The 2K10 & Beyond Project - Season 19/20: Conference Semifinals

[jubba910]

Player Retirements & Draft Lottery

Player Retirements



Dwyane Wade, Dallas Mavericks, Hall of Fame Inductee
Vince Carter, Toronto Raptors, Hall of Fame Inductee
Pau Gasol, New Orleans Pelicans
Richard Jefferson, Cleveland Cavaliers
Tony Parker, Denver Nuggets
Tony Allen, Orlando Magic
Jason Terry
Udonis Haslem
Nick Collison
Jose Calderon


NBA Draft Lottery

Lottery odds


Lottery results


Heat jump from 8th for second #1 pick this decade



South Beach's short-term stint in the lower levels of the Eastern Conference may be over, leapfrogging to the Pacers to the #1 pick and all but locking in once-in-a-lifetime prospect Zion Williamson from Duke.

[Andrew]

Springfield snubbing Pau Gasol and Tony Parker there!

[jubba910]

Springfield snubbing Pau Gasol and Tony Parker there!

At least not first ballot!

[jubba910]

Player/Team Options

Philadelphia 76ers
Ben Simmons (T) - Accepted
Markelle Fultz (2YRT) - Accepted
T.J. Leaf (T) - Accepted
Henry Ellenson (T) - Accepted

Milwaukee Bucks
Jodie Meeks (T) - Declined
Tyler Lydon (2YRT) - Accepted

Chicago Bulls
Jaylen Brown (T) - Accepted
Marquese Chriss (T) - Accepted
Harry Giles (T) - Declined
Landry Shamet (T) – Accepted
Justin Patton (T) - Accepted

Cleveland Cavaliers
David Nwaba (P) - Accepted
Zach Collins (T) - Accepted

Boston Celtics
Jarrett Allen (2YRT) - Accepted

Los Angeles Clippers
De'Aaron Fox (2YRT) - Accepted
Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (T) - Accepted

Memphis Grizzlies
Bam Adebayo (2YRT) - Accepted
Malik Monk (2YRT) - Accepted
Dragan Bender (T) – Declined
Juan Hernangomez (T) - Accepted
Gary Trent Jr. (T) - Accepted

Atlanta Hawks
Jamal Murray (T) - Accepted
John Collins (2YRT) - Accepted

Miami Heat
Terrance Ferguson (T) - Declined

Charlotte Hornets
Jayson Tatum (2YRT) - Accepted
Kris Dunn (T) – Accepted
OG Anunoby (T) - Accepted

Utah Jazz
Jimmy Butler (P) - Declined
Dejounte Murray (T) - Accepted
Malachi Richardson (T) - Accepted

Sacramento Kings
Kyle Kuzma (2YRT) - Accepted
Taurean Prince (T) - Accepted

New York Knicks
Buddy Hield (T) - Accepted

Orlando Magic
Donovan Mitchell (2YRT) - Accepted
Josh Jackson (2YRT) - Accepted
DeAndre Bembry (T) - Declined

Dallas Mavericks
Lauri Markkanen (2YRT) - Accepted
Mitchell Robinson (T) - Accepted
Jabari Bird (2YRT) - Declined

Brooklyn Nets
Khris Middleton (P) - Accepted
Dennis Smith Jr. (2YRT) - Accepted
Pascal Siakam (T) - Accepted
Malik Beasley (2YRT) - Accepted

Denver Nuggets
Caris LeVert (T) - Accepted
Tony Bradley (2YRT) - Accepted

Indiana Pacers
Skal Labissiere (T) - Accepted

New Orleans Pelicans
Derrick White (2YRT) - Accepted

Detroit Pistons
Lonzo Ball (2YRT) - Accepted
Domantas Sabonis (T) - Accepted
Denzel Valentine (T) - Accepted
Ivan Raab (T) - Declined
Luke Kennard (T) - Accepted

Toronto Raptors
Guerschon Yabusele (T) - Declined

Houston Rockets
D.J. Wilson (2YRT) - Accepted
Abdul Nader (T) - Decline

San Antonio Spurs
Ante Zizic (2YRT) - Accepted
Justin Jackson (2YRT) - Accepted

Phoenix Suns
Jonathan Isaac (2YRT) - Accepted
Alan Williams (T) - Accepted
Thon Maker (T) - Accepted
Shaquille Harrison (T) - Declined

Oklahoma City Thunder
Hassan Whiteside (P) - Declined
Caleb Swanigan (2YRT) - Accepted
Damian Jones (T) - Accepted

Minnesota Timberwolves
Khyri Thomas (T) - Accepted

Golden State Warriors
Jakob Poetl (T) - Accepted
Kyle Singler (T) - Declined
Zhou Qi (2YRT) - Declined

