Tales from the front office: DDSPB

[daltontr 4]

2026-2027 SEASON - PLAYOFFS - SECOND ROUND (GAME 3) 

Justin McCuthison continues to impress. His stats may not be off the charts, but they are impressive and consistent. They indicate to me that this is a player who is skilled in every aspect of the game. McCuthison scored 28 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, had 5 assists, four steals and 7 blocked shots. I know I have been going on and on about this kid, but he is quickly becoming the face of the franchise and he is having a fantastic year. Best of all, he hasn't reached his full potential yet and as the greatest player of the game, Micheal Jordan, once said..."The ceiling is the roof!" Alright, enough about McCuthison, let's go get the sweep!

           EASTERN CONFERENCE                        WESTERN CONFERENCE
        Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W            Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W
CHI(1)| 27 | 27 | 34 | 34 | -- | 122 (3) | DAL(1)| 40 | 16 | 30 | 14 | -- | 100 (1)
TOR(5)| 24 | 25 | 32 | 35 | -- | 116 (0) | NOP(4)| 29 | 25 | 31 | 23 | -- | 108 (2)         
                                          
        Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W            Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W
ATL(2)| 32 | 31 | 34 | 20 | -- | 117 (2) | GSW(3)| 33 | 28 | 35 | 17 | -- | 113 (2)
ORL(3)| 23 | 30 | 39 | 23 | -- | 115 (1) | SAC(7)| 14 | 28 | 31 | 27 | -- | 100 (1)

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[daltontr 4]

2026-2027 SEASON - PLAYOFFS - SECOND ROUND (GAME 4) 

Giannis finally cut loose with 36 points, 7 assists and 20 rebounds. Like most great players, you can only hope to contain him and you can't do that every night. Especially not with a player who is motiviated and with all the "sweep" trash talking, he had plenty of bulletin board material. So, the Raptors take game four and stave off elimination and we are now headed back to the friendly confines of the United Center. I don't like making predictions or guarantee victories, but we are going to win game five...I guarantee it! 

           EASTERN CONFERENCE                        WESTERN CONFERENCE
        Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W            Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W
CHI(1)| 16 | 22 | 40 | 24 | -- | 102 (3) | DAL(1)| 21 | 22 | 33 | 25 | -- | 101 (2)
TOR(5)| 21 | 28 | 32 | 28 | -- | 109 (1) | NOP(4)| 23 | 20 | 22 | 25 | -- |  90 (2)         
                                          
        Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W            Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W
ATL(2)| 37 | 25 | 13 | 37 | -- | 112 (2) | GSW(3)| 24 | 22 | 25 | 22 | -- |  93 (3)
ORL(3)| 18 | 34 | 29 | 39 | -- | 120 (2) | SAC(7)| 26 | 14 | 28 | 18 | -- |  86 (1)

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[daltontr 4]

2026-2027 SEASON - PLAYOFFS - SECOND ROUND (GAME 5) 

P.J. Washington led all scorers with 35 points and 8 rebounds as the Bulls closed out the Raptors in five games. We didn't shoot especially well, but we did hold Giannis to 19 points and that is usually enough to defeat the Raptors. Now we get some much needed rest and await the winner of the Orland vs Atlanta series. Speaking of that series, the Orlando Magic were able to force overtime and defeated the Hawks 134-126 in Atlanta. With the series heading back to Orlando for game six, it will be interesting to see if they can close out the Hawks at home. 

           EASTERN CONFERENCE                        WESTERN CONFERENCE
        Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W            Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W
TOR(5)| 26 | 18 | 33 | 27 | -- | 104 (1) | NOP(4)| 20 | 24 | 33 | 33 | -- | 110 (3)
CHI(1)| 37 | 32 | 16 | 23 | -- | 108 (4) | DAL(1)| 26 | 32 | 21 | 29 | -- | 108 (2)         
                                          
        Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W            Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W
ORL(3)| 23 | 32 | 38 | 27 | 14 | 134 (3) | SAC(7)| 23 | 30 | 36 | 38 | -- | 127 (2)
ATL(2)| 30 | 31 | 20 | 39 |  6 | 126 (2) | GSW(3)| 26 | 30 | 17 | 29 | -- | 102 (3)

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[daltontr 4]

2026-2027 SEASON - PLAYOFFS - SECOND ROUND (GAME 6) 

The Orlando Magic pull off the upset, defeating the Atlanta Hawks 108-95 and clinching the series four games to two. I know the Magic were considered the underdogs and that they were the lower seed, but they scare me more than the Hawks. The Magic's Matt Hankins is arguably the best point guard in the league. He averages 32.2 points, 7.0 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game. Hankins can score points in bunches and forty to fifty points in a game is not unheard of. In addition to Hankins, they have Joaquin Villarreal. Villarreal is one of the best small forwards in the league and his basketball IQ is off the charts. The Magic will be tough to beat, but I think we can...but it just might take all seven games to do so. 

           EASTERN CONFERENCE                        WESTERN CONFERENCE
        Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W            Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W
CHI(1)|                              (4) | DAL(1)| 27 | 30 | 14 | 28 | -- |  99 (3)
TOR(5)|                              (1) | NOP(4)| 27 | 20 | 15 | 19 | -- |  81 (3)         
                                          
        Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W            Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W
ATL(2)| 25 | 18 | 25 | 27 | -- |  95 (2) | GSW(3)| 24 | 23 | 23 | 21 | -- |  91 (3)
ORL(3)| 22 | 29 | 17 | 40 | -- | 108 (4) | SAC(7)| 29 | 28 | 31 | 17 | -- | 105 (3)

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[daltontr 4]

2026-2027 SEASON - PLAYOFFS - SECOND ROUND (GAME 7) 

Zion gets denied again and the Mavericks advance to the Western Conference finals to face off against the Golden State Warriors. 

           EASTERN CONFERENCE                        WESTERN CONFERENCE
        Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W            Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W
TOR(5)|                              (1) | NOP(4)| 17 | 22 | 22 | 28 | -- |  89 (3)
CHI(1)|                              (4) | DAL(1)| 26 | 22 | 19 | 31 | -- |  98 (4)         
                                          
        Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W            Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W
ORL(3)|                              (4) | SAC(7)| 28 | 29 | 27 | 24 | -- | 108 (3)
ATL(2)|                              (2) | GSW(3)| 36 | 40 | 23 | 34 | -- | 133 (4)

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[daltontr 4]

2026-2027 SEASON - PLAYOFFS - CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP (PREVIEW) 

This is my seventh season playing DDS:PB20. There has been a lot of player movement, retirements and many new computer generated players. Obviously, I focus these reports on my experiences as GM. I understand there is a bit of a disconnect between what is going on in the rest of the league and what is happening within my own franchise. Reporting on league wide events is a bit of a daunting task and it sounds like a helluva lot of work. I don't want to turn my hobby into a job, but in the future I'm going to at least try and provide a little more context to our playoff opponents. Hence, this new series preview.

