NBA Alltime Fantasy Playoffs -- Round 1

[penbeast0]

Being the first to pass judgment always creates some enemies -- especially since I am frequently not the most tactful of people. However, here goes . . .

Funk Train v. Snakebite

Walt Frazier(36)/Don Buse(12)
John Havlicek(42)/Eddie Jones(6)
Eddie Jones (30)/Carmelo Anthony(18)
Horace Grant(30)/Amare Stoudemire(18)
Bob Lanier(36)/Jeff Foster(12)

V.

Billups (32)/ MRR (16)
Drexler (36)/ Dandridge (8)/MRR (4)
Dandridge (24)/English (24)
Pettit (36)/Sheed (12)
Robinson (37)/Sheed (11)

I love the backcourt matchups here, particularly Frazier v. Billups but unfortunately for the Funk Train, I just don’t see the frontcourt matchups matching up. I think Snake underrates Bob Lanier’s offense but overrates his defense; still, Robinson easily wins this matchup and Pettit and Dandridge have edges over their opponents that Amare’s advantages over Sheed can’t compensate for. Edge Snakebite

Lukecarts v. Warspite

PG: Oscar Robertson [36] / Derrick Rose [12]
SG: George Gervin [36] / Bruce Bowen [12]
SF: Kevin Durant [30] / Bruce Bowen [18]
PF: Dirk Nowitzki [36] / Kenyon Martin [12]
C: Willis Reed [34] / Mark Eaton [14]

V.

PG KJ 34mpg/Lever 14mpg
SG Miller 28mpg/Rip 20mpg
SF DrJ 36mpg/Cunningham16mpg
PF Sikma 26mpg/Cummings 20mpg
C Deke 28mpg/Ruland 18mpg

This should be a very interesting matchup. The question is whether the game is dominanted by Warspite’s superior wings and bench or Lukecarts’s superior point/big combination.

In terms of big men, Dirk and Reed’s ability to go outside negates some of Deke’s shotblocking and exposes his lesser mobility. Ruland, Sikma, and Cummings are probably better than Deke here though Ruland’s high turnover rate (he had small hands and tended to overpass and overhandle) keeps him from being truly elite. Eaton and Kmart aren’t going to scare anyone but Dirk could be very effective here; he has always been at his best against bigger, stronger opponents rather than smaller, quicker ones and Sikma is very good positionally but not particularly quickfooted.

In terms of smaller men, KJ and Oscar will basically be able to operate at full strength against each other – KJ can’t match Oscar on size/strength, Oscar can’t keep up with KJ’s quicks but Oscar was a more dominating player. However, on the wings, while Gervin is more explosive than Reggie, Reggie is more efficient and works harder on defense (Gervin tends to play one on one at both ends of the floor); Durant is also explosive but not playoff tested (his one playoff series, he was unable to dominate Ron Artest) while Dr. J may be the most dominant player in the series. I do like Lever and Rip better than Rose (whose defensive skills I still haven’t really bought into) and Bowen; Billy Cunningham too.

Overall, I go back and forth. Normally I look for the big dominance in terms of starters which would tend to slant this to Lukecarts but War’s bench advantage is unusually high here. War’s team is more cohesive, but neither have a strong writeup (ie. Coaching) advantage (both good jobs). In the end, while I think Luke has more talent, I have huge doubts about Gervin’s ability to coexist with Oscar and there are too many shooters in Luke’s lineup (though only Gervin is really a black hole). Warspite in 7 . . . but I reserve the right to change my mind up till the end of our judging period if someone writes up a good analysis that make me rethink.


Gremz v. dcash

PG: Cheeks (32)/West (16)
SG: West (24)/Ellis (22)
SF: Baylor (36)/Ellis (12)/
PF: Williams (30)/Roundfield (18)
Cc: Mourning (36)/Smith (12)


Vs

PG: Tim Hardaway/ Penny Hardaway
SG: Raja Bell / Joe Johnson
SF: Grant Hill / Andrei Kirilenko
PF: Chris Webber / Elton Brand
C: Moses Malone / Kevin Love

West dominates playoff basketball and faces only Raja Bell, Chris Webber is a pussy, and dcash’s front office didn’t get itself together enough to post a writeup. GREMZ sweeps.


Sambone v. Bness

PG: Joe Dumars (20), Terry Porter (28)
SG: Sam Jones (33), Joe Dumars (15), Jerry Sloan
SF: LeBron James (38), Detlef Schrempf (10)
PF: Jerry Lucas (28), Shawn Kemp (20),
C: Dwight Howard (32), Ralph Sampson (16)

vs.



Jason Kidd (36) / Steve Francis (12)
Kobe Bryant (36) / Stephen Jackson (12)
Dominique Wilkins (24) / Stephen Jackson (24)
Elvin Hayes (24) / Jermaine O'Neal (24)
Robert Parish (30) / Marcus Camby (18)
*Peja to get specialty minutes when a 3 ball is needed

The Boned Samuels had what I consider easily the best top 2 picks in the draft in LeBron (picking right before me damn it) and Howard which gives them a big advantage off the top. LeBron will be able to play to the top of his game with Nique’s sloppy defense and Stephen Jackson’s size/strength disadvantage.

