Friday, August 26, 2005

It’s not just business, it’s personal - Blog Maverick - www.blogmaverick.com _

This is Mark Cuban's blog. I found this an amazing post. Very honest admitiion of his mistakes. Some not so subtle shots at Don Nelson. And a solid explination of how the NBA has evolved.

44 comments:

Anonymous said...

The obvious problem with the Detroit comparison is that Detroit is built around guys who excel defensively. Ben Wallace may be the best defender in the game. The Sonics have one guy (Collison) who plays excellent defense. Watching Ridnour, Allen and Lewis try to defend is just painful.

There have been quotes attributed to Rick Sund when he first took the team that said he wanted to build the team according to the Dallas model.

My prediction on Rick Brunson is he's going to play like Kevin Ollie did when he came over in the Allen deal. Ollie was a solid player who outperformed all expectations. The Sonics don't need Brunson to be a superstar. They just need him to come in, run the offense, and not turn the ball over.

WRT Detroit and San Antonio, those are the 2 best run orgs in the league. I don't think the Sonics are a fair comp to either of them.

Anonymous said...

The following is a list of transactions that Seattle Supersonics General Manager Rick Sund should make during the remainder of the off-season, along with a projected team roster and salary for the 2005-2006 season:

TRANSACTIONS
• The Seattle Supersonics re-sign small forward Vladimir Radmanovic to a six-year, $52,500,000 contract (‘05-‘06: $7,000,000; ‘06-‘07: $7,700,000; ‘07-‘08: $8,400,000; ‘08-‘09: $9,100,000; ‘09-‘10: $9,800,000; ‘10-‘11: $10,500,000), with the sixth year exercisable via a team option.
• The Seattle Supersonics trade small forward Rashard Lewis ($8,571,429) to the Cleveland Cavaliers for power forward Drew Gooden ($4,065,811), small forward Luke Jackson ($1,955,160), and shooting guard Aleksander Pavlovic ($1,274,160).
• The Seattle Supersonics renounce their rights to restricted free-agent power forward Reggie Evans, which thereby makes Evans an unrestricted free-agent.
• The Seattle Supersonics re-sign shooting guard Ronald Murray to a five-year, $15,000,000 contract (‘05-‘06: $2,500,000; ‘06-‘07: $2,750,000; ‘07-‘08: $3,000,000; ‘08-‘09: $3,250,000; ‘09-‘10: $3,500,000); subsequently, the Supersonics trade Murray, a 2006 second-round draft pick, a 2006 second-round draft pick [via the Memphis Grizzlies], a 2007 second-round draft pick, and a 2007 second-round draft pick [via the Memphis Grizzlies] to the Denver Nuggets for center Maybyner “Nenê” Hilario ($3,064,916).
• The Seattle Supersonics trade power forward Danny Fortson ($6,415,584), the draft rights of power forward Peter Fehse, the draft rights of small forward Mickaël Gelabale, and the draft rights of point guard Paccelis Morlende to the Los Angeles Lakers for center Vlade Divac ($5,393,300).
• The Seattle Supersonics release center Vlade Divac ($2,000,000 buyout).
• The Seattle Supersonics sign shooting guard Tre Simmons to a one-year, $398,762 contract.
• The Seattle Supersonics re-sign point guard Mateen Cleaves to a one-year, $835,810 contract.

SEATTLE SUPERSONICS (2005-2006)
Center: Maybyner “Nenê” Hilario ($3,064,916) [32 m.p.g.]
Center: Vitaly Potapenko ($3,000,000) [16 m.p.g.]
Center Robert Swift ($1,764,480) [NBDL]
Center: Johan Petro ($936,600) [NBDL]
Power Forward: Drew Gooden ($4,065,811) [32 m.p.g.]
Power Forward: Nick Collison ($1,815,000) [16 m.p.g.]
Small Forward: Vladimir Radmanovic ($7,000,000) [32 m.p.g.]
Small Forward: Damien Wilkins ($2,586,207) [16 m.p.g.]
Small Forward: Luke Jackson ($1,955,160) [0 m.p.g.]
Shooting Guard: Ray Allen ($13,223,140) [40 m.p.g.]
Shooting Guard: Aleksander Pavlovic ($1,274,160) [8 m.p.g.]
Shooting Guard: Tre Simmons ($398,762) [0 m.p.g.]
Point Guard: Luke Ridnour ($1,638,000) [32 m.p.g.]
Point Guard: Rick Brunson ($1,029,873) [16 m.p.g.]
Point Guard: Mateen Cleaves ($835,810) [Inactive]
Team Salary = $48,347,919*
*Vlade Divac ($2,000,000) [Released]
*Ibrahim Kutluay ($1,760,000) [Released]

Anonymous said...

