Post by tmaczdaddy on Oct 28, 2012 1:35:08 GMT -5
A friendly Question and Answer with Mr. Waldo and Norgeis
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[/center]QUESTION 1) The league has seen a tremendous spike in activity the last couple weeks. Some people have claimed responsibility for the positive trend (play), while others attribute it to the firing of inactive GM's. Is play truly responsible?
Waldo: I don't think play has anything to do with increased activity. Ashes has finally gotten rid of some people who have never been active, and they've been replaced by guys like Xuchal who's very active.
My thoughts: I have to agree with you here, but I think another factor is that we are in our 3rd year. The first season there is no TC so people aren't sure how much value some of their players have and end up keeping them. The first year in any league is usually a struggle, but I'm glad we've moved to the active phase.
QUESTION 2) Early on there were heated discussion about whether or not the current cash system would work. Two and a half seasons in, do you think the cash system has been a success? If not, do you have any suggestions?
Waldo: The current cash system is still pretty meh, and I hate the in game claiming, but besides that, I'm glad the costs were lowered so people can actually spend cash on things. I still think it's a bit overpriced since there's a random chance a player doesn't improve, or may not get a certain attribute you want improved.
My thoughts: I'm not a fan of the in-game claiming, but I think the spending price is reasonable as of now. We also eliminated -1 and 0's when you IT a player. Get with the program, waldo! To begin with I was opposed to the system, but over time I have adjusted to it and no longer see it as an issue. There have been a lot of IT's spent lately. Hopefully we can allow GM's to get cash, but also limit inflation. I hate inflated ratings in a league.
QUESTION 3) During the inaugural season of UOSL3 you took the title, which spurred debates about the legitimacy of your title because of the lack of talent around the league (spence). Some (mainly broph/spence) questioned the production of Gerald Wallace, citing that he was extremely overrated. We would like to clear this once and for all: What do you have to say to the the specific people who doubted the legitimacy of your championship?
Waldo: 3) They can be upset they didn't win, but in the first season I had the second best team in the West, and actually would have lost to the Thunder had Ibaka not gone down with an injury (went 4-0 when Ibaka got hurt). The Nets were the only Eastern team that really matched up talent wise to my team but I won with my depth. I think more than anything people didn't know me as a GM and were just being haters cuz the new guy had success.
My thoughts: Man, this was your opportunity to get back at the haters. People complain about GW being overrated, but if you look at the first 82-game preseason run, he only was putting up 15ppg/9rpg, which is exactly he should be averaging. Waldo just put him in a position to excel and he took off from there.
QUESTION 4) I feel like you know a lot about stats and sports data. Tell me what you think is the most overlooked stat/rating/attribute in FBB. Do you believe that passing is a useless attribute in FBB like repole so eloquently stated?
My thoughts: You really think so? IMO both blocking and stealing add a lot to a team. Check out the teams that lead the league in blocks and steals. They are upper-echelon in the league standings.
QUESTION 5) There are a bunch of teams in the East that are stuck in mediocrity, but each of whom has a shot at making the playoffs because of how weak the conference is. Here is a list of mediocre teams in the East: Tell me who should try to rebuild, who should make a move to become a contender, and who should stay in mediocrity and why.
Detroit Pistons -
Waldo: Contend for sure, this team is solid, but they've done nothing to improve their perimeter defense and it's once again killing their team. Would be interesting to see K-Mart swapped for a defensive stopper at SG, since they already have plenty of scoring options on that roster.
My thoughts: Agreed. That has been the problem with Erbes' teams from Day 1. He has accumulated a great amount of talent on the offensive end, but nothing on defense. You aren't going to win consistently without defense unless you score like OKC.
Chicago Bulls -
Waldo: Hate to say it with a team led by Rose, but I feel like the Bulls just don't have the talent to go forward and be an elite team, then their cap situation isn't looking good either, so I think they should re-tool and look to win in a few years.
