Post by Phil Jackson on Jul 7, 2013 17:32:50 GMT -6
ABCA Legends Roundtable - 2nd Edition
Participants: Chicago, Mexico City, Toronto, Belgrade
Chicago: Welcome to the 2nd Edition of the ABCA round table discussion. Today we will using a free flowing conversation format where the participants are free to respond to each other. In today's discussion, we have the GMs from Toronto, Mexico City, and Belgrade. I, the GM of Chicago, will be moderating the discussion. Let's begin with the first question. Participants, please begin preparing your responses while the first answers the question.
For this season, which player will be most important to their team's success, but not necessarily the league MVP?
Toronto: Bennie Borgmann. Unfortunately he doesn't get the press or praise of some of the younger flashier players, but he is vital to Madrid. While I don't see him picking up the MVP, his continued scoring output will keep Real in the title picture.
Chicago: Toronto goes with the best player from the returning champs. Belgrade - do you agree?
Belgrade: No, I disagree. A team like Cairo (Zamalek) gives up 103 PPG due to their fast paced, offensive-oriented philosohpy. Unfortunately, for them to go anywhere, they'll have to put up with Goliaths like Wilt Chamberlain and they only have one line of defense to prevent a massacre in the paint: Bill Russell. While it's very unlikely he'll continue to post 20 PPG needed to compete for the MVP award, he is the perfect example of a high quality franchise player. Without him (and only him) defending the inside, Cairo would probably give up 110+ PPG.
Chicago: Belgrade goes with the ultimate team player in Bill Russell, definitely a good choice, and probably one of the main reasons Cairo is a quality playoff team. Mexico City, no one has mentioned Stokes yet. Just how wrong are they?
Mexico City: As much as stokes is key to mexico city It begins and ends in new york with dolph schayes. New york has zero chance to win anything without him. No team leans more heavily on this star. With him however the knicks clearly have a shot in the americas for a conference championship and perhaps a league title.
Chicago: For my selection, I actually will also be taking the defending MVP. The Knicks have jumped out to a hot 7-0 start, thanks largely in part to the work that reigning MVP Dolph Schayes has done, putting up 25 ppg, 11 reb, and 2.5 bpg. If Dolph can keep the Knicks a better than average team offensively, I could see him leading them deep into the playoffs.
Who are the top 3 GMs on the hot seat? Who gets fired first?
Toronto: *Waits to be mentioned*
Belgrade: Interesting...well, I'd have to be mentioned. The Sonics have been mentioned on the boards even though they are 3-4. That may be due to them having flip-flopped a bit about the direction they plan to head. That said, Sonics GM has found a gem in Lee Shaffer. Don't think anyone expected him to put up 22/7/4 even if just this early in the season. Lastly, the 76ers just received a new GM (again). I'm pretty certain any form of inactivity will lead to London's head combusting as no one has shown any interest in being a 76ers GM for longer than a few weeks.
Chicago: So Belgrade, who gets fired first?
Belgrade: *sigh* It seems like your fishing for an answer and unfortunately I won't give it to you. My bet is 76ers (so newbie). Sonics have shown activity and do have some pieces. I've...shown activity.
Chicago: One vote of no confidence to Darin - who already skimped out on this roundtable (he's already losing points) Mexico City, are Seattle, Belgrade, and Philadelphia the 3 biggest teams on the hot seat, or is someone sneaking under the radar?
Mexico City: Milan is a team/ gm doing the bare minimuin to stay alive. Ive always liked wpw but hes got to do more than just stand pat and feel out the league.
Chicago: Mexico City calls out the 2nd seed from the Eurasian conference!
Chicago: For me, the biggest 3 GMs in trouble are the Sonics, Islanders, and the Lakers. The Sonics, of course, because of their 2 strikes already, where it does not seem that supreme commissioner Jscott will take lightly to a third mistep. The Lakers have fallen of the map, refusing to answer phones and presumably crying in the corner of their office while Frank Selvy miserably tosses up 5-23 games in the Staples Center. Lastly, the Islanders are 1-5 this season and have done nothing to build around Pettit. If they don't start to show signs of life, I can see commissioner JScott pulling the plug. Overall, I think the Sonics will misstep again and be removed with that third strike the soonest. Toronto, what do you think of the previous answers. Have we missed anybody?