On the other hand, Minutetowinit has a big backcourt advantage with Kidd’s playmaking and Kobe’s shotmaking. However, I like Sam’s switching of Dumars onto Kobe, who does most of his damage from a distance and Sam Jones onto Kidd whose chosen years are before he suddenly turned into an efficient 3 point threat (though a much lesser defender) in his dotage.

Sam also has a distinct advantage inside as E was never very efficient and, defending Lucas, will lose much of his defensive strength as Jerry will take him out of his prime rebounding and shotblocking zone. Pick . . . Boned Samuels.


TMACFORMVP v. Bruh Man

PG - Deron Williams (36) - Mookie Blaylock (12)
SG - Ron Artest (22) - Drazen Petrovic (26)
SF - Rick Barry (38) - Ron Artest (10)
PF - Dave Cowens (23) - Larry Nance (25)
Cc - Bill Walton (35) - Dave Cowens (13)

vs.

PG - Gary Payton/ Tony Parker
SG - Mich Richmond/ Latrell Sprewell
SF - Dennis Rodman/ Glen Rice
PF - Kevin McHale/ Lamar Odom
C - Yao Ming/ Brad Daugherty

Holy sweet Jesus, what a pair of locker rooms. Tmac has the redheaded temper twins, Walton and Cowens in the same room with one of the most egotistical rude players to ever piss off every teammate that ever played with him in Rick Barry . . . then adds Ron Artest and Drazen Petrovic to that mix. Bruh has Lamar, Rodman, and Spree to reinforce each others’ bad habits (though to be fair, in their early careers, Rodman and Spree were superb hustlers and floor burn guys) then Gary Payton to rip on them . . . actually I think this mix works pretty well with the years chosen as Payton will keep the effort levels up but think of them all together late career and it would be as insane as Tmac’s team.

That said, I also want to say I had to reevaluate a couple of players in Deron, who I didn’t realize was posting quite such good numbers (I’ve been sleeping on him apparently since I don’t get to see Utah play that much) and Mitch, who I didn’t remember shooting that many 3’s. Both writeups made me take a second look.

Big man play. I like both Yao’s and McHale’s game but they aren’t as good anywhere except in shooting efficiency (which with Tmac’s wing/point shooters won’t be as big a problem) as a healthy Walton and Cowens, particularly defensively and on the boards. That said, a healthy Walton is a contradiction in terms. Even in this, his most healthy 2 year stretch, he missed a fifth of the season one year, then a quarter of the next . . . including the playoffs. Larry Nance is a GREAT sixth man, as good as most of the starters even in this league, but that’s going to leave a hole in any lineup.

On the wing, I’m not as impressed by Rodman’s out on the floor defense as most (his post defense when he wasn’t leaving his man to pad his rebounding stats was great and he was a monster effort guy in Detroit but he’s being asked to play Ron Artest here). I’d give the advantage to Barry and Artest in the roles they are playing, but only by a slim margin and Bruh has a bench advantage plus Barry had that great playoff run while Richmond never did.

Finally, while I have to give major props to Deron, Payton was a really disruptive defender and Parker is another clutch guy with multiple rings. Combine that with Walton’s being only 50/50 to actually play in a playoff series and I have to give this to Bruh man unless the consensus is that Walton’s injury history should be irrelevant because he meets the 120 game requirement. Sorry Tmac; Bruh in 6 after the injury.


C: Wes Unseld (30)/Bill Laimbeer (14)/Maurice Lucas (4)
PF: Kevin Garnett (38)/Maurice Lucas (10)
SF: Shane Battier (20)/Bernard King (28)
SG: Ray Allen (36)/Allan Houston (12)
PG: Steve Nash (34)/Alvin Robertson (14)

vs.

Dennis Johnson(34), Gilbert Arenas(14)
Tracy Mcgrady(36), Gilbert Arenas(12)
James Worthy(35), Gerald Wallace(5), Antonio Mcdyss(8)
Karl Malone(36), Antonio Mcdyss(12)
Nate Thurmond(34), Vlade Divac(14)

In this, the final series I am writing up for the first round, I don’t really buy Studcrackers’ critique that his opponents have no gameplan for fitting their talent together or that Tmac, DJ, and Gil can’t shoot from the outside or run pick and roll offense . . . but without an opposition writeup, I have to assume the Studsies are the better coached team and give them the nod.


Oops, one more . . .

[color=#BF0000]Poopadoop v. Baller

Price(32)/Van Lier(16)
Wade(36)/Christie(12)
Carter(34)/Barkley(14)
Barkley(22)/Debusschere(26)
Wallace(32)/Bellamy(16)

V.

Isaiah Thomas (36) - Michael Cooper (12)
Michael Cooper (16) - David Thompson (3
Paul Pierce (36) - Dan Majerle (12)
Pau Gasol (24) - Charles Oakley (24)
Patrick Ewing (36) - Pau Gasol (12)

In terms of the big man matchup, as dominant as Barkley was, I see Baller having the edge here with two capable two-way players rather than two one way guys – plus the size advantage which will help against slashing threats from Wade and Carter. On the other hand, Oakley is the only bench big against a very solid pair of oldtimers in Bells and DeBusschere.

