Post by ballislife on Oct 3, 2014 5:22:12 GMT
After a long long absence, the ever popular offseason roundtable makes a return. For those who don't know what this is, its basically where 6 GM's come together to answer some questions about the league. Listed are 8 questions, with an extra one for Daedalus and Braziliandude. It's pretty long but it's a good read. Alas, here we go:
1. Did the best team win the championship or was there another team that possibly got snubbed?
Braziliandude- I do not think I was the best team in the regular season but come playoff time I finally got the right DC and made things happen to get over the top. The only team who slowed my bigs down were the kings who have thon and Malone
Springs- Yeah I think best team won. Having two 20/10+ bigs in this league is legit. Basically means no matter who you're up against you'll be able to take advantage of their frontcourt. Getting the other team's big men in foul trouble is really valuable. Opens up the paint for the wings. It might not produce the best regular season record, but I think it gives the best chance to win any 7 game series.
Lordefarquaad- I don't think the Grizzlies were the best team they just had one of those fbb runs where they got hot. The Bulls going down round 1 was strange (think it was round 1), and the Bucks were better they just lose homecourt and couldn't get it back. If you sim the playoffs 100 times the Grizzlies win about 5~ times IMO.
Blueblaze3597- I think the best team did win. The Griz has one of the more balanced teams in the league, with great bigs like AD and Drummond and good young PG in Elfrid. The Bucks have to get mentioned here too as Kane is a beast and plays well with Macvan and Briscoe/McElmore and Schroder, however his front court was lacking in a dominant big man. The Bucks had the best record but if any team could have beaten them it would have been the Griz and they did, barely lol.
Daedalus- Best regular season team? No. Best playoff team? Yes. I was fairly confident in any match-up from the West aside from the Grizzlies, and maybe their most troubling team the Kings. Having two dominant inside based bigs was a horror match-up for my interior defense.
Shortyman920- Talent-wise the Grizzlies were clearly one of the best teams in the league. Two studly big men + a great passing assist man + defenders on the perimeter? They have depth too along with the starting lineup, and they are a perfect example of why you don't need to be an outside team to be dominant. Their bigs wrecked through any team that didn't have a serious frontcourt that can hold them back, and they had no problem against the outside, perimeter oriented teams that they matched up against.
2. Most surprising team last season? (good and bad)
Braziliandude- I was very surprised the Bulls did not do better. Their GM must be a fucking idiot or something. A nice surprise team was the Jazz. They made it out alive.
Springs- Good - I'd say all the CY teams. The fact they all made it to the promise land and kept their teams is crazy.
Bad - I guess Pacers since they went through mutliple Gms and the new GM is heatflash. In another league I'm in he stopped posting after realizing they were missing a future first. I expect him to flake out and stop posting this season but hopefully I'm wrong.
Lordefarquaad- The Jazz winning 50 was slightly surprising I thought their CY would be a bit closer. Underachieving wise, nobody I can really think of besides the Bulls early playoff exit. Nothing else really stands out thinking back.
Blueblaze3597- I thought the Warriors were going to do a lot better than they did, Andrew Harrison and Paul George are a scary tandem, but the team just didn't seem to mesh well, but once ducks finds a good DC I think they'll get it rolling.
As for good, I was pretty surprised the Jazz became a 50 game winner. Didn't make too many splashy moves besides Russell and Alexander. Everyone knows Shabazz is nasty with a capital N. and Free came into his own this past year as well, the West isn't as much of a power house as the East is but from top 2 pick to 50 game winner is pretty impressive in my book.
Daedalus- In a good way I'd say the CY teams: especially the Celtics. Having to beat the CY in the East is a tall order when you have multiple competitors in the same boat as you. In a disappointing way I would have to say either the Bulls or the Hawks. The lack of playoff success for the Hawks is really surprising given their team composition. For the Bulls they seem to be on the cusp of greatness but never rising to the next level in crunch-time. I'd expect both teams to be fighting to remedy that this year.
Shortyman920- Gotta go with the Celtics. Simmons finally went off, and I don't think anyone expected them to have the season that they did. It was quite the turnaroud. I could also say the same for the Jazz. They went from pure shit to sticking with their roster and winning 50 games. Improvements in their young bloods helped, but that was a huge jump.
