Off the Record - Oct. 2005
When reporters want a little more information from a source, they go off the record. When you want a little more information about the Sonics from SUPERSONICS.COM, check out the "Off the Record" blog, which features interesting tidbits and odds and ends that don't lend themselves to a full article. We'll also answer some fan questions from time to time, so send yours to sonicsconnection@sonics-storm.com.
Open Practice Notes
Posted on October 26
The Sonics opened practice to their fans last night for their annual open scrimmage. This year, the Sonics traveled to Inglemoor High School in Kenmore. The Vikings' gym was packed, with more than 1,500 people in attendance for a chance to see the Sonics up close and personal.
As much as the fans enjoyed the show, so did players enjoy the chance to return to their roots.
"When we were driving over here, it reminded me of my days playing high school ball," said 
Ray Allen. "It's a fun atmosphere and a great turnout. We're here to get some things accomplished, but we also want everyone to have a good time."
The Sonics split up into two squads and mixed up the lineups in five six-minute scrimmages similar to the ones Coach 
Bob Weiss has had his team play during normal practices. However, the presence of cheering fans was undoubtedly a factor in the Sonics playing a flashier brand of basketball. Though there were several dunks, notably a one-hand posterization by Allen, the play of the night was actually turned in by 
Nick Collison. After being called for a foul, Collison flipped the ball up from the backcourt and nailed the shot, matching his 3/4-court buzzer-beater in Game 1 at San Antonio last May.
Rashard Lewis dominated the last two scrimmages, scoring 18 of his team-high 29 points. Center 
Robert Swift was impressive, scoring eight points in one scrimmage to lead his team to victory. Forward 
Vladimir Radmanovic and guard 
Mateen Cleaves also had strong scrimmages.
But ultimately, the enjoyment of the fans proved more important than the outcome.
"This was a great opportunity to get out and connect with the fans," said Allen. "The people, especially the kids, watching this scrimmage will probably remember it for a long, long time."
For more on the scrimmage, check out this morning's Seattle Post-Intelligencer and Seattle Times reports.
Complete Results:
Scrimmage 1: White 8, Green 6
Leading scorer: Radmanovic, White - 4
Scrimmage 2: White 15, Green 14
Leading scorer: Scales, White - 6
Scrimmage 3: Green 22, White 14
Leading scorer: Swift, Green - 8
Scrimmage 4: Green 15, White 12
Leading scorer: Lewis, Green - 9
Scrimmage 5: Green 24, White 21
Leading scorer: Lewis, White - 11
Total scoring: Lewis 29, Radmanovic 17, Evans 15, Allen 13, Cleaves 13, Swift 12, Scales 10, Brunson 8, Wilkins 8, Felix 7, Collison 6, Murray 6, Ridnour 5, Petro 2
10-27 UPDATE: Visual learner? Why don't you check out 
a Photo Gallery from the evening!
Also, the Sonics Preview Section in the King County Journal came out yesterday, featuring a pair of articles by your humble blogger. It's worth a read, in my biased opinion.
Halloween is Coming
Posted on October 24
The scariest day of the year is just a week away, and the
Seattle Post-Intelligencer is helping fans show their Sonics spirit! Check out
this page for a (relatively) easy way to Sonics-ize your jack o'lantern.
A quick reminder that the Countdown is On to Opening Night (now less than 10 days away). There are some great events going on to celebrate over the next week. Later today, the Sonics will be dedicating the Colman Playfield Court refurbished by the Sonics & Storm T.E.A.M. Foundation at 3:00 p.m. Tomorrow, the Sonics are opening practice to fans, so come out to Inglemoor High School at 6:00. Wednesday, Squatch will be giving a mobile drum performance that will conclude from noon to 12:30 p.m. at the International Fountain on the Seattle Center campus with the Rock 'N Hoops Rally. Hope to see you there!
While you're preparing for the season, take a look at the Sports Illustrated NBA Preview, which has an article on the NBA's version of Moneyball that prominently features Sonics consultant Dean Oliver. Of course, you already know about Oliver and the Sonics use of statistics from our The Sonics Play Moneyball series, right?
Practice Notes
Posted on October 19
In lieu of a notebook from yesterday's practice, here's some quick notes:
Sonics Coach Bob Weiss was asked how much weight he puts on the team's preseason record.
"I think about the same you put on it last year, when we were 2-6," said Weiss.
"These don’t mean anything. We're trying to evaluate players, we're trying to teach and we're trying to become defensive-minded."
Danny Fortson, who has been bothered by turf toe and illness, returned to the practice court and is expected to play tonight against the L.A. Clippers at KeyArena.
"My whole goal is to be 100% ready by the time the season starts and give 125%," Fortson told reporters.
"This is not going to go away, but it's not something where I have to get an operation or anything like that. That's the good news. With proper care, it will be okay. I had the same little thing last year and kind of kept it secret."
While Fortson will likely play, centers 
Mikki Moore (chondromalacia, left knee) and 
Vitaly Potapenko (strained hamstring) remain sidelined. Weiss is hoping to get them back soon, and said Potapenko could play when the Sonics hit the road Friday for a back-to-back at Phoenix and Golden State.
"I would like at least four games for those guys to be able to play in," said Weiss.
Invitee 
Noel Felix was also sidelined from practiced by a right shin strain suffered Monday against the Rockets.
Sonics guard Ray Allen left practice early to undergo a CT Scan on his nasal region. Allen has been bothered by breathing problems believed to be caused by polyps, and spoke early in camp about possibly undergoing surgery. Weiss said Allen has felt better recently and that the exam was not a bad sign.
"This is just a check-up," he explained. "This is something they had scheduled a long time ago. It's not anything that he had a problem with and asked for a check-up. I'm assuming he's going to get an okay, and even if he's not, he'd be ready by the time the season comes."
The Sonics separated into two teams for a 12-minute scrimmage at the end of practice. The white team, made up mostly of starters, defeated the red team 18-15 after Rick Brunson missed a potential tying 3 at the buzzer. Nick Collison played with the first unit at center and is expected to make his first start of the exhibition season tonight.
The star of the practice was young center Robert Swift, who played well in the paint. "Get it to Swift," shouted red point guard Mateen Cleaves. "He's dominating the paint."
We're Underway
Posted on October 5
Yesterday was the first day of practice for the new season, and, as usual, the local dailies had plenty of good material from The Furtado Center. In the Seattle Times, Percy Allen takes a good look at Reggie Evans' decision to re-sign with the Sonics. Allen suggests either Evans or Vladimir Radmanovic could fall out of the Sonics rotation, which might be a bit premature. Interim Post-Intelligencer beat writer Jon Paul Morosi has a great feature on Rashard Lewis looking at the injury that ended his season last year and what might have been. In The News Tribune, Frank Hughes notes some differences between Bob Weiss and Nate McMillan in a practice season.
Also, for a unique look at Media Day, check out SonicsCentral.com, which had the opportunity to have a reporter attend. Brian Robinson gives his take on how accessible and open the Sonics players were to him.
Of course, for all the best coverage of training camp, you know SUPERSONICS.COM's Training Camp Homepage is the place to go. I'm about to head over to practice, and we'll see what's up on day two.
