Post by shorty on Jun 12, 2014 3:29:27 GMT
I wasn't expecting to do this, and some GMs didn't follow directions with their responses so I'm putting these out in an easier to do format.
1. The Timberwolves took the title - the inevitable question: did the season's best team win?
Magic: Best team doesn't always win the title, but the Wolves were a clear top contender last season and they won. So yeah you can say one of the best teams won.
2. Which rookies do you think will make their mark upon the league this coming season?
Magic: MCW will get plenty of opportunities on the Pacers so we'll get to see what he's capable of right off the bat. There'll also be a lot of other rookies who will be leaned on immediately. Dennis Shroeder will be seeing action immediately on the Kings due to their shortage of PGs, and I'm sure McLemore and Oladipo will also be given big minutes. It just seems that a lot of these rookies will be tested on their NBA readyness immediately.
3. Are there any teams that you think will improve significantly?
Magic: Lol Spurs after their trade with the Raptors. Besides that, with Isaiah Thomas back the Bobcats should be back in the playoffs. CY teams tend to make a surge and so I expect to see the Sixers to do better. The Rockets with their new signings will be much better as well I'm wagering.
4. Looking at your team: what's the outlook for your team this season?
Magic: Stay young and competitive. This might be Michael Redd's last season so we hope to make the most out of it. We hope to stay on top of the Atlantic and make a run for the Finals again.
5. Which opponent do you regard as your nemesis, and why?
Magic: Pacers and Bulls were my main two, but Pacers are rebuilding and the rivalry with the Bulls hasn't been the same when the old GM left (I'm not implying that I don't like the new Bulls GM. It's just there was history with the old GM). Cavs-Magic games are always fun because Entrapy and I have a bit of history and entrapy is a great GM. Since the Cavs are going for an outside oriented team, it adds more fuel to the fire cuz now we are competing to find the same kind of players to add to our team, and you always want to be the "better" chuck team. By that logic we can add the Hawks as a nenemis now too. We both are trying to be young and outside oriented and SRG is an outgoing and very good GM on here. So naturally, Hawks-Magic games will be looked at closely.
Magic - Bulls (formerly)
Magic - Pacers (on hold for now)
Magic - Cavs (current)
Magic - Hawks (current)
6. Pick the ECF/WCF participants for this coming season, then the Finalists... and the overall champion.
Magic: I like to be homer and pick myself every single year... and I don't see why I should stop
. ECF will be a Cavs-Magic matchup for the 3rd time in this league, and in the West it'll be Grizz - Jazz unless the Grizz makes a move and breaks up the core.
Since we've beaten the Cavs in our two previous ECF matchups (both 7 games series), I'm convinced that with Kyrie leading the way, Cavs will make their way past my squad and the Cavs will defeat the Grizzlies in the NBA Finals.
7. Last season started some... "significant" conversations in regard to tanking. What's your thought on this, and how should the league address it?
Magic: Honestly I'm fine with the "common sense" procedure that Bundy goes by. There should be more consistency in that, but a sim league is a semi-reflection of a rea, international, NBA league. Teams and GMs in real life are not allowed to get away with some blatant tanking moves, and I'm perfectly happy abiding by that philosophy. The new buyout clause that is being discussed should help fix some issues and give a fair way for tanking teams to dispose of good talent I suppose.
8. REAL WORLD QUESTION! The NBA Finals are on, how do you see it all playing out?
Magic: I got the Spurs in 6 or 7. It was crushing to see them lose Game 2, but I don't think the Spurs are going to let the Heat beat them in the Finals two years in a row. I'm a longtime Laker and Pacer fan so of course I hate the fucking Heat. I hate Wade and thought that the refs and Lebron carried his ass to 3 rings. With that said, even tho Miami has the younger stars and the better superstars, the Spurs' depth and home court advantage will pull through this time around.
1. The Timberwolves took the title - the inevitable question: did the season's best team win?
Nets: Honestly the best team did win the title. For years the Timberwolves were one of the top contenders in this league but couldn't win the big games in crunch time. Their team averaged over 100 pts per game and their defense isn't bad either. The Timberwolves earned the title.
2. Which rookies do you think will make their mark upon the league this coming season?
Nets: Each of the top ten rookies in this draft can make an impact in this league. It all comes down to how each GM utilizes their players though. Jabari Parker will definitely make an impact this year though. I could see him becoming one of the franchise players for the San Antonio Spurs. Someday he will average at least 16 pts and 4 boards a game.
3. Are there any teams that you think will improve significantly?
The Spurs will improve significantly. Their team is built to win the West this year. Another team that will improve is the Heat. Their team has the potential to be the 7th or 8th seed this year. If Anthony Davis keeps it up the Heat will be one of the contenders in the East this year.
4. Looking at your team: what's the outlook for your team this season?
Nets: If our younger guys improve this year I think we could make the Conference Finals this year. Imo if Parker is out for an extended amount of time like last season we won't make it far though.
5. Which opponent do you regard as your nemesis, and why?
Nets: The only team that I regard as my nememis are the Knicks. The Knicks has always been rivals with the Nets. Every single time we faced them last season it was a close game.
