Seattle Superonics outlook for rest of season and onward
Apr 26, 2018 10:34:21 GMT -5
Steve Jobs, Paul Pierce, and 3 more like this
Post by Adrian Wojnarowski on Apr 26, 2018 10:34:21 GMT -5
SEATTLE, WA - With around 20 games remaining for most teams in D720's 4th season, another exciting season is nearing its close. While there have been tons of impactful trades and free agency signings so far, most of the league's attention has shifted to the tumultuous injury-filled 2017-2018 season that has plagued most of the league and undoubtedly the Seattle Supersonics. The team was slated as a favorite to make another run at the championship after another successful off season in signing Kevin Durant to a 3 year deal with a 3rd year PO, locking up key role players such as JJ Redick and Gorgui Dieng to long term contracts as well as drafting Zach Collins with the 8th overall pick.
While the injuries have effected several teams vying for a playoff run, Seattle has had to deal with injuries to two of their big three, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard, with the loss of the latter for the remainder of the season due to quad tendinopathy. After speaking with John Stockton, GM of the Supersonics, it appears that they are taking the cautious approach to ensure that Kawhi's long term health is the priority. 'Kawhi is a a top 5 player if healthy and we're not going to risk his longevity by bringing back too early', said Stockton when asked about Leonard. The team has made moves in order to replace the defense and 3pt shooting lost with the injury by acquiring Malcolm Brogdon and Buddy Hield from Toronto by giving up a Tim Hardaway Jr. and Orlando's 2019 1st pick. There was initial regret expressed by Stockton shortly after when Orlando decided to trade all of their asset but is also the move that has lead to a recent streak of 13 wins in a row. 'I instantly regretted giving up that pick, especially when Orlando went full retard and traded all their good players...but in the end I just didn't think we had enough to win without Kawhi', replied Stockton when asked about the trade.
Currently the Blazers sit at the top of the conference but with season-ending injuries to their two superstar big men, Cousins and Pozingis, Seattle appears to be the team to beat again in a loaded Western conference even without their 26 year old superstar. While it remains to be seen whether the team will win its 3rd consecutive ring with the current roster, the young talent that will continue to develop is something that has to excite Leonard, who is expected to decline his PO this upcoming off season along with LeBron James. The two players will demand max salary, and with birds right on both players, Stockton strongly believes that both players will be back with the team next season - 'they're not going anywhere. Since the moment this league began 4 years ago, we embarked on a mission here in Seattle; to creating a culture dedicated to winning and a legacy that will be remembered. Both those guys understand that and that's why they've been such a good fit for us.'
While the injuries have effected several teams vying for a playoff run, Seattle has had to deal with injuries to two of their big three, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard, with the loss of the latter for the remainder of the season due to quad tendinopathy. After speaking with John Stockton, GM of the Supersonics, it appears that they are taking the cautious approach to ensure that Kawhi's long term health is the priority. 'Kawhi is a a top 5 player if healthy and we're not going to risk his longevity by bringing back too early', said Stockton when asked about Leonard. The team has made moves in order to replace the defense and 3pt shooting lost with the injury by acquiring Malcolm Brogdon and Buddy Hield from Toronto by giving up a Tim Hardaway Jr. and Orlando's 2019 1st pick. There was initial regret expressed by Stockton shortly after when Orlando decided to trade all of their asset but is also the move that has lead to a recent streak of 13 wins in a row. 'I instantly regretted giving up that pick, especially when Orlando went full retard and traded all their good players...but in the end I just didn't think we had enough to win without Kawhi', replied Stockton when asked about the trade.
Currently the Blazers sit at the top of the conference but with season-ending injuries to their two superstar big men, Cousins and Pozingis, Seattle appears to be the team to beat again in a loaded Western conference even without their 26 year old superstar. While it remains to be seen whether the team will win its 3rd consecutive ring with the current roster, the young talent that will continue to develop is something that has to excite Leonard, who is expected to decline his PO this upcoming off season along with LeBron James. The two players will demand max salary, and with birds right on both players, Stockton strongly believes that both players will be back with the team next season - 'they're not going anywhere. Since the moment this league began 4 years ago, we embarked on a mission here in Seattle; to creating a culture dedicated to winning and a legacy that will be remembered. Both those guys understand that and that's why they've been such a good fit for us.'