SEATTLE - Chris Wilcox and his agent Jeff Fried are in town to get a deal done.
"It makes sense to me now why things went the way they went," his agent, Jeff Fried said. "Apparently, their hands were tied pre-sale to do anything of any material note. Now that the sales have taken place, I'm hoping good-faith discussions can transpire as to what is fair and equitable. This can't drag on any longer." If a deal isn't reached, Wilcox will be forced to accept a one-year offer worth $3.6 million. (Thu. Jul 20, 2006) - Fox Sports
It's unlikely that Wilcox would leave money on the table as Vladi Radmanovic did last year and sign for the one year Qualifying Offer of $3,577,168 when he could make double that this year if he signs a multi-year agreement.
The agent is dreaming if he thinks the GM from two weeks ago (Rick Sund) will not act the same way as the current GM (Rick Sund) and give Wilcox whatever the agent wants.
It is likely hat the Sonics have a salary number that they want to stay at. In order to stay there and offer Wilcox more money they might have shipped off Moore, not just because they didn't really need him, but because they had other uses for that salary space.
I expect Fried to wake up and see that Rick Sund is still there with about the same deal as he had to offer Wilcox two weeks ago.
Fried, take the 3 year deal, ask for a 4th player option, and move on with your lives.
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July 27, 2006
Post 100! Why I Write About the Sonics
SEATTLE - I started writing this blog for a few reasons, here they are:
#1 - To sharpen my writing skills through practice.
#2 - To write about something that I had a real interest and I didn't see myself losing interest.
#3 - To record my thoughts on the Sonics and be able to go back and see what I was thinking in the past.
#4 - To share ideas about the Sonics, the NBA.
#5 - I am a Communications Major, I study media as an undergratuate at the University of Washington, this forum allows me to share my ideas on writing, the media, reporting, journalism, media bias, definitions of media roles; all wrapped around a subject many people can idenntify.
There are a few other reasons that will come to mind as I write this, but I have to say that I didn't arrive at all of those reasons before I started this blog. I'm a Sonics fan.
My first post was a placeholder:
December 13, 2004
When I get around to it, maybe Thursday, maybe sooner
Oh ya, you can't wait around here all day hoping for something to read on the Seattle Super Sonics, so don't. I'll post about once a week, give you my thoughts, observations and critique on my team. This is a test page. Check back within a couple days and I should have this rolling.
Riviting.
This might have been the first story that I had written that was put together pretty well.
March 25, 2005
Swingman Cometh
For a few months I wanted to be a writer. A month after that story I started writing on another blog for a few months. I enjoyed the crowd that read and wrote there. But, as things there changed I had the feeling that my idea of media and writing was not quite the same as some of the people there. A few clearly had motives and operated in ways that conflicted with my ideas of journalism ethics, a healthy recognition of ones own bias, and whether I was part of some freelance Sonics PR group or if I was writing in a free press.
A couple of the writers there had crossed a few lines and I don't think they really knew what business they had entered through the blogger pass key. Ask yourself a few questions before playing around in an profession, like, what are the norms, ethics, and practiced methods?
As a reporter you do X, as a journalist you do Y, as a blogger you define Z. On that blog I didn't fit in that idea of journalism.
On new years eve 2005 I didn't feel like I could honestly participate in that forum so I stepped away and wrote this here:
I write here to improve my writing, what I write here is my opinion, my interests, to give focus to what is written.
I'll post regularly here, the other place I have posted is going bigtime. If that site wants to republish my writings, feel free, as long as you link back to this site to give credit.
I'm back here, and Happy New Year.
One of the writers from the other blog contacted me, via an exclusive yahoo group email list, to talk me into continuing to write at the other blog. I relented, I liked the discussions on the exclusive email list, I liked having a few more people read some of the things that I had written. I was also going to school at night an could ne commit to writing on my own blog enough to make it worth doing.
In my mind I thought that I would write something on the other blog once in a while and when I thought I wanted to write a longer story or rip somebody I would write that on my blog here.
Well, what kind of writer does that? Why was I doing this again? Oh yes, to improve my writing skills. How could I really do that if I'm not honest with myself when I'm writing? Everytime I wrote something I thought about what I shouldn't say. I had changed from a writer to more of a media critic, and how could I rip some of the writers on the same blog while possibly still having some kind of courteous discussion on the blog or the yahoo email list? "Hey, sorry for ripping you on the blog, how about that game last night?" Oh ya, that just makes me a two faced jerk, but how?
Well, I was having a problem being objective with the writing of a few people that I view as not having much objectivity, not in a journalism sense. Maybe that's a difference in perspective even among bloggers. I'm a supersonicsfan, I'm not looking to be a buddy to the players, beat writers, or readers. I'm interested in writing about the good, bad and ugly things that effect the team, including some of the press. A few of the writers on the other blog looked for ways to improve the image of the team, and I'm not in that business. That kind of thinking sends you down a path of limited objectivity. The Sonics have a PR department for that, players have agents for that, and if they are not doing a good job of selling their product then they need to get a new PR department and new agents.
I kept trying to resolve my motivations with that of the drivers of the other blog. There are some good writers there, but it just isn't me. To some extent I felt like most of what I was writing there wasn't really so much about writing but to somehow propel the blog and its writers to some bigger and better thing. I know it wasn't really like that but it just felt like that. I felt like I was working for that blog, running in place. It wasn't why I started writing. I wasn't being honest with myself or those other people on that other blog.
So, two weeks ago, after reading something that drove me crazy, I dropped out. I dropped off the yahoo email list, I dropped off Sonicscentral as a writer (though I'm still a reader and enjoy what they do) and came back to writing here, A week before the Sonics were sold.
Why do I write about the Sonics now? Because I'm a sonicsfan and I want to improve my writing without the group think. If the Sonics went away, and I hope they don't, then I would find something else to use to improve my writing.
I would still write.
Feel free to leave a comment, they are ALL moderated, it's a way to contact me without everybody reading your comments.
#1 - To sharpen my writing skills through practice.
#2 - To write about something that I had a real interest and I didn't see myself losing interest.
#3 - To record my thoughts on the Sonics and be able to go back and see what I was thinking in the past.
#4 - To share ideas about the Sonics, the NBA.
#5 - I am a Communications Major, I study media as an undergratuate at the University of Washington, this forum allows me to share my ideas on writing, the media, reporting, journalism, media bias, definitions of media roles; all wrapped around a subject many people can idenntify.
There are a few other reasons that will come to mind as I write this, but I have to say that I didn't arrive at all of those reasons before I started this blog. I'm a Sonics fan.
My first post was a placeholder:
December 13, 2004
When I get around to it, maybe Thursday, maybe sooner
Oh ya, you can't wait around here all day hoping for something to read on the Seattle Super Sonics, so don't. I'll post about once a week, give you my thoughts, observations and critique on my team. This is a test page. Check back within a couple days and I should have this rolling.
