40: A MyNBA Universe

[huge_bart_simpson]

Well, here goes nothing. I'm going to attempt to re-simulate NBA history from 1983 to now, using accurate draft classes but allowing teams total freedom apart from that. I plan to play around 10 games per regular season, but progress got jumbled and the first game to be recapped will have to be the SuperSonics @ Warriors game from December 5, 1983. With that out of the way, let's get to the ideal lineups for every team (credit goes to SHaynes23).

Quote: Originally Posted by SHaynes23

1983-84 Eastern Conference Preview ------Atlantic Division------ Philadelphia 76ers Last Season: 65-17, NBA Champions Starting Lineup PG Maurice Cheeks (83), SG Andrew Toney (85), SF Julius Erving (90), PF Bobby Jones (78), C Moses Malone (94) Key Bench Players PF Marc Iavaroni (73), C Clemon Johnson (72), SG Clint Richardson (74), PG Franklin Edwards (69) Washington Bullets Last Season: 42-40 Starting Lineup PG Frank Johnson (76), SG Ricky Sobers (78), SF Greg Ballard (79), PF Rick Mahorn (77), C Jeff Ruland (87) Key Bench Players SG Jeff Malone (76), SF Darren Daye (73), C Tom McMillen (75) New York Knicks Last Season: 44-38, Lost in Conference Semifinals Starting Lineup PG Rory Sparrow (77), SG Ray Williams (79), SF Bernard King (93), PF Truck Robinson (76), C Bill Cartwright (82) Key Bench Players SF Louis Orr (74), SG Ernie Grunfeld (72), PG Darrell Walker (74), PF Len Elmore (71) New Jersey Nets Last Season: 49-33, Lost in First Round Starting Lineup PG Micheal Ray Richardson (80), SG Otis Birdsong (85), SF Albert King (79), PF Buck Williams (83), C Darryl Dawkins (81) Key Bench Players SF Mike O’Koren (72), SF Bill Willoughby (71), PF Reggie Johnson (70), PG Darwin Cook (75), PG Kelvin Ransey (75), PG Foots Walker (70), C Mike Gminski (76) Boston Celtics Last Season: 52-26, Lost in Conference Semifinals Starting Lineup PG Gerald Henderson (78), SG Dennis Johnson (84), SF Cedric Maxwell (81), PF Larry Bird (97), C Robert Parish (89) Key Bench Players PF Kevin McHale (87), PG Quinn Buckner (74), SG Danny Ainge (75), SF Scott Wedman (74) ------Central Division------ Milwaukee Bucks Last Season: 51-31, Lost in Conference Finals Starting Lineup PG Nate Archibald (76), SG Sidney Moncrief (90), SF Marques Johnson (85), PF Alton Lister (76), C Bob Lanier (81) Key Bench Players SF Junior Bridgeman (80), SG Paul Pressey (77), SG Kevin Grevey (71), C Randy Breuer (69) Chicago Bulls Last Season: 28-54 Starting Lineup PG Ennis Whatley (76), SG Quintin Dailey (80), Orlando Woolridge (83), PF Dave Greenwood (78), C Dave Corzine (76) Key Bench Players SG Mitchell Wiggins (76), C Jawann Oldham (71), PF Sidney Green (72) Cleveland Cavaliers Last Season: 23-59 Starting Lineup PG Geoff Huston (75), SG World B. Free (84), SF Phil Hubbard (76), PF Lonnie Shelton (76), C Cliff Robinson (81) Key Bench Players SF Roy Hinson (73), C Jeff Cook (72), PG John Bagley (74), SF Paul Thompson (73), PF Ben Poquette (71) Indiana Pacers Last Season: 20-62 Starting Lineup PG Jerry Sichting (77), SG Butch Carter (75), SF Clark Kellogg (83), PF Herb Williams (80), C Steve Stipanovich (76) Key Bench Players SF George Johnson (76), PG Sidney Lowe (72), SG Kevin McKenna (72), SG Brooke Steppe (73), SG Jim Thomas (72) Atlanta Hawks Last Season: 43-39, Lost in First Round Starting Lineup PG Johnny Davis (77), SG Eddie Johnson (78), SF Dominique Wilkins (85), PF Dan Roundfield (82), C Tree Rollins (78) Key Bench Players PG Doc Rivers (76), PG Armond Hill (68), SG Mike Glenn (74), SG Randy Wittman (72), C Rickey Brown (71), C Billy Paultz (70), PF Scott Hastings (72) Detroit Pistons Last Season: 37-45 Starting Lineup PG Isiah Thomas (92), SG Vinnie Johnson (79), SF Kelly Tripucka (85), PF Cliff Levingston (75), C Bill Laimbeer (86) Key Bench Players SG John Long (80), SF Terry Tyler (75), C Kent Benson (75), PF Ray Tolbert (72), PG Walker Russell (70)

