The 2K10 & Beyond Project - Season 19/20: All-Star Teams Announced

[jubba910]

NBA Draft

Draft Board

[Andrew]

That'll truly be something if Kobe moves on.

[jubba910]

Free Agency

Battle of LA further ignited with Melo move to Clippers, Kobe stays put


Carmelo Anthony is officially a Clipper, pairing with the young core of Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon to contend against their LA rival, as well as the dynamic reigning champion Thunder. With Kobe Bryant returning after flirting with Free Agency and signing a 4 year extension, a ticket for the Staples Center will be in even higher demand next season.

Amare ditches Miami for Houston, Heat reply with Chandler, Matthews


The two year run of Amare Stoudemire and Dwyane Wade is over, with not even #1 pick Kyrie Irving being enough to keep Amare in South Beach. He joins a Rockets team looking to fill a huge hole left by the retirement of Finals MVP and NBA Champion Yao Ming, hoping that Stoudemire can match the production of their 7'6 giant. Pairing with young PG duo of Jonny Flynn & Kyle Lowry, Trevor Ariza and Luis Scola, the Rockets may be still one move away from being a top contender in the West. With open cap space due to the loss of Stoudemire, the Miami Heat cashed in on the short-time Hornet of Wilson Chandler, as well as premature candidate for Sixth Man of the Year Wesley Matthews from Utah, building depth around superstar Dwyane Wade and #1 pick Kyrie Irving.

New-look Cavaliers dawn new era in Cleveland


After a less than ideal first year without LeBron James, the Cavaliers played Free Agency perfectly, with a new fresh-faced trio of Aaron Brooks, J.R. Smith and Carl Landry looking to turn the Cavs fortunes around.

Signings

Los Angeles Lakers sign Kobe Bryant 4yr/88.37m

Toronto Raptors sign Ronnie Price 2yr/3.71m

Los Angeles Lakers sign Mickael Pietrus 2yr/3.28m

Utah Jazz sign Leandro Barbosa 3yr/22.18m

Cleveland Cavaliers sign Carl Landry 3yr/20.43m

Cleveland Cavaliers sign J.R. Smith 4yr/41.17m

Orlando Magic sign Jared Dudley 3yr/13.1m

Houston Rockets sign Amare Stoudemire 5yr/98.8m

New York Knicks sign Al Harrington 2yr/7.22m

Memphis Grizzlies sign Zach Randolph 3yr/37.88m

Portland Trail Blazers sign Samuel Dalembert 3yr/9.5m

Philadelphia 76ers sign Marcus Thornton 3yr/18.51m

Sacramento Kings sign Tyrus Thomas 3yr/26.7m

Atlanta Hawks sign Andrei Kirilenko 2yr/6.8m

Los Angeles Lakers sign Channing Frye 3yr/10.15m

Denver Nuggets sign Kelenna Azubuike 3yr/16.10m

Indiana Pacers sign Vince Carter 1yr/9.48m

Los Angeles Clippers sign Carmelo Anthony 5yr/98.8m

Cleveland Cavaliers sign Ryan Hollins 3yr/7.92m

Charlotte Bobcats sign Mike Miller 2yr/6.64m

Miami Heat sign Wilson Chandler 3yr/27.62m

Miami Heat sign Jermaine O’Neal 1yr/6.2m

Cleveland Cavaliers sign Aaron Brooks 4yr/51.05m

Miami Heat sign Wesley Matthews 3yr/15.02m

Phoenix Suns sign Nazr Mohammed 1yr/1.01m

New Orleans Hornets sign Shane Battier 2yr/3.42m

Los Angeles Clippers sign Alonzo Gee 3yr/17.16m

Milwaukee Bucks sign Luc Richard Mbah a Moute 1yr/960k

New Jersey Nets sign Yi Jianlian 1yr/5.4m

Golden State Warriors sign Reggie Williams 1yr/857k

[Andrew]

Kobe in another uniform would've been an interesting What If, but this is probably for the best. Melo to the Clippers is huge indeed.

