NBA 2K12 Contested Shot Tendencies

I was recently asked (by someone important) to dissect Contested Shot Tendencies (herefore known as CS) for a roster.  This is generally a tendency that I leave alone, but it is at least worth finding out whether that's the right thing to do or not.

"Contested Shot" Tendency is the tendency that determines whether a player will "contest" a shot (i.e. attempt a block).  The direct gameplay effect is how aggressive the CPU's defense will be on attempted shots (which has both positive and negative repercussions).

The highest CS tendencies belong to
99: Tyrus Thomas, Larry Sanders, Epke Udoh, Tristan Thompson, JaVale McGee, Serge Ibaka, Hasheem Thabeet
98: Taj Gibson, Derrick Favors, Tim Duncan, Chris Andersen, Darko Milicic, D.J. Mbenga
97: DeAndre Jordan, Andrew Bynum, Andrew Bogut, Jeremy Tyler, Lou Amundson, Dominic McGuire, Hamady N'Diaye
96: Bismack Biyombo, Dwyane Wade, Joel Anthony, Francisco Garcia, Patrick Patterson, Ronny Turiaf
95: Jordan Hill, Dwight Howard, Roy Hibbert, Amir Johnson, Hamed Haddadi, Derrick Caracter
94: Jeremy Evans
93: Samuel Dalembert, Josh Smith, Al Jefferson, Marcus Camby, Amare Stoudemire, Jermaine O'Neal
92: Wilson Chandler
91:
90: DeSagana Diop, Travis Leslie, Tony Allen, Chris Kaman, Kevin Seraphin, Ben Wallace

Only a select few players were not centers or power forwards.  There are no point guards who crack the list.  The SG/SF who do crack the list are known for their shot blocking.  I fully expected this.

Most of these tendencies pass the eye test.  I am not going to nitpick whether Samuel Dalembert deserves 93 when Amir Johnson has 95.  That is just a waste of time to me.  Instead, let's look for players whose tendencies stand out as "bad".

Patrick Patterson (96) and Jordan Hill (95) were the first ones that caught my eye.  Last year, both players were part of the 2011 Houston Rockets that lost center Yao Ming. Patterson posted a respectable 3.0 BLK% as a rookie, while Hill posted 3.2% in his sophomore season.  Neither player's block rating is all that spectacular.  Instead, the tendency signifies their role as weak-side shot blocker with 6'6" Chuck Hayes manning the middle (a role they were not exactly suited for, given their abilities (ratings).

In 2012, the team added Samuel Dalembert, a bonafide shot blocking center.  Patterson's BLK% dropped to 1.8% while Hill's rose to 3.6%.  Patterson got most of his minutes next to the shot blocker, while Hill spent most of his minutes backing up Dalembert (and thus, continuing to act as a rim defender while in the lineup).  It would seem that the prudent thing to do would be to reduce Patterson's CS tendency because his defensive role changed, and isn't nearly as aggressive contesting shots.

As an aside, I would like to reiterate that a high block rate =/= good defense.  Serge Ibaka lead the league in blocks by a large margin, but is one of the league's most overrated defensive players.  Ibaka gets bullied one on one, off the dribble or in the post, which puts him in league with many other "blocks specialists", namely JaVale McGee, Chris "Birdman" Andersen, Darko Milicic, etc.  I.E. all the players who have these absurdly high CS tendencies.

Tyson Chandler on the other hand was Defensive Player of the Year (was runner up in 2011) and only has 60 CST.  Tyson is a great defensive player because he is extremely agile making rotations, a quality post defender, and doesn't just try to block every single shot (consequently, not picking up a ton of fouls either).  Not coincidentally, Tyson Chandler is also an excellent rebounder.  Players who go for lots of blocks have a tendency to not be great rebounders, partly because they are taking themselves out of rebound position when they leap for blocks.

Serge Ibaka
2010: 5.5 BLK%, 21.9 DRB%
2011: 6.5 BLK%, 20.8 DRB%
2012: 9.8 BLK%, 18.2 DRB%

Ibaka's rebound percentage has dropped as his blocks have continued to rise.  Conversely on the other side of the extreme, players like David Lee and Kevin Love are fantastic rebounders who rarely block shots (or even attempt to do so).  It's the players like Dwight Howard who can do BOTH that are truly special (obviously).

With this in mind, I've noticed that NBA 2K12 has a problem with rebounding.  It is too easy to get defensive boards, as offensive players are usually taken out of the play via animation (whereas in real life, it is not uncommon for a player to grab his own miss at the rim).  I often give up offensive boards to the CPU however, because I frequently contest shots (and I imagine most users are like me).

I would like to theorize that raising CS across the board would increase the number of offensive rebound opportunities as the CPU will be out of position more frequently. I also theorize that a CS increase would lead to more foul calls for the CPU, as the CPU for the most part is only getting called for fouls in the act of shooting.  More contests SHOULD lead to more fouling opportunities.

In my roster the average CS tendency by position is
PG: 25
SG: 32
SF: 46
PF: 50
C: 74

There is a huge gap between PF and C, as well as the gap between SG and SF.  Obviously there are more shot blockers as we go up the line, but are some players simply rated too low?

The lowest CS tendencies belong to
0: Avery Bradley, Sasha Pavlovic, Jeremy Pargo, Ishmael Smith, Sundiata Gaines, Kenneth Faried, Raymond Felton, Renaldo Balkman, Sherron Collins, Carlos Arroyo, Willie Warren, Pape Sy
1:
2:
3: Stephen Graham
4: D.J. Augustin, Isaiah Thomas, Jameer Nelson, A.J. Price, Tony Parker, Patrick Mills, J.J. Barea
5: Reggie Williams, John Lucas, Jordan Hamilton, Daequan Cook, Terrico White, Antonio Daniels, Marcus Banks, Andy Rautins
6: Jodie Meeks, Chris Paul, Mike Miller
7: Kemba Walker, Jimmer Fredette, Toney Douglas, Steve Blake, J.J. Redick, Ty Lawson, Gary Neal, Steve Nash
8: Richard Hamilton, Keyon Dooling, Joe Johnson, Iman Shumpert, Wayne Ellington
9: Corey Maggette, Jon Brockman, Chris Duhon

Predictably most of the players on this list are guards.  Kenneth Faried's presence on this list is one hell of a doozy though, considering his 3.6 BLK%.  That's a major oversight by 2K and probably a typo that was made when they were coming up with tendencies last summer (there's simply no other way to explain it).

It's also a bit telling that no players have 1-3 CS (Edit: only Stephen Graham in the free agent pool has 3).  If that's the case, no player should have 0 either.  Avery Bradley posted 0.0 BLK% in scant playing time as a rookie, but bumped that up to a very respectable 0.7 BLK% (for a guard), and he is a highly regarded defender.  Something tells me he didn't get that rep by not contesting shots!

Raymond Felton (0.4 BLK%) is likewise regarded as a solid defensive player, so what is it that's separating him from PGs like D.J. Augustin, Isaiah Thomas, J.J. Barea, John Lucas, Ty Lawson, guys who are all under 6 feet?

------------------------------------

My first instinct, using all of this information, would be to change a few player's CS tendencies, rather than making sweeping changes to the system 2K has in place.  Aside from a few examples here and there, most everything has checked out.  However I'd like to hear other's thoughts on the matter, as I don't want to gloss over something that I shouldn't be.

NBA 2K12 simulation of the NBA 2012-13 season

Simulation run under the following specs
My roster as of 7-21-12 (all player ratings edited, most player tendencies edited)
All teams were human controlled to avoid CPU trades, signings, extensions, or any other tom-foolery.
No injuries, team chemistry, player roles, or progressive fatigue.
CPU re-does rotations upon season start and readjusts throughout the season without me asking for it. Hence, I didn't waste my time adjusting the rotations at any point.

EAST STANDINGS
1. Heat (65-17)
2. Hawks (56-26)
3. Celtics (55-27)
4. Pacers (46-36) - Would rank 6th except they won Central Division
5. Raptors (54-28)
6. Sixers (48-34)
7. Bulls (44-38) - Game automatically moves Rose back to lineup, IRL out until Feb/Mar
8. Knicks (43-39)
9. Nets (42-40)
10. Bucks (38-44)
11. Magic (33-49)
12. Cavaliers (30-52)
13. Pistons (29-52)
14. Wizards (24-58)
15. Bobcats (15-67)

Hawks should be a surprise team (lost Horford for much of 2012), but IDK about better than the Celtics.
Raptors went through the roof with Kyle Lowry unleashed.  Valanciunas also an upgrade over Aaron Gray.  Don't like this, result but they should be playoff contenders.
Even with a healthy Rose, the Bulls have downgraded their bench to this point.  I should note I still have Omer Asik as a Bull, rather than a Rocket.

WEST STANDINGS
1. Thunder (62-20)
2. Lakers (51-31)
3. Mavericks (48-34)
4. Clippers (44-38)
5. Spurs (44-38)
6. Warriors (44-38)
7. Timberwolves (42-40)
8. Grizzlies (42-40)
9. Jazz (38-44)
10. Hornets (37-45)
11. Suns (34-48)
12. Nuggets (32-50)
13. Kings (32-50)
14. Trail Blazers (29-53)
15. Rockets (29-53)

Warriors surely a surprise to some, but shouldn't be if Andrew Bogut and Stephen Curry stay healthy.
2K's sim engine hates the Nuggets, who have incredible depth but lack stars.
Wolves record is surely contingent on Brandon Roy being able to carry a heavy load, which the CPU auto-plugs him into.

Aside from 3 teams per conference, everything meeting expectations.

EAST ALL-STARS
C: Dwight Howard, Greg Monroe
PF: Nene
SF: LeBron James, Josh Smith, Andre Iguodala
SG: Dwyane Wade, Monta Ellis
PG: Derrick Rose, Deron Williams, Kyle Lowry, John Wall

WEST ALL-STARS
C: Tim Duncan, Al Jefferson
PF: Kevin Love, Kenneth Faried
SF: Kevin Durant, Rudy Gay
SG: Kobe Bryant
PG: Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Tony Parker, Ty Lawson, Stephen Curry

In what is very telling about the direction of the league, 9 PGs were named all-stars against 3 SGs.
Tough to believe Faried (14/10) was selected over Dirk and Aldridge (both 19/7) .  Someone tell the 2K sim engine that points matter more than rebounds?

AWARDS
MVP: LeBron James
RoY: Anthony Davis
SMY: Jeff Teague - CPU moves higher-rated Lou Williams into starting lineup (Lou's my pick IRL)
DPY: Dwight Howard
MIP: Greivis Vasquez - Logical pick as he's set for huge PT increase w/ Jarrett Jack out of way.
CoY: Erik Spoelstra

ALL-NBA FIRST TEAM
Russell Westbrook (G), Dwyane Wade (G), LeBron James (F), Kevin Durant (F), Dwight Howard (C)

ALL-NBA SECOND TEAM
Chris Paul (G), Derrick Rose (G), Josh Smith (F), Andre Iguodala (F), Tim Duncan (C)

ALL-NBA THIRD TEAM
Kyle Lowry (G), Deron Williams (G), Paul Pierce (F), Carmelo Anthony (F), Kevin Garnett (C)

ALL-DEFENSIVE FIRST TEAM
Dwyane Wade (G), Paul George (G), LeBron James (F), Josh Smith (F), Dwight Howard (C)

ALL-DEFENSIVE SECOND TEAM
Kyle Lowry (G), Chris Paul (G), Kenneth Faried (F), Paul Millsap (F), Anthony Davis (C)

ALL-ROOKIE FIRST TEAM
Anthony Davis (C), Damian Lillard (G), Dion Waiters (G), Bradley Beal (G), Thomas Robinson (F)

Davis: 11.4 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 0.8 apg, 1.2 spg, 1.9 bpg
Lillard: 15.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.6 spg, 0.0 bpg
Waiters: 14.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.7 spg, 0.1 bpg
Beal: 15.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.2 bpg
Robinson: 9.3 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.3 spg, 0.5 bpg

ALL-ROOKIE SECOND TEAM
Meyers Leonard (C), Harrison Barnes (F), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (F), Royce White (F), Jeremy Lamb (G)

Leonard: 7.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.3 spg, 1.1 bpg
Barnes: 13.0 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.2 spg, 0.2 bpg
Kidd-Gilchrist: 9.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 0.8 apg, 1.1 spg, 0.5 bpg
White: 6.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.9 apg, 0.7 spg, 0.2 bpg
Lamb: 11.2 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.2 bpg

FIRST ROUND
4-0 Thunder (1) Grizzlies (8)
4-3 Clippers (4) Spurs (5)
1-4 Mavericks (3) Warriors (6)
2-4 Lakers (2) Wolves (7)
4-3 Heat (1) Knicks (8)
4-1 Pacers (4) Raptors (5)
2-4 Celtics (3) Sixers (6)
2-4 Hawks (2) Bulls (7)

SECOND ROUND
4-3 Thunder (1) Clippers (4)
4-3 Warriors (6) Wolves (7)
4-1 Heat (1) Pacers (4)
4-3 Sixers (6) Bulls (7)

CONFERENCE FINALS
4-1 Thunder (1) Warriors (6)
4-0 Heat (1) Sixers (6)

NBA FINALS
4-2 Heat (1) Thunder (1)

FINALS MVP
LeBron James: 24.9 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 5.5 apg, 2.0 spg, 0.5 bpg

RETIREMENTS
Grant Hill*
Jamaal Tinsley
Marcus Camby*
#Jason Kidd*
Kurt Thomas
#Steve Nash*
Vince Carter*
Jerry Stackhouse

*Denotes player under multi-year deal who would NEVER retire in real-life without an injury.
#Denotes player inducted into Hall of Fame

2013 KEY FREE AGENT CLASS (Ratings Post-Progression)
PG: Chris Paul (94), Ty Lawson (84), Stephen Curry (83), Brandon Jennings (83), Darren Collison (78), Jrue Holiday (78), Jarrett Jack (77)
SG: James Harden (86), Manu Ginobili (82), Tyreke Evans (80), DeMar DeRozan (76)
SF: Chase Budinger (73)
PF: Paul Millsap (84), Serge Ibaka (81), David West (77), Elton Brand (77)
C: Marcin Gortat (84), Nikola Pekovic (79)

NBA 2K12 simulation of the 2012 Playoffs

I am running a simulation of the 2012 NBA Playoffs because I realize the playoffs are underway and I still haven't don't done one yet.  My ratings and tendencies are not 100% complete, but the ratings SHOULD be about 95% accurate for most players.

WESTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND

1. Spurs (Ginobili 86, Duncan 82, Parker 82)

8. Jazz (Millsap 85, Jefferson 82, Harris 76)

Real Life: I expect the Spurs to sweep the Jazz.  Talent, experience, and coaching are on their side. I can easily see the Spurs going to the Finals and winning it all this year, as a sort of last hurrah for the Spurs aging core.

2K12: Spurs win series 4-3.

Coach of the Year Gregg Popovich's game management simply does not translate to the video game world.  2K does not take fatigue into account w/ it's simulations.  For example, every Spur plays 25 QUALITY well-rested, non-fatigued minutes.  A player who plays 40+ minutes is inevitably going to take SOME plays off to conserve their energy, but the simulation engine does not take this into account.  Thus, the Spurs depth hurts them in team rating and simulations. The game would rather see 36 minutes for Ginobili and 12 minutes for Daniel Green.  In real life that would translate to 10 extra, less effective minutes for Ginobili and Green never able to get into a groove.  Such are the flaws we have to live with here.  Hopefully the Spurs do not get blown away in round two (which a close series w/ a clearly inferior Jazz team might imply).

4. Grizzlies (Gay 84, Randolph 84, Gasol 81)

5. Clippers (Paul 94, Griffin 85, Jordan 77)

Real Life: This is the closest series in the playoffs and most people think it will go 7 games.  Chris Paul is the series' best player but the Grizzlies are the deeper team.  Memphis is better defensively, and that is what wins in the playoffs, so I am going w/ Memphis in 7 (where they will have home court advantage).

2K12: Clippers win series 4-3

Blake Griffin goes absolutely insane in game 7, scoring 39 points (15-21 FG, 1-1 3pt, 8-18 FT), to go with 11 boards and 3 assists.  Chris Paul only gets 19 minutes due to foul trouble, my most hated part of 2K's simulation engine.  Paul has very low foul tendencies, and stars, especially star guards rarely ever get into foul trouble.  A star guard playing < 20 minutes in a playoff game is unheard of.  Hopefully 2K is able to fix this because I feel like it invalidates simulation results to a degree.  It breaks the 4th wall of gaming and reminds us this is NOT the NBA.

3. Lakers (Bryant 88, Bynum 85, Gasol 84)

6. Nuggets (Lawson 80, Gallinari 79, Faried 75)

Real Life: The Lakers have the clear talent edge, but the Nuggets are deep enough to steal a game or two.  If the Nuggets manage to win game 4 I think this series will go 7 games because I will then have serious questions about the Lakers ability to win game 6 in Denver, whose running style and depth best suit their natural (literally, due to high altitude) home court advantage.

2K12: Lakers win series 4-3

Kobe scores 44 points in game seven (17-26 FG, 5-9 3pt, 5-8 FT), outdueling Andre Miller (30 points, 11-21 FG, 8-8 FT, 31 mins off bench).  Miller's role increasing thanks to Ty Lawson getting 4 fouls in 22 minutes.  I cannot emphasize enough just how annoying the box scores can be.

2. Thunder (Durant 93, Westbrook 87, Harden 85)

7. Mavericks (Nowitzki 82, Terry 80, Marion 75)

Real Life: Unlike last season, Dallas doesn't have a prayer against OKC.  They lost Tyson Chandler, replacing him w/ Lamar Odom who was eventually kicked off the team.  Dirk and Kidd are a step slower. Vince Carter hasn't replaced the specialization that J.J. Barea and Peja Stojakovic brought to the table. All one can really do is tip hats to the Thunder and hope the team can add the missing pieces it opted not to bring back last summer.

2K12: Thunder win series 4-1

Mavericks won game 3 during the simulation.  Dirk had 30 points on 5-7 FG, 20-24 FT, a nice allusion to last season's 48 point on 15 shot outburst.  That might be what it will take for the Mavericks to win game 4 and stave off elimination.

EASTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND

1. Bulls (Noah 79, Boozer 79, Deng 77)

8. Sixers (Iguodala 84, Brand 80, Williams 80)

Real Life: With Derrick Rose out of the picture, these teams are very evenly matched.  The Bulls still have more talent on paper given that Carlos Boozer is a better scorer than anyone on the Sixers, Joakim Noah a fantastic defensive player, and Luol Deng who was named an all-star this year (albeit inexplicably). In reality however Rip Hamilton, Luol Deng, and Watson/Lucas is a terrible offensive perimeter and the Sixers should have no problem stopping them and creating deadly transition opportunities. I do believe the Sixers as a whole are a better team than anyone gives them credit for, and statistically are the best #8 seed in history.  Their point differential & strength of schedule ranked 3rd best in the east, and their defense (99.3 Pts per 100 possessions, ranking 3rd) was nearly as good the Celtics (98.2) and Bulls (98.3).  They SHOULD win this series with Rose out of the picture, but the Bulls are definitely good enough to make it close.

2K12: Bulls win series 4-2

For the record, I did not have Rose active for game 1 of the series, so that is 4 games without Rose the Bulls were able to win.  John Lucas was a boss in the series and might as well have been Rose, averaging 19.4 points (22 in the wins).

4. Hawks (Smith 84, Johnson 82, Teague 75)

5. Celtics (Pierce 84, Rondo 84, Garnett 83)

Real Life: Al Horford missed most of the season for Atlanta. Then they get to the playoffs and Zaza Pachulia gets hurt and now have to start Jason Collins (and not because they need someone to foul Dwight Howard).  Now they are undersized while matched up with the worst rebounding team in the league.  They've fought through two overtime games but have fallen short in both.  The series has been close and Hawks fans will surely be left thinking "What IF?" for the next six months.

2K12: Celtics win series 4-1

I didn't injury Ray Allen for games 1 and 2 or Josh Smith for game 3, or suspend Rondo for game 2.  The series just wasn't close as the Celtics were +81 over the 5 games (16.2 per), Kevin Garnett simply too much for Jason Collins and Ivan Johnson.

3. Pacers (Granger 82, Hibbert 81, West 79)

6. Magic (Anderson 75, Richardson 73, Turkoglu 71)

Real Life: Magic so outmatched without Dwight it's not even funny. Indiana will have spent all it's playoff road games in Florida this year and got to bask in some nice weather before the summer officially starts.  Lucky bastards.

2K12: Pacers win series 4-0

Nothing to really say except the Pacers really should have swept the Magic in reality.

2. Heat (James 99, Wade 94, Bosh 81)

7. Knicks (Anthony 85, Chandler 79, Stoudemire 79)

Real Life: The Heat are on a fast track back to the NBA Finals.  The Bulls were their only realistic competition, and that went right out the window with Rose's injury.  Knicks fans who have been dying to face Miami and show just how competitive they could be are holding their tails right now.

2K12: Heat win series 4-1

The Knicks were able to win game 4.  Let's see if they can do it in real life (and end the NBA record for longest playoff losing streak at 13 games)!  Worth noting that I did not injure Amare for the series as he intends to play game 4.  That of course will be a factor in whether or not the Knicks can win game 4 or get swept in Madison Square Garden.

SECOND ROUND

1. Spurs (Ginobili 86, Duncan 82, Parker 82)

5. Clippers (Paul 94, Griffin 85, Jordan 77)

2K12: Clippers win series 4-2

The Spurs won the first two games but then lost the next four as Chris Paul simply entered god mode (certainly possible, as he would be the best player in the series).  Unfortunately, it's difficult to quantify how much of this was due to 2K's simulation engine being all "hey full strength Paul/Griffin are facing Gary Neal and Matt Bonner!"

