::: MOTOWN TALE: HUSTLE & HEART ::: 2013-14 Season Preview

[newc]

1. Predict 3 of the top 4 seeds for the Western Conference.
Thunder
Spurs
Lakers
2. Predict 3 of the top 4 seeds for the Eastern Conference.
Heat
Bulls
Knicks
3. Who will win MVP?
Lebron James
4. Who will win ROTY?
Anthony Davis
5. Who will win Defensive Player of the Year?
Josh Smith
6. Will Shannon Brown win Most Improved Player?
Yes
7. Will Chauncey Billups win Sixth Man of the Year?
No
8. How many wins will the Pistons finish the season with
36

[Mark.]

Nice summary of the contenders. Would love to see a big LA Derby in the playoffs at some stage.

[Valor]

Nice to see Woody Hannes writing about the league instead of the dreadful Pistons again

[hova-]

1. Predict 3 of the top 4 seeds for the Western Conference. LAL, SAS, OKC, LAC
2. Predict 3 of the top 4 seeds for the Eastern Conference. BOS, MIA, CHI, BRK
3. Who will win MVP? LBJ
4. Who will win ROTY? Lillard
5. Who will win Defensive Player of the Year? Howard
6. Will Shannon Brown win Most Improved Player? Harden
7. Will Chauncey Billups win Sixth Man of the Year? No
8. How many wins will the Pistons finish the season with? 30

Each correct answer gives you a score of 0.5 points!

You should draft a swingman. Dunno which one is the best, but Cole and Barry sound promising.

[Fresh8]

Nice summary of the contenders. Would love to see a big LA Derby in the playoffs at some stage.

I would as well. I want to see the Hallway Series and the Battle of the Borough!

Nice to see Woody Hannes writing about the league instead of the dreadful Pistons again

You're a jerk!

1. Predict 3 of the top 4 seeds for the Western Conference. LAL, SAS, OKC, LAC
2. Predict 3 of the top 4 seeds for the Eastern Conference. BOS, MIA, CHI, BRK

Each correct answer gives you a score of 0.5 points!

You should draft a swingman. Dunno which one is the best, but Cole and Barry sound promising.

Need you to only have 3 teams for questions 1 and 2. Can you please re-post your prediction Hov?

[hova-]

Minus the Clipps and Nets.

[Fresh8]

Minus the Clipps and Nets.

Wow, that was fast bro!

[Martti.]

Lol @ T-Wolves being contenders.

[Mark.]

Sit, Forgot to say congrats on 500 bro!

[Fresh8]

Lol @ T-Wolves being contenders.

Laugh all you want.

Sit, Forgot to say congrats on 500 bro!

Thanks man. I am very happy we made it to the first milestone! Updates coming this weekend.

Thank you all readers for this continuing. Hopefully it will get a lot better. I know it has not been my best work so far. Please keep reading and supporting!

[Valor]

Nice to see Woody Hannes writing about the league instead of the dreadful Pistons again

You're a jerk!

You love it

Grats on the 500, but I'm guessing you don't celebrate anything less than 5000 now

[Fresh8]

Nice to see Woody Hannes writing about the league instead of the dreadful Pistons again

You're a jerk!

You love it

Grats on the 500, but I'm guessing you don't celebrate anything less than 5000 now

I doubt this one will even get close to 5000

[Fresh8]

2012-13 Season League Standings



1. Heat 59-23
2. 76ers 49-33
3. Wizards 48-34
4. Nets 46-36
5. Pacers 45-37
6. Bulls 43-39
7. Knicks 43-39
8. Bucks 42-40
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9. Pistons 38-44
10. Raptors 38-44
11. Hawks 36-46
12. Cavaliers 34-48
13. Celtics 31-51
14. Bobcats 27-55
15. Magic 26-56



1. Thunder 62-20
2. Lakers 52-30
3. Nuggets 49-33
4. Clippers 48-34
5. Timberwolves 46-36
6. Spurs 44-38
7. Jazz 43-39
8. Grizzlies 40-42
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9. Warriors 40-42
10. Hornets 37-45
11. Suns 34-46
12. Mavericks 33-49
13. Rockets 33-49
14. Trailblazers 32-50
15. Kings 30-52

[SuperHueyNewton]

Wait... Does that really say Wizards got third in the East? Okay....

