Daily Roundup 5.30.07
Posted on Wednesday, May 30th, 2007 at 10:10 am by Xteve
After basking near the pool for a brief hiatus from the regular season…for today at least I’m baaaack!
Long ago in a galaxy far far away, David Bowie once recorded a terrible quasi-novelty tune called “The Laughing Gnome” which is a collection of terribly kitschy puns and bad jokes held together by a fairly dopey chorus “Ha Ha Ha, Hee Hee Hee”
It’s with that in mind that I include these next two or so stories for your perusal.
As predictable as the inevitable Ken Griffey Jr. to the Mariners rumors, it’s time for … LET’S TRADE A SUPERSTAR TO NYC FOR A BUCKET OF CRAP!
Perhaps Thomas was sharing with Wilkens the Knicks’ interest in acquiring Rashard Lewis. According to NBA insiders, the Knicks could make the Sonics a sign-and-trade offer for Lewis that could include Seattle natives Nate Robinson and Jamal Crawford.
Crawford is owed $35 million over the next four seasons, and the Knicks could add Robinson’s contract or that of Channing Frye to come within 75 percent of a new Lewis deal, per rules of the collective bargaining agreement.
Memo to Isiah Thomas: Nobody wants your crappy players signed to outrageous contracts. The only reason this story is being floated out there is because of Crawford and Robinson’s history with the area and maybe fire up the homer idiots that regularly listen to certain shows on KJR. Neither player is worth acquiring, as with nearly all trade rumors involving a NY sports team this benefits NY exclusively. Predictably, there a few posters on the P-U that think this is a good idea. By the way, the P-U’s on probation as far as linking stories. Gary Washburn is a good guy who’s expressed some frustration at being left out, so in the interest of everyone getting along I’m gingerly starting up the link train to the P-U again with the caveat that in the interest of quality control here at the Roundup I may decide to drop them again. You know where to find them anyways.
Lenny wants a GM in place by the draft. Clock’s ticking!
Sonics president Lenny Wilkens said Tuesday he plans to have a general manager in place before the June 28 NBA draft and made it clear that he is able to speak with any candidate even if their team is in the playoffs.
That last bit of information debunked previous reports out of San Antonio that Sam Presti — the Spurs assistant general manager who is believed to be the leading candidate for the GM job in Seattle — is unable to interview while his team is still playing.
“That has no bearing on anything,” Wilkens said outside the Milk House Gym, where the NBA is conducting its four-day predraft camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
Detroit’s Tony Ronzone and John Hammond and Phoenix’s David Griffin are also possibilities, but Wilkens was careful not to mention names.
Wilkens said he has identified a few candidates and admittedly he’s already conducted formal interviews.
“We’re in the process of doing it and I’m hoping it will be [done] soon,” he said. “It’s not a real long list. I still have a couple of people I have to talk to. I’m hoping that we have this process done before the draft.”
Presti probably the lead candidate at this point. Also from the same article Dave Pendergraft and Steve Rosenberry will return for next season; both have one year remaining on their contracts. It is highly likely that none of the assistants from last season will return.
Bonanza from the Trib:
Lenny sez we’ll probably trade up or out after the #2 pick
As the league’s top decision-makers descended on Lake Buena Vista to evaluate some of the prospects who will be drafted June 28, Wilkens acknowledged there is a decent chance the team will trade its No. 31 and/or No. 35 picks for a better pick or a veteran player who can help immediately.
“Certainly I think that when you are around 31 or 35, it lets you move the picks and could be something good,” Wilkens said. “You have to talk. Also, the thing I would look at very closely is what does moving into the first round get you? You talk to people, other GMs, other people on the basketball side of it. What do you have to give me? You just have to see. You can’t say that it will or won’t be something good.
“But, certainly, I want to see the possibility of who is there.”
Wilkens also said he is open to trading the second pick in the draft, widely expected to be used to take Kevin Durant of Texas. However, it would have to be a very good offer.
“I can see a couple of scenarios. Dwyane Wade and somebody,” Wilkens said. “That is being a little bit crazy, but you always listen. You never know what someone will do.”
Yeah … that’s about as likely as Nick Licata calling up Danny Fortson to come over to his place to split a bottle of Chardonnay and some mushroom brie while they talk about their feelings. I’ll remember you said that Lenny if you trade the #2 pick to Atlanta to draft Yin Jianlin…you might want to move out of town if you draft anyone not named Oden or Durant.
and while we’re talking about bad draft decisions:
Puh-leeze, don’t waste my time with this crap
Nobody is trading a high pick for a player that can’t get along with anyone and no one else can get along with. Props to SC.com poster pdway for nailing exactly what such a trade would entail: the return of the late period GP Sonic teams, with one superstar controlling the ball and the shots to the extent that young players don’t develop, but wins enough games by himself to keep the team around .500 but never bad enough to really get a decent draft pick and get better. Been there, done that, no thanks.
Update: Kobe demands a trade on ESPN radio
Dave Boling considers life after Rashard
Lenny doing some due diligence, I don’t believe Sheppard’s a serious candidate though.
And the latest update from the pre-draft camp in Orlando.
Edit: Here’s Bennett’s latest story in the Oklahoman. I would expect the rhetoric to heat up even more. Nothing ever gets done in these kind of situations until the 11th hour. I expected Clay to apply for relocation, so this isn’t a surprise to me. All it does it give extra urgency to coming to some kind of solution this season if one is at all possible.
May 30th, 2007 at 10:28 am
There’s a news bit up on ESPN about Clay Bennett being as pessimistic as he’s ever been about getting a deal in place in the Pacific Northwest, and saying that after Halloween, the team will likely apply for relocation to Oklahoma City most likely. As a Sonics fan in Austin, TX, this is pathetic. Oklahoma sucks, and even though the Supes would be close enough for me to afford to attend more games, I just couldn’t bring myself to completely get behind a team that left Seattle for Oklahoma. The Memphis and New Orleans relocations should be enough proof for the NBA to prevent moves to smaller markets. Neither Heisley nor Shinn has seen tremendous profits from their relocations. Heisley put majority ownership up for sale, and Shinn was desperately seeking new local ownership partners prior to Katrina. The worst part is Bennett’s comments about using “due diligence” to seek out relocation.
May 30th, 2007 at 10:29 am
Sorry to put a damper on positives, but apparently there is a story in the Oklahoman & ESPN.com about applying for relocation on Nov. 1st. Surprise, surprise that Bennett expects to move the team to OKC. So much for a good faith effort.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:09 am
Brian -
Great work on Softy’s program today. I’m glad we have someone like you as the voice of the movement to keep the Sonics in Seattle. You do a great job of conveying this message rationally and intelligently.
Whatever you read in the papers, its not over yet folks. We need to rally the base in this city and let our politicians know that we do care about Sonics basketball and we’re not going to let them go without a fight!
May 30th, 2007 at 11:10 am
Hector, you are obviously a stand-up guy. To find out that your team might be coming to a neighborhood near you and still rally for them to stay in Seattle shows quite a bit of honor and nobility. I have supported the Sonics from afar (Washington D.C.) since 1977. I too get a sick feeling in my stomach to imagine the Sonics leaving Seattle even though wherever they move to will be closer to me. (unless they move to Hawaii!!) I have thought about it for a while. I believe I’ve made up my mind that I will continue to follow the team if they move. But I really do feel strongly about them to stay in Seattle. But it isn’t over until the fat lady sings. Although the tide continues to lean toward the team relocating, you never know what can happen between now and Oct. 31. Keep believing, brother.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:10 am
Did I really say Sh!t on the air???
Better not do that on Dori Monson???
May 30th, 2007 at 11:14 am
Hey Brian, I heard you said that! LOL
May 30th, 2007 at 11:16 am
Another one bites the dust.
Iavaroni just took the Memphis job.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/grizzlies/article/0,1426,MCA_475_5562095,00.html
May 30th, 2007 at 11:19 am
So is PJ Carleismo the only viable coaching candidate left? Please don’t let that be true
May 30th, 2007 at 11:21 am
I’m not as worried about the coaching position as I am about the GM position. I think they are on the right track with Presti too.
Gotta get a competent GM in here who can make a viable roster out of this conglomeration of young talent. I see that as far more important in the overall scheme of things than hiring a coach, when it comes to the future success of this franchise.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:21 am
“Did I really say Sh!t on the air???”
Yes…and amusingly enough, it wasn’t bleeped on the web streaming audio. But I second what Yoon said–you came across as intelligent and passionate.
And just to reiterate what you mentioned on the air, where is Ron Sims right now? How ’bout Chris Gregoire? Why is the deputy mayor of Seattle the only public official who appears to be in-town right now?
May 30th, 2007 at 11:27 am
Im not as worried about the coaching position and gm position as i am about sonics leaving town.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:27 am
Anyone interested in Andrew Bynum for Durant (If Portland pick Oden)? He is young and his #’s are quite good.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:27 am
“And just to reiterate what you mentioned on the air, where is Ron Sims right now? How ’bout Chris Gregoire? Why is the deputy mayor of Seattle the only public official who appears to be in-town right now?”
