NBA 2k19: The New Millennium(Fresh Beef)

Last time on The New Millennium, Atlanta got their franchise player in LeBron James, the Warriors brought back Antwan Jamison and drafted Carmelo Anthony, the Clippers added Dwayne Wade to their young core and AI got help in Philly in the form of Andre Miller. How will all of these moves effect the 2003-2004 season?





Eastern Conference

1. Philadelphia 76ers(54-28)
2. Toronto Raptors(51-31)
3. New Jersey Nets(48-34)
4. Miami Heat(48-34)
5. Cleveland Cavaliers(47-35)
6. Orlando Magic(46-36)
7. Indiana Pacers(46-36)
8. Chicago Bulls(43-39)
9. Boston Celtics(41-41)
10. Milwaukee Bucks(40-42)
11. Charlotte Hornets(38-44)
12. Washington Wizards(36-46)
13. New York Knicks(32-50)
14. Detroit Pistons(29-53)
15. Atlanta Hawks(17-65)


We start in the East this year, where most of the familiar faces are back for another run. The most surprising team to make it where the Miami Heat, who have a lacking roster overall but got a career year from Alonzo Mourning(16.1 ppg, 12.4 rpg, 3 blkpg). A surprising name to miss out where the Bucks, who were trying to re-sign Ray Allen all year, and were forced to free up cap space by trading big man Tim Thomas to Indiana. LeBron was the Rookie of the Year, but failed to get the Hawks out of the cellar.




Western Conference

1. Los Angeles Lakers(57-25)
2. Denver Nuggets(52-30)
3. Houston Rockets(51-31)
4. Portland Trail Blazers(46-36)
5. Phoenix Suns(46-36)
6. Utah Jazz(45-37)
7. Seattle SuperSonics(41-41)
8. Dallas Mavericks(41-41)
9. Los Angeles Clippers(39-43)
10. Sacramento Kings(37-45)
11. Vancouver Grizzlies(37-45)
12. San Antonio Spurs(36-46)
13. Golden State Warriors(36-46)
14. New Orleans Pelicans(25-57)
15. Minnesota Timberwolves(25-57)


All Hail the Black Mamba. Kobe Bryant is the true face of the Lakers, winning his first MVP and leading the team to the best record in the NBA, as Shaq continues to regress. The Rockets had a great year, and the Suns finally made the playoffs, thanks to Jason Kidd and young Amar'e Stoudemire. Aging teams in Utah and Seattle held off the young newcomers, including the Clippers, who just can't fulfill their massive potential. And hey, the Pelicans are no longer the worst team in the west! Despite another great year from Kevin Garnett, the Timberwolves fell to rock bottom, and will desperately need help in the Draft.




Awards

(Henry's Note- I got the Rookie of the Year working, so that award will now be counted)


MVP: Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Rookie of the Year: LeBron James, Atlanta Hawks
Sixth Man: Donyell Marshall, Utah Jazz
Defensive Player: Kevin Garnett, Minnesota Timberwolves
Most Improved: Edmund Cooper, Charlotte Hornets
Coach of the Year: Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers


With the addition of Andre Miller, the 76ers are once again atop the Eastern Conference. Can they finally win a playoff series on their fourth attempt? Can Kobe cement his legacy with his third ring? Can the Nuggets defend their championship? Find out next time on The New Millennium!