Rick Brunson <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">950, KJR'S Locked on Sports reports that according to sources inside the NBA, the Sonics have come to a one-year agreement with Rick Brunson. Brunson, 32, is a 8 year veteran in the NBA. Brunson will be the back-up to Luke Ridnour. Last season the Sonics played a three-guard rotation, however in the 2005-06 season the Sonics are anticipating that they will have a 4-guard rotation. Brunson stand at 6 foot 4 inches tall and weighs 190 pounds. His size is a nice compliment to Ridnour.Last season, Brunson played 80 games, starting 39, with the LA Clippers averaging 24 minutes a game. He scored 5 points per game and averaged 5 assists. In his 39 starts last season he averaged 7 points, 7 assists and 3 rebounds.</div> I like this. Luke is going to be playing bigger role so all we need is someone to take care of the ball for 15-20 minutes a night, and thats exactly what Rick Brunson can do. To me, this also means that Flip isn't coming back. I just can't see him returning just to back up Ray Allen.
Doesn't surprise me at all. In fact I think that I mentioned Rick Brunson as a possible back up to Luke in one of my other posts. This doesn't signal anything about Flip returning. Flip, if resigned, will still be looked to back up the shooting guard and point guard, but this signing will give Weiss some more flexibility in the backcourt. Rick is a guy who isn't going to make mistakes and can handle playing limited minutes and contributing. Like the signing, despite the fact that it was pretty predictable. Tomorrow will be the key day when restricted free agents are allowed to sign offer sheets. Then we'll see how much Sund likes Vlad, Evans, Flip, and Wilkins.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting legendisdope:</div><div class="quote_post">Rick Who?</div> He is solid. Look him up.
That's strange, I just read an article about him the other day. I think he's a great choice for Luke's backup. http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/...ion_is_a_skill/ That story goes over most of his past for those who aren't familar with him.
He's a solid journeyman. 5 apg in a limited role is pretty darn good if you ask me. I assume he's our answer for losing AD - he's probably coming in at less than half the price even though he's almost as good, like going to The Keg for a $20 steak as opposed to Daniels Broiler for $50. Plus he's a much more consistent 3pt shooter than AD, so that should help, although he doesn't get to the hoop as well. That's probably a good thing because if he could he'd probably be asking for a 5yr deal
I had a feeling we would go this route (as I pointed out in another post) Not necesarilly Brunson but a guy to be backup pg and backup pg only. Hes no Antonio Daniels but he is solid.
I like it. Gives us a bigger point who can fight through the pick and roll when teams are beating up Rid with it, and also retains flexibility this season and beyond. Can't argue with that A/TO ratio.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Xman:</div><div class="quote_post">To me, this also means that Flip isn't coming back. I just can't see him returning just to back up Ray Allen.</div> Ray Allen didn't want him back and threatening his job. Flip probably wouldn't have wanted to come back anyway but because the Sonics re-signed Ray it pretty much guarantees that Flip isnt coming back.
Rick Brunson taking AD's place? I don't think Sund smokes that much MJ. Sounds like he'll be Luke's backup for the most part. This could be good or bad. It might take potential minutes away from a free agent combo guard, but it could also let us sign a real backup SG (and not a SG/PG like AD) instead of somebody like Flip who wants more PT.
Good signing - he played a lot of minutes last season when both Livingston and Jaric were injured for long stetches, and produced solid basketball and solid numbers (five dimes, one steal in 24 minutes). He is a nice size too, at 6'4/190. Given Luke you would assume will be taking a bigger role anyway, this is a great signing to back him up. Plus he played with my hometown team in Adelaide, Australia in between various NBA stints
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">SEATTLE ? Free agent guard Rick Brunson signed with the Seattle SuperSonics on Friday, his seventh different team in a seven-year NBA career. Terms of the deal were not released. Brunson played with the Los Angeles Clippers last season, but had his rights renounced by the team Wednesday. "Rick's playmaking ability, ball handling skills and size make him a nice complement for our team," Seattle general manager Rick Sund said in a statement. "He is a true point guard and I think he and Luke Ridnour will give us a good tandem at that position."</div> Seattle Times.
