Daily Roundup Mar 6 ‘06
Posted on Monday, March 6th, 2006 at 12:29 pm by Xteve
What a difference a day makes!
I’ve written before in this space about my irrational hatred for the Utah Jazz and last night was a splendid reward for me. The Sonics did to the Jazz what Crash did to Brokeback Mountain in the Oscar race last night. Newest Sonic Noel Felix had the loudest 2 point 1 rebound game I think I’ve ever witnessed. Earl “Bugs” Watson chipped in 10 pts, 7 dimes and 5 boards in the effort as well as some tiiight alley oops to Chris Wilcox, who is rapidly relegating Radmanovic to milk-carton status …
I can’t say enough about Wilcox’s ability to run the floor, set picks and play above the rim. After far too many years of watching countless worthless frontcourt players it’s about damn time the Supes started playing above the rim. I was sturck last night about how closely the Jazz are to Nate McMillan’s ideal team, low possession, highly efficient but with a plodding frontcourt. Utah simply had no answer for Seattle’s 7 footers … any of them, and when the Sonics can bring 7 ft Mikki Moore off the bench to counter Ostertag, I say if we give this team time to gel and retain Bob Hill going into next year they will surprise people. The attitude is not only different but the actual talent core they’re building from is much, MUCH better than it was earlier in the year.
Bacardi and Cola stat line o’ the night: 38 minutes, 12 pts, 13 rebs, 2 stls and 4 blocks. Niice
Did I mention I got a speeding ticket this morning? $91 …stay away from Shoreline boys and girls…
On that note, I want to say that I can’t think of a more perfect jersey for Flip to wear than #2. Think about it.
The honeymoon’s over between Paul Allen and Portland. For every poster who used to crow about Allen’s genius in hiring Bob Whitsett and holding him up as some paragon of NBA owner virtue, I suggest you read the following story and see just how ugly it can get.
March 6th, 2006 at 12:40 pm
Are we sure that Bob Swift wears that mask because Reggie broke his nose with an elbow?? If I had to guess, I think he was just being proactive because he knew he was gonna hit his face on the rim sooner or later whilst blocking junk into the 3rd row.
March 6th, 2006 at 1:43 pm
For those who are interested in more on the Allen/Blazers situation, here is the view from a Portland columnist’s blog:
http://www.oregonlive.com/canzano/index.ssf?/mtlogs/olive_JohnCanzano/archives/2006_03.html#118345
Lots of interesting stuff there. Click on the February archive link to start from the beginning.
March 6th, 2006 at 2:51 pm
Several times on out of bounds plays in recent games the Sonics have thrown a lob to Swift (and while he probably isnt strong enough to muscle right under the basket and hold that spot) he has been able to get a spot 3-4 feet from the basket and dunk from there jumping straight up over people and extending his arms across to the rim. A nice go to play.
I like Petro’s recent play and show of greater confidence.
March 6th, 2006 at 3:40 pm
Collison’s issue in the foot like Brunson? Might he be out weeks to rest it?
Footonotes: Jimmie Snap hunter who I profiled earlier signed with a team in Spain so he isnt available for a 10 day here these closing weeks.
training camp cut Roger Powell played well in the CBA this season 21 pts 7 rebs 38% 3pt.
March 6th, 2006 at 4:17 pm
Ridnour / Watson
Career stats to date are pretty close
http://www.basketball-reference.com/labs/comp.cgi?I=watsoea01%3AEarl+Watson&y1=&C=ridnolu01%3ALuke+Ridnour&y2=&s=r&t=m&submit=Compare
career eFG% both 45%, Luke has higher Total shooting % due to higher FT%
but this year total season Earl 54.7 eFG% while Luke 44.2 eFG%; Total shooting % Watson 56%, Ridnour 50%
Luke higher PER, Watson higher assist rating http://www.knickerblogger.net/stats/2006/jh_SuperSonics.htm
March 6th, 2006 at 4:36 pm
I actually wouldn’t mind if Collison was out for a few games. I’d like to see what Wilcox can do with 35-40 minutes. If he’s in the game shape to play that much, I don’t see why he can’t throw in a couple 20-10 games.
March 6th, 2006 at 4:43 pm
This sounds strange, but keeping Wilcox on the bench makes sense. RL is our number post option to start off the game so that would leave Chris very few touches. Not only that, but Ray’s in there with him. So him coming off the bench when RL sits makes a lot of sense (if the reports are true that Wilcox needs to get touches early in order to be effective throughout). The way this team is shaped, it seems like I can care less and less about the draft after watching these guys. To be honest, i almost hope they just trade the 1st rounder for another veteran guard or sf.
March 6th, 2006 at 5:13 pm
Stranex, you haven’t been able to see enough of Wilcox without hinting it would be nice if Nick’s out for some games? Nick’s in the same place as Wilcox, really. He’s a young guy trying to find his way in this league and he doesn’t need time off. He needs to be on the court developing too.
I’m with Alvin. Wilcox has been in a great place. He’s yet to prove he’s the same defender as Nick, and he’s in a great situation when he comes in to actually get touches because he’s on the floor with fewer scorers (often Ray and/or Rashard are out).
There will be lineups in where it could be advantageous to play Nick and Chris together. They really have different games and can play side-by-side, but having them spell one another is perfect. Luke and Earl have a similar situation where they really compliment each other by their differences.
Yeah, we’re young enough. I’m excited to see what Gelebale can bring next year, but we’re getting close to not having roster spots.
Our first round pick is going to have a lot of value, especially if it’s packaged with Danny’s expiring contract. That’s like a gold mine right there.
