Phoenix Suns 95-101 Boston Celtics
Phoenix Suns 103-96 Boston Celtics
Phoenix Suns 109-114 Boston Celtics
Phoenix Suns 106-78 Boston Celtics Phoenix Suns 119-117 Boston Celtics
Because I made many of them younger. Some old-timey players were well into their mid 20s by the time they joined the league, which really doesn't work well with the game since age is such a massive factor to decide potential. I picked 19 because that seemed like a common age for rookies (or rather, they turn 20 between the draft and their first season). There's also luck involved, of course. Magic Johnson is "just" 61/70, Jerry West is 61/68, Ray Felix is 58/69, Yao Ming 61/73, Tony Parker 58/69, etc.
It's just that Phoenix in particular really lucked out on both draft picks and rookie improvement. Cooper Flagg was the 17th pick, and has gone 42 > 52 > 65 > 76 in overall rating since getting drafted in 2025.
@Solius I didn't notice that you re-signed right back with the Pacers before right at the end of free agency. Do you want to stay there? Not a lot of teams have any money left, but I could let you trade places with someone who also signed for a fair amount of money. It won't be a great team, but no great team had any money anyway.
Your options (if leaving) are: Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards or Cleveland Cavaliers. Other than that, the Portland Trailblazers and New Orleans Pelicans can just straight up afford you without a swap - Edit: let's say the San Antonio Spurs as well, for old times sake.
Okay guys, get ready! You're nearing the ends of your careers, some of you more rapidly than others, so prepare for a lot of red in the next few season previews. Now it's all about grabbing as much glory as you can on your way out. Particularly since I seeded the league with a stupid amount of up-and-coming legends.
Draft
Wilt and Shaq, future Boston legends.
Free Agency
Sonius signed with the San Antonio Spurs for $33.03M/yr through 2033. SebJr is yet to find a new team
Lil' V.O. (Kings) - cheeky Tim Duncan acquisition.
sontodevil (Heat) - a 34-year old Center might not be the most exciting get, but he essentially cost a single 2nd round pick and an unplayable 28-year old.
Skizzo & Sonius (Spurs), weeweetee (Pistons)
Dan II (76ers), Skizzo & Sonius (Spurs) - Spurs embracing the old.
weeweetee (Pistons) - Pistons embracing the young.
sontodevil (Heat), Skizzo & Sonius (Spurs) - Spurs embracing the young after all?
Nobbers & BenitwoSTARRLET - I have no words
Two Nil & reelworld II (Knicks), Pepper Bailly (Bucks)
Here are the new Phoenix Suns. Almost certainly the first time a team has their entire starting eleven at 70+ rating, and certainly for 74+. They did trade away a lot of depth, though: