New Thread time
Posted on Friday, June 20th, 2008 at 12:33 pm by Brian Robinson
You can all entertain yourselves with this article from ABC.
I’m going to say that I thought the morning went very well for us. Wally had the potential to look very incriminating and he held his own. Sure they wanted to keep the team here? Who wouldn’t? Does that mean they did anything unethical? Not hardly.
It was not the terrible negative that I was worried it could turn into.
For all of you worried that the word “appeal” was uttered by Paul Lawrence GET OVER IT. Sheesh this is a trial, things get said. Don’t try to read the world into every single word. Remember just yesterday the PBC attorneys were visibly flustered by our apperent win. Don’t ride the roller coaster up and down with every change of momentum my friends.
I remain firmly in the OJ Mayo camp when it comes to the draft. It seems clear that despite all the misdirect Jared Bayless is our guy but I go for the NBA body every time. Love, Lopez, etc. are all smoke. We won’t take them. I will say though that if Love were black we’d be comparing him to Carlos Boozer instead of Nick Collison. Its sad the way we always lump guys together unintentionally based on appearance.
June 20th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
I use the Collison comparison because he is on our team.
June 20th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Times just refreshed saying ‘the city is not conceding the case’, etc…
June 20th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Taking Bayless would be a big mistake. Im so disappointed that they’re leaning that way. He’s Monte Ellis at best. Ive seen him play in high school and college here in AZ. Not what we’re looking for. A PG without any passing. Trade up and get Beasley or get Mayo. Just don’t draft the poor man’s Monte Ellis. Just don’t.
June 20th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I posted in the previous thread:
By mentioning the “appeal” Lawrence is also saying to PBC; “even if you do inexplicably win this case, we are going to put you through all of this again. Have a nice day @$$ Holes,” or something similar.
Think of it this way, the pressure is all on PBC. City has an automatic mulligan.
June 20th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
No Philip, I am NOT faking like I am you on the OKC paper site. Although YOU fake being SOS…..Limbaugh doesn’t call the mainstream media the “Drive By Media” for nothing. They throw out an UNSUBSTANCIATED story or headline, similiar to a drive by shooting—all hell breaks lose and by the time the damage has been done, they are gone and onto the NEXT “drive by” story or headine. Thank you Seattle papers.
June 20th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
lose=loose
June 20th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Brian I am with you. Mayo the guy for me.
But I think the Twolves are thinking the same thing.
June 20th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
MAYBE THEY WANTED TO GET THE OKLAHOMAN ALL EXCITED AND WASTE THEIR TIME ON THE CITY’S CONCESSION.
June 20th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
I posted in the previous thread:
By mentioning the “appeal” Lawrence is also saying to PBC; “even if you do inexplicably win this case, we are going to put you through all of this again. Have a nice day @$$ Holes,” or something similar.
Think of it this way, the pressure is all on PBC. City has an automatic mulligan.
June 20th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Brian, Thanks for making the comment on “GET OVER IT”. As I wrote in earlier thread, Lawrence is doing his job to make sure everything is being recorded and covered for appeal. Lawrence said that he does that in any trial. No need to worry about it.
I hope the $4 pick will be OJ Mayo not Bayless. I do not know why he would be a good one for Sonics? OJ Mayo does remind me of GP in some ways. But not entirely like GP playmaker. As for 24th pick, I do hope that Robin Lopez will be available. He is a better defense player over Brook.
I am wondering what is the plan for June 26th? Is there going to be a draft party in Seattle? That is the same day the trial concludes too.
June 20th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Brian, Thanks for making the comment on “GET OVER IT”. As I wrote in earlier thread, Lawrence is doing his job to make sure everything is being recorded and covered for appeal. Lawrence said that he does that in any trial. No need to worry about it.
I hope the $4 pick will be OJ Mayo not Bayless. I do not know why he would be a good one for Sonics? OJ Mayo does remind me of GP in some ways. But not entirely like GP playmaker. As for 24th pick, I do hope that Robin Lopez will be available. He is a better defense player over Brook.
I am wondering what is the plan for June 26th? Is there going to be a draft party in Seattle? That is the same day the trial concludes too.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Whichever side loses is likely to appeal. That’s just the nature of the game.
KJR was saying some interesting draft things:
1. Minn (McHale) wants Love, and may trade down to get something in addition if they’re confident he’ll be available at #8 or #10 or wherever.
