NBA FanHouse

Tip-Off Timer: Mount Mutombo Erupts With 31 Blocks in First-Round Series

Chris Tomasson — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST

Tip-Off Timer counts down the days until the first game of the 2009-10 season. On Saturday, there are 31 days remaining.

Yes, there was Mount St. Helens in 1980. But there was another pretty impressive eruption in 1994.

That would be the one by Mount Mutombo.

Dikembe Mutombo's Denver Nuggets, the No. 8 seed in the West, stunned the top-seeded Seattle SuperSonics 3-2 in a first-round playoff series. Mutombo led the way by blocking 31 shots, the most ever for an NBA five-game series and his 6.2 average per game remains the highest ever for any series.

That series ended with the unforgettable image of the big center sprawled on the floor, holding the ball over his head in triumph and screaming with joy.

"I've seen it a thousand times (on highlights),'' Mutombo said. "That was the best of times. It was a terrific moment.''

Mutombo retired after last season, his 18th in the NBA. That wasn't followed by a lot of complaints from Nuggets coach George Karl.

Karl, you see, then was Seattle's coach. The less he sees Mutombo, the less he has to think about Denver's 98-94 overtime victory in Game 5 being the lowest moment of his coaching career.

"That's probably my most miserable moment and most miserable day of my life,'' Karl said of May 7, 1994 in Seattle. "I really don't have any fond memories of it because there's always the flashback of Mutombo laying on the ground that comes in every package of highlights made.''

The SuperSonics had finished the regular season with an NBA-best mark of 63-19. They were favored to win the title in the first season of Michael Jordan's retirement, after he had led Chicago to three straight crowns. But Mutombo stood in the way.

He turned out to be an obstacle as formidable as the Great Wall of China.

Mutombo, who had led the NBA during the regular season with a 4.10 blocks average while his Nuggets went 42-40, swatted away shots with ease against the SuperSonics. In Game 5, Mutombo had eight blocks to go along with 15 rebounds.

Mutombo's final block of the series was pivotal. With the Nuggets clinging to a 96-94 lead and 29 seconds left in overtime, Mutombo stuffed a shot by Shawn Kemp, enabling Denver to regain possession and hit a pair of free throws.

Just before the final buzzer, Mutombo, who had averaged 12.2 rebounds in the series, grabbed his last rebound. He collapsed to the court in joy and raised the ball toward the ceiling.

"I think that's the best moment ever in NBA history,'' Mutombo said.

It was a moment that had never before happened. The Nuggets became the first No. 8 seed to beat a No. 1 seed, although they would be joined in 1999 by New York toppling Miami and in 2007 by Golden State stunning Dallas.

Those Nuggets almost tacked on another stunning moment in their next series against Utah after falling behind 3-0. They won three straight games, and were threatening to become the first team ever to win a series after trailing 3-0 before the Jazz won 91-81 in Game 7.

Mutombo swatted 38 shots in that series. That remains the most blocks ever by a player in any NBA playoff series.

In the end, Utah players finally were able to scale Mutombo. But the SuperSonics couldn't, and Karl needs no reminding.

Tip-Off Timer: Mount Mutombo Erupts With 31 Blocks in First-Round Series originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Tip-Off Timer: After 41 Years, Sonics Leave Seattle for Oklahoma

Tom Ziller — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: SuperSonics

Tip-Off Timer counts down the days until the first game of the 2009-10 season. On Wednesday, there are 41 days remaining.

When Clay Bennett trucked his Sonics off to Oklahoma City in the summer of 2008, it was unprecedented. That an NBA team moved wasn't new -- that happens, unfortunately. But no team had ever left behind such a legacy. The Sonics left after 41 years in Seattle.

The Warriors left Philadelphia after 16 seasons. The Royals left Rochester after 15 seasons. The Hornets were in Charlotte for 14 years, and the Nationals were in Syracuse the amount of time. Surely, fans hurt seeing those teams leave. I can't imagine what it felt like for life-long Seattle fans, who supported the time at KeyArena (though not at the ballot box, where several public-funding proposals were shot down).

Clearly, it still stings. Seattle native Spencer Hawes has remained outspoken -- often through high fashion. Gary Payton vows to do everything he can to help bring the NBA back to the Emerald City. Local filmmaker Jason Reid is preparing to release a documentary titled Sonicsgate on the fishy circumstances surrounding Bennett's purchase of the franchise. (The doc will be released on the web for free on Oct. 12.)

If the NBA eventually does return to Seattle, the new or relocated franchise will be able to adopt the Sonics moniker. At this point, though, that seems like a small consolation.

Tip-Off Timer: After 41 Years, Sonics Leave Seattle for Oklahoma originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Gary Payton Hopes to Help Bring the NBA Back to Seattle

Elie Seckbach — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Lakers, SuperSonics, NBA Fans, NBA Videos, Thunder, Interviews, FanHouse Exclusive

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back regularly for more videos.

Former NBA All-Star Gary Payton became "The Glove" when he starred for the Seattle Suppersonics alongside Shawn 'The Rainman' Kemp and many other great players. But this coming NBA season will be the second year in a row that Seattle won't have an NBA team, leaving many fans disappointed.

In this exclusive FanHouse video, Payton tells us what he's doing to bring back an NBA team to the city he loves so much. We also ask Gary about his intensity as a player, which is rarely seen in today's NBA.

Check out the video after the jump.

Gary Payton Hopes to Help Bring the NBA Back to Seattle originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

'Sonicsgate' Documentary Explores Truth Behind Team's Exodus From Seattle

Brett Pollakoff — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 18:54:00 EST

Filed under: SuperSonics, NBA Videos, Thunder

Any basketball fan -- with the possible exception of those living in Oklahoma City -- can sympathize with the people in Seattle. After 41 seasons, the Sonics were unceremoniously ripped from the city, for a combination of reasons that still aren't a hundred percent clear, even more than a year after the fact.

That's where "Sonicsgate" comes in. This documentary film, set to be released online October 12, seeks to "expose the truth behind the SuperSonics' tragic exodus" from Seattle. Looks like it'll be some pretty compelling stuff, so check out the trailer after the jump.

Sonicsgate Trailer from sonicsgate on Vimeo.

'Sonicsgate' Documentary Explores Truth Behind Team's Exodus From Seattle originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 22 Aug 2009 18:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Revisiting the 2007 NBA Draft

Gary Washburn — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:35:00 EST

Filed under: 76ers, Bucks, Bulls, Celtics, Clippers, Grizzlies, Hawks, Hornets, Kings, Knicks, Pistons, Rockets, SuperSonics, NBA Draft, Thunder

FanHouse fixes a decade of draft-day blunders in Revisiting the NBA Draft.

Hard to believe that several NBA general managers can have regrets after two years, but it's true. The results of the 2007 NBA Draft are slowly reaping, which should teach a lesson to their 2009 brethren on Thursday about taking chances on raw college players, international prospects and even those who are allegedly "proven."

The biggest debate two years ago was whether the Portland Trail Blazers should take Greg Oden or Kevin Durant first overall. Oden was a franchise center out of Ohio State while Durant was the smooth scoring swingman from Texas. Durant had the better workout with the Blazers, apparently blowing the mind of coach Nate McMillan. Yet, the Blazers stuck with conventional thinking and took the big man.

That left Durant for the Seattle SuperSonics, about to embark on their final year in Seattle. And Durant ran away with the Rookie of the Year award after Oden was felled by knee surgery. So what would the Blazers do if they had to do it again? Oden is on his way back, but there is serious question as to whether he is physically capable of being an All-Star caliber center.

So let's get into the mind of Portland general manager Kevin Pritchard. Durant, save a couple of erratic shooting games, has made a near-flawless transition to the NBA and would have been an All-Star this season had Oklahoma City grabbed more victories. Oden struggled through his rookie season with injuries and still lacks a consistent post game.

If the Blazers stuck with Joel Pryzbilla at center, drafted Durant and teamed him with Brandon Roy, would they be more successful? Probably. So Pritchard goes with Durant first.

The Sonics are next and new general manager Sam Presti wants to make a splash but loves the steadiness of Florida center Al Horford, who fits right in with his defensive philosophy. Any team could use Horford, and the Sonics opt for his consistency. That leaves Oden to Atlanta and the Hawks finally get their big man who, when healthy, could become the franchise center many expected.

The Memphis Grizzlies took Mike Conley, Oden's prep and Ohio State teammate. His transition to the NBA has been slow, so instead Memphis takes Jeff Green, who has vastly improved in his first two seasons with the Sonics/Thunder. The Celtics took Green fifth and traded him to Seattle for Ray Allen. If Boston GM Danny Ainge could keep the pick, he'd take Eastern Washington guard Rodney Stuckey, somewhat of an unknown because he played in the Big Sky but the best point guard in the draft to date. In real life, Stuckey fell to Detroit at 15.

The Bucks followed by taking Yi Jianlian and we saw how that worked out. He lasted one year in Milwaukee before being dealt to New Jersey. Instead, GM Larry Miller takes seasoned Florida State swingman Al Thornton, who has exceeded expectation with the Los Angeles Clippers. Yi wasn't ready for the NBA and has battled injuries.

The Timberwolves took Florida forward Corey Brewer, and its uncertain whether he's part of Minnesota's future since he's coming off a torn ACL. Wilson Chandler dropped to the New York Knicks at 23 but has proven to be a potential star, so the Wolves nab him over Brewer. The Warriors continued their bad habit of drafting or trading for players in the development stages by dealing for North Carolina forward Brandan Wright, who has yet to prove he can consistently play in the NBA. Wright was drafted by Charlotte and traded to Golden State for Jason Richardson. It's questionable why Golden State takes younger players when it's apparent that Don Nelson frowns on playing them.

