The Question Is Moot!
Posted on Friday, October 12th, 2007 at 9:53 am by Xteve
Good day everyone and welcome to The Question Is Moot: Seattle Sonics Preview Edition, with our guest, the Rev. Jesse Jackson. Rev. Jackson was kind enough to sit down with me this week and give his thoughts on the upcoming season.
Steve: Thanks for joining us Reverend Jackson, it’s a pleasure to get your input on the upcoming season. Let’s begin by talking about Kevin Durant, one of two new Sonics this year and one of the most exciting players in college basketball history. Do you think Durant will win the Rookie of the Year Award?
JJ: The question is moot. I will win the Rookie of the Year Award. Given how tired Middle America is of the same old fresh faced rookies coming in every year and capturing our hearts, I think it’s time for America to choose experience. Experience that only an old hand like myself can provide. From the lowlands of the flatlands of the heartlands to the atria and ventricles of our inner cities, nobody takes it to the hoop like I do.
Steve: Yes you do Reverend, yes you do. Durant is the most highly touted rookie in some time…well since last year I guess…so what do you think about the dawn of a new era for Sonics basketball?
JJ: The question is moot, Scott … In many ways -
Steve: Uh, that’s Steve, Reverend. Scott is a different site author. People sometimes get us mixed-
JJ: The statement is moot. Kevin Durant is a trailblazer…
Steve: Uh, actually Greg Oden is a Trail Blazer. Durant is a Sonic, remember? He got drafted second, not first?
JJ: He may not have been the first man to have his name called, but he’ll always be first in our memories. Just like Rosa Parks. In many ways, history is marked before and after Rosa Parks. She sat down so that the rest of us might stand up, and the walls of segregation came down!
Steve: Right. Yeah, Rosa Parks was and is an inspiration to all of us…but we were talking about Kevin Durant. We’ll come back to the civil rights legacy in, uh, a minute. But like Rosa Parks and Dr. King, if Durant works hard, theoretically the sky is the limit for what he could achieve, right?
JJ: The question is moot. Both tears and sweat are salty and wet; but they render a different result. Tears will get you sympathy, but sweat will get you change!
Steve: I see. Moving on, let’s talk about the style of play for the upcoming season. Do you think the emphasis will remain on being an uptempo team on offense, or do you see the team moving towards more of a possession game?
JJ: The question is moot. Deliberation and debate is the way you stir the soul of our democracy … it’s…it’s…what was the question again?
Steve: It’s OK. Let’s talk about new Sonics head coach PJ Carlisimo. How well do you think this new coach, who is almost 60 years old, will be able to relate and effectively coach one of the youngest rosters in the NBA?
JJ: The question is moot. You know how the young people are today, Stuart, with their e-Pods and imails and the rap music and wearing their hats sideways and their pants baggy. It’s like they’re all wanting to be rap stars with the floppity-flippity and the boppity-bippity….(gets up and begins doing the stir the pot dance)
Steve: Uh ….did you just say floppity-flippity and boppity-bippity? Isn’t that supposed to be the kind of weird gibberish Bill Cosby would say while he made funny faces into the camera? You forgot the part about your wife Camille.
JJ: So I did. But I can’t be bogged down in details right now Shaun.
Steve: Steve.
JJ: Steve.
Steve: Right.
JJ: Thanks Frank. As I was saying, I cast my bread onto the waters long, long ago. Now it’s time for you and the rest of the Sonic fans out there to return it to me. Preferably toasted and buttered on both sides.
Steve: We’ll get right on that. So back to the young roster thing, what are your expectations for Jeff Green and Kevin Durant this year?
JJ: The question is moot. Today’s basketball players have a choice. They can put dope in their veins, or hope in their brains. If they can conceive it, and believe it … they can achieve it. They need to know that it’s not their aptitude, but their attitude that will determine their altitude!
Steve: Damn yo, that’s deep.
JJ: Thank you Bryce.
Steve: Ahem. Of course no season preview would be complete without a brief discussion of the impending arena situation. What do you think about the team possibly moving to Oklahoma City? Is it possible for an NBA franchise to succeed and thrive in such a small market?
JJ: The question is moot. Great things can happen in small places you know. After all, Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Jesse Jackson was born in Greenville. Luke Ridnour was born in …. in …. a hospital. Never let them see you sweat!
Steve: I won’t. (Pause) By the way, that’s an Old Spice commercial, Reverend Jackson.
JJ: (sniffing armpits) Yup-yup.
Steve: Well, thanks for your time, I’ve got to run. Any last words for Sonics fans this year?
JJ: The question is moot.
Steve: Okay, but is there anything else-
JJ: I just have one thing to say Tom, and then I’ll get off the floor. At the end of the day, we must go forward with hope, and not backwards by fear and division. Whether that division is the former Pacific Division of our forefathers, or the new Northwest Division, filled with the misfit teams that didn’t really belong with California but weren’t far enough East to fit in the Midwest or far enough South to be part of Texas. Fans need to hold their heads high, stick their chests out. Because you can make it. Sometimes it’s dark, but you know what happens when it’s dark?
Steve: What’s that?
JJ: Morning comes!
Steve: So it does.
JJ: Did I mention I’m a big fan of Wally Szczerbiak?
Steve: The question is moot.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:00 am
Highlarious
October 12th, 2007 at 10:32 am
hmmm…it may be time for an intervention
October 12th, 2007 at 10:42 am
A+
October 12th, 2007 at 10:44 am
Regardless of where the Sonics are at this pre-season, Steve is in mid-season form!
Big Chris
October 12th, 2007 at 10:48 am
Keep Hope Alive!
October 12th, 2007 at 10:57 am
Ummmm…. testing. Can’t do anything at this site.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:59 am
For some reason I can’t post in the forum (for two days now…what up?) so I’ll put it here.
Anyone find it odd that the Key is not in the new Sea Center plan (unless its just been moved and I can’t find it)? What does that say about the city’s seriousness about keeping the Sonics?
October 12th, 2007 at 11:02 am
Ok, so it lets me post without the link to the Sea Center plan. I guess you’ll have to find it yourselves
Go to crosscut dot com slash real estate and scroll down until you see the artists conception of the plan.
October 12th, 2007 at 11:13 am
Here’s a link:
http://tinyurl.com/3cnmz3
Somebody the other day asked whether it seemed as if the city of Seattle is fighting to keep the Sonics or just to force them to honor the Key Arena lease for 3 years. I’ve been getting a sneaky feeling that it is the latter. All the city reps and leaders when talking about the Sonics only say, “We want them to honor their lease” and rarely mention anything about keeping them here beyond that. I dunno guys. I wish I had more reason to be confident in the leadership in this area. You guys at SOS are awesome in your commitment and resolve. Would just be nice if people with power and money actually felt the same way.