Washington Wizards
Frank Ntilikina (2YRT) - Accepted
Wade Baldwin (T) - Accepted

[jubba910]

Free Agency

Southwest gets major facelift


For the first time this decade, it appears that the Northwest conference won't be the talk of the West, with the Mavericks, Grizzlies, and Pelicans all sporting new superstars. The biggest addition being LeBron James, shirking his hometown Cavaliers in a trade with the Mavericks, creating a dynamic duo in Dallas with former Pelican Klay Thompson. Joining the party in the Southwest is the other former Pelican Nikola Jokic, heading to Memphis to join the slew of young exciting talent in the Music City. The Pelicans didn't leave Free Agency empty-handed however, landing Utah's playoff hero Jimmy Butler to play alongside Karl-Anthony Towns who re-signed. With the Spurs coming off an MVP season from Chris Paul and a Conference Finals berth, and the Rockets young pairing of Brandon Ingram and Kristaps Porzingis, the Southwest has never been hotter. The Cavaliers enter another rebuild period, with Lauri Markannen and De'Andre Hunter tipped as cornerstones of their future.

Beal becomes a Piston, Love a Laker as Timberwolves rebuild


Despite making the postseason last season, the Minnesota Timberwolves have dug deep into a rebuild, moving their two top stars for younger counterparts in Aaron Gordon and 2019's sixth pick Jarrett Culver. With Lakers needing star presence alongside Kahwi Leonard and Kyrie Irving, they've once again moved their draft pick for earlier success. The Pistons' log-jam at small forward now appears to be over, with Harrison Barnes' cheaper contract being the one to stay as they upgrade at the shooting guard position with Bradley Beal to pair with former Rookie of the Year Lonzo Ball in the backcourt.

Kemba, Booker trade places, Sixers send Fultz to Rockets


Shocking pundits, Devin Booker is no longer a 76er, accepting an offer from the Milwaukee Bucks to be the new running mate to superstar Paul George in Milwaukee. Now without a franchise SG, Philadelphia turned their attention to George's former teammate Kemba Walker to lock in a star PG with Markelle Fultz's lackluster first two seasons at the helm. Fultz will have a fresh start in Houston, after the Sixers set their eyes on Danny Green as a potential man to fill the perimeter shooting gap left by Booker.

