Post by Majic on Jul 25, 2017 9:15:49 GMT -6
RT questions
welcome gentlemen. we have some long-time GMs and a newbie joining us for this RT. Hope all enjoy!
1) So we just went through another offseason that had a lot of moving parts.
Who do you think had the best offseason?
Heebs - Definitely the Suns. Rashard is a top 5 player in the league, so stealing him for free is incredible. Sexton is going to have one more TC. He’s likely going to have a trade or two here to round out his roster. Shout out to the Cavs who had a great draft. Should have traded for a sure thing in Remer, but they did alright with the picks they had.
Taco - The Suns and this is solely because of Rashard Lewis. He was the crown jewel of this offseason and Ank somehow got him. Sexton + Sviatoslav + Rashard + Diogu is going to be dominant. The Suns are actually stacked now and it's a problem.
SPL - Suns had a great offseason by adding Lewis to Svi and Sexton gives him a very good core to his team. I also like the Nuggets adding Yao, I think that was a real good move by him as well.
Delap - Though luck played a huge role, PHX has turned into a major player in the league and Ank looks like he isn’t done yet. More deals on the horizon, in “win-now” mode. Should be a scorcher in the Valley of the Sun.
Timpig - The Suns offseason was absurd. They got the best player available in Rashard Lewis and added Ike Diogu on an MLE. Their starting 5 is off the charts. Shoutout to the Nuggets as well, who added Yao and kept Zach Randolph. Another good wing and a bump from Chapman turns that team into a contender.
JHB - Easily Ankly. I think Rashard Lewis is the best non-PG in the league and he added that to a very promising young core headlined by Sexton that was really only missing a dominant wing. If Mo Bamba improves this should be a stellar team.
Majic - Suns are the easy answer here, adding a player of Shards ability to an already solid duo is a great FA. Adding Ike and thats just a cherry on top. I also like the look of the Nuggest even if i am not sure how they will play together. Will be a fun and interesting mix of players to watch.
2) Now lets flip that around. Who do you think had the worst offseason?
Heebs - The Bullets and the Royals. Both lost huge pieces without any compensation in FA. That’s a kick in the balls. Also the Knicks. They could have signed a good player in FA, instead they paid for Korver.
Taco - Well...the Royals. It wasn't a bad offseason for anything Ward had control over. He resigned Chris Paul and still has the Kandi Man and Chandler but losing Rashard is devastating. Royals will probably go from the top of the pack down to a 8-5 seed in the playoffs. Additionally, I will say the Celtics. The signing of Jason C. Williams would generally be considered a good situation but that contract is large and daunting considering he is already 33. The Celtics weren't that good last year anyways..
SPL - I love KN but him loosing Yao is a pretty big blow and he added some marginal stuff. Kings sat on their hands this offseason and is wasting Lebron. I imagine a deal has to be coming soon that he gets moved
Delap - Aside from the completely inactives… I would worry about Toronto. One clear need going into the off-season was a D/R big and they go and sign Charles Smith? Pete may be handsome, but good looks won’t grab rebounds.
Timpig - The Royals re-signed Chris Paul for a better deal than he initially wanted, but they lost Rashard. Other teams have moved the dial slightly one way or another, but I don’t think any team lost any bigger single piece than the Royals.
JHB - Conversely, Ward lost the best non-PG in the league. It would be easy to say him but I think he did about as good as can be expected in FA to cover for the loss of Lewis. Chandler is an elite big still. Austin on a min deal is a great pickup. Middleton is not a great player but can probably hold serve and help make Ward make the playoffs until he finds an upgrade. 2poor did absolutely nothing and let his entire core outside of LeBron and Tony Wroten get picked away.
Majic - the royals and ward are the easy answer here. Losing a player like Shard is hard enough, but losing him after you just won the title is even worse. the other big loser again was Lebron James (IRL too) as he will enter another season without any help. Will Lebron go down as the best sim leaguer to never win a title?
3) give me your top contenders from each conference.. who do you think wins it all?
Heebs - Eastern conference is the Pacers and the Raptors by a mile. The Royals will fall off from contender status, and the Hawks were exposed last year.
The west is much tougher. The Sonics, Blazers, Suns, Warriors, Jazz, Spurs, and Nuggets are legit contenders. It’s going to be a meat grinder. If I were in Fason’s shoes, I’d be selling off and tanking this out.
Taco - Surprising to no one, I think the Pacers are the top of the East. Assuming that Theus doesn't regress too much in TC, I think that the Heat will be serious contenders as well. Regarding the West, I think Sonics are going to be the team to beat. They didn't lose any of their key pieces and they would have been in the conference finals over the Warriors last year if they didn't lose Ridnour. I think the Suns and Spurs will be up there too. At the end of the day, I think the Sonics win the championship with a healthy Ridnour.
SPL - In the Atlantic, I will go with the Raptors.
In the Central, I am going to go with the Royals
In the Midwest, Jazz for selfish reasons
In the Pacific, Suns
I think Suns win it all, that core is just nasty
Delap - Atlantic – Heat, Knicks, Braves
Central – Pistons, Pacers, Royals
Midwest – Spurs and ???
Pacific – Suns, Sonics, Blazers
I like the winner of the Central over the Sonics for the title… but if Fason actually follows through with some trades, the Spurs or Suns will take the WC Crown.
