Well, as expected the point guard position was a bit of a formality, hence the quick introduction of this thread. Looking over the shooting guards to play for Seattle in their history, it is a much more even contest and should result in a more fiercely contested vote. As with the PG spot, the first player to ten votes wins the starting spot, so use your vote wisely. I must stress, vote properly or don't vote at all, too. Don't just vote for who has the biggest name or who your favourite is, vote for who you think is most deserving of the spot. The Candidates: Fred Brown Earning the now famous nickname 'Downtown', Brown gained a following in Seattle through his long range shooting exploits. One of only a handful of Sonics to have his jersey number retired (#32), Brown played thirteen seasons with the Sonics, and ranks as Seattle's second all-time leading scorer and total games played behind Gary Payton. Captain of the 1978/79 Championship team, Brown also holds the single game scoring record for the Sonics with 58 points against Golden State in 1974. Dennis Johnson Although better known for his Celtic days, Johnson played in both Sonics teams that made back to back finals appearances in 77/78 and 78/79, and won the Finals MVP award in Seattle's only title to date in 1979. Playing another year before being traded, Johnson's accolades with the Sonics include an All-Star appearance, two All Defensive nods and an appearance on the All-NBA second team. Dale Ellis Ellis played four full seasons in Seattle from 1986/7 to 89/90 and certainly left his mark, leading the team in scoring all four seasons, including a career high 27.5 ppg during the 88/89 season, and then played two further seasons in 97/99 and 98/99, averaging double figures in scoring for both seasons and being a valuable contributor off the bench. One of the greatest long distance shooters the league has ever seen, and his honours with the Sonics include an All-NBA third team appearance, a Most Improved Player award, a Long Distance Shootout title and a career high 53 points against Milwaukee. Ricky Pierce Acquired midway through the 1990/91 season from Milwaukee, Pierce immediately showed his capabilities as a high scoring guard, avering 17.5 ppg and shooting the lights out from long range in his 32 games as a Sonic that season. He upped that average to a team leading 22 ppg the next season and 18ppg in 92/93. Injuries reduced him to the bench in his last season as a Sonic, but he still provided instant offense with 14 points in only 20 minutes a game, and goes down as one of the best offensive players in Sonic history, and one of the best freethrow shooters the league has ever seen. Eddie Johnson Known throughout his career as a clutch shooter, Johnson was traded to the Sonics at a latter stage of his career, but still had a big impact. A mainstay among the Seattle leading scorers in the early 90s, Johnson played a big part in establishing a veteran presence around a young team gearing for a period of success, and poured in some big playoff performances to boot. Hersey Hawkins One of the most underrated guards in recent history, Hawkins teamed with Payton as one of the league's most formidable backcourts throughout the mid to late nineties. A deadly shooter, tight defender and veteran presence, Hawkins was a model of consistency during his prime years with the Sonics, turning in numerous big playoff performances and winning the NBA's Sportsmanship award in the 1998/99 season with his efforts off the court. Ray Allen A relatively fresh face In Seattle, having played just over a season, but his impact has been large nonetheless. One of the purest shooters and smoothest movers the game has seen, the former Buck arrived in a deal that shipped Payton out of Seattle, and won over the fans with a series of big games, including the gamewinner on Payton's return to Seattle. Has made an All-Star appearance in his only full season as a Sonic, despite missing the first 25 games of the season.
