Post by The Slough on Nov 21, 2024 1:56:16 GMT
1. Going off of Preaseason Statistics, would who is a pretender or contender? You can reference Pistons East Coast rankings as well?
Cop5414: Pistons pretenders
Pelicans whom I expect to have a good record, pretenders. Same for the Raptors.
76ers and Magic true contenders. 76ers and Magic without Chet or Maxey, pretenders.
The Kings of the West are contenders. Point guardless Grizzlies, and weak overall frontcourt Jazz absolute pretenders.
Dark horses, unasked, but give me the Wizards and Suns. Shame Ja Morant decided to shit TC.
Mbh11: I mean clearly the contenders are much of the same. Magic. Kings. Philly. Boston. Grizzlies.
I do like the Pistons coming into the year. They have a ton of depth, especially at the PG position. Probably should offload one of those to gain more depth in other areas, but he's built a solid team.
I'm not sure there's and true "Pretenders", but there's a few teams I think would be one injury away (not even to their best player) that would destroy their chances, so because they're top heavy and lack depth (IMO). Those teams would be the Los Angeles squads, the Pelicans, and Wizards. But, if they stay healthy, they would all be fine most likely.
Carlos: I still think the top four from last year are the favorites. Outside of me, the Magic, Kings, and Grizzlies I also really like the Jazz and Celtics. I think the Celtics could be a year too early and the Jazz are a move or two away from title contention though.
Naterade: I think Philly Orlando Sacramento and Utah are pretty sold contenders, which lines up/ is stolen from the Pistons rankings. Those are just solidified bonafide squads that have proven they belong there with really deep talent across the board. I COULD see my own Celtics as a pretender, just given the average age of my team at this point. Its hard to know how they play in the playoffs when it counts, since this franchise has only been to the playoffs once (last year) and got KO'd in 5 games in the first round to Philly. I want to see my boys prove it before I get any expectations.
Leflop: a. I like the Celtics in the east, sometimes you just think it’s a team of destiny and they certainly feel like one. You also can’t count out the Sixers. In the west I’m a big believer of the kings and grizzlies. I think those are my predictions for conference finals.
Slough: I like the Celtics and the Pelicans to make a run, can't count out the Sixers but I got his number. In the west it's between the Kings and Grizz for sure.
2. With having back-to-back solid drafts, which players are you most excited to see how they turn out?
Cop5414: Probably Wilt and Shaq. The league will probably never shift focus from the outside offense as its far too successful, but it'd be nice to see if an dominant inside force could give the league a different way to win the game and build a team. Maybe something similar to the early success of those Bam Adebayo/Anthony Davis Heat teams.
Mbh11: Pushing aside from my own bias of just talking about Wilt for a bit, there's plenty of young talent around the league. The likes of Shaq, Penny, Stockton, and Rodman all are exciting additions to the league. A couple more "dark horse" sort of players that I am excited to track their careers are Andrew Gaze and Nebojsa Zorkic. We will have to wait a while for Zorkic, but I think it will be really fun once he enters the league in a few years. Gaze has a chance to make a jump and be a really reliable and standout wing from this generation of draftees.
Carlos: As a Heat fan, I'm really excited for Alonzo Mourning and Eddie Jones. Outside of them, I want to see if Shaq pans out in this version after a disappointing rookie year and not really getting much time to develop in V2. Rasheed Wallace and Penny Hardaway in this last draft look awesome too.
Naterade: I really want to see Shaq turn it around primarily. Its a shame hes been slow to develop so far, especially compared to Stockton and Wilt who are both in the 20 and 10 range in year 2. Shaq is someone who in other sim leagues has averaged INSANE stats like 35 and 16 with 4 blocks, so Im hoping with camping and good TC's he can level up in the next few years. Im also very excited to see how Penny Hardaway turns out, as one of those guys who I LOVED as a kid watching the NBA. Im a sucker for tall playmakers like that.
Leflop: . Dennis Rodman for sure. I think that with both the note and his style of build, he could be one of the best team builders with enough cash and careful planning around his note. Otherwise, I’m a big fan of Mutumbo – I think that he is the perfect defensive anchor to build around. Hot take – the 19 year olds look great this year, but I don’t know if any of them took a big enough leap to be league defining. If this is closer to their midpoint rather than their bottom quarter then they will be good but I think others in the class will outshine them
Slough: Because I am biased, I want to see how super sub Googs and Bowie do, and also Penny since I made a big move getting both of these guys in the blockbuster we did. I'm also a huge Mutumbo fan (RIP), just was fun to watch growing up.
3. Top 3 favorites to win the GMOTY this year?
Cop5414: I honestly haven't paid close attention too moves this offseason. Like I know who acquired players but am unsure on much of the details on these trades. If I have to "blind" answer it right now, I'm thinking the Suns for getting Ja Morant Alexander Belov, and occasionally I like to factor in the previous season moves like getting Baba Oladotun. Then maybe the Magic, signing Lee for cheap was huge. Then the depth he's acquired or retained has impressed me. I mean sure FA can be a crapshoot, but nontheless I'm favoring a 3-peat. My last pick will be putting the Jazz and Grizzlies on watch. One of them (or maybe both) will make a post deadline move to secure that finals piece to their starting core and allow them to contend with the Kings in the West.