Quote: Originally Posted by SHaynes23

1983-84 Western Conference Preview ------Midwest Division------ Utah Jazz Last Season: 30-52 Starting Lineup PG Rickey Green (85), SG Darrell Griffith (85), SF Adrian Dantley (91), PF John Drew (81), C Mark Eaton (78) Key Bench Players C Jeff Wilkins (74), PF Thurl Bailey (76), C Rich Kelley (73), PG Jerry Eaves (71) Kansas City Kings Last Season: 45-37 Starting Lineup PG Larry Drew (81), SG Reggie Theus (81), SF Eddie Johnson (84), PF Mark Olberding (75), C LaSalle Thompson (77) Key Bench Players PG Don Buse (75), SG Mike Woodson (80), SG Billy Knight (78), C Steve Johnson (75), C Joe Meriweather (73) Dallas Mavericks Last Season: 38-44 Starting Lineup PG Brad Davis (76), SG Rolando Blackman (85), SF Mark Aguirre (90), PF Jay Vincent (77), C Pat Cummings (77) Key Bench Players C Kurt Nimphius (74), SF Dale Ellis (75), PF Bill Garnett (73), PG Derek Harper (74) Houston Rockets Last Season: 14-68 Starting Lineup PG Allen Leavell (77), SG Lewis Lloyd (80), SF Robert Reid (78), PF Caldwell Jones (75), C Ralph Sampson (87) Key Bench Players PG Phil Ford (74), PF James Bailey (74), PF Elvin Hayes (74), SF Rodney McCray (76), SF Wally Walker (72) San Antonio Spurs Last Season: 53-29, Lost in Conference Finals Starting Lineup PG Johnny Moore (81), SG George Gervin (89), SF Mike Mitchell (84), PF Gene Banks (77), C Artis Gilmore (82) Key Bench Players PF Edgar Jones (75), PF Fred Roberts (74), SG Keith Edmonson (72), SG Ron Brewer (74), PG John Paxson (71) Denver Nuggets Last Season: 45-37, Lost in Conference Semifinals Starting Lineup PG Rob Williams (75), SG T.R. Dunn (76), SF Alex English (89), PF Kiki Vandeweghe (88), C Dan Issel (84) Key Bench Players PG Mike Evans (74), SF Bill Hanzlik (74), SG Howard Carter (72), C Dave Robisch (72), C Danny Schayes (74) ------Pacific Division------ San Diego Clippers Last Season: 25-57 Starting Lineup PG Norm Nixon (84), SG Derek Smith (75), SF Michael Brooks (75), PF Terry Cummings (84), C Bill Walton (81) Key Bench Players SF Greg Kelser (74), SG Ricky Pierce (75), SG Craig Hodges (73), PG Billy McKinney (71), C James Donaldson (77) Los Angeles Lakers Last Season: 58-24, Lost in NBA Finals Starting Lineup PG Magic Johnson (95), SG Michael Cooper (80), SF Jamaal Wilkes (83), PF James Worthy (81), C Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (94) Key Bench Players C Bob McAdoo (80), C Swen Nater (73), SG Byron Scott (77), SG Mike McGee (75) Seattle Supersonics Last Season: 48-34, Lost in First Round Opening Night Lineup PG Gus Williams (85), SG David Thompson (80), SF Danny Vranes (75), PF Tom Chambers (83), C Jack Sikma (87) Key Bench Players C Steve Hawes (72), SG Al Wood (78), SG Fred Brown (76), SF Reggie King (74), PF Scooter McCray (70) Phoenix Suns Last Season: 53-29, Lost in First Round Starting Lineup PG Kyle Macy (76), SG Walter Davis (87), SF Larry Nance (83), PF Maurice Lucas (84), C James Edwards (79) Key Bench Players C Alvan Adams (79), SG Paul Westphal (76), PG Rod Foster (74), C Rick Robey (72) Portland Trail Blazers Last Season: 46-36, Lost in Conference Semifinals Starting Lineup PG Darnell Valentine (78), SG Jim Paxson (86), SF Calvin Natt (82), PF Kenny Carr (80), C Mychal Thompson (81) Key Bench Players PF Wayne Cooper (77), PG Fat Lever (77), SG Clyde Drexler (76), C Audie Norris (72) Golden State Warriors Last Season: 30-52 Starting Lineup PG Sleepy Floyd (79), SG Lester Conner (76), SF Mickey Johnson (76), PF Purvis Short (85), C Joe Barry Carroll (84) Key Bench Players PF Larry Smith (76), PG Mike Bratz (73), PF Sam Williams (73), SF Pace Mannion (71)

