NELLIEBALL! | Finished.

[Valor]

tough loss to Indiana, but very nice wins over the sixers, clippers and phoenix, 6th place in the West is not bad at all! keep it up man

[hova-]

Two bad losses against the Clippers and Indiana. Still it seems like your on a good way.

[Angelo]

This is a nice thread that you are having here Lamrock ill constantly read into your association

[kibaxx7]

Good, hanging to a playoff berth

[Lightning Strike]

Lightning Strike, Thanks man. I really want those Clippers to make the playoffs, but I couldn't help but laugh when Davis went down again. Appreciate the praise. Good to know that people read the recaps. You're off to a great start on these forums. Stick around.

Thanks a lot man, means a lot, and I don't plan to leave anytime soon.

Nice February recap, the game reviews you right are always a joy to read. The fact that you beat Phoenix's third quarter by 17 points is amazing, what a comeback, they must really have terrible offense outside of Richardson. Looking forward to future updates, good luck on holding that play-offs position and hopefully playing well enough to get yourself into 4th to get the home court advantage.

[kibaxx7]

You're off to a great start on these forums. Stick around.

Thanks a lot man, means a lot, and I don't plan to leave anytime soon.

Good to hear, you really started great. Is there a dynasty/association from you in the future?

[Fresh8]

Jackson has really stepped it up. Kudos. Keep it up big man! Your Warriors are doing good!

[Lamrock]

Thanks. Do you have XBL Sit? Next recap should come in the next couple days. Been playing with rosters and sliders a bit outside of Association mode.

[Fresh8]

What's XBL?

[Lamrock]

Xbox Live

[Fresh8]

Nah I don't. Man, I barely play on my xbox in the past week due to work...

[Lightning Strike]

You're off to a great start on these forums. Stick around.

Thanks a lot man, means a lot, and I don't plan to leave anytime soon.

Good to hear, you really started great. Is there a dynasty/association from you in the future?

I'm flattered.

Absolutely, I might start with a fantasy draft association just because I love playing them, but if that doesn't succeed here then I'll try again with a lower tier club and bring them up (hopefully).

[Lamrock]

NEWS ROUNDUP: February 11, 2010

Gortat Returns To Magic In Exchange for Pietrus, Anthony Johnson

<--->

February 2, 2010 - The Orlando Magic has traded French swingman Mickael Pietrus, along with seldom-used veteran point guard Anthony Johnson to the Houston Rockets for former Magic big man Marcin Gortat. Pietrus gained notoriety in last season's playoffs for his defense on LeBron James in their upset Conference Finals win. However, with second year guard Courtney Lee's emergence as a potential star, Air France saw his playing time take a hit. He has been requesting a trade all year, and now his wish has been granted.

Enter Marcin Gortat: the former Magic that Orlando is getting in return. Gortat was signed to the MLE by the Rockets as an insurance policy for Yao, and has been solid this year. However, finally on the verge of true title contention, the Rockets took the gamble and acquired a guy who is not only a tremendous upgrade over Wally Szczerbiak, but also a fantastic perimeter defender. The move should pay dividends should the Rockets meet the likes of the Blazers (who have the 2-3 punch of Roy and Granger), or Lakers (Kobe. 'Nuff said). The caveat here is that it leaves Reggie Evans and Joey Dorsey as their only frontcourt depth. They are probably regretting the head-scratcher trade that send Carl Landry to the Blazers right about now. With three capable point guards on the roster, Johnson is just filler. However, another trade is likely on the way for them.

The Magic don't get any closer to a championship with this move. In this swap of sixth men, they lose a crucial playoff performer, and gain a guy they had last year. Gortat may be a fan favorite, but is not the impact player that will get them past Boston or the Lakers. Entering the trade, their frontcourt depth was Tony Battie and Stromile Swift, so there is something to the trade. However, this move seems to be lateral, if not detrimental to their cause of winning a championship. Granted, who knows what circumstances there would have been had the Pietrus situation not been rectified? Right now, it seems the Rockets get the better end of the deal.