[Durant35]

Wizards are the 3rd seed?! ALIENS.

[SuperHueyNewton]

Wizards are the 3rd seed?! ALIENS.

He stole my line! lol

[Fresh8]

You guys must not have seen the mid season standings from 2 pages ago then.

[Fresh8]

2012-13 Season Awards

Most Valuable Player



Kevin Durant | SF | Oklahoma City Thunder
26.3 PPG | 8.4 RPG | 3.5 APG | 1.7 SPG | 1.3 BPG | .482 FG% | .400 3PT% | .865 FT%

The best player on the best team in the NBA from this season. Durantula (or as Woody Hannes calls him - 'Smooth Operator') makes everything look so easy. A maestro season from him as he won that MVP award away from LeBron James.

Defensive Player of the Year



Dwight Howard | C | Los Angeles Lakers
24.1 PPG | 12.8 RPG | 2.2 BPG | 1.2 SPG

The Lakers stormed back into title contention after a slow start to the season and ended with 52 wins to place second in the Western Conference. Dwight had a big part to do with that as his defensive presence and work on the glass really helped improve the Lakers defense. Coach Mike Brown's job may have been saved by Howard.

Most Improved Player



Chandler Parsons | SF | Houston Rockets
2011-12: 9.5 PPG | 4.8 RPG | 2.1 APG
2012-13: 11.6 PPG | 6.9 RPG | 3.2 APG

Parsons somehow pipped Shannon Brown who had a superstar season in Phoenix's first without Steve Nash. I don't see much improvement here.

Sixth Man of the Year



Chauncey Billups | PG | Los Angeles Clippers
11.4 PPG | 4.4 APG | 0.8 SPG | .449 FG% | .393 3PT% | .882 FT% | 82 GP | 20 GS

Billups had a strong season in his return from an injury-ruined 2011-12. It was a great story for the one time NBA champion and 2004 Finals MVP.

Rookie of the Year



Michael Kidd-Gilchrist | SF | Charlotte Bobcats
15.6 PPG | 7.5 RPG | 1.4 APG | 1.4 SPG | 1.1 BPG | .480 FG%

Looks like Michael Jordan finally made one good decision.

Coach of the Year



Scott Brooks | Oklahoma City Thunder | 62-20

The Thunder are in the driver's seat for this season's playoffs. It is their title to lose.

All-NBA



First Team:

Dwight Howard (LAL) | LeBron James (MIA) | Kevin Durant (OKC) | Russell Westbrook (OKC) | Brandon Jennings (MIL)

Second Team:

DeMarcus Cousins (SAC) | Blake Griffin (LAC) | Kevin Love (MIN) | Dwyane Wade (MIA) | Kyrie Irving (CLE)

Third Team:

Al Jefferson (UTH) | Danny Granger (IND) | LaMarcus Aldridge (POR) | Monta Ellis (MIL) | Derrick Rose (CHI)

All-Defensive

First Team:

Dwight Howard (LAL) | Lamarcus Aldridge (POR) | Kevin Durant (OKC) | Dwyane Wade (MIA) | Paul George (IND)

Second Team:

DeMarcus Cousins (SAC) | Dirk Nowitzki (DAL) | Gerald Wallace (BKN) | Rajon Rondo (BOS) | Jrue Holiday (PHI)

All-Rookie

First Team:

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (CHA) | Anthony Davis (NOH) | Thomas Robinson (SAC) | Harrison Barnes (GSW) | Bradley Beal (WAS)

Second Team:

Tyler Zeller (CLE) | Royce White (DET) | Jeremy Lamb (OKC) | Dion Waiters (CLE) | Andrew Nicholson (ORL)

[Valor]

First Team: Brandon Jennings (MIL)

How much did Martti pay you?

[Mark.]

Ah the Tank is strong in the Magic in your association. Dammit I think I was one win off your Detroit record.

[Fresh8]

First Team: Brandon Jennings (MIL)

How much did Martti pay you?

