Last week in the Seattle-pi, I wrote about the Sonics keeping their core together. In response their was a lot of discussion of why I included Radmanovic in the core. I think people are forgetting how valuable Vlady Radmanovic is for the Seattle Supersonics. What has been forgotten in Vlady is what makes the Sonics unique.
Vlady does things that no power forward in the NBA does. He runs like a deer. He is dramatically more athletic then anyone realizes. In fact, he may be the best athlete on the team. He stretches the floor with his three point shooting. His post defense is better then he is given credit for.
His floor presence opens up the game for Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. I would argue that Allen and Lewis’s big years were directly related to their time on the floor with Vlady.
Interestingly enough the player that has to have Vlady around is Reggie Evans. If Evans is on the floor with another big most of his game is negated. His presence clogs the offense when there is another big on the floor and his rebounding dips because the other teams has three or four players around the boards. However, when he is on the floor with Vlady he has one on one rebounding match-ups because the floor is spread.
Numbers tell the dependency on Vlady for Evans. 82games.com charts the +/- rating for playing pairs. (How the team does when two players are on the floor together).Evans is a negative with every big except when on the floor with Vlady they are the best playing pair on the roster (ignoring the limited time James and Fortson played together only 5 minutes).
Using more of the playing pairs data and Radmanovic’s importance to the Sonics is even clearer. Allen’s best playing pair is Radmanovic. Lewis’s best playing pair is Radmanovic. Ridnour’s best playing pair is Radmanovic. Collison’s best playing pair was Radmanovic. You get the point.
In 59 games when the Sonics had Lewis, Allen and Radmanovic on the floor together they outscored their opponent in 42 of those. That is the triumphant that makes the Sonics a unique team.
Vlady needs to improve on two areas of his game. He needs to be a better rebounder and he needs to get to the free throw line. The rebounding can improve, but I doubt it will ever be a strength. I would envision a Rashard Lewis type rebounder. The increase at the free throw line will come. It is inevitable as he understands the game, improves his ball handling and starts to get a better reputation with officials.
There is no doubt the Vlady is a part of the core of this team. Most importantly he is what makes the team unique.
Seed Newsvine
35 comments:
If Vladi is so vital to other core Sonics' effectiveness, why not get the deal done? What's the magic money number that will seal the deal?
I agree with you and Mr. Black on this.. we need Vlady... the statement on Kemp is interesting.. I was thinking the same thing when I saw that article in the Times the other day. They could have a contest each game to see who would foul out first... Kemp or Fortson!
Come on Deizl Lewis became a pretty good low post scorer last year and when VR is on the floor he really plays the 4 with VR at the 3. In addition the LR,RA,RL,VR and NC line-up is the best 5 but that doesn't mean it should start. I think it should finish games and play time together, but exactly as kel said the early foul trouble on NC would be brutal. Here is what makes that line-up brillant. Most teams that are behind have to match-up to their opponent with that line-up even if the Sups are behind it is so deadly that teams still have to match or their lead will desipate.
I agree with everything Locke has to say about Rad-Man, but I don't see any way Valde stays here in the long run. Comming off the bench doesn't work for him and I think he would improve his game with more playing time. So how can he be part of your core, if it's only for one year? 4 of your 5 core starters are set, Ray, Luke, Rashard and Nick. Valde can play center and doesn't want to be the 6th man.
The question seems to me to be, is it worth it to pay Vlade for one year and lose his for nothing or is it a better course of action to find a sign and trade? Vlade is a great player, but I don't want someone who doesn't want to be here, in the role the Sonics have in mind.
If the Sonics go the sign and trade route, the Bucks have been mentioned, so why not try and get Desmond back. He can back up Rashard and Ray, eliminating the need to spend absurd amounts on Wilkens. (I like what I saw in the playoffs, but I need to see a lot more before I pay more than $1 Mill/yr). That also gives the Bucks more felxibility with Valde swinging between the 3 and the 4 while Simmons swings between the 3 and the 2.
If Kemp really looks ready and it doens't cost the Sonics anything, why not invite him to camp? However, you have to consider who he will take minutes away from. And he certainly doesn't solve your need for a starting center. Swifty, hopefully, is ready to be #2, but he ain't starting material yet. Then you have to apportion minutes to Collison, Fortson and, hopefully, a resigned Evans. If you are looking for someone to contribute, Kemp must be better than those guys because that is who he will be taking minutes from. The last time Kemp played, he wasn't better than any of them.
