NBA 2k19: The New Millennium(For Whom the Bell Tolls)

It's time once again to adjust the rosters and see what storylines we will have going into the 2008-2009 season, and we begin with a very sad farewell...(Henry's Note- I felt like the post for trades last year was too long, so I mostly reserved it to all the big trades this year)





- The Philadelphia 76ers trade SG Allen Iverson(85 OVR), C Rex Murray(81 OVR) and 2010 1st round pick to the Sacramento Kings for C Jimmie Owens(88 OVR) and SG Willis Hammonds(82 OVR)- 

It's a sad, sad day in Philly, as AI departs from the team that drafted him to leave for Sacramento, where he will join up with reigning MVP Chris Paul. The 76ers knew this day was coming with Lou Williams(85 OVR) entering his contract year, and get back Owens, who provides the presence in the paint they've lacked for so long. Philly also gets Hammonds, who has 88 Potential, but has to give up a 1st round pick for next year which is top five protected.


- The Cleveland Cavaliers trade Lamar Odom(88 OVR) and PG Darrel Fordham(81 OVR) to the Dallas Mavericks for PG Steve Nash(88 OVR), SF Hugh Burke(78 OVR) and 2010 1st round pick- 

The Mavericks continue to sell off assets as they enter a rebuild, now trading away the leader of their offense in Nash, who is 34 years old and starting to decline. Cleveland will attempt to win now, and get rid of Odom, who didn't have much a place in their team anyway, and Fordham, who didn't play at all last year and has 88 Potential. The Cavaliers will also receive the 1st round pick Dallas got from the Lakers last year, since Nash is so much older.


- The Los Angeles Clippers trade PG Keyon Dooling(85 OVR), SG Quentin Richardson(83 OVR) and C Robin Lopez(75 OVR) to the Houston Rockets for PG Steve Francis(84 OVR), C Stanley Rider(82 OVR) and SG Randolph Hickman(66 OVR)-

With Devin Harris now signed on long term, the Clippers get rid of Dooling and Richardson, who wasn't needed, to get veteran depth in Francis and a quality back-up center in Rider. For Houston, it's the end of an era as Francis departs for greener pastures and they now enter a full rebuild.


- The Houston Rockets trade SF Richard Jefferson(88 OVR) and SG Jim Manning(71 OVR) to the Sacramento Kings for SF Hedo Turkoglu(82 OVR), SG Brent Aldridge(68 OVR) and 2010 1st round pick-

Houston continues to sell off pieces, now sending Jefferson to the Kings, where he will provide much needed perimeter defense. The Rockets get back Turkoglu, Aldridge who does have 85 Potential and the 1st round pick the Kings got earlier in the AI trade.


- The Dallas Mavericks trade PF Orlando Barbosa(82 OVR) to the Sacramento Kings for PF Phil Calloway(78 OVR) and 2009 1st round pick- 

The Kings continue to stack talent, now getting a nice upgrade at power forward. Dallas sells off another piece of their team, and gets a 1st round pick, completely unprotected, back.


- The Toronto Raptors trade SF Morris Peterson(82 OVR) and SG Tyronn Gatson(79 OVR) to the Seattle SuperSonics for SG Terrell Buford(84 OVR) and 2010 1st round pick- 

Toronto finally gets a true starting shooting guard in Buford, who was expendable after Seattle signed Brett Moran. Toronto also gets a 1st round pick, which is top ten protected.


- The Golden State Warriors trade PG Jermaine Ramsey(86 OVR), C Kenneth Levingston(82 OVR), 2009 and 2010 1st round picks to the Portland Trail Blazers for C Marc Gasol(83 OVR) and PG Cliff Hobbs(82 OVR)- 

The Warriors go aggressive in their pursuit of a great big man, and find one who could be in young Marc Gasol, who will now play his brother Pau every year in the same division. Golden State gave up a lot, including two unprotected 1st round picks, but they believe in Marc's ability and are hoping to form a big three with him, Kyle Lowry and Carmelo Anthony.

