The Seattle SuperSonics 2006 NBA Preview

2005 NBA Record: 35-47
2006 NBA Projection: 52-30 (1st in Northwest Division)

Front Court
The Sonics boosted their front court last season by picking up power forward Chris Wilcox. Wilcox played out of his mind in 2005, putting his past personality issues behind him and showing why he is a great young talent. Wilcox will start at the four but will have competition from young Johan Petro as he continues to develop into a legitimate NBA forward. However, Wilcox gives them a legitimate threat on the inside and takes the pressure off of center Robert Swift. Swift is another young interior player but could have a break out year in a starting lineup full of talented scorers. Swift will get rebounding help from Wilcox and Petro, freeing him up to block shots and get some easy shots in the lane. Small forward Rashard Lewis has top flight talent and excellent offensive skills but needs to turn it up in close situations.

Back Court
Shooting guard Ray Allen is one of the quietest team leaders in the league but his understated approach to the game is refreshing and he performs well year in and year out. Allen needs to hit on all cylinders in 2006 in order to take pressure off of young point guard Luke Ridnour and a front court that is developing on the job. Allen should live up to this mission and remain a fan favorite. At the point guard, Luke Ridnour will start the season with the job and will have a little leeway from coach Hill as he continues developing into an NBA starter. Ridnour struggled with his shot and his confidence in 2005 and off-season acquisition Earl Watson could push him for minutes and spot starts. Ridnour has the talent but basketball is often about psychology and if he can't shake out of it in 2006, the Sonics will be looking elsewhere.

Bench
The Seattle bench is loaded with front court talent but lacks something in proven back court talent. Forward Damien Wilkins is one of the best defenders on the team and will see significant minutes along with Johan Petro at the power forward position. Playing for small forward/power forward minutes will be adequate forward Nick Collison and hard working Danny Fortson. At guard, the most promising player for Bob Hill off of this bench is guard Mickael Gelabale. Gelabale is an all-around talent that will get some significant minutes behind Ray Allen. Earl Watson is an adequate reserve at the point, with the potential to see more minutes if Luke Ridnour fails to flourish in 2006.

Intangibles
Coach Bob Hill had his team performing well during his interim run as Sonics coach in 2005, replacing Bob Weiss mid-season. Hill has a wealth of NBA experience but made a smart move by bringing in Sonics fan favorites Jack Sikma and Detlef Schrempf as assistants. Sikma will work hard with the young interior players while Schrempf can lend his experience to a growing number of international players on this roster. No matter how hard this coaching staff works, however, team leaders Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis need to step up. A new ownership team has taken over the controls of the Sonics franchise and without a new arena down the road, they may be compelled to move the team to another city. Oklahoma City is the most viable option, given the New Orleans Hornets' popularity there last season. Coach Hill and Allen need to get this young team to gel in a hurry to keep them in the Northwest.

2006 NBA Projection
The Sonics had a poor season in 2005, dipping well before their outstanding performance from the 2004 season. The 2006 NBA season for Seattle will feature better performances from Ray Allan, Rashard Lewis, and improving interior players that will take pressure off of their considerable back court talent. Bob Hill will get these guys playing hard and if the fans come back to support a winning Sonics team, the new ownership team may feel compelled to push for a new arena and keep the team in town.