NLSC Podcast #553: Bringing Three All-Time Greats Into Today's NBA

[Andrew]

Episode #243 (April 8th, 2018)

Hosts: Andrew & Arcane

Episode #243 of the NLSC Podcast is out now! Arcane and I are back after our break for Easter last week, ready to catch up on a fortnight worth of basketball gaming news, our own exploits on the virtual hardwood, and recent goings on in the real NBA.

On this week's show...

• We open Episode #243 of the NLSC Podcast with an amusing bit of trivia, as it seems we're bigger fans of The Playground than Ronnie 2K!
• March Modness has concluded, and the winner of the giveaway will be drawn soon. More mods are in the pipeline, of course.
• The inaugural NBA 2K League Draft was held on April 4th. We discuss the Draft and the forthcoming League tip-off, and once again consider the future direction of the NBA 2K series.
• In Our Week in Basketball Gaming, we catch up on a fortnight of action on the virtual hardwood. Brighter days could be ahead for NLSC GrindTime, an Ultimate Team collection continues to expand, and a new squad forms in NBA Live 18.
• We wrap up Episode #243 of the NLSC Podcast with some NBA discussion. The 2018 Playoffs are looming and there are a lot of interesting subplots to consider, especially with several seeds yet to be determined. We also talk about MVP candidates, and some untimely injuries.

Click here to listen to the show!

Have some thoughts on the latest episode? Sound off right here in the Forum! Also, if you have a listener question or a topic that you'd like us to discuss in the next episode of the NLSC Podcast, post it here and we'll consider it for the upcoming show.

Never miss an episode by subscribing to the NLSC Podcast on iTunes! You can also find us on Stitcher.

[Andrew]

Episode #244 (April 15th, 2018)

Hosts: Andrew & Arcane

Episode #244 of the NLSC Podcast is out now! Join Arcane and I as we discuss the submission of our Wishlists for NBA Live 19 and NBA 2K19, a new event involving NBA Playgrounds, the beginning of the 2018 NBA Playoffs, and Our Week in Basketball Gaming.

On this week's show...

• As mentioned earlier in the week, our official Wishlists for NBA Live 19 and NBA 2K19 have been submitted to EA Sports and Visual Concepts respectively. Since the topics are still open for discussion, we once again touch on what we'd like to see from the upcoming games in both series.
• Saber Interactive are partnering with Jack Daniel's for an NBA Playgrounds promotion. While it's put the game back into the spotlight, it feels like Saber has missed a lot of opportunities with last year's arcade hoops title.
• Our Week in Basketball Gaming saw some trial and error as we continued to incorporate some more structured playcalling into our gameplan during our most recent session of 2K Pro-Am. Meanwhile, new cards and challenges should hopefully keep the Ultimate Team experience fresh.
• Whether you want to say that they've tipped off or kicked off, the 2018 NBA Playoffs are underway! We give our thoughts on the first four games of this year's postseason, and offer up our predictions for the first round as a whole.
• We wrap up Episode #244 of the NLSC Podcast with the feel good story of the 2018 season, Andre Ingram.

Click here to listen to the show!

Have some thoughts on the latest episode? Sound off right here in the Forum! Also, if you have a listener question or a topic that you'd like us to discuss in the next episode of the NLSC Podcast, post it here and we'll consider it for the upcoming show.

Never miss an episode by subscribing to the NLSC Podcast on iTunes! You can also find us on Stitcher.

[Andrew]

Episode #245 (April 22nd, 2018)

Hosts: Andrew & Kenny

Episode #245 of the NLSC Podcast is out now! Join Kenny and I as we catch up on an eventful week of basketball gaming news, discuss what we've been doing on the virtual hardwood, and give our thoughts on the first week of the 2018 NBA Playoffs.

On this week's show...