6. Pick the ECF/WCF participants for this coming season, then the Finalists... and the overall champion.
Nets:
ECF: Cavs over Magic
WCF: Wolves over Jazz
Finals: Cavs over Wolves
7. Last season started some... "significant" conversations in regard to tanking. What's your thought on this, and how should the league address it?
Nets: I'm fine with the method that Bundy uses. If that team that is "tanking" gets cash, picks, or decent prospects, then I'm fine with it.
8. REAL WORLD QUESTION! The NBA Finals are on, how do you see it all playing out?
Nets: I could see the Spurs winning in six. I think the Spurs will win game 3. Then the Heat will probably win game 4. After that I believe the Spurs will win game 5 and 6 to close out the series. The Spurs depth will be too much for the Miami Heat. If Leonard doesn't significantly raise his level of play, the Spurs are in trouble. They've been too reliant on the Big Three these first two games and that's not to their advantage. the Spurs didn't play intelligently at all down the stretch. Instead of using the penalty to their advantage and bullying their way inside, they just dribbled themselves to death and settled for jumpers.
1. The Timberwolves took the title - the inevitable question: did the season's best team win?
Bucks: Not at all. While Minnesota was definitely a top offense, I'm still surprised that Toronto didn't take it home. They seemed like a much better team quite frankly.
2. Which rookies do you think will make their mark upon the league this coming season?
Bucks: While everyone looks at offensive numbers, this draft has some defensive studs. Nog, Giannis, Carter-Williams, Oladipo, Noel... all of these guys could quickly be fringe contenders for second-team defense.
3. Are there any teams that you think will improve significantly?
Bucks: Surely. Houston could make a nice push if they can fill out their needs quickly, and my own Milwaukee Bucks will be a playoff team once again.
4. Looking at your team: what's the outlook for your team this season?
Bucks: Ibaka is coming off a defensive gem of a season and is the reigning DPOY, while Russell Westbrook and Andre Iguodala will be making their own case for the best defensive backcourt in basketball. If Noel can fill in as a backup to both big men and Tony Wroten can have an impact in limited time, the teams' success will really come down to Kawhi Leonard and whether or not he makes the leap to an elite defender. This team is all about defense and athleticism, and this seems to be the year that we can really rack up steals and blocks and get out and run. I expect big things, and 50 wins is a conservative benchmark.
5. Which opponent do you regard as your nemesis, and why?
Bucks: For whatever reason, the Hornets have always been right there with me through the rebuilding process, and now as a young team to watch.
6. Pick the ECF/WCF participants for this coming season, then the Finalists... and the overall champion.
Bucks: Let's go with the Bucks and Raptors in the ECF, and the Grizzlies and Rockets in the West. I'll take Toronto over Memphis in the finals, as much as I'd like to act like I'm the favorite.
7. Last season started some... "significant" conversations in regard to tanking. What's your thought on this, and how should the league address it?
Bucks: Tanking is, for better or worse, part of the league. There's something to be said about playing to win and getting karma on your side.
8. REAL WORLD QUESTION! The NBA Finals are on, how do you see it all playing out?
Bucks: First off, let me say I fucking hate the Heat. Not because I don't respect LeBron, not because I don't like Wade, not because I think Chris Bosh is a gay velociraptor (not that there's anything wrong with that). I hate them because that's what BASKETBALL fans do. I didn't like the Lakers dynasty either, never was a Belichek fan in the NFL. Really, I have nothing but respect for Pat and the gang for putting together a dominant team. But the rest of the NBA needs to step up and dethrone these guys so we can hear about something other than the LeBron James App that comes installed on your Galaxy S. It's getting Ridiculous. That said, Heat win in 6. San Antonio absolutely had to defend home court, and a split on the road is a win for Miami.
1. The Timberwolves took the title - the inevitable question: did the season's best team win?
On paper, the Wolves have been the best team this season. However, I do feel that the Grizzlies were the best team this season, I was looking forward to a tough Western Conference Finals against them but I guess we have to wait for next year.
2. Which rookies do you think will make their mark upon the league this coming season?
MKG MKG MKG. He has a team that he will immediately be the star on, I predict rookie of the year honors.
3. Are there any teams that you think will improve significantly?
The Spurs brought Melo back to the west and drafted Jabari Parker. Look for them to contend in the west next year.
4. Looking at your team: what's the outlook for your team this season?
Same as it is every year, Championship, or bust.
5. Which opponent do you regard as your nemesis, and why?
The Grizzlies. But in a friendly way, the GM is a good dude and an even better GM, I always feel like he tries to one up my team when he makes his moves. After the Wade trade I was sure he was trying to follow my team recipe for success. I hope he stays a contender and look forward to tough battles with him for the West for many seasons to come. I wish him the best but when it comes down to it the day we play the Grizzlies is the day I have marked on my calendar.
6. Pick the ECF/WCF participants for this coming season, then the Finalists... and the overall champion.
ECF: Bulls over Magic
WCF: Wolves over Grizzlies
Finals: Wolves over Bulls
7. Last season started some... "significant" conversations in regard to tanking. What's your thought on this, and how should the league address it?