Timpig –
West: Spurs, Jazz, Suns, Blazers
East: Raptors, Pacers
With their offseason, the Suns look like the team to beat, sadly, but I think the Pacers have the best shot to give them a run for their money. It remains to be seen how ‘Shard and Ike will fit in Phoenix, but it’s tough for anyone to top their talent.
JHB - Pacers in the East and Suns in the west and I think they both run away with it. Heebs' team is so complete and the Suns have some huge guns.
I think the Suns win in the Finals. While Heebs has more depth I think Ank has more top-end talent.
Majic -
East: Pacers and Heat are the top two followed by the Knicks and Raptors. Cavs and Royals should be solid as well.
West: Sonic, Suns and Warriors are my top 3. I think the Jazz and Blazers should be very good teams, but how their big men play.
Winning it all: I fully expect the Sonics and Pacers to make the finals. those two teams/GMs have been good long enough to not meet in the finals.
4) what is a team that you think might surprise a lot of people either good or bad?
Heebs - The Cavs could surprise some people this year. Latifah should be a day 1 starter as a no-shoot wing that blocks shots. Method Man should be an MVP caliber player someday, and I expect him to be the best player from this draft when it’s all said and done. OBD and Biggie (Swanigan) are gonna hold down the front court for this team for a while. I see a bright future in Cleveland.
Taco - Suns will make a huge jump, which isn't really a surprise. Additionally, I think the Jazz will be a higher end (seed 6 to 4) playoff team after missing the playoffs last year. The Pistons seem poised to be a really good team as well. I think the Wolves are gonna take a tumble in the standings without Lillard. Back to the Royals, I think they will fall significantly.
SPL - I think the Bucks are going to surprise people, I will admit to heebs, I was wrong on Remer, after his TC, he looks like he can be a really good SG. I missed the boat on that one. Good for the Duc Bucks. Duc has a real nice core going on there.
Delap - The Jazz will underperform, even with Mormon Williams now in the fold. The team wasn’t great last year and D/R will likely be an issue. They will be the 3050 version of the 3049 Braves.
Timpig - The Nuggets. Odin brought in Yao and kept Zach Randolph, so he’s got some nice bigs to run with, a good SF in Van Horn and a PG in Rex Chapman. I think this four can get you a decent seed in the playoffs and adding a shooting guard could get you through a couple of rounds.
JHB - I don't think the Blazers will live up to what they did in the preseason or Majic's expectations. Haha roasted in your own RT.
Majic - I am not going to say the Suns because thats wouldnt really be a surprise. However I am interested to see how that collection of talent plays together. I was sure the Raptors were on the cusp of a couple title runs once Pete got Arenas but it never happened. I think the royals will be better than expected, this is purely because Ward is such a solid GM and always has a solid team. The Cavs should be a much improved team as well and I think the Pistons young talent could make a big jump.
5) Now that TC has happened and we can see the rookies, what are your thoughts? Who looks like studs? who looks like busts?
Heebs - Since no one has taken the initiative to do a rookie TC, I'm not sure. I was shocked how bad Cliff Smith looks. I wrote his profile to be a cheesy SG-eligible wing. It looks like 20s didn't take the bait. I really like how Flea looks if I'm being honest. I was between him and Jamel Irief with 1.13, and looking back I think I made the choice. That said, Irief could have a higher ceiling than Flea. It remains to be seen. At the top of the draft I really like Mapp. I wanted him to be a generational talent, and it looks like 20s put the skeleton in place for that to happen. I am not-so-silently snickering at Shaun for taking Latifa instead of trading for Remer. Whoops!
Taco - no answer
SPL - I was very happy for myself and Corey Woods, think him going +2 and getting a bump in defense and rebounding was exactly what I wanted/needed to see there. Taking off my homer goggles, I like Belamy, I think he is going to be really good. I think it is too soon to call anyone busts yet.
Delap - Grizzard and Bellamy will be the biggest players. Both have maintained high potential, so another TC could be a boom for them. Gary Grice went +3, not bad. I had him pegged as the biggest boom/bust guy and it looks good so far. I don’t see a major bust in the class, unless someone really thinks Zavackas is going to change the world. He doesn’t play enough defense or rebound well enough to be considered a top rook.
Timpig - I don’t think TC had anything ridiculous happen, but I’m thinking that Mapp, Grizzard, and Zavackas could be the best rookies to come out of this draft. I was hoping both Zavackas and Falu would fall to 1.26 and I could have my pick, but was fine if I was able to snag either. Unfortunately, it looks like two of my three first-rounders – Coles and Falu – could be busts. Falu saw drops in his B+ Inside and B potential, which were the two biggest things that drew me too him. Coles was listed as a player who was great at blocking shots in his profile, but blocked less than one shot per 36 in summer league.
JHB - Just a quick run down of the top 10:
1. New Orleans Pelicans - Majestic Mapp
Stud. Hopefully he gets the points/TC's to move down to PG because based on his preseason, he should be a good one
2. Orlando Magic - Gary Grice
Could be good, probably won't. Has the potential to be good but won't get the TLC he needs to get there.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers - Clifford Smith
BUST
4. Charlotte Hornets - Dan Cortese
Meh. Maybe an average SG. Hornets roster is a little crowded with combo guards.
5. San Diego Clippers - Brett Nelson
Meh. Not enough info yet to say either way.
6. Buffalo Braves - Bill Bellamy
Won't meet Delap's absurd expectations.
7. Vancouver Grizzlies - Robert Diggs
BUST.
8. Boston Celtics - Rod Grizzard
STUD. Nice work Devine.
