Seattle SuperSonics
Owner: Clayton Bennett
General Manager: Vacant
Coach: Vacant
Impending Free Agents: Rashard Lewis, Danny Fortson, Mike Wilks, Andre Brown
Draft Position: 2
Vacant General Manager: Coming off of naming Lenny Wilkens the new team president, Bennett and Wilkens decided to relieve general manager Rick Sund and coach Bob Hill of their duties with the team. Since announcing he was named president on the local sports radio station, Wilkens has compiled a list of canidates for the general manager position and the head coaching position. Wilkens has stated that he plans to hire the general manager before hiring the coach, largely due to that the NBA Draft is coming on June 28th. A few names have been leaked such as former Magic general manager (and 1999 executive of the year) John Gabriel. Gabriel was the GM who got the Magic far below the salary cap, which led them to signing Tracy McGrady and Grant Hill. While this failed to work because of injuries, Gabriel was applauded by the league for his efforts. He is currently an advisor to Kevin Pritchard in Portland. Another canidate seems to be Gary Fitzsimmons of the Atlanta Hawks. Fitzsimmons is the assistant GM there, and has previously worked with Lenny in Cleveland. However, he is too similar to assistant GM Rich Cho, who is a lock to return to the Sonics front office. The lead canidate should be San Antonio employee, Sam Presti. Sports franchises are beginning to put younger guys in charge of teams, and so far with great success. Presti has earned a rep of one of the smarter guys in the San Antonio front office, and is viewed as one of the up and comers in the NBA world. Working for a perennial winner like San Antonio is exactly what Seattle needs, a winning attitude. Presti is behind many of the Spurs suprising moves that have turned into great success, and now has the same opprotunity with the Sonics.
New GM: Sam Presti
Vacant Head Coach: For many Sonics fans, it was a relief to see Bob Hill and his slicked back hair dissappear from the Sonics bench. While fans loved his attitude and work ethic, his system clearly wasn't working with the team, and Seattle became one of the worst defensive teams in the league. Since losing Nate McMillan to the Trail Blazers two years ago, Seattle already has had Hill and Bob Weiss try to control the team that has fallen greatly since the 52 win season. Canidates such as P.J. Carlesimo, Sam Vincent, Kurt Rambis, and Marc Iavaroni are believed to be on the short list of canidates. Vincent recently accepted the job at Charlotte, so it is believed Iavaroni is the lead canidate for the job. Iavaroni runs an offense that is identical to Phoenix, which is what the Sonics are looking to build and run a similar high-tempo offense. With Ray Allen, Kevin Durant, Chris Wilcox, and Rashard Lewis, the Sonics could become one of the top scoring teams in the league. Iavaroni's system is perfect for Seattle, and he is interested in teh job after Seattle landed the #2 pick, which will lead to the selection of Durant. He could still accept the job at Memphis, but reports are saying he prefers Seattle to Memphis as of now. If Iavaroni decides to head to Memphis, Carleisimo figures to be the next man on the list. However, San Antonio does not allow employees to interview while the team is in the playoffs, which could be a disadvantage for Carleisimo if the Spurs make the Finals. The position looks to be filled soon; time is money for Carelisimo.
New Head Coach: Marc Iavaroni
Strengths: Seattle will enter the 2007 season with a new superstar, new head coach, and a rejuvinated fan base. Seattle will be one of the most talked about teams in the country when Kevin Durant officially arrives in Seattle and begins Summer League ball. Phones have been ringing off the hook in ticket offices, and it appears the Sonics are once again the talk in Seattle. For months the arena issue has been hanging over the team, and now it looks like the chance of keeping the team here earned a second life when Seattle earned the rights to Durant. With Allen, Durant, and Wilcox, the Sonics can become one of the most exciting and exlosive teams in the league, even if Rashard Lewis leaves town. Every night Seattle could score 120 points, since the addition of Durant only improves one of the best 3-Point teams in the league. If Seattle is able to find a capable coach who can run the team by their strengths (Marc Iavaroni, as stated above), Seattle very well could leap frog teams like Los Angeles, Golden State, and Denver into the NBA Playoffs. Should the Sonics re-sign Lewis, they find themselves as one of the deepest teams in the league in depth at the forward position. Lewis, Durant, Wilcox, Damien Wilkins, Nick Collison, Mikael Gelabale, and Andre Brown could be the forward situation after the draft. With the addition of Durant, Seattle will be able to send Collison or Wilkins in a deal to add more depth at point guard or center. Chicago is reportedly interested in adding Collison, best friend of point guard Kirk Hinrich, which could involve the #9 pick and large contracts. Having Lewis come back would also allow the Sonics to create mismatches, that would allow them to become a quicker, more atheltic team then their opponet. Things are definately starting to look good in Seattle.
