#SLOE: People's Basketball Sim League

After spending the last 16 years in the Queen City, the franchise had officially relocated to an area of the country that had been yearning for another sports team that could capture the spirit and cultural ambiance that a city like New Orleans deserves. After Hurricane Katrina, the embrace of its city welcomed the sight of change and those dedicated enough to rebuild after the wake of devastation. It was forged after all by an unlikely duo of Jean La Fitte, and the conquering tide of former President, Andrew Jackson that helped to drive the invading motherland British from the free French territory after the battle of 1812.



I think I'm gonna like this place an awful lot if this can be a daily staple for the morning routine. All these new words and cultures exploding at once. The spiritual revolution and cultural rebirth of an American city in SLOE starts here.

"laissez bon temps rouler!"
By Nick Melon; The Advocate



Like the team anchor, ZBo, here, I wondered if I should carry a sword with me down the French Quarter at my hip. Sitting at the 24 hour Cafe on Decatur, wouldn't be a good thing for my budget or waistline but since the team wasn't opening up the facilities for another 2 hours, I figured I could penn out some goals and aspirations for the season ahead and maybe answer an email or two from some old colleagues around the league since the Observer traded me to the Advocate.



Iggy is definitely one flexible and versatile player. He's shown great strides since coming over from Utah after his rookie season to developing more into a focal point of show his capable eye as a skilled passer to see the court and defend multiple positions. At the tender age of just 22, entering his third season, Andre Iguodala will be thrust into a critical and difficult spot at least early on to be the eyes and to make the extra pass with the lack of depth at the lead guard spot.



Earning an Allstar bid for the first time in his career, Richard Jefferson was the most consistent and driving force for the Hornets last season reaching a career high of 23.9 PPG. The duo of RJeff and ZBo have acted a lot like a yin to a yang combo. Both ZBo and RJeff demonstrate an excellent ability to get to the free throw line and the pace at which RJeff and ZBo operate at blitzes the opposing defense having to double team at least one of them creating open spots and shots on the court for others when the opportunity presents itself.



This picture was just too good not to post. Regardless, bringing over his defensive acumen, Calvin Booths presence in the paint to play with ZBo should create a lot of matchup problems for the rest of the Central division hoping to get an easy line to the hoop. GM Nick Malone was quick to make the call to a Western Conference ally in San Antonio and struck a deal which sending over Anthony Johnson and an 09 draft pick. The starting lineup should provide a lot of versatility and length.

Quick hits time then I'll wait for the emails to roll in and enjoy this casual swell of haze and the waft of Bourbon Street. RFA brought about a lot of interesting twists and changes. The Hornets signed Tayshaun Prince to an appropriate offer sheet which they knew Philly had no intention of ever letting go. Philly matched which then led to the decision to let Gordon Giricek walk to Portland but Portland was bold enough to ship off rookie product, Alan Anderson to New Orleans and cash considerations in exchange for the European jump shooter. Alan is a hustle and flow guy that can rock with any rhythm and beat. They'll give Alan plenty of opportunities off the bench to provide some spark this season ahead. Next came up in unrestricted free agency. While unsuccessful to find a long term point guard they did manage to sign the Wiley Jerry Stackhouse to a modest 2 year deal. Jerry has played on some pretty accomplished teams over the years and like Booth, has gotten to the NBA finals during his career. That's something the rest of the Hornets aspire to shoot for as the season rolls around. Now, we click send and post and eat more Beignets, Gumbo, Jambalaya, and whatever the day calls for.

Welcome to New Orleans!

Xist2Inspire wrote:@FoxSportsSouthwest: Last season you started incredibly strong only to falter in the second half. Is that something you chalk up to simple inexperience, or was it something more? Also, do you see the lack of a reliable floor general being a problem down the line?

NMAdvocate: We did start off the season extremely well only to fault and I'd chalk it up to the grind of the season. The guys last year never really got a chance to player together as a team. Iggy went down for a month or so and then when he got back, Anthony Johnson got hit with the injury bug also which slowed us down considerably. Hopefully the injury issue doesn't flare up again too much. I just wanna see these guys play hard and together.

