Post by bloop on Nov 1, 2014 19:30:48 GMT
The long awaited, much anticipated, OFFSEASON ROUNDTABLE.
This blew to edit so I see now why this happens so sporadically.
1. Since the Knicks were the heavy favorites heading into the season, do you think they underperformed or overachieved with their roster?
Lakers - I mean they're is no way they can underperform in a championship season, but at the same time calling them winning it all an overachieving season isn't all that true either. I'd call this one as it went as expected. (Your welcome ellbee)
Celtics - Assuming this is for last season, Im not so sure they were heavy favorites exactly. They an undoubted favorite after acquiring Elfrid Payton. But prior to that everyone saw how they couldn't find a good DC. Without Payton I dont think they could have beaten my Celtics or Bulls. Wiggins carried that team but not so sure he would have been able to with no one passing the rock. It's tough to win with a jock SG and SF (Beal and Wiggins) and two bigs who are used to carrying their teams (Mirotic and Drummond) without a PG who can dish. But after acquiring Payton yeah, they definitely did what everyone expected them to do, win.
6ers- They won 62 games I think and won a championship? Isn't that what they were expected to do? They did just right
Spurs- They underperformed a bit considering they had the two best players yet went 7 games in round 1 and the finals. That was mostly because of the poor Payton trade which actually pays off now that Mirotic left. If they had any type of depth they could have pushed 70 wins.
Hawks- I wouldn't say either if I was being completely honest. Overachieved would be winning something like 70+ games and that is pretty much impossible in FBB terms. Underperforming with a roster as stacked as theirs would be not winning the championship. Seeing as they had an okay regular season, and ended up barely winning the chip, I'd say they performed as I expected they would. Solid season capped off with a ring.
Heat- Knicks did very well with the roster they had. At some points in the season, they underachieved greatly, losing many games at a time, but they pulled through and won the championship with an overpowered squad.
2. Which team disappointed the most last year?
Lakers - Denver Nuggets. After giving the fans a run of a few winning seasons which they hadn't seen one of in years, and a few top members in the West tearing it down, they looked primed for a chance to hop into the top couple teams out West. Instead they went .500 and missed the playoffs, luckily for there fans they can legally get high while they wait until next season.
Celtics - Could go a multitude of directions here. I thought my team disappointed but I saw that coming since I have do defense on SG. Overall, I'd say the Nets. They were nearly a lock to beat the CY, holding on to a playoff spot heading into the final 100-120 day SIM. Everyone knows how it went from there, they dip below .500 ending at 37-46 I think and getting fired. That's just tough luck, because out of the two CY team's Nets seemed like they'd survive.
6ers- The Hawks, Magic and Blazers, I expected them all to be better then the 76ers last season, try harder please
Spurs- The Bulls for not beating the Knicks and only taking one game. They were the deeper and I thought the better overall team but Wiggins wiped the floor with them. Spurs- The same Wiggins who was traded for 13 ppg and 4 topg Cliff Robinson aye. Was an unlucky season for them after they maybe were a bit lucky facing a much weaker Wiggins supporting cast the year before in the finals.
Hawks- I'd have to say it was the Denver Nuggets. The combination of Larry Legend and Seventh Woods should have been more than capable of taking the team into the playoffs in the Western Conference. I was pretty surprised, especially seeing them drop to 41 wins last year after hovering around 50 wins just a year earlier. It's the same situation as the Cavaliers in that sense; two talented teams just having really weird and sub-par seasons. I picked the Nuggets as most disappointing simply due to the star combo of Bird and Woods, though.
Heat- EASY, the Bulls as usual. This team never ceases to amaze me in the disappointment they bring to the league. With one of the best starting lineups year in and year out, there bonehead of a GM just disappoints Chicago fans. As such, these fans are chanting “fire bloop.” #bloopnation
3. Which team surprised you the most (in a good way)?
Lakers - Miami Heat. Have some nice young guys who came out and made a name for themselves last season. One of the break out teams of the year last year, and look to have another good year ahead behind stud Junior Bridgeman and co.