Bucks made the playoffs!!

Ah the Tank is strong in the Magic in your association. Dammit I think I was one win off your Detroit record.

Yes, I think some people did get 38 though! Too bad for you.

[Fresh8]

NLSC PLAYERS

It’s your chance to participate in MOTOWN TALE: HUSTLE & HEART as an NLSC Player!

I have a new rewards and points system for this story. You will be able to spend your points that you earn from tipping contests, competitions, and other methods.

REWARDS AND POINTS SYSTEM

ENTER THE DRAFT

Deadline to declare for upcoming NBA Draft: Conclusion of first round of NBA Playoffs

Declare your intention to join an upcoming draft class: 1
Enter NBA Draft as a projected undrafted prospect: 2
Enter NBA Draft as a projected second round pick: 5
Enter NBA Draft as a projected first round pick: 8

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

To raise your player’s rating by 5 in a skill based attribute: 3
To raise your player’s rating by 5 in a physical based attribute: 5

PLAYER DEMANDS

Complain about the coach: 1
Complain about a teammate: 2
Demand a trade: 3
Demand a trade and provide a shortlist of destinations: 4
Demand a trade and choose your next destination: 5

DECLARING FOR THE DRAFT

WHEN?

You may declare any time before the conclusion of the first round of the Playoffs. You may also withdraw any time before then as well.

I will also allow you to report your intention to declare at any time. This means that I will start writing articles about your player.

HOW?

Post in this thread that you:

- intend to declare, and/or
- will declare

Declaring your intention to join an upcoming Draft class will cost you 1 point.

It will then cost you 2-8 points to enter the draft.

If you withdraw your intention to declare for the Draft, you do not get your 1 point back.

A CHANCE TO EARN POINTS

Every article written by you and PM’ed to me that gets posted will earn points. Give your draftee a backstory and a chance to improve his stock as well.

WHY DECLARE SOONER OR LATER

If you declare sooner, it means your player will make it into the L earlier. However, you may not be as good as a prospect as if you wait and accumulate points. If you declare later, you can have control over whether your player is a first or second round prospect.

Do not be disheartened about being drafted in the second round. The pros are that you can have some choice over your free agency destination/s after just one season! It also makes for a more interesting story.

UPCOMING DRAFT CLASSE

These are the NLSCers who have declared for the upcoming drafts – I will have a limit of six (6) per Draft.

Current: 2013 Draft

Dmastawwe (1 point deducted for declaring intention)
Superhueynewton (1 point deducted for declaring intention)
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant

Next: 2014 Draft

Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant

Next: 2015 Draft

Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant

POINTS LEADERBOARD

These points have been calculated as at 11 March 2013:

Martti – 14.5
dare – 13
newc – 10.5
Justine. – 10
Lamrock – 9.5
Dmastawwe –8
mrmoves20 – 8.5
Valor – 7.5
Mattan – 5
hova – 5.5
Khanwarrior – 5
Mark – 3
Thierry – 4
Woogie98 – 4
mpac – 4.5
Houndy – 3
Durant35 – 3.5
Agent420 – 2
Skith – 2
Phil89 – 2
The X -2
King Mellow – 1
badreligionau – 1
megarover – 1
Axel. – 1
Kurotsugi – 1
Andrew_wiggins – 0.5
Superhueynewton – 0.5
Cruzzerr – 0
mp3 – 0

WHO GOT MORE POINTS? Well - check out the past challenge and how everyone fared!

PAST CHALLENGE

The trick here was to look at Woody’s article on page 9. It had a lot of hints as to who was going to win those awards.

The best performers were Mark, Lamrock and Valor who scored 2 points out of a possible 4 each.

NEW CHALLENGE

Coming Soon!

[Fresh8]

MARCH MADNESS EDITION

Jay Connor Leads Michigan To Third Round
21 March 2013
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Michigan local and hero Jay Connor led the Michigan Wolverines to the third round of the NCAA tourney with an uplifting performance. Connor led his side with 18 points and 8 assists as the Wolverines disposed of higher seeded UCLA in an exciting finish.

