Last night at 8:00 pm Nate McMillan left me a message telling me he had accepted the Portland Trailblazers 5 year offer to be their head coach. At the conclusion of the Storm game last night I spoke with Nate for about 10 minutes.
Here is how he explained his decision to move to Portland …..
More than anything else he wanted to thank the fans, thank the city and thank everyone who has given him 19 wonderful years in Seattle.
He said that after 19 years on the same stage it was time for a change. That he had made up his mind at the beginning of the season that it was time to move on. Throughout the year he prepared himself for the end of his time in Seattle. He mentioned that he fore shadowed this at the start of the season when he talk about “his last ride” with the Sonics.
He mentioned that this was an opportunity to see who he is as a head coach. A challenge outside of an organization he knows as well as Seattle.
I asked him what it was that Portland brought to the table. He mentioned an opportunity. He paralleled the Blazers today to where the Sonics were a few years ago. He said that he is young enough to take on the challenge and with a 5 year offer he could make it happen. He did agree that the difference is that Portland has no all-star.
He wouldn’t tell me about how much the contract was worth.
That is the gist of what Nate said. However, my sources out of Portland tell me the money difference between what Nate got from Portland and Seattle is negligible. This is shocking but according to my source the 5th year of the contract is a team option and the money doesn’t surpass six million a year until the final year which is non-guaranteed.
If this is accurate then one week ago when I spoke with Nate and he said it wasn’t about the money he was telling the truth. The difference in the Sonics offer and the Blazers offer is not significant when you account for state income tax.
So how come Nate left? What is really bizarre is that two weeks ago it was reported that the deal was close to being done and the word out of the McMillan camp was that the deal was close to getting done.
His message to me was that he wanted a new challenge. He wanted to prove himself somewhere new and he wanted to prove his value. It is clear that after 19 years of a relationship that scares lingered, no different then any relationship. However, for Nate some of them were significant enough to feel it was time for a change.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
WHERE DO THE SONCIS TURN?
The Sonics will now embark upon a coaching search. Howard Schultz is going to go get a guy that he believes can win a championship. Rumors around the NBA had Shultz interested in Phil Jackson when he was considering a return. If that is in fact true it tells you he will go to the top to find a championship man.
The early names that should be mentioned include Phoenix Suns assistant Marc Ivaroni, former Chicago Bulls Head Coach Doug Collins, Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo, former Maverick Head Coach Don Nelson and current Sonics assistant Bob Weiss.
Ivaroni was a lead candidate for the Blazers job until they hired Nate McMillan. Ivaroni has an established coaching back ground as an assistant. He has a strong relationship with Wally Walker.
Doug Collins and Don Nelson are both favorites of Sonics General Manager Rick Sund.
Tom Izzo has been floating his name around NBA circles for the last year or so. He has interested in both the Minnesota job and the Detroit job. He is a college mate of Howard Schultz and the two maintain contact today. Schultz has gone to Final Fours to support Izzo. College coaches generally fail in the NBA, however Izzo is thought of as one of the brightest names in the business.
Weiss is a far better coach then people realize and his role in the team’s success was larger then he is given credit for. Weiss has been a head coach in the NBA and has been stuck with some poor teams and had relative success. He knows the personnel and is at the core of the score early score late philosophy of this team. He is a much better candidate then the most people realize.
Finally what about Lorenzo Romar? He is an incredible man. He has played in the NBA and has shown his coaching talents. He could be a long-term answer.
The early names that should be mentioned include Phoenix Suns assistant Marc Ivaroni, former Chicago Bulls Head Coach Doug Collins, Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo, former Maverick Head Coach Don Nelson and current Sonics assistant Bob Weiss.
Ivaroni was a lead candidate for the Blazers job until they hired Nate McMillan. Ivaroni has an established coaching back ground as an assistant. He has a strong relationship with Wally Walker.
Doug Collins and Don Nelson are both favorites of Sonics General Manager Rick Sund.
Tom Izzo has been floating his name around NBA circles for the last year or so. He has interested in both the Minnesota job and the Detroit job. He is a college mate of Howard Schultz and the two maintain contact today. Schultz has gone to Final Fours to support Izzo. College coaches generally fail in the NBA, however Izzo is thought of as one of the brightest names in the business.
Weiss is a far better coach then people realize and his role in the team’s success was larger then he is given credit for. Weiss has been a head coach in the NBA and has been stuck with some poor teams and had relative success. He knows the personnel and is at the core of the score early score late philosophy of this team. He is a much better candidate then the most people realize.
Finally what about Lorenzo Romar? He is an incredible man. He has played in the NBA and has shown his coaching talents. He could be a long-term answer.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Locked on Sports: Allen's embrace graces Seattle
Locked on Sports: Allen's embrace graces Seattle: "Rejoice, you don't have to throw out another outdated jersey. Seattle sports fans have been jilted before. You have embraced and loved superstars only to have your heart broken and stomped on."
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
SONICS SIGN ALLEN -- THE BREAKDOWN
SONICS MANGEMENT STEPS UP.
Obviously it is an incredible day to be a Sonics fan. After much consternation and concern the Sonics management stepped up. Here is how it all came down.
• In early February the Sonics made a final offer to Ray Allen that was around $75 million dollars. It was about their third final offer. Lon Babby the agent of Ray Allen thought they were close and asked for a little up to $80 million at which point the Sonice never responded.
• The two sides talked again before the July 1 free agency but nothing came about.
• Therefore, Allen went out on the market. By Saturday Allen told the Sonics he had two offers and possibly a third that was in the range of $80 million.
• The NBA has a rule that allows a team to call another team and find out what they are offering. The rule is in place so that teams don’t have to totally rely on agents and what might be untruths from agents. Teams don’t have to tell, but it customary that they do. Therefore on Sunday the Sonics used their contacts to find out that the offers were legit.
• On Monday they called Lon Babby, Ray Allen’s agent and decided to end the process. Concerned that those two or three teams could actually push the price higher they came with a $80 million offer that could reach $85 with high end incentives and the deal was done.
