Official NBA 2k8 Information Thread

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CelticBalla32

Basketball is back in Boston
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I'll just post what I had before in a thread I started on another site, and I'll keep updating it as information comes out.</p>

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/817/817122p1.html</p><div style="margin: 5px 20px 20px"> <div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom: 2px">Quote:</div> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="6" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td class="alt2" style="border: 1px inset "> It begins with the rebuilt AI. The new AI is deadly against those who have zero hoops knowledge. If your idea of a basketball game is constantly driving to the hole, no matter who's handling the rock and who's standing in their way, then you're in for a rude awakening. NBA 2K8 will punish those who make foolish plays. The AI takes advantage of aggressiveness. Dribble too much and the AI will strip you. Drive down the lane every possession and you'll find a big man will start stepping up to take the charge and knock you on your ass.

Play smart hoops and you will be rewarded. The defense properly collapses when Shaq gets the ball in deep. And the AI, now often seen moving without the ball, will likely set Dwyane Wade behind the arc. Pass out of the triple-team and Wade is left wide open. Players such as Wade and Nash, who rarely miss those open shots, aren't going to miss them in 2K8. Think about it. How often have you seen Nash find spacing and drain a wide-open shot? All the time. He's almost automatic. But in most hoops games, soulless mathematics are used to determine an artificial probability of that little orange ball going through the hoop. And too often that ball clanks. I've seen first hand that if Nash pulls up and no one is around him, in 2K8, he's banging that home.

At the same time, the 2K team realized that there are some players who can drive into traffic and will the ball into the hoops. Kobe, KG, Agent Zero. Whether it's pushing through and slamming a dunk over a defender or finding a way to teardrop the ball through the hoop, some players just have a knack for draining clutch shots in traffic. Those players now have a specific rating in NBA 2K8, so that once impossible shots can sometimes be possible. That isn't to say you won't see harsh rejections of even the most dominant players, but no longer is every player treated as equal with a defender's hand in his face. </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div>I like the sound of everything in these 3 paragraphs.

<div style="margin: 5px 20px 20px"> <div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom: 2px">Quote:</div> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="6" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td class="alt2" style="border: 1px inset "> Things are a little more sophisticated away from the paint as well. Each player now has a rating judging how good they are shooting off the dribble. Kobe may just be one of the very best in this category. How often do we see an awkward jumpshot off a dribble drained by Kobe? NBA 2K8 recognizes there are some players better at setting their feet and shooting and others that have a gift for dropping shots on the move. Again, all of this is meant to better individuate NBA players. You want Tony Parker to play differently than Leandro Barbosa. You want Nash and Dirk to both be highly-skilled but different to control. From the game I played of NBA 2K8, that dream is closer to reality than it has been in a long time for Visual Concepts. </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div>Nice addition, good to see that they're adding more in-depth rating scales.

<div style="margin: 5px 20px 20px"> <div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom: 2px">Quote:</div> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="6" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td class="alt2" style="border: 1px inset "> In hopes to add even more realism to its sim franchise, Visual Concepts implemented new footplanting technology. The new animation and physics system requires that every crossover and post move have the necessary footwork to make it real. In the past you could use the Isomotion system to break from a crossover and then instantly hit a spin move. While it looked cool, some of the animations were physically impossible. Now, players must plant their foot to properly push off. It makes some of the moves slower to respond, but it also makes NBA 2K8 feel a touch more grounded than its predecessors. Movement and momentum were a major focus for VC this year and its shows. </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div>Thank God.

<div style="margin: 5px 20px 20px"> <div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom: 2px">Quote:</div> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="6" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td class="alt2" style="border: 1px inset "> While your or I might have called it a day with all these improvements, VC soldiered on. Next on the hit list is the post game. Let's face it, post play has never been as perimeter play. NBA 2K8 hopes to change that with a more refined post option. The biggest change in the post are your options. Players have a far greater range of shot options and moves. And the post doesn't feel as artificial, as if it's some mini-game within a game. While after one game I can't say it's the greatest thing since jelly on toast, it's certainly faster and more exhilarating than in 2K7. </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div>I like this as well, I want more versatility in the post. I hope we can up-fake deep in the post now, as well.