Celtics -I could say the Nets again, but I'll have to go with the Wizards here. Not your normal surprise since they didn't make it out of CY. But even coming close was impressive. Everyone foregets they were real close and if it werent for Mikan and Kendrick injuries during the final 100-120 day SIM, they might have made it out and still be hanging in the league. It's even more impressive becuase they were not even close coming into that SIM and still probably would have survived if not for injuries. Oh FBB..
6ers- The Kings put together quite a season and their roster didn't look that great, PJ3 was a difference maker for them along with a few others and they put together quite a season. We'll see how things go for them this season.
Spurs- The Kings were surprising mostly because they really aren't that good yet they won over 50 games and took Phoenix to 7 games. A team built around Perry Jones doing even decent is strange and I expect them to fall back to earth very soon. That Theus contract is just terrible and a good example of why they likely won't have sustained 'success'.
Hawks- The Miami Heat had an amazing season last year, and it took me by surprise completely. I was fixated on how my Hawks were doing in the tanking race that I didn't really take that much notice of what other teams were doing, but seeing their 55 win record at the end of last season was a surprise. Despite a declining Westbrook they were able to put together a nice season. Bridgeman is turning into a stud, though losing Okafor who just decided to have a beast TC will hurt them this season. Still, they were a surprise team last year for me.
Heat- Their shitty owner didn’t respond to this question ballislife
4. Based off your FBB experience, what is Mirotic’s legacy?
Lakers - Definitely one of the most dominating big men i've seen. His skill set is pretty absurd with the array of stats he absolutely dominates in. Inside and out scoring, making him practically unguardable for most big men, while being able to lock down really any matchup at the SF through C positions. Has to be a top 5 FBB legend in my limited experience with leagues.
Celtics -I'm pretty new to the league but Mirotic is a beast in my opinion. Dude has carried any team he is on from what I've seen. He's beat out Embiid in rebounds and blocks every season since I've acquired Embiid (albeit because Embiid gets injured a game or 4 a season). A 4 time consecutive MVP kind of speaks for itself.
6ers- One of the greatest in the game, there's only one player that can top his legacy, I don't see how Nicolas Tarlac isn't the greatest of all time
Spurs- Compared to other leagues he's really not all that special but for this league he's the second best player of the last decade behind Wiggins. I guess Kane was really good too but his prime was much shorter. Just sucks for Mirotic that he was wasted until he was 33 when he was able to ride Wiggins to a title. If he was in the West through his prime or for a good chunk of it like Wiggins he may have had better success though.
Hawks- I'm probably the best guy to answer this seeing as Mirotic blossomed after I stole him away from Utah a few seasons back. I think Mirotic goes down as one of the Top 10 greatest players in NBADSL history; probably would be Top 3 if in different circumstances. The rosters I was able to construct with the Hawks were pretty limited talent wise outside of Mirotic; if I had my time again I probably would have tried harder to pair him with an All-Star point guard as they make the difference in this league. Still, I've won leagues with less talent than I had with Mirotic and company, but I feel I was unlucky to go up against much deeper Bulls and Bucks teams in a stacked Eastern Conference. Maybe if my roster was in the West I might have been able to have more playoff success, but that's pretty irrelevant. Winning a title with the Knicks helps his legacy, no doubt. If he could have won more rings in his career, he'd be Top 3 for sure.
Heat- Mirotic is still the most overpowered player in NBAD history. Like the dude can do it all. Shoot, inside game, 3s, rebound, block. You name it. He’s 34 or something and still is wrecking havoc on the league. Nobody comes close to that kind of production. Even won MVP and DPOTY in the SAME season. Da fuq? And no, the “point god” does not compare at all.
5. Predict the ECF/WCF and finalists. Add your reasoning.
Lakers - ECF: Knicks/Bulls WCF: Spurs/Jazz Finals: Bulls over Spurs in 6.
Might as well pick names out of a hat for the top spots in the East to be honest with all those good teams, but I think the Bulls are the most well built team and the Knicks have the GOAT Wiggins.
The West I went right to the Spurs since they came out on top of the West last year so will probably be defending that conference title. Picking the other team was well.... tough. Jazz are kind of a sleeper pick but they seem to always go on little playoff runs and actually have a pretty damn good roster right now.
As I said Bulls are best built team in the league so have them winning it all, probably would bet that like 3 or 4 teams could rep the East and take down whoever the West sends though.
