Post by r3bb on Nov 30, 2005 17:51:03 GMT -5
What lottery pick will the Sonics have in next year's draft? This was the question after those three straight blowout losses. Remember last year when the question was "Are the Sonics for real?" Ahh, nostalgia. Unfortunately, the Sonics are 3-5 and three of those losses were absolute pathetic blowout losses, demoralizing for both the team and its fans.
Many questioned Weiss, myself included, blaming the apparent rapid decline of the Sonics on his coaching style. It made sense. The Sonics are essentially the same team this year as last year, less Jerome James and Antonio Daniels. Realizing that JJ and AD can't conceivably account for a combined 96 point deficit in three consecutive games (the blowout losses), fans looked to the only other explanation for this fall from first to worst. Nate McMillan.
Had we underestimated Nate? It seemed so. What was Weiss doing with the rotation, playing all 12 men on his roster, giving Murray extended playing time, and in general making horrible decisions? Even before preseason, fans had warned of the ineptitude of Murray. Of the lack of offense of Reggie. Of the lack of talent of Vitaly. But Weiss did what he wanted, and, as true fans predicted, the results were catastrophic.
Then, something happened. Something unexpected.
Weiss started Collison.
This was the turning point of the Sonics this season. Collison provided superior offense and defense than we had seen from Reggie. He's the best power forward we've had since Vin Baker's first year. Baker being a one-year-wonder, he's the first since Shawn Kemp. And that's saying a lot.
Collison has dominated the past few games, nearly averaging a double-double, and has sparked the Sonics execution on both ends of the court. He is the answer.
The Sonics ended their blowout-streak beating Toronto. Even though the game went into overtime and the Sonics barely escaped with the victory, they played well. The Raptors were simply on fire. They were hitting shots with hands in their faces, and the Sonics really couldn't have done a better job of defending them. It was a case of the sonics playing well, while the raptors were playing outstanding.
In the next game against the Nets, the Sonics continued their success. Though the Sonics lost, they played well and stuck around until the very end. I was not dissapointed.
Against Boston and Chicago the Sonics reminded me of their former selves. Yes, even the first half of the Seattle-Chicago game. The numbers lie in this case. They shot a horrid percentage from the field but it wasn't due to poor shot selection or even good defense from the Bulls. The shots were great, but they just weren't going in. What really shines though, is the fact that the Sonics kept their heads in the game and limited the Bulls to only 44 points, playing excellent defense even though their offense was unfortunate.
I am finally satisfied with Weiss, and the rotation he has chosen. The Sonics resemble their former selves. Cleaves looks to be this year's Damien Wilkens of last year. The gem on the end of the bench who plays because of an injury and impresses everyone. I'm very excited for Cleaves and his role this year, as well as Damien and the excellent defense he brings to the table. Furthermore, Damien has the mentality of a scorer and has the highest basketball IQ I've ever seen, besides Ray Allen.
With the rotation figured out, confidence restored, and riding a two game winning streak, I feel confident that the Sonics are for real this year.
Ahh, nostalgia.
(This is a repost. See part 2, "Not so fast?" posted shortly)
Many questioned Weiss, myself included, blaming the apparent rapid decline of the Sonics on his coaching style. It made sense. The Sonics are essentially the same team this year as last year, less Jerome James and Antonio Daniels. Realizing that JJ and AD can't conceivably account for a combined 96 point deficit in three consecutive games (the blowout losses), fans looked to the only other explanation for this fall from first to worst. Nate McMillan.
Had we underestimated Nate? It seemed so. What was Weiss doing with the rotation, playing all 12 men on his roster, giving Murray extended playing time, and in general making horrible decisions? Even before preseason, fans had warned of the ineptitude of Murray. Of the lack of offense of Reggie. Of the lack of talent of Vitaly. But Weiss did what he wanted, and, as true fans predicted, the results were catastrophic.
Then, something happened. Something unexpected.
Weiss started Collison.
This was the turning point of the Sonics this season. Collison provided superior offense and defense than we had seen from Reggie. He's the best power forward we've had since Vin Baker's first year. Baker being a one-year-wonder, he's the first since Shawn Kemp. And that's saying a lot.
Collison has dominated the past few games, nearly averaging a double-double, and has sparked the Sonics execution on both ends of the court. He is the answer.
The Sonics ended their blowout-streak beating Toronto. Even though the game went into overtime and the Sonics barely escaped with the victory, they played well. The Raptors were simply on fire. They were hitting shots with hands in their faces, and the Sonics really couldn't have done a better job of defending them. It was a case of the sonics playing well, while the raptors were playing outstanding.
In the next game against the Nets, the Sonics continued their success. Though the Sonics lost, they played well and stuck around until the very end. I was not dissapointed.
Against Boston and Chicago the Sonics reminded me of their former selves. Yes, even the first half of the Seattle-Chicago game. The numbers lie in this case. They shot a horrid percentage from the field but it wasn't due to poor shot selection or even good defense from the Bulls. The shots were great, but they just weren't going in. What really shines though, is the fact that the Sonics kept their heads in the game and limited the Bulls to only 44 points, playing excellent defense even though their offense was unfortunate.
I am finally satisfied with Weiss, and the rotation he has chosen. The Sonics resemble their former selves. Cleaves looks to be this year's Damien Wilkens of last year. The gem on the end of the bench who plays because of an injury and impresses everyone. I'm very excited for Cleaves and his role this year, as well as Damien and the excellent defense he brings to the table. Furthermore, Damien has the mentality of a scorer and has the highest basketball IQ I've ever seen, besides Ray Allen.
With the rotation figured out, confidence restored, and riding a two game winning streak, I feel confident that the Sonics are for real this year.
Ahh, nostalgia.
(This is a repost. See part 2, "Not so fast?" posted shortly)