Riviting.
This might have been the first story that I had written that was put together pretty well.
March 25, 2005
Swingman Cometh
For a few months I wanted to be a writer. A month after that story I started writing on another blog for a few months. I enjoyed the crowd that read and wrote there. But, as things there changed I had the feeling that my idea of media and writing was not quite the same as some of the people there. A few clearly had motives and operated in ways that conflicted with my ideas of journalism ethics, a healthy recognition of ones own bias, and whether I was part of some freelance Sonics PR group or if I was writing in a free press.
A couple of the writers there had crossed a few lines and I don't think they really knew what business they had entered through the blogger pass key. Ask yourself a few questions before playing around in an profession, like, what are the norms, ethics, and practiced methods?
As a reporter you do X, as a journalist you do Y, as a blogger you define Z. On that blog I didn't fit in that idea of journalism.
On new years eve 2005 I didn't feel like I could honestly participate in that forum so I stepped away and wrote this here:
I write here to improve my writing, what I write here is my opinion, my interests, to give focus to what is written.
I'll post regularly here, the other place I have posted is going bigtime. If that site wants to republish my writings, feel free, as long as you link back to this site to give credit.
I'm back here, and Happy New Year.
One of the writers from the other blog contacted me, via an exclusive yahoo group email list, to talk me into continuing to write at the other blog. I relented, I liked the discussions on the exclusive email list, I liked having a few more people read some of the things that I had written. I was also going to school at night an could ne commit to writing on my own blog enough to make it worth doing.
In my mind I thought that I would write something on the other blog once in a while and when I thought I wanted to write a longer story or rip somebody I would write that on my blog here.
Well, what kind of writer does that? Why was I doing this again? Oh yes, to improve my writing skills. How could I really do that if I'm not honest with myself when I'm writing? Everytime I wrote something I thought about what I shouldn't say. I had changed from a writer to more of a media critic, and how could I rip some of the writers on the same blog while possibly still having some kind of courteous discussion on the blog or the yahoo email list? "Hey, sorry for ripping you on the blog, how about that game last night?" Oh ya, that just makes me a two faced jerk, but how?
Well, I was having a problem being objective with the writing of a few people that I view as not having much objectivity, not in a journalism sense. Maybe that's a difference in perspective even among bloggers. I'm a supersonicsfan, I'm not looking to be a buddy to the players, beat writers, or readers. I'm interested in writing about the good, bad and ugly things that effect the team, including some of the press. A few of the writers on the other blog looked for ways to improve the image of the team, and I'm not in that business. That kind of thinking sends you down a path of limited objectivity. The Sonics have a PR department for that, players have agents for that, and if they are not doing a good job of selling their product then they need to get a new PR department and new agents.
I kept trying to resolve my motivations with that of the drivers of the other blog. There are some good writers there, but it just isn't me. To some extent I felt like most of what I was writing there wasn't really so much about writing but to somehow propel the blog and its writers to some bigger and better thing. I know it wasn't really like that but it just felt like that. I felt like I was working for that blog, running in place. It wasn't why I started writing. I wasn't being honest with myself or those other people on that other blog.
So, two weeks ago, after reading something that drove me crazy, I dropped out. I dropped off the yahoo email list, I dropped off Sonicscentral as a writer (though I'm still a reader and enjoy what they do) and came back to writing here, A week before the Sonics were sold.
Why do I write about the Sonics now? Because I'm a sonicsfan and I want to improve my writing without the group think. If the Sonics went away, and I hope they don't, then I would find something else to use to improve my writing.
I would still write.
Feel free to leave a comment, they are ALL moderated, it's a way to contact me without everybody reading your comments.
Sonics Trade Mikki Moore to Nets for 2nd Round pick
SEATTLE - Today the Seattle Sonics traded Mikki Moore to the New Jersey Nets for a second round pick in the 2009 draft. Moore, a 7-foot veteran center, was signed by the Sonics on August 31, 2005 to a two year contract. The Contract was for one year plus a one year player option.
The play of first round draft pick Saer Sene in the Rocky Mountain Reviewsummer league games has shown that he could see some floor time this coming season. With three young centers on the team and a need shore up depth at other positions made Moore the odd man out.
When it became known to me on July 10 that Moore had exersized his option I wrote this:
As much as I like Moore, and think he would be a better influence on the young players than wrestle mania's Danny Fortson, but he may have opted in to get paid all summer until the Sonics cut somebody loose. If the Sonics want to keep all of the second rounders then somebody has to go. They are not paying Danny Fortson $6,596,990 to leave, not when they can pay Moore $1,070,000 to open the roster spot.
The reality is that the Sonics have 3 more picks coming next year and they have to figure out who can play, who they keep, and who they don't. They should consolidate the roster into 10 guys that will play and 2 or 3 guys that are developing. Swift, Petro and Sene look like they will land on both of those lists, playing and developing.
It's also quite likely that Yotam Halperin goes back to Europe for another year. Paccelis Morlende was drafted in 2003. They need to know this summer if he can play.
Consolidate. - from Seattle Sonics Sign Rookie Draft Pick Sene, July 10, 2006
As it turned out Moore did get paid this summer and was delt, Sene did step up, and a few other players this summer sorted themselves out. Word is Paccelis Morlende is on the outs. Noel Felix doesn't see guaranteed money until after January 10, with Moore leaving the likelyhood of Felix being in a Sonics uniform on January 11 just went way up.
The number of players on the roster that have contracts at 12:
Ray Allen - SG
Nick Collison - PF
Noel Felix - SF
Danny Fortson - Doghouse
Rashard Lewis - SF
Johan Petro - PF
Luke Ridnour - PG
Robert Swift - C
Earl Watson - PG
Damien Wilkins - SG
Saer Sene - C
Mickael Gelabale - SG
Two free agents the Sonics have rights are:
Chris Wilcox - PF - Restricted FA
Mike Wilks - PG - FA
If Wilks were to return that would put the roster at 13, but that's very unlikely. 13 is the likely total not including other draft picks once Wilcox signs a contract.
Andre Emmett was named to the All-Revue Team. The Sonics may see the 6-5 Emmett as an asset. If Emmet makes the team then the roster is at 14 and likely somebody goes to Idaho, maybe Emmett, until Danny Fortson goes away.
The play of first round draft pick Saer Sene in the Rocky Mountain Reviewsummer league games has shown that he could see some floor time this coming season. With three young centers on the team and a need shore up depth at other positions made Moore the odd man out.
When it became known to me on July 10 that Moore had exersized his option I wrote this:
As much as I like Moore, and think he would be a better influence on the young players than wrestle mania's Danny Fortson, but he may have opted in to get paid all summer until the Sonics cut somebody loose. If the Sonics want to keep all of the second rounders then somebody has to go. They are not paying Danny Fortson $6,596,990 to leave, not when they can pay Moore $1,070,000 to open the roster spot.