<div style="margin: 5px 20px 20px"> <div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom: 2px">Quote:</div> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="6" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td class="alt2" style="border: 1px inset "> When the buzzer rings and the crowd begins filing out of the arena, you still have reason to avoid quitting to the main menu. The post game show starts with the Jordan Player of the Game. You'll see the player's stats and their highlight reel. It even shows their hot zones and how well they shot around the court. Then comes the top 3 plays of the game. If that's not enough, you get signature highlights for every player. Let's say you play Celtics vs. Suns. You can click on Kevin Garnett and see his highlight reel. Then check out all of Nash's dope dishes. And Barbosa's sweet jumpers. If that isn't enough, you can go through a catalogue of every single play in the entire game and choose any replay you want to watch. That's hot. </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div>

The post-game show sounds pretty damn sick, and I really like Top 3 Plays of the Game.

Then you guys already know about the Lock-on D and hot zones (if not, just read page 2 of this article). In the last article (don't feel like digging it up), it also mentioned that the off-ball controls are much better.

<font size="3">Alright remember how the first batch of NBA 2k8 pictures made Chris Paul look like a glazed doughnut? Well, let's just say they fixed it, and the player models/graphics are RIDICULOUSLY on-point. Here are 7 new pics</font>:</p>

nba-2k8-20070830063653326.jpg
</p>

nba-2k8-20070830063657201.jpg
</p>

nba-2k8-20070830063658201.jpg
</p>

nba-2k8-20070830063659076.jpg
</p>

nba-2k8-20070830063700044.jpg
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nba-2k8-20070830063700982.jpg
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nba-2k8-20070830063701857.jpg
</p>

<font face="arial black,avant garde"><font size="2">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</font></font> </p>Awesome, 2k8 finally released their first trailer!

http://www.gamespot.com/video/939852...cial-trailer-1

Some Observations<ul>[*]The crowd looks great, and I love how they are wearing actual player jerseys (notice after Baron Davis' dunk at the beginning of the video, they show the crowd, and one guy in the front row has a Monta Ellis jersey on). The atmosphere looked great, and the crowd actually got on their feet and cheered.[*]The net looks great, especially off the swish from Kobe's baseline fadeaway.[*]I liked the new ball handling moves they showed, thanks to CP3.[*]The off-ball movement and cutting looked realistic, and I like how the defense grappled trying to catch up.[*]I like the player celebration, especially AI & Melo's little high-five/kick action and the chest pound.[*]LeBron's dunk at the very end was vicious.[/list]


Finally, 2k is starting to release legitimate info.</p>

<font face="arial black,avant garde" size="2">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</font></p>Not much, but a little something, with some promising tidbits:

http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3162504

<div style="margin: 5px 20px 20px"> <div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom: 2px">Quote:</div> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="6" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td class="alt2" style="border: 1px inset "> For starters, NBA 2K8's arena lighting and crowd looks fantastic -- this year it's all part of the same picture. Last season, the art team didn't develop the stadiums and the players at the same time, so the ballers didn't exactly "fit" when they were dropped onto the parquet. This year the team built them simultaneously, and it shows -- so much so that players interact with the sidelines and even jump over the first row of seats when going for a loose ball.

We didn't get a close look at the franchise mode, but we did hear something that had our ears perk up: You can pitch players on different aspects to lure them to your team. If you say they'll start and you're empty at their position, they are more likely sign. Smart stuff. </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div>The part about the players diving over the first row is absolutely sick, and I'm glad there's more to free agent negotiations.
 