• Ray Allen agreeded to a 5 year deal. It is really a sign of good management on both sides. The Sonics front office which was often been the victim of great ridicule deserves tremendous credit for how they handled this negotiation. True to their word Allen was their #1 priority and they answered the bell
WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE TEAM
This signing keeps the Sonics in the elite of the NBA. Allen is one of the truly special players in the NBA and he will carry this team to wins. It gives this team an identity to build around. The deal is a good deal. It allows the Sonics to still get done all of the other things they anticipated in the off-season. They should be able to match whatever offer comes in for Vlady. They should be able to sign a solid back-up to Luke, they should be able to make a choice between Reggie Evans or Jerome James or another front court player that is on the market.
The concern on the deal is how will Allen perform when he is 33 and 34 years old on the backside of this deal. History indisputably says that he will slide and struggle. If anyone can beat Allen would be the one, but I wouldn’t bank on that. Instead, the Sonics have positioned themselves so that as Allen ages, Ridnour, Collison, Lewis and Vlady all move into their prime and should be able to cover his weakening. It is an incredibly bright future for the Sonics.
FIRE UP !!! This is really a great day and a huge relief. The Sonics answered the bell. Allen wanted to stay. He has his team and that is what he wanted. Seattle has a superstar that they can embrace and is worthy of being embraced. The Soncis should be near the top of the West for the next half decade.
NATE
I would expect that Nate will be in the fold in the near future. As of 2:00 today the Sonics had not talked with Nate since he returned from his weekend in New York. Portland is putting on the full court press and Paul Allen is at the forefront of that full court press. Allen is telling Nate that he will be his man, that they will together take the Blazers to great heights. I wonder what Mike Holmgren would tell him about how that really plays out?
Bottom line on the Nate end is that the Sonics have done everything to make it a palatable return for Nate. They have offered very good money. They have re-signed the superstar that is at the core of the franchise. When I have talked with Nate he was very concerned about where the franchise was headed, would they step up, did they have a plan. Those questions have been answered now it is time for Nate to carry the Sonics to new heights as a head coach.
Obviously it is an incredible day to be a Sonics fan. After much consternation and concern the Sonics management stepped up. Here is how it all came down.
• In early February the Sonics made a final offer to Ray Allen that was around $75 million dollars. It was about their third final offer. Lon Babby the agent of Ray Allen thought they were close and asked for a little up to $80 million at which point the Sonice never responded.
• The two sides talked again before the July 1 free agency but nothing came about.
• Therefore, Allen went out on the market. By Saturday Allen told the Sonics he had two offers and possibly a third that was in the range of $80 million.
• The NBA has a rule that allows a team to call another team and find out what they are offering. The rule is in place so that teams don’t have to totally rely on agents and what might be untruths from agents. Teams don’t have to tell, but it customary that they do. Therefore on Sunday the Sonics used their contacts to find out that the offers were legit.
• On Monday they called Lon Babby, Ray Allen’s agent and decided to end the process. Concerned that those two or three teams could actually push the price higher they came with a $80 million offer that could reach $85 with high end incentives and the deal was done.
• Ray Allen agreeded to a 5 year deal. It is really a sign of good management on both sides. The Sonics front office which was often been the victim of great ridicule deserves tremendous credit for how they handled this negotiation. True to their word Allen was their #1 priority and they answered the bell
WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE TEAM
This signing keeps the Sonics in the elite of the NBA. Allen is one of the truly special players in the NBA and he will carry this team to wins. It gives this team an identity to build around. The deal is a good deal. It allows the Sonics to still get done all of the other things they anticipated in the off-season. They should be able to match whatever offer comes in for Vlady. They should be able to sign a solid back-up to Luke, they should be able to make a choice between Reggie Evans or Jerome James or another front court player that is on the market.
The concern on the deal is how will Allen perform when he is 33 and 34 years old on the backside of this deal. History indisputably says that he will slide and struggle. If anyone can beat Allen would be the one, but I wouldn’t bank on that. Instead, the Sonics have positioned themselves so that as Allen ages, Ridnour, Collison, Lewis and Vlady all move into their prime and should be able to cover his weakening. It is an incredibly bright future for the Sonics.
FIRE UP !!! This is really a great day and a huge relief. The Sonics answered the bell. Allen wanted to stay. He has his team and that is what he wanted. Seattle has a superstar that they can embrace and is worthy of being embraced. The Soncis should be near the top of the West for the next half decade.
NATE
I would expect that Nate will be in the fold in the near future. As of 2:00 today the Sonics had not talked with Nate since he returned from his weekend in New York. Portland is putting on the full court press and Paul Allen is at the forefront of that full court press. Allen is telling Nate that he will be his man, that they will together take the Blazers to great heights. I wonder what Mike Holmgren would tell him about how that really plays out?
Bottom line on the Nate end is that the Sonics have done everything to make it a palatable return for Nate. They have offered very good money. They have re-signed the superstar that is at the core of the franchise. When I have talked with Nate he was very concerned about where the franchise was headed, would they step up, did they have a plan. Those questions have been answered now it is time for Nate to carry the Sonics to new heights as a head coach.
BRET BOONE CUT -- A YEAR LATE
Bret Boone’s release. This is another example of terrible management by the Mariners. This is a move that should have been made in the off-season. Not making this move in the off-season shows a real lack of initiative and makes me wonder where the plan is. First off, on the field his play diminished greatly in 2004. His defense was no longer special, his bat lots its spark and his average slipped 30 points. Why anyone is surprised that the fall continued amazes me? Why do the Mariners always have to move a player a day late. The correct move was to turn second base over to Lopez when the year started. Moreover and maybe most importantly, Boone was a determinant in the clubhouse. As long as he existed in that clubhouse it was his clubhouse and every day he struggled the atmosphere in the clubhouse got worse. When the Mariners signed Beltre and Sexson it was time to turn the clubhouse over to the new guys. Instead the crossing of eras took place and it is the #1 reason why the Mariners are terrible again.
