Saturday, February 28, 2015

NBA 2K15 Sapphire Michael Jordan: The Path to Greatness

To many people the greatest basketball player to ever walk the planet, Michael Jordan transcended the sport and made the NBA a worldwide phenomenon. He influenced the fashion and entertainment industry like no other and to this day no athlete has approached that level of popularity. In this article we will focus on showcasing the ’85-’86 NBA 2K15 MyTeam’s Sapphire version of the Legendary Shooting Guard of the Chicago Bulls. Be sure to check out the attached video for Attributes and Highlights.


JORDAN RECOVERS FROM INJURY AND MAKES HIS MARK IN THE PLAYOFFS
1985-86 Season 


RECAP

Three games into the 1985-86 season, Jordan went down with a broken bone in his left foot and was sidelined for 64 games before returning in mid-March. Without Jordan for most of the campaign, the Bulls won only 30 games but still managed to snag a playoff berth. In 18 regular-season games, Jordan averaged 22.7 points, 2.9 assists, and 3.6 rebounds, all career-lows. He was voted to the All-Star squad but was unable to play because of the injury.


With a spectacular three-game outburst in the Bulls’ opening-round playoff loss to Boston, Jordan showed that he had completely recovered. In Game 2 he scored a playoff-record 63 points in Chicago’s double-overtime 135-131 loss to the Celtics. He averaged an astonishing 43.7 points in the three-game series.


HONORS

NBA All-Star Starter


REGULAR-SEASON STATS
































YEARTEAMGGSMPGFG%3P%FT%OFFDEFTOTAPGSPGBPGPPG
85-86Chi18725.1.457.167.8401.32.33.62.92.061.1722.7

PLAYOFF STATS
































YEARTEAMGGSMPGFG%3P%FT%OFFDEFTOTAPGSPGBPGPPG
85-86Chi3345.0.5051.000.8721.74.76.35.72.331.3343.7

The Sapphire MJ card can be unlocked by completing the 1985-1986 Chicago Bulls Collection in MyTEAM, Every player on the roster can be bought through the Auction House for a fairly cheap price except Gold 85′-86′ Michael Jordan.  The eight players needed to complete the collection are listed below with their Auction House price included:


NBA2K15_Rod_Higgins


85′-86′ Rod Higgins
Price: 750 – 1,000 MT


NBA2K15_John_Paxson


85′-86′ John Paxson
Price: 1,000 – 2,000 MT


NBA2K15_Sidney_Green


85′-86′ Sidney Green
Price: 800 – 1,200


NBA2K15_Dave_Corzine


85′-86′ Dave Corzine
Price: 15,000 – 20,000 MT


NBA2K15_George_Gervin


85′-86′ George Gervin
Price: 2,000 – 3,500 MT


NBA2K15_Charles_Oakley


85′-86′ Charles Oakley
Price: 1,900 – 2,500 MT


NBA2K15_Kyle_Macy


85′-86′ Kyle Macy
Price: 950 – 1,200 MT


NBA2K15_sapphire_Michael_Jordan


85′-86′ Michael Jordan

Price: 200,000 – 225,000 MT


Once the collection is completed you will receive a Reward Pack under “Rewards” section in MyTeam check out the video below for Sapphire Michael Jordan pack opening and 27 in-game highlights.



AGE: 24  HEIGHT: 6’6  WEIGHT: 195 POS: Shooting Guard
Team: Chicago Bulls
Badges: 46


6x NBA Champion, 6x NBA Finals MVP, 5x NBA MVP, 14x NBA All-Star, 10x All-NBA First Team.


NBA2K15_sapphire_Michael_Jordan_card


Michael Jeffrey Jordan needs little to no introduction, Widely considered the best player to ever touch a basketball he is “The G.O.A.T” (Greatest Of All Time) This Rookie version card of MJ is no exception.  Jordan will Dunk on ANYONE if he has open space around the rim or a driving lane so attempt to aggressively attack the basket whenever possible his Quickness (99) and Speed (98) along with a (99) Driving Dunk attribute should make it easy for Highlight reel worthy Slam Dunks. This version of Jordan has a very low Three point Shot Rating so look for open shots from the Mid-Range area or closer. The Gold level “Fade Ace” Badge is useful for utilizing the fadeaway jumpshot in the Mid to Low post.


NBA2K15_sapphire_Michael_Jordan_dunk


Defensively he’s a Lockdown on mostly any player you will come across. Be sure to have Gold level “Perimeter Lockdown Defender” Badge equipped along with “Chasedown Artist”, (Badges can be added under “Manage Team” then Edit Player). 85′-86′ Jordan has a (99) Steal Attribute and (95) Defensive Consistency making him a very reliable Defender. Many times his defensive efforts result in transition fast breaks and successful scoring plays. Don’t forget to attempt to strip the basketball from players driving to the basket (attempt to steal the ball when your opponent stops dribbling and is in the layup animation). Michael Jordan is effective defensively against Shooting Guards , Small Forwards as well as Point Guards.


Enjoy our breakdown of NBA 2K15 Sapphire Michael Jordan? Let us know in the comments!




NBA 2K15 Sapphire Michael Jordan: The Path to Greatness

Friday, February 27, 2015

JFF Spring 2015 Power Rankings - Installment #4

The JFF is almost at the halfway point, and there are a number of teams in the league that have a .500 or better record.


What are the most interesting storylines after seven weeks of league play in The JFF?


1) The Natural finally loses to a human opponent. Actually, make that TWO human opponents.


Coming into Week Six, JFF league member Curtis K, otherwise known as “The Natural,” had never lost a Regular Season contest or playoff contest to a human opponent. This past week, he lost two closely contested games to two NFC Conference opponents.


You can now say, the NFC is arguably a “wide open race.”


2) How long can the JFF Bills remain undefeated??


After seven weeks of Regular Season competition, only one team remains undefeated … and that is the JFF Buffalo Bills. Probably their biggest obstacle to an undefeated season comes up in Week Ten when they visit Brett Barrett’s JFF Tennessee Titans.


The last team to finish the Regular Season with an undefeated record was Cliff’s JFF Baltimore Ravens during the Fall 2013 season. The JFF Ravens went on to win the Super Bowl Championship that season.


3) Who will The JFF Website Manager and Story Editor select as his ‘Mid-Season Offensive MVP’ and ‘Mid-Season Defensive MVP?


For the last nine seasons of the league, I have selected a ‘Mid-Season Offensive MVP’ and ‘Mid-Season Defensive MVP’ when I release my “Mid-Season Report Card.” Who are the top candidates for each award this season? I will announce my award winners along with four Runners-Up when I post my ‘Mid-Season Report Card’ after the completion of the Week Eight and Week Nine contests.


Top 12 candidates for JFF Mid-Season Offensive MVP


(in alphabetical order)


WR Mike Evans – JFF Tampa Bay Buccaneers

QB Joe Flacco – JFF Baltimore Ravens

TE Rob Gronkowski – JFF New England Patriots

WR Justin Hunter – JFF Tennessee Titans

HB Marshawn Lynch – JFF Seattle Seahawks

QB E.J. Manuel – JFF Buffalo Bills

HB DeMarco Murray – JFF Dallas Cowboys

QB Cam Newton – JFF Carolina Panthers

TE Jordan Reed – JFF Washington Redskins

HB Trent Richardson – JFF Indianapolis Colts

HB C.J. Spiller – JFF Buffalo Bills

HB Ben Tate – JFF Cleveland Browns


Who do YOU think deserves to win The JFF’s Mid-Season Offensive MVP Award?


Top 12 candidates for JFF Mid-Season Defensive MVP


(in alphabetical order)


DE Jurrell Casey – JFF Tennessee Titans

DB Joe Haden – JFF Cleveland Browns

LB Sean Hale – JFF New England Patriots

DB Tim Jennings – JFF Chicago Bears

DB DeAngelo Hall – JFF Washington Redskins

DE Akiem Hicks – JFF New Orleans Saints

DE Henry Hoag – JFF Oakland Raiders

LB Luke Kuechly – JFF Carolina Panthers

DB Daniel Manning – JFF San Francisco 49ers

DE Haloti Ngata – JFF Baltimore Ravens

LB Ryan Shazier – JFF Pittsburgh Steelers

DB Aqib Talib – JFF Denver Broncos


Who do YOU think deserves to win The JFF’s Mid-Season Defensive MVP Award?


CLICK HERE for last season’s Mid-Season MVP Award Winners


CLICK ON THE PHOTO BELOW to view this week’s edition of The JFF Power Rankings!


