Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return



March 1st, 2018

"Where is he?" Max, fresh from bursting inside the house, jacket still soaked from the rain, couldn't believe he was living this day. He couldn't believe what he saw on the Internet, in the papers ... it wasn't true. It couldn't be true.

Laura, eyes red, only pointed back towards their bedroom. "Max, please --"

Whatever else she was going to say was lost as he rushed past her, water dripping down his jacket, all over the floor, his shoes squeaking as he approached. With every step his chest grew tighter, his fists clenched harder, his face felt hotter -- and all the while, in the back of his mind, a voice told him he should have known.

He should have known.

The door was slightly ajar, but he treated it like it was closed and he kicked it open, the door slamming against the jam, smashing it. "You *ucking *astard!"

Gil didn't even look back at him. Sitting on the side of his bed that looked out the window, his iPad was beside him, on, the headline splayed across it.

The silence only enraged Max more. He rushed Gill and came within seconds of decking him. Fists shaking, he forced himself to speak. "You lying SOB."

Gill's eyes were firmly on the floor. "I never lied about it," he mumbled.

"You never *ucking told me! Told anyone!" Max grabbed the iPad and flipped it around, throwing the headline in his brother's face. "You paralyzed a kid! You *ucking plowed into him and you don't even bother to apologize?!"

Gill tensed. "It was 15 years ago. It wasn't my fault."

"The cops *ucked up the evidence and you got off on a technicality. You escaped prison because of a *ucking screwup!"

Gill only shook his head.

Max could only stare. This was his brother? This was the man he had spent the last two years getting to know again?

Max tossed the iPad against the wall, the tech breaking into bits loudly. "You didn't change. You're no different than you were before."

Gill looked up at him, eyes teary. "I am different. I was an addict then. I was in a bad way. I'm clean now. I've been clean --"

And that's when Max's fist smashed into his brother's face, the collision satisfying. A little blood sprayed into the air as Gill's nose audibly broke and the older brother fell back onto the bed, hands covering his face.

Max's fist throbbed as tears leaked from his eyes. "No more, Gill. No more excuses, no more reasons, no more stories -- No. *ucking. More. You're no different. You hid this from me, from everyone, and you let a kid sit there for 15 *ucking years paralyzed, from the chest down, because of your bull*hit."

Gill propped himself up on an elbow, blood streaming from his nose. "I made a mistake!"

"You're still making one!" Max shook his head, unwilling to hear anymore. "We're done. You're done with me, you hear? I don't know you. I don't hear you. I don't *ucking care anymore." He began to leave the room.

Gill's hand fell on his shoulder and it turned him around. "I did the best I could!"

Max shrugged him off, stepping back, fists clenched. "You should have told me. You should have told the mother of your child. But for Christ's sake, you should have told the kid you were sorry." He stood there, the taste of the words vile in his mouth. "How could you do that to another human being?"

Tears streamed openly down his brother's face. "I couldn't ... I couldn't, don't you get that? You don't think I'd take it back?"

Max shook his head. "I don't think I know anything about you. Except that I can't trust you." He took another step back. "Laura and Teddy are coming with me. And you ... you just stay away."

With that, he turned around and rushed back into the living room, Laura's face tear-stained and her eyes still shedding them. He took her shoulders and gave them a light squeeze. "Come on."

She only nodded.

The two left the house, not another word spoken. Teddy would get out of school in a few hours and Max would send someone to get him. He couldn't trust his brother anymore.

Whatever that man was, he hadn't changed.

Nothing had changed.

[BlindSideNZ]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Well that certainly escalated. The question is whether it's going to throw max off his game or whether it will backfire on clay and push the sonics to new heights!