As far as I’m concerned, our local government (as a whole) has been out-of-town (or perhaps out-to-lunch?) for quite some time, in general. Gregoire is too worried about raising our already outrageous gas tax. Sims is pretty much a tool and I think Ceis has quickly joined him in that dubious distinction.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:28 am
who is this gaard swanson puke and will a whole bunch of you let him have it whilie i go to work.thanks
May 30th, 2007 at 11:28 am
who is this gaard swanson puke and will a whole bunch of you let him have it whilie i go to work.thanks
May 30th, 2007 at 11:29 am
“I’m not as worried about the coaching position as I am about the GM position. I think they are on the right track with Presti too.
Gotta get a competent GM in here who can make a viable roster out of this conglomeration of young talent. I see that as far more important in the overall scheme of things than hiring a coach, when it comes to the future success of this franchise. ”
Both are important, but in the grand scheme of things I think there’s less difference between the best coaching candidate the Sonics could get and the 3rd best coaching candidate than there is between the best GM and 3rd best GM.
Iavaroni gone is not end all be all. I’d still like to see the Sonics land Carlisle, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the final choice isn’t announced until after the draft.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:31 am
“who is this gaard swanson puke and will a whole bunch of you let him have it whilie i go to work.thanks”
Gaard Swanson is the Michael Bolton (read: no-talent assclown) of local sports anchors.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:37 am
So is PJ Carleismo the only viable coaching candidate left? Please don’t let that be true
- Rick Carlisle is available as well
May 30th, 2007 at 11:41 am
“Crawford is owed $35 million over the next four seasons, and the Knicks could add Robinson’s contract or that of Channing Frye to come within 75 percent of a new Lewis deal, per rules of the collective bargaining agreement.”
Call me crazy. But I’d take Crawford and Frye if NY took one of our centers (Petro) and Ridnour.
Whether you like Jamal Crawford or not…..we’d be a much more dangerous team with him and he would be an upgrade defensively. Obviously he is a better scorer.
I don’t think Channing Frye is a bad prospect either. And if he is…….his contract expires after next season.
He was the 8th pick in 05 and was considered one of the best rookies that year until he got hurt. Now he has David Lee in front of him (even though he comes off the bench).
Crawford/Watson
Ray/Gelabale
Durant/Wilkens
Wilcox/Frye
Collison/Swift/Sene
May 30th, 2007 at 11:46 am
Lets be honest about Iavaroni. He is unproven in the NBA ranks. This could be a blessing in disguise.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:47 am
“For now, without a building solution, it’s our intent to play in Seattle and apply for relocation immediately after the (Oct. 31) deadline,” Bennett said.
Another blow to our effort to save this team. Man this is depressing stuff. Its like we are fighting for something that both the owner and the legislators feel apathetic about.
WTF.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:47 am
All,
If you want to hear the funniest homers squeal about the trade demands of their beloved 24, check out http://www.xtrasportsradio.com/pages/streaming.html
As a diehard Sonics fan living in LA, I live for days like today. You’ll want to check out the afternoon show, which features former Sonics broadcaster Mychal Thompson.
I agree with Steve (did I just say that) that the most important hire is someone who can consolidate the roster and turn some of the rotation players into solid starters.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:51 am
What I find interesting is that I really haven’t heard much of anything from David Stern regarding this whole situation. The only time I’ve heard/read anything from Stern in this situation (recently) is when he scolded Bennett for talking about Las Vegas as a relocation spot. I just can’t imagine how (from a general NBA perspective) it could possibly look good to have yet another franchise relocate. At some point, it has to adversely affect the popularity of the league, doesn’t it?
May 30th, 2007 at 11:54 am
Speaking of Stern, anyway we can contact HIM?
Get him involve into saving our sonics??
It looks like if there’s anyone outside of the ownership group or the legislature, it’ll be David Stern who has the biggest say in the Sonics fate.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:56 am
“Sonics land Carlisle, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the final choice isn’t announced until after the draft.”
Agreed, Carlisle would appear to be a good choice as a veteran coach with some past success.
May 30th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
SonicComic- Looks like we are in the same boat. I have been a diehard fan of the Supes since 78(when we lost to the Bullets). I live in Virginia Beach, Va. Talk aout being out of the loop. I wear my Sonics gear with pride, from 3000 miles afar. I go to the games on the east coast… DC, Charlotte, Philly, Atlanta, Orlando. It is KILLING me to think they might relocate. I’m trying to rationalize staying a fan IF they move, would be hard to just stop following them, but even harder to give any resemblence of loyalty to Bennet and his staff of trained seals. Let me know if you are going to go to the Supes and Wiz this year, we can do our part with SOS, get some seats right behind our boys bench. And to BRIAN ROBINSON- THANK YOU for all you do to save the Sonics in Seattle. You obviously put in alot of hard work and I just wanted you to know it is appreciated by all of us Sonic fans!
May 30th, 2007 at 12:04 pm
As someone who has grown up in Las Vegas and always having been a Sonics fan, I DO NOT want to see the Sonics anywhere besides Seattle. In fact, ever since the draft lottery I have been giving serious consideration to moving to Seattle as I am approaching my college graduation. But all that has been written is everyone expecting Durant to play in OKC or KC in a couple years. I am not definitely not going to either of those cities, and it will be hard to even watch that team if they have been moved =(
May 30th, 2007 at 12:04 pm
“Anyone interested in Andrew Bynum for Durant (If Portland pick Oden)? He is young and his #’s are quite good. ”
I’m confused, why would you want to give away a franchise player to a major Western Conference rival? Bynum is good but not that good.
May 30th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
Nice job on the radio Brian. I thought that you represented the thoughts of many and also dispelled any bad blood.
1. We don’t have enough support from the state because we are on the heels of the M’s and Seahawks deals. While this sucks for the Sonics it can also be seen as a good thing. I’d like to see some local interest in the team that could add much reason for the team to stay here.
2. Lenny nor any other Sonic representative cannot and will not trade the #2 pick. This pick will associate the NBA with what will be the next superstar. This adds alot of binding pressure on the current ownership to keep Durant or Oden local.
3. Time.. we all need to remain calm. This will not be resolved over night or tomorrow. This is all a media and big bucks spin on how to get your way.
Keep the faith.
Lets look forward to a great summer and off season. The trades and proposed trades that will be made have not even surfaced yet. We don’t even know the true players…
May 30th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
I would also like to echo the THANK YOU to Brian Robinson.
May 30th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
I agree with Steve (did I just say that) that the most important hire is someone who can consolidate the roster and turn some of the rotation players into solid starters.
- A perfect scenario would be for Lewis to be S/T for a decent PG or Big Man. Then depending on who we get in that scenario the guys we have on our team are traded for draft picks. I still don’t understand what the team was thinking in having all of their contracts expire in three years…there is absolutely no FA flexibility on this roster whatsoever…no matter what they do with Lewis.
If we do sign Lewis I still think that Durant/Lewis/Allen could be successful. I just don’t see how teams could guard three superior offensive weapons. Plus Wilcox could post up…
May 30th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
No tears shed by me over the loss of Iavaroni as a potential coach. One less chance the Sonics try to follow the Suns model. Yea!
May 30th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
“I’m confused, why would you want to give away a franchise player to a major Western Conference rival? Bynum is good but not that good. ”
I am not convinced Durant is a franchise player - given his position - and the comparisons to Dirk don’t help. Also, Bynum has incredible NBA statistics for a 19 year old (turning 20 late in October). I think he is that good. He has a great TS%, a very good rebounding rate, he holds his opposition center to a very respectable fg% and has a good block rate as well. Again, all this as a 19 year old playing in the NBA western conference, not the NCAA Southwestern conference.
If he were in the draft there would be a 3rd name added to the list besides Durant and Oden. The benefit is that Bynum has already proven he can play. There is ALWAYS a risk with draft picks. I also have read in several places that Durant is not a great athlete, so this is a slight concern - albeit not that big a one. I, of course, could be wrong about the relative worth of the 2.
May 30th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
Not to rain on anybodys parade, but all this talk about players and coaches is pointless. We need to 100% focus on keeping this team first!
May 30th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
“No tears shed by me over the loss of Iavaroni as a potential coach. One less chance the Sonics try to follow the Suns model. Yea!”
I have to agree with DT. I have never been sold that emulating the Suns philosophy is a good strategy for success. Or that we are close to having the correct personel to make that philosophy work here.
May 30th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
I have to agree with DT. I have never been sold that emulating the Suns philosophy is a good strategy for success. Or that we are close to having the correct personel to make that philosophy work here.
- Being that he has coached under both Mike D’Antoni and Pat Reilly I still don’t understand why people all think he wants to play the Suns philosophy…unless you consider the Suns philosophy to be extremely unselfish and look for the open shot before forcing up a bad shot…which isnt bad. I do find it disappointing how close minded people are about the “Suns” model…reminds me of all the people who are against the Moneyball strategy…they make it out to be something it isn’t and using that untrue definition to somehow support their argument against it.
I am not convinced Durant is a franchise player - given his position - and the comparisons to Dirk don’t help.
- Hmmm it would really suck to have an MVP candiate and a guy who led his team to the finals a year before on our team…that comparison really scares me too.
Also, Bynum has incredible NBA statistics for a 19 year old (turning 20 late in October).
- We already have three under 20 centers…why not add another one??