3. Your hopes for the upcoming season? Predictions? Game plans?
Braziliandude- I need to try and repeat this year. Its unlikely but that is surely the goal.
Springs- Not much chance to win it all this year, just hoping to have a solid year, get good numbers out of Bird, see Woods play well at PG, see Parish have some good games, and land big name next offseason.
Lordefarquaad- Well after drafting Wilt the goal was to win now. Signing Barnes and MRR going +3 certainly helped things. I was pretty happy with every body until Jonas decided now was a good time to die but I still trust Bynum as a starter. The West is weak so I think I could easily make a run and if I find a better PF just run through it.
Blueblaze3597- I'm excited, getting out of the CY and HC fiasco is definitely a relief. Got my twin towers locked up for another 5 years, and just got a young PG in MCW to add to the mix next to Simmons. Aside from the Bucks I feel like we're one of the teams to beat. I imagine coming close to what we did last year 48-34, but I also expect us to do better. As for gameplans, just gonna ride my twin towers and Simmons for however far they can take me lol.
Daedalus- Very high hopes. We improved at Center while acquiring quality young rotation players. Scoring remains the same and key players all remained elite. Aiming for another 60 win season but holding onto the Central divsion, and the #1 seed, is my goal. Hopefully Randolph can anchor better in the playoffs to give me that toughness that was lacking last year.
Shortyman920- For the upcoming season I plan on spending money on hookers, not training. Philly cheesesteaks not nutritionists. We'll be going hard, but just not on the court and in practice. And any player showing too much effort will be benched promptly. It's championship or bust pretty much.
4. Teams and players to look out for this upcoming season?
Braziliandude- Elfrid Payton will be featured a lot more this season so he will be in contention for MVP if all goes right. I could see the wizards making a nice little run with health and their White combo down low.
Springs- Heat look nice. Pistons, they could be a surprise team. Junior Bridgeman, Jelan Kendrick, Mikan, T Ross all look like they'll have good years for their teams.
Lordefarquaad- In the West there's really nobody to look out for, we're a clear step below the East. I can only even see maybe four teams that actually look playoff caliber so Iguess look out for half dozen mediocre at best teams with no pick fighting for four playoff spots. Player wise it'll be interesting to see what rookies drafted past #3 make any impact.
Blueblaze3597- The Heat, definitely not just because they are in the Atlantic with me but because they have a good young back court, which is the opposite of me with my young front court. Their strength is our weakness and vice-versa so our matchups will definitely be interesting. The Bucks are always the team to beat so hopefully we can make things interesting with them. As for players, I'd have to say Wilt..A- already? Thats insane. But I'm actually looking forward to seeing how my twin towers match up against others in the league, I feel like I have the best front court in the league and want to see how they preform against other good big combos like AD-Drummond and Walker-Harrell.
Daedalus- Larry Bird (Nuggets) has taken a step forward each year and I expect it again. I wouldn't be shocked if he took his 22ppg from last year and turned it into 27/28 ppg. With Bird stepping up I think the Lakers could be dethroned as regular season champs of the West. Especially given the immense competition from the Grizzlies. Lastly I think the Clippers will surprise and be a mid seed as IT2 proves doubters wrong and King thrives as "the man" on the wing.
Shortyman920- My boi Jellannnnnnn kendrickkkkk. Gonna have a big year. Besides that, there's really too many players to list. Favors on the Rockets will up his scoring from more opportunities. Spurs are gonna rocket up the standings soon enough with a retooled roster. David Thompson on the Pacers will continue to make everyone go: "Wtf, those ratings are doing that?" I think the Kings are due for a good year as well with their big 3 players all developing nicely.
5. Any changes you would like to see in the upcoming seasons for the league? Could be anything (CBA, draft file, etc).
Braziliandude- Meh I think it is all on point for now. Just need to have someone make a new banner.
Springs- No bitching this year from the new guys about pace of the sims and stuff like that.
Lordefarquaad- I'd like if draft notes were actually accurate unless that's too much to ask. Imnall for some randomness but when I read 'elite shot blocker', 1.3 or 1.7 bpg does not exactly come to mind. Then you see 'decent shot blockers' average 2 a game. Too much trolling for a such an important stat.
Blueblaze3597- Hmmm... probably bank limits since I just got docked $830 for going over $2500 haha everything else runs pretty smoothly.