[jubba910]

Team Depth Charts

Philadelphia 76ers
PG: Jrue Holiday/Louis Williams/Shelvin Mack
SG: Marcus Thornton/Willie Green/Quinton Ross
SF: Andre Iguodala/Al-Farouq Aminu
PF: Elton Brand/Thaddeus Young/Marreese Speights
C: Robin Lopez/Bismack Biyombo

Charlotte Bobcats
PG: Raymond Felton/DJ Augustin/Sherron Collins
SG: Richard Hamilton/Raja Bell
SF: Gerald Wallace/Mike Miller
PF: Boris Diaw/Craig Brackins/Nikola Mirotic
C: Tyson Chandler/Desagna Diop

Milwaukee Bucks
PG: Kemba Walker/Will Bynum/Beno Udrih/Darius Morris
SG: Paul George/Michael Redd/Jodie Meeks
SF: Omri Casspi/Andres Nocioni
PF: Luc Richard Mbah a Moute/Jason Thompson/Elia Ilyasova
C: Andrew Bogut/Chris Wilcox

Chicago Bulls
PG: Derrick Rose/Jose Calderon/John Lucas
SG: Randy Foye/Anthony Morrow/Jordan Hamilton
SF: Luol Deng/James Johnson/Jamario Moon
PF: Derrick Favors/Taj Gibson
C: Joakim Noah/Anderson Varejao/Omer Asik/Joel Anthony

Cleveland Cavaliers
PG: Aaron Brooks/Jarrett Jack/Daniel Gibson
SG: J.R. Smith/Anthony Parker
SF: John Salmons/Rasual Butler/Linas Kleiza/Derrick Brown
PF: Carl Landry/J.J. Hickson
C: Jonas Valanciunas/Ryan Hollins

Boston Celtics
PG: Rajon Rondo/Reggie Jackson
SG: Ray Allen/Jordan Crawford/Von Wafer/E'Twaun Moore
SF: Paul Pierce/Marquis Daniels
PF: Kevin Garnett/Glen Davis
C: Kendrick Perkins/Semih Erden

Los Angeles Clippers
PG: Baron Davis/Sebastian Telfair/Willie Warren
SG: Eric Gordon/Alonzo Gee/Elliot Williams
SF: Carmelo Anthony/Kyle Korver
PF: Blake Griffin/Jajuan Johnson
C: Chris Kaman/DeAndre Jordan/Solomon Jones

Memphis Grizzlies
PG: Mike Conley/Eric Bledsoe
SG: O.J. Mayo/Keith Bogans/Malcolm Lee
SF: Rudy Gay/Kawhi Leonard/DeMarre Carroll
PF: Zach Randolph/Darrell Arthur/Gani Lawal
C: Marc Gasol/Chuck Hayes/Solomon Alabi

Atlanta Hawks
PG: Jeff Teague/Mike Bibby
SG: Joe Johnson/Jamal Crawford/Charlie Bell
SF: Andrei Kirilenko/Maurice Evans
PF: Josh Smith/Kenneth Faried/Ivan Johnson
C: Al Horford/Amir Johnson/Zaza Pachulia/Jerome Jordan

Miami Heat
PG: Kyrie Irving/Mario Chalmers
SG: Dwyane Wade/Wesley Matthews/Andrew Goudelock
SF: Wilson Chandler/Quentin Richardson/Daequan Cook/James Jones
PF: Kris Humphries/Louis Amundson/Travis Outlaw
C: Jermaine O'Neal/Nenad Krstic

New Orleans Hornets
PG: Darren Collison/Chris Duhon/Josh Selby
SG: Klay Thompson/Dominique Jones/Trey Johnson
SF: Shane Battier/James Posey/Tobias Harris
PF: David Lee/Tyler Hansbrough/Jordan Williams/Gustavo Ayon
C: Emeka Okafor/Hilton Armstrong

Utah Jazz
PG: Deron Williams/Eric Maynor/Antonio Daniels/Mario West
SG: Leandro Barbosa/Ronnie Brewer
SF: C.J. Miles/Jimmy Butler/Luke Babbitt
PF: Paul Millsap/Hakim Warrick
C: Mehmet Okur/Kosta Koufos

