12/21/24
February 20, 2003
NBA trade deadline can't pass without a big one, and this one is pretty big. Gary Payton and Desmond Mason of the Supersonics go to Milwaukee for Ray Allen, Joel Pryzbilla, and Kevin Ollie. Does this make Milwaukee major contenders now?
posted by Ufez Jones to basketball at 04:29 PM - 8 comments
I'm just thrilled Mark Cuban didn't make a deal.
Does this make Milwaukee major contenders now? No. Seattle a contender? No.
posted by jmevius at 04:57 PM on February 20, 2003
Damn. Damn. Damn. KG and Payton would have been nice.
posted by emoeby at 05:21 PM on February 20, 2003
And my Lakers continue to limp along in 8.5th place, no trades to be made, no one out there in hoopsville willing to lend a hand to the three time world champs. Come back, Jerry West, come back! Our new GM is riding your coat tails as the team ages/decays!
posted by jonson at 05:37 PM on February 20, 2003
This is really a tough blow to Sonics fans. Gary was our man, our hometown guy. I have been comparing him to Ray Borque because the only thing Sonics fans want more than a ring is for Gary to get a ring somewhere, somehow, someway. It won't happen in Milwaukee. We have seen A-Rod, Joey Galloway, Kemp, Griffey, and Randy Johnson, all superstars beloved by Seattle demand to be traded, hold out on contracts, mail in performances, and follow the money, while Gary has stayed put. He has played hard every night. In the heyday with Kemp, Gary was passionate and played hard. In the dark days today, miles out of contention, Gary plays hard. At the ripe old age of 34, which I'm so very tired of hearing Sonic's brass mention ad infinitum, he AGAIN leads the team in minutes. He is the career Sonic team leader in almost every offensive statistical category, and was one game (that's one, uno, ichi, 1) game away from 1,000 with the Sonics. Gary always earned his check, and hated to lose. He rode rookie teammates who weren't giving 100% but forgave mistakes as long as they worked hard. He played for three (or was it four?) coaches and never bitched about it. He was not responsible for Westphal's firing as some would have you believe. Tomorrow, as the scheduling Gods would have it, the Sonis play the Bucs in Key Arena. I predict a loud, raucous, yet depressed and forlorn greeting for the Glove. This is a dark, dark day in Seattle sports. Name a better player our city has ever boasted? I defy you. Today is the day the music died in Key Arena. Gary, you will be greatly, greatly missed.
posted by vito90 at 11:21 PM on February 20, 2003
I'm having fun imagining team huddles containing George Karl, Gary Payton, and Sam Cassell.
posted by The Crossjammer at 12:00 AM on February 21, 2003
I'm just thrilled Mark Cuban didn't make a deal. I don't know, Van Exel for Brian Grant (Eschemeyer and House or Best would've just been chaff) might've worked out well for the Mavs. They could use a Brian Grant against some of the bigger western teams. Plus, I'm a huge fan of Grant's, so I'd have been very pleased. I guess we'll see how good this team is on it's own. Aside, how about that win last night against the Spurs? w00t! (and it got me a free lunch today from a co-worker)
posted by Ufez Jones at 10:52 AM on February 21, 2003
Vito, well put, I couldn't agree more. In addition to the offensive prowess, don't forget, Payton was one of the best defenders in his position ever; like many of the all time best, he could put his team on his shoulders and will them to victory - I still remember a couple of years ago when, with seconds left on the clock, down by two, out of time outs, he dribbled the length of the forum floor, around every Laker defender, and pulled up *and nailed* the three as time ran out. He was a great one, and Miluakee will not long keep him (contract expires after less than 30 more regular season games. Maybe he'll pull a Charles Barkley and take a pay cut to go to a great team (hint hint) as a third option?
posted by jonson at 10:59 AM on February 21, 2003
Curse you! I was just writing this as a FPP.... I'm guessing that Sam Cassell moves to shooting guard now and Desmond Mason moves in at small forward. While this should improve things somewhat, the Bucks really traded the wrong guy in my opinion. Maybe the Sonics wanted nothing to do with Cassell. The Sonics got the royal screw job too. Kevin Ollie has a slight upside, and Ray Allen is obviously a very good offensive player. But, for the players they gave up, they should have at least gotten a good draft pick along in the deal.