Bulls vs Magic (So we meet again!)
Last season the Magic went 54-28 and took us to a game seven in the Eastern Conference Championship. We defeated them 119-114 to clinch the series, before defeating the Pelicans in five games in the NBA Finals. However, Orlando's GM Cory Snow was quite busy in the off season. The Magic are still led by point guard Matt Hankins (5-Stars) and small forward Joaquin Villarreal (4.5 Stars), but the rest of the starting lineup was acquired via a trades and free agency. At power forward is former Chicago Bull Daniel Gafford (2.5 Stars). Gafford was acquired via a trade with the Bucks that sent center Mohamed Bomba, power forward Brad Lofton and small forward Jake Layman for Gafford and a 2nd round pick. At center is Myles Turner (3.0 Stars), who was one of many of the Magic's free agent acquisitions. 

Finally, last but not least, the Magic signed free agent shooting guard James Harden (2.5). Yes, that James Harden. Harden is now 37 years old and his game is on a severe decline, but he still manages to get the majority of starts, despite shooting guard Jarrett Culver (3.5 Stars) being on the bench and uninjured. Granted, Culver does get the bulk of minutes and could conceivably be the sixth man of the year, but I just don't understand why Harden would start over Culver. Sometimes the coaches do things that simply escape me. Oh and as a footnote, the Magic signed Stephen Curry (2 stars) during the off season as well. Curry is 38 years old and I'm guessing he will retire at the end of the year. He does play, but he gets less than ten minutes a game in relief of Hankins.  

Personally, I think we match up pretty well against the Magic, but Hankins will be difficult to contain. Hankins is the leagues leading scorer and we cannot allow him to score at will. If we cannot prevent Hankins from lighting up the scoreboard, we will have to contain Villarreal and Culver. Either way, Orlando is a tough defensive team and we'll need to play well to defeat them. No taking your foot off the gas in the fourth quarter. 

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[daltontr 4]

2026-2027 SEASON - PLAYOFFS - CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP (GAME 1) 

What a game! There were 18 ties and 27 lead changes and neither team led by more than 8 points. Orlando's Matt Hankins went off, scoring 48 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. Hankins also had six steals and a blocked shot, but we did manage to control Villarreal and Culver, holding the duo to a combined 22 points. It also didn't hurt that the Magic shot only 19.5% from beyond the arc, going 5 of 26. We had a little more balanced attack, with Bradley Beal contributing 25 points and P.J. Washington another 23 points and 17 rebounds. As a matter of fact, the entire starting lineup was in double figures and Markelle Fultz came off the bench to add 19 points of his own. 

           EASTERN CONFERENCE                        WESTERN CONFERENCE
        Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W            Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W
ORL(3)| 25 | 26 | 31 | 27 | -- | 109 (0) | GSW(3)| 20 | 32 | 16 | 35 | -- | 103 (0)
CHI(1)| 25 | 26 | 38 | 27 | -- | 116 (1) | DAL(1)| 29 | 27 | 22 | 34 | -- | 112 (1)

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[daltontr 4]

2026-2027 SEASON - PLAYOFFS - CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP (GAME 2) 

Orlando came out of the gates running on all cylinders and we were quickly down by as much as 18 points. However, we scored a combined 80 points in the second and third quarters to erase that deficit and never looked back. Justin McCuthison led the Bulls with 29 points and 16 rebounds. Markelle Fultz was once again a key contributor, adding 23 points of his own coming off the bench. For Orlando, Matt Hankins once again lit up the scoreboard with 49 points, but we once again held Villarreal and Culver to 12 and 13 points respectively. Allowing Hankins to be the lone ranger seems like a winning recipe. Let's see if we can carry over this success to game three. A road victory in Orlando would be devastating for the Magic. 

           EASTERN CONFERENCE                        WESTERN CONFERENCE
        Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W            Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W
ORL(3)| 31 | 27 | 33 | 23 | -- | 122 (0) | GSW(3)| 13 | 29 | 16 | 21 | -- |  79 (0)
CHI(1)| 15 | 40 | 40 | 29 | -- | 124 (2) | DAL(1)| 19 | 22 | 28 | 30 | -- |  99 (2)

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[daltontr 4]

2026-2027 SEASON - PLAYOFFS - CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP (GAME 3) 

Matt Hankins scored 44 points and Jarrett Culver scored 30 points coming off the bench for the Magic, but the Chicago Bulls would not be denied, shooting over 60% (51-84) from the field. We were unable to contain Culver and Villarreal, who combined for 46 points, but we simply couldn't miss and when you shoot that well, it's very difficult to overcome. This was one of those games that simply has to be demoralizing for the Magic. They played very well on their home court, but couldn't find a way to stop the Bulls and now the outcome seems inevitable. The only real question is whether or not the Bulls will complete the sweep, because no one believes that the Magic can win four straight against the defending NBA Champions.  

           EASTERN CONFERENCE                        WESTERN CONFERENCE
        Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W            Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W
CHI(1)| 27 | 37 | 36 | 39 | -- | 139 (3) | DAL(1)| 24 | 24 | 27 | 34 | -- | 109 (3)
ORL(3)| 26 | 43 | 29 | 34 | -- | 126 (0) | GSW(3)| 21 | 41 | 24 | 15 | -- | 102 (0)

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[daltontr 4]

2026-2027 SEASON - PLAYOFFS - CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP (GAME 4) 

After getting shot out of the building in game three, the Orlando Magic decided to return the favor, shooting over 57% from the field and defeating the Bulls to stave off elimination. Hankins once again was the leading scorer, with 49 points and 9 rebounds. The real key to this game was that Orlando simply ran the Bulls off the court, scoring 23 fast break points compared to the Bulls 6. We didn't play poorly, just not good enough and the Magic were definitely the better team tonight. Now it's back to Chicago for game five and the United Center will certainly be rocking as the Bulls look to close out the series on their home court. 

           EASTERN CONFERENCE                        WESTERN CONFERENCE
        Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W            Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W
CHI(1)| 27 | 32 | 23 | 25 | -- | 107 (3) | DAL(1)| 23 | 23 | 22 | 22 | -- |  90 (3)
ORL(3)| 33 | 41 | 23 | 27 | -- | 124 (1) | GSW(3)| 32 | 20 | 20 | 26 | -- |  99 (1)

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[daltontr 4]

2026-2027 SEASON - PLAYOFFS - CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP (GAME 5) 

A typical Bulls victory, with the Bulls starters all scoring in double figures and Markelle Fultz coming off the bench to contribute 15 points of his own. Bradley Beal led the Bulls with 26 points, but Matt Hankins once again went on a tear, scoring 54 points for the Magic! Villarreal and Culver combined for 35 points, but the rest of the team did little else. So, for the second year in a row, the Chicago Bulls defeat the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals. I must admit, I feel a little sorry for Hankins, because he did everything he could, but his supporting cast let him down yet again.

           EASTERN CONFERENCE                        WESTERN CONFERENCE
        Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W            Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W
ORL(3)| 25 | 34 | 31 | 25 | -- | 115 (1) | GSW(3)| 28 | 25 | 30 | 23 | -- | 106 (1)
CHI(1)| 39 | 17 | 31 | 35 | -- | 122 (4) | DAL(1)| 33 | 37 | 25 | 23 | -- | 118 (4)

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[daltontr 4]

2026-2027 SEASON - PLAYOFFS - NBA FINALS (PREVIEW) 

The Mavericks are no strangers to the NBA Finals, having won an NBA Championship as recently as 2023. They were also in the finals in 2021, but were swept by the Chicago Bulls in four straight. The Mavericks will be looking to avenge that loss and will do so with what some will say is the best team in the NBA. Dallas went 66-16 during the regular season, second only to the Bulls 69-13 record. However, the Mavericks have the 2nd ranked offense, 2nd ranked defense and they were also ranked #1 in the NBA Power Rankings. 