The reality is that the Sonics have 3 more picks coming next year and they have to figure out who can play, who they keep, and who they don't. They should consolidate the roster into 10 guys that will play and 2 or 3 guys that are developing. Swift, Petro and Sene look like they will land on both of those lists, playing and developing.
It's also quite likely that Yotam Halperin goes back to Europe for another year. Paccelis Morlende was drafted in 2003. They need to know this summer if he can play.
Consolidate. - from Seattle Sonics Sign Rookie Draft Pick Sene, July 10, 2006
As it turned out Moore did get paid this summer and was delt, Sene did step up, and a few other players this summer sorted themselves out. Word is Paccelis Morlende is on the outs. Noel Felix doesn't see guaranteed money until after January 10, with Moore leaving the likelyhood of Felix being in a Sonics uniform on January 11 just went way up.
The number of players on the roster that have contracts at 12:
Ray Allen - SG
Nick Collison - PF
Noel Felix - SF
Danny Fortson - Doghouse
Rashard Lewis - SF
Johan Petro - PF
Luke Ridnour - PG
Robert Swift - C
Earl Watson - PG
Damien Wilkins - SG
Saer Sene - C
Mickael Gelabale - SG
Two free agents the Sonics have rights are:
Chris Wilcox - PF - Restricted FA
Mike Wilks - PG - FA
If Wilks were to return that would put the roster at 13, but that's very unlikely. 13 is the likely total not including other draft picks once Wilcox signs a contract.
Andre Emmett was named to the All-Revue Team. The Sonics may see the 6-5 Emmett as an asset. If Emmet makes the team then the roster is at 14 and likely somebody goes to Idaho, maybe Emmett, until Danny Fortson goes away.
July 26, 2006
Sonics Technofile: wikipedia.org/wiki/Supersonics
First of all, let me state for the record that this doesn't have much to do with the playing of basketball but for the growing source that wikipedia is becoming for the NBA fan.
Check out the Sonics page here! It gives a brief history of the team. It warns you at the top of the page "This article documents a current event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses."
I really didn't have too much to say, other than I enjoy the structure of the page, the detail of the information, the links to much finer detail on nearly anything you can think of that involves the Sonics. Think I'm joking? Check out the Kevin Calabro page here! It's complete with a sound sample.
The top NBA page and how everything is connected is easy to use. I'm not saying this is perfect, just saying it is useful.
There is even an explanation of the brief history of time right here!
I had just spent the past hour rummaging through the links and thought some of you might find the depth of some of the information interesting.
On a side note: I know that there was a poll on how people in Seattle felt about the Sonics staying or going. It would be interesting to see how many people would be in favor of the Mariners or Seahawks staying if it meant having another new stadium. I was at the mariners game last night and it was not a full house, not even close. The Seahawks just went to the Superbowl but I would guess that it would be about 50/50 on keeping any of the other two major sports teams if it meant keeping the current tax on car rentals, hotels and restaurants.
But, the media is busy whipping up the masses with one data point, never mind a half empty Safeco Field. You have nothing to compare the Sonics poll against.
Try this on for size, in 1996 the Seattle Times had a poll AFTER Paul Allen purchased the team with the full intent of keeping the team here.
You need to register to read the archived story here!
From the story: Seattle Times Poll -- Hawks, We Love Ya, But Don't Send A Bill -- Majority Don't Want Public To Fund Stadium
Jack Broom, Elliott Almond
Seattle Times Staff Reporters
Business: Sunday, December 15, 1996.
About the poll
In the Seattle Times Poll, 400 King County residents were contacted by Elway Research. The sample carries a margin of error of 5 percentage points, meaning that in theory, findings have a 95 percent chance of coming within 5 percentage points of results that would have been obtained if all King County adults had been interviewed.
---------------------- A new Seahawk stadium? ----------------------
Based on your knowledge of the issues, would you say you support or oppose public funding for a new stadium for the Seahawks?
------------------------.
Strongly support 19%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat support 18%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat oppose 17%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Strongly oppose 41%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Don't know/no answer 5%
------------------------.
--------------- Stadium options ---------------
Local officials are considering a variety of options to accommodate Paul Allen and the Seahawks. Do you strongly support, support, oppose or strongly oppose these options:
Renovate the Kingdome using public funds only.
------------------------.
Strongly support 11%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat support 23%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat oppose 20%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Strongly oppose 43%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Don't know/no answer 3%
------------------------.
Using private and public funding, tear down the Kingdome and build a new football stadium, plus a new facility to accommodate trade shows and other activities.
------------------------.
Strongly support 25%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat support 21%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat oppose 14%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Strongly oppose 35%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Don't know/no answer 5%
------------------------.
Use private and public funding to renovate Husky Stadium so the Seahawks could play there.
------------------------.
Strongly support 18%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat support 20%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat oppose 14%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Strongly oppose 44%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Don't know/no answer 4%
------------------------.
Use private and public funding to build a new football stadium in suburban King County.
------------------------.
Strongly support 15%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat support 23%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat oppose 17%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Strongly oppose 40%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Don't know/no answer 5%
------------------------.
Do not build or renovate; just leave the Kingdome as is.
------------------------.
Strongly support 25%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat support 19%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat oppose 18%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Strongly oppose 32%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Don't know/no answer 6%
------------------------.
Copyright (c) 1996 Seattle Times Company, All Rights Reserved.
Well Sonics fans, how does that grab you? The Seahawks were staying and most of the fans didn't want to spend any public money on a new stadium. That poll was in 1996, the year the Sonics went to the finals Paul Allen was asking for public money to fund his stadium.
On yet another note: If I hear another person say something about not being able to play NHL hockey in the Key Arena after the 1995 remodel I'm going to kick in my radio. Think about it for one second, or maybe two, there's no NFL at Safeco, no MLB at Quest Field, both paid for with a car rental, hotel and restaurant tax. The multi use staduim was never a good idea and just imagine how wonderful having NHL hockey implode in our very own city would have been.
NHL shut down for a year, A YEAR, to straighten out its financial situation. Now you can catch hockey on the OLN network. And you think the NBA economics are messed up.
NBA played a 50 game season when they had a lock-out that ended in 1999, Baseball played 112 games of the 1994 season, NFL played 9 games after a lock-out in 1982. With all three of the major sports this town was out of it's mind on how bad those given sports were for not having games. Imagine having the NHL lockout here. What a great and wonderful gift that would be to the local press, and what an absolute drag on the already saturated luxary suite market the NHL would have been. This town, in a perfect world, could not support a 4th sport like hockey.
For you hockey fans out there, read every word of this before you open your yapper about not having NHL hockey in Key Arena.
Check out the Sonics page here! It gives a brief history of the team. It warns you at the top of the page "This article documents a current event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses."