• EA's chief design officer Patrick Söderlund recently spoke out about the company's reputation, and their intent to rehabilitate their image in the wake of the Star Wars: Battlefront 2 controversy. We discuss how continuing to adopt a consumer-friendly model with NBA Live will surely benefit the brand moving forward.
• A deal has been struck to broadcast the NBA 2K League exclusively on Twitch, which certainly seems like a good fit. Once again, we consider the League's potential impact on the rest of us as we look ahead to NBA 2K19.
• Saber Interactive has announced NBA Playgrounds 2 for a Summer 2018 release. We're excited and hopeful for the sequel, but there are some key areas where it must show improvement.
• Namo Gamo has released Basketball Classics on Steam Early Access. This new retro-inspired basketball gaming experience has a lot of potential, and is already quite impressive.
• Our Week in Basketball Gaming included taking on more challenges in NBA Live 18's Ultimate Team, and a return to NBA 2K17. NLSC GrindTime may have also played its last session of 2K Pro-Am, at least for a while.
• We wrap up Episode #245 of the NLSC Podcast with some discussion of real basketball, including Andrew Bogut heading home to play in the NBL, the first week of the 2018 NBA Playoffs, and Ben Simmons' Rookie of the Year credentials.

Click here to listen to the show!

Have some thoughts on the latest episode? Sound off right here in the Forum! Also, if you have a listener question or a topic that you'd like us to discuss in the next episode of the NLSC Podcast, post it here and we'll consider it for the upcoming show.

Never miss an episode by subscribing to the NLSC Podcast on iTunes! You can also find us on Stitcher.

[Andrew]

Episode #246 (April 29th, 2018)

Hosts: Andrew & Arcane

Episode #246 of the NLSC Podcast is out now! Join Arcane and I as we talk about content updates for NBA Live 18, NBA 2K developers soliciting feedback on Twitter, questions regarding NBA Playgrounds 2's release date, and more, including another week in basketball gaming and the 2018 NBA Playoffs.

On this week's show...

• A new roster has come through for NBA Live 18, and while it's welcome, it also highlights how the official updates need to improve. Some of the new content in Ultimate Team has also sparked controversy among NBA Live gamers, though it's not necessarily a bad thing.
• Beluba has been soliciting feedback for NBA 2K19 through Twitter polls. We're pleased to see those efforts, though the voting has been a little surprising so far.
• Pre-order information for NBA Playgrounds 2 mentions a May release. As we note, that isn't Summer anywhere on Earth.
• Our Week in Basketball Gaming has centred on NBA Live 18, as we take a momentary break from NBA 2K18. Instead of MyCAREER and 2K Pro-Am, it's all about The One and Ultimate Team for us right now.
• We wrap up Episode #246 of the NLSC Podcast with our usual chat about real basketball, including the ongoing 2018 NBA Playoffs and LeBron James' future.

Click here to listen to the show!

Have some thoughts on the latest episode? Sound off right here in the Forum! Also, if you have a listener question or a topic that you'd like us to discuss in the next episode of the NLSC Podcast, post it here and we'll consider it for the upcoming show.

Never miss an episode by subscribing to the NLSC Podcast on iTunes! You can also find us on Stitcher.

[Andrew]

Episode #247 (May 6th, 2018)

Hosts: Andrew & Arcane

Episode #247 of the NLSC Podcast is out now! Join Arcane and I as we discuss DLC ideas for future NBA Live games, the tip-off of the NBA 2K League, NBA Street Vol. 2, and other news and events from the past week in both basketball gaming and the real NBA.

On this week's show...

• FIFA 18 will be receiving free downloadable content for the World Cup, which gives us ideas for future NBA Live games. In fact, there's quite a few things NBA Live could borrow from its EA Sports brethren.
• Play has begun in the NBA 2K League, with the inaugural tip-off tournament now complete. We offer up a few impressions of what we've seen so far.
• In order to make the Wall of Fame in NBA 2K19, you'll need to reach 99 Overall by May 31st. For some of us, that's simply going to be too much grinding.
• A recent GQ article took a look back at NBA Street Vol. 2, calling it the last truly great basketball game. Do we agree with that assessment?
• Our Week in Basketball Gaming included more games of Ultimate Team, and a foray into MyTEAM.
• We wrap up Episode #247 of the NLSC Podcast with a few NBA topics, including the latest action from the 2018 NBA Playoffs, and a head coaching opportunity for Becky Hammon.

Click here to listen to the show!

Have some thoughts on the latest episode? Sound off right here in the Forum! Also, if you have a listener question or a topic that you'd like us to discuss in the next episode of the NLSC Podcast, post it here and we'll consider it for the upcoming show.

Never miss an episode by subscribing to the NLSC Podcast on iTunes! You can also find us on Stitcher.

[Andrew]

Episode #248 (May 13th, 2018)

Hosts: Andrew & Kenny

Episode #248 of the NLSC Podcast is out now! Join Kenny and I as we discuss the new gameplay trailer for NBA Playgrounds 2, catch up on a week of basketball gaming, and offer up some predictions for the 2018 NBA Conference Finals and award winners.