What makes the Mavericks so good? Well, since you asked, it is the dynamic duo of point guard Luka Doncic (5 Stars) and power forward Kristaps Porzingis (4.5 Stars). The rest of the starting five is comprised of shooting guard Elfrid Payton (2.5 stars), small forward Jonathan Isaac (3 Stars) and center Thomas Bryant(3 stars) who was signed as a free agent in the off season. 

Obviously, Doncic and Porzingis are the primary threats for the Mavericks. Both players are outstanding shooters and combined with the Mavericks stout defense, Dallas doesn't really need to get much from rest of their supporting cast. Personally, I think Doncic is the key to this team and if we can find a way to slow him down our odds of repeating as NBA Champs will increase dramatically. Doncic is simply one of the best point guards in the league, averaging 24.9 ppg, 8.2 apg and 8.5 rpg. That puts him in the top five in points, assists and rebounding for all NBA Guards. In other words, he is pretty damn good. 

At the age of 31, Kristaps Porzingis might be on the wrong side of thirty, but he can still play at a high level. Porzingis has averaged over 22.6 points and 8 rebounds per game in the playoffs, but he can be a bit streaky when facing the leagues better defenses. Regardless, he will be a handful and if your going to defeat the Mavericks, you must slow down either Porzingis or Doncic. The Mavericks defense is simply too good to allow they're two best offensive weapons to go unmolested. As they say, defense wins championships and with two teams both ranked in the top four in both offense and defense, this series should be no exception.

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[daltontr 4]

2026-2027 SEASON - PLAYOFFS - NBA FINALS (GAME 1) 

That was an inauspicious start to the series. Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis combined for 78 points and 23 rebounds in what I can only describe as a drubbing. This game was never close and the Mavericks led by as much as 27 points in the third quarter. The Mavericks dominated in every aspect of the game and to be perfectly honest, this was an embarrassing loss for the Bulls. Sure, it's only one game, but this game was so lopsided that the Bulls have to be a little demoralized. The Bulls simply don't lose many home games and to lose in such dramatic fashion certainly raised a lot of eyebrows around the league. It will be interesting to see if Coach Starks can rally the troops and bounce back in game two. If they don't, this series could be over sooner than later. 

                NBA FINALS
        Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W 
DAL(1)| 36 | 31 | 36 | 30 | -- | 133 (1)
CHI(1)| 28 | 31 | 24 | 33 | -- | 116 (0)

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Edited May 1, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

2026-2027 SEASON - PLAYOFFS - NBA FINALS (GAME 2) 

Not much to say about this game. It was certainly winnable, but after getting down by 14, the Bulls simply couldn't bridge the gap and now the Mavericks have a commanding two games to none lead. Luka Doncic was again named the Player of the Game, with 33 points, 13 assists and 5 rebounds. Kristaps Porzingis added 28 points and 10 rebounds of his own. For the Bulls, it was a solid performance, but they have been unable to find a way to slow down either Porzingis or Doncic. If they don't find an answer soon, they face the real prospect of being swept. Game three is a must win and Dallas are now heavy favorites to win the series.

                NBA FINALS
        Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W 
DAL(1)| 27 | 30 | 26 | 34 | -- | 117 (2)
CHI(1)| 20 | 35 | 24 | 31 | -- | 110 (0)

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Edited May 1, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

2026-2027 SEASON - PLAYOFFS - NBA FINALS (GAME 3) 

There really is no way to sugar coat it, that was an ass whipping of epic proportions. The Mavericks took the Bulls to the woodshed and this series is all but over. Luka Doncic recorded a triple-double, 27 points, 10 assists, 10 rebounds and was unsurprisingly named the player of the game. He will most certainly be named the series MVP and the Bulls have been beaten so thoroughly that it is unlikely they can rebound from such a dramatic defeat. Mavericks fans will most likely be celebrity an NBA title after game four, because I really don't think we have any answer for the Doncic and Porzingis duo. 

                NBA FINALS
        Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W
CHI(1)| 17 | 21 | 22 | 29 | -- |  89 (0)
DAL(1)| 29 | 29 | 29 | 37 | -- | 124 (3)

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Edited May 1, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

2026-2027 SEASON - PLAYOFFS - NBA FINALS (GAME 4) 

I don't know what to say. I certainly didn't think it would be an easy series, but I never imagined us getting swept in four. This was not in the script and hugely disappointing after such a magnificent regular season. You simply can't shoot 30% from the field and 23% from three and beat...well...anyone, certainly not a team as talented as the Dallas Mavericks. So, congratulations to the Dallas Mavericks, they certainly deserve all the accolades. Now what...usually at this point I'm either celebrating or eagerly look towards the off season. However, this was a devastating beat down and not something anyone in the Bulls organization will soon get over. We entered the playoffs with what we thought was a better than average shot at winning back-to-back titles, but to get beat so thoroughly makes me wonder if we are headed in the wrong direction. I need time to digest this and reevaluate our options as we head into the off season. 

                NBA FINALS
        Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F   W
CHI(1)| 29 | 16 | 27 | 19 | -- |  91 (0)
DAL(1)| 33 | 18 | 32 | 35 | -- | 118 (4)

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Edited May 1, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

2026-2027 SEASON - END OF YEAR AWARDS

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Matt Hankins (Guard ORL) 32.2 ppg / 7.0 apg / 4.9 rpg / 3.8 spg / 0.8 bpg

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Matt Hankins (Guard ORL) 32.2 ppg / 7.0 apg / 4.9 rpg / 3.8 spg / 0.8 bpg

SIXTH MAN OF THE YEAR
Dennis Smith (Guard DEN) 14.3 ppg / 5.9 apg / 3.6 rpg / 1.8 spg / 0.6 bpg

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Terry Rosen (Forward TOR) 11.6 ppg / 2.7 apg / 5.6 rpg / 1.8 spg / 0.6 bpg

COACH OF THE YEAR
Rick Carlisle - Dallas Mavericks 66-16

ALL-LEAGUE 1st TEAM
G Matt Hankins (ORL)
G Donovan Mitchell (UTA)
F Jayson Tatum (BOS)
F Bernard Person (PHO)
C Justin McCuthison (CHI) <---

ALL-LEAGUE 2nd TEAM
G Trae Young (ATL)
G Jamaal Hickerson (LAL)
F Rui Hachimura (GSW)
F Anthony Davis (POR)
C Deandre Ayton (PHO)

ALL-LEAGUE 3rd TEAM
G Ja Morant (MEM)
G Zach LaVine (MIA)
F Sharone Preston (CLE)
F Zion Williamson (NOP)
C Karl-Anthony Towns (MIN)