Connor hit the go-ahead bucket with 13 seconds remaining in the game and UCLA missed three desperate attempts as the buzzer sounded off. UM won the game 56-54 in an overall scrappy affair. UM sophomore Connor (16.7 PPG, 6.1 APG, 1.7 SPG this season) jumped on top of the scorer’s table when the game finished as a pocket of Spartans’ fans cheered on.

“Best feeling in the world!” Connor later exclaimed to media.

Bama To Sweet 16 After Upsetting Duke Behind Augmon
23 March 2013
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Jevon Augmon raised his index finger to his lip to ‘silence the crowd’. Augmon had an impressive double double (18 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists) while his freshman teammate and point guard, John Lovell, added 24 points and 11 assists.

Alabama survived the high scoring game as Augmon showcased his impressive court vision and control of the game with the ball going through him on nearly every play down the floor. Alabama beat Duke 78-71 to advance to the next round.

Duke just did not have enough gas to get out of the second round. Coach K’s men looked flustered out on the floor and often lost. “This is why I stepped down from Team USA basketball,” Coach K said, “I need to spend more time with my guys.”

Gonzaga’s Run Ended By Kentucky
28 March 2013
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Gonzaga’s Vince Bellamy told everyone after his team’s loss to Kentucky that he would indeed be declaring for the NBA Draft. The 6’6” junior is in a great position to be drafted in the lottery and this is even despite the fact that the Wildcats absolutely drubbed his side 73-54 to advance to the Elite Eight.

Lining up against the nation’s number 5 scorer Malcolm Cole (21.8 PPG), Bellamy held his own with a strong performance by putting up 17 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and strong defence on Cole. Cole scored 23 points but shot just 7 for 19 to get there including 5 three point shots.

Bellamy finished the season as a jack of all trades as he played every position for Gonzaga at least once during the season. “I don’t think there’s any better time to go,” Bellamy said after the game.

Syracuse Continues To Cruise, Down Baylor
30 March 2013
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Number 1 seed Syracuse look unstoppable entering the Elite Eight after another dominating performance against Baylor. Their 1-2 punch of 7’2” Chris Dixon (22 points, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks) and 6’8” Dorrell Blackwell (24 points, 6 assists) were once again too strong for their opposition. Their form is so strong that the other side’s coach thinks they have what it takes to go all the way and win the tourney.

The game’s result never looked in doubt as Syracuse opened with a 17-0 run. By the end of the first half, they were out to a 38-16 lead. The game finished with a 74-48 score line and the fans chanting in unison ‘Syracuse’.

The Orange seem to be the crowd favourites during this year’s tourney with their two lead players garnering all of the attention. It’s a different atmosphere when Syracuse takes the floor as opposed to the other favourites to reach the Final Four including UConn, UNC and Kentucky.

UConn Punches Final Four Ticket
30 March 2013
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JJ Theus outmuscled and outhustled the imposing Georgetown frontline en route to 28 points and 8 rebounds. UConn moved onto the Final Four by beating the Hoyas 67-56.

“I think we can win this tournament,” Theus stated afterwards, “We have a solid team and I feel like I am in the best shape of my life.”

Theus and his number 1 seeded team move on to face number 4 seeded UNC.

Cole Shoots Down Alabama
31 March 2013
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Jevon Augmon and number 5 seeded Alabama came into trouble when they faced number 1 seeded Kentucky. The Wildcats were rampant as they pushed the score up to 85 while they held Alabama to 69.

Cole was the catalyst as he lit up Alabama for an incredible 38 points on 13 for 18 shooting. He had 4 field goals, 9 three pointers and 3 free throws. “One of the greatest shooting performances I have ever seen,” Coach John Calipari said post-game.

Augmon was benched with 5 minutes left in the game after arguing with the coaching staff. He finished with 12 points and 8 rebounds in a disappointing end to the season and what was a good tournament run for him individually and also for the team.

Cole and Kentucky now face fellow number 1 seed Syracuse in the Final Four.

[Martti.]

I'm gonna go ahead and declare for the draft.

[Fresh8]

I'm gonna go ahead and declare for the draft.

You have been added.