On this week's show...

• NBA Playgrounds 2 is coming out May 22nd, as revealed by the new gameplay trailer. We're feeling optimistic about the game, but we do have some specific hopes and expectations.
• Our Week in Basketball Gaming included an unlikely return to 2K Pro-Am; it didn't go so well. A seven game series of 2v2 on MyCOURT was a lot more fun, though. We also talk Ultimate Team in NBA Live 18, and Basketball Classics on Steam.
• We wrap up Episode #248 of the NLSC Podcast with a preview of the 2018 NBA Conference Finals, and predictions for this year's award winners.

Click here to listen to the show!

Have some thoughts on the latest episode? Sound off right here in the Forum! Also, if you have a listener question or a topic that you'd like us to discuss in the next episode of the NLSC Podcast, post it here and we'll consider it for the upcoming show.

Never miss an episode by subscribing to the NLSC Podcast on iTunes! You can also find us on Stitcher.

[Andrew]

Episode #249 (May 20th, 2018)

Hosts: Andrew & Arcane

Episode #249 of the NLSC Podcast is out now! Join Arcane and I for a discussion of the past week in basketball and basketball gaming, including a new executive producer for NBA Live, the delay of NBA Playgrounds 2, the 2018 Conference Finals, and what we've been playing.

On this week's show...

• Seann Graddy is the new executive producer of the NBA Live series, with Sean O'Brien moving on to a new role at EA Sports. What does this mean for the series moving forward?
• Viewership numbers for the NBA 2K League continue to dwindle. Is the League a flop - or on the way to being one - and what is it doing wrong?
• NBA Playgrounds 2 has been abruptly delayed, less than a week ahead of its release. Saber Interactive are promising great things, but gamers are sceptical.
• Our Week in Basketball Gaming included more Ultimate Team challenges, LIVE Run, and some bargain retro game pick-ups. There's also been a noteworthy development in the modding community.
• We wrap up Episode #249 of the NLSC Podcast with a discussion of the 2018 Conference Finals.

Click here to listen to the show!

Have some thoughts on the latest episode? Sound off right here in the Forum! Also, if you have a listener question or a topic that you'd like us to discuss in the next episode of the NLSC Podcast, post it here and we'll consider it for the upcoming show.

Never miss an episode by subscribing to the NLSC Podcast on iTunes! You can also find us on Stitcher.

[Arcane]

Episode #249 (May 20th, 2018)

Hosts: Andrew & Arcane

Episode #249 of the NLSC Podcast is out now! Join Arcane and I for a discussion of the past week in basketball and basketball gaming, including a new executive producer for NBA Live, the delay of NBA Playgrounds 2, the 2018 Conference Finals, and what we've been playing.

On this week's show...

• Seann Graddy is the new executive producer of the NBA Live series, with Sean O'Brien moving on to a new role at EA Sports. What does this mean for the series moving forward?
• Viewership numbers for the NBA 2K League continue to dwindle. Is the League a flop - or on the way to being one - and what is it doing wrong?
• NBA Playgrounds 2 has been abruptly delayed, less than a week ahead of its release. Saber Interactive are promising great things, but gamers are sceptical.
• Our Week in Basketball Gaming included more Ultimate Team challenges, LIVE Run, and some bargain retro game pick-ups. There's also been a noteworthy development in the modding community.
• We wrap up Episode #249 of the NLSC Podcast with a discussion of the 2018 Conference Finals.

Click here to listen to the show!

Have some thoughts on the latest episode? Sound off right here in the Forum! Also, if you have a listener question or a topic that you'd like us to discuss in the next episode of the NLSC Podcast, post it here and we'll consider it for the upcoming show.

Never miss an episode by subscribing to the NLSC Podcast on iTunes! You can also find us on Stitcher.

I really think we covered some great points in this weeks episode

[Andrew]

Definitely felt like a good episode as we were recording it. Hope everyone enjoys it!

[Andrew]

Episode #250 (May 27th, 2018)

Hosts: Andrew & Arcane

Episode #250 of the NLSC Podcast is out now! Join Arcane and I for another milestone episode, in which we have quite a few news stories to cover (and it's not even the preview season yet!). We also have a few tales from our past week in basketball gaming, and thoughts on the Conference Finals.

On this week's show...

