Following a string of close losses that could have brought them back into the playoff picture had they gone the other way, the SuperSonics are looking like a team ready to pack it in for the year. It's unfortunate that this injury-riddled season didn't end up being more fruitful, as it may be the last that Rashard Lewis has in a Sonics uniform. The Sonics are 25-40 as of me writing this, and assuming they don't go on a 14-3 or so run to end the season and claim the 8th seed in the Western Conference, I think this is an ample time to begin discussing possible off-season maneuvers and draft picks they could make to improve their chances for the 2007-2008 season.
When the draft rolls around, the Sonics will likely have somewhere between the 5th and 10th pick. Granted, we do not know which underclassmen will declare for certain yet, but guesses can be made. So who should the Sonics draft with their first round pick?
If the pick is as high as #5, Joakim Noah may still be available, and would be a great draft pick, as he seems close to NBA-ready, can block shots and can rebound.
Yi Jianlian is another option at #5, but we need another undeveloped foreign center like a hole in the head.
If the pick is closer to #9 or #10, the Sonics should take a look at Georgetown's Jeff Green, who plays excellent wing defense for someone his size (6'8", 225), and with Luke, Ray and Rashard, any defense improvement is welcome. He could immediately supplant Gelabale or even Wilkins, as he is not as much of a liability on the offensive end.
In the second round, the Sonics could take advantage of the stock-drop of Nevada's Nick Fazekas, who could possibly be the reincarnation of Vladimir Radmanovic, but with some semblance of a defensive game. He'd need to bulk up a little, but should he drop to the second round, the Sonics would be stupid to pass on him.
As for when camp starts, the Sonics should make sure to invite Aaron Brooks, who will likely go undrafted because of his size. Still, if Ridnour or Watson moves because he wants to start on another team, Brooks could possibly be molded into a decent backup point guard.
Well, that's it for now, but I'll be posting more in the future.
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8 comments:
The Sonics won't do anything in the off season, and likely won't pick anyone with an immediate impact. It's looking like the team will move after next season, so they won't be looking to improve it, just keep salaries down.
the supes beat portland tonighrt and are now only 4 games in the loss column back of the warriors for the last playodff spot
they could still make it
This is true, but the Sonics have to catch up to more than just the Warriors in order to get a playoff spot. The Sonics have to outplay Portland, Sacto, Clips and the Hornets as well to get the 8th seed. To expect all of these teams to play mediocre ball in order to give the Sonics a chance is unreasonable.
Forgot the T-Wolves. Gotta pass the T-Wolves as well.
Nice to see you posting Andy.
I agree, if we get a big man, let's get a guaranteed to be good one like Noah, and MAYBE Hawes. I kind of want Hawes just because the Mariners passed on Lincecum, a lights out Washington product.
I we drop a bit, I'd like to see us pick Corey Brewer for his defense, though Jeff Green is also good. I'm not sure how Jared Dudley is rated, but I think he's Artest-like with his biggish size and great mobility for an SF. Also wouldn't mind getting Seattle product at around the 15 spot if we for some reason trade down.
I'm not sure if Fazekas will drop to 2nd round, but he's so unathletic, he might. I just want some defensive guys in the 2nd round who aren't useless on the offesnive end, like Bobby Jones from last year, or a lights out shooter like Chris Quinn or Steve Novack from last year.
Fazekas in the 2nd round? I'm in. Also, Horford was pretty sick the other night and ESPN has us picking him. I wouldn't mind except for the fact that we already have Collison and Wilcox. ALso, hard to predict this draft due to the uncertain draft statuses of a lot of underclassmen.
Yeah, I don't fully understand the justification for Fazekas dropping to the 2nd round. His numbers have mostly leveled off since his sophomore year, but they're still impressive. However, after watching him live, I can understand concerns that he is physically weak in the post. He definitely is, and this could be badly exploited in the NBA.
Great work.
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