So the Bobcats take Oregon guard Aaron Brooks, who showed his talents during the just-concluded playoffs for Houston. The Bulls reluctantly settled on Joakim Noah with the ninth pick; he's met expectations but lacks the upside of Georgia Tech freshman Thaddeus Young, who the Bulls wouldn't pass over given another chance.

The Sacramento Kings took Washington freshman Spencer Hawes, who benefited from the Brad Miller trade to Chicago, and they'll stick with him. He averaged 15.4 points and 8.4 rebounds in his final 10 games.

Atlanta virtually wasted the second of its two lottery picks on Acie Law of Texas A&M, who was tabbed the most NBA-ready point guard of this class. It would have been considered a major reach then, and caused then GM Billy Knight major criticism, but we live in fantasy here. So the Hawks take Ramon Sessions, who has flourished in two seasons in Milwaukee.

The Sixers can't take Young since he's gone so they decide on Conley to eventually replace Andre Miller. Conley could be a standout guard soon but is still in the development stage. The New Orleans Hornets opted for Kansas sophomore Julian Wright, who has averaged four points in two years. The Hornets decide on Nick Young, who would have helped more than Wright.

Finally, since Thornton is gone, the Clippers finish the lottery by taking Rudy Fernandez, who was taken 24th behind Sean Williams, Marco Bellinelli and Jason Smith.

2007

The way it was:

1) Greg Oden - Portland
2) Kevin Durant - Seattle
3) Al Horford - Atlanta
4) Mike Conley - Memphis
5) Jeff Green - Boston
6) Yi Jianlian - Milwaukee
7) Corey Brewer - Minnesota
8) Brandan Wright - Charlotte
9) Joakim Noah - Chicago
10) Spencer Hawes - Sacramento
11) Acie Law- Atlanta
12) Thaddeus Young - Philadelphia
13) Julian Wright - New Orleans
14) Al Thornton - Los Angeles Clippers

The way it should have been:

1) Kevin Durant - Portland
2) Al Horford - Seattle
3) Greg Oden - Atlanta
4) Jeff Green - Memphis
5) Rodney Stuckey - Boston
6) Al Thornton - Milwaukee
7) Wilson Chandler - Minnesota
8) Aaron Brooks - Charlotte
9) Thaddeus Young - Chicago
10) Spencer Hawes - Sacramento
11) Ramon Sessions - Atlanta
12) Mike Conley - Philadelphia
13) Nick Young - New Orleans
14) Rudy Fernandez - Los Angeles Clippers

Revisiting the 2007 NBA Draft originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Revisiting the 2006 NBA Draft

Gary Washburn — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:40:00 EST

Filed under: Celtics, Hawks, Raptors, SuperSonics, Timberwolves, Trail Blazers, NBA Draft

FanHouse fixes a decade of draft-day blunders in Revisiting the NBA Draft.

It's hard to blame the Toronto Raptors for taking a 7-footer with 3-point range and the ability to play three positions. That's what Andrea Bargnani presented as the No. 1 pick. There was no clear-cut top choice. The 2006 NBA Draft was filled with unproven early entries, a couple of seasoned seniors and raw big men looking for a big payday.

So the Raptors took the player they thought had the best upside. Hey, the NBA Draft is about development these days, right? Nobody in this supposed weak draft was supposed to be an All-Star anyway, right? No one told that to Brandon Roy, who was passed up by five teams and traded by another. Finally, the Portland Trail Blazers, still ringing from a reputation of bad guys, car racers and dog fighters, had a franchise player in their hands, and he was from nearby Seattle.

But who knew? Who knew Roy would turned into a brilliant shooting guard or that Adam Morrison would blow out his knee or that Patrick O'Bryant was a one-game wonder? Despite hundreds of scouts scurrying across the country to evaluate talent, the draft is still a major crap shoot and the 2006 version proved that.

It's not that Bargnani has been a bust, but he's definitely been slow to develop and the Raptors have been slow to improve because of that, costing coach Sam Mitchell his job. So if GM Bryan Colangelo had to do it all over again, of course he would take Roy, who would've teamed with Chris Bosh for a sparkling Canadian combo. Many scouts took Roy's game for granted, especially since he was hidden at the University of Washington. But he is unquestionably the best player of this draft and the Raptors don't pass this time.

The Chicago Bulls took LaMarcus Aldridge second and swapped him for Tyrus Thomas; the Bulls would repeat the first part again, but not the second. Aldridge has battled injuries early in his career but is now a cornerstone and force in the paint. The Bulls thought Thomas would be a defensive menace and that his athleticism would result in stardom, but he is just beginning to find his game. He's not a bust, but any GM would take Aldridge.