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Off topic (but kinda on topic), the City of Seattle, in real life, is a little over a week away from making a huge decision about a possible future arena in Seattle. If you feel so inclined, I ask you to go to this link here:

http://www.sonicsarena.com/petition

And sign the petition, making your voice heard. If this vote (which takes place on March 15th in Seattle -- it's open to the public, so if you know anyone who can go there and would like to go, do encourage them) goes in favor of the arena, it marks a MASSIVE hurdle cleared and makes a potential Sonics return IRL a viable possibility (as opposed to just the hope it is now). Were I not on the East Coast and could I afford to take off work and go to Seattle, I would -- the Sonics relocation was an utter travesty and I haven't met any fan (outside of OKC anyway) that disagrees with that.

But, like I said, it's up to you guys.

Thank you for your time.

[BlindSideNZ]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Off topic (but kinda on topic), the City of Seattle, in real life, is a little over a week away from making a huge decision about a possible future arena in Seattle. If you feel so inclined, I ask you to go to this link here:

http://www.sonicsarena.com/petition

And sign the petition, making your voice heard. If this vote (which takes place on March 15th in Seattle -- it's open to the public, so if you know anyone who can go there and would like to go, do encourage them) goes in favor of the arena, it marks a MASSIVE hurdle cleared and makes a potential Sonics return IRL a viable possibility (as opposed to just the hope it is now). Were I not on the East Coast and could I afford to take off work and go to Seattle, I would -- the Sonics relocation was an utter travesty and I haven't met any fan (outside of OKC anyway) that disagrees with that.

But, like I said, it's up to you guys.

Thank you for your time.

Not sure how much a signature from New Zealand is going to help but as a basketball fan I'Ve signed it. Shared it to Twitter also.

All the best Seattle

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return


GIF REACTION:




This was a fiercer fight than many would have predicted. Sacramento, currently the 6th seed (and 3 games over .500 for the first time in forever), won in a close game when these two squads last met in early January. It's been a long time for both teams and the return of RHJ has bolstered Seattle's defense.

But the Kings didn't back down. Brandon Ingram and George Hill were hitting their shots early and Sacramento stunned the PAC and the Sonics by taking the lead in the first and then managing to hold onto it. Kings were up 33-31 at the end of one and the sirens of panic were sounding across the state of Washington.

Seattle didn't panic -- the veteran squad was intently listening in on everything Coach Hollins, Marcin Gortat, Carl Landry, and Russell Westbrook was saying in the transition between quarters. The team leaders of the Sonics were visibly driving home some point. When the second started, the team was noticeably more focused, especially on the defensive end, and Seattle's own defense forced the Kings into some very difficult positions.

It was in the second that the defense of Seattle and the play of big man Nerlens Noel really elevated the Sonics, giving them a 55-53 lead heading into halftime, the closest game they've played all year. In the third, the Sonics defensive intensity continued as Coach Hollins was able to play some interesting lineups -- noticeably a small guard platoon featuring Westbrook, Lin, Newman, Morris, and Gortat -- that wreaked havoc with the Kings defensive assignments.

Sacramento adjusted on their own end by running out Chandler Parsons for heavy minutes in the second half, featuring him at the three and the four, allowing him to score in every way. Parsons helped keep the Kings in it for a lot of the third quarter, but Seattle's offensive balance (and the continued foul trouble of the Kings bigs as they hacked away at Noel) was the key to them grabbing an 87-80 lead heading into the fourth.

And it was there where Russell Westbrook assured everyone that the game was locked down. He hit dagger triples, drove inside for backbreaking dunks, and hit some cold free throws to ice the game. At the end of the day, Seattle's experience proved to be more than enough to overcome the Kings, who are a squad that the Sonics should A) not want to see in the playoffs and B) should make note of as a future threat to their dominance.

Lance Stephenson, when asked about what point the coaches and players were making in the discussion at the end of the first quarter, had this to say:

Coach said we were playing like *hit. Russell was saying we were playing like horse *hit. Carl was saying we need to be tougher inside. I don't know what Marcin was saying, it was all in Poland or Russian ... sounded like he was ordering a sushi dish. Made me hungry.

Lance is the gift that keeps on giving.