Weaknesses:When looking at the Sonics roster, two things stand out as a possible weakness. First, the center position looks like it could be a problem. The three young 7-footers have not proven anything to date, and have yet to have any real NBA experience. If Seattle does re-sign Lewis, then Wilcox would be moved over to center, fixing the problem as they would run as a quicker team. But if Lewis leaves, one of the young guys would have to start. Robert Swift is the most likely canidate, but he missed the entire season with a knee injury. He does have potential, but he still hase averaged only 5 PPG and 4 RPG in his career. Johan Petro has the skills to become one of the best offensive centers in the game, but is a liability of the defensive side, and stil can not rebound effectively. Jack Sikma has taught Petro his patented turnaround 15-footer that is a pleasant suprise every once in awhile, but Petro needs to improve his post moves and add strength to block out his opponets better. Mouhammad Sene is easily the least likely to help out of the three. While he has a ridiculous 7' 8" wingspan, he has only played basketball for a couple years and will have no effect on games. He will likely be playing in the D-League. The other problem could be starting point guard, where nobody claimed the spot last year. Luke Ridnour struggled to hit shots, but is still one of the best passers and ball handlers in the league. Earl Watson is a legit on the ball defender, but his 3-point shooting can be scary. Mike Wilks definately deserves a shot at starting after ending the season on a tear, as he is definately one of the quickest guards in the league. It could be rough in training camp to see who earns the spot, as one is likely to be dealt before the season.
Draft Targets:
Round 1, Pick 2: Kevin Durant, F, Texas
Round 2, Pick 1: Aaron Brooks, PG, Oregon
Round 2, Pick 5: Glen Davis, PF, LSU
Just like the Portland pick, Seattle gets it easy as they pick up a possible franchise changer in Durant. They hope he pans out to be the Kevin Garnett or Michael Jordan some are comparing him to. Besides Durant, Seattle has the shot at two other big time prospects. Right now, it is all about marketability for Seattle, as Wilkins tries to build a team that will attract fans and win ball games. Aaron Brooks is a Seattle native and one of the most underrated players in the draft. He is just like Mike Wilks in size and quickness, but can also put the ball in the basket at any given moment. Brooks can take over games, and wow people with his speed and manuverability. Brooks definately could devlop into Seattle's future starter, and have hm make an immediate impact coming off the bench. Brooks arrival also means Ridnour or Watson should be traded, in a packaged deal with Collison to get a new point guard to team with Wilks and Brooks. Glen Davis is a potential pick, someone is a house hold name, and somebody who can come in and rebound against the bigger guys in the league. All of Seattle's big men are long and skinny, they have no bulk since Danny Fortson missed the season with a sore tooth. Adding Davis would attract fans, add bulk, and improve the bench. He would become the 2nd man off the bench in the near future and would be able to alter team defenses as a much different power forward then Wilcox. Adding Durant, Brooks, and Davis would make the Sonics the most talked about team in the league, make them more versatile, and possibly be the class that saved the Sonics.