Mbh11: Grizzlies - really liked their move of pulling in Alexander, and expect them to have another solid season after getting so close last season
Jazz - I am looking forward to seeing the Luka/Wemby combo, really think this team could explode
Pistons - I think they are a move or two away, and if the Pistons GM lands the plane on those trades, could see him getting this award at seasons end
Carlos: I think maybe the Raptors, Jazz, and Suns. Raptors reshuffled their whole team but ended up younger and maybe just as good. The Jazz added Luka but probably need to add some talent around him & Wemby to really make some noise. The Suns are probably too young to make a real title run but they added Ja and Belov while keeping their best young players.
Naterade: Im going with the Bucks. Those guys are building an amazing young core that is playing very well. They have my vote currently.
Leflop: I think that the sixers and grizzlies are two contenders who can never be counted out. They work the trade phones well, never give up, and keep fighting. I’m a big fan of what the Suns GM is trying , I hope the season works out the way they hope
Slough: I honestly thought I would be up there, but with McCain hurt I knew I wasn't getting it. Sixers, Grizz, and Raptors low key has been a surprise with all the trades he makes
4. Which gm's undervalue and overvalue their players?
Cop5414: Not sure if I've run into anyone in this version that truly overates their players. Like maybe the Knicks come close, but it comes off as more of being cheap skate trying to get their cake and eat it too. I think most people want to keep their own talent. So refusal to trade half the time may be just because they don't want to let them go. However, their may be such a thing as overvalueing someone else's player, like Reed Shepard.
Mbh11: I mean the clear answer to overvalue would be Knicks. Or the Hornets, since they value their players so much they won't even answer a PM.
I have been trying to make trades pretty endlessly for the past week, and really haven't gotten anywhere. I don't think anyone in this league "undervalues" their players. I would say 75% of people overvalue, and 25% properly value their players. Which I am sure I am in the former, so I'm no better than anyone else lol
Carlos: I think we all kind of overvalue our players, I know I do. Knicks get a lot of crap for this and it's true to an extent but he also trades the most. Carmelo probably undervalues his guys, he's pretty quick to change directions and seems to make moves with the end goal in mind even if he loses out on the most value.
Naterade: I plead the fifth on this one. I enjoy having good relationships with my fellow GMs and Its always tough when everyone values players differently from what they have seen/ what they have scouted/ etc. So I never feel like im in a place to judge how other people value their guys, but am always open to working with their perceived value vs my own.
Leflop: I hate trading so I’m the worst when it comes to answering this question. I think that the knicks gm gives our ridiculous contracts, so that would be the best one to overvalue. I’ve also handed out a lot of bad contracts, so I might be worse. Undervalue? I think I always have loved the Nets players and think they will work, even if the team hasn’t had much historical success.
Slough: Knicks has to be one of the guys that I feel overvalues his players all the time. Hard to judge on who undervalues as usually many trades that are undervalued have different angles such as they are tanking so players are shipped out cheaper than their actual statistical value.
5. Are we surprised that Rog hasn't rebuilt yet?
Cop5414: Actually the one I'm more surprise about is melo, that guy loves to make moves. I've seen spikelee sit pat before and I take it that he doesn't want to have trade either Mutombo or Kukoc, abd I'm guessing most the league is out on 4 TOPG Darryn Peterson or the baskeball midget Kaimani Ganub. But you know what I really think it is? He's mocking you (slough). He doesn't realistically believe you'll win a championship before he does.
Mbh11: Not really. I mean, if you have the chance to keep winning, then keep winning. And when you get really solid players for the MLE, it doesn't seem like there's any reason to start rebuilding any time soon.
Carlos: I'm hoping that changes soon. I'm not necessarily surprised, he's kept a lot of good youth and assets so he always has players to develop. That's one of the more fun parts of the game and he hasn't really had to sacrifice it despite all the winning.
Naterade: I ALMOST was surprised, but when you have someone as potent as Xavian Lee for so long, its hard to want to rebuild. BUT now that we have seen him finally budge and move Lee for some other pieces, I feel like a rebuild is on the very near horizon. He wont be able to resist for long.
Leflop: Late question to answer, but no. I thought that they had learned discipline. Whoops. I think that they won every trade that they were a part of, which was good, but overall I think that it’s better to ride the core to the very end. That’s how I prefer to play.
Slough: I am actually. He has retooled, but this is a surprise based on his track record and he is like me that love to have different teams and part of the fun every so often, but he has stuck around with it longer than I expected.
6. Any Sleepers coming out of the Rookie class this year who could be up for ROTY?
Cop5414: I like Raymond Lewis who was taken 14th overall and the Hawks have literally nothing else going for them so he should be collecting som nice empty stats. Not sure if this one could be consider a sleeper but since he dropped to 5th and was taken later than Hardaway. World B. Free could be a favorite, if his GM would give starting minutes.
Mbh11: I think my ultimate sleeper would be Kukoc, although World B. Free and Hank Gathers could rival Penny for that ROTY honor.
Carlos: Raymond Lewis probably has a good shot. He was picked outside of the lottery but looks to have pretty good scoring and low turnovers, plus plenty of opportunity starting at PG for a rebuilding team.
Naterade: I havent had a lot of time to scout the rookie class performance this season. I did not participate in the draft so I was mostly tuned out to that going on, but secretly I hope Sheed comes out of nowhere and takes over, because he looks nice (and is a fav player of mine)
Leflop: I think that Bowie is going to be really good and had an amazing start to the season. That is a bit of a crowded front court, but this is a good team for him to fit in with his build. If he continues to improve, I think he has a good shot to be the most defining player of this draft class.
Slough: I thought Bowie would be up, but knowing the game, figured it would be a PG. Lewis likely wins it, thought Hank Gathers had a chance as well.
7. With all the craziness in the world right, what are your top 3 albums, TV Shows, and Movies been listening or watching recently?
Cop5414: I'm sure if I have a proper ranking for these things. Probably go with some recency.
Albums I'll go with Escalvo y Amo by Javier Solis, Cowboys From Hell by Pantera, and I'll mix in some classical and say the opera Tosca by Giacomo Puccini.
TV shows I find difficult to get into any of the real good ones most people would recomend. I like to pay attention to what I'm watching if I can and I don't usually have a free +8 hrs of shows I could binge, since all those cocksuckers make use of the cliffhanger very well. Anyways the list is Breaking Bad, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and South Park.
Too many movies, it's hard to keep a top 3. Listing of ones I really enjoyed that I've watched in the past year.
In the Mood for Love by Wong Kar-Wai, I don't truly understand film, but I have a thing for tragic endings.
Harakiri (1962) by Masaki Kobayashi, I think the thing I really like about that story is the impression it gave of one character only to turn it around and spit back in my face.
Been on bit of a Jacki Chan binge as of late so I'll top it off with Police Story (1985) by Jackie Chan. Who doesn't love stunts and gun fight choregraph
Mbh11: Ah, the best question of them all. As someone who works in the entertainment industry, I consume a lot of movies and TV. A few of my favorites of 2024:
Movies
Anora - really wild movie, but Mikey Madison is incredible, and it's honestly pretty funny. Didn't expect to laugh that much.
It's Whats Inside - what a trip... definitely not a movie you can watch passively while being on your phone, but a fun ride
Thelma - this is a bit older, but so much heart in this movie
TV Shows
Nobody Wants This - one of the best rom com TV shows I've ever seen
This Is The Zodiac Speaking - I mean...........................................
Shrinking - a really great show on Apple, plus the second season has Roy Kent in it, so that's hype
Carlos: Some albums I’ve liked this year are Why Lawd? From Anderson .Paak and King of the Mischievous South by Denzel Curry. I’ve been randomly listening to old country like Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard even though that’s the farthest thing from what I normally listen to. I haven’t really been watching much tv outside of sports. I really liked the new Beetlejuice and Deadpool movies and loved Dune 2 earlier this year.
Naterade: Lately Ive been listening to Joyners newest Album most consistently. Otherwise Im just doing my thing of making random playlists or doing sports podcasts. For TV, Im currently marathoning through How I Met Your Mother, which has been surpisingly great. Im also running back through Always Sunny for the hundreth time or so.. fuckin love that show lol And for movies, Im really not a huge movie guy. Unless Im stoned and bored, Id rather do a video game, or watch a shorter 20 minute commitment so I can opt out quicker and do something else.
Leflop: I don’t really do that stuff. The last movie I watched in theaters was Bottoms, and I thought that was not so great. The last album I listened to was Short N Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter – I think BRAT is better, but it’s very solid. My last TV show that I watched to completion was probably Mashle Magic and Muscles, and I think that was great for relaxation. I have mob psycho 100 season 3 still on my to watch list, so I’m going to do that when I need another decompression mental health day.
Slough:
Albums: is really Eminem's new one I think was genius and one of his best albums he has done. Also been listening to a lot of Lainey Wilson (love her), Jelly Roll, Post Malone, and most anything country.
TV Shows: Not sure what it is put Taylor Sheridan is on fire. Tulsa King, Lioness, Landman now, of course Yellowstone even though they ruined last season. Lincoln Lawyer is great, and been watching Outer Banks for the first time, not bad. Open to anything I am missing, oh and Acolyte not bad being a Star Wars fan.
Movies: Re-watched all the Bourne movies in order which are great, same with Mission Impossible, always good entertainment for me. I actually thought Rebel Moon was good, not sure why all the criticism as well.
8. What are your projections to win MVP, DPOTY, 6th man, ROTY and why?
Cop5414: Wemby is a given for MVP, and probably DPOTY as well. Joseph knows how to utilize those great bigs, only injures or time will stop a player like that. 6th man I've Damon Stoudamire coming to avenge 2030 Desmond Bane's rightful title. I forgot who won, but it should've been him. ROTY give me Sarunas Jasikevicius, but who knows the game might not appreciate all those turnovers. I know Sander Raeist should've won several years ago averaging 23.9 ppg, but instead it went to Darryn Peterson lol.
Mbh11: God, I hate to be boring but it's really difficult not to pick Wemby for MVP and DPOTY again. He's an absolute animal and the Jazz will be up there in contention, which only is going to help his case with the awards. Last season he posted his career best in PPG and BPG, so I am not sure he will be able to top those numbers, but at only 27, why not? So he's my pick for those two.
6th man, who knows. Call me a homer idc, but I'll go with Jaylen Brown. He should get quite a bit of minutes and he's still a solid scorer even at 34. So sure. Jaylen.
ROTY I am going with Penny. Yup, another boring pick. But I think the volume will be there. If the Pacers were going to give all the minutes to World B. Free, he would be my pick. We've already seen in preseason that Penny can rebound well for a PG (I mean, he's 6'7" so he should be able to grab a board every now and then), but I think those stats, along with his decent scoring, will put him above the rest in his class (for this season, at least).