Toronto: I'd have to say Seattle, Atlanta and Cordoba. Good intentions or not, Seattle has two strikes. Having to go the rest of the season without one slip up will be tough. As for Atlanta and Cordoba - they don't post. At all. I know Atlanta is away but even before they left their post count was extremely low. Same for Cordoba, among the lowest post counts of the original GMs and just not maintaining a presence on the boards. If I had to pick though, I don't see Seattle making it through the season without collecting their third strike.
Chicago: As it would seem, Seattle is the odds on favorite to kick the bucket first. We're all really pulling for you, jeb!
What is the team no one is talking about that could take home the title?
Mexico City: Good question here as ive already mentioned new york a bit earlier ill switch gears and go with the spurs.. hes a proactive gm whoa already added kurland to cousy. If he could now parly a few of his younger pieces to add a shooting guard he could be dangerous in the title chase
Chicago: You have to like what the Spurs GM has done getting Kurland to help out Cousy, and he appears to be quite active on the trade market. He gets my vote of confidence as well, as I think he'll make one last move to really set that team up well for the playoffs. Toronto, what are your thoughts?
Toronto: Believe it or not I'm going to mention Chicago here. It seems this season the only ones talking about the Bulls.. are the Bulls. Sure Madrid is an easy pick to repeat, and yes London is formidable, but the Bulls are still an elite team. Following last season's first round defeat, the Bulls may have taken a hit in public perception. This shouldn't fool anyone though - Chicago is still a legitimate title contender.
Chicago: Well that's definitely a bit of a surprise, but quite the savy answer. Belgrade, have we left anyone out?
Belgrade: The Sydney Kings look to be a very interesting team. They are unbelieable on the defensive end and have an almost 04 Pistons feel to them. Good defenders at all positions (except PF) and solid all-around players on the offensive end. They started the season off 0-3 and have since won their last 4 in a pretty convincing fashion (24 points, 26 points, 30 points, 9 points) leading me to believe that the 0-3 start was a fluke. They need a little more depth at PG and a better backup big man who can hold the fort down when Krumins is off the court. But, if they fill these holes, I don't see what's stopping them from being in the conversation as an elite title-contender.
Chicago: Excellent answer, and I would have to agree that the Kings have one of the most talented teams who just hasn't been able to put it together yet. We'll see if this season with some roster turnover their GM can get the players to mesh, but there certainly seems to be enough talent, especially on the defensive end, like you say
What do you think of the job Commissioner Scott has done in his first full season? Have their been any particularly notable successes, and would you like to see any changes?
Toronto: Obviously he's done a great job. There's a reason that since my first league with him as commissioner (WWBL I believe) his leagues are the only I've belonged to. There's a certain structure, maturity and quality that John's leagues possess that I just don't see elsewhere. The encouragement of competition and trash talking while keeping everything civil and work/family safe is a perfect example of why I like John's leagues. I must say I'm also glad to see a return of a strict 3 strike policy and while it's a shame that we couldn't police ourselves, the tighter accountability will only serve to strengthen the league.
Chicago: Definitely, hopefully with the new strike policy we'll have increased activity and higher quality GMs overall. Mexico City, do you agree with Toronto's assessment?
Mexico City: Jscott has definitely done a great job to this point. In my experience getting thur year 1 especially with a new league and game is extra difficult. Some things we have had to learn and figure out as we go and thats a tough adjustment for anyone. The league is extremely more complicated and many gms cannot hack it yet jscott takes it all in stride. Going forward id love to see a season or two sim faster but thats a minor deal to a league thats been great thus far.
Chicago: Great point about the 1st season with a new game. At times the league does seem to lag a bit, but JScott has certainly keep it smooth for the most part. I admire the great work Jscott has done for this league. He puts a lot of time into as, as evidenced by the fact he has nearly 2000 posts already (commissioner or not) What's even more impressive is that he has been able to run such a successful franchise to this point while managing his commissioner duties. Going forward, I would love to see the playoffs become a bigger spectacle with a larger audience and more game by game drama with changes and score announcements, much like the lively conversation we have on many occassions in the skype chat. Belgrade, what do you think of Jscott?
Belgrade: Scott has done an unbelieavable job running this league. Despite some issues with activity - possibly due the summer and possibly due to people not enjoying FBPB as much as FBB - he's managed to consistently find time to sim games, input transactions, and do all other managerial tasks without *much* complaint. One change I'd like to see -- and it may never be instituted due to time constraints -- would be a live stream of the playoffs with the ability to adjust mid-sim (which may already have been implemented but can't recall). Live streaming, I think, would draw in a larger GM user base. Another thing that was mentioned is the 3-strike policy. A fantastic implementation that will help either spur GM activity or show that people need to be booted. Lastly, he's a fair and impartial commissioner. He doesn't let emotions dictate the events of the league, but chooses to be rational and do what's in the best interest of the league.