May 30th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
Well, NBA radio on Sirius Radio, The Best Radio on Radio, just finished talking about Ray and #2 for Kobe. I think that price is a bit stiff for Kobe but if you would have told me 2 weeks ago that we could have Kobe for Ray and our draft pick I would took it in a second.
Rick Barry and Rick Kamala seem to think the Lakers will not be able to refuse an offer like the one I just mentioned IF Kobe is on his way out.
May 30th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
Sonicej, that trade is equivalent to the Sonics FO allowing Mitch Kupchack to bend them over a barrel and have his way with them
May 30th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
“Well, NBA radio on Sirius Radio, The Best Radio on Radio, just finished talking about Ray and #2 for Kobe. I think that price is a bit stiff for Kobe but if you would have told me 2 weeks ago that we could have Kobe for Ray and our draft pick I would took it in a second.”
I wouldn’t give them that #2 pick straight up for Bryant.
He’s 10 years older than the guy being picked at #2 and way more expensive over the next 4 years.
Though, Ray Allen + anything else than that #2 pick would be fine with me.
May 30th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
I wonder if Luke, Ray and both second round picks would be enough to get Kobe? Probably not but it sure is fun to dream.
May 30th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
You’re right McCoy, comparing him to Dirk means we should trade him away because Dirk sucks.
WTF!?!??!
You take Durant with a smile. And FYI, DraftExpress currently has Durant #1 and Oden #2.
May 30th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
The only way I would like KOBE on the Sonics is if the team does indeed move to OKC.
May 30th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
All this talk about players and coaches is cute. But we are ignoring the fact that we won’t have any of these guys this time next year if we dont do something serious to save this team!!!!!
May 30th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
I wonder if Luke, Ray and both second round picks would be enough to get Kobe? Probably not but it sure is fun to dream.
- What about:
Ray Allen / Earl Watson / #35 pick / 2008 #1
for
Kobe
I would really be sad at any trade for Kobe because he is my LEAST favorite player in the NBA. However, you can’t argue his talent. Would Kobe want to come to Seattle?
May 30th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
McCoy, have you ever seen Kevin Durant play?
The kid has SICK skills at 6′10. I’m going to say it now: Kevin Durant WILL BE a better player and teammate than Kobe Bryant.
whoever on Sirius radio thinks Ray Allen AND Kevin Durant for Kobe is a fair deal needs a new job. Man PLEASE. for the last time, we don’t need Kobe Bryant and his gigantic ego and contract.
Trading this pick is equivalent to the Texans passing on Reggie Bush. It will be that devastating.
At this point though, all these talks just depress me after Clay Bennett’s latest comment. I am starting to believe this team is 99% gone. Though it won’t stop me from fighting but the hill just got steeper
May 30th, 2007 at 1:52 pm
I don’t understand why everyone assumed hiring Iavaroni would mean the Sonics would emulate the Suns (though, I don’t consider that a bad thing) just because he’s most known for working under D’Antoni. He’s a defensive minded coach, who has also worked under Pat Riley.
And, WTF, has anyone watched this season’s final four? I, for one, want to throw up after watching nothing but post isolation and face to face, one on one play.
May 30th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
I agree with Vinny. The only consolation for Kobe being a Sonic, would be the team moving as far away as possible. And we thought this city disliked overpaid, arrogant athletes before Kobe’s arrival–he is sure to change their perceptions.
May 30th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
At this point though, all these talks just depress me after Clay Bennett’s latest comment. I am starting to believe this team is 99% gone. Though it won’t stop me from fighting but the hill just got steeper
- I’m surprised why so many people find this comment surprising…how else is he supposed to create leverage if he doesn’t say he is leaving.
May 30th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
That is, assuming Iavaroni hasn’t explicitly said that that is the system he would run, which I have no idea.
May 30th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
From ESPN Insider:
“Wilkens also said he is open to trading the second pick in the draft, widely expected to be used to take Kevin Durant of Texas. However, it would have to be a very good offer.
“I can see a couple of scenarios. Dwyane Wade and somebody,” Wilkens said. “That is being a little bit crazy, but you always listen. You never know what someone will do.”"
Wilkens seems to think the #2 pick for D-Wade is not out of the question. I would rather have Kobe than Wade. I bet Wilkens would too.
May 30th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
Typical Seattle luck:
Landing a player like Durant only to waive goodbye during his first game.
May 30th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
I am sad to say it, but “I called it”.
Vinny Says:
May 25th, 2007 at 11:10 am
The deadline for an arena deal is a day before the regular season begins. So, most likely, Clay “kill joy” Bennett will file for relocation on opening day. That is his style.
May 30th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
“Typical Seattle luck:
Landing a player like Durant only to waive goodbye during his first game.”
Typical Seattle Sports Fan: Always complaining and feeling sorry for yourself.
May 30th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
I think we just need to focus on the team on the court and not focus on Clay Bennett. He has obviously turned out to be someone we can’t trust. He is a great actor and if he does manage to move the teams I think he will continue to lose money because OKC and KC will lose interest in the team within a couple of years. Yes, the honeymoon will be great but it will soon turn to a nightmare. Just hang on Seattle fans I think the best is yet to come and I believe the Sonics will be ours and Clay Bennett will be out the door with a huge financial loss.
May 30th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
Thanks for the full effect roundup Steve. Today probably deserved it.
Later in comments you said: “…in the grand scheme of things I think there’s less difference between the best coaching candidate the Sonics could get and the 3rd best coaching candidate than there is between the best GM and 3rd best GM.”
I agree with that given where we are. I dont know that you can give one answer on which is more important in general. Both are important every year but the tide swings. To get from being down to playoffs the front office decisions have to be good. A weak coach wont cut it but I think you can progress with an average coach if you have the right players.
To get from good to great you have to have at least a very good coach.
May 30th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
“I do find it disappointing how close minded people are about the “Suns” model…”
Even though Myk pretty much disagrees with everybody (jk), I do agree with him. This isn’t your grandfathers NBA anymore. The game has changed. IMO the Sonics are more PHX than San Antonio. Should we play exactly the same? Of course not…..but with the athletes we have I think its a mistake to play a slower style.
Nobody will really know what kind of style Iavaroni has until next season.
May 30th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
On franchise fate timetable I see it sliced into the following pieces:
1) Now til Oct. 31
2) Nov. 1 until Bennett announces an offer received from another city or an agreement in principle
3) That time til Board of Governors meets on Bennett’s planned file for relocation
4) Time until Stern and BOG take a public stance or make a decision
How Bennett, public officials, Stern act in each timeperiod is hard to predict and there are many ways their actions and inactions could intersect and affect each other.
Right now it doesnt look like anyone is planning on doing anything significant in timeperiod 1. That could change, but I think the odds are getting lower. Given everything to date hard to see Bennett’s statements about being out of ideas and pessimistic inspiring any the specific lead public offiicals to jump to do more than they have to date. Will they in time period 2? Doubt it. The question seems like whether the action regarding a mutually agreeable plan to stay heats up in time period 3 or 4 or not at all.
May 30th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
I have pulled my support for Bennett and have written a from the heart story about it on my blog. Feel free to comment.
http://supersonics-fan.blogspot.com/
May 30th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
This thing isn’t going to work for us. Our leaders are going to wait until it is too late to try to do anything. I put this at 99.9% odds of not working out. I hate that all the naysayers were right. You combine Clay’s unwillingness to work things out with our inept leadership, we be screwed.
May 30th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
If Oden drops to #2, which I highly doubt, I would take him. I am just not as high on Durant as others. His college stats tells me that he took a lot of shots - his TS% is not overly remarkable for the NCAA - although his volume of shots makes it more impressive. I also wonder about his defense. So I would very much consider trading him to the Lakers for a player that has shown great things for a 19 year old in the NBA - Bynum. If you can provide me with some statistical reason, or any reason that is not based on “he is awesome” to rebut my argument, please do so.
There is also the redundancy issue with Rashard. All year long there were complaints that Ray and Rashard were redundant. Durant just adds to that problem. How many more shots are there out there? How many points are we willing to give up?
BTW, I would also look into trading something for Tyson Chandler - not sure what the package would be - I would not give up the #2 for him.
May 30th, 2007 at 2:28 pm
Oh, one more thing. I did what you guys said and emailed all the politicians. And each and every one of them sent me automated replies to contact other people. Ron Sims says he can’t do anything without the legislature behind it. I am pissed off at this stupid state!!!
May 30th, 2007 at 2:29 pm
Interestingly the Spurs and Suns are very similar on league rankings for all 4 offensive efficency factors (FG%, turnovers, offensive rebounding and getting to the line). They are complete opposites on pace but you can argue that is important or not for on the court matchups in today’s league or from marketing standpoint. Spurs great on defense whle Suns are average.
Maybe slower teams and strong defensive teams dominating final 4 this year is telling. If NBA changes rules or interpretation of rules after this season the right answer to the question may indeed change but past efforts to increase gameflow and offensive scoring it could be argued made the teams that can still find a way to defend well have the advantage.
May 30th, 2007 at 2:33 pm
“Later in comments you said: “…in the grand scheme of things I think there’s less difference between the best coaching candidate the Sonics could get and the 3rd best coaching candidate than there is between the best GM and 3rd best GM.”