I actually like the 2k games. NHL 2K7 was very good and i'll definitely be getting this after NBA 2K7
 
This is on my buy list... right after Fifa 08.</p>

-Petey</p>
 
I am glad they are beginning to re-tool free agency. The idea of selling a pitch to a free agent is a good one, but the most pressing need is the updating to the real NBA financial system. Still this is a MUST BUY for basketball fans.
 
i like the looks of this, is this coming out for the psp? if so, i might get this one over Live.</p>

</p>

any chance anyone will be making a Live 08 thread?</p>
 
Please tell me this will come out on Xbox(not 360)
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (peg182)</div><div class='quotemain'>

i like the looks of this, is this coming out for the psp? if so, i might get this one over Live.</p>

</div></p>

</p>

Yup, it's coming out for PSP.</p>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (L)</div><div class='quotemain'>Please tell me this will come out on Xbox(not 360)</div></p>

Sorry to tell you, it isn't coming out for regular XBOX. It's coming out for XBOX 360, PS3, PS2, PSP, Wii, and PC. I also heard that this is the last year they will make it for all current-gen systems (which means 2k8 is the finale for PS2 as well).</p>
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticBalla32)</div><div class='quotemain'>Sorry to tell you, it isn't coming out for regular XBOX. It's coming out for XBOX 360, PS3, PS2, PSP, Wii, and PC. I also heard that this is the last year they will make it for all current-gen systems (which means 2k8 is the finale for PS2 as well).</div></p>

Well I guess I'll have to update my system soon then.</p>

</p>

</p>
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Petey)</div><div class='quotemain'>

This is on my buy list... right after Fifa 08.</p>

-Petey </p></div>

</p>

Scratch Fifa get Pes 2008</p>
 
Im going to pick this game up as soon as my 360 is fixed..it broke like 3 weeks ago and Best Buy didnt do a single thing to fix it even though I have their warranty, now I have to go through microsoft which I was told is going to take about 2 weeks which aint bad.
 
http://www.2ksports.com/games/nba2k8/</p>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'></p><ul>[*]Sprite Slam Dunk Contest - Live from Las Vegas, 2K is bringing you the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest, hosted by street legend Bobbito Garcia. Choose from hundreds of dunks and a vast array of props as you compete against the NBA's finest dunkers in this 4 player event. The Sprite Slam Dunk Contest is also playable online; it's here that you can prove to the world that you are the greatest dunker there is.[/list]
<ul>[*]More Signature Style - Customizable Free Throws, Dribble Moves, and Dunks give users total control over the way their favorite players play on the court. All new signature shots from many of your favorite NBA players, including #1 draft choice Greg Oden, as well as individual post and dribble moves, makes NBA 2K8 the most authentic NBA simulation on the market.[/list]
<ul>[*]Off-Ball Control - Run quick on the fly sets to get your favorite player the ball in the best situation for him to get a quick bucket. Use the Get Open button for a fast play, or call for the exact situation you want with the Off-Ball Control menu. On offense, you now have the option to switch off the ball handler to other players where you can call for alley-oops, jostle for post-position, set screens, etc.[/list]
<ul>[*]A Whole New Look - Every NBA player has been completely redone to improve likenesses and overall graphical quality. Kevin Harlan and Kenny Smith now deliver emotionally charged commentary and the new Game Wrap-Up feature allows you to choose the kind of post game show you watch.[/list]
<ul>[*]Lock-On D - All-new defensive controls give users more control of their player than ever before! Use the right analog to play tighter defense on the ball-handler, body up on the ball handler, and run advanced defensive sets.[/list]
<ul>[*]The Association - Run your franchise by identifying player roles, balancing playing time, and keeping team morale up. The Hoopcast Simulator makes simulating games exciting while SimCentral centralizes all necessary information for real-time stats, standing, injuries, and much more.[/list]
<ul>[*]2K Online - Nobody does online gaming like 2K Sports and this year we have added tons of new features including a news ticker that updates you with sports headlines across the country, a user customizable Front Page display, and a Co-op mode that allows 2 users to play on the same team against the AI.[/list]
<ul>[*]2K8 Soundtrack - Featuring Common, Q-Tip, Run DMC, J-Dilla, Quasimotto, Cut Chemist, Devo, Stone Roses, Fishbone, Tommy Guerrero, Breakestra, G-Love, Quantic and many more.[/list]

