 Adam Morrison’s three pointer on the fast break, started by a Jason Kidd theft at the other end, tied the game up with 29 seconds left. Cavs rookie Hal Justice hit his only shot of the night with 21 seconds left in the game to put Cleveland up by 2 points.

With 14.5 seconds left, Kidd returned the favor with a tough layup in traffic before intercepting the inbounds pass. Brad Miller had a chance to win the game but fumbled the pass and had to pass the ball back out to Kidd. Kidd then got the ball to Lee who was caught by surprise and by the time he launched a shot up, the buzzer had sounded.

The overtime period saw the teams trade baskets before Morrison hit a jumper with 1:18 to put Seattle up by 2. Kevin Durant then hit a wide open three pointer from the left baseline with 49.8 seconds left. With the team up by 5, Cleveland would never get any close with two dunks by Ben Wallace nullified by Morrison and Durant hitting a pair of free throws each to ice the game.

Notes: Durant stepped down over the Summer from his role as team captain and George Karl appointed Kidd to the position… Stealth rookie SG Reshawn Tyson got a loud cheer from the Seattle crowd as he made a cameo appearance, playing at the end of the second quarter. He finished with a dunk… The Cavs were interested in signing Kidd to play alongside James but failed to make a significant offer. Said Kidd: “I would have loved to play in Cleveland but they didn’t seem serious at all. It was a bit of a letdown for me”…

Quarter-by-Quarter Team Score

Cleveland (Away) 21 – 26 – 19 – 35 – 10 – 111
Seattle (Home) 25 – 23 – 22 – 31 – 15 – 116

Jordan Player of the Game

Kevin Durant
44 Points
18-27 FG
4-7 3PT
4-6 FT
2 Rebounds
5 Assists
2 Steals

Key Performers

Cleveland (0-1)

L James 42 pt, 11 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk, 20-24 FG, 2-3 3PT
M Williams 26 pt, 5 ast, 9-12 FG, 6-8 3PT, 2-2 FT
B Wallace 12 pt, 3 stl, 5-6 FG

Seattle (1-0)

J Green 16 pt, 2 stl, 7-7 FG, 2-2 3PT
A Morrison 14 pt, 4 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl, 5-11 FG, 2-6 3PT, 2-2 FT
D Lee 10 pt, 4 reb, 4 ast, 2 blk, 5-9 FG

[Mark.]

Nice recap dude, I like your strategy of dealing with LeBron, just let him score and mark the rest of team out of the game! Thats what im assuming you did by his 20-24 FG and no FTs

[Srbija]

first time i've seen this, looking good Sit, glad to see you've kept up your in-depth story writing.

[Valor]

great story, great start to the season, and just a great recap
Jason Kidd really is doing well...17 assists in the regular season debut...great job signing him

[C-77]

wow you beat th Cavs (my favorite team ) anyway KD and Kidd was amazing!,they could be the most deadliest backourt tandem this season,or atleast one of the most deadliest

[Oskar]

Nice story and good job winning the Cavs. Kidd and Durant are doing it for ya !

[kibaxx7]

I'm thinking the same as Mark, that you let Bron score and guard the rest of the team, it's a good plan. Great win over the Cavs!

[Fresh8]

Durant’s 43 Holds Denver At Bay

Preview | Box Score | Recap


Rookie Andrew Watson calls for help as Kevin Durant burns him

7 November, 2009

DENVER (AP) – Kevin Durant started the game with four straight misses but he did not miss a shot for the rest of the night. Durant had an incredible eighteen straight baskets over the first three quarters as he reached the grand total of 43 points, leading the Stealth to an easy win.

“Kevin played very well tonight,” Head Coach George Karl stated, “I didn’t even need to play him in the last quarter. I like that as it gives him a good rest.” Jason Kidd was held scoreless on 0 for 4 shooting but he did his job by dishing out 11 assists.

The Denver Nuggets were going into the game with an undefeated record and it seemed that the Nuggets would keep it that way; the Nuggets opening the game with a 14-2 run. Nuggets rookie Andrew Watson opened proceedings with a deep three pointer; one of only two buckets for the night for Watson. Seattle came back and took their first lead of the night on an Adam Morrison try at the sound of the first quarter buzzer.

Denver were led by JR Smith in the second quarter as they regained the lead. Smith finished the night with 25 points from off the bench while Carmelo Anthony finished the game with 26. Durant kept the Stealth in the game and after halftime; he led a ferocious scoring run that reclaimed the lead for Seattle. The Stealth was in a comfortable position in the final quarter thanks to a 12-0 run to start the final period.