I really didn't have too much to say, other than I enjoy the structure of the page, the detail of the information, the links to much finer detail on nearly anything you can think of that involves the Sonics. Think I'm joking? Check out the Kevin Calabro page here! It's complete with a sound sample.
The top NBA page and how everything is connected is easy to use. I'm not saying this is perfect, just saying it is useful.
There is even an explanation of the brief history of time right here!
I had just spent the past hour rummaging through the links and thought some of you might find the depth of some of the information interesting.
On a side note: I know that there was a poll on how people in Seattle felt about the Sonics staying or going. It would be interesting to see how many people would be in favor of the Mariners or Seahawks staying if it meant having another new stadium. I was at the mariners game last night and it was not a full house, not even close. The Seahawks just went to the Superbowl but I would guess that it would be about 50/50 on keeping any of the other two major sports teams if it meant keeping the current tax on car rentals, hotels and restaurants.
But, the media is busy whipping up the masses with one data point, never mind a half empty Safeco Field. You have nothing to compare the Sonics poll against.
Try this on for size, in 1996 the Seattle Times had a poll AFTER Paul Allen purchased the team with the full intent of keeping the team here.
You need to register to read the archived story here!
From the story: Seattle Times Poll -- Hawks, We Love Ya, But Don't Send A Bill -- Majority Don't Want Public To Fund Stadium
Jack Broom, Elliott Almond
Seattle Times Staff Reporters
Business: Sunday, December 15, 1996.
About the poll
In the Seattle Times Poll, 400 King County residents were contacted by Elway Research. The sample carries a margin of error of 5 percentage points, meaning that in theory, findings have a 95 percent chance of coming within 5 percentage points of results that would have been obtained if all King County adults had been interviewed.
---------------------- A new Seahawk stadium? ----------------------
Based on your knowledge of the issues, would you say you support or oppose public funding for a new stadium for the Seahawks?
------------------------.
Strongly support 19%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat support 18%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat oppose 17%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Strongly oppose 41%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Don't know/no answer 5%
------------------------.
--------------- Stadium options ---------------
Local officials are considering a variety of options to accommodate Paul Allen and the Seahawks. Do you strongly support, support, oppose or strongly oppose these options:
Renovate the Kingdome using public funds only.
------------------------.
Strongly support 11%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat support 23%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat oppose 20%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Strongly oppose 43%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Don't know/no answer 3%
------------------------.
Using private and public funding, tear down the Kingdome and build a new football stadium, plus a new facility to accommodate trade shows and other activities.
------------------------.
Strongly support 25%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat support 21%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat oppose 14%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Strongly oppose 35%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Don't know/no answer 5%
------------------------.
Use private and public funding to renovate Husky Stadium so the Seahawks could play there.
------------------------.
Strongly support 18%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat support 20%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat oppose 14%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Strongly oppose 44%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Don't know/no answer 4%
------------------------.
Use private and public funding to build a new football stadium in suburban King County.
------------------------.
Strongly support 15%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat support 23%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat oppose 17%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Strongly oppose 40%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Don't know/no answer 5%
------------------------.
Do not build or renovate; just leave the Kingdome as is.
------------------------.
Strongly support 25%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat support 19%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Somewhat oppose 18%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Strongly oppose 32%
- - - - - - - - - - - - .
Don't know/no answer 6%
------------------------.
Copyright (c) 1996 Seattle Times Company, All Rights Reserved.
Well Sonics fans, how does that grab you? The Seahawks were staying and most of the fans didn't want to spend any public money on a new stadium. That poll was in 1996, the year the Sonics went to the finals Paul Allen was asking for public money to fund his stadium.
On yet another note: If I hear another person say something about not being able to play NHL hockey in the Key Arena after the 1995 remodel I'm going to kick in my radio. Think about it for one second, or maybe two, there's no NFL at Safeco, no MLB at Quest Field, both paid for with a car rental, hotel and restaurant tax. The multi use staduim was never a good idea and just imagine how wonderful having NHL hockey implode in our very own city would have been.
NHL shut down for a year, A YEAR, to straighten out its financial situation. Now you can catch hockey on the OLN network. And you think the NBA economics are messed up.
NBA played a 50 game season when they had a lock-out that ended in 1999, Baseball played 112 games of the 1994 season, NFL played 9 games after a lock-out in 1982. With all three of the major sports this town was out of it's mind on how bad those given sports were for not having games. Imagine having the NHL lockout here. What a great and wonderful gift that would be to the local press, and what an absolute drag on the already saturated luxary suite market the NHL would have been. This town, in a perfect world, could not support a 4th sport like hockey.
For you hockey fans out there, read every word of this before you open your yapper about not having NHL hockey in Key Arena.
July 22, 2006
Rocky Mountain Review: Three Years, Three Centers
The Seattle Sonics have drafted a center every years for the past three years. Each year they have sent that rookie to the Rocky Mountain Revue in Utah. I have posted a snip of the stats for each one in their rookie run in the RMR. At the bottom of this post I have links to the RMR team stats for the past three years. Feel free to check them out.
Rookie Swift, 2004, 6 games played, 6 games started
Rookie Petro, 2005, 6 games played, 0 games started
Rookie Sene, 2006, 4 games played, 4 games started
I would put the per 48 minute averages here if I thought that they had some value. They don't.
The sample size is too small, that mix of players and competition is a variable, and I didn't watch any of those games.
There's only one thing to do: guess.
I'll guess that the Petro numbers are too small for even this comparison, so I'll settle on Swift and Sene.
Sene's numbers are better all along the board. I'll guess that he's further along at this pont than Swifty was.
That's a very good sign. Let's just hope that Sene makes the Swift leap from summer league struggles to NBA player in as short of time as Robert and Petro have. But, the early numbers look good.
Let me point out that Robert Swift was with this roster:
Wilkens
Collison
Cleaves
Morandais
Singleton
Ridnour
Young
Mills
Smith
Swift
Zimmerman
Powell
You could play these 5 guys in an actual NBA game: Cleaves, Ridnour, Wilkins, Collison and Swift. I'm not sure the same could be said for the line ups Petro and Sene played with. Let's see:
Petro played with:
Scales
Cleaves
Dickens
Felix
O'Bannon
Blackburn
Williams
Swift
Brown
Miles
Petro
Byrd
Hmm, Petro was the backup to Swift since Swift was going to get thrown out there, eventually. Noel Felix makes an impression, but there isn't a Ridnour or Collison in that bunch.
Sene played with this group:
Emmett
Miles
Farmer
Bobbitt
Sene
Brown
Felix
Swift
Langford
Burrell
Reiner
Halperin
Morlende
Uhh, I guess we don't know how much talent is there other than to say that at least Felix and Swift are NBA players. We really don't know, but let's be fair, as a rookie Swift played with two other first round picks.
