Apparently Chad Ford has reported twice that the Sonics and Celtics are in serious talks about a sign-and-trade involving Vlad(and probably another player) for Gary Payton and Antoine Walker. I think this would be a decent trade for the Celtics, given we wouldn't be losing anything that we weren't going to anyway, but I'm not too sure it's the right deal for the Supes.
I don't think it's the right deal either. I think 'Toine has a lot of great qualities - he has a big heart, he's a competitor, a very good rebounder and a superb passer - but they don't necessarily fit this team. We have two All-Stars who love to shoot, and a developing power forward who deserves to start. We also have a developing point guard who is only going to get better by having the ball in his hands, and 'Toine is notorious for being a ball hog as a wannabe point guard. The only logic I can see in this is that management plans to utilise 'Toine in Vlad's role as a sixth man playing both forward spots, but can anyone see 'Toine agreeing to come off the bench? On the other hand, we may be going after Dixon because the C's want Flip as the fourth guy.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Sir Desmond:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't think it's the right deal either. I think 'Toine has a lot of great qualities - he has a big heart, he's a competitor, a very good rebounder and a superb passer - but they don't necessarily fit this team. We have two All-Stars who love to shoot, and a developing power forward who deserves to start. We also have a developing point guard who is only going to get better by having the ball in his hands, and 'Toine is notorious for being a ball hog as a wannabe point guard. The only logic I can see in this is that management plans to utilise 'Toine in Vlad's role as a sixth man playing both forward spots, but can anyone see 'Toine agreeing to come off the bench? On the other hand, we may be going after Dixon because the C's want Flip as the fourth guy.</div> 3 seasons ago or so, I would have started to dry heave at the thought of having Walker in Sonic green and gold. I wouldn't be too opposed to the idea as long as it was written into his contract that he couldn't take more than 2 three in any one game . He doesn't shoot a high enough % for a PF, and his FT % has spiraled to atrocious - but he can score, get off his own shot, is a decent rebounder, can handle the ball, and would fit in with an uptempo style. If he would buy in the being the 3rd option behind Ray and Lew, I think it could work. Wilkens would become more of a priority I think if we swing this. GP might be a different story though - it could be really good, it could be like a match and gasoline. If Gary would buy in to being the backup - it could be solid - but I just don't see Gary coming back to SEA to come off the bench - although it would be a feel good story for both him and the fans. Payton didin't mind playing 3rd fiddle last year in BOS, but he at least was in the starting lineup.
It is, and always has been an ego thing with GP. As long as he saw his name in the starting line-up with Boston, he was cool. Remember 'Toine beating us with that ridiculous buzzer beater as a Maverick?
Bring the 'Toine Shimmy to Seattle. I think it'll give us some much needed 'edge'. Imagine the latte sipping crowd at the Key after 'Toine hits a ridiculous 3 to beat the shot clock and shimmying his way back down the court.
And the same people spitting out their lattes as 'Toine then tries to replicate that shot on the next five possessions.
The Sonics would have to be stupid to make a trade like that. Walker is talented but he's a black hole on the court most of the time. Bringing back GP would detract from the rest of the team and undermine the new coach.
Bringing in two me-first ego's including one who was, DESERVEDLY, THE MAN in Seattle for many years is just so exactly the right thing to do for this team. I mean, adding this kind of "give me the damn ball and let me do my thing" flavor is just the thing to spice up the offense and inspire the defense of a boring, team first, it's all about the W, sum is better than the parts type attitude that held this team back last year. I mean, they barely got 50 wins. Someone needs to kick them in the rear and do SOMETHING or they might make the playoffs again!!!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Sir Desmond:</div><div class="quote_post">Apparently the deal is now on hold as Ainge wants Swift, and obviously management have said no.</div> Sounds like Ainge to me.
Looks like we can all breath a sigh of relief - 'Toine's headed to Miami along with J.Will and Posey for Eddie Jones and some other stuff. Seems like a pretty sweet deal for Miami - I like Posey, before he got hurt he was a 17-7 guy I believe, a good 3pt shooter and a pretty tough defender.
I always wanted Posey in Seattle, in Vlad's current role. Seems like there could be five or six teams involved in this trade, and Magloire may be Memphis-bound.
Robert. But I agree with you're Chad Ford lies alot statement. "Chad Ford reports false information because he has a lot of time on his hands and doesn't have any real rumors so he decides to make some up" seems like a more accurate statement. ...... Robert.