You can't tell a GM how to run his team, if a GM wishes to tank let them tank, sometimes it works. I believe the contract year is a good idea because it adds another demension to this sim, if you wish to tank than tank but know that the results need to come within the next 3 year window. In short, Shit happens. If Dwight left the Mavs this year what would Swish do? Probably tank to fill that void.
8. REAL WORLD QUESTION! The NBA Finals are on, how do you see it all playing out?
Heat in 6.
and this is coming from a die hard laker fan and wade/bron hater.
1. The Timberwolves took the title - the inevitable question: did the season's best team win?
1. Bulls- The Timberwolves were a great team. They've had a strong core of Brand, Rose, and Roy for a few years now, but could just not seem to put it all together. They were definitely due for a title, but I was surprised that it was this year of all years. I thought the Grizzlies had the best team followed by the Raptors. I 100% thought the Raptors were going to repeat once I saw the Finals matchup. Kudos to the Timberwolves, though. Even if they weren't the best team this year, they still deserved this title.
2. Which rookies do you think will make their mark upon the league this coming season?
2. Bulls- This draft was deeper than I originally thought it would be. Just goes to show you how following the real NBA can actually hurt you sometimes when it comes to these sim leagues. I can see Jabari Parker, MKG, MCW, Mclemore, and Burke all having big impacts this season. Even though Parker is very raw, I have a lot of faith in him. In his first year in the NCEA, he had a great year and followed that up by getting better each season. The 4 other rookies I mentioned are all coming into the league with polished skills and can certainly help lotto teams make a push for the playoffs.
3. Are there any teams that you think will improve significantly
3. Bulls- I think the Spurs, Heat, and Sixers can all make the playoffs. The Spurs drafted Parker (as you can tell I am a big Parker fan) and just traded for Melo. It's not hard to see them go from a lotto bound team to a contender. The Heat have been patient under their new owner, but I think that patience will pay off big this season (like it did when they won the finals). Davis will only improve this season and McLemore gives them a scoring SG that they haven't had since Redd left. Okafor signing back for relatively cheap was huge, too. The Sixers have some nice pieces and I think this is the year that it finally all comes together. A strong FA or a key trade could give them the roster they need to complement Curry as he looks to lead a playoff team for the first time in his promising career.
4. Looking at your team: what's the outlook for your team this season?
4. Bulls- It's tough to say. We have been a 4th or 5th seed every season under this owner so far. LeBron improves each year, but it will come down to Randolph and Butler I believe. It's likely Josh Smith will be gone one way or another before the season begins, which will put Randolph in the starting lineup. After a promising start to his career, he has had 2 not memorable years. I can see the Bulls being a playoff team for sure because of LeBron, but if we finish higher than the 4th seed it will be because another team got worse.
5. Which opponent do you regard as your nemesis, and why?
5. Bulls- Raptors for sure. They have ousted us in the playoffs twice now. 2 seasons ago I believe if we beat the Raptors in that game 7 then we would have had a great shot to make the finals. This year the Raptors just outplayed us. They always seem to give our team fits with their style of play, even before they had Melo. It will be interesting to see how our teams clash this season with their new roster.
6. Pick the ECF/WCF participants for this coming season, then the Finalists... and the overall champion.
6. Bulls- ECF- Cavs/Bulls with the Cavs winning. WCF- Spurs/Timberwolves with the Twolves winning. Cavs win the championship because Kyrie is progressing as if he's the 2nd coming of Isaiah Thomas, not the purely scoring PG needing work on defense like he is in real life.
7. Last season started some... "significant" conversations in regard to tanking. What's your thought on this, and how should the league address it?
7. Bulls- It's tough. There's no right or wrong answer imo. Getting rid of waivers is a legitimate option, but the waivers has some real benefits, too, in terms of flexibility and freedom concerning a roster. There should be a restriction on when someone can be waived after a trade (this may be in order now, but I know Marion and Ford were just traded and then attempted to be waived). A former all star, all league (any tier) or all defense player should only be allowed to be waived for 500 dollars too. More restrictions could be added to that. Waivers is key for people who surpass the HC imo. I don't like when it's used with people who just want to tank, but I don't know of a perfect fix for tanking waivers. I like how the league overall has handled questionable waivers and I believe more discussion will only help us reach a solution that we can all agree with.
8. REAL WORLD QUESTION! The NBA Finals are on, how do you see it all playing out?
8. Bulls- LeBron is my favorite athlete and it's tough for me to be objective about this. I said that I wanted the Heat to play the Spurs, not Thunder, since the playoffs began. The Spurs are better than the Thunder and I think the Heat would've most likely beat the Thunder, but the small possibility of Durant beating LeBron would have been unbearable. Having to seriously listen to a Durant being greater than LeBron argument would have irked me to no end. The Spurs are a fantastic team and if it goes to 7 the Spurs will win. If it goes to 5 or 6 I have the Heat. If I was forced to pick, I'd say Heat in 6. Side note, I'm a LeBron fan not a Heat fan. I'm one of "them" .
