Seattle Supersonics Media page

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2005-2006

Will Wake Forest Guard Chris Paul be in green and yellow next season?

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The Sonics, after shockingly winning the lottery, appear to be angling to draft a point guard #1 overall in this years draft as they have been aggressively shopping point guard Beno Udrih as well as All-Rookie point guard Sasha Vujacic. This is a big blow to all of the Maria Sharapova fans in Seattle. Most mocks project Chris Paul to be the player taken number one overall by the Sonics. This would certainly give the Sonics one of the best backcourts in the league with former allstar Paul Pierce and former all Leaguer Ray Allen.

Is Ray Allen still the franchise player?

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Conventional wisdom says number one overall picks are franchise players. The Sonics have never traded their lone franchise player but have traded many tertiary stars as shown with McDyess near the trade deadline last season. One would wonder whether the number one pick could open the door for one of the most accomplished veteran Sonics to be traded some time in the future.

Will double double machine Vin Baker remain with the Sonics?

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Vin Baker, who was acquired in a deal that shipped big man Antonio McDyess out of Seattle as the sonics appeared to hit the restart button, may not last a full season in Seattle. The big man is reportedly being shopped for a younger more defensive minded big man, the organization wants an impact player in the paint to fix a defense that gave up a league worst 104.6 points per game last season

Adrian Griffin struggles with depression, is granted leave of absence from the team

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Guard-Forward Adrian Griffin will no longer be with the Seattle Supersonics. The entire organization lead by the owner himself have allowed Griffin to leave the team due to personal issues, "We are very sad to have Adrian Griffin leave the Sonics but we want to consider his wishes and do what is best for him. It will be impossible to replace what Adrian Griffin has provided for this team both as a player and a leader, on the court and off the court." Griffins absence is no doubt a huge blow to the Supersonics as Griffin was the starting small forward and had a large role with a Supersonics team is looking for a deep playoff run after finishing tied for the worst record in the NBA a season ago. The 31 year old Griffin averaged 6.9 points 4.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists a game in 29.7 minutes a game. Griffin also made a career high 3 point field goals this season, 64 through 75 games, at 40% for a Supersonics team built around the outside shot. But perhaps the most important thing Griffin provided for the Sonics this season after coming from the Knicks for the veterans minimum is his defense as he averages 1.7 steals per game this season. This leaves Seattle with Ray Allen, Lamond Murray and Sasha Vujacic as the only wing players on the roster. They will undoubtably have to look for depth in free agency.

With rumors of a future move, Chris Paul promises the city of Seattle a title

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The bold rookie of the year and third team all NBA guard can't be blamed for his lack of confidence. When a reporter asked Chris Paul how he would feel about a possible relocation in the future with the Supersonics after a season ending game 6 loss to the Rockets Chris Paul didn't shy away from the question,

"I love the city of Seattle even if it couldn't be farther away from Lewisville, I can't do anything about the franchise possibly relocating, but I guarantee Seattle that I will bring them a championship."

This is a bold statement considering the uncertainty surrounding the franchise and the prospect that they could move as soon as the 07-08 season. Giving Chris Paul maybe only a sophomore campaign to deliver on his promise. The thing is though Seattle could be close to a championship. With 10.8 million in cap space and a top 6 pick in the 2006 draft, Seattle could make another impressive jump after improving their record by 21 games this season. The front office is looking to win now too by addressing the defensive side of the ball. Popular names being discussed internally include former DPOY Marcus Camby, Rashard Lewis, and sign and trade possibilities for Andrei Kirilenko. Unless anything amazing comes up, you can expect stars Ray Allen, Dirk, and Chris Paul to be back. The supporting cast will be much different however, and hopefully improved. One thing for certain is that the Seattle fan base can certainly count on this roster being better next season.

2006-2007

Hometown Hero

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The Seattle Supersonics struck gold again and decided to go with the productive seasoned college player after that strategy worked well with guard Chris Paul. The Seattle fans couldn't be happier with the pick as they took Washington guard and senior Brandon Roy who was born in Seattle Washington. Seattle ignored questions about his fit, athleticism, and his defense to take the player they believed was the best player at the second selection. It is unclear where Brandon will fit in the lineup as his two most natural positions are taken by star Chris Paul and team captain Ray Allen. Wether he plays 6th man or starts at small forward remains to be seen with FA still to play out, but it's no question Seattle expects big things from it's homegrown fan favorite.

