Friday, January 6

Game Night: Pistons


While all eyes are on Rick Sund, the Sonics’ GM explains in this article that there won’t be any moves for at least two to three weeks, until Coach Hill has had a chance to take a look at his new rotation.

Hill also tossed in this beautiful swipe at The Magician, “You can't rotate 10 or 12 guys. You've got to have 8 1/2, nine guys max. And maybe Robert (Swift's) that half guy. And Robert's got to play.”

Amen, Bob. I can’t count how many times I anguished over the chaotic substitution pattern Weiss used during his reign. Of course, if the Sonics lose five in a row, Hill may be changing his tune. Losing tends to spoil one’s plans.

Anyway, the Sonics are, as they say up in Canada, “in tough” against the Pistons in Detroit tonight. One big fear is who will guard Chauncey Billups – because Ridnour is going to have a hell of a time defending him when he posts up. Oh, and there’s the question of getting rebounds when you’ve got Frenchie going up against Big Ben, and Radman trying to box out Rasheed Wallace. Oh, and can Sugar Ray put any stops to Rip Hamilton? Yikes.

Folks, the Bob Hill era may be experiencing its first slaughter tonight. That’s okay, though, because even Phil Jackson couldn’t help the Sonics tonight. But there’s no need to worry, Sonic fans, because right after the Pistons it’s a trip to the Big Apple for a matchup with Isaiah and his Big-Money All Stars!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

This courtesy of the Detroit Free Press:

"FLASHBACK FRIDAYS: The Pistons will honor Bad Boy Bill Laimbeer, who serves as a team television color analyst and as coach of the Detroit Shock, at halftime of tonight's game as part of "Flashback Fridays." Laimbeer will have his name and No. 40 permanently secured on the sideline."

No word if Robert Parish will be in attendance.

Anonymous said...

And you would know this how, exactly?

Paul said...

I lived on Capitol Hill for three years. 'Nuff said?

Paul said...

Here's a great article about Bob Hill

Paul said...

At the end of one, the Sonics are within five of the best team in the NBA. If it weren't for a couple of missed Petro dunks, they could be in the lead.

Paul said...

KC on Flip's dunk:

"Running all the way from the Strawberry Mansion!"

SEA 31 DET 28 2nd

Paul said...

OK, the Sonics lost, but it was close! And hey, these guys can suddenly play defense. It'll be interesting to see how they do against the Knicks on Sunday.

Anonymous said...

i think big-money all-stars is a little harsh. Despite being unbeaten in 06, there's no all-stars here. Just a pair of Seattle natives and one guy whose name seems to get tossed around when discussing the differences from last season to this. But seriously, should be a good game that nobody in NY will watch because of the Giants game

Paul said...

Sorry Larry - we're just jealous because you nabbed two of our favorite players: Lil'Nate and "Garbage Bag" James!

Gabe said...

Judging Hill, good article:
New coach Bob Hill promised wholesale changes when he was promoted last Monday, but the question remains: Has he delivered? Let’s take a closer look at the impact he’s had upon Seattle’s line-up.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_15639.shtml

Anonymous said...

I hate ex-Duke players, but i'd take him in the fourth rather than Ridnour right now. The boy is shook.