2. Presti is looking into dumping Weezy to Miami for the #2 pick. That’s kind of exciting!
June 20th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Word is Robin Lopez’s stock is rising. There’s no chance he’s available at 24. I’m also firmly in the OJ Mayo camp, he’s got the tools to be the best player in this draft.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
I’m not hot on Augustin but do think that Green and Durant may be able to help with distribution enough that we don’t need a true point guard. Mayo or Bayless might be fine at 1 even if they don’t mature as point guards.
What I have heard about augustin, is if he was 1-2 inches taller, he would be a top 5-6 pick.
thats 5-6 pick value right there.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
ABC, like everyone else, is writing us off, but I really believe if someone can step up and put a reasonable arena deal together, we’ll get this thing done; and I remain optimistic on the arena.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
12:17 p.m. - The media overflow room just became a buzz of activity over a Seattle Times blog posting, which basically implied that the city attorney Paul Lawrence might be conceding the case. In cross-examination of Wally Walker, Lawrence told Judge Pechman he need to get information from Walker for a possible appeal. (See post at 10:57 a.m.) This apparently lit up the phones at Sports Radio KJR. Since then, the blog post has been dropped. Both a legal analyst for Save Our Sonics and a rep for the City of Seattle says that implication was overreaching. City rep Alex Fryer says that the City’s attorneys would need that information as well if the Sonics appeal the ruling.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
No I meant back court, with DJ at 5-10 and OJ at 6-4…I think that line up that I posted, I picture a Detroit style team…5 ECF and no true center ever. The key is getting consistant effort on defense from all 5 guys and not relying on a shot blocker to CYA everyone else.
I do know what you mean by building around a big and history supports that. However I think we have a year or two before we need to worry about a championship team.
Plus I dont like any of the bigs this year at all.
***********
That’s cool man, it all makes sense!
June 20th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
i’m for oj too. either we draft him and keep him, or we package him with wilcox for the # 2 pick (according to the rumor anyway). i’m good with either scenario
June 20th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Do everything possible to trade up to get Beasley as long as it doesn’t involve Durant or Green. The #4, any player(s), the other first round pick, the Spurs pick next year, or the Suns pick after that.
Durant, Green, and Beasley together will be a force for years to come. I could live with Watson at the point as long as they could get a defensive backup like Mario Chalmers. A reliable center like Rasho Nesterovic would look good. Let the 3 young stars rise and surround them with complimentary players. Collison backing up both power forward and center. Find a good combo shooting guard/small forward that can play defense. Azibuike opted out and is an unrestricted free agent.
Next year they go after Thabeet from UConn as the top notch defensive center. It all looks good and isn’t a huge stretch to imagine it happening.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
I’m still in the OJ camp too…..”If the gloves don’t fit, then you gotta acquit!”
Anyways, Beasley if you can trade up to #2, Mayo at #4…….Bayless as a last resort at #4.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
If The T-wolves want Love, they will move down. There are plenty of other teams that would be willing to leapfrog up to grab OJ.
I believe the only way that OJ will drop to us is if Love’s stock rises and Minn. is afraid that he’ll go #4 or #5. That would force them to pick him at #3, thus freeing up us to draft The Juice.
Though, if we do draft OJ, I suspect it would be for the rumored Mia. trade. I’m sure Presti is drooling about the chances of having Beasley and Durrant on the floor at the same time.
-=cysco
June 20th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
I like either Love or trading the pick (or if possible Wilcox) to get Biedrins. I would not go near the Lopez twins. Underwhelming stats to say the least. I would then aim for a defensive point guard. I also think Juwai has a chance - built like a freakin’ mack truck. I might trade Jeff Green for a very solid young player who is also a 3 point threat - Childress of Atlanta.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Weezy, Petro and the #4 pick for Beasley and Blount?
Mayo goes third, so how about Presti moves up with the #4 and #32 selections?
Bayless is a solid choice at 3, but let’s hope Presti is still driving the bus.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Whichever side loses is likely to appeal. That’s just the nature of the game.
Typically maybe, but in this case, with the judge ruling in favor of the PBC 90% of the time on objections, i don’t think the PBC will have much grounds for appeal.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
The Seattle Times blog posting has been changed, and another posting was added with a statement by City attorney Lawrence saying it is no big deal - routine objection for the appellate record. Seattle is not conceding anything.
Posted by Jim Brunner: “Seattle is not conceding anything about their chances in the ongoing Sonics trial. My apologies to the city’s lead attorney Paul Lawrence and the city’s legal team for an earlier blog item.”
June 20th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Beasley reminds me a lot of Glenn Robinson. Same all around dominant college scorer, same concerns about lack of effort and no defense.