On the other point, literally, we are always looking at various options and I think it'd be ideal to find a long term solution at the point guard spot some point down the line towards the trade deadline or even sooner. If you know anyone with any inexpensive deals left held over, I'm sure the team is all ears to listen to any thoughts and ideals that be better than starting Earl Boykins or Dan Dickau for 82 or more games this season ahead.

Random Dallas reporter:

With Randolph, Jefferson, and Iguodala maturing nicely, would you say that you have a core in place potentially for the next half decade?

Dr. Rocker, The Cleveland Rocker: Walk us through the decision not match for Gordan Giricek and how you arrived on that deal. Giricek was essentially acquired for a late first and you are getting a 1y rental (unless League rules change) and points. On balance, the points may say you are a winner, but give us your thoughts.

GWR: Emeka Okafor went from being a starting center to having a bad camp and sliding down the depth chart. Do you think bringing Booth in had a negative effect on Emeka's focus and training?

fearthebrow wrote:Random Dallas reporter:

With Randolph, Jefferson, and Iguodala maturing nicely, would you say that you have a core in place potentially for the next half decade?

We feel very strongly that those 3 in particular are our core which is why when the decision came about that Shane Battier had signed with Utah that we were not going to let him go unless Utah felt that they could meet the asking price we had set. They were none too impressed I guess with the top 5 pick from a few season ago and his development so far entering year three makes Iggy a vital member to squad. When Prej made the offer he did, we were quick to accept and appreciate his value.

RJeff and ZBo being with us for the last 3-4 years are the one two combo punch and they are the foundation to our success.

42PhD wrote:Dr. Rocker, The Cleveland Rocker: Walk us through the decision not match for Gordan Giricek and how you arrived on that deal. Giricek was essentially acquired for a late first and you are getting a 1y rental (unless League rules change) and points. On balance, the points may say you are a winner, but give us your thoughts.

Coming over from Europe and his age, there was an adamant line we just weren't going to cross to bring him back. Giricek is still a pretty good shooter and we presented him with a more than fair deal over three seasons but he wanted that extra year and more money Portland was willing to offer. We expressed our interest in working out a deal and saw Alan Anderson there that could use the opportunity more here than being buried on the DC back in Portland and he used it to his advantage. We wish Gordon though nothing but the best of luck in his future endeavors and Portland helping to pay a % of ZBos training didn't hurt either.

JNR wrote:GWR: Emeka Okafor went from being a starting center to having a bad camp and sliding down the depth chart. Do you think bringing Booth in had a negative effect on Emeka's focus and training?

We told Emeka during the offseason that he could either use the time on the bench to his advantage or sulk in it. Booth is the far superior Center right now and he deserves to play. Emeka is still young and hopefully he can bounce back and play hard when he's called upon. We gave up a lot to bring him aboard and valued his talent when we acquired him last season from Atlanta.

NickMalone77 wrote:

42PhD wrote:Dr. Rocker, The Cleveland Rocker: Walk us through the decision not match for Gordan Giricek and how you arrived on that deal. Giricek was essentially acquired for a late first and you are getting a 1y rental (unless League rules change) and points. On balance, the points may say you are a winner, but give us your thoughts.

Coming over from Europe and his age, there was an adamant line we just weren't going to cross to bring him back. Giricek is still a pretty good shooter and we presented him with a more than fair deal over three seasons but he wanted that extra year and more money Portland was willing to offer. We expressed our interest in working out a deal and saw Alan Anderson there that could use the opportunity more here than being buried on the DC back in Portland and he used it to his advantage. We wish Gordon though nothing but the best of luck in his future endeavors and Portland helping to pay a % of ZBos training didn't hurt either.

So you have a problem with those of a "European" background but you'll spend on players like "ZBo" without a blink.

I don't like the way any of this is going.

Is there a group of people you don't dismiss based on how they look or just think about how much they cost?