Boone had a great run in Seattle it just should have ended at the end of last season and no one had the premonition to get it done or no one had the guts.
Boone had a great run in Seattle it just should have ended at the end of last season and no one had the premonition to get it done or no one had the guts.
SHAWN ALEXANDER WHINING AGAIN
Whaaa, Whaa, Whaaa – Shawn Alexander – Whaaaa – let’s make this short and simple. Alexander will cost the Seahawks a game or two next year. He will holdout, come in out of rhythm and the Hawks will have to coddle him back into the lineup and it will cost them a game or two, he is a selfish taltened I guy and is downer to have on your team. Signing to a long term deal is a bad idea because running back die at some point and this hold out garbage is going to cost the Hawks games. It is just a lose-lose situation.
SONICS RE-SIGN RAY ALLEN
According to ESPN.com Ray Allen has re-signed with the Seattle Supersonics. Allen singed a deal that is very close to the 5 year $75 million dollar deal that the Sonics offered at the deadline and before the free agency period. The contract may push towards the $80 million mark.
Obviously, this is enormous for the Sonics future. This allows them to put the finishing pieces on their roster for 2005-06 with Ray Allen as the centerpiece.
In addition, this is the type of commitment that Nate McMillan was looking for from the Sonics. In my conversations with McMillan he was very concerned about where the Sonics were heading. This answers all the questions.
Give the Sonics tremendous credit for reading the market. The Sonics held strong to their offer on two fold. First, they read the market and realized that a 30-year-old shooting guard was not going to garner the maximum deal. Moreover, the Sonics set a plateau for how much they were willing to offer, because they didn’t want to over commit to one player and be unable to fill the rest of their roster. The Sonics held to that number and now should be able to re-sign the other players that they need to without putting themselves in luxury tax jeopardy.
Look for McMillan to re-sign in the near future. If McMillan does not want to return the signing of Allen will allow the Sonics to have their pick of whatever coach they would want.
Obviously, this is enormous for the Sonics future. This allows them to put the finishing pieces on their roster for 2005-06 with Ray Allen as the centerpiece.
In addition, this is the type of commitment that Nate McMillan was looking for from the Sonics. In my conversations with McMillan he was very concerned about where the Sonics were heading. This answers all the questions.
Give the Sonics tremendous credit for reading the market. The Sonics held strong to their offer on two fold. First, they read the market and realized that a 30-year-old shooting guard was not going to garner the maximum deal. Moreover, the Sonics set a plateau for how much they were willing to offer, because they didn’t want to over commit to one player and be unable to fill the rest of their roster. The Sonics held to that number and now should be able to re-sign the other players that they need to without putting themselves in luxury tax jeopardy.
Look for McMillan to re-sign in the near future. If McMillan does not want to return the signing of Allen will allow the Sonics to have their pick of whatever coach they would want.
Friday, July 01, 2005
A'S HUMILATE THE MARINERS
Compare the A’s and the Mariners and it will floor you. How is it possible that the A’s are so dramatically better then the Mariners and I mean in every way. The Mariners have every advantage in the world and instead they are getting smoked by the A’s.
For a while you could say they got lucky with the Big Three of Mulder, Hudson and Zito, but those days are over. The A’s are kicking the Mariners around in every aspect of the game. They develop talent, they improve as the year goes on, they acquire players to fill gaps, they find unsung players, they have an organization deep enough to fill gaps. They have built an organization that doesn’t have gaps. That is bad enough but when you consider hoe short-handed they are compared to the Mariners it is flabbergasting. The Mariners should send out an apology letter for incompetence.
The A’s have lost Mulder and Hudson, they have lost about every bullpen guy you can imagine, they have lost Giambi, Dye, Tejada and they are still better then the Mariners. Their organization has 1/3 the resources the Mariners have in player salary and organizational structure and they are thumping the Mariners. The A’s have young players that are developing up and down their roster. They have a star in Bobby Crosby, they have an offense that has come to life and the Mariners spend huge money and have the worst offense in the game. The A’s pitching staff looks imposing. Harden, Blanton and Saarloos are all improving while Meche, Pinero and whoever else you want to choose are stagnating or fading from out site. It is completely embarrassing!!!!!
The A’s have a legitimate future, the Mariners have a future based on unrealistic optimism that is based in a myth.
For a while you could say they got lucky with the Big Three of Mulder, Hudson and Zito, but those days are over. The A’s are kicking the Mariners around in every aspect of the game. They develop talent, they improve as the year goes on, they acquire players to fill gaps, they find unsung players, they have an organization deep enough to fill gaps. They have built an organization that doesn’t have gaps. That is bad enough but when you consider hoe short-handed they are compared to the Mariners it is flabbergasting. The Mariners should send out an apology letter for incompetence.
The A’s have lost Mulder and Hudson, they have lost about every bullpen guy you can imagine, they have lost Giambi, Dye, Tejada and they are still better then the Mariners. Their organization has 1/3 the resources the Mariners have in player salary and organizational structure and they are thumping the Mariners. The A’s have young players that are developing up and down their roster. They have a star in Bobby Crosby, they have an offense that has come to life and the Mariners spend huge money and have the worst offense in the game. The A’s pitching staff looks imposing. Harden, Blanton and Saarloos are all improving while Meche, Pinero and whoever else you want to choose are stagnating or fading from out site. It is completely embarrassing!!!!!
The A’s have a legitimate future, the Mariners have a future based on unrealistic optimism that is based in a myth.
IS BRYAN PRICE THAT GOOD?