I have a feeling he will be a big disappointment in this year’s draft.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
ABC says history isn’t on our side.
Tampa Bay Mariners?
Los Angeles Seahawks?
I guess I remember history a little differently.
I wanted to post this on the ABC site, but I’m so tired of signing up for new accounts on every news site. If someone who already has an account on ABC wants to post that, by all means do.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
ARGH
Jason Puckett is killing me. Said, todays is a big victory for the Sonics.
Can someone call them up and refute that?
Its pissing me off, everytime I hear puckett talk.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
I would definitely not trade up to take Beasley. I was the first one here to say he might fall to #4, and if he doesn’t there will be other excellent players to pick from. I think the Sonics should draft a big guy, unless a superb guard is available. I would not pick Bayless at #4.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
I’m with you Otto…Jason Puckett is pissing me off!!!!!!!!!! He’s just a dumb jock covering the trial! He’s obviously falling for all of Paul Keller’s theatrics! Tiresome…
June 20th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Puckett can shove it.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Jim Brunner just asked me to pass on his apologies for his posting earlier. He didn’t understand the courtroom process and drew an inaccurate assumtion. No one is perfect and when you are trying to post in an ongoing fashion you are bound to have a mistake or two. I hope everyone will give him some slack on this issue.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Glenn Robinson? They don’t even have the same playing style.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
just imagine how stupid Puckett and all these other dumbasses will feel when the city wins.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
phenom, I think Petro isn’t in that trade proposal (at least the last I heard). I’d be against the trade if he is. He’s not great but is important to have at a thin position and still has upside. Weezy can go. A great talent but I don’t see him ever effectively banging with the Al Jeffersons of the league.
Mayo is my first choice at #4 as well. My main concern (other than him not being there) is that he seems to be a little shy on athletic explosion. He does seem to have the calm self confidence needed to go the top.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Jim Brunner just asked me to pass on his apologies for his posting earlier. He didn’t understand the courtroom process and drew an inaccurate assumtion. No one is perfect and when you are trying to post in an ongoing fashion you are bound to have a mistake or two. I hope everyone will give him some slack on this issue.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
I posted the ABC article that pertained to the Sonics on my Myspace blog and made it public so people can see it. I dont see how we are losing this case when it seems like bennett had to tell the truth and made it easy for us. If we lose this case i think Schultz wins and it isnt even close! There is proof that he didnt use good faith best interest for 12 months, and that right there means he loses right?
June 20th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Jim Brunner just asked me to pass on his apologies for his posting earlier. He didn’t understand the courtroom process and drew an inaccurate assumtion. No one is perfect and when you are trying to post in an ongoing fashion you are bound to have a mistake or two. I hope everyone will give him some slack on this issue.
- You know…if it wasn’t for Jim Brunner we might not have been able to read many of the depositions and emails prior to the case. It really would be nice if fewer people would stop being so quick to jump down the throat of people in the media because they are reporting their perspective.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
I will say though that if Love were black we’d be comparing him to Carlos Boozer instead of Nick Collison. Its sad the way we always lump guys together unintentionally based on appearance.
- I didn’t know that Boozer was fat, with a bum knee and overweight in College. Could he shoot the three too?
I dont see the comparion at all…
June 20th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
I just Hope Mayo FALLS to us to #4. Like others are saying, if they really love Love, that they would trade down..
June 20th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
There is proof that he didnt use good faith best interest for 12 months, and that right there means he loses right?
Not necessarily. That proves breach of contract, but does not prove fraud in the inducement. If they find him guilty of breach but not fraud, monetary damages may be the only thing Schultz could hope for.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
That would prove fraud at the inducement, didn’t wally basically say that if the other owners did not get the ‘12 month best efforts’, that they would not have signed on for the sale?
June 20th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Myk
Kofos over Love?///?????????
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_9617436?source=rss
June 20th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
And Ian Thomsen ai SI
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/ian_thomsen/06/20/weekly.countdown/index.html?eref=si_nba
June 20th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Distefano
http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/8265084/Draft-class-is-deep-but-full-of-uncertainty?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=99
June 20th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Not necessarily. That proves breach of contract, but does not prove fraud in the inducement. If they find him guilty of breach but not fraud, monetary damages may be the only thing Schultz could hope for.
Schultz would have lost $75,000,000 and his civic reputation.