As for back up point guard, Conroy is not ready for prime time version of Brevin Knight. Can run a team, good D, no O. So why not get Knight?
If we are going to sign a Dawg, Tre Simmions is the better option. He brings something we don't currently have, 3-point shooting off the bench. But you have to be sure these guys are ready to play in the NBA, and most good college players are not.
I'm not wild about Flip comming back. He doesn't bring enough to the table to spend a lot of money on. Furthermore, he needs more playing time to be consistant. With Ray in the fold, Flip won't get it.
Now that I have gotten all my opinions about the Sonics off my chest, this is a cool blog site. Generally thoughtful opinions. Good to meet y'all.
Radman needs to stay. It should be obvious based on the stats that have been thrown out here. He and Lew might be a bit redundant but it works and it works well!
I would love to see Evans back and if the price is right Poto. I'm not crazy about Flip and would rather see a sign and trade with him. Locke, what are the options out there for a Flip sign & trade?
Beyond that I feel we need a big who can be counted on for fouls and boards plus a backup PG/SG.
Does anyone know how Miles (the Kansas PG) is doing in Summer League? Or if Cleeves has brought his game up at all?
You've come a long way from claiming that Vlady's continued presence here was soley a result of the Sonics being awed by a pre-draft workout.
Wow, damn near every Sonic is best with Vlady on the floor! That is impressive.
Now for a question about the Sonics "core". Most teams have a core of 2 or 3 players. Is the Sonics core really 4 or 5 deep (Allen, Lewis, Vlady, Luke and maybe Collison in the future). Is this possible or does it just feel like this b/c we are too close to be objective?
Tradguy2
I'm suprised that no one has mentioned trading Rashard and starting Vlade at the 3.
Would Chicago bite on a Rashard for Chandler swap?
1 Luke
2 Ray
3 Vlad
4 Nick
5 Tyson C.
If we can sign Vlade to a relatively smaller sized deal then I think we'll be fine, but it's hard for me to see paying a back up (one that will get good minutes no doubt) a ton of money.
Another problem is when we run into a big team how much will Vlade play the 4. There's a few matchup problems that I could see developing. The main thing is bringing in a big center who can guard a TD, KG, etc. Then Vlade can get more minutes.
I'd love to get him back, don't get me wrong. In the right situation it would be great and I hope the Sonics get it done. Remember AD is gone too. If you keep Reggie and Radman and you got collison it leaves you in a hard position. With so much up in the air it's hard to say what to do right now.
So if you keep Reggie then Vlade might have to go, as much as that might hurt.
I think your opinoin on Radmonovich is correct.. But I think the sonics need a big man, what about Antione Walker in a sign & trade? Could it work?
The only justifiable way in which the Sonics should bring back Vladimir Radmanovic is if he agrees to the one-year tender for $3,166,155. There is no legitimate reason behind giving Radmanovic, whose game duplicitous to Rashard Lewis, a long-term deal.
Now, regarding more possibilites with trading Radmanovic, the thought of moving him to the New Orleans Hornets seems like the best idea. Again, as I've mentioned before, the Hornets have looked to move Jamaal Magloire (11.7 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 1 bpg, & +12.96 eff.), who would be an amazing player as the Sonics in the middle for 32 minutes or so a night; Magloire could probably be obtained in a sign-&-trade for Radmanovic and the team's 2006 first-round draft pick (lottery protected).
Another team that may be interested in Radmanovic might be the Cleveland Cavaliers. Presently, the Cavs are looking to make small forward LeBron James happy by getting rid of power forward Drew Gooden, 24. Last season, Gooden was amazing (14.4 ppg, 9.2 rpg, .93 bpg, +18.89 eff.); yet, his attitude caused problems with both the coaching staff and fellow teamates. As of right now, it appears as if the Cavaliers are using Gooden as traid bait in an attempt to acquire Clipper point guard Marko Jaric; however, if Jaric either re-signs with Los Angeles or chooses to go elsewhere, then that makes Gooden readily available.
Therefore, the Sonics could re-up Radmanovic to a long-term deal that he and his agent are looking for -- which would be worth approximately $48 million over 6 years -- and subsequently sign-&-trade him and the club's 2006 first-round draft pick (lottery protected) to Cleveland, where he would become their starting power forward, for Gooden ($4,065,811), along with salary-cap compling spare parts in small forward Luke Jackson ($1,955,160) and shooting guard Aleksander Pavlovic ($1,274,160); this move would not only solve the Sonics frontcourt problems, but also their reserve swingman issues.