[huge_bart_simpson]

12/05/83
(11-8) Seattle SuperSonics @ (12-7) Golden State Warriors

The surprising Warriors continued their run of success, defeating the SuperSonics 103-99 at home. The contest was back-and-forth down the stretch, but Purvis Short uncorked a demoralizing 3-pointer to push Golden State’s lead to six with 58 seconds to play. Sleepy Floyd hit on 4 free throws within the final 24 seconds to ice the victory. Seattle’s David Thompson led all scorers with 23 points, while teammate Tom Chambers added in 21 points and grabbed 16 boards. Jack Sikma’s injury severely hurt this team, as Steve Hayes only put up a pedestrian 8 points from the starting spot. Short led the Warriors with 22 points, while Joe Barry Carroll, Floyd, Larry Smith, and Mickey Johnson also posted double figures.

[nuka]

pictures broken

[huge_bart_simpson]

Which ones?

[huge_bart_simpson]

12/27/83

• The Celtics (25-4) are racing away from the field in the East, with Detroit (20-7), Milwaukee (16-11), Philadelphia (15-10) and New Jersey (13-15) all struggling to catch up.
• Out West, the Spurs (21-9) and Warriors lead their respective divisions, with Utah (19-9), Phoenix (18-11), Denver (16-13) and Portland (16-14) chasing.
• Don’t look now, but the Lakers are struggling. Currently sitting in eighth place at 14-13, Los Angeles has their eye on some guard help and could make a move for Portland’s Jim Paxson or Boston’s Gerald Henderson before the trade deadline.
• Speaking of trades, the first trade of the season has been made, with the Bullets sending PF Rick Mahorn and a 1986 second-round pick to Cleveland for PF Lonnie Shelton and PF John Garris. Both Mahorn and Shelton will take on the starting PF duties for their new teams, while Garris provides additional insurance to a forward room that now features him, Shelton, Greg Ballard, and Darren Daye.
• The injury list includes New York's Ray Williams (Dislocated Left Patella, Out for Season), the Suns' Kyle Macy (Fractured Left Leg, Out 1-2 Months), and the Cavaliers' Geoff Huston (Sprained Left Knee, Out 1-2 Weeks).
• The current mock draft has the Kings selecting Michael Jordan #1 overall, followed by the Mavericks using Cleveland’s pick to nab Hakeem Olajuwon at #2 and the Bullets getting Charles Barkley at #3, with the Hawks utilizing the Pacers’ selection to grab John Stockton at #4 and the 76ers rounding out the top five by using the pick obtained from San Diego to select Kevin Willis.
• The players of the week and month can be seen here:



October Players of the Month: Julius Erving (PHI), Purvis Short (GS)
October Rookies of the Month: Doc Rivers (ATL), Ralph Sampson (HOU)
November Players of the Month: Moses Malone (PHI), Magic Johnson (LAL)
November Rookies of the Month: Steve Stipanovich (IND), Ralph Sampson (HOU)

Nets @ Bullets

Nets (13-15, 5th in East)
PG - Michael Ray Richardson (8.6 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 5.4 APG)
SG - Otis Birdsong (19.8 PPG, 0.8 RPG, 4.4 APG)
SF - Albert King (15.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.9 APG)
PF - Buck Williams (11.4 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 1.2 APG)
C - Darryl Dawkins (11.9 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.0 APG)
6th Man - Mike Gminski (7.7 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.7 APG)

