12/3 Roster Highlights By: 2K Insider | Wednesday December 03 2008 Many of you have asked for what has changed with each roster update. The Latest News and Biggest Movers tabs touches briefly on the most important edits, but I think the blog is a good place to explain deeper. Please note that this blog entry still will not list EVERY change made since I tune lots of attributes throughout.
New Animations - I assigned a new isomotion package for Chris Paul and a new dunk package for Rudy Gay. Derrick Rose now has a new isomotion and dunk package. The new animations will play automatically so there's nothing special you need to do to see them in-game.
Injury Update - The Magic backcourt is currently depleted as Keith Bogans, Jameer Nelson and Mickael Pietrus are all sidelined. Jameer is hoping to return in the next few days, while Bogans and Pietrus will be on the shelf for a while. Carlos Boozer has missed the last 8 games due to a strained quad that is healing slowly. The Spurs are getting healthy now that Ginobili and Parker have returned to action. Roger Mason and George Hill did their part to hold down the fort while their all-star teammates were out. Both Andrew Bogut and Ricky Davis have missed some games due to injured knees. This has allowed Eric Gordon to emerge as a bright spot for the Clippers. He's probably earned the starting shooting guard spot for the rest of the season. Jamaal Magloire was activated by the Heat but he's being brought along very, very slowly. The Heat could really use his size as they routinely get punished inside each game. Michael Redd missed 14 games with an ankle injury but recently returned to the Bucks lineup. Chris Kaman is nursing a strained arch in his left foot, but fortunately for the Clippers their frontline is deep. Second year swingman Corey Brewer tore his ACL playing Denver and is out for the rest of the season. Josh Smith is set to return to the Hawks on Wednesday night vs Memphis after missing 12 games with a sprained ankle. Tracy McGrady has declared himself out for the next 3 weeks to rehab his surgically repaired knee. I wouldn't be surprised to see him back sooner as T-Mac's health seems to change with the tide.
Hot and Cold - As mentioned before, I touch lots of player ratings in each update...not just the players listed in Biggest Movers. Guys who received the most love this time include Devin Harris, Derrick Rose, Jason Terry, Brook Lopez, Al Thornton and Marquis Daniels. Guys who need a hug are J.R. Smith, Rip Hamilton and Andre Iguodala. Both Rip and Iggy got docked slightly based on their struggles this season.
Art - The Pacers secondary yellow road uniform is unlocked. For whatever reason, the NBA did not supply us with assets for the 76ers red secondary road uniform. The Clippers now wear black shoes/socks on the road. We do not have the ability to add new uniforms or court art in a roster update. Those things will have to wait until 2K10.
The dunk rating affects the "flashiness" of dunks available to a given player and not how far out he can begin his dunk. As mentioned in a previous blog, it's hard to get Dirk's overall rating any higher when he doesn't play good post defense or block shots...two factors in the overall rating for PF's.
thanks for addressing the dirk issue it is getting tired i hope the mavs finally back off until dirk starts showing he can play d and get on the block but at this time doesnt seem like it is going to happen anytime in the near future.
Dear 2k Insider: Update: Lewis is really feeling it from downtown right now, hitting at least four three-points in seven of his last 11 games. he's shooting 39% from the field, and is leading the league in 3pt made, also has 19 a game as well as plays better defense. please a stat increase, at least to where he began the season but with better defense and better handles? i appreciate it.
Insider, i think players pull up jumpers need improving if you could improve that would be very helpful.... players like melo, nash, kobe are deadly off the dribble.... this would change the way a lot of people play the game
Caron Butler has struggled out the gate averaging 16.8 ppg on 0.397 FG% over 8 games. Perhaps he won't struggle as much when Antawn Jamison finally returns to the lineup.
Mid-range %
3pt %
Sacramento Kings - Tyreke Evans
Tyreke Evans has flourished since Kevin Martin went down with injury, averaging 23.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 5.0 apg and 1.4 spg. His confidence is sky high right now which bodes well for his eventual return to running point for the Kings.
Passing
3pt %
Milwaukee Bucks - Brandon Jennings
Brandon Jennings lit up the Warriors for 55 points Saturday night in a performance that had everyone talking. The Bucks finally got it right and looks to have gotten the steal of the draft this year.
Mid-range %
3pt %
Los Angeles Clippers - Chris Kaman
The bright spot for the Clippers has been Chris Kaman's improved offense of 21.8 ppg on 0.543 FG%. The NBA recently recognized him by naming Kaman the Western Conference Player of the Week.
Low Post
Block
Los Angeles Lakers - Andrew Bynum
Andrew Bynum is holding it down in the middle for the Lakers with 20.3 ppg, 11.8 rpg and 1.8 bpg averages. It's nice to finally see the young big man healthy and productive after some unfortunate injuries in recent years.
Low Post
Rebounding
New York Knicks - Toney Douglas
Toney Douglas has provided the Knicks with bench scoring over the last few games. No doubt Mike D'Antoni is frustrated with Chris Duhon's lack of scoring this year.
