Post-Sonics Watch
Feeling lost without your Seattle SuperSonics? Seattle-area NBA fans face their first season without an NBA team in 41 years. Primarily, our coverage here will focus on the City of Seattle’s attempt to bring the NBA back to Seattle. But we also will provide updates on the Portland Trail Blazers, the Oklahoma City Thunder and area players plying their trade for other teams in the NBA.

Eric Williams covered the Sonics' last season in Seattle. A Tacoma native, Eric graduated from Mount Tahoma High and the University of Puget Sound.

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Keeping an eye on the NBA and Seattle's efforts to get back into the game
Sunday, August 26th, 2007
Posted by Eric Williams @ 10:13:42 am

With a little more than a month remaining before the Sonics begin training camp, I’ll try to shift gears and focus more on basketball instead of the arena issue.

So I’m interested to hear what types of questions you have heading into the preseason.

I’ll pose a few.

Who will start at point guard?

Can Robert Swift be the long-term solution at center?

What position will Kevin Durant play?

Will Jeff Green start or come off the bench?

Let me know what some of your basketball-related concerns are with the Sonics’ current roster and will get into some discussion this week.

But in case you missed it, here’s a link to Saturday’s story on Sonics chairman Clay Bennett’s meeting with Sonics employees, which apparently included a discussion on why the Sonics ownership group would be interested in moving to a medium-sized market like Oklahoma City.

TNT columnist John McGrath offered this interesting take on the NBA fining Sonics part owner Aubrey McClendon for his comments on moving the team to Oklahoma City a few weeks ago.

And the New Orleans Times-Picayune has an interesting story on the long-term prospects of the Hornets’ economic viability in the New Orleans.

Categories: NBA 33 comments

COMMENTS:

chucker123 @ 16:03 - Sunday, August 26th, 2007 Email
unfortunatly, until the arena issue is settled and we know where the team will be playing after this year, all other issues are irrelevant. this ownership group has killed all of the buzz going into the 07/08 season.
moo @ 16:21 - Sunday, August 26th, 2007 Email
I agree with Chucker. I wish the NBA would force a sale to David Sabey NOW.
moo @ 16:24 - Sunday, August 26th, 2007 Email
I'm also still really upset about PJ as coach. Should have been Casey. As far as Green, Isn't he a power forward? I believe Wilcox is our #1 pf, & Collison is #2. Not sure why we drafted Green at all unless they're going to turn him into a shooting forward to back up Durant.

Oh wait, they're going to package Wilcox & Collison together for a second round pick to make it easier to move the team............
slicer @ 19:16 - Sunday, August 26th, 2007 Email
I seriously dont know what to think. They gutted the team. They're being jerks. I dunno how im supposed to support this Sonics roster, since it doesnt even feel like the Sonics now.

If they move, im following Rashard and becoming a Magic fan. I mean, should I even go to a Sonics game now? I've never been as close to wishing tragedy on someone as I am with Clay Bennett, and thats sad.

As for the coaching, I prefer Casey as well, but it doesnt matter with Ray and Rashard gone. I expect Swift to break out this year.
RJ99 @ 20:42 - Sunday, August 26th, 2007 Email
Does PJ want to use 3 pt shot as much as previous Sonics teams (and Spurs) and does he think the guys can handle the load and shoot a good 3pt%?

Has PJ or Presti given players summer assignments? Will they talk about them at all?

Rough date for camp invite list? Do they plan to carry 14 with 15 only if special need or opportunity arises? Is a spot open at all or not unless there is a trade?

Captains? Who will choose? Beginning of camp or later?





ttownport @ 22:48 - Sunday, August 26th, 2007 Email
I agree with Chucker about the arena issue being no. 1 on the priority list.

Seems to me like the last 3 seasons with Rashard and Ray we could barely make it into the finals, let alone win a championship. I am sad to see those guys go, but I feel like the team will be more balanced and grow with the young players.

