Unbelievable. According to multiple sources (here's one of them), Greg Oden is out for the year after having exploratory surgery on his knee in Vancouver on Thursday. I'm not sure if they meant Vancouver, BC or Vancouver, WA, but I'm assuming it's the Washington one, since the line-up for health care in BC would mean that Oden would get his surgery sometime next March.
More to come later, but, wow, that sucks for Portland.
Thanks to Frank for the tip in the comments section.
Thursday, September 13
Locked On Jazz
As previously mentioned in Gary Washburn's blog at the PI, David Locke has relocated to Salt Lake City, taking over the pre- and post-game Jazz shows as well as hosting a sports radio show on KJZZ (and, yes, I agree that KJZZ sounds like something you'd by at a sex shop for $7.99).
Here's Locke's take on returning to SLC, including paying homage to the wonderful Jazz franchise.
You know, if I was running the Sonics, I think my first two questions to potential broadcasters would be:
1. Do you now or have you ever before rooted for the Portland Trail Blazers?
2. Do you now or have you ever before rooted for the Utah Jazz?
A yes to either question would be grounds for a non-hire, at least to me.
Here's Locke's take on returning to SLC, including paying homage to the wonderful Jazz franchise.
You know, if I was running the Sonics, I think my first two questions to potential broadcasters would be:
1. Do you now or have you ever before rooted for the Portland Trail Blazers?
2. Do you now or have you ever before rooted for the Utah Jazz?
A yes to either question would be grounds for a non-hire, at least to me.
Can Gorton save another Seattle team?
If the hard-nosed lobbyist can pull this off, perhaps he'll be remembered as "Gorton the Great" instead of "Cyanide Slade".
Wednesday, September 12
Model Franchise
I think it's safe to say that Clay Bennett has modeled his current franchise on the San Antonio Spurs. From his GM to his coach to his "culture" mindset, it's evident that what you see in San Antonio is what Clay Bennett would like to see in the Puget Sound (or, Oklahoma, depending on your level of cynicism; at supersonicsoul, our level of cynicism for Mr. Bennett is currently at "Used Car Salesman" level and on the verge of "Politician During Election Campaign").
The reason I bring this up is in regard to the current stadium debate in Seattle, and how it ties in with an interesting piece of news from San Antonio, Mr. Bennett's land of milk and honey, where everyone is a Republican, speaks with the proper accent, and the NBA team wins 70% of its games.
For those of you too lazy to read the article, it boils down to this:
The Spurs got a $193.5 million stadium from the city of San Antonio five years ago. Now they want $164 million to upgrade the ancient edifice because "without new sources of revenue, [the Spurs] cannot pay the player salaries that would allow the team to keep winning."
In other words, the great seers of San Antonio, who can forecast a player's ability to succeed with phenomenal accuracy, who can tell that an obscure Argentinian and an unknown Belgian would vault them to heights unforeseen in the NBA, do not possess the ability to make a profit in a five-year-old stadium when they are the reigning NBA Champions?
This tells me two things:
1. The NBA structure must be horribly out of whack if the NBA Champs are struggling financially with a stadium that is a year older than my pre-school aged daughter; and
2. No matter how much money the City of Seattle throws away on a new Sonic Arena, within 5-10 years that building will be insufficient to meet the team's needs.
Call me a cynic, call me an oversimplifier of unbelievably complicated situations, but I am slowly reaching the boiling point for this arena situation. As far as I'm concerned, the NBA and their owners and their messed-up system can go jump in a lake. If you took all the sales taxes paid towards arenas and stadia in the past two decades, you could probably build a home for every poor family in the United States. Instead, we as citizens continue to subsidize these lying blackmailers out of fear of "losing our team." And yet, these owners and leagues continue to peddle flim-flam schemes that would make the Music Man proud, pawning one city off another, using one city's new toy arena as a threat to extort a new arena for themselves.
At what point do we say enough is enough?
The reason I bring this up is in regard to the current stadium debate in Seattle, and how it ties in with an interesting piece of news from San Antonio, Mr. Bennett's land of milk and honey, where everyone is a Republican, speaks with the proper accent, and the NBA team wins 70% of its games.
For those of you too lazy to read the article, it boils down to this:
The Spurs got a $193.5 million stadium from the city of San Antonio five years ago. Now they want $164 million to upgrade the ancient edifice because "without new sources of revenue, [the Spurs] cannot pay the player salaries that would allow the team to keep winning."
In other words, the great seers of San Antonio, who can forecast a player's ability to succeed with phenomenal accuracy, who can tell that an obscure Argentinian and an unknown Belgian would vault them to heights unforeseen in the NBA, do not possess the ability to make a profit in a five-year-old stadium when they are the reigning NBA Champions?
This tells me two things:
1. The NBA structure must be horribly out of whack if the NBA Champs are struggling financially with a stadium that is a year older than my pre-school aged daughter; and
2. No matter how much money the City of Seattle throws away on a new Sonic Arena, within 5-10 years that building will be insufficient to meet the team's needs.
Call me a cynic, call me an oversimplifier of unbelievably complicated situations, but I am slowly reaching the boiling point for this arena situation. As far as I'm concerned, the NBA and their owners and their messed-up system can go jump in a lake. If you took all the sales taxes paid towards arenas and stadia in the past two decades, you could probably build a home for every poor family in the United States. Instead, we as citizens continue to subsidize these lying blackmailers out of fear of "losing our team." And yet, these owners and leagues continue to peddle flim-flam schemes that would make the Music Man proud, pawning one city off another, using one city's new toy arena as a threat to extort a new arena for themselves.
At what point do we say enough is enough?
Surprises
It's become common knowledge that every year in the NFL, one team will come from nowhere to make the playoffs. A team everyone expected to go 5-11 will run off a couple of shocking wins, vaulting them into double-digit win territory.
With that in mind, who can we expect on the Sonics this season to make a leap? I would exclude Kevin Durant and Jeff Green from the equation, since they're both rookies, but those two aside, who are you looking at that would answer the question at the end of the season: Wow, did you see that coming?
There are a couple of possibilities. Right off the bat is Robert Swift, a 7' center who has done nothing in the NBA other than tantalize, but who has hit the weights hard during his rehabilitation period. It's certainly possible that Swift could register a 10-10 season this year, and it's equally likely he could put up a 5-3 year as well. Considering what I've read about other players recovering from his type of injury, I think for this year at least, we're looking at the latter more than the former.
Another option would be Earl Watson or Luke Ridnour. I believe that one of these guys will earn the reigns to this squad in 2007/08, and will get the minutes that go along with it. If you give Frodo 33 minutes a night, he'll definitely post at least 11-12 ppg and 6 to 8 assists. Likewise with Watson. Coming off disappointing years for both of them, it's possible that Earl or Luke could be the answer.
Or, perhaps Chris Wilcox. Wilcox has the physical ability, will likely get the minutes required, and it's not entirely unrealistic to expect him to average 15-16 points and 8 boards a game. However, it's more likely he'll finish with his usual 13-7.
That's why I think the one guy who could surprise everyone this year is ... Wally Szczerbiak. Call me crazy, but if Wally gets 30 minutes a night, doesn't get hurt, and gets the touches you would expect a starting shooting guard to get, he could average upwards up 17 points a game.
What's that you say? That your humble narrator skewered the Sonics for acquiring this oft-injured marshmallow of a guard not three months ago? Touche, I confess to the earlier insults. But if you look at Wally's numbers, you have to assume that last year's 41% mark from the field is an aberration; other than his dismal 06/07 campaign, the guy routinely shot 48 to 50% from the floor, and that's not Jerome James-type shots, either. I think alot of Wally's problems last year came from lauching too many outside shots (he averaged nearly 5 3FGA per 40 minutes which is nearly double his career average). If he can be mobile enough to get off some inside shots, it's not crazy to think he might hit on 45% to 49% of his attempts, which makes averaging 16 or 17 ppg not so off the charts.
So there you go. Wally Szczerbiak is my nominee for Most Surprising Player for the 2007/08 season (and, yes, I'm fully aware that he might be dealt in February, but what can I do?). Feel free to submit your own nominees in the comments section.
With that in mind, who can we expect on the Sonics this season to make a leap? I would exclude Kevin Durant and Jeff Green from the equation, since they're both rookies, but those two aside, who are you looking at that would answer the question at the end of the season: Wow, did you see that coming?
There are a couple of possibilities. Right off the bat is Robert Swift, a 7' center who has done nothing in the NBA other than tantalize, but who has hit the weights hard during his rehabilitation period. It's certainly possible that Swift could register a 10-10 season this year, and it's equally likely he could put up a 5-3 year as well. Considering what I've read about other players recovering from his type of injury, I think for this year at least, we're looking at the latter more than the former.