Chicago: All excellent points. I think we can all agree that JScott has done a fantastic job with this new sim league for FBPB3, and will continue to do so.
Final question: Go on record, who wins the 2nd ABCA Legends title and why?
Mexico City: Although there are many contenders this season in teams like real, the bulls etc etc if forced to pick I have to go with london. Last year they had a nice mix of talent but lacked that true star. Adding wilt not only gives them that star but he did not break the bank to add him. Couple him with his improved backcourt play im not sure theres a team more balanced out there.
Chicago: Mexico City is backing the commish on the heels of their ballsy trade for Wilt. Toronto, who will it be, London, or some one else?
Toronto: London will take the title. Last year Wilt took an unimpressive Toronto team and lead them on a serious charge towards the end of the season and the first two rounds of the playoffs. This year we find an improved Wilt surrounded by much more talent and depth. Combine that with London's knowledge of sim basketball and their continued attempts to improve the roster and I think you have a championship team.
Chicago: That's 2 votes for London. While I certainly respect the work JScott has done, I am going to back my Bulls for the 2nd straight year. I feel we have unparralled depth and an unsung star in Neil Johnston (20, 10, and 3 in 29 MPG). It's hard to speak with too much confidence after getting bounced in the first round last year, but we like our chances. Belgrade, close out the topic, will this one will be taken by London, Chicago, or another darkhouse?)
Belgrade: Sorry, Chicago, I'm going to have to go with London as well. The Huskies knocked you out last year as the far-and-away favorite to win it all and they had who? Wilt Chamberlain. The guy went off on your team for most of the series. Johnston played well below his norm in the series. Now, London has Wilt Chamberlain and I can't get the image of Johnston playing bad out of my head.
Toronto: Oh snap.
Chicago: Well there you have it, folks! The panel has spoken and London will take the title behind the tremendously imposing Wilt Chamberlain! I would like to thank the GMs of Mexico City, Toronto, and Belgrade for their time, and congratulate them on a very successful panel. Here's to a very successful 2nd ABCA Legends season!
Toronto: Thanks Chicago, good job moderating the discussion.
Belgrade: Yup, thanks for hosting.
Mexico City: Well done
Participants: Chicago, Mexico City, Toronto, Belgrade
Chicago: Welcome to the 2nd Edition of the ABCA round table discussion. Today we will using a free flowing conversation format where the participants are free to respond to each other. In today's discussion, we have the GMs from Toronto, Mexico City, and Belgrade. I, the GM of Chicago, will be moderating the discussion. Let's begin with the first question. Participants, please begin preparing your responses while the first answers the question.
For this season, which player will be most important to their team's success, but not necessarily the league MVP?
Toronto: Bennie Borgmann. Unfortunately he doesn't get the press or praise of some of the younger flashier players, but he is vital to Madrid. While I don't see him picking up the MVP, his continued scoring output will keep Real in the title picture.
Chicago: Toronto goes with the best player from the returning champs. Belgrade - do you agree?
Belgrade: No, I disagree. A team like Cairo (Zamalek) gives up 103 PPG due to their fast paced, offensive-oriented philosohpy. Unfortunately, for them to go anywhere, they'll have to put up with Goliaths like Wilt Chamberlain and they only have one line of defense to prevent a massacre in the paint: Bill Russell. While it's very unlikely he'll continue to post 20 PPG needed to compete for the MVP award, he is the perfect example of a high quality franchise player. Without him (and only him) defending the inside, Cairo would probably give up 110+ PPG.
Chicago: Belgrade goes with the ultimate team player in Bill Russell, definitely a good choice, and probably one of the main reasons Cairo is a quality playoff team. Mexico City, no one has mentioned Stokes yet. Just how wrong are they?
Mexico City: As much as stokes is key to mexico city It begins and ends in new york with dolph schayes. New york has zero chance to win anything without him. No team leans more heavily on this star. With him however the knicks clearly have a shot in the americas for a conference championship and perhaps a league title.
Chicago: For my selection, I actually will also be taking the defending MVP. The Knicks have jumped out to a hot 7-0 start, thanks largely in part to the work that reigning MVP Dolph Schayes has done, putting up 25 ppg, 11 reb, and 2.5 bpg. If Dolph can keep the Knicks a better than average team offensively, I could see him leading them deep into the playoffs.
Who are the top 3 GMs on the hot seat? Who gets fired first?