If he can’t rescind the sale, he should at least get hundreds of millions of dollars in damages.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Thomsen at SI says
4. Kevin Love, F/C, 6-9, 255, Fr., UCLA. “There are a lot of questions in this draft, but there are very few uncertainties regarding Kevin Love. You know he’s going to rebound, he knows how to play, he’s a good passer, he has good hands and he plays hard. There’s value in knowing exactly what you’re getting in a draft pick. He’ll be a 4, and in today’s [smaller] NBA he can guard some 5s. I haven’t mentioned his shooting, which is a wrinkle to his game. He’ll be a solid starter in the league.”
June 20th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Thomsen at SI says
4. Kevin Love, F/C, 6-9, 255, Fr., UCLA. “There are a lot of questions in this draft, but there are very few uncertainties regarding Kevin Love. You know he’s going to rebound, he knows how to play, he’s a good passer, he has good hands and he plays hard. There’s value in knowing exactly what you’re getting in a draft pick. He’ll be a 4, and in today’s [smaller] NBA he can guard some 5s. I haven’t mentioned his shooting, which is a wrinkle to his game. He’ll be a solid starter in the league.”
June 20th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Just got an email from the Sonics blog editor apologizing for the headline. She was pretty humble about it all! I think this trial is just creating a HELL of a lot of edginess with everyone. I never thought this trial would be this big a deal. But for me, it’s become my life…I’m breathing, eating and hanging on the everything….Ok…back to King5 blog…
June 20th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Hollinger says:
The Certain High-Lottery pick
Kevin Love, UCLA, 17.80
I’ve heard the concerns about Love being out of shape and a poor defender, but a big guy with this high a skill level is way too good a proposition to pass up. In fact, Love outrated both Oden and Durant from a year ago (though Oden, remember, was playing with one good hand for part of the season). Basically, you’re looking at the second coming of Brad Miller in terms of skill level for his size, but with a higher ceiling.
Incidentally, we again see the impact of one-and-done players (and the new rule requiring high school players to go to college) — Love and especially Beasley would likely have bypassed college earlier this decade, and they’re by far the two highest-rated big men in this draft.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Personally, I think the only slam dunk to win the SCHULTZ case would be if there is correspondence or good testimony showing that members of PBC stated AROUND THE TIME OF the sale that they were going to try to (1) move out of Seattle before the 12 month good faith period is up, (2) fake an effort to get an arena, or (3) just not try to get an arena before the 12 month good faith period is up. There is a lot of after the fact evidence for #3, and some evidence before the sale that they wanted to take the team to OKC, but the question is what evidence is there about just prior to/at the time of/just after the sale.
The McClendon admission is powerful, but not a lock for Schultz, since Aubrey has tried to backpedal.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
There is tons of evidence that the PBC did not act in good faith. Schultz better win, or we riot!
June 20th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
It must have been tough for Brunner to apologize after causing a minor panic based on misinterpretation of the info. We all screw up, it’s just very apparent when it happens in front of thousands of people who are involved in an emotional issue. Brunner, I accept your apology.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
He’ll be a solid starter in the league.
You are not looking for a solid starter/Nick Collison type at #4. You are looking for a all-star, or borderline all-star at #4
June 20th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
I’m DA_GLOVE_of_UDUB on the ABC article. I could use some help explaining the facts of the situation. OKC residents have been brainwashed for years!!
June 20th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Griffin admits again he didn’t have the power to make it happen. When asked if only the City and K&L Gates had the ability to make that happen, Griffin said yes.
ooooh…
June 20th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Kofos over Love?///?????????
- Sorry…if there is any team I am not going to use as proof of talent it would be the Minnesota Timberwolves.
- The guy was fat and had a bum knee in college. Those guys do not normally end up having great careers. Christian Laetner was the greatest college player of the last 20 years. He was smart..could shoot and rebound well…and yet he didn’t make much of an impact in the NBA.
You are not looking for a solid starter/Nick Collison type at #4. You are looking for a all-star, or borderline all-star at #4
- Exactly…
June 20th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
I’m DA_GLOVE_of_UDUB on the ABC article. I could use some help explaining the facts of the situation. OKC residents have been brainwashed for years!!
- There is no point…they are willing to be lied to by the NBA and want to accept it. Im not saying lied about the Seattle situation but blatently lied to about the situation in OKC…heads are firmly in the sand.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
I don’ t get this line of thinking with Griffin. It is proving nothing.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
It enrages me that Bennett even has a possibility of winning this.
I still can’t get over how much these few powerful people, Bennett, Stern etc. can manipulate a situation like this to look like the victims. It’s appalling!!
