Post by Nanz on May 21, 2020 12:35:40 GMT -8
Welcome to the first installment of Back to the Future Roundtable: Part I! I am your host, Johnny B Good Stamos and today we are joined by Andrew, Don, Galo and big Haberino (with some appearances by Nanz). BBS is a big part of our pasts and thanks to big Spence, now our futures! Let't not waste any time and get right to it!
1. How did you feel getting that text from Spence saying that BBS was back baby!? Were you overwhelmed with joy and excitement? Did it bring back feelings you haven’t felt in almost 10 years?
Andrew: BBS came back into existence at the perfect time. Bored from online classes and just having an internship cancelled, I needed something positive in my life. It instantly reminded me of Aaron introducing me to BBS, him using my desktop while his laptop was being repaired, and a million other undergrad memories. BBS was so much fun when you could discuss it with someone you share a room with. 10 years later it’s great to see a lot of names I recognize while also meeting a new group of GM’s. I think we have a solid crew and love this version of BBS so far.
Don:I have to be honest; my initial reaction was FUCK NO! With work and just different things going on, I really had no interest in getting back into sim leagues. But as Habes, you and Pig were signing up, I thought fuck it. I won't go crazy with activity but I will see how it is again. It has been a lot of fun to be back in this. It is hard to post as much as others, but I'm in the loop. It really has brought back a tingle in my penis that I haven't felt in years. I also love out of the blue texts from Spencer.
Galo:It was really exciting to be honest lol. Being on lockdown has been really hard the last 2 months plus so to get back into a league with so many memories was really welcoming. There is a sense of nostalgia when I see a lot of these names and just to see everyone has grown up (well mostly everyone) and doing their things. Major props to Spencer for bringing this back and giving us all something to look forward to almost every day.
Habes: Devastating to hear he texted you. I got an email. Sometimes I text Spence and he writes back days later saying he’s been busy texting other people.
Nanz: It was a rush of excitement going from 6 to midnight in seconds. I haven't done any other sim league (except BBSBL) ever and def not once BBS was over so having Spence bring it back was amazinggggg. Everyone once in a while we used to all wonder how much fun it would be if BBS was back... no need to wonder anymore!
2. A lot of us had to step down towards the end of the last BBS because of time, school, jobs etc. Did you have any hesitation on jumping back in? Any concerns?
Andrew:I don’t have any hesitations because I am working remotely and still have another year of grad school left, which will be easier than the first and allow me to pursue BBS in my free time. I am definitely a bit concerned going forward past May of 2021 with starting a new full time job and presumably moving somewhere new and focusing on that stuff. I’m also planning a huge road trip after graduation so my activity might dip for an extended period of time. Cross that bridge when we get there.
Don:YES! Like I said above, I have some hesitation jumping back in and getting addicted again. Also, it is a lot of time into something that isn't real but it is a lot of fun lol. Back at the end of the last one BBS was growing tiresome now that it has been rejuvenated again it feels just like the old times. We shall see how long this lasts but it's fun to be back.
Galo:Not much my end at least right now since I’m working 100% from home. I work on a computer all day so it helps my activity a lot. I’m sure I’ll have concerns down the road as I start to travel more in the fall and with my wife and kid but for now it’s gravy.
Habes:Yes, and every day my concern is validated. I’m answering these questions on my work laptop during the work day while on a work call. I’m a piece of shit!
Nanz: i did't have any hesitation but def concerns with how it would impact work.. .and yeah i;ve missed something here and there because I'm posting or talking trade or checking sim... but its worth it! lol
3. Of all the previous BBS leagues, who is the favorite player you ever had who keeps you up at night hoping he may call? Doesn’t have to be the best player, just your most memorable/favorite.
AndrewDeJuan Blair was my favorite player in Version 3 I think it was? I picked him somewhere in the middle of the first round and he developed into a 30/12/4 big even though he was undersized at 6’7”. The random gems that Spencer puts into drafts are what fuels my desire to gather picks whenever possible, especially 2nd rounders. Other favorite player is Devereux St. Cloud. Awful ratings, but simmed like a god.
Don:Brandon Rush. He was my favorite player for some reason and I was hoping he would also turn into a stud. Never truly did but he was a solid player. When we were 18 years old, we went into NYC and got fake IDS. We (Aaron, Nanz, maybe Mark) used our BBS favorite player names. Mine was Brandon Rush but instead called myself Dan Rush. Lol
Galo:Man it’s still has to be KG. I think I won my only title in BBS3 with KG and he’s been a monster in every version I’ve seen. Big time scorer, gets boards, blocks and steals plus shoots really high percentages. I like Webber but always loved KG even since I was a kid.
Habes:Ronald Steele. Union man. I can’t remember who made sigs back in the day, but I had a classic and classy Ron Steele sig. He was a ~1 tpg PG with high steals and 50/90/40 shooting splits. Just like Jason Kidd!