The 2004 stats can be found here!
The 2005 stats can be found here!
The 2006 stats can be found here!
Rookie Swift, 2004, 6 games played, 6 games started
Totals
MIN FG FGA PCT
130 10 24 .417
Averages
MIN REB AST STL TO BLK PTS
21.7 3.5 0.5 0.50 1.0 0.50 4.3
Rookie Petro, 2005, 6 games played, 0 games started
Totals
MIN FG FGA PCT
71 6 13 .462
Averages
MIN REB AST STL TO BLK PTS
11.8 1.3 0.3 1.00 2.3 0.67 2.3
Rookie Sene, 2006, 4 games played, 4 games started
Totals
MIN FG FGA PCT
92 14 25 .560
Averages
MIN REB AST STL TO BLK PTS
23.0 4.8 0.5 1.00 1.3 3.75 8.3
I would put the per 48 minute averages here if I thought that they had some value. They don't.
The sample size is too small, that mix of players and competition is a variable, and I didn't watch any of those games.
There's only one thing to do: guess.
I'll guess that the Petro numbers are too small for even this comparison, so I'll settle on Swift and Sene.
Sene's numbers are better all along the board. I'll guess that he's further along at this pont than Swifty was.
That's a very good sign. Let's just hope that Sene makes the Swift leap from summer league struggles to NBA player in as short of time as Robert and Petro have. But, the early numbers look good.
Let me point out that Robert Swift was with this roster:
Wilkens
Collison
Cleaves
Morandais
Singleton
Ridnour
Young
Mills
Smith
Swift
Zimmerman
Powell
You could play these 5 guys in an actual NBA game: Cleaves, Ridnour, Wilkins, Collison and Swift. I'm not sure the same could be said for the line ups Petro and Sene played with. Let's see:
Petro played with:
Scales
Cleaves
Dickens
Felix
O'Bannon
Blackburn
Williams
Swift
Brown
Miles
Petro
Byrd
Hmm, Petro was the backup to Swift since Swift was going to get thrown out there, eventually. Noel Felix makes an impression, but there isn't a Ridnour or Collison in that bunch.
Sene played with this group:
Emmett
Miles
Farmer
Bobbitt
Sene
Brown
Felix
Swift
Langford
Burrell
Reiner
Halperin
Morlende
Uhh, I guess we don't know how much talent is there other than to say that at least Felix and Swift are NBA players. We really don't know, but let's be fair, as a rookie Swift played with two other first round picks.
The 2004 stats can be found here!
The 2005 stats can be found here!
The 2006 stats can be found here!
I can't decide what's worse.
Is it Steve Kelley kissing Bob Whitsitt's butt for the second time in one week (read here) or is it the nearly unintelligible ramblings of Brian Robinson (read here) that are the worst things to read?
Dear Steve,
Bob Witsett messed up the Blazers. The Seahawks won AFTER he was canned.
"What would Schulman do about Sonics now?" - Steve Kelley wrote in the Seattle Times
One thing Schulman might NOT do is put words in a dead man's mouth.
Kelley writing the words of a man that died three years ago:
"So let's get the right people talking to the city council and Legislature. People who won't have their feelings hurt when the politicians don't roll over for them.
"People who won't cynically ignore the city council's proposals the way the Sonics did. Deal-making people like former Sonics president Bob Whitsitt. Tough guys in the same mold as me. Let's get an arena deal done and then go after the New Orleans franchise. - Steve Kelley, again from the Seattle Times
You parade Sam's persona around in some pathetic attempt to snuggle up to Bob Whitsett? Please, STOP. Get your lips off Whitsitt's butt, it's too embarrassing to watch.
Dear Brian,
write one story about your hate of the city council; then write another story about Robert Swift; then write a Doogie Howser diary entry about how you can't believe Robert isn't angry about the Sonics picking Sene. Mashing them together was painful to read. They would make two fine stories and a good diary entry.
"It is almost comical to compare the actions of the 20 year old young man to that of our local politicians. While the city council has delved into the blame game and attempted to absolve themselves of any responsibility the redhead simply works hard without promises or expectations other than those he puts upon himself. " - Brian Robinson writing in Hoopsworld.com
Here's an idea, don't compare them.
Well, the answer to which is worse is: Steve Kelley. Brian Robinson bothered to go to Utah to see the summer league and report something. Kelley hasn't reported anything in years, you can tell by his references to Bob Whitsett. Kelley doesn't have any new material to work with. He's resorted to a dead guy and a has been.
Dear Steve,
Bob Witsett messed up the Blazers. The Seahawks won AFTER he was canned.
"What would Schulman do about Sonics now?" - Steve Kelley wrote in the Seattle Times
One thing Schulman might NOT do is put words in a dead man's mouth.
Kelley writing the words of a man that died three years ago:
"So let's get the right people talking to the city council and Legislature. People who won't have their feelings hurt when the politicians don't roll over for them.
"People who won't cynically ignore the city council's proposals the way the Sonics did. Deal-making people like former Sonics president Bob Whitsitt. Tough guys in the same mold as me. Let's get an arena deal done and then go after the New Orleans franchise. - Steve Kelley, again from the Seattle Times
You parade Sam's persona around in some pathetic attempt to snuggle up to Bob Whitsett? Please, STOP. Get your lips off Whitsitt's butt, it's too embarrassing to watch.
Dear Brian,
write one story about your hate of the city council; then write another story about Robert Swift; then write a Doogie Howser diary entry about how you can't believe Robert isn't angry about the Sonics picking Sene. Mashing them together was painful to read. They would make two fine stories and a good diary entry.
"It is almost comical to compare the actions of the 20 year old young man to that of our local politicians. While the city council has delved into the blame game and attempted to absolve themselves of any responsibility the redhead simply works hard without promises or expectations other than those he puts upon himself. " - Brian Robinson writing in Hoopsworld.com
Here's an idea, don't compare them.
Well, the answer to which is worse is: Steve Kelley. Brian Robinson bothered to go to Utah to see the summer league and report something. Kelley hasn't reported anything in years, you can tell by his references to Bob Whitsett. Kelley doesn't have any new material to work with. He's resorted to a dead guy and a has been.
July 21, 2006
I'm Full. Next up, the future of the Sonics
As the local heavyweights digest the story and offer well thought out reconstructions of the trail that has brought us here Frank Hughes took a trip down memory lane:
There is a scene in the movie "The Talented Mr. Ripley" in which the characters of Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow sit on a sailboat in the Mediterranean Sea and analyze why their relationships with Jude Law's character had changed so dramatically.
Paltrow explains that Law's character is the kind of person who can focus his attention solely on you, make you feel as if you are the center of the universe and nothing could be more important to him. And then he gets bored, the attention goes away and the person feels empty, vacant and confused, wondering what he or she did wrong to elicit such treatment.