Michael Jordan had faith that Morrison was more than just hype, and with a 6-foot-9 frame, a mean streak and that mustache, the former Gonzaga standout had people fooled. But his lack of success is not all of his fault. He had three coaches in three years before being traded to the Lakers, he blew out his knee and was on a team with three other small forwards. So instead, Jordan takes the freakishly athletic Rudy Gay, who for some reason dropped to eighth in real life. Gay has been overshadowed in Memphis but is on the verge of All-Star status.

With Thomas still on the board, do the Trail Blazers take him? No, Kevin Pritchard opts for a raw but skilled Kentucky guard named Rajon Rondo, who fell to 21st to Phoenix. He is one of the better players of this draft and definitely the biggest surprise.

With the fifth pick, Roy was still on the board and would have been a perfect fit in Atlanta, but Billy Knight insisted on a pre-draft agreement with Shelden Williams and somehow thought it would work out. Roy just finished his second All-Star season in three years while Williams is nearly out of the league. So the Hawks settle on Arkansas swingman Ronnie Brewer to fit in with their crew of athletes.

Tyrus Thomas hasn't excelled but is getting better, even showing a perimeter jumper in the playoffs, so the Timberwolves nab him and pass on Randy Foye. The Celtics actually took Foye seventh and traded him to Minnesota, and this time they hold onto the Villanova guard, who has been mostly injured in his first three years. Since Gay is gone, the Houston Rockets decide to team Bargnani with Yao Ming at No. 8.

Now here comes the overhaul. The Golden State Warriors were completely fooled by O'Bryant's performance against Pittsburgh in the NCAA Tournament and thought he would be a quality center. It took Don Nelson less than a year to tire of Bryant's inexperience and work ethic. Ultimately, O'Bryant joined Todd Fuller, Joe Barry Carroll and Adonal Foyle as Golden State busts, so instead, the Warriors take a menacing rebounder from Louisiana Tech named Paul Millsap, who fell to Utah in the second round.

The Sonics one-upped the Warriors and took Senegalese center Mouhamed Sene, who made O'Bryant look like Bill Russell. Sene had a 7-foot-8 wingspan but little else and the Sonics panicked because management had little idea what to do with the pick. So on second thought, they take Boston College forward Craig Smith, who has turned into a nice player for the Timberwolves.

The Magic drafted J.J. Redick and it's hard to determine whether he has been a bust because the former Duke standout hasn't had enough playing time. GM Otis Smith goes after a more athletic player and equal shooter in Texas guard Daniel Gibson, who starred during Cleveland's NBA Finals fun in 2007.

The New Orleans Hornets had two of the next four picks and took Hilton Armstrong and Cedric Simmons, pretty much a waste. So the Hornets instead opt for Kyle Lowry to back up Chris Paul at 12. The Sixers, meanwhile, pass on Thabo Sefolosha, whom they selected in real life before trading him to Chicago, in favor of Redick.

Finally, the Jazz pass on overrated Kris Humphries and opt for hard-working Leon Powe from Cal. Powe scared teams with his knee problems but was a key player off the bench for the champion Celtics.

2006

The way it was:

1) Andrea Bargnani - Toronto
2) LaMarcus Aldridge - Chicago
3) Adam Morrison - Charlotte
4) Tyrus Thomas - Portland
5) Shelden Williams - Atlanta
6) Brandon Roy - Minnesota
7) Randy Foye - Boston
8) Rudy Gay - Houston
9) Patrick O'Bryant - Golden State
10) Mouhamed Sene - Seattle
11) J.J. Redick - Orlando
12) Hilton Armstrong - New Orleans
13) Thabo Sefolosha - Philadelphia
14) Ronnie Brewer - Utah

The way it should have been:

1) Brandon Roy - Toronto
2) LaMarcus Aldridge -Chicago
3) Rudy Gay - Charlotte
4) Rajon Rondo - Portland
5) Ronnie Brewer - Atlanta
6) Tyrus Thomas - Minnesota
7) Randy Foye -Boston
8) Andrea Bargnani- Houston
9) Paul Millsap - Golden State
10) Craig Smith - Seattle
11) Daniel Gibson - Orlando
12) Kyle Lowry- New Orleans
13) J.J. Redick - Philadelphia
14) Leon Powe - Utah

Revisiting the 2006 NBA Draft originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

The NBA May Be Dead in Seattle

Gary Washburn — Tue, 12 May 2009 20:25:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, SuperSonics, Thunder

While George Karl is on the verge of leading the Denver Nuggets to their biggest playoff victory since Dikembe Mutombo was seen clutching the ball on his back chanting "Yes! We win!" in leading Denver to a shocking first-round win over the Sonics in 1994, Karl's former NBA city may be without basketball for good.

When Oklahoma City Thunder chairman Clayton Bennett left Seattle without an NBA time after 41 years in July 2008, he promised to reward the city with $30 million if antiquated KeyArena was approved for refurbishing by the conclusion of 2009 and Seattle did not have a new team by 2013.