• A teaser for EA Play has confirmed NBA Live 19 - just in case there was any doubt - and tipped off the speculation as to who will be appearing on the cover this year.
• Game Informer has posted an article providing us with some hints at the direction of NBA Live. While it's not much to go on, it is still promising to hear.
• A Memphis-based ESPN station took a few shots at NBA Live 18. A little awkward, given ESPN's exclusive deal with EA Sports.
• The latest Game of Zones episode made fun of NBA 2K18 and Ronnie 2K. Their response was admirable, but gamers weren't letting them off that easy.
• From Virtual Coppers to Virtual Currency, 2K's promotion of the latest VC sale was a little on the nose.
• It seems Shaquille O'Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have done some mo-cap work for NBA 2K19. We discuss what that might mean for this year's game.
• PlayStation 4 users have received refunds for NBA Playgrounds 2. While it might just be a mandatory show of goodwill, it's not a great look for the delayed title.
• Our Week in Basketball Gaming included a return to 2K Pro-Am, followed by an abrupt return to 2v2 on MyCOURT. The 90s All-Stars collection also continues to expand in Ultimate Team.
• We wrap up Episode #250 of the NLSC Podcast with our thoughts on the latest results from the 2018 NBA Conference Finals, and make a couple of predictions.

Click here to listen to the show!

Have some thoughts on the latest episode? Sound off right here in the Forum! Also, if you have a listener question or a topic that you'd like us to discuss in the next episode of the NLSC Podcast, post it here and we'll consider it for the upcoming show.

Never miss an episode by subscribing to the NLSC Podcast on iTunes! You can also find us on Stitcher.

[Andrew]

Episode #251 (June 3rd, 2018)

Hosts: Andrew & Arcane

Episode #251 of the NLSC Podcast is out now! Join Arcane and I as we follow up on some more snippets about NBA Live's future, and discuss a couple of topics suggested by listeners. We also catch up on what we've been doing on the virtual hardwood, and talk about the 2018 NBA Finals.

On this week's show...

• A recent Polygon article has gone into a little more detail about the future of NBA Live, with additional quotes from Seann Graddy. We discuss what he might have meant when talking about the goal of appealing to a "new, younger demographic".
• What are our expectations in terms of demos for NBA Live 19 and NBA 2K19? Are they likely to be any different to recent demos and The Prelude DLC?
• Is it likely that we'll ever see a Free-to-Play basketball game, similar to Fortnite?
• Our Week in Basketball Gaming included a couple of tough but satisfying victories in Ultimate Team, as well as success in LIVE Events. We also spent time with The One, checked out the community uploads in MyLEAGUE, and played with the All-Time Teams.
• We wrap up Episode #251 of the NLSC Podcast with a quick recap of the Conference Finals, and our thoughts on the 2018 NBA Finals so far.

Click here to listen to the show!

Have some thoughts on the latest episode? Sound off right here in the Forum! Also, if you have a listener question or a topic that you'd like us to discuss in the next episode of the NLSC Podcast, post it here and we'll consider it for the upcoming show.

Never miss an episode by subscribing to the NLSC Podcast on iTunes! You can also find us on Stitcher.

[Andrew]

Episode #252 (June 10th, 2018)

Hosts: Andrew & Arcane

Episode #252 of the NLSC Podcast is out now! Join Arcane and I as we recap all of the NBA Live 19 news coming out of EA Play, give our thoughts on the pre-order announcement for NBA 2K19, and discuss the end of the 2018 NBA Finals.

On this week's show...

• EA Play 2018 is upon us! Before the event tipped off, a teaser screenshot gave us a few clues about what to expect from NBA Live 19.
• During the press conference, we got our first glimpse of NBA Live 19 via the official reveal trailer. We liked what we saw, and noticed several improvements over NBA Live 18.
• In addition to the official reveal trailer, a ton of information was also posted, including the release dates for the demo and full game. We discuss what we know so far about expansions to The One, the new player progression system, some key gameplay improvements, and more.
• The 20th Anniversary Edition of NBA 2K19 has been announced, along with its cover player, LeBron James. Unfortunately, there's a distinct lack of goodwill in the approach this year.
• NBA 2K18 has received one last official patch. However, in lieu of any patch notes, it seems that all it's done is add a pre-order link for NBA 2K19.
• We wrap up Episode #252 of the NLSC Podcast with our thoughts on the conclusion of the 2018 NBA Finals, and a look ahead to what may be another interesting offseason. Will LeBron make another controversial decision, or will he remain with the Cavaliers?