October 12th, 2007 at 11:22 am
Moot is the question, Erik.
October 12th, 2007 at 11:27 am
very funny steve, remediated comedy bit, just as funny as the original
October 12th, 2007 at 11:37 am
Jackson the issue you face is a common one. Perhaps someone will explain or fix it eventually and we will be grateful. In the mean time we wait and are still grateful for the forum and the efforts to keep it going ok.
Steve, if all the questions turn out to be moot and by moot you mean settled the Sonics are probably doing Ok. But doesn’t moot really actually mean argued/debated not necessarily settled? You probably get that but the Reverend doesn’t appear to.
If any of the questions turn out to be “moat” that is what I’d be really concerned about. The arena, PJ, Presti, the rookies, Bennett in general. Any moat potential?
October 12th, 2007 at 11:39 am
I guess as an adjective moot means “deprived of practical significance : made abstract or purely academic” I guess that is what Jesse means. My apologies for questioning your “eloquency”.
October 12th, 2007 at 11:46 am
Notice a common theme here?
Mayor Rice wanted to convert all of south lake union from productive use into a massive public funded park to set up a huge payday for the private developers that owned the land surrounding the park.
Mayor Nickels wanted to tear down the viaduct, bankrupt the region, and dig a massive tunnel to clear the views for the private developers that owned the land (or that he would channel the land to) that was adjacent to the project.
Executive Sims wants to completely destroy our historical civic asset to turn it into a storm water treatment facility disguised as a park for the benifit of the private developers that would build out the high denisty, mixed use, project surrounding it.
What they all have in common is complete fantasy ignoring reality or any sign of common sense.
It also shows what is completely wrong with our elected officials in this region. Instead of the City, County, and State working on real solutions to our pressing needs they all go their seperate ways waisting huge sums of our tax money dreaming of fantasies that could never happen.
When are we going to wake up and kick all of these clowns to the curb?
October 12th, 2007 at 11:50 am
Steve’s routine is fully developed and funny.
Adding to my attempted followup:
If the Sonics end up in the moat will it be because of Presti and the knights who say (to any basketball need) “nine” for a 6-9 player solution? Will he lead us to the Holy Grail or just give us a bunch of nonsense?
By the way I didnt think the movie was that funny.
Hope this is more of a fairytale than farce.
October 12th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
It also shows what is completely wrong with our elected officials in this region. Instead of the City, County, and State working on real solutions to our pressing needs they all go their seperate ways waisting huge sums of our tax money dreaming of fantasies that could never happen.
- You know as I was riding the monorail from Ballard into work I was thinking about how much I disagree with this comment…oh wait…
October 12th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
Funny how I could actually hear all those things in my head in Rev. Jackson’s voice. Very entertaining, Steve
[i]All the city reps and leaders when talking about the Sonics only say, “We want them to honor their lease” and rarely mention anything about keeping them here beyond that.[/i]
When the city council passed the resolution to enforce the lease every one of them who spoke talked not only of keeping the team here for the next three years but for the forseeable future. I was there, but I’m sure you can find a transcript somewhere. I believe they have keeping the team here permanently as their long-term goal, but in dealing with resolutions and lawsuits they have to focus on the now.
October 12th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
Watson-Gelabale-Wally-Wilcox and Thomas are starting tonight.
West-Ridnour and Swift won’t play
http://blogs.thenewstribune.com/sonics/2007/10/12/starters_for_cleveland
October 12th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Very…very…very…very good article about the Sonics on ESPN.com. If only all national media could be this well written:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=adande_ja&page=BigPicture-Sonics&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab3pos2
October 12th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
Nobody’s more excited than Doc Rivers for the season to start:
http://tinyurl.com/yvge5e
October 12th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
Wow I hate that lineup… Gelly better really bring it tonight if he expects to get any run this season. Prediction: Wally and Wilcox will outscore the rest of our team (durant will have trouble finding his groove vs. the cavs)
October 12th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Im sorry…Bill Simmons used to be my favorite sports author..but all his Boston talk lately has gotten really annoying. He is in for a big disappointment this year for the Celtics.
October 12th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
Wow. That Adande article was awesome. I can’t believe how on the spot he was with absolutely everything he said!
October 12th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
Love the Adande article, great to have cover story sonics news on ESPN that doesn’t bash the city and the fans.
October 12th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Anyone who liked the Adande article I would strongly encourage you email him with your appreciation. The more national attention this can get the better
October 12th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
Steve dude - you rock … like Jenn I too heard JJ’s voice in my head!! good one!
October 12th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
And the more national attention, the more heat on David “The Shadow” Stern.
October 12th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
TNT blog:
The Sonics had a spirited, hour-long workout session this morning before tonight’s game against Cleveland, and coach P.J. Carlesimo seemed pleased with what the team accomplished afterward.
“We got better just now,” Carlesimo said. “And I hope to hell we get better tonight. I don’t think we got better against Sacramento. But we just got better this morning.”
-*-*-*-
Carlesimo said veterans Szczerbiak and Thomas will play about 20 minutes each.
Luke Ridnour (broken nose), Robert Swift (knee tendonitis), and Delonte West (lower back strain) will all sit out tonight.
Ridnour practiced with the group today, but Carlesimo said he wants to give Ridnour time to adjust to the mask he’ll have to wear to protect his nose. West practiced a little bit and could go if he had to, but Carlesimo is sitting him out as a precaution. And Swift did not practice at all this morning, resting his surgically repaired right knee. But if Swift feels OK tomorrow could play against Indiana on Saturday.
Rookies Kevin Durant and Jeff Green should see extended minutes on the floor together with the second unit. Carlesimo said they’ll probably also play against Indiana on Saturday, in part to get used to playing back-to-back nights in the NBA.
Also:
I forgot to mention the Sonics chairman Clay Bennett is in Cleveland for the game, and watched the team go through practice sitting along side Sonics general manager Sam Presti.
-*-*-*-
The PI article today says Saturday’s 4pm game in Indiana will be televised on FSN. I think it’s a missprint though. The official team site doesn’t back it up and 4pm is FSN’s prime football slot.
October 12th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
“And the more national attention, the more heat on David “The Shadow” Stern.”
Jesus. Lets not make Stern out to be the bad guy. Its not his job to save this team just because he can.
He came. He saw, and the legislature thumbed their nose at the NBA. Probably not his #1 priority to save this team. I don’t blame him.
