The NSL is a unique league, in that there is no one way to play the game. Whilst the ultimate prize on offer is a Championship, the season goal for one team can be totally different to those chasing the ultimate prize. This can mean sometimes head scratching situations arise as trade values are totally subjective and there’s always more than meets the eye with the decisions of a franchise. The diverse skillsets of the GMs making the big decisions make the league what it is, and the landscape of the league has never been better. In this article you will read about some of the personalities of the NSL, and whilst some GMs will be named to exemplify a category, there are many across the league that fall under the umbrella. This is why the personality types have been selected.   

 

The Nice Guy/Gal 

You don’t have to read to far into this category to understand what type of GM fits the bill in this category. They’re pleasant, funny and additive to the NSL culture. These GMs respond respectfully to one-sided trade offers with a humility using impeccable manners, to leave the door open for future dealings. When their players, team or direction is being cooked on discord, they usually join in the banter with a well-placed GIF that keeps the joke rolling. Don’t assume because they’re in the category they’re not serious as many great GMs have won adopting this personality.  

GMs who display tendencies: Daz, Ethan, Mailo and Breece 

 

The Smack Talker 

This GM takes great pleasure in obnoxious rants and putting the league on notice. They are prone to arrogance and are not afraid to call-out their opponents before, during and after a big win. Usually, their energy is a feigned effort to lighten a dull chat-thread but underneath there is plenty of self-belief and fire in the belly. Without these GMs the league is simply not as fun, everyone loves a good firework display.   

GMs who display tendencies: Klemm and Yeet  

 

The “I’m all in” Guy 

This GM type is happy to forego the future to win the ultimate prize. They are courageous and care about the prestige of the league more than the average NSL pundit. Picks mean virtually nothing to them, and they always want to edge out value with the best player available in a deal. Often these GMs go a little prematurely and are derailed by circumstances that one more year of building could’ve corrected. While they might experience regret and pain soon, the guys with this mindset are the most important GMs to the league because they have a go. 

GMs who display tendencies: Justin, Ethan, Nels, Josh, Jmac, Craig, Laddas, Klemm and Jase 

The “I’m all out” Guy 

This is the GM who goes all-in and realises quickly they have made a mistake. Often, they’re derailed by misfortune like an injury to a key star or sometimes the guy they acquire isn’t the right fit once they arrive. Sometimes they can be a little hasty in making the move from buying to selling to rebuilding, but they usually maintain value so they can flick the switch again the following season. These GMs should always be commended for having a crack at it as well, timing is key.  

GMs who display tendencies: Dylan, Leeroy, Smokey and Nenjamin,  

 

The Scientist  

To achieve the absolute pinnacle of NSL performance a scientific mentality is important. Owning a current copy of 2k and a compatible PC/Console is super important, so having money and a lifestyle/ partner who supports your weird interests is key. These guys are the nerds of the league. If there is a slider to exploit, they’ve found it and traded for guys that fit the current model. They are the sim kings that keep the league purring, giving up their time to stream games for the enjoyment of others. Don’t think they’re not watching all of the games and digging for the competitive edge come playoff time.   

GMs who display tendencies: Dylan and Daz 

 

The ‘1 word reply’ Guy 

If you’re looking for a philosophical conversation avoid these GMs. They are pretty good at what they do but they are not great communicators. One might be mistaken in thinking a bot is set up to run their accounts (or a fellow gm). Sometimes they will send an offer but usually they play the role of receiver. When they get back to an offer you sent last week it’s usually with a one-word answer- “nah”. If they don’t get back to you, assume the answer is the same as above but your offer was probably way off.  

GMs who display tendencies: Shayhoops, Digga, Sheed and Andrew 

 

The Stamp Collector  

These guys love what they have and don’t really want to know much about what you’re offering. They treat their best players as rare collectable objects but don’t necessarily play them in a manner that increases their value. When they do trade, they move guys who haven’t been on the roster very long as they aren’t part of the original collection, and the feeling of attachment is low. They’re hard GMs to wow unless there’s an obscure prospect still on the board in the deep second round of the NSL draft, near pick 55. Nothing makes these guys happier then when the guy they believed in finally breaks out because they’ve been waiting and holding for years for this moment. Nirvana.  

GMs who display tendencies: Toby and Vitty 

 

The Smooth Negotiator 

These guys are experts at building through trades. They love a multi-team deal and always sneak a little extra value by bringing in multiple parties. They have a great feel for value, by understanding the balance between NSL and real-life worth, and they understand the needs and wants of their prospective trade partners.  

GMs who display tendencies: Jmac, Smokey, Klemm, Daz, Rootsy, Jase, Shams and Justin. 

 

Loves a Draft Pick/ Obscure Pick 

These guys love to have a pick or 10 in each draft. They always dive deep into the mock drafts and have obscure favourites for the deep picks in the second round. The only thing they don’t have is a plan on how to keep all these weirdos on their roster as there are a finite number of roster spots. Don’t try and offer them a deal involving one of their 19 letter last name Euros who has never played an actual NBA minute, their upside is simply too high.  

GMs who display tendencies: Toby, Nenjamin, Bulldog and Rootsy  

 

That concludes the personalities of the league. We have tried to include every GM though there’s almost certainly a few missing. If you didn’t get a mention, comment what category(ies) you think you fit into or throw your nominations into the thread.

		Comments (8)
Nels 04/02 07:07 pm	lol, I just got the joke Digga
Digeze 04/01 08:44 am	Stuff
Digeze 04/01 08:43 am	Good
laddas 03/31 11:12 pm	Depends on the week for yeet
Nels 03/31 09:39 pm	Yeet should definitely be in the "I'm all out" group
JustinG 03/31 06:02 pm	Is there a limbo between the "I'm all in" and "I'm all out guy"? Pretty sure Yeet lives somewhere between the two.
Bulldog63 03/31 10:14 am	Look I'm telling you, this is the year they're gonna break out I swear
pistolpk 03/31 06:32 am	well done