The Young Guns of the League : A Seattle Sonics Association Story

[Rodenbo]

2006-2007 Season Recap

The Seattle Sonics had a disappointing season, finishing 35-47 and missing the playoffs. Head Coach Nate McMillan had left the team prior to the beginning of the season to take a job opening in Portland as the Blazers head coach. P.J. Carlisemo took the job as the Sonics head coach and took them to the 35-47 record. The Sonics drew the 2nd overall pick in the draft lottery. They took Kevin Durant from Texas with their pick which was one of many additions to their team in the off season.

Seattle traded Ray Allen and Glen Davis to the Celtics for Jeff Green, Wally Szczerbiak, and Delonte West. About a month later they traded Rashard Lewis to the Magic for a future 2nd round draft pick and $9.5 million in which they used to acquire Kurt Thomas and two first round draft picks from the Phoenix Suns.

I'm going to be using the trades that occured throughout this years real life season at the beginning of my season. Which means the Szczerbiak and West will be gone and Donyell Marshall, Ira Newble, and Adrian Griffin will be on the Sonics.

Current Starting Lineup

PG - Luke Ridnour (77)
SG - Kevin Durant (80)
SF - Jeff Green (76)
PF - Nick Collison (79)
C - Chris Wilcox (77)

Bench
Damien Wilkins (75) Sixth Man
Earl Watson (78) Role Player
Donyell Marshall (74) Role Player
Francisco Elson (70) Role Player
Ira Newble (71) Bench Warmer
Adrian Griffin (70) Bench Warmer
Mickael Gelabale (67) Prospect

Reserves
Robert Swift (66) Prospect
Sear Sene (66) Prospect
Johan Petro (65) Prospect

 

[#1_War_Poet_ForLife]

You could put all your big men in a reality show, and it'd be funny...
Sorry

Follower here.

 

[Rodenbo]

Game 1 Preview

Seattle Sonics (65) vs Denver Nuggets (82)

Key Matchup : Kevin Durant vs Allen Iverson

 

[#1_War_Poet_ForLife]

I'd say KD vs. Carmelo.

 

[Rodenbo]

What a Nail Biter : Sonics 90 - Nuggets 89

Jordan Players of the Game :

Kevin Durant - 29 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk
Carmelo Anthony - 26 pts, 8 ast

Degree Defensive Players of the Game :

Nick Collison - 3 blk, 1 stl, 7 d.reb
Marcus Camby - 4 blk, 2 stl, 9 d.reb

Sprint Subs of the Game :

Damien Wilkins - 8pts, 4 ast, 2 reb
J.R. Smith - 9 pts

Sonics Player Stats

Luke Ridnour - 6 pts, 10 ast, 1 to
Kevin Durant - 29 pts, 2 ast, 2 reb, 2 blk, 1 to
Jeff Green - 11 pts, 2 stl, 1 to
Nick Collison - 12 pts, 10 reb, 3 blk, 2 to
Chris Wilcox - 20 pts, 10 reb, 2 blk, 2 to
Damien Wilkins - 8 pts, 4 ast, 1 to
Francisco Elson - 2 pts, 1 blk
Mickael Gelabale - 2 pts
Earl Watson - 0 pts, 1 ast
Adrian Griffin - 0 pts, 1 stl, 1 to
Donyell Marshall - 0 pts, 2 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk
Ira Newble - 0 pts, 1 stl

The Key Matchup held true as Kevin Durant's height was too much for Allen Iverson. The Nuggets kept Iverson at SG matched up with Kevin Durant despite the 10 inch difference. Kevin Durant is going to cause matchup problems all year against other teams with smaller SGs. He was pounding the ball inside and taking Iverson to the hoop all day and Iverson was unable to really even contest Durant's shot attempts. Durant was 13-18 from the field which is a great shooting percentage.

Jeff Green was unable to guard Carmelo Anthony, however, which was one of the reasons Denver didn't have much of a problem scoring with Seattle's surprising offense. The game came down to the final seconds as Seattle was down 89-88 with just a few seconds to go, but head coach PJ Carlisemo called a smart play by giving the ball to Durant down low and letting him pound it in for an easy layup on Iverson, once again, giving them a 90-89 lead with 4 seconds to go which they would not give up. Denver did not get a look at the basket as Nick Collison stole the inbound pass and Denver was unable to foul him before the clock expired.