Daedalus- Can we maybe shuffle the divisions? Central is brutal. On a serious note I think mulling a change to the FA rules could be helpful. Preventing teams that fully intend of trading players they sign during free agency until Day 30 would cancel out some of the more unrealistic trades that occur at the start of the season.
Shortyman920- Yes. I would like the next draft to be the MJ, Olajuwon, Stockon, Barkely draft.
6. Who is your teams “nemesis” for the upcoming season?
Braziliandude- getbeard and I have been going at it for a few seasons now. So I would call him a rival. Also as of late Basenoc has been giving me some problems! Glad to see his team come around.
Springs- Don't really have one. I guess Lakers since they just beat us out of the playoffs in game 7. We got worse though so don't think we have a shot at taking em down. Unless Woods at PG makes a big difference.
Lordefarquaad- I guess the Grizzlies? I mean nobody else in the division is all that threatening. Long-term it'll be the bitch ass Suns and their whore mothers. But they suck currently so not much to see there. The Knicks suck too but they're more like my Eastern little sister.
Blueblaze3597- I always consider the Cavs my nemesis actually, just can never beat them in any season. Nothing against enthalpy just don't like the Cavs since they beat me every year lol.
Daedalus- Hard to pick just one. For years it has been the Bulls so they are probably the most akin to a nemesis. I would put the Cavs and Hawks up there as well as I expect them the four of us to be fighting all year over the Central division title.
Shortyman920- Obviously the Bucks, Bulls, Celtics, Grizz, Lakers, Nuggets. It's championship or bust baby.
7. Who is your early vote for ROTY and why?
Braziliandude- Jerry West. Inflated stats bc of a shit team, hes a PG and can rain from 3
Springs- I'll go with a non PG and say Wilt. I think he'll have some huge games and beat out West for the ROY trophy.
Lordefarquaad- Well it'll be one of Jerry, Oscar or Wilt for sure. Not really sure who, but Oscar only if the other two get hurt. I don't know exactly how I'll use Wilt so not sure if he'll put up the stats even though he'll win far more games.
Blueblaze3597- Could be any of the top 3 picks really. Wilt is A- inside but has a good supporting cast to might miss out on touches. Jerry and Oscar however are playing for rebuilding teams so the volume will definitely be there. It's honestly a toss up but if anything I'd say Big O because of his situation, volume, and ability to fill out the stat sheet.
Daedalus- Jerry West. He's a scoring PG on a bad team. You can probably write him down in pen barring a long injury. We all know FBB loves it some PG.
Shortyman920- Jerry West is gonna win ROTY cuz he's a PG
8. Finals prediction now that FA is commenced?
Braziliandude- Grizzlies V Bucks repeat
Grizzlies in 6
Springs- Gonna go with a surprise team
Heat/Grizzlies
Heat in 6
Lordefarquaad- I'll say Grizzlies-Bucks not because its what I truly believe but I hope to help jinx it as well. Not one to jinx myself if you know what I'm saying.
Blueblaze3597- Not so concerned with FA since it's a pretty weak FA class, but theres been a whole lot of trades going on that are making a lot of teams better. I think that we, the Celtics, played very well last season and who knows, if Wall doesn't get hurt beating the Bucks didn't seem too impossible. The East is always hardest since there's so many potential contending teams, but I'd have to go with my own team, the Celtics. However in the west there are only a few teams worth mentioning: Lakers, Grizz, Jazz, and the Spurs are looking pretty good too. Really comes down to the Jazz and Grizz in my opinion. Have to go with the Grizz though, the track record speaks for itself. I'd say Celtics-Grizz and Celts in 7.
Daedalus- Going to go against the grain and say a super talented, but surprising team, wins the 'ship.
Lakers vs Hawks
Hawks in 6.
Shortyman920- Orlando Magic vs the Minnesota Timberwolves. With the Hornets and OKC THunder both finishing bottom 2 in their respective conferenes.
9. For the finalists: any point in the finals where you thought you could win/lose? Take us through the emotional, heart-fought battle!
Braziliandude- After I saw how my team won the games. It seemed I had a really good mismatch on the Bucks. I had a better PG, PF and C but he still had Kane. I knew if I could slow down macvan and hold Kane under 50 they would have problems elsewhere and my guys could close out.