Another option would be Earl Watson or Luke Ridnour. I believe that one of these guys will earn the reigns to this squad in 2007/08, and will get the minutes that go along with it. If you give Frodo 33 minutes a night, he'll definitely post at least 11-12 ppg and 6 to 8 assists. Likewise with Watson. Coming off disappointing years for both of them, it's possible that Earl or Luke could be the answer.
Or, perhaps Chris Wilcox. Wilcox has the physical ability, will likely get the minutes required, and it's not entirely unrealistic to expect him to average 15-16 points and 8 boards a game. However, it's more likely he'll finish with his usual 13-7.
That's why I think the one guy who could surprise everyone this year is ... Wally Szczerbiak. Call me crazy, but if Wally gets 30 minutes a night, doesn't get hurt, and gets the touches you would expect a starting shooting guard to get, he could average upwards up 17 points a game.
What's that you say? That your humble narrator skewered the Sonics for acquiring this oft-injured marshmallow of a guard not three months ago? Touche, I confess to the earlier insults. But if you look at Wally's numbers, you have to assume that last year's 41% mark from the field is an aberration; other than his dismal 06/07 campaign, the guy routinely shot 48 to 50% from the floor, and that's not Jerome James-type shots, either. I think alot of Wally's problems last year came from lauching too many outside shots (he averaged nearly 5 3FGA per 40 minutes which is nearly double his career average). If he can be mobile enough to get off some inside shots, it's not crazy to think he might hit on 45% to 49% of his attempts, which makes averaging 16 or 17 ppg not so off the charts.
So there you go. Wally Szczerbiak is my nominee for Most Surprising Player for the 2007/08 season (and, yes, I'm fully aware that he might be dealt in February, but what can I do?). Feel free to submit your own nominees in the comments section.
Monday, September 10
Council Comes Through
As reported by the Seattle Times' Jim Brunner, the Seattle City Council has approved a motion that would ensure the Sonics fulfill their lease with the City and KeyArena, keeping the team in town until 2010.
No word from Clay Bennett - yet - but I would expect some gobblegook about "legal action" and "negotiations" tossed about at some point. $50 says Bennett has one of his legal experts parrot the company line about how this ordinance is irrelevent and meaningless.
Kind of like Clay Bennett's promises.
No word from Clay Bennett - yet - but I would expect some gobblegook about "legal action" and "negotiations" tossed about at some point. $50 says Bennett has one of his legal experts parrot the company line about how this ordinance is irrelevent and meaningless.
Kind of like Clay Bennett's promises.
My two worlds collide next week!
As some of you may know, one of my "other jobs" (along with video game writing, diaper-changing, and nap-taking) is stand-up comedy. Next Tuesday, I'll finally be able to use my comedic powers for good instead of evil, hosting a Save Our Sonics fund-raising/petition signing party at Mainstage Comedy and Music (right across from the Sonics team store at Key Arena) at 7pm.Click on Raf's awesome poster for details.
Glove's Next Move
Intersting quote from Aaron Goodwin, Gary Payton's agent (and Kevin Durant's, by the way), in insideBayArea.com, regarding Payton's next destination.
"He's deciding if he's going to take another crack at playing one more season, or maybe go to Seattle and work in some sort of management position, or go into TV color commentary," Goodwin said.
I don't know if Goodwin means a management position with the Sonics, or with Goodwin's agency, but I would assume he means the Sonics. The only problem is I have no idea where Payton would fit in "Sonic Management." Considering the way the last Sonic hero's tenure in Sonic Management ended, I can't see Clay Bennett getting all lathered up to hire GP. Likewise, the Sonic assistant coach staff has been filled, so there's no room for him there, either (not that PJ Carlesimo would be too excited about giving Payton a job to begin with). And, finally, with the hiring of Marques Johnson and Steve Jones, he's out of luck in a commentator role, at least in Seattle.
So, I have no idea what Goodwin is talking about, unless it's just to stoke the embers of his player's dying NBA fire. Shocking as it may seem, I've heard agents do that on occasion.
"He's deciding if he's going to take another crack at playing one more season, or maybe go to Seattle and work in some sort of management position, or go into TV color commentary," Goodwin said.
