Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

2017 NBA Draft Recap: 6-10

June 22nd, 2017

By Vonny Lee




Harry Giles fell to the Bucks and Milwaukee gladly picked him up, even if he joins a crowded roster at the frontcourt spot. With Greg Monroe picking up his option (to the surprise of the Bucks front office), the Bucks have a good problem on their hands; they'll need to move one of their many young frontcourt players in order to clear out the logjam, but expect Giles to pivot between the four or the five, depending on how Milwaukee ends up playing everyone.



Dallas managed to keep its pick -- again -- just by the skin of its teeth. They'll have to convey their 2018 pick to Philly not matter what, and they'll have to convey their 2019 pick to the Kings if it falls outside the top seven. Despite all that, Dallas has set itself up rather nicely with the drafting of Thon Maker. Maker is a stretch four to the core, very much in the vein of Dirk, and he'll have Dirk to train with (as Dirk was hired as a player development coach). Maker could be the next great Dallas player, assuming he can handle the increased demands of the NBA.



The Knicks took Malik Monk here, an undersized two who has one of the highest motors of anyone in the draft. He just doesn't quit, on anything, and his ability to cause havoc and be a force of change is something the Knicks couldn't pass up. Monk joins a Knicks roster that is decidedly barren, but is sporting a new head coach in Quinn Snyder (after Derrek Fisher's contract was not renewed). The Knicks have some money in free agency and can find a way to be a player there, if they choose.



Charlotte got to keep its pick and won't be conveying any more to Cleveland (other than the 2020 1st rounder). Here they pick up one of the best shooters in the draft, Luke Kennard. Kennard is to Duke what JJ Redick once was -- his shooting touch is that good. The difference is, Kennard is much younger, has higher upside, and plays a smattering more defense. With Michael Jordan cleaning house and taking over team GM duties himself (uh oh), with his handpicked head coach in Michael Goodrich (D-League HC of multiple teams), the Hornets are in a precarious spot. But Kennard is a good pick (at the same position as their last 1st rounder, mind you), so at least Jordan hasn't blown it yet.



The Suns find themselves back in the lottery and this time they took Ivan Rabb. Rabb has a good mid-range game, has a high upside, is young, and is a team-player. Rabb is basically everything Markieef Morris hasn't been and that's why the Suns took him. Phoenix is looking to unload Morris and makeover the roster after last year's disaster, so don't expect this to be the end of their moves -- Rabb joins a talented young core of players, including Len, TJ Warren, and Devon Booker.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

2017 NBA Draft Recap: 11-15

June 22nd, 2017

By Vonny Lee



The Pacers have been looking for a good, young point guard to train up and locked in on Thornton. Thornton is a pass-first guard who has rocketed up draft boards since the end of the college basketball season. He's not a great defensive guy, but he won't be asked to do much in his first year in the league, which is fine by the Pacers; they're targeting other solutions at point guard in free agency.



You might call this a reach by Utah, but based on where they are (in Utah), they know they won't be attracting any top-tier free agents unless they have a top-tier talent base secure. Kurucs isn't a player who will immediately make a difference in the NBA, but his shooting stroke is a thing of beauty. If the Jazz can get him to be a bit more competent on defense and improve on his decision making, Kurucs can be a big player for them down the line in their quest to replace Gordon Hayward.



Another player that one could easily term as a reach, the Timberwolves didn't have a great need for any draft pick this year -- they could have easily traded out, but based on how weak next year's draft looked, they decided to grab a developmental small forward in Sedekerskis. The rookie won't see much floor time right now, but in a year or two could prove to be a good contributor.



Elfrid Payton may have just watched his replacement get drafted. Ntilikina (is that name even a Scrabble word?) is a tall, 6'5" guard who has great vision, passes first/asks questions later, and isn't someone to force an issue; he's a great teammate by all accounts but he's also a ton more raw than Payton. Still, it seems the Magic are prepping a move away from Elfrid with this pick and Payton should be wary.



The 76ers are back, this time thanks to the Magic's pick, and promptly selected Kostja Mushidi. Raw and lacking many shooting skills, Mushidi will be on the 76ers roster but he'll likely be the least useful piece on it. He looks like a classic stash and trade candidate in Sam Hinkie's mad scheme, but we'll see what becomes of him; Philly has the highest roster turnover in the association for a reason.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

2017 NBA Draft Recap: 16-20

June 22nd, 2017

By Vonny Lee



The Wizards are preparing for life after Brook Lopez, who has been less than a hit and more than a miss in Washington. In his nearly two seasons there so far, he's definitely given them production, and after last season's postseason berth (and conference championship appearance), Lopez's future with the franchise is a big question. But taking Brimah here is as much an insurance policy as it is an investment in the future. Brimah is a defensive stud, and someone who'll likely get a rotation spot going forward.