Carlos: Guessing Wemby probably 3 peats as MVP & DPOY. I think the usual suspects could compete with him - Maxey, Fox, Haliburton, maybe Flagg or Leyva take a leap this year.
Sarunas is technically a rookie, so he's a lock. Of the rookie class, probably Penny or Lewis.
Markkanen was incredible in both pre-season sims and good in sim 1, so he's my 6MOY.
Naterade: MVP ill go with Xavian Lee for the Bucks. I just feel like a new team and new system with maybe more of an offensive role, he could light it up. 6th man is an award I will never be able to predict. Its a mystery to me how that one is factored in the game... ROTY is going to be Sarunas Im pretty sure. Hes scoring 28-30 per game right off the bat, and I feel like he should run away with that one.
Leflop: MVP: Wemby – probably the scariest player I’ve seen in sim leagues in quite a while. This version seems to have panned out, which is great to see after some others have fizzled. DPOTY is the same, the dude is just too good. I think that I really like Gugz for 6th man if Arenas is not disqualified for my horrendous record. As highlighted above, I think Bowie is having a great season and I hope that he gets a reward
Slough:
MVP: Wemb, hard to go wrong with him
DPOTY: Wemb again, just unstoppable
6th man: Lauri, usually pretty nasty
ROTY: It's basically in the bag for Lewis in my opinion
9. Which statistics or metrics on FBB do you look at for winning and why?
Cop5414: I really like going through the defensive statistics, like comparing defenaive shooting percentage and stocks, but when it comes down to it the most important stats to me is shooting percentage, rebounding differential, and low turnovers. Teams that achieve those are true contenders. I've been missing the rebounding the past two seasons.
Mbh11: Well, I usually look at defensive ratings, trying to limit offensive turnovers, and solid scoring. I have been trying to get the Bucks to being a winning team for the past 4 seasons, but it's been a struggle, which CP2 being a bit of a bust has really set us back. I am hoping that Wilt and Sarr (along with Mitch ofc) can turn around the Milwaukee curse.
Carlos: I try to just find 1 guy to build around and try to compliment him. I've built my teams around Maxey, so I looked to minimize turnovers and surround him with good rebounders and defenders.
Naterade: I usually try and look for specific prototypes at different positions, with some leeway for a top tier player with an unusual weakness that I can make up for at other positions. Point guard I want a 20 and 10 guy with 3 steals preferably, as they need to be the main driver of the offense and primary stopper of the opposing teams spearhead. Most important spot for a superstar in my opinion. At the 2/3 I generally try to find a good balance of scoring and perimeter defense mostly with efficient shooting numbers and some bonus points for stocks/ rebounds. Then at the 4/5, like most people, I want elite rebounding and rim protection. Boozer has been a fun case for me as a guy who is SO good at rebounds but doesnt defense the rim, so I more aggressively camped Asprilla to improve there, and its been a fun challenge to work with that duo. Love team building!
Leflop: Uh….vibes? I think that the most fun you can have in these leagues is to pick a DC type or player type, and then try to get the players you want to make that DC work. If I ever get a ring here and ride that championship team into the ground, I’m going to go for an all passing team after I’ve proven that I’m not a bottom 5 gm in this league.
Slough: Definitely look at RPG, FG%, and low turnovers. Usually those are my go to for winning success, always defense against those as well, especially o3pt% keeping that low and causing turnovers.
10. Is anyone excited for the World Cup in the USA/Mexico/Canada (I think bs all three countries, but I digress)?
Cop5414: They're expanding to 48 teams I believe. Went it comes to the international sport of soccer I cheer for Mexico first, unpatriotic to the u.s? Maybe. To the great state of Texas? Certainly! Remember the Alamo!!!
I do think its cool that the citizens of all three countries get to support their team on homefield, and happy for many games to not be played in those trash corporate NFL stadiums. It's bumming me out knowing the finals will be played on the shitty turf of Met Life.
Mbh11: Hell yeah, I am saving up some money to try to go to a few games, whether they be in Los Angeles or Boston. I almost went to the last World Cup but decided the flights and hotels were too expensive, so excited to have it in the US!
Carlos: I'm excited! I like following the World Cup and it's fun that we'll be hosting it. I don't follow soccer super closely anymore outside of the major international tournaments, but it's always a good time.
Naterade: Im always excited for the olympics, but I dont love when its in the USA. I feel like every city it ends up in, just destroys the ability for humans that live there to just exist normally and I would dread it coming to MY city. I would much rather see the games played somewhere foreign and beautiful. Bad example was when it was in China and it was in the middle of their like grossest industrial area with dirt and machinery, etc. Ruined the whole vibe.
Leflop: I’m sure people are excited, and I think that the world cup is a great sporting event to watch, but it’s damning that we needed 3 countries to host this. American infrastructure is already shit, and we’re just going to embarrass ourselves with how awful our public transportation is, but we’re going to kick every other countries ass with our food diversity and freedom. I’m excited for the event, but as a person living very close to where one of the events are, I’m dreading what its going to do to local transportation.
Slough: So pumped, need to start saving now, as i'm sure tickets will be crazy. I definitely would love to see two games, one in Dallas in that stadium would be epic, I live in California so I am assuming LA and SF would have a game, definitely want to see the USA games of course. In a perfect world it would be cool to see match in Toronto and Guadalajara as well.