NBA 2k19: The New Millennium(South Beach)

Last time on The New Millennium, the Indiana Pacers were crowned NBA Champions for the second time in three years, winning the 2008 NBA Finals after sweeping the Los Angeles Clippers. Now, the offseason is upon us and changes are coming.





Player Retirements

Biding farewell to the NBA this year were the likes of Doug Christie, Sam Cassell, Allan Houston, Eddie Jones, Glenn Robinson, Kerry Kittles, Antoine Walker, Brent Barry, Bruce Bowen and Damon Stoudamire. No players were inducted into the Hall of Fame.


Draft Lottery

Despite only having the fourth best odds, the Miami Heat got extremely lucky, nabbing the first overall pick. The Pistons will pick second, the Suns third and the Jazz and Nuggets round out the top five.


2008 NBA Draft

1. PG Derrick Rose, Miami Heat
2. PG Russell Westbrook, Detroit Pistons
3. C Brook Lopez, Phoenix Suns
4. PG Goran Dragic, Utah Jazz
5. PF Kevin Love, Denver Nuggets
6. PG Sam Adkins, Milwaukee Bucks(generated player)
7. C DeAndre Jordan, New Orleans Pelicans
8. PF Michael Beasley, Houston Rockets
9. SG Eric Gordon, Boston Celtics
10. SG Dane Grimes, Seattle SuperSonics(generated player)
11. PG D.J. Augustin, Golden State Warriors
12. C JaVale McGee, Atlanta Hawks
13. SG Harvey Carpenter, Washington Wizards(generated player)
14. SF Danilo Gallinari, Cleveland Cavaliers
15. PG George Hill, Minnesota Timberwolves
16. PG Jerryd Bayless, San Antonio Spurs
22. SF Brandon Rush, Toronto Raptors
24. PF Serge Ibaka, Orlando Magic
27. C Marreese Speights, Golden State Warriors
29. SF Nicolas Batum, Chicago Bulls
34. C Robin Lopez, Los Angeles Clippers
35. SG Courtney Lee, Vancouver Grizzlies
36. PF Darrell Arthur, Los Angeles Lakers
38. PF Luc Mbah a Moute, Detroit Pistons
41. C Omer Asik, Seattle SuperSonics
42. PG Mario Chalmers, Seattle SuperSonics
45. C Alexis Ajinca, Seattle SuperSonics
48. PF Ryan Anderson, Milwaukee Bucks
56. C Kosta Koufos, New Orleans Pelicans


Free Agency

Here are the players who switched teams in free agency:

SG Brett Moran(89 OVR), Seattle SuperSonics, 4 years, 125 million dollars
SG Michael Redd(86 OVR), Utah Jazz, 4 years, 84 million dollars
SF Calbert Walton(85 OVR), Charlotte Hornets, 4 years, 65 million dollars
SG J.R. Smith(85 OVR), Utah Jazz, 4 years, 69 million dollars
SF Ulf Nojowitz(85 OVR), Utah Jazz, 4 years, 64 million dollars
C Zydrunas Ilgauskas(85 OVR), New York Knicks, 4 years, 63 million dollars
SF Nick Lowry(85 OVR), Detroit Pistons, 4 years, 62 million dollars
PG Nienyuan Hu(83 OVR), Philadelphia 76ers, 3 years, 16 million dollars
PG Eddie House(83 OVR), Boston Celtics, 3 years, 26 million dollars
SF Ed Mercer(83 OVR), Boston Celtics, 3 years, 25 million dollars
PF Nick Collison(83 OVR), Indiana Pacers, 3 years, 32 million dollars
PF Josh Smith(83 OVR), Detroit Pistons, 4 years, 94 million dollars
SG Jake Potter(83 OVR), Detroit Pistons, 3 years, 37 million dollars
C Dan Buckner(82 OVR), Miami Heat, 3 years, 35 million dollars
C Brendan Haywood(82 OVR), Toronto Raptors, 3 years, 19 million dollars
PG Earl Boykins(82 OVR), New York Knicks, 3 years, 26 million dollars
PF Tim Thomas(81 OVR), Chicago Bulls, 3 years, 18 million dollars
C Emeka Okafor(81 OVR), Miami Heat, 3 years, 25 million dollars
PF Channing Frye(81 OVR), Toronto Raptors, 3 years, 26 million dollars