Celtics -There are a lot of good teams in the East, but I'd say Bulls, Heat, or Celtics. West would probably be the Spurs because they just seem lightyears ahead of anyone else in that conference at this point. Back to the east, I'd have to say the Bulls can edge out the Heat and Celts. Unlike the latter two, the Bulls dont have any glaring weaknesses, whereas the Heat have one in the frontcourt in lacking a defensive, rebound grabbing big man, and the Celtics lacking a defensive, chuck-type SG who could slow down Newman. Bulls-Spurs.
6ers- Bulls/Knicks and Spurs/Suns, there isn't anyone else so that's my reasoning
Spurs- In the East it'll likely be the Knicks and Bulls again. There's really not much around Wiggins now but he's the best player in the league by far now so he can carry them to the ECF at least. Then the Bulls have the same core once again for the 10th straight year (real creative team aye) so they'll probably make another trip to the Finals with Mirotic now in Orlando. For the West if its not Spurs and Suns again something very strange happened.
Hawks- ECF: Bulls vs Knicks. Despite losing Mirotic, Knicks are still with the best SF and PG in the league, and still retain key players like Drummond and Daniels. Chicago are like the real life Spurs of this league; always consistent and always in the hunt. WCF: Suns vs Spurs. I really like the look of the Grizzlies, but I think their players are underdeveloped, but in a few years their core will dominate the West. Suns have West2Barkley, and the Spurs have a solid line-up. Though I wouldn't be surprised to see the Grizzlies upset their way into the ECF.
Heat- Knicks/Bulls and Griz/Suns. Boring but there the best teams still. Can somebody else actually go toe to toe with these mediocre teams doe?
Finals-Knicks/Suns 
6. Make a bold prediction for the upcoming season.
Lakers - Junior Bridgeman will lead the league in scoring. Dude has steadily increased his scoring each year in the league and there is no doubt he is evolving into one of the best in the league. If he can take the next step forward and improve upon his already solid numbers once more he could be looking at around 30ppg.
Celtics -Does it get any bolder than picking your team to win it all? If it does it probably would be this: a without a doubt star(s) coming in the upcoming draft. It might not be Michael Jordan per say. But maybe Olajuwon, Kareem, Monroe, Drexler, Ewing, Karl Malone, Pippen, etc. Everyone seems excited for MJ and rightfully so, but there's a lot of other guys that teams were built around, just seems like everyone also forgets about these guys just as easily.
6ers- Well since Tarlac's a lock for MVP this season I would say the 76ers making the playoffs this season
Spurs- Eh not really much to be bold about. I think Larry Bird will miss the playoffs a second straight year though with the Nuggets roster as is. Doing so in the West with how lacking it is after the top two teams would be an impressive achievement. A long-term bold prediction is the Wizards duo of celticfan and pistolshit combining for 20 straight lotto seasons. The Wizards sucking isn't very bold but celticfan getting CYed with the same team basically three times would be the most impressive GM accomplishment of our time.
Hawks- Michael Jordan will declare for the draft this year.
Heat- The SPURS will not make the playoffs. There GM will be covered in puke and probably quit down the line somewhere
7. How do you feel about the NBADSL and the direction it’s heading?
Lakers - King Bundy belongs in the FBB commish hall of fame. He is the heartbeat of the league and keeps this league moving. With him at the helm the I'm confident the league will be doing well. Also props to Shorty for taking the wheel a bit lately hopping right in as a new simmer and getting shit done. Itty your sexy too I didn't forget you. All in all this is one of if not the best league out there, and we have the GM's and leaders to make it last a while.
Celtics -Feel good. I was a little skeptical when I first join but its grown on me and I enjoy doing this just as much as fantasy football or gambling. Could use another simmer, it's a bummer that Dae left but what can you do, life happens. The simmers do a great job of simming and running their teams (shorty and itnas) and/or running the league (bundy). Hope to stick around for a long time.
6ers- As long as EBOLA doesn't hit it, I would say the direction it's heading is fine
Spurs- Since dae left its starting to feel like 1930s Germany. I think it can last more than a few more seasons but is that worth the cost of no freedom? Any way with how unreliable itnas has become and bundy having nine toes out the door its definitely a new era for nbadsl but is it a better era incoming? I'm not so sure.
