2006 Seattle Sonics Preview

Welcome to the 2006 Seattle Sonics NBA Preview page. At the time of publish preseason games are winding down and the regular season about to be begin. If you enjoy betting on NBA basketball be sure to use Maddux Sports for NBA Basketball Picks and visit the Live NBA Betting Lines to increase your winning percentage this season.

2006 Seattle Sonics Basketball Season Preview

Last season was one of development for this young team that only won 35 games, finishing third in their division. They may not move up to the playoffs this year, but they should be more competent and competitive.

Look for the point guard position to be manned by the duo of Luke Ridnour (11.5 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 7.0 APG, 41.8 FG%, 87.7 FT%) and Earl Watson (8.9 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 4.1 APG, 43.0 FG%, 67.6 FT%). Ridnour runs a good game but he’s young and inconsistent, while Watson is less spectacular but more disciplined. Shooting guard Ray Allen (25.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, 45.4 FG%, 90.3 FT%) is one of the finest long range guys in the NBA, setting a new record for 3-pointers by hitting 269 last season.

Although Seattle tried to move eight-year veteran small forward Rashard Lewis (20.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 46.7 FG%, 81.8 FT%) last season, they were unsuccessful. The former All-Star can still hit threes and shots from the paint, but his defensive and ball handling skills have diminished. At power forward, Chris Wilcox (8.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 0.7 APG, 57.1 FG%, 73.2 FT%) and Nick Collison (7.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.1 APG, 52.5 FG%, 69.9 FT%) will duke it out.

There’s a trio of possible centers on-hand, all young and talented. In the triumvirate, Johan Petro (5.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 0.2 APG, 51.0 FG%, 62.7 FT%) has the best offensive potential.

Coach Bob Hill took over this team part way through last season. Up to that time, the Sonics had gone 15- 15. Although their record under Hill was 20- 32, the coach instilled a new work ethic in these guys and held them to a higher standard than Bob Weiss had. This team will emphasize offense, while tightening its defensive play.

The Supersonics have an opportunity to finish second in their division and sneak into the second season. In order to accomplish this, veteran Allen will need much more support from this young and talented team. It will be a challenge for Seattle to play consistently throughout the season.

For more info on the 2006 Sonics basketball team visit the Sonics official website from NBA.com or keep reading up on their division rivals including the Timberwolves, Trail Blazers, Jazz, and Nuggets.