Potential Trades:
Trade #1
Seattle Recieves: Antonio McDyess and a 2008 First Round Pick
Detroit Recieves: Luke Ridnour and Nick Collison
Trade #1 Breakdown: This trade is defintely an A for both teams. Detroit is unsure about Chauncey Billups returning, and if he ends up leaving, Detroit has Ridnour to step in and become the new starting point guard. If Billups returns, Ridnour becomes a much needed backup for Billups, who has aging Lindsey Hunter as his backup right now. Collison a power forward/center who is capable of starting and is perfect for Flip Saunders system. Collison would find himself in a crowded room of Seattle forwards, and would have a hard time earning playing time. In Detroit, he could become the new 6th man and more playing time. For Seattle, the get McDyess to be their new 6th man behind Lewis or Durant. Give him 25 minutes and he'll give you close to 10 points, 8 rebounds, and a block per. He could be a change of pace once Lewis or Durant is taken out, and could also mentor the rookie Davis, who would succeed McDyess in the future. McDyess' contract also ends by the end of next season, giving Seattle cap room and the first option of bringing him back. The 2008 pick figures to be in the mid-20's, giving Seattle two first rounders for next year, and the opprotunity to continue to build a succesful young team.
Trade #2
Seattle Recieves: DeSagana Diop
Dallas Recieves: Damien Wilkens
Trade #2 Breakdown: Seattle is in need of a starting center, and Dallas needs someone who can backup Josh Howard and possibly start at shooting guard. Wilkins would be able to either give you 10 points and 4 rebounds as the starting shooting guard, or he could give you the same coming off the bench. Adding Wilkins would make Dallas a more versatile team, and avoid paying Diop, who would be entering a contract year. With Wilkins they get stability, especially since Devean George dissapointed last year. Diop could be exactly what Seattle needs, and either start if they don't re-sign Rashard, or back up Wilcox and be the rebounding, defensive force they need.
Free Agent Targets:
Devin Brown, F, New Orleans
Jarvis Hayes, G/F, Washington
Mo Williams, G, Milwaukee
Jason Kapono, G, Miami
Jarvis Hayes would be an ideal fit to be the guy behind Gelabale in the guard/forward rotation. He can put the ball in the basket, and is an above average defender. His need for playing time isn't great, which would make him one of the better 3rd string guard in the league. After that you can sign one of the guys remaining on the list. Kapono would be the best fit, as he could come in a be a spot shooter, loosining up the defnese, allowing Seattle to dump the ball to Durant or Wilcox. Williams is too much like Mike James from last year, which could scare teams away, however he would become the starting point guard if he signed. It is liekly that Seattle will make one signing if they re-sign Rashard, which would mean Hayes. Rashard is Seattle's #1 priority, and they can offer him the most money, and the chance to be on a much improved team next year with Durant. Seattle will sign him close to the max, making a three headed monster of Allen, Lewis, and Durant. Mike Wilks will (and should) be re-signed, as he now has an opprotunity to start on the up-tempo Sonics. Teammates love him, and he showed the quickness to lead a Phoenix like offense. Watson would come in for him and be the defensive guard when needed.
Releases:
Seattle has no problems that need to be taken care of. Danny Fortson was the only problem from last year, but his contract has ended and created cap space, which will be used to re-sign Rashard.
Final Roster:
1. Ray Allen (SG)
2. Aaron Brooks (PG)
3. Glen Davis (PF)
4. DeSagana Diop (C)
5. Kevin Durant (F)
6. Mikael Gelabale (G/F)
7. Jarvis Hayes (G/F)
8. Rashard Lewis (F)
9. Antonio McDyess (PF)
10. Johan Petro (C)
11. Robert Swift (C)
12. Earl Watson (PG)
13. Chris Wilcox (PF)
14. Mike Wilks (PG)
15. Mouhammad Sene (Will spend season in D-League, no roster spot)
Starting 5:
Point Guard: Mike Wilks
Shooting Guard: Ray Allen
Small Forward: Kevin Durant*
Power Forward: Rashard Lewis**
Center: Chris Wilcox
Final Grade: B-
Seattle has the opprotunity to be a possible six seed in the playoffs in 2007 if everyone accepts their role on the team. Seattle could rival Phoenix as the top scoring team in the league. Mike Wilks could run the team to a top-3 finish in the Northwest Division, which looks to be greatly improved from last year. If the defense can improve, Seattle could see itself in a similar situation two years ago when they played San Antonio in a very tight series. Seattle is definately on the way up, and look to be for a long time with Durant leading the way.
*Can also play power forward
**Can also play small forward
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05-27-2007 08:34 PM 