Another thought came to me as the Mariners were getting humiliated by the A’s. Sure we can throw everyone under the bus after this type of week, but one in specific I was wondering about. What happened to the brilliance of Bryan Price? His staff walks 9 guys yesterday. Pineiro and Meche have not developed or improved at all. Freddy Garcia leaves and is a stud again. None of the young guys that came to the team last year improved or settled down under the tutelage of Bryan Price. This guy was supposed to be the genius. I think he is probably a good pitching coach and the pitching staff has done a decent job this season considering what we anticipated, but all of the things that Price was being giving these oddles and oddles of credit for haven’t happened in 2 and half years. Moreover, the organization that he is charge of is destroying pitchers at an alarming rate compared to the amount they develop.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
THE MOST RECENT NEWS
According to sources, the Jazz and Blazers deal has been finalized. The Jazz will recieve the #3 pick. The Blazers will get the #6 and #27 from the Jazz and a first round pick in the future. No players are involved.
The Jazz are likely to select Chris Paul, despite the major speculation on Deron Williams.
The Blazers will likely take either Martell Webster or high schooler Andrew Bynum.
The Jazz are likely to select Chris Paul, despite the major speculation on Deron Williams.
The Blazers will likely take either Martell Webster or high schooler Andrew Bynum.
TWO MOCK DRAFT SCENARIOS
Here are the two scenarios that are being banded about the league as of 2:30
SCENARIO #1
1. Milwaukee – Andrew Bogut
2. Atlanta – Marvin Williams
3. Utah – Chris Paul
4. New Orleans – Deron Williams
5. Charlotte – Charlie Villanueva
6. Portland– Martell Webster
7. Toronto – Danny Granger
8. New York – Channing Frye
9. Golden State – Hakim Warrick --
10. LA Lakers – Gerald Green ---
11. Orlando – Antonio Wright --
12. LA Clippers – Rashad McCants
13. Charlotte – Raymond Felton
14. Minnesota – Francisco Garcia
15. New Jersey – Sean May
16. Toronto – Andrew Bynum
17. Indiana – Jarrett Jack
18. Boston – Yaroslav Korolev
19. Memphis -- Andray Blatche
20. Denver – Joey Graham
21. Phoenix – Johan Petro
22. Denver – Roko Ukic
23. Sacramento – Martynas Andriuskevicius (andrus-kavious)
24. Houston– Ike Diogu
25. Seattle – Luther Head
26. Detroit – Fran Vazquez
27. Portland– Wayne Simien
28. San Antonio – some French power forward
29. Miami – Nate Robinson
30. New York – Monta Ellis
SCENARIO #2
1. Milwaukee – Andrew Bogut
2. Atlanta – Marvin Williams
3. Utah – Chris Paul
4. New Orleans – Deron Williams
5. Charlotte – Raymond Felton
6. Portland– Martell Webster
7. Toronto – Gerald Green
8. New York – Channing Frye
9. Golden State – Ike Diogu
10. LA Lakers – Fran Vasquez
11. Orlando – Danny Granger
12. LA Clippers – Hakim Warrick
13. Charlotte – Charlie Villanueva
14. Minnesota – Francisco Garcia
15. New Jersey – Rashad McCants
16. Toronto – Andrew Bynum
17. Indiana – Sean May
18. Boston – Jarrett Jack
19. Memphis -- Andray Blatche
20. Denver – Yaroslav Korolev
21. Phoenix – Johan Petro
22. Denver – Roko Ukic
23. Sacramento – Joey Graham
24. Houston– Luther Head
25. Seattle – Martynas Andriuskevicius (andrus-kavious)
26. Detroit – Julis Hodge
27. Portland– Wayne Simien
28. San Antonio – some French power forward
29. Miami – Nate Robinson
30. New York – Monta Ellis
SCENARIO #1
1. Milwaukee – Andrew Bogut
2. Atlanta – Marvin Williams
3. Utah – Chris Paul
4. New Orleans – Deron Williams
5. Charlotte – Charlie Villanueva
6. Portland– Martell Webster
7. Toronto – Danny Granger
8. New York – Channing Frye
9. Golden State – Hakim Warrick --
10. LA Lakers – Gerald Green ---
11. Orlando – Antonio Wright --
12. LA Clippers – Rashad McCants
13. Charlotte – Raymond Felton
14. Minnesota – Francisco Garcia
15. New Jersey – Sean May
16. Toronto – Andrew Bynum
17. Indiana – Jarrett Jack
18. Boston – Yaroslav Korolev
19. Memphis -- Andray Blatche
20. Denver – Joey Graham
21. Phoenix – Johan Petro
22. Denver – Roko Ukic
23. Sacramento – Martynas Andriuskevicius (andrus-kavious)
24. Houston– Ike Diogu
25. Seattle – Luther Head
26. Detroit – Fran Vazquez
27. Portland– Wayne Simien
28. San Antonio – some French power forward
29. Miami – Nate Robinson
30. New York – Monta Ellis
SCENARIO #2
1. Milwaukee – Andrew Bogut
2. Atlanta – Marvin Williams
3. Utah – Chris Paul
4. New Orleans – Deron Williams
5. Charlotte – Raymond Felton
6. Portland– Martell Webster
7. Toronto – Gerald Green
8. New York – Channing Frye
9. Golden State – Ike Diogu
10. LA Lakers – Fran Vasquez
11. Orlando – Danny Granger
12. LA Clippers – Hakim Warrick
13. Charlotte – Charlie Villanueva
14. Minnesota – Francisco Garcia
15. New Jersey – Rashad McCants
16. Toronto – Andrew Bynum
17. Indiana – Sean May
18. Boston – Jarrett Jack
19. Memphis -- Andray Blatche
20. Denver – Yaroslav Korolev
21. Phoenix – Johan Petro
22. Denver – Roko Ukic
23. Sacramento – Joey Graham
24. Houston– Luther Head
25. Seattle – Martynas Andriuskevicius (andrus-kavious)
26. Detroit – Julis Hodge
27. Portland– Wayne Simien
28. San Antonio – some French power forward
29. Miami – Nate Robinson
30. New York – Monta Ellis
LATEST NEWS + RUMORS ON THE NBA DRAFT
SONICS FANS PLAYERS NAMES YOU WANT TO HEAR BEFORE THE #25
• CJ Miles
• Monta Ellis
• Roko Ukic
• Marko Illic
• Chris Taft
• Wayne Simien
• Audray Blatche
LIKELY PICKS
• Luther Head is being talked about at 19 to Memphis or 24 to Houston and is unlikely to get to Seattle.