Cop5414: Pistons pretenders
Pelicans whom I expect to have a good record, pretenders. Same for the Raptors.
76ers and Magic true contenders. 76ers and Magic without Chet or Maxey, pretenders.
The Kings of the West are contenders. Point guardless Grizzlies, and weak overall frontcourt Jazz absolute pretenders.
Dark horses, unasked, but give me the Wizards and Suns. Shame Ja Morant decided to shit TC.
Mbh11: I mean clearly the contenders are much of the same. Magic. Kings. Philly. Boston. Grizzlies.
I do like the Pistons coming into the year. They have a ton of depth, especially at the PG position. Probably should offload one of those to gain more depth in other areas, but he's built a solid team.
I'm not sure there's and true "Pretenders", but there's a few teams I think would be one injury away (not even to their best player) that would destroy their chances, so because they're top heavy and lack depth (IMO). Those teams would be the Los Angeles squads, the Pelicans, and Wizards. But, if they stay healthy, they would all be fine most likely.
Carlos: I still think the top four from last year are the favorites. Outside of me, the Magic, Kings, and Grizzlies I also really like the Jazz and Celtics. I think the Celtics could be a year too early and the Jazz are a move or two away from title contention though.
Naterade: I think Philly Orlando Sacramento and Utah are pretty sold contenders, which lines up/ is stolen from the Pistons rankings. Those are just solidified bonafide squads that have proven they belong there with really deep talent across the board. I COULD see my own Celtics as a pretender, just given the average age of my team at this point. Its hard to know how they play in the playoffs when it counts, since this franchise has only been to the playoffs once (last year) and got KO'd in 5 games in the first round to Philly. I want to see my boys prove it before I get any expectations.
Leflop: a. I like the Celtics in the east, sometimes you just think it’s a team of destiny and they certainly feel like one. You also can’t count out the Sixers. In the west I’m a big believer of the kings and grizzlies. I think those are my predictions for conference finals.
Slough: I like the Celtics and the Pelicans to make a run, can't count out the Sixers but I got his number. In the west it's between the Kings and Grizz for sure.
2. With having back-to-back solid drafts, which players are you most excited to see how they turn out?
Cop5414: Probably Wilt and Shaq. The league will probably never shift focus from the outside offense as its far too successful, but it'd be nice to see if an dominant inside force could give the league a different way to win the game and build a team. Maybe something similar to the early success of those Bam Adebayo/Anthony Davis Heat teams.
Mbh11: Pushing aside from my own bias of just talking about Wilt for a bit, there's plenty of young talent around the league. The likes of Shaq, Penny, Stockton, and Rodman all are exciting additions to the league. A couple more "dark horse" sort of players that I am excited to track their careers are Andrew Gaze and Nebojsa Zorkic. We will have to wait a while for Zorkic, but I think it will be really fun once he enters the league in a few years. Gaze has a chance to make a jump and be a really reliable and standout wing from this generation of draftees.
Carlos: As a Heat fan, I'm really excited for Alonzo Mourning and Eddie Jones. Outside of them, I want to see if Shaq pans out in this version after a disappointing rookie year and not really getting much time to develop in V2. Rasheed Wallace and Penny Hardaway in this last draft look awesome too.
Naterade: I really want to see Shaq turn it around primarily. Its a shame hes been slow to develop so far, especially compared to Stockton and Wilt who are both in the 20 and 10 range in year 2. Shaq is someone who in other sim leagues has averaged INSANE stats like 35 and 16 with 4 blocks, so Im hoping with camping and good TC's he can level up in the next few years. Im also very excited to see how Penny Hardaway turns out, as one of those guys who I LOVED as a kid watching the NBA. Im a sucker for tall playmakers like that.
Leflop: . Dennis Rodman for sure. I think that with both the note and his style of build, he could be one of the best team builders with enough cash and careful planning around his note. Otherwise, I’m a big fan of Mutumbo – I think that he is the perfect defensive anchor to build around. Hot take – the 19 year olds look great this year, but I don’t know if any of them took a big enough leap to be league defining. If this is closer to their midpoint rather than their bottom quarter then they will be good but I think others in the class will outshine them
Slough: Because I am biased, I want to see how super sub Googs and Bowie do, and also Penny since I made a big move getting both of these guys in the blockbuster we did. I'm also a huge Mutumbo fan (RIP), just was fun to watch growing up.
3. Top 3 favorites to win the GMOTY this year?
Cop5414: I honestly haven't paid close attention too moves this offseason. Like I know who acquired players but am unsure on much of the details on these trades. If I have to "blind" answer it right now, I'm thinking the Suns for getting Ja Morant Alexander Belov, and occasionally I like to factor in the previous season moves like getting Baba Oladotun. Then maybe the Magic, signing Lee for cheap was huge. Then the depth he's acquired or retained has impressed me. I mean sure FA can be a crapshoot, but nontheless I'm favoring a 3-peat. My last pick will be putting the Jazz and Grizzlies on watch. One of them (or maybe both) will make a post deadline move to secure that finals piece to their starting core and allow them to contend with the Kings in the West.
