Post by JDawg on Jun 25, 2007 15:48:30 GMT -5
This is J with this week's Around the Horn: Heated edition. This show is sponsored by Piggy's Market, the only place to shop and also sponsored by Trojan Condoms, be prepared.
With us today we have Spencer, Andy, Scott and Hernando to debate all the latest and hottest topics.
#1: Are you happy with the activity of the league?
Spencer: Very much so. its as active as its ever been, and it only looks to be be getting better.
Andy: Yeah. Even when this league isn't at it's highest when it comes to activity, it's still higher then other leagues. It's at a solid level right now without random posting padding, like last year. Of course, that'll come back sooner or later as well and everything will seem normal.
Scott: I love the activity of the league at this point. I know we are hitting the summer and things may slow down, but the activity ever since the lull due to Spencer's computer failure has been awesome in my opinion.
Hernando: Yea, I mean there are some people who could be more active than they are, but all around I can't imagine other leagues being more active than this one is, and a lot of it has to do with Spencer and his sim schedule.
#2: If necessary, do you think any GM changes need to be made?If so, what available person would make the best candidate for that GM job?
Spencer: I think Gm changes are always needed to keep things fresh and the interest level high. As of now Nova seems to be the most deseving non-GM to get the next spot.
Andy: As of right now, pretty much everyone is doing a solid GM. That, along with the fact that the waiting list doesn't really have anyone amazing, I don't think there really should be any changes. If down the road, we have some quality GM's on the waiting list then sure. I'm down for a change.
Scott: I think that a lot of the GMs that were formerly on the hot seat have really put an effort forward to improve their teams and increase their activity. The only possibilities at this point I would see are KG in Minnesota and Dave in Memphis. However, Dave has done a lot recently. Of the guys available, I think that Nova could be a real nice addition to the league, and Jeremy will get a shot sooner or later to prove if he can do the job here in BBS.
Hernando: There are several GMs that could theoretically be replaced and probably not be missed greatly, but until something happens to warrant a definite termination, I can't see any changes being made. With that being said, Jeremy could definitely deserve a team, and perhaps he could Co-GM a team with somebody else. Besides that, I'm not really familiar with any of the other candidates.
#3: What trade acquisition was the best one this season?
Spencer: Bulls getting JJ. Without a doubt. JJ was a franchise player for the Hornets and their record since trading him has proven why he was so valuable to their team.
Andy: I still go with Kobe. I wasn't a big fan of there VC trade but Kobe and BD makes for a pretty sick 1-2 punch that should be able to make noise throughout. They just need to add some more players, especially in the front court.
Scott: I think that two trade acquisitions stick out as having the most impact this year. Chicago acquiring Joe Johnson was huge and made them the title favorites in my eyes. Dave has done a real nice job here and is a master at getting the most out of his players. With the amount of talent he has, he will be a very tough out int he playoffs. The second trade I like the most was Sacramento's recent acquisition of Brad Miller. I feel like he added a lot of talent and basically traded a big expiring and a shotblocker (equal production in blocks as Miller). While Lumley could have used the expiring in the offseason, it's a safe bet that Miller is better than most people he could have gotten. Being in the West, I think he just made himself a legitimate playoff team and could have hurt the value in that Lebron deal where Denver acquired SAC's pick this season.
Hernando: While it may not be during the season, the Kobe Bryant trade definitely was the biggest and best deal made. James got probably the best player in the league, while I got a bundle of youth and picks, which currently includes the Grizzlies pick (projected #2). For years to come Deron Williams/SG via draft or trade/Diaw/Amare/Emeka should be a powerhouse in the West.
#4: What team should we keep our eyes on during the season?
Spencer: The first year of the contract year. Should be interesting to see how GMs react to having a win or be fired situation.
Andy: Denver Nuggets. I almost said the Bulls but the Bulls are expected to put up a good record anyways. Not only is this about as close to a "do or die" season comes in sim leagues, it will prove if the LeBron trade was really worth it at the end. As of now, Nuggets are on the outside looking in.