June 20th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
I just read the “poisoned well” power-point and it seems all fine to me. It actually suppports a lot of what the city is saying. Keller found the 1 or 2 insignficant (to the presentation) words in a 47 page presentation that say something negative. 98% of the presentation is not bad (it even talks about the OKC folks getting NO).
June 20th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
If the Schultz lawsuit ends up with Howard getting a ton of money for a settlement - how bad would that be?
If he keeps the money and says “Oh well, I tried” he would never be able to show his face again in Seattle.
If he donates all of his settlement monies to a new arena effort then maybe that redeems him somewhat.
How hard would it be for Howard to give away 75 million dollars once it is in his bank account?
June 20th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Yeah I hear ya Myk. I still discuss it with them, the difference being that I don’t get emotional about their responses and reasoning anymore. lol.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
“Griffin admits again he didn’t have the power to make it happen. When asked if only the City and K&L Gates had the ability to make that happen, Griffin said yes.”
So…the city “bled” PBC by taking them to court to enforce the lease? Obviously, they had a legal right to do so.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
2:11 p.m. - A December 2007 e-mail from Gorton reads: “Bennet owns the team, wants it in Oklahoma City, and sees relatively clear sailing to NBA approval except for our lawsuit..” Griffin confirms “our lawsuit” meant the City’s lawsuit. When asked by Keller if Griffin knew the lawsuit was the means to induce the forced bleeding, Griffin answered yes.
All of this “forced bleeding” could have been avoided if Bennett simply kept his mouth shut and honored the lease. He could have moved the team after that no problem. Clay Clay just brought this on himself.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Keller then reminded Griffin in court that he took an oath before taking the stand.
No one reminded Bennett of that fact?!?
June 20th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Agreed. Its not bad faith to enforce a lease.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
I’m trying to remain sane sane throughout this but I get the impression that Griffin is hurting us a lot?
June 20th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I say no way Mayo lasts to 4. If he does it makes my choice more difficult. Especially not with MIN interest in Love. Someone will trade them to get Mayo at 3 if they dont take him.
I remember saying this same type of stuff before Roy was drafted than I am now about Love. Mostly everyone thought 4 was too high but 8 was a real bargain for Roy. And absolutely nobody but Dick Vitale had Roy as top 3 pick. Same as Love this yr. They are even saying the same types of things about Love as far as who’s an NBA ready player.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
“Yes, I saw what the rest of the country saw in the NCAA’s. He was overpowered and kept in check.”
Are we talking about the same player who was the Regional MVP?
Talk about absurd.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
” LOL what is sad is that I have looked at his body…and I did watch him trudge up and down the court with his bum knee and fat body. ”
Yes. Yes… All attributes that gained him Pac 10 POY and Regional MVP in the tourney….Nice post
June 20th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
I’m trying to remain sane sane throughout this but I get the impression that Griffin is hurting us a lot?
Unless he is contradicting what he said in his depo, No one is going to say anything that is going to hurt us a lot.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
I can’t wait for Lawrence on his re-direct when he gets to talk to Griffin. What does it matter what the motivation was after Bennett was already trying to move the team? As long as what the city did was legal and they have the right to try and enforce their lease what is the problem?
June 20th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Oh yeah. And here is the Draftexpressrun down on Love….
Notice the second biggest strength they have him as having?
Yeah. Strength!!!!!!
From Draftexpress:
AT A GLANCE - Kevin Love
Strengths:
• Productivity
• Strength
• Hands
• Fundamentals
• Intensity
• Ability to score in the paint
• Excellent Touch
• Versatile post game
• Range out to 3-point line
• Free throw shooting
• Ball-handling skills
• Basketball IQ
• Passing skills
• Ability to ignite fast-breaks with outlet passes
• Rebounding instincts
• Winning attitude
• Incredibly productive
• Very little downside
INCREDIBLY productive…I like that one
June 20th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
“I’m not hot on Augustin but do think that Green and Durant may be able to help with distribution enough that we don’t need a true point guard. ”
Wow … are you serious? Kevin Durant is terrible at creating shots for others. Green has good court sense for a guy his size but I dunno if I’m ready to make him a point forward just yet.
“Mayo or Bayless might be fine at 1 even if they don’t mature as point guards. ”
See Marbury, Stephon playoff series won
“What I have heard about augustin, is if he was 1-2 inches taller, he would be a top 5-6 pick.
thats 5-6 pick value right there. ”
Heard the same thing about Nate Robinson. I think Augustin is a better PG prospect than Nate but his height is what it is.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
I remember saying this same type of stuff before Roy was drafted than I am now about Love. Mostly everyone thought 4 was too high but 8 was a real bargain for Roy. And absolutely nobody but Dick Vitale had Roy as top 3 pick. Same as Love this yr. They are even saying the same types of things about Love as far as who’s an NBA ready player.
- Again…Roy’s chances weren’t hurt because he was fat and unathletic. If anything his chances were hurt because he played for UW. Love doesn’t have a position and unless he can continue this apparently body metamorphisis he is not the lock you claim he will be.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
I’m trying to remain sane sane throughout this but I get the impression that Griffin is hurting us a lot?
- I think this is getting funny…when the defense is doing the examination people freak out. Then when the plaintiffs are doing the examination people feel better…
June 20th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Yes. Yes… All attributes that gained him Pac 10 POY and Regional MVP in the tourney….Nice post
- What pick was Aaron Afflalo picked? What about Ed O’Bannon??
June 20th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
So now Myk is up to Sene, Swift, Petro and Laettner as players he believes Love to have the same amount of upside as….Nice evaluations, all. Your last name Sund?
June 20th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
I think this is getting funny…when the defense is doing the examination people freak out. Then when the plaintiffs are doing the examination people feel better…
Thats so true heh.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
i don’t understand what walker being pessimistic has to do with anything.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
“Jim Brunner just asked me to pass on his apologies for his posting earlier. He didn’t understand the courtroom process and drew an inaccurate assumtion. No one is perfect and when you are trying to post in an ongoing fashion you are bound to have a mistake or two. I hope everyone will give him some slack on this issue.”
It’s on Brunner to fact check himself before he posts in something as closely followed as this. Let’s not mince words, he was trying to scoop everyone else on a settlement story and he got caught with his pants down.
I have often been thoroughly unimpressed with the lame butt-kissing Seattle sports media before this trial, not much has given cause to change that. If this was going down in NY or Chicago I think the tenor of the media coverage would be quite different. Now you have guys like Jim Moore & Brunner basically taken at their word for legal experts when they have a hard enough time getting their sports columns together. Ya gets what ya pays for.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
“- What pick was Aaron Afflalo picked? What about Ed O’Bannon?? ”
Add Afflalo and Obannon to Myk’s list of player with more potential than Love. So it’s
Swift
Sene
Petro
Laettner
Obannon
Afflalo
All of whom Love can be compared to when it comes to upside.
Interesting view to say the least. You are making complete fools out of all the writer I have posted with such positive analyises.
You da Man Myk!
June 20th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Notice the second biggest strength they have him as having?
- GUess the only way to find out is see what happens in the NBA. I watched him more than probably any other non-Husky and he always seemed to have trouble dealing with big men who were longer/taller than him or much more athletic than them. Some of his worst shooting nights were in this situation:
June 20th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
March 4, 2008 e-mail from Walker to Gorton, Griffin and McGavick reads “Think of how ugly ths trial will be, how ugly the Sonis departure wlll be… and then we’ll rely on an NBA mandate/approval that another team will move here after that scorched earth incriminating process?” Basically, Keller implies Walker is not optimistic about the NBA’s future in Seattle after all this. Griffin agrees with Keller’s assessment.
I bet that Walker’s assessment changed after the revelation of all those emails . . . a lot.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Swift
Sene
Petro
Laettner
Obannon
Afflalo
All of whom Love can be compared to when it comes to upside.
Interesting view to say the least. You are making complete fools out of all the writer I have posted with such positive analyises.
- Huh? First off…Christian Laettner was a vastly superior player than Kevin Love was when he was in college. Laettner is easily the greatest college player until at least Magic/Bird (yes better than MJ)
- Second off, Im not sure where the Swift/Sene/Petro names are coming from. You said we NEED a big man so we should draft Love (if not Love then who) and I pointed out it was this same incorrect reasoning that got us stuck with those three stiffs.
- Third off, I am just pointing out how silly your argument is about him being the Pac 10 POY when players like Afflalo, Ike Diagu, Ed O’Bannon etc. have won the same title. Just because a guy is good in college does not mean he will be good in the NBA
June 20th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
March 4, 2008 e-mail from Walker to Gorton, Griffin and McGavick reads “Think of how ugly ths trial will be, how ugly the Sonis departure wlll be… and then we’ll rely on an NBA mandate/approval that another team will move here after that scorched earth incriminating process?” Basically, Keller implies Walker is not optimistic about the NBA’s future in Seattle after all this. Griffin agrees with Keller’s assessment.
- Doesn’t this refute the point that they are conspiring to keep a team here. They are saying that going to trial may hurt their chances…
June 20th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
“Huh? First off…Christian Laettner was a vastly superior player than Kevin Love was when he was in college.”