Sonics draft a second senior in the 2006 NBA draft

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With the 20th pick in the NBA draft the Seattle Supersonics drafted Marquette big man Steve Novak. Many speculated the Sonics wanted to sell the pick to maintain maximum cap space but the Sonics instead decided that Novak, who averaged 17 points and 6 rebounds this collegiate season, could develop into a uniquely skilled rotation player with his shooting ability. The Sonics have made it very clear to the rest of the league that they plan on joining the ranks of the New Orleans Hornets as a premier outside shooting team.

So long Ray Allen

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The Seattle Supersonics have agreed to a deal to trade team captain and supersonics leading scorer since he was acquired from the Miami Heat in the 2000-2001 season for Andre Miller, Larry Hughes, and Darius Miles. In return the Seattle will receive a package centered around Memphis Grizzly and former MVP Alonzo Mourning. The 36 year old Mourning is far removed from his MVP season but could still provide an interior defensive presence to a team that was the worst defense in the league last season. The deal will also include guard DeShawn Stevenson and possibly forward Luke Walton. This deal will save Seattle minimally this season, but will save them 88 million over the next four. Important for a team with an uncertain future.

Sonics late free agency signings could be key to the teams future

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Did the Sonics win Free Agency with shrewd free agent signings?

Seattle could have spent close to 100 million in money this free agency but instead the front office spent only 29 million. The team didn't shy away from brining in good players. The coach and team executives are very excited about two of the Sonics longterm commitments Jerome Moiso and Al Harrington. Moiso, a 28 year old forward out of UCLA who has spent his NBA career with the Magic and Bulls, was signed to a 4 year 7 million contract. Moiso has proven throughout his career that he can provide defense and post work with a little touch from the outside off of the bench, and can also be a capable starter. Signed from the New Orleans Hornets, 26 year old forward Al Harrington, has been with 5 different teams over the last six years, but he may have found a home with this franchise after signing a 4 year 12.4 million dollar deal. Harrington could be entering the prime of his career after starting for the NBA champion Hornets and setting career highs in every statistical category with 11 points 8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game with a Hornets like efficency with a true shooting percentage of .537. Seattle believes he could improve upon this with a larger role in the offense and become a most improve player award candidate in his new role of small forward. While these two players seem to be in plans down the road the Sonics did not ignore needs to be competitive this season. The organization signed 4 players to one year deals, Larry Johnson, Dan Langhi, and Qyntel Woods on the veterans minimum, and former sonic Theo Ratliff to a 1 year 7 million dollar deal.

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Sonics break the sound barrier

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The Sonics have made noise again in the west this season with their play on the court and not in their suits. Likely the most improved team in the West for a 2nd straight season (enormous strides on defense) the Sonics have made a ton of roster moves to get to this point. The Sonics wasted no time after the draft and dumped star guard Ray Allen. No one thought that the roster would actually improve but Seattle did the best they could with a weak free agency by adding a starting 3 and candidate for MIP award player in Al Harrington, a top 5 shotblocker in Ratliff and a key bench cog in Langhi. The team was energized after the allstar break by the addition of a young coach who moved to be head executive of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the addition of double double guy Chris Mihm. What really carried the Sonics into a regular season Western Conference Championship was the elite caliber play of 2nd year guard, Chris Paul, who won the leagues most valuable player award.

Chris Paul and sidekick Dirk Nowitzki will be looking to bring a championship to Seattle this season to put excitement in the franchise.

2007-2008

Sonics have cheap offseason, prepare for move to Oklahoma City

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Newcomers Vladimir Radmonivic (Left) and Olumide Oyedeji (Right) figure to battle for the team's backup PF position

Seattle wasted no time making their intentions known this offseason, beginning my dumping Sasha Vujacic, last years first round pick Steve Novak, and their selection in the 2007 NBA draft for points. While the team offered big fish FA Leandro Barbosa a maximum contract, they offered no other FA any more than a one year deal. Through free agency Seattle has added journeyman Olumide Oyedeji, Vladimir Radmonovic, career piston Travis Outlaw, brought back center Soumaila Samake, and resigned Qyntel Woods and Dan Langhi. The Sonics have also been using their cap space to take on other tax teams players in exchange for cash. Obviously this season is just a wash as they prepare for a move.


ask away OR COMMENT.