• Roko Ukic is still strong talk going 16 to Toronto
• The Clippers at 12 will likely take either Rashad McCants or Raymond Felton. This means that they will pass on Yaroslav Korolev who many had thought they promised.
• Charlotte wants to leave the draft with Charlie Villanueva and Raymond Felton. Therefore, they may take Villanueva at #5 to secure him.
• Talk is the Spurs have made a promise to a French Power Forward that will surprise people with their first round pick. Will this be another Spurs special.
• Boston will not be taking Monta Ellis as many people have speculated.
• Nate Robinson’s name is strong in Phoenix at #21.
• Ike Diogu is slipping but most people think he can’t get by the #21 pick at Phoenix.
• Hakim Warrick likely will go #9 to Golden State but if he slips he won’t get by the #15 pick of New Jersey.
RUMORED DEALS
• Denver has both #20 and #22 and is talking with the Clippers about acquiring the #12 pick of the draft. IMPACT: The Clippers have reportedly promised Yaroslav Korolev with the #12 pick. It would be unlikely that Korolev would get past Indiana #17.
• Portland will move the #3 pick of the draft. There are two options that seem most likely. According to a good source in the NBA the most likely is the Jazz acquiring the #3 pick and Ruben Patterson. Patterson has said he won’t report. The Blazers would get the #6 pick and Gordan Giricek and Kirk Snyder. Under this scenario the Jazz would take a point guard. Most people believe it to be Deron Williams, but I have heard from inside the league that it would be Chris Paul. The Blazers at #6 would take either Martell Webster or Andrew Bynum
• The other Blazers scenario is that Charlotte moves the #5 and the #13 pick for the #3 pick. I will be surprised if Charlotte makes this deal as an expansion team two first round picks would seem more important than one player. The Bobcats would take either Paul or Williams at the #3 pick and the Blazers would take Martell Webster at the #5 and see if Bynum would slip to #13 which seems unlikely with the Lakers at #10.
• Every indication I have is that the Utah/Portland deal is the one that will happen.
DRAFT POSITION ISSUES
• Ike Diogu cancelled workouts with Boston who sits at #18 and Memphis would sits at #19. He cited fatigue, however it leads you to believe he has been promised above #18 in the draft. However, Locked on Sports latest projection has him at #21 to Phoenix.
• Chris Taft’s, power forward from Pittsburg, final two workouts were with Seattle and Houston. Taft has not been impressive and is likely to slip out of the first round.
• CJ Miles
• Monta Ellis
• Roko Ukic
• Marko Illic
• Chris Taft
• Wayne Simien
• Audray Blatche
LIKELY PICKS
• Luther Head is being talked about at 19 to Memphis or 24 to Houston and is unlikely to get to Seattle.
• Roko Ukic is still strong talk going 16 to Toronto
• The Clippers at 12 will likely take either Rashad McCants or Raymond Felton. This means that they will pass on Yaroslav Korolev who many had thought they promised.
• Charlotte wants to leave the draft with Charlie Villanueva and Raymond Felton. Therefore, they may take Villanueva at #5 to secure him.
• Talk is the Spurs have made a promise to a French Power Forward that will surprise people with their first round pick. Will this be another Spurs special.
• Boston will not be taking Monta Ellis as many people have speculated.
• Nate Robinson’s name is strong in Phoenix at #21.
• Ike Diogu is slipping but most people think he can’t get by the #21 pick at Phoenix.
• Hakim Warrick likely will go #9 to Golden State but if he slips he won’t get by the #15 pick of New Jersey.
RUMORED DEALS
• Denver has both #20 and #22 and is talking with the Clippers about acquiring the #12 pick of the draft. IMPACT: The Clippers have reportedly promised Yaroslav Korolev with the #12 pick. It would be unlikely that Korolev would get past Indiana #17.
• Portland will move the #3 pick of the draft. There are two options that seem most likely. According to a good source in the NBA the most likely is the Jazz acquiring the #3 pick and Ruben Patterson. Patterson has said he won’t report. The Blazers would get the #6 pick and Gordan Giricek and Kirk Snyder. Under this scenario the Jazz would take a point guard. Most people believe it to be Deron Williams, but I have heard from inside the league that it would be Chris Paul. The Blazers at #6 would take either Martell Webster or Andrew Bynum
• The other Blazers scenario is that Charlotte moves the #5 and the #13 pick for the #3 pick. I will be surprised if Charlotte makes this deal as an expansion team two first round picks would seem more important than one player. The Bobcats would take either Paul or Williams at the #3 pick and the Blazers would take Martell Webster at the #5 and see if Bynum would slip to #13 which seems unlikely with the Lakers at #10.
• Every indication I have is that the Utah/Portland deal is the one that will happen.
DRAFT POSITION ISSUES
• Ike Diogu cancelled workouts with Boston who sits at #18 and Memphis would sits at #19. He cited fatigue, however it leads you to believe he has been promised above #18 in the draft. However, Locked on Sports latest projection has him at #21 to Phoenix.
• Chris Taft’s, power forward from Pittsburg, final two workouts were with Seattle and Houston. Taft has not been impressive and is likely to slip out of the first round.
Monday, June 27, 2005
THE 7 ON THE SONICS BOARD
Guards
Luther Head – Illinois. They really like this kid. Winner. Super decisions with the ball, quick first step, a little bit small to be a combo guard – If I had to guess this is my guess.
Jarrett Jack – Georgia Tech -- Sonics would be very pleased. Good scorer. Great size can play the 1 or the 2. Loose with the basketball and assists to turnover ratio is an issue. Minneosta could take as early as 14.
Nate Robinson – Washington --- They are legit in their like for him, they are concerned about how he fits on the roster. Could go anywhere from 22 to 50. There is a chance he could be their for the second round pick and that seems to be the mentality of most teams.