Is that why Love accomplished as much in one year as Laettner?
Dude, seriously. Love came within 2 games of winning Conference POY, Reguonal MVP and tourney MVP. @2 out of 3 for a freshman isnt ‘vastly inferior’ to anything. Let alone Christian L.
Come on man.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
One thing we all have to remember is that we are getting updates on what Travis Pittman thinks is important. I don’t know his background, but it doesn’t seem to be a legal one. we should all wait to have a coronary until we hear a real lawyer tell us how things are going. As the Brunner/Chicken Little headline proves, non-legal people interperate what they think is important, but it may be more typical court room stuff than smoking gun stuff. Just food for thought.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
On draft situation..
If we can’t get Mayo, I say we take Russell Westbrook
Compared to Bayless he’s taller,got longer arms, more agile.
He plays a system where the PG isnt the only distributer on his team.
http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-pre-draft-measurements/?year=2008&sort2=ASC&draft=0&sort=
June 20th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
“- Second off, Im not sure where the Swift/Sene/Petro names are coming from. ”
Remember this exchange?
Myk Says:
June 20th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
“You gotta be kidding me if you dont think we need a big! So if not Love, WHO?”
- Ahhhh…the same rationale that led to Robert Swift/Johan Petro/Mo Sene…
June 20th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
“See Marbury, Stephon playoff series won”
The Marbury issue is very different from what I discussed. Marbury is a talented player who makes those around him worse because he’s an arrogant, self centered head case. While that could turn out to be an issue with Mayo and/or Bayless, the point I was raising was that a combo guard might be adequate for this team. See Billups, Chauncy playoff series won.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
not to mention Westbrook is a great defender while Bayless hardly gives an effort on that end
June 20th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
“March 4, 2008 e-mail from Walker to Gorton, Griffin and McGavick reads “Think of how ugly ths trial will be, how ugly the Sonis departure wlll be… and then we’ll rely on an NBA mandate/approval that another team will move here after that scorched earth incriminating process?” Basically, Keller implies Walker is not optimistic about the NBA’s future in Seattle after all this. Griffin agrees with Keller’s assessment. ”
Remember this happened after Walker’s “try to get it all done behind the scenes” approach to getting the arena built and finding a buyer worked out so swell, of course.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Clearly college play translates well into the NBA.
Can we get a different thread or something for the Draft? Just asking.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Westbrook seems to be rising right now, a few people have us drafting him with the 4th pick (Sports Illustrated latest mock draft for instance)
Probably bullshit but those forums insiders are also starting to talk about draft day trades with NY to get Westbrook.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Is that why Love accomplished as much in one year as Laettner?
- If you do not recognize Christian Laettner as one of the best college basketball players of all time you are admitting you don’t understand college basketball history…so whats the point?
Maybe you should take some time and listen up:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=3230172
His individual success is only surpassed by his team’s success in a College Basketball that was full of teams with players who did not leave early for the NBA
Laettner is one of only four players (including teammates Greg Koubek and Brian Davis) to play in four consecutive Final Fours, and the only one to ever start in all four Final Fours. He owns the record for most tournament games played, with 23, which may never be beaten (to do so, someone would have to play on a team that advances all the way to the National Championship Game in all four years).
Combine that with making two of the most famous shots in the last 25 years and Kevin Love could not hold Laettner’s jock…
June 20th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
“While that could turn out to be an issue with Mayo and/or Bayless, the point I was raising was that a combo guard might be adequate for this team. See Billups, Chauncy playoff series won. ”
How many teams did Chauncey play for before he settled on Detroit?
Nah, I hear ya though. Mayo’s a heck of a guard, just don’t know how valuable/dangerous he is off the ball.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
i second the motion for a separate draft thread. as much as i would love to talk draft, i just can’t get excited about it with the trial going on.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
“You gotta be kidding me if you dont think we need a big! So if not Love, WHO?”
- Ahhhh…the same rationale that led to Robert Swift/Johan Petro/Mo Sene…
- Exactly…haven’t we learned our lesson that drafting a big guy just because we apparently need one is a waste…?
June 20th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Nah, I hear ya though. Mayo’s a heck of a guard, just don’t know how valuable/dangerous he is off the ball.
- Mayo seems to be one of the most volatile players in the draft. It’s very easy to see that he could turn out to be a top 5 player or someone like Gerald Green (maybe not that bad…but a guy with athletic ability but a 10cent head)
June 20th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
West Seattle Tim is right, though it does appear that he is just trying to capture the points being made, and is not concluding that the city will lose and are preparing their appeal.