At any rate, the Seattle Supersonics front office executives have filled the team's coaching staff; it includes the following personnel:

Head Coach: Bob Weiss
Assistant Coach: Bob Hill
Assistant Coach: Ralph Lewis
Assistant Coach: Jack Sikma
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Dwight Daub
Athletic Trainer: Mike Shimensky
Video Coordinator: Walt Rock

As it is, Bob Hill is well-known and highly-regarded for his defensive coaching abilities, while Ralph Lewis' forte is coaching the offense.

In addition, Jack Sikma is around for a second season of coaching the young centers (i.e., Robert Swift & Johan Petro); thus, due to the fact that each organization is allowed to send one assistant coach and two players to an NBDL franchise, it would seem as if Sikma, Swift, and Petro should prepare to head down south this upcoming season.

Anonymous said...

Thank god you aren't Rick Sund, you are a moron for even thinking that those moves would help the team get better, you obviously have no basketball knowledge.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, if Rick Sund continues to stand pat, watch this team go anywhere from 25-57 to 35-47 this upcoming season.

Oh yeah, and by the way, I hope you remember remember "anonymous" that there was a reason as to why Joe Dumars fired his bald ass back in Detroit.

Of course, given that you are the actual idiot, I highly doubt that you were even aware of the fact that Sund was the general manager of the Detroit Pistons prior to their championship run. Undoubtedly, it was only until after Dumas fired Sund that the Pistons began their ascension to the top.

Also, Sund was the general manager of the Dallas Mavericks during their lean years throughout the early 90s -- he was also the director of player personnel there during the late 70s and 80s, but he had nothing to do with the roster management at that time -- which was when the whole Jamal Mashburn/Jimmy Jackson/Jason Kidd debacle occurred and the Mavericks managed to only win a combined 24 games during the 1992-1993 (11) & 1993-1994 (13) seasons.

In the end, ultimately, Sund will wear out his welcome in Seattle; plus, I expect that the collapse of the Supersonics franchise, due to Sund's idiocy, will occur sooner rather than later -- sadly, though, none of you dronish leemings seem to realize it.

Good Times,
AK1984

Anonymous said...

In addition, I could go into a long, drawn-out spiel about how Seattle Supersonics Chief Executive Officer/President of Basketball Operations Wally Walker is a flat-out imbecile; yet, I'm sure most of you are already aware of Walker's inexplicable maladroitness.

Of course, Walker owns 5% of the franchise; thus, there is no point in bitching about his ineptitude.

Anonymous said...

AK1984,

Gotta agree with the other guy, you're made up deals are absolutely horrid. Lewis for Gooden, Jackson and Pavlovic? Giving Radman the deal he wants when he has NO LEVERAGE.

Thank god someone rational is in charge.

I fully expect a response which completely trashes me.

PS, Denver would never do the Nene deal. That's as close to a pipe dream as Vladi for Jamaal Magloire would be.

Anonymous said...

Look, Scott, "Nenê" is attainable. Presently, the Denver Nuggets are in dire need of a shooting guard -- which is why Kiki Vandeweghe might, perhaps, sign the enigmatic Latrell Sprewell -- and the team is overloaded with post players. Besides, even if the Vandeweghe were to unload "Nenê" -- who, by the way, is one of the best defensive players in the NBA (def. +/- rating: +4.7) -- the club would still have three centers (Marcus Camby, Francisco Elson, & Luke Schenscher), and three power forwards (Keyon Martin, Eduardo Najera, & Luis Kleiza) under contract.

In any event, though, it isn't irrational to believe that Vandeweghe may consider parting with "Nenê" for Ronald Murray and a few draft picks.