Well ... the city of Seattle and state of Washington had a juicy chance to stick it to Bennett where it hurts by passing Senate Bill 6116, which would have helped revive KeyArena to current NBA standards as well as a much-needed face lift for the University of Washington's Husky Stadium, which can't live off its gorgeous view of the Puget Sound forever.

Instead, the state of Washington legislature spent more time debating the bill than actually adjusting it and allowed the plan to basically die before being voted on. The legislative session ended two weeks ago without a vote and there is little chance for a special session to revive the bill. So not only did the city of Seattle ruin a chance to snatch $30 million from the despised Bennett, KeyArena will sit untouched indefinitely, making Seattle a much less attractive carrot for NBA owners looking to relocate their teams. NBA commissioner David Stern has repeated that expansion is out of the question for now, especially with so many clubs struggling financially.

A rebuilt KeyArena would have allowed Seattle to emerge as a No. 1 option for NBA relocation and the Puget Sound would have seen a return of the Sonics before 2020. Now with CB 6116 lying dead on Interstate 5, the NBA will be nothing more than dying memories in Seattle. If the year ends without a passed bill to rebuild KeyArena, Bennett retains his $30 million and is essentially proven right on his assertions that Washington was not prepared to keep the Sonics.

The NBA May Be Dead in Seattle originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 12 May 2009 20:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Clay Bennett Bailed Out By Washington State Politicians

Tom Ziller — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:54:00 EST

Filed under: SuperSonics, Thunder

Even though the Oklahoma City Thunder just wrapped up its inaugural season, some old Sonics fans maintained hope in a return of the NBA to Seattle. If Seattle could find a way to get a new gym or refurbish KeyArena, the league has left open the potential for future expansion or relocation back to the city.

But a bill in the state legislature that would have secured a quarter of the costs for KeyArena renovation died last night. Local businessmen (led by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer) had pledged to augment the funds, which would have come from an otherwise expiring hotel/car rental tax, with enough to get Key up to snuff. The other portion of the funds, if the bill had passed, would have come from Seattle's Public Enemy No. 1: Clay Bennett.

Last July's settlement between Bennett and the city featured $45 million for Seattle straight away, along with the promise of $30 million in 2013 if the state legislature passed a funding plan for KeyArena or a new gym by the end of 2009 and if the city had not already procured a replacement NBA team. The bill's death with the end of the session basically put that $30 million back in Bennett's pocket.

Of course, it's unlikely Bennett -- or David Stern -- ever realistically believed that money to be at risk. For the guff we've given Bennett (trust me, there has been plenty), the legislature is really showing its culpability on this issue. Bennett went about things in a completely devious, destructive fashion. But in the end, he has basically been shown to be correct in terms of Washington's lack of will in keeping these Sonics fans happy, and in keeping Seattle an NBA town. It's sad, all around.

Clay Bennett Bailed Out By Washington State Politicians originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Wednesday's NBA Guide: Remember the Sonics in the Great Northwest

Tom Ziller — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: SuperSonics, Trail Blazers, Thunder

FanHouse's NBA Guide gives you a daily look at all the games that matter ... and some that don't.

HEADLINER
Oklahoma City at Portland, 10PM ET

Either New York-Golden State made me cocky, or sometimes there's more than basketball that matters. Tonight, the Thunder visit Portland. And so will at least a smattering of Sonics fans. The world might be enjoying Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook all the same, but the ways things went down in Seattle cannot be replicated. I hope the Seattle contingent, paired with classy Blazers fans, can make that clear tonight.

UNDERCARD
Denver at Orlando, 7PM ET

Here's the basketball version of the headliner (though Thunder vs Blazers should actually be entertaining). The Nuggets whipped the senses of Miami last night, pulling out to a 20-point lead, letting the Heat back within four, and finishing the job with aplomb (and a Billups). Orlando's stiffer competition, but sans Jameer Nelson could be vulnerable, no matter the site. A gang of Magic might need to focus on Chauncey Billups; Nene vs Dwight Howard should be a boatload of fun.

Phoenix at Cleveland, 7PM ET

Recipe for blow-out, between As the STAT Turns and Cleveland's unexpected loss to Indiana. But stranger things have happened in Steve Nash's daydreams.

Memphis at Philadelphia, 7PM ET
San Antonio at Toronto, 7PM ET
Washington at Charlotte, 7PM ET
Atlanta at Detroit, 7:30PM ET
Boston at New Orleans, 8PM ET
Indiana at Milwaukee, 8PM ET
Sacramento at Houston, 8:30PM ET
L.A. Lakers at Utah, 9PM ET
New York at L.A. Clippers, 10:30PM ET

Wednesday's NBA Guide: Remember the Sonics in the Great Northwest originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Seattle Native Spencer Hawes Rocks Green and Gold in OKC

Tom Ziller — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Kings, SuperSonics, NBA Fans, Thunder

One of the few current players vocal and active during Clay Bennett's franchisal flight to Oklahoma City was Seattle native Spencer Hawes, a youngster who grew up watching Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton. Hawes spoke out against the relocation of the Sonics, and even showed up to a major "Save Our Sonics" rally wearing a Payton jersey.