ALL-DEFENSIVE 1st TEAM
G Matt Hankins (ORL)
G Matisse Thybulle (DEN)
F Casey Ohanlon (GSW)
F Kristaps Porzingis (DAL)
C Mitchell Robinson (NYK)

ALL-DEFENSIVE 2nd TEAM
G Luka Doncic (DAL)
G Juan Menser (MIN)
F Jayson Tatum (BOS)
F Zion Williamson (NOP)
C Justin McCuthison (CHI) <---

ALL-ROOKIE 1st TEAM
G Freddie Carney (DET)
G Ricky Riley (BKN)
F Terry Rosen (TOR)
F Ryan Jefferson (MIL)
C Michael Kern (IND)

ALL-ROOKIE 2nd TEAM
G Marcus Bosl (CHI) <---
G Ivo Brozovic (SAC)
F Mackel Alexander (WAS)
F Lee Askew (CHI) <---
C Wright Grant (ORL)

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[daltontr 4]

2026-2027 OFF SEASON REPORT 

OWNER MEETING
Jerry was mildly disappointed that we didn't come away with the Championship, but he had no other complaints and I agreed to stay on another year when offered. I think he could tell I was still reeling from the way the season had ended and he seemed oddly cordial. He said we'd talk in a couple days, but after I hung up, I had a weird feeling...I can't really explain it, something just seemed off. Jerry has always been a real task master, who has little to no tolerance for people who don't meet his expectations. Sure, I stayed within the agreed upon budget, but he didn't seem as disappointed with the way the season had ended as I was. It was just a little weird.

So, I go back to the office and start prepping for the off season, when out of the blue I get a call from Mario Humphries. Who the hell is Mario Humphries? Well, he just happens to be the new owner of the Chicago Bulls! You could have knocked me over with a feather. I did not see this coming and I can't decide whether or not to be excited or fearful. I don't know much about Mr. Humphries just yet, but I do know he has an even tighter ass than ole Jerry. At least Jerry would allow me to exceed the cap to hunt down a championship, Humphries is adamant that I stay within the cap...I hate to say it, but I think this is my last year in Chicago. I want to work for an owner who wants to win as much as I do and who isn't afraid to spend a little money. Needless to say, the owner and I did not get off on the right foot. 

PLAYER CONTRACTS
The majority of the team is returning for next season, but we are losing center Steven Adams and shooting guard Markelle Fultz at the end of this year. Both Adams and Fultz played well coming off the bench and I will be sorry to see them go. Power forward Lee Askew and point guard Marcus Bosl were both named to the 2nd team All-Rookie squad and I intend to exercise their rookie options. I also have rookie options available for small forward Viktor Florakis and point guard Andrew Miller. Florakis has a lot of upside and I will exercise his rookie option, but I'm still on the fence with Miller. Miller is a solid player, but I don't see him progressing into a starting role and we already have three point guards on the roster. I think Miller is going to be a last minute decision. 

Starters P.J. Washington (PF), Brandon Ingram (SF) and Justin McCuthison will all be free agents at the end of next season. Washington has already stated that he intends on pursuing free agency, I am unable to offer Ingram an extension and McCuthison is going to want an extension that would make him the highest paid player on the team. Probably somewhere in the range of thirty plus million. I'd prefer to hold over an extension offer until after the free agency period, but I'm afraid if I don't pay him now, we may lose him to free agency at the end of next season. I think I'll wait until the season is officially over, but I intend on doing whatever it takes to keep this kid on the payroll.   

STAFF CONTRACTS
All four members of the coaching staff have two years remaining on their current contracts.  

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[daltontr 4]

2027-2028 PRE SEASON REPORT 

So...new owner and he demands we stay within the cap, but we were $42.2 million dollars OVER the cap before renouncing the rights to Adams, Fultz and Williams. After doing that we were still $256,127 over the cap. I have to admit, I'm really getting over this penny pinching crap. I'm almost tempted to just gut this team out of spite...but I won't. I'm going to somehow get this team under the cap and then let the chips fall where they may. Seriously, this is beyond irritating. The owner expects us to make a deep playoff run, but I've got to cut payroll AND retain P.J. Washington, who has already declared that he intends on testing the free agent waters at the end of the season. Well...guess who just moved to the top of the list of potential trades! Man...I really want to eviscerate this team and then Mic drop ole Humphries at the end of the season, but I have a reputation to maintain, so I'm going to make the best of a bad situation. Regardless of what happens this season, I think I'll explore my options at the end of the year. I would like more financial freedom to compete with the Dallas Mavericks of the world. Hell, maybe Mark Cuban will give me a job...

...Okay, a significant amount of time has passed since I wrote that previous paragraph and I've decided to completely gut the team, but not in a bad way. Essentially, I decided that if this was going to be my last hurrah, I was going to go out with a bang. I was going to assemble the best possible team that I could, with the caveat that no one was untouchable and if I ended up over the cap when all was said and done, so be it. What's the worst the owner can do, fire me. Don't do me any favors pal. So, I began scouring the NBA to see which teams might be willing to make some deals and many, many, many, hours later, I had completely reshaped the team. Four of the five starters are now gone! Marcus Donovan and Bradley Beal were packaged in a deal to obtain D'Angelo Russell from the Warriors. Brandon Ingram was sent to the Celtics for Jayson Tatum and P.J. Washington was shipped out to Toronto for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Yes, Giannis is getting old in the tooth, but I only need one more season out of him. The last deal I made was to acquire shooting guard Gregory Hawkins from the Wizards for Viktor Florakis and a 2028 1st round pick via Golden State. I like Hawkins a lot. He is a rookie, so I don't think coach Starks will start him, but he should see significant minutes and I think he is a potential Rookie of the Year. 

By the way, that deal for Jayson Tatum was crazy and I'm pretty certain that the Celtics GM Clarence Anderson is going to get fired for it. He must have been off his meds, because they gave us Tatum and their 2029 first round pick for Ingram. Yea, I know that is completely insane, but it happened and I couldn't believe it myself. It was one for the ages and now Ingram is by far the best player the Celtics have, because the GM gutted the rest of the team and fired the entire coaching staff! Their starting lineup looks like this: Edwin Simmons (PG), Romeo Langford (SG), Brandon Ingram (SF), Bobby Portis (PF) and Anzejis Pacecniks (C). I can only assume that the GM was aggressively cutting salaries, because they are now one of only three teams under the cap.

Anyway, when all was said and done with the trades, we went from $256k to $6.5 million over the cap and I wasn't done spending. If you think Humphries is pissed now, wait until he sees the bill for the free agents I'm about to sign. Do I care? No, I do not. It's all or nothing this season, so time to go shopping in the free agent market. I may be over the cap, but I was certain I could get a key player or two via the mid and low level exceptions. My first thought was to go after a couple known quantities, shooting guard Markelle Fultz and center Steven Adams. I went after Fultz first, only because I knew there were very few free agent shooting guards. I figured since Adams was pushing thirty-five, he might eventually settle for a low level exception near the end of the free agent period. I figured that was a long shot, but you only get one mid level exception and I needed someone to provide top cover for my rookie shooting guard. There wasn't a lot of player movement in the beginning and nearly all of the activity revolved around teams re-signing their own players. However, on July 27th, Fultz accepted the mid level offer and I was thrilled. Now I just needed a big man and Steven Adams was still unsigned. He dismissed my initial low level exception offer, so I figured I wait until August 1st and try again. August 1st came and Adams agreed to the low level exception and now I had my two guys. I was pretty pleased with myself, because that doesn't happen very often. Lastly, I made a minimum offer to former Bulls small forward Chandler Hutchison to provide a little extra depth on the bench and he eagerly accepted. 