Also, regarding the contract offer that I proposed for Vladimir Radmanovic, you should've noticed how the sixth year of the deal is exercisable via a team option; thus, only five-years & $42,000,000 of the contract would be guaranteed, which would be a mutual compromise from the current negotiations between Rick Sund and Radmanovic.

Lastly, anyone who thinks that Rashard Lewis is a superstar is completely moronic. As it is, Lewis is a piss-poor ball-handler (1.73 tpg), a crappy distributor (1.3 apg), a shoddy defender (def. +/- rating: -1.1), and horrendous on the glass (5.5 rpg).

Hell, all in all, Drew Gooden (18.89 eff. rating) -- who people seemingly don't like because of his reported attitude problems -- is even more productive than Lewis (+17.9 eff. rating)! Of course, Scott, most people are blinded by Gooden's innate talents and well-developed skill set solely due to the fact that they aren't fond of his arrogant, self-serving attitude.

In the end, ultimately, Lewis will most likely not be traded this off-season; nevertheless, his future in Seattle will probably coincide with the team's imminent failure.

Anonymous said...

You're an idiot.

This team almost took down the San Antonio Spurs, without Radman or Lewis.

They lost Jerome James and Antonio Daniels.

Plug Vlad and Lewis in for James and Daniels and we should be right around the same level.

The Sonics are fine, they should get to the playoffs and if Lewis and Rad are actually healthy...have a CHANCE to do what they failed to last year.

And if I'm up in the stands screaming at the refs in game 6 down by 3 points after a bad call..just like last year....I'm fine with it..a decent chance at the championship is all I'm asking for.

Anonymous said...

AK,

Your deals are not grounded in reality. I've probably seen 30+ posts from you all trying a 5 for 1 swap including our foreign players for someone's good player. Just stop, please.

I don't want to see the Sonics give Radmanovich a long term deal. He is a liability defensively at either the 3 or the 4. The combination of Gelabale and Wilkins will be fine as backup 2 and 3. Gelabale projects to be a combination of Desmond Mason and Manu Ginobli. Collison is fine as a 4th option offensively.

What the Sonics really need to do is build a rock solid interior to cover the defensive deficiencies of Lewis, Allen and Ridnour. Allen and Lewis are fine offensively as 1 and 2 options. They could use a legit 3rd option, preferably a low post guy to draw double teams and kick outs to Allen and Lewis.

The Sonics as an org are one of the smartest orgs, employing the services of Dean Oliver, who is known as the "Bill James of basketball".

They probably will be a 45 win team next year and make the playoffs as a 5 or 6 seed.

Anonymous said...

As blasphemous as this may seem, "anonymous", I believe that the Seattle Supersonics were better off during the playoffs last season without both Rashard Lewis and Vladimir Radmanovic in the Western Conference Semi-Finals versus the San Antonio Spurs.

As it was, in the games that either Lewis or Radmanovic participated in during the series against the Spurs, the Supersonics were outscored by 38 points; conversely, in the games that both Lewis and Radmanovic didn't participate in during the series against the Spurs, the Supersonics were only outscored by 3 points.

Then again, however, one might argue that both Lewis (+/- rating: +11.2) and Radmanovic (+/- rating: 9.7) were invaluable during the regular season for the Supersonics. Yet, the overall production of both Lewis (+17.9 eff. rating) and Radmanovic (+11.4), was sub-par in relation to fellow small forwards and power forwards, respectively, who put up similar minutes per game.

In any case, though, I promote guys like Drew Gooden (29.47 eff. rating per 48 minutes) -- as well as hate on Rick Sund's decision to select Robert Swift (+1 eff. rating) instead of Al Jefferson (27.31 eff. rating per 48 minutes) or even David Harrison (+19.77 eff. rating per 48 minutes) in the first-round of the 2004 NBA Draft -- for very logical reasons.

Anyhow, regardless of Swift's lack of skills on the basketball court, the fact that he wouldn't work out for any teams prior to the 2004 NBA Draft -- along with his eligibility issues as a senior at Bakersfield High School (CA) http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/179516_sonx25.html -- are reasons enough to have question Sund's selection of him.

In the end, ultimately, Sund's track record of mediocrity as a front office executive in the NBA (Dallas -- '80-'81: 15-67; '81-'82: 28-54; '82-'83: 38-44; '83-'84: 43-39; '84-'85: 44-38; '85-'86: 44-38; '86-'87: 55-27; '87-'88: 53-29; '88-'89: 38-54; '89-'90: 47-35; '90-'91: 28-54; '91-'92: 22-60; '92-'93: 11-71; '93-'94: 13-69; Detroit -- '95-'96: 50-32; '96-'97: 50-32; '97-'98: 37-45; ''99: 29-21; '99-'00: 42-40; '00-'01: 32-50; Seattle -- '01-'02: 45-37; '02-'03: 40-42; '03-'04: 37-45: '04-'05: 50-32) speaks for itself . . .

Anonymous said...

Hey, Jeremy, I know that I didn't make it explicitly clear; yet, I, too, would rather have Vladimir Radmanovic sign the one-year, $3,166,155 qualfying offer instead of a long-term contract.

However, if the Supersonics could find some team to dump the remarkably OVERVALUED (def. +/- rating: -1.1!!!) and relatively INEFFICIENT (+17.9 eff. rating) Rashard Lewis on -- as he is, for whatever inane reason, highly-regarded by many people -- then giving Radmanovic a five-year, $42,000,000 contract, with a sixth year ($10,500,000) exercisable via a non-guaranteed team option, would be a cost-efficient move.

At any rate, though, I would like to see Radmanovic signed-&-traded -- especially for someone like Jamaal Magliore -- yet, there will not likely be such a deal.

Finally, why is seemingly everyone enamored with Peter Fehse, Pacellis Morlende, Mickaël Gelabale? Hell, Fehse and Morlende have already proven that they flat-out suck; in addition, Gelabale http://www.euroleague.net/plantillas/jugador.jsp?id=BHN -- who has the upside of Tariq Abdul-Wahad and the downside of Alain Digbeau -- wasn't that good last season in Euroleague competition with Real Madrid, and will probably never succeed in the NBA. In the end, ultimately, the Fehse, Morlende, and Gelabale should be used as trading assets . . . or the Supersonics should renounce their rights to them.

Anonymous said...

Look, Jeremy, there is no way that any person who is "grounded in reality" would compare Mickaël Gelabale to either Desmond Mason or Emanuel Ginóbili. As it is, though, Gelabale has the upside of Tariq Abdul-Wahad, the median of Mickaël Pietrus, and the downside of Alain Digbeau.

Anyhow, regardless of our differences in opinions, we are nonetheless diehard fans of the Seattle Supersonics -- or else we wouldn't be here -- so there is nothing that can get inbetween our fanaticism.

Anonymous said...

Here are the bad moves that Rick Sund has made throughout his tenure as the general manager of the Seattle Supersonics:

6/27/2001: Traded the draft rights of Bobby Simmons to the Washington Wizards for the draft rights of Predrag Drobnjak.

8/3/2001: Signed Calvin Booth to a six-year, $34,000,000 contract.

6/26/2002: Drafted Peter Fehse with the 49th selection in the 2002 NBA Draft.

7/18/2002: Signed Jerome James to a three-year, $15,000,000 contract.

8/21/2002: Signed Ansu Sesay to a two-year, $1,151,114 contract.

6/26/2003: Traded the draft rights of Willie Green to the Philadelphia 76ers for the draft rights of Paccelis Morlende and cash considerations.

6/24/2004: Drafted Robert Swift with the 12th selection in the 2004 NBA Draft.

6/24/2004: Traded shooting guard Andre Emmett to the Memphis Grizzlies for a 2005 second-round draft pick (Mickaël Gelabale) and cash considerations.

6/24/2004: Drafted David Young with the 41st selection in the 2004 NBA Draft.

9/22/2004: Signed Ibrahim Kutluay to a two-year, $3,360,000 contract.

6/28/2005: Drafted Johan Petro with the 25th selection in the 2005 NBA Draft.

6/28/2005: Drafted Mickaël Gelabale with the 48th selection in the 2005 NBA Draft.

8/24/04: Re-signed Damien Wilkins to a five-year, $15,000,000 contract.

Anonymous said...

The Seattle Seahawks don't need to waste a bunch of money on a starting left defensive tackle like Corey Simon, since they've already got Chartric Darby. Of course, though, if Rashard Moore is placed on injured reserve, while Robert Bernard and Craig Terrill keep sucking, then the Seahawks are in need of a couple solid backups along the defensive interoir. However, if Moore is alright and either Bernard or Terrill can pick it up, the it should be all good there on that front for the 'hawks.

In other news, though, the Seahawks have some god-awful backup defensive ends (i.e., Jeb Huckeba, Joe Tafoya, Alain Kashama, Kevin Emanuel, & Christian Mohr), and are, within the next week-'n'-half, in dire need of picking up some waiver-wire claims to patch the pash-rushing game.

Oh yeah, and Black, why are you upset with my choice of words? I mean, come on, it isn't as if you don't use a couple of decent terms -- which does not mean that either one of us is a pretentious son of a bitch -- now and again; consequently, you ought to be backing me up, rather than throwin' my ass into the fire. Lastly, there is a reason that I'm not some executive for a sports franchise, and it's 'cause I'm an uneducated dumbass who's got some 'xtremely crazy idea 'bout some things regardin' transactions -- which I'm more than f***ing aware of, mind y'all -- thus, I don't see where anyone can get off on believing that I'm arrogant, since I totally recognize that we're all on equal ground.

Anonymous said...

Why don't you all get a room instead of squatting on this sight. It would be nice to see some new folks here. All I've seen for the last two weeks is you hens clucking all day.

Anonymous said...

Thank you hss! I still don't get all the Wilkins hype. He's already as old as Rashard, yet folks talk like he's some kid. He's not going to get much better people, and he certainly shouldn't be considered an essential part of this team. I can live with 3mil/yr for a solid role player though.

Anonymous said...

As it is, the Detroit Pistons signing of Maurice Evans to a three-year, $4.5 million contract was an absolute steal.

At any rate, though, Evans, 26, is only 14 months older than Damien Wilkins, 25, and they are both at the same point in the development of their careers.

Ultimately, however, if the Seattle Supersonics keep Rashard Lewis and re-sign Vladimir Radmanovic, then Wilkins will most likely, due to a lack of playing time, flounder as poorly as Ansu Sesay did three years ago.

Anyways, rather than having had just selected center Robert Swift with the 12th pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, Rick Sund should've still taken Swift, but instead traded their draft rights of him to Boston -- since the Celtics V.P. of Basketball Op., Danny Ainge, was enamored with him -- for the draft rights of power forward Al Jefferson, along with [if possible] the draft rights of point guard Delonte West, as well as [if possible] the draft rights of shooting guard Tony Allen, and [if possible] the draft rights of power forward Justin Reed.

Lastly, as it concerns center Johan Petro, Sund should've passed on drafting him with the 25th pick in the 2005 NBA Draft; instead, he ought to have had selected power forward Wayne Simien.

Anonymous said...

Ya diezel....

but you also think the Sonics should have used the amnesty clause on Fortson to open up cap space.

AK, I read the contract on Radman, I just don't know why the Sonics would compromise up 9 million dollars on Vlad when there's no reason to do it. That's what happens when you go from 5/42 to 6/42.

Food for thought.

Anonymous said...

What are you talking about?

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry, but that post isn't anywhere close to "english."

Anonymous said...

I, too, could go over the numerous times wherein I was treated with prejudice -- due to my scraggly serial killer looks, crystal meth addict esque thiness (6'4", 160lbs), and child rapist esque long, stringy hair -- yet, I don't bitch and moan about it.

Hell, for whatever goddamn reason, I take some pride in being thought of negatively in a unjustly biased manner, while simulatenously defeating the generalized stereotypes that have been labeled upon people of my appearance-based ilk.

In the end, ultimately, it doesn't f***ing matter if a majority of folks think poorly of you -- even if it leads to, in the most extreme instance, your death and possible martyrdom -- 'cause it's all 'bout what you and the people who you care 'bout understand and comprehend.

Good Times,
AK

P.S.: I will say, however, that the article is spot on regarding the unawarely smug nature of both conservatives and liberals in the Seattle area; thus, I urge all of you to vote Libertarian -- whenever it's possible -- come the next general election.

P.S.S: The article is also correct about how people with military experience are improperly deified; though, I blame that more on sociological issues concerning the human race more so than anything else.

Anonymous said...

I see that the hens are still here. Go someplace else squatters. Nobody posts here anymore because of you.

Anonymous said...

Hey Locke!

How come that poll about whether or not we should sign Damien Wilkins is still on the website?
Isn't that last weeks story. Need to better update this site.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, just like in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, the inmates are running the asylum.

Anonymous said...

. . . to get back to sports (imagine that), from realgm.com:

Sonics Sign Mikki Moore
31st August, 2005 - 2:03 pm
Sonics Press Release - The Seattle SuperSonics today signed 7-0 center Mikki Moore, Sonics General Manager Rick Sund announced. As per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“We’re pleased to have Mikki in a Sonics uniform,” said Sund. “Mikki’s length and his ability to run the floor complements the Sonics’ style of play and gives us added depth at both the center and forward positions.”

Last season, Moore’s eighth in the NBA, he appeared in 74 games with the L.A. Clippers, averaging 5.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 15.9 minutes. He shot 50.2 percent from the floor and 78.7 percent from the foul line. Moore started four games and scored in double figures on 17 occasions, including a career-high 18 points in two separate games. Moore recorded a career-high 14 rebounds vs. the L.A. Lakers last season on Dec. 11, 2004.

Anonymous said...

Mikki Moore? Not much of an insurance policy and one of the least sexy signings all summer. Does the FO have any confidence in Swift this season?

Hey, you hens should check out myspace.com. It's what all the cool kids are doing, and signing up will take just a little more effort than squatting here all day.

Anonymous said...

hey diezel made any nikes lately??

Anonymous said...

Fag? You mean like James Baldwin? Nice job epitomizing the dumb, urban, negro stereotype.

Anonymous said...

Black,

I was watching the news last night about the storm in New Orleans and a mass exodus of people leaving. Was that you standing on your roof with waving for someone to rescue you? I could have sworn it was you, no teeth and shaggy!!!LOL

Anonymous said...

Simon signed with the Colts.

I'm happy with the Warrick signing...although we need much more help on defense.

Warrick reminds me alot of Bobby Engram...we should be able to move the chains on 3rd down.

I hope his knee is actually healthy.

Anonymous said...

Black,
Go to www.blogspot.com and get your own blog. It's free. That way you can talk sports here and leave the social commentary at www.angryblackseatttleresident.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

No, just you, I don't like your kind.

Anonymous said...

Alan Henderson is 6'9" and has played most of his career in Atlanta. And then there's the matter of the gun charge. Why would Seattle want him? I don't think this is a great signing, but at least Moore has size and can hit a FT. Plus this gives Swift someone to practice with if the Sonics send Petro to the NDBL.

Anonymous said...

Now that's tenacity. You got completely punked by the "administrator" a few hours ago, and now your pretending nothing happened. Sucker!

Anonymous said...

Anyone who posts as anonymous,


Please go somewhere else. This blog is for people who log on with actual names. I didn't "punk" anyone I simply made a suggestion. I have the same sentiment for all anonymous bloggers. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Sorry, I was talking out of my ass. This isn't my blog, and obviously being anonymous is a option here. In fact, names in general are meaningless here. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Well somebody has to win the NW Division. Of course, George Karl teams tend to get a lot of regular season wins, but Denver isn't a lock. Camby's been healthy for what two straight seasons? That's a record. And I don't see any reason to believe that Minnesota, Memphis or Golden State will be better than the Sonics this year.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone out there know what happened to Keon Clark?

Anonymous said...

Yeah, he's having unprotected sex with Myks' mom. She loves huge black ones. ask black, he knows.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I actually agree with you on your last comment.

Anonymous said...

NICE GAME HUSKIES, YOU F"ING LOSERS!!! YOU GUYS SHOULD JOIN THE NAIA FOR A FEW YEARS. YOU'RE MAKING THE PAC-10 LOOK BAD.

Anonymous said...

Ban the Black!!!!

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