My thoughts: I was extremely surprised when the Bulls resigned Deng to a MAX contract. He's a good player, but I'm sure he could have gotten him on a better deal. They are a solid team, but I don't think they will go far in the playoffs. I concur that they need to tear it down before it's too late. The GM for the Bulls has been where?
Orlando Magic -
Waldo: Well, Magic may be mediocre now, but they're already in rebuild mode and have four 1sts this year...Cody Zeller is single handedly somehow keeping them close to .500.
My thoughts: Honestly, if they didn't make any moves after TC they could be competing in the East right now. They lost both Nicholson that rookie PG who are making big impacts for their new teams. Even now with only Len and Zeller they are struggling to fully tank.
NO Hornets -
Waldo: Kinda suprised this team still has Gordon and Ryan Anderson, I would have thought year one they'd go all out and rebuild. But it doesn't appear they're going anywhere this year and should definately move those two guys.
My thoughts: I feel like the Hornets are just off to a bad start this year. They have all the same talent that they had last year when they won the 'ship. It's just a matter of time until they start clicking and return to form. They are well balanced on offense and defense. Offensively, they have 3 guys that can hurt you (each avg above 20ppg) in Anderson, Gordon, and Hill. Defensively, they have one of the best in Davis and the starters aren't a liability on that end (outside of RA).
Miami Heat -
Zuchal: This team could go either way, but instead of settling for being mediocre, they need to either move their young pieces to win now, or send bosh and wade off to rebuild.
My thoughts: Eh... I think they need to tear it down.
Milwauke Bucks -
Zuchal: Bucks are kinda like the Heat, where they could go either way, except they have alot more talent to work with. Seems like they have a log jam of wings, but lack a true center which is definitely hurting their team thus far.
My thoughts: Yeah, the Center thing is killing me. Not to mention the fact that we are shooting 42% from the field and are on the bottom of most categories. I shouldn't have tried to win this year. My mistake.
QUESTION 6) How would you assess the new hires? Do you think it was a good move to fire the more experienced/well-known GM's for unknowns who are unfamiliar with the league and its GM's?
Waldo: Xuchal has been great, very active and he also knows what he's doing. ShakeNBake as inexperienced as he is, typically brings alot of activity (disappeared after he finally got hired here though)...Krispy I don't know alot about but he's fairly active in another league so why not bring him in. I'm not too big on names of GMs, if they aren't active they don't belong in the league, if you settle of inactive GMs it's going to hurt the league.
My thoughts: I'm glad we got rid of the vets that weren't doing anything in this league. They got by for so long without being fired because of it. I mean, we had a couple teams that were just non-existent for two seasons.
QUESTION 7) Do you think GM overvaluation is a problem? From your experience thus far, who have been the most common violators? How do you deal with these kind of GM's?
Waldo: Some combination of GMs overvaluing their players and just offering complete shit for mine has made trading quite interesting thus far for me. (No I'm not dealing Tyreke Evans for Alec Burks). I really don't remember besides recent ones like the Twolves, there was Knicks and Celtics last year, and you with damn Teletovic. HAHA!
My thoughts: Don't forget play. Yeah, tiger is trying to take advantage of me in a trade for Tyson Chandler. He wants both Nicholson and Mayo. There are a few GM's in general that I stay away from because I know it would be tough to work out a deal unless. Not that I haven't completed a deal with them before...It's just that I would send them fewer offers b/c of a smaller chance of completion (I am one of those GM's btw as waldo so nicely noted).
QUESTION 8) You have had some run-ins with spence in UOSL3; not many of them pretty. Tell me, why do you guys get off on the wrong foot? Is there some past between the two of you? If not, is there anything you would like to say to clear the air?
My thoughts: Glad things settled down a little bit.
QUESTION 9) Erbes had forsaken his future early in this league for the purpose of winning a championship. Things didn't work out quite as planned and now he is left in quite a predicament. What GM's do you think are going in the wrong direction with some of their trades/transaction or lack thereof?