2. Thunder (Durant 93, Westbrook 87, Harden 85)

3. Lakers (Bryant 88, Bynum 85, Gasol 84)

2K12: Thunder win series 4-1

A lot of fans are waiting for this series.  It wasn't close in simulation, and I suspect it won't be in real life. Kobe and Westbrook can match each other chuck for chuck, which really makes this series about Durant/Harden vs Gasol/Bynum.  One caveat with these results is I forgot to reactivate Metta World Peace.  Because his timely reactivation depends on how many games the Lakers play in the Nuggets series, I'm hopeful that it wasn't too big of an issue.  It's not as if he plays a series-changing role on the team anyway.  His presence probably means OKC takes the series in 6.

1. Bulls (Noah 79, Boozer 79, Deng 77)

5. Celtics (Pierce 84, Rondo 84, Garnett 83)

2K12: Celtics win series 4-3

Chicago shows their defensive resiliency but ultimately come up short in game 7 on their home court.  John Lucas leads with 15 points, while Boozer, Deng, and Noah fail to crack double figures.  Don't see it happening in real life, but it certainly COULD, and would be fantastic drama if it did.

2. Heat (James 99, Wade 94, Bosh 81)

3. Pacers (Granger 82, Hibbert 81, West 79)

2K12: Pacers win series 4-3

I have half a mind to rage-quit this post.  I know you're all dying to know though...

LeBron Pts-Reb-Ast

Game 1: 20-8-5 (7-18 FG) - 10 point win

Game 2: 15-11-8 (5-22 FG) - 19 point loss, outscored 29-9 in 4th quarter

Game 3: 34-8-4 (13-20 FG) - 2 point loss

Game 4: 43-8-3 (16-28 FG) - 4 point win

Game 5: 46-10-8 (15-27 FG) - 21 point win

Game 6: 26-14-5 (10-27 FG) - 6 point loss
Game 7: 40-11-2 (14-25 FG) - 6 point loss, at home

Aside from game 2, LeBron did not choke.  It looks like West/Hibbert just straight abused Haslem/Bosh. Which I suppose COULD happen, but uh, enough to go 3-2 w/ LeBron averaged 37.8 points  from games 3-7?  Oh 2K.

CONFERENCE FINALS

2. Thunder (Durant 93, Westbrook 87, Harden 85)

5. Clippers (Paul 94, Griffin 85, Jordan 77)

2K12: Clippers win series 4-2

I am now seeking anger management.  The Clippers without Caron Butler were able to beat Kevin Durant and the Thunder.  Russell Westbrook scored 54 points in game 1 (23-30 FG, 1-2 3PT, 7-11 FT) and now that I think about it, I can't recall ever getting a 50 point game in a simulation.

...And my jaw drops.

Kevin Durant scored 71 points in game 3 (22-34 FG, 3-7 3PT, 24-28 FT), eclipsing Michael Jordan's playoff record of 63.

...which brings me to my original question... how the hell did the Clippers win this series????? (aside: checking Durant's game log, it appears he had a 55 point game vs Dallas in game 4).  I guess the answer is OKC's big three never got any help, as no other player scored in double figures for the team.  On the Clippers end Paul/Griffin were routinely huge and got solid contributions from Nick Young, Mo Williams, Randy Foye, even Eric Bledsoe.  I still don't buy the results AT ALL though.

Durant ends the playoffs with a scoring average of 37.5.

3. Pacers (Granger 82, Hibbert 81, West 79)

5. Celtics (Pierce 84, Rondo 84, Garnett 83)

2K12: Celtics win series 4-2

Well, that was boring and predictable.  I pray this doesn't happen in real life.  I mean, I don't mind actually if the Celtics beat the Heat and go to the Finals.  I just can't imagine the NBA being a happy place if THIS is our Eastern Conference Finals matchup.

NBA FINALS

5. Clippers (Paul 94, Griffin 85, Jordan 77)

5. Celtics (Pierce 84, Rondo 84, Garnett 83)

2K12: Celtics win series 4-0

This is certainly an interesting result and one that I had never come across in prior simulations (it is usually Heat vs Thunder in Association modes).  It's a bit ridiculous to me that the Clippers can overcome Kevin Durant in Jordan mode just to get swept by an old team (like the Spurs, who the Clippers beat in round two). 

Overall, I was pretty happy with the results until everything just fell apart with the Heat/Pacer series.  Oh well.  Just remember if this happens in reality, you heard it here first.

The Real NBA 2K12 Rating List

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The main thing that has always irked me about the "NBA 2K Insider" is that we have no idea who they are, what their credentials are, or how much of a basketball fan they are (I firmly believe it's just a programmer who is merely a casual fan of the NBA, which is why they've never come forward to reveal their so-called ratings "expert"). "Real" 2K Insider isn't just because I am better at this than 2K Sports.  It's because I'm a REAL person who isn't afraid to put their name next to the product.  Adding my voice to the mix provides the community another connection to a person who is really out there who meticulously scouring the entire league to get the most accurate league-wide ratings and tendencies possible.

TWITTER!
Follow me on Twitter @Real2KInsider where you can follow my updates in real time, ask questions, and generally hear me moan about how unbelievably bad the Carmelo Anthony trade was for the Knicks.

THE REAL NBA 2K12!
My player edits for NBA 2K12 are listed here.  At present, 325 players have been edited.

If you are new to this blog, I come up with my NBA 2K edits using various sources Basketball-Reference (most accessible source of "standard" Advanced Statistics, a staple site for any true basketball fan), Hoopdata (most accessible source of shot zone data), 82games (mainly for lineup data and clutch stats), Synergy Sports (video of any play from the last 3 years, used for ratings/tendencies), Draft Express (scouting), ShamSports (100% accurate Contract information) and anything else I can get my hands on (many of these sites didn't exist when I first started editing for NBA 2K3 back in 2002).

FILE NAME: The Real NBA 2K12 (03-16-12)
360 GT: Real 2K Insider


My Rating - Player (Change from 2K's most recent rating)
LU = Last Update.  Rating player held before my most recent edit.
New additions denoted in Bold


TOTAL NBA PLAYERS EDITED: 332 of 429

POINT GUARDS (75 of 83)
94 - Chris Paul (+1) (LU: 91)
92 - Derrick Rose (0)
86 - Rajon Rondo (+1)
85 - Russell Westbrook (-3)
85 - Deron Williams (-3) (LU: 83)
84 - Steve Nash (0) (LU: 85)
82 - Tony Parker (0) (LU: 81)
81 - Stephen Curry (+1) (LU: 82)
81 - Jeremy Lin (+6) (LU: 78)
80 - Kyrie Irving (+2) (LU: 82)
80 - Kyle Lowry (-3)
80 - Ty Lawson (-1) (LU: 78)
80 - Michael Conley (+3) (LU: 78)
80 - Brandon Jennings (+2)
79 - Louis Williams (+5) - Rates 82 @ SG (LU: 78)
78 - John Wall (-4) (LU: 75)
78 - Jrue Holiday (-2) (LU: 77)
76 - Devin Harris (+3) (LU: 75)
75 - Jarrett Jack (0)
75 - Mo Williams (+1) (LU: 73)
75 - Jeff Teague (+1)
75 - Darren Collison (0) (LU: 76)
74 - Isaiah Thomas (+4)
74 - Ricky Rubio (-3) (LU: 78) 

