Everyone seemed to assume that Seattle would be back in the lottery despite having a great season last year, so I doubt many are surprised that they are 2-5 right now. I was surprised to see their stats so far. They have allowed 110.9 ppg to their opponents thru the first 7 games. That's worse than Toronto (107.4), Phoenix (104.3, and at least they outscore their opponents), Milwaukee (104.2, same), Philly (102.8), and Atlanta (100.1; they just have no offense). By contrast, Orlando allows the fewest (87.6), followed by Memphis (87.8), New York (88.7), and Houston and Detroit (89.4 each). I just can't fathom allowing an average of 111 points. They make everyone they play look like superstars.
They're also allowing 116 points per 100 possessions, which is the best way to gauge these things. When the pace is evened out by a per-possession count, Seattle still is the worst. By comparison, Toronto is second-worst with 111 per 100 possessions, Milwaukee third with 106, and Golden State best with 92.4.
Yeah, I know I'm not surprised. They surprised me last year. Nate really got them to play tough. But Nate's gone, they lost a couple of rotation players, and still didn't get anyone who is a legitimate threat in the post(for o or d).
Don't forget that Ray Allen is no longer playing for a max contract. I'm not saying the guy isn't a professional, but it does take a little bit of an edge off his game.
If they make the quick move like most expect them to, there is no way they are lottery bound. Too much talent on the team, and they will play for Silas, unlike the Cav's. This is a true example of a team dogging it because they don't like their coach.
Fortson and Allen could both be on the trading block if the Sonics are still struggling at the all star break Ray Allen for Anderson, Wesley, and Howard and a pick...Get 'er done!
Really? Where? Yeah, I get Ray Allen and Rashard. Then what? A so-so pg in Ridnour. A bunch of mediocre pfs. Am I missing something?
Ray is still playing extremely well. he is a professional and plays hard everynight. however, there are only 2 good players on that team with ray and rashard. no one else is really good. ridnour is decent and their post players are crap. it's no surprise they can't play d.
Losing McMillan was huge. Last year, they played good enough defense to be a very good team until injuries killed them late in the year. Even so, they gave the Spurs all they wanted in the 2nd round. I don't think losing AD and (esp.) Jerome James was such a big deal. Losing the tough-minded take-no-prisoners coach who commanded respect from the players is the main reason for their slump. At some point they will snap out of it and play better because Allen, Rashard, Ridnour, Collison & Radman are good enough to win some games. I wonder if Bob Weiss will last until that happens.
