Western Conference

Kings113 · Mar 9, 2006

"With room at the end of their roster, the Sonics plan to use the rest of the season as an extended audition for minor-league basketball players. Seattle signed Marcus Fizer, who played with the Austin Toros in the NBA developmental league, to a 10-day contract on Wednesday and will re-sign Noel Felix to another 10-day deal next week. Before joining the Sonics on March 2, Felix played 41 games with the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the Continental Basketball Association."

"The Sonics signed former lottery pick Marcus Fizer to a 10-day contract and will look at the hulking former Iowa State standout for perhaps their summer league team."

"A free-agent target (for the Sonics) could be Memphis center Lorenzen Wright, who is averaging five points and 4.9 rebounds in 56 games. He will be a free agent and is not expected to return to Memphis."

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2002853426_soniglance09.html

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/262324_srevu09.html

bcfy · Mar 9, 2006

Bonzinator said:

I am sure Houston Rockets have worse luck than us. At least we have all of our starters back by now.

The players that have been injuried for Rockets:

Sura (should be the starting PG, out for whole year)
Anderson (should be the starting SG, traded)
T-Mac (starting SF of course, out again)
Swift (expected starting PF)
Yao (starting Center of course)

besides the starters..more to come:

Barry (best shooter of the team, retired)
Alston (current starting PG)

Kings113 · Mar 9, 2006

^ Indeed. They made a good move in getting Bogans though, but even he was injured for a bunch of games before getting traded.

Bobcats/Rockets/Jazz have had it much, much worse than us, indeed.

Kings113 · Mar 15, 2006

The AP reports: The Dallas Mavericks are suddenly less concerned about earning the top seed in the Western Conference. Their focus now is on going into the playoffs healthy. Injuries to starting small forward Josh Howard and backup point guard Devin Harris forced the priority change. Both tried to come back and instead got hurt again, prompting team officials to decide Tuesday to let the players rest until the last few weeks of the regular season.

Interesting.

DocHolliday · Mar 15, 2006

They had it worse?? We've had

Peja
Brad
Bonzi
Shareef
Artest*although he ddin't miss any games*
Francisco

ALL injured. We've had it pretty bad it was just somewhat spread out.

Kings113 · Mar 15, 2006

Yes, they've definitely had it worse. I'm sure there's info on how many guys have been out, how many times, and for how long for those three teams. Utah having it the least bad of them, but still was enough to have a pretty big effect.

Not near as long (Bonzi the exception, and partly SAR) or as many times for us, and not hurting their seasons as much. Peja being out didn't prove to be bad for us, actually, but of course the fact that he was out for a number of games, wasn't good. Utah would've been/be better without a couple of their injuries (AK/Boozer/Harpring for the first 2 months or so not being able to play back-to-backs/Giricek/McLeod/Owens (rookie, but has been a spark off the bench)). Houston would be a completely different team than what they've been ALL season, and the Bobcats I'd say would be in the 8-10 area in the east. Who have had just as much, if not more than the Rockets have had.