</div></p>

I love the news about Harlan/Kenny showing emotion in the commentary, and the fact that you can customize your post-game show is awesome. Also, it seems like that really are adding more to Association Mode, which is the biggest thing with me. More to negotiations, more to team chemistry, team morale, etc. Defining roles and setting playing time? Beautiful.</p>

They released more screenshots as well:</p>

NBA2K8-Screen1.jpg
</p>

NBA2K8-Screen2.jpg
</p>

NBA2K8-Screen3.jpg
</p>

NBA2K8-Screen4.jpg
</p>

NBA2K8-Screen5.jpg
</p>

</p>
 
I like how they added a dunk contest but no dunk contest looks like that.
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Universe)</div><div class='quotemain'>I like how they added a dunk contest but no dunk contest looks like that.</div></p>

It's in NBA Blacktop (street) mode. They have a 3-point contest as well.</p>

</p>
 
Um, where does it say it'll be on the wii?</p>

And I remember that dunk set up from NBA street V3</p>
 
After observing the screenshots I noticed that players now wear their team jersey during the dunk contest, in previous videos they wore plain black top and bottoms.
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MosDefinitely)</div><div class='quotemain'>After observing the screenshots I noticed that players now wear their team jersey during the dunk contest, in previous videos they wore plain black top and bottoms.</div></p>

Yeah, also notice that LeBron doesn't have matching game shorts on either, so I bet you can toggle through clothing options.</p>

</p>
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticBalla32)</div><div class='quotemain'>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MosDefinitely)</div><div class='quotemain'>After observing the screenshots I noticed that players now wear their team jersey during the dunk contest, in previous videos they wore plain black top and bottoms.</div></p>

Yeah, also notice that LeBron doesn't have matching game shorts on either, so I bet you can toggle through clothing options. </p>

</p> </div>

</p>

True I thoughtt it was just really bright lighting but the color of the stripes dont match...Anyways I cant wait to get my hands on this game because it will kill alot of time before the NBA season begins. First thing im gonna do is check if they got the signature shots correct for Bosh, Bargnani, Calderon and the rest of the Raptors.</p>
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (TucsonClip)</div><div class='quotemain'>I am glad they are beginning to re-tool free agency. The idea of selling a pitch to a free agent is a good one, but the most pressing need is the updating to the real NBA financial system. Still this is a MUST BUY for basketball fans.</div> </p>

They haven't done that yet? I skipped 07, I thought they had done that by now. But yeah, this is a must have.</p>
 
i can't really decide between nba 08, nba 2k8, or nba live 08.</p>

probably not nba 08, unless they make some MAJOR changes from the last game.</p>
 
Live sucks, 08's not a factor, 2k8 all the way.
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dre)</div><div class='quotemain'>Live sucks, 08's not a factor, 2k8 all the way.</div>

</p>

sorta what i figured. although it's not 100% sure that 2k will even come out for psp...i might have to go back to Live. </p>

which i don't mind, of course.</p>
 
Its about time we got some official info. The fanboys on the 2k boards were making me want to kill myself
 
Lol so obvious they stole the Dunk contest from NBA Street V3. Lovewd that game and thats what got me into B'Ball
 
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 1.3em"><span style="color: red">Oh my goodness!!! Stop what you're doing and read this article.</span></span>

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/818/818513p1.html</p>

</p>

The franchise mode in almost every sports game has suffered from the same problem: unrealistic and downright bad trade and player logic. Trades are just a matter of matching up ratings, signing free agents comes down to having enough to spend (since you're always first in line), and player morale is simplistic and often broken. NBA 2K8 may have the solution, with a revamped Association Mode that puts personality into every single NBA player and future draft pick.