Nanz: I guess two: Nathaniel Davidson & Josh Smith. Davidson was was such a beast and dominated the league as a point guard. He even took down St. Cloud no problem ! Swept him in the finals. And Josh Smith because i think he was the first pick i ever made and turned into a beast. Blocks Steals Rebounds Points, the guy was unstoppable.
4. Of all the previous GMs that were in the last version of BBS, who do you wish would come back? Who do you want to jump back in and feel that the water is nice! It’s warm! And what do you think they would add to the league.
Andrew A few people come to mind:
Martinez - Huge troll, but great for activity
Phil/Blue - good guy who made awesome sigs
Nova - Almost consider him a Skillz lite. I remember him being very active in the trade market and usually having competitive teams
Don: Martinez. He would also stir shit up and cause commotion but he was a nice guy deep down. I didn't mind him and his crazy antics. I wonder how he is doing these days, I see him on IG from time to time. He was a wild man.
Galo:Man this is a tough one. I think probably Lumley just ahead of CC. Lumley is a really likeable guy and cool to chat with. He’s a local So. Cal guy and we’ve talked a bunch of times. CC was similar and remember him to be active. I’m sure Lumz will get a team eventually if he’s patient and sticks around to jump back in but there is a big waiting list. Once these shelter in place/lockdowns start lifting, it’s going to be interesting on how that impacts activity.
Habes: Mark. Why did Don say Martinez when his roommate, who introduced him to sims, didn’t rejoin? Martinez? You see him on IG? What kind of a sick piece of shit are you?
Nanz: LOL def threw us for a loop with Martinez and not Mark. I'll go with Kellman but Martinez was a great troll on the boards lol
5. I know its early but after 1 season, is BBS everything you hoped it would be? Does it have the same feel it did all those years ago?
Andrew It IS everything it was all those years ago, if not better. I don’t remember Spencer simming with the consistency and frequency as he does now. Obviously that is stay at home related, but these seasons are FLYING. Props to Spencer. I also don’t remember as many 10 days sims as there are now. I enjoy the 10 day sims at the moment, but once things “get back to normal” I wouldn’t mind and expect the number of days per sim to decline, unless Spence prefers it this way.
Don:After 1 season, it is exactly how I remember it to be. It is the same type of shit, same type of stupid arguments, same type of people causing commotion for no fucking reason just to be annoying. Whatever! I like to have fun with it and usually sit back and watch it all unfold. Some people need to have some better communication in this league over PM. They also value some really weird shit right now. I think that will change with time, but it's hard to find fair value.
Galo:It mostly does. Spencer makes some really fun players and there’s always excitement in the draft. It’s also interesting to see some of the old school BBS GMs mixing in with some the newer guys to the league. It creates a different synergy for sure and gives good balance to league.
Habes:Yes. I’m addicted and I start Cherokee Parks at center. I’m one piece away, just like I was for 7 years. I have 50 Proboards tabs open and I haven’t seen my wife in weeks.
Nanz: oh god yes. ITs been like we never left LOL
6. How do you feel about your current squad and what are the plans for this upcoming season and off-season? Any trades in the works?
AndrewI like my squad, but would like it a lot more with the first projected pick. Pau looks like he is going to develop into a very nice piece. I need to get Baron’s scoring going, but his steals are nice and his TO’s are down a fair amount from last year. Fizer and Blount are solid role players. I’m hoping to make a signing or two, especially next offseason when 2nd rounders come off the book. I expect things to get interesting soon, especially around the trade frenzy and definitely the offseason as GM’s with competitive but aging teams make moves to empty their rosters in pursuit of a top pick in the 03 draft. With another TC under my belt, I don’t think I will be in position to pursue a top pick, so I’ll look to make some moves then.
Don:I like my young squad. I have cap flexibility this offseason with a MAX contract available or two. I have nice young pieces in RIP (whom I will AC), Wallace, Al Har and Curry. I have all my picks as well. I have some options and always looking to make moves. I will probably get another lotto pick this season and see what kind of free agents are available to build upon this team with. I need another TC.
Galo:I like our club for the most part. I think we have a couple holes like most teams and would like to upgrade our scoring somehow. Penny is having a better season than last year though so maybe 2 more ACs could get him to a good spot? I love Anthony Mason and Jim Jackson – hoping I can keep both of those guys next year. Kukoc is a really nice piece that I can move around to lineup and bench and allows us to be versatile. And if it doesn’t work out this year, we can reassess next year and maybe retool or tear it all down since we have our picks moving forward. I like our chances this year though so far.
Habes:Sensitive subject.
Nanz: No wonder Spence didn't text you...
7. Who would you say are your top 2 players and what would it take for you to move them? or are they perhaps…. untouchable?
Andrew:Top 2 players are of course Baron and Pau. They’ve come to be untouchable because the trade market isn’t super active yet and GM’s are still figuring out value. Teams that are competing are looking for better pieces than Pau and Baron and teams that are tanking don’t have pieces to offer for them.
Don:Gerald Wallace and Eddy Curry. My two best assets. Going to be beasts. Curry has already had some great games against big time defensive centers. I think he can be a real force.
Galo:Webber and Penny for right now. Obviously, Webber is having a breakout season so far but banged up. He’s entering his prime so should be elite for the next 3-4 seasons at least. Penny simmed a lot better in the test sim so he can be good but just need to unlock him in the right scheme.
Habes: Depends if we’re talking about current ability or trade value. I’ll go with Parker and Kidd. Parker should be tied with Arenas as the most valuable prospect in the league. He’s not untouchable; as long as Tim Duncan’s in the league, no one else should be untouchable. Kidd—putrid percentages and high turnovers, but he’s going to lead point guards in steals and rebounds, he dominates on defense, and I’d do anything to get him off my roster
Nanz: My boy Hughes & Gil. I love Brand too tho but Hughes is my main mannnnn. Doesn't really seem to have value to others but you'll see... Gil well yeah gotta keep him and let him go.
8. The draft seems to be top heavy… so, who would you take 1st, Yao or Amare? If you had a pick between 8 and 15, who would you target? And who at 18-25?
Andrew:I’m taking Yao. The league looks thin with big men who can block and rebound and Amare’s C/C in those categories definitely make you think twice. Chances are he’s a very high C in those categories but you hate to see those ratings. His jumping is obviously through the roof, but I can see his inside scoring being 85+ entering the league as well. Easy 20-25 PPG scorer in his rookie season if he can stay on the floor. For 8-15 and assuming no prospect really falls more than consensus(whatever that is) I would look at Tayshaun Prince. His B+ def is nice. He is a solid 5th starter type. Sometimes in weak but deep drafts you need to go with the safe route and pick a serviceable and boring starter. Dunleavy would be an acceptable choice here too. For a pick in 18-25 I am looking for anyone with A scouted or that has a rating that could fill a hole that I have. A guy like Kareem Rush catches my eye because I have no outside shooting as does a guy like Reggie Evans because I have no rebounding.
Don:I like YAO a lot. Would love him and just move Curry to PF. I probably would go after Caron Butler in the 8-15 range. I like him a lot. In the later round I would probably target a high upside point guard.
Galo:Great question – I think I would still go Yao over Amare unless I was starting from scratch. Ming is just too big and strong and will put up big numbers from day 1. Amare seems a little more raw from the onset but can be nice with the right camps. My steal is probably Jay Will or Dajuan Wagner inside the top 15. I think either guy could break out and both of them were really good in college – just didn’t translate into the league. I think this is a wing heavy draft and Matt Barnes or Kareem Rush could be good value in the teens to the late 20s. Barnes has some potential as a 3&D guy and Rush has always been a great shooter so I would look out for both of them!
Habes:Yao’s the clear number 1 pick. I know Skillz put Caron mid-lotto, but he’ll probably go top five. Between eight and fifteen, let me see draft notes, but for someone certain not to go earlier, I’m interested in Milos Vujanic. Best shooter in the draft and a C+/B+ scoring point guard—who knows
Nanz: Def Yao no questions asked. I would like Dunleavy in the middle rounds and someone like Rush who is a specialist at something towards the end of draft.
9. BONUS ROUND- who do you think wins the BBS title and who gets the 1st overall pick!!
AndrewGreeme has the best team in the East and I think he will end up with the title this year. If the Spurs can find a serviceable PG, I think they have a shot too. Zo might be the best big in the league and Manu is coming on strong in his first year. Don’t count the Jazz out. Allan Houston is the best SG in the league and D Rob is still doing his thing.
Houston gets the first pick. Their only player worth anything is a TO machine and the rest of the team is more or less leftover FA’s, including Kwame.
Don:I think it will be Nets vs Clippers in the finals and I think the Nets will win. A very good defensive squad. The Rockets are the worst squad so I'm sure they should end up with the number 1 pick but there is the lotto so who knows what will happen. Someone jumped this year. Can happen again.
Galo:I would say Jazz since they are still the defending champs although if DRob can’t stop Duncan then the Clippers could be a darkhorse in the West. Nets are still the favorite in the East unless our team or someone else upsets them like the Cavs or Heat. It’s very possible there’s a Finals rematch this year though.
I think the lotto will be flukey this year and the Bucks will pick No. 1 with the Rockets taking the #2 slot. We shall see though since the Pacers and Knicks both holding currently two potential lottos which could jump.
Habes:Nets. They’re nearly +10 in rebounds and +5 in turnover differential. Upgrading from Rice to MJ will help them address Houston’s scoring in the finals. The Rockets will finish the favorite for the #1 pick. Will be interesting to see if they decide to trade for Shaq once they land it.
Nanz: I'll go with the Nets and I hope his team retires on a high note LOL. Last pick right now has to be the Rockets but we'll see if they fall in the lotto... usually happens LOL.
Thank you all for participating in the first Back to The Future Roundtable and I hope you all enjoy it! This is your host, Johnny B. Good Stamos reminding you that it takes 50 muscles to frown but only 13 to smile! Stay Sexy.