October 12th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
You can’t turn back the clock but what if Howard had asked Stern and his team to come in and research and meet and listen and negotiate here on a sustained basis in summer/fall of 1995 instead of basically doing a repeat of their 1995 plan again without political support cultivated? Instead of flying Stern in for one day, too late to make a difference?
Howard probably didnt really consider asking for major help, being such a successful businessman on his own. But he and Wally did not run a good legislative campaign. Whether they really thought they could win in spring 96 is debatable and unknowable outside the inner sanctum. Maybe Howard was already planning on selling and needed the exit reason.
Now maybe anyone would have met a brickwall. Maybe it wasnt going to happen. At least then.
I think though that a firm and substantial and upfront committment on so-called private contribution and real negotiations with some give could have produced a different process, at least a close vote, maybe a success. At least a better climate for tries 3 and 4.
October 12th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
“You can’t turn back the clock but what if Howard had asked Stern and his team to come in and research and meet and listen and negotiate here on a sustained basis in summer/fall of 1995 instead of basically doing a repeat of their 1995 plan again without political support cultivated?”
Maybe I’m missing something here, but Schultz didn’t buy the team until 2001. Ackerley owned it back then.
October 12th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
In my earlier post in this thread I raised the question of whether a strategy that relies heavy on 6-9ish guys will produce the miracle but I want to add that I think it is an open question and I wouldn’t want to be interpreted as dismissing it. I think heavy use fo 6-9 guys has potential. There are potential downfalls too on defense and rebounding and post scoring. I might be more supportive of such an effort than others here, who might believe in 7 footers more even in today’s game or might not be as willing to go with a lot of tweeners. But as I mentioned in the 10/11 daily thread the 96 Sonics had a good representation of versatile bigs. Will Presti follow the past regime’s 2 straight 7 footers with 3 straight 6-9 guys? It is 2 and counting and Beasley or Arthur or Love would make 3.
October 12th, 2007 at 4:40 pm
should be… past regime’s “3″ straight 7 footers.
Caracter is another possibility. Donte Greene could be too.
October 12th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
I’m sorry I meant 2005 not 95. I was thinking about 95-96 recently and mixed them up.
October 12th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
Steve, you have thrown down the comedy gauntlet. I am taking this as a challenge. I will meditate and medicate on the matter, lager later, I think somthing graphic… hmmm.
October 12th, 2007 at 5:14 pm
I turned back time too far for the point I was making but really the arena issue was not handled right in retrospect back in the mid 90s when Key Arena was redone too small and without enough modern features. But back to now … and the game.
October 12th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
Durant 1-8 in 8 minutes.
October 12th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
Wally is scoring well and Thomas is rebounding well. Ugh wish I can see the game.
October 12th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
Anybody see the link to espn’s nba home page? Great national exposure:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=adande_ja&page=BigPicture-Sonics
October 12th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
“I raised the question of whether a strategy that relies heavy on 6-9ish guys…”
Crow - that seems to be Billy Knight’s dream and so far it has been a nightmare in Atlanta. However, it may be you just need BETTER 6-9ish guys than what the Hawks have.
October 12th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
Yes Kivman it is Billy Knight’s dream. And he was a 6-6 swingman- 17 pts 5 rebs a game in 11 total seasons ABA/NBA- so that may have influenced him.
Hawks are one of the leading examples of this strategy. ertainly they did not make it work as super young players. I am interested to see how much progress they make this season.
October 12th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Lots of positives in this game. Rebounding, turnovers, more 3 pt action.
Gelabale 4 assists. Weezy near a 20/10. Collison close to a a typical 10/10. Petro 7/7 helps. Thomas superior rebounding.
October 12th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
Durant 7 rebs.
October 12th, 2007 at 7:01 pm
Hawks look like they could be good this season. Marvin Williams seems to be on the verge of breaking out. They have a bunch of nice pieces and ya never know what they could do.
October 12th, 2007 at 7:24 pm
I agree with you Dobbs.
Williams underhelmed year 1 but under the radar showed decent improvement year 2 to 13pts 5 rebs 2 assists a game. 3pt and all FG shooting still weak but getting to the line helped get close to average scoring efficency.
Hawks have enough talent that they might be a contender for 8th seed.
October 12th, 2007 at 7:36 pm
I think that at least one of Atlanta’s two rookies will be a part of the Rookie of the Year competition with KD. 8th seed might be pushing it though. The East is a little bit deeper than in the past with Boston in the mix now. Who was the eight seed last year? I can think of 7 teams that should get in (maybe not in this order):
1) Chicago
2) Cleveland
3) Boston
4) Detroit
5) Miami
6) Orlando
7) New Jersey
I guess the 8th seed might be up for grabs. I like Chicago to take the East this year as long as Deng continues his development. Joakim Noah might be good enough to score in double figures as a sixth man his rookie year as well. Although his free throw motion is one of the ugliest I’ve ever seen.
October 12th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
Yes…but the Hawks will only do it with improved PG and PF/C play…you know…those guys that tend to NOT be of the 6′7″-6′9″ variety. And by the way - they’ve been awful for a long time. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. I’ve been in this town too long with horrible basketball year-in and year-out. And they haven’t done anything yet this year, so let’s not get too ahead of ourselves on this group.
October 12th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
http://www.nba.com/games/20071012/SEACLE/boxscore.html
Nice! We outrebounded Cleveland by 12, and dramatically cut down the turnvoers from the last game. Of course, the game doesn’t count, and LeBron would have played more minutes during the regular season, but, I’ll take it.
October 12th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
5/22 uh-oh.
October 12th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Wilcox 20 (8-9) and 8 without even trying hard or hustling. He must be playing for a contract.
October 12th, 2007 at 7:53 pm
Nice night by Wilcox. Hope Durant can get a couple of good shooting games under his belt soon.
October 12th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
40 wins for Hawks is blue sky, best case scenario. I’d guess it will be around 35. But that is a little better than 06-07 and 08-09 might be the beginning of real playoff contention. If Woodson is a good coach.
October 12th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
“Williams underhelmed year 1 but under the radar showed decent improvement year 2 to 13pts 5 rebs 2 assists a game. 3pt and all FG shooting still weak but getting to the line helped get close to average scoring efficency.”
I’ve had limited exposure to his game. But considering Williams played one year at UNC……..I wouldn’t necessarily say he underwhelmed in year one. He was on the second team all rookie. 13 and 5 isn’t bad for a guy who who would have been a jr in college.
October 12th, 2007 at 8:02 pm
Statistically, the frontline was impressive tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers. With Chirs Wilcox putting on exceptional display, Nick Collison doing the dirty work, Kurt Thomas vigorously hitting the glass, and Johan Petro holding his own, it was a phenomenal night for the interior players.