9. Portland Trailblazers - Jason Gardner
Meh. May be a rotation guard.
10. Chicago Bulls - Matt Carroll
Meh. Not enough info. Probably a bust.
Donatas Zavackas needs some rebound/strength work but could be steal of the first round.
Majic - this class looked to have more depth that it actually might. I thought there were alot of good players at the end of the lottery but none really jumped out after TC. Mapp obviously looks like the crown jewel.
6) the league overall is in a precarious position. the end of 4.0 looks to be closer than most expected. What are your thoughts on it? Are you excited for 5.0 or would you rather 4.0 hold on a little longer?
Heebs - I’m not excited for 5.0 at all. I don’t like the wheel. I don’t like the new software. I don’t like change. I don’t want to end 4.0. But I do want to draw a penis on eric’s forehead with permanent marker. So I guess I’m willing to sacrifice 4.0.
Taco - The Warriors are in a good situation having just made their first conference finals so I am holding onto 4.0 for as long as possible. If Luka continues to improve and resigns with the team, the Warriors will have a good shot at making waves in the playoffs for the upcoming years. People need to quit being bitches and stick with their teams even when the end is in sight. Where's the loyalty?
SPL - I think 4.0 if were a horse that it would be at a glue factory right now. I think 5.0 will be fun, especially if we move to the new software. I still like 4.0 but with owners leaving right now and new owners waiting in the wings wanting to rejoin when 5.0 happens, it might be best if we made the move.
Delap - I’m excited for the shift… I just don’t want to lose so many GMs that it becomes unplayable. I hope it dies an honorable death. I hope we get some interest for the birth of 5.0. Speaking of which, I need to be more involved in Odin’s test run. You all should be, too.
Timpig - Personally, I’ve just started getting the hang of 4.0 and it’s making me love it. I’m sure I’d love 5.0 too, but I’m fine sticking with 4.0 for a little while longer so long as other GMs remain interested. I’ve enjoyed this league most when activity levels are high. When GMs drop, that of course means activity does too. If 5.0 is what it’ll take to keep people in it, then I’m fine switching over whenever.
JHB - I hate the 5.0 software as it is overly complex and the last league we tried in it fell apart immediately. I'd rather reboot with 4.0 software and come up with some rules so that we don't have enough guys blocking 3+ shots a game to stock a 3-deep on each franchise and have some bigs that can stretch the floor maybe the issues we have with this software could remedy themselves
Majic - I am not personally excited for the end of 4.0 as i think there is alot of uncertainty for 5.0. not only because of a switch but also because of the new software. based on the last attempt to use it things didnt turn out so well. everything looks to be complex and there will be a major learning curce, question is whether the majority of GMs will be willing to get through it
7) for 5.0 what would you like to see changed? Stay the same? Are you team wheel?
Heebs - I don’t know about the wheel. I don’t know enough much about the new software to say what I want to see changed. If we stick with the old software, I’d like to
cap starting blocks for bigs. I’d also like to remove the caps on SC/RCs. If I want to go from 90 to 95 jump shot, I should be able to do that. I don’t understand the cap.
Taco - I haven't done a lot of research into the new software but I am hoping for an extra level of complexity. I wish you could pick which type of offense you ran like triangle or pace/space rather than just a "speed" option. I keep going back and forth about team wheel and I think I am in favor of it. Eliminating tanking will definitely make for an interesting league...however, I could see GMs bailing when they are in for a nightmare of 3 years without an option to get better (or effectively tank).
SPL - I am team wheel, 20s has a lot of good ideas and this is something that he has championed for awhile. I am willing to give it a try but I do see a lot of pros and cons with it but we will not know until we give it a try.
Delap - Mostly I’d like to see major shifts in creativity of offenses. I’d love to have someone like Karl Malone actually be good in the league instead of waiver wire fodder. Offense-minded bigs and more 3pt shooting all around could be fun.
Timpig - Really I’d just like to see bigs fixed. I shouldn’t shy away from a big just because he has an A- inside scoring rating.
I’m not sure about the wheel. I don’t think I fully understand it, but I’m not mad about the way things are currently run
JHB - I am down to participate in 5.0 but all I want is #WHEEL
Majic - first off I am not team wheel. I also do not think that tanking is a problem in the league as is. Absent/non-existent GMs are the main problem. As I have stated in shout many times I think a wheel set up has the chance to create vacuums where a team/GM is devoid of a chance to get better outside of FA luck. Other than that though I am excited at the possibility of more options to build a team. I think some diversity in terms of how a team can be constructed and win should be fun to do.
8) who do you think have been the top 5 GMs over the last 5-10 sim seasons? Who have been the worst 5?
Heebs - Top 5 in no particular order: Fason, Heebs, Shaun, Ward, Odin. Odin may surprise some people, but I really appreciate that he stuck to the plan and put together a nice squad. With the shitty TCs he’s had, a more impatient version of Odin would have made some bad moves out of frustration. Good on you, Odin.
Bottom 5: BK. Dirt. Lipp. MJ. Dump.
Taco - Top 5 in no particular order - Heebs (always), Fason (always 2.0), Pete, SPL (
), and Ward
Bottom 5 in no particular order - BK (Mason and TT for a top 5 pick), MJ (the worst GMs have the worst luck), Lip (basically non-existent), Yawn (still bad with new team), 2poor (because of his lack of help for LeBron)
SPL - top 5
1) Heebs
2) JHB
3) Fason
4) Pete
5) W2D
worst 5
1) BK
2) BK
3) BK
4) BK
5) BK
Delap –
1. Ward
2. TimPig
3. Heebs
4. JHB
5. Dump
That’s the list. No arguments, please
Timpig - I don’t think I’ve been around long enough to tell who a truly great or poor GM is when it comes to the actual GMing, so I’ll just give shoutouts to some of the guys who have welcomed me here.