Sacramento Kings
PG: Brandon Jennings/Brandon Knight
SG: Tyreke Evans/Francisco Garcia
SF: Kevin Martin/Donte Greene/Chandler Parsons
PF: Tyrus Thomas/Trevor Booker
C: Greg Monroe/Etan Thomas/Erick Dampier

New York Knicks
PG: Chris Paul/Toney Douglas/Charles Jenkins
SG: Shannon Brown/Tony Allen
SF: LeBron James/Danilo Gallinari
PF: Al Harrington/Jordan Hill
C: DeMarcus Cousins/Timofey Mozgov/Dexter Pittman

Los Angeles Lakers
PG: Derek Fisher/Grevis Vasquez/Isaiah Thomas
SG: Kobe Bryant/Mickael Pietrus
SF: Ron Artest/Luke Walton/Bogdan Bogdanovic
PF: Pau Gasol/Lamar Odom
C: Andrew Bynum/Channing Frye

Orlando Magic
PG: Jameer Nelson/Royal Ivey/Armon Johnson
SG: J.J. Redick/Iman Shumpert
SF: Rashard Lewis/Jared Dudley
PF: Ryan Anderson/Brandon Bass/Sean Williams
C: Dwight Howard/Marcin Gortat

Dallas Mavericks
PG: Jason Kidd/Jannero Pargo
SG: Jason Terry/Rodrigue Beaubois/MarShon Brooks
SF: Shawn Marion/Josh Howard
PF: Dirk Nowitzki/Larry Sanders
C: Ben Wallace/Darko Milicic/Keith Benson

New Jersey Nets
PG: Devin Harris/Andre Miller/Keyon Dooling
SG: Landry Fields/Courtney Lee/Rudy Fernandez/Deandre Liggins
SF: Gordon Hayward/Chris Douglas-Roberts
PF: Carlos Boozer/Donatas Motiejunas/Yi Jianlian/Eduardo Najera
C: Brook Lopez/Eddy Curry

Denver Nuggets
PG: Chauncey Billups/Ty Lawson/Ishmael Smith
SG: Arron Afflalo/DeShawn Stevenson
SF: Joey Graham/Chris Singleton/DeMarre Carroll
PF: Kenyon Martin/Patrick Patterson
C: Nene/Chris Andersen/Josh Harrellson

Indiana Pacers
PG: Jordan Farmar/Steve Blake/A.J. Price
SG: Vince Carter/Dahntay Jones/Brandon Rush/Xavier Henry/
SF: Danny Granger/Mike Dunleavy
PF: David West/Troy Murphy
C: Roy Hibbert/Nikola Vucevic/Hamady N'diaye

Detroit Pistons
PG: Rodney Stuckey/Luke Ridnour/Cory Joseph
SG: Ben Gordon/Gerald Henderson/Darington Hobson
SF: Tayshaun Prince/Austin Daye
PF: Jonas Jerebko/Charlie Villanueva/Jason Maxiell
C: Enes Kanter/Ekpe Udoh

Toronto Raptors
PG: Mo Williams/Ronnie Price
SG: Demar DeRozan/James Anderson
SF: Caron Butler/Hedo Turkoglu/Quincy Pondexter
PF: Chris Bosh/Tristan Thompson/Trey Thompkins/Luke Harangody
C: Andrea Bargnani/Josh McRoberts

Houston Rockets
PG: Kyle Lowry/Jonny Flynn
SG: Avery Bradley/Tracy McGrady
SF: Trevor Ariza/Chase Budinger/Sam Young/Davis Bertans
PF: Luis Scola/Markieff Morris
C: Amare Stoudemire/Brad Miller/Hasheem Thabeet

San Antonio Spurs
PG: Tony Parker/George Hill/Nolan Smith
SG: Manu Ginobili/Gary Neal
SF: Richard Jefferson/Matt Barnes/Rodney Carney
PF: Tim Duncan/Matt Bonner/Jeremy Evans/Vernon Macklin
C: DeJuan Blair/Tiago Splitter/Daniel Orton