For the rest of the matchups, Isiah is a much better defender than Price, though Price and Carter’s ability to hit open three’s will be crucial to Poop’s chance of winning. Wade will be the slasher/creator. Baller will be similarly situated with Isiah being the creator and Cooper and Pierce being the spot up shooters with Pierce and Carter also being threats to drive or take over when necessary. David Thompson will also get starter minutes as another explosive scorer, though without the 3 point range for Poopadoop – which gives some lift to that bench otherwise full of role players.

Good matchup. I like Poop’s cohesion and bench better; but Baller has the edge in raw talent. Almost a coin toss but I’ll give it to the tall guys up front – Baller in 7. [/code]

[Snakebites]

Tmac vs. Bruh Man

The hardcore Piston fan in me has an undeniable soft spot for the no-nonsense, defensive style that Bruh Man has built with this team. I am slowly warming up to Yao Ming in these games and have always been a huge fan of both Kevin Mchale and Gary Payton, both of whom I've used on my teams in the past (the former without success, the latter with great success).

While I also love the complement of Parker, Daugherty, and Rice on the bench I believe that the challenges posed by TMAC's team will prove to be too much for this group to handle. Bill Walton will have the largest defensive impact on this series and I think that Rick Barry will be able to operate effectively even with Rodman hounding him. Rodman would guard Michael Jordan situationally towards the end of the game on occasions, but there was a reason it was Dumars called upon to guard him the entire game.

Overall, I love Bruh man's defense but I don't see the one player with the capacity to take games over at this level, and I think TMAC's defense is good enough to work against his balanced attack while Barry and Walton, two guys who won rings in their day without a single teammate picked in the first 8 rounds of this draft between them, will be able to carry the day (even if Walton misses a game or two). Perhaps if Bruh Man had a more imposing front court I'd be inclined to declare Walton's injury questions to be the tipping point.

Advantage TMAC, though much respect to both for the teams they have built, this was a fun matchup to read.

Sam Bone vs Bness

Contrary to what Bness says, I actually DO like the team he has built, though I entirely disagree with his assessment about older players. I love the backcourt combination of Kidd and Bryant on both ends of the floor and think he managed to salvage a pretty solid front court with Parish and Hayes, something that's usually difficult to do when you go small with your first two picks.

With that said, I prefer overall balance of Sam Bone's team, and acknowledge that Lucas takes their best low defender, Hayes, out of the equation to an extent. I also think that Lebron against the small forwards bness puts out there is a mismatch, and would have liked to see Bness try something a little bit different in an effort to curtail Lebron. Since I didn't see that, Hayes is stuck guarding Lucas, and Parish isn't the best defensive anchor, I see Lebron having a huge series. Given Dumars is on Kobe, I see Lebron in a better position to take over the series than his superstar counterpart.

Generally speaking I think Bness has a solid team that ran into a matchup his team isn't entirely suited to handle, and I like the depth and balance of Sam Bone's bench as well.

Vote Sam Bone

It should also be noted that I do not believe in considering a team without a writeup. As such, penbeast0, Gremz, and studcrackers all get my vote by default.

[TMACFORMVP]

Gremz v. dcash4

Usually for me, no writeup = no vote. But I've been on that side of the situation before, in which my opponent had failed to produce a writeup, and I always felt it wasn't the best way, for a lack of a better word, a cheap way to advance. So, while I also find it fun to examine the matchup more closely, I think to see the real reasoning behind a particular vote is generally better than "no writeup, automatic vote, etc).

dcash went a very interesting route with his team, among four of his first five picks were players that were superb passers, and playmakers primarily with the ball in their hands. So much so that it brings up the question whether they're all a good fit. However, dcash must have had these same concerns as he moved Penny to the bench playing a 6th man role (one in which he could do effectively as he can play both the SG, PG, and even SF position). That sort of versatility off the bench is crucial in these sort of competitions. But in saying that, I'm not sold on Bell being a starter in this league. It's true, he's been an All-NBA defender (but overrated IMO), and a knock down shooter, which is all you need with the creators dcash has, but when you compare him to others that play in the same role, he lacks a bit in that all time sense. Nonetheless, I don't think he was going to be a BIG minute player anyway, moreso a cover up to make the starting lineup more balanced.

Moses might be the best player in this series, and while many might not like the Webber fit, at least offensively, I feel it could work. Webber plays the high post, is an underrated rebounder, an amazing passer, while Moses handles the inside, doing what he does with offensive rebounding position. I think he'll murder Zo on the boards, who wasn't the best of rebounders at the C position. Buck however will have the edge over Webber, and Baylor makes up for a lot at the SF position (then again, prime Grant Hill was among the best SF rebounders of his time, nearly 9 RPG early in his career). Had Baylor been playing in this era, I'd expect similar rebounding #'s. What I do wonder again, is how the roles will be defined when Penny is in the game. I'd presume Hardaway becomes the spot up shooter, while Penny, and Hill dominate the ball ala Wade/LeBron, while Webber plays more a finishing role, ala Bosh. The real sort of thing here is, neither of those three are even the best players on the team, especially with how much attention Moses requires. And if that's the case, he wasn't truly known for his passing ability, and there are no real shooters outside a streaky Tim Hardaway to kill you from the outside. Bell will suffice, but again, this is merely during the time in which I'd presume all of them to be on the floor at the same time.