Notable Signings

New Orleans Pelicans re-sign Karl-Anthony Towns 5yr/$141.15m

Denver Nuggets re-sign D’Angelo Russell 5yr/$138.42m

Oklahoma City Thunder re-sign Hassan Whiteside 5yr/$132.01m

Dallas Mavericks sign Klay Thompson 4yr/$130.49m

Houston Rockets re-sign Kristaps Porzingis 5yr/$128.27m

Portland Trail Blazers re-sign Draymond Green 5yr/$128.27m

Philadelphia 76ers sign Kemba Walker 4yr/$113.37m

Milwaukee Bucks sign Devin Booker 4yr/108.90m

New Orleans Pelicans sign Jimmy Butler 4yr/$108.90m

Memphis Grizzlies sign Nikola Jokic 4yr/$106.84m

Atlanta Hawks re-sign Myles Turner 4yr/$105.89m

Toronto Raptors re-sign Goran Dragic 4yr/$84.54m

Phoenix Suns re-sign Jonas Valanciunas 4yr/$84.09m

Orlando Magic re-sign Nikola Vucevic 4yr/$65.63m

Cleveland Cavaliers re-sign Dennis Schroder 3yr/$56.40m

San Antonio Spurs sign Dario Saric 3yr/$44.63m

Miami Heat re-sign Bobby Portis 3yr/$43.09m

Chicago Bulls re-sign Terry Rozier III 3yr/$39.82m

Orlando Magic sign Serge Ibaka 3yr/$39.66m

Milwaukee Bucks re-sign Enes Kanter 3yr/$37.52m

New Orleans Pelicans sign Spencer Dinwiddie 3yr/$37.55m

Indiana Pacers sign Rondae Hollis-Jefferson 3yr/$37.39m

Minnesota Timberwolves sign Andre Roberson 3yr/$36.79m

Charlotte Hornets re-sign Nikola Mirotic 3yr/$36.67m

Los Angeles Lakers re-sign Josh Hart 3yr/$36.38m

Philadelphia 76ers re-sign Willie Cauley-Stein 3yr/$36.22m

Denver Nuggets re-sign Frank Kaminsky 3yr/$34.09m

Indiana Pacers sign Avery Bradley 2yr/$26.98m

Atlanta Hawks sign Kyle Anderson 2yr/$22.86m

Cleveland Cavaliers sign Ed Davis 3yr/$22.31m

New York Knicks sign Patrick Beverley 2yr/$20.23m

New Orleans Pelicans sign Mason Plumlee 3yr/$19.69m

Sacramento Kings sign Larry Nance Jr. 2yr/$19.39m

Detroit Pistons sign Kent Bazemore 2yr/$19.03m

Miami Heat sign Austin Rivers 2yr/$18.47m

Charlotte Hornets sign John Henson 2yr/$17.61m

Dallas Mavericks sign Dwight Powell 3yr/$17.11m

Dallas Mavericks sign Rudy Gay 2yr/$17.08m

Indiana Pacers sign Will Barton 2yr/$17.06m

Indiana Pacers sign Delon Wright 2yr/$17.06m

Miami Heat sign Andre Iguodala 2yr/$15.05m


Transactions

DAL Receive: LeBron James, Kelly Olynyk, Zach Collins, David Nwaba
CLE Receive: Lauri Markkanen, Rudy Gay, De'Andre Hunter, Cody Zeller

CLE Receive: Darren Collison, 2023 1st Round Pick
TOR Receive: Bojan Bogdanovic

BOS Receive: T.J. Warren, Austin Rivers
MIA Receive: Isaiah Thomas, C.J. Miles, 2021 1st Round Pick, 2022 2nd Round Pick

DET Receive: Bradley Beal
LAL Receive: Kevin Love, Aron Baynes
MIN Receive: Aaron Gordon, Jarrett Culver, Rodney Hood, 2024 1st Round Pick (DET)

HOU Receive: Markelle Fultz, Tony Snell
PHI Receive: Danny Green, 2021 2nd Round Pick (HOU)
NO Receive: J.J. Barea

[Andrew]

Mark Cuban isn't messing around. Definitely a team to watch!

[jubba910]

Team Depth Charts

Philadelphia 76ers
PG: Kemba Walker/Shaquille Harrison/Shelvin Mack
SG: Danny Green/Pat Connaughton/Donte DiVincenzo
SF: Ben Simmons/Miles Bridges/Maurice Harkless
PF: Al Horford/T.J.Leaf/Jonah Bolden/Greg Williams
C: Willie Cauley-Stein/Jahlil Okafor

Milwaukee Bucks
PG: D.J. Augustin/George Hill/Frank Mason III
SG: Devin Booker/Jodie Meeks
SF: Paul George/Wilson Chandler/Solomon Hill/Thanasis Antetokounmpo/Cameron Reynolds
PF: Kenneth Faried/Jon Leuer/Tyler Lydon/Jaron Blossomgame
C: Enes Kanter/Robert Williams/Zaza Pachulia

Chicago Bulls
PG: Terry Rozier III/Dante Exum
SG: Malcolm Brogdon/Shai Gilgeous-Alexander/Landry Shamet/Allen Crabbe
SF: Jaylen Brown/Sekou Doumbouya/Nick Young/James Nunnally
PF: Julius Randle/Marqueese Chriss
C: Ivica Zubac/Alex Len/Justin Patton

Cleveland Cavaliers
PG: Dennis Schroder/Isaiah Canaan/Elie Okobo
SG: Darren Collison/Kentavious Caldwell-Pope/Edmond Sumner
SF: Rudy Gay/De'Andre Hunter/Darius Miller/Admiral Schofield
PF: Lauri Markannen/P.J. Washington
C: Ed Davis/Cody Zeller/Harry Giles III

Boston Celtics
PG: Austin Rivers/T.J. McConnnell/Brad Wanamaker
SG: C.J. McCollum/Wesley Matthews
SF: T.J. Warren/Cameron Johnson/Semi Ojeleye/James Ennis
PF: Paul Millsap/Luka Samanic
C: Jarrett Allen/Joakim Noah/Vincent Poirer/Andrew Bogut

Los Angeles Clippers
PG: De'Aaron Fox/Jerian Grant
SG: Victor Oladipo/E'Twuan Moore/Sterling Brown/Terence Mann
SF: Robert Covington/Doug McDermott/Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot
PF: Blake Griffin/Montrezl Harrell/Noah Vonleh/Jonathan Motley
C: Joel Embiid/Khem Birch

Memphis Grizzlies
PG: Luka Doncic/Patrick Mills/Cory Joseph
SG: Marcus Smart/Terrence Ross/Malik Monk/Gary Trent Jr.
SF: Otto Porter/Kevin Knox/Gerald Green
PF: Marvin Bagley III/Bam Adebayo/Juan Hernangomez
C: Bam Adebayo/Ike Anigbogu