I agree with that given where we are. I dont know that you can give one answer on which is more important in general. Both are important every year but the tide swings. To get from being down to playoffs the front office decisions have to be good. A weak coach wont cut it but I think you can progress with an average coach if you have the right players.
To get from good to great you have to have at least a very good coach. ”
Good points. While both positions are important, at this point it’s more about assembling a competitive roster. If the Sonics got their 3rd or 4th choice of head coaches we’re still talking about Paul Silas or Mustache Van Gundy and that’s not too bad. I’m not even sure who the 3rd or 4th best GM candidate would be and that says a lot.
For a moment though let’s assume the Sonics hire Sam Presti as GM and let’s put ourselves in his shoes. You’re 29 years old. You just got your first job as a full GM with complete power over personnel decisions and you’re holding the #2 overall pick in the draft. Your team has made the playoffs exactly once in the last 5 seasons with their current core. To put your stamp on this team do you partially blow up your roster to build around Durant or do you re-sign Rashard and try and keep all 3?
I ask because IMO there’s no way in hell a Sam Presti or any other GM getting his first shot at running a team is going to hitch his wagon to the previous regime’s stars long term when that duo has gotten the team nowhere.
Putting one’s own stamp on a team usually doesn’t mean keeping with the status quo when the status quo is 30-35 wins a year. If they get Oden that would be one thing, but if the Sonics draft Durant I think Lewis is a lock for a S&T.
The only reasons I can come up with for keeping both Rashard & Durant are all based upon some notion of playing a smallball lineup with two SFs and as Scott put it, appeasing Ray & Rashard’s offense at Durant’s expense. Doesn’t seem the way to go. I wouldn’t let Lewis walk for nothing but I’d try to accomodate a S&T for a better PG or C.
May 30th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
This whole mess is really Howard Schultz’ fault. He’s the idiot who, instead of firing Wally Walker for gross incompetence, gave him a raise and a stake in the team.
Howard, that was SOME 5 YEAR PLAN YOU HAD!!!
May 30th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
The strategy of making it hard for Bennett to leave makes sense. What strategy will work on public officials? A number of people have called for them to either propose a solution and make Bennett say yes or no or work hard on it jointly. I havent gotten any responses in letters calling for that either. Maybe an incremental step would be for prominent newspaper writers and editorial boards to make such calls. I think the call has to be for a new plan because I dont think the public officals will revisit and vote yes on the old plan. If Bennett wants to reject everything but that, he will. But if so, make it clear it was his singleminded position that causes whatever happens.
May 30th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
“This isn’t your grandfathers NBA anymore. The game has changed. IMO the Sonics are more PHX than San Antonio. Should we play exactly the same? Of course not…..but with the athletes we have I think its a mistake to play a slower style. ”
I think the league would like people to think that, but one look at the final 4 teams shows me that slow it down, pound it out, 1 on 1 physical style is still the way towards success. If you don’t have a very good or even average defensive roster (or a totally friggin terrible one like this team) the only way to win consistently is to be HIGHLY efficient on offense, ie very low pace with very high rebound rate like in 04.
If they want to keep an Allen/Lewis/Durant squad together IMO Carlisle would be a perfect fit with his slow paced methodical offense and holding guys accountable for defense.
When this current roster plays fast, it’ll lose more often than not because the defense is so bad. Higher possession game = more opportunities for the other team to score.
May 30th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
Wilkens seems to think the #2 pick for D-Wade is not out of the question. I would rather have Kobe than Wade. I bet Wilkens would too.
- Wade is younger, cheaper and more marketable of a star. I would take Wade over Kobe in a second. This year I coached a group of 6th graders and at the beginning of the season I sent out a little survey to get a better idea of how much they followed basketball. One question I asked was who their favorite player was.
Out of my 10 players: 5 said Wade, 2 said LeBron, 2 said Allen and 1 said Lewis. If we could somehow get Wade for Durant (and trade Allen for another part) I’d have to consider it…and I really like Durant.
Maybe slower teams and strong defensive teams dominating final 4 this year is telling.
- I haven’t checked pace of play numbers and what not but just based on Points Allowed Utah was NOT a strong defensive team…they were at least middle of the pack. Strong defense also did very little for Dallas and Chicago (both considered great defensive teams).
Should we play exactly the same? Of course not…..but with the athletes we have I think its a mistake to play a slower style.
- Just put your best players on the court and force the other team to adjust their games accordingly. That is truly the Suns style…create as many mismatches as possible and go from there…if you can get the other team to begin adjusting to you it is already a big plus on your side because they are no longer doing what they prefer to do.
May 30th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
Like TK and Brian have said—No lease buyout is our ticket and we need to focus our energy on the best possible solution to making this happen. There are thousands of us on this site, plus great leaders at the top–Let’s make this happen. I know that I don’t write often but I am ready to do everything possible to make sure we get an initiative with some muscle to it. Let’s let the balls fall where they may in terms of the team and continue to brainstorm ideas on how to get this intiative together!
May 30th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
When this current roster plays fast, it’ll lose more often than not because the defense is so bad. Higher possession game = more opportunities for the other team to score.
- I remember saying this last summer…at least everyone is starting to see why that is more beneficial. Create mismatches on offense (which I think we can do very easily) and force your players to be accountable on the defensive/rebounding end and I think the team could 50 games…it is all about attitude.
May 30th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
I’m not disagreeing with you at all. In the end, generally the teams with solid inside scoring and defense win out. We don’t really have the inside play/players to be that type of team (currently). We definitely don’t have the defense. I’m just saying we are closer to a certain from the desert (who is successful).
We weren’t Loyola Marymount in 04. But we weren’t a slow pace team by any means. If anything we were a “live and die by the 3″ team IMO. Either way our defense was suspect that year too.
May 30th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Presti woiuld likely make changes as Steve suggests but I’d have to know him firsthand to guess whether he comes out blazing with moves in July or if he tries to stablize (re-sign Lewis) then adjust by Feb. and next summer.
May 30th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Sonicsman’s plan described at his website to stop talking about arena at least for awhile and focus on the Sonics’ basketball prospects has some appeal. I thought calling on elected officials to step up and try to identify a deal they could support was worth a try. But unless they do or Bennett comes off his stance, I may not have much more to say about arena. The fact that it may be want Bennett wants, causes me to leave the door open if I feel like it.
May 30th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
I would guess that Presti, like anyone with ambition, has a rough idea in his head about what he would do if he were the big cheese. So based on that I would say that he would come in and make some significant changes, but not completely blow it up.
May 30th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
No offense intended to anyone 29 but maybe sharing this time frame might have some value: Presti was in diapers when Magic & Bird entered the league, elementary school when Pistons bad boy defense took over, high scool /college during the mostly MJ/Pippen Bulls era and I think the 2001 draft was his first in the league when Kwame Brown has #1 and Tony Parker was taken 28. Now I am sure he is well acquainted with all this history but it is different looking in as a young fan or looking back. Gabriel and Fitzsimmons were in league jobs for all or nearly all his history. I assume that direct exposure yielded some insights. Is Presti’s 6 or so years experience enough? Probably. Is 25 years better? Not necesarily, but maybe in some ways. Sheppard’s 13 is something of a middle ground. First hired by Bickerstaff. Hard to judge from a surface resume and a few favorable press reports.Fit with Wilkens will be important but should that be the key or go for talent to do this job well? I hope the two coincide. I like the things Wilkens has said recently to the media about doing things as a team but also hiring a GM to do the job.
May 30th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
In my mind it is Ray Allen & Kevin Durant.
Everyone else is movable. Except maybe Swift. I like his attitude.
May 30th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
This city simply isn’t enamoured enough with the idea of retaining an NBA franchise to put up a fight to keep the Sonics. Normally a move like this would be out of the question (the team is storied, has decent attendance, and just netted Kevin Durant), yet Seattlites (with the exception of those here) seem to honestly care less that a foreign owner is weeks away from trying to move the team to the midwest. Wild. Just really, really wild. Sad stuff. We aren’t the Grizzlies or Hornet. The Supersonics are a 40+ year old NBA franchise that has spent its entire life in Seattle, and people don’t seem to give a shit.
May 30th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
If a partnership with Wilkens works, Presti has that long exposure as a resource and a corective force. It still isnt the same as having it himself but maybe the intensity of being young, presumably in the office all the time the last 6 years gives him a now edge.
The contrast between Sund and Presti today is strong but Sund has once what Presti is. Make the right call on this Clay & Lenny.
May 30th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
No offense intended to anyone 29
- It seems like most young GMs and Coaches that have been hired have been shown to work a tremendously higher amount of hours than the old girzzled veterans. I have absolutely no problem with how old the guy is if the knows how to evaluate talent. If anything it may help him from being too old school…especially when we already have Lenny around.
My question about him being 29 is how he can relate to the coach…that is why I wondered about the PJ Carlesimo rumors…
May 30th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
A lot of the very good GMs got started in 30s so I am not opposed to young per se. I am just trying to say make him meet a high standard. He isnt a former NBA player. He has been with Spurs office his entire career rather than several places, several team circumstances. He doesnt really know what an average or poor team is from the inside or directly how to fix it or not fix it from firsthand experience. He knows a team on top. That is a very good thing but is that enough? You are right, relating to a coach 25 years older can be another challenge. It can be done. But it adds new layers to the team challenge. If brillance offsets, great.