Around the NBA

The Portland Trailblazers just lost Noah Vonleh for the season, the big man falling to a broken leg. As has been the case all season, injuries have taken a huge toll on the Blazers and they can't seem to get a starting lineup out on the floor that can stay there for more than a few games in a row. Portland's depth, a plus last year in their surprising playoff run, isn't helping them as much now and you have to wonder if Lillard will ask for the team to go out and get a legitimate second star instead of waiting for one to develop.

The Lakers, once thought dead, are now two games above .500 and charging up the standings. The return of key roles players from injury has helped LA get back into the swing of things and the Lakers now sit as the 7th seed in the wacky and wild West. Sources say the Lakers want to get to the 5th seed and have the Clippers sit at the 4th seed (the Clippers are barely hanging onto that now); the Lakers want to reclaim their title as the best team in LA and a 1st round playoff series against the in-town rivals would be a perfect way to do it. Whether their young squad is up for the challenge is another question entirely, but if LA makes the playoffs that makes the likelihood of Boogie landing there less; meaning DeMarcus might have misplayed his hand as the Celtics continue to drop games and fall further behind the 8th seed out East.

[BlindSideNZ]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Nothing like a tight fought game to redefine expectations. Westbrook assuming the role of captain clutch. I swear he makes us all sweat on purpose before going super saiyan.

As far as Lance goes. I could really get use this segment.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Nothing like a tight fought game to redefine expectations. Westbrook assuming the role of captain clutch. I swear he makes us all sweat on purpose before going super saiyan.

As far as Lance goes. I could really get use this segment.

Man, the Kings were WAY tougher than I thought they'd be. I don't want to see them in the playoffs at all -- the way the seeding sits now, they're on the other side of the bracket, so I'll be okay, but if OKC shoots past me for the 1st seed, I end up on the dangerous side of the bracket with the Kings and Suns respectively. That said, the Pelicans are sitting as the 4th seed currently and they want a shot at the Sonics for sure, so I would like to avoid them ... we'll see where it all shakes out. The playoff race is wacky.

And Lance is joy to write. Quote machine extraordinaire.

[BlindSideNZ]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Man, the Kings were WAY tougher than I thought they'd be. I don't want to see them in the playoffs at all -- the way the seeding sits now, they're on the other side of the bracket, so I'll be okay, but if OKC shoots past me for the 1st seed, I end up on the dangerous side of the bracket with the Kings and Suns respectively. That said, the Pelicans are sitting as the 4th seed currently and they want a shot at the Sonics for sure, so I would like to avoid them ... we'll see where it all shakes out. The playoff race is wacky.

And Lance is joy to write. Quote machine extraordinaire.

We all have one of those games every now and again. For me personally when I under estimate someone I usually end up losing lol. But you guys did great to come away with a convincing win in the end and than is how a championship team should play.

Well in that case I look forward to more randomness from lance.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return



March 4th, 2018

The rain came down outside at a steady pace and for Max, it was perfect for his mood. He doubted the existence of a sun or a sky or anything, really, other than the misery that hung over him like the clouds above the city now. Staring out the window, his computer screens behind him, he could see the headlines about what his brother did in the reflections.

He'd had a full tow days to process this and he still wasn't sure he could. Angry? Hell yes, he was. No doubt of that. His own flesh and blood had taken the life of another person and turned it into a disaster. All because Gill couldn't keep himself in check.

It was a tale that had been repeated throughout history, on multiple occasions. It wasn't just something limited to his brother -- that much was certain -- but there were no easy answers to what happened next. Because that was the real question, that was the most important one left: What should he do about Gill?

He was angry. He felt betrayed. He had reconnected and gotten to know his brother again after years of the two being apart ... but none of that seemed to matter now. He hadn't really gotten to know Gill. That hurt more than anything.

And, once again, his brother's addiction and pain was making his life a mess. Laura was beside herself. Teddy was ... the poor kid. He understood, which made it worse -- he was just old enough to get it but not really take it well -- and Teddy wasn't himself. The kid was quiet and withdrawn and wanted nothing to do with basketball or anyone.