Hawks- In a bit of a lull period right now, but I think that will change once the transition of simmers smooths over a little bit. Overall its a great league and seems to be getting stronger as we head into the future.
Heat- Hard to say when bundy is “retiring” every other season but for now it seems like people are interested for the most part. Some teams need stable GM’s however. Shorty comes through when bundy cant sim and itty letting the league down with his shame. I think with one more simmer and bundy coming through with the draft stuff, the league should be fine.
8. Early vote for ROTY and why.
Lakers- Dan Issel no doubt. Should get an opportunity to score tons of points with the Hawks not having many other scoring options. Hard to tell with big men before seeing them play what their rebounding and defensive numbers will look like but Issel looks ready made and the scoring chances alone should make him a near lock for it.
Celtics -There's plenty of good ones to choose from: Issel, Scott, Yardley, Marino, Maravich, Cousy, Raines. But I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say Tiny Archibald. I'm a big fan of his ratings and his notes reminded me of an MCW type PG. He plays for a tanking team so the minutes will be there, and he looks like he can become pretty good in the league.
6ers- It's too bad Tarlac is too old for this, Dan Issel seems like the guy to pick right now because Atlanta has little else around him
Spurs- Dan Issel because he's the only rookie I've really looked at and on the horrible Hawks roster his stats will be inflated plenty. Like the other recent top picks he will likely peak as a rookie though and eventually become just another guy I'm sure. Not sure another true star player will ever enter the league ever again.
Hawks- Don't think I'm being a homer, but I think it will be either Dan Issel or Charlie Scott. Simply because they are the only two scorers on an atrocious Hawks roster. Issel will put up huge scoring numbers, while Charlie Scott (through the looks of preseason) appears to be a stat-sheet stuffer on a terrible team. Inflated stats = better chance of winning the ROTY.
Heat- Dan Issel. No contest because the guy is playing like a boss already. Next Mirotic imo. That’s enough reason.
9. With the NBA season coming up, who do you think wins it all this year?
Lakers - SPURS?!?!?! I really can't see Cavs winning it, at least not this year. I'm sure they will get it together and bring a title to shitty cleveland sooner or later but for now I'm gonna say the title is staying another year with Grampa Popovic and the retirement home committee.
Celtics -I think that looking at my team, the Celtics can win it all. I have the faith, all I need is the DC to do it. If not, however, I'd probably have to say the Bulls, like I mentioned before, there's not glaring weakness in their game. The team is sound at every position and has been together for a few seasons so the chemistry and DC's are likely to remain unimpaired. Bulls are the apparent team to beat. And I'm looking forward to it.
6ers- Suns since Jerry West is the 2nd best PG behind Tarlac
Spurs- I'll say the Thunder because I don't believe they will but its too early to be overconfident aye. I don't think the Spurs will even make the WCF though they only do good in the playoffs when everybody doubts them. I also think this is the year father time finally catches up to them.
Hawks- The West. I don't know who will win the West, but whoever wins it, wins it all. Love and Irving can't play defense to save their lives. D.Rose is too injury prone to be relied upon to make a prediction like this. I'd put my money on the Spurs or Dallas, though. Both extremely well coached so they are really, really tough outs in 7 game series. I'd go with San Antonio if I had to make an actual decision.
Heat- I don’t even watch basketball much but I’d go with a HEALTHY Bulls and Derrick Rose. Most complete team even though they blew it against the Cavs.
10. For the finalists, how was it to face off with each other given your history?
Spurs- With Joel Berry as my starting PG and third option I'm not sure how it went to seven games but can't really say I was upset. If I had dealt for Mirotic and won then lost him in FA I'd have been a bit upset but losing in seven and keeping the gang of misfits together ain't so bad aye.
Quick Points:
- Typical hate on the Bulls from the Heat
- Many believe Issel is in the best spot to win ROTY
- The Knicks, Spurs, Bulls, Suns all seem to be favorites in some form.
- Tarlac
- People were confused with question 9 (poor wording on my part)
- Mirotic is a legend, possibly the best player to ever grace the NBADSL
- The league is still alive and well, with an open, but positive future ahead of it
This blew to edit so I see now why this happens so sporadically.