Atlanta Hawks
PG: Jamal Murray/Tomas Satoransky
SG: Jordan Clarkson/Devin Harris/Daniel Hamilton
SF: Jerami Grant/Mikal Bridges/Kyle Anderson/Glenn Robinson III/Abdel Nader
PF: LaMarcus Aldridge/John Collins/Mike Muscala
C: Myles Turner/Salah Mejri

Miami Heat
PG: Isaiah Thomas/Jeremy Lin
SG: Troy Daniels/Brandon Knight/Ron Baker/Kendrick Nunn
SF: Zion Williamson/Andre Iguodala/Derrick Jones Jr./C.J. Miles/Duncan Robinson
PF: Bobby Portis/Daniel Theis/Yante Maten
C: Dwight Howard

Charlotte Hornets
PG: Trae Young/Kris Dunn
SG: Tyreke Evans/Lance Stephenson/Jordan Poole
SF: Jayson Tatum/Dwayne Bacon/OG Anouby
PF: Nikola Mirotic/Luc Richard Mbah a Moute/Dragan Bender
C: John Henson/Greg Monroe/Nicolas Claxton/Miles Plumlee

Utah Jazz
PG: Dejounte Murray/Langston Galloway
SG: Eric Gordon/Wesley Iwundu/Malachi Richardson
SF: Joe Ingles/Al-Farouq Aminu/Nassir Little/Royce O'Neale/B.J. Johnson
PF: Anthony Davis/Jordan Bell/Mike Young
C: Rudy Gobert/Ekpe Udoh

Sacramento Kings
PG: Mike Conley/Aaron Holiday
SG: R.J. Barrett//Tyler Johnson/MarShon Brooks/C.J. Williams
SF: Kyle Kuzma/Taurean Prince/Evan Turner/Tony Brown Jr.
PF: Larry Nance Jr./Anthony Tolliver/Wanyen Gabriel
C: Tristan Thompson/Tyler Zeller

New York Knicks
PG: Jrue Holiday/Patrick Beverley/Kadeem Allen
SG: Buddy Hield/Jamal Crawford/Alonzo Trier/Iman Shumpert
SF: Giannis Antetokounmpo/Joe Harris/Trevor Ariza/Matisse Thybulle
PF: RIchaun Holmes/Mike Scott/Moritz Wagner
C: Andre Drummond/Tyson Chandler

Los Angeles Lakers
PG: Kyrie Irving/Yogi Ferrell/Milos Teodosic/Tyrone Wallace
SG: Josh Hart/Dzanan Musa/Jerome Robinson
SF: Kawhi Leonard/Marvin Williams/Rui Hachimura
PF: Kevin Love/Patrick Patterson/Kostas Antetokounmpo
C: JaVale McGee/Aron Baynes

Orlando Magic
PG: Jeff Teague/Elfrid Payton
SG: Donovan Mitchell/Rodney McGruder/Ben McLemore
SF: Gordon Hayward/Michael Porter Jr./Josh Jackson/Garrett Temple
PF: Serge Ibaka/Cheick Diallo/Mfiondu Kabengele
C: Nikola Vucevic/Jason Smith

Dallas Mavericks
PG: Collin Sexton/Rajon Rondo
SG: Klay Thompson/Marco Belenelli/Dillon Brooks
SF: LeBron James/Reggie Bullock/David Nwaba/Corey Brewer/Georges Niang
PF: Dwight Powell/Kelly Olynyk
C: Mitchell Robinson/Willy Hernangomez/Zach Collins

Brooklyn Nets
PG: Darius Garland/Dennis Smith Jr./Matthew Dellavedova/Raul Neto
SG: Gary Harris/Malik Beasley
SF: Khris Middleton/Rodions Kurucs/Treveon Graham/Theo Pinson
PF: Pascal Siakam/James Johnson/Ivan Rabb/Henry Ellenson
C: Jaren Jackson Jr./Jaxson Hayes

Denver Nuggets
PG: D'Angelo Russell/Jalen Brunson/Jonathan Gibson/Naz Mitrou-Long
SG: Caris LeVert/J.R. Smith/Alec Burks
SF: Andrew Wiggins/Michael Kidd-Gilchrist/Torrey Craig
PF: Steven Adams/Frank Kaminsky III/Tony Bradley
C: DeAndre Ayton/Maxi Kleber/Thomas Welsh

Indiana Pacers
PG: Ja Morant/Delon Wright
SG: Will Barton/Avery Bradley/Norman Powell/Lonnie Walker IV
SF: DeMarre Carroll/Rondae Hollis-Jefferson/Brandon Clarke/JaKarr Sampson
PF: Kyle O'Quinn/Skal Labissiere
C: Jusuf Nurkic/Robin Lopez