The following are some reasons which prove that Antoine Walker sucks: 42.2% fg, 32.3%, 3-p 53.9% ft, 22.37 fg at. per 48 min., & 3.29 tpg; he's also an extremely soft player on both offense and defense.
In other news, why are you all talking about Shawn Kemp, Tre Simmons, and Will Conroy? None of them are ever going to do -- from this point forward, in the case of Kemp -- anything worthwhile. Besides, Walker and Kemp hate one another, Simmons is going to training camp with the Atlanta Hawks in attempt to earn a roster spot that he probably won't get, and Conroy is just going through the motions for the Los Angeles Lakers summer league team until he realizes that he'll be stuck playing in either the ABA, CBA, NBDL, or USBL for the next few years.
Why isn't RA bringing in the FAs?
I'd rather have Vlade than Lewis, too. You just know that Lewis is going to opt out of his contract next year and demand Ray type money. He's not worth it. The Sonics could fill their long term SF needs for good by signing Vlade now.
Also the Sonics aren't going to sign Walker or Magliore. If Walker is playing for 5 mil, then he's going to a contender like the Heat. And Magliore is going to play in Toronto, which is why Toronto drafted Charlie Villanueva. I still think the best center prospect realistically available is Zaza Pachulia.
Collison is a good role player.. Lots of energy.. Somewhat undersized..
Ridenour: See above. The guy's so small, he's a liability defensively late in games, plus he gets so beat up his offense suffers as the game goes on..
Get a darned stud PF in there! Dalambert, Chandler, S Swift all would have made sense. What about C Taft in the draft? He wasn't worth a 2nd round pick?
Gas is right.. The M's.. The Sonics.. Both these teams were built around superstars when they won..
As far as Allen goes, it's it ol basketball lore that you don't give huge contracts to guards? Why need inside scoring!
Hey Diezel do you think that maybe Radmanovich's stats were down last year could be because he had a broken leg?
Why can't Lewis play the 4? Isn't that where all the Garnett clones end up?
a good post locke.
i would add though that radmanovic gets beat by his counterpart according to 82games.com pretty soundly on points and PER rating, regardless of which position he plays. and that somewhat offsets what he does to improve his teammates offense.
i advocate looking at team +/- rating minus individual counterpart
ratings. if you do that vlade still looks good but maybe not as special.
i have sometimes advocated playing vlade at center. he did that 15-20% of his time in 2002-3 and 2003-2004 but only about 2% of the time last year. the data sounds him get used on defense so it probably isnt a good thing for big minutes but that is a way you can play ridnour, allen, lewis, evans and radmanovic which optimizes the offense and optimizes evans on the boards too. they sonic seemed to go to this lineup mainly when they were behind at end of games but they could do it more if they dont end up with enough at center next year.
fehse signed a three contract in May to stay in germany. he is playing better but still nothing that significant.
three year contract
i think he averaged like 5 pts 4 rebs in 15 minutes but his team last year won a championship though a lower level one
diezel,
I think the Sonics drafting Petro will affect Swift's psyche, how can it not. The burning question is in what way will this affect it. Will it motivate him and push him to be better or plant seeds of doubt in his abilities? That's tough for anybody to get a read on when your analyzing a 19 year old.
Well, Swift is part japanese so would that qualify for black's diveristy quota?
how about the TheFreakinHugeBoner?
Nice posts Philthy. It's my understanding that Evans is unlikely to stay. Personally, I wouldn't be too upset. I like Ray a lot less when he whines about Bruce Bowen being a dirty player while having Reggie Evans as a teammate. Does Bruce pinch?
here is the citation: "Fehse re-signed with Braunschweig - May 20, 2005 - by Moritz Korff
Peter Fehse (210-C/F-83) signed a new contract with BS|Energy Braunschweig (1. Bundesliga). The youngster decided to stay in Braunschweig the next three seasons. In 04-05 Fehse played 6 games for BS|Energy and averaged 4.7 ppg. For cooperation-team SG FT/MTV Braunschweig he had 11.9 ppg and 7.1 rpg in 14 games of the 2. Bundesliga North and helped the team to its best result (6th) ever."
http://www.eurobasket.com/ger/ger.asp?NewsNo=12
Rebraca,a backup center and the LAC version of Jerome James,is signing for 4 mil/yr for 3 yrs.