1. Since the Knicks were the heavy favorites heading into the season, do you think they underperformed or overachieved with their roster?
Lakers - I mean they're is no way they can underperform in a championship season, but at the same time calling them winning it all an overachieving season isn't all that true either. I'd call this one as it went as expected. (Your welcome ellbee)
Celtics - Assuming this is for last season, Im not so sure they were heavy favorites exactly. They an undoubted favorite after acquiring Elfrid Payton. But prior to that everyone saw how they couldn't find a good DC. Without Payton I dont think they could have beaten my Celtics or Bulls. Wiggins carried that team but not so sure he would have been able to with no one passing the rock. It's tough to win with a jock SG and SF (Beal and Wiggins) and two bigs who are used to carrying their teams (Mirotic and Drummond) without a PG who can dish. But after acquiring Payton yeah, they definitely did what everyone expected them to do, win.
6ers- They won 62 games I think and won a championship? Isn't that what they were expected to do? They did just right
Spurs- They underperformed a bit considering they had the two best players yet went 7 games in round 1 and the finals. That was mostly because of the poor Payton trade which actually pays off now that Mirotic left. If they had any type of depth they could have pushed 70 wins.
Hawks- I wouldn't say either if I was being completely honest. Overachieved would be winning something like 70+ games and that is pretty much impossible in FBB terms. Underperforming with a roster as stacked as theirs would be not winning the championship. Seeing as they had an okay regular season, and ended up barely winning the chip, I'd say they performed as I expected they would. Solid season capped off with a ring.
Heat- Knicks did very well with the roster they had. At some points in the season, they underachieved greatly, losing many games at a time, but they pulled through and won the championship with an overpowered squad.
2. Which team disappointed the most last year?
Lakers - Denver Nuggets. After giving the fans a run of a few winning seasons which they hadn't seen one of in years, and a few top members in the West tearing it down, they looked primed for a chance to hop into the top couple teams out West. Instead they went .500 and missed the playoffs, luckily for there fans they can legally get high while they wait until next season.
Celtics - Could go a multitude of directions here. I thought my team disappointed but I saw that coming since I have do defense on SG. Overall, I'd say the Nets. They were nearly a lock to beat the CY, holding on to a playoff spot heading into the final 100-120 day SIM. Everyone knows how it went from there, they dip below .500 ending at 37-46 I think and getting fired. That's just tough luck, because out of the two CY team's Nets seemed like they'd survive.
6ers- The Hawks, Magic and Blazers, I expected them all to be better then the 76ers last season, try harder please
Spurs- The Bulls for not beating the Knicks and only taking one game. They were the deeper and I thought the better overall team but Wiggins wiped the floor with them. Spurs- The same Wiggins who was traded for 13 ppg and 4 topg Cliff Robinson aye. Was an unlucky season for them after they maybe were a bit lucky facing a much weaker Wiggins supporting cast the year before in the finals.
Hawks- I'd have to say it was the Denver Nuggets. The combination of Larry Legend and Seventh Woods should have been more than capable of taking the team into the playoffs in the Western Conference. I was pretty surprised, especially seeing them drop to 41 wins last year after hovering around 50 wins just a year earlier. It's the same situation as the Cavaliers in that sense; two talented teams just having really weird and sub-par seasons. I picked the Nuggets as most disappointing simply due to the star combo of Bird and Woods, though.
Heat- EASY, the Bulls as usual. This team never ceases to amaze me in the disappointment they bring to the league. With one of the best starting lineups year in and year out, there bonehead of a GM just disappoints Chicago fans. As such, these fans are chanting “fire bloop.” #bloopnation
3. Which team surprised you the most (in a good way)?
Lakers - Miami Heat. Have some nice young guys who came out and made a name for themselves last season. One of the break out teams of the year last year, and look to have another good year ahead behind stud Junior Bridgeman and co.
Celtics -I could say the Nets again, but I'll have to go with the Wizards here. Not your normal surprise since they didn't make it out of CY. But even coming close was impressive. Everyone foregets they were real close and if it werent for Mikan and Kendrick injuries during the final 100-120 day SIM, they might have made it out and still be hanging in the league. It's even more impressive becuase they were not even close coming into that SIM and still probably would have survived if not for injuries. Oh FBB..
