Post by The Slough on Dec 10, 2023 13:05:36 GMT
1. How excited are you for this league to reboot and start over? Are you in other leagues or was there a void since 2.0 ended?
Michael: Very excited about reuniting the gang from 2.0 more than anything, been a while since I was in touch with some of you. I did find myself in some other leagues and have enjoyed them to some extent but NBN hits different. That said, I am still in SLOR and it is quite enjoyable despite the very slow pace.
Yourkers: majorly excited. I've missed this a lot. No league like it with a community of gms second to none. Missed talking trade and just having conversations with everyone and taking me away from reality at times. So damn happy.
Bundy: Yeah excited for the league, have always preferred the speed and camping system here over the other faster ran leagues still out there, community is solid here as well and its free of any drama or shit like that. Joined Sveddas and LBs leagues during the hiatus but they are both no longer running so this restart has come at a good time. Hopefully this one can run just as long as previous files.
Carlos: I'm really excited to get started back up with a lot of the same community we had and some renewed excitement. I haven't been a part of any other leagues since the last version of NBN, so I'm looking forward to shaking off some of the rust and getting back into it.
Ripkobebryant: Never got a team here before but somehow registered since 2020. Remember some of these names but since I've never actually had a team here im just excited to be in a sim league!
Josephballin: I am HYPED. Might I remind you, I was still posting around here before it kicked back up. All I needed was the signal and I'm back in full force. A big fucking void in my heart. I tried signing up for John's league, but I deleted the posts 2 minutes later and I knew it wouldn't feel my NBN hole (No offense John if you are reading this <3)
UcFinfan: So excited. This is my favorite league I’ve ever been in and I miss checking the forum all day and chatting with so many of the guys who have returned. It was so boring actually having to do work during the day instead of messing around on here. I am currently in SLOR, but it’s not the same and I’m not as invested as I ever was here.
Slough: Super excited, best league ever and best commish ever, not to mention all the crazy good gm’s that make the league the best. I just wish there is less drama, its all about fun, talking some smack and getting along. Didn’t play in another league since the try and the new simulation, but was different for me, so I guess I’m a crazy fan for 30 year old games, haha.
2. Which team are you most excited to land and why?
Michael: I will probably pick the Blazers although if I land the top pick in the team draft, might go with the Sonics just because of the sheer amount of young talent they have. And to piss multiple guys off in one move.
Yourkers: Spurs as I am a Spurs fan and want to build around Wemby. It would be amazing and fun to do so. With that said I have a few teams I'll be ok with getting but nothing will match that.
Bundy: Haven't taken a long look at the teams but I've always been a Magic fan so guess Id be interested in taking them if they were available, however I am open to just taking any team. I don't think the first couple Seasons really mean much till the file does become more established anyways and its more fun getting a team outta a shit situation compared.
Carlos: I'd love to get the Heat since they're my favorite team, but it looks like I'm behind another Heat fan in the order, so I doubt that will happen. Outside of them, I'll probably look for a young team like the Magic or Hornets or something with some young talent to develop.
Ripkobebryant: Well I'm sure everyone wanted Wemby but since I pick almost last I'm just glad to take any team and trade every player on my roster!
Josephballin: I was really hoping for the Mavs, as I live in Dallas. HUGE Luka fan and cheer for Slovenia in all the FIBA games. Also really like Dereck Lively, for just a 19 year old rookie he is phenomenal!!!
While answering this, I have drafted the Utah Jazz. Really looking forward to camping up Kessler as he looks like a fantastic big at only 22 years old!
UcFinfan: Heat obviously. They have all my favorite players and in 10 seasons when all the current players are gone that’s the franchise I would want to be known as. Beyond the Heat I thought the Rockets and Thunder would be a lot of fun with all the young talent. Grizz were #9 on my original list before the team draft started. Very happy to land them at #21
Slough: I literally only wanted the Thunder so I could trade everyone and have the team switched to the Sonics, since until they come back (hopefully later IRL) this is the only place I can have them haha. Chet was a Zags player, so of course I like him, but can’t stand the Thunder name and team.