Does Potapenko get this same deal?
If the Sonics are trying to contend for the champioship I don't think they should sign Potapenko. There are glaring holes on defense that should be addressed in order to contend.
This teams offense is not good enough to overcome its deficiency on defense. Over the last three years, the opposing teams field goal percentage has increased (44.7/ 45/ 45.9 %). Which would be fine, except the Sonics field goal percentage is less than the opposing teams FG % (43.7/ 44.6/ 44.4 %).
The Sonics make up for it because they make more free throws(+ 1/gm), make a higher amount of three point shots(+ 2.5/gm), and rebound more(+ 3/gm). While they have all those advantages it's not what matters most. Nearly all chamionship contenders have something in common. They have a higher FG % and they make more free throws than their opponents.
Looking at the 95-96 Sonics, they outscored their opponents by eight points/gm (104.5 - 96.7). What's interesting is that the opponent had more field goal attempts on average. In addition, the opponent had nearly as many free throw attempts and made three pointers. The biggest difference was the Sonics had an advantage of 4.2 % (48 - 43.8) from the field. Plus, the Sonics made two more free throws/gm than the opponent.
A big reason the Sonics won more games last year was due to the addition of Fortson, Collison, and the excellent year Evans played. The rebounding and point production increased at the center/power forward spots.
In 03/04 with Booth, James, Potapenko, and Evans playing 71 out of 96 minutes/gm they produced:
- .28 pt/m
- .24 rb/m
- .041 bl/m
- FTM: 4/gm
In 04/05 with Fortson, Collison, James, and Evans playing 75 out of 96 minutes/gm they produced:
- .31 pt/m
- .3 rb/m
- .031 bl/m
- FTM: 7/gm
Radmanovic in 03/04:
- .4 pt/m
- .176 rb/m
- .018 bl/m
- FTM: 1/gm
04/05:
- .4 pt/m
- .156 rb/m
- .017 bl/m
- FTM: 1/gm
To give comparison to an elite tandem of Wallace and Wallace(DET) playing 70 out of 96 minutes/gm they produced:
- .35 pt/m
- .29 rb/m
- .054 bl/m
- FTM: 3.5
With an improved defense the Sonics can get easier baskets on fast break opportunities. Another addition, the Sonics need is a true low post threat. Last year Lewis did improve his accuracy in the post, but he actually became more of an outside shooter than previous years. He improved his 3 pt% from 37.6 to 40. Also, he improved his 2 pt% from 46.3 to 49.9. In the seasons 02/03, 03/04, 04/05, Lewis shot 932, 843, and only 719 shots in 2 pt territory. Lewis isn't the low post threat the Sonics need.
Can Collison be that player? He would need to convert 5-6 out of 10 shots/gm, 4-5 foul shots/gm, and 8-10 rebounds/gm even to be considered. Can he do that? If he can do that, then Lewis and Allen should get some easier shots.
Lets say the Sonics could and would sign and trade: Evans, Wilkins, Flip, and Radmanovic. Could the Sonics get back players to make them better than last year?
What would those trades look like?
I read one idea that would work: A.Harrington for Radmanovic.
Here are some ideas(based from many of your ideas) that may work.
G.Wallace and B. Knight for Radmanovic and Flip.
Evans, Wilkins, and or a draft pick for:
D.Gadzuric(MIL) or
C.Kaman(LAC) or
J.Magloire(NOR)
The idea here is to get the first and second player(Wallace and Knight) off the bench to increase the defensive intensity and bring stability to the offense. In addition, sign a shooter in free agency like John Barry or Alan Houston.
1- Rid
2- Allen
3- Lewis
4- Collison
5- Gadzuric/Kaman/Magloire
-----
6- Wallace
7- Knight
8- Fortson
9- X(shooter)
10- Swift
11- Cleaves...
Still have rebounding and shooters, the defense has improved, and more inside scoring opportunities will be available.
Charlotte gets a 3 pt shooting SF and a backup guard.
The trade involving a center may need a third team involved. Otherwise, each team could use Evans. Wilkins may be wanted in LA and NO.
It's difficult to actually find a center that would be available and worth it. LAC and Milwaukee have extra, I would imagine they deal at some point. Also, it would be nice to get something in return for Evans, Radmanovic, Wilkins, and Flip.