2009 NBA Draft Preview

If you're looking for impact talent, the top of next year's draft provides two big names in Stephen Curry and Blake Griffin. They each provide different talents, but either could be a franchise player if given the chance, and you certainly can't sleep on James Harden.

NBA 2k19: The New Millennium(Crossroads of America)

Last time on The New Millennium, the Lakers with new addition Joe Johnson were the best team in the NBA yet again, but the Bulls were once again fantastic and finished on an identical record. Who will claim the ultimate prize and win the 2008 NBA Championship?




First Round

In the West, the Lakers and Clippers have set up a battle for Los Angeles in the second round, as the Lakers only dropped one game to the Spurs while the Clippers needed 5 to take out Portland. Sacramento also needed 5 to get the upset over Vancouver, and the Warriors went down in an upset to the Timberwolves, as young Kevin Durant dropped 26 in the decisive Game 4. Out East, the Bulls swept the Celtics and the Pacers outlasted the Magic, with Dexter Collinsworth scoring 32 to win Game 5. The Hornets swept the defending champion Raptors, and the Nets were pushed all the way to 5 before eliminating the Knicks.


Second Round

In the battle for Los Angeles, the Clippers stunned their cross town rivals, winning in 5 thanks to Dwayne Wade's heroics. Meanwhile, the Kevins put on a show, and in an incredibly tight offensive showcase, took out the Kings in 7 games. In the East, the Bulls playoff struggles continued, as they failed to get past the Pacers, as Indiana's defense won them Game 7 and the series. And in yet another 7 game series, the Charlotte Hornets punched their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals, as Ellis Rowland dropped 32 to win Game 7 and send the Nets home.


Conference Finals

In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Hornets would take a 3-1 series lead, needing one win to advance to the NBA Finals. But in Game 5 in Charlotte, Jermaine O'Neal hit a game winning jumper to keep the Pacers season alive, and Indiana came roaring back to clinch another trip to the Finals. Out West, the Timberwolves gave the Clippers all they could handle, but LA's new kings had too much depth. In Game 7, Pau Gasol scored 26, Wade had 25 and Paul Millsap notched 20 off the bench to send the Clippers to the Finals.


NBA Finals

Game 1 in Indiana would go to overtime, where O'Neal blocked several key shots down the stretch and the Pacers won by 2. Indiana was much more dominant in Game 2, as O'Neal contributed 24 points and 11 rebounds in a big fourth quarter run to go up 2-0.

Game 3 was more of the same, as the Pacers won their sixth playoff game in a row, with O'Neal getting better and better, this time scoring 29 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, to go along with 4 blocks. Game 4 was tight throughout, with the Clippers holding a lead late. But it was then that Justin Galloway was clutch for the Pacers, forcing several key turnovers from Dwyane Wade, and the Pacers finished it off, winning by 9. For the second time in The New Millennium, the Indiana Pacers are NBA Champions!

NBA Finals MVP: Jermaine O'Neal(21.3 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 2.8 blkpg)




The Indiana Pacers continue to be the definition of clutch, winning their second championship in their fifth Finals appearance. What is to come for The New Millennium? Join me next time for the 2008 offseason.

NBA 2k19: The New Millennium(Showtime)

Last time on The New Millennium, a new power duo formed in Minnesota, as Kevin Durant was drafted to join Kevin Garnett, while one broke apart in Los Angeles, as Shaquille O'Neal was traded to Dallas. How will these changes affect the 2007-2008 season?