Jon Snow from Westeros Sports Network, Why do you think your team failed to live up to expectations last season? And how do you plan on avoiding that same thing this season?

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Originally Posted by ItsPaulyP

Jon Snow from Westeros Sports Network, Why do you think your team failed to live up to expectations last season? And how do you plan on avoiding that same thing this season?

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Well after losing point guard Darrell Armstrong to retirement our team just fell off offensively and defensively as well. We really think young guard Chris Paul can provide all that and more that Darrell brought and we expect to be back in the playoffs this year. There are still a few moves to be made but we are excited about this season to say the least.

Updated.

Any reason on why Griffin became so depressed. How is he doing now? Will he be able to return from this? Has he reached out to Brian Grant who suffered something similar back in the 2000-2001 season?

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Originally Posted by Pelicans78

Any reason on why Griffin became so depressed. How is he doing now? Will he be able to return from this? Has he reached out to Brian Grant who suffered something similar back in the 2000-2001 season?

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Thanks, with respect to Adrian Griffin, we'd like to not disclose too many details, but after flights on three consecutive days from Washington to Seattle to Minnesota, team coaches and doctors noticed that so much activity was not good for Griffin's mental health as he began showing signs of depression on the bench after the first quarter. He will likely be back next season as he has all of the offseason to recover. He is not under contract next season, but we will remain in contact with him and his agent. Once a Sonics always a Sonic even if only for a season.

Update.

conspiracy theorists are saying the sonics took the Huskies product to put fans in the seats.

Where does Brandon Roy fit in and what other holes do you have to fill?

Are you moving the team to OKC?

Have any offers for Ray Allen convinced you to trade him? How will your team regroup from losing a player like Allen if he is to be moved soon?

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Originally Posted by Pelicans78

Where does Brandon Roy fit in and what other holes do you have to fill?

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Thanks, part of what made Brandon Roy the ideal selection was his versatility, He'll have every opportunity to compete for the starting small forward spot even though his natural position is the 2. Our starting lineup already has three talented scorers already. Brandon Roy's role as of now is a versatile scoring distributing 6th man on the bench. He will likely play all three perimeter positions and we hope that he will play around 30 minutes per game despite his role as a 6th man. Sasha Vujacic played 24 minutes last year in a similar role. We are not sure if he will be a main scoring option just yet, but that is in no way an insult to his talent.

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Originally Posted by TrayWithAnA

Are you moving the team to OKC?

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Oklahoma City is a fine basketball town that deserves a team as you can see by the Hornets being involved there, but we are worried about winning a championship for seattle.

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Originally Posted by Trell

Have any offers for Ray Allen convinced you to trade him? How will your team regroup from losing a player like Allen if he is to be moved soon?

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Ray Allen is a great player, he is the leagues most accomplished shooter and one of it's best scorers scoring with volume and efficiency. We have received a lot of trade offers and with five talented guards on the roster and only one other player we have been looking at all offers. Ray Allen is the team captain but our team is much bigger than one individual player.

Tim Cowlishaw here, Dallas Morning News, I'm sure heard the response of the Mavericks GM when they listed you as one of their top rivals. If you made a list of your top rivals in the league which teams would they consist of?

You speak of playing Brandon Roy at Sf which is a risky move considering your division. Are you that confident in him guarding the other 3s in your division who are some of the best? Paul Pierce, Tracy McGrady, Luol Deng, Tayshaun Prince, Glenn Robinson and even the new draftee Rudy Guy. Roy's just as quick but a little smaller, less tougher and weaker then the other guys. If teams switch their gameplan to attack this problem, how would you handle it?

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Originally Posted by Pelicans78

Where does Brandon Roy fit in and what other holes do you have to fill?

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forgot to answer the second part. We are really looking to improve our league worst defense from last season. While we have NBA all defense guard Chris Paul, we were lacking wing defenders, post defenders, and shot blockers. We will put pressure on Dirk to improve defensively, We will also look at 3 and D wing players in Free Agency we have already arranged visits from Caron Butler, Mike Miller, and James Posey. We also need a defensive anchor down low, and a backup big who can step in when Dirk is in foul trouble.