1. The Timberwolves took the title - the inevitable question: did the season's best team win?
1) Raptors - I do think the best team in the league won.. Or else this wouldn't have won. They are a very balanced team and their GM made the necessary moves to put them over the top. There were other teams such as the Raptors and Grizzlies in contention, but you can't argue against the champs.
2. Which rookies do you think will make their mark upon the league this coming season?
2) Raptors - With slight homerism involved, I think Lucas Nogueira will make a solid impact. Dude is a force on the defensive end, and should lock up the post along with Greg Oden. Another rookie who fell I think will make an impact is Trey Burke. He has a high window, and already does what you want out of your PG. When his career is over, I think we will be an 18-9-2 type of guy. He will be an interesting fit with Curry.
3. Are there any teams that you think will improve significantly?
3) Raptors - Definitely the Spurs. With the acquisition of Melo, they finally get an elite wing scorer which they have been missing. Him and Parker should combine to be a very lethal core, if you don't value defense.
4. Looking at your team: what's the outlook for your team this season?
4) Raptors - This season we will more than likely take a step back. I see us still a 4 or 5 seed, but I don't see us doing much in the postseason. Maybe if TC is kind to us we will still have a shot at another ring
5. Which opponent do you regard as your nemesis, and why?
5) Raptors - It'd have to be Bulls. LeBron Vs. Kobe/Melo has been pretty good the past few seasons, but now that we traded Melo, the tides have certainly changed. I think this may be the year LeBron finally breaks through the East.
6. Pick the ECF/WCF participants for this coming season, then the Finalists... and the overall champion.
6) Raptors - ECF: Bulls Vs. Magic
WCF: Grizzlies Vs. Wolves
Finals: Grizzlies Vs. Magic
Champions: Grizzlies
7. Last season started some... "significant" conversations in regard to tanking. What's your thought on this, and how should the league address it?
7) Raptors - Like discussed I think we should take a hard look at tanking. If it's for the overall benefit of the team, such as getting prospects, cash, picks, expiring contracts, than I think it is perfectly fine. However if you just cut/waive a star than their is definitely a problem with that. I think we should continue taking it case by case, because on a subject like this it's hard to get a final solution without loopholes.
8. REAL WORLD QUESTION! The NBA Finals are on, how do you see it all playing out?
8) Raptors - I think Spurs will take it in 7. They are a fundamentally sound team well.... I think we all know that. They were a shot away from going home with the Larry O'Brien, and I think will overcome this year.
1. The Timberwolves took the title - the inevitable question: did the season's best team win?
Griz- NO hello….. My team was definitely the best. However I have no idea what happened to me in the semis vs the jazz. I had two 50 point losses out of no where? HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN! (still salty) I beat down on them during the year. But if I think a team was close to being as good as mine I would say the wolves were. SO Kudos to them.
2. Which rookies do you think will make their mark upon the league this coming season?
Griz- My favorite for ROY is Mclemore. He is surrounded by a good team and on top of that he was a top prospect coming into the draft. He can chuck and D up also has good size. I didn’t expect MKG to be as good as he appears to be but obviously after a 27ppg preseason you gotta look out for him also.
3. Are there any teams that you think will improve significantly?
Griz- You have two teams in the top 3 of last years lotto who are going to be title contenders on paper this year. The Spurs and Heat both are title contenders. You see the spurs bring in Melo and Harden to add instant offense and the Heat sign VC and draft Ben to an already good roster. I would be scared to match up with either.
4. Looking at your team: what's the outlook for your team this season?
Griz- Hopefully we can win atleast 50 games lock up a top 4 seed in the west and make a title run. Wade Paul is not slowing down. Im currently working on adding some other pieces around them to push for the trophy.
5. Which opponent do you regard as your nemesis, and why?
Griz- I gotta look at Minnesota as my nemesis… Me and the GM get along really well but it always seems we are at each others neck for a top spot. Our teams both have a lot of talent and it killed me to watch him win that title!
6. Pick the ECF/WCF participants for this coming season, then the Finalists... and the overall champion.
I would have to say Bulls/Raptors for the east since the bulls got lebron who needs that ring and the raptors just got younger and better. In the west I would say Memphis vs Wolves. The rivialy lives on but this time im going to win and probably lose to the bulls in the finals. Cant stop king james.
7. Last season started some... "significant" conversations in regard to tanking. What's your thought on this, and how should the league address it?
Griz- Straight up tanking is for pussies. I understand you want to rebuild but do it honestly. A team should, for the fans sake never try and lose. As you saw with the 76ers this season IRL it is frowned upon. I do not know how the league should address it. It’s a sweet victory to me when you see that tanking team fall out of the top 2 in the Lotto.
8. REAL WORLD QUESTION! The NBA Finals are on, how do you see it all playing out?
Griz- I put all my money on the Spurs. The heat got a lot of talent but the Spurs are just such a cohesive unit. You got guys like danny green outplaying 90% of the heat. Everyone on that team knows their role and I see them taking it home in 6 games. Duncan will retire and Pop will go with him if he knows whats good for him.