He just stayed in his room.

And then there was Abby. Nearly three months pregnant, the baby was wreaking havoc with her emotions (though, thankfully, not her body -- she had barely put on any weight to his eyes) and doubts were plaguing her half the time on whether keeping it was a good decision. The other half of the time was her trying to figure out if she wanted a girl or a boy.

They wouldn't be able to determine that for another six weeks at least.

Now with Laura and Teddy in the house, as well as the thing with Gill, Abby's emotional state was volatile to say the least. She was pushing hard for him to mend the fences sooner rather than later. She enjoyed a close relationship with her two siblings and didn't want Max to miss out on anymore time with Gill.

But that wasn't a particular strong argument in his mind. Gill hadn't been honest with him and, the fact was, Gill had never really been honest with him. His past with alcohol was full of gaps -- Gill wouldn't talk about some things and it had just been easier to avoid those subjects, to talk about the things that wouldn't result in him shutting Max out or vice-versa.

Two days ago Max was sure that Gill wasn't a part of his life he ever needed. Now, that assurance was fading and, its place, doubt was creeping in. But history told him that he was facing a critical choice. If he forgave Gill, he'd be welcoming the man back into his life -- and the life of his nephew (and his mother), his wife, and his unborn child.

If he kept Gill away, he'd be depriving Teddy of his father and himself of his brother.

The rain kept pouring out the window, no closer to ending. Just as Max was no closer to a decision.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return



March 5th, 2018

Quiet. Serene. Those were the two words that came mind as he walked into the nave of the church, the stained glass windows depicting various religious moments. Moments of mercy. Of pain. Of forgiveness.

Taking a moment to note his surroundings, Max took a dad of water, made the sign of the cross, and proceeded to kneel before entering his pew. It was old habits more than anything that made him do it -- he couldn't remember the last time he was in a Catholic church, but years of training as a child had made everything here feel familiar despite him being absent so long.

He looked to his left, not more than a foot from him, to see Gill. The two had agreed to meet in the only place they could think of that wouldn't lead to an argument. "I'm here," he said in a low voice. There weren't any services going on right now -- there would be in an hour -- so the sanctuary was rather empty.

Gill kept his eyes affixed to the statue of Christ on cross above the altar and the tabernacle. "It's been a long time since we've been here."

Max looked up at the cross, years of memories flooding back. How many Sundays had he spent in this place as a kid? Hundreds? Thousands? "I honestly don't remember the last time I was here."

"You don't?" Gill sounded surprised.

"Should I?" Max shot him a glare. "Is there any reason I should, really?"

Gill nodded once. "It was Dad's funeral."

Max took a sharp breath, like someone had just punched him. It was Dad's funeral. That memory had escaped him and a flood of emotions hit; the rain, the people dressed in black, the priest's homily ... his mother's tears.

"I ..." Dumbfounded, he took a deep breath. "Yeah, it was."

"You honestly forgot, didn't you?"

"It wasn't a good day." Max leaned back in the pew, feeling like he had just run a marathon. God, what a *hitty day that had been. Nothing about that day was even close to good. "I guess I didn't want to remember."

Gill looked down at the floor. "I get that." He sat back down on the pew and put the kneeler up. He kept his hands together, holding them tightly. "You have every right to be angry at me. I ... I did lie. I did hide it."

Max stared at him. "You did. And more."

Gill tried to look at him, but instead his eyes found their way to the cross once more. "I've had a few days to think about what you said ... about how you can't trust me."

"I still feel that way."

The words were only met with a nod. "I ... I was in a real bad way. For a lot of years, Max. There were things I did, things I saw, that I never want to talk about." He reached out and gripped the pew in front of them. "But I did. I confessed them, first confession I've had ... in a long time." He looked up, his eyes teary, face reddening. "And that wasn't as hard as telling you ... if you'll listen."

Max stared at his brother, the options simple: either he walked away now, banishing Gill from his life, or he listened, showing his brother forgiveness again. He took a steadying breath, reached out, and took his brother's hand. "Start from the beginning. And don't stop."