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Originally Posted by DarthVegito

Tim Cowlishaw here, Dallas Morning News, I'm sure heard the response of the Mavericks GM when they listed you as one of their top rivals. If you made a list of your top rivals in the league which teams would they consist of?

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The Lakers have a target on their back as conference champions and winners of our division. We have not had enough playoff history with them to be rivals. The Dallas Mavericks are number one on our rivals list. Dallas defeated one of our strongest playoff teams ever under different ownership in a thrilling heartbreaking seven game series and we got them back. The western conference is very competitive and we have plenty of rivals there. We hope to make an eastern conference rival this season if you get what I mean.

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Originally Posted by Trell

You speak of playing Brandon Roy at Sf which is a risky move considering your division. Are you that confident in him guarding the other 3s in your division who are some of the best? Paul Pierce, Tracy McGrady, Luol Deng, Tayshaun Prince, Glenn Robinson and even the new draftee Rudy Guy. Roy's just as quick but a little smaller, less tougher and weaker then the other guys. If teams switch their gameplan to attack this problem, how would you handle it?

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That's a great point there is a lot of talent at that position in our division. our team takes pride in it's versatility, we have many players that can play 2 or even 3 different positions. Ideally we would like to make the opposing team adjust to us, but in FA we will try and add players with differing skill sets to put a team on the floor that can't be exploited and be fluid with our lineups and gameplan throughout the season and postseason.

Early projections for the Sonics depth chart/FA plan

defensive game changer off the ball/ versatile defender/ rebounder
Dirk/ versatile defender/ Novak
3 and D specialist/ Roy/ Novak
Allen/ Roy/ Vujacic
Paul/ Roy/ Udrih

as you know this page was my original idea for any Supersonics talk no matter how arbitrary

SportsGuy this is more of a general question about the draft. With you and the Suns sharing their gameplans and have both the #1 and #2 draft picks coming off the bench. Is that due to the lack of overall talent in the draft, the absurdness you both ended up with the top 2 picks in the first place, or trying to get the young guys used to the professional game?

Thanks Sportsguy. While this draft lacked a sure number one pick and dropped off significantly after the top 5 but even though it's premature to speculate on the future of a guy who hasn't played an NBA game yet, our scouts and management agree that Brandon Roy grades out better than any player not taken number one in the past three drafts. The reason he was set to be brought off of the bench is due to his versatility to play 3 positions not his lack of talent. This would allow him to fit in multiple lineups and get starter minutes off of the bench. With the Ray Allen trade he will be able to be a scoring option in the starting lineup. Chris Paul will also be allowed a larger role in the offense. Letting them learn to play together will be huge as they are the future of this franchise.

Updated.

Actually excited to see this team develop now. Allen was a huge weight on your franchises shoulders with the future of that contract. It was part of the reason I didn't think it was possible to move the contract. Hats off to you for finding a way to make Allen more appealing with his stellar production this past year. How does it feel to be done with the win now mode you were forced into and move into the bright future that you were fortunate to draw?

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Originally Posted by TrayWithAnA

Actually excited to see this team develop now. Allen was a huge weight on your franchises shoulders with the future of that contract. It was part of the reason I didn't think it was possible to move the contract. Hats off to you for finding a way to make Allen more appealing with his stellar production this past year. How does it feel to be done with the win now mode you were forced into and move into the bright future that you were fortunate to draw?

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good, but had I not struck gold in the draft I would have been perfectly happy with the Francis, Allen, Dirk plan I had. I lost a lot of talent by losing Ray who probably would have made me a contender this year. I won't have to spend all of the cap space in one offseason like the Rockets (I have 3 offseasons to hunt for good contracts, I refuse to over pay) and I like how all of my players fit together unlike the Knicks. We'll see if I'm the next best team in time. Now for the time being I need to fix this league worst defense for two straight seasons. This free agent class is really weak. I'm not going to focus on spending all of my cap space, just on looking for players on good deals, I'm not even going to try and fill positions of need.

What came first? The chicken or the egg?

Do you see yourself moving any players mid-season for another Small Forward?