1. The Timberwolves took the title - the inevitable question: did the season's best team win?
Magic: Best team doesn't always win the title, but the Wolves were a clear top contender last season and they won. So yeah you can say one of the best teams won.
2. Which rookies do you think will make their mark upon the league this coming season?
Magic: MCW will get plenty of opportunities on the Pacers so we'll get to see what he's capable of right off the bat. There'll also be a lot of other rookies who will be leaned on immediately. Dennis Shroeder will be seeing action immediately on the Kings due to their shortage of PGs, and I'm sure McLemore and Oladipo will also be given big minutes. It just seems that a lot of these rookies will be tested on their NBA readyness immediately.
3. Are there any teams that you think will improve significantly?
Magic: Lol Spurs after their trade with the Raptors. Besides that, with Isaiah Thomas back the Bobcats should be back in the playoffs. CY teams tend to make a surge and so I expect to see the Sixers to do better. The Rockets with their new signings will be much better as well I'm wagering.
4. Looking at your team: what's the outlook for your team this season?
Magic: Stay young and competitive. This might be Michael Redd's last season so we hope to make the most out of it. We hope to stay on top of the Atlantic and make a run for the Finals again.
5. Which opponent do you regard as your nemesis, and why?
Magic: Pacers and Bulls were my main two, but Pacers are rebuilding and the rivalry with the Bulls hasn't been the same when the old GM left (I'm not implying that I don't like the new Bulls GM. It's just there was history with the old GM). Cavs-Magic games are always fun because Entrapy and I have a bit of history and entrapy is a great GM. Since the Cavs are going for an outside oriented team, it adds more fuel to the fire cuz now we are competing to find the same kind of players to add to our team, and you always want to be the "better" chuck team. By that logic we can add the Hawks as a nenemis now too. We both are trying to be young and outside oriented and SRG is an outgoing and very good GM on here. So naturally, Hawks-Magic games will be looked at closely.
Magic - Bulls (formerly)
Magic - Pacers (on hold for now)
Magic - Cavs (current)
Magic - Hawks (current)
6. Pick the ECF/WCF participants for this coming season, then the Finalists... and the overall champion.
Magic: I like to be homer and pick myself every single year... and I don't see why I should stop
. ECF will be a Cavs-Magic matchup for the 3rd time in this league, and in the West it'll be Grizz - Jazz unless the Grizz makes a move and breaks up the core. Since we've beaten the Cavs in our two previous ECF matchups (both 7 games series), I'm convinced that with Kyrie leading the way, Cavs will make their way past my squad and the Cavs will defeat the Grizzlies in the NBA Finals.
7. Last season started some... "significant" conversations in regard to tanking. What's your thought on this, and how should the league address it?
Magic: Honestly I'm fine with the "common sense" procedure that Bundy goes by. There should be more consistency in that, but a sim league is a semi-reflection of a rea, international, NBA league. Teams and GMs in real life are not allowed to get away with some blatant tanking moves, and I'm perfectly happy abiding by that philosophy. The new buyout clause that is being discussed should help fix some issues and give a fair way for tanking teams to dispose of good talent I suppose.
8. REAL WORLD QUESTION! The NBA Finals are on, how do you see it all playing out?
Magic: I got the Spurs in 6 or 7. It was crushing to see them lose Game 2, but I don't think the Spurs are going to let the Heat beat them in the Finals two years in a row. I'm a longtime Laker and Pacer fan so of course I hate the fucking Heat. I hate Wade and thought that the refs and Lebron carried his ass to 3 rings. With that said, even tho Miami has the younger stars and the better superstars, the Spurs' depth and home court advantage will pull through this time around.
1. The Timberwolves took the title - the inevitable question: did the season's best team win?
Nets: Honestly the best team did win the title. For years the Timberwolves were one of the top contenders in this league but couldn't win the big games in crunch time. Their team averaged over 100 pts per game and their defense isn't bad either. The Timberwolves earned the title.
2. Which rookies do you think will make their mark upon the league this coming season?
Nets: Each of the top ten rookies in this draft can make an impact in this league. It all comes down to how each GM utilizes their players though. Jabari Parker will definitely make an impact this year though. I could see him becoming one of the franchise players for the San Antonio Spurs. Someday he will average at least 16 pts and 4 boards a game.
3. Are there any teams that you think will improve significantly?
The Spurs will improve significantly. Their team is built to win the West this year. Another team that will improve is the Heat. Their team has the potential to be the 7th or 8th seed this year. If Anthony Davis keeps it up the Heat will be one of the contenders in the East this year.
4. Looking at your team: what's the outlook for your team this season?
Nets: If our younger guys improve this year I think we could make the Conference Finals this year. Imo if Parker is out for an extended amount of time like last season we won't make it far though.
5. Which opponent do you regard as your nemesis, and why?
Nets: The only team that I regard as my nememis are the Knicks. The Knicks has always been rivals with the Nets. Every single time we faced them last season it was a close game.