That, in a nutshell, is Howard Schultz, an entrepreneur whose romantic attention was focused exclusively on his basketball team for about a year. Then things didn't quite go the way he envisioned, he got bored and discouraged, and he decided that he wanted out (regardless of the impact on people's lives). - Frank Hughes, ESPN inline.
Art Theil asks this to lead off a clean look at how seattle got to this point:
It's been a healthy vent. Now what?
Indeed, now what? I've thought about how Howard Schultz's 5 year plan ended with no defined future for the team and a new owner that doesn't have to play the Local Hero game.
I think you could read both stories by Hughes and Theil and have a pretty clear picture of where we are, how we got here, and why the new owner was treated as if he was just going to move the Sonics right away. That wasn't even part of his day one conversation. Oddly enough, it was part of his day three conversation, saying in the Seattle Times:
"I think if we get to the point where we are at an absolute standstill," Bennett said, "there is nothing on the table and both sides of the table understand that we're not going anywhere, we are absolutely hoping to bring it to Oklahoma City."
- Clay Bennet said while back in Oklahoma.
I did read that he spoke slowly, I guess he was going to get to this at the press conference in Seattle and is just now spitting it out. Honesty will get you further with people in Washington than half the story here and the rest of the story said in Oklahoma.
Mr Bennett stepped into the middle of a domestic. He is mostly upfront about going through the motions, but we all are reacting as if that's all he's doing. It's hard to act some other way after living with the bullshit coming from the political side and the team owner side over the past few years.
Let's be fair to Mr Bennett, he might not have an open arena to take the Sonics home to if the Hornets can play in New Orleans. If that's the case then here (Bellevue) is as good as any other place. So, don't leave your seat Sonics fans, the opera aint over till the fat lady sings.
And that was the gentle part, Frank was frank. Art was artfull, and Bennett has to show by action that he is willing to have the team stay in Washington State.
And Steve Kelley... he's still kissing the butt of thrice fired Bob Witsitt.
There is a scene in the movie "The Talented Mr. Ripley" in which the characters of Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow sit on a sailboat in the Mediterranean Sea and analyze why their relationships with Jude Law's character had changed so dramatically.
Paltrow explains that Law's character is the kind of person who can focus his attention solely on you, make you feel as if you are the center of the universe and nothing could be more important to him. And then he gets bored, the attention goes away and the person feels empty, vacant and confused, wondering what he or she did wrong to elicit such treatment.
That, in a nutshell, is Howard Schultz, an entrepreneur whose romantic attention was focused exclusively on his basketball team for about a year. Then things didn't quite go the way he envisioned, he got bored and discouraged, and he decided that he wanted out (regardless of the impact on people's lives). - Frank Hughes, ESPN inline.
Art Theil asks this to lead off a clean look at how seattle got to this point:
It's been a healthy vent. Now what?
Indeed, now what? I've thought about how Howard Schultz's 5 year plan ended with no defined future for the team and a new owner that doesn't have to play the Local Hero game.
I think you could read both stories by Hughes and Theil and have a pretty clear picture of where we are, how we got here, and why the new owner was treated as if he was just going to move the Sonics right away. That wasn't even part of his day one conversation. Oddly enough, it was part of his day three conversation, saying in the Seattle Times:
"I think if we get to the point where we are at an absolute standstill," Bennett said, "there is nothing on the table and both sides of the table understand that we're not going anywhere, we are absolutely hoping to bring it to Oklahoma City."
- Clay Bennet said while back in Oklahoma.
I did read that he spoke slowly, I guess he was going to get to this at the press conference in Seattle and is just now spitting it out. Honesty will get you further with people in Washington than half the story here and the rest of the story said in Oklahoma.
Mr Bennett stepped into the middle of a domestic. He is mostly upfront about going through the motions, but we all are reacting as if that's all he's doing. It's hard to act some other way after living with the bullshit coming from the political side and the team owner side over the past few years.
Let's be fair to Mr Bennett, he might not have an open arena to take the Sonics home to if the Hornets can play in New Orleans. If that's the case then here (Bellevue) is as good as any other place. So, don't leave your seat Sonics fans, the opera aint over till the fat lady sings.
And that was the gentle part, Frank was frank. Art was artfull, and Bennett has to show by action that he is willing to have the team stay in Washington State.
And Steve Kelley... he's still kissing the butt of thrice fired Bob Witsitt.
July 20, 2006
Bellevue Sonics? Only if George Shinn Get's His Way
SEATTLE - While Seattle City Council President Nick Licata and Mayor Greg Nickols issue well thought out press releases OKNO Hornets owner George Shinn is straddling two different markets, laying claim to both. Who does he think he is, Al Davis?
Fact is that Shinn needs a place for his team to play and returning to New Orleans that is still struggling to recover might be a business loser for a very long time. As it is, he does have his team playing to sell out crowds in Oklahoma. Why should he leave? What is there to go back to in the near term?
The conspiracy theorists are already at it over at SonicsCentral.com. There might be a second NBA owner behind Oklahoma's grassy knoll.
The questions I've heard from a few radio hosts on why the Sonics might not leave center around the size of market Seattle is as compared to Oklahoma. Really, there aren't major league baseball and football teams slicing up that market, so just stop with that silly markey talk... and move on to comparing the Seattle market with New Orleans post-Katrina. Why? Because that's the net effect for the NBA. No matter how you cut this up Oklahoma is going to have a team, the question is if Seattle or New Orleans will. The answer is likely neither. The Sonics could move to Bellevue and leave Seattle with an empty Key Arena. The Hornets could stay in Oklahoma and leave New Orleans with enough to worry about beyond filling an arena.
Right now, my money is on Washington Governor Christine Gregiore to be the one to step in and keep the Sonics in Washington. Maybe New Orleans should get the promise of an expansion NBA franchise from the league for when they are ready for such distractions.
Stay Sonics!
Fact is that Shinn needs a place for his team to play and returning to New Orleans that is still struggling to recover might be a business loser for a very long time. As it is, he does have his team playing to sell out crowds in Oklahoma. Why should he leave? What is there to go back to in the near term?
The conspiracy theorists are already at it over at SonicsCentral.com. There might be a second NBA owner behind Oklahoma's grassy knoll.
The questions I've heard from a few radio hosts on why the Sonics might not leave center around the size of market Seattle is as compared to Oklahoma. Really, there aren't major league baseball and football teams slicing up that market, so just stop with that silly markey talk... and move on to comparing the Seattle market with New Orleans post-Katrina. Why? Because that's the net effect for the NBA. No matter how you cut this up Oklahoma is going to have a team, the question is if Seattle or New Orleans will. The answer is likely neither. The Sonics could move to Bellevue and leave Seattle with an empty Key Arena. The Hornets could stay in Oklahoma and leave New Orleans with enough to worry about beyond filling an arena.