Western Conference

1. Los Angeles Lakers(57-25)
2. Golden State Warriors(54-28)
3. Vancouver Grizzlies(46-36)
4. Los Angeles Clippers(44-38)
5. Portland Trail Blazers(43-39)
6. Sacramento Kings(41-41)
7. Minnesota Timberwolves(39-43)
8. San Antonio Spurs(39-43)
9. Seattle SuperSonics(36-46)
10. Dallas Mavericks(36-46)
11. New Orleans Pelicans(35-47)
12. Houston Rockets(35-47)
13. Denver Nuggets(33-49)
14. Phoenix Suns(28-54)
15. Utah Jazz(26-56)


The Lakers added Joe Johnson(18.4 ppg) and achieved their best finish since 2004, and the Warriors improved majorly thanks to the development of young Kyle Lowry(14 ppg, 6.6 apg). Further down the standings, Sacramento was carried by new MVP Chris Paul(21.3 ppg, 13.4 apg), and Minnesota and San Antonio just snuck in despite losing record. Dallas definitely lost that big trade, as Shaq(15.6 ppg, 9.7 rpg) continued to regress, and Phoenix just looked terrible all year. And Utah lost big in signing bust Thomas Augmon(9 ppg, 6.5 rpg), leaving them in dead last.




Eastern Conference

1. Chicago Bulls(57-25)
2. New Jersey Nets(53-29)
3. Charlotte Hornets(51-31)
4. Orlando Magic(51-31)
5. Indiana Pacers(50-32)
6. Toronto Raptors(46-36)
7. New York Knicks(44-38)
8. Boston Celtics(42-40)
9. Cleveland Cavaliers(40-42)
10. Atlanta Hawks(39-43)
11. Washington Wizards(39-43)
12. Philadelphia 76ers(37-45)
13. Milwaukee Bucks(34-48)
14. Miami Heat(28-54)
15. Detroit Pistons(27-55)


Chicago is still the best team in the East, but they need to start winning in the playoffs to be considered legit. The Nets played well and moved up, and the Hornets were spectacular thanks to new signing Ellis Rowland(15 ppg). The Knicks have finally made the playoffs, as have the Celtics, who have a new hero in LaMarcus Aldridge(16.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg). Cleveland and Atlanta were unlucky, as the East simply has too many good teams, and Philadelphia really struggled thanks to Allen Iverson's continued regression. Detroit is yet again in last place, but is still improving and will likely get a high draft pick.




Awards

MVP: Chris Paul, Sacramento Kings
Rookie of the Year: Kevin Durant, Minnesota Timberwolves
Sixth Man: Josh Smith, Golden State Warriors
Defensive Player: LeBron James, Atlanta Hawks
Most Improved: Donta Conner, Miami Heat
Coach of the Year: Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers



Can Kobe and Joe Johnson lead the Lakers to another championship? Can the Bulls finally start winning in the playoffs? Find out next time on The New Millennium!

NBA 2k19: The New Millennium(Fractured)

Once again, it's time to reshape the rosters and present new stories for the next season, and we have an absolute doozy of a trade to open things up.





- The Los Angeles Lakers trade C Shaquille O'Neal(87 OVR), SF Chao Cowens(80 OVR), 2008 and 2010 1st round picks for SF Joe Johnson(90 OVR) and C Leroy Person(78 OVR)- 

The Mavericks logjam as small forward is an issue I've been keeping an eye on, as Johnson has been benched for fellow 90 OVR Clifton Davenport. So I put Joe in the trade finder, and this popped up. After losing in the first round in back to back years, the Kobe and Shaq partnership is over. The Lakers did have to give up more in the deal, since Shaq is 35, but the prospect of getting Joe and his incredible shooting was more than worth it. The 25 year old Person will attempt to fill O'Neal's spot, though the Lakers did sign Shawn Bradley(72 OVR) for depth.


