Sonics daily scribe March 9

[Celtic4Hire@xxxxxxx]

Note that the Sonics went to the perimeter game like the Cs after Baker went 
down. They also used the pick and roll as the second main play similar to the 
Cs. However, I think Payton is a lot more dangerous coming off the pick than 
Kenny would ever dream he could be. Baker could open up a lot of shooters for 
open threes by demandng the double team, especially against the weaker East 
centers. However, CAN WE KNOCK DOWN THE OPEN SHOT? DJessen33

SuperSonics Team Report
By Nunyo Demasio/Seattle Times 
McMillan making shrewd offensive adjustments 
March 9, 2002  Print it 



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When Vin Baker was forced out indefinitely with three dislocated toes, the 
team was concerned about where its scoring would come from. 

The Sonics had only two players who could create their own shots off the 
dribble: Gary Payton and Shammond Williams. And feathery shooters like Brent 
Barry and Rashard Lewis would almost certainly be guarded closely with Baker 
not drawing a double-team. 

Seattle has been forced to revamp its offense from going inside-out -- like 
most teams -- to utilizing the pick-and-roll and driving-and-dishing for 
outside jumpers. 

The free-flowing style has been surprisingly successful for the best shooting 
team, percentage-wise, in the NBA. 

"We basically changed our offense," coach Nate McMillan said. " . . . I don't 
know what you really expect going into a situation. You know that you are 
limited with what you can do in the post so you change your offense to fit 
the players you have." 

The Sonics still look for low-post scoring primarily through Jerome James and 
Payton, and to a lesser extent, Desmond Mason and Lewis. 

Seattle benefits by having big men who can shoot and set picks. And the team 
-- which leads the league in 3-point accuracy -- is flush with outside 
shooters. 

Peja Drobnjak and Payton have become an effective pick-and-roll combination. 
Drobnjak is an excellent midrange shooter and has court savvy. So the 
Yugoslavian rookie works well with Payton, who draws double-teams on 
pick-and-rolls. 

In Seattle's new offense, McMillan allows Barry and Payton to call their own 
plays. The tactic works fine since the Sonics guards are two of the headiest 
players in the league. 

POSITIONAL ANALYSIS 

Point guard: Payton has been taking extra shots at practice after struggling 
with his shooting for several games. Rest could be just as good a cure. 
Payton has played heavy minutes throughout the season. And at age 33, there 
will be stretches where the extensive play catches up to him. Payton is still 
the last Sonics player who opponents want to see shooting in crunch time. 
Grade: B 

Shooting guard: Williams was forced to sit for most of the season, watching 
rookie Earl Watson in his position. Williams handled the situation with 
utmost professionalism, and even rooted for Watson. But now that Watson has 
been injured, Williams has his spot back. And he is reminding opponents that 
he is a dangerous scorer. Grade: B+ 

Small forward: Lewis has been selfless despite an opportunity to score more 
with Baker absent. Lewis doesn't force the issue, which has its pluses and 
minuses. One area that Lewis needs to stay more aggressive is rebounding. He 
is a very good defensive rebounder but the 6-10 forward has had a slight 
drop-off just when the Sonics need him to the most. Grade: B- 

Power forward: Vladimir Radmanovic was starting to break out just before 
hurting his big toe Thursday against the Hornets. Radmanovic can shoot off 
the dribble, handle the ball and has a nice outside touch. The rookie was 
getting the minutes to try to put it all together. He'll have to wait at 
least a week before getting another chance. Grade: C+ 

Center: James fluctuates from having big games full of rebounding, scoring 
and shot-blocking to mediocre games full of fouls and whining to the 
referees. James has provided Seattle with a low-post scorer and clogs the 
middle with his immense presence. As well as James has played, he can be even 
better if he cuts down on the fouls. Grade: B 

INJURY REPORT 

F Vladimir Radmanovic: Sore big toe (3/7) 
Analysis: The injury makes the smallish Sonics more size-challenged than any 
time this season. Without Radmanovic, Desmond Mason becomes a starter against 
most teams. The change shouldn't last long. Radmanovic is expected back 
between one and two weeks. 

G Earl Watson: Separated left shoulder (3/5) 
Analysis: Watson will be out between two and four weeks after drawing an 
offensive foul against Kevin Garnett. Williams gets back his old role as 
backup point guard. 

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 
flourished with a perimeter-based game. Baker is expected back in late March. 

C Calvin Booth: Tendinitis, right ankle (12/12) 
Analysis: Booth isn't likely to return this season after his sprained right 
ankle turned out to have tendinitis. Booth's rehabilitation has been painful, 
and the center is all but certain to have season-ending surgery