Seattle SuperSonics: Real Deal or Destined to Fade Away

[Tweed]

Many picked the Sonics to finish last in the Northwest Division of the NBA. They have surprised everyone and have a 17-3 record with a fourth of the season in the history books. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings

Are these Sonics for real?
Has their schedule been too easy?
How will the Sonics end the season?

[GOPisEvil]

1. They're playing very well, currently.

The one thing that would bother me if I were a fan is that they are weak in the middle and rely on jump-shooting. Jump-shooting can be a streaky thing, and playoff basketball requires a strong insidee game.

But, as I said, they're kicking ass and taking names at the moment.

[IrateCitizen]

2. They'll win as long as they shoot well...

But the fact still remains that they don't have any true inside presence. Their two best players are Ray Allen, a shooting guard, and Rashard Lewis, a small forward.

I just don't see how they will be able to keep winning when their shooting goes cold (and it eventually will). Furthermore, I don't see how they will be able to compete with a team that features someone like Tim Duncan, Amare Stoudamire, Dirk Nowitzki or even Yao Ming.

They'll certainly make the playoffs, which will be a step up for them, but I see them much the same as the Milwaukee Bucks of a couple of years ago, when they reached the Eastern Conference finals vs. Phila.

[Tweed]

4. I think that's an interesting and accurate comparison for the '04 Sonics

That Milwaukee Bucks team is very similar to this Philly team. If the Sonics are on shooting wise they can beat anyone in the league. If more than 2 or 3 guys get cold, any team in the NBA can beat them, especially a team that's large up the middle.

[DrWeird]

3. It's a Seattle professional sports team.

ergo, destined to fade away.