Every player is assigned one of four personality types:

* Neutral: This covers the majority of NBA players. They don't suffer from many of the issues associated with the other three types. Examples: Michael Redd, Chris Paul, Shawn Marion

* Laid Back: This player doesn't often show emotion and usually ignores what others may perceive as an insult. At the same time, they aren't know for inspiring a team with their energy. Examples: Tim Duncan, Grant Hill, Ray Allen

* Expressive: When this player's not happy, you, the team, and the media know about it. But this player can also have a positive effect on a team so long as they are kept happy. These guys wear their emotions on their sleeves. Examples: Rasheed Wallace, Vince Carter, Sam Cassell

* Unpredictable: You just don't know what you are going to get with these types of players. They may suddenly lash out at a coach or just sit quietly and say everything is okay, even if it's not. Examples: Allen Iverson, Zach Randolph, Ron Artest


One personality isn't necessarily better than another. In fact, NBA 2K8 is designed so that, like a real hoops team, it's best to have a mix of personalities. A team full of Laid Back players will be just that -- laid back. Team chemistry and morale, while less likely to go sour, will also build far slower without some energetic personalities. On the other hand, two big stars that are both Expressive may clash. But a Batman & Robin tandem of an Expressive point guard and a Laid Back small forward may be able to work some real magic over their careers together. Managing the personas of your players and creating the right blend for your team will be crucial to succeeding in The Association.</p>
</p>

That is an unbelievable feature, but hang tight, <span style="text-decoration: underline">it gets much better</span>.</p>

</p>

Player personalities are only one half of the mix that makes The Association look so promising this year. For the first time, users can define every player's role on the team. Depending on a player's persona, their overall rating, and career, they will have specific expectations of the role they should play on a team. That includes number of minutes played, but also factors in how they are being utilized on the court.

There are five roles that can be set for players. Each role includes several potential sub-roles that further define player expectations. In this way, you can have five starters that each have an understanding of their place on the team (that doesn't mean they have to be happy about it):

Starter: This player expects to be in the starting five of every game and play a significant amount of minutes.

* I want you to be the star of the team.
* Your position as a starter is guaranteed.
* You're replaceable if an upgrade comes along.


6th Man: Usually the first man off the bench, these guys are often good enough to be starters and are the leaders on the court when substitutions are made. And yes, you can have more than one 6th Man on a team.

* We need you to bring some energy off the bench.
* You might not be a starter, but playing time will be ample.
* You will have plenty of opportunities to prove yourself.


Role Player: This might be a defensive specialist or perimeter shooter -- someone who is on the team to perform a very specific function.

* We need some energy and depth off the bench.
* Your minutes will be limited, but you will get a chance.
* We need your versatility off the bench; playing time will be sporadic.
* Our young players need a mentor; playing time will be limited.


Prospect: This is someone who has a great deal of potential, but isn't quite ready for a full-time job in the NBA. They expect to play a few minutes each night, but won't carry much of the load.

* You will have a solid career, but you're not ready yet.
* We believe in you, but you need more time to develop.


Bench Warmer: These scrubs are the Jack Haleys of the NBA, there to fill out the 12-man roster and clap a lot on the pine.

* Playing time will be very limited.
* You will only see playing time if we get hit with injuries.
* We need you to fill out the roster.</p>
</p>

Another outstanding feature. <span style="text-decoration: underline">But "wait... there's more!"</span></p>

</p>

Personality and player roles factor into almost every aspect of The Association. Let's say you are playing as the Celtics and, just to be a jerk, you decide to make KG a Role Player. Because of his rating, KG knows he should be a starter. If KG were an explosive personality, this could become trouble instantly. But since KG is Laid Back, he may bite his lip and just take it. But his morale will slowly tumble. And if the team begins to lose with KG riding pine (even in sims, you can designate the number of minutes players are on the court), the team chemistry will start to sour. And if team chemistry drops, some of the more hot-headed players on the team may start having an adverse reaction. All of this as a result of your benching a player who expects (and deserves) to be a starter.

This also factors into signing and trading players. Let's say you decide to bench Paul Pierce for a few games. He may become so upset that he demands a trade. In fact, you can damage the relationship so much that it will be very difficult to regain Pierce's trust. What can you do but trade him? Problem is, the AI knows Paul Pierce is demanding a trade. So, with your hand forced, Pierce's trade value plummets. And should you keep Pierce, it will cost you quite a lot of cash to convince him to resign.</p>
</p>

I don't know if I like the fact that they used Pierce as an example, and maybe it was just that - a random example, but I hope Pierce's personality isn't a tough one to handle in 2k8.

Regardless, that is an unbelievable feature. But again, there's more:</p>

</p>

When signing free agents or even re-signing players currently on your team, you'll have to do more than just offer cash. You can also include a no trade clause, player and team options, and define the role/sub-role. You can try and over-promise a player a role to get them at a lower value, but you may end up screwing yourself later if they don't get the minutes. In this way, players are called on their BS signing tactics that allowed them to easily overload a team with talent.

Age and a player's history also play a part in contract negotiations. Younger players are usually more interested in getting a big pay day, even if it means playing on a sub-par team.But an older player who hasn't won a ring may take less money and a reduced role to be on a good team. And yes, you team's winning percentage does factor into player decisions. So Golden State will have a tougher time attracting a superstar than Phoenix.

Free agency is going to be a bit tougher on GMs this year. In the past, you had first dibs on every player out there. Now there are days and weeks of negotiations where a player weighs a variety of offers. Your Lakers may be able to offer Gilbert Arenas more cash than the Pistons, but will you risk promising Agent Zero a role equal or greater than Kobe's? Doing so could create a major disaster by mid-season.</p>
</p>

Wow... just wow.

Oh yeah, one more little tidbit:</p>

</p>

Once the signing process is over and you've drafted your rookies (each with their own personalities and expectations), it's time for training camp. There are more than a dozen different training regiments to increase the aspects of a player's game. Throughout the previous season, you've earned Reward Points for completing specific tasks (win the Championship, be named Coach of the Year, etc.). These points are then spent to train your players. Put some extra weight on Shaq just for laughs or try and improve D-Wade's perimeter defense. It's up to you.</p>
</p>

So demanding trades? Serious negotiation and competition? Including no-trade clauses, team/player options? Player communication? Player personalities? Defining roles? Reward points? <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.3em">Are you kidding me? This is insane.</span>

This isn't all I have either, there are also 3 new videos and 2 new screen shots:</p>

<font size="5"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.3em"></span><font size="5">Click here to view the 3 new gameplay videos</font></font> </p>

NBA2K8_TMac01jpgsmallercopy.jpgTAGGED.jpg


NBA2K8_Oden01copy.jpgTAGGEDresized.jpg


I absolutely cannot wait until October 2nd. This game is absolutely ridiculous. I'm utterly speachless, this is just outrageously sick.</p><font size="5">http://media.xbox360.ign.com/media/866/866314/vids_1.html</font>
 
Association Info!!! New Screens! I'd say I need to go change my pants but I'm a Nets fan so of course I wasn't wearing any!</p>

Gameplay Videos! </p>

Article on Association Mode </p>

Some important tidbits:</p>

</p>

Every player is assigned one of four personality types:</p><ul>[*]Neutral: This covers the majority of NBA players. They don't suffer from many of the issues associated with the other three types. Examples: Michael Redd, Chris Paul, Shawn Marion[*]Laid Back: This player doesn't often show emotion and usually ignores what others may perceive as an insult. At the same time, they aren't know for inspiring a team with their energy. Examples: Tim Duncan, Grant Hill, Ray Allen[*]Expressive: When this player's not happy, you, the team, and the media know about it. But this player can also have a positive effect on a team so long as they are kept happy. These guys wear their emotions on their sleeves. Examples: Rasheed Wallace, Vince Carter, Sam Cassell[*]Unpredictable: You just don't know what you are going to get with these types of players. They may suddenly lash out at a coach or just sit quietly and say everything is okay, even if it's not. Examples: Allen Iverson, Zach Randolph, Ron Artest[/list]

