2005 Seattle Super Sonics Preview

At the time of publish the NBA regular season is around the corner. What better way to get you locked and loaded for a winning season than a free season preview from Maddux Sports. We remind you that MadduxSports.com is an expert NBA handicapper and offers NBA Picks against the point spread. For more information on this years basketball package click here. Onto the individual team preview for this years Seattle Super Sonics.

2005 Seattle Super Sonics Team Preview

The Seattle Sonics were a very good team last year, winning 52 of their 82 games and making it as far as the Western Conference Semifinals. Their weak defense was responsible for their post season demise, but this is a team with a good mix of veteran and young players, a high skill level, and a solid team chemistry that should be unchanged for years to come. The Sonics are a team for the present and a team of the future.

One key ingredient in the club’s success is shooting guard Ray Allen, who resigned in the off-season. Allen is a proven talent. pouring in 23.9 points and playing 39.3 minutes per game (both Sonic season highs). The one thing this team needs is a guy who can lead and step up when needed. If Allen can do those two things the Sonics will win more, go deeper into the post season, and become a premier team.

One dilemma for Seattle is the center position. The highly effective Jerome James is now with the Knicks, leaving the Sonics with untested second-year man Robert Swift and 5-year journeyman Mikki Moore at center. Can either of these 7-footers step into James’ shoes? Swift has a wealth of potential but he’s not ready to start in the NBA. Moore has experience, a good inside shot, and athletic ability. He won’t be able to replace James but he will give Swift a chance to learn the position while he holds the frontcourt fort.

Rashard Lewis, who was injured late last season, provided 20.5 points per game in the 2004-05. At power forward Lewis can score from the inside and the outside. A big upside to the seven-year vet is his commitment to constant improvement. He can knock down threes, defend against the dribble, hit when in the paint, and run the length of the court. He’s got it all, and he’s about to become a superstar.

Along with talented vets, the Sonics also have some promising young players such as Luke Ridnour and Nick Collision. If these two can step up their game this season, Seattle will be even more intimidating.

Finally there is coach Bob Weiss—popular with his players and connected to the pulse of the team. Weiss likes to see his guys throw up threes (probably because they can hit them). He’s savvy and understands how to exploit another team’s weaknesses. He’ll be pushing the Sonics to run the court and shoot threes even more.

The Seattle Sonics are a team with which to be reckoned. This season and in future years, they will definitely be contenders. If they can continue to click and improve they may be dominators.

For more information on the 2005 Seattle Super Sonics Team, click here to visit their official team website.