Click here to listen to the show!

Have some thoughts on the latest episode? Sound off right here in the Forum! Also, if you have a listener question or a topic that you'd like us to discuss in the next episode of the NLSC Podcast, post it here and we'll consider it for the upcoming show.

Never miss an episode by subscribing to the NLSC Podcast on iTunes! You can also find us on Stitcher.

[Andrew]

Episode #253 (June 17th, 2018)

Hosts: Andrew & Arcane

Episode #253 of the NLSC Podcast is out now! Join Arcane and I as we react to the gameplay videos, impressions, and other tidbits of information about NBA Live 19 that have come out of EA Play 2018. We also touch on a rumour that's making the rounds, and once again discuss some of our hopes for this year's game from EA Sports.

On this week's show...

• Following EA Play 2018, the attendees have been sharing raw gameplay videos. They've provided us with an extended work-in-progress look at NBA Live 19, as have a few screenshots.
• Although we're not expecting to see too many deep dive developer blogs just yet, the devs at EA Play managed to drop some more tidbits through interviews with content creators.
• Rumours are swirling of a PC release for NBA Live 19. We'd love to believe it, but given the listing on the official website, we're not getting our hopes up just yet.
• The developer blog regarding Franchise mode in Madden 19 has us feeling a little envious. We wrap up Episode #253 of the NLSC Podcast by reiterating a few thoughts on what we'd like to see in NBA Live 19.

Click here to listen to the show!

Have some thoughts on the latest episode? Sound off right here in the Forum! Also, if you have a listener question or a topic that you'd like us to discuss in the next episode of the NLSC Podcast, post it here and we'll consider it for the upcoming show.

Never miss an episode by subscribing to the NLSC Podcast on iTunes! You can also find us on Stitcher.

[Andrew]

It's the quiet before the storm as far as the NBA Live 19 and NBA 2K19 preview season is concerned, so we've got room on the docket for topic suggestions and mailbag questions for Episode #254 of the NLSC Podcast. Hit us up!

[Andrew]

Episode #254 (June 24th, 2018)

Hosts: Andrew & Arcane

Episode #254 of the NLSC Podcast is out now! Join Arcane and myself as we discuss the cover leak for the Standard Edition of NBA 2K19, the situation with NBA Playgrounds 2, and our plans for this year's games. Our Week in Basketball Gaming also returns, along with some other fun topics.

On this week's show...

• It seems the NBA 2K19 Standard Edition cover has been leaked, with Giannis Antetokoumpo being the featured player. We discuss the choice, and the situation with the Early Tip-Off Weekend being exclusive to the 20th Anniversary Edition.
• NBA Playgrounds 2 was indefinitely postponed a month ago, and we still haven't heard anything further. Is there any big announcement that could feasibly make up for the lack of hype?
• What are our plans for NBA Live 19 and NBA 2K19 when they're released in September?
• HAWK23 has made a welcome return to the community, and is currently looking at fixing up the links for the Ultimate Base Roster for NBA 2K12 and NBA 2K14 PC.
• We reflect once again on our own history with modding, and why we don't mod as much as we used to. We're not shutting the door on the idea, though.
• If an NBL 2K or NBL Live game were ever to be released, what would it be like? We have some fun with the idea.
• We wrap up Episode #254 of the NLSC Podcast with a short discussion of the NBA Draft, and the (latest) Dwight Howard trade.

Click here to listen to the show!

Have some thoughts on the latest episode? Sound off right here in the Forum! Also, if you have a listener question or a topic that you'd like us to discuss in the next episode of the NLSC Podcast, post it here and we'll consider it for the upcoming show.

Never miss an episode by subscribing to the NLSC Podcast on iTunes! You can also find us on Stitcher.

[Andrew]

Episode #255 (July 1st, 2018)

Hosts: Andrew, Arcane, & Clueminati

Episode #255 of the NLSC Podcast is out now! Join Arcane, special guest Clueminati, and I as we discuss the cover reveal and pre-orders for NBA Live 19, the new EA Madrid studio, Strauss Zelnick's comments on microtransactions, and another week in basketball gaming.

On this week's show...

