The 2009-2010 Seattle Supersonics
Roster
Tim Duncan
Ben Gordon
Kenyon Martin
Thaddeus Young
TJ Ford
Jerryd Bayless
Dahntay Jones
Corey Brewer
Brandon Bass
Theo Ratliff
Antonio Daniels
Brent Barry
Patrick O’Bryant
Malik Rose
Scouting Reports:
Point Guards
Outlook: Seattle’s point guard depth is a major strength of this team. Ford is an excellent fit for the team, and will get the majority of the minutes. This team has the ability to benefit from both running and playing halfcourt, and has the PG versatility to do so. Bayless is an explosive scorer who is expected to take a major step forward this season with his increased minutes, and in the unlikely event something happens to Ford or Bayless, Antonio Daniels is a perfect veteran 3rd stringer.
TJ Ford 6’0, 165 lbs, University of Texas
Strengths: A lightning quick point guard who can both score and distribute, Ford has been both a facilitator and focal point of NBA offenses during his professional career. He can get to the hoop and is completely fearless when driving, and is willing to both finish the play himself or dish to Seattle’s more then capable bigs for the bucket. He is the perfect high athleticism uptempo guard to run Tommy Heinsohn’s fast break offense. Defensively, the Sonics have the depth to let Ford play a high energy defense, hounding point guards all the way up the floor and keeping even the quickest of his counterparts in front of him and out of the paint. Ford is also an excellent rebounder for a player his size.
Weaknesses: Ford’s height makes him an obvious target for bigger guards to post him up, a thought not lost on Seattle’s brass when they filled out the depth chart with Jerryd Bayless and Antonio Daniels. Ford has also had injury issues in the past, despite playing 74 games in the 08-09 campaign, and in the unlikely event Ford goes down, Bayless and Daniels are more then capable to run the same offensive style.
08-09 stats: 30.5 MPG 74 GP, 49 GS, 14.9 PPG, 5.3 APG, 3.5 RPG, 45.2% FG, 1.2 SPG
EFF: +15.49
Jerryd Bayless 6’3, 200 lbs, University of Arizona
Strengths: Bayless has the ability to get into the lane off the dribble, and will be a focal point offensively of the second unit. Bayless has range to go with his slashing style, and can beat you offensively from distance as well as in the paint. Like Ford, Bayless is extremely quick, and his athleticism coupled with a larger frame will help against post-up point guards. Bayless is ready to take a step forward in the league, after battling Jarret Jack and Steve Blake for time in Portland, and with Jack gone, Bayless will see more time on the court in the real NBA.
Weaknesses: Bayless is still somewhat learning how to run a first unit offense at the NBA level. He is the long term hope to be the Blazers point guard next to Brandon Roy, and is still learning that offense and how he can help it the most. For the Sonics, however, the second unit will ask him to carry some of the scoring load for his time on the court, and this should play into the style he was most successful with in college. Bayless will be unleashed in Seattle, rather then the way he is corralled now in Portland.
08-09 stats: 12.4 MPG, 53 G, 0 GS, 4.3 PPG, 1.5 APG, 0.5 RPG, 36.5% FG, 0.3 SPG
EFF: +1.00
Antonio Daniels 6’4, 205 lbs, Bowling Green University
Strengths: Daniels is a veteran point guard who will not turn the ball over. He is lauded for his intelligence and head under pressure. He is adept at running an offense, and is an excellent chemistry guy. He is also excellent at taking charges, but Daniels’s main contribution comes in his ability to take care of the basketball offensively. He was durable last year as well, playing in 74 games and even starting 9 for the Hornets and Wizards. He is more then capable of taking over Seattle’s offense as a third string guard, and the brass has no problem counting on Daniels if need be.
Weaknesses: Daniels’s age is his biggest weakness. The 12-year veteran is 34 years old, and no longer has elite athleticism, quickness, or top end speed. He is no more then adequate defensively due to this age related slight decline, even though he possesses elite intelligence and basketball IQ that makes Scal blush.
08-09 stats: 13.8 MPG, 74 G, 9 GS, 4.1 PPG, 2.4 APG, 1.0 RPG, 41.9% FG, 0.3 SPG
EFF: +2.20
Shooting Guards
Outlook: If you watched the Celtics-Bulls first round playoff series last year, you know why Ben Gordon is on this team. Gordon is a legitimate 4th quarter assassin, and has the skill to score in the other three quarters as well. Dahntay Jones made a name for himself in the playoffs last season, and his rugged and hard-nosed defensive game will earn him minutes for the Sonics. Jones also can hit a three for the second unit, while Brent Barry is Seattle’s 3 point specialist, and has taken and hit his share of big shots over the course of his career.