Can you shed light on the rumors that your conversation at a high level meeting over dinner that you had a long conversation with Eazy P and that conversation used words?

Should we expect to hear trade talks about upgrading the point guard spot all season?

42PhD wrote:

NickMalone77 wrote:

42PhD wrote:Dr. Rocker, The Cleveland Rocker: Walk us through the decision not match for Gordan Giricek and how you arrived on that deal. Giricek was essentially acquired for a late first and you are getting a 1y rental (unless League rules change) and points. On balance, the points may say you are a winner, but give us your thoughts.

Coming over from Europe and his age, there was an adamant line we just weren't going to cross to bring him back. Giricek is still a pretty good shooter and we presented him with a more than fair deal over three seasons but he wanted that extra year and more money Portland was willing to offer. We expressed our interest in working out a deal and saw Alan Anderson there that could use the opportunity more here than being buried on the DC back in Portland and he used it to his advantage. We wish Gordon though nothing but the best of luck in his future endeavors and Portland helping to pay a % of ZBos training didn't hurt either.

So you have a problem with those of a "European" background but you'll spend on players like "ZBo" without a blink.

I don't like the way any of this is going.

Is there a group of people you don't dismiss based on how they look or just think about how much they cost?

Can you shed light on the rumors that your conversation at a high level meeting over dinner that you had a long conversation with Eazy P and that conversation used words?

We liked Gordon enough to acquire him but when we had a conversation with him in private, he wanted more money than what we were willing to meet at. At age 29 already, the tipping point value of his contract wouldn't be that good after the first season or two and speaking on just his skill set, we felt there was a better deal out there we could pursue. Plus, it opens up more time for Iggy to play and not have to worry about coming off the court in late game situations for a splash of offense.

And the conversation details between my good friend, Eazy and I was about life, culture, and maybe discussing future business down the road together over some delicious food.

WigNosy wrote:Should we expect to hear trade talks about upgrading the point guard spot all season?

Only if those want to have some discussion about it. In which case my door is always open to hearing out what the other side is interested in.

Metcher Flackel: Are you still trying to recover from all of the alcohol you've Drank during you time off in NOLA?

Eazy P wrote:Metcher Flackel: Are you still trying to recover from all of the alcohol you've Drank during you time off in NOLA?

Yes. But I'll live.

New Jersey Reporter: Are you worried that with the move to New Orleans, Zach Randolph will eat himself out of being the best PF in the central?

RPF wrote:New Jersey Reporter: Are you worried that with the move to New Orleans, Zach Randolph will eat himself out of being the best PF in the central?

We have heard that claim be lofted around by some within the division and like all, we are all appreciative with how hard he's worked this offseason to improve his game and fully commit himself to this team. While the food here is world class stuff, ZBo and others have promised me that they will work harder than ever to resist the oysters and other delicacies that can hinder his game. We are looking forward robin taking that next step forward.

How excited are you for Andre Iguodala? He had a rough transition coming into the league, struggling to buy into the Jazz's plans. However, he seems to have bought in in New Orleans. What was the conversation you had with him in the off-season that made him come into training camp ready to improve every aspect of his game?

IamQuailman wrote:How excited are you for Andre Iguodala? He had a rough transition coming into the league, struggling to buy into the Jazz's plans. However, he seems to have bought in in New Orleans. What was the conversation you had with him in the off-season that made him come into training camp ready to improve every aspect of his game?

We were very honest with him. We told him that if he wanted to rise and be a leader on this club like RJeff and ZBo that he shouldn't coast in here and expect everything to be handed to him. He will have to work for everything he wants and needs and his talent is special. We will harness it the best we can.

NickMalone77 wrote:

fearthebrow wrote:Random Dallas reporter:

With Randolph, Jefferson, and Iguodala maturing nicely, would you say that you have a core in place potentially for the next half decade?

RJeff and ZBo being with us for the last 3-4 years are the one two combo punch and they are the foundation to our success.

This is so freaking coincidental.

Sent via Morse code