I don't know if Goodwin means a management position with the Sonics, or with Goodwin's agency, but I would assume he means the Sonics. The only problem is I have no idea where Payton would fit in "Sonic Management." Considering the way the last Sonic hero's tenure in Sonic Management ended, I can't see Clay Bennett getting all lathered up to hire GP. Likewise, the Sonic assistant coach staff has been filled, so there's no room for him there, either (not that PJ Carlesimo would be too excited about giving Payton a job to begin with). And, finally, with the hiring of Marques Johnson and Steve Jones, he's out of luck in a commentator role, at least in Seattle.
So, I have no idea what Goodwin is talking about, unless it's just to stoke the embers of his player's dying NBA fire. Shocking as it may seem, I've heard agents do that on occasion.
Friday, September 7
Sonics Snap Up New Color Man
Well, I'm back from 10 days of vacationing in Southern British Columbia, soaking in every last bit of sun before the six months of rain begin in October. While I was away, it appears not much of anything took place, with the exception of Sonic management continuing to pratfall their way in the poorest example of public relations since Ford sold the Edsel.
One wonderful piece of news emerged, though; the Sonics hired Steve Jones and Marques Johnson to take over the color commentary role. Some folks may be less than thrilled about Jones' hiring, but I am not one of them. Having lived in Oregon for 5 years in the mid-90s, I can tell you that Snapper is by far the best color man I've ever listened to. He knows the game, he's got a great voice, he has just a bit of humor (granted, not as much as Marques), and he's enjoyable to listen to in a non-intrusive sort of way.
In other words, he's basically the oppposite of Bill Walton. Better yet, we get MJ, too, which means we've gone from Craig Ehlo and Lenny Wilkens to Jones and Johnson, which is kind of like trading in a Chevy Corsica with a broken car seat for a Jaguar XJ6 with Salma Hayek in the trunk.
One wonderful piece of news emerged, though; the Sonics hired Steve Jones and Marques Johnson to take over the color commentary role. Some folks may be less than thrilled about Jones' hiring, but I am not one of them. Having lived in Oregon for 5 years in the mid-90s, I can tell you that Snapper is by far the best color man I've ever listened to. He knows the game, he's got a great voice, he has just a bit of humor (granted, not as much as Marques), and he's enjoyable to listen to in a non-intrusive sort of way.
In other words, he's basically the oppposite of Bill Walton. Better yet, we get MJ, too, which means we've gone from Craig Ehlo and Lenny Wilkens to Jones and Johnson, which is kind of like trading in a Chevy Corsica with a broken car seat for a Jaguar XJ6 with Salma Hayek in the trunk.
Thursday, September 6
Muckleshoot back in the race?
Clay Bennett is not a man who likes to be rushed.According to the Seattle Times, "Big Boy" Bennett finally took a look at the proposed Auburn stadium site, a mere ten months after hearing the initial proposal from the Muckleshoot tribe.
Bennett didn't make any comment afterwards, but previously stated that the tribe had not presented him with a "substantive arena plan". Really?
The Muckleshoots, who own the Emerald Downs land, have hired the consulting firm Brailsford & Dunlavey to study whether a new arena would work next to the track, 25 miles south of Seattle.Oh yeah. He's really "exploring every option", isn't he?
The tribe last month said its consultant's initial research indicated the location could work. The tribe is expected to release more detailed information this month.
Wednesday, September 5
Does the Glove still fit?
What's with all these old guys making comebacks?First the Celtics try to lure Reggie Mlller out of the old folks home, and now this:
Eric Williams over at the News Tribune blog takes a look at possible starting point guards for the Sonics, including a couple of long shots named Sam Cassell and . . . Gary Payton?!
Read about it here.
Tuesday, September 4
Doug Christie anyone? Anyone?
According to the Sacramento Bee, Doug Christie is eying a comeback, and the Seattle Supersonics are on the Christie said there have been talks with seven teams, although only two have had "real high interest." He would not name any of the clubs, only that one of the best chances is in the West and one is in the East. He did say there have been no conversations with the Kings.I have no interest in seeing Doug Christie in a Sonics uniform, but at least it might help burn this image from my brain.
The preference is to land with a championship contender, which only makes sense -- he gets a shot at a ring, just as it is unlikely a team in building mode would invest minutes in a 37-year-old wing. But it is not a concrete rule for Christie.
If the SuperSonics called, there would be a great appeal to playing in his hometown. If the Kings called, doubtful given the depth they have at shooting guard and small forward, there would be a definite lure to return to a city his family enjoyed.
Read the rest here.
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