5 on 5: S68 edition

[greepleairport]

We haven’t done one of these since the S50’s so let’s keep things simple to start, yeah? I’m going to ask a series of 5 questions to 5 different GMs to get their hottest possible takes. They will be rewarded points for the content and length of their answers.

All questions are about sim league, so all answers are about sim league.

That said, I am a walrus.

Question 1

The all-time ring leader of PBSL, garbageman, just finished off his fingers with his 10th ring. I don’t even want to think about where he’d put the 11th, so what do you think should happen to derail the Bulls’ repeat championship momentum?

Black Superman

Dethroning of the championship winning Bulls team has to come from the Lakers right? We keep saying it, it's got to come true one of these days right? I think this is their year(again). Paulo needs to stay healthy. The Bobcats made some nice moves and will be there. I like what the Mavs have done finally getting in the trade market. Rockets and spurs will still contend. The Nuggets got better after taking the champs to 7 games last year. Amos is a huge signing. What's curious is a few teams in striking position such as the Celtics, or the Timberwolves. I might even be inclined to put the bucks up there. Can any of these teams make a trade or switch something up to contend? The Celtics still need a scoring number 1 option. While the bucks need a legitimate guard that can play with ware and wemby. Ebbe is just not enough. Timberwolves have no realistic way to get better and thus they're kinda stuck and should ultimately be looking to reset and shipping out Xue for assets on top of assets. I'm looking forward to the Bulls selling it all and taking themselves out of the picture.


NickMalone77

Teams in the conference have to get better or put up more of a threat even within the division to stop the Bulls. It shouldn’t get to a point where it’s a yearly Bulls and Lakers representative. My team isn’t close to those levels but the Cavs, Pacers, and Celtics are one player teams with role players. The Bucks and TWolves are run by stewards and the others are either rebuilding, middling, or tanking. Maybe if we combine the teams we could pose a threat but even then, the Lakers and Bulls are clearly the top teams in the conference in my opinion.


K-100

One of two things needs to happen. Either, teams have to get over the fear of the tax and build deeper rosters. Easier said than done I know but the Bulls have shown time and again that finding role players with niche specialities can pay off big time in the playoffs with matchups. Or Option 2, garbageman routinely puts his entire team on the block every offseason to kick the tires. Nobody ever responds and he runs it back. I mean who cam blame him? If you cant beat the champ, tear his team apart. But everyone is afraid they will end up on the bad side of a deal and dont engage at all. Look I'm guilty of it too. It's why I time my tax explosions when I do so I'm a big believer in Option 1. But until someone bites the bullet and engages in a trade or two with gman we are going to see this championship formula again and again.


Xist2Inspire

Well I'm not sure if anything should happen, but what likely will happen is aging. Blakeney in particular is a key part of his team, and a major decline from him puts the Bulls in a less-than-favorable spot. There's nobody out on the wing who's able to replace him.


Mike Lowry

I think the Bulls are definitely in need of motion. They WILL NOT run it back with their current rostor. If you're referring to some allegiance being formed to block them out of spite, I don't know about that, but I don't feel like anybody has to light a candle in front of rum and chicken bones. They are too old to be rinse and repeat. To be honest, I don't even think they were expecting to make the run they did last season. But walking into this season I think Blakeney, Alleman and Dirks take hits in TC, and they are too thin in the frontcourt behind them.





Question 2

A massive 4-team trade just dropped, sending my ex-husband to the best GM with the fewest rings, incorrectly reflecting his indisputable all-time greatness, Mamba and his Lakers.

viewtopic.php?f=24&t=13397

So what do you think? Who won this deal? Who lost? Did everyone come out for the better?


Black Superman

I actually think this is a pretty fair deal for all parties involved. Wizards take on a bad contract in Rakes but they get points and picks out of it. The Bobcats continue their off-season revamp coming off of you know making the playoffs for the first time in like 8 years last season and they get a another player from the Lakers in Van Gundy. It was something they had to do after the blockbuster trade for Akins. Have to go all in for a couple of seasons. The Lakers, they get themselves a big man which they've kind of been lacking. Even though you know, we pretty much all agree that they've only not won the championships the last couple seasons because of Paulo and the inability to stay healthy. Then you move on to the Spurs, they offload a contract while also getting a younger player, points and future draft pick as well. So I think everyone came out pretty even in this in this trade. And I think it was a necessary trade for the Bobcats, and the Spurs. I think the Lakers you know a little bit more lateral it helps because hub is a guy is very versatile. He can play a few different positions but ultimately I think for those three teams it was great and the wizards were kind of just brought in to help seal the deal. But, they made out well too so pretty even trade all around.


NickMalone77

You add a defensive machete like Fabian Hub to the Lakers? Lol. They got the better end of the deal. Wizards are happy to be apart of it but it’s not a bad pay day when you can get a serviceable player and 10 points out of it and all you had to do was send out a second rounder. The Bobcats get a great wing player like Jeff Van Gundy when all they had to send out was Richard Reed to the Spurs. It was a pretty nice trade all around to be honest.