• The cover player for NBA Live 19 has been announced, and as strongly hinted by the reveal trailer, it's Joel Embiid. All in all, it seems like appropriate branding.
• NBA Live 19 is also now available to pre-order. There are a handful of pre-order bonuses, along with a 33% discount if you own NBA Live 18.
• EA has opened a new studio in Madrid. It will collaborate with EA Tiburon on the development of NBA Live, similar to how FIFA's development is undertaken by three of EA's studios.
• Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick commented on the backlash to microtransactions in NBA 2K18. Unfortunately, his words don't inspire much confidence.
• Our Week in Basketball Gaming included taking on some challenges in NBA Live 18 Ultimate Team, LIVE Events, and more.
• We wrap up Episode #255 of the NLSC Podcast with a discussion of free agency and the NBA award winners. We also share some stories from past community events.

Click here to listen to the show!

Have some thoughts on the latest episode? Sound off right here in the Forum! Also, if you have a listener question or a topic that you'd like us to discuss in the next episode of the NLSC Podcast, post it here and we'll consider it for the upcoming show.

Never miss an episode by subscribing to the NLSC Podcast on iTunes! You can also find us on Stitcher.

[Andrew]

Episode #256 (July 8th, 2018)

Hosts: Andrew & Arcane

Episode #256 of the NLSC Podcast is out now! Join Arcane and I as we chat about the past week in basketball gaming and NBA news. Topics include the latest NBA Live 19 previews, the NBA 2K19 cover reveals, allegations and speculation about 2K's business practice, and big offseason moves.

On this week's show...

• A brief trailer and a few screenshots spotlighting Quai 54 in NBA Live 19 have been released. In our opinion, the venue and the game are both looking very nice.
• Rookies are getting their faces scanned for NBA Live 19 during the NBA Summer League. This leads to a discussion of the development cycle, and the increasingly early release dates for NBA Live and NBA 2K.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo has been officially revealed as the cover player for the Standard Edition of NBA 2K19. Ben Simmons, meanwhile, will grace the first ever Australian cover.
• A recent video discusses an allegedly since-deleted Reddit post, purported to contain damning leaks from an ex-2K employee regarding the company's business practices. While the claims are unconfirmed and the video quite possibly unsubstantiated clickbait, the alleged explanations for certain design choices are eerily plausible.
• Our Week in Basketball Gaming featured a few more challenges in Ultimate Team and new additions to the squad, as well as a couple of modding developments including a potential roster update for NBA 2K11 PC.
• We wrap up Episode #256 of the NLSC Podcast with a discussion of the latest NBA offseason news. LeBron James, DeMarcus Cousins, and Tony Parker surprised us with their decisions, while Carmelo Anthony remains one of the biggest names left on the market.

Click here to listen to the show!

Have some thoughts on the latest episode? Sound off right here in the Forum! Also, if you have a listener question or a topic that you'd like us to discuss in the next episode of the NLSC Podcast, post it here and we'll consider it for the upcoming show.

Never miss an episode by subscribing to the NLSC Podcast on iTunes! You can also find us on Stitcher.

[Breems]

Question for the show: What are your thoughts on adopting an NBA team as a new fan?

For example, I have no geographical ties to any teams, and my family/friends don't watch the NBA. I grew up watching the NBA in the '00s, and my favorite players are retiring by the minute, so my interest in the NBA has declined. I think it would help (and would be fun) to have a team to follow and root for, but I'm not sure if I could ever develop a genuine passion for them.

[Dee4Three]

Question for the show: What are your thoughts on adopting an NBA team as a new fan?

For example, I have no geographical ties to any teams, and my family/friends don't watch the NBA. I grew up watching the NBA in the '00s, and my favorite players are retiring by the minute, so my interest in the NBA has declined. I think it would help (and would be fun) to have a team to follow and root for, but I'm not sure if I could ever develop a genuine passion for them.

The way I look at it is, if you don't favor a team, you must favor a player. It may not be your "Favorite of all-time", but a player that stands out for you. For example, my best friend growing up was a huge Vince Carter fan, but he didn't have an NBA team. However (This is when he was with the Raptors), he latched onto Vince and his Raptors teammates, and wanted Vince to win so bad that he also wanted the Raptors to win as bad. So say, you like how the Greek Freak carries himself on and off the floor, you like his game, etc. Follow him and cheer hard for the Bucks, because you want to see him succeed. Guarantee you will also start caring about the other Bucks players, coaching staff, and ownership (As they are pivotal to Giannis and his success). That would be the route I would go. If you can't pick a player on the spot, start researching what these dudes do off the court, how active they are on in the community, what charitable causes they are a part of. If you find someone who stands out in that aspect, and you also like that players game, go for it.