Bullets (8-19, 10th in East)
PG - Frank Johnson (12.1 PPG, 0.6 RPG, 6.0 APG)
SG - Jeff Malone (14.0 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 0.2 APG)
SF - Greg Ballard (12.4 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.7 APG)
PF - Lonnie Shelton (12.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.7 APG)
C - Jeff Ruland (17.0 PPG, 14.6 RPG, 4.4 APG)
6th Man - Ricky Sobers (12.6 PPG, 0.3 RPG, 5.2 APG)

[huge_bart_simpson]

Nets @ Bullets

New Jersey smelled blood in the water when they rolled into Washington to take on the Bullets, and they pounced, using a balanced attack to take home a 94-80 win. All of New Jersey's starters put up 12 points or more, led by Otis Birdsong (17 points) and Darryl Dawkins (15 points), while Buck Williams grabbed 11 rebounds and the newly acquired Brian Winters went 4 for 4 from three-point range. Jeff Ruland (22 points, 23 rebounds) led Washington in a losing effort, but Jeff Malone (12 points) was the only other Bullet to post double figures.

[huge_bart_simpson]

1/13/84

• In the East, the Celtics (31-5) and Pistons (27-8) are accelerating away from the field, with the defending champion 76ers (23-12) struggling to catch up. 7.5 games separate Milwaukee, New Jersey, Atlanta, New York, Chicago, and Washington for spots 4-9.
• The Western Conference is still a battle scene at the top, with the Spurs (26-11) and Jazz (24-12) leading their divisions. Phoenix (22-15) is close behind, and the Trail Blazers, Rockets, Warriors and the suprisingly mediocre Lakers are all six games back. Seattle (18-16) currently holds the eighth seed.
• The tank is on for the Kings, who are separating themselves from the pack in the tank arena. As such, Kansas City traded starting PF Mark Olberding and PF Steve Harriel to Utah for SF J.J. Anderson and PF Doug Arnold. A week later, they sent SG Billy Knight to the Bullets for C Tom McMillen and a second-round pick in this year's draft.
• Bulls starting PG Steve Johnson will miss the rest of the season with a broken vertebrae, dealing a major blow to the Bulls' playoff chances. The full injury report now also includes Philadelphia's Maurice Cheeks (Broken Left Thigh, 2-4 weeks), Milwaukee's Kevin Grevey (Broken Right Toe, 1-2 weeks) and Bob Lanier (Broken Right Hand, 1-2 Weeks), and Houston's Lewis Lloyd (Broken Ribs, 1-2 Weeks).
• The Players of the Week for Dec. 26 - Jan. 1 were Larry Bird (BOS) and Magic Johnson (LAL), while the Players of the Week for Jan. 2 - Jan. 8 were Isiah Thomas (DET) and Ralph Sampson (HOU). Bird took home the Player of the Month award for December along with Seattle's Jack Sikma. Sampson ended up being one of December's Rookies of the Month, along with Ennis Whatley of the Bulls.

Lakers (19-16, Lost 3) @ Nuggets (16-20, Lost 7)

Lakers Lineup
PG - Magic Johnson (19.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 12.2 APG)
SG - Byron Scott (12.9 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 4.3 APG)
SF - Jamaal Wilkes (16.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.1 APG)
PF - James Worthy (13.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.1 APG)
C - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (18.2 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3.5 APG)
6th Man - Michael Cooper (5.8 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 7.8 APG)

Nuggets Lineup
PG - Rob Williams (7.8 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 6.1 APG)
SG - T.R. Dunn (3.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 3.6 APG)
SF - Alex English (24.4 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 5.3 APG)
PF - Kiki Vandeweghe (24.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.0 APG)
C - Dan Issel (17.8 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.1 APG)
6th Man - Mike Evans (7.4 PPG, 0.7 RPG, 4.0 APG)

[huge_bart_simpson]

Los Angeles Lakers @ Denver Nuggets

Through the first two quarters of play, the Nuggets looked fantastic, holding a 64-48 lead over Kareem, Magic and the Lakers. However, a master-class 3rd quarter in which L.A. outscored Denver 37-12 allowed the Lakers to coast to a 107-97 victory.

The Nuggets' Kiki Vandeweghe managed 32 points on 12-21 shooting while Alex English and T.R. Dunn both reached double figures, but it was not enough, as PF Richard Anderson led the Denver bench with just 9 points. Conversely, the Lakers' bench was superb, with Bob McAdoo achieving a double-double (alongside Kareem) as well as Jamaal Wilkes and Michael Cooper cracking 20 points. Magic only contributed 12 points, but also dished 15 assists.