3. Any players you would love to have on your team to build around in the start of the league or an upcoming draft?
Michael: I think we all know the importance of a great PG in FBB. My pick would be Haliburton given his existing build and age profile, seems like a likely HOF candidate.
Yourkers: So my players I would love to have outside Wemb are Scottie Barnes, Tyler Haliburton, Lamelo Ball, Cade Cunningham. I am big on the PGs and I also love me some Scottie Barnes. Feel he gonna be epic in this file.
Bundy: Chet and Wemby would be the standouts obviously, not many bigs in the league with those ratings, but I like Simmons skillset too so yeah any of those 3 would be a bonus
Carlos: I would've loved to get Wembenyama, Chet, or Sengun to start off but they all went early. I like the different style of big men that are in the league now and would like to see how they play out in FBB.
Ripkobebryant: Well like last question, Wemby, but there are some players I'd like in drafts like Aday Mara, Cooper Flagg, but currently on the file now looks like Wemby and Chet are by far best prospects but if I'm looking to win i like Jokic or Luka.
Josephballin: DIRK. He's the OG and will always sell the farm to get him on my roster.
UcFinfan: Taylor Hendricks! He’s the only UCF grad in the NBA and I must have him on my roster. Otherwise if I can get my hands on Herro or Bam. They are my 2 favorite players in NBA with Jaime Jacquez quickly joining them.
Slough: I would love to have Chet or Jalen Suggs as current players, not to mention some of my favorite old school guys in Gary Payton, Allen Iverson, Damon Stoudamire, John Stockton, David Robinson, Detlef Schrempf, and many more.
4. Thoughts on this in-season tournament in the NBA? Is the NBA reaching for ratings with this and the play-in games where the majority of the league is making playoffs?
Michael: Enjoying it very much. I was not a doubter of this format at all, but my concerns are more long term. We’ve seen European soccer teams pay less and less attention to domestic cups in the modern game, will there be a similar effect after a few years? The NBA will have to manage this very carefully. I also like the play-in’s, raising the stakes in any sport usually leads to better competition.
Yourkers: I love the idea to give those games some value and to give payees something else to play for. Not every team has a chance at the title every year so to have something to play for always is a good way to improve the product.
Bundy: I still don't get the whole concept, when I first heard about it I just assumed it was some sort of Preseason set up but then to see the games still count as a normal reg Season game I kinda just lost interest in what the whole thing, I honestly still dont even know exactly what is happening with it. I give Silver credit for at least mixing things up and trying new ideas but I just dont think this will get the result they were hoping for
Carlos: I haven't been as tuned into the league to start this season, so no real opinion on the in-season tournament yet. The Heat courts and jerseys are trash for the tournament imo, so that was kind of disappointing. I like the play-in games. I think there's a lot more parity now than we've seen in past years and the bottom of the playoffs is actually competitive, so play-in teams could make some noise.
Ripkobebryant: I like the idea, kind of confusing but once its ran couple seasons it'll be more understanding and competitive. Go Lakers.
Josephballin: I like the idea of the tourney. The Mavs got throttled in their games this year and missed out on it which sucks. Overall I think if the NBA can get high stakes games in Nov/Dec of the season it is a win for them. Don't know if y'all watched, but the Pacer's were nearly storming the court beating the Celtics in the East Semis. Silver has to like what he has seen so far.
Hot take, NBA playoffs aren't closely followed as much as other sports just because it is a series. When there is a winner takes all game, it draws more eyes cause there will be a clear cut winning. That is what the NBA has accomplished adding the IST and the Play-in games. Very fun and competitive atmosphere in my opinion.
UcFinfan: It was fine. I hated the courts. The Heat’s red court made it hard to watch. I think a 500k prize is kind of silly too. I’d rather see some type of playoff incentive as the reward in the future. Whether it means a top 6 seed, extra home game, or something idk but I think that’s better then giving millionaires more money.