At point guard, Earl Watson put in a so-so performance with nine points on 33% field-goal shooting, six assists, and four steals; he was 0-3 from downtown, though, which goes to show that long-distance shots still aren’t his forte. Watson’s backup, Jermaine Jackson, played within himself by dishing out four dimes — while taking only one shot, which he missed — in twenty minutes of playing time.
At the wing positions, Jeff Green was underwhelming for the second straight go-around. Even though the seven points on 33% shooting wasn’t a big deal, his tallying of just two rebounds and one assist — as well as no blocks or steals — in twenty-four minutes of work was a letdown. Furthermore, Mickael Gelabale had a undistinguished, albeit passable game; it’ll be a tough battle between him and Damien Wilkins for some precious minutes this season.
Regarding Kevin Durant, his 5-22 shooting night (i.e., 22.7% field-goal percentage) is an unacceptable result—regardless of the circumstances. Yet, since none of us watched the game, there’s no telling what caused Durant’s game to be such an excruciating fiasco. Let’s hope that his recent inefficiency is a short-term problem. I’m not holding my breath, though.
Luckily for Durant, however, “The Bronze Bomber” Wally Szczerbiak prevented the team from experiencing a disastrous shellacking tonight by drubbing the Cavaliers with a trio of treys. Yet, no matter his three-point shooting prowess, Szczerbiak proved to be his one-dimensional self by just grabbing one rebound and garnering one assist.
In any case, I expect that the slow-footed, plodding Szczerbiak was employed as nothing more than a spot shooter throughout the evening; nonetheless, “Wally World’s” fourteen point performance might’ve raised his trade value in the eyes of some front office executives. I advocate the following trade proposal, with my reasoning for it explained below the link.
http://realgm.com/src_checktrade.php?tradeid=4237828
1. Because Andrei Kirilenko has issues with assimilating himself into Jerry Sloan’s offensive scheme and, more importantly, the Utah Jazz’s clubhouse, his departure would benefit all parties involved in the reported strife.
2. Due to Tony Battie’s season-ending rotator cuff surgery and Rashard Lewis’ array of minor afflictions, the Orlando Magic are in need of some help at the forward positions—which thereby makes Kirilenko an attractive option.
3. Sam Presti ought to deal Szczerbiak’s exorbitant salary (2007-2008: $12,000,000 & 2008-2009: $13,00,000) for a return of nothing more than players who’ve got expiring contracts. It’s a fiscally sagacious trade proposal that’d benefit everyone who’s associated with the franchise—except for journeyman Jermaine Jackson.
October 12th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
wow…tough night shooting for the whole team…amazing we one. That is actually pretty impressive…who was guarding KD?
October 12th, 2007 at 8:06 pm
6-9 Sheldon Williams played some center and he and / or Al Horford probably will cover the spot about half the time this season.
They are big at the SG too.
If their PGs deliver to the right guy / right time they might improve team shooting. The tweeners have tried to do it themselves with mostly poor results. If Law emphasizes his own shots and doesn’t lead then it will be chaos.
October 12th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
Maybe underwhelmed wasnt the very best word but I thought if fit ok for under 9 pts 5 rebs for a #2 pick. I didn’t say bad. I would have said bad on Adam Morrison’s rookie season because of the shooting %.
October 12th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
I would like to see how many points were converted off turnovers. I like to see that stat because it shows how much the turnovers hurt you. Looks like Cleveland had 14…maybe if they had cut down like 4 they might have won?
October 12th, 2007 at 8:26 pm
The shooting % was low as well as the free throw percentage, but, for me at least it’s hard not to see the silver lining in this win. If someone is going to take 22 shots, it might as well be KD. He’s got a more beautiful stroke than anyone else on the team, and those shots are going to start falling again just like they did toward the end of the Summer League. Anyway, I’m pretty amazed that PJ got the guys down to only 12 turnovers after giving the Kings so many free gifts in the game before this. Holding Cleveland to 90 points and 39% shooting isn’t bad either. It’s premature to say it, but, I think we’ve got a pretty decent coach.
October 12th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
Crow-
The Hawks have some good players, no doubt. Johnson would be a really nice #2 kind of guy. They have no superstar. Shelden Williams has been mediocre (and less than expected). Childress is good but hasn’t really broken through. Marvin Williams really hasn’t been as good as hoped (if they had only taken one of those great PGs). Horford is a rookie (though I have high hopes). Law is a rookie. Smith is a bit of a headcase. The coaching is questionable. The GM is HIGHLY questionable.
It could all come together and be great. It could all fall apart and be horrible. I like the blue sky approach, but too many years of losing have left me jaded.
I’m a Seattle native and Sonics fan through and through, so I can handle good, bad, mediocre teams. The Hawks on the other hand have to prove to me that they are good (and not potentially good) before I bite.
Enough of Hawks talk. How about that Chris Wilcox???
October 12th, 2007 at 8:39 pm
http://www.nba.com/games/20071012/SEACLE/recap.html
Lebron got injured. 28-19 run for the Supes in the third quarter.
October 12th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
Sam several websites usually have pts off turnovers available in regular season but I don’t see for this pre-season game.
October 12th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
I hear ya Kivman.
Wilcox is a guy where it might be worth feeding into a 20 pt a night guy, even if it was to eventually trade him. I think he still needs to feel good more often after the Clipper years. Hope he commits to defense too. If he does that, then keep him. If not, consider a trade if the return is right.
October 12th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
The Atlanta Hawks should have a decent frontcourt this season. Al Horford and Shelden Williams will man the low-post, while Marvin Williams and Zaza Pachulia take care of the high-post. Additionally, Lorenzen Wright and Solomon Jones know their role as benchwarmers.
The wing positions have never been an area of uneasiness, as Josh Smith, Joe Johnson, and Josh Childress each bring their own valuable skill set to the hardwood. The diminutive Salim Stoudamire can be brought in for short amounts of time, too, as a designated shooter from three-point land.
At point guard, untested rookie Acie Law should get the nod to run the show, while the offensively incompetent Craig Claxton — who makes Earl Watson seem like he possesses Robin Hood’s precise aim — will bring his defensive-minded approach off of the bench as a reserve. Wily, yet needless veterans Tyronn Lue and Anthony Johnson will combine with Law and Claxton to form an ineffective quartet.
It’s too bad that Billy Knight didn’t select Rodney Stuckey in lieu of Law during the 2007 NBA Draft and, in turn, trade the Eastern Washington alum’s draft rights to the Seattle Supersonics for Luke Ridnour. Stuckey, who’s a Kent native, will probably develop into a proficient scorer. So long as he doesn’t become a ball-hogging chucker like fellow teammate Ronald “Flip” Murray, that’ll make him an accomplished player.