This was a very solid win for the Sonics, even though it was so close, because it was against a very good Denver team, who is expecting to make the playoffs this year. Kevin Durant seems like he's going to be a stud in this league, if he can continue to play like he did tonight.

 

[pegs]

Ira Newble was released by the Sonics, signed by the Lakers.

Oh, and this is just my opinion....but I'd rather put Durant at the 3. It just doesn't feel right to have him as a guard, to me.

Also, IIRC, Petro's actually getting minutes with the Sonics. And actually doing something good with those minutes, becoming a solid rebounder and sometimes okay scorer. I'm surprised he isn't on the active roster.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3951/g...zlQWk5tq4ikvLYF

Just my 2 cents. Take it for what it's worth.

 

[Rodenbo]

Well Petro is getting minutes because Wilcox is out, but I may bring him up for Newble and just put Newble on the reserves or cut him, although I can't MAKE the Lakers sign him. I saw that he was signed by them after I started the association but since it wasn't a HUGE transaction, I didn't restart it. Kevin Durant actually starts at the two as well, with Jeff Green at the 3, so it's not that strange.

 

[Rodenbo]

Roster Update

Johan Petro has been activated and has replaced Ira Newble on the Sonics active roster.

Game 2 Preview

Phoenix Suns (0-0) (92) @ Seattle Sonics (1-0) (65)

Key Matchup : Amare Stoudemire vs Nick Collison

 

[Rodenbo]

A Surprising Upset : Suns 97 - Sonics 104

Jordan Players of the Game :

Luke Ridnour - 24 pts, 5 ast, 1 stl
Amare Stoudemire - 32 pts, 13 reb, 1 blk, 1 stl

Degree Defensive Players of the Game :

Nick Collison - 3 blk
Amare Stoudemire - 1 blk, 1 stl, 12 d.reb

Sprint Subs of the Game :

Damien Wilkins - 11 pts, 3 ast, 1 blk
Leon Barbosa - 10 pts, 4 ast, 2 stl

Sonics Player Stats

Luke Ridnour - 24 pts, 5 ast, 4 reb, 1 stl, 2 to
Kevin Durant - 20 pts, 7 ast, 3 reb, 3 stl, 3 to
Jeff Green - 12 pts, 4 ast, 6 reb, 1 blk
Nick Collison - 4 pts, 5 reb, 3 blk
Chris Wilcox - 13 pts, 9 reb
Damien Wilkins - 11 pts, 3 ast, 1 blk
Earl Watson - 10 pts, 3 ast, 2 to
Donyell Marshall - 2 pts, 4 reb, 1 to
Adrian Griffin - 2 pts, 1 blk
Mickael Gelabale - 2 pts
Francisco Elson - 2 pts, 3 reb
Johan Petro - 2 pts, 4 reb

With a very surprising, and convincing, win over the Suns, the Sonics are looking very good early in the season. Luke Ridnour showed that he can hit jumpers as he scoring 20 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter with mid range shot after mid range shot. The Sonics had 6 players in double figures, including 2 bench players. Nick Collison was unable to get anything going against Amare Stoudemire, and was also unable to guard Amare as he went for a 30 point game. Durant scored 20 again in his 2nd game of his career. If the Sonics keep up this fantastic play, they could make a playoff run in the very competitive west, how's that for some wishful thinking?

League News

The Grizzlies filled a need by signing P.J. Brown (PF) to a 1 year/$930k contract.

The Cavaliers have placed Delonte West on the trading block.

The Nets have placed Devin Harris on the trading block.

The Sonics have waived Ira Newble.

 

[Chutney]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>The Nets have placed Devin Harris on the trading block.</div>
Virtual-Nets fans ransack virtual-New Jersey in virtual-anger.