I'm a believer of basketball players being able to make it work granted they have the right attitude (not say an Iverson persona), and in dcash's case, that isn't a problem (despite what people would say about Webber at times). I think it'd work, but the roles of his team aren't as well defined as Gremz in this matchup.

There are certain players in these games that often get underrated, or overlooked due to a variety of reasons in these games. And that's whom I'd classify Elgin Baylor as, someone that can be deadly in the right environment, but it's hard to build that sort of supporting cast/ensemble of players while still being competitive. In the NUMEROUS competitions I've played, I have to applaud Gremz for building the best team I've seen that incorporates Baylor so well into the offense. I like that the offense is focused around two star scoring teammates that have played, and worked together before. Up front, they have capable big men, both not only offensively, but their strengths lie within their defense. They compliment West/Baylor well, and the same can be said for Cheeks in the backcourt, another defender that's ridiculously efficient from the floor. Problems could arise when we're talking about West being the only real floor spacer in the starting lineup, but Gremz makes up for that nicely with bringing Dale Ellis off the bench, whom in a two year peak was as good a shooter as anyone.

I don't think dcash's team has the personnel to stop West, and the fact that Gremz has two top notch defenders, along with two more off the bench will at least be able to limit dcash's frontcourt from going completely off. West, and Baylor should have their way on the perimeter, but with West and Cheeks being All-NBA caliber defenders, the only real "non" defensive reputation player in the starting lineup being Baylor, Gremz team certainly has the edge defensively. Offensively, I'd be inclined to lean dcash's team, but that's moreso based on raw talent, because again, I'll reiterate that I feel Gremz has more well defined roles, and the players on his team will be doing the same things they did WHILE they were playing. I'm not sure I could say the same about dcash's team.

So, in short, I feel Gremz has more weapons to throw at his top offensive players, while dcash cannot unfortunately do the same to Gremz top guns. I like the cohesion more from Gremz team, which ultimately leads me into believing that Gremz would come out on top of this series.

Vote: Gremz

---------

SamBone v. bness888

I'd like to thank the both of you for submitting a writeup, so it makes things a bit easier in terms of where you're going with rotation, defensive strategies, etc. This matchup is something we see almost every Christmas, just with entirely different supporting casts, LeBron v. Kobe.

It's often heavily debated on RealGM, but fortunately, there's much more to this series than the both of them. However I have a feeling it will ultimately come back to the two of them in the end. I think bness team is a bit underrated, I like the Hayes/Parish frontcourt. I like the fact that it's solid defensively, and gives a bit of offensive versatility, with an inside/outside sort of feel. The backcourt is VERY strong, both offensively and defensively. Kidd isn't a knock down shooter, like he was last season, and I still have questions whether he can keep a defense honest, but he did so much more to help a team offensively. He's an amazing passer, has very good size, and again, his court vision is something very few have possessed. Kobe is Kobe, some might question how they play together, while I have my reserves on that as well, I think it'd work out. Kobe would play more the role of a scoring finisher, which is honestly what he does best. I don't see them as a huge running team as bness states, but it'll be an efficient offensive team. I'm not so sure on Nique in there with Hayes, and Kobe, considering he wasn't the most efficient outside shooter, not the best of defenders, and merely a guy that's trying to play the same role Kobe would have in this offense. I do NOT like the fact that Hayes and O'neal are playing similar minutes, I feel Hayes should be getting more significant minutes, while Jackson is a bit overplayed in this matchup. But I do understand the reason behind that considering Nique isn't the best fit with the starting lineup.

I think SamBone overstates the years he picked for Kobe, but rather should have emphasized the years ness picked for Hayes. Personally, I would have chosen the latter end of his Bullets tenure because he's more efficient, and still a big time threat offensively and defensively. He's also an integral, if not central part of a championship caliber team. He wasn't clutch, nor the best of locker room guys, but I think that part of the game is rather overstated considering Hayes was overall a guy that's been an MVP caliber guy on a championship team.

Anyways, SamBone's team. The roles are clearly defined, the matchups are terrific, and the roster built around LeBron is near perfect IMO. Lucas will take Hayes out to the perimeter (but Hayes will still be effective, but I have to keep reminding myself, this is the far more shot dominant/less efficient Big E). LeBron should have his way in this series, moreso than Kobe will. Howard also has the edge upfront, both defensively, and even offensively over his counterparts. I'm a stats guy, and I liked the things Bone brought up in that regard. Again, like the previous matchup, I feel one team has better cohesion than the other, by a considerable margin.

Maybe I'm overstating cohesion, and roles of a team, but I don't think there's a large edge, if one at ALL in the favor of ness's team in the talent department. I think Bone can take advantage of his weaknesses moreso than ness can of Bone's team (to be fair, there are not many weaknesses with the team Bone has assembled. I actually have great respect for bness's team, but I'm not sure this is the proper matchup. So in saying that, I'm gonna have to give my vote to:

Vote: SamBone

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penbeast0 v. calderon13

An interesting matchup, but ultimately a flawed one. Despite the defenders penbeast has, I'd still bet on the Stockton/McAdoo pick and roll to be the most effective offensive option in the entire series. I'm not the biggest fan of Marion, so I'd expect Pippen to have a relatively good series, but he wasn't one to truly dominate, neither was Stockton. Some might argue Paul v. Stockton, but honestly, the reason why Stockton is considered an all time great is because of his high level play with RIDICULOUS longevity. Unfortunately in a competition that is only concerned with two year peaks, it's moreso about Stockton's dominance versus his legacy. I'd personally take Paul over Stockton in a two year peak setting.