Right now, my money is on Washington Governor Christine Gregiore to be the one to step in and keep the Sonics in Washington. Maybe New Orleans should get the promise of an expansion NBA franchise from the league for when they are ready for such distractions.
Stay Sonics!
July 18, 2006
And Darkness Fell
40 years of basketball and the best chance of keeping the Sonics in Seattle is this:
Upon the formation of his investor group in February, Bennett said: "The bottom line is, we want a team for this market."
But on Tuesday, he had a different message. He told a Seattle news conference that he would keep the team in Seattle if an agreement could be reached for a new arena. In a news release, Bennett said he hoped the Sonics would succeed in Seattle for "decades to come."
"Owning an NBA franchise and a world-class facility in this market is a good place to be," Bennett said. "That said, as you know, I certainly hope that in time, Oklahoma City gets a team, and I think we will."
Bennett said the new ownership group has a "12-month commitment" to Seattle, in which it will attempt to negotiate for a new arena. He said the group was "sincere" but would evaluate its other options if an agreement for a new arena wasn't reached in that time frame.
"I think everything's on the table after that year, and if we run out of all our options, I'd love to have the team in Oklahoma City," Bennett said.
"Certainly Oklahoma has become clearly a viable NBA market." - New OK Sonics owner, Clay Bennet's comments from the Associated Press
Thanks for nothing Howard, enjoy your 90 million dollar profit, just don't expect me buy your story.
'Now, I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.'
Upon the formation of his investor group in February, Bennett said: "The bottom line is, we want a team for this market."
But on Tuesday, he had a different message. He told a Seattle news conference that he would keep the team in Seattle if an agreement could be reached for a new arena. In a news release, Bennett said he hoped the Sonics would succeed in Seattle for "decades to come."
"Owning an NBA franchise and a world-class facility in this market is a good place to be," Bennett said. "That said, as you know, I certainly hope that in time, Oklahoma City gets a team, and I think we will."
Bennett said the new ownership group has a "12-month commitment" to Seattle, in which it will attempt to negotiate for a new arena. He said the group was "sincere" but would evaluate its other options if an agreement for a new arena wasn't reached in that time frame.
"I think everything's on the table after that year, and if we run out of all our options, I'd love to have the team in Oklahoma City," Bennett said.
"Certainly Oklahoma has become clearly a viable NBA market." - New OK Sonics owner, Clay Bennet's comments from the Associated Press
Thanks for nothing Howard, enjoy your 90 million dollar profit, just don't expect me buy your story.
'Now, I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.'
July 16, 2006
Spurs Beat Sonics 73 to 70 in Summer League Play
The Sonics dropped a second game yesterday at the 2006 Rocky Mountain Revue. This loss was at the hads of the Spurs, 73 to 70.
The Sonics are 0-2 so far in summer league play.
Check out the box score.
Points of note: the Spurs center Ian Mahinmi had a 13 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks.
For the Sonics, Andre Emmett lead the way with 21 pints and 7 rebounds and 1 assist.
Seattle's first round pick, Mouhamed Sene, had 8 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks. In Mouhamed Sene's game against the 76'ers he had 6 fouls, in this game he had 2 in roughly the same amout of playing time.
The Sonics were out rebounded again, this time by 6, 33 for the Sonics and 39 for the Spurs. The Spurs had 18 assists while the Sonics only had 9.
Pass the ball.
The Sonics are 0-2 so far in summer league play.
Check out the box score.
Points of note: the Spurs center Ian Mahinmi had a 13 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks.
For the Sonics, Andre Emmett lead the way with 21 pints and 7 rebounds and 1 assist.
Seattle's first round pick, Mouhamed Sene, had 8 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks. In Mouhamed Sene's game against the 76'ers he had 6 fouls, in this game he had 2 in roughly the same amout of playing time.
The Sonics were out rebounded again, this time by 6, 33 for the Sonics and 39 for the Spurs. The Spurs had 18 assists while the Sonics only had 9.
Pass the ball.
July 14, 2006
76'ers Beat Sonics in Summer League Play
Summer league got rolling today for the Sonics at the 2006 Rocky Mountain Revue. The final score was Philadelphia 88, Seattle 74.
Check out the box score.
Points of note: Shavlik Randolph had a 25 points and 13 rebounds for Philadelphia. 76'er rookie and former Washinton Husky Bobby Jones played 2:20, scoring 0 points.
For the Sonics, Noel Felix lead the way with 19 pints and 3 rebounds. Seattle's first round pick, Mo Sene, had 7 points, 4 rebounds and 5 blocks.
The Sonics were out rebounded 24 to 42 for the 76'ers.
Read the recap here! Seattle’s first round pick, Mouhamed Sene, made his presence known early in the game at Salt Lake Community College on Friday scoring the first five points for Seattle and blocking two shots within the first minute of the game. Sene played only six minutes in the first quarter and scored seven points.
Check out the box score.
Points of note: Shavlik Randolph had a 25 points and 13 rebounds for Philadelphia. 76'er rookie and former Washinton Husky Bobby Jones played 2:20, scoring 0 points.
For the Sonics, Noel Felix lead the way with 19 pints and 3 rebounds. Seattle's first round pick, Mo Sene, had 7 points, 4 rebounds and 5 blocks.
The Sonics were out rebounded 24 to 42 for the 76'ers.
Read the recap here! Seattle’s first round pick, Mouhamed Sene, made his presence known early in the game at Salt Lake Community College on Friday scoring the first five points for Seattle and blocking two shots within the first minute of the game. Sene played only six minutes in the first quarter and scored seven points.
July 12, 2006
NWCN-TV in Seattle: Sonics have made a contract offer to Wilcox
SEATTLE - The Sonics have made a contract offer to restricted free agent Chris Wilcox according to Northwest Cable News program Northwest Sports Tonight. The reported offer is from 3-to-5 years, and averages more than the 5.2 million dollar mid-level salary cap exception.
The complete lack of details is unfortunate. But, the news that the Sonics have made an offer, and that it isn't for 6 years is something.
My guess hasn't changed: 4 years, between 32 and 37 million. I'll gues that there would be a player option for the 4th year. Knowing how the Sonics negotiated with Rashard Lewis I would have to say that bonuses will be tied to performance. Rashard Lewis received a million dollar bonus for making the NBA All-Star team two years ago. I would expect the same type of incentives as part of the Wilcox offer.
The complete lack of details is unfortunate. But, the news that the Sonics have made an offer, and that it isn't for 6 years is something.
My guess hasn't changed: 4 years, between 32 and 37 million. I'll gues that there would be a player option for the 4th year. Knowing how the Sonics negotiated with Rashard Lewis I would have to say that bonuses will be tied to performance. Rashard Lewis received a million dollar bonus for making the NBA All-Star team two years ago. I would expect the same type of incentives as part of the Wilcox offer.