 

[BasX]

good early two wins, hopefully you can keep it up and become even more competitive as the season goes on

 

[CelticBalla32]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>The Seattle Sonics had a disappointing season, finishing 35-47 and missing the playoffs. Head Coach Nate McMillan had left the team prior to the beginning of the season to take a job opening in Portland as the Blazers head coach. P.J. Carlisemo took the job as the Sonics head coach and took them to the 35-47 record. The Sonics drew the 2nd overall pick in the draft lottery. They took Kevin Durant from Texas with their pick which was one of many additions to their team in the off season.</div>

This is a little bit off. McMillan left Seattle and joined the Blazers in 2005. Seattle has gotten rid of Bob Wiess and Bob Hill as head coaches since then. Carlisemo didn't join until this past summer, and had nothing to do with last year's record. He was an assistant coach in San Antonio through 06-07. Bob Hill coached the 06-07 team to a 31-51 record, not 35-47.

But I'll be following. I have a couple of questions:

1. How many games are you playing per season? Minutes per quarter?
2. Do you play each game, or do you sim some?
3. Are you looking to make any roster changes soon?

 

[Rodenbo]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticBalla32 @ Mar 30 2008, 10:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>
1. How many games are you playing per season? Minutes per quarter?
2. Do you play each game, or do you sim some?
3. Are you looking to make any roster changes soon?</div></div>

1. Full Season. 9 minute quarters.
2. I will be playing each game.
3. If I do make a few roster changes, it'll be closer to the deadline unless it's a minor free agent pick up. I will make moves, however, if they are offered to me by the computer and I happen to like them.

As for everything else, I guess that's what I get for using Wikipedia as my source, haha.

 

[Rodenbo]

Game 3 Preview

Seattle Sonics (2-0) (64) @ Los Angeles Clippers (1-0) (75)

Key Matchup : Nick Collison vs Elton Brand

 

[Dark Defender]

How did Elton Brand get on the Lakers?

 

[Rodenbo]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dark Defender @ Mar 31 2008, 01:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>How did Elton Brand get on the Lakers?</div>

Where does it say that?


Loss at the Buzzer : Sonics 95 - Clippers 97

Jordan Players of the Game :

Elton Brand - 35 pts, 6 reb, 3 ast
Jeff Green - 24 pts, 7 reb, 2 blk

Degree Defensive Players of the Game :

Chris Kaman - 10 d.reb, 1 blk, 1 stl
Chris Wilcox - 8 d.reb, 2 blk, 1 stl

Sprint Subs of the Game :

Tim Thomas - 14 pts, 5 reb
Damien Wilkins - 9 pts, 3 ast

Sonics Player Stats :

Luke Ridnour - 9 pts, 10 ast, 1 stl
Kevin Durant - 24 pts, 4 ast, 2 blk, 1 to
Jeff Green - 24 pts, 7 reb, 4 ast, 2 blk, 1 to
Nick Collison - 6 pts, 6 reb, 1 ast
Chris Wilcox - 13 pts, 9 reb, 2 blk, 1 stl, 1 to
Damien Wilkins - 9 pts, 3 ast, 1 to
Johan Petro - 4 pts, 1 reb, 1 blk
Earl Watson - 2 pts, 4 ast
Donyell Marshall - 2 pts, 1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl
Francisco Elson - 2 pts

The Clippers lead throughout the duration of the game until Kevin Durant hit a layup with 4 seconds to go to put the Sonics up 4 in what they thought would be their 3rd victory of the season. Sam Cassell wasn't having any of that. The Clippers inbounded to Corey Maggette and he drove into the lane, drawing off Cassell's defensive man, Luke Ridnour, in which Maggette dished it out to Cassell for the go ahead, game winning 3 pointer. Elton Brand played his heart out and exposed one of the Sonics many weaknesses, Nick Collison's defense. Rumor has it that Nick Collison was in danger of getting replaced in the starting lineup by Damien Wilkins, which would allow Kevin Durant to play at SF and Green to play at PF, and he did not help his case any in this game, allowing Brand to go for 35 points. He has also allowed Amare Stoudemire 32 points and Kenyon Martin put up 18 points in the Sonics first game.

 

[Rodenbo]

Player Evaluations are in

-I must admit, I'm returning from my recent scouting trip pleasantly surprised. Michael Beasley showed that he is a smart player who plays with a level head. From the looks of things, he looks like he might be a very good player, one who we should look into investigating further.