Anyways, this matchup is won from the bench, and center position. Mikan is barely a rotation player in this competition, let alone a starting center. Gilmore will thoroughly dominate in this matchup, moreso than McAdoo will. And off the bench, while I think Iverson is underrated, and efficiency over volume is overrated, pairing him with another similar ball dominant player in Maravich wasn't the best of ideas. I could have bought into the idea if there was just one player, more specifically Iverson, because at some point, when we look at every successful team, there's going to be that "guy" that controls the way the game is played, and can absolutely dominate a game, or series. But there's too many other factors that allows calderon's team to enhance the ball dominance his bench brings. I do however really like Ginobili, he's a winner, which is arguably the greatest thing you could say about any player. I think he fits in between Pippen and Stockton, BUT penbeast is able to counter with Moncrief who will make him work on both ends of the floor.

I don't like the spacing of either team too much, but penbeast just has considerably more firepower on both ends of the floor. There's not much more to say other than this IMO.

Vote: penbeast0

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lukekarts v. Warspite

This is tough, I really don't know which way to go. I'd presume by the end of whatever rambling I do, I'll be more clear in who wins this series. As I've stated before, often times efficiency over volume is a tad bit overrated, luke actually has four volume scorers with very good efficiency. So what's the problem then? It could be a bit too much, when I say that, I feel when Gervin or Durant are not in prime scoring position, what else are they going to do? Defensively, they're not particularly strong, and their all round games aren't their strengths. However, I do think luke realized this in picking compliments defensively like Bowen to come off the bench. But offensively, it's then easier to help, especially if Eaton is on the floor at the same time. Reed should get more love, but defensively as an anchor he's not really in the class of some of the others in the competition. And again, the similar situation arises, in a prime time defensive backup C, but one that's even moreso limited offensively - because I'm not being fair in my previous statement as Bowen is a guy that can hit the three, particularly from the corner.

But again, going back to this whole "cohesion" on the court theme, I think Warspite's team works in harmony. The offense is centered around Dr. J and KJ attacking the defense, with them putting the pressure on the big men of lukekarts team. Miller will work off screens, and he has good passers to find him in his spots. Sikma provides range, and an underrated offensive and defensive option. I do like how lukekarts mentions Sikma as someone that cannot defend Dirk, because despite Sikma being more a perimeter offensive big, I feel Dirk should have his way offensively. And considering you can't help on lukekarts starting lineup, then it should be really one on one play. Deke will however allow let Reed to help more, but people forget Mutombo wasn't too poor an offensive option during his peak. Going back to this big man matchup, I think Warspite has a clear edge defensively though. But one thing I question from War's writeup is the emphasis on luke's team being perimeter oriented. In a sense, one could argue, as luke did that takes away from Mutombo's and Sikma's more inside defensive prowess. However, they'll still dominate the paint defensively, which limits what Oscar likes to do in the paint. And, while Robertson was an amazing rebounder, I think War's frontcourt including Erving has the edge.

Speaking about Erving, I think he's the best player in the series. I suppose there can be an argument for Oscar, but I think offensively Erving has a similar impact (I've always said one of Erving's greatest assets is his ability to dominate a game - see what happened to the Nets after the ABA/NBA expansion to see his impact, having that much impact without needing the ball is incredible). Then factor in Erving's defensive prowess, I'd say he's the best player in the series. Is it enough to tilt the series? Possibly, but not enough currently. Unlike the last series, luke's team I feel does have more talent. They thrive from the playmaking/scoring of Oscar, scoring of Gervin, and shooting/scoring of both Dirk and Durant. But in the same regard, I like how there are two primary creators, Erving and KJ, with very potent shooting themselves in Miller, and Sikma.

I like the idea of what luke's bench brings in defenders, but I'm not so sure on the selections, I'd have to give War the edge in terms of bench play. Call me a homer I guess, but I love Ruland in a two year peak. He's the definition of a two year peak player, efficient, can score, was a brusier inside, very good passer, and dominated the Celtics frontline in the playoffs (in admittedly a loss though). Where I think luke has the edge though however is his ability to put Oscar in the post against a smaller KJ (he was tough though), and have a bunch of shooters surrounding him. Gervin wasn't a three point shooter, but the rest of them could space the floor, Reed from midrange, Dirk and Durant with range out to the land of great beyond. Could argue that would be the most effective offensive option in the series.

Overall, have to come to a decision on this one. I like luke's talent, but I feel Sikma/Miller bring similar respects of that talent in terms of that shooting ability, while War's team has the edge defensively, and on the glass. With still strong shooting, the defense, Erving being the best player in the series, and the rebounding edge, I'm afraid my decision will be something luke won't like. Real sorry lukekarts, but honestly I think you have one of the better/best teams in this thing that is capable of taking down a lot of other teams in this competition (and can still win this one, my vote will only count as one), but alas, I think Wars team brings similar things to the table, with greater intangibles. But again, one of the best "first time" teams I've seen.

