I like it, I like it a lot. Petro looks like someone who can team up with Bob and St Nick long-term for a versatile three-head monster (while Danny mans the fort, pardon the pun, for the time being). Mickael Gelabale seems to be the new Ansu Sesay, which suits me, and I think he shares more things in common with Mr Pietrus than just their first name and nationality. Hopefully Petro can slot in next year and give us a few minutes here and there, along the lines of how Andris Biedrins was brought through at the Warriors. I would hope Gelabale, buyout permitting (anyone with info on this?), could be played in the NBDL where we could have a bit more control over his play and working out, with the possiblity of calling him up to the NBA. Do we still own the rights to Paccelis Morlende? Probably time to bring him over and give the Spurs a run for their money.
Ill be honest I wasnt expecting Petro. I knew he was a pick that was supposed to be in are area (maybe even a little earlier) but didnt expect the Sonics to want another project big man. This defiently puts some pressure on Big Swift to produce. I liked the 2nd round selection of Gelebale. I had heard nothing but good things about him before the draft. I have to admit I was kinda hopin we would take Gomes at 48 but I like this pick too. Also when we drafted Roberts I was kinda disappointed (just seemed like aboring pick with little upside) but trading him to Memphis for two 2nd rounders..I liked that.
I'm indifferent about our draft picks. I was hoping that we were going to bring in someone who could contribute immediately but at the same time w/ the prospects of losing both Big Game James and Potapenko, it makes sense to bring in another big. I don't know much about Petro or Gelabale but I take either of them in a heartbeat over Chris Taft. It's interesting that management looks at the past two first round picks as being either/or propositions. If Swift doesn't meet our expectations then we hope that Petro will and vice versa. Jack Sikma is going to have his work cut out for him b/c this Petro kid doesn't look like he is going to be able to contribute for a while. How ironic is it that we are looking for the next Big Game James? I hope next season that Bobby Swift is going to be able to log 20 effective minutes in the post. Gelabale looked impressive in his highlights but he only weighs about 175 pounds, and he is an older cat. He may be able to make the roster but if he doesn't I would love to see him stay in Europe as opposed to going to the D-League. Hopefully with the amount of talent that is available from this class that didn't get drafted we can get a "Damien Wilkins" type steal for next season. No one in this forum can honestly say that they are excited about these two picks but a couple years down the road we may be able to say that we got a couple steals. It also is interesting that for the second consecutive year we've traded a recognizable senior to Memphis for future second round considerations. Why is it that Memphis loves our cast-offs? (Lawrence Roberts, Andre Emmitt, Earl Watson, Michael Cage, etc.)
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Iron Shiek:</div><div class="quote_post">No one in this forum can honestly say that they are excited about these two picks but a couple years down the road we may be able to say that we got a couple steals.</div> I am, and that is what I hoping for, yes.
I'm fine with the selection of Petro, all of the first round talent gaurds were of the board and we certainly did not need another pf. That being said, I'm very dissapointed in our second round picks. Gelabale seems like a talented player but he won't be able to contribute til a few years from now, if ever. Why not pick a proven player that can contribute right away, like Ryan Gomes? I did like our trade though. Two future second rounders(probably early to mid) for a late second rounder. That sounds like a good deal to me. One thing that I found interesting is that we didn't pick any gaurds. Maybe that means that AD will be returning after all. But thats just wishful thinking. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Hopefully with the amount of talent that is available from this class that didn't get drafted we can get a "Damien Wilkins" type steal for next season. </div> I was suprised at some of the players that didn't get drafted, like Eddie Basden, Kennedy Winstion, Tiras Wade, and Sean Banks. I think your going to see alot of undrafted guys on rosters next season.
