Former Sonics Provide Glimpse Into the Future
Posted Jan. 15, 2009 at 7:33 am by Mike Seely
Don't look now, but the team formerly known as the Seattle Supersonics is hitting its stride. I realize a strong argument can be made that any 7-33 team that hits such a stride is hitting a very short stride, but remember, just a month ago, pundits were talking about the Thunder not winning more than seven games all year. Since then, they've looked like a team that could go .500 two years from now, which would be right in line with Sam Presti's Trailblazer-esque rebuilding blueprint. But the Thunder hadn't clobbered a really good team until last night, when they notched a wire-to-wire, 21-point victory over the Jazz in Oklahoma City.
One thing that's obvious beyond obvious is that Presti is a savvy talent evaluator. All three of his first-round draft picks over the past two years — Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook — are starting and averaging over 14 points per game, and all three scored more than 20 against the Jazz. Durant has become a more efficient scorer, and his rebounding has improved markedly with a return to his natural small forward position. The versatile, ridiculously athletic Westbrook is a shoo-in for the all-rookie team, and was the Western Conference's rookie of the month in December. Meanwhile, Green is a rock-solid 16 and 6 guy, and Presti recently added a promising (if a little soft) young center, Nenad Krstic, to atone for the mistakes of seven-footers past which permeated the Rick Sund era. Hence, the Thunder are but a low-post beast and a sixth man (which could theoretically end up being Green, an SF/PF tweener if there ever was one) away from being able to play with just about anybody.
I really wanted to hate this team, and took great pleasure in their awful start. But now that they're starting to look like the well-conceived work in progress I thought they'd be, it's like trying to hate the prodigal son. He may have disappointed you, but he's still your son — and blood runs mighty thick.
Topics: Sonics
Comments
Durant-Green combo on court together is still awful on +/-. Green has moved up to near but still below average for a starter. Durant one of the ten weakest on team defense when he is on the court in the league. Westbrook looks good but he is really a starting PG of a contender? Maybe but he has to cut down on turnovers. Kristic has decent early individual numbers but is quite weak on team +/- on the court. Too early to congratulate Presti much in my mind. He hasn't shown sustained team chemistry yet, just a nice streak after a long really weak streak.
Posted Jan. 15, 2009 at 11:52 am by CrowI think they are reverting back to the old Sonic ways. Win 25-35 games, not make the playoffs, and get the 7th - 10th pick in the lottery. Too good to suck and too horrible to make the playoffs. Ahh, may the sweet smell of mediocrity forever curse this team.
Posted Jan. 15, 2009 at 1:01 pm by JProdigal son? Remember the prodigal son came home. We will never see these guys again. Thanks to our gov't we will never see the NBA again. Makes me ill.
Posted Jan. 15, 2009 at 1:12 pm by RhymenocerousThe best thing that could happen to this team for Seattle fans is a ninth seed. No chance at great lottery picks, and just enough success that you don't feel bad disliking the team.
Posted Jan. 15, 2009 at 1:26 pm by Fan Without A TeamYou have to be kidding me brother of Vranes. The Blunder is cursed and will be my mortal enemy forever. I do understand the thick blood, and if you close your eyes while watcing it is hard to tell they are the Blunder. However, if given the option I would have the family blood removed by dialysis and if possible the DNA ripped out and torched on a bunsin burner. A POX on all things Thunder.
Posted Jan. 15, 2009 at 1:53 pm by Camp JonesGlad you can see your way by hating the players. The owner, not so much. But the players didn't do anything wrong. If they still played in Seattle, it would be fun to watch them develop. - SS.
Posted Jan. 15, 2009 at 3:25 pm by Snot SnailAs a former lifetime Supersonic fan, I agree with you. I can't help but read about them or if one of their games are on, watch it. I wish the players and Scotty Brooks the best. Sam Presti, I could care less about. Clay Bennett and the rest of his cronies at the "Professional Basketball Club LLC," I wish you all the absolute worst for stealing 41 years of history. All of you at OKC, treat the players better than we did recently. They deserve it.
Posted Jan. 15, 2009 at 5:03 pm by TThe name of the former Seattle team was the "SuperSonics" and the name of the Portland team is the "Trail Blazers".
Posted Jan. 18, 2009 at 5:29 am by Squatch