#SLOE: People's Basketball Sim League

A sullen cat stalks into the media room at the beginning of the season. He plants himself in front of the microphone and hisses at the assembled reporters.

"Referees. I could have stomached a defeat if the Raptors beat our full squad... but to see them win because the referees anchored our frontcourt to the bench with fouls... in Game 7, in our own house, nonetheless... it's galling. And the commissioner can fine me if he wants, but of course I'm bitter about it."

"So there's the answer to the question everyone's been asking this off-season. What has the cat been thinking? Why has the cat been going 'same' all the time? Well, geniuses, when you've rattled off three consecutive 70-win seasons, why would you mess with what's working? In Games 1, 2, and 5, McDyess took it to Brand, as he always had in the past. Why would game 7 be different?"

"But that's over now. The past cannot be changed. We learned from it. I watched Eddy Curry and Jake Voskuhl flounder in Game 7. They were too young, too raw. We needed veteran bigs backing up our all-stars. That's why we went out and got Vlade and Weatherspoon. Both of these guys are proven veterans who will be able to give us quality minutes at the backup 4/5. We brought in Damon Stoudamire to give us an upgrade over Rick Brunson at the backup 1. Desmond Mason and DerMarr Johnson continued to improve, so we have some depth at wing. While Grant Hill had some foot problems in the offseason that stripped some of his athleticism, he retains all of the great instincts and skills that made him an all-star last season. And Penny is still Penny."

"Every year we don't win a ring is a wasted year... but this year, well, let's just say this year we should have a gigantic chip on our shoulders to take back what is ours. Any of our players that does not show the requisite fire... will be dealt with... or maybe just dealt."

"Oh, and that idiot substitute coach that started Charles Smith at SF this preseason? Gone. Good to see we showed the appropriate hate and went 6-0 in the preseason. If it means I'm making a heel turn... well, make 'em 6 inch stiletto heels."

The cat's eyes narrow.

"Any questions?"

Many felt as if the Hawks run was finally over going into the offseason, but you went on to sign Damon on the cheap and the Raptors had a poor training camp.

Did the dominos fall in your favor to once again be the odds on favorite to win the championship? If not, who is the team to beat?

Sent via Morse code

GWR: Grant Hill's entire game relied on his quickness and athletic ability. Despite your bluster that he will be the same player, he is clearly going to take a step backward. Are you not afraid that the Assistant Coach was right and that Charles Smith is the better option at this time because of his defense?

NOLa. wrote:Many felt as if the Hawks run was finally over going into the offseason, but you went on to sign Damon on the cheap and the Raptors had a poor training camp.

Did the dominos fall in your favor to once again be the odds on favorite to win the championship? If not, who is the team to beat?

Sent via Morse code

There is no question age is starting to take its toll on our roster. And honestly I thought the free agent loss of Steve Smith hurt the Raptors more than Training camp setbacks.

The Raptors are defending Champs though, and until someone eliminates them they will be considered the team to beat. Among the other hopefuls, I think we have as good a shot as anyone.

JNR wrote:GWR: Grant Hill's entire game relied on his quickness and athletic ability. Despite your bluster that he will be the same player, he is clearly going to take a step backward. Are you not afraid that the Assistant Coach was right and that Charles Smith is the better option at this time because of his defense?

I disagree. What has been most underrated about Grant is his passing ability and rebounding skills. The passing makes everyone else better and I think his work on the glass has gone a long way toward helping our team succeed (of course, i am an old school no rebounds no rings guy).

I think Grant will take a step back into more of a facilitator role this year as Desmond Mason looks ready to shoulder more of the scoring load. And we have DerMarr Johnson when defense is called for. I'm comfortable with our wing rotation.

Random Reporter: With Stoudamire now in the fold, Johnson & Mason still finding their place on the team, and Hill starting to age, do you foresee leaning on Penny Hardaway a bit more than seasons past, utilizing him at positions other than PG?

Dr. Rocker from the Cleveland Rocker:

Same.

Xist2Inspire wrote:Random Reporter: With Stoudamire now in the fold, Johnson & Mason still finding their place on the team, and Hill starting to age, do you foresee leaning on Penny Hardaway a bit more than seasons past, utilizing him at positions other than PG?

Considering the preseason coach started him at PF a few seasons ago, I think I have to keep an open mind.

42PhD wrote:Dr. Rocker from the Cleveland Rocker:

Same.

I'm tanking.

Awarded 5 PTS!