In his first pro game in Oklahoma City Sunday, Hawes let his friends back home in the Emerald City know they wouldn't be forgotten by wearing this Sonics green and gold suit, complete with a Space Needle tie.

Melody Gutierrez of the Sacramento Bee reports that Hawes also wore a Sonics jersey on the team flight. Unfortunately, the only he had in a size that fit was a Nick Collison jersey. (They sell Nick Collison jerseys?) In perhaps a twist of Oklahoman fate, a key rebound late in the game bounced away from Hawes ... into the hands of Collison. OKC went on to win, though Hawes played well.

Hawes' teammates let him know how ugly the suit was, but Spencer felt he needed to make a point.

"I think it's a travesty that they were taken away after 40 years, and this is my way of showing it."

Seattle Native Spencer Hawes Rocks Green and Gold in OKC originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Don't Forget That Clay Bennett Is a Hero

Tom Ziller — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: SuperSonics, Thunder

As virulent the hate for Clay Bennett and his team of business ninjas has been in NBA fan circles (and in, um, Seattle), the man is a hero somewhere: Oklahoma. A familiar refrain from Sooner State fans and those sympathetic to the region has been "don't blame the fans, we deserve a franchise." The sentiment's honest, and while some of us may snicker when the Thunder fail to sell out in the first two weeks of the team's history the OKC fan base is honorable and deserving.

But because of the deep, deep mistrust of Bennett and the distaste his deceitful flight caused, to see regional magazine Oklahoma Today bestow the owner with an "Oklahoman of the Year" award raises more hackles than champagne glasses. Deadspin posted a press release from Today touting Bennett's work to bring the NBA to the state. Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry has a stabbing quote.

"Clay Bennett had the resourcefulness, tenacity, and acumen to make that dream a reality," says Governor Henry.

"Resourcefulness" is one way to put it. I can think of a few others.

In the end, recognition like this reinforces the import of the NBA. Cities and regions desperately fight for the honor of hosting a team, and getting one by hook ~~or crook~~ earns you accolades. Seattlites and anti-Bennett hoops fans may vomit at the note, but David Stern is one happy fellow right now.

(Also of note is the list of previous winners of Oklahoman of the Year. Toby Keith, regrettable family band Hanson, and the 2000 Oklahoma University football team. Elite company. Will Rogers won Oklahoman of the Twentieth Century. Bennett's competition for the next big one figures to be Carrie Underwood or Barry Sanders Jr.)

Don't Forget That Clay Bennett Is a Hero originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Seattle Fans Crow About Troubles in OKC

Tom Ziller — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:10:00 EST

Filed under: SuperSonics, NBA Fans, Thunder

Things aren't terrific in Oklahoma City. The Thunder had trouble selling out the Ford Center early this season, though the sales team managed to fill the building for Wednesday's epic matchup with the similarly terrible Clippers. (Mad daps; that's the upset of the year so far.) But more fans in the house meant there was a bigger opportunity to disappoint. Falling behind an awful team by more than 20 points will do the trick: the Thunder heard their first home boos of the season.

It's hard to blame Seattle fans like SonicsCentral's Brian Robinson for crowing about the predicted reality in OKC.

Even I thought that the honeymoon would last longer than this. ... The biggest problem I see coming forward is that the franchise has no tools in place to get better. ... [B]ased on complaints about the in game product it sounds like they are trying hard to save money. Skimping on everything from mascots giving out T-Shirts to music, etc. Now they are in a situation where ownership had to make a Nov. 1 capital call from partners, [Aubrey] McClendon, [Tom] Ward, and [Clay] Bennett have completely lost their asses in the stock market and McClendon is even reportedly trying hard to sell his share of the team.

How can this team put out the money for major free agents? They know they will have to overpay to get a guy to play for the worst team in the least desirable city for an NBA player to live. ... It is stunning that it has fallen apart so quickly. I would have never, never expected them to have boos and critical articles written just 11 games into the season.

From Seattle, the sour grapes are perfectly understandable. For the rest of us, it's sad to see a newborn franchise wilt so effortlessly. Cap space and draft picks don't give you carte blanche, it appears.

Seattle Fans Crow About Troubles in OKC originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Already, Thunder Isn't Selling Out in OKC

Tom Ziller — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: SuperSonics, Thunder

We're less than two weeks into Oklahoma City's first real NBA season, the first two weeks the fans of OKC have had a team that's really their own. OKC hosted the Hornets famously well, selling out the Ford Center and giving Chris Paul's young squad one of the most devoted home crowds in the league.

This OKC team isn't so good. The Thunder, 1-4 and not expected to win more than 20-25 games, are much less compelling than those old Hornets, despite the presence of Kevin Durant. Watching a losing team just isn't that fun. So should it really come as a surprise that OKC has already failed to sell out a home game? Its second home game, held last Sunday night, drew 1,000 less fans than capacity. Its second game ... on a weekend ... in its first season. Sure, the opponent was Minnesota. But there are (unfortunately) a lot of Minnesotas in today's NBA.

