Open letter to Sam Presti

[djthesonicsfan]

Having watched the Sonics for those last couple of years, to me, "center" means a guy being taller and stronger then Nick Collison, cause that's the best center we had the last 3 years. There's just something about Love and his game that screams no way to me, as i just don't really believe him being able to translate his game into the pros. I also don't know why we should draft another Nick Collison, with an outlet pass, but lesser defensive ability, as i don't think he's a good defensively as Nick.

Ya, agreed, N Collison is usually overmatched in the post. But to be fair to Nick he is a great first big off the bench. He could play that role on any contending team. N Collison is solid.

In my opinion, there's a difference between being big and playing big. K Love plays big. I think K Love becomes a very good starting caliber big in the NBA. But I also don't see the Sonics getting him. If K Love is not taken at #5, he will be at #8 for sure. I think many others would probably take your opinion over mine... that he's not a "center". But I'm more interested in getting guys that can actually play basketball instead of guys that measure out like they should be able to play basketball. K Love knows how to play basketball. And he's big, tough & strong.

Also, Okur probably has about 1 - 2 inches on Love. While he's a solid big in this league, do you really want to have a jump shooting center that doesn't plays defense? I mean, that's exactly what Okur is.

The only reason I mentioned Okur is because you did. I agree he's not the type of center we'd want.

Alexander is just a guy i really like, but i really don't see him being in the plans of Presti, as we already got our combo forward in Jeff Green. Though, Alexander brings shooting to the table and would be able to spread the floor for Durant, which is something i'm not sure Green will be able to provide.

Agree on J Alexander. He's a long time NBA player too. But I wouldn't sell J Green short. I think he's going to be one of the outstanding all time Sonics.

[Det the Threat]

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Ya, agreed, N Collison is usually overmatched in the post. But to be fair to Nick he is a great first big off the bench. He could play that role on any contending team. N Collison is solid.

I think every Sonis fan agrees with this, as Nick is a great first big off the bench, backing up both the power forward and center spots.

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In my opinion, there's a difference between being big and playing big. K Love plays big. I think K Love becomes a very good starting caliber big in the NBA. But I also don't see the Sonics getting him. If K Love is not taken at #5, he will be at #8 for sure. I think many others would probably take your opinion over mine... that he's not a "center". But I'm more interested in getting guys that can actually play basketball instead of guys that measure out like they should be able to play basketball. K Love knows how to play basketball. And he's big, tough & strong.

Damn.
We're arguing like hell and you don't even see him coming to us.

Yes, he sure knows how to play basketball, but i still have my doubts about him being able to translate his game into the pros and therefore wouldn't like him on the Sonics.

BTW: I think Love would fit in great with the Bobcats and Larry Brown's system.

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The only reason I mentioned Okur is because you did. I agree he's not the type of center we'd want.

I never mentioned Okur. I just mentioned Carlos Boozer, because Love is doing the exact same thing right now, that Boozer did before he got drafted, which is shedding quite some wait, to be able to play the 4 spot in this league. Boozer did play center at Duke as well, but many scouts did not believe that his game would translate into the pros, as he's only about 6'8, but was absolutely overweight to play the 4 spot in this league. He shed quite some weight and proved the doubters wrong, after he got selected in the 2nd round. If Kevin Love is able to shed enough weight then he might be able to make it in the league as well.

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Agree on J Alexander. He's a long time NBA player too. But I wouldn't sell J Green short. I think he's going to be one of the outstanding all time Sonics.

I'm not trying to sell Green low(i love the guy), but shooting is one area of his game that needs a lot of improvement.

[TheCardinal20]

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Yes. Great handle. Great court vision. Good passer. Coachable. Leader. Size & athleticism. Bball IQ. Excellent perimeter defender. Excellent shot.

He doesn't have NBA PG handles/court vision/passing ability, imo...but for a SG he is above average. Averaging more TO's than assists is not a good sign...

[djthesonicsfan]

Sam,

It's been a while. You're not returning my calls. Back to your clandestine ways again? You've always been Mr Super Secret Squirrel. Fine. Well then, thought I'd give you an update as I know you're busy. Just don't let the trial stuff distract you from Orlando & the workouts.

First of all, no matter what Riley says, does or offers, just laugh & say no. Riley was that childhood bully we were all so glad to see get dunked on in the Texas Western - Kentucky 1966 final. Nothing's really changed. He's going to try to bully his #2 pick into more than it is, but just let it go. In the end he's going to take either D Rose or M Beasley. Whatever. And McHale's going to take K Love. Or maybe B Lopez. Fine. You get OJ Mayo. Or worst case, J Bayless. Excellent.

Now's the harder part. Find a way to get Brandon Rush. He won't last until #24. Trade up. The guy is an absolute perfect fit for the Sonics. Size, talent & temperment. You'd have an incredible group of four young basketball players all with the right attitude... OJ Mayo, Brandon Rush, K Durant & Jeff Green. You'd have Nick Collison & Johan Petro as rotation bigs. And maybe E Watson wouldn't be so bad as a backup PG. Add a legit center & that team battles for a playoff spot in a year or so.

Which brings us to the issue. Where are you going to get a legit center? You've been smart & built a decent war chest... C Wilcox, expirings & picks galore. But who's it going to be? Okafor? Biedrins? Hawes? Are any of those guys even available? Or do you go the rent-a-center route? A guy like J O'Neal? Or maybe B Miller? I hope not. Those guys wouldn't commit to the youthful Sonics situation. M Sene? You can't be thinking he's anything but a wasted #10 pick. Do you think J Petro can continue to grow into the job? Really? What about R Swift? We haven't heard a word about him. Has he regained his mobility? Is he losing a little of that extra bulk? Does he still have a chance?

Lots of questions here regarding the middle, Sam. We can see how the rest of roster might start to take shape with a couple of solid picks in a few weeks. But what about the middle?