Sonics scribe Feb. 23

[Celtic4Hire@xxxxxxx]

SuperSonics Team Report
By Nunyo Demasio/Seattle Times 
Players stay put as trade deadline passes
February 23, 2002  Print it 



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The Sonics realized that a bold move could ensure reaching the playoffs. So 
like virtually every other team, Seattle worked the phones at a rate that 
reached a fever pitch Wednesday. 

But when the final buzzer of the trading deadline came at 3 p.m. Thursday, 
Seattle elected to ignore various scenarios and keep its personnel. 

"We were a difficult team to trade with because we like our young players," 
general manager Rick Sund said. "And we like our situation." 

Rashard Lewis and Desmond Mason along with Gary Payton -- whose contract 
expires in 2003 -- spurred the most feelers from other teams. And the Sonics 
refused to dismantle a team that had seven new players during training camp. 

"We pursued some things that we thought made some sense," Sund said. "But 
most of the trade talk centered around players that we certainly wouldn't 
want to get rid of." 

Although the Sonics have been competitive using small ball, the club sorely 
needs a physical big man to rebound and defend. 

Seattle's season has been up and down, an indication of the team's youth. And 
the inconsistency isn't likely to change during the playoff push. 

Vin Baker appeared to be the most likely Sonic to be dealt after a 
rejuvenated season attracted attention from teams in the Eastern Conference. 
The Knicks and Pacers believed that Baker could help them in a playoff run. 

When the power forward dislocated three toes against the Lakers on Feb. 14, 
the injury -- which keeps him out indefinitely -- diminished the chances of a 
deal. 

Indiana initially wanted Baker to team with Jermaine O'Neal to form one of 
the best frontcourts in the Eastern Conference. But the Pacers refused to 
part with any of its promising, young players such as Jonathan Bender or Jeff 
Foster. And Tuesday, the Pacers executed the seven-player trade with Chicago 
that brought center Brad Miller. 

Even if Baker remained healthy, Seattle was reluctant to trade him for what 
was out there. 

"With the trade deadline coming up, sometimes people make a rush decision, 
and it doesn't work out," McMillan said, "So you have to be careful about 
that. Sometimes, it's better when you end up not doing anything." 

Calvin Booth was supposed to be the long, defensive center who would fit into 
McMillan's style of play. Booth's season has been put on hold -- and may be 
over if surgery is deemed necessary -- because of a sprained right ankle. 

Last summer, Gary Payton appeared to be traded, with the Grizzlies, Spurs and 
Timberwolves as possible suitoors. Payton's excellent season and improved 
leadership has caused management to alter its thinking about dealing him. 

Shammond Williams became a prime candidate for a deal after rookie Earl 
Watson showed promise. But because Williams' contract is relatively small, he 
would have had to be packaged with one of Seattle's key players. 

POSITIONAL ANALYSIS 

Point guard: Payton is having his first shooting slump of the season. But 
he's having such an amazing season that most guards would love to put up his 
recent numbers. Even while Payton's shooting has been off, he has been 
Seattle's best player because of his rebounding, passing and tenacious 
defense. Grade: B- 

Shooting guard: Williams missed several games because of the death of his 
grandfather, whom Williams was extremely close to. Because of the absence of 
Baker, Williams is more likely to get minutes now that he has returned to 
action. Williams's instant offense is just what the Sonics need when they're 
going through a scoring drought. Grade: Incomplete 

Small forward: Lewis has picked up his defensive intensity as the season has 
moved along. In a recent game against Portland, Lewis made six steals. His 
defensive footwork will never be confused with Payton, but Lewis has been 
showing a knack of reading the lanes to come up with steals. Grade: B 

Power forward: So this is why Predrag Drobnjak was considered one of the best 
big men in Europe only a few years ago. The 6-10 rookie has flourished in 
Baker's absence. Drobnjak's jumper was off for most of the season. But in 
three games last week -- all Sonics victories -- he shot 63 percent. 
Drobnjak, like most players, is more comfortable and confident when he knows 
he will get extensive minutes. Grade: B+ 

Center: Jerome James is Seattle's only low-post scoring big man, now that 
Baker is out. James is getting his share of touches. But it's defense and 
rebounding that Seattle wants James to focus on. He is an exceptional 
shot-blocker, but he goes through stretches when he moves his feet like he's 
walking in molasses. Grade: C+ 

Bench: McMillan has been forced to give extra minutes to reserves because of 
Baker's absence. No player has benefited and responded like Drobnjak. The 
rookie big man has given Seattle's bench the edge in several games with his 
scoring. Grade: B- 

Coaching: When Baker went out indefinitely, it seemed like Seattle's playoff 
chances would follow. But McMillan has installed tiny ball to a team that 
already played its share of small ball. The Sonics are undermanned virtually 
every game when it comes to size. But McMillan has goaded his players to make 
up for the disadvantage by playing hard-nosed defense. On offense, a team 
with few players who can create their own shots have been scoring enough to 
win more times than not. Grade: B+ 

INJURY REPORT 

F Vin Baker: Dislocated toes (2/14)
Analysis: Baker is on the injured list after dislocating the three toes of 
his left foot in a spill against the Lakers. In his absence, the Sonics have 
relied on a perimeter game. 

C Calvin Booth: Sprained right ankle (12/12)
Analysis: Booth had his walking boot removed. The Sonics still are unsure if 
he will play again this season. 

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME 

It's not run with the precision of Karl Malone and John Stockon, but Drobnjak 
and Payton are utilizing a pick and roll that teams have trouble defending. 
The play works well because Drobnjak and Payton are very court savvy, with a 
knack for reading situations and a knowledge of spacing. 

The play is actually a pick-and-slide more than pick-and-roll because 
Drobnjak is a very good outside shooter. Baker's absence means the Sonics no 
longer have a big man who can draaw double teams. So the Sonics have had to 
create shots in other ways such as the pick-and-roll involving Drobnjak and 
Payton. 

For more news on the Sonics, visit the Seattle Times at 
www.seattletimes.com/sports.


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