If the Sonics keep pretty much the same team they'll be competing with the Jazz and Golden St. for the last two playoff spots. As of right now the Spurs, Suns, Rockets, Nuggets, Mavericks, and maybe the Kings and Warriors are better than the Sonics.
Have a good weekend!
While there is no doubt that VR belongs to a "core", his efficiency on the court depends greatly on passing/penetration skills of a pg playing with him as well as overall ball movement of whole unit. This will emphasize importance of quality pg backup for Luke. I don't think that's Flip's game.
I think to start VR@4 and NC@5 may work against some teams,hoping that RL's progress at post up game, we saw last season will continue.
Good weekend
Speaking of hypothetical trades, how is the feeling on Kevin Ollie's game? Could he fit in as AD's replacement? I understand that he hasn't provided value in line with his current contract but what's the chance of him getting back to the 02-03 level he showed here. I think the contract he signed in 2003 is a five year deal for $15.8 million with a team option for 2006-2007 season. So should the Sonics trade for him, he could be a nice short term fix for two seasons before the team option in his contract kicks in. Thoughts?
i doubt the sonics are about to trade away lewis. it'd tarnish the front office more if they don't stay loyal to their players now. i remember a couple years back they were hyping up that our core was desmase, lewis and radmanovic. and then they went off and traded desmase (man if only he had a consistant jumper) away. i guess it worked out well since we got luke, ray and flip. i just thunk that if the sonics were to once again trade off another piece of the core it'd be lewis. because he could land us a Tyson Chandler. that would be a good fit on our team. Chandler i hear plays with a lot of effort/heart, the only knock is his durability. whoever posted this first is on to something.
we can then plug in Radmanovic at 3 and collison at the 4 and chandler at the 5 and we're set. if our two 19 year old 7 footers can develop in 2-3 years, our rotation at tyhe 4-5 would be ridiclously insanely good. our front line would be stellar and a championship wouldn't be too farfetched.
once i do agree with black, give shawn kemp a chance. atleast invite him to training camp and see what he has left and if he does sign him to a contract with all the writings that would hold him from messing up his life again. just a thought
Philthy-
I didn't list all the reasons why the Sonics did well last year because it would take up too much time. But, I wanted to share a few things that I noticed.
According to my numbers:
Seattle: FGM(35.1) ~70.2 + 8.1 (3pt made)+ 20.5 (FTM) = ~98.8
opponent:FGM(35.8) ~71.6 + 5.7 (3pt made)+ 19.4 (FTM) = ~96.7
Seattle was (+ 3.1) in 3 pt shots made vs. the opponent in 03-04. In 04-05 they fell to (+ 2.4) 3pt made.
In 03/04, Seattle made 2.5 free throws/gm LESS than their opponents. In 04/05, they made 1.1 free throws/gm MORE than their opponents.
The Sonics became less of a three point shooting team(-.7) while increasing the points from the foul line(+ 3.6).
In 04-05, there were at least three teams that shot better than the Sonics from the 3pt territory.
PHX- 39.3 SEA- 36.5
MIA- 37.7 DAL- 36.4
SAC- 37.4 HOU- 36.4
You said "Why would Seattle do that?"
I'm sorry if I was not clear. Just to review, here is my premise:
"There are glaring holes on defense that should be addressed in order to contend."
The reason to execute the trades were to bring a more overall balance. I was hoping to spur some ideas, from everyone, in this area(more defense and balance vs. offense). Hence, I came up with some trades, not NECESSARILY ideal for both teams.
I think Radmanovic is overrated as player. In my previous post(s) I pointed out my reasons why. Trading him and Flip for Knight and Wallace was an idea to balance the team out. We gain defense and solid third guard. We lose a shooter and a pretender.
My other idea, again trying to intiate the idea of defense and balance, trading a 2/3 and a 4 for a center is not likely(but possible). Evans is wanted by many teams and could be wanted possibly by one of the teams I listed. In addition, I rate Wilkins potential higher than most here. Anyway, again I said a third team and draft pick may be necessary.
Do you think the Sonics are trying to build a contender? Do you think we need a decent center to contend? If so, who?
What are some options that could be available? We know Magloire is on the block. Also, Milwaukee and the LAC have many big men. That's what I went with, our pieces for their pieces.
In addition, going with Flip as our third guard would be a disaster - like not making the playoffs type of disaster! What teams would be willing to take the Sonics unsigned players for a decent third guard? If not Knight, then who? Please, don't even start with the Simmons or Conroy idea.