K-100

I think everyone is a winner. The Lakers found their true big, the Bobcats got rid of Rakes' terrible contract and landed a great wing, the Spurs avoid tax hell, and the Wiz can continue their tank strategy. Nice job all around. Everybody had a plan and executed it perfectly.


Xist2Inspire

Mamba obviously won. He got the best player, and filled a position of need. However, while I don't think everybody came out better, I do think everyone got what they wanted. The Spurs got younger and cheaper, the Bobcats picked up another win-now player to go with Akins, and the Wizards got points. If all parties are happy, it doesn't have to be an equal return for all.


Mike Lowry

It's obvious that the Wizards won this trade!
They got 10 points for taking on Curtis Rakes.
The Cats essentially break even, but manage to move their timeline forward.
I don't think JVG is going to end up with a better career than Reed, but he's ready now.
The Laker's 1st rounder is dog-water because he is a perennial contender.
Spurs get a good return for Hub.
I mentioned Reed, Maskell is serviceable, and points to dump an inflated contract for a declining big with limits.
And with all that said, everybody knows this as the "Hub deal."
So the Mamba is walking away with the best player involved, for a price that is worth a ship.



Question 3

We missed S67 awards. Who would have been your vote for GMOTY? Why?


Black Superman

This is a pretty easy answer for me. It's the Nuggets. I'm not giving it to the Spurs. They've been good. You know. Top record, good made the finals, all that stuff. Team is stacked and loaded. I'm not giving it to the Lakers. They've been good. Team is stacked and loaded. I think the Nuggets team over achieved even though you know they made the conference finals and took the eventual champs to 7. I think they performed better than they looked on paper and you know obviously GM of the year by our standards and the voting of it. It doesn't include just regular season like the actual award does. I think I would have to give it to them. Sidebar I'm still pissed off at Charlie for not making the awards available because I need those three to four points right about now.


NickMalone77

Last season was a blur but probably what stood out the most was 78’s charge to maintain his championship squad and get close enough to almost go B2B. He would’ve gotten my vote again.


K-100

Jlmarines - I still think he is a clown but dude is slowly building an offensive juggernaut and deserves his flowers. Isaac is an MVP-candidate and Vassell is about to explode in the box scores soon. Jlmarines was patient and as long as AngryBanana doesnt swindle him again soon, the Cavs are finally back.


Xist2Inspire

I honestly don't know. I felt like all the top teams were basically a repeat from last season, with minor tweaks here and there. Outside of the Mikal Bridges acquisition by Pauly and the Remy Martin signing by gman, I really can't recall any "GMOY-level" moves that directly impacted a team's in-season success.

Mike Lowry

Everybody knows I did my Dougie!
I certainly had some great assistance along the way, but I learned the art of dismissal.
I ain't been pimpin since pimpin was pimpin, but I send em now-a-days!
I couldn't believe that this was the playoffs that we didn't have a vote.
Bitch I made a Pimp Cup!
I was so upset that I told a few people I thought about taking the Awards Coordinator Job and doing a run-off.
And I didn't trip until just now, but I'ma find out who the coordinator was last season and make their life a living hell.
We got BEEF Bitch!
If you still show your face in this league, or if your PUNK-ASS ever comes back, it will be more than a rivalry.
I'll poison pill every RFA you ever have.
I'll bless every team in your division my star players, for the low.
Just so I can see you get yo teeth kicked in every single sim.



Question 4

Who will be the top 4 teams in the conference finals this year? Which one of those teams is the team no one sees coming, and why will they be in the mix?


Black Superman

Nuggets, Lakers, Bobcats, Rockets.
The Rockets picking up Morelock for the MLE is my single favorite best move of free agency. I have it beating out the signing of Amos. The reason why? The rockets just spent the last two years in the finals, one of which they won. Sion will be better AND they go and pick up this dude? They play this slow pace which somehow puts teams in a chokehold trying to beat them.
As for the surprise team. Well I technically have a tie. I think the Bobcats or the Mavericks will make the conference finals this year. I think one of those 2 will win the division and secure at worst the 3 seed. They will have to beat the spurs most likely in Rd 2 as the 2-3 matchup will be spurs and Gary Loredo division winner. I don't see any upsets happening to that point. The Mavs are deeper but those guys are still young, and will not be efficient in their shooting splits. We'll see if Scoot can lead the youth, but for now. Give me the Cats over the Spurs to reach the conf finals now that no Ingram and no Hub in the black and white unis.


NickMalone77

If I had to pick, most likely Bulls and Lakers in Conference A & the Mavs and Spurs in Conference B. I think the Mavs really have a solid roster and a great chance to make some noise this year if all of their roster can play and deliver. The Spurs are a legacy that continues to grow and evolve as the years pass by. I wouldn’t be shocked to see all three Texas Teams make a ton of noise in the year ahead.