October 12th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
Wilcox had 2nd highest team win % for minutes he was on the court game by game (behind Rashard). 82 games estimated him at about 300 minutes at center and team won 50% of the time that way last season.But they did with Collison at C too. (Wilcox better at PF than Nick lat season).. Lots of options at center with Swift and Thomas too.
Wonder what the starting lineup will be in Indy.
October 12th, 2007 at 9:04 pm
Thats pretty good considering the presumption he doesn’t care/work hard.
October 12th, 2007 at 9:07 pm
Highlights of game:
Four players rebounded at least once per 3 minutes - Wilcox, Petro, Thojmas and Collison. Nick was the best with 11 boards. Durant had one rebound per 3-1/2 min.
The Sonics out-rebounded the Cavs by 12 overall, 9 of those offensive. Great going Sonics.
The team shot 40% 3 pt field goal, led by Wally scoring on 3 of his 4 attempts and Gelabale was perfect at 1 for 1 on 3pt shots (Gelly shot 50% overall and he contributed 4 assists and a block).
Other than Wally and Gelabale, none of the guards or small forwards shot well,. The two rookies struggled. Duarnt contributed in other ways with 7 boards, 2 assists, 2 steals, 2 3pt buckets and zero turnovers. In 24 minutes, Jeff Green’s game stats were poor, as he shot 33%, plus he mssed half his free throws and both 3pt shots. Green only had 2 rebounds (1 per 12 min.), 1 assist and 1 turnover, but no steals or blocks.
October 12th, 2007 at 9:08 pm
AK your emphasis on high post / low post over C / PF is a good one in this age and it continuously reminds me that I think you have to have space in the lane to attack it well. So a big has to either lift high or wide or both when you want to attack off dribble to the lane.
Correct me if I am wrong but among Sonics the low posts are Swift, Wilcox Collison and Sene and the high posts are Green, Thomas and Petro with Thomas able to play low too if you want and Collison able to pick & pass from high post even if he hasnt really shown the ability to score from there much?
I would want one of each type in the game much of the time though I wouldnt be completely rigid about it.
October 12th, 2007 at 9:11 pm
Green might be a good starter against Indy / Granger.
Might see Dunleavy / Durant in the battle of the big SGs.
October 12th, 2007 at 9:13 pm
Dunleavy got 20 pts in 21 minutes off of presumably Mo Peterson last night.
October 12th, 2007 at 9:14 pm
AK is brilliantly perceptive, as always regarding Rodney Stuckey, who is an incredible shooter with skills that will translate very well to the NBA. He is a candidate for rookie 1st team if he gets playing time.
Imagine replacing Ray & Rashard with Stuckey and Durant - that would have been a huge upgrade. Hollinger’s system rates Stuckey #9 in 2007 draft (picked by Detroit’s Joe Dumars at #19). Hollinger wrote, “Rodney Stuckey looks like the real deal. The unheralded guard from Eastern Washington actually had even better numbers in 2005-06 and rates as one of the 10 best players in this draft.”
October 12th, 2007 at 9:16 pm
If someone is going to take 22 shots, it might as well be KD. He’s got a more beautiful stroke than anyone else on the team, and those shots are going to start falling again just like they did toward the end of the Summer League.
What’s not OK is missing 17 shots and only ending up with 4 FTAs. Getting to the line is supposed to be one of his strengths. If the shot ain’t dropping, find another way to score.
October 12th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
Does anyone really think Durant and Co. want to move to Okie City?
A quote from Adanade’s article:
“As far as uncertainty here, we’re trying not to get into that,” Durant said. “We’re playing basketball, we’re working hard, we’re trying to have a good season. If I had control over it, I would stay. It’s out of my hands.”
At least he is against Bennett’s plan.
October 12th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
Imagine replacing Ray & Rashard with Stuckey and Durant - that would have been a huge upgrade. Hollinger’s system rates Stuckey #9 in 2007 draft (picked by Detroit’s Joe Dumars at #19).
Hollinger had Ronnie Brewer ranked #4 last lear. He would’ve been a nice fit with this group.
October 12th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
“What’s not OK is missing 17 shots and only ending up with 4 FTAs. Getting to the line is supposed to be one of his strengths. If the shot ain’t dropping, find another way to score. ”
He’s just a little jittery. Get over it Dick.
October 12th, 2007 at 9:24 pm
Speaking of not getting over it, Sene played seven seconds tonight. Woohoo!
October 12th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
“Imagine replacing Ray & Rashard with Stuckey and Durant - that would have been a huge upgrade. Hollinger’s system rates Stuckey #9 in 2007 draft (picked by Detroit’s Joe Dumars at #19).
Hollinger had Ronnie Brewer ranked #4 last lear. He would’ve been a nice fit with this group. ”
I hate that goofy hindsightedness. You might as well go ahead and say that Jordan was a better pick than Bowie. BRILLIANT!
October 12th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
Offensive efficiency is very important for a team to win and for a scorer to contribute to that team win. I checked for players around the league who took 15+ shots a game and some shoot on the weak side but none had a True Shooting % (which factors in the efficency contribution of getting to the line and making free throws) of less than 50%. I hope Durant doesn’t fall below that, even for first year. If he isnt converting from field, go inside and if nothing is working there are some games where he probably ought to take less than 15 shots.
October 12th, 2007 at 9:27 pm
I hate that goofy hindsightedness. You might as well go ahead and say that Jordan was a better pick than Bowie. BRILLIANT!
Some of you guys love to claim everything is in hindsight. Go ahead and go look up a few archives, Dude.
October 12th, 2007 at 9:29 pm
Decent chance Sonics will have opportunity to take Budinger or Batum next draft if they see SG as a need. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
October 12th, 2007 at 9:33 pm
Just so is not called hindsight next summer, I better go on record as often as possible…
I think trading Ray was a big mistake.
Roster Building 101: Don’t put your prized posession on an island. Way too much pressure on Durant this season with nowhere else to turn.
October 12th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
Stuckey 7 assists tonight helped somewhat offset 3-10 shooting.
October 12th, 2007 at 9:36 pm
He is at about 11 pts a game. One good shooting night, 2 weak ones. Averaging over 4 turnovers a game. Still learning.
October 12th, 2007 at 9:37 pm
“Speaking of not getting over it, Sene played seven seconds tonight. Woohoo!”
Hopefully, that will be his last 7 seconds on the squad this year. Can Sene spell N-B-D-L ? He would be improve more in Idaho than Seattle. If/When he is ready, he has the longest reach in the NBA.