73 - Jose Calderon (+4) (LU: 72)
73 - Mario Chalmers (0) (LU: 69)
73 - Rodrigue Beaubois (-2) - Rates 77 @ SG (LU: 72) 

73 - Ramon Sessions (+1)
73 - Nate Robinson (-1)
73 - Kemba Walker (-3) (LU: 74)
72 - C.J. Watson (+4)
72 - D.J. Augustin (0) (LU: 75)
72 - Raymond Felton (+2) (LU: 75)
71 - Andre Miller (0) (LU: 72)
71 - Jerryd Bayless (+6) (LU: 70)
71 - Jameer Nelson (-4)
71 - Jason Kidd (-6) (LU: 69)
71 - Baron Davis (+1) (LU: 76) 

70 - Jordan Farmar (+2) - Rates 75 @ SG (LU: 73) 
70 - Greivis Vasquez (+6) (LU: 65)
70 - Goran Dragic (+7) (LU: 69)
69 - Beno Udrih (+3)
68 - Brandon Knight (-5)
68 - Luke Ridnour (0) - Rates 74 @ SG (LU: 67)
68 - J.J. Barea (+3) - Rates 72 @ SG
68 - Sundiata Gaines (+8)
68 - Eric Maynor (+4)
68 - T.J. Ford (-1) - Reduced to 25 in all attributes due to retirement
67 - John Lucas (+17) (LU: 65)
67 - Norris Cole (+4) (LU: 69)
67 - Kirk Hinrich (-5) (LU: 70)
67 - Eric Bledsoe (+2)
66 - A.J. Price (+14)
66 - Earl Watson (+3) (LU: 67)
66 - Jonny Flynn (-4)
66 - Will Bynum (-3)
65 - Reggie Jackson (N/A)
65 - Ishmael Smith (-4)
64 - Jimmer Fredette (+1) - Rates 69 @ SG (LU: 62)
64 - Toney Douglas (-5) - Rates 72 @ SG (LU: 65)
63 - Chris Duhon (-3) (LU: 62)
62 - Derek Fisher (-5)
62 - Cory Joseph (+3)
62 - Jeremy Pargo (N/A)
61 - Steve Blake (-3) (LU: 60)
61 - Avery Bradley (0) (LU: 59)
61 - Jerry Smith (N/A)
60 - Jamaal Tinsley (N/A) (LU: 62)
59 - Julyan Stone (N/A)
59 - Walker Russell (N/A)
59 - Mike Bibby (-1) (LU: 60)
58 - Mike James (N/A) 

57 - E'Twain Moore (-8) - Rates 63 @ SG
57 - Darius Morris (N/A)
56 - Donald Sloan (N/A)  - Rates 61 @ SG
54 - Cory Higgins (N/A) (LU: 52)
FREE AGENTS
66 - Gilbert Arenas (-11) - Rates 71 @ SG
61 - Eddie House (0)
61 - Courtney Fortson (N/A)
57 - Carldell Johnson (N/A)
56 - Anthony Carter (+3)
55 - Larry Hughes (N/A)

SHOOTING GUARDS (57 of 77)
95 - Dwyane Wade (-1) (LU: 93)
90 - Kobe Bryant (-4) (LU: 91)
86 - Manu Ginobili (+1)
83 - Eric Gordon (+1)
82 - James Harden (+2) (LU: 81)
82 - Monta Ellis (-2) (LU: 83)
82 - Joe Johnson (-2) (LU: 81)
81 - Jason Terry (+5) (LU: 80)
81 - Chauncey Billups (+2) - Rates 76 @ PG (LU: 78)
81 - Rodney Stuckey (+2)  (LU: 79)
80 - Jamal Crawford (+2) - Rates 77 @ PG (LU: 78) 

79 - Marcus Thornton (+5) (LU: 77)
77 - Tyreke Evans (+1) - Rates 73 @ PG & 77 @ SF (LU: 78)
77 - MarShon Brooks (+5)
77 - Nick Young (+4)
76 - Kevin Martin (-3) (LU: 75)
76 - Ray Allen (-4) (LU: 78)
76 - Delonte West (+7) - Rates 71 @ PG (LU: 75)
76 - Iman Shumpert (+4) - Rates 72 @ PG (LU: 77)
75 - George Hill (+3) - Rates 68 @ PG
75 - Leandro Barbosa (+4) (LU: 70)
74 - Paul George (-3) (LU: 73)
74 - J.R. Smith (0)
73 - Tony Allen (+5)
73 - Jason Richardson (0) (LU: 71)
73 - O.J. Mayo (-4)
73 - Ronnie Brewer (+4)
73 - Courtney Lee (+3)
73 - Richard Hamilton (0) (LU: 74)
72 - DeMar DeRozan (+3)
72 - Evan Turner (+1) - Rates 74 @ SF
72 - Arron Afflalo (+1)
72 - Shannon Brown (0) (LU: 75)
71 - Wesley Matthews (-2)
71 - Rudy Fernandez (+6)
71 - J.J. Redick (+7) (LU: 70)
71 - Ben Gordon (-3) (LU: 72)
70 - Thabo Sefolosha (+2)
69 - Anthony Morrow (+5) (LU: 67)
69 - C.J. Miles (+2) - Rates 71 @ SF
69 - Landry Fields (0) - Rates 71 @ SF (LU: 67)
69 - Gary Neal (+4) (LU: 66)
69 - Gerald Henderson (0) (LU: 70)
69 - Jodie Meeks (+7)
68 - Daniel Green (+6) - Rates 70 @ SF
68 - Shaun Livingston (+10) - Rates 62 @ PG (LU: 69)
68 - Von Wafer (+9)
68 - Dominique Jones (+5)
67 - Mike Miller (+2)
67 - Keyon Dooling (+0) - Rates 62 @ PG (LU: 72)
66 - Reggie Williams (+2) (LU: 68)
64 - Daequan Cook (+1) (LU: 65)
64 - Michael Redd (-5) (LU: 63)
61 - Andrew Goudelock (N/A)
59 - Terrel Harris (N/A)
58 - Jason Kapono (+5) - Rates 59 @ SF
57 - Matt Carroll (+2)
FREE AGENTS
63 - Keith Bogans (-5)
61 - Darington Hobson (N/A)
58 - Mychel Thompson (N/A)

SMALL FORWARDS (65 of 85)
99 - LeBron James (0) (LU: 98)
93 - Kevin Durant (-1) (LU: 90)
85 - Andre Iguodala (-1) (LU: 83)
84 - Rudy Gay (-2) (LU: 83)
83 - Paul Pierce (+1) (LU: 84)
81 - Carmelo Anthony (-7) (LU: 84)
80 - Danny Granger (0) (LU: 79)
80 - Luol Deng (-3) (LU: 78)
79 - Danilo Gallinari (+6)
79 - Gerald Wallace (-4) (LU: 81)
79 - Shawn Marion (0) (LU: 78)
78 - Vince Carter (+2) - Rates 76 @ SG (LU: 77)
78 - Michael Beasley (0) (LU: 77)
77 - Nicolas Batum (-2) (LU: 74)
77 - Wilson Chandler (-3) 