6. Pick the ECF/WCF participants for this coming season, then the Finalists... and the overall champion.
Nets:
ECF: Cavs over Magic
WCF: Wolves over Jazz
Finals: Cavs over Wolves
7. Last season started some... "significant" conversations in regard to tanking. What's your thought on this, and how should the league address it?
Nets: I'm fine with the method that Bundy uses. If that team that is "tanking" gets cash, picks, or decent prospects, then I'm fine with it.
8. REAL WORLD QUESTION! The NBA Finals are on, how do you see it all playing out?
Nets: I could see the Spurs winning in six. I think the Spurs will win game 3. Then the Heat will probably win game 4. After that I believe the Spurs will win game 5 and 6 to close out the series. The Spurs depth will be too much for the Miami Heat. If Leonard doesn't significantly raise his level of play, the Spurs are in trouble. They've been too reliant on the Big Three these first two games and that's not to their advantage. the Spurs didn't play intelligently at all down the stretch. Instead of using the penalty to their advantage and bullying their way inside, they just dribbled themselves to death and settled for jumpers.
1. The Timberwolves took the title - the inevitable question: did the season's best team win?
Bucks: Not at all. While Minnesota was definitely a top offense, I'm still surprised that Toronto didn't take it home. They seemed like a much better team quite frankly.
2. Which rookies do you think will make their mark upon the league this coming season?
Bucks: While everyone looks at offensive numbers, this draft has some defensive studs. Nog, Giannis, Carter-Williams, Oladipo, Noel... all of these guys could quickly be fringe contenders for second-team defense.
3. Are there any teams that you think will improve significantly?
Bucks: Surely. Houston could make a nice push if they can fill out their needs quickly, and my own Milwaukee Bucks will be a playoff team once again.
4. Looking at your team: what's the outlook for your team this season?
Bucks: Ibaka is coming off a defensive gem of a season and is the reigning DPOY, while Russell Westbrook and Andre Iguodala will be making their own case for the best defensive backcourt in basketball. If Noel can fill in as a backup to both big men and Tony Wroten can have an impact in limited time, the teams' success will really come down to Kawhi Leonard and whether or not he makes the leap to an elite defender. This team is all about defense and athleticism, and this seems to be the year that we can really rack up steals and blocks and get out and run. I expect big things, and 50 wins is a conservative benchmark.
5. Which opponent do you regard as your nemesis, and why?
Bucks: For whatever reason, the Hornets have always been right there with me through the rebuilding process, and now as a young team to watch.
6. Pick the ECF/WCF participants for this coming season, then the Finalists... and the overall champion.
Bucks: Let's go with the Bucks and Raptors in the ECF, and the Grizzlies and Rockets in the West. I'll take Toronto over Memphis in the finals, as much as I'd like to act like I'm the favorite.
7. Last season started some... "significant" conversations in regard to tanking. What's your thought on this, and how should the league address it?
Bucks: Tanking is, for better or worse, part of the league. There's something to be said about playing to win and getting karma on your side.
8. REAL WORLD QUESTION! The NBA Finals are on, how do you see it all playing out?
Bucks: First off, let me say I fucking hate the Heat. Not because I don't respect LeBron, not because I don't like Wade, not because I think Chris Bosh is a gay velociraptor (not that there's anything wrong with that). I hate them because that's what BASKETBALL fans do. I didn't like the Lakers dynasty either, never was a Belichek fan in the NFL. Really, I have nothing but respect for Pat and the gang for putting together a dominant team. But the rest of the NBA needs to step up and dethrone these guys so we can hear about something other than the LeBron James App that comes installed on your Galaxy S. It's getting Ridiculous. That said, Heat win in 6. San Antonio absolutely had to defend home court, and a split on the road is a win for Miami.
1. The Timberwolves took the title - the inevitable question: did the season's best team win?
On paper, the Wolves have been the best team this season. However, I do feel that the Grizzlies were the best team this season, I was looking forward to a tough Western Conference Finals against them but I guess we have to wait for next year.
2. Which rookies do you think will make their mark upon the league this coming season?
MKG MKG MKG. He has a team that he will immediately be the star on, I predict rookie of the year honors.
3. Are there any teams that you think will improve significantly?
The Spurs brought Melo back to the west and drafted Jabari Parker. Look for them to contend in the west next year.
4. Looking at your team: what's the outlook for your team this season?
Same as it is every year, Championship, or bust.
5. Which opponent do you regard as your nemesis, and why?
The Grizzlies. But in a friendly way, the GM is a good dude and an even better GM, I always feel like he tries to one up my team when he makes his moves. After the Wade trade I was sure he was trying to follow my team recipe for success. I hope he stays a contender and look forward to tough battles with him for the West for many seasons to come. I wish him the best but when it comes down to it the day we play the Grizzlies is the day I have marked on my calendar.
6. Pick the ECF/WCF participants for this coming season, then the Finalists... and the overall champion.
ECF: Bulls over Magic
WCF: Wolves over Grizzlies
Finals: Wolves over Bulls
7. Last season started some... "significant" conversations in regard to tanking. What's your thought on this, and how should the league address it?