JFF Power Rankings - Installment #4



JFF Spring 2015 Power Rankings - Installment #4

NBA LIVE 15 Roster Update: February 26


NBA LIVE 15’s roster update today reflected all of the moves of the NBA trade deadline.  Phoenix Suns sent All-Star Goran Dragic to the Miami Heat. The Suns also shipped out offseason acquisition Isaiah Thomas, and eventually ended up with the Milwaukee Bucks’ Brandon Knight. The Bucks replaced Knight with reigning Rookie of the Year Michael Carter Williams, who they acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers.




The update includes more than 65 player movement updates, and more than 700 ratings changes, including two-point boosts for Memphis Grizzlies forward Tony Allen and Toronto Raptors forward James Johnson.




Click here for the full NBA LIVE 15 roster update.




NBA LIVE 15 Roster Update: February 26

Thursday, February 26, 2015

NBA 2K15 MyTeam Sapphire Cards: Bradley Beal

Continuing our NBA 2K15 MyTeam Sapphire Cards Series we feature Shooting Guard Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards. Be sure to checkout the video for tips on how to get the most out of him.



NBA2K15 recently updated the rewards for completing some of the 2014-2015 NBA Roster Collection’s (found under “Collection’s” in MyTeam mode). This is a Breakdown of the Washington Wizards Collection Reward.


AGE: 21 HEIGHT: 6’5 WEIGHT: 207 Position: Shooting Guard
Drafted: 2012 / Round: 1 / 3rd Overall
Current Team: Washington Wizards
Badges: 9

NBA All-Rookie First Team (2013)


NBA_2K15_MyTeam_Sapphire_Cards_Bradley_Beal_card


Bradley Beal is definitely one of the top Three point Snipers in NBA2K15 MyTeam , His ratings from 3pt range are extremely high so don’t be afraid to shoot a high Amount or at least whenever he is open. Also his midrange shooting and ability to attack the basket should be utilized making him a well rounded offensive threat.


Mostly known for his Offensive talent Beal is not someone that can be reliable on Defense with a Defensive Consistency of 50 he should in no way be on the court for defensive purposes, Although applying a Lockdown Defender badge (x3 Gold Level) may help.



NBA 2K15 MyTeam Sapphire Cards: Bradley Beal

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Madden Ratings Formula Revealed!

Fivethirtyeight Sports had a great article today on How the Madden ratings are made and the “secret sauce” behind Madden Czar Donny Moore’s player ratings.


There are roughly 2,600 players in today’s NFL and every single one of their digital counterparts is represented in EA’s annual Madden game. Of those players, each one has an overall rating compiled of more than 40 numerical grades ranging from passing accuracy to kick power.


That seems like a monumental task and one would think that managing a database of more than 100,000 player attributes would take a football sized team of employees to complete.


Quarterback decision-making is the most difficult thing to simulate,” Moore said.


madden_ratings_revealed


When it comes to Madden though, that is not the case. EA does not rely on a 53 man roster of people to manage their player ratings. For the most part they solely let one man decide how a player receives his virtual attributes best reflecting his play on the actual field.


That man is Donny Moore and with that power comes great responsibility. He is in charge of all player ratings from launch day, all the way until the last roster update after the Super Bowl. Each week there can be upwards of 600 players who see their skills re-evaluated based on their most recent performance on the real gridiron.


Moore’s job has evolved from a behind the scenes analytical guru to a “celebrity” in recent years. Twitter has become an outlet for players and fans to voice their appreciation or dismay for a certain players attribute rating.  He is praised by players when giving them a favorable rating but even more so ridiculed when giving a player a rating that the player doesn’t agree with. He takes it all in stride and given his methodical and analytical approach, one has to appreciate how accurately player ratings reflect their real life counterparts.


tecmo We have come a long ways since Tecmo Bowl in 91. Players back then were limited to 7 ratings attributes.


To get a closer look at how exactly player ratings in Madden are determined and for the full story, click on the link above. What do you guys think? How is Donny doing in your eyes? Biggest player rating snub in Madden 15? Most overrated player?


Keep the conversation going by commenting below and as always “like” or share if you enjoyed this article.



Madden Ratings Formula Revealed!