- The Dallas Mavericks trade PF Riczi Dugonics(78 OVR), PG Freddie Lambert(77 OVR) and 2009 2nd round pick to the Toronto Raptors for PF Orlando Barbosa(82 OVR) and SG Robin Watts(67 OVR)- 

Looking to win now, Dallas now brings in Orlando Barbosa, who played well for Toronto in the playoffs last year but backs up star PF Anton Kozlov(85 OVR). They do get decent value back, but won't hold to Lambert for long, as they already have plenty of point guards.


- The Toronto Raptors trade PG Freddie Lambert(77 OVR) and 2012 2nd round pick to the Denver Nuggets for SF Garrett Davenport(77 OVR) and C Martin Lawrence(69 OVR)- 

A simple trade, as Denver gets a younger point guard to help the aging Nick Van Exel and Toronto gets the 27 year old Davenport for depth off the bench.


- The Boston Celtics trade PG Lance Marks(84 OVR) to the Milwaukee Bucks for SG Michael Redd(84 OVR)- 

Despite signing Jeff McInnis and Rafer Alston in free agency, the Bucks still clearly had a need at point guard. With Boston drafting Mike Conley, Marks no longer had a true roster spot. This is a like for like deal, with both guys 29 years old and on the final year of their contract.


- The Milwaukee Bucks trade PG Ion Calmuschi(77 OVR) and PF Garry Ball(77 OVR) to the Phoenix Suns for PF Brian Scalabrine(78 OVR), C Todd Cummings(70 OVR) and 2008 1st round pick- 

The Bucks get rid of some depth to acquire Scalabrine, who was good for Phoenix last year and will start for Milwaukee, along with a 1st round pick that is top ten protected. In exchange, the Suns get Ball as a back-up, as well as the 23 year old Calmuschi, who has 81 Potential.


- The Los Angeles Clippers trade PF Drew Gooden(82 OVR) and PG Roland Snow(77 OVR) to the Atlanta Hawks for PG Devin Harris(86 OVR) and C Carson Rollins(74 OVR)- 

With Channing Frye(80 OVR) disappointing as the starting power forward, and starting point Jay Williams(87 OVR) signed on to a 4 year extension, this trade makes a lot of sense for Atlanta. In Gooden, they get an excellent rebounder on a manageable 2 year deal, and the Clippers get a big upgrade at point guard over current starter Chauncey Billups(84 OVR). This trade is a gamble for LA, as Harris' contract is expiring, and they also gave up Snow, who has 84 Potential.


- The Los Angeles Clippers trade PG Chauncey Billups(84 OVR), SG Benjamin Price(77 OVR) and 2008 2nd round pick to the Vancouver Grizzlies for SG Gerald Green(79 OVR) and SF Wilson Chandler(72 OVR)- 

The Grizzlies yet again needed a back up point guard, and trade for Billups, who's contract does expire at the end of the year. They do pay quite a bit for a back up of Billups' quality, as they give up former first round pick Gerald Green and recent pick up Wilson Chandler, who has 84 Potential.


- The Vancouver Grizzlies trade SG Ellis Sampson(78 OVR) and PF Will Mayo(75 OVR) to the Cleveland Cavaliers for SF Hakeem N'dour(77 OVR) and PF Dylan Strawberry(74 OVR)- 

Vancouver acquired Sampson last year, but he barely played and was extremely unhappy. They had a hole at small forward and filled by trading for N'dour, who also barely played last year backing up Lamar Odom and Danny Granger.


- The Miami Heat trade SF Clayton Hardaway(77 OVR) to the Detroit Pistons for C Jacob McCormick(79 OVR) and 2011 2nd round pick- 

Hardaway, a former second round pick, is talented but unhappy in Miami, and finds a new home in Detroit, who could sell of McCormick after just draft Joakim Noah(80 OVR, 89 Potential).


- The Detroit Pistons trade PG Damien Baxter(84 OVR) and SG Stan Shepard(79 OVR) to the Chicago Bulls for SG Arthur Stinson(84 OVR) and SF Shareef Abdur-Rahim(78 OVR)- 

Baxter is stuck in a logjam at point guard, with Detroit already having Jameer Nelson(85 OVR) on the roster and is on an expiring deal, as is Shepard. The Bulls need a backup, and give up Stinson, who will start for Detroit but was behind Edwin Russell(85 OVR) and Lenny Park(85 OVR) in Chicago, as well as dumping Abdur-Rahim, who flopped miserably for them last year.


- The Utah Jazz trade SF Trevor Ariza(84 OVR) and PG Timmy Timmerman(74 OVR) to the Indiana Pacers for PG Jason Coles(80 OVR) and SF Edwin Jefferson(81 OVR)-

After Utah signed Thomas Augmon(85 OVR) in free agency, it was obvious Ariza was available. He will be a very good fit in Indiana, who need a replacement for the aging Jalen Rose(74 OVR). Timmerman can develop into a good back-up with his 79 Potential.


- The Sacramento Kings trade PG Jason Williams(80 OVR) and SG Andre Ellis(79 OVR) to the Minnesota Timberwolves for SG Wally Szczerbiak(82 OVR) and PG Mitchell Best(75 OVR)- 

With Chris Paul(92 OVR) now well established, the King get rid of Williams and also packaged in Ellis to get Szcaerbiak, their new starting shooting guard. Williams will take the back-up point guard spot from Earl Boykins, though he does have an expiring contract.


- The Minnesota Timberwolves trade PG Earl Boykins(81 OVR) and C J.R. Lucas(73 OVR) to the Utah Jazz for C Zydrunas Ilgauskas(83 OVR)- 

Minnesota now ships the disappointing Boykins off to Utah, who acquire another point guard. The Jazz will now start newly signed Darko Milicic at center, while Ilgauskas will be the starting center for the Timberwolves.


- The Orlando Magic trade SG Bar Petrovic(81 OVR) and 2008 2nd round pick to the New Orleans Pelicans for PG Adam Sellers(79 OVR) and C Dan Clintock(73 OVR)- 

Orlando needed a back-up point guard, and New Orleans had Sellers to get rid of, as they hope to give more playing time to Daniel Gibson(79 OVR), who's currently extremely unhappy. The Pelicans get Petrovic, who's still signed for two more years and should provide quality depth.


- The New Jersey Nets trade Ira Newble(78 OVR) to the Toronto Raptors for SF Darius Miles(75 OVR) and 2011 2nd round pick- 

Newble is a slight upgrade for Toronto, and New Jersey is happy to get rid of 11 million dollar contract, which is expiring.


- The Denver Nuggets trade C Raef LaFrentz(77 OVR) and PF Boyd Blake(77 OVR) to the Minnesota Timberwolves for PF Stanley Cotton(78 OVR), SF Greg Buckner(76 OVR) and 2008 2nd round pick- 

Minnesota get a back-up to Ilgauskas in LaFrentz, who was behind 25 year old Vladimir Saric(82 OVR) and 27 year old Rex Murray(80 OVR) in Denver. The Nuggets, meanwhile, get a slight upgrade at power forward and an extra 2nd round pick.


- The New Orleans Pelicans trade PF Daryl Cartwright(76 OVR) and PG Bradley Norman(74 OVR) to the Houston Rockets for C Brevin Taylor(77 OVR) and PF Frankie Brown(74 OVR)- 

Houston has tons of centers, and gets rid of one of them, mostly to get Norman, who has 80 Potential. New Orleans, meanwhile, needed more quality at center and got that.


- The Houston Rockets trade C Kelvin Beasley(79 OVR) and 2008 2nd round pick to the Golden State Warriors for PF Thaddeus Young(75 OVR) and SG Elton Patrick(69 OVR)- 

The Warriors did just use the 15th pick to select Young, but they need a back-up center much more. So Houston gives up another of theirs to pick the 19 year old power forward, who has 85 Potential.