I was wondering how they were going to fit Green into the line up. I don't see them starting Durant at the 3 and Green at the 4. With all the guys at the 4 and 5 spots it seems like they will have a lot more flexibility on who to play. I am anxious to see what happens at camp and who works with who on the floor. I also really like the idea of Delonte playing the 2 with Luke or Earl at point.
justajim @ 04:38 - Monday, August 27th, 2007 Email
Hate to say it but I have no interest in the Sonics or the NBA with the way they have treated the Sonics fans.

It is painfully obvious that the arena issue is a smokescreen and the current ownership has only one agenda and that is moving the team. anyone who thinks otherwise has their head buried in the sand.

Previous ownership was not much better for different reasons.

That being said I think the roster moves made while painful will be looked back on as the start of something great.

But I hate to say it I don't care and once the Sonics move I will never watch another NBA game.

SPAN1AWAY @ 05:35 - Monday, August 27th, 2007 Email
I agree with the fact; how can you focus on the "team" when that "team" will move and be given permission to move on October 31st? Unless this move situation gets resolved, I for one, will not show support to a team that is not committed to this community! Who cares who is in the line-up and who they play!
yankinta @ 07:29 - Monday, August 27th, 2007 Email
Let's charge them $500 Million for the move and get ourselves another team. Oh yeah, make sure we keep the name Supersonics like the Cleveland kept the name the Browns.
pwhit44 @ 09:43 - Monday, August 27th, 2007 Email
Eric,

I think there's a general consensus here.

I'm not sure there is a lot of interest in actually talking about Sonics basketball. There was a genuine excitement surrounding this team when it landed the #2 pick in the draft. I, for one, was drooling at the prospect of seeing Durant, Allen, and Lewis running the floor together.

In the ensuing months, every last morsel of excitement has been sucked out of me by the deconstruction of the roster and the arena issue. I'm not sure I care which position Durant will play. He will develop over time, which will certainly be fun to watch, but will require patience from fans for him to emerge as a superstar. As for Swift, three months ago there was an urgency for him to come out gangbusters and become a force in the middle for a playoff team. Now that there isn't a chance of a winning season, the team can afford to be patient with him as well. Point guard starter? Luke? Earl? Why not me?

Long story short -- who really cares about the specific basketball issues for the coming season?? I'm a MASSIVE Sonics fan. I watch or attend nearly every game. But I can't muster a lot of enthusiasm under the current circumstances. It's more than a little deflating to have a possible 50-win season ripped from my grasp in a matter of days.

The ownership's plan to make Sonics fans apathetic worked like clockwork. A young, faceless team. A 25-30 win season on the horizon. Boy, am I excited!!
Opal @ 10:12 - Monday, August 27th, 2007
I'm surprised about how the ownership situation has deflated peoples interest as much as it has. Yes I'm unhappy, yeah I hope theres a change - but to not support the team while they are here is not very wise because its just another thing for the NBA to consider (if they do anything at all). I say keep talking BBALL Eric - we have some exciting young players, and maybe the fans of the sport will come back around instead of being pinned down with the arena situation which currently is out of our hands.
DoctorEvil @ 12:02 - Monday, August 27th, 2007 Email
I agree with Opal. This is no time to abandon the team in fear they might move. Doing so only makes their departure more likely. This is a great time for the team (basketball-wise) so let's keep talking about them and do whatever we can to keep them in the state.

My answers:
PG? Leaning toward Luke if he's improved his shot and can handle the new coach's defense.

Swift? Yes, he will play well and be the C we've lacked in recent years. Having a good center improves the team (and helps the other players) at both ends.

Durant and Green? They are probably two of the best three players we've ever drafted (maybe THE top two), so as long as they play, I don't think it matters what label they get. But if I had to define them, I'll say they are 2/3rds of the 2,3,& 4 positions, depending on who else is in. How's that for a commitment?

My question: For those who aren't interested in the Sonics, why are you posting/reading this blog??
rhino136 @ 15:06 - Monday, August 27th, 2007 Email
Right on Opal and Doctor Evil. Clay Bennett sucks and yes they are trying to steal the Sonics. Just remember that the Sonics are YOURS. Stop crying that you don't have any interest. Doc Evil is right. Why are you even reading about this stuff if you didn't care. Of course you care. Someone is trying to rob you. Stop pretending you are cool and fight back. You don't have to buy a ticket. Just find a way to fight back. FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT.

