2006-2007 Finish: 39-43

What went well

The Seattle Sonics is one of those teams that hasn't made it into the playoffs since the NLL began five years ago. It is not for lack of talent but bad luck that runs from injury to inept management has kept this team out of the postseason glory.

The Sonics have a habit for overpaying players each season, giving bloated windbags like Antoine Walker more than twice the money they deserve. This philosophy keeps big names in Seattle, but GM James cannot then find a way to populate the team with a supporting cast to make things work. For every Jason Richardson signed you get an Ivan McFarlin, Michael Olowokandi or Alan Henderson.

The real fireworks came when GM James pulled the trigger on two really expensive deals. First, none other than Shaquille O'Neal was brought over from the Wizards for Walker and the very talented Gerald Wallace. Shaq started the season in street clothes. Second, GM James became the buyer in GM Deckard's ploy to overpay Al Harrington and then sell him off. This time it cost him Danny Fortson and Matt Harpring and a 1st rounder. Not a bad move, but Seattle already had cash problems and everyone knows that the team is a perennial lottery winner. That pick eventually became Al Thornton.

What didn't

Once again the Sonics failed to make the playoffs. A lot of guys got hurt. They didn't have anyone good to back them up. No surprises there.

Star

- Al Harrington, SF-

Despite all the grumbling by this author, Harrington turned out to be a good pick-up for the Sonics. Though he may not be worth a maximum contract, Harrington played well last season, playing in every game while J-Rich and Shaq sat out a lot. He averaged 21.5 points on 50% shooting and 6.1 rebounds. He was twice named Western Conference Player of the Week. He will return next season as a vital part of this team.

Goat

-GM James –

Not since GM MJistheman (or Littlebird) ruled the Kings have we seen a GM as ineffectual as GM James. He is defiant-ignores league-round accusations that he runs up the score, fiscally unsound- look at the payroll, and a virtual phantom owner of his club- he hasn't turned up for the draft nor sent a list in two seasons (he lucked into Chris Paul) and never communicates to the league about his team. The Sonics have some great pieces but as long as this apathetic management runs the team they will never make the playoffs.

Looking to the future

The Sonics are in big trouble. They have six players under contract and they are already $5mil+ over the salary cap. They have no strong rookies to sign before the season starts. It is unknown whether GM James will even return or not.

So what should the team do? Building around Harrington and Paul is a great idea. Udonis Haslem is also quite good. That leaves Shaq. They should trade him to some contender and get two or three players with his enormous salary. They should use the MLE wisely and get two strong players. They should sign some minimum guys who won't ride the IR all season. Finally, they should hold onto their first rounders this season and never, ever, miss the draft again.