Fecta: He helped me out as a n00b, and made sure to walk me through things until I got the hang of them. He pushed me until I became a junkie. Also, as someone I’m around all day, it’s cool that I can talk about pretty much anything that occurs around sim league (except Mafia duh) and he actually is interested in the conversation.
Eric: I think he does a ton for the league. Love the articles (even if they’re over my head), love the stat breakdowns, and his sense of humor is a welcome difference from everyone else. Also, he hung out with me and Fecta when he was in Seattle.
Majic: Someone else who has been good to me since the start and also encouraged lots of activity. When I started, I was hesitant to post something in case it sounded dumb. He’s generally always been encouraging.
Delap: Another guy who is active and always seems to be positive, which is much appreciated. Especially with the negativity that can be drawn out in people from Mafia, it’s refreshing when people just seem to be in a generally good mood.
Billy King: Surely an unpopular opinion, but he’s great for laughs and actually a pretty damn good guy in person. He’s never been an outright dick to me either. I’d be sad if he left.
Honorable mentions to:
Duc – One of the only people to provide me with a legit trade offer early on to get Monta
Heebs – Generally a helpful resource around the league, posts articles, make an effort
Odin – Another welcoming GM who is committed to helping people understand and wants to do what he can to contribute to the success of the league
20s – Not a GM, but incredibly helpful to start and does a tough job
Bottom 5:
Uweslabonmyblab: This one is my fault and he doesn’t really count, but I’m still not over him committing then bailing.
Anyone who has quit GMing.
Anyone who tried to take advantage of me when I first started (you know who you are).
JHB - I'm answering this as just the best/worst GM's in terms of consistently winning since I came back in 3044 season
Best:
1. Ward
2. Heebs
3. TimPig
4. Fason
5. JHB
HM. Eric, Pete
Worst:
1. BK
2. MJ
3. dirt
4. lip
5. yawn
Majic - my top 5 are as follows in no order
1) Fason - consitently has a top team
2) Heebs - same can be said for heebs, plus his ability to stockpile talent and always have felxibility is impressive
3) eric - does things in a very different way but always has a team that at least has a shot. he devalues draft picks more than anyone but always finds a way
4) Ward - for as long as i can remember the rockets and now Royals have been good. didnt mind losing the royals in the finals last year as I thought ward earned it
5) Timpig - this might be a curveball but I enjoy what tim has brought to the league. He is extemely active and is really trying to both learn and grow the league. aside from how his team does I think those are very important for the league as a whole.
9) what are your personal 3 favorite moments/events that have happened in 4.0? .. this can be anything
Heebs - The post powerhour impromptu pod was fun to listen to. ProBoards shutting down TMBSL was good in retrospect, even though I spent more time than I’d like to admit researching their ToS and our legal rights to our content. Ankly playing DnD on the pod was also pretty great.
Taco -
1. Eric's creation of the insanely unfair, Jesse Epstein. It was hilarious to see everyone freak out...
2. Dump good bye letters 3 (or 4?) times before actually leaving. Come back dump!!
3. Being invited to join TMBSL. I kind of always wanted to do something like this so I was pumped when Trofie invited me.
SPL - I loved seeing dump get JJ along with Bird, I am pretty sure that happened in one offseason. Obviously for selfish reasons my championship is something that I liked. I will also go with dump on the podcast reading passages from 50 shades. That was probably the best thing that has ever happened on a podcast.
Delap -
1. Delap joining the league. Best decision I’ve made on the internet in a while. Should’ve joined early in 4.0 when I had the chance, but I was scared and confused.
2. Seriously, the most “drama” on the basketball court was Penny’s Game 7, championship-winning, jumper from the top of the key. Clutch, that Anfernee is.
3. Dungeons/Dragons night. Judgment-free zone from the men of the league, while my wife cast some serious shade my way. We killed a horse, couldn’t save Pete, and had a great time. I really wish we could get back at it again sometime soon. August, before football, gents? You have my medium spell of healing.
Timpig - Winning the championship in my first year. Recording the podcast with Fecta and the ensuing feedback. Meeting two TMBSLers IRL within 24 hours.
JHB -
1. Title
2. Congrats JHB
3. Mafia
Majic - here are my 3
1) winning my second title. yes I got alot of help for the first and thus never really got credit. it was nice to win one on my own
2) the Jesse Epstien meltdown. I never really cared either way but just greatly enjoyed the blowup and then subsequent explanations by eric. truly an enjoyable time to just sit back and watch everything
3) joining the league. yes this seems like a cop-out answer but ive truly enjoyed the league. met alot of great guys and the daily banter in shout helps me get through alot of days at work.
10) Stole this from a very old RT but thought it was great:
Post a GIF describing how you feel about your teams upcoming sim season.
Heebs -
Taco-
SPL-
Delap -
Timpig -
JHB -
I don't hate my team by any means but I spent all offseason trying to make some upgrades and struck out in FA and got nowhere on probably 15-25 trade offers I sent out so we're essentially running it back with a 5 seed from last year.