Phoenix Suns
PG: John Wall/Jimmer Fredette/Jerryd Bayless/Goran Dragic
SG: Jason Richardson/Terrence Williams
SF: Dorrell Wright/Josh Childress/Earl Clark/Lazar Hayward
PF: Michael Beasley/Udonis Haslem/Jon Leuer
C: Greg Oden/Nazr Mohammed

Oklahoma City Thunder
PG: Russell Westbrook/Norris Cole/Shaun Livingston
SG: James Harden/Thabo Sefolosha
SF: Kevin Durant/Devin Ebanks
PF: Jeff Green/Ed Davis/Lavoy Allen
C: Marcus Camby/Serge Ibaka/Brendan Haywood

Minnesota Timberwolves
PG: Ricky Rubio/Ramon Sessions
SG: Nate Robinson/Wesley Johnson/Wayne Ellington
SF: Derrick Williams/Corey Brewer/Ryan Gomes
PF: Kevin Love/Drew Gooden/Justin Harper
C: Al Jefferson/Nikola Pekovic/Hassan Whiteside

Portland Trail Blazers
PG: Steve Nash/Patrick Mills
SG: Brandon Roy/Martell Webster/Travis Leslie
SF: Nicolas Batum/Damion James
PF: LaMarcus Aldridge/Marcus Morris/Jeff Pendergraph
C: Samuel Dalembert/Joel Przybilla

Golden State Warriors
PG: Stephen Curry/C.J. Watson/Jeremy Lin
SG: Monta Ellis/Alec Burks/Lance Stephenson
SF: Stephen Jackson/Corey Maggette/Reggie Williams
PF: Anthony Randolph/Derrick Caracter/Jeremy Tyler
C: Andris Biedrins/Ronny Turiaf/Cole Aldrich

Washington Wizards
PG: Gilbert Arenas/Kirk Hinrich
SG: Marco Bellinelli/Nick Young/Terrico White
SF: Evan Turner/Marvin Williams/Jan Vesely/Tyler Honeycutt
PF: Antawn Jamison/Kevin Seraphin
C: JaVale McGee/Andray Blatche

[jubba910]

2011-12 Season Preview

It's the start of another season, and Is this the continuation of a growing dynasty in Oklahoma City? After going 1/1 in their first Playoff appearance, the Thunder will no longer be underestimated by the league as they defend their crown.

The usual suspects are back once again, with the Lakers, Spurs & Celtics all looking to climb the mountain once again, as their aging stars head towards the twilights of their careers. While the up and coming Bulls, Heat & star-studded Knicks look to take down the reigning Eastern Conference Champion Hawks who are bouncing back from an embarrassing Finals sweep. We can't also forget the Los Angeles Clippers, coming off their signing of Carmelo Anthony on a mission to transcend their city counterpart.

Division Previews


Eastern Conference – Atlantic Division



After a disappointing Playoff campaign, the Boston Celtics are back together for what could be their last year as a unit, now 4 years removed from their maiden championship with the Big 3. The Celtics biggest challenge has to be a revitalised and hungry New York Knicks duo of LeBron James & Chris Paul, after wallowing down to the 8th seed and a first round exit, the Knicks will accept nothing but success from the King. New Jersey looks to end their last season in East Rutherford with a bang, before heading to the brand new Barclays Center in Brooklyn, hoping further production from Brook Lopez & Carlos Boozer can keep the Nets in contendership. The Raptors & 76ers could both be looking at roster shake-ups, clearly lagging behind the other three teams in the division. Most notably, the Raptors investment in Caron Butler & Hedo Turkoglu has gone sour, as well as Chris Bosh's production since signing on, it could get ugly in the North.


Eastern Conference – Central Division



Last year we asked if the Bulls could elevate, and they did in strides. The Bulls are the standout of the Central division, with Derrick Rose leading this young team all the way to the ECF. This season they'll look to go that step further. With the scalp of the Celtics in the first round without Roy Hibbert, the Indiana Pacers are looking to win now, adding veteran swingman Vince Carter to add validity to a roster of solid parts. It's another season, and still the Bucks, Cavs and Pistons look to be whipping boys of the East.