It turns out that Gelabale won't be on our roster next year anyway b/c he is still under contract w/ Real Madrid. If we are still interested, we will buy him out of his contract in 2006-2007 and hope that he is poised to play a reserve role behind whoever our shooting guard is. I'm not going to put words into people mouth's in this forum but the only person in here that I heard mention Petro as a person whom the Supes were (or should) take is Nick. No one in this forum has seen this kid (or Gelabale) play so I doubt that we can make the assessment that we did very well in this draft. Only time will tell. We all know that Jo Pet has a way to go before he will be logging consistent NBA minutes.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Iron Shiek:</div><div class="quote_post">It turns out that Gelabale won't be on our roster next year anyway b/c he is still under contract w/ Real Madrid. If we are still interested, we will buy him out of his contract in 2006-2007 and hope that he is poised to play a reserve role behind whoever our shooting guard is. I'm not going to put words into people mouth's in this forum but the only person in here that I heard mention Petro as a person whom the Supes were (or should) take is Nick. No one in this forum has seen this kid (or Gelabale) play so I doubt that we can make the assessment that we did very well in this draft. Only time will tell. We all know that Jo Pet has a way to go before he will be logging consistent NBA minutes.</div> Your right no1 has really seen these guys. but I think the picks can be liked for other reasons. Drafting high risk high potential players is fun and worth the risk with late picks. Thats something to be excited about. Also I think these picks are likeable because from my perspective I see us taking abig man that will probably be on the roster next year but probably wont play and a guy who almost surely wont be here for atleast a year and are last 2nd rounder we traded for future picks..this means we got nothing from the draft for next season. We addressed no needs...just looks like a sign to me that maybe we are serious about trying to bring back our own free agents. Yes Shiek if you read that back you can say so im happy we got nothing...yes thats right lol.
I like it just for my new avatar and sig. Seriously, though, I was kind of disappointed that we got a project, but once I got over myself I just accepted that management deserves some benefit of the doubt.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Casual:</div><div class="quote_post">I like it just for my new avatar and sig. Seriously, though, I was kind of disappointed that we got a project, but once I got over myself I just accepted that management deserves some benefit of the doubt.</div> heh....nice Casual.
I'm disappointed with the picks; at first glance I'm thinking 'We were 1 game away from the finals, we just need another piece' But after having a night to think about it I guess I can understand what managment was thinking, what with free agency and the team's financial woes. Still, all indications were that we were done with development projects and Petro is that in the 'biggest' sense of the word. As IS said, I see him being Jay-rome redux, at best. And that's after 3-5 years of development at which point he'll cost as much as JJ would now. They keep mentioning how Swift is coming along - he better show something this summer. I was hoping Head would slip by Houston but Pwnd pointed out earlier that they were enamored, so that was somewhat expected. After that I think the Sonics brass figured 6-7 guys would be plentiful via undrafted free agents (sounds like they were right - Wade, Winston, Jawad Williams all undrafted) I too was thinking Gomes at 48 but I guess they like this Gelebale kid quite a bit and think he was a steal - I think it came down to his athleticism, and I heard he's a long, tenacious defender. I keep hearing comparisons to Des in the paper today. Still, he's an old fart at 22 and by the time he can come over to contribute he'll be way past his prime Also, Nate Mac's dodging of his upcoming situation was a little troubling, and it sounds like Portland's 8 million dollar offer is going to come true. Off the Sonics, I was surprised Villeneueva went so high, and Gerald Green slipped to 18. Boston did very well getting him and Gomes. I like what Portland did to get Martell and Jack. Damn them
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Bobcats:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm surprised Seattle didn't pick up Winston at 48 or 55 incase Flip or Ray left.</div> Me and you both...I was shocked that the Sonics not only passed up Winston with 48, but also Ryan Gomes and Andray Blatche. But I am overall happy with the addition of Mickael Gelebale if only for his gigantic dreads. VIVA LA FRANCE!
