Sonic Boom
by Evan Chevrier
Sonics owner Clay Bennett and new general manager Sam Presti aren't making any friends in Seattle. In fact, it almost looks as if they are trying to alienate Seattle fans.
There's no doubt now, this is going to be a messy breakup.
It all started this spring, when the Washington legislature decided to end their session without taking up the issue of a new arena. The next day, Bennett all but called on the Mayflower trucks, and started the move to Oklahoma City. He admitted he'd given up the fight.
The next unpopular move, the trade that sent fan favorite Ray Allen to Boston. Presti referred to Allen's age several times as a factor in the decision. I can only wonder when Ray's first issue of AARP magazine will show up in his mailbox. He is 31 you know.
Then on Tuesday, the agent of Rashard Lewis announced that the all-star forward was planning to sign with the Orlando Magic. Sure, Presti met with Lewis, and possibly even offered him a contract, but clearly they didn't make a very good pitch.
To top it all off, the Sonics are going to hire PJ Carlesimo as head coach. Former Sonics assistant Dwayne Casey was the overwhelming choice of the fans.
Sonics message boards are flooded, with posts slamming the decision.
PJ doesn't seem like the right fit for a team filled with young players.
Its become more than obvious, management isn't trying to win anyone over.
They want a fresh start, with a low payroll, in a new city.
Its unfortunate, fans should be celebrating the gift the NBA handed the Sonics in Kevin Durant.
Instead they'll simply get a one year preview of the team that most Seattle fans will be rooting against, the minute they roll out of town.
Comments
Listening to the fans is the number one way to ensure mediocrity for a franchise. Presti has acted competently since taking over. You can't say that about 90 percent of the league's GM's.
He got value for Allen before he broke down completely, and he resisted the urge to kill their salary cap by giving one-skill wonder Rashard Lewis max money.
As for the coach, Dwayne Casey won 43 games in less than 2 season *with* a healthy KG on the roster - hardly the next Phil Jackson.
You need a strong foundation to build on if you are going to compete in the West. Presti has recognized that and taken steps to ensure the team becomes a viable contender. Fans may not like these moves now, but they will like winning - which, as I recall, the previous regime didn't bring much with them.
Posted by: Matt | July 13, 2007 8:21 AM