Slough: It is different and I think taking a play out of say tournaments with soccer that they do or say the preseason tournaments in college which is cool. I think they are reaching to start as they know guys take games off, similar to baseball I feel. I think 82 games is a long season, but I also feel the league made this happen as well with more than half the league can make the playoffs, so it devalues the regular season to a pretty big extent, especially adding in the play-in games. The courts are kind of cool, I am always questioning fouls and refs as NBA has a history to make the top markets into something else. Cough that Lakers timeout.
5. What are the top TV shows or Movies you have watched this year and/or excited to watch coming up in 2024?
Michael: Oof haven’t watched any TV lately. In terms of movies, Guardians 3 was amazing but again, haven’t been to the cinema too much. Just been watching a lot of sports, sports commentary, fantasy basketball/soccer stuff.
Yourkers: I have been out the game when it comes to that. Right now I am watching six feet under and the movie I want to watch is Thanksgiving. Finally a movie based around Thanksgiving and it's a horror that did well. So yeah I am pretty boring on that end. I been playing a bunch of 2k lol.
Bundy: Have watched a few on Stan recently including Billy the Kid, but I find it rather annoying to have to wait another 6 or so months for another Season to be released, Yellowstone is another thats on the list for next year but sounds like thats a long way off from returning, just hurry up and release GTA6
Carlos: I just finished Loki, which I really liked despite not being huge into the Marvel universe. I also really liked the new season of Warrior on HBO Max. I was really happy they continued that after like 3 years between seasons. As far as new shows this year, I really liked Jury Duty on Amazon. Just a dumb, fun comedy. For 2024, I'm curious about the live action Avatar show and Fallout. I'm excited about Shogun too on FX. The Acolyte seems interesting since its in a fun era of the franchise but I think I'm a little overwhelmed by all the Star Wars content in the last few years.
Ripkobebryant: Favorite show of all time is Dark on Netflix. Favorite Reality Show is big brother. Really liked the Squid Game Challenge. Don't really have a favorite movie but im a horror junkie.
Josephballin: I don't really watch TV or Movies anymore. The Blacklist ended and that was the last series I was up to date with. Just recently though Daniel Tosh started a podcast, and that has been a pretty fun watch!
UcFinfan: I really liked the last of us. Never played the video game but the show was cool. Was White Lotus S2 this year? That was another good show. Squid games was fun. I just finished Jury Duty and thought that was an entertaining show and concept
Slough: First off I am excited to watch Dune Part 2, it was supposed to come out this year, but it was delayed with everything going on. Should be pretty epic. As far as shows, Ashoka wasn’t bad, looking forward to Andor season 2 of course, but a little nervous with Disney changes. Talking basketball, AIR was quite good, love the cast and it played out pretty epic, not to mention the soundtrack being an 80’s/90’s guy. Big fan of Viola Davis who doesn’t get enough credit, not to mention always great seeing Damon and Afleck together. Equalizer 3 was solid, but predictable, same with John Wick 4. Mission Impossible was decent and I respect the real stunts that Cruise does, but it didn’t feel as good as the previous ones and I own them all as a fan. Now Top Gun: Maverick was dope and continue to watch it, but that was the previous year. Send me some things I should watch, love Thief and Assasin movies or shows 😊
6. Based on preliminary ratings and knowing that they are plugged in based off of stats, which two teams will meet in the Finals and who will be the winner if no trades or anything else is done?
Michael: One thing that has stood out for me is that there are a lot of modern day forwards who are listed at PF and will not be allowed to start at SF, and I think that will hinder a lot of teams on FBB. Based on that logic, I am going with the Cavs in the East given their traditional big men duo and solid backcourt. TBC for the West with Pacific ratings to come.
Yourkers: I say give me the celtics and okc. Feel okc young talent is unreal good and have a great amount worth to build a team and the celtics have Tatum and kp to kill it and if brown is upgraded along with holiday that team might be hard to beat.
Bundy: Id have to say Lakers and Nuggets would be my pick, or Lakers and Celtics. LBJ is still solid at 39 and AD will likely be elite as well so chances are the Lakers GM will try bring more talent in as well.