- The Seattle SuperSonics trade C Joel Przybilla(82 OVR) to the Cleveland Cavaliers for SG Anthony Johnson(76 OVR) and 2009 1st round pick-

Seattle just drafted Greg Oden(82 OVR, 88 Potential), so they have no need for Przybilla, while Cleveland needs a back-up to Yao Ming. Joel is a quality add for them, but they did have to give up a top ten protected 1st round pick.




That's it! Another huge amount of trades, but the AI in this game makes the stupidest decisions, so it's on me to go ahead and sort all of this out. Whether or not I do these posts in the future, I'm not sure, but I'll certainly keep making the moves. I'll see you tomorrow for the start of the 2007-2008 season.

NBA 2k19: The New Millennium(Call Me Kevin)

Last time on The New Millennium, the Toronto Raptors became the 2007 NBA Champions thanks to the heroics of Vince Carter. Now, the offseason is upon us and changes are coming.





Player Retirements

Biding farewell to the NBA this year were Steve Smith, Latrell Spreewell, Kurt Thomas, Greg Ostertag, Fred Hoiberg and Lucious Harris. No players were inducted into the Hall of Fame.


Draft Lottery

Someone must have a fairy godmother up in icy Minnesota, because the Timberwolves managed to win the lottery despite only having the sixth best odds. The SuperSonics will pick second, the Rockets moved up to third and the Pistons and Celtics round out the top five.


2007 NBA Draft

1. SF Kevin Durant, Minnesota Timberwolves
2. C Greg Oden, Seattle SuperSonics
3. C Al Horford, Houston Rockets
4. C Joakim Noah, Detroit Pistons
5. PG Mike Conley, Boston Celtics
6. PG Darrel Fordham, Cleveland Cavaliers(generated player)
7. PF Edwin Underwood, Dallas Mavericks(generated player)
8. PG Ethan Gallagher, Charlotte Hornets(generated player)
9. SF Ricky Chase, Denver Nuggets(generated player)
10. PG Bradley Norman, New Orleans Pelicans(generated player)
11. C Marc Gasol, Portland Trail Blazers
12. C Brandan Wright, Miami Heat
13. PF Dante Jacobsen, Atlanta Hawks
14. PG Julian Fuller, New York Knicks(generated player)
15. PF Thaddeus Young, Golden State Warriors
17. PG Aaron Brooks, Charlotte Hornets
21. SF Corey Brewer, Indiana Pacers
22. SG Daequan Cook, Phoenix Suns
23. SG Aaron Afflalo, Los Angeles Clippers
24. SF Jeff Green, Philadelphia 76ers
28. PF Jared Dudley, Washington Wizards
31. SG Marco Belinelli, Boston Celtics
40. PF Yi Jianlian, Seattle SuperSonics
42. SF Nick Young, Los Angeles Clippers
50. PF Carl Landry, Sacramento Kings
51. PG Ramon Sessions, Chicago Bulls
55. SF Wilson Chandler, Vancouver Grizzlies
56. C Jason Smith, San Antonio Spurs


Free Agency

Here are the players that switched teams in free agency:

SF Thomas Augmon(86 OVR), Utah Jazz, 3 years, 79 million dollars
SF Edmund Cooper(85 OVR), Boston Celtics, 3 years, 81 million dollars
SG Donta Conner(84 OVR), Miami Heat, 4 years, 105 million dollars
SG Ellis Rowland(84 OVR), Charlotte Hornets, 3 years, 62 million dollars
C Derrick Flory(82 OVR), Philadelphia 76ers, 3 years, 30 million dollars
PF Jared Jeffries(82 OVR), New York Knicks, 3 years, 52 million dollars
PG Jeff McInnis(81 OVR), Milwaukee Bucks, 3 years, 34 million dollars
PG Rafer Alston(80 OVR), Milwaukee Bucks, 3 years, 24 million dollars
C Darko Milicic(80 OVR), Utah Jazz, 3 years, 46 million dollars
SF Ruben Patterson(79 OVR), Miami Heat, 3 years, 22 million dollars
SG Alvin Williams(79 OVR), Washington Wizards, 3 years, 22 million dollars
PF Jason Maxiell(77 OVR), New York Knicks, 2 years, 20 million dollars