Eastern Conference – Southeast Division



Atlanta is now the new king of the Southeast, however their season didn't end how they would've liked in the Finals. The Hawks replace Mike Miller with another sharpshooter in Andrei Kirilenko from Utah, coming for another East crown. The new combination of Dwyane Wade & Kyrie Irving will be one to watch in Miami, as the Heat try to get back into the playoffs after lucking out with the #1 pick. Will Dwight Howard stay in Orlando? With no major signing made and the loss of Vince Carter, signs point that D12 may not last the season at the Magic. The trade deadline move for Richard Hamilton is the best in the Bobcats short history, leading to a top of the East finish and the #1 seed. However after proving their legitmaticy over the Knicks, the Bulls made short work of the young franchise. With no major move, could lightning strike twice? Or could they follow the footsteps of the New Orleans Hornets last season and fall from grace? The Washington Wizards are in a change or die situation, likely to release Gilbert Arenas before the season's end just due to his contract. After becoming an All Star again in 09/10, Agent Zero's production has far underweighed his pay packet.


Western Conference - Pacific Division



The Battle of LA has never been closer. After finishing neck and neck the past two seasons, the Clippers and Lakers have replinished and look set to clash again for supremacy at the top of the Western Conference. The Lakers upgraded their backup guard slot with Orlando's Mickael Pietrus, however pales in comparison to the Clippers upgrade of Al Thornton to Carmelo Anthony, who now gives the Clippers serious merit to be the best team in Los Angeles. Though the two LA franchises may be battling it out at the top of the division, the Suns and Warriors are both ready to take the next step. After a solid rookie campaign, John Wall looks set to lead Phoenix back to the Playoffs, while Monta Ellis & Stephen Curry is a formidable backcourt that can shoot the lights out, planning to give the ravenous Bay fans an exciting campaign. The Kings still lag in the rear view, though adding Brandon Knight to their fire backcourt of Brandon Jennings and Tyreke Evans could give teams fits. Adding Tyrus Thomas to pair with Greg Monroe down low is another solid move to help Sacramento gain back credibility around the league.


Western Conference – Southwest Division



With a WCF exit and eliminating the #1 seed Lakers, the experienced Dallas Mavericks have once again staked their claim as a force in the West. Their Texas counterparts have all geared up again, the Spurs still looking to rehash the success that lead to their 2007 championship, while the newly arrived Amare Stoudemire plans to take the Rockets back to their Championship glory only one year ago. The Memphis Grizzlies are also back with a similar lineup, in a year that could see them surpass the Texas stronghold on the top of the division. The rebuild is officially on in New Orleans, after being stung by Wilson Chandler, the Hornets have no choice but to grit their teeth and hope for a quick season.


Western Conference – Northwest Division



After being highly competitive the past two years, this now seems to be the Thunders division. Their closest competition looks to be the Blazers, but with Brandon Roy's durability worsening dramatically, Nash and Aldridge may not be enough to hold the Blazers up to the challenge of the defending champions. The Jazz look to match their 5th seed performance from last season, though the loss of Andrei Kirilenko could dramatically affect how well Utah fares. The Nuggets now have a gaping hole in their lineup with the loss of Carmelo Anthony. Facing a similar situation as the Cavaliers last season with aging veterans across the board, Denver looks to be a ticking timebomb. Minnesota adds two top picks to their lineup this season, with #2 pick Derrick Williams injected into the lineup with the Spanish sensation Ricky Rubio at PG, who has big shoes to fill from the leaving Aaron Brooks.



Award Predictions


Most Valuable Player

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

Coming off a Finals MVP, Kevin Durant looks to match it with a Regular season MVP this season, matching or bettering his league-leading scoring output last season.


Rookie of the Year

Kyrie Irving, Miami Heat

For a third straight year, the #1 pick looks to be in the drivers seat for the ROY award. Though like Tyreke Evans did two years ago, an outsider could snatch it from Irving.


Defensive Player of the Year

Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks

After picking Dwight Howard the past two years, I'm not going to deny Josh Smith winning his third consecutive DPOY award.