Vote: Warspite

[Warspite]

Gremz vs Dcash

1. What I like about Gremz team: Cheeks/West is the best def backcourt in this league. West/Baylor is a duo that works (at least in the reg season and early playoffs) Buck/Mourning are 2 tough SOBs that work well. 4 very good defenders, 2 great scorers and a very good PG.

2. What I like about DCash team: Moses Malone is a BAD man. G Hill is a underrated stud. I truely believe G Hill in his prime was on par to MJ.


Matchup

In the end it all comes down to the matchup. I see West and Moses as the 2 MVPs. Moses faces a tough interior defense while West faces a player I simply dont think is a ATL player. Im not a fan of CWebb/Moses on def. Im sure it would be fine on offense but on def its a big ??? However against Zo/Buck its not like your facing Charles and Wilt. In the end however I just dont think DCash will be able to get enough easy buckets and be able to get tough baskets. Moses will get them extra possesions but it wont be enough. I wouldnt be shocked if Dcashes team won more games in the regular season but this is a bad matchup.

Vote: Gremz

Baller vs Poopdamoop

1. What I like about Baller: Isiah/Pierce/Ewing might be the best trio is this league. Balance with defense, Clutch play and great scoring.

2. What I like about Poopdamoop: Great offense + a Sports Center highlight reel every night

Matchup

An ATL team with a shorter frontcourt than most NCAA teams. Still they are 2 truely awsome rebounders and you dismiss them at your own Peril. I dont like Ewing guarding Charles at all. I like Ewing coming from the weakside and forcing Ben Wallace to shoot jumpers. I also believe Bellamy is going to get more than 16mpg and honestly if more people besides Penbeast had watched him (and maybe he had some success vs Wilt/Russell) he would be the starter and Ben could be a sub in a 3 man rotation. The size adv isnt just at the C and PF spot but its at SF with Poopdmoop playing a 3 guard roatation. I look for Pierce to get into the paint and try to abuse VC. With the range of Gasol and Ewing the Ballers have that flexiability. poopdammops team realy reminds me of the Suns and Ballers team is the Spurs. I think Charles and company will be fun to watch but in the end they lack that ability to control the game and continue to force uptempo. Price being a halfcourt PG is a bad fit IMHO. Mayeb Tiny or Lenny Wilkens or Gail Goodrich (all undrafted) would have been a better fit.

Baller
Penbeast vs Calderon

Im going Penbeast.

Miller vs Snake

To me this comes down to a backcourt vs frontcourt. Miller might have the better team and if he played Luke for instance his great def backcourt could realy be disruptive. As it is having 2 of the best def players in this league guarding the 4th and 5th options is a piece of bad luck. I just like inside out game and balance of Snakebites. Im a big fan of Millers team and its built to beat teams with high scoring wings as #1 options (a great idea in this format which is missing Wilt,KAJ,Duncan, Russell, Hakeem)

Im going Snakebites

Tmac vs Bruh man

This is the hardest one for me. Its essentialy a remake of the 04 Finals. The star studded team with lockerroom issues vs the blue collar defensive team of nobodys. This Pistons fan appreciates defense and I have often wondered out loud if the 90s Bulls would have won 4-8 titles if MJ is replaced by Mitch Richmond. In my mind Mitch gets them at least 5 rings simply because he doesnt quit for 2 yrs. Mitch is very undderrated player that simply never played with any talent. I would be willing to bet that no (prime) Mitch Richmond teammate has ever been drafted in a ATL. Do I believe that Mitch can step up and be that 2nd option to McHale? Yes I think he can and the defense can win this series. Still I think TMacs team is very good.

Im going Bruhman


Im presently watching the 1977 NBA allstar game. Im taping it and will examine it further. Buse comes in and changes the game with his hustle, steals and 20fter. Im impressed but man he looks so unathletic. he makes John Stockton look like Spudd Webb. Literaly I think if I was 25 again maybe I could take him.

Im obstaining from the last matchup as it is a conflict of issue.

[dan_atko97]

Again, not much time so this will be short.

Funktrain vs Snakebites
Im having to go with Snakebites here. Imo, his advantage inside is to much to overcome and that isn't even including the fact that he has what Imo is the best perimeter player in Clyde Drexler
Winner- Snakebites

Lukekarts vs Warspite
This matchup seems like the closest one. I really have no idea. I am going to go with Lukekarts by a smidge. He has the the floor spacing for his guards to dominate together. Though Dr.J will obviouly dominate, Bowen is one of the best players i can think of to guard him, and i belive in the 4th, Bowen will be on the floor. Though i don't really know what Reed is like, obviously Deke isn't gonna light him up for 40. This win is extremely close.
Winner- Lukekarts

Gremz vs Dcash4
Gremz's team is obviously better. Dcash4 didn't do a writeup.
Winner- Gremz

Boned Samuels vs Minute to win it
Lebron will rip it up against Nique, Dumars should play some good D on Kobe, though it is still Kobe. I think the Boned Samuels are made well as there arn't any ball dominant players outside Lebron, so he can do what he wants.
Winner- The Boned Samuels

Really running out of time so no explanation's now sorry

Tmac vs Bruh Man
Blah Blah Blah
Winner- Tmacformvp

Poopmadoop vs Baller24
Blah Blah Blah
Winner-Baller24

PenBeast0 vs Calderon13
Blah Blah Blah
Winner- Penbeast

[SamBone]