Durant and Green, especially Green, are going to be absolutely great. Collison, Wilcox and Green are going to have to fine a way to play together. That is Carlisimo's problem. I hope he can do it. Not easy.
I hope Ridnour and Watson can grow up. Carlisimo's problem again.
Swift and Petro also have to grow up and figure out what kind of players they are. lots of potential. Coach them!
rhino136 @ 15:09 - Monday, August 27th, 2007 Email
the fight fight fight rhetoric was directed not to opal and doc evil but to the rest of you. Stop complaining!
rhino136 @ 15:19 - Monday, August 27th, 2007 Email
by the way. I heard Frank Hughes on KJR today and he suggested that on e possibility is that the Sonics move to OKC, but that Seattle should revovate Key Arena and then get and expansion team in a couple of years. I don't think that make any sense at all.
why should we start over with an expansion team. If we are going to renovate the Key, let's just renovate the key. Let Oklahoma City have an expansion team. The "Oklahoma City Pirates' for example.
pwhit44 @ 15:29 - Monday, August 27th, 2007 Email
I'm supremely interested in the Sonics. However, wondering how quickly Swift will develop and who will start at point guard isn't of much consequence during a rebuilding year.

I'll certainly watch the games - but not with the intensity I would have had before June and July, when a playoff-caliber roster was torn apart. If that roster was still in tact, I'd be discussing up a storm about Luke vs. Earl, and how dominant Swift might become, and which positions Durant will rotate at. I'd be screaming about trading for a long, perimeter defender. These questions would be crucial to the team making the playoffs.

None of that matters anymore.

With a young, developing team, there's no urgency in these issues. I'll have fun watching the games and let the issues work out slowly as the season progresses. We'll want to see steady progress in developing an identity for the team, and young guys gelling together and gaining confidence for the future.

In a few years, we can start worrying about who's better than who, and what piece fits where.

All I'm saying is I think it's fair to expect a lull in fan intensity and discussion when two All-Stars are removed from the roster. It's a completely legitimate reaction.

Personally, I watch the Supes, M's, and Seahawks regardless of whether they're winning or not -- the intensity just fluctuates. This is an ebb in Sonics discussion topics.
ttownport @ 21:10 - Monday, August 27th, 2007 Email
I read a lot of posts on this thread and I don't think more than 1 person said anything about abandoning the team. I think everyone is just frustrated. It hasn't been easy for fans and a lot of people have turned their back on the OLDEST FRANCHISE IN SEATTLE. However, I won't turn my back on this team. I'd like to think that everyone that posts here can make a difference in the team staying. Keep telling everyone about how bullsh!t it is that someone can rip this team from its roots.
T-towngrit @ 21:33 - Monday, August 27th, 2007 Email
Ttownport is exactly right. While the Sonics aren't the team I grew up listening to and still love today (Go Warriors!), I love NBA hoops so since I moved here I've adopted them. As a huge Ray Allen fan i was sad to see him go and the ownership moves now have just really frusterated me. I kind of feel like why get attached to something that is going to be ripped out of my hand by some out of town, press release-lovin, canned BS response givin hick like Bennett. I will follow them this year, but it will be perhaps a bit half hearted.
redmond_rebel @ 21:39 - Monday, August 27th, 2007 Email
Swift is the key unknown.

Unless Luke makes a quantum leap, let Watson start at the point. Have not seen West, so no opinion. Trade Ridnour.

Durant could become a global icon; let's hope it happens in the Seattle area.

I wouldn't be surprized if there's a trade.

Trade Ridnour.

Ray Allen made the playoffs *once* while in Seattle. If the Sonics match last season's 31 wins, & if the team develops a defensive reputation [Defense Wins Championships], & if the youth learn, I'd consider that a monumental success. But .500+ and a playoff slot are not farfetched. You read that HERE.
sonictecture @ 22:12 - Monday, August 27th, 2007
I appreciate the opportunity to, "find my happy place" and talk about basketball for a minute.

I believe that with the addition of a new coach in Carlesimo and a new option at point guard that the point guard position will remain unsettled throughout the season. Start with Ridnour and it seems inevitable that his confidence will vanish, forcing Carlesimo to go with West who's inability to run the offense effectively will force Carlesimo to go with Watson, who's penchant for taking shots outside of the offense will force Carlesimo to go with Ridnour, who's inability to stop penetration will force Carlesimo to give West a shot......

Swift has reportedly put in the work and shown the passion and dedication necessary to take advantage of his gifts on the basketball court. I'm looking forward to the point in the season where Swift puts together a string of impressive games and we're all discussing his potential as the best center in Sonics history.

My creative side says you utilize Durant at positions 2-4 depending on matchups. Use the versatility of Jeff Green to force opposing teams to match up to you. My rooted in fear side says you put Durant at his natural 3 position and surround him with the right talent so he can thrive. I wonder how creative P.J. is willing to be?

I think the combo of Durant and Green can be considered the future without starting along side each other from day one. Carlesimo can play a bit by bringing Green off the bench at multiple positions. This would allow the duo to build chemistry naturally while reducing the pressure on both by utilizing Collison or Wilcox in the starting lineup.

My current concern is Wally Szcerbiak's health.
eddiew @ 22:18 - Monday, August 27th, 2007 Email
I am encouraged by the Presti roster moves. He has not gutted the team, but improved it.

Swift has to prove it.

How about Durant at two to provide advantage?

Starters: Collison, Wilcox, Green, Durant, and Watson.
Second team: Swift, Petro, Szerbiak, Wilkins, and West.
11 and 12: Gelebale and Wilks (resigned after trade of Ridnour). Sene to developmental league.

ttownport @ 22:40 - Monday, August 27th, 2007 Email
Do you guys think playing K Thomas will help Swift and Petros development? Seems to me like he might be able to help them stay in position and teach them good habits by rebounding, blocking out etc.
sonictecture @ 22:43 - Monday, August 27th, 2007
I think Carlisemo can start Collison at center for a little while, but the he will need Swift's size and length if the team is going to improve defensively over the course of the season.

Ideally Green could be used a bit like a fullback in football. His primary job is to make Durant's life easier by doing all the dirty work, taking on the difficult assignments and capitalizing on opportunities.

Did anyone else notice how Wilkins managed to drastically improve his percentage from 3 point range after the first two months of last season? If it wasn't a fluke, he could take his game to another level next season.

SPAN1AWAY @ 06:00 - Tuesday, August 28th, 2007 Email
ttownport: Thanks for clarifying my thoughts. I know that I am extremely frustrated! I also know that after reading that article it made me more angry then frustrated so I vented. Some days I'm angry, frustrated, then depressed! Some days, all three appear! No matter what though I love the Sonics!

Please, those who don't agree with others comments, stop questioning why we blog! We have every right to voice our opinion!
DoctorEvil @ 09:05 - Tuesday, August 28th, 2007 Email
I disagree with starting Nick at center. Swift should be there from day one. Our biggest weaknesses last year were: no good center, shoddy defense (none from Ray or Rashard), and questionable coaching decisions (-one leading to a PG crisis).

The fixes?
1-
Adding a good, defensive minded coach (and trading away the non-defenders)
2- Adding a young and promising center. Swift wasn't bad the last year he played, and his biggest weakness was his skinny frame and lack of experience. Well, his frame is no longer a problem. He'll be a huge addition for this team and should only get better with time. One huge benefit is when Swift is in, Petro is not-- and Nick can play his best position which is PF. With Robert back, we've upgraded two positions.
We can add Kurt Thomas to the mix and we suddenly have a deep and tough defensively frontcourt. That could never be said last year.
3- Kevin Durant and Jeff Green. They will provide the offense lost in trades, PLUS play some defense. We should no longer see the opposing SGs get career highs night after night against us.

Overall, I don't see how we finish under .500-- someone important would have to get hurt for this team to fail to make the playoffs.
Opal @ 10:25 - Tuesday, August 28th, 2007
Good comments...