Mbh11: Grizzlies - really liked their move of pulling in Alexander, and expect them to have another solid season after getting so close last season
Jazz - I am looking forward to seeing the Luka/Wemby combo, really think this team could explode
Pistons - I think they are a move or two away, and if the Pistons GM lands the plane on those trades, could see him getting this award at seasons end
Carlos: I think maybe the Raptors, Jazz, and Suns. Raptors reshuffled their whole team but ended up younger and maybe just as good. The Jazz added Luka but probably need to add some talent around him & Wemby to really make some noise. The Suns are probably too young to make a real title run but they added Ja and Belov while keeping their best young players.
Naterade: Im going with the Bucks. Those guys are building an amazing young core that is playing very well. They have my vote currently.
Leflop: I think that the sixers and grizzlies are two contenders who can never be counted out. They work the trade phones well, never give up, and keep fighting. I’m a big fan of what the Suns GM is trying , I hope the season works out the way they hope
Slough: I honestly thought I would be up there, but with McCain hurt I knew I wasn't getting it. Sixers, Grizz, and Raptors low key has been a surprise with all the trades he makes
4. Which gm's undervalue and overvalue their players?
Cop5414: Not sure if I've run into anyone in this version that truly overates their players. Like maybe the Knicks come close, but it comes off as more of being cheap skate trying to get their cake and eat it too. I think most people want to keep their own talent. So refusal to trade half the time may be just because they don't want to let them go. However, their may be such a thing as overvalueing someone else's player, like Reed Shepard.
Mbh11: I mean the clear answer to overvalue would be Knicks. Or the Hornets, since they value their players so much they won't even answer a PM.
I have been trying to make trades pretty endlessly for the past week, and really haven't gotten anywhere. I don't think anyone in this league "undervalues" their players. I would say 75% of people overvalue, and 25% properly value their players. Which I am sure I am in the former, so I'm no better than anyone else lol
Carlos: I think we all kind of overvalue our players, I know I do. Knicks get a lot of crap for this and it's true to an extent but he also trades the most. Carmelo probably undervalues his guys, he's pretty quick to change directions and seems to make moves with the end goal in mind even if he loses out on the most value.
Naterade: I plead the fifth on this one. I enjoy having good relationships with my fellow GMs and Its always tough when everyone values players differently from what they have seen/ what they have scouted/ etc. So I never feel like im in a place to judge how other people value their guys, but am always open to working with their perceived value vs my own.
Leflop: I hate trading so I’m the worst when it comes to answering this question. I think that the knicks gm gives our ridiculous contracts, so that would be the best one to overvalue. I’ve also handed out a lot of bad contracts, so I might be worse. Undervalue? I think I always have loved the Nets players and think they will work, even if the team hasn’t had much historical success.
Slough: Knicks has to be one of the guys that I feel overvalues his players all the time. Hard to judge on who undervalues as usually many trades that are undervalued have different angles such as they are tanking so players are shipped out cheaper than their actual statistical value.
5. Are we surprised that Rog hasn't rebuilt yet?
Cop5414: Actually the one I'm more surprise about is melo, that guy loves to make moves. I've seen spikelee sit pat before and I take it that he doesn't want to have trade either Mutombo or Kukoc, abd I'm guessing most the league is out on 4 TOPG Darryn Peterson or the baskeball midget Kaimani Ganub. But you know what I really think it is? He's mocking you (slough). He doesn't realistically believe you'll win a championship before he does.
Mbh11: Not really. I mean, if you have the chance to keep winning, then keep winning. And when you get really solid players for the MLE, it doesn't seem like there's any reason to start rebuilding any time soon.
Carlos: I'm hoping that changes soon. I'm not necessarily surprised, he's kept a lot of good youth and assets so he always has players to develop. That's one of the more fun parts of the game and he hasn't really had to sacrifice it despite all the winning.
Naterade: I ALMOST was surprised, but when you have someone as potent as Xavian Lee for so long, its hard to want to rebuild. BUT now that we have seen him finally budge and move Lee for some other pieces, I feel like a rebuild is on the very near horizon. He wont be able to resist for long.
Leflop: Late question to answer, but no. I thought that they had learned discipline. Whoops. I think that they won every trade that they were a part of, which was good, but overall I think that it’s better to ride the core to the very end. That’s how I prefer to play.
Slough: I am actually. He has retooled, but this is a surprise based on his track record and he is like me that love to have different teams and part of the fun every so often, but he has stuck around with it longer than I expected.
6. Any Sleepers coming out of the Rookie class this year who could be up for ROTY?
Cop5414: I like Raymond Lewis who was taken 14th overall and the Hawks have literally nothing else going for them so he should be collecting som nice empty stats. Not sure if this one could be consider a sleeper but since he dropped to 5th and was taken later than Hardaway. World B. Free could be a favorite, if his GM would give starting minutes.
Mbh11: I think my ultimate sleeper would be Kukoc, although World B. Free and Hank Gathers could rival Penny for that ROTY honor.
Carlos: Raymond Lewis probably has a good shot. He was picked outside of the lottery but looks to have pretty good scoring and low turnovers, plus plenty of opportunity starting at PG for a rebuilding team.
Naterade: I havent had a lot of time to scout the rookie class performance this season. I did not participate in the draft so I was mostly tuned out to that going on, but secretly I hope Sheed comes out of nowhere and takes over, because he looks nice (and is a fav player of mine)
Leflop: I think that Bowie is going to be really good and had an amazing start to the season. That is a bit of a crowded front court, but this is a good team for him to fit in with his build. If he continues to improve, I think he has a good shot to be the most defining player of this draft class.