DRAFT
Nothing to get excited about. We had two picks in the second round and drafted small forward Travis Gibson and small forward Antonio Alexander. I don't think either will make the team. 
 
TRADES
Warriors trade PG D'Angelo Russell, 2028 1st round pick, 2030 1st round pick for PG Marcus Donovan and SG Bradley Beal.
Celtics trade SF Jayson Tatum, 2029 1st round pick (CHI via BOS) for SF Brandon Ingram.
Raptors trade PF Giannis Antetokounmpo for PF P.J. Washington.
Wizards trade SG Gregory Hawkins, 2029 2nd round pick for SF Viktor Florakis, 2028 1st round pick (GSW via CHI)

CONTRACTS
Exercised rookie option for Marcus Bosl.
Exercised rookie option for Andrew Miller.
Exercised rookie option for Viktor Florakis.
Exercised rookie option for Lee Askew.
Renounced rights to Steven Adams
Renounced rights to Markelle Fultz
Renounced rights to Kurtis Williams
Release and renounced rights to Travis Gibson
Release and renounced rights to Antonio Alexander

SUMMER LEAGUE ASSIGNMENTS
C  | James Jackson
PF | Lee Askew
PF | Jermaine Baker
SF | Antonio Alexander
SF | Travis Gibson
SF | Viktor Florakis
PG | Marcus Bosl
PG | Andrew Miller

FREE AGENCY
Signed Markell Fultz to a 1-year deal worth $13,300,00
Signed Steven Adams to a 1-year deal worth $5,100,000
Signed Chandler Hutchison to a 1-year deal worth $2,976,861
  
TEAM ROSTER

STARTERS              | PS | GM | GS | MPG  | PPG  | APG | RPG |
D'Angelo Russell      | PG |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Markelle Fultz        | SG |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Jayson Tatum          | SF |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Giannis Antetokounmpo | PF |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Justin McCuthison     | C  |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 
---------------------------------------------------------------
BENCH                 | PS | GM | GS | MPG  | PPG  | APG | RPG |
Gregory Hawkins       | SG |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Jermaine Baker        | PF |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Steven Adams          | C  |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Spencer Dinwiddie     | PG |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Chad Hutchison        | SF |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Lee Askew             | PF |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Andrew Miller         | PG |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Marcus Bosl           | PG |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
James Jackson         | C  |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
---------------------------------------------------------------
D-LEAGUE              | PS | GM | GS | MPG  | PPG  | APG | RPG |
Marcus Bosl           | PG |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
James Jackson         | C  |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
---------------------------------------------------------------

CONTRACTS (TEAM SALARY $180,591,551 / CAP STATUS $-27,591,551)

Player                | PS | CUR | POT | HGT | LBS | AG | EX |   SALARY    | CONTRACT
Giannis Antetokounmpo | PF | 5.0 | 5.0 | 6-11| 242 | 33 | 14 | $47,351,563 | $148,171,857/3y
D'Angelo Russell      | PG | 3.5 | 3.5 | 6-4 | 193 | 31 | 12 | $35,086,694 | $72,468,779/2y
Jayson Tatum          | SF | 4.0 | 4.0 | 6-8 | 204 | 29 | 10 | $34,941,933 | $111,662,262/3y
Markelle Fultz        | SG | 2.5 | 2.5 | 6-3 | 200 | 29 | 10 | $13,000,000 | $13,000,000/1y
Gregory Hawkins       | SG | 3.0 | 4.0 | 6-4 | 198 | 22 |  R | $9,655,533  | $20,035,133/2y (RO)
Justin McCuthison     | C  | 3.5 | 4.0 | 6-11| 280 | 23 |  3 | $9,305,456  | $9,305,456/1y
Lee Askew             | PF | 2.0 | 4.0 | 6-9 | 241 | 24 |  1 | $8,119,600  | $16,807,572/2y (RO)
Steven Adams          | C  | 2.5 | 2.5 | 6-11| 265 | 34 | 14 | $5,100,000  | $5,100,000/1y
Jermaine Baker        | PF | 3.0 | 3.0 | 6-8 | 217 | 26 |  3 | $4,491,902  | $4,491,902/1y
Spence Dinwiddie      | PG | 2.0 | 2.0 | 6-5 | 215 | 34 | 13 | $3,179,173  | $3,179,173/1y
Andrew Miller         | PG | 2.0 | 2.0 | 5-11| 178 | 24 |  2 | $3,066,406  | $7,794,804/2y
Chandler Hutchison    | SF | 2.0 | 2.0 | 6-7 | 197 | 31 |  9 | $2,976,861  | $2,976,861/1y
Marcus Bosl           | PG | 2.0 | 2.5 | 6-0 | 189 | 24 |  1 | $2,224,400  | $4,604,508/2y (RO)
James Jackson         | C  | 1.5 | 3.0 | 6-11| 270 | 22 |  1 | $1,792,030  | $1,792,030/1y

---------------------

Edited May 5, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

2027-2028 SEASON - OCTOBER

I knew this team was going to be good offensively, but I am surprised by how well the defense has played. Granted, it's early in the season and it didn't hurt that we had five home games in the month of October. Nevertheless, we lead the league in points-per-game with 117.7 and are ranked 3rd in offense and defense. We are also ranked 2nd in the power rankings behind the New York Knicks. Most surprising, is the poor play by the Celtics and the Hornets. Well, the Celtics did kind of mortgage their season with some questionable player/staff moves, but the Hornets I just don't get. How does a team with a starting lineup of Kendrick Nunn (4-Star), Tony Neeser (4-Star), Tyrone Fisher (3-Star), Chris Miller (4-Star) and Julius Randle (3-Star) start the season 0-7? That makes no sense to me. 

