A LEGEND IS BORN II

[Fresh8]

Lamrock, recieved your application.

Chapter 3 is taking its time to complete... mainly due to little motivation/ideas to write out

But should be out in about 20 hours...

[Oskar]

Looking forward.

Btw, anything about my ( Byron Brock ) ovrl ? If there even is ovrl in 2k9, if there is, I guess it should be around 65-75 ?

[Fresh8]

Chapter 3

Kevin Durant stared blankly into space. Six losses in ten days, he thought to himself, Damn that’s bad.
“Hey KD,” Coach Payton shouted, “Come here.”
Durant got out of his seat and trotted over to his coach, “Yes?”
Payton whispered to him amid the deafening roar of the pro-Cleveland crowd, “Go out there and score. Just try and get us back in the game.”
Durant nodded and smiled, “Thanks coach.”
The Stealth was headed towards their seventh loss in a row if Durant didn’t step up. He was ready to try and make amends. Durant was unstoppable when he went back into the game, playing the whole last period and scoring 16 points. He was scoring on a combination of floaters and running jumpers. The Cavs had no answer for him and it had everyone wondering why he was not given the green light from the get-go.

“Kevin Durant has been unstoppable in tonight’s fourth quarter with 16 points.”
Sit was sitting in his office with the TV on and a wrap up of the game between Seattle and Cleveland was being presented. Seattle had just slumped to their seventh straight loss as the Cavs won 97-76. Superior shooting from long range and good work on the boards were instrumental to Cleveland’s winning effort. Seattle needed a quick fix and Sit was out of ideas. He had been too slow to act upon trading for Eddy Curry and it seemed that any talk with the Golden State Warriors involving Al Harrington had pretty much stalled.
“I need to gauge Earl’s interest in staying with this team,” Sit was speaking to Watson’s agent on his cell phone, “Let’s make a meeting for tomorrow then?”
Sit jotted down some notes on a pad, “That sounds great.”
He then punched something into his phone, “Hey. Who do you want for Stephon Marbury?”

* * *

Earl Watson sat at Sit’s table, twiddling his fingers. Sit asked the question again.
“I already told you, I’m happy with my situation here.”
Sit quizzed him again, not looking convinced, “Are you sure?”
Watson was getting exacerbated, “Yes! How many times do I need to answer your question?”
Sit was shaking his head, “I thought you were unhappy here.”
Watson explained himself, “At the start I was but as I’ve seen this team start to win and I realise that my role is bigger than I thought it was going to be; I feel a lot happier on this team. Seriously, I am happy with my situation.”
With that, Sit quickly concluded the meeting realising that he was stuck in a bad situation. He had offered Watson as part of a deal for Marbury and without him, salaries would not match. He had a few offers on the table though and with some mix and matching, a deal could be worked out for Marbury. If that failed though, Sit was looking at potential deals for Cleveland big man Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Warriors’ forward Al Harrington. Sit was even thinking about making a move to bring in the Lakers’ Sasha Vujacic; but at the right price of course.

Gary Payton and Will Sit had been on rocky ground since day one of the two working together. For two weeks, the two had not spoken to each other and that made it hard for the team’s front office to function. Payton had plenty of power and influence due to not only his position as head coach but also as an owner of the team. Sit made sure he would not give Payton any reason to get rid of him and unbeknownst to Payton; Sit had been making friends with the rest of the team’s minority owners and board. Payton had gotten word that Sit was going to make a trade and strangely enough, he would not make any comment on record about whether he knew anything about it. It was no secret though, that the two were having a feud behind closed doors.
“Coach Payton,” a beat writer pleaded, “Please give me an interview about your relationship with the General Manager.”
Payton glared at the journalist, “No comment.”
The man continued pleading, “Come on, everyone knows that you two are fighting. Give me something so that I can write a piece on it.”
“No chance in hell,” Payton hissed and then pushed him out of the way, retreating to the team practice facility car park.
Sit happened to be waiting for Payton, “We need to talk.”
“Since when do I have a word in anything? I’m the coach and you should consult with me,” Payton stated.
“That’s why I’m here,” Sit laughed.
“Maybe you should have asked me a lot earlier before dangling my players in front of other teams as bait,” Payton was mad.
Sit mocked him, “Maybe you should do your job properly so that we don’t continue this losing streak. How many games are we at? Nine or ten?”
“At least I’m doing my job,” Payton was offended, “Look at the team I have to work with. Durant is a twig and Collison is a stiff. And they are my two best players!”
“I am doing my freaking job! You’re the one who is starting a rookie at the one.”
“Don’t tell me how to do my job. You’re nothing compared to me and don’t forget I own your ass.”
Sit was fuming, “This isn’t over.”
Sit then threw a fist at Payton, hitting him in the chest. Payton then lashed out, punching Sit onto the ground. Sit was hit in the side of his face and he was sprawled on the ground, with blood in his mouth. Sit spat saliva and blood onto the ground before getting up. Payton punched him again in the head and then started to kick at Sit who was once again on the ground. Sit was overpowered by Payton who was considerably bigger than he was. Payton stopped and laughed at him.
“You are pathetic. Don’t mess with me again.”
Payton then laughed out before turning to get into his car and then drove off. Sit who was bruised all over his body, where he was kicked, and had cuts on his face and in his mouth looked up. He clenched his right fist and hit the floor before pulling himself up and leaving to get into his own car.

* * *

Sit was sitting in his office when the phone rang. He picked it up and was immediately jumping in the air in celebration.
The voice on the other side of the line had said, “Mr Sit, we accept your trade offer as we feel that it will help both of our teams and all of the players involved.”
Sit was beaming and told his secretary to come inside, “Get me a press conference.”
The secretary asked him, “Will you be there?”
Sit laughed, “Do I look like I’m in any shape to do one?”
She questioned, “Is it because you don’t want anyone to know about the fight?”
Sit nodded shyly and she responded to him, “It’s too late then. Take a look at this.”

[Fresh8]

Chapter 3 is out; so better late than never. More updates coming your way in the following days! It's time to get this show back on the road!

Looking forward.

Btw, anything about my ( Byron Brock ) ovrl ? If there even is ovrl in 2k9, if there is, I guess it should be around 65-75 ?

I won't comment on ratings or anything. You will just need to wait and see!

[StupidBoy]

Wow, thats some awsome writing What happened in the end, did Payton tell the press about the fight?
I wonder who you traded for

[The X]

Too many egos in Seattle methinks, not enough team players....

[homicide1550]

Hmmm... Is the fight on youtube or something? Great writing as always! Cant wait for the next chapter...

[Fresh8]

Seattle Adds Former All-Star To Roster
Desmond Mason and Nick Collison Traded To Sacramento

November 27, 2008



SEATTLE (AP) – The Seattle Stealth acquired the services of former All-Star Centre Brad Miller in a bid to bolster their thin frontcourt. Miller, an 11 year pro, twice made the Western Conference All-Star team in the early 2000s whilst starring for the Sacramento Kings. He is currently averaging of 10.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists.

It is expected that the 7 foot Miller will provide a solid presence on offence in the low post for his new team. He is a skilled passer for his size and an able contributor on the glass. “Brad Miller’s all-around game will be an asset to Seattle,” Seattle GM Will Sit stated, “We are very confident that he will make a difference for our side.”

In a bid to open up more playing time for newly acquired big man Eddy Curry, Miller was deemed to be expendable. However, the deal was only able to be finalized with Seattle finally agreeing to ship both Desmond Mason and Nick Collison to the Kings. ESPN.com reported that the original offer was Mason and a draft pick but Sacramento stayed firm; demanding that another player be put in the deal as well.

31 year old Mason, the 2001 Slam Dunk champion, has been used sparingly this season; averaging just 3.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg, and 2.3 apg in limited minutes. In Sacramento, the veteran player will be promised a starting spot at the SF position. “In Seattle, I was happy with my role,” Mason told reporters, “But I won’t say no to be a part of the starting five of an NBA team. I still have quite a bit left in the tank. When I came back to sign up with the Stealth, I was hoping to be playing in Oklahoma City so when that fell through, I guess I became indifferent.”

The Kings reportedly insisted on the Stealth including one of their three power forwards in the deal; Collison, DJ White, or Chris Wilcox. After much deliberation, Seattle chose to offer Collison. White is deemed to be a project but with much potential while Wilcox was regarded by Seattle to be the most talented of the trio whilst also being younger than Collsion. Collison, 28, had been averaging 5 ppg, 4.3 rpg in 16 games played (9 games started) for the Stealth.

Eric Piakowski was also included in the deal to match salaries but was promptly waived by the Stealth.

[Fresh8]

Seattle Stealth Roster
Accurate As At 28 Nov, 2008

Name (Player Rating) – Player Role/Morale

C. Brad Miller (78) – Starter/Content
PF. Chris Wilcox (74 --> 77) – Starter/Upbeat
SF. Adam Morrison (73 --> 75) – Starter/Restless
SG. Kevin Durant (83 --> 87) – Starter/Ecstatic
PG. Russell Westbrook (77 --> 80) - Starter/Satisfied

6. PG Earl Watson (75 --> 78) – Sixth Man/Happy
7. SF Jeff Green (74 --> 77) – Prospect/Thrilled
8. F Darius Miles (71 --> 75) – Role Player/Anxious
9. SG Damien Wilkins (74 --> 75) – Role Player/Anxious
10. PF DJ White (74 --> 76) – Prospect/Content
11. C Johan Petro (69 --> 69) – Prospect/Uncertain
12. SG Kyle Weaver (73 --> 76) – Role Player/Content

13. C Mouhamed Sene (66 --> 67) – Bench Player/Satisfied
14. C Robert Swift (66 --> 68) – Bench Player/Content

Head Coach: Gary Payton

[Cartar]

Really love the trade, looking forward to see how Miller will pan out for you.

[Lamrock]

Eww Bad Miller. Would have been a good trade 5 years ago, but now... I don't know. At least you didn't give up much.

[Fresh8]

What happened in the end, did Payton tell the press about the fight?

You will need to wait and see.

Too many egos in Seattle methinks, not enough team players....

Does Brad Miller help boost the team player quota?

Really love the trade, looking forward to see how Miller will pan out for you.

Thanks man. Miller has been decent across the board for me so far...

Eww Bad Miller. Would have been a good trade 5 years ago, but now... I don't know. At least you didn't give up much.

I wanted it to be realistic so I thought this was a plausible scenario.

[Fresh8]

Double Header Recap
Brad Miller Joins The Stealth

Current Starting Lineup: C Brad Miller, PF Chris Wilcox, SF Adam Morrison, F/G Kevin Durant, PG Russell Westbrook

Team Record: 6-11

Brad Miller’s addition to the Seattle Stealth resulted in a loss and then a win to end the month of November. Their loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves was the eighth on the trot and a win against the Memphis Grizzlies helped prevent the team venturing into double digit losing streak territory.

- - -

Game Recaps On-The-Fly

Surprising Timberwolves Decimate Stealth

Six players scored in double figures for the Timberwolves as they were led by a dominant performance from Al Jefferson; who notched a big double double along with 4 blocked shots. Jefferson scored 29 points with McCants second best on 20. Rookie Kevin Love added 12 while Foye, Carney, and Miller added 13 apiece. A big third quarter comeback allowed Seattle to threaten the Wolves but Minnesota kept up their recent hot form to hold off the Stealth in the final period.

Quarter-by-Quarter Team Score

Date: Nov 28, 2008

Minnesota Timberwolves (Away) 33 – 26 – 29 – 39 – 127
Seattle Stealth (Home) 27 – 18 – 37 – 28 – 110

Key Performers

6-8 Minnesota

A Jefferson 29 pt, 10 reb, 4 blk, 9-16 FG, 11-13 FT
R McCants 20 pt, 2 reb, 3 ast, 5-8 FG, 2-2 3PT, 8-10 FT
K Love 12 pt, 9 reb, 5 ast, 6-13 FG

5-12 Seattle

K Durant 24 pt, 7 reb, 5 ast, 7-16 FG, 9-10 FT
R Westbrook 23 pt, 4 ast, 6-10 FG, 2-2 3PT, 9-10 FT
B Miller 15 pt, 6 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk, 6-12 FG

---

Seattle Losing Streak Does Not Reach Nine

Brad Miller finished with 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists in his second game for the Stealth as Seattle blew out the Memphis Grizzlies. Nine players scored in double figures for the Stealth; Durant had 24; Watson 22; Westbrook 13; Weaver 12; Miller and Green had 11; and White, Miller and Wilcox each had 10. The Grizzlies never threatened the visiting Stealth team from start to finish of the match.

Quarter-by-Quarter Team Score

Date: Nov 29, 2008

Seattle Stealth (Away) 28 – 35 – 33 – 35 – 131
Memphis Grizzlies (Home) 24 – 28 – 20 – 31 – 103

Key Performers

6-12 Seattle

K Durant 24 pt, 4 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk, 10-21 FG, 3-5 3PT, 1-1 FT
E Watson 22 pt, 4 reb, 9 ast, 2 stl, 9-15 FG, 3-5 3PT, 1-2 FT
R Westbrook 13 pt, 2 reb, 6 ast, 2 stl, 6-9 FG

4-13 Memphis

R Gay 20 pt, 8-17 FG, 1-6 3PT, 3-4 FT
OJ Mayo 19 pt, 65 reb, 10 ast, 9-19 FG, 1-6 3PT
M Conley 14 pt, 3 reb, 7 ast, 4-7 FG, 1-3 3PT, 5-9 FT

[Fresh8]

Monthly Recap: November
Part One: League Standings

Monthly Recaps are divided into several parts in order to give readers a quick and organized overview. Part One of the Monthly Recap provides the league standings; divided into the two conferences. Part Two will feature the ‘Race to the MVP’.

The surprise of the league after one month has been the LA Clippers who rank as the third best defensive team in the NBA; second best in three point shooting accuracy; and has the biggest winning margin per game. Off-season signing Baron Davis has filled in admirably as the franchise’s star player, averaging 26 ppg, 6.6 apg, 2.3 spg, whilst shooting at clips of .512 from the field and .490 from behind the arc. It remains to be seen whether Davis and the Clippers can keep their red-hot form up.

Western Conference Standings

1. Los Angeles Clippers (15-1)*
2. New Orleans Hornets (11-4)*
3. Los Angeles Lakers (10-5)
4. Houston Rockets (10-8)
5. Golden State Warriors (8-9)
6. Minnesota Timberwolves (7-8)*
7. Phoenix Suns (8-10)
8. San Antonio Spurs (7-9)

- - -

9. Sacramento Kings (8-11)
10. Utah Jazz (7-11)
11. Portland Trailblazers (7-11)
12. Dallas Mavericks (6-10)
13. Denver Nuggets (6-12)
14. Seattle Stealth (6-12)
15. Memphis Grizzlies (4-13)

Eastern Conference Standings

1. Cleveland Cavaliers (12-5)*
2. Orlando Magic (12-5)*
3. Boston Celtics (12-6)*
4. New York Knicks (10-6)
5. Detroit Pistons (10-6)
6. Miami Heat (10-7)
7. Washington Wizards (8-6)
8. Indiana Pacers (9-7)

- - -

9. Charlotte Bobcats (8-8)
10. Atlanta Hawks (8-8)
11. Philadelphia 76ers (8-9)
12. New Jersey Nest (7-9)
13. Chicago Bulls (6-11)
14. Toronto Raptors (5-11)
15. Milwaukee Bucks (6-13)

Key

* Denotes Division Leader
** Denotes Clinched Title
# Denotes Clinched Seed
## Denotes Eliminated From Postseason

[StupidBoy]

Seems like the game is confusing the Los Angeles teams
Good to se Cavs on top of East, but what is wrong with Raptors down there?
Take care, stay Fresh

[Fresh8]

Monthly Recap: November
Part Two: Race To The MVP

Monthly Recaps are divided into several parts in order to give readers a quick and organized overview. Part Two of the Monthly Recap is the ‘Race To The MVP’. Part Three will feature Rumors and trade news from around the league.

1. Baron Davis, PG, LA Clippers | Team Record: 15-1

Key Stats: 26 ppg, 6.6 apg, 2.3 spg, .512 FG%, .490 3PT%, .783 FT%
Last Months Rank: N/A

Did anyone tell Baron Davis that the Clippers were supposed to be struggling without Elton Brand and Corey Maggette? Well, even if that were the case, Baron Davis must have flipped the script upside down as Hollywood’s ‘other’ team has been in hot form. I cannot go past Baron Davis for the number one spot on the rankings. He has led his team to 15 wins and just 1 loss for the month of November. He has definitely been a huge surprise this season.

2. LeBron James, SF, Cleveland | Team Record: 12-5

Key Stats: 26.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 8.5 apg, 2.1 spg, .492 FG%, .448 3PT%
Last Months Rank: N/A

LeBron James does everything good and the Cavs are at the top of the Eastern Conference early in the season, thanks to their star player. Not much needs to be said about James who is a freak of nature and had it not been for the Clippers surprisingly sitting at 15-1, James would be at the top spot of these rankings. James’ stats jump out at you off of the page, his team is winning, and right now he is the best player in the world.

3. Chris Paul, PG, New Orleans | Team Record: 11-4

Key Stats: 20.5 ppg, 5 rpg, 9 apg, 2.5 spg, .931 FT%
Last Months Rank: N/A

The Hornets have the second best record in the West and the League. Some argue that this is because of the improved play of Morris Peterson and addition of James Posey but I will argue that the players mentioned would not be playing so well without the steady leadership of Chris Paul. Paul is having an off season in terms of his shooting accuracy from the field and beyond the arc. His numbers across the board have dipped a tiny bit since last season but he has still been a huge factor for his team. Without Paul, the Hornets would not be winning.

4. Hedo Turkoglu, SF, Orlando | Team Record: 12-5

Key Stats: 22.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 6.9 apg, 1.1 spg, .505 FG%, .475 3PT%, .788 FT%
Last Months Rank: N/A

Many of you will be wondering how Turkoglu made it this far up the list. Many will cite that Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis are the real MVPs for Orlando. This is not true because Howard has been terrible this season and Turkoglu has better numbers across the entire board in comparison to Lewis. Orlando has the same record as the Cavs and Turkoglu deserves some recognition for this. The only player to have played to the level of last season; Hedo is showing that last season was not a fluke and that he truly is a star player.

5. Kobe Bryant, SG, LA Lakers | Team Record: 10-5

Key Stats: 25.4 ppg, 5 rpg, 5.3 apg, 1.9 spg, .490 FG%, .408 3PT%, .823 FT%
Last Months Rank: N/A

It was hard to decide where to put the reigning MVP but somewhere in the middle of the list was the right place in the end. The Lakers are a very talented team with Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher all averaging 12 ppg and Pau Gasol averaging a healthy 20 ppg and 10 rpg. Kobe Bryant has been chilling, only needing to do whatever necessary to get the Lakers the win. Bryant hasn’t needed to score much this season but has shown he is still able to take over with back to back efforts of 36 and 37 points against the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trailblazers, respectively, in the middle of November. Otherwise, Bryant has been quiet as he emphasizes that team success is more important than individual glory.

6. Kevin Garnett, PF, Boston | Team Record: 12-6

Key Stats: 21 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 3.8 apg, 2.3 spg, 2.5 bpg, .512 FG%, .500 3PT%, .747 FT%
Last Months Rank: N/A

With Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen all averaging over 20 ppg, it was hard to pick the best of the three. Pierce may have been last season’s Finals MVP but Kevin Garnett is my pick as the Celtics’ best player. This season, he is averaging more points and boards and the main difference between him and Pierce is consistency. Garnett never has an off-game and his ability to do everything is uncanny. That is why Garnett is on the list and Pierce is not.

7. Allen Iverson, SG, Detroit | Team Record: 10-6

Key Stats: 27.3 ppg, 8.5 apg, 2 spg
Last Months Rank: N/A

No one thought swapping Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson would make much of a difference. In fact, some thought the Pistons would be worse off. Look at how that turned out. The Pistons were 5-4 before the trade. Now, they have been 5-2 since. Iverson stepped right into the role that the Pistons envisioned him to be in and many people in Mo-town are now excited that they have a real bona fide star scorer to take on LeBron James and the Cavs in the playoffs. Iverson has scored more than 23 in all but one game he has played for Detroit.

8. Dwyane Wade, SG, Miami | Team Record: 10-7

Key Stats: 23.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 7.4 apg, 1.5 spg
Last Months Rank: N/A

Wade’s Summer campaign was a sneak peek into what he had in store for the rest of the league. He is finally healthy again and doing it all for the Miami Heat. With help from new teammates Ben Gordon and Michael Beasley, as well as Shawn Marion, the Heat are winning games and given a pulse back to the ailing franchise. It looks like rebuilding won’t be so bad after all.

9. Gilbert Arenas, PG, Washington | Team Record: 8-6

Key Stats: 31.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 5.9 apg, 2.6 spg, .492 FG%, .478 3PT%, .732 FT%
Last Months Rank: N/A

I’m still not sold on Arenas and the Wizards… just yet. Give me another month to assess them and you may well see the NBA’s leading scorer higher on this list. Arenas made it clear he had a few goals on his mind this season and one of them was winning MVP. If starting him off this low in the race for MVP motivates him to win it; I am glad to have helped.

10. Jamal Crawford, SG, New York | Team Record: 10-6

Key Stats: 22.9 ppg, 5.7 apg
Last Months Rank: N/A

Perhaps it is Mike D’Antoni. Or perhaps it’s been a team effort. Or perhaps it has been the improved play of Jamal Crawford who has suddenly become a leader on and off the floor for the New York Knicks; leading the team high on the Eastern Conference standings. Crawford’s accuracy from the field has improved with better shot selection and he has p[proved to be very valuable in D’Antoni’s new system. All that remains to be seen is whether he can keep this up with the impending trading away of Stephon Marbury.

Honorable Mention: R Allen, Boston; P Pierce, Boston; P Gasol, LA Lakers; M Yao, Houston; T Macgrady, Houston; R Lewis, Orlando; A Jefferson, Minnesota; J Johnson, Atlanta

[The X]

damn, Baron has Clippers 15-1....I thought I'd seen it all

[homicide1550]

Surprise, surprise... B-Diddy leading the CLippers to a 15-1 record... now that is amazing..

[Jackie Kong]

Surprise, surprise... B-Diddy leading the CLippers to a 15-1 record... now that is amazing..

Baron Davis for MVP!, lol

[Fresh8]

Monthly Recap: November
Part Three: Around the League

Monthly Recaps are divided into several parts in order to give readers a quick and organized overview. Part Three of the Monthly Recap is the ‘Around the League’ recap, which features transactions, other League news, and rumors. Part Three will feature the T-Mobile Rookie Rankings.

Transactions


Chauncey Billups and Allen Iverson have switched teams; with varied success

A flurry of trades has seen Detroit transform into a younger and more exciting squad in comparison to the mature core of players that led the Pistons to six consecutive Eastern Conference Finals. Detroit GM Joe Dumars stated, “We believed that the team we had here with (Chauncey) Billups, (Rasheed) Wallace, (Rip) Hamilton, and (Tayshaun) Prince had reached its peak and it was time for a change.” And with that sentiment, the Pistons traded defensive stalwart Prince for the 22 year old Marvin Williams and veteran swingman Maurice Evans.

The Pistons then pulled off a blockbuster deal for Denver’s Allen Iverson; sending the Nuggets Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess, and cash. Since the trade, the Iverson-led Pistons have been 5-2. Iverson starred in a recent 113-106 win against the Suns with 28 points, 7 assists and 3 steals. Meanwhile, Billups and the Nuggets have been struggling. Individually, Billups has been stellar; notching a career high 42 points and adding 9 assists in his second game. However, the team has struggled, going 2-6 since the deal. Unfortunately, Billups succumbed to an injury two days ago and will be out for 2 to 4 weeks.

The Pistons ended November with the shock deal of sending second year PG Rodney Stuckey and veteran PG Damon Stoudamire to the LA Lakers in exchange for fiery European SG Sasha Vujacic. The Lakers wanted to move the disgruntled Vujacic and the Pistons decided that Stuckey was expendable after deciding that Iverson needed playing time to flourish on a team that Dumars believes has what it takes to challenge the Cavs and Celtics in the Eastern Conference.

November Trades:

6 Nov – Bulls SG B Gordon traded for Heat PG C Quinn, C J Maglorie.
13 Nov – Pistons SF T Prince traded for Hawks SF M Williams, SG M Evans.
15 Nov – Pistons PG C Billups, F/C A McDyess traded for Nuggets G A Iverson.
26 Nov – Knicks C E Curry traded for Kings PF K Thomas, 09 Second Round Pick.
27 Nov – Stealth SF D Mason, PF N Collison traded for Kings C B Miller, SF E Piatkowski.
28 Nov – Lakers SG S Vujacic traded for Pistons PG D Stoudamire, PG R Stuckey.

News

Players of the Month Announced

Jason Kidd and LeBron James were announced as the Players of the Month in their respective conferences. Kidd won despite the Dallas Mavericks posting a 6-10 record for the month. The veteran PG has averaged 13.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 11.2 apg, and 1.9 spg in 16 starts. He has recorded three triple doubles this season and had three straight games where he recorded at least 15 assists. He was outstanding in a 105-96 win against the Indiana Pacers with 24 points, 6 rebounds, 15 assists, and 6 steals.

LeBron James has led the Cleveland Cavaliers to the top of the Eastern Conference. He had a season high 45 points against the New York Knicks last month and his most recent outing of 35 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists in a win against the Milwaukee Bucks further underlines his dominance of the pro game. Read More…

Mayo, Beasley Named Rookies of the Month

OJ Mayo and Michael Beasley were announced as T-Mobile Rookies of the Month. Despite his team possessing the worst record in the NBA, Mayo has been impressive, leading all rookies in scoring, assists, and steals. Meanwhile, Beasley has helped Dwyane Wade and Ben Gordon create a young and exciting core for the Heat. Read More…

All-Star Voting Under Way

The NBA has announced that NBA All-Star Voting has begun this week. Read More…

Rumours

Rockets shopping Alston
- Interested Teams: Raptors, Nets, Pistons, Bobcat. Read More…

Marbury unhappy in NY
- Wizards: Marbury not worth asking price. Read More
- Knicks leaning towards Celtics offer. Read More…
- Report: Knicks like Wolves’ offer of Madsen. Read More…

Cavaliers will wait for best offer
- Ilgauskas: “I will play for any team.” Read More…
- Interested Teams: Wolves, Grizzlies. Read More…

76ers weighing options
- Nets GM: “Miller would be good fit. Read More…
- Unsettled Andre could find home in Cleveland. Read More…

[Fresh8]

Monthly Recap: November
Part Three: Rookie Rankings

Monthly Recaps are divided into several parts in order to give readers a quick and organized overview. Part Four of the Monthly Recap is the ‘T-Mobile Rookie Rankings’. Part Five will usually feature a NLSC Rookie Update but due to the non-participation of NLSCers for the 08-09 NBA Season, Part Five does not exist.

1. OJ Mayo, SG, Memphis Grizzlies

Key Stats: 20.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 5.6 apg, 1.6 spg
Last Months Rank: N/A

The former USC Trojan is stuck on a terrible team with Memphis being cellar-dwellers sitting at 4-13 however he is clearly the standout rookie this season. He leads all rookies in points, assists, and steals.

2. Michael Beasley, PF, Miami Heat

Key Stats: 16.7 ppg, 2.4 orpg, 6.9 rpg
Last Months Rank: N/A

Beasley is second amongst rookies in scoring and leads all rookies in rebounding and offensive boards. He’s the third leading scorer on the Miami Heat; who are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference. Beasley has stepped right into his role and is playing better than veteran forward Shawn Marion. That is impressive.

3. Danilo Gallinari, SF, New York Knicks

Key Stats: 12.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.1 spg
Last Months Rank: N/A

Gallinari has made a seamless transition to the NBA game, thanks to both Mike D’Antoni and himself. A hard worker all the time, Gallinari has gotten better and better over time. He is a brilliant scorer and can do a little bit of everything. With some added polish to his game, this kid should be a star in the future. He is a big reason for New York being at 10-6.

4. Kevin Love, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves

Key Stats: 9.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 5.4 apg, 1.46 spg
Last Months Rank: N/A

Kevin Love isn’t racking up the points the way he would like but he is still filling up the stat sheet on a nightly basis. Love is the only rookie averaging over 9 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.5 steals a game. Give him some time to get used to the play and he could be getting points in double digits too. That deserves some recognition. And don’t forget that the Wolves are leading their Division right now.

5. DJ Augustin, PG, Charlotte Bobcats

Key Stats: 12.3 ppg, 3.2 apg
Last Months Rank: N/A

The Bobcats are at a surprising .500 and DJ Augustin has handled sharing minutes at the PG spot professionally. At times, he has even looked better than Raymond Felton and could challenge for a starting spot later in the season.

6. Jerryd Bayliss, PG, Portland Trailblazers

Key Stats: 13.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 4.1 apg, 1.1 spg
Last Months Rank: N/A

Bayliss has been solid for the Blazers; who have a host of players capable of making noise in the Rookie Rankings. Bayliss has been the one, though, who has by far stood out the most. He has been better and more consistent than both teammates Greg Oden and Rudy Fernandez.

7. Mario Chalmers, PG, Miami Heat

Key Stats: 8.3 ppg, 5.6 apg
Last Months Rank: N/A

Another PG makes the Rankings as Mario Chalmers joins team mate Michael Beasley on this list. Since Chris Quinn went to Chicago, Chalmers has been able to garner plenty of minutes at the PG spot and has proven to be a reliable leader on and off the floor. On a team with so many scorers (Ben Gordon, Dwyane Wade, Beasley, and Shawn Marion), the Heat really needed an unselfish floor general.

8. Ryan Anderson, PF, New Jersey Nets

Key Stats: 12.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg
Last Months Rank: N/A

He’s tied for third in scoring amongst rookies and is tied second in rebounding. Anderson has been solid for the Nets and has done it on a team that has a logjam at his position.

9. Derrick Rose, PG, Chicago Bulls

Key Stats: 12.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.1 apg, 0.8 spg
Last Months Rank: N/A

The Bulls traded away Ben Gordon in order to create more playing time for Rose. So far, Rose has struggled with his shot and the team has struggled to post a winning record. However, with time, Rose should grow and the Windy City might have a new star to cheer upon.

10. Russell Westbrook, PG, Seattle Stealth

Key Stats: 10.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 5.6 apg, .513 FG%, .470 3PT%
Last Months Rank: N/A

Westbrook was touted as a future Gary Payton; who happens to be his coach in Seattle. Westbrook was immediately handed the reins to the team and has responded by playing exceptionally well. His unselfishness and careful shot selection has led him to shoot high percentages from all over the floor. He is racking up both the points and the assists. If the Stealth could string a few more W’s together; then Westbrook would be higher up on this list.

On the outside looking in:

Courtney Lee, SG, Orlando Magic: 9.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.5 apg
Greg Oden, C, Portland Trailblazers: 8.4 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.7 bpg
Brook Lopez, C, New Jersey Nets: 8.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 0.8 bpg, .574 FG%
Eric Gordon, SG, LA Clippers: 6.8 ppg, .534 FG%
Brandon Rush, SG, Indiana Pacers: 6.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg

[cocobee]

6 Nov – Bulls SG B Gordon traded for Heat PG C Quinn, C J Maglorie.
13 Nov – Pistons SF T Prince traded for Hawks SF M Williams, SG M Evans.
15 Nov – Pistons PG C Billups, F/C A McDyess traded for Nuggets G A Iverson.
26 Nov – Knicks C E Curry traded for Kings PF K Thomas, 09 Second Round Pick.
27 Nov – Stealth SF D Mason, PF N Collison traded for Kings C B Miller, SF E Piatkowski.
28 Nov – Lakers SG S Vujacic traded for Pistons PG D Stoudamire, PG R Stuckey.

All decent trades, nothing too out of the ordinary maybe just too many tades.

[homicide1550]

Whoah.. The Lakers stole a player with a lot of potential in Rodney Stuckey, a great trade for them... And man, the Pistons really shook up their roster...

[Fresh8]

Seems like the game is confusing the Los Angeles teams
Good to se Cavs on top of East, but what is wrong with Raptors down there?

Maybe it's time for the Raptors to fire Sam Mitchell in the game too.

damn, Baron has Clippers 15-1....I thought I'd seen it all

Baron Davis has proven to be full of surprises over his career. I wonder if he can keep it up.

Surprise, surprise... B-Diddy leading the CLippers to a 15-1 record... now that is amazing..

I don't think he can keep it up...

Baron Davis for MVP!, lol

I still have a feeling LeBron will get it...

All decent trades, nothing too out of the ordinary maybe just too many tades.

I'm feeling the trades that the Pistons made. All good ones!

Whoah.. The Lakers stole a player with a lot of potential in Rodney Stuckey, a great trade for them... And man, the Pistons really shook up their roster...

Pistons lineup is awesome. Lakers got deep PG rotation now with Fish, Stoudamire, Stuckey and Farmar... more deals might be happening with them I think...

[The X]

I think Prince for Williams & Evans was a good deal for both teams....Hawks want to contend in East now, & Prince brings defence & versatility as starting SF....it costs Hawks some depth though....I like it more for Pistons though, as Marvin as more potential & will turn out to be the better player....also better cap wise for Pistons....

as for the Stuckey deal, yep, the Lakers got a steal in that deal....rest of deals are good & fair though, even if there are too many....I'm luvin' how the Bulls knew Gordon wouldn't resign so they just gifted him to the Heat....probably not a wise move as now Heat have dynamic 6th man