You can't tell a GM how to run his team, if a GM wishes to tank let them tank, sometimes it works. I believe the contract year is a good idea because it adds another demension to this sim, if you wish to tank than tank but know that the results need to come within the next 3 year window. In short, Shit happens. If Dwight left the Mavs this year what would Swish do? Probably tank to fill that void.
8. REAL WORLD QUESTION! The NBA Finals are on, how do you see it all playing out?
Heat in 6.
and this is coming from a die hard laker fan and wade/bron hater.
1. The Timberwolves took the title - the inevitable question: did the season's best team win?
1. Bulls- The Timberwolves were a great team. They've had a strong core of Brand, Rose, and Roy for a few years now, but could just not seem to put it all together. They were definitely due for a title, but I was surprised that it was this year of all years. I thought the Grizzlies had the best team followed by the Raptors. I 100% thought the Raptors were going to repeat once I saw the Finals matchup. Kudos to the Timberwolves, though. Even if they weren't the best team this year, they still deserved this title.
2. Which rookies do you think will make their mark upon the league this coming season?
2. Bulls- This draft was deeper than I originally thought it would be. Just goes to show you how following the real NBA can actually hurt you sometimes when it comes to these sim leagues. I can see Jabari Parker, MKG, MCW, Mclemore, and Burke all having big impacts this season. Even though Parker is very raw, I have a lot of faith in him. In his first year in the NCEA, he had a great year and followed that up by getting better each season. The 4 other rookies I mentioned are all coming into the league with polished skills and can certainly help lotto teams make a push for the playoffs.
3. Are there any teams that you think will improve significantly
3. Bulls- I think the Spurs, Heat, and Sixers can all make the playoffs. The Spurs drafted Parker (as you can tell I am a big Parker fan) and just traded for Melo. It's not hard to see them go from a lotto bound team to a contender. The Heat have been patient under their new owner, but I think that patience will pay off big this season (like it did when they won the finals). Davis will only improve this season and McLemore gives them a scoring SG that they haven't had since Redd left. Okafor signing back for relatively cheap was huge, too. The Sixers have some nice pieces and I think this is the year that it finally all comes together. A strong FA or a key trade could give them the roster they need to complement Curry as he looks to lead a playoff team for the first time in his promising career.
4. Looking at your team: what's the outlook for your team this season?
4. Bulls- It's tough to say. We have been a 4th or 5th seed every season under this owner so far. LeBron improves each year, but it will come down to Randolph and Butler I believe. It's likely Josh Smith will be gone one way or another before the season begins, which will put Randolph in the starting lineup. After a promising start to his career, he has had 2 not memorable years. I can see the Bulls being a playoff team for sure because of LeBron, but if we finish higher than the 4th seed it will be because another team got worse.
5. Which opponent do you regard as your nemesis, and why?
5. Bulls- Raptors for sure. They have ousted us in the playoffs twice now. 2 seasons ago I believe if we beat the Raptors in that game 7 then we would have had a great shot to make the finals. This year the Raptors just outplayed us. They always seem to give our team fits with their style of play, even before they had Melo. It will be interesting to see how our teams clash this season with their new roster.
6. Pick the ECF/WCF participants for this coming season, then the Finalists... and the overall champion.
6. Bulls- ECF- Cavs/Bulls with the Cavs winning. WCF- Spurs/Timberwolves with the Twolves winning. Cavs win the championship because Kyrie is progressing as if he's the 2nd coming of Isaiah Thomas, not the purely scoring PG needing work on defense like he is in real life.
7. Last season started some... "significant" conversations in regard to tanking. What's your thought on this, and how should the league address it?
7. Bulls- It's tough. There's no right or wrong answer imo. Getting rid of waivers is a legitimate option, but the waivers has some real benefits, too, in terms of flexibility and freedom concerning a roster. There should be a restriction on when someone can be waived after a trade (this may be in order now, but I know Marion and Ford were just traded and then attempted to be waived). A former all star, all league (any tier) or all defense player should only be allowed to be waived for 500 dollars too. More restrictions could be added to that. Waivers is key for people who surpass the HC imo. I don't like when it's used with people who just want to tank, but I don't know of a perfect fix for tanking waivers. I like how the league overall has handled questionable waivers and I believe more discussion will only help us reach a solution that we can all agree with.
8. REAL WORLD QUESTION! The NBA Finals are on, how do you see it all playing out?
8. Bulls- LeBron is my favorite athlete and it's tough for me to be objective about this. I said that I wanted the Heat to play the Spurs, not Thunder, since the playoffs began. The Spurs are better than the Thunder and I think the Heat would've most likely beat the Thunder, but the small possibility of Durant beating LeBron would have been unbearable. Having to seriously listen to a Durant being greater than LeBron argument would have irked me to no end. The Spurs are a fantastic team and if it goes to 7 the Spurs will win. If it goes to 5 or 6 I have the Heat. If I was forced to pick, I'd say Heat in 6. Side note, I'm a LeBron fan not a Heat fan. I'm one of "them" .
