[Mr. Predictable]

Originally Posted by futuristxen

I would be willing to bet Reggie Evans is the Sonics next priority right now. Since Vlad is restricted, the Sonics overpaying him will be contigent on someone offering him too much. And who do you think is going to do that? Do the Hawks want another small forward? Who else is left? Are the Clippers pursuing him? Sund probably has a figure in mind of what he'd be willing to pay for Vlad, and if someone exceeds that, then best of luck to them.

But your thread isn't even about waiting for these things to come out. You are declaring the Sonics finished just because they didn't resign Jerome James, and because you think they might be losing Daniels, and because they lost their overated head coach who most sonics fans wanted fired going into this season in the first place.

It's just way to premature to be writing the sonics off.

I think I'm taking a more logistical look at it then you are. As of now, the Sonics have 7 players under contract, including Johan Petro and Robert Swift. They should be around $4 million under the cap after they resign Radmanovic, with 7 players left to sign. Good luck re-signing Evans, Wilkins and Murray.

If Radmanovic doesn't get what he wants from the Sonics, he could always ask for a sign and trade, no? This would only be worse for the Sonics, as nobody wants a tweener who does nothing asked of his position. I'm fairly certain Radmanovic will get a contract above $45 million for 5 years, which would be drastically overpaying him.

[sherwin]

There is no way the Grizzlies make the playoffs. Ownership has directed them to dump payroll, because they are losing massive money. They barely made it in this year, how are they gonna do that again with most of their good players gone, and a couple more playoff contenders?

[KokoTheMonkey]

Originally Posted by sherwin

What's there to expand on? It's my prediction. I just have a feeling that Spurs will suffer some typical post-championship apathy. Enough for a few games differential. Also injuries will hurt them.

You could have expanded if it was a homer choice or if you had a legit reason to believe it. That's all.


As for Golden State, I don't know. Looking at the talent they have they should be able to make the playoffs, but Golden State went through this same sort of thing finishing with a solid run then went back to being terrible. Same thing happened for the Clippers not too long ago.

[Mr. Predictable]

Originally Posted by futuristxen

There's one huge reason why they might not be able to, and I hope I'm wrong. But Baron Davis, when was the last time he played a healthy season? He has back and knee issues that could crop up at any moment and sink the Warriors season.

If Baron Davis can play in more than 65 games, which he has done in 4 of his 6 seasons, the Warriors have a decent chance of making the playoffs. Although I have a feeling they'll trade Murphy or Pietrus this season.

[futuristxen]

Originally Posted by Mr. Roger's Cardigan

I think I'm taking a more logistical look at it then you are. As of now, the Sonics have 7 players under contract, including Johan Petro and Robert Swift. They should be around $4 million under the cap after they resign Radmanovic, with 7 players left to sign. Good luck re-signing Evans, Wilkins and Murray.

If Radmanovic doesn't get what he wants from the Sonics, he could always ask for a sign and trade, no? This would only be worse for the Sonics, as nobody wants a tweener who does nothing asked of his position. I'm fairly certain Radmanovic will get a contract above $45 million for 5 years, which would be drastically overpaying him.

Wilkins and Murray aren't must signings. And on the one hand you say nobody wants Radmonovic but then on the other you say he will get overpaid. Who is going to offer him a contract?

And don't the Sonics have bird rights on some of these guys?

I'm just saying, you are acting like the Sonics are going to have the worst case scenario, and none of this is definite yet. The Sonics are supposedly also in the Saras sweepstakes. Sund is a very good GM with a really good eye for talent. I guarantee his moves to fill out his roster will work out better than the one move the Rockets make this offseason, when they find a mediocre power forward to overpay in desperation. The fact that you guys are looking at Stromile Swift before Reggie Evans should be sending off warning bells to you, but I guess it's not.

[Mr. Predictable]

Originally Posted by futuristxen

Wilkins and Murray aren't must signings. And on the one hand you say nobody wants Radmonovic but then on the other you say he will get overpaid. Who is going to offer him a contract?

I'm sure Radmanovic's agent is looking at players like Cuttino Mobley and Bobby Simmons getting $40 million + contracts and thinking he deserves it as well. Kind of like a Gasol-Kirilenko type situation, escept it's not an extension. Seattle can't resign an uncontent player. I don't think Radmanovic is worthy of that much money, unlike Mobley and Simmons, but you can be damn sure he is going to get it.

I'm just saying, you are acting like the Sonics are going to have the worst case scenario, and none of this is definite yet. The Sonics are supposedly also in the Saras sweepstakes. Sund is a very good GM with a really good eye for talent. I guarantee his moves to fill out his roster will work out better than the one move the Rockets make this offseason, when they find a mediocre power forward to overpay in desperation. The fact that you guys are looking at Stromile Swift before Reggie Evans should be sending off warning bells to you, but I guess it's not.

I think it's wise to look at the more expensive options first, especially considering Swift is a solid finisher and great shot contestor. But does it really matter who Houston signs? They're still better than Chicago, Cleveland and every other team you support.

[tone wone]

Originally Posted by Mr. Roger's Cardigan

There is no reason why they can't keep up the strong finish they had to last year's season. Depth at each position, an amazingly athletic backcourt with great finishers, solid shooters in Dunleavy and Cabarkapa, Troy Murphy, and plenty of big bodies to throw around in the post. They are definitely not a lock, but IMO, better than all the teams I left out.

I agree that they have a very talented squad...but finishing the season strong means nothing to me..

cause if you by that then Minny is lock cause they finished the season winning 9 of 10

wasn't Golden State's record 18-11 or something like that...thats not that strong of a finish...they weren't Denver or anything

[Yao Mania]

I like Seattle, and I still like the core players they have in place now (Allen, Lewis, Collison, Ridnour), but their management is absolute crap. How can they go stingy on a team that won its division last season, and made it to the 2nd round of the playoffs?? Seattle management thinks too much about money, and shows little commitment on improving the team.

Radman's good as gone (unless no other team wants to offer him good money), Wilkens is gone if teams are smart enough to recognize him, Flip Murray is simply not a good fit for the team, and I doubt Seattle will bring in any big name free agents this off-season. I hope Seattle makes the playoffs, but it ain't looking so good right now...

[Mr. Predictable]

Originally Posted by tone wone

cause if you by that then Minny is lock cause they finished the season winning 9 of 10

wasn't Golden State's record 18-11 or something like that...thats not that strong of a finish...they weren't Denver or anything

Minnesota just wasted their entire MLE on Eddie Griffin. That gives me enough of a clue as to where they are going. Golden State easily has the depth and talent to make the playoffs... the biggest question is whether they can defend the post and stay healthy.