Stuck in last place in the Northwest Division and with the 3rd worst record in basketball, things couldn’t get worse, right?
Wrong.
Not only are the young Sonics struggling to win, they’re unsure where they’ll play next season. Oklahoma City businessman Clay Bennett bought the team and guaranteed a move to his hometown in the coming year.
Seattle fans are now pleading for help from David Stern, but there looks like there is no hope.
For the fans at least.
Although the Sonics are struggling, the future looks bright, with 31 year old GM Sam Presti looking like a genius after acquiring 13 draft picks, including 3 first rounders in the next 3 years. Adding blue chip prospects to a nucleus of Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Chris Wilcox could bring hope to the organization.
Things are also looking good because Nick Collison has found his groove in the early stages of the season. Collison was relatively a bust for his 4 years, but has proved to be an important player off the bench for the Sonics. Mickael Gelebale, a French import, has also shown promise with 3 20+ point games off the bench.
So, after all the struggles and confusion, it looks like the future is bright for Seattle, and they should return to being the contender they once were.
Wherever they may play.
STREAK STOPPED
The Celtics, oh those hated Celtics, ended the Rockets’ incredulous 22 game winning streak, that including 10 straight victories without Yao, and the emergence of Bobby Jackson, Rafer Alston, and even undrafted Mike Harris, toppling the team from H-Town, 94-74.
HEATING UP FOR THE FUTURE?
Chances are slim, but if everything goes right in the off-season, the Heat could be a team to beat next season. There are several off-season priorities they must take care of, including resigning Shawn Marion. The Heat also need to get rid of Jason Williams and Ricky Davis with their huge cap-eating contracts. With a Top 3 pick at the least, the Heat should add a prospect along with a healthy Wade, Marion, youngsters Daequan Cook and Chris Quinn and possibly Earl Barron. Gettting cap space could also allow the Heat to pursue free agents to help their team for the future.
And that’s if all goes planned.
PUNK’D
Ashton Kutcher look-alike Kyle Korver has been the trade acqusition that has influenced his team the most. Since being acquired from Philly for Gordan Giricek and a 1st round pick, the Jazz have gone 29-9 with Korver averaging 10.3 PPG and shooting 91.1 from the line.
POWER RANKINGS
1. Celtics
2. Rockets
3. Pistons
4. Lakers
5. Hornets
6. Suns
7. Spurs
8. Magic
9. Warriors
10. Mavericks