Of course, 18,000-and-change fans is more than have attended recent Sonics games in Seattle. And it's been noted that the team could sell more season tickets if it wanted, and clear away all those extra single-game tickets. And the economy is putting a damper on recreational spending across the board. But considering the backbone of Clay Bennett's argument in relocation was that Seattle fans didn't really care about the Sonics, it's pretty damning when Game #2 in OKC doesn't sell out.

By the way, the undefeated Hawks visit tonight. Think we'll get non-sellout No. 2?

Already, Thunder Isn't Selling Out in OKC originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 09:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

NBA Essentials: Final 'Dunked On' Verdict

Tom Ziller — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, Pacers, SuperSonics, Trail Blazers, Warriors

NBA Essentials ranks our six favorite stories of the day.

1. Trail Blazers Center Court. It takes a big man to admit you got dunked on. Greg Oden, today (and, err, every day) you are a big man. Oden tells Casey Holdahl: "I've had this argument a lot. When you're in the vicinity; if you're in the picture, you got dunked on." I rest my case.

2. Free Darko. The thrilling conclusion of the Every Game Preview.

3. New York Times. Harvey Araton looks into the life of Isiah Thomas since his April demotion.

4. Deadspin. A spurned Sonics fan gets off a marvelous rant by letter.

5. 48minutes.net. Anthony Randolph spends practice getting revenge for previous practice dunks.

6. Boston Globe. Jermaine O'Neal on the latest incarnation of the Indiana Pacers: "As an organization, we went from thinking about actually putting together a team that is going to win to actually putting out a team for image purposes. It was hard."

NBA Essentials: Final 'Dunked On' Verdict originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

David Stern Tried to Keep the Hornets in OKC, and Other Tales From the Birth of the Thunder

Tom Ziller — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:25:00 EST

Filed under: Hornets, SuperSonics, Thunder

Bruce Schoenfeld of the New York Times Magazine has an absolute must-read on the birth of the Oklahoma City Thunder, a striking profile that digs deep to expose the nuance of Clay Bennett (he doesn't own a pair of cowboy boots and owns a literary bookstore in Aspen), the circumstances which led to the brief post-Katrina visit from the Hornets, and the death of Seattle basketball.

The biggest news item in the piece, however, might be this nugget regarding David Stern's efforts to keep the Hornets in Oklahoma City permanently.

Convinced that the city was ready to go national, Bennett tried to buy the Hornets and keep them in Oklahoma. According to a letter [Hornets owner George] Shinn subsequently wrote to Stern, Stern recommended that he sell.

"You pressed me to sell the team," Shinn wrote. "You even told me that owners were asking you, 'What's wrong with George - why doesn't he sell his team[?]' " Shinn's response made it clear that he, too, coveted the new territory. "We need to immediately begin laying the foundation for what I believe will be great relationships in Oklahoma City," he wrote. "I believe there are several options that we have, none of which involve returning to New Orleans."

If you'll remember, last winter Shinn attempted to apply for rights to relocate in OKC, should New Orleans have failed at the box office. But Bennett beat him to the punch. Shinn and Stern say the immense opportunity in OKC, and Shinn wanted it for himself. Stern, however, felt fine getting Bennett (and OKC) another franchise.

There's really a ton more in Schoenfeld's piece, and I encourage you to spend a little time reading the whole thing.

David Stern Tried to Keep the Hornets in OKC, and Other Tales From the Birth of the Thunder originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

NBA Essentials: Perspective on WNBA Sexism

Tom Ziller — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:22:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, Mavericks, SuperSonics, Warriors, Wizards, WNBA, Thunder

NBA Essentials ranks our six favorite stories of the day.

1. Basketbawful. A poignant consideration for anyone who considers un-fans of the WNBA to be sexist.

2. Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Gary Payton makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

3. Dime. Gilbert Arenas on the state of NBA punditry: "Reporters in today's game, they don't have no personality to themselves. If one person says something, they all run to the same story."

4. Fear the Beard. An impassioned Warriors fan lashes out at Golden State president Robert Rowell for basically ruining the team.

5. Mavs Moneyball. In defense of the Dallas Mavericks.

6. Seven Seconds or Mess, via P&T. Video breakdowns of the New York Knicks. Potential for pain here, but great great idea.

NBA Essentials: Perspective on WNBA Sexism originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

NBA Essentials: Bring It, Self!

Tom Ziller — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:15:00 EST

Filed under: 76ers, Suns, SuperSonics, Wizards, D-League

NBA Essentials ranks our six favorite stories of the day.

1. Arizona Republic, via BSotS. Amare Stoudemire trash talks himself during practice, using his nickname in the process: "STAT, you can't miss two in a row, let alone three!"