Kings113 · Mar 15, 2006

Jason Richardson, Troy Murphy and Mike Dunleavy are the professed "core" of the Warriors. Have been since signing $173 million worth of contract extensions, and still are, according to Chris Mullin.
Year 2 of their reign as everyday starters, however, has dissolved into a mess worse than Year 1. The Warriors returned to practice Tuesday with a 26-37 record after their 1-4 road trip, and the playoffs they targeted are a distant fantasy.
As Richardson noted this past weekend, it's time to play spoiler again. Time to practice for the future with "the guys that are going to be here."
And that may or may not include themselves.
"I could see the core sticking together and being very successful," Mullin says. "I could see something else happening. This is the NBA."
This is the NBA, in which success is based on wins and losses. And through nearly two seasons as three-fifths of the Warriors' starting lineup -- the last alongside Baron Davis -- Richardson, Murphy and Dunleavy have posted a 60-85 mark.
This is the NBA, in which production is often based on statistics. And though Davis was acquired to be the point man and elevate the core to new heights, those statistics have had a habit of betraying them all.
Numbers have never been among Dunleavy's best friends, and this season has been especially rough. His points (10.2), rebounds (4.7), assists (2.7), steals (.79) and minutes (30.4) are all down, and so are his starts.
Murphy is the virtual opposite, the ultimate numbers guy who can have trouble being an all-around factor. Take away his rookie year and his injury-plagued third season, and he's averaged a double-double while being among the league's top rebounders.
He's added a 3-point shot and flashes of an inside game since entering the league. Former teammate Antawn Jamison even predicts that Murphy will be an All-Star one day. But put Murphy alongside Dunleavy and Adonal Foyle in the frontcourt, and something seems to be off.
Richardson is the only Warrior to be spot-on of late, but even he isn't immune to the numbers trap. He averaged 32 points, hit 51 percent of his shots -- 48 percent from long distance -- and set two career highs in points on this past road trip. And yet, the Warriors lost games to Minnesota, Atlanta, Charlotte and Orlando.
Remember when Dunleavy flung his jersey into the stands during a rare show of anger last season? He said it was a culmination of three years of his frustration with the Warriors, but it was also a visual metaphor for all that has haunted Golden State.
The talent is there; the wins are not.
And as the Warriors head for their 12th straight season without making the playoffs, their once-designated core sounds more and more as if it's preparing for a shakeup this summer.
"I'd be surprised," Murphy said about all three returning. "I mean, you hear your name in a lot of rumors, things like that."
Said Richardson: "I can't even tell you. That's up to management."
It's up to Mullin, and so far, the Warriors' vice president has made it a point to keep the trio intact. He signed Richardson and Murphy to extensions two Novembers ago to prevent them from testing the free- agent market and he did the same with Dunleavy this past season.
With each deal, Mullin lauded his players' individual talents, spoke of their improvement, and how they would continue to progress as a part of the Warriors' "core."
Dunleavy says his biggest strides in four years have come on the defensive end, where he was pushed around as a rookie before his body grew stronger. Murphy has focused on rebounding and adding to his offensive repertoire.
All Richardson heard his first two seasons was that he couldn't shoot, so he spent his summers shooting jumpers and fadeaways from all over the court. Then critics said he couldn't dribble or defend, so he's spent the last two summers working on ball-handling and defense.
"Keep on going down the list, come back and prove them wrong," said Richardson, who has increased his scoring and shooting percentage every year.
"Hopefully, that's what you're going to get with these young guys," coach Mike Montgomery added. "That they continue to get better, understand, mature ... and start to take the challenge of being the players they are.
"J.R.? I think he's starting to understand. He plays both ends. He's willing to take responsibility for not making plays. It's been good to see. Everybody has noticed that."
Still, Mullin believes the Warriors can be a major player this summer with their accrued talent and he likes how his trade chips compare with other teams' around the league. He has proven talent and intriguing youngsters in Andris Biedrins and rookies Monta Ellis and Ike Diogu.
Though Mullin would prefer that the Warriors weren't distracted by trade rumors, he knows it's impossible.
"That's part of the business," Mullin said. "I know it sounds so cliched, but the players know that. I know that. Do we want their heads straight and fresh as much as we can so they go out and perform? Yes. Am I going to extinguish everything? No, I can guarantee you I'm not ...
"You always want to put yourselves in a position where you can win with what you have and develop, and have that success not only now, but for years to come. Or if something becomes viable, that you can be legitimately in that as well."
For the Warriors to be legitimate trade partners, everyone on their roster must be in play. Be it the rookies, the veterans, Davis (who has three years at $49 million), or the once-designated core of Richardson, Murphy and Dunleavy.
And they know it, like it or not.
"I'd like to see us stick together and do well because we've struggled for four years -- five years for them," Dunleavy said. "We haven't been to the playoffs and it's been frustrating. But at the end, whatever this team needs to do to get to that level -- to do our best -- we got to do what we got to do ... Most importantly, I'd like to see it work out (for the team), and I think they would tell you the same thing."
"We've been teammates for a long time," Richardson added. "But it's pretty much up to the individual player if they want to be here or not. It's up to management if they think they're part of us becoming successful. "I'm just going to work on my game. You never know -- it might be me that has to go."

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/archive/2006/03/15/SPGP6HOD3L1.DTL

WARRIORS.

I bet J-Rich stays, and one of Murphy/Dunleavy go in the off-season.

BMiller52 · Mar 15, 2006

They should trade JRich. He's had enough sucking in golden state, trade him to a franchise that knows how to make the PO's. I kind of want to like him, but I have a hard time liking GS warriors.

Kings113 · Mar 15, 2006

I respect him, but I agree with you, 52.

I think ff the Bulls don't get an SG in the draft (which they should), they should trade for J-Rich.

Hinrich/J-Rich/Deng/Aldridge?-another draftee-FA/Chandler would be a sweet line-up.

mavsman · Mar 15, 2006

Regarding injuries:

the Mavericks and Rockets have had it REALLY bad. This is why I love having such a deep team. For the Mavs there's been atleast somebody a night out for most of the season but they've still managed to win 50 games. Last night, with RAWLE MARSHALL STARTING OF ALL PEOPLE, we come back from 19 points down to win it. Not bad considering 4 of the Mavs top 8 are all out w/ injuries. (Harris - now a starter, Howard, KVH, Adrian Griffin)

Now, take a look @ Houston. Houston doesn't have much of a bench at all - you take away 2 starters (Ming and T-Mac) and you've got that mess that they've had all year. Houston was supposed to really contend for the final this year - and who knows, maybe they could have - but when you look at who's had the "worst injuries," it's gotta be Houston. Totally ruined their season.

BTW good win last night vs Lakers. Kings will be dangerous come playoff time. I would love to see the Lakers out of the playoff picture!

Kings113 · Mar 15, 2006

Rawle Marshall started, nice... how did he play?

Indeed about Houston.

mavsman · Mar 15, 2006

Kings113 said:

you know he didn't play bad at all, showed some hustle. Had 4 pts on 2/3 shooting including a great drunk. I was surprised to see him start...even though they're down several players I didnt' expect it.

Avery benched him and started Stackhouse in the 2nd half. We were down 19 to start the 2nd half, and by the end of the 3rd quarter we were winning the basketball game, so his coaching move paid off.

Kings113 · Mar 16, 2006

Richie Frahm - waived:

http://www.nba.com/transactions/current_month_transactions.html

McCants/Reed have made him irrelevant. Frahm's 3PT shooting should get him a spot somewhere.

Kings113 · Mar 16, 2006

Will Eddie Griffin play tonight? I doubt it.

Kings113 · Mar 16, 2006

Eddie ON THE FLOOR.

damn, what a block... tracked the quick monta ellis from the elbow under the basket then jumped and swatted his reverse attempt.

Griffin has stayed in for Blount, who wasn't making an impact on either side of the floor, Eddie did it defensively. 4 pts, 3 blk 7 boards in about 12 minutes or so off the bench, not too bad.

Kings113 · Mar 17, 2006

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/ci_3611465

http://www.nola.com/hornets/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-2/1142581493218460.xml

Pretty key blow to the struggling hornets.

Kings113 · Mar 20, 2006

http://www.montereyherald.com/mld/montereyherald/sports/14141674.htm

As the final games tick off the Seattle SuperSonics’ schedule and the curtain begins to close on the 2005-06 season, the specter of yet another busy summer comes into view.
With the exception of 2004, every offseason of the past decade has been a crossroads of sorts for the Sonics, with their decisions and execution playing a key part in the future of the organization.

This summer, it is becoming clear, will be no different, now that the team has reshaped its roster and feels reasonably good about where it stands in the Western Conference.

The first, and perhaps most important, piece of business will be to make a decision on coach Bob Hill. The Sonics have an option to retain Hill for another year, and it seems likely they will exercise that option, if for no other reason than to retain flexibility.

The second piece of business will be the NBA draft on June 28. The Sonics will find out at the May 23 draft lottery where exactly they will pick. Like every non-playoff team, they hope to win the lot- tery and take a player like Adam Morrison, who they think would fit perfectly in their uptempo system, which places a premium on scoring.

If they do not win the lottery, they are still likely to get a top-10 pick, which could net them Duke’s J.J. Redick, another excellent perimeter shooter.

After free agency monopolized much of last summer, it should not consume as much of the Sonics’ time this year when the period opens July 1. Their only true free agent is newly acquired Chris Wilcox, who is restricted, which means the Sonics can offer him anything and match offers from other teams.

Wilcox’s agent, Jeff Fried, said his client thinks Seattle is the perfect fit and would like to sign a long-term deal.

“Chris really enjoys it. He likes the guys, he likes the coach and he thinks there is the foundation to make a run for things,” Fried said. “This year it may be difficult, but with a missing piece or two, he certainly is optimistic for the future.”

Fried said the Sonics were one of three teams they wanted Wilcox to go in trade. The Clippers would not deal him to Phoenix and nothing could be worked out with Golden State. Seattle, Fried said, turned out to be the best possible place for him.

Fried said he sat down with Sonics general manager Rick Sund two weeks ago to lay a foundation for future negotiations. Fried declined to say in what salary range he thinks his client should be paid.

Sund said it is too early to say what the team’s plans are for Wilcox this summer, though he did say, “I like the guy. He is a restricted free agent. I am optimistic we can work something out.”

Last summer, the team signed Vladimir Radmanovic, Reggie Evans and Ronald Murray to one-year deals after the sides were unable to reach agreements. Negotiations with Wilcox should go more smoothly.

The team probably will not tell Wilcox he has to find another deal to set the market, as it did with its restricted free agents last summer. The Sonics will likely make a multi-year offer to Wilcox and leave it to Wilcox to choose between potential and security, between two and five years.

Meanwhile, Rashard Lewis said he is planning to opt out of his contract after next season. But that could be superseded this summer when the Sonics offer Lewis a contract extension, as seems likely.

Because the rules of the collective bargaining agreement are still unclear, it is not known if the Sonics can offer Lewis a two- or three-year extension.

However, they can offer a raise of 10.5 percent on the $10.9 million salary he is due next season, meaning Lewis is in line to earn a minimum extension of $25.25 million over two seasons. That would keep him in a Sonics uniform until 2011, when he will be 31.

In Miami last month, Lewis said he would be open to such an offer.

“If they want to sit down and talk extension, then I am willing to do that,” Lewis said at the time. “I am all ears. I am just going to listen to what they offer me and we will go from there.”

The Sonics also are likely to offer extensions to Luke Ridnour and Nick Collison; both players’ rookie contracts expire at the end of next season.

It is unclear what exactly the Sonics will offer those players, but they are likely to command between $5 million and $7 million a year – more than doubling their salaries – given their production at their respective positions.

That would keep the core of the current team in place with a payroll of around $55 million, giving the team room under the luxury tax threshold to sign a few role players.

Before the summer is over, the Sonics also will have to negotiate a buyout for Mickael Gelabale, their second-round pick last season currently playing for Real Madrid, who will try to move to the NBA next season.

http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/story/5601699p-5034453c.html

Kings113 · Mar 21, 2006

How about Rasual Butler tonight, 7-9 3 pointers, 12-16 FG, 32 pts. Woot.

Kings113 · Mar 24, 2006

Tacoma News Tribune - Even if Seattle SuperSonics power forward Nick Collison is able to return from his foot injury at full strength before the end of the season, coach Bob Hill said Chris Wilcox is likely to remain the starter based on his performance the past two games.
“I would say it is pretty safe right now that Chris Wilcox has the starting big-forward position wrapped up,” Hill said. “That would be my guess, with 46 points and 33 rebounds in two nights against playoff teams.”

http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/sonics/story/5611694p-5041920c.html

Kings113 · Mar 24, 2006

Reggie Evans and Ruben Patterson have a pact: Patterson has vowed to back Evans tonight in his grudge match against Seattle, his old team, if Evans does the same when the Nuggets face Patterson's former teammates in Portland on April 10. "It's a little friendly deal we've got with each other," said Evans, who has averaged nine rebounds and 4.8 points as Denver has gone 9-4 with him."

"It was difficult because I didn't know what the reason was, why I'm on the bench," (Reggie) Evans said (about the Sonics). "Give me a reason why I'm on the bench. Then I'd have an opportunity to play and I'd play a good game. Then I'd be back on the bench. That was just the most frustrating part. Let me know what's up. Then if you let me know, I can work on that and help my team."

"(Reggie) Evans, traded from Seattle to Denver on Feb. 23, is enjoying a renewal with the Nuggets, and he will get his first opportunity to face his former team tonight when the SuperSonics visit the Pepsi Center (7, Altitude). "It's going to be fun to play against my old team," he said. "I'm looking forward to it. Ain't no animosity against my teammates at all. Everything's still all love with my teammates."

"Evans said he does not blame (Bob) Hill entirely, but he does not buy the argument Seattle wanted to give young interior players such as Nick Collison, 25, Johan Petro, 20, and Robert Swift, 20, an opportunity. "That was all (garbage) because all them young guys, they play (center). I play (power forward)," Evans said. "Do the math on that. That was just more (garbage)."

http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_3633550

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nba/article/0,2777,DRMN_23922_4567045,00.html

Kings113 · Mar 24, 2006

http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/grizzlies/article/0,1426,MCA_475_4566743,00.html

Definitely not good for the Grizz, he was starting to get going since February or so. Don't think it'll hurt them a lot, but will hurt their depth.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakerep24mar24,1,6216669.story?coll=la-headlines-sports

Man, the Clips get all their guys back, and then Mobley goes down... luckily they have a few solid swingmen to take on the load. Ross/Radmanovic/Singleton.

Kings113 · Mar 25, 2006

http://www.insidebayarea.com/warriors/ci_3638796

So, we won't see Baron again for tomorrows game. Possibly even the next game at Golden State.

Kings113 · Mar 26, 2006

.A. Daily News - Just as Kwame Brown started showing flashes indicating that he may not be a bust, the Laker bigman has had a setback. The L.A. Daily News is reporting that Brown may be limited as the Lakers clash with the Hornets tonight with a problematic hamstring.

Brown injured his hamstring in the final minutes of the Lakers' win over Milwaukee on Friday. He didn't participate in team drills Saturday but performed other exercises with physical therapist Alex McKechnie in an attempt to prevent further injury.

Brown wasn't ruled out of tonight's game against New Orleans, but it's clear he might not play much.

"We have to be really careful," coach Phil Jackson said. "(Trainer) Gary (Vitti) wants me to assess whether we should think about playing him in (today's) game. ... We'll have to make an assessment. It's too early to tell right now."

The hamstring isn't torn but Brown was feeling tightness.

http://www2.dailynews.com/lakers/ci_3640567

Well, that def. isn't good for the Lakers in any sense. Could see a Cook/Bynum front-court tonight.

VF21 · Mar 26, 2006

It's shaping up to definitely be a case of "who's left standing" to determine this year's playoff entrants and seeding...

Kings113 · Apr 2, 2006

KVH - likely out for season:

http://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/article.jsp?content=20060402_165432_4288

Big loss for the Mavs and their depth...

Kings113 · Apr 3, 2006

Follow-up on KVH, and more interesting Dallas stuff:

"Keith Van Horn's season is over. The Mavericks forward has a broken right hand that will force him to miss the remainder of the regular season and probably the playoffs. Van Horn injured the hand in Friday night's loss to Orlando, and after a review of X-rays over the weekend, it was determined he was gone. The injury comes at a bad time for Van Horn, who is in the final year of a contract worth $15.69 million this season."

"With Van Horn out and with other injuries to key players, Mavericks officials are exploring a free-agent signing. However, the Mavs must receive a league exception to add a 16th player to the roster. President of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said the team applied for one Saturday and should hear something today or Tuesday."

"Christian Laettner, who played 53 games for the Mavericks during the 2000-01 season, is one possibility. "The list is a long one," Nelson said. "Whoever it is has to be someone who is not afraid of the playoff fire." It won't be Latrell Sprewell. "No, this is a backup four," Nelson said."

"Shawn Kemp in a Mavericks uniform? Unlikely, but don't rule it out. The loss of Keith Van Horn for possibly the rest of the season and the playoffs with a broken right hand has the Mavs scrambling for help."

"The team has checked into Kemp, a former All-Star power forward who retired three years ago because he was overweight. Kemp, 36, has reportedly slimmed down in an attempt to make a comeback and met with coach Avery Johnson recently in Houston."

"Other veterans that are possibilities include former Mavs' first-round pick Samaki Walker and George Lynch. Karl Malone is also out there, but isn't considered an option. The Mavs are definitely looking for a certain kind of player if the waiver is granted."

"Van Horn hopes to return in the playoffs, which begin April 22. He's meeting with a hand specialist today, and there will be no word on his return until he has surgery."

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/basketball/mavs/stories/040306dnspomavsbriefs.6f6d8d0.html

http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/basketball/14251118.htm

I would not be surprised at all if they got Lynch to help with their experience and defense. He can play SF or PF. With Adrian Griffin/Harris/KVH out...

mavsman · Apr 3, 2006

Kings113 said:

I bet it's someone that plays D. Avery looooves defense and although the defense is much improved, I'm not sure if its playoff-ready yet. It's definitely not gonna be Spree - he never returned the phone call the Mavs gave him a few weeks ago.

Kings113 · Apr 4, 2006

Mr. Lynch coming to Dallas?:

http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/basketball/nba/dallas_mavericks/14259172.htm

Kings113 · Apr 4, 2006

"As the Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers lined up to begin their final meeting last season, Kobe Bryant smiled and knocked fists with Bruce Bowen. Then he leaned over and offered a few kind words for the man who would be hounding him. "I want to be the first to congratulate you," Bryant said (to Bowen), "on being defensive player of the year." The NBA had yet to announce the award, and when it did nearly a month later, Detroit center Ben Wallace won for the third time in four seasons. Bowen finished second. But not in Bryant's mind."

"Sacramento forward Ron Artest, one of the few perimeter defenders considered in Bowen's class, missed nearly a third of the season when Indiana suspended him. Wallace's rebounding and blocks have dipped slightly, but he ranks fourth and eighth, respectively, in those areas and is 11th in steals. Only twice, however, in the previous 17 seasons has a perimeter defender won: Artest in 2004 and Gary Payton in 1996."

"Not everyone, however, is so eager to praise Bowen. A recent Sports Illustrated players' poll had (Bruce Bowen) ranked as the league's second-dirtiest player behind Seattle's Danny Fortson. Said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich: "I don't know how a 175-pound guy could be called dirty."

"Bowen flails his hands in what he calls "short movements" because he can disrupt an opponent's shot even if he doesn't touch him. He also has been accused of stepping under players but attributes that to trying to crowd or block out his man. Or beat him to a spot."

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/stories/MYSA040406.1D.spurs.d3d6afb.html

Fun little read. Now obviously Ron can't win it, but I think it'll be Bowen, or Ben again. I think this could well be Bowen's year though..

Kings113 · Apr 5, 2006

Shawn KEMP gets try-out with Mavs to back-up Dirk:

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/39853/20060405/kemp_to_audition_today_for_mavs_supporting_role/

Be fun just to see the guy back on an NBA floor, and how this works out.

Western Conference

All-Star

G-League

All-Star

All-Star

Starter

All-Star

All-Star

All-Star

All-Star

Bench

All-Star

Bench

All-Star

All-Star

All-Star

All-Star

All-Star

All-Star

All-Star

All-Star

All-Star

All-Star

All-Star

Super Moderator Emeritus

All-Star

All-Star

Bench

All-Star

All-Star

All-Star