Rockets Get:
Mickael Pietrus 2009-10: 45 games | 19.0 MPG | 8.1 PPG | 2.7 RPG | 1.5 APG | 0.4 BPG | 1.5 SPG | 1.0 TOPG | .455 FG%
Anthony Johnson 2009-10: 18 games | 9.2 MPG | 3.2 PPG | 0.4 RPG | 1.9 APG | 0.0 BPG | 0.5 SPG | 0.9 TOPG | .389 FG%
Projected Starters: Aaron Brooks | Mickael Pietrus | Shane Battier | Chris Bosh | Yao Ming

Magic get:
Marcin Gortat 2009-10: 42 games | 27.4 MPG | 7.8 PPG | 6.6 RPG | 0.4 APG | 1.4 BPG | 0.2 SPG | 1.3 TOPG | .505 FG%
Projected Starters: Jameer Nelson | Courtney Lee | Hedo Turkoglu | Rashard Lewis | Dwight Howard

Rockets Trade Grade: A- | Magic Trade Grade: B

Adam Morrison Dealt To Grizzlies For Mark Madsen

(Madsen) <--->

February 6, 2010 - In a minor deal, the Los Angeles Lakers have dealt former #3 pick and draft bust Adam Morrison to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for former Laker and journeyman Center Mark Madsen, as well as a 2010 second-rounder. The Lakers lost DJ Mbenga and Josh Powell to free agency, leaving rising star Center Andrew Bynum without a true back-up. Often times, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom have had to play the 5. The acquisition of Madsen gives them a rental backup Center with playoff experience, and willingness to take lesser (or nonexistent) role. It comes at a fairly negligible price, as Adam Morrison has failed to flourish in Los Angeles, as the third-string small forward. The deal also saves them a couple million dollars, as they are over the luxury tax, and Madsen makes slightly less than AMMO.

After a hot start, the Grizzlies suffered a 9 game losing streak, which more or less dashed their playoff hopes. Unhappy with the play of Greg Buckner as Rudy Gay's backup, and worried that Gay could leave this Summer, Memphis opted to acquire the 'stache. The cost was negligible: an old backup Center and a draft pick in the forties. The Grizzlies hope that the college star can have a career renaissance, and help get the now struggling Grizzlies back on the right track. O.J. Mayo was disappointed with the trade, saying "We got enough swingmen. We need a starting power forward who doesn't suck", prompting starting PF Darrell Arthur to confront Mayo. The two sophomore players had a minor skirmish, and were suspended by the team 2 games each.

Grizzlies Get:
Adam Morrison 2009-10: 28 games | 10.2 MPG | 6.1 PPG | 1.2 RPG | 0.3 APG | 0.1 BPG | 0.1 SPG | 0.5 TOPG | .312 FG%
Projected Starters: Mike Conley Jr. | O.J. Mayo | Rudy Gay | Darrell Arthur | Marc Gasol

Lakers get:
Mark Madsen 2009-10: 37 games | 14.2 MPG | 3.3 PPG | 5.7 RPG | 0.2 APG | 0.3 BPG | 0.1 SPG | 0.6 TOPG | .419 FG%
Projected Starters: Derek Fisher | Kobe Bryant | Lamar Odom | Pau Gasol | Andrew Bynum

Grizzlies Trade Grade: B | Lakers Trade Grade: A-

Rockets Swap Barry And Blake With Wolves For Thomas, Mills

(Thomas) <--->

February 9, 2010 - The Houston Rockets have traded point guard Steve Blake and veteran combo guard Brent Barry to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for big man Etan Thomas and Australian point guard Patrick Mills. The Rockets, coming off the Mickael Pietrus trade, were a team gutted of their frontcourt depth. With no real backup for the oft-injured Yao Ming, the Rockets were asking for trouble. Fortunately, they were able to acquire a solid backup for nothing more than one of their three backup point guards and a guy on the verge of retirement. In addition, they acquire lightning fast point guard prospect Patty Mills. The deal appeases Kyle Lowry, returning the job of backup point guard to him, and makes them more well-rounded as a whole. I love it.

The Wolves don't give up anything they value (Mills was asking to be traded), and got back a decent starting point guard. This will make it so they won't have to start Sebastian Telfair (ugh). The deal has no long-term ramifications for the Wolves, except perhaps the loss of Mills. All in all, the Wolves make their second innocuous deal in a week. Barry will likely we waived, then either retire or sign with a contender. The Rockets get the better end of this minor deal.

Rockets get:
Etan Thomas 2009-10 32 games | 13.1 MPG | 3.2 PPG | 4.1 RPG | 0.4 APG | 0.5 BPG | 0.1 SPG | 1.1 TOPG | .425 FG%
Patrick Mills 2009-10: 17 games | 10.4 MPG | 4.0 PPG | 0.7 RPG | 2.2 APG | 0.0 BPG | 0.5 SPG | 0.9 TOPG | .383 FG%
Projected Starters: Aaron Brooks | Mickael Pietrus | Shane Battier | Chris Bosh | Yao Ming