New Orleans Pelicans
PG: Derrick White/J.J. Barea
SG: Spencer Dinwiddie/Romeo Langford/Melvin Frazier Jr./John Holland
SF: Jimmy Butler/Jae Crowder/Jared Dudley
PF: Karl-Anthony Towns/Mason Plumlee/Dante Cunningham
C: Meyers Leonard/Boban Marjanovic/Cristiano Felicio

Detroit Pistons
PG: Lonzo Ball/Shabazz Napier
SG: Bradley Beal/Seth Curry/Kent Bazemore/Luke Kennard/Nickeil Alexander-Walker
SF: Harrison Barnes/Kelly Oubre Jr./Denzel Valentine
PF: Domantas Sabonis/Jonas Jerebko
C: Mo Bamba/Dewayne Dedmon

Toronto Raptors
PG: Goran Dragic/Fred VanVleet/Ish Smith
SG: Demar DeRozan/Ty Jerome/Damion Lee
SF: Tobias Harris/Boban Bogdanovic/Bogdan Bogdanovic/Sam Dekker
PF: Wendell Carter Jr./Derrick Favors/Chris Boucher
C: Gorgui Dieng/Ian Mahinmi

Houston Rockets
PG: Ricky Rubio/Markelle Fultz/Tyler Ulis
SG: Eric Bledsoe/Evan Fournier/Tyler Herro
SF: Brandon Ingram/Danuel House/Tony Snell/Chandler Hutchison
PF: Kristaps Porzingis/Markieff Morris/D.J. Wilson/Gary Clark
C: Clint Capela

San Antonio Spurs
PG: Chris Paul/Michael Carter-Williams
SG: J.J. Redick/Bryn Forbes/Zhaire Smith/Jonathon Simmons/Andre Ingram
SF: P.J. Tucker/Nicolas Batum/Justin Jackson
PF: Marcus Morris/Dario Saric/Taj Gibson/Drew Eubanks
C: Marcin Gortat/Ante Zizic

Phoenix Suns
PG: John Wall/Quinn Cook/Jerryd Bayless
SG: Zach LaVine/Josh Richardson/Josh Okogie/Talen Horton-Tucker
SF: Jabari Parker/Jonathan Isaac/Chuma Okeke/Jalen Jones
PF: Jonas Valanciunas/Thon Maker/Alan Williams
C: Brook Lopez

Oklahoma City Thunder
PG: Russell Westbrook/Tim Frazier
SG: James Harden/Wayne Ellington/Bruce Brown/Andrew Harrison/John Jenkins
SF: Danilo Gallinari/Thabo Sefolosha/Troy Williams
PF: Ersan Ilyasova/Darius Bazley/Caleb Swanigan
C: Hassan Whiteside/Damian Jones

Minnesota Timberwolves
PG: Coby White/DeAnthony Melton
SG: Jarrett Culver/Rodney Hood/Andre Roberson/Justin Holiday/Khryi Thomas
SF: Aaron Gordon/Andre Roberson/Carmelo Anthony/Dorian Finney-Smith
PF: Nemanja Bjelica/Alex Poythress/Amile Jefferson
C: Goga Bitadze/Deyonte Davis

Portland Trail Blazers
PG: Damian Lillard/Trey Burke/Carsen Edwards
SG: Louis Williams/Jeremy Lamb/Kevin Huerter
SF: Draymond Green/Dylan Windler
PF: Nerlens Noel/Eric Paschall/Alen Smailagic
C: Marc Gasol/Amir Johnson/Luke Kornet/Isaiah Hartenstein

Golden State Warriors
PG: Stephen Curry/Alex Caruso/Raymond Felton
SG: Tim Hardwaway Jr./Grayson Allen/Jacob Evans III
SF: Thaddeus Young/Michael Beasley/Chandler Parsons/Alfonzo McKinnie
PF: Davis Bertans/Eric Moreland/Tyler Cavanaugh
C: DeMarcus Cousins/Jakob Poetl

Washington Wizards
PG: Kyle Lowry/Frank Ntilikina/Wade Baldwin
SG: Reggie Jackson/Anfernee Simons/Courtney Lee/Kevin Porter Jr.
SF: Kevin Durant/Cam Reddish/Furkan Korkmaz
PF: DeAndre Jordan/Bismack Biyombo/Jemerrio Jones
C: Kosta Koufos/Nene

[jubba910]

2019-20 Season Preview

To close out the decade, the NBA landscape continues to test pundits in finding a clear favourite to take the 2019-20 Season crown. With the Western Conference boasting 8 of the last 9 championships, could this be a year that the likes of Milwaukee, New York, Toronto or Washington take the Larry O'Brien trophy back to the East? For last year's champions in Portland, it'll be a tough fight within their own Conference, as contenders sit all over the map, and in particular the now treacherous Southwest.