2. Ball Don't Lie. The Nightmare Ant boogie.

3. Bullets Forever. Stop saying the Wizards have settled for 45 wins by signing their stars.

4. SuperSonicSoul. A survey of SuperSonic offspring playing ball. Only one belongs to Shawn Kemp.

5. Philadelphia Style, via True Hoop. Fantastic interview with Sixer Samuel Dalembert, with discussion of growing up in Haiti and Sam's lack of bling.

6. South Florida Sun-Sentinel. No suspensions for Mario Chalmers or Darrell Arthur. Back to the bench, Banks.

NBA Essentials: Bring It, Self! originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Alternative (and Possibly Seizure-Inducing) Oklahoma City Thunder Logo

Brett Pollakoff — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: SuperSonics, NBA Fans, NBA Videos, Thunder

The new logo for the Oklahoma City Thunder went official last week, and saying that it's less than spectacular would be kind of an understatement. It was either thrown together too quickly, or there was simply no money left for graphic design after the expense of ~~stealing~~ moving the franchise from Seattle. No matter. Some industrious fans have come up with a much better (and way more rocking) version.

(Oh, and WARNING: I wasn't kidding about the seizure thing.)

You can watch this 'til your head explodes at http://thethunderokc.com.

[via BDL]

Alternative (and Possibly Seizure-Inducing) Oklahoma City Thunder Logo originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

R.I.P. Thunder the Mascot, Unofficially

Tom Ziller — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 23:05:00 EST

Filed under: SuperSonics, Warriors

Watson previously suggested there may be a battle between the Thunder and the Warriors, considering the Warriors' mascot is named, uh, Thunder. (That's him above. Classy fellow.) According to Warriors mascot investigator Matt Steinmetz of the San Francisco Examiner, the Warriors are unofficially unexcited to share the Thunder moniker.

There's no official word from the Warriors - and, of course, there won't be (nor should there be) - but Thunder's all but finished. At this point, the absolute best Thunder can hope for is a greatly diminished role, but even that is best-case scenario.

The end of a mascot's life is always heavy, and so we pour out an Olde English tonight for Thunder. Honestly though, it's not like we're losing Benny the Bull or Harry the Hawk or even Tommy the Leprechaun. Thunder was a C-lister in the NBA mascot ranks -- let's not lose perspective in the throes of anguish. Still, it's been a rough summer in Oakland. Baron Davis, Monta Ellis, Thunder. The body count keeps on risin'.

R.I.P. Thunder the Mascot, Unofficially originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 06 Sep 2008 23:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

NBA Top 50: Kevin Durant (No. 38)

Tom Ziller — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: SuperSonics

FanHouse's Tom Ziller argues his ranking of the top 50 players in the NBA.

While we continue to sift through the ethereal, hard-to-explain section of our top 50, we get a guy who might be a no-brainer come December ... or might continue to struggle with growing pains and growing pangs for excellence for the greater NBA fanbase. No slight to the fine, fine people of Oklahoma City, but Kevin Durant is our player -- he belongs to the world, not your town. We're all as every bit interested in his development as you.

By most measures, last year in Seattle was rough. Why shouldn't it have been? Dude took 39% of his team's shots, as a 19-year-old rookie playing out of position. He took 24% of his team's free throws. He took 22% of his team's total three-pointers. I know the Sonics cleaned house to start fresh under Durant and Jeff Green, but that's just an absurd level of responsibility.

In fact, the only teenage rookies with more responsibility in NBA history: Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James. Both had nominally higher usage rates than Durant in their rookie seasons, but ended up with substantially better results (PERs of 17.6 and 18.3 respectively, to Durant's 15.8). But look at Durant's central 2007-08 weakness: shooting percentages. There's no way in Hartford that Durant doesn't begin seeing major improvement there.

Last season he got better from the field as we went along. In 16 games in March, he shot a marvelous 53% from the field, with a True Shooting percentage of 60%. He probably won't come out with that level of efficiency to start 2008-09, but in the long term, it's a better indication of where he'll be than his full-season numbers.

He'll also, without fail, become a better rebounder. A kid who averaged double-figure boards in college isn't going to stay below Jason Kidd in rebound rate forever. Hopefully, P.J. Carlesimo realizes Durant can handle the paint and lets him use his crafty athleticism and length to help the shallow Thunder frontline. If Durant works as hard as we've known him to, KD could become Artest II: a new type of player who can defend everyone from Nash to Curry. But unless we see Durant in position to play such a role -- by getting under the basket a little, which begins with rebounding -- it'll be a while.

Durant will still have struggles. He'll still have some bad nights. But more than most child proteges, Durant was held on by circumstances last season. He wasn't given a chance to blossom: he was placed in an untenable survival situation. He's survived. He's still here. And by the end of this season, we'll remember what all the fuss was about.

NBA Top 50

No. 50, Andris Biedrins, Warriors

NBA Top 50: Kevin Durant (No. 38) originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments