Built Ford Tough

Lol how had Kessel peaked? He is 21 years old and coming off of his best season of his NHL career. He has plenty of raw, untapped potential and has plenty of room to still grow as a player. Yeah playing with an elite playmaker like Savard helped him out tremendously last season, but the guy has definitely not peaked. I like this trade for both teams. The Leafs get their legitimate star forward that they have been desperately lacking and the icing on the cake is that he is only 21 years old and still growing as a player. He gives them a dynamic offensive talent and that was something that they were desperately lacking. As a Leaf fan, I am definitely looking forward to seeing Kessel on the ice after he recovers from rotator cuff surgery. They also didn't have to part with any position players which is nice (and expected considering Boston's cap situation). As for Boston, they simply weren't going to be bringing Kessel back. They didn't have the money nor did he even want to be there. They got two 1st rounders and a 2nd rounder out of it which is better compensation then if somebody would've just signed him to an offer sheet. It sucks to see a rebuilding team like Toronto to trade away 2 1sts and a 2nd, but you have to give something to get something. Besides, the 2011 draft is absolutely terrible so that 1st rounder isn't nearly as valuable as it is in most years. Knowing Burke, I can see him swing a deal sometime in the future for a could of 2nd's and then package those to get back into the 1st round anyways. All in all though, good deal for both teams.

It is the best possible situation for his development and for the team. I have been saying that they should do this ever since he he was drafted basically. It makes perfect sense for him. He won't be a focal point offensively and won't be asked to do too much on that end of the floor as he will be playing with 4 other talented offensive players. All he will need to focus on is playing defense, knocking down open jumpers and just making full use of his athleticism.

I don't love him or hate him.

Yeah I saw your post last night before I started my Be A GM mode and was going to tell you that you had the option of where to start the season. I like starting at the beginning of the regular season more because it gives you more time to scout prospects, build up a gm reputation and all of these kinds of things that make the Draft easier. One thing that I don't like about the Be A Pro mode is that it is too easy to get right to the NHL. I ended up being the first overall pick in the draft (by Edmonton ). I wish that you would be selected later in the draft and have a low overall (sub 70) to begin with and you have to work your way through the organization. That is really my only complaint though. EDIT: I guess you really have to play unreal in order to stick with the NHL team after being drafted and it isn't as easy as I thought. I played 4 games with the Oilers and in those 4 games I had 1 goal and 6 assists for 7 points. That was the team lead and 4th in the NHL. The next leading scorer on my team (Andrew Cogliano) had 4 goals and no assists, and every single one of those goals were set up by me. I guess being the teams leading scorer, the NHL's 4th leading scorer and getting at least 1 point in every game isn't good enough for the Oilers and I have to go down to Springfield to "develop some consistency"

He's right. Nobody can guard him because he never plays, therefore, they literally cannot guard him.

Who do you think will be the Raptors second leading scorer this season, Hedo Turkoglu or Andrea Bargnani?

Anybody play the full game yet? I just picked it up but haven't played yet.

I haven't played fantasy hockey for a while now but I would be up for it if you can get enough people.

Is it just me or do the Raptors have the ugliest looking dudes in the entire NBA? (no homo lol). I never realized it until I saw the banners and when Chris Bosh is the best looking guy, you know you have some ugly dudes on your team For real though (pun intended), great job on them Brandon.

Very good article. It was well written and very in-depth. I don't really disagree with anything that you said either so I don't really know what to say lol. Just one thing I noticed that I think was probably a typo. I thought I would point it out in case you didn't notice it. I assume you meant to say instruamental right? Because saying detrimental is basically saying that he is going to be a negative influence/have a negative impact on the team. I just thought that I would point that out in case you didn't notice it. Once again though, great job. Definitely a very good article.

http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/615...de_with_wolves/

I didn't think he did either, but somebody on Real GM said that he played a season there so I wrote it anyways lol as I was too lazy to look it up myself haha.

In 76 the Boston Celtics beat the Phoenix Suns to win the NBA Championship and the New York Nets beat the Denver Nuggets to win the ABA Championship. If you go on Basketbal Reference it says that Denver has never won an NBA or ABA Championship. http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DEN/ As for who I think, it is either the Jazz or the Suns. Here are some numbers comparing the two teams: Winning Percentage Phoenix: 55.9% Utah: 54.3% Playoff Appearances Phoenix: 28 Utah: 23 Playoff Series Won Phoenix: 24 Utah: 21 Percentage Of Seasons In Playoffs Phoneix: 68.3% (28/41) Utah: 65.7% (23/35) Division Championships Phoenix: 6 Utah: 9 Conference Championships Phoenix: 2 Utah: 2 Finals Appearances Phoenix: 2 Utah: 2 Keep in mind that the Suns play in the same division as the Lakers who have the most Division Championships out of any team in the league (31). You also mention that the two times the Jazz lost in the Finals were to MJ and the Bulls, but the two times that the Suns got to the Finals they lost to MJ and the Bulls and a very strong and very balanced 75-76 Celtics team. Then if you want to compare the stars that each team has had play for them you have Phoneix with guys like: Charles Barkley Steve Nash Jason Kidd Kevin Johnson Stephon Marbury (when he was actually good) Cedric Ceballos and Utah has guys like: Karl Malone John Stockton Pete Maravich Dominique Wilkens Adrian Dantley The Jazz or Suns should be the most common answer here though. It really is a toss up between the two of them if you ask me. I would probably give the Suns a slight advantage though.

Well seeing how he got banned for 10 (?) days I don't think that he will be responding anytime soon.

I counted the New York Nets 2 ABA Championships. That is why I didn't include them. I guess I did say NBA Championship though so it is contradicting lol. I edited to include ABA now lol. This way the only teams involved in the discussion will be teams that have not won a ring at all.

Where did you hear that? If you read it online, do you remember where or have a link that I could read?

Which franchise that has never won an NBA/ABA Championship do you feel is the best? For those of you that don't know which franchises have never won a ring, here is a list of them: Charlotte Bobcats Cleveland Cavaliers Dallas Mavericks Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Clippers Memphis Grizzlies Minnesota Timberwolves New Orleans Hornets Orlando Magic Phoenix Suns Toronto Raptors Utah Jazz (I think I got them all but this was off of the top of my head so if I missed something tell me and I'll edit it in)

I expect you to grow some testicles.

How exactly do you find reading a book to be more enjoyable than being high or drunk when you admit just one sentence earlier that you have never done any sort of drug before? I have no problem if you don't condone the use of drugs but how can you completely judge something when you have never done it before?

Lottery baby! Seriously though, if Bosh leaves just blow the damn team up as best as you can and slowly build the team up the right way (through the draft, developing young talent, etc...). Colangelo has done a good job of rebuilding/retooling on the fly since he came to Toronto and as a result the Raptors have been, for the most part, an above average to good team, but if Bosh leaves I think it would finally be time to do a complete rebuild of the team. I don't think that they would be terrible (as in a 15-20 win team) but they would definitely not be making the playoffs any time soon and they would be missing that one piece to build around (unless DeRozan reaches his full potential). Players like Calderon and Bargnani are nice/decent complimentary pieces but that is the extent of their abilities. They would need to find a franchise player in the draft and then surround him talent. If Bosh leaves I see no reason why a rebuilding process shouldn't take place.

I'd definitely match it. The Bucks did draft Jennings to be their point guard of the future, but I don't think that they can afford to simply let a talented young point guard like Sessions just walk. Even if they don't have him as a part of their long term plans, I would still match the contract and who knows what kinds of trade scenarios will come up in the future. I think it would be in their best interest to match the contract.

2008/2009 Statistics Record: 54-28; first in Southwest Division, third in Western Conference Scored 97 points per game. Allowed 93 points per game. Additions Richard Jefferson (via trade), Antonio McDyess (via free agency), DeJuan Blair (via draft), Theo Ratliff (via free agency), Jack McClinton (via draft)*, Nando De Colo (via draft)* *Won’t be with the team in 2009/2010.* Subtractions Bruce Bowen (via trade), Kurt Thomas (via trade), Fabricio Oberto (via trade), Drew Gooden (via free agency) Ime Udoka (still a free agent) Projected Lineup PG: Tony Parker/George Hill SG: Roger Mason Jr/Manu Ginobili/Marcus Williams SF: Richard Jefferson/Michael Finley/Malik Hairston PF: Antonio McDyess/DeJuan Blair/Marcus Haislip C: Tim Duncan/Theo Ratliff/Matt Bonner/Ian Mahinmi Analysis The San Antonio Spurs finished last season with yet another division title and 50-win season, looking poised to go on another championship run. However, they hobbled into the playoffs with injuries to franchise power forward Tim Duncan (knee) as well as star sixth man Manu Ginobili (ankle). As a result of injuries to two of their "Big Three," the Spurs were upset in five games by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs. This loss marked the earliest exit for the Spurs since the 2000 season. Knowing that their health was of the utmost importance for the success of the Spurs franchise, both Duncan and Ginobili decided to take an extended break from basketball this summer in order to ensure their health heading into the 2009-10 season. Duncan has just started to begin his normal preseason workouts—workouts that he usually begins in early August. Ginobili has limited his summer activities to a treadmill and some walks. After the Spurs were eliminated from the playoffs last season, they realized that they lacked the necessary secondary scoring and relied too heavily upon their "Big Three" of Duncan, Ginobili, and point guard Tony Parker. To help shoulder the load offensively, the Spurs went out and completed one of the biggest trades of the offseason when they acquired small forward Richard Jefferson from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Fabricio Oberto, Kurt Thomas, and Bruce Bowen. Jefferson is a versatile small forward that can fit in a variety of offensive roles. He can be used as a spot-up shooter out on the perimeter with his ability to knock down three-point shots at a consistent rate (39.7 percent last season). He is also a very good slashing small forward and is capable of creating his own shot off of the dribble. He isn’t great at creating for his teammates, but at times he is capable of it. Jefferson has fallen off defensively since his days with the Nets, but with a decreased role offensively we may see Jefferson get back to his excellent two-way play that we saw from him during his time with the in New Jersey. Jefferson is an ideal fourth option for the Spurs. He gives them a viable scoring option and a player that is capable of taking some of the offensive pressure off of Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili. Another area of concern for the Spurs was that they didn’t have a reliable big man to relieve Tim Duncan. Spurs management addressed this need by signing veteran big man Antonio McDyess with their mid-level exception, drafting All-American power forward DeJuan Blair from Pittsburgh, and signing veteran center Theo Ratliff. McDyess, a 14-year NBA veteran, gives the Spurs another fundamentally sound veteran big man. He is a good mid-range shooter that doesn’t force anything offensively. He plays within himself and doesn’t force the issue. He gets after it on the offensive boards and gives his team plenty of second chances whether it is off of an offensive rebound or just by keeping the ball alive. McDyess does all of the little things that you ask of a player and doesn’t complain about it one bit. He is the kind of player that all championship-calibre teams want on their roster. Ratliff is another 14-year NBA veteran. He has made his living on the defensive end of the floor by being an intimidator down low. He led the NBA in blocked shots three times during his career. He will give the Spurs a good defensive backup center for 15 minutes a night. DeJuan Blair is a rebounding machine. He was the best rebounder in all of college basketball last season and he just never gives up on a play. He goes after every loose ball and is a prototypical hustle player. He isn’t the most skilled player on the offensive end of the floor and he doesn’t have great size defensively, but he makes up for all of that with his tenacious, never-say-die style of play. McDyess, Ratliff, and Blair will be able to contribute to the team and, in doing so, will enable to the Spurs to limit Duncan’s minutes during the course of the season and keep him fresh for the playoffs. The new additions to the team are certainly going to be vital pieces to the Spurs puzzle, but how far they go will ultimately fall on their "Big Three" of Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili. Despite getting up there in age, Duncan is still one of the game’s