Majic -
welcome gentlemen. we have some long-time GMs and a newbie joining us for this RT. Hope all enjoy!
1) So we just went through another offseason that had a lot of moving parts.
Who do you think had the best offseason?
Heebs - Definitely the Suns. Rashard is a top 5 player in the league, so stealing him for free is incredible. Sexton is going to have one more TC. He’s likely going to have a trade or two here to round out his roster. Shout out to the Cavs who had a great draft. Should have traded for a sure thing in Remer, but they did alright with the picks they had.
Taco - The Suns and this is solely because of Rashard Lewis. He was the crown jewel of this offseason and Ank somehow got him. Sexton + Sviatoslav + Rashard + Diogu is going to be dominant. The Suns are actually stacked now and it's a problem.
SPL - Suns had a great offseason by adding Lewis to Svi and Sexton gives him a very good core to his team. I also like the Nuggets adding Yao, I think that was a real good move by him as well.
Delap - Though luck played a huge role, PHX has turned into a major player in the league and Ank looks like he isn’t done yet. More deals on the horizon, in “win-now” mode. Should be a scorcher in the Valley of the Sun.
Timpig - The Suns offseason was absurd. They got the best player available in Rashard Lewis and added Ike Diogu on an MLE. Their starting 5 is off the charts. Shoutout to the Nuggets as well, who added Yao and kept Zach Randolph. Another good wing and a bump from Chapman turns that team into a contender.
JHB - Easily Ankly. I think Rashard Lewis is the best non-PG in the league and he added that to a very promising young core headlined by Sexton that was really only missing a dominant wing. If Mo Bamba improves this should be a stellar team.
Majic - Suns are the easy answer here, adding a player of Shards ability to an already solid duo is a great FA. Adding Ike and thats just a cherry on top. I also like the look of the Nuggest even if i am not sure how they will play together. Will be a fun and interesting mix of players to watch.
2) Now lets flip that around. Who do you think had the worst offseason?
Heebs - The Bullets and the Royals. Both lost huge pieces without any compensation in FA. That’s a kick in the balls. Also the Knicks. They could have signed a good player in FA, instead they paid for Korver.
Taco - Well...the Royals. It wasn't a bad offseason for anything Ward had control over. He resigned Chris Paul and still has the Kandi Man and Chandler but losing Rashard is devastating. Royals will probably go from the top of the pack down to a 8-5 seed in the playoffs. Additionally, I will say the Celtics. The signing of Jason C. Williams would generally be considered a good situation but that contract is large and daunting considering he is already 33. The Celtics weren't that good last year anyways..
SPL - I love KN but him loosing Yao is a pretty big blow and he added some marginal stuff. Kings sat on their hands this offseason and is wasting Lebron. I imagine a deal has to be coming soon that he gets moved
Delap - Aside from the completely inactives… I would worry about Toronto. One clear need going into the off-season was a D/R big and they go and sign Charles Smith? Pete may be handsome, but good looks won’t grab rebounds.
Timpig - The Royals re-signed Chris Paul for a better deal than he initially wanted, but they lost Rashard. Other teams have moved the dial slightly one way or another, but I don’t think any team lost any bigger single piece than the Royals.
JHB - Conversely, Ward lost the best non-PG in the league. It would be easy to say him but I think he did about as good as can be expected in FA to cover for the loss of Lewis. Chandler is an elite big still. Austin on a min deal is a great pickup. Middleton is not a great player but can probably hold serve and help make Ward make the playoffs until he finds an upgrade. 2poor did absolutely nothing and let his entire core outside of LeBron and Tony Wroten get picked away.
Majic - the royals and ward are the easy answer here. Losing a player like Shard is hard enough, but losing him after you just won the title is even worse. the other big loser again was Lebron James (IRL too) as he will enter another season without any help. Will Lebron go down as the best sim leaguer to never win a title?
3) give me your top contenders from each conference.. who do you think wins it all?
Heebs - Eastern conference is the Pacers and the Raptors by a mile. The Royals will fall off from contender status, and the Hawks were exposed last year.
The west is much tougher. The Sonics, Blazers, Suns, Warriors, Jazz, Spurs, and Nuggets are legit contenders. It’s going to be a meat grinder. If I were in Fason’s shoes, I’d be selling off and tanking this out.
Taco - Surprising to no one, I think the Pacers are the top of the East. Assuming that Theus doesn't regress too much in TC, I think that the Heat will be serious contenders as well. Regarding the West, I think Sonics are going to be the team to beat. They didn't lose any of their key pieces and they would have been in the conference finals over the Warriors last year if they didn't lose Ridnour. I think the Suns and Spurs will be up there too. At the end of the day, I think the Sonics win the championship with a healthy Ridnour.
SPL - In the Atlantic, I will go with the Raptors.
In the Central, I am going to go with the Royals
In the Midwest, Jazz for selfish reasons
In the Pacific, Suns
I think Suns win it all, that core is just nasty
Delap - Atlantic – Heat, Knicks, Braves
Central – Pistons, Pacers, Royals
Midwest – Spurs and ???
Pacific – Suns, Sonics, Blazers
I like the winner of the Central over the Sonics for the title… but if Fason actually follows through with some trades, the Spurs or Suns will take the WC Crown.
Timpig –
West: Spurs, Jazz, Suns, Blazers
East: Raptors, Pacers
With their offseason, the Suns look like the team to beat, sadly, but I think the Pacers have the best shot to give them a run for their money. It remains to be seen how ‘Shard and Ike will fit in Phoenix, but it’s tough for anyone to top their talent.