Julius Hodge – NC State – Legit three position player. Sonics believe in taking players late in the draft they can play multiple roles. If the player isn’t a starter then make sure he can play multiple roles. Pendergraf compares him to Nate. Can defend the 1,2 or 3. Has no shot. It is a really significant issue. Could slip to the 2nd round.
Forwards
Linas Kleiza – Missouri -- left after his sophomore year. Had the best workout of any of the players that worked out for the Sonics. Wowed them. He can play both the 3 or the 4, and is truly a 4, but a bit undersized at a questionable 6’8. Sonics believe that he can become a 3-4 type. Will be on the board. I believe he is higher on the Sonics board then most teams
Wayne Simein – Kansas – Much better shooter then people realizes. He can stretch the defense to about 15 or 17 feet. He had good rebounding numbers in college. A bit undersized. His durability was a problem at Kansas. Will it be an issue when he is in the NBA and is playing less minutes.
Martynas Andriuskevicius – Lithuania – If he is on the board the Sonics will take him. He is a 7 foot 2 Ralph Sampson type who is more of a 4 then a center. He runs well, has great hands. He is still a ways off, but it seems inconceivable that his talent can slip to Seattle. Denver with 20 and 22 will probably take him or Phoenix at 21.
Luther Head – Illinois. They really like this kid. Winner. Super decisions with the ball, quick first step, a little bit small to be a combo guard – If I had to guess this is my guess.
Jarrett Jack – Georgia Tech -- Sonics would be very pleased. Good scorer. Great size can play the 1 or the 2. Loose with the basketball and assists to turnover ratio is an issue. Minneosta could take as early as 14.
Nate Robinson – Washington --- They are legit in their like for him, they are concerned about how he fits on the roster. Could go anywhere from 22 to 50. There is a chance he could be their for the second round pick and that seems to be the mentality of most teams.
Julius Hodge – NC State – Legit three position player. Sonics believe in taking players late in the draft they can play multiple roles. If the player isn’t a starter then make sure he can play multiple roles. Pendergraf compares him to Nate. Can defend the 1,2 or 3. Has no shot. It is a really significant issue. Could slip to the 2nd round.
Forwards
Linas Kleiza – Missouri -- left after his sophomore year. Had the best workout of any of the players that worked out for the Sonics. Wowed them. He can play both the 3 or the 4, and is truly a 4, but a bit undersized at a questionable 6’8. Sonics believe that he can become a 3-4 type. Will be on the board. I believe he is higher on the Sonics board then most teams
Wayne Simein – Kansas – Much better shooter then people realizes. He can stretch the defense to about 15 or 17 feet. He had good rebounding numbers in college. A bit undersized. His durability was a problem at Kansas. Will it be an issue when he is in the NBA and is playing less minutes.
Martynas Andriuskevicius – Lithuania – If he is on the board the Sonics will take him. He is a 7 foot 2 Ralph Sampson type who is more of a 4 then a center. He runs well, has great hands. He is still a ways off, but it seems inconceivable that his talent can slip to Seattle. Denver with 20 and 22 will probably take him or Phoenix at 21.
LOCKED ON SPORTS: MOCK DRAFT
As of 10:00 pm June 27th, 2005
1. Milwaukee – Andrew Bogut
2. Atlanta – Marvin Williams
3. Utah – Chris Paul
4. New Orleans – Deron Williams
5. Charlotte – Martell Webster
6. Portland– Andrew Bynum
7. Toronto – Danny Granger
8. New York – Channing Frye
9. Golden State – Hakim Warrick
10. LA Lakers – Gerald Green
11. Orlando – Sean May
12. LA Clippers – Yaroslav Korolev
13. Charlotte – Raymond Felton
14. Minnesota – Francisco Garcia
15. New Jersey – Ike Diogu
16. Toronto – Roko Ukic
17. Indiana – Charlie Villaneuva
18. Boston – Johan Petro
19. Memphis -- Antonio Wright
20. Denver – Fran Vazquez
21. Phoenix – Martynas Adndriuskesius
22. Denver – Joey Graham
23. Sacramento – Jarett Jack
24. Houston– Wayne Simien
25. Seattle – Luther Head
26. Detroit – Ersan Ilyasova
27. Utah – CJ Miles
28. San Antonio – Julius Hodge
29. Miami – Andray Blatche
30. New York – Randolph Morris
1. Milwaukee – Andrew Bogut
2. Atlanta – Marvin Williams
3. Utah – Chris Paul
4. New Orleans – Deron Williams
5. Charlotte – Martell Webster
6. Portland– Andrew Bynum
7. Toronto – Danny Granger
8. New York – Channing Frye
9. Golden State – Hakim Warrick
10. LA Lakers – Gerald Green
11. Orlando – Sean May
12. LA Clippers – Yaroslav Korolev
13. Charlotte – Raymond Felton
14. Minnesota – Francisco Garcia
15. New Jersey – Ike Diogu
16. Toronto – Roko Ukic
17. Indiana – Charlie Villaneuva
18. Boston – Johan Petro
19. Memphis -- Antonio Wright
20. Denver – Fran Vazquez
21. Phoenix – Martynas Adndriuskesius
22. Denver – Joey Graham
23. Sacramento – Jarett Jack
24. Houston– Wayne Simien
25. Seattle – Luther Head
26. Detroit – Ersan Ilyasova
27. Utah – CJ Miles
28. San Antonio – Julius Hodge
29. Miami – Andray Blatche
30. New York – Randolph Morris
Friday, June 24, 2005
SONICS FANS 9 NAMES
Keep an eye on these 9 names for the Sonics selection at 25
Jarrett Jack
Luther Head
Nate Robinson
Julius Hodge
Alan Anderson
Joey Graham
Martynas Andriuskevicius
Wayne Simien
Linas Kleiza
Check back for some analysis on each player.
Jarrett Jack
Luther Head
Nate Robinson
Julius Hodge
Alan Anderson
Joey Graham
Martynas Andriuskevicius
Wayne Simien
Linas Kleiza
Check back for some analysis on each player.