Division Previews


Eastern Conference – Atlantic Division



With their second Conference Finals appearance in 3 years, the North look set to reach the top of the East once again in a contract year for superstar DeMar DeRozan. Boosted by the acquisition of Bogdan Bogdanovic, the Raptors will be looking to go one better this year and get to the Finals. Hot on their heels will be the Big Apple, with Giannis Antetokounmpo all but establishing himself as one of the best players in the league, his supporting cast will need to rise with him to take the Knicks to the next level. Will Kemba be a better running mate than Devin Booker for Ben Simmons? The City of Brotherly Love will be a key team to watch as they look to re-balance their team to make themselves relevant, and more of a threat come the postseason. The biggest relief for Beantown is the farewell of the horror contract of Isaiah Thomas for T.J. Warren. C.J. McCollum and Jarrett Allen will still heavily have the weight of the Boston faithful on their shoulders as they attempt to return to prominence. A massive offseason for Pascal Siakam has Brooklyn buzzing with what this season could bring. Now establishing himself as a top option alongside the budding talent of Jaren Jackson Jr., Darius Garland, Gary Harris and Khris Middleton, the Nets are paying heavy unders to what their potential could be this year.


Eastern Conference – Central Division



The monkey is off their back in the Motor City now with a playoff berth, they look to go one step further with new superstar Bradley Beal all but setting in motion a contending run for the Detroit franchise. Is a George-Booker duo the special combination in Milwaukee to move to the next level? Bucks fans will certainly hope so as there's sure to be plenty of scoring between their two star swingmen. Building on a playoff berth last season, the Windy City has major stock in its young core of Randle, Brogdon, Brown and Gileous-Alexander as they look to cause more trouble in the East. It's a new leaf for The Land, abandoned by their King for a second time. Lauri Markannen and De'Andre Hunter will be the cornerstones that Cavaliers fans will be hoping to build around as they plan their return back to contention. It still doesn't look promising in Indianapolis, a team that seems endlessly stuck in the doldrums of the East. There appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel however, with second overall pick Ja Morant providing some electricity to bring the Hoosier state back to relevance.


Eastern Conference – Southeast Division



Last year's Eastern Conference champions still look as deadly as ever, with a revengeful Kevin Durant sure to set the league alight with his proven supporting cast. After a lackluster year where the pressure seemed to be too much for the franchise and it's sophomore star Donovan Mitchell, on-paper the Magic still look like the clear second best team in the Southeast. Stealing defensive stalwart Serge Ibaka from their division rival Hornets hopes to pay off in spades as they target a postseason berth. Now sporting a logjam at the PF position with the continued growth of John Collins, veteran big man LaMarcus Aldridge may need to shift to the 5 in order to put together Atlanta's best lineup. Continued growth from Jamal Murray and Myles Turner should boost the Hawks up into a playoff spot. After a surprise run that saw them rise to the upper echelon of the East last season, the loss of Serge Ibaka sees the Hornets in the same predicted slot as last season. One thing that cannot be denied however is the star power of Jayson Tatum, who alongside Trae Young looks set to be a superstar of the future. Speaking of superstars of the future, South Beach is now home to the league's hottest prospect Zion Williamson, who will have free reign to steer the Miami franchise for the years to come. Sadly however, this could be a bumpy ride to start with a weak lineup around him.


Western Conference - Pacific Division



The reigning champions retained their star defensive swingman in Draymond Green, and look a serious threat to return to the Finals again this year. Along with Green, Damian Lillard and Finals MVP Marc Gasol boast a lineup that not many can match, and will strike fear in their still-fresh division rivals. With the season-ending injury to Joel Embiid souring a promising season for the Clippers, the often-second LA franchise is out for blood this season, and planning a deep playoff run. Veteran Blake Griffin will be the one to watch, now in his 10th season, with potential doubts of his ability to hang with fellow stars Embiid and Victor Oladipo. There's another aging PF in LA also, with Kevin Love brought in as the third wheel to the Lakers' 1-2 punch of Kawhi Leonard and Kyrie Irving. Sending top 4 pick Jarrett Culver to the Wolves will be a test of time, as the Lake Show look to forget their rough first season with their superstar duo and get back to their familiar place in the playoffs. Sneaking under the radar this season sit the Golden State Warriors, with Stephen Curry and DeMarcus Cousins still fighting for a chance to win the Bay Area its second championship this decade. One can bank on Curry giving it his all with another potential MVP season in Oakland. Semi-clearing house with the departure of Derrick Favors, Mike Conley has a new backcourt running mate in the highly-touted R.J. Barrett, who Kings fans will be hoping can get them bouncing back up the West rankings alongside other promising star Kyle Kuzma.


Western Conference – Southwest Division



Leaving no surprises at the top of the now "on fire" Southwest division sit the Dallas Mavericks, who now boast LeBron James and Klay Thompson in the Lone Star State. Can the King finally reach the mountain top on his third team? Also hot on their heels will be the Memphis Grizzlies, who are scarily youthful and sure to cause a stir not only in the division, but the entire NBA. Adding Nikola Jokic to their young core, there's no reason Memphis couldn't be the #1 seed heading into the playoffs this year. The Pelicans will surely miss Jokic and Thompson, but got one hell of a consolation prize in Jimmy Butler from Utah, who will be freshly re-signed Karl Anthony Towns as the Pels second option, whilst also bringing a defensive intensity that the Big Easy has yet to experience. With major moves shaking up a majority of the division, the San Antonio Spurs and reigning MVP Chris Paul face a huge challenge to make it out of their division and head back to the Conference Finals. Without a true succession plan, the Spurs will be trusting in Dario Saric to elevate his game and bring some extra firepower to the Alamo. Predicted last in the division but no slouch are the Rockets, as they hope this year can be bounce back from their long-time star Eric Bledsoe alongside Kristaps Porzingis and Brandon Ingram. There'll also be eyeballs on their second string PG Markelle Fultz, who they picked up on a bargain from the Sixers.


Western Conference – Midwest Division



Even without Jimmy Butler, the Jazz still look the most deadly in the Northwest. Robbed of their best season record in history by April injuries to both Anthony Davis and Rudy Gobert, the Jazz still look to be a formidable foe for the Western Conference and will be in the top tier come playoff time. Behind them sit the juggernaut Oklahoma City Thunder, with a freshly inked new deal for Hassan Whiteside. With their three stars locked in for at least the next three years, a thin supporting cast may be the only thing stopping the Thunder from getting back to the Finals for the seventh time this decade. Back-to-back first round exits for the Suns sees them still quite underrated in the eyes of the league, however continued development from Zach LaVine alongside John Wall holds promise that the Suns can get themselves into a position to get past the first round this year. A rough first year for #1 pick DeAndre Ayton and the Nuggets, as they remain the massive losers of the Andrew Wiggins-DeAndre Jordan trade two years ago. Hoping to get back into top form will be D'Angelo Russell, who suffered a noticable regression since an outstanding rookie season. With Bradley Beal and Kevin Love now out of Minneapolis, the Timberwolves are likely to be one of the biggest whipping boys of the West, however can out hope that Aaron Gordon can be a cornerstone alongside Coby White and Jarrett Culver as Minnesota opts to rebuild to finish higher than 4th in the Conference, which they're yet to do since 2004.


Award Predictions


Most Valuable Player

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

It's hard to look past Stephen Curry to get back to winning this award again this year, after narrowly missing out in an extremely tight race last year.


Rookie of the Year

Ja Morant, Indiana Pacers

It's been three years in a row that the top point guard taken in the draft has won Rookie of the Year, odds could see a fourth with Morant in Indiana.


Defensive Player of the Year

Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz

It could go to either Gobert or his low-post partner Anthony Davis, who both are likely to have outstanding defensive seasons in Utah.


Most Improved Player

Brandon Ingram, Houston Rockets

With Porzingis re-signed, it could be the year for Brandon Ingram to announce himself as a second superstar in the final year of his rookie deal in Houston.


Sixth Man of the Year

Mikal Bridges, Atlanta Hawks

Barring a early-season demise from Jerami Grant that could see him take the starting slot, sophomore Bridges will be lighting up second units all year long.


Coach of the Year

Taylor Jenkins, Memphis Grizzlies

With their strongest lineup since early this decade, the Grizzlies are a major darkhorse to fight their way through the Southwest and take the league by storm.

[Andrew]

As fun as dynasties can be, it's cool to see the league so wide open. And of course, it's added motivation for a Blazers team that naturally wants the respect that comes with being a champion returning to defend their crown.

[jubba910]

Opening Night

NO 92 @ TOR 122
22nd October 2019

Raptors savage Pelicans to start season


The Raptors have well and truly licked their wounds from their painful Conference Finals elimination, decimating the new-look Pelicans in Toronto






LAL 10 @ LAC 119
22nd October 2019

Kyrie starts hot with 40 on the Clippers


Already looking more dangerous than most of last season, Kyrie Irving lead the way with 40 points to kick off his 2019-20 season.