JHB - Pacers in the East and Suns in the west and I think they both run away with it. Heebs' team is so complete and the Suns have some huge guns.
I think the Suns win in the Finals. While Heebs has more depth I think Ank has more top-end talent.
Majic -
East: Pacers and Heat are the top two followed by the Knicks and Raptors. Cavs and Royals should be solid as well.
West: Sonic, Suns and Warriors are my top 3. I think the Jazz and Blazers should be very good teams, but how their big men play.
Winning it all: I fully expect the Sonics and Pacers to make the finals. those two teams/GMs have been good long enough to not meet in the finals.
4) what is a team that you think might surprise a lot of people either good or bad?
Heebs - The Cavs could surprise some people this year. Latifah should be a day 1 starter as a no-shoot wing that blocks shots. Method Man should be an MVP caliber player someday, and I expect him to be the best player from this draft when it’s all said and done. OBD and Biggie (Swanigan) are gonna hold down the front court for this team for a while. I see a bright future in Cleveland.
Taco - Suns will make a huge jump, which isn't really a surprise. Additionally, I think the Jazz will be a higher end (seed 6 to 4) playoff team after missing the playoffs last year. The Pistons seem poised to be a really good team as well. I think the Wolves are gonna take a tumble in the standings without Lillard. Back to the Royals, I think they will fall significantly.
SPL - I think the Bucks are going to surprise people, I will admit to heebs, I was wrong on Remer, after his TC, he looks like he can be a really good SG. I missed the boat on that one. Good for the Duc Bucks. Duc has a real nice core going on there.
Delap - The Jazz will underperform, even with Mormon Williams now in the fold. The team wasn’t great last year and D/R will likely be an issue. They will be the 3050 version of the 3049 Braves.
Timpig - The Nuggets. Odin brought in Yao and kept Zach Randolph, so he’s got some nice bigs to run with, a good SF in Van Horn and a PG in Rex Chapman. I think this four can get you a decent seed in the playoffs and adding a shooting guard could get you through a couple of rounds.
JHB - I don't think the Blazers will live up to what they did in the preseason or Majic's expectations. Haha roasted in your own RT.
Majic - I am not going to say the Suns because thats wouldnt really be a surprise. However I am interested to see how that collection of talent plays together. I was sure the Raptors were on the cusp of a couple title runs once Pete got Arenas but it never happened. I think the royals will be better than expected, this is purely because Ward is such a solid GM and always has a solid team. The Cavs should be a much improved team as well and I think the Pistons young talent could make a big jump.
5) Now that TC has happened and we can see the rookies, what are your thoughts? Who looks like studs? who looks like busts?
Heebs - Since no one has taken the initiative to do a rookie TC, I'm not sure. I was shocked how bad Cliff Smith looks. I wrote his profile to be a cheesy SG-eligible wing. It looks like 20s didn't take the bait. I really like how Flea looks if I'm being honest. I was between him and Jamel Irief with 1.13, and looking back I think I made the choice. That said, Irief could have a higher ceiling than Flea. It remains to be seen. At the top of the draft I really like Mapp. I wanted him to be a generational talent, and it looks like 20s put the skeleton in place for that to happen. I am not-so-silently snickering at Shaun for taking Latifa instead of trading for Remer. Whoops!
Taco - no answer
SPL - I was very happy for myself and Corey Woods, think him going +2 and getting a bump in defense and rebounding was exactly what I wanted/needed to see there. Taking off my homer goggles, I like Belamy, I think he is going to be really good. I think it is too soon to call anyone busts yet.
Delap - Grizzard and Bellamy will be the biggest players. Both have maintained high potential, so another TC could be a boom for them. Gary Grice went +3, not bad. I had him pegged as the biggest boom/bust guy and it looks good so far. I don’t see a major bust in the class, unless someone really thinks Zavackas is going to change the world. He doesn’t play enough defense or rebound well enough to be considered a top rook.
Timpig - I don’t think TC had anything ridiculous happen, but I’m thinking that Mapp, Grizzard, and Zavackas could be the best rookies to come out of this draft. I was hoping both Zavackas and Falu would fall to 1.26 and I could have my pick, but was fine if I was able to snag either. Unfortunately, it looks like two of my three first-rounders – Coles and Falu – could be busts. Falu saw drops in his B+ Inside and B potential, which were the two biggest things that drew me too him. Coles was listed as a player who was great at blocking shots in his profile, but blocked less than one shot per 36 in summer league.
JHB - Just a quick run down of the top 10:
1. New Orleans Pelicans - Majestic Mapp
Stud. Hopefully he gets the points/TC's to move down to PG because based on his preseason, he should be a good one
2. Orlando Magic - Gary Grice
Could be good, probably won't. Has the potential to be good but won't get the TLC he needs to get there.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers - Clifford Smith
BUST
4. Charlotte Hornets - Dan Cortese
Meh. Maybe an average SG. Hornets roster is a little crowded with combo guards.
5. San Diego Clippers - Brett Nelson
Meh. Not enough info yet to say either way.
6. Buffalo Braves - Bill Bellamy
Won't meet Delap's absurd expectations.
7. Vancouver Grizzlies - Robert Diggs
BUST.
8. Boston Celtics - Rod Grizzard
STUD. Nice work Devine.
9. Portland Trailblazers - Jason Gardner
Meh. May be a rotation guard.