elite players. Offensively, Duncan is one of the most skilled post players in the entire NBA. He has an extensive arsenal of moves in the post, but he is not just a post player. He is capable of stepping outside and hitting mid-range jumpers and makes use of his patented bank shot from the wings. He is one of the best passing big men in the entire NBA and can hurt you without needing to score the basketball. On the defensive end of the floor, Duncan is still elite. He is perhaps the best post defender in the entire NBA. He has excellent rotations and is rarely out of position. He doesn’t always make the highlight-reel plays, but he always makes the smart play defensively. Duncan’s game has started to show signs of regression, but, when healthy, he is still one of the best players in the league. With Duncan and Ginobili battling injuries all season long last season, Parker showed the entire NBA just how good of a player that he is. Parker is one of the best scoring point guards in the entire NBA. He has improved his jump shot tremendously since he entered the NBA, and that opened up his entire game. Before teams were able to sag off of him and just force him to shoot jumpers, but now that he has developed a consistent and reliable jumper from 18-20 feet, Parker is able to make full use of his blazing speed. There is not a point guard in the entire NBA that is better at slicing through defenses and finishing in the paint. Parker is not your prototypical pass-first point guard, but that does not stop him from being one of the top five point guards in the entire NBA. Ginobili struggled with injuries last season and only played in 44 games, but, when he's healthy, he is perhaps the best sixth man in the league. When healthy, he gives the Spurs an offensive punch off the bunch and is capable of taking over games with his scoring. He is a crafty scorer that uses his unorthodox style of play to his complete advantage. He is not the quickest or strongest player on the floor, but he always finds a way to get his shot off and put himself in a position to score. Last season we saw just how important Ginobili is to the Spurs, and a healthy Ginobili could quite possibly be the difference between another Spurs championship or another early playoff exit. Rounding out the Spurs rotation is veteran shooting guard Michael Finley, sophomore point guard George Hill, sharpshooting combo guard Roger Mason Jr., and stretch power forward Matt Bonner. Finley gives the Spurs a good shooter that stretches the floor on offense. He no longer has the athleticism that he had in his younger days and his best days are behind him, but he is still capable of hitting big shots when called upon. Hill showed that he is a very good prospect last season and looks to take the next step in his NBA career. The Spurs will look to him to give them valuable minutes backing up Parker. Mason was one of the league's best three-point shooters last season, and, paired up with the slashing ability of Parker and the post presence of Duncan, he looks to build upon his excellent shooting season. Bonner gives the Spurs a power forward that is capable of spreading the floor and drawing his man out of the paint. This enables Duncan to get single coverage down low. With the Spurs adding big men depth in the offseason, Bonner is going to have to fight for every minute that he gets this year. San Antonio has been the master at retooling its roster in order to stay among the NBA’s elite teams. Whenever you think that Father Time has finally caught up to the Spurs, they will make a move or two to stay relevant. This offseason is no different as they brought out the check books and spend a little more money than normal in order to keep up with the rest of the league’s elite. Will San Antonio’s moves prove to be enough to get them another championship, or has age finally caught up to this team? Find out on Wednesday, Oct. 28, when the Spurs open the season against the New Orleans Hornets. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/249268-aged-to-perfection-a-san-antonio-spurs-season-preview

Deng was a vital core piece to the Bulls back when they swept the Heat in 07 and gave the Pistons all they could handle in the second round. He averaged 19/7 and looked poised to become an All-Star calibre player. Then last season Deng missed plenty of time and even when he was on the floor he had a limited role on the team and just didn't look like the Deng of old. With Deng being healthy and Ben Gordon leaving via free agency will Deng be able to bounce back and get back to the player that the Bulls wouldn't include in a trade for Kobe Bryant?

He isn't joining the UFC. He is just fighting in MMA. He will most likely follow the same kind of path that Bobby Lashely has went through. He will fight in small orgs like Ultimate Chaos, MFC and places like that. Then if he actually makes a name for himself in the sport he might end up getting a call from the UFC. I used to be obsessed with the Power Rangers growing up though.

Yao Ming. He is a [expletive]ing [expletive]. Can't even stay on the court. What a [expletive].