Scott: I think the East has two teams to really watch out for. Milwaukee is struggling right now, but the Bucks are loaded with talent. They have Martin, Bosh, and Anthony to lead the team and have a solid group of role players with the likes of Eddie Griffin, Andris Biedrins, and Jameer Nelson. I think they'll be back int he playoff chase before too long. The other team to watch out for in the East would be the Cleveland Cavaliers. This young team has a lot of fire power, proven by the fact that they have 7 double-digit scorers. They love to share the ball, and that all starts from PG Leandro Barbosa. Barbosa is dishing out 10.2 assists and scoring 15.5 points per game. Much of this production comes from the fast break as he leads the league in steals at 3.2 per game and starts the offense quickly. This team is 7th in points per game and leads the league in forced turnovers, so this is certainly a fun team to watch.
Hernando: I would say the Pistons and the Bulls will be the two teams to watch as they are both trying to improve their teams, and seem to be flip flopping between being the #1 and #2 teams in the league.
#5: Who do you expect to win the MVP award in BBS?
Spencer: Shaquille O'Neal. hes just having another fantastic season.
Andy: Kobe. Leads the league in scoring and is shooting almost 50% from the field despite leading the league in FG and 3pt attempts. He also averages 7 rpg and 5 apg. Almost 2 spg and 2 tpg. Those are some pretty sick numbers. All that and the Warriors are 1st in the West. I'd be shocked if he didn't get it.
Scott: I think that Yao Ming will take the MVP award this year. While FBB is known for not giving big men much love, Ming has been extremely valuable to the Knicks. With the second best record in the East, where would they be without the league's second-leading scorer and the leading blocker...that's a good question and the only question that needs to be asked to determine this year's MVP.
Hernando: Kobe Bryant
#6: Was the addition of assistant GM Jeremy to the Detroit squad, a good idea on Reilley's part?
Spencer: If Jeremy can produce some RCs via writing articles it will be considered a very good pickup.
Andy: Well, it can't hurt. He's a good GM for Jeremy to learn from. As long as Jeremy listens, he himself could be a better GM. Having said that, I don't really believe this should be the question. I believe the question should be, how long will he last in Detroit. I give him 2 seasons.
Scott: Yes. Not only does Jeremy contribute a lot through articles to gain reward points for the younger guys, but Jeremy also has a lot of enthusiasm to build a winner. Jeremy is the type of guy that Reilly can send out to field trade offers while Aaron does the final negotiations.
Hernando: It can't hurt, and hopefully he'll get some RCs out of it. Just gotta make sure he doesn't drink on the job.
#7: Who is the most overrated player in BBS?
Spencer: Steve Francis. Hes got great ratings, but he just produces mediocre results.
Andy: LeBron James. I'll put it this way. The guy put up 21 ppg, 7 rpg, 5 apg and almost 4 tpg on one of the weakest teams in the league. Those numbers themselves aren't bad at all. The problem being, people think LeBron is worth far more then what he really should be worth.
Scott: Tough question here, but I think Eddie Jones fills this role. He continues to receive big contract offers, granted for one year, but he never lives up to the contract in terms of production. Constantly switching teams, it's obvious that teams continue to think he could be an asset but they soon realize they need to trade him. While he as good in his prime, he has declined greatly and his name still gets him a lot of attention.
Hernando: Kevin Garnett
#8: Who is the most underrated player in BBS?
Spencer: Robert Traylor. if given more time, I may be able to come up with another guy, but Traylor is such a great defender and rebounder. He was a very big part to my championship.
Andy: Eric Snow. He can't shoot to save his life which does hurt him but having a PG with A+ handles and a sick 9.3 apg with only 1.6 tpg is someone I'd love to have as my point. You just don't hear anything about Snow. Not surprising really but still.
Scott: While he does have a big contract and obviously has a recognizable name, I think this could be Antonio Walker. Running the BBS Awards, I rarely see this man's name on the ballot. He puts up great numbers all around every year, but just seems to get lost with the other big names at SF
Hernando: LeBron James. He's only 20 and his big TC will eventually come.
#9: If there was one player in BBS you would build your team around, who would it be?
Spencer: Dwyane Wade. I just love his game, and how he sims.
Andy: I'd go with CP3. A PG is a very important part in building a team and CP3 is a rookie averaging almost 15 ppg, 8 apg and 2.6 tpg. Plus, he can still be RC'ed so he can without a doubt get better.
Scott: Yao Ming. The guy scores, rebounds, blocks shots, and shoots the ball well from the field and the free throw line. Getting a bonafide big man like Yao is a tough thing to do, so I would love to build my team around him.
Hernando: Right now, I'd build it around a young big man, since PGs seem to be a dime a dozen...so either Yao Ming or Amare Stoudemire
Thats our show for today. Thank you for all the GM's cooperation and time. Enjoy your day everyone and don't spend the $5 million you made from this show appearance all in one place.