10. Chicago Bulls - Matt Carroll
Meh. Not enough info. Probably a bust.
Donatas Zavackas needs some rebound/strength work but could be steal of the first round.
Majic - this class looked to have more depth that it actually might. I thought there were alot of good players at the end of the lottery but none really jumped out after TC. Mapp obviously looks like the crown jewel.
6) the league overall is in a precarious position. the end of 4.0 looks to be closer than most expected. What are your thoughts on it? Are you excited for 5.0 or would you rather 4.0 hold on a little longer?
Heebs - I’m not excited for 5.0 at all. I don’t like the wheel. I don’t like the new software. I don’t like change. I don’t want to end 4.0. But I do want to draw a penis on eric’s forehead with permanent marker. So I guess I’m willing to sacrifice 4.0.
Taco - The Warriors are in a good situation having just made their first conference finals so I am holding onto 4.0 for as long as possible. If Luka continues to improve and resigns with the team, the Warriors will have a good shot at making waves in the playoffs for the upcoming years. People need to quit being bitches and stick with their teams even when the end is in sight. Where's the loyalty?
SPL - I think 4.0 if were a horse that it would be at a glue factory right now. I think 5.0 will be fun, especially if we move to the new software. I still like 4.0 but with owners leaving right now and new owners waiting in the wings wanting to rejoin when 5.0 happens, it might be best if we made the move.
Delap - I’m excited for the shift… I just don’t want to lose so many GMs that it becomes unplayable. I hope it dies an honorable death. I hope we get some interest for the birth of 5.0. Speaking of which, I need to be more involved in Odin’s test run. You all should be, too.
Timpig - Personally, I’ve just started getting the hang of 4.0 and it’s making me love it. I’m sure I’d love 5.0 too, but I’m fine sticking with 4.0 for a little while longer so long as other GMs remain interested. I’ve enjoyed this league most when activity levels are high. When GMs drop, that of course means activity does too. If 5.0 is what it’ll take to keep people in it, then I’m fine switching over whenever.
JHB - I hate the 5.0 software as it is overly complex and the last league we tried in it fell apart immediately. I'd rather reboot with 4.0 software and come up with some rules so that we don't have enough guys blocking 3+ shots a game to stock a 3-deep on each franchise and have some bigs that can stretch the floor maybe the issues we have with this software could remedy themselves
Majic - I am not personally excited for the end of 4.0 as i think there is alot of uncertainty for 5.0. not only because of a switch but also because of the new software. based on the last attempt to use it things didnt turn out so well. everything looks to be complex and there will be a major learning curce, question is whether the majority of GMs will be willing to get through it
7) for 5.0 what would you like to see changed? Stay the same? Are you team wheel?
Heebs - I don’t know about the wheel. I don’t know enough much about the new software to say what I want to see changed. If we stick with the old software, I’d like to
cap starting blocks for bigs. I’d also like to remove the caps on SC/RCs. If I want to go from 90 to 95 jump shot, I should be able to do that. I don’t understand the cap.
Taco - I haven't done a lot of research into the new software but I am hoping for an extra level of complexity. I wish you could pick which type of offense you ran like triangle or pace/space rather than just a "speed" option. I keep going back and forth about team wheel and I think I am in favor of it. Eliminating tanking will definitely make for an interesting league...however, I could see GMs bailing when they are in for a nightmare of 3 years without an option to get better (or effectively tank).
SPL - I am team wheel, 20s has a lot of good ideas and this is something that he has championed for awhile. I am willing to give it a try but I do see a lot of pros and cons with it but we will not know until we give it a try.
Delap - Mostly I’d like to see major shifts in creativity of offenses. I’d love to have someone like Karl Malone actually be good in the league instead of waiver wire fodder. Offense-minded bigs and more 3pt shooting all around could be fun.
Timpig - Really I’d just like to see bigs fixed. I shouldn’t shy away from a big just because he has an A- inside scoring rating.
I’m not sure about the wheel. I don’t think I fully understand it, but I’m not mad about the way things are currently run
JHB - I am down to participate in 5.0 but all I want is #WHEEL
Majic - first off I am not team wheel. I also do not think that tanking is a problem in the league as is. Absent/non-existent GMs are the main problem. As I have stated in shout many times I think a wheel set up has the chance to create vacuums where a team/GM is devoid of a chance to get better outside of FA luck. Other than that though I am excited at the possibility of more options to build a team. I think some diversity in terms of how a team can be constructed and win should be fun to do.
8) who do you think have been the top 5 GMs over the last 5-10 sim seasons? Who have been the worst 5?
Heebs - Top 5 in no particular order: Fason, Heebs, Shaun, Ward, Odin. Odin may surprise some people, but I really appreciate that he stuck to the plan and put together a nice squad. With the shitty TCs he’s had, a more impatient version of Odin would have made some bad moves out of frustration. Good on you, Odin.
Bottom 5: BK. Dirt. Lipp. MJ. Dump.
Taco - Top 5 in no particular order - Heebs (always), Fason (always 2.0), Pete, SPL (
), and WardBottom 5 in no particular order - BK (Mason and TT for a top 5 pick), MJ (the worst GMs have the worst luck), Lip (basically non-existent), Yawn (still bad with new team), 2poor (because of his lack of help for LeBron)
SPL - top 5
1) Heebs
2) JHB
3) Fason
4) Pete
5) W2D
worst 5
1) BK
2) BK
3) BK
4) BK
5) BK
Delap –
1. Ward
2. TimPig
3. Heebs
4. JHB
5. Dump
That’s the list. No arguments, please
Timpig - I don’t think I’ve been around long enough to tell who a truly great or poor GM is when it comes to the actual GMing, so I’ll just give shoutouts to some of the guys who have welcomed me here.