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return



The Rockets now have another L in the loss column as the Sonics walked into Houston and BALLED. Russell Westbrook (we're still lacking a nickname, Sonics faithful -- submissions are open till the end of the season) dominated the game. At halftime, Russell already had 17 points, 8 boards, and 7 dimes, so he was on pace to do some damage.

Houston wasn't exactly beaten by that point -- Rudy Gay had 30 points (on a very efficient 11-24 shooting) and James Harden chipped in 25 points (on 11-19 shooting, along with 5 boards and 10 dimes), but the Rockets just didn't have the firepower they needed to compete with Westbrook, who was a man on a mission.

Aiding him in that miss was 'Kieff, who continues to play well in Seattle (averaging 13.8 PPG, with 5.9 RPG) and is looking good as the postseason nears. 'Kieff had 20 points this game, doing work on the inside. Nerlens Noel also chipped in 17 points and 9 boards as he took advantage of the slow-footed Gasol at the five.

Lance Stephenson had a good game too with 14 point and 15 dimes, and he was profoundly aware of that.

Yeah, I was feeling it ... I was really feeling it out there. Russ, Noel, Rondae, they were just getting me the ball, letting me do my thing, and it was fun, man. Coming to Houston is always fun, they got great clubs, you know? Puts you in a real good mood, you know?

Clubbing with Lance? Why hasn't MTV made this a reality series yet?






Around the NBA

The Washington Wizards are .500 and sitting as the 7th seed out East; for the first time all season, it feels. The Wizards are just barely hanging in there and have the Pistons (also .500 and the 8th seed) right below them, a half-game back and biting at their heels. Detroit and Washington are starting to play some good basketball and that seems to be the theme with these teams, as they did this similarly last season. Do they not realize the regular season starts in November?

Out West, the Nuggets have dropped out of the playoff race, sitting 9th after a string of losses. Denver's still only two games behind the Rockets for the 8th seed, but they need to get on it if they're going to make the playoffs as time is definitely not on their side. Mudiay is on pace to return sometime next week and the dynamics between him and Ellis will have to be stellar in order to get the Nuggets back into the playoffs.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return



GIF REACTION:



The Sonics came away with a big win against the rival Pelicans, but this game could have gone either way in the final quarter. Throughout the first three, Seattle had managed to build up leads of 9, 10, and 11 points at various times during the game, but NOLA always managed to climb back. They got a huge lift from their bench (Alexis Ajinca finished with 20 points and 8 boards), which kept them in the game.

Anthony Davis certainly wasn't helping them stay alive. Davis, as has been his routine facing the Sonics, got into foul trouble early and saw a lot of pine in the first three quarters. You'd think Seattle would take advantage of this, especially since the fouls were coming fast from the Pelicans from everyone.

But the Sonics had one of the worst free throw showings of any team this season, shooting an absolutely unacceptable, garbage-like 50 percent from
the line. They made only one triple all game (shooting 12 percent from deep) and turned the ball over 8 times (5 in the second half). Easy passes were missed, easy lay-ups were blown, and the team was a liability when it got fouled. Even usually goo free throw shooters like Russell Westbrook struggled.

Yet, Seattle still won; largely thanks to the play of the Polish Hammer, who was sending shots back and coming up with great steals to keep Seattle in it. Despite how ugly the offense was for most of the night, the Sonics defense came to play -- 8 steals overall, 5 blocks (the most critical coming late from Noel) and the Sonics escaped. NOLA is definitely a team we, as fans, should AVOID AT ALL COSTS in the playoffs because they are built to beat us.

The sentiment was echoed by Lance Stephenson, too.

*uck, man, they really want to end us. They were fouling hard out there, playground rules ... don't like us, I guess. I'm glad we only got one more game against them this year, tired of seeing them.

Ditto, Lance. Ditto.