1. The Timberwolves took the title - the inevitable question: did the season's best team win?
1) Raptors - I do think the best team in the league won.. Or else this wouldn't have won. They are a very balanced team and their GM made the necessary moves to put them over the top. There were other teams such as the Raptors and Grizzlies in contention, but you can't argue against the champs.
2. Which rookies do you think will make their mark upon the league this coming season?
2) Raptors - With slight homerism involved, I think Lucas Nogueira will make a solid impact. Dude is a force on the defensive end, and should lock up the post along with Greg Oden. Another rookie who fell I think will make an impact is Trey Burke. He has a high window, and already does what you want out of your PG. When his career is over, I think we will be an 18-9-2 type of guy. He will be an interesting fit with Curry.
3. Are there any teams that you think will improve significantly?
3) Raptors - Definitely the Spurs. With the acquisition of Melo, they finally get an elite wing scorer which they have been missing. Him and Parker should combine to be a very lethal core, if you don't value defense.
4. Looking at your team: what's the outlook for your team this season?
4) Raptors - This season we will more than likely take a step back. I see us still a 4 or 5 seed, but I don't see us doing much in the postseason. Maybe if TC is kind to us we will still have a shot at another ring
5. Which opponent do you regard as your nemesis, and why?
5) Raptors - It'd have to be Bulls. LeBron Vs. Kobe/Melo has been pretty good the past few seasons, but now that we traded Melo, the tides have certainly changed. I think this may be the year LeBron finally breaks through the East.
6. Pick the ECF/WCF participants for this coming season, then the Finalists... and the overall champion.
6) Raptors - ECF: Bulls Vs. Magic
WCF: Grizzlies Vs. Wolves
Finals: Grizzlies Vs. Magic
Champions: Grizzlies
7. Last season started some... "significant" conversations in regard to tanking. What's your thought on this, and how should the league address it?
7) Raptors - Like discussed I think we should take a hard look at tanking. If it's for the overall benefit of the team, such as getting prospects, cash, picks, expiring contracts, than I think it is perfectly fine. However if you just cut/waive a star than their is definitely a problem with that. I think we should continue taking it case by case, because on a subject like this it's hard to get a final solution without loopholes.
8. REAL WORLD QUESTION! The NBA Finals are on, how do you see it all playing out?
8) Raptors - I think Spurs will take it in 7. They are a fundamentally sound team well.... I think we all know that. They were a shot away from going home with the Larry O'Brien, and I think will overcome this year.
1. The Timberwolves took the title - the inevitable question: did the season's best team win?
Griz- NO hello….. My team was definitely the best. However I have no idea what happened to me in the semis vs the jazz. I had two 50 point losses out of no where? HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN! (still salty) I beat down on them during the year. But if I think a team was close to being as good as mine I would say the wolves were. SO Kudos to them.
2. Which rookies do you think will make their mark upon the league this coming season?
Griz- My favorite for ROY is Mclemore. He is surrounded by a good team and on top of that he was a top prospect coming into the draft. He can chuck and D up also has good size. I didn’t expect MKG to be as good as he appears to be but obviously after a 27ppg preseason you gotta look out for him also.
3. Are there any teams that you think will improve significantly?
Griz- You have two teams in the top 3 of last years lotto who are going to be title contenders on paper this year. The Spurs and Heat both are title contenders. You see the spurs bring in Melo and Harden to add instant offense and the Heat sign VC and draft Ben to an already good roster. I would be scared to match up with either.
4. Looking at your team: what's the outlook for your team this season?
Griz- Hopefully we can win atleast 50 games lock up a top 4 seed in the west and make a title run. Wade Paul is not slowing down. Im currently working on adding some other pieces around them to push for the trophy.
5. Which opponent do you regard as your nemesis, and why?
Griz- I gotta look at Minnesota as my nemesis… Me and the GM get along really well but it always seems we are at each others neck for a top spot. Our teams both have a lot of talent and it killed me to watch him win that title!
6. Pick the ECF/WCF participants for this coming season, then the Finalists... and the overall champion.
I would have to say Bulls/Raptors for the east since the bulls got lebron who needs that ring and the raptors just got younger and better. In the west I would say Memphis vs Wolves. The rivialy lives on but this time im going to win and probably lose to the bulls in the finals. Cant stop king james.
7. Last season started some... "significant" conversations in regard to tanking. What's your thought on this, and how should the league address it?
Griz- Straight up tanking is for pussies. I understand you want to rebuild but do it honestly. A team should, for the fans sake never try and lose. As you saw with the 76ers this season IRL it is frowned upon. I do not know how the league should address it. It’s a sweet victory to me when you see that tanking team fall out of the top 2 in the Lotto.
8. REAL WORLD QUESTION! The NBA Finals are on, how do you see it all playing out?
Griz- I put all my money on the Spurs. The heat got a lot of talent but the Spurs are just such a cohesive unit. You got guys like danny green outplaying 90% of the heat. Everyone on that team knows their role and I see them taking it home in 6 games. Duncan will retire and Pop will go with him if he knows whats good for him.