May 30th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
Whoever they choose I hope they decide that more than 1-2 group meetings with fans and maybe 4-6 brief interviews with the press is enough for GM-fan relations per year. (If it was more here in the past it didnt feel like it.) If you are selling every week of the year, have the GM be a part of feeding that nearly every week of the year too.
May 30th, 2007 at 4:05 pm
Also, when the GM is hired PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not just issue a statement!!!!!
May 30th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
I wish it were possible. But to think that a bunch of citizens can force Bennett to honor his lease is stupid. The city of Seattle has screwed itself with this losing the Sonics thing and they are going to jump at any possible $$$ from Bennett to make up for their errors. And with that being the case, just exactly how are Brian Robinson and a few Sonics “fans” going to do anything about it? I can understand why some might want to believe that this is possible, as it is the one final pipe dream to work something out, but it’s ridiculous in a realistic world.
The 0.01% chance the Sonics have in staying in Seattle is them winning the finals and Seattle going insane and David Stern not being able to allow a move. That is the ONLY possible way it works out.
May 30th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
Brian Robinson, Clay Bennett should deeply thank you…I know I do.
If the Sonics left Seattle, it would crush my favorite sports team in my favorite sport.
What makes it worse, too, is that my two favorite things about the NBA could both vanish in a very short period of time:
My love for the Sonics and my hatred for the Kobe-Lakers.
If those two things leave me, my passion for the NBA would be dessimated…
May 30th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
If the Sonics leave Seattle, I am through with the NBA entirely.
May 30th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
“No tears shed by me over the loss of Iavaroni as a potential coach. One less chance the Sonics try to follow the Suns model. Yea!”
I agree.
I have said it several times that I would prefer, Jeff Van Gundy, Stan Van Gundy or Carlisle, and lastly PJ. I find it interesting though that I’ve heard no reports of Carlisle or JVG getting any interviews. PJ can’t I understand, but Carlisle’s record is a lot more impressive than Sam Vincent or Sam Mitchell, or Doc Rivers or whatsisname in Minnesota, all of which have signed recently.
May 30th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
I starting to wonder if Clay Bennett’s kid’s myspace is real.
May 30th, 2007 at 4:41 pm
If the Sonics played in Seattle I’d want Rick Carlisle. But for the OKC Tumbleweeds, I want the crappiest coach possible. I also wouldnt mind it if Lenny traded the #2 pick.
May 30th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
I found your guys blog after hearing about it on KJR the other day. I was hoping that it would be a rallying point for Sonics fans to get together and plan our attack. Instead I found a site where about 10 guys sit around speculating about player trades and talk about the gm and coach for a team that is going to leave. I guess Softy was right that it’s a small group. Right now as a Sonics fan in Seattle, I feel about as pointless an activist as the crazy hippies who sit in trees opposing new building being built.
May 30th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
I have mentioned the national TV rights deals coming up for renegotiation soon ( effective for 2008-9 season) in the context that it will affect salary cap and franchise values but it might also affect to some degree NBA league office dispoition toward a Bennett application to move.They might want to defer action until TV deal gets done to avoid the commotion. This article suggest talks have ben underway for quite soketime. http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/recent_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002651408Stern seeking 6-10 year might be seen as trying to lock in for safety and no deal yet (almost a year later than the article talk of fastracking) may suggest networks have a different posture and might want a shorter deal. Another environmental factor.
May 30th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
More relevant tv talk here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC
May 30th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Somebody tell me why Seattle matters in tv deals when it is proving to be a town that for the most part doesn’t care about their own team, let alone the NBA.
May 30th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Joe,
According to Brian Robinson (please, correct me if I’m wrong) the plan of initiative 950 is not to make Bennett change his mind, but to block him from getting out of his current lease–of which he is currently contractually obligated to.
Licata starts intitiatives in his damn living room—why can’t a group of this number get one going?
May 30th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
Joe for full focus on saving team follow the link to Save Our Sonics & Storm.
May 30th, 2007 at 5:03 pm
national tv viewership probably to some extent varies from markets with a home team and those that don’t (though I dont have those numbers, Stern does). If you replace the 15th biggest market with the 30th or 45th by Sonics moving it might have some effect on national tv viewership and the bids for those rights. The real difference might be pretty small but as I said the commotion could have a larger effect on the negotiations.
May 30th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
Joe, lots of folks here talk the team future and act as they see appropriate and talk about the team. You did some of both. Choose your own balance and others will too.
May 30th, 2007 at 5:10 pm
If the City holds firm and does not give in, true, Bennett may just try to walk anyway. At that point, the City would sue for damages. And Stern would likely not want another image hit and have to mitigate, at very least the Sonics name will stay.
Devil’s advocate for a moment tho, would Bennett stand to lose anymore bleeding out the lease for 3 yrs before moving than he would waiting for a new arena here besides the relocation fee? With Durant here, fans would probably still go to games even in lame duck mode. It does buy a lot of time however.
May 30th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
Joe, lots of folks here talk the team future and act as they see appropriate and talk about the team’s basketball prospects (the entertainment product that motivates concern about the business side). Choose your own balance and others will too.
May 30th, 2007 at 5:20 pm
chncasper: “at the very least the Sonics name will stay.”
WOOOPEEEWOOO!!!! (sarcasm off)
I do agree that if we are able to hold the team here for 3 years, the possibilities of our idiot government and leaderes getting their crap together greatly increases and if that happens in the least, Stern might not let a move happen. But if people respond to things the way they are currently (”Oh forget them. They are leaving anyway.”), nothing will change, just delay the inevitable.
May 30th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
Whatever happened to that Sabey guy? It’s as if he was ready to step up and help get something done and then dropped off the face of the planet? Wouldn’t surprise me if Bennett had him silenced.
May 30th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Sorry for the doublepost.
chncasper, you raise a good point.
(points made here reach more than the folks who comment here, but also the many more folks that read here and carry that information elsewhere and some in the press and perhaps at times some in public office.)
Bennett taking team to KC now vs staying 3 years might not be much different financially. KC market hasnt been prepped. Deal hasnt been negotiated and he doesnt know how sweet he could get, He has no tv deal there in place.
Taking team to OKC may be bang up ticket sales and press but if arena needs upgrade do you want to play there while you negotiate for that and do the construction or does it make since to be here , leverage a deal and let the construction go full bore then move?
Maybe talking this sort of detail helps others including public officials here understand the situation better. I havent been impressed by how much they seem to know. Going by what Sonics and public officals and media say hasnt really been enough. Details get left out and folks here of varying views will offer reminders, for what they are worth to the reader.
Bennett talks about leaving soon but I would not be surprised if he stays 2-3 years before an answer is reached.
May 30th, 2007 at 5:35 pm
Sabey made some remarks and Bennett didnt really react much but perhaps more will come later.
May 30th, 2007 at 5:37 pm
Sorry if I’m too negative guys. I just feel SOOOOOOO helpless and that I have zero say in this matter. I’ve emailed all the politicians and they all just send auto replies denying responsibility. It’s frustrating that we have such little say in the matter. Even more when it feels like I’m one of only 10 other who feel the same.
May 30th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
Bennett filing before the start of the season will do wonders for attendance and support in general… ugh! So much for the draw of having a hot shot rookie.
Has there ever been a team that was the top draw on the road, yet at the bottom in home attendance?
May 30th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
It is what it is, Joe. Frankly, i’d rather be the hippie in a tree right about now… at least i’d have a good buzz on.
May 30th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
I agree Dick. The Durant buzz has been equalized by Bennett filing to move. People in Seattle, even a lot of the sports fans, are a different breed. Most places would react, “We need to step up and show our support so they don’t take what we love!” But in Seattle people are instead, “Well screw you! Go to OKC!”
Hey, If you want to tell you grandkids that you watched Kevin Durant in his rookie year, I’m sure the Sonics are going to have some amazing specials on tix next year. They will be practically giving them away after Bennett’s relocation filing drives most people away.
May 30th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
“I’ve emailed all the politicians and they all just send auto replies denying responsibility.”
I’ve found that it means more to contact your own local reps (in the district you live in, which doesn’t help those outside the area) and start conversation in a very nice manner and find out where they stand. Part of the problem of doing things at this point in time is that all of our reps are not in session and thus there isn’t any deadlines hanging over them for individual issues. But good ones will get back to you, and those that don’t should give you a pretty good idea of why you won’t want to vote for them again.
“Even more when it feels like I’m one of only 10 other who feel the same.”
You’re definately not one of 10. The last rally we had was attended by more than 500 fans, since then we’ve been able to get support with the event at Sport Restaraunt which was attended by a lot of people that want to keep this team here.
What you see on SonicsCentral is a fan site, its not the official Save Our Sonics website. I personally don’t want to talk nearly as much about the arena situation on this site as there has been, but understand that this is what it is and its going to permiate almost any talk about hte team.
Welcome to the site, as things come up with SOS we do our best to make sure that the readers of this site are aware. But as much as that I just want to talk my Seattle Supersonics. If a day comes that they’re no longer in Seattle, the NBA will never see another dollar from my pocket, but till that day I’m going to see what i can get done.
May 30th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
I get where you are coming from Scott. My problem is I can’t allow myself to get excited about a dead beat team. At some point I guess I need to get myself in the mindset of “one final run for a title”. But until then, I feel helpless.
May 30th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
Hang in there Joe. It feels like that to at least a few thousand.
Find ways to act or talk about it that feel right to you.
One other potentially bad item for Bennett moving and therefore perhaps helpful to keeping them here at least a little longer-
Sonics have a tv deal with fox northwest. If they want to move do they have an easy out or will it cost them some or a lot? I havent seen that point raised. Maybe the press can help us get the answer.
May 30th, 2007 at 6:06 pm
fsn deal doesn’t mean much, rights can easily be transferred to the fsn affiliate in the midwest
May 30th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
I don’t think fsn contracts are hard to get out of.
May 30th, 2007 at 6:13 pm
I remember as a kid how upset i was after the Denver series in the first round. I had such a hard time getting over it that i resorted to putting nick van exel and dikembe mutombo basketball cards on my dart board. Funny how harmless that seems compared to this. This will be much harder to get over.
May 30th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
Transfer probably the way they’d go. I hadnt thought of that. Talking helps sort out the wheat from the chaff.
May 30th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
in searching for other info found this blog that talks Sonics
http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/sleeplessinseattle/NBA/27802
May 30th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
“The only way I would like KOBE on the Sonics is if the team does indeed move to OKC.”
Vinny, great post!
May 30th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
“No tears shed by me over the loss of Iavaroni” -DT
Add my name to the “glad Iavaroni is off the table” list next to Frozen Ropers, Joel Newell and Dick Tate. I LOVE watching defensive teams, which Mr. “I have a Rice-a-Roni” would have taken us in the opposite direction of.
May 30th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
You’re definately not one of 10. The last rally we had was attended by more than 500 fans, since then we’ve been able to get support with the event at Sport Restaraunt which was attended by a lot of people that want to keep this team here.
- I think that it also helps to remember that most people here have been talking about the Sonics/Arena issue for 8 or 9 months now…if you want an idea of how the Arena has been discussed you could look at all the archives…lots of stuff there.
May 30th, 2007 at 7:38 pm
It was fun while it lasted. It really kills me that this upcoming season is most likely the last for the Sonics in Seattle…
May 30th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
“Looks like we are in the same boat…”
Elvis, we sure are. I remember very well standing in my high school gym in Maryland amongst an entire school of Bullet fans and me defending the Sonics all by my lonesome! These days I go to see the Sonics play every year when they play the Wizards. And as you know, the last two were TERRIBLE! And it was quite embarrassing for me as Heavy had mailed me some awesome Sonics signs I held up and waved. By the 3rd quarter the whole section I was in was laughing at me as we were getting clobbered. By the 4th quarter I just slumped in my seat and took the abuse from Wizard fans and left with like 7 minutes to go. It would be nice to have a Sonic fan with me this year. Email me at: hrtonslv@hotmail.com. Maybe we can work something out.
May 30th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
I am so angry right now. And there’s nothing I can do about it. This is not a good thing for the old blood pressure.
May 30th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
I am so angry right now. And there’s nothing I can do about it. This is not a good thing for the old blood pressure.
May 30th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Getting to see Durant play in Seattle for a year will be a small consolation. We haven’t had a talent like that since SK. Sucks he’ll be leaving though…
May 30th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
That story shows spirit SonicComic.
I’d give odds that Sonics are still here in 2008-9 at least 50-50 if that breathing room helps any spirits at all. Even if Bennett is hot to leave I think Stern might slow the wheels some and try to manage the spin and play out any chances at a new greater revenue generating arena. He has other cities trying to get arenas and if Sonics leave his task in Sacramento , Milwaukee, etc. gets tougher.
May 30th, 2007 at 8:32 pm
Is there any way to e-mail the office of Stern?
————————————————————————-
McCoy–
When you talk about trading Durant for Andrew Bynum it shows that you haven’t really done your homework in a lot of ways. Yes, on the surface it would appear like he’s a redundant talent. We’ve got good perimeter players in Lewis and Allen, however, Durant is much, much more than that…which is why he’s wanted by many teams including many Blazers fans. Some of the things that Durant will bring us include:
* Tremendous scoring…a Caramello-Anthony like scorer (according to David Locke…)
* At times, relentless shot-blocking. I’ve seen him go after it three times in the same possession. This guy is more of a defensive player than Lewis, and it will be infectuous.
* A ridiculous wingspan…reportedly over 7 feet…longer than that of Tayshawn Prince..
* And very good perimeter shooting. His shooting stroke is almost perfect. He is to jump shooting what Ken Griffey Jr. was to a swing in baseball. It will be beatiful to watch.
He will be a better player than Andrew Bynum next year…period. Bynum played well for about a quarter of last season; that’s it.
May 30th, 2007 at 8:43 pm
Durant for friggin Andrew Bynum? Holy hell….
May 30th, 2007 at 9:13 pm
“He has other cities trying to get arenas and if Sonics leave his task in Sacramento , Milwaukee, etc. gets tougher.”
How so? He can point to Seattle and say, “See what happens if you don’t work with us.”
May 30th, 2007 at 9:20 pm
It is a doubled edged sword. Some officials will get more standoffish / tougher. Some might worry more / cave quicker. I guess you take your chances if you want to play that game more. Fear has motivated a number of places in the past to some degree but when was the last “great giveaway”? Seems like most deals in most recent years have been compromises.
May 30th, 2007 at 9:35 pm
Most deals to stay have been compromises.
I guess it depends if you are willing to go or want to stay.
May 30th, 2007 at 10:25 pm
Transfer of tv rights within fox family network probably possible but they might have to adjust schedule some / isnt guaranteed and they probably would seek a partial rebate to go from 15th largest market to 30th or 45th. Might be some millions more on the move tab.
Take it easy EJ.
As bleak as it might look nothing irreversible has happened yet.
Mariners and Seahawks were worse.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
From a world class city (Seattle) to a truck stop (OKC)–this is today’s NBA. I might be done with pro basketball after this.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:26 pm
Getting to see Durant play in Seattle for a year will be a small consolation. We haven’t had a talent like that since SK. Sucks he’ll be leaving though…
- Man…everyone STEP AWAY FROM THE LEDGE…there was no way that Clay Bennett was NOT going to say something like this at some point during the year. As it stands now he has relatively little leverage in the Arena situation. The only thing he can do to create pressure is to begin trying to move the team…
…will it work? I don’t really think so…we still need more private money
…is he an idiot for doing this right now? Completely…I mean for a “great businessman” the guy sure does not seem to have any concept of Public Relations. Announcing this publicly just makes his team less likely to sell tickets this year…only an idiot would shoot your own business in a foot like that, especially when the announcement wasnt even necessary.
May 31st, 2007 at 6:27 am
The idea of trading the draft rights of Kevin Durant to the Los Angeles Lakers for Andrew Bynum is one of the most moronic thing that I’ve ever read here.
May 31st, 2007 at 6:44 am
Alot of Lakers games get broadcast where I live, so I’ve watched Andrew Bynum enought to feel that I can make a reasonable judgement on him.
I don’t understand why he gets so much hype. A pretty good player? Sure. A jaw dropping one that makes you sit up and go wow? Laughable.
He’s shown nothing over and above what many centers have, not even that his potential looks to be any better than say, a Robert Swift. He’s a kid still, and he makes a ton of mistakes, especially on the IQ end of things. Like the three young Sonics centers, Bynum is a project in the making. He doesn’t dominate anything yet. Perhaps with time, just like Swift or Sene.
May 31st, 2007 at 7:09 am
Yummy, more Bennett smacktalk in today’s Seattle Times:
Thursday, May 31, 2007 - Page updated at 02:01 AM
Bennett says he plans to file moving papers
By Jim Brunner
Seattle Times staff reporter
Sonics and Storm owner Clay Bennett says he’s “out of ideas” for landing an arena deal in Seattle and plans to file this November with the NBA for permission to move the teams after next season.
….
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2003728789_bennett31.html
From Seattle to truck-stopland…..
May 31st, 2007 at 7:34 am
Why would the NBA even approve such a move, especially with the prospect of Seattle landing Durant? Seattle’s the bigger market as it is, but the prospect of a years-long, highly publicized I-5 rivalry between the cream of this year’s draft crop can’t be ignored — esp. by Bennett. And doesn’t Durant (or Oden) make the pro-arena economic impact arguments all the more compelling? Doesn’t make sense.
May 31st, 2007 at 9:32 am
Joe–Nick Van Exel wasn’t on the Nuggets when they beat the Sonics. He was on the Lakers when they beat the Sonics though…
May 31st, 2007 at 9:38 am
“”"is he an idiot for doing this right now? Completely…I mean for a “great businessman” the guy sure does not seem to have any concept of Public Relations. Announcing this publicly just makes his team less likely to sell tickets this year…only an idiot would shoot your own business in a foot like that, especially when the announcement wasnt even necessary. “”"
He is shooting his own business in the foot ON PURPOSE!!!!!!!
this is his plan. Turn away fans, create disinterest in the team, make the ticket sales numbers look terrible, all in the plan to make it easier to move. He can point to all of these things and say ” well, Seattle doesn’t care” mainly because ClayClay is throwing a wet blanket over everything Sonics. He has been in “kill joy” mode right from the start, only paying lip service towards trying to keep the team in Seattle. The $$$ he spent for new areana studies etc… Cost of doing business, he had to do something to qualify for “good faith” and he definately has done the least he could do.
Lets not let this plan succeed!!!!!!!!!
Can we organize a million fan march? Probably not a million, but some type of public show of support that cannot be ignored!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We as fans have to step up and make some serious noise - that seems to be the only way.
May 31st, 2007 at 9:49 am
I don’t like what he’s doing, but I do understand it.
At some point someone from our state has to step up and give him some alternative plan that’s viable for all parties concerned. Clay stepped in and gave a plan, so should we.
This hasn’t even cut close to as deep as the Mariners or Seahawks situatoin did (watching the moving trucks headed down to LA) and yet you’d think people don’t understand that this is all part of the game.
May 31st, 2007 at 10:28 am
The idea of trading the draft rights of Kevin Durant to the Los Angeles Lakers for Andrew Bynum is one of the most moronic thing that I’ve ever read here.
- Says alot since some people here think Rick Adelman is a great coach…or that we shouldn’t draft Durant because he is too much like Dirk.
He is shooting his own business in the foot ON PURPOSE!!!!!!!
- If this is the case then he is an eve worse businessman than I thought and it really makes me question how he made a billion dollars. The team is already losing money…the less tickets he sells means that he could possibly lose $100-150 million dollars before he even moves the team…
May 31st, 2007 at 10:31 am
At some point someone from our state has to step up and give him some alternative plan that’s viable for all parties concerned. Clay stepped in and gave a plan, so should we.
- I agree with this too…way too many of us are letting us start to make Clay the only villain here. At least he tried to do something. That is more than our city officials or previous ownership group has done. If we all turn on Clay (which it really seems like it is happening) it just makes things even less likely to happen…
Someone just needs to teach him the value of PR
May 31st, 2007 at 10:39 am
WE’VE BEEN PUNK’D BY CLAY. He’s filing moving paper: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2003728789_bennett31.html
I do not believe he ever wanted to stay in Seattle. Everything was a ruse.
May 31st, 2007 at 10:53 am
Regarding Iavaroni, it’s important to remember he hasn’t only coached under D’Antoni–his first major coaching job was on the Heat under Pat Riley. His teams will play D, I’m sure of that. (It’s also important to remember that Phoenix’ D is a lot better than a superficial glance makes it look.)
Regarding Bennett, defeatism and nasty comments are counterproductive; there’s still plenty of time and good reason to hold out hope, as long as folks keep working on this. TK’s right, we got a lot closer to the ledge with the M’s and ‘Hawks, and they’re still here. What’s needed is someone to come up with a privately-/mostly-privately-funded arena plan (like the one Ackerley came up with 17 years ago that the politicos of the time killed) that works for the Sonics; there’s no guarantee that happens, but it’s a very real possibility.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:02 am
“If this is the case then he is an eve worse businessman than I thought and it really makes me question how he made a billion dollars.”
He said ‘I Do’.
Clay’s a good businessman, who might be a little out of his political zone here. The things he does PR wise probably work out just fine in Oklahoma where his accent doesn’t sound gruff and his demeanor is right in line with locals. Alas we’re not in Oklahoma and he doesn’t get a free pass on some of his ideas or how he does things.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:06 am
He said ‘I Do’.
- If thats all you need to do to make a billion in OKC then book me a ticket on the next flight out. I could sacrafice living in a dust bowl for a billion dollars…
May 31st, 2007 at 12:07 pm
OK - who are these 2 players (one is Durant)?
Min PTs/g FGA/g Pts/Pos TS% eFG%
36.5 28.1 18.7 1.12 0.61 0.56
35.9 25.8 18.5 1.05 0.59 0.54
Question: If the 19 year old Andew Bynum was out there playing for Duke or something - what kind of stats do you think he would have put up? I would guess impressive. And the hype machine would be cranking his name out there too.
Also, if people really think Durant is going to come in and be a superstar immediatly, I highly doubt it.
I could be wrong about Bynum, but I trust statistics more than most and the stats tell me he is really, really good for a 19 year old NBA player. Here is another comparison: This time I will tell you who it is: The 2nd year NBA player, 22 year old Shaq Oneal.
TS% Reb/40 Blocks Ass/TO rate
59.71 13.30 2.87 .88
58.59 10.80 2.85 .82
Shaq is first, Bynum is 2nd. The only place where Shaq is obviously better is in rebounds. However, Shaq was 22, Bynum was 19. I suspect in 3 years Bynum might be able to improve his rebounding.
May 31st, 2007 at 12:24 pm
I could be wrong about Bynum, but I trust statistics more than most and the stats tell me he is really, really good for a 19 year old NBA player. Here is another comparison: This time I will tell you who it is: The 2nd year NBA player, 22 year old Shaq Oneal.
TS% Reb/40 Blocks Ass/TO rate
59.71 13.30 2.87 .88
58.59 10.80 2.85 .82
- Now we all know why I find per/40 minutes stats completely unuseful in player comparison. To somehow say that a player who’s stat line was:
39.8mpg, 29.3ppg, 13.2rpg, 2.4apg, 2.9bpg on 60% shooting
is somehow comparable in any form to a guy who’s stat line was:
21.9mpg, 7.8ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.1apg, 1.56bpg and 55.8% shooting
Is just shocking…as I always say…there is a big reason why a player who is only playing 20mpg isn’t playing 40mpg. If he was really good enough to achieve his per 40 minute stats the coach would be playing him 40 minutes a game.
More fun with numbers:
Two players…each in their second year:
Player A: 21.9mpg, 7.8ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.1apg, 1.56bpg and 55.8% shooting
Player B: 21mpg, 6.4ppg, 5.6rpg, .2apg, 1.19bpg, 51.5% shooting
Obviously Player A is Bynum…Player B is Robert Swift…who knew we had a guy so close to Shaq already on our team…
May 31st, 2007 at 12:26 pm
Post stuck in mod…but also…I will take the bait:
OK - who are these 2 players (one is Durant)?
Min PTs/g FGA/g Pts/Pos TS% eFG%
36.5 28.1 18.7 1.12 0.61 0.56
35.9 25.8 18.5 1.05 0.59 0.54
Who is the non-Durant player?
May 31st, 2007 at 12:27 pm
Nevermind…I figured it out. If you think that Durant and Adam Morrison are even somewhat comparable then…well…that really sucks.
Just another reason why stats should only be used as a small tool in the overall player evaluation process.
May 31st, 2007 at 12:34 pm
Sorry…final post:
More fun with numbers:
Player A: 25.8ppg, 11.1prg, 1.3apg, 47.3FG%, 1.9bpg, 1.9spg
Player B: 21.5ppg, 6.3rpg, 4.4apg, 50.1FG%, 1.3bpg, 2.2spg
Player C: 22.2ppg, 10.0rpg, 2.2apg 45.3FG%, 0.9bpg, 1.6spg
Player D: 19.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.1apg, 55.1FG%, 1.1bpg, 1.6spg
One is Kevin Durant. Another is a top 5 player in the NBA this yaer. Another is a top 15 player in the NBA but only played one year in college and another is the greatest player of all time…
May 31st, 2007 at 12:50 pm
McCoy—
There is probably at least one person in the Lakers front office who agrees with you, and that’s why they have been so reluctant to get rid of Bynum. But, in the NBA you can’t mortgage the rest of your team for potential at the center position. Otherwise, the Sonics would have given a guy like Jerome James a big contract based on his 22 point, 15 rebound performances against Sacramento eventhough his regular season numbers were way below average. The reality is that Shaq came into the league as a more proven commodity than Bynum and Durant is a much more proven commodity as well. And Bynum will never have the opportunity to play at Duke and show what he can do.
Both Shaq and Durant are much better players than Bynum, and continuing this conversation is a waste of energy. However, there may be a job for you in the front office of the Lakers…well, for a few days anyway before the guys who agree with you get fired because they are mortgaging the future of Kobe.
May 31st, 2007 at 1:00 pm
I vote for a new rule…per/40 stats cannot be used to compare two players unless their actual stats are within 5mpg within each other. It just is not fair to compare one guy who played double the minutes to the other guy
May 31st, 2007 at 1:04 pm
I absolutely agree Myk. That’s just a ridiculous manipulation of the numbers for a guy who lost minutes to Kwame Brown!
May 31st, 2007 at 1:41 pm
I am convinced. Durant is the savior of the organization and the next Kevin Garnet. The evidence on his side is too overwhelming. After all, David Locke says how awesome he will be.
May 31st, 2007 at 1:42 pm
Iavaroni just got the coaching position at Memphis. Billy Donovan is close to a deal w/ the Magic.
May 31st, 2007 at 1:49 pm
I am convinced. Durant is the savior of the organization and the next Kevin Garnet. The evidence on his side is too overwhelming. After all, David Locke says how awesome he will be.
- Yup…man, if you really think Durant isn’t going ot be all that good then you need to start watching some more basketball. On the other hand you also called him out for being too much like the league MVP…maybe there isn’t enough for you to watch.
