November 19, 2001

Divvying Up the Loot
Well, this is Rashard Lewis's free agent year, but it's Desmond Mason who is playing for the money. I keep thinking one of these games, he's going to come crashing back down to earth and look very average again. Knock on wood, it hasn't happened yet and it doesn't appear his improved play is a passing fluke. If Rashard Lewis is granted the maximum, and Mason continues to improve, he'll likely ask for something close to the maximum as well. With Baker signed up until God knows when, Payton seeking at extension at last report, Lewis expected to be a top free agent at the end of the year; by the time Mason becomes a free agent Schultz will be disgruntled a luxury tax owner. And we haven't even got to Vladimir Radmanovic who'll be a year behind Mason. When watching the Sonics, it's hard to believe any of our players deserve a maximum salary. But that first domino of Lewis could trigger off a sequence of enormous salaries or hurt feelings in Seattle.

Howard Goes Lame
Noticeably quiet in the Sonics' anguish is Owner Howard Schultz. After making public declarations at Arco that the Sonics would beat the Sacramento Kings, I haven't heard a public peep from Shultz since. I wonder what's going through his head right now. His initial vision was a Payton-Bakerless team, with Rashard Lewis, Desmond Mason, Vladimir Radmanovic, and the riches from the Payton-Baker trades, playing youth inspired, exciting basketball and making a push for the future. What he got is an extension of the Westphal era and the same empty seats at Key Arena. Schultz doesn't strike me as a man who is going to sit through this disappointing season. In the past, the Sonics admitted that they field daily offers for their players, countless for Payton. I wonder if, behind the scenes Shultz is putting together contingency plans should the Sonics continue to sink even when healthy. Maybe the only thing that has kept him quiet is the injuries …. Yes, maybe it's the injuries.

In the meantime, Karl once again lobbies for Payton.

Where in the World is … ? Vladimir Radmanovic, who turned 21 today, once looked promising, but now we don't know how he looks because he doesn't play. After six minutes against Golden State, I didn't think McMillan could cut back on his minutes any further.

He did just that with 5 minutes against Denver.

In the meantime, the Sonics have three players in the top 10 in minutes; Rashard Lewis, Gary Payton and Brent Barry; Payton and Barry being #1 and #5 in the league respectively. One major reason of the disappearing acts of Radmanovic's minutes is that the Sonics can't seem to secure any garbage time.

That and, oh, Art Long. Obviously a key player for the Sonics scheme of the future.

Desperate Times
If the Sonics don't start moving on offense, I suggest releasing rats onto the gym floor. If that doesn't work, we'll ratchet it up to wild dogs; then tear gas; then cattle prodding stun guns. Payton must play with ball and chain attached to both ankles. For insurance, McMillan is going to have to consider the use of tranquilizer pistols.

Where is my Agent!
I wonder when the criticism is going to start flowing within the Sonics. When the novelty of the new uniforms, new logo, and new owner wear off and the reality of the losing sets in, I wonder who'll be the first player to complain. Historically it's been GP, but this is the changed GP. One thing that hasn't changed much is the Sonics win total.

The Game Plan That Wasn't
Finally, I'm wondering what our game plan really is. Crunch time against Denver and we go to Shammond Williams? He hasn't played or hit a shot all season. Must have been a secret play no one knew about. What offense exactly are we running these days? Looks to me like the "Yao Ming Motion". Calvin Booth supposedly comes back against the Dallas Mavericks. That's just what we need, a fresh reminder of the "other" disappointment this season.

At least we won't have to watch Ruben Wolkowyski outplay him too. Hopefully Booth can contain Wolko, being as he is on the injured list.

That means Shawn Bradley is due to score ALL of the 30 points.

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