March 6th, 2006 at 5:28 pm
From I’ve seen so far, Wilcox doesn’t seem to need too many touches, he can get 15 just from running and getting garbage buckets. I love what he can do from the high post. Holding that like a small melon then whipping it to a cutter inside. I had no idea he had that passing ability. He’s still 100% from the line with us too. I’m hoping he’s not the type to do whatever he can to fit in at the start with a new team…only to get demanding and petulant later on. That hasn’t been the case yet.
To me, he just looks like a 35-40 minute guy. When he was going up against the Wallaces, he physically looked like he matched up with them. Can’t say the same for Nick (no, that’s not a white-black comment). He easily finished some inside shots against Detroit that Nick and Reggie would have made a mess of for sure.
Agree on the draft though. I can’t really think of what position we would draft. You’re not going to draft a center with Bacardi and Cola. We better get Wilcox resigned, giving you 2 good young PF’s (no need for Shelden Williams). Rashard and Ray are firmly entrenched with Damian backing them up and Earl and Luke should man the PG spot for years. If you see Rashard bolting after next season, maybe you look there I guess. I just don’t see any team giving him what he thinks he’s worth, he’s a $10 mil/yr player. I’d love to see Roy in here, but he seems to much like Damian part 2 (I think Brandon is better though) and we’ve made a long term commitment to Damian.
March 6th, 2006 at 5:56 pm
I see that people often bring up Gelebale in this forum. How is he doing this season? Do you guys follow his stats in Europe?
I thought last year that he was (development-wise) about 2-3 years away from being in the NBA. What makes everyone think that he’ll be brought over in 2006-07?
March 6th, 2006 at 6:03 pm
Never mind my last question, I looked it up myself.
Here’s Gelebale’s stats this season for Real Madrid:
24 mpg
7.8 ppg
35% from 3
48% from 2
77% FT
3.8 rpg
1.5 apg
It looks like he’s the fifth best player on that team.
March 6th, 2006 at 6:07 pm
“What makes everyone think that he’ll be brought over in 2006-07?”
Because he said he was going to come over. That’s pretty much the reasoning behind peoples speculation.
Some NBA player mentioned that he’s a defender like Mikeal Pietris.
March 6th, 2006 at 6:09 pm
“I thought last year that he was (development-wise) about 2-3 years away from being in the NBA. What makes everyone think that he’ll be brought over in 2006-07? ”
In addition, he opted out of his Real Madrid contract for next year. The Sonics are definitely going to bring him over.
I agree with Scott 100%. I think the Sonics should take the best guy on the board regardless of position. See what can be had for that player + Danny’s contract. If there’s nothing out there I’m content with sitting a guy like Brandon Roy behind Damien until he proves that he’s better at this level.
Wilcox is the #1 priority this offseason, no question. Seattle needs to make every effort to sign him.
March 6th, 2006 at 6:10 pm
I’m not a Sonics fan, so I didn’t know he had said he was coming over. That’s why I asked.
By the way, Collison is out 4 weeks. Partially torn plantar fascia.
March 6th, 2006 at 6:14 pm
Various opinions
http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=1204
http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/sonics/story/5536405p-4985331c.html
recent stats 8pts 3 rebs 1 assist per game 69% 2pt FG 50% 3pt
http://www.eurobasket2005.com/en/cid_SbGnUV12IgwUcAUu7UmfU1.playerID_38701.compID_qMRZdYCZI6EoANOrUf9le2.season_2005.roundID_3769.teamID_282.html
I wont venture to guess if he is coming or ready.
March 6th, 2006 at 6:16 pm
I see you got it the stats while I was looking around for articles.
March 6th, 2006 at 6:25 pm
Thanks Princess, I just put something up about Nick.
I didn’t mean to sound brusque about Gelebele, I think it may have come off that way. My apologies.
March 6th, 2006 at 6:27 pm
SMALL SAMPLE SIZE ALERT!!
Chris Wilcox has played 35 or more minutes 9 times in his career and averages 19.9 pts and 8.4 rebs in those games. With Collison going down, he should get the chance to legitimize those numbers over the next month. Of course, if he does, he drives up his price in free agency
He can have Vladi’s contract offer from last season. You would think that would get the job done no?
March 6th, 2006 at 6:31 pm
Observations from a game a couple of months ago
http://www.realgm.com/src_feature_article/76/20051229/scouting_from_the_nosebleeds_euro_style_gelabele_tomas_and_more/
Gelabale speaks last November:
Hi Mickeal, Do you plan to the NBA soon, or do you think that it could be better to stay with your great coach to improve your game?
Pierre, France
” “It’s one of my goals for the future, and I believe that someday I will play in Seattle, the team that holds my rights. But the thought of wanting to play in the NBA does not stop me from putting first the objectives we have at Real Madrid nor my daily work to improve in ever aspect of the game.”
Nov 14, 2005 Euroleague.net
http://www.euroleague.net/noticia.jsp?temporada=E05&jornada=2&id=1473
Given the audience he said the diplomatic thing and I wouldnt read too much into it either way but thought I’d share it anyways.
March 6th, 2006 at 7:16 pm
Teams from Madrid figthing for one playoff spot - Mar. 6, 2006 - by Francisco Martinez - Mar. 6, 2006 - by Francisco Martinez
Real Madrid defeated Alta Gestion Fuenlabrada in Vistalegre making his usual play, pressing in defense and shoting form beyond the arc in offense, giving all the balls to the shooters and leaving the inside men to charge the offensive rebounds. Gelabale was not in the list of 12 because Boza gave him a rest and included Scales. The coach said the french is feeling the tiredness of the last season and the summer, but media says he is thinking in Seattle, where he could go next season.
http://www.eurobasket.com/ESP/ESP.asp?NewsNo=12