Carlos: I like the T'Wolves and Sixers. They both have good scoring guards and more traditional bigs, which the game will probably favor. I think the Wolves will have a rebounding advantage over most teams with their big man rotation that we've seen pay off in past versions of the league.
Ripkobebryant: Mavs Bucks
Josephballin: It would be stupid to not say the Nuggets. Nikola looks as good as his NBA self and MPJ looks like his number 2. It will come down to how the guards support him. Out of the East, give me the 76ers. I want to say Maxey won MVP in the test sim. Along with Embiid looking very nuts.
UcFinfan: Taking just the basic rosters. I think Clippers have a good roster if PG or Kawhi could start at SG. I think talent wise the Wolves are really good. In the East I’d say Bucks or Celtics. Let’s go Bucks vs Wolves with Wolves winning it all
Slough: I think its going to come down to the Kings, Mavs from the Western Conference and the Heat or Cavs from the Eastern Conference. I think its close and anything can happen with all these trades before sending out these questions, but who knows. Watch out for the Pelicans as a sleeper 😉.
7. What are comfort foods you couldn’t live without? Name 3 and why.
Michael: Fried chicken, tacos, any type of Asian noodles
Yourkers: I would have to say pasta and if I have to pick a main pasta it will be mac and cheese. I grew up on it andni love cheese as it's amazing. Next would be pizza because it's just so damn simple and amazing. Lastly I would have to say rice pudding. I can't really think of a 3rd one but yeah I would never want to not have the ability to get myself rice pudding. So yeah that would be my 3. Versatility and deliciousness.
Bundy: Hmmm if Cheeseburgers, Coffee and Rum never existed then Id be a very sad unmotivated person. I love a good steak/chips as well but yeah I think anything with beef in it I would say is a comfort food for me
Carlos: 1. Picadillo, rice, and beans. Picadillo is ground beef in a tomato sauce. I grew up eating this all the time and still make it pretty often myself. It's quick, easy, and a nostalgic flavor that always brings me back home.
2. Flan. This was the go-to dessert growing up. My grandma used to make it for most holidays and now my girl and I make it whenever we need to make something for a get together.
3. Sweet plantains. I love sweet plantains and would always have them with any meal I could get them. Even when I've lived in places where plantains aren't readily available, I go out of my way to find them. I love salty plantain chips and tostones, but nothing beats sweet platanos maduros.
Cuban bread just missed the cut because I haven't been able to find it since leaving South Florida a few years ago and still haven't made it myself, so i guess I've lived without it for some time.
Ripkobebryant: Not sure why but my 3 favorite foods are Cheese, Sushi, Pizza but I'm living without all 3 currently due to health issues!!
Josephballin: Candy--Sweedish fish, Mike and Ikes, Sour Patch kids, gummy life savers, etc. I just love a nice bag of candy. During my prime athletics days i would always eat candy after workouts, just a longtime staple.
Ribeye--A rare ribeye has never done me wrong. Throw on some sauted onions and mushrooms and a baked/mashed potatoes.
Chipolte Burrito Bowl--
UcFinfan: Dessert (Chocolate chip cookies, brownies, or donuts), fried chicken, and candy (skittles/airheads). I’m a huge sweets guy and I could and do each fried chicken as much as possible.
Slough: This is so tough being a picky foodie,lol. I say this cause I don’t eat any seafood (Tuna fish comes from a can, put there by a man in a factory down town, so a tuna melt or chicken melt lol. See if you get partial lyric as well). I would say hard to not have a great steak (ribeye or tri-tip) and a great burger, mostly a good Saute mushroom burger. Taco’s are pretty much its own food group as well, so a solid chicken, carne asada, or shreaded beef would be difficult, with a crispy small flour shell (I have mastered this as it holds like a burrito, so it doesn’t split down the bottom middle like corn 😊 Also coat the outside in some ground parm that sticks). Lastly probably something around potato’s being irish like baked potato, au gratin, tots, fries, you name it.
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