In regards to no geographical preference, you don't like a city more than another city? That's a tough one to get around, which is why I would still go the favorite player route.

Also, it's cool to just love the NBA as a whole and not have a favorite. But having a team to cheer for/buy merchandise for/represent etc is pretty fun.

[Andrew]

I'll add it to the docket, and save my full answer for the show.

[Breems]

Question for the show: What are your thoughts on adopting an NBA team as a new fan?

For example, I have no geographical ties to any teams, and my family/friends don't watch the NBA. I grew up watching the NBA in the '00s, and my favorite players are retiring by the minute, so my interest in the NBA has declined. I think it would help (and would be fun) to have a team to follow and root for, but I'm not sure if I could ever develop a genuine passion for them.

The way I look at it is, if you don't favor a team, you must favor a player. It may not be your "Favorite of all-time", but a player that stands out for you. For example, my best friend growing up was a huge Vince Carter fan, but he didn't have an NBA team. However (This is when he was with the Raptors), he latched onto Vince and his Raptors teammates, and wanted Vince to win so bad that he also wanted the Raptors to win as bad. So say, you like how the Greek Freak carries himself on and off the floor, you like his game, etc. Follow him and cheer hard for the Bucks, because you want to see him succeed. Guarantee you will also start caring about the other Bucks players, coaching staff, and ownership (As they are pivotal to Giannis and his success). That would be the route I would go. If you can't pick a player on the spot, start researching what these dudes do off the court, how active they are on in the community, what charitable causes they are a part of. If you find someone who stands out in that aspect, and you also like that players game, go for it.

In regards to no geographical preference, you don't like a city more than another city? That's a tough one to get around, which is why I would still go the favorite player route.

Also, it's cool to just love the NBA as a whole and not have a favorite. But having a team to cheer for/buy merchandise for/represent etc is pretty fun.

Those are good ideas, thanks! Regarding geography, I just meant that the NBA isn't very popular where I live in Arkansas. Until OKC came along, Memphis was probably the default choice.

[Andrew]

We didn't record a new episode of the NLSC Podcast last week, due to a combination of travel and a fairly quiet week in terms of basketball gaming news. We should be back this week to catch up on everything, but if you have any topic suggestions/mailbag questions, hit us up!



In case you missed the previous week's episode, tune in here!
https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-episode-256/

Our full archive can also be found here.
https://www.nba-live.com/category/podcast/

[Andrew]

Episode #257 (July 22nd, 2018)

Hosts: Andrew & Arcane

Episode #257 of the NLSC Podcast is out now! Arcane and I are back on the air this week after the combination of travel and a lack of news derailed our plans to record last Sunday. This week has given us plenty to talk about though, including an NBA Live 19 trailer, NBA 2K19 screenshots and hands-on impressions, and a few other news stories.

On this week's show...

• A new NBA Live 19 trailer spotlighting the authentic courts from around the globe has been released. It's given us a further glimpse of the gameplay and confirmed Allen Iverson as a member of the NBA Live Squad, but we would like some more NBA-oriented previews.
• What improvements would we like to see in terms of Franchise Mode and roster editing in NBA Live 19?
• Various NBA 2K19 First Look screenshots have dropped throughout the week. If nothing else, we know some Overall Ratings!
• Game Informer has provided us with a breakdown of eight significant gameplay improvements in NBA 2K19. They sound good, but we have heard some of it before.
• Charles Barkley has reiterated his stance on appearing in NBA 2K, leaving us to wonder why Take Two still isn't taking him up on his offer.
• We wrap up Episode #257 of the NLSC Podcast with some NBA talk. Topics include free agency, trades, rumours, and how to adopt a new team as your favourite.

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[Breems]

Good episode. Appreciate the thoughts on my question. I think I've landed on the Charlotte Hornets as my new team of interest now that they have 2 of my all-time favorite PGs in Walker and Parker. Also, as an Arkansas fan, I'm well-acquainted with all the UK players. Hopping on the bandwagon at this point also protects me from any accusations of being a fair-weather fan.

I'll also always have a passing interest in the Bulls as long as Portis is there. One of the greatest Hogs of all time.

[Andrew]

Sounds like a good choice. I love their branding, too!