Slough: I thought Bowie would be up, but knowing the game, figured it would be a PG. Lewis likely wins it, thought Hank Gathers had a chance as well.
7. With all the craziness in the world right, what are your top 3 albums, TV Shows, and Movies been listening or watching recently?
Cop5414: I'm sure if I have a proper ranking for these things. Probably go with some recency.
Albums I'll go with Escalvo y Amo by Javier Solis, Cowboys From Hell by Pantera, and I'll mix in some classical and say the opera Tosca by Giacomo Puccini.
TV shows I find difficult to get into any of the real good ones most people would recomend. I like to pay attention to what I'm watching if I can and I don't usually have a free +8 hrs of shows I could binge, since all those cocksuckers make use of the cliffhanger very well. Anyways the list is Breaking Bad, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and South Park.
Too many movies, it's hard to keep a top 3. Listing of ones I really enjoyed that I've watched in the past year.
In the Mood for Love by Wong Kar-Wai, I don't truly understand film, but I have a thing for tragic endings.
Harakiri (1962) by Masaki Kobayashi, I think the thing I really like about that story is the impression it gave of one character only to turn it around and spit back in my face.
Been on bit of a Jacki Chan binge as of late so I'll top it off with Police Story (1985) by Jackie Chan. Who doesn't love stunts and gun fight choregraph
Mbh11: Ah, the best question of them all. As someone who works in the entertainment industry, I consume a lot of movies and TV. A few of my favorites of 2024:
Movies
Anora - really wild movie, but Mikey Madison is incredible, and it's honestly pretty funny. Didn't expect to laugh that much.
It's Whats Inside - what a trip... definitely not a movie you can watch passively while being on your phone, but a fun ride
Thelma - this is a bit older, but so much heart in this movie
TV Shows
Nobody Wants This - one of the best rom com TV shows I've ever seen
This Is The Zodiac Speaking - I mean...........................................
Shrinking - a really great show on Apple, plus the second season has Roy Kent in it, so that's hype
Carlos: Some albums I’ve liked this year are Why Lawd? From Anderson .Paak and King of the Mischievous South by Denzel Curry. I’ve been randomly listening to old country like Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard even though that’s the farthest thing from what I normally listen to. I haven’t really been watching much tv outside of sports. I really liked the new Beetlejuice and Deadpool movies and loved Dune 2 earlier this year.
Naterade: Lately Ive been listening to Joyners newest Album most consistently. Otherwise Im just doing my thing of making random playlists or doing sports podcasts. For TV, Im currently marathoning through How I Met Your Mother, which has been surpisingly great. Im also running back through Always Sunny for the hundreth time or so.. fuckin love that show lol And for movies, Im really not a huge movie guy. Unless Im stoned and bored, Id rather do a video game, or watch a shorter 20 minute commitment so I can opt out quicker and do something else.
Leflop: I don’t really do that stuff. The last movie I watched in theaters was Bottoms, and I thought that was not so great. The last album I listened to was Short N Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter – I think BRAT is better, but it’s very solid. My last TV show that I watched to completion was probably Mashle Magic and Muscles, and I think that was great for relaxation. I have mob psycho 100 season 3 still on my to watch list, so I’m going to do that when I need another decompression mental health day.
Slough:
Albums: is really Eminem's new one I think was genius and one of his best albums he has done. Also been listening to a lot of Lainey Wilson (love her), Jelly Roll, Post Malone, and most anything country.
TV Shows: Not sure what it is put Taylor Sheridan is on fire. Tulsa King, Lioness, Landman now, of course Yellowstone even though they ruined last season. Lincoln Lawyer is great, and been watching Outer Banks for the first time, not bad. Open to anything I am missing, oh and Acolyte not bad being a Star Wars fan.
Movies: Re-watched all the Bourne movies in order which are great, same with Mission Impossible, always good entertainment for me. I actually thought Rebel Moon was good, not sure why all the criticism as well.
8. What are your projections to win MVP, DPOTY, 6th man, ROTY and why?
Cop5414: Wemby is a given for MVP, and probably DPOTY as well. Joseph knows how to utilize those great bigs, only injures or time will stop a player like that. 6th man I've Damon Stoudamire coming to avenge 2030 Desmond Bane's rightful title. I forgot who won, but it should've been him. ROTY give me Sarunas Jasikevicius, but who knows the game might not appreciate all those turnovers. I know Sander Raeist should've won several years ago averaging 23.9 ppg, but instead it went to Darryn Peterson lol.
Mbh11: God, I hate to be boring but it's really difficult not to pick Wemby for MVP and DPOTY again. He's an absolute animal and the Jazz will be up there in contention, which only is going to help his case with the awards. Last season he posted his career best in PPG and BPG, so I am not sure he will be able to top those numbers, but at only 27, why not? So he's my pick for those two.
6th man, who knows. Call me a homer idc, but I'll go with Jaylen Brown. He should get quite a bit of minutes and he's still a solid scorer even at 34. So sure. Jaylen.
ROTY I am going with Penny. Yup, another boring pick. But I think the volume will be there. If the Pacers were going to give all the minutes to World B. Free, he would be my pick. We've already seen in preseason that Penny can rebound well for a PG (I mean, he's 6'7" so he should be able to grab a board every now and then), but I think those stats, along with his decent scoring, will put him above the rest in his class (for this season, at least).