JUNE 24'S LATEST NEWS + RUMORS ON THE NBA DRAFT
TRADE RUMORS
1) I am still hearing that the Lakers are going to acquire the 3rd pick of the draft from Portland. The Blazers would get Caron Butler and the #10 pick and the Lakers would get #3 pick and Rueben Patterson.
2) The Blazers are involved in another rumor as well. The Celtics moving Pierce for the #3 pick and Damon Stoudamire. The Blazers/Lakers deal seems stonger.
3) The Knicks/ Phoenix trade is still active.
LOCAL INTERESTS
• Marvin Williams is the #1 or #2 pick of the draft
• Martel Webster continues to float from #8 to #13
• Nate Robinson looks more and more like a second round pick. However, there is talk about him in the late first round. He is being banded about from 25 to 50. Nate tested as the #1 physical athlete at the Chicago camp. He measured at 5’7. Universally, everyone in the NBA thinks he can play and will play. Maybe not a rotation player, but an impact player at times. Moreover, they think he will have a long career. Yet, teams are reluctant to pull the trigger. The Sonics are considering him at 25.
• Ronny Turiaf played very well in Chicago and measured well. He will be drafted and could be a high second rounder if someone takes a liking.
• Tre Simmons had a terrific camp in Chicago and has moved into the second round of the draft
• Will Conroy after a strong work out at the first camp was disappointing in Chicago and will be a free agent.
NBA DRAFT RISERS
A common theme here is high schoolers. The new collective bargaining agreement has a clause that lets you move players to the NBDL while retaining their rights. This increases the value of 2nd round picks and is making teams more willing to gamble on high school prospects.
1) High School product CJ Miles is on fire. He is being talked about in the top 20 of the draft. More likely the 6’6 shooting guard will be 20 to 30. He will be working out for the Sonics on Saturday.
2) High School product Andray Blatche, a 6’11 prospect, may have moved into the top 20. The word is he denied Boston a workout and the Celtics are sitting at #18
3) Luther Head may have worked himself into the first round of the draft with solid workouts.
4) The big mystery is still where has 7 foot high schooler Andrew Bynum been promised.
NBA DRAFT FADERS
1) Julius Hodge. Despite a great body and a versatile game his inability to shoot is really hurting his stock.
2) Joey Graham. He has a great body. One of the best ever. However, his disappearance in the NCAA tournament and lack luster workouts is a question.
3) Chris Taft. The Pittsburg power forward has slide more and more ever day. The Sonics will work him out on Saturday.
4) Kennedy Winston. Once a first rounder now is a 2nd round pick.
1) I am still hearing that the Lakers are going to acquire the 3rd pick of the draft from Portland. The Blazers would get Caron Butler and the #10 pick and the Lakers would get #3 pick and Rueben Patterson.
2) The Blazers are involved in another rumor as well. The Celtics moving Pierce for the #3 pick and Damon Stoudamire. The Blazers/Lakers deal seems stonger.
3) The Knicks/ Phoenix trade is still active.
LOCAL INTERESTS
• Marvin Williams is the #1 or #2 pick of the draft
• Martel Webster continues to float from #8 to #13
• Nate Robinson looks more and more like a second round pick. However, there is talk about him in the late first round. He is being banded about from 25 to 50. Nate tested as the #1 physical athlete at the Chicago camp. He measured at 5’7. Universally, everyone in the NBA thinks he can play and will play. Maybe not a rotation player, but an impact player at times. Moreover, they think he will have a long career. Yet, teams are reluctant to pull the trigger. The Sonics are considering him at 25.
• Ronny Turiaf played very well in Chicago and measured well. He will be drafted and could be a high second rounder if someone takes a liking.
• Tre Simmons had a terrific camp in Chicago and has moved into the second round of the draft
• Will Conroy after a strong work out at the first camp was disappointing in Chicago and will be a free agent.
NBA DRAFT RISERS
A common theme here is high schoolers. The new collective bargaining agreement has a clause that lets you move players to the NBDL while retaining their rights. This increases the value of 2nd round picks and is making teams more willing to gamble on high school prospects.
1) High School product CJ Miles is on fire. He is being talked about in the top 20 of the draft. More likely the 6’6 shooting guard will be 20 to 30. He will be working out for the Sonics on Saturday.
2) High School product Andray Blatche, a 6’11 prospect, may have moved into the top 20. The word is he denied Boston a workout and the Celtics are sitting at #18
3) Luther Head may have worked himself into the first round of the draft with solid workouts.
4) The big mystery is still where has 7 foot high schooler Andrew Bynum been promised.
NBA DRAFT FADERS
1) Julius Hodge. Despite a great body and a versatile game his inability to shoot is really hurting his stock.
2) Joey Graham. He has a great body. One of the best ever. However, his disappearance in the NCAA tournament and lack luster workouts is a question.
3) Chris Taft. The Pittsburg power forward has slide more and more ever day. The Sonics will work him out on Saturday.
4) Kennedy Winston. Once a first rounder now is a 2nd round pick.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
JUNE 22nd LATEST NEWS + RUMORS ON THE NBA DRAFT
HOT RUMORS
1) According to an NBA source, the Los Angeles Lakers have acquired the #3 pick of the draft from the Portland Trailblazers. The Lakers have also acquired Reuben Patterson in the deal. What is not clear is what Portland has received in exchange. It is expected that they would get the #10 pick plus a player from the Lakers. Portland is said to be very high on Martell Webster.
2) The word in NBA circles is that the Sonics will take Jarrett Jack at #25 if he is still on the board. It is not a promise but what one person in the league said the Sonics are Jack's backstop.
3) The Charlotte Bobcats have a promise for Charlie Villanueva at the #13 spot of the draft
4) The story talked about most of the day is that Knicks moving Kurt Thomas to the Suns for Q Richardson. This deal makes sense for the Suns since they need to move salary to re-sign Joe Johnson
5) Denver is looking to move one of their two first round picks if not both out of the first round.
