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NBA Loud - by Rick Gillispie

Seattle SuperSonics - NBA Loud

The 2008 NBA Draft

July 1st 2008 03:49

I’d like to post about the previously finished NBA Draft. A lot of trades were completed/proposed making this years draft exciting and noteworthy. In this first post I will be going through the top five picks and thereafter with updates and all you need to know up to the minute stats and transactions.

Let’s get this post draft analysis going with the first overall pick for the Chicago Bulls DERRICK ROSE. Rose out of Memphis has a solid NBA body and can take the punishment as a player in the paint. He will mold himself into whatever type of player his team needs him to be as evident by the video below. He is one of the most ready-type players to enter the league. A truly solid addition to any team, kind of makes me think of the miss of Jay Williams. In which whom the Bulls took as the savior type PG years ago before he had his motorcycle accident stifling his promising career. With this pick Chicago puts themselves back into contention for a playoff spot in the East.

This video shows how Rose can affect the game as he will become a solid NBA-PG.

# 2

Undoubtedly the Miami Heat selected MICHAEL BEASLEY out of Kansas State. This PF needs no introduction to basketball fans as his huge wingspan makes up for any negativity about his height at the four spot. One of the perfect teams for Beasley to go to, I think his character issues would only become apparent if he were to have to battle with a solid proven veteran for his starting spot. He will be going in battling Udonis Haslem who has seen his stock drop as he needs to create more of his own offence. The heat I am sure are not finished in tweaking their team for the 08/09 season. Marion though will alleviate any concerns of the rookie being overmatched down-low as he is almost like an extra PF out there sometimes with his rebounding efforts and hustle in trying to make the right plays.

# 3

Minnesota at the third spot went with OJ MAYO, who I have seen and been hearing about for a good number of years. Mayo will be a solid two as at 6’4” 200lbs he is limited in selected positions, but this guy is just a born scorer and if he ends up in Grizz-town, look for him to team up with Rudy Gay as Mike Miller was moved with Memphis making the choice to let him go after he admittedly carried the Grizzlies last season at times. In return Minnesota looks to get #5 Kevin Love. I am in love with this deal as the T-Wolves send Antoine Walker also to MEM. Minnesota gets the scoring they desperately need and character guys, to build around. I know what fans may be thinking and no this isn’t the second coming of Wally World, Mike Miller is a gamer playing all three spots from 1-3 for the Grizz and did whatever was asked, as he became a versatile and proven scorer, unlike streaky Szczerbiak.

# 4

Russell Westbrook a surprise at number four as the top three had virtually been decided weeks beforehand. Westbrook though an unexpected pick is an explosive guard that will do well in this league especially when Seattle gets all the parts and can continuously run up and down with Durant and Green. The Sonics clearly want a guard that can break down the D and get up and down the court at breakneck speeds. They have found that guy with Westbrook. People want to compare him to NBA champion Rajon Rondo and maybe Monta Ellis, he is long and skinny and extremely athletic, time will tell if he can make the right passes for a long career with Durant by his side.

# 5

Care of NBADraft.net

Memphis picks Kevin Love at the number five spot and in turn will be sending him to Minnesota in the deal outlined in the third pick paragraph. Love is solid, not an athlete like the Grizz love at the four spot, but the T-Wolves just need ballers in which Kevin is for sure. Down-low he will be helped by Al Jefferson for sure on defense. Also he will have a great passer in Mike Miller to get the ball to him in good spots. I like Kevin Love on a solid team a rebuilding team he may flourish or sink as he’ll need to create his own offence and may struggle with the speed of the NBA at first.

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NBA Award Predictions.

December 4th 2007 13:08

Recently, Sports Insider, who is the other writer for NBALOUD put forward his picks for the major awards in the Association thus far. Well, it would only be fair that this writer should also put his neck on the line and make his predictions for the various plaudits the NBA gives out to its players.

Let’s start off with what we do agree with, and that is Manu Ginobili as the Sixth Man of the Year. This is a given, especially considering how well El Loco is playing coming off the bench. No, one even comes close.

Now, let’s move onto the more juicy part of this post. Besides El Loco as the best bench player, Sports Insider and, I, have differing choices for every other award available. Hey, this would be a pretty boring world if we all agreed on the same things.

Most Valuable Player: Dwight Howard

Kevin Garnett and LeBron James are definitely big time choices to take out the MVP, but for my mind, Dwight Howard is right now standing above all others.

What Orlando’s big man has been able to do on-court has been scary for all opposing teams. Some of the numbers that young, Dwight has been accumulating this season has been downright, mind boggling. Better yet, the Magic are actually winning and against some very impressive opposition.

Dwight as of this moment is roughly averaging 23 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks per game, whilst dominating down low in the manner that Shaquille O’Neal used to back in the day.

You heard it here first, folks. Jamario Moon for Rookie of the Year! (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Adrian Wyld)

Rookie of the Year: Jamario Moon

Jamario Moon doesn’t only have the coolest name in the league, but is the surprise packet in this year’s rookie class. Not only that, but Moon’s story is heart warming because after declaring his eligibility for the draft in 2001, and not being picked up, Jamario bounced around in various lesser leagues in America, finally grabbing a spot with the Toronto Raptors this year.