With us today we have Spencer, Andy, Scott and Hernando to debate all the latest and hottest topics.
#1: Are you happy with the activity of the league?
Spencer: Very much so. its as active as its ever been, and it only looks to be be getting better.
Andy: Yeah. Even when this league isn't at it's highest when it comes to activity, it's still higher then other leagues. It's at a solid level right now without random posting padding, like last year. Of course, that'll come back sooner or later as well and everything will seem normal.
Scott: I love the activity of the league at this point. I know we are hitting the summer and things may slow down, but the activity ever since the lull due to Spencer's computer failure has been awesome in my opinion.
Hernando: Yea, I mean there are some people who could be more active than they are, but all around I can't imagine other leagues being more active than this one is, and a lot of it has to do with Spencer and his sim schedule.
#2: If necessary, do you think any GM changes need to be made?If so, what available person would make the best candidate for that GM job?
Spencer: I think Gm changes are always needed to keep things fresh and the interest level high. As of now Nova seems to be the most deseving non-GM to get the next spot.
Andy: As of right now, pretty much everyone is doing a solid GM. That, along with the fact that the waiting list doesn't really have anyone amazing, I don't think there really should be any changes. If down the road, we have some quality GM's on the waiting list then sure. I'm down for a change.
Scott: I think that a lot of the GMs that were formerly on the hot seat have really put an effort forward to improve their teams and increase their activity. The only possibilities at this point I would see are KG in Minnesota and Dave in Memphis. However, Dave has done a lot recently. Of the guys available, I think that Nova could be a real nice addition to the league, and Jeremy will get a shot sooner or later to prove if he can do the job here in BBS.
Hernando: There are several GMs that could theoretically be replaced and probably not be missed greatly, but until something happens to warrant a definite termination, I can't see any changes being made. With that being said, Jeremy could definitely deserve a team, and perhaps he could Co-GM a team with somebody else. Besides that, I'm not really familiar with any of the other candidates.
#3: What trade acquisition was the best one this season?
Spencer: Bulls getting JJ. Without a doubt. JJ was a franchise player for the Hornets and their record since trading him has proven why he was so valuable to their team.
Andy: I still go with Kobe. I wasn't a big fan of there VC trade but Kobe and BD makes for a pretty sick 1-2 punch that should be able to make noise throughout. They just need to add some more players, especially in the front court.
Scott: I think that two trade acquisitions stick out as having the most impact this year. Chicago acquiring Joe Johnson was huge and made them the title favorites in my eyes. Dave has done a real nice job here and is a master at getting the most out of his players. With the amount of talent he has, he will be a very tough out int he playoffs. The second trade I like the most was Sacramento's recent acquisition of Brad Miller. I feel like he added a lot of talent and basically traded a big expiring and a shotblocker (equal production in blocks as Miller). While Lumley could have used the expiring in the offseason, it's a safe bet that Miller is better than most people he could have gotten. Being in the West, I think he just made himself a legitimate playoff team and could have hurt the value in that Lebron deal where Denver acquired SAC's pick this season.
Hernando: While it may not be during the season, the Kobe Bryant trade definitely was the biggest and best deal made. James got probably the best player in the league, while I got a bundle of youth and picks, which currently includes the Grizzlies pick (projected #2). For years to come Deron Williams/SG via draft or trade/Diaw/Amare/Emeka should be a powerhouse in the West.
#4: What team should we keep our eyes on during the season?
Spencer: The first year of the contract year. Should be interesting to see how GMs react to having a win or be fired situation.
Andy: Denver Nuggets. I almost said the Bulls but the Bulls are expected to put up a good record anyways. Not only is this about as close to a "do or die" season comes in sim leagues, it will prove if the LeBron trade was really worth it at the end. As of now, Nuggets are on the outside looking in.
Scott: I think the East has two teams to really watch out for. Milwaukee is struggling right now, but the Bucks are loaded with talent. They have Martin, Bosh, and Anthony to lead the team and have a solid group of role players with the likes of Eddie Griffin, Andris Biedrins, and Jameer Nelson. I think they'll be back int he playoff chase before too long. The other team to watch out for in the East would be the Cleveland Cavaliers. This young team has a lot of fire power, proven by the fact that they have 7 double-digit scorers. They love to share the ball, and that all starts from PG Leandro Barbosa. Barbosa is dishing out 10.2 assists and scoring 15.5 points per game. Much of this production comes from the fast break as he leads the league in steals at 3.2 per game and starts the offense quickly. This team is 7th in points per game and leads the league in forced turnovers, so this is certainly a fun team to watch.