Around the NBA

The Boston Celtics (31-38) need a miracle to make the playoffs ... or at least the Pistons losing more games. Boston is 2 games back of Detroit for the 8th seed and they've just come off a big win against the 1st seed Hornets. The rest of their schedule is favorable, but they need help.

Speaking of help, somebody call a therapist -- the Grizzlies need it. Memphis, following the ASB, lost 11 straight games to torpedo their season and this looks to be it, mercifully. No injuries, no one to blame but themselves, the Grizzlies are a woeful 29-42 now and it looks very much like the team is going to be broken up in the offseason. Memphis' loss is the rest of the league's gain, but one has to wonder who goes where during the summer.

Out West, the Suns are hanging in there, but they're now the 4th seed after their most recent loss. Sitting at 41-29, they've managed to survive since the loss of Ivan Raab for the season. Phoenix is blessed with a decently easy schedule the rest of the way and should finish close to 50 wins on the year, a huge turnaround from last season. The question becomes if they can advance past the 1st round in the playoffs, however, as that's been something this franchise has struggled to do since the departure of Steve Nash.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

2017-18 Season Awards

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

2017-18 NBA Final Regular Season Standings

April 19th, 2018

By Vonny Lee

The NBA's marathon of a regular season has ended, and with it so have the seasons of 14 teams. Here's a look at the those that missed the postseason and where they stand as the summer approaches.



1. The Nuggets -- fell short, but have won a lot of respect throughout the league. After Mudiay went down 18 games into the season, everyone wrote off the Nuggets but Denver nearly prevailed. The strength of the West eventually forced the young team back down into the bottom of the conference, but the way the team played has buoyed the optimism surrounding the club. As they head into the offseason, Denver must ask itself if Monta Ellis is a long-term member of the club. Ellis has a player option and sources say he's likely to decline it, which would free Denver to go in another direction; but if he picks it up, he'll put the Nuggets in a tough spot.

2. The T'Wolves -- Minnesota had a very disappointing year, but was able to see what a team without Rubio looked like. And that team doesn't look bad ... but it does look young. Doc Rivers has essentially been given immunity from any potential firing as owner Glen Taylor is a big fan, and the players are continuing to grow, but the T'Wolves will have to find a lineup that works -- they have far too much talent to embark on a losing season, especially after last year's near playoff berth (and that was without KAT). Keep an eye on them to go out and get a veteran at either the one or the four to help give the young squad some guidance.

3. The Blazers -- were banged up and injured all year. Someone, somewhere, must have broken a mirror or stepped on a crack, because the bad luck of the Blazers was in full force. After Lillard's heroics last season which got Portland back into the playoffs, this was a step-back. Lillard needs a second star and Noah Vonleh is close, but still quite young -- Portland will have money to burn in free agency and with a stacked class, might be able to convince a star to compliment Lillard.

4. The Jazz -- finished as they have the last three seasons. Utah's morale is at an all-time low, but the young kids have shown improvement in David Blatt's first year on the job. Utah's ownership is preaching patience and its front office is quietly putting feelers out for Alec Burks and Harry Ellenson, both players who have had good years and are young enough to be a part of long-term talks for some teams. Utah's expected to re-sign Aaron Afflalo as well, as the veteran has reportedly been quite the mentor in the locker room. The Jazz might be on their way up out of the cellar ... maybe.



1. The Spurs -- didn't get a late push for the playoffs as many fans and pundits thought. Their streak of 20 straight playoff appearance has been broken and so has the unshakable faith in the Spurs front office in the minds of some fans. LMA has the ability to opt out of his deal and hit the free agent market, but reports say he's quite happy in San Antonio. The bigger question becomes what to do with Danny Green, who's play fell off a cliff this year and doesn't look to be back with the team (despite holding a player option, it is widely expected of the Spurs to trade him). And then there's Tony Parker, who's 35 and will need to re-sign for a discounted price to stay with the squad. San Antonio could move on from both players if things don't go their way and, with the way the season's gone, that's entirely possible.

2. The Mavericks -- were horrible this year and are going to be horrible until someone in Dallas steps up and commands the team. The Mavs are rudderless and lost, a big step back for a franchise that is owned by Mark Cuban and coached by Rick Carlisle. Dallas needs to do some major retooling, and has time to do that thanks to their young players and Draymond Green. Dallas, again, is at risk of losing their draft pick if it falls out of the top-7, but if they get it they'll be in a good position to make something of it. But they really need help and, as seems to be the case every year, free agency will be their answer.



1. The Warriors -- your eyes aren't deceiving you, the Golden State Warriors, left for dead at the ASB, nearly snuck into the playoffs. Golden State's trade for Greg Monroe and Joel Embiid was exactly what the team needed and they went an astonishing 21-6 after the trade. If the Warriors got THAT kind of production before the ASB, we'd be talking about them as favorites for the title. Golden State wasn't expecting their trade to give them that kind of results and now Greg Monroe's impending free agency is at the top of their priority. Monroe played exceedingly well since the trade and looks to be a good fit in the Warriors system, despite being unable to shoot the three. What the Warriors and Monroe decide to do in free agency will be one of the stories of the summer.



1. The Hawks -- finished the season in disappointing fashion. After a surge in the middle of the year that made it look like they were postseason bound, injuries to their bench crippled the Hawks second-unit and sent them spiraling out of the postseason. Paul Millsap is a free agent this summer and he's likely to explore the market to its fullest potential -- meaning the Hawks need to prepare for a life without him. Atlanta might have even more money to throw around if Wilson Chandler ops out of his deal, which means the Hawks could be players in FA.

2. The Heat -- had their season fall apart before their eyes as the year just didn't break their way. Miami has to be frustrated with the lack of success and their core is aging; Bosh and Dragic are both over 30, Jefferson is a free agent and on the hunt for greener pastures, and Miami looks stuck. But Pat Riley has a plan and, thanks to how things happened across the rest of the league, he might be able to snag a superstar.

3. The Magic -- finished out of the playoffs and disappointingly so. The growth of Aaron Gordon (9.5 PPG, 8.1 RPG) and rookie Frank Ntilikina (9.8 PPG, 6.7 APG) were good signs for a team that needs help. This year was a setback and next season progress will have to be shown, else the Magic may shake things up in a major way. Expect them to look for bench help and maybe a veteran starter in the summer.

4. The Grizzlies -- are done. There's no way ownership and the front office can keep this trotting Gasol and Conley together and, after the performance of this year where the team lost 11 straight following the ASB, heads are expected to roll. Their head coach is likely to be fired, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley are likely to be traded, and Tyreke Evans is likely to leave as the Grizzlies finally succumb to the modern day NBA.



1. The Celtics -- made a go of it at the end, but absolutely are done. The Boston dream of Boogie as a franchise staple is likely over after the playoffs or bust season, and Cousins is likely gone. Avery Bradley, Isiah Thomas, and Otto Porter are all likely to test free agency as well. Boston will have cap space and picks, but the future of this once-proud franchise is murky at best.

2. The Raptors -- from the 1st seed last year to the bottom of their division this year, the Raptors are likely to undergo big changes in the offseason. Kyle Lowry is a free agent and the Raptors have made it clear that he's not coming back unless he takes a discount; Dwayne Casey is likely to find himself out of a job as the Raptors front office is looking to reshape the team around DeRozan and Valanciunas, as well as their young talent on the bench.



1. The Pacers -- were the only team in their division NOT to make the playoffs and that has to hurt, considering how poor the Pistons were early in the season and how poor the Bulls were late. The chance was there for the team to steal the 8th seed, but now that's out the window and the Pacers have to pray that their pick they traded for Derrick Favors (a free agent this summer) falls into the top-5 in order for them to keep it. If it doesn't, the Favors gamble will look very bad for the Pacers front office and might make Paul George (who can opt out as a free agent this summer) question the direction the organization is taking.

[BookWork123]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

How I wish that was the 76ers record in real life...[emoji26]


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