Adebayo to the Kings isn't the most natural fit, but seeing as how Sacramento is lacking in nearly everything not named Brandon Ingram, you can appreciate the pick from a talent perspective. Adebayo is a glass eating, defensive big who isn't afraid to lay out a fool if he gets in the way -- toughness that new Kings' coach Logan Schmidt (formerly an assistant to Steve Kerr in Golden State) appreciates.



Stan Van Gundy is looking for his point guard of the future, and he's looking at the undersized senior Tyler Ulis. Ulis has spent the last four years at Kentucky, a rarity in this day and age, and has come out as one of most polished guards in the draft. His size is held against him, but if he can pass and shoot, he's a guy SVG can get behind.



The Heat are lacking in so many things, but they're mostly lacking youth. With the injury bug destroying a good portion of their roster last season, along with the decline of Wade (who still hasn't reached a contract agreement with Miami), the Heat need to stockpile youth while they can. In Bryant, they have an unspectacular center who is young, and is ready to be a rotation player now. Bryant might not develop into much, but his value to the Heat isn't what he will be, it's what he is now.



Classic Spurs pick. Monte Morris isn't a sexy or flash pick, but he's an absolute necessity as Tony Parker is 35 (and in his final contract year). A solid shooter, defender, and a good passer, Morris only real flaw is that his upside isn't much; but San Antonio doesn't mind. They can squeeze talent from a stone.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

2017 NBA Draft Recap: 21-25

June 22nd, 2017

By Vonny Lee



The Nuggets return, this time thanks to a pick from the Blazers, and picked the intriguing Grayson Allen. Allen is a classic high floor case, as his upside isn't much, but what he's good at -- shooting triples coming off screens -- is an NBA skill all franchises value. Allen should be able to excel in Denver if develops, as Mudiay and Bender will be the two biggest attention getters in any offense, opening up shots for Allen.



Another shooting guard, Atic joins a Kings roster that's crowded at that spot right now. It will not be that way this time next year, but Sacramento has time to test out which players will work. Atic has a much higher ceiling than Grayson, but is also a much rawer player -- he won't be much help to anyone this year, that's for sure.



The run on shooting guards continued with the Jazz, as they took Flaccadori from Italy. Flaccadori is a long-term pick who is, first and foremost, a scorer. Known for liking to have the ball in his hands, he's a scorer from anywhere on the court and a defensive minus at every position. He's raw, but if the Jazz can convince him to pass the ball and play some defense, he has a chance to be really special.



The Rockets are in a transition year -- Dwight has left the house and is likely not to come back. Houston isn't bringing back Ty Lawson either, and the Rockets need to stockpile some cheap youth in order to keep the coffers full in case of a big trade. Enter in Fultz, who might be the point guard Houston has searched so long for. Fultz is a defensive, pass first guard with no urge to force a shot; he's a younger Patrick Beverly with a higher upside, music to Houston's ears after the failed Ty Lawson experiment.



The Cavaliers were hoping to have more to show in this spot, but based on the talent they already had and the lack of any legitimate fives in this slot, Cleveland took the best player on their board -- Indiana shooter James Blackmon. Blackmon can stroke it from mid-range and deep, and might be the successor to Shumpert in two seasons (assuming Cleveland doesn't trade either of them first). With the Cavs top-heavy with talent and their depth a serious weakness, expect Cleveland to try and develop Blackmon some before sticking him on the court with LeBron and co.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

2017 NBA Draft Recap: 26-30

June 22nd, 2017

By Vonny Lee




The T'Wolves pick up the solid offensive big in Zubac. Zubac isn't likely to be a starter anytime soon, but he's a project Minnesota can afford with how much youth and depth their roster has. Zubac is a team player, someone who doesn't mind riding the pine or passing up shots to help his guys, and that's a nice thing to have in a locker room. Zubac won't get the chance to display much this season, but next year he could find his way in the rotation.



The sweet-shooting big man from Finland finds his way to Toronto, who are in need of his services. The Raptors unlikely Finals appearance was a testament to their roster and their drafting, and that trend looks to continue here. Markkanen has a hard name to pronounce, but he could be an ideal stretch-four in this league if he picks up his intensity on defense (and grabs a few more boards).