6ers- The Kings put together quite a season and their roster didn't look that great, PJ3 was a difference maker for them along with a few others and they put together quite a season. We'll see how things go for them this season.
Spurs- The Kings were surprising mostly because they really aren't that good yet they won over 50 games and took Phoenix to 7 games. A team built around Perry Jones doing even decent is strange and I expect them to fall back to earth very soon. That Theus contract is just terrible and a good example of why they likely won't have sustained 'success'.
Hawks- The Miami Heat had an amazing season last year, and it took me by surprise completely. I was fixated on how my Hawks were doing in the tanking race that I didn't really take that much notice of what other teams were doing, but seeing their 55 win record at the end of last season was a surprise. Despite a declining Westbrook they were able to put together a nice season. Bridgeman is turning into a stud, though losing Okafor who just decided to have a beast TC will hurt them this season. Still, they were a surprise team last year for me.
Heat- Their shitty owner didn’t respond to this question ballislife
4. Based off your FBB experience, what is Mirotic’s legacy?
Lakers - Definitely one of the most dominating big men i've seen. His skill set is pretty absurd with the array of stats he absolutely dominates in. Inside and out scoring, making him practically unguardable for most big men, while being able to lock down really any matchup at the SF through C positions. Has to be a top 5 FBB legend in my limited experience with leagues.
Celtics -I'm pretty new to the league but Mirotic is a beast in my opinion. Dude has carried any team he is on from what I've seen. He's beat out Embiid in rebounds and blocks every season since I've acquired Embiid (albeit because Embiid gets injured a game or 4 a season). A 4 time consecutive MVP kind of speaks for itself.
6ers- One of the greatest in the game, there's only one player that can top his legacy, I don't see how Nicolas Tarlac isn't the greatest of all time
Spurs- Compared to other leagues he's really not all that special but for this league he's the second best player of the last decade behind Wiggins. I guess Kane was really good too but his prime was much shorter. Just sucks for Mirotic that he was wasted until he was 33 when he was able to ride Wiggins to a title. If he was in the West through his prime or for a good chunk of it like Wiggins he may have had better success though.
Hawks- I'm probably the best guy to answer this seeing as Mirotic blossomed after I stole him away from Utah a few seasons back. I think Mirotic goes down as one of the Top 10 greatest players in NBADSL history; probably would be Top 3 if in different circumstances. The rosters I was able to construct with the Hawks were pretty limited talent wise outside of Mirotic; if I had my time again I probably would have tried harder to pair him with an All-Star point guard as they make the difference in this league. Still, I've won leagues with less talent than I had with Mirotic and company, but I feel I was unlucky to go up against much deeper Bulls and Bucks teams in a stacked Eastern Conference. Maybe if my roster was in the West I might have been able to have more playoff success, but that's pretty irrelevant. Winning a title with the Knicks helps his legacy, no doubt. If he could have won more rings in his career, he'd be Top 3 for sure.
Heat- Mirotic is still the most overpowered player in NBAD history. Like the dude can do it all. Shoot, inside game, 3s, rebound, block. You name it. He’s 34 or something and still is wrecking havoc on the league. Nobody comes close to that kind of production. Even won MVP and DPOTY in the SAME season. Da fuq? And no, the “point god” does not compare at all.
5. Predict the ECF/WCF and finalists. Add your reasoning.
Lakers - ECF: Knicks/Bulls WCF: Spurs/Jazz Finals: Bulls over Spurs in 6.
Might as well pick names out of a hat for the top spots in the East to be honest with all those good teams, but I think the Bulls are the most well built team and the Knicks have the GOAT Wiggins.
The West I went right to the Spurs since they came out on top of the West last year so will probably be defending that conference title. Picking the other team was well.... tough. Jazz are kind of a sleeper pick but they seem to always go on little playoff runs and actually have a pretty damn good roster right now.
As I said Bulls are best built team in the league so have them winning it all, probably would bet that like 3 or 4 teams could rep the East and take down whoever the West sends though.