Most Improved Player

J.R. Smith, Cleveland Cavaliers

As the new #1 option in Cleveland, J.R. Smith will be free to take (and make) as many shots as he wants. His sharp uprise in scoring alone should put him well in the picture for MIP.


Sixth Man of the Year

Wesley Matthews, Miami Heat

Wes Matthews has the ability to be a starting guard for a multitude of teams, his presence off Miami's bench will be critical to South Beach's success.


Coach of the Year

Scott Brooks, Oklahoma City Thunder

Losing out to Vinny del Negro last year, this season Scott Brooks should earn his Coach of the Year crown on the way to a second straight championship.


Roster Download

If you fancy playing with a team or this season yourself, I've uploaded the roster to the NLSC Downloads page, which you can download here.

[Andrew]

Interested to see if we'll get a dynasty going.

[jubba910]

Opening Night Double-Header

CHI 95 @ DAL 101
1st November 2011

Terry, Mavericks get early win over Bulls


Coming back with a vengeance, Jason Terry dropped 34, including 19 in the first half, to lead the Mavs over the Bulls.






OKC 102 @ LAL 104
1st November 2011

Kobe, Lakers beat reigning champs again on Opening Night in OT


It took overtime, but the Los Angeles Lakers took out the defending champions for the second straight season on Opening Night, with Kobe finishing with 46 points including the game winning and-1.

[Andrew]

Hell of a duel.

[jubba910]

LAC 90 @ SAS 98
16th November 2011

Spurs pounce on struggling Clippers


The Carmelo Anthony era of the Los Angeles Clippers has not started as planned, with the loss against Manu Ginobili and the Spurs dropping them to 2-7.

[jubba910]

Monthly Report: November 2011

Conference Standings




League Leaders





Injury Report


Stories

Thunder limp out of gates in title defense, Hawks start off hot

It's been a rough first month for the defending champions, wallowing away with a 5-11 record, despite fantastic play from Kevin Durant. It may be early days, but the championship hangover can't last much longer without striking some serious concerns. Meanwhile, their Finals rival Atlanta has kept up appearances, comfortably sitting at the top of the East Standings.

Kings lose Jennings for two months

The Sacramento Kings' hot start to the season has been soured by a torn hamstring to star PG, leaving the spot open for rookie Brandon Knight to show out as a the playmaker for Sac-Town. Can Knight keep the Kings on track and keep the Kings in the top half of the West?

Hibbert bounces back from injury, leading in Rebounds, Blocks

It's been a promising start for Indiana C Roy Hibbert who was sorely missed from their postseason campaign last year, leading the league in both rebounds and blocks through the first month of the season, steering the Pacers to a solid 11-6 start.

[jubba910]

GS 82 @ SAC 89
5th December 2011

Kings retain stranglehold of West in Nor-Cal battle


The Kings have kept their hot form rolling, with Tyreke Evans starring against the Warriors as Sacramento continue to hold a league-best 13-6.

[jubba910]

NY 108 @ IND 102
13th December 2011

Knicks hold on after James' injury in Indiana


The New York Knicks will be without their King for 1-2 weeks with a lower back strain, however Charles Jenkins made a huge impact with 12 points in second half, going 4-4 from downtown.

[jubba910]

MIL 95 @ ATL 75
28th December 2011

Bucks get statement win over Hawks


Michael Redd turned back the clock for Milwaukee, going 5-9 from downtown in a dominant victory, taking the Bucks to a record of 18-10.

[Andrew]

Nice to see Redd still in Milwaukee in this reality.

[jubba910]

Monthly Report: December 2011

Conference Standings




League Leaders





Injury Report


Stories

Bobcats back on top

Was last season not a fluke? The Charlotte Bobcats are riding high at the top of the East after the first two months, proving the Hamilton-Wallace connection to not be a one-hit wonder as many predicted.

Clippers, Bulls still struggling to find rhythm

Two of the most hyped teams this season are still struggling to get out of first gear, with Carmelo's Clippers and Rose's Bulls both sitting outside playoff contention heading into 2012.