Luke v Warspite

This is a very interesting matchup. Luke put together a starting 5 that can flat out score! And he has a 2nd unit filled with defenders. War on the other hand has a team that is pretty well balanced and fits well with eachother. I do agree with luke about Sikma playing the PF spot. I do not ever remember him doing that (not to say he couldn’t) but I do see that as odd. As talented as luke’s squad is, I have trouble seeing them play together and sharing the ball. Almost every player is very ball dominant. I think the lack of D on luke’s side will hurt luke too much here
Warspite wins a well played series in 7 games

Stud v Dan
Stud gets the win by forfeit

Snake v Miller
Another very interesting matchup, with has some great individual matchups inside the series. The train has a deadly guard combo that would be very fun to watch play together. The “Intangibles” photo almost made me go with the train here, but I love the overall fit of snakes team here, the inside game is just too much to overcome
Snakebites wins in 7

East Division:
dcash4 v Gremz
Gremz wins by forfeit. Sucks seeing Moses lose.

TMACFORMVP v Bruhman
Another close round 1 series. McHale’s 2 year peak was amaizing and putting him with the Glove and Worm was a great plan. I do think the lack of a true #1 scoring option will hurt this great defensive team. Tmac has put together an interesting team. Barry and Luke should work very well together, and he has enough D to hold off Bruh.
TMAC wins this in a game 7 with Walton as his MVP

West Division:
Calderon v Penbeast
Penbeast wins by forfeit

Baller 24 v Poop
Wade, Vince and Chuck are some series scoring options with a great shooter in Price and stopper in Big Ben. I really like the overall team that Baller put together. Thomas with Cooper/Thompson is pretty nice. PP with Gasol (and Big Oak) is a very solid, all together with Ewing makes a very solid team. Nothing flashy (well except Thomas) but super solid and great fits.
Baller 24 wins I another game 7 thriller

[Snakebites]

Lukekarts vs Warspite:

The pure offensive firepower of lukekarts team makes it a different sort of team than one normally seen in this game. If the offensive attack was a little more balanced I'd probably be even more intrigued. As it stands, its an offensive powerhouse that unfortunately doesn't have the low post presence to really sell itself. I like the defense of Warspite's team quite a bit better and believe he has much more clearly defined roles on his team.

Additionally, I have absolutely no problem with Sikma being a power forward. I consider him to be an absolute combo big man and don't view him as being played out of position at all. I also think Durant on Dr J. would be a very educating experience, both for fans of the modern NBA and for Durant himself.

Warspite, though Oscar Robertson makes it interesting in 7.

Baller vs. Poopdamoop

Incredibly tough matchup, and I'm a big fan of both teams. The undersized nature of poop's team doesn't particularly bother me. While Barkley and Big Ben are unconventional sizes for their respective positions both proved they could have great success matched up against taller players, and its not as though they put poop at any sort of disadvantage in terms of rebounding.

I think, however, that the matchup of scoring wings (Pierce and Carter) is one that favors Baller's team. Pierce is a more conventional small forward, has a better defensive reputation, and brings considerably more toughness than Vince Carter. While I was always amazed by Carter's skill and athleticism, the toughness and persistence is what separates Pierce here. While Price shouldn't be underrated here, I also see Isiah as a much more natural fit for his team and see this matchup as favoring Baller.

I am interested in what Wade faces in this series. I'm not generally a fan of starting Cooper in games like this, but he could give Wade troubles. While Wade will be able to offer some of that weakside help to Isiah in the 16 minutes Cooper is out there, all of that changes when the devastating David Thompson (always underrated in these games and is the best backup in this series) comes in for his time.

What makes this matchup particularly difficult to judge is Barkley. I view him as the most deadly offensive playoff force in this matchup, and I'm not sure what Ewing will be able to do against him man to man, nor am I sure what the focus on Barkley does for his capacity as a general weakside presence.

Ultimately, its a very difficult call. I'm intrigued by the Wade/Barkley combo and would love to see those two play together, but ultimately I like the construction of Baller's team just a little bit more and think he matches up fairly well with his counterpart.

Great job to both teams, but I must vote Baller.

[Baller 24]

Don't really have time for explanations except for the ones that I thought were REALLY hard to judge, but from reading through the write-ups, and looking at the team rosters/rotations here is my vote:

Warspite

Miller
- VERY hard to judge, I really don't like that Jones is guarding Drexler and not either Hondo or Fraizer. Jones was a good defender, but not in the caliber of that of Fraizer or Hondo who would have done a far better IMHO job on Drexler. While I really like the front-court match-up, after reading how both of them were going to be used I was slightly siding with Miller's front-court, Robinson has his disappointments in the playoffs, and him being a face-up player, I did not see a primary low post-player that can be used to have Robinson ease the pressure IN CASE he fades against such a prominent defense like Miller's, and furthermore, Miller's got solid defense in the low post, high post, solid passing all-around, along with multiple-reliable low-post scoring options. It'll be a fight, but I'm going with Miller in 7 games here. Fraizer and Hondo should come up big, Robinson will have a BIG fight down in the low-post, he'll get muscled left and right. Drexler should make his mark, but Miller's offensive fire power in the front-court is just too hard to overcome.