Madden 15 Ultimate Team Tips: Best Budget Players on Defense

Have you ever been in a Ultimate Team Game and just feel outmatched? Ultimate team, much like life, isn’t always fair. The people who are able to spend more money will have better teams therefore allowing them to win more games.  However what they don’t know is that there are cheap gold elite players that may not look as flashy but are just as effective. This is why I have started this series to help people find the best players who will give them their best bang for their buck.



In this article and video I break down a cheap player at every defensive position that has hidden stats that make him worth way more than his price. So please enjoy the article and video let me know what you think. I have had budget teams and 90+ overall teams this year and let me tell you there is nothing better than beating a guy who you know spent hundreds to thousands on the game with your low 80s team. With these budget players you will be taking down top rated teams in no time! Be sure to checkout my previous article covering the best offensive budget players.


 


Cornerback


Jason Verrett CB 82 Overall – 5,000 coins

Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_jason_verret2Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_jason_verret

This guy is one of the reasons I decided to giveaway my elites and to start playing with a budget squad. He Is super quick with his 94 speed and 96 acceleration. He also excels in man with a 91 overall rating,  his 75 catching and 68 hit power are both amazing attributes as he hardly ever drops picks and gets a hit stick every once in a while. This is a must buy he is great, trust me.


Comparable- 88 Overall Patrick Peterson – 35,000 coins

Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Patrick_Peterson2

Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Patrick_Peterson


I managed to pull 88 Patrick Peterson right at the beginning of MUT and I played with him for maybe two weeks then sold him for 230000 coins. Don’t get me wrong he is a great player but his stats don’t wow me as much as they should. His speed and acceleration are almost equal to Verrett and the only stat that Peterson is a lot better at is zone coverage! If you have the coins yes Peterson is a better option but Verrett can play almost just as good for a lot cheaper!


 


Strong Safety


William Moore 82 Overall – 1,200 Coins

Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_William_Moore2 Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_William_Moore


William Moore is far from flashy but he is very effective and here is why. He has 85 speed which isn’t bad for a strong safety and you combine that with his 92 Hit Power that is amazing plus his  82 Zone Coverage. You got yourself a stud strong safety that will make plays for you, and only cost you 1500 coins.


Kam Chancellor 88 Overall – 32,000 coins

Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Kam_Chancellor2

Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Kam_Chancellor


Kam Chancellor is a lot more flashy than Moore the cards a lot cooler but these cards are closer in stats than some would believe. He is the same speed and his hit power is only 2 more than Moore which is not that big of a difference. And Chancellors zone is only 3 more. I have had both these cards and to be honest there was no difference when I played.


 


Free Safety


Laron Landry 82 Overall – 2,000 coins

Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Laron_Landry2 Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Laron_Landry


Everyone loves Hit Power it is the stat that when we see defensive players our eyes light up like a Christmas tree. So why do people who love hit power think that they need to spend all their coins to get it? Landry has 93 Speed and 99 Hit Power. Yes I said 99 Hit Power so if you like getting fumbles look no further than this guy and combined with his good speed this is a total stud!


Comparable to 95 Steve Atwater – 200,000 coins

Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Steve_Atwater Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Steve_Atwater2


Atwater has one of the coolest looking cards in the game add that to the fact that this card is very rare and that explains its 200,000 price. But let’s look at the stats his speed is worse than Landry and also his hit power is way worse. He has way better zone coverage than Landry but is that worth it for an extra 19,8000 coins in my opinion no it is not.


 


MLB


Craig Robertson 84 Overall – 1,500 coins

Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Craig_Robinson2


Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Craig_Robinson1


On defense I love having high speed guys they can stop the outside runs better and I user control my MLB a lot so I like a guy with good speed. Robertson has 87 speed and 90 acceleration and that’s fast. He also has a high pursuit rating and 91 tackling. I really like Robertson and I think if you give him a chance you will not be disappointed!


Comparable to 89 Overall Lawrence Timmons – 15,000 coins

Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Lawrence_Timmons2Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Lawrence_Timmons


Lawrence is about as close to Robertson as you can get the exact same speed and also the exact same tacking. These two are almost the exact same card and I had Timmons and really liked him so Robertson is a steal for 1,500 coins and a must buy at MLB.


 


Left Outside Linebacker


Telvin Smith 84 Overall – 5,000 coins

Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Telvin_Smith Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Telvin_Smith2


This guy is everything you look for in a LOLB he can rush the passer and also has elite level speed and acceleration. Combine that with his 90 hit power this guy is a straight beast when he came out I benched Thomas Davis and started him and was very impressed he is a great buy for a budget player.