SCHEDULE

   GAME   |  SCORE  | W-L |
CHI @ TOR | 127-111 |  W  |
MIL @ CHI |  94-117 |  W  |
MIN @ CHI |  87-104 |  W  |
WAS @ CHI | 119-126 |  W  |
TOR @ CHI | 105-115 |  W  |
CHI @ CHA | 130-120 |  W  |
POR @ CHI |  81-105 |  W  |
---------------------------
RECORD     W-L
OVERALL |  7-0  |
MONTH   |  7-0  |

CONFERENCE STANDINGS

  EASTERN | WESTERN 
NYK  6-0  | DAL  6-1
CHI  7-0  | LAL  6-1
DET  4-1  | PHO  6-1
BKN  5-3  | DEN  5-2
CLE  5-3  | HOU  4-3
TOR  4-3  | UTA  4-3
IND  4-3  | MEM  4-4
WAS  4-3  | SAS  4-4
----------|----------
PHI  3-3  | NOP  3-4
ATL  3-3  | GSW  3-4
MIA  2-4  | LAC  3-5
MIL  2-5  | SAC  2-4
ORL  2-5  | MIN  2-5
BOS  0-7  | OKC  1-6
CHA  0-7  | POR  0-7

TEAM ROSTER

STARTERS              | PS | GM | GS | MPG  | PPG  | APG | RPG |
D'Angelo Russell      | PG |  7 |  7 | 37.6 | 26.9 | 7.7 | 3.4 |
Markelle Fultz        | SG |  7 |  7 | 26.6 |  9.9 | 2.6 | 4.0 |
Jayson Tatum          | SF |  7 |  7 | 35.0 | 21.0 | 2.4 | 4.1 |
Giannis Antetokounmpo | PF |  7 |  7 | 33.0 | 14.7 | 5.1 |11.3 |
Justin McCuthison     | C  |  7 |  7 | 34.1 | 22.7 | 0.6 |13.3 | 
---------------------------------------------------------------
BENCH                 | PS | GM | GS | MPG  | PPG  | APG | RPG |
Gregory Hawkins       | SG |  7 |  0 | 24.1 |  7.3 | 1.1 | 3.9 |
Jermaine Baker        | PF |  6 |  0 | 16.2 |  3.7 | 0.5 | 2.8 |
Steven Adams          | C  |  7 |  0 | 14.0 |  5.6 | 0.4 | 3.7 |
Spencer Dinwiddie     | PG |  7 |  0 | 11.1 |  4.0 | 2.1 | 0.9 |
Chad Hutchison        | SF |  7 |  0 |  7.1 |  1.9 | 0.1 | 2.1 |
Lee Askew             | PF |  4 |  0 |  3.8 |  1.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 |
Andrew Miller         | PG |  5 |  0 |  2.4 |  0.0 | 0.6 | 0.2 |
Marcus Bosl           | PG |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
James Jackson         | C  |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
---------------------------------------------------------------
D-LEAGUE              | PS | GM | GS | MPG  | PPG  | APG | RPG |
Marcus Bosl           | PG |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
James Jackson         | C  |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
---------------------------------------------------------------

---------------------

Edited May 5, 2020 by daltontr

[NikeCheck 0]

On 2/20/2020 at 5:08 PM, daltontr said:

2023-2024 SEASON - END OF YEAR AWARDS

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Bernard Person (Forward PHO) 30.4 ppg / 2.5 apg / 10.7 rpg / 2.2 spg / 1.5 bpg.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Joel Embiid (Center PHI) 23.0 ppg / 3.3 apg / 13.0 rpg / 1.2 spg / 2.5 bpg

SIXTH MAN OF THE YEAR
Monte Morris (Guard DEN) 18.9 ppg / 5.3 apg / 3.4 rpg / 1.2 spg / 0.4 bpg

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Ron Evans (Center HOU) 13.2 ppg / 0.6 apg / 7.2 rpg / 0.5 spg / 1.8 bpg

COACH OF THE YEAR
Rick Carlisle - Dallas Mavericks 64-18 (NBA CHAMPIONS)

ALL-LEAGUE 1st TEAM
G Trae Young (ATL)
G Donovan Mitchell (UTA)
F Paul George (LAC)
F Bernard Person (PHO)
C Karl-Anthony Towns (MIN)

ALL-LEAGUE 2nd TEAM
G Luka Doncic (DAL)
G R.J. Barrett (NYK)
F Jayson Tatum (BOS)
F Anthony Davis (LAL)
C Joel Embiid (PHI)

ALL-LEAGUE 3rd TEAM
G Kyrie Irving (OKC)
G Bradley Beal (MIA)
F Joaquin Villarreal (ORL)
F Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL)
C Rudy Gobert (UTA)

ALL-DEFENSIVE 1st TEAM
G Luka Doncic (DAL)
G Jarrett Culver (MIN)
F Jayson Tatum (BOS)
F Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL)
C Joel Embiid (PHI)

ALL-DEFENSIVE 2nd TEAM
G De'Aaron Fox (SAC)
G Donovan Mitchell (UTA)
F Casey Ohanlon (GSW)
F Anthony Davis (LAL)
C Rudy Gobert(UTA)

ALL-ROOKIE 1st TEAM
G Sebastian Eyles (NYK)
G Shannon Gayden (BKN)
F Aaron Dickenman (DEN)
F Chris Miller (CHI)
C Ron Evans (HOU)

ALL-ROOKIE 2nd TEAM
G Chris Childs (MIN)
G Kerry Griffith (PHI)
F Amir Jenkins (IND)
F Ryan Syed (GSW)
C Gottlieb Kessler (SAS)

---------------------

Do the rookies in your sim play significant minutes, Only about 16 get playing time in mine and almost none start.

[daltontr 4]

2027-2028 SEASON - NOVEMBER

Well...I think twenty consecutive wins to start the season kind of speaks for itself. We are first overall in points-per-game (120.4), first overall in field-goal-percentage (.491), first overall in blocks-per-game (8.5), first overall in rebounds-per-game (49.5) and number one in the Power Rankings. We have the second rated offense and the 4th rated defense. That's not to shabby, but I'm sure the owner is still chewing glass over our payroll. Yes, we are $27.5 million dollars over the cap and to that I say "So what!?!" That kind of money won't even buy you a 33-year old Pascal Siakam! If you know who Pascal Siakam is, give yourself a gold star, because most people couldn't pick him out of a line up. Pascal is a middle tier power forward who is an excellent defender, but otherwise unremarkable and he makes $28+ million a year. 

So, excuse me if I'm not concerned about being over the cap by a mere $27 mil. At $180.5 million dollars, we are still only the 17th highest paid team in the league. Hell, the Charlotte Hornets have a $263.3 million dollar payroll and they are 4-17! Money may not buy championships, but it damn sure buys talent and talent is what gets you titles. If we not about winning titles, then what are we doing? If we win five more games, we will break the record for consecutive wins to start a season and that's really saying something. Regardless, we could go undefeated in the regular season, but if we don't bring home a title, it will be all for not. This is the all or nothing season for me, because I'm probably not going to survive another season as the Bulls GM if we don't. 

SCHEDULE

   GAME   |  SCORE  | W-L |
CHI @ WAS | 108-89  |  W  |
CHI @ CLE | 135-105 |  W  |
CHI @ MIL | 111-90  |  W  |
CHI @ HOU | 118-112 |  W  | OT
LAL @ CHI | 113-126 |  W  |
DAL @ CHI | 100-109 |  W  |
CLE @ CHI | 112-142 |  W  |
CHI @ SAS | 120-102 |  W  |
ATL @ CHI | 117-131 |  W  |
CHI @ PHO | 111-92  |  W  |
CHI @ OKC | 122-118 |  W  |
CHI @ GSW | 111-107 |  W  |
CHI @ MIN | 139-113 |  W  |
---------------------------
RECORD     W-L
OVERALL | 20-0  |
MONTH   | 13-0  |