[jubba910]

SAC 85 @ POR 118
23rd October 2019

Lillard, Blazers celebrate Ring Night


It was business as usual for the Portland Trail Blazers on Ring Night, laying waste to the Kings with an impressive 33-point win to open up their championship defence.






WAS 125 @ DAL 133
23rd October 2019

LeBron's triple-double bests Durant in Dallas


In a blockbuster to open LeBron James' career in Dallas, the Mavericks outlasted last year's Eastern Conference Champions in overtime to take their first win of the season.

[jubba910]

OKC 113 @ PHI 114
30th October 2019

Cardiac Kemba excites Philly faithful


Locking himself in as a fan favourite in his first game for the Sixers, Kemba Walker hit the game-winning shot in Philadelphia to take out the perennial contender Thunder.






IND 111 @ BKN 100
30th October 2019

Nurkic, Pacers best Nets


Teaming with their exciting prospect Ja Morant, Jusuf Nurkic showcased his superstar potential against the Nets, dropping 27 point and snatching 17 rebounds at the Barclays Center.

[Andrew]

Can't ask for a much better debut!

[jubba910]

ATL 105 @ DEN 113
11th November 2019

Russell bests Hawks


Former Rookie of the Year D'Angelo Russell was the catalyst for the Nuggets, putting up 32 points in 33 minutes on the Hawks.

[Andrew]

Maybe it's because Mortal Kombat 1 has put me in the mind to think about What Ifs and alternate continuities, but seeing Jamal Murray go up against the Nuggets after winning a title with them in real life is a really fun sight.

[jubba910]

ATL 105 @ DEN 113
15th November 2019

Spida's 41 crushes Spurs


Donovan Mitchell continues to be a force to be reckoned with, punctuating a win over the last year's Conference Finalists with 41 points.

[jubba910]

GS 98 @ UTA 116
22nd November 2019

Davis leads Jazz over Warriors


Continue to play with major chip on his shoulder this season, Anthony Davis and the Jazz made a statement over a contending rival in the Warriors in Salt Lake City.

[Andrew]

Wow, Curry was just firing away in that one! In all fairness of course, doesn't look like he had a ton of help.

[jubba910]

Monthly Report: November 2019

Conference Standings






League Leaders





Players of the Month

West

Anthony Davis

East

Giannis Antetokounmpo


Injury Report




Stories

Big Apple in full swing

It's been a commanding start from the New York Knicks, who currently sit 17-2 through the first 6 weeks of the season. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been unreal, picking up Player of the Month honours in the process.

Spurs hold their own, Grizzlies, Nuggets chasing

Backing up his MVP honours last season, Chris Paul has been instrumental in the Spurs' hot start. The young talent of the Grizzlies and Nuggets has been exciting to watch in the West, adding further pressure to an already extremely competitive conference.

Pelicans, Pistons in no-mans land

The biggest disappointments so far have been the New Orleans Pelicans and Detroit Pistons. Yet to kick into gear with their major signing of Jimmy Butler, the Pelicans need to get on the same page, and quickly. For the Pistons, the acquisition of Bradley Beal is yet to come to full fruition, as they sit well out of the contending group that they were tipped to be amongst.

[jubba910]

NY 131 @ MIL 116
2nd December 2019

Top of the East face off


In a tense 1st vs 2nd battle, it was the Knicks who took bragging rights, with their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo dominating with 47 points and 15 rebounds.

[jubba910]

MEM 124 @ CHI 95
4th December 2019

Joker dominates in the Windy City


Proving to be a formidable foe on his new team, Nikola Jokic put on a masterclass against the Bulls with a 20-20 statline.

[Andrew]

Different team, same Joker, same disheartening loss for the Bulls as the other day!

[jubba910]

PHX 119 @ MIN 90
8th December 2019

Wall tames Timberwolves


Showcasing once again why he's considered one of the best point guards in the league, John Wall had another dominant outing in Minnesota leading all scorers with 32 points.

[jubba910]

HOU 118 @ CLE 128
11th December 2019

Schroder dishes out 19 in win


Embedding himself in Cavaliers history, Dennis Schroder recorded 19 assists in their win against the Rockets, the highest total for a Cavalier in almost 20 years.

[jubba910]

NO 125 @ OKC 123
18th December 2019

Dinwiddie the unlikely hero in OKC


Playing the game of his life, Spencer Dinwiddie was undeniable against the Thunder, outdueling Russell Westbrook to deliver the Pelicans a hard-fought victory in Oklahoma City.