The Bruno Caboclo experiment looks to be over in Toronto. Justin Jackson is the next crack for the Raptors in developing a small forward to play with DeRozan (they failed at Ross, will likely fail with Caboclo, and Carroll is a stopgap for a few years). Jackson was heralded coming out of high school but found himself in need of more seasoning in college than most believed. After sitting out the 2016 draft, Jackson entered the 2017 one with little buzz -- a high upside candidate with serious issues on the defensive end, Jackson could be a non-factor for the next few years.



The Thunder are looking for young talent to surround Kevin Durant with, and they need not look any further than Cordinier. Coidinier is raw and won't be ready for game action for at least a season. He's not much of a defender and his shot is wonky at times, but Cordinier has a nice blend of point guard and shooting guard in him, which will be a boon to a Thunder team that needs the ball to move around in order for them to be effective.



Finally, we reach the Sonics, who have been looking fervently to grab a young big man to pair with Noel. Say hello to the heart throb, Hartenstein. Hartensten hails from Germany and brings his stretch-four, Dirk-like game over. He's raw (much like Dirk was back in the day) and he's not very built, but he's got a decent shooting stroke and can develop. He has the highest upside of any of these late round picks, but could just as easily flame out like so many other European bigs have -- as always with Seattle, they keep things interesting.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return



July 10th, 2017

The room was full, or at least felt that way. To his left was the greatest three-point shooter of all time, his head scout Ray Allen. To his right was the two-time NBA champion coach, Lionel Hollins. And before the three of them was one of the most dynamic point guards in the league, the last draft pick of the original Sonics franchise, Russell Westbrook.

Even sitting down, even dressed nicely, Russell looked ready to fly at any one of them. He was actually kinda calm.

Max leaned forward slightly, eyes only on the player. "Well, Russell, what do you think of the facility?"

Russell's eyes didn't waver from Max's face. "Fine. Like the gym. Nice court." His voice wasn't very deep -- it was a bit high, a bit strung, but Max could hear the restraint he was using.

Lionel leaned back. "We want to discuss how we'd use you."

Russell's eyes drilled into Lionel. "I'd like to be used like every other guard that's played here. I want to attack. I want to punish people inside." He looked to Ray. "I want to set up my guys for easy shots. I don't want to do it all myself."

"You won't have to," Max cut in, careful to make sure the conversation stayed positive. "This isn't like Oklahoma -- you're not surrounded by one superstar and a bunch of guys who try, but can't do."

Russell nodded once. "I've seen that. I've talked with Jack, with Jennings ... they speak highly of you. Say you treat them like men, treat them with respect." He narrowed his eyes. "Got to have respect if we're going to do good work."

Max could feel the hairs on his neck raise a little. Was that a sign he was interested or was it a sign that he found them disrespectful? He had let go of Jack and Jennings, though both partings had been amicable. "If you come here, you'll get that; you'll also get headliner status. The team is predicated on the play of our point." Max pointed at him. "If it's you, we can go far. We can go back-to-back-to-back."

"A three-peat," Ray said simply. "Trust me, Russell, it's not something to be taken lightly. No one is guaranteed one title, let alone two." Ray flashed his Sonics title ring, the only one he wore. "It won't be easy, but you didn't come here for that."

Russell's eyes jumped between them, measuring each for a moment, before landing back on Max. "I've spoken with the Clippers, with Houston. Lots of guys there I really like ... good teams, good organizations."

Max allowed a cocky smirk. "And both of them have the same number of titles as you do: zero." Russell's face tensed but Max pressed on, sensing he could coax some of that competitive fire out. "You played for your entire career chasing after a ring, now you have a chance to land on a defending, back-to-back title team. A team that's built for your talents, an offense tailor-made for your love of attacking the paint, and an organization that remembers you when you were just a fresh face in this league." Max pointed up at his wall of pictures, specifically to one of Russell on his draft night.



Russell's eyes lingered there for a moment before Max continued on. "We're ready to get you a title. We're ready for you to come back to the city and organization that wanted you in the beginning. All you have to do is say yes, Russell -- say yes, and we start on the path to building a legacy that will be unrivaled in this league or any other."

Lionel and Ray both stared at him. Max kept his eyes fixed on Russell.

Did I overplay my hand? Did I blow it? The thoughts ran through his mind as fast as Russell on a break.

"You have my attention." Russell leaned forward a little now. "Let's talk."

Max smiled so hard he almost cried.

[BlindSideNZ]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Dammit trek! The suspense is killing me haha. Excellent little piece though. Builds the story beautifully

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Dammit trek! The suspense is killing me haha. Excellent little piece though. Builds the story beautifully

^Suspense? Just wait till we get to the rest of the offseason. It got CRAZY. Recaps starting tonight (I think?). The NBA is a different place altogether thanks to the moves of certain players.