-After spending a good week checking out Roy Hibbert of Georgetown, I can confidently say that his skills are up to par for what we expect out of our draft picks. We still have a lot to learn about him though so if you are seriously interesting inRoy, let's take another couple of looks at him.

-With our initial scouting trip done, I really think Tyler Hansbrough is a solid player who can make some noise in the NBA right from the get go. We should invest some further scouting time to learn some more about him.

 

[Chutney]

Jeff Green at power forward? That'll get exposed for sure, especially in the West, where there's so many elite big men.

 

[Dark Defender]

Never mind, I thought I read lakers instead of Clippers.

 

[CelticBalla32]

Oh sweet, you imported the draft class. I'm even more interested now. Which guys are in this class? Is Rose? Mayo? Gordon? Lopez? Etc.

My advice to you is to upgrade your point guard situation. Maybe you like Ridnour/Watson and play well with them, but if not I'd shop them. Especially Watson, with his big contract.

 

[pegs]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Chutney @ Mar 31 2008, 03:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Jeff Green at power forward? That'll get exposed for sure, especially in the West, where there's so many elite big men.</div>

Looks to me like he's at SF.

I'm assuming the starting lineup looks like:

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Luke Ridnour - 9 pts, 10 ast, 1 stl
Kevin Durant - 24 pts, 4 ast, 2 blk, 1 to
Jeff Green - 24 pts, 7 reb, 4 ast, 2 blk, 1 to
Nick Collison - 6 pts, 6 reb, 1 ast
Chris Wilcox - 13 pts, 9 reb, 2 blk, 1 stl, 1 to</div>

 

[Chutney]

He was talking about taking out Collison because of his crappy D, and sliding Green up to the 4.

 

[Rodenbo]

I can't seem to get Collison going on the offensive end either. Either way my 4 is going to be a weak defender, no matter if it's Collison or Jeff Green. That's why I am thinking of moving him down to 4, Durant to 3, and Wilkins in at 2.

I also would be willing to part ways with Watson, but Ridnour, not so much unless it's a very good deal. I really like his release and he's young. I'd personally love to get rid of Collison for a good Center or PF, but I'm going to wait a little bit before I ASK for any trades. If something is offered to me, I'll take a look at it.

 

[pegs]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Rodenbo @ Mar 31 2008, 10:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I can't seem to get Collison going on the offensive end either. Either way my 4 is going to be a weak defender, no matter if it's Collison or Jeff Green. That's why I am thinking of moving him down to 4, Durant to 3, and Wilkins in at 2.

I also would be willing to part ways with Watson, but Ridnour, not so much unless it's a very good deal. I really like his release and he's young. I'd personally love to get rid of Collison for a good Center or PF, but I'm going to wait a little bit before I ASK for any trades. If something is offered to me, I'll take a look at it.</div>

Maybe Petro at the 5, Wilcox to the 4? That's what they're doing in real life. Well, before Wilcox got injured. What do you think?

 

[Rodenbo]

I can't really get Petro going on the offensive end either, and with the difference in overalls, I'd rather have Collison running around not doing anything than Petro, haha. It's like a 79 vs a 65...I'll take my chances with Collison for now, but I want to develop Sene and Petro over time and I hope to have those two as my starter and backup Centers.

 

[Chutney]

I suppose you could try to play Green like the Suns did Marion. I'm not sure how good he is in the game (or in real life, for that matter), but you'd really have to run the ball. I think your roster has the tools for it, so it'd be interesting.

As for the draft, I'll just say go for the best player available. The Sonics have been drafting for need for the last couple seasons and, as a result, they've reached for project centers and wasted a bunch of those pics.

 

[CelticBalla32]

If you want good production from a low-rated guy on your team, throw Robert Swift in there. I've used Seattle a couple of times against friends and he is an absolute monster in the game.

Another guy in free agency, if you're looking to pick someone up there, that is productive in the game is Michael Olowokandi. He gobbles up a lot of boards in limited minutes. He isn't a running center though, so I doubt he really fits in Seattle (nor is he really worth it with 3 project 5's on your roster as it is - just throwing him out there).