One personality isn't necessarily better than another. In fact, NBA 2K8 is designed so that, like a real hoops team, it's best to have a mix of personalities. A team full of Laid Back players will be just that -- laid back. Team chemistry and morale, while less likely to go sour, will also build far slower without some energetic personalities. On the other hand, two big stars that are both Expressive may clash. But a Batman & Robin tandem of an Expressive point guard and a Laid Back small forward may be able to work some real magic over their careers together. </p>
</p>

</p>There are five roles that can be set for players. Each role includes several potential sub-roles that further define player expectations. In this way, you can have five starters that each have an understanding of their place on the team (that doesn't mean they have to be happy about it):

Starter: This player expects to be in the starting five of every game and play a significant amount of minutes. <ul>[*]I want you to be the star of the team.[*]Your position as a starter is guaranteed.[*]You're replaceable if an upgrade comes along.[/list]
6<sup>th</sup> Man: Usually the first man off the bench, these guys are often good enough to be starters and are the leaders on the court when substitutions are made. And yes, you can have more than one 6<sup>th</sup> Man on a team.<ul>[*]We need you to bring some energy off the bench.[*]You might not be a starter, but playing time will be ample.[*]You will have plenty of opportunities to prove yourself.[/list]
Role Player: This might be a defensive specialist or perimeter shooter -- someone who is on the team to perform a very specific function.<ul>[*]We need some energy and depth off the bench.[*]Your minutes will be limited, but you will get a chance.[*]We need your versatility off the bench; playing time will be sporadic.[*]Our young players need a mentor; playing time will be limited.[/list]
Prospect: This is someone who has a great deal of potential, but isn't quite ready for a full-time job in the NBA. They expect to play a few minutes each night, but won't carry much of the load.<ul>[*]You will have a solid career, but you're not ready yet.[*]We believe in you, but you need more time to develop.[/list]
Bench Warmer: These scrubs are the Jack Haleys of the NBA, there to fill out the 12-man roster and clap a lot on the pine.<ul>[*]Playing time will be very limited.[*]You will only see playing time if we get hit with injuries.[*]We need you to fill out the roster[/list]
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When signing free agents or even re-signing players currently on your team, you'll have to do more than just offer cash. You can also include a no trade clause, player and team options, and define the role/sub-role. You can try and over-promise a player a role to get them at a lower value, but you may end up screwing yourself later if they don't get the minutes. In this way, players are called on their BS signing tactics that allowed them to easily overload a team with talent. </p>

Age and a player's history also play a part in contract negotiations. Younger players are usually more interested in getting a big pay day, even if it means playing on a sub-par team.But an older player who hasn't won a ring may take less money and a reduced role to be on a good team. And yes, you team's winning percentage does factor into player decisions. So Golden State will have a tougher time attracting a superstar than Phoenix. </p>
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Throughout the previous season, you've earned Reward Points for completing specific tasks (win the Championship, be named Coach of the Year, etc.). These points are then spent to train your players. Put some extra weight on Shaq just for laughs or try and improve D-Wade's perimeter defense. It's up to you.</p>
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God I can't wait. Team options? Maybe we'll have buyouts too. Either way helloooo Jason Collins. </p>

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LOL Hey whats up CB. Good timing. I guess thats what we get from both being on OS
 
Beat you to it! But oh my god... I can't get over how unbelievable this is. The gameplay vids looked great as well, especially LeBron's little signature step-back dribble move.
 

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