PROMISES OR GUARANTEES
This is when an NBA team promises a player if they are avaliable that they will take him at the spot. These like all other promises are often broken but they make projecting the draft more interesting. These are all based upon scuttlebutt none are known.
1) Charlotte to Villanueva at 13
2) Clippers to Korolov at 12.
3) Sonics to Jack at 25. A very loose promise.
PLAYERS SLIPPING
1) The top of the list right now is Joey Graham out of Oklahoma State
PLAYERS RISING
1. Monta Ellis a high school point guard
2. Danny Granger may go as high 4
3. Channing Frye has solidified himself as a top 10 pick
1) According to an NBA source, the Los Angeles Lakers have acquired the #3 pick of the draft from the Portland Trailblazers. The Lakers have also acquired Reuben Patterson in the deal. What is not clear is what Portland has received in exchange. It is expected that they would get the #10 pick plus a player from the Lakers. Portland is said to be very high on Martell Webster.
2) The word in NBA circles is that the Sonics will take Jarrett Jack at #25 if he is still on the board. It is not a promise but what one person in the league said the Sonics are Jack's backstop.
3) The Charlotte Bobcats have a promise for Charlie Villanueva at the #13 spot of the draft
4) The story talked about most of the day is that Knicks moving Kurt Thomas to the Suns for Q Richardson. This deal makes sense for the Suns since they need to move salary to re-sign Joe Johnson
5) Denver is looking to move one of their two first round picks if not both out of the first round.
PROMISES OR GUARANTEES
This is when an NBA team promises a player if they are avaliable that they will take him at the spot. These like all other promises are often broken but they make projecting the draft more interesting. These are all based upon scuttlebutt none are known.
1) Charlotte to Villanueva at 13
2) Clippers to Korolov at 12.
3) Sonics to Jack at 25. A very loose promise.
PLAYERS SLIPPING
1) The top of the list right now is Joey Graham out of Oklahoma State
PLAYERS RISING
1. Monta Ellis a high school point guard
2. Danny Granger may go as high 4
3. Channing Frye has solidified himself as a top 10 pick
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
NBA MOCK DRAFT
As of June 23rd at 5:00 pm -- Place your comments below
1. Milwaukee – Andrew Bogut
2. Atlanta – Marvin Williams
3. Lakers– Deron Williams
4. New Orleans – Chris Paul
5. Charlotte – Gerald Green
6. Utah – Fran Vasquez
7. Toronto – Danny Granger
8. New York – Channing Frye (is it a promise)
9. Golden State – Hakim Warrick
10. Portland – Martell Webster
11. Orlando – Raymond Felton
12. LA Clippers – Korolev
13. Charlotte – Charlie Villaneuva
14. Minnesota – Sean May
15. New Jersey – Ike Diogu
16. Toronto – Antonio Wright
17. Indiana – Rashad McCants
18. Boston – Monta Ellis
19. Memphis – Joey Graham
20. Denver – Julius Hodge
21. Phoenix – Johan Petro
22. Denver – Illysova
23. Sacramento – Jarrett Jack
24. Houston– Wayne Simien
25. Seattle – Roko Ukic
26. Detroit – Fransisco Garcia
27. Utah – Ryan Gomes
28. San Antonio – David Lee
29. Miami – Andruw Bynum
30. New York – Randolph Morris
1. Milwaukee – Andrew Bogut
2. Atlanta – Marvin Williams
3. Lakers– Deron Williams
4. New Orleans – Chris Paul
5. Charlotte – Gerald Green
6. Utah – Fran Vasquez
7. Toronto – Danny Granger
8. New York – Channing Frye (is it a promise)
9. Golden State – Hakim Warrick
10. Portland – Martell Webster
11. Orlando – Raymond Felton
12. LA Clippers – Korolev
13. Charlotte – Charlie Villaneuva
14. Minnesota – Sean May
15. New Jersey – Ike Diogu
16. Toronto – Antonio Wright
17. Indiana – Rashad McCants
18. Boston – Monta Ellis
19. Memphis – Joey Graham
20. Denver – Julius Hodge
21. Phoenix – Johan Petro
22. Denver – Illysova
23. Sacramento – Jarrett Jack
24. Houston– Wayne Simien
25. Seattle – Roko Ukic
26. Detroit – Fransisco Garcia
27. Utah – Ryan Gomes
28. San Antonio – David Lee
29. Miami – Andruw Bynum
30. New York – Randolph Morris
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Locked on Sports: Playing .500 ball is Mariners' quest
Today's Locked on Sports PI article focussing on the Mariners and the need to get to .500 not the need to develop new minor league failures at the big league level.
Locked on Sports: Playing .500 ball is Mariners' quest
Locked on Sports: Playing .500 ball is Mariners' quest
Monday, June 13, 2005
ARE THE FINALS OVER?
The Spurs touched as close to perfection as any team can in the NBA Finals last night. This team is showing signs of being one of the most all around and greatest teams the NBA has seen. They can play any style, there is no weakness to be exposed and they play picture perfect defense that the NBA has rarely seen. Maybe the most remarkable number is the Spurs have gone 13 games in the NBA Finals in their history without yielding 90 points in a game
However, before we throw this series away let throw out a thought or two. The Spurs looked this good against the Sonics in Games 1 and 2 and Seattle was able to even the series and the Pistons are a better team then the Sonics. The Pistons win by going to the free throw line, I told you this before the series started. They have not been going to the line at all in San Antonio and they are going to be more aggressive and get more calls when they are in Detroit.
So, yes the Spurs have been unreal, but let’s not jump to insane leaps of finality yet.
However, before we throw this series away let throw out a thought or two. The Spurs looked this good against the Sonics in Games 1 and 2 and Seattle was able to even the series and the Pistons are a better team then the Sonics. The Pistons win by going to the free throw line, I told you this before the series started. They have not been going to the line at all in San Antonio and they are going to be more aggressive and get more calls when they are in Detroit.
So, yes the Spurs have been unreal, but let’s not jump to insane leaps of finality yet.
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