Hernando: I would say the Pistons and the Bulls will be the two teams to watch as they are both trying to improve their teams, and seem to be flip flopping between being the #1 and #2 teams in the league.
#5: Who do you expect to win the MVP award in BBS?
Spencer: Shaquille O'Neal. hes just having another fantastic season.
Andy: Kobe. Leads the league in scoring and is shooting almost 50% from the field despite leading the league in FG and 3pt attempts. He also averages 7 rpg and 5 apg. Almost 2 spg and 2 tpg. Those are some pretty sick numbers. All that and the Warriors are 1st in the West. I'd be shocked if he didn't get it.
Scott: I think that Yao Ming will take the MVP award this year. While FBB is known for not giving big men much love, Ming has been extremely valuable to the Knicks. With the second best record in the East, where would they be without the league's second-leading scorer and the leading blocker...that's a good question and the only question that needs to be asked to determine this year's MVP.
Hernando: Kobe Bryant
#6: Was the addition of assistant GM Jeremy to the Detroit squad, a good idea on Reilley's part?
Spencer: If Jeremy can produce some RCs via writing articles it will be considered a very good pickup.
Andy: Well, it can't hurt. He's a good GM for Jeremy to learn from. As long as Jeremy listens, he himself could be a better GM. Having said that, I don't really believe this should be the question. I believe the question should be, how long will he last in Detroit. I give him 2 seasons.
Scott: Yes. Not only does Jeremy contribute a lot through articles to gain reward points for the younger guys, but Jeremy also has a lot of enthusiasm to build a winner. Jeremy is the type of guy that Reilly can send out to field trade offers while Aaron does the final negotiations.
Hernando: It can't hurt, and hopefully he'll get some RCs out of it. Just gotta make sure he doesn't drink on the job.
#7: Who is the most overrated player in BBS?
Spencer: Steve Francis. Hes got great ratings, but he just produces mediocre results.
Andy: LeBron James. I'll put it this way. The guy put up 21 ppg, 7 rpg, 5 apg and almost 4 tpg on one of the weakest teams in the league. Those numbers themselves aren't bad at all. The problem being, people think LeBron is worth far more then what he really should be worth.
Scott: Tough question here, but I think Eddie Jones fills this role. He continues to receive big contract offers, granted for one year, but he never lives up to the contract in terms of production. Constantly switching teams, it's obvious that teams continue to think he could be an asset but they soon realize they need to trade him. While he as good in his prime, he has declined greatly and his name still gets him a lot of attention.
Hernando: Kevin Garnett
#8: Who is the most underrated player in BBS?
Spencer: Robert Traylor. if given more time, I may be able to come up with another guy, but Traylor is such a great defender and rebounder. He was a very big part to my championship.
Andy: Eric Snow. He can't shoot to save his life which does hurt him but having a PG with A+ handles and a sick 9.3 apg with only 1.6 tpg is someone I'd love to have as my point. You just don't hear anything about Snow. Not surprising really but still.
Scott: While he does have a big contract and obviously has a recognizable name, I think this could be Antonio Walker. Running the BBS Awards, I rarely see this man's name on the ballot. He puts up great numbers all around every year, but just seems to get lost with the other big names at SF
Hernando: LeBron James. He's only 20 and his big TC will eventually come.
#9: If there was one player in BBS you would build your team around, who would it be?
Spencer: Dwyane Wade. I just love his game, and how he sims.
Andy: I'd go with CP3. A PG is a very important part in building a team and CP3 is a rookie averaging almost 15 ppg, 8 apg and 2.6 tpg. Plus, he can still be RC'ed so he can without a doubt get better.
Scott: Yao Ming. The guy scores, rebounds, blocks shots, and shoots the ball well from the field and the free throw line. Getting a bonafide big man like Yao is a tough thing to do, so I would love to build my team around him.
Hernando: Right now, I'd build it around a young big man, since PGs seem to be a dime a dozen...so either Yao Ming or Amare Stoudemire
Thats our show for today. Thank you for all the GM's cooperation and time. Enjoy your day everyone and don't spend the $5 million you made from this show appearance all in one place.