Celtics -There are a lot of good teams in the East, but I'd say Bulls, Heat, or Celtics. West would probably be the Spurs because they just seem lightyears ahead of anyone else in that conference at this point. Back to the east, I'd have to say the Bulls can edge out the Heat and Celts. Unlike the latter two, the Bulls dont have any glaring weaknesses, whereas the Heat have one in the frontcourt in lacking a defensive, rebound grabbing big man, and the Celtics lacking a defensive, chuck-type SG who could slow down Newman. Bulls-Spurs.
6ers- Bulls/Knicks and Spurs/Suns, there isn't anyone else so that's my reasoning
Spurs- In the East it'll likely be the Knicks and Bulls again. There's really not much around Wiggins now but he's the best player in the league by far now so he can carry them to the ECF at least. Then the Bulls have the same core once again for the 10th straight year (real creative team aye) so they'll probably make another trip to the Finals with Mirotic now in Orlando. For the West if its not Spurs and Suns again something very strange happened.
Hawks- ECF: Bulls vs Knicks. Despite losing Mirotic, Knicks are still with the best SF and PG in the league, and still retain key players like Drummond and Daniels. Chicago are like the real life Spurs of this league; always consistent and always in the hunt. WCF: Suns vs Spurs. I really like the look of the Grizzlies, but I think their players are underdeveloped, but in a few years their core will dominate the West. Suns have West2Barkley, and the Spurs have a solid line-up. Though I wouldn't be surprised to see the Grizzlies upset their way into the ECF.
Heat- Knicks/Bulls and Griz/Suns. Boring but there the best teams still. Can somebody else actually go toe to toe with these mediocre teams doe?
Finals-Knicks/Suns 
6. Make a bold prediction for the upcoming season.
Lakers - Junior Bridgeman will lead the league in scoring. Dude has steadily increased his scoring each year in the league and there is no doubt he is evolving into one of the best in the league. If he can take the next step forward and improve upon his already solid numbers once more he could be looking at around 30ppg.
Celtics -Does it get any bolder than picking your team to win it all? If it does it probably would be this: a without a doubt star(s) coming in the upcoming draft. It might not be Michael Jordan per say. But maybe Olajuwon, Kareem, Monroe, Drexler, Ewing, Karl Malone, Pippen, etc. Everyone seems excited for MJ and rightfully so, but there's a lot of other guys that teams were built around, just seems like everyone also forgets about these guys just as easily.
6ers- Well since Tarlac's a lock for MVP this season I would say the 76ers making the playoffs this season
Spurs- Eh not really much to be bold about. I think Larry Bird will miss the playoffs a second straight year though with the Nuggets roster as is. Doing so in the West with how lacking it is after the top two teams would be an impressive achievement. A long-term bold prediction is the Wizards duo of celticfan and pistolshit combining for 20 straight lotto seasons. The Wizards sucking isn't very bold but celticfan getting CYed with the same team basically three times would be the most impressive GM accomplishment of our time.
Hawks- Michael Jordan will declare for the draft this year.
Heat- The SPURS will not make the playoffs. There GM will be covered in puke and probably quit down the line somewhere
7. How do you feel about the NBADSL and the direction it’s heading?
Lakers - King Bundy belongs in the FBB commish hall of fame. He is the heartbeat of the league and keeps this league moving. With him at the helm the I'm confident the league will be doing well. Also props to Shorty for taking the wheel a bit lately hopping right in as a new simmer and getting shit done. Itty your sexy too I didn't forget you. All in all this is one of if not the best league out there, and we have the GM's and leaders to make it last a while.
Celtics -Feel good. I was a little skeptical when I first join but its grown on me and I enjoy doing this just as much as fantasy football or gambling. Could use another simmer, it's a bummer that Dae left but what can you do, life happens. The simmers do a great job of simming and running their teams (shorty and itnas) and/or running the league (bundy). Hope to stick around for a long time.
6ers- As long as EBOLA doesn't hit it, I would say the direction it's heading is fine
Spurs- Since dae left its starting to feel like 1930s Germany. I think it can last more than a few more seasons but is that worth the cost of no freedom? Any way with how unreliable itnas has become and bundy having nine toes out the door its definitely a new era for nbadsl but is it a better era incoming? I'm not so sure.