He may not know what is, or isn’t, a meaningful legal point being made, he appears to at least stick to reporting what is happening, and not insert imagined motivations.
Washburn, Brunner, look for their pictures here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundamental_attribution_error
June 20th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
draft thread is up
June 20th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
I am curious as to why Ballmer is not testifying.
June 20th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
I just read the powerpoint. I really don’t see anything in it that a problem. A group of guys got together and tried to figure out how to Save the Sonics. Maybe Bennett should have tried some of things they were outlining and he could have gotten a new arena. I just can’t believe Bennett and the OKC boys don’t have a document like this on how to get to OKC as soon as possible.
June 20th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
I was wondering the same thing, McCoy
June 20th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Is anyone else reading the power point? check page 28! great quote, is this how they really talk to each other?
“if this helps the community and can be done right, I’ll help, if not, no problemo”
No typo, it really says “no problemo”
You cant make that stuff up!
June 20th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
It is interesting that Walker’s “deepthroat” in the NBA was Litvin. It sure seems like there were more talks about an expansion team and discussions with the NBA then we know about.
June 20th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
if there’s going to be any kind of settlement, the NBA has to get involved because I don’t think either side is settling w/o a team.
June 20th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
I read the power point and I SEE NOTHING wrong for these guys to get together and try to save the Sonics. Bennett asked for it by announcing that they gave up on Seattle too early.
I believe that the city will win this lawsuit because of the evidence of the lease to be interpret from the law.
June 20th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
On a side note, you think expansion to one of these markets would be good for the NBA at this point. I mean think of the rivalry if you have a team in Seattle and OKC. Of course, the OKC folks get the expansion team… we keep OUR Sonics.
June 20th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
new courtroom thread is up
http://sonicscentral.com/blog/?p=1970
June 20th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
West Seattle Tim- What about this nugget:
1:54 p.m. - Dec. 7, 2007 – Griffin to Ballmer status report. “Wally’s deep throat at the leagues is Joel Litvin, COO, I think.”
As in how the kids say cool over texts: “COO”?! Or does COO stand for something.
By the way, if Litvin is Walker’s “deepthroat”…. then Clay was Stern’s deepthroat (couldn’t resist)
June 20th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
That’s a good point AKDan, where’s is the PBCs’ power point presentation on how to keep this team in Seattle? After all u would think that a man possessed would have something to show for his being possessed(other than just words)…
June 20th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
COO = chief operating officer
June 20th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Yeh the Power Point is perfectly fine, IMO too.
Whats interesting is that they keep saying they are or will keep the NBA informed.
On one hand, makes me wonder about the NBA’s true stance, on the other it makes me wonder why did they try to drag the NBA into the lawsuit as well as depose Litvin, whom was their inside man?
June 20th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
I wonder if Stern new Litvin was in on this. I hope Stern gets an ulcer from all this crap he has to deal with!
June 20th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Also, the city only had 245 minutes left as of this morning, aren’t they getting close to their time limit?
June 20th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Here goes Licata on the stand….
June 20th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
“Combine that with making two of the most famous shots in the last 25 years and Kevin Love could not hold Laettner’s jock…
”
So all the writers from SI, Fox, Espn, Draftexpress and NBA GMs who all basically agree he will be a solid starter are dead wrong and Myk is right.
Laettner was NEVER a solid NBA starter.
You couldnt be more wrong if you tried. Laettner wasnt even good enough to come out before his senior year. If you are labeled the greatest college player of all time nowadays that mean you were more likely a mediocre prospect as a pro. Sure there are exceptions but it seems like the best players of recent history have been one and done or high schoolers.
This is the main reason you are so very, very, very far of with your Laettner comparison.
June 20th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
“Laettner was NEVER a solid NBA starter.”
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/laettch01.html
That’s pretty funny because the first three years of his career at least he’d be the best player by far on the current Sonics squad. His age 27 season isn’t solid NBA starter? How much crack did you smoke today?
“You couldnt be more wrong if you tried. Laettner wasnt even good enough to come out before his senior year.”
LOL. Wow. Yeah, 3rd overall pick in his class. He wasn’t good enough to come out the previous year … it’s not like anyone ever stays in school to graduate or improve their draft status. Seriously bad argument there.
I’m not saying the guy was one of the 50 greatest in NBA history but to say he was never a decent NBA starter suggests to me that you either never actually saw him play back then or at least have a very strange idea of what constitutes ’solid NBA starter’.