Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

[satam619]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

I think that during the season after the allstar break yiu should move up the difficulty to HOF and then for the next season start again at Superstar and move up to HOF after allstar break and just do that every season

["The Veal"]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

I get back from not being on here in a while and this is what I see!? This is gonna take a century to read haha. Can't wait, looks amazing and looks committed!

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Must apologize for the lack of updates, my week (and weekends) have been packed. BUT, with the Finals now over (congrats to Cleveland, you guys deserved it), draft season is FAST approaching for the NBA IRL. It's also approaching in this story as well, I have two articles in the can about the upcoming draft that will get posted at some point this week:

1. A revisit of the 2015 draft class, now 3 years old in this story.

2. A list of predictions for the 2018 draft/offseason for the story as well.

I HOPE to have the draft done this weekend (this year, more than any other so far, as a lot of moving parts in it, so getting it right is going to be important), but we'll see. At the very least, my time will be significantly more free in July, so I'll be able to spend more time on this then.

As always, thanks for keeping the faith, folks. Stay tuned.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

The 2015 NBA Draft Evaluation

June 19th, 2018

Mike Toll


With the 2018 NBA Draft fast approaching, it's time to look back at the 2015 Draft, which is approaching three-years old (traditionally the time one evaluates an NBA draft class).

1. Karl-Anthony Town (T'Wolves): KAT has been everything you want from a first overall pick. He averaged 17.9 PPG, with 12.7 RPG and 2.1 BPG on 48 percent shooting form the floor (and a not- horrible-for-a-big-man 24 percent from deep). Despite his great individual numbers and his increasingly better play, the Wolves have not made the playoffs.


In fact, the Wolves have only gotten close to the playoff in KAT's second year, when he went down 15 games into the season and missed the rest of the season. The Wolves finished 40-42 that year, just barely missing out. This past season, they finished 33-49. Is this a case of the Ewing Theory? Do the Wolves do better without KAT?


That's the question that Minnesota has to ask itself this year and the likely answer is: hell no. KAT isn't the problem but he alone may not be the solution.


2. D'Angelo Russell (Lakers): Russell has been exactly what the Lakers wanted. He averaged 23.5 PPG (his highest career average so far), 5.6 RPG, and 7.0 APG as the lead guard and face of the Lakers franchise. The Lakers finished this past season in the playoffs at 44-38 and they threatened to upset the Suns in the 1^st round before losing 3-2.


Russell has grown every year he's been in the league and he just looks to be getting better. As much as the Lakers would like to claim they knew it all along, history will remember their flirtation with picking Jahill Okafor here and you better believe Russell remember that too.


Still, with a loaded roster – and the potential to get even better this summer in free agency – the Lakers look to have the foundation of a yearly playoff participant, which gives them a chance to contend for a title if luck smiles on them.


3. Jahill Okafor (76ers): Okafor's start to his NBA career wasn't glamorous, but he's grown into a good big man and he's among the best traditional centers in the game. This past season he averaged 19.2 PPG with 12.0 RPG and 3.7 APG as he helped lead the 76ers to a 53-29 record and the 2^nd seed in the East.


Unfortunately for him, there are concerns that he simply doesn't show up in the playoffs – especially after this last year, where the 76ers disappeared in the 1^st round and lost to the 7^th seeded Wizards 3-1 in the series. Okafor couldn't seem to stay out of foul trouble (fouling out of two of those games) and couldn't seem to sink his shots in the other two games. But he wasn't alone in that – the rest of the 76ers looked just as overwhelmed as the pressure of being the 2^nd seed seemed to get to the young team.


Still, for Philly, you have to be happy: after years of losing and after Okafor's controversial drafting, then his rough rookie year, there were legitimate questions as to whether he would be as good as people said he could be. Based on what the 76ers have done in the last two years, I'd say those questions have been put to rest for the moment.


4. Kristaps Porzingis (Knicks): The kid who cried at the drafting of Porzingis will forever remember his folly, as Kristaps has made the leap this season – playing with Chris Paul will do that. Barely 22, Porzingis averaged a career high 17.2 PPG with 10.2 RPG, shooting a cool 46 percent from the floor and 34 percent from deep. He also bumped up his free-throw percentage to 82 percent, a five point improvement from last year.


The Knicks success on the court hasn't been dazzling, though; Porzingis isn't the transcendent superstar that Knicks faithful believe him to be, but he's on his way. With the Knicks biggest star injured for most of the year (Carmelo, if you're wondering), Porzingis was given more to do and he greatly benefited.


Moving forward, Porzingis should continue to grow and benefit from the veteran talent around him as the Knicks look to become regular participants in the playoffs once more.


5. Mario Hezonja (Magic): Super-Mario hasn't been too super since his rookie season, as his averages are all down from his opening campaign – this season he only put out 13.9 PPG, 3.6 RPG, and 2.8 APG on 43 percent shooting, 35 percent from deep, numbers that don't impress anyone. Given the starting job this season, Mario wasn't able to capitalize and his team, as a whole failed to grow under former coach Scott Skiles.


The Magic have to worried about him, especially considering how Payton (now on the Knicks) and Oladipo (now on the Thunder) turned out for them. Their past drafts have always looked good at the time, but with Aaron Gordon barely showing improvement this past year (only 9.5 PPG, with 8.2 RPG on 40 percent shooting, 32 percent from deep), and the Magic choosing to pay him over $11M per season, one has to wonder if Hezonja is on the same course.


Orlando hopes their new headman, Dave Joerger, can bring out the best in Hezonja and the team, otherwise this draft pick will only continue to get worse as the years go on.


6. Willey Cauley-Stein (Kings): Durable and dependable, WCS has been a defensive stalwart for the Kings but hasn't the stats to really back it up. The reason why? Fouls. WCS only averaged 26.2 MPG, 4.8 PPG, 7.3 RPG, and 2.3 BPG on 48 percent shooting, 65 percent from the foul line. All of those represent career highs for a player who contributes more than his stats would indicate.


WCS has been anything but a disappointment to the Kings, though. This past season they made the playoffs for the first time in forever, with a 42-40 record, and WCS was a big part of the reason why they got to the postseason.


Moving forward, the Kings will have to make an effort to get WCS more involved on the offensive end and keep him out of foul trouble – if he can stay on the floor for more than 30 minutes, he could start putting up DeAndre Jordan numbers.


7. Emmanuel Mudiay (Nuggets): Mudiay hasn't had an easy start to his career but this past season he looked like he was finding his place, at least before his injury. He put up 14.6 PPG, with 5.4 RPG and 4.1 APG on 48 percent shooting, 39 percent (a full 8 point jump) from deep. His progress was easily on display and he finished the last month of the season strong despite missing over 50 games.


The Nuggets were close to nabbing a playoff spot this year and their offseason will be of key importance for the development of their young core, especially with Mudiay only 22. Moving forward, Denver should look to get him more involved distributing the ball, as his assist numbers aren't great … it's entirely possibly Mudiay might be moved to SG, which wouldn't be a bad switch for him if he continues to flash his scoring chops.


8. Stanley Johnson (Pistons): Johnson made a big leap this year, posting career best averages of 15.4 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and 3.0 APG on 48 percent shooting, 39 percent from deep. Johnson has been a stellar addition to the Pistons and hasn't disappointed. As the first draft pick of the SVG regime, Johnson has more than lived up to his status.


His accomplishments in the box score has translated to wins for the Pistons, too. Detroit made the playoffs the last two years, both with records of 42-40, and have challenged their opponents. The main thing holding Johnson back is inconsistent play from the guard spots, a puzzle the Pistons might need to solve this offseason.


Moving forward, expect Johnson to take more of the scoring load, especially from deep, as he continues to expand his range and abilities.


9. Frank Kaminsky (Hornets): Thought of at the time as a headscratcher sort of pick – especially considering the bounty the Celtics were offering to get this pick – the Hornets picked Kaminsky, the stretch-five who hasn't exactly lit up the league but has proved to be valuable to the pace-and-space Hornets. Frank the Tank had a slightly down year compared to his previous season, averaging 11.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and 3.9 APG on 46 percent shooting, 34 percent from deep.


Kaminsky's numbers are fairly consistent across all his seasons, but Kaminsky hasn't made a leap, which has to be worrying for a Hornet's team that had its best year as a franchise this past season … until the playoffs, when Kaminsky and every other Hornet not named Kevin Love disappeared. Kaminsky's MIA performance in the playoffs isn't a good look, especially as the Hornets wish to build on what they did as a team.


Moving forward, expect Kaminsky's name to be bandied about in trade rumors – Kaminsky himself needs to improve on defense and keep his fouls down, two areas that his opponents have exploited the past two seasons.


10. Justise Winslow (Heat): In some circles, Justice Winslow was considered the superior to Stanley Johnson at the time of the draft, but their stats don't compare favorably for Winslow. Granted starter minutes this year, Winslow averaged 10.5 PPG. 6.8 RPG, and 2.6 APG while averaging 46 percent from the field and 40 percent from deep.


For a third-year player, those aren't great numbers, but they represent big improvements over where he was the year before (last season's shooting percentages were 39 percent from the field and 33 percent from deep). His first year post-Wade, like most of the Heat, was rough but with the defensive attention on him more than ever, Winslow did all right.


Only 22, Winslow still has a few more years before he likely peaks out, and with the way Miami played this season, they'll need him more than ever to take some of the scoring load off their more veteran players (Bosh and Dragic, namely).


11. Myles Turner (Pacers): The stretch-five everyone was a fan of in the 2015 draft, Myles Turner has grown every year he's been in the league, showing marked improvement across the board this season. He averaged 13.5 PPG, 12.0 RPG, and 2.0 BPG on 48 percent shooting. More than that, he played nearly 36 minutes a night and helped the Pacers survive the stretches without George or Rose on the floor.


The concern with Turner at this point has less to do with him and more to do with Paul George and Derrick Rose; the mix doesn't seem to work between the three and, clearly, Turner is the future. George has suffered the last three years (his averages have all dropped) while Rose seems to be decent enough. Something is off in the mix, however, based on the Pacers 31-51 finish this year (and Larry Bird pinned that failure on former HC Frank Vogel).


Moving forward, the Pacers will need to see if Turner has the ability to take over the game and be a superstar. Only 22, he might not be ready for that but if he is, it will make the lives of the Pacers front office much easier.


12. Trey Lyles (Jazz): Lyles only managed to get unburied from the bench this past season, getting full starter minutes and benefiting greatly. He averaged 11.6 PPG, with 8.6 RPG, and 2.1 APG on 48 percent shooting, 29 percent from deep. For a player that was only 22 and had been eased into the role, those aren't bad numbers.


They aren't particularly great, either, but for a player that has consistently had to fight through a logjam at his position to get minutes, Lyles has more than met expectations. His play this season far surpassed anything else he did in previous years and, despite the Jazz not showing much improvement record wise, the team's chemistry seems to be heading in a much more positive direction.


Moving forward, Lyles (or one of the Jazz's young kids) needs to step forward and become a go-to leader on the team. The Jazz are sorely lacking in leadership and all-star play; Lyles might be able to provide one or both if he continues to grow.


13. Devon Booker (Suns): The Suns unintentionally grabbed a potential star player here, as Devon Booker is a lights-out-shooter and is a perfect fit as their SG. Booker averaged 13.7 PPG, with 2.3 RPG and 3.2 APG on 50 percent shooting and 42 percent from deep (and 86 percent from the line).


The worry with Booker is his propensity to get injured – he only played 62 games this year and 51 the year before. The Suns, naturally, are concerned, especially since Booker's injuries have coincided with increased minutes in both years.


Moving forward, expect Booker to continue to shoot the lights out while the Suns keep an eye on his minutes; if it appears Booker isn't suited for starter's minutes, then expect the Suns to use him as a trade chip or as a dedicated sixth-man. But don't expect Booker to shoot worse.


14. Cameron Payne (Thunder): After being just “Russell Westbrook's Backup” for the first two years of his career, Payne finally got a chance to start this season and put up some solid numbers: 13.6 PPG, 8.0 APG, and 1.3 SPG on 40 percent shooting, but 38 percent from deep. The comparisons to Westbrook will never end so long as he's on the Thunder.


The two players are different beasts, though, and this season proved Payne's value as he helped the Thunder win an impressive 60 games while also helping Kevin Durant score his second-straight MVP (in one of the closest MVP races this decade). Payne struggled in the playoffs, however, especially in the Suns series (which the Thunder lost) as he was blitzed relentlessly by Eric Bledsoe.


Moving forward, look for Payne to work on his ability to stay in front of his opponents while also scoring more consistently in the paint. Payne already has his primary job (keeping Durant happy) down and seems pretty okay with that.


15. Kelly Oubre Jr. (Wizards): Oubre has been a virtual enigma on the court and his fullest potential hasn't been seen likely. He only averaged 8.0 PPG and 4.7 RPG on 42 percent shooting, 29 percent from deep, and this was after he got 23.5 MPG, the most of his career.


Oubre just hasn't developed and, like so many other past Wizards, the organization hasn't particularly given him the time to do so. The Wizards have multiple decisions to make on many players – from Brook Lopez to Marcus Smart – and Oubre is likely to have his option picked up.


Moving forward, especially this season, expect Oubre to get near-starter minutes at least as the Wizards see what they have and hopefully discover how Oubre fits into their future.


16. Terry Rozier (Celtics): Rozier has been an absolute disappointment for the Celtics and has never found a consistent spot in Brad Stevens rotation. This year he averaged a sad 1.0 PPG, on only 40 percent shooting. He only appeared in five games for a total of six minutes and he's likely to get let go in the offseason, his presence on the Celtics roster superfluous at best.


The 26 year old has likely hit his peak and his uninspired play so far in his career will leave many teams reaching for him in free agency only out of morbid curiosity or desperation. This is the 2015 drafts first bust, a waste of a pick.


17. Rashad Vaughn (Bucks): Vaughn has spent far more time mired on the Bucks bench than on the court and that's a shame considering how fluid he looks shooting the ball. It was only this past year that Vaughn saw significnat minutes and he didn't exactly impress: on 20.3 MPG, Vaughn averaged 5.8 PPG, with 2.4 APG on 45 percent shooting, 35 percent from deep.


On first glance, it looks like Vaughn is this draft's second bust, but at only 21, he's barely scratched the surface. Furthermore, Vaughn's play noticeably picked up after the ASB and he's only just getting a look after spending the first two years of his career playing less than 16 minutes a night.


Don't expect the Bucks to move on from him, especially after making the playoffs this year (and he being part of the reason why). Moving forward, Vaughn needs to pick up his scoring and his defense – his main weakness so far in his young NBA career.


18. Sam Dekker (Rockets): Another case of a buried player, Dekker hasn't had much of a career to speak of as he's held more towels than basketballs at this point. He appeared in only 17 games last year for an average of 8 minutes. In those minutes, he did little of note: 2.9 PPG, 1.8 RPG, on 44 percent shooting, 33 percent from deep.


Dekker's biggest value is how cheap he is – he'll only have a $3M salary next season – and how undemanding he is on the court. A good teammate, he isn't the Chandler Parsons clone many Rockets fans hoped he was.


Moving forward, expect Dekker to be traded along with at least another Rocket for some PG help. The Rockets can't keep expecting the corpse of Deron Williams and what's left of Patrick Beverly to keep them afloat when Harden sits.


19. Jerian Grant (Knicks): Grant never got much run in New York and was traded mid-way through this season to the Magic, where he actually saw some court time. What he showed off was best left on the bench: in 17 minutes of action, he scored 6.4 PPG, dished out 3.5 APG, and shot a paltry 40 percent from the floor, 28 percent from deep.


The Knicks knew what they were letting go when they got rid of the 25 year old. Grant is likely, at best, a fringe rotational player for a desperate squad, but he's cheap labor at the moment for the Magic. Expect his option to be picked up, if only so the Magic can find a better backup before shipping him off.


20. Delon Wright (Raptors): Wright has been solid off the bench for the Raptors, playing a sixth-man role on a team that could use a jolt of offense from its bench. He averaged 7.6 PPG, with 2.4 RPG and 4.7 APG on a very efficient 50 percent from the floor (but only 30 percent from deep, a steep drop off from his career average of 42 percent).


Wright could factor in big next season, depending on what the Raptors do with Kyle Lowry and Demar Derozan, both players who took a step back as the Raptors missed the playoffs completely, sucking away a lot of the good will the duo had built up after the unlikely 2017 Finals appearance.


Moving forward, expect Wright to seen starter's minutes as his role expands; at only 22, he's a good investment for the future.


21. Justin Anderson (Mavericks): The Mavericks in general haven't had an easy time of it the last few years, but Justin Anderson has been a bright spot for them. Last season he received starter's minutes and averaged 14.3 PPG, with 5.7 RPG, and 1.3 SPG on 45 percent shooting, 42 percent from deep.


The expanded offensive role seemed to agree with Anderson, especially once Draymond Green arrived. The Mavericks aren't a particularly old team now and, with the 2^nd overall pick in the 2018 draft, have a chance to really add someone who can make a big difference for their squad.


Look for Anderson to continue to grow on both offense and defense as the 24 year old keeps molding his game.


22. Bobby Portis (Bulls): Portis came into the league and immediately made an impact on the defensive end as a bench player and that impact has continued to be felt. This season Portis received starter's minutes and put up a decent stat line of 9.7 PPG, with 7.4 RPG on 47 percent shooting and 80 percent from the line.


The Bulls didn't make his life easier, especially with signing Dwight Howard and Dwayne Wade, but Portis has just about everyone's defensive weaknesses covered in an age where that's required from one of the team's big men.


As Portis grows more comfortable with his role as a starter, look for his stats to improve across the board. The 23 year old is one of this drafts better value picks and the Bulls nailed it.


23. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Sonics): The former Nets made this pick, but they never got a chance to use RHJ and one has to thank whatever higher power that exists: if they did, RHJ may not be what he is today. Jefferson has been a tour-de-force on the floor, though his stats certainly won't impress the analytic crowd: averaging only 8.4 PPG, with 6.1 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, and 1.4 RPG with 59 percent shooting and a career high 40 percent from the field (on limited shots, mind you). Jefferson tends to live off manic, chaos plays.


It's exactly that type of play the Sonics love and need from their SF. Jefferson is super-efficient and knows his limits; he tends to thrive on defense and transition, and stays in the paint. He's not physically imposing, but his energy is his biggest plus.


Moving forward, the Sonics hope to see him develop a stroke from deep and rely less on his athleticism to score, but they don't really have room to complain: three titles straight mean he's doing something right.


24. Tysus Jones (Wolves): Handed big minutes for the first time in his career, Jones is the likely starter for next year's Wolves at the point guard position. This year, Jones played 23 minutes a night and averaged 11.9 PPG with 5.0 APG, on 42 percent shooting from the field and 34 percent from deep.


His numbers don't jump out at you, but given more play time, the 22 year old will likely grow by leaps and bounds. The Wolves are hoping that he's the missing piece in their quest to unlock the full ferocity of their team, as Rubio – the previous PG – never could quite mesh with Wiggins and KAT.


25. Jarell Martin (Grizzlies): Martin has barely seen any playing time with the Grizzlies, so at this point his evaluation is a big “Incomplete”. Martin only saw 15.1 MPG this year, scoring 3.1 PPG with 4.8 RPG on 48 percent shooting. The Grizzlies don't even know what they have in the 23 year old, but they hope he can be a replacement for the departed Zach Randolph.




26. Nikola Miluntinov (Spurs): Another player who gets an “Incomplete”, this one due to the fact that he still hasn't arrived in the NBA, continuing to play overseas. His contract runs out after this season, so perhaps he shows up in 2019, but all signs point to him continuing to play overseas. As such, this might be the rare Spurs mistake during the draft.


27. Larry Nance, Jr. (Lakers): This was a reach of a pick to begin with and has only looked worse. Now 27, Nance has shown little ability in the NBA beyond the occasional dunk, averaging a pathetic 3.6 MPG this year, scoring less than 2 points in that time frame.


Nance is roster filler, plain and simple, and will likely never amount to much of anything other than a positive lockerroom influence and a trivia question twenty years from now.


28. R. J. Hunter (Celtics): RJ Hunter never got a chance with the Celtics, being traded at 2016 Trade Deadline to Sacramento. There, he finished the year on the bench. Only in the 16-17 season did he start to catch on, becoming a semi-rotational player before he was once again traded, this time to the Knicks. This past year he saw 22.7 minutes of action, scoring 8.7 PPG with 2.3 APG, on 45 percent shooting, 43 percent from deep.


Hunter looks like a good value pick, though there's no way to know for sure based on only one good year. Still only 24, Hunter might have found himself a role in the NBA as the dedicated sniper from the bench.


His defense is bad, but his shooting is good, and if he can become slightly below-average defensively, Hunter might even find himself with more minutes going forward.


29. Chris McCullough (Sonics): McCullough could never find the floor for the Sonics and was unloaded during last offseason to the Heat. Miami played him in 71 games, giving him nearly 15 minutes a night, but McCullough barely made use of it: he averaged only 3.2 PPG, with 4.3 RPG on 41 percent shooting. He looks very much like a fringe rotational player at this point but he's only 23; don't doubt what Pat Riley and the Heat training staff.


30. Kevin Looney (Warriors): He's been sitting patiently on the bench for two years, but Looney finally got his chance to shine this season after the Warriors shipped out Draymond Green. Looney got promoted to a solid rotational player. Getting 20 minutes a night, he averaged 5.7 PPG, pulled in 6.6 RPG, but only shot 39 percent from the field.


The Warriors – after being left for dead at the ASB – surprised the entire league by finished 41-41, just outside the playoffs and Looney was a big reason why. Moving forward, the Warriors will likely want him to work on his shot as more will be asked for him now that he's part of the regular rotation.

[JazzMan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Looks like the 2015 draft could be one of the best drafts in recent memory in your ML. The majority of the lottery picks all look like hits, and some of the guys later in the round like Anderson, RHJ, Hunter, Jones, Portis, Wright, and Vaughn all being solid role players and starters.

Be cool if we can get one of the 2016 class next season.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Looks like the 2015 draft could be one of the best drafts in recent memory in your ML. The majority of the lottery picks all look like hits, and some of the guys later in the round like Anderson, RHJ, Hunter, Jones, Portis, Wright, and Vaughn all being solid role players and starters.

Be cool if we can get one of the 2016 class next season.

I feel like I'll make this a yearly offseason feature, since news in the offseason is typically light compared to the regular season. I really like revisiting the classes (because, again, it's tough to remember where everybody is and where everyone was) and it gives a nice sense of historical perspective to the deal.

Draft/Offseason predictions go up tonight, then (hopefully) this weekend I'll get to the 2018 draft proper. After that, one more created class and then we let 2K take the reins from there as far as draft prospects go (I'll likely set the quality of the post 2019 draft classes lower than the default 50, but we'll see -- definitely feel like the league has a ton of talent).

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA RETIREMENTS









(Must apologize for not posting these sooner, forget I had them. Some notable vets will be MIA from the league next season.)

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

2018 NBA Draft Order (as of June 19th, 2018):

1. Pacers
2. Mavericks
3. Timberwolves
4. Jazz
5. Blazers
6. Magic
7. Grizzlies
8. Suns
9. Raptors
10. Spurs
11. Celtics
12. Pacers
13. Hawks
14. Warriors
15. Magic
16. Wizards
17. Kings
18. Pistons
19. Bulls
20. Timberwolves
21. Magic
22. Bucks
23. Rockets
24. Pelicans
25. Suns
26. Rockets
27. Timberwolves
28. Hornets
29. Thunder (Pick Forfeited)
30. Kings

[JazzMan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

My Jazz need to get their asses out of the lottery soon. Embarrassing to see them picking so high every year 😣

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

My Jazz need to get their asses out of the lottery soon. Embarrassing to see them picking so high every year 😣

Honestly don't know WHY they keep ending up there. They have plenty of talent but, like the Celtics, it just seems they can never find the right pieces to fit together. On paper, their team is pretty decent: Smith Jr, Labissiere, Lyles, Ellenson, Burks ... more youth below that.

At this point, though, the Jazz really need to convert those assets into players. A number of interesting ones on the market, too. Marc Gasol and Mike Conley on the Grizzlies are done, so I could see one of them being shipped to the Jazz for some of their assets plus this pick.

But I've really tried to bring them back and nothing seems to work with them ... *shrug*

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return



The 2018 NBA offseason has been awfully quiet so far, but with the draft just two days away, the offseason feels like it's about to explode with transactions. As the embers of last year fade, attention of all 30 NBA teams now must turn to the future. Here are my (semi-serious) predictions for the offseason.

1. The Pacers will blow it up.

The Pacers have Myles Turner and, sitting at the top of the draft, have the ability to do anything they want. What will they do, though? As Larry Bird sits out and surveys the future landscape of the league, he knows that the time has come to say goodbye to this iteration of the Pacers.

Hear me out: Paul George's play has declined the last three years. Since his return from injury, he hasn't been the same and with the ability to opt out this summer and go where he wants, there's no guarantee Indiana will have his services.

It's over. The Pacers haven't made the playoffs in two years and finished with only 31 wins this year -- the two years before, they finished with 39 wins. Sitting at the top of the draft for the first time ever, with two amazing centers RIGHT THERE, it's not a stretch to think it's time to start over.

This is Larry Bird's chance to reshape his franchise and I fully expect the Pacers to trade away every valuable player they have (minus Myles Turner) and start fresh.

2. The Mavericks will select whomever remains between Ayton and Brown.

The Dallas Mavericks, once again, had fate smile on them as they landed the second overall pick, avoiding having to send their pick to Philly for another year (thanks to that desperate/awful Joel Embiid trade).

The Mavericks are in an odd position ... they have Kris Dunn, Khris Middleton, Justin Anderson, Draymond Green, and Thon Maker as their starting five and if they add in either Ayton or Brown, that means someone's got to go ... and rumors out of the NBA are swirling that it's between Middleton and Green, the two veterans on good deals with two years left each (though Middleton's has a PO for next season).

Green seems to be getting the most buzz, especially since he has championship talent, but after the Warriors came to life after trading him last season, Dallas will have to find a suitable team to take him on that can look past that. Expect one of the two to move on before the draft is over (likely for a future 1st, since the Mavericks need one).

3. The Wizards make a move.

Look for Washington to begin the process of clearing cap space. For years the Wizards have been treading water, barely making the playoffs, and even with the added talent of Brook Lopez, Marcus Smart, Thad Young and Taj Gibson. Washington just hasn't had the talent it needs at the positions it needs to really make a move.

But, with John Wall approaching free agency, the Wizards have to make a choice: continue on with this era or move their 27-year old star and begin a rebuild sooner rather than later? There are conflicting reports out of DC about where Wall could go, but Wall is reportedly interested in signing an extension and committing to the team ... if they can reel in a big fish.

Said big fish is one Boogie Cousins, a Kentucky alum who played with Wall, and is said to be VERY interested in teaming back up with him. The problem? Washington has little beyond Wall and Beal to appeal to the big man. If the Wizards are going to convince Cousins that he should go to them instead of the Lakers, the Heat, Bulls, or any one of the other teams that have oodles of cap space (as many do in this day and age), they'll have to make themselves more interesting.

Conversely, the Wizards could also HELP a potential Boogie suitor by trading them John Wall and using the assets to rebuild the team on the fly. Washington's draft will be very telling as to which way they're leaning.

4. The Grizzlies finally blow it up.

This isn't a very strong draft, but it is one that the Grizzlies will be able to find a difference maker in, despite the top-10 being about it as far as first-year impact players go. The Grizz need to trade the last two veterans they have left, Gasol and Conley, and send them to greener pastures.

Where to send them is the question, though. Memphis is notoriously stingy with its analytics and won't let themselves be fleeced in a trade, especially considering how PR conscious their ownership group is. If Memphis trades Gasol and Conley, a package of future picks would be best but the franchise owes much to the two stalwarts, so loyalty might cloud the discussion. They could coldly send them away, like Danny Ainge did to Pierce and Garnett, or arrange a trade to send the two to a contender.

It's a tough call all around, but a call will be made this draft.

5. Multiple teams with draft picks will beg to trade out of the 1st round.

Teams outside the top-10 are going to be trying to trade their way out of this draft in some way; either taking players off other teams hands for picks or trading for future picks, this draft isn't particularly strong and there are many prospects who will find themselves switching teams in the span of a few minutes.

Expect the supply to far exceed the demand for 1st rounders, but keep an eye on teams without a draft pick -- like the Thunder (they had to forfeit theirs) or the Sonics (the last pick left to be conveyed thanks to Billy King). Good teams find a way to get solid players in weak drafts, and those organizations have consistently found ways to do it, even if it hasn't always been conventional.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return



June 20th, 2018

The light of the morning shone almost effortlessly through the tree nearby, dotting the dew-ridden grass. She carefully pressed her feet into the grass, dragging them back and forth, feeling the water between her toes and allowing herself to just breathe.

It was hard to do inside. She hated it in there. They treated her like she was broken, like she needed to be fixed. She wasn't whole -- she was a big enough woman to admit that -- but she certainly couldn't be fixed here. She had come to that conclusion almost as soon as she got here. Her therapy sessions helped ... some. But it was all still so fresh, still so raw.

She lost her son before he was even born. There was a hole in her that just couldn't be fixed in this place. No where near this place.

"Abby?"

She visibly cringed at hearing his voice. God, how she hated herself for it. It wasn't his fault ... but part of her felt like it was. She did her best to bury that for now, if only for a few minutes: she needed him to hear her. "Max." She scooted to the other side of the bench and he sat down.

He looked like hell. His face was unshaven, rough looking. His eyes had that over-caffeinated look to them. His clothes were neat, but too neat -- he had clearly just bought them, which meant he wasn't even doing his laundry.

She felt sick. She hadn't realized what this was doing to him and that was stupid. "Max ... thank you. For coming." She fought the urge to look away.

He reached out for her but she tensed. He stopped and slowly let his hand rest in his lap. "I'm here, any time you need me. Any time."

Please don't make this harder, she wished silently. Knowing what she had to say, she pressed on. "I ... I need to go. I need to leave."

"You don't like it here?" He sounded surprised, but he shook his head, waving his hand. "Never mind, of course, we'll find somewhere else. Anywhere else, there are plenty --"

"Not like that, Max. I mean, yes, but ... not." She felt her composure slipping. He looked at her blankly. "I want to leave Seattle. Leave ... everything."

It took him a few moments, but his face registered some understanding. "You want to leave?" His voice was quiet, almost like a whisper.

Every syllable of what she about to say was going to hurt like hell, but she had to say it. If she didn't now, she would never. "I'm hurting. Everywhere I look I see ... him." Her bottom lip trembled. She wouldn't dare use the name they had picked out.

No. Never that name.

He nodded slowly, his own eyes threatening tears. "I feel it, too."

"Maybe. But not the same. Not even close." She placed her hand on her stomach and she could still feel how tender it was. "He was right here and he was ripped away from me." Tears streamed down her face, but she didn't break her gaze. "And I need to go. I need to leave here, I need to find whatever I am, Max. I can't do it here. Not at this damned retreat center, not in Seattle, not in this country." She looked up, past the tree, up into the blue morning sky. "I want to be up there."

That was the only place where she could find herself again. She was a pilot; a flyer. The air was the only thing on this planet that had a chance of healing her ... of providing some sense of direction.

"Abby ... " His words evaporated in a choked sigh.

She met his eyes again, aware at how much it hurt him, but more aware at how much it would hurt if she waited. "Please, Max. Let me go. Let me fly."

He looked away and took a deep breath. "And what will you do?" He looked at her, face etched in concern. "Will you hurt yourself?"

I deserve it, she thought, but she knew better than to say it. "I won't. I don't want more pain." It was a half-truth; she didn't want more pain.

That didn't mean hurting herself was ruled out, it just meant it was unlikely. It wouldn't solve anything, she knew that, but there was a voice in her mind that told her it didn't have to solve anything: it just needed to stop everything.

He tensed, his jaw locking. He was weighing the options. His mind was considering all the possibilities, all the scenarios, and it was telling him to say no. The odds said her idea ended poorly.

"I need this. Please, let me fly." She reached out and forced herself to hold his hand.

His face slacked for a moment as they both felt the electricity between them, the chemistry that had carried them through so much before.

She felt nauseous and relieved all at once.

"I ... I love you." He put his other hand atop hers and gave it a gentle squeeze, like he had so many times before. "Are you sure?"

She felt a small tug at the edges of her mouth. "Yes."

He gave a short nod. "It's done." He squeezed her hand once more, then stood. "I'll have the release forms signed ..." He turned to leave, but stopped, turning around to face her. "Abby, I know you don't want to go back to the house ... I haven't been back, either. How about your parents' house? At least for a little while, to get your strength back before you go?"

Part of her railed against the idea, but the flyer in her knew he was right: in her condition, right now, she was in no shape to fly. She was still so tired, still so weak physically ... she needed a few more weeks before she could be ready. Before she could allow herself in the air.

As much as she hated to admit it, he was right. "Yes. Thank you."

He wanted her to say more, she knew, but he took it anyway. He proceeded off to the administration building.

She looked back up at the sky, her eyes watching a bird take off. "See you up there," she whispered.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return



June 21st, 2018

He awoke with a start as everything on his coffee table rumbled, change and glass clinking as his phone vibrated. Groggily, he grabbed the phone and stopped the vibrating, blinking away the sleep as he forced himself into a sitting position.

He could stay on that couch for another few hours, but already his mind was running: it was draft day and though this draft certainly wasn't as deep or as heralded as many might expect, he was still confident that there were players they could get that would slip into UFA.

But as his eyes adjusted to the light of his screen, his mind fell away from the draft. "Are you *ucking kidding me?!" He leaped off his couch -- he hadn't even bothered to put out the bed, so exhausted from yesterday -- and nudged his computer.

Dutifully, the desktop came to life and he quickly navigated to all the sports sites he routinely visited. All of them, in one way or another, were reporting exactly what was in his email.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson demands to be traded, unhappy with contract, read the headlines.

Max felt like he was in a bad Twilight Zone episode. He'd heard nothing from Rondae's agent for months -- Max had told him that he wouldn't begin negotiating a contract extension for Rondae until free agency started, and that was a solid two weeks away.

"He's got to be kidding." He scrolled through his emails and there he found one sent out a few hours before by Rondae's agent. It was pretty succinct; pay my client or trade him before free agency or we'll raise more of stink, essentially.

"First Lionel, now Rondae ... doesn't anyone not talk through their damned agents?!" He tossed his phone onto the desk, the thud satisfying. He forced himself to turn around and look outside.

Morning, a bit cloudy, but not bad.

He felt like his whole life was falling apart around him. Yesterday hadn't help dismiss that notion. Abby had practically begged him to get her out of that retreat center and he had agreed, despite knowing rationally that the statistics said it was better for her to be there.

But she was in such pain ... and she was so close to quitting on him. That was what went unsaid. That was what she was trying to say ... she wanted to leave. Leave Seattle. Leave the country.

Leave him.

And it hurt like nothing else could. Even his father's death was more palatable than this. He was causing the woman he loved and married pain; how the hell was he supposed to stop? His very presence seemed to hurt her.

So, he had agreed to get her out of there, had agreed to let her fly after a few weeks at her parents' house. He had given her a plane last year for her birthday, her very own that she could take anywhere. She was ecstatic about it.

Now, that very gift might be the means which would end them. He just didn't know.

His phone vibrated again, this time rattling everything on his desk. Reality came rushing back at him as grabbed the phone, felt a ping of relief, and answered it. "Ray, you saw?"

"Yeah." Ray Allen's tone wasn't particular pleased and there were about a thousand reasons why that was the case. "I'm sorry, I didn't think he'd make a stunt about this. Going public with this type of thing never works."

"We agree on that. Meet me in the war-room. I'll call Ime."

Ray hesitated. "What are you planning to do?"

Max squeezed his phone just a little tighter. This was not the day -- hell, the month -- to test his patience. "If Rondae's agent wants to take this public, that's fine. If he wants a trade, that's fine. I'll trade him. The Seattle SuperSonics are bigger than one player."

Without waiting for more, he hung up, and proceeded down the hall to the war-room. He wasn't in the mood for games.

And Rondae wasn't about to be playing any more for his team.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return


June 21st, 2018

He hadn't had a lot of time in this building, yet, so finding his way to the war-room wasn't easy. Truth be told, if Google Maps had an app for buildings he'd be using it. Ime Udoka was still getting used to being referred to as the head coach of the Seattle SuperSonics, but he knew one thing for sure: he couldn't wait to get to training camps.

The way this offseason was going, everyone would be looking forward to camps and practices way more than usual.

"Ime, over here!" Ray raised his hand.

Ime closed his messaging app on his phone and flashed a sheepish grin. "I was about to text you for directions."

The two entered the room, the door closing behind them, and Ime let out a low whistle. The room was decked out in screens, stats, and there were binders on the table -- likely filled with more information. The place was an analytic departments fantasy.

"Impressive, right?" Max Newman, GM and owner of the team, spun around in his chair, looking none-to-great but better than when Ime last saw him. "This is the war-room. The ultimate resource center for any and all information on past, potential, and current NBA players."

Ime couldn't help himself, even though he knew it was probably blasphemy to say. "I think even the Spurs front office would be jealous of this."

"They should be," Ray chimed in, sitting on the edge of the large conference table.

Max stood up, his face tense with seriousness. "I assume you saw the news?"

Ime nodded once. "Not how it's done. Rondae's agent went too far."

"They did," Max corrected, his tone leaving no room for misinterpretation. "You can't tell me that Rondae didn't approve this, that his agent has acted on his own. Not in this day and age."

Ray remained silent, arms crossed.

Ime could sense some friction in the room, which wasn't unusual in this type of situation. "I can tell we're of two minds about this. You want to trade him, but Ray doesn't."

"Seems obvious to me that trading a 23-year old, three-time NBA Champion is a poor move," Ray shot, his fearlessness in words only matched by his fearlessness in shot taking.

Max only shook his head. "This is a direct slap in the face of the team, of the organization, and of the way things are done. You don't take these things public now -- it's insulting."

He's angry. It wasn't hard to spot, and it was easy to understand. Ime pulled out a chair and sat down, his fingers tapping against the table. "In all my years with the Spurs, I never saw Pop or the front office make a trade out of anger."

Max's jaw locked. The GM and owner of the team didn't look too pleased by that comment. "In all my years following the NBA, I can't recall one Spurs player ever pulling anything like this. Can you?"

Ime took a breath, thought for a moment, then shook his head. "No. I can't. Maybe Stephen Jackson, but the he was a free agent then and he had a chance to re-sign with them."

Max snapped his fingers and point at Ime. "Exactly. We can't set a precedent as an organization like this. We can't let a player take this matters to the public and disrupt the team like this. No successful organization allows that."

Ray shot him a look. "You already set a precedent with Jarrett Jack, remember? He had a team option, but he wanted a bigger contract. You declined his option and let him go. You gave in then."

Max's eyes narrowed. "Jarrett came to us first. We tried to work something out with him, it didn't happen, so I let him go. He didn't want to be here, and that was fine. This isn't the same."

Ray only shook his head. "Just a matter of degrees."

Max tapped a screen, bringing up a list of players and teams. "He's being traded." There was no room for any further discussion as the GM and owner had made up his mind. "These have been the things offered for Rondae in the past ... I've kept a guide of sorts. A starting place, if you will." He swiped one particular list over to the big, 50 inch screen against the wall. "But I think this one is where we start."

Ray raised an eyebrow, his face going from unhappy to at least interested. "That's not horrible. But it certainly isn't the best we can do, is it?"

"He went public, that's going to hurt his value a good deal," Ime said as he leaned forward, mind churning. "I can make that work."

Max looked back at him, his eyes measuring him. "You sure? I don't want to make a move with Rondae that will make your life harder."

Ime laughed. "You're trading a defensive stud who's just 23-years old. That doesn't make my life easier."

Despite the situation, Max flashed a small grin. "Well, I never said this job would be easy."

"No, you said the opposite." Ime sat back in his chair and took a deep breath. "And you weren't lying."

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return



Good morning, watch that first step, it's a doozy. If you're just joining us, the NBA world has been rocked by two trades going down mere hours apart -- one has to suspect the first trade set off the second, but let's start with the bottom line:

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is no longer a Seattle SuperSonic. The electric, manic-hound dog has been shipped off to Indiana after news broke early this morning (I'm talking 6am time) about his demand to be traded. NBA sources scrambled to confirm what was plainly said in multiple outlets: Jefferson wanted to have a new contract that paid him more and he wanted it yesterday.

The Sonics responded swiftly, announcing the trade and releasing this statement at the same time:

"It has come to our attention that Rondae Hollis-Jefferson wishes to be traded and he has made this statement emphatically. Just as emphatically, we grant his request. We wish Rondae the best as he moves on and welcome the newest members of the SuperSonics to Seattle."

Short, succinct and just a little bit chilly, no? They then announced the deal which ... well, I'll let you judge for a second.



Still with me? All right, on the surface, this deal doesn't look great for the Sonics. In fact, it isn't; they sold low but one can make the case they were forced to after RHJ made his statement to the press.

The Sonics were only a bit player in this trade, though, as the main pieces moving -- Rose and Schroder -- matter just as much as RHJ. From a Sonics standpoint, receiving Jae Crowder and Justin Holiday (two underpaid vets who could use new surroundings after a disappointing season) and a 2018 1st rounder (13th overall but in a weak draft) isn't reassuring. In fact, it's downright middling.

I wouldn't call the trade bad, but it's not good, and the best rating it can hope for is "okay". If the best your trade can be is just "okay", you probably didn't do a great job.

From the Pacers perspective, this is a teardown, rebuild-fast move. Schroder had an underwhelming year in ATL (averaged only 10.5 PPG, with 8.2 APG on 42 percent shooting, 31 percent from deep) and his fit in Brett Brown's system as a starter -- and with the rest of the veteran cast -- wasn't nearly as good as Jeff Teague's. Schroder is only 24, however, and the Pacers want to build young and fast. His style should fit nicely with how new HC Luke Walton wants to run things. Tim Hardaway Jr. will also be of service, as the kid can stroke it from anywhere on the court and is only 26, locked in on a low paying deal.

For the Hawks, they get Derrick Rose, who continues to show how valuable a contributor he is, even if he isn't putting up MVP-level numbers. Rose and Thornton (the Pacers pick from the previous year) will shore up the point guard spot on the Hawks. Rose, in particular, will give the Hawks offense the floor general it desperately needs after a poor season where expectations were not met despite the talent on the roster.

Back to the Sonics, though: it really is a bittersweet thing to see a young player of RHJ's caliber go, but it is what it is. Mad Max made the move he thought needed to be made in order to head off any sort of dysfunction with the team. So far, he hasn't made any bad moves -- but with the retiring of Hollins, the hiring of Udoka, and now the trade of RHJ, it increasingly looks like Lady Luck has abandoned Seattle.

****

An hour after that trade, another one hit the wire, this one just as big -- and one that will really shake up the league.



The Grizzlies finally parted ways with Marc Gasol and Mike Conley, clearing out the two most prominent veterans left on their roster as they look to rebuild from the ground up with new coach Frank Vogel. Memphis reaped some pretty big rewards here for two players that are All-Star caliber and among the best at two of the most difficult positions to find talent at in the NBA.

Houston gets Mike Conley, which is no small feat, but has to give up multiple 1st rounders to do so. The Rockets sent the 24th and 26th overall picks to Memphis, along with Clint Capela (young big locked in on a cheapish deal for the next two seasons), a 2020 1st rounder (top-10 protected), and what's left of Mozgov (and his $11.5M contract, one year remaining).

The Grizzlies then sent Marc Gasol and their 2016 1st round pick, Zhou Qi, to the Bucks to get back their 2019 1st rounder (likely high with the way the Grizzlies are going) and Harry Giles, the sixth overall pick in the 2017 Draft (who averaged a tidy 12.6 PPG, with 6.9 RPG on only 23.4 MPG). In one trade, the Grizzlies set themselves up very well for the future, and should be able to replenish their roster much faster.

The trade shifts the balance of power out West and out East. For Houston, Mike Conley is an absolute saint already; the man wants to win a title and has no ego to speak of, while he's also making a very friendly $9.5M a year on a contract that expires at the end of the season (much like the contracts of Pau Gasol and Rudy Gay). Conley should be the ideal backcourt mate for James Harden and the Rockets now have room to play in free agency -- almost enough to offer a max contract to someone, if they want.

For the Bucks, Marc Gasol is exactly the type of big man they've been searching for. A good defender, an excellent passer, a leader and someone who can mentor the younger players, Gasol's skills -- if his brother is any indication -- should suffer minimal erosion over the remainder of his contract (he has a PO next summer) and he should have four or five good years left in him of high-level play. Gasol could be the missing piece to take a young Bucks team past the 1st round and into talk of being a contender, assuming the Greek Freak comes back from injury with minimal issue.

The Grizzlies are stocked with draft picks this year, now possessing the 7th, 23rd, and 26th picks in tonight's draft. Despite this year being considered a weak draft, the Grizzlies seem hellbent on restocking their roster with players from this draft. Possessing as many picks as they do, it's likely the Grizzlies package one of them and a remaining veteran player (Jeff Green anyone?) for a future pick to a hungry team.

This second trade was a blockbuster, but both trades have set up for an extremely interesting free agency. With RHJ in Indy, the Pacers no longer have desperate need for Paul George -- shipping out Rose, a PG13 favorite, is also a clear sign Indiana is ready to move on. George hitting free agency wasn't a surprising outcome, but the Pacers decision to basically tell the entire NBA that they're out surely is.

Larry Bird, however, has never been known to be subtle about his feelings. The 2018 NBA draft just got mighty interesting.