Daedalus- Honestly it was a nightmare match-up. After Kane's big game 1 I had hope but we were unable to even briefly slow down his bigs which is a recipe for disaster.
1. Did the best team win the championship or was there another team that possibly got snubbed?
Braziliandude- I do not think I was the best team in the regular season but come playoff time I finally got the right DC and made things happen to get over the top. The only team who slowed my bigs down were the kings who have thon and Malone
Springs- Yeah I think best team won. Having two 20/10+ bigs in this league is legit. Basically means no matter who you're up against you'll be able to take advantage of their frontcourt. Getting the other team's big men in foul trouble is really valuable. Opens up the paint for the wings. It might not produce the best regular season record, but I think it gives the best chance to win any 7 game series.
Lordefarquaad- I don't think the Grizzlies were the best team they just had one of those fbb runs where they got hot. The Bulls going down round 1 was strange (think it was round 1), and the Bucks were better they just lose homecourt and couldn't get it back. If you sim the playoffs 100 times the Grizzlies win about 5~ times IMO.
Blueblaze3597- I think the best team did win. The Griz has one of the more balanced teams in the league, with great bigs like AD and Drummond and good young PG in Elfrid. The Bucks have to get mentioned here too as Kane is a beast and plays well with Macvan and Briscoe/McElmore and Schroder, however his front court was lacking in a dominant big man. The Bucks had the best record but if any team could have beaten them it would have been the Griz and they did, barely lol.
Daedalus- Best regular season team? No. Best playoff team? Yes. I was fairly confident in any match-up from the West aside from the Grizzlies, and maybe their most troubling team the Kings. Having two dominant inside based bigs was a horror match-up for my interior defense.
Shortyman920- Talent-wise the Grizzlies were clearly one of the best teams in the league. Two studly big men + a great passing assist man + defenders on the perimeter? They have depth too along with the starting lineup, and they are a perfect example of why you don't need to be an outside team to be dominant. Their bigs wrecked through any team that didn't have a serious frontcourt that can hold them back, and they had no problem against the outside, perimeter oriented teams that they matched up against.
2. Most surprising team last season? (good and bad)
Braziliandude- I was very surprised the Bulls did not do better. Their GM must be a fucking idiot or something. A nice surprise team was the Jazz. They made it out alive.
Springs- Good - I'd say all the CY teams. The fact they all made it to the promise land and kept their teams is crazy.
Bad - I guess Pacers since they went through mutliple Gms and the new GM is heatflash. In another league I'm in he stopped posting after realizing they were missing a future first. I expect him to flake out and stop posting this season but hopefully I'm wrong.
Lordefarquaad- The Jazz winning 50 was slightly surprising I thought their CY would be a bit closer. Underachieving wise, nobody I can really think of besides the Bulls early playoff exit. Nothing else really stands out thinking back.
Blueblaze3597- I thought the Warriors were going to do a lot better than they did, Andrew Harrison and Paul George are a scary tandem, but the team just didn't seem to mesh well, but once ducks finds a good DC I think they'll get it rolling.
As for good, I was pretty surprised the Jazz became a 50 game winner. Didn't make too many splashy moves besides Russell and Alexander. Everyone knows Shabazz is nasty with a capital N. and Free came into his own this past year as well, the West isn't as much of a power house as the East is but from top 2 pick to 50 game winner is pretty impressive in my book.
Daedalus- In a good way I'd say the CY teams: especially the Celtics. Having to beat the CY in the East is a tall order when you have multiple competitors in the same boat as you. In a disappointing way I would have to say either the Bulls or the Hawks. The lack of playoff success for the Hawks is really surprising given their team composition. For the Bulls they seem to be on the cusp of greatness but never rising to the next level in crunch-time. I'd expect both teams to be fighting to remedy that this year.
Shortyman920- Gotta go with the Celtics. Simmons finally went off, and I don't think anyone expected them to have the season that they did. It was quite the turnaroud. I could also say the same for the Jazz. They went from pure shit to sticking with their roster and winning 50 games. Improvements in their young bloods helped, but that was a huge jump.
3. Your hopes for the upcoming season? Predictions? Game plans?
Braziliandude- I need to try and repeat this year. Its unlikely but that is surely the goal.
Springs- Not much chance to win it all this year, just hoping to have a solid year, get good numbers out of Bird, see Woods play well at PG, see Parish have some good games, and land big name next offseason.
Lordefarquaad- Well after drafting Wilt the goal was to win now. Signing Barnes and MRR going +3 certainly helped things. I was pretty happy with every body until Jonas decided now was a good time to die but I still trust Bynum as a starter. The West is weak so I think I could easily make a run and if I find a better PF just run through it.
Blueblaze3597- I'm excited, getting out of the CY and HC fiasco is definitely a relief. Got my twin towers locked up for another 5 years, and just got a young PG in MCW to add to the mix next to Simmons. Aside from the Bucks I feel like we're one of the teams to beat. I imagine coming close to what we did last year 48-34, but I also expect us to do better. As for gameplans, just gonna ride my twin towers and Simmons for however far they can take me lol.
Daedalus- Very high hopes. We improved at Center while acquiring quality young rotation players. Scoring remains the same and key players all remained elite. Aiming for another 60 win season but holding onto the Central divsion, and the #1 seed, is my goal. Hopefully Randolph can anchor better in the playoffs to give me that toughness that was lacking last year.
Shortyman920- For the upcoming season I plan on spending money on hookers, not training. Philly cheesesteaks not nutritionists. We'll be going hard, but just not on the court and in practice. And any player showing too much effort will be benched promptly. It's championship or bust pretty much.
4. Teams and players to look out for this upcoming season?
Braziliandude- Elfrid Payton will be featured a lot more this season so he will be in contention for MVP if all goes right. I could see the wizards making a nice little run with health and their White combo down low.
Springs- Heat look nice. Pistons, they could be a surprise team. Junior Bridgeman, Jelan Kendrick, Mikan, T Ross all look like they'll have good years for their teams.
Lordefarquaad- In the West there's really nobody to look out for, we're a clear step below the East. I can only even see maybe four teams that actually look playoff caliber so Iguess look out for half dozen mediocre at best teams with no pick fighting for four playoff spots. Player wise it'll be interesting to see what rookies drafted past #3 make any impact.
Blueblaze3597- The Heat, definitely not just because they are in the Atlantic with me but because they have a good young back court, which is the opposite of me with my young front court. Their strength is our weakness and vice-versa so our matchups will definitely be interesting. The Bucks are always the team to beat so hopefully we can make things interesting with them. As for players, I'd have to say Wilt..A- already? Thats insane. But I'm actually looking forward to seeing how my twin towers match up against others in the league, I feel like I have the best front court in the league and want to see how they preform against other good big combos like AD-Drummond and Walker-Harrell.
Daedalus- Larry Bird (Nuggets) has taken a step forward each year and I expect it again. I wouldn't be shocked if he took his 22ppg from last year and turned it into 27/28 ppg. With Bird stepping up I think the Lakers could be dethroned as regular season champs of the West. Especially given the immense competition from the Grizzlies. Lastly I think the Clippers will surprise and be a mid seed as IT2 proves doubters wrong and King thrives as "the man" on the wing.
Shortyman920- My boi Jellannnnnnn kendrickkkkk. Gonna have a big year. Besides that, there's really too many players to list. Favors on the Rockets will up his scoring from more opportunities. Spurs are gonna rocket up the standings soon enough with a retooled roster. David Thompson on the Pacers will continue to make everyone go: "Wtf, those ratings are doing that?" I think the Kings are due for a good year as well with their big 3 players all developing nicely.
5. Any changes you would like to see in the upcoming seasons for the league? Could be anything (CBA, draft file, etc).
Braziliandude- Meh I think it is all on point for now. Just need to have someone make a new banner.
Springs- No bitching this year from the new guys about pace of the sims and stuff like that.
Lordefarquaad- I'd like if draft notes were actually accurate unless that's too much to ask. Imnall for some randomness but when I read 'elite shot blocker', 1.3 or 1.7 bpg does not exactly come to mind. Then you see 'decent shot blockers' average 2 a game. Too much trolling for a such an important stat.
Blueblaze3597- Hmmm... probably bank limits since I just got docked $830 for going over $2500 haha everything else runs pretty smoothly.
Daedalus- Can we maybe shuffle the divisions? Central is brutal. On a serious note I think mulling a change to the FA rules could be helpful. Preventing teams that fully intend of trading players they sign during free agency until Day 30 would cancel out some of the more unrealistic trades that occur at the start of the season.