Way Too Early Predictions

According to NBA.com, the top five next year will be the Magic, Hawks, Clippers, Spurs and Bulls. The defending champion Raptors are at number ten, the Pistons, Celtics and SuperSonics are in the middle of the pack, and the Kevins Durant and Garnett in Minnesota are in the bottom five. Rounding things out are the Hornets and 76ers, as Allen Iverson has begun to decline.


2008 Draft Preview

Coming into the league next year will be two phenomenal point guards, in 19 year old Derrick Rose and 18 year old Russell Westbrook. The class also includes the likes of Goran Dragic, Eric Gordon, Kevin Love, Michael Beasley, Brook Lopez and more.

NBA 2k19: The New Millennium(Half Man Half Amazing)

Who will claim the ultimate prize and win the 2007 NBA Championship?




First Round

Out East, both the Raptors and Magic won in sweeps in the first round, setting up the fifth playoff match-up between both teams in The New Millennium. The defending champion Pacers pushed the Wizards hard, but Washington's defense stepped up, holding Indiana to just 70 to win the decisive Game 5. The Bulls playoff struggles continued, as Jason Richardson was excellent and Chicago went out in 4 games to New Jersey. In the West, the Warriors got one stellar performance after another from Carmelo Anthony, and were able to oust the top seeded Lakers in 5. In a rematch of last year's Western Conference Finals, the Suns got their revenge, taking out the Kings in 5 hard fought games. The Clippers swept the Grizzlies, and the Spurs got 50 combined points from Dwight Howard and Tim Duncan in Game 5 to survive Utah's upset bid.


Second Round

The Warriors' surprise run would end here, as the Suns would advance back to the Conference Finals thanks to Amar'e Stoudemire's 27 points in the decisive Game 6. The Clippers would also win in 6, as Pau Gasol hit the winner to take out the Spurs. In the East, Tracy McGrady was fantastic for the Magic, but the top seeded Raptors survived to also win in 6. 6 was also the magic number for the Nets, who got an unlikely 24 points from young Calbert Walton to punch their ticket.


Conference Finals

A Suns team with gold in their sights got some incredible performances from shooting guard Daryl Berry all series long against the Clippers, including 47 point in a Game 3 win. The Clippers did steal one win, but Phoenix closed it out in 5. Meanwhile, the Nets would go up 3-2 on the Raptors, heading home to New Jersey to punch their ticket to the Finals. But Vince Carter was having none of it, dropping 27 to win Game 6, then scoring a ridiculous 42 points to win Game 7 at home.


NBA Finals

Game 1 was a tight battle throughout, but Toronto got a boost from big man Anton Kozlov's 30 points to win by only 3. Game 2 was even closer, as the Suns would hold a late lead, only to watch Vince drill another game winner.

Now in Phoenix, Vince did not miss a beat. He added 34 more points, and the Raptors cruised to a 20 point win to put them one more win away from their first championship. In Game 4, Shawn Marion stepped up to save the Suns' season, scoring 20 big points and the series shifted back to Toronto.

Game 5, however, was all Vince Carter. He scored 16 points in the 1st quarter, and would finish with 36 for the game. And when Vince needed a break, Darius Miles came off the bench to lead a 4th quarter demolition, as a close game was turned into a 18 point blowout. For the first time, the Toronto Raptors are NBA Champions, and Vinsanity reigns supreme.

NBA Finals MVP: Vince Carter(27.8 ppg, 4,2 apg)




Congratulations to the Raptors, who had a phenomenal season wire to wire. From beating out the Bulls for the best record on the final day to taking out the Magic in the playoffs again, surviving in New Jersey and crushing the Suns, this was a more than deserving champion. Join us next time on The New Millennium for the 2007 offseason.