Toronto: *Waits to be mentioned*
Belgrade: Interesting...well, I'd have to be mentioned. The Sonics have been mentioned on the boards even though they are 3-4. That may be due to them having flip-flopped a bit about the direction they plan to head. That said, Sonics GM has found a gem in Lee Shaffer. Don't think anyone expected him to put up 22/7/4 even if just this early in the season. Lastly, the 76ers just received a new GM (again). I'm pretty certain any form of inactivity will lead to London's head combusting as no one has shown any interest in being a 76ers GM for longer than a few weeks.
Chicago: So Belgrade, who gets fired first?
Belgrade: *sigh* It seems like your fishing for an answer and unfortunately I won't give it to you. My bet is 76ers (so newbie). Sonics have shown activity and do have some pieces. I've...shown activity.
Chicago: One vote of no confidence to Darin - who already skimped out on this roundtable (he's already losing points) Mexico City, are Seattle, Belgrade, and Philadelphia the 3 biggest teams on the hot seat, or is someone sneaking under the radar?
Mexico City: Milan is a team/ gm doing the bare minimuin to stay alive. Ive always liked wpw but hes got to do more than just stand pat and feel out the league.
Chicago: Mexico City calls out the 2nd seed from the Eurasian conference!
Chicago: For me, the biggest 3 GMs in trouble are the Sonics, Islanders, and the Lakers. The Sonics, of course, because of their 2 strikes already, where it does not seem that supreme commissioner Jscott will take lightly to a third mistep. The Lakers have fallen of the map, refusing to answer phones and presumably crying in the corner of their office while Frank Selvy miserably tosses up 5-23 games in the Staples Center. Lastly, the Islanders are 1-5 this season and have done nothing to build around Pettit. If they don't start to show signs of life, I can see commissioner JScott pulling the plug. Overall, I think the Sonics will misstep again and be removed with that third strike the soonest. Toronto, what do you think of the previous answers. Have we missed anybody?
Toronto: I'd have to say Seattle, Atlanta and Cordoba. Good intentions or not, Seattle has two strikes. Having to go the rest of the season without one slip up will be tough. As for Atlanta and Cordoba - they don't post. At all. I know Atlanta is away but even before they left their post count was extremely low. Same for Cordoba, among the lowest post counts of the original GMs and just not maintaining a presence on the boards. If I had to pick though, I don't see Seattle making it through the season without collecting their third strike.
Chicago: As it would seem, Seattle is the odds on favorite to kick the bucket first. We're all really pulling for you, jeb!
What is the team no one is talking about that could take home the title?
Mexico City: Good question here as ive already mentioned new york a bit earlier ill switch gears and go with the spurs.. hes a proactive gm whoa already added kurland to cousy. If he could now parly a few of his younger pieces to add a shooting guard he could be dangerous in the title chase
Chicago: You have to like what the Spurs GM has done getting Kurland to help out Cousy, and he appears to be quite active on the trade market. He gets my vote of confidence as well, as I think he'll make one last move to really set that team up well for the playoffs. Toronto, what are your thoughts?
Toronto: Believe it or not I'm going to mention Chicago here. It seems this season the only ones talking about the Bulls.. are the Bulls. Sure Madrid is an easy pick to repeat, and yes London is formidable, but the Bulls are still an elite team. Following last season's first round defeat, the Bulls may have taken a hit in public perception. This shouldn't fool anyone though - Chicago is still a legitimate title contender.
Chicago: Well that's definitely a bit of a surprise, but quite the savy answer
. Belgrade, have we left anyone out?Belgrade: The Sydney Kings look to be a very interesting team. They are unbelieable on the defensive end and have an almost 04 Pistons feel to them. Good defenders at all positions (except PF) and solid all-around players on the offensive end. They started the season off 0-3 and have since won their last 4 in a pretty convincing fashion (24 points, 26 points, 30 points, 9 points) leading me to believe that the 0-3 start was a fluke. They need a little more depth at PG and a better backup big man who can hold the fort down when Krumins is off the court. But, if they fill these holes, I don't see what's stopping them from being in the conversation as an elite title-contender.
Chicago: Excellent answer, and I would have to agree that the Kings have one of the most talented teams who just hasn't been able to put it together yet. We'll see if this season with some roster turnover their GM can get the players to mesh, but there certainly seems to be enough talent, especially on the defensive end, like you say
What do you think of the job Commissioner Scott has done in his first full season? Have their been any particularly notable successes, and would you like to see any changes?
Toronto: Obviously he's done a great job. There's a reason that since my first league with him as commissioner (WWBL I believe) his leagues are the only I've belonged to. There's a certain structure, maturity and quality that John's leagues possess that I just don't see elsewhere. The encouragement of competition and trash talking while keeping everything civil and work/family safe is a perfect example of why I like John's leagues. I must say I'm also glad to see a return of a strict 3 strike policy and while it's a shame that we couldn't police ourselves, the tighter accountability will only serve to strengthen the league.
Chicago: Definitely, hopefully with the new strike policy we'll have increased activity and higher quality GMs overall. Mexico City, do you agree with Toronto's assessment?
Mexico City: Jscott has definitely done a great job to this point. In my experience getting thur year 1 especially with a new league and game is extra difficult. Some things we have had to learn and figure out as we go and thats a tough adjustment for anyone. The league is extremely more complicated and many gms cannot hack it yet jscott takes it all in stride. Going forward id love to see a season or two sim faster but thats a minor deal to a league thats been great thus far.
Chicago: Great point about the 1st season with a new game. At times the league does seem to lag a bit, but JScott has certainly keep it smooth for the most part. I admire the great work Jscott has done for this league. He puts a lot of time into as, as evidenced by the fact he has nearly 2000 posts already (commissioner or not) What's even more impressive is that he has been able to run such a successful franchise to this point while managing his commissioner duties. Going forward, I would love to see the playoffs become a bigger spectacle with a larger audience and more game by game drama with changes and score announcements, much like the lively conversation we have on many occassions in the skype chat. Belgrade, what do you think of Jscott?
Belgrade: Scott has done an unbelieavable job running this league. Despite some issues with activity - possibly due the summer and possibly due to people not enjoying FBPB as much as FBB - he's managed to consistently find time to sim games, input transactions, and do all other managerial tasks without *much* complaint. One change I'd like to see -- and it may never be instituted due to time constraints -- would be a live stream of the playoffs with the ability to adjust mid-sim (which may already have been implemented but can't recall). Live streaming, I think, would draw in a larger GM user base. Another thing that was mentioned is the 3-strike policy. A fantastic implementation that will help either spur GM activity or show that people need to be booted. Lastly, he's a fair and impartial commissioner. He doesn't let emotions dictate the events of the league, but chooses to be rational and do what's in the best interest of the league.
Chicago: All excellent points. I think we can all agree that JScott has done a fantastic job with this new sim league for FBPB3, and will continue to do so.
Final question: Go on record, who wins the 2nd ABCA Legends title and why?
Mexico City: Although there are many contenders this season in teams like real, the bulls etc etc if forced to pick I have to go with london. Last year they had a nice mix of talent but lacked that true star. Adding wilt not only gives them that star but he did not break the bank to add him. Couple him with his improved backcourt play im not sure theres a team more balanced out there.
Chicago: Mexico City is backing the commish on the heels of their ballsy trade for Wilt. Toronto, who will it be, London, or some one else?
Toronto: London will take the title. Last year Wilt took an unimpressive Toronto team and lead them on a serious charge towards the end of the season and the first two rounds of the playoffs. This year we find an improved Wilt surrounded by much more talent and depth. Combine that with London's knowledge of sim basketball and their continued attempts to improve the roster and I think you have a championship team.
Chicago: That's 2 votes for London. While I certainly respect the work JScott has done, I am going to back my Bulls for the 2nd straight year. I feel we have unparralled depth and an unsung star in Neil Johnston (20, 10, and 3 in 29 MPG). It's hard to speak with too much confidence after getting bounced in the first round last year, but we like our chances. Belgrade, close out the topic, will this one will be taken by London, Chicago, or another darkhouse?)
Belgrade: Sorry, Chicago, I'm going to have to go with London as well. The Huskies knocked you out last year as the far-and-away favorite to win it all and they had who? Wilt Chamberlain. The guy went off on your team for most of the series. Johnston played well below his norm in the series. Now, London has Wilt Chamberlain and I can't get the image of Johnston playing bad out of my head.
Toronto: Oh snap.
Chicago: Well there you have it, folks! The panel has spoken and London will take the title behind the tremendously imposing Wilt Chamberlain! I would like to thank the GMs of Mexico City, Toronto, and Belgrade for their time, and congratulate them on a very successful panel. Here's to a very successful 2nd ABCA Legends season!
Toronto: Thanks Chicago, good job moderating the discussion.
Belgrade: Yup, thanks for hosting.
Mexico City: Well done