What's with the reach of Rashard Lewis becoming this low post threat? If anything, he became more of a 3 pt shooter last year.
In 02/03 he took 18.8% of his shots behind the 3 pt line. In 03/04, he took 31.2 % behind the 3 pt line. Last year, he took 37.7 % of his shots in the 3pt territory.
Kevin Ollie, may still have it, but probably not. Regardless, he's not worth the contract.
Philthy-
Please try to understand what I'm saying. I'll try again to tell you my point.
-I'm not saying Sonics need a dominate center.
-Sonics current center is Swift, who is not ready to start. Potapenko isn't the solution either.
-I'm not saying the Sonics acquire a center through free agency. I was talking about acquiring through trade. Again, who would you acquire as the starting center either through trade or FA?
-Yes, you're right this is not the only year of free agency. But there are several teams that have equal or less cap room than the Sonics and they've done a lot more than Seattle. Those teams are trying to put together a contender.
-"...but you honestly think Gerald Wallace is the answer?"
NO! He's not the answer. AGAIN, I never implied nor did I say this is THE guy. Besides looking at his numbers, you should watch this guy play. Numbers aren't everything. AGAIN, back to the premise, the Sonics need more defense and balance. This guy provides good defense.
- "...you don't build a championship contender over night."
You're right you don't. Also, you don't build it around one- dimensional shooters. In reference to your statement, at what point did the Sonics start building a championship? HS is in year five of his five year plan. Wally Walker has been here for 11 years. Do the Sonics go for the championship in 2 or 3 years? The odds are statistically that Allen is on the downside of his career. They better hurry up before its too late.
- Wallace is a RFA and Knight(I thought he was an RFA, but it looks like an UFA)
I wasn't looking to debate my trade possibilities. The ideas were there to spark other ideas - your ideas! Do you have any well thought ideas? Lets hear them. Apparently you just want to argue the point of how G.Wallace isn't good because he played on a poor team. Whatever...why make the same point again?
Please provide a little more logic and facts with your arguements. In addition, try to be accurate when responding about to my comments. I don't think you would like it if I kept twisting your words around. I hope your sincere with your comments.
Please, lets see your suggestions. Maybe you think the Sonics should stay the same. I dunno... would rather see that then to keep kicking the same dead dog around.
Regardless, I gotta go. I'll probably be gone for a few days. Hopefully, there will be some good news by the time I come back.
Take care.
I have read numerous plans and rumors regarding the Sonics and their players. Antoine Walker rumors, Dale Davis rumors, Jamaal Magloire rumors, etc.
I was looking over the Sonics roster and other team rosters and came up with my own little scenario.
1. Sign and trade Vlade Radmanovic and a 2nd round pick to Boston for C Mark Blount and PG Marcus Banks. Thoughts on this are as follows. Trading Vlade opens up minutes for Wilkins at back SF and gets rid of a player that doesn't want to be here. Acquiring Mark Blount would fill a need at starting center. Blount has excellent footwork and rebounding skills. While he is paid similar to Booth's contract, Blount would actually start and contribute. Blount is definately better than Jerome James and Vitaly. Marcus Banks is a tank of a PG and I think his size and bulk would be a nice changeup from Ridnour. He is a good passer and plays very good defense. It is rumored that Boston would like to move both of these players.
2. Sign and trade Ronald Murray to Denver for SG Demarr Johnson. It's true Murray has more offensive skills in terms of driving to the basket and finishing ability, but Johnson is more of a defensive player with adequate shooting skills that would be more of an asset than Murray. Johnson would spell Ray Allen and would bring hardnosed defensive pressure to the second unit. His shooting averages are pretty good and is more of a team player than Murray.
3. Re-sign Reggie Evans and Damien Wilkins. These are the Sonics hustle players and they need to be retained.
Under these ideas, the Sonics roster would look like this:
PG: Ridnour, Banks, Cleaves
SG: Allen, Johnson
SF: Lewis, Wilkins
PF: Collison, Evans, Fortson
C: Blount, Swift, Petro
the only part i dont like is that blount turns 30 in a couple months and has 5 years on the big contract. if it was 3 years i might say go for it but at 5 years sonic management won't.
diaw was only part of it. the suns mainly wanted the draft picks and trade exception. and they didnt want to take the bigger salary back of a better player. i think they got a lot actually under the circumstances.
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