TMACFORMVP
- Another TOUGH match up. Here's my analysis, Artest that season was one of the greatest defenders we've EVER seen during his 02 03 and 03 04 season with Indiana. I'm not being over dramatic here either, he limited guys like McGrady, Pierce, Bryant, and many OTHER reliable perimeter scorers to something like 8-9PPG on 36% shooting on average of all the players that faced him that season. Artest on Richmond is a tough bite to sell as the reliable perimeter option. While Rodman will limit the effectiveness of Barry, I see Artest limiting Richmond more in a way that can be suffocating, and while Richmond was never considered a reliable perimeter scorer, Barry was, has his moments taking over the game too. Payton's DPOY season he wasn't really considered a perimeter scorer, he settled far too often on threes that season looking at the attempts. In the front-court, it's a fight, but Walton during this stretch is solid, came up big in the playoffs, and with Cowens by his side, it's a perfect blend of passing, rebounding, and scoring from both the high and low post. IF anything, being a Rockets fan, I know how unreliable Yao can be. Tmac in 6 games IMO.

Penbeast

Studcrackers

Gremz

Sam Bone

[Miller4ever]

Penbeast wins.

Studcrackers wins.

Gremz wins.

Sambone wins.

TMAC wins.

Baller wins.

Warspite wins.

[lukekarts]

Snakebites def. Miller

Snake's frontcourt should have its way here, and whilst Frazier will probably be the best guard over the series, I don't see that being enough.


Gremz def dcash

Apart from Moses Malone I think Gremz lineup is more proven on the biggest stage so he gets the edge here.


bness def Sambone

I like the backcourt superiority, and I think the front court is fairly even. What I think wins this matchup is that Kidd is a far superior playmaker to anyone on Sambones, and as a Heat fan I'm also wary that LeBron's ball dominance isn't always conducive to winning basketball on a stacked team. This series is probably close but when the going gets tough in game 7 I think ness has players that can be relied upon to take over.


Tmac def Bruh Man

I pick Tmac here, just. Walton and Yao will probably injure each other, whilst I think from 1-4, Tmac's team is more balanced and has the one guy (Barry) I expect to take over this series. I can't discount the excellent bench Bruh Man has assembled, but I still think Tmac's side is more balanced with better floor spacing.


Baller def Poop

You'll rarely see me vote against Wade, but Baller has a much more balanced team, better floor spacing, and a more versatile bench so I expect him to win this matchup. It will be close though, Wade and Barkley will most certainly have their way in this series.


Penbeast def Calderon

I've gone into so much with this writeup, as you can see.


studsy def dan atko

I really like Unseld and KG patrolling the paint in this matchup, and whilst DJ and TMac are talented, I have more confidence in Ray Allen and Steve Nash settling into a stacked team and finding their role more easily. Offensively, dan's team is scary beyond the 3 point line, and whilst it lacks the unpredictability and explosiveness of his opponent, I think it's one of the more cohesive units, however I have to give this one to studcrackers by default. if dan had written even a short writeup, he would've got my vote.

[penbeast0]

Looks like the winners are

Penbeast
Studcrackers
Gremz
Baller

Sambone
Warspite
Snakebites
TmacforMVP

Anyone have the matchups for next round? (I know they were posted, just can't find them)

[TMACFORMVP]

I'd have voted the same for my remaining. I think everyone has at least a 4 lead vote, so I guess we could move onto Round 2. The matchups are as follows:

North Division Matchup -> SamBone v. Warspite
South Division Matchup -> Snakebites v. studcrackers

East Division Matchup -> TMACFORMVP v. Gremz
West Division Matchup -> Baller 24 v. penbeast0

[studcrackers]

Snakebites def. Miller

Snake's frontcourt should have its way here, and whilst Frazier will probably be the best guard over the series, I don't see that being enough.


Gremz def dcash

Apart from Moses Malone I think Gremz lineup is more proven on the biggest stage so he gets the edge here.


bness def Sambone

I like the backcourt superiority, and I think the front court is fairly even. What I think wins this matchup is that Kidd is a far superior playmaker to anyone on Sambones, and as a Heat fan I'm also wary that LeBron's ball dominance isn't always conducive to winning basketball on a stacked team. This series is probably close but when the going gets tough in game 7 I think ness has players that can be relied upon to take over.


Tmac def Bruh Man

I pick Tmac here, just. Walton and Yao will probably injure each other, whilst I think from 1-4, Tmac's team is more balanced and has the one guy (Barry) I expect to take over this series. I can't discount the excellent bench Bruh Man has assembled, but I still think Tmac's side is more balanced with better floor spacing.


Baller def Poop

You'll rarely see me vote against Wade, but Baller has a much more balanced team, better floor spacing, and a more versatile bench so I expect him to win this matchup. It will be close though, Wade and Barkley will most certainly have their way in this series.


Penbeast def Calderon

I've gone into so much with this writeup, as you can see.


studsy def dan atko

I really like Unseld and KG patrolling the paint in this matchup, and whilst DJ and TMac are talented, I have more confidence in Ray Allen and Steve Nash settling into a stacked team and finding their role more easily. Offensively, dan's team is scary beyond the 3 point line, and whilst it lacks the unpredictability and explosiveness of his opponent, I think it's one of the more cohesive units, however I have to give this one to studcrackers by default. if dan had written even a short writeup, he would've got my vote.

did you get mine and dan's teams confused?