76 - Tayshaun Prince (-1)
76 - Grant Hill (-2)
74 - Marvin Williams (+9) (LU: 75)
74 - Tracy McGrady (+5) - Rates 72 @ SG (LU: 77)
74 - Linas Kleiza (+12) (LU: 71)
74 - Caron Butler (-7) (LU: 79)
74 - Stephen Jackson (-4) - Rates 72 @ SG (LU: 77)
73 - Matt Barnes (+3) (LU: 74)
72 - Shane Battier (-4) - Rates 69 @ SG (LU: 73)
72 - Dahntay Jones (-1) - Rates 70 @ SG
71 - Kawhi Leonard (-1)
71 - Mike Dunleavy (+9) (LU: 70)
71 - Hedo Turkoglu (-3) (LU: 72)
71 - Chandler Parsons (+5) (LU: 69)
71 - Richard Jefferson (-1) (LU: 74)
71 - Alonzo Gee (+4)
70 - James Johnson (+8)
70 - Carlos Delfino (+5) (LU: 72)
70 - Corey Maggette (-4) (LU: 73)
69 - Dorell Wright (-1)
69 - Brandon Rush (+4) (LU: 68)
69 - Wesley Johnson (+2) - Rates 66 @ SG (LU: 70) 

69 - Anthony Tolliver (+9) - Rates 67 @ PF
69 - Terrence Williams (-3)
68 - Rashard Lewis (-1) (LU: 71)
68 - Mickael Pietrus (-4)
68 - Bill Walker (+3) - Rates 65 @ SG (LU: 70)
67 - Corey Brewer (+1) (LU: 66) 

67 - Metta World Peace (-2)
67 - Kyle Korver (+5)
67 - Derrick Brown (+2) (LU: 68)
67 - Jimmy Butler (0)
67 - Austin Daye (+11) (LU: 70)
66 - Gerald Green (N/A)
65 - Gordon Hayward (+2)
65 - Omri Casspi (+4)
65 - James Jones (+7)
65 - Ryan Gomes (+3) - Rates 60 @ PF
65 - Quentin Richardson (-6)
65 - Gary Forbes (0)
65 - Josh Childress (-5) (LU: 67)
65 - Jordan Hamilton (N/A) 

64 - Marquis Daniels (+2) - Rates 62 @ SG (LU: 66)
63 - DeShawn Stevenson (-7) (LU: 66)
63 - Devin Ebanks (0)
63 - Andres Nocioni (-4)
63 - Jerry Stackhouse (-1)
63 - DeAndre Liggins (N/A)
61 - Chris Wright (N/A)
59 - Sasha Pavlovic (+4)
FREE AGENTS
73 - Jeff Green (-1) - Stamina/Durability reduced to 25 for Injury purposes
67 - Andre Emmett (N/A)
62 - Renaldo Balkman (-2)
61 - Larry Owens (N/A)

POWER FORWARDS (65 of 88)
89 - Kevin Love (+3) (LU: 88)
85 - Blake Griffin (0)
85 - Paul Millsap (+3)
85 - Zach Randolph (+2)
84 - Pau Gasol (-1) (LU: 82)
83 - LaMarcus Aldridge (0) (LU: 82)
82 - Dirk Nowitzki (-1) - Rates 86 @ SF (LU: 83)
82 - Josh Smith (-2) - Rates 86 @ SF
81 - Chris Bosh (0) - Rates 83 @ SF
80 - Carlos Boozer (+3) (LU: 81)
79 - David Lee (0) (LU: 76) 
79 - David West (+5)
79 - Elton Brand (0) (LU: 78)
78 - Amare Stoudemire (-5) (LU: 80)
77 - Andrea Bargnani (+3) - Rates 74 @ C and 80 @ SF (LU: 75)
77 - Kris Humphries (+7) (LU: 76)
76 - Serge Ibaka (-2) (LU: 75)
76 - Trevor Booker (+10)
75 - Kenneth Faried (+3) (LU: 70) 

75 - Ryan Anderson (+8) (LU: 74)
75 - Thaddeus Young (+1) - Rates 78 @ SF (LU: 74)
75 - Luis Scola (-2) (LU: 73)
74 - Ersan Ilyasova (+4)
74 - Carl Landry (+2)
74 - Al Harrington (+8) (LU: 73) 

74 - Brandon Bass (+4) (LU: 75)
73 - Antawn Jamison (-1)
73 - Taj Gibson (0) (LU: 71)
72 - Tyler Hansbrough (+3) (LU: 75)
71 - DaJuan Blair (+3)
71 - Derrick Williams (0) - Rates 72 @ SF
71 - Lamar Odom (-7) (LU: 73)
70 - Gustavo Ayon (N/A) (LU: 61) 

70 - Craig Smith (+12) (LU: 72)
70 - Andray Blatche (-1)
70 - Nick Collison (+8) (LU: 70)
69 - Kenyon Martin (-7) (LU: 74)
69 - Tyrus Thomas (-4) (LU: 73)
68 - Jon Leuer (+11) (LU: 65)
68 - Jonas Jerebko (+7) (LU: 67)
68 - Boris Diaw (+3) - Rates 65 @ C and 72 @ SF (LU: 69)
68 - Udonis Haslem (0) (LU: 69)
68 - Lavoy Allen (+11)
67 - JaJuan Johnson (+1)
67 - Hakim Warrick (+5)
67 - Glen Davis (-3) (LU: 71)
67 - Josh McRoberts (+3) (LU: 69)
66 - D.J. White (+5)
65 - Matt Bonner (+15)
65 - Jared Jeffries (+7) (LU: 64)
65 - Reggie Evans (+2)
65 - Jason Smith (+10)
64 - Steve Novak (+12) - Rates 71 @ SF (LU: 58)
64 - Markieff Morris (-2)
63 - Jeff Pendergraph (N/A)
62 - Vladimir Radmanovic (+9)
62 - Ivan Johnson () (LU: 60)
62 - Yi Jianlian (-1)
61 - Shawne Williams (0) - Rates 65 @ SF
61 - Troy Murphy (-5)
61 - Justin Harper (+7) - Rates 64 @ SF
59 - Ryan Reid (N/A)
57 - Luke Walton (-1) - Rates 62 @ SF
55 - Brian Scalabrine (+15) - Rates 58 @ SF
53 - Brian Cardinal (+2) - Rates 58 @ SF
FREE AGENTS
62 - Josh Davis (N/A)
61 - Malcolm Thomas (N/A)
59 - Dennis Horner (N/A)
51 - Mickell Gladness (N/A)

CENTERS (70 of 96)
93 - Dwight Howard (0) (LU: 94)
84 - Andrew Bynum (+1)
82 - Al Jefferson (+1)
82 - Tim Duncan (-2) (LU: 81)
82 - DeMarcus Cousins (+4) (LU: 79)
81 - Kevin Garnett (0) - Rates 83 @ PF (LU: 80)
81 - Marc Gasol (0) (LU: 79)
81 - Roy Hibbert (+5) (LU: 79)
80 - Al Horford (0) - Rates 82 @ PF (LU: 81)
80 - Marcin Gortat (+7)
79 - Joakim Noah (+1) (LU: 78)
79 - Tyson Chandler (+2) (LU: 80)
78 - Greg Monroe (+5) (LU: 76)
77 - Anderson Varejao (+6)
77 - Andrew Bogut (-1)
77 - DeAndre Jordan (+5) (LU: 76)
76 - Nikola Pekovic (+4) (LU: 70) 

76 - Nene (-1) (LU: 77) - Rates 78 @ PF
76 - Emeka Okafor (+3) (LU: 78)
75 - Samuel Dalembert (+5)
74 - JaVale McGee (+4)
74 - Chris Andersen (+9) (LU: 73)
74 - Brook Lopez (-2)
73 - Spencer Hawes (+8) (LU: 72)
73 - Amir Johnson (+6) (LU: 72)
72 - Chris Kaman (-4) (LU: 73) 

71 - Tiago Splitter (+9) (LU: 70)
69 - Anthony Randolph (+1) - Rates 71 @ PF and 72 @ SF (LU: 70)
69 - Omer Asik (+4) (LU: 67)
68 - Drew Gooden (+2) - Rates 70 @ PF (LU: 67)
68 - Brendan Haywood (+3)
68 - Brandan Wright (+9) (LU: 64)
68 - Ian Mahinmi (+3)
68 - Chris Wilcox (+7) (LU: 65)
68 - Kwame Brown (+9)
68 - Chuck Hayes (0) (LU: 72)
67 - Timofey Mozgov (+10) (LU: 63) 

67 - Kendrick Perkins (-4) (LU: 66)
66 - Nikola Vucevic (+5) (LU: 62)
66 - Kosta Koufos (+14) (LU: 61) 

66 - Zaza Pachulia (+6) (LU: 65)
66 - Shelden Williams (+7) 

66 - Larry Sanders (+1) (LU: 64)
66 - Jermaine O'Neal (-2) (LU: 68)
65 - Bismack Biyombo (+9) (LU: 60) 

65 - Byron Mullens (+8)
64 - Nazr Mohammed (+6)
63 - Aaron Gray (+9) (LU: 61)
63 - Andris Biedrins (+2) (LU: 62)
63 - Greg Stiemsma (N/A) (LU: 62)
62 - Kurt Thomas (-1) (LU: 63) 

62 - Johan Petro (+10)
62 - Sean Williams (N/A)
61 - Josh Harrellson (+10) - Rates 63 @ PF & SF (LU: 59)
61 - Vernon Mackwell (N/A)
60 - Joel Anthony (+5) (LU: 59)
60 - Cole Aldrich (+6)
60 - Mehmet Okur (-8) (LU: 64)
59 - Ryan Hollins (+6)
59 - Jeff Foote (N/A)
59 - Eric Dawson (N/A) 

58 - Tony Battie (+11)
58 - Erick Dampier (+3)
57 - Jamaal Magloire (+7) (LU: 56)
57 - Jerome Jordan (N/A)
55 - Jason Collins (+9)
53 - Juwan Howard (-1) (LU: 55)
52 - Dexter Pittman (+2) (LU: 56)
51 - DaSagana Diop (-1)
51 - Eddy Curry (-6) (LU: 55)
FREE AGENTS
76 - Greg Oden (+6) - Reduced to 25 in all attributes due to career threatening injuries
68 - Ronny Turiaf (+6)
64 - Derrick Caracter (+4)
62 - Marcus Cousin (N/A)
58 - Chris Johnson (N/A) (LU: 55) 

56 - Keith Benson (N/A)

TOP UNEDITED PLAYERS
75 - Aaron Brooks - China
74 - Andrei Kirilenko - Russia
74 - J.J. Hickson - Kings
72 - Trevor Ariza - Hornets
72 - John Salmons - Kings
72 - Patrick Patterson - Rockets
70 - Jason Maxiell - Pistons
70 - Martell Webster - Timberwolves
70 - Maurice Evans - Wizards
70 - Joey Graham - Free Agent

EASTERN CONFERENCE
89 Bulls (99 Def, 71 Off) (no change w/ injury to Richard Hamilton)
89 Heat (99 Def, 91 Off) (no change w/ injury to Mike Miller)
86 76ers (94 Def, 77 Off)
84 Celtics (88 Def, 76 Off) (-1 w/ injury to Jermaine O'Neal, Chris Wilcox)
83 Magic (97 Def, 73 Off)
80 Pacers (89 Def, 71 Off) (-1 w/ injury to Jeff Foster)
79 Hawks (74 Def, 89 Off) (-5 w/ injury to Al Horford, Jason Collins, Willie Green)
78 Knicks (66 Def, 91 Off) (no change w/ injury to Bill Walker)
74 Raptors (80 Def, 60 Off)
73 Bucks (76 Def, 60 Off) (no change w/ injury to Kwame Brown)
73 Pistons (60 Def, 81 Off)
72 Nets (72 Def, 60 Off) (-4 w/ injury to Brook Lopez, Damion James)
68 Cavaliers (68 Def, 64 Off) (-3 w/ injury to Anderson Varejao)
67 Wizards (64 Def, 60 Off) (-1 w/ injuries to Rashard Lewis)
64 Bobcats (60 Def, 60 Off)

WESTERN CONFERENCE
87 Mavericks (89 Def, 99 Off) (-1 w/ injury to Delonte West)
85 Thunder (80 Def, 87 Off)
84 Spurs (95 Def, 86 Off)
83 Lakers (82 Def, 75 Off)
83 Grizzlies (78 Def, 89 Off) (-1 w/ injury to Darrell Arthur)
82 Clippers (74 Def, 80 Off) (-2 w/ injury to Chauncey Billups)
78 Nuggets (61 Def, 99 Off)
77 Suns (78 Def, 80 Off)
76 Jazz (70 Def, 72 Off)
75 Rockets (77 Def, 64 Off) (-4 w/ injury to Kyle Lowry)
74 Trailblazers (65 Def, 70 Off) (no change w/ injury to Elliot Williams, Shawne Williams, Mehmet Okur)
72 Timberwolves (61 Def, 60 Off) (-3 w/ injury to Ricky Rubio)
72 Kings (69 Def, 60 Off)
69 Hornets (76 Def, 60 Off) (-11 w/ injury to Eric Gordon, Emeka Okafor, Carl Landry, Jason Smith)
68 Warriors (63 Def, 75 Off) (-6 w/ injury to Andrew Bogut, Stephen Curry)

INTERNATIONAL PLAYER POLICY
Due to the lockout many players decided to play abroad this season.  Some players have out-clauses in their contracts to return at any time, others do not.  Four quality players signed in China and do not have out-clauses but are free to rejoin the NBA after the Chinese season ends in late February/early March.  Rather than reduce all of these players to 25 rating I have decided it best to reduce only their Stamina & Durability ratings to 25 in the interim.  That should lower their overall ratings enough to prevent them from playing prominent roles if signed, and keep their court time to an absolute bare minimum.  When the players re-join the NBA, a player can manually alter their Stamina/Durability ratings during an Association mode (and can likewise adjust all International players when they get to the Off-season of their respective Associations).  I will also apply this policy to Jeff Green and Greg Oden, who will not play the 2012 season due to injury.

INTERNATIONAL LIST (Overall/Stamina/Durability)
PG: Aaron Brooks (75), Eugene Jeter (63/87/75), Sherron Collins (63/76/80), Carlos Arroyo (61/85/85), Acie Law (59/85/70), Mustafa Shakur (55/85/75), Lester Hudson (55/80/82), Chris Quinn (53/85/70),
SG: Chris Douglas-Roberts (69/77/70), Sasha Vujacic (67/77/70), Charlie Bell (64/77/63), Andy Rautins (59/85/70), Garrett Temple (58/85/74), Kyle Weaver (58/77/70), Mario West (50/77/78)
SF: Jeff Green (73/93/85), Andrei Kirilenko (74), Sonny Weems (67/77/70), Al Thornton (66/88/70) Antoine Wright (64/77/78), Jawad Williams (57/70/78), Pape Sy (52/74/70)
PF: Leon Powe (64/77/70), Josh Powell (61/70/85), Pops Mensah-Bonsu (60/85/78), Gani Lawal (56/80/85)
C: Greg Oden (76/81/25), Joey Dorsey (62/77/99), Nenad Krstic (54), Hilton Armstrong (51/70/78), David Andersen (49/71/68), Alexis Ajinca (43)

RETIRED PLAYER POLICY
I decided not to "retire" any players until after my opening day roster (12-25).  After that they will be reduced to 25 in all ratings to ensure teams do not sign them in any Association modes.

RETIRED LIST (*Denotes Unofficial)
PG: Earl Boykins (72/PG)*, T.J. Ford (68)
SG: Brandon Roy (78), Maurice Ager (56)
SF: Peja Stojakovic (59), Morris Peterson (58/SF)*
PF: Antonio McDyess (65), James Posey (64)*, Joe Smith (56)*
C: Zydrunas Ilgauskas (64), Etan Thomas (56/C)*, Theo Ratliff (53/C)*, Sean Marks (49), Malik Allen (47/C)*

Notice to creeps, stalkers, jilted lovers, etc.

I received this email on January 20, 2012.

Dear "Rashidi" (real name withheld by R2KI),

I would like to know if you can create a 2006 roster update, a 2007 roster update. a 2008 roster update, a 2009 roster update, a 2010 roster update, and a 2011 roster update for MVP Baseball 2005 on my Memory Card for Playstation 2?. I would also like to know how much the total of all these roster updates will cost. I would like to know how many Memory Cards it will require for the 2006 roster update, the 2007 roster update, the 2008 roster update, the 2009 roster update, the 2010 roster update, and the 2011 roster update for MVP Baseball 2005 on Playstation 2 to be installed. I have read online that you have all of these roster updates available. I would like to know if this is true? I also would like to know how long it will take for you to create the 2006 roster update, the 2007 roster update, the 2008 roster update, the 2009 roster update, the 2010 roster update, and the 2011 roster update for MVP Baseball 2005 for Playstation 2? I have also read online that you have all of these roster updates available for Playstation 2. I would like to know if you can make the completion of the 2006 roster update, the 2007 roster update, the 2008 roster update, the 2009 roster update, the 2010 roster update, and the 2011 roster update possible for MVP Baseball 2005 on Playstation 2? Finally, I would like to know how I will be able to send you the memory card and/or memory cards with the money, and what I will have to write on the envelope? Could you please email me back at scherijc@comcast.net with the answers to all of these questions later today or tomorrow?


Thank you,


James Scheri

-------------------------------------------------

I ONLY offered it up until the 2007 season and stopped after that.  It is not written anywhere online that I continued to offer this service anywhere beyond that.  I kinda pity anyone who still wants to play MVP Baseball with updated rosters after 6 years.  The game is ancient, with inferior mechanics to current gen baseball titles (that includes the widely panned MLB 2K).  Frankly, I'm not even a baseball fan anymore, but that's a story for another day.

I don't check my email on a daily basis, so actually I received the followup email at the same time.

-------------------------------------------------

Dear "Rashidi",

Can you please write back to me the company that you work for and your street address? (Copy and pasted body of original message) Finally, I would like to know how I will be able to send you the memory card and/or memory cards with the money, and what I will have to write on the envelope?  I also would like to know if I could give you sixty dollars in an envelope along with the memory cards?  Could you please email me back at scherijc@comcast.net with the answers to all of these questions later today on January 21, 2012 or tomorrow on January 22, 2012, if possible?

----------------------------------------------

Now, reading this message, my jaw dropped.  60 dolllars for roster files?  If only I actually had the files this guy were asking for.

Now at this point you may be wondering "Rashidi, why didn't you just email him back and say you didn't offer those services?"  Well, to be honest I felt like I was being scammed and didn't want to give it the time of day.  If it's too good to be true, then it probably is.  If someone is offering $60 for roster files it's probably because they think they can make a ton more money with those same files.  Even if I HAD the files I probably would not consent just based on the presentation.  The guy had a deadline for when I needed to get back to him by, and also asked what company I worked for, which ultimately creeped me out.  Thus, I disregarded it.

Unfortunately, it doesn't stop there.  A few days later I get a note from my father.

---------------------------------------------

James Scheri called. He sent you several e-mails and didn't get a reply. His email address is scheri@comcast.net.  Sending you a memory card for roster.

--------------------------------------------

My family owns a two-family house.  My parents are elderly and live on the first floor while I rent out the 2nd floor.  I do not use the same phone line.  I have a cellphone and have no need for a landline.  Involving my family in my affairs is just really annoying to me (there's a reason I am renting, I am a grown-ass man).  Consequently,  I have NEVER given out my home phone number online.  It's not my phone number.  You will not reach me there.

However in a public search, it would probably show up as my registered phone number.  Searching for someone's telephone number because you want a roster file for an 8 year old video game is EXTREMELY invasive (not to mention desperate, since I imagine you have to PAY FOR IT).  In the same amount of time spent searching my info, this guy could have very easily found (in all likelihood) BETTER files online that would be free, or considerably cheaper than a self-quoted price of $60, plus shipping, plus memory card cost, plus the cost of searching my personal information online.

I did not return his call or email him back.  I figured he would get the hint.  Unfortunately, I was clearly dealing with a special breed of moron.

Today I received an envelope sent Delivery Confirmation from Mr. James Scheri.  I NEVER GAVE OUT MY ADDRESS, nor did I ever give out my consent to send a memory card.  Beyond invasive, this is just pure stupidity.  I did not open the padded envelope to check it's contents but there is probably $60 inside if the guy is true to his word.  In the year 2012, who in their right mind is dumb enough to send 60 dollars to someone who won't even return your email or phone call? 

Better still, the package is sent from Somerville, MA 02145.  However the return address lists W,H,P,O,BI 95153.  Searching the zipcode leads me to Moscow, OH.  Whatever.

An hour later my mother is knocking on my door to let me know that James Scheri is on the phone asking about his memory card. ARE YOU SERIOUS?  *Facepalm*  I go downstairs and she hands me the telephone.  This has gone too far.  I hang it up.  He calls back and I disconnect the phone.

I'm not opening the package.  I could probably get away with just opening up the package, selling the card on ebay, and pocketing the money.  That's not who I am, nor who I will ever be, even if this guy has gone to great lengths to piss me off.  I am going to the post office tomorrow to "Return to Sender" and wash my hands of it.  The $2.80 this guy wasted on postage should be lesson enough. As well as the fact that I just shared all of this information on the internet.  Oops.

To all fans of my work: In the future, if I do not respond to your emails, there is probably a very good reason for it.  I am either busy, did not check it, or feel responding to your insanity would be a futile waste of time.  Please do not look up my contact information, even if you wish to send cash, checks, or gifted goods to my address.  If you are that desperate to get my attention, donations can be made by clicking the button at the top right of my blog.

Thank you.

Rashidi