CBA

There’s nothing shaking on the Sonic news wire, so I thought I’d take a quick look at the new CBA and see what interestings items popped out.

In addition to the much-discussed salary cap, and, of course, the ruling to prevent high school players from entering the draft, I found two pieces of interest to non-financial wizards such as myself (if you’re interested in a fantastic analysis of the new CBA, I suggest you read Dan Rosenbaum’s blog).

1. Active rosters are still at 12, but instead of phantom injuries, players will now be called “inactive.” Call me crazy, but I always liked how guys like Jon Sundvold would get strained oblique muscles in time for the Dale Ellis’ of the world to return from the DL. Now, they’ll just de-activate the Sundvolds and there won’t be any more “injuries.”

2. Players with less than 2 years of experience in the NBA can now be sent to the Development League without losing rights to said player. Would have been nice to have this option last year for ol’ Swifty. Assistants can also be sent to the DL to help develop players – or if the head coach found out they were assisting things they shouldn’t have.

Schedule

Well, the schedule’s out, and it looks like the networks have taken an interest in the Sonics. The Supes will be on ABC once (Sun., Mar. 12 vs the Lakers as Sugar Ray and Colorado Kobe throw down at the Forum ... er, Staples Center), ESPN 4 times, and TNT 7 times.

One good thing about the schedule? The Sonics won’t play a team that won a playoff series last year until December, when they take on the Pacers in the 16th game of the season.

One bad thing about the schedule? Think the early January 2006 trip to Indy, Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Philly is bad? Try this mid-February ’06 jaunt on for size: Milwaukee, Minnesota, San Antonio, Atlanta (phew), Orlando, and Miami.

Let’s hope Seattle isn’t locked in a tight race with the Nuggets or Wolves heading into that trip.

"Brunson Burner" signs with Sonics

Let the rejoicing begin! The Seattle Supersonics signed "well traveled" guard Rick Brunson to a one year contract Friday. Rick Brunson, ladies and gentlemen! Rick . . . Brunson . . . (sigh)

Terms of the deal were not released. Brunson played with the Los Angeles Clippers last season, but had his rights renounced by the team Wednesday.

"Rick's playmaking ability, ball handling skills and size make him a nice complement for our team," Seattle general manager Rick Sund said in a statement. "He is a true point guard and I think he and Luke Ridnour will give us a good tandem at that position."

from the Seattle Times

I know Brunson came dirt-cheap, but am I the only one who wished they would've spent the extra money for Nick the Quick? Actually, I probably am.

Oh, and when Calabro starts using "Brunson Burner", just remember where you heard it first, kids!