Post by r3bb on Nov 30, 2005 18:08:59 GMT -5
Uncertainty. Mixed signals. Such is all too familiar to Sonics fans for the past week. No, I'm not talking about your girlfriend, I'm talking about the lack of indication as to what this team is made of.
Who are the Seattle Supersonics? The problem of identity has plagued this team since the offseason. With the opening night defeat, it seemed as though the Sonics had forgotten what it took to make it as far as they did last year, nearly knocking off the Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals. After dropping 3 of their 4 next games, the Sonics returned to their former selves and outplayed their competition, going on a 3 game winning streak, and prompting me to write the article titled "Sonics - full speed ahead."
Unfortunately the Sonics have now dropped 3 straight, including losses to the displaced Hornets and the severely depleted Jazz.
This is unacceptable.
This is the Sonics.
As if deeming themselves proven after their 3 game win streak, the Sonics have reverted to their defensive woes, which is ranked last in the NBA. Their coach lacks intensity, heart, passion for the game, and the body language on the court seems to indicate disinterest.
Coach Weiss continues to tinker with the starting lineup and rotation, which seems to be a desperate struggle to keep active lest he be fired.
The worst part is that the defense was supposed to be the focus this year. Instead of improving, it dropped to dead last in the NBA. The coaching staff is to blame, but so are the players. There are 3 players who consistently work hard on the court:
Reggie Evans
Damien Wilkins
Mateen Cleaves
In order to inject some life into this defense, I propose two things.
1. Tighten the rotation
2. Start Reggie Evans
Weiss already started Reggie in the last game, and it appears he will do so tonight as well. Now, he needs to tighten the rotation.
Here is who should be playing:
Allen
Ridnour
Lewis
Collison
Reggie
Bench:
Radman, Wilkins, Cleaves
Bring in Petro if we're getting dominated in the middle. THAT'S IT. I do not want to see these players on the court:
Murray - too many turnovers, offense stagnates when he has the ball.
Moore - bad decisions with the ball, lack of movement without the ball, lack of general skill.
Fortson - KILLS OUR OFFENSIVE RHYTHM with untimely offensive fouls and gets us in the penalty.
Swift - Just not ready for the NBA.
Heighten the minutes of the starters, tighten the rotation, get Reggie back in the game, and learn some real defense. These are my keys to success for the Sonics.
Unless Weiss figures this out soon, the Sonics are only going farther below .500. Fast.
Who are the Seattle Supersonics? The problem of identity has plagued this team since the offseason. With the opening night defeat, it seemed as though the Sonics had forgotten what it took to make it as far as they did last year, nearly knocking off the Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals. After dropping 3 of their 4 next games, the Sonics returned to their former selves and outplayed their competition, going on a 3 game winning streak, and prompting me to write the article titled "Sonics - full speed ahead."
Unfortunately the Sonics have now dropped 3 straight, including losses to the displaced Hornets and the severely depleted Jazz.
This is unacceptable.
This is the Sonics.
As if deeming themselves proven after their 3 game win streak, the Sonics have reverted to their defensive woes, which is ranked last in the NBA. Their coach lacks intensity, heart, passion for the game, and the body language on the court seems to indicate disinterest.
Coach Weiss continues to tinker with the starting lineup and rotation, which seems to be a desperate struggle to keep active lest he be fired.
The worst part is that the defense was supposed to be the focus this year. Instead of improving, it dropped to dead last in the NBA. The coaching staff is to blame, but so are the players. There are 3 players who consistently work hard on the court:
Reggie Evans
Damien Wilkins
Mateen Cleaves
In order to inject some life into this defense, I propose two things.
1. Tighten the rotation
2. Start Reggie Evans
Weiss already started Reggie in the last game, and it appears he will do so tonight as well. Now, he needs to tighten the rotation.
Here is who should be playing:
Allen
Ridnour
Lewis
Collison
Reggie
Bench:
Radman, Wilkins, Cleaves
Bring in Petro if we're getting dominated in the middle. THAT'S IT. I do not want to see these players on the court:
Murray - too many turnovers, offense stagnates when he has the ball.
Moore - bad decisions with the ball, lack of movement without the ball, lack of general skill.
Fortson - KILLS OUR OFFENSIVE RHYTHM with untimely offensive fouls and gets us in the penalty.
Swift - Just not ready for the NBA.
Heighten the minutes of the starters, tighten the rotation, get Reggie back in the game, and learn some real defense. These are my keys to success for the Sonics.
Unless Weiss figures this out soon, the Sonics are only going farther below .500. Fast.
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