Despite the win, Seattle’s coach George Karl was still not happy, “A win is a win but I would prefer it if Kevin didn’t have to score all of the points. I want a team effort out there; more guys need to step up.” When told of what his coach said, Durant agreed, “I really need help out on the floor because if I get double teamed, I need guys to step up.”

Notes: Durant missed his season high scoring mark by 1 point; he scored 44 in the season opener against Cleveland… Chauncey Billups wasn’t himself and blamed it on a virus that has been spreading around the league, “There’s something going around with all the players. I felt a bit nauseous out on the court tonight”… Durant leads all players in scoring average… Morrison hit back to back three pointers near the end of the first quarter… Watson is the fourth New Zealander to sign for an NBA team…

Quarter-by-Quarter Team Score

Seattle (Away) 21 – 23 – 34 – 29 – 107
Denver (Home) 18 – 28 – 17 – 30– 93

Jordan Player of the Game

Kevin Durant
43 Points
18-22 FG
4-7 3PT
3-4 FT
5 Rebounds
2 Assists
3 Blocks

Key Performers

Seattle (4-1)

D Lee 14 pt, 6 reb, 5 ast, 2 stl, 7-7 FG
A Morrison 9 pt, 1 reb, 4 ast, 3-5 FG, 3-4 3PT
B Miller 8 pt, 3 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk, 3-4 FG, 2-3 FT

Denver (4-1)

C Anthony 26 pt, 2 ast, 1 stl, 11-16 FG, 4-6 3PT
JR Smith 25 pt, 5 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk, 11-15 FG, 3-6 3PT
Nene 14 pt, 8 reb, 5 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk, 7-7 FG
A Watson 6 pt, 1 reb, 3 ast, 2-10 FG, 2-6 3PT

[NovU]

i think this proves my point. i saw likt 100 ppl saying "keep westbrook, kd is a dick" a few pages ago, but look now. case closed.

[kibaxx7]

Honestly I don't like Durant but he's a monster.

[homicide1550]

Damn! Second straight 40+ game for KD, he is off to a blazing start...

[Fresh8]

Nice start...although they lost many preseason games, the future will be brighter for this team...the Kidd presence really helps the team... hope to see some recaps, if the season was already started.

You got your recaps! Hope you are happy!

Nice recap dude, I like your strategy of dealing with LeBron, just let him score and mark the rest of team out of the game! Thats what im assuming you did by his 20-24 FG and no FTs

No, let's just say LeBron dunked on my players at will... lucky for me that his team mates didn't step up in this one...

first time i've seen this, looking good Sit, glad to see you've kept up your in-depth story writing.

Hey man, what's doing? Havent seen you post in a while!

great story, great start to the season, and just a great recap
Jason Kidd really is doing well...17 assists in the regular season debut...great job signing him

Thanks dude! JKIdd is awesome at everything except for shooting... I'm having tough tim scoring with him but slowly figuring it out.

wow you beat th Cavs (my favorite team ) anyway KD and Kidd was amazing!,they could be the most deadliest backourt tandem this season,or atleast one of the most deadliest

Not really.. I think a lot of teams have better backcourt tandems than I do.

Nice story and good job winning the Cavs. Kidd and Durant are doing it for ya !

Kidd and Durant are awesome indeed!

you let Bron score and guard the rest of the team

Nope I didn't... Virtual LeBron merely dominated...

i think this proves my point. i saw likt 100 ppl saying "keep westbrook, kd is a dick" a few pages ago, but look now. case closed.

You're loving it aren't you? You didn't see it coming though I hope. That I was gonna keep Durant.

Honestly I don't like Durant but he's a monster.

He is ripping it up!

Damn! Second straight 40+ game for KD, he is off to a blazing start...

Not really man, if you take note, we have a 4-1 record now... so it's not his second straight 40 point game.

[kaiser_kobe]

Hehe...Durant was very dominating in ur first 2 games, if ur team will continue this performance, mark already ur team's name for the postseason! gud luck...hope Stealth will stay healthy!

[Pistol]

Durant is sick right now!

“And I’m not going to trade for Iverson.”
“Good because if you did, I would quit.”

Lol. Great writing as usual Sit. always a pleasure reading your stories. Even though I started this on at 14, lol. Ill have to play catch-up