CONFERENCE STANDINGS

  EASTERN | WESTERN 
CHI 20-0  | DAL 16-4
NYK 17-4  | LAL 15-6
ATL 14-7  | HOU 13-8
DET 13-7  | SAC 12-8
ORL 13-9  | SAS 12-10
BKN 12-9  | DEN 12-10
TOR 13-10 | PHO 11-12
PHI 11-9  | NOP 10-11
----------|----------
CLE  9-11 | UTA 10-11
MIA  8-14 | LAC 10-12
IND  8-14 | MEM  9-12
WAS  6-14 | GSW  9-12
BOS  5-16 | OKC  9-13
MIL  5-17 | MIN  6-15
CHA  4-17 | POR  5-15

TEAM ROSTER

STARTERS              | PS | GM | GS | MPG  | PPG  | APG | RPG |
D'Angelo Russell      | PG | 20 | 20 | 35.7 | 28.5 | 7.0 | 3.2 |
Markelle Fultz        | SG | 18 | 18 | 25.1 |  9.3 | 2.7 | 3.7 |
Jayson Tatum          | SF | 20 | 20 | 34.2 | 16.5 | 2.7 | 5.5 |
Giannis Antetokounmpo | PF | 20 | 20 | 33.7 | 17.9 | 5.4 |10.8 |
Justin McCuthison     | C  | 20 | 20 | 34.0 | 21.3 | 0.9 |12.3 | 
---------------------------------------------------------------
BENCH                 | PS | GM | GS | MPG  | PPG  | APG | RPG |
Gregory Hawkins       | SG | 20 |  0 | 25.7 |  8.2 | 1.3 | 3.8 |
Jermaine Baker        | PF | 13 |  0 | 16.1 |  5.2 | 0.5 | 3.5 |
Steven Adams          | C  | 20 |  0 | 15.6 |  7.2 | 0.8 | 4.7 |
Spencer Dinwiddie     | PG | 20 |  2 | 13.4 |  4.1 | 2.4 | 1.1 |
Chad Hutchison        | SF | 20 |  0 | 10.0 |  3.2 | 0.6 | 1.8 |
Lee Askew             | PF | 15 |  0 |  4.8 |  1.5 | 0.2 | 0.9 |
Andrew Miller         | PG | 13 |  0 |  4.2 |  1.1 | 0.5 | 0.4 |
Marcus Bosl           | PG |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
James Jackson         | C  |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
---------------------------------------------------------------
D-LEAGUE              | PS | GM | GS | MPG  | PPG  | APG | RPG |
Marcus Bosl           | PG |  1 |  1 | 28.0 | 10.0 | 8.0 | 1.0 |
James Jackson         | C  |  1 |  1 | 29.0 | 16.0 | 2.0 |18.0 |
---------------------------------------------------------------

---------------------

[daltontr 4]

2027-2028 SEASON - DECEMBER

Well, we came up a little short of breaking the record for consecutive wins to start a season, but it was a good run and we finished the month with a 12-2 mark. We have increased our points-per-game to 121.3 and still lead the league in field goal percentage (.495). We are rated first in offense, but fell to 10th in defense, despite still being ranked #1 in the power rankings. 

The day after Christmas, I traded SG Markelle Fultz and a 2028 second round pick to the Milwaukee Bucks for SG Jaylen Nowell. Jaylen and Markelle are very similar players in my opinion, but I felt Jaylen was a better rebounder and could offer us more on offense. Yes, I know...don't fix it if it ain't broken, but in as much as I like Fultz, his offense was always lacking and I only ever envisioned him as a stop gap until Hawkins was ready to jump into the starting lineup. Nowell will now assume that same role, but I think he is a better long term option, if only marginally. Cap wise, it was of little to no consequence. 

SCHEDULE

   GAME   |  SCORE  | W-L |
GSW @ CHI | 112-137 |  W  |
CHI @ TOR | 103-120 |  L  |
CLE @ CHI | 121-133 |  W  |
SAS @ CHI | 102-123 |  W  |
OKC @ CHI | 101-121 |  W  |
CHI @ NOP | 106-97  |  W  |
DET @ CHI | 114-126 |  W  |
CHI @ MEM | 113-124 |  L  |
MIL @ CHI |  98-120 |  W  |
WAS @ CHI | 116-136 |  W  |
CHI @ WAS | 110-102 |  W  |
DET @ CHI | 131-141 |  W  |
DEN @ CHI | 126-135 |  W  |
CHI @ POR | 112-94  |  W  |
---------------------------
RECORD     W-L
OVERALL | 32-2  |
MONTH   | 12-2  |

CONFERENCE STANDINGS

  EASTERN | WESTERN 
CHI 32-2  | DAL 32-5
ATL 25-12 | SAS 23-15
ORL 24-13 | LAL 21-14
NYK 23-13 | MEM 20-15
DET 22-14 | NOP 20-16
CLE 19-16 | SAC 19-16
BKN 19-17 | HOU 20-17
PHI 17-17 | DEN 18-19
----------|----------
TOR 20-20 | PHO 16-22
MIL 14-22 | UTA 15-21
MIA 14-22 | LAC 15-22
BOS 13-23 | POR 13-24
IND 13-24 | MIN 12-23
WAS 12-24 | GSW 12-24
CHA 10-26 | OKC 11-26

TEAM ROSTER

STARTERS              | PS | GM | GS | MPG  | PPG  | APG | RPG |
D'Angelo Russell      | PG | 34 | 34 | 35.8 | 27.3 | 7.1 | 3.2 |
Jaylen Nowell         | SG | 33 | 16 | 26.2 | 12.8 | 3.1 | 4.1 |
Jayson Tatum          | SF | 34 | 34 | 33.6 | 15.8 | 2.6 | 5.5 |
Giannis Antetokounmpo | PF | 34 | 34 | 33.6 | 17.8 | 5.4 |10.6 |
Justin McCuthison     | C  | 34 | 34 | 33.9 | 21.8 | 0.8 |11.5 | 
---------------------------------------------------------------
BENCH                 | PS | GM | GS | MPG  | PPG  | APG | RPG |
Gregory Hawkins       | SG | 34 |  0 | 26.1 |  8.9 | 1.6 | 3.6 |
Jermaine Baker        | PF | 27 |  0 | 15.1 |  6.0 | 0.6 | 3.1 |
Steven Adams          | C  | 34 |  0 | 15.9 |  7.7 | 0.8 | 4.9 |
Spencer Dinwiddie     | PG | 34 |  2 | 12.4 |  3.9 | 2.4 | 1.0 |
Chad Hutchison        | SF | 32 |  0 |  8.3 |  3.2 | 0.6 | 1.4 |
Lee Askew             | PF | 24 |  0 |  5.0 |  1.7 | 0.3 | 0.9 |
Andrew Miller         | PG | 19 |  0 |  3.8 |  1.3 | 0.4 | 0.3 |
Marcus Bosl           | PG |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
James Jackson         | C  |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
---------------------------------------------------------------
D-LEAGUE              | PS | GM | GS | MPG  | PPG  | APG | RPG |
Marcus Bosl           | PG | 13 | 13 | 30.6 | 14.9 | 6.2 | 3.5 |
James Jackson         | C  | 14 | 14 | 27.2 | 11.7 | 1.9 |11.0 |
---------------------------------------------------------------

CONTRACTS (TEAM SALARY $180,666,592 / CAP STATUS $-27,666,592)

Player                | PS | CUR | POT | HGT | LBS | AG | EX |   SALARY    | CONTRACT
Giannis Antetokounmpo | PF | 5.0 | 5.0 | 6-11| 242 | 33 | 14 | $47,351,563 | $148,171,857/3y
D'Angelo Russell      | PG | 3.5 | 3.5 | 6-4 | 193 | 31 | 12 | $35,086,694 | $72,468,779/2y
Jayson Tatum          | SF | 4.0 | 4.0 | 6-8 | 204 | 29 | 10 | $34,941,933 | $111,662,262/3y
Jalen Nowell          | SG | 2.5 | 2.5 | 6-4 | 201 | 28 |  8 | $13,375,041 | $27,351,958/2y
Gregory Hawkins       | SG | 3.0 | 4.0 | 6-4 | 198 | 22 |  R | $9,655,533  | $20,035,133/2y (RO)
Justin McCuthison     | C  | 3.5 | 4.0 | 6-11| 280 | 23 |  3 | $9,305,456  | $9,305,456/1y
Lee Askew             | PF | 2.0 | 4.0 | 6-9 | 241 | 24 |  1 | $8,119,600  | $16,807,572/2y (RO)
Steven Adams          | C  | 2.5 | 2.5 | 6-11| 265 | 34 | 14 | $5,100,000  | $5,100,000/1y
Jermaine Baker        | PF | 3.0 | 3.0 | 6-8 | 217 | 26 |  3 | $4,491,902  | $4,491,902/1y
Spence Dinwiddie      | PG | 2.0 | 2.0 | 6-5 | 215 | 34 | 13 | $3,179,173  | $3,179,173/1y
Andrew Miller         | PG | 2.0 | 2.0 | 5-11| 178 | 24 |  2 | $3,066,406  | $7,794,804/2y
Chandler Hutchison    | SF | 2.0 | 2.0 | 6-7 | 197 | 31 |  9 | $2,976,861  | $2,976,861/1y
Marcus Bosl           | PG | 2.0 | 2.5 | 6-0 | 189 | 24 |  1 | $2,224,400  | $4,604,508/2y (RO)
James Jackson         | C  | 1.5 | 3.0 | 6-11| 270 | 22 |  1 | $1,792,030  | $1,792,030/1y

---------------------

[daltontr 4]

On 5/4/2020 at 10:27 PM, NikeCheck said:

Do the rookies in your sim play significant minutes, Only about 16 get playing time in mine and almost none start.

For the most part it is rare to see a rookie get a lot of minutes. If they are exceptional players 4-5 stars and the team doesn't already have an established starter, maybe they get placed directly into the starting lineup, but it is rare. Most rookies, even the good ones need time to develop and in my experience even the really good rookies have to come off the bench. My rookie shooting guard is getting 26.1 MPG, which is essentially splitting time with the starter. 

[daltontr 4]

2027-2028 SEASON - JANUARY

Another outstanding month of basketball. Statistically speaking, nothing has really changed. We are still ranked #1 in points-per-game(118.8) and field goal percentage(.488). We have the #1 rated offense, the #6 rated defense and ranked 1st in the Power Rankings. This has the makings of an epic regular season, but there is still a lot of basketball to be played. One thing is for sure, the Bulls and Mavericks are by far the two best teams in the league and the closer we get to the playoffs, the more it looks like we will get treated to a rematch in the finals...but...let's not start counting our eggs before they are hatched. Before you can play for a title, you actually have to get there first and anything can happen between now and then.

SCHEDULE

   GAME   |  SCORE  | W-L |
CHI @ PHI | 123-104 |  W  |
IND @ CHI |  93-112 |  W  |
PHI @ CHI | 106-112 |  W  |
CHI @ ATL | 118-101 |  W  |
CHI @ IND |  94-84  |  W  |
ORL @ CHI |  99-107 |  W  |
LAC @ CHI |  82-100 |  W  |
CHI @ MIA | 138-123 |  W  |
CHI @ ATL | 132-128 |  W  | OT
MIA @ CHI |  97-130 |  W  |
CHI @ BOS |  98-85  |  W  |
PHO @ CHI | 106-111 |  W  |
BKN @ CHI |  95-109 |  W  |
CHI @ DET | 100-116 |  L  |
BOS @ CHI |  91-115 |  W  |
---------------------------
RECORD     W-L
OVERALL | 46-3  |
MONTH   | 14-1  |

CONFERENCE STANDINGS

  EASTERN | WESTERN 
CHI 46-3  | DAL 40-10
ORL 33-17 | MEM 30-19
NYK 32-20 | SAS 30-22
DET 31-20 | NOP 28-22
PHI 27-22 | LAL 28-22
ATL 27-23 | SAC 28-22
CLE 26-23 | HOU 29-24
TOR 27-25 | PHO 25-27
----------|----------
BKN 24-28 | UTA 24-27
WAS 21-29 | DEN 24-30
MIA 21-30 | MIN 22-29
MIL 19-31 | GSW 21-29
IND 18-34 | POR 19-32
BOS 14-34 | LAC 19-32
CHA 13-38 | OKC 14-36

TEAM ROSTER

STARTERS              | PS | GM | GS | MPG  | PPG  | APG | RPG |
D'Angelo Russell      | PG | 49 | 49 | 34.9 | 26.2 | 7.2 | 3.4 |
Jaylen Nowell         | SG | 48 | 31 | 26.4 | 12.0 | 2.3 | 3.8 |
Jayson Tatum          | SF | 49 | 49 | 32.6 | 14.8 | 2.4 | 5.3 |
Giannis Antetokounmpo | PF | 49 | 49 | 34.3 | 18.7 | 5.7 |10.9 |
Justin McCuthison     | C  | 44 | 42 | 33.2 | 20.7 | 0.8 |10.8 | 
---------------------------------------------------------------
BENCH                 | PS | GM | GS | MPG  | PPG  | APG | RPG |
Gregory Hawkins       | SG | 49 |  0 | 26.5 |  9.0 | 1.7 | 3.7 |
Jermaine Baker        | PF | 41 |  0 | 14.2 |  5.6 | 0.5 | 2.8 |
Steven Adams          | C  | 49 |  7 | 20.0 |  9.7 | 1.2 | 6.1 |
Spencer Dinwiddie     | PG | 49 |  2 | 12.7 |  3.6 | 2.7 | 1.1 |
Chad Hutchison        | SF | 47 |  0 |  8.6 |  2.8 | 0.6 | 1.5 |
Lee Askew             | PF | 32 |  0 |  5.1 |  2.1 | 0.2 | 1.0 |
Andrew Miller         | PG | 26 |  0 |  4.0 |  1.0 | 0.4 | 0.3 |
Marcus Bosl           | PG |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
James Jackson         | C  |  0 |  0 |  0.0 |  0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
---------------------------------------------------------------
D-LEAGUE              | PS | GM | GS | MPG  | PPG  | APG | RPG |
Marcus Bosl           | PG | 26 | 26 | 32.6 | 16.2 | 6.5 | 4.2 |
James Jackson         | C  | 28 | 28 | 27.6 | 12.5 | 1.6 |11.8 |
---------------------------------------------------------------

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