Fecta: He helped me out as a n00b, and made sure to walk me through things until I got the hang of them. He pushed me until I became a junkie. Also, as someone I’m around all day, it’s cool that I can talk about pretty much anything that occurs around sim league (except Mafia duh) and he actually is interested in the conversation.
Eric: I think he does a ton for the league. Love the articles (even if they’re over my head), love the stat breakdowns, and his sense of humor is a welcome difference from everyone else. Also, he hung out with me and Fecta when he was in Seattle.
Majic: Someone else who has been good to me since the start and also encouraged lots of activity. When I started, I was hesitant to post something in case it sounded dumb. He’s generally always been encouraging.
Delap: Another guy who is active and always seems to be positive, which is much appreciated. Especially with the negativity that can be drawn out in people from Mafia, it’s refreshing when people just seem to be in a generally good mood.
Billy King: Surely an unpopular opinion, but he’s great for laughs and actually a pretty damn good guy in person. He’s never been an outright dick to me either. I’d be sad if he left.
Honorable mentions to:
Duc – One of the only people to provide me with a legit trade offer early on to get Monta
Heebs – Generally a helpful resource around the league, posts articles, make an effort
Odin – Another welcoming GM who is committed to helping people understand and wants to do what he can to contribute to the success of the league
20s – Not a GM, but incredibly helpful to start and does a tough job
Bottom 5:
Uweslabonmyblab: This one is my fault and he doesn’t really count, but I’m still not over him committing then bailing.
Anyone who has quit GMing.
Anyone who tried to take advantage of me when I first started (you know who you are).
JHB - I'm answering this as just the best/worst GM's in terms of consistently winning since I came back in 3044 season
Best:
1. Ward
2. Heebs
3. TimPig
4. Fason
5. JHB
HM. Eric, Pete
Worst:
1. BK
2. MJ
3. dirt
4. lip
5. yawn
Majic - my top 5 are as follows in no order
1) Fason - consitently has a top team
2) Heebs - same can be said for heebs, plus his ability to stockpile talent and always have felxibility is impressive
3) eric - does things in a very different way but always has a team that at least has a shot. he devalues draft picks more than anyone but always finds a way
4) Ward - for as long as i can remember the rockets and now Royals have been good. didnt mind losing the royals in the finals last year as I thought ward earned it
5) Timpig - this might be a curveball but I enjoy what tim has brought to the league. He is extemely active and is really trying to both learn and grow the league. aside from how his team does I think those are very important for the league as a whole.
9) what are your personal 3 favorite moments/events that have happened in 4.0? .. this can be anything
Heebs - The post powerhour impromptu pod was fun to listen to. ProBoards shutting down TMBSL was good in retrospect, even though I spent more time than I’d like to admit researching their ToS and our legal rights to our content. Ankly playing DnD on the pod was also pretty great.
Taco -
1. Eric's creation of the insanely unfair, Jesse Epstein. It was hilarious to see everyone freak out...
2. Dump good bye letters 3 (or 4?) times before actually leaving. Come back dump!!
3. Being invited to join TMBSL. I kind of always wanted to do something like this so I was pumped when Trofie invited me.
SPL - I loved seeing dump get JJ along with Bird, I am pretty sure that happened in one offseason. Obviously for selfish reasons my championship is something that I liked. I will also go with dump on the podcast reading passages from 50 shades. That was probably the best thing that has ever happened on a podcast.
Delap -
1. Delap joining the league. Best decision I’ve made on the internet in a while. Should’ve joined early in 4.0 when I had the chance, but I was scared and confused.
2. Seriously, the most “drama” on the basketball court was Penny’s Game 7, championship-winning, jumper from the top of the key. Clutch, that Anfernee is.
3. Dungeons/Dragons night. Judgment-free zone from the men of the league, while my wife cast some serious shade my way. We killed a horse, couldn’t save Pete, and had a great time. I really wish we could get back at it again sometime soon. August, before football, gents? You have my medium spell of healing.
Timpig - Winning the championship in my first year. Recording the podcast with Fecta and the ensuing feedback. Meeting two TMBSLers IRL within 24 hours.
JHB -
1. Title
2. Congrats JHB
3. Mafia
Majic - here are my 3
1) winning my second title. yes I got alot of help for the first and thus never really got credit. it was nice to win one on my own
2) the Jesse Epstien meltdown. I never really cared either way but just greatly enjoyed the blowup and then subsequent explanations by eric. truly an enjoyable time to just sit back and watch everything
3) joining the league. yes this seems like a cop-out answer but ive truly enjoyed the league. met alot of great guys and the daily banter in shout helps me get through alot of days at work.
10) Stole this from a very old RT but thought it was great:
Post a GIF describing how you feel about your teams upcoming sim season.
Heebs -
Taco-
SPL-
Delap -
Timpig -
JHB -
I don't hate my team by any means but I spent all offseason trying to make some upgrades and struck out in FA and got nowhere on probably 15-25 trade offers I sent out so we're essentially running it back with a 5 seed from last year.
Majic -
![[Account Deleted] Avatar](http://storage.proboards.com/5589790/avatar/ZhaFVHTxVPwmyuOiOKEd.png)