Ben Gordon, 6’3, 200 lbs, University of Connecticut
Strengths: Ben Gordon can score in every way on a basketball court. A 45.5% shooter with a 41% clip from distance, Gordon is not afraid to shoot either in a catch and shoot fashion or off his own dribble. Gordon has long been considered a legitimate scoring option, particularly in the 4th quarter, earning himself the nickname “The Closer” in his early years with the Bulls. However, his duels with Ray Allen in the 2009 NBA Playoffs solidified his status as an elite scorer in the NBA. In addition to pure shooting, Gordon can slash and make defenders pay who overplay to counter his formidable range. He is a prime offensive target for the Sonics, and will score his share of points. Defensively, his athleticism and quickness serve him well against smaller opponents.
Weaknesses: Gordon is small for a shooting guard, and can be exploited against bigger guards in the league defensively. While his offensive skill is undeniable, his defense is still in the progressive stages. He is improving, but not a finished product. Gordon’s status as a starting shooting guard brought about the need for Dahntay Jones as a backup, and against certain teams during the season Seattle will experiment with Jones starting and Gordon in his extremely productive sixth man role. However, it’s Gordon’s job, and he will get the vast majority of minutes at the 2 spot.
08-09 stats: 36.6 MPG, 82 G, 76 GS, 20.7 PPG, 3.4 APG, 3.5 RPG, 45.5% FG, 41% 3FG
EFF: +16.86
Dahntay Jones, 6’6, 210 lbs, Duke University
Strengths: Jones is extremely athletic with elite leaping ability. He plays excellent man-to-man defense with an edge, and thrives in an uptempo environment based on defensive stops. He can both key and finish in transition, and is an excellent fit with the Sonics style of play. He can come off the bench or be asked to start games for the Sonics, a role that Jones is comfortable with and excelled in with the Nuggets. Defensively, Jones is a standout wing defender who adds important size to the unit. Jones is still improving steadily offensively, and has worked extremely hard on his 3 point range. The work has paid off for Jones, who posted a 64.7% 3 point field goal percentage last year, improving his career 3FG percentage to 36.7%. Jones has elite work ethic.
Weaknesses: Jones should not be a focal point of the offense, as he is not consistent enough to be counted on for game-changing points night in and night out. Jones has worked extremely hard on his 3 point range, and a second season with the results he had in 2008-09 would go a long way towards establishing Dahntay Jones as an elite role player.
08-09 stats: 18.1 MPG, 79 G, 71 GS, 5.4 PPG, 1.0 APG, 2.1 RPG, 45.8% FG, 64.7% 3FG
EFF: +7.12
Brent Barry, 6’7, 210 lbs, Oregon State University
Strengths: Brent Barry was put on God’s green earth to shoot. His career clip is 40.5% from three point range, and he can be counted on for a three point basket in any situation. Like Daniels, Barry is an extremely intelligent player. He is a crafty defender, reading every defensive scouting report and utilizing it successfully night in and night out.
Weaknesses: Not known for physical tools such as athleticism or strength at this point in his career. On this team, he is a pure shooter getting limited minutes.
08-09 stats: 15.3 MPG, 56 G, 1 GS, 3.7 PPG, 1.4 APG, 1.7 RPG, 40.7% FG, 37.4% 3FG
EFF: +3.25
Small Forwards
Outlook: Thaddeus Young is a legitimate rising star in the NBA. He is an excellent wing complement stylistically to the rest of the team, and has made a name for himself as a young player to watch in his early years with Philadelphia. Seattle firmly believes Young is primed for a major step forward, and a CBNBA championship at the 6 month mark is very well within reach if Young progresses the way I believe he will. Corey Brewer is a young, athletic wing defender who has the compete level to contribute defensively and his shooting is improving.
Thaddeus Young, 6’8, 220 lbs, Georgia Institute of Technology
Strengths: Young is an up and coming star in the real NBA who is primed for a serious breakout season with the 76ers this season and with the Sonics in the CBNBA. He can score in every way with a good first step, and has improved defensively every year in the league. In an uptempo offense that rewards effort and athleticism, Young will have a chance to showcase his midrange, distance, and in-paint scoring skills, and complement them nicely with another year of improved defensive ability to go with his consistent effort on court and superior off court work ethic. Has size to play power forward if Sonics want to go small against certain lineups. Can handle ball, distribute, and score.
Weaknesses: This should be Young’s breakout year. Should continue to improve from 3 point range and round out his formidable offensive arsenal.
08-09 stats: 34.4 MPG, 75 G, 71 GS, 15.3 PPG, 1.1 APG, 5.0 RPG, 49.5% FG, 34.1% 3FG
EFF: +11.00
Corey Brewer, 6’9, 188 lbs, University of Florida
Strengths: Excellent athleticism and defensive ability. His defensive skills are at an excellent level, and he will see time against star wings during his time on the floor. Improving 3 point range and shot selection. Averaged a steal per game even in limited time with Minnesota.
Weaknesses: All of Brewer’s weaknesses come on the offensive end. He does not have the necessary offensive awareness to warrant a starting position, and must compensate with defensive tenacity and results on that end. Shot selection is improving but still a work in progress.
08-09 stats: 20.5 MPG, 15 G, 8 GS, 6.2 PPG, 1.7 APG, 3.3 RPG, 41.1% FG, 41.7% 3FG
EFF: +7.60
Power Forwards
Outlook: The acquisition of Kenyon Martin at power forward finalized the Sonics rotation, and Martin brings defense, energy, toughness, and athleticism that will complement Tim Duncan perfectly. Brandon Bass may be the league’s best energy big man off the bench, and will see significant minutes for the Sonics in their big man rotation, spelling both Martin and Duncan in different alignments.
Kenyon Martin, 6’9, 240 lbs, University of Cincinnati
Strengths: Kenyon Martin brings a significant defensive presence in the paint. He can rebound on both ends, and defend extremely well. Steals, blocks, weakside defense- he does it all for a big man. He also has the athleticism and ability to finish in an uptempo offense, and can start the break with outlets or get down court and finish with his superior on court work rate. Extremely tough player. Good passer for a big man.
Weaknesses: Martin lacks polish offensively, particularly in half court sets. Low post game is average, and he has limited range. Good chemistry guy, but on court temper makes him susceptible to technical fouls. Played in 66 games last year.
08-09 stats: 32.0 MPG, 66 G, 66 GS, 11.7 PPG, 2.0 APG, 6.0 RPG, 49.1% FG, BPG 1.1, SPG 1.5
EFF: +13.75
Brandon Bass, 6’8, 250 lbs, Louisiana State University
Strengths: Above average athlete with very solid build, Bass is a very good energy player on both ends of the floor. Can score off the dribble with either hand, and hits turnaround jump shots in the post. Got significant late game minutes with the Mavericks, and they even ran the offense through him at points last season late in games. Midrange game is good, and can thrive as face up PF. Very solid rebounder on both ends. Has bulk to keep post players out of the paint and keep them further from the basket then back to the basket players are comfortable starting possessions from. Excellent work rate.
Weaknesses: Undersized for a power forward at only 6’8. Needs a little more work on defensive rotations and help side defense, but has steadily improved since rookie season. Has had some struggles scoring in paint due to size, but has increased midrange game and his passing is still improving.
08-09 stats: 19.4 MPG, 81 G, 0 GS, 8.5 PPG, 0.5 APG, 4.5 RPG, 49.6% FG, BPG 0.7
EFF: +11.90
Malik Rose, 6’7, 255 lbs, Drexel University
Strengths: Above average rebounder and veteran presence. Rose can be called on to defend and rebound in tight spots if necessary, but should not see the floor much.
Weaknesses: Offensive game is a nonfactor. Below average shot blocker.
08-09 stats: 12.4 MPG, 38 G, 0 GS, 3.4 PPG, 0.9 APG, 2.5 RPG, 34.4% FG, 0.1 BPG , 0.3 SPG
EFF: +3.74
Centers
Outlook: The Sonics are proud to have Tim Duncan manning the paint at center. Duncan is a franchise player, and ranks highly on all historical lists by position and overall player. He is no stranger to any situation in the league, and is a franchise centerpiece that any team would be lucky to have. He will get the vast majority of minutes on the Sonics at center, spelled most likely by Bass or Martin with Theo Ratliff getting some minutes as a backup. The Sonics have no problem giving Duncan 35-40 minutes a night. Theo Ratliff is an experienced shot blocker and rebounder, and can be counted on for light minutes of contribution night in and night out. Patrick O’Bryant has six whole fouls every night to give to the cause.
Tim Duncan, 6’11, 260 lbs, Wake Forest University
Strengths: Duncan is one of the best big men of all time. He could be the most fundamentally sound player in the NBA. His four championship rings are perhaps his most important statistic, but he ranks historically well in all of them. Standout back to the basket player with above average face up ability, Duncan can finesse you in the post or beat you with strength. Double team him, and Duncan will find the open man every time. Best footwork for big men in the NBA. Excellent rebounder. Excellent post defender, good shotblocker and help side defender as well. Simply speaking, any team with Tim Duncan is an immediate divisional contender with conference championship hopes.
Weaknesses: Duncan has had plenty of coaches and advisors over the years, making my chances of a front row seat at his Hall of Fame Induction in Springfield remote.
08-09 stats: 33.6 MPG, 75 G, 75 GS, 19.8 PPG, 3.5 APG, 10.7 RPG, 50.4% FG, BPG 1.7, SPG 0.5
EFF: +22.00
Theo Ratliff, 6’10, 235 lbs, University of Wyoming
Strengths: Ratliff is an elite shotblocker when healthy and will protect the rim well, with excellent timing and technique. One of the best shotblockers of this generation. He also can hit a 15 footer and finish off feeds. Above average hands defensively as well to play passing lanes.
Weaknesses: Ratliff doesn’t have much of an offensive game. Could improve rebounding as well. Health is a major concern with Ratliff, but he was healthy towards the end of the season.
08-09 stats: 12.6 MPG, 46 G, 0 GS, 1.9 PPG, 0.2 APG, 2.8 RPG, 53.1% FG, BPG 1.0, SPG 0.4
EFF: +6.67
Patrick O’Bryant, 7’0, 250 lbs, Bradley University
Strengths: Tall. Can reach every jar on the top shelf. Is allotted six fouls in a given game. Protected by a union. Has a lovely family. Made some money in his career. Has better access to NBA authentic apparel then any of us. Standout intramural player at Bradley.
Weaknesses: The actual game of basketball.
08-09 stats: 6.5 MPG, 39 G, 3 GS, 2.6 PPG, 0.3 APG, 1.7 RPG, 53.6% FG, BPG 0.5, SPG 0.2
EFF: +3.41
Seattle Supersonics philosophy
The Seattle Supersonics do not rely on hype. We do not win games with scrolling text or posts filled with pictures of our roster. We did not spend the draft or the other threads trying to convince people we were a finished product at the time. However, we are finished now. This team, as constructed right now, has the talent and drive to win a CBNBA championship.
We have the ability to run the floor and play half court offense. Our team is incredibly athletic, and can operate as a shutdown defensive unit and score points in loads. We have players that we feel comfortable playing in any game situation, with lineups able to be created that can play big or small, or with emphases on defense, free throw shooting, 3 point shooting, or any other scenario necessary for victory. Much has been made of having Tim Duncan and how that alone makes the Sonics a contender. However, while Duncan is a guaranteed playoff berth, it is our other players and the versatility and abilities they have that will take the Sonics from a contender to a title holder.
My draft strategy, as a first year GM, was to take the best player available in the first round and then evaluate from there. I was leaning towards a team of the future, but when Duncan was available at number 10 overall, I grabbed him and changed plans to build a team that could win now.
My toughest decision was the draft process in the middle rounds. At one point, I was considering either Corey Brewer or Dahntay Jones, and was fortunate that Jones fell a whole round to me and I picked him on the way back. TJ Ford has been much maligned on these threads, and the whole PG situation was a tough decision for me as I knew he wasn’t popular. However, I addressed it by picking up an extremely capable backup ready for big things in Jerryd Bayless and backing HIM up with Antonio Daniels, a veteran point guard who is not turnover prone and makes smart decisions with the ball. I really didn’t have too many tough decisions to make, as every player I picked filled a need for me.
My best move was trading Hasheem Thabeet to Sacramento in exchange for Kenyon Martin. Thabeet is skilled but raw and unproven, and for my team to win now a move for a player that could defend, rebound, and block shots right now was necessary. I wish Thabeet luck and really do like him as a player, but getting Martin was completely necessary.
My worst move was probably trading away my 9th round pick, making it necessary for me to hop back into the round to fill out a rotation. No harm, no foul though.
This season, I expect to contend for a championship. I am biased, but my team has the horses to make a serious run at this thing, and I think we have a very real shot at winning.
Topic: CB Draft '09 Mock Press Conference: Northwest Division (Read 92751 times)