Watson is not a top notch point guard. Frankly, I never think he tempo has worked with the team - and he takes a lot of out of rhythm shots with no one ready to rebound. We'll see if a faster team will work better with his style.

Swift can only be better. Hes showing confidence in his interviews which, besides health, has been his biggest hindrance to succeeding. I'm often surprised at people not being a fan of Luke as hes a gamer - a great ball player and has hit some big shots and made some great passes the past few years.

I hope we have room for collison because all good teams have students of the game on the floor.

Go Sonics - I'm glad we're all talking team now.
ttownport @ 18:41 - Tuesday, August 28th, 2007 Email
Im'm glad there are some true fans left. Winters wouldn't be the same without the Sups on tv. I really like everyone on the team this year. The only guy i'm not sure about is Wally just cause I haven't really watched him play. I do know that he is capable of sitting out on the wing and hitting 3's which is something that we will need.

Between all the guys competing for a starting spot the roster will probably be flexible for awhile. Win or lose this year it will be fun watching Durant and Green in action. Luke, Earl and Kurt are going to have to provide some leadership this year. Swift may be the x-factor for the team. His size alone with another guy like Thomas on the floor could make things interesting. I really like Damien as someone else said above. That guy has shown flashes of great play and filled in nice in Rays absence last year. Look at his game log and you'll see.
snydro22 @ 22:29 - Wednesday, August 29th, 2007 Email
Starters: Collison, Wilcox, Green, Durant, and Watson.
Second team: Swift, Petro, Szerbiak, Wilkins, and West. -- eddiew


I think Delonte West has got to start at SG. The guy plays great defense and has shown that he can really play when he gets the start. Robert Swift has got to start at C. He just has to. Durant is not a SG, period. Collison is not a C. The only things we agree upon are that Durant should start (as painful as it will be in the W/L column) and Wilcox should start.

My starting five:

PG - Ridnour
SG - West
SF - Durant
PF - Wilcox
C - Swift

Green should get a ton of minutes. He is a gamer. Kurt Thomas and Wally Sczerbiak will get a lot of minutes, as well as Collison and Watson. If nothing else, we should have some depth.. That said, I disagree with Dr. Evil, who expects this to be a playoff team.. I don't see that happening, not unless the stars align and certain players have career years.
Strawdog @ 09:57 - Thursday, August 30th, 2007 Email
5= Swift (unless proven bad) followed by Thomas, Petro
4=Wilcox (who could be really good), Collison, Thomas
3= Durant, Green, Wilkens
2= Who knows? West
1= Luke, Earl
Strikes me there will have to a trade made, too many front court, not good choices in the back court. Maybe Collison or Wilkens plus for a 2.

So, when they move to OKC, leave everything Sonic here and when the Kings get ready to move up here they can resume the name.

After they move, how long will it be before the fans there get bored, and the group loses lots of money, and they decide to sell? That is a football state, after all.
ttownport @ 13:25 - Thursday, August 30th, 2007 Email
Wilkens at the 2 with West. Solid defender, plays passing lanes, improved 3 point shot, rebounds etc. Don't trade anyone. Play the season and see what works. Next year go after one of the many good FA that are available to fill whatever position is weakest.

Check out the free agent list here.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_13008.shtml
RJ99 @ 16:53 - Thursday, August 30th, 2007 Email
Almost four days since the thread was posted and discussion was said to be forthcoming. I guess you got more comments rather than questions but I thought there might be some feedback. Not sure what you thought of my questions or if you are still chewing on them for possible later response but based on the non-response so far this time and to several previous questions and comments specifically addressed to you Eric I will think twice before making any further comments here. Hey it is your show, do what you want. I asked previously what to expect but I'll go by what is done.
Opal @ 08:34 - Friday, August 31st, 2007
Are you really complaining here? I don't remember any promises of Q&A time with anyone from the TNT - its a blog remember, not their everyday work... funny
RJ99 @ 09:51 - Friday, August 31st, 2007 Email
Not a big deal but from the blog post:

"So I’m interested to hear what types of questions you have heading into the preseason.

I’ll pose a few...

Let me know what some of your basketball-related concerns are with the Sonics’ current roster and will get into some discussion this week."

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