Waldo: I just think some people just make moves for the sake of doing so, not actually to help their roster. Then I think in Erbes case he went all in, but he only added scorers, without any defensive players his team hasn't gone anywhere. He did bring in Batum with Monroe this year but things still haven't quite clicked.
My thoughts: I have to agree with you here, but I think another factor is that we are in our 3rd year. The first season there is no TC so people aren't sure how much value some of their players have and end up keeping them. The first year in any league is usually a struggle, but I'm glad we've moved to the active phase.
QUESTION 10) On the opposite side of the spectrum, what GM's do you think have taken the initiative to make a deal and thus improved the outlook of their team, whether that means contending or rebuilding?
Waldo: Spencer has been making some solid moves to make a quick transition from rebuilding to contending and being a top team in the West. Rockets have also done a great job with that as well.
My thoughts: I think what Spence has down has been more of a process. He has allowed his youth to develop, while making a couple of deals in the off-season to make his team a contender. They have a nice mix of youth and veterans. The Rockets trading for Pau Gasol was also huge as he replaces Dirk and gives them a shot to beat OKC in the playoffs.
A team that deserves mentioning that you forgot is the Boston Celtics. Going into the off-season, they had Varejao and Rondo. Somehow, after slick wheeling and dealing, he acquired Gerald Wallace and Al Jefferson in some lopsided deals. It's crazy how quickly he turned it around! Either way, I love the aggressiveness on his part... Other GM's take note.
QUESTION 11) GM Stuff
Funniest GM - None of yall are funny
Most hypocritical - Most of the people who posted politics on here
Most knowledge of FBB - I got no idea at all who knows the most
GM you would like to learn more about - ME!
GM you would never got along with IRL - Probably svedda since he's 17 and thinks he knows everything
GM that makes you say, "huh"? Repole for sure
Coolest non-USA GM - Who's non-US here? I've assumed footy, I know xuchal isn't but that's about it haha.
Funniest GM - Dang. I can't think of any GM that is purposely funny. The only guy that pops up to mind is game - and those aren't his intentions. LOLz
Most hypocritical - Everybody but me.
Most knowledge of FBB - Broph... maybe repole?
GM you would like to learn more about - ME!
GM you would never got along with IRL - Bulls GM
GM that makes you say, "huh"? Game 100%
Coolest non-USA GM - SAGA!!!!!!!! Cuz he's a nice guy.
QUESTION 11) Crucial issues detrimental to human existence:
a) Tell me how you feel about the Packers smashing the Texans without mentioning Brian Cushing.
Zuchal: It hurt on the inside, but seeing them go out and completely dominate the Ravens in every aspect of the game felt great.
My thoughts: I don't see how the Ravens relate to my question. Packers>Texans and it ain't close! You can't stop RODGERS!
b) Tell us how "Behind the Box Score" is coming along.. Most interesting fact?
Zuchal: It's a great book that talks about everything from stadiums, to owners of franchises, and some history about all of that. If you want to learn more about the business aspect of sports it's a great read.
My thoughts: Just might.
c) Can the Oregon Ducks beat Alabama?
Zuchal: Who cares, hopefully yes though, because FSU needs all the help they can get to move back up towards the top in the BCS ranks.
My thoughts: No.
d) James Harden - good fit in Houston?
Zuchal: It's going to be interesting to see how he fits in with Lin, and how his game translates to being THE guy on a team...I'm expecting him to have a big season.
My thoughts: No doubt. Houston needed a secondary ball-handler behind Jeremy Lin and they got one here....A pretty dang talented one too. I think that will take some of the pressure off of Lin instead of having to create everything himself. He was actually fairly efficient for NYK off the ball when Shump would do some ball-handling. He doesn't work well with chuckers (ala Melo and K-Mart) so he should fit better with Harden.