Shortyman920- Yes. I would like the next draft to be the MJ, Olajuwon, Stockon, Barkely draft.
6. Who is your teams “nemesis” for the upcoming season?
Braziliandude- getbeard and I have been going at it for a few seasons now. So I would call him a rival. Also as of late Basenoc has been giving me some problems! Glad to see his team come around.
Springs- Don't really have one. I guess Lakers since they just beat us out of the playoffs in game 7. We got worse though so don't think we have a shot at taking em down. Unless Woods at PG makes a big difference.
Lordefarquaad- I guess the Grizzlies? I mean nobody else in the division is all that threatening. Long-term it'll be the bitch ass Suns and their whore mothers. But they suck currently so not much to see there. The Knicks suck too but they're more like my Eastern little sister.
Blueblaze3597- I always consider the Cavs my nemesis actually, just can never beat them in any season. Nothing against enthalpy just don't like the Cavs since they beat me every year lol.
Daedalus- Hard to pick just one. For years it has been the Bulls so they are probably the most akin to a nemesis. I would put the Cavs and Hawks up there as well as I expect them the four of us to be fighting all year over the Central division title.
Shortyman920- Obviously the Bucks, Bulls, Celtics, Grizz, Lakers, Nuggets. It's championship or bust baby.
7. Who is your early vote for ROTY and why?
Braziliandude- Jerry West. Inflated stats bc of a shit team, hes a PG and can rain from 3
Springs- I'll go with a non PG and say Wilt. I think he'll have some huge games and beat out West for the ROY trophy.
Lordefarquaad- Well it'll be one of Jerry, Oscar or Wilt for sure. Not really sure who, but Oscar only if the other two get hurt. I don't know exactly how I'll use Wilt so not sure if he'll put up the stats even though he'll win far more games.
Blueblaze3597- Could be any of the top 3 picks really. Wilt is A- inside but has a good supporting cast to might miss out on touches. Jerry and Oscar however are playing for rebuilding teams so the volume will definitely be there. It's honestly a toss up but if anything I'd say Big O because of his situation, volume, and ability to fill out the stat sheet.
Daedalus- Jerry West. He's a scoring PG on a bad team. You can probably write him down in pen barring a long injury. We all know FBB loves it some PG.
Shortyman920- Jerry West is gonna win ROTY cuz he's a PG
8. Finals prediction now that FA is commenced?
Braziliandude- Grizzlies V Bucks repeat
Grizzlies in 6
Springs- Gonna go with a surprise team
Heat/Grizzlies
Heat in 6
Lordefarquaad- I'll say Grizzlies-Bucks not because its what I truly believe but I hope to help jinx it as well. Not one to jinx myself if you know what I'm saying.
Blueblaze3597- Not so concerned with FA since it's a pretty weak FA class, but theres been a whole lot of trades going on that are making a lot of teams better. I think that we, the Celtics, played very well last season and who knows, if Wall doesn't get hurt beating the Bucks didn't seem too impossible. The East is always hardest since there's so many potential contending teams, but I'd have to go with my own team, the Celtics. However in the west there are only a few teams worth mentioning: Lakers, Grizz, Jazz, and the Spurs are looking pretty good too. Really comes down to the Jazz and Grizz in my opinion. Have to go with the Grizz though, the track record speaks for itself. I'd say Celtics-Grizz and Celts in 7.
Daedalus- Going to go against the grain and say a super talented, but surprising team, wins the 'ship.
Lakers vs Hawks
Hawks in 6.
Shortyman920- Orlando Magic vs the Minnesota Timberwolves. With the Hornets and OKC THunder both finishing bottom 2 in their respective conferenes.
9. For the finalists: any point in the finals where you thought you could win/lose? Take us through the emotional, heart-fought battle!
Braziliandude- After I saw how my team won the games. It seemed I had a really good mismatch on the Bucks. I had a better PG, PF and C but he still had Kane. I knew if I could slow down macvan and hold Kane under 50 they would have problems elsewhere and my guys could close out.
Daedalus- Honestly it was a nightmare match-up. After Kane's big game 1 I had hope but we were unable to even briefly slow down his bigs which is a recipe for disaster.
