<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Five developments were made clear after general manager Rick Sund and coach Nate McMillan met with the media yesterday during a fireside chat about the Sonics' past, present and future. No. 1: The Sonics are officially "rebuilding." The restoration project actually began last year after the trade that involved Ray Allen and Gary Payton, but the team's public-relations and marketing department declined to make that clear to its fan base. No. 2: When many thought that the Sonics could compete for the final two berths of the Western Conference playoffs this season, the team was actually developing players, Sund and McMillan said. Perhaps it was a veiled attempt at rationalizing a 37-45 record, but it's the team's new stance, which came as a surprise to several players once they heard the news. No. 3: The promise that majority owner Howard Schultz made to fans ? the one in which he guaranteed after buying the team three years ago that he would need five years to turn the Sonics into a championship contender ? may not come to pass. Sund said that he believes Seattle will compete for a playoff spot next season but admitted "there is no tangible proof" that the Sonics will be among the top four teams in the Western Conference for the 2005-06 season. No. 4: Sund will aggressively pursue what he termed "a big deal" this summer that might net an All-Star or at least a player to which the Sonics can build around. He was vague on how he plans to acquire such a player, but insinuated that no Sonic is off limits. No. 5: McMillan had several problems with Allen, including the All-Star's understanding of the team's goal, his shot selection and decision-making with the ball.</div> <font size="1">Full Story courtesy of Dwayne Casey and the Seattle Times.</font> Very interesting article indeed. Pretty much covering what a lot of Seattle fans have known, but hasn't been formally announced to them, in terms of being in a rebuilding stage. If you read further, you get the impression that there is some real tension in the air between Nate and Ray. Sund's comments about no player being off limits pretty much means Ray, and pursuing a big deal in the offseason again gives a subtle hint that Ray could be involved in trade discussions.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">No. 4: Sund will aggressively pursue what he termed "a big deal" this summer that might net an All-Star or at least a player to which the Sonics can build around. He was vague on how he plans to acquire such a player, but insinuated that no Sonic is off limits. </div> Isn't that what Ray Allen is? It isn't looking too good for my man Shard, if the Sonics are in a rebuilding mode and Rashard isn't playing up to his salary then you can usually put two and two together. I don't know what the Sonics management have up their sleeves but I hope they make some smart decisions and not just unload players for the sake of rebuilding.
ugh...they're doing just what the fan hates...i know they want to be a playoff team, but they can't just toss everything they see...it's such a waste of talent...if they could gather in Vladimir R./Rashard and few players like Antonio or Potapenko, i think we could get a real decent post, it could work for the Sonics... some more thoughts: <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Allen, who plans to renew contract-extension negotiations with the Sonics in a few months, said that McMillan's comments wouldn't sway his decision to remain with the team. </div> so hopefully they'll renew the contract and extend it ....