Mickael Gelabale Signed by Sonics
SEATTLE- The Associated Press is reporting that the Seattle Sonics have signed Mickael Gelabale. Gelabale, 23, is the Sonics second round pick from the 2005 NBA draft.
Gelabale, the Sonics' second-round pick in the 2005 draft, signed a two-year, $1.6 million contract with Seattle on Wednesday. The first $200,000 of his deal will go to help pay a $700,000 buyout of his contract with Real Madrid, with the rest paid by the Sonics. - The Associated Press
The six-foot-seven swingman will join Damien Wilkins and Noel Felix in competition for playing time behind either Ray Allen or Rashard Lewis.
The Sonics continue to stockpile young and reportedly talented players on their roster.
Congratulations to Gelabale and the Sonics!
Gelabale, the Sonics' second-round pick in the 2005 draft, signed a two-year, $1.6 million contract with Seattle on Wednesday. The first $200,000 of his deal will go to help pay a $700,000 buyout of his contract with Real Madrid, with the rest paid by the Sonics. - The Associated Press
The six-foot-seven swingman will join Damien Wilkins and Noel Felix in competition for playing time behind either Ray Allen or Rashard Lewis.
The Sonics continue to stockpile young and reportedly talented players on their roster.
Congratulations to Gelabale and the Sonics!
July 10, 2006
Seattle Sonics Sign Rookie Draft Pick Sene
From Supersonics.com:
SEATTLE - The Seattle SuperSonics today announced they have signed first round draft pick Mouhamed Sene. The Sonics selected Sene with the 10th overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft.
"We’re glad to get Mouhamed on board," Sonics General Manager Rick Sund said. "His participation in this month’s summer league in Salt Lake City will give him a feel for the NBA and he can begin to get acclimated to the style of play."
An early-entry candidate for the draft, Sene garnered the attention of the basketball community at the 2006 Nike Hoop Summit, when he recorded 15 points, six rebounds and nine blocked shots in 27 minutes of action. He spent the 2005-06 season with Verviers-Pepinster of the Belgium Division I League. Sene also participated in the Reebok Eurocamp in Treviso, Italy in both 2004 and 2005.
"We’re excited to sign Mouhamed," said Sonics Head Coach Bob Hill. "With his ability to block shots and rebound, we hope he can give support to Robert Swift and Johan Petro to improve our defense in the paint."
Sonics player page for Sene states that his uniform number is 18.
Also in the news today the Sonics announced that Mikki Moore has taken his player option to stay in Seattle for one more year.
With the signing of Sene and new of Moore staying that puts the number of players on the roster that have contracts at 12:
Ray Allen - SG
Nick Collison - PF
Noel Felix - SF
Danny Fortson - Doghouse
Rashard Lewis - SF
Mikki Moore - C
Johan Petro - PF
Luke Ridnour - PG
Robert Swift - C
Earl Watson - PG
Damien Wilkins - SG
Mouhamed Sene - PF
Two free agents the Sonics have rights are:
Chris Wilcox - PF - Restricted FA
Mike Wilks - PG - FA
That would put the roster at 14 if Wilks were to return, but that's very unlikely. 13 is the likely total not including other draft picks.
Three second round draft picks are on the summer league roster taking court this week at the Rocky Mountain Revue starting July 14.
Denham Brown - SF
Paccelis Morlende - G
Yotam Halperin - G
That would put the rother at 16.
As much as I like Moore, and think he would be a better influence on the young players than wrestle mania's Danny Fortson, but he may have opted in to get paid all summer until the Sonics cut somebody loose. If the Sonics want to keep all of the second rounders then somebody has to go. They are not paying Danny Fortson $6,596,990 to leave, not when they can pay Moore $1,070,000 to open the roster spot.
The reality is that the Sonics have 3 more picks coming next year and they have to figure out who can play, who they keep, and who they don't. They should consolidate the roster into 10 guys that will play and 2 or 3 guys that are developing. Swift, Petro and Sene look like they will land on both of those lists, playing and developing.
It's also quite likely that Yotam Halperin goes back to Europe for another year. Paccelis Morlende was drafted in 2003. They need to know this summer if he can play.
Consolidate.
SEATTLE - The Seattle SuperSonics today announced they have signed first round draft pick Mouhamed Sene. The Sonics selected Sene with the 10th overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft.
"We’re glad to get Mouhamed on board," Sonics General Manager Rick Sund said. "His participation in this month’s summer league in Salt Lake City will give him a feel for the NBA and he can begin to get acclimated to the style of play."
An early-entry candidate for the draft, Sene garnered the attention of the basketball community at the 2006 Nike Hoop Summit, when he recorded 15 points, six rebounds and nine blocked shots in 27 minutes of action. He spent the 2005-06 season with Verviers-Pepinster of the Belgium Division I League. Sene also participated in the Reebok Eurocamp in Treviso, Italy in both 2004 and 2005.
"We’re excited to sign Mouhamed," said Sonics Head Coach Bob Hill. "With his ability to block shots and rebound, we hope he can give support to Robert Swift and Johan Petro to improve our defense in the paint."
Sonics player page for Sene states that his uniform number is 18.
Also in the news today the Sonics announced that Mikki Moore has taken his player option to stay in Seattle for one more year.
With the signing of Sene and new of Moore staying that puts the number of players on the roster that have contracts at 12:
Ray Allen - SG
Nick Collison - PF
Noel Felix - SF
Danny Fortson - Doghouse
Rashard Lewis - SF
Mikki Moore - C
Johan Petro - PF
Luke Ridnour - PG
Robert Swift - C
Earl Watson - PG
Damien Wilkins - SG
Mouhamed Sene - PF
Two free agents the Sonics have rights are:
Chris Wilcox - PF - Restricted FA
Mike Wilks - PG - FA
That would put the roster at 14 if Wilks were to return, but that's very unlikely. 13 is the likely total not including other draft picks.
Three second round draft picks are on the summer league roster taking court this week at the Rocky Mountain Revue starting July 14.
Denham Brown - SF
Paccelis Morlende - G
Yotam Halperin - G
That would put the rother at 16.
As much as I like Moore, and think he would be a better influence on the young players than wrestle mania's Danny Fortson, but he may have opted in to get paid all summer until the Sonics cut somebody loose. If the Sonics want to keep all of the second rounders then somebody has to go. They are not paying Danny Fortson $6,596,990 to leave, not when they can pay Moore $1,070,000 to open the roster spot.
The reality is that the Sonics have 3 more picks coming next year and they have to figure out who can play, who they keep, and who they don't. They should consolidate the roster into 10 guys that will play and 2 or 3 guys that are developing. Swift, Petro and Sene look like they will land on both of those lists, playing and developing.
It's also quite likely that Yotam Halperin goes back to Europe for another year. Paccelis Morlende was drafted in 2003. They need to know this summer if he can play.
Consolidate.
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