What has Moon brought to the table? Well, hustle, energy and a thirst for the game that makes all NBA watchers swoon. His numbers might not be eye catching, but his defensive intensity has been a revelation.

Kevin Durant might get all the love and praise, but has there been a more efficient rookie than Moon?

Most Improved Player: John Salmons

Playing for the Sacramento Kings these days is akin to being in a Soviet gulag in Siberia – no one can hear you scream.

This is a shame because two fantastic players are ballin’ in relative anonymity: Kevin Martin, and my pick for the Most Improved Player, John Salmons.

Never averaging more than nine points during his career, Salmons is now collecting a solid 14.5 points a game, whilst grabbing a very nice 4.4 boards per contest to boot.

In the rare chance that Sac-Town will be on television, keep an eye out for Johnny Bravo.

Defensive Player of the Year: Andrei Kirilenko

After a shocking ’06-’07 season, Andrei Kirilenko has rediscovered his love for the game and is once again playing stat stuffing basketball. Averaging 2.4 blocks a game he is showing off his defensive prowess for the entire world to see as well. Not, that we ever doubted his skills to lock down his opponents.

Although, his block numbers are very impressive, it is the intangibles that can’t be measured by raw stats that makes AK47 excel on defence – altering shots, poking away balls, and just being a general nuisance, makes Kirilenko my pick for the uber-defender in the NBA.

Not familiar with Jamario Moon? Check out this video and watch the ROY in action!

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Misc, Sacramento Kings, Seattle SuperSonics, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz

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All Hail LeBron James, because We're Not Worthy!

November 26th 2007 06:25

LeBron James is so good. That watching him play is like being on an acid trip. (AFP/Getty Images/File/Jed Jacobsohn)

Pity the Chicago Bulls. Once a thriving franchise with the future ahead of them, they are now yesterday’s news. Ironically, the Kobe Bryant trade rumours that have become a poisoned chalice for the Bulls, has resulted in the Lakers playing better basketball. So, it is of no surprise that the Bean hasn’t been talking about leaving L.A. since the season has started!

The Bulls travelled to Toronto and faced the Raptors, and promptly lost another game, 93-78. At least Chicago can take solace in the fact that they weren’t out of this contest till relatively late into the proceedings. Unfortunately, ‘moral victories’ don’t count. Just ask, Kirk Hinrich: “There's no fun in moral victories,” said Captain Kirk. “I feel like we played better but we lost the game and we struggled down the stretch again.” (AP, 2007)

Chris Bosh was the main pain inflictor for the Raptors with 16 points and 13 rebounds, and was ably assisted by rookie teammate, Jamario Moon (coolest name, ever!) who scored a further 15 points, nine rebounds, six blocks and three steals. Talk about stuffing the stat sheet!

The pre-season anointment of Kevin Durant as the rookie of the year has become a bit premature as the young gun for the Seattle Sonics finds it a tough haul playing pro-ball. Hey that rhymes! Give me a rap deal!

Seattle has matched their worst start ever, while also recording new lows for futility at home as well. Basically, what we’re saying is that the Sonics suck right now. It didn’t help matters that the San Antonio Spurs came rolling into town as well, beating the Sonics, 116-101.

Don't mess with The Booze. He could really mess you up. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Spur’s super-trio of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili were once again the barometer for sustained excellence. What a yawn! They have been so excellent that they should receive an award from Springfield for being so excellent. ‘Excellent’!

Carlos Boozer was so close to receiving the nod for the performance of the day that it wasn’t funny! In fact, Carlos would have got NBALOUD’s prestigious award if it wasn’t for the performance of another individual known as the King. No, it isn’t Elvis.

Anyway, Utah pipped the Detroit Pistons 103-93, with the Booze notching up 36 points and 11 rebounds. Deron Williams for the Jazz wasn’t too shabby as well with 21 points and 14 assists.

Close, Carlos, but no cigar. Unlike Monica Lewinsky!

Performance of the Day.

So, who was the super stud for the day? Why, it’s none other than LeBron James! Elvis, who is the league’s leading scorer had 30 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. For all of you counting out there, that is most certainly a triple-double.

Luckily for Cleveland, James was on fire because they almost had cream pie covering their faces. Why? Because the Cavs were laying a beat down on their opponents the Indiana Pacers, and the Cleveland crew decided to disrespect their adversaries by laughing and mocking them.

Needless, to say the Pacers made a run, but LeBron strapped on his Superman cape and went to work, recording his fourth triple-double of the season, whilst helping his team overcome Indy, 111-106.

Well done, Bron-Bron.

Today’s video is of the insane Ray Allen winner for Boston yesterday. The Celtics are the HOT team right now and this clip demonstrates why.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Games, Seattle SuperSonics, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz

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Goodbye, Gary Payton?

November 18th 2007 11:04

There are many talented unsigned players floating on the NBA sidelines right now. Names like Anderson Varejao and Chris Webber are two ballers that haven’t been signed. However, there is one player that trumps them all in what he has achieved in his career, and the accolades garnered: Gary Payton is the man we’re alluding to.

Although, GP hasn’t officially announced his retirement from the game yet, for all intents and purposes, Payton has called it a day. The man is happy hanging with his wife and kids, whilst enjoying the perks that comes with having a storied career. Better yet, he doesn’t have to deal with the travel, training, egotistical teammates and demanding coaches. What’s not to love, after grinding it out for 17 years?

So, let us celebrate the player formerly known as ‘The Glove’!

Gary Payton has been one of those players that has been vastly underrated and

Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp were both monsters for Seattle. (Sam Forencich/NBAE/Getty)

underappreciated. The man was an absolute basketball playing god, but was stuck playing his best ball in Seattle. GP himself doesn’t regret playing there because he has called it the greatest city to ball in. It is regretful for the rest of the public due to the fact that most casual fans were denied seeing one of the greatest point guards operating like Shaft.

Many players have had righteous reputations for their ability to trash talk, with Reggie Miller and Michael Jordan, amongst the list of the biggest yaps in NBA history. However, Payton is arguably the greatest of them all. Gary would talk non-stop to the point that the ears of opponents and teammates would be close to bleeding.

Former, teammate of Payton, Michael Cage once remarked that GP’s trash talk was so overwhelming that: “When you're done, you just want to go find a library or something, someplace totally silent.” (Adande, ESPN.com, 2007)

How cool is that?

Or, you could just ask Kobe Bryant what it was like matching up against, GP back in the day, because the man would get street on him.

However, you’d be sorely mistaken in thinking that the man was more mouth, than talent. Gary has got to be one of the last players of his type in that he could do it on both ends during his heyday. Want to know how good he really was? Payton ranks 21st in all time points, sixth in assists and third in steals. ‘The Glove’ wasn’t just a cool moniker, it was a way of life for him on the basketball court.

“I don't think we play basketball the same as when we started. It's a lot of young guys. Basketball has turned into an offensive-minded situation. They don't play on both ends. They don't play defence. When I was playing, it was me playing both ends of the floor, playing offence, playing defence and I gave the ball up with assists. It wasn't like me doing one thing, scoring 25 and having three assists and one steal. I was guarding the best player and getting 25 and having eight assists, and three-four steals…I haven't seen a guy like that yet. Bruce Bowen is capable [defensively] but he's not the offensive threat, the go-to guy.” (Adande, ESPN.com, 2007)

GP was not only an exceptional defensive player, but despite his seemingly thin physique, he was deceptively strong often backing down on opposing point guards with ease.

We here at NBALOUD bid one of the greatest point guards a fond farewell, and he shall be sorely missed.

Today’s video subject? Who else could it be, but, GP! Oh, and Shawn Kemp as well. Remember him?

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Seattle SuperSonics

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NBA Star Robbed at Gunpoint.

July 10th 2007 10:48

It looks like the top two picks in this year’s draft are both struggling for form early on in their basketball careers, with Kevin Durant going on a horrible 4-for-19 shooting performance in the Sonics loss to the Knicks, 87-74.

Durant’s stat line only got worse, grabbing one solitary rebound and having zero assists for the second straight game. Again, as was the case with Greg Oden, the tale of Tim Duncan getting pwned by Greg Ostertag was bought up in trying to put Durant’s performance in perspective.

The 4-for-19 shooting night followed hot on the heels of his first game where Kevin went 5-for-17. Durant also struggled against the physical play of primary defender Renaldo Balkman, and it has come readily apparent that the beanpole thin rookie needs to add some weight in the next few years.

Coach for the Sonics P.J. Carlesimo isn’t panicking just yet, stating that his young charge is

Kevin Durant looking perplexed at the pro game. (Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

behind the basketball eight ball: “I said before we started, if he scored 40 or scored 10, I'm not going to evaluate. He's just here to get his feet wet and make progress. I'm not going to do an evaluation each game or each practice…He's played two games of summer league and only had a couple practices, so you've got to be out of your mind to try to make predictions on him after two games of summer league. Talking to him about things he needs to work on, he understands better than anybody.” (Sheridan, ESPN.com, 2007)

Like his fellow blue chipper, Durant, is finding out rather quickly just how good the standard of basketball is in the pro ranks: “The game is quicker and everyone is good. You have to play hard every night.” (AP, 2007)

Kevin is getting good looks but the execution isn’t quite there just yet, but don’t worry, he will come around.

Miami Heat forward Antoine Walker probably had a night to forget when he was robbed at gunpoint in his Chicago home.

A vehicle, cash and jewellery were some of the items reportedly stolen from Walker.

Antoine’s agent made a statement to the press that his client was a little shaken up and trying to come to terms of what had transpired. This was the second time Walker had been robbed at gunpoint as a professional.

In 2000 while playing for the Boston Celtics Walker and fellow NBA baller Nazr Mohammed were victims of a hold-up in which cash and valuables were stolen, including a $55, 000 watch.

Unlucky is perhaps the best description that could be associated with Walker.

Today’s video is of Kevin Durant’s first game against Dallas. The evidence is there suggesting a talent waiting to explode.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Player News, Seattle SuperSonics

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