Bucks, Kings unfamiliar faces at top of standings

Two teams have caught the league by surprise with their play so far this season, as the Sacramento Kings and Milwaukee Bucks have put multiple contenders on notice as they've hummed along quite comfortably so far.

[jubba910]

MIA 80 @ PHX 103
8th January 2012

Suns trounce Heat in battle of #1 picks


John Wall has won the first battle against fellow #1 pick PG Kyrie Irving, as the Heat's former #2 pick Michael Beasley put a beating on Miami with 17 points and 17 rebounds.

[jubba910]

ORL 96 @ BOS 103
23rd January 2012

Pierce, Celtics prove they've still got it against Magic


Paul Pierce was at his best against Orlando, finishing with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists.

[Andrew]

Still some life in the Celtics yet.

[jubba910]

Monthly Report: January 2012

Conference Standings




League Leaders





Injury Report


Stories

Season ending injury for Sixers/Magic bigs, Heat's Wade out 2 months

Both the 76ers and Magic will be without bigmen Robin Lopez and Marcin Gortat for the rest of the season, both with torn MCL's. While the Heat will be without superstar Dwyane Wade for two months, arguably putting Miami's playoff hopes in jeopardy as they begin their post-All Star Break push for the postseason.

Thunder return to form

The reigning champs had a fantastic start to 2012, rising back up the standings to second in the Western Conference. Will they continue their hot form and take over the #1 spot?

Cavaliers get a taste of top 8 in the East

For the first time since the loss of LeBron James last offseason, the Cavaliers currently sit in a playoff spot. It may be early days, but the offseason signings of J.R. Smith, Aaron Brooks & Carl Landry with Rookie Jonas Valanciunas all seem to be clicking on all cylinders.

[Andrew]

That Melo signing isn't panning out for the Clippers so far.

[jubba910]

PHI 94 @ CLE 96
11th February 2012

Smith, Cavs keep on rolling over Sixers


J.R. Smith starred as the Cavaliers beat the 76ers without star PG Aaron Brooks, keeping themselves in the top-half of the Conference.

[jubba910]

All Star & Rookie Showcase Teams Announced

All Star Game


Rookie Showcase

(May have forgot to change Blake's "Years Pro" when doing the roster changeover - whoops.)

[jubba910]

MEM 82 @ HOU 96
23rd February 2012

Rockets pick up key win against Grizzlies


Looking to hold court in the top half of the West heading into the All-Star Break, Luis Scola starred for the Rockets against a Southwest division rival in Memphis.

[jubba910]

Trade Deadline
17th February 2012

Clippers stock up, Warriors add Gordon, Wizards/Timberwolves shuffle the deck



The Los Angeles Clippers certainly aren't holding anything back in their quest for a championship, trading for both Monta Ellis and Gilbert Arenas, looking to boost their star power to take the West crown. The Warriors look to pair a more natural SG with Stephen Curry in the Bay Area in Eric Gordon, while the Wizards have shirked the cap space of both Arenas and Antawn Jamison in favour of C Al Jefferson from Minnesota. The Wizards also gain veteran PG Baron Davis on a slightly more friendly contract than Arenas, as well as Wesley Johnson. The Timberwolves look to absorb the blow of Antawn Jamison's contract in order to gain one of the most exciting Center prospects of the 2012 season in JaVale McGee, pairing him with the freshly re-signed Kevin Love down low in the twin cities.

Rockets add Iguodala, 76ers start rebuild


The squad that brought Houston a championship only two years ago barely resembles the Rockets new cohort, bidding adieu to swingman Trevor Ariza for Andre Iguodala, while also losing prospects SG Avery Bradley and C Hasheem Thabeet. The Sixers were already hot on the trade table, sending Thaddeus Young and Marreese Speights to the Bulls for Anderson Varejao and Taj Gibson, looking to further stem the flow of Robin Lopez's season ending injury.

Pacers upgrade Farmar for Lawson


After a solid start to the season, Jordan Farmar's stint in Indiana is over, traded to the Denver Nuggets for disgruntled sixth-man-now-starter Ty Lawson, as the Pacers continue to add more pieces to keep them in East contention.

You can find the full list of deadline deals here.