Timberwolves Get:
Steve Blake 2009-10: 44 games | 23.1 MPG | 8.4 PPG | 1.3 RPG | 4.5 APG | 0.0 BPG | 0.5 SPG | 2.2 TOPG | .410 FG%
Brent Barry 2009-10: 18 games | 6.2 MPG | 3.1 PPG | 0.7 RPG | 0.6 APG | 0.0 BPG | 0.1 SPG | 0.3 TOPG | .450 FG%
Projected Starters: Steve Blake | Jamal Crawford | Adam Morrison | Kevin Love | Al Jefferson

Rockets Trade Grade: A | Timberwolves Trade Grade: C

Rose, Randolph, Holiday Highlight Rookie-Sophomore Game Rosters

February 7, 2010 - The Rookie-Sophomore game is less than a week away, and the rosters for it have finally been released. Starting for the rookie team will be ROY frontrunner Jrue Holiday, Kings combo guard Tyreke Evans Bobcats swingman James Harden, #1 pick Blake Griffin and the Thunder's Hasheem Thabeet. The bench consists of Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio, Hornets big man DeJuan Blair, Knicks guard Gerald Henderson, and Nets point guard Brandon Jennings, who seldom played earlier in the year, but is now looking like a budding superstar. The Sophomore starting five consists of 2009 Rookie Of The Year Derrick Rose, Clippers guard Eric Gordon, Heat forward Michael Beasley, MIP frontrunner Anthony Randolph and Nets Center Brook Lopez. The bench contains Pacers Center and 2007 #1 pick Greg Oden, Grizzlies combo guard OJ Mayo, Thunder PG Russell Westbrook and Warriors sixth man Rudy Fernandez,

Rookie Team:

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Sophomore Team:

|

Chris Paul Requests A Trade

February 11, 2010 - Hornets superstar Chris Paul made headlines today by requesting a trade before the deadline. "It's time to move on", the fifth year star said. "Right now we just aren't very good, and I can't see us getting much better any time soon. I regret that it has to come to this". Hornets GM Jeff Bower has yet to comment. The statements have taken the Blogosphere by storm. Fans of all 29 of the other teams have come up with various trade scenarios involving the young point guard. The Hornets are a team encumbered with bad contracts. Paul would likely be bundled with the likes of Peja Stojakovic, Morris Peterson or James Posey in a deal.

[|)e8*]

Wow CP3 demanding trade, Hornets are screwed

[hova-]

Sweet update. The Rockets are really building a serious contender there. Good to see two of your guys on the rookie sophs game.

[Fresh8]

Ummm... Madsen still plays in the L?

[Lamrock]

Yep. Gonna lead Land-O-Lakers to victory!

[dare]

nice the MadDog back in LaLaLand

[kibaxx7]

OMG Madsen back in LA... yeah, the Hornets are done, but it would be interesting to see who he gets traded for in exchange.

[Lightning Strike]

Nice trade write-ups Lam, a love the fact that the Timberwolves have made 2 dreadful trades in a month. Also, am I the only one that thinks that Rudy Fernandez's profile shot looks like someone has taken a picture of a wax model? It just doesn't look real to me.

[|)e8*]

Nice trade write-ups Lam, a love the fact that the Timberwolves have made 2 dreadful trades in a month. Also, am I the only one that thinks that Rudy Fernandez's profile shot looks like someone has taken a picture of a wax model? It just doesn't look real to me.

Hey you are right it does looks like a wax model lolz

[Lamrock]

Eric Gordon Shines As Sophomores Dispatch Rookies Yet Again
Clipper shooting guard scores 31 in 24 minutes
Sophomores 132, Rookies 115

Dallas, TX; February 12, 2010 - Derrick Rose's poor shooting night may have helped let the rookies stay within striking distance at halftime. However, tradition eventually prevailed as the Sophomores defeated the rookies for the eighth straight year, 132-115. Eric Gordon had a game-high 31 points, as the game seemed to be a coming-out party for the rising star, much like Monta Ellis's three years ago. The 6'3 shooting guard outplayed rookie and Clipper teammate Blake Griffin, who had a solid line of 15 points and 9 rebounds, but was held scoreless in the second half.

The first half of the game was pretty close. Spanish rookie Ricky Rubio of Golden State was particularly impressive, notching 10 of his 15 assists in the first half, many of which were alley-oops to Griffin. However, Greg Oden and Anthony Randolph were a dominant duo both on the boards and on D, while Gordon scored at will. At the ten minute mark, the score read Sophomores 30, Rookies 22. However, the gap closed as top 3 picks Rose, Michael Beasley and Mayo could not buy a shot. With the Rookies up 1 and the half coming to a close, Rudy Fernandez sunk a buzzer-beater 3. Fernandez, one of three Warriors in the game (they have the most representatives), had 8 points in 14 minutes.