May 31st, 2007 at 1:58 pm
McCoy,
Per minute stats were the justification we heard when the Sonics signed Jim McIlvaine (sp?) and Calvin Booth. It’s relatively easy to rack up impressive stats playing garbage minutes against another team’s non-rotation players.
Scouting, observation and coaching are equally as important as stats and it all must be taken together to assess a player’s true ability.
May 31st, 2007 at 2:04 pm
Both Shaq and Durant are much better players than Bynum, and continuing this conversation is a waste of energy.
That’s what I thought when McCoy first brought up the idea. I guess laughing it off and/or ignoring it would’ve been too easy. Over at the RealGM site, they go on and on with their discussions of asinine trade proposals. You guys oughtta check it out.
May 31st, 2007 at 2:05 pm
Big gap per 48 minute stat comparisons don’t carry much weight but I’d give a little more flexibility, say no more than a 10 minute gap. I’m comfortable enough comparing 10 to 20, 15 to 25, 20 to 30, 25 to 35.
May 31st, 2007 at 2:12 pm
The 10 to 20 is the biggest leap of faith. I might be especially cautious there.
May 31st, 2007 at 2:20 pm
To deal with that, maybe say the actual minutes played difference can’t be more than 40% and claim a lot of comparability. Beyond 40% is pretty speculative and does take more info than the stats alone.
May 31st, 2007 at 2:24 pm
MAN! These New York rumors are REEduckYOUlusssss.
There is not one player on that roster that should even be considered in a sign and trade for Rashard Lewis.
May 31st, 2007 at 2:42 pm
“One is Kevin Durant. Another is a top 5 player in the NBA this yaer. Another is a top 15 player in the NBA but only played one year in college and another is the greatest player of all time…”
Durant, Gerald Wallace (1 year in college), Dirk Nowitzki and Michael Jordan. Those are my guesses…
May 31st, 2007 at 2:44 pm
I would say they are all leaps of faith except 25 to 35. I mean, 15 to 25? Playing 25 minutes in the NBA takes much more endurance than playing 15 minutes of garbage time…or 15 minutes to try to set the tone (like Jerome James did at one point).
May 31st, 2007 at 2:44 pm
There is not one player on that roster that should even be considered in a sign and trade for Rashard Lewis.
- I’d take David Lee and Eddy Curry for Rashard Lewis. A startling line up of Ridnour, Ray, Durant, Lee and Curry wouldn’t be bad.
Before you rip Curry check his stats this year
May 31st, 2007 at 2:46 pm
Durant, Gerald Wallace (1 year in college), Dirk Nowitzki and Michael Jordan. Those are my guesses…
It was
A: Durrant
B: D. Wade
C: C. Anthony
D: M. Jordan
Decent comparisons IMO…but none of them are Adam Morrison…I LOVE that guy
May 31st, 2007 at 2:47 pm
That’s what I thought when McCoy first brought up the idea. I guess laughing it off and/or ignoring it would’ve been too easy. Over at the RealGM site, they go on and on with their discussions of asinine trade proposals. You guys oughtta check it out.
- But, if they are just ignored they will continue…hopefully the site can help educate people on using selective stats to prove their points…I mean there are some people on this site who actually claim that Rick Adleman is a great coach…
May 31st, 2007 at 2:50 pm
I like Curry, but NY will not move him. They say Rasahrds game would be perfect alongside Curry.
May 31st, 2007 at 2:51 pm
MYK, i’m sure you’ll be much happier when PJ Carlesimo is hired instead.
May 31st, 2007 at 2:52 pm
David Lee is already on our team, his name is Nick.
May 31st, 2007 at 3:01 pm
“I mean there are some people on this site who actually claim that Rick Adleman is a great coach… ”
Actually a more accurate phrasing of that would be there’s one guy who still can’t understand the very basic premise that Adelman IS a good coach (I never said great coach; your words, not mine) despite multiple people proving it over and over again ad nauseaum. I just re-read that thread and it’s basically you tilting at windmills while everyone else gets teh point. I’m not about to get drawn into that discussion again with you because frankly, it’s boring as hell. I’d rather agree to disagree because no amount of proof (and believe me, there were vast mountains of proof shoveled out in that thread) shoved in your face made one iota of difference.
For those feeling masochistic please continue the debate here rather than de-rail another thread with ramblings. Thanks.
http://sonicscentral.com/blog/?p=1243
May 31st, 2007 at 3:04 pm
MYK, i’m sure you’ll be much happier when PJ Carlesimo is hired instead.
- PJ would be even worse…all the same skillsets and without the undeserved reputation…still holding out for Carlisle. Really, that would be a capper on a perfect Spring so far now that Iavaroni is no longer available.
May 31st, 2007 at 3:09 pm
I’d rather agree to disagree because no amount of proof (and believe me, there were vast mountains of proof shoveled out in that thread) shoved in your face made one iota of difference
- LOL, man can’t you take a joke. Besides you didn’t provide mountains and mountains of evidence. The argument is basically this:
Adleman Supporters: The guy coached 14 of his 16 teams to the playoffs and has a good regular season winning percentage and took two teams to the finals.
Adleman Haters: The guy coached two immensely talented teams and took them to the playoffs 14 of his 16 years. During those 14 years he was bounced out in the first round 7 times and never coached his team to a playoff series victory over a team with a better record than him. During the two years when he coached a not very talented team his record wasn’t very good and he was fired.
—-
I guess I just don’t see why somehow I am wrong for ignoring “mountains” of evidence when you are doing just the same. We can agree to disagree, which is fine…but its not like you are on some high untouchable pedestal with your “evidence”
May 31st, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Who knows…if we don’t get Adleman perhaps Detroit will fire Flip Saunders and we could get this era’s Adleman…
May 31st, 2007 at 3:23 pm
Don’t worry Steve, I became bored as hell with the topic as well (as is the case with most prolonged “discussions” with Myk), even before it became a non-issue with RA going elsewhere. Besides, there are plenty of other issues to help push SonicsCentral up to #3 now… posting a daily article about Clay Bennett just might do the trick.
May 31st, 2007 at 3:51 pm
Three reasons to heave a sigh of relief:
a) Adelman is already off the block… We don’t have to blog about this anymore…
b) Bynum is hopefully involved in a trade between the Lakers and Indiana for Jermaine O’Neal. No more silly blogging about Bynum for the #2 pick!–McCoy
c) Anyway we hire a coach other than P.J. Carlisimo! Silas, Carlisle, Casey, anyone…anyone…
May 31st, 2007 at 4:09 pm
Eddy Curry (Net Efficiency Rating: +2.0; Net +/- Production: -2.4; Net Points Per 100 Possessions: -8.0; Roland Rating: +0.8) is a defensively inept, turnover prone sloth.
http://82games.com/random29.htm
The statistics prove it.
May 31st, 2007 at 4:18 pm
With regards to the Orlando predraft camp. The guy I’m keeping an eye on, Zabian Dowdell, had an off day scoring wise, but still impressed with his defense, passing, and all around court sense.
I still like him at 6′3″ 200lbs., 6′9″ wingspan as a good sized backup(at this point). If Stuckey goes in the first round Dowdell is high on my radar.
As far as coaches go, if Carlisle gets hired somewhere else before Lenny finds his GM, then what? If the list gets so narrowed to Carlisimo and Silas, does the idea that was presented here that talked about Wilkens appointing himself coach seem extremely far fetched? Scary, isn’t it?
And knock off the talk of Andrew Bynum being traded to Seattle. Greg Oden might get offended when he gets picked at #2 by the Sonics.
May 31st, 2007 at 4:24 pm
“Eddy Curry (Net Efficiency Rating: +2.0; Net +/- Production: -2.4; Net Points Per 100 Possessions: -8.0; Roland Rating: +0.8) is a defensively inept, turnover prone sloth.
http://82games.com/random29.htm
The statistics prove it. ”
Not very good rebounder for a guy his size either.
May 31st, 2007 at 4:31 pm
I’d take Oden if he “drops” to #2. In a heartbeat. I just don’t want another swingman. Unless Durant can play defense at the 4, I think he is great trade bait.
May 31st, 2007 at 4:50 pm
Durant is young, and if he bulks up just a little bit he can defend the 4. The term “swingman” doesn’t do justice to Durant’s versatility. He’s got point forward potential, and he also has great shot blocking abilities. I’d like to make these moves:
1) Sign Durant…
2) Bring in UFA, Antonio McDyess…
3) Trade up in the draft for either Stuckey or Acie Law.
4) Resign Lewis to make next season exciting enough to keep the team in town.
Those moves would make me even more psyched for next season…
May 31st, 2007 at 10:44 pm
If you think trading Durant is a good idea you have no idea what you’re talking about…to put it simply.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Our best situation is for PO to pick Durant. Then we have Oden, Lewis and Allen. A big 3 who all play different positions.
Here is a crazy coaching option brought up by Barkley tonight, Micheal Cooper. He won in NBDL and WNBA. Was a good NBA player on great team.
June 1st, 2007 at 11:47 am
“I’d take Oden if he “drops” to #2. In a heartbeat.”
Earth shattering. You mean you wouldn’t consider taking Jianlian/Horford/Conley at #2?
June 20th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Turbo Photo 5.9
After basking near the pool for a brief hiatus from the regular season…for today at least I…