K-100

Bulls, Lakers, Nuggets, and Bucks

Nuggets are the dark horse here with a new GM. Game planning is a tricky aspect of sim so I expect some growing pains but if he figures it out then this team will be one to watch.

Mavs, Rockets, Spurs, and Pistons

The Pistons have only scratched the surface with this core but I think they make a big leap forward in S68 if Quailman is fully engaged with the game. The Bobcats would be my #5 but like the Nuggets whether they can make a consistent winning gameplan is what remains to be seen.


Xist2Inspire

Lakers, Bulls, Mavs, Pistons. I'm not 100% on the Bulls, but it's never a good idea to bet against gman, and I like the Mavs better as my "WTF, who saw that coming" pick. Though I don't see how (even with LTS' reputation) one could look at this Mavs roster and not expect them to be a threat. Poole is exactly what this team needed, and they are absolutely loaded with wing talent. Orozco is an underrated pickup who will help cover their biggest weakness (the post).


Mike Lowry

I'm going Bulls - Lakers, and Rockets - Mavs.
I don't know how many people see the Mavs, or if the Mavs even see themselves, but the division is weak and they have more talent than any other team. They have been stockpiling in underground labs long enough. I think this is the season they finally unleash Dominitrix, and I expect a good camp from Angel Reese. Given the fact they banked on Jordan Poole, they have a small window. I would like to see the Cats make a splash, but the firepower is just not there. Same with the Pistons.



Question 5

We all endured a bit of sim turmoil this offseason. What did you think was going to happen? Do you think that, since we have started S68 and still have a commish, we have risen from the rubble and are ready to sim forever? Or do you perceive a different outcome for the future of sim league? If you don't like that future, what would you do to correct it?



Black Superman

The season and I guess the drama actually started in the playoffs was a little toxic inducing. I think the extended break and rest mixed with a couple departures(mainly one) helped. Everyone just kind of reset and we have some new people in the mix brand new GM's. We also have some historically bad GMs in the Bobcats and Mavericks making moves and putting themselves out there to be good this season. I think that overall, parity is great for the league and I'm not sure we have that currently. The new faces will help, to just bring a bit of fresh air and some some new found energy to the league. If we're looking at it selfishly the Suns have some very very good future talent. Their youth is strong and they definitely would want to see that come to fruition so they are pulling for the league to stick around and hopefully that happens. Maybe we get into a more simpler cycle of rotating the commissioners to the point where you know if it's expected you're only going to do, Let's say three seasons. Can you power through for three seasons before you get your next break? Overall I live for the petty and I live for the drama so long as it doesn't involve me. So I sat back with my popcorn and I watched and I laughed and I made trades and I'm baaaaack.


NickMalone77

I was kind of hoping for a league reset in terms of the year and gameplay but I’m cool with whatever was going to be decided. I’ve played this game long enough that it’s not about the game but cultivating the friendships and networking the trade paths that make this game more fun than it is. There’s a lot worse things in this world that one could be doing and if playing a computer simulated basketball game makes me a lame nerd that’s cool then consider me Miles Davis.


K-100

I thought the league was going to fold. Not being apart of the Facebook chat I was a little in the dark about the playoff autopilot issue and garbageman's lengthy response to it. It sucks it got to be so contentious but hopefully now that is behind us and we can move forward. I'm not sure how much longer we have left but here's to hoping we make it to 100 seasons with all this mew blood in the game.


Xist2Inspire

I've been around from the start, and I feel like there's always going to be a healthy number of GMs interested. Even if that number drops, then we'll probably finally do the reset, going back to a decade with fewer teams to match the number of available GMs (70s). The only things that could kill this league in the near future is lack of a commissioner or the main node finally giving up the ghost.


Mike Lowry

First I thought it was crazy in one direction.
I don't have enough playoff autopilot experience to know that you just needed to miss one sim deadline and have the possibility of the whole playoffs moving on without you.
Not that I think that ever happened the way I just said it, but I can play extremist for hyperbole sake.
So I was seeing the chat explode thinking, "just put in a DC at any time, and take yourself off autopilot."
Which I believe was the message that some other GM's were sending.
The problem arose when it seemed like personal shit going on over real feelings.
That shit went from Cartman - "Don't question my athoritie!"
to "Bitch I said what I said!"
to "Screw you guys - I'm going home."
I was ready to jump my happy ass out the tax the whole time.
I communicate well with the GM's that respond to me - Frye Dem Other Niggas
And I also feel a great sense of gratitutde for the trusted servants that keep this league running.
I appreciate even the smallest roles.
Thanks for your time and energy.
Now let's ball.

__________________

Thanks to all 5 GMs for your answers! You all provided great insight and differing perspectives for others, especially our league's newest GMs, to glean from.

@Black Superman ~1040 words, +5pts
@NickMalone77 ~405 words, +2pts
@K-100 ~450 words, +2pts
@Xist2Inspire ~330 words, +2pts
@Mike Lowry ~680 words, +3pts
@greepleairport +3pts for coordinating