Left, NBA and Olympic Teammates Ricky Rubio and Rudy Fernandez square off. Right, Eric Gordon hitting one of his 14 field goals.

The second half saw the momentum shift drastically to the more experienced (and arguably more talented) Sophomore squad. Derrick Rose was subbed out in favor of Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook. While Ricky Rubio (The Rookies' MVP by far) held him to 4 points, the point guard dished 8 assists. A 22-5 run put the game away for the second-year stars. After that it was all shenanigans: alley-oops, botched alley-oops, dunk contest previews, and big men showing off their dribbling and shooting skills. As time ran out, the score read 132-115, Sophomores. Eric Gordon was awarded Rookie Challenge MVP, as he scored a game-high 31 points on 14-22 shooting in just 24 minutes of play. The victory is the sixth straight for the Sophomores, giving them a 9-2 record since the 2000 format change for the event.

RKE (2-9): 55 | 60 | 115
SPH (9-2): 57 | 75 | 132

Player Stats:

Sophomores:
Eric Gordon (LAC): 31 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, 14-22 FG
Anthony Randolph (GSW): 17 points, 11 rebounds, 6 blocks
Greg Oden (IND): 13 points, 15 rebounds, 4 blocks
OJ Mayo (MEM): 16 points, 4 assists, 3 steals, 6-17 FG
Brook Lopez (NJN): 14 points, 6 rebounds
Derrick Rose (CHI): 12 points, 11 assists, 3-16 FG, 6-6 FT
Rudy Fernandez (GSW): 8 points, 4 assists 2-2 3PT
Michael Beasley (MIA): 7 points, 3 rebounds
Russell Westbrook (OKC): 4 points, 8 assists

Rookies:
Ricky Rubio (GSW): 16 points, 15 assists, 5 steals, 4 rebounds, 7-9 FG
James Harden (CHA): 23 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists
Jrue Holiday (PHX): 17 points, 8 assists, 2 rebounds
Blake Griffin (LAC): 15 points, 9 rebounds
Brandon Jennings (NJN): 11 points, 7 assists, 4 steals, 4 rebounds
Hasheem Thabeet (OKC): 4 points, 12 rebounds, 5 blocks
Tyreke Evans (SAC): 12 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists
DeJuan Blair (NOH): 8 points, 9 rebounds, 4-4 FG
Gerald Henderson (NYK): 9 points, 3-8 FG

Notes:
-Kevin Love expressed his disappointment about his Rookie Challenge game snub, saying "I don't understand how Rudy [Fernandez] made it in there and not me. Its just disappointing, and a little insulting. That's all."
-Team Mavericks defeated Team Dallas in the McDonalds Celebrity all-star game 68-59. "Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia" star Charlie Day won MVP honors, with 13 points and 9 assists. Candace Parker led the losing side with 23.
-5 bonus points to whoever points out the lamp first
-Today, the struggling Detroit Pistons sent veteran big man Rasheed Wallace to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for expiring contract Steven Hunter. Most NBA pundits see this as a salary dump for the Pistons, as the 15 year pro has a two year contract.
-Damn, it is so hard to stay motivated during ASW. The Rookie Challenge was likely the biggest pain though. Coming up next is 3pt shootout and dunk contest. After the all-star game is the trade deadline. Some pretty crazy shit goes down. Stay tuned.

[Lightning Strike]

That was fun to read, loved the coverage of every player in the match. Will Rubio's spectacular performance possibly lead to more season minutes per game? He really does deserve the role, but with your starter being Nash it would be incredibly difficult to take him off for Rubio, especially since Nash is still a MVP quality player. At least when Nash retires you have a very capable replacement.

I don't know what a 'lamp' is or what it's referring to, so there goes 5 points for me. <-- Haha, fail.
Edit: Haha, got it now, it's in the first image, to the right of Rubio's head.

I'm the opposite, I think the ASW is great fun, a much needed change from playing game after game in a regular season, it's a refreshing feel in my opinion (with the 3pt shooting being my forte). It's tough about the trade deadline being over, especially since you can't make any much needed adjustments for the playoffs, but then again is there anybody in your roster you feel like trading anyway?

Good luck with the rest of the week, I look forward to future updates!

[dare]

Haha, whats up with the lamp in there??? nice recap man cant wait for the 3pt and Slamdunk contest.

Anthony Randolph got a nice game too, 6 blocks

[Valor]

nice win for the sophomores...really couldn't see them losing this one considering the draft classes...
whats with Sheed for Steven Hunter?