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LEWIS READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Two years ago, Seattle SuperSonics forward Rashard Lewis took the next step in his development as an NBA player, ascending to All-Star status for the first time. A year ago, he saw how precarious that position is, failing to garner All-Star recognition despite a similar season in terms of his own production. Now, Lewis enters what is, for him, a critical season. Read more.
NOTEBOOK
Wednesday was not only day two of Seattle SuperSonics training camp, but also day two of the NBA's new basketballs. Beginning this season, the league is switching to synthetic Spalding basketballs as the Official Game Ball from the traditional leather balls the league used for 36 seasons. While the new balls were used in summer league and many players have been practicing with them, the start of training camp has also brought up complaints around the league about the change. Read more.
LOCKED ON SONICS
New Sonics radio play-by-play broadcaster David Locke is blogging all things Sonics and NBA:
Live From Training Camp - Day 2 - Day two of the Training Camp is underway. As much as we want to evaluate every move and make determinations of what we are seeing we need to be careful. For most of these guys there heads are swimming with information and nerves. What we need to watch for is when they start playing with instinct and flow rather than thinking the entire time.
FAN E-MAIL
Petro vs Swift vs Sene? who is playing better who is second???
Blocker? rebounder? scorer? defense?
thanks ben
Ben, great way to break it down. I think it is Robert's job to lose but it is very close. Over the long haul I might put my bet on Sene but for right now he is really thinking and needs to work on his balance and strength. He is amazingly skilled and really long. I promise that if they re-did the draft today he would be picked higher and in a year or two would be a top-five pick.
The best shot blocker is with question Sene he does it with instinct and that is rare. His length is amazing. Swift is the best rebounder at this time. Again, Sene's length will make him the best in the future. Yesterday, Sene scored for the wrong team when he went for a rebound and it he mishandled it and because his hands reached so high when he mishandled it the ball fell into the hoop. Think about that.
Petro is the best scorer right now because he has a decent 12-foot jumper. Swift has the best low post moves, but has to learn how to play without thinking. Right now he is too slow with his moves. The guy that will be the best scorer is the guy that runs the floor the hardest. The bigs running the floor straight down the middle is a huge part of the offense.
Defense at the current time is Petro. It will be Sene. Quite honestly, none of them are good defensively right now and that is what training camp needs to develop.
- David Locke
David Locke and the rest of the SUPERSONICS.COM experts are going around the league to preview 30 teams in 30 days. Today, the New Jersey Nets: "There are not many threesomes that are any better than Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson and Jason Kidd. What strikes me about this group is how badly they all need each other. " Read more
40TH ANNIVERSARY TEAM
Today is your final day to vote for the 80s portion of the Sonics 40th Anniversary Team. Michael Cage, Tom Chambers (right) Dale Ellis, Xavier McDaniel, Derrick McKey, Nate McMillan, David Thompson and Sedale Threatt are vying for three spots on the 40th Anniversary Team. Make your voice heard by voting now. Read more
SUPERSONICS.COM's David Locke, Kevin Pelton and Francis Williams have completed their countdowns of the top 100 players in the NBA. Share your feedback - whose list do you like best? Who's ranked too high? Who's ranked too low? Read more
Bob Hill's session with the local media