Hawks- In a bit of a lull period right now, but I think that will change once the transition of simmers smooths over a little bit. Overall its a great league and seems to be getting stronger as we head into the future.
Heat- Hard to say when bundy is “retiring” every other season but for now it seems like people are interested for the most part. Some teams need stable GM’s however. Shorty comes through when bundy cant sim and itty letting the league down with his shame. I think with one more simmer and bundy coming through with the draft stuff, the league should be fine.
8. Early vote for ROTY and why.
Lakers- Dan Issel no doubt. Should get an opportunity to score tons of points with the Hawks not having many other scoring options. Hard to tell with big men before seeing them play what their rebounding and defensive numbers will look like but Issel looks ready made and the scoring chances alone should make him a near lock for it.
Celtics -There's plenty of good ones to choose from: Issel, Scott, Yardley, Marino, Maravich, Cousy, Raines. But I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say Tiny Archibald. I'm a big fan of his ratings and his notes reminded me of an MCW type PG. He plays for a tanking team so the minutes will be there, and he looks like he can become pretty good in the league.
6ers- It's too bad Tarlac is too old for this, Dan Issel seems like the guy to pick right now because Atlanta has little else around him
Spurs- Dan Issel because he's the only rookie I've really looked at and on the horrible Hawks roster his stats will be inflated plenty. Like the other recent top picks he will likely peak as a rookie though and eventually become just another guy I'm sure. Not sure another true star player will ever enter the league ever again.
Hawks- Don't think I'm being a homer, but I think it will be either Dan Issel or Charlie Scott. Simply because they are the only two scorers on an atrocious Hawks roster. Issel will put up huge scoring numbers, while Charlie Scott (through the looks of preseason) appears to be a stat-sheet stuffer on a terrible team. Inflated stats = better chance of winning the ROTY.
Heat- Dan Issel. No contest because the guy is playing like a boss already. Next Mirotic imo. That’s enough reason.
9. With the NBA season coming up, who do you think wins it all this year?
Lakers - SPURS?!?!?! I really can't see Cavs winning it, at least not this year. I'm sure they will get it together and bring a title to shitty cleveland sooner or later but for now I'm gonna say the title is staying another year with Grampa Popovic and the retirement home committee.
Celtics -I think that looking at my team, the Celtics can win it all. I have the faith, all I need is the DC to do it. If not, however, I'd probably have to say the Bulls, like I mentioned before, there's not glaring weakness in their game. The team is sound at every position and has been together for a few seasons so the chemistry and DC's are likely to remain unimpaired. Bulls are the apparent team to beat. And I'm looking forward to it.
6ers- Suns since Jerry West is the 2nd best PG behind Tarlac
Spurs- I'll say the Thunder because I don't believe they will but its too early to be overconfident aye. I don't think the Spurs will even make the WCF though they only do good in the playoffs when everybody doubts them. I also think this is the year father time finally catches up to them.
Hawks- The West. I don't know who will win the West, but whoever wins it, wins it all. Love and Irving can't play defense to save their lives. D.Rose is too injury prone to be relied upon to make a prediction like this. I'd put my money on the Spurs or Dallas, though. Both extremely well coached so they are really, really tough outs in 7 game series. I'd go with San Antonio if I had to make an actual decision.
Heat- I don’t even watch basketball much but I’d go with a HEALTHY Bulls and Derrick Rose. Most complete team even though they blew it against the Cavs.
10. For the finalists, how was it to face off with each other given your history?
Spurs- With Joel Berry as my starting PG and third option I'm not sure how it went to seven games but can't really say I was upset. If I had dealt for Mirotic and won then lost him in FA I'd have been a bit upset but losing in seven and keeping the gang of misfits together ain't so bad aye.
Quick Points:
- Typical hate on the Bulls from the Heat
- Many believe Issel is in the best spot to win ROTY
- The Knicks, Spurs, Bulls, Suns all seem to be favorites in some form.
- Tarlac
- People were confused with question 9 (poor wording on my part)
- Mirotic is a legend, possibly the best player to ever grace the NBADSL
- The league is still alive and well, with an open, but positive future ahead of it