Carlos: Guessing Wemby probably 3 peats as MVP & DPOY. I think the usual suspects could compete with him - Maxey, Fox, Haliburton, maybe Flagg or Leyva take a leap this year.
Sarunas is technically a rookie, so he's a lock. Of the rookie class, probably Penny or Lewis.
Markkanen was incredible in both pre-season sims and good in sim 1, so he's my 6MOY.
Naterade: MVP ill go with Xavian Lee for the Bucks. I just feel like a new team and new system with maybe more of an offensive role, he could light it up. 6th man is an award I will never be able to predict. Its a mystery to me how that one is factored in the game... ROTY is going to be Sarunas Im pretty sure. Hes scoring 28-30 per game right off the bat, and I feel like he should run away with that one.
Leflop: MVP: Wemby – probably the scariest player I’ve seen in sim leagues in quite a while. This version seems to have panned out, which is great to see after some others have fizzled. DPOTY is the same, the dude is just too good. I think that I really like Gugz for 6th man if Arenas is not disqualified for my horrendous record. As highlighted above, I think Bowie is having a great season and I hope that he gets a reward
Slough:
MVP: Wemb, hard to go wrong with him
DPOTY: Wemb again, just unstoppable
6th man: Lauri, usually pretty nasty
ROTY: It's basically in the bag for Lewis in my opinion
9. Which statistics or metrics on FBB do you look at for winning and why?
Cop5414: I really like going through the defensive statistics, like comparing defenaive shooting percentage and stocks, but when it comes down to it the most important stats to me is shooting percentage, rebounding differential, and low turnovers. Teams that achieve those are true contenders. I've been missing the rebounding the past two seasons.
Mbh11: Well, I usually look at defensive ratings, trying to limit offensive turnovers, and solid scoring. I have been trying to get the Bucks to being a winning team for the past 4 seasons, but it's been a struggle, which CP2 being a bit of a bust has really set us back. I am hoping that Wilt and Sarr (along with Mitch ofc) can turn around the Milwaukee curse.
Carlos: I try to just find 1 guy to build around and try to compliment him. I've built my teams around Maxey, so I looked to minimize turnovers and surround him with good rebounders and defenders.
Naterade: I usually try and look for specific prototypes at different positions, with some leeway for a top tier player with an unusual weakness that I can make up for at other positions. Point guard I want a 20 and 10 guy with 3 steals preferably, as they need to be the main driver of the offense and primary stopper of the opposing teams spearhead. Most important spot for a superstar in my opinion. At the 2/3 I generally try to find a good balance of scoring and perimeter defense mostly with efficient shooting numbers and some bonus points for stocks/ rebounds. Then at the 4/5, like most people, I want elite rebounding and rim protection. Boozer has been a fun case for me as a guy who is SO good at rebounds but doesnt defense the rim, so I more aggressively camped Asprilla to improve there, and its been a fun challenge to work with that duo. Love team building!
Leflop: Uh….vibes? I think that the most fun you can have in these leagues is to pick a DC type or player type, and then try to get the players you want to make that DC work. If I ever get a ring here and ride that championship team into the ground, I’m going to go for an all passing team after I’ve proven that I’m not a bottom 5 gm in this league.
Slough: Definitely look at RPG, FG%, and low turnovers. Usually those are my go to for winning success, always defense against those as well, especially o3pt% keeping that low and causing turnovers.
10. Is anyone excited for the World Cup in the USA/Mexico/Canada (I think bs all three countries, but I digress)?
Cop5414: They're expanding to 48 teams I believe. Went it comes to the international sport of soccer I cheer for Mexico first, unpatriotic to the u.s? Maybe. To the great state of Texas? Certainly! Remember the Alamo!!!
I do think its cool that the citizens of all three countries get to support their team on homefield, and happy for many games to not be played in those trash corporate NFL stadiums. It's bumming me out knowing the finals will be played on the shitty turf of Met Life.
Mbh11: Hell yeah, I am saving up some money to try to go to a few games, whether they be in Los Angeles or Boston. I almost went to the last World Cup but decided the flights and hotels were too expensive, so excited to have it in the US!
Carlos: I'm excited! I like following the World Cup and it's fun that we'll be hosting it. I don't follow soccer super closely anymore outside of the major international tournaments, but it's always a good time.
Naterade: Im always excited for the olympics, but I dont love when its in the USA. I feel like every city it ends up in, just destroys the ability for humans that live there to just exist normally and I would dread it coming to MY city. I would much rather see the games played somewhere foreign and beautiful. Bad example was when it was in China and it was in the middle of their like grossest industrial area with dirt and machinery, etc. Ruined the whole vibe.
Leflop: I’m sure people are excited, and I think that the world cup is a great sporting event to watch, but it’s damning that we needed 3 countries to host this. American infrastructure is already shit, and we’re just going to embarrass ourselves with how awful our public transportation is, but we’re going to kick every other countries ass with our food diversity and freedom. I’m excited for the event, but as a person living very close to where one of the events are, I’m dreading what its going to do to local transportation.
Slough: So pumped, need to start saving now, as i'm sure tickets will be crazy. I definitely would love to see two games, one in Dallas in that stadium would be epic, I live in California so I am assuming LA and SF would have a game, definitely want to see the USA games of course. In a perfect world it would be cool to see match in Toronto and Guadalajara as well.
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