Comparable to Connor Barwin 90 Overall – 25,000 coins

Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_connor_baldwin2 Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_connor_baldwin1


If you have enough coins get Barwin he is better almost all around but he is not that much different than Telvin Smith. There hit power is equal and Barwin has a little bit better speed but to be honest I really didn’t realize that much of a difference between the two so I would save the coins and get Telvin Smith.


 


Right Outside Linebacker


Khalil Mack 85 Overall – 5,000 coins

Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Khalil_Mack2 Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Khalil_Mack


Let me just say this will be the best 5000 coins you will ever spend this guy much like he is in real life is a monster. He has 90 overall speed 93 acceleration and 93 Hit Power now that is crazy for a gold card. He can rush the passer with his 86 block shedding and really will cause even the best tackles fits. You will love this card I guarantee it!


Comparable to Lance Briggs 90 Overall – 25,000 coins

Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_lance_briggs2 Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Lance_Briggs


Lance Briggs is a great card if you have the coins for him but he really isn’t that different from Khalil Mack. Their speed is the same but Mack has him in both acceleration and hit power. Get Khalil Mack he is a better card and is way cheaper. Sell Briggs and use Mack you will save coins and really not lose any key attributes.


 


Defensive Tackle


Stephen Paea 85 Overall – 4,000 coins

Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Steven_Pea2 Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Steven_Pea


Now this might just be the best budget defensive player in the game and here is why this guy has 71 speed and 80 acceleration. Now that is just the beginning the real amazing part of this card comes from his 97 strength and 95 power move. Trust me when I say this guy will cause havoc in either a 3-4 or 4-3 defence. He’s not the most well-known DT in the league that’s why you rarely see him but if you give him a chance you will never regret it he can flat out play!


Comparable to Kevin Williams 95 Overall – 135,000 coins

Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Kevin_Williams Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Kevin_Williams2


Kevin Williams is a stud but if you really dissect his stats he is not all that different from Paea. His strength is worse and his power move is also worse than Paea. He does have greater finesse and acceleration but i don’t think that is worth a extra 130000 coins but if it is to you then save up for Williams but you could get just as much if not more for Paea.


 


Right Defensive End


Everson Griffen 85 Overall – 7,000 coins

Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Everson_Griffin2Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Everson_Griffin


Ok it wasn’t easy to find a good budget Right end and that is why this guy isn’t a total beast but he does have some stats that are pretty amazing. 90 acceleration is great because acceleration is much more important than speed at the defensive end position. He also has good power move at 93 overall and though his finesse move isn’t anything to crazy he still is a quality card for his price and a good budget Right End.


Comparable to Fletcher Cox 92 Overall – 30,000 coins

Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Fletcher_Cox2 Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Fletcher_Cox1


Fletcher Cox in my opinion is not worth even close to his price. And here is why he really doesn’t have any crazy elite stats his speed is low his power move isn’t that great and his finesse move is around the same as Everson Griffen. No Griffen isn’t significantly better in any way but he is much cheaper and you really won’t notice that big of a difference between them and I know that from experience.


 


Left Defensive End


Derrick Morgan 79 Overall Left End – 900 coins

Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Derrick_Morgan1 Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Derrick_Morgan2


Ok call me a little biased because I love the titans but this guy really is a stud. He is in my opinion the most balanced cheap left end there is. He has decent speed at 75 and 84 acceleration but his most crazy stat is his 93 overall power move which is absolutely insane. He isn’t flashy and won’t be getting you tons of sacks but he will be consistently productive in whatever system you decide to run him in.


Comparable to Rob Ninkovich 92 Overall – 50,000 coins

Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Rob_Ninkovich Madden_15_Ultimate_Team_defensive_Tips_Rob_Ninkovich2


This guy has the same acceleration and power move as Morgan. Ninkovich has a lot of stats better than Morgan though but they don’t in any way make him worth 46000 more coins. People way too often get blinded by the new elites and the fancy new cards and forget to really look closer at the card. These cards are a lot closer than they appear to be by the prices and you could save a lot of coins by going with Morgan.


Enjoyed those Madden 15 Ultimate Team Tips? Be sure to subscribe my YouTube channel where I do tips for everything madden related and also do giveaways every week.  I’ve described above!



Madden 15 Ultimate Team Tips: Best Budget Players on Defense