October 12th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
“Some of you guys love to claim everything is in hindsight. Go ahead and go look up a few archives, Dude.”
Yeah, Dick Tate, the 2006 NBA Draft thread was a bloodbath.
At the time of Mouhamed Sene’s selection with the tenth pick, I wrote the following comments.
“[It] is not only going to piss of the smart fans, for it’s also going to cause the casual fans to think “what the f*ck?” and that’s not a good thing.
Hell, smart fans would’ve loved Ronnie Brewer or Rodney Carney, while casual fans would’ve loved J.J. Redick; yet, as it is, Howard Schultz, Wally Walker, and Rick Sund, amongst others, decided to draft another f*ckin’ project.
In my honest opinion, the members of the Seattle Supersonics front office are a bunch of doltish imbeciles.”
http://sonicscentral.com/blog/?p=675#comments
Along with damn near every other poster — except for a few apologists of Wally Walker and Rick Sund, who shall remain nameless for their sake — wanted Ronnie Brewer over Sene.
That, C.I.L.C., is called foresight.
October 12th, 2007 at 9:49 pm
80 some shots from the field is fairly typical in games. 10 games over 90 last season. 37 less than 80. Last season Sonics had 2 players over 15+ shots a night and 2 more at about 10. Maybe this year it will be 1 over 15 and 2-3 over 10. Durant probably over 15. Wilcox, Wally might be leading candidates for over 10 with several others trying to get up to or stay there- Ridnour, West, Watson, Wikins, Swift.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:03 pm
“Decent chance Sonics will have opportunity to take Budinger or Batum next draft if they see SG as a need. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
Man, I’m a fan of Chase Budinger — which is partly ’cause he looks like a healthy, living version of Layne Staley — as he’s a supremely versatile basketball player who, amazingly enough, is a young hybrid of Dan Majerle and Brent Barry. The problem with pairing Budinger together with Kevin Durant, however, is that their porous defense along the perimeter would greatly hamper the team.
Nicolas Batum, on the other hand, would probably be a decent fit alongside Durant. A major issue with the unproven Frenchman, however, is his lack of strength — which has obviously hindered Durant, too — thus, that makes me wary of him. Besides, I’m not too fond of foreigners; it’s hard to judge them thoroughly like players who’ve got college experience.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:14 pm
Last year they averaged about 81 shots a game and had 7 guys taking over 7 shots and 12 shots total for rest of team. If they get say 85 shots this year and have guys with 15, 12, 10 and 10 that leaves 38 shots. Give 5 guys an average of 6 shots each and 8 total for the rest. Some guys can live with 6 shots but some guys might find it difficult. I think the nights off game will be used a fair amount. Might be less complaining about nights off than short shot nights.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:21 pm
Somebody - Crow - quick…how many 5-22 or worse games did the great Ray Allen have last year? I’m guessing at least a half dozen.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:22 pm
Maybe the depth and that strategy can pay off with better back to back performance.
In 20 back to backs last year Sonics lost by almost 5 compared to 3 pts on 1-2 rest. In the rare games with 3+ days rest Sonics won by almost 6.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:27 pm
Allen had 2 games worse than 22% FG and 3 games with 17+ misses, whichever way you want to slice it.
He had a 4-19, 4-20 and 10-27.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:29 pm
Actually I missed a 9-28. He also had 3 16 miss nights so courtsense you were very close.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:30 pm
Somebody - Crow - quick…how many 5-22 or worse games did the great Ray Allen have last year? I’m guessing at least a half dozen.
Neat. Be sure and look up those FTA numbers while you’re at it.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:31 pm
If a 5-22 is rare it is something to get thru and bounce back from for high usage guys.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:31 pm
Thanks Crow!
How about # of games worse than 25% FG? More than 25 FGA?
October 12th, 2007 at 10:32 pm
I only see 4 occasions were Allen put up back to back sub 40% FG nights.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:34 pm
And let’s not forget the number of games where Ray attempted a double-digit # of 3’s…and to think he did it all with the great Rashard Lewis standing on the weakside waiting for the ball.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:35 pm
You are welcome. 2 worse than 25% and one right on 25%. 11 of 55 games with 25+ shots with 4 over 30.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:36 pm
Everything’s great, Homer.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:38 pm
Take a look at the play-by-play recap (or listen to the game archive, which is available on NBA.com) if you want a little more insight in this game; and read Williams’ blog on the Tribune for some game analysis. The Cavs blocked 11 shots, 4 on Durant, so that hurt his and team’s shooting percentage. And they were up by 18 in the 4th, so they really just coasted at the end. The starting lineup got and held most of the lead–coming in at around 5:00 in the third up by 5 and ending the quarter up by 14. Durant, Green, Petro came in at 9:00 in 4th and pushed the lead to 16(with Wilcox & Watson). Collison and Jackson came in and took the lead to 18 at 4:30 to go, and the Sonics only managed to score 1 more point. That sequence included a Jackson foul, Jackson foul, Jackson foul, Jackson turnover, and Jackson missed jumper. 9 of those last 13 points for the Cavs came at the line. Sounds like things got sloppy at the end of the game, and Shannon Brown got active, taking it at Jackson. But something will be really wrong if we see Jackson in the crunch during the season.
That’s 2 games in a row the Sonics sort of fell apart at the end. It was more of an issue the first game, as it just sounded (from the play-by-play) like the team had no idea where they wanted to go on offense. Different situation this game, obviously, with a combination that will never see the floor during the season, especially at the end of games.
Great job on the boards, great job in keeping down turnovers. If the team can do those two things with any consistency, they’ll win a few more than I expect.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:38 pm
13 games with 10+ 3 pt attempts. 5 of them he was below 30% on them.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:40 pm
Lewis 8 games with 10+ 3 pt attempts only one below 30% FG.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
Caw! Caw! Caw!
The Crow is among the most intelligent of critters…
The numbers take on a whole new meaning when you consider that Ray only played in 55 games. 20% of the time, he jacked 25+ shots. Wonder what the team’s record was in those games. Don’t bother looking it up - I’m just trying to get Tate fired up.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:43 pm
Dick Tate Says:
“Everything’s great, Homer.”
And apparently I’ve succeeded.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:45 pm
Crow and courtsense play the two-man game while DT baits them from the stands.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:45 pm
Lewis 2 worse than 25% and 2 right on 25%. 3 games games with 25+ shots with 1 at 30. I only see 6 occasions of back to back sub 40% FG nights.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:47 pm
Thanks, I picked that name and hoped to live up to it on intelligence as well as noise.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:47 pm
Whatever your point was, i’m happy you made it.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:50 pm
I expect Durant will have more back to back down shooting games than last year’s shooting stars who are among the league’s best at that skill. Durant to another guy would be a fairer comparison on this perhaps. But if you are going to the #1, you have responsibility.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:52 pm
Interesting Carmelo 1 game below 25% FG and no back to backs below 40%. Much better than I expected.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:54 pm
Iggy 9 games of 25% or less and 8 back to back less than 40%.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:56 pm
Kobe 2 below 25% FG and 4 back to back below 40% FG.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:57 pm
Night.
October 12th, 2007 at 11:04 pm
And why would anyone want to compare a guy who’s never played a regular season game in the NBA (KD)with arguably one of the best pure shooters in the game (Ray)?
I think that in itself is giving into the fact that KD has atleast as much if not more more potential than Allen. I think DT may eat Crow in the long run when it comes to the rebuilding efort here.
October 12th, 2007 at 11:06 pm
Dick, obviously I would prefer if Durant was 12-15 from the floor, and 9-10 from the line, and scored 40 points in his first week of NBA action. Who knows - maybe he will.
The difference between you and me is, you look at the box scores of a 19-year-old kid and worry what if he’s not a great player after all, or what if the team only wins 25-30 games this year?
I look at the same box scores and instead see an interesting process unfolding. I see some highs, some lows, and a future full of excitement and greatness. I couldn’t care less if the team only wins 25 games this year, or if Durant shoots 22% in every preseason game. Durant’s a very special player, and it’s just a matter of time before he dominates in the NBA - does it matter if that time is this preseason, or next season or the year after that?
The career trajectories of Kevin Durant and Ray Allen will cross at some point, with Durant going up and Ray coming down. I’m thinking midseason next year. By then, the bird most frequently associated with Ray’s production won’t be our friend the Crow, but an albatross.
October 12th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
“Just so is not called hindsight next summer, I better go on record as often as possible…
I think trading Ray was a big mistake.
Roster Building 101: Don’t put your prized posession on an island. Way too much pressure on Durant this season with nowhere else to turn. ” -Dick Tate
So if the Sonics win 32 games this year is it considered a good trade?
NBA newsflash: Wins get teams to the Finals alot faster than FG%!!!
Where is the common sense anyway?
I cant see how Allen’s trade is that bad considering we won 31 games last year. Seems a bit foolish to label any trade as ‘bad’ with that record.
October 12th, 2007 at 11:23 pm
“Imagine replacing Ray & Rashard with Stuckey and Durant - that would have been a huge upgrade. Hollinger’s system rates Stuckey #9 in 2007 draft (picked by Detroit’s Joe Dumars at #19).
Hollinger had Ronnie Brewer ranked #4 last lear. He would’ve been a nice fit with this group. ”
As mch as I admire Allen and Rashard, they never really meshed on the floor on a consistent basis, so I feel like the addition of Stuckey to last years mix wouldnt have gotten us much more that 35 wins if that. Meanwhile if this team wins 35 games even the naysayers will admit it was a good move to trade Allen.
Delonte will most likely outperform Stuckey this year anyway.
October 12th, 2007 at 11:42 pm
Courtsense, why are you comparing Durant’s career trajectory with Ray’s career trajectory? The more accurate comparison is Ray vs. Jeff Green. The Sonics would have had Durant even if they didn’t trade Ray.
October 12th, 2007 at 11:43 pm
Where is the common sense anyway?
Indeed. Yes we won 31 games last year in a season where just about everything went wrong. But then were adding Durant and replacing an incompetent coach. Deal with Rashard as we did, then we’d be adding Swift and Thomas (as well as future picks) to the mix. Sounds like things would’ve been on the serious upswing to me.
HBC’s argument reminded me of the frequent ones offered up on another site last season, whenever I dared criticize poor little Luke. Courtsense, I’d think it’s fair to say the Sonics didn’t have a very good record in those games that you brought up. When I criticize a 5-22 performance by saying 4 FTAs isn’t enough. What’s the point of a counterargument where you compare one failing moment to another? Are two negatives supposed to equal a positive? Where’s the common sense?
October 12th, 2007 at 11:48 pm
Ray was also playing injured for most of the second half of the season; his struggles in February and March from last season may be a result of his injury, rather than declining skills.
October 13th, 2007 at 12:11 am
Alex Chan Says:
“Courtsense, why are you comparing Durant’s career trajectory with Ray’s career trajectory?”
Because Ray was traded in order to accomplish a couple goals simultaneously: 1) to make room for a new #1 superstar; 2) to add another building block in Green, and 3) to add bench pieces in West and Wally.
Dick said the Sonics should’ve kept Ray to protect Durant. I say Ray had to go because this was his team for the past 4.5 years, and it would’ve been impossible for PJ to make any meaningful changes - on and off the court - without Ray’s buy-in, and that wasn’t going to happen. The concept of keeping Ray to protect Durant took a backseat to breaking up the existing culture. It’s short-term pain for long-term gain.
Short and long term, I believe this team’s needs are better met with Green + West + Wally + Durant, rather than Ray + Durant.
So I was comparing Durant and Ray because they represent the Sonics’ past #1 player vs. the Sonics’ present/future #1 player.
October 13th, 2007 at 5:52 am
courtsense.dominates???maybe in time(which you did say) but if your looking at a line that reads 4-22 and seeing positives then you really got rose coloured glasses on.for the health of a team theres no way that a rookie should be shooting 22 shots especially when he starts out 1 for 8.heres a line from the coach which verifies the point i made the other day(especially line 3)“He’s got to be much stronger with his moves,” Carlesimo said. “He’s not going to get calls unless he goes in strong and guys knock him down or something like that. If guys are just touching him, given that he’s not very strong and he gets knocked a little bit off-kilter, he’s got to learn to finish those shots or make them much stronger because he’s not going to get those calls”hes going to be put in unfamiliar shooting positions cause hes not strong enough yet.now i agree hes got all the talent but it needs to be harnessed.i would like to see a controlled offense that creates scoring efficiency,similiar to the spurs.at least wait until 20/30 games to see where were at.
October 13th, 2007 at 8:08 am
I say Ray had to go because this was his team for the past 4.5 years, and it would’ve been impossible for PJ to make any meaningful changes - on and off the court - without Ray’s buy-in
What a load.
October 13th, 2007 at 8:59 am
C’mon. Ray had to go because the Sonics decided to rebuild. No way Ray has enough (years) left to get to the finals with this group. As nice a luxury as it might be to keep around a high-priced all-star to babysit the kids, it’s a luxury the Sonics could not afford. Get what you can for him when you can! IMO, we got more for Ray from Boston than the Bucks got from us, so we did OK. Blow it up baby! Let’s build it right this time (the jury’s still out on that one).
October 13th, 2007 at 9:37 am
“Indeed. Yes we won 31 games last year in a season where just about everything went wrong. But then were adding Durant and replacing an incompetent coach. Deal with Rashard as we did, then we’d be adding Swift and Thomas (as well as future picks) to the mix. Sounds like things would’ve been on the serious upswing to me.”
If Ray Allen and the draft rights of Glen Davis hadn’t been traded to the Boston Celtics for Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West, and the draft rights of Jeff Green, then the this is a hypothetical roster for this season.
C: Chris Wilcox
C: Robert Swift
C: Mouhamed Sene
PF: Nick Collison
PF: Kurt Thomas
PF: Johan Petro
SF: Kevin Durant
SF: Damien Wilkins
SF: Mickael Gelabale
SG: Ray Allen
SG: Derrick Byars (35th Pick)
PG: Luke Ridnour
PG: Earl Watson
Unlike the current roster, that collection of players would’ve had a legitimate chance at finishing around .500 and squeeking into the playoffs; however, they’d've most likely stagnated and, in turn, continued on a path of mediocrity. I, therefore, approve of a thorough overhaul.
As it was, jumpstarting the rebuilding process was a justifiable reason behind trading Ray Allen elsewhere — as even I advocated dealing Allen to the Chicago Bulls for P.J. Brown and Ben Gordon before last season’s trade deadline — nevertheless, my qualm was that Sam Presti didn’t receive an equitable return for the man who’s simply known as Jesus Shuttlesworth.
Yet, I’ve already revealed the rationale regarding my skepticism toward revamping the roster with Green, Szczerbiak, and West; thus, I won’t reiterate it. We’ll eventually see they’re worth it, though.
“IMO, we got more for Ray from Boston than the Bucks got from us, so we did OK. Blow it up baby! Let’s build it right this time (the jury’s still out on that one).”
Well, CasualFan, I look at it like this: Presti received less for Allen than Wally Walker and Rick Sund got for Gary Payton.
October 13th, 2007 at 9:39 am
“Yet, I’ve already revealed the rationale regarding my skepticism toward revamping the roster with Green, Szczerbiak, and West; thus, I won’t reiterate it. We’ll eventually see IF they’re worth it, though.”
Okay, I fixed it.
October 13th, 2007 at 9:44 am
I’ll take 5 for 22 and a win every time.
Why is everyone so wrapped up in a rookies FG% when winning is the focal point? If Durant is 5-22 and Wilcox is 8-9,what the f^ck is the difference when we won the game? Its ateam game folks. Sometimes I wonder if people on this board are just looking for failure. Whatever coloured glasses you want to call that.
Anyway. does anyone think the Kurt Thomas’ presence on this team is helping Collison and Wilcox? I think maybe. He is a better coach than Hill. IMO.
October 13th, 2007 at 10:27 am
Myk, thanks for posting the ESPN article… great stuff. So good to have this kind of national commentary. The author has his head on straight, unlike so many others.
October 13th, 2007 at 10:48 am
“Well, CasualFan, I look at it like this: Presti received less for Allen than Wally Walker and Rick Sund got for Gary Payton. ”
Apples and oranges. One was a total tear down and rebuild, the other was intended to be a lateral move.
October 13th, 2007 at 10:50 am
“Anyway. does anyone think the Kurt Thomas’ presence on this team is helping Collison and Wilcox? I think maybe. He is a better coach than Hill. IMO. ”
I think a number of posters have expressed that KT would help our bigs. I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s coming true now, but it’s kind of hard for us to know without particular news from the kids. It would be hard to be a worse coach than Bob Hill.
October 13th, 2007 at 10:59 am
1.) Rose color or fact?
The Sonics winning even though KD shot 20% is a good thing.
It’s amazing how one can fish for negatives when the positive is so blatantly clear.
(2.) Rose color or fact?
The Sonics beating a Finals team from last year is a good thing even if it is preseason.
CONFIDENCE MATTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyone who discounts any win by this team in the preseason is a fool, IMO. The young Sonics are trying to build confidence going into the reg season and these wins mean alot. It would be a little like saying a young Nascar driver with a brand new car is just going around in circles during practice with the thought of waiting til the race to see what he’s got. No way. He’s going to use that practice to fine tune and gain confidence with his new ride. A pessimist would say that the other teams arent trying their hardest and that would somehow discount the importance. No way. Not with this young team. We didnt play West, Luke and Swift either.They will gain confidence from this win against last years Finalist preseason or not. That is fact, not rose colored koolaid or whatever the saying is.
October 13th, 2007 at 11:07 am
“As it was, jumpstarting the rebuilding process was a justifiable reason behind trading Ray Allen elsewhere — as even I advocated dealing Allen to the Chicago Bulls for P.J. Brown and Ben Gordon before last season’s trade deadline ”
It fascinates me why you keep bringing this up when everyone knows that it had no chance of happening. Why not go all out and toot your own horn for suggesting they should have traded Ray Allen for Dwane Wade and Rashard Lewis for Dwight Howard?
October 13th, 2007 at 11:32 am
“Apples and oranges. One was a total tear down and rebuild, the other was intended to be a lateral move.”
Oranges taste better than apples. Why settle for the lesser fruit?
“It fascinates me why you keep bringing this up when everyone knows that it had no chance of happening. Why not go all out and toot your own horn for suggesting they should have traded Ray Allen for Dwane Wade and Rashard Lewis for Dwight Howard?”
All things considered, the basis of my stance is that Ray Allen shouldn’t've been traded for less than fair value. If Allen couldn’t command more than Jeff Green, Wally Szczerbiak, and Delonte West, then trading him wasn’t the best option.
Obviously, I’m highly aware that P.J. Brown and Ben Gordon were reportedly unavailable in return for Allen at last season’s trade deadline. Nevertheless, I’m flabbergasted at the pittance that Presti obtained for an aging, yet exceptionally productive superstar in Allen; it still perplexes me.
October 14th, 2007 at 1:29 am
The Sonics beating a Finals team from last year is a good thing even if it is preseason.
CONFIDENCE MATTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyone who discounts any win by this team in the preseason is a fool, IMO. The young Sonics are trying to build confidence going into the reg season and these wins mean alot.
I look at that Cavs roster and I still can’t figure out how they made the finals. Lebron must be out of this world.
Oops, there I go discounting again.
One small criticism of the untouchable one. How dare I? Funny that PJ had the same criticism. How dare he?
Tonight, Durant had a nice 21 on 6-13. What impressed me the most was the 6-6 FTA’s. He’s learning. See, i’m capable of delivering a compliment.