Mid-range %
3pt %
Chicago Bulls - Joakim Noah
Joakim Noah is averaging 12.1 ppg, 12.4 rpg and 2.0 bpg and providing a presence in the paint. This is exactly what the Bulls were hoping for when they made him their 2007 lottery pick.
Close-range %
Block
Indiana Pacers - Roy Hibbert
Second year center, Roy Hibbert, has improved significantly by averaging 12.6 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 2.5 bpg. He looks to be in better shape and understands his role better this time around.
Block
Rebounding
Philadelphia 76ers - Samuel Dalembert
Samuel Dalembert's production has taken a dip with averages of 6.2 ppg and 6.8 rpg. Now that Marresse Speights is out for extended time, the Sixers need Sammy D to step it up.
Block
Rebounding
New York Knicks - Chris Duhon
Chris Duhon can't hit the side of a barn, averaging 6.5 ppg on 0.228 FG%. This has allowed Toney Douglas to get significant run in recent games.
Mid-range %
3pt %
Latest News
Golden State Warriors - Kelenna Azubuike
Kelenna Azubuike tore his left patellar tendon and is done for the season. Swingmen Anthony Morrow and Corey Maggette will share the extra minutes.
Charlotte Bobcats - Stephen Jackson
Stephen Jackson got his wish and was traded to Charlotte where he gets a fresh start. Acie Law joins him in exchange for Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovic.
Golden State Warriors - Raja Bell
Raja Bell immediately opted for surgery to repair his fractured wrist, thus ending his season. His top priority is to get healthy for free agency rather than play for the lowly Warriors.
Orlando Magic - Rashard Lewis
Rashard Lewis has finished serving his 10 game suspension and is starting at power forward again. It should take him a couple weeks to work off the rust and get back into game shape.
Philadelphia 76ers - Marreese Speights
Marresse Speights strained the MCL in his left knee and is out 6 to 8 weeks. He had been providing a nice scoring punch off the bench this season.
Portland Blazers - Travis Outlaw
High flyer Travis Outlaw has a stress fracture in his left foot and will miss 3 to 5 months. Rudy Fernandez and Martell Webster are more than capable of picking up the slack.
Memphis Grizzlies - Jamaal Tinsley
The Grizzlies took another gamble and signed troubled point guard Jamaal Tinsley. J.T. had been out of the NBA for over a year so expectations are low.
New Orleans Hornets - Chris Paul
Chris Paul severely sprained his ankle and is out at least 3 to 4 weeks. Rookie Darren Collison takes over the starting gig with Bobby Brown backing him up
Washington Wizards - Caron Butler
Caron Butler has struggled out the gate averaging 16.8 ppg on 0.397 FG% over 8 games. 
Sacramento Kings - Tyreke Evans
Tyreke Evans has flourished since Kevin Martin went down with injury, averaging 23.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 5.0 apg and 1.4 spg. 
Milwaukee Bucks - Brandon Jennings
Brandon Jennings lit up the Warriors for 55 points Saturday night in a performance that had everyone talking. 
Los Angeles Clippers - Chris Kaman
The bright spot for the Clippers has been Chris Kaman's improved offense of 21.8 ppg on 0.543 FG%. 
Los Angeles Lakers - Andrew Bynum
Andrew Bynum is holding it down in the middle for the Lakers with 20.3 ppg, 11.8 rpg and 1.8 bpg averages. 
New York Knicks - Toney Douglas
Toney Douglas has provided the Knicks with bench scoring over the last few games. 
Chicago Bulls - Joakim Noah
Joakim Noah is averaging 12.1 ppg, 12.4 rpg and 2.0 bpg and providing a presence in the paint. 
Indiana Pacers - Roy Hibbert
Second year center, Roy Hibbert, has improved significantly by averaging 12.6 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 2.5 bpg. 
Philadelphia 76ers - Samuel Dalembert
Samuel Dalembert's production has taken a dip with averages of 6.2 ppg and 6.8 rpg. 
Chris Duhon can't hit the side of a barn, averaging 6.5 ppg on 0.228 FG%. 
Golden State Warriors - Kelenna Azubuike
Kelenna Azubuike tore his left patellar tendon and is done for the season. 
Charlotte Bobcats - Stephen Jackson
Stephen Jackson got his wish and was traded to Charlotte where he gets a fresh start. 
Raja Bell immediately opted for surgery to repair his fractured wrist, thus ending his season. 
Orlando Magic - Rashard Lewis
Rashard Lewis has finished serving his 10 game suspension and is starting at power forward again. 
Marresse Speights strained the MCL in his left knee and is out 6 to 8 weeks. 
Portland Blazers - Travis Outlaw
High flyer Travis Outlaw has a stress fracture in his left foot and will miss 3 to 5 months. 
Memphis Grizzlies - Jamaal Tinsley
The Grizzlies took another gamble and signed troubled point guard Jamaal Tinsley. 
New Orleans Hornets - Chris Paul
Chris Paul severely sprained his ankle and is out at least 3 to 4 weeks. 