I dont even know who these two are...But knowing Seattles management and luck in picking steals in drafts, I know these two will be good.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Iron Shiek:</div><div class="quote_post"> I'm not going to put words into people mouth's in this forum but the only person in here that I heard mention Petro as a person whom the Supes were (or should) take is Nick. </div> I had him going to us in my mock, and that happened by accident (it just sort of fell that way with other teams' picks). I won't claim anything out of that apart from some lucky guesswork As for the picks, I am happy. At 25, Jack, Head, Nate, Garcia and Hodge were all off the board. If we wanted Gomes, Blatche or Winston we could have gotten any of them at 48 (or in Kennedy's case, 55 as well). When Jack went at 22 and Head went at 24, I felt certain we were going to take Ukic or Martynas. Roko I wouldn't have minded, but I was crapping myself that we were going to take the Lithuanian, to the point where i turned the sound off and covered the screen because I was too scared to look immediately. David Locke's comments about taking him if he was there stuck in my mind. Management obviously saw something they didn't like in Taft and Simien, and I am prepared to back their judgement on that. Our drafting record of late has been very solid. I also like the fact we are planning on bringing Petro over straight away. The first thing I like about him is he already has close to an NBA body at the age of 19, and has a frame that looks like it could put pounds on easily (big shoulders). In other words, the only thing stopping him playing minutes straight away is lack of polish and experience, not physique. Playing him in summer league and having him work with Sikma and against Casanova is the best way to go IMO, especially if these plans for the NBDL link-up come to fruition this season. As for Gelabale, I am delighted. I admit I was praying for Blatche, but I had also forgotten this kid was still on the board. Close to the best athlete in the draft, and don't forget he has been playing meaningful minutes on one of the most stakced teams in Europe, in Real Madrid. He concentrates on defense and is apparently a regular exponent of the tip jam, so you can see why Dave P compares him to D-Mase. BTW Shiek, I reckon 175lbs is an outdated measurement. I read it too in the Tribune, but I have seen recent measurements that have him in at between 200-215. Even Julius Hodge is 200, and he is the same height. Overall quite happy - wouldn't have minded taking someone like Wade or Winston at 55, but who knows what Memphis will do in the next two season. We could end up with two more picks in the 30s. Chad Ford gave us a B+, which I thought was generous, but I wouldn't go below a B either. I hate Danny Ainge and Larry Bird, and I feel for Toronto and Orlando fans.
^ Gelabale winning some Euro dunk comp. Also, let me extend an apology to all members of this forum that the site has been down at the one time everyone would have wanted to post. Unfortunately it wasn't a problem at our end, but I apologise anyway. I was as annoyed as anyone I can assure you, had so much to say last night.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Roland Hood:</div><div class="quote_post"> Also, Nate Mac's dodging of his upcoming situation was a little troubling, and it sounds like Portland's 8 million dollar offer is going to come true.</div> Was it though? If I was Nate the last thing I'd want to talk about was my contract situation too, especially on draft night He said a couple of things like "I look forward to working with Petro and Swift in the next 2-3 years" as well, so that's a tick in the positives box.
I think Petro will be good for us. He seems like the Amare Stoudemire type of player, hopefully hes as good as him. And he almost looks like Amare also..I cant wait to see this guy play.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Pwn3d!:</div><div class="quote_post">Was it though? If I was Nate the last thing I'd want to talk about was my contract situation too, especially on draft night He said a couple of things like "I look forward to working with Petro and Swift in the next 2-3 years" as well, so that's a tick in the positives box.</div> Well it would've been interesting to hear what Nate would've said had the draft been July 2nd
I thought the earlier picks would fall differently, but I think the Sonics did well with their 1st rounder given the situation. They wanted a backup guard, a big defensive combo guard would have fit well with their schemes to date, but with all the best guards getting picked up , taking the best 7' available is very smart. He could play well with Swifty and Nick, or he could replace a potential bust in Swift, or he is good packaged trade bait to a team wanting a 7' player, which are always in demand. In the second round I think, again they decided they would have to get their AD/Vlade replacements in FA, and knew they would need to sign a starting center from FA. This means they needed cap room this year, and picking a player who can come in next year is great for them. They don't have to pay him, they get the rights to a young athletic player, and they invite some undrafted rookies and unsigned FA's to summer league and camp to fill the backup 3 if Wilkins comes in too pricey. For the first time ever, it looks like the 4 spot is well covered (by which combo is the question), so the vacant roster spot will again be the 3 and maybe an extra guard. With 2 7' players in summer league, they could get lots of PT for the Sonics to get a feel for them playing together. Has the league posted the NBA TV summer league schedule yet? Looking forward to seeing Swifty, Petro and Wilkens play this summer. We might see some guard options for camp there as well...is there a full roster set yet?