[DevSwerve]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

[emoji30] I need more


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BlindSideNZ]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

^Suspense? Just wait till we get to the rest of the offseason. It got CRAZY. Recaps starting tonight (I think?). The NBA is a different place altogether thanks to the moves of certain players.

I love it! I don't know if I'm the only one but it always feels/looks weird to see guys on other teams. But I am absolutely hyped to watch this unfold

[AC]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Please please please

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2017-18 Preview

October 20th, 2017

By Vonny Lee


The NBA's offseason has been rife with twists, turns, and borderline insanity as the league is at its healthiest and best. Here's a recap of all the drama the offseason has brought, and all the drama that may yet come.

We'll start from the top ...



The SuperSonics pulled it off. Years of planning (it seems) resulted in the acquisition of All-Star, MVP-candidate Russell Westbrook. Westbrook visited with the Rockets (stomping ground of James Harden) and the Clippers (who watched Chris Paul walk away after contract negotiations stalled -- more on him later). Neither team was able to sign him.

But Seattle managed it. They gave Russell his money (over four years) and then went out and got him help at the four in the form of Markieef Morris.



The trade above capped off the Sonics offseason, as longtime bench warmer Chris McCullough was shipped off to Miami (who are attempting to go younger). The Sonics sent off a 2nd rounder to Phoenix, who received Josh Richardson and Josh McRoberts (promptly waived). The Suns managed to get cap relief and an unprotected 2nd round pick for the malcontent Morris, whose production has steadily dropped the last two seasons.

Morris being aboard and back in a winning environment, with strong lockerroom presences in Carl Landry and Marcin Gortat, will likely keep him in check -- but if Seattle's season goes south, look no further than this trade as the reason why. There's a reason Morris was difficult to trade and the Suns finally capitulated in getting rid of him. The cap relief will be minor, as is the pick, but for Suns its addition by subtraction.

For the Sonics, the new faces, and the new positions (Noel at the five again, Gortat off the bench, Malik Newman as a backup two as opposed to a one) will make the beginning of this season very interesting. Seattle's chemistry has been one of the best parts of the team since their return, but there's a lot of volatility on the roster now ... time will tell if it ends up fueling the Sonics back to another title or blowing them up.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2017-18 Preview

October 20th, 2017

By Vonny Lee



The Raptors main method of improvement isn't going to come from free agents, but rather from within. After Kyle Lowry picked up his player option, the Raptors found themselves with a choice; continue on with Lowry, who had led the team to the best record in the East, or jettison him in favor of Corey Joseph, who took over after Lowry went down in the 1st round and helped lead the team to the NBA Finals.

It was a tough call, but the Raptors opted to stay with Lowry for one more year. His return (at a cheap price, too) enabled Toronto to move Valanciunas away from the five and to the four, where he's likely to see better play and less fouling (a problem in the Finals). Lowry's veteran floor leadership will also help sophomore big Jakob Poeltl (last year's 1st rounder) adjust to being a starter.

Overall, the Raptors didn't do much to shake the boat, other than to let Patrick Patterson walk -- a risky move, as Patterson's shooting was nice (but his defense was not). Toronto now has to bet that continuity and further internal development will help them return to playoffs and not leave them wishing they had done more.

[AC]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Ugh, Carroll's contract looks like a borderline albatross. Such a Masai thing to stand pat lol. Poetl looks interesting.

Keep it coming!

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2017-18 Preview

October 20th, 2017

By Vonny Lee



OKC lost Westbrook, but didn't go quietly into obscurity. Far from it. Upon Westbrook's exit (and, as some within the organization term it, his "betrayal"), the Thunder dove into free agency, looking for ways to help Durant but not cripple themselves down the line. Cameron Payne was always being groomed for taking over the starting role and that time has come now.

But the problem with the Thunder has been two-fold; poor play from their two spot and a lack of direction for their bench. OKC went about solving problem one with the signing of Victor Oladipo. Oladipo is a player many in the league have never been impressed with, but don't count Billy Donovan among those -- he recruited Oladipo (when they were both in college) and knows his talent. Donovan convinced management to take a risk and Oladipo is only 25 -- his best years are ahead of him if he can find a place.

Next, the Thunder went and grabbed a bench leader. They outright robbed the Spurs of longtime favorite Patty Mills, who arrives after the Spurs replaced him in the draft with a younger point guard (axe to grind!). Mills and the Thunder bench aren't going to be known for defense, but offensively they're loaded to the gills.

The question for the Thunder becomes a simple one: without Westbrook